40 Years Ago This Week, Jerry Litton Died in Plane Crash

The stark headline on the St. Joseph paper said it all – “God willing, what might have been…” Jerry Litton, who had established himself as the 6th District Congressman for the area, had just completed a stunning landslide victory over two better-known opponents in the Democratic Senate Primary the night before. He was on his way to Kansas City to congratulate supporters, when his plane crashed, killing his entire family and everyone aboard. It happened 40 years ago this week.

Litton, unlike most politicians today, was not a professional politician. He had been really big in the FFA and translated it into a farming career, where he built a reputation for trustworthiness and honesty and quality. Finally, he went against the grain in 1972; in a heavily Republican year, he ran for the 6th District, won a hotly-contested primary, and went on to beat Russ Sloan. It was an excellent result in a year that was otherwise bleak for Democrats as their standardbearer, George McGovern, was initially 1000% behind Vice-Presidential nominee Tom Eagleton and then dropped him from the ticket.

Throughout his time in Congress, he protected our privacy, forged alliances on both sides of the aisle, protected Social Security, and farming interests. He would never forget where he came from; when faced with a choice, he would always speak to FFA or other farming groups over groups which would have paid him a lot more to attend.

Hart's Drive-In to Turn 60 Years Old

In this era of turnover, one thing has remained a constant – the drive-in at Grant City will mark its 60th anniversary. It was first opened in September 1956 and known as The Igloo. The pool would open shortly afterwards and the two would be interdependent – a trip to the drive-in to get some ice cream was a logical next step for someone who had just been to the pool. Then as now, it offered drive-in window service with ice cream served within just a few minutes. Currently, it is known as Hart’s Drive-In, under the management of Amber Hart. For many years, it was known as Fern’s Drive-In and owned and operated by Fern Sheddrick.

A few years ago, Amber Hart turned back the clock and had a 1960’s drive-in party, with employees dressed in ‘60’s style clothing and music from that era playing on the speaker. Some folks broke out their old cars and took them up.

Benefit Fund Set Up for Baker, King, & Lakey Families

The Blocktonian reports that a benefit fund has been set up for the Baker, King, and Lakey families at the Great Western Bank. Any Great Western Bank can accept the donations to help those families with funeral and medical expenses. Simply let the bank know that it is for the Redding United Methodist Church’s Baker/King/Lakey Benefit Fund. Great Western Banks are located in Bedford, Grant City, and Mount Ayr.

WC Care & Rehab Center Up to 21 Residents; New Budget Forecasts $73,000 Surplus

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center was up to 21 residents this month according to figures provided by the facility. There are three Medicare Part A patients, 1 resident in adult daycare, and 13 people participating in outpatient therapy. Monthly profit from Aegis Therapy for the facility has come to around $4,000 to $8,000 per month.

The facility finally secured a Veterans Choice Provider agreement with the VA. This means that the facility can be a provider for VA patients. It means that if the VA determines that one of their residents needs nursing home care, that person can request placement at the Care & Rehab Center if they are from Worth County, for instance. The VA can place patients there as well.

Board member Patty Spainhower reported that she had gone to Tiffany Heights in Mound City and exchanged ideas with their people. She said that there were just a handful of county homes in the area.

The west hall wax was stripped and redone. Windows in the front and back were painted. A few water line issues have been resolved.

The budget for next year will come to an estimated $73,000 surplus. This includes the county tax revenues as well as the Aegis Therapy revenues. Ideas for generating more revenue were discussed, including home health care. Spainhower said that Tiffany Heights had told her that home health care was a big revenue generator for some of their facilities.

The board is lacking a member from the Allendale area. If someone from the Allendale area is interested in serving, please contact Bev Miller at the facility for details.

Len Green Celebrates 30 Years as Crossroads/Assembly of God Pastor

On Saturday, Len Green marked his 30th anniversary as serving as Crossroads Assembly of God Pastor in Grant City. He grew up in Oklahoma and Texas and went to Bible School in Denver. He met his wife Rita in Sharen (IA), as he was working his first job as a youth pastor. He then got married in Sioux Falls (SD), where he married Rita and later went to Flagstaff (AZ). There, he met Frank and Marsha Lonetti, who moved back and forth from Arizona to Redding every year; they recruited Mr. Green to be pastor at Assembly of God along with the previous pastor, Spencer Weddle. Mr. Green preached a sermon there and was voted in as pastor in 1986. He said that the way to stay a long time in one place was to outlove people and outlove God. “There are a lot of good people here,” he said. Len and Rita have two grown children, Micah and Cody Green.

