East Commissioner Bill Calhoon, Sheriff Bear Groom, and West Commissioner Lorace Waldeier will all face election opposition this year. Waldeier, a Democrat, faces a primary challenge from Glenda Hughes; the winner will face Republican Dennis Gabbert in the General Election. Incumbent East Commissioner Bill Calhoon faces a primary challenge from Jack Wilcox and Rob Ruckman; all three are on the Democratic ticket (Corrected from last week). Sheriff Groom faces a challenge in the general election from Robert Staton.
Assessor Carolyn Hardy, Public Administrator Patsy Worthington, and Coroner Gary Hann are also up for reelection this year; they have filed for reelection and are unopposed.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Obituary: Burl Dwayne Huff 1920-2008
Burl Dwayne Huff was born August 16, 1920 in Worth County to Lester and Kate (Miller) Huff. He departed this life on March 24, 2008 at the Cameron Regional Medical Center at the age of 87.
Burl married Helen Farrell. To this union two sons were born. She preceded him in death.
Burn worked as a truck driver for Sheridan Oil Company. He served in the US Army during World War II from 1942-1945. He was a member of the American Legion Post 515 in Sheridan. He enjoyed gardening and fishing.
Also preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Wade Huff, and one sister, Marjorie McConahay.
Surviving are sons Burl J. Huff of St. Joseph and Gene Huff of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Alvin and Dale Huff; three sisters, Helen Fish, Topie Simmons, and Rose Harding; 5 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Burl will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Graveside memorial services and interment were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 26, 2008 at the Sheridan Cemetery near Sheridan. Pastor Len Green officiated. Military rites were held by American Legion Post 515 of Sheridan. Arrangements were under the direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City.
Burl married Helen Farrell. To this union two sons were born. She preceded him in death.
Burn worked as a truck driver for Sheridan Oil Company. He served in the US Army during World War II from 1942-1945. He was a member of the American Legion Post 515 in Sheridan. He enjoyed gardening and fishing.
Also preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Wade Huff, and one sister, Marjorie McConahay.
Surviving are sons Burl J. Huff of St. Joseph and Gene Huff of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Alvin and Dale Huff; three sisters, Helen Fish, Topie Simmons, and Rose Harding; 5 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Burl will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Graveside memorial services and interment were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 26, 2008 at the Sheridan Cemetery near Sheridan. Pastor Len Green officiated. Military rites were held by American Legion Post 515 of Sheridan. Arrangements were under the direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City.
Several Area Schools Affected by Beef Recall
The USDA has released all of the schools in the country that were affected by the Hallmark/Westland Beef Recall, which was the largest beef recall in US history. Several Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa schools were affected by the recall, including two neighboring schools. The schools in the area that were affected were, in Southwest Iowa, Bedford, Clarinda, Lamoni, New Market, and Mount Ayr. In Northwest Missouri, the schools affected were Mercer, Stanberry, Lawson, East Buchanan, and the St. Joseph Public School District.
The Worth County School District was not affected by the recall. The USDA has not released the stores that were affected by the recall; however, a spokesman for Hy-Vee’s corporate office told the Express that neither the local Grant City Hy-Vee nor the corporation was affected by the recall as they bought meat from an Iowa supplier. Hallmark/Westland was based in California.
The Worth County School District was not affected by the recall. The USDA has not released the stores that were affected by the recall; however, a spokesman for Hy-Vee’s corporate office told the Express that neither the local Grant City Hy-Vee nor the corporation was affected by the recall as they bought meat from an Iowa supplier. Hallmark/Westland was based in California.
Obituary -- James Edward Moellenberndt 1942-2008
James Edward Moellenberndt was born April 21, 1942 in Shenandoah, IA to Kenneth and Dorothy (Heard) Moellenberndt. He died March 19, 2008 at the Northwest Medical Center in Albany at the age of 65.
James worked as an over-the-road truck driver for Tollie Freight Company. He served in the US Navy from 1958-1959. He was a member of the Grant City Baptist Church, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, Missouri Highway Patrol Association, American Quarter Horse Association, American Appaloosa Association, and the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Peterson.
Survivors include his children, Kevin Moellenberndt of Grant City, Tammy Briggs of Maryville, Chris Moellenberndt of Grant City and wife Ruby, and Michael Moellenberndt of Shenandoah.
James will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Pastor Darrell Darby officiated.
James worked as an over-the-road truck driver for Tollie Freight Company. He served in the US Navy from 1958-1959. He was a member of the Grant City Baptist Church, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, Missouri Highway Patrol Association, American Quarter Horse Association, American Appaloosa Association, and the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Peterson.
Survivors include his children, Kevin Moellenberndt of Grant City, Tammy Briggs of Maryville, Chris Moellenberndt of Grant City and wife Ruby, and Michael Moellenberndt of Shenandoah.
James will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Pastor Darrell Darby officiated.
Marriage -- Heather Rauch and Joe Ackman
Emma and Sarah Young along with Ali Ackman wish to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their parents, Heather Rauch and Joe Ackman, both of Maryville. The wedding will take place on Saturday, May 17th at 6 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in Maryville. A reception will follow the ceremony at the American Legion Hall in Maryville.
Birth Announcement -- Lillian Grace Richardson
Mike and Marcy (Ruckman) Richardson are proud to announce the arrival of Lillian Grace, who was born on February, 27 2008 at 6:13 pm at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Lillian Grace weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 inches long at birth.
Maternal grandparents are Mike and Beverly Ruckman of Grant City. Paternal grandparents are John and Debbie Need of Warrensburg and Mike and Pat Richardson of Kansas City.
Maternal great-grandparents are Viola and Glen Jennings and Betty and Galen Ruckman all of Grant City. Paternal great-grandparents are Mary Royer of Belton and Marion Need of Higginsville.
Maternal grandparents are Mike and Beverly Ruckman of Grant City. Paternal grandparents are John and Debbie Need of Warrensburg and Mike and Pat Richardson of Kansas City.
Maternal great-grandparents are Viola and Glen Jennings and Betty and Galen Ruckman all of Grant City. Paternal great-grandparents are Mary Royer of Belton and Marion Need of Higginsville.
Capitol Report for April 2nd, 2008
Working to Improve Higher Education
The sunny days and beautiful spring weather serve to remind us that high school seniors across Missouri are entering their final months of classes. As they prepare to exit Missouri’s secondary educational system, the next chapter in their lives awaits them. Whether they will immediately enter the work force or seek post secondary education through a vocational school, a community college, or a university, it is important that they prepare to enter a changing economy.
Missouri’s higher education system plays a critical role in our state’s economy. The degrees, courses, and programs offered through higher education institutions improve our workforce, bolster our economic opportunities, and allow us to compete in an ever-changing world. It is often stated that a small investment in education is like planting a seed that will grow food for a lifetime. Over the last four years, we have worked to improve access to higher education in Missouri. As a result, we now have nearly $100 million dollars in needs based scholarships available to Missouri students, which has resulted in over 36,000 students receiving tuition assistance.
I believe strongly that our institutions of higher education should build academic programs that will help meet the needs in our economy and our communities. For example, this year, we are debating a proposal, which would bolster enrollment, and funding for healthcare education programs, thereby producing more graduates to meet our growing healthcare needs.
I have always believed that a strong educational foundation is the key to future success. Just as the state has made a commitment to improving elementary and secondary education, it is imperative that we remain committed to improving higher education opportunities. I believe that a quality higher education system is key to ensuring that our communities will be able to adjust to the demands of a changing economy while ensuring success for future generations.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
The sunny days and beautiful spring weather serve to remind us that high school seniors across Missouri are entering their final months of classes. As they prepare to exit Missouri’s secondary educational system, the next chapter in their lives awaits them. Whether they will immediately enter the work force or seek post secondary education through a vocational school, a community college, or a university, it is important that they prepare to enter a changing economy.
Missouri’s higher education system plays a critical role in our state’s economy. The degrees, courses, and programs offered through higher education institutions improve our workforce, bolster our economic opportunities, and allow us to compete in an ever-changing world. It is often stated that a small investment in education is like planting a seed that will grow food for a lifetime. Over the last four years, we have worked to improve access to higher education in Missouri. As a result, we now have nearly $100 million dollars in needs based scholarships available to Missouri students, which has resulted in over 36,000 students receiving tuition assistance.
I believe strongly that our institutions of higher education should build academic programs that will help meet the needs in our economy and our communities. For example, this year, we are debating a proposal, which would bolster enrollment, and funding for healthcare education programs, thereby producing more graduates to meet our growing healthcare needs.
I have always believed that a strong educational foundation is the key to future success. Just as the state has made a commitment to improving elementary and secondary education, it is imperative that we remain committed to improving higher education opportunities. I believe that a quality higher education system is key to ensuring that our communities will be able to adjust to the demands of a changing economy while ensuring success for future generations.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
A Moment with Mike for April 2nd
The Missouri House this week passed a $22.5 billion historic budget. This budget once again reflects the top priorities of the House Majority by increasing investments in Missouri’s school children, working families and senior citizens as well as a continued commitment to provide health care to the most vulnerable Missouri citizens.
Missouri taxpayers should be pleased to know that, even after meeting our obligations and priorities, the Missouri House was able to leave upwards of $190million in reserve for future commitments. In these uncertain economic times we must stick to our fiscally responsible philosophy and do the right thing for the people of the State of Missouri.
Some of the highlights of the budget include:
Increased funding amounts for Elementary and Secondary Education (approximately $5.35 billion) and for health care (approximately $6.76 billion).
Increased funding for the states colleges and universities totaling over $38 million; as well as an additional $28 million to fund needs-based scholarships.
A flat, across the board pay increase of $1,056 for state employees.
Funding for Missouri’s commitment to the production of biodiesel, an increase of $7.5 million, moving Missouri toward less dependency upon foreign oil.
An increase of over $314 million for the MO Healthnet program. This innovative health care legislation will continue to promote prevention and a healthier Missouri.
Provides over $27 million for the initial phase-in of a statewide interoperable radio system. With the constant threat of foreign and domestic terrorism and continued natural disasters, the ability for state and local agencies to communicate is vital.
Increased funding for Foster Care rates totaling $1.0 million general revenue that will guarantee an additional $17-20 per month based on placement levels.
$6.1 million for transitional childcare that will allow Missouri parents to work and still receive childcare benefits up to 139% of the federal poverty level. This will allow parents to take raises and promotions without being in fear of losing childcare.
An increase of $21 million general revenue ($56.6 million total) for nursing homes. This will ensure that elderly Missourians receive the highest level of care.
$7.4 million for specialized autism services. Autism diagnoses have been steadily increasing as we learn more about the disease and these services must keep pace.
The budget will now go to the Senate where it will be debated and amended before heading to a conference committee to iron out the differences. We should be thankful that we live in a state that continues to be economically strong when so many are struggling. Our budgeting process continues to find more efficient ways to provide needed services while eliminating waste and abuse from government. Most importantly, we are able to increase our revenues without also increasing your taxes and taking money out of your pocket.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Missouri taxpayers should be pleased to know that, even after meeting our obligations and priorities, the Missouri House was able to leave upwards of $190million in reserve for future commitments. In these uncertain economic times we must stick to our fiscally responsible philosophy and do the right thing for the people of the State of Missouri.
Some of the highlights of the budget include:
Increased funding amounts for Elementary and Secondary Education (approximately $5.35 billion) and for health care (approximately $6.76 billion).
Increased funding for the states colleges and universities totaling over $38 million; as well as an additional $28 million to fund needs-based scholarships.
A flat, across the board pay increase of $1,056 for state employees.
Funding for Missouri’s commitment to the production of biodiesel, an increase of $7.5 million, moving Missouri toward less dependency upon foreign oil.
An increase of over $314 million for the MO Healthnet program. This innovative health care legislation will continue to promote prevention and a healthier Missouri.
Provides over $27 million for the initial phase-in of a statewide interoperable radio system. With the constant threat of foreign and domestic terrorism and continued natural disasters, the ability for state and local agencies to communicate is vital.
Increased funding for Foster Care rates totaling $1.0 million general revenue that will guarantee an additional $17-20 per month based on placement levels.
$6.1 million for transitional childcare that will allow Missouri parents to work and still receive childcare benefits up to 139% of the federal poverty level. This will allow parents to take raises and promotions without being in fear of losing childcare.
An increase of $21 million general revenue ($56.6 million total) for nursing homes. This will ensure that elderly Missourians receive the highest level of care.
$7.4 million for specialized autism services. Autism diagnoses have been steadily increasing as we learn more about the disease and these services must keep pace.
The budget will now go to the Senate where it will be debated and amended before heading to a conference committee to iron out the differences. We should be thankful that we live in a state that continues to be economically strong when so many are struggling. Our budgeting process continues to find more efficient ways to provide needed services while eliminating waste and abuse from government. Most importantly, we are able to increase our revenues without also increasing your taxes and taking money out of your pocket.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Opinion: Stem Cell Repeal Measure Challenged
Opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor of the Sheridan Express.
By the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures defended the will of voters Wednesday by continuing to challenge a drastic proposal to repeal Missourians' access to medical research, treatments and cures that are available to other Americans.
We maintained before the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District in Kansas City that the Secretary of State got it right when she described the proposed initiative as a repeal of the Missouri Stem Cell Amendment passed by voters in November 2006. Citizens have a right to know what this deceptive proposal would do: Make criminals of doctors, scientists and patients merely for seeking cures and treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer and muscular dystrophy.
Although the sponsors of this deceptive measure claim their intent is to "ban cloning," the truth is that our state constitution already strictly bans any attempt to clone a human being. Violators face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. So, if human cloning is already banned, what is the sponsors' true intent? To criminalize promising stem cell research that Missourians voted to protect for the benefit of our patients and their families.
In their zeal to repeal our access to research and cures, in misstep after misstep, they have ignored basic science, logic and the law. They have had to file their petition three times. One version filed would have excluded Missouri citizens with common chromosomal abnormalities such as Down and Turner syndromes from their definition of "human." Only after public criticism did they withdraw that outrageous proposal.
No matter how many times they file and re-file their petition, or how it is summarized on the ballot, the biggest and most dangerous flaw remains. It threatens to repeal our access to medical research and cures available to other Americans.
Our Coalition is vigorously working to ensure that the protections established for Missouri citizens just 16 months ago in the Stem Cell Amendment remain intact. The movement to protect the hope for cures for our loved ones, friends and fellow citizens is growing in strength each day. We encourage Missourians to join our Coalition and to learn more about our efforts by visiting our Web site at www.MissouriCures.com.
By the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures defended the will of voters Wednesday by continuing to challenge a drastic proposal to repeal Missourians' access to medical research, treatments and cures that are available to other Americans.
We maintained before the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District in Kansas City that the Secretary of State got it right when she described the proposed initiative as a repeal of the Missouri Stem Cell Amendment passed by voters in November 2006. Citizens have a right to know what this deceptive proposal would do: Make criminals of doctors, scientists and patients merely for seeking cures and treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer and muscular dystrophy.
Although the sponsors of this deceptive measure claim their intent is to "ban cloning," the truth is that our state constitution already strictly bans any attempt to clone a human being. Violators face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. So, if human cloning is already banned, what is the sponsors' true intent? To criminalize promising stem cell research that Missourians voted to protect for the benefit of our patients and their families.
