Courthouse News for June 30th, 2021

On June 22nd, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrested a parole absconder who had been on the run from the Board of Probation and Parole for nearly 8 months.

On June 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Keyton Francis (20) of Maryville alleging Assault (Felony) and Leaving the Scene (Felony). Judge Robert Rice disqualified himself due to a conflict of interest. Judge Corey Herron was assigned. Bond was denied.

On June 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jimmy Lake (53) of Maryville alleging Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Controlled Location (Felony).  Bond was set at $100,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Joseph Kerns (32) of Thayer (MO) alleging Enticement of a Child (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Mikkaela Moore (33) of King City alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 24th, someone shot fireworks in the Sheridan Park bathroom and destroyed one of the toilets.

On June 25th, two Worth County children went missing at around 3:30 that afternoon. An Amber Alert was issued. They were found safe around five hours later. Around 50 volunteers helped in the effort to locate the children.

On June 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Benjamin Clarkson (37) of Denver in Worth County on charges of DWI, Unlawfully Operating Off-Road Vehicle on Highway, and Failure to Wear Protective Headgear.

On June 25th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jeffrey Overholser (37) of Redding on a charge of Assault (Causing Injury). Bond was set at $1,000, posted by the defendant.

On June 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Vicki Briggs (70) of Cainsville in Harrison County on a charge of DWI.

On June 26th, during the Back to Basics Livestock Show in Eagleville, the North Harrison Ambulance District and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call. It turned out that someone had dialed it by mistake.

On June 27th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Lane Ferris (27) of Bethany alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony).

On June 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Tyler Storm (34) of Maryville alleging Violation of Protection Order and Property Damage. Bond was denied.

On June 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Teresa Findley (61) of Ravenwood in Nodaway County on a charge of No Valid License and three misdemeanor warrants.

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.

Hopkins Woman Lifeflighted After Wreck

A Hopkins woman was seriously injured Monday following a wreck near Maryville at around 10:45 am. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2008 Honda driven by Roberta Turner (61) of Hopkins was northbound on Route H near 290th Street six miles southwest of Maryville when she lost control, traveled off the east side, struck a field entrance, and continued traveling through the ditch before it struck an embankment. The vehicle continued northbound, overturned, and came to rest on its driver’s side facing east. Turner was seriously injured and was lifeflighted to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Vaccine Update for June 30th, 2021

On Friday, Israel reported that about half of the adults who tested positive for the Delta variant of the Coronavirus were fully immunized with the Pfizer vaccine. Around 90% of the new cases were caused by the variant. Israel reinstated its indoor mask mandate that it had dropped 10 days previously, and the WHO urged fully vaccinated people to continue to wear masks even after vaccinated.

***

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines could provide years of protection against COVID-19. They published their peer-reviewed findings in the journal Nature. They obtained samples from 14 different participants. More research is needed, given the small sample size.

***

On Friday, the FDA issued a warning about the risk of myocarditis to fact sheets for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. The CDC had received 1,200 reports of such heart inflammation and confirmed 300 of those cases. These cases occur mostly among young men and adolescents. Most patients recover quickly. The FDA advises vaccine recipients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpations. 

***

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky tweeted on June 24th that you can vaccinate 1 million 12-17 year olds and see 30-40 mild cases of myocarditis. In this same 1 million, she says, we would avoid 8,000 cases of COVID-19, 200 hospitalizations, 50 ICU stays, and 1 death. She concludes the benefits far outweigh the risks.

***

The CDC reports that 179,615,165 people have received at least one dose of one of the three Coronavirus vaccines and that 153,776,118 have been fully vaccinated as of Monday.

***

On Monday, the WNBA said that nearly every player has been vaccinated and that none of its players have tested positive so far halfway through the season.

***

On Monday, an Oxford study found that a third dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine six months after the first two doses could boost protection against COVID-19. Two doses have been shown to prevent more than 90% of hospital admissions. Pfizer and Moderna are also in the process of developing booster shots. 

***

The same study found that a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine still provides increased protection even if administered 10 months after the first dose.

***

On Saturday, the CDC reported that there have been 4,115 cases of fully vaccinated people being hospitalized or dying with COVID-19.

***

The CDC says older adults are more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. As adults continue to get vaccinated, hospitalization rates for adults 85 or older have dropped to the lowest point since March 2020. As of January 9th, 2021, the hospitalization rate was 71.8 per 100,000 population. As of June 26th, the rate was 2.3.

***

People don’t have to get their second vaccine dose at the same location as their first. The CDC says you can get your second shot at a different facility or state.

Obituary -- Douglas Duane Hiatt 1966-2021

Douglas Duane Hiatt was born July 28, 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on June 26, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 54. 

Douglas graduated from Platte City High School. He worked as a self-employed carpenter. 

Douglas was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Nelson (Jack) and Mary (Pickering) Hiatt and maternal grandparents, Albert and Ethel Duckworth, brother Bruce Hiatt and  stepfather Larry Walker.

He is survived by father and stepmother, Jerry and Susanne Hiatt of Platte City, Missouri, mother, Barbara Walker of Lake of Ozarks, Missouri; daughter, Dawn Marie Weaver of Florida; brother, Philip Hiatt of Lake of Ozarks, Missouri; half sister, Marsha Perry of Platte City, Missouri; grandchildren; nieces and nephews and good friend Lisa Norris.  

Graveside memorial service will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 2, 2021 at Grant City Cemetery in Grant City, Missouri. 

Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. 

73 Attend Worth County Alumni Reunion; Morgan Beagle, Nate Adwell Awarded Scholarships; Three from Class of 1948 Attend

73 people, including 59 graduates and 14 guests, attended the Worth County Alumni Reunion Sunday. The Classes of 1970 and 1971 were honored, since there was no reunion last year. Three members of the Class of 1948 attended. They were Evelyn Groom (Valedictorian), Joan Ruckman (Salutatorian), and Jack Cottrell.

Two families had the most graduates; the Combs (4) and the Hardy families (4) had the most members present. The Roach, Fletchall, and Cottrell families each had three members present. The person who came from the greatest distance away was Richard Hensley, who spoke at the event; he came from Wilmington (DE). The Class of 1971 had the most members present with 17; the Class of 1970 had six members, with 17 attending a class reunion the day before. Three couples from the Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. The Alumni Association collected $790 in donations from the plate this year.

Richard Hensley of the Class of 1971 was the first speaker. He played some tuba pieces, including “When Yuba plays the Rumba on the Tuba down in Cuba,” “Fere Jacques,” “The Tuba Man,” and “Tubby the Tuba.” He played in Carnegie Hall two months after the 9/11 attacks and played, “An American in Paris.” 

In 1976, Hensley joined the military and got into the US Army Band in Staten Island. People always had free tickets for service members; as a result, he and a friend were able to go to Yankee Stadium during the 1977 World Series and watch the game where Reggie Jackson hit three home runs on three straight pitches as the Yankees won 10-4 to close out the first of two straight World Series titles over the Dodgers. 

Hensley said one of the favorite parts of his life was playing concerts with his friends; he currently plays in the “St. Peter by the Sea” orchestra, which plays at Point Pleasant (NJ). He makes a 110 mile round trip periodically from Wilmington to play. “I can’t bring myself to quit the band,” he said.

In 1978, Hensley met this girl who also played the tuba and who would become his wife. Hensley got out of the Army in 1979, and took his girlfriend out for a final date before going back to Kansas City. She didn’t want him to go, and one month later, they were married and headed to Kansas City, where Hensley got his master’s degree at UMKC, where they had three children. 

Hensley has performed at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, the New York Museum of Modern Art, as well as other places. 

In between speakers, a wooden nickel from Nell’s Drive In was auctioned off. It was donated by Janice Hunt and sold for $140. Nell was the late Fern Sheddrick’s mother-in-law, and Fern took over when Nell was ready to retire. All the veterans were recognized.

Jim Combs was the second speaker that day. He grew up two miles east of Denver and is the son of the late Ross and LaDora Combs. He has worked in the same lab for the last 42 years, after his uncle got him a part-time job at Gentry County Memorial Hospital, now Mosaic. 

He talked about the old days growing up; he said nobody had to worry about clogged stools, because everybody had an outhouse and only two people had indoor bathrooms. Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, people still took their eggs to town to sell. One time, Jim and some of his friends went on a spree where they knocked down a bunch of outhouses in town; it turned out one was occupied. Class A fireworks were shot off all the time. When someone finally got a color TV, it was a big sensation, and everybody came to town to check it out. Before then, everybody used to watch Lawrence Welk.

Back then, phone lines always had specific rings. For instance, two long rings and one short ring meant you knew who was on the other end. If you wanted to call out of your line, you had to call the operator and ask to be connected, for instance, to Grant City. You used to have to carry your phones in a bag. Later, users were put on party lines with other people, and there were certain people who always listened in on other peoples’ conversations. Dick Tracy and his wristwatch phones were viewed as highly futuristic; now, we have cell phones. It cost $2 to get gas, check your oil, tires, windshield wipers, and wiper fluid. People used to stand in line for 30 minutes in order to play ping pong. Later, Nintendo was the place to be.

When Combs first started work at the hospital, there was smoking and ash trays everywhere, unthinkable today. Later, computers came to the hospital which made the work go exponentially faster. He said he was once asked by a student how many blood samples he had drawn from people; he sat down and figured it out and came up with between 109,000 and 115,000. 

Cars used to be very much different; Combs recounted the time he drag raced his station wagon against his friends and won. He would ride the bus to school, and they had to stop at railroad crossings. People used to come through Gentry and Worth on Old 169; later, the current version of 169 was completed. Kids still hitched train rides; kids would go and hitch rides to Jamesport and Pattonsburg on grain cars; the railroad people would let them get on. 

Denver Man Strikes Deer, Injured in Wreck

A Denver man was injured in a wreck after a collision with a deer Friday evening at around 8:10 pm. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1996 Yamaha YZ250 driven by Benjamin Clarkson (37) of Denver was eastbound on 200th road four miles southeast of Allendale when he struck a deer and lost control. He received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Albany.

