Obituary -- Gene Trullinger 1942-2022

Paul Eugene Trullinger, who would be known as Gene, was born in Silverton, Oregon on September 16, 1942, to Paul and Darlene (Scott) Trullinger. Gene, and his parents, lived in a brooder house which was converted into a small home, on the property of his uncle, John and Ruth Trullinger, in Molalia, Oregon. He was welcomed by his cousin, Ardith Trullinger, who was a special person in Gene's life, and considered him as her "baby brother”.

Gene later moved to Waterson, Iowa, to live with grandparents, Minnie and Jack Scott, while his father Paul, served in the U.S. Army. Eventually Gene and his mother would accompany Paul to various Army bases. He was in Ortonville, MN with his parents on D Day and was happy knowing they would soon be returning home to Ringgold County.

In the next few years, Gene welcomed siblings Roger, Gwen, Quita and Kent. As a child, Gene enjoyed 4- H activities and showing livestock. He attended school in Benton, Redding, Delphos, Allendale, MO and Mount Ayr. Gene obtained his GED and took classes at DMACC, where he was on the Honor Roll. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963. Prior to leaving for the Navy, he asked his best friend, Allan Jared, to check in on his siblings during his absence. While enlisted in the Navy, he was a Sea Bee Welder, stationed in San Diego. Later he was stationed in Bermuda, Cuba, and Scotland. He spoke about digging fox holes in Cuba preparing for Bay Of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis. He never missed an opportunity to have fun along the way, enjoying boxing and meeting others in different countries. While on leave, he would work on various construction jobs, including building runways at the Des Moines Airport.

In 1965, Gene married and started a family with Bobbi West and daughter Jamie. Later, Gene and Bobbi then welcomed Jon, Jackie, and Jodi. Tingley was their home until moving to rural Kent and eventually moving back to Tingley. Gene operated a sawmill, did welding, and operated a fur buying business. He would sell hides to Japan and Canada, working with Belt Fur in Missouri. Gene hired Mike Avitt and Tony Butler during this time and continued their friendship to this day. Gene also enjoyed his draft horses and Coon hunting dogs. He would enter competition and bring home many trophies.

Gene would eventually move to Union Star, Missouri with his childhood friend Glee (Bear) Tony and worked in St. Joseph as a welder; worked for the State Highway Dept and in the Missouri Prison system teaching guys how to weld. He has recently been working for a friend, JR, taking care of the championship dogs and enjoying going to shows and competitions around the country. He had become an active member of the Baptist Church at Union Star and helped with pizza parties for the football players.  Gene said his greatest accomplishment in life was his kids because they are ambitious and hard working.

Gene led a fulfilled, active life, filled with many unique stories and adventures. On 2/22/22, at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, he passed away peacefully. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Pearl and Irving Trullinger, grandparents Minnie and Jack Scott; parents Paul and Darlene Trullinger; and brother Roger Trullinger.

Gene is survived by his children Jamie (Keith) Miller, Jon (Tracey) Trullinger, Jackie (Keith) Werner and Jodi Trullinger; siblings Gwen Trullinger, Quita (Ron) Bethards, Kent (Debbie) Trullinger; many nieces, nephews and grandkids.

Memorials are to Ringgold Post #172, American Legion in Mount Ayr and Middle Fork Cemetery. 

Jackson Runde Scores 28 as Tigers Breeze Past Platte Valley

Worth County’s boys dug themselves into a 7-0 hole against Platte Valley but all of a sudden realized they were the better team and completely outplayed them the rest of the way, getting a 61-40 win in the district semifinals at Mound City. 

Alex Mattson threatened to take over the game in the early going for Platte Valley, scoring the first seven points and getting to the rim at will. But then Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer to break the spell. Wyatt Miller cut inside to make it 9-3, but then Worth County began to take over as Aydan Gladstone scored off a drive, Jackson Runde jumped a pass, Aydan Gladstone hit a 3-pointer, and then scored off a drive to put the Tigers in front 12-9. Mattson’s drive tied it at 13, but Jackson Smith hit Tyler New for a drive to put the Tigers in front 15-13 after one.

The lead changed hands a couple of times before Jackson Smith got on the board and Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer to put the Tigers in front 23-19. But Alex Mattson continued to have the hot hand for Platte Valley, scoring the last seven points for them to bring his team to within 28-26.

The difference between the first half and the second was the play of Levi Cassavaugh on Alex Mattson. After getting 18 points in the first half, Mattson only got two in the second. The Tiger lead stayed between 2 and 5 for much of the third quarter, but then Worth County started getting to the rim at will as Aydan Gladstone scored on two drives and Jackson Runde one as the Tigers gained some separation at 41-33. Memphis Bliley’s triple cut it to 41-36, but Jackson Runde answered with two triples and Jackson Smith’s putback at the buzzer put the Tigers up 49-36 after three.

Platte Valley skipper Tim Jermain pulled out all the stops, trying to work the refs for calls, breaking out his trademark run and jump press, and having his players throw up quick threes and crash the offensive boards. But after Matt Jermain’s drive to start the fourth quarter, Platte Valley was scoreless until late in the game, when the game was decided and the second and third stringers were on the floor.

Meanwhile, Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer and Jackson Smith got a backdoor layup and three point play to make it 55-38. Platte Valley tried to foul early and get the ball back, but after Tyler New made six straight free throws, Platte Valley did something rare – they threw in the towel with three minutes yet to play and the Tigers up 61-38.

Jackson Runde had 28 points for the Tigers. Aydan Gladstone had 14, Tyler New 10, and Jackson Smith 9.

Tyler New had 1 block.

Jackson Runde had 9 boards. Levi Cassavaugh had 6, Aydan Gladstone 5, Jackson Smith, Tyler New, and Grant Cameron 2, and Brent Harris, Tanner Ridge, and Kolton Smith each had 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 9 assists. Tyler New had 6, Jackson Smith 2, and Jackson Runde 1.

Jackson Smith and Aydan Gladstone had 3 tips each. Levi Cassavaugh and Jackson Runde had 2 each, and Tyler New and Grant Cameron 1 each.

Jackson Runde had 5 steals. Jackson Smith had 4, Aydan Gladstone 3, and Levi Cassavaugh 1.

Last Second Loss Ends Mustangs Season

North Nodaway and South Holt laid it all on the line Wednesday night in the district semifinal, but North Nodaway came up one point short at 39-38 when the dust had settled. It was the last game of Saylor Brown’s career; she had 16 points, 13 boards, and 6 assists in the loss. 

In the first meeting between the two teams, North Nodaway had dug themselves into a 13 point hole and couldn’t make it all the way back. This time, they dug themselves into an 11-4 hole. The focus of the game was to try to stop Rayleigh Guyer and Chloee Prussman; however, Zoey Prussman and Abby Sipes shot them out of it. North Nodaway switched to a man to man and fought back as Saylor Brown hit a 3-pointer and Saryn Brown twice got behind the press as the Mustangs fought back to tie.

South Holt threatened to take control again as Riley Schroder hit a guarded shot from the right baseline and the Knights, who live and die by the press, got a steal and two free throws from Zoey Prussman and a putback from Chloee Prussman to make it 17-11. Saylor Brown hit a free throw, but South Holt countered with a lob to Chloee Prussman to make it 19-12.

But then Saryn Brown got loose in transition and hit a 3-pointer and Saylor hit a guarded three to get the Mustangs right back in the game. Jacquelyn Cline got on the board, taking on three defenders, getting on the line, and hitting two free throws and she added a drive to put North Nodaway up 22-19 before Guyer hit a free throw to cut it to 22-20 at the break.

North Nodaway looked to take control at the start of the third as Saylor Brown scored off a drive to start. Abby Sipes knocked one down from the high post, but Saylor Brown hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to make it 27-22.

The Mustangs got a stop and the ball back, but just as it looked like they were about to take control, Jacquelyn Cline got a questionable travel call and the Knights started to come back. Olivia Prussman hit two free throws, Rayleigh Guyer scored off a drive, and Riley Schroder hit a 3-pointer and the Knights were back on top 29-27 at the end of three.

Saylor Brown knotted it up at 29. Chloee Prussman hit a free throw, only for Jacquelyn Cline to hit a 3-pointer to put North Nodaway in front 32-20. But then the momentum shifted again as Abby Sipes hit a guarded shot from the right wing and drew a foul, hitting the free throw. She got loose again and South Holt was up 35-32 with 5:05 left.

The score was stuck there for nearly three minutes as neither team could solve the other’s defense. But then Saryn Brown hit from the left side with 2:29 left to make it 35-34 with 2:29 left. Both sides got stops and then Guyer missed a runner. Ellaina Renfro drew the foul battling with Guyer over the board and hit both free throws to put North Nodaway back in front 36-35 with 1:23 left.

But Zoey Prussman put the Knights right back in front 37-36 after getting a drive and drawing a foul with 1:10 left. South Holt got the ball back, but Saryn Brown blocked Guyer’s runner with 38 seconds and Saylor Brown got the board. But she missed a 1-1, and South Holt took their final timeout with 30 seconds left. 

A questionable intentional foul put Guyer on the line; the North Nodaway player barely put her hands on her while they were jockeying for position during the inbounds play. Guyer missed both free throws and South Holt got the ball back. This time, North Nodaway fouled Guyer with 28 seconds left and she made one of two to make it 38-36. 

Jacquelyn Cline hit Lauren Herndon on a perfect backdoor look with 13 seconds left to tie it at 38, but South Holt, even without a timeout, knew exactly what to do with it as they got it to Guyer. She penetrated the lane, drew a foul with 9 seconds left, and hit one of two to make it 39-38.

North Nodaway tried to push the ball ahead to Saryn Brown, but Abby Sipes stole the ball and was able to dribble out the clock.

Saylor Brown had 16 points for North Nodaway. Saryn Brown had 11, Jacquelyn Cline 7, and Ellaina Renfro and Lauren Herndon 2 each.

Ellaina Renfro and Lauren Herndon had 2 blocks each. Saylor and Saryn Brown each had 1.

Saylor Brown had 13 boards. Jacquelyn Cline had 11, Ellaina Renfro 9, Lauren Herndon 6, Saryn Brown 3, and Kelsi Barcus 1.

Saylor Brown had 6 assists. Jacquelyn Cline had 5, Lauren Herndon 3, and Saryn Brown and Ellaina Renfro 1.

Saryn Brown had 6 tips. Lauren Herndon had 5 and Ellaina Renfro 1.

Saylor Brown, Saryn Brown, and Ellaina Renfro had 3 steals each. Lauren Herndon had 1.

