Yes, the WCCC Allows End of Life Visits by Spouses

Yes, the Worth County Care & Rehab Center allows end of life visits by spouses. They have to be screened, and the facility provides full personal protective equipment. 

That is not always the case elsewhere. In New Mexico, a husband and a wife live together in the same facility in Santa Fe (MN); however, they were not allowed to see each other after the Coronavirus pandemic hit. 

As KOAT of Springfield reported, the husband, Gary Hein, filed a successful suit arguing that his constitutional rights were violated and that the health of both him and his wife, Ann Severine, had deteriorated. A judge agreed, saying that the New Mexico health order was too broad.

Under Medicare rules, people have certain rights while living in nursing homes. Residents have a right to be free from abuse and neglect. This means that they cannot keep residents apart from everyone else against their will. 

Residents have a right to take part in developing their care plan and participate in decisions that affect their care. Nursing home residents also have a right under Medicare rules to share a room with their spouse. 

New Regulations Allow Drones to Fly Over People And at Night

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday, December 28th announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.

The FAA says Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.

The new rules will make it closer to the ultimate goal of remote package delivery; for instance, one could order books from Amazon and have it dropped on your doorstep via drone. Concerns include the ability of regulators like the Missouri DNR or law enforcement to fly drones over people for surveillance purposes. These rules will create privacy concerns, such as the fact that it increases the ability of the government to collect data on people. The fact that goods could be delivered remotely could mean more jobs, such as from the USPS, UPS, or Federal Express, lost due to automation.

Remote ID (PDF) is a major step toward the full integration of drones into the national airspace system. Remote ID provides identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations, providing crucial information to our national security agencies and law enforcement partners, and other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on the ground.

Equipping drones with Remote ID technology builds on previous steps taken by the FAA and the drone industry to integrate operations safely into the national airspace system. Part 107 of the federal aviation regulations currently prohibits covered drone operations over people and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small UAS without obtaining waiver.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”

The Remote ID rule (PDF) applies to all operators of drones that require FAA registration. There are three ways to comply with the operational requirements:

1. Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station;

2. Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information; or

3. Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas.

The Operations Over People and at Night rule (PDF) applies to Part 107 operators. The ability to fly over people and moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground. Operations are permitted based on four categories, which can be found in the executive summary (PDF) accompanying the rule. Additionally, this rule allows for operations at night under certain conditions.

The final rule requires that small drone operators have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when operating, ready to present to authorities if needed. This rule also expands the class of authorities who may request these forms from a remote pilot. The final rule replaces the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24 calendar months with the requirement to complete updated recurrent training that includes operating at night in identified subject areas. 

Both rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Remote ID rule includes two compliance dates. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, with operators having an additional year to start using drones with Remote ID.

For general inquiries on these new regulations and other UAS inquiries, please call 844-FLY-MY-UA or email the FAA.

 

Ice Covered Roads Lead to Wreck

An Albany woman was injured on ice covered roads on Tuesday, December 29th. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by Esther Criger (66) of Albany was northbound on 169 four miles north of King City at around 3:38 pm. The Patrol says that Criger lost control, traveled off the west side, and struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn. Criger received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Obituary -- Ronald "Sheepdog" Hill 1951-2020

Ronald D. (Sheepdog) Hill, 69, Eagleville, MO passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Overland Park Hospital.  He was born February 15, 1951, son of Donald C and Wilma Jean (Baker) Hill in Bethany, MO.

Ron attended New Hampton Elementary School and South Harrison High School.  He graduated in 1969.

Ron drove a truck for over 45 years.  He worked for Bill Wilcoxson, Max Fordyce, Raymond Wells, & Harold Nichols.  He then bought his own truck and hauled all over the US.  He loved being in his truck and all the friends he made while hauling.  He was a human atlas.  He knew the roads and would give directions to anyone sitting and listening

In the summer when he got home from trucking, he was looking for a tractor pull for that weekend.  He tried finding someone to go with him but would go by himself if there was no one else to go.  Thanks Charlie for allowing him to be a part of your tractor pulling “team”.  He loved going and would come home with stories every time.

He liked his westerns.  When he was home the T.V. was on and a western was the station.  He probably watched some of them fifty times!!!  He probably knew the lines as good as the actors!!!!

He loved his old Allis Chalmers tractors.  His dad gave him one of his first WD40 tractors.  He cherished that old tractor.  He would spend hours in his shop working on trucks and tractors and visiting with anyone who stopped by.  He spent time in other people’s shops too.  Probably telling stories and giving advice that maybe no one wanted to hear.  He always had stories to tell.

Preceding him in death are his mother and father; sister, Joyce Elaine; granddaughter, Ravyn; nephew, Garrett Hill, and brother-in-law, Rod Cook.

Survivors include Peggy of the home; son, Daniel & Tamala Hill, Pensacola FL., Robert & Lisa Cracraft, Eagleville, Tyler & Kelly Cracraft, Liberty, Bradley & Tammy Parsons, St. Joseph, and Stephanie Blake & Marvin Ballard, Eagleville; grandchildren, Tristan Hill, Destiny Hill, Brandon Johnson, Briawna Johnson, Brett & Mary Perkins, Bailey & Seth Coleman, Mason Cracraft & Dylan Rucker, Cooper Cracraft, Dominic Cracraft, Xander Skoog, Kent & Rilee Parsons, Kyle & Bre Parsons, Kristopher Parsons, Joylynn and Bobby Mosert, Brady Sunderland, Gaige Blake, Stanton Blake; great grandchildren, Breyden, A’niyah, Deni, Brecken, Finn and Barry; brothers, Gary & Cheryl Hill, McFall, Terry & Mendy Hill, New Hampton; sister, Jeanette& Benny Sprague, Pattonsburg; brothers-in-law, Bill Cook, Jay & Linda Cook; sisters-in-law, Penny Collins and Jeanne Vogel; nieces & nephews, Trisha, Derrick, Taryn , Jessica, Valerie, Wes, Derek, Lindsey, Trina, Paige, Zeb, Jed, Dena, & Eli; great nieces & nephews, Gavin, Izzy, Khyler, Austin, Alicia, Corey, Chelsea, Charity, Hayden, Hadley, Hudson, Jaidyn, Addy, Levi, Reid, Wyatt, Ella, Ace, Owen, Knox, Harper, and Rodney.    

He had an Aunt Beverly and had one special Uncle Olin and his family of Smyrna, GA.  Ron loved his family visits when he would haul a load south and get to stop by and visit them.

He loved family dinners and playing cards.  With the size of our families we had some big dinners and usually ended by card games – of course, there were lots of stories to be told.

He will hold a place in many people’s hearts for many years and will be greatly missed. 

Ron has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment will follow in Foster Cemetery, New Hampton, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where social distancing will be observed and masks are recommended. Memorials may be made to the North Harrison FFA and/or Garrett Hill Memorial for Northwest Missouri State Fair Bucket Calf Show in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. 

Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Courthouse News for December 30th, 2020

On December 22nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Garrett Green (28) of New Hampton alleging two counts Harassment (Felony). Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly parked his vehicle in the middle of a road in rural Harrison County, impeding the travel of two juvenile males. The defendant allegedly approached the juveniles, making threats against the occupants. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On December 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Chad King (37) of Maryville alleging two counts Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash or corporate surety.

On December 24th, Judge Thomas Alley gave Austin Demelt (20) of Ridgeway five years probation for abusing a llama. Demelt pleaded guilty to Animal Abuse.

On December 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Tonie Guernsey (23) of Ridgeway in Harrison County on a Harrison County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Failure to Register). He was also charged with Speeding (98 mph), DWI (Drugs), No Insurance, and No Seat Belt.

On December 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Talia Nupp (32) of Ridgeway in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Prior), DWI, No Valid License, and No Seat Belt.

On December 26th, a Savannah man was found after he had gone missing, KQ2 reported. The week before, he had taken a trip to Oregon, but decided to return after he decided he didn’t have enough money to go all the way. However, he went the wrong way and was stopped in Eau Claire (WI) after he was driving erratically and hit a guardrail. Authorities give him money to stay at a motel, wired him some money, and gave him directions to get back home on the morning of December 22nd. However, he went missing again. On Friday, a Silver Alert was put out and he was found Saturday at the Canadian border in North Dakota.

On December 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Charity Wayman (47) of Cainsville in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On December 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Avery Cook (18) of Pattonsburg on charges of Resisting Arrest and Failure to Stop.

On December 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Ashley Adams (33) of Villisca (IA) in Worth County on a Felony Warrant (Probation Violation).

On December 28th, an Oxford resident reported they heard the Life Flight helicopter flying on its way to Blockton. Later, they heard it flying back over.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Brett Emig Scores 43 But Shamrock Boys Fall Short

North Harrison’s boys lost to West Nodaway 84-62, but they may have turned a corner Monday night. First year Shamrock coach J.W. Brandt said that they were finally starting to do what he was asking them to do on the floor. West Nodaway is fielding their best boys basketball team in quite some time, with Tyler Blay, Hunter Dawson, and Bracxten Rohlmeier all firing from downtown and Dawson Fast able to finish from the high post. They have lost two games, but played both Platte Valley and Mound City, two of the top programs in the area, tough. More recently, they buried St. Joseph Christian, a team that Worth County’s boys barely beat, by 20 points.

The best thing about the game is that they are starting to get other teams’ respect. Brett Emig had 43 points, one of the highest ever by a Shamrock, and that includes some pretty solid players such as Don Edwards, Mike Elliott, Shane Skinner, and Jerry Armstrong. “Every single one of us on the floor had to guard him [Emig] at one point,” Tyler Blay told the Maryville Forum after the game. “He is a great player. We have stuff to work on with that. We've never played a kid like him, so we definitely have stuff to work on.” Emig will graduate after this year, but two of the underclassmen were clamoring after the game to get in the gym to get some extra shooting in. The hunger is there among the players.

Blay and Rohlmeier both had the hot hand for West Nodaway early as they raced out to a 9-2 lead. But all of a sudden, the Shamrocks, instead of folding like they did against Hale and Novinger, realized they could play basketball with them and started fighting back. Brett Emig dropped a 3-pointer, Grant Claycomb got a putback, Brandon Hamilton got a free throw, Wade Briggs went coast to coast, and Brett Emig scored off a Briggs steal as North Harrison reeled off 10 unanswered points to take a 12-9 lead.

