Nick Babinski’s Free Throws Propel Shamrock Boys to Consolation Trophy at Gilman City

Nick Babinski’s free throws with 2.8 seconds left propelled North Harrison’s boys to a 60-58 win over Gilman City, a nice recovery from a forgettable first round, in which they lost to Tri-County 87-50. They won handily over Union Star, and then had to play again against Gilman City, with whom they coop with in football; naturally, both teams wanted to beat each other. 

There were still some fireworks after Nick grabbed an offensive glass, drew the foul, and sunk both free throws. Gilman City called timeout and inbounded it to Landon Preston, who took a couple of dribbled and launched a heave from two thirds court, which was right on target. But it bounced harmlessly off the back of the iron and the Shamrocks were able to come away with the win.

There have been a number of long heaves that won games or that nearly did so. In 1992, during North Harrison’s second run to state in four years, Albany’s Kevin Ward threw up a 60 foot prayer at Lamkin Gym (now Bearcat Arena) that rolled around the rim before bouncing out. Brandon Craig recalled being camped under the basket for that play, and that it would have plunked him in the head had it gone in. A few years ago, Stanberry used a full court heave to beat South Harrison. During a junior varsity game between Worth County and South Harrison in the late 2000’s, Cole Parman’s full court heave won the game for the Tigers. At the junior high level two years ago, Worth County’s girls were inbounding underneath their own basket with 3 seconds left a few years ago and tried to send it long, but Avenue City’s Kayla Beam stole it and won it with her half court heave.

North Harrison seemed to have the game under control after getting the ball back with 1:20 with a 58-56 lead after the Hawks had thrown it away after North Harrison had switched from their 1-2-2, which they had played all night, to man. But with 58 seconds left, Preston got a steal and fed Brody Langfitt to tie it with 58 seconds left. A bad pass gave the ball back to the Hawks with 37 seconds, but Preston missed a runner with 22 seconds left and lost the rebound out of bounds. 

The Hawks went into a full court press and North Harrison broke it and ran it down to 10.6 seconds. They took timeout and set up a shot, which missed, but Babinski was there for the rebound.

Neither team led by more than 6 the whole way. Both teams were red hot in the first quarter, which Brandon Hamilton getting the hot hand for North Harrison and putting his team ahead 9-5 at one point. But the hot shooting of Kyler Preston put the Hawks back in front, and Landon Preston’s putback with 32 seconds left in the first put Gilman up 19-16.

Brody Langfitt put the Hawks ahead by 5 twice in the second quarter, but Nick Babinski’s putback and Keygun Johnson’s free throws knotted up the game at 30-30 with 30 seconds left. But Kyler Preston hit a shot to put Gilman City back in front, and then Brody Langfitt got a steal and converted at the buzzer to put Gilman City up 34-30 at the half.

Langfitt put the Hawks ahead by their biggest margin, 36-30, to start the second half, but then Tyson Gibson grabbed a ball that caromed off Brandon Hamilton and scored. Peyton Taggart hit two free throws for the Hawks, but Gibson got a putback to make it 38-34 again. Finally, Wade Briggs hit a 3-pointer with 3:27 left off a pass from Cooper Cracraft to knot it at 39. Langfitt’s steal put Gilman City ahead 45-41, but then Tyson Gibson’s free throws and Matthew Heintz’s transition basket after a Wade Briggs pass and Nick Babinski tip and steal knotted it up again at 45 before Landon Preston united it for Gilman City after three.

Somehow, despite turning the ball over 22 times during the game, North Harrison was still in a position to win it in the fourth quarter, and Brandon Hamilton’s transition basket and Wade Briggs’ free throw put North Harrison in front 48-47 to start the period. They led by as much as 52-49 before Brody Langfitt’s three tied it up at 52 with 5:03 left. The game was tied at 54 and 56 before Keygun Johnson hit Tyson Gibson backdoor to put North Harrison in front 58-56 with 2:50 left to set up the final fireworks.

Tyson Gibson had 18 for the Shamrocks. Nick Babinski had 16, Brandon Hamilton 11, Wade Briggs 7, and Keygun Johnson and Matthew Heintz 4 each.

Tyson Gibson went beast mode on the boards, getting 15 for the night. Nick Babinski had 12, Wade Briggs and Brandon Hamilton had 6 each, Cooper Cracraft 5, and Matthew Heintz 3.

Wade Briggs was getting surrounded all night, but was able to pass it out to the open person most of the time; he had 8 assists. Cooper Cracraft and Keygun Johnson had 5 each, and Tyson Gibson and Nick Babinski 1 each.

Matthew Heintz had 3 tips. Wade Briggs had 2, and Keygun Johnson and Tyson Gibson 1. Nick Babinski had 3 steals, Wade Briggs 2, and Brandon Hamilton and Keygun Johnson 1 each.

Jayliegh Robins Matches Career High as Shamrock Girls Grab Consolation

Jayliegh Robins matched a career high with 16 points and added 14 boards and 5 rejections as North Harrison beat Gilman City for the second time this year, 44-31 to claim consolation Friday night. Everybody else chipped in as Camden Castleberry had 12 points and 7 assists, Trendi Johnson matched a career high with 8 and added 6 assists, and Jaci Davis added 6.

The Hawks were playing without Ava Langfitt, who injured her shoulder in the East Harrison game Wednesday. She finished the game, but didn’t play in Friday’s game. North Harrison didn’t have Halle Morgan, one of their best rebounders, but everyone else made up for it, as they got 40 as a team and cleaned up on the missed boxouts that had plagued them in the Union Star game and the turnovers that had plagued them in the Tri-County loss.

North Harrison started off fast as Camden Castleberry hit a 3-pointer after she kept a possession alive with an offensive board and Trendi Johnson hit from the left wing after Camden skipped one to her to make it 5-0 with 4:57 left.

Gilman City had struggled to move the ball against North Harrison in their first meeting back in January. They made a concerted effort to move the ball better this time, and they started coming back, starting with Laina Ward’s triple. Jayliegh Robins countered inside for North Harrison, but then foul trouble started to rear its head as Camden Castleberry picked up two quick ones. Gilman cut it to two two more times, but then Jayliegh Robins slashed to the rim.

The critical sequence came the following time down the floor. North Harrison got a stop on defense and Jaci Davis got some newfound aggression, going all the way after a defensive board to draw a foul and hit both free throws. All of a sudden, after a conference at the scorer’s table, a technical foul was assessed on Gilman City (wrong number in the scorebook) and Camden Castleberry made one out of the two free throw shots. Then, North Harrison got a free possession and took advantage as Trendi Johnson hit Jayliegh Robins, who slashed to the basket and drew a foul, hitting both free throws. North Harrison had scored five points without Gilman City touching the ball and was up nine at 16-7 instead of up four.

North Harrison had it under control the whole way. Jayliegh Robins was protecting the paint, preventing any easy baskets from the Hawks. Everybody was boxing out and getting the boards, and North Harrison got contributions from everyone the rest of the game. Gilman City had some good looks in the post in the first game that they didn’t get in the second thanks to Jayliegh emerging as a rim protector.

Jayliegh Robins was not done in the first quarter as she slashed to the rim after getting a pass from Trendi Johnson and then went coast to coast after grabbing a defensive board to make it 20-7 after one. She had 10 points in the period.

Camden Castleberry picked up her third foul at the start of the second quarter, but coach Aaron Long gambled and left her in for much of the period, and she didn’t pick up another foul the rest of the way. She did, however, hit two 3-pointers in the period, one at the start of the period, and one after Gilman City had gotten it down to 23-11. Despite being in the double bonus, Gilman City could not get any closer than 13 the rest of the way, and Jaci Davis’ shot from the left wing put North Harrison up 30-15.

Trendi Johnson hit a shot from the left wing to start the third and Jaci Davis knocked one down from the right wing as North Harrison moved ahead 34-15 to start the third. The Shamrocks continued to battle foul trouble the rest of the period as Jayliegh Robins picked up her third foul and Jaci Davis her fourth, but Gilman City could not take advantage, only getting it down to 16. Jayliegh Robins took a pass from Camden Castleberry and hit one to push the margin back up to 38-20 after three.

Erin Virtue got into the scoring column to start the fourth and put North Harrison up 40-21 after the Shamrocks had run a lot of time off the clock. Jayliegh Robins and Trendi Johnson scored off drives down the stretch before Gilman City closed to within 13 at the end against the reserves. Erica Gerken got a monster stuff at the end for the Shamrocks.

Jayliegh Robins had 16 for the Shamrocks. Camden Castleberry had 12, Trendi Johnson 8, Jaci Davis 6, and Erin Virtue 2.

Jayliegh Robins had 5 rejections. Camden Castleberry and Erica Gerken had 1 each.

Jayliegh Robins had 14 boards. Camden Castleberry had 7, Erin Virtue 6, Trendi Johnson 5, Jaci Davis, Kira Robertson, and Erica Gerken 2, and Karley Koch and Carmon Fordyce 2 each.

Camden Castleberry had 7 assists. Trendi Johnson had 6, and Erin Virtue and Jaci Davis had 2 each.

Jayliegh Robins had 5 tips. Erin Virtue and Camden Castleberry had 2 each, and Trendi Johnson 1.

Trendi Johnson had 3 steals. Kira Robertson and Jayliegh Robins had 2 each.

Lauren Herndon Has 24 Points, 17 Boards in Mustang Win

Lauren Herndon had a monster night for North Nodaway, getting 24 points, 17 boards, and 5 steals as North Nodaway won its third straight last Tuesday, 56-30 over Essex. It was their second successful incursion north of the border this season after beating Bedford earlier in the year. Herndon had a big hand in all three of North Nodaway’s wins; she nearly had a triple double in their 43-28 win over Northeast Nodaway, getting 9 steals in the process, and she also stole 9 against Rock Port and showed strong floor play.

Several other Mustangs played well in the Essex game as well. Saryn Brown had a double double, getting 12 points and 11 boards. Saylor Brown nearly had an unorthodox double double, getting 9 assists and 8 steals. And Kelsi Barcus played her best game as a Mustang, getting a career high 9 points.

The Mustangs had gotten off to a fast start in wins over Rock Port, Northeast Nodaway, and King City, but they reverted to earlier form, needing a quarter to figure out the Trojans. The red shirts played an unorthodox defense, employing a 3-1-1 press where the top three players formed a human wall. But it was Lauren Herndon who kept the Mustangs in the game, scoring all six of North Nodaway’s points in the period and collecting seven boards in the quarter as they led 6-4 after one.

North Nodaway finally started clicking in the second as Lauren Herndon aired one out to Jacquelyn Cline and then Cline made an extra pass to Saryn Brown inside to make it 10-4. Cline picked up her second foul at that point, but it didn’t matter as the rest of the quarter belonged to Herndon, who had 9 points to fuel the Mustangs.

Lauren Herndon hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Saylor Brown, and then cut inside and got a pass from Saryn to make it 15-4. Essex hit a jumper to cut it to 15-6, but that was the last points they would score in the half, as the toll of having played a game the night before, a 62-24 loss to Nodaway Valley (MO), was too much.