In their zeal to repeal our access to research and cures, in misstep after misstep, they have ignored basic science, logic and the law. They have had to file their petition three times. One version filed would have excluded Missouri citizens with common chromosomal abnormalities such as Down and Turner syndromes from their definition of "human." Only after public criticism did they withdraw that outrageous proposal.
No matter how many times they file and re-file their petition, or how it is summarized on the ballot, the biggest and most dangerous flaw remains. It threatens to repeal our access to medical research and cures available to other Americans.
Our Coalition is vigorously working to ensure that the protections established for Missouri citizens just 16 months ago in the Stem Cell Amendment remain intact. The movement to protect the hope for cures for our loved ones, friends and fellow citizens is growing in strength each day. We encourage Missourians to join our Coalition and to learn more about our efforts by visiting our Web site at www.MissouriCures.com.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Grant City Council met with Brock Pfost of White Cloud Engineering to discuss issues related to the ice storm as well as future plans. The contract between the City of Grant City and White Cloud and Stanberry will be up for renewal in four years. White Cloud, Grant City, and Stanberry officials will meet on a quarterly basis so that they can discuss plans for the future and be on the same page in the event of an emergency.
Pfost said that the biggest challenge White Cloud had was to keep up with the rule changes that the EPA had been mandating. "The rules are getting more and more strict," he said. It used to be, for instance, that there was no limit on THM’s; now, there are. As a result, they had to change the chemicals that they were using to treat the lake. He forecast rate increases down the pipe as it was getting more and more expensive to treat water systems in the future.
Another problem was with old pipes discoloring the water. For instance, old pipes could create "a hell of a mess;" in one instance, the city had to flush out a 6" line that they did not even know was there. Pfost said that they were doing all they could to keep magnese, taste, and odor out of the water and that people should call if they had complaints. The plant number is (660) 448-2111 while the office number is (660) 582-4111. He said that would help them know where the problems within the system were and they could fix them.
Turning to the ice storm, Pfost said that they had planned for outages of two hours, not one of several days. "Mid-America Power was supposed to get us a generator within a few hours, but it turned out all their generators were in Tulsa," he said. As a result, they had to get one from Chicago trucked into Grant City. In addition, Pfost was out of town on vacation at the time the storm hit. As a result, Grant City had a precautionary boil order; however, they did not run out of water.
Discussing plans for the future, Pfost said that while drilling for test wells during the 2004 drought when the lake was down to 11 ½ feet, they found a really good site for a reserve well that could help turn the company into a regional supplier as well. One of the main goals for the Northwest Missouri Water Partnership was for there to be interconnected water systems so that if there were an emergency, all someone had to do was to flip a switch so that there would not be a water outage. "For instance, if there was a tornado, all we would have to do is flip a few switches, and people would have water," said Pfost.
The area would be one of the first to benefit from the plan, as Middlefork is one of seven hubs that can produce a lot more water than they are producing now. For this area, all that could mean that the Sheridan, Grant City, and Northeast Independence Township water systems would be interconnected in the event of an emergency. Sheridan would still be able to operate their own well-based water system.
Currently, Middlefork can produce one million gallons per day at the plant; currently, it is producing one third of that. He said that the first priority of the company would still be to give Grant City and Stanberry their water first and supply the rest of the region second.
Pfost was questioned by City Attorney David B. Parman as to why there was nobody there during the Ice Storm. Pfost said that he would not defend that but that he would look into it; "it would be difficult for the place not to be staffed," he said. Pfost explained that they were required to test the water every two hours.
Dick VanVactor of the 12-county Northwest Missouri Regional Council, said that "People should realize that they pay some of the lowest rates of the area," he said. And he said that in order for the partnership to deliver enough water to grow the area, "Someone has to pay." He suggested that the city, rather than hit customers with a $10/month raise all at once, raise the rates gradually over a period of time so that they could pay their share for changes coming down the pipe.
Councilman Bruce Downing said that he had heard a lot of concerns from people about water quality. "We’re not going to dodge responsibility for that," answered Pfost. He said part of the reason was that they had changed their chemicals; he said that he should have notified the public when they changed the chemicals in response to new EPA regulations. He encouraged people to call, saying that they logged calls so that they could work with the city to pinpoint problem areas.
In another matter, the city discussed with Pfost the progress of the sewer project for the east side of town. Pfost met with MODOT, who agreed to put up some money for the project; part of the problem was how to bore under Highway 46 so that they could get there.
Mayor Debbie Roach appointed Bruce Downing and Greg Miller to the regional board that would meet with White Cloud to discuss plans for the future.
Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported that the city had been notified that they would get $39,000 in disaster relief money from FEMA. The state will pay 10% of the rest, or around $1,300; the city will pay slightly under $12,000 for the ice storm. There will be no reimbursement for the generators that they purchased. She said that the city would need a contract with Porter Trash for trash removal in the event of another disaster so that they could get reimbursed.
The city awarded a bid for the rental of a bucket truck for debris removal purposes to Anthony Steinhauser for $29.20 per hour. City crews will operate the truck. FEMA will cover $900 per week for the city to do brush removal work.
The city discussed issues with hooking up the new generators. Carl Staton has drawn up new specs for the generators, both of which will need to work in either place. The water system would be the first one to get priority in the event of an outage; in the event of one generator failing, the city could hook up the other one. The city would have to set up their own pole as Aquila would not let them use their pole. The council voted to rebid the generator installation with more detailed specifications; the city got two bids, but they were returned unopened.
The council voted to extend the deadline for cleaning up brush to April 18th due to the weather. Staton reported that FEMA will not reimburse money for the streets. The yellow truck needed $1,000 worth of repair work done on it. He said that they were still looking for a new truck to replace the one that was totaled in the ice storm. He said that they were 30th on a MODOT waiting list for a surplus truck.
Councilwoman Linda Phipps reported that she met with Gina McNeese and drew up a set of pool rules. They suggested a rule with no floaters; however, other council members did not like that idea, saying that it was better than nothing. Among rule changes that were approved, all children under 7 must be accompanied by someone over 12; children 7 or over will now be allowed to swim alone. All children must have at least two contact numbers for parents in the event of an emergency or discipline situation; lifeguards would fill out forms in the event of a discipline situation. Phipps said that the thinking was that anyone second grade or over could do their own dressing or undressing.
Consequences for rules violations would be a warning, then sitting on the bench for 10 minutes, and then expulsion for at least a day. The city will cut the number of lifeguards from 4 to 3 unless the pool is at full capacity. There would have to be one manager on duty at all time; there will be a manager, assistant, and head lifeguard. Family passes were cut down to $90; individual passes remain at $40. Adults that accompany children but who are not swimming will not have to pay. Specials were discussed, such as having free swims or lower admission. There will be a drawing for a season pass.
The council approved building permits for Travis Troutwine for an addition to his home and Pat West to move a fence.
The council discussed possible automated billing, which would allow them to prorate accounts as well as help in the event of a water leak.
The council discussed delinquent taxes, which went down to $7,000 this month from $9,000 last month. But Phipps said that "something needs to be done" about the taxes. She proposed tying in the property taxes with the city sticker; Parman suggested that the city could work without a city officer by simply handing in the clerk’s records to the judge in the event of a delinquent tax. Mayor Debbie Roach said that there was no money in the budget for a full-time city police officer; the council voted to advertise for a city code enforcement officer who would be responsible for enforcement of city ordinances only. The biggest delinquent tax is $994. Parman said that some people would still be delinquent even if the city tied the sticker in with property taxes because a lot of people didn’t have utilities, such as Sunny Slope or Crestview residents. But Parman suggested that customers who don’t pay taxes be ineligible for utilities.
Parman said that the advantage of a Code Enforcement Officer would be that they could bypass police training. The other possibility was to wait until the backhoe was paid off and then see if they had money in the budget for a full-time officer; however, Carl Staton objected, saying that the money would be needed for contingencies.
The council voted to advertise for a code enforcement officer and see what the response would be. The duties of the officer would be limited to writing tickets, taking pictures of violations, and attending city court.
Councilman Doug Pickering reported that the Fire Department was looking for a grant for a new firehouse. The council voted to deed the property south of the basketball courts to the Grant City Fire Department contingent on grant approval. The city would move into the old fire building.
Pickering asked why the city was not charging rent for the place downstairs, currently occupied by Economic Developer Charity Austin. He said that he thought that the city could collect "quite a bit of rent" for the place; however, other members disagreed, saying that Austin had been valuable for the city and the area.
Councilwoman Cathy James said that the new license office was doing well; they collected $4381.31, which they put back in the General Fund to cover salaries.
Pfost said that the biggest challenge White Cloud had was to keep up with the rule changes that the EPA had been mandating. "The rules are getting more and more strict," he said. It used to be, for instance, that there was no limit on THM’s; now, there are. As a result, they had to change the chemicals that they were using to treat the lake. He forecast rate increases down the pipe as it was getting more and more expensive to treat water systems in the future.
Another problem was with old pipes discoloring the water. For instance, old pipes could create "a hell of a mess;" in one instance, the city had to flush out a 6" line that they did not even know was there. Pfost said that they were doing all they could to keep magnese, taste, and odor out of the water and that people should call if they had complaints. The plant number is (660) 448-2111 while the office number is (660) 582-4111. He said that would help them know where the problems within the system were and they could fix them.
Turning to the ice storm, Pfost said that they had planned for outages of two hours, not one of several days. "Mid-America Power was supposed to get us a generator within a few hours, but it turned out all their generators were in Tulsa," he said. As a result, they had to get one from Chicago trucked into Grant City. In addition, Pfost was out of town on vacation at the time the storm hit. As a result, Grant City had a precautionary boil order; however, they did not run out of water.
Discussing plans for the future, Pfost said that while drilling for test wells during the 2004 drought when the lake was down to 11 ½ feet, they found a really good site for a reserve well that could help turn the company into a regional supplier as well. One of the main goals for the Northwest Missouri Water Partnership was for there to be interconnected water systems so that if there were an emergency, all someone had to do was to flip a switch so that there would not be a water outage. "For instance, if there was a tornado, all we would have to do is flip a few switches, and people would have water," said Pfost.
The area would be one of the first to benefit from the plan, as Middlefork is one of seven hubs that can produce a lot more water than they are producing now. For this area, all that could mean that the Sheridan, Grant City, and Northeast Independence Township water systems would be interconnected in the event of an emergency. Sheridan would still be able to operate their own well-based water system.
Currently, Middlefork can produce one million gallons per day at the plant; currently, it is producing one third of that. He said that the first priority of the company would still be to give Grant City and Stanberry their water first and supply the rest of the region second.
Pfost was questioned by City Attorney David B. Parman as to why there was nobody there during the Ice Storm. Pfost said that he would not defend that but that he would look into it; "it would be difficult for the place not to be staffed," he said. Pfost explained that they were required to test the water every two hours.
Dick VanVactor of the 12-county Northwest Missouri Regional Council, said that "People should realize that they pay some of the lowest rates of the area," he said. And he said that in order for the partnership to deliver enough water to grow the area, "Someone has to pay." He suggested that the city, rather than hit customers with a $10/month raise all at once, raise the rates gradually over a period of time so that they could pay their share for changes coming down the pipe.
Councilman Bruce Downing said that he had heard a lot of concerns from people about water quality. "We’re not going to dodge responsibility for that," answered Pfost. He said part of the reason was that they had changed their chemicals; he said that he should have notified the public when they changed the chemicals in response to new EPA regulations. He encouraged people to call, saying that they logged calls so that they could work with the city to pinpoint problem areas.
In another matter, the city discussed with Pfost the progress of the sewer project for the east side of town. Pfost met with MODOT, who agreed to put up some money for the project; part of the problem was how to bore under Highway 46 so that they could get there.
Mayor Debbie Roach appointed Bruce Downing and Greg Miller to the regional board that would meet with White Cloud to discuss plans for the future.
Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported that the city had been notified that they would get $39,000 in disaster relief money from FEMA. The state will pay 10% of the rest, or around $1,300; the city will pay slightly under $12,000 for the ice storm. There will be no reimbursement for the generators that they purchased. She said that the city would need a contract with Porter Trash for trash removal in the event of another disaster so that they could get reimbursed.
The city awarded a bid for the rental of a bucket truck for debris removal purposes to Anthony Steinhauser for $29.20 per hour. City crews will operate the truck. FEMA will cover $900 per week for the city to do brush removal work.
The city discussed issues with hooking up the new generators. Carl Staton has drawn up new specs for the generators, both of which will need to work in either place. The water system would be the first one to get priority in the event of an outage; in the event of one generator failing, the city could hook up the other one. The city would have to set up their own pole as Aquila would not let them use their pole. The council voted to rebid the generator installation with more detailed specifications; the city got two bids, but they were returned unopened.
The council voted to extend the deadline for cleaning up brush to April 18th due to the weather. Staton reported that FEMA will not reimburse money for the streets. The yellow truck needed $1,000 worth of repair work done on it. He said that they were still looking for a new truck to replace the one that was totaled in the ice storm. He said that they were 30th on a MODOT waiting list for a surplus truck.
Councilwoman Linda Phipps reported that she met with Gina McNeese and drew up a set of pool rules. They suggested a rule with no floaters; however, other council members did not like that idea, saying that it was better than nothing. Among rule changes that were approved, all children under 7 must be accompanied by someone over 12; children 7 or over will now be allowed to swim alone. All children must have at least two contact numbers for parents in the event of an emergency or discipline situation; lifeguards would fill out forms in the event of a discipline situation. Phipps said that the thinking was that anyone second grade or over could do their own dressing or undressing.
Consequences for rules violations would be a warning, then sitting on the bench for 10 minutes, and then expulsion for at least a day. The city will cut the number of lifeguards from 4 to 3 unless the pool is at full capacity. There would have to be one manager on duty at all time; there will be a manager, assistant, and head lifeguard. Family passes were cut down to $90; individual passes remain at $40. Adults that accompany children but who are not swimming will not have to pay. Specials were discussed, such as having free swims or lower admission. There will be a drawing for a season pass.
The council approved building permits for Travis Troutwine for an addition to his home and Pat West to move a fence.
The council discussed possible automated billing, which would allow them to prorate accounts as well as help in the event of a water leak.
The council discussed delinquent taxes, which went down to $7,000 this month from $9,000 last month. But Phipps said that "something needs to be done" about the taxes. She proposed tying in the property taxes with the city sticker; Parman suggested that the city could work without a city officer by simply handing in the clerk’s records to the judge in the event of a delinquent tax. Mayor Debbie Roach said that there was no money in the budget for a full-time city police officer; the council voted to advertise for a city code enforcement officer who would be responsible for enforcement of city ordinances only. The biggest delinquent tax is $994. Parman said that some people would still be delinquent even if the city tied the sticker in with property taxes because a lot of people didn’t have utilities, such as Sunny Slope or Crestview residents. But Parman suggested that customers who don’t pay taxes be ineligible for utilities.
Parman said that the advantage of a Code Enforcement Officer would be that they could bypass police training. The other possibility was to wait until the backhoe was paid off and then see if they had money in the budget for a full-time officer; however, Carl Staton objected, saying that the money would be needed for contingencies.
The council voted to advertise for a code enforcement officer and see what the response would be. The duties of the officer would be limited to writing tickets, taking pictures of violations, and attending city court.
Councilman Doug Pickering reported that the Fire Department was looking for a grant for a new firehouse. The council voted to deed the property south of the basketball courts to the Grant City Fire Department contingent on grant approval. The city would move into the old fire building.
