North Harrison Joins Princeton Football Cooperative

North Harrison will join the Princeton football cooperative effective immediately following a school board vote Wednesday. Previously, Winston had applied to join the Pattonsburg football cooperative in January. The matter was tabled until last month, when Pattonsburg ousted Gilman City from the cooperative in favor of Winston. North Harrison subsequently followed Gilman City out the door with Wednesday's vote. 

The Princeton school board had already extended an invitation to North Harrison at its meeting this month. The Grand River Conference West approved the moves. Princeton wasted no time in hitting the ground running with its new partner; all the coaches as well as a few players came to North Harrison to visit their new team members.

Reasons cited by people from North Harrison included lack of stability, less expense, lack of communication, better facilities at Princeton, a better field, and more opportunities for young people interested in playing football. Princeton already has a youth football program in place and North Harrison kids can play on the team. Several years ago, a small group of people held a series of community betterment meetings in Eagleville, and one of the main concerns was a lack of opportunities for elementary-level kids to play football. Princeton having a youth football program fills a big hole. Current North Harrison players were on board with the move.

Driving distance from Eagleville to Princeton will be similar to Pattonsburg. The only expense that North Harrison will incur will involve transporting players to practices and games. They do not have to supply coaches, although it was encouraged by Princeton.

Gena Gilpatrick and Linda Woods reported on a trip they and several other teachers took to the Lake of the Ozarks for professional development. They learned about ways to discipline students, creating a positive culture, ideas for keeping kids learning, and new ways of evaluating students. Recent research has focused a lot on the importance of play for kids. One recent study that came out found that kids spend 2 1/2 to 3 hours facing a screen. There were around 1,800 teachers at the conference.

Kara Smith reported on gaps in mental health care at North Harrison and what the school was doing to fill them. They have someone come from Harrison County Community Hospital who sees six kids once a week for just over three hours. They have someone else who comes from North Central Mental Health who comes to the school for 30 minutes a week and sees 2-3 students. They have a youth behavior liaison who the school can contact in a mental health emergency, but they are 1 1/2 hours away. 

Burrell Youth Services reached out offering to help; they serve the eastern half of the state and are looking to expand to Northwest Missouri. The school jumped at the offer, and they send a person once a week for half a day. They also offer professional development training. 80% of kids who receive a mental health intervention get it at school. 95% of such cases involve home issues. The gap that the school is looking to fill involves students who are not eligible for Medicaid. 

The school held a Literacy Night in which 63% of elementary students and their families participated.

40 elementary students went to the recent Willford STEM event in Bethany. 

Board member Eric Richardson said he had heard a lot of positive comments regarding the Pops & Pie Concert, including the choir performance. 

The board authorized bids for repairing drainage issues near the cafeteria as well as doing the north elementary doors and the sidewalk. The school is in the process of putting together capital improvement projects. Another need that was brought up was a door which has the potential to blow open during a tornado and another which is difficult to lock and is easy to open even when locked. 

The school voted to renew the health insurance policy with Missouri Educational Trust and add a second plan that involves a 100% school match. Rates will go up 4.6% next year. 

The next meeting date will be April 15th at 5:30 pm. 

MDC Offers Callery Pear Buyback

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and Forrest Keeling Nursery to host a Callery Pear Buyback event in St. Joseph on April 21, from 3-6 p.m. Trees can be picked up at the Remington Nature Center parking lot at 1502 McArthur Dr.

Participants who remove a Callery pear tree on their property will receive a free, native tree in return. To be eligible, participants must register online March 16 through April 16 and submit a photo of their cut down Callery pear. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the pick-up event on April 21 with a limit of one free native tree per household. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oiB. 

Callery (Bradford) pears are an ornamental species that folks have enjoyed for years.  Despite their problematic issues, such as splitting in storms and an undesirable pungent aroma from the flowers, they are spreading throughout fields and forests. This spread is causing problems in urban and natural areas.  Cutting down existing pear trees helps control these invasive populations and choosing native species supports natural ecosystems.

Bradford pears were marketed in garden catalogs as recently as the 1980’s. They are used interchangeably with Callery, but they are a subset of the Callery species. They were the first and most common ornamental Callery pear tree. Many other cultivars exist such as Chanticleer, Cleveland Select, and Aristocrat.

The North Carolina Extension says that wild Callery pear trees pose a challenge for land management. Wild varieties have large thorns that can grow up to four inches long, which can injure livestock and wildlife. These thorns have popped tractor tires, forcing landowners to spend a lot of money to either remove them or use more expensive steel-tracked equipment. Wild Callery pears can form thickets, blocking wildlife movements and leaving little room for undergrowth that is essential for good soil.

Mature Callery pear trees can reach heights of 30-40 feet, and their limbs generally grow vertically, forming a pyramid or egg shape. During their blooming period, often in early April, the trees will have very dense clusters of white flowers that cover the tree before leaves form. Learn more about Callery pear trees at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4MJ.

For questions about the buyback program, contact MDC forester Timothy Wolfe at timothy.wolfe@mdc.mo.gov or (816) 271-3111, ext. 1437.