Saryn Brown hit Kelsi Barcus for one of her midrange looks, Ellaina Renfro hit Lauren Herndon inside for two free throws, and then Ellaina Renfro got a steal, got it to Saylor Brown, who found Saryn for the finish to make it 21-6.

Lauren Herndon then took a charge on defense, and that set up Barcus’ second jumper of the quarter. Saylor Brown slashed to the basket to score, Jacquelyn Cline came back to hit a free throw, Saryn Brown cut inside and got a pass from Saylor after Lauren Herndon kept a possession alive with an offensive board, and then Lauren slashed to the basket with two seconds left to make it 30-6 at halftime. By the time the dust had settled, North Nodaway had scored 24 in the quarter, their most productive of the year so far.

Essex started finding the range in the third quarter, but Lauren Herndon scored nine more in the third, all from downtown. Saryn Brown added six more in the period, also from downtown, and Saylor Brown added a pair of free throws. The points were a product of strong ball movement; six different Mustangs got assists in the period as North Nodaway pulled away to a 47-15 lead after three.

The Trojans put together a mild rally in the fourth to cut it to 47-19, but Kelsi Barcus hit a jumper and another from long range, and Jacquelyn Cline got untracked with a pair of drives as North Nodaway took its biggest lead of the night at 56-21.

Lauren Herndon had 24 points. Saryn Brown had 12, Kelsi Barcus had 9, Jacquelyn Cline 7, and Saylor Brown 4.

Lauren Herndon had 2 blocks and Kelsi Barcus 1.

Lauren Herndon had 17 boards. Saryn Brown had 11, Ellaina Renfro had 5, Kelsi Barcus and Saylor Brown 3 each, and Jacquelyn Cline and Andrea Jenkins 2 each.

Saylor Brown had 9 assists. Saryn Brown and Lauren Herndon had 3, Ellaina Renfro and Jacquelyn Cline had 2 each, and Kelsey Barcus and Andrea Jenkins 1 each.

Jacquelyn Cline and Saylor Brown had 6 tips. Lauren Herndon had 4, Saylor Brown 2, and Kelsey Barcus had 1.

Saylor Brown had 8 steals. Lauren Herndon had 5, Saryn Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 2 each, and Kelsey Barcus and Ellaina Renfro had 1.

Bluejay Boys Can’t Complete Hat Trick at KC

Northeast Nodaway couldn’t complete the hat trick and win its third tournament in a year, falling 56-45 to #4 Stanberry Friday in the championship round of the King City Tournament. The Bulldogs were flying to the glass all night, getting 15 offensive boards, as the Schwebach brothers both had a nose for the ball. On the other end, the Schwebach brothers were blocking a good percentage of everything thrown up. Take away five of those offensive boards, however, and Northeast would have been right with one of the top teams in the state.

The Bluejays did better against Stanberry than they did earlier in the year, when they dug themselves into an early 20 point hole that they could not get out of. After an initial surge by the gold shirts which saw them jump out to a 5-0 lead, Northeast found their footing as Ben Boswell scored on a pullup and Colton Swalley found Dylan McIntyre in transition to cut it to 7-6.

But with Stanberry flying to the glass, getting second and third chances, and exploiting the mismatches resulting from having two 6’4 brothers who could handle the ball and dunk, Northeast did not get their usual transition looks they get from getting stops, getting the board, and getting a runout with Dylan McIntyre or Ben Boswell finishing on the other end. And the Schwebach brothers blocked a good percentage of everything thrown up, taking away a lot of the driving opportunities for Boswell and McIntyre that are normally there. 

Stanberry started to take control of the game; by the midpoint of the second quarter, they were up to seven offensive boards and were up 19-8. Northeast had to find other ways to score, and Auston Pride came off a ball screen and hit a 3-pointer to stop the bleeding.

Dylan McIntyre followed with a free throw and then found rare daylight down the left baseline to make it 19-14, but then Tyler Schwebach got to the rim twice and Korbin Fletchall got loose in transition as Stanberry regained control. The Bulldog lead grew to as much as 29-16 before Auston Pride once again came off a ball screen to hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 29-19 at the half.

Stanberry led by as much as 13 early in the third, but then Auston Pride hit two free throws and Lane Dack got untracked with a 3-pointer to give Northeast new life, cutting it down to 34-26. But every time they started to come close, Stanberry would have an answer; Fletchall hit a guarded three to restore order and put Stanberry back up 39-26. They led by as much as 43-28 before Lane Dack scored six in a 1:18 span to cut Northeast’s deficit down to 11 at 47-36. 

Austin Schwebach scored from inside to put Stanberry up 51-37 at the 2:57 mark, only for Dylan McIntyre to get behind the defense and get a pass from Colton Swalley and Ben Boswell to connect to make it 51-41. A pair of defensive lapses led to easy Stanberry baskets to make it 55-41, only for Boswell to connect two more times to cut it to 10 again.

But the next sequence symbolized the futility that Northeast had on the boards that night. With Northeast needing to get the ball back to make a push, they twice put Stanberry on the line in the last minute for a 1-1, and Stanberry missed the front end twice, only for them to get the offensive board both times and keep the possession alive.

Ben Boswell, who had 8 points in the final quarter, had 16 for the night. Auston Pride had 10, Lane Dack 9, Dylan McIntyre 7, and Colton Swalley 3.

Auston Pride had 3 blocks. Zach Pride and Dylan McIntyre had 1 each.

Auston Pride, Dylan McIntyre, and Ben Boswell all had 5 boards. Colton Swalley had 4 and Lane Dack 2.

Colton Swalley had 7 assists. Ben Boswell and Dylan McIntyre had 3, and Auston Pride had 2.

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

Ben Boswell had 4 steals. Auston Pride, Colton Swalley, and Dylan McIntyre all had 2.

Northeast had beaten Maysville by 2 to get to the finals. They built up a big lead and then had to hold off a frantic Wolverine rally to get the win. Maysville has lost three games this year, and two of them were to the Bluejays. Northeast was shorthanded against South Holt, but they ground out a win in the first round to make it to the semifinals. 

Kevin Kobbe Sworn In to Grant City Council

Kevin Kobbe was sworn into the Grant City Council Wednesday at the regular meeting. He fills the unexpired term of Charlotte Green. He will serve until April 2023.

Amber Monticue was present to request a tax abatement of past due taxes for a property that had a dilapidated house torn down, property cleaned up, and sold by the Worth County Progress Organization. The council agreed to the abatement.

The amended budget for 2021 was presented and approved. It reflects the actual income and expenses for 2021. 

The council voted to set up the CDBG bank account for the wastewater project.

The city has completed a spreadsheet of all past due taxes and penalties. The city can hold the same kind of tax sale that the county does. The city will set up procedures and means of collecting.

Dogs were discussed, and City Administrator Meggan Brown posted the city’s dog policy on Facebook. The city will be picking up dogs found running at large. The city will not accept unwanted pets. Customers should make their own arrangements to have the pet adopted or contact a vet to put them to sleep.

All dog owners within the City of Grant City must register them at City Hall, and owners must show proof of immunization. Fees to register are $5 for spayed females and neutered males and $10 for all other dogs.

Dogs cannot run at large or bark excessively. If the problem is not addressed and the dog is running, it will be picked up. Impoundment fees are $50 plus $5 per day for the first time; $75 plus $5 per day for the second time; $100 plus $5 per day for the third time. Dogs not registered will be posted on Facebook. Any dog not claimed after five business days will be put up for adoption or disposed of.

Vicious dogs will not be tolerated in city limits and may result in them being euthanized. If a barking or howling dog issue is not addressed by the owner after the first letter was issued, then it will be subject to prosecution. 

All pets must be confined to a leash, fence, structure, or other means. If you have questions concerning pet ordinances, call City Hall at (660) 564-2102.

The Abandoned Car ordinance was also posted on Facebook. No person shall abandon any motor vehicle or trailer on public right of way or on any private property owned by another without their consent.

The city passed an ordinance for tiny houses.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the city crews have been busy with locates, two leaks, and plowing snow. One truck used for plowing had windshield wipers that quit working. The backhoe dealer has contacted the city, and they have gotten the serial number, which indicates the equipment is in transport mode. 

Mayor Debbie Roach and City Administrator Meggan Brown attended Great Northwest Days in Jefferson City Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Legislative priorities for this year include broadband, childcare, education, and infrastructure.

An ATV ordinance is being proposed, and City Administrator Meggan Brown presented a draft ordinance. She will make changes, and it will be revisited at the next meeting.

The council voted to proclaim February 6th as Boy Scout Anniversary Week.

City Hall was closed from 12 noon to 3 pm on January 24th to honor Aivry Griffin and her family. A lantern and balloon release in her memory was held at the softball diamond on January 23rd. The license office was closed on January 18th due to illness.

Obituary -- Loretta Rinehart 1939-2022

Mary Loretta Rinehart passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022 in St. Joseph, Missouri. 

Loretta was born November 30, 1939 near Allendale, Missouri to Hope and Elva (Hass) Daniels. She was a graduate of Grant City High School in 1957 and then from Guard Business School in 1958.

Loretta was united in marriage to Thomas William Rinehart on May 29, 1958. To this union four daughters were born: Mary Beth (John) Davis, Debora Lynn (Russ) Troutwine, Patricia JoAnn (Mark) Mitchell and Sue Ellen Findley.

Loretta was a farm wife. She started her postal career in 1973, retiring after 30 years as postmaster in Grant City. Loretta and Tom loved traveling. She visited every state except Alaska. She loved bird watching, playing the lottery and was a die hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. 

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, parents and grandson Brandon William Rinehart. 

Left to cherish her memory are her four daughters, grandson, Cole (Rachel) Findley, granddaughters:  Jessica (Nate) Johnson, Alisha Rinehart (Si Ellis), Dr. Kelsey (Chris) Davis-Humes, Caitlyn (Matthew) Shufelberger, Tiffany Tosatto; great-grandsons: Kyler and Kyson Humes, Knox Findley, and Tux Tosatto, great-granddaughters: Trisha Rinehart and Danika Mitchell; 4 step-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren, sister Barbara (Michael) O’Riley; brother-in-law Jim (Merle) Rinehart and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services were 2:00 pm Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Burial was in Lotts Grove Cemetery in Hatfield, Missouri. Visitation was from 6-8 pm Friday, January 28th at the funeral home. 

Obituary -- Peggy Force 1951-2022

Peggy Ann Force, age 70, Grant City, Missouri died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Orilla’s Way Residential Care Center in Grant City.

Peggy was born July 13, 1951, in Sheridan, Missouri.  She was the daughter of the late Don and Norma (Hart) Foster.

She was a graduate of Grant City R-1 High School.

Peggy was united in marriage to Jack Hamblen.  To this union two children were born, Kim and Russell.

Jack preceded her in death in 1978.  She was later married to Ronnie Force.  He also preceded her in death in 2016.

Before retiring Peggy had worked in manufacturing for 13 years at the Grant City Cap Factory and 10 years at the Energizer Battery Plant.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a brother Russell Foster and two step children Missy and David Force.

