Tigers Edge South Nodaway in Opening Round

Worth County's boys advanced to the second round of districts with their 46-42 win over South Nodaway in the opening round of districts. It was the first time in three years that they had advanced past the first round, getting stymied by West Nodaway two years ago and Northeast Nodaway last year. South Nodaway, which had improved a lot despite having 6'9" player Zach Hilsabeck quit the team in the middle of the season, had been in all their games since their 56-11 loss to Jefferson and have something to build on for next year.

The Tigers raised their record to 17-9 with the win, their best season since 2006-2007, when they beat Bethany on their own gym for the second time in 30 years and made district finals in Class 2. They did so by catching fire at the right time, winning for the 11th time in their last 13 games and pulling out another close one.

Worth County built up a 10-6 lead in the first quarter; Todd Harding hit from the top of the key following a 13 pass possession; Bryce Ross got a free throw; Eli Mullock cut inside for a layup, Alex Harmening hit a 3-pointer from the left wing, and Harding got a finger roll to go down for Worth County. But South Nodaway began driving to the basket at will in the latter stages of the first quarter, getting layups from both Dakota Murphy and Brandon Cozine to tie it before Silas Nielson's free throw put South Nodaway up 11-10 after one quarter.

The Longhorns had been dictating the pace of the game in the first period, slowing the game down and playing at their pace; however, Worth County was able to change the tempo of the game and speed it up, starting with a fast break from Jordan Harding after a long pass from Bryce Ross. Todd Harding added a steal and drive; Bryce Ross scored from inside while Alex Harmening hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and Todd Harding threw a long pass to Eli in transition as Eli was able to use his speed to get behind the defense and make it 21-11. South Nodaway burned three timeouts during that stretch trying to stop the run.

A pair of defensive lapses by Worth County cost them and let South Nodaway back in the game as consecutive 3-pointers from Dakota Murphy and Brandon Cozine made it 21-19 and South Nodaway had plenty of chances to tie before Wyatt McClain hit Bryce Ross inside to make it 23-19. Todd Harding then got a steal off the press in the closing seconds to make it 25-19 at the break.

Worth County followed the lead of the Northwest women against Southern the other night and went ice cold from the field as Cozine began driving at will against Worth County to lead his team back to within 27-25. Dalton Murphy's free throw made it 27-26, but then coach Chris Healy called timeout and made an adjustment, spreading the team out more on offense. The move worked as the Tigers were more effective offensively, getting a lot more spacing and movement and a lot more driving lanes to work with. Alex Harmening hit a 3-pointer off an inbounds play and then Eli Mullock scored from the high post, getting the Tigers out of the danger zone at 32-26.

Todd Harding warmed up at the start of the fourth, getting a floater in the lane off a drive and later adding a free throw to make it 35-28. Dakota Murphy got a drive to make it 35-30, but then Todd Harding got another one of his floaters after grabbing an offensive board and then Eli got a steal off the press and a 3-point play to make it 40-30 with 4:49 left. South Nodaway would fight back as Silas Nielsen scored from inside to make it 40-34, but the Longhorns passed up some chances to make it closer and Alex Harmening hit a free throw and Bryce Ross hit another to make it 42-34 with 1:41 left. South Nodaway chipped away, using free throws from Dillon Heath and a basket from Cozine to make it 43-38, but then Bryce Ross' free throws made it a 3-possession game with 43.8 seconds left. Cozine hit from inside and Todd Harding hit another free throw to make it 46-40 and South Nodaway tried for a 3-pointer that would have made it one possession, but Heath's 3-point try missed. Todd Harding was tied up with 8.8 seconds left and the possession arrow favored South Nodaway, but Worth County did a good job stopping the 3-point attempt and South Nodaway had to settle for free throws from Dakota Murphy with 5.5 seconds left to make it 46-42. The Longhorns tried to deny the inbounds pass, but Worth County got it to Todd Harding, who dribbled out the remainder of the clock to secure the win.

County Commission Sets Up Talks with S&V over Roof

The County Commission is in the process of trying to set up talks with commissioners, S&V personnel, and new county attorney David Baird over the roof which the county commissioners say is still leaking even after repairs made. James of S&V, the firm that engineered the roof project, spoke with commissioners on the phone at Monday's meeting and said that he had visited the Courthouse on December 1st but commissioners were attending the funeral of Joker Miller that day and James said that he could not find anything wrong with the roof. Subsequently, commissioners got a boom truck for him to go up in, but he had already left.

Another issue that came up was the number of shingles. The county says that they need three surplus bundles of slate shingles of 110 pieces each in the event of future repairs; however, they say that the shingles present are not adequate for that purpose. Debbie of S&V also spoke over the speaker phone with commissioners and requested documentation regarding the shingles; however, commissioners said that previous attorney John Young had already documented the number of shingles and sent it to them. The contract for the project states that the roof must be watertight; however, commissioners say that the roof is still leaking.

Ron Roach requested ditch work on Road 254 on the county line with Harrison east of Allendale; he said that the road was getting narrow due to erosion.

Clerk Roberta Owens reported that she would be attending upcoming training for HPRP, elections training, and the Missouri Association of Counties training.

Commissioner Dennis Gabbert reported that he had gotten a quote from Steve Combs regarding cabling for the generator. A permanent cable would cost an estimated $945 while a portable cable would cost around $2,397. Commissioners are still trying to decide which solution to go with.

Mowing of the Courtyard was discussed. The Courtyard may be torn up for various construction projects during the year. In addition, they might cut some of the stumps on the trees shorter. Part of the problem is deciding whether to get bids for mowing or whether to get a new mower, which commissioners said would cost money. Either way would cost money due to the high gas prices; a job which cost $70 per mow last summer could cost as much as $100 per mow this year. The county has a history of mowers and vacuum sweepers that have not lasted very long.

Emergency Management Director Pat Kobbe will value the trailer and equipment inside it for insurance purposes.

Economic Developer Charity Austin reported that with the approval of all the towns of the proposed Enhanced Enterprise Zone, the next step would be forming a board representing as many of the entities within the county as possible consisting of seven members. Part of the task would be finalizing the area to be excluded from the EEZ.

Austin said that they were in the process of doing drawings for the Gazebo and that construction could begin as early as this month.

Road and Bridge Foreman Jim Fletchall reported on price quotes that he had gotten. One bucket for the loader would cost $2,800 while he found another one for $1,000. He said that crews would need to redo the gate which he says is dragging the ground. Fletchall reported that quotes for a 1,000 container of gas would be around $2,500 while a 500 gallon tank would run around $1,149. The alternative would be to ditch gas containers altogether and go with a Petro Card. Any decision regarding the county's fuel needs was tabled until commissioners could talk with Sheriff Terry Sheddrick regarding the fuel needs for the Sheriff's Department.

A decision regarding getting a credit card for the county was also tabled; it was getting more and more difficult to purchase needed items without one online; however, the danger was having cards that were floating around without documentation. The downside of the present policy of not having one is that road crews would have to wait to do needed shop work on equipment. Commissioner Gabbert said that if the county was to have a credit card, they would have to have a policy about access to it.

The commissioners talked with Richard Supinger regarding the restoration of the old Courtroom. Commissioner Rob Ruckman said that he thought that if enough money was pooled together, they might finally have the money to work on the project. Roberta Owens reported that State Representative Casey Guernsey had expressed interest in the project and would be willing to meet with commissioners regarding possible funding sources for the project.

David Walmath and Annette Weeks of the Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation requested and got a $1,200 contribution from the county. The NWMEF helps both new and existing businesses in the area, including Worth County, to grow free of charge. They are a non-profit organization. They have helped six businesses start in the county. They have a 75-member board including people in the county who meet and help each other solve problems; they are always looking for more members.

Northeast Boys Put Away Improved Mustang Squad

Northeast Nodaway's boys put away an improved North Nodaway squad, beating them 62-33 last Tuesday as they continued their pattern of having a strong second half to win. The Bluejays won their third straight after dropping their game to Elwood and avoided a repeat of last year when a much smaller Mustang squad beat Northeast on their own floor by two. Northeast had beaten North Nodaway 58-15 earlier in the year, but since then North Nodaway had developed a lot more firepower as they were able to keep up with Northeast in the first quarter. There were four ties and four lead changes before Bryce Farnan stepped through two defenders and then Kevin Stoll lobbed the ball to him inside to make it 15-11 with 25 seconds left. But the gunslinging North Nodaway squad answered with a 3-pointer from Dwight Titus to make it 15-14 after one. For the quarter, Farnan had eight in the period and Colby Wiederholt had five more as the much smaller Mustang squad did not have an answer for Northeast's inside game.

Nick Gladman hit a 3-pointer to give North Nodaway its last lead at 17-16 with 7:18 left, but then Colby Wiederholt took over the game, scoring the next 10 points of the game. He got a fast break and pass from Aaron and then followed with a steal to make it 20-17. Colby then added a pair of free throws, another breakaway, and then got a steal off the press to make it 26-17 with 3:23 left. Bryce Farnan picked up his second foul, which slowed Northeast and Trent Coleman's putback was the only score by either team until Farnan got behind the defense and converted it into a free throw to make it 27-19 at the half.

Kevin Stoll twice lobbed the ball into Bryce to get the game into double digits at 31-19. Dwight Titus scored on a fast break but then Dalton Welch 's driving layup made it 33-19. But then Northeast went into a round of hacking and fouling and Bryce Farnan, Colby Wiederholt, and Dalton Welch all picked up their third fouls. Jason Henggeler came off the bench and played some of his best basketball of the year, leaping high for some rebounds and getting a shot from the left side. But North Nodaway took advantage of Northeast's foul trouble to get back to within 35-25 before Colby hit a tough shot inside and converted a 3-point play to make it 38-25 going into the fourth.