The game was tied at 14, 16, and 18 before Tyson Gibson got a steal and Brett Emig’s pass to Grant Claycomb put the Shamrocks back in front. Emig went coast to coast and knocked down a shot from the high post to make it 24-18 before the Rockets started chipping away and coming back as they started pushing it right back at North Harrison. They tied it at 27 and 29 before Brett Emig’s drive made it 31-29 at the half.

Brett Emig continued to carry the team on his shoulders, getting 14 points in the third quarter. But then Blay and Dawson both got the hot hand for West Nodaway; the Rockets had 15 3-pointers for the night. Their last five shots of the fourth quarter, taken within the last 2:40 of the third, were all 3-pointers as the Rockets went from down 43-41 to up 56-47 after three.

Wade Briggs knocked one down from the right wing and Tyson Gibson aired one out to Brett Emig to make it 56-52, but then Rohlmeier scored a three point play, Blay hit a 3-pointer, Dawson got a steal, and then Fast got the hot hand in the high post as the Rockets went up 66-52 and thwarted any chance of a comeback. 

Brett Emig had 43 points. Wade Briggs had 9, Grant Claycomb 6, Brandon Hamilton 3, and Tyson Gibson 1.

Brett Emig had 10 rebounds. Tyson Gibson had 8, Nick Babinski, Grant Claycomb, and Wade Briggs 5 each, Brandon Hamilton 3, and Cooper Cracraft 1.

Grant Claycomb had 6 assists. Wade Briggs had 5, Tyson Gibson 2, and Brett Emig and Nick Babinski had 1 each.

Tyson Gibson had 3 tips. Nick Babinski, Brett Emig, and Grant Claycomb had 2.

Brett Emig had 5 steals. Wade Briggs and Tyson Gibson had 4, Grant Claycomb 2, and Brandon Hamilton and Nick Babinski had 1 each.

Jayliegh Robins Has Career Night as Shamrocks Beat Rockets

North Harrison’s girls got a spark from Jayliegh Robins as she had a career night with 16 points Monday night and the Shamrocks won their fourth straight game, winning 44-26. 

West Nodaway had played several teams tough, including St. Joseph Christian and Mound City. They were down two players; one was on vacation, and they found out on game day that another had broken her hand in practice and was out for the game, leaving them with six players. Some teams go in the tank, but West Nodaway rallied, hanging tough with North Harrison throughout the first half. 

The game was tied at 7, 9, and 15 before Reagan Hagey, who ate North Harrison alive in the high post, converted a three point play to go ahead 18-17 with 3:01 left in the second. But then Emma Craig got loose in transition on consecutive possessions to put North Harrison in front 22-18 at the half.

Robins was keeping North Harrison in the game, getting to the rim several times for ten points in the first half. Emma Craig added nine.

Like the Nodaway-Holt game, the Shamrocks came out firing in the third quarter and finally gained some separation. Jayliegh Robins started with a putback, and then Trendi Johnson got the hot hand, hitting jumpers on consecutive possessions to make it 28-18. Emma Craig went coast to coast for two, and Jayliegh Robins hit Camden Castleberry for three to make it 33-18, forcing West Nodaway into a timeout.

It didn’t matter, as Jayliegh Robins hit two free throws to make it 17. Reagan Hagey converted from the high post, but Trendi Johnson knocked down another shot from the wing and then Jayliegh Robins got a steal and got it to Camden Castleberry, who got it to Halle Morgan for the finish to make it 39-20.

Jayliegh Robins had 16 points for the Shamrocks. Emma Craig had 12, Camden Castleberry 8, Trendi Johnson 6, and Halle Morgan 2.

Emma Craig and Jayliegh Robins each had 12 boards, both getting a double double. Kami Gibson, Trendi Johnson, and Halle Morgan had 5, Camden Castleberry 3, and Jaci Davis 1.

Camden Castleberry had 5 assists. Kami Gibson and Jayliegh Robins had 4, and Emma Craig had 2.

Jayliegh Robins had 4 tips. Trendi Johnson had 2, and Halle Morgan and Emma Craig 1.

Jayliegh Robins had 5 steals. Trendi Johnson had 4, while Camden Castleberry, Emma Craig, Kami Gibson, and Halle Morgan had 1 each.

Obituary -- Donnie Waldeier 1965-2020

Donald (Donnie) Edwin Waldeier, Jr, 55, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Grant City, MO on December 25, 2020.

Born March 26, 1965, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, to Don and Ann Waldeier, he graduated from Worth County R-III High School in 1983. He attended Baker University on a basketball scholarship and later transferred to Northwest Missouri State University. While playing for Worth County, he led the Tigers to their first-ever Regional Tournament win in 1983 and led the Tigers as the all-time leading scorer.

Donnie began his career with Hy-Vee in 1981 when he joined the Grant City store as a part-time checker/stocker. He rose through the ranks, going full-time in 1985 and was promoted to produce manager and assistant store director before being named store director in 2002, where he remained until he retired after 38 years of service in 2019.

Donnie spent many years raising cattle and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, friends and family and taking trips to Las Vegas. He was known for his kind, generous heart and was always willing to help others.

He is survived by his son: Kellen (Morgan) Waldeier and three grandchildren: Reegan, Reese and Reed of New Virginia, Iowa; significant other: Sonya Jacobs of Albany; sister: Cindy (Mark) Rackers of Jefferson City; niece: Kelsey (David) Colvin of Orlando; and nephew: Drew (Kelsey) Wilkinson of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Ann Waldeier.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri  with family present from 4:00-6:00 P.M. 

A private family service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 with Interment in the Grant City Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions: Worth County R-III High School Athletic Fund.

Social distancing and masks are recommended. 

There will be a celebration of life to be held at a later date. 

Obituary -- Martha Pope 1935-2020

Martha J. (Durbin) Pope, 85, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at her home.

Martha was born on September 13, 1935 in Maryville, Missouri to Alphonsus and Eunice (Miller) Madden. She was a 1952 graduate of the Ravenwood High School and a 1956 graduate of the DePaul School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse and worked for 24 years with the Drs. Byland and Wempe. She also was a school nurse at Eugene Field for seven years. Martha was a member of St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church and the Guild.

She married Orville Durbin on December 1, 1956 in Maryville. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1982. She later married Robert E. Pope on July 27, 1985. He preceded her in death on June 15, 2015. She was also preceded by her parents, three sisters, Patricia Wilmes, Edna Schafer, Mary Coleman and three brothers, Jim, Gerald and Donald Madden.

She is survived by her children, Theresa (Cleo) Welch, Rita (Steve) Miller, Julia (Roger) Schmitz, Kevin Durbin, Kenneth (Stephanie) Durbin, Kelly Durbin, Debra (Mark) Wanserski, Charles (Cyndi) Pope, William (Amy) Pope, Donna (Paul) Barger and Denise (Steve) Aldrich; 25 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Madden and three sisters, Barbara O’Connell, Carole Duke and Ellen Bolger.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am Tuesday, December 29th at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church in Maryville under the care of Price Funeral Home. Burial St. Joseph Cemetery, Parnell, Missouri. Rosary 7 pm Monday, December 28th at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary. Memorials can be made to St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church.

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church would like to remind anyone attending the visitation or service that face masks and social distancing are required.

Obituary -- Troy Walker 1976-2020

Troy William Walker, 44, of Maryville, MO passed away December 26, 2020 at his home, after an eleven-month battle with cancer. He died surrounded by loving family at his side.

Troy was born November 8, 1976 in Maryville, MO. His parents were William “Bill” Walker and Vicki Jean (Umbenhower) Walker. He was preceded in death by his father who died August 23, 2020.

He graduated from Northeast Nodaway high school class of 1995 in Ravenwood, MO. Except for 11 years living in Colorado he lived his life in Nodaway County.

Troy was of the Christian faith.

He owned and operated the Walker Body Shop and Towing LLC in Maryville. While in Colorado he worked at Berthod Motors as a body repair man in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

On September 19, 1998 at the First Christian Church in Maryville he was united in marriage to Erin Teresa Dougan. They were married 22 years. Erin survives of the home.

Troy loved to do anything outdoor related. These things included hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, camping in the mountains and loved doing anything with his family in Colorado.

Troy is survived by a large and loving family; his two children, Kennedy Geraldine and Eli William Walker, his mother Vicki of Ravenwood, his sister Amber (Travis) Clausen of St. Joseph, MO, his five brothers Todd (Alisa) Walker of Ravenwood, Trent (Misty) Walker of Dana Pointe, CA, Tate (Angela) Walker, Tanner (Louise) Walker, and Tyler (Emilee) Walker all of Maryville, he is also survived by his grandmother Yvonne Hilsabeck of Barnard, MO. Other survivors include his mother and father in law Michael “ Mick” and Vicky Dougan of Maryville and his brother in law Coby (Melissa) Dougan of Platte City, MO and his grand father in law Billy Campbell of Louisburg, MO as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services for Troy Walker will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville. Burial to follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ravenwood, MO.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 6-8 PM at Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville.

Memorials can be directed to the family for Troy’s children’s college funds or to the Mosaic Cancer Center in St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Obituary -- Wilbur Rowe 1932-2020

Funeral Services for Wilbur Rowe, 88, will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 at 10 AM at Cummings Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM with family greeting friends from 3-5 PM, Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Wilbur Dean Rowe was born in rural Nodaway County, Missouri on April 8, 1932, the son of Oakley Rowe and Anna (Barber) Rowe. He grew up attending rural schools in the area and then attended high school in Sheridan, Missouri where he met and married Patsy (Brown) Rowe. Together they were blessed with five children, three girls and two boys.

The couple moved to their current farm in 1958, where Wilbur resided until his passing. Wilbur loved the farm. He enjoyed caring for and raising livestock. Wilbur enjoyed welding and fabrication work. There wasn’t much Wilbur couldn’t make or fix! Wilbur was also a great horseman. He enjoyed being in the Bedford Saddle Club and hunting coyotes when time allowed. He loved being around all his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish Wilbur’s life are his children Vickie Backhus and Bud Patterson of Centennial, Colorado; son, Dean Rowe and wife Susan of Bedford, Iowa; daughter, Donna Bane and husband Ron of Lorimor, Iowa; and son, Jim Rowe and wife Julie of Bedford, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; twenty five great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; son-in-law, Roger Poore; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Wilbur in death were his wife of 62 years Patsy; his parents, Oakley and Anna Rowe; daughter, Debbie Poore; son-in-law, Steve Pfander; step-grandson, Chance Bane and step-granddaughter, Heather Bane.

Although Wilbur will be greatly missed, his love, grit and inspiration will live on through his family.

