NEN Baseball Survives DeKalb Scare to Win Second Game

Northeast Nodaway survived a fifth inning scare and recovered to beat DeKalb 13-6 in only their second game all year. They had to wait a week to play again after their opening round win over North Nodaway, and things didn’t look promising Thursday morning, with blustery conditions and temperatures around 35 degrees. But it warmed up to 52 by gametime and the sun came out, allowing the field to dry out.

Chet Spire saw his most extensive pitching action in two years after nursing an injury and only pitching three innings last year. He started the game and looked rusty, walking a lot of batters. But he threw hitless ball through four innings and got better as the game progressed.

Meanwhile, Northeast staked him to a 5-0 lead after one. Three straight singles by Spencer Weir, Reed McIntyre, and Cameron Staples led to one run and an error on the third hit put Staples and McIntyre on second and third. Chet Spire walked to load the bases and Brayden Welch hit a squib in front of the plate. DeKalb threw the ball around and McIntyre was safe at home, Levi Boulting (running for Spire) was safe at third, NEN was up 3-0. Ethan Adwell then singled off the wall to score two after Rory Bredlow (running for Adwell) stole second and NEN was seemingly in control.
But they could not add to their lead through the next few innings; they were not used to the slow pitchers the Tigers were throwing at them; they had slow fastballs and even slower breaking balls. They had some hard hits, but they were either foul balls or right at people.

Cameron Staples came in to pitch in the fifth, but all of a sudden the dormant DeKalb franchise sprung to life as they hit back to back home runs over right field to make it 5-2. #24 then singled to left, #11 reached safely as the ball squirted out of first baseman Reed McIntyre’s glove and down the right field line, and NEN botched up a rundown and let #24 score to make it 5-3. Once again, Staples gave up a third home run, this one longer than the first two, and all of a sudden, it was 5-5 and he was finished.

Spencer Weir came on in relief and at first, nothing worked as #1 hit another home run, this time to left center to make it 6-5 as Coach Vance Proffitt was sitting slumped on his chair, stretched out in disbelief. Weir finally struck out the next two batters, but Proffitt had plenty to be agitated about, telling his players they were to good for this sort of thing and telling them they had better get this figured out.

#8 walked Brayden Welch to start the NEN fifth, not a good sign as the goal of a pitcher is to have a shutdown inning after their team has a big inning. That finished him and #1 came on in relief. But he was wild, throwing behind Ethan Adwell to walk him and Maverick Price singled off the right center field wall to tie it and went to second on the throw to third, not in time to get Adwell. Once again, #1 threw behind Spencer Gray and Levi Boulting roped one between third and short to put NEN up 7-6 and finish #1.

#9 came on in relief and threw some even crazier pitches than his mates; he sported a fastball and mixed it with an Eephus pitch that would float high in the air before dropping in. Spencer Weir had no problems with it, but the problem was, he roped one right at the shortstop, who doubled off Gray at second to keep it at 7-6. He was holding Gray on second and was in perfect position to make the play. However, it backfired on DeKalb earlier as Boulting’s hit went through a big hole between third and short.

Reed McIntyre came on and looked silly flailing away at #9’s Eephus pitch, getting to 0-2 in the count. He struck out, but the ball got away and he reached first and an argument ensued as it was the DeKalb coach’s turn to get agitated, contending unsuccessfully that McIntyre had interfered with the throw to first. Boulting scored on the play to make it 8-6. Cameron Staples was ready for the Eephus pitch, but roped it right at the left fielder to end the inning.

Chet Spire hit a shot off the third baseman’s glove after Weir restored order in the sixth and stole second. NEN was able to take advantage of the Eephus, getting some easy steals in the inning. Welch got under the Eephus ball and popped out to the catcher, but Ethan Adwell caught hold of another Eephus ball and singed to left. Maverick Price, who hit it hard all game, roped one right at the left fielder for the second out, but then Spencer Gray showed some excellent plate discipline, waiting on the fastball and roping the first one he saw to left for a base hit after Adwell had stolen second. Gray took second on the throw home and Boulting reached safely again, walking on a 3-2 pitch. NEN took advantage of another Eephus to steal second and third and Spencer Weir finally reached safely, hitting a shot off the pitcher’s glove into no-man’s land between the mound and second and everybody was safe as Gray scored. Reed McIntyre fouled off two different Eephus pitches and fought a long battle with #9 before finally stretching single into a double to make it 13-6.

Spencer Weir started the seventh giving up a four pitch walk and threw six straight balls to start the seventh, but Staples, moving to short after Weir took the mound, made a strong throw to back him up for the first out and Weir settled down to strike out the next two.

71 NEN Students Make Honor Rolls

71 Northeast Nodaway students, or around 70% of the student body, were named to the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll, the school announced on its website.

The following students made the High Honor Roll. Students who made it received a 3.67 to 4.00 GPA with no D’s or F’s:

Gabby Briney, Taylor Coffelt, Salina Deardorff, Emily Redden, Victoria Titus, Brayden Welch, Dakota Auffert, Brittany Burns, Dayane Costa, Gerry Runde, Chet Spire, Colton Wilmes, Cheyenne Wilmes, Ethan Adwell, Reed McIntyre, Brea Miller, Samantha Price, Nate Schieber, Kami Adwell, Madelynn Mattson, Victoria Moran, Anne Schieber, Corby Schmitz, Angela Standiford, Blair Stoll, Paige West, Ben Boswell, Trevor Henggeler, Nathan Meyer, Zach Pride, Colton Swalley, A.J. Adwell, Lily Burns, Kenna Coulter, Kenlyn Grove, Lauren McIntyre, Emily Moran, Kolby Sybert, Ruby Wilmes.

The following students at Northeast Nodaway made the Regular Honor Roll. They had a GPA of 3.00 to 3.66, with no D’s or F’s:

Breanna Coulter, Dylan Mildfeldt, Eli Scroggie, Cameron Staples, Makayla Adwell, Dylan Boulting, Maverick Price, Maggie Schmitz, Mitchell Sherry, Jana Walker, Chase Atkins, Craig Burns, Saige Kohlleppel, Sarah Linville, Delainey McIntyre, Tierney Privett, Cassy Redden, Landen Allen, Anne Briney, Lane Dack, Levi Germann, Justin Miller, Auston Pride, Carson Runde, Dylan Wilmes, Boston Adwell, Meredith Adwell, Jaden Atkins, Lyle Giesken, Jace Kohlleppel, Dylan McIntyre, Creed Wilcox.

Obituary -- Marilyn Jean Roberts 1934-3018

Marilyn Jean Roberts, 83, of Savannah, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at her home.

She was born April 26, 1934, to Norvel and Alice Nally, Sheridan, MO . 

She graduated from Grant City High School, Grant City, MO, in 1952.  

She married Richard (Dick) Leon Roberts June 20, 1954, Maitland, MO.  To this union was born a son, Randy, and daughter, Terina.  They later divorced, but remained best friends. She retired from Quaker Oats, St Joseph, MO.

Surviving her are her son, Randy, and wife Pat of Las Vegas, NV, and daughter, Terina Sears of Maryville, MO;  grandchildren, Allison and Adam Otte, Kansas City, MO, Derrick and Ruth Sears, Cameron, MO, and Erin Roberts, Fillmore, MO; and six great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Otte and Lauren Otte, Kansas City, Hope Hammontree, Cameron, Keifer Steeby, Chloe Steeby and Kayten Roberts, Fillmore. Siblings; David and LuElla Nally, Blockton, IA, Willa Auffert, Maryville, MO, Gary and Phyllis Nally, Maryville, MO, and Linda Nally Parker, Edgewater, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Dick Roberts, brother Donald Nally, nephew David Earl Nally and great-niece, Ashley Nally. 

Funeral services will be Monday, April 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO, with burial in Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville.

www.bramfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Martha Morton 1939-2018

Martha A. Morton, 79, of Hopkins, MO, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at SSM/St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, MO.

Martha was born in Burlington Junction, MO, on February 18, 1939, to Delbert R. and Anna Marie (Lattin) Morton. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her siblings, William Morton, Sam Morton, Delbert Morton, and Mary Phiefer.

She graduated from Hopkins High School and had worked over 20 years at the Maryville Health Care Center, as a dietary aide, and prior to that had been a clerk in Hopkins. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Hopkins, MO.

She is survived by 2 sisters, Genevieve Willtrout, Congress, AZ, and Hazel Young, Hopkins, MO, and her brother, Kenneth Morton, Granite City, IL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great nephew.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the First Baptist Church, Hopkins. The burial will follow in the Hopkins Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church.

Services are under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Filing List Complete for Worth County Primary

Filing is completed for the Worth County Primary that will be held in August. The General Election will be held in November.

The following candidates have filed for office:
Presiding Commissioner: Republican – Jubal Summers, Dan Findley, Payton Whitworth; Democratic – Dan Parman.
Associate Circuit Judge: Joel Miller.
County Clerk: Republican – Roberta Owens.
Collector: Republican – Marcia J. “Julie” Tracy.
Circuit Clerk: Democratic – Jana Findley.
Treasurer: Republican – Linda Brown.
Recorder: Republican – Megan Brown, Ashley Rush; Democratic – Barbara Foland.
Prosecuting Attorney: Democratic – Janet Wake Larison.