Colby's play seemed to break the dam as Northeast would score the first 13 points of the fourth. Bryce Farnan hit a pair of free throws; Kevin Stoll, who had been quiet from the field, hit a 3-pointer from the right side and then Aaron Patton added a drive. Colby Wiederholt got behind the North Nodaway defense and then Bryce Farnan got a putback and Aaron Patton scored off a steal to make it 51-25 with 5:18 left in the game.

North Nodaway hit a pair of free throws, but then Bryce Farnan got a putback and 3-point play; Kevin Stoll added a drive and then scored another one off a Henggeler assist after he had skied for an offensive board; Jason got another offensive board and put it back in to trigger the running clock. Tyler Schmitz got a putback in the closing seconds for the reserves.

NEN Girls Grind Out 44-32 Win over Mustangs

Northeast Nodaway's girls fought through playing the second of back to back games as well as battling the flu as they beat North Nodaway 44-32 last Tuesday. Blair Schmitz was playing at about 75% strength as she was under the weather; Michelle Schulte, who did not play in Monday's win over Nodaway-Holt, didn't start but she immediately made her presence known by convincing everyone she was OK and then backing it up with a 3-pointer shortly after coming off the bench. That seemed to snap Northeast out of its lethargy as they only managed one point in the first 4:52 of the game. Blair got winded at one point and sat out much of the first quarter before coming back late in the period and hanging in there for the rest of the game, leading with 12 points.

North Nodaway broke Northeast's man press, but could not solve their zone press in the second quarter as Northeast finally began to pull away after North Nodaway had closed to within two early in the period. Blair got behind the Mustang press for a layup and then following a Taylor Dougan steal, Blair found Rachel Runde in her favorite spot on the left baseline as she put on a fake and then hit from there to make it 14-8. Cambry Schluter's free throw made it 17-9, but then Emily Bryant found Taylor Dougan from the right wing to make it 17-9 with 5:22 left. North Nodaway only managed a free throw and a shot from the left side from Ali Ramsey as Blair trailed perfectly in transition and Rachel Runde found her open; Michelle Schulte got a drive that opened up Rachel on the baseline again; Blair kicked it out against the collapsing Mustang zone to Kristin Sherry, and then Kristin skipped it to Blair, who drove down the left side of the lane to make it 24-12 at the half.

Kristin Sherry took a charge to start the second half and then later threw to Blair in the post; Blair made a rare move with her right hand for a bucket to make it 26-12. Ramsey hit a 3-pointer, but then Blair fed it to Kristin Sherry inside and then Emily Bryant hit Rachel Runde on the left side to make it 30-15 with 5:03 left in the quarter. But then North Nodaway began hitting their outside shots against Northeast's zone, which forced Northeast back to their man. #12, Ramsey, and Schluter all began spraying outside shots on Northeast as they were able to cut the lead to 32-24 with 1:28 left before Blair found Emily Bryant on the top of the key to make it 35-24. But then Ramsey's driving layup got it back under double digits with 10 seconds left with plenty of time left.

But then Blair Schmitz beat the Mustang defense and found Kristin in transition and then drove and spun against the Mustang defense for a 3-point play for the dagger that put the lead back into double digits and North Nodaway would not get it under 11 for the rest of the game. Kristin Sherry went backdoor and got a pass from Blair and then Michelle Schulte added some free throws for Northeast at the end.

Austin, Sydney Thummel win Reserve Champion Honors

Austin and Sydney Thummel each won reserve showman in an Angus show this weekend at the Missouri Junior Angus Association. Austin will go on to represent Missouri at the national NJAS in Pennsylvania in July. Austin was also elected Missouri Junior Angus President and also received a Missouri Angus Foundation Scholarship.

Andy & Kim Welch purchase Jim's Friendly Tavern

Andy and Kim Welch of Sheridan have purchased Jim's Friendly Tavern from Jim Harrell, the Sheridan Express has learned. Jim's Friendly has been an institution in Sheridan for the last 20 years, being the place to be for many people in the community of all ages. Under Jim Harrell's ownership, the tavern has always featured live music, beer and drinks, dinner specials, home cooking, snacks, video games, pool, a jukebox and TV. The tavern has employed many people over the years and has had a lot of volunteer help as well in keeping everything done. The tavern has been a major economic pull for the area, bringing in people from all over the area including Bedford and Maryville. It has been one of the main places people congregate during Old Defiance Days and their Super Bowl parties with free food have drawn many people as well.

The Welches will take possession in 4-6 weeks when they get their liquor licenses. They will change the name of the business, but have not decided on the name. The tavern remained open for business Monday.

Bearcat Women Go Ice Cold in Southern Loss

Northwest Missouri State's women went ice cold in a 70-62 loss in Joplin Saturday as they concluded their regular season before the MIAA Tournament this week after having led by as many as 14 points early in the second half. The Bearcats had a similar bad experience in Joplin back in 2003-2004 as they went 24-7 for the year, won the MIAA Tournament, and went to the National Tournament but dropped a 60-59 heartbreaker to a Lion squad that was peaking at the right time that year in Joplin. History repeated itself again as Northwest shot 28.1% in the second half against Southern. The loss did not hurt Northwest's MIAA chances -- the Bearcats had clinched the MIAA title the game before with their Senior Night win over Southwest Baptist and Washburn's overtime loss to Emporia State. But they hurt any chances they had of moving up in the regional standings. Now, the task will shift to focusing on Truman -- the Bearcats will play Truman at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. The outside shooting for Northwest was nonexistent as they had only one 3-pointer in the loss, allowing Southern to clog up the paint. The rebounding was not there either as they were outrebounded 44-36 in the loss.

Kyla Roehrig opened the scoring for the Bearcats with a putback with 19:43 left and Gabby Curtis followed with a layup that made it 4-0. Larrita Garrison's layup made it 8-4, but Gabby Curtis hit Kyla Roehrig in the paint and then Abby Henry found Curtis for a layup with 16:00 to make it 8-3.

Gentry Dietz's free throw made it 11-5, but Southern would fight back to within one behind Erin Rice's 3-pointer with 14:00 to make it 11-10. The lead would stay from one to four until Roehrig's 3-point play with 8:30 left made it 21-15. Gentry Dietz's free throw with 6:08 would stretch the lead to seven and then she added a 3-point play to make it 29-19 with 5:41 left in the first half. Afton Baldwin's 3-pointer with 3:52 left cut it to 31-24, but then Gabby Curtis found Kyla Roehrig for a layup to make it 39-28 at the half.

Northwest dominated the first half in points in the paint at 22-14, but they had a much harder time getting the ball inside as they would be outscored 18-10 in the paint in the second half. Even more telling was the fact that Northwest did not get a single fast break point in the second half, meaning Southern was able to dictate the pace in the second half. That was similar to the 2003-2004 meeting in which Southern was able to dictate the pace in that game as well.

Gentry Dietz of all people hit Northwest's only 3-pointer early in the second half to make it 42-28 but then Southern stated going to the paint at will as they got three straight layups to cut it back to 10; one from Kelby Fritz and two from Jasmine Lovejoy to make it 44-34. Southern continued to claw away, getting free throws from Larrita Garrison to cut it to 45-39 as Northwest was making a futile effort to establish their 3-point game.

Baskets by Abby Henry and Gentry Dietz kept it at 9 points for a while, but then Afton Baldwin struck again for Southern, this time bringing it to within 49-45 with 11:22 left. Erin Rice then got a steal and drive to make it 49-47 before Gabby Curtis hit a jumper and Kyla Roehrig hit two free throws to temporarily stop the bleeding. But then Northwest would go cold for the next three minutes as Erin Rice hit a 3-pointer following an offensive board and then later hit a layup to give Southern its first lead of the game at 54-52 with 6:36 left.

Northwest has been in this situation many times where the other team made a big run or even took the lead and they would fight back and win. They have made a living off of winning these close games. But the moral of the story this time around seemed to be that when you live on the edge, eventually you will fall off. Gentry Dietz got a 3-point play for Northwest off a pass from Kyla Roehrig to put Northwest back in front 56-54, only to have Larrita Garrison hit a 3-pointer to put Southern back in front 57-56 with 6:04 left. There followed a momentum changing play as Erin Rice got a steal for Southern which led to a free throw by Jasmine Lovejoy to make it 58-56. Lovejoy missed the second, only to have Rice get the offensive board which led to Afton Baldwin's 3-pointer to make it 61-56 as Southern got four straight points without Northwest having the benefit of touching the basketball.

Northwest fought back to within one as Southern missed two chances to extend their lead, leading to baskets from Abby Henry and Kyla Roehrig to make it 63-62 with 2:33 left. But then Erin Rice hit two free throws and then got a steal of the ensuing Northwest possession which led to a Lovejoy layup to make it 67-62 with 1:54 left; Northwest did not score again as they missed four shots from the field and missed two free throws in the final 1:54.

Cut to the Chase -- Farm Safety a Two Way Street

FARM SAFETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET

By Denny Banister

Accidental injuries and deaths make farming one of the most hazardous jobs, usually ranking in the top five of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. To remedy the situation requires the cooperation of not only farmers and ranchers, but the non-farm public as well.

How can the non-farm public have anything to do with farm safety? The answer is simple – slow down on county roads where farmers are often moving tractors and heavy equipment from one field to another. Many county roads are narrow with hills and curves, giving drivers of fast-moving cars very little time to react when topping a hill and suddenly finding a slow-moving tractor in their path.

