Saturday, September 30, 2017

Shamrock Softball Falls to Stanberry; Emma Craig Tosses No Hitter in JV Nightcap

North Harrison could not keep up with a red hot Stanberry team Thursday as they fell 14-4 in their final home game of the year. The loss capped a three game stretch where they ran a gauntlet of tough teams. First up was Lathrop, who was unbeaten and had not been challenged by anyone but Hamilton this year. North Harrison lost a 1-0 pitching duel to the Mules; they loaded the bases in the sixth, but could not push either the tying or the go-ahead run across.

Next up was a long road game against Putnam County. Hall of Fame Coach Mike Schmidli built up North Harrison’s softball team 25 years ago and won a state title, then went on to Putnam County, where he built up the softball and basketball programs there and won two state titles there. That game is still a rivalry game; North Harrison fell 3-0 in this year’s edition.

Finally, they ran into a red hot buzzsaw in Stanberry and fell 14-4 Thursday. Stanberry, seemingly miffed at losing the GRC Place Game 12-0 to Trenton, another powerhouse, unloaded their frustrations on Platte Valley 13-0 Tuesday. It was a rare bad outing for the Eagles.

North Harrison Coach Brandon Craig elected to hold out Payton Craig for this game like he did against Albany and sent out Carly Rinehart to try to slow them down. Sometimes, teams that play nearly-perfect games one game will let down the next. North Harrison held Stanberry scoreless in the first thanks in part to a good catch by right fielder Hunter Stevens and second baseman Mason Cracraft alertly snatching a carom off Rinehart for another out, but any hopes of that happening in the second were dashed when Stanberry’s first seven batters all reached safely and all hell broke loose.
Ashlynn Gilpatrick replaced Rinehart on the mound, but Stanberry continued to tee off. By the time the carnage was settled, Stanberry was up 7-0. It would have been worse if Payton Craig, playing short, had not snatched Taylor McQueen’s hard shot and stepped on third to force out Kalie Peterson for an out.

Ashlynn Gilpatrick gave North Harrison its first chance to cheer in the bottom of the frame with a home run off Taylor McQueen to dead center. But any hopes for a meltdown like the Cubs did back in 1929, when they gave up 10 runs and an 8-0 lead to Philadelphia’s A’s (now Oakland) were soon dashed as Stanberry scored two more off Kalie Peterson’s two run single in the third, scoring Taylin Hunter and Peyton Gage to make it 9-1.

Payton Craig tried to jump-start her team in the third as she beat out a tap in front of the plate for an infield hit. Brandi Rivet hit a grounder to short and Craig, with a hard take-out slide, beat out the force despite the protests of Bulldog coach Rod Walker. Mason Cracraft struck and and Emma Craig popped out, but Ashlynn Gilpatrick, who did all she could with her bat to get her team back in it, doubled to the wall in left center to get one run back and make it 9-2.

But then the carnage resumed as Madi Sager doubled off Audry Briggs’ glove in left to lead off the fourth and the first five Stanberry batters all teed off Ashlynn Gilpatrick as they scored five to take a 14-2 lead.

With two outs, North Harrison got a rally going in their half of the fourth as Rainey Fordyce’s pop fly dropped in left for a base hit and Payton Craig doubled to left center to put runners on second and third. Brandi Rivet singled them both home, but was then picked off and tagged out in a rundown just as it looked like North Harrison would get something going. It was that kind of night.

Playing in their last home game for the Shamrocks were Payton Craig, Brandi Rivet, Audry Briggs, and Vici Stellpflugg. Regardless of the outcome, everyone was still looking forward to districts. North Harrison, the top seed, will face either Worth County or Mercer Thursday. Worth County beat Mercer in the Jamboree.

The JV nightcap went much better for the Shamrocks as Emma Craig went out and threw a no-hitter in a 2-1 victory. She crushed a head-high pitch in the first inning and hit it all the way to the right center field wall in the first for a two run home run, which turned out to be all the runs North Harrison would need.

The freshman hurler had been wild from the mound at the start of the year. But Emma showed steady improvement throughout the year and she and batterymate Kami Gibson looked like they had done it all their lives Thursday night. She only allowed two baserunners all night, a walk in the first inning and a hit batter in the fifth. She struck out 12 and no ball ever left the infield.

Stanberry finally manufactured a run in the fifth thanks to a hit batter, a stolen base, a wild pitch, and a groundout, but then Emma Craig struck out the final Stanberry batter to keep the tying run off the bases. The steal should have been an out, as Gibson had a perfect throw and shortstop Olivia Babinski a perfect tag, but the umpire saw it differently.

Stanberry, which only graduates four, will be back in contention for a conference and district title next year. But the sky is the limit for the Shamrocks, who saw a scrappy junior high bunch take down Stanberry 8-4 over on the smaller field. They also beat Hamilton 11-1 earlier in the year.

Haley Hunt Tosses One Hitter Against NEN

Haley Hunt tossed a one hitter against Northeast Nodaway as the Tigers used a six run first inning to fuel a 10-0 victory over Northeast Nodaway. What made the win more impressive was that Northeast was coming off a 31-13 win over Winston the day before.

The first four Tiger batters reached safely in the first as Braidy Hunt started off the game with an inside the park home run and Merrideth Spiers knocked in two more. Northeast did not get a baserunner besides Taylor Coffelt on until the sixth, when the game was already decided.

Worth County threatened in the third as Anna Gladstone beat out a bunt down the third base line and stole second. Merrideth Spiers hit a shot up the middle that second baseman Cassy Redden stopped, but had no play on, putting runners on first and third. But Taylor Coffelt prevented any runs from scoring as she threw out Gladstone at home on Kennedy Galanakis’ grounder and then caught Haley Hunt’s screamer to end the inning.

Maggie Schmitz nearly got a base hit in the NEN half of the third, but catcher Megan Cassavaugh threw her out after she had hit a tap in front of the plate. Later, Taylor Coffelt reached on second baseman Abbi Caddenhead’s bobble and stole second after being picked off first, but shortstop Jill Hardy caught Madelynn Mattson’s pop fly for the third out despite getting tangled up with base umpire Ed Gumm.

Worth County added to their lead in the fourth when EmiLee Brown singled up the middle with two outs and went to second on Blair Stoll’s wild pitch. Braidy Hunt shot a single down the right field line to score Brown and make it 7-0.

The Tigers got two more in the sixth as Merrideth Spiers led off with a pop fly single and went to second on a wild pitch. Kennedy Galanakis grounded out to advance her and then Haley Hunt hit a grounder to Paige West at short. Northeast tried to throw out Spiers at home, but she was safe and Jill Hardy reached on an error to score Hunt to make it 9-0.

Northeast threatened in the sixth but couldn’t do anything. Angela Standiford walked and Paige West reached on an error that went under Jill Hardy’s legs. Maggie Schmitz grounded into a force at second as West was out and Standiford went to third. Makayla Adwell grounded to Hunt on the mound; she reached second, but Standiford was out at the plate. Northeast nearly got their first hit, but third baseman Merrideth Spiers caught Taylor Coffelt’s screamer to end the inning with the shutout intact.

Worth County got its 10th run in the seventh as Anna Spainhower beat out an infield hit to short. Morgan Beagle reached on an error and Merrideth Spiers was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Kennedy Galanakis hit a screamer into the gap in left center; Spainhower tagged up and scored on the play. It would have been worse if not for center fielder Paige West’s running catch. Taylor Coffelt snagged Haley Hunt’s shot and stepped on third for a force on Beagle and Jill Hardy grounded out to end the inning.

Hunt retired Madelynn Mattson on a called third strike and Emily Redden on a grounder to Spiers at third, but Jana Walker broke up the no-hit bid with NEN down to their final out as she shot a single past Hardy into left for a base hit. Hunt recovered to strike out Stoll for an impressive one hit shutout.

Tigers Shut Out Pattonsburg as Devan Jackson Gets In on the Act

Worth County pitched a 62-0 shutout over Pattonsburg Friday, the last game before their competition gets much tougher. North Andrew will come to town Friday, followed by Stanberry.

Worth County had to scramble last year before finally pulling away for a 94-50 victory over the Panthers this year. Some observers thought Pattonsburg would be better this year, but after winning their first two, they have dropped all the rest of their games. The knock on Worth County over the last several years has been that they could not cover the pass; however, they shut down the vaunted Panther air attack, something teams like North Andrew and Stanberry had not done even though they both won handily. Pattonsburg was held to 20 points in the North Andrew loss; nobody else had been able to slow them down until Friday night.

The short field was a recipe for disaster early for the Panthers. After getting the ball at their own 13 and throwing two incomplete passes, quarterback Cole Dilley scrambled on third and 10 but was three yards short of the first down. Pattonsburg elected to punt, but the kick was partially blocked and returned by Ryan McClellan to the Panther 16. From there, Tevin Cameron, or “Campbell,” as he was repeatedly called by the Pattonsburg PA announcer, ran it in for Worth County’s first score and Bryant McCord caught the extra points to make it 8-0.