Pickering asked why the city was not charging rent for the place downstairs, currently occupied by Economic Developer Charity Austin. He said that he thought that the city could collect "quite a bit of rent" for the place; however, other members disagreed, saying that Austin had been valuable for the city and the area.
Councilwoman Cathy James said that the new license office was doing well; they collected $4381.31, which they put back in the General Fund to cover salaries.
Coop Football with NEN?
Coach Chuck Borey reported on a meeting that he had with Northeast Nodaway Athletic Director Charlie Burch about the possibility of the two schools combining to offer coop football. The proposal would first involve Junior High; if the plan worked, they would consider doing a coop program for High School.
Borey said that there were a lot of advantages to doing a coop program; he said that there were over half a dozen schools who were looking into combining their football programs in the area. He said that numbers would be lower for Junior High next year and that it was important to have at least 16 people. The deadline for this year would be May 1st if Worth County were to do a coop football program with Northeast.
For Worth County and Northeast to coop at the High School level, there would have to be less than 200 students; otherwise, Worth County would have to go back to 11-man. Currently, the combined High School enrollment of the two schools is at 197. Borey said that Worth County regularly had 15-16 students out for Junior High while other schools routinely had 20 or more.
Borey said that a coop program would have another advantage; "there are schools that can’t have JV because of lack of interest," he said. He said that one strong point of Worth County’s program was its ability to field a JV squad; he said that it was instrumental in the development of players who could play three years of JV ball and then make all-conference their senior year.
Northeast Nodaway would transport their students to Worth County and pay the transportation costs; there would be 5-6 kids in the Junior High program who would go out from Northeast. Borey said that there would be an increased gate from more fans coming; "there are all sorts of Northeast Nodaway people who are Worth County fans," he said.
Borey said that he thought that the liability would be covered by the school’s insurance; students would be subject to Worth County’s rules. Borey said that it would not matter which school they were from; "the kid who works the hardest will start." He said that practice times would not be a problem because Northeast gets out of school earlier than Worth County.
Worth County would still retain their name and be called the Tigers; either school could opt out in one year if things did not work out. If the two schools were to coop in high school, they would have to coop for two years because of district assignments. Coop programs may only be with one contiguous district. He said that he was "not 100% sold" on a coop program but that he wanted to give it a shot for one year and see how it would work out. In answer to if there were other programs that the school might coop in, Borey said that basketball numbers were healthy, with many students going out for basketball at the Junior High level.
Megan McClain and Brooke Adams of the Worth Cares Coalition gave a presentation to the board about underage drinking in the area. They said that younger kids were doing it more, with some starting as early as 9-10 years old. They said that the most common age to start was 14. "It leads to academic failure and other problems, such as rape." They said that the key to combating underage alcohol use was to give kids something to do; for instance, they recently put on a hip-hop dance class which drew a lot of people. They said that it was important for older kids to set a good example for younger kids because younger kids hang out with older kids more and followed their lead; for instance, if an older kid did not drink, the younger kid would follow their example. They said that 13-year-olds tended to rebel against their parents, so role modeling by older kids was crucial in the effort.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Gray Smith reported that revenues went up for this year in preschool, but that expenses went up as well due to rising gas prices.
The board voted to award the bid for mowing the ball diamond to Wyatt McClain. The field is currently under renovation and will be ready for use by the first of June.
Discussion switched to the heating and cooling system. Board member Paul Tracy convinced other board members that the proposed expenses for putting in a new heating and cooling system were too much and that it would be cheaper for the board to do a little bit at a time. While Dr. Smith forecast more money for the school, she said that most of it would be eaten up by pay raises for the teachers. Tracy wanted to see the school move away from a boiler system. Another problem, as board member Terry Green pointed out, was that there would need to be an electrical upgrade because the electrical systems were maxed out already.
Green said that the first priority for any heating overhaul should be the cafeteria, the gym, and then the lockerrooms. Green wanted to see the heating and cooling itemized so that they could see how much more it would cost to put in cooling; for instance, it might cost only $20,000 for heating and $26,000 extra for cooling.
The board voted to purchase a new bus to replace a 1994 bus that had 186,000 miles.
Borey said that there were a lot of advantages to doing a coop program; he said that there were over half a dozen schools who were looking into combining their football programs in the area. He said that numbers would be lower for Junior High next year and that it was important to have at least 16 people. The deadline for this year would be May 1st if Worth County were to do a coop football program with Northeast.
For Worth County and Northeast to coop at the High School level, there would have to be less than 200 students; otherwise, Worth County would have to go back to 11-man. Currently, the combined High School enrollment of the two schools is at 197. Borey said that Worth County regularly had 15-16 students out for Junior High while other schools routinely had 20 or more.
Borey said that a coop program would have another advantage; "there are schools that can’t have JV because of lack of interest," he said. He said that one strong point of Worth County’s program was its ability to field a JV squad; he said that it was instrumental in the development of players who could play three years of JV ball and then make all-conference their senior year.
Northeast Nodaway would transport their students to Worth County and pay the transportation costs; there would be 5-6 kids in the Junior High program who would go out from Northeast. Borey said that there would be an increased gate from more fans coming; "there are all sorts of Northeast Nodaway people who are Worth County fans," he said.
Borey said that he thought that the liability would be covered by the school’s insurance; students would be subject to Worth County’s rules. Borey said that it would not matter which school they were from; "the kid who works the hardest will start." He said that practice times would not be a problem because Northeast gets out of school earlier than Worth County.
Worth County would still retain their name and be called the Tigers; either school could opt out in one year if things did not work out. If the two schools were to coop in high school, they would have to coop for two years because of district assignments. Coop programs may only be with one contiguous district. He said that he was "not 100% sold" on a coop program but that he wanted to give it a shot for one year and see how it would work out. In answer to if there were other programs that the school might coop in, Borey said that basketball numbers were healthy, with many students going out for basketball at the Junior High level.
Megan McClain and Brooke Adams of the Worth Cares Coalition gave a presentation to the board about underage drinking in the area. They said that younger kids were doing it more, with some starting as early as 9-10 years old. They said that the most common age to start was 14. "It leads to academic failure and other problems, such as rape." They said that the key to combating underage alcohol use was to give kids something to do; for instance, they recently put on a hip-hop dance class which drew a lot of people. They said that it was important for older kids to set a good example for younger kids because younger kids hang out with older kids more and followed their lead; for instance, if an older kid did not drink, the younger kid would follow their example. They said that 13-year-olds tended to rebel against their parents, so role modeling by older kids was crucial in the effort.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Gray Smith reported that revenues went up for this year in preschool, but that expenses went up as well due to rising gas prices.
The board voted to award the bid for mowing the ball diamond to Wyatt McClain. The field is currently under renovation and will be ready for use by the first of June.
Discussion switched to the heating and cooling system. Board member Paul Tracy convinced other board members that the proposed expenses for putting in a new heating and cooling system were too much and that it would be cheaper for the board to do a little bit at a time. While Dr. Smith forecast more money for the school, she said that most of it would be eaten up by pay raises for the teachers. Tracy wanted to see the school move away from a boiler system. Another problem, as board member Terry Green pointed out, was that there would need to be an electrical upgrade because the electrical systems were maxed out already.
Green said that the first priority for any heating overhaul should be the cafeteria, the gym, and then the lockerrooms. Green wanted to see the heating and cooling itemized so that they could see how much more it would cost to put in cooling; for instance, it might cost only $20,000 for heating and $26,000 extra for cooling.
The board voted to purchase a new bus to replace a 1994 bus that had 186,000 miles.
Austin Drops out of Sheridan Mayoral Race
Kevin Austin has told the Sheridan Express that he is dropping out of the Sheridan mayoral race. That leaves it a two-way race between challenger Gene Via and incumbent mayor Bud Allee. Austin said that he needed to devote more time to Country Corners and that he could not be in two places at one.
Austin is a candidate for the Worth County School Board as well. He said that he plans to remain in that race; he is currently unopposed. Austin and incumbent candidates Richard Mullock and Paul Tracy are on the ballot this year; there are three positions open for this year, and they are the only three who filed this year. Board President Kevin Harding did not seek reelection this year.
Austin is a candidate for the Worth County School Board as well. He said that he plans to remain in that race; he is currently unopposed. Austin and incumbent candidates Richard Mullock and Paul Tracy are on the ballot this year; there are three positions open for this year, and they are the only three who filed this year. Board President Kevin Harding did not seek reelection this year.
Obituary: Dorothy Bernice (Manning) Dickey 1924-2008
Dorothy Bernice (Manning) Dickey departed this life on March 17, 2008 at the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 28 days. She was the daughter of the late Andy and Rebecca (Grindstaff) Manning. She was born June 19, 2004 on a farm northeast of Grant City.
She was united in marriage to Raymond Dickey on October 20, 1960. They had one adopted son, Michael.
Dorothy was converted in 1936, and in 1950, received a Pentecostal experience with The Lord. She was in Evangelistic Services and Vacation Bible School in 1957 and 1958. She got her Ministerial License in The Full Gospel Ministry and had a radio broadcast on KNIM for 4-5 years. She graduated from Grant City High School in 1943 and taught the Jackson First Class School that fall in 1943. She taught several terms of rural school, then decided on secretarial work in offices. She was secretary for the County Agent shortly before her marriage, at that time, accepting the Nodaway-Worth 2-way radio service in her home. This was the office work for her husband’s employment. She had this service in her home until 1972, when Raymond had a heart attack and retired from REA employment.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband in 1986. She was also preceded in death by her father, mother, and sister. She is survived by cousins.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Rev. John Biddle officiated. Interment will be at a later date.
She was united in marriage to Raymond Dickey on October 20, 1960. They had one adopted son, Michael.
Dorothy was converted in 1936, and in 1950, received a Pentecostal experience with The Lord. She was in Evangelistic Services and Vacation Bible School in 1957 and 1958. She got her Ministerial License in The Full Gospel Ministry and had a radio broadcast on KNIM for 4-5 years. She graduated from Grant City High School in 1943 and taught the Jackson First Class School that fall in 1943. She taught several terms of rural school, then decided on secretarial work in offices. She was secretary for the County Agent shortly before her marriage, at that time, accepting the Nodaway-Worth 2-way radio service in her home. This was the office work for her husband’s employment. She had this service in her home until 1972, when Raymond had a heart attack and retired from REA employment.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband in 1986. She was also preceded in death by her father, mother, and sister. She is survived by cousins.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Rev. John Biddle officiated. Interment will be at a later date.
Obituary: Charles Dwight Brogan, 1920-2008
Charles Dwight Brogan, son of Ralph Josiah Brogan and Nancy Ellen (Tippie) was born September 1, 1920 and passed away March 21st, 2008.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lola Louvina (Drake) and a sister, Leta Lasley of Sheridan.
Other survivors are children Nancy Louvina Wickert of Alta Loma, CA, Ellen Louise Wickert of Sheridan, Ralph Junior Brogan of Hemet, CA, and Timothy Kenneth Brogan of Sheridan; grandchildren Samantha Lynn Wickert, Damien Karl-Gage Brogan, Richard Ira Wickert, Ralph Dana Brogan, Brian Charles Brogan, Ryan Thomas McLenathen, Nicholas Aaron Buel; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Bertha Edith Murphy, two brothers, Ralph Junior Brogan and George David Brogan, and one great-grandson, Gabriel Brogan.
He served in the army from 1942-1946. He was a member of the 321st Medical Battalion, and was in the 96th Infantry Division 23 known as "The Deadeyes." He was stationed in the Southern Philippines. He received the good conduct medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, 2 stars, and the Bronze Service Arrowhead.
He graduated from Sheridan High School in the Class of 1939. He married Lola Louvina Drake on August 29th, 1946 in Hiawatha, KS. He worked as a farmer and truck driver while in the Midwest. He left the Midwest and moved to Montclair, CA in August, 1956. He worked as a mechanic there. In 1972, they moved to Homeland, CA where he was a groundskeeper for Budweiser Clydesdale Ranch and and had numerous other jobs of self-employment. He was an adamant Lakers fan.
In 2006, he returned to Sheridan.
For the past year, he has been a resident of the WCCC, where he received excellent care, for which the family is truly grateful. Graveside services will be held March 27th at the Gaynor Long Branch Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Sheridan Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lola Louvina (Drake) and a sister, Leta Lasley of Sheridan.
Other survivors are children Nancy Louvina Wickert of Alta Loma, CA, Ellen Louise Wickert of Sheridan, Ralph Junior Brogan of Hemet, CA, and Timothy Kenneth Brogan of Sheridan; grandchildren Samantha Lynn Wickert, Damien Karl-Gage Brogan, Richard Ira Wickert, Ralph Dana Brogan, Brian Charles Brogan, Ryan Thomas McLenathen, Nicholas Aaron Buel; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Bertha Edith Murphy, two brothers, Ralph Junior Brogan and George David Brogan, and one great-grandson, Gabriel Brogan.
He served in the army from 1942-1946. He was a member of the 321st Medical Battalion, and was in the 96th Infantry Division 23 known as "The Deadeyes." He was stationed in the Southern Philippines. He received the good conduct medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, 2 stars, and the Bronze Service Arrowhead.
He graduated from Sheridan High School in the Class of 1939. He married Lola Louvina Drake on August 29th, 1946 in Hiawatha, KS. He worked as a farmer and truck driver while in the Midwest. He left the Midwest and moved to Montclair, CA in August, 1956. He worked as a mechanic there. In 1972, they moved to Homeland, CA where he was a groundskeeper for Budweiser Clydesdale Ranch and and had numerous other jobs of self-employment. He was an adamant Lakers fan.
In 2006, he returned to Sheridan.
For the past year, he has been a resident of the WCCC, where he received excellent care, for which the family is truly grateful. Graveside services will be held March 27th at the Gaynor Long Branch Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Sheridan Christian Church.
Obituary: Mary Kathryn Monday 1917-2008
Kathryn Monday was born on October 15, 1917 in Worth County to James and Mary (Simpson) Claypool. She departed this left on March 19, 2008 at the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City at the age of 90.
Kathryn was a homemaker. She was united in marriage to Locket Monday on September 21, 1940 in Albany. To this union, one daughter was born.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Locket; their daughter, Lyndal Sackett; her parents; two brothers, Victor and Doyle Claypool; and two sisters, June Snead and Faye Grimit.
Surviving are son-in-law Elton Sackett and wife Emmy of Ravenwood; two grandchildren, Paul Sackett and wife Tamara of Kansas City and Melia Douglass and husband Matt of Sedalia, MO; and three great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Gage, and Gannon Sackett. Kathryn will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Pastor Len Green officiated. Interment was in the Kirk Cemetery in Allendale.
Kathryn was a homemaker. She was united in marriage to Locket Monday on September 21, 1940 in Albany. To this union, one daughter was born.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Locket; their daughter, Lyndal Sackett; her parents; two brothers, Victor and Doyle Claypool; and two sisters, June Snead and Faye Grimit.
Surviving are son-in-law Elton Sackett and wife Emmy of Ravenwood; two grandchildren, Paul Sackett and wife Tamara of Kansas City and Melia Douglass and husband Matt of Sedalia, MO; and three great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Gage, and Gannon Sackett. Kathryn will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Pastor Len Green officiated. Interment was in the Kirk Cemetery in Allendale.
Missouri Century Farm Program
If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1908, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm.
To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
"It is important to honor and respect our history," said Michael Ouart, vice provost for University of Missouri Extension. "These farms represent both Missouri’s cultural heritage and the good stewardship that our farmers strive for."
