Obituary -- Donna Spalding 1946-2022

Donna C. Spalding, 76, of Hopkins, MO, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Donna was born on February 25, 1946, to Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Mayfield, joining 3 sisters, Gwen, Lorna, and Joyce.  Pat joined her 3 years later.  She graduated from North Nodaway High School with the “baby boomer” class of 1964.  A class she so enjoyed and are still close friends to this day.  She attended NWMSU for one year and then was employed by Turner Construction as a bookkeeper.

She was joined in marriage with Jerry Spalding on September 18, 1966.  To that union were born 2 sons, Michael Duane and James William. 

She was preceded in death by her son, James in 1989, her parents, E.L. and Kennie Mayfield and a brother-in-law, Ronald From.

Survivors include Mike (Michelle) Spalding, Hopkins, MO, grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Koontz, Shenandoah, IA, Christopher Porter, Maryville, MO, and Morgan Porter (Dawson).  Great grandchildren, Nova and Ava Koontz, and Keslee Lauritsen.  4 sisters, Gwen (Jerry) Coldwell, Beaver Lake, NE, Lorna From, Maryville, MO, Joyce (Rod) Hennegin, Maryville, MO, and Patsy (Garland) O’Riley, Hopkins, MO.  As well as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, who all though the world of Aunt Donna.

Donna loved her life in Hopkins and was proud of her little town.  She owned and operated Spalding Insurance Company for many years.

She belonged and sat on the board of many Hopkins organizations, working and supporting them all.  Donna worked on projects to restore the Roxy Theater, which is now used for school plays and events. 

She helped organize the Hopkins Community Betterment, who have made many improvements to Hopkins.  She held offices in the Community Club and the Hopkins Historical Society.

She hosted the Christian Church Easter sunrise service and breakfast at her home for 25 years.

Her first loves were God, family, church, antique cars, pickups and her precious horses that she loved beyond words. 

Many will remember her driving her pink and white ’55 Ford in all the neighboring parades, being sure to drive by the nursing homes while honking and waving to them.

Donna was well loved by anyone who knew her, she will be truly missed, but will be in our hearts forever.

The visitation will be from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Hopkins Christian Church, Hopkins, MO.  The Rev. Dale Stewart will be the minister.

Burial will follow in the Long Branch Cemetery, Gaynor, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Long Branch Cemetery, Gaynor, MO. 

Grand Opening at Mission Possible

Donors, volunteers, and board members gathered Friday evening, May 27, to celebrate the culmination of more than a year of work renovating Mission Possible’s new home at 108 E. 1st Street, behind HyVee.  But for some the wait has been far longer.

Almost ten years ago the Mission Possible board recognized the need to find a new location that would be larger, safer, and more accessible to clients and customers alike.   The late Brenda Miller spearheaded the building search and fundraising effort at that time, seeking pledges from those who would commit financial support if a suitable building could be found.   Her passion for this project continued to inspire the board, volunteers, and other long time Mission Possible supporters long after her passing in 2018.

Over the years many existing buildings were considered, some quite seriously.  But all options were either inadequate or too expensive.  The turning point came in mid-2019 when Mission Possible was approved to sell Missouri tax credits as an incentive to donors.   Those tax credits generated enough additional donations to make the difference and when Scott and Judy Houk’s building just north of HyVee came up for sale, the board decided this was the long-sought solution.  This 3200 sq. ft., one-story steel building, with parking lot and full handicapped accessibility met all the search criteria.

Use of the tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program enabled the additional funds to be raised, but also came with some requirements.  All the construction, HVAC and electrical work had to be done by professionals in compliance with generally accepted building standards.  And we had to prove to the State that we could complete the project before they would authorize us to start.

Money was saved in every way possible.  Volunteers did all the demolition.  Building materials were reused or sold, as appropriate.  Many new materials and fixtures were either donated or acquired at cost.  And volunteer labor was again used whenever possible while still complying with the State’s buildout requirements.

With the Mission Possible Food Pantry and Thrift Store both now open, visitors will enjoy the added space, the much improved lighting, and parking at the door.   What customers may not realize is that one goal of this project was to take care of the very, very dedicated volunteers who work day after day processing donated merchandise and running the thrift store.  We added wheels everywhere we could to ease the burden on their backs, their strength, and their health.   Wheeled dollies will collect donations, rolling clothing racks will replace heavy plastic tubs for storing out-of-season clothing, and aisles are wide enough to allow merchandise to be rolled rather than carried when restocking.

Marti Myers, board president, was quick to point out that “none of this would have been possible without the amazing generosity of our supporters in Worth County and beyond.   The MO-DED was instrumental in getting us over the fundraising hump and we are most grateful for that.”  But Myers also pointed out that “the board is mindful and thankful for the Divine hand that guided us to this outcome.”

Man Jumped on Grenade in Vietnam, Survived

Jeff Blaine, pastor of Sheridan Christian Church, told the story Monday of a man, Donald Ballard, who went to Vietnam, fell on a grenade, and lived to tell about it. Currently, there are only 64 people alive today who received a Congressional Medal of Honor. 

Ballard was from Kansas City and joined the Navy at first, but became a medic. His job was to treat wounded people. In May 1968, Ballard and his unit were operating in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He was already busy that day treating people because it was hot, and two people had already been evacuated. 

All of a sudden, his unit became the victim of a massive ambush from the North Vietnamese. They cut their squad in half and it was so chaotic that both halves were firing on each other, thinking they were being fired on by the enemy. Ballard was doing his job, treating people. He and four men were bearing an injured Marine when a North Vietnamese soldier came out of nowhere and threw a grenade. Ballard shouted a warning and jumped on the grenade, planning to sacrifice himself so the other men could live. But as time passed, he realized that the grenade was a dud, so he went on treating wounded soldiers. For this, he received a Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor citation stated that Ballard’s heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow Marines. The citation stated that his courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty represented the finest traditions of the US Naval Service.

Ballard later was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He later served in the National Guard. Blaine said that Jesus took the spiritual grenade for us and challenged people to accept his gift of mercy.

Alex Rowen on guitar along with Denise, Abigail, and Gabriella Rowen led the people in singing patriotic hymns. Debbie Thummel played “Taps.”

Obituary -- Dallas Ruth 1925-2022

Dallas E. Ruth, age 96, Grant City, Missouri died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Mosaic Life Care-Maryville.  

Dallas was born December 7, 1925, in Audubon, Iowa. He was the youngest of ten children born to Edwin and Laura May (Giles) Ruth.

Dallas attended country school in Adair County, Iowa.  He joined the United States Navy at age 18 to serve his country in World War II.  Dallas was awarded an honorary diploma from Worth County R-3 High School in Grant City on Veterans Day 2020.

On June 11, 1948, he married the love of his life, Verle Christensen at her family’s home in Orient, Iowa.  They were married 74 years and the parents of three children, Doyle, Beth and Eric.

Operating his own heavy equipment Dallas did construction projects for many people.  

Dallas loved to pitch horseshoes, a routine he did daily,  either by himself or with a friend.  He was a former member of the Fountain of Youth Horseshoe Club in Niland, California.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers and sisters, a son Eric, a grandson-in-law Shane Cass and a son-in-law Mark Lanzarotta.

His survivors include his wife Verle of the home, Grant City, son Doyle (Polly) Ruth, Orient, Iowa, daughter Beth Lanzarotta, Eugene, Oregon, grandchildren Stacey Cass, Travis (Kelli) Ruth, Eric (Melissa) Woosley, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Graveside services and burial will be Sunday, May 29, 2022, in the Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Iowa.  Memorial to be determined later.  Arrangements: Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City.

NEN Hires Boys Basketball, Girls Softball Coaches

The Northeast Nodaway School Board has filled most of the extra duty positions for the upcoming school year. Vance Proffitt was named as Assistant Principal for the school. He will continue to coach baseball and be assisted by Cody Green; however, he stepped aside as Girls Softball coach. The board named Worth County grad Payton Adwell as the new girls softball coach. 

The other coaching vacancy was created by the resignation of Rory Jackson. The board named David Kiene as the new Boys Basketball coach; he will coach both varsity and junior high. His assistant will be Colten Davidson.

Sheldon Saxton will continue to coach the Varsity Girls Basketball squad and Junior High Girls and will continue to be assisted by Emily Bonifas. Jared Freemyer will continue to coach the Junior High Girls softball team. Emily Bonifas will continue to be the Head Track coach and will continue to be assisted by Abbie Groomer and Sheldon Saxton.

Northeast Nodaway Honor Rolls

High Honor Roll:

Anne Briney, Levi Germann, Trevor Henggeler, Nathan Meyer, Justin Miller, Brayden Munns, Auston Pride, Zach Pride, Rachelle Rodriguez, Carson Runde, Dylan Wilmes, A.J. Adwell, Meredith Adwell, Jaden Atkins, Lily Burns, Brendon Deardorff, Dylan McIntyre, Lauren McIntyre, Emily Moran, Kolby Sybert, Ruby Wilmes, Dalanie Auffert, Jack Boswell, Jill Boswell, Courtney Faustlin, Delanny Hopper, Aubrey Munns, Tessa Privett, Baylie Busby, Sasha Deardorff, Lindsey Jackson, Cora Munns, Kenneth Schieber, Austin Adwell, Jalyn Burns, Skyler Florea, Gracie Kohlleppel, Mylee Wilmes, Severia Hall, Brianna Meyer, Blair Nelson, Lance Runde, Georgia Taylor.

