Wade Briggs, Brett Emig Hang 27 on Hawks; Babinski Has Big Night on Boards

Wade Briggs hit a career high with 27 points, Brett Emig had a normal day at the office with another 27, Nick Babinski had a big night on the boards, and North Harrison survived a chaotic game, winning 80-67 over Gilman City Saturday. The game won them their round robin section of the Gilman City Tournament, which was split into two sections this year. They beat the Hawks for the second time.

Both teams, who coop with each other in football, tried to run each other out of the gym early. The Hawks took an early 10-8 lead, only for North Harrison to get 10 stops in a row as they built a double digit lead that they would not relinquish. Wade Briggs hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Grant Claycomb, Brett Emig went coast to coast, Emig and Claycomb converted on steals on consecutive plays, Emig scored again, and Wade Briggs converted a steal into a 3-point play to make it 22-10.

Gilman City used a putback to break the run, but North Harrison got another five consecutive stops and built their lead up some more. Wade Briggs had a 3-pointer and added a traditional 3-point play off an inbounds pass from Nick Babinski, Cooper Cracraft hit Brandon Hamilton inside for two, and Grant Claycomb hit Briggs in transition to make it 32-12.

But then the sloppy play started. First, the Shamrocks missed the front end of a one and one; then, someone stepped on the inbounds line. That gave Gilman all the push they needed. #33 hit two 3-pointers, and the Shamrocks were throwing the ball all over the gym at one point as the Hawks closed to within 34-25. Tyson Gibson restored order with a 3-pointer and Keygun Johnson added a coast to coast layup after a defensive glass, but Gilman City scored late after some more sloppy play, when North Harrison didn’t realize a loose ball was still live and the Hawks took it down and scored right before half to make it 39-27.

The Hawks cut it to ten at the start of the third, but then North Harrison started getting stops again as Wade Briggs put back a missed shot, and Emig heated up, getting 13 in the third quarter. He scored off an inside shot off a pass from Wade Briggs and went coast to coast and converted a three point play to make it 17 again at 46-29. Gilman City hit a free throw, but then Emig and Claycomb both converted fast breaks to put their squad up 50-30. 

Emig pushed the Shamrocks ahead by as much as 54-33 before #1 started hitting 3-pointers and the Hawks got a steal to cut it to 15 at 56-41. But Cooper Cracraft hit Grant Claycomb for a reverse layup and Emig scored on a fast break after Cracraft got him a quick outlet to make it 60-41.

North Harrison led 64-46 after the third quarter, but Gilman City did not make it easy for them in the fourth, slashing to the basket at will and getting some free throws as well. But North Harrison used balanced scoring to keep the lead in double digits as Briggs had 6, and Emig and Claycomb had 4 each.

Brett Emig and Wade Briggs had 27 each. Grant Claycomb had 14, Brandon Hamilton 4, Tyson Gibson 3, Keygun Johnson and Nick Babinski 2, and Kamden Robertson 1.

Nick Babinski had 2 blocks.

Nick Babinski had 14 boards. Brett Emig had 12, Grant Claycomb 11, Brandon Hamilton and Tyson Gibson 5 each, Cooper Cracraft 4, Wade Briggs 2, and Kamden Robertson and Keygun Johnson 1.

The Shamrocks, with the win, got their fourth straight win, and sharing the ball more has been key to their improvement. Against Northeast Nodaway in the South Harrison Tournament, they got a mere 6 assists; against Gilman City Saturday, they got 20, over three times that total. Brett Emig had 5, Cooper Cracraft and Grant Claycomb 4 each, Nick Babinski and Wade Briggs 2 each, and Keygun Johnson, Brandon Hamilton, and Tyson Gibson 1 each.

Grant Claycomb had 5 tips. Wade Briggs and Brett Emig had 4 each, Tyson Gibson 3, and Brandon Hamilton and Nick Babinski 1 each.

Brett Emig and Wade Briggs had 2 steals each. Grant Claycomb, Kamden Robertson, Keygun Johnson, and Tyson Gibson had 1 each.

Kami Gibson Posts 17 as Shamrock Girls Win Round Robin

North Harrison survived a frantic 44-43 finish against Gilman City as Kami Gibson hit a career high 17 and the Shamrocks overcame 23 turnovers. 

Both teams started off red hot, with Gilman City holding a 9-7 lead in the first three minutes of the game. But then North Harrison locked down on defense as they got seven straight stops and Jayliegh Robins got the hot hand, getting six straight to make it 13-9. #10’s drive cut it to two, but Erin Virtue hit a baseline shot at the buzzer to put North Harrison in front 15-11.

Jayliegh Robins’ putback at the start of the second put North Harrison up six, but the Hawks continued to have hot shooting, hanging around and closing to within 22-19. North Harrison finally got a couple of stops, and Kami Gibson hit from the left side and Emma Craig scored from inside to put the Shamrocks in front 26-19, but a late 3-pointer by #10 cut Gilman City’s deficit to 28-24 at the break.

Camden Castleberry followed her own miss, Jayliegh Robins hit two free throws, and Emma Craig got loose in transition, but then North Harrison proceeded to nearly give the game away. First, they missed a couple of good looks; then, they started pressing on offense and trying to do too much, throwing the ball away right and left. The Shamrocks proceeded to turn the ball over eight times in the last four minutes of the third quarter as Gilman City slowly chipped away, drawing to within 36-34 by the end of the period.

They proceeded to throw the ball away three more times at the start of the fourth, but stingy defense on the other end stopped Gilman City from tying or taking the lead, as North Harrison had nine stops in ten possessions at the end of the third and the start of the fourth. Finally, Kami Gibson got loose for three backdoor looks and scored six points to give the Shamrocks some breathing room at 42-36.

But then Gilman City got the ball inside a couple of times and chipped away again, cutting it to 44-40 at the two minute mark. Gilman City had lots of fouls to give and could afford to be very aggressive on defense. Finally, #10 hit a guarded three at the top of the key following a couple of bad passes to cut it to 44-43. Gilman City stole an errant pass and had a good transition look, but Jayliegh Robins stole the ball right back and Camden Castleberry finally got on the line for a 1-1 with 12 seconds left.

But she missed the free throw and Gilman City had one last chance to win it. #12 missed a heavily contested runner with 5 seconds left, and Trendi Johnson got the ensuing board for the win. The win got North Harrison the victory in their round robin in the Gilman City Tournament, as the Shamrocks also won over East Harrison as well, and the Milan JV game between the two wasn’t played.

Kami Gibson had 17 for the Shamrocks. Jayliegh Robins had 10, Emma Craig 6, Camden Castleberry 5, Eric Virtue 4, and Trendi Johnson 2.

Emma Craig and Kami Gibson had 8 boards each. Jayliegh Robins had 6, Trendi Johnson 5, Camden Castleberry 2, and Halle Morgan 1.

Jayliegh Robins and Camden Castleberry had 4 assists each. Kami Gibson had 3, Emma Craig and Trendi Johnson 2, and Erin Virtue 1.

Emma Craig had 4 tips. Jayliegh Robins had 3, Camden Castleberry 2, and Kami Gibson 1.

Jayliegh Robins had 5 steals. Trendi Johnson and Emma Craig had 3 each, while Kami Gibson had 1.

Tiger Girls, Mustangs Finish 1st and 2nd at Northwest Missouri Tournament

 Worth County’s girls have been streaky all season. First, they dropped three straight; then, they won five straight. They dropped six out of their next seven games, hitting a low point with their 69-43 loss to Pattonsburg. However, last week, they recovered and rode a big wave to a Northwest Missouri Tournament championship, running the table in three games.

North Nodaway’s girls have not won a tournament in quite some time; they will have to wait a little longer after Saturday’s 56-39 loss to Worth County. With the massive snowstorms that occurred during the early part of last week, games were moved into a compressed schedule, forcing North Nodaway to play three straight games in three nights; they had played two tough opponents in West Nodaway and Rock Port in order to face Worth County. The Tigers, meanwhile, got a break in the pairings as they played a tough opponent in Nodaway-Holt, beat them by 16, and then got a breather Thursday against Northland Christian, winning by the running clock.

The big factor in the game was the turnover battle. North Nodaway won the rebounding battle 33-32, and shot 15 for 26 from the line while Worth County shot 11 for 21. But the turnover battle was too much for them to overcome, as they surrendered the ball 24 times while Worth County only turned it over 12 times in Saturday’s game.

Worth County was able to get back to playing their game while not allowing North Nodaway to play theirs. Worth County is 8-2 when holding opponents to under 40 points, while North Nodaway has won 15 of their last 16 games over the last two years when scoring 50 or more points. The Tigers held all three of their opponents under 40 points in winning the tournament. North Nodaway has made a living off the 3-point line the last two years, including getting ten against Northeast Nodaway; Worth County only allowed one 3-pointer in their win.

The game started off evenly matched as the game was tied at 2, 4, 6, 11, and 13. But then Megan Cassavaugh connected on a 3-pointer early in the second quarter to put the Tigers up for good at 16-13. Saryn Brown did all she could for North Nodaway, getting to the line 20 times, showing that she is able to get on the line at will, like teammates Jacquelyn Cline and Jadon Dobbins. Her free throws cut it to 16-15. But then Megan Cassavaugh hit Braidy Hunt on a backdoor pass that sparked the Tigers.

For the rest of the game, Worth County, time and time again, was able to expose North Nodaway’s defense by throwing passes from the wing to the opposite side block, leading to a lot of easy baskets. Kynah Steele added a third chance putback and Taylor Sanders hit a top of the key 3-pointer to make it 23-15.

Saryn Brown was hammered on a 3-point attempt and made two out of her three attempts to spark North Nodaway late in the half, and Jadon Dobbins followed with a steal to cut it to 24-20. Jill Hardy countered with a baseline shot after scooping up a carom on the right baseline, but Lauren Herndon inbounded to Jacquelyn Cline backdoor and Saryn Brown got a putback try and was fouled at the buzzer, knocking down both free throws to make it 26-24.

But then Worth County got their post players untracked in the third quarter as Morgan Beagle had 7 points in the period and EmiLee Brown added six. Kara Staton added two more, and Jill Hardy contributed a 3-pointer. Meanwhile, Worth County put down the clamps on defense, not allowing any good looks as they pulled away to a 44-28 lead after three. Jadon Dobbins picked up her fourth foul in the period. 