Her survivors include daughter Kim (Erick) Brooks, Denver, Missouri, son Russell (Whitney) Hamblen, Iowa Colony, Texas, three brothers Richard (Helen) Foster, Denver, Loren (Amy) Jackson, Grant City, James (Kelly) Jackson, Overland Park, Kansas, grandchildren Jacklyn, Cassie, Jazmine, Cooper, Rowdy, Oakley, Matt, Christopher, Emily, Trevor, Trey, great grandchildren Quinnlyn, Jack, and Carter, and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Per her wishes the body has been cremated.  Memorial services will be held 2 PM, Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home in Grant City.  Private family inurnment will be in the Kirk Cemetery, Allendale, Missouri.

Mustang Boys Coming Closer to Elusive Win

North Nodaway’s boys are still searching for that elusive first win, but they came closer in their last two games. On Tuesday, January 25th, the Mustangs led most of the way against Essex before falling in the closing minutes and losing.

Pitted against a solid Braymer team for Courtwarming Friday, they gave the Bobcats all they could handle before losing 63-49. It was an 8-8 tie after one, and the Mustangs only trailed 28-24 at the half. The third quarter turned out to be their undoing; Mason Richardson did all he could for the Mustangs, scoring seven points in the period, but Braymer gained some separation with a 23 point period and led 51-33. North Nodaway had a strong fourth quarter, but could not cut into the Braymer lead.

Mason Richardson had 14, a career high for him. Ethan Fry had 10, Aydan Blackford 9, Damian Dailey and Jeremiah Dobbins 7 each, and Brice Trimble 2.

The girls put up a good fight against the Bobcats, but lost 52-41 Friday.

Obituary -- Leslie Lynch 1954-2022

Leslie Allan Lynch, age 67, Grant City, Missouri died Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his home in Grant City.  

Leslie was born April 12, 1954, at the family home near Grant City.  He was the son of Galen Leon and Gladys Jean (Groom) Lynch.

He attended and graduated from Worth County R-1 High School class of 1973.  While in school he was very active in the Worth County FFA.  He started farming after high school and continued until his retirement.  

Leslie was united in marriage to Wanda Thompson, June 20, 1975, at the Methodist Church in Grant City.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Galen and Gladys and one brother Michael Lynch.

His survivors include wife Wanda of the home, daughters Tana (Dave) Walters, Grant City, Lydia (Brian) Cook, Kansas City, Missouri, son Galen (Lauren) Lynch, Maryville, Missouri, grandchildren Bobby (fiancé` Jolene Rounkles) Lynch, Grant City, Micaela and Preston Cook, Kansas City, Missouri, Kenton and Wesley Lynch, Maryville, one great granddaughter Everleigh Jean Lynch, two sisters Carolyn (David) Hardy, Lisa (Charlie) Ross both of Grant City, one brother Landis (Shelley) Lynch, Kansas City, Missouri, nieces, nephews, and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM, Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Crossroads Assembly of God Church, Grant City.  The family will receive friends from 1-3 PM prior to the service.  Burial will be in the Fletchall Cemetery, Grant City.

Memorial: Worth County R-3 FFA or Fine Arts, c/o Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, P.O. Box 147, Grant City, Missouri  64456

andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Board Renews Contract for Chris Healy

The Worth County School Board voted at its regular meeting Thursday to renew the contract of Superintendent Chris Healy for both the 2022-2023 school year and the 2023-2024 school year at a salary of $90,000 for each year. The vote was unanimous. 

In other action, the board looked at evaluations for the district’s technology and the extracurricular activities. Science teacher Kelley Ross updated the board about activities in her 7th through 9th grade classes. The 7th grade science class is going to take a field trip to King City.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that teachers had taken training regarding intruders. He also shared elementary honor rolls with the board. 

High School Principal Jon Adwell presented the junior high and high school honor rolls and talked about FBLA and FCCLA testing. Athletic Director and Curriculum Director Josh Smith reported on MAP and EOC data for the 2020-2021 school year.

Superintendent Chris Healy gave an update on information for the upcoming April bond issue. The board reviewed the calendar which will be finalized at the February meeting.

The next meeting date will be February 17th at 7:30 pm.

Ali Brown Scores 16, Kynah Steele Gets Double Double; Tiger Girls No Longer Winless

Ali Brown had 16 points and Kynah Steele got a double double with 12 points and 16 boards and the Worth County girls are no longer winless, beating Albany 53-34 last Tuesday night. It was one of those games in which everyone contributed; in each statistical category, ten or more Tigers got at least one point, rebound, assist, tip, or steal in the win.

Both teams came into the game not having won a single game. Worth County has played two similar games in its recent past; in 2010, they played Nodaway-Holt in a battle of winless teams in the last game of the season; the Tigers came out victorious 51-37. Two years later, in a battle of winless softball teams near the end of the regular season, Worth County beat Northeast Nodaway 20-6. 

The two teams punched well above their weight in a game between two teams that were desperate for their first win. Albany had seven players listed in the program, but only five dressed out for the game last Tuesday. Nonetheless, they went blow for blow for the Tigers in a first quarter that saw a 9-9 standoff. Ali Brown had 5 points and Kynah Steele 4 for the Tigers in the period. 

Addison Crawford’s triple sparked the Warriors, who took a 14-10 lead early in the second quarter. Worth County fought back to score the next nine points as Brylee Rush got the hot hand and Liz Brown and Justina Wimer chipped in as well. But despite Abigail Troncin getting her fourth foul, Albany fought back again, getting a guarded three from Crawford at the buzzer to put them back in front 20-19 at the half.

But Worth County was able to settle down at the half, and all of a sudden, they figured out they could win it. They started feeding the ball into Ali Brown at will, and she got loose once in transition as the Tigers regained the lead at 25-20. Liz Brown hit Taylor Sanders for three, Brown added a free throw, and then cleaned up on a miss after Sanders started a fast break to make it 31-20 with 3:20 left in the third. During that stretch, the Tigers, who had been plagued with turnovers all year, didn’t turn the ball over once.

Keylee Siddens hit a guarded jumper to break the run, and the teams traded buckets for the rest of the quarter and the start of the fourth. But with Worth County leading 39-28 at the 5:34 mark, Kynah Steele took it in on Troncin and drew her fifth foul, leaving Albany with four players for the remainder of the game. 

Steele scored the next five points for the Tigers, but Cory Worrell fought back for the Warriors to bring them back to within 44-32. But Steele converted a three point play and then Kara Staton got the hot hand down the stretch as the Tigers pulled away for the win.

Ali Brown had 16 points for the Tigers. Kynah Steele had 12, Kara Staton 6, Taylor Sanders and Brylee Rush 5 each, Hailey Adwell, Abbi Brown, Justina Wimer, and Liz Brown all with 2, and Autumn Cousatte 1.

Kynah Steele had 16 boards for the Tigers. Ali Brown and Brylee Rush had 4, Abbi Brown, Liz Brown, and Hailey Adwell 3 each, Justina Wimer 2, and Taylor Sanders, Autumn Cousatte, Bridgette Hightshoe, and Lanie Cousatte 1.

Liz Brown had 4 assists for the Tigers. Brylee Rush, Kynah Steele, and Abbi Brown had 3 each, Autumn Cousatte, Hailey Adwell, and Ali Brown had 2 each, and Justina Wimer, Taylor Sanders, Kara Staton, and Bridgette Hightshoe had 1 each.

Hailey Adwell had 8 tips. Kynah Steele had 6, Liz Brown 4, Taylor Sanders and Ali Brown 3, Brylee Rush and Abbi Brown 2, and Autumn Cousatte, Bridgette Hightshoe, and Lanie Cousatte had 1 each.

Kynah Steele had 6 steals. Liz Brown had 4, Hailey Adwell 3, Abbi Brown, Autumn Cousatte, Taylor Sanders, and Brylee Rush 2 each, and Justina Wimer, Ali Brown, and Lanie Cousatte 1 each.

Jacquelyn Cline Leads Four in Double Figures; Mustangs Win

North Nodaway got a rare breather last Tuesday, scoring the first 15 points of the game and pulling away for a 56-34 win over Rock Port. Jacquelyn Cline had 19 despite being keyed most of the night by the Rock Port defense, and she occupied the defense to the point where everyone else was open. Saylor Brown had 12, while Saryn Brown and Lauren Herndon both had 11. Herndon played her best game of the year up to that point, flying around the gym on defense and getting 9 steals.

A Jacquelyn Cline drive set up Saylor Brown’s jumper from the left wing and then Brown threw a lob pass to Ellaina Renfro, who finished and converted a three point play to make it 5-0. 

As Rock Port got into early foul trouble, North Nodaway continued to pull away. Saylor Brown inbounded one to Lauren Herndon, Jacquelyn Cline got a tip and steal and threw it to Saryn Brown for two free throws. Saylor Brown got a steal to Lauren Herndon, who threw it to Cline spotted up on the baseline for three, and then Cline hit a 3-pointer to make it 15-0.

Avery Meyerkorth, who picked up two quick fouls for Rock Port, came back in and sparked the Blue Jays. She scored four and Addison Mufeld hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 18-7 late in the first. Rock Port was attacking the rim to start the second and got their deficit down to 23-13, but then Lauren Herndon hit a 3-pointer and then got a tip and steal and threw ahead to Saryn Brown to restore order for the Mustangs. Cline hit a 3-pointer after Lauren Herndon pushed one ahead, and Saylor Brown’s fourth chance putback made it 33-13 at the 1:49 mark of the second.

Rock Port fought back to cut it to 36-19 to start the third quarter, but Lauren Herndon hit Jacquelyn Cline from NBA distance to spark the Mustangs again. Then, Saryn Brown got a block, Ellaina Renfro secured the board, and Saryn pushed ahead to Saylor for the finish. Saylor Brown kicked one out to Cline, who drive and finished, and then Saryn Brown got a putback to make it 45-19.

The teams traded buckets until the fourth quarter, when Herndon sparked the Mustangs again with a 3-pointer to make it 52-24. Kelsi Barcus twice hit Saylor Brown for drives to make it 56-24 before Rock Port scored the final 10 points against North Nodaway’s reserves.

For North Nodaway, Jacquelyn Cline had 19, Saylor Brown 12, and Lauren Herndon and Saryn Brown 11 each. Ellaina Renfro had 3.

Lauren Herndon, Saryn Brown, and Ellaina Renfro each had a block.

Saryn Brown had 10 boards. Saylor Brown had 7, Jacquelyn Cline 5, Lauren Herndon and Ellaina Renfro 4, and Kelsi Barcus 2.

Saylor Brown had 7 assists. Jacquelyn Cline had 5, Lauren Herndon 3, Kelsi Barcus 2, and Saryn Brown 1.

Lauren Herndon had 8 tips. Saylor Brown had 4, Saryn Brown, Andrea Jenkins, and Ellaina Renfro had 2 each, and Jacquelyn Cline had 1.

Lauren Herndon had 9 steals. Jacquelyn Cline had 5, Saylor and Saryn Brown had 4 each, and Ellaina Renfro and Andrea Jenkins had 1 each.

