A Worth County woman was charged in court as a persistent offender in conjunction with an accident that occurred on March 10th, 2012. Information filed on June 3rd of this year by Prosecutor David Baird alleges that Heather Feese of Grant City committed a Class D Felony of DWI; she is being charged as a persistent offender. She had prior convictions in 2006 and 1999.
An affidavit filed by Missouri Highway Patrol trooper H. G. Vernon alleges that on March 10, 2012 on Route 46 two miles west of Allendale, he investigated a one vehicle accident. He states in the affidavit that he made contact with Feese at the Northwest Medical Center following the accident and detected an odor of intoxicants. According to Vernon, she refused to answer whether or not she would take the breath test, which Vernon interpreted as a refusal.
Bond was set for $10,000 and later reduced to $4,500; Feese was freed on bond. Conditions of the bond include submitting to BAC tests on request of a police officer, seek employment, reside at her mother's residence in St. Joseph, not possess or consume alcohol and not enter bars, and obey all laws.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Worth Man Charged with Nature Trail Vandalism
A Worth man was charged by Prosecutor David Baird with Class B Misdemeanor Property Damage for a vandalism on the Grant City Nature Trail that occurred April 14th. Information filed by Baird and an affidavit filed by Sheriff Terry Sheddrick alleges that Todd Corbett damaged the Nature Trail by driving in an unauthorized area and damaging the trail and grass.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Missouri Department of Transportation to Resurface Route F
The Missouri Department of Transportation will resurface Route F in response to numerous requests from affected landowners in 2014. Among other projects, the DOT will also do the Isadora Bridge on Route 46 as well as the Platte River Bridge just east of Sheridan in 2016.
Route F has become one of the most traveled roads in the county despite its lettered status. Many people live in Blockton and work in Maryville; there is also frequent truck traffic from Ravenwood to Ringgold and Taylor Counties; both counties utilize the Ravenwood rock quarry.
A few years ago, the DOT had resurfaced Route F using an experimental treatment that turned out to be inadequate. It lasted only a few months; when the snow plows came to plow snow off, it took the experimental surface off with it. For this project, the DOT will be going back to the tried and true hot mix.
Other projects that will be done include resurfacing of Route 46 this year from 136 in Nodaway County to 169 in Worth County, pavement improvements to YY and D in 2014, pavement sealing for routes O, U, DD, E, K, Y, H, J, and B this year, and patching of routes E, K, Y, H, J, B, Z, 46, and 246 for this year. Work on resurfacing Route C from Allendale to Albany has been completed.
Mike Rinehart of the DOT came to the Worth County Fairgrounds Tuesday evening to deliver the news to interested patrons. He said that funding for the DOT was an ongoing issue; there has been no fuel tax increase for the DOT in the last 20 years while the prices of some ingredients that they use have doubled and tripled during that same time frame.
As a result of ongoing budget cuts by Washington over the last two decades, money is getting harder and harder to come by even as the need for DOT’s services is getting greater. Sterling Hopkins of MFA said that it has gotten to the point where it is dangerous to travel certain parts of Route F and that people are taking roundabout routes to get to where they are going and that temporary culvert replacements by the DOT are lasting as little as three weeks.
Rinehart said that he takes feedback at meetings like Tuesday’s and from the Missouri On the Move website and incorporates comments into long-range plans for road work. He said that there was a lot of interest in roads and bridges in Missouri; he said that their feedback website had gotten 3,000 responses so far. “I hear all the time from people who want us to do more with lettered roads,” said Rinehart.
Missouri is 18th in the nation in population, but 7th in the nation in highways; they have more miles in highways than Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas combined. Despite this, the latter three states get $1.4 billion to spend on their roads while Missouri only gets $700 million annually.
Missouri is 6th in bridges; there are over 2,200 deficient bridges in the state. There are also 14 public ports which the DOT is responsible as well. There are 4 million tons of goods being shipped on barges traveling on Missouri waterways. Kansas City and St. Louis have the 2nd and 3rd largest rail hubs in the country respectively.
Rinehart said that the DOT had already made massive cuts to its operation and is operating as inexpensively as possible. They reduced their staff by 1,200 people and their buildings by 131 and eliminated 400-700 pieces of equipment. They have achieved $355 million in cost savings over the last two years, well ahead of their target.
In addition, their projects are coming in at 4% under budget and their Safe & Sound Program was completed a year and a half ahead of schedule. 95% of their projects have been done on time or early.
However, there are continued funding pressures on the DOT. Congress continues to drag its feet on the sequester, which will mean less and less money for the DOT in the future. Fuel revenues are less than expected and are predicted to continue to decline because of ever-increasing MPG standards for new cars. In fact, Rinehart said that some states were starting to get away from fuel taxes as a means of funding their transportation departments. Additionally, the Missouri River flooding from two years ago cost the DOT $18 million to fix. So despite all the ongoing cuts, Rinehart said that the DOT was not keeping up with state needs.
One possible solution was a 1 cent sales tax; however, it was filibustered by the Missouri Senate and will not be on the ballot in 2014 absent an initiative petition. The challenge will be to fight the perception that it will benefit I-35 and 70.
Route F has become one of the most traveled roads in the county despite its lettered status. Many people live in Blockton and work in Maryville; there is also frequent truck traffic from Ravenwood to Ringgold and Taylor Counties; both counties utilize the Ravenwood rock quarry.
A few years ago, the DOT had resurfaced Route F using an experimental treatment that turned out to be inadequate. It lasted only a few months; when the snow plows came to plow snow off, it took the experimental surface off with it. For this project, the DOT will be going back to the tried and true hot mix.
Other projects that will be done include resurfacing of Route 46 this year from 136 in Nodaway County to 169 in Worth County, pavement improvements to YY and D in 2014, pavement sealing for routes O, U, DD, E, K, Y, H, J, and B this year, and patching of routes E, K, Y, H, J, B, Z, 46, and 246 for this year. Work on resurfacing Route C from Allendale to Albany has been completed.
Mike Rinehart of the DOT came to the Worth County Fairgrounds Tuesday evening to deliver the news to interested patrons. He said that funding for the DOT was an ongoing issue; there has been no fuel tax increase for the DOT in the last 20 years while the prices of some ingredients that they use have doubled and tripled during that same time frame.
As a result of ongoing budget cuts by Washington over the last two decades, money is getting harder and harder to come by even as the need for DOT’s services is getting greater. Sterling Hopkins of MFA said that it has gotten to the point where it is dangerous to travel certain parts of Route F and that people are taking roundabout routes to get to where they are going and that temporary culvert replacements by the DOT are lasting as little as three weeks.
Rinehart said that he takes feedback at meetings like Tuesday’s and from the Missouri On the Move website and incorporates comments into long-range plans for road work. He said that there was a lot of interest in roads and bridges in Missouri; he said that their feedback website had gotten 3,000 responses so far. “I hear all the time from people who want us to do more with lettered roads,” said Rinehart.
Missouri is 18th in the nation in population, but 7th in the nation in highways; they have more miles in highways than Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas combined. Despite this, the latter three states get $1.4 billion to spend on their roads while Missouri only gets $700 million annually.