North Nodaway finally got untracked in the fourth quarter as they got in the bonus again. Jill Hardy and Braidy Hunt picked up their fourth fouls, and both Cline and Brown hit free throws as the Mustangs chipped away at their deficit to come to within 46-32. Jadon Dobbins picked up her fifth foul, but then Jacquelyn went coast to cost to cut it to 49-36. However, Taylor Sanders hit her second 3-pointer to restore order; Megan Cassavaugh hit EmiLee Brown cutting inside and Jill Hardy scored off a Morgan Beagle theft to make it 56-36.

Worth County had eight different players get in the scoring column. EmiLee Brown had 13, Jill Hardy 9, Megan Cassavaugh 8, Morgan Beagle 7, Taylor Sanders 6, Kynah Steele 5, Kara Staton 4, and Braidy Hunt 4. EmiLee Brown and Jill Hardy were named to the All Tournament Team.

EmiLee Brown had three blocks, constantly turning away Mustang efforts to convert in the paint. Kynah Steele had 1.

Worth County had four players get five rebounds, with Megan Cassavaugh, Morgan Beagle, Jill Hardy, and EmiLee Brown sharing honors. Braidy Hunt and Kynah Steele had 4, Kara Staton 2, and Liz Brown and Taylor Sanders with 1.

Megan Cassavaugh had 9 assists. Braidy Hunt had 4, Jill Hardy 3, Kynah Steele 2, and Taylor Sanders, Kara Staton, Liz Brown, and Morgan Beagle with 1 each.

Jill Hardy and Megan Cassavaugh had 4 tips each. Morgan Beagle, Braidy Hunt, and EmiLee Brown had 2 each, and Liz Brown and Kynah Steele had 1.

Five different Tigers, Jill Hardy, Megan Cassavaugh, EmiLee Brown, Braidy Hunt, and Morgan Beagle, all had 3 steals. Liz Brown and Kynah Steele had 1 each.

For North Nodaway, Jacquelyn Cline and Saryn Brown each had 14. Lauren Herndon had 5, Jadon Dobbins had 4, and Karissa Oberhauser had 2. Cline was named to the All Tournament Squad.

Saryn Brown had 11 boards. Jacquelyn Cline had 9, Lauren Herndon 8, Jadon Dobbins 4, and Ellaina Renfro 2.

Lauren Herndon had 7 assists. Jacquelyn Cline had 2, and Karissa Oberhauser had 1.

Lauren Herndon had 6 tips. Jacquelyn Cline had 4, Saryn Brown 3, Jadon Dobbins 2, and Karissa Oberhauser and Ellaina Renfro had 1 each.

Jacquelyn Cline had 4 steals. Saryn Brown had 3, Jadon Dobbins 2, and Lauren Herndon and Ellaina Renfro had 1 each.

Tiger Boys Beat Northland Christian to Complete Northwest Missouri Tournament Sweep

Worth County’s boys turned back a heavily favored Northland Christian squad in overtime 57-52 and proved to themselves and others that they could beat a strong squad. The Tigers had been reeling following their 72-54 loss to Pattonsburg, but they were able to get a breather in a win over North Nodaway, then turn back an explosive West Nodaway squad by ten, 73-63. 

Northland was supposed to have much more height and depth than Worth County, while matching them in speed and athleticism. But it was Worth County who came fast out of the gate, with Tyler New hitting a 3-pointer and Alex Rinehart getting two free throws. Alex Rinehart carried the Tigers on his shoulders the rest of the first quarter, getting 10 of Worth County’s 16 points. Jackson Runde added a 3-pointer and Aydan Gladstone set everyone else up with his ballhandling and his assists. Northland had some good drives to the basket, but Worth County went through a stretch where they had five stops in a row as they built up a 12-4 lead. Northland began slashing to the basket and cut it to 14-11, but Rinehart got loose in transition to make it 16-11 after one.

Free throws by Isaac Martin cut it to 19-17, but Rinehart continued to carry the Tigers on his shoulders and Runde added two 3-pointers as the Tigers led by as much as 34-23. But then Ethan Kelley hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 34-26 at the break, and then Northland clamped down on defense as the lead shrunk to three. 

But some of Worth County’s unsung heroes helped restore order as Grant Cameron got loose off a Rinehart steal, Tyler New hit two free throws, and Jackson Smith his a 3-pointer as the Tigers grew their lead back up to 41-33. Dontae Burch hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 41-36, but then Aydan Gladstone hit a free throw and Jackson Smith’s putback at the buzzer put them back up eight at 44-36.

But then Northland put on a full court man to man press to start the fourth and Worth County started panicking and turning the ball over. The lead disappeared in a hurry and Carson Starns’ steal tied it up at 44 halfway through the fourth quarter. However, neither side could convert for the next two minutes, and after the Trailblazers missed two close shots that would have put them in front, Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer at the other end to make it 47-44.

Carson Starns then hit a 3-pointer to tie it at 47 with 59 seconds left, and the referees promptly blew the whistle and assessed a technical to Starns for doing the arrow gesture after making his shot; the officials had previously warned the two teams about making such a gesture. Kids from several schools had been doing that gesture from the bench to celebrate teammates’ made threes during the tournament. It was also a personal foul, and it was Starns’ fifth foul, which meant he had to sit on the bench. Video replays showed that it was not directed at either the Tiger players, fans, or the officials.

Worth County made one out of two free throws to regain the lead at 48-47, and then ran it down to 40 seconds before committing an over and back violation. Dontae Burch tried to drive the middle for a runner to take the lead, but then Tyler New knocked it loose and Grant Cameron stole it back, and Alex Rinehart made one out of two free throws with 22 seconds to make it 49-47.

Northland Christian set up a long skip pass to Sam Stanton for a wide open three, and he missed it from the right corner. But the play had left everyone out of position defensively, and Isaac Martin was there for the putback at the buzzer to sent it to overtime.

It was reasonable to wonder how many overtimes this one would go to, since the Tigers had lost a six overtime game earlier this year. But unlike the last time, nobody was in serious foul trouble. The game was scoreless until Northland tried the same long skip pass that had worked previously. But this time, Alex Rinehart got the steal and he hit both free throws to make it 51-49. Sam Stanton had a good look at a 3-pointer with 1:44 left that would have put Northland back up one, but it was in and out and Jackson Runde hit a dagger three to make it 54-49 with 1:12 left.

Runde picked up his fourth foul and Martin hit one of two to make it 54-50, but then Worth County took some more time off the clock and Rinehart hit two free throws with 34 seconds left to make it 56-50. Ethan Kelley’s drive cut it to 56-52, but then Rinehart hit one more with 15 seconds left to make it 57-52. Stanton missed a 3-pointer with 8.3 seconds left that would have cut it to two, and Worth County was able to dribble out the clock.

 For Worth County, Alex Rinehart had 27 points. Jackson Runde had 17, Tyler New and Jackson Smith 5, Grant Cameron 2, and Aydan Gladstone 1.

Alex Rinehart and Aydan Gladstone had 9 boards each. Jackson Runde had 6, Tyler New 4, Grant Cameron 2, and Jackson Smith and Lucas Wake 1.

Aydan Gladstone, while only scoring 1 point, was facilitating everything else as he had 10 assists. He nearly had an improbable double double as he had 9 boards as well. Alex Rinehart had 2 assists, while Tyler New, Grant Cameron, Jackson Smith, and Jackson Runde had 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 5 tips. Tyler New had 3, and Jackson Runde, Jackson Smith, Brent Harris, and Alex Rinehart had 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 5 steals. Jackson Runde had 4, Alex Rinehart and Tyler New 2, and Lucas Wake and Grant Cameron 1 each.

Obituary -- Bertha Hughes 1922-2021

Bertha R. Hughes was born January 14, 1922 in Gentry County, Missouri to George L. and Cora E. Paxton. She passed away January 27, 2021 at Mosaic Life Care Center in Albany, Missouri at the age of 99. 

On May 9, 1941 Bertha married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Grant Hughes. To this union 6 children were born. Larry Joe Hughes, Gary Lee Hughes, Ronald Eugene Hughes, Doyle James Hughes, Donna Lorene Hughes Lynch and Kenneth Wayne Hughes. 

Bertha was a lifelong member of the Worth Church of Christ. She worked hard all of her life, raising her children, sewing their clothes and raising a huge garden. Bertha was an avid reader and loved reading Amish books and love stories. 

 Bertha started working for Dr. Matteson in the early 1970’s. She was a secretary and helped Doc with setting broken bones on people as well as many other chores. She worked for Dr. Mitchell after Dr. Matteson passed away. She also worked as a cook at the Worth County Convalescent Center and later was the Administrator for the Grant City Senior Center before retiring to help take care of her grandchildren. She loved her family and loved seeing her little great-grandchildren several times a week. 

 Preceding Bertha in death were her husband Joe, parents; sons: Larry, Ronnie and Doyle; grandchildren: Rhonda Hughes, Jason Hughes and Randall Hughes; 5 brothers: Leamon, Clarence, Robert, Earl and Hershel Paxton and 2 sisters: Myrtle Carlock and Elsie Riley. 

Surviving are sons: Gary and Kenny; daughter, Donna; grandchildren: Ricky Hughes, Megan (Jordan) Forster, Lindsey (Tom) Haldiman, Derick Hughes, Brenda Hughes, Jeff Barnett, Debbie Miller, Melissa Purcell (Donald), Sherri Hughes, Joe ( Amanda) Hughes, Terry Jennings, Danny (Jan) Jennings, Michelle (Andrew) Summers, Sarah (Wes) McCord, 17 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Private family graveside services will be  Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Grant City Cemetery. Brother Charles Ross will officiate. Open visitation will be any time after 8:00 A.M. Friday at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Worth Church of Christ or Grant City Senior Center. 

Missouri’s Complex Fence Law Meeting to be Held in Bethany

A program to discuss Missouri’s complex fence law will be held on Tuesday evening, February 23, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be available both as a virtual event via Zoom and in-person at the Harrison County Extension Office, located in the basement of the Harrison County Courthouse, 1505 Main St. in Bethany. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited to the first six registrations for the in-person Bethany site; all safety procedures will be followed to mitigate risks, and will be required.  

“Missouri continues to have a very complicated fence law, in large part due to the fact that two separate laws cover the state depending on the county that your land is located in,” according to Joe Koenen, Agricultural Business Specialist with University of Missouri Extension who will be delivering this program by Zoom. 