Worth County got another short field to work with on the next series, but they were stopped for once as Lane Huitt stripped Cameron and returned it to the 15. Cole Dilley’s pass to Cameron Jones set up a makeable third and three at the 22, but then Devan Jackson broke through and got a sack and forced them to punt.

Worth County started at their own 29 and Bryant McCord caught a 12 yard pass to the Panther 39. From there, Tevin Cameron got a score as he sprinted down the field, broke two tackles, and got in with 6:47 left. Cameron ran it in to make it 16-0.

A holding penalty wiped out a long runback and Pattonsburg had to start at their own 19. Faced with fourth and one at their own 28, Pattonsburg elected to go for it but Cameron dropped Dilley for a loss of four and the Tigers had another short field to work with at the Panther 24. Ryan McClellan took three carries for 18 yards down to the six before Tevin Cameron carried it to the one and Isaac Alarcon rumbled it in for the last yard. Ryan McClellan bounced outside and ran in the extra points to make it 24-0 with 2:24 left.

Pattonsburg found some rare daylight on their next series as Dilley aired it out to Trevor Ireland for 42 yards down to the Tiger 32. A pass from Dilley to Peyton Jones went to the 25. Mason Hawk dropped a scrambling Dilley for two, but his pass to Ireland was good for a first down to the 19. Dilley took to the air again and a chance to make a game of it, but made the mistake of picking on Isaac Alarcon, who zeroed it in for his second pick in as many games to thwart the drive and put Worth County at their own 15.

On Worth County’s first play from scrimmage, Tevin Cameron picked up three yards. A five yard facemask put the ball on the 23 and then Cameron got loose and went down the left side. He dodged a defender who had an angle on him at the sideline, cut back across to the right side, and took off 57 yards for a score. Ryan McClellan’s keeper made it 32-0 with 26 seconds left in the first.

On their second play from scrimmage, Pattonsburg fumbled it away and Tevin Cameron pounced on it at the Panther 20. A holding moved them back to the 25, and two passes misfired, but Ryan McClellan got loose on a draw play as he cut it up inside for a 25 yard score with 11:43 left in the half to make it 38-0.

Pattonsburg picked up a first down, but stalled at the 25 and were forced to punt. This time, Drake Kinsella blocked the kick and Worth County fell on it at the Panther 26 for their second blocked punt of the night. Worth County was faced with third and 10 at the 26, but then Tevin Cameron picked up 19 to the 7, and then Ryan McClellan scrambled for a touchdown with 8:30 left to make it 46-0 after the extra point pass to Cameron.

Pattonsburg tried to air it out again, but this time, Ryan McClellan picked it off at the Panther 22 to set up Tevin Cameron’s 51 yard run to the three. That allowed Worth County to give Devan Jackson the ball, and he looked like he had carried it all his life as the 275 pound defensive lineman rumbled in for the score with 7:13 left. Cameron ran in the extra points to make it 54-0.

Worth County was not done yet as the reserves were able to get in on the scoring. Wayde Parman ripped off gains of 17 and 15 for the Tigers, while Nate Adwell added a 21 yarder. Finally, Wayde Parman scored with 1:01 left and Jacob New ran in the extra points to make it 62-0.

Reed McIntyre recovered a fumble right before half before Pattonsburg could get anything else going.

The game was over at that point; the two teams played two 10 minute JV quarters. The JV also won; Jacob New aired out scoring strikes of 40 to Jaxon Anderson and 42 yards to Andrew Alarcon and added a pick six. A long pass from Steven Willhite to Brett Emig cut Worth County’s lead to 20-14 with 2:50 left in the JV contest, but Austin Welch scooped up the onsides kick and ran it back to the Panther 25; Worth County ran out the clock from there.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Obituary -- Charles Hartschen 1927-2017

    Charles Hartschen Jr., son of Charles and Emma Elva (Parman) Hartschen was born April 13, 1927 in Hatfield, MO and departed this life September 26, 2017 at Indian Hills Nursing Home, Chillicothe, MO at the age of 90 years, 5 months, and 13 days with his children by his side.

     At an early age, Charles accepted Christ as his personal Savior at Weaver Chapel and was baptized in a nearby creek. Charles was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Eagleville where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Board of Trustees and Church Board Chairman. He served many years on the Colfax Township Board. He received an Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from North Harrison FFA. He loved farming, being outside, and watching his grandchildren grow and play. He never missed an activity his children or grandchildren participated in as long as his health permitted.

     Charles graduated from Hatfield High School in 1945. He served a short time in the Army, before becoming a farmer.

     Charles was united in marriage to Betty Lanore Bain on November 23, 1961. To this union 3 children were born: Brenda, Kevin, and Tracy. Betty preceded him in death on March 18, 2000.

     He was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gerald, Donald, and Oscar.

     On February 16, 2003, he was united in marriage to Edna Mae (Sowards) Jones of Allendale. He brought her children, Sonya, Terri, Paula, and Mary Jane, and their families into his heart and home. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2017.

     Survivors include his children: Brenda and husband, David Kerr, Kevin and wife, Jenny Hartschen, Tracy and wife, Shellie Hartschen; grandchildren, Charles and wife, Katie Kerr, Rebecca and husband, Trent Steinhoff, Aaron Kerr, Dillon Hartschen, Lela Hartschen, Coulson Hartschen, and Carter Hartschen; great-grandchildren, Clara Kerr and Walter Steinhoff. Also surviving are Sonya, Terri, Paula, MaryJane and their families, his sister, LaVon Sheumaker, several nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends!


     Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30, at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in the Glaze Cemetery, Cainsville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the North Harrison FFA and/or North Harrison Music Department in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Obituary -- Cleo "Doc" Smith 1930-2017

Cleo Dwain “Doc” Smith, 87, Stanberry, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 24, 2017 at an Albany hospital.

He was born July 7, 1930 in Denver, MO the son of Cleo Jackson and Dollie Bea (Groce) Smith.

“Doc”, as he was nicknamed as a child for caring for his grandmother, served in the Army in Alaska and Colorado as a driver during the Korean War and returned home to marry his true love, Joyce, on December 31, 1953. They farmed together in rural Stanberry on a dairy farm. After they retired and moved to Stanberry, they enjoyed going on family vacations, painting houses, and visiting with friends at the Senior Center. He was a member of the Stanberry United Methodist Church. Doc enjoyed going to area ‘Opry’ music shows to dance and visit with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Joyce, parents, Cleo Jackson and Dollie Bea Smith, and his brother, E.C. Smith. He was born July 7, 1930, grew up in Denver and graduated from Grant City High School.

He is survived by his daughter Jackie Cameron (Brad), Stanberry, son Jim Smith, Kearney, (girlfriend, Pam Saccone, Kansas City) and daughter, Sandra Haggard (Michael), Erie, KS; five grandchildren: Jeff Cameron, Austin, TX, James Cameron (Stephanie), Stanberry, Jeremy Cameron, Merriam, KS, Janessa Smith, Kansas City, and Hayden Smith, Kearney, and five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Eva, Quincy, Taylor and Sophie. He is also survived by his brother R. Joe Smith, Redfield, IA, and sisters, Phyllis Law, Columbus, NE, Doris Clemmons, Albany, and numerous nieces and nephews.


Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 28th at Stanberry United Methodist Church, Stanberry, MO. Burial will follow at High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Roberson Funeral Home, Stanberry, MO, where friends may call after 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Stanberry United Methodist Church in care of PO Box 153, Stanberry, MO 64489. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Truda DeBord 1976-2017

Truda Ann DeBord was born June 15th, 1976 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. She spent the first part of her life living in Mount Ayr with her mother and brother, Colleen and Colman Phillips. When Truda was 10 years old her mother married Tom Kelly and the family moved to Redding, Iowa. Truda continued her schooling in Mount Ayr where she graduated with her brother in 1994. After graduation Truda tried several different jobs and ended up moving to Creston, Iowa where she was working at the time and that is where she met and fell in love with Corey DeBord. They were married on March 10th, 2001and they made their home in Des Moines, Iowa. On August 20th 2002 their son Gavin Thomas was born followed by twin girls, Bryn Coye and Falyn Kay, born October 24, 2007. Truda started working for the State of Iowa in 2005 and was still at the same job working for the Department of Human Services in the Child Support Recovery unit as a recovery officer in Grimes, Iowa.
Truda enjoyed the simple life of spending time with her family. She loved sharing an evening with friends filled with fun and laughter and never saying no to a microphone on karaoke night anywhere. She loved taking her kids to her parents’ house and going four wheeling. When it came to Christmas shopping, she was always out on black Friday getting the best bargains she could find to fill her list.
Truda had a smile that could melt hearts and make others smile and feel good. She had a sense of humor that could liven up any party and make anyone laugh. Truda could give you a hug that would seem to make all your problems go away. She also had a warmth and compassion that was always there when friends or family needed it.
She leaves behind her three children, Gavin, Bryn, Falyn DeBord and their father Corey DeBord of Des Moines; her parents, Tom and Colleen Kelly of Redding; her brother, Colman Phillips of Prineville, Oregon; her mother-in-law, Connie Harden of Omaha, Neb.; many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins. She will greatly be missed by so many friends and family but she left us with so many good memories that I know when you think of her she would rather you smiled than shed tears.
Services will be held Saturday, September 30th at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr. Rev. Skip Rushing will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on September 29th at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. Memorials can be donated in Truda's name to be used for her childrens' education. 