Obituary -- Gregory Brandt 1954-2020

Gregory Eldon Brandt, 66, of Ravenwood, MO, passed away December 25, 2020 at his home surrounded by loving family.

Gregory was born July 9, 1954 at the old St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, MO. His parents are George “Bud” Brandt and Cleola Beth (Powell) Brandt. He was preceded in death by his father.

He was a graduate of The Ravenwood High School Class of 1972. He lived his whole life in Nodaway County.

He worked at the Maryville, MO Energizer plant, where he was a fork truck driver. He retired from Energizer Battery Co.

He very much enjoyed fishing and farming.

On June 27th, 1980 at the Ravenwood Christian Church, he was united in marriage to Anita Gayle Walker. They celebrated 40 years of marriage. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his two daughters; Megan Elizabeth Brandt of Ravenwood and Shelby Lynn Brandt of the home. He is also survived by his mother Cleola of Ravenwood, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gregory has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, of Maryville, MO

A graveside memorial service at Sweet Home Cemetery of Ravenwood will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Gregory’s name to Camp Quality of St. Joseph, MO.

Bluejay Boys Cut Down Much Taller Rock Port Squad

Northeast Nodaway’s boys cut down a much taller Rock Port squad on Friday, December 18th, getting the 54-42 road win in what both the players and coaches considered their best game of the year up to that point. Rock Port had a 6’7” post player who was one of the leading scorers in the area up to that point, and a tall, burly guard who could drive and muscle his way into the basket along with some shooters. Dylan McIntyre had 21 points for the Bluejays, getting stronger as the game progressed and getting plenty of help.

NEN got behind 5-0 right off the bat, but got back in it, getting free throws from Colton Swalley and Zach Pride and a Ben Boswell basket after Pride jumped a pass. Rock Port’s big man got loose in transition, but Auston Pride hit from the high post, Ben Boswell jumped a pass and went in for the layup, and then Northeast got a four point play. Auston Pride cleaned up after a missed layup after Zach Pride got a quick outlet to Ben Boswell, and then Colton Swalley got a tip and steal and got it to Dylan McIntyre to make it 12-7. Ben Boswell hit a 3-pointer to cap Northeast’s 15-2 run and make it 15-7.

Rock Port switched to a zone and started slashing to the basket as #12 started getting to the rim at will as the lead disappeared midway through the second quarter and the game was tied up at 19. Rock Port was owning the offensive glass, and Northeast was not finishing around the rim against Rock Port’s big men.

But the Bluejays reasserted themselves when Ben Boswell hit a free throw, Zach Pride converted a steal, and Auston Pride hit free throws before Rock Port hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 24-22 at the half.

Dylan McIntyre started finding driving lanes open for Northeast, but #12 kept getting loose for Rock Port to keep pace. Finally. Colton Swalley got loose after Ben Boswell got a tip and steal, and then Ben Boswell cleaned up off a Swalley steal to make it 38-30 before Rock Port got a putback to make it 38-32 after three. Northeast’s ability to steal the ball from Rock Port was the big difference in the game, as they scored 20 out of their 54 points off steals that game.

Rock Port twice cut it to five early in the fourth quarter and went to a press to try to get the ball back, but then Dylan McIntyre scored nine points in a row for Northeast to put the game away. He scored inside over Rock Port’s big men off a pass from Auston Pride and got a block and went coast to coast for a free throw to make it 46-39. On the next play, Rock Port threw up a quick 3-pointer, but it backfired as it missed and Ben Boswell pushed it ahead to McIntyre for a layup. Then, Dylan found plenty of real estate down the left baseline and converted to make it 50-39. Rock Port hit a 3-pointer, but then had to start fouling, and McIntyre hit two free throws to make it four possessions at 52-42. Ben Boswell then hit two free throws after a technical foul on Rock Port when one of their subs, who had checked in, ran onto the court in the middle of play.

Dylan McIntyre had 21 points for Northeast. Ben Boswell had 16, Auston Pride 8, Colton Swalley 6, and Zach Pride 3.

Ben Boswell had 7 boards. Dylan McIntyre had 4, Zach Pride and Auston Pride 3, and Colton Swalley and Lane Dack 1.

Lane Dack had 5 assists. Ben Boswell had 4, Zach Pride 3, Auston Pride 2, and Dylan McIntyre and Colton Swalley 2.

Lane Dack had 5 tips. Dylan McIntyre and Ben Boswell had 4 each, Zach Pride 3, Auston Pride 2, and Colton Swalley 1.

Ben Boswell had 6 steals. Lane Dack had 3, Zach Pride, Auston Pride, and Colton Swalley had 2 each, and Dylan McIntyre 1.

Obituary -- Francis "Gopher" Jennings 1945-2020

Francis Marion Jennings, also known by many friends and family as “Gopher”, passed away peacefully from this life on Saturday evening December 19, 2020 at the age of 75. 

Francis was born February 4, 1945 in Iowa City, Iowa to Ernest and Geraldine Hays Jennings. After graduation, he served in the United States Navy as an intelligence officer. After an honorable discharge, he worked as a dispatcher for Chicago Northwestern Railroad. 

In 1974 he married Berdina Palmer of Oelwein, Iowa and was a kind and caring stepfather to “his girls” Lisa and Melodee. In 1976 the family lived in Boone Iowa and then moved to Utah in 1979 when he changed to Union Pacific Railroad. 10 years later he moved back to Omaha, Nebraska for a short time to work for Chicago Northwestern again. After retirement, Gopher moved back to Blockton, Iowa to be close to his mother Geraldine and to help her so she could continue to stay at home. 

He always loved the little town of Blockton, where he knew some people even since elementary school, and Blockton loved him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to people in the area that needed it and his daughters are sincerely appreciative of the love and support he was given throughout the years by his pastor, friends and neighbors. (We would especially like to thank Ed Hobbs, Scott Marcum, Connie Drake & her brother John, and Danielle Pearce for all of their help and support before and after his death.) 

He loved music and could be frequently found listening to CDs or playing his guitar and singing in the front yard wherever he lived. He also loved to play various sports, and watch them on TV, including basketball, baseball, skiing, tennis, frisbee and especially golf in his later years. He was  a fun-loving, gentle, sweetheart of a guy. He commonly referred to all the women he adored in his life as “Hon’” or “Darlin’,” including all the dedicated hospice nurses that took care of him during the last few months. He will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Gopher was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Geraldine, his brothers Clyde “Ed” & Gerald (infant), stepfathers Paul Myers & Raymond “Buck” Weaver, Donald “Buck” Weaver, and one step grandson. He is survived by his stepdaughters Lisa (Michael) Miner & Melodee Gallegos, four step grandchildren, and five great step great grandchildren. He also loved his little wiener-dog Clem who has graciously been adopted by another loving family. He also leaves behind many more half and step relatives that live in the surrounding areas including the relatives of his brother and stepfathers:  Donna Wilson, Don Vondracek, Rhonda (Jeff) Quick, Paul “Bill”(Marcella) Meyers, Charlotte (Jim) Pearce, Charlene (Keith) Pearce, Darlene Fry, Mike Pearce, Mark Pearce, Lee (Danielle) Pearce, Greg Pearce, Shendel Pearce, Mary Weaver, Connie (Earl) Drake, & John (Deb) Weaver.

There are no scheduled services at this time. Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. 

Late Notice – Donnie Waldeier

 Donnie Waldeier passed away Friday evening. He was the long-time manager of the Grant City Hy-Vee before retiring two years ago. While playing for Worth County, he rewrote the scoring record book and led the Tigers to their first-ever Regional Tournament win in 1983, scoring 34 points in the second half in a 71-54 win over Albany. It avenged a double overtime loss to Albany in Regionals to end the 1979-1980 season. 

Judge Halts Montgomery Execution Again

On Friday, the Associated Press reported that Judge Randolph Moss halted the execution of Lisa Montgomery that had been scheduled for January 12th. 

Previously, Judge Moss had granted a stay of execution for Montgomery, whose attorneys contracted the Coronavirus while working on a clemency petition for President Donald Trump, citing what they say is Montgomery’s serious mental illnesses. Subsequently, the US Department of Justice scheduled the execution for January 12th, after the stay expired. However, Judge Moss ruled that the US Department of Justice could not schedule a new execution date while his stay was still in effect.

Montgomery had previously been convicted of Bobbie Jo Stinnett of Skidmore by using a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant; she then allegedly cut the baby girl from out of Stinnett’s womb and attempted to pass it off as her own.

Shamrocks Hold Off Frantic Trojan Rally, Even Record

 North Harrison’s girls got off to a bad 0-3 start this year, but followed Worth County’s lead and won their next three to even their record at 3-3 last Tuesday following their 45-37 win over Nodaway-Holt. They had picked up their second win the night before, winning handily 54-20 over Hale (Bosworth) in a game that was scheduled at the last minute after Tri-County canceled.

The Shamrocks got off to a fast start as Emma Craig scored six in a row and Camden Castleberry hit from the left wing to make it 8-2. But then Nodaway-Holt’s full court pressure started to take its toll, and they started chipping away behind the inside game of Shaina Culp and Chloe Jenkins. They got as close as 14-13 in the second quarter the Shamrocks led 20-18 at the half. 

For some reason, Nodaway-Holt came out in a 2-3 zone to start the second half, and North Harrison took full advantage, knocking down shots from deep as they scored the first 16 points of the period. Camden Castleberry hit two shots from beyond the arc and Emma Craig added one, and added a breakaway when Kami Gibson got her a quick outlet. Nodaway-Holt switched back to a man to man, but then Camden Castleberry lobbed one in to Kami Gibson for a score, and then Kami later hit one free throw, missed the second, but Emma Craig was there for the putback to make it 36-18.

But then Emma Craig picked up her third foul, and the momentum swung back to Nodaway-Holt; without one of their main front line players, Nodaway-Holt started making good use of their post game of Shaina Culp and Chloe Jenkins. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Trojans only had two team fouls, which meant they could afford to be very aggressive on defense. Sure enough, the lead dropped down to 38-32 by the 5:18 mark and North Harrison looked to be in trouble after Kami Gibson picked up her fourth foul.

But after Culp missed a shot from point blank that would have made it four, Jayliegh Robins converted a drive into two free throws; following a stop and a long possession, Jayliegh Robins got it into Emma Craig for a three point play and Camden Castleberry added a free throw to make it 44-32.

Nodaway-Holt made another push after a three point prayer went in and they converted on a steal, but they ran out of time as Camden Castleberry hit a free throw at the end.

