Reece Gray, Brock Healy Have Three Hits; Bluejays Feast on Knights

Reece Gray and Brock Healy each had three hits and Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team matched its win total from last year with a 13-8 win over South Holt Monday. The Bluejays have been up and down all year, and it has been either feast or famine. In three games, they have had 11 or more runs and have won all three. In the other six games, they have scored three or fewer runs and have won only one of them.

South Holt has been searching for consistency as well. They were run ruled in their first two games. Then, after an extra inning win over Plattsburg, they proceeded to win their next five, scoring 10 or more in each of them. Then, they dropped three out of their next four coming into Monday’s game.

Northeast Nodaway took advantage of a pair of Knight errors and scored on a successful double steal situation to make it 1-0. Then, Wyatt Scadden grounded out to score Reece Gray to make it 2-0 in the first.

South Holt got the runs back in the second when Coltyn Fansher singled to center. Will Jackson hit an apparent base hit to right, only for Wyatt Scadden to nail Fansher at second on a force. River Cotton singled to right to advance Will Jackson to third. Mike Quinlin reached on an error to score Jackson, but was nailed at second as River Cotton took third to make it 2-1. Cameron Biondo singled to right to score River Cotton to tie it at 2-2.

Brady O’Connell singled to left to start the Bluejay second. Northeast nearly ran its way out of the inning as Jordan Dannar popped out and Dale Deardorff (running for O’Connell) got picked off. But Lance Runde singled and stole second and Reece Gray singled to center. South Holt tried to go home to nail Runde, but he was safe to put the Bluejays back up 3-2 and Gray took second. Northeast would steal 11 bases for the afternoon against South Holt.

But then Northeast started fighting the strike zone and walked the bases full. Coltyn Fansher flied out to Jordan Dannar to score Tayte Prussman to tie it up at 3. Will Jackson hit a line drive and reached on a dropped fly ball by Wyatt Scadden to put the Knights up 4-3. Joey Waggoner (running for Tycen Skeen) took third.

The baserunning woes that have hurt the Bluejays this year came back to bite them again in the third. Brock Healy walked and stole second, only to be thrown out at third trying to advance on Wyatt Scadden’s grounder to shortstop Tayte Prussman, and the Bluejays came up empty.

But South Holt would return the compliment in the fourth. With runners on first and second, an errant pickoff throw to second got away, only for center fielder Jordan Dannar to nail Gabe Wallace-Corcoran at third. Kameron Noland struck out for the final out.

With one out in the Bluejay fourth, Jordan Dannar walked. An errant pickoff throw got away and Dannar made it to third. Lance Runde reached on an error as Jordan Dannar scored to make it 4-4. Lance Runde stole second. Jace Burns reached on an error as Runde took third. Brock Healy singled to score Runde to put the Bluejays up 5-4.

Tycen Skeen reached on an error to start the Knight fifth. Coltyn Fansher doubled to left, but leftfielder Bentin Roberts nailed Joey Waggoner (running for Skeen) at third for the first out. Fansher stole third. Will Jackson walked and stole second. River Cotton struck out looking. Mike Quinlin singled to right to score Fansher, but Scadden cut down Will Jackson trying to score from second to preserve the 5-5 tie.

Bentin Roberts was plunked to start the Bluejay fifth. Roberts stole second and third. Liam Cordell struck out. Brady O’Connell singled to right as Roberts scored to put the Bluejays in front 6-5. Jordan Dannar walked as Xander Bodle (running for O’Connell) took second. Lance Runde struck out. Reece Gray doubled to left as Xander Bodle scored and Jordan Dannar took third. Jace Burns singled to center to make it 8-5.

But with one out in the Knight sixth, Gabe Wallace-Corcoran and Tayte Prussman walked and Kameron Noland singled to load the bases. Tycen Skeen lined out to Jordan Dannar as Wallace-Corcoran tagged and scored and everybody else advanced to make it 8-6. Coltyn Fansher beat out an infield hit as Tayte Prussman scored to make it 8-7. Will Jackson walked. A ball got away and Kameron Noland scored on the error to tie it at 8-8.