Honor Roll:

Landon Allen, Ben Boswell, Lane Dack, Preston Hillyard, Jozlynn Hopper, Kodie Meyer, Kirsten Morrow, Colton Swalley, Dawson Vore, Casey Briney, Carson Hall, Jeremiah Sparks, Arianna Behrens, Hadley DeFreece, Makenzie Pride, Jake Redden, Landon Wilmes, Corby Baumli, Payton Bodle, Drew Dack, Shyanne Garnett, Josie Giesken, Gabriel Moran, Timothy Sparks, Fenton Ackley, Chase Allen, Reece Gray, Ashlynn Kennard, Toryn Privett, Emma Vicker, Hayley Yost.

40-50 Delinquent Taxes on Grant City Rolls

The City of Grant City has around 40-50 delinquent taxes, some dating back to 2004. City Administrator Meggan Brown reported at the Grant City Council Meeting of May 18th that she is checking into procedures for delinquent taxes. 

As of May 18th, the city had 12 applications for lifeguards.

Elaina Goff came to discuss a toilet leak at Orilla’s Way. Her water bill was $4,000 instead of the usual $1,000. The city agreed to a payment plan. City city is in the process of putting in electronic meters so that customers can monitor water usage and sign up for alerts at City Hall. The goal is to put all customers on new meters. Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that city crews were putting in the new meters as time allows.

Jeanie Fletchall was there to discuss sewage running from neighbors’ sewers onto her property and into her lagoon. She said that it was hurting her property valuation. Currently, there are 13 people who are not on city sewer. The goal is to eventually hook all of them onto city sewer. City ordinances require that if any of these households sell, the new customer must get on city sewer. City Administrator Meggan Brown will look into state ARPA funds for water and sewer projects.

Brown will try and get a key for Dogman’s building to proceed with a lead and asbestos assessment.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the city is still getting locates for the new high speed Internet for the city. There were no dogs put down last month.

The pool is being worked on to prepare for opening. A new pump is needed; Staton could only find one available for a cost of $10,000. He said he needed one as soon as possible because he could not predict how much longer the current one would run. The council voted to authorize him to spend up to $10,000 for a new pump. He will check with different companies to see if he can find one for a lower cost.

The city will be receiving three bids for an upcoming chip and seal project. 

The council voted to repeal its ordinance against pit bulls. The state passed a law saying that cities could not specify dog breeds. Such dogs still have to follow local city ordinances.

New mulch has been put in for the playground.

City workers will be doing lagoon, wastewater, and water training. 

The city has ordered two loads of cold mix.

Building permits were discussed. Building permits cannot be approved until all neighbors’ signatures are received.

Northeast Nodaway Elementary Awards for 2022

Northeast Nodaway Pre-K Awards

Alex Ebrecht: Awesome Energy

Olivia Cordell: Awesome Attitude

Colton Runde: Great Curiosity

Lylah Corbett: Magnificent Growth

Lily Runde: Magnificent Growth

Clayton Catterton: Great Kindness

Maci Oliveri: Busy Bee

James Smith: Posibitely Peppy

Brynlee Rush: Fantastic Leader

Declan Crooks: Math Whiz

Porter Norman: Silly Story Teller

Daylee Thummel: Fantastic Friend

Lucie Wiederholt: Fast Thinker

Avery Walker: Ray of Sunshine

Amber Stoll: Amazing Example

Northeast Nodaway Kindergarten Awards

Everyone received: Marvelous Mathematician

Bayne Anderson: Rockstar Reader and Kindness King

Jackson Beatty: Brainy Bookworm and Goal Getter

Allison Beatty: Brainy Bookworm and Heroic Helper

Jaxson Burns: Brainy Bookworm and Problem Solver

Aspen Claphan: Rockstar Reader and Kindness Queen

Graham Coffelt: Rockstar Reader and Caring Classmate

Ross Doty: Brainy Bookworm and Super Speller

Kash Emery: Rockstar Reader and Top Techie

Asher Gray: Rockstar Reader and Most Improved

Ronan Jenkins: Brainy Bookworm and Awesome Artist

Scarlett Moore: Rockstar Reader and Professional Participator

Juliette Smith: Rockstar Reader and Positive Attitude

Aubree Sobotka: Rockstar Reader and Brilliant Behavior

Malakai Sutton: Rockstar Reader and Rad Writer

Charlie Welch: Rockstar Reader and Captain Creative

Makinlee Williams: Rockstar Reader and Hard Worker

Northeast Nodaway 1st Grade Awards

Bookworm Award: Entire class for reaching their reading goals.

Llamazing Reader Award: Entire class for going above and beyond their reading goals.

Smart Cookie Award: For completing our Daily Smart Cookie Mat Facts.

Plus various character awards for each individual student.

Northeast Nodaway 2nd Grade Awards

Aurora Claphan: Rockin Reader, Great Attitude, Magnificent Growth, Star Reader, and Math Whiz.

Noah Cordell: Rockin Reader, Fantastic Friend, Magnificent Growth, and Math Whiz.

Kinley Emery: Great Character, Rockin Reader, Star Reader, Magnificent Growth, and Math Whiz.

Hayzer Florea: Fantastic Friend, Rockin Reader, Magnificent Growth, and Math Whiz.

Cooper Jackson: Fantastic Friend, Rockin Reader, Magnificent Growth, and Math Whiz.

Quin Oelze: Great Character, Rockin’ Reader, Magnificent Growth, and Math Whiz.

Jennifer Stoll: Great Character, Math Whiz, Rockin Reader, Magnificent Growth, and Star Reader.

J.D. Vicker: Fast Thinker, Math Whiz, Star Reader, Rockin Reader, and Magnificent Growth.

Aiden Welch: Magnificent Growth, Rockin Reader, Awesome Energy, and Math Whiz.

Kenzley Yost: Math Whiz, Magnificent Growth, Rockin Reader, and Happy Helper.

Northeast Nodaway 4th Grade Awards:

Building Blocks to Success (Most Improved): Gracin Runde, Khloe Burns, Lilly McCampbell, Jaxen Taylor, Aiden Claphan. 

Math: High Flyer (Passed all of xtramath, Math Hero): Aiden Claphan, Maddy Faustlin, Brock Adwell.

Over 200 Points (Smart Cookie): Ryder Coslow, Maddy Faustlin, Chase Stephenson, Jaxen Taylor, Kiley Yost, Khole Burns.

Growth in Lexile Levels: 150-200 – Brock Adwell, Gracin Runde; 200-300 – Khloe Burns, Lily McCampbell, Jaxen Taylor. 400+ – Aiden Claphan.

Brock Adwell – Voracious Reader

Khloe Burns – Talented Writer

Aiden Claphan – Stick With It

Ryder Coslow – Sunshine

Maddy Faustline – Sunshine

Jesse Long – Class Helper

Lily McCampbell – Creative Kid

Gracin Runde – Creative Kid

Chase Stephenson – Great Rhythm

Jaxen Taylor – Quick Thinker

Kiley Yost – Pay it Forward

Paxton Bennett – Class Helper

Landen Moore – Diligent Worker

Helen Chevalier – Best Question

Northeast Nodaway JH/HS Citizenship Awards

Lance Runde – 7th Grade

Jaylyn Burns – 8th Grade

Lindsey Jackson – 9th Grade

A.J. Adwell – 11th Grade

Courthouse News for May 25th, 2022

On May 10, 2022, Jesus Alvarez-Diaz, 27, of Council Bluffs was arrested in the 100 block of south Walnut Street in Lenox by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department. He was charged with going armed with intent, first degree harassment, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, assault, disorderly conduct, public intoxication and interference with official acts. Alvarez is being held on $10,300 bond. 

On May 11th, someone found four puppies in Worth County. They were two males and two females and were approximately 3 months old. They were turned into the New Nodaway Humane Society in Maryville.

The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on the shooting of a horse two miles south of Kellerton that occurred on the weekend on May 14th. Hilltop Vet Clinic assisted in confirming that the animal had been shot and in the recovery of a bullet. Please contact the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office with any information.

On May 17th at around 5:15 pm, a strong storm system hit Hopkins and the surrounding countryside with damaging straight line winds and hail. Numerous old trees were destroyed, and the town was without power. Some homes and businesses were damaged. There were no reports of injuries. Some trees and branches blew into the streets, blocking traffic. There was also storm damage near Sheridan; however, the power remained on. The effects could be felt as far away as Albany, where there was heavy rainfall and 35 mph winds.

On May 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Francisco Antonio Buezo Rose (25) of Kansas City (KS) in Harrison County on charges of Speeding (112 mph) and Failure to Drive in Right Lane.

On May 17th, during the severe weather, motorcycles driven by Alan Brown (63) of New Market and Richard Pace (38) of Clarinda were riding their motorcycles on 25 near the intersection with Route 2 when a gust of wind associated with the storm blew them into the ditch. There were no injuries.

On May 18th, a fire north of Trenton caused by something hitting a power line knocked power out in Trenton. The electricity flickered off and on all over the area as far north as Hatfield, Eagleville, and Blythedale. The power also flickered off and on in Bethany, Gallatin, Mount Moriah, Albany, Gilman City, Coffey, Ridgeway, Cameron, Cainsville, Jamesport, Pattonsburg, Chillicothe, and New Hampton. 

On May 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Joshua Walker (25) of Diberville (MS) in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Speeding.