This year, the Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.
"Missouri Farm Bureau is proud to partner in the recognition of these unique and historical family farms," said Charles Kruse, president of Missouri Farm Bureau. "They represent the continued importance of production agriculture to our state and nation."
Applicants certified as owners of a 2008 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by their local MU Extension office in the county where the farm is located. Applicants are presented with a sign and a certificate.
Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 7,000 century farms have been recognized.
For applications received by May 1, a $35 fee covers the cost of certificates, farm signs and booklets for approved applicants. If the application is received between May 1 and May 15, the cost is $45. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2008, to be considered.
For application forms and information, call Extension Publications toll-free at 1-800-292-0969, contact your local Extension office, or visit the program Web site at http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.
To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
"It is important to honor and respect our history," said Michael Ouart, vice provost for University of Missouri Extension. "These farms represent both Missouri’s cultural heritage and the good stewardship that our farmers strive for."
This year, the Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.
"Missouri Farm Bureau is proud to partner in the recognition of these unique and historical family farms," said Charles Kruse, president of Missouri Farm Bureau. "They represent the continued importance of production agriculture to our state and nation."
Applicants certified as owners of a 2008 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by their local MU Extension office in the county where the farm is located. Applicants are presented with a sign and a certificate.
Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 7,000 century farms have been recognized.
For applications received by May 1, a $35 fee covers the cost of certificates, farm signs and booklets for approved applicants. If the application is received between May 1 and May 15, the cost is $45. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2008, to be considered.
For application forms and information, call Extension Publications toll-free at 1-800-292-0969, contact your local Extension office, or visit the program Web site at http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.
Monday, March 24, 2008
County Commission Minutes for March 24th
Meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Presiding Commissioner. Members present: Mozingo and Waldeier; Calhoon – absent.
1. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve the March 17th minutes. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
2. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
3. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve and pay bills. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
4. Linda Brown, County Treasurer gave financial reports.
5. Jim Fletchall, Road and Bridge Supervisor reported they ran the chipper on ice storm debris four days last week. They working south of Allendale.
6. Commissioners announced the results of the closed session meeting held March 17th, 1:00 pm. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to hire David Thomas as a full time Road and Bridge employee. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to hire Leonard Campbell as a seasonal/temporary employee. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
7. Neal Craven, rural resident of Allen Township came to the Commission to discuss use of road rights-of-way.
8. Ronnie Dannar and Russell Burns; rural residents of Greene Township came to the Commission to discuss patron gravel and condition of gravel roads.
9. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to table the decision on the tractor and mower until next March 31, 2008 at 10:30 am. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
10. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to raise the patron gravel limit for villages and towns to $1035. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
11. Collector Julie Tracy presented the Commission with the 2002 Outlawed Personal Property Taxes.
12. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried, meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.
1. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve the March 17th minutes. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
2. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
3. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve and pay bills. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried.
4. Linda Brown, County Treasurer gave financial reports.
5. Jim Fletchall, Road and Bridge Supervisor reported they ran the chipper on ice storm debris four days last week. They working south of Allendale.
6. Commissioners announced the results of the closed session meeting held March 17th, 1:00 pm. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to hire David Thomas as a full time Road and Bridge employee. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to hire Leonard Campbell as a seasonal/temporary employee. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
7. Neal Craven, rural resident of Allen Township came to the Commission to discuss use of road rights-of-way.
8. Ronnie Dannar and Russell Burns; rural residents of Greene Township came to the Commission to discuss patron gravel and condition of gravel roads.
9. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to table the decision on the tractor and mower until next March 31, 2008 at 10:30 am. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
10. Commissioner Mozingo made a motion to raise the patron gravel limit for villages and towns to $1035. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
11. Collector Julie Tracy presented the Commission with the 2002 Outlawed Personal Property Taxes.
12. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Mozingo seconded. Motion carried, meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Sheridan News for March 26th
by Barb Rowe
I hope everyone had a nice Easter. Several kids enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt at the park Saturday. The Alumni Basketball Tournament also brought in a good crowd Saturday.
Sunday Don and Peggy Jones from Harlan Iowa visited with Joanne and Bill Lantz. Also visiting were Barry and Linda Jones from Bethany. Saturday Stephanie Jones from St. Joe visited with Bill and Joanne.
Evelyn and Larry Hansen hosted a family Easter dinner at the Community Center on Sunday. There were approximately 24 in attendance. After dinner a meal was taken to Lois Constant, which she would like to thank the Hansen family for. There was also an Easter egg hunt for the kids of the Hansen family.
Marion Rowe will be entering the hospital at Maryville March 25 for hip surgery. Best wishes in her recovery. Charlene Hinshaw will also be entering St Joe hospital for open heart surgery. Glenda Wyer will be going to her mother’s as her mother will be having surgery Tuesday too. Well wishes go out to all of these women.
I hope everyone had a nice Easter. Several kids enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt at the park Saturday. The Alumni Basketball Tournament also brought in a good crowd Saturday.
Sunday Don and Peggy Jones from Harlan Iowa visited with Joanne and Bill Lantz. Also visiting were Barry and Linda Jones from Bethany. Saturday Stephanie Jones from St. Joe visited with Bill and Joanne.
Evelyn and Larry Hansen hosted a family Easter dinner at the Community Center on Sunday. There were approximately 24 in attendance. After dinner a meal was taken to Lois Constant, which she would like to thank the Hansen family for. There was also an Easter egg hunt for the kids of the Hansen family.
Marion Rowe will be entering the hospital at Maryville March 25 for hip surgery. Best wishes in her recovery. Charlene Hinshaw will also be entering St Joe hospital for open heart surgery. Glenda Wyer will be going to her mother’s as her mother will be having surgery Tuesday too. Well wishes go out to all of these women.
Public Comments Sought for Teen Center Addition
The Worth County Community Activities Corporation board (formerly Skating Rink Board) has been meeting regularly to discuss the addition to the new building to house the Activity/Teen Center. There has been a lot of discussion about the new project. We are trying to decide just what we would like to include in this new addition. We would appreciate any input from the Community as to what we need to include in this endeavor. If you have suggestions please see any Board Member with your ideas. We are open for ideas and additions to what we have in mind. We plan on starting with a 2 story addition, so we will have room for many activities. We would like to have it usable for as many people as possible.
The Teen Dance was a success. Gene and Dwight finished up the new lighting just in time for the event. The students from Mrs. Wallace’s group decorated the rink, and brought refreshments. Chad Wake had a great set up for music and videos. The event was enjoyed by all.
Skating on Saturday nights will soon be coming to an end. March 29th is the last night for skating this season. It will re-open next fall. It is still available for Skating Parties, Anniversary’s Family Dinners etc. If you haven’t been in the Skating Rink since it has been refurbished you really need to come and check it out. We have new lighting, a very nice community room and every cook’s dream for a kitchen.
The next event planned is an appreciation dinner for all the supporters in the renovation of the Skating Rink. There were many Worth Countians who donated financially, provided equipment, materials, and volunteered time. We will have a free meal on April 5th 2008, at the Skating Rink from 6:00-8:00 p.m. If you supported the project financially or volunteered your time, equipment, or materials please plan to attend. RSVP to Bert Owens 660-564-2550.
-Roberta Owens, secretary.
The Teen Dance was a success. Gene and Dwight finished up the new lighting just in time for the event. The students from Mrs. Wallace’s group decorated the rink, and brought refreshments. Chad Wake had a great set up for music and videos. The event was enjoyed by all.
Skating on Saturday nights will soon be coming to an end. March 29th is the last night for skating this season. It will re-open next fall. It is still available for Skating Parties, Anniversary’s Family Dinners etc. If you haven’t been in the Skating Rink since it has been refurbished you really need to come and check it out. We have new lighting, a very nice community room and every cook’s dream for a kitchen.
The next event planned is an appreciation dinner for all the supporters in the renovation of the Skating Rink. There were many Worth Countians who donated financially, provided equipment, materials, and volunteered time. We will have a free meal on April 5th 2008, at the Skating Rink from 6:00-8:00 p.m. If you supported the project financially or volunteered your time, equipment, or materials please plan to attend. RSVP to Bert Owens 660-564-2550.
-Roberta Owens, secretary.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Moment with Mike for March 26th
As we begin the second half of this legislative session this week, the primary order of business will be to discuss and pass a balanced budget that will serve our state wisely. Most legislation affects specific groups but the one thing that we can all seem to relate to and makes up nearly a third of our budget is education. Whether you have a child or grandchild going to school in Missouri, or a friend or family member who is a teacher, or if you yourself teach or are enrolled in higher education, Missouri’s education system matters to you – and therefore matters to us.
Properly funding education is of course the foundation for providing quality education for Missouri’s youth. Last years increase of $132 million marked the third year of increased funding for elementary and secondary education and the budget committee will once again bring forward an increase in educational spending.
Aside from adequately funding education, there are ways we can work to make the classroom experience better for our students and the first half of this legislative session has seen an emphasis on educational issues. The House has passed a comprehensive bill that will give students a safe learning environment free from the threat of educator sexual misconduct, but also protect the rights of that huge majority of dedicated innocent teachers whose images are tarnished by a few. We are also working on a bill that will give our teachers more freedom to enforce classroom discipline without fear of being sued. The "Teacher Protection Act" would prevent lawsuits against teachers who discipline students as long as they are following school board and administrative policy.
We also know that one of the best ways to ensure we are providing a quality education is to attract the very best teachers possible. We are working on a bill that would give teachers a much needed pay raise so we can continue to attract and retain high quality teachers here in Missouri. Our teachers are doing an amazing job of providing quality education but in most cases being paid less than their counterparts in other states and certainly less than they deserve.
I am proud that we have focused much of our time the first half of session on education, an important and tangible issue that affects all of us in some way. I am confident that the second half of session will see continued efforts to improve education but will also see an effort to tackle other important issues such as illegal immigration and property tax reform as we try to make Missouri a better place to live.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Properly funding education is of course the foundation for providing quality education for Missouri’s youth. Last years increase of $132 million marked the third year of increased funding for elementary and secondary education and the budget committee will once again bring forward an increase in educational spending.
Aside from adequately funding education, there are ways we can work to make the classroom experience better for our students and the first half of this legislative session has seen an emphasis on educational issues. The House has passed a comprehensive bill that will give students a safe learning environment free from the threat of educator sexual misconduct, but also protect the rights of that huge majority of dedicated innocent teachers whose images are tarnished by a few. We are also working on a bill that will give our teachers more freedom to enforce classroom discipline without fear of being sued. The "Teacher Protection Act" would prevent lawsuits against teachers who discipline students as long as they are following school board and administrative policy.
We also know that one of the best ways to ensure we are providing a quality education is to attract the very best teachers possible. We are working on a bill that would give teachers a much needed pay raise so we can continue to attract and retain high quality teachers here in Missouri. Our teachers are doing an amazing job of providing quality education but in most cases being paid less than their counterparts in other states and certainly less than they deserve.
I am proud that we have focused much of our time the first half of session on education, an important and tangible issue that affects all of us in some way. I am confident that the second half of session will see continued efforts to improve education but will also see an effort to tackle other important issues such as illegal immigration and property tax reform as we try to make Missouri a better place to live.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Letter to the Editor
Letters to the editor are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor of the Sheridan Express.
As a consumer concerned about human health, and protection of the environment, I am grateful to, and support Shatto Dairy, specifically because of their commitment to “No growth Hormones” in their milk and the statement on their glass, reusable bottles! In addition, our family makes every effort to support small family businesses whenever possible. It is well known that large corporations, farms and others, care little about health and safety, except where they must meet legal requirements. Profit.is the motive.
Many Americans who pay attention have lost faith in the Food and Drug Administration. Too many times the FDA has failed to serve the public’s interest due to lackadaisical observance of the law, inadequate staffing, and importantly insufficient support and oversight by the U.S. Congress
(i.e. – lead poison in the paint on toys, poison in pet products). Again, we know that U.S. legislators are unduly influenced by the corporate world through the lobbying system in our nation’s capitol, as well as states’ capitols. Consumers are left with the responsibility of doing the research on their own, and making food and drug decisions based on researched information. For this reason, Consumers have every reason to be skeptical of the FDA’s statement that “No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBGH-treated and non rBGH-treated cows.”
If Missouri bills HB 2283 and SB 1279 ban hormone labeling altogether, the Shatto Dairy is in danger of going out of business, thus depriving consumers of the right to chose the product we consider to be of highest quality. Thanks to Hy-Vee manager Brad McAnally for standing up for consumers’ freedom to chose!
Contact Missouri legislators and tell them to vote No on
Missouri bills HB 2283 and SB 1279. They want voters’ opinions.
Sincerely,
Shirley Yurkonis
Savannah, MO
As a consumer concerned about human health, and protection of the environment, I am grateful to, and support Shatto Dairy, specifically because of their commitment to “No growth Hormones” in their milk and the statement on their glass, reusable bottles! In addition, our family makes every effort to support small family businesses whenever possible. It is well known that large corporations, farms and others, care little about health and safety, except where they must meet legal requirements. Profit.is the motive.
Many Americans who pay attention have lost faith in the Food and Drug Administration. Too many times the FDA has failed to serve the public’s interest due to lackadaisical observance of the law, inadequate staffing, and importantly insufficient support and oversight by the U.S. Congress
(i.e. – lead poison in the paint on toys, poison in pet products). Again, we know that U.S. legislators are unduly influenced by the corporate world through the lobbying system in our nation’s capitol, as well as states’ capitols. Consumers are left with the responsibility of doing the research on their own, and making food and drug decisions based on researched information. For this reason, Consumers have every reason to be skeptical of the FDA’s statement that “No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBGH-treated and non rBGH-treated cows.”
If Missouri bills HB 2283 and SB 1279 ban hormone labeling altogether, the Shatto Dairy is in danger of going out of business, thus depriving consumers of the right to chose the product we consider to be of highest quality. Thanks to Hy-Vee manager Brad McAnally for standing up for consumers’ freedom to chose!
Contact Missouri legislators and tell them to vote No on
Missouri bills HB 2283 and SB 1279. They want voters’ opinions.
Sincerely,
Shirley Yurkonis
Savannah, MO
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Board Rescinds Food Study After Employees Protest
The Nursing Home Board rescinded a food study that they had approved last week after almost 15 employees showed up to last Wednesday’s meeting to protest the move. The move would have meant that employees would not have been allowed to have meals at the facility while the two-month study was being conducted. The meeting was marred by several shouting matches between board member Eddie Costin, who had pushed for the study, and employees and other board members.
Resident Jerry Dignan opened the meeting blasting the board for their move. "We were one big happy family before Wednesday," he said. "There is no use cutting off the employees like that. We can figure out how much the food costs each month without punishing the employees." Acting administrator Jozy Moyer reported to the board that the staff was very upset over the move. "That seems like a long time," said board president Andy Welch. "We can average out how much it cost over the last three months."
Moyer provided figures to the board showing that only a small fraction of the food was going to the employees and that 95% of the food was going for the residents. For instance, in February, there were $8,433.60 in raw food costs for the residents while there were only $380 worth of employee meals for that month. Employees and visitors currently pay $2 per meal, which was the approximate raw food cost for meals before January and February, when food prices went up. In addition, the figures provided by Moyer showed that the cost per meal for raw food for employees and resident was lower than raw food for residents only; the raw food cost in February for residents and employees per meal was $2.66, while the cost for residents only was $2.83. In February, 2008, there were 2.979 meals provided to residents and 190 meals provided to employees.