Missouri is 6th in bridges; there are over 2,200 deficient bridges in the state. There are also 14 public ports which the DOT is responsible as well. There are 4 million tons of goods being shipped on barges traveling on Missouri waterways. Kansas City and St. Louis have the 2nd and 3rd largest rail hubs in the country respectively.
Rinehart said that the DOT had already made massive cuts to its operation and is operating as inexpensively as possible. They reduced their staff by 1,200 people and their buildings by 131 and eliminated 400-700 pieces of equipment. They have achieved $355 million in cost savings over the last two years, well ahead of their target.
In addition, their projects are coming in at 4% under budget and their Safe & Sound Program was completed a year and a half ahead of schedule. 95% of their projects have been done on time or early.
However, there are continued funding pressures on the DOT. Congress continues to drag its feet on the sequester, which will mean less and less money for the DOT in the future. Fuel revenues are less than expected and are predicted to continue to decline because of ever-increasing MPG standards for new cars. In fact, Rinehart said that some states were starting to get away from fuel taxes as a means of funding their transportation departments. Additionally, the Missouri River flooding from two years ago cost the DOT $18 million to fix. So despite all the ongoing cuts, Rinehart said that the DOT was not keeping up with state needs.
One possible solution was a 1 cent sales tax; however, it was filibustered by the Missouri Senate and will not be on the ballot in 2014 absent an initiative petition. The challenge will be to fight the perception that it will benefit I-35 and 70.
Worth County School is $150,000 in Black for 2013
Interim Superintendent Dave Fairchild reported at the regular School Board meeting that the school will be $150,000 in the black for this year. Fairchild reported that he is working with incoming Superintendent Matt Martz on the transition that will take effect next month.
Assistant Principal Chuck Borey reported that D’s and F’s continued to be significantly lower this year than in years past. He said that the remedial summer school went well this year.
Fairchild reported that the waxing of floors was ahead of schedule for this years. Work on the new partitions for the upper elementary classes has started. Fairchild reported that the transition to remote wireless will complete by next month.
The school has plans in place for various emergency situations that could come up. They will be distributed to teachers.
In what amounts to a backdoor tax increase by the Federal Government, the school is required to raise lunch prices by five cents this year even though the school lunch account nearly broke even for the previous school year. Fairchild said that the staff had been doing a good job of keeping costs for the school lunch program down.
The school board voted to transfer $40,000 to the capital expenses fund to pay for the technology upgrade.
Board Member Richard Mullock reported that a bill pushed by Representative Casey Guernsey to lower prevailing wage requirements for 3rd and 4th class counties has passed. If signed by the governor, it will mean that schools will not have to pay as much under state prevailing wage laws since it would be compared to other rural counties rather than by big cities.
Assistant Principal Chuck Borey reported that D’s and F’s continued to be significantly lower this year than in years past. He said that the remedial summer school went well this year.
Fairchild reported that the waxing of floors was ahead of schedule for this years. Work on the new partitions for the upper elementary classes has started. Fairchild reported that the transition to remote wireless will complete by next month.
The school has plans in place for various emergency situations that could come up. They will be distributed to teachers.
In what amounts to a backdoor tax increase by the Federal Government, the school is required to raise lunch prices by five cents this year even though the school lunch account nearly broke even for the previous school year. Fairchild said that the staff had been doing a good job of keeping costs for the school lunch program down.
The school board voted to transfer $40,000 to the capital expenses fund to pay for the technology upgrade.
Board Member Richard Mullock reported that a bill pushed by Representative Casey Guernsey to lower prevailing wage requirements for 3rd and 4th class counties has passed. If signed by the governor, it will mean that schools will not have to pay as much under state prevailing wage laws since it would be compared to other rural counties rather than by big cities.
Defiance Day Quilt Show Features Work of All Ages
The Old Defiance Day quilt show featured work from people of all ages. The youngest person to have their work featured at the Sheridan Christian Church this year was Megan Cassavaugh, who did a quilt full of horses for her 4-H project.
A lot of the quilts were pieces of history. The earliest quilts showcased were made in the late 1800’s. There were two quilts made by Mollie Belle Davidson in the late 1800’s. One was a feathered star while another was a “crazy quilt” featuring various attractive patterns and colors. Another quilt, which featured a lot of purple and yellow patterns, was made by Lucinda Scadden in the late 1800’s; she is the great-grandmother of Ramonia Parman.
Ms. Davidson quilted for around 50 years; one piece she did was made in 1943, a baby sash in honor of her granddaughter Helen Ford. Ms. Ford inherited her grandmother’s love of quilting; some of her work was showcased at the church Saturday as well. Quilting frequently is passed on in the family; one quilt was a farm quilt and the first quilt ever done by Kathy Miller; it was finished by mother Pauline Nelson.
There was some more recent work as well. There was a red and green sampler quilt made by the Stitch & Chatter Club; the borders and sashing were done by Kathy Miller while the quilting was done by Mary Kay Lambert. A quilt with a big star theme was made by Mary Kay Hunt and quilted by Lambert. Another quilt showcased history as it was a bicentennial quilt made by the late Maxine Evans.
A lot of the quilts were pieces of history. The earliest quilts showcased were made in the late 1800’s. There were two quilts made by Mollie Belle Davidson in the late 1800’s. One was a feathered star while another was a “crazy quilt” featuring various attractive patterns and colors. Another quilt, which featured a lot of purple and yellow patterns, was made by Lucinda Scadden in the late 1800’s; she is the great-grandmother of Ramonia Parman.
Ms. Davidson quilted for around 50 years; one piece she did was made in 1943, a baby sash in honor of her granddaughter Helen Ford. Ms. Ford inherited her grandmother’s love of quilting; some of her work was showcased at the church Saturday as well. Quilting frequently is passed on in the family; one quilt was a farm quilt and the first quilt ever done by Kathy Miller; it was finished by mother Pauline Nelson.
There was some more recent work as well. There was a red and green sampler quilt made by the Stitch & Chatter Club; the borders and sashing were done by Kathy Miller while the quilting was done by Mary Kay Lambert. A quilt with a big star theme was made by Mary Kay Hunt and quilted by Lambert. Another quilt showcased history as it was a bicentennial quilt made by the late Maxine Evans.
Jason Craig: “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?”
By day, Jason Craig (Jason Parman) works at a government job. But by night, he, his brother Scott, and their band hit the road and perform at various places in the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas singing about his home, Worth County and growing up on his parent’s farm near Hatfield. Jason and Scott came and performed at a concert in Sheridan to cap off a day of celebrations at Old Defiance Days. His entire band will perform August 31st at the Grant City Sesquicentennial.
He showed his talent as a showman growing up when he DJ’d for high school dances. Finally, he discovered that he had a talent for writing songs. He wrote a song about his parents, Ed and Nancy Parman of Hatfield on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. The song was about them living lives of service and facing life with courage and love. From there, his songwriting career took off and it is still growing. Word about Craig and his band is spreading and he is starting to get concerts this year as far away as central Iowa in the north and Oklahoma in the south. Now, Craig is planning on doing a video to his signature song, “Worth Countin’ on,” about growing up in Worth County and promoting the county as a good place to live. He has already done one album and is now working on his second, which he plans to have finished in October.
Craig sang solo at Sheridan Saturday with his brother Scott Parman serving as his producer. When the whole band is together, Scott serves as his bass player as well. “I always enjoy coming home and I’m glad it’s not 8,000 degrees out,” said Jason.