Obituary -- Charles Gray 1933-2016

Charles Edward Gray, age 82, Hopkins, Missouri died Thursday, July 14, 2016 at his home in Hopkins, with his family by his side.

Charles was born July 30, 1933 in Bedford, Iowa, son of the late Kenneth and Alice (Smith) Gray.

Charles was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country from 1952-1954.  He was a pole lineman with the 534th Signal Company stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia.

He was united in marriage to Evelyn C. Cartwright on August 25, 1954 in Georgia, Alabama.

Charles a retired farmer, had also worked for J.L. Houston and the former Rosecrans Chevrolet, both of Hopkins, and the former Eveready Battery Corporation of Maryville, Missouri.   

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Donald and Marvin Gray.

Survivors include: his wife Evelyn of the home, Hopkins, two daughters, Margaret Smith and Wanda (Guy) Fletchall, two sons, Edward (Jamie) Gray and Billy Joe Gray, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one on the way, 1 great great grandson, sister Shirley Irwin, brothers James, Harold, Darold, Elvin, Roger and Ronnie Gray.

Mr. Gray has been cremated.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Hopkins Christian Church, Hopkins, Missouri. Private Family inurnment will be in the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri.

  

Arrangements: andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Worth County Sheriff's Report

7-5 -- Report of bull in person's corn field; owner notified.
7-5 -- Alarm call in Allendale; officer investigates, person entered a building he thought was a service station looking for an air hose.
7-5 -- Officer does an ID/OD on trailer for resident.
7-5 -- Officer serving legal papers in Worth County.
7-6 -- Cow out on Briggs Street in Grant City.
7-7 -- Storm moves through Worth County; several trees and lines down.
7-7 -- Officers transporting prisoners to court.
7-8 -- Report of accident in Ringgold County.
7-8 -- Person in to bond on Worth County warrant.
7-9 -- Calf out on 46 highway. owner notified.
7-10 -- Report of stolen car and recovered on Route C in Worth County.
7-10 -- Officer investigates domestic disturbance in Grant City.
7-10 -- Report of motorcycle-deer accident on Route M; driver lifeflighted to St. Joe.

Obituary -- Elizabeth Taylor (ET) Lakey (Corrected)

Elizabeth Taylor (ET) Lakey was born June 3, 2012 in Maryville, Missouri. She was taken from this world just 4 short years later, on July 8, 2016. ET lived in Grant City, Missouri with her baby sister Scarlette and mommy, Brittney Lakey.

     

Elizabeth loved everyone and everything. She was a mama’s girl. She enjoyed playing with her friends, singing and dancing , telling stories, playing with animals and going to school like a big girl. She was a big bright eyed girl who was always there to bring a smile. ET was a beautiful soul, a great sister, and was extremely intelligent and mature for her age. He favorite movies were Big Hero 6, Frozen, Strange Magic and the Nightmare Before Christmas. She loved Barney and friends, Doc McStuffins and many other shows. ET’s favorite color was pink and purple. She wanted to be a race car driver when she grew up.

     

Elizabeth left behind her mother and baby sister Brittney and Scarlette Lakey, her grandparents, Danny and Dena Campbell, aunts, Cassie Jones and her family and Ashley Campbell, and her great-grandparents Everett and Marie Campbell.

Funeral Services were 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home  in Grant City, Missouri. Interment was in the Kirk Cemetery, Allendale, Missouri. Visitation was Tuesday evening at the Grant City Christian Church.

McCaskill Requests Information on Veterans Exposed to Nuclear Material

After her year-long effort to reverse 70 years of mistreatment for World-War II-era veterans intentionally exposed to mustard gas, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today requested information on another group of veterans whose decades-long fight for acknowledgement and benefits has been unsuccessful.

A recent New York Times report detailed a 1966 nuclear accident in which 1,600 veterans were deployed to clean up radiation contamination from a nuclear accident in Spain in 1966. McCaskill is requesting briefings from the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to find out how—in light of the numerous medical problems reported by these veterans—the government has addressed the needs of these veterans.

“The work I’ve done over the past year has made it clear that the obstacles placed in front of some of these mistreated veterans make it impossible for them to receive the treatment and benefits they’re entitled to,” said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran. “In this case we’re talking about an incident that occurred 50 years ago. We have to act to acknowledge their sacrifice before it’s too late.”

According to the article, high percentages of these troops have developed serious cancers and other illnesses since the cleanup, but the VA has not provided them with healthcare benefits.