Dignan said that there were other problems with the move. He said that since employees could not eat meals at the facility, they would go to Casey’s or Country Corners to get food; that means that not everybody would be there in the event of an emergency. "If we have an emergency, we need everyone to pull together," he said.
Brenda Comer, an employee at the WCCC, acted as the spokeswoman for the employees. "If it’s lunch break, we may only have five people to evacuate the building," she said. She said that in some cases, employees might get called into work and that they would not have time to get food because they lived in some other town; that meant that they might not get to eat at all. "This shows a lack of respect for us as employees," she said. "It creates constant turmoil and makes everyone really uneasy."
Board Member Wilbur Osborne, who voted for the proposal initially, changed his mind, saying, "I was wrong. I am satisfied that all of the food is being strictly accounted for."
Eddie Costin held out for the study, saying that "little things are killing us;" however, Board Member Kaye Havner, who opposed the study initially, made a motion to rescind it. The board voted to rescind the food study and decided to keep the meal prices the same, unless food prices continued to rise.
Moyer reported that the WCCC would be reimbursed $17,000 from FEMA for disaster relief from the ice storm. She also reported that the facility had lost two residents, bringing them down to 33 residents.
Discussion then returned to Costin’s proposal to grant retroactive raises for 17 employees whose wages were frozen in August; Moyer said that she figured that it would cost $3,259 to grant the raises. But Dignan and Calhoon argued for waiting until August 1st, saying that the facility needed to accumulate money and see where they were at first. "They deserve to have their raises," said Costin. "They deserve to have their raises; otherwise, what else do they have to look forward to?"
Costin then suggested that the facility cut costs by replacing Comer with someone who the center could be several thousand dollars a year less. As the other board members and employees were shouting Costin down, Comer walked up to Costin. "I do my job here," she said. "I could go and make three times what I make here, but I don’t because we’re one huge family here." Other employees protested that Comer had held the place together during the financial crisis last year and that the facility could not afford to replace her.
"Were lucky to have the kind of people that we do," said Comer to the Express after the meeting. "Everywhere else, there are severe nursing shortages; while we don’t have that here. We need to keep it that way."
After the furor had subsided, Jerry Dignan said that the retroactive raise that Costin proposed would affect all 45 people and not just the 17 who were affected since August. "Well, if you have so much concern for the employees, then why don’t you give them the raises?" asked Costin. "Well, what about the building?" asked Dignan. "We have to raise income," answered Costin.
"It’s something that we want to do, but it is something that we simply can’t afford," said board president Andy Welch. Comer added that while the employees did not like the freeze, they understood that it was necessary. "Even after we’ve gotten the new tax revenues, we were still in the hole two months out of the last four," said Bill Calhoon. Costin’s motion for the retroactive pay raises died due to a lack of second.
But Costin was not finished. "Last year, we lost $97,000. We need an audit to find out where all the money went," he said to Moyer. "You told us you would come back with figures for what an audit would cost." "You see the reports, you see everything," responded Wilbur Osborn. "You know where the money goes; it’s in the monthly reports."
"Well, how come we started losing money when [former administrator] Charlie Green took over," asked Costin. That led to another shouting match, which led Andy Welch to say to Costin, "Now, stop it. You’ve insulted two people today." Green and Moyer had previously produced figures to the Quad River News last summer that the facility had been losing money for several years due to state and federal budget cuts.
Resident Jerry Dignan opened the meeting blasting the board for their move. "We were one big happy family before Wednesday," he said. "There is no use cutting off the employees like that. We can figure out how much the food costs each month without punishing the employees." Acting administrator Jozy Moyer reported to the board that the staff was very upset over the move. "That seems like a long time," said board president Andy Welch. "We can average out how much it cost over the last three months."
Moyer provided figures to the board showing that only a small fraction of the food was going to the employees and that 95% of the food was going for the residents. For instance, in February, there were $8,433.60 in raw food costs for the residents while there were only $380 worth of employee meals for that month. Employees and visitors currently pay $2 per meal, which was the approximate raw food cost for meals before January and February, when food prices went up. In addition, the figures provided by Moyer showed that the cost per meal for raw food for employees and resident was lower than raw food for residents only; the raw food cost in February for residents and employees per meal was $2.66, while the cost for residents only was $2.83. In February, 2008, there were 2.979 meals provided to residents and 190 meals provided to employees.
Dignan said that there were other problems with the move. He said that since employees could not eat meals at the facility, they would go to Casey’s or Country Corners to get food; that means that not everybody would be there in the event of an emergency. "If we have an emergency, we need everyone to pull together," he said.
Brenda Comer, an employee at the WCCC, acted as the spokeswoman for the employees. "If it’s lunch break, we may only have five people to evacuate the building," she said. She said that in some cases, employees might get called into work and that they would not have time to get food because they lived in some other town; that meant that they might not get to eat at all. "This shows a lack of respect for us as employees," she said. "It creates constant turmoil and makes everyone really uneasy."
Board Member Wilbur Osborne, who voted for the proposal initially, changed his mind, saying, "I was wrong. I am satisfied that all of the food is being strictly accounted for."
Eddie Costin held out for the study, saying that "little things are killing us;" however, Board Member Kaye Havner, who opposed the study initially, made a motion to rescind it. The board voted to rescind the food study and decided to keep the meal prices the same, unless food prices continued to rise.
Moyer reported that the WCCC would be reimbursed $17,000 from FEMA for disaster relief from the ice storm. She also reported that the facility had lost two residents, bringing them down to 33 residents.
Discussion then returned to Costin’s proposal to grant retroactive raises for 17 employees whose wages were frozen in August; Moyer said that she figured that it would cost $3,259 to grant the raises. But Dignan and Calhoon argued for waiting until August 1st, saying that the facility needed to accumulate money and see where they were at first. "They deserve to have their raises," said Costin. "They deserve to have their raises; otherwise, what else do they have to look forward to?"
Costin then suggested that the facility cut costs by replacing Comer with someone who the center could be several thousand dollars a year less. As the other board members and employees were shouting Costin down, Comer walked up to Costin. "I do my job here," she said. "I could go and make three times what I make here, but I don’t because we’re one huge family here." Other employees protested that Comer had held the place together during the financial crisis last year and that the facility could not afford to replace her.
"Were lucky to have the kind of people that we do," said Comer to the Express after the meeting. "Everywhere else, there are severe nursing shortages; while we don’t have that here. We need to keep it that way."
After the furor had subsided, Jerry Dignan said that the retroactive raise that Costin proposed would affect all 45 people and not just the 17 who were affected since August. "Well, if you have so much concern for the employees, then why don’t you give them the raises?" asked Costin. "Well, what about the building?" asked Dignan. "We have to raise income," answered Costin.
"It’s something that we want to do, but it is something that we simply can’t afford," said board president Andy Welch. Comer added that while the employees did not like the freeze, they understood that it was necessary. "Even after we’ve gotten the new tax revenues, we were still in the hole two months out of the last four," said Bill Calhoon. Costin’s motion for the retroactive pay raises died due to a lack of second.
But Costin was not finished. "Last year, we lost $97,000. We need an audit to find out where all the money went," he said to Moyer. "You told us you would come back with figures for what an audit would cost." "You see the reports, you see everything," responded Wilbur Osborn. "You know where the money goes; it’s in the monthly reports."
"Well, how come we started losing money when [former administrator] Charlie Green took over," asked Costin. That led to another shouting match, which led Andy Welch to say to Costin, "Now, stop it. You’ve insulted two people today." Green and Moyer had previously produced figures to the Quad River News last summer that the facility had been losing money for several years due to state and federal budget cuts.
Emergency Services Board Minutes
The Worth County Emergency Services Board met, March 3, 2008, at 7:00 PM at the Worth County Courthouse. Members present were David Hunt (chairman), Bill Glenn (vice chairman), Dick VanVactor (secretary), Dave Gilland (Treasurer), Bear Groom, Vern Mitchell, and Loren Jackson . Also attending was Eldon (Butch) Thomas, Kevin Wimer, Jane Bevans from Geo Comm and Larry Haren from Sign-up Ltd.
The meeting was called to order by David at 7:00.
Motion by Bear to accept the minutes of February 4 7. Seconded by Vern. Motion passed.
Dave reported the bank balance to be $4,481.00. Motion by Bill to pay the third installment to Geo Comm. Second by Loren. Motion passed.
Larry gave a presentation on his company’s proposal to survey the county for street signs. He is to present us with a proposed cost to survey the county and to furnish and erect signs according to national standards. Estimated cost per intersection is $150 including material and labor. Jane will furnish him a map and the number of intersections to be signed. The estimated cost to survey the county is $10 per intersection.
Signs will meet the national standard for reflectivity as require in 2009 and the size and lettering standard to be required in 2012. The survey cost proposal will reflect material needed, sign locations, and labor. No action was taken. The board will decide to the action to take after Geo-Comm is paid and finances are reviewed.
A meeting with the Gentry County 911 Board was held February 12 at 12:30 PM. in Albany. David, Dick, Vern, and Butch attended. It was reported that Gentry County 911 is willing to dispatch for Worth County and that an attorney will be consulted to help work out the details of the agreement. The attorney fees will be divided equally between the two Boards.
Gentry County 911 will work up figures for dispatching and sign production. This information will be used during negotiations between the two Boards.
Jane reported on the conference call held February 27. Progress on point information was reviewed and Dick will send the new information to Chad in St. Cloud. Jane reported that addressing for cities was almost complete.
A project completion schedule was presented. Revised road maps were distributed and it was Jane’s request for the members to review the map and correct any road types for correction at the May meeting. David signed off on the map containing road names and numbers. This should finalize this step in road labels.
Jane is to get us copies of addressing ordinances for our review. These will determine the specifications required to mark structures for new addresses.
Dick reported on agreement with Northwest Missouri Cellular to place the repeater in Sheridan on the new cell tower to be erected this spring. Dick will contact R.D. Porter to see what permits will be required.
Tax revenues were reviewed and Dick will contact the County Clerk to be sure we are collecting taxes on all available revenue streams.
Election of members was discussed and the Board will draw lots at the April meeting to decide which members will serve which terms of office.
The next meeting will be April 7th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Bear to adjourn. Seconded by Vern. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
The meeting was called to order by David at 7:00.
Motion by Bear to accept the minutes of February 4 7. Seconded by Vern. Motion passed.
Dave reported the bank balance to be $4,481.00. Motion by Bill to pay the third installment to Geo Comm. Second by Loren. Motion passed.
Larry gave a presentation on his company’s proposal to survey the county for street signs. He is to present us with a proposed cost to survey the county and to furnish and erect signs according to national standards. Estimated cost per intersection is $150 including material and labor. Jane will furnish him a map and the number of intersections to be signed. The estimated cost to survey the county is $10 per intersection.
Signs will meet the national standard for reflectivity as require in 2009 and the size and lettering standard to be required in 2012. The survey cost proposal will reflect material needed, sign locations, and labor. No action was taken. The board will decide to the action to take after Geo-Comm is paid and finances are reviewed.
A meeting with the Gentry County 911 Board was held February 12 at 12:30 PM. in Albany. David, Dick, Vern, and Butch attended. It was reported that Gentry County 911 is willing to dispatch for Worth County and that an attorney will be consulted to help work out the details of the agreement. The attorney fees will be divided equally between the two Boards.
Gentry County 911 will work up figures for dispatching and sign production. This information will be used during negotiations between the two Boards.
Jane reported on the conference call held February 27. Progress on point information was reviewed and Dick will send the new information to Chad in St. Cloud. Jane reported that addressing for cities was almost complete.
A project completion schedule was presented. Revised road maps were distributed and it was Jane’s request for the members to review the map and correct any road types for correction at the May meeting. David signed off on the map containing road names and numbers. This should finalize this step in road labels.
Jane is to get us copies of addressing ordinances for our review. These will determine the specifications required to mark structures for new addresses.
Dick reported on agreement with Northwest Missouri Cellular to place the repeater in Sheridan on the new cell tower to be erected this spring. Dick will contact R.D. Porter to see what permits will be required.
Tax revenues were reviewed and Dick will contact the County Clerk to be sure we are collecting taxes on all available revenue streams.
Election of members was discussed and the Board will draw lots at the April meeting to decide which members will serve which terms of office.
The next meeting will be April 7th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Bear to adjourn. Seconded by Vern. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Obituary: Elsie Marie Davidson Carr 1906-2008
With joy in her heart and great anticipation, Elsie Carr has entered into the presence of her Lord. She was 101 years old.
On August 14, 1906, Elsie was born. She grew up in a devout, close-knit Christian farm family near Sheridan. As a child, the love of God and the wonder of His creation captured her imagination and became a prominent thread in the tapestry of her life, which indelibly touched every member of her family and all of those who knew her. It was the richest of her legacies.
As a young girl in high school, Elsie excelled. She was a cheerleader, captain of the debating team, won the declamatory contest as the best speaker of her school, and was the president and valedictorian of her graduating class.
Upon graduation, Elsie taught in a one-room country school before being married on September 1, 1925 to Doy Henry Carr in Bedford. Immediately after being married, both she and her husband attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville. Throughout the remainder of her life, she was a homemaker, mother, and volunteer worker, supporting her husband who worked as a principal and superintendent of a consolidated grade and high school in Northwest Missouri, as owner and publisher of a newspaper in Elmo, as a civil servant working for the Federal Prison Service, and as a career military officer. Shortly after he retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1961, the moved to their dream home in Calistoga, CA. After the death of her husband in 1964, she sold her home in California and relocated near her daughter, Anita, and her husband, Hugh Crowe in Corvallis, OR in 1968.
As examples of some of the many volunteer positions Elsie held, she served as the District Republican Committee Woman in Pennsylvania, worked as a volunteer "Grey Lady," helping wounded soldiers evacuated during the Korean War to the Tokyo Hospital, taught English to Japanese students in Tokyo; and served as President of the Distaff Organization, consisting of all the wives of military and civilian personnel on the Atlantic side of the Canal Zone.
In addition, Elsie has always been very active and supportive of church activities wherever she has been. During her early life, she taught Sunday school, served as Superintendent of the Sunday school, sang in the choir and played in the piano of her church. Since coming to Corvallis, she has been a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church. As Calvin, she served as a Deacon, in many other church positions, and provided leadership and mentorship to the young girls in the church. Her Christmas team parties for the young girls of the church were legend.
Elsie’s other talents included oil, water, and pastel painting, flower arranging, the making of ceramics and bateaus, the writing of many short stories, and she won a national essay contest in her then over-90 age group with her winning letter published in a commemorative book called "Healthy Aging -- Inspirational Letters from Americans."
Throughout Elsie’s life, she lived in twelve states and also spent several years living overseas living in Germany, Japan, and the Canal Zone. Over this period, she experienced both excitement and a few narrow escapes best described with an extract from her own writings: "I’ve been tumbled out of bed during an earthquake, barely escaped from a flash flood in a National Park, watched from a block away while a tornado demolished a two-story brick building back in Missouri, saw trees uprooted and tiles blown off my house during a typhoon in Tokyo, lived through a hurricane in Panama, ridden a runaway horse, been in a car wreck where two people were critically injured, and even chased by a blue-racer snake when five years old.
Elsie had three great loves in her life -- her family, her country, and her God.