Jason sang a mixture of original songs about trucks, country live, working on the farm, and the woman that he loves; he is married with children. He brought four different guitars to the concert Saturday; he quipped that he plays all of them so that his wife won’t sell them.
He led off with “Who says you can’t go home,” about growing up near Hatfield. He joked that the Holy Trinity of Country was beer, bait, and ammunition. One song he performed was “Steel toes,” written by Scott and finished off by Jason celebrating the working man. “Wife of the Night” incorporates nearly every pickup line that he has heard over the years and features a man in the bar who spends all his spare time trying to find a woman. “I love you for good” is dedicated to his wife.
“On the Farm” was written after Craig met a man on the plane who was a farmer and showed the virtues of hard work and how it pays off. He covered some popular songs such as “Hallelujah,” “The Fireman,” and “Shake it for me.” “I want you to want me” was inspired by the popular song, which Craig said never made sense that it was set to happy music. “Run back to you” was another song dedicated to his wife, about being away for a long time and then coming back.
The song that had the most audience impact was not an original but a song by a friend of Craig’s, “Linda started lying,” about a woman who constantly went out and cheated after saying that she loved the man and what the man felt about her behavior. Everyone had knowing smiles on their faces as they could identify with that song.
Craig said that the audience cheers meant a lot to him and that it was not too bad for 105,000 degrees out. He said that one big influence on him was the late George Jones; “The world will never be the same without him,” said Craig as he performed his hit, “He stopped loving her today.”
He showed his talent as a showman growing up when he DJ’d for high school dances. Finally, he discovered that he had a talent for writing songs. He wrote a song about his parents, Ed and Nancy Parman of Hatfield on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. The song was about them living lives of service and facing life with courage and love. From there, his songwriting career took off and it is still growing. Word about Craig and his band is spreading and he is starting to get concerts this year as far away as central Iowa in the north and Oklahoma in the south. Now, Craig is planning on doing a video to his signature song, “Worth Countin’ on,” about growing up in Worth County and promoting the county as a good place to live. He has already done one album and is now working on his second, which he plans to have finished in October.
Craig sang solo at Sheridan Saturday with his brother Scott Parman serving as his producer. When the whole band is together, Scott serves as his bass player as well. “I always enjoy coming home and I’m glad it’s not 8,000 degrees out,” said Jason.
Jason sang a mixture of original songs about trucks, country live, working on the farm, and the woman that he loves; he is married with children. He brought four different guitars to the concert Saturday; he quipped that he plays all of them so that his wife won’t sell them.
He led off with “Who says you can’t go home,” about growing up near Hatfield. He joked that the Holy Trinity of Country was beer, bait, and ammunition. One song he performed was “Steel toes,” written by Scott and finished off by Jason celebrating the working man. “Wife of the Night” incorporates nearly every pickup line that he has heard over the years and features a man in the bar who spends all his spare time trying to find a woman. “I love you for good” is dedicated to his wife.
“On the Farm” was written after Craig met a man on the plane who was a farmer and showed the virtues of hard work and how it pays off. He covered some popular songs such as “Hallelujah,” “The Fireman,” and “Shake it for me.” “I want you to want me” was inspired by the popular song, which Craig said never made sense that it was set to happy music. “Run back to you” was another song dedicated to his wife, about being away for a long time and then coming back.
The song that had the most audience impact was not an original but a song by a friend of Craig’s, “Linda started lying,” about a woman who constantly went out and cheated after saying that she loved the man and what the man felt about her behavior. Everyone had knowing smiles on their faces as they could identify with that song.
Craig said that the audience cheers meant a lot to him and that it was not too bad for 105,000 degrees out. He said that one big influence on him was the late George Jones; “The world will never be the same without him,” said Craig as he performed his hit, “He stopped loving her today.”
Minister Couple Likens Journey to Pilgrim’s Progress
Ministry couple Mike and Connie Eighmy likened their journey to the old tale Pilgrim’s Progress, a 17th century tale by John Bunyan about a Christian who becomes convicted of the need to flee from the wrath to come and who must journey to the Celestial City to find eternal happiness. He must leave all of his friends and family behind in obedience to Christ’s command to leave behind his father and mother and follow Him in obedience to His will. Along the way, they encounter obstacles, counselors, and friends who guide them along the way while having to overcome various enemies. Finally, Christian nearly drowns as he tries to wade through the final obstacle, a moat surrounding the Celestial City. But he remembers his faith in Christ, allowing him to find firm ground and complete his journey to the Celestial City.
The ministry couple recounted their journey at the annual Worth County Alumni Reunion, at which 80 people and 34 guests attended. Mike said that after he graduated from Worth County in 1963, he went his own way for over a year before he enlisted in the Navy. But other people, including his commanding officer, recognized his talent for ministry even when he didn’t; he was told by Tom Stephens never to volunteer for anything in the Navy. But it didn’t matter; the commanding officer, who “knew how to talk sailor,” in Eighmy’s words, told him he hoped he was a Protestant and directed him to lead prayers for the Protestants, meet regularly with the chaplain, and supervise all the Jewish and Protestants when they went to religious services. That planted a seed in his heart and for Eighmy, prayer got to be important for him. He served for four years and was on a ship patrolling Tonkin Gulf at one point; their job was to retrieve downed pilots who were shot down by the North Vietnamese. Eighmy’s responsibilities were to keep the phone lines and the intercom working.
After he came back, Eighmy was in for a culture shock as he was confronted with one of many protests against the war and one protestor spit on him by a man who jumped out at him. But the seed had been planted in his heart; he read about Christianity extensively while on his spare time in the Navy ship’s library. After he was done with his service, Eighmy went to college and married Connie and they started going to church, where they had a close Sunday School group and met some people who lived out their faith and practiced what they preached.
The seed planted in his heart continued to grow and Eighmy’s pastor, Roy Hinds, recognized his talent for ministry and encouraged him to find ways of becoming more involved. Finally, Eighmy felt a calling from God to go into ministry and his wife, Connie, gave her unconditional support. Mike’s curiosity about Christianity led him to attend St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City. Mike was influenced strongly by John Wesley, who taught that one would find holiness of heart and life if one submitted to God. Mike then became a minister for many years and Connie became a teacher. Now, the roles are reversed; Connie is now a minister in her own right after having taught for 29 years; she credited Mike and his strong background in theology for helping her to get started. She is now a pastor of the United Methodist Churches in Elmo and Clearmont. For Mike, his work is not done; he is now a hospice volunteer and ministers to those who are terminally ill.
He paid tribute to his mom and dad, who were always active in their church. He said that growing up in a small town such as Worth County made him accountable; for instance, he and a group of friends were throwing rocks at a cat when the elderly owner came out and offered to whip them and then call their parents after they ran away.
Connie Waldeier Eighmy, the sister of Lorace and Don and who has another sister in Elaine, noted that 1963 was the first graduating class to go through the new school building for all four years. There were 47 people who graduated from the Class of 1963, of which 10 are no longer here. She talked about how much things had changed from when she was growing up; for instance, she talked about a school from Medford, OR which had 21 valedictorians and another one which had 34. They have two children in Nick, who followed his dad’s footsteps and enlisted in the Navy and fought in Afghanistan, and Carly. They have four grandchildren. “We’ve been married for 49 years and it’s been a good ride,” said Connie. “Mike finally decided I was right most of the time.” She said that one should never stop learning and that people had to face the moment and that not everyone had a rich aunt who could bail them out. “Worth County taught us well and we’re proud to call it home,” she said. “She doesn’t tell you the whole story; she is always right,” said Mike.