Emma Craig had 20 points for the Shamrocks. Camden Castleberry had 14, Kami Gibson 7, Jayliegh Robins 3, and Trendi Johnson 1.

Kami Gibson and Emma Craig had 7 boards. Jayliegh Robins had 6, Camden Castleberry 3, and Trendi Johnson and Halle Morgan 1.

Kami Gibson had 4 assists. Camden Castleberry and Emma Craig had 3, Jayliegh Robins 2, and Trendi Johnson 2.

Camden Castleberry had 10 tips. Jayliegh Robins had 4, Emma Craig 3, Halle Morgan 2, and Kami Gibson and Trendi Johnson 1.

Trendi Johnson and Jayliegh Robins had 3 steals. Camden Castleberry had 2, and Emma Craig 1.

Obituary -- Shirley Auffert 1929-2020

Shirley Marie Auffert, 91, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Village Care Center.

Shirley was born on December 22, 1929 in Pickering, Missouri to Lester and Edith (Lattin) Kempf. She attended Pickering High School and worked at Nodaway Drug Store for 23 years. She was a member of St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church.

She married Fred F. Auffert on November 23, 1948 in Maryville, Missouri. He preceded her in death on November 20, 2000. She was also preceded by her parents, sister, Patsy Kempf, two brothers, Jack Kempf and infant Eugene Kempf, son-in-law, Richard Pride and one great-grandson, Tucker Wray.

Survivors include her children, son, Larry (Penny) Auffert and two daughters, Donna (Dale) Wray and Judy Pride; one sister, Maxine Wray; sister-in-law, Isabelle Auffert; nine grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services 2 pm Saturday, December 26th at St. Mary’s Cemetery under the care of Price Funeral Home. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Brett Emig’s Last Second Shot Gives Shamrocks Wild Win Over Trojans

North Harrison got a wild 53-51 win over Nodaway-Holt thanks to Brett Emig’s last-second score. The Shamrocks played their worst quarter of the year in digging into a 20-6 hole against the Trojans. Things got a little better in the second quarter, but they were still down by 10 at the half. Their second half was the best half of the year, as they came back to get the win despite playing shorthanded. They were playing without Grant Claycomb; without one of their best ballhandlers, they struggled moving the ball, and threw the ball away right and left, and struggled to buy a board. 

Everything for Nodaway-Holt was going in during that bad first quarter; they made four shots from behind the arc in building up their lead. Brett Emig had the only scoring for the Shamrocks in the period.

Things started to change in the second quarter as Brandon Hamilton started playing some of his best ball so far, getting to the rim and converting at the line; he had five in the period to go with Emig’s 9 points. Emig finally started finding driving lanes to the basket, while Cooper Cracraft, Wade Briggs, and Nick Babinski all chipped in during that quarter. 

It still looked grim for North Harrison at the start of the third when Briggs picked up his third foul, but the play that turned the Shamrocks’ fortunes happened after that. With North Harrison still trailing 35-26, Nodaway-Holt at the ball in the front court when the ball got knocked into the backcourt. Tyson Gibson, who made a ton of hustle plays in the game, drew a foul scrambling for the ball, and all of a sudden, a completely different Shamrock team took the floor.

Emig scored off a drive on the ensuing possession, and then Cooper Cracraft got a defensive board and aired it out to Emig, and all of a sudden, it was a brand new ballgame at 35-30. Nodaway-Holt scored to make it seven, but Brett Emig pushed it right back at them and converted to make it 37-32. Nodaway-Holt hit a free throw, but then fell asleep on an inbounds play as nobody guarded Emig, who was right underneath the basket; he converted to make it 38-34, and then Brandon Hamilton got a free throw to draw closer, at 38-35.

On their next possession, North Harrison got six chances at the basket; they finally converted as Brett Emig hit a free throw to make it 38-36.

Nodaway-Holt seemingly restored order at the start of the fourth quarter when they went back ahead 43-37 after switching from a zone to a man to man, but Wade Briggs came back in and knocked down an NBA 3-pointer after Tyson Gibson missed a runner but got his own board and kicked it out to him. Nodaway-Holt scored again, but then Wade Briggs hit a free throw, missed the second, and Nick Babinski was there for the putback to make it 45-43. All of a sudden, it was North Harrison flying to the glass and converting instead of the Trojans.

The Trojans were reeling after an unnecessary foul, committed at the other end of the court, led to a Hamilton free throw; one of their players fouled out in the process. Wade Briggs then threw to Brett Emig in transition and then Nick Babinski got an off-balance rebound, got it to Tyson Gibson, who pushed it ahead to Emig for the finish to make it 48-45. Wade Briggs then added a free throw to make it 49-45 with 3:18 left.

But the game turned again when Briggs picked up his fifth foul, and North Harrison had to play without one of their main ballhandlers and scorers besides Emig. Nodaway-Holt hit a free throw, missed the second, but got the putback to make it 49-48 with 2:21 left.

North Harrison ran it all the way down to 1:24 left, but then threw it away. Both sides traded misses at the line, but then Nodaway-Holt finally got a steal and converted it to go up 50-49 with 46 seconds left. Brett Emig then lost it out of bounds trying to penetrate against the Trojan defense, but stole it right back and hit both free throws with 29.3 seconds left to put the Shamrocks back up 51-50.

Nodaway-Holt then missed two free throws, got the board after the second, but missed two more. But on the second miss, North Harrison committed a lane violation, and this time, Nodaway-Holt converted to tie it at 51-51 with 15 seconds left.

But then North Harrison got the ball to Brett Emig, and he sliced into the teeth of the Trojan defense, scoring over a host of defenders with six seconds left to make it 53-51. Nodaway-Holt had an off-balance three that would have won it, but it bounced off the backboard.

Alex Rinehart Scores 25; Tigers Down Previously Unbeaten Mount Ayr

Worth County survived another frantic finish and handed previously unbeaten Mount Ayr their first loss, 70-67 last Monday, December 21st as Alex Rinehart hung 25 on them.

The Tigers came out throwing the ball all over the place, with seven turnovers in the first five minutes of the game. Yet somehow, they were still in the game after Alex Rinehart shot them into the lead late in the first quarter at 16-13. 

Neither team was ahead by more than one possession until halfway through the second quarter. But then Alex Rinehart hit a 3-pointer after a Grant Cameron steal, Jackson Runde got a putback, Alex Rinehart cleaned up on a Grant Cameron miss and added a free throw and Jackson Smith hit Aydan Gladstone inside to make it 36-26 before Mount Ayr rallied late behind a pair of steals to make it 36-32.

The Raiders went to a triangle and two on Alex Rinehart and Jackson Runde, who had 26 of Worth County’s 36 halftime points. They crept to within 36-35, but they quickly got out of it when Grant Cameron and Aydan Gladstone started scoring to make it 42-35. Mount Ayr fought back to tie at 42 and 45, but then Aydan Gladstone broke the tie and Alex Rinehart added a steal to make it 50-45. Briar Knapp’s free throw cut it to four, but Tyler New hit Aydan Gladstone for three to make it 53-46 after three.

Jackson Runde’s triple after a Grant Cameron drive made it 58-47 early in the fourth, but then Jaixen Frost, only a sophomore, started carrying the Raiders on his shoulders, while Worth County started getting into foul trouble, with Aydan Gladstone and Jackson Smith picking up their fourth fouls. Mount Ayr was in the bonus, while they only had three fouls themselves, meaning they could afford to be very aggressive. 

Mount Ayr put on a frantic press and got the deficit down to 67-63; then, Payton Wheeler’s 3-pointer with 30 seconds left made it 67-66. Worth County missed a layup on the other end, and Mount Ayr had a chance to take the lead. But they missed a three and two putback tries, and Frost fouled Tyler New trying to get another putback try. It was his fifth foul and New hit a free throw with 15 seconds left that bounced high off the rim and in to make it 68-66. 

On the ensuing possession, Grant Cameron knocked the ball loose, but Jackson Runde fouled Peyton Wheeler in the ensuing scramble, and he had a chance to tie it on the line with 9 seconds left. Wheeler made the first to make it 68-67, but missed the second, setting off another scramble. Worth County, who couldn’t buy a board during the fourth quarter, finally got a break as Jackson Runde threw the ball off a Mount Ayr player just before falling into the stands and Worth County got the ball back.

Alex Rinehart, who missed two layup tries earlier in the period, finally got behind the defense and got one to fall with 4 seconds left to make it 70-67, and Wheeler’s shot from just inside halfcourt hit the heel of the rim as time expired.

Alex Rinehart had 25 points. Aydan Gladstone had 17, Jackson Runde 15, Grant Cameron 8, and Tyler New 5.

Dylan McIntyre Hangs 30 on DeKalb; Bluejays Get Easy Win

Northeast Nodaway has normally beaten DeKalb, but the games have normally been good games. However, Dylan McIntyre went off on the Tigers Tuesday night with 30 points and 15 boards, being the second Bluejay to get 30 points in a night as Northeast won 72-18.

DeKalb came in with a simple game plan; they had several athletic guards, and their goal was to constantly drive and kick and either get on the line or get a 3-pointer. But the Tigers came in with a size mismatch, with nobody who could guard either Auston Pride or Dylan McIntyre. Northeast held firm and allowed little dribble penetration and used their size advantage to clean up on the boards and run. They moved the ball around as well as they had all year, getting 25 assists, and stole the ball 17 times. They took care of the ball themselves, only turning it over five times, and only giving up three offensive boards.

Zach Pride and Dylan McIntyre started off with drives. Harrison Lofland countered with a drive, but then Northeast was off to the races as Auston Pride knocked one down from the high post and Northeast got behind the DeKalb defense in transition twice to make it 10-2.

DeKalb took a timeout to try and stop the bleeding, but Northeast went to their press and forced a five second call. Dylan McIntyre got untracked with a pair of free throws and a basket off a Zach Pride steal, Ben Boswell got on the board with a free throw, and Auston Pride got a putback at the buzzer after going coast to coast to make it 17-2 after one quarter of play.

From there, the game quickly got out of hand, as Northeast put together the kind of quarter that Worth County has done a couple of times this year, scoring 30 points in the second to make it 47-13 at the half. Dylan McIntyre went nuts in the quarter, scoring 18 in the period; Auston Pride added six and Lane Dack 4 as the Bluejays were getting tips and steals at will in the period. Ben Boswell had a nice no-look pass to Auston Pride for a finish, and Zach Pride, Lane Dack, and Colton Swalley were all over the floor on defense and getting people the ball on offense.

