Pennie Collier was born October 3, 1953 in Ringgold County, Iowa to Delbert V. and Leora (Todd) Stevens. She passed away on May 29, 2017 at her home in Grant City, Missouri following a courageous battle of a lengthy illness.
Pennie worked for Johnson Control in Abany, Missouri for over 20 years. She was a dedicated mother.
Pennie was preceded in death by her parents: and one sister, Rebecca Findley.
She is survived by her brother and caregiver Delbert Stevens Jr. of the home in Grant City, children: Amanda (Rob) Crowder of Sugar Creek, Missouri, and Everett (Patty) Collier of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother Ralph Stevens of Van Wert, Iowa; sister: Barbara Skroh of Osceola, Iowa and 4 grandchildren; Nicholas Perdue, Paige and Wesley Collier and Elizabeth Crowder.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. A private inurnment will be at a later date at the Isabelle Cemetery near Allendale, Missouri.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Monday, May 29, 2017
From Thousands to Two Dozen: Isadora Memorial Day Ceremony Dwindles
The Memorial Day Ceremony at Isadora used to be one of the biggest draws of the county. As late as the 1930’s and 1940’s, there would be a sea of people filling up the entire Isadora Cemetery decorating the graves. There were even more people across the road in a picnic area. The young people would march into the cemetery from the picnic area and decorate the cemetery with flags.
The town itself still had a huge blacksmith shop during the 1930’s and ‘40’s, first run by Jack Wake and then by his son, Gary Wake. Now, it is a small village with a small building for the West Fork Boosters 4-H Club, the Isadora Church of Christ, and a few homes nestled in the timber. Blaine said that sometimes, while doing funerals at the cemetery, he could hear the turkeys in the surrounding timber calling.
Now, the ceremony draws two dozen people to come and remember the soldiers who gave their lives for their country. There were a few songs sang, the Pledge of Allegiance was sung, and the tributes to the Armed Forces were sang.
Jeff Blaine, Pastor of the Sheridan Christian Church, spoke. He spoke of Heinrich Severloh, otherwise known as The Beast of Omaha. He was a German soldier. The Germans doubted his loyalty; in 1942, he was punished for allegedly making dissenting remarks and forced to perform extreme physical exertions which left him with permanent health problems.
But when he was transferred to Normandy, Severloh nearly single-handedly kept the allied forces at bay during D-Day. The allies came with 2 million soldiers, 448,000 tons of ammo, and 13,000 aircraft flown in support. During the initial assault on D-Day, in the biggest amphibious operation ever, 160,000 men were ferried across the English Channel to Normandy. Around 14,674 air sorties were flown in support of the D-Day invasion.
Severloh defended a position named “Easy Red,” and began opening fire at around 5 am local time. He fired for nine hours, using up 12,000 rounds and was credited with inflicting anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 of the 3,800 to 4,200 American casualties singlehandedly before he ran out of ammunition nine hours later, retreating, and later surrendering to the Allies. Afterwards, in The Scotsman, he recounted in 2004 waking up that morning to a wall of ships that looked like it was stretching all the way back to England.
Afterwards, Severloh became a Prisoner of War, being held first in the US and later in England before being released in 1947. In his own words, he said, “There was no glory that day. Just good men dying.”
In the 1960’s, Severloh formed an unlikely friendship with David Silva, a chaplain who was wounded by three bullets in the chest at Omaha Beach. They met in the 1960’s and later in 2005 at a reunion of Allied forces in Normandy. Spiegel TV, a German network, did a documentary in 2004 in co-production with the Canadian Broadcasting Company about the unlikely friendship.
“I believe Severloh should have surrendered,” said Blaine. He said that we will all meet our maker, and that it was wise to surrender to Christ now. He said the Allied soldiers in Normandy came for one purpose – to preserve freedom. In the same way, Blaine said that Jesus was the way to eternal peace. “There will only be two people at the end – those who surrender, and those who have not.” Reading from Revelation 19:11, Blaine talked about Jesus as the insurmountable force who will bring judgement at the end along with the Word of God.
Debbie Thummel played “Taps” to close off the ceremony.
The town itself still had a huge blacksmith shop during the 1930’s and ‘40’s, first run by Jack Wake and then by his son, Gary Wake. Now, it is a small village with a small building for the West Fork Boosters 4-H Club, the Isadora Church of Christ, and a few homes nestled in the timber. Blaine said that sometimes, while doing funerals at the cemetery, he could hear the turkeys in the surrounding timber calling.
Now, the ceremony draws two dozen people to come and remember the soldiers who gave their lives for their country. There were a few songs sang, the Pledge of Allegiance was sung, and the tributes to the Armed Forces were sang.
Jeff Blaine, Pastor of the Sheridan Christian Church, spoke. He spoke of Heinrich Severloh, otherwise known as The Beast of Omaha. He was a German soldier. The Germans doubted his loyalty; in 1942, he was punished for allegedly making dissenting remarks and forced to perform extreme physical exertions which left him with permanent health problems.
But when he was transferred to Normandy, Severloh nearly single-handedly kept the allied forces at bay during D-Day. The allies came with 2 million soldiers, 448,000 tons of ammo, and 13,000 aircraft flown in support. During the initial assault on D-Day, in the biggest amphibious operation ever, 160,000 men were ferried across the English Channel to Normandy. Around 14,674 air sorties were flown in support of the D-Day invasion.
Severloh defended a position named “Easy Red,” and began opening fire at around 5 am local time. He fired for nine hours, using up 12,000 rounds and was credited with inflicting anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 of the 3,800 to 4,200 American casualties singlehandedly before he ran out of ammunition nine hours later, retreating, and later surrendering to the Allies. Afterwards, in The Scotsman, he recounted in 2004 waking up that morning to a wall of ships that looked like it was stretching all the way back to England.
Afterwards, Severloh became a Prisoner of War, being held first in the US and later in England before being released in 1947. In his own words, he said, “There was no glory that day. Just good men dying.”
In the 1960’s, Severloh formed an unlikely friendship with David Silva, a chaplain who was wounded by three bullets in the chest at Omaha Beach. They met in the 1960’s and later in 2005 at a reunion of Allied forces in Normandy. Spiegel TV, a German network, did a documentary in 2004 in co-production with the Canadian Broadcasting Company about the unlikely friendship.
“I believe Severloh should have surrendered,” said Blaine. He said that we will all meet our maker, and that it was wise to surrender to Christ now. He said the Allied soldiers in Normandy came for one purpose – to preserve freedom. In the same way, Blaine said that Jesus was the way to eternal peace. “There will only be two people at the end – those who surrender, and those who have not.” Reading from Revelation 19:11, Blaine talked about Jesus as the insurmountable force who will bring judgement at the end along with the Word of God.
Debbie Thummel played “Taps” to close off the ceremony.
At Grant City, World War I Heroes Remembered 100 Years Later
Grant City American Legion Commander Dr. Matt Martz recalled the heroism of John Hunter Wickersham, who gave his life during World War I during the Memorial Day Ceremony in the Worth County Courtyard Monday. Wickersham was wounded during the St. Mihiel Offensive during World War I in France on September 12th, 1918. He was severely wounded in four places by a high-explosive shell. Before receiving any aid for himself, he dressed the wounds of his orderly, and then continued to direct the advance of his men. He fired his revolver with his left hand until he finally fell and died for his wounds. In memory of his sacrifice, he received a Medal of Honor.
The day before his death, he wrote the following poem to his mother:
The mist hangs low and quiet on a ragged line of hills,
There's a whispering of wind across the flat,
You'd be feeling kind of lonesome if it wasn't for one thing—
The patter of the raindrops on your old tin hat.
An' you can't help a-figuring—sitting there alone—
About this war and hero stuff and that,
And you wonder if they haven't sort of got things twisted up,
While the rain keeps up its patter on your old tin hat.
When you step off with the outfit to do your little bit
You're simply doing what you're s'posed to do—
And you don't take time to figure what you gain or lose—
It's the spirit of the game that brings you through.
But back at home she's waiting, writing cheerful little notes,
And every night she offers up a prayer
And just keeps on a-hoping that her soldier boy is safe—
The Mother of the boy who's over there.
And, fellows, she's the hero of this great, big ugly war,
And her prayer is on the wind across the flat,
And don't you reckon maybe it's her tears, and not the rain,
That's keeping up the patter on your old tin hat?
Another soldier who gave his life was recognized by Dr. Martz. Mark DeAlencar was shot and killed by small arms fire while fighting in eastern Afghanistan last month. He left behind a wife and five children. Dr. Martz noted that DeAlencar, told to lose weight to reenlist, did so.
“Our enemies want us dead,” said Dr. Martz. “Our armed forces are doing all they can to protect us. The children of fallen warriors will grieve long after the guns fall silent.”
Dr. Martz noted that some gave their lives in humanitarian causes. In 1975, as South Vietnam was falling, President Ford authorized Operation Babylift, an operation to evacuate orphans from that country and place them in foster homes in the US. Over 2,500 children were relocated during the course of that operation. During that operation, a C-5A Galaxy plane had the locks of its rear loading ramp fail. Frantic efforts by the crew of the plane were not successful and 138 people were killed, including 78 children and 35 Defense Attache Office Saigon personnel. 173 people survived, and all of the surviving orphans were flown to the US. The pilots, Captain Dennis “Bud” Traynor and copilot Captain Tilford Harp, both survived and were awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary valor after their actions were credited with the survival of the 173.
Lloyd Ridge gave the prayer and benediction. Joe Marshall led a salute to the deceased veterans. The Worth County Mixed Choir sang the National Anthem and “In Flanders Fields.” Ralph Kobbe played “Taps.”
Afterwards, a singing contest was held at the Senior Center. Dora Martz was first, followed by Unique Brown and Rachael Brown. John Kollitz also performed a couple of numbers before heading to a couple of concerts in Iowa. Dora Martz and Unique Brown sang “Jesus Loves Me” together, while Dora sang some songs as well.
The day before his death, he wrote the following poem to his mother:
The mist hangs low and quiet on a ragged line of hills,
There's a whispering of wind across the flat,
You'd be feeling kind of lonesome if it wasn't for one thing—
The patter of the raindrops on your old tin hat.
An' you can't help a-figuring—sitting there alone—
About this war and hero stuff and that,
And you wonder if they haven't sort of got things twisted up,
While the rain keeps up its patter on your old tin hat.
When you step off with the outfit to do your little bit
You're simply doing what you're s'posed to do—
And you don't take time to figure what you gain or lose—
It's the spirit of the game that brings you through.
But back at home she's waiting, writing cheerful little notes,
And every night she offers up a prayer
And just keeps on a-hoping that her soldier boy is safe—
The Mother of the boy who's over there.
And, fellows, she's the hero of this great, big ugly war,
And her prayer is on the wind across the flat,
And don't you reckon maybe it's her tears, and not the rain,
That's keeping up the patter on your old tin hat?
Another soldier who gave his life was recognized by Dr. Martz. Mark DeAlencar was shot and killed by small arms fire while fighting in eastern Afghanistan last month. He left behind a wife and five children. Dr. Martz noted that DeAlencar, told to lose weight to reenlist, did so.
“Our enemies want us dead,” said Dr. Martz. “Our armed forces are doing all they can to protect us. The children of fallen warriors will grieve long after the guns fall silent.”
Dr. Martz noted that some gave their lives in humanitarian causes. In 1975, as South Vietnam was falling, President Ford authorized Operation Babylift, an operation to evacuate orphans from that country and place them in foster homes in the US. Over 2,500 children were relocated during the course of that operation. During that operation, a C-5A Galaxy plane had the locks of its rear loading ramp fail. Frantic efforts by the crew of the plane were not successful and 138 people were killed, including 78 children and 35 Defense Attache Office Saigon personnel. 173 people survived, and all of the surviving orphans were flown to the US. The pilots, Captain Dennis “Bud” Traynor and copilot Captain Tilford Harp, both survived and were awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary valor after their actions were credited with the survival of the 173.
Lloyd Ridge gave the prayer and benediction. Joe Marshall led a salute to the deceased veterans. The Worth County Mixed Choir sang the National Anthem and “In Flanders Fields.” Ralph Kobbe played “Taps.”
Afterwards, a singing contest was held at the Senior Center. Dora Martz was first, followed by Unique Brown and Rachael Brown. John Kollitz also performed a couple of numbers before heading to a couple of concerts in Iowa. Dora Martz and Unique Brown sang “Jesus Loves Me” together, while Dora sang some songs as well.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Allendale Automotive LLC to Mark 6 Months in Business
On Thursday, June 1st, Allendale Automotive LLC will mark its 6th month in business. They were formerly Mike’s Garage. They are doing a promotion; the 300th person to like their Facebook page will get a free front wheel alignment.
Male Beauty Pageant to Return to Hopkins Picnic
The Male Beauty Pageant will return to the Hopkins Picnic this year. Ladies can have fun dressing up husbands. The audience will enjoy the “ladies” clowning around on the stage and providing prime entertainment for the picnic. To enter, contact Sara Wyer Coleman or Richard Frampton.
Sheridan Christian Church has Cookbooks for Sale
Sheridan Christian Church has cookbooks that are available for mail order. Go to www.cookbooks4sale.com and go to Community Cookbooks. It will list cookbooks by state, then follow the directions on that page. Cost is $15 plus $7.20 for postage and handling.
The cover is elaborately decorated and there are many different recipes. One is for chicken and noodles for a crowd. Another is for crock pot chicken spaghetti. Another is for BBQ crockpot chicken.
The cover is elaborately decorated and there are many different recipes. One is for chicken and noodles for a crowd. Another is for crock pot chicken spaghetti. Another is for BBQ crockpot chicken.
Sheridan Rodeo Set for June 23rd and 24th
The third annual Sheridan Rodeo will be held once again at the Sheridan Rodeo Grounds during Old Defiance Days. It will be held 7:30 nightly. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and free for 5 and under.
There will be 9 championship events – bareback riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, bull riding, and over 40 calf roping. The event is sanctioned by the IRA, URA, and MRCA. Grand River Rodeo will be the stock contractor.
During the intermission, there will be a box auction, a 50/50 drawing, and for Saturday night only, there will be a Kiss the Pig. After each show, Snakebite will have music at the tavern from 9 to 1 both nights.
There will be 9 championship events – bareback riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, bull riding, and over 40 calf roping. The event is sanctioned by the IRA, URA, and MRCA. Grand River Rodeo will be the stock contractor.
During the intermission, there will be a box auction, a 50/50 drawing, and for Saturday night only, there will be a Kiss the Pig. After each show, Snakebite will have music at the tavern from 9 to 1 both nights.
Sheridan CBC Horse Show Rescheduled for June 4th
The Sheridan CBC Horse Show that was to have been held in April has been rescheduled for June 4th at the Rodeo Grounds in Sheridan. Registration will start at 12 pm, with the show starting at 1 pm. There will be four age groups; 8 & under, 9-13, 14-18, and 19 & over. Cost for the events will be $5 per event, with 50% payback. There will be barrels, poles, key hole, and flag races.
Maryville Man Lifeflighted Following Wreck North of Sheridan
Three people were injured and one was lifeflighted in a wreck that happened between Sheridan and Blockton Saturday morning at around 4:25 am. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2004 GMC Envoy was southbound on Route F eight miles northeast of Sheridan when it crossed the center line and traveled off the east side. The driver, Xavier Mildward (28) of Maryville, overcorrected, causing the vehicle to travel across the roadway and off the west side of the roadway. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its wheels on the west side facing northeast.
A passenger, Jerrmiah Smiley (36) of Maryville, received serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Mosaic. Another passenger, Falicia Lawson (19) of Maryville, received minor injuries and was taken to Mount Ayr Hospital. Mildward received minor injuries and was taken to Mount Ayr Hospital. None were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
A passenger, Jerrmiah Smiley (36) of Maryville, received serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Mosaic. Another passenger, Falicia Lawson (19) of Maryville, received minor injuries and was taken to Mount Ayr Hospital. Mildward received minor injuries and was taken to Mount Ayr Hospital. None were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Crystal Hoover 1919-2016
Crystal Virginia Hoover, 97, passed away in Lakewood, Colorado on October 8, 2016. Crystal was born on August 30, 1919 in Sheridan, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State Teacher's College with a degree in Home Economics in 1939. She taught third grade at both Ashland Elementary and Jose Valdez Elementary for approximately thirty years and remained a member of the Retired Teachers Association from the time of her retirement until the time of her death. Crystal's faith was always a guiding force in her life and she attended Lakewood Christian Church and St Paul's Community Church. She enjoyed travelling and loved to read in her spare time. Crystal was preceded in death by her husband Rex, and an infant son, David. She is survived by her sister Pauline Wells, her daughter Sharon Robinson and her sons Gregory and Steven Hoover. She also had seven grand children and six great grand children. She was an inspirational woman and will be greatly missed.
Obituary -- Orlie "Duane" Whitney 1930-2017
Duane Whitney, 86, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on January 17, 2017. He was born on October 24, 1930 near Sheridan, Missouri to Gilbert and Elda Whitney. After joining the Air Force he was sent to clerk typist training in Chillicothe, Missouri where he met his wife of 61 years, Wanda. After serving in Japan during the Korean War, Duane and Wanda married and settled in Kansas City, Missouri and later Overland Park, Kansas. He graduated from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Duane was an accountant for Colgate Palmolive and Pitman Manufacturing before retiring as a comptroller with Myron Green Cafeterias. Duane loved to work in the yard and tend to his garden and rose bushes. He was a skilled refinisher of wood and refinished many pieces of furniture. He belonged to Overland Park Christian Church where he served many years as a financial secretary, deacon, and elder. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter, sister Audrey and grandson Kendall. He is survived by his wife Wanda, daughter Debra, son David (Michelle), grandchildren Jay (Gemma) and Melia and great-grandson Jace.
Visitation was held from 9:30-10:30 am Saturday, January 21st with funeral services immediately following at Overland Park Christian Church. Burial at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were under the direction of the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee (KS).
Visitation was held from 9:30-10:30 am Saturday, January 21st with funeral services immediately following at Overland Park Christian Church. Burial at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were under the direction of the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee (KS).
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Northeast Baseball Moves Past St. Joseph Christian Before Falling to LaPlata in Elite Eight
Northeast moved past St. Joseph Christian 10-9 Tuesday before falling 7-1 to LaPlata Wednesday. Northeast had to take a six hour bus ride in order to play and hung in gamely, but a four run second inning led to their demise.
Despite the loss, Northeast had a lot of accomplishments to look back on. They set a school record in wins with 13, while they clinched a district title for the first time ever. They also won their fourth straight conference title, which seemed improbable after they dropped their first three games to start the season, including one to St. Joseph Christian, their foe from Tuesday evening.