Tony Osborn Hangs 62 on Tigers; Season Ends in District Finals

Worth County did all they could to keep their winning streak and season alive, and it took 62 points from Tony Osborn for Mound City to put away the Tigers and end their season. It started in the early going when Osborn started making NBA 3-pointers despite the best efforts of Levi Cassavaugh, who was draped all over him, in the first quarter. He scored 21 points in the first 4½ minutes of the game and Wil Young added a 3-pointer as the Panthers were ahead of the Tigers 24-10 at the 3:03 mark.

All of a sudden, like the Platte Valley game, Worth County realized they could play basketball with them and started coming back. Jackson Runde got a three point play after going coast to coast to cut it to 24-13, and Grant Cameron took on Osborn and scored to make it 24-15. Osborn scored from inside, but Tyler New scored four straight and cut it to 26-19 by the end of the first.

Aydan Gladstone scored off a drive to make it 26-21 to start the second, and triples from Gladstone and Cameron cut it to 30-27 with 5:39 left in the second. But just like that, Tony Osborn found his second wind, hitting a 3-pointer to break the run. Gavin Summers got loose in transition and dunked, and Osborn got a three point play off a steal to push Mound City’s advantage to 38-27 at the 4:52 mark. 

Gladstone brought the Tigers back again with a drive to cut it to 38-29. Osborn hit yet another three from the volleyball line with a hand in his face, but Gladstone stole the ball back after a Mound City steal and scored, then Runde got a tip, Aydan Gladstone a steal, and Runde the finish to make it 41-33.

But just like that, Trevor Tubbs got all alone behind the Tiger defense and Osborn added a steal to restore order for the Panthers and make it 45-33. Worth County chipped away and got it down to ten behind the scoring of Aydan Gladstone and Tyler New, but Tony Osborn threw a bullet pass to Tubbs at the buzzer to make it 52-40 at the break.

It looked like Mound City would finally take control as they came roaring out of the rate and racing out to a 64-43 lead to start the third quarter. But Gladstone started driving to the basket at will, and Osborn finally cooled off as the Tigers came storming back. Tyler New added a three point play and Jackson Runde added a steal as the Tigers got the deficit down to 66-56 at the 23 second mark before Osborn drove down the right side to make it 68-56 after three.

Brendan Tubbs got a steal and Tony Osborn hit two free throws to push Mound City’s lead to 72-58, but Aydan Gladstone hit a free throw and Jackson Runde an NBA three pointer to cut it to 72-62 again. Osborn scored off a drive, but Gladstone slashed to the rim, took a charge on Osborn, and scored again off a drive to make it 74-66. Consecutive steals by Mound City put them back up 12 at 78-66, but Jackson Runde then got the hot hand, scoring off a couple of drives to make it 78-70 with 2:30 left. Osborn scored off a drive, but Runde got a three point play, Osborn made a rare miscue by throwing the ball away, and Jackson Smith got on the board to cut it to 80-75, still plenty of time left.

But Osborn got to the rim again and scored, Gladstone missed a one and one, and Worth County had to start fouling as Gavin Summers hit two free throws. Wil Young got loose in transition and Osborn got a steal and a dunk at the end.

Aydan Gladstone had 28 points for the Tigers. Jackson Runde had 22, Tyler New 15, Grant Cameron 8, and Jackson Smith 2.

Aydan Gladstone had 3 blocks.

Aydan Gladstone had 6 boards. Jackson Runde and Jackson Smith had 4, Tyler New 3, and Grant Cameron 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 7 assists. Tyler New had 5, Jackson Smith 4, Jackson Runde and Grant Cameron 3 each, and Levi Cassavaugh 1.

Jackson Runde and Jackson Smith had 1 tip each.

Aydan Gladstone had 7 steals. Tyler New had 3, Jackson Runde 2, and Grant Cameron 1.

Jasper Logan Files for 1st District Representative

Burlington Junction Businessman Jasper Logan, a Republican, filed to run for State Representative on Tuesday at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center in Jefferson City.

Logan, who announced his candidacy last June, is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination to represent State House District 1 in the General Assembly. As a result of redistricting changes completed in January, House District 1 includes the entirety of Atchison, Gentry, Holt and Nodaway counties in Northwest Missouri. Worth and Harrison counties will be in District 2.

“I’m excited to meet more voters across all four counties in the coming months, and get to know what matters to you,” Logan said. “Many of the folks I’ve met across Northwest Missouri share my Conservative values. We’re ready to end the mandates for good and get back to normal. We want a Representative who will fix our education system and get rid of the Critical Race Theory indoctrination in the classroom, we want secure elections, and we need someone who will stand up for the Second Amendment and the lives of the unborn. That’s me. I’m ready to get to work and Keep Missouri Great.”

Logan owns and operates two e-commerce businesses and has been involved in Republican Party politics for several years. In addition to serving as President of the College Republicans chapter at Northwest Missouri State University, Logan worked for several campaigns and previously served as Director of Northwest Missouri Conservatives, which successfully campaigned to pass Constitutional Amendment 3 in 2020. 

Amendment 3, which is now in the Missouri Constitution, requires that existing communities be kept together whenever possible in redistricting, and creates a bipartisan commission of ten Republicans and ten Democrats to draw the new state legislative maps, rather than a single person appointed by the Democratic State Auditor. 

Logan says that if Amendment 3 had not passed, rural communities may have been split up and stretched into districts with Democratic-leaning urban areas. 

“In 2020, I led the fight to protect our rural representation from out-of-state liberal interest groups,” Logan said. “As your State Representative, you can count on me to continue standing up for our Northwest Missouri communities every day.”

The primary election will take place on August 2nd. Incumbent Rep. Allen Andrews (R - Grant City) is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits. As the result of a random drawing, Logan’s name will appear first on the ballot. More information about Jasper Logan can be found at his website, www.jasper.gop.

North Nodaway Bond Issue Would Expand Elementary

A $2.65 million bond issue on the April ballot for the North Nodaway School District would expand the elementary school in Pickering and make other improvements to the school without increasing taxes. The current debt service levy is 59 cents per $100 assessed valuation, dedicated to the repayment of bonds. The current level is adequate to repay the existing bonds plus the proposed issue by extending the levy 18 years or less.

Projects are listen in order of priority and will be completed based on availability of funds:

–New addition to elementary school. A new addition would be built on the west end of the current school, which would create a new preschool classroom, a new safety entrance with office spaces, and a new library/multipurpose space. 

Currently, the preschool classroom uses a trailer. The existing library would be converted into a lunch room, freeing up space for more classes, activities, and recess. The kitchen would be expanded so that more meals can be prepared in Pickering and not transported. Existing office spaces would be utilized for Title reading services and the administration. Buildings would be connected, and there would be one secure entrance.

–New bus barn at Hopkins. A bus barn would be built north of the high school in the lot that the school has upgraded. It would keep buses, students, and staff from the elements and allow for more general maintenance and cleaning.

–Security entrance at high school. A new addition would be built on the south side where the current entrance is located. There would be a new safety entrance for visitors and it would free up office space for the principal, secretaries, counselor, and superintendent. More classroom spaces or storage areas would be opened up. The school would look into installation of an elevator for students, patrons with disabilities, and for cleaning staff use.

The current tax levy is $4.6505 per $100 assessed valuation. Approval would not raise taxes. The levy was higher between 2003 and 2017. North Nodaway is 10th out of 17 when it comes to area schools’ levy rates.

Courthouse News for February 23rd, 2022

On February 13th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Skylar Rufenacht (36) of Creston and Samantha Meek (34) of Grant City on charges of Violation of a Protection Order. They were being held on no bond until seen by a magistrate.

On February 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jeffrey Gordon (30) of Runnells (IA) in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Speeding (26+ mph over).

On February 15th, Special Prosecutor Myra Stout filed charges against Eric Harris (44) of Bethany in Harrison County alleging Non-Support (Felony).

On February 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Lane Reidlinger (25) of Clyde (MO) in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and No Plates.

On February 16th, the City of Grant City reported on its Facebook page that a large black and white dog with a collar was running loose near High Street.

On February 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Oscar Meza (40) of Des Moines alleging DWI, Speeding, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and Following Too Closely.

On February 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Mark Bottcher (42) of Cainsville alleging 10 counts Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On February 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against John Fraley (42) of Lenox alleging DWI, Speeding, and No Seat Belt.

On February 17th, authorities closed I-35 south of Cameron near the Lathrop exit due to several accidents on the snow covered roadway.

On February 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips announced that he would not seek election as Nodaway County Prosecutor. He was appointed by Governor Mike Parson to fill the unexpired term of Robert Rice, who was appointed Nodaway County Associate Circuit Judge. Phillips’ term expires January 1st, 2023. 

On February 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Albert McAfee (68) of Gilman City in Harrison County on charges of Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway and DWI (Felony). 

On February 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kenneth Weaver (45) of Salida (CO) in Nodaway County on charges of Driving While Suspended, Driving on Wrong Half of Roadway, and a City of Maryville Warrant.

On February 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Eric Freeman (33) of Kansas City alleging Domestic Assault (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was denied.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Dylan Begemann (19) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On February 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Matthew Riddle (31) of Clarinda alleging DWI and Driving While Revoked.

On February 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Lexi Linton (22) of Maryville in Nodaway County on a charge of Speeding and on Andrew and Nodaway County Warrants for Failure to Appear.

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.

Shamrock 5th and 6th Graders Show Promise for Future

North Harrison’s fifth and sixth grade boys and girls basketball teams showed promise for the future as they both swept Gilman City Friday; they have won most of their games this year.

In the girls game, the Shamrocks fell behind 4-2, but then Ava Rinehart started stealing the ball at will to push her team to an 8-5 lead, and Hali Smith followed with a drive to make it 10-5. Gilman City cut it to 10-7, but with Hali Smith blocking a good percentage of everything thrown up and Ava Rinehart stealing the ball, and Gracie Young and Raegan Hogan chipping in, the Shamrocks extended their lead to 20-7 at the half and as much as 30-7 before winning 32-19. Hali Smith had 14, Ava Rinehart 10, Gracie Young 6, and Raegan Hogan 2.

The boys started off the same way; they trailed early against Gilman before catching fire. They led 19-5 at the half before leading by as much as 27-5 before winning 27-16. Gage Fortner had 10, Jensen Davis 8, Ryker Fortner 6, and Colson Hartschen 3.

Shamrocks Rise from the Dead Against Bobcats

Camden Castleberry had a big third quarter Wednesday night, Jayliegh Robins had a double double, and North Harrison rose from the dead against East Harrison and won 46-37.

The Shamrocks had nothing to live for in the first quarter. Nothing was going in, and the orange shirts were rebounding at will, pushing out to a 10-1 lead after one. The only tally was Jayliegh Robins’ free throw. 