The following people have followed for committee positions. All are running unopposed.
Republican Committeeman: Don Null (Allen), Eric Hunt (East Fletchall), Ben Abplanalp (East Union), Russell Burns (Greene), and Will Brown (Smith).
Republican Committeewoman: Lois Null (Allen), Sharon Nonneman (East Fletchall), Nancy Burns (Greene), Dawn Brown (Smith), Julie Lynch (West Fletchall), and Debbie Thummel (West Union).
Democratic Committeeman: Jerry Drake (East Fletchall), John (Jack) Cottrell (Middlefork).
Democratic Committeewoman: Suzanne Cadle (East Fletchall), Edith Miller (East Union).

Keelin Engel Selected for FFA All-State Choir

Keelin Engel has been selected for the FFA All State Choir from Worth County. She is the daughter of Jay and Danielle Engel of Worth. She was one of 180 individuals chosen for the FFA All State Choir. Students will rehearse and perform at the State FFA Convention in Columbia (MO) on April 19th and 20th. They will be performing in front of 8,000 FFA members and guests.

FFA members are selected based on their musical ability through an application process.

Tiger Boys Win Junior High Early Bird; Worth County Completes Four Way Sweep

Worth County’s junior high boys won the Early Bird to complete the four way sweep of the early home track meets. All four Worth County teams – the varsity boys and girls along with the junior high boys and girls – won the Early Bird. The boys won with 129 team points. South Harrison had just as little competition for second, getting 95. Albany had 58, King City 44, North/West Nodaway 35, North Andrew 32, Stanberry 26, Platte Valley 23, NEN 16, North Harrison, Union Star, and Tri-County all with 2, and Gilman City with 1.

Alex Rinehart was third in the 100, getting a personal best with a time of 12.99.

The Tigers placed two in the 200 as Lucas Wake was fourth with a time of 28.39, while Aydan Gladstone was fifth with a time of 28.90.

Levi Cassavaugh got a personal best in the 400 with a third place finish of 1:07.29, almost three seconds better than his previous best time.

Jace Cousatte got a personal best and placed second in the 800, getting a time of 2:31.83. That was over three seconds better than his previous best time. Josh Freed was sixth and came close to a personal best, getting a time of 2:40.64.

Worth County was 1-2 in the 100 Hurdles. Jace Cousatte won, with a time of 17.64, while Aydan Gladstone was second with a time of 18.21. Both were personal bests, with Cousatte knocking 1.6 seconds off his time, while Gladstone knocked 1.03 seconds off.

The 4x100 team of Alex Rinehart, Lucas Wake, Aydan Gladstone, and Jace Cousatte was second with a time of 52.34.

The 4x200 team of Brent Harris, Josh Freed, Levi Cassavaugh, and Jackson Runde was third with a time of 1:58.47.

The 4x400 team of Jon Galanakis, Jackson Runde, Levi Cassavaugh, and Josh Freed held off a late charge from Albany to place third and knock over six seconds off their best time from last  year, getting a time of 4:38.66.

Worth County finished 1-2 in the High Jump with Lucas Wake matching a personal best with a height of 5 feet, and Jace Cousatte finishing right behind with a jump of 4’11”.

Aydan Gladstone came up short in a Pole Vault duel with Braden Spurling (South Harrison), who is drawing a lot of buzz this year for the Bulldogs. But Gladstone got a personal best with a vault of 8’6” and finished second to Spurling’s 9’6”. Lincoln Moore was fifth with a vault of 7 feet, also a personal best.

Worth County placed two in the Long Jump as Alex Rinehart got a personal best and a second place finish with a leap of 16’1”. Jon Galanakis was fifth with a jump of 13’3½”.

Alex Rinehart won the Triple Jump handily, as he got a leap of 34’3”, over three feet better than his nearest competitor. Josh Freed was third with a jump of 29’4½”.

Jackson Runde won the Discus and beat his personal best by over 10 feet, getting a throw of 106’7”.

Junior High Tiger Girls Edge Out Platte Valley for Early Bird Win

Worth County’s junior high girls edged out Platte Valley and several other teams to win the Early Bird Tuesday. The Tigers won with 62 points. Platte Valley had 60, North Andrew 53, King City 53, Albany 47, Princeton 37, Stanberry 34, Tri-County 30, Pattonsburg 22, South Harrison 19, North Harrison 13, Gilman City 12, North/West Nodaway 8, and Union Star 2.

Hailey Adwell was third in the 400 with a time of 1:11.39.

Aivry Griffin was third in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 19.50. It was a close race, as Carly Turner (Tri-County) had 19.49 and Jillian Plymell (Pattonsburg) had 19.32 to win it.

Worth County’s 4x400 team of Molly Miller, ZeeAnna Gladstone, Ali Brown, and Justina Wimer was fourth with a time of 5:26.54.

Aivry Griffin was sixth in the High Jump with a jump of 4’2”.

Worth County went 1-2 in the Pole Vault as Molly Miller won with a vault of 6’3”, and Claire McElvain was second with a vault of 6 feet. Both marks were personal bests.

The Tigers were 2-3 in the Triple Jump. Justina Wimer was second with a jump of 26’4¾”, while Ali Brown was third with a jump of 26’1”. Brown’s mark was a personal best. Over half of Worth County’s 62 team points came in the Pole Vault and the Triple Jump.

Olivia Kanak got a personal best in the Discus and won with a throw of 72’6½”. Calli Mancuso was fifth with a throw of 62’2”.

Courthouse News for March 28th

The Bethany Republican-Clipper reported in their March 21st paper on a home invasion in Ridgeway on Monday, March 19th which resulted in an officer-involved shooting and the arrest of Lisa Ann Legge (55) of Washington (MO) and Elmer Martin Sorrell (52) of High Ridge (MO). Legge and Sorrell allegedly tried to break into the home of a Ridgeway woman, who called 911. A chase ensued and the suspects crashed their car into a ditch at the intersection of Route N and 69 in Daviess County. Sorrell allegedly exchanged gunfire with an officer, was shot, and was lifeflighted to Liberty (MO). Legge is charged with 1st Degree Robbery, Burglary, and Stealing and is being held in Harrison County on $100,000 bond. Sorrell is being charged with 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Stealing, and Resisting Arrest.

There was a high speed police chase in Worth County Wednesday at around 10 pm Wednesday night, March 21st along Old 169 south of Grant City.

On Thursday, multiple sheriffs’ departments across southwest Iowa reported of three individuals who would knock on peoples’ doors. If they were home, they would attempt to sell hotel coupons. If not, they would burglarize their homes. They went to Bethany, Savannah, Bedford, Red Oak, and Leon, where KMA Radio reports they were arrested after a call from a citizen. Arrested were Victor Lamont Gaston of Warner-Robins (GA), Jenea Yervone Gaston of Macon (GA), and Ja Shawn Lamar Clayborne of Toledo (OH). They were charged with third degree burglary and two counts of possession of stolen property. Additional charges were filed in Montgomery County (IA).

Additional charges were filed in Ringgold County according to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department Facebook Page. They face charges of Ongoing Criminal Conduct and 3rd Degree Burglary. The Sheriff’s Department alleges on their Facebook page that Clayborne and the Gastons burglarized the home of Mr. & Mrs. Francis Willis of Mount Ayr between the hours of 1:30 pm and 2:11 pm on March 21st. Bond in Ringgold County is denied until they are seen by a magistrate.

On March 23rd, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department reported on their Facebook Page that James Drake (21) of Blockton was charged with five counts of 3rd Degree Arson on March 22nd. The Department reports that an investigation was started after the Blockton Fire Department had requested one following what they said were several suspicious grass fires. Drake was a member of the Fire Department and has been removed. He is free on $2,000 cash bond.

On Wednesday, March 21st, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Leroy Meek (54) of Blockton in the 400 Block of Main Street in Bedford on charges of Failure to Appear on a charge of Domestic Assault. He is being held in the Taylor County Jail on no bond until seen by the magistrate.
On Tuesday, March 20th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office arrested Carlos Cortez (21) in Lenox on a charge of Failure to Appear on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $1,000.

On Tuesday, March 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Shelly Andersen (40) of Stanberry in Gentry County on charges of Speeding and Driving While Revoked.

On Tuesday, March 20th, the Patrol arrested Jennifer Walker (46) of Bethany in Gentry County on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving Involving a Crash, DWI with Drugs, and No Seat Belt.

On Thursday, March 22nd, the Patrol arrested Dontay Bookman (24) of Houston in Nodaway County on charges of No Driver’s License and Speeding.

On Friday, March 23rd, the Patrol arrested Terry Larison (67) of Sheridan in Worth County on charges of DWI, Speeding, and No Insurance.

On Saturday, March 24th, the Patrol arrested Dale Guernsey (24) of Bethany for DWI (Persistent Offender) and Speeding.

On Saturday, March 24th, the Patrol arrested Carrie McLead (43) of Redding in Worth County of DWI, Failure to Equip Vehicle with Two Headlights, and Failure to Display Valid Plates.