Obituary -- Lorin Groom 1931-2022

A lifelong traveler, Lorin O. Groom, Jr., age 90, reached his final destination to be with his precious Lord and Savior on January 10, 2022. At the same time he left behind so many who were near and dear to him, he was also reunited with countless loved ones and friends in heaven.

Lorin began his journey on July 30, 1931, in Ravenwood, Missouri where he was born to Julia and Lorin Groom, Sr. “Junior”, as he came to be known throughout the Grant City and Allendale areas, was raised along with two older sisters, Gladys and Geneva, as well as a younger brother, Jack. Growing up on a farm during the Depression, Lorin was certainly no stranger to hard work. He toiled from sunup to sundown and always knew the value of a dollar.

Shortly after graduating Hatfield High School, Lorin embarked on what would become the biggest trip of his life. He and a friend drove to Kansas City where they enlisted in the United States Air Force. After being assigned to the 75th Air Depot Wing, Lorin was eventually shipped to the Korean Peninsula where he served his country with honor.

After completing his tour of duty in 1955, Lorin soon made his way to Columbia, Missouri, where he earned his business degree at the University of Missouri. There, he would meet Janice Wippler. The two instantly fell headfirst in love and were married in 1960.

Upon receiving his diploma, Lorin accepted a position with the John Deere Company in Kansas City. He was subsequently transferred to Denver, Colorado, and it was here that Jan gave birth to their two children, Brad and Melanie. As a territory manager, Lorin travelled extensively throughout the state. A move to Rocky Ford saw many idyllic, carefree years together, followed by yet another transfer back to Missouri where the young family took up residence in Lee’s Summit.

In 1985, after one-quarter of a century, Lorin officially retired from John Deere, though he continued to work on projects for years to come. All told he drove nearly 1,000,000 miles for the company.

Lorin didn’t slow down one bit in retirement. He and Jan satisfied their wanderlust, taking many wonderful trips with friends to destinations all over Europe as well as the United States and Canada. After Jan’s untimely death in 2004, Lorin had the good fortune to marry Doris Macha, and the two enjoyed nearly 16 happy years together, taking several trips of their own. Along the way, Lorin also proudly served in the Honor Guard, paying tribute to fellow veterans by participating in over 1,700 funerals.

Renowned for his uncanny, razor-sharp memory, Lorin could recall the particulars of events throughout his life with astounding detail. As for those who knew him, he will be remembered for many things.

Lorin had an infectious joy for life. He possessed an outstanding sense of humor and dearly loved to laugh and kid around. He loved fishing trips in Colorado, catching brookies and rainbows. He relished vacations boating at the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed manicuring the grass on his John Deere riding tractor and raising plump, juicy tomatoes in his garden. He absolutely treasured his grandkids. He savored an ice-cold beer on a warm summer day, and a sweet, crunchy peanut cluster just about any time. And he truly cherished having his dear children and their families gathered around him every Christmas.

For everything he meant to all who knew and loved him, Lorin will be deeply and profoundly missed. Ever the traveler, he may be gone. But he will never ever be forgotten.

Lorin is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Brad Groom (Allison) and Melanie Dalton (Scott); grandchildren, Meredith Groom, Ryan Groom and Max Dalton; stepchildren, Patty Wesner (Chris) and Jim Macha (Sunny); and step grandchildren, Allyson Macha, Michael Macha, Daniel Macha and Corey Resch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lorin’s honor to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Lorin’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 29th at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO. Visitation will be at 10 am with a funeral following at 11 am and noon graveside service at Floral Hills East.

Obituary -- Aivry Griffin 2004-2022

Aivry Marie Griffin was born on July 29, 2004, in Maryville Missouri and departed this world on January 19th, 2022 at Mosaic Hospital in Albany Missouri.

Anyone who knew Aivry would say that she lived her life to the absolute fullest, not caring what anyone thought, and just did whatever made her happy and gave it her all. She could debate about anything and 9 times out of 10 knew every fact about what she was debating. Aivry was strong willed, vibrant, daring, and determined. She had many goals for the future that included attending Northwest Missouri State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and then attend UMKC to further her education to specialize as a Cardiothoracic Nurse Practitioner. 

Aivry was highly involved and successful in all activities from softball, golf, football and basketball cheerleading, to track, FBLA, FCCLA, FCA, and NHS. She was a fantastic trumpet player and enjoyed singing in the choir. Aivry had a secret outlet of drawing; her talent was breathtaking. She was loved and admired by so many and will be missed greatly.

Aivry is survived by her parents, Justin and Amber Walker and Daniel Griffin. Her brothers Andrew Griffin and Carter Walker. Grandparents, Todd and Melissa Steele, Doug and Monica Griffin, Patsy Henry, Jack Walker, and Therese Cook. Great Grandmother Carolyn Griffin. Uncles and Aunts, Cassie and Trevor Runde, Tyler and Lynsie Steele, Bryan and Amy Griffin, Matt and Aubrey Griffin, Jarrod and Angie Walker, Kyle and Clarissa Squires, Levi Woods and Seth Bennett. Numerous Great Uncle and Aunts, Cousins and friends. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday January 24th, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Worth County R-III High School Gymnasium, where the family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services.   Interment will be in the Kirk Cemetery, Allendale Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Andrews-Hann Funeral Home

Ten Bluejays Score as NEN Tops Mustangs

Northeast Nodaway’s boys got ten in the scoring column as they pulled away for a 68-30 win over North Nodaway for their Homecoming. Ben Boswell had 8 assists for the first half, and they had it under control after they weathered a Mustang run late in the first quarter.

The Bluejays were coming off an 83-48 loss against Mound City. They started off playing their best quarter of the year, but wore down as the toll of playing back to back nights and having to face one of the top teams in the state on the second night was too much. For North Nodaway, they were shorthanded and still searching for their first win of the year; they made a few good runs at Northeast, but could not keep up with the Bluejays, who were pushing it up the floor at will.

The first five minutes belonged to the Bluejays as Auston Pride hit from the right wing, Pride hit Dylan McIntyre inside, Ben Boswell hit Zach Pride in transition after Dylan McIntyre got a steal, Colton Swalley got a steal, Dylan cleaned up on a miss in transition and added a steal, and Lane Dack got behind the defense. That made it 14-0.

The Mustangs, who got Aydan Blackford back for the Stanberry Tournament after he had broken his collarbone during football, got five points from him as they fought back to within 18-8 after one. 

But then Dylan McIntyre cut inside for a layup and Ben Boswell hit Colton Swalley in transition. Boswell, who had been held scoreless in the first quarter by Owen Martin, got untracked in the second, scoring in transition and adding two free throws. Ben then hit Dylan McIntyre inside, threw an alley oop to Dylan for two, hit a 3-pointer off a Colton Swalley kickout, and then McIntyre added a steal to cap a 17-0 Bluejay run to make it 35-8. North Nodaway could only manage a pair of drives from Aydan Blackford and Mason Richardson as the Bluejays continued to pull away for the rest of the half and lead 46-12 after Ben Boswell’s triple in the closing seconds.

The Bluejays led by as much as 54-15 in the third before Mason Richardson hit two free throws, Brice Trimble hit a 3-pointer, and Aydan Blackford added a free throw to cut it to 54-21. Dylan McIntyre’s 3-point play and Zach Pride’s cut to the basket made it 59-21 after three.

North Nodaway nearly killed the running clock in the fourth as Trimble hit a three, Mason Richardson scored off a drive, and Aydan Blackford got a putback to get it down to 59-28, but then the Bluejay reserves found their footing as Jack Boswell emerged as a potential rebounding machine, getting 5 in the fourth quarter, Landon Wilmes cut inside for two, Jake Redden got a pair of putbacks, and Brycen Kennard hit a 3-pointer.

For Northeast Nodaway, Dylan McIntyre had 25, Ben Boswell 16, Auston Pride 6, Colton Swalley, Zach Pride, and Jake Redden 4, Brycen Kennard 3, and Lane Dack, Boston Adwell, and Landon Wilmes 2.

Ben Boswell and Dylan McIntyre had 6 boards each. Auston Pride and Jack Boswell had 4 each, Zach Pride 4, Jake Redden 3, Colton Swalley 2, and Boston Adwell 1.

Ben Boswell had 9 assists. Auston Pride, Colton Swalley, and Dylan McIntyre had 3 each, Zach Pride and Jack Boswell 2 each, and Brycen Kennard and Jake Redden 1 each.

Dylan McIntyre had 4 tips, Ben Boswell 3, and Colton Swalley had 1. Dylan McIntyre had 7 steals. Landon Wilmes and Zach Pride had 2 each, while Colton Swalley, Boston Adwell, Trenton Hartley, and Jake Redden had 1 each.

For North Nodaway, Aydan Blackford had 13, Brice Trimble 9, Mason Richardson 6, and Jeremiah Dobbins 2. 

Aydan Blackford had 4 boards. Mason Richardson had 3, Damian Dailey and Preston Hansen 2 each, and Brice Trimble and Dakota Dilley 1 each.

Jeremiah Dobbins had 3 assists. Mason Richardson and Aydan Blackford had 2 each, and Preston Hansen 1.

Aydan Blackford had 2 tips. Mason Richardson, Jeremiah Dobbins, Owen Martin, and Preston Hansen had 1 each. Damian Dailey, Jeremiah Dobbins, and Owen Martin had 1 steal each.

Lauren Herndon Nearly Gets Triple Double as Mustang Girls Crash Bluejay Homecoming

Lauren Herndon nearly got a triple double for the Mustangs as she had 12 points, 11 boards, and 9 steals as North Nodaway won their second straight game, 43-28 over Northeast Nodaway. The pattern for the Mustangs continued; they got off to a hot start, weathered Northeast’s efforts to get back into the game, and pulled away in the second half for the win.

For Northeast, still searching for their third win, they struggled to put five players on the floor leading up to the South Harrison Tournament before Cora Munns came out. Not wanting the season to end, they gave South Harrison all they could handle before losing 53-37, and then rallied back from a seven point deficit against East Harrison, led by 3 at one point, but fell 39-35. 

But then, the Bluejays nearly saw their season end again as Makenzie Pride went down (knee) and they had to cancel their game with Mound City. They finally got Lauren McIntyre and Jaden Atkins to come out, and a completely different team took the floor for Friday’s game. Since Munns, McIntyre, and Atkins had all been cheerleading for the Bluejays, the MSHSAA 14 day conditioning period did not apply and they could play right away. Similarly, teams who play in the MSHSAA State Championship can turn around and play basketball the next night, like the football players did for Northeast Nodaway, after they played in the State Championship game. 

It looked like a running clock mismatch at first as the Mustangs picked up right where they left off as Jacquelyn Cline went on one of her runs where she scores points in bunches and knocked down three triples on consecutive possessions to put the Mustangs up 9-0. North Nodaway, who won three out of its last four with the win, continued a pattern of starting off fast; against King City, they got off to a 9-2 start. Against Rock Port, they scored the first 15 points of the game and could have won it by 40 if they had wanted to.

But all of a sudden, Northeast, which had been working all year on how to break the press, realized they could play ball with North Nodaway and started breaking the press while the Mustangs went ice cold for the remainder of the first quarter. Hadley DeFreece hit a 3-pointer to get the Bluejays on the board, and then Lauren McIntyre hit from the high post at the buzzer to make it 9-5.