Spickard Man Killed in Wreck

A Spickard man was killed in a collision Friday afternoon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2007 Suzuki XL7 driven by David Travis (20) of Spickard was southbound on Route 65 two miles north of Trenton at around 1:10 pm that day, while a 2004 Sterling AT95 driven by Clayton Radcliff (25) of Trenton was northbound. The Suzuki crossed the center line and struck the towed unit of the Sterling, spinning off the west side of the roadway. Travis was killed in the wreck, while a passenger, Sean Babbitt of Humphreys (M) received moderate injuries. Radcliff was not injured in the wreck.

Obituary -- Rex Hill 1947-2021

Rex was born November 7, 1947, the youngest of 7 children born to J. Cecil Hill and Faye (Murray) Hill. All 7 were born at home and delivered by a dear neighbor, cousin and midwife Zola Hill. 

Rex enjoyed life, whatever he was doing and served the Lord in whatever capacity he was called upon to do. His love for the outdoors and nature was obvious, from feeding the birds and building houses for them to gardening. He especially loved his kids and grandkids and enjoyed every moment with them. 

Rex spent 2 years in the U.S. Army as nuclear weapons assemblyman and ordinanceman. He was a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a BSE in Finance. And then on to banking where many of you became acquainted with him. Later he became a rural mail carrier in Blue Springs, Mo. where met the love of his life, Joan. They were blessed to enjoy one another for many years and to share everything with each other. 

It was his wish that each one of you enjoy a personal relationship with the Lord and enjoy His many, many blessings. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, 3 sisters: Mary J. Cowing, Faye I. Hill and Sharen A. Peppard, 3 brothers: C. Lee Hill, William A. Hill and Charles M. Hill, 2 brothers-in-law: Joe Cowing and Joe Peppard and 1 nephew: Stephen Peppard. 

Survivors include his wife Joan of the home, his son Bradley R. (Tanya) Hill, Sheridan, Mo., his daughter Kimberly A. (Ross) Robertson, California, Mo., 3 stepdaughters: Jaime Brown, Gentry, Mo., Jennie (Matt) Dudley, St. Louis, Mo., and Bobbi Jo (Darrel) Crawford, Higginsville, Mo.,  1 stepson, Matt (Lora) Hartwig, Corder, Mo.,  13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons, lots of nieces, nephews and an host of friends. 

In lieu of flowers Rex suggested that you make a donation to the Isabelle Cemetery Association through the funeral home or the church of your choice. 

Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.  A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Isabelle Cemetery near Denver, MO. 

God love and bless each of you. 

Charles Dukes Built 28 Barns in Sheridan Area

From Louise Dukes’ family history book; posted in the Facebook group Parnell Remembered.

Charles H. Dukes carried on the family tradition of building houses and barns, remodeling, repairing, and “building on.” He worked with his brothers until his son Vollie became old enough to go along, first as a helper, later as a fellow-carpenter. Ora, being younger, was left at home to do the farming. Ora did almost no carpentering until after he was grown and married. Charlie often stayed the whole week on the job, boarding with the family for whom he was working. Ora can remember his father walking the three miles to and from Sheridan morning and evening when his carpenter job was in down. His charge was $1.50 a day.

Vollie carpentered in the Sheridan area for several years before moving to Kansas City, where he worked as a carpenter until his retirement. He helped build a building in downtown Kansas City which was at the time the tallest building in the city.

One of the most unusual carpentry requests came in the early thirties, when a couple of neighbors came to Ora and Charles and asked them to build a coffin. A young man who lived not far away had shot himself. The family didn’t have enough money to buy a casket, so the neighbors had taken up a collection to buy the lumber and asked Dukes to build a suitable box. Ora remembers building it on the front porch of the Lamar house. Chloe and Olive Wilson lined it with Muslin, gathered and tacked on the upper sides of the box. In the bottom, they put quantities of crumpled newspaper which they covered with cloth. The Dukes family had a part in giving the young man a “respectable burial.”

Ora’s statement that his dad, his brother, or he had helped build a majority of the barns in the Sheridan area is borne out by the list of barns they build. He lists 28 barns built by his dad, Charlie, and 8 for which Ora was the head carpenter. Charlie built at least 14 houses, Ora 5, Vollie and Ora 11 barns, and Ora “worked over” 15 houses. To that list could be added numerous corn cribs, garages, cattle sheds, etc. No doubt, nearly every farmer in the area could point to at least one of his buildings and say, “There is the one that the Dukeses built.”

Charles Dukes built barns for the following people: C.H. Dukes, Joseph Dukes, Lewis Nigh, Arthur Shades, John Fisher, Port Rickabaugh, Isaac Rickabaugh (3 barns), E.P. Nesbitt, George Hague, Grant Smith, Jim Dye, Albert Wilson, Charles Wilson, Manford Wilson (2 barns), Willie Wilson (2 barns), Jessie Bartles, Charles Bartles, C.P. Dowis, W.F. Dowis, L.E. Dowis (2 barns), Mr. Fairman, Allen Carroll, C.A. Lamar.

Houses built by Charles H. Dukes for the following people: C.H. Dukes, Bert Clark, John Garrard, Walter Garrard, Lon Long, Lloyd Reddick, Arthur Shades, Nathan Kaufman, Sanford Wilson, Manford Wilson, Star of the West School, Otis Rowe, Mord Wilson, Jesse Shambarger.

Tom Dukes built a brick school house and hotel in Parnell.

Barns built by Vollie and Ora Dukes: Ellis Rowe (house and barn), Oakley Rowe, Guy Cooper, C.A. Lamar, Albert Wilson, Willie Wilson, Earl Timmerman.

Barns built by Vollie Dukes:

L. Rowe, Walter Garrard, Reddick, Allen Lamar.

Buildings constructed by Ora Dukes for the following people. Barns – Ora Dukes, Elmer Fluke, Ellis Rowe, Otis Rowe, Rollie Cooper (2 barns), Ernest Garrard, Arch Musick. Houses: Oakley Rowe, Glennon Wilson, Kenneth Hoover, Dale Sanders, Oakley Gartside.

Houses worked over by Ora Dukes: Glennon Wilson (twice), Victor Parman, June Parman, Dale Lasley, Norvel Huff, Edwin Mitchell, Mrs. Charles Dowis, Opal Shellman, Wilma Caldwell, Howard Meredith, Ernest Saylor, Cecil Boyden, Fred Hunter, Dale Huff.

Obituary -- Dawayne Bailey 1947-2021

Dawayne “Gene” Bailey “The Agate Man”, 73, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

Gene was born on November 15, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Carmie and Helen (Balkovsky) Bailey. He was a graduate of Ravenwood High School class of 1965 and Northwest Missouri State University. He was a member of the Northwest Missouri Gem and Mineral Society, St. Joseph archeological society, and the V.F.W.

He is survived by his son, Peter Bailey and one sister, Karen Sickels.

Mr. Bailey has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or services held. 

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Concrete Poured at New Basketball Court

The new Grant City basketball court at the Pool Park is taking shape; crews came last week. Three county employees helped, which will help with the in-kind match for the project, Public Works Director Carl Staton reported at the council meeting Thursday. The city is now waiting on the rubber to arrive. The city has gotten a six month extension on the grant. On the completion of the project, the city will hold a grand opening.

Brad Ross addressed the council; he is seeing to locate a memorial for his parents which would benefit the community, which he and his siblings would be willing to fund. Possible locations were discussed.

The city voted to increase gas rates to a base rate of $11.40 per month plus a $3.65 profit margin. The change will be effective July first. Back in 2007, the running costs were $85,680; now, it is $115.800 as of 2020 with a possible increase of 10% this year. Back in 2007, the gas system was making $32,000 a year; last year, it only made $2,300. The number of customers has dropped from 320 to 290 during that time period. 2007 was the last time the city raised rates.

City Administrator Meggan Brown reported that she was still looking for possible locations for a Farmers Market. 

The city is setting up a comment box on its new website for feedback.

The city is in the process of setting up enforcement for city ordinances. Grass enforcement was also discussed, and how other cities were handling grass ordinance violations. Other cities come onto the property and mow it for the owner, and assess the costs on their taxes if they don’t pay. 

The city is in the process of looking into passing an Internet use tax, so that the city could collect its share from the state. It would need to be placed on a ballot.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the city put dust control down by the pool. Crews have been mowing, trimming, spraying, and removing vines from electric poles. The council authorized Staton to get a fire hydrant; one at Golf Tee Lane was leaking. Four more need changed down the road. 

Staton also reported there was a water leak at the tower that was really high. They would need a boom truck that is at least 80-90 feet high. The city got the water tower inspection report back, and there is three inches of debris at the bottom of the tower. 

Councilwoman Charlotte Jones reported that there were good crowds at the pool and that the bathroom at the pool was slick; the city ordered some paint.

The council approved a contract with Chris Healy for software that will allow the city to conduct paperless meetings. It would be similar to the one that the school uses.

Obituary -- Charlotte Sellers 1941-2021

Charlotte Louise Sellers aka “Grandma Gum,” 80, Bethany, MO passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.

She was born on April 9, 1941 in Dora, Alabama and was raised in Grapevine, Texas. She married Benny Tanner in February, 1961. Benny and Charlotte had two daughters, Shelby Louise and Shannon B.

As Benny transferred around with Firestone, they landed in Iowa which remained one of her favorite places to live. She loved her neighbors in Indianola and watching her daughters show Quarter Horses was her favorite past time.

Charlotte was a pillar of love, support, and strength for her girls. She was Grandma Gum to her two incredible grandchildren, Dallas and Hailey. Charlotte’s “girls” and her grandkids meant the world to her.

Charlotte was dedicated to the Lord, Jesus Christ. She also volunteered at an elementary school and regaled us with funny stories. She was an incredibly strong woman as she fought through her illnesses with class and dignity. God rest her soul. Rest in peace, Mama.

She was preceded in death by her father, A.T. (Travis) Sellers; mothers, Marcelle Sellers and Maggie “Dib” Sellers; brothers, David and JW Sellers and Darrell Hopkins, and her ex-husband, Benny Tanner.

Charlotte is survived by her daughters, Shelby (Bob) Harris, Eagleville, MO and Shannon (Ibrahim) Tanner, Denver, CO; granddaughter, Hailey Tuttle; grandson, Dallas (Kristen) Tuttle, St. Augustine, FL; sister, Barbara Bradford, Ft. Worth, TX; brother, Ronnie Sellers, Grapevine, TX; and sister, Suni Rae (Carl) Lemke, Sedona, AZ.