“After many months my office has spent investigating the VA’s failure to provide healthcare and benefits to its veterans who were purposefully exposed to mustard gas by the U.S. Military, I find it extremely troubling to hear reports of yet another failure by the VA to carry out its duty to care for this country’s veterans,” McCaskill’s letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald reads.

A copy of McCaskill’s letter to the Department of Defense is available online HERE. A copy of McCaskill’s letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs is available online HERE. 

Obituary -- Breanna Faith Baker

Breanna Faith Baker(12) of Redding, Iowa passed away unexpectedly on Friday
July 8th, 2016.

She was born in Maplewood, Minnesota where she was the daughter to Renea
Marie Baker and Samuel Willie Baker. She attended school in Creston, Iowa.
She loved spending time with her brothers and cousins. She was involved in
many sports and activities. She will be remembered for her contagious smile
and fun loving personality. She is survived by Father Samuel Baker, siblings
Robert, Willie and 3 step siblings. Breanna was preceeded by mother Renea
Marie Baker. The visitation and funeral service will be with her mother's
service.

The visitation service will be Tuesday, July 12^th, 2016, 6 – 8 pm at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, Mo.  The funeral service is on Wednesday, July 13^th, 2016, 10:30 am at  Crossroads Assembly of God Church, Grant City, Mo. 

Obituary -- Renea Marie (Crandall) Baker

Renea Marie (Crandall) Baker (49) of Redding, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, July 8^th, 2016.  She was the wife to Samuel Willie Baker.  They shared 6 joyful years together with 3 wonderful children. 

She was born in Maplewood, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Richard Gary Crandall Sr. and Anna Marie Crandall.  She was employed as a Special Education Teacher at Creston High School.  She enjoyed spending time with her special family.

She is survived by husband Samuel Willie Baker, children Robert Richard, Willie Robert, step children Billy, Matthew, Heather, Wyatt and many nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Grandparents, Ray and Delores Crandall, Tony and Isabelle Ricci, Parents Anna Marie and Richard Gary Crandall Sr. and many family and friends. 

The visitation service will be Tuesday, July 12^th, 2016, 6 – 8 pm at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, Mo.  The funeral service is on Wednesday, July 13^th, 2016, 10:30 am at  Crossroads Assembly of God Church, Grant City, Mo. 

She departed with her daughter Breanna Faith Baker.

KCP&L Warns Customers of Phone Scam

KCP&L wants to warn all customers of a new scam. Multiple reports of phone scams involving customers’ utility bills and personal information are coming in to KCP&L. Most of those targeted are restaurants and small businesses, but all customers should be aware of this important notice.
 

With the phone scam, customers are prompted by a recording to input their payment information. This phone number is not associated with KCP&L. There have also been reports of a live person posing as a KCP&L employee who notifies the customer of a past due bill and demands immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. In some instances, the caller requests that the customer purchase a money gram to pay their bill. If the customer is unable to make an immediate payment or does not answer, the caller gives out a return phone number for customers to call back.

If customers ever have questions about the legitimacy of a bill, phone call or email regarding their utility bill, they should refrain from providing any personal or banking information, hang up and contact theKCP&L Customer Contact Center at (888) 471-5275 or (816) 471-5275.

Here are some other important safety tips to keep in mind.

• Never give credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls, text and/or sends an email requesting this information in respect to your utility bill, without also verifying that person is with KCP&L by either asking to see company identification or by calling KCP&L’s Customer Contact Center.
• Be suspicious if you receive an email regarding your utility bill if you have not requested online communications from KCP&L.
• For customers using KCP&L’s online bill pay system, always make online payments directly through kcpl.com.
• Never provide personal information via email or click any suspicious links.
   

If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, please work with your local law enforcement agency to report the crime. For more information, visit www.kcpl.com/scamalert.

Obituary -- Sydney Nicole King and Hayden Alexander King

     Sydney Nicole King

     Sydney Nicole King was born September 23, 1985 to Marvin and Carolyn Davis. At age 5 Sydney was adopted by Dan and Esther King in Grant City, Missouri, joining her brother Christopher King.

     Sydney attended Kindergarten thru 3^rd grade at Worth County R-3 in Grant City, Missouri. Dan and Esther moved the family to Redding Iowa where She finished 3^rd through 12^th grades at Mt. Ayr Community School. She graduated in May 2004.

     Sydney has lived in Wisconsin over the past 10 years. She recently returned to Redding to raise her son Hayden in a smaller community.