Auston Pride added six points, while Ben Boswell and Dylan McIntyre each added four as the Bluejays pushed their lead to 67-13 after three, holding DeKalb scoreless in the process. Brayden Munns got on the board after Lane Dack kept a possession alive, and Brayden Munns got an offensive board that led to a Zach Pride triple.

Munns connected again in the fourth quarter, while Lane Dack went coast to coast and Colton Swalley added a free throw.

Dylan McIntyre had 30 points for the Bluejays. Auston Pride had 16, Lane Dack 9, Ben Boswell 7, Zach Pride 5, Brayden Munns 4, and Colton Swalley 1.

Dylan McIntyre had 15 boards. Auston Pride and Lane Dack had 7 each, Zach Pride and Colton Swalley 4 each, Ben Boswell 3, and Brycen Kennard and Brayden Munns 1 each.

Lane Dack had 7 assists. Zach Pride had 6, Colton Swalley 4, Ben Boswell 1, and Dylan McIntyre 3.

Zach Pride had 5 tips. Ben Boswell and Lane Dack had 4, and Auston Pride, Colton Swalley, and Brayden Munns had 1.

Zach Pride and Dylan McIntyre had 5 steals each. Colton Swalley had 3, Ben Boswell 2, and Auston Pride and Brycen Kennard 1 each.

The girls hung with DeKalb for a while, but the bottom dropped out in the third quarter, and they fell 50-20. Lauren McIntyre was a bright spot, as she had 7.

Courthouse News for December 23rd, 2020

 On December 11th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reports that Hope Whittington was traveling east on 180th St. at around 6 am, when she lost control of her 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix after hitting an animal in the roadway. Whittington entered the south ditch striking a light pole. The car was totaled and the light pole had to be replaced. Whittington suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mt Ayr Hospital by private vehicle.

The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department posted the following news release about a drug bust that occurred in Burlington Junction on December 11th:

On December 11, 2020, Nodaway County Deputies conducted an illegal drug investigation that resulted in obtaining a search warrant for a residence in Burlington Junction, MO.  During the search, deputies found drug paraphernalia consisting of scales, syringes, spoons and pipes.  A presumptive field test of a crystal stance was positive for methamphetamine.  Two firearms in the possession and control of a convicted felon were found and seized.  Two children in the home were taken into protective custody and were turned over to Missouri Children’s Services.  

Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Caleb Phillips filed three felony complaints on 51-year-old Byron Merriett, aka “Drifty,” and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Count 1. Delivery of a controlled substance.

Count 2. Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Count 3. Unlawful possession of a firearm while in possession of methamphetamine.

Byron Merriett is a prior and persistent offender.

P.A. Phillips filed one felony complaint on 25-year-old Philip Merriett and a warrant was issued for his arrest.  

Count 1. Delivery of a controlled substance. 

Both men are currently in custody at the Nodaway County Jail.

Deputies involved with this investigation did an exceptional job!

Sheriff Randy Strong

On December 16th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Walker Evans (26) of Cainsville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On December 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jessica Hogue (30) of Fairfax alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance.

On December 17th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against James Gordon (42) of Albany alleging two counts Forgery (Felony) and one count Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety. Northwest Mo Info reported that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly opened an account at an Albany bank on Tuesday and presented a cashier’s check made out to himself and drawn on Wells Fargo Bank. The defendant allegedly took $2,650 in cash. The check was later found to be forged. The defendant allegedly was advised by American Resource Organization to cash the check, keep $600, and send the remainder to them on a Google Play card and through a cash app.

On December 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Dakota Cox (19) of Bethany alleging Arson (Felony) and Animal Abuse. Bond was set at $25,000, cash only. 

On December 18th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Dawn Levi (40) of Bethany alleging Tampering with Electronic Monitoring Equipment (Felony). Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On December 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Luke Ramsey (32) of Bedford in Worth County on charges of DWI and Speeding.

On December 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against William Souter (57) of Eagleville alleging two counts Tampering with a Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Stealing (Felony).

On December 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Alec Lawson (20) of Maryville alleging three counts Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On December 21st, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Dustin Nall (39) of Kellerton on a charge of Domestic Abuse.

On December 21st, Evergy reported that customers are getting scam calls. Evergy recently suspended disconnections for non-payment; however, customers are getting calls threatening disconnection unless a prepaid card is provided for payment within 30 minutes. Evergy will never make a call of this nature or dictate payment type. If you receive such a call, contact Evergy at the number on your bill to see if a payment is due.

On December 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Cedrick Sharpe (34) of Nashville (TN) alleging DWI, Failure to Drive on Right Half, and Speeding.

On December 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Matthew Vore (41) of Maryville alleging DWI (Person Under 17 in Vehicle) and two counts Resisting Arrest.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Swarming Defense Gives Bluejay Girls Second Win

 Northeast Nodaway’s girls used swarming defense and several timely runs to beat East Harrison 51-29 last Tuesday and secure their second win. Jill Boswell had 13 points, Jaden Atkins had a double double with 10 points and 11 tips, and Dalanie Auffert went beast mode with 15 boards in the winning effort.

The Bluejays had something rare happen to them at the start of the game – they saw the ball go in the basket. Jill Boswell opened with a free throw, Anne Schieber hit Jaden Atkins for a basket from the right side, Atkins got a steal after Jill Boswell tipped a pass and converted, Anne Schieber scored after Jill Boswell got a steal, Anne lobbed one into Dylanie McIntyre inside, and Cassy Redden hit Anne Schieber on the right baseline. Just like that, Northeast had put 11 points on the board just 2½ minutes into the game. Over the last two years, they have struggled to put up 11 points in an entire game sometimes.

From there, the Bluejays battled foul trouble, but continued to slowly pull away, growing the lead up to 29-13 by half. At the start of the third, Anne Schieber scored off a steal, Dalanie Auffert hit Cassy Redden in the high post, Anne Schieber added two free throws, and Schieber hit Redden inside to make it 37-13. 

Once again, foul trouble took its toll as Jill Boswell and Cassy Redden both went to the bench with their fourth foul, as East Harrison closed to within 41-24 early in the fourth. But Boswell returned and put up 10 points in the final frame as the Bluejays pulled away to lead by as much as 25.

The Bluejays had another rarity – eight players got in the scoring column. Jill Boswell had 13, Jaden Atkins 10, Anne Schieber 9, Cassy Redden 7, Dalanie Auffert 6, and Saige Kohlleppel, Delaney McIntyre, and Lauren McIntyre all had 2 each.

Dalanie Auffert had 15 boards for the Bluejays. Meredith Adwell and Jill Boswell had 5 each, Cassy Redden 4, Saige Kohlleppel and Anne Schieber 3 each, Delaney McIntyre and Jaden Atkins 2, and Lauren McIntyre 1.

Anne Schieber had 7 assists. Cassy Redden had 3, and Jill Boswell, Lauren McIntyre, Delaney McIntyre, Dalanie Auffert, and Meredith Adwell all had 1.

Jaden Atkins had 11 tips. Jill Boswell had 8, Anne Schieber 6, Lauren McIntyre 5, Dalanie Auffert 3, Cassy Redden 2, and Tierney Privett 1.

Anne Schieber had 7 steals. Jill Boswell and Jaden Atkins had 4 each, Dalanie Auffert and Cassy Redden had 2, and Delaney McIntyre, Meredith Adwell, and Lauren McIntyre all had 1.

Bluejay Boys Pull Away in Second Half to Down East Harrison 64-34

Northeast Nodaway’s boys pulled away in the second half to beat East Harrison 64-34 last Tuesday. They won their second straight after hitting a rough stretch against Worth County and Stanberry. They came out of their slump in a big way against King City and then continued their winning ways against the Bobcats.

The Bluejays started off fast in the game; East Harrison fought back to within three at one point in the second, but then the Bluejays found their second win and put them away in the second half.

Lane Dack went backdoor after Zach Pride pushed one ahead, but then Mark Willis got a putback for the orange shirts For the next four minutes, it was all Northeast; Ben Boswell went backdoor and got a pass from Auston Pride, Ben Boswell hit Zach Pride in transition, Boswell went deep for three, Auston Pride hit a posted Dylan McIntyre inside, and Ben Boswell hit Auston Pride in transition to make it 13-2.

But then East Harrison, fueled by their two-headed monster of Adam Rinehart and Mark Willis, began to fight back; Willis hit a pair of free throws, Willis again converted in transition, and Rinehart scored off a drive to make it 13-8. Lane Dack responded with a putback and Ben Boswell scored off a Dylan McIntyre steal, but then Rinehart was all alone in transition to make it 17-10 after one.

Ben Boswell scored off a steal with 6:40 left in the second to make it 21-12, but then the two person game of Adam Rinehart and Mark Willis began to make itself felt, as Rinehart began driving at will and the Bobcats fought their way back to within 21-18. Boswell broke the run after Colton Swalley skipped one to him for three, and Colton got a steal and Boswell dropped one in over Willis, who can dunk to make it 26-16. But East Harrison kept hanging around and the deficit stayed at ten at 33-23 at the half.

Coach Rory Jackson said that the team needed to do a better job of helping out on defense; once they did that in the second half, the Bluejays started to pull away. Rinehart still got his points, but Northeast was able to get tips and steals and get a ton of extra possessions.

Rinehart cut it to 33-25 to start the third, but it was all Bluejays from there, as Dylan McIntyre got the hot hand, starting with a free throw. Ben Boswell got a steal, Dylan McIntyre scored off a three point play, and Auston Pride hit two free throws to make it 41-25 and prompt a timeout.

But it didn’t matter as Auston Pride hit Dylan McIntyre backdoor, and Pride cleaned up in transition to make it 45-25. Rinehart hit from long range to make it 45-28, but then Dylan McIntyre continued to be on fire, converting a three point play after getting a pass from Colton Swalley, Colton Swalley got a steal and threw it to Zach Pride for two, Lane Dack hit Auston Pride inside, and Ben Boswell beat the buzzer with a pass to Dylan McIntyre to make it 54-28.

Putbacks from Dylan McIntyre and Auston Pride put the game into running clock territory at 58-28 at the 6:24 mark.

The Bluejays used balanced scoring to fuel their win, as Ben Boswell had 19, Auston Pride 18, Dylan McIntyre 17, Lane Dack 6, and Zach Pride 4.

Dylan McIntyre, Lane Dack, and Auston Pride all had 7 boards. Ben Boswell had 5, Zach Pride 2, and Colton Swalley and Brycen Kennard 1 each.

Zach Pride had 6 assists. Auston Pride had 5, Ben Boswell and Colton Swalley 4 each, Lane Dack 3, and Dylan McIntyre 1.