Obituary -- Trent McGeorge 1999-2017

Trenton Cole “Trent” McGeorge, 18, of Barnard, MO, passed away near his home on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
Trent was born in Maryville, MO, on June 23, 1999, and had lived all his life in the Barnard area.   His parents are Todd and Rita McGeorge and Jo Anne Strauch McGeorge.
He was a 2017 graduate of South Nodaway High School, where he had played football and basketball.  He loved to hunt, fish, and to run his hounds.  He was enrolled in the Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, KS, where he was on the school’s rodeo team. 
Trent had attended the Church of Christ as a youth.  He had worked summers as a concrete laborer for Curt Schafer Construction.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Harold and Thelma Dougan, Leland and Edith Strauch, John and Garnet Leedy, and Eldon and Frances McGeorge.
Survivors include his mother, Jo Anne McGeorge, Barnard, his father and step mother, Todd and Rita McGeorge, Barnard, his brother, Trestan L. McGeorge, Barnard; grandparents, Richard and Susie Strauch, Barnard, and Philip and Marlyn McGeorge, Guilford, MO; his uncle Kurt (Amber) Strauch, and 2 aunts, Tracy (Darin) Duke and Carrie Henggeler.
Funeral services were at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.   The burial followed at the Weathermon Cemetery, Guilford, MO.
The family received friends from 5-7:00 PM, on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at the funeral home.
Memorial are suggested to the Nodaway County Special Olympics, or to the family to help with final expenses.
For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com 

Obituary -- Taylor Kahn 1993-2017

Taylor Marie Kahn, 24, of Maryville, MO, and formerly of Sheridan, MO, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Maryville, on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
Taylor was born on May 16, 1993, in Leavenworth, KS.  She lived and went to school in Bedford, IA, and had lived in Blockton, IA, then Sheridan, and had moved to Maryville 8 months ago.  She was a Christian.  Her parents were Marc A. Kahn, and Lori Lea Wantland. 
She was a Technician at MG Swine, in Tarkio, MO.  Taylor’s father preceded her in death in 1995, and she was also preceded by her paternal grandparents.
Taylor loved nature. She has hiked, snow skied, snow board, fished, camped, kayaked, ridden ATVs, since she was a little girl. She loved music, crafts and decorating. She loved playing with her son. She loved making people laugh and smile.
Left to mourn her passing is her son, Tucker Jo Fletchall, and his father, Derek Fletchall, Sheridan, MO; mother and step father, Lori and Jeffrey Hansen, Blockton, IA; 2 brothers, Christopher Thomas, Independence, KS, and Devin (Clarissa Carlos) Kahn, Maryville, MO; 3 step sisters, Shelby Hansen, Grant City, MO, Rebekah (Beka) Hansen, Virginia Beach, VA, and Christina Hansen, North Kansas City, MO; maternal grandparents, Larry (Lonna) Wantland, Chariton, IA, and Shirley Morr, Chariton, IA; nieces and nephews, Elijah Kahn, Hayven Kahn, Natalie, Gabriel, Reece, and Karmen Thomas.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 PM, Monday, September 25, 2017, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.   The burial followed at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Parnell, MO.
The family received friends from 5-7:00 PM, on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Atchison Valley Hope, 1816 N. 2nd, Atchison, KS 66002.
For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com

Monday, September 25, 2017

Tiger Football Stuck in Third in Rankings

North Andrew crashed and burned, but Worth County did not move up in the rankings, stuck at third as Sacred Heart leaped over them to take the second spot following their 88-48 victory over previous #2 North Andrew. Sacred Heart was idle this week, while only five unbeatens remain in eight man ranks. Three of them are in Worth County’s district – Worth County, Stanberry, and Rock Port.

#1 Stanberry 54, #6 North Andrew 36 – This one was a good one. It looked like Stanberry would blow North Andrew right out of the field after taking a 30-8 lead early in the second. But then North Andrew battled back as Lance Streeby did all he could to get his team back in the game. He scored on runs of 65, 15, and 5 as the Cardinals got to within 42-36 early in the fourth. It looked like a rare fade job by Stanberry, which normally finishes games strongly. But then Stanberry found their second wind with quarterback Cole Durbin, who scored with runs of 27 and 18 to put North Andrew away. Jacob Powelson threw for 188 yards for North Andrew, while Streeby finished with 134 on the ground. Cole Durbin had 31 carries for 197 yards for Stanberry, while Brad Hailey had 5 catches for 103 yards for the Bulldogs.

#3 Worth County 60, St. Joseph Christian 14 – What looked like a promising start for Christian – they were tied 8-8 in the first – was cut short when Malik Tucker, one of the top receivers in the area, went down after that. He didn’t return until the game was decided. Worth County rode Tevin Cameron (218 yards) on offense and Drake Kinsella (4 sacks) on defense to victory over a team they normally have trouble with.

#4 Rock Port 72, North Shelby 24 – Rock Port was in control in this game that was moved to Cameron and played on Saturday. But North Shelby was the first team all year to score more than once on Rock Port, one of the top defensive teams in eight man along with Worth County and Mound City.

#5 Mound City 56, #9 East Atchison 18 – This one was close for a half. Mound City took a 24-6 lead in the second behind Matthew Poppa’s 66 yard pass only for East Atchison to tag Mound City, one of the top defensive teams in eight man football, twice. Jake McEnaney’s 11 yard pass to Gage McAdams made it 24-18 before Dylan Marrs’ one yard run made it 30-18 at the break. But the second half was all Mound City, fueled by Pankau’s 35 yard pick six in the third quarter after the Panthers had scored to start the second half.

Dylan Marrs ran for 160 yards and threw for 129 more and has established himself as a dual threat – exactly what is needed in Coach Brian Messer’s system. Matthew Poppa caught 5 passes for 112 yards.

#8 Hardin Central 52, Pattonsburg 50 – Hardin Central has quietly raised their record to 5-1, but had to hold off a dangerous Pattonsburg squad in order to do it. Pattonsburg has won only two games, but nobody has figured out how to slow them down. Something has to give this Friday, since Pattonsburg is one of the top offensive teams in the area and Worth County is one of the top defensive teams.

#10 King City 60, Chilhowee 32 – Chilhowee has been a doormat for the last few years, only winning three games in a season once since 2010. But this year, they have won four games and they played a full game against one of the better teams in eight man football. They have a chance to have their first winning season since at least 2010.

Tigers Rolled Up Over 400 Yards Over Christian

Worth County rolled up 402 yards of total offense against St. Joseph Christian Friday night. Tevin Cameron had 15 carries for 210 yards and continued to stay near the top of the eight man leaderboard. Isaac Alarcon had 14 carries for 88 yards, while Ryan McClellan had 3 carries for 28 yards.

Ryan McClellan had three pass attempts, two completions, and 56 passing yards. Tevin Cameron had one attempt and one completion for 20 yards. Worth County rushed for 326 yards and passed for another 76 yards, accounting for 402 total yards.

Caleb Parman had two catches for 43 yards, while Bryant McCord had 1 catch for 33 yards. Five different Tigers scored either touchdowns or extra points.

On the other side of the ball, Ryan McClellan had 12 tackles along with Drake Kinsella. Tevin Cameron had 10 tackles, Mason Hawk 5, Bryant McCord 4, Caleb Parman 3, Devan Jackson 2, and Reed McIntyre, Isaac Alarcon, and Wayde Parman 1 each. Drake Kinsella had 4 sacks. Mason Hawk and Isaac Alarcon had 1 each. Alarcon had one pick.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Worth County School Hires Larry Richardson as Custodian

The Worth County School Board voted following a brief closed session to hire Larry Richardson as a new custodian contingent on approved background check. The board also considered a student matter as well.

Federal programs were rated by Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz as Above Average. The district receives federal funds that supplement the educational programs of the district. The school currently supports a school-wide Title I program in the areas of communication arts and mathematics.
Concerns include the fact that while federal dollars are used to supplement educational programs, they cannot be used to supplant or replace local and state expenditures. Recommendations include more parental and community involvement. The school received $121,497.50 during the preceding school year for Title I.

Dr. Martz evaluated the Special Education program as Above Average. Strengths included the support system for students with special learning needs. They do not currently have students who have dropped out of school. Special Education students are included in the regular classroom as much as possible, and the regular population is supportive of them. Concerns listed include the fact that the school does not have a gifted program or a teacher certified for it. The goal of the school is to reinstitute a gifted program when funding becomes available.