The Class of 1963 was honored at the reunion as this was their 50th anniversary. David Seat gave the invocation while Richard Williams led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kiley Reynolds and Kacey Smyser were the scholarship recipients this year. The alumni committee is selling a directory with every person who ever graduated from Worth County/Grant City since 1885, when the school was founded. Contact a Worth County Alumni Foundation member with corrections.
Mary Kay Hunt and Edith Miller were retained on the board. Bill Mozingo elected to retire from the board and the committee thanked him for his service. He was replaced by Helen Foster. The Worth County Community Band, directed by Carolyn Houts, performed two songs that were popular during 1963, “Climb Every Mountain” and “Blowing in the Wind.” They also performed the old fight song, which had been lost after the retirement of long-time band teacher Kenneth Thompson and which was recovered due to the efforts of Carolyn Hardy. It had been played and sang all the time at ballgames and student assemblies.
Billie Fern Wake stepped down as the registrar for the foundation. Wake along with Victor Fletchall were the oldest alumni present; they graduated in 1940.
The Fletchall family had the most members, with four people. The person farthest away was from California, with other alumni present from Florida, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Arizona.
Evelyn Groom reported that there were 13 present at the reunion of the Class of 1948 at the Fairgrounds. The event was organized by Groom, Doyle Parman, and William Bowlin. Ross Scott reported that the Class of 1945 had 15 show up for a reunion at the Senior Center. There were 63 graduates, of which 27 are still alive. Jerry Roach reported that 29 people, including guests, showed up at Allendale for the reunion of the Class of 1959. They had a fashion show and raised $110 for scholarships for the Alumni Foundation. The Allendale ladies helped serve. The Class of 1953 had their 60th Anniversary reunion in the Wabash Junction restaurant in Stanberry. 22 graduates along with spouses showed up. The Class of 1963 held a reunion in Allendale at which 22 graduates and 9 guests showed up. John Humphries organized the event through e-mail; he maintains a list where they exchange information about the class.
The ministry couple recounted their journey at the annual Worth County Alumni Reunion, at which 80 people and 34 guests attended. Mike said that after he graduated from Worth County in 1963, he went his own way for over a year before he enlisted in the Navy. But other people, including his commanding officer, recognized his talent for ministry even when he didn’t; he was told by Tom Stephens never to volunteer for anything in the Navy. But it didn’t matter; the commanding officer, who “knew how to talk sailor,” in Eighmy’s words, told him he hoped he was a Protestant and directed him to lead prayers for the Protestants, meet regularly with the chaplain, and supervise all the Jewish and Protestants when they went to religious services. That planted a seed in his heart and for Eighmy, prayer got to be important for him. He served for four years and was on a ship patrolling Tonkin Gulf at one point; their job was to retrieve downed pilots who were shot down by the North Vietnamese. Eighmy’s responsibilities were to keep the phone lines and the intercom working.
After he came back, Eighmy was in for a culture shock as he was confronted with one of many protests against the war and one protestor spit on him by a man who jumped out at him. But the seed had been planted in his heart; he read about Christianity extensively while on his spare time in the Navy ship’s library. After he was done with his service, Eighmy went to college and married Connie and they started going to church, where they had a close Sunday School group and met some people who lived out their faith and practiced what they preached.
The seed planted in his heart continued to grow and Eighmy’s pastor, Roy Hinds, recognized his talent for ministry and encouraged him to find ways of becoming more involved. Finally, Eighmy felt a calling from God to go into ministry and his wife, Connie, gave her unconditional support. Mike’s curiosity about Christianity led him to attend St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City. Mike was influenced strongly by John Wesley, who taught that one would find holiness of heart and life if one submitted to God. Mike then became a minister for many years and Connie became a teacher. Now, the roles are reversed; Connie is now a minister in her own right after having taught for 29 years; she credited Mike and his strong background in theology for helping her to get started. She is now a pastor of the United Methodist Churches in Elmo and Clearmont. For Mike, his work is not done; he is now a hospice volunteer and ministers to those who are terminally ill.
He paid tribute to his mom and dad, who were always active in their church. He said that growing up in a small town such as Worth County made him accountable; for instance, he and a group of friends were throwing rocks at a cat when the elderly owner came out and offered to whip them and then call their parents after they ran away.
Connie Waldeier Eighmy, the sister of Lorace and Don and who has another sister in Elaine, noted that 1963 was the first graduating class to go through the new school building for all four years. There were 47 people who graduated from the Class of 1963, of which 10 are no longer here. She talked about how much things had changed from when she was growing up; for instance, she talked about a school from Medford, OR which had 21 valedictorians and another one which had 34. They have two children in Nick, who followed his dad’s footsteps and enlisted in the Navy and fought in Afghanistan, and Carly. They have four grandchildren. “We’ve been married for 49 years and it’s been a good ride,” said Connie. “Mike finally decided I was right most of the time.” She said that one should never stop learning and that people had to face the moment and that not everyone had a rich aunt who could bail them out. “Worth County taught us well and we’re proud to call it home,” she said. “She doesn’t tell you the whole story; she is always right,” said Mike.
The Class of 1963 was honored at the reunion as this was their 50th anniversary. David Seat gave the invocation while Richard Williams led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kiley Reynolds and Kacey Smyser were the scholarship recipients this year. The alumni committee is selling a directory with every person who ever graduated from Worth County/Grant City since 1885, when the school was founded. Contact a Worth County Alumni Foundation member with corrections.
Mary Kay Hunt and Edith Miller were retained on the board. Bill Mozingo elected to retire from the board and the committee thanked him for his service. He was replaced by Helen Foster. The Worth County Community Band, directed by Carolyn Houts, performed two songs that were popular during 1963, “Climb Every Mountain” and “Blowing in the Wind.” They also performed the old fight song, which had been lost after the retirement of long-time band teacher Kenneth Thompson and which was recovered due to the efforts of Carolyn Hardy. It had been played and sang all the time at ballgames and student assemblies.
Billie Fern Wake stepped down as the registrar for the foundation. Wake along with Victor Fletchall were the oldest alumni present; they graduated in 1940.
The Fletchall family had the most members, with four people. The person farthest away was from California, with other alumni present from Florida, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Arizona.
Evelyn Groom reported that there were 13 present at the reunion of the Class of 1948 at the Fairgrounds. The event was organized by Groom, Doyle Parman, and William Bowlin. Ross Scott reported that the Class of 1945 had 15 show up for a reunion at the Senior Center. There were 63 graduates, of which 27 are still alive. Jerry Roach reported that 29 people, including guests, showed up at Allendale for the reunion of the Class of 1959. They had a fashion show and raised $110 for scholarships for the Alumni Foundation. The Allendale ladies helped serve. The Class of 1953 had their 60th Anniversary reunion in the Wabash Junction restaurant in Stanberry. 22 graduates along with spouses showed up. The Class of 1963 held a reunion in Allendale at which 22 graduates and 9 guests showed up. John Humphries organized the event through e-mail; he maintains a list where they exchange information about the class.