On May 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Serena Bell (24) of Diberville (MS) in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On May 18th, the Worth County Sheriff’s Department announced that as of June 1st, Worth County’s 911 emergency services will be dispatched out of Nodaway County instead of Gentry County. The non-emergency line for the Worth County Sheriff’s Department is (660) 564-2222 and will only be answered from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. For all emergencies that include fire, medical, and law enforcement, please call 911. It will be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

On May 18th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department reported that a 17 year old girl had left a parent’s home in Nodaway County without parental consent and ran off with a 35 year old male in Falls City (NE). Nodaway County Sheriff’s Deputies, Nebraska authorities, and US Marshals found her safe and returned her home. Authorities in Nebraska and Nodaway County are now conducting a criminal investigation.

On May 18th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Norman Moad (53) of Grant City alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Property Damage. Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On May 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Michael Watts alleging Leaving the Scene and two counts Property Damage.

On May 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jared Johnson (22) of Trenton alleging DWI, Speeding, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On May 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Natalie Noble (20) of Norwalk (IA) alleging Speeding (26+ mph over), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. 

On May 19th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Brian Cuchetti (30) of Albany alleging two counts Trespass.

On May 20th, there was a loud noise east of the Sheridan Housing at around 3:00 pm.

On May 20th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jason Perkins (21) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On May 20th, a large brown mastiff with a broken chain was seen walking on CC in Harrison County towards 136. Later, it was seen walking on 136 heading towards Princeton still wearing the chain.

On May 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jalen Malone (22) of Dunlap (IA) in Nodaway County on three City of Maryville warrants.

On May 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Logan Steeve (23) of Hopkins in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Failure to Display Two Headlamps.

On May 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Amberlyn Potter (29) of Grant City in Gentry County on charges of DWI, Speeding, Failure to Register, and No Insurance.

On May 22nd, a Blythedale woman reported that someone driving well over the 35 mph speed limit hit her six month old dog.

On May 22nd, a Hopkins man reported that someone ran over his kid’s pet cat right in front of his daughter and then left the scene.

On May 22nd, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department reported that there was a high number of minors in the county violating the restrictions on their permits. Teen drivers in Iowa with Minor School Permits may not use electronic communications devices while driving, drive to work without adult supervision unless you live or work on a farm and are driving less than 50 miles for farm related work, carry more than one minor school passenger that is not a relative when driving without adult supervision, drive to school you are not enrolled in unless your school has an extracurricular sharing agreement with that school, carry more passengers than the number of seat belts in your vehicle (even when driving with adult supervisions), or drive a commercial motor vehicle, a vehicle requiring a Class D license, a vehicle with more than two axles, a vehicle towing another vehicle, or a motorcycle (unless you have motorcycle privileges).

On May 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Spencer Allee (22) of Maryville alleging Violation of Sex Offender Restrictions (Felony). Bond was set at $500, cash only.

On May 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Louis Sipiriano (41) of Kansas City alleging DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On May 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Ali Ahmed (64) of Willmar (MN) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On May 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Richard Pascual (22) of Sedalia alleging Speeding (26+ mph over) and No Insurance.

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.

Editorial -- “It’s All Russia’s Fault!”

Recently, gas prices in Worth County went over $4 per gallon for the first time ever. On Wednesday, we paid $38 to fill up our car. Prices of other goods are going up as well. There are chronic shortages of certain goods due to supply chain issues. Don’t get me wrong; most of us would condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But it is awfully convenient that it happened at this time so that President Joe Biden can find someone to blame for his failures.

I voted for Biden. I believed him to be more competent than Trump, but now, I am not so sure. More people have died from COVID under Biden than Trump. And now, we are seeing a deadly spiral towards a nuclear conflict with Russia and/or China. So much for Barack Obama’s promise back in 2008 that he would keep us out of “dumb wars.”

Ever since around 1920 or so, the elites have carried out a war against normal people, starting with mass foreclosures in the 1920’s, following by the shuttering of rural schools and mass consolidations. This destroyed the lifeblood of our communities. Next came the shuttering of our trains, which gutted our local economy even more. Then came another round of foreclosures in the 1980’s; then came the shipping of jobs overseas to Mexico and China starting in the 1990’s. 

This is the same mentality we are seeing today. We’re expected to make all the sacrifices so that we can “stick it to the Russians.” The death spiral to our economy will get even worse if China invades Taiwan, oil goes through the roof again, and gas goes up to $8-10 per gallon or so. 

Two wrongs don’t make a right. The fact that Russia invaded Ukraine, when there were diplomatic ways of resolving the conflict, does not justify the escalatory pressure that the US and NATO have engaged against Russia ever since the collapse of Communism and the dissolution of the USSR. And it certainly doesn’t justify the tanking of our economy and the driving up of gas prices and fertilizer prices just to engage in virtue signaling.

I believe in the Ten Commandments. In 1990, Secretary of State James Baker made verbal assurances that if Germany reunified and joined NATO, it would not expand eastwards to Russia’s border. The fact that no formal deal with Russia was struck does not excuse the US going back on its word to Russia and pushing for the eastward expansion of NATO to Russia’s border. 

The tragic attacks of 9/11 were a golden opportunity for the US to remake the world in its image. We enjoyed a lot of support and goodwill in the months after those barbaric attacks. But instead of creating a more peaceful world, the US instead engaged in a war of choice against Iraq which turned out to be the worst foreign policy disaster in US history. Instead of learning the lessons from this conflict, Barack Obama doubled down by turning our war in Afghanistan into a 20 year occupation that accomplished nothing but the squandering of US lives and trillions of taxpayer dollars. Now, Joe Biden is doubling and tripling down on these failed policies.

Joe Biden can virtue signal all he wants. But what good will it do if all our farms go broke due to lack of fertilizer and lack of parts and supplies and the inability to buy tractors or pickups due to high prices or supply chain issues? What good will it do if we can’t drive to work because filling up a tank of gas skyrockets to $80? What good will it do to “stick it to the Russians” if we can’t buy food due to supply chain issues, or we can’t afford it anymore? These policies, if unchecked, will create another big crash. If we are not all incinerated by nuclear weapons first.

All of this is being done to feed the beast known as the Military Industrial Complex that President Dwight Eisenhower tried to warn us against. While all other government agencies are expected to live within their means, the Military Industrial Complex is allowed to operate with impunity, without checks of any kind. 

This is not an indictment of our veterans or our servicepeople. We support them, and will continue to do so. This is an indictment of policymakers of both parties, who squabble like two year olds while happily jumping on the gravy train that supporting the Military Industrial Complex yields. It is telling that Nancy Pelosi happily voted to increase defense spending during Donald Trump’s presidency even as she was wringing her hands over what a horrible person Donald Trump was.

It is telling that Henry Kissinger, widely regarded on the left as a war criminal, is making more sense on the Russia/Ukraine conflict that Joe Biden is. He is calling for an end to it. When you are to the right of someone like Henry Kissinger, it should give you pause.

North Harrison 2nd Semester Honor Roll

The following North Harrison students made the 2nd Semester Honor Roll:

High Honor Roll

Katelyn Briggs, Camden Castleberry, Hailey Claycomb, Cooper Cracraft, Jaci Davis, Kolton Graham, Dillon Hartschen, Lela Hartschen, Matthew Heintz, Ruby Heintz, Keygun Johnson, Trendi Johnson, Karley Koch, Paige Lane, Halle Morgan, Jayliegh Robins, Evan Schreiber.

Regular Honor Roll

Nick Babinski, Baily Briggs, Lani Briggs, Wade Briggs, Andrew Craig, Alaina Dougherty, Carmon Fordyce, Lane Graham, Brandon Hamilton, Jaxcynn Hansel, Kealey Hulett, Landon Johnson, Kyler Kimbrough, Brooklyn Lane, Wyatt Maize, Alonna Milligan, Kenzie Milligan, Andi Nail, Chloe Pickering, Tate Richardson, Kamden Robertson, Karsyn Ury, Aubrey Utley, Kynsleigh Utley, Amber Wilson, Kayka Wilson.

B Honor Roll

Madyson Bender, Ashlin Bomar, Noah Breshears, Emma Chandler, Addison Davis, Seth Davis, Cambry Doolittle, Tyson Gibson, Jerry Gilpatrick, Dustin Hamilton, Ethan Henson, Algeria Hernandez, Kendall Kimbrough, Michael Mecca, Brayden Nail, Annabelle Owens, Lily Owens, Lucian Sweeney, Erin Virtue, Deva Wallace.

Obituary -- Dave Niemeyer 1945-2022

David (Dave) Lawrence Niemeyer, age 76 of Mercer, MO, passed away on May 21, 2022. Dave was born June 21, 1945 in Washington, MO, the youngest of three children born to Wesley and Edna (Hackmann) Niemeyer. He was baptized in 1945 and confirmed in 1959, in the Holstein United Church of Christ. Dave attended elementary school in Holstein, MO and high school in Warrenton, MO, where he enjoyed playing sports, particularly baseball and basketball. He served in the Army National Guard for 8 years following high school. Dave attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO, where he was a walk-on baseball player. His love for the game and desire to coach led him to a degree in Education. In 1972, Dave moved to Mercer, MO to fill a vacant, half-year coaching position. There, he met his wife, Virginia (Ginny) Bruner, and they married on October 4, 1973. In 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Heather.

Dave taught at North Mercer R-III school for 16 ½ years, where he coached all sports at all grade levels, including boys and girls basketball, boys and girls softball, and track. He later moved to Princeton R-V school in 1988, where he coached boys basketball and girls softball for 11 years until his retirement in 1999. He built strong sports programs within Mercer County and earned the respect of players, fans, and fellow coaches. He was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and received many accolades over the years.