North Harrison finally righted the ship in the second quarter as Erin Virtue hit Jayliegh Robins in transition and she hit two free throws. Trendi Johnson scored the Shamrocks’ first points from the field, a 3-pointer, and then Jayliegh Robins and Camden Castleberry followed from downtown to put North Harrison up 12-10 at the 1:38 mark of the second.

Bree Vaughn hit a midrange jumper and Chloe Billups scored from inside to put East Harrison back in front. Jaci Davis hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key off a pass from Camden Castleberry to put North Harrison up 15-14 with 10 seconds left, but it turned out they pulled the trigger too soon, as Karlee Crouse countered with a 3-pointer to put East Harrison back up 17-15 at the break.

Crouse started the third quarter with a three point play, but from there, it was a totally different North Harrison team that took the floor. In the first half, they gave up 14 offensive boards. However, in the second, they only gave up three as they climbed back into contention. Virtue got a putback and then Jaci Davis kept a transition play alive with an offensive board and found Camden Castleberry to cut the Shamrock deficit to 20-19. Jayliegh Robins knocked one down from the high post to make it 21-20.

Kaitlyn Roberts’ guarded baseline shot put East Harrison back in front, but Camden Castleberry had the hot hand for the rest of the quarter, hitting a 3-pointer and adding a traditional three point play to make it 27-22. The teams traded buckets until early in the fourth quarter, when Jayliegh Robins got loose in transition and Trendi Johnson hit a 3-pointer to make it 37-28 with 6:09 left.

Crouse hit a 3-pointer and Kennison Roberts got a steal to cut it to 37-33, but then Camden Castleberry cut inside with 3:25 left and got a pass from Jayliegh Robins and added two free throws and North Harrison was never ahead by less than six the rest of the way.

Camden Castleberry had 18 for the Shamrocks. Jayliegh Robins had 11 points and 12 boards, Jaci Davis had 8, Trendi Johnson 6, and Erin Virtue 3.

The Shamrocks lost 45-43 Saturday to Gilman City in the first round of districts.

Mustang Girls Rally on Senior Night, Clinch Winning Season

North Nodaway’s girls rallied to clinch a winning season Tuesday, February 15th after falling behind by as much as 11 in the second half as they overcame foul trouble and a tough King City squad to win 48-39. North Nodaway had beaten King City in the Stanberry Tournament, but their coach, Ryan Anderson, had coached the North Nodaway boys and he was bound and determined to beat his old school.

The trouble started at the 3:59 mark of the first quarter when Saryn Brown picked up her second foul. In her absence, King City took full advantage as Zoey Tunks hit two free throws, Paisley Catlett got a steal, Tacee Catlett hit two free throws, and Taryn Hunter got loose in transition as King City took an 11-3 lead late in the first quarter before Jacquelyn Cline hit two free throws to cut it to six after one. King City, which had been tentative in going to the rim in the first meeting between the two teams, was doing much better at attacking the rim this time.

The second quarter started off better as Saryn Brown hit two free throws to cut it to 15-10. But then she picked up her third and King City rode the hot hand of Paisley Catlett, who had not scored much in the first meeting between the teams, to a 21-11 lead.

But late in the first half, North Nodaway finally found some life as Saylor Brown hit two free throws after a steal and then added another one, and then Lauren Herndon found the range from downtown in transition to cut it to 21-17 before Kaylee Roberts’ free throw put King City up 22-17.

Zoey Tunks hit a guarded three to start the scoring for King City, but Saylor Brown got a putback and Jacquelyn Cline hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 25-22. But then things threatened to go from bad to worse when Taryn Hunter got loose in transition, Chloe Eiberger scored from inside, Saryn Brown picked up her fourth foul, Hunter knocked one down from the right side, and Eiberger got a putback to give King City its largest lead at 33-22. But then Jacquelyn Cline hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 33-25.

Saryn Brown came back to start the fourth quarter, and this time, she was able to stay on the floor. That and the fact that North Nodaway only turned the ball over two times in the second half after turning it over 10 times in the first half helped propel the Mustangs over the top.

Nothing seemed to work at first as the Mustangs still trailed 37-31 at the 5:14 mark of the fourth. But then, they started getting to the line at will, scoring the next nine points, seven of them from the line, to finally get the lead at 40-37 at the 3:26 mark of the game.

Kaylee Roberts countered to make it 40-39 with 2:30 left, but then Saylor Brown hit two free throws and King City missed two shots before Saryn Brown was able to secure the defensive board with 1:04 left. 

North Nodaway ran it down to 38 seconds before King City fouled Saryn Brown, who hit both free throws to make it 44-39. Jacquelyn Cline then got a steal and frustration set in as one of the King City players tackled her and got an intentional foul. Cline hit one of two with 28 seconds left and North Nodaway had an extra possession. Lauren Herndon missed two free throws, but Saryn Brown chased down the offensive rebound and hit two more free throws with 23 seconds left to make it 47-39. Lauren Herndon added a free throw at the end.

Jacquelyn Cline had 15 points for the Mustangs. Saylor Brown had 14, Saryn Brown 12, and Lauren Herndon 7.

Ellaina Renfro and Saylor Brown had 1 block each.

Lauren Herndon had 7 boards. Saryn Brown had 6, Saylor Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 3 each, and Ellaina Renfro and Angie Parker 1 each.

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

Kelsi Barcus, Jacquelyn Cline, and Lauren Herndon had 2 tips. Saylor Brown had 1.

Saryn Brown had 4 steals. Saylor Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 3, Lauren Herndon and Ellaina Renfro 2, and Hayleigh Vinzant 1.

The game clinched the sixth straight winning season for the Mustang girls.

North Nodaway seniors were honored that night. Honored from the girls basketball team were Saylor Brown and Hayleigh Vinzant. Honored from the boys basketball team were Dakota Dilley and Matthew Bird. Basketball manager Justice Atkison was honored. Honored from the cheer squad were Alyssabeth Roderick, Victoria Frueh, Kirsten Bull, Lexi Harger, and Brycelynn Wray. Wray and Frueh were also members of the dance squad.

King City 74, North Nodaway 50

The boys lost 74-50 to King City. They dug themselves into a 15-2 hole against the Wildkats before realizing they could play ball with them. They fought back, getting it down to within 32-27 in the second quarter. But King City rode the hot hand of Parker Muff to pull away and get the win. North Nodaway also lost 50-17 to Platte Valley in districts after getting its only win of the year over Union Star. But one of the seniors, Dakota Dilley, listed one of his favorite basketball memories as seeking the growth of the team, which struggled to score 20 at the beginning of the year.

Aydan Blackford had 14, Jeremiah Dobbins and Ethan Fry 9, Mason Richardson 7, Owen Martin 6, and Brice Trimble 5.

Saylor Brown Scores 15, Swipes 11 in Mustang Win Over Tigers

North Nodaway’s swarming defense, led by Saylor Brown, hounded Worth County all night as the Mustangs came away with a 44-9 win in the first round of districts Monday night. Just a few nights after giving up 66 points against Union Star, one of the highest point outputs during the Sami Jackson era, they held Worth County to 9 points, one of their best defensive showings.

The game bore little resemblance to the 49-34 Mustang win earlier this year, in which Worth County led in the third quarter at one point. Not having Kynah Steele made a big difference for the Tigers; they turned the ball over a lot more. In their first meeting with the Mustangs, they turned it over 22 times, one of their lowest numbers of the season. But in Monday’s game, they surrendered the ball 34 times, which has been more typical in their long season.

The game was close in the first quarter as North Nodaway came out ice cold and didn’t score for the first 4:18 of the game. Worth County came out in a triangle and two, faceguarding Jacquelyn Cline and Saryn Brown, who scored 24 and 22 against Union Star. But it was Saylor Brown who decided that no way was she going to let her squad lose to Worth County her senior year, and she continued her bezerk form that she had shown against the Tigers in the third quarter of the first game. She pressured the ball all over the floor, pressuring and stealing the ball, and getting 9 tips as well. Lauren Herndon, after a slow start, had a big second quarter. 

The Mustangs trailed 2-0 after Liz Brown’s drive after the opening tip, which stood up until the 3:42 mark of the first, when Saylor Brown finally found the range from three. Jacquelyn Cline cut through two screens and finally got open for a 3-pointer. Saryn Brown got a steal and then two more off a Cline steal to make it 10-2. Lauren Herndon hit Saylor Brown in transition for two free throws and Cline was fouled attacking the rim with 0.8 seconds left and hit one of two to make it 13-2 after one.

Saylor Brown got on the line four times to start the second and put North Nodaway up 17-2. Hailey Adwell hit a free throw and Abbi Brown got a putback to give the Tigers a glimmer of hope and cut their deficit to 17-5. But then Lauren Herndon got the hot hand, hitting back to back jacks to spark the Mustangs to a 29-7 lead at the half. By the half, Saylor Brown had gotten 10 steals. 

In the second half, it was Jacquelyn Cline who was stealing the ball, getting 5 in the second half as the Mustangs continued to pull away in the third quarter.

For North Nodaway, Saylor Brown had 15, Lauren Herndon 11, Jacquelyn Cline 10, and Saryn Brown 8.

Lauren Herndon and Angie Parker had 1 block each.

Jacquelyn Cline and Lauren Herndon had 5 boards each. Saryn Brown had 4, Ellaina Renfro, Saylor Brown, and Angie Parker had 3 each, Kelsi Barcus 2, and Hayleigh Vinzant and Lia Hendricks 1 each.

Lauren Herndon had 5 assists. Saylor Brown, Jacquelyn Cline, and Saryn Brown had 3 each, and Ellaina Renfro and Kelsi Barcus had 1 each.

Lauren Herndon had 10 tips. Saylor Brown had 9, Saryn Brown 6, Ellaina Renfro and Jacquelyn Cline 3 each, and Angie Parker and Hayleigh Vinzant 2 each.

Saylor Brown had 11 steals. Lauren Herndon had 8, Jacquelyn Cline 6, Saryn Brown 3, and Kelsi Barcus, Ellaina Renfro, Angie Parker, and Alanis Wray 1 each.

For Worth County, Ali Brown, Abbi Brown, Liz Brown, and Lanie Cousatte had 2 each. Hailey Adwell had 1.

Liz Brown had 6 boards. Abbi Brown and Ali Brown had 5 each, Taylor Sanders 3, Hailey Adwell, Justina Wimer, and Brylee Rush 2 each, and Lanie Cousatte 1.

Ali Brown and Taylor Sanders had 1 assist each. Brylee Rush, Taylor Sanders, and Bridgette Hightshoe had 1 tip each.

Ali Brown had 3 steals. Abbi Brown had 2, and Kara Staton, Liz Brown, Lanie Cousatte, and Bridgette Hightshoe had 1 each.