Wyatt Scadden and Bentin Roberts walked. Liam Cordell beat out a bunt single to load the bases. Brady O’Connell walked to force in a run to put the Bluejays in front 9-8. Jordan Dannar struck out. Lance Runde flied out to Kameron Noland in center as Bentin Roberts scored to make it 10-8. Liam Cordell took third on the play. Xander Bodle (running for O’Connell) stole second. Reece Gray singled home Cordell to make it 11-8 as Bodle took third. Jace Burns walked. Brock Healy singled to score Reece Gray and Xander Bodle to make it 13-8.

After walking Mike Quinlin to start the seventh, Liam Cordell settled down to get the next three Knights in order to get the save.

 

Frank Grispino 1937-2026

Frank Darrell Grispino, Sr., 89, of Maryville, Missouri, passed on to eternal life on April 12, 2026. Frank passed from a broken heart, a testament to the depth of his love for his late wife, Vicki; while they were two, they were really one. After a lifetime of devotion to those he held dear, Frank was a man of immense character and stature, living a life defined by a fierce, unwavering devotion to his family. Frank was a wonderful father and, by all accounts, the absolute "best" grandfather to his three grandchildren. His commitment to his grandchildren was legendary; he looked forward to every activity they had and attended them all with pride, rarely missing a single game, performance, or milestone. He, along with his late wife, Vicki, anchored their family with a deep sense of loyalty and love that served as their North Star. To know Frank was to hear him. His family fondly remembers being "a little nervous" in public, never quite knowing what he was going to say-or exactly how loudly he was going to say it. His boisterous spirit and unfiltered joy were his trademarks, and while he may have kept his family on their toes, his presence ensured that they always knew how much he cared.

Frank's journey began with the foundational values of hard work and resilience, inherited from his parents, Italian immigrants from Cosenza, Italy. Though they arrived in this country with nothing and lived a modest, impecunious life, they instilled in him a powerful work ethic. By watching his father toil in the coal mines and his mother prepare meals from ingredients harvested in their large garden, Frank learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of self-reliance.

Frank's academic journey was nothing short of prestigious. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, before moving on to the University of Kansas (KU). There, he achieved both an Educational Specialist Degree and his Doctoral Degree in Leadership. Notably, Frank held the distinction of being the second youngest person in the history of KU to earn a doctorate-a testament to his sharp mind and tireless work ethic. After completing his academic journey, Frank and Vicki moved to Maryville 61 years ago. Maryville was initially a stepping stone, but they soon fell in love with the town and university and never left.

His professional journey was marked by nearly half a century of training future educators. At Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), Frank served with distinction as a faculty member, Department Chair, Acting Dean, and Dean. His excellence in the classroom was recognized with the Distinguished Faculty Award, and he was further honored with the Tower Service Award-the highest honor the university bestows on its employees for exceptional commitment to the institution and its mission. His legacy, however, extended far beyond Maryville; he was integral in the creation of the cooperative doctorate between NWMSU and the University of Missouri (MU), a program recognized for its innovation as the "Program of the Year" by the Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate (CPED). After 45 years of leadership and mentorship, he retired as Professor Emeritus.

Beyond the classroom, Frank was a man of many passions. In his younger years, he was the stand-up bass player for Mike Parice and the Rhythm Masters, performing weekly on KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, Kansas. He famously claimed to have the "strongest index finger in Southeast Kansas." It was at one of these dances that he met his beautiful wife, Vicki; his children frequently joked that she started out as his "groupie." Their deep commitment to one another remained the foundation of his life until her passing.

Frank's excellence was matched by a deep commitment to his community, country, and a wide range of personal passions. Frank was an avid painter and car enthusiast, he was a loyal Bearcat fan and a dedicated member of both the Rotary and the Knights of Columbus. His voice became a staple of local culture, serving for 20 years as the play-by-play announcer for the Maryville Spoofhound football team and routinely contributed to a column in the local newspaper. A historian at heart, he authored "Big Brutus: Highlights of the Coal Industry in Cherokee County, Kansas," chronicling the region's extensive mining legacy. Frank was a patriot; he served his country with the same dedication he showed his community, earning the rank of Captain in the Infantry for the United States Army.

Frank's parents preceded him in death, as well as his three sisters (Opal Grispino, Velma Brown, and Rose Henderson), two brother-in-laws (Gene Campbell and Richard Brown), and two nephews Rick Brown, and Jimmy Brown.