On March 24th, the Patrol arrested David Kendrick (35) of Murfreesboro (TN) in Harrison County on charges of Speeding and Possession of Marijuana.

On March 25th, the Patrol arrested Caleb Rose (18) of Kansas City (KS) in Nodaway County on charges of Possession of Marijuana and Speeding.

The above charges are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.

On February 14th, James M. Kerwin (76) of Grant City was charged by Prosecutor Brett Hurst with Class E Felony Property Damage in addition to the Animal Abuse charges that were filed. Judge Joel Miller has recused himself from the case, and Judge Ed Manring has been assigned. On March 2nd, bond was set by Judge Manring at $500 and posted. He is being represented by Jared Welch.

On March 20th, Hurst filed three Class B Misdemeanor Bad Check charges and one Class A Misdemeanor Bad Check charge against Connie Hudson (58) of McFall.

On March 20th, Hurst filed a Class A Misdemeanor charge against Jasen Bebout (42) of Bedford for Passing a Bad Check.

On March 20th, Hurst filed a Class A Misdemeanor charge against Anthony Hurst (30) of Blockton for Passing a Bad Check.

On March 19th, Jeremy Foster was bound over to Division I and Judge Roger Prokes on a Class D Felony charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Charges listed are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On March 19th, Jackie Tinkle pleaded guilty before Circuit Judge Roger Prokes to two counts of Class E Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Judge Prokes sentenced him to 5 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The court retains jurisdiction for up to 120 days after sentencing and may place the defendant on parole or probation.

North Nodaway Board Accepts Two Resignations

The North Nodaway School Board accepted two resignations at its regular Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, March 21st. They accepted the resignation of English teacher Nina Dewhurst. They also voted to accept the resignation of Librarian James Richmond.

The board hired teachers for the 2018-2019 school year. The board will decide on hiring paraprofessionals and extra duty staff at its April board meeting.

The board voted to hire Elena Bellamy as an English teacher along with Gretchen Wehmeyer for the 2018-2019 school year. Rehired were Roger Johnson, Sarah Emery, Emily Frueh, Leah Koger, Cody Marriott, Owen Miller, Kit Meiners, Ashley Proffitt, Sam Riley, Cassie Runde, Tana Wymer, Heather Townsend, Amanda Wonderly, Jake Shipman, and Susan Law. All votes were unanimous.
The board voted to increase board-paid health insurance by $389, increase the base salary by $400, and the non-certified base by 12 cents for the 2018-2019 school year.

In other action, the board voted to hire Penny Farrell as a substitute teacher. The board voted to award the mowing bid to Jeff Lyle. The board voted to accept Midwest Transit’s bus bid for a price of $75,998.

Janet Wake Larison Files for Prosecutor

Janet Wake Larison has filed as a Democrat for Prosecuting Attorney. If elected, she would be the first person elected to the position since 2006, when she served as Prosecutor. The others have all been appointed to the position by governors, since nobody filed from Worth County.

Several people have filed as committeepeople on both sides of the ticket. Filing for GOP Committeeman slots are Eric Hunt (East Fletchall), Russell Burns (Greene), and Debbie Thummel (West Union). Filing for GOP Committeewoman are Julie Lynch (East Fletchall) and Nancy Burns (Greene).

On the Democratic side, Jerry Drake has filed for East Fletchall Committeeman. Suzanne Cadle (East Fletchall) and Edith Miller (East Union) have filed for Committeewoman.

The filing deadline expires tomorrow at the close of business at the Courthouse.

Eight North Harrison Events Headed to State Music Contest

Eight different North Harrison events are headed to state after music contests held on Saturday. They are:
Rainey Fordyce- Flute Solo
Collin Briggs- Snare Solo
Hunter Stevens- Clarinet Solo
Mardee Sadowsky- Tenor Sax Solo
Saxophone Quartet- Audry Briggs, Hannah Whitmire, Mardee Sadowsky, Katelyn Briggs
Misc. WW Quintet- Ashlynn Gilpatrick, Trendi Johnson, Hannah Whitmire, Lucas McChesney, Kami Gibson
Percussion Ensemble- Collin Briggs, Rainey Fordyce, Ashlynn Gilpatrick, Audry Briggs, Hunter Stevens, Emma Craig, Lola Breshears, Gavin Garrett
SSA Sextet- Emma Craig, Addie Slaughter, Vici Stellpflug, Lola Breshears, Hunter Stevens, Ashlynn Gilpatrick
The school entered 33 music events.

Payton Craig Wins Javelin at Worth County Early Bird

Payton Craig came close to her own school record in the Javelin with a throw of 110’3” at the Worth County Early Bird Thursday, winning the event in the process. She beat out Madison Ohrt (East Atchison, 104’11”) and Paige Quilty (Mound City, 99’4”) in the process. Her current personal best is 117’8”, set at sectionals last year. She will be one of several favorites to contend for the state title in the event along with Kate Ruediger (New Haven), Carleigh Jenkins (Wellington-Napoleon), and Josie Deen (Platte Valley). Ruediger’s winning throw at state last year was 127’6”.

Other medalists on the girls side Thursday include Mardee Sadowsky, who was sixth in the 800 with a time of 2:49.26.

Emma Craig picked up two medals in the throwing events. She was third in the Shot Put with a throw of 30’6”. She was also second in the Discus with a throw of 97’1”.

On the boys side, Gavin Garrett picked up all six of North Harrison’s points. He was fourth in the 1600 with a time of 5:23.09. In the Javelin, he was fifth with a throw of 125’5”, beating his previous personal best by over 27 feet.

Paige West Finishes Strong Second in Hurdle Events; Wilmes, Mildfeldt Excel

Paige West made an impressive debut in the Hurdles Thursday at the Worth County Early Bird, placing a strong second in both hurdle events and pushing Anna Gladstone both times. West had been doing well in the hurdle events in Junior High last year, but what happened Thursday exceeded all expectations, including her own.

In the 100 Hurdles, West was placed in the slow heat, but beat everyone else out by over two and a half seconds to win her heat. She was second to Anna Gladstone, getting 18.38 to Gladstone’s 17.83. The two fought another close duel in the 300 as well. Running in the 300 Hurdles for the first time ever, West was seeded to run it in a minute, but exceeded that by almost six seconds, finishing with 54.07 to Gladstone’s 53.06. 

Colton Wilmes put on an impressive throwing performance Thursday. In the Shot Put, he beat his personal best by over four feet and finished second to Drake Kinsella, getting 42’8” to Kinsella’s 46’7”. In the Discus, Wilmes threw into the wind and won, getting a throw of 121’4”, beating out Mason Hawk (117’9½”), Logan Caldwell (Winston, 115’2”), and Drake Kinsella (112’7”).

The other winning performance for NEN at the Early Bird was Dylan Mildfeldt, who beat his previous personal best in the 100 by .3 of a second and won the event with a time of 11.87 to Austin Pankau’s (Mound City) 12.17.

On the girls side, Jana Walker was 5th in the 200 with a time of 30.27. Dana Chandler was 4th in the 3200 with a time of 16:41.42.

NEN fielded a 4x100 team of Breanna Coulter, Blair Stoll, Jana Walker, and Paige West which took 6th with a time of 59.06. The 4x200 team of Saige Kohleppel, Zayla Carlson, Angela Standiford, and Jana Walker was also 6th with a time of 2:09.88. The 4x400 team of Cassy Redden, Victoria Moran, Anne Schieber, and Angela Standiford was 6th with a time of 5:35.79.

Paige West collected four track medals on the day, the first NEN female track athlete to do so since Jacqueline and Michelle Schulte. She was 6th in the Long Jump with a just of 14’½”; she was also on the 4x100 Relay team as well as the two hurdling events.

On the boys side, Nathan Schieber was 5th in the 800 with a time of 2:25.04.

The 4x100 team of Ethan Adwell, Dylan Mildfeldt, Brayden Welch, and Nathan Schieber was sixth with a time of 51.59.

The girls were seventh for the day with a total of 26 team points. The boys were also seventh, getting 31 team points.

Obituary -- Lois Gibson 1919-2018

Lois Irene (Ballew) Gibson, 98, Bethany, MO (formerly of Eagleville, MO) passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.

She was born August 5, 1919 to Walter and Bessie (Campbell) Ballew and grew up on a farm west of Eagleville. She attended Eagleville High School and later met Roger Hugh Gibson. They were married January 26, 1937 and were blessed with 5 children, Carolyn, Becky, Roger, Ron, and Randy.
While raising their family, they farmed and later moved to town in 1955. She worked selling Avon and Fuller Brush and also as a store clerk for Western Auto in Eagleville. She was a member of the Eagleville Christian Church.

Some of her hobbies included gardening, fishing, playing dominoes, having coffee with friends and most of all watching grandkids play while entertaining them with the “Fly Away Jack n’ Jill” game.
Lois appreciated the many visits from family and friends and she always had a smile and a story to tell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh; her parents; 2 brothers, Roy and Dean Ballew; 2 sisters, Verda Richardson and Doris Riley and their spouses; son-in-law, Jim Armstrong; 2 grandchildren, Justin and Janette Gibson; step-granddaughter, Sherri (Barker) Daun; and great-great grandson, Trey Steele.