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

The family will hold private services at a later date. Inurnment in Grapevine Cemetery, Grapevine, TX will also be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Remains of Bedford Man Killed at Pearl Harbor Returned to Final Rest

William David Tucker, who lost his life on December 7, 1941 at the age of 19 on the Battleship USS Oklahoma in the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, will be brought back home to his final resting place. A graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Memorials may be given in his name. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cumming Family Funeral Home.

William David Tucker was born February 2, 1922 to William David Tucker and Agnes Mary (Box) Tucker in Bedford, Iowa. He grew up in Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1939. On July 10, 1940, at the age of eighteen he enlisted in the United States Navy. For three months he received training at the Great Lakes Navy Training Station. He was assigned to the USS Oklahoma as a fireman, working up to a first class rating in the little over a year after he had been in the service.

He was transferred to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in October 1940 and was stationed on the USS Oklahoma where he was on duty when the ship was sunk during the attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He was 19 at the time of his death.

He was sadly missed by his parents, sisters, Mildred, Irene, Helen and Anna; and other family members during their lifetimes and by his many nieces and nephews who never had the chance to know him but are now grateful to have the opportunity to bring him back to his family and his community.

Obituary -- Roberta Carmichael 1947-2021

Roberta Jean Carmichael, 73, Hopkins, MO, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO.

She was born October 23, 1947, in Maryville, MO, to John S. and Lora Madge (Sharr) Horn. She graduated from North Nodaway in 1965.

On March 18, 1967, Roberta married James Alvin Carmichael in Hopkins, MO. She worked at COOP in Maryville before leaving to become a full-time farm wife and mother. Later, she worked at NEBS/Deluxe in Maryville from 1982 until taking early retirement in 2007 to spend more time on the farm with her husband.

Roberta, known to friends and family as Bert, loved her family and being on the farm

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, infant Kenneth Wayne Horn and James Lowell Horn (September 27, 2013), and her infant great grandson, Kolton Riley Brooke.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Lora Rose (Phil) Larabee, Pickering, MO, her sister Delsa Rose (Eldon) Hildebrandt, Falls Church, VA, three grandchildren, Brandi Laine (Ben) Brooke, Bethany, MO, Ethan Larabee, Maryville, MO, and Nichole (Andy) Chor, Greenwood, MO, as well as four great grandsons, Kayden, Kayl, Taylor, and Rhett Brooke, Bethany, MO.

Mrs. Carmichael has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. Per her request, there will be no services.

Courthouse News for June 23rd, 2021

On May 25th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Taylor Clymer (17) of Mount Ayr and Mary Saville (43) of Mount Ayr were both backing their vehicles out into a street when they collided, causing minor damage. No injuries were reported.

On June 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Zakery Solomon (23) of St. Joseph in Nodaway County on charges of Speeding, No Seat Belt, and a Buchanan County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Nonsupport).

On June 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Onyedikachi Shodimu (25) of Houston (TX) in Harrison County on charges of Resisting Arrest (Felony), Assault on Law Enforcement (Felony), and DWI (Drugs). Charges were filed on June 16th by Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer. Bond was set at $25,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 15th, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that a teen had gone missing from New Hampton. He was subsequently located and returned back home with the assistance of the Osceola (IA) police department.

On June 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against James Robinson (34) of Hopkins alleging Assault (Felony). Bond was denied.

On June 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Anthony Keller (26) of Maryville alleging Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, with the defendant to be released on his own recognizance.

Eric Wiggins, 24, of New Market was arrested on June 16, 2021 in the 400 block of 4th Street in New Market, Iowa. He was charged with domestic abuse assault and is being held at the Taylor County Jail on no bond pending an initial appearance with the magistrate.

On June 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that someone stopped a vehicle in Daviess County posing as a law enforcement officer. The individual was a white male and wearing a law enforcement style uniform, and driving a black Dodge Charger with police markings. The Patrol says they stopped a citizen on Highway 6 near Gallatin and issued citations from New York state. A white cargo van was driving in front of the citizen’s vehicle who may have been working with the first person.

On April 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Robin Coates (64) of Maryville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On April 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Eric Damgar (47) of Barnard alleging DWI and Speeding.

On June 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Thomas Perkins (66) of Lamoni in Harrison County on a charge of Littering and a DeKalb County Warrant (Traffic Violation).

On June 18th, the Sheridan CBC posted that flags were stolen from the Sheridan Schoolhouse. 

On June 18th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Donald Piveral (36) of Maryville alleging Child Molestation (Felony) and Domestic Assault (Felony). Judge Robert Rice disqualified himself from the bench due to a conflict of interest. Judge Roger Prokes denied bond in the case and assigned the case to Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On June 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Matthew Felton (43) of Maryville alleging Harassment (Felony). Judge Robert Rice disqualified himself from the case and Judge Corey Herron was assigned.

On June 22nd, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Ronald Angle (53) of Denver alleging Kidnapping (Felony) and Domestic Assault (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.

Letter to the Editor -- Grant City Pool & Parks

Thank you to all that purchase season and daily passes to our pool and visit the concession stand. This is what partially allows the city to keep the pool open.

For the past few years the option of opening or closing the pool has been a topic of conversation at our council meetings. The pool is NOT a money maker for the city; in fact, it loses money every year and has for the past 10 years or more. The city does not even make enough money to pay for the water to fill the pool. We also repaired and updated our pool a few years ago with a lot of volunteer labor and donations from our community, surrounding area and even some outside the area that used to live here or were lifeguards at the pool in the past and it is all much appreciated! We want to keep the pool open if possible for the enjoyment of our citizens!

It is a public service to our community in more ways than one! It gives our children and those in the surrounding area a place to go and have fun in the summer. It also gives summer jobs to many in our community and surrounding area which allows them the opportunity to earn money for college, learn how to provide quality customer service and helps them grow into the adults they need to be before stepping out into the real work force and the world in general.

Please keep in mind when visiting the pool that our guards are teenagers and just learning, please treat them the way you would want someone to treat your child if the circumstances were reversed. They deserve your respect, they are there taking good care of your children and doing their best so please let them know that they are appreciated and encourage them when you can, leaving high school and becoming an adult is difficult enough, please be positive and help them on their way! If you have an issue with something at the pool, please contact a city council member or city hall, the guards do not have the authority to make decisions or handle issues, they are there to keep your children safe!!

We added some different options this year, but it has always been that a family pass is for those living in one household (up to five this year). They can be a foster child or someone in your care if they reside in your household but please do not ask that we allow multiple families on one pass. We also added the option of adding additional people in case you have more than 5 in your household along with the option to add a grandparent for $15 so they can take their grandchildren to the pool if the parents are not available. 

We also hold Red Cross certified swim lessons and water aerobics for those wishing to participate and have purchased table and chairs for people to utilize while they are at the pool. Another aspect of the expense for operating the pool are the chemicals it takes, they are very expensive to purchase especially during these difficult times. If you have any ideas on different events we could do at the pool, please get in touch with one of the council members or call our city administrator or city hall, we are open to all ideas and would welcome volunteers to coordinate and host events at the pool or park area. If you would like to see a slide or fountain, become involved and coordinate with the city to host a fundraising event specifically for those items. 

I was recently told by someone that they were thinking about taking their kids/grandkids to a bigger pool with a slide and a fountain since we raised our season pass prices and that is your choice. But please keep in mind that if we can get a healthy place financially with the pool we would be able to purchase a fountain or slide for our children to enjoy.

Our parks are another area where we are making improvements. When the opportunity for a Dollar General Store came along and the most viable place to locate it was next to the busy highway, we made the decision to allow them to use the area where the old city park used to be, and we established a new park right next door to accommodate our community! The sales tax revenue from our local businesses is what keeps us going!

We used to have a basketball court at the site of the new Fire Station but deeded that land over to the fire department to be used for emergency services. We felt having quality emergency services provided for our citizens was a priority!

The city crew is currently working on replacing the old sand volleyball court with a new multi-purpose court that can be used for basketball, volleyball, bad mitten and any other sport you can utilize it for and we hope our community and surrounding area get many years of enjoyment out of the new court! I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all the city crew and those that volunteered to assist them with the new court. Your efforts are appreciated!

The pool and parks are there for your enjoyment, please help us take care of them!

It is time for a positive change! If you want to see more improvements, get involved! We as a council cannot do it alone. We all work full time, have families and other activities the same as you. We need your support to remain and become more successful! It will not happen overnight, but we can make it happen with the right attitude!

Thank you!

Debbie Roach, Mayor

City of Grant City

City Administrator- 660-564-2102

City Hall – 660-564-3369

Obituary -- William Welton 1945-2021

William Leroy Welton, 76, formerly of Worth, Missouri  was born on February 17, 1945 in Wakee, Iowa to William C. and Lena Edna (Schley) Welton. He passed away on June 20, 2021 at the age of 76 at the Pine View Manor in Stanberry, Missouri. 

William served his country in the in the Vietnam War and Germany from 1964-1971.  He worked at Houston’s, Rival, T-3 and later worked for carnivals. He loved to deer hunt and fish. 

William was preceded in death by his parents, brother John; sisters: Waneda, Winnie, Harriett, Olive, Alberta and his second wife Sharon. 

He is survived by his brother Max of California, daughter Kezia of Adel, Iowa and Velvet of Albany, first wife Peggy, also of Albany, seve4ral grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, great nieces nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. 

Family visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Burial will be in the Barnes Cemetery in Worth, Missouri at a later date. In lieu of flowers family asks donations be made to funeral home. 

Kristin Herndon Grabs a 1st Place Finish for Knox Track

The entire Knox College Prairie Fire women’s basketball season was canceled last year, but the school invited North Nodaway grad Kristin Herndon, who played for them during the 2019-2020 season, to go out for the track team this year, which she did. She competed in the Triple Jump and High Jump, in which she showed improvement throughout the season.

In the High Jump, she went to the Indoor Nationals on March 13th and jumped 4’10½”. She also won at the home meet at Knox on April 24th, with a jump of 4’8¾”. She was second at the Midwest Conference meet with a jump of 4’8¾”.