Worth County R-III Audit Report Released

The Worth County Audit Report has been released for the 2020-2021 school year. The audit by Westbrook & Co. found that the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances of the school funds. Accounting is done on the modified cash receipts and disbursements basis.

School revenues were $1,592,474 from local sources, $270,775 for county sources, $1,523,484 from state sources, $750,603 from federal sources, and $12,121 from other sources. Total revenues were $4,149,457.

Expenditures were $1,685,993 for instruction, $206,147 for student activities, $132,369 for student services, $81,038 for instructional staff support, $302,393 for general administration and central services, $233,300 for building administration, $331,518 for operation of plant, $245,094 for pupil transportation, $219,625 for food service, $12,251 for facility acquisition and construction, $530,000 in debt service principal retirement, and $48,898 in interest and fees on the debt service retirement. Total expenditures were $4,335,550. Proceeds from the sale of bonds were $450,000, leaving the school with an ending fund balance of $2,417,841, which includes all of the fund balances.

The school had an ending fund balance of $1,628,921 in the general fund, $95,696 in the debt service fund, and $693,224 in the capital projects fund as of June 30th, 2021.

Julia Wideman Named VFW State Teacher of the Year

On February 12th, Worth County Teacher Julia Wideman was named Missouri 9-12 State Teacher of the Year at the VFW State Meeting in St. Louis. She was recognized as the District 3 Teacher of the Year for grades 9 through 12 and her nomination competed against 17 other district winners from Missouri. She will now represent the state for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

Each year, the VFW recognizes exceptional teachers who promote Americanism and patriotism in their classrooms. Wideman has become widely known for her work with the school district’s Veterans Day program, which features students in grades K-12 honoring and recognizing veterans through artwork, musical performances, and drama. The annual tableau vivant portion of the program has quickly become a favorite  among student actors and community members alike. One year, students dressed as toy soldiers and recreated the Marine War Memorial of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. In 2019, Wideman tackled the ambitions project of recreating Lee Teeter’s painting, “Reflections,” which featured three eight foot tall plexiglass panels with names of the 1,428 people killed in Vietnam from Missouri. In addition to this, she and her family personally sponsor a homecoming float each year to recognize and thank local veterans.

Wideman has taught at Worth County for 13 years. She currently serves as a high school English teacher, dual credit composition instructor, and greenhouse teacher.

Two other Worth County educators have also been recognized as Teacher of the Year for the State of Missouri VFW from Grant City VFW Post 3123.

Mrs. Jonell Cook was selected as the State of Missouri VFW 9-12 VFW Teacher of the Year in 2018. Cook graduated from Northwest Missouri State and has been with the district for 21 years. Cook has worked as a junior high math teacher, and most recently, as the 9-12 FACS teacher and FCCLA advisor. She enjoys helping students realize and achieve their goals through the FCCLA program and she strives to instill positive citizenship traits in all of her students. She plans to retire from Worth County at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

Last year, Mr. Caleb Smith was honored as the State of Missouri VFW Elementary Teacher of the Year. Smith has served as the K-12 instrumental band and vocal music teacher at Worth County for three years. Smith’s passion for music is contagious, and each year he adds more students to his high school band program. His goal is to make music fun and attainable for all students and to share the joy that music has brought to his own life with others. Mr. Smith also assists in directing the school musical with Mrs. Nancy Drury.

Obituary -- Jolene Downing 1957-2022

Jolene Downing age 64 went to her eternal home in Heaven on Monday, February 21, 2022, at home surrounded by her family.

Jolene was born October 22, 1957, in Maryville, Missouri, to Joseph and Virgie (Heathco) Giesken from Quitman, Missouri. Her grandparents were Joe and Lula Giesken, Burlington Junction and Frank and Lena Heathco, Warrensburg, Missouri.  

Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and a sister, Mary Frances and father-in-law Gail Downing.

Jolene graduated from Maryville High School Class of 1975 and she also attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville.

Jolene married her high school sweetheart, Jerald James Downing, starting their life together in 1977 at the Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville.  They were blessed with four children, son Jerod (Jennifer) Downing, Burlington Jct., daughter Verlena (Micah) Coston, Maryville, son James (Karamaneh) Downing, Burlington Jct., daughter Valyssa (Tyler) Stark, Burlington Jct., the blessings continued with the addition of 17 grandchildren, Imajen, Lyric and Jewel Downing, Jolyssa, Jerrica, Joel, Judah, and Leyna Joy Coston, Journee, Lula, Truley, Joseph and Galyn Downing, Milena, Jovey, Vivian and Tylee Jolene Stark, Mother-in-Love, Shirley Downing, Maryville, sisters and brothers-in-laws Gayla and Les Stevens, Rochester, Minnesota, Jeanie and Kevin Harding, Allendale, Missouri, six nephews and nieces , Blake, Bruce and Brock Stevens, Emily (Brad) Maudlin, Abbey (Ben) Clarkson, Lucas (Josee) Harding, Aunt Monica Zirfas, Maryville.

Jolene was a homemaker and farm wife.  She was a member and long time Sunday School Teacher at Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #315, Burlington Jct, and a 4-H leader for many years.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Friday, February 25, 2022, at Laura Street Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Laura Street Baptist Church.  Burial will be in the Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Maryville.

In lieu of flowers it was Jolene’s wish that memorials be given to Laura Street Baptist Church Children and Youth Programs.

Arrangements:  Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri.  andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Hopkins Woman Injured on Icy Roads

A Hopkins woman was injured on icy roads Tuesday morning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by Shama Thompson (45) of Hopkins was southbound on 148 on ice covered roadways when she traveled off the east side of the roadway and struck an embankment. Thompson received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

The ice covered roadways prompted Worth County, Northeast Nodaway, and North Nodaway to call off school that morning. Worth County postponed its annual FFA breakfast to Thursday.

New Mission Possible Center Making Progress

A common question around the area is “When will the new Mission Possible building be ready?”  Progress is continuing, although a move date has not been set.

We have been blessed by this community and by businesses and individuals outside of Worth County.  Enough money was raised for our building project that we are doing our best to make sure that our new building at 108 E. 1st. Street, just north of HyVee, will be dry, warm, and in good mechanical order for many years to come.  That takes time – first lots of volunteer time to gut the inside of the building and clear it out.

Beginning in early fall we’ve turned the work over to the professionals.   Since Mission Possible received some donations using Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits as an incentive, we are required to meet certain requirements.  One of those is assuring that all improvements are done according to current building standards that will pass inspection.  

Passersby may have seen workers from A2Z Industries, Concrete Revival, Allen Plumbing, Monticue Construction, Warner Brothers, and C&H Electric.  The pros will continue their work into the spring,  giving our volunteers time to plan the logistics of moving across town with as little interruption of business as possible.  

We hope to reuse as many of our current shelves and racks as possible, replacing those that are falling apart and adding some fixtures to utilize the additional space we’ll have.  A new freezer, some shopping carts, and sturdy shelving were purchased recently courtesy of a special grant from Second Harvest Community Food Bank out of St. Joe.    A desk for the food pantry was donated by Nucor in Maryville, and guest chairs were donated by the Ravenwood school.

As we get closer to setting a Grand Opening date, we will make every effort to assure that all interested area friends and supporters will be aware.  That will be a day to celebrate, and we hope to share our joy with as many people as possible.

Obituary -- Bobbie Motsinger 1945-2022

Bobbie Lynn (Holland) Motsinger passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, on February 19, 2022, with many family members by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob & Virginia Holland. 

Bobbie was born June 19, 1945, in Maryville, Missouri, to Virginia Mae (Harvey) Holland and Bobby Burdette Holland. She graduated early from Sheridan High School in 1962. She later attended Northwest Missouri State University for one year and then attended the University of Missouri for one year. Bobbie then moved back to Grant City, Missouri, and returned to Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her elementary education degree with a minor in Art in the spring of 1975.

Bobbie was united in marriage to James Paul Motsinger on March 28, 1964, at the First Christian Church of Sheridan Mo. To this union, three children were born Scott & (wife) Beverly Motsinger, Chad & (wife) Kellie Motsinger, and Mathew & (wife) Kelli Motsinger. In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren: James & (wife) Ari Motsinger, Zachary & (wife) Emily Motsinger, Mitchell & (wife) Ashlie Motsinger, Cullen Motsinger, Alexander Motsinger, Kathryn Motsinger, Conner Motsinger, and Ella Curran. She was the eldest of four siblings: Keitha and husband Joe Kaminski, Stephanie and husband David Pudik, Scott Brian & wife Terri Holland. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews and a brother & sister-in-law, Joe and Sebyl Motsinger. 

She began teaching in Stanberry Mo. for one year and then taught at Worth County R-III Grant City Mo. for several years. She and Jim moved to Cameron, Mo. where she taught from 1980 to 1984. They moved to Houston, Texas, where she continued teaching at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District until she retired in 2006.

Bobbie was a very artistic and creative person. She loved to sketch and paint pictures for her classroom and friends. Her artwork was featured in several publications, such as the weekly Bulletin for the First Christian Church of Grant City Mo., and many of the Cameron Mo civic theater playbills and theater posters. She was a member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Houston, TX, and enjoyed being a part of the church’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the First Christian Church in Grant City. Burial will follow the service at the Fletchall Cemetery north of Grant City. Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City is handling funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.prugh-dunfeefuneralhome.com.

Shamrock Boys Grab 65 Boards; Briggs Scores 35 in Win Over Bobcats

North Harrison’s boys have had an up and down season, with each night depending on which team shows up. Previously, the boys had a forgettable loss to Trenton in the GRC Showcase, handing the Bulldogs their only win of the season. But against East Harrison, which played the Shamrocks tough in Bethany back in January, North Harrison pulled away for an 82-59 win behind 35 points from Wade Briggs and an incredible 65 boards from the whole team.

Right off the bat, it was obvious the Shamrocks wanted to do better than they did the previous game as Brandon Hamilton got a putback, Nick Babinski got a free throw, Brandon Hamilton kept a possession alive with an offensive board and found Briggs for a driving layup, and Nick converted a fourth chance putback to make it 7-0.

It didn’t matter that East Harrison had Mark Willis, who is 6’6” and can dunk; the Shamrocks were flying to the glass early and often. The teams traded buckets the rest of the quarter before Hamilton found Nick Babinski backdoor to make it 20-9 at the start of the second. 

East Harrison began fighting back at the start of the second as Owan Roberson scored four straight and Willis scored off a steal to make it 20-15. But then Hamilton got a putback and Wade Briggs got loose in transition to make it 23-15 with 5:21 left in the second. Garrett Baker brought the Bobcats within six at 25-19, but Hamilton got putbacks on consecutive possessions to spark the Shamrocks again as they pushed ahead to a 33-23 lead at halftime. 