     Sydney was preceded in death by her biological parents, Marvin Davis and Carolyn Weddle, grandparents, Loren and Edna Baker and Edwin and Lorraine King.

     Surviving are parents Dan King of Redding, Iowa, Esther King of Corning, Iowa, brother Chris King, also of Corning, sisters, Lacey of Wichita, Kansas and Jennifer King of Corning, biological siblings,  Jan, Marie, Nancy, Lisa , Terry, Harley, Chris, Todd and Dustin and their extended famililes. 

Hayden Alexander King

     Hayden Alexander King was born December 30, 2013 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin where he and his mom lived until they moved to Redding in November 2015. Hayden was his mothers pride and joy, along with grandpa and grandma’s.

     Surviving are Grandpa Dan, Grandma Esther, Uncle Chris, Aunt Lacy, Aunt Jenifer, along with other aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Hayden and his mom passed away July 8, 2016 in a car accident near Mt. Ayr Iowa. They will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved them.

     Funeral services for Sydney and Hayden will be Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Blockton Christian Church in Blockton, Iowa. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Visitation from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Monday, July 11, 2016 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.

Worth County Man Seeks Help for Major Medical Issues

Shane Kollitz has been hospitalized with medical issues and is seeking help paying his medical expenses. Here is his post on Go Fund Me:

I was recently diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (Liver Disease), possible overlaps syndrome of Auto Immune Hepatitis (another liver disease). Along side with Ulcerative Colitis (colon disease). There is no treatment or cure for any of these things.. I'll be on medication to slow down the deterioration of my liver, as well as medicine for the colon disease, and will most likely need a liver transplant in the future.. I am in a rough patch and medical bills/medicines are wiping me out.. I have I appreciate and respect any and all help.

To help with his medical expenses, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/2d84kme4.

Obituary -- Donald Eugene Lowman 1930-2016

Donald Eugene Lowman was born March 8, 1930 to Robert and Effie (Sutter) Lowman in Kelley, Iowa. Don passed away July 9, 2016 at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Don married Georgia Gloshen and to this union Linda and Steven were born. Later in years Don married Theresa Hodges and they had two children, Kent and Kristin.

Don grew up in Kelly, Iowa, farming with his father. Later Don took over the farming operation and raised his children there. Don and family later bought a farm in Kellerton, Iowa, raising hogs. After retiring from farming, Don traveled with a wheat harvest out West for a few years, then retired completely due to health reasons and moved to Mount Ayr. In April, 2012 Don moved to Clearview Home where he spent the remainder of his life.

Don is survived by his daughter, Linda Brooks, daughter Kristin (Randy) Ellinwood, son Steve Lowman, and daughter-in-law Julie Lowman, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, son Kent Lowman, son-in-law Dennis Brooks, two brothers, Loyal (Rachel) Lowman, and Glen (Dorothea) Lowman, three sisters, Martha (Herb) Hibbs, Margart (Jake) Bram, and Velma (Loyd) Rice.

Family will receive friends from 9:30 am and 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at Watson Armstrong Funeral Home, 205 W. Monroe Street in Mount Ayr, Iowa, with the services starting at 10:30 am the same day. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.

Long Time Worth County Rancher Passes

Francis Donald Hughes, 92, of Denver, Missouri, died July 10, 2016 at his home.

Donald was born November 15, 1923 on the family farm near the New Hope Church, Denver, Missouri.

He was the son of Francis Walter and Olive Jane (Miller) Hughes.  He attended rural school near his home then began the several mile walk to school in Denver in later elementary.  He graduated from the Grant City School District.

Donald completed post graduate training in Chicago, Illinois learning to assemble aircraft. He then moved to Kansas City to work for Northrup Grumund assembling B-25’s for the war.  He lived in a boarding house with other young men involved in the war effort.  He joined the United States Navy in March of 1944 and became a diesel engineer on the Navy Destroyer USS Engstrom.  Donald was honorably discharged from naval service on April 27, 1946.

Following his discharge he returned to the family farm and married Loreen Helen Jay on December 21, 1946.  Donald began a diverse farming operation of his own raising cattle until he was 90 years old.  He began a custom harvest operation following the wheat harvest each summer for 14 years.

In 1991, Donald married Charmayne with whom he enjoyed owning and operating the Bar X Restaurant in Denver, Missouri.  Donald and Charmayne enjoyed extensive travel including his favorite trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, 26 consecutive trips to Sturgis as a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for over 30 years, and various trips to watch car racing across the country.