The game was a war between brothers as Cody Green was the assistant coach for Northeast Nodaway, while Micah was an assistant for Christian. The two are the sons of Len and Rita Green; Len is the long-time Crossroads/Assembly of God pastor at Grant City. Len celebrated his 30th anniversary at the church last year.
Northeast’s victory marked the first time that Cody had beaten Micah in a baseball game ever. Christian had beaten Northeast 2-0 at the start of the year. A few years before, before Northeast started their current run of conference titles, Micah was coaching at South Nodaway and his Longhorns beat Northeast while Cody was an assistant. Perhaps the cheering section that Cody had at the game Tuesday provided the boost Northeast needed, as members of Cody’s youth group came over to cheer Northeast on.
This year was the first year that Christian had played baseball, but it didn’t seem like an expansion franchise was on the field. They had 25 players listed on the roster, and they were loaded from top to bottom. They started off slowly besides their win over Northeast, but caught fire towards the end of the season and ran away with the district title in Maryville while Northeast had to survive two cliffhangers against North Harrison and Green City.
It looked like Christian would run away with the game with Northeast as Bluejay pitcher Rowdy West froze Zach Maggart on strikes, but then ran into trouble right off the bat. Nobody was used to the lively infield at Northwest Missouri State; what would have been a routine grounder back in Ravenwood turned into a high hopper over shortstop Spencer Weir’s head as Zech Perkins reached on a scratch hit. Johnathan Wing singled to right; Elias Manners hit a pop fly on the infield and was automatically out, but nobody took charge and the ball dropped in and rolled away, allowing the runners to advance 90 feet to second and third.
All hell broke loose as Simon Maize singled through third and short as the lively infield meant nobody had a chance at the ball. That scored two more, Trevor Hartigan walked and Spencer Weir had more trouble with the lively infield as he misplayed a high hop, loading the bases. That brought up Jacob Burton, who singled in two to make it 4-0.
Northeast, who had hit good pitchers well all year, couldn’t do anything with Trevor Hartigan and all hell broke loose again in the second as nobody took charge of a pop fly, which was pushed into fair territory just inside the first base line by a stiff wind for an error. Zach Maggart reached on the miscue, took second on a balk, and came home on Jonathan Wing’s single. Elias Manners hit a screamer which would have cleared the park anywhere else, but crashed off the wall 380 feet from home plate for a triple; he came home on Simon Maize’s sac fly to make it 7-0.
Christian scored another run in the third, but thanks to the vast field, Northeast was saved much worst. Spencer Weir snared a screamer from Hagen Kimsey backhanded and then Jacob Burton hit a long drive to the warning track in dead center, 375 feet from home plate. But centerfielder Dylan Mildfeldt was built for Northwest’s park, and he had no problem tracking it down and hauling it in for a long out. Caleb Kelley then walked, took second and third on wild pitches as Maggart walked and scored when third baseman Ethan Adwell had trouble with the crazy bounces the ball was taking on the infield, making it 8-0.
It looked like it was only a matter of time before Christian would put more runs on the board and finish Northeast early, but all of a sudden, with one out, Hartigan began fighting the strike zone after Reed McIntyre and Spencer Weir started off the inning with singles. Chet Spire walked on four pitches and then McIntyre came home on a wild pitch. Andrew Freemyer struck out, but then Rowdy West singled down the right field line to plate two and make it 8-3. Ethan Adwell walked and then once again, the vast field worked to Northeast’s advantage. Brayden Welch hit a screamer into the gap in right center field; center fielder Zech Perkins closed the gap in a hurry, but dropped it as two runs came home as they were off with the crack of the bat with two outs. All of a sudden, Northeast was right back in the game, down 8-5.
With Elias Manners, who had hit it 380 feet his last time up, coming up to the plate, Coach Vance Proffitt ordered an intentional walk, which paid off as Manners was shot down stealing by catcher Andrew Freemyer. Simon Maize tried to back out of a 3-2 pitch, but was completely fooled as Rowdy West got the strikeout. Trevor Hartigan hit a screamer into the left center field gap, but Dylan Mildfeldt, losing his hat in the process, came up with the running catch for the final out of the fourth.
Once again, Northeast used the field to their advantage in the fourth as Chance Barber led off with a bunt, which died on the grass infield in front of the plate and he made it to first and took second on a wild pitch. Reed McIntyre struck out, but Spencer Weir took a high pitch and hit it to center for a base hit as Chance Barber scored. Christian tried to claim that Barber missed the plate, but he had dragged his foot across the bag, so the run counted.
Chet Spire popped out for the second out of the inning, but then Hartigan began fighting the strike zone again and walked Andrew Freemyer. Once again, the field helped Northeast out as a lively hop scooted past Zach Maggart at third for Rowdy West’s base hit and scored Weir. The vast field helped Northeast again as Ethan Adwell’s pop fly dropped in for a base hit and Maverick Price (running for Freemyer) was safe on a close play. At that point, Hartigan was finished and Levi Glidwell came in to strike out Brayden Welch, but the damage was done and the game was tied at 8 after four.
Hagen Kimsey singled past Weir at short, but then Jacob Burton, who had hit a screamer earlier, popped out to Weir and Caleb Kelley grounded into a force at second. Zach Maggart came up with the top of the order, but Spencer Weir finally handled the lively infield and got him on a grounder to end the inning with the score still tied at 8.
Spencer Gray walked to start the fifth for Northeast and Dylan Mildfeldt, running for him, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Chance Barber walked and stole second. But it looked like Northeast’s chance to take the lead would go down the drain as Reed McIntyre struck out and Spencer Weir hit a grounder to Hagen Kimsey at second, and he threw out Mildfeldt at home on a close play despite Proffitt coming out and arguing the call. But then Chet Spire, who had not gotten a hit yet, hit a screamer to the wall in left center field 380 feet from home plate for a double, scoring Weir and Barber and Northeast was up 10-8 after five.
After Lions coach Andrew McDonald called all his team and had an animated conversation with them, they woke up to their peril and Zech Perkins led off the sixth with a soft liner up the middle that dropped in for a single. Jonathan Wing hit a slow roller to Ethan Adwell at third; he had no play and everyone was safe. That brought up Elias Manners, who had already had a triple 380 feet from the plate, but West froze him for strike three before giving way to Spencer Weir. West had struggled at the start, but got stronger and stronger as the game progressed to keep Northeast in the game.
Weir gave up a single to Simon Maize to make it 10-9, but Trevor Hartigan flied out and Weir froze Hagen Kimsey to get out of the inning with Northeast still up 10-9.
Glidewell struck out the side for Christian in the seventh and Andrew Freemyer came in to try to close it out for Northeast. Jacob Burton went after a high pitch, but fouled it right into catcher Rowdy West’s glove for the first out. Caleb Kelley hit a grounder to Ethan Adwell, but his errant throw was over Reed McIntyre’s head and Garrett Cassity came in to run for Kelley. Zach Maggart tried to bunt, but bunted in the air and Andrew Freemyer caught the pop fly. But he tried to double off Cassity and there was a heartstopping moment as the ball squirted out of McIntyre’s glove down the right field line as Cassity took second. Zech Perkins came up and Freemyer just missed inside with a 2-2 pitch to make it 3-2. But then he froze Perkins for strike three as the sun came out for the first time all day.
Despite the loss, Northeast had a lot of accomplishments to look back on. They set a school record in wins with 13, while they clinched a district title for the first time ever. They also won their fourth straight conference title, which seemed improbable after they dropped their first three games to start the season, including one to St. Joseph Christian, their foe from Tuesday evening.
The game was a war between brothers as Cody Green was the assistant coach for Northeast Nodaway, while Micah was an assistant for Christian. The two are the sons of Len and Rita Green; Len is the long-time Crossroads/Assembly of God pastor at Grant City. Len celebrated his 30th anniversary at the church last year.
Northeast’s victory marked the first time that Cody had beaten Micah in a baseball game ever. Christian had beaten Northeast 2-0 at the start of the year. A few years before, before Northeast started their current run of conference titles, Micah was coaching at South Nodaway and his Longhorns beat Northeast while Cody was an assistant. Perhaps the cheering section that Cody had at the game Tuesday provided the boost Northeast needed, as members of Cody’s youth group came over to cheer Northeast on.
This year was the first year that Christian had played baseball, but it didn’t seem like an expansion franchise was on the field. They had 25 players listed on the roster, and they were loaded from top to bottom. They started off slowly besides their win over Northeast, but caught fire towards the end of the season and ran away with the district title in Maryville while Northeast had to survive two cliffhangers against North Harrison and Green City.
It looked like Christian would run away with the game with Northeast as Bluejay pitcher Rowdy West froze Zach Maggart on strikes, but then ran into trouble right off the bat. Nobody was used to the lively infield at Northwest Missouri State; what would have been a routine grounder back in Ravenwood turned into a high hopper over shortstop Spencer Weir’s head as Zech Perkins reached on a scratch hit. Johnathan Wing singled to right; Elias Manners hit a pop fly on the infield and was automatically out, but nobody took charge and the ball dropped in and rolled away, allowing the runners to advance 90 feet to second and third.
All hell broke loose as Simon Maize singled through third and short as the lively infield meant nobody had a chance at the ball. That scored two more, Trevor Hartigan walked and Spencer Weir had more trouble with the lively infield as he misplayed a high hop, loading the bases. That brought up Jacob Burton, who singled in two to make it 4-0.
Northeast, who had hit good pitchers well all year, couldn’t do anything with Trevor Hartigan and all hell broke loose again in the second as nobody took charge of a pop fly, which was pushed into fair territory just inside the first base line by a stiff wind for an error. Zach Maggart reached on the miscue, took second on a balk, and came home on Jonathan Wing’s single. Elias Manners hit a screamer which would have cleared the park anywhere else, but crashed off the wall 380 feet from home plate for a triple; he came home on Simon Maize’s sac fly to make it 7-0.
Christian scored another run in the third, but thanks to the vast field, Northeast was saved much worst. Spencer Weir snared a screamer from Hagen Kimsey backhanded and then Jacob Burton hit a long drive to the warning track in dead center, 375 feet from home plate. But centerfielder Dylan Mildfeldt was built for Northwest’s park, and he had no problem tracking it down and hauling it in for a long out. Caleb Kelley then walked, took second and third on wild pitches as Maggart walked and scored when third baseman Ethan Adwell had trouble with the crazy bounces the ball was taking on the infield, making it 8-0.
It looked like it was only a matter of time before Christian would put more runs on the board and finish Northeast early, but all of a sudden, with one out, Hartigan began fighting the strike zone after Reed McIntyre and Spencer Weir started off the inning with singles. Chet Spire walked on four pitches and then McIntyre came home on a wild pitch. Andrew Freemyer struck out, but then Rowdy West singled down the right field line to plate two and make it 8-3. Ethan Adwell walked and then once again, the vast field worked to Northeast’s advantage. Brayden Welch hit a screamer into the gap in right center field; center fielder Zech Perkins closed the gap in a hurry, but dropped it as two runs came home as they were off with the crack of the bat with two outs. All of a sudden, Northeast was right back in the game, down 8-5.
With Elias Manners, who had hit it 380 feet his last time up, coming up to the plate, Coach Vance Proffitt ordered an intentional walk, which paid off as Manners was shot down stealing by catcher Andrew Freemyer. Simon Maize tried to back out of a 3-2 pitch, but was completely fooled as Rowdy West got the strikeout. Trevor Hartigan hit a screamer into the left center field gap, but Dylan Mildfeldt, losing his hat in the process, came up with the running catch for the final out of the fourth.
Once again, Northeast used the field to their advantage in the fourth as Chance Barber led off with a bunt, which died on the grass infield in front of the plate and he made it to first and took second on a wild pitch. Reed McIntyre struck out, but Spencer Weir took a high pitch and hit it to center for a base hit as Chance Barber scored. Christian tried to claim that Barber missed the plate, but he had dragged his foot across the bag, so the run counted.
Chet Spire popped out for the second out of the inning, but then Hartigan began fighting the strike zone again and walked Andrew Freemyer. Once again, the field helped Northeast out as a lively hop scooted past Zach Maggart at third for Rowdy West’s base hit and scored Weir. The vast field helped Northeast again as Ethan Adwell’s pop fly dropped in for a base hit and Maverick Price (running for Freemyer) was safe on a close play. At that point, Hartigan was finished and Levi Glidwell came in to strike out Brayden Welch, but the damage was done and the game was tied at 8 after four.
Hagen Kimsey singled past Weir at short, but then Jacob Burton, who had hit a screamer earlier, popped out to Weir and Caleb Kelley grounded into a force at second. Zach Maggart came up with the top of the order, but Spencer Weir finally handled the lively infield and got him on a grounder to end the inning with the score still tied at 8.
Spencer Gray walked to start the fifth for Northeast and Dylan Mildfeldt, running for him, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Chance Barber walked and stole second. But it looked like Northeast’s chance to take the lead would go down the drain as Reed McIntyre struck out and Spencer Weir hit a grounder to Hagen Kimsey at second, and he threw out Mildfeldt at home on a close play despite Proffitt coming out and arguing the call. But then Chet Spire, who had not gotten a hit yet, hit a screamer to the wall in left center field 380 feet from home plate for a double, scoring Weir and Barber and Northeast was up 10-8 after five.
After Lions coach Andrew McDonald called all his team and had an animated conversation with them, they woke up to their peril and Zech Perkins led off the sixth with a soft liner up the middle that dropped in for a single. Jonathan Wing hit a slow roller to Ethan Adwell at third; he had no play and everyone was safe. That brought up Elias Manners, who had already had a triple 380 feet from the plate, but West froze him for strike three before giving way to Spencer Weir. West had struggled at the start, but got stronger and stronger as the game progressed to keep Northeast in the game.
Weir gave up a single to Simon Maize to make it 10-9, but Trevor Hartigan flied out and Weir froze Hagen Kimsey to get out of the inning with Northeast still up 10-9.
Glidewell struck out the side for Christian in the seventh and Andrew Freemyer came in to try to close it out for Northeast. Jacob Burton went after a high pitch, but fouled it right into catcher Rowdy West’s glove for the first out. Caleb Kelley hit a grounder to Ethan Adwell, but his errant throw was over Reed McIntyre’s head and Garrett Cassity came in to run for Kelley. Zach Maggart tried to bunt, but bunted in the air and Andrew Freemyer caught the pop fly. But he tried to double off Cassity and there was a heartstopping moment as the ball squirted out of McIntyre’s glove down the right field line as Cassity took second. Zech Perkins came up and Freemyer just missed inside with a 2-2 pitch to make it 3-2. But then he froze Perkins for strike three as the sun came out for the first time all day.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City to Drop ACA Health Insurance Plans for 2018
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) today announced the company’s decision to not offer or renew individual Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in the company’s 32-county service area in Kansas and Missouri for 2018. This decision will affect Blue KC members with both on- and off- exchange individual plans but does not affect individual plans that were purchased on or prior to October 1, 2013.
“Since 2014, we’ve expended significant resources to offer individual ACA plans to increase access to quality healthcare coverage for the Kansas City community,” said Danette Wilson, President and CEO of Blue KC. “Like many other health insurers across the country, we have been faced with challenges in this market. Through 2016, we have lost more than $100 million. This is unsustainable for our company. We have a responsibility to our members and the greater community to remain stable and secure, and the uncertain direction of this market is a barrier to our continued participation.”
Blue KC has more than 1 million members, and this will affect approximately 67,000. This decision will not affect 2017 coverage. It also does not affect Blue KC members who are covered under one of its “grandfathered” or “grandmothered” plans. These plans were purchased on or prior to October 1, 2013. Additionally, members who receive coverage through their employers, as well as those who purchased a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, short-term or student health plan from Blue KC, are not affected.
“This decision is necessary at this time, but we’ll continue to work with federal and state legislators to identify solutions that will stabilize the individual market and bring costs down for our members, the community and Blue KC,” said Wilson.
For more information, call 1-888-737-7086. Affected Blue KC members will be notified via mail by Blue KC by July 1, 2017.
“Since 2014, we’ve expended significant resources to offer individual ACA plans to increase access to quality healthcare coverage for the Kansas City community,” said Danette Wilson, President and CEO of Blue KC. “Like many other health insurers across the country, we have been faced with challenges in this market. Through 2016, we have lost more than $100 million. This is unsustainable for our company. We have a responsibility to our members and the greater community to remain stable and secure, and the uncertain direction of this market is a barrier to our continued participation.”
Blue KC has more than 1 million members, and this will affect approximately 67,000. This decision will not affect 2017 coverage. It also does not affect Blue KC members who are covered under one of its “grandfathered” or “grandmothered” plans. These plans were purchased on or prior to October 1, 2013. Additionally, members who receive coverage through their employers, as well as those who purchased a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, short-term or student health plan from Blue KC, are not affected.
“This decision is necessary at this time, but we’ll continue to work with federal and state legislators to identify solutions that will stabilize the individual market and bring costs down for our members, the community and Blue KC,” said Wilson.
For more information, call 1-888-737-7086. Affected Blue KC members will be notified via mail by Blue KC by July 1, 2017.
Shelly Troutwine Hired as Part-Time Clerk for License Office
Unofficial Minutes
A Special Board of Alderman meeting was held May 24th, 2017 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Present: Mayor Debbie Roach- Aldermen: Michael Chapman, Catherine Runde, Cathy James Bruce Downing-absent.- Clerk Ayvonne Morin,PWD: Carl Staton.
Mayor called the meeting to order.
Pool: PWD Carl Staton informed the board about a leak at the pool. The city crew will get to
It as soon as they are finished preparing the streets for asphalt. The pool will open this Memorial day weekend, depending on weather. Some staff will be there selling pool passes and handing out other information.
Michael Chapman made motion to go into closed session, Catherine Runde, seconded, motion carried.
Closed Session: Catherine Runde made motion to hire Shelly Troutwine as part-time clerk for the License office, Cathy James, seconded, motion carried.
Catherine Runde made motion to end closed session and meeting, Cathy James, seconded, motion carried. Meeting Adjourned 6:50 p.m.
A Special Board of Alderman meeting was held May 24th, 2017 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Present: Mayor Debbie Roach- Aldermen: Michael Chapman, Catherine Runde, Cathy James Bruce Downing-absent.- Clerk Ayvonne Morin,PWD: Carl Staton.
Mayor called the meeting to order.
Pool: PWD Carl Staton informed the board about a leak at the pool. The city crew will get to
It as soon as they are finished preparing the streets for asphalt. The pool will open this Memorial day weekend, depending on weather. Some staff will be there selling pool passes and handing out other information.
Michael Chapman made motion to go into closed session, Catherine Runde, seconded, motion carried.
Closed Session: Catherine Runde made motion to hire Shelly Troutwine as part-time clerk for the License office, Cathy James, seconded, motion carried.