Lois is survived by 2 daughters, Carolyn Armstrong, Becky (Bill) Barker; 3 sons, Roger (Pat) Gibson, Ron (Susan) Gibson, Randy (Sandy) Gibson; 16 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 23 at the Eagleville Christian Church, Eagleville, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Burial followed in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. Memorials may be made to Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville Christian Church, and/or Harrison County Hospice in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Willetta Katherine Geagley 1920-2018

Willetta Katherine Geagley, 97, of Maryville, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at the Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville, MO.

Born in Pickering, MO on September 7, 1920, she had lived in the area most all her life.

She graduated from the Horace Mann High School, Maryville, and worked as a bookkeeper for J.C. Penney’s.

She had married Ed Stephens, and they later divorced.  She later married William “Bill” Geagley and he preceded her in death.  She was also preceded by her parents, her brother, Clayton Kelley, and sister, Ruth White.

She is survived by her 3 children, Larry Stephens, Leavenworth, KS, Kelley (Janice) Stephens, Kansas City, MO, and Randy Geagley, Maryville; her sister, Virginia Lett, Maryville; 5 grandchildren, Renee (Matt) Gray, Laramie, WY, Jill (Tim) Aldridge, Laramie, Jessica Geagley, Fisher, OK, Dylan Wallace, Estes Park, CO, and Makaya Geagley, Hopkins, MO; 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Willetta has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.
Memorial graveside services are at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, IA.  No formal visitation is planned.

Memorials are suggested to the New Nodaway Humane Society, Maryville, MO.

Obituary -- Karen Michelle Westcott 1960-2018

Karen Michelle Westcott, 57, of Hopkins, MO, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at her residence in Hopkins, MO.

Karen was born May 4, 1960 in St. Joseph, MO. Her parents were Carroll Jennings Fincham and Geneieve (Clark) Fincham. They preceded her in death.

Karen was a homemaker and had worked at the Kawasaki plant in Maryville.

She was raised in the Baptist faith.

Karen cared very much for animals, especially horses.

On May 5th, 2006, she married Alic Bradley Westcott in Maryville. He survives of the home.
Other survivors included: step-children Tammy (Jerry) Van Pelt of Hopkins, and Jeffrey Westcott of Maryville. Five grandchildren: Angel Leboe, Cassie Leboe, William Leboe, Billie Jean Van Pelt, and Damien Westcott. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Darroll Fincham of Hopkins, Carroll Fincham also of Hopkins, Nancy (Charlie) Nash of southern MO, Thelma Scotton of St. Louis, MO, Lola Ringgold of Maryville, Lovella Wilkinson, of Pickering, MO, and Gay Fincham of Pumpkin Center. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Karen Westcott has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home in Maryville.

No services are planned at this time.

Obituary -- Michael Murphy 1940-2018

Michael R. Murphy, 77 Barnard, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at his home.
Michael was born on June15, 1940 in Quitman, Missouri to Louis and Maude (Reynolds) Murphy. He served in the United State Army and was a truck driver and worked in construction.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Sharon Schiffer and Carolyn Davis, two sisters, Shirley Baker, Phyllis Howard and three brothers, Bill Murphy, John Murphy and Howard Murphy.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred of the home; five sons, Bob (Sandra) Murphy, Donnie (Connie) Murphy, Mike (Lori) Murphy, Rodney Murphy, and Cody Murphy all of Barnard, Missouri; one daughter, Robin (Joe) Burns, Pickering, Missouri; brother, Jerry (Mary) Murphy, Guilford, Missouri and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

www.pricefuenralhomemaryville.com

Shamrock Baseball Falls to Pattonsburg in Miserable Conditions

North Harrison’s baseball team came crashing down to earth last week after a pair of impressive wins over Trenton to start the season. First, they gave up nine runs against Class 3 Cameron in the first inning and never had a chance in their 11-1 loss to the Dragons, their first loss of the year. Logan Craig’s home run was the lone tally for the Shamrocks.

Then, they had plenty of chances against Pattonsburg but could not capitalize on them and fell 3-0 to the suddenly solid Panther squad, only in their second year of playing baseball. Pattonsburg had beaten North Harrison in the jamboree earlier this month, and the Panthers showed that it was no fluke as they did so again in game conditions.

The playing conditions were not fit for man or beast again, as temperatures were around 50 degrees, but the wind was howling in from the east, wreaking havoc on everything and creating a defensive struggle.

The Shamrocks had their chances in the first three innings of the game. In the first, Grant Claycomb walked and Brett Emig was hit by a pitch. But then Logan Craig hit a towering fly ball that Claycomb mistakenly thought was going to be caught and held up at second. But the wind blew it in and it dropped. Instead of a single and bases loaded, Claycomb was forced out at third. Later, Collin Castleberry hit a screamer, but right at pitcher Peyton Jones for the final out.

In the meantime, Castleberry pitched for North Harrison and kept his team in the game for six innings. He pitched strongly through two, only giving up a two out double to Cameron Jones in the first.

In the third, North Harrison had another golden opportunity to score, but Grant Claycomb hit a screamer that was right at Cameron Jones for the first out. Then, Brett Emig walked and Logan Craig singled to left. Brett Emig stole third successfully, but then tried unsuccessfully to score as the ball got away from third, but not far enough for him to advance. He was out in a rundown, and then Logan Craig wandered too far off second and was out in another rundown. Instead of runners at second and third with one out and two solid hitters in Timothy Heintz and Collin Castleberry coming up, Pattonsburg was out of the inning with no damage done.

North Harrison had every right to expect an easy inning since Pattonsburg’s 8 and 9 hitters were coming up to start the third, but Castleberry walked Dillon Turner, who stole second, and Katie Warford reached on an error when catcher Brett Emig slipped and bobbled a squib in front of the plate. Warford stole second and Castleberry could not put away Peyton Jones after getting him down in the count 0-2 as he singled to right to score one run. Castleberry lost Dylan McCrary after another 0-2 count and walked him, loading the bases with nobody out.

Castleberry nearly walked Cameron Jones after Jones’ acting job on a pitch on the inside corner, lunging out of the way, convinced the umpire not to ring him up but to call ball three and make it 3-2. A walk would have forced in a run, but Castleberry recovered to strike out Jones and Cole Dilley and then get Logan Pankau to ground out to end the inning with only one run scoring.

North Harrison had one more chance to tie or take the lead in the fifth as Grant Claycomb singled to left and Brett Emig doubled off the wall with two outs. Without the wind howling in from the east, it might have left the yard and put North Harrison up 2-1. But then Logan Craig was tied up by a change as Peyton Jones started pitching stronger and stronger as the game progressed, striking out the side in the sixth.

Tyler Lundy came on in the seventh and nearly got out of the inning with no damage done, but then Peyton Jones’ double with two outs turned out to be the dagger for Pattonsburg.

Tiger Boys Victorious at Early Bird to Complete Sweep

Worth County’s boys had almost as little competition in the Early Bird as the girls did, winning it with 123.5 total points. Mound City had just as little competition for second, getting 96 points. Pattonsburg had 61, Stanberry 54, and East Atchison 40.

Unlike the girls, the boys were able to pick up some firsts in the open running events. Andrew Alarcon was third in the 100 despite coming close to a personal best, getting 12.34 to Dylan Mildfeldt’s (NEN) 11.87. But Bryant McCord was able to win the 200, edging out Cameron Jones (Pattonsburg) with a time of 24.94 to Jones’ 25.22.

McCord was second in the 110 Hurdles. He posted a time of 16.81 to Briacin Bywater’s (East Atchison) 16.45. In the 300 Hurdles, Jaxon Anderson was fifth with a time of 48.24.

The 4x100 team of Tevin Cameron, Caleb Parman, Ryan McClellan, and Bryant McCord won with a time of 47.63 to King City’s 47.81. The 4x200 team of Tevin Cameron, Andrew Alarcon, Ryan McClellan, and Jaxon Anderson was third with a time of 1:40.94. The 4x400 team of Tevin Cameron, Bryant McCord, Wayde Parman, and Andrew Alarcon was third with a time of 3:56.81, getting a personal best. The 4x800 team of Jeremy Wimer, Daniel Craven, Wayde Parman, and Nate Adwell was third with a time of 11:17.39.

In the field events, Caleb Parman was sixth in the High Jump with a jump of 5’4”. Nathan Adwell was second in the Pole Vault with a vault of 10 feet. Jeremy Wimer was tied for fifth with a vault of 8’6”.

The Tigers placed two in the Long Jump. Tevin Cameron was second with a jump of 18’7½”. Caleb Parman was fifth with a jump of 18’3½”. In the Triple Jump, Caleb Parman was fourth with a jump of 38’6”, while Jaxon Anderson was right behind with a jump of 36’7”.

Worth County excelled in all three throwing events. Drake Kinsella picked up where he left off last year, getting a winning throw of 46’7”, close to a personal best. Mason Hawk was third with a throw of 40’5”. Mason Hawk, throwing into the wind, still got close to a personal best with a throw of 117’9½”, while Drake Kinsella was fourth with a throw of 112’7”. Jacob New beat his previous personal best by over 11 feet, placing second in the Javelin with a throw of 131’6”, around four feet off the school record set by Rune Zinn.