Zach Pride had 12 tips. Colton Swalley, Lane Dack, and Dylan McIntyre all had 5, while Auston Pride had 3 and Ben Boswell 2.

Dylan McIntyre had 5 steals. Ben Boswell and Lane Dack had 4, Colton Swalley and Zach Pride had 3, and Auston Pride 1.

EmiLee Brown’s Free Throws Carry Tiger Girls to Miraculous Finish Over Lions

EmiLee Brown hit two free throws with one tenth of a second left in regulation and Megan Cassavaugh had a career night with 17 points as Worth County pulled off an improbable 35-34 win over St. Joseph Christian Friday night as their five game winning stream stayed alive. After dropping their first three games, the Tigers have now won their last five, pending this week’s match with Mount Ayr. They overcame 24 turnovers and a ton of first half shots that went in and out.

Jill Hardy’s high post shot gave the Tigers an early 4-2 lead, but it looked like the Lions would run Worth County out of the gym, scoring eight over the next three minutes to take a 10-4 lead. Morgan Beagle hit a 3-pointer from the right wing off a pass from Megan Cassavaugh to bring the Tigers back to within 10-7 after one. 

Jill Hardy knocked one down from the right wing off a pass from Kynah Steele to tie it at 12, but then Worth County had a defensive lapse and Gracie Walker was all alone for a three point play to make it 15-12. Promising freshman Jacy Jorgenson knocked one down for the Lions to put them up 17-13 at the half.

Worth County switched from a man to a zone to start the second half, and they started coming back as Braidy Hunt hit Jill Hardy in the high post, EmiLee Brown hit another one from the high post, and Megan Cassavaugh hit a free throw to put Worth County up 18-17. But Jacy Jorgenson was the sparkplug again for the lions, hitting twice to put her squad up 21-18. But Megan Cassavaugh, who had seen a ton of her shots go in and out through the first three quarters, got a kickout from EmiLee Brown and banked one home from the high post at the third quarter buzzer to make it 21-10 after three.

Ella Bowman put the Lions up 26-23 with 3:46 left, and the Lions got the ball back, but then Braidy Hunt got a tip, Kara Staton got a steal, and Megan Cassavaugh knocked one down to knot it up again at 26-26 with 3:05 left.

At that point, the St. Joseph Christian announcers thought that the first team to 30 would win, and it looked like the Lions would finally take control as Gardner and Freudenthal hit back to back threes to make it 32-26 with 2:14 left. The Lions had a chance in transition to make it three possessions, but they missed a contested layup and a putback try, which meant the Tigers were still breathing. Braidy Hunt missed a 3-pointer, but Megan Cassavaugh was there for the putback with 1:22 left to make it 32-28.

This time, Christian elected to pull it out and take some time off the clock. They got it down to 54 seconds, when Jozlynn Bennett hit what looked like the dagger, a 12-footer from the high post as she was hammered on the play. That made it 34-28, but with a chance to make it three possessions, Bennett missed the free throw and Worth County got the ball back.

Jill Hardy drove down the left baseline and was stuck behind the basket, surrounded by two red shirts with 43 seconds left. Worth County had a bunch of turnovers that night, but Hardy made an impossible pass to Megan Cassavaugh on the right wing that somehow got through, and Megan was wide open for a 3-pointer that cut it in half at 34-31. 

Bennett missed two more free throws with 34 seconds left, and Jill Hardy drove down the left side of the free throw lane and drew a foul, hitting both free throws with 20 seconds left to make it 34-33, meaning Worth County would have a chance to tie or win it no matter what happened. Jill Hardy knocked the ensuing inbounds pass out of bounds, meaning that Christian could not run the floor on the ensuing inbounds play, making it a lot more difficult to get in. The Lions managed to get it in, but could not get the ball up the floor, and Worth County forced a ten seconds violation to get the ball back with 10 seconds left and a chance to win.

This was similar to a game between Worth County and Grace Schottel’s King City squad in 2018, when Worth County unsuccessfully tried to dribble out the clock or draw a foul with a two point lead, committed a ten second violation, and King City sent it to overtime and won. This time, it was the other way around.

Megan Cassavaugh drove the lane, got it to EmiLee Brown, got it back, drove again, and got it to Morgan Beagle for a good look inside. Beagle’s shot rolled off an invisible lid and out as Jill Hardy was jumping up and down at the top of the key trying to will the ball in. But EmiLee Brown was fouled on the putback try with one tenth of a second left, and went to the line with a chance to tie or win. Both of Brown’s shots bounced off the rim and into the basket to give the Tigers the improbable win.

Megan Cassavaugh had 17 points, a career high. Jill Hardy had 8, EmiLee Brown 4, Morgan Beagle 3, Braidy Hunt 2, and Kara Staton 1.

Morgan Beagle had 8 boards. Jill Hardy had 6, EmiLee Brown 5, Megan Cassavaugh 4, Kynah Steele 3, Braidy Hunt 2, and Kara Staton 1.

Jill Hardy had 3 assists. EmiLee Brown, Megan Cassavaugh, and Kynah Steele all had 2, while Morgan Beagle, Braidy Hunt, and Kara Staton had 1.

Megan Cassavaugh had 5 tips. Braidy Hunt, EmiLee Brown, and Morgan Beagle had 3 tips, Kara Staton 2, and Kynah Steele and Jill Hardy 1.

Braidy Hunt had 5 steals. Jill Hardy had 4, EmiLee Brown 3, Megan Cassavaugh 2, and Elizabeth Brown, Morgan Beagle, and Kara Staton 1.

Obituary -- Jerry Christensen 1941-2020

Jerry Edward Christensen, son of Christian and Esther (Obrecht) Christensen, was born on November 1, 1941 in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up and attended school in Tennant, Iowa. Growing up you would almost always find Jerry playing basketball in the driveway. He graduated in 1959 from Tennant High School. After graduation, he attained his bachelors and coaching certificate from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri and later he earned his master’s degree from Wisconsin-Platteville.

On November 10, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Rae Thomsen at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Together they had three children: Steve, Greg and Susan.

In 1963, he began his basketball and teaching career in a little town of Ravenwood, Missouri. Little did he know, he would coach for the next 50 plus years. Jerry spent 10 years between Oxford Junction, Iowa, Carroll, Iowa and Warsaw, Illinois before making roots in Treynor, Iowa. While at Treynor, he surpassed several milestones, earned several awards and took seven teams to the state tournament, three of which included his two sons. Jerry finished with 618 victories. He was inducted into the Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.

He was a dedicated guidance counselor helping many students into college. After retirement, Jerry moved to Avoca where he spent time being a substitute teacher, driving buses and being a volunteer coach with the AHSTW basketball team. Jerry and Rae enjoyed traveling. Memorable trips included Switzerland, Hawaii and several cruises. During the summers, he loved spending time with family vacationing at Okoboji. Jerry adored his grandkids. He was very involved in his grandchildren lives and enjoyed being with them as much as possible.

Jerry passed away on December 16, 2020 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, one month and fifteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother David.

Those left to carry on his legacy are his loving wife of 58 years Rae Christensen of Avoca, Iowa; children Steve Christensen of Minden, Iowa; Greg (Connie) Christensen of Tea, South Dakota; Susan (Brian) Wedemeyer of Avoca, Iowa; 6 grandchildren Zach (Lauren), Caleb, Ethen and Emily Christensen; and Taylor and Ryan Wedemeyer; sister Jeanette Wilkerson of Exira, Iowa; Judy (Larry) Gillam of DeSoto, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

Obituary -- Lettie Schultz 1933-2020

Lettie Lou Schultz, 87, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Parkdale Manor.

Lettie was born on June 17, 1933 in Maryville, Missouri to Ben and Dora Joyner. She was graduate of the Ravenwood High School and a bookkeeper for Bagby Motors. She was also a member of the Countryside Christian Church.

She married Frank Scott on August 4, 1951 in Ravenwood, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 2, 1982. She later married Donald Schultz on June 10, 1984 in Maryville. he preceded her in death on October 2, 2010. She was also preceded by her parents and her brother, Harold Joyner and sister and brother-in-law, Dottie (Dayle) Shipps.

Survivors include her children, Karen (Kirk) Nicholson, Ravenwood, Missouri and Roger (Barb) Scott, Albuquerque, New Mexico; two step-daughters, Jane (Donnis) Allen and Cheryl (Steve) Townsend all of Maryville; sister, Shirley (Jay) Schmidt, Maryville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Christopher Nicholson and Ben and Sarah Scott; five step-grandchildren, Ryan Schultz, Elizabeth Townsend, Rebecca Stone, Rachel Townsend and Emily Groumoutis.

Mrs. Schultz has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. There will be no visitation held. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Nodaway County Senior Center.

North Nodaway Joins Platte Valley Cooperative in Football

Following the decision by West Nodaway to pursue an all sports cooperative with Nodaway-Holt, which resulted in a five year deal between the two schools, the Jefferson School Board, and the South Nodaway School Board voted to accept North Nodaway into the Platte Valley cooperative for football only. North Nodaway will continue to compete separately in other sports. The North Nodaway School Board approved the move by a 7-0 vote.

In a letter to patrons dated Friday, North Nodaway Superintendent Chris Turpin said that while travel was a concern, it was only a five mile difference to Barnard as it was to Burlington Junction. Turpin said that North Nodaway had surveyed its students, and that only seven high school and seven junior high students were committing to play football for next year.

Turpin, in his letter, said that the school had asked the other schools that bordered their district about cooperatives, with no success; either they were happy with their current situations or not interested in taking on anyone else. However, Jefferson and South Nodaway jumped at the opportunity due to their declining enrollments and numbers in future years, leaving them worried that they would not have a football team.

While details have not been worked out, Turpin said in his letter that Platte Valley has indicated that they were willing to practice and play some home games at Hopkins.

Charley Burch to Become Superintendent at Cole County

On Thursday, NEN grad and long-time Jefferson teacher Charley Burch announced that he had accepted the Superintendent’s job at Cole County (MO). He was the boys basketball coach, track coach, and athletic director at Northeast Nodaway before moving to Jefferson to teach and coach there.

Worth County School Board Declines to Extend Mask Mandate

The Worth County R-III Board of Education on a met Thursday, December 17 for the purpose of conducting the regular business of the board.  President Patricia Warner called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.  Only six members were present. 

On a 3-3 split vote, the board failed to extend the mask requirement for students and staff members.  Warner stated, “We hope that students and staff will continue to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing.  When social distancing is not possible, we are strongly encouraging students and staff to continue to wear a mask.”  