Catherine Runde made motion to end closed session and meeting, Cathy James, seconded, motion carried. Meeting Adjourned 6:50 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
North Nodaway to Discontinue Softball After 2018-2019
The North Nodaway school board last Wednesday voted to discontinue softball after 2018-19 and offer volleyball instead. School officials cited low participation at the middle school level, low numbers of girls at the elementary level, and more interest in volleyball at the middle school level. The school only played one softball game at the junior high level the last two years due to low participation. Volleyball requires six players to play, as opposed to softball, which requires nine. A junior high volleyball team will be formed this coming year, with a JV squad planned for 2018-19 and a varsity squad for 2019-2020. The vote was 6-1, with board member Tony O’Riley opposed.
Tiger Girls Score 22.5 Points in State Meet; Anna Gladstone Gets Three Medals
Worth County’s girls recorded 22.5 points at the State Meet last weekend, good enough for 12th place. New Haven won with 60 points, followed by Mound City with 53. Other local teams that finished high included Rock Port, fifth with 33 points, Stanberry, 11th with 23 points, and King City, tied for 14th with 20 points.
For the girls, Anna Gladstone was second in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 15.56, her second best time of the year. She will be a favorite at this event next year as the girl that beat her, Khristen Bryant (Columbia Independent) will graduate next year. Bryant holds the class record, which she set last year with a time of 14.54.
The state record of the 4x200 team from 1984 still stands, as they are still on the boards with a time of 1:47.07. School of the Ozarks came within two seconds, but was still at 1:48.93.
Anna Gladstone got her second medal in the High Jump as she posted fifth with a jump of 5 feet. Gladstone, Sadie Limback (Santa Fe), and Marissa Jensen (Stanberry) will be favorites in that event next year.
Regan Allee was fifth in the Pole Vault with a vault of 8’6”. She will be one of several favorites in the state meet next year. Khristen Bryant (Columbia Independent), who set the state record this year, will graduate; two of the other three competitors ahead of her will also graduate.
Anna Gladstone was sixth in a tough field in the Long Jump, getting one of her better jumps of the year with 16’3”. The field was loaded this year; Breanna Coulter (Northeast Nodaway) jumped 15’4”, which was only good for 11th place. By contrast, Michelle Schulte (Northeast Nodaway) posted fifth in the state with a similar jump in 2010.
Merrideth Spiers was fourth and posted a personal best throw of 123’7” in the Discus. The school record, held by April Miller, is 130 feet, while the class record is held by Haley Craig (North Harrison), who set it last year.
The boys posted 8 points at the meet.
Eli Mullock’s class record of 11.01 in the 100, set in 2011, stood up this year. The winning time was 11.41 for 2017.
The 4x100 team of Tevin Cameron, Caleb Parman, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord was fifth with a time of 45.95. That squad will return everybody back. Worth County and Van-Far will be favorites in that event next year; the other three teams ahead of Worth County graduate nearly everyone.
Scott Parman’s High Jump record from 1992 of 6’10” still stands; the nearest competitor to him this year only posted 6’3”.
Drake Kinsella won Worth County’s other medal on the boys side as he was fifth in the Shot Put with a throw of 46’6¼”. He was easily one of the most improved contestants, improving his throw in that event by 10 feet over the course of the year.
For the girls, Anna Gladstone was second in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 15.56, her second best time of the year. She will be a favorite at this event next year as the girl that beat her, Khristen Bryant (Columbia Independent) will graduate next year. Bryant holds the class record, which she set last year with a time of 14.54.
The state record of the 4x200 team from 1984 still stands, as they are still on the boards with a time of 1:47.07. School of the Ozarks came within two seconds, but was still at 1:48.93.
Anna Gladstone got her second medal in the High Jump as she posted fifth with a jump of 5 feet. Gladstone, Sadie Limback (Santa Fe), and Marissa Jensen (Stanberry) will be favorites in that event next year.
Regan Allee was fifth in the Pole Vault with a vault of 8’6”. She will be one of several favorites in the state meet next year. Khristen Bryant (Columbia Independent), who set the state record this year, will graduate; two of the other three competitors ahead of her will also graduate.
Anna Gladstone was sixth in a tough field in the Long Jump, getting one of her better jumps of the year with 16’3”. The field was loaded this year; Breanna Coulter (Northeast Nodaway) jumped 15’4”, which was only good for 11th place. By contrast, Michelle Schulte (Northeast Nodaway) posted fifth in the state with a similar jump in 2010.
Merrideth Spiers was fourth and posted a personal best throw of 123’7” in the Discus. The school record, held by April Miller, is 130 feet, while the class record is held by Haley Craig (North Harrison), who set it last year.
The boys posted 8 points at the meet.
Eli Mullock’s class record of 11.01 in the 100, set in 2011, stood up this year. The winning time was 11.41 for 2017.
The 4x100 team of Tevin Cameron, Caleb Parman, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord was fifth with a time of 45.95. That squad will return everybody back. Worth County and Van-Far will be favorites in that event next year; the other three teams ahead of Worth County graduate nearly everyone.
Scott Parman’s High Jump record from 1992 of 6’10” still stands; the nearest competitor to him this year only posted 6’3”.
Drake Kinsella won Worth County’s other medal on the boys side as he was fifth in the Shot Put with a throw of 46’6¼”. He was easily one of the most improved contestants, improving his throw in that event by 10 feet over the course of the year.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
NEN District Title was First for Boys Since 1987
A pep rally was held for the Northeast Nodaway baseball team Sunday afternoon before its game with St. Joseph Christian in Sectionals Monday. At it, the school revealed that it was the first district title for a boys team since 1987, when basketball won districts.
The last district title came following an epic battle between Northeast Nodaway and Fairfax. With Northeast down one point going into the fourth quarter and the gym so crowded that many folks had to stand behind the baseline, Claude Samson’s squad held the ball for the first three minutes of the fourth before Todd Archer hit a shot from the left wing to put Northeast Nodaway up for good at 31-30. Northeast would get the ball back against a front line that was 6’4” and 6’8” and run out the clock for the one point win.
Also recognized were Dylan Mildfeldt, who qualified for state in the 100, and Brea Coulter, who qualified in the Long Jump and set a new school record in the process with a jump of 16’9”. Coulter was the first girl to go to state since 2012 in track, when Michelle Schulte went in the 3200 and Taryn Farnan went in the High Jump.
The Northeast Nodaway cheerleaders led the crowd in some cheers. Record numbers are cheering for Northeast, with 14 making next year’s squad. Some former baseball players came from the last three championship squads, including Korey Adwell, Andrew Faustlin, and Jill Spire.
The last district title came following an epic battle between Northeast Nodaway and Fairfax. With Northeast down one point going into the fourth quarter and the gym so crowded that many folks had to stand behind the baseline, Claude Samson’s squad held the ball for the first three minutes of the fourth before Todd Archer hit a shot from the left wing to put Northeast Nodaway up for good at 31-30. Northeast would get the ball back against a front line that was 6’4” and 6’8” and run out the clock for the one point win.
Also recognized were Dylan Mildfeldt, who qualified for state in the 100, and Brea Coulter, who qualified in the Long Jump and set a new school record in the process with a jump of 16’9”. Coulter was the first girl to go to state since 2012 in track, when Michelle Schulte went in the 3200 and Taryn Farnan went in the High Jump.
The Northeast Nodaway cheerleaders led the crowd in some cheers. Record numbers are cheering for Northeast, with 14 making next year’s squad. Some former baseball players came from the last three championship squads, including Korey Adwell, Andrew Faustlin, and Jill Spire.
Bluejay Baseball Wins First District Title Ever
Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team won its first district title game ever Wednesday night. Defying history and a strong Green City squad, Northeast took an early lead and held off several charges by the pesky Gopher squad to win 11-9 after three straight years of futility in districts. It was started three years ago by the very same Green City squad; Northeast had a banner regular season that year, running the table in their inaugural conference title season and drew the top seed in districts that year, only to be completely outplayed by Green City and fall 6-4.
Coach Vance Proffitt, who got his second shower in as many weeks, said the difference between the last three years and this year was a much higher level of focus. That was evident in the first inning, when Spencer Weir took a 3-2 pitch up and in to lead off and then went all the way from first to third on Chet Spire’s groundout. It turned out to be hardly necessary, since Andrew Freemyer’s home run that barely cleared the Eagleville fence put Northeast up 2-0. But it was the kind of alert baserunning that showed that this team was focused against a dangerous power hitting Green City squad and a hurler with the biggest breaking ball they had seen in Camden Williams.
Later in the inning, Rowdy West doubled as a fly ball dropped in between centerfielder Alex Barto and rightfielder Colby Carmack. Ethan Adwell walked and they went to second and third on a wild pitch. Brayden Welch laid down a perfect bunt and reached safely, only to have West thrown out at the plate as he didn’t get a big enough lead from third and was cut down after the throw to first. Proffitt argued the call to no avail, only to have a third run score anyway as Ethan Adwell came home on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.
The heart of the Green City order was up, but Devin Fields’ screamer was right to Rowdy West at shortstop. Hunter Chase walked and stole second on a close play, but Spencer Weir settled down and struck out Camden Williams and got Ryan Peavler to fly out to Chet Spire by jamming him inside.
Williams tried to establish his huge breaking ball as he froze Chance Barber with one that started high, dove in the dirt, and was somehow called a strike by the umpire. He then froze Reed McIntyre, but Green City mistakenly thought the play was over and started throwing it around the horn. The ball had briefly hit the dirt and McIntyre made it to first before the Gophers could recover. Williams set up Spencer Weir with three high pitches and shut him down with another huge breaking pitch that started head high and broke down to the knees.
But then the dropped third strike came back to bite Green City; without it, they would have struck out the side and held Northeast scoreless. As it stood, Chet Spire kept the inning alive as Williams tried to freeze him with one of his big breaking balls on a 3-2 pitch but left it too high. Andrew Freemyer fought off an 0-2 breaking ball and hit it through the hole at short to score McIntyre and Rowdy West hit a screamer to left that took one bounce and cleared left field for a ground rule double to make it 5-0 after three.
NEN pitcher Spencer Weir sailed through the second, but got into trouble in the third after one out when he tried to throw a knuckle ball on Devin Fields, but he caught hold of it and it sliced away from Dylan Mildfeldt in center field for a single. That opened up the floodgates as Weir was tiring and had no more movement on his pitches. Hunter Chase and Camden Williams singled and then Ryan Peavler hit one to dead center so far out that Dylan Mildfeldt didn’t even try to go after it; that made it 5-4. A single from Alex Barto, a four pitch walk to Colby Carmack, and another single to Michael Hall tied it at 5-5; Carmack and Hall stole second and third with one out; seven straight Gophers had reached safely. But then Weir recovered and struck out Jeremy McCarty and Nathan Chase to get out of the inning with the game still tied.
Northeast continued to battle Williams and his huge breaking ball; Spencer Wier fought off a pitch up and in and knocked it in the hole between third and short to start the top of the fourth for Northeast. Chet Spire fought off another breaking ball and hit a grounder that took a crazy hop on Nathan Chase at short and went into short left as Spencer Weir made it from first to third. Andrew Freemyer’s pop fly barely stayed in the playing area; North Harrison has a long foul territory and third baseman Michael Hall made the catch just in front of the fence for the first out. Rowdy West then successfully got Williams out of his pitching rhythm; he called time just before he threw a pitch and found one much more to his liking and beat out an infield hit to short, scoring Weir. Ethan Adwell tried to bunt, but it it in the air and Williams caught it for the second out of the inning with Northeast up 6-5.
But then Brayden Welch came up to the plate. He has been clutch throughout his time at Northeast; two years ago, his single against West Nodaway ignited the rally that secured the Bluejays their second straight title; that year, his only hits of the year were against the Rockets. This year, his grand slam against Platte Valley jump started Northeast’s season after they had started off the season 0-3. Northeast swept the double header and Welch’s walkoff single all but clinched the conference title against West Nodaway after the Rockets had hit a 3-run shot off Andrew Freemyer to tie it up.
Monday night, Brayden Welch added to his laurels as he knocked one over the pine tree to the left of the scoreboard, 300 feet from home plate. That three run shot put Northeast up 9-5. Northeast would go through some more twists and turns in the game, but Brayden Welch’s shot put them back in control.
Green City tried all they could to wipe out the result of that play. They threw to third in a vain attempt to claim that Spencer Weir had not touched third while rounding the bases. They even headed to the dugout in an effort to sell the call, but to no avail. The home run stood.
Andrew Freemyer took the mound for the fourth inning and promptly, Devin Fields walked and Hunter Chase dug a pitch out of the first and deposited it over the center field fence to make it 9-7. But just as it looked like Green City would be getting the momentum back, Spencer Weir dropped to his knees and snared Camden Williams’ screamer to kill the rally. That seemed to give Freemyer the confidence he needed to start throwing strikes, and he shut down the Gophers through the fourth and fifth innings.
Meanwhile, Northeast added to their lead as Spencer Weir turned on Michael Hall’s breaking ball and hit it over the left field fence in the fifth and Spencer Gray turned on an inside pitch and singled down the left field line in the sixth to score Rowdy West to make it 11-7. But Northeast’s momentum was halted dead on the next play as Chance Barber hit what should have been the third out of the inning to first. But first baseman Ryan Peavler bobbled it and Barber was safe. Dylan Mildfeldt, running for Gray, tried to go first to third on the play, but although third baseman baseman Nathan Chase missed the tag, the umpire called Mildfeldt out anyway, triggering a rhubarb as Proffitt vehemently contended that the tag was missed. But the call stood and the momentum started swinging in the Gophers’ favor again.
Green City started making some noise in the sixth as Nathan Chase walked on a 3-2 count that was close and Devin Fields singled to left. A wild pickoff try by Freemyer scored Nathan Chase. Hunter Chase went after a breaking ball in the first and struck out, but Fields took third on a wild pitch and came home on Camden Williams’ groundout to cut Northeast’s lead in half.
Rowdy West’s futile attempt to slide into first on a groundout with two outs in the seventh didn’t work, and Northeast had to cling by their fingernails in the bottom of the inning. Alex Barto chopped one off the plate that bounded high into the air; Andrew Freemyer tried for an out that wasn’t there and threw it away, putting Barto on second. Colby Carmack chased a pitch in the dirt for a strikeout; Barto took third as Northeast threw to first to keep the tying run off the basepaths. Michael Hall hit a sharp grounder, but it was right at Reed McIntyre at first and Barto could not score on the play. Green City sent up Thomas Watt, but he grounded out to Chance Barber at second to end the game.
“From day one, we were all over you about doing the little things,” said Proffitt to his team afterwards. The little things paid off in the last two games. “That was a great team we beat and this shows it,” he said.
Proffitt said that the difference this year was that the team remembered the heartaches of the last three district losses and were bound and determined not to let it happen again. “After the North Harrison win, the pressure was lifted and we just hit the tar out of the ball,” he said.
Coach Vance Proffitt, who got his second shower in as many weeks, said the difference between the last three years and this year was a much higher level of focus. That was evident in the first inning, when Spencer Weir took a 3-2 pitch up and in to lead off and then went all the way from first to third on Chet Spire’s groundout. It turned out to be hardly necessary, since Andrew Freemyer’s home run that barely cleared the Eagleville fence put Northeast up 2-0. But it was the kind of alert baserunning that showed that this team was focused against a dangerous power hitting Green City squad and a hurler with the biggest breaking ball they had seen in Camden Williams.
Later in the inning, Rowdy West doubled as a fly ball dropped in between centerfielder Alex Barto and rightfielder Colby Carmack. Ethan Adwell walked and they went to second and third on a wild pitch. Brayden Welch laid down a perfect bunt and reached safely, only to have West thrown out at the plate as he didn’t get a big enough lead from third and was cut down after the throw to first. Proffitt argued the call to no avail, only to have a third run score anyway as Ethan Adwell came home on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.
The heart of the Green City order was up, but Devin Fields’ screamer was right to Rowdy West at shortstop. Hunter Chase walked and stole second on a close play, but Spencer Weir settled down and struck out Camden Williams and got Ryan Peavler to fly out to Chet Spire by jamming him inside.
Williams tried to establish his huge breaking ball as he froze Chance Barber with one that started high, dove in the dirt, and was somehow called a strike by the umpire. He then froze Reed McIntyre, but Green City mistakenly thought the play was over and started throwing it around the horn. The ball had briefly hit the dirt and McIntyre made it to first before the Gophers could recover. Williams set up Spencer Weir with three high pitches and shut him down with another huge breaking pitch that started head high and broke down to the knees.
But then the dropped third strike came back to bite Green City; without it, they would have struck out the side and held Northeast scoreless. As it stood, Chet Spire kept the inning alive as Williams tried to freeze him with one of his big breaking balls on a 3-2 pitch but left it too high. Andrew Freemyer fought off an 0-2 breaking ball and hit it through the hole at short to score McIntyre and Rowdy West hit a screamer to left that took one bounce and cleared left field for a ground rule double to make it 5-0 after three.
NEN pitcher Spencer Weir sailed through the second, but got into trouble in the third after one out when he tried to throw a knuckle ball on Devin Fields, but he caught hold of it and it sliced away from Dylan Mildfeldt in center field for a single. That opened up the floodgates as Weir was tiring and had no more movement on his pitches. Hunter Chase and Camden Williams singled and then Ryan Peavler hit one to dead center so far out that Dylan Mildfeldt didn’t even try to go after it; that made it 5-4. A single from Alex Barto, a four pitch walk to Colby Carmack, and another single to Michael Hall tied it at 5-5; Carmack and Hall stole second and third with one out; seven straight Gophers had reached safely. But then Weir recovered and struck out Jeremy McCarty and Nathan Chase to get out of the inning with the game still tied.
Northeast continued to battle Williams and his huge breaking ball; Spencer Wier fought off a pitch up and in and knocked it in the hole between third and short to start the top of the fourth for Northeast. Chet Spire fought off another breaking ball and hit a grounder that took a crazy hop on Nathan Chase at short and went into short left as Spencer Weir made it from first to third. Andrew Freemyer’s pop fly barely stayed in the playing area; North Harrison has a long foul territory and third baseman Michael Hall made the catch just in front of the fence for the first out. Rowdy West then successfully got Williams out of his pitching rhythm; he called time just before he threw a pitch and found one much more to his liking and beat out an infield hit to short, scoring Weir. Ethan Adwell tried to bunt, but it it in the air and Williams caught it for the second out of the inning with Northeast up 6-5.
But then Brayden Welch came up to the plate. He has been clutch throughout his time at Northeast; two years ago, his single against West Nodaway ignited the rally that secured the Bluejays their second straight title; that year, his only hits of the year were against the Rockets. This year, his grand slam against Platte Valley jump started Northeast’s season after they had started off the season 0-3. Northeast swept the double header and Welch’s walkoff single all but clinched the conference title against West Nodaway after the Rockets had hit a 3-run shot off Andrew Freemyer to tie it up.