Dave was an avid sports fan; he rooted for the good guys: the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri Tigers, and any team playing the Kansas Jayhawks. He always had insights to share on the upcoming big game and could talk “ball” for hours. It was rare not to see him wearing a shirt or ball cap with his team’s mascots proudly displayed.

In his retirement, Dave grew his passion of woodworking. He designed and crafted thousands of items from lumber he salvaged from old barns and buildings he tore down. He also spent many hours working in his garden. He served on the Mercer Park Board and Mercer County Recreation Board. He played an integral part in creating Mercer’s city park and most recently worked as a volunteer for Serve Mercer County. Dave was an active member of the Mercer United Methodist Church and a faithful follower of Christ. He would do anything for his family, friends, church, and community.

Dave created an exceptional legacy. His motto was, “Winning isn’t everything but trying is.” He pushed for greatness, on and off the court or field. He wanted everyone to strive to reach their highest potential. He coached and mentored his athletes with unwavering encouragement and developed lasting relationships with many of them. Dave lived his life like he played and coached the game: All in. 110% effort. Never giving up, despite obstacles or hardships.

Dave will be greatly missed by the family he loved immensely. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Ginny; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Matt Schmidt; granddaughter, Ainslea Schmidt; sister-in-law, Virginia Niemeyer; brother- and sister-in-law, William (Buddy) and Jackie Bruner; sister-in-law, Kay Walters; many nieces and nephews; and a host of people whom he considered “family.” In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Delores Hubbard; brother, Melvin Niemeyer; brother-in-law, Jim Walters; and parents-in-law, William and Virginia Bruner.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4 at the United Methodist Church, Princeton, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear their favorite sports gear! Inurnment will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Serve Mercer County and/or Helping Hands philanthropies in David’s memory in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Below the Fold Now Available at Worth County Library

Your Worth County Partnership Library currently has a small collection of DVDs that patrons may check out for a couple of days.  I’m excited to announce that the library has been able to obtain the DVD, Below the Fold, to add to this collection.  This movie was written and directed by Worth County R-III graduate, Clayton Scott.  The original premier was on 4/15/2021 as part of the Panic Film Festival in Kansas City.  

I was honored to attend a viewing with Clayton’s mother, Linda Scott, in Maryville at The Hangar, back in November.  Many readers already know that Linda’s hometown is Sheridan, Missouri.  While watching the movie, it was fun to recognize local landmarks and individuals from right here in Northwest Missouri.  After the Maryville run, this movie made its VOD/DVD premiere on 11/26/2021. 

As of Tuesday, seventeen film critics have reviewed the movie, and it has been given a rating of 100% fresh by Rotten Tomatoes. To read the reviews go to https://linktr.ee/belowthefoldmoviereviews.  

This dark thriller follows two newspaper reporters that investigate a case that is 10 years old involving a young girl, Susie Potter that vanished from Skidmore Missouri.  It’s a movie that you need to watch more than once to catch what nuances you missed the first time. 

–Kandi Hughes, Librarian         

Obituary -- Julie Willhite 1970-2022

Julie Elizabeth Willhite, 51, Bethany, MO passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022 at her home in Bethany, MO.

She was born October 13, 1970 in Bethany, Missouri the daughter of Gerald and Kay (Ragsdale) Parker.

After graduation from South Harrison High School, Julie attended college at Missouri Western State College majoring in Elementary Education.  There she took pleasure in playing softball and basketball.  Julie taught at several schools including Winston, Salisbury, St. Joseph Christian and North Harrison in Eagleville.

On December 13, 1992, she married Todd Willhite in Bethany, MO.  He survives of the home.

Julie was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and attended church at Blue Ridge Church.  Because of her love of the Lord, she enjoyed hosting weekly Bible Studies in her home.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bertha and Duane Parker and Thomas and Opal Ragsdale.

In addition to her husband, Todd, she is also survived by her daughter, Sarah Willhite (Michael Draper), Branson, MO; two sons, Michael Willhite, St. Joseph, MO and Steven Willhite, Bethany, MO; her parents, Gerald and Kay Parker, Bethany, MO; two brothers, Greg Parker, Morengo, IA and Jeff (Janice) Parker, Nebraska City, NE; mother-in-law, Lavonne Osborn, Bethany, MO; brother-in-law, Trent (Mindy) Willhite, Bethany, MO; sisters-in-law, Joni (Beau) Bennett, Harrison, AR and Monica Gautney, Colleyville, TX and several nieces and nephews.   

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25 at Blue Ridge Church, Blue Ridge, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Bethany, MO.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.  Memorials may be made to the Julie Willhite Memorial Fund to be designated later in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. box 46, Bethany, MO  64424.  Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Obituary -- Corena King 1938-2022

Corena Alice King age 83, Grant City, Missouri passed away May 20, 2022, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Corena was born May 29, 1938, in Oxford, Missouri, the daughter of Ira and Maxine King.  She was a  graduate of Grant City High School class of 1956.  She married her high school sweetheart Marvin L. King in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 16, 1958.  Corena and Marvin spent 62 years together.  He preceded her on September 2, 2020.

Corena was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother Marvin I. King (November 1976).

Corena was a farmer, helping her husband with both the livestock and row crops on their farm southwest of Grant City.  Corena also worked 30 plus years in the Government ASCS in Grant City.

Corena is survived by three siblings.  Sisters Laveta (Dale) Maudlin, Union Star, Missouri, Elda Jones, Kansas City, Missouri, brother Dwain (Bonnie) King, St. Joseph, Missouri, sister-in-law Kathy King, Kansas City, Missouri, brother-in-law Larry King, Stanberry, Missouri, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of close neighbors all of whom she loved and treasured just like family.

Corena was the kindest and most generous Christian woman.  She was a member of the Worth Church of Christ, Worth, Missouri.  She loved her family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City.  The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM prior to the services.  Burial will be in the Barnes Cemetery, Worth. 

andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Joyce Coleen Beeks 1933-2022

Joyce Coleen (Smith) Beeks, 88, Liberty, MO departed this life on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at her home in Liberty, MO one week before her 89th birthday.  She was born May 27, 1933 in Martinsville, Missouri the daughter of Everett Wesley and Mildred Lavon (Clevenger) Smith.  She was the oldest of nine children, eight girls and one boy.  She attended school at Martinsville, MO and was know as Coleen.  After graduating high school in 1952, she moved to Kansas City, MO to attend business school.  There she became known as Joyce.

On August 27, 1952, she married Eldon Leroy Beeks of Eagleville, MO.  They lived in Salina, Kansas during Eldon’s military service, later moving to Riverside, MO then to their permanent home in Liberty, MO.  To this union two daughters were born, Teresa Ann Beeks on March 12, 1959 and Nancy Kay Beeks on January 24, 1961.

Coleen’s career choice began with St. John’s Laboratory, then later Baptist Memorial Hospital for 30 years, retiring in 1998.  Her husband, Eldon, passed away November 9, 1983 at the young age of 52 years.  Coleen became very involved in Human Resources at Baptist Hospital serving on many committees and volunteer work as well as the owner of several rental properties.  She also became very active in Politics and Business and Professional Women earning the respect and admiration of so many people but taking care of her family was her biggest priority.  Her greatest enjoyment, next to family and church, was politics and attending the Republican National Convention in 1983 and 1992.  She was invited to attend the Inauguration and Inaugural Ball for President Ronald Reagan and again in 1989 for President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Coleen was a devoted member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Liberty, MO and attended every Sunday as long as her health permitted.  She loved working with Pre-Schoolers and sharing her love for Jesus with them.

Coleen was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brother, Ronald Smith; daughter, Teresa Walters and son-in-law, Waid Walters.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Tabb) Adler; grandchildren, Rochelle Adler, Justin (Nicole) Adler, Trevor Adler and Phillip Walters; great-grandchildren, Jadon and Emma Walters and Brooklyn and Lucas Adler; seven sisters, Phyllis Westlake, Janice (Larry) Groves, Marilyn (Jerry) Smith, Sherry (Jim) LeRette all of Bethany, MO, Janet Hestand, Platte City, MO, Ronoka (Kelly) Easton, Kansas City, MO and Rita (Brooks) Wright, West Newbury, MA; sister-in-law, Ilene Smith, Bethany, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 27 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.  Burial will follow in Allen Cemetery, Eagleville, MO.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Allen Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO  64424.  Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Tiger Boys are State Runner Ups in Track

Worth County finished second in the State Track Meet Saturday. Principia ran away with the meet, scoring 73 points. Worth County had 47, Green City 44, Nodaway Valley 39, King City 30½, Stanberry 27, Princeton 22, Wellington-Napoleon 22, Mound City 21, Hayti 21, Lakeland 21, Santa Fe 19, Atlanta 18, Appleton City 17, Newtown-Harris 16, Marion Early 16, Hermitage 16, Sacred Heart 16, Humansville 15, Tri-County 14, College Heights Christian 14, Orrick 14, Crystal City 14, Galena 14, Thomas Jefferson Independent 13, Winona 13, Tina-Avalon 10, Albany 9, St. Paul Lutheran 9, Macks Creek 9, Viburnum 8, Liberal 8, South Holt 8, Gilman City 8, Bell City 7, Leeton 6, Knox County 6, Jasper 6, Chadwick 5½, Greenwood 4, Wheaton 3, Norwood 3, La Plata 3, Norborne 3, Midway 3, East Atchison 2½, Richland 2½, Glasgow 2, Madison 2, Northeast (Cairo) 2, Stoutland 1, Crossroads College Prep 1, Braymer 1, Pattonsburg 1, and Slater 1.