She was an extraordinary homemaker, mother, and grandmother times two. In spite of many military moves, her home was always a place of beauty, graced with pictures she had painted and decor of her own making. For her children and grandchildren, she was always there, with wonderful aromas coming from her kitchen, help with any project, and always a chapter of Heidi or Black Beauty to be read at bedtime.
Elsie was a patriot. She had been around the world and seen first-hand the enormous effort and sacrifices being made by our country to improve the condition of the worlds’ peoples, by freeing them from tyrants, setting up free societies, and providing aid to a hurting world. She decried those who sat at some, derived their only information from the evening news, and had nothing but criticism for America.
Elsie saw herself as a child of God. Hers was not a very complicated theology. She had a very pure and simple faith and a strong belief in prayer. Many people came to her and asked for prayer because it seemed that God always honored her prayers in a special way. She loved her church family as Calvin as her own and looks forward to welcoming them into heaven as time goes by. God has always been with her to give her love, joy, peace, comfort, and hope, and on a few occasions, provide the help she needed that can be called nothing short of miraculous. Even at the end she was strengthened and sustained by Christ Jesus.
Elsie passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2008 surrounded by her family. Let us celebrate! She has finished the race! May it be said well done! Be thou at peace!
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Doy Henry Carr; her parents Alonzo Bartlett and Tressie Barbara Davidson; brothers Percy, Gordon, and Oakley Davidson; sister Olgaretta Wildman; and by her granddaughter Karen Crowe.
Survivors include her sister Pauline Huff of Nebraska City; daughter Anita and husband Hugh Crowe of Corvallis, OR; son Eldon (Al) and wife Anna Carr of Corvallis; and five grandchildren, Steve Crowe and wife Kathy of Corvallis, Matt Carr and wife Natalya of Citrus Heights, CA, Mark Crowe and wife Judy of Sparks, NV, Cathy Avila and husband Dean of Issaquah, WA, Susan Schreiber and husband Patrick of Sammamish, WA. She has six great-grandchildren: Matt and Andy Crowe of Corvallis; Angie and Brandon Crowe of Sparks; and Derek and Elena Schreiber of Sammamish. She has two great-great granddaughters: Misty and Autumn Crowe of Sparks. She also has many nieces, nephews, and their descendants too numerous to mention, including Bud Allee, Doy Allee, and Pat Burke.
A memorial service was held March 17th at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Corvallis. A graveside service will be conducted at a later date to be announced at Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in Elsie’s name be made to Calvin Presbyterian Church Building Fund in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330. Online condolences may be extended to the family at http://www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
On August 14, 1906, Elsie was born. She grew up in a devout, close-knit Christian farm family near Sheridan. As a child, the love of God and the wonder of His creation captured her imagination and became a prominent thread in the tapestry of her life, which indelibly touched every member of her family and all of those who knew her. It was the richest of her legacies.
As a young girl in high school, Elsie excelled. She was a cheerleader, captain of the debating team, won the declamatory contest as the best speaker of her school, and was the president and valedictorian of her graduating class.
Upon graduation, Elsie taught in a one-room country school before being married on September 1, 1925 to Doy Henry Carr in Bedford. Immediately after being married, both she and her husband attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville. Throughout the remainder of her life, she was a homemaker, mother, and volunteer worker, supporting her husband who worked as a principal and superintendent of a consolidated grade and high school in Northwest Missouri, as owner and publisher of a newspaper in Elmo, as a civil servant working for the Federal Prison Service, and as a career military officer. Shortly after he retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1961, the moved to their dream home in Calistoga, CA. After the death of her husband in 1964, she sold her home in California and relocated near her daughter, Anita, and her husband, Hugh Crowe in Corvallis, OR in 1968.
As examples of some of the many volunteer positions Elsie held, she served as the District Republican Committee Woman in Pennsylvania, worked as a volunteer "Grey Lady," helping wounded soldiers evacuated during the Korean War to the Tokyo Hospital, taught English to Japanese students in Tokyo; and served as President of the Distaff Organization, consisting of all the wives of military and civilian personnel on the Atlantic side of the Canal Zone.
In addition, Elsie has always been very active and supportive of church activities wherever she has been. During her early life, she taught Sunday school, served as Superintendent of the Sunday school, sang in the choir and played in the piano of her church. Since coming to Corvallis, she has been a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church. As Calvin, she served as a Deacon, in many other church positions, and provided leadership and mentorship to the young girls in the church. Her Christmas team parties for the young girls of the church were legend.
Elsie’s other talents included oil, water, and pastel painting, flower arranging, the making of ceramics and bateaus, the writing of many short stories, and she won a national essay contest in her then over-90 age group with her winning letter published in a commemorative book called "Healthy Aging -- Inspirational Letters from Americans."
Throughout Elsie’s life, she lived in twelve states and also spent several years living overseas living in Germany, Japan, and the Canal Zone. Over this period, she experienced both excitement and a few narrow escapes best described with an extract from her own writings: "I’ve been tumbled out of bed during an earthquake, barely escaped from a flash flood in a National Park, watched from a block away while a tornado demolished a two-story brick building back in Missouri, saw trees uprooted and tiles blown off my house during a typhoon in Tokyo, lived through a hurricane in Panama, ridden a runaway horse, been in a car wreck where two people were critically injured, and even chased by a blue-racer snake when five years old.
Elsie had three great loves in her life -- her family, her country, and her God.
She was an extraordinary homemaker, mother, and grandmother times two. In spite of many military moves, her home was always a place of beauty, graced with pictures she had painted and decor of her own making. For her children and grandchildren, she was always there, with wonderful aromas coming from her kitchen, help with any project, and always a chapter of Heidi or Black Beauty to be read at bedtime.
Elsie was a patriot. She had been around the world and seen first-hand the enormous effort and sacrifices being made by our country to improve the condition of the worlds’ peoples, by freeing them from tyrants, setting up free societies, and providing aid to a hurting world. She decried those who sat at some, derived their only information from the evening news, and had nothing but criticism for America.
Elsie saw herself as a child of God. Hers was not a very complicated theology. She had a very pure and simple faith and a strong belief in prayer. Many people came to her and asked for prayer because it seemed that God always honored her prayers in a special way. She loved her church family as Calvin as her own and looks forward to welcoming them into heaven as time goes by. God has always been with her to give her love, joy, peace, comfort, and hope, and on a few occasions, provide the help she needed that can be called nothing short of miraculous. Even at the end she was strengthened and sustained by Christ Jesus.
Elsie passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2008 surrounded by her family. Let us celebrate! She has finished the race! May it be said well done! Be thou at peace!
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Doy Henry Carr; her parents Alonzo Bartlett and Tressie Barbara Davidson; brothers Percy, Gordon, and Oakley Davidson; sister Olgaretta Wildman; and by her granddaughter Karen Crowe.
Survivors include her sister Pauline Huff of Nebraska City; daughter Anita and husband Hugh Crowe of Corvallis, OR; son Eldon (Al) and wife Anna Carr of Corvallis; and five grandchildren, Steve Crowe and wife Kathy of Corvallis, Matt Carr and wife Natalya of Citrus Heights, CA, Mark Crowe and wife Judy of Sparks, NV, Cathy Avila and husband Dean of Issaquah, WA, Susan Schreiber and husband Patrick of Sammamish, WA. She has six great-grandchildren: Matt and Andy Crowe of Corvallis; Angie and Brandon Crowe of Sparks; and Derek and Elena Schreiber of Sammamish. She has two great-great granddaughters: Misty and Autumn Crowe of Sparks. She also has many nieces, nephews, and their descendants too numerous to mention, including Bud Allee, Doy Allee, and Pat Burke.
A memorial service was held March 17th at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Corvallis. A graveside service will be conducted at a later date to be announced at Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in Elsie’s name be made to Calvin Presbyterian Church Building Fund in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330. Online condolences may be extended to the family at http://www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Knight, Pickering to wed
Thomas Knight and Codie Pickering would like to announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. The wedding is April 5, 2008 at the Allendale Baptist Church at 5 p.m. A reception will follow the ceremony at the Allendale Hall. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Thomas Dean Knight is the son of Tom Knight of Grant City and Tricia Knight of Gentry. He is a 2002 graduate of Worth County R-III. Thomas is currently employed at Premium Standard Farms.
Codie Danielle Wilsie Pickering is the daughter of Kevin and Jeanie Fletchall of Grant City and Donnie and Della Pickering of Grant City. She is a 2006 graduate of Worth County R-Iii. Codie is currently employed at the OldTowne Cafe in Allendale, Country Corners of Grant City, and the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City. She is currently attending college pursuing a masters degree in nursing. The couple have two children together, Chole-Grace, 3, and Ina-Jean, 15 months.
Thomas Dean Knight is the son of Tom Knight of Grant City and Tricia Knight of Gentry. He is a 2002 graduate of Worth County R-III. Thomas is currently employed at Premium Standard Farms.
Codie Danielle Wilsie Pickering is the daughter of Kevin and Jeanie Fletchall of Grant City and Donnie and Della Pickering of Grant City. She is a 2006 graduate of Worth County R-Iii. Codie is currently employed at the OldTowne Cafe in Allendale, Country Corners of Grant City, and the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City. She is currently attending college pursuing a masters degree in nursing. The couple have two children together, Chole-Grace, 3, and Ina-Jean, 15 months.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sheridan Christian Church News March 26th
by Kay Rowen
(Last week’s items)
It was great news to hear that Tim Martin is home from Afghanistan. Cody VanVactor and Jeremy Cramer from Stanberry are home too. We pray for all those that are still over there serving our country to be safe and get to come home soon.
Clint and Denise Rowen spent the last week in Florida. She had meetings in connection with her job, but they were able to see Disneyland and Sea World on the weekend. They also got to see our grandson, Dallas Fletchall, and his wife Kelsay, who are stationed in Jacksonville, FL. Clint took his kids to a spring training game of the Cardinals. They had a great time and I’m glad they are back safe.
Huey & I did our presentation for the upcoming Marriage Enrichment Event at the Blockton Christian Church last Sunday. We won’t have time to visit any more churches since Easter is this Sunday and the event will be next weekend. Everyone should have gotten a flyer about it, but if you have questions, call Jeff at 799-3655.
Ashley Blaine and a friend from college were back home for the weekend visiting her family and her church family.
Jonna Petersen is back from California for a couple of weeks visiting her family and church family.
I’m hoping it won’t rain again this week as our gravel roads are in pretty bad shape. I’m glad the country decided to match extra gravel this year. They will match $450 per mile. The money has to be turned in before the end of March.
Marcia Rush is heading up a church team for Relay for Life. Marybeth Alarcon will help her plus others from the church. She plans to have a couple of fundraisers.
(Last week’s items)
It was great news to hear that Tim Martin is home from Afghanistan. Cody VanVactor and Jeremy Cramer from Stanberry are home too. We pray for all those that are still over there serving our country to be safe and get to come home soon.
Clint and Denise Rowen spent the last week in Florida. She had meetings in connection with her job, but they were able to see Disneyland and Sea World on the weekend. They also got to see our grandson, Dallas Fletchall, and his wife Kelsay, who are stationed in Jacksonville, FL. Clint took his kids to a spring training game of the Cardinals. They had a great time and I’m glad they are back safe.
Huey & I did our presentation for the upcoming Marriage Enrichment Event at the Blockton Christian Church last Sunday. We won’t have time to visit any more churches since Easter is this Sunday and the event will be next weekend. Everyone should have gotten a flyer about it, but if you have questions, call Jeff at 799-3655.
Ashley Blaine and a friend from college were back home for the weekend visiting her family and her church family.
Jonna Petersen is back from California for a couple of weeks visiting her family and church family.
I’m hoping it won’t rain again this week as our gravel roads are in pretty bad shape. I’m glad the country decided to match extra gravel this year. They will match $450 per mile. The money has to be turned in before the end of March.
Marcia Rush is heading up a church team for Relay for Life. Marybeth Alarcon will help her plus others from the church. She plans to have a couple of fundraisers.
Worth County Nursing Home Board Meeting
Board members, along with resident Jerry Dignan, debated pay raises and the food spending at their monthly meeting Wednesday. While Board member Eddie Costin wanted to retroactively raise pay from the time that the board froze pay in August, other board members along with Dignan thought that it was premature and that the home needed to wait until August to see how the financial picture looked. Dignan, a candidate for Board President Andy Welch’s seat, said that money needed to be put into the building; after the meeting, he took the Sheridan Express to the roof, which he said had shingles loose. "There was water pouring into the lobby one day after a rainstorm," he said in an interview afterwards. Switching to the subject of raises, he said, "What is really going to tick people off is not eating. No way can we afford those raises."
But Costin said that we "had to do something" about the employees whom he said deserved a raise at the WCCC and that a better way to cut costs would be to do a food study to see how much food was costing the facility. Costin wanted to not allow the employees to eat the meals, do a 2-month food study, and see what the cost was for feeding the residents. "Other facilities can make it on 35 residents; why can’t we?" he asked. He also suggested cutting housekeeping to three days a week, a suggestion that was overruled by the rest of the board members. "There are so many little things that we need to do," he said.
Board members were concerned about the inflation in food prices, which would affect the center since it serves over 3,000 meals per month. Costin said that the WCCC had done it before another time when the food costs were too high and that they had saved $1,000 per month as a result. Dignan raised concerns about staff morale and Welch suggested going back and doing an estimate "so staff morale won’t drop." But Costin said that would not be a problem. "You don’t go to the restaurant and eat for $2," he said.
Acting Administrator Jozy Moyer said that she was very careful about seeing to it that food was not wasted. She said that the staff was very careful not to waste food and that she checked the break room periodically. The board passed Costin’s motion for the food study on a 2-1 vote. Wilbur Osborne voted for the motion reluctantly, calling the idea "useless." Welch thought that two months was "excessive" and that Moyer could simply produce the records for January through March, but he abstained. Kaye Havner voted against, calling it "ridiculous." Bill Calhoon was not present at the meeting. "We haven’t made anything work the last two years; we have to try something different," said Costin after the vote.
Moyer reported that the center had sent out $45,000 worth of billing within the last two months and that they had collected $30,000.
The board discussed possible grants for a new van; for instance, Albany gets a grant for a new one yearly. Currently, the lift sticks have to be let down manually and the interior is falling apart on the current van. There are possible grants for gas and upkeep as well.
Moyer said that she would look into a grant for dementia daycare, saying that she got calls about that from family members caring for elderly loved ones. She said that she found a private Alzheimer’s grant for people in the early stages of memory loss. She said that she was concerned about the workload on the staff; she said that the advantage was that it would provide a transition to full-time care.
Moyer reported that the center would be hosting a fair for National Nursing Home Week. The facility is working on printing and embroidery for new shirts and that the staff was pitching in and helping.
Moyer reported that the facility had gotten a lot of donations recently, including people who had stayed during the ice storm.
The board voted to appoint Martha Rush for the West Union position and seat her as a new board member.
Discussion returned to Costin’s idea to raise pay retroactively for workers and return to the anniversary raise system that had been used. Costin attempted to make a motion to do so, saying that it was a "bad idea" to wait for next fall. But Dignan challenged the motion, saying that Costin could not make such a motion because his wife works at the facility. Costin said that the raise would cost less than $5,000, but Dignan said the figure was closer to $15,000. There would be 17 employees who would have been affected by the move, but Costin’s motion died due to a lack of second.