Monday night, Brayden Welch added to his laurels as he knocked one over the pine tree to the left of the scoreboard, 300 feet from home plate. That three run shot put Northeast up 9-5. Northeast would go through some more twists and turns in the game, but Brayden Welch’s shot put them back in control.
Green City tried all they could to wipe out the result of that play. They threw to third in a vain attempt to claim that Spencer Weir had not touched third while rounding the bases. They even headed to the dugout in an effort to sell the call, but to no avail. The home run stood.
Andrew Freemyer took the mound for the fourth inning and promptly, Devin Fields walked and Hunter Chase dug a pitch out of the first and deposited it over the center field fence to make it 9-7. But just as it looked like Green City would be getting the momentum back, Spencer Weir dropped to his knees and snared Camden Williams’ screamer to kill the rally. That seemed to give Freemyer the confidence he needed to start throwing strikes, and he shut down the Gophers through the fourth and fifth innings.
Meanwhile, Northeast added to their lead as Spencer Weir turned on Michael Hall’s breaking ball and hit it over the left field fence in the fifth and Spencer Gray turned on an inside pitch and singled down the left field line in the sixth to score Rowdy West to make it 11-7. But Northeast’s momentum was halted dead on the next play as Chance Barber hit what should have been the third out of the inning to first. But first baseman Ryan Peavler bobbled it and Barber was safe. Dylan Mildfeldt, running for Gray, tried to go first to third on the play, but although third baseman baseman Nathan Chase missed the tag, the umpire called Mildfeldt out anyway, triggering a rhubarb as Proffitt vehemently contended that the tag was missed. But the call stood and the momentum started swinging in the Gophers’ favor again.
Green City started making some noise in the sixth as Nathan Chase walked on a 3-2 count that was close and Devin Fields singled to left. A wild pickoff try by Freemyer scored Nathan Chase. Hunter Chase went after a breaking ball in the first and struck out, but Fields took third on a wild pitch and came home on Camden Williams’ groundout to cut Northeast’s lead in half.
Rowdy West’s futile attempt to slide into first on a groundout with two outs in the seventh didn’t work, and Northeast had to cling by their fingernails in the bottom of the inning. Alex Barto chopped one off the plate that bounded high into the air; Andrew Freemyer tried for an out that wasn’t there and threw it away, putting Barto on second. Colby Carmack chased a pitch in the dirt for a strikeout; Barto took third as Northeast threw to first to keep the tying run off the basepaths. Michael Hall hit a sharp grounder, but it was right at Reed McIntyre at first and Barto could not score on the play. Green City sent up Thomas Watt, but he grounded out to Chance Barber at second to end the game.
“From day one, we were all over you about doing the little things,” said Proffitt to his team afterwards. The little things paid off in the last two games. “That was a great team we beat and this shows it,” he said.
Proffitt said that the difference this year was that the team remembered the heartaches of the last three district losses and were bound and determined not to let it happen again. “After the North Harrison win, the pressure was lifted and we just hit the tar out of the ball,” he said.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
NEN Baseball Ends District Jinx in Cliffhanger
It looked like one of the Cubs' meltdowns all over again. Northeast was seemingly in command against North Harrison in the second round of districts, up 6-2, when everything unraveled in the fifth inning. Lane Huitt's two run double made it 6-4, Collin Castleberry drove him home with a single, and Logan Craig hit a home run to the left of the scoreboard to finish NEN pitcher Rowdy West and seemingly put North Harrison up 7-6. But then Rowdy West, for the third time this year, pulled off a successful appeal play and wiped out pinch runner Ryan Jones' score since he didn't touch home plate. Instead of Northeast trailing, they were tied with North Harrison 6-6 with plenty of life. Spencer Weir came on in relief to retire J.D. Baker on a grounder to end the inning.
They took full advantage of their new lease on life; Rowdy West tripled into the left field corner with one out, Ethan Adwell beat out a slow roller to J.D. Baker at short as West came home safely on the throw to first to make it 7-6. From there, Spencer Weir pitched two innings of shutdown relief for the win. There was a heartstopping moment in the sixth when Trey Gilliland's grounder to West at short was thrown high, but Reed McIntyre, one of the smaller players on the team, made a leaping stop of the errant throw and somehow landed on the bag in time for the third out.
Weir needed to retire the Shamrocks 1-2-3 in the seventh to keep Castleberry, who had hit two home runs against NEN in North Harrison's first-ever baseball game last year, along with Logan Craig, who had already hit one Monday night, from batting again. He did so, retiring Logan Huitt and Randy Rinehart on strikes; second baseman Chance Barber, who let one get under his legs to jump-start North Harrison's fifth inning, did not let that happen again.
North Harrison jumped out on top in the first as Logan Craig's groundout scored Lane Huitt and J.D. Baker singled to left center to score Castleberry. But Northeast got one back in the bottom of the first as Chet Spire flied out to score Spencer Weir. Weir, playing short, made a leaping catch to save catcher Andrew Freemyer a throwing error in the second and somehow tagged out Logan Huitt trying to steal in the process to stop the Shamrocks from adding to their 2-1 lead.
Northeast finally broke through in the second as Spencer Gray singled through the hole at short, Chance Barber walked, and Reed McIntyre hit a screamer to left that had home run written all over it. Left fielder Lane Huitt knocked it down to keep it in the yard, but couldn't come up with a catch and then threw the ball into the dugout to score Gray and tie it at second. Spencer Weir walked, but North Harrison was seemingly home free after Chet Spire's fly ball to Logan Huitt in center was too shallow to score Barber. But then Andrew Freemyer hit a line drive that went over the left field fence for a grand slam, Northeast's third of the year, to seemingly put them in control at 6-2, a score that stood until the fifth.
But Northeast had to battle history the rest of the way; the Cubs found out last year that curses have a hard time of going away. Northeast had won conference each of the last three years, only to fall in the first round of districts every time. At the end, Coach Vance Proffitt was on the verge of tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. On the other hand, as he told his charges, the only thing it got them was another day of practice.
They took full advantage of their new lease on life; Rowdy West tripled into the left field corner with one out, Ethan Adwell beat out a slow roller to J.D. Baker at short as West came home safely on the throw to first to make it 7-6. From there, Spencer Weir pitched two innings of shutdown relief for the win. There was a heartstopping moment in the sixth when Trey Gilliland's grounder to West at short was thrown high, but Reed McIntyre, one of the smaller players on the team, made a leaping stop of the errant throw and somehow landed on the bag in time for the third out.
Weir needed to retire the Shamrocks 1-2-3 in the seventh to keep Castleberry, who had hit two home runs against NEN in North Harrison's first-ever baseball game last year, along with Logan Craig, who had already hit one Monday night, from batting again. He did so, retiring Logan Huitt and Randy Rinehart on strikes; second baseman Chance Barber, who let one get under his legs to jump-start North Harrison's fifth inning, did not let that happen again.
North Harrison jumped out on top in the first as Logan Craig's groundout scored Lane Huitt and J.D. Baker singled to left center to score Castleberry. But Northeast got one back in the bottom of the first as Chet Spire flied out to score Spencer Weir. Weir, playing short, made a leaping catch to save catcher Andrew Freemyer a throwing error in the second and somehow tagged out Logan Huitt trying to steal in the process to stop the Shamrocks from adding to their 2-1 lead.
Northeast finally broke through in the second as Spencer Gray singled through the hole at short, Chance Barber walked, and Reed McIntyre hit a screamer to left that had home run written all over it. Left fielder Lane Huitt knocked it down to keep it in the yard, but couldn't come up with a catch and then threw the ball into the dugout to score Gray and tie it at second. Spencer Weir walked, but North Harrison was seemingly home free after Chet Spire's fly ball to Logan Huitt in center was too shallow to score Barber. But then Andrew Freemyer hit a line drive that went over the left field fence for a grand slam, Northeast's third of the year, to seemingly put them in control at 6-2, a score that stood until the fifth.
But Northeast had to battle history the rest of the way; the Cubs found out last year that curses have a hard time of going away. Northeast had won conference each of the last three years, only to fall in the first round of districts every time. At the end, Coach Vance Proffitt was on the verge of tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. On the other hand, as he told his charges, the only thing it got them was another day of practice.
Obituary -- LaUna "Ticky" Hass 1928-2017
LaUna Hass (born Wrinkle) of Grant City, MO (formerly of Platte City, MO), was born October 2, 1928 in Preston, MO and passed peacefully on May 15, 2017 at the age of 88 after declining in health over the past year. She resided at Orilla’s Way of Grant City, MO where she was lovingly cared for and pampered.
Ticky (as she was known to all) was a formidable force and could be counted on to enliven any event. She is survived by her loving husband, Carl Hass, Jr., after being married for 39 years. In addition, she leaves a big family who will miss her dearly. They are: Barbara Hall (Dick) of Bella Vista, AR; Jeanie Claytor (Tim) of Kansas City, MO; Michelle Ross of Phoenix, AZ; and Ginger Skaggs (Jes) of Dearborn, MO as well as 12 grandchildren (one waiting to greet her in Heaven), nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents (Liva and Alta Mae Wrinkle) and her three siblings: Berneta Walker, Hoyt Wrinkle and JR Wrinkle.
Ticky grew up in the Camden Point, MO area and attended school there. She went to the reunions faithfully every year. She worked hard all of her life at many jobs and hobbies using her skills in farming, sewing, cooking, gardening, wallpapering, school bus driving, antiquing and just plain manual labor. In 1966 she landed her dream job at TWA as a mechanic in the upholstery shop. After 23 years, she retired in 1989 leaving many memories and close friends. TWA allowed her extensive travel opportunities that she readily took advantage of with Las Vegas a favorite destination with Poker being her game of choice. She used her self-taught sewing skills throughout the years to sew or repair many boat cushions, pillows, curtains, etc.
Ticky was happiest when at the Lake of the Ozarks swimming, fishing, entertaining or just relaxing on the dock. She lived a full life and she would tell anyone to do the same. Savor every day, watch Wheel of Fortune, watch the Royals and Chiefs with passion, take a young one fishing, play video games; just LIVE! As she always said, “You’re not getting any younger!”
Visitation will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Camden Point Baptist Church.
Funeral will be Friday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.
Burial services will be at Camden Point Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations to Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, MO or Mosaic Life Care Hospice of St. Joseph, MO (Stanberry, MO location).
Arrangements are through Hixson-Klein Funeral Homes and condolences may be made online at www.hkfuneralhome.com.
Ticky (as she was known to all) was a formidable force and could be counted on to enliven any event. She is survived by her loving husband, Carl Hass, Jr., after being married for 39 years. In addition, she leaves a big family who will miss her dearly. They are: Barbara Hall (Dick) of Bella Vista, AR; Jeanie Claytor (Tim) of Kansas City, MO; Michelle Ross of Phoenix, AZ; and Ginger Skaggs (Jes) of Dearborn, MO as well as 12 grandchildren (one waiting to greet her in Heaven), nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents (Liva and Alta Mae Wrinkle) and her three siblings: Berneta Walker, Hoyt Wrinkle and JR Wrinkle.
Ticky grew up in the Camden Point, MO area and attended school there. She went to the reunions faithfully every year. She worked hard all of her life at many jobs and hobbies using her skills in farming, sewing, cooking, gardening, wallpapering, school bus driving, antiquing and just plain manual labor. In 1966 she landed her dream job at TWA as a mechanic in the upholstery shop. After 23 years, she retired in 1989 leaving many memories and close friends. TWA allowed her extensive travel opportunities that she readily took advantage of with Las Vegas a favorite destination with Poker being her game of choice. She used her self-taught sewing skills throughout the years to sew or repair many boat cushions, pillows, curtains, etc.
Ticky was happiest when at the Lake of the Ozarks swimming, fishing, entertaining or just relaxing on the dock. She lived a full life and she would tell anyone to do the same. Savor every day, watch Wheel of Fortune, watch the Royals and Chiefs with passion, take a young one fishing, play video games; just LIVE! As she always said, “You’re not getting any younger!”
Visitation will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Camden Point Baptist Church.
Funeral will be Friday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.
Burial services will be at Camden Point Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations to Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, MO or Mosaic Life Care Hospice of St. Joseph, MO (Stanberry, MO location).
Arrangements are through Hixson-Klein Funeral Homes and condolences may be made online at www.hkfuneralhome.com.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Victoria Moore is Valedictorian as Worth County Graduates 25; Kristen Ross Salutatorian
Victoria Moore was named Valedictorian for the Worth County Graduation Ceremony, while Kristen Ross was named Salutatorian as 25 seniors graduated. The class motto was, “Chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again.” Class colors were maroon and chrome. The class flower was a maroon-tipped White Carnation. The class song was “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney.
The Worth County Class of 2017 will be remembered as one which always worked hard no matter what the project and which always aimed high, even trying to get President Donald Trump to speak. Sure enough, “Donald Trump” came to the ceremony and said that he wished he could build a wall to keep the seniors around a little while longer and make Stanberry pay for it.
Graduating were Payton Adwell, Jarisa Moffat, Lucas Caddenhead, Victoria Moore, Harley Charles, Sophia Obermuller, Gavin Dine, McKenzie Percell, Reagan Drury, Kristen Ross, Dominique Findley, Carissa Runde, Rachael Gardner, Wade Rush, Faith Gladstone, Aubrey Staton, Breanna Harker, Alec Summers, Cheyenne James, Sidney Troutwine, Austin Lininger, Brooklyn White, Dora Martz, and Jacob Wimer.
Class officers were Alec Summers (President), Harley Charles (Vice-President), Reagan Drury (Secretary), Rachael Gardner (Treasurer and Student Council Representative), and Brooklyn White (Student Council Representative).
Principal Jon Adwell welcomed the assembly and said that the class would be missed, even though there were a few problems along the way like the school being put up for sale on Craigslist. He said that tomorrow was promised to no one, success was not guaranteed, but that failure was guaranteed for chances that were not taken.
Class President Alec Summers thanked sponsors Mrs. Julia Wideman and Mrs. Kelley Ross for being sponsors and presented them with flowers and pictures on behalf of the class. “The more I was here, the more I got connected with all of you,” he said. “All our memories cumulated in this moment.”
The speaker was Julia Wideman, who had an ongoing bet to see who would cry first. There were plenty of tears shed, and even Principal Jon Adwell choked up at one point. The class won the Spirit Stick all four years. “Everyone was always doing something,” she said. “You represented us all over the area and formed a lot of close friendships.” The students pulled together for prom to make it a memorable experience. It was so successful that the school board voted to give the junior class a stipend for it.
“You included everyone and it was so much fun for me and Kelley,” she said. “You got on board and got things done.”
Valedictorian Victoria Moore encouraged her classmates, “Don’t let high school be the peak of your life.” Salutatorian Kristen Ross said that while their diploma was a piece of paper, the question was, “How are you going to use it?” She said they could do a lot of things. “Even try another country, like Sophia did.”
The Worth County Class of 2017 will be remembered as one which always worked hard no matter what the project and which always aimed high, even trying to get President Donald Trump to speak. Sure enough, “Donald Trump” came to the ceremony and said that he wished he could build a wall to keep the seniors around a little while longer and make Stanberry pay for it.
Graduating were Payton Adwell, Jarisa Moffat, Lucas Caddenhead, Victoria Moore, Harley Charles, Sophia Obermuller, Gavin Dine, McKenzie Percell, Reagan Drury, Kristen Ross, Dominique Findley, Carissa Runde, Rachael Gardner, Wade Rush, Faith Gladstone, Aubrey Staton, Breanna Harker, Alec Summers, Cheyenne James, Sidney Troutwine, Austin Lininger, Brooklyn White, Dora Martz, and Jacob Wimer.
Class officers were Alec Summers (President), Harley Charles (Vice-President), Reagan Drury (Secretary), Rachael Gardner (Treasurer and Student Council Representative), and Brooklyn White (Student Council Representative).
Principal Jon Adwell welcomed the assembly and said that the class would be missed, even though there were a few problems along the way like the school being put up for sale on Craigslist. He said that tomorrow was promised to no one, success was not guaranteed, but that failure was guaranteed for chances that were not taken.
Class President Alec Summers thanked sponsors Mrs. Julia Wideman and Mrs. Kelley Ross for being sponsors and presented them with flowers and pictures on behalf of the class. “The more I was here, the more I got connected with all of you,” he said. “All our memories cumulated in this moment.”
The speaker was Julia Wideman, who had an ongoing bet to see who would cry first. There were plenty of tears shed, and even Principal Jon Adwell choked up at one point. The class won the Spirit Stick all four years. “Everyone was always doing something,” she said. “You represented us all over the area and formed a lot of close friendships.” The students pulled together for prom to make it a memorable experience. It was so successful that the school board voted to give the junior class a stipend for it.
“You included everyone and it was so much fun for me and Kelley,” she said. “You got on board and got things done.”
Valedictorian Victoria Moore encouraged her classmates, “Don’t let high school be the peak of your life.” Salutatorian Kristen Ross said that while their diploma was a piece of paper, the question was, “How are you going to use it?” She said they could do a lot of things. “Even try another country, like Sophia did.”
Sunday, May 14, 2017
900 Attend Spring Elementary Concert at Worth County
Around 900 people attended the Spring Elementary Concert at Worth County Friday as the elementary grades showed off what they had learned throughout the year.
The fifth grade recorder students played kids nursery rhymes such as Hot Cross Buns, Gently Sleep, Merrily we Roll Along, It’s Raining, Old MacDonald, When the Saints go Marching In, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Amazing Grace, and Ode to Joy.
The Noteworthy Singers sang “Three Quotes from Mark Twain” along with the popular hit songs “Roar” and “Shake it Off.” Soloists were Fred Hayes, Arianna Behrens, Maria Avilez, Emma Spencer, Sonya Boyd, Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, and Reality Rippy.
The Sixth Grade Band performed “High Adventure,” “Failbrook March,” Beethoven’s Ninth, “Centurion,” “Second Time Around,” and last, but not least, the Worth County School Fight Song.
Kindergarteners through second grade performed the popular kids tale, The Raggle Taggle Town Singers, also known as The Bermen Town Musicians. The donkey was Owyn Wuillay, the dog was Liam Hayden, the cat was Unique Brown, the rooster was Kristen Tracy, and the robbers were Mason Hiatt, Caleb New, Garrett Troutwine, and Bentley Frisch. Each of the animals got wind that their masters were planning to kill them because they were too old. The moral of the story is that age is a state of mind and that it is never too late to be young at heart.