Lauren Herndon hit a 3-pointer to start the second for North Nodaway, and Dylanie Auffert got hit in the nose and sat out for a few minutes. North Nodaway switched to their man to man, with initial success as Saylor Brown got loose in transition to make it 14-5.

But once again Northeast fought back as Baylie Busby was seemingly trapped in the corner, only for her to blow by four Mustangs and get to the line, where she scored two free throws to spark the Bluejays. Jaden Atkins got a tip and Hadley DeFreece got a steal, and DeFreece hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 14-12. Jacquelyn Cline got a drive, but then Dalanie Auffert kicked one out to Busby for three to make it 16-15.

Cline hit a free throw and then Lauren Herndon got a putback and a 3-pointer as the Mustangs stopped the bleeding and moved back in front 22-15 at the half.

North Nodaway regained control in the second half after Lauren Herndon hit two free throws and Saylor Brown got a skip from Jacquelyn Cline to make it 26-15. Cline’s fourth 3-pointer of the night made it 32-19, but Dalanie Auffert got behind the defense and got a pass from Jaden Atkins and Busby followed with a steal with 15 seconds left to make it 32-23. But then Saylor Brown rushed it up the court and found Saryn at the buzzer to make it double digits again at 34-23.

Saryn Brown hit a triple, Cline took on three Bluejay defenders and got on the line to hit two free throws and got behind the defense and got a pass from Saylor Brown, and Lauren Herndon got behind the defense to give North Nodaway its biggest lead at 43-26.

Jacquelyn Cline had 19 points, her second straight night with 19 points. Lauren Herndon had 12, Saryn Brown 8, and Saylor Brown 4.

Saylor Brown, Lauren Herndon, and Kelsi Barcus had 1 block each.

Lauren Herndon had 11 boards. Saylor Brown and Saryn Brown had 10, Ellaina Renfro 5, and Jacquelyn Cline 4.

Saylor Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 6 assists each. Lauren Herndon had 5.

Saryn Brown had 13 tips. Lauren Herndon had 6, Saylor Brown and Ellaina Renfro 4, Jacquelyn Cline 3, and Kelsi Barcus 1.

Lauren Herndon had 9 steals for the second night in a row. Saryn Brown had 4, while Saylor Brown, Jacquelyn Cline, and Ellaina Renfro each had 3.

For Northeast Nodaway, Baylie Busby had 11, Hadley DeFreece 10, Dalanie Auffert 5, and Lauren McIntyre 2.

Dalanie Auffert had 3 blocks.

Hadley DeFreece had 7 boards. Baylie Busby and Jaden Atkins had 6 each, Dalanie Auffert 4, Lauren McIntyre 3, and Cora Munns 1.

Jaden Atkins had 3 assists. Dalanie Auffert had 2 and Hadley DeFreece and Baylie Busby had 1 each.

Baylie Busby had 5 tips. Jaden Atkins, Hadley DeFreece, and Lauren McIntyre had 1 each.

Hadley DeFreece and Baylie Busby had 3 steals each. Jaden Atkins had 2, while Dalanie Auffert and Lauren McIntyre had 1 each.

Courthouse News for January 19th, 2022

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jimmy Hernandez (21) of St. Paul (MN) in Harrison County on charges of Violation of Order of Protection, No Valid License, and Following Too Closely.

On January 11th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jarrett DePriest (39) of Bethany alleging DWI (Felony), Failure to Comply with Ignition Interlock Device Requirements, and Speeding (26+ mph over).

On January 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Angela Kinkead (42) of Ridgeway alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Leaving the Scene, Failure to Register, and No Insurance.

On January 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Tayton Berendes (21) of Bethany alleging Stealing.

Colton Schaaf, 29 of Bedford, was arrested on January 12, 2022 in the 1200 block of Madison Street in Bedford by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department. He was charged with domestic abuse assault-impeding airflow and is being held at the Taylor County Jail on no bond pending an appearance before the magistrate.

On January 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Bryson Skidmore (20) of Maryville alleging Statutory Sodomy (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash or corporate surety.

On Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 11:50 AM, an alert neighbor reported that there was a suspicious car parked in a garage of an abandoned farm house located on 350th Street in Nodaway County.  Nodaway County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to find a male suspect inside the unattached garage and a female inside the house.  Items from inside the house had been loaded into the vehicle.  The investigation determined that the suspects did not have consent to enter the residence and both suspects were taken into custody.  The Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney has charged two St. Joseph residents, Carly Cotter (29) and Michael Hughes (43), with 2nd Degree Burglary. Bond for both defendants was set at $30,000, cash or corporate surety.

On January 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jason Latham (38) of Blockton in Worth County on a Worth County Warrant for Failure to Appear (No Valid License).

On January 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Sarah Fletchall (31) of Grant City in Worth County on a Ringgold County Warrant (Felony Assault).

On January 13th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Rhiannon Stieh (20) of Pattonsburg alleging Assault (Felony), Stealing Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied. Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly assaulted their grandmother by choking her, punching her, and slamming her in the head on objects in her residence.

Shannon Gochenour, 26 of Clearfield, was arrested on January 13, 2022 in the 200 block of Washington Street in Clearfield, Iowa by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department. She was charged with serious assault and is being held at the Taylor County Jail on $1,000 bond.

On January 14th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jamie Howard (39) of Blue Springs in Nodaway County on a charge of Following Too Closely and a Felony Warrant from Cass County.

On January 14th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Terry VanGundy (27) of Worth alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing (Felony).

On January 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Brian Cannon (45) of Creston in Harrison County on charges of DWI (Prior) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On January 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Alexander Silin (64) of Greenville (TX) in Harrison County on a Linn County Warrant (Traffic Violation).

On January 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Johnny Lara-Rodriguez (42) of Honduras in Gentry County alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), No Valid License, and DWI.

Bluejay Boys Win Second Tournament of the Year

Northeast Nodaway’s boys won their second tournament of the year, the South Harrison Tournament, after not having won a tournament since at least 2008. They also won the Northwest Missouri Tournament in December. On Monday, in a game moved from Saturday due to inclement weather, the Bluejays turned back a tough Maysville squad 52-42, handing the Wolverines only their second loss of the year. The Wolverines are having their best season since at least 2009, when they were 13-8. 

The Wolverines jumped out to a 4-0 lead to start the game, but then, Northeast realized they could play ball with them and started fighting back. Zach Pride got a block, which lead to a basket from Ben Boswell in transition, and then Dylan McIntyre got four quick points to put Northeast in front as Colton Swalley got two quick assists. 

Auston Pride got his second foul and Maysville fought back to take an 11-9 lead early in the second quarter, but then Pride came back in and Northeast started putting on a clinic. Dylan McIntyre found Zach Pride backdoor, Ben Boswell inbounded one to Auston Pride, who handed it back off to him for a layup, Colton Swalley hit Auston Pride backdoor, Dylan McIntyre got a putback and scored inside off a pass from Auston Pride, and Dylan McIntyre hit Ben Boswell in transition to make it 21-11. Zach Heintz got loose in transition for Maysville, but Dylan McIntyre hit Ben Boswell backdoor with 5 seconds left in the half to make it 23-13.

The momentum continued into the second half for a while as Dylan McIntyre got a putback, Ben Boswell scored off a Zach Pride steal, Zach Pride hit Auston Pride after Ben Boswell got a steal, and Northeast was up 28-13 at the 5:26 mark.

But then Auston Pride and Dylan McIntyre picked up their third fouls, and the momentum swung back in Maysville’s favor. Their press started paying off, they started stealing the ball at will, and they started coming back. Four points from Logan Kimbrell, three from Alexavier Clark, and two other red shirts chipping in fueled a big run that brought them back to within 29-24 before Lane Dack’s free throw put the Bluejays up 30-24 after three.

Auston Pride and Dylan McIntyre came back to start the fourth, but the Wolverines kept coming, and the only way for Northeast to win was to keep scoring, which they did. Maysville had a chance to cut it to three or four, but then Colton Swalley got a steal and fed Ben Boswell to make it 36-28 with 5:08 left. Kayden Gabbard’s steal cut it to 38-32, but then Northeast started finding open driving lanes, and both Ben Boswell and Colton Swalley were getting into the middle and dumping it off to Dylan McIntyre, who had 10 in the fourth quarter. Finally, Maysville had to start fouling, and Northeast was 6 for 6 from the line in the last 1:06 to seal the win.

Dylan McIntyre had 18 points. Ben Boswell had 15, Auston Pride 11, Colton Swalley 4, Lane Dack 2, and Zach Pride 2.

Dylan McIntyre had 2 blocks. Zach Pride and Ben Boswell had 1 each.

Dylan McIntyre had 9 boards. Zach and Auston Pride had 5 each, Colton Swalley 3, Ben Boswell 2, and Lane Dack 1.

Colton Swalley had 7 assists. Zach Pride had 4, Dylan McIntyre and Auston Pride 3, Ben Boswell 2, and Lane Dack 1.

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

Dylan McIntyre had 4 steals. Lane Dack had 3, and Zach Pride, Ben Boswell, and Colton Swalley had 2 each.

Obituary -- Doris Harris 1927-2022

Doris L. Harris, 94, of Eagleville, MO passed away on January 11, 2022.

Doris was born in Billings, Montana on April 14, 1927 to Charles and Etta Mae Betz. At the age of 16, Doris left Montana when she married Gene Young, a young man in the Air Force. Together they moved to Eagleville, MO. Gene passed away in 1969. Doris worked 49 years at The Dinner Bell before retiring at the age of 78. Soon after retirement Doris moved to Rockford to live with her daughter Linda. Doris was one of the first members of The Eastern Star and an extremely active participant in the organization.

Doris is survived by her daughters, Linda LaBonne and Carol Sue (Robert) St. Vincent; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Alice (Late Roland) Fletcher; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Etta Mae Betz; Children, Sharon DeLong and Larry Young; six siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January, 21 at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in Glaze Cemetery, Cainsville, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Bluejay Boys Advance to Finals with 25 Assists; Dylan McIntyre Scores 25

Northeast Nodaway's boys advanced to the South Harrison Tournament finals Thursday with a 59-52 win over Princeton as Dylan McIntyre had 25 points and the team had a season high 25 assists. Previously, Northeast was shorthanded against Mercer, but they ground out a 55-37 win in the first round.

Princeton came in well-disciplined and they ran their plays well and didn't make many mistakes. Auston Pride scored four early and Dylan McIntyre got loose on the left baseline as the Bluejays took an early 6-3 lead, but then Princeton moved back in front, moving ahead 10-6 at the 2:45 mark. But Northeast started doing a better job getting out in transition and running and they fought back to tie the game at 10-10 after the first quarter.

The difference for the rest of the game was that McIntyre, who had struggled to find the range in the first quarter, suddenly adjusted and came out of his slump. Zach Pride hit Lane Dack backdoor, Ben Boswell got a steal, Zach Pride took a charge on defense, and Lane Dack pushed one ahead to Dylan to make it 16-10. Princeton hung around for the rest of the half as the score stayed between 6 and 8, but Lane Dack got behind the press late to make it 26-18 at the half.