The Tigers placed two in the 110 Hurdles. Aydan Gladstone had finished second to Jace Cousatte all year, but finally beat him out at the State Meet, getting fourth with a time of 16.19. Cousatte was sixth with a time of 16.21. Jace Cousatte was third in the 300 Hurdles with a time of 41.31. 

The 4x100 Relay Team was eighth with a time of 48.59. The 4x200 team was third with a time of 1:33.18. The 4x400 team shaved several seconds off their time in the prelims and then showed that it was no accident, winning with a time of 3:33.56, over 1½ seconds over the second place finishers.

Aydan Gladstone got a personal best in the Pole Vault and finished third with a height of 13’1”. Jase Latham was fourth in the Shot Put with a throw of 47’4¼”. Alex Rinehart was fourth in the Javelin with a personal best throw of 153’9”.

For the girls, Eva Engel was fifth in the Pole Vault with a height of 9’1”. She nearly missed out, getting 8’4¼ on her third and final try, but she made it through before getting 9’1” on her second try. Ali Brown was sixth in the Javelin with a throw of 111’1”. 

Horseracing Accident in 1906 Led to Injuries

Before the car came along, towns had problems with people jumping trains and horseracing. Worth County used to have its own horseracing grounds, which led to the following accident on September 28th, 1906, recounted by the October 4th Worth County Times:

On the fairgrounds last Friday, an impromptu race was run by horses ridden by Joe Ferguson and Wesley Willhite. The horses were running their best, and just as they got opposite where a large crowd of people were standing, both bolted the track. No one was injured by the Willhite horse, but the Ferguson horse knocked Mrs. James Goodwine and Charley Bressler down and tore Miss Mary Goodwine’s dress. Frank Baker, a boy about 12 years old living with Watt Marshall, was struck on the calf of the leg by the sharp hoof and a bad gash was cut crosswise of the limb. It required several stitches to sew up the wound. Though quite painful, the wound is not dangerous.

In the same issue, the accident prompted the following editorial calling for a better race track. It reads, in part:

The present track is too short and uneven to warrant results. Being in the form of a figure 8, the curves are so short that a horse going at a good gait cannot keep it up in rounding them and is apt to go off at a tangent. 

The surrounding ground is admirably fitted for a course, but it will cost considerable money to grade and level up properly. Will the businessmen and farmers take enough interest in this matter to put it on foot so that by the time the next fair comes along, the track will be ready for use?

1906 Marked Downfall of Worth County Lumber Yard Manager

A few months ago, we reported about the Worth County Lumber Yard, run by Clarence R. Dowlin; we showed their ad from one of the issues of the Worth County Times. However, Dowlin was arrested in 1906 on a charge of Forgery. The October 4th, 1906 Worth County Times tells the story:

Like a clap of thunder from a clear sky came the arrest late last Thursday night of Clarence R. Dowlin, who had been in charge of the Worth County Lumber Yard of this city for the past 27 months. The warrant was sworn to by N.J. Stichen, auditor for Wm. H. Day of Dubuque (IA), proprietor of the lumber yard at this place and charges Dowlin with the crime of Embezzlement and Forgery. The forgery is evidenced by a note purporting to have been signed by Dr. O.P.M. Mills of this city in the sum of $279.53. The embezzlement is evidenced by a written confession purporting to have been signed by Mr. Dowlin, wherein he acknowledges to having appropriated the sum of $2,051.74. Nearly all day Friday, Sheriff Ferguson had Mr. Dowlin in charge in the hope that he would furnish a bond, but being unable to do so, he was placed in jail, where he now languishes.

From what we can learn, it appears that when a customer bought a bill of lumber, the same was charged on the books. When the customer paid the bill, a receipt was given but the account on the book was not credited, but was left open. The alleged forged note was given July 6th of the present year, ostensibly to cover up an apparent shortage.

Why Mr. Dowlin should commit the offenses charged against him is simply inexplicable. He is a jovial fellow, was prominent in church and fraternal circles, and had no pronounced bad habits. Indeed, we have it from members of the green cloth that he never indulged in the festive game of draw poker. 

Neither he nor his wife dressed extravagantly, nor did they live in extra grand style. Presumably, he received a salary of about $65 per month. In the 27 months of his employment here, that would amount to $1,755. Now add to the sum the amount of his self-confessed embezzlement of $2,051.74 and you have a total of $3,806.74, or a monthly expenditure of over $141. Where did the money go?

In justice to Mr. Dowlin, we will state that he insists that he is not guilty of the charges laid at his door, notwithstanding that the forged note and his signed confession are in the hands of the prosecuting attorney, Bert Miller. Amazement at his act is the only comment we have to add at this time.

Richardson Tosses No Hitter; Tiger Teams Honor Aivry Griffin

Brooklyn Richardson tossed a no hitter for Worth County and struck out 14 Hopkins batters, and the Tigers pulled away for a 7-1 win against an improved Hopkins squad. All three of the Tiger squads – the 18 & under, the 14 & under, and the 11 & under – honored Aivry Griffin by wearing her number Thursday night. She also tossed one last fall against East Harrison.

Hopkins broke out on top when Andrea Jenkins reached on an error and took second, third, and home on wild pitches. Worth County was off to a rocky start in the first, but Richardson settled down after her catcher, Rylee Ruckman, gunned down a runner stealing to prevent further damage. 

The Tigers have the luxury this year of having two squads at the high school level, the first time that has happened in 25 years. The last time the Tigers were able to do that, it led to the Tigers making a second place run to the state tournament in 2000. This gives coaches Tiffany Bliley and Haley Hunt the luxury of trying people at different positions and seeing what they are good at.

Two Hopkins errors in the Tiger first opened the floodgates for Worth County, and they scored four runs and were never seriously threatened after that. 

Rylee Ruckman threw another runner out stealing in the second and Hailey Adwell, running from center field to behind shortstop, robbed a Hopkins player of a bloop hit in the third. The Tigers seem to have the catcher’s slot locked down for the next few years behind Ruckman and Autumn Cousatte, who enemy baserunners couldn’t get out of a game last year, try as they might.

Nevaeh Halvin kept Hopkins in the game; her pitching greatly improved this year, and she was around the strike zone all night, only walking one batter. Andrea Jenkins, after a rough start at second, made a diving catch to rob a Tiger of a hit in the fifth. Shortstop Bailey Bloomquist robbed one Tiger of a hit with a diving catch and another with a diving stop of a sharp grounder up the middle and touched second with her glove just ahead of Kara Staton.

The Tigers had several new faces step up. ZeeAnna Gladstone crushed a double over the center fielder’s head that drove in a run in the third. Katie Fletchall crushed a gap triple to right center and later came home on a groundout in the fourth. Brylee Rush added a double for the Tigers. 

The under 14 Tigers lost to Hopkins 4-2. Lexi Snead hit a pop fly into no-man’s land for a single for the Tigers.

North Nodaway Hires Paraprofessional, Bus Driver

The North Nodaway School Board hired a paraprofessional and a bus driver at their May 18th meeting. The board voted to hire Shelley Combs as a paraprofessional for the 2022-2023 school year. The board voted to hire Ed Welch as a bus driver for the upcoming school year. The board named Roger Johnson and Prent Eaton as Co-Cross Country Coaches and Cody Jenkins and Sami Jackson as Co-Weightlifting Sponsors. The board voted to name Tana Wymer as Elementary Math Sponsor.

The board accepted the resignation of Wyatt Tate as Elementary Custodian.

The school is still looking to hire a high school volleyball coach for the upcoming volleyball season.

North Nodaway Declares Preschool Trailer as Surplus

On Wednesday, the North Nodaway school board declared the preschool trailer at Pickering as surplus property. The school says the trailer is no longer needed as a new preschool will be built using funds from the voter-approved bond issue. 

Bids are being accepted and the deadline will be June 9th at 11:59 am. Bids will be opened publicly on June 9th at 12 noon at the Superintendent’s Office located at 705 East Barnard Street in Hopkins.

Winning bid must provide payment in cash, cashier’s check, or money order no later than 7 calendar days after the June 9th bid opening day. The item is required to be moved by a licensed and insured company off the property prior to July 15th, 2022. Any damage done to the item or District property as a result of moving the item shall be at the new owner’s sole expense. The item is being sold as is with no guarantees. The district will be responsible for utility disconnects.

To view the trailer or for more information, contact the school office at (660) 778-3411.

Semi Strikes Cattle in Road Resulting in Injury

An Arkansas man was injured after his semi truck struck cattle on the road in the middle of the night Friday morning at around 2:30 am. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1998 Peterbilt driven by Stayton Massey (44) of Strawberry (AR) was northbound on Highway 71 six miles south of Maryville when it struck cattle in the roadway, traveled off the east side of 71, struck two fence rows, struck two trees, struck another fence row, struck two more trees, then an embankment before traveling back onto the road. Massey received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. 

Comments Sought for Draft Missouri Highway Plan for 2023-2027

 On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Transportation released its draft highway and bridge construction schedule for 2023-2027. Among the projects being considered:

–Bridge rehabilitation for various bridges in Worth, Gentry, Harrison, and Nodaway Counties;

–Pavement preservation treatment and resurfacing for Route 71 in Andrew County and Nodaway County to south of Route V in Maryville;

–Bridge rehabilitation for a bridge on Route B in Gentry County;

–Bridge replacement over Walnut Fork on Route E in Gentry County 1.1 miles east of Route 169 near Stanberry;

–Pavement resurfacing for Routes FF, U, and J in Gentry and Worth Counties, Route NN in Harrison County, and Route Y in Worth County.