Frank is survived by his children, Frank (Susan) Grispino and Kristi (Paul Thompson) Alexander ; his cherished grandsons, Gage and Gunnar Grispino; his beautiful granddaughter, Ashlyn Alexander; his sister-in-law, Connie Campbell; his nephew, Gary Brown, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A family and parish Rosary was at 9:30 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026 at St. Gregory's. Following the Rosary, there was a visitation from 10 to 11 AM and funeral mass at 11 AM. A private burial followed mass at St. Mary's Cemetery, Maryville, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home.

James "Jim" Moutray 1949-2026

Editor — Jim was a long-time fixture at South Nodaway and Platte Valley sporting events for many years.

James "Jim" Moutray entered Heaven April 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born October 2, 1949 in Maryville, MO to George and Ruth (Barr) Moutray.

At the age of nine, he and his family moved from the Bolckow area to their family farm near Barnard where he attended South Nodaway R-IV and graduated in 1967. He also earned a degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1972. He served in the Air National Guard from 1967-1975.

On November 11, 1972 he married the love of his life, Jan Napiecek, in Maryville, MO. They then moved to the country near Barnard, where they lived for the rest of their lives. He farmed and taught school at South Nodaway for three years, before farming full-time. He then became a rural mail carrier out of the Barnard Post Office, retiring in 2015 after 26 years of service. Jim also coached baseball, umpired softball games for area schools, drove a school bus for several years for both Maryville and South Nodaway, and also did the stadium announcing for South Nodaway and Platte Valley softball, baseball, and football.

Jim truly enjoyed being around kids and watching his kids grow up and participate in sports, playing golf, playing cards, attending Bearcat football games, and spending time with family and friends. Jim served on the South Nodaway School Board and was a member and elder of the Barnard Christian Church. His favorite jobs were being a dad and grandpa, especially spoiling the grandkids.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, mom, dad and grandparents. He is survived by his daughter Amy (Rod) Wolf of Barnard, son Josh (Stacey) Moutray of Barnard, four grandchildren, Allie and Delaney Wolf and Teagan and Finley Moutray, his special friend Linda Scott and his sisters, Mary (John) Bermond of Kansas City, and Linda (Phillip) Schieber of St. Joseph.  

There was a visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM at Bram Funeral Home. A Funeral Service took place the next day at the same location at 10:00 AM. Burial followed at Barnard Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Barnard Christian Church at 319 Morehouse Street in Barnard. Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home.

 

Hali Smith Second at State for North Harrison FFA

Hali Smith was second overall at the State FFA Convention held recently for North Harrison. Her Livestock team was 9th overall, and both Hali and her team got a Group I (highest) rating. Other team members were Lani Briggs, Jaxcynn Hansel, and Andrew Craig.

The Agronomy team was 35th overall and got a Group II rating. Members were Rylee Valenti, Alonna Milligan, Kyler Kimbrough, and Ethan Henson.

The Poultry Team was 23rd overall, good enough for a Group II rating. Members were Creighton Graham, Jacoby Ballard, Meric Hansel, and Mason Hicks.

The Forestry Team was 26th overall, good enough for a Group II rating. Members were Lani Briggs, Jaxcynn Hansel, Kellan Craig, and Jensen Davis.

Henry Frank was 16th overall for the Dairy Cattle team and got a Group I rating. The team was 17th overall with a Group II rating. Other team members were Lance Jacobs, Cole Hartschen, and Baylor Hoffman.

Lela Hartschen was 19th overall for the Meats team, good enough for a Group I rating. The team finished 28th overall, getting a Group II rating. Other members were Addison Milligan, Bailee Barnhart, and Dustin Hamilton.

The Horses team was 37th overall. Team members were Ryker Fortner, Hali Smith, Wyatt Maize, and Devin Post.

Four Shamrocks got their State FFA degrees at the convention. They were Dustin Hamilton, Ethan Henson, Andrew Craig, and Lela Hartschen.

 

 

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted Suspect from Kansas City Arrested

The FBI announced Wednesday that Kashawn Nicola Roper, previously of Kansas City, was arrested. Previously, she had been placed on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted List  on Tuesday, April 14th. She was placed on the list for her alleged involvement in a shooting on August 23rd, 2020 in Kansas City. During an altercation, the defendant allegedly fired multiple shots at a car which struck two female victims, resulting in the death of one of them.