The Parents as Teachers Program was rated as Above Average. The program currently serves 16 children from birth to age 5 and their families. Almost all clients meet at least one characteristic of high need. Two Parent and Child Together events were held last year. The school was able to get extra money from the state because they had completed additional screenings beyond their allotted amount and money was left over from districts that did not complete screenings. Concerns listed included the fact that there was no client feedback last year. The school will collect client feedback and look into the possibility of contracting their Parent Educator services to other districts.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that school pictures were taken on August 22nd.
The school participates in Backpack Buddies. There are 13 students and the cost is $150 per student. Every Friday, the children that qualify get perishable food items placed in their backpack. Health screenings have been completed. Elementary students participated in dress-up days, rode class floats, and participated as cheerleaders and football players.

Worth County will once again recognize Character Superstars. Each grade level will have up to two kids selected by teachers at the end of each month. They will get to “party with the principal” for 30 minutes.

On October 2nd, there will be a Blood Drive at the Multipurpose Room. On the 4th, Dr. Harris will come and do Fluoride treatments for K-6 students. On October 18th, fourth through sixth graders will participate in the Duckworth Farm Tour sponsored by the Worth County Soil & Water Conservation District. This will be the 32nd such tour. Flu shots will be given to staff on October 6th.

In professional development, elementary teachers are working on individual MAP results and working on moving students on the bubble up to the next achievement level. Teachers are working on Odysseyware for their classrooms and teaching strategies.

Principal Jon Adwell reported that high school speech class will start producing a public service announcement to the community starting next week. This will be in the form of a YouTube video that will be posted on the website.

Mrs. Owens took 51 juniors and seniors to the College Fair at Northwest Missouri State on September 19th.

The Worth County Tri-M Music Honor Society will sponsor a Mr. WoCo Contest starting at 7 pm. Each club and class has been asked to select a gentleman to represent their group or class. Each gentleman will be judged based on formalwear, swimwear, talent, and interview question. Invited judges will select Mr. Worth County.

On September 14th, the Worth County FFA attended the University of Missouri Field Day for Ag Science Technology at Hundley-Whaley. Over 30 local FFA chapters and 600 FFA members were in attendance and learned about the latest trendy in the ag industry.

Enrollment for Worth County is at 318 students, including 150 in the Elementary and 168 at the High School. There are 159, or 50%, who qualify for free and reduced lunches.

The school board received updates on several grants that the school has received or is working on. The school has ordered recycling bins, purchased two cargo trailers, purchased two scales to weigh recycling, and is getting a quote on storage shed materials.

For the Breakfast Grant, the school has purchased a point of sale system and iPad, working to access it with the school’s current software, purchased a milk cooler, and purchased a small breakfast kiosk.
For the $10,000 Monsanto Science Grant, the school inventoried science equipment to determine needs.

The school was awarded $18,000 towards an estimated $72,000 purchase of a new bus.

The school voted to keep the out of district tuition rate at $5,000, unchanged from last time.
The board voted to award the concrete bid to Doug Walker of Stanberry for $10,110 with formal document outlining all specifications which their work must meet.

Discussion of senior passes was held. It turned out that there was a discrepancy between a list that a private citizen gave to the board, a list that Athletic Director Chris Healy had gotten, and a list that Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz had gotten. The first list of senior age limits came from school secretaries, the second from other athletic directors, and the third from other superintendents. The board decided to leave the cutoff for free senior admissions for Worth County patrons at 65 and accept passes from other districts. Senior passes for Worth County patrons are available, but not required. Most area schools and teachers on gate duty let people in if they state they are a senior citizen.

Riley Drury, Mason Hawk are 2017 Worth County Homecoming Royalty; Tigers Turn Back Christian 60-14

Mason Hawk was named Homecoming King and Riley Drury Queen at Homecoming festivities Friday afternoon. All veterans were recognized at the parade, during a dinner in their honor at the Fairgrounds Building, and at the game that evening. All four branches of the military were represented at the coin toss. Galen Cook, one of Worth County’s oldest veterans and one of a handful of living World War II vets left, came and was one of the honorary captains.

Worth County had won its last 12 Homecoming tilts and had dropped only one since 1993. The focus of the game was on avoiding a letdown against a team that was much better than its record and had gone into the fourth quarter two weeks ago tied with Stanberry before losing 56-42. Adding to the rivalry was the fact that Cody Green, one of the Christian assistants, is a Worth County grad and the son of long-time pastor Len Green. Ben Craven, the starting quarterback for the Lions, is the son of Josh Craven, a Worth County grad, and the grandson of Neil Craven of Denver. Worth County had gone into an eerily similar game in 1990, its first year of eight man football, going up with a 4-2 record against a 2-4 North Nodaway squad and came up on the short end of the stick.

It looked easy enough at first as Christian went three and out on its first series. Two runs by Craven went nowhere and Tevin Cameron dropped Alex Denny on a screen for a loss back to the 13. A short kick put Worth County in good field position at its own 38 and Worth County aired it out from Ryan McClellan to Bryant McCord for 34 yards to the Lion 8. Isaac rumbled for two and then Tevin Cameron scored on a power sweep with 9:02 left and ran in the extra points to make it 8-0.

But then Christian struck back as they unleashed Malik Tucker, who had been sidelined for most of the season. Braden George, a hard-nosed runningback, had gotten Christian into Tiger territory with a 16 yard carry to the 30, but it seemed like they would stall out on third and 25 back at their own 35 thanks to a sack and a holding penalty. But then Craven aired it out to Tucker, the best receiver Worth County had seen so far, and he came down with the ball for 26 despite Ryan McClellan’s best efforts for a first down at the 19. They unveiled another wrinkle, a shovel pass that looked like a normal dropback pass until Craven dropped it off to Tysan Morrison for 9 yards to the 10; that look worked several times for the Lions. Four plays later, Craven was in the end zone as he scampered around the left end and Tucker came up with another jump ball to tie it up at 8.

Worth County had struggled against Christian historically, dropping one last year and one in the State Title game in 2006; they dropped one in basketball last year and one in basketball in 2008 as well. But they had their historic success in homecoming on their side, and something had to give. Tevin Cameron picked up four up to the 19 on Worth County’s first play and then dropped back to pass, only to tuck it up and scramble for 18 more to the 37. Isaac Alarcon rumbled for 8 more and that set up Cameron’s 27 yard scamper to the 8 as he broke a tackle. Isaac Alarcon picked up two to the 6 and that set up Cameron’s sweep down the left side. He leveled Braden George at the end of the run and got in with 2:12 left. Ryan McClellan’s option pitch to Isaac Alarcon added the extra points to make it 16-8.

This time, Christian went nowhere as Mason Hawk dropped George and Drake Kinsella dropped Tucker on a shovel pass that fooled nobody. That play was critical as Tucker came out of the game and didn’t return until Worth County had gotten separation and control. That was similar to the time when Brevyn Ross knocked Albany’s Seth Kline out of the game with a big hit after Albany was threatening to run away with it and crash Worth County’s Homecoming in 2015. Worth County recovered the momentum and won the game.

George took a pitch 10 yards to the 20 and fourth and five, and instead of kicking it, Christian faked the shovel pass only for the throw to go incomplete and Worth County got the ball on downs with a short field at the Lion 20. This time, Tevin Cameron threw a strike to Caleb Parman to score with 1:13 left and Isaac Alarcon rumbled in after a pitch to make it 24-8.

Despite Tucker’s absence, Christian moved into Worth County territory thanks to a facemask penalty and a 14 yard run from George. They got as far as the Tiger 36, but then Drake Kinsella got a sack and Devan Jackson blew up a shovel pass to set up fourth and 18 at the Lion 36. On the ensuing punt, the snap was bad and Worth County recovered the ball for another short field at the Lion 23. On their first play from scrimmage, Ryan McClellan aired it out to Caleb Parman with 11:50 left in the second. Tevin Cameron threw a shovel pass to Bryant McCord to make it 32-8.

Braden George ran back the ensuing kickoff all the way back to the Tiger 33, but then the Lions couldn’t do anything without Tucker on the field and Worth County got the ball back on downs at the 30. They were set back to their own 23 with a holding penalty, but a five yard run from Isaac Alarcon set up a counter where Tevin Cameron started down the left side and weaved his was to the right for 18 yards to the Lion 34. Ryan McClellan picked up seven and then Isaac Alarcon fooled everyone when he took off down the left side on a play designed to go up the middle and body-slammed a defender at the end of the run for a 13 yard gain to the 14. Worth County was set back by a false start to the 16, but then Cameron bounced down the left side with 7:01 left and Caleb Parman caught the extra point pass from Ryan McClellan to make it 40-8.

In desperation, Christian put Tucker back in and Christian aired it out to George to the 36 and a holding added 10 more to the pass down to the Tiger 34. A swing pass to Tysan Morrison went 11 to the 23, and Christian penetrated as far as the 16 before Drake Kinsella got his third sack of the game to make it fourth and nine. Christian set up a jump ball play for Tucker, but Ryan McClellan this time broke up the pass and Worth County held on downs.

Isaac Alarcon rumbled for gains of 5 and 10 yards before Tevin Cameron took off on a fake counter for 17 down to the Lion 26. Worth County had Isaac Alarcon all along in the end zone, but Ryan McClellan misfired and that set up fourth and two. But a quarterback keeper by McClellan fooled everyone and he took off down the left side for a score with 2:12 left to make it 46-8.