The argument could be made the farmers are driving too slowly, but assessing blame is not the point – the goal is to prevent the accidents in the first place. Farmers need to take all safety precautions, such as ensuring slow-moving vehicle warning reflectors are mounted to the rear of their tractors, wagons and implements, and making sure emergency lights are flashing.

Drivers need to slow down and not assume the road will be clear around the next bend. Getting off the highway and using county roads is attractive to many drivers during spring months, however, farmers will use these roads, too – spring planting is underway.

National Farm Safety and Health Week is observed during harvest time, and yet the most dangerous time of the year for farmers is spring planting season. To raise awareness of this fact, with the goal of reducing the accidental injuries and deaths so prevalent at this time of the year, Farm Bureau sponsors Agricultural Safety Awareness Week the first full week of March.

Accidents between fast-moving vehicles and slow-moving farm equipment can cause serious injuries to both drivers. It is not about fault; it is about prevention of accidental injury and death. When using county roads and highways, farm safety is a two-way street.

(Denny Banister, of Jefferson City, Mo., is the assistant director of public affairs for the Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.)

Annual Red Cross Fund Drive Begins for Worth County

Judith Matteson will again chair the Red Cross Fund Drive for our county. Worth County has been challenged with raising $1,000.00. The American Red Cross of Greater St. Joseph serves this county as well as 10 others in our region. The Red Cross delivered 1200 meals to Worth County during the ice storm, they furnish new clothing, food & medication vouchers for families without insurance that have suffered the devastation of a house fire. Red Cross completely furnished our Shelter Trailer with cots, blankets, MRE's, personal care kits & other items free of charge to the county and will furnish more cots if needed. They came to the Grant City Square Fire and would have sent more people and food had the community not already stepped up to furnish food for all the fire fighters. You may mail a check to Judith Matteson, P.O. Box 101, Grant City, Mo. 64456. The check should be made to American Red Cross with Worth County Hero in the note portion of the check. You may also donate online at http://american.redcross.org/goto/JudithMatteson, the fund drive runs to the end of March, but donations will be cheerfully accepted at any time.

Tornado Drill for Worth County March 8th

Severe Weather Awareness Week for both Kansas and Missouri will be the week of March 7 to 11. There will be a state wide tornado drill in both states at 130 PM Tuesday March 8 with a backup date of Thursday March 10 at 130 PM, including Worth County.

Dog breeders converge at Capitol to save their industry just months after voters restrict them

Just months after Missourians voted to limit the number of dogs in breeding facilities, lawmakers already are attempting to change that restriction. Many breeders have converged at the Capitol to argue for more lax regulations to save their businesses. Hubert Lavy owns a large dog breeding facility in Silex, in Lincoln County. He sells many puppies but also donates some to organizations as companion dogs for people with special needs. He said under Prop. B legislation, he no longer will be able to sustain his business. "Please don't let these people take this away from me," said Lavy. "It's all I have. It's all I want to do." Lavy said Proposition B, which restricts breeders to owning only 50 breeding dogs, is flawed because its authors do not have knowledge of the breeding process. He said cage size dimensions specified under Prop. B are too big for puppies to survive in. "If you have this area for the mother when she has her puppies, the puppies will walk away and go into the corner and chill, and you will lose the puppies because it's too big," Lavy said. "You need a smaller area no bigger than a four by four (feet)." Columbia Second Chance founder Betsy Casteel said her no-kill shelter has had difficulties rehabilitating dogs from bad breeders. She said the current legislation might not be perfect but said it's better than nothing. "It is probably flawed, so people who are critical may have some weight, but to me it is flawed in that there is no funding to go with it," Casteel said. "If we had sufficient funding for the inspectors we already have, there probably would be no reason to have Proposition B." Both Senate Bill 113 & 95 and House Bill 131 would take away the 50-dog limit for breeding facilities and repeal other restrictions if passed.

Charter schools could expand across the state

Traditional public schools would face more competition under a bill presented to the House Education Committee Wednesday [Feb. 23]. Rep. Tishaura Jones, D-St. Louis City, sponsored the bill, which would allow school districts outside of Kansas City and St. Louis City to create charter schools. Charter schools, which are publicly funded, are governed by an independent school board and are currently sponsored by a Missouri public university. They are held to the same performance and attendance standards as other public schools around the state. "The bill would give superintendents another tool in their toolbox," Jones said. Many parents from St. Louis City came out for the hearing wearing yellow scarves in support of school choice and the expansion of charter schools. "This is a choice issue; families should have a choice for their children," said Pamela McLucas, a parent whose children have attended charter schools. Byron Clemens, a spokesman of American Federation of Teachers Missouri, said charter schools are not working well enough to justify expansion. "The vision is simply not happening at charter schools right now," Clemens said. Rep. Sara Lampe, D-Springfield, said the bill could allow business firms and organizations to turn a profit on education. "We need to follow the money," Lampe said. Lampe said she supports alternative school choices but not the charter school expansion bill.

Senate committee considers tying state minimum wage to federal standard

A proposed change to current minimum wage legislation could affect thousands of Missouri workers. The Missouri Senate bill calls for voters in the 2012 election to decide whether to bind the state minimum wage to the federally mandated wage. The Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee heard the bill Tuesday [Feb. 22]. Committee Chairman Sen. Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles County, said he sees the change as benefiting Missouri's business community. "If we start to exceed the national minimum wage, then all of a sudden we become even more uncompetitive compared to neighboring states," Rupp said. "(The bill) is something to look at, especially in an era of low employment." While the federal and state wage are both currently set at $7.25, critics worry inflation could eat up the amount that workers would receive in the future. The current law was enacted in 2006, after voters supported an increase in the state's minimum wage levels. Lara Granich, director of the Missouri Jobs with Justice Coalition, helped push for passage of the 2006 increase. She said the amount of support the proposal received around the state proves that lawmakers should keep their hands off the status quo. "76.4 percent of Missourians voted for the increase in minimum wage," Granich said. "Actually, even more powerfully, it passed in every single county by 16 points or more." However, Rupp said the current economic downturn makes it imperative to try to attract employers to the state. "We can kick it back to the people and say is this something that you wanted to do to try to spur economic growth in our small businesses, which hire most of the employees here in the state," Rupp said. Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, could not be reached for comment.

Guess what? The process worked.

One of the House leaders has ties to one of the Humane Society's so-called "dirty dozen," one of the kennels that was in extremely bad shape. But the article notes that the problems in the kennels have mostly been solved, thanks to the State Department of Agriculture. Guess what? The process worked. No need for Prop. B.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/political-fix/article_ef57fb04-4069-11e0-8250-00127992bc8b.html

Worth County FBLA Gets 20 Medalists

The Worth County Future Business Leaders of America attended their annual District Leadership Conference Thursday March 24th. The contest is made up of over 650 competitors competing in business tests, business presentations, and computer production skill tests. Worth County was well represented with 27 competitors and ended up with 20 top 3 medalists. By the end of the competition Worth County qualified for state in 5 events and had several 2nd and 3rd place finishes that were points away from qualifying. State contest will be held in Columbia April 17-19 were the qualifiers will compete against all of Missouri FBLA which happens to be the 2nd largest chapter in the nation.

State Qualifiers: 1st Place Web Design team: Todd Harding, Jordan Harding, & Will Buffington. Visit their site at http://wc.k12.mo.us/FBLA/index.html; 1st place Business Law: Will Buffington; 1st place Sports Management: Bryson Scott; 2nd place Marketing: Brooke Gilland; 2nd place Business Calculations: Jordan Harding. Other top finishes: 2nd place Emerging Business Issues: Lauren Null, Carli Jackson, and Brooke Gilland; 3rd place Accounting: Todd Harding. 3rd place Personal Finance: Teri Leigh Larison; 3rd place Business Ethics team: Jordan Hunt, Teri Leigh Larison, and Taylor Butcher; 3rd place Business Presentation team: Kristen Andrews, Felicia Cook, Rebecca Moore; 3rd place Business Communications: Lauren Null; 3rd Place Computer Applications: Rebecca Moore; 3rd place Introduction to Business: Grant Parman.

Tyler Lorentz Injured in Accident

Tyler Lorentz of Sheridan was injured in a one car accident east of Sheridan today (Thursday) in slick conditions shortly after 4:00 p.m. Lorentz was eastbound on 246 just before the intersection with 46 when he lost control of his truck and skidded off the north end of the road, hit an embankment, and overturned. Lorentz sustained arm and shoulder injuries. The accident was investigated by the Sheridan Fire Department and the Worth County Sheriff's Department.

McCaskill Unveils Program to Improve Veterans Healthcare

After months of preparation and input from the veterans’ community and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill joined local veterans and VA officials to unveil a new partnership aimed at improving veterans experiences at St. Louis area VA healthcare facilities. The program, called the Veterans Customer Satisfaction Program (VCSP), brings together veterans, the VA, patient advocates and concerned members of the community to address frustrations that veterans experience with their VA healthcare, as well as to assess the quality of their care and seek solutions where problems are identified. The program empowers veterans to be ‘secret shoppers’ within the region’s VA healthcare facilities so they can provide confidential feedback that will help improve care and customer service at such facilities.

Veterans can visit http://mccaskill.senate.gov/vcsp to participate.



Last September, McCaskill toured John Cochran Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center amidst reports of problems at the facility. Following the tour, McCaskill met with hospital administrators about the incident, and discussed, among other things, ways the VA needed to make improvements. After that meeting she announced that her office would begin development of a proactive program to help veterans participate in the process of identifying areas in need of improvement and in making the VA healthcare facilities more user-friendly.

The program will allow veterans the opportunity to complete a confidential survey about their experiences at St. Louis VA medical centers. The data from the surveys will help McCaskill and local veterans organizations compile reports with recommendations on improving veterans' experiences.