Tiger Girls Run Away from Panthers, Other Foes; Merrideth Spiers Throws 127 Feet Into the Wind

Worth County’s girls reversed the results of the Quarterfinal basketball game in track, running away with the Early Bird over Mound City and a host of other competitors, coming away with 131 points. Mound City had 86, Stanberry 85, East Atchison 83.33, and King City 64.

The highlight of the meet was Merrideth Spiers, who ran away with the Discus with a throw of 127 feet into a stiff east wind. She beat the rest of the field by almost 30 feet; Emma Craig (North Harrison) finished second with a throw of 97’1”. Kennedy Galanakis was fourth with a throw of 93’7½. Spiers also won the Shot Put, getting a throw of 35’4”, beating out Keagan Madison (South Harrison) by over a foot.

Worth County ran away with it despite not winning any of the open running events, although they got some points. The purple shirts won the speed events, but thankfully, they were the ones from King City. Grace Schottel won all three of the speed events for the Wildkats, beating out Hannah Wedlock (Mound City) in the 100, Peyton Gage (Stanberry) in the 200, and Halley Wilmes (Stanberry) in the 400. She also anchored the winning 4x200 team for King City, so the future Missouri Western track athlete picked up 40 of her team’s 64 points.

Worth County picked up some points in the speed events as Liz Lyle was third in the 100 with a time of 14.70. In the 400, Allison Larison was fifth with a time of 1:12.75.  King City also dominated the 800 as Shae Gilbert won with a time of 2:41.33; Braidy Hunt was third with a time of 2:45.38.
Mound City was strong in the distance events, with the Panthers picking up a 2-3 finish in the 1600 and Emma Derr winning the 3200. But Kristin New was right behind in the latter event, picking up a second place finish of 14:31.27.

Anna Gladstone picked up a pair of wins for Worth County in the hurdling events, holding off Paige West (NEN) in both events. She got a time of 17.83 in the 100 Hurdles and a time of 53.06 in the 300 Hurdles. Also placing for Worth County was Morgan Beagle, who was fifth in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 19.96, and third in the 300 Hurdles with a personal best time of 56.38, almost four seconds better than her previous best.

Mound City ran away with the 4x100, but Worth County was able to pick up some points, as the team of Liz Lyle, Navada Hoff, Jessi Badell, and Regan Allee was fourth with a time of 57.85. The 4x400 team of Kristin New, Braidy Hunt, Jill Hardy, and Megan Cassavaugh was fifth with a time of 5:00.24. Mound City ran away with the 4x800, but Worth County was able to pick up points as the team of Kristin New, Braidy Hunt, Jill Hardy, and Megan Cassavaugh was third with a time of 11:50.82.

Anna Gladstone picked up a pair of seconds in the field events. She was second in the High Jump with a jump of 4’8”, and second in the Long Jump with a jump of 15’10”.

Worth County dominated in the Pole Vault as Regan Allee won with a personal best of 9 feet, while Keelin Engel was tied for second with a vault of 7’6”. Liz Lyle was third in the Triple Jump with a jump of 31’5”, while Jill Hardy was fifth with a jump of 29’9”.

Spencer Weir Shuts Out Mustangs as NEN Wins

Spencer Weir whiffed nine North Nodaway batters and allowed only two hits, shutting them down in five innings of work as NEN won 11-0 in a run-rule victory. The Bluejays, despite not getting a game under their belts until Thursday, picked up right where they left off last year, when they made it all the way to the State Quarterfinals.

NEN got on the board in the top of the first when Spencer Weir roped a soft line drive that shortstop Austin Bird couldn’t come up with and got on base. Reed McIntyre walked and Cameron Staples singled up the middle to put NEN up 1-0. Chet Spire walked and Brayden Welch flied out to Logan Keho in center to score McIntyre. Staples came home on a wild pitch; North Nodaway put back their iconic wooden backstop for this season and the ball was either bouncing right back at the catcher or taking crazy bounces into no man’s land. Staples was safe on a close play to make it 3-0.

The Bluejays added to their lead in the second when Chance Barber was hit by a pitch. It looked like North Nodaway would get out of the inning despite the heart of NEN’s order coming up when third baseman Makayla Cross handled a tough grounder from Spencer Weir and threw him out at first and Reed McIntyre grounded out to Tyler Bix on the mound. But then Cameron Staples hit one to Austin Bird at short and the ball squirted through his legs for an error and Barber came home. Chet Spire walked and Brayden Welch singled to left to score Staples to make it 5-0.

That finished Bix, and Arron Coleman came on and shut down NEN at first, striking out the side in the third, two on called third strikes. Meanwhile, Makayla Cross roped a single right up the middle with one out to break up Weir’s no-hit bid in the third. That was an attempt to echo the game two years ago, when Jill Spire got a critical hit off Koby Reynolds to start the rally that handed NEN one of their four straight conference titles. But then Weir restored order by striking out Lucas Alvarez and getting Dalton Smyser to fly out to Maverick Price.

Reed McIntyre doubled all the way to the wall in left, over 300 feet away and Arron Coleman plunked Cameron Staples with a pitch despite Coach Jake Shipman’s protests that he made no effort to avoid the pitch. But Coleman got out of the inning, getting Chet Spire to chase after a high pitch, freezing Brayden Welch on a breaking ball, and tagging out McIntyre trying to come home on a wild pitch as the wooden backstop played into North Nodaway’s hands as the ball bounced right back to Bix behind the plate.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Bix singled to left, but then Arron Coleman’s long fly was reigned in by Brayden Welch – North Nodaway has put a fence around the outfield, but the vast park still kept everything in Thursday despite the wind blowing out to left. An errant pickoff throw by Weir – NEN’s only error – put Bix on second, but then Weir came back to freeze Ryan Riley on a breaking ball to end one of North Nodaway’s few chances to score.

The floodgates opened for NEN in the fifth after Coleman had held the fort for two innings. Ethan Adwell reached on a single and an error when centerfielder Logan Keho let the ball get by him. Maverick Price reached on a dropped third strike and pinch hitter Spencer Gray walked to load the bases.

Chance Barber struck out, but then Spencer Weir doubled off the wall in left to score two and put runners on second and third. Reed McIntyre singled to left and two runs scored as Chace Atkins, running for Weir, came home from second as McIntyre took second on the throw home. Cameron Staples singled to center past a diving Austin Bird to score McIntyre. Chet Spire reached safely as Bird dropped a force as Staples slid in hard to break up the play. Brayden Welch popped out to second, but Ethan Adwell singled home Staples to make it 11-0.

Logan Keho put up a good fight against Weir, getting him to seven pitches before striking out. Andrew Blackford, the littlest man on the team for the Mustangs, drew a walk, but Makayla Cross and Lucas Alvarez struck out as Weir finished the game and preserved the shutout.

38 Shamrocks Participate in Savannah FFA Contests

Monday, March 19th, the North Harrison AG kids competed in the Savannah AG Contests. 38 students, or over half the high school at North Harrison, participated in the day’s events, with many of the participants finishing near the top of their contest areas. 

Team Results and Top Individuals:
Forestry: 1st out of 22 teams (Logan Craig, Payton Craig, Bobby Hutton, Brandy Rivet, and Vici Stellpflug)
Payton Craig: 1st Individual, Logan Craig: 4th, Vici Stellpflug: 8th, Brandy Rivet: 13th

Horses: 2nd out of 22 teams (Ashlynn Gilpatrick, Lane Huitt, Kason Mathes, Kylie Pottorff, and Mardee Sadowsky)
Mardee Sadowsky: 1st Individual, Lane Huitt: 8th, Ashlynn Gilpatrick: 10th, Kylie Pottorff: 31st, Kason Mathes: 45th

Meats: 3rd out of 29 teams (Olivia Babinski, Gavin Garrett, Addie Slaughter, Kenna Slaughter)
Olivia Babinski: 5th Individual, Gavin Garrett 8th,  Makenna Slaughter 20th and Addie Slaughter: 29th

Poultry: 3rd out of 27 teams (Collin Briggs, Grant Claycomb, Kami Gibson, Kadyn Hukill, Emma Jones, Hunter Parkhurst, and Cruz Ury)
Grant Claycomb: 6th Individual, Collin Briggs: 19th, Kami Gibson: 25th, Hunter Parkhurst: 26th, Cruz Ury: 28th, Kadyn Hukill: 31st, Emma Jones: 80th

Dairy Cattle: 4th out of 32 teams (Lola Breshears, Emma Craig, Taylor Richards, Carly Rinehart, and Hunter Stevens)
Lola Breshears: 3rd Individual, Emma Craig: 17th, Hunter Stevens 21st, and Carly Rinehart 23rd

Livestock: 4th out of 30 teams (Brett Emig, Rainey Fordyce, Logan Huitt, Nick Mickelson, and Steven Willhite)
Logan Huitt: 8th Individual, Brett Emig: 17th, Nick Mickelson: 23rd, Steven Willhite: 45th, Rainey Fordyce: 53rd

Agronomy: 16th out of 17 teams (Mason Cracraft and Ryan Jones)  

Entomology: 21st out of 22 (Collin Castleberry, Elizabeth, and Cameron Hamaker)

Floriculture: 30th out of 33, (Avery Cook, Keaton DeMoss, and Tristan Hulett)

Primary Contest Develops for Recorder of Deeds Race; Andrews Faces Opposition

A primary contest has developed for the Recorder of Deeds race in Worth County. Ashley Rush has filed for the GOP ticket; she will oppose Megan Brown in the August primary. The winner will face off against Barbara Foland in November.