But then with Tucker back, Christian had new life and they aired it out to him for strikes of 21 and 33 right before half. Finally, Braden George took it to the house with 28.7 seconds left to make it 46-14. But the fireworks were not over as Bryant McCord ran back the ensuing kick to the Christian 18 and Tevin Cameron took a power sweep down the left side for a score with 14.1 seconds. Ryan McClellan scrambled for the extra points to make it 54-14.

Christian tried to answer as they covered an onsides kick at the Tiger 37. A holding penalty when Bryant McCord grabbed Tucker’s jersey rather than give up a scoring strike put Christian on the 27 with eight seconds left, and they tried some razzle dazzle with a triple reverse pass. But it fooled nobody as Isaac Alarcon was there for a sack to end the half. This was similar to a lot of games back in 2015, when a lot of fireworks happened right before halftime but the Tigers would survive and win.

Worth County had a chance to end the game on their first possession of the second half, but stalled for once. Starting at their own 25, they rode Isaac Alarcon’s back as he stiffarmed his way for 20 to the Christian 35. An offsides penalty gave Worth County a first and 10 at the 24, then Isaac cut it up for a first down at the 11. But on fourth and inches at the 1, a false start set Worth County back to the six and they could only get to the three on the next play.

It looked like Christian would take advantage of its new lease on life as George bounced outside for 45 yards to the 32. Worth County seemingly held there as Drake Kinsella picked up his fourth sack to make it fourth and 14 at the 36, but once again, Christian aired it out to Tucker for 21 yards and George added 11 more to set up first and goal at the Tiger 4. But on Christian’s second play from scrimmage, Craven dropped back to pass but Isaac Alarcon read the play perfectly, made a diving pick, and gave Worth County the ball back again at their own 15. They only needed two plays to score as Tevin Cameron picked up 9 on a sweep and then went over the 200 yard mark with a 56 yard scamper with 3:13 left in the third to end it. Cameron had 215 yards for the game and did nothing to hurt his league-leading 13.7 yards per carry average.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Obituary -- Earl Elton Sackett 1942-2017

Earl Elton Sackett passed away September 22, 2017 in hospice care at Maryville, Missouri with loving family by his side.

Elton was born March 11th, 1942 to Burl Elton Sackett and Grace Elizabeth (Butt) Sackett in Mount Ayr, Iowa. He was the oldest of their six children.

Elton married Lyndal Lou (Monday) Sackett December 27th, 1960. He married Emmy (Tomann) Sackett on May 17th, 2000.

Elton lived most of his life in Southwest Iowa and Northwest Missouri. Primarily a farmer, Elton also served in the Army and drove an over-the-road semi truck in later years. Elton loved good conversation, on a variety of topics with people from all walks of life. He enjoyed animals, always having pets throughout the years. He liked technology and gadgets, talk radio, oatmeal cookies, and was often seen wearing a seed corn company hat. Elton was an avid motorcyclist and loved traveling and photography, often combining all three to make great memories.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, his wife Lyndal (1998), wife Emmy (2017) and sister, Betty Halfhill.

He is survived by his children, Paul (Jamie) Sackett, Melia (Matt) Douglass, his brothers, Keith (Nancy) Sackett, Andy (Karen) Sackett,  his sisters, Barbara Allen, and Donna (Dennis) Stephens, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Worth County Education Foundation.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 25, 2017 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment will be in Grant City Cemetery. Visitation from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

Obituary -- George Young 1930-2017

George Lee Young, 86, of Grant City, MO passed away on September 22, 2017.  George was born October 31, 1930 in Stanhope, IA to Virgil and Faye Young.

George’s family came from a long line of farmers and he continued that tradition as a young boy into the mid 60’s.  While farming, he became a member of the Air National Guard from 1951 thru 1953 and was awarded a presidential honor for bringing over 800 recruits into the 132nd Air National Guard Fighter Wing.  In 1960, he started buying cattle for Iowa Packing Company and in 1967 George gave up farming and moved his family to Missouri after purchasing the Grant City Sale Barn.  He grew this business to become the most profitable ranking privately owned sale barn in Missouri in 1982.  George operated the sale barn until it’s closing in the mid 80’s.  He then went to work for MFA as an order buyer, ultimately growing their cattle business, and expanded his own business interests to include custom grazing and feeding until his retirement.

Besides his family, one of George’s major loves was draft horses.  Once his interest was piqued, there was no stopping him.  All during the 1990’s, George owned several draft horses and participated in pulls throughout the Midwest.

George will be remembered for his love of horses and people, many who have become lifelong friends and supporters.

George was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Young, youngest son, Kelly Young and son-in-law Brent Thompson.  He is survived by his wife JoAnn Young; sister Joyce and Robert Overholtzer, Fairfax, VA and their children Julie Overholtzer and Jeff (Kathy) Overholtzer;  his children: David (Robin) Young, St. Louis, MO, Jane Thompson, Macon, MO, Cynthia (Russell) O’Laughlin, Shelbina, MO; grandchildren: Kristen (Harrison) Winter and Joe Young, Charleston, SC, Taylor Young, St. Louis, MO, Brian (Shyla)Terry, Macon, MO, Casey (Amy) O’Laughlin, Panama City, FL, Andy O’Laughlin and Alex O’Laughin both of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren: Jace, Ella, Myah, Avah, Mallory, and Emily. 

Visitation 5 pm - 7 pm Monday, September 25 at Prugh Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City MO 64456. Mass of Catholic Burial will be said at 2 pm Tues Sept 26 at St Joseph Catholic Church, 415 South Main, Parnell, MO. Burial in Grant City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue 1025 Heritage Road Linn Creek, MO 65052 or St Joseph Catholic Church, 415 South Main, Parnell, MO, 64475 or local chapters of 4-H or FFA.

Muskets Get Back Parker Ogle, Victorious Over DeKalb

North/West Nodaway got back on the winning track with a 42-12 victory over DeKalb as they got back Parker Ogle, one of the anchors of their defense Friday. After running the Rock Port/Mound City gauntlet, the Muskets were hungry for a victory and it showed. Korbin Koch started off the scoring with a 66 yard punt return for a score in the first quarter. Dylan Carden added to the lead in the second with a four yard run in the second to make it 14-0 after the extra points.

DeKalb closed to within 14-6 at the half behind Coyote Henderson’s nine yard run. The running of Tyler Matson kept them in the game for much of the night as he had 23 carries for 148 yards for the winless Tigers.

But then Korbin Koch took over in the third quarter with runs of 39, 50, and 25 that put the game away. North/West led 34-6 after three quarters, and Koch added another scoring run, this time of 13 yards, in the fourth before Matson’s 6 yard run for DeKalb accounted for the final tally.

Koch was 3 for 8 in passing for 45 yards and an interception. He ran 10 times for 127 yards. Tyler Bix ran 10 times for 44 yards, Dylan Carden 6 carries for 31 yards, Gabe Goff 5 carries for 31 yards, and Brody Beason 1 carry for 5 yards.

Wade Torres caught two passes for 31 yards, while Parker Ogle caught one for 14 yards.
On defense, Parker Ogle anchored the Musket defense with 14 tackles and one sack as he was a welcome return to the lineup after getting a concussion. Brody Beason and Gabe Goff had 11 tackles, Dylan Carden had 9 tackles and one sack, Korbin Koch had 8 tackles and one pass deflection, Tyler Bix had 4, Wade Torres 3, Lucas Alvarez 2, and Alex Roderick, Stephen Voltmer, and Cody Cline each had one.

North/West Nodaway plays in Hopkins this week as they have their Homecoming game with St. Joseph Christian. The parade and festivities will start at 1 pm Thursday, with the Homecoming game starting at 7 pm Friday.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Tiger Softball Rallies to Beat Princeton

The barn door for Worth County's girls softball team may have opened a crack as far as district seedings are concerned. The Tigers were down 3-0 after four innings when they scored two in the fourth and two in the fifth to beat Princeton 4-3 Tuesday night. The Tigers then hung by their fingernails to preserve the win. Haley Hunt was the winning pitcher and Merrideth Spiers drove in two runs for the Tigers. Worth County reversed the outcome of the North Harrison Tournament when they led 1-0 over Princeton only for the Blue Tigers to come back late and win.

Worth County only has six wins on the year so far. But two of those wins come against district opponents in Albany and Princeton. Worth County can make the case that since they won the one game they played against Albany 13-7 and since wins later in the season count more than losses early on, they can get the second or third seed behind North Harrison.

The Tigers only had three hits against Princeton, but they won by cleaning up their errors, only committing two that evening. By contrast, Princeton, which could do no wrong in the field earlier in the year, committed five.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Shamrocks Clinch HDC Title, Win 38th Straight Conference Game; Payton Craig Tosses Three Perfect Innings

North Harrison won its 38th straight conference game, clinched a conference title, and downed Mercer 15-0. Payton Craig tossed three perfect innings for the Shamrocks, struck out eight out of the nine batters she faced, and looked sharp on the mound. Audrey Briggs finished the game for the Shamrocks in the fourth. The North Harrison seniors have gone through their entire careers at North Harrison without losing a conference game. The last loss for North Harrison in a conference game was a 4-3 loss to Pattonsburg back in 2012.