In the Triple Jump, she got better every single time, improving her jump by over two feet. In the Indoor Nationals, she jumped 31’11¾”. In her home meet at Knox, she placed fourth with a jump of 33’7¼”. At Illinois College, she also placed fourth with a jump of 33’3½”. She improved her distance at the Midwest Conference meet, getting a jump of 34’¼”, good enough for third place.

Remembering Albert “Ab” Owens, Hopkins Class of 1938

Albert Owens was a star basketball player who played for Hopkins and graduated from the school in 1938. Subsequently, he enlisted in the armed services. On October 16th, 1941 he was killed in a plane crash during a training exercise in Bakersfield (CA), where he was stationed. The October 23rd, 1941 issue of the Hopkins Journal reported that the school subsequently retired his number and put his old jersey, #55, on display at the school.

Subsequently, Owens’ achievements were forgotten and his jersey was thrown out, along with many other memorabilia from that era. 

On February 20th, 1985, the Hopkins Journal asked, “Does anybody still remember Ab Owens?” That drew a lot of responses, including the following letter from his coach, Vance Geiger:

Yes, somebody out there does remember Ab Owens. It was my pleasure to be his coach the four years he was in high school. No athlete gave of himself so much. He was a master of the game. Even though he was only 5’8”, he could outjump and outrebound any 6-footer. He knows the rules of the game backward and forward; he has read the rulebook many times. In spite of a trick knee that slipped out of place, he never missed a game.

After a defeat, he never left the dressing room until he and I had gone over the charts and discussed why and how we lost. He never blamed anybody but himself.

Perfection was what he sought, not only as an athlete, but as a student. He taught a Sunday School class. He truly was a gentleman.

After word was received of his death, I went to the locker room and retrieved his old #55 faded blue jersey, had it cleaned, wrapped in clean plastic, and placed it in the trophy case hopping it would serve as a symbol for future Hopkins athletes to see and admire. Frankly, I have been disappointed when I returned to Hopkins and found it had been removed.

I appreciate you looking at the old Hopkins Journal and asking the question, “Does anybody out there remember Ab Owens?” I will never forget him as long as I live.

Editor Jim Lohman opined at the time that it was like the Yankees bringing Babe Ruth’s number out of retirement.

Rest in peace, Ab. We have encountered plenty of North Nodaway athletes, on both the boys and girls side, who have shown the same dedication to the game you once did.

Life in Hopkins Back in 1986

This wasn’t the only time that Hopkins has wrestled with the issue of dangerous buildings. On January 15th, 1986, the Hopkins Journal reported that there was a petition drive to remove the 60 Social Center, the Pool Hall, and the Opal Dowden building that the signers saw as “dangerous, an embarrassment to our community, and standing in the way of progress.” They were located north of where the tavern is today. They were subsequently torn down.

***

Roger Florea was named Citizen of the Year that year by the Hopkins Community Club.

***

The Hopkins Journal of January 29th, 1986 ran a baby picture of Megan Miller, daughter of Jim and Sharon Miller. “Too bad they don’t come with directions,” read the cutline.

***

In the January 29th, 1986 issue, editor Jim Lohman wrote a lament about how God hates Chicago. Before the Bears won the Super Bowl a few days before, they had not won since 1962. The Cubs had not even been to the World Series since 1945, the Sox had not gone since 1959, and the Blackhawks since 1961. The Bulls had not even come close. Little did he know that Michael Jordan would begin a huge dynasty run in a few years.

***

Picking on the wrong person – During the softball season that fall, when North Nodaway was playing North Andrew, one of the Cardinal players spiked Nicki Baldwin (now Herndon) as she was trying to complete a double play. She was in pain, the game was held up, and everybody was in consternation. But she insisted on staying in the game, and the next time she stepped up to bat, she crushed a home run on the Cardinals. 

***

There was no way to take selfies, and there was no Internet to post them on, but people still liked getting their picture taken. The next week, Jim Lohman, editor of the Hopkins Journal ran a selfie of Nicki and some of her friends. He said that the picture had no news value, but because they asked nicely, he would take their picture. Sure enough, there was a perfect hole for the picture during crunch time, when he was trying to fill up space for the paper on Tuesday night. We saw a YouTube video of a Yankees game from 1931, and people were waving at the cameraman, just like they do today.

Coronavirus Vaccine News for June 23rd, 2021

CBS News reports that states with low COVID-19 vaccine rates are seeing cases rise as the Delta variant spreads. This includes two states in the South, in which rates are among the lowest in the nation.

***

USA Today reports that a University of Miami study conducted a study of 45 men aged 18 to 40. They took samples right before they got their vaccine and 70 days after their second shot. The study showed that neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine had any effect on sperm count.

***

USA Today also reported Monday that there is a debate over whether natural immunity or vaccination is better. We don’t know which one lasts longer. What we do know is that COVID-19 cases and deaths have both gone down since people started getting vaccinated.

***

The Associated Press reported that COVID-19 deaths have dropped below 300 per day, the lowest since March of last year. More Americans are now dying from accidents, respiratory diseases, strokes, and Alzheimer’s according to the CDC. Around 150 million Americans, or almost half the population, have become fully vaccinated.

***

Yahoo News reports that Canada has found that it is safe to mix Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer, says that both vaccines use similar technology, making them safe to mix. He notes that the first dose protects you from severe consequences and hospitalization, but does not interrupt transmission. The second dose does interrupt transmission. He says it’s safe to mix them regardless of which one you took as your first dose.

***

Former Trump Administration FDA Chief Scott Gottlieb told Face the Nation Sunday that there could be a fall Coronavirus surge if only 75% of the country’s eligible population is vaccinated. He thinks that an increase of infections to 20% of last winter’s peak, as one model projected, is an aggressive estimate, it depends on how much population wide immunity people have based on vaccination.

***

KING5, a Seattle-based local TV station, interviewed two virologists, Dr. Alex Greninger (University of Washington) and Dr. Larry Corey (Fred Hutch, a research facility focusing on cancer, HIV, and contagious diseases), about the effect of water on Coronavirus vaccine side effects. They said that water has no effect on whether or not you get side effects. The only real predictor of side effects is age; older people tend to suffer fewer side effects from the vaccine.

While getting our shots in Lenox, we were advised to wait several hours before taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Other people getting their shots have been advised not to take Ibuprofen at all, as it might counteract the vaccine. We got sick after taking the second Moderna shot, waited a day for immunity to kick in, took some Tylenol, and got better 12 hours later.

Sheridan Passes No Parking Ordinance for North Side of 246

At their regular City Council meeting this month, the Sheridan City Council passed an ordinance banning parking along the north side of 246 across the street from the storefront. Vehicles will still be allowed to park along the south side. The city had requested a study from the Missouri Department of Transportation, who found that it impeded the flow of traffic. In 2006, the city had passed a truck parking ordinance on the east side of the park, citing what they said were safety issues with kids running out into the road from behind trucks.

The ordinance will take effect upon the signature of Mayor Ashley Rush, who was out of town, and the placement of No Parking signs by the DOT. The vote was unanimous.

The city no longer owns the former DOT building west of Sheridan. Littering and dumping is not permitted there. The city recently sold the building to Bart Hawk after soliciting bids for the property. The sale price was $30,000. Hawk was the lone bidder.

Obituary -- Tom Townsend 1926-2021

Tom V. “Tommy” Townsend passed peacefully and gently from this life on June 15, 2021, in his own home, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was born July 6, 1926, in Bolckow, Missouri, to Cal and Eva (Violett) Townsend, the tenth of eleven children, all of whom preceded him in death.

In 1947, he met and became engaged to the love of his life, Nancy L. Schulte. They married a year later and savored 72 years of married life until her death in 2020. Together they raised five children: Steve (Cheryl) and Don (Annie) of Maryville Missouri, Ken (Peg) Shawnee, Kansas, Fred and Jane (Randy) of Kansas City, Missouri. They welcomed fourteen grandchildren – one of whom preceded them in death – and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. 

Tom’s professional work life began at Lewis G. Moore & Co. in Maryville, in a host of positions ranging from radiator repair, service and sales of new and used autos and farm equipment, to eventual management. During that time, he also taught welding and other associated skills in programs established for veterans returning from WWII. In 1987, he purchased the business, moving it north of Maryville, forming Northwest Power Sales. Tom continued to work there daily through 1996 when he passed the business to his son, Don. Tom and Nancy also founded Northwest Services, a temporary employment agency, which they operated from the same location, serving local production industries for many years.

He was a man of strong faith, converting to Catholicism when he married Nancy. He remained active in parish and school councils for years and enjoyed involvement in both local and state level Knights of Columbus activities throughout his life. He was a valued member of numerous service organizations in Maryville, but the project closest to his heart was being instrumental in helping establish the Sheltered Workshop, now NoCoMo Industries, in Maryville, providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He served on many boards and committees in both the public and private sector.

Music played a vital role throughout his life. From his first guitar to years of ballroom dancing, there was a constant tune humming from his lips. Tom and Nancy were extremely social, forming a rich circle of friends. He had a great curiosity and loved to chat with everyone! They traveled extensively, both domestic and internationally, but his favorite place was right at their kitchen table, surrounded by people he loved, having a game of cards and a slice of pie.

Tom taught so much to his children; life lessons as well as practical skills. Everyone could plumb and wire a house; most could weld and rebuild a small engine. They all built houses and cars and businesses later, based on what was involuntary assistance during their formative years at his side. He encouraged most all ideas and plans, often supplying start-up financing – at market rates, of course. “If you think you can, or you think you can’t – you are right,” was his perspective; he never doubted a person’s potential. He spoke with laborers at the same level of interest as he did bankers and always tried to leave folks with their head held a little higher. He loved to provide encouragement and opportunity to others, loved making a deal, and loved witnessing success stories. The most important lesson Tom lived was his deep and lasting love for his wife, Nancy. Never a harsh word between them, they set a beautiful example of true love and commitment. Her death last fall brought a sadness to Tom, but he did not languish in self-pity, instead he found joy in remembering so many wonderful moments, often speaking of memories long forgotten. He felt very fortunate to have shared his long and lustrous life with her.