Perhaps the Little Rocks’ halftime performance gave the boys good luck, for after Mark Willis got the Bobcats to within 35-27 to start the third, Wade Briggs hit the Bobcats with a flurry, hitting three straight triples to make it 44-27. Owan Roberson countered for the orange shirts, but Keygun Johnson hit a 3-pointer, Wade Briggs hit his fourth of the quarter, Nick Babinski got a steal, Wade Briggs hit a free throw, missed one, but Cooper Cracraft kept the possession alive and hit Briggs for three to make it 56-31 at the 1:21 mark of the third.

Willis and the Bobcats did all they could to try to get back in the game; he had 12 in the first 4:30 of the fourth quarter as they twice cut it to 19, but Wade Briggs continued to have the hot hand in the fourth quarter and Tyson Gibson chipped in six to keep the Shamrocks in control.

Wade Briggs had 35 points for the Shamrocks. Nick Babinski had 13, Tyson Gibson 10, Brandon Hamilton 9, Keygun Johnson 7, Matthew Heintz 4, and Cooper Cracraft and Kolton Graham 2. 

It was no one player for North Harrison who contributed the 65 boards; four different Shamrocks got 10 or more boards in the game. Nick Babinski had 13 boards, Keygun Johnson 12, Tyson Gibson 11, Cooper Cracraft 10, Brandon Hamilton 9, Wade Briggs 5, Matthew Heintz 4, and Jerry Gilpatrick 1.

Cooper Cracraft had 8 assists. Keygun Johnson had 5, Wade Briggs 4, Brandon Hamilton 3, Nick Babinski 2, and Evan Schreiber 1.

Nick Babinski had 6 tips. Brandon Hamilton had 3, Tyson Gibson 2, and Wade Briggs, Matthew Heintz, Keygun Johnson, Cole Kampman, and Evan Schreiber 1 each.

Nick Babinski had 6 steals. Tyson Gibson and Wade Briggs had 3 each and Keygun Johnson 2.

The boys lost 49-44 Saturday to Mercer in districts to end their season.

Jacquelyn Cline Scores 1000th Point as Mustang Girls Hold Off Union Star

Jacquelyn Cline scored her 1000th career point Thursday as North Nodaway held off Union Star 69-66 in a wild game. She had 24 points and they needed every one of them.

Both teams started off red hot, with Saryn Brown and Cline getting on the line and Lauren Herndon getting a putback and a 3-pointer in the early going. But Union Star matched them stride for stride as Journey Lyons scored twice, Kelly Clibon seven points in the early going, and Mara Mitchell and Audrey Hodge chipped in as well.

The Trojans led 15-14 at the 3:05 mark in the first quarter, but North Nodaway finally gained some separation as Lauren Herndon hit two free throws, Saryn Brown scored off a drive, Jacquelyn Cline had a free throw, Saylor Brown got a putback, and Kelsi Barcus hit Cline in transition to make it 23-15 at the 54 second mark. But Hodge converted a third chance putback and Cline picked up her second foul on a charge.

That was only a temporary break in the momentum as Saryn Brown scored seven points in the early part of the second quarter and Cline two more as the Mustangs raised their lead to 32-19. Cline picked up her third, but the Mustangs continued to pull away, with Saryn Brown scoring off a Saylor Brown steal and Lauren Herndon getting loose in transition to make it 37-22.

But Union Star started coming back as Clibon got a putback and two free throws and Mitchell, playing with three fouls, got a steal to cut it to 37-28. Saryn Brown scored from the left side, but Mitchell went coast to coast to make it 39-30. They had a chance to cut it further, but Ellaina Renfro took a charge on Mitchell for her fourth foul and Cline came back to hit a free throw at the buzzer to make it 40-30 at the half.

Saylor Brown got a steal and added a 3-pointer as North Nodaway pushed it out to 45-30 at the start of the second half. But from there, Union Star started making shot after shot with a hand in their face as they started chipping away. Cline stayed on the floor and scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and Ellaina Renfro took a charge on defense. But Union Star kept coming, and by the end of the third quarter, they were only down 56-47.

Normally, the Trojans have faded in the fourth quarter of games, but there was no fade job this time. After the two teams traded buckets to start the period, Mitchell and Clibon started slashing to the rim at will, and by the time Clibon hit a 3-pointer at the 2:53 mark of the game, the Mustang lead was nearly gone at 60-59.

Cline finally broke the run with her 1000th point to make it 62-59, but Audrey Hodge got a three point play to tie it up at 62. Saryn Brown hit Saylor backdoor to break the tie and Saryn Brown added a drive to make it 66-62 with 1:46 left, but Union Star came right back as Zoey McQuate got a drive and Kelly Clibon got a steal to tie it at 66 with 1:21 left. 

North Nodaway missed a 3-pointer, but then Ellaina Renfro tracked down the miss and found a wide open Jacquelyn Cline for a triple to make it 69-66. This wasn’t the only time Renfro has gotten a key board for the Mustangs; last year, she got a key board to preserve the tie against Rock Port in regulation in the game that North Nodaway won in overtime.

Saylor Brown got a tip on the ensuing possession and Lauren Herndon the steal, only to miss a 1-1, and after a scramble, the ball went back to Union Star with 33 seconds.

But the Mustangs came up big again on the defensive end as Jacquelyn Cline got a steal. North Nodaway ran it all the way down to 6.1 seconds before Union Star fouled Saryn Brown. She missed both free throws and Union Star got the ball back, but Paisley McQuate’s 3-pointer was off the heel of the rim as time expired.

Jacquelyn Cline had 24 points, a season high. Saryn Brown had 22, Saylor Brown 14, and Lauren Herndon 9.

Lauren Herndon had 1 block.

Saryn Brown had 12 boards to complete a double double. Ellaina Renfro and Saylor Brown had 6, Lauren Herndon 4, Jacquelyn Cline 2, and Angie Parker 1.

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

Saylor Brown had 6 tips. Saryn Brown had 3, and Kelsi Barcus and Ellaina Renfro 1 each.

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

Bluejay Boys Drop Heartbreaker in Districts to Rock Port

Northeast Nodaway fell 55-54 to Rock Port in the closing seconds despite Dylan McIntyre’s 27 points and Colton Swalley’s 10 assists. The Bluejays were pitted against a much taller team in Rock Port, with a front line of 6’3”, 6’3”, and 6’1”. Rock Port made good use of their size early, jumping out to a 7-0 lead as Phillip Herron hit a 3-pointer, Aidan Burke scored off a drive, and Holden Farmer scored off a steal. But Northeast hung around for the rest of the first quarter, getting some good backdoor looks and a 3-point play from Dylan McIntyre to stay close. Ben Boswell’s backdoor layup with 5 seconds left cut the Northeast deficit to 14-11.

Holden Farmer’s shot from the high post put Rock Port up 19-16 after Northeast had closed to within one, but then Northeast moved into the lead for the first time as Ben Boswell hit two free throws and Dylan McIntyre got loose in transition and converted a three point play to put Northeast ahead 21-19. Farmer’s putback tied it up, but then Lane Dack scored off a drive and Dylan McIntyre scored four straight to make it 27-21. Bannack Skillen’s 3-pointer cut it to 27-24, but then Ben Boswell’s free throw and Dylan McIntyre’s inside shot put Northeast up 30-24 at the break.

Northeast picked up right where they left off as Ben Boswell hit a 3-pointer and Dylan McIntyre jumped a pass to make it 35-24. Rock Port fought back as Aidan Burke scored off a drive and Micah Makings hit a guarded shot from the high post to cut the Rock Port deficit to 35-28. But then Dylan McIntyre’s drive, Zach Pride’s triple, Auston Pride’s putback, and Dylan McIntyre’s putback and three point play gave Northeast its biggest lead of the night at 45-32. Farmer hit a backdoor layup and Burke hit a 3-pointer to get the Rock Port deficit under double digits at 45-37, but then Dylan McIntyre scored from inside at the buzzer to make it 47-37.

But Rock Port could afford to be very aggressive on defense with only two team fouls up to that point, and sure enough, the Northeast lead began to shrink away as Holden Farmer started to take over the game, hitting the first six points of the fourth quarter for Rock Port to make it 47-43. Ben Boswell hit a 3-pointer, but then Phillip Herron hit a 3-pointer, Farmer scored off a drive, and Aiden Burke scored off another drive and the Northeast lead was gone. Dylan McIntyre hit two free throws off a drive, but then after the two teams exchanged turnovers, Micah Makings tied it up again for Rock Port at 52-52 with 2:01 left.

Northeast got called for a charge, but Ben Boswell stole the ball with 1:18 left. However, he couldn’t convert the free throws and the game remained tied. Rock Port missed a 3-pointer, but Holden Farmer was there for the offensive board, drew a foul, and hit one of two to put Rock Port in front 53-52 with 54 seconds left.

Dylan McIntyre put Northeast back in front with a drive with 35 seconds left, and everybody knew who the ball would go to for Rock Port’s final shot. It didn’t matter, as Holden Farmer cut to the basket and scored with 7 seconds left to put Rock Port in front 55-54.

Northeast had a final shot, but Colton Swalley missed a contested shot in the paint, Dylan McIntyre grabbed the offensive board, but he was stuck behind the basket as time expired.

Dylan McIntyre had 27 points for Northeast. Ben Boswell had 18, Lane Dack 4, Zach Pride 3, and Auston Pride 2.

Dylan McIntyre had 2 blocks.

Dylan McIntyre had 7 boards. Colton Swalley had 5, Auston Pride 4, Ben Boswell 3, and Lane Dack and Zach Pride 2 each.

Colton Swalley had 10 assists. Zach Pride, Ben Boswell, and Lane Dack had 3 each, while Auston Pride had 1.

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

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

Jackson Runde Scores 23; Tigers Survive Knights in Districts

Worth County’s boys survived a tough South Holt squad that had been making strides throughout the year, getting the 53-42 win Saturday to advance to the semifinal round. Jackson Runde had a monster night for the Tigers, getting 23 points and 18 boards as the Tigers overcame Aydan Gladstone’s foul trouble and a halftime deficit.

Kendall Noland’s free throws put South Holt up 5-4 at the 4:07 mark as both teams started off slowly. But Worth County appeared to take control as Aydan Gladstone got a putback and scored off a Grant Cameron steal to make it 8-5. Cade Kurtz’s three pointer tied it up, but then Jackson Runde scored off a drive and Grant Cameron hit a 3-pointer to make it 13-8. Kurtz hit his second three pointer of the quarter to make it 13-11, but Cameron rushed down the floor and hit one of his own to make it 16-11 after one.