–Bridge replacement over Bear Creek 1.8 miles north of 169 near Gentry on Route YY;

–Pavement resurfacing from Iowa state line to Route N near Eagleville on I-35;

–Pavement preservation treatment on I-35 from Route N near Eagleville to Route 136 near Bethany;

–Pavement repair on I-35 from the Iowa state line to the Clay County line;

–Bridge replacement on Route 69 over Zadie Branch one mile west of I-35 in Harrison County;

–Bridge rehabilitation over East Fork Big Creek on Route N 1.6 miles east of I-35 near Blythedale;

–Pavement resurfacing for Route 136 from Route 46 south of Ravenwood to Route J in Nodaway County;

–Pavement resurfacing on Route 46 and 136 from Icon Road to east of the 102 River in Maryville and from Route J to Route 169 in Stanberry;

–Pavement resurfacing on Route 71 from Route 148 to the Iowa state line north of Maryville;

–Pavement resurfacing for Routes NN, AH, WW, AB, JJ, N, and Y in Nodaway County;

–Bridge replacement over the Platte River on Route VV near Conception Junction;

–Bridge rehabilitation for Route 169 over Middle Fork Grand River 2.3 miles south of Grant City;

–Pavement resurfacing for Route 169 from Iowa state line to Route 46 near Grant City;

–Bridge replacement over Marlowe Branch and over the West Fork Grand River on Route 46 west of Grant City.

The draft FY 2023-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Thursday. A 30-day public review and comment period has begun.

The STIP makes available $9.9 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years.  Of the $9.9 billion, the draft STIP details $7.69 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $1.5 billion per year.  

The draft FY 2023-2027 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027).

The proposed program is available for public review. 

Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 

The program is available on MoDOT's website: https://www.modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends June 17, 2022.

Following the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. The Commission will review the comments and the final transportation program before considering it for approval at its July 6 meeting.

Three Northeast Nodaway FFA Teams Qualified for State

Three Northeast Nodaway FFA teams went to state this year. The school celebrated the accomplishments of the FFA members last Tuesday, May 10th at the FFA Banquet.

Qualifying this year were the Nursery Landscape Team of Grant McIntyre, Jill Boswell, Dalanie Auffert, and Delanny Hopper; the Farm Management Team of Torri Kephart, Lily Burns, Trevor Henggeler, Auston Pride, Zach Pride, and Rachelle Rodriguez; and the Dairy Foods team of Lauren McIntyre, Ruby Wilmes, Jaden Atkins, Meredith Adwell, and Dylan McIntyre. All finished in the top 15% at state.

Another squad, the all-freshman squad of Baylie Busby, Lindsey Jackson, Kenneth Schieber, and Zachary Meyer almost qualified for state after getting multiple top five finishes throughout the year.

The Nursery Landscape Team of Grant McIntyre, Jill Boswell, Dalanie Auffert, and Delanny Hopper finished 5th, 3rd, and 4th in contests this year before winning districts, only the fourth team in school history to win a district FFA contest. 

Leadership awards went to Ben Boswell, Trevor Henggeler, Torri Kephart, Justin Miller, Auston Pride, Zach Pride, Rachelle Rodriguez, Carson Runde, Dylan Wilmes, Meredith Adwell, Jaden Atkins, Lily Burns, Dylan McIntyre, Lauren McIntyre, Ruby Wilmes, Dalanie Auffert, Jack Boswell, Jill Boswell, Delanny Hopper, Grant McIntyre, Baylie Busby, Lindsey Jackson, Kenneth Schieber, Zach Meyer, Hadley DeFreece, Kyler Scadden, Jake Redden, Chase Clabaugh, Landon Wilmes, Jacob Meyer, Riley Long, and Makenzie Pride.

Scholarship awards went to Ben Boswell, Trevor Henggeler, Torri Kephart, Justin Miller, Auston Pride, Zach Pride, Meredith Adwell, Jaden Atkins, Lily Burns, Dylan McIntyre, Lauren McIntyre, Ruby Wilmes, Dalanie Auffert, Jack Boswell, Jill Boswell, Delanny Hopper, Grant McIntyre, Baylie Busby, Hadley DeFreece, Lindsey Jackson, Zach Meyer, Kenneth Schieber, and Landon Wilmes.

Chapter Degrees went to Dalanie Auffert, Jack Boswell, Jill Boswell, Delanny Hopper, and Grant McIntyre.

Greenhand Degrees went to Baylie Busby, Lindsey Jackson, Kenneth Schieber, Zach Meyer, Hadley DeFreece, Kyler Scadden, Jake Redden, Chase Clabaugh, Landon Wilmes, Jacob Meyer, Riley Long, and Makenzie Pride.

State FFA Degrees went to Ben Boswell, Trevor Henggeler, and Carson Runde. Star Greenhand Award went to Baylie Busby. Star Chapter Farmer Award went to Dalanie Auffert. Tri-State Ford awarded a national Ford scholarship to Trevor Henggeler. He was one out of 310 students across the country to receive it; only 10% of applicants get selected each year.

New officers were installed for the 2022-2023 school year. Lauren McIntyre returns as President. Jill Boswell is 1st Vice President. Delanny Hopper is 2nd Vice President. Jaden Atkins is Secretary, Dalanie Auffert 1st Treasurer, Grant McIntyre 2nd Treasurer, Lily Burns Reporter, Baylie Busby Sentinel, Ruby Wilmes Chaplin, and Meredith Adwell Historian.

Serving as officers for this year were Lauren McIntyre President, Trevor Henggeler Vice President, Jill Boswell 1st Secretary, Jaden Atkins 2nd Secretary, Torri Kephart Treasurer, Grant McIntyre 1st Reporter, Ruby Wilmes 2nd Reporter, Dalanie Auffert Sentinel, Ben Boswell Chaplain, and Rachelle Rodriguez Historian.

Worth County Hires Two Teachers, Places Bond Issue on Ballot Again

The Worth County School Board voted to hire for the last two teaching positions that were open. Jessica Maschino was hired as the 7-12 grade counselor. Sarah Smith was hired as the 9-12 grade math teacher. The board also approved the graduating class of 2022 and the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

The board voted 7-0 to place Proposition Tigers back on the August ballot. It would renovate the agriculture education building, construct a community center and auxiliary gym, and make other needed improvements to the facilities. Passage requires four sevenths. This is the second attempt by the school to pass this bond issue.

In administrator reports. Mr. Adwell reported on the 22-23 student council officers, high school credit recovery that will begin on May 20th, and discussed several end of year banquets and award ceremonies. The underclassman awards took place Wednesday morning May 18th during the last day of school.

Elementary Principal Mr. Borey discussed career day where six guest speakers took time to come talk to the elementary students about their professions. He also highlighted the activities of Teacher Appreciation Week and the end of year testing incentives and kickoff parties. Many summer professional development opportunities that teachers will attend to focus on ways to improve classroom instruction were discussed.

Mr. Smith discussed the crowded end of year schedule with activities in full swing. High school track competes at state the weekend of May 20th and 21st. Summer workouts begin May 24th.

In other reports, Mr. Healy outlined the planning process as the district looks to attain the new state minimum salary for teachers. The state passed a measure in the legislature designed to boost starting teacher salaries to $38,000 a year. The state will fund 70% of the increase based on the current salary schedule of the school. The measure is optional for school districts, and the district must provide a 30% local match. The budget and salary schedule will be approved at the June board meeting. 

In summer maintenance work, the board decided to accept a bid for agriculture building roof repair. The board also approved work on high school locker painting and refurbishment.

The next board meeting will be on June 23rd, 2022 at 7:30 pm.

Shamrocks Overcome 5-1 Deficit to Advance

North Harrison’s baseball team overcame a 5-1 deficit and rallied to beat Stewartsville/Osborn 13-6 Saturday in the first round of districts. They overcame seven runners being thrown out on the basepaths by stringing together timely hits and continuing to peak at the right time. The Shamrocks had started off 1-9 before a 10-2 win over South Harrison turned it around. Since then, they won 6 out of their last 9 games, scoring 103 runs, or over 11 runs per game, during that stretch.

The run looked like it was going to continue in the Shamrock first when Keygun Johnson doubled down the left field line and Brandon Hamilton singled just past short for the first run of the game. Johnson was safe at home on a close play and Hamilton took second on the throw and stole third. Matthew Heintz walked. But as Heintz was stealing second on the first and third situation, Hamilton was picked off third to kill the rally.

That was the perfect way to fire up the Wildcards, and all hell threatened to break loose in the second and third innings. In the second, Braxton Gibson doubled off the wall in left and Alan Corkins singled him home. Diesel Griffin was hit by a pitch and they stole second and third. Troy Corkins grounded out to score one run and a wild pitch brought home another to make it 3-0.

After another baserunning misadventure, when Evan Schreiber reached on a two base error but was thrown out trying to take third on an errant return throw to the pitcher, North Harrison walked in two more runs to put the Wildcards up 5-1.

The third Shamrock out on the basepaths was recorded in the fourth when Keygun Johnson tried to tag up and take third on Brandon Hamilton’s fly ball to center, only to be gunned down at third. But Matthew Heintz was hit by a pitch and Cooper Cracraft worked a walk after a 3-2 count and Jerry Gilpatrick doubled one run home. Cole Kampman singled in two more to cut the deficit to 5-4. 