The VA has agreed to respond to and address all concerns within 30 days of receiving a report. Veterans can visit http://mccaskill.senate.gov/vcsp to complete the survey.

Since arriving in the Senate, McCaskill has made improving services for veterans a top priority. She has toured the state twice (in 2007 and again in 2010) holding a series of forums designed to listen specifically to the concerns of veterans.

Because of these visits and the daily input she receives from Missouri veterans and their families, she has successfully worked to improve benefits and services for the men and women who sacrificed for our country. Read more about her record on veterans issues here.

Jack Remembers: Mail Change

I obtained a Real Estate Broker’s License in 1963. John Dalton was Governor. Back then, you did not have to be a Real Estate Salesperson before becoming a Broker. I struggled for several years in the real estate business and had to take other jobs in order to make a living.

I finally decided to specialize in farms and I came up with the idea to obtain my listings and to make my sales through the mail. In 1975 I bought a word processor made by Olivetti, from Italy. It was the first to have unlimited storage capacity and allowed me to type a personalized letter to both the farmers to obtain listings and to my investors to make sales. I paid $6,000 for the machine. You have to realize at that time, gasoline was around fifty cents a gallon. I then added to my office equipment an $8,000 copy machine, and a $400 fax. I made copies of an aerial photo of farms for sale, and mailed them to my buyers. It was a highly successful operation. I even sold one farm I never saw. For several years I sold more farms than any broker in the State of Missouri. The Carter embargo on the sale of grain to Russia caused grain to fall 1/3 in price and the value of farms plummeted, thus ending my farm sales.

Today it wouldn’t work. No one writes or reads letters anymore. It takes too much time. All they have to do is turn on the computer and communicate with Facebook or e-mail, or by texting on their cell phone. Today you can buy a fax, copy machine, printer for less than a hundred dollars, and the program to put the mailer out is in most computers. Now only politicians and restaurants put out mailers using an oversized postcard with a picture that you have to look at while you are tossing it in the trash. Ten years from now, there won’t be Post Offices, which is alright with me. The only thing I get in the mail anyhow is bills.

Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com

Obituary: Thelma Kathleen Mercer 1914-2011

Thelma Kathleen (Burns) Mercer was born May 10, 1914 in Worth County, near Parnell, Missouri to John .E and Mabel Marie (Morin) Burns.
She grew up in Worth and Nodaway Counties and attended schools there. At the age of sixteen she was baptized and became a member of the Oxford
Community Church. On February 5, 1938, she was united in marriage to Thomas C. (Bill) Mercer. They were parents of two sons, Lowell Marion
and Freddie Gail. They were farmers and enjoyed the farm life until 1991 when they moved to Parnell. She became a member of the Parnell United Methodist
Church, and served as organist for over thirty years.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mabel Burns, brother, Robin Burns, sisters, Bonnie Hammond, Clarice Berg and Leska Black,
Aunt Ivy Gray, husband, Thomas (Bill) Mercer, sons Lowell Marion and Freddie Gail Mercer.
Thelma is survived by four Grandchildren: Billie Mercer and wife Tonia, Olathe, Kansas; Rodney Mercer, Bolckow, MO; Verlene Snow
And husband Stephen, Maryville, MO; Felicia Hendrix and husband Matt, Savannah, MO; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Melba Wright, Springfield, Oregon; Jeanne Casteel, Essex, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO, with Interment in the Rose Hill
Cemetery, Parnell, MO. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be given to the American Cancer Society or to St. Francis Hospice Group.

Plans Proceed for Gazebo Construction on Courthouse Lawn

Worth County Progress Organization met Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at the Economic Developer’s Office. President Amber Monticue presided. Charity Austin reported that Dudley Davidson was preparing plans for the gazebo to be built on the Northwest corner of the Courthouse lawn. Debbie Roach reported on plans for Great Northwest Days at Jefferson City, postponed to February 14-15 due to the snow earlier. George Carroll, Kellie Warne, Bob Hull, Mary Seat and Amber Monticue were appointed to serve as the Executive Board until October. Julie Tracy, Kellie Warne, Debbie Roach, Amber Monticue and either Sherri James (as first Vice-Chairman) or Mary Jo Fletchall (as second Vice-Chairman) will serve as a committee to revise the by-laws. The meeting time will be moved to 6 PM.
The next regular meeting will be March 1, 2011, at 6 PM at the Economic Developer’s office in the basement of the Grant City Hall. The meetings are open to all interested people in the county.

Oh, what was her name?

Submitted by Glenda Wyer

How many times has our memory parted when in conversation about someone? Does one call it a senior moment? It seems that in my lifetime, remembering names has not been as easy for me as recognizing faces.

Sometimes, it can lead to embarrassing situations. While in conversation, the whole time may be trying to think what their name is, who their children are, where they work, or how do I know this person. We are screaming inside for them to just drop a hint as to how we know each other.

After we go our separate ways, we spend the rest of the day trying to remember who they were and if we said something stupid to them. Perhaps one bolts out of bed in the middle of the night as their name came to us. Thankful that we can now get some rest!

In seasons of our life, many people will come and go. Perhaps, as they say, "If you don't use it you will lose it," they are referring to memory. It should feel like a compliment that they recognized me. Perhaps it wasn't my looks that they remembered, but something I did that stuck in their memory bank. Whatever it was, I hope it was good.

I am thankful that God knows each one of us by name! Though we may change in looks, God recognizes us by our hearts. After all, HE is our creator. How does He recognize you?

Bearcat Juggernaut Downs Central 88-74; Magic Number reaches 2

Northwest fell into an early five point hole against Central but fought back to take the lead at halftime and used a strong second half to down the Mules in Warrensburg. Northwest had every right to be worried about the game since Central had erased a 16-point second half Northwest lead to go ahead before Shelly Martin's 3-pointer bailed them out. Central then missed two point blank looks at the basket before Northwest won by three. With the win, the magic number for Northwest falls to two. Any combination of Northwest wins and Washburn losses totaling two will hand Northwest its first MIAA crown since 1983-1984, when the late Wayne Winstead was coaching. Northwest has a home game tonight against Southwest Baptist and a road game against Missouri Southern. Washburn plays Emporia at home; a Northwest win over Baptist coupled with a Washburn loss to Emporia would give Northwest the title outright. Washburn then has a road game at tailender Lincoln; the Ichabods only beat Lincoln by 10 at home earlier this year.

The shot percentages were even for both teams but Northwest got more trips to the line and shot 18 for 23 from the line while Central only made nine free throws. Abby Henry was 9 for 12 from the line and led with 22 points; Gabby Curtis added 20 and Kyla Roehrig had 19. Shelly Martin and Gentry Dietz each had 12 as all five starters had 12 or more. Northwest won the battle of the boards as well, getting 44 to 32 for Central. Northwest collected a ton of second chance points, outscoring Central 19-4 in that category.

Northwest got a couple of early turnovers that led to Central baskets, but then Gabby Curtis hit a 3-pointer and Shelly Martin hit another as Northwest went back up 6-4. Central then went back up as Renae Shippy answered with a 3-pointer, Nicole Caddell got a free throw, and Alyssa Rhodes got a 3-pointer as Central led 13-8. Like Truman last Wednesday, Central was fighting for their playoff lives; with the loss, Central fell to one game ahead of Hayes and Truman and is alone in 7th place.

Northwest fought back as Kyla Roehrig got two free throws and then got a steal and fed Abby Henry. Henry missed the jumper, but then Kyla was there for the putback to put Northwest within one at 13-12. Shelly Martin then got a pass from Gabby Curtis for a 3-pointer to put Northwest in front at 15-13 with 12:51 left. The game was tied at 16, 18, and 20 but then like last time, Alexis Boeh came off the bench and sparked the Bearcats, putting them in front to stay after Central had missed a 3-pointer on the other end. Monai Douglass then hit Kyla Roehrig for a layup and then Gabby Curtis hit a free throw to make it 25-20 with 5:52 left.

Renae Shippy's layup made it 25-22, but then Kyla Roehrig put back her own miss to make it 27-22 and then Shelly Martin hit a 3-pointer to make it 30-22 following a block from Roehrig on the defensive end. Kyla Roehrig got a 3-point play and then Abby Henry got a steal to make it 35-24 before Central made a late run to close to 35-31 at halftime as Erin Redomnd, Kara Fleming, and Taylor Hanson all scored for the Mules.

Central had a chance to cut it to two during the opening possession, but Renae Shippy missed a layup and then Gabby Curtis scored in the paint to make it 37-31. Central missed another layup and this time it led to a transition 3-pointer from Abby Henry as Gabby Curtis got the board and found her open for the 3-pointer. Gentry Dietz's putback put Northwest back in double digits at 42-32.

Central kept hanging around as both teams were heating up the the second half, shooting in the 50's after shooting in the 30's in the first half. Rebecca Roberts' layup cut it to 44-37 with 17:22 left and Central had a chance to cut it to four with a 3-pointer but Kara Fleming's 3-pointer missed and Abby Henry got the defensive board and hit a 3 on the other end to make it 47-37. Central continued to hang around but then Abby Henry hit two free throws, got a steal, and then hit two more to make it 55-43. Gentry Dietz then hit Shelly Martin to make it 58-43 following another turnover as Northwest pushed it up to 15.