Gladstone’s backdoor look put the Tigers up 18-11 to start the second quarter, but then Kurtz struck again to spark a Knights rally as Tylynn Prussman’s steal cut the Tiger lead to 18-17. The Tiger lead was gone after Cole Medsker got the hot hand for the Knights late in the first quarter, and Gladstone picked up his third foul with 0.7 seconds left in the first half trying to guard Medsker, and he hit both free throws to put the Knights up 26-22 at the half.

Jackson Runde’s third chance putback cut the Tiger deficit to 26-24, but then things threatened to go south in a hurry after Gladstone got called for a charge and sat with his fourth foul. But rather than folding, Worth County rallied as Runde got a putback, Jackson Smith scored from the left side, Levi Cassavaugh got a putback, Jackson Runde hit two free throws, and Tyler New got a putback to put the Tigers back in front 34-26. Jayce Jackson hit a 3-pointer, but Runde answered with one of his own to put the Tigers up 37-29 after three. 

Tylynn Prussman chipped away at the Tiger lead to cut it to 37-32 to start the fourth, but Aydan Gladstone came back and this time stayed on the floor. His drive to the basket with 6:44 left made it 39-32. Kendall Noland hit a 3-pointer to cut it to four, but Runde got a drive and a three point play to make it 42-35 at the 5:59 mark of the fourth.

Cole Medsker hit a 3-pointer to cut it to four again, but Aydan Gladstone hit two free throws off a drive and Runde’s putback made it 46-38 at the 4:01 mark. The two teams traded buckets, but then Runde scored from inside, Aydan Gladstone scored another inside shot, and Jackson Runde hit two free throws as Worth County was able to run out the clock.

Jackson Runde had 23 for the Tigers. Aydan Gladstone had 12, Tyler New and Grant Cameron 6, Jackson Smith 4, and Levi Cassavaugh 2.

Jackson Runde had 1 blocked shot.

Jackson Runde had 18 boards. Aydan Gladstone had 7, Grant Cameron and Levi Cassavaugh had 4 each, Tyler New 3, and Jackson Smith 1.

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

Jackson Smith had 3 tips. Grant Cameron, Jackson Runde, and Levi Cassavaugh had 2 each, and Aydan Gladstone and Tyler New had 1 each.

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

Bill Would Expand Ignition Interlock Requirements for DWI

A bill by Rep. Mark Sharp (D-Jackson County) would expand ignition interlock requirements. Under current law, people convicted of a second DWI are required to have an ignition interlock device on their car. Under Rep Sharp’s bill, people who get a first DWI would be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an ignition interlock device, and they must use it for at least six months.

The bill has been read twice by the House and referred to the Crime Prevention Committee, where a public hearing was completed. 

Northwest Mo Info reports that the bill is being pushed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which says that interlocks stopped 128,196 attempts to drive drunk in Missouri, and that states which enacted such laws saw a decrease in DWI deaths by 15%.

Aydan Blackford Gets Double Double; Mustang Boys No Longer Winless

Aydan Blackford had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Mustang boys Thursday, and the Mustangs are no longer winless. They beat Union Star, a team that had beaten them 57-29 in the Platte Valley Invitational, 59-33 Thursday to finally get the monkey off their backs. They did so despite not having Jeremiah Dobbins, who rolled his ankle in the King City loss and is day to day.

Since that game, North Nodaway has been focusing on growth and development throughout the year, even when the scoreboard didn't show it. They nearly broke through against Essex and DeKalb, only to falter in the fourth quarter in both games. But Coach Michael Trautz said the difference this time was that they turned the ball over less and rebounded better. "We're starting to adjust to the physicality of varsity level basketball," he said. 

North Nodaway gained some separation early as Mason Richardson got a putback and Brice Trimble scored off a steal to make it 4-0. Bryton Potter's free throws cut it to 4-2, but Damian Dailey's free throws jumpstarted the Mustangs. Aydan Blackford got a steal and fed Brice Trimble and Blackford added a free throw to make it 9-2 at the 2:10 mark of the first quarter.

Ethan Fry's triple at the start of the second put the Mustangs into double digit territory at 15-4, and then Owen Martin scored off a Damian Dailey steal to make it 18-6. But it was only a matter of time before Union Star made a run, and they ripped off seven straight starting with an inside shot from Jacob Dierberger, a putback from Robbie Stubbs, a drive from Aidan Whorton, and a free throw from Dierberger to cut it to 18-13. But instead of unraveling, North Nodaway kept their heads and weathered the first push, getting a 3-pointer from Ethan Fry to make the Mustang lead 23-15 at halftime.

Aydan Blackford had been quiet in the first half, but scored off a drive and two free throws to make it 27-15. Union Star made another push, getting an inside shot from Carter Jackson and a drive from Bryton Potter to make it eight again at 27-19. The Trojans cut it to eight once again at 29-21, but then Aydan Blackford took over, getting a pair of free throws, scoring from inside, and getting a steal and feeding Brice Trimble to make it 35-21 at the 2:29 mark of the third.

Damian Dailey's foul trouble broke the run and the lead fluctuated between 12 and 16 for the remainder of the third quarter. Aidan Whorton's drive cut Union Star's deficit to 41-29 to start the fourth quarter, but instead of folding, North Nodaway, sensing the first win, finally started to pull away. Blackford's three point play and Mason Richardson's putback and three point play in transition made it 47-29. Bryton Potter knocked one down from the left wing, but then Ethan Fry took over, knocking down a 3-pointer to make it 50-31. Following a diving steal from Preston Hansen, Fry hit from just inside the arc in the high post, Hansen got on the board with a free throw, Blackford's free throws, and Brice Trimble's basket put the Mustangs up 57-31 and prompted Trautz to empty his bench. Preston Hansen added two free throws down the stretch for the Mustangs.

Aydan Blackford had 22 points. Ethan Fry had 14, Brice Trimble 11, Mason Richardson 5, Damian Dailey 4, and Preston Hansen 3.

Aydan Blackford had 1 block.

Aydan Blackford had 12 boards. Mason Richardson had 7, Damian Dailey 5, Preston Hansen and Owen Martin 4 each, Ethan Fry 2, and Brice Trimble 1.

Aydan Blackford had 6 assists. Ethan Fry had 4, Damian Dailey 2, and Mason Richardson, Brice Trimble, and Matthew Bird 1.

Damian Dailey had 7 tips. Aydan Blackford had 6, Ethan Fry 2, and Brice Trimble, Mason Richardson, and Preston Hansen 1.

Ethan Fry and Aydan Blackford had 7 steals each. Owen Martin had 4, Brice Trimble and Mason Richardson had 3 each, Damian Dailey 2, and Preston Hansen 1.

Poultry Virus Confirmed in State Bordering Missouri

Missouri poultry producers, both commercial and backyard flocks, are encouraged to review and tighten biosecurity protocols in light of the avian influenza virus confirmation in birds east of the Mississippi River.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is known to be deadly for domesticated chickens and turkeys. Avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial chicken operation in Kentucky earlier this week. Commercial flocks in Indiana have also been impacted.

The first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States was found in wild birds through routine surveillance conducted by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services in states in the eastern U.S.  The influenza has been confirmed in wild birds in New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Maryland. H5N1 was also detected in a backyard flock of mixed poultry in Virginia.

“It is extremely important that poultry producers practice biosecurity measures and be vigilant to protect the health of their flocks,” said Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg. “Commercial and backyard producers should take extra precautions and pay close attention to their flocks.”

Know the symptoms:

Decrease in water and feed consumption

Quietness among the flock

Decrease in egg production

Sudden increase in death in the flock

Prevention Measures:

Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl

Restrict visitor access to your birds

Limit food and water sources that would attract wild birds

Clean and disinfect all wheels on vehicles, wagons and trailers visiting an area or a farm where poultry is located

Clean and disinfect any equipment, including cages/coops, that was borrowed from or loaned to another producer

If you notice any symptoms in your flock, you are encouraged to contact your local veterinarian or the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division at (573) 751-3377.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. Though extremely rare, avian influenza can be transmitted to humans. However, no human cases of H5N1 have been detected in the United States. Poultry producers should practice good hygiene and handwashing after contact with their birds.

Tigers Hold Off Maysville 62-55, Winning Streak Reaches 10

Worth County's boys survived their toughest opponent during their win streak and pushed it up to 10 games, holding off Maysville 62-55 Thursday as they successfully invaded the Wolverines. They overcame early foul trouble and stayed with the red shirts until the third quarter, when they pulled away to a lead. Then, they had to weather frantic efforts by the Wolverines to get back in the game as they had lots of fouls to give. But they weathered the run after Maysville had gotten it down to three and came away with the win.

Maysville had been playing excellent basketball lately and are having their best year since 1987-1988, when they won the conference title. They recently beat St. Joseph Christian in the GRC Showcase in Milan and then put #2 Stanberry in a 26-11 hole at one point and held the GRC Champs off, beating them 49-42.

Worth County saw both Aydan Gladstone and Jackson Runde pick up two quick fouls each, and Maysville's relentless full court pressure and crashing the boards propelled them into an early 9-5 lead. But by the four minute mark of the first quarter, Worth County realized they could play basketball with them and erased the Wolverine lead with Tyler New's 3-pointer to put the Tigers back in front 12-11. They extended it by the end of the first to an 18-15 lead after one.

Grant Cameron's 3-pointer raised the Tiger lead to 21-17, but the relentless board crashing of Dalton Willis drew the Wolverines back to within one at 22-21. At that point, Heintz's putbacks accounted for eight of the 21 Maysville points. Willis scooped up a carom and put Maysville back in front 25-24, and the teams traded leads until the end of the half, when the Maysville student body tried the false countdown on Grant Cameron, only for him to hit a pullup at the buzzer to put Worth County in front 32-31 at the half.

With Worth County up 36-35 early in the third, Maysville's Logan Kimbrell, their most physical player, got shaken up going after an errant lob pass and sat out the next few minutes. That gave Worth County the opportunity it needed to gain some separation. Grant Cameron scored off a Gladstone steal. Willis hit a free throw, but Tyler New handed one off to Gladstone, who finished with a layup. Runde stripped a Wolverine who just got a defensive board and fed Jackson Smith, and then Tyler New hit a 3-pointer to make it 45-36 after a pass from Jackson Runde.

Kimbrell came back in and had an immediate impact as he cut to the basket to cut it to 45-38. At first, Worth County continued to pull away; after the teams traded buckets for the remainder of the third and much of the fourth, Tyler New's drive put the Tigers up 56-45 with 2:52 left. But then Maysville's run came as the Wolverines only had two team fouls and could afford to be very aggressive on defense. Zach Heintz's drive and Kobyn Metzger's threes cut the Tiger lead to 56-50, and after consecutive Tiger turnovers, Metzger hit a free throw and Kimbrell got a putback to make it 56-53 with 1:11 left in the game.