Matthew Heintz came on in the third after the game threatened to turn into a walk parade for the Wildcards and held them to one run the rest of the way. Meanwhile, the Shamrocks used another two out rally to take the lead in the fourth when Keygun Johnson was hit by a pitch. Brandon Hamilton spoiled a breaking ball and hit it to center field and Matthew Heintz singled home Johnson and took second as Hamilton was safe at third. Cooper Cracraft, Jerry Gilpatrick, and Cole Kampman all walked to force in two more runs to put the Shamrocks in front 7-5.

The Shamrocks loaded up the bases in the fifth when Caleb Richards walked and then beat out a force play to second. Keygun Johnson reached on an errant throw and Brandon Hamilton singled home two runs. Matthew Heintz walked to load the bases and Cooper Cracraft singled and Jerry Gilpatrick grounded out to score two more runs to make it 11-5.

Later in the inning, Karsyn Ury hit a smash to third that resulted in a double play, but this time, North Harrison got the momentum back when they pulled off a 1-6-3 double play to end Stewartsville/Osborn’s chances in the sixth. The Shamrocks got two more runs in the sixth when Matthew Heintz got hit to force in a run and Cooper Cracraft flied out to score Keygun Johnson. Brennon Lundy scored on a wild pitch to bring the Wildcards to within 13-6, but Heintz struck out the last three batters to seal the win.

Bluejay Baseball Season Abruptly Ends

Northeast Nodaway’s season abruptly ended Monday at the hands of St. Joseph Christian 14-3 as the Lions teed off on Bluejay pitching. The game featured a rivalry between coaching brothers Micah and Cody Green, who are assistants at Christian and NEN respectively. Micah, who was on the field for Northeast’s 10-9 sectional win over Christian in 2017 at Northwest Missouri State’s field, said that he had remembered that game. “I’ve been waiting for this game ever since 2017. We had them down 8-0, and we choked it away,” said Micah Green. Now, it is Cody’s turn to file Monday’s game away for the next time the two teams play.

Christian threw Camden Lutz, who has signed to play for Missouri Western, at the Bluejays for the first three innings. Sure enough, he shut down Northeast and they pulled him so he would be available for Wednesday’s game with Platte Valley. Meanwhile, Northeast sent Auston Pride for the first two innings and then switched to Dylan McIntyre for the third. But the Lions found his pitches to their liking and all hell broke loose in the third as Caleb Carlson’s screamer to the wall in left scored two runs in the third. Blake Ray beat out an infield hit as Carlson scored for the third run. Two run doubles by Camden Lutz and Nick Orscheln in the fourth gave the Lions a 7-0 lead. 

Micah Green, at that point, reminded his players not to let up, since Northeast had wiped out an 8-0 deficit the last time the two teams played. But with Lutz at 39 pitches and needing to come out if the Lions wanted to use him against Platte Valley, Northeast had an opening and used a two out rally in the fourth as Colton Swalley sat on a breaking ball and singled to keep the fourth inning going. Lane Dack reached on an error and singled from Auston Pride and Grant McIntyre cut the Bluejay deficit to 7-2.

After Colton Swalley cut down Hayden Riley stealing and Ben Boswell turned down a perfect 6-3 double play in the Lion fifth, Zach Pride worked a walk on a 3-2 pitch and Dylan McIntyre doubled to put runners on second and third with one out. Ben Boswell grounded out to score Pride to cut it to 7-3. Colton Swalley walked after fighting back from 0-2, and Lane Dack hit a screamer to the warning track that would have cleared the bases and forced Lutz to come back to quash the rally. But Caleb Carlson ran it down for the third out, which broke the backs of the Bluejays. All hell broke loose again in the seventh, and four hits, three walks, and an error later, the Bluejay season was over.

Sheridan Man Seriously Injured in Hatfield Wreck

A Sheridan man was seriously injured in a wreck near Hatfield Monday at around 11:50 am on Route 46. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2006 Freightliner driven by John Steinman (57) of Sheridan was eastbound on Route 46 two miles west of Hatfield when it traveled off the south side of the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side. Steinman was seriously injured and was taken to Ringgold County Hospital. The town of Eagleville was full of sirens as cop cars and the North Harrison Fire Department and EMS responded to the accident.

North Nodaway PTO to Hold Rummage Sale

On June 4th and 5th, the North Nodaway PTO is holding a rummage sale at the North Nodaway School. 

The PTO is seeking donations for the sale. They are looking for gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books, games, household items, knick-knacks, and other items. Donations can be dropped off at the old gym at North Nodaway. Use the main front doors (ring doorbell). Helpers will be inside to let you in. 

Dropoff dates and times are as follows:

May 23rd – 3:00 to 6:30 pm

May 24th – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

May 25th – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm

May 26th – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

May 27th – 12 noon to 4:30 pm

May 28th – 12 noon to 3:00 pm

May 31st – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm

The rummage sale hours will be from 8 am to 5 pm June 4th and from 7 am to 12 noon on June 5th. All proceeds go to school supplies, field trips, classroom incentives, and more.

For more information, call Lindsay Alexander (660) 254-3420.

Justina Wimer, Misty Helt Share Graduation Honors at Worth County

Justina Wimer was valedictorian and Misty Helt was salutatorian at the Worth County graduation ceremonies Sunday. There were 19 seniors who graduated. 

Graduating were Zach Bounds, Grant Cameron, Cooper Chapman, Jace Cousatte, Cheyanne Fairchild, Aydan Gladstone, James Gladstone, Brent Harris, Misty Helt, Cassie Johnson, Molly Miller, Lincoln Moore, Caden Moyer, Alex Rinehart, Marshall Ruckman, Jackson Runde, Jackson Smith, Lucas Wake, and Justina Wimer.

Graduating with honors were Cooper Chapman, Aydan Gladstone, James Gladstone, Cassie Johnson, Molly Miller, Lincoln Moore, Marshall Ruckman, Jackson Runde, and Lucas Wake. Misty Helt and Justina Wimer graduated with highest honors. 

Mary Brand, who taught them in preschool, kindergarten, and fifth grade, spoke to the graduates. She recounted how they had grown beyond recognition when she had them again in fifth grade and didn’t know several of them. The highlight of their fifth grade year was when they went to Des Moines and attended an Iowa Wild hockey game. 

Salutatorian Misty Helt said that without passion, life is just a chore. “Do we give up because life is too hard, or do we get back up,” she asked. Valedictorian Justina Wimer said that Sunday was the accumulation of 4,654 days of hard work and that the Class of 2022 had some of the best work ethics ever found at Worth County. She recounted how they were already setting goals during their freshman years. 

Justina Wimer was the Class President. Molly Miller was Vice President. Marshall Ruckman was the Secretary, while Aydan Gladstone was the Treasurer. Lincoln Moore and Marshall Ruckman were the Student Council Representatives. Class sponsors were Mrs. Tera Coleman and Katelyn Halsey. The Class Motto was, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is courage to continue that counts. Class colors were white and gold. The class flower was the white carnation tipped in gold. The class song was, “I Lived” by One Republic.

Mission Possible On the Move

On Saturday, May 15, well over a dozen energetic community volunteers loaded trailer after trailer with the merchandise and fixtures from the Mission Possible thrift store on the square in Grant City.  Destination – our new home at 108 E. 1st Street, behind HyVee, which has been undergoing complete renovation for the last year.

Among those volunteers were several of the women who can be seen every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the thrift store preparing new donations for sale and assisting customers with their purchases.  For the last two weeks, in addition to their normal tasks, these busy ladies have been organizing, hanging, and boxing everything that needed to be moved.

The intensive work is not over yet.   Mission Possible will be closed for two weeks to provide time for setting up both the work areas and the retail space in the new store.  During this transition time, we ask that the public delay bringing in merchandise donations in order to give our volunteers time to catch their collective breath and get organized.   

May 28 is the scheduled Grand Opening of the Mission Possible thrift store.  We hope that both our old friends and curious new customers will visit us that Memorial Day weekend, and in the weeks after, to check out our great new look.

The Mission Possible food pantry has been operating at the new 1st Street location for the last several weeks.  Door to door access, ground level entry, and dedicated parking will make our new building a safer and more accessible location for all our clients and customers.

Obituary -- Judy Moyer 1941-2022

Judy Elaine Moyer, 80, Polo, MO, passed away at her home on May 14, 2022.  She lived in Polo all of her life.  

Judy was born on November 23, 1941, in Richmond, MO, to Joseph Richard and Betty Mae (Wormsley) Leamer.  She graduated from the Polo High School in 1960.  Judy was a homemaker and she very much loved to cook. She cooked in many cafes and worked for many years cooking at the Caldwell County Nutrition Center.  She also worked in daycare taking care of grandchildren and other children in her home and with her daughter-in-law, Nesha.

Taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren and family were very important to her as well as loving and caring for her pets.

On June 18, 1960, she married Wayne Eldon Park, and they had 3 children.  He preceded her in death.  She was also preceded by her parents; sister-Mary Leamer; and grandson-Harrison Lapen.

Judy married Steve Moyer on October 9, 1987, and he survives of the home.

Additional survivors:  Children-Dennis Park, Gladstone, MO; Sheila (Scott) Gibbs, Olathe, KS; David (Nesha) Park, Hamilton, MO; Mandy (Bryson) Mace, St. Joseph, MO; and Katie Moyer, St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren-Bruce (Kelsey) Gibbs, Hannah (Jon) Needham, Sawyer and Halle Gibbs, McCall (Matt) Bodenhamer, Mati, Murphy, Losson, and Grason Park, Brady Smith and Taylor Adams; 5 great-grandchildren-Hazel and Ruby Gibbs, Hadley and Harper Needham, and Milo Bodenhamer; Siblings-Richard (Dick) and Sandra Leamer, Chillicothe, MO; Peggy Dagley, Atlanta, GA; Linda Rodgers, Hamilton; Wayne Leamer, Braymer, MO; and Bonnie (David) de la Fuente; Mother-In-Law-Esther Moyer, Maryville, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Service:  6 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Polo First Christian Church, Polo.