The third through sixth graders then sang pop hits such as “I got a feeling,” “Fireflies,” “It’s my life,” “Count on Me,” “Home,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” and “Dynamite.” Soloists for “I got a Feeling” were Arianna Behrens, Taylor Sanders, Maria Avilez, Ali Brown, Tucker Owens, Eva Engel, and Fred Hayes.
Soloists for “Fireflies” were Bridgette Hightshoe, Arianna Behrens, Eva Engel, Jessica Farrell, Abbi Brown, and Macky Walter.
Playing guitar for “Home” was Tucker Owens.
Dancing for “Dynamite” were Tanner Ridge, Lance Abplanalp, and Keaten Morin.
At the end of the performance, the outgoing sixth graders were recognized for graduating from the elementary.
Members of the Sixth Grade Band were (Flutes) Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, and Claire McElvain; (Clarinets) Elizabeth Brown, Reality Rippy, and Taylor Sanders; (Trumpets) Levi Cassavaugh, Wyatt Craven, and Maddy Runde; (Baritone) Cash Jacobs; (Trombones) A.J. Drury and John Galanakis; and (Percussion) Maria Avilez and Zeeanna Gladstone.
Members of the Noteworthy Singers were Maria Avilez, Arianna Behrens, Sonya Boyd, Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, A.J. Drury, Jessica Farrell, Anthony Hayes, Fred Hayes, Reality Rippy, and Emma Spencer.
The Fifth Graders did the Recorder Karate music series throughout the year, where each student got belts similar to karate. Winning Black Belts were Autumn Cousatte, Ethan Frese, Tyler New, and Kara Staton.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz, Darin, Nancy, and Reagan Drury, and Payton Adwell helped with the projection, sound, and lighting. Members of the High School Music Appreciation Class helped with the scenery and props. They included Macie Staton, Dora Martz, and Riley Drury.
Dominique Findley was music director Julie Capps’ teaching assistant and helped with both concerts and projected a positive attitude and enthusiasm, like she did regardless of what sport or activity she was in.
Mrs. Selina O’Connor and her family members helped put the little house on the stage for the mini-musical. Lori Wimer set up the table and chairs. Amy Garrett and April Healy helped with computers and technical assistance.
Amy Jackson and the sixth grade class put up the paper so that they could do the slide presentation during the show.
In her long list of thank you’s, Mrs. Capps said, “To the parents, thanks for allowing me to teach your kids! I hope you can tell they have had fun in music class!”
The fifth grade recorder students played kids nursery rhymes such as Hot Cross Buns, Gently Sleep, Merrily we Roll Along, It’s Raining, Old MacDonald, When the Saints go Marching In, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Amazing Grace, and Ode to Joy.
The Noteworthy Singers sang “Three Quotes from Mark Twain” along with the popular hit songs “Roar” and “Shake it Off.” Soloists were Fred Hayes, Arianna Behrens, Maria Avilez, Emma Spencer, Sonya Boyd, Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, and Reality Rippy.
The Sixth Grade Band performed “High Adventure,” “Failbrook March,” Beethoven’s Ninth, “Centurion,” “Second Time Around,” and last, but not least, the Worth County School Fight Song.
Kindergarteners through second grade performed the popular kids tale, The Raggle Taggle Town Singers, also known as The Bermen Town Musicians. The donkey was Owyn Wuillay, the dog was Liam Hayden, the cat was Unique Brown, the rooster was Kristen Tracy, and the robbers were Mason Hiatt, Caleb New, Garrett Troutwine, and Bentley Frisch. Each of the animals got wind that their masters were planning to kill them because they were too old. The moral of the story is that age is a state of mind and that it is never too late to be young at heart.
The third through sixth graders then sang pop hits such as “I got a feeling,” “Fireflies,” “It’s my life,” “Count on Me,” “Home,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” and “Dynamite.” Soloists for “I got a Feeling” were Arianna Behrens, Taylor Sanders, Maria Avilez, Ali Brown, Tucker Owens, Eva Engel, and Fred Hayes.
Soloists for “Fireflies” were Bridgette Hightshoe, Arianna Behrens, Eva Engel, Jessica Farrell, Abbi Brown, and Macky Walter.
Playing guitar for “Home” was Tucker Owens.
Dancing for “Dynamite” were Tanner Ridge, Lance Abplanalp, and Keaten Morin.
At the end of the performance, the outgoing sixth graders were recognized for graduating from the elementary.
Members of the Sixth Grade Band were (Flutes) Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, and Claire McElvain; (Clarinets) Elizabeth Brown, Reality Rippy, and Taylor Sanders; (Trumpets) Levi Cassavaugh, Wyatt Craven, and Maddy Runde; (Baritone) Cash Jacobs; (Trombones) A.J. Drury and John Galanakis; and (Percussion) Maria Avilez and Zeeanna Gladstone.
Members of the Noteworthy Singers were Maria Avilez, Arianna Behrens, Sonya Boyd, Ali Brown, Lanie Cousatte, A.J. Drury, Jessica Farrell, Anthony Hayes, Fred Hayes, Reality Rippy, and Emma Spencer.
The Fifth Graders did the Recorder Karate music series throughout the year, where each student got belts similar to karate. Winning Black Belts were Autumn Cousatte, Ethan Frese, Tyler New, and Kara Staton.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz, Darin, Nancy, and Reagan Drury, and Payton Adwell helped with the projection, sound, and lighting. Members of the High School Music Appreciation Class helped with the scenery and props. They included Macie Staton, Dora Martz, and Riley Drury.
Dominique Findley was music director Julie Capps’ teaching assistant and helped with both concerts and projected a positive attitude and enthusiasm, like she did regardless of what sport or activity she was in.
Mrs. Selina O’Connor and her family members helped put the little house on the stage for the mini-musical. Lori Wimer set up the table and chairs. Amy Garrett and April Healy helped with computers and technical assistance.
Amy Jackson and the sixth grade class put up the paper so that they could do the slide presentation during the show.
In her long list of thank you’s, Mrs. Capps said, “To the parents, thanks for allowing me to teach your kids! I hope you can tell they have had fun in music class!”
Anna Gladstone Shatters School Long Jump Mark in Sectionals
Anna Gladstone qualified in all four of her events Saturday in Chillicothe and broke one school record in the process. She continued to excel in the 100 Hurdles as she won with a time of 16.28. Katelyn Conner (Green City) was second with a time of 16.66, Megan Stevens (Rock Port) was third with a time of 16.67, and Hannah Wedlock (Mound City) was fourth with a time of 16.81. Gladstone’s three best times in this event were in her last three events.
Anna Gladstone was fourth in the 300 Hurdles, where she posted a time of 51.33. The top four in each event qualify to go to state.
Payton Adwell was sixth in the 200 with a time of 28.24.
Merrideth Spiers qualified in the Discus, where she posted a personal best throw of 122’6”, good enough for third place. The school record is held by April Miller (now Healy), who has a throw of 130 feet.
Anna Gladstone beat out everyone else on tiebreaks and qualified for the High Jump with a third place finish of 5 feet. The third through sixth place finishers all finished with jumps of 5 feet.
Anna Gladstone, earlier in the year, broke Katie Mullock’s record in the Long Jump with a jump of 17’¼”. On Saturday, she extended that record with a winning jump of 17’2”. In second was Breanna Coulter (Northeast Nodaway), who broke Michelle Schulte’s school record at NEN by over a foot with a jump of 16’9½”.
The Tigers qualified two in the Pole Vault. Regan Allee was second with a vault of 8’6”, while Jessi Badell was fourth with a vault of 6’6”.
Merrideth Spiers narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Shot Put, but she got one of her better throws of the year with a fifth place throw of 37’1”.
Liz Lyle qualified for the Triple Jump with a personal best jump of 33’10”, good enough for fourth place.
For the boys, the 4x100 team qualified, placing third with a time of 46’10”.
Mason Hawk narrowly missed out in the Discus, getting fifth with a throw of 117’10”.
Tevin Cameron made it in the Long Jump, getting a fourth place jump of 19’11½”. Caleb Parman was sixth with a jump of 19’6½”.
Drake Kinsella has improved his throws in the Shot Put by around 10 feet since the start of the year. Saturday, he qualified with a personal best throw of 47’6”. Mason Hawk was sixth with a throw of 41’5”.
Caleb Parman got one of his better jumps of the year in the Triple Jump, but came up just short with a fifth place jump of 40’4¼.
Anna Gladstone was fourth in the 300 Hurdles, where she posted a time of 51.33. The top four in each event qualify to go to state.
Payton Adwell was sixth in the 200 with a time of 28.24.
Merrideth Spiers qualified in the Discus, where she posted a personal best throw of 122’6”, good enough for third place. The school record is held by April Miller (now Healy), who has a throw of 130 feet.
Anna Gladstone beat out everyone else on tiebreaks and qualified for the High Jump with a third place finish of 5 feet. The third through sixth place finishers all finished with jumps of 5 feet.
Anna Gladstone, earlier in the year, broke Katie Mullock’s record in the Long Jump with a jump of 17’¼”. On Saturday, she extended that record with a winning jump of 17’2”. In second was Breanna Coulter (Northeast Nodaway), who broke Michelle Schulte’s school record at NEN by over a foot with a jump of 16’9½”.
The Tigers qualified two in the Pole Vault. Regan Allee was second with a vault of 8’6”, while Jessi Badell was fourth with a vault of 6’6”.
Merrideth Spiers narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Shot Put, but she got one of her better throws of the year with a fifth place throw of 37’1”.
Liz Lyle qualified for the Triple Jump with a personal best jump of 33’10”, good enough for fourth place.
For the boys, the 4x100 team qualified, placing third with a time of 46’10”.
Mason Hawk narrowly missed out in the Discus, getting fifth with a throw of 117’10”.
Tevin Cameron made it in the Long Jump, getting a fourth place jump of 19’11½”. Caleb Parman was sixth with a jump of 19’6½”.
Drake Kinsella has improved his throws in the Shot Put by around 10 feet since the start of the year. Saturday, he qualified with a personal best throw of 47’6”. Mason Hawk was sixth with a throw of 41’5”.
Caleb Parman got one of his better jumps of the year in the Triple Jump, but came up just short with a fifth place jump of 40’4¼.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
North Nodaway Baseball No-Hits DeKalb in Districts
North Nodaway got back on the winning track as they disposed of DeKalb 13-1 in the first round of districts Friday. The whole game was symbolic of the kind of season DeKalb had. Their bus broke down in St. Joseph, and the game was delayed by an hour as they had to send another bus to pick them up. The Tigers were a young squad, picking up only one victory by forfeit and enduring poundings at the hand of everyone else this year. Out of their 13 players listed on the roster, 11 of them were either freshmen or sophomores. After the dust had settled, North Nodaway pitchers Peyton Coleman, Dakota Smyser, and Tyler Bix combined on a no-hitter.
And when they finally got there, after an abbreviated warmup, they were in no condition to put up any kind of a struggle against North Nodaway. The Mustangs, on a record setting season, were nonetheless reeling from having lost their last four. DeKalb tried to get a rare lead in the top of the first when Josh Bomberger, with one out, walked against Peyton Coleman, stole second, stole third after being picked off second, and was there with one out. But Coleman struck out Tyler Matson and Garryk Hersh to get out of the inning.
When North Nodaway came to the plate, Dakota Smyser’s pop fly dropped in front of third baseman Kristian Derry untouched for an error and he stole second. Dalton Smyser’s pop fly dropped right in front of left fielder Jared McElfresh for a base hit and Smyser scored from second as Dalton took second on the throw home. Peyton Coleman, who victimized DeKalb with three home runs in a game earlier this year, tripled to the right center field gap to score Smyser. Tyler Bix was hit by a pitch and stole second and Arron Coleman’s single up the middle brought them both in.
DeKalb pitcher, Monty Mydland, a pitcher with a slow delivery and even slower breaking ball, pulled the string on Ryan Riley and struck him out, but Arron Coleman stole second and went to third when Kolbie Hargrave’s throw got away. Logan Keho hit a slow roller down the third base line and everyone was safe as third baseman Kristian Derry had no play. He stole second and then Garrett Torres beat out another slow roller. Makayla Cross walked and Dakota Smyser grounded into a force from short to second. But second baseman Tyler Matson threw it away trying to turn two and first baseman Brett Steiner recovered, only to throw it away trying to retire Garrett Torres at the plate, scoring two more. Dalton Smyser singled up the middle to score another run to put North Nodaway up 8-0.
Another play occurred in the second to symbolize the tough luck season DeKalb had. Peyton Coleman walked Darrin McElfresh and Jared McElfresh, recovered to strike out Zach Novotny and Kristian Derry, and walked Brett Steiner to load the bases. Kolbie Hargrave got the best DeKalb swing all night, fighting off an inside pitch. But his shot was right at first baseman Ryan Riley, who stepped on first for the final out to rob Hargrave of extra bases.
Dakota Smyser replaced Peyton Coleman in the third. Desperate to score one more run, Tyler Matson got himself picked off third and the gamble paid off when North Nodaway threw it away during the ensuing rundown to make it 8-1.
Monty Mydland kept North Nodaway in check in the second and third, but replacement Brett Steiner, who threw harder but who kept missing up Friday, walked the bases full in the fourth inning. He recovered to strike out Garrett Torres and Drexel Richardson, but Dakota Smyser walked to force in a run. That opened up the floodgates as Dalton Smyser singled past short to score Logan Keho and Ryan Riley. Peyton Coleman and Tyler Bix walked to force in Dakota Smyser, and Arron Coleman whistled a single past third to score two more to put North Nodaway over the 10 run limit.
Tyler Bix came on in the fifth to catch a pair of popups, and the only suspense was whether the no-hitter could be preserved. Garryk Hersh hit a shot that Bix got his glove on but could only deflect. But second baseman Makayla Cross came charging in behind the mound to pick it up and throw out Hersh to end the game.
And when they finally got there, after an abbreviated warmup, they were in no condition to put up any kind of a struggle against North Nodaway. The Mustangs, on a record setting season, were nonetheless reeling from having lost their last four. DeKalb tried to get a rare lead in the top of the first when Josh Bomberger, with one out, walked against Peyton Coleman, stole second, stole third after being picked off second, and was there with one out. But Coleman struck out Tyler Matson and Garryk Hersh to get out of the inning.
When North Nodaway came to the plate, Dakota Smyser’s pop fly dropped in front of third baseman Kristian Derry untouched for an error and he stole second. Dalton Smyser’s pop fly dropped right in front of left fielder Jared McElfresh for a base hit and Smyser scored from second as Dalton took second on the throw home. Peyton Coleman, who victimized DeKalb with three home runs in a game earlier this year, tripled to the right center field gap to score Smyser. Tyler Bix was hit by a pitch and stole second and Arron Coleman’s single up the middle brought them both in.
DeKalb pitcher, Monty Mydland, a pitcher with a slow delivery and even slower breaking ball, pulled the string on Ryan Riley and struck him out, but Arron Coleman stole second and went to third when Kolbie Hargrave’s throw got away. Logan Keho hit a slow roller down the third base line and everyone was safe as third baseman Kristian Derry had no play. He stole second and then Garrett Torres beat out another slow roller. Makayla Cross walked and Dakota Smyser grounded into a force from short to second. But second baseman Tyler Matson threw it away trying to turn two and first baseman Brett Steiner recovered, only to throw it away trying to retire Garrett Torres at the plate, scoring two more. Dalton Smyser singled up the middle to score another run to put North Nodaway up 8-0.
Another play occurred in the second to symbolize the tough luck season DeKalb had. Peyton Coleman walked Darrin McElfresh and Jared McElfresh, recovered to strike out Zach Novotny and Kristian Derry, and walked Brett Steiner to load the bases. Kolbie Hargrave got the best DeKalb swing all night, fighting off an inside pitch. But his shot was right at first baseman Ryan Riley, who stepped on first for the final out to rob Hargrave of extra bases.
Dakota Smyser replaced Peyton Coleman in the third. Desperate to score one more run, Tyler Matson got himself picked off third and the gamble paid off when North Nodaway threw it away during the ensuing rundown to make it 8-1.
Monty Mydland kept North Nodaway in check in the second and third, but replacement Brett Steiner, who threw harder but who kept missing up Friday, walked the bases full in the fourth inning. He recovered to strike out Garrett Torres and Drexel Richardson, but Dakota Smyser walked to force in a run. That opened up the floodgates as Dalton Smyser singled past short to score Logan Keho and Ryan Riley. Peyton Coleman and Tyler Bix walked to force in Dakota Smyser, and Arron Coleman whistled a single past third to score two more to put North Nodaway over the 10 run limit.
Tyler Bix came on in the fifth to catch a pair of popups, and the only suspense was whether the no-hitter could be preserved. Garryk Hersh hit a shot that Bix got his glove on but could only deflect. But second baseman Makayla Cross came charging in behind the mound to pick it up and throw out Hersh to end the game.
Death by 1,000 Cuts: Bluejay Baseball Delivers Beatdown of DeKalb & West Nodaway, Gets 10th Win
Northeast Nodaway’s boys delivered a major beatdown of DeKalb and West Nodaway to go into districts having won 10 out of their last 11 after starting off the season 0-3.
Northeast had shredded two of the top pitchers in the area in Brody Cooper and Peyton Coleman; Hans Plackemeier, the West Nodaway skipper, sent out Korbin Koch to try and shut down his old mates from last summer. It didn’t work as the Rockets suffered death by 1,000 cuts last Tuesday and never got off the launch pad. Like North Nodaway, the Bluejays only needed one extra base hit to trounce West Nodaway 19-3.
It started in the top of the first when Spencer Weir whistled one past Jacob Flint for a single. Chet Spire flied out, but then Spencer Weir went to second on a wild pitch. That opened up the floodgates as Andrew Freemyer singled to center and went second on the throw home as the throw was off line. Once again, Rowdy West singled and once again, he took second as West Nodaway made a futile throw home as Freemyer came home safely. One would have thought the Rockets had learned their lesson, but they tried again to throw home on Ethan Adwell’s single, and once again, Rowdy West trotted home safely as Adwell went to second on the play.
Brayden Welch beat out a slow roller to David Hull and beat out his throw from short; he stole second and Adwell scored on Spencer Gray’s groundout. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked and the top of the order came up for Northeast. Spencer Weir roped one down the right field line to score two more, stole second, and McIntyre came home when the throw was off line. One of the Rocket coaches said after the inning to his players that they should have gotten six outs. But instead, Northeast was down 7-0, and there was more to come in the second inning.
After Northeast short-circuited the Rockets in the second when catcher Andrew Freemyer shot down Korbin Koch stealing, Rowdy West singled to the wall in right center to open up the second. A great throw from rightfielder Dustin Riddle kept him on first, but walks to Ethan Adwell and Brayden Welch brought up Spencer Gray, whose double, the lone extra base hit of the afternoon for Northeast, opened up the floodgates again and brought in two more runs.