Jerry Drake has filed for East Fletchall Democratic Committeeman, being the only person from either party to do so as of Tuesday, March 20th. All committee positions are open for the August primary.

State Representative Allen Andrews will face opposition for the 1st District State House seat. Paul Taylor, a Democrat, will challenge him and face off against him in November if nobody else files.

In the Sixth District Congressional Race, Congressman Sam Graves has drawn three opponents. Winston Apple of Independence has filed against Graves on the Democratic side, as has Henry Robert Martin of Kansas City. On the Libertarian ticket, Dan Hogan of St. Peters has filed.

NEN Contemplating Security Doors, Rehires All Teachers; Three Teachers Resign

Northeast Nodaway is considering putting in new security doors at the school. Currently, Worth County, North Nodaway, and North Harrison have security doors, but NEN has not put any in.

At Thursday’s regular Board of Education Meeting, the board voted to have a double door installed in the doorway that leads from the high school/elementary hallway to the cafeteria. The board awarded the bid to Maryville Glass & Lock by a 6-0-1 vote with board member Victor West abstaining. The total cost will be $3,485.

Superintendent Ken Grove discussed the possibility of locking all the doors into the school and using a security system to let visitors in and out of the building.

Three teachers will be leaving the school following the end of the current school year. The board voted to accept the resignations of Michael Trautz, Linda Primm, and Ashley Merrigan.

The board voted to offer a contract to Marcy Sobotka for the 2018-2019 school year. The board also voted to rehire principals Jason McDowell and Bryan Grow. The vote to rehire Grow was 6-0-1, with board member Kenny Runde abstaining.

The board voted to offer contracts for the 2018-2019 school year to Drew Bruner, Taylor Blevins, Dan Autry, Jennifer Boulting, Lori Stoll, Amanda Ojeda, Katlyn Meiners (not to be confused with the North Nodaway softball coach), Mandy Adwell, and Jennifer Ware. Board member Jeff Redden abstained on the vote on Boulting.

The board voted to tenure Abbie (Stiens) Groomer.

Tenured teachers who were offered contracts include Barbara Bredlow, Carrie Coulter, Denise Henggeler, Vance Proffitt, Philip Doty, Kila Henry, Katie Jenkins, Jared Freemyer, and Heidi Beatty.

Teachers at Northeast Nodaway will see higher pay for the next school year. The board voted to allow all new teachers to bring in all prior full-time experience from accredited K-12 school districts for salary schedule purposes and to adjust current teachers’ salaries who were hired with the old rule.

The board voted to increase the base salary of the salary schedule by $500, increased the Master’s step by an additional $500, and continue the Bluejay Dedicated Teacher Program.

The board awarded the lawn service bid for the 2018 season to Wiederholt Lawn Care.

Enrollment for the school is currently at 202. There are 102 students enrolled at the high school and 100 in the elementary. There are 16 students currently enrolled in the preschool.

Carrie Coulter of the Northeast Nodaway PTO reported that the annual rummage sale brought in around $1,350.

The school marked Missouri Read-In Day on March 6th, and junior high and high school students came and read to the elementary students.

Courthouse News for March 21st

On March 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Tanner Wilcox (18) of Parnell in Nodaway County on charges of DWI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Careless & Imprudent Driving.

On March 17th, the Patrol arrested Lawrence Smith (53) of Kansas City in Harrison County on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Speeding.

On March 17th, the Patrol arrested Laurie Smith (52) of Kansas City in Harrison County on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Information was taken off the Patrol’s online arrest reports page. The above charges are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.

In Nodaway County, Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against John Stephenson (61) of Sheridan for Class D Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance on September 12th. On Thursday, he was bound over to Division I.

In Worth County, Prosecutor Brett Hurst filed information on Wednesday, March 14th alleging that on February 28th, Kyle Kobbe (23) of Grant City committed the Class B Misdemeanor of DWI. He was also charged with operating a motor vehicle in a careless & imprudent manner, involving an accident.

Shana Land (26) of Grant City was charged with exceeding the speed limit by 16-19 miles per hour on December 26th, 2017.

Jason Thomas (38) of Stanberry was charged with exceeding the posted speed limit by 11-15 miles per hour on February 9th, 2018.

Charges listed are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Aaron Moad (27) pleaded guilty to a charge of DWI Monday. He was placed on two years probation and was assessed $252.50 in court costs, the Highway Patrol Fee, and jail keep.

Dustin Ueligger pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of having a defective bumper and was assessed $591.50 in fines and court costs.

Beau Eversol (42) of Kellerton (IA) failed to appear on a charge of 2nd Degree Property Damage. Judge Joel Miller issued a warrant, and bond was set at $750, cash only.

Shamrock Baseball Sets School Record for Runs

Despite the torrential rains that washed out most of last week’s games, North Harrison somehow got in two games at Trenton Saturday. In the process, they set a school record for runs scored, getting 14 in a 14-1 victory over the second-year Bulldogs. In the second game, North Harrison played a much tighter game before coming away with the 4-2 victory. The game with North Nodaway, as well as two of NEN’s games were called off.

Obituary -- Lisa Heaton 1966-2018

Lisa Morene Heaton, age 51, Sheridan, Missouri passed away, March 17, 2018 at SSM St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri.

Lisa was born August 31, 1966 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  She was the daughter of  Hugh Ragland, raised by John Pierce Sr and Hazel Irene Burson.  She attended Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Lisa was united in marriage to Roger Pearson and they had one daughter Corissa Reinke (Pearson).  Lisa later married her husband of seventeen years, Charles Heaton in Miami, Oklahoma on September 1, 2000.

Lisa had an amazing talent in the kitchen.  The ability to cook in abundance filled the hearts of everyone she loved.  Lisa loved the wind in her hair while free on a motorcycle.  She was a proud grandma who enjoyed watching Ira grow.  Over the years Lisa had been a part of many people’s lives as she was a master of all projects including painting, remodeling & restoring old furniture, also she worked in various restaurants and cafés in the area.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Ragland and her step-father, Sid Gousheh.

Her survivors include: Husband, Charles Heaton, Sheridan, Missouri, daughter Corissa (Taylor) Reinke, & beloved grandson Ira Reinke, Agency, Missouri, mother, Hazel Irene Gousheh, Minot, North Dakota, father John (Jean) Pierce Sr Council Bluffs, Iowa, brothers; John (Rachel) Pierce, Glenwood, Iowa, Eric Gousheh, Temecula, California, Michael Ragland & Robert Ragland Nebraska City, Nebraska, sisters; Sarah (Shannon) Burckhard, Minot, North Dakota, Sophie Ragland, Nebraska City, Nebraska, many nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Sheridan Christian Church, Sheridan, Missouri.  Pastor Jeff Blaine will be officiating the service.

A private family inurnment will take place at the Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa. 

Arrangements by Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri.  

North Harrison FFA Forestry Team First at Lathrop

As spring break started on Monday morning, March 12th, the North Harrison Ag kids were on their way to Lathrop to compete in the 20th Annual Lathrop Judging Day, which is normally the largest contest we attend all year.  This year was no different, as 1700 students gathered to compete in various agriculture CDE events.

The hard work these kids have been putting in recently was rewarded with outstanding results. We sent 6 full teams to this contest, (Forestry, Dairy Cattle, Poultry, Meats, Horses, and Livestock) and 3 other teams that were competing with only two individuals (Agronomy, Floriculture, and Entomology)

Team Results and Top Individuals:
Forestry: 1st out of 22 teams (Logan Craig, Payton Craig, Bobby Hutton, Brandy Rivet, and Vici Stellpflug)
Payton Craig: 1st Individual, Logan Craig: 4th, Bobby Hutton: 6th, Vici Stellpflug: 7th, Brandy Rivet: 14th
Dairy Cattle: 3rd out of 43 teams (Lola Breshears, Emma Craig, Taylor Richards, Carly Rinehart, and Hunter Stevens)
Carly Rinehart: 2nd Individual, Hunter Stevens: 7th, Emma Craig and Lola Breshears: tied for 9th
Meats: 3rd out of 35 teams (Olivia Babinski, Gavin Garrett, Addie Slaughter, Kenna Slaughter)
Olivia Babinski: 8th Individual, Kenna Slaughter 10th, Gavin Garrett 13th, and Addie Slaughter: 16th
Poultry: 3rd out of 33 teams (Collin Briggs, Grant Claycomb, Kami Gibson, Kadyn Hukill, Emma Jones, Hunter Parkhurst, and Cruz Ury)
Kami Gibson: 2nd Individual, Cruz Ury 8th
Horses: 3rd out of 28 teams (Ashlynn Gilpatrick, Lane Huitt, Kason Mathes, Kylie Pottorff, and Mardee Sadowsky)
Lane Huitt: 5th Individual
Livestock: 4th out of 38 teams (Brett Emig, Rainey Fordyce, Logan Huitt, Nick Mickelson, and Steven Willhite)
Rainey Fordyce: 5th Individual
The Agronomy (Mason Cracraft and Ryan Jones)  Flower, (Avery Cook and Tristan Hulett) and Entomology (Collin Castleberry and Cameron Hamaker) teams judged with only 2 members/per team.