Tree Branch Collapses in Sheridan Park During Church Service
A large tree branch in the southeast corner of the Park near the water plant crashed right during the Church in the Park services. It fell onto the water fountain and fell into the area where the old emergency siren and pine tree were. There were no injuries and the branch did not hit any power lines. The tree had rotted out to the point where it could not hold the branch anymore.
Penalties for DWI Could Be Costly
While many people think it is no big deal, the consequences for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) could be costly financially. When you are arrested for DWI, the authorities know that you are guilty – they simply give you a breathalyzer test and if you are over the limit while driving, then you are charged. Since the Department of Revenue knows that you are guilty, they take your license away and make it very difficult to get back.
The penalties extend far beyond merely legal consequences, however. All persons are required to carry auto insurance; if an insured motorist is charged with a DWI, then the insurance company frequently wants nothing more to do with you. While responses depend on the company, some will provide a proof of insurance to the Department of Revenue as required to get one’s license back. However, it will be like the Kiss of Death – they will frequently charge you thousands of dollars annually, not hundreds, to insure you. And the consequences could extend to the loss of one’s job. For instance, at Missouri Western, an athletic director lost his job due to a DWI that he was charged with a few years ago. Frequently, employers do not want the risk of having someone drunk on the job. Others do not want someone representing them who has been charged with a DWI.
The consequences will even affect family members. If you have a DWI and a family member is living in the same house with you, some insurance companies will do a spot check and charge substantially more for the family member even if they do not have a DWI on their record.
It will not do people any good to plea down to a lesser charge. The Missouri Department of Revenue will still administratively suspend or revoke one’s driver’s license even if the offense was pleaded down to a lesser offense. The only way to overturn such a penalty is through either an administrative hearing or a trial de novo.
In Missouri, a first conviction for DWI or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) will result in a 90 day suspension. Missouri law is stricter for commercial vehicles; you can be convicted for driving a commercial vehicle with as little as .04% BAC. After 30 days, the driver may receive a 60-day restricted driving privilege and then is eligible for full reinstatement if all requirements are met. A person convicted of driving a commercial vehicle while intoxicated will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year.
Penalties for multiple DWI’s are more severe. A person convicted of a second offense, regardless of the length of time between convictions, will normally receive a one year revocation for accumulation of points. A driver convicted a second time within five years may also receive a five year license denial. At the end of the five year period, the driver must petition the circuit court for reinstatement and register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History site for a criminal history check. A third offense will result in a 10 year denial and the driver must then petition the court for reinstatement. These denials and suspensions are in addition to any criminal penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and probation that courts may impose.
When asked by a law enforcement officer to take an alcohol or drug test, you are required to take the test. If the driver refuses to take the test, then the license is revoked for one year.
Before getting reinstated from a suspension, you must complete the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP). They determine whether you are a low, medium, or high risk to repeat. It covers the consequences and human tragedy that is the result of DWI’s. A reinstatement fee of $45 is assessed and an SR-22, a proof of financial responsibility, must be filed. You must file and maintain proof of financial responsibility for two years or your license will be suspended again for the remainder of the two year period. For multiple offenders, drivers must install an Interlock Ignition Device to their vehicles for six months. If revoked for at least one year, drivers must take and pass the complete driver examination in order to get reinstated.
The penalties extend far beyond merely legal consequences, however. All persons are required to carry auto insurance; if an insured motorist is charged with a DWI, then the insurance company frequently wants nothing more to do with you. While responses depend on the company, some will provide a proof of insurance to the Department of Revenue as required to get one’s license back. However, it will be like the Kiss of Death – they will frequently charge you thousands of dollars annually, not hundreds, to insure you. And the consequences could extend to the loss of one’s job. For instance, at Missouri Western, an athletic director lost his job due to a DWI that he was charged with a few years ago. Frequently, employers do not want the risk of having someone drunk on the job. Others do not want someone representing them who has been charged with a DWI.
The consequences will even affect family members. If you have a DWI and a family member is living in the same house with you, some insurance companies will do a spot check and charge substantially more for the family member even if they do not have a DWI on their record.
It will not do people any good to plea down to a lesser charge. The Missouri Department of Revenue will still administratively suspend or revoke one’s driver’s license even if the offense was pleaded down to a lesser offense. The only way to overturn such a penalty is through either an administrative hearing or a trial de novo.
In Missouri, a first conviction for DWI or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) will result in a 90 day suspension. Missouri law is stricter for commercial vehicles; you can be convicted for driving a commercial vehicle with as little as .04% BAC. After 30 days, the driver may receive a 60-day restricted driving privilege and then is eligible for full reinstatement if all requirements are met. A person convicted of driving a commercial vehicle while intoxicated will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year.
Penalties for multiple DWI’s are more severe. A person convicted of a second offense, regardless of the length of time between convictions, will normally receive a one year revocation for accumulation of points. A driver convicted a second time within five years may also receive a five year license denial. At the end of the five year period, the driver must petition the circuit court for reinstatement and register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History site for a criminal history check. A third offense will result in a 10 year denial and the driver must then petition the court for reinstatement. These denials and suspensions are in addition to any criminal penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and probation that courts may impose.
When asked by a law enforcement officer to take an alcohol or drug test, you are required to take the test. If the driver refuses to take the test, then the license is revoked for one year.
Before getting reinstated from a suspension, you must complete the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP). They determine whether you are a low, medium, or high risk to repeat. It covers the consequences and human tragedy that is the result of DWI’s. A reinstatement fee of $45 is assessed and an SR-22, a proof of financial responsibility, must be filed. You must file and maintain proof of financial responsibility for two years or your license will be suspended again for the remainder of the two year period. For multiple offenders, drivers must install an Interlock Ignition Device to their vehicles for six months. If revoked for at least one year, drivers must take and pass the complete driver examination in order to get reinstated.
Friday, June 14, 2013
County Repairs Sewer Line Break
The county made repairs Friday to a sewer line break on the southeast corner of the Courtyard. County Clerk Roberta Owens said that she thought that a line was cut by a company that was doing the city's downtown renovation project. For the last few years, it had been an ongoing problem, leaking sewage out of a pipe. On Friday, the county crews made repairs to the system. They were assisted by the City of Grant City work crew along with Randy Allen, Jason Newman, and Scott Gillespie.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Helen Foster, Julie Tracy on KFEQ
Helen Foster and Julie Tracy were featured on KFEQ radio on Tuesday. The station did a segment on Lone Star Disease, which is a tick borne illness. Julie Tracy called in and told them about a person she knew, Helen Foster, who had the disease. Ms. Foster, of Denver, subsequently called the station, which interviewed her about her situation Tuesday. It was then the lead story in the Hotline program Wednesday; the Hotline is a program that is dedicated to local public affairs and politics.
In an interview with the Sheridan Express Wednesday, Foster said that last May, she began having symptoms and was diagnosed with the disease last July. The disease triggers an allergic reaction to red meats such as beef and pork, that come from mammals. In fact, Foster says that she cannot even be in the presence of red meats without undergoing an allergic reaction. It does not trigger an allergic reaction for meats such as turkey, fish, or chicken.