Because the district no longer will require students and staff members to wear masks students or staff, who are identified as close contacts will have to quarantine for 14 days.  Staff members are considered essential workers and may continue to work as long as they wear a mask and self-monitor for symptoms during their work time and quarantine at home when not at work.

The board did pass a resolution that would allow staff members some additional days of leave for use if they have to take off work because of  having COVID or caring for someone with COVID.  “We needed to pass this resolution just in case Congress cannot get an extension to the relief offered under the CARES ACT,” Dr. Matthew Martz, superintendent commented.  “There are a few differences between this resolution and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The main difference is that staff members must use 3 days of paid or unpaid leave before the COVID leave would start.”

Additionally, the board discussed options for replacing the tiles throughout the elementary and the high school.  April Healy, business teacher, presented information that she collected for the replacing approximately 26,000 square feet of flooring.  The project will need to include the abatement of asbestos floor tiles and could cost between $150,000 and $198,000 depending on the type of flooring.  The board gave the go ahead for administration to continue with soliciting bids.

Chris Healy, activities director, presented information to the board on getting new lockers for the two locker rooms.  The board requested more information and will reconsider this topic at the January Board meeting.

Finally the board approved two substitute teacher applicants, Payton Adwell and Ashleigh Moser.

Meeting adjourned at 9:38 pm.

Tevin Cameron Gets Heart of America Conference Honors

 Graceland University Football's Tevin Cameron of Grant City, MO, has been named honorable mention all-conference by the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart), determined by a vote of all Heart coaches.

Cameron, a junior linebacker, had a team-high 38 tackles and two sacks in the shortened season. He averaged 9.5 tackles per game, which ranked 15th nationally in the NAIA.

660 Area Code to Move to Ten Digit Dialing

The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a case at the request of the Public Service Commission Staff (Staff) to assist Staff regarding an order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requiring ten-digit local dialing in four of Missouri’s six area codes by July 15, 2022.

The change to ten-digit local dialing is necessary to allow for the establishment of “988” as a three-digit code to reach a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

To avoid conflict with the new 988 code, all United States area codes that use a 988 NPA prefix (for example 314-988-xxxx) must move to ten-digit local dialing. In Missouri, the affected area codes are 314, 417, 660 and 816. Area codes 573 and 636 do not use a 988 NPA prefix and can continue to use seven-digit local dialing.

Staff intends to use this case to communicate with Missouri’s telecommunications providers about their plans to implement ten-digit dialing and to gather company-specific information about the timing of implementing ten-digit local dialing as well as general plans for notifying customers and other entities.

Staff plans to periodically report on its findings to the Commission.

Courthouse News for December 16th, 2020

On December 7, 2020 Christina Fairholm 31, of Charles City (IA) was arrested in Mount Ayr on an Out of County Warrant for Simple Assault. Fairholm was transported to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office where she’s being held until extradition.

On December 7th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed an additional charge of Tampering (Felony) against Jeremiah Searles in the Harrison County case. On December 11th, the case was set for trial from June 1st through 4th, 2021 in Mercer County on charges of Tampering (Felony), Kidnapping (Felony), Domestic Assault (Felony), and Child Abuse (Felony). The case was moved there on a Change of Venue.

On December 8th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Craig Ingram (45) of Grandview (MO) in Harrison County on charges of Driving While Revoked, No Insurance, Speeding, a St. Charles (MO) Warrant for Failure to Appear (Possession of Marijuana) and an Out of State Warrant.

On December 8th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jennifer Grey (31) of McFall alleging DWI.

On December 9th, Special Prosecutor David Baird filed charges against Abbey Morin (38) of Grant City in Nodaway County alleging Stealing.

On December 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Stephanie Mickelson (49) of Maryville in Nodaway County alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On December 10th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Kimberly Tinkle (50) of Grant City alleging two counts Hindering Prosecution (Felony), Abandonment of a Corpse (Felony), and Tampering with Evidence (Felony). Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges were related to the Melissa Chapman case. 

On December 10th, Jeremiah Searles pleaded guilty to killing Melissa Chapman and was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections by Judge Roger Prokes in the Worth County case.

On December 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested DeAndre Allen (21) of Albany in Harrison County on a Gentry County Warrant for Failure to Appear (No Seat Belt).

On December 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kyle Pfeifer (28) of Manhattan (KS) in Gentry County on a charge of DWI.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Alexandra Lasley (40) of Council Bluffs alleging Possession of Controlled Substance.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Garrett Seals (23) of Corning alleging Assault (Felony).

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Byron Merriett (52) of Burlington Junction alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Philip Merriett (25) of Burlington Junction alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On December 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Ryan Jones (20) of Blythedale in Harrison County alleging DWI (Drugs), Failure to Place Vehicle Not in Motion As Near Right Hand Side as Practical, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Insurance.

On December 13th, Lucas Samo, 30, of Gravity, was arrested in the 400 block of Jackson Street in Gravity. Samo was charged with domestic abuse assault, a serious misdemeanor.  Samo is currently being held at the Taylor County Jail without the ability to post bond pending an appearance before the magistrate.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Man Killed in Wreck Between Car, Motorcycle

A St. Joseph man was killed last Wednesday morning in a wreck between a car and a motorcycle. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Bryton Bohon (27) of St. Joseph and a 2005 BMW driven by Chet Lake (37) of St. Joseph were both southbound on I-29 at the 44.6 mile marker near St. Joseph at around 4:18 that morning. The Patrol says the BMW was being pushed by Lake in the driving lane when the Sentra struck it in the rear. Bohon was killed in the wreck, while Lake received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Obituary -- Joan Konopasek 1935-2020

Joan Hope Konopasek, daughter of Ray & Alberta May (Hutchcroft) Grannaman, was born October 15, 1935 at Leon, Iowa. Joan was raised by her mother and step-father, Walter Hughes, whom she loved dearly.

On October 28, 1951, Joan was united in marriage to Doyle Vern Konopasek in Lamoni, Iowa. To this marriage was born four children: Linda, Glen, Jeannie, and Betty.

Joan & Doyle began their life together on a farm near Eagleville, Missouri. In addition to being a wife & mother, Joan was a waitress at the Eagleville Truckstop. In 1968, they moved to Kellerton, Iowa. They owned and operated the Kellerton Locker for the next 30 years. Joan loved being with her family. She loved to crochet, and Joan made many keepsake items for both family and friends. Joan enjoyed coloring and creating artwork. Joan loved to go fishing and camping in Storm Lake, Iowa. Doyle passed away on October 13, 2012. In 2013, Joan moved to Red Oak, Iowa. She was in a serious car accident and became a resident of the Red Oak Rehab & Nursing Center.

Joan passed away December 12, 2020. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Grannaman; mother & step-father May & Walter Hughes; husband Doyle; son Glen; sister Mary Hughes; son-in-law David Dunn; and two grandchildren Misty & Dalton Lee.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three daughters Linda Dunn of Red Oak, IA, Jeannie (Marvin) Hultquist of Langley, OK, Betty (Leroy Lee) Gage of Ottawa, KS; 16 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren with 1 on the way; sister Raylene (Frank) Messina of Venice, FL; 3 nieces, 3 nephews, and 1 great nephew; and a host of cousins and friends.

A memorial fund has been established in her name to be decided later.

Obituary -- Wilbur Noakes 1945-2020

Wilbur Dean Noakes, 75, of Hopkins, Missouri passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Wilbur was born on November 27, 1945 in Maryville, Missouri to the late Horace H. and Mildred M. (Ringold) Noakes. He was a lifelong farmer of the Hopkins area and operated the maintainer for the Hopkins township for many years. Wilbur was an active member of the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church and was a fix it man, picnic worker. He was an active member of Hopkins Lion Club since 1980 and a volunteer of the Hopkins Fire Department since 1965. He was a member of Northwest Solid Waste District. He pulled many people out of the snow and ditches. He will be remembered for his many acts of kindness, his humility, and sometimes his quietness.

He met when sitting on front porch of the parsonage waiting on Susan to arrive at her new church appointment. Two years later they dated and married Susan J. Stokes on September 5, 1998. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include his sister, Melba Bentley, Council Bluffs, Iowa and his many nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Chris) Connelly, Scott (Angie) Bentley, Diana Stokes, Sarah (Adam) Emery and Karl Stokes (Tori) and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Noakes has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held at 2 pm Friday, December 18th at the Hopkins Cemetery. A register book is available for friends to sign at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in care of a Church of your choice or the Lions Club International “Sight First”, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Chris Healy Named New Worth County Superintendent

The Worth County R-III Board of Education selected Mr. Chris Healy to replace Dr. Matt Martz as school superintendent.  Dr. Martz will retire at the end of the current school year.

Mr. Healy graduated from Worth County in 2002.   Although he had opportunities to use his computer science degree and pursue other avenues, he chose to come back to Worth County and teach mathematics.  Mr. Healy has been with the district as an employee since 2006.  Chris has also coached football, basketball, and track during his tenure.  He currently teaches math and serves as both activities director and technology administrator.  Mr. Healy completed his Education Specialist degree at Northwest Missouri State University in 2020.

“The board of education is very appreciative of the strides Dr. Martz and his family have made for the district in his eight year tenure and we are looking forward to working with Mr. Healy in the coming years,” said BOE President Patricia Warner.  

The BOE met on Saturday, December 12th to conduct interviews.  Mr. Healy was chosen from seven applications received by the district.  Normally, the board would hire the Missouri School Board Association to collect applications and narrow down the candidate pool.  However, after speaking with former board members, the current BOE elected to conduct the process themselves.  

“We felt like MSBA did not always understand the needs of our small district.  Someone who looks good on paper isn’t necessarily a good fit for our community,” said Mrs. Warner. 

Duane "Comish" James Writes His Own Obituary

 By Duane “Comish” James

Thank you for coming today to say goodbye.  The one thing you all have in common here today is this—your lives were somehow touched by a man called Comish.  I hopefully touched each one of you in different ways.  I tried to be a loving husband, dad, grandpa, good friend, and neighbor yet, more.  

The year was 1955 when W. Alton and Ellen J. James welcomed another baby to the family, on the home place South of Grant City.  The home place is now the farm which Cathy and I own, and where we managed the cattle operation.  My cattle operation started with two bottle calves, which over 30 years has become a 75 cow/calf angus operation.  All of which are branded with our J4 brand.  J4—which came from 4 in my family, 40 acres bought for $400 an acre, purchased in 1994.