Results of Area II FFA Contest:
Wednesday evening, Mardee Sadowsky and Emma Craig traveled to Gallatin to compete in the Area II FFA LDE Contest.  Mardee Sadowsky competed in the area of Advanced Prepared Public Speaking and finished in 3rd Place with a Gold rating, advancing on to districts on March 27th, where 6 total speakers, 3 from Area I, and 3 from Area 2 will compete for the opportunity to qualify for state.  The top 2 speakers will move on to compete at the State FFA Convention in Columbia in April.
Emma Craig finished 5th overall and a Gold rating, in the FFA Creed, alternate to districts. 

Wicked Witch Kidnaps NEN Mascot in Unsuccessful Effort to Regain Slippers

The hunt for the Red Slippers took a scary turn at Northeast Nodaway, but it all ended well as around 125 people watched the drama unfold.

Everyone thought that the Wicked Witch of the West was killed when Dorothy doused her with the water bucket back in 1939 before returning to Kansas. But the red slippers, which held Oz’s magical powers, left the land when Dorothy went back home and were lost for many years.

For many years, the Wicked Witch (Brittany Moran) secretly reconstituted her powers and reassembled her notorious flying army (Kolby Sybert, A.J. Adwell, Brendon Deardorff, Casey Briney). Finally, after many devious means, she found out that the slippers were somewhere near Ravenwood (MO). So she kidnapped the Northeast Nodaway mascot, the Bluejay, brought it back to her castle, and demanded the return of the slippers as ransom, or her winged monkeys would pluck the Bluejay completely apart.

The head cheerleader, Sarah Linville, was teleported to Oz by the Good Witch (Victoria Moran) and tasked with the recovery of the Bluejay mascot and the red slippers. Without the slippers, the power of Oz would slip away and eventually, the Wicked Witch of the West would completely take over.
People are so afraid of the Wicked Witch that they can only speak in clues, because she has eyes everywhere. But like Dorothy, Sarah is sent off with some presents of goodwill by the Munchkins (Paige West, Dana Chandler, Salina Deardorff). She meets up with the Scarecrow (Colton Swalley), the Tin Woodman (Brittany Burns), and the Cowardly Lion (Corby Schmitz).

The Lion is especially angry, because the Witch is usurping what he regards as his forest. But when the Lion wavers, Sarah goes by herself to confront the Witch and demand the return of the Bluejay mascot. Things look to go south for Sarah, but then all of a sudden, out of the blue, the Lion finds his courage and together he, the Woodman, and the Scarecrow along with Sarah defeat the Witch and the Winged Monkeys and rescue the Bluejay mascot.

When Sarah and the Bluejay return home, it turns out that the Wizard of Oz had been hiding with the red slippers in the basement of the Northeast Nodaway school; the Wizard had found the slippers and did not want anything to happen to them with the Witch still alive. But with the Witch dead, he returns to Oz and the magic is restored.

The dinner theater and school play, which was held Saturday, raised money for both the cheerleaders and the band; it was all in good fun. Spaghetti, salad, lemonade, and desserts were served. There has been plenty of magic floating around the community of Northeast Nodaway; while a lot of hard work went into the production of the play, someone still found time to drop a flock of loud, annoying pink flamingos in someone’s yard on the north end of Ravenwood. Administrators Jason McDowell, Brian Grove, and Ken Grow played a role in the play; they agreed to let Oz stay in the NEN school basement despite their concerns about liability to the school.

Obituary -- LaLeene Beth "Peachie" Eastin 1939-2018

     LaLeene Beth “Peachie” Eastin, 78, Eagleville, MO, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.

     Peachie was born July 1, 1939 in Leon, Iowa the youngest of three born to James David and Helen (Jones) Wilson.

     LaLeene was given her nickname by her loving Grandma Wilson. The nickname stuck so well that many of her life-long friends couldn’t tell you her birth name.

     Peachie lived her younger years in Blythedale, MO. She graduated from North Harrison High School in 1957. She married Alan Kay Eastin on June 1, 1958 and they celebrated 54 years of marriage.

     She was preceded in death by Kay, her loving husband; her parents; her sister, Beverley Richardson; and her brother, James Robert Wilson.

     Peachie is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Michael) Waldren, Bennett, CO; son, Kerry (Vickie) Eastin, Eagleville, MO; five beautiful grandchildren, Acasha King, Austin, TX, Atlanta (Del Plato) Waldren, Commerce City, CO, Aaron (Jess) Waldren, Aurora, CO, Halee Eastin, Independence, MO, Hannah (John) Kern, San Diego, CA; and six great grandchildren, Savannah King, Charlotte King, Brecken Waldren, Cassidy Waldren, Elliana Waldren, and Kinsley Waldren.

     Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 19 at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Harrison County Cancer Transportation Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Worth County School Rehires All Teaching Staff; Accepts Food Service Resignation

Worth County’s school board voted to rehire all certified teaching staff Thursday following their regular board meeting and a brief closed session. Nontenured elementary teachers and paraprofessionals rehired were Jackie Findley, Janet Kinsella, Ashton Lewis, Rachel Runde, Bryce Schafer, Keely Sherer, and Jamie Stalder. The vote was unanimous, with board member Tyler Steele abstaining on Runde.

Non-tenured high school teachers rehired were Karen Andrews, Tiffany Bliley, Hannah Frerking, Brooke Hecker, Blaire Owens, and William Coleman.  The vote was unanimous, with board member Jeff Andrews abstaining on Karen Andrews.

Tenured elementary teachers rehired were Leena Hightshoe, Amy Jackson, Patty Lischer, Linda Phipps, and Trisha Ross. The vote was unanimous, with board member Tyler Steele abstaining on Amy Jackson.

Tenured teachers rehired were Jonell Cook, Amy Gladstone, April Healy, Chris Healy, Selina O’Connor, Farrah Richey, Kelley Ross, Josh Smith, Merry Spiers, and Julia Wideman. The vote was unanimous.

The board voted unanimously to tenure Nanci Drury and Amanda Pottorff.

Extra duty contracts will be voted on at next month’s board meeting.

The board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Food Service Manager Angela Weddle, effective immediately. The board voted to hire Kaleigh Wilmes as a new 1st grade teacher next year.

District Curriculum
The school evaluated the district curriculum as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include reviewing all current policies regarding curriculum, keeping requirements up to date, aligning it with the Missouri Learning Standards, and maintaining it through a web-based repository. Concerns listed included the need to match with the needs/wants of students, the community, and job prospects along with the need to make students college and career ready. Recommendations include conducting a needs survey of students, parents, and community members.

Elementary Principal’s Report
Elementary students participated in the area Elementary Math Contest on February 17th at Northeast Nodaway. Students from Worth County that qualified for Regional Contest in Maryville on April 7th include Brayden Stevens, Lucas Frisch, Bridgette Hightshoe, Tyler New, and Tuker Riley.
Character superstars for February include Jane Hawk, Nathan Fitzgerald, Jordan Dannar, Camden Gray, Lola Morin, Liam Hayden, Kristen Tracy, Brandon Bever, Brylea Paxson, Wyatt Hill, Karson Briner, Camdain Frisch, Kynah Steele, and Tyler New. They participated in a cookie roll, a marshmallow toss, and a jelly bean rocket toss.

A guest speaker from the National Education Association and The Cat in the Hat came to school.
A tornado drill was conducted on March 6th at 10 am.

Sue Robison from University Extension comes on Tuesdays to do nutrition classes with the students. Topics include sorting foods into the five different food groups, nutrients, and growth.

Jump Rope for Heart was held, and students raised $3,261.10 for the American Heart Association. The top six kids (there was a tie for fifth) got to throw a pie at Borey. They were Kaydence Downing, Emma Coleman, Catelynn Moyer, Evalyn Gilland, JoLynn Hawk, and Jane Hawk.

The Mo Chip program will be held again on March 24th between 10 am and 2 pm.

The Worth County Elementary Book Fair will be held from March 26th to 28th in the Elementary Activity Center.

The Northwest Missouri Solid Waste Management District will be inviting 3rd and 4th graders to visit Northwest on April 19th. They will have a fun-filled interactive program that focuses on recycling and protecting the environment.

High School Principal’s Report
FCCLA members went and participated in the FCCLA Star Event contest at state. 9-10 Worth County students qualified for nationals, including Anna Spainhower, Jill Hardy, Wyatt Abplanalp, Braidy Hunt, Keelin Engel, Merrideth Spiers, Kaylee McElvain, Kennedy Galanakis, and Abbi Caddenhead. Bailee Walker received a gold medal, as did Lauren Moore; she is still waiting results on whether she qualified for nationals. Kennedy Galanakis was installed as State Vice-President of Community Service at FCCLA State Leadership Conference. She will be representing Region 1 at all state functions this year.