That chased Koch from the mound and brought in Jacob Flint on the mound. He had as slow of a breaking ball that Northeast has seen this year, and that kept them off balance. However, he was not able to find the strike zone consistently enough, which kept the floodgates open. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked, forcing in another run and Spencer Weir reached when the ball went under Koch’s legs for an error, letting in two more runs. The return throw to Flint got away, letting McIntyre get to third and Weir stole second. Chet Spire hit one to the hole at short and Koch’s throw was not in time to beat Spire. First baseman Isaiah Spire let the ball get away, allowing another run to score and moving Spire to second.
Flint got to two strikes on Andrew Freemyer, but then plunked him, and Maverick Price (running for Freemyer) and Spire went to second and third on a while pitch. Rowdy West walked. Ethan Adwell was froze by one of Flint’s slow breaking balls, but Brayden Welch walked to force in Spire. Spencer Gray reached on an error when leftfielder Trace Hunt lost the ball in the sun, allowing two more runs to score. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked, chasing Flint and bringing in David Hull to pitch. Hull got out of the inning and Northeast off the board until the fifth, but the 18-0 deficit was too much for West Nodaway to climb out of.
Rowdy West pitched for four innings to get the win. Andrew Freemyer, who hadn’t pitched in a while, came on in relief in the fifth. He was rusty at first, walking three straight batters and throwing eight straight balls at one point. But he settled down and got out of the inning. The final out happened when one of West Nodaway’s runners jumped over home plate, missed the bag, and was called out on an appeal play when Freemyer threw to Rowdy West.
Rowdy West and Andrew Freemyer were named unanimously to the all-conference squad. Spencer Weir and Chet Spire were also named to the squad.
Northeast also beat DeKalb 24-6 last Monday.
Northeast had shredded two of the top pitchers in the area in Brody Cooper and Peyton Coleman; Hans Plackemeier, the West Nodaway skipper, sent out Korbin Koch to try and shut down his old mates from last summer. It didn’t work as the Rockets suffered death by 1,000 cuts last Tuesday and never got off the launch pad. Like North Nodaway, the Bluejays only needed one extra base hit to trounce West Nodaway 19-3.
It started in the top of the first when Spencer Weir whistled one past Jacob Flint for a single. Chet Spire flied out, but then Spencer Weir went to second on a wild pitch. That opened up the floodgates as Andrew Freemyer singled to center and went second on the throw home as the throw was off line. Once again, Rowdy West singled and once again, he took second as West Nodaway made a futile throw home as Freemyer came home safely. One would have thought the Rockets had learned their lesson, but they tried again to throw home on Ethan Adwell’s single, and once again, Rowdy West trotted home safely as Adwell went to second on the play.
Brayden Welch beat out a slow roller to David Hull and beat out his throw from short; he stole second and Adwell scored on Spencer Gray’s groundout. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked and the top of the order came up for Northeast. Spencer Weir roped one down the right field line to score two more, stole second, and McIntyre came home when the throw was off line. One of the Rocket coaches said after the inning to his players that they should have gotten six outs. But instead, Northeast was down 7-0, and there was more to come in the second inning.
After Northeast short-circuited the Rockets in the second when catcher Andrew Freemyer shot down Korbin Koch stealing, Rowdy West singled to the wall in right center to open up the second. A great throw from rightfielder Dustin Riddle kept him on first, but walks to Ethan Adwell and Brayden Welch brought up Spencer Gray, whose double, the lone extra base hit of the afternoon for Northeast, opened up the floodgates again and brought in two more runs.
That chased Koch from the mound and brought in Jacob Flint on the mound. He had as slow of a breaking ball that Northeast has seen this year, and that kept them off balance. However, he was not able to find the strike zone consistently enough, which kept the floodgates open. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked, forcing in another run and Spencer Weir reached when the ball went under Koch’s legs for an error, letting in two more runs. The return throw to Flint got away, letting McIntyre get to third and Weir stole second. Chet Spire hit one to the hole at short and Koch’s throw was not in time to beat Spire. First baseman Isaiah Spire let the ball get away, allowing another run to score and moving Spire to second.
Flint got to two strikes on Andrew Freemyer, but then plunked him, and Maverick Price (running for Freemyer) and Spire went to second and third on a while pitch. Rowdy West walked. Ethan Adwell was froze by one of Flint’s slow breaking balls, but Brayden Welch walked to force in Spire. Spencer Gray reached on an error when leftfielder Trace Hunt lost the ball in the sun, allowing two more runs to score. Chance Barber and Reed McIntyre walked, chasing Flint and bringing in David Hull to pitch. Hull got out of the inning and Northeast off the board until the fifth, but the 18-0 deficit was too much for West Nodaway to climb out of.
Rowdy West pitched for four innings to get the win. Andrew Freemyer, who hadn’t pitched in a while, came on in relief in the fifth. He was rusty at first, walking three straight batters and throwing eight straight balls at one point. But he settled down and got out of the inning. The final out happened when one of West Nodaway’s runners jumped over home plate, missed the bag, and was called out on an appeal play when Freemyer threw to Rowdy West.
Rowdy West and Andrew Freemyer were named unanimously to the all-conference squad. Spencer Weir and Chet Spire were also named to the squad.
Northeast also beat DeKalb 24-6 last Monday.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Obituary -- Buddy Powell 1958-2017
Buddy Dean Powell was born April 19, 1958 at home in Mount Ayr, Iowa to Nina Ruth (Holtzman) Powell and Rolland Dean Powell. He graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1976.
Buddy worked in maintenance for Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City, Missouri, Clearview Home in Mount Ayr and Mount Ayr Inn and Suites. He also had several other jobs through the years.
Buddy liked to hunt, fish and go camping. As a kid, Buddy received his eagle scout badge. Buddy loved to spend time with his friends and family, he never knew a stranger and would do anything to help anybody.
Buddy passed away May 2, 2017 at his home with his family at his side.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his significant other, Valerie Fletchall and her son Nathan; brother Howard (Diane) Johnson of Clarinda; two half-brothers, Jake (Ellen) Powell of Mount Ayr and Dennis (Darlene) Powell of Charleston, S.C.; lots of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held Saturday, May 20th at the REC Building in Mount Ayr from 11 am to 2 pm. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. Arrangements are under the direction of the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.
Obituary -- Deryk Degase 2008-2017
Deryk Jon Degase, 8, of Maryville, MO, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2017, at SSM Hospital in Maryville, after a lengthy battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Deryk was born in Maryville on November 18, 2008, to Aron J. and Christina S. (Stroburg) Degase. He lived all his life in the area.
He loved music, animals, and camping at the cabins at Mozingo Lake, Maryville; his computer, Netflix, and the game Connect 4. He liked school and to read, and his class mates morning greeting of “Good Morning, Deryk”.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, John Stroburg, Clyde Stephenson, Gladys Ethlyn Degase, and L.T. Degase.
He is survived by his parents, Aron and Chris Degase of the home, sister, Emily Degase, also of the home, grandparents, Carey and Joy Stroburg, Maryville, and Tim and Janet Degase, Maryville, great grandparents, Patsy Stroburg, Blockton, IA, Leona Stephenson, Maryville, and Jim and Della Stiens, Maryville, aunt, Megan Stroburg, Topeka, KS, and uncles, Josh Stroburg, Platte City, MO, and Blake Degase, Maryville, and numerous cousins.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. The burial followed in the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, also of Maryville.
The family received friends from 6-8:00 PM, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at the funeral home.
Memorials can be directed to the Deryk Degase Benefit Trust, c/o Tim Degase, 710 Highland Avenue, Maryville, MO, 64468.
For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com
Obituary -- Leola Inman 1937-2017
Leola M. Inman, 79, of Maryville, MO, passed away on Saturday, May 6th, 2017, at the Oak Pointe Assisted Living Center in Maryville, MO.
Leola was born August 18, 1937 in Tarkio, MO.
She was an Energizer employee for 35 years. Something that will be remembered about Leola was that for Christmas she would bake cookies for all the Energizer employees.
She was a member of the Fairfax, MO Order of Eastern Star, chapter number 373.
Leola had a great love of dogs, especially her current dog “Missie”.
Leola’s body has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home of Maryville.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Home Cemetery in Tarkio, MO.
The service time is 11:00 AM.
Memorials can be directed in Leola’s name , to the Nodaway Humane Society, 829 South Depot Street, Maryville, MO.
For online condolences and guest book, visit wwwbramfuneralhome.com
Leola was born August 18, 1937 in Tarkio, MO.
She was an Energizer employee for 35 years. Something that will be remembered about Leola was that for Christmas she would bake cookies for all the Energizer employees.
She was a member of the Fairfax, MO Order of Eastern Star, chapter number 373.
Leola had a great love of dogs, especially her current dog “Missie”.
Leola’s body has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home of Maryville.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Home Cemetery in Tarkio, MO.
The service time is 11:00 AM.
Memorials can be directed in Leola’s name , to the Nodaway Humane Society, 829 South Depot Street, Maryville, MO.
For online condolences and guest book, visit wwwbramfuneralhome.com
Obituary -- Mary Alice Coleman 1939-2017
Mary Alice Coleman, 77, Savannah, Missouri died Monday, May 1, 2017, at her home in Savannah.
Born December 18, 1939 in Maryville, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Alphonsus "Al" Madden and Eunice Miller Madden.
A graduate of Ravenwood High School she was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Mary Alice and Ronald Lee Coleman were married March 26, 1975 in Hopkins, Missouri.
She was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church, Maryville.
Surviving are son, Chad (Melissa) Coleman, Oregon, MO, step-children Randy (Dianna) Coleman Straustown, PA, Tina (Chris) Fletchall, Sheridan, MO., 7 grandchildren Houston, Hadley, and Hale Coleman, Josh Fletchall, Megan Sagel, and Bradley and Amenden Coleman, 5 great-grandchildren; brother Kenneth Madden, Stanberry, MO, sisters, Martha Pope, and Barbara O'Connell, Maryville, MO, Carole Duke, St. Joseph, MO and Ellen Bolger, Savannah.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ron, brothers Donald, Gerald and Jim Madden, and sisters, Pat Wilmes and Edna Schafer.
Mass of Christian Burial was 11:00 AM Thursday, May 4, 2017, at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville. Burial followed in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
A Visitation was held 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, May 3rd, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.
Memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society or Mosiac Hospice, St. Joseph.
www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com
Born December 18, 1939 in Maryville, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Alphonsus "Al" Madden and Eunice Miller Madden.
A graduate of Ravenwood High School she was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Mary Alice and Ronald Lee Coleman were married March 26, 1975 in Hopkins, Missouri.
She was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church, Maryville.
Surviving are son, Chad (Melissa) Coleman, Oregon, MO, step-children Randy (Dianna) Coleman Straustown, PA, Tina (Chris) Fletchall, Sheridan, MO., 7 grandchildren Houston, Hadley, and Hale Coleman, Josh Fletchall, Megan Sagel, and Bradley and Amenden Coleman, 5 great-grandchildren; brother Kenneth Madden, Stanberry, MO, sisters, Martha Pope, and Barbara O'Connell, Maryville, MO, Carole Duke, St. Joseph, MO and Ellen Bolger, Savannah.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ron, brothers Donald, Gerald and Jim Madden, and sisters, Pat Wilmes and Edna Schafer.
Mass of Christian Burial was 11:00 AM Thursday, May 4, 2017, at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville. Burial followed in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
A Visitation was held 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, May 3rd, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.
Memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society or Mosiac Hospice, St. Joseph.
www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com
Tiger Girls Second in Districts; Boys Fifth
Worth County’s girls were runner-ups in districts Saturday in West Platte, while the boys were fifth. For the girls, Mound City ran away with the title with 143.5 points. Worth County had 86, Rock Port 79, West Platte 78, Stanberry 61, Jefferson 55, King City 52, DeKalb 41, Tarkio 34.5, Stewartsville 24, South Holt 29, St. Joseph Christian 26, North/West Nodaway 10, Northeast Nodaway 6, Osborn 5, and Albany 1.
For the boys, South/Nodaway Holt won with 97 points. West Platte had 84, Stewartsville 81, St. Joseph Christian 74.5, Worth County 66, Mound City 62, North Andrew 62, East Atchison 52.5, King City 52.5, Stanberry 24.5, Platte Valley 17, Rock Port 15, Northeast Nodaway 14, Osborn 14, Union Star 12, Albany 11, and West Nodaway 2.
Payton Adwell was sixth in the 100 with a time of 13.84. She qualified to move on in the 200 by placing third with a time of 28.10.
Kristin New was sixth in the 3200 with a time of 14:06.45.
Anna Gladstone showed that her time of 15.23 in the 100 Hurdles at conference was no accident as she won it again with a time of 15.93. She beat out Hannah Wedlock (Mound City) and Megan Stevens (Rock Port), both of whom broke the 17 second barrier but could not catch Gladstone. Wedlock finished with a time of 16.79, while Megan Stevens had a time of 16.92. Anna Gladstone qualified in all four of her events in West Platte, which bodes well for Worth County’s chances at state.
Gladstone was beat out by Wedlock in the 300 Hurdles, but posted a personal best with a second place finish of 49.20.
Anna Gladstone’s closest call was in the High Jump, but she made it through with a jump of 4’10”, good enough for a tie for third. Liz Lyle was seventh with a jump of 4’8”.
Both of Worth County’s pole vaulters qualified. Regan Allee was second with a vault of 8’6”, while Jessi Badell posted a personal best and finished third with a vault of 8 feet.
Anna Gladstone beat out a crowded field in the Long Jump with a winning jump of 15’10”. Liz Lyle was fifth with a jump of 15’1½”.
Liz Lyle posted a personal best in the Triple Jump and moved on with a third place jump of 33 feet.
Merrideth Spiers qualified in both her events. She came close to a personal best and finished third in the Shot Put with a throw of 36’3”. She then finished second in the Discus with a throw of 112’3½”.
Payton Adwell was eighth in the Javelin with a throw of 95’6”.
For the boys, Bryant McCord was sixth in the 200 with a time of 25.19.
Daniel Craven was fifth in the 3200 with a time of 11:47.39.
Bryant McCord was fifth in the 110 Hurdles with a time of 17.22.
The 4x100 team of Tevin Cameron, Jaxon Anderson, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord qualified and finished third with a time of 46.45. The 4x200 team of Tevin Cameron, Jaxon Anderson, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord was sixth with a time of 1:39.43.
The Tigers placed two in the Pole Vault. Will Engel was sixth with a vault of 9’6”. Daniel Craven was eighth with a height of 9 feet.
The boys qualified two in the Long Jump. Tevin Cameron won with a time of 20 feet. Caleb Parman was fourth with a time of 19’6”.
Caleb Parman qualified in the Triple Jump and placed third with a jump of 40’3”.
The boys qualified two in the Shot Put. Mason Hawk set a personal best by five feet and placed third with a throw of 43’4¾”. Drake Kinsella was fourth with a throw of 43’1”.
Mason Hawk qualified in the Discus with a fourth place throw of 117’9”. Drake Kinsella was seventh with a throw of 113’7”.
For the boys, South/Nodaway Holt won with 97 points. West Platte had 84, Stewartsville 81, St. Joseph Christian 74.5, Worth County 66, Mound City 62, North Andrew 62, East Atchison 52.5, King City 52.5, Stanberry 24.5, Platte Valley 17, Rock Port 15, Northeast Nodaway 14, Osborn 14, Union Star 12, Albany 11, and West Nodaway 2.
Payton Adwell was sixth in the 100 with a time of 13.84. She qualified to move on in the 200 by placing third with a time of 28.10.
Kristin New was sixth in the 3200 with a time of 14:06.45.
Anna Gladstone showed that her time of 15.23 in the 100 Hurdles at conference was no accident as she won it again with a time of 15.93. She beat out Hannah Wedlock (Mound City) and Megan Stevens (Rock Port), both of whom broke the 17 second barrier but could not catch Gladstone. Wedlock finished with a time of 16.79, while Megan Stevens had a time of 16.92. Anna Gladstone qualified in all four of her events in West Platte, which bodes well for Worth County’s chances at state.
Gladstone was beat out by Wedlock in the 300 Hurdles, but posted a personal best with a second place finish of 49.20.
Anna Gladstone’s closest call was in the High Jump, but she made it through with a jump of 4’10”, good enough for a tie for third. Liz Lyle was seventh with a jump of 4’8”.
Both of Worth County’s pole vaulters qualified. Regan Allee was second with a vault of 8’6”, while Jessi Badell posted a personal best and finished third with a vault of 8 feet.
Anna Gladstone beat out a crowded field in the Long Jump with a winning jump of 15’10”. Liz Lyle was fifth with a jump of 15’1½”.
Liz Lyle posted a personal best in the Triple Jump and moved on with a third place jump of 33 feet.
Merrideth Spiers qualified in both her events. She came close to a personal best and finished third in the Shot Put with a throw of 36’3”. She then finished second in the Discus with a throw of 112’3½”.
Payton Adwell was eighth in the Javelin with a throw of 95’6”.
For the boys, Bryant McCord was sixth in the 200 with a time of 25.19.
Daniel Craven was fifth in the 3200 with a time of 11:47.39.
Bryant McCord was fifth in the 110 Hurdles with a time of 17.22.
The 4x100 team of Tevin Cameron, Jaxon Anderson, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord qualified and finished third with a time of 46.45. The 4x200 team of Tevin Cameron, Jaxon Anderson, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord was sixth with a time of 1:39.43.
The Tigers placed two in the Pole Vault. Will Engel was sixth with a vault of 9’6”. Daniel Craven was eighth with a height of 9 feet.
The boys qualified two in the Long Jump. Tevin Cameron won with a time of 20 feet. Caleb Parman was fourth with a time of 19’6”.
Caleb Parman qualified in the Triple Jump and placed third with a jump of 40’3”.
The boys qualified two in the Shot Put. Mason Hawk set a personal best by five feet and placed third with a throw of 43’4¾”. Drake Kinsella was fourth with a throw of 43’1”.
Mason Hawk qualified in the Discus with a fourth place throw of 117’9”. Drake Kinsella was seventh with a throw of 113’7”.
Tiger Teams Sweep Junior High GRC Titles
Both Worth County teams finished the season on a high note, sweeping the GRC West meet at North Andrew Thursday.
The girls, after having several close matches with Albany, won handily over the Warriors with 115 team points to 86 for Albany. St. Joseph Christian had 76, King City 63, Braymer 49, North Andrew 42, Stanberry 24, and Pattonsburg had 6.
For the boys, Worth County ran away with the meet with 127 points. St. Joseph Christian had 83, Albany 82, Pattonsburg 73, North Andrew 36, King City 29, Braymer 20, and Stanberry 15.