 

SAVE Act Slated for Vote

US Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised a vote on the SAVE Act this week, with the Senate preparing to take its first vote Tuesday, USA Today reports.

While voting to open debate requires only a simple majority, Senate rules require 60 votes to overcome a promised Democratic filibuster. One Republican, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, is already on record against it.

The SAVE Act requires proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID to cast a ballot. The law would take effect immediately, affecting the 2026 midterm elections.

Supporters of the bill say passage is necessary to stop what they see as rampant voter fraud on behalf of the Democrats. Another argument is that voter ID laws actually increase voter turnout because of increased voter confidence, an argument then-Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft made during one of his visits to Worth County.

Opponents say that passage would disenfranchise hundreds of millions of people. Americans would be required to present a passport or a birth certificate when registering or updating their registration. The Center of American Progress says that 146 million Americans do not possess a valid passport. This would paradoxically disenfranchise more people in red states, where passport ownership is much lower.

Pew Research reports that 84% of women who marry change their name. This means that 69 million women could not use their birth certificate to prove citizenship, given that the SAVE Act makes no mention of being able to show a marriage certificate or change of name documentation.

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for March 18th, 2026

On March 6th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Paula Ellis (68) of Trenton alleging Stealing.

On March 6th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Richard Brooke (41) of Maryville alleging Stealing.

On March 10th, an 84 year old Chariton (IA) resident was killed when the Missouri State Highway Patrol says he failed to yield the right of way at Decal Street and Route P eight miles west of Mercer and was struck by a 48 year old driver from Cainsville. An 83 year old passenger in the Chariton vehicle was seriously injured.

On March 10th, Dominic Miller (21) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to a charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). He was sentenced to two years in the Missouri Department of Corrections with credit for time served. The defendant has served most of his time awaiting trial. A much more serious charge of 2nd Degree Murder was dropped along with two counts of Armed Criminal Action. The defendant was charged in conjunction with a gun fight that broke out during the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. The gunfire resulted in the death of a bystander, Lisa Lopez-Galvan.

On March 10th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 79 year old Gallatin woman was injured after another vehicle failed to yield at the intersection of East Grand and Clay Street in Gallatin, causing a collision.

On March 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 25 year old man was injured at around 3:20 am six miles south of Bethany when his Freightliner ran off the side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned.

On March 11th, Judge Corey Herron issued a warrant for the arrest of Shaun Frame (46) of Montezuma (IA) in Nodaway County Circuit Court following receipt of four violation reports between July 31st and March 11th. The defendant was on probation for two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On March 12th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against James Young (47) of Myrtle Beach (SC) alleging Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Felony). Bond was denied.

On March 12th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Jeffrey Starlin (37) of Diagonal alleging DWI and Speeding (86 mph). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On March 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jonathan Owens (35) of Maryville alleging two counts Witness Tampering (Felony). Bond was denied.

On March 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jordan Emerson (33) of Powhattan (KS) alleging Harassment (Felony) and Violation of Protection Order. A warrant was issued and bond was denied.

On March 13th, KJAN reported that a collision between an SUV and a semi tractor-trailer resulted in three injuries in Taylor County. The collision occurred on Route 148 and 130th Street between Lenox and Gravity when the SUV rear-ended the semi. Highway 148 had to be shut down while investigators worked and crews cleaned up the road.

On March 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 23 year old Bethany driver was injured when her vehicle ran off the road on Route MM four miles north of Gilman City and struck a culvert, overturning several times.

On March 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 33 year old Diagonal man was killed when his pickup ran off the road at Highway 169 and Farwell near Grant City in icy conditions. The driver overcorrected and it overturned, throwing him from the vehicle. The accident occurred at around 10:20 pm.

On March 15th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Luke Edick (45) of Barnard alleging three counts Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony), Aggravated Fleeing (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Driving While Revoked, Failure to Signal, Failure to Stop, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Insurance, Displaying Plates of Another, and Speeding (130 mph).

On March 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Maria Vizcaya Aledo (27) of Chicago Heights (IL) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving and No Insurance.

On March 16th, the Missouri Department of Revenue reported that people were getting scam text messages purporting to be from the Missouri Department of Revenue entitled, “Final Enforcement Notice,” and alleging overdue traffic tickets, penalties, and license suspensions if fines are not paid immediately. The Department of Revenue will never solicit payments by text messages. They will contact you by certified mail and possibly by phone.

On March 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two Milwaukee residents were injured when their pickup skidded off southbound I-35 near Winston during icy conditions and overturned.

On March 16th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Justin Begley (54) of Cainsville alleging three counts Animal Abandonment. Bond was set at $3,000, cash only.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

 

Opinion -- Graves Bill Would Crack Down on Illegal Trucking

By Rep. Sam Graves Office

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06), will take up Dalilah’s Law this week, a measure to strengthen Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements in the United States, ensure commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are properly trained and meet safety standards, require CMV drivers to be able to read and understand the English language, and prevent unqualified and illegal immigrants that could pose a significant safety hazard from obtaining a CDL through lax enforcement by states. The legislation was introduced by Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC).