But Costin said that we "had to do something" about the employees whom he said deserved a raise at the WCCC and that a better way to cut costs would be to do a food study to see how much food was costing the facility. Costin wanted to not allow the employees to eat the meals, do a 2-month food study, and see what the cost was for feeding the residents. "Other facilities can make it on 35 residents; why can’t we?" he asked. He also suggested cutting housekeeping to three days a week, a suggestion that was overruled by the rest of the board members. "There are so many little things that we need to do," he said.
Board members were concerned about the inflation in food prices, which would affect the center since it serves over 3,000 meals per month. Costin said that the WCCC had done it before another time when the food costs were too high and that they had saved $1,000 per month as a result. Dignan raised concerns about staff morale and Welch suggested going back and doing an estimate "so staff morale won’t drop." But Costin said that would not be a problem. "You don’t go to the restaurant and eat for $2," he said.
Acting Administrator Jozy Moyer said that she was very careful about seeing to it that food was not wasted. She said that the staff was very careful not to waste food and that she checked the break room periodically. The board passed Costin’s motion for the food study on a 2-1 vote. Wilbur Osborne voted for the motion reluctantly, calling the idea "useless." Welch thought that two months was "excessive" and that Moyer could simply produce the records for January through March, but he abstained. Kaye Havner voted against, calling it "ridiculous." Bill Calhoon was not present at the meeting. "We haven’t made anything work the last two years; we have to try something different," said Costin after the vote.
Moyer reported that the center had sent out $45,000 worth of billing within the last two months and that they had collected $30,000.
The board discussed possible grants for a new van; for instance, Albany gets a grant for a new one yearly. Currently, the lift sticks have to be let down manually and the interior is falling apart on the current van. There are possible grants for gas and upkeep as well.
Moyer said that she would look into a grant for dementia daycare, saying that she got calls about that from family members caring for elderly loved ones. She said that she found a private Alzheimer’s grant for people in the early stages of memory loss. She said that she was concerned about the workload on the staff; she said that the advantage was that it would provide a transition to full-time care.
Moyer reported that the center would be hosting a fair for National Nursing Home Week. The facility is working on printing and embroidery for new shirts and that the staff was pitching in and helping.
Moyer reported that the facility had gotten a lot of donations recently, including people who had stayed during the ice storm.
The board voted to appoint Martha Rush for the West Union position and seat her as a new board member.
Discussion returned to Costin’s idea to raise pay retroactively for workers and return to the anniversary raise system that had been used. Costin attempted to make a motion to do so, saying that it was a "bad idea" to wait for next fall. But Dignan challenged the motion, saying that Costin could not make such a motion because his wife works at the facility. Costin said that the raise would cost less than $5,000, but Dignan said the figure was closer to $15,000. There would be 17 employees who would have been affected by the move, but Costin’s motion died due to a lack of second.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Obituary -- Henry Jacob Spaah Jr. 1936-2008
Henry Jacob Spaah Jr. was born May 13, 1936 in Worth County and passed away March 15, 2008 at Northwest Medical Center in Albany. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Gertie Spaah and sister and brother-in-law Bernice and Randall Lovell.
Survivors include wife Shirley Spaah of the home, mother-in-law Merle Kemery, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Junior was a member of the United Methodist Church of Grant City, serving as chairman of the board, secretary/treasurer of the Grant City Cemetery Board, charter member of the Grant City Lions Club, and a participant of the Tractor Cruise, which benefited Camp Quality.
Services were conducted by Pastor Vallory Williams at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 10 a.m. Memorial gifts may be sent to the United Methodist Church of Grant City. Junior will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Survivors include wife Shirley Spaah of the home, mother-in-law Merle Kemery, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Junior was a member of the United Methodist Church of Grant City, serving as chairman of the board, secretary/treasurer of the Grant City Cemetery Board, charter member of the Grant City Lions Club, and a participant of the Tractor Cruise, which benefited Camp Quality.
Services were conducted by Pastor Vallory Williams at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 10 a.m. Memorial gifts may be sent to the United Methodist Church of Grant City. Junior will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Worth County School Board Agenda
Agenda for the Worth County R-III School Board Meeting, March 20th, 7:30 p.m., at the Worth County Partnership Library:
1. Call to Order.
2. Approval of Agenda.
3. Citizens’ Comments.
4. Questions or removal of consent items.
5. Approval of minutes, ills, administrator reports, and program evaluations.
6. CTA Classroom Report, shared football program, Worth Cares Coalition.
7. Administrative -- Revised budget; approval of scope of work for heating & cooling project, purchase school bus, and procedure for distribution of non-educational materials.
8. Review policies.
9. Closed session to discuss substitute list, resignations, performance reviews, and probationary teacher contracts.
10. Set next meeting date.
11. Adjourn.
1. Call to Order.
2. Approval of Agenda.
3. Citizens’ Comments.
4. Questions or removal of consent items.
5. Approval of minutes, ills, administrator reports, and program evaluations.
6. CTA Classroom Report, shared football program, Worth Cares Coalition.
7. Administrative -- Revised budget; approval of scope of work for heating & cooling project, purchase school bus, and procedure for distribution of non-educational materials.
8. Review policies.
9. Closed session to discuss substitute list, resignations, performance reviews, and probationary teacher contracts.
10. Set next meeting date.
11. Adjourn.
Worth County R-III Track Schedule
3/20 -- Worth County Early Bird, 3:30; 4/1 -- East Union Relays (Boys), 4:30; Clarinda Relays (Girls), 4:30; 4/8 -- Rock Port Relays, 1:30; 4/10 -- Stanberry Relays, 4:00; 4/12 -- Albany Relays, 10:00; 4/15 -- Tiger Relays, 1:30; 4/17 -- Albany Quad, 4:00; 4/19 -- Tarkio Relays, 10:00; 4/22 -- Stanberry Invitational (Girls), 4:00; Mount Ayr Relays (Boys), 5:00; 4/29 -- GRC Meet, Albany, 9:00; 5/3 -- Districts, Grant City, 10:00; 5/10 -- Sectionals, Albany, 10:00; 5/15-5/17 -- State, Jefferson City.
Baker Named Region II FFA Reporter
David Baker, Worth County FFA member, was selected to be the Area II FFA Reporter. David is currently serving as the Worth County FFA Reporter. His term as an Area Officer will be for the 2008-2009 school year. David interviewed in front of chapter members from across the Area and before Ag teachers from Area I. David will work as an integral part of the Area Officer team, assisting in the many Area level activities. David is joined by seven other Area Officers.
Front row, left to right:
Chaplain Tiffany Dejong, Pattonsburg; Secretary Megan Chadwick, Gallatin; Treasurer Kourtney Messmer, Albany; Sentinel Stephanie Carpenter, Braymer
Back row, left to right:
Parliamentarian Alan Vassmer, Polo; Reporter David Baker, Worth County; Vice President Neil Robinson, Maysville; President Tyler Dietzschold, Chillicothe
Obituary -- Mary Lou Geitner 1930-2008
Mary Lou Geitner was a wonderful, caring, giving person and an inspiration to all of those who knew her. She was born and raised in Worth County, MO and lived there until 1998, when she retired and moved to Parkville, MO to be closer to her family. She died at her home in Parkville, surrounded by people who will forever love her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; her parents Clarence and Phrnoia White; six brothers, Berthal, Rex, Kenneth, Joe, Newt, and Ben White; two sisters, Thelma Kate White and Bernice Cook. Survivors are her sister Norma Craven of Liberty, MO; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Ken and Barbara Hass, and Bill and Jackie Daniels, all of Parkville; grandchildren Jay and Kelly Haas of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Jill and Robert Mueller of Atchison, KS; step-grandchildren Bill Daniels of Maryville and Sariah Daniels of Kansas City; great-grandchildren Jarrett and Brett Mueller of Atchison, and her forever companion, her dog Scooter.
Funeral services were held at the Andrews Funeral Home on Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Minister Jeff Blaine officiated. Interment was in the Grant City Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; her parents Clarence and Phrnoia White; six brothers, Berthal, Rex, Kenneth, Joe, Newt, and Ben White; two sisters, Thelma Kate White and Bernice Cook. Survivors are her sister Norma Craven of Liberty, MO; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Ken and Barbara Hass, and Bill and Jackie Daniels, all of Parkville; grandchildren Jay and Kelly Haas of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Jill and Robert Mueller of Atchison, KS; step-grandchildren Bill Daniels of Maryville and Sariah Daniels of Kansas City; great-grandchildren Jarrett and Brett Mueller of Atchison, and her forever companion, her dog Scooter.
Funeral services were held at the Andrews Funeral Home on Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Minister Jeff Blaine officiated. Interment was in the Grant City Cemetery.
Opinion -- Mayor out of line.
Opinions are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor of the Sheridan Express.
by Barb Rowe
I read with great interest the letter you received from Mayor Bud Allee and was embarrassed to be a councilperson serving under his leadership. His comments demeaning the integrity of your journalistic ability were inappropriate for a public official and I for one think he owes you an apology.
As to his record, I agree that he has played an integral part in building the treasury up to $114,000.00 but what good is that money if there are things that are in disrepair. If your household were having leaky pipes or septic or sewer problems, would you not want those things fixed? Also as to the machinery, would you allow your vehicles to be in disrepair and just cobble them up to get you by? That is what is being done.
Mr Allee referred to the water tower being refurbished. That was a necessity to appease the D.N.R. He also acts like all these things are all his doing. Well, this town has a City Council and without their votes none of the things that are done would happen, except when the mayor takes it on himself and goes ahead and does it his way and not the way the council wanted it done. That happens quite often. Why do we have a council if only one person is going to run thing his way?
In regards to his suggestion that you vote for Shelly Barnett, yes, she will support him because she never disagrees with him. I am not homegrown, but my husband is and I have grown to love living here, but having opinions different than the mayor’s does not mean you have a different set of values. Difference of opinions is healthy and sometimes can bring about changes that need to be made to bring things into the 21st century. Demeaning people is not the way to prove a point and for a Mayor to do it in the public forum is politically incorrect.
by Barb Rowe
I read with great interest the letter you received from Mayor Bud Allee and was embarrassed to be a councilperson serving under his leadership. His comments demeaning the integrity of your journalistic ability were inappropriate for a public official and I for one think he owes you an apology.
As to his record, I agree that he has played an integral part in building the treasury up to $114,000.00 but what good is that money if there are things that are in disrepair. If your household were having leaky pipes or septic or sewer problems, would you not want those things fixed? Also as to the machinery, would you allow your vehicles to be in disrepair and just cobble them up to get you by? That is what is being done.
Mr Allee referred to the water tower being refurbished. That was a necessity to appease the D.N.R. He also acts like all these things are all his doing. Well, this town has a City Council and without their votes none of the things that are done would happen, except when the mayor takes it on himself and goes ahead and does it his way and not the way the council wanted it done. That happens quite often. Why do we have a council if only one person is going to run thing his way?
In regards to his suggestion that you vote for Shelly Barnett, yes, she will support him because she never disagrees with him. I am not homegrown, but my husband is and I have grown to love living here, but having opinions different than the mayor’s does not mean you have a different set of values. Difference of opinions is healthy and sometimes can bring about changes that need to be made to bring things into the 21st century. Demeaning people is not the way to prove a point and for a Mayor to do it in the public forum is politically incorrect.
Senior Tax Board meeting
The Senior Tax Board met on March 10 at the Grant City Methodist Church. The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Pat Houts, Caroline Rush, Mary Kay Hunt and Barbara Rowe. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Financial statement was read and approved.
Debbie Troutwine was present and discussed the housekeeping services she is doing. She is doing a very nice job and will accept all clients. Three more clients have been added.
Caroline made a motion to adjourn, Barbara seconded Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Debbie Troutwine was present and discussed the housekeeping services she is doing. She is doing a very nice job and will accept all clients. Three more clients have been added.
Caroline made a motion to adjourn, Barbara seconded Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Walk 1440 for March 19th
by Jeff Blaine, pastor, Sheridan Christian Church
Has someone ever gotten under your skin?
This person just irritates you…you think of them all the time…they invade your thoughts all day…you find yourself avoiding them or even desiring to see them hurt…why?…because they hurt you.
Then you can probably relate to this guy…Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. Psalm 43:1
When people lie to us, treat us horribly, & just have behaviors that hurt us…we feel entitled to vindication…we want to be proved right that we don’t deserve that treatment…isn’t that what we say under our breath?… "I don’t deserve this…!"
It gets so bad in our mind that we find our self asking the question "where are you God?...Why aren’t you here?...why do I have to put up with the tears from the pain I’m receiving from this situation?"
Does this sound similar…? You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Psalm 43:2
Where does your mind usually go at this point? Do you continue to bathe yourself in resentment, bitterness, anger, distrust, & the pain of that moment?
Have you tried to "dry off" from those things only to find yourself bathing in the same "dirt" all over again? Has this cycle repeated itself over & over throughout your life with people; then doubting God? Would you like to change the cycle?
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Psalm 43:3
When we focus on the presence of people in our life to give joy…we are going to get hurt…we are going to experience pain…I think this guy knew that…he is moving from resentment of people to seeking the presence of God…he is ready to break the cycle by following something different…God’s light & truth…not his own darkened thoughts…what would keep you from turning from your dark thoughts?…it could be you fear the destination
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4
The destination is the altar of God…why is that scary? An altar is synonymous with sacrifice…sacrifice means you give something up & don’t get it back…it’s gone…never to return
When God leads us to His altar…He is asking you to sacrifice your "resentful moment" to Him…He is asking you to recognize that He is the only authority in your life…He is leading you to understand that when we sacrifice our "resentful moments" to Him…they are no longer ours but His…you simply have to give Him authority
The problem? We don’t want to give up authority…we think we have authority when we hold onto our bitterness…the reality is…when we dwell on our bitterness towards people…we don’t have authority in our lives…they do
Read the verse again…do you want what follows after going to the altar of God?
There are 1440 minutes in a day…WALK1440 at the altar…sacrificing for joy
Has someone ever gotten under your skin?
This person just irritates you…you think of them all the time…they invade your thoughts all day…you find yourself avoiding them or even desiring to see them hurt…why?…because they hurt you.
Then you can probably relate to this guy…Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. Psalm 43:1
When people lie to us, treat us horribly, & just have behaviors that hurt us…we feel entitled to vindication…we want to be proved right that we don’t deserve that treatment…isn’t that what we say under our breath?… "I don’t deserve this…!"
It gets so bad in our mind that we find our self asking the question "where are you God?...Why aren’t you here?...why do I have to put up with the tears from the pain I’m receiving from this situation?"
Does this sound similar…? You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Psalm 43:2
Where does your mind usually go at this point? Do you continue to bathe yourself in resentment, bitterness, anger, distrust, & the pain of that moment?
Have you tried to "dry off" from those things only to find yourself bathing in the same "dirt" all over again? Has this cycle repeated itself over & over throughout your life with people; then doubting God? Would you like to change the cycle?
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Psalm 43:3
When we focus on the presence of people in our life to give joy…we are going to get hurt…we are going to experience pain…I think this guy knew that…he is moving from resentment of people to seeking the presence of God…he is ready to break the cycle by following something different…God’s light & truth…not his own darkened thoughts…what would keep you from turning from your dark thoughts?…it could be you fear the destination
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4
The destination is the altar of God…why is that scary? An altar is synonymous with sacrifice…sacrifice means you give something up & don’t get it back…it’s gone…never to return
When God leads us to His altar…He is asking you to sacrifice your "resentful moment" to Him…He is asking you to recognize that He is the only authority in your life…He is leading you to understand that when we sacrifice our "resentful moments" to Him…they are no longer ours but His…you simply have to give Him authority
The problem? We don’t want to give up authority…we think we have authority when we hold onto our bitterness…the reality is…when we dwell on our bitterness towards people…we don’t have authority in our lives…they do
Read the verse again…do you want what follows after going to the altar of God?