For the girls, Keelin Engel was sixth in the 100 with a time of 14.37.
Megan Cassavaugh was sixth in the 200 with a time of 31.20. Cassavaugh was third in the 400 with a time of 1:12.70.
Braidy Hunt was fourth in the 800 with a time of 3:00.22. She was second in one of the most exciting races of the afternoon with a time of 6:24.85, just one hundredth of a second behind Madilyn Wall (King City).
Jill Hardy was second in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 18.94, a personal best. Aivry Griffin was fifth with a time of 19.27, also a personal best.
The 4x100 team of Morgan Beagle, Anna Spainhower, Aivry Griffin, and Keelin Engel was third with a time of 59.15. The 4x200 team of Jill Hardy, Braidy Hunt, Aivry Griffin, and Anna Spainhower was third with a time of 2:11.86. The 4x400 team of Jill Hardy, Allison Larison, Morgan Beagle, and Anna Spainhower was third with a time of 5:10.09.
Aivry Griffin got her highest finish of the year in the High Jump, getting a height of 4’4”, good enough for second. Anna Spainhower was third with a height of 3’10”.
Worth County won on the girls side despite only having two athletes finish first. Keelin Engel won the Pole Vault, matching a personal best with a height of 8’6”. Two other Tigers placed; Megan Cassavaugh was fourth with a personal best height of 7 feet, while Molly Miller got a personal best and fifth place with a height of 6 feet. The other winner was Morgan Beagle, who got a personal best and won the Long Jump with a leap of 13’6½”. Allison Larison set another personal best and was fourth with a leap of 13’2¼”, and Megan Cassavaugh was sixth with a leap of 13’¾”. Less than six inches separated the first and sixth place finishers in the event.
The Tigers placed two in the Triple Jump. Jill Hardy was third with a jump of 27’3½”. Braidy Hunt was fourth with a jump of 27’¼”.
Maddie Taute got her best finish of the year in the Shot Put, placing third with a throw of 28’6”. Keelin Engel tried her hand and got fourth with a throw of 28’3½”. Olivia Kanak was sixth in the Discus with a throw of 61’4”.
For the boys, Andrew Alarcon won with 100, nearing a personal best with a time of 12.31. Alarcon was second in the 200 with a time of 26 seconds.
Reid Gabriel was fourth in the 400 with a time of 1:06.11.
Jackson Runde was fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:48.19.
Jace Cousatte was third in the 1600 with a time of 5:56.45.
The Tigers were 1-2 in the 100 Hurdles. Jace Cousatte won handily by over a second, setting a personal best and getting a time of 18 seconds. Aydan Gladstone edged out Jay Jura (St. Joseph Christian), getting a personal best time of 19.16 to Jura’s 19.19.
The 4x100 team of Aydan Gladstone, Jeshua Blaine, Andrew Alarcon, and Nate Adwell set a personal best and finished second with a time of 54.95. The 4x200 team of Aydan Gladstone, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Nate Adwell was second with a time of 1:57.89. The 4x400 team of Jace Cousatte, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Nate Adwell was second with a time of 4:23.39.
Lucas Wake was fourth in the High Jump with a height of 4’8”. Jace Cousatte was sixth with a time of 4’6”.
Nate Adwell had been winning the Pole Vault all year and did so again with a personal best height of 11’6”, 2’6” ahead of the next finisher. Aydan Gladstone was third, matching a personal best with a height of 8’6”. Lincoln Moore set a personal best and finished fifth with a height of 7’¼”.
Andrew Alarcon was second in the Long Jump with a jump of 16’½”. Alex Rinehart was fourth with a jump of 15’6¼”.
Alex Rinehart was second in the Triple Jump with a jump of 31’10½”.
Reid Gabriel won the Discus with a throw of 110’1½”.
The girls, after having several close matches with Albany, won handily over the Warriors with 115 team points to 86 for Albany. St. Joseph Christian had 76, King City 63, Braymer 49, North Andrew 42, Stanberry 24, and Pattonsburg had 6.
For the boys, Worth County ran away with the meet with 127 points. St. Joseph Christian had 83, Albany 82, Pattonsburg 73, North Andrew 36, King City 29, Braymer 20, and Stanberry 15.
For the girls, Keelin Engel was sixth in the 100 with a time of 14.37.
Megan Cassavaugh was sixth in the 200 with a time of 31.20. Cassavaugh was third in the 400 with a time of 1:12.70.
Braidy Hunt was fourth in the 800 with a time of 3:00.22. She was second in one of the most exciting races of the afternoon with a time of 6:24.85, just one hundredth of a second behind Madilyn Wall (King City).
Jill Hardy was second in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 18.94, a personal best. Aivry Griffin was fifth with a time of 19.27, also a personal best.
The 4x100 team of Morgan Beagle, Anna Spainhower, Aivry Griffin, and Keelin Engel was third with a time of 59.15. The 4x200 team of Jill Hardy, Braidy Hunt, Aivry Griffin, and Anna Spainhower was third with a time of 2:11.86. The 4x400 team of Jill Hardy, Allison Larison, Morgan Beagle, and Anna Spainhower was third with a time of 5:10.09.
Aivry Griffin got her highest finish of the year in the High Jump, getting a height of 4’4”, good enough for second. Anna Spainhower was third with a height of 3’10”.
Worth County won on the girls side despite only having two athletes finish first. Keelin Engel won the Pole Vault, matching a personal best with a height of 8’6”. Two other Tigers placed; Megan Cassavaugh was fourth with a personal best height of 7 feet, while Molly Miller got a personal best and fifth place with a height of 6 feet. The other winner was Morgan Beagle, who got a personal best and won the Long Jump with a leap of 13’6½”. Allison Larison set another personal best and was fourth with a leap of 13’2¼”, and Megan Cassavaugh was sixth with a leap of 13’¾”. Less than six inches separated the first and sixth place finishers in the event.
The Tigers placed two in the Triple Jump. Jill Hardy was third with a jump of 27’3½”. Braidy Hunt was fourth with a jump of 27’¼”.
Maddie Taute got her best finish of the year in the Shot Put, placing third with a throw of 28’6”. Keelin Engel tried her hand and got fourth with a throw of 28’3½”. Olivia Kanak was sixth in the Discus with a throw of 61’4”.
For the boys, Andrew Alarcon won with 100, nearing a personal best with a time of 12.31. Alarcon was second in the 200 with a time of 26 seconds.
Reid Gabriel was fourth in the 400 with a time of 1:06.11.
Jackson Runde was fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:48.19.
Jace Cousatte was third in the 1600 with a time of 5:56.45.
The Tigers were 1-2 in the 100 Hurdles. Jace Cousatte won handily by over a second, setting a personal best and getting a time of 18 seconds. Aydan Gladstone edged out Jay Jura (St. Joseph Christian), getting a personal best time of 19.16 to Jura’s 19.19.
The 4x100 team of Aydan Gladstone, Jeshua Blaine, Andrew Alarcon, and Nate Adwell set a personal best and finished second with a time of 54.95. The 4x200 team of Aydan Gladstone, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Nate Adwell was second with a time of 1:57.89. The 4x400 team of Jace Cousatte, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Nate Adwell was second with a time of 4:23.39.
Lucas Wake was fourth in the High Jump with a height of 4’8”. Jace Cousatte was sixth with a time of 4’6”.
Nate Adwell had been winning the Pole Vault all year and did so again with a personal best height of 11’6”, 2’6” ahead of the next finisher. Aydan Gladstone was third, matching a personal best with a height of 8’6”. Lincoln Moore set a personal best and finished fifth with a height of 7’¼”.
Andrew Alarcon was second in the Long Jump with a jump of 16’½”. Alex Rinehart was fourth with a jump of 15’6¼”.
Alex Rinehart was second in the Triple Jump with a jump of 31’10½”.
Reid Gabriel won the Discus with a throw of 110’1½”.
North Nodaway Considering Switching to Volleyball in Two Years, Citing Participation Numbers
North Nodaway’s school board is considering phasing out girls softball and switching to volleyball, Superintendent James Simmelink told a group of parents, students, and board members Monday evening. The numbers do not bode well for North Nodaway. Over the last two years, there was a total of one junior high softball game played; two years ago, there were no practices. “We’ve been talking about this for the last years,” said Mr. Simmelink. The board had decided to wait and see if the figures would improve, but they didn’t.
There are currently seven sophomores on the current softball team; however, when they graduate, there may not be enough participation numbers for a softball program to continue. North Nodaway has a softball sharing agreement with West Nodaway; however, only two West Nodaway players played for North Nodaway’s softball team, while North Nodaway sent three students to West Nodaway’s volleyball team.
There were two eighth graders, four seventh graders, and two West Nodaway players on last fall’s softball team. There are 15 girls in 7th grade, but Simmelink reported most were not choosing sports.
North Nodaway’s situation is not unique to the area. Last year, Nodaway-Holt only had six girls go out for basketball; two of them did not come to school one day and the Trojans had to forfeit a game to North Nodaway. In their game against Worth County, Nodaway-Holt twice had to go to four players because one player was hurt and had to be taped up. Platte Valley is still playing the numbers game despite South Nodaway and Jefferson cooping; they barely had enough players to finish their football season last year.
The numbers will not improve themselves over the next few years. Simmelink said that there were four girls in fourth grade, five in fifth grade, and two in kindergarten. The town teams are having trouble filling teams this year; last year, some of the freshmen had to play down for the summer 14 & under team to have enough players.
Two schools, Jefferson and St. Gregory’s, have elected to allow 6th graders to play on their junior high basketball teams. However, that has its own ramifications. Such teams can compete with other MSHSAA schools, but they will be considered “unaffiliated” by the MSHSAA, meaning that the school will not be covered by MSHSAA’s catastrophic insurance plan. Such teams can coop with other schools, but only if they are also “unaffiliated.” If West Nodaway is affiliated, they cannot coop with North Nodaway if their junior high program is unaffiliated.
Another possible solution would be to have freshmen play down, which HDC schools generally do. However, they can only play on the junior high squad until the season is done and then only on the JV team. However, they can practice with both.
While most 275 schools switched from softball to volleyball in the 1980’s, North Nodaway, a powerhouse at the time with the Sederburg girls and Nicki Baldwin, elected to stay with softball. They competed in the Platte Valley Conference in softball until that conference merged with the 275. At North Nodaway, there are some students who won’t play softball, but will play volleyball, and vice versa. The big advantage of volleyball over softball is that it only requires six players, as opposed to nine for softball. MSHSAA will not allow teams to start with 8 players, unless both schools agree; if there are 8 players in a batting order, a softball team has to take an automatic out when the 9th spot comes to the plate, which really hurt South Nodaway one year before it merged with Jefferson to form Platte Valley.
Mr. Simmelink, who came from Adair-Casey in Iowa, said that Iowa does not have to choose between volleyball and softball, since one is offered in the fall and one is offered in summer. He said that there were 30-35 students out for volleyball there, enough to field a freshman, a JV, and a varsity team. There were usually 15 out for basketball and 12 out for softball; he said many girls had to choose between softball and working in the summer.
The consensus at the forum and among the board was that if North Nodaway was to phase out softball and switch to volleyball, they should do it on their own and not coop. Mr. Simmelink said there were a lot of ramifications with cooperative sports that he didn’t realize until North and West Nodaway combined their football programs. The distance can be prohibitive; for instance, North Nodaway and West Nodaway are 30 minutes away, meaning that students would not get home until 6:30 that evening. North Nodaway is also 30 minutes away from Northeast Nodaway and Worth County, two other potential coop partners.
One option is to stay the course. But then, Mr. Simmelink said that the school would have to have a drop dead date; if the team does not have nine players out for softball, then they would have to cancel their season. “It doesn’t matter what we do,” he said. “Someone is going to be left out.”
The risk of phasing out school softball is that summer softball could be phased out as well. Parents would take their kids to volleyball camps, as opposed to having them play summer softball.
Mr. Simmelink said that the board wanted to decide as soon as possible on the future of fall girls sports so that parents can make arrangements for camps and the school can find a coach if they decide to phase out softball and hire a volleyball coach. The board will make their decision at their regular meeting on May 17th at 7 pm.
There are currently seven sophomores on the current softball team; however, when they graduate, there may not be enough participation numbers for a softball program to continue. North Nodaway has a softball sharing agreement with West Nodaway; however, only two West Nodaway players played for North Nodaway’s softball team, while North Nodaway sent three students to West Nodaway’s volleyball team.
There were two eighth graders, four seventh graders, and two West Nodaway players on last fall’s softball team. There are 15 girls in 7th grade, but Simmelink reported most were not choosing sports.
North Nodaway’s situation is not unique to the area. Last year, Nodaway-Holt only had six girls go out for basketball; two of them did not come to school one day and the Trojans had to forfeit a game to North Nodaway. In their game against Worth County, Nodaway-Holt twice had to go to four players because one player was hurt and had to be taped up. Platte Valley is still playing the numbers game despite South Nodaway and Jefferson cooping; they barely had enough players to finish their football season last year.
The numbers will not improve themselves over the next few years. Simmelink said that there were four girls in fourth grade, five in fifth grade, and two in kindergarten. The town teams are having trouble filling teams this year; last year, some of the freshmen had to play down for the summer 14 & under team to have enough players.
Two schools, Jefferson and St. Gregory’s, have elected to allow 6th graders to play on their junior high basketball teams. However, that has its own ramifications. Such teams can compete with other MSHSAA schools, but they will be considered “unaffiliated” by the MSHSAA, meaning that the school will not be covered by MSHSAA’s catastrophic insurance plan. Such teams can coop with other schools, but only if they are also “unaffiliated.” If West Nodaway is affiliated, they cannot coop with North Nodaway if their junior high program is unaffiliated.
Another possible solution would be to have freshmen play down, which HDC schools generally do. However, they can only play on the junior high squad until the season is done and then only on the JV team. However, they can practice with both.
While most 275 schools switched from softball to volleyball in the 1980’s, North Nodaway, a powerhouse at the time with the Sederburg girls and Nicki Baldwin, elected to stay with softball. They competed in the Platte Valley Conference in softball until that conference merged with the 275. At North Nodaway, there are some students who won’t play softball, but will play volleyball, and vice versa. The big advantage of volleyball over softball is that it only requires six players, as opposed to nine for softball. MSHSAA will not allow teams to start with 8 players, unless both schools agree; if there are 8 players in a batting order, a softball team has to take an automatic out when the 9th spot comes to the plate, which really hurt South Nodaway one year before it merged with Jefferson to form Platte Valley.
Mr. Simmelink, who came from Adair-Casey in Iowa, said that Iowa does not have to choose between volleyball and softball, since one is offered in the fall and one is offered in summer. He said that there were 30-35 students out for volleyball there, enough to field a freshman, a JV, and a varsity team. There were usually 15 out for basketball and 12 out for softball; he said many girls had to choose between softball and working in the summer.
The consensus at the forum and among the board was that if North Nodaway was to phase out softball and switch to volleyball, they should do it on their own and not coop. Mr. Simmelink said there were a lot of ramifications with cooperative sports that he didn’t realize until North and West Nodaway combined their football programs. The distance can be prohibitive; for instance, North Nodaway and West Nodaway are 30 minutes away, meaning that students would not get home until 6:30 that evening. North Nodaway is also 30 minutes away from Northeast Nodaway and Worth County, two other potential coop partners.
One option is to stay the course. But then, Mr. Simmelink said that the school would have to have a drop dead date; if the team does not have nine players out for softball, then they would have to cancel their season. “It doesn’t matter what we do,” he said. “Someone is going to be left out.”
The risk of phasing out school softball is that summer softball could be phased out as well. Parents would take their kids to volleyball camps, as opposed to having them play summer softball.
Mr. Simmelink said that the board wanted to decide as soon as possible on the future of fall girls sports so that parents can make arrangements for camps and the school can find a coach if they decide to phase out softball and hire a volleyball coach. The board will make their decision at their regular meeting on May 17th at 7 pm.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Caleb Adwell Remembered at NEN Graduation; Vanessa Riley and Andrew Freemyer Take Top Honors
When they were freshmen, members of the Class of 2017 knew exactly when the final bell was about to ring because Caleb Adwell would always start counting down the time in the background; sure enough, he had a perfect internal timer in his head. That was a story Valedictorian Vanessa Riley told about him as nine Northeast Nodaway students graduated and walked the aisle for the last time. Caleb passed away prematurely, but, for the rest of his classmates, it changed them drastically between their freshman and senior years.
Former Principal Linda Mattson spoke to the class and recalled her first year with them in third grade, when they all slid down a sled during winter. Their fourth grade year was the year they did an amazing skit to the country song, “International Harvester.” They also put on another skit with Santa Claus and a bunch of penguins, with Andrew Freemyer as Santa Claus. They were the final class to have a 6th grade sendoff from Parnell and go all the way through.
“Success is not measured by degrees or salaries, but integrity,” said Linda Mattson. “Now, you get to choose.” When Linda was in high school at Northeast Nodaway, the late Claude Samson would always expect the students to police each other at games, since he was on the bench coaching the team; this was a lesson that Mattson carried with her throughout her years at Northeast. She recalled how she would always give students talks about attitudes. “What do you want me to say about you in a few years,” she would ask them.”
Now that they were no longer in high school, Mattson said there was no more reason for them not to try anymore. “The world will see who you really are,” she said. “School is practice for life.” She challenged them to “always keep Caleb in the back of your minds.”
Salutatorian Andrew Freemyer told his classmates not to follow the example of the man in “Glory Days,” who felt like there was nothing more to live for and was always going back to his glory days in high school.
Graduating from the Class of 2017 are Dalton Auffert, Andrew Freemyer, Vanessa Riley, Amanda Standiford, Tanner Wilcox, Kiley Deardorff, Wyatt Henggeler, Alicia Smith, and Rowdy West.
Dalton Auffert will become part of the family farm. Kiley Deardorff is planning to enter the workforce and start with some on the job training. Andrew Freemyer will be attending North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts Degree. He will then transfer to Northwest Missouri State and major in Biochemistry and minor in Genetics. Alicia Smith will be attending Northwest Missouri State and major in Business/Marketing Management and perform with the dance company. Amanda Standiford will be attending Sullivan University in Louisville (KY) and obtain her Associate of Arts in Event Management and Tourism. Rowdy West will attend North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts of Teaching and play baseball. He then plans to transfer to a 4-year college to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree. Tanner Wilcox will enter the workforce.
“We weren’t the same class as we were when we were freshmen,” said Riley. “We came out of school much stronger and wiser.”
Former Principal Linda Mattson spoke to the class and recalled her first year with them in third grade, when they all slid down a sled during winter. Their fourth grade year was the year they did an amazing skit to the country song, “International Harvester.” They also put on another skit with Santa Claus and a bunch of penguins, with Andrew Freemyer as Santa Claus. They were the final class to have a 6th grade sendoff from Parnell and go all the way through.