FFA teams have been going to competitions this year. At Hamilton, the Livestock team placed fourth. At Lathrop, Dairy Cattle was seventh out of 43 teams, Livestock was 12th, and Floriculture was 27th. Keelin Engel was a finalist in Creed Speaking, while Merrideth Spiers is an Area II Officer candidate. Keelin Engel was selected to perform in the State FFA Choir at the Missouri State FFA Convention.

Athletic Director’s Report
Worth County’s basketball girls were 21-9, won districts, and got to the quarterfinals. Named to the All-GRC Squad were Regan Allee (2nd team), Anna Gladstone (2nd team), and Kristin New (Honorable Mention). Named to the All-District Squad were Regan Allee, Anna Gladstone, and Kristin New.

The boys were 24-6, won a district championship, and were quarterfinalists. Named to the All-GRC Squad were Drake Kinsella (1st, unanimous), Cade Allee (1st), Ryan McClellan (2nd), and Mason Hawk (Honorable Mention). Named to the All-District Squad were Drake Kinsella, Cade Allee, Ryan McClellan, and Mason Hawk. Drake Kinsella was named to the MBCA Missouri Challenge.
Named to the GRC Band were Merrideth Spiers and Lincoln Moore.

Junior High Academic Bowl was 2-3, while High School is 1-2. There are 20 girls and 19 boys out for High School Track. First meet is March 22nd at Worth County. There are 15 girls and 14 boys out for Junior High Track. First meet is March 27th at Worth County. There are six boys out for golf; first meet is March 21st at Stanberry.

Estate Money
The board voted to accept endowed funding from the Frank Ross Estate and from two other estates for the furtherance of educational goals. The Ross Estate money will provide the science department an annual income, which will be used to further the needs of science education at Worth County.

Obituary -- Stanley Waldeier 1950-2018

Stanley Wayne Waldeier, 68, of Ravenwood (MO) passed away at home on March 14th, 2018.
Stanley was born in Maryville to Lawrence & Jeannette Waldeier on January 28th, 1950. He graduated Northeast Nodaway High School in 1968 and began a lifelong career at Chicago Northwestern Railroad & Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees in 1969. He married his high school sweetheart Madeline Mitchell in 1970.

Stan and Madeline made a home with the addition of 3 great (but sometimes ornery) children. We’re not sure where the children got that from! The family moved to Iowa in 1978 and Stan held several positions for the railroad up to and including Vice President of the BMWE. He most enjoyed holding firm on an argument to the benefit of his railroad brothers. After retiring in 2010, Stan and Madeline were very happy to return home to Ravenwood.

He was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting and fishing. Stan and Madeline spent a lot of time camping and boating as well. Anything to be outdoors. When stuck inside, he enjoyed finding obscure country music from the far southwest with meaningful lyrics so long as you were willing to “listen to the words.” For all that knew him, it goes without saying that any of the above included a good number of slightly true stories and lots of laughter.

Stan was a member of St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Grand River & Defiance Muzzleloader Clubs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Mary Jane (Keith) Preist; grandson Spencer Owen Waldeier; and sister-in-law Sue Waldeier.

Stan is survived by his wife Madeline Waldeier; son Lawerence (Ed) & Mary Waldeier of Maryville; son Doug Waldeier of Rockford IL; and daughter Annette & Ryan McCarthy of Adel, IA; five grandchildren Tonya, Trevor, Stanley, Joseph & Grace Waldeier; three brothers Larry Waldeier, Jim & Mary Waldeier, and Robert & Ann Waldeier; 15 nieces & nephews.

Rosary will begin at 5 pm on Friday, March 16th at St Gregory’s with Visitation from 5:30-7:30 pm. Funeral mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, March 17th with graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery in Parnell. Arrangements are under the direction of Price Funeral Home, Maryville. In lieu of flowers, the Stanley Waldeier Memorial Fund has been established at Citizens bank & Trust.

Mustang Baseball Hoping to Rebuild, Play Strong Defense

North Nodaway’s boys are adjusting to life without standouts Peyton Coleman, who graduated last year, and Koby Reynolds, who graduated the year before. They hope to rebuild with a mixture of promising freshmen and a core group of players which has seen a lot of varsity innings.

There are 13 Mustangs out this year. Signing up are Logan Keho, Tyler Bix, Lucas Alvarez, Makayla Cross, Dalton Smyser, Arron Coleman, Ryan Riley, Karson Oberhauser, Andrew Blackford, Cody Cline, Dakota Wray, Austin Bird, and Drexel Richardson.

Last year, the Mustangs were 10-8, their first winning season in school history. They got to district finals before being shredded 19-2 by St. Joseph Christian and taking second place. The goal now will be to learn to hit. The infield is solid, with Makayla Cross seeking to nail down third and Arron Coleman seeking to nail down shortstop. Tyler Bix returns as catcher, or he can play outfield as necessary. Keho, Smyser, and Riley also saw a lot of varsity action last year.

Without standouts like Peyton Coleman and Koby Reynolds to anchor the mound, North Nodaway will be looking at several different arms with the new pitch count limit. Tyler Bix, Arron Coleman, and Ryan Riley all return with mound experience, while Dalton Smyser can also pitch.
Coach Jake Shipman is in his second year as the baseball coach after guiding the Mustangs to their first-ever winning campaign. “Defensively, we can field the ball well,” he said. “We just have to learn to hit.”

Obituary -- George Allee 1929-2018

George W. Allee, 88, formerly of Union Star, MO, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, Missouri, he was born April 8, 1929 in Gentry County Missouri.

He is preceded in death by his parents George W. and Lucy S. Allee and spouse Lois I. Allee (Meyers) and brother Edward Allee. He is survived by his brother Jerry B. Allee of Kansas City MO., and 6 children. Susan C. Bowen Hastings NE., Stephen O. Allee and spouse Pam. Platte City MO. Georgia L. Logan, Hastings NE. Gordon W. Allee and spouse Kara, Hastings NE., Julie L. Allee Hastings NE., Clay S. Allee Maryville MO., several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

George worked in Wyoming as a young man before starting his career at Mead Products (formerly Westab) a paper products company. Later in life he moved to rural Union Star MO where he was engaged in farming and enjoyed a great deal. He also enjoyed vacationing in the Snowy Range in south eastern Wyoming and instilled the same enjoyment of the outdoors in his family.

Funeral services: 11:00 AM Friday at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, MO. Interment Isadora Cemetery, Grant City, MO. St. Joseph arrangements, Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary www.ruppfuneral.com

NEN Baseball Enters 2018 With Target On Their Backs

Northeast Nodaway comes into the season with as high expectations as they have since Coach Vance Proffitt has been here. For his part, Coach Proffitt said that every team in the conference would be a team to watch, declining to single out any team to beat. But on the other hand, nearly every coach on KMA Radio has tabbed Northeast as a team to beat this year. That means they will encounter some games where the other team rolls over, but other games where a team plays well over their heads to try to knock Northeast off their perch.

The Bluejays no longer have to worry about the numbers game, at least for now, thanks to a solid freshman contingent. They have 16 players out for baseball this year. Signing up this year are Levi Boulting, Austin Welch, Alex Smith, Spencer Weir, Cameron Staples, Brayden Welch, Chet Spire, Rory Bredlow, Chase Atkins, Drew Wiederholt, Chance Barber, Maverick Price, Reed McIntyre, Spencer Gray, Dylan Mildfeldt, and Ethan Adwell.

Last year’s team generated plenty of buzz and excitement as they made a run to the Elite Eight before falling to LaPlata. They hope to duplicate the feat of the basketball teams at Northeast, which still hold eight different state records in basketball, and the cheerleaders, which made their third straight trip to state this year.

One of the main pitchers will be Spencer Weir. Chet Spire, Ethan Adwell, and Cameron Staples will be thrown in the mix. When not pitching, Weir will play shortstop. Staples was auditioned at third, while Ethan Adwell played shortstop last year when Weir was on the mound. Chance Barber returns to anchor second, Dylan Mildfeldt returns to patrol center field when he is not making a bid for the 100 State Title, and Brayden Welch returns to left field. Everything else is up for grabs. “We have a lot of different options we can try,” said assistant Cody Green, who returns to assist Proffitt.

This year will rekindle the sibling rivalry between Cody and Micah Green, who helped coach at St. Joseph Christian. The two teams met in Sectionals and Cody had his own cheering section of kids from his youth group at Crossroads Church in Grant City with a poster that said, “Our Green is better than your Green.” Appropriately enough, given the family name, the Bluejays and Lions met on St. Patrick’s day as well, with the Lions winning 2-0.

The Bluejays are the four-time defending conference champions of the 275, which absorbed the Northwest Missouri Baseball Conference. Two years ago, that streak looked to be in jeopardy as NEN started off 1-3 in conference play, but proceeded to run the table to scramble back to 5-3 and share the title with two other teams. Last year, Proffitt was worried about the team’s youth and the Bluejays seemed to fulfill his worst expectations at first, dropping their first three. But then they only lost one more game until Quarterfinals, winning the conference, setting a school record with 13 wins, and breaking a three game losing streak in districts. The goal will be to build on that with plenty of teams gunning for their scalp.