On September 10th, 2020, the defendant was charged with Second Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Jackson County. On July 1st, 2021, the defendant was charged in federal court with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

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

The arrest occurred in High Springs (FL) by the High Springs Police Department with assistance from the Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Department and the US Marshall’s Office. The arrest was made following tips related to the April 14th announcement.

 

 

Chase Sims Hired as North Nodaway PE Teacher; Nathan Schoonover Resigns as Business Teacher

The North Nodaway School Board hired Chase Sims as a new PE Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. The board accepted the resignation of Nathan Schoonover as the Business Teacher at the end of the current school year.

Hired or rehired for the upcoming school year were Christi Fountain (Food Services Director), Kristi Stricker (MS/HS Building Secretary), Lindsay Alexander (Elementary Building Secretary), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Cook), Corey Everhart (Assistant Cook), Dustin Stringer (Bus Driver), Ron Thompson (Bus Driver), Angie Titus (Bus Driver), Halley Wilmes (Preschool Teacher), Kasey Drummond (Paraprofessional), Stephanie DeLeon (Paraprofessional), Emily Higgins (Paraprofessional), Haley Null (Paraprofessional), Bo Hansen (Maintenance Supervisor), Teresa Thompson (Elementary Custodian), Jerald Everhart (MS/HS Custodian), Nicki Herndon (Technology Coordinator), Linda Russell (District Nurse), and Tiffany Whipple (District Bookkeeper). Board member Stan Alexander abstained on the vote for Lindsay Alexander. All other votes were unanimous.

The board reorganized following the April election. Jennifer Clements, Stan Alexander, and Megan Roberts were sworn in. There was no election since there were three candidates and three positions open. The board named Jennifer Clements as President, Stan Alexander as Vice-President, Krista Barcus as MSBA Delegate, and Tiffany Whipple as Board Secretary and Treasurer.

The board voted to add Tristen Buss to the Substitute Teacher list.

The board voted to approve the bid from Chris Kiddo to refinish the big gym floors and put new wood flooring in the small gym at a cost of $63,150.

The board set the substitute daily pay rate at $120 and long-term substitute pay as $189.35.

The board approved 15 graduates for the school. They are Stetsyn Brown, Sadee Clapp, Blaine Clements, Jordan DeLeon, Laythen Ebrecht, Aryianna Jimenez, Emily Keho, Kaeden Nave, Landon Parman, Lacy Riley, Draven Rowland, Gannon Volner, Casey Wray, Jackie Wray, and Trevin Wyllie.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that the school conducted preschool screenings. There were 14 screenings. Five will be new to the program. There will be four returning and seven entering Kindergarten. There are three other families who have Kindergarteners coming in.

The Elementary Student Council hosted an Egg Extravagance. Contestants guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar, and the winner got $1 for each bean that was in the jar. The winner earned $106.

There was a building-wide egg hunt outside the playground on April 1st. Emberlynn Vinzant found the golden egg and won the stuffed peep.

High School Principal Cody Jenkins reported that MAP testing started April 21st and will run through May 6th. DARE graduation was held April 21st at the Big Gym. The North Nodaway Prom will be April 25th with the theme, “Glitz and Glam.” The Grand March will be at 6:30 pm and the Prom will be at 7:00 pm. The FFA Banquet will be April 29th at 6:30 pm in the Big Gym. The Fine Arts Night and Music Concert will be May 4th at 5:30 pm with the music concert at 6:30 pm. The Scholarship and Academic Banquet will be May 8th at 6:00 pm.

A National History Day competition will be April 25th in Columbia. Robbie Forney and Conner Reeves will be competing.

So far, ten students have signed up for Vo-Tech for next year.

Free sports physicals will be May 6th for all students currently in grades 5 through 11 who plan to participate in MSHSAA athletic activities. Physicals must be on file for students to play or practice in MSHSAA sanctioned sports.

The last day of school for seniors will be May 8th if they are going on the Senior Trip. If they are not going, the last day will be May 15th.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the school is looking into switching the elementary AC/heating to a simpler system. Currently, it costs $1,000 for the technician just to show up plus $255/hour and a $250 trip charge.