A private family funeral mass is planned. An informal public visitation, open house, and celebration of Tom and Nancy will be held Saturday, June 26, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the home (26859 Isadore Ave. – Maryville). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Townsend Family Scholarship Fund at Conception Seminary College, c/o Faith Murray, Development Department, P.O. Box 501, Conception, MO 64433. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. 

Obituary -- Gene Sickels 1929-2020

Gene Leroy Sickels, son of Maxine (Lance) Sickels and Cecil Leroy Sickels, was born November 28th, 1929. Surrounded by family, he passed away December 17th, 2020 in the Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, IA at the age of 91 due to complications caused by COVID-19. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Eagleville church of Christ, Mt. Ayr Library or EveryStep Care.

Gene went into the Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Hanson DDR 832 as a Fire Control Technician through 1954.

On July 4th, 1952 he married Marjorie Lucille Green. After the Navy he began farming a few miles from his father near Mt. Ayr, eventually farming over 1300 acres.  Gene and Marjorie were wed for many happy years until she passed away from cancer July 6th, 1991. He married Barbara Faye Stanley on March 21st, 1993. Gene always said he was blessed to have found two such remarkable women in his lifetime. Gene and Barbara moved from the farm to Mt. Ayr in the late summer of 2003.

Gene was always interested in the welfare of his community. He was a director at Rideta Electric in Mt. Ayr from 1976 to 1982 and a member of the Eagleville church of Christ for many years serving as president of the board from 2017 to 2019.

Gene enjoyed church, family, farming, fishing, and coyote hunting but most of all visiting with his friends and family during these activities. He talked often of trips taken to fish for catfish in Canada, travelling through Yellowstone and the Black Hills and going on the wheat harvest. In his spare time Gene loved to read military history from the Civil War through current times.

Gene is survived by his wife Barbara; his son, David Sickels and wife Carol Hamilton of Lake Saint Louis, MO and David’s sons Adam of St. Louis, MO and Alex (and Alex’s daughter Lily) of St, Peters, MO; his son, Tom and Jane Sickels of Cedar Rapids, IA and their son Matthew; his brother, Mack and Phyllis Sickels of Mt. Ayr, IA; his brother William Glen and Ann Sickels of Brennan, TX; Barb’s son, Perry and Kristen Stanley of Jewell, IA,  and their son Zach (and Zach’s children Sammy, Quentin and Hazel) of Stratford, IA and their daughter Beth of Menominee, WI; Barb’s daughter, Debra Lundy of Eagleville, MO and her two sons Tyler and Aaron.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Maxine Sickels; parents-in-law Marvin and Bonnie Richardson; his wife Marjorie, her parents Orville and Opal Greene; his brother Lynn; Richard Walters; and son-in-law Bill Lundy.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Christine Doubleday of EveryStep Care for her help.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, June 19th in the Maple Row Cemetery in Kellerton. A public reception and remembrance will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm at the American Legion in Mount Ayr. Arrangements are under the direction of the Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr.

Hopkins Woman Injured in Stewartsville Wreck

A Hopkins woman was injured in a wreck near Stewartsville last Monday afternoon at around 2:50 pm. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2013 International Truck driven by Krista Smith (52) of Eaton (CO) was southbound on Route 31 and a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Janet Drummond (69) was westbound on Route 36. The Patrol says that the International failed to yield to the Ford, striking it on the driver side. They both came to rest on their wheels in the passing lane of westbound 36. Drummond received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Northwest Releases Graduation List

On Thursday, Northwest released its Spring Graduation List for the previous school year. Graduates who graduated Cum Laude achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.50 to 3.74. Students who graduated Magna Cum Laude achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.94. Students who graduated Summa Cum Laude achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.95 to 4.0.

Blockton – Molly Taylor, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design.

Eagleville – Allie Lewis, Master of Science in Education, Teaching Technology.

Gentry – Sarah Evans, Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science, Environmental Geology.

Grant City – Amanda Rippy, Bachelor of Science, Business Management; Sherri Runde, Magna Cum Laude, Nursing.

Hopkins – Dustin Piper, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary and Special Education; Taylor Combs, Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science, Crop Science.

Parnell – Max Giesken, Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Psychology; Brayden Welch, Bachelor of Science, Ag Business.

Abby Hern Named New District Bookkeeper

The Worth County School Board voted to hire Abby Hern as the new School District Bookkeeper effective August 1st contingent on approved background check. She will replace Kandi Hughes, who will retire. 

In other action, the board voted to offer Paul Tracy and Darin Drury ½ each Junior High Assistant Softball Coach. They will assist Cody Green. Tera Coleman was named the Junior High Cheer Coach and Selina O’Connor was put in charge of the Concession Stand. These hirings are contingent on approved background checks.

The board voted to name Haley Hunt Assistant Softball Coach and waive the substitute teaching certificate requirement as outlined in School Regulation 2920. All votes were unanimous.

The meeting was the final meeting for Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz. Board President Tish Warner presented him with a retirement pin at the conclusion of the meeting.

Obituary -- Fern Sheddrick 1932-2021

Fern Sheddrick was born April 20, 1932 in Allendale, Missouri to Clifford and Mildred (Austin) Rinehart. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on June 16, 2021 at the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Grant City, Missouri at the age of 89.

Fern graduated from Grant City High School. She was united in marriage to Ralph Sheddrick on September 1, 1951 in Bethany, Missouri. Ralph preceded her in death. She was mom to Glenn, Lynn, Linda and Terry.

Fern owned and operated the popular Fern’s Drive-In for many years. She was known and beloved by the entire community. She was just like a mom to many children in town. Her smile would light up any room and her laugh was contagious. Fern loved spending time with her family and friends, and she enjoyed traveling with longtime companion Kenton Thompson.

Preceding Fern in death were son Lynn and her parents. Left to cherish her memory are children Glenn Sheddrick of Los Angeles, California, Linda Sheddrick of Grant City and Terry Sheddrick and his wife Haley of Grant City; sister Donna Richards; granddaughter Angie Michael; 3 step-grandchildren, 3 great-grandsons and 6 step-great-grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Pastor Jeff Blaine will officiate. Burial will be in the Grant City Cemetery. Open visitation will be any time after 8:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Courthouse News for June 16th, 2021

On June 6th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Tobin Cordell (18) of Maryville alleging Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident). 

On June 8th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Edward Cates (35) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Valid License, and No Plates. He was subsequently charges on June 9th by Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On June 9th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Kevin Adcock (32) of Blythedale alleging Property Damage (Felony) and Leaving the Scene (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only. Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly rammed the Bethany Counseling Center on Miller Street in Bethany and then reversed and left the scene.

On June 10th, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division ordered Timothy Patrick Peabody and his company Monarch Capital Investment Fund, LLC, to show cause why restitution, civil penalties, costs and other administrative relief should not be imposed. Between April 2015 and October 2016, Peabody, using his Florida and California-based company, allegedly employed a Las Vegas-based third-party agent, Retire Happy, LLC, to raise funds through the sale of unregistered, non-exempt promissory notes. The nationwide fundraising effort utilized solicitations by Retire Happy, LLC and their unregistered agents, who ultimately raised more than $7 million for Monarch. They targeted at least four Missouri investors who purchased notes totaling $210,500. Following the sale, the accused engaged in a Ponzi-style scheme, circulating investors’ own funds back to them in the form of high monthly interest payments and misappropriated a majority of the remaining funds for Peabody’s own personal benefit. As a result of the fraud, many investors, including the four Missouri residents, sustained significant losses on their investment. The securities division seeks a final order for up to $800,000 in civil penalties, more than $200,000 in restitution plus interest and costs of the investigation.

On June 11th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department posted about a dangerous situation on Route 71 that morning:

WHILE YOU SLEPT

June 11, 2021 at 1:26 AM.  Dispatch received a call reporting there was a sedan driving north in the south bound lane of 71 Highway heading towards Maryville.  A Sergeant with the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office went to investigate and found the vehicle in the south bound lane of 71 Highway still driving north.  The Deputy swerved into the other lane and avoided a head on collision.  The Deputy stopped the vehicle and found it occupied by only the driver.  After an investigation the driver, a 45-year-old Maryville resident, was arrested for driving under the influence (second offense).  A probable cause statement has been submitted this morning to the Prosecuting Attorney.

This was obviously a very dangerous situation that could have ended in loss of life or serious physical injury to innocent people. I feel blessed that the Deputy did not meet this car on a hill crest.  Thank you, Deputy, for your exceptional performance.

Sheriff Strong

On June 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Austin Farley (24) of Gilman City in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On June 11th, the Ridgeway Community Betterment Association reported on their Facebook page that someone had beheaded the new dragon at the Ridgeway Park.

On June 11th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Ryan Wiley (39) of Ridgeway alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), and Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash only.

On June 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Logan Zimmerman (22) of Maryville alleging Escape from Custody (Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Will Fisher (29) of Sheridan alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On June 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jeffery Wiederholt (46) of Maryville alleging DWI (Prior) and Driving Wrong Direction on Divided Highway, Causing Immediate Threat of Accident. Bond was set at $5,000, with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On June 12th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested McKinley Hoogeveen (26) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Prior) and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On June 12th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Lonny McCampbell (47) of Albany in Gentry County on charges of DWI (Aggravated) and Unlawfully Operating ATV on Highway.

On June 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Nathaniel Emily (37) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Billy Stephenson (30) of Maryville alleging Domestic Assault (Felony).

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.

Two Amish Teens Injured in Wreck

Two Amish teens were injured in a wreck Sunday evening at around 10:25 pm near Kidder. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Ryan Arnold (38) of Hamilton was northbound on Route J two miles north of Kidder when an Amish buggy driven by Naomi Herschberger (19) attempted to turn southbound on Route J from a private drive. The Chevy struck the Buggy in the driver’s side. Herschberger was seriously injured, while a 16 year old passenger in the buggy received minor injuries. Arnold was not injured in the wreck.

Man Seriously Injured in Wreck After Fleeing From Officers

A St. Joseph man was seriously injured in a wreck after fleeing from officers Sunday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2012 Chevy Cruze driven by Matthew Pfleiderer (30) attempted to turn from Route 36 onto the Osborn exit at Route 33 while fleeing from officers and failed to negotiate the turn, traveling off the west side of the roadway and striking an embankment. The Cruze continued northbound from the scene and was located two miles north of the crash side.