“If you own land you really need to know the law and how it impacts you whether you own livestock or not” says Koenen, and adding to the confusion is a 2016 portion of the law that was changed to address livestock liability that affects livestock and non-livestock owners alike. 

Other problems are that both laws are subject to interpretation and can be a little different, depending on the county you are in and its court system. A comparison of both laws will be given at this program. Joe has been presenting programs on the Fence Law for over 30 years throughout the state, including via Zoom, Skype and ITV. 

This program will be done in person at several sites and via Zoom so attendees can see the presentation and ask questions of the presenter. Light pre-packaged refreshments will be provided. 

There is a $15 charge for this program that covers program and materials, and pre-registration is required. To register online visit https://extension.missouri.edu/events/missouri-s-complex-fence-laws-bethany or you may contact Jackie Spainhower at the Harrison County Extension Office by calling 660-425-6434 or email spainhowerj@missouri.edu for help with registration or to ask questions.  

University of Missouri Extension programming is open to all.

Senator Hawley Reintroduces Duck Boat Safety Legislation

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) reintroduced his legislation to improve the safety of duck boats following the 2018 tragedy on Table Rock Lake. Senator Hawley’s legislation, cosponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), would authorize previously-outlined National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations, including commonsense provisions to require the use of life jackets and equipping all operating duck boats to be more buoyant in the case of emergency flooding.

Senator Hawley said, “In 2018, 17 people lost their lives in a preventable tragedy on Table Rock Lake. The best way we can honor the lives lost there and those lost in the accidents that preceded it is to do our part in protecting safety on the water and passing this common-sense legislation. This bill passed the Senate unanimously last year, and I am committed to building on that progress and seeing it become law."

"Seventeen people lost their lives in the duck boat tragedy on Table Rock Lake,” said Senator Blunt. “These common-sense safety measures, which are long overdue and need to go into effect immediately, will help prevent an incident like this from ever happening again. I was disappointed the House didn’t act on this important legislation after it passed the Senate last Congress. I urge all of my colleagues to come together and support our efforts to improve safety and protect lives." 

Senator Hawley’s bill was passed unanimously by the full Senate and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the 116th Congress.

USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collection Activities

Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA will temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop judicial foreclosures and evictions on accounts that were previously referred to the Department of Justice.

Additionally, USDA has extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers.

Today’s announcement by USDA expands previous actions undertaken by the Department to lessen financial hardship. According to USDA data, more than 12,000 borrowers—approximately 10% of all borrowers—are eligible for the relief announced today. Overall, FSA lends to more than 129,000 farmers, ranchers and producers.

“USDA and the Biden Administration are committed to bringing relief and support to farmers, ranchers and producers of all backgrounds and financial status, including by ensuring producers have access to temporary debt relief,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “Not only is USDA suspending the pipeline of adverse actions that can lead to foreclosure and debt collection, we  are also working with the Departments of Justice and Treasury to suspend any actions already referred to the applicable Agency. Additionally, we are evaluating ways to improve and address farm related debt with the intent to keep farmers on their farms earning living expenses, providing for emergency needs, and maintaining cash flow.”

The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency provides several different loans for producers, which fall under two main categories:

• Guaranteed loans are made and serviced by commercial lenders, such as banks, the Farm Credit System, credit unions and other non-traditional lenders. FSA guarantees the lender’s loan against loss, up to 95%.

• Direct loans are made and serviced by FSA using funds from the federal government.

The most common loan types are Farm Ownership, Farm Operating and Farm Storage Facility Loans, with Microloans for each:

• Farm Ownership: Helps producers purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a new or improve an existing farm or ranch building, pay closing costs and pay for soil and water conservation and protection.

• Farm Operating: Helps producers purchase livestock and equipment and pay for minor real estate repairs and annual operating expenses.

• Farm Storage Facility Loans are made directly to producers for the construction of cold or dry storage and includes handling equipment and mobile storage such as refrigerated trucks.

• Microloans: Direct Farm Ownership, Operating Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans have a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional and niche-type operations.

Contact FSA

FSA encourages producers to contact their county office to discuss these programs and temporary changes to farm loan deadlines and the loan servicing options available. For Service Center contact information, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus. For servicing information, access farmers.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Adam Downing Completes Board Training

Adam Downing, member of the Worth Co. R-III School District Board of Education, recently completed school board training sessions sponsored by the Missouri Association of Rural Education (MARE) held at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozarks, Missouri.

With the enactment of Senate Bill 380, “The Outstanding Schools Act of 1993,” all newly elected/appointed school board members must complete at least eighteen hours and thirty minutes of orientation and training within one-year following their election/appointment.

Specific topics included in the training session were: Establishment of the Board and Responsibilities; The Effective Board Member; Public School Laws of Missouri; School Finance; Assessment of Students and the Local School District; Identifying Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children, Danger Signals of Potentially Abusive Relationship between Adults and Children; and District Long Range Planning.

Attendance at the sessions, along with the successful completion of the pre-training requirements, fulfills the required 18.5 hours of certification training. Training is only provided by organizations that have received approval by the State Board of Education. MARE annually provides training at several locations around the state.

To learn more about the Missouri Association of Rural Education, visit their website at www.moare.com.

Courthouse News for January 27th, 2021

On January 7th, a preliminary hearing was been set for Kimberly Tinkle, who faces charges related to the death of Melissa Chapman, for March 5th. On December 17th, Tinkle was released on her own recognizance by Judge Rebecca McGinley. She is being represented by Annette Wallace of Kansas City.

On January 9th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Cody Leonard (29) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Domestic Abuse.

On January 15, 2021 at approximately 10:03 pm, 35-year-old Jorge Alberto Verdugo Gomez and his wife 37-year-old Stephanie Rose Morales were driving west on State Hwy 2 approximately 3 miles east of State Hwy 25. Gomez lost control on black ice spinning 180 degrees and entered the south ditch backwards. The vehicle then rolled at least 3 times before coming to rest on its passenger side. Mr. Gomez was outside of the vehicle when emergency services arrived and Stephanie had to be extricated from the vehicle. Both individuals were transported by ambulance to Ringgold County Hospital and treated for suspected severe injuries. Stephanie was later transported to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines for further treatment of critical injuries. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, RCH Ambulances, Taylor County Ambulance and Mount Ayr Fire Department.

On January 15th, Gerold Adams of Kellerton was traveling west on Hwy 2 and lost control on the slick snowy road. Adams slid sideways and entered the east bound ditch resting against a tree. Adams 2008 GMC Sierra had minor damage. No injuries were reported at the time of the press release.

On January 17, 2021 at 4:34 am Tyler Merl Jonsson, age 27, of Woodward was arrested on the charge of Driving While Suspended after wrecking a stolen car out of Lamoni at the intersection of Co Hwy J55 and Co Hwy P68.  Jonsson was transported to and booked into the Ringgold County Jail and awaits additional charges in Decatur County. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, Lamoni Police Department and Ringgold County Ambulance. He was also charged for Failure to Maintain Control.

 On January 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm Rhonda Sue Buck age 71 of Mount Ayr pulled up to 1002 East VanBuren in a 2020 Buick when her foot slipped of the brake hitting the accelerator. The vehicle struck a parked 1997 Chevrolet Lumina owned by Robert Buck age 65 of Mount Ayr and the building owned by Derrick Dredge age 32 of Coon Rapids, Iowa formerly of Mount Ayr.

On January 20th, on Highway 169 north of J20, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department says Mark Walden crossed the centerline in his 2019 Malibu and struck the side of Kimberly Bishop’s 2019 Tahoe. There was minor damage to both vehicles and Walden was transported to the Ringgold County Hospital to be checked out. 

On January 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Rumen Kushev (35) of Schaumburg (IL) in Harrison County on an Atchison County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Gross Weight Exceeded).

On January 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Ethen Bentley (30) of Stella (NE) alleging Arson (Felony). The charges were in conjunction with the jail fire that occurred recently at the Nodaway County Jail. The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department posted the following news release:

Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Caleb Phillips has charged 29-year-old Ethan Mark Bentley, of Rulo, Nebraska, for allegedly starting an arson fire in the Nodaway County Jail on January 14, 2021, at about 7:57 P.M.  The arson investigation was conducted by the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office and Investigator Cochenour of the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office.  P.A. Phillips formally charged Bentley with arson in the first degree, a class B felony, in that the defendant knowingly damaged an inhabitable structure, and did so by starting a fire at a time when persons were present and thereby recklessly placed such persons in danger of death or serious physical injury. P.A. Phillips also noted that Bentley is a “Prior and Persistent Offender” having been found guilty of two or more felonies committed at different times.  Bentley has 4 felony convictions in Nebraska during a time span of 2012 to 2015.  

At the time of the fire, Bentley was being held in the Nodaway County Jail on charges stemming from an incident that took place on January 6, 2021, in Maryville, MO.  Maryville Police attempted to stop a vehicle allegedly driven by Bentley after a witness reported seeing a man assaulting a woman in the moving car.  Officers attempted to stop Bentley in his vehicle and Bentley refused to yield. A pursuit started.  It is alleged that during the pursuit, Bentley intentionally drove head on into a Maryville Police car involved in the pursuit. Both vehicles were totaled.  During his arrest, Bentley is alleged to have assaulted an Officer.  P.A. Phillips charged Bentley with 2 counts of 1st degree assault, a class A felony.  A class D felony of domestic assault, 1st degree property damage, and a class E felony of resisting a lawful stop.  

On January 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Shauntel Williams (40) of St. Joseph in Nodaway County on a St. Joseph Warrant (Speeding).

On January 21st, a Ravenwood woman reported that she had gotten two scam calls that day. One was purportedly from the Social Security Office; one was purportedly from DirecTV. She stated that the Social Security office in Maryville had gotten a scam call as well.

On January 22nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Preston Wilmes (50) of Winterset (IA) alleging DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and No Seat Belt.

On January 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Robert Fry (40) of Conway (AR) in Gentry County on charges of DWI (Felony, Chronic Offender), Driving While Revoked (Felony), Careless & Imprudent Driving, Failure to Place Stopped Vehicle as Near to Right Hand Side of Road as Practical, No Insurance, and Failure to Comply with Ignition Interlock Device. Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges the following day.

On January 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Trey Weingrad (33) of Maryville alleging two counts Domestic Assault (Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony), and Property Damage (Felony).