Maysville started fouling, and Worth County got the clock down to 30 seconds before Maysville could put them on the line. Aydan Gladstone missed a 1-1, giving them a chance to tie with a three. But one of the Maysville players drove the baseline and threw away a pass to an open shooter, and Gladstone hit both free throws with 21 seconds left. Maysville lost the ball again and Runde hit two more with 15 seconds left to make it 60-53.

The Wolverines set up a three point try by Metzger, and Zach Heintz drew a foul fighting for an offensive board and hit two free throws with 5.4 seconds left. But Gladstone answered with two more with 4.6 seconds left to seal the win.

Aydan Gladstone had 20 points for the Tigers. Grant Cameron had 16, Tyler New 14, Jackson Runde 10, and Jackson Smith 2.

Jackson Runde had 1 block.

Jackson Runde, Grant Cameron, and Aydan Gladstone had 4 boards each as the Tigers found rebounds hard to come by. Jackson Smith had 3, Tyler New had 2, and Levi Cassavaugh 1.

Tyler New had 7 assists. Jackson Runde had 6, Aydan Gladstone 4, Grant Cameron 2, and Jackson Smith and Levi Cassavaugh 1 each.

Grant Cameron had 4 tips. Jackson Runde had 3, while Jackson Smith and Aydan Gladstone had 1 each.

Tyler New had 6 steals. Jackson Runde and Grant Cameron had 3 each, Jackson Smith and Aydan Gladstone 2 each, and Levi Cassavaugh 1.

MDC Proposes Increased Crappie Limit for Mozingo Lake

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval at its Feb. 17 public meeting in Jefferson City to regulation changes proposed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regarding increasing limits for crappie on Mozingo Lake in Nodaway County. MDC proposes increasing the catch-and-keep daily limit on Mozingo Lake for crappie from 15 to 30 fish while restricting the harvest of crappie over nine inches to 15 fish per person, per day.

Mozingo Lake is a 1,006-acre reservoir located in northwest Missouri. Historically, the lake has received extremely high fishing pressure and harvest for crappie. As a result of MDC fish sampling and research data showing low crappie numbers, the crappie regulation for the lake was changed in 2017 from a 30-fish daily limit to a 15-fish daily limit. The 2017 regulation amendment was designed to reduce crappie harvest and allow more fish to reach harvestable size, resulting in improved numbers of desirable-sized fish for anglers.

MDC’s current sampling data shows that crappie numbers have increased significantly while fishing pressure and angler harvest have declined over the past several years. This has resulted in a crappie population dominated by small fish. 

MDC also conducted an online survey in September 2021 to gather public comment on the potential regulation change. Feedback was overwhelmingly favorable.

The MDC proposed amendment would remove the 15-fish daily limit and change the daily limit back to the statewide daily limit of 30 fish for Mozingo Lake while restricting the harvest of crappie over nine inches to 15 fish per person, per day.

According to MDC, this change will allow anglers to harvest more crappie, reduce the population to help lower competition for food, and improve crappie size structure. 

The next step in the rulemaking process is for MDC to have a 30-day public comment period from April 2 through May 1. 

MDC invites online public comments during that time at https://mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes.

Comments received will be considered and final proposals will go to the Commission for further action at its May 20 meeting. If enacted, the changes will become effective Aug. 30.

Citizens Bank and Trust Bank in Ravenwood to Close

Citizens Bank & Trust announced Tuesday, February 15th that they would be closing the bank in Ravenwood, the Maryville Forum reported Thursday. March 18th will be the final day of operations. The building will be sold to the City of Ravenwood, which will convert it to a new City Hall. The bank at Burlington Junction will also close.

Obituary -- Alan Wideman 1945-2022

Alan Richard Wideman was born June 3, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa to Richard and Mary Wideman. He was born while his Dad was serving in World War II. He died February 9, 2022, at Worth County Convalescent Center, Grant City, Missouri.

Alan was raised in Waverly and Janesville, Iowa. He graduated from Janesville Iowa high school on May 17, 1963 and attended Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, Missouri until he was drafted, January, 1968. He trained as a combat medic, graduating at the top of the class, and was sent for service with the US Army to Vietnam. 

On October 3, 1968, as he was giving emergency aid to wounded soldiers, he tripped a wire that caused a homemade bomb to explode injuring several more soldiers.  Although injured himself, he gave medical aid to those wounded before being transported to Kyoto, Japan for three months to receive treatment for his wounds to both legs, leaving him unable to walk.  He arrived home in time for Christmas that year. 

Alan was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor as well as the Purple Heart for his actions that day.  He served with honor, and love of country.

Alan married Twila Rose Heaton, on January 20, 1983, in Albany, Missouri. With his marriage, he became Dad to Debra, Dennis, Lonnie, and Mary, and later became a Grandpa to Matthew, Alex, Megan, Tanner, Reed, Kelly, Garrett, Gwen, Jason and Jacob.

He was preceded in death by his wife Twila, 36 years to the day; his parents, Mary and Richard Wideman; a brother Joel and daughter Debra Jenkins.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Dave) Mattheis and her family, Matthew, Alex and Megan; sons, Lonnie Walker; and his family, Tanner, Reed and Kelly; Dennis (Jerrye) Walker; and his family, Garrett and Gwen; Debra’s husband, Steve and family, Jason and Jacob; brothers: Kevin (Diane) Wideman; Mike (Julia) Wideman; and Leyton (Laura) Wideman; sisters, Lisa (David) Showers and Lori (David) Shuck; sister-in-law, Tori Wideman; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was a man who many admired for his honesty, integrity, patriotism, and love of family.  He always did the right thing even if it meant self sacrifice.  He was an accomplished musician, mechanic and enjoyed hobbies of furniture making, trains (he got that love from his grandpa) and paleontology as well as history.

Celebration of Life was 1:00 PM Saturday, February 12, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial with Military Rites was in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany.  Memorial Contributions:  Grant City VFW #3123 in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402.  

www.robersonpolleychapel.com

Obituary -- Bessie Duley 1919-2022

Bessie Duley, 102, Stanberry, MO passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at a Stanberry, MO nursing home.

She was born on October 11, 1919 in Denver, Missouri the daughter of Lee and Crystal (Whorlow) Sowards.

On October 9, 1935, she married Ray E. Duley in Albany, Missouri. He preceded her in death on September 13, 1997.

Bessie worked as the supervisor at the Stanberry Cap Factory for 26 years. She taught Sunday School for many years and was Sunday School superintendent for 12 years at Darlington United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Stanberry United Methodist Church.

In addition to her husband, Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Nancy Duley King; son-in-law, Gene Wharton; brother, Jim Sowards and sisters, Jude Osborn, Bonnie Taff and Helen Osborn.

Bessie is survived by her daughter, Joyce Wharton, Williamstown, West Virginia; sister-in-law, Marge Sowards, Stanberry, MO; grandchildren, Billy King, Kim (Brian) Berry, Vanessa (Matt) Herridge, Heather (Patrick) Ward, Grant (Shelley) Wharton; great grandchildren, Dustin and Chris King, Ashlyn Berry, Jake (Haley) Herridge, Adria (Markus) Kessler, Brandon Herridge, Cassidy (Royce) Daye, Nathan and Bridget Ward, Carsyn, Rowyn, and Griffin Wharton and great-great grandchildren, Piper Herridge and Wesley Kessler.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19 at the Stanberry United Methodist Church, Stanberry, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Stanberry, MO. Burial will follow in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Stanberry United Methodist Church in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, Stanberry, MO 64489. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Rhonda Underwood 1958-2022

Rhonda Underwood, age 63, Bethany, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 11, 2022.

Rhonda was born May 6, 1958, in Bethany, Missouri to Gale and Joan Fletchall. She was a 1976 graduate of North Harrison High School where she excelled in academics, softball, basketball, and track. After high school, Rhonda was married for 7 years to Randy Claycomb, and they welcomed a daughter, Candace JoAnn, on November 29, 1980, and a son, Ryan Lee, on October 16, 1983. In 1989, she married the love of her life, Roe Underwood. They welcomed their son, Thomas Samuel, on October 31, 1989. She was widowed in 1993. She enjoyed shopping with her mother, antiques, visiting with friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  

Rhonda worked various jobs, her most recent being 17 years at Pettijohn’s, where she was a familiar and welcoming face to many. Her favorite job was being a Nana. Most of her weekends were spent traveling to their various events.  

Rhonda was a member of Eagleville Christian Church. 

She will be deeply missed by all. 

Rhonda is survived by her partner, Robert Smith of Bethany; daughter, Candace Claycomb (Brian Sipes) of Savannah, MO; son, Ryan Claycomb (Molly Cartright) of St. Joseph; son, Tom Underwood (Frances Jackson) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Kyler, Jace, Bercaw, Brylee, and Jordan; mother, Joan Fletchall of Bethany; siblings, Glenda Fletchall (Karl Balboni) of Parkville, and Randy Fletchall of Bethany; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.   

She was preceded in death by her father, Gale Fletchall; husband, Roe Underwood; grandson, Harrison Claycomb, both sets of grandparents, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 14 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial followed in Allen Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. Memorials may be made to Allen Cemetery and/or Andrew County Kings 13 AA Baseball Team in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Bennett Davidson 2022-2022

Bennett Ellis Davidson, infant son of Anthony and Melanie Davidson passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Bennett is survived by his parents Anthony and Melanie (Erks) Davidson and his sister, Gracelyn; maternal grandparents, Rod and Barb Erks, Utica, Nebraska, and Darlene Link, Lincoln, Nebraska; maternal great-grandparents, Loyd and Marlene Erks, Utica, Nebraska; paternal grandparents, William and Sherry Davidson, Grant City, Missouri; uncle, Jason Davidson, Northmore, Missouri and two aunts, Jacque Dickerson (Erks), Anchorage, Alaska and Beth Delaney (Erks), Faucett, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Chase and Leona Davidson and Vane and Eugene Olney and maternal great-grandfather Ron Lundeen.

Services 10:30 am Saturday, February 19th at Calvary Chapel in Maryville under the direction of Price Funeral Home. Burial Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am Saturday at Calvary Chapel until 10:30 am. The family suggests memorials go to Circle of Hope Foundation to support parents with children in the NICU at Overland Park Regional Center.

Obituary -- Richard Jones 1926-2022

Richard Kessler Jones, 95, of Maryville, MO departed this life February 1, 2022 in Bedford, IA.

Richard was born August 26, 1926 in Hamilton, MO. He and his family resided in Bedford, Iowa.

In 1945 Richard doubled up his high school classes and graduated early to enlist in World War II. His mother accepted his diploma on his behalf. He was stationed in Japan. After the war, Richard set out for Alaska to work as a heavy machinery operator on the Alaska Canadian Highway (ALCAN). Nine years later he returned to Bedford to begin farming.