Donald was especially proud of his naval service, contract work for the government building over 70 watershed projects, his service on various local boards, including the Rural Water Board, where he served as President for over 50 years.  He held a patent for one of the first large hay bale stabbers for farm pickups.  Donald held a pilot’s license and enjoyed racing cars.

Others preceding him in death were his parents, Francis and Olive, his wife Loreen Helen Hughes, brothers Glenn and William Hughes.

His survivors include: his wife Charmayne of the home, Denver; daughter Donna (Jeff) Pile, Albany, Missouri; granddaughter Whitney (John) Cooney and great grandson John Donald “Jack” Cooney, St. Louis, Missouri; stepson Sterling Kidd, 2 step grandsons, Kalen and Sage, all of Wichita, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews all of whom held a special place in his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 PM, Thursday, July 14, 2016, the Missouri National Guard Armory in Albany, Missouri.  Family and friends are encouraged to stay for dinner following the service. 

Private family burial will be held in the Miller Cemetery, Denver, Missouri. 

Memorial:  The Denver School Belfry Reconstruction project.

Online condolences maybe left at andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Martinsville Man Hits Deer With Motorcycle, Lifeflighted

A Martinsville man was lifeflighted after he struck a deer with his motorcycle Sunday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1991 Harley Davidson driven by Roger Scott Behrens (57) of Martinsville was eastbound on Route M near Utah Avenue at 11:05 pm when he struck a deer. He received moderate injures and was lifeflighted to Mosaic Life Care. The motorcycle received extensive damage and was towed from the scene.

Obituary -- Sue Andrews 1955-2016 (Updated)

Sue Ann Andrews, 61, Vail, Arizona, formerly of Hopkins, Missouri passed away July 7, 2016. She was born June 18, 1955 in Maryville, Missouri.

She lived in Parnell, Missouri and attended grade school there. She graduated from Northeast Nodaway High School in 1973. She later resided in Hopkins, Missouri before moving to Arizona.
Preceding her in death were husband Rick Andrews, daughter, Tonya Fitzgerald and mother Eileen Rush.

Surviving are sons Kenneth Breit and wife Jami of Noble, Oklahoma, Jesse Beemer of Bedford, Iowa and Gus Andrews and fiancée Emily Martin of  Norman, Oklahoma, grandchildren: Jameson and Madison Fitzgerald, Trayton, Macy and Hallie Breit, Morgan and Hayden Beemer, Lauren Andrews, Cole and Clay Wartchow, step-daughters, Brandi Andrews of Norman, Oklahoma, Tanya Andrews of Noble, Oklahoma,  father Robert Rush and Carolyn of Grant City, Missouri, brothers, Gary Rush and wife Marcia of Sheridan, Missouri, and Doug Rush and wife Andi of Grant City, Missouri,

Services were 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the  Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment was in the Brethren Cemetery, Sheridan, Missouri. Visitation was from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Storm, 100 mph Straight Line Winds Wreak Havoc On Area

A wild thunderstorm and 100 mile per hour straight line winds wreaked havoc on the area last Wednesday night. Power did not go out in parts of the Sheridan area, but flickered. But power was knocked out to Snakebite, MFA, and Wake Trucking, among other parts of town, and was not restored until 3:30 that afternoon. Some parts of the area were not restored until later than evening. Thankfully, a second night of storms that had been a possibility missed to the south.

Much of Grant City was out overnight and came back on shortly before 8. Some of the worst damage was at Andy and Kim Welch’s, where large branches were knocked down and one split a grain auger owned by Chris Cadle in two. East of the West Fork, two bean fields were flooded and there was debris and branches in yards throughout the area. In Grant City, 3rd street just west of Pleasant was partially blocked by two downed branches, one of which hit a car underneath. Mark and Jennifer Terry had a whole tree blow down; city crews were still working on it at around 11 am. Power was out in Oxford for three hours.

There were still parts of the Hopkins area out at around 6 that evening. Some parts of Maryville escaped damage, but others were not so fortunate with debris strewn all over Walnut Street and Plexiglas at the Tri-State Ford dealership getting wedged underneath one of their trucks by straight line winds; two men were unable to get it out from underneath the truck and it had to be moved.
Near Ravenwood, a tree blew on top of Don Hicks’ house and KQ2 and the Missouri Highway Patrol were there. Some of the worst damage was by Tarkio and Fairfax, where bins blew down. The storm wreaked havoc as far south as Kansas City.