On January 25th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Shanen Law (22) of Jacksonville (NC) alleging Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On January 25th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Aaron James Walker (37) of Ravenwood alleging Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On January 25th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Luke Edick (40) of Barnard alleging Driving While Revoked.

On January 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Gerry Rilinger (39) of Douds (IA) alleging Tampering with a Motor Vehicle (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

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.

Emma Craig Erupts in First Half as Shamrocks Beat Bobcats Again

Emma Craig erupted for 21 of her team’s first 25 points and had 25 for the game as North Harrison beat East Harrison 51-20 last Tuesday. She hit two 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and got loose inside a couple of other times as North Harrison jumped out to an 11-0 lead at the 3:33 mark.

East Harrison looked much better than the first time they played the Shamrocks, getting some good runs together. They cut their deficit down to five twice, at 11-6 and 13-8 before Emma Craig hit a 3-pointer to make it 16-8 after one.

North Harrison did a much better job of rebounding on both ends of the floor in the second and started pulling away. Kami Gibson hit Emma on a quick outlet, and she took it in for a score; she added a free throw and finished inside two more times; Jayliegh Robins got loose in transition and got a pass from Emma as North Harrison led 25-8 at the 4:13 mark.

The rest of the Shamrocks started pitching in as Kami Gibson scored from inside, Jayliegh Robins hit two free throws, and Trendi Johnson hit a free throw as North Harrison pitched a shutout in the second quarter and led 30-8 at the half.

East Harrison came out in a box and one on Emma Craig in the second half, but North Harrison continued to pull away as Camden Castleberry got untracked, scoring five in the period. Jayliegh Robins added two free throws and Trendi Johnson knocked one down from the high post to make it 39-9 at the 3:25 mark.

The Bobcats started getting some shots to fall as they went on an 8-0 run late in the third and early in the fourth to cut it to 39-17. They again cut it to 22 at 41-19, but then Jayliegh Robins started getting open people the ball down the stretch to quell any hope of a comeback. She had three of her seven assists in the fourth quarter. Robins hit Emma Craig backdoor, hit a cutting Camden Castleberry for a basket; Emma Craig went coast to coast, and Jayliegh Robins inbounded to Trendi Johnson on the wing to trigger the running clock at 49-19. East Harrison hit a free throw, but Kami Gibson went coast to coast with 1:44 left, going in like a runaway freight train to restore the running clock.

Hawley Files Ethics Complaint Against Seven Democratic Senators

U.S. Senator Josh (R-Mo.) filed a counter complaint Monday against seven Senate Democrats who called for an ethics investigation into his objection to certifying Pennsylvania’s electoral count. He says the Democrats admitted in their complaint that Hawley’s electoral college objection was lawful. In a letter to the seven Democratic Senators, Senator Hawley called out the senators for what he sees as their historic partisan abuse of the Senate ethics process and potential coordination with dark money groups.

Senator Hawley wrote, "The idea that one Senator who disagrees with another Senator can therefore have that Senator punished, sanctioned, censured, or removed is utterly antithetical to our democracy and the very idea of open, lawful debate. This line of thinking is, however, sadly consistent with the new woke-mob mentality that you should cancel anyone who disagrees with your views. Your baseless allegations are in that sense unfortunately typical of today’s leftwing cancel culture, a culture that tramples on the democratic traditions that left and right once defended together.

"In light of the shameful abuse of the ethics process you have deliberately engaged in, I have considered whether I should call for you to resign or be expelled from the Senate. But I continue to believe in the First Amendment, which the US Supreme Court has repeatedly said protects even ‘offensive’ and malicious speech, such as yours.

"The First Amendment does not, however, give you carte blanche to abuse the Senate ethics process. I have today filed a complaint with the ethics committee that details your deliberate and partisan abuse of this process, including your apparent coordination with various dark money groups, and requests that you be appropriately disciplined."

Recycling Collection Event March 17th

The Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District has partnered with NWMSU Recycling Center to host a recycling collection event on March 17th, at the Worth County school parking lot from 10:00 – 12:00 and at the NE Nodaway school parking lot from 1:00 – 3:00.  

During the collection event, the community is invited to bring their #1 & #2 plastics, aluminum, and paper recycling materials.  Education will be available in the proper way to prepare materials for recycling, how to avoid contamination in the waste stream, and information in opportunities and options available to recycle in your area.

The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be April 3rd from 8 am to noon at 1516 E. Halsey Street in Maryville.

Deer Ridge Opens Near Bedford

 A new wedding venue, Deer Ridge, opened last year near the Lake of Three Fires Park near Bedford. It offers weddings and other events and has drawn people from all over the area, including people from Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha. They can do other events. They have been holding open houses every Sunday this month. If interested, contact them at (712) 542-9272. They also have a Facebook page and a website at www.deerridgeatlexington.com. Worth County Lumber was involved in the construction.

Opinion -- Stopping Government Corruption is a Team Effort

Nicole Galloway, CPA

Missouri State Auditor

Two years ago, I launched a renewed effort to fight fraud and abuse in government by creating the Public Corruption and Fraud Division in my office. In every corner of the state, we've shown that exposing wrongdoing by public officials not only helps recover tax dollars for citizens, it puts others on notice that corruption will not be tolerated. As a CPA and certified fraud examiner, I remain committed to being your independent watchdog as we work to root out fraud and abuse.

Since 2015, audits by my office have led to 77 criminal charges against public officials. That work has been amplified by the Public Corruption and Fraud Division, which includes a team of dedicated attorneys, auditors and investigators. They have a demonstrated history of working with local, state and federal law enforcement to pursue justice for taxpayers.

The results are significant. An audit of the city of Center in northeast Missouri found the city clerk misappropriated more than $300,000 in public funds and used them to pay credit card bills and other personal expenses. That's a lot of taxpayer dollars in a town of only 500 people. She now faces federal criminal charges of wire fraud and theft, and my office is working with prosecutors on the case.

In the Bootheel town of Parma, an audit found a pattern of blatant corruption and cover-ups that resulted in more than $115,000 fraudulently taken from the city. Three former city officials now face criminal charges that include stealing and forgery.

And after our audit of Putnam County Memorial Hospital found $90 million in illegal billings, the Public Corruption and Fraud Division worked with federal law enforcement agencies in Missouri, Florida and Washington, D.C. to share information and support a national investigation involving rural hospitals throughout the country.

The former CEO of the hospital has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges, and others have been charged in a federal indictment to operate a multi-state $1.4 billion billing scheme that used rural hospitals to submit fraudulent claims. The work by my office played a key role in bringing down this scheme.

From charter schools in Kansas City and St. Louis to fire districts in small Missouri towns, I'm proud of all this anti-corruption team has accomplished to expose wrongdoing. Our forensic auditing expertise has resulted in dozens of criminal charges being filed in the past two years. Government officials have been kicked out of office, received felony convictions, and made to repay the money stolen from taxpayers.

I never lose sight of the fact that our success in exposing public corruption depends to a large degree on the information we receive from citizens. Whistleblowers see wrongdoing and take action to do what is right.

As we mark the successes of the Public Corruption and Fraud Division, I'm asking for your help. The Whistleblower Hotline in the State Auditor's Office allows individuals to report suspected fraud and abuse, and you can reach us through phone calls, emails or our website.

In some cases, the information from whistleblowers results in audits that uncover wrongdoing and lead to filing of criminal charges and the convictions of public officials. In other situations, we work with public officials to make them aware of problems that can be resolved quickly or go directly to the proper authorities with allegations.

The bottom line is that I want to hear from you. If you have concerns about abuse and mismanagement in government, you can call 800-347-8597 or visit auditor.mo.gov/hotline. Under the law, whistleblowers have the option to remain anonymous.

I remain dedicated to our mission to expose fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. Involved citizens are important allies in this fight. Together, we can spotlight public corruption and help put a stop to it.

Balanced Scoring Gives Mustang Girls Courtwarming Victory

North Nodaway picked up their 12th win, two short of last year’s total, and rolled to a 64-22 courtwarming victory over Northeast Nodaway. Northeast Nodaway had every reason to expect a better outcome. They had played the Mustangs tough in the Platte Valley Invitational and North Nodaway had lost two players to injuries since that encounter. The Bluejays had been playing some good teams tough even though they came up short.

But the Mustangs won the turnover battle, as the Bluejays surrendered the ball 27 times Friday, while North Nodaway only surrendered the ball 11 times. Jacquelyn Cline was the steady hand for the Mustangs; she got six points in each of the first three quarters for a total of 18; after getting her first ever double double against Gilman City, she nearly got another one, getting 9 steals. Saryn Brown, who frequently plays at the top of North Nodaway’s zone, deflected 12 passes so that Northeast could never get into their offensive rhythm; as a team, the Mustangs deflected 34 passes, generating the kind of ball pressure that coach Sami Jackson had been looking for. As a team, they stole the ball 24 times.

In addition to the turnover battle, North Nodaway had four people in double figures. Besides Cline, Lauren Herndon had 17, Jadon Dobbins 16, and Saryn Brown 11. Sarah Wray added the other two. Despite Northeast playing man to man all night, North Nodaway got untracked at the 3-point line, getting 10 3-pointers. They had another good night at the line as well, going 10 for 15.

North Nodaway started off strong, getting to the rim several times to set up Saryn Brown for three to make it 9-2 in the early going. But then Anne Schieber countered with a 3-pointer for Northeast. However, Jacquelyn Cline got a steal and score, and added a drive, and then Saryn Brown pushed one ahead to Lauren Herndon for a transition three to make it 16-5, an echo of the play against Rock Port late in regulation that tied it up.

Dalanie Auffert hit two free throws to cut it to 16-7 after one, and the Bluejays hung around for the first few minutes of the second quarter thanks to some missed free throws by North Nodaway. The score was 19-11, but then Saryn Brown tipped an errant inbounds pass, Jacquelyn Cline got the steal and the layup, and she added a pair of free throws to make it 23-11. Northeast burned a timeout, but then Lauren Herndon hit two free throws, Jadon Dobbins got loose in transition, Cline got another steal, Saryn Brown hit Lauren Herndon for three, and the rout was on. Herndon hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put North Nodaway up 38-11 at the break.

For Northeast Nodaway, Anne Schieber had 7, Cassy Redden 6, Dalanie Auffert 4, Jill Boswell 3, and Saige Kohlleppel 2. Meredith Adwell was a bright spot for the Bluejays, showing some aggression on the floor when she came off the bench.