One of the few tough plays for Payton Craig on the mound came when Aubrey Wilson, Mercer’s third batter, hit a tapper along the first place line. Instead of risking a throwing error on a 50/50 play, Craig elected to let it roll, and it barely went foul before she stuck out Wilson.

The Shamrocks started the scoring in the first and scored in every inning in the four inning game. Payton Craig walked on four pitches, stole second, went to third on Brandi Rivet’s groundout, and came home on a wild pitch. Ashlynn Gilpatrick restarted the inning with a walk, went to second on Audrey Briggs’ grounder, and came home on Emma Craig’s double off the left field wall. Coach Brandon Craig and Emma had a long talk about the finer points of hitting during the Albany game and she hit safely in every at-bat since that, getting two doubles, two singles, and walk.

It looked like North Harrison would go down quietly in the second, as Mason Cracraft struck out to lead off. Hunter Stevens earned a spot as a DH with a strong hitting performance in the JV game with Albany Monday night and came through with a shot up the middle. Payton Craig popped out for the second out, but then the next ten batters reached safely and broke the game wide open. Brandi Rivet shot a single past Rayne Kost at short and then stole second. Ashlynn Gilpatrick doubled to right center to score Stevens and Olivia Babinski (running for Rivet). Audrey Briggs singled to right to score Gilpatrick and went to second when the return throw got away from the pitcher, something Mercer had trouble doing that night.

Emma Craig walked and the catcher threw away a throw to third on a wild pitch as Craig made it to second and Briggs scored. An errant pickoff throw put Emma on third. Kami Gibson walked, Carly Rinehart shot a single into left, scoring Craig, and took an extra base on another errant return throw to the pitcher. Mason Cracraft and Hunter Stevens walked to force in Rinehart, Payton Craig walked to force in Rinehart, and Rivet singled past short into center to score Cracraft and Stevens to make it 11-0 after two.

Payton Craig threw a painfully slow change that was called for strike three on Jazmine Main and got Dominique Henley to chase one well over her head in the third. In North Harrison’s half, Audrey Briggs hit a screamer that was caught by first baseman Brea Shipley, only a freshman for the Cards. But then Emma Craig swung at a high pitch and singled, going to second on a wild pitch. Kami Gibson flied out, but Carly Rinehart singled, Mason Cracraft reached on an error when third baseman Decii Hartsock bobbled it, scoring Craig, and Hunter Stevens walked. Elizabeth Parkhurst batted for Payton Craig as Coach Brandon Craig had seen enough and started subbing freely. Parkhurst’s double plated two more to make it 14-0. Like the late Bull Reece, Coach Craig doesn’t believe in running up the score any more than he has to. “It doesn’t do us any good, and it doesn’t do them any good,” he said.

Audrey Briggs came on to pitch and Mercer tagged her for their first hits of the game as Rayne Kost doubled to the wall in left. Kayleigh Albrecht grounded out to Briggs, but Aubrey Wilson reached on a successful bunt single to put runners on first and third. Kaylee Duckworth hit a shot that would have scored a run, but shortstop Emma Craig made a shoestring catch and doubled Kost off third to preserve the shutout. Abbi Slaughter and Audrey Briggs walked and Craig singled Slaughter home for the 15th run of the game with one out in the fourth.

Following the game, baseball players Logan Craig, Randy Rinehart, and Colin Castleberry were honored for being selected to the all-district squad. While boys softball has been ended as a competitive sport, North Harrison is seeking to build a new tradition after having won the first-ever state championship in boys softball. They surprised people with a winning season last year in their second year and seek to build on that with many of their horses back.

Shamrocks Down Winston; Celebrate 25th Anniversary Boys & Girls Softball Teams

Members of the 1992 North Harrison Boys and Girls Softball Teams were recognized following Tuesday’s 16-0 victory over Winston. The boys won the first-ever state title for the franchise and went 14-0, unbeaten for the year. The girls went 21-3, finally got past Princeton after two years of falling short, and finished fourth in state. They laid the groundwork for the 1993 State Championship team next year.

Members of the boys team were Wes Gibson, Tom Thompson, Dustin Wilcoxson, Bryan Craig, Corbet Wilson, Gabe Stapel, Laren Cox, Jeremy Rinehart, Chris Jones, and Bill Pottorff. What they lacked in numbers, they more than made up for in talent and heart as they went all the way. They beat Cainsville 12-0, North Daviess 18-0, Gilman City 11-1, and Tri-County 25-0 to start off the season.
The second leg was harder as they beat Ridgeway 15-3 and Pattonsburg 16-1 before fending off a determined challenge from archrival Ridgeway to win 4-3. They then played the tough part of their conference schedule, beating Grundy County 7-4, Mercer twice 6-1 and 10-5, Winston 13-4, and Grundy County again 4-3.

In the 7-4 victory, North Harrison survived their closest brush with defeat, falling behind 3-0. But then Wes Gibson got down two key bunts that fueled North Harrison’s comeback; he had four RBI’s. Wilcoxson struck out 11 batters in the 6-1 victory over Winston.

They were selected for the State Tournament on the basis of their conference title and beat Tina-Avalon 19-2 before beating Bunceton (not to be confused with Princeton) 7-0 for the title.
The Shamrocks had trailed 2-0 against Tina-Avalon in the third inning when back to back home runs from Dustin Wilcoxson and Corbet Wilson got them back in the game and opened the floodgates.
Members of the 1992 Shamrocks were Talia (Kinder) Brown, Karen (Pottorff) Fine, Joely (Eivins) Francis, Sara Bosch, Heather (Eller) Barnes, Barb (Abplanalp) Holcomb, Angie (Rinehart) Breshears, Jill (Wilcoxson) Brown, Kym (Barnhouse) Mathes, Lori (Hale) Craig, Dava (Nelson) Laxton, Lyndsay (Lighthill) Bellinger, Brandi (Ury) Hurt, and Angie (Craig) Baker.

The Shamrocks cruised through the regular season, beating Cainsville 16-0, North Daviess 26-0, Tri-County 17-0, Grundy County 16-0, and bigger schools like Lawson 5-1. They run-ruled each of their opponents to win the conference tournament, avenged their only regular season loss by beating South Harrison 5-0 at the North Harrison Tournament, and finally got past Heather Niemeyer and Princeton 13-0 after they were turned back by Dannette Derry and the Blue Tigers the previous two years. They won conference for the third year in a row, stretching their conference winning streak to 32 games, a streak that would stretch to 72 games before it was snapped.

Finally, North Harrison was stopped 1-0 by Tina-Avalon in the State Tournament as their girls avenged North Harrison’s boys game in state. They were beaten by Humansville in the third place game 10-2, but that laid the groundwork for the 1993 team which won state.

That 1993 team broke Worth County’s hearts in Sectionals with a 9-2 win. Worth County was down 5-0, but pushed one run across in the sixth to make it 5-1 and had a runner on third with one out. If that run had scored, anything could have happened as Worth County had tagged Jefferson with 15 runs and Princeton with 8 runs earlier in the year. But Worth County hit a grounder to third, and the North Harrison girl faked a throw to first and tagged Katie Groce out to help them get out of that inning. Worth County lost 9-2, and North Harrison would go on to win state that year. Mike Schmidli, who was the coach of that softball team, said they had just practiced that play the day before and had pulled it off earlier in the year, proof that coaches sometimes have a sixth sense.

Dava Nelson was the pitcher for those teams, and she was a perfectionist, never happy unless she located her pitches exactly where she wanted them. She could throw it consistently at 60 miles per hour, even in brutally cold weather. Not only that, her pitches would break all over the place, tying up even the best hitter and making them miss.

Four of the current players have mothers who played on the 1992 team. They have not eclipsed the 1992 team’s conference winning streak, because the HDC smaller, Pattonsburg has left the conference, and others have formed softball cooperatives with each other. But they are working on a 37 game conference winning streak this year, not including Tuesday’s game with Mercer. The last time the Shamrocks lost a conference game was in 2012, 4-3 to Pattonsburg, before the present group of seniors was still in junior high.

This year’s edition batted around in the first inning, tagging Winston for five runs before putting them away in the second. Winston held Payton Craig in check, getting her to ground out to start the second. But everyone else hit in that frame as North Harrison scored 11 to put the game away. Brandi Rivet roped one down the right field line for a triple; Audrey Briggs hit a screamer between right and center, didn’t realize how hard she’d hit it, and had to be coaxed to come to third as Kylie Pottorff (running for Rivet) scored. Emma Craig hit a single that got through the center fielder’s legs to score Briggs, while Ashlynn Gilpatrick reached on a grounder between the pitcher’s legs after Emma Craig had scored on a wild pitch.