Pfleiderer received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Subsequently, he was arrested and charged with Resisting Arrest, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and No Seat Belt.

Chillicothe Man Lifeflighted After Wreck

A Chillicothe man was lifeflighted following a wreck Sunday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2008 Ford Escape driven by Dustin Holtzclaw (37) of Chillicothe was southbound on Route 65 three miles south of Chillicothe and a 2008 Ford F-450 driven by Jared Higley (39) of Grantsville (UT) was northbound. The Patrol says that Escape crossed the center line and struck the towed unit of the Ford F-450. The Escape overturned and came to rest on its passenger’s side. The F-450 came to a controlled stop in the northbound shoulder. Holtzclaw received serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. Higley was not injured.

Obituary -- Chris Oelze 1952-2021

Christian C. “Chris” Oelze, 68, of Ravenwood, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home.

Chris was born on December 9, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Christian C. and Florence E. (Franz) Oelze. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

He was a Licensed Representative for American Family Insurance Company for many years until his retirement. Chris had a love for sports, he had played football for Northwest and had coached many sports. Chris was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and the Northwest Bearcats. He was a Northwest Alumni and a member of the Bearcat Boosters Club.

Chris married Cathy L. Wilmes on April 13, 1985 in Maryville, Missouri. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include their children, Christie (Mike) Nanninga, Jody (Brad) Renfro, Kaleb (Ashley) Oelze, Ethan (Jessi) Oelze, and Hallie (Logan) Pyeatt; one brother, Michael (Stephanie) Oelze and ten grandchildren, Kennisyn and Kellon Nanninga, Ellaina and Olivia Renfro, Quindalyne and Lynleigh Oelze, Gracie, Paizley, Dallis and Kyler Oelze.

Mr. Oelze has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be held at 6 pm Wednesday, June 23rd at Price Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In honor of Chris, his family suggests St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs or Bearcats attire. 

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Opinion -- Jasper Logan Files for District 1 Representative

The former President of the Northwest Missouri State University College Republicans chapter, Jasper Logan, announced that he will run for the open Missouri House of Representatives seat in the northwestern-based first district next year. 

“Under the Biden administration, our freedom and our future are threatened now more than ever before,” said Logan. “Inflation and government spending are running rampant. Gas prices are sky-high. And every day, the President and his far-left allies in Congress seem to be looking for new ways to trample on our freedoms, expand the federal government, destroy our economy or sell out to Communist China. The people of Northwest Missouri are sick of it. I am running because we need a Representative who will fight back against federal overreach and stand strong for our conservative values in the state capitol. We need a Representative who will protect our Constitutional rights at all costs and hold true to the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. As the next Representative for Northwest Missouri, that’s exactly what I will do.” 

As President of the NWMSU College Republicans from 2019 through 2021, Logan grew the chapter to one of the largest in the state, boasting more than 200 registered members at the time of his departure in March 2021. He also served a term as Treasurer of the Missouri Federation of College Republicans from 2020 to 2021.  

In addition to his campus activism, Logan co-founded and served as Director of the St. Joseph-based Northwest Missouri Conservatives PAC, which led a successful campaign in favor of Constitutional Amendment 3 in 2020. 

“In 2020, I stepped up and led the fight to protect our rural representation from out-of-state liberal interest groups,” Logan said. “We were outspent by a factor of 1000 - to - 1, and everyone told us it was a lost cause. But we didn’t let that get us down. We rolled up our sleeves, got to work, and with some much-appreciated help from grassroots organizations across the state, we pulled off an upset victory for the people of Missouri. To this day that is one of my proudest accomplishments. If elected, I will bring that same kind of determination and work ethic to the table as I continue to stick up for the interests and values of our Northwest Missouri communities.”

Logan’s legislative priorities include cutting wasteful spending, protecting the unborn, defending 2nd Amendment rights, and reducing the tax and regulatory burden on Missouri citizens. 

“The purpose of government is to protect the life, liberty and property rights of its citizens,” Logan said. “This means we need to protect life at all stages. We need to ensure that our rights and liberties are protected, not only from other people, but from the government itself. We need to minimize both the degree to which government restricts our freedom and the amount they take from our paychecks to only that which is necessary to fulfill this duty. That is the blueprint that the founding fathers left us for a free and prosperous society. It’s about time we started following it.”

Logan also plans to introduce legislation to secure Missouri elections by requiring the use of photo I.D. and paper ballots, something he says is the most frequent concern he’s heard from likely voters since he began exploring a campaign earlier this year.  

“To have a functional democracy, we must eliminate the possibility of fraud and ensure widespread public confidence in our election system, without inhibiting any citizen’s right to cast a ballot,” he said. “Like many people I’ve heard from in my district, I’m disappointed that the legislature failed to accomplish that this session, but if elected, I’m willing to take the lead on this issue in 2023.”

Starting as an intern for Austin Petersen’s US Senate campaign early in the 2018 cycle, Logan became heavily involved in Missouri politics while in college. He worked as a Campus Team Leader for the Missouri Republican Party in the 2018 general election, during which he personally knocked more than 10,000 doors for now-Sen. Josh Hawley. He has managed, worked on, or volunteered for numerous local, state and federal campaigns throughout northwest Missouri and beyond, including that of Maryville City Councilman John McBride, who has signed on to serve as Logan’s campaign treasurer. In a Facebook post, McBride described Logan as “a man who I believe can represent our area with the passionate conservative values many of us embrace.”

Logan resides in Burlington Junction and holds degrees in Political Science and Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University. With the November 8, 2022 election less than a week after his 24th birthday, he would be the youngest State Representative in nearly a century if elected, something he describes as a strength rather than a weakness. 

“I hope I can be a voice not only for my district, but for the next generation of Missouri Republicans as well. One thing I’ve learned from my experience with College Republicans is that there are a great many Millennials and Gen-Z’ers who are conservative and who supported President Trump, but didn’t want to get involved because of social pressure and a false belief that they were hopelessly outnumbered. We need to get them engaged by showing them that they are represented within our party and within our government, and that they, too, can make a difference.”

Pending redistricting changes expected later this year, the first House district currently consists of Atchison, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties. The Republican primary will be held on August 2, 2022 and the general election on November 8, 2022.  Incumbent Representative Allen Andrews will be unable to seek re-election due to term limits. More information about Jasper Logan and his campaign can be found online at www.jasper.gop.

Notice of Possible Coronavirus Exposure at Crossroads Church

After a thorough investigation, it has been brought to our attention that those attending Crossroads-First Assembly of God Church in  Grant City, Missouri for either Sunday worship on June 6, 2021 or Bible Study on June 9, 2021 have a high probability of COVID-19 exposure. Read on for instructions and what to do next if you have been affected. 

Those that are not fully vaccinated (at least two weeks from last vaccine dose in regimen) who attended either of these events should quarantine for 10 days from exposure to watch  for symptoms. Those who are fully vaccinated and experiencing symptoms should also quarantine and seek testing. Those attending worship services should continue to quarantine until June 17, 2021. Those attending Bible Study should continue to quarantine until June 20, 2021. Anyone who has had potential exposure can contact our offices if they have any questions. Those who feel sick should seek testing, and quarantine while awaiting results. 

People with COVID-19 may have a wide range of symptoms that can result in mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. It is possible to spread the virus to others even if symptoms are very mild. COVID-19 and its variants are still circulating in our communities and at this time, it is important that we all take the following precautions. Those who feel sick should stay home and seek testing. Those who remain unvaccinated should wear masks and practice social distancing until they receive a vaccine. All should continue to wear face coverings within healthcare systems. All should continue to practice good hygiene. 

Teresa McDonald, RN, BSN

Administrator

Tri County Health Department

Worth County Land Transfers for May 2021

April 30th – Melvin Powers to Syke Powers, Tyler Powers, Libby Romero, and Katrina Powers; Book 202, Page 170; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

April 30th – Tyrel & Ashley Briner to Bradley Wayne and Melissa Allan; Book 202, Page 171; Warranty Deed; See Record.

April 30th – Bradley Wayne & Melissa Allan to Commerce Bank; Deed of Trust; Book 202, Page 172; See Record.

April 30th – Charles & Nancy Findley to Sam & Jennifer Coburn; Book 202, Page 173; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 3rd – BTC Bank to Lenny Campbell; Book 202, Page 174; Deed of Release, Book 196, Page 107.

May 6th – FLCA Financial to William P. & Marcia J. Tracy; Book 202, Page 176; Deed of Release, Book 176, Page 217.

May 10th – Evelyn Summa to Gareth & Tammy Summa; Book 202, Page 184; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 10th – Gareth & Tammy Summa to Timothy Summa; Book 202, Page 185; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

May 10th – US Bank to Dustin & Abby Hern; Book 202, Page 186; Deed of Release, Book 196, Page 180.

May 11th – Scott & Keely Sherer to Jordan & Aubrey Huntsman; Warranty Deed; Book 202, Page 187; Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 in Block 3 of Kerr’s Addition.

May 11th – Jordan & Aubrey Huntsman to Great Western Bank; Book 202, Page 188; Deed of Trust; Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 in Block 3 of Kerr’s Addition.

May 12th – Missouri Department of Transportation to Welch Farms; Book 202, Page 189; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

May 12th – BTC Bank to Tyrel & Ashley Briner; Book 202, Page 191; Deed of Release, Book 196, Page 129.

May 12th – Don Jubal & Rebecca Summers to BTC Bank; Book 202, Page 192; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 13th – Elaina & J.T. Welch to Brendan Michael Moutray, Todd Emery Pickering; Book 202, Page 193; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 13th – Brendan Michael Moutray, Todd Emery Pickering to LeaderOne Financial Corporation; Book 202, Page 194; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 13th – Monte & Tammy Glisson to BTC Bank; Book 202, Page 195; Appointment of Successor Trustee; See Record.

May 14th – SDE Properties to Bret & Suzanne Rusk; Book 202, Page 196; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 14th – Bret & Suzanne Rusk to Regional Missouri Bank; Book 202, Page 197; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 17th – Melvin Powers to Syke Powers, Tyler Powers, Libby Romero, and Katrina Powers; Book 202, Page 200; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

May 17th – Wells Bank to Donnie McClellan; Book 202, Page 201; Partial Deed of Release, Book 191, Page 98.