Jeremiah Dobbins Bright Spot in Mustang Loss

 North Nodaway’s boys are stuck at one win this year. After beating DeKalb in their second game of the season, they have come frustratingly close several times, and have seen other games in which they started off well, only to fade after the first or second quarter. Friday’s 56-32 Courtwarming loss to Northeast Nodaway was such a game, but the Mustangs may have found a bright spot in Jeremiah Dobbins, who paced the Mustangs with 11 points.

North Nodaway played for two weeks without Karson Oberhauser; they got him back last week; he showed some rust in the Rock Port game, but showed flashes of his old self against Northeast, scoring 8 and grabbing 12 boards. They also lost Andrew Blackford (knee); they hope to get him back next month; the goal will be to do some damage at the end of the year when they have their full squad back.

Dobbins was sparked when he was hammered at the 5:43 mark of the first quarter while attempting a 3-pointer and knocked down all of his attempts; that put North Nodaway up 8-2. Northeast, seemingly hung over from an ugly blowout loss against Mound City the game before, started off in a funk. But they started recovering behind the play of Dylan McIntyre, who got a fast break and a steal; Ben Boswell added another steal as the visitors tied it up. Auston Pride added a pair of free throws and Colton Swalley hit Ben Boswell for three to put Northeast up 13-8 after one.

As has happened so often to North Nodaway, they have frequently started off the first quarter strong, only to fade the rest of the way and turn a close game into a route. Sure enough, Auston Pride hit two free throws, Dylan McIntyre got a putback and converted off a Colton Swalley steal, and Colton Swalley added a drive as Northeast went up 21-11.

But the Mustangs came back, and it was Dobbins who provided the spark, converting a third chance putback. Aydan Blackford hit Damian Dailey backdoor, and Dobbins connected from three and all of a sudden, it was 21-18 again. Dailey was rejecting Pride’s offerings, Jordan Jenkins was setting himself in perfect position to take charges, taking away a lot of Ben Boswell’s usual drives to the basket. But Dylan McIntyre was the man of the hour for the Bluejays, getting 24 points for the night. 

Colton Swalley, who had a strong night for the Bluejays with a career high 8 points, scored at the end of the first half to make it 23-18, but Damian Dailey hit a 3-pointer to make it 23-21. 

The score was stuck there, as North Nodaway could not tie it up, and the Bluejays could not get the kind of offensive rhythm they had at South Harrison two weeks before. Finally, Ben Boswell got loose in the paint and Lane Dack hit one free throw and Colton Swalley two, giving the Bluejays some separation at 28-21. Dylan McIntyre, who ran wild on the boards for the Bluejays with 12 boards to go with his 24 points, converted consecutive putbacks, and Lane Dack got on the board with four straight to finally give the Bluejays some breathing room.

Northeast finally took control in the fourth and regained the kind of form they are capable of, as Dylan McIntyre scored 10 points in the period and everybody was getting him the ball. Ben Boswell and Colton Swalley added 4 in the period. Turnovers haunted the Mustangs in the second half; they surrendered it 20 times for the game to ten for Northeast.

For the Bluejays, Dylan McIntyre had 24, Ben Boswell 11, Colton Swalley 8, Lane Dack 7, Auston Pride 4, and Boston Adwell 2.

For the Mustangs, Jeremiah Dobbins had 11 points. Karson Oberhauser and Aydan Blackford had 8 each, and Damian Dailey had 5. Coach Michael Trautz said there was a ton of upside for Dobbins. “He’s a lot better than he thinks,” he said.

Tri-County Health Department Receives New Vaccines

This week, the Tri-County Health Department received more vaccines. President Joe Biden has announced a goal for the US of 1.5 million people vaccinated per day and for everyone who wants one to have a Coronavirus vaccine by Spring. 

Due to high demand, the Tri-County Health Department closed its waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine. They will be posting a registration link for appointments as new vaccines come in. If you are on their current list, you will be contacted for an appointment to get vaccinated. When more vaccines become available, the Tri-County Health Department will post new information on how to register.

Three Injured When Car Strikes Tractor

Three people were injured Saturday morning when a car struck a tractor two miles north of Maryville. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2015 Ford Focus driven by Kole Thompson (23) of Bedford and a 2020 John Deere Tractor driven by Gary Stiens (65) of Maryville were both southbound on Route 148 two miles north of Maryville at around 11:30 am. The tractor slowed to turn into a private drive and was struck in the rear by the Focus. Steins received moderate injuries. Two passengers in the Thompson vehicle, Brenda Thompson (23) of Bedford and a 5 year old girl both received minor injuries. All were taken to Mosaic in Maryville. Kole Thompson was not injured.

Kansas City Woman Injured in Wreck Near Barnard

A Kansas City woman was injured in a wreck near Barnard at around 6:10 pm Friday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by Hayli Nagiewicz (19) of Kansas City was northbound on Route 71 three miles west of Barnard when she went off the east side of the roadway, overcorrected, went back across the road, overcorrected again, and went off the east side. The vehicle slid off the grass and overturned, coming to rest on its top. Nagiewicz received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

Virtual Class to Focus on Bird Feeding

Bird-feeding is a popular hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and it’s a great way to learn about various species of birds that are found in this area.

People can get tips on attracting birds to feeders in winter at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Attracting Winter Birds.” This program, which will be Jan. 30 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation in Joplin.

Bird-feeding is an activity enjoyed by more than 55 million Americans. Each year, Americans spend more than three billion dollars on bird feeding.

But people don’t feed birds to stimulate the economy; they feed birds because they like seeing them. At the Jan. 30 program, MDC Naturalist Jessie Ballard provide tips on how you can increase your bird viewing pleasure by providing the types of feeders and food that can attract a variety of species to your backyard. This program is designed for ages 10 and up. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/175768

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

Obituary -- Dorothy Thomas 1926-2021

Dorothy Jean (Judd) Thomas, 95, born January 9, 1926 in rural Eagleville, Missouri, to Jesse Alvin Judd and Dolan Rhoda (Buntin) Judd, left this world January 20, 2021 at her home in rural Cainsville, Missouri.

Dorothy was raised in Brooklyn, Missouri and attended school at both Eagleville and Ridgeway, Missouri, graduating from Ridgeway High School in 1944. She attended Maryville College where she received her teaching certificate. She taught country school until her marriage to Aurther Wayne Thomas on November 29, 1946. To this union three children were born, Kenneth, Roger and Randall. Kenneth passed away shortly after his birth in 1948. The growing family soon moved to the family farm just west of Cainsville. Wayne & Dorothy raised their family on the farm they loved so dear. Dorothy would tell anyone she was proud to be a farmer’s wife.

In January 1976, Wayne passed away, while Dorothy remained on the farm devoted to her rural life style until her death.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Brooklyn and in later life attended the First Christian Church of Cainsville. In December 2020 Dorothy was presented with a 50 year membership certificate from the American Legion Auxiliary Post 257, Cainsville.

Her favorite past times were gardening, playing bingo and cards. If you came to visit you better be prepared to play a couple of games of cards without cheating! She cherished her family summer reunions at Brooklyn, MO, and as she would say she was a Brooklyn girl all the way!

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and infant son, sisters: Beverly Claypool & Phylus Dale, brothers-in-law: Fred Dale, Jack Claypool, Bill Laughlin, Keith & Dean Thomas & Bill Ward; sisters-in-law: Sue Judd, Ileen Thomas, Jean Ward; Nieces: Janice Milhan, Nancy Wade & Patty Thomas; Nephew: Infant Alan Thomas.

Survivors include sons: Roger (Sandy) Thomas, Cainsville and Randall (Kay) Thomas, Bethany; grandchildren: Clint Thomas, Stephanie (Jake) Weaver, Sierra (Nathan) Wolf, and Walker Thomas; great-grandchildren: Justin & Savannah Weaver and Kaylynn & McKinley Wolf; brother: Neil Judd, Sedan, KS; sister: Betty Laughlin, Louisiana, many nieces & nephews that she loved dearly.

Inurnment will be held at the Glaze Cemetery, Cainsville, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Glaze Cemetery or The American Legion Post 257, Cainsville.  Cremation was provided by Bethany Memorial Chapel. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com.

Free Virtual Class on Owls

Owls are mysterious raptors of the night, in the wild and in the urban forest. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free virtual class about owls from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Participants will learn about the life histories and unusual traits that owls possess.

“The behavior and specialized structures of these birds of prey are different compared to other birds,” said Susan Harris, an MDC naturalist at the Gorman Discovery Center who will teach the class. “One fun fact about owls is that their eyes function differently than other birds. They cannot turn their eyes. Instead, owls rotate their heads up to 270 degrees. Some owls do this so quickly it gives the illusion they can turn their heads completely around.”

Eight species of owls can be seen in Missouri, some commonly and others rarely. The barred owl and great horned owls are the largest, their calls often heard by people who venture outdoors after dark. Eastern screech owls are smallish but lovely whether in a rusty-orange or a grayish-black plumage pattern. Short-eared owls visit Missouri grasslands from northern states in the winter. Snowy owls, like Harry Potter’s white owl, only visit from the far north when lemming populations crash and they fly south seeking food.

Harris also works with live owls as a volunteer at Lakeside Nature Center, a raptor rehabilitation site operated by Kansas City Parks and Recreation.

“I enjoy working with owls as education ambassadors because they are so highly intelligent they appear almost regal,” Harris said. “Owls are an important part of our ecosystem food chains in Missouri. Many owls help to keep down the rodent population in various areas.”

MDC’s virtual owl program is for ages 8 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zaf. To learn more about owls in Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZaY.

Pilot Study on Sleep Patterns in Farmers

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln is conducting a pilot study of sleep patterns in farmers and ranchers.  With funding from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, researchers will be examining differences in sleep quality and quantity between peak ag production seasons (e.g., planting, harvesting, calving) and non-peak seasons (e.g., winter).  The study is currently looking for farmers and ranchers who spend at least 50% of their profession in ag-related work and would be interested in participating in this pilot study.  Participants will be asked to wear a wristwatch-like device that tracks sleep for two separate weeks, and answer some basic questions about themselves, their type of work, and their sleep habits.  Participants will earn up to $200 in compensation for participation.  If you are interested in hearing more about this study or would like to participate, please contact:

Susan Harris, Nebraska Extension Educator

susan.harris@unl.edu

308-832-0645

Bill Would Urge Congress to Resist Packing Supreme Court

Rep. Sara Walsh wants the members of Congress to stand strong against a potential effort by President Biden to pack the United States Supreme Court with more liberal-leaning justices. Walsh is the sponsor of HCR 15, which urges Congress to propose and adopt the Keep Nine Amendment, which would permanently fix the size of the Supreme Court at nine Justices. 