Saraethea Brown's 3-pointer following a steal cut Northwest's lead to 58-48 with 12:52 left, but then Abby Henry found Kyla Roehrig in for a layup and then Central turned it over again, leading to a 3rd chance putback from Kyla Roehrig to make it 62-48. Central was staying in it using the 3-point game and was hoping to duplicate their feat of last year by erasing another double digit lead, but Gabby Curtis drove in for a layup, got a steal, and got Abby Henry the ball for a layup to make it 74-59. Henry drew the foul and missed the 3-point try, but Shelly Martin kept the possession alive and Henry later got another free throw to make it 75-59. Northwest then extended their lead to 17 at 78-61 when Abby Henry converted another 3-point play and then Gabby Curtis got into the paint for a jumper to make it 80-61 with 6:46 left.

Northwest finally began cooling off and Central got shots from Rebecca Roberts and Kara Fleming and a pair of free throws from Taylor Hanson to fight back to within 84-72 with 4:07 left. Central had a chance to get under double digits as Kara Fleming missed a 3-pointer and then Central stole the ball in the post from Kyla Roehrig for another chance with just over three minutes. Renae Shippy then blocked Abby Henry's layup attempt following a steal from Roehrig but Henry stole it right back and got it to Gabby Curtis for the layup; once again, Curtis provided the dagger as she converted a 3-point play with 2:04 left to make it 87-72.

Kyla Roehrig Gets 23; Bearcat Women Down Desperate Truman

The Northwest women downed a desperate Truman squad that had everything to lose as they beat them 87-69 last Wednesday to stay a game ahead of Washburn. Truman had taken Northwest to double overtime earlier this year in Kirksville; they could have won it but timely clutch shooting in both overtimes kept that from happening and Northwest came away with the 73-72 win. Truman had everything to lose as they were fighting for their playoff lives; with the loss to Northwest, last Monday's loss to Washburn, and a loss to Western in St. Joe Saturday, the Bulldogs are now tied for 8th with Hayes. Truman owns the tiebreak over Hayes by virtue of a season sweep, but must win out to be sure of the Conference Tournament.

Northwest did a much better job of playing the game at their pace this time as they put up 87 points against Truman after the game was in the low 50's in regulation last time. Having 3-point shooter Shelly Martin helped as she caught fire at the right time. Kyla Roehrig led the way with 23 points as Truman did not have an answer for her down low; she paced four Bearcats in double figures.

The game was tied at 4, but then Gabby Curtis scored off a drive and then Kyla Roehrig scored from inside and drew the foul. She missed the free throw but Gentry Dietz was there for the putback and the four point play to make it 10-4 with 16:17 left. Truman then began playing with a sense of desperation as Jennifer Conway got the hot hand and got eight Truman points in the next three minutes to keep her team in the game. She got a drive, a putback, a shot from the right side, and a pair of free throws for Truman. But Northwest countered with points from four different players as they were able to maintain a 1-5 point lead over Truman, who tried to match Northwest's torrid place.

Abby Henry's drive led to a layup from Roehrig and then Northwest switched to a zone and forced a shot clock violation; Abby Henry's driving layup made it 24-19. Alexis Boeh came off the bench and provided a ton of energy that gave Northwest a needed lift; Gentry Dietz hit her twice on kickouts; the second was when Gentry scored from inside, missed the chance for the 3-point play, rebounded her own miss, and then kicked it to Alexis. Alexis then kicked it out to Gabby Curtis for a 3-pointer to put Northwest up double digits for the first time at 33-21 with 6:48 left in the first half.

Truman tried to switch to a zone defense and rip the post hard, but then Gabby Curtis got the bal in transition, drove down the left side of the lane, and made it to the right side for a layup. Alexis Boeh then got a leaping tieup of a Truman player which led to an inside shot from Kyla Roehrig from Gentry to make it 37-23. Northwest led by as much as 16 as Abby Henry scored off a drive over three defenders and then another Henry drive created a kickout for Alexis Boeh, who hit again for Northwest to make it 43-27 before Nicole Gloor's 3-pointer made it 13 at the break.

Northwest continued to pull away at the start of the second half. Gabby Curtis scored from the right wing after a Kyla Roehrig kickout and then added a 3-point play after a drive to make it 48-30. Truman was trying to drive on Northwest to create some points but Northwest was getting the ball inside again as both Gentry Dietz and Kyla Roehrig scored inside to make it 54-25; Northwest was lobbing the ball at will inside. Shelly Martin, who had not scored up to that point, got kickouts from Gabby Curtis off a drive and Kyla from the post to make it 62-41 with 14:03 left.

Truman began doing a much better job of crashing the boards at will, going right back to what hurt Northwest in the first game; Becka McHenry, Nicole Gloor, and Amy Galey all got putbacks as Truman finally started showing the kind of scrappy play from their first meeting. Megan Sharpe scored off a steal with 9:49 left to make it 65-49 after a long scoring lull by both teams, but Gentry Dietz scored from inside and then Tara Roach kicked it out to Abby Henry for a 3-pointer and then took on two defenders and scored to make it 72-52 with 7:40 left. But then Truman began driving and crashing at will as McHenry, Breanna Daniels, and Nicole Gloor all got going as Truman closed to within 72-58.

Truman was putting in fresh legs and put on a half court trap, but Northwest was able to attack the trap and get four free throws from Abby Henry and one from Gentry Dietz to keep the game between 12 and 15. Truman was hanging around as McHenry got a steal off the trap and then added another shot from the top of the key but then Northwest went to their delay game and Abby Henry drove the middle of the lane and kicked it out to Gabby Curtis for the dagger as the MVP chants started to come down. Abby Henry then drove the lane, kicked it out to Shelly Martin, who got it to Kyla Roehrig inside with 1:04 left and Northwest cleared their bench shortly afterwards. Meridee Scott hit Candace Boeh inside in the closing seconds for Northwest.

Tiger Boys Overcome Ice Cold 3rd, Down Stanberry

Worth County's boys struggled through an ice cold 3rd quarter, allowed 17 offensive boards to Stanberry, and still found a way to beat them 53-45 last Tuesday to down the Bulldogs for the second time this year. Stanberry had quite a bit of size with Kevin Luke and several other players from 6'2" to 6'4" with Worth County not having anyone over six feet. Stanberry had plenty of speed as well. But once again, Stanberry came off the court shaking their heads over having lost to the squirts for Worth County.

It looked like it would be a different outcome this time as Stanberry sought to avenge their loss on their homecourt to Worth County as they got five offensive boards in the first three minutes of the game and Kevin Luke went off on Worth County, getting six of their nine points on putbacks. Tyler McQuinn added a steal and 3-point play and Worth County was down 9-2 right off the bat. Todd Harding then picked up his second foul as Trevor Johnson hit two free throws to make it 11-4. But Todd stayed in the game and caught a skip pass to make it 11-9 at the 3:34 mark as Worth County suddenly caught fire. Harding then hit a reverse layup after getting a backdoor pass from Wyatt McClain and then Bryce Ross, who had not scored yet, scored off an inbounds play to put Worth County in front for the first time at 16-15. Then, Eli Mullock knocked out a loose ball out to Alex Harmening who threw it to Ross for a layup; Alex threw another pass to Ross as Worth County went up 20-15.

Stanberry fought back as they used a baseline shot and an inside shot from Nathan Luke as well as an inside shot from Trevor Johnson and a fast break from Tyler McQuinn to go back up 23-20. Todd Harding picked up his third foul, but Brian Hall got a putback to break the run and Worth County fought back without Harding to go back in front as Bryce Ross was fouled on a jump shot and hit two free throws and later took an offensive board away from two defenders to convert a 3-point play to put Worth County up 27-25. Free throws from Bryce Ross, Alex Harmening following a steal, and Brian Hall put Worth County up 32-27 at the break. The Tigers played the last 2:40 without either Bryce Ross (resting) or Todd Harding (foul trouble), yet they led thanks to the strong play of Brian Hall, who got nine boards in the first half and took a charge on defense.

But then Worth County went ice cold in the third quarter and they didn't have an answer for Kevin Luke, who had six points in the period as Stanberry was racking up the second chance points while Worth County was one and done on their end. Brad Stoll added a bucket and Cole Bremer got a 3-point play as Stanberry went up 38-34 after three quarters. The only points Worth County managed were a fast break from Eli Mullock in the period.

The Tigers continued to shoot cold for the first minute and a half of the fourth quarter, but they were able to do a better job of keeping Stanberry off the boards. Finally, Alex Harmening hit s 3-pointer from the right wing and then Bryce Ross got a putback to put Worth County back in front 39-38. Kevin Luke scored from inside with 4:20 left and Stanberry got a stop on defense, but Alex Harmening jumped a pass and went in for a layup to make it 41-40 with 3:34 left. Cole Bremer's free throw tied it up with 2:52 left and Alex Harmening was called for a foul away from the ball with 2:40, giving Stanberry a chance to take the lead again but then Jordan Harding got a steal in the post as Stanberry tried to get it inside and that led to a driving layup from Bryce Ross to make it 43-41. Eli Mullock fouled on the press and Stanberry had a chance to tie with two free throws, but Tyler McQuinn missed the front end of a one and one and then Kevin Luke picked up his fifth foul jumping over Bryce Ross' back on a rebounding situation. Jordan Harding then channeled Kareem as his hook shot over the taller Stanberry players made it a two possession game with 1:33 left.

Stanberry missed on the offensive end and with the Bulldogs trying to press and get the ball back, Alex Harmening, knowing Tyler McQuinn had four fouls, ran him over when he was not set for his fifth. Jordan Harding then hit a 3-point play off an inbounds play as he went up strong and drew the foul to make it 48-41 with 55.2 seconds left. Eli Mullock picked up his fifth foul trying to jump a pass on the press but Stanberry missed the front end of a one and one as well as two putback tries and Bryce Ross hit two free throws with 48.8 seconds left to make it 50-41 as Stanberry had to foul. Stanberry got a free throw with 36 seconds left and a 3-pointer with 10.6 seconds left to make it 51-45 as Worth County started missing free throws, but then Todd Harding hit two with 7.9 seconds left for the win.