Since she was diagnosed, Foster said that it completely changed her lifestyle. She says that now, she has to check the ingredient labels for every food that she buys because "you would be surprised at some of the foods that contain red meat," she said.
One year later, Foster said that she still has the allergy, but that it can be controlled by acupuncture therapy; she goes to the acupuncturist in Pickering for regular treatments and has done so since January. She said that it has affected her husband even more than her; she has to leave the room when he eats or cooks red meat and they have to wash their dishes separately. Foster said that she has to avoid the Subway section of Maryville's Wal-Mart and the sandwich section of Casey's in order to avoid triggering her allergies.
The disease mostly affects people in the Bible Belt and the East Coast. But thankfully, Foster says that she has not had to give up any of her pets or animals. "That would be pretty hard," she said.
Lone Star Disease triggers immune system reactions to red meats. The best defense to any tick borne disease is prevention. The site Web MD recommends wearing clothing that covers your whole body when going into wooded areas, applying an insect repellent and follow label directions, wearing gloves when in woods or when handling animals, and removing leaves, brush, tall grasses, and other possible tick habitats. To prevent ticks on pets, the Centers for Disease Control recommends checking pets for ticks daily, having the vet check for ticks anytime they are in for a checkup, and talk with the vet about tick prevention methods.
In an interview with the Sheridan Express Wednesday, Foster said that last May, she began having symptoms and was diagnosed with the disease last July. The disease triggers an allergic reaction to red meats such as beef and pork, that come from mammals. In fact, Foster says that she cannot even be in the presence of red meats without undergoing an allergic reaction. It does not trigger an allergic reaction for meats such as turkey, fish, or chicken.
Since she was diagnosed, Foster said that it completely changed her lifestyle. She says that now, she has to check the ingredient labels for every food that she buys because "you would be surprised at some of the foods that contain red meat," she said.
One year later, Foster said that she still has the allergy, but that it can be controlled by acupuncture therapy; she goes to the acupuncturist in Pickering for regular treatments and has done so since January. She said that it has affected her husband even more than her; she has to leave the room when he eats or cooks red meat and they have to wash their dishes separately. Foster said that she has to avoid the Subway section of Maryville's Wal-Mart and the sandwich section of Casey's in order to avoid triggering her allergies.
The disease mostly affects people in the Bible Belt and the East Coast. But thankfully, Foster says that she has not had to give up any of her pets or animals. "That would be pretty hard," she said.
Lone Star Disease triggers immune system reactions to red meats. The best defense to any tick borne disease is prevention. The site Web MD recommends wearing clothing that covers your whole body when going into wooded areas, applying an insect repellent and follow label directions, wearing gloves when in woods or when handling animals, and removing leaves, brush, tall grasses, and other possible tick habitats. To prevent ticks on pets, the Centers for Disease Control recommends checking pets for ticks daily, having the vet check for ticks anytime they are in for a checkup, and talk with the vet about tick prevention methods.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Obituary -- Velda Viola Jennings Carden 1923-2013
Velda was born on May 17th, 1923 west of Isadora in Worth County. She died June 10th, 2013 in Lincoln, NE. Velda was a longtime resident of Worth County where she and her husband, William F. Carden, raised their family and spent many happy years close to friends and relatives.
Velda spent 31 years of her life teaching school, with an eight year break during that time to do beauty work. She received her B.S. and M.S. in education from Northwest Missouri State University. She started teaching in 1943 in Platte Dell School in Worth County and ended her teaching career in Craig. She loved helping all her students learn and grow, and hoped her lessons would serve as positive reminders for her students for many years. She never really quit teaching as she would always leave others a little wiser and better off after having met her. She lived her later years in Lincoln close to her sons David and Joseph.
She was preceded in death by husband William Carden, father Harry C. Maynard Jennings, mother Nellie Clara Ridge Jennings, and grandson Brian Carden.
Velda is survived by her brother Glen Jennings (Viola) of Grant City; children Reggie (Clara) Carden of Las Vegas; David Carden of Lincoln, Velva (William) Strand of Detroit Lakes, Mn, and Joseph Carden of Lincoln. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Velda loved baking and cooking, antiques, and recounting stories of her childhood and family life. She rarely missed church and worked hard to instill and pass along great values to her loved ones. Her ultimate love was for her family and she particularly enjoyed seeing them excel in the areas of life they were passionate about. The fine example of her love for her faith and her family will be cherished by all that knew her for years to come.
All memorials can be given in her honor to the Isadora Church of Christ. Services will be held at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 13th. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Nodaway Memorial Gardens in Maryville following the services.
Velda spent 31 years of her life teaching school, with an eight year break during that time to do beauty work. She received her B.S. and M.S. in education from Northwest Missouri State University. She started teaching in 1943 in Platte Dell School in Worth County and ended her teaching career in Craig. She loved helping all her students learn and grow, and hoped her lessons would serve as positive reminders for her students for many years. She never really quit teaching as she would always leave others a little wiser and better off after having met her. She lived her later years in Lincoln close to her sons David and Joseph.
She was preceded in death by husband William Carden, father Harry C. Maynard Jennings, mother Nellie Clara Ridge Jennings, and grandson Brian Carden.
Velda is survived by her brother Glen Jennings (Viola) of Grant City; children Reggie (Clara) Carden of Las Vegas; David Carden of Lincoln, Velva (William) Strand of Detroit Lakes, Mn, and Joseph Carden of Lincoln. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Velda loved baking and cooking, antiques, and recounting stories of her childhood and family life. She rarely missed church and worked hard to instill and pass along great values to her loved ones. Her ultimate love was for her family and she particularly enjoyed seeing them excel in the areas of life they were passionate about. The fine example of her love for her faith and her family will be cherished by all that knew her for years to come.
All memorials can be given in her honor to the Isadora Church of Christ. Services will be held at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 13th. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Nodaway Memorial Gardens in Maryville following the services.
Worth County Sheriff's Report
6-1 -- Alarm at Dollar General; false alarm.
6-3 -- Officer investigates breakin at Hughes Bros. shop.
6-3 -- Officer investigates report of shoplifting at Dollar General.
6-3 -- Report of burnt truck at Noble & 180th Rd.
6-4 -- Officer investigates report of breakin at Mission Possible.
6-5 -- Report of cattle out on Route W.
6-5 -- Fort Riley police department inquiring about former Worth County resident.
6-5 -- Several calls about cattle out on 46 just east of Country Corners.
6-6 -- Report of cattle out on 46 highway east of Country Corners.
6-7 -- Missouri Highway Patrol officers in to meet with Sheriff.
6-7 -- Officer investigates report of breakin at Sunny Slopes Apartment.
6-7 -- Officer investigates careless driving call.
6-8 -- Report of cattle out on Route M; owner notified.
6-3 -- Officer investigates breakin at Hughes Bros. shop.
6-3 -- Officer investigates report of shoplifting at Dollar General.
6-3 -- Report of burnt truck at Noble & 180th Rd.
6-4 -- Officer investigates report of breakin at Mission Possible.
6-5 -- Report of cattle out on Route W.
6-5 -- Fort Riley police department inquiring about former Worth County resident.
6-5 -- Several calls about cattle out on 46 just east of Country Corners.