There are 1440 minutes in a day…WALK1440 at the altar…sacrificing for joy
Town Hall Meeting on Alcohol Use
The Worth Caring Coalition is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Thurs., March 27 from 6:30-8 at the Grant City Christian Church. A light dinner will be served.
The results of a survey conducted during the Courtwarming basketball game indicated that 88% of those who responded felt that Worth County has an underage drinking problem.
The town hall meeting will feature a member of the highway patrol, students, a school staff member, and a parent talking about the concern. Efforts begun by the Coalition to educate community members on the dangers of underage drinking, to increase activities for students, and to increase stronger and more consistent enforcement of no-alcohol policies will be shared.
Ideas for families and for communities will be distributed. Please plan to attend, and if possible, RSVP to Kandi Sorensen at 660-564-3389.
The Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall Meetings are a part of a national effort to increase understanding and awareness of the underage drinking and its consequences. Up to 2,000 organizations are hosting meetings thought the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Underage Drinking.
The results of a survey conducted during the Courtwarming basketball game indicated that 88% of those who responded felt that Worth County has an underage drinking problem.
The town hall meeting will feature a member of the highway patrol, students, a school staff member, and a parent talking about the concern. Efforts begun by the Coalition to educate community members on the dangers of underage drinking, to increase activities for students, and to increase stronger and more consistent enforcement of no-alcohol policies will be shared.
Ideas for families and for communities will be distributed. Please plan to attend, and if possible, RSVP to Kandi Sorensen at 660-564-3389.
The Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall Meetings are a part of a national effort to increase understanding and awareness of the underage drinking and its consequences. Up to 2,000 organizations are hosting meetings thought the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Underage Drinking.
Setting in a Mousetrap Pondering my Fate -- March 19th
by Jim Lohman
A man and a boy, and the price of their toy
There was a fellow on CNN last week by the name of David Walker who was some kind of economist or a flunky of some kind, you figure it out. He said in essence, "American cannot afford National Health Insurance because it will bankrupt the country." I looked again to see if I was watching CNN or the Comedy Channel. Folks, I have news for you. America is bankrupt and it was long bankrupt before either of the Bushs got their hands on the national treasury. We all know the fun of spending other peoples money. Fact is our country has been in serious debt since World War II and even I see that as being a good reason. Even I cannot argue the point it was Franklin Delano Roosevelt that got us into financial trouble. We ‘Baby Boomers’ inherited the debts of our parents and keep adding to them.
Mr. Walker reminds me of most men. "We can afford the toys but we cannot afford the food to feed our families." We can afford Iraq, outer space, foreign aid and every sort of pork barrel spending we can think of, but we cannot afford to take care of the sick in the country. As I believe we only see the needs in the third world areas of the world and have little sight for the suffering and poverty in America. Yes, folks we are bankrupt and now Mr. Bush is trying to save his reputation in the presidency by handing out money. I have a better idea, take the money you wasted in Iraq Mr. Bush and split that between us. To make it plain, don’t think I am not going straight to the bank and cash the check, I am not a crazy trouble maker, must a trouble maker, I am going to use the money to pay debts and if I were you my friends and neighbors, it would be the best thing for you to do the same thing.
Think on this for just a second. How much more money would you have if you didn’t have to pay taxes? Why do you pay taxes? Answer to question number one. If you didn’t pay taxes you’d have a lot more money. Number two: You pay taxes because you have to. How much of your tax money goes to pay the national debt. Ross Perot said in 1992 that, "every dollar collected in federal income tax, west of the Mississippi River; [where you and I live,] goes to pay the interest on the national debt." What could this country have if we did not have the national debt? What has really happened is, our parents spent our money. Now in order to have anything, we are spending our children’s money and we have done even a better job of it than our parents did to us, because we are a spoiled rotten generation. We bought toys, now we can’t afford food.
We spent much of it on toys and now we don’t have the money for what we need. As is said, "the only difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toy."
Why didn’t these people start spewing this garbage about bankruptcy fifty years ago? If they would have, there would not have been a race to the moon, the Russians would have gotten there and we would have gotten the same news, "it is not made of green cheese." We could afford the space program because we wanted to do it and as the axiom goes, if we want it we can afford it, if we don’t want it, we can’t afford it. Boy, have I heard that argument many times over the years from families. David Walker doesn’t want national health insurance. Why should he? He can obviously afford health insurance, he might even get it for free. I don’t get it for free, I pay for it; when I can get it. I don’t believe that national health insurance should be free, there should be a premium, but it should be affordable. In my way of thinking our health care system is one of the biggest arguments that democracy doesn’t work perfectly and you know the main reason we have such a problem is, simple greed. That doctors feel they have to make as much money as a pitcher in the big leagues. That is the main reason we need national health insurance in this country, medical greed and why we can afford it because, we need it. The alternative is to wipe out greed, Our country is bankrupt and I mean morally. That is the real problem.
A man and a boy, and the price of their toy
There was a fellow on CNN last week by the name of David Walker who was some kind of economist or a flunky of some kind, you figure it out. He said in essence, "American cannot afford National Health Insurance because it will bankrupt the country." I looked again to see if I was watching CNN or the Comedy Channel. Folks, I have news for you. America is bankrupt and it was long bankrupt before either of the Bushs got their hands on the national treasury. We all know the fun of spending other peoples money. Fact is our country has been in serious debt since World War II and even I see that as being a good reason. Even I cannot argue the point it was Franklin Delano Roosevelt that got us into financial trouble. We ‘Baby Boomers’ inherited the debts of our parents and keep adding to them.
Mr. Walker reminds me of most men. "We can afford the toys but we cannot afford the food to feed our families." We can afford Iraq, outer space, foreign aid and every sort of pork barrel spending we can think of, but we cannot afford to take care of the sick in the country. As I believe we only see the needs in the third world areas of the world and have little sight for the suffering and poverty in America. Yes, folks we are bankrupt and now Mr. Bush is trying to save his reputation in the presidency by handing out money. I have a better idea, take the money you wasted in Iraq Mr. Bush and split that between us. To make it plain, don’t think I am not going straight to the bank and cash the check, I am not a crazy trouble maker, must a trouble maker, I am going to use the money to pay debts and if I were you my friends and neighbors, it would be the best thing for you to do the same thing.
Think on this for just a second. How much more money would you have if you didn’t have to pay taxes? Why do you pay taxes? Answer to question number one. If you didn’t pay taxes you’d have a lot more money. Number two: You pay taxes because you have to. How much of your tax money goes to pay the national debt. Ross Perot said in 1992 that, "every dollar collected in federal income tax, west of the Mississippi River; [where you and I live,] goes to pay the interest on the national debt." What could this country have if we did not have the national debt? What has really happened is, our parents spent our money. Now in order to have anything, we are spending our children’s money and we have done even a better job of it than our parents did to us, because we are a spoiled rotten generation. We bought toys, now we can’t afford food.
We spent much of it on toys and now we don’t have the money for what we need. As is said, "the only difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toy."
Why didn’t these people start spewing this garbage about bankruptcy fifty years ago? If they would have, there would not have been a race to the moon, the Russians would have gotten there and we would have gotten the same news, "it is not made of green cheese." We could afford the space program because we wanted to do it and as the axiom goes, if we want it we can afford it, if we don’t want it, we can’t afford it. Boy, have I heard that argument many times over the years from families. David Walker doesn’t want national health insurance. Why should he? He can obviously afford health insurance, he might even get it for free. I don’t get it for free, I pay for it; when I can get it. I don’t believe that national health insurance should be free, there should be a premium, but it should be affordable. In my way of thinking our health care system is one of the biggest arguments that democracy doesn’t work perfectly and you know the main reason we have such a problem is, simple greed. That doctors feel they have to make as much money as a pitcher in the big leagues. That is the main reason we need national health insurance in this country, medical greed and why we can afford it because, we need it. The alternative is to wipe out greed, Our country is bankrupt and I mean morally. That is the real problem.
Opinion: The Positive Presence of Teachers and Teens
Opinions represent those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor of the Sheridan Express.
By Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.
While hurtling toward the homestretch of this academic year, we're already paying significant attention to the next. Perhaps that's no surprise in this most political of seasons when the state of our schools, and the teachers who teach in them, is plenty of fodder for debate. Such critical issues as class size, standardized testing, merit pay, and student behavior will compete for attention - as many of them do in a recent Time magazine cover story, "How to Make Great Teachers."
But, what makes a great teacher, anyway?
As with most questions involving subjective measurement, answers can be hard to come by. But one thing is certain: in our rush to build better teachers, bolster math and science scores, and improve American students' rank in the global community, we are well served to remember that great teachers transcend GPAs and SAT results - as evidenced by the Time story's author, Claudia Wallis, who credits two teachers with providing the inspiration that led to her writing career.
I can make exactly the same case about one of my teachers.
Great teachers possess an incredible capacity to inspire children and, thereby, to shape the future - perhaps in ways more significant than whoever becomes our next President.
While the presence of "formal" (or matched) mentors has already been shown to enhance school performance, improve relationships with parents and peers, reduce initiation of drug and alcohol use, and decrease incidents of youth violence, a Teens Today study conducted by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has found similarly encouraging results for young people with informal (or natural) mentors, such as teachers, coaches, and counselors. According to more than 3,000 middle and high school students, these adults are some of the most important, influential people in their lives. And that influence shows up in some pretty formidable ways.
For example, 46 percent of teens with a mentor reported a high sense of self versus 25 percent of teens without a mentor. High sense-of-self teens feel more positive about their own identity, growing independence, and relationships with peers than do teens with a low sense of self. They are also more likely to avoid alcohol and drug use. Teens struggling with those developmental areas, on the other hand, are more likely to drink, to use drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine, and to cite boredom and depression as reasons to have sex. They also note a greater susceptibility to peer pressure when making choices about personal behavior.
Notably, more than half of teens (56 percent) say the absence of a mentor would negatively affect them. And, after all, they would know best.
So, what does a mentor look like? The characteristics young people ascribe to them include trustworthy, caring, understanding, respectful, helpful, dependable, fun, compassionate, and responsible. Being a good listener and offering good advice were also seen as key skills of successful mentors.
That sounds like a tall order but, on second thought, maybe not.
According to a fourteen-year-old ninth-grader, "Being a mentor to someone does not mean you have to always know the right answer, just that you are always there when they need someone to lean on."
She may be on to something. As Woody Allen said, "Ninety percent of life is just showing up."
In her essay "The Power of Presence," which appears in This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women (Henry Holt and Co.), psychologist Debbie Hall writes, "Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing. States of being are not highly valued in a culture which places a high priority on doing. Yet, true presence or 'being with' another person carries with it a silent power - to bear witness to a passage, to help carry an emotional burden or to begin a healing process."
Pretty heady stuff - but well worth the effort, not only because of the direct impact of mentors on youth, but also because of the multiplier effect: Mentored teens may be predisposed to mentor others - transferring the positive value of presence to the life of others younger than oneself.
Such is the case with Stephen Winkler, SADD's incoming 2008-2009 Student of the Year, who participates in a program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. As "Bigs," he and his friends meet weekly with their "Littles" to talk and have fun - building a bridge between natural and planned mentoring. Stephen says of the younger boys, "They never miss a Tuesday." Given the gain, it's no wonder.
And thus is the power of great teachers who teach not just to the test, but to the student, forging strong bonds of mentorship and, in the process, transforming young lives . perhaps more of them than they know.
Stephen Wallace, national chairman and chief executive officer of SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. For more information about SADD, visit sadd.org. For more information about Stephen, visit stephengraywallace.com.
By Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.
While hurtling toward the homestretch of this academic year, we're already paying significant attention to the next. Perhaps that's no surprise in this most political of seasons when the state of our schools, and the teachers who teach in them, is plenty of fodder for debate. Such critical issues as class size, standardized testing, merit pay, and student behavior will compete for attention - as many of them do in a recent Time magazine cover story, "How to Make Great Teachers."
But, what makes a great teacher, anyway?
As with most questions involving subjective measurement, answers can be hard to come by. But one thing is certain: in our rush to build better teachers, bolster math and science scores, and improve American students' rank in the global community, we are well served to remember that great teachers transcend GPAs and SAT results - as evidenced by the Time story's author, Claudia Wallis, who credits two teachers with providing the inspiration that led to her writing career.
I can make exactly the same case about one of my teachers.
Great teachers possess an incredible capacity to inspire children and, thereby, to shape the future - perhaps in ways more significant than whoever becomes our next President.
While the presence of "formal" (or matched) mentors has already been shown to enhance school performance, improve relationships with parents and peers, reduce initiation of drug and alcohol use, and decrease incidents of youth violence, a Teens Today study conducted by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has found similarly encouraging results for young people with informal (or natural) mentors, such as teachers, coaches, and counselors. According to more than 3,000 middle and high school students, these adults are some of the most important, influential people in their lives. And that influence shows up in some pretty formidable ways.
For example, 46 percent of teens with a mentor reported a high sense of self versus 25 percent of teens without a mentor. High sense-of-self teens feel more positive about their own identity, growing independence, and relationships with peers than do teens with a low sense of self. They are also more likely to avoid alcohol and drug use. Teens struggling with those developmental areas, on the other hand, are more likely to drink, to use drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine, and to cite boredom and depression as reasons to have sex. They also note a greater susceptibility to peer pressure when making choices about personal behavior.
Notably, more than half of teens (56 percent) say the absence of a mentor would negatively affect them. And, after all, they would know best.
So, what does a mentor look like? The characteristics young people ascribe to them include trustworthy, caring, understanding, respectful, helpful, dependable, fun, compassionate, and responsible. Being a good listener and offering good advice were also seen as key skills of successful mentors.
That sounds like a tall order but, on second thought, maybe not.
According to a fourteen-year-old ninth-grader, "Being a mentor to someone does not mean you have to always know the right answer, just that you are always there when they need someone to lean on."
She may be on to something. As Woody Allen said, "Ninety percent of life is just showing up."
In her essay "The Power of Presence," which appears in This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women (Henry Holt and Co.), psychologist Debbie Hall writes, "Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing. States of being are not highly valued in a culture which places a high priority on doing. Yet, true presence or 'being with' another person carries with it a silent power - to bear witness to a passage, to help carry an emotional burden or to begin a healing process."
Pretty heady stuff - but well worth the effort, not only because of the direct impact of mentors on youth, but also because of the multiplier effect: Mentored teens may be predisposed to mentor others - transferring the positive value of presence to the life of others younger than oneself.
Such is the case with Stephen Winkler, SADD's incoming 2008-2009 Student of the Year, who participates in a program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. As "Bigs," he and his friends meet weekly with their "Littles" to talk and have fun - building a bridge between natural and planned mentoring. Stephen says of the younger boys, "They never miss a Tuesday." Given the gain, it's no wonder.
And thus is the power of great teachers who teach not just to the test, but to the student, forging strong bonds of mentorship and, in the process, transforming young lives . perhaps more of them than they know.
Stephen Wallace, national chairman and chief executive officer of SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. For more information about SADD, visit sadd.org. For more information about Stephen, visit stephengraywallace.com.
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