Rachel Runde Gets Career High 18 in Sweltering Gym; Bluejay Girls Down CFX

Northeast Nodaway's girls used a career high 18 from Rachel Runde as the Bluejays overcame a sweltering gym, foul trouble, and a hot CFX squad that had won 12 out of its last 14 games to win 53-39 last Tuesday night. It was the hottest gym that they had played in since last year's Rock Port game in districts. But they played through the adversity and got the win over an explosive CFX squad.

There were plenty of bad memories to go around from the game in the same gym in which Northeast could not buy a stop against Whitney Harrington and Amanda Geib and lost; the same officials that did that game were there. Geib's younger sister Rebecca Geib showed she could become the real deal next year; she showed some of the same mobility and athleticism that her older sister showed. Dustin Barnes, the same coach who led them two years ago, came back this year to coach them again, obviously seeing a ton of potential. But this time it was Northeast who got off to the hot start; after falling behind 4-2 early, they suddenly reached back and showcased the same kind of insane shooting that Hayes did against Northwest earlier this year.

Emily Bryant hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key as Blair Schmitz found her open. Big Bad Blair then went coast to coast in transition for a layup and then kicked it out to Rachel Runde on the left side. Kristin Sherry picked up her second foul trying to guard Geib, but then Blair kicked it out to Michelle Schulte on the left wing and then Michelle hit Taylor Dougan, who had come in to replace Kristin. Taylor added another 3-pointer and then Blair Schmitz hit Rachel Runde and Runde hit her 1st ever 3-pointer to make it 21-8 after one quarter of play.

CFX came out of their zone and went man to man and they began jumping passes and doing a better job crashing the boards. Blair threw a long outlet to Kristin to keep it at 25-12, but then Kristin picked up her third foul shortly afterwards. Blair hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key off a pass from Rachel Runde to make it 28-14, but then without Kristin, Northeast struggled on the boards and CFX began jumping passes at will, getting a lob to Geib to start an 11-0 run that cut it to three at the half. Baylee Lewis slipped behind the defense for a layup, Emily VanGundy cleaned up on a steal, Geib jumped another pass for a layup, and then VanGundy scored in transition at the buzzer to make it 28-25 at the break.

With Kristin Sherry back in, Northeast righted the ship as she got a putback and then threw Rachel Runde a backdoor pass to make it 32-25 to get the game out of the danger zone. Nicole Heits hit two free throws as Kristin picked up her fourth foul with 5:30 left, but this time Northeast did a much better job of responding with Kristin Sherry on the bench. Blair Schmitz got a badly needed putback and then hit Rachel Runde on a backdoor cut as Northeast went back in front by nine at 38-29. Kristan Judd, who came in to replace Kristin Sherry at the post, picked up her fourth foul and sat down and freshman Taryn Farnan saw her first extended varsity playing time, playing hard and keeping CFX off the boards. Blair Schmitz's 3-point play made it 43-34 after three quarters of play.

Kristin Sherry came back in and Northeast did a much better job of guarding Geib, only allowing her one point in the final quarter and stopping the lob passes. Everyone played much smarter on defense as nobody fouled out despite the rash of foul trouble. CFX went to their fullcourt press to try and get the ball back, but Kristin Sherry beat the press and threw it to Rachel Runde for the layup to make it 46-35. Darian Burke cut it to nine, but Runde got behind the press and got another pass from Kristin and then went backdoor for Kristin Sherry's third assist of the quarter. Burke scored off a steal, but then Michelle Schulte hit a free throw and then Kristin Sherry hit two free throws to put it out of reach with one minute left.

Bluejay Boys Beat CFX in Coach Madden's Homecoming

Northeast Nodaway's boys beat CFX 44-33 in Coach Ryan Madden's return home as the Bluejays recovered from a 70-64 loss to Elwood the night before. Madden said that he enjoyed his return to CFX, spending time talking with some of their people after the game. "I'm proud of our kids and if CFX had won, I would have been proud of them," he said. "The difference between CFX and Elwood was that we hit our free throws against CFX and against Elwood, we didn't." The game was much different than the night before; in the Elwood game, neither team could stop the other; the boys game was actually lower scoring than the girls game in the CFX game.

Both offenses were sluggish to start out with and Northeast had trouble breaking the CFX press, but the Bluejays used six straight points from Bryce Farnan to stay in the game as the first quarter featured four ties before the period ended in a 10-10 standoff. The game slowed to a crawl in the second period as neither team could get anything going against the other and both defenses were getting the other team out of their offenses. Finally, Bryce Farnan took a lob from Colby Wiederholt and then got a defensive board on the other end and drew a foul, hitting two free throws to make it 16-12 with 2:41 left. It was the first time that either team had led by more than one possession. Colby Wiederholt beat the trap and scored four straight points as Northeast led by as much as 20-13 before settling for a 20-15 halftime advantage.

There was a long lull in the scoring, but Kevin Stoll finally hit a 3-pointer to make it 23-15 with 4:15 left in the third. But then CFX started jumping passes and getting layups after Graham Scarbrough got a putback as CFX finally closed to within 23-20. Bryce Farnan's putback made it 25-20 going into the fourth.

Northeast continued to lead from 3 to 5 points throughout much of the fourth quarter, but then Bryce Farnan and Kevin Stoll picked up their fourth fouls and sat on the bench as Scarbrough hit an NBA 3-pointer to make it 30-28. Dalton Welch hit one out of two free throws and Colby Wiederholt got a steal after CFX had just gotten one for a layup to make it 33-28. But then Nathan Hinrichs hit a 3-pointer and then Scarbrough hit two free throws to tie it up at 33 with 3:01 left.

Colby Wiederholt went in for a wide open layup with 2:20 left after a long possession and missed point blank as it went in and out. Northeast fouled Nathan Hinrichs on the ensuing possession and CFX had a chance to take the lead with the 1 and 1. But the front end of the 1 and 1 was in and out and with the new lease on life, Colby Wiederholt cleaned up on a miss in transition to put Northeast up for good at 35-33 with 2:03 left. He was fouled on the play and missed the free throw, but then Hinrichs and Scarbrough each missed 3-pointers that would have put CFX up by one and then Dalton Welch got the ball into Colby Wiederholt inside for a 3-point play to make it a two possession game with 1:14 left. Hinrichs missed wildly on a layup try and Northeast went six for six from the line in the final minute.

Bluejay Boys Run Away from Ice Cold Trojans

Northeast Nodaway's boys used a 22-1 third quarter to run away from an ice cold Nodaway-Holt squad and win 70-50 Monday night. The Bluejays fell behind thanks to a torrid showing from Nodaway-Holt early, but then did a better job of pushing the ball up and down the floor in the second half as well as stopping 3-point shooter Zach Lemar. Nodaway-Holt tried a box and one to try and slow down Colby Wiederholt, but Colby still had 20 points for the night. Northeast showed that they had much more than Colby as Bryce Farnan had 22 points and 15 boards and Kevin Stoll had 13 and collected a ton of steals and outhustled everyone to the ball in that period.

Northeast fell behind 4-0 early as they struggled to solve the box and one and Josh Schafer and Blake Shamberger connected for the Trojans. Finally, Northeast began connecting as Colby hit Bryce Farnan inside and then Bryce found Colby open on the left wing. Aaron Patton then hit Dalton Welch on the left baseline to make it 6-4. Nick Patterson hit a 3-pointer for Nodaway-Holt to make it 9-7 with 4:02 left, but Dalton Welch hit from the right side, Aaron Patton found Kevin Stoll open from the right side for a 3-pointer, and then Bryce Farnan scored from inside to make it 14-9.

But then Northeast began struggling defensively as nobody was guarding the Trojan shooters; Derek Lemon hit one 3-pointer and then Zach Lemar hit three all in a 1:07 span to put Nodaway-Holt up 21-16 after one quarter.

Nodaway-Holt led by as much as 23-16 but then Bryce Farnan hit two free throws, Kevin Stoll hit a 3-pointer from the left wing, and then Colby Wiederholt tied it with a putback. Two free throws from Nodaway-Holt made it 25-23, but then Bryce Farnan got a putback and then Kevin Stoll hit Aaron Patton on the right wing to make it 28-25 with 3:21 left. But then Nodaway-Holt began working the boards and getting points as they fought back to lead 31-30 at the break.

Coach Ryan Madden said that he made one adjustment -- putting Colby Wiederholt in the middle against the box and one; he said that the rest was all done by the players. Nobody could have foreseen the outcome of the third quarter; for the first three minutes, Bryce Farnan's inside shot and a pair of free throws from Colby that made it 34-31 were the only points in the period. Both teams were trying to take control of the game from downtown and putting up quick 3-pointers, but finally Bryce Farnan got a 3rd-chance putback with 4:55 left that seemed to break the dam. Nodaway-Holt threw up a quick shot and missed as Kevin Stoll got a tip-in in transition on the other end. From there, Kevin Stoll was all over the court on defense, stealing everything in sight and running up and down the floor.

Kevin saved a ball from going out of bounds to Colby to make it 40-33 after a Nodaway-Holt player dribbled it off his foot. Bryce Farnan then hit Colby inside and then Kevin Stoll hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to make it 45-31. Aaron Patton then scored off a fast break to make it 47-31 with 2:21 left. Bryce Farnan picked up his third foul and Shamberger hit a free throw with 2:11 left, but even Farnan on the bench did not stop the run as Kevin Stoll hit a pair of free throws, Colby Wiederholt hit another, and then added a steal to make it 52-32 after three quarters.