Richard and Harriet Appleton were united in marriage March 10, 1972 and they resided in Hopkins, MO. They shared a love of their farms, family, animals, and antiques.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Harriet Appleton Jones, his parents, Georgia Edmundson Jones and Clarence Jones, his sister, Nan Jones, and brother, Eugene Jones.

He is survived by his niece and nephew by marriage, Stephanie Appleton Dale and Jamey Appleton, as well as several cousins.

Services were 11 am Saturday, February 12th at Price Funeral Home. Private Burial Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri. 

Both Principals Rehired by School Board; More Information About Bond Issue Released

The Worth County School Board at their regular school board meeting Thursday voted to renew the contracts of their principals, Chuck Borey and Jon Adwell. 

The school is accepting bids for mowing services for the next three years.

The board approved the school calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. School will start on August 23rd for 2022 and end on May 16th.

The board reviewed the district programs on governance and professional development. The board was presented with a document that has outlined the district’s professional development initiatives over the last 10 years. These initiatives are highlighted by the work to develop assessment capable learners with a focus on students taking ownership of their learning.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey discussed the Heart Hero challenge that the elementary students are participating in. He also showed some of the activities from Random Act of Kindness Week and talked about a Parent Cafe program on March 3rd that is designed to share positive parenting techniques and strategies to promote childrens’ brain development. High School Principal Jon Adwell shared with the board about three students being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. 

Superintendent Chris Healy gave an update on bond issue information. Two information sessions have been planned to help inform the voters on the bond issue. A town hall will be held in Sheridan on March 8th at the Community Center at 6 pm and on March 15th at the Grant City Senior Center at 6 pm. 

The next Board of Education Meeting will be on March 17th at 7:30 pm.

More information was released about Proposition Tigers, the bond issue that is being put on the April ballot this year. Passage requires a four sevenths majority. It would increase the school levy by 25 cents per $100 in assessed valuation, or an average of $15 per year to the average Worth County taxpayer’s personal and property tax. Worth County would remain the lowest taxed school in the area with a rate of $4.02 per $100 assessed valuation should the measure be approved.

Schools have a variety of funds that are designated to be spent for specific purposes. The district has funds that are allocated for the general operating budget and those that are allocated for capital improvements. Bond funds like the measure being proposed are not part of the operating budget and cannot be spent on any initiative or program that is not identified in the bond proposition. 

The school is in a unique situation because it is slated to receive a final round of COVID funds that are expected to be around $620,000. These are funds that are available to the district and put it in a position that it will never be again. 

There are some financial pressures affecting the school district. Currently, the district has one elementary teacher for each grade level and the high school staff is operating with minimum teacher staffing. 

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has prioritized increasing teacher salaries, which will have a financial impact on school districts. Governor Mike Parson has proposed raising teacher salaries from a minimum of  $33,000 to $38,000 a year.

If passed, the school will renovate the agriculture center, build a new gym and community fitness center, make improvements to the elementary, high school, and transportation facilities, purchase two new buses, make parking lot improvements, and improve kitchen equipment and space. The school would be able to raise teacher salaries to a more competitive level and improve technology and classroom resources.

The school says that if the proposition fails, the district will reevaluate its goals and priorities, but that few renovations will be possible. The federal funds will be needed to be used for the care and upkeep of the facility. Figures released by the school project that the reserve to operating budget ratio will be under 20% by the 2026-2027 school year.

Obituary -- Byron Stites 1930-2022

Byron Eugene Stites, 83, of Hopkins, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at his home.

Byron was born on May 20, 1930 in Topeka, Kansas to Elmer and Lela (Garvitt) Stites. He was a graduate of the Hopkins High School and member of the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, Elks Club, Eagles Lodge and the Masonic Lodges.

He married Norma Rea DeMott on July 17, 1956 in Hopkins, Missouri. She preceded him in death on December 28, 2018. He was also preceded by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Kenneth Stites.

Survivors include his children, Tina West (David Nisley), Todd (Mary Jane) Stites; four grandchildren, Casey (Jenna) West, Logan (Kara) West and Shelby and Madison Stites; five great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Layne, Stella, Austin and Morgan.

Mr. Stites has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, May 21st at 11 am at the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Opinion -- Do We Need a Pool?

By Debbie Roach, Mayor of Grant City

The Grant City Council voted to place a half cent (1/2) sales tax on the ballot that will be used for parks and recreation at our January meeting.

We talked about many ways to help sustain our pool and keep it operational including raising the cost of season passes or even doing away with passes and just charging a daily flat fee. We also talked about a property tax increase to help defray costs but we decided a sales tax initiative would be the best way to go for our citizens.

Each year the pool loses approximately $20,000 and the city cannot keep absorbing the expense of operating the pool without funds to do so. We are asking the public to vote “Yes” on passing a ½ cent sales tax to help cover the expense of keeping the pool operational and hopefully being able to purchase some items that will make our pool a more enjoyable experience for those that visit it throughout the summer. We might also be able to add to the playground equipment in the park or provide other outdoor opportunities for families to spend time together at the pool park area.

The chemicals for the pool have gone up in cost and along with paying salaries, buying supplies, filling it with water and replacing outdated pumps and lines the pool fund has went in the hole for the past 10 years or more.

If you have ideas, questions or concerns about the pool; we cordially invite you to attend our next council meeting which is Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 pm at City Hall. We welcome input from our citizens on how we can keep our pool open and operational. We also welcome input and ideas on how to improve our community for all of our citizens.

The pool is a very important part of summer activities in our community and the surrounding area. It provides hours of entertainment and also provides summer jobs for many of our youth.

We were fortunate a few years ago to have a group of caring individuals step up and donate money, time and labor to revitalize our pool and we would like to keep it operational for many years to come so future generations can enjoy their time making summer memories at the pool.

We hope you will consider voting “Yes” on the ½ cent sales tax so we can keep our pool open!

Marcus Jimerson Named New WCCC Administrator

Mark Cadle, President of the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center, announced the Board approval of hiring Marcus Jimerson as the Administrator.  Marcus brings diverse experience and education to the facility.  He was graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor in English and a Masters in Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis.  He has been a licensed administrator since 2018.  Mr. Jimerson previously worked for Reliant Care Management at their facilities in Moberly and Kansas City Missouri.  He served as Director of Maintenance & Environmental Services in Moberly and Administrator in Training at other facilities.  

Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 4-star community owned facility located in Grant City, Missouri with a goal to surround our residents with compassionate and personal 24-hour care.  The facility offers in-house physical, occupational and speech therapy to both its residents and the local community.  

Bluejay Boys Pull Away to Easy Win Over Wildcards

Northeast Nodaway's boys pulled away to an easy 64-33 win over Stewartsville/Osborn Tuesday as they successfully overcame one of the toughest places to play in. Earlier in the season, the Bluejays had only beaten the Wildcards by nine, 42-33 in the second round of the Platte Valley Invitational. But that game was without the football boys. They were determined to move past a sloppy win over South Holt, a team that the Wildcards have beaten. And the Wildcards were without their best player, Doran Saunders, who had victimized a lot of teams this year with his size and athletic ability.

Eli Martens' three pointer tied it up at 4-4 early, but then Auston Pride got loose in transition and got a pass from Dylan McIntyre and a three point play. Northeast got a rare turnover, but it turned to gold as Zach Pride stole it right back and fed Dylan McIntyre. Northeast would not turn the ball over again until the midpoint of the second quarter and only turned it over four times by the end of the third quarter. Dylan McIntyre got a tip and Colton Swalley a steal, and then Ben Boswell got a steal and fed Swalley to make it 13-4 at the 4:16 mark of the first quarter.

From there, both teams were red hot for a while, and everything they were throwing up was going in. The game stayed between seven and 10 points until the midpoint of the second quarter, when Dylan McIntyre hit Auston Pride in the high post and Ben Boswell hit Lane Dack backdoor to make it 29-17 with 3:29 left in the first half. Alan Corkins' free throws cut it to 29-19 at the 3:10 mark, but then Stewartsville switched to a 1-2-2 halfcourt trap similar to what hurt Northeast against South Holt the game before. It worked initially as they forced a turnover out of it, but then Ben Boswell hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Lane Dack and Colton Swalley drove and hit Dylan McIntyre backdoor to make it 34-19. 

Northeast went to a 1-3-1 of their own, and it got them dividends as Ben Boswell got a steal and a layup, and then he slashed down the left side after a pass from Zach Pride. Then, in the closing seconds of the half, Lane Dack inbounded to Dylan McIntyre, who leaned in over a Wildcard defender to score and make it 40-19 at the break.

There were some interesting numbers at the half. Northeast had more assists (16) than rebounds (10); both teams were red hot from the field in the first half. Dylan McIntyre and Colton Swalley were the only Bluejays to get boards in the half until Boston Adwell got one with two minutes left in the half. 

It didn't matter what defense Stewartsville/Osborn tried in the third quarter as Northeast could do no wrong in the period. Ben Boswell scored off a drive after getting a pass from Lane Dack. Zach Pride made a perfect high low pass to Dylan McIntyre down low, then Dylan got a steal and converted. Ben Boswell got a steal and converted it to a three point play, Ben Boswell handed one off to Dylan, who got the benefit of a charge/block call and converted a three point play, Dylan jumped a pass and turned it into a three point play, Dylan stole a forced pass and fed Ben Boswell for two, and then Ben Boswell fed Dylan McIntyre inside for a three point play.

By the time the dust had settled, Dylan McIntyre had 13 points in the third quarter and Ben Boswell 7. The Bluejays had converted four three point plays in the period, three of which were converted by McIntyre and the other by Boswell. Zach Pride got loose in transition in the fourth quarter and Colton Swalley fed Jake Redden for two in the running clock portion of the game.

Dylan McIntyre had 25 points for the Bluejays. Ben Boswell had 20, Auston Pride 9, Colton Swalley 4, and Lane Dack, Zach Pride, and Jake Redden 2 each.

Colton Swalley had 7 boards. Lane Dack had 5, Auston Pride and Dylan McIntyre 3 each, Jake Redden 2, and Boston Adwell, Ben Boswell, Jack Boswell, and Landon Wilmes 1 each.

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

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

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

Grant City Offering Free Recycling

The City of Grant City is offering free recycling. To sign up, call City Hall at (660) 564-3369. Pickups are provided by Rolling Hills Creative Living in Albany and are done twice a month. The next pickup day is March 3rd.

All items need to be put out by 9 am on the scheduled pickup day. Items accepted include cardboard, clean plastic, paper (including shreddings, newspapers), and tin and aluminum cans.. No glass can be accepted. Do not dump recycling to the RHCL recycling shed. Any questions, contact Alicia Colvin (660) 373-3410.