Obituary -- David Harold Brown Sr. 1941-2016

David Harold Brown, Sr., 74, Ravenwood, MO, died Thursday, July 7, 2016, at his home.

David was born August 10, 1941, in Sheridan, MO to Ira N. and Edna V. (Clark) Brown who preceded him in death.

A 1959 graduate of Sheridan High School, David was a farmer.

He married Virginia Lee Still on March 5, 1960, in Maryville, MO.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of the home, 
daughter Christina (Jerry) Sharr, Maryville
son David Brown, Jr., Grant City, MO
brother Marvin (Frances) Brown, Hopkins, MO
sister-in-law JoAnn Still Tibbets, Sedalia, MO
5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren
and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Richard Still, In-laws Beulah and Eugene Still and his parents.

Visitation will be held 5-7:00 PM Sunday, July 10th at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, July 11th at Price Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Maryville.

Memorials may be made to SSM Hospice, 2332 South Main, Maryville, MO 64468

2016 Hopkins Picnic Gramps and Granny Show Results

4 Year Olds:
Bria Flippo was Most Talkative. Parents are Brandon and Kaci Flippo; grandmother is Linda McKee. Riley Wake was awarded Best Manners. Parents are Jim and Dawn Wake; grandmother is Ruth Wake. Henry Herzberg was named Best Personality. Mother is Jessica Herzberg and grandmother is Karen Herzberg.

3 Year Olds:
Hadley Corbin was named Shyest. Parents are Brad and Kari Corbin and grandmother is Marilyn Glidden. Kenady McKee was named Most Talkative. Parents are Tiana and Kyle McKee and grandmother is Teresa McKee. Arianna Owens was named Best Dressed. Mother is Kary Owens and grandmother is Karla Bounds. Teanna King was named Boot Stompin’ Dancer. She is the daughter of Tanisha and Kyle Adams and granddaughter of Sue Davis. Emma Barnett had the Sweetest Smile. She is the daughter of Alison Barnett and cousin of Morgan Pulliam.

2 Year Olds:
Landon Turner was named Future Farmer. Parents are Tyler and Ashley Turner and grandfather is Steve Turner. Zadie Flippo was named Most Ornery. Parents are Brandon and Kaci Flippo and grandmother is Linda McKee.  Aubrey Sanders was named Most Talkative. Parents are Ashley and Dan Sanders. Jayneigh Lawson was named Future Storyteller. Mother is Stephanie DeLeon and grandfather is Stuart Lawson. Marin Alexander was named the child with the Best Hair. Parents are Stan and Lindsey Alexander and grandmother is Sandy Alexander. Brysha Allen was named Most Outgoing. Parents are Bryson and Tasha Allen and grandmother is Amy Hansen. Cooper Chesnut was named the child with the Flirtatious Smile. Parents are Becky Wood and Paul Chesnut and grandmother is Mary Troncin. Lucas Hansen was named the child with the Prettiest Eyes. Parents are Bo and Tracy Hansen and grandmother is Donna Hansen. Gideon Koger was named the Best Personality. Parents are Christopher and Megan Koger and grandmother is Karen Koger.

13 to 23 Months:
Lucas Gray was named the child with the Biggest Smile. Parents are Willie and Amy Gray and grandmother is Karen Herzberg. Cash Roberts was named the Cutest Dressed. Parents are Brent and Megan Roberts and grandmother is Denise Sleep. Rylee McKee was named Most Bashful. Parents are Tianna and Kyle McKee and grandmother is Teresa McKee. Remadie Kelly was named the child with the Curliest Hair. Mother is Dawna Kelly and aunt is Lynette Berg.

7-12 Months:
Paizley Corbin was named the Most Loveable. Parents are Brad and Kari Corbin and grandmother is Marilyn Glidden. Layne Wake had the Biggest Eyes. Parents are Jim and Dawn Wake and grandmother is Ruth Wake. Jillian Calfee was named Most Talkative. Mother is Jill Calfee and grandmother is Claralyn Calfee. Addysin McGary was named Most Bashful. Parents are Jayla and Brian McGary and grandmother is Rhonda Schmidt. Carter Flippo had the Sweetest Smile. Parents are Kaci and Brando Flippo and grandmother is Linda McKee. Bryslee Allen was named the Get Up and Go kid. Parents are Tasha and Bryson Allen and grandfather is John Hansen. Baylee Pickering was named Little Firecracker. Parents are Lacee and Nick Pickering and grandmother is Christi Fountain. Calin Baldwin was named a Mover and Shaker. Parents are Justin and Jessie (Redden) Baldwin and grandmother is Shella Baldwin. Best Dressed was Caroline Hendrix. Parents are Brent and Korri Hendrix and grandmother is Julie Schmitz. Harper Weldon was Most Talkative. Parents are Sherra and Adam Weldon and grandmother is Kathy Baldwin. John Ogle was Most Animated. Parents are Josh and Erin Ogle and grandfather is John Ogle. Allyson Harris was named Sweetest Personality. She is the daughter of Trevor and Christy Harris and granddaughter of LaDonna Harris. Corah White was named Best Pat-A-Cake. Parents are Cameron and Kenzie (Waldeier) White and aunt is Sheila Kizer.