“Success is not measured by degrees or salaries, but integrity,” said Linda Mattson. “Now, you get to choose.” When Linda was in high school at Northeast Nodaway, the late Claude Samson would always expect the students to police each other at games, since he was on the bench coaching the team; this was a lesson that Mattson carried with her throughout her years at Northeast. She recalled how she would always give students talks about attitudes. “What do you want me to say about you in a few years,” she would ask them.”
Now that they were no longer in high school, Mattson said there was no more reason for them not to try anymore. “The world will see who you really are,” she said. “School is practice for life.” She challenged them to “always keep Caleb in the back of your minds.”
Salutatorian Andrew Freemyer told his classmates not to follow the example of the man in “Glory Days,” who felt like there was nothing more to live for and was always going back to his glory days in high school.
Graduating from the Class of 2017 are Dalton Auffert, Andrew Freemyer, Vanessa Riley, Amanda Standiford, Tanner Wilcox, Kiley Deardorff, Wyatt Henggeler, Alicia Smith, and Rowdy West.
Dalton Auffert will become part of the family farm. Kiley Deardorff is planning to enter the workforce and start with some on the job training. Andrew Freemyer will be attending North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts Degree. He will then transfer to Northwest Missouri State and major in Biochemistry and minor in Genetics. Alicia Smith will be attending Northwest Missouri State and major in Business/Marketing Management and perform with the dance company. Amanda Standiford will be attending Sullivan University in Louisville (KY) and obtain her Associate of Arts in Event Management and Tourism. Rowdy West will attend North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts of Teaching and play baseball. He then plans to transfer to a 4-year college to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree. Tanner Wilcox will enter the workforce.
“We weren’t the same class as we were when we were freshmen,” said Riley. “We came out of school much stronger and wiser.”
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Paige West Goes Out on Top in 100 Hurdles; NEN Junior High Girls Fifth
Paige West, who won most of her races in the 100 Hurdles, won again in Tarkio last Tuesday in the conference meet and the Northeast Nodaway Bluejays were fifth as a team with 56.5 points. The boys posted 14 team points.
West showed a lot of improvement in the 100 and finished third with a time of 14.37.
Anne Schieber broke the 2:50 barrier in the 800 and finished third with a time of 2:46.96.
West went out on top in style in the 100 Hurdles. She came close to a personal best in the event with a time of 18.09 and won by 1.34 seconds over the next best finisher.
The 4x200 team of Anne Schieber, Angela Standiford, Victoria Moran, and Saige Kohlleppel was fifth with a time of 2:09.78.
The Bluejays placed two in the High Jump. Saige Kohlleppel was tied for third with a height of 4’2”. Victoria Moran was tied for fifth, also with a height of 4’2”.
Paige West’s third medal was in the Long Jump, where she was third with a jump of 13’8½”.
Madelynn Mattson, now at nearly six feet and growing, showed rapid improvement in the Shot Put and finished second with a throw of 32’11½”. Blair Stoll was third with a throw of 32’10¾”. Stoll was also third in the Discus with a throw of 82’9”.
For the boys, Chase Atkins came tantalizingly close to winning the Shot Put, finishing second to Hayden Elifrits (South/Nodaway Holt). Atkins got a throw of 36’2”, a quarter of an inch behind Elifrits. Atkins was third in the Discus with a throw of 106’¼”.
West showed a lot of improvement in the 100 and finished third with a time of 14.37.
Anne Schieber broke the 2:50 barrier in the 800 and finished third with a time of 2:46.96.
West went out on top in style in the 100 Hurdles. She came close to a personal best in the event with a time of 18.09 and won by 1.34 seconds over the next best finisher.
The 4x200 team of Anne Schieber, Angela Standiford, Victoria Moran, and Saige Kohlleppel was fifth with a time of 2:09.78.
The Bluejays placed two in the High Jump. Saige Kohlleppel was tied for third with a height of 4’2”. Victoria Moran was tied for fifth, also with a height of 4’2”.
Paige West’s third medal was in the Long Jump, where she was third with a jump of 13’8½”.
Madelynn Mattson, now at nearly six feet and growing, showed rapid improvement in the Shot Put and finished second with a throw of 32’11½”. Blair Stoll was third with a throw of 32’10¾”. Stoll was also third in the Discus with a throw of 82’9”.
For the boys, Chase Atkins came tantalizingly close to winning the Shot Put, finishing second to Hayden Elifrits (South/Nodaway Holt). Atkins got a throw of 36’2”, a quarter of an inch behind Elifrits. Atkins was third in the Discus with a throw of 106’¼”.
Musket Girls Score 13, Boys 5 at Conference Meet
The North/West Nodaway Muskets scored 13 team points, while the boys scored 5 at the 275 Conference Meet in Tarkio last Tuesday.
Bailey Tate was fifth in the 3200 with a time of 13:59.72.
The 4x400 team of Audrey Trimble, Paige Hagey, Olivia Miller, and Kristin Herndon was fourth with a time of 4:44.03. The 4x800 team of Paige Hagey, Bailey Tate, Ashley Thompson, and Kristin Herndon was third with a time of 11:05.65.
Ashley Thompson was sixth in the Shot Put with a throw of 30’5½”.
For the boys, the 4x100 team of Weston Carter, Levi Hoyt, David Hull, and Dakota Smyser was sixth with a time of 49.81. The 4x200 team of Weston Carter, David Hull, Korbin Koch, and Levi Hoyt was fourth with a time of 1:44.65.
Bailey Tate was fifth in the 3200 with a time of 13:59.72.
The 4x400 team of Audrey Trimble, Paige Hagey, Olivia Miller, and Kristin Herndon was fourth with a time of 4:44.03. The 4x800 team of Paige Hagey, Bailey Tate, Ashley Thompson, and Kristin Herndon was third with a time of 11:05.65.
Ashley Thompson was sixth in the Shot Put with a throw of 30’5½”.
For the boys, the 4x100 team of Weston Carter, Levi Hoyt, David Hull, and Dakota Smyser was sixth with a time of 49.81. The 4x200 team of Weston Carter, David Hull, Korbin Koch, and Levi Hoyt was fourth with a time of 1:44.65.
NEN Boys Score 34 Points at 275 Conference Meet; Dylan Mildfeldt Wins 100
Northeast Nodaway’s boys secured 34 team points at the 275 Conference Meet in Tarkio last Tuesday.
Dylan Mildfeldt won the 100 with a time of 11.57. He was second in the prelims, but beat out Brody Day (South/Nodaway Holt), who had 11.72.
The 4x100 team of Dylan Mildfeldt, Ethan Adwell, Nathan Schieber, and Brayden Welch was fourth with a time of 49.10. The 4x200 team of Ethan Adwell, Nathan Schieber, Brayden Welch, and Dylan Mildfeldt was third with a time of 1:42.98.
Northeast’s other points came in the throwing events. Colton Wilmes was third in the Shot Put with a throw of 41’8”. Wilmes was also third in the Discus, where he got a throw of 116’9”.
Dylan Mildfeldt won the 100 with a time of 11.57. He was second in the prelims, but beat out Brody Day (South/Nodaway Holt), who had 11.72.
The 4x100 team of Dylan Mildfeldt, Ethan Adwell, Nathan Schieber, and Brayden Welch was fourth with a time of 49.10. The 4x200 team of Ethan Adwell, Nathan Schieber, Brayden Welch, and Dylan Mildfeldt was third with a time of 1:42.98.
Northeast’s other points came in the throwing events. Colton Wilmes was third in the Shot Put with a throw of 41’8”. Wilmes was also third in the Discus, where he got a throw of 116’9”.
NEN Bluejays Send Off Mustangs in Five; Clinch Fourth Straight Title as Platte Valley Falls
The dominos began to fall the night before for Northeast as Platte Valley, the one team besides North Nodaway who could catch them, fell 15-13 at the hands of East Atchison. That was their fourth conference loss of the year, putting them out of the running. Then, Northeast won in surprisingly easy fashion, 11-0 over North Nodaway in five innings after having lost to them early in the year.
North Nodaway had been in control of their own destiny for the 275 conference title until two weeks ago, when they dropped a 23-13 shellacking to West Nodaway and were swept by Platte Valley. They had a whole week to lick their wounds. Coach Jake Shipman, desperate to save North Nodaway’s fading chances at a title, sent Peyton Coleman against Northeast, but it was death by 1,000 cuts in Ravenwood Friday.
Spencer Weir took the mound for Northeast to try to close it, and got Dakota Smyser to ground out, overpowered Dalton Smyser for a strikeout, and got Peyton Coleman to hit a weak grounder back to the mound. It was clear it was going to be Northeast’s day in the bottom of the first. First, Peyton Coleman tried to overpower Spencer Weir, but he whistled one past short for a base hit. Then, he fooled Chet Spire completely with a pitch up and in, but Spire’s check swing dropped in behind first for another base hit. Then, Andrew Freemyer beat out a close play from short despite squawking from the Mustang dugout to load the bases.
Then, the bottom fell out as Coleman began fighting the strike zone. It didn’t matter whether he was throwing his fastball or his breaking ball; Northeast’s batters were recognizing it and hitting it. He tried a knuckleball on Rowdy West, only to plunk him and force in a run. He got Ethan Adwell down in the count at 0-2, only for the Bluejay freshman to battle back and draw a walk on a pitch up and in, forcing in Northeast’s second run. He finally struck out Brayden Welch after Welch had fought back from 1-2 to 3-2, only for another freshman, Spencer Gray, to hit a shot off the mound and into left center to bring in two more. Mustang centerfielder Dakota Smyser shot down Ethan Adwell trying to go first to third on the play, but Northeast had jumped in front 4-0 without benefit of an extra base hit.
It got worse in the second after Spencer Weir struck out the side in the top of the inning. Northeast scored five more in the inning, again without benefit of an extra base hit. Northeast’s #9 batter, Reed McIntyre, was up to the plate, but the freshman shot one into right center for a base hit to lead off and stole second. Spencer Weir reached on an error when third baseman Logan Keho bobbled a ball, and Chet Spire walked to load the bases. Pressing and trying to make something happen, catcher Tyler Bix tried to pick McIntyre off third; Reed had gotten much more aggressive on the base paths over the course of the year. Bix threw it away and another run scored. Andrew Freemyer hit a shot off Keho’s glove; he had no play and everybody was safe.
A defensive conference didn’t make anything better as Rowdy West grounded to Arron Coleman at short. Coleman forced Chet Spire at third, but Weir scored on the play. Ethan Adwell beat out Arron Coleman’s throw to load the bases, Brayden Welch walked to force in a run, Spencer Gray singled to left to score another, and Chance Barber walked to force in another. The game might have ended in the top of the third the way Northeast was hitting, but Reed McIntyre’s screamer, which looked like it was headed for extra bases, was snagged by Austin Bird in right. Bird’s rocket arm came in handy for North Nodaway as he threw a strike to Makayla Cross at second to double off Spencer Gray to end the second with North Nodaway down 9-0.
Even when Northeast Nodaway got sloppy in the third, North Nodaway couldn’t do anything. Logan Keho reached on a throwing error when Rowdy West’s throw was wide of first. Garrett Torres hit the ball hard, but right at third baseman Ethan Adwell, who forced Keho at second. Austin Bird, running for Torres, got a big leadoff and was rewarded when NEN catcher Andrew Freemyer’s errant throw got away and he went to third. Makayla Cross walked, and it looked like a big inning was in store with Dakota Smyser and the heart of the order coming up. Smyser hit a screamer to center that looked like it was headed out, but centerfielder Dylan Mildfeldt robbed Smyser of a three run homer, and Bird, who thought the ball was going over, couldn’t get back in time to tag up and score. Once again, North Nodaway tried to make something happen and set up a possible double steal, but Makayla Cross was erased stealing and the shutout was intact.
Northeast continued to add to their lead. In the third, Andrew Freemyer hit a blast to dead center that cleared for a home run. Ethan Adwell’s adventures on the basepaths continued in the fourth, but this time he was fortunate. He led off by whistling a single past Cross at second, went to second on a wild pitch, and took third on Brayden Welch’s squib in front of the plate.
That brought up Spencer Gray, and his grounder to Keho at third caught Adwell off between third and home. But North Nodaway botched up the rundown and Adwell came home to make it 11-0.
Once again, it looked like a possible big inning for North Nodaway in the fifth as Spencer Weir tired and Arron Coleman singled and Ryan Riley walked. That finished Weir, who went to short as Rowdy West came in to pitch. Logan Keho struck out, but Garrett Torres reached on a scratch hit as his roller went into no-man’s land between third and short to load the bases. Makayla Cross struck out, but Dakota Smyser and the heart of the North Nodaway lineup was coming up.
Smyser hit a laser shot that looked like it was headed for extra bases and three runs. Northeast’s lead was not safe by any means; North Nodaway nearly wiped out a 20-1 West Nodaway lead by scoring 12 in the fifth to make it 20-13 before West Nodaway scored three in the bottom of the inning to win it. They also nearly wiped out a 9-5 Platte Valley lead in Hopkins as well before losing 9-8. But somehow, Spencer Weir, with runner Ryan Riley cutting right in front of him, managed to keep his eye on the ball and snag it for the third out, ending the threat. It was the second time that Dakota Smyser had been robbed of a big hit for North Nodaway, costing them at least six runs in the process. It was that kind of night for the Mustangs.
North Nodaway had been in control of their own destiny for the 275 conference title until two weeks ago, when they dropped a 23-13 shellacking to West Nodaway and were swept by Platte Valley. They had a whole week to lick their wounds. Coach Jake Shipman, desperate to save North Nodaway’s fading chances at a title, sent Peyton Coleman against Northeast, but it was death by 1,000 cuts in Ravenwood Friday.
Spencer Weir took the mound for Northeast to try to close it, and got Dakota Smyser to ground out, overpowered Dalton Smyser for a strikeout, and got Peyton Coleman to hit a weak grounder back to the mound. It was clear it was going to be Northeast’s day in the bottom of the first. First, Peyton Coleman tried to overpower Spencer Weir, but he whistled one past short for a base hit. Then, he fooled Chet Spire completely with a pitch up and in, but Spire’s check swing dropped in behind first for another base hit. Then, Andrew Freemyer beat out a close play from short despite squawking from the Mustang dugout to load the bases.
Then, the bottom fell out as Coleman began fighting the strike zone. It didn’t matter whether he was throwing his fastball or his breaking ball; Northeast’s batters were recognizing it and hitting it. He tried a knuckleball on Rowdy West, only to plunk him and force in a run. He got Ethan Adwell down in the count at 0-2, only for the Bluejay freshman to battle back and draw a walk on a pitch up and in, forcing in Northeast’s second run. He finally struck out Brayden Welch after Welch had fought back from 1-2 to 3-2, only for another freshman, Spencer Gray, to hit a shot off the mound and into left center to bring in two more. Mustang centerfielder Dakota Smyser shot down Ethan Adwell trying to go first to third on the play, but Northeast had jumped in front 4-0 without benefit of an extra base hit.
It got worse in the second after Spencer Weir struck out the side in the top of the inning. Northeast scored five more in the inning, again without benefit of an extra base hit. Northeast’s #9 batter, Reed McIntyre, was up to the plate, but the freshman shot one into right center for a base hit to lead off and stole second. Spencer Weir reached on an error when third baseman Logan Keho bobbled a ball, and Chet Spire walked to load the bases. Pressing and trying to make something happen, catcher Tyler Bix tried to pick McIntyre off third; Reed had gotten much more aggressive on the base paths over the course of the year. Bix threw it away and another run scored. Andrew Freemyer hit a shot off Keho’s glove; he had no play and everybody was safe.
A defensive conference didn’t make anything better as Rowdy West grounded to Arron Coleman at short. Coleman forced Chet Spire at third, but Weir scored on the play. Ethan Adwell beat out Arron Coleman’s throw to load the bases, Brayden Welch walked to force in a run, Spencer Gray singled to left to score another, and Chance Barber walked to force in another. The game might have ended in the top of the third the way Northeast was hitting, but Reed McIntyre’s screamer, which looked like it was headed for extra bases, was snagged by Austin Bird in right. Bird’s rocket arm came in handy for North Nodaway as he threw a strike to Makayla Cross at second to double off Spencer Gray to end the second with North Nodaway down 9-0.
Even when Northeast Nodaway got sloppy in the third, North Nodaway couldn’t do anything. Logan Keho reached on a throwing error when Rowdy West’s throw was wide of first. Garrett Torres hit the ball hard, but right at third baseman Ethan Adwell, who forced Keho at second. Austin Bird, running for Torres, got a big leadoff and was rewarded when NEN catcher Andrew Freemyer’s errant throw got away and he went to third. Makayla Cross walked, and it looked like a big inning was in store with Dakota Smyser and the heart of the order coming up. Smyser hit a screamer to center that looked like it was headed out, but centerfielder Dylan Mildfeldt robbed Smyser of a three run homer, and Bird, who thought the ball was going over, couldn’t get back in time to tag up and score. Once again, North Nodaway tried to make something happen and set up a possible double steal, but Makayla Cross was erased stealing and the shutout was intact.
Northeast continued to add to their lead. In the third, Andrew Freemyer hit a blast to dead center that cleared for a home run. Ethan Adwell’s adventures on the basepaths continued in the fourth, but this time he was fortunate. He led off by whistling a single past Cross at second, went to second on a wild pitch, and took third on Brayden Welch’s squib in front of the plate.
That brought up Spencer Gray, and his grounder to Keho at third caught Adwell off between third and home. But North Nodaway botched up the rundown and Adwell came home to make it 11-0.
Once again, it looked like a possible big inning for North Nodaway in the fifth as Spencer Weir tired and Arron Coleman singled and Ryan Riley walked. That finished Weir, who went to short as Rowdy West came in to pitch. Logan Keho struck out, but Garrett Torres reached on a scratch hit as his roller went into no-man’s land between third and short to load the bases. Makayla Cross struck out, but Dakota Smyser and the heart of the North Nodaway lineup was coming up.
Smyser hit a laser shot that looked like it was headed for extra bases and three runs. Northeast’s lead was not safe by any means; North Nodaway nearly wiped out a 20-1 West Nodaway lead by scoring 12 in the fifth to make it 20-13 before West Nodaway scored three in the bottom of the inning to win it. They also nearly wiped out a 9-5 Platte Valley lead in Hopkins as well before losing 9-8. But somehow, Spencer Weir, with runner Ryan Riley cutting right in front of him, managed to keep his eye on the ball and snag it for the third out, ending the threat. It was the second time that Dakota Smyser had been robbed of a big hit for North Nodaway, costing them at least six runs in the process. It was that kind of night for the Mustangs.
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