Walsh noted the Supreme Court has been composed of nine Justices since 1869. Prior to that, the court size had been expanded or shrunk for political advantage. However, after 1869, a tradition developed to keep the Court free of political interference. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attempted to expand the number of Justices in 1937, but his plan failed when it received strong bipartisan opposition.

With President Biden promising to create a commission to examine the possibility of expanding the court, Walsh said it’s important for Congress to take decisive action to protect the integrity of the United States Supreme Court.

“A nine-member Supreme Court has served our nation well for more than 150 years and we must do all we can to safeguard this branch of government from political manipulation by the executive branch,” said Walsh, R-Ashland. She added, “The Keep Nine Amendment would simply add language to our United States Constitution that would say the court is composed of nine Justices. With this we can protect against future court packing efforts by either party.”

Walsh said the Keep Nine Amendment has received bipartisan support in Congress and has the backing of a bipartisan coalition of former State Attorneys General. She said polling data has shown voters would support the change by a more than 3:1 margin.

“This is an idea with widespread support and even the late Justice Ginsburg spoke out against court packing. I ask my colleagues to join me in bipartisan fashion to support this resolution so that we can urge Congress to do what’s right to protect the independence of the Judiciary.”

Walsh’s resolution currently awaits assignment to committee for further discussion. Similar resolutions have already been filed in Georgia, Indiana, and Arizona, and more will be introduced in other states in the coming days.

Worth County Courtwarming February 5th

2021 Courtwarming will be held Friday, February 5th against Princeton.  Coronation will begin at 5:30; spectators must have a ticket for admission.  

The Courtwarming theme this year is "Black and Gold at the Box Office" featuring sports cinema. Classes 7-12 will compete in hallway/locker decorations; each choosing a sports movie to use as their theme.  The classes will also compete in dress-up days throughout the week.  Those days are: 

(no school on Monday)

Tuesday:  Adam Sandler Day:  Dress from an Adam Sandler Sports Movie

Wednesday:  Favorite Sports Movie Day:  Dress as a character or theme from your favorite sports movie

Thursday:  Red Carpet Day:  Break out your best and walk the Tiger Red Carpet

Friday:  Black and Gold Day:  Show your WC spirit decked out in Black and Gold

Courtwarming Court:

Freshman Attendants: Kolten Smith and Kynah Steele

Sophomore Attendants: John Galanakis and Elizabeth Brown

Junior Attendants: Brent Harris and Justina Wimer

Senior King Candidate: Reid Gabriel 

Senior Queen Candidates: Allison Larison, Jill Hardy, and EmiLee Brown

First Grade Crown and Flower Attendants:

Addison Cadle

Gwyn Healy

Kyah Joslin

Coy Pickering

Grayson Mullock

Jarrett Rush

The varsity basketball cheerleaders will perform at halftime of the boys' game that evening.  

Obituary -- Daniel Ellis 1954-2021

Daniel Martin “Dan” Ellis, 66, Bethany, MO passed away on January 13, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.

Dan was born at the old Reid Hospital in Bethany, Missouri to Andy Jack and Carol Cook on May 23, 1954, He was raised in Eagleville, MO by his grandparents, Alfred and Ruby Gosch. Dan went to school and graduated in Eagleville, MO.

He married Janese Bradley in 1974 and to this union, three children were born.

He was a veteran and served in the United States Air Force as a sergeant in the motor pool where he learned about auto mechanics. After his five years in the service, Dan was accepted to attend one of the nation’s leading trade schools for Auto Mechanics in El Dorado, Arkansas. Dan opened his own shop in Hampton, Arkansas for ten years before moving back to Bethany, Mo. Dan owned and operated Dan’s Auto Service in Bethany, MO for 32 years. He was also an over the road truck driver for many years.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Ruby Gosch; paternal grandparents, Lewis Martin “Babe” and Nanny (Todd) Cook; his mother, Carol Rhiner, and his uncle, David Gosch.

Dan is survived by his children, Greg Ellis, Bethany, MO, Jonathan Ellis, Hico, TX, and Jennie (Roy) Pankau, Bethany, MO; brothers and sisters, Sheila (Chris) Macleod, Harrisonville, MO, Lisa (Tony) Alexander, Ridgeway, MO, Mark Cook, Blythedale, MO, Linda (Jack) Briggs, Eagleville, MO, Liane Rhiner, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Tiffany (Garrett) Nelson, Waterloo, IA, Cassandra Ellis, Bethany, MO, Juliann Ellis, Maryville, MO, Madalynn Holt, Bethany, MO, Halle Morgan, Eagleville, MO, Cadence Ellis, Bethany, MO, and Drake Gies, Bethany, MO; father, Andy Jack Cook, Ridgeway, MO; aunt, Shirley Smith, Liberty, MO; longtime friends, David Olszowka, Bethany, MO and Gary Ewing, Coffey, MO and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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

Memorial Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 19 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment with Military Rites followed in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. Memorials may be made to Masonic Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Anna Gladstone Second in First Ever Pentathlon Meet

On Thursday, Worth County track standout Anna Gladstone competed in her first ever Pentathlon while competing for Northwest. She competed at Hughes Fieldhouse in Maryville. She finished second with 3,059 points. Northwest athletes also finished third and fourth that day. The Pentathlon consists of hurdling, high jump, shot put, long jump, and a flat race.

Northwest Missouri Crop Meeting

An upcoming meeting for row crop producers will be held next Thursday evening, January 28th on Zoom. The meeting will provide updates from State Specialists and is free of charge. The meeting will be held from 6-8 pm.

Dr. Kevin Bradley, State Extension Weed Scientist, will start the meeting with an update on weed management in field crops and will share research coming from his lab. Topics covered will include soybean herbicide systems, weed control without herbicides and dicamba regulations.

Dr. Kaitlyn Bissonnette, State Extension Plant Pathologist, will discuss disease management in field crops. Her talk will cover sudden death syndrome and soybean cyst nematodes in soybeans as well as tar spot in corn.

An update on insect management will be provided by Dr. Kevin Rice, State Extension Field Crops Entomologist. His recent research has focused on Japanese Beetle control, and he will provide an update on the future role that this insect will play in the state. Dr. Rice will also discuss Soybean Gall Midge, a new insect that has only recently shown up in Missouri but has the potential to cause extensive yield loss.

The final speaker of the evening will be Kent Shannon, an Ag Engineer with the University of Missouri Extension. Kent’s specialty is in agricultural drones, and he will be discussing the use of drones and other technology in implementing on-farm strip trials.

To register, search Northern Missouri Soils and Crops Conference on the University of Missouri Extension website. The Zoom format will allow for attendees to ask questions to the presenters in an informal way, from the comfort of your home. While we of course would prefer to have the event in person, this meeting will give farmers rare access to some of the best researchers in the state, so don’t miss out.

Obituary -- Donella Jobst 1940-2021

Donella Jobst, 81, of Pickering, MO, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Donella was born in Blythedale, MO, on January 8, 1940, to Leonard H. and Bessie L. (Hale) Moore. 

A 1957 graduate of North Harrison High School in Eagleville, MO, Donella lived in that area before moving to Pickering Missouri in 1958.

She was a cook at the Pickering Elementary School, and then for the next 30 years was the Union Township Tax collector. 

On February 16, 1958, Donella was united in marriage to Robert Raymond Jobst.  He passed away on December 13, 2020.  She was also preceded by her parents, and 10 siblings.

Donella was a member and attended the United Methodist Church, Pickering, MO.  Her church was her passion and she gave much of her time to it.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women, she volunteered at the Nodaway County Senior Center, Maryville, MO, and was the Union Township Election Judge.

She leaves behind her children: Roberta (Steve) Turner, Hopkins, MO, Rebecca Jobst, Kansas City, MO, and Robert (Debbie) Jobst, Maryville, MO; her brother, Frank Moore (Brucella Bennett), Colorado Springs, CO; 3 grandchildren, Tyler (Ashley) Turner, Megan (Adam) Auffert, and Mallory Jobst; 4 great grandchildren: Laney Turner, Landon Turner, Cayden Auffert, and Kinley Auffert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, on Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

The burial will follow at the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church, Pickering, MO. 

Maryville Drops to Category 2

On Sunday, the City of Maryville announced that it had dropped to Category 2, a lower risk category, for COVID-19. This is known as the Critical Risk category. Category 1, the highest risk category, is known as the Extreme Risk category.

Risk categories are issued based on positivity rate and case rate. As of January 25th, there will be increased building occupancy for retail sales, recreation centers, and social gatherings will be allowed to have up to 25 people. The mask mandate remains in effect. 

Tiger Girls Comeback Falls Short

Worth County’s comeback bid against Albany fell one point short, 30-29, but it was one of their best defensive efforts of the year.

Albany had the only basket for the first 3½ minutes of the game before the lid came off the basket. Finally, Worth County started finding the range, taking a 9-8 lead after one.

But despite their best efforts to faceguard Gabby Newman, she still came away with 11 first half points as the Warriors slowly started pulling away to an 18-13 halftime lead. The lead grew to 24-15 in the third quarter when Albany missed a pair of point blank looks that would have made it double digits. 

The momentum swung back in Worth County’s favor after EmiLee Brown’s putback try resulted in two free throws. Worth County, who got into the bonus late in the third, then got consecutive steals as Brady Hunt went 1 for 2 from the line and Taylor Sanders converted the second to make it 24-20 after one. Jill Hardy hit a guarded three after an offensive board to make it 24-23.

But then Newman threatened to take over as she scored the next four points and Sierra Anthony added an inside shot to make it 30-23. But a frantic sequence where Worth County stole the ball, Albany stole it back, but Brady Hunt got a steal sparked the Tigers again and Hunt converted to make it 30-25. Brown got a putback and Hunt scored off a Morgan Beagle steal to make it 30-29, but Worth Could could never get over the hump in the last seconds.