Everyone may have remembered the game from last year in which Nodaway-Holt nearly erased a 30-point Northeast lead in the fourth quarter behind a flurry of 3-pointers but the Trojan coach had seen enough from his starters and benched them and put five new people in. The Nodaway-Holt reserves put up a credible fight as Kurt Shephard hit a 3-pointer for Nodaway-Holt to open the scoring. But Northeast continued to pull away as Colby Wiederholt stripped the outlet following a miss and put in a layup and then Bryce Farnan started rebounding at will as he would not let Nodaway-Holt do what they did last year; he would score the next eight points. He got a pair of putbacks, a layup off a long outlet from Colby, and a pair of free throws before Coach Ryan Madden began subbing his JV. Sage DeLong hit a 3-pointer for Northeast and Colby Wiederholt scored from inside and added a putback in transition as Northeast's largest lead was 70-42 with 2:31 left.

Shorthanded Bluejay Girls Get Career Night from Kristin Sherry

Northeast Nodaway's girls were without Michelle Schulte (flu) but rallied as a team to beat Nodaway-Holt 58-52 Monday night. The Bluejays got the win thanks to a career night from Kristin Sherry (23 points, 9 for 10 from the line) and a strong outing from Blair Schmitz (18 points) as well as everyone else stepping up their game. Without Michelle, the Bluejays did not have an answer for Megan Rosenbohm at first, who scored nine of the first 14 Trojan points, all in the first 2:44, even though Northeast put a box and one on her. "That was my fault; I made a coaching mistake," said Coach Eric Fairchild. "The players responded well. We realized that we could play then straight up and that was when we got back on track." Rosenbohm grabbed the opening tip and got a layup in the first few seconds and then got a steal off the press and later got another bucket. She added a 3-pointer from the right side and then went coast to coast on a fast break.

Kristin Sherry did all she could to keep her team in the game, scoring the first eight Northeast points in the first 4:18, which meant that Northeast was still in the game even though they were down 14-8. Blair Schmitz found her open three times, twice inside and once on a backdoor layup; Kristin added a putback as well. Krysta Beattie got a putback, but then Rachel Runde scored from the right side and then Emily Bryant went to the rim and hitting two free throws to make it 16-12.

The bank was open for Beattie, who banked one home to make it 19-12. Amanda O'Riley then got the hot hand as she scored from the high post and then got a steal to make it 23-14 with 5:38 left in the second. But then Kristan Judd, who seems to have a knack for scoring key buckets, did so again as she got a putback to break the run. O'Riley answered with a drive, but then Blair Schmitz, who had went scoreless up to that point, hit a 3-pointer and Kristin Sherry converted an offensive board into a free throw to make it 25-20 and the lead stayed between 5 and 7 for the rest of the half.

Beattie's free throw made it an eight point game at 33-25 to start the third quarter, but then Nodaway-Holt went on a four-minute scoring drought as the big run finally came for Northeast, who would score the next 13 points to take the lead for good. Kristin Sherry found Rachel Runde open on the left side, Blair kicked it out to Taylor Dougan for a 3-pointer, and then Blair found Kristin Sherry open on a fast break and Sherry turned it into free throws to make it 33-32. Taylor Dougan then hit Blair for a drive and Blair leaned over a defender and scooped it home to give Northeast its first lead of the night. Rachel Runde made a dangerous pass but somehow, Kristin Sherry came up with it and turned it into two more free throws. Kristin returned the favor as she saved a ball from going out of bounds to Runde for a layup to put Northeast up 38-33.

Rosenbohm finally broke the run with a fast break and then free throws by Beattie made it 40-37. Jodi Holmes then hit an outside shot from the top of the key that could have tied it, but Northeast got a break as the official ruled it a two-pointer and Northeast was still ahead by one. Blair then finally got untracked as Northeast was able to answer an offensive flurry from Nodaway-Holt. Rachel Runde found her at the top of the key and then Kristin Sherry found her for a driving layup to make it 44-39 at the third quarter buzzer. A pair of drives from Blair kept the margin from 3 to 5 points; the Trojans had several chances to tie or cut it to one with four minutes left but could not connect.

Nodaway-Holt switched from their usual zone to a man press, but Rachel Runde found Kristin Sherry inside and then Kristin found Blair open on a high-low to make it 52-45 with 2:44 left. Rosenbohm scored off a drive, Kristin Sherry missed a contested shot inside, and then Rosenbohm got a fast break and drew the foul and got on the line with a chance to cut it to three. She made the first but missed the second free throw, keeping it a two possession game. Kristin Sherry got the ball inside and then hit two free throws to make it 54-48 and following a stop, Northeast ran the clock all the way down to 1:15. Rosenbohm got a steal, but Jodi Holmes missed a close shot and Northeast ran some more clock until finally, Rosenbohm got another steal and a layup to make it 54-50 with 38 seconds left. But Emily Bryant got the ball and drove against two different defenders against the press right up the middle and Nodaway-Holt had to foul her; she made both free throws with 33.1 seconds.

Holmes missed a 3-pointer that would have cut it to one, but Bryant missed a front end of a 1-1. However, Rosenbohm missed another 3-pointer and Kristin Sherry hit two free throws to put Northeast up 58-50 with six seconds left and ice the game.

Two Scientists Hot on the Trail of Planet X

Two scientists believe they are hot on the trail of Planet X, tenatively named Tyche, which is four times as large as Jupiter. But don't worry -- start making your plans for next week. Tyche is thousands of times farther from the sun than Earth is.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1356748/Search-Tyche-believed-largest-planet-solar-system.html

All NW Missouri 4-H Invited to Lock-In

All area 4-H'ers grades 6 and up are invited to attend a 4-H Lock - In on Friday, Feb 25 at the Chillicothe YMCA. The evening will begin at 11 pm Friday night and end at 6 am on Saturday morning. Youth will participate in games, activities, swimming, and much more!

Youth who are not currently members of 4-H, but wish to join may also attend. We will have sign up forms and information on 4-H in our Region and Livingston County.

Admission is $7 by Wednesday, February 23 ($12 after the February 23 or at the door). All youth must have a signed 4-H health form to attend. If you have any questions, contact the MU Extension office at 660/646-0811 or murphyse@missouri.edu.

Original Worth County Officers in 1861

Following are the original County Officers from 1861, supplied by County Clerk Roberta Owens. 2011 is the sesquicentennial year for Worth County.

County Judge Commissioned by Governor

1861- Adam Black

Associate Judge

1877- George Hass

County Treasurer-appointed by Court

1861-Daniel Cox

Offices of Treasurer and Collector Combined August 1877

1879- Benjamin Prugh

Probate Court Established 1866

1867- John M Ferguson

Office of Judge of Probate Court and Ex-Officio Magistrate established-1947

1941- Harry Kibbe

Circuit Clerk and Ex-Officio Recorder of Deeds

1861-Wesley W Thornton

County Clerk appointed by County Court

1861-P.R. Cadle

Circuit Attorney

1861-W.G. Lewis 1861

Sheriff and Collector offices combined to year 1873. First sheriff commissioned by Governor

1861-John Patton

Collector and Sheriff Offices combined to year 1873. First Collector and sheriff commissioned by Governor 1861

Offices of Collector and Treasurer combined to August 1877. County Court appointed

1877-Simeon Davidson, Collector

First County Assessor appointed by County Court

1861-William B Yates

Township Organization with Township Assessor. Court Appointed

1875-Elijah Miller

Coroner-Appointed

1861- David Fouts

Public Administrator

1873 S. A. Wilson

First Surveyor appointed by the County Court

1861 W.S. Hudson

First School Commissioner appointed by County Court

1861-Jasper Coffey

Obama denounced Walker faster than he denounced Mubarak

We need a President who is a strong public voice for human rights regardless of whether they are political allies or not. The problem is, too many Presidents of both parties have only called for human rights when it is a political opponent or they are on the wrong side.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/abc-news-political-correspondent-obama-denounced-walker-faster-than-he-denounced-mubarak.html

Great Northwest Delegation from Worth County Visits Senator Lager in Jefferson City

After a last minute rescheduling due to the blizzard of 2011, Sen. Brad Lager entertained the Great Northwest Delegation for the fifth time as the 12^th District State Senator. Delegates from throughout Northwest Missouri and the counties that comprise the 12^th Senate District visited with Sen. Lager throughout the day on Monday and later in the evening at the Great Northwest Days Reception held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Over 300 businesses, municipal, and county officials made the trip down to speak with legislators and department officials in an effort to advance the priorities of Northwest Missouri.

“The Annual Great Northwest Days has certainly become one of the most unique and highly anticipated events in Jefferson City. Though there were some challenges this year due to the record snowfall earlier this month, I have been impressed by the efforts of our leaders in northwest Missouri to remain committed to having the event despite the challenges. When over 300 people come to the Capitol at the same time and lobby for the same issues, it opens the eyes of a lot of legislators,” Sen. Lager said. “Having the delegation reach out to the representatives of the urban and suburban areas has certainly let the folks in Jefferson City know the challenges we face and how hard we are willing to work to get things done. The event was another great success and I am already looking forward to having the delegation back next year.”

2011 is Year of Reckoning for Dictators

Drudge Report says Gaddafi of Libya is the next leader on the brink. 2011 has turned out to be the biggest year of reckoning for dictators since 1989, when Communism collapsed all over Eastern Europe. The Guardian says that for Gaddafi, it's kill or be killed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/20/libya-protests-muammar-gaddafi

Grant City Council Minutes: City to get new lighted welcome sign

A Regular Board of Aldermen meeting was held Wednesday February 16^th, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Present: Mayor Debbie Roach, Aldermen: Dennis Downing, Bruce Downing, Catherine Runde and Cathy James, Clerk Ayvonne Morin, PWD: Carl Staton, Bridget Gibson, Holly Baxley

Mayor called the meeting to order.