May 17th – Romulo Graniello, Gina Graniello, Larissa Graniello to Lee Mincy; Book 202, Page 203; Quit Claim Deed; Lots 3 & 4, Block 7, Logan’s Addition.

May 18th – Andrew & Mary Milanowski, Nicole Weatherhead, Ashley Fix, and Stephanie McCarthy to Great Western Bank; Book 202, Page 212; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 18th – Stormy & Andrew Brown to Ryan Fletchall; Book 202, Page 213; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 18th – Stormy & Andrew Brown to Ryan Fletchall; Book 202, Page 214; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

May 18th – Ryan Fletchall to HNB National Bank; Book 202, Page 215; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 21st – John & Susan Holtzfaster to Stormy & Andrew Brown; Book 202, Page 216; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 21st – Andrew & Stormy Brown to BTC Bank; Book 202, Page 217; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 24th – BTC Bank to Stormy Sherer; Book 202, Page 220; Deed of Release, Book 197, Page 35.

May 24th – First Security Bank to SDE Properties, LLC; Book 202, Page 221; Full Deed of Release, Book 199, Page 220 and Book 199, Page 221.

May 24th – Sons N Guns Ranch, LLC to Country Club Bank; Book 202, Page 223; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 27th – BTC Bank to Sons N Guns Ranch, LLC; Book 202, Page 226; Deed of Release, Book 200, Page 112.

May 27th – BTC Bank to Sons N Guns Ranch, LLC; Book 202, Page 227; Deed of Release, Book 200, Page 129.

May 27th – Donald & Janie Thacker to Wells Bank; Book 202, Page 228; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 27th – G2 Farms to State Savings Bank; Book 202, Page 229; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 27th – Carolyn Stevens to Charles & Deborah Fletchall; Book 202, Page 231; Deed Under Durable POA; See Record.

May 27th – Carolyn Stevens to Charles & Deborah Fletchall; Book 202, Page 232; Quit Claim Deed Under Durable POA; See Record.

May 27th – Charles & Deborah Fletchall to HNB National Bank; Book 202, Page 233; Deed of Trust; See Record.

May 27th – Jed Morin to Leonard & Amanda Campbell; Book 202, Page 234; Warranty Deed; See Record.

May 27th – Leonard & Amanda Campbell to HNB National Bank; Book 202, Page 235; Deed of Trust; See Record.

Coronavirus Vaccine News for June 16th, 2021

On June 11th, the New York Times reported federal regulators told Johnson & Johnson that they needed to destroy 60 million doses of its Coronavirus vaccine produced at a Baltimore factory. The factory in question had mixed ingredients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with ingredients of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The federal government says it has enough of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

***

Larry Brilliant, the man whose work helped eliminate the Smallpox virus, says that the Coronavirus is here to stay. He told the Daily Beast in a recent interview that a virus that can infect multiple animals along with humans, and a virus that can mutate is not a candidate for herd immunity. On the other hand, he was optimistic that we can get a handle on this disease, that we can build vaccine manufacturing plants around the world, and that we can give booster shots as needed.

***

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny claimed before the Ohio legislature that the Coronavirus vaccine would make you magnetic, meaning objects like keys, forks, and spoons would stick all over you. Having been vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine, we attempted this experiment by placing a fork on our head. It dropped to the ground. We also attempted to stick a set of keys against our forehead. They fell off.

***

USA Today recently debunked false claims that the Coronavirus vaccine is somehow loaded with toxins. The Coronavirus is loaded with spike proteins, which is used by the virus to enter human cells. Coronavirus vaccines teach the body how to make antibodies against the spike proteins, creating an immune response. Spike proteins do stay in the body for some time. But they are eventually broken down, meaning they don’t become toxic.

***

CBS News reported on June 11th, that the CDC will convene an emergency meeting on the 18th regarding reports of heart inflammation following doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not included. There are 226 reports which might meet the agency’s definition of myocarditis and pericarditis following the shots, out of 130 million who have been fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna doses. The vast majority of these 226 people have recovered, but 41 had ongoing symptoms, 15 are still hospitalized, and 3 are in intensive care. The CDC says that not all these cases will turn out to be true myocarditis or pericarditis reports.

***

Most of these cases occur among younger people. CNN interviewed Dr. Kevin Hall of the Yale School of Medicine and Dr. Stuart Berger at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Both, along with the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for young people.

***

By way of comparison, the CDC reports that 2,637 people under 30 have died of the Coronavirus as of June 9th. Some who have recovered have had long-term illnesses.

***

The Washington Post reported on June 10th that two vaccinated people who were onboard the Celebrity Millennium, a cruise ship, tested positive for the Coronavirus. All guests on the ship were required to show proof of vaccination and take a negative test within 72 hours of boarding. Crew members are fully vaccinated. As of April 30th, the CDC reported that there were 10,262 breakthrough cases of the virus out of 101 million who were vaccinated at the time.

***

On June 6th, the New York Times reported that The National Institutes of Health begun a new clinical trial of patients who have been fully vaccinated, to see whether a booster of the Moderna shot would increase their antibodies and prolong protection against getting infected with the virus. 

***

On May 26th, the New York Times reported that two studies showed that immunity to the Coronavirus lasts at least a year, improving over time. The journal Nature published a study showing that cells located in the bone marrow retain a memory of the Coronavirus and can churn out antibodies when needed. Another study, posted on BioRxiv, found that memory B cells continue to strengthen and mature for at least 12 months after the initial infection. These memory cells are also able to thwart variants of the virus, reducing or negating the need for boosters.

Sheridan's Fred Fussell, Pittsburgh Pirates Try to Climb Back in Race

 (Continued from Last Week)

The Pirates had good reason to believe they were turning the corner after their thrilling extra inning victory over the New York Giants. They felt like they were finally getting healthy and finally getting the kind of breaks they needed despite being 25-28 and several games out of first during the 1928 season. But reality took a turn for the worse at first. On June 21st, 1928, they dropped a 5-4 heartbreaker against the Reds, who were hot in pursuit of the first place Cardinals. They fell behind 4-2 in the second, with Cincinnati tagging the Pirates with four runs in the second, before Sheridan native Fred Fussell came on in relief in the second. He pitched brilliantly, as the Pirates caught up with the Reds and tied it 4-4. But in the ninth, the Reds pushed across one run to win it 5-4. Despite taking the loss, Fussell pitched 6 2/3 innings, gave up seven hits and one run, walked one, and struck out three. The Pirates were still in the hole, at 27-31 for the year, well behind the Cardinals, who were 40-23 at the time.

The perplexing stat was the fact that the Pirates outhit their opponents 603-542 at that point, yet were being outscored 284-274.

Fussell next pitched on July 1st. The Pirates had a golden opportunity to make up ground against the first place Cardinals on the road at Sportsman Park, and Fussell came through, pitching a gem and shutting down the first place Cardinals 2-0 in the first game of a double header. He outpitched Jess Haines in a good pitching duel that game. The Cardinals tagged Fussell for ten hits, yet had nothing to show for it. 

A key sequence happened in the fourth inning, when Fussell helped himself out with his glove. With Cardinals on first and second, Jim Bottomley tried to bunt them over to third, only for Fussell to grab the bunt and throw to third for the forceout. Later, the Cardinals tried a hit and run with a runner on second. The Card runner, Frankie Frisch, raced around third and attempted to score all the way from second on a routine groundout to shortstop, only to get cut down at the plate as the Pirates got out of the inning with their shutout intact.

But the Pirates gave it all back the second game, the kind of game which was a microcosm of their season so far. They had 17 hits, yet were beaten 8-6 by the first place Cards, who took three out of five. As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s beat writer, Regis Welsh, summed up, “The inconsistent work of the last few weeks, when any day they look like the champions they should be, and the next day like a club of the Georges Creek League, must end shortly or all hope of being in the race will have been dissipated.” The Pirates were still stuck at 32-36, unable to make up ground.

***

After flogging the leaders two games out of five,

The champs to the sticks have vamoosed,

Convinced it will take some tall fireworks to drive

Those Cards from the uppermost roost.

–Edward Balinger

***

Fussell pitched again on July 6th against the New York Giants. But he was unable to replicate his earlier success against them, as he didn’t get out of the first inning and took the loss. The Pirates showed some life late, as they rallied for four runs in the ninth before falling short 11-7. But the Pirates were even deeper in the hole, at 32-40. 

But with their backs against the wall, and faced with the task of playing a double header against the Giants, including a game against their pitching ace Fred Fitzsimmons, the Pirates swept a double header July 7th and beat the Giants 8-6 and 5-2. Richards Vidmer, the Giants beat writer for the New York Times, lamented, “This was not only surprising, but also downright humiliating in view of the fact that no one, not even National Leaguers, believe in the Pirates anymore. It would have been disappointing and worthy of disapproval under any circumstances, but when one realizes that the losing pitchers were Larry Benton and Fred Fitzsimmons, it becomes absolutely abnormal.”

Fussell pitched in the first game of the double header despite having no rest. But it was all hands on deck after the Pirates’ starting pitcher, Carmen Hill, was knocked out of the fourth inning with the Pirates trailing 5-0. Making the most of his second chance, Fussell held the fort, pitching the rest of the game while allowing only two hits and one run. Meanwhile, the Waner brothers, Paul and Lloyd, led a rally that brought the Pirates back from the dead and they won 8-6. Fussell even helped himself out with his bat, getting a single and scoring a run in the pivotal sixth inning that saw the Pirates get five runs as they took a lead they could not relinquish as Fussell got credit for the win. The Pirates jumped Fitzsimmons in the second game, scoring three runs in the first and making it stand up. Fitzsimmons stayed in the game and did all he could, retiring 15 straight Pirates at one point as the Giants crept to within 3-2. But Pittsburgh scored two in the eighth to clinch the win, and they had at least stopped the bleeding.

That seemed to be the spark that the Pirates needed, and they proceeded to win eight straight to get back to 40-40. Fussell next pitched on July 17th as the Pirates and the cellar dwelling Boston Braves locked horns. The Pirates were seemingly in control of the game, up 7-3 after six. But a frantic Boston rally made it 7-6 in the seventh. The Pirates held in the eighth, but then a fluke play, when Braves pinch hitter Dick Burrus hit a ball into no man’s land behind the mound and beat it out to start the ninth, finished off starting pitcher Carmen Hill and Fussell was called on to pitch.