Dylan McIntyre got the hot hand in the third quarter as the Bluejays started putting on a clinic on both sides of the board. Zach Pride caught the Blue Tigers napping and threw a backdoor strike to Ben Boswell, the second time Zach had pulled that off. Dylan McIntyre cut inside and got a pass from Colton Swalley, and then Swalley got a tip, Ben Boswell got a steal, and Dylan McIntyre finished to make it 32-18 to start the third. Princeton got a putback to cut it to 12, but then Ben Boswell threw to  Dylan behind the press and then Ben Boswell hit Colton Swalley backdoor to make it 37-20 at the 5:00 mark of the third.

But then Princeton switched from a zone to a man to man, and #0 got the hot hand after hitting a guarded three. They chipped away until they got the deficit down to 9, but then Ben Boswell hit Dylan McIntyre inside at the buzzer to make it 43-32.

With Princeton forced to come out and guard Northeast, the Bluejays went to their four corners offense and found a lot of driving lanes open and twice dumped it off to Dylan McIntyre backdoor, and Lane Dack cleaned up after a missed layup following a steal to make it 49-32. But Princeton could afford to be very aggressive on defense, and they started trapping the four corners offense and fighting back, getting it back to 51-40 with 3:11 left. But Ben Boswell got loose against the press and scored twice and Dylan McIntyre hit a reverse layup to make it 57-42 before Princeton closed to within 7 at the end against the subs.

Dylan McIntyre had 25 for the Bluejays. Ben Boswell had 16, Lane Dack and Auston Pride had 6 each, Colton Swalley 4, and Jake Redden 2.

Auston Pride had 2 blocks and Dylan McIntyre 1.

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

Ben Boswell had 6 assists. Colton Swalley, Dylan McIntyre, Zach Pride, and Lane Dack all had 4, Auston Pride 2, and Ethan Gascoigne 1.

Colton Swalley had 7 tips, Zach Pride 4, Dylan McIntyre and Ben Boswell 3, Auston Pride 2, and Lane Dack 1.

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

Wade Briggs Scores 26 as Shamrock Boys Stop Bobcats

Wade Briggs scored 26 points for the North Harrison boys as they managed to turn back East Harrison and their 6'6" skyscraper, Mark Willis. Willis had 28 points for the Bobcats, but the Shamrocks were able to hit their free throws down the stretch to get the 58-49 win in the consolation semifinal round of the South Harrison Tournament Wednesday. They lost to South Harrison to start the tournament; they have found back to back nights tough going, as they lost 29-26 to Mercer in the consolation game Thursday in a game that was moved up due to inclement weather.

The game was tied at 6 and 11 in the first quarter before free throws from Tyson Gibson and Nick Babinski put the Shamrocks up 14-11 with 54 seconds left. Wade Briggs had the hot hand for the Shamrocks with 9 first quarter points, while Willis had 9 for the Bobcats. Hagen Booth cut it to 14-13, but Wade Briggs hit an NBA 3-pointer to put the Shamrocks up 17-13 at the end of one.

But then the Bobcats went to a box and one on Briggs, and they started setting ball screens to free up their guards to lob it into Willis. Sure enough, they started coming back and they regained the lead at 19-18 at the 5:49 mark. But after their most physical player, Owan Roberson, got his third foul, the momentum started swinging back in the Shamrocks' favor. Wade Briggs beat the box and one with a drive, and then everyone else stepped up, with six Shamrocks scoring in the period. Cooper Cracraft hit Brandon Hamilton in transition, Matthew Heintz got a putback, and Nick Babinski hit from the high post with 2:12 left to make it 26-21. The teams traded buckets for the rest of the quarter until Garrett Baker hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to draw the orange shirts to within 30-28.

Wade Briggs hit a 3-pointer to start the third quarter, but then Willis got the hot hand for East Harrison, and Hagen Booth's putback put the Bobcats back in front again at 37-36. But then Cooper Cracraft scored off a drive and Wade Briggs went coast to coast to make it 40-37. But Willis then got a lob to cut it to 40-39 at the end of three. He picked up his fourth foul, but then came back to start the fourth and then scored a 3-point play off another lob to make it 42-40 to start the fourth.

But then North Harrison was able to get it into Brandon Hamilton twice, and he scored twice over Willis, who couldn't afford to pick up his fifth foul, and North Harrison moved back in front 44-42. Wade Briggs added a free throw after Brandon Hamilton stole one of East Harrison's lobs to Willis to make it 45-42. 

Another lob to Willis cut it to 45-44, but then Matthew Heintz got a putback and Brandon Hamilton added a free throw to make it 48-44. Tyson Gibson, who had done all he could to stop Willis despite giving up several inches, and who got six steals picking off some of East Harrison's lob passes, fouled out, but Matthew Heintz took over guarding Willis in the paint and East Harrison had to start fouling after Cooper Cracraft got a critical steal. Nick Babinski hit a shot from the high post and Wade Briggs went 8 for 8 from the line in the last 1:38 as the Shamrocks were able to pull away.

Wade Briggs had 26 points for the Shamrocks, Nick Babinski had 10 points, 11 boards, and 6 assists. Brandon Hamilton had 7, Matthew Heintz had 6 points and 8 boards, Tyson Gibson had 5 points, 11 boards, and 6 steals, and Cooper Cracraft had 4 points and 5 steals.

Jackson Runde Scores 21 as Tigers Advance Past Albany

Worth County's boys turned back a tough Albany squad Tuesday, January 11th and advanced to the second round of the Stanberry Tournament. The Tigers took an early lead against Stanberry, but fell again to them 51-43 in the second round. The third place game was not played due to inclement weather. 

The Tigers trailed for most of the first half, but then Jackson Runde shot the Tigers back into the game, getting 5 of his 7 three pointers in the second half. Fueled by a couple of missed Tiger free throws and the play of Kemper Cline, the Warriors led by as much as 11-4 in the first quarter before the Tigers started coming back. Drives from Aydan Gladstone and Tyler New, Jackson Runde's first three pointer, and another triple from Grant Cameron put the Tigers back in front 16-13 in the second.

Cline and the Warriors threatened to take over again, pushing ahead to a 21-16 lead at the 2:32 mark. But after their most physical player, Jordan Poppa, got his third foul, Worth County started coming back. Quincy Stamper's free throws put Albany up 23-17, but then Aydan Gladstone scored free throws and Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer after Tyler New got a steal off the press to make it 23-22 before Cline scored off a baseline drive to put Albany up 25-22 at the half.

Once again, Cline tried to take over, scoring four quick points in transition to put the Warriors in front 29-24, but then Brent Harris scored a backdoor shot, Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer off a Tyler New steal, and Grant Cameron got a backdoor pass from Brent Harris to put the Tigers back in front 31-29. Cline's free throws tied it, but Grant Cameron answered with a 3-pointer to make it 34-31. Cline scored again to cut it to one and Albany got a stop on defense with a chance to take the lead. But then, with Worth County applying man to man pressure in the backcourt, one of the Warrior players scored in the wrong basket to give the Tigers a 36-33 lead, and the momentum swung in Worth County's favor the rest of the way.

Runde hit another 3-pointer and Tyler New scored off a drive to make it 41-35, Worth County's biggest lead at that point. Cade Newman hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 41-38, but Jackson Runde answered with one of his own to make it 44-38 to start the fourth. Cline countered with an inside shot, but Gladstone scored off a drive and Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer off an Aydan Gladstone drive to make it 49-40.

But Albany had no fouls at that point and could afford to be very aggressive on defense, and they started coming back as Cline converted a 3-point play and Quincy Stamper scored three straight to cut it to 49-46 at the 4:27 mark.

Aydan Gladstone scored off a drive and then Jackson Runde scored his seventh 3-pointer to stop the bleeding and make it 54-46 with 2:36 left. Worth County got a stop, and then ran it down from 1:45 to 39 seconds before Albany could get Worth County into the bonus.

Jackson Runde had 21 points for the Tigers. Aydan Gladstone had 16, Grant Cameron 8, Tyler New 6, and Jackson Smith and Brent Harris 2 each.

Aydan Gladstone had 1 block.

Jackson Runde had 11 boards to complete the double double. Aydan Gladstone had 6, Tyler New 4, Levi Cassavaugh 2, and Jackson Smith 1.

Tyler New had 5 assists. Grant Cameron had 3, Jackson Smith, Levi Cassavaugh, and Aydan Gladstone 2 each, and Jackson Runde and Brent Harris 1.

Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone had 4 tips each. Brent Harris had 3, Jackson Smith 2, and Grant Cameron and Jackson Runde 1.

Tyler New had 4 steals. Jackson Runde had 3, Jackson Smith and Grant Cameron 2 each, and Aydan Gladstone 1.

Obituary -- Nellie Shain 1923-2022

Nellie June Shain, 98, Trenton, MO (formerly of Blythedale and Bethany, MO) was born on June 19, 1923.  She lived in Missouri where she married George McQuerry and birthed her first daughter, Joan McQuerry.  Her husband, George, passed away in World War II.  Afterwards, Nellie June met Clarence Shain in 1945. They fell in love and got married to have a total of six children; Joan McQuerry, Virginia, Hal, Linda, Doug, and Glenda Kay Shain .

They moved to San Bernardino, California approximately in 1962 then moved back to Missouri in 1985 where Clarence worked to finish their home in Blythedale before he passed on July 3, 1986.  Nellie June retired from Aetna where she sold insurance for more than 20 years. She proceeded to live in Blythedale for years before finally moving to a care home in Bethany, Missouri then in Trenton, Missouri.  Nellie June was a devout Mormon who loved to play the piano and organ which she received many awards and certificates. She also loved to garden and can food. She was always in the kitchen baking something. She also loved to sew and make blankets and quilts usually doing every stitch by hand. She was an early riser and would always have breakfast on the table for her family ready to go and she made a mean batch of cheese gravy.  She loved living in Blythedale.  She loved to hang her laundry out on the line to dry and just loved the fresh smell, but music was her life. She taught piano lessons to whom ever wanted to learn and loved doing it. Even at the age of 98, she would go play the piano for the other elders in her care home at lunchtime, around Christmas and holiday times. She loved her family and her connection to her Heavenly Father.  She had a great sense of humor and love to make people laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen William and Verda Ruth (Blessing) Estep.  She had five siblings Carolyn Frame, Marilyn Harper, Vodra Estep, little Billy Owen Estep and Mary Low.

Surviving are her children, 18 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Nellie June Shain past on Friday, January 7, 2022 after a long life. She was a great inspiration and the backbone of the Shain family.  She will be missed dearly by her family, but we know she’s in a better place and she will never be forgotten and loved from the whole family.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.  Burial will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Cedar Hill Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. box 46, Bethany, MO  64424.  Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Obituary -- Arthenia Craig 1923-2022

 Arthenia Jeanell Craig passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the age of 98 years, 3 months, and 8 days while under the care of Crestview Home in Bethany, MO and Three Rivers Hospice, Cameron, MO.