That opened the floodgates – Kami Gibson shot one into left center field for a double, Mason Cracraft tripled to right center, Carly Rinehart hit a shot off the shortstop’s glove for a scratch hit, Rainey Fordyce hit a short off the third baseman’s glove for another. Even the one out, Brandi Rivet’s smash, was hit hard.

The Shamrocks sent 14 batters to the plate, scored 11 runs, and put the Redbirds away in the frame. But one record that will not be broken as long as Brandon Craig is the coach is the scoring record. Once his team’s margin reaches 15 runs, he’s seen enough and has his runners lead off before the pitch. The goal is to prevent injuries and keep his players sharp as well as show respect for the other team.

Hikers Pass Through Allendale, Grant City, and Sheridan

Hikers Kolton Rackham and Amanda Autrey passed through Allendale, Grant City, and Sheridan Monday after passing through Eagleville and Hatfield Saturday and resting Sunday. They are on a 2,918 mile journey from Tybee Island in Georgia to Don David Park in Oregon. They are on a journey of self-discovery and are raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation as well as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Asked why they had selected those charities, Kolton said that they chose Make-a-Wish because of how they help kids heal by giving them hope. “I’m a mentor and she’s a healer, and we both try to help create what kids want,” he said. Amanda said that she had struggled with suicide in the past, and that it was a beacon of light for people whose loved ones had taken their own lives.

They grew up in Utah; Kolton is a 1 on 1 mentor and helps people reach personal goals and identify mental blocks keeping them from reaching those goals. Amanda is a holistic healer and helps people with healing energy and processing out negativity. She said that in Australia, some people make a journey across the Outback, which is sparsely populated, for personal discovery. Kolton and Amanda said that they met many wonderful people along the way, helping someone celebrate their 40th birthday. “We’ve met a lot of kind people along the way, and they’ve shown a lot of hospitality to us,” she said. Amanda said that they are like family to them.

Their goal is to get to Oregon by Thanksgiving, but will take longer if necessary. Both say they want to travel more down the road. Amanda was in China for two weeks once, while Kolton took a cruise that took him to Mexico, Haiti, and Jamaica.

After their walk, their goal is to stay in Oregon, get married, and keep doing what they’re doing. Amanda said that she wanted to work with veterans and rescue animals that need a home. Kolton said that he wants to work with kids and the homeless. He said that he had a lot of good conversations with homeless people along the way and that he wanted to help people to find hope.

While between Grant City and Sheridan, they got to meet some camels. Kolton admitted that he had an irrational fear of camels. “At first, there were one; then there was six,” he wrote on their Facebook page, 2918 Miles, Monday. Kolton said that he faced his fear by feeding one an apple; then, it tried to eat his whole bag hoping for more snacks. “Amanda thought they were adorable, but that’s probably just because they didn’t try to eat her,” he wrote.

Carly Rinehart Shuts Down Warriors; Shamrocks Back on Winning Track

North Harrison survived a bad inning against Milan Thursday, before heading off to the North Central Missouri College Tournament in Trenton Saturday. There, they faced some brutal competition as they dropped a 6-0 loss to Marceline, undefeated in Class 2 up to that point. Milan, a streaky team playing in the GRC, did not show up to play in the rematch between the two teams and North Harrison won handily 12-0. Then, they dropped a 10-1 decision to once-beaten Plattsburg before rain and lightning forced the cancellation of the tournament, won by powerhouse Trenton.

Things didn’t get any easier for North Harrison when they returned home Monday to face Albany, the runner-up of the North Andrew Tournament. Many of their players play with each other over the summer and they know each other well, taking away the intimidation factor that many teams have going into games with the Shamrocks. But Coach Brandon Craig sent out freshman Carli Rinehart, who had already beaten the Warriors once this year in Albany. She did so again Monday, shutting them down in a 4-1 victory.

Albany skipper Hannah Beverlin sent out Riley Houts to slow down the Shamrocks. She had a fastball, a change, and an unorthodox pitch that looks like it’s too high, then drops in at the last minute for a strike. That kept North Harrison’s batters off balance some, but not enough to keep them from getting the badly-needed win.

Payton Craig battled Houts and got a walk on a 3-2 pitch; Brandi Rivet got down a perfect bunt as she flew around to third base and was safe on a close play despite plenty of squawking from the Albany side. Audrey Briggs grounded out to score her to make it 1-0.

Ashlynn Gilpatrick doubled to lead off the second over rightfielder Madalyn Rainey’s head. Kami Gibson singled and the ball went under the left fielder’s legs to score Gilpatrick. Carly Rinehart’s shot to left scored Gibson, and Rainey Fordyce’s grounder advanced her to second. Payton Craig beat out an infield hit as Rinehart came all the way home from second to score to make it 4-0.

That was it for North Harrison, as similar to North Nodaway at North Andrew, they were putting it in play, but right at people. But those were all the runs they would need.

Albany got its lone tally in the fifth as Riley Houts singled with one out and took second on a wild pitch. Amber Davis struck out, but Taylor Bain walked and Abbey Wilson singled just over shortstop Payton Craig’s head to score Houts. The tying run was at the plate, but Lauryn Shoush popped up to Gibson. There was no nailbiter like Hamilton, as Rinehart struck out the side in the seventh.

For Coach Brandon Craig, it was a good day’s work against a good team. But the players were harder on themselves. Several of them were in the batting cages behind the dugout during the JV game, taking extra practice swings to get themselves better before the next few games.

Mustangs Down NEN at North Andrew Tournament; Finish Fourth

North Nodaway downed Northeast Nodaway 11-3 before falling to Albany 2-1 and North Andrew 5-2 to take fourth in the North Andrew Tournament.

Northeast jumped out on top 1-0 as Makayla Adwell walked and Taylor Coffelt reached on a pop fly single to right. She took second on right fielder Alisha Davison’s error as Adwell scored. But North Nodaway got the run back and more as Keagan O’Riley led off by doubling off the wall in left. Shai Dailey beat out an infield hit, putting runners on first and third. After Dailey stole second, Makayla Cross singled off the wall in center and went second on the throw home. Ashley Thompson singled to right, went to second on the throw home, and took third and home on wild pitches to put North Nodaway up 4-1 after one.

NEN got one run back in the second. Makayla Adwell walked with one out; with two outs, they got her home. Anne Schieber doubled past Kristin Herndon down the third base line to put runners at second and third. Paige West singled to center to score one and make it 4-2.

But then North Nodaway broke it open in the second. Keagan O’Riley walked with one out and stole second. Shai Dailey singled and went to second on a throw home as O’Riley stopped at third. Keagan scored on a wild pitch as Dailey took third and then Makayla Cross walked and kept right on going to second and made it without a play. Ashley Thompson reached on an error as Dailey scored. Kandace Damgar popped out, but then Cross came home on a wild pitch as Thompson went all the way from first to third. Emma Hart’s pop fly single scored Thompson to make it 8-2.

Northeast made things interesting all day against North Nodaway, but could never get the big hit that could break through and get them back in the game. In the third, Northeast loaded the bases with one out and Maggie Schmitz scored on a wild pitch. Madelynn Mattson walked, but Angela Standiford hit a shot to Keagan O’Riley, who doubled off a runner to limit the damage to one run.

North Nodaway got three more in the third. Audrey Trimble reached on a slap in front of the plate that nobody could get to in time; she stole second. Keagan O’Riley’s soft line drive was caught by Paige West at short, but Trimble took third on a wild pitch and came home on Shai Dailey’s groundout. Makayla Cross reached on an infield hit and scored on Ashley Thompson’s double. Thompson came home on the play when Northeast’s throw home got away and she circled the bases.
For the rest of the tournament, North Nodaway struggled to get hits as they dropped their next two. They struck out a combined total of four times in the two games and put the ball in play, but it was always right at people.

No team mounted a serious threat in the semifinal game between North Nodaway and Albany for the first two innings. In the third, Albany got two on with two out, but pitcher Keagan O’Riley froze Madalyn Rainey for strike three to get out of the inning. Albany threatened again in the fourth when Gabby Newman’s double with one out gave the Warriors a chance. But then Mickayla Martin grounded out to bring up Taylor Bain. Bain hit a grounder that looked headed for a base hit and a run, but shortstop Kandace Damgar got the ball on the second base side and threw to an outstretched Ashley Thompson for the third out.

North Nodaway finally broke through in the fourth. Makayla Cross doubled over the right fielder’s head and went to third on a wild pitch. Kandace Damgar reached on a dropped pop fly as Cross scored; Emma Hart reached on an error by the third baseman, but Albany recovered and picked off Damgar rounding second to end the inning without any further damage.

It looked like the 1-0 lead might stand up like the Gallatin game, but with two outs in the sixth, third baseman Kristin Herndon’s throw was wide of first and Lulu Brown reached on an error. Albany made North Nodaway pay as Gabby Newman, their best hitter, was up, and she hit a double into left center with two strikes on her to tie it up. Mickayla Martin hit a shot into left off Kristin Herndon’s glove; Newman, off with the crack of the bat with two outs, scored on the play to make it 2-1.
North Nodaway catcher Makayla Cross threw out Amber Davis stealing in the seventh to prevent Albany from getting any insurance runs, but Albany retired the last seven Mustang batters for the victory.