6-6 -- Report of cattle out on 46 highway east of Country Corners.
6-7 -- Missouri Highway Patrol officers in to meet with Sheriff.
6-7 -- Officer investigates report of breakin at Sunny Slopes Apartment.
6-7 -- Officer investigates careless driving call.
6-8 -- Report of cattle out on Route M; owner notified.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Obituary -- Charlene Lillian (Dannar) Burns 1921-2013
Charlene Lillian (Dannar) Burns, 91, of rural Worth, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, June 2, 2013. She was born August 23, 1921 in Worth County, the daughter of Charley and Opal (Milligan) Dannar.She attended Oxford grade school and graduated high school at Worth. Charlene married Howard Burns on September 14, 1937 in Sidney, IA.
In 1960, Howard, Charlene, and their two children moved to the family farm west of Worth on Highway W where Charlene lived the rest of her years. Charlene helped Howard on the farm, worked at Mont Trump's Grocery Store in Worth, and the Grant City Cap Factory, and cooked for many years at the Worth County Convalescent Center. She always raised chickens, enjoyed fishing, hunting mushrooms, gardening, camping, and cooking for family and friends. Being outside in her garden was where she was the happiest.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara (Ted) Findley and one son, Russell (Nancy) Burns. Grandchildren are Lisa Findley (Tim) Runde, Jana Findley (friend Justin Ford), Matt (Lorelei) Burns, and Dru (Shannon) Burns. Great-grandchildren are Jeff (Holli) Runde, Jon (Alex) Runde, Laura Runde, and Matt's sons Daryl and Liam Burns. Great-great grandchildren are Jeff's children Kylee and Tanner Runde.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, brother J.W. (Buster) Dannar, and sister-in-law Gladys Dannar.
She will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and her dog "Freckles" who was her best friend the last few years.
Funeral Services were held at Andrews Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. Pastor Doug Cummins officiated. Interment was in the Grant City Cemetery.
In 1960, Howard, Charlene, and their two children moved to the family farm west of Worth on Highway W where Charlene lived the rest of her years. Charlene helped Howard on the farm, worked at Mont Trump's Grocery Store in Worth, and the Grant City Cap Factory, and cooked for many years at the Worth County Convalescent Center. She always raised chickens, enjoyed fishing, hunting mushrooms, gardening, camping, and cooking for family and friends. Being outside in her garden was where she was the happiest.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara (Ted) Findley and one son, Russell (Nancy) Burns. Grandchildren are Lisa Findley (Tim) Runde, Jana Findley (friend Justin Ford), Matt (Lorelei) Burns, and Dru (Shannon) Burns. Great-grandchildren are Jeff (Holli) Runde, Jon (Alex) Runde, Laura Runde, and Matt's sons Daryl and Liam Burns. Great-great grandchildren are Jeff's children Kylee and Tanner Runde.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, brother J.W. (Buster) Dannar, and sister-in-law Gladys Dannar.
She will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and her dog "Freckles" who was her best friend the last few years.
Funeral Services were held at Andrews Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. Pastor Doug Cummins officiated. Interment was in the Grant City Cemetery.
16 Attend Grant City Legion Dinner
16 people attended the Grant City American Legion dinner at the Oldtowne Cafe Thursday evening. People attending were Andrew Pickering, Commander Dwayne Staton, Kaye and Evanell Havner, Jack and Jean Cottrell, Ralph Kobbe, J.W. and Clara Harding, Will Brown, Lloyd and Alice Ridge, Bob Hull, and Ron and Verla Damman. The Legion approved making the event an annual dinner. J.W. Harding thanked the Boy Scouts for helping to decorate the graves this year for Memorial Day. Andrew Pickering closed the gathering with prayer.
Sheridan Receives $50,000 Donation for Community Building
Frances (Dowis) Showers has made a $50,000 unsolicited donation to the Sheridan Community Building Fund for the purchase of building supplies for the new community building. The new specs for the community building are on display at Sheridan City Hall and the city is inviting public comments. The city is still seeking donations for the project; any interested individuals can contact Mayor Leland Wake or any Sheridan City Council member.
Showers, 93, said in an interview Saturday that she wanted to give back to the community in her last years; she does not have any children. She said she had the idea for donating money back to the community for years; she said that a new community building would help bring in people to Sheridan. "If you bring people in, they will move here," she said. She said that she wanted Sheridan to become the place to be for community events in the area. "Once you get the community building built, it will help a lot," said Showers. She said that she would do whatever she could to help the town grow again and that she wanted to see the school building and the sewer lines as future projects for the city.
Showers now lives in Oregon. She was a graduate from Sheridan High School and is one of their oldest alumni. Despite her 93 years, she continues to remain active; her interests include collecting antiques and putting together a book with her family history. She recalled working $1.10 an hour to make a living growing up and she wanted to see opportunities and activities for young people in the area.
Showers, 93, said in an interview Saturday that she wanted to give back to the community in her last years; she does not have any children. She said she had the idea for donating money back to the community for years; she said that a new community building would help bring in people to Sheridan. "If you bring people in, they will move here," she said. She said that she wanted Sheridan to become the place to be for community events in the area. "Once you get the community building built, it will help a lot," said Showers. She said that she would do whatever she could to help the town grow again and that she wanted to see the school building and the sewer lines as future projects for the city.
Showers now lives in Oregon. She was a graduate from Sheridan High School and is one of their oldest alumni. Despite her 93 years, she continues to remain active; her interests include collecting antiques and putting together a book with her family history. She recalled working $1.10 an hour to make a living growing up and she wanted to see opportunities and activities for young people in the area.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Jason Craig to Highlight Old Defiance Day Celebrations
Jason Craig (Jason Parman) will highlight the Old Defiance Days celebrations this year. He will be performing at Old Defiance Days Saturday night June 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Sheridan Park. He is a professional musician and a graduate of Worth County R-III. The celebrations will be held from June 21st to 23rd this year.
Festivities will kick off Friday night with the Little Mr. and Miss Defiance show at 5:30 followed by the Citizen of the Year presentation and the Kiddie Parade. That will be followed by a supper presented by the Sheridan CBC at 6, the Horseback Poker Run, and a dance at Snakebite starting at 9.
At 7:30 in the morning, events will start off with a breakfast sponsored by the 4-H at Sheridan Grocery & Cafe. That will be followed by the Parade and the Flag Raising at 10:30. The Mic-O-Say Tribe will perform following the parade. From 11-1, there will be a Boy Scout BBQ. At noon, there will be a volleyball tournament. The Baby Show will follow at 12:30, followed by the Antique Tractor Pull at 1; for more information, contact Tyler Paxson at (660) 562-4497.
Starting at 1:30, there will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament; for information, contact Mike Rowe at 799-2945. At 1:30, there will be a dance performance followed by an adult scavenger hunt. At 2 will be the pedal pull. An ice cream social will be held throughout the afternoon along with artist Tyler Folkerts from Bedford. At 3, there will be games held for kids.
At 4, a horse fun show will start at the new horse arena behind the schoolhouse. There will also be a kids pet show held. At 6, there will be a Tug of War contest; they will consist of teams of four, one of which must be female. At 6:30, there will be bathtub races, followed by Craig's performance. A dance at Snakebite will follow at 9.