Fussell was brought in to face Lance Richbourg, a lefty versus lefty matchup, and the move paid off as Richbourg popped out behind the plate for the first out. But then Earl Clark hit a shot which looked like a routine single, but that caromed off left fielder Pete Scott’s knee for a bad hop double. Scott made a great play and throw to keep Earl Moore (running for Burrus) on third.

But there were runners on second and third with one out and hall of famer George Sisler was coming up to bat. He had been recently honored by the Cardinals the week before, and he still had pop in his bat. He had the single season record for most hits in a game with 257, a record that stood until Ichiro Suzuki came along.

But Sisler hit a grounder to Pirate second baseman Sparky Adams at second base. Instead of throwing to first, Adams made a perfect throw to catcher Charlie Hargreaves to cut down the tying run at the plate as Clark took third. Fussell still had to get another hall of famer, Rogers Hornsby, who would go on to hit .387 for the year. But Hornsby meekly grounded out to first to end the game, and Fussell got credit for the save that gave Pittburgh its eighth straight win and got them back to .500 at 40-40.

(Continued next week)

Obituary -- William (Dick) Thomson 1939-2021

William R. (Dick) Thomson, 81, of Overland Park, KS, and former longtime resident of Maryville, MO, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Tallgrass Retirement Community, in  Overland Park.

Dick was born in Maryville, MO, on October 12, 1939 to William B. (Bill) and Marian New Thomson.

He graduated from Raytown High School in 1957. He received his BS in 1961 at Central Missouri State College in Warrenburg, though he became a die-hard and forever NWMSU Bearcat fan upon moving to Maryville. In 1966, he earned his JD from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law.

On February 11, 1962, he was united in marriage to M. Kay Satterwhite (now Kay S. Thomson), in Sedalia, MO. They recently celebrated their 59th year of marriage. They met as college classmates, with their first date being to the 1957 college homecoming game and dance.

Dick proudly served his country in the US Air Force Reserves, being honorably discharged in 1964. Upon graduation from law school, Dick started his law practice with what became known as the Beavers, Thomson & Beavers Law Firm in Maryville. He felt lucky to come back to the area of his family’s heritage. On April 1, 1975, he joined the Nodaway Valley Bank, retiring as president of the bank in 2004.

Prior to moving, Dick was a member of First Christian Church, Maryville. He attended services at Church of the Resurrection after moving.

Dick was always an active leader and contributor to worthy causes in Maryville and the region, frequently contributing anonymously. His trusted leadership, counsel, and willingness to help benefited friends, family, clients and the community all his years. Dick’s joy came each day from life with Kay and their family.

His survivors include his wife, Kay, children Doug (Annette) Thomson, Parkville, MO, and Jennifer (Dave) Strueby, Maryville, MO; grandchildren Alex (Laurel) Thomson, Tuscon, AZ, Adam (Aimee) Thomson, Kansas City, MO, Kaylee Merrigan, and Madison Merrigan, both of Maryville; great-grandchild Brady Sybert, Maryville; brothers Joe, Don, and Chris, and sister Mary Jane Snowdall, and; several important step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the First Christian Church, Maryville, MO. The burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax, MO.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Dick Thomson Splash Park Memorial Fund, c/o Nodaway Valley Bank, PO Box 700, Maryville, MO 64468.

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

Emerald Ash Borer Nearing Worth County

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in 89 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. Unfortunately, ash trees in forests across Missouri will soon be dead, as EAB continues its march across the state. While the borer has not been found in Worth or Gentry counties, it has been found in Nodaway and Harrison counties.

EAB is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia that attacks all species of ash trees, killing more than 99 percent of the trees it attacks. Ash trees typically show a pattern of declining health for 2–4 years before being killed by EAB.

Woodpecker damage, sprouts growing from the main trunk, and major branch loss can all indicate the presence of EAB in ash trees.

“Landowners often notice woodpecker damage on their ash during the winter months — typically the first sign of EAB in an area,” says MDC Forest Entomologist Robbie Doerhoff. “By the time you notice this type of damage, it is generally too late to save your tree with insecticides.”

Protecting ash trees on your property with insecticides prior to attack by EAB is the best way to keep the trees alive.

“If you have a live ash tree in your yard and you’d like to see it stay that way, now is the time to treat it with an insecticide,” says Doerhoff. “Not all products will protect your tree from EAB, so it’s important to understand your options when it comes to this pest.”

See MDC’s EAB Management Guide for Missouri Homeowners for a list of insecticides recommended by EAB experts, and follow these steps when considering ash treatments:

–Make sure your tree is an ash!  

–Check the health of your tree. Look for dead branches, sprouts growing from the trunk, and woodpecker damage. If more than 50% of the tree’s canopy is dead, it likely can’t be saved.

–Measure your tree at chest height. If the diameter is 20 inches or less, you can treat the tree yourself using a soil drench insecticide purchased online or at your local garden center. If the tree is larger than 20 inches in diameter (63 inches in circumference), it needs to be treated by a professional arborist. Visit treesaregood.org for a list of certified arborists in your area.

Doerhoff says that once EAB becomes established in a new area and wintertime woodpecker damage becomes evident, most local ash trees will be dead within a few short years.

“Dying or dead ash become very brittle and should be removed promptly if they pose a threat to people or property,” says Doerhoff.

MDC encourages Missourians to consider replacing EAB-affected ash trees with other Missouri-native tree species. For information about suitable replacement tree species and to place seasonal orders with MDC’s State Forest Nursery, visit mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings/about-missouris-state-forest-nursery.

Don’t move firewood

Felled ash trees should be disposed of locally to prevent the accidental spread of EAB to new locations. EAB can emerge from ash firewood and logs for up to two years after harvest, so don’t give EAB a free ride to your favorite camping locations. Buy firewood near where you plan to burn it!

MDC encourages Missourians to report possible EAB infestations in counties where the pest has not yet been confirmed. Reports can be made by emailing Forest.Health@mdc.mo.gov.

Courthouse News for June 9th, 2021

On April 16th, 2021 at approximately 11:55 pm, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that 17-year-old Melaina Haley of Mount Ayr was traveling south on Hwy 169. Near the intersection of Hwy 169 and 190th St she swerved to avoid an animal in the road. Haley’s vehicle entered the west ditch blowing a tire and causing body damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported and the vehicle was towed back to Mount Ayr.

On May 31st, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jeremy Holland (34) of King City and Sharon Reynolds (34) of King City alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) and Child Abuse (Felony). Bond was set at $1,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 1st, Danielle Bammer, 31, of Clarinda was arrested in the 100 block of Garmon Street in Bedford by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department. Brammer was charged with violating a protection order and is being held without the ability to post bond until seen by a Magistrate. 

On June 1st, Joseph Wallace, 42, of Bedford was arrested in the 100 block of Garmon Street in Bedford. He was wanted on an active Taylor County warrant for failure to appear on original charges of a driving while barred and controlled substance violations. During the arrest Wallace was found with a victim of a protected party and additionally charged with violation of a protective order. Wallace is being held at the Taylor County Jail without the ability to bond until seen by a Magistrate. 

On June 2nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Steven Sayers (27) of Martinsville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), Possession of Defaced Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On June 2nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jericha Garcia (30) of St. Joseph alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On June 3rd, a Ringgold County resident reported that their 1999 John Deere Gator was stolen sometime between May 28th and June 1st. 

On June 3rd, a Mount Ayr resident reported to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department that on the night of March 15th, someone stole electrical tools, batteries, packouts, and multiple boxes and bags of electrical nuts and connectors. The damages were estimated at over $3,200.

On June 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Michael Moyer (37) of Pickering in Nodaway County on charges of No Insurance, Failure to Secure Child in Safety Seat, and two City of Maryville Misdemeanor Warrants for Failure to Appear.

On June 3rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Marcie Church (43) of Cedar Rapids (IA) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Thomas Moore (45) of Burlington Junction alleging Child Abuse (Felony) and Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $30,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jason Freeman (35) of Manistee (MI) in Harrison County on charges of Possession of THC (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. He was subsequently charged on June 4th by Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer. Bond was set at $15,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 3rd, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division ordered Cryotherm USA, Inc., John (Jianxin) Wang and Dennis R. Di Ricco to cease and desist after allegedly issuing more than $2 million in unregistered, non-exempt promissory notes. Between December 1, 2015, and October 31, 2020, the Florida based Cryotherm USA allegedly sold the promissory notes through a Las Vegas, Nevada based unregistered broker-dealer, Retire Happy, LLC. The securities were sold to investors across the country, including one in Rolla, Missouri. Following the sale of notes to investors, those accused engaged in a fraudulent scheme over a period of more than two years, during which the company generated no business revenue, circulated investors’ funds back to investors in the form of bogus monthly interest payments and misappropriated a majority of the remaining funds for their own personal benefit. On October 19, 2020, after the division had opened an investigation into Cryotherm and engaged respondents, the accused paid the full amount of principal and interest owed to the Missouri investor. The division seeks $125,000 in civil penalties plus costs of the investigation.

On June 4th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Tyler Storm (34) of Maryville alleging Violation of Protection Order. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Zeor Barway (23) of Parkville in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding (99 mph).

On June 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Stephen Stevens (59) of Hopkins in Nodaway County on a charge of Failure to Register, a Rock Port Warrant for Failure to Appear (Possession of Marijuana, Disorderly Conduct), and a Tarkio Warrant for Failure to Appear (Disorderly Conduct). 

On June 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Stephanie Fore (49) of McFall in Gentry County on charges of DWI, Resisting Arrest, and Unlawfully Operating UTV on Highway.

On June 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Donald Fore (51) of McFall in Gentry County on a charge of Resisting Arrest.

On June 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Zakary Clark (27) of Weatherby (MO) in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On June 7th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Lincoln Pope (20) of Pickering alleging DWI.

On June 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kyle Lance (25) of Maryville in Nodaway County on a Board of Probation & Parole Warrant for Parole Violation (Dangerous Drugs) and a Nodaway County Warrant (Felony Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm).

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.