The Mustangs had a promising start against North Andrew, but it slipped away as they scored two in the first and nothing thereafter. Atheah Roberts singled home Alaina Officer for North Andrew’s first run in the top of the first. North Nodaway countered as Keagan O’Riley walked and took second on a wild pitch. Shai Dailey’s groundout got her to third and Makayla Cross reached on a dropped fly ball by Shay Carter in right, allowing O’Riley to score. Ashley Thompson advanced her to third on a grounder and Kandace Damgar singled her home to make it 2-1.

But after Taylor Combs bunted in the air in the second, doubling off Alisha Davison and Audrey Trimble was called out for being out of the batter’s box on a slap, all hell broke loose in the third as the first six North Andrew batters reached safely. Three hits, two walks, two errors, and a wild pitch later, the Cardinals were up 5-2. North Nodaway put everything in play after that, but always right at people as they only managed Audrey Trimble’s slap hit in the fifth and Cross’ triple in the sixth.

Obituary -- Aleine Taylor 1927-2017

Aleine Marie Taylor, daughter of Clyde James and Marie Fern (Lane) Howie, was born December 24, 1927 in Creston, Iowa.

She moved with her family to California and graduated from high school at Gilroy, California.While attending a dance with her sister Delores, the girls met Sam and his friend Jim Moody. Within the next few months both couples married. Aleine married Sam A. Taylor on December 20, 1947.

The family returned to the Redding area where Aleine and Sam farmed for many years. Hand in hand, she and Sam labored the farm, caring for all the animals and crops. Aleine had a dear love of her animals, specifically the chickens that she raised as baby chicks to mature and ready to eat. She had a large garden that she sculpted and manicured, canning and freezing for the winter months. Aleine also cooked for several years at the Redding School.

Aleine welcomed all neighbors and family to the home, no matter the time of day. She always had a fresh pot of coffee and pitcher of tea, and in an instant could cook a bountiful meal that pleased all.
Family gatherings were held often with extended family. Some of the favorites were Aleine’s tacos and homemade noodles, though anything that she prepared in the kitchen was absolutely delicious.
After retiring, Aleine and Sam moved into Mount Ayr where she lived the remainder of her life. Aleine began quilting of which all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have at least one quilt to cherish. She also enjoyed reading magazines, her Daily Bread scriptures and novels.

For many years Aleine kept a daily journal.

For several years Aleine continued to share her cooking ability at the Family Resource Center. She loved all the children and cherished them calling her Grandma. To Aleine, it was not work, but rather an ability to help, stay active, and keeping her heart warmed by little ones. She retired for the final time at age 87.

Aleine had a strong faith and enjoyed her drives each Sunday to the Redding United Methodist Church.

Aleine passed away on September 13, 2017 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center.

Survivors include her children Karen Sue Taylor of Midland, Texas; Randy (Karen) Taylor of Mount Ayr, Iowa; grandchildren Jennifer Morrison and Jeremy (Beth) Lyddon; Stasia (Nathan) Nickle, Andrea (Rusty) Schuitema, Nick Taylor, great grandchildren Jayden Morrison, Addison Lyddon, Grayson Lyddon, Brynn Nickle, Breya Nickle, Brittlyn Nickle, Shay Schuitema, and Colvin Schuitema; brother LeRoy Howie of Mount Ayr, Iowa; sister Delores (Jim) Moody of Port Angeles, Washington; sisters-in-law Jean Howie of Mount Ayr and Alice Howie of Albia, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Aleine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Sam on December 12, 1998; 2 brothers Lowell Howie and Virgil Howie; and a sister-in-law Joanne Howie.

NEN Softball Downs Pattonsburg at North Andrew

Northeast Nodaway fell to North Nodaway 11-3 to start the North Andrew Tournament Wednesday. But to their credit, they came back and got a 9-5 victory over Pattonsburg before falling to Benton JV in the consolation finals 10-1.

It looked like Northeast would face an early exit at the tournament, despite having beaten Pattonsburg earlier in the year handily. In the top of the first, Katie Warford walked; Kirsten Slessman popped out to catcher Blair Stoll, but Warford advanced to second on the play. She stole third and came home on a passed ball and Pattonsburg was up 1-0.

Northeast got the run back in the bottom of the inning as Anne Schieber reached on a dropped throw. Paige West popped out and Makayla Adwell struck out, but Taylor Coffelt reached third when right fielder Angelina Anderson dropped a fly ball and Schieber scored to tie it at 1.

All hell threatened to break loose in the second when #8 hitter Anderson was hit by a pitch and #9 hitter Brittani Adams walked. Katie Warford successfully reached on a bunt single to load the bases with nobody out and Kirsten Slessman singled home one. Shaila Cramer flied out to score Adams. Warford stole third and came home on catcher Blair Stoll’s throwing error, while Grace Warner’s single put Pattonsburg up 5-1.

It looked like it would be a short afternoon, but then Emily Redden doubled to lead off Northeast’s half of the second and Blair Stoll’s double brought her home. Jana Walker walked and stole second. Angela Standiford struck out, but Anne Schieber’s pop fly dropped just in front of center to score another to make it 5-3.

Paige West reached on a dropped throw, Walker scored on the play, and West went to second on the throw, putting her at second and Schieber at third. Makayla Adwell, normally a swinger, put down a perfect bunt. Pattonsburg got Schieber trapped between third and home but threw the ball away and two runs came home. Maggie Schmitz reached on a dropped fly to score Adwell, while Emily Redden’s second double of the inning scored Schmitz to flip the script and put Northeast up 8-5.

Northeast got out of a jam in the fourth as Pattonsburg loaded the bases with one out. But Brynn Teel struck out and Autumn Fredricks grounded into a tag play at second; NEN second baseman Cassy Redden tagged out Makelle Hobson before a run could cross, keeping the score at 8-5. Northeast got an insurance run in their half of the fourth when Makayla Adwell scored on a wild pitch.

Northeast was outplayed and outclassed by Benton JV in the consolation final. They committed two errors, walked three batters, and uncorked two wild pitches in the first as they gave up four in that inning. They gave up three more in the second thanks to two errors and three more wild pitches. Angela Standiford showed why she has been earning playing time in the field as her running catch prevented even more runs from scoring.

NEN got their lone tally in the third when Standiford was thrown out stealing on a first and third situation, but Jana Walker came home on the play.

Benton JV scored one tally in each of the third, fourth, and fifth. In each inning, Northeast prevented even more damage as they made several catches in the field. Shortstop Paige West and third baseman Taylor Coffelt made catches in the field in the third. In the fourth, Taylor Coffelt made a shoestring catch, while pitcher Blair Stoll caught a screamer that might have went for extra bases. Center fielder Maggie Schmitz threw out Lexie Peterson trying to stretch a single into a double in the fifth. In the sixth, Maggie Schmitz doubled to the wall in center, but Northeast couldn’t get her home against the stingy Cardinal defense.

Tigers Must Guard Against Letdown Against Lions

Worth County is unbeaten at 5-0 going into Friday’s game, while St. Joseph Christian is 1-3, with winless Albany going the distance against them. But that doesn’t always mean anything. In 1990, Worth County, playing in its first full year of eight man football, came into its game with a 4-2 record. North Nodaway, the defending state champions, was struggling to get back on their feet, coming in with a 2-4 record after dropping their first four. Worth County took a 14-8 lead at halftime, but the second half was all North Nodaway as the Mustangs went on to win 30-14 and Worth County’s season ended with a 6-3 mark. It would be another five years before Worth County’s playoff drought would end, when they won the state title in 1995.

The parallel is that all four of North Nodaway’s losses were close in 1990; Christian went the distance against North Andrew and had close losses to Pattonsburg and Stanberry. Christian has been Kryptonite against Worth County, beating them in the State Championship in 2007 as well as last year. The flip side is that Worth County has only lost one Homecoming since 1993, to Mound City in 2004. Something has to give in Friday’s game.

Worth County did nothing to hurt their offensive numbers in last week’s 80-20 victory against King City. They now average 71.2 points per game, behind only Stanberry with 72.

They allow 12 points per game, second only to Rock Port. Worth County will have to shut down another potent passing game as Lion quarterback Ben Craven has completed 24 of his 49 passes for 264 yards. Their best runningback will be Braden George.

A series of short fields against Albany, along with a couple of returns for touchdowns meant that the stats were down for that week, but Tevin Cameron’s career night against King City, where he ran for 236 yards, put him back into the hunt for the rushing title. He is in third with 49 carries for 675 yards, behind only Stanberry’s two-headed monster of Trey Schieber (809 yards) and Cole Durbin (807 yards). Cameron leads the league in yards per carry, at 13.8. With the emergence of Cameron, Isaac Alarcon has returned to his role as a blocking back, where he helped Brevyn Ross rack up 1,900 yards his freshman year while running for 900 more himself. Quarterback Ryan McClellan can also break loose.