At 9 on Sunday morning, events will kick off with a church service in the park. At 11, the ATV races will start; for more information, contact Mary Jo Riley at (660) 562-9797.
Festivities will kick off Friday night with the Little Mr. and Miss Defiance show at 5:30 followed by the Citizen of the Year presentation and the Kiddie Parade. That will be followed by a supper presented by the Sheridan CBC at 6, the Horseback Poker Run, and a dance at Snakebite starting at 9.
At 7:30 in the morning, events will start off with a breakfast sponsored by the 4-H at Sheridan Grocery & Cafe. That will be followed by the Parade and the Flag Raising at 10:30. The Mic-O-Say Tribe will perform following the parade. From 11-1, there will be a Boy Scout BBQ. At noon, there will be a volleyball tournament. The Baby Show will follow at 12:30, followed by the Antique Tractor Pull at 1; for more information, contact Tyler Paxson at (660) 562-4497.
Starting at 1:30, there will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament; for information, contact Mike Rowe at 799-2945. At 1:30, there will be a dance performance followed by an adult scavenger hunt. At 2 will be the pedal pull. An ice cream social will be held throughout the afternoon along with artist Tyler Folkerts from Bedford. At 3, there will be games held for kids.
At 4, a horse fun show will start at the new horse arena behind the schoolhouse. There will also be a kids pet show held. At 6, there will be a Tug of War contest; they will consist of teams of four, one of which must be female. At 6:30, there will be bathtub races, followed by Craig's performance. A dance at Snakebite will follow at 9.
At 9 on Sunday morning, events will kick off with a church service in the park. At 11, the ATV races will start; for more information, contact Mary Jo Riley at (660) 562-9797.
Sheridan Releases Plans for New Community Building
New details have been released about the new community building that has been proposed for the city. It would be located where the current City Hall, the Trails End Cafe, and the Laundromat Building are currently located. Those three buildings would be torn down and replaced with the proposed structure.
The new building would be 90 feet long by 60 feet wide. There would have an office, a meeting room, a kitchen, storage, restroom, and a community hall. The city is soliciting public suggestions and comments for the new building. If you wish to comment, contact Mayor Leland Wake or a Sheridan City Council member. A floor plan is available for public viewing during normal business hours at the lobby of City Hall.
The new building would be 90 feet long by 60 feet wide. There would have an office, a meeting room, a kitchen, storage, restroom, and a community hall. The city is soliciting public suggestions and comments for the new building. If you wish to comment, contact Mayor Leland Wake or a Sheridan City Council member. A floor plan is available for public viewing during normal business hours at the lobby of City Hall.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Montford Pointers Broke Color Barrier in World War II
The Montford Pointers were a group of 20,000 Black Marines who broke the color barrier in that organization during World War II. They fought on the front lines against the Japanese during a lot of the major battles of that war.
The growing threat of Nazi Germany, with their notions of racial superiority, forced the US to come to terms with their racial problems in this country. Discrimination was a way of life, with the notion of "Separate but Equal" the law of the land since the Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson back in the 1880's.
It was becoming increasingly obvious that war with Germany would happen at some point. The Germans were repeating the same mistakes that they made during World War I as early as the 1930's, mistreating American civilians and refusing to respect American neutrality. By June 25th, 1941, the US had already signaled greater involvement in World War II with the signing of Lend-Lease, allowing them to send weapons to the allies. The last thing that President Roosevelt needed was civil rights unrest with war possible at any moment. Black civil rights leaders were threatening massive marches on Washington if the President did not do something about the ongoing problem of racial discrimination in hiring practices.
In response, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, barring all discrimination in hiring practices throughout the defense industry by either the government or contractors. This act had long-term consequences; it helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which barred all forms of racial discrimination.This order also required all branches of the Armed Forces to recruit and enlist African-Americans.
Montford Point was the place where Black Marines were trained. One of the first Afro-American Marine drill instructors was Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson, who had previously served in the Army and Navy. He successfully lobbied for Blacks to be included in combat patrols and he personally led some himself. He fought in both World War II and Korea. He was the first Black serviceman to have a military installation named after him. Today, the Montford Point Marine Association, an organization open to all veterans, exists to perpetuate the legacy of these Marines. In 2011, in a rare case of bipartisan cooperation in Washington, Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation giving the surviving Montford Pointers the highest honors available to American citizens. In 2012, the surviving members received the Congressional Gold Medal for their services to this country.
By contrast, the Nazis had driven out many of the Jewish scientists who could have contributed significantly to a German nuclear program. Among those who were driven out were Albert Einstein. Later, Einstein wrote a letter to President Roosevelt warning that Germany was in the process of doing atomic research that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon. This letter was the stimulus for the Manhattan Project, which led to this country's successful development of a nuclear weapon. Subsequently, Einstein, originally a pacifist, felt that letter was one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
The Nazi policies of racial superiority proved to be a significant setback to their efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Afterwards, Albert Speer, war production minister and architect for the Nazis, wrote in his book that they would have developed a nuclear weapon by 1947 at the earliest if they had devoted all their resources to such a discovery.
The growing threat of Nazi Germany, with their notions of racial superiority, forced the US to come to terms with their racial problems in this country. Discrimination was a way of life, with the notion of "Separate but Equal" the law of the land since the Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson back in the 1880's.
It was becoming increasingly obvious that war with Germany would happen at some point. The Germans were repeating the same mistakes that they made during World War I as early as the 1930's, mistreating American civilians and refusing to respect American neutrality. By June 25th, 1941, the US had already signaled greater involvement in World War II with the signing of Lend-Lease, allowing them to send weapons to the allies. The last thing that President Roosevelt needed was civil rights unrest with war possible at any moment. Black civil rights leaders were threatening massive marches on Washington if the President did not do something about the ongoing problem of racial discrimination in hiring practices.
In response, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, barring all discrimination in hiring practices throughout the defense industry by either the government or contractors. This act had long-term consequences; it helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which barred all forms of racial discrimination.This order also required all branches of the Armed Forces to recruit and enlist African-Americans.
Montford Point was the place where Black Marines were trained. One of the first Afro-American Marine drill instructors was Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson, who had previously served in the Army and Navy. He successfully lobbied for Blacks to be included in combat patrols and he personally led some himself. He fought in both World War II and Korea. He was the first Black serviceman to have a military installation named after him. Today, the Montford Point Marine Association, an organization open to all veterans, exists to perpetuate the legacy of these Marines. In 2011, in a rare case of bipartisan cooperation in Washington, Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation giving the surviving Montford Pointers the highest honors available to American citizens. In 2012, the surviving members received the Congressional Gold Medal for their services to this country.
By contrast, the Nazis had driven out many of the Jewish scientists who could have contributed significantly to a German nuclear program. Among those who were driven out were Albert Einstein. Later, Einstein wrote a letter to President Roosevelt warning that Germany was in the process of doing atomic research that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon. This letter was the stimulus for the Manhattan Project, which led to this country's successful development of a nuclear weapon. Subsequently, Einstein, originally a pacifist, felt that letter was one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
The Nazi policies of racial superiority proved to be a significant setback to their efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Afterwards, Albert Speer, war production minister and architect for the Nazis, wrote in his book that they would have developed a nuclear weapon by 1947 at the earliest if they had devoted all their resources to such a discovery.
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