Minutes: Dennis Downing made motion to approve the minutes as written for January 19^th, 2011 and February 8^th, 2011, Catherine Runde, seconded, motion carried.

List of Bills/Supplies: Catherine Runde made motion to approve the list of bills/supplies, Cathy James, seconded, motion carried.

WO. Co. Economic Developer: Charity was absent. Mayor gave update about the Enhanced Enterprise Zone, county in the process of appointing a seven member board.

Downtown Project: J.D. Bishop and Co. will be bringing in equipment February 17^th, 2011. They will begin some preliminary work.

Sign: Community Betterment will be doing some fund raising to help incorporate a lighted sign with the new welcome to Grant City sign. Aldermen Dennis Downing to contact Francis Goff about design.

Election Ordinance: After Catherine Runde read twice, Dennis Downing made motion to approve Ordinance # 3650 Bill# 21611, “An Ordinance Authorizing an Election”, Bruce Downing, seconded, motion carried. All voted aye.

City Code: Building Commissioners have scheduled a Public Hearing March 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall, concerning the property located at 315 S Front Street.

Streets/Snow Ordinance/Street Seminar: Carl Staton will be attending a street repair seminar, March 16^th, 2011. Cost is $35.00 per person. Alderman James suggested enforcing snow ordinance, if necessary issuing citations, during winter weather warnings. Citizens complain about snow removal, but then, they don’t think about moving their cars off the streets in order to properly remove the snow. Clerk instructed to contact City Attorney about code enforcement.

PWD: Carl Staton gave progress report for the month. Repairs on the snow plow, two water leaks, and snow removal, preparing for the downtown project. FEMA has scheduled a meeting at 8:30 tomorrow morning, PWD and Clerk will attend, to see about federal monies that may be available.

Web-Site: Holly Baxley was present to go over the web-site. She will forward report to clerk.

Bathhouse: Mayor signed construction contracts.

City Hall Maintenance: Alderman Downing will check on costs on installing new doors.

Waterline Project: Clerk reported USDA approved draft water contract. Clerk will mail to Parnell and PWSD for review.

Dennis Downing made motion to adjourn meeting, Catherine Runde, seconded, motion carried.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

WCCC News & Notes -- WCCC Royalty Named

This week has been a reminder that Spring is getting closer and we all welcome the warmer weather! We

celebrated Valentines Day this week with a very busy and fun-filled day. We crowned our Valentine King and Queen with a party; cookies and cupcakes were provided by our WCCC auxillary and a strawberry-raspberry punch from our kitchen. Our King this year is Howard and our Queen is Etha Pearl. Coronation was followed by Valentine bingo. A special dinner was served accompanied with love songs in the background and served by the staff who were dressed in black & white attire. The tables were decorated in a very festive manner with beautiful center arrangments. The residents enjoyed the whole day. Shirley was in on Thursday for"Name That Tune". Friday the residents celebrated the monthly birthdays with cake & ice cream and entertainment by the Laplanders. Our next celebration will be Mardi Gras, followed by St. Patrick's Day.

Thought for the Week-"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expecting to give, which is everything"-Katharine Hepburn. We want to express our deepest sympathy to the Edith Wolnik family in their loss and heavens gain of another beautiful soul. Have a great week and come see us anytime.

Sen. Brad Lager Visits with State FFA Officers from Northwest Missouri

12^th District State Sen. Brad Lager visited with the Missouri State FFA officers during legislative session this week in recognition of National FFA Week. State FFA President Jon Black of Chillicothe and State Vice President Colton Lee of East Buchanan traveled to the Capitol and visited with Sen. Lager to discuss issues facing the agriculture industry and their experience as leaders of the Missouri State FFA.

“Agriculture is the most important industry in our state and I am proud that young people like Jon and Colton are making a commitment to continuing their agriculture education and joining Missouri’s most important industry,” said Sen. Lager. “I am also proud that Jon and Colton have chosen to take upon such important leadership roles to lead the young people who are the future of our agriculture industry.”

Jon Black is a 2010 graduate of Chillicothe High School and was a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. Jon’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program (SAEP) consisted of a herd of registered Hereford cattle from which he raised seed stock and commercial calves. Jon is attending North Central Missouri College and plans to transfer to the University of Missouri-Columbia and major in Agriculture Business. After graduation he plans to enter a career in the agriculture industry.

Colton Lee is a class of 2010 graduate from the East Buchanan High School in Gower, Missouri and was an active member of the East Buchanan FFA Chapter. His SAEP consisted of raising two acres of pumpkins along with two hundred mums. Colton is a current student at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Agriculture Systems Management.

For any questions, please contact Rich Germinder at 573-751-1415.

A Moment with Mike for February 23rd, 2011

The work that we do at the Capitol runs in cycles and as we quickly approach that mid-point of this session, the majority of time is spent in the committee process. There is some floor action that has already seen passage of some priority items, however, as one that sits on four House committees and one joint committee, most of my time is filled with hearings that prepare legislation to come to the House floor or give us direction as we begin the process of developing a budget that needs to be completed in the next few weeks.

One bill passed out of committee this week would require all driving tests in Missouri to be given only in English. Presently, our state offers driver’s license tests in 11 languages besides English and allows people taking the test to have a translator. The bill approved by the House Transportation Committee would require anyone seeking a driver’s license to take the test in English, either in written form or by having someone read it aloud. While we welcome people from all parts of the world and from varying cultures, it is important to establish that the language we use here in Missouri is English. Our road and highway signs are written in English and highway patrolmen and police officers who make traffic stops are going to communicate in English as well. The bottom line is that if you are going to safely operate a motor vehicle in Missouri, you need to understand English.

Two other bills given committee approval this week would require voters to show a photo ID at the polls and allow them to cast ballots before Election Day. The House Elections Committee approved a constitutional amendment to implement both changes. The committee also passed a bill that would enact the early voting period and photo ID requirement. If passed by both chambers, the constitutional amendment would go before a vote of the people.

We need to make the voting process more accessible and a “no excuse” early voting period would provide an opportunity to vote to many Missourians who may otherwise not cast a ballot. At the same time, we must protect the integrity of the electoral process. We are required to show a photo ID for many things that we do on a regular basis. Why shouldn’t we also provide photographic proof of our identity before we vote? While some have argued that not every Missourian has a photo ID, the bill addresses that issue by requiring the state to provide a form of personal identification at no cost. Requiring photo identification is the simplest way to prevent voter fraud without making the voting process inconvenient for Missouri voters.

Also this week, the House Health Care Policy Committee approved a piece of pro-life legislation that would ban abortions after the 20^th week of pregnancy. The bill provides for exceptions that are medically necessary.

Along with many other bills, these will make their way to the House floor for discussion in the next few weeks. As bills work their way through committee we will soon find that the majority of our time will be spent debating the many issues on the House floor and committee time will be less and less.

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 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Veterans For Peace Demands Apology From Secretary of State

Just minutes after Secretary Clinton began

a speech lauding freedom of the internet, two security personnel

forcefully removed an audience member wearing a Veterans For Peace

t-shirt who had silently stood and turned his back to her. Ray

McGovern, a 71-year old veteran, and former CIA analyst was violently

grabbed and forcibly removed from the auditorium in direct view of

Mrs. Clinton. According to Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, attorney with the

Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, “For this peaceful expression of

dissent, he ended up bruised, bloodied, arrested, and jailed.

Secretary Clinton never paused, continuing her speech lecturing other

countries about the need to allow freedom of expression and dissent,

while Mr. McGovern was hauled out in front of her.”

Mr. McGovern is covered with bruises, and the metal handcuffs were

fastened so tightly that his wrists were cut and bloody. After being

held by local police, he was told that he was being charged with

“disorderly conduct.”

We asked Ray for a quick statement after his release. He wrote:

“I find myself wondering if this show of brutality may be a signpost

on a path to even wider and more brutal repression. I have been

comparing what happened during Clinton’s speech Tuesday with my

four-minute mini-debate with Donald Rumsfeld on May 4, 2006 in Atlanta

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MInHphR4zBg). Halfway through,

Rumsfeld gives the nod to a black-hatted security fellow to elbow me

away from the microphone.

I shout, ‘So this is America.’ Rumsfeld takes one look at the TV

cameras streaming live, makes a snap decision, and tells the security

fellow to let me stay. During that same speech in Atlanta, one

fearless witness stands dead-center in the audience with his back to

Rumsfeld for the entire speech and is not bothered, much less beaten

and jailed.

The contrast between the experience of May 2006 and February 2011 can

be viewed through the prism of the proverbial ‘boiling frog.’ There

does seem to be a subtle but successful campaign to get people

gradually accustomed to increasingly repressive measures; and many,

perhaps most, Americans seem oblivious.

After 9/11 Norman Mailer saw a ‘pre-fascist climate’ reigning in

America. If we don’t stand up for our rights, it may not be long

before we shall have to drop the ‘pre.’”

Veterans For Peace is proud of our member Ray McGovern, whose simple,

dignified action speaks volumes about the power of non-violence. We

abhor the actions of the security personnel who reacted violently and

in flagrant violation of Mr. McGovern’s First Amendment rights. We

also deplore the indifference of Secretary Clinton who didn’t bat an

eye and we demand that she apologize for her silence and hypocrisy.

Most importantly, we call on the American public to wake up to the

dark reality of what this country has become…a place where civil

liberties and freedom of expression are becoming increasingly

endangered, and the government’s response to every situation is

intimidation and force.

Call 202-647-4000 and write Sec. Clinton to protest:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1312/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5914