Aunt Jeanell was born September 30, 1923, the fourth child born to Arthur and Mary Susan (Moore) Craig at home in Harrison County, MO. She attended school in Blythedale and graduated from Blythedale High School in 1941. She was the first to further her education at the Chillicothe Business School receiving a certificate in accounting/bookkeeping. She was employed with Dale Harvey, International Trucking, as secretary/bookkeeper/parts clerk and later when they turned the building into the Eagleville Roller Rink, she was the bookkeeper, special events planner, snack bar, and everything in between. After Dale sold the rink, they moved to Nevada, MO for farming of cattle and hogs. After the passing of Dale in 1985, Jeanell moved to Gainsville, MO to be closer to her sister, Eugenia and niece, Sue/nephew-in-law, Eldon. In 2011, Jeanell moved to Lamoni, Iowa into assisted living, then when her health began to falter, she moved to Crestview Home in Bethany, MO where she lived for the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen Craig, Beatrice Leedy and Eugenia Elmore; brother, Darryl Craig; nieces, Sue Dale, Jennifer McFarland; and nephews, Phillip Leedy, Darryl Dean Craig and Larry Leedy.

Following the service, the burial will be held in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO.

Obituary -- Youvaun Fine 1928-2022

Funeral Services for Youvaun Fine, were held Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 10 AM at Cummings Family Funeral Home. Visitation washeld 1 hour prior to services. Interment was held at Shearer Cemetery in Rural Page County, Iowa. Memorials may be directed towards Taylor County MATURA or New Nodaway County Humane Society.

Geleta Youvaun (Akers) Fine was born November 18, 1928 in Gravity, Iowa to Otto Ray Akers and Eunice (Piper) Akers. She grew up attending country schools near Gravity and attended Gravity High School. She then moved with her family to Bedford, Iowa.

Youvaun married Clifton Fred Fine on January 15, 1951 at the Methodist Parsonage in Bedford, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Janice, Janet and Danny. The couple lived on various farms south of Bedford eventually settling on their home place in 1963. Youvaun enjoyed living on the farm and all that the country had to offer. Each year she grew a huge garden and enjoyed sharing her bountiful harvest with her family, friends and neighbors. After high school, Youvaun worked at the Bedford National Bank then in later years Youvaun worked at O'Brian Brothers as a seamstress and was a cook for the Highway Café in Hopkins and the State Line Café then was a waitress at The Bus Barn restaurant in Bedford before working in the kitchen at the Bedford Care Facility.

Youvaun’s hobbies included feeding and watching wildlife on the farm, embroidery, quilting, making Christmas ornaments, helping Fred in making his apple cider and wine, makings molasses, pulling taffy, and playing cards with friends, playing games with her grandchildren and baking and tending to her daylilies garden. Youvaun was not the type to sit still. She was always looking for something to do and someone to help. Her family was her greatest love and "love" them she did.

Preceding Youvaun in death were her parents, Ray and Eunice Akers; husband, Fred Fine; daughter and son-in-law Janet and Don Wymore; along with her brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish Youvaun's memory are her children, Janice (Ed) Connett and Danny Fine; grandchildren, Shiela Lepley, Kenny Connett, Debbie (Geno) Pierson, Seth Holton; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Dacota, Brenna, Jaxson, Alec, Allison; great-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emily, Kylan and 1 more on the way plus many nephews and nieces.

May God give peace and comfort to all that knew and loved Youvaun.

Obituary -- Cody Stiens 1987-2022

Cody Lee Stiens, 34, of Maricopa, AZ, and formerly of Maryville, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his home in Maricopa.

Cody was born to Kevin J. and Lori Anne (Godsey) Stiens, on September 15, 1987, in Maryville, MO.  He attended St. Gregory’s Elementary School, then graduated in 2006, from Maryville High School.  He was active in 4-H and FFA throughout high school 

He graduated at the top of his class and from Southeast Community College, in Milford, NE, earning an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. 

He worked for Trane, Inc. for over 14 years, and had recently started his own business.  He loved computers; his dogs, Zoe and Rayne, waterskiing, snow skiing and being with his family. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Barbara Louis (Sierp) Godsey, and paternal grandfather, James Stiens. 

He is survived by his father, Kevin James (Sonja DeBord) Stiens, Maryville, MO, and his mother, Lori Anne (Steve) Sears, Queen Creek, AZ; grandparents: Gerald Godsey, Ravenwood, MO, and Della Mae (Adwell) Stiens, Maryville, MO; his siblings: Kelly James (Fallon Cordell) Stiens, and nieces, Regan and Tori, Parnell, MO, and Zachary Curtis Stiens, Chandler, AZ; step siblings: Shae Sears and Tristan Sears, Chandler, AZ, McKenzie (Scott) Pshigoda, Shattuck, OK, Stephanie (Clint) McIntyre, Maryville, MO; his step grandmother Mary Jean Sears, Chandler, AZ; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 AM, on Monday, January 24, 2022, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Maryville, MO.  The burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, also of Maryville.

The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 PM, on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. 

Memorials are suggested to the family to help establish a memorial scholarship fund in Cody’s name to deserving students.

Obituary -- Wilbur Ray 1925-2022

Wilbur Ray, age 96, of Grant City, Mo., was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly father on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, at home with his loving grandson.

Wilbur was born on March 11, 1925, at Isadora, in Worth County, Mo. to James G. and Laura Hall Ray. He spent the majority of his life living on his family farm in Grant City, Mo. with his wife of 68 years. He was baptized in his home church of Isadora Church of Christ where he was a life-long active member, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Worship Leader. Upon his wife’s death in 2013 he moved to St. Joseph, Mo. to live with his family where he began attending Central Christian Church.

Wilbur grew up with 12 brothers and sisters in a hardworking farming family in Isadora, Mo. They loved the Lord and shared the talent of music. Over the years, he sang at many weddings, funerals, revivals, and small concerts in the area. He could always be found humming a tune or singing a song.

He learned the trade of farming working alongside his brothers and dad. With only an 8th grade education, he went on to be a successful livestock and row crop farmer.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of him studying his Bible for a Sunday school lesson, climbing on his lap to listen to his stories, or him humming a hymn, or singing a song. His family is forever grateful for the Godly example he lived in word and in deed. He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being and those that spent any time with him recognized the peace and joy he had within himself because of his faith. He would use his death as an opportunity for you to examine your life and invite you to accept the Lord into your heart as your Lord and Savior.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Laura (McCord) Ray who he married on October 15, 1944, their two infant children Madonna May and Orlin Lee, his parents, 12 siblings: brothers Virgil Ray, Delbert Ray, and Jim Ray. Sisters: Madlyn Ray, Lucy Ray, Tessie Lynch, Ollie Heron, Neva Olney, Opal Glover, Betty Wiley, Helen Roach, and Alice Ridge.  

He leaves behind his son, James G. Ray and his wife Kathy (Wallace) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo.; his three grandchildren, Jeremy James Ray and his wife Rhapsody (Jett) Ray of Peyton, Co., Jamie Jo (Ray) King and her husband Shawn King of Jefferson City, Mo., and Joshua J Ray and his wife Jennifer (Moran) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo. 11 great grandchildren, Reagan Christine King, Grant Michael King, Jackson Ray King, Madison Jo King, Chloe Elizabeth Ray, John Wilbur Ray, Jessica May Ray, Sophie Elaine Ray, Mollie Evelyn Ray, Jacob Daniel Ray, Wyatt Thomas Ray, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Private funeral services will be held at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City with burial in the Grant City Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be given to the Isadora Church of Christ in lieu of flowers.

Courthouse News for January 12th, 2022

On January 1st, Ringgold County Deputies were called to a disturbance at Still Smokin BBQ at 104 W Madison St., Mount Ayr, Iowa at around 1:55 am. Tucker Darrah (21) of Redding was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior) and Public Intoxication and booked into the Ringgold County Jail to appear before a magistrate. Bond was set at $600, cash only. Vinny Fletchall (39) of Mount Ayr was arrested at the same time and location and charged with Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior), Public Intoxication, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only. Devan Jackson (23) of Grant City was arrested at the same time and location and charged with Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior), Public Intoxication, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only.

On January 4, 2022, Taylor County Deputies were called to the 500 block of West Michigan Street in Lenox for a domestic abuse investigation. Andrew Kerwin, 31 of Lenox, was taken into custody and charged with Domestic Abuse/Assault. Kerwin is being held without the ability to post bond pending his initial appearance with the Magistrate. 

On January 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2016 Mazda driven by Gerald Barousse (67) of Lafayette (LA) and a 2014 Ram 3500 with a towed unit driven by Kenneth Zaczkowski (76) of Columbus (MN) were both southbound at around 3:50 pm on I-35 two miles south of Bethany when the Mazda struck the rear of the Ram’s towed unit. Neither driver was injured. A passenger in the Barousse vehicle, Shannon Barousse (66) of Lafayette (LA) received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital.

On January 5th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Mohammed Abuoun (28) of Lee’s Summit alleging Excessive Blood Alcohol Content (Commercial Motor Vehicle), Careless & Imprudent Driving, and Driving Commercial Motor Vehicle with Willful/Wanton Disregard for Safety.

On January 5th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Bryan Wolfe (31) of Cainsville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only. Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly was found in possession of a Kayak that was reported stolen in July, and that he allegedly turned over additional stolen items located at his residence.

On January 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Heather Mitchell (37) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On January 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Matthew Felton (43) of Maryville in Nodaway County alleging DWI and Failure to Place Stopped Vehicle as Near as Right Hand Side of Highway as Possible.

On January 8th at around 3:35 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2014 Ford F250 driven by Joseph Kinnison (26) of Ridgeway was northbound on 330th Avenue and 270th Street one mile east of Mount Moriah, failed to yield the right of way, and struck a 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Cally Brandon (18) of Bolivar (MO), causing it to overturn. Brandon and a 14 year old passenger were injured and taken to Harrison County Hospital. Kinnison was not injured.

On January 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Heather Mitchell (38) of Bethany alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On January 8th, a 2011 Nissan Frontier driven by Logan Myers (19) of Joplin and a 2004 Honda Accord driven by Stephen Todd (56) of Indianola (IA) were both northbound on I-35 near the Iowa border, eight miles north of Eagleville on an icy roadway. The Patrol says the Nissan was driving too fast for conditions, spun out of control, and came to a stop on the roadway and was struck by the Honda. Myers received minor injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital. Todd was not injured. There was heavy freezing fog that evening.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Sean Bolin (54) of Vienna (SD) alleging DWI, 2 counts Assault, and Resisting Arrest. Bond was set at $50,000, cash or corporate surety.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Billy Joseph Stephenson (31) of Maryville alleging 2 counts Trespassing. Bond was set at $1,000 signature bond.

On January 9th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested William McCrea (30) of King City in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On January 10th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Michael Sprague (53) of Albany alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony), Resisting Arrest (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Attempted Tampering with Evidence. Bond was denied.

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Tyler Parkhurst (27) of Albany was southbound on Route A and 45th Street three miles south of Evona at 3 am when he traveled off the west side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was seriously injured and taken to Mosaic in Albany. Subsequently, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Parkhurst on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Sabrina Trautz (25) of Barnard in Nodaway County on charges of Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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.