Birth to 6 Months:
Henley Point was named Most Curious. Mother is Kelly Point and grandmother is Kathy Conz. Kaiyah Glidden was named Most Talkative. Parents are Colt and Danelle Glidden and grandmother is Marilyn Glidden. Layla Greeley was named Best Dressed. Parents are Ashley and Ben Greeley and grandmother is Barb Frueh. Landon Frueh was Sleepiest. Parents are Shawn and Emily Frueh and grandmother is Netta Murphy. Klaire Beemer was named Gigglebox. Parents are Rhonda and Colby Beemer and grandmother is Kathy Cross. Her twin sister, Kassidy, was also in the show and was named Best Listener. Grandfather is Ron Cross. Harmonie Kelly was named Wiggle Worm. Mother is Dawna Kelly and aunt is Lynette Berg. With the most hair is Abigail Wilson. Parents are Justin and April Wilson and grandmother is Connie Hoepker.

Zoey Phillips, Owen Coleman Are Little Mr. & Miss Hopkins

Owen Coleman and Zoey Phillips were named Little Mr. & Miss Hopkins during the opening night of the Hopkins Picnic Thursday. Other contestants were Tommie Stringer, Ava Stump, and Eliza Clements. Owen and Zoey were crowned by last year’s winners, Weston Alexander and Lainey Turner.

Five Fatalities in Wreck Near Mount Ayr

One of the deadliest accidents in recent memory for the area occurred Friday near Mount Ayr. The Iowa State Highway Patrol reports that a 1993 Peterbilt Truck driven by Ted Zacharias (28) of Atlantic (IA) was westbound on Highway 2 and a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Renae Baker (49) of Redding was northbound on Highway P-27 at around 10:43 am. The Mitsubishi failed to stop at the stop sign. The Peterbilt struck the Mitsubishi on the passenger side. Both vehicles ended up in the northwest corner of the ditch, with the Peterbilt on its side.

Killed in the accident were Elizabeth Taylor Lakey (4) of Grant City, Briane Baker (12) of Redding, Hayden King (2) of Redding, Renae Baker (49) of Redding, and Sydney King (30) of Redding. Willy Baker (9) was injured and was lifeflighted. All were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. A one year old was treated and released. Zacharias was not injured.

Obituary -- Ronald Damman 1926-2016

Ronald Royce Damman, age 90, Grant City, Missouri died July 6, 2016 at the Worth County Care & Rehab Center in Grant City.

Ronald was born June 27, 1926 in Palmer, Kansas.  He was the son of the late George and Grace (Anderson) Damman.  Ronald was a graduate of Linn High School, Linn Kansas.

He was married to Margaret Ruth (Russel) on May 25, 1951.  She preceded him in death on May 12, 1995.  Others preceding him in death were: brothers Ralph, Bruce, Thurl and Rodney, and step children John Brown and Janie Parman.

A veteran, Ronald served his country in the United States Navy.

Ronald loved farming and made the family farm and its activities a part of his daily routine up until six months ago when he entered the Worth County Care & Rehab Center.

Ronald was later married to Verla (Paxson) on December 31, 1995 in Grant City.  They enjoyed over twenty years of life together. 

Ronald’s memberships included: United Methodist Church, and the American Legion Post #92, both of Grant City.  He was formerly very active in the Missouri Sheep Association.

Survivors include: Wife Verla  of the home; Grant City, children Doyle (Dang)  Damman, Grant City, Thaine Damman, Rocheport, Missouri, Marla (Nathan) Heldenbrand, Chester, Virginia, Darren Damman, Evansville, Indiana, step children Jim (Vickie) Brown, Grant City, JoAnn (Donnie) Pollock, Mt Ayr, Iowa, Jerry McClure, Allendale, Missouri, step daughter-in-law Debbie Brown, Des Moines, Iowa; sister Nella Mallone, Ankeny, Iowa, brother Dayrl Damman, Georgetown, Texas, sister Veryl Tiemeyer, Clifton Kansas, brother Thale Damman, Scottsdale, Arizona, sister Melva Anderson, Stillwell, Kansas; 12 grandchildren,19 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Monday, July 11, 2016 at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6-7 PM, Sunday evening.  Burial will be 2PM, Tuesday, July 12, in the Canton Township Cemetery, Canton, Kansas.