Dalilah’s Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, the 5-year-old girl who was struck and severely injured by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck. Dalilah was a guest of President Trump at this year’s State of the Union address, where the President called for Congress to pass such a law to block illegal and unqualified immigrants from obtaining a CDL in the United States. The accident that caused Dalilah’s injury is only one example of recent incidents caused by drivers who were not qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and should not have been given CDLs.

“Let me be clear – this is a safety issue. If you can’t speak and read English, or if you’re not properly trained to drive a semi down our highways, you’ve got no business holding a CDL in the United States. Furthermore, we need to strengthen the laws related to issuing CDLs and ensure that states are following and enforcing those laws and requirements,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). “Dalilah’s Law is a commonsense piece of legislation that achieves those goals and strongly supports the efforts of the Trump Administration to make our roads safer. I want to commend Chairman Rouzer for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to moving this bill through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee later this week, and then quickly through the House of Representatives.”

“Commercial driver’s license standards are in place for a reason: to ensure that only those qualified to drive a truck are allowed to do so. Dalilah’s story is the heartbreaking consequence of what happens when those standards are both insufficient and breached,” said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), the lead sponsor of the legislation. “Unqualified, illegal foreign drivers behind the wheel of an 80-ton rig put the public in danger. President Trump called on Congress to end this systematic abuse, and Dalilah’s Law answers the call. I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and Chairman Graves to get this bill to the President’s desk to prevent tragedies like Dalilah’s from happening again.”

H.R. 5688 was first introduced by Chairman Rouzer on October 3, 2025, as the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, to end the issuance of CDLs to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency, road-rule knowledge, and safety skills needed to safely operate CMVs. The bill parallels efforts by President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to crack down on this safety crisis that was fueled by the open border policies of the Biden Administration, and it codifies many of the Administration’s actions to ensure safety on the nation’s roads. The legislation also includes a provision from Rep. Dave Taylor’s (R-OH) Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act requiring English Language Proficiency for all CDL holders.

The updated bill text of H.R. 5688, now known as Dalilah’s Law, improves safety and CDL policies by:

—Ensuring all CDL holders understand English, roads signs, and law enforcement officers;

—Placing drivers who fail to meet the Law’s requirements and safety standards out-of-service;

—Requiring states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants;

—Significantly increasing penalties for states failing to comply with the Law, by withholding of Federal funds;

—Banning shady foreign dispatch services and brokers, who have fueled a surge in freight fraud and cargo theft; and

—Cracking down on “CDL mills” to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training.

North Nodaway Honors and Awards

GOLD HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade — Adyson Dailey.

Seventh Grade — Arianna Owens, Kayden Snuffer.

Eighth Grade — Sophee Clapp, Zoey Pearson.

Freshmen — Conner Pearson, Marek Stevens.

Sophomores — Laney Turner.

Juniors — Lily Blane, Ridge Harger.

Seniors — Sadee Clapp, Blaine Clements, Aryianna Jimenez, Lacy Riley, Gannon Volner, Casey Wray.

SILVER HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade — Marin Alexander, Brysha Allen, Cooper Chesnut, Isabella Graham, Lucus Hansen, Torrie Rader, Emery Reynolds, MyLee Stringer, Clayton Titus, Landon Turner.

Seventh Grade — Braxton Dougherty, Jacobie Edington, Kamden Reynolds, Avary Volner.

Eighth Grade — Sam Jenkins, Reed Martin, Cade Miller, Dustie Rader, Ava Steinman, Gannon Stricker, Tristen Wray, Chandra Wyllie.

Freshmen — Eliza Clements, Luke Clements, Jaycie Edington, Jackson Keho, Hayden Marriott, Zoey Phillips.

Sophomores — Draven Rader, Lena Richards, Savannah Rucker, Pyper Smith.

Juniors — Mya Hansen, Tequilla Miller, Ty Moyer, Keith Riedel.

Seniors — Jordan DeLeon, Emily Keho, Kaeden Nave, Landon Parman, Jackie Wray, Trevin Wyllie.

BRONZE HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade — McClellan Clements, Taylor David, Brentlee Hager, Jayneigh Lawson, Jaylynn Luke.

Seventh Grade — Xanderieh Hevelone, Brentley Marriott, Aleesia Rader.

Eighth Grade — Hudson Alexander, Scarlett Brown, Lila Miller.

Freshmen — Journi Farnsworth.

Sophomores — Trynzlee Ebrecht, Taccoa Moyer, Wyatt Emery.

Seniors — Stetsyn Brown, Draven Rowland.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Sixth Grade — Brysha Allen.

Seventh Grade — Kayden Snuffer.

Eighth Grade — Scarlett Brown, Sam Jenkins.

Seniors — Casey Wray.

OTHER HONORS AND AWARDS

Middle School Achievement — Gannon Stricker.

Middle School Leadership — Sophee Clapp.

Middle School Mustang — Lucus Hansen.

Student of the Quarter — Tristen Wray.

High School Achievement — Zoey Phillips (9th), Laney Turner (10th), Mya Hansen (11th), Jordan DeLeon (12th).

High School Leadership — Blaine Clements.

High School Citizenship — Savannah Rucker.

Student of the Quarter — Sadee Clapp.