Alex Rinehart Scores 31 as Tiger Boys Beat Albany

Alex Rinehart scored 31 points a few days after scoring 38 points as Worth County got back on the winning track with a 63-59 win over Albany last Tuesday. Last year, Albany had Worth County’s number, but this year, the Tigers turned the tables after trailing for much of the first half. 

The Warriors picked up right where they left off in the previous year against Worth County as Kaeden Hutchinson converted a three point play and Newman hit a shot from the right side to put the Warriors in front 13-7 late in the first quarter.

But Worth County began chipping away after a buzzer beater that would have put Albany up six after one quarter was ruled out, and Grant Cameron scored off a drive at the start of the second to make it 14-12. Hutchinson continued to have the hot hand for Albany, but Alex Rinehart shot the Tigers into the lead at 21-20 midway through the second. The momentum swung back in Albany’s favor late in the half when Rinehart picked up his third foul, and Hutchinson scored the last four points to put Albany in front 26-23.

The Warriors stayed in front until early in the third, when their best defender, Jordan Poppa, picked up his third and fourth foul in the same possession. The second foul was a shooting foul and Aydan Gladstone went to the line with his team trailing 30-27. He made the first shot, but missed the second. But Lucas Wake, who played one of his best games of the year that night, saved it from going out of bounds to Aydan in the right corner. Two Warriors seemingly had him trapped, but he drove right by then and scored to tie it at 30.

The game was tied at 32 and 34, but then Tyler New hit a 3-pointer from the left side to put Worth County up 37-36. Tyler connected again for five straight points to make it 39-36, forcing Albany into a timeout. Hutchinson got the Warriors back to within one at 41-40, and then Tryce Floyd got a steal and went in for a layup try. But the contested shot was missed, and Aydan Gladstone aired it out to Jackson Runde on the other end to put Worth County up by three at 43-40 instead of Albany being up by one.

Worth County spread the ball out well and was able to drive at will during the next sequence as Aydan Gladstone scored off a drive and Alex Rinehart got a three point play to make it 48-40, forcing Albany to put Poppa back in with four fouls. Tryce Floyd hit a 3-pointer to cut it to five, but Jackson Runde’s putback put the Tigers up 50-43.

The Tigers got ahead by as much as 12 when Alex Rinehart scooped up a carom and hit a 3-pointer and Aydan Gladstone hit two free throws to make it 55-43. But Albany got into the bonus and Kaeden Hutchinson got the hot hand for Albany, as the Warriors started to come back. Hutchinson scored 11 straight points to bring his team to within 59-55; Worth County fueled the run with three missed free throws and a bad 3-point shot.

Albany was pressing and trapping to try to get the ball back, and they finally got a steal. But Hutchinson finally missed one as well as a putback try, and he fouled Alex Rinehart scrambling for another rebound. From there, Alex Rinehart carried the team on his shoulders, as he had 11 of his 31 points in the period. He hit both free throws to make it 61-55.

But Tryce Floyd hit a shot from the left baseline to keep Albany’s chances alive. Floyd got a steal, but Aydan Gladstone stripped Hutchinson. Worth County butterfingered a pass, but Floyd missed a tough shot in the paint, and Tyler New tipped it out to Grant Cameron for the defensive board. But Grant Cameron missed both free throws and Floyd hit two free throws to make it 61-59.

With Albany swarming and pressing, Aydan Gladstone uncorked a dangerous pass to Alex Rinehart, who came up with it despite a defender draped on him; he was fouled and hit both free throws with 9 seconds left to make it 63-59. Albany could not answer, as they missed a 3-pointer and a putback try at the end.

Alex Rinehart had 31 points. Aydan Gladstone had 13, Jackson Runde 10, Tyler New 5, and Grant Cameron 4.

Jackson Runde had 9 boards. Aydan Gladstone had 6, Alex Rinehart 4, Lucas Wake 3, Grant Cameron 2, and Tyler New and Jackson Smith 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 5 assists. Jackson Runde had 4, Grant Cameron 2, and Jackson Smith, Lucas Wake, and Tyler New 1.

Alex Rinehart had 7 tips. Aydan Gladstone had 5, Grant Cameron and Jackson Runde 2, and Tyler New 1.

Alex Rinehart had 4 steals. Jackson Smith and Aydan Gladstone had 2 each, and Grant Cameron had 1.

Worth County Honor Roll

The following Worth County students made the High Honor Roll for the 2020-2021 First Semester:

Seniors: Wyatt Abplanalp, Morgan Beagle, Hannah Bever, Addison Blankenship, Megan Cassavaugh, Keelin Engel, Jill Hardy, Braidy Hunt, Danyelle Jackson, Allison Larison, Anna Spainhower, Tate Welch.

Juniors: Misty Helt, Justina Wimer.

Sophomores: Ali Brown, Levi Cassavaugh, Taylor Sanders, Caydee Sherer, Paige Sherer, Drew Welch.

Freshmen: Autumn Cousatte, Ethan Frese, Mitzie Gillespie, Tyler New, Tuker Riley, Brylee Rush, Kara Staton, Lincoln Wake.

8th Grade: Evan Baker, Willie Baker, Abbi Brown, Eva Engel, Bridgette Hightshoe.

7th Grade: Jace Cameron, Brayden Combs, Brylea Paxson, Riley Ridge, Brayden Stevens.

The following Worth County students made the Regular Honor Roll for the First Semester of the 2020-2021 School Year:

Seniors: Nate Adwell, Andrew Alarcon, EmiLee Brown, Brett Hightshoe, Lane Kenery, Tim Richardson.

Juniors: Cooper Chapman, Jace Cousatte, Aydan Gladstone, James Gladstone, Aivry Griffin, Cassie Johnson, Lincoln Moore, Marshall Ruckman, Lucas Wake.

Sophomores: Lance Abplanalp, Hailey Adwell, Alison Anderson, Elizabeth Brown, Lanie Cousatte, Braxton Hightshoe, Claire McElvain, Tucker Owens, Maddie Runde.

Freshmen: Brooklyn Richardson, Rebecca Smith, Kynah Steele.

8th Grade: Carter Chapman, Ina Knight, Anissa Russell, Emma Spencer, Mackenzie Walter.

7th Grade: Katelyn Fletchall, Wyatt Hill, Brayden Murphy, Matthew Ray, Garrett Richey, Rylee Ruckman, Marissa Schmitz, Rayleigh Smith, Reed Smyser, Bailey Steele, Sawyer Thurman.

MDC Proposes Allowing Bicycle Use on Conservation Area Service Roads

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at its Jan. 22 open meeting on a proposed change to Wildlife Code of Missouri regulations that would allow the expanded use of bicycles on many department-area service roads.

“Many of our conservation-area users have expressed interest in allowing bicycles on service roads for greater access to the areas,” said MDC Deputy Director and Chair of the Regulations Committee Mike Hubbard. “Opening service roads to bicycles will provide greater opportunities for cyclists – and also hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers -- wanting to access more of their conservation areas.”

Bicycle use on MDC’s approximately 1,000 conservation areas is currently restricted to roads open to public-vehicle traffic and some multi-use trails. This regulation change would expand bicycle access to include most service roads on MDC areas. The proposed change does not apply to electric or other motorized bicycles, which would not be allowed.

Service roads are non-public roads on MDC areas used by staff to conduct resource management activities. They are listed on conservation area maps at areas and on the MDC website. Some service roads are currently used as walking paths by the public. MDC notes that conditions of service roads on department areas vary greatly and are not maintained at the level of public multi-use bicycle trails and public roads.

Exceptions would be service roads on waterfowl-hunting areas during hunting seasons and other MDC areas that are closed to other activities during hunting seasons. Exceptions would also include area-access roads used by staff at fish hatcheries and other MDC areas where bicycle use could be unsafe or cause damage such as erosion.  

MDC invites public comment on the regulation changes March 2-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes and by mail to: Regulations Committee Chairman, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

MDC will then review all comments received and present a final proposal for a final vote by the Commission during its May 21 public meeting. If approved, the regulation change will become effective March 1, 2022.

Tiger Teams Make Forgettable Trip to Pattonsburg

Worth County’s teams might as well have not made the road trip to Pattonsburg last Thursday as they both suffered blowout losses in the dome.

The girls had every right to expect a win as Pattonsburg came into the game at 5-8. But it was Pattonsburg who was able to dictate the tempo, running up and down the floor at will with Webby Bailey, Jillian Plymell, and Jenna Heath hurting the Tigers all night long in a 69-46 win for the Panthers.

Worth County scored the first seven points of the game, but instead of slowing the game down, playing defense, and using their 10-player bench to wear down the Panthers, they tried to run with the fast-paced Pattonsburg squad, throwing up quick shots. They were able to keep up with the Panther squad in the first quarter, taking an 18-12 lead after one. But in the second, they went through a scoreless stretch that lasted from early in the second to early in the third. That fueled the Panther run as the Tiger lead was soon erased, as Bailey and Heath were able to get out on the break at will.

Meanwhile, nobody guarded Jillian Plymell, who made a bunch of 3-pointers in a quick span last year to force Worth County to put their starters back in last year. Plymell did the exact same thing Thursday, hitting five 3-pointers in a three minute span from the end of the second quarter to the first two minutes of the third quarter as the Panther lead grew to 42-20 at the 6:11 mark.

The rest of the game was a futile effort to play catchup, as the Tigers didn’t have an answer to Bailey and Heath slashing to the basket at will. 

Megan Cassavaugh had 15 points. Morgan Beagle had 11, Jill Hardy 10, EmiLee Brown 7, Braidy Hunt 2, and Kynah Steele 1.

The boys gave up too many second chances to an explosive team like Pattonsburg; the Panthers came in averaging 60 points a game. Worth County scored above Pattonsburg’s defensive average of 48 points per game, getting 56 in the effort. But they gave up 14 offensive boards, far too many for a team like the Panthers. The result was a 74-56 loss in the nightcap.

The game stayed close throughout the first half, and Aydan Gladstone’s drive put Worth County in front 34-33 to start the second half. Pattonsburg jumped out in front 42-34, but Worth County put on a terrific rally to end the third quarter and close to within 46-43 after three.

Pattonsburg scored the first eight points to go up 54-43 to start the fourth. Jackson Runde’s triple cut it to 57-51 at the 4:30 mark, but Worth County had to start fouling to get the ball back and throw up some quick shots; nothing dropped, and Pattonsburg made 9 of 12 from the line and ran at will in the last few minutes to pull away to the 74-56 win.