Memorial:  Worth County Care & Rehab Center

Arrangements: Andrewshannfuneralhome.com and Olson’s Mortuary, Canton, Kansas

Obituary -- Pistol Asher 1934-2016

C.M. (Pistol) Asher, 82, Sheridan, MO, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, MO.

Pistol was born on May 18, 1934, in Oklahoma City, OK, his parents were Charles and Gladys (McKinley) Asher. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his wife, Virgina Ann (Jennifer) Asher in November 2, 2009, his son, Kelly Lee Asher, 4 brothers, J.D., Hillyard, Kenny, and Bill Asher; and his sister, Patty Jo Asher.

Pistol lived most all his life in Worth County, and was baptized at the Sheridan Christian Church. He was a dozer operator for himself and later for other businesses in the area.

On April 18, 1959, Pistol was united in marriage to Virginia Ann (Jennifer) Smith.

Survivors include his children, Kevin Asher, Sheridan, Troy (Jennifer) Asher, Maryville, Kim Asher, Sheridan, Karla (Kyle) Nelson, Stewartsville, Toni (David) Thomas, Sheridan; step son, Bobby (Pat) Smith, Bedford, IA; 18 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pistol's body has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Joint memorial graveside service for Pistol and Jennifer Asher was held at 10:30 AM, on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the Barnes Cemetery, Worth, MO.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Barnes Cemetery, Worth, MO.

Worth County Sheriff's Report

6-27 – Person calls about a cell phone theft.
6-27 – Sheriff working funeral traffic.
6-27 – Sheriff serves legal papers on resident.
6-28 – Sheriff serving legal papers.
6-28 – Person calls about deputy’s salary.
6-29 – Sheriff receives report of dead horse in south edge of Sheridan.
6-29 – Person in about beaver control.
6-29 – Gentry County officer arrests person on Worth County warrant.
6-30 – Sheriff in meeting with Worth County resident.
6-30 – Highway Patrol in to test blood alcohol machine.
7-1 – Person in about suspicious car on Maplewood Trail; broken down.
7-1 – Report of cow out on 46; owner notified.

Obituary -- Janet Elaine Olney 1949-2016

Janet Elaine Olney, 67, Pickering MO, died Monday, June 20, 2016, at Mosaic Life Care, Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Janet was born March 13, 1949, in Maryville, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Alice Gertrude (Smith) Tibbetts.

A homemaker, Janet was a member of the Temple Baptist Church, Maryville, Missouri.
Preceding her in death were her father: Charles Tibbetts; brother: Buryl Tibbetts and sisters: Helen Beck and Betty Emery.

Survivors include her mother: Alice Tibbetts, Maryville; son: Raymond (Traci) Olney, Bedford, Iowa; daughters: Michelle (Christopher) Risser, Bedford; Sheila (Rob Marinaro ) Cassady, Des Moines, Iowa; Amber Olney, Pickering, Missouri; brothers: Bob (Marilyn) Tibbetts, Grant City, Missouri; Marvin Tibbetts, Sedalia, Missouri; Wayne (Norma) Tibbetts, Independence, Missouri; Steve (Edna) Tibbetts, San Diego, California and sister: Shirley Judd, Spokane, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and former husband Carroll Olney, Redding, Iowa.

Visitation was 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, June 24, 2016, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Funeral Services were 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Price Funeral Home Chapel, Maryville, with burial in Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri.

Memorials may be directed to Temple Baptist Church, 1604 North Main Street, Maryville, Missouri 64468, in Janet's name.

Two Worth County Teachers Back Out of Probationary Teacher Contracts

Two teachers backed out of probationary teacher contracts at Worth County. The board, on Tuesday, June 21st following its closed session, voted to accept the resignations of Cody Newman and Mark Bolger with assessed fees per board policy. The board filled one of those vacancies by hiring William Coleman as a probationary teacher and junior high assistant football coach. The board then hired Les New as varsity girls head coach on a volunteer basis. He receives no pay, since he is on the school board. The board also hired Bryce Schafer as boys golf coach and Amanda Lumpkins as health aide.