Mustang Girls Post Defensive Gem to Break Skid; Saylor Brown Scores 12, Saryn Brown Boards 13

North Nodaway's girls were mired in a skid in which they lost three out of their last four, but they broke out of it by playing strong defense against King City, getting the 33-24 win. The Mustangs started off strong and then held off numerous attempts by King City to get back in the game. They got 13 boards from Saryn Brown and 8 from Jacquelyn Cline, and they held down Zoey Tunks, only allowing three points from her. Ellaina Renfro was an intimidating force in the paint, with the purple shirts passing up some driving opportunities or missing badly when they did try. And every time King City got the deficit down, North Nodaway always seemed to have an answer from one of the Brown sisters.

The difference between last Tuesday's game and their previous slump was the way they started off. Against Nodaway Valley, they dug themselves into a hole, fought back to within six by the midpoint of the third quarter, only to see the bottom drop out. Against South Holt, they fell behind by as much as 17 in the first half before fighting back to within two before running out of time. By contrast, they got off to a 9-4 start against Stewartsville/Osborn, the one win during that stretch, and a 9-2 start against King City.

North Nodaway has recently started to mix in a man to man look along with their usual zone, and for the first time all year, it worked out well. King City was not sure what they were running against, and they struggled to find good looks in the first quarter besides a driving layup by Tunks in the first quarter. North Nodaway was not exactly ripping the nets, but they got enough to pull away, with Saylor Brown hitting Lauren Herndon backdoor and hitting a reverse layup. Jacquelyn Cline, who battled foul trouble all night, picked up her second foul and Tunks cut it to two, but Saryn Brown got a free throw, cut inside and got a pass from Saylor, and Saylor Brown added two free throws off a drive to make it 9-2 after one. Kelsi Barcus played well during that stretch with Cline on the bench, collecting several boards.

King City started fighting back in the second quarter, getting a 3-pointer from Taryn Hunter to cut it to 13-8. But like they did all night, North Nodaway would get some timely buckets, with Jacquelyn Cline going backdoor and Kelsi Barcus hitting a free throw to make it 16-8 before Fulvia Cappi hit a tough pullup to cut it to 16-10.

Taryn Hunter hit a three to start the third quarter and the Wildkats fought back behind Hunter to cut it to two at 19-17 at the 3:42 mark. But once again, North Nodaway got a bucket when they needed it, with Lauren Herndon cutting inside and getting a pass from Saryn Brown to make it 21-17. The defenses took over after that, and the score was stuck there until the start of the fourth, when Saryn Brown got behind the defense and got a pass from Saylor and hit two free throws. Ellaina Renfro kicked one out to Saylor for three to make it 26-17 with 6:43 left.

But then Cline picked up her fourth foul and King City isolated Chloe Eiberger twice in the post, got a drive from Capps, and a free throw from Hunter to cut it to 26-23 again. But Cline came back and hit Saylor Brown backdoor with 4:24 left to break the run. Eiberger's free throw cut it to 28-24, but then North Nodaway went into their delay game, taking big chunks of time off the block until they got into the bonus. They played lights out defense, only giving up contested looks during the last four minutes and holding the purple shirts scoreless. Finally, they got into the bonus with 1:24 left and Saylor Brown, Jacquelyn Cline, Lauren Herndon, and Ellaina Renfro all hit free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Saylor Brown had 12 points for the Mustangs. Saryn Brown had 9, Lauren Herndon 5, Jacquelyn Cline 4, Ellaina Renfro 2, and Kelsi Barcus 1.

Saryn Brown had 13 rebounds. Jacquelyn Cline had 8, Lauren Herndon 6, Kelsi Barcus 5, Ellaina Renfro 2, and Saylor Brown 1.

Saylor and Saryn Brown each had 4 assists. Lauren Herndon and Jacquelyn Cline had 2 each, and Ellaina Renfro 1.

Saylor Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 4 tips each. Ellaina Renfro had 3, Lauren Herndon 2, and Kelsi Barcus and Saryn Brown 1.

Saryn Brown had 4 steals. Saylor Brown had 3, Lauren Herndon 2, and Angie Parker and Ellaina Renfro 1 each.

Obituary -- Jeanne Scroggs 1956-2021

Jeanne Marie Scroggs was born Jeanne Ferguson on July 23, 1956, in Newport Beach, California, and passed away on December 17, 2021 in Hopkins, Missouri. She is survived by her son, Paul Matthew Guerrero and his fiancée Diana Cartagena and their daughter Dana. She is also survived by her twin brother, Allan Ferguson, her great-aunt Sandy Garman, and her cousins Eric and Sueann Dewey-Hoffman and Ron and Becky Hoffman and their children. She was a poet and an artist, as well as a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University. She is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Ferguson, and her husband Richard Scroggs.

No words can never sum up the entirety of who Jeanne was. She was funny and defiant and brilliant. She was a mother, a wife, a poet, a dreamer, and a believer, one who suffered much and loved much.

The consolation her family holds is in her own rock-solid belief in Jesus Christ, her specifically and undeniably Catholic faith, and her special devotion to the Blessed Mother, whose guidance she felt through the darkest days of her life.

Another consolation and guiding star for her was her friendship with the Davis family of Hopkins, Missouri, especially Sue Davis, less a friend and more a soulmate. She is survived also, then, by Sue and her children: Tara, Travis, Tina, Teresa, and Tammy and all of their spouses and children, and preceded in death by Sue’s husband, Bob Davis.

Jeanne wasn’t outwardly tough, but she was a survivor of everything that life threw at her and oh, how much it threw at her. She dealt with mental illness for all of her life, a fact we are not ashamed to mention here because she was never afraid to mention it herself. She was an advocate and an example for those struggling with bipolar disorder. She often faced discrimination and gossip for her struggle, but she persevered, and had a way of winning over those who has previously shunned her through the sheer force of her personality.

A California tomboy in her youth, she found her greatest joy as a Midwestern housewife, as partner to the late Richard Scroggs of Winterset, Iowa. In Rich she found the perfect partner, whose love of this country and the God who created it led them to drive across America in search of adventure. Now they are once again together, with all of heaven to explore.

Late in life, she found romance again, with Tony Lombardo, of Santee, California, in whose company she found permission to be fully herself, to love and be loved.

No one can ever replace such a unique individual, and no one ever will. We, her family and friends, are honored to have known her and will love her always.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 15 at 10 am at St Gregory's Catholic Church, 333 S. Davis Street in Maryville.

Arrangements Price Funeral Home

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Grant Cameron Sets School Record with 13 Steals as Tiger Boys Win

Grant Cameron set a school record for Worth County with 13 steals Friday and the Tigers got back on the winning track with a 49-24 win over North Harrison. The previous record was Todd Harding, who had 11 steals in a game.

North Harrison came into the game shorthanded after they imploded in the last quarter and a half and lost 51-37 to King City after it had been close all the way up to that point. Half their team was gone for Friday (illness), and they played a makeshift lineup of Brandon Hamilton, Nick Babinski, Matthew Heintz, Cooper Cracraft, and Jerry Gilpatrick. They decided to do the exact opposite of their normal game plan of pushing it up the floor; they took the ball out top, ran the four corners offense, and stalled the ball, hoping to open up driving and passing lanes for Brandon Hamilton. 

But Worth County was able to counter by pressuring the ball hard, denying the ball one pass away, and stealing the ball at will. The effort was there for the green shirts, but Grant Cameron was all over the floor on defense for the Tigers, and the rest of the team followed his lead. The turnover battle told the tale; the Tigers only surrendered the ball 9 times, while forcing 35 Shamrock turnovers.

The points were hard to come by at first, but the Tigers started slowly and steadily pulling away throughout the first quarter. Tyler New scored off a Grant Cameron steal; then, Aydan Gladstone aired one out to Grant for a fast break after a rare Shamrock shot. North Harrison stalled for the next two minutes, but then Gladstone got a steal and made it 6-0 with 4:15 left. Gladstone got untracked from the left wing for three, added a drive, and Levi Cassavaugh scored a 3-pointer to make it 14-0 after one.

North Harrison finally found some open lanes to start the second quarter, and Brandon Hamilton got them on the board as they cut it to 17-4 with 5:13 left. But the rest of the quarter was all Tigers. First, Tyler New scored off a drive. Then, Gladstone and New got steals and finished, the latter after a Gladstone tip. Gladstone then had the highlight of the night when he got a steal, flipped up a prayer than went in, and converted the bonus free throw after a foul. Grant Cameron then got a steal and fed Gladstone to cap the run and put Worth County up 28-4. Hamilton finally scored from inside for the Shamrocks, but Aydan Gladstone’s putback at the buzzer put Worth County up 30-6 at the half.

Jerry Gilpatrick sparked the Shamrocks to start the second half when he grabbed an offensive board and drew a shooting foul. He made one and missed the second, but Nick Babinski got the putback to make it 30-9. Grant Cameron got loose twice in transition and got passes from Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone. The teams traded blows for the news few minutes before Gladstone knocked down two free throws after a drive, Jackson Runde got untracked with a putback, and Tyler New hit a 3-pointer after a Runde kickout to put Worth County up 44-17 after three. Jackson Smith hit a baseline shot and Jackson Runde hit a three to make it 49-17 and give Worth County their biggest lead of the game before they began subbing freely. But Brandon Hamilton scored five in the fourth as the Shamrocks fought hard to the end.

For Worth County, Aydan Gladstone had 18. Grant Cameron and Tyler New had 9 each. Jackson Smith and Jackson Runde had 5 each, and Levi Cassavaugh had 3.

Aydan Gladstone had 4 boards. Jackson Runde, Jackson Smith, Tyler New, Levi Cassavaugh, and Brent Harris all had 2, while Grant Cameron, Jace Cousatte, and Karson Briner had 1 each.

Tyler New had 5 assists. Jackson Runde had 4, Grant Cameron 3, and Aydan Gladstone and Jace Cousatte had 1 each.

Jackson Runde had 11 tips. Grant Cameron had 7, Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone 4 each, Jackson Smith 3, and John Galanakis and Levi Cassavaugh had 1 each.

Grant Cameron had 13 steals. Aydan Gladstone had 5, Jackson Smith and Tyler New had 4, Jackson Runde 3, Levi Cassavaugh 2, and John Galanakis, Brent Harris, and Andrew Howard 1.

For North Harrison, Brandon Hamilton had 13. Jerry Gilpatrick had 3, and Nick Babinski, Matthew Heintz, Cooper Cracraft, and Evan Schreiber had 2 each.

Brandon Hamilton had 8 boards. Nick Babinski, Evan Schreiber, and Cooper Cracraft all had 4, Jerry Gilpatrick 3, and Matthew Heintz and Karsyn Ury 1.

Nick Babinski had 4 assists. Brandon Hamilton, Cooper Cracraft, and Jerry Gilpatrick had 1.

Nick Babinski and Evan Schreiber had 2 tips. Cooper Cracraft, Matthew Heintz, and Jerry Gilpatrick had 1.

Evan Schreiber had 2 steals. Cooper Cracraft and Brandon Hamilton had 1.