Alex Rinehart had 19 points. Aydan Gladstone had 15, Jackson Runde 11, Grant Cameron 7, and Tyler New had 4.

Peregrine Falcon to be Removed from Endangered Species List

 The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval at its Jan. 22 open meeting to remove the peregrine falcon from the state’s endangered species list while keeping it a species of conservation concern. The vote came after a proposed status and regulation change from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Peregrine falcons were removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999.

Peregrine falcon populations plummeted nationwide during the 1940’s through the 1960s due to the widespread use of pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in their food chain. The peregrine was placed on the federal endangered species list in 1970 and on the Missouri state-endangered species list in 1974. Peregrines were removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999 due to intensive restoration efforts. Peregrines have remained on the Missouri state-endangered species list since.

According to MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist and Falcon Recovery Lead Joe DeBold, MDC’s Peregrine Falcon Recovery Working Group has been studying the world’s fastest bird and has determined that the state’s population and distribution of peregrine falcons warrant the delisting as a state endangered species.

“Our Missouri peregrine falcon recovery goal of 12 breeding pairs in the state was exceeded in 2013 and now stands at 14 known active breeding pairs distributed across seven counties,” explained DeBold. “Peregrines will remain a species of conservation concern in the state. If the breeding population declines below seven breeding pairs, MDC will work with conservation partners to determine if expanded monitoring or protection is needed.”

While human activities once harmed the birds through the widespread use of pesticides in their food chain, human efforts have also helped bring them back.

“All of our 14 peregrine breeding pairs in Missouri use artificial nest boxes in our urban areas around Kansas City or St. Louis,” explained MDC State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick. “They seem to prefer the nest boxes over natural nesting sites in the state on rocky cliffs and bluffs on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. This may be due to an abundance of food in the form of urban pigeons.”

Kendrick added that two breeding peregrine pairs have been documented successfully nesting since 2012 along the rocky bluffs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River north of the greater St. Louis area, so peregrines may start using natural nesting sites in Missouri.

In addition to the bird’s removal from the state endangered species list, MDC is proposing a regulation change to the Wildlife Code of Missouri that would allow the limited capture of young migratory falcons for use in falconry. The allowance for falconers to capture a limited number of birds is based on authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The proposed regulation change would allow a statewide total maximum of five permits annually for the capture of one young, wild, migrant falcon. Only those with a Master Falconer Permit may capture a falcon.

“Only hatch-year or first-year birds from northern breeding populations that migrate through Missouri would be allowed to be captured. Adult falcons will not be allowed to be taken for falconry,” explained DeBold. “All peregrine falcons hatched in Missouri are banded with metal federal bird bands. If a peregrine captured in Missouri for falconry has any sort of state, federal, or other band from Missouri or elsewhere, the bird must be released immediately.”

MDC invites public comment on the status and regulation changes for peregrine falcons March 2-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes and by mail to: Regulations Committee Chairman, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

Proposal Would Allow More Uses of Common, Grass Carp in Missouri

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval at its Jan. 22 open meeting to proposed regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) that would add to personal and commercial uses of grass carp and common carp.

The new regulations follow public requests to catch and use common and grass carp as live bait. A related regulation on the use of common carp as live bait became effective in August of last year. Since then, MDC staff have received comments from anglers, bait dealers, the Missouri Aquaculture Association, and others on the regulation change.

The resulting additional proposed regulations would allow for both common carp and grass carp to be used for live bait once the regulations become effective Aug. 30 of this year. The proposed regulations would also allow for the limited commercial capture and sale of common and grass carp to commercial establishments by contractors participating in an MDC-contracted invasive fish removal project.

Grass carp and common carp are currently listed as invasive fish species in Missouri, along with bighead, black, and silver carp. These invasive species pose threats to Missouri aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native species and damaging water quality and habitat.

The proposed regulation changes would not apply to bighead and silver carp, which would remain on the Missouri invasive species list, or to black carp, which would remain on the Missouri prohibited species list.

The proposed regulations would:

–Remove common carp and grass carp from the definition of invasive fish.

–Reestablish the sport seasons, methods, and limits for taking common carp and grass carp and allow their use as live bait.

–Reestablish the commercial fishing seasons, methods, and limits for taking common carp and grass carp in certain streams and establish restrictions on the use of commercial fishing gear used to catch them.

–Authorize the sale of common carp and grass carp to commercial establishments by contractors participating in an MDC-contracted invasive fish removal project.

MDC invites public comment on the regulation changes March 2-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes and by mail to: Regulations Committee Chairman, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

MDC will then review all comments received and present a final proposal for a final vote by the Commission during its May 21 public meeting. If approved, the regulation change will become effective Aug. 30.

Obituary -- Carol Pickering 1939-2021

Carol Aubry Pickering, age 81, of Grant City, Missouri died at his home in Grant City, surrounded by his family on January 21, 2021.

Carol was born September 19, 1939 at the family home in Worth, Missouri. He was the son of Emery Carol and Ethel Lucille (Holmes) Pickering. He was the oldest child, followed by brothers Gary, Charlie, and Boyd. 

Carol graduated from Grant City High School in 1957 after attending Worth Missouri School and Country School. After high school he served his country as a member of the Army National Guard from 1960-1966.

Carol married Beverly Ann Goff on September 17, 1961. To this union three children were born, Cynthia Ann, Douglas Sterling, and Amy Jo. Carol and Beverly moved to Princeton, Missouri shortly after they were married where he worked for House and Simms. A few years later they moved to the family farm in Worth County, Missouri where they lived until Beverly’s death in 1984.  Carol was a lifelong farmer, enjoying all that it involved, livestock, row crops, haying, and anything else that needed done. 

Carol met Karyn (McCafferty) in 1984, with the help of their daughters, and they were married on August 3, 1985. With this union Carol gained two daughters, Julie Ann and Ellen Lee and they moved to their home in Grant City.

Carol was very active in the community when his health permitted. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Grant City, where he served as chairman of the church board. He was a charter member of the Northwest Missouri State Tractor Pulling Association. He had served as past president of Worth County Farm Bureau, former member of both the Worth County Young Farmers and the Jay Cees. He and Karyn will also be remembered for the 19 years they sold fireworks at the family’s Westside Firework Stand. His favorite hobbies included mowing, tractor pulling, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Karyn could always be seen in the stands cheering them on, no matter what the event.  

Carol was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Beverly, his second wife Karyn in 2016, two daughters, Cindy Pickering-Noble and Julie Hanson, three brothers, Gary, Boyd and Charles Pickering.

His survivors include three children, Doug (Barb) Pickering, Grant City, Amy (Greg) Mobley, Maloy, Iowa, Ellen (Chad) Lance, Marshall, Missouri and son-in-law Don Noble, Mt. Ayr, Iowa, 14 grandchildren, Justin (Charlotte) Green, Kelli-Jo (Travis) Wiederholt, Lacie Groom, Mckenzie Benson, Nikolas (Lacee) Pickering, Bradley (Kendra) Pickering, Jodi (Brett) England, Kelsey (Dale) Swartz, Dillon (Bailey) Drake, Madison Mobley (fiancé Joshua Sickels), Emma Mobley, Gracie Mobley, Jace Finley-Lance, and Jada Rae Finley-Lance, 16 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Linda Pickering, Bonnie Taylor and Susan Hauser, brother-in-law Kelly (Julie) McCafferty and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A private family funeral service will be held Monday, January 25, at 2 pm, at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City. The service will be live-streamed for those desiring to attend.

Family visitation will be held Sunday, January 24, from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Facial covering and social distancing are recommended. 

Per Carol’s request his body will be cremated following the services. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Honey Grove Cemetery, Grant City. 

Memorials: United Methodist Church, Grant City.

Obituary -- Vernon Shakespeare 1940-2021

Vernon Dean Shakespeare, 80, Eagleville, MO passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.

He was born on August 1, 1940 in Decatur County, Iowa the son of Alma and Marjorie (Snivley) Shakespeare.

On December 29, 1978, he married Jaqueline Thorpe in Decatur County, Iowa. She survives of the home.

Vernon served in the United States Navy and worked as a carpenter and electrician.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl Shakespeare.

Vernon is also survived by his daughter, Kellie Shakespeare, Blythedale, MO; son, Kevin Shakespeare, Springfield, SD; grandchildren, Ethan and Rylee and nieces and nephews.

Vernon has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO.

Inurnment will be held in Payne Cemetery, Hatfield, MO at a later date. There are no schedule services. Memorials may be made to Payne Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Grant Call for Northwest Missouri Solid Waste District

The Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District has grant funds available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program to distribute to both public and private entities throughout Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth Counties. The grant funds are intended to reduce the amount of waste entering the local waste stream and facilitate recycling. Some examples of projects include the purchase of woodchippers, aluminum and cardboard balers, forklifts, trailers, recycling bins, composting and other organic recycling projects. District Grant funds have also been used for outdoor classrooms, recycling education, rubberized track and recycling business expansion. Those individuals or entities interested in applying for funds for a waste reduction or recycling project may contact Robin Davidson at (660) 582-5121 ext. 4, or e-mail robin@nwmorcog.org. The application is posted online at www.nwmorcog.org. Applications must be received by Thursday, April 1, 2021, by 3:00 p.m. at the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, 114 W. Third St., Maryville, MO 64468.

Local Graduates from Northwest

On Thursday, Northwest Missouri State released its list of graduates from the school for the Fall semester. The following local students graduated:

Blockton – Whitney Henry (Magna Cum Laude), B.S. – IDM: New Media; Harlee Meek (Cum Laude), B.S. – Animal Science.

Eagleville – Krissi Cox (Summa Cum Laude), B.S. Ed. – Early Childhood Education; Payton Craig (Summa Cum Laude), B.S. Agricultural Business; Clay Parkhurst, B.S. Agricultural Business.

Parnell – Megan Moore, B.S. – Human Services.

Pickering – ReAnne Mires, B.S. Ed – Elementary Education.

Ravenwood – Rachel Runde, M.S. Ed – C&I General; Dallis Coffelt (Magna Cum Laude), B.F.A. – Art: Graphic Design.

Summa Cum Laude – Cumulative GPA of at least 3.95.

Magna Cum Laude – Cumulative GPA between 3.75 to 3.94.

Cum Laude – GPA of 3.50 to 3.74.