A Comprehensive School District Improvement Plan meeting was held on April 8th. Goals will be raising reading and math scores, improving school culture, enduring college and/or career readiness, and improving parent communication.

The Pickering sign is ordered and the DOT has approved the location. It will take 5-6 weeks to build.

All buses passed their recent Highway Patrol inspection.

The board named extra duty assignments for the upcoming school year. Dallas Giedd will return as the Head Football Coach for Platte Valley, which North Nodaway is a part of. Other assignments include Sami Jackson (Athletic Director), Jody Thompson (Volleyball), Karissa Oberhauser (Assistant Volleyball), Lindsay Alexander (Junior High Volleyball), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Junior High Volleyball), Cody Bix (Boys Basketball), Sami Jackson (Girls Basketball), Chase Sims (Assistant Boys Basketball), Madison (Thompson) Geib (Assistant Girls Basketball), Audrey Trimble (Junior High Girls Basketball), Cody Bix (Baseball), Chase Sims (Cross Country), Ashley Marriott (High School and Junior High Basketball Cheer), Emily Higgins (Flag), Cameron Morrison (A+), Victor West and Emily Bix (Senior Class Sponsors), Cindy Martin and Reid Hart (Junior Class Sponsors), Cameron Morrison (High School Student Council), Reid Hart (Middle School Student Council), Tiffany Whipple (School Paper), Emily Bix (High School Play), Kyle Fitzgerald (Instrumental & Vocal Music), Troy Nally (FFA), Emily Bix (Middle School and High School Scholar Bowl), Chase Sims and Sami Jackson (Weightlifting), Emily Bix (National Honor Society), Heather Townsend (Special Ed Coordinator), Cameron Morrison (District Test Coordinator), Linda Russell (Elementary Student Council), Sami Jackson (Elementary Lead Teacher), Troy Nally (MS/HS Lead Teacher), and Reid Hart (History Day).

Reid Hart, Cindy Martin, and Kyle Fitzgerald are unpaid sophomore sponsors.

 

Worth County Hires New Bus Driver, Reorganizes Board

The Worth County School Board reorganized following the April election. Adam Downing, Jared Harding, and Michael Mullock were sworn in after they had run unopposed. The board named Tish Warner as President, Brad Maudlin as Vice-President, Amanda Gilland as Treasurer, and Christy Scadden as Secretary.

The board also hired Amber Monticue as a new bus driver. The district still has an opening for a route bus driver and a custodian.

The third grade teachers shared about the progress their students were making throughout the year.

Elementary Principal Amber Hawk reported that all parent/teacher conferences had at least an 89% participation rate by parents.

Third and Fourth graders went to the Northwest Missouri State University Recycling Center. Pre-K and K will be going to Inspire U May 5th. First through third grades will be going to the Remington Nature Center and Bode Arena on May 13th. Fourth through sixth graders will go to Belt Entertainment in St. Joseph. Fifth graders will go to the annual Fishing Clinic on May 4th at the Seat Farm. Students who get sent to the office after April 27th will not be allowed to go on the class field trip.

An elementary career day will be held at the school on April 21st.

A MAP kickoff party will be held Wednesday, April 22nd. Testing for elementary students will  be April 23rd.

The Worth County Elementary Spring Concert will be May 6th at 6:00 pm in the High School Gym. Elementary Track Day will be Friday, May 8th starting at 8:30 am. Pre-K Graduation will be held on May 14th at 6:00 pm in the Multipurpose room. An awards day will be held in the High School Gym May 14th starting at 8:30 am.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported on some of the things students have been learning. Geometry students have been making constructions using geometric figures. 8th grade math students have been working with two dimensional figures. Ag Science I students have been identifying hand tools and learning their proper function and safe use.

The sophomores won the March Attendance Challenge with an attendance rate of 95.93%. They were followed by the juniors and then the freshmen.

The school is seeking to build a storage building on the south end of the high school gym during the summer. The school is also seeking to do concrete work.

For summer school, the school will offer credit recovery for students from grades 7-12. The board hired Merry Spiers and Kelley Ross and will pay them a stipend of $2,025 each.