As a young boy I can remember our big meal was once a month, dad would find hamburger three pounds for a dollar, a 15 cent can of tomato juice, and tomatoes for 27 cents a pound, and a 29 cent pound bag of macaroni. All these put together would make our delicacy for the month.

I received my education by attending Worth County R-1 in Grant City.  Yet, the most formative part of my learning came from attending “classes” at Adams Store in Worth, Missouri.   It was here that I learned about engines- watching “Doc”, and helping him as they were repaired.  Some of my best used knowledge came at the hands of the locals as we played dominos and checkers.  They allowed me to play and laughed many a time as they would beat me soundly.  But the day came when I started to win, both at checkers and dominos.  The laughter stopped as they could no longer beat me at the game they were once the best at.  And lastly, but probably the most notable thing, that I took with me from Adams store was the name given to me by Blaine, which was “Comish”.  Because he said, “one day you’ll be the commissioner for the town of Worth.”

In 1974, I graduated from Adams School in Worth, and started working at Groce Chevrolet and Oldsmobile in Grant City. 

During the days hanging out at the Adams Store I noticed a young lady that was always with my sister Elaine.  Feeling I am a good judge of people, just think, look at his wife of 45 years.  I saw a good lady and won her heart.  This young lady, Cathy was her name, caused “Comish” James to be smitten by love.  I couldn’t keep my eyes off her as she would walk by everyday going to and from the bus.  As her parents really didn’t care much for me, with my mechanic skills, let alone the domino and checker games I’d won.  Even with my title “Commissioner of Worth,” I couldn’t gain their approval to date their daughter, so a date was out of the question.   

Then, came the marriage of sister Elaine.  Having the honor of being the best man, and Cathy Besco, the maid of honor.  Yes, it was at the wedding that “Comish” could be close to and talk to this beautiful girl that I’d been admiring.  If it weren’t for the wedding rehearsal, I may not have gotten that first kiss, and well, as they say, the rest is history.

I was not a church going man. However, that didn’t mean I didn’t have a relationship with God.  My health issues made me evaluate life and all things about it. I’ve always had a strong sense of right and wrong.  I tried to show my faith in the way I daily lived my life and treated others.  If someone, anyone, needed help, I tried to be there and listen, lend a hand, or help anyway I could.  

In 1984, I purchased the station from Bud Groce.  The station has been offering full service to customers for years.  The past years have allowed me the opportunity to become friends with many of Worth County’s citizens.  Whether I worked on your car, changed the oil, fixed a tire, or just pumped your gas it was always an EXPERIENCE going to Comish’s Service.  Probably some of the most memorable times for his patrons were the auto inspections.  Once, when first coming to town, a new pastor went to get his vehicle licensed at Kenton Thompson’s License Bureau. Kenton told him, “You don’t have all your papers in order”.  “You need an inspection young man, go see Comish.”  Yes, it was all in one day that the new pastor had the pleasure of meeting Kenton Thompson and Comish James, and surviving it.  Len Green will never forget it!  And like many others, their friendship will never be forgotten.

I strived to be someone you could count on.  Whatever I told you, my word was truthful and dependable.  My convictions, beliefs and opinions were admired by many—in fact many could say that I may have bordered on being stubborn and set in his ways.  That might be putting it mildly, but I ask you, aren’t we all?

I had many loves in my life, my farm, “the old home place” and the cattle there, was a place I loved.  I felt like I was good with my cows and working on the farm.  I also loved early morning drives around the county and city, checking up on places in the community that I cared about. I loved all the many friends I made being in business for over 35 years at Comish’s Station.

But my biggest loves in my life was my family, my wife Cathy, daughters Sherri and Becky, my granddaughters Kaylee and Claire and my grandson, my special buddy, Cooper.  I was always quick to brag on them and their accomplishments. My outlook on life changed for me the day Cooper was born.  He came into my life at a time when I was ready to let cancer beat me.  Cooper gave me a new reason to keep fighting daily for every extra day I could get.  I got to watch him grow and change for 14 months of his life.  I probably taught him things that “Mom” didn’t approve of, but hey, that’s what Papa’s do, right?  Cooper, I love you to the world and back!  I know you will be a “real man” someday.

For our 25th anniversary Cathy talked me into going on a cruise, we loved it!  And the cruise addiction never stopped.  We booked 16 more after that.  It was our annual escape to many beautiful islands and one to the unforgettable Alaska.  Before the cruising bug we took many road trips across our great country, the National Parks in Utah, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, the Smoky Mountains, Niagara Falls, Golden Gate Bridge, the Redwood Forest, Colorado, to name a few.  If there was a train ride at any of these destinations, we would take a ride. The most memorable train ride was in Skagway, Alaska.

Most people didn’t think I had a heart.  I do have, you just have to reach way down in there to find it.  When you do, it’s like an extra-large Cherry Mash. Once you get past the outer rough layer, you find the sweet center inside.  When it came to showing emotion and feelings, you didn’t see a lot of that from me.  As a friend, when someone I cared about hurt, it caused me hurt too.  

Honestly, I tried to be a very caring person.  It was just hard for me to show it sometimes.

There are people in our lives that have always been there. In fact, we don’t think about them not being a part of our lives.  I am hoping, I was definitely one of those people for you.  Being a member of the Domino and Checker Club of Worth, a regular at the Senior Center for Dominos, a past member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Grant City Golf Club, the Grant City Cemetery Board and a mason with the Bethany Lodge, Bethany, Missouri. I’m going to miss seeing all of you around, especially on the bench on a summer day in front of Comish’s station.  

However you knew me, whether it was Duane or Comish, I will always be in your hearts.  Only God can take our memories away, so anytime we want, we can revisit the good times and laughs we had together. Yes, I’m gone, but will never be forgotten.

We all are special people to someone, and all of us love in our own way.  I will miss you all dearly for sure.  I hope all of you here today can say I’m better off for having known Duane “Comish” James. 

Looking back on life, I leave you with this.  ”I must have done something right!”  Right on!!  

Survivors include: Wife, Cathy James of the home, two daughters, Sherri (Preston) Slagle, Becky (Tyler) McElvain, all of Grant City,  three grandchildren, Kaylee and Claire McElvain, Cooper Slagle, one aunt Hellen Dredge, Wichita, Kansas, sisters Beverly Burton, Gentry, Missouri, Elaine (Carl) Owens, Grant City, Thelma (Stephen) Morris, LaVista, Nebraska, brothers Byland James, Hopkins, Missouri, Keith (Theresa) James, Arkoe, Missouri, Calvin James, Indianola, Iowa, Max James, St. Joseph, Missouri, Larry (Rachel) James, Cameron, Missouri, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Per Duane’s request his body has been cremated.  The family has requested friends attend the visitation on Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, as seating will be limited for the memorial service which will be held there at 2 PM on Sunday.

The memorial service will be live-streamed on Andrews-Hann Funeral Home Facebook Page.  Social distancing and face masks are recommended for those attending services.  

Memorials may be given to the Worth County Athletic Department, Worth County R-3 School, 510 East Ave, Grant City, Missouri  64456. 

Harrison County Issues Mask Mandate

On Monday, the Harrison County Health Department issued a public health order requiring masks to be worn anytime anybody is, or will be in contact with other people who are not household members. All public facilities and businesses that are open to the public shall post a sign at all entrances that masks are required to be worn inside the facility or business. All schools, including North Harrison, will be required to implement a mask mandate. 

The Harrison County Health Department cited high positivity rates, the fact that Harrison County Hospital is at maximum capacity, and the fact that the county is in Category 1, the Extreme Risk category. 

Class, District Assignments Released for Basketball

 Class and district assignments were released for basketball by MSHSAA Monday. Worth County barely made the cut for Class 1, with 74 students enrolled. After speculation that MSHSAA would drop the enrollment threshold, they did so this year, dropping it to 78. Class 1 basketball power Platte Valley also came under the threshold, at 72 combined students. 

Worth County was assigned to District 15, and will see some new faces this year. They will be paired with DeKalb, Pattonsburg, St. Joseph Christian, Stanberry, Union Star, and Winston. 

On the boys side, the district is loaded, with Pattonsburg, St. Joseph Christian, Stanberry, and Winston as favorites along with Worth County. The Tigers’ Friday contest at Christian will be a key contest; not only will it affect GRC standings, it will affect district seedings as well. Winston is undefeated as of Monday; they have only been challenged by two teams and their smallest margin of victory this year is 16 points. MSHSAA no longer uses the multiplier to classify charter and private schools, meaning that Christian has dropped to Class 1 this year. Two years ago, while competing in 11 man football, Christian was forced to travel to Maryville for the first round of districts.

The girls side will see Stanberry as a favorite; they beat Worth County by 30 at the start of the year. Pattonsburg and DeKalb will also be teams to watch. Union Star will also compete.

North Nodaway and Northeast Nodaway will face the unenviable task of playing in District 16 with Platte Valley and Mound City. Other teams will be Nodaway-Holt, South Holt, and West Nodaway.

The boys side will be loaded; Mound City will be a favorite with its two headed monster of Landon Poppa and Tony Osborn, both of whom can dunk. South Holt is usually solid, Platte Valley, while off to a bad start, is still a team to watch, and West Nodaway is loaded, with everybody back from last year. Nodaway-Holt is much better than last year, with two wins already under its belt after one all last year.

For the girls, Platte Valley has designs on the State Title this year; they are 15 players deep and beat Maryville and Serena Sundell 53-50 Friday. South Holt graduated their best post player, but is still solid; Mound City has a lot of size and is trying to combine it with speed like the boys team is. Nodaway-Holt has one of the better post players in the area in Shaina Culp, and West Nodaway showed some improvement from last year despite their Game 1 loss to Essex (IA).

North Harrison will be in District 14 along with East Harrison, Gilman City, Grundy County, Linn County, and Tri-County. 

On the boys side, North Harrison will be a favorite with traditional power Mercer rebuilding this year. Their 74-64 win over Tri-County turned out to be important for district seeding purposes. Grundy County has jumped out to a promising 3-1 start. For the girls, Mercer has designs on going back to state; they have talked Dan Owens out of retirement to coach the team, and they are one of the most physical teams in the area. Tri-County has emerged as a solid team over the last few years; they are a difficult matchup with anybody with their chaotic style. Grundy County, which has risen as a power in the HDC over the last few years, is rebuilding; this year has been feast of famine for them with two blowout wins and two blowout losses. Gilman City played Princeton tough at the start of the year. Princeton, the elephant in the room, moved up to Class 2.