Visitation:  4:30 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 19, just prior to the service, at the church.

Inurnment will be at a later date at the Highland Cemetery, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Caldwell County Nutrition Center. 

North Harrison Elementary Concert Highlighted by Three Pigs Opera

North Harrison held its elementary music concert Friday, highlighted by the Three Pigs Opera performed by the kindergarten through second graders. The concert was directed by Julie Capps, who taught at Worth County for a few years. 

The fourth grade played a recorder medley in order of increasing difficulty to start the performances. Millie Long did a solo ukulele performance of, “You Are my Sunshine.”

The Three Pig Opera was based on the popular children’s nursery rhyme, in which the three pigs are sent out into the world and must figure out the best way to protect themselves from the Big Bad Wolf. Merchants are selling them materials to make straw, stick, and brick houses. Which one would be safest? And what if the wolf tries alternative means of getting into the house?

The third through sixth graders finished out the evening by singing several classic rock favorites, accompanied by Alex Rowen of Sheridan, son of Clint and Denise Rowen, who is a homeschooled student. Alex has been taking guitar lessons from the same person who taught Luke Andrews. 

There were many people who helped with the event behind the scenes. Mrs. Allen helped with the lights and sound. Mrs Pottorff proofread the program. Mr. Keck shared the music room. Mr. Long allowed the students to use the gym for rehearsals and the concert. Mrs. Irvin and her students made the props for the Three Piggy Opera. Calvin Crowder burned the CD’s for the concert. 

Mr. Bowen helped with the logistics of the concert. Several high school students set off the cannon at the end of the concert. Tabrey Kimbrough helped with the sound system issues and donated the piano. Several of the kids brought the wagons that were used in the Three Piggy Opera. 

Bluejays Blank North Nodaway in First Round of Districts

Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team shut out North Nodaway 10-0 Friday to advance in districts and set up a showdown with St. Joseph Christian. Previously, the Bluejays had beaten the Mustangs 19-0. However, North Nodaway had improved since the first game, getting their first win over East Harrison 11-1. They then came back for seconds, successfully invading North Andrew and getting a 16-9 win. 

Dylan McIntyre singled to start off the Bluejays in the first and advanced on right fielder Darron Bix’s error. But Bix atoned for his miscue the rest of the game, robbing the Bluejays of several hits and delaying the end by a long time. Ben Boswell flied out to Jeremiah Dobbins to advance McIntyre and Colton Swalley flied out to Bix to score him to make it 1-0. Northeast restarted the inning when Lane Dack tripled to the wall in left, running coach Vance Proffitt’s stop sign to take the extra base. Auston Pride was plunked and a balk scored Dack. Grant McIntyre reached on an error to score Pride. That made it 3-0.

The Bluejays added to their lead in the second when Zach Pride walked and Dylan McIntyre tripled to the wall in right. He came home on an errant pickoff try to make it 5-0.

But then Ethan Fry settled down in the third and fourth innings and shut down the Bluejays. He had gotten the first win of the season for the Mustangs when he pitched them to victory in their 11-1 win over East Harrison. Fry ran out of pitches after four and Northeast greeted Brice Trimble in the fifth with Colton Swalley’s double down the left field line. Trimble nearly got out of it as Lane Dack struck out and Auston Pride popped out to Andrew Phillips at third. Phillips’ return filled a big hole for the Mustangs and was one of the reasons for their improvement. But Grant McIntyre tripled to the wall in center and Brayden Munns and Landon Wilmes walked to load the bases. Zach Pride singled in two more to make it 8-0. Darron Bix kept North Nodaway going as he ran down Dylan McIntyre’s drive in right that would have ended it on the ten run rule.

The game finally ended in the sixth when Ben Boswell singled off Trimble’s glove and beat out a scratch hit. Colton Swalley reached on an error and stole second and Lane Dack’s pop fly behind short dropped into no man’s land and both runs scored to end the game.

Obituary -- Cheryl Bain 1947-2022

Cheryl Wynn Bain, 75, Blythedale, MO passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, at her home.

She was born on April 5, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa the daughter of Clarence William Bain and Alice Grace Walker.

On April 16, 1966, she married Richard “Jake” O’Neal Collins and became stepmother to his four children. They added one son, Billy Joe Collins. They later divorced and she had another son, Clint Walker Bain. Cheryl’s special friend in later years was Jim Davis who was her constant companion.

Cheryl loved to be with her family and friends. She hosted card parties and cooked food to go along with the many gatherings. She like to be outdoors. There was always a project that was in the process of being finished and flowers flourished under her care. She had a passion for horses and anything Indian. She often talked about living on a ranch in California and raising her young family. Saddle clubs and horse shows were fond memories.

Cheryl is survived by her sons, Bill (Trish) Collins, Eagleville, MO, Clint (Jessie) Bain, Trenton, MO; stepchildren, Susan Pine, Portland, OR, Laurie (Stan) Halfacre, Madera, CA, Jeff Collins, Perry, IA, Joel Collins, Marquette, MI. Jim’s son, James (Jodi) Davis; brothers, Wayne Bain, Robbie Bain, and Butch Bain; 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 16 at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Masonic Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Aaron Walker 1984-2022

Aaron James Walker, 38, of Ravenwood, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, east of Maryville, MO. 

Aaron was born in Maryville, MO, on January 20, 1984, to Roger E. Walker and Linda I. Herndon. He had lived most all his life in the area. 

He was a former Cub Scout and later in the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and hunting, especially mushrooms. He liked to work on cars and motors.  

His maternal grandparents, and his paternal grandfather preceded him in death. 

His survivors include his father, Roger Walker, Maryville, MO, his mother Linda (Curt) Jenkins, Ravenwood, MO, his sister, Amanda (Chris) Anderson, Parnell, MO; his niece, Hayden Emery, his nephews, Landen Allen, and Bayne Anderson; his grandmother, Joan Walker, Springfield, MO; aunts and uncles: Marsha (Dave) Wilmes, Maryville, Gerald Herndon, Holt, MO, Larry Vance, Maryville, Gary Hagg, Maryville, Jerry (Diane) Walker, Bolivar, MO, and Marva Brown, Springfield, MO; and numerous cousins. 

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

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. The burial will follow in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood, MO. 

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to service Monday at the funeral home.  

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.  

Obituary -- Ralph Walsh 1943-2022

Ralph Michael Walsh, 78, of Maryville, MO passed away May 9, 2022, at Parkdale Manor in Maryville, MO. 

Ralph was born September 29, 1943, in Jacksonville, IL. His parents were Chester Anthony Walsh and Marie (Pope) Walsh. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a son in law Frank Ruth, a great granddaughter Danielle, and his brother-in-law, Dan Duewer. 

He worked for 47 years with Swift and Company. His many duties included research, educating and being a salesman. After he retired from Swift and Company, he worked in the meat department at the Maryville, MO Hy-Vee grocery store. 

On May 14, 1977, in Auburn, Il at the Trinity Lutheran Church he married Marie Helen Duewer. This year would be their 43rd year together. 

Before moving to Maryville in 2006, the couple had lived in Colorado, Washington State, and Iowa. 

Ralph was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church of Maryville. He also was a member of the Pickering Lions Club. 

His interests and hobbies included, wood working, cooking steaks and ribs, working in his yard, bowling, motorcycle rides, working at the Pickering Horse Show and motorcycle poker runs. He very much enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. to visit friends and family.  

He is survived by his wife Marie of the home, two sons; Rich (Trish) Walsh of Perry, Il, Mike (Gretchen) Walsh of Hammonton, NJ, three daughters; Salena (John) Fritz of Santan Valley, AZ, Molly (Scott) Swanson of Mesa, AZ, and Teresa (Roger) Frueh of Pickering, MO, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Maryville. The service time will be 6 PM. 

A visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 4-6 PM at the church. 

The burial will be on Sunday, May 15, 2022, 1:30 PM, at Waverly East Cemetery, Waverly, IL. 

Memorials can be directed in Ralph’s name to Hope Lutheran Church, Maryville, MO, or to the Waverly East Cemetery, Waverly, IL.  

Long Branch Bridge Now Closed Through August

Due to structural concerns, the Long Branch Bridge east of Maryville on U.S. Route 136 is now closed. Contractors are working with the Missouri Department of Transportation and closed the bridge to all traffic Wednesday afternoon.

Crews noted stress fractures in the existing bridge girders which prompted the immediate closure of the bridge.

The same detour route utilized during the construction of the Mozingo Creek Bridge will now be used for the duration of the Long Branch Bridge replacement project. Motorists will be directed along a signed detour on Routes F, N, M and J. The project is scheduled to continue through August 2022.

The Long Branch and Mozingo bridges, located east of Maryville, were last rehabilitated in 1940. The replacement project will bring both bridge structures and surrounding guardrail up to current standards.

Saryn Brown Wins 300 Hurdles, Qualifies in High Jump at Districts

Saryn Brown had a big day at districts for North Nodaway, winning the 300 Hurdles and qualifying in the High Jump. In the hurdles, she got a personal best 50.72. She was third in the High Jump with a height of 4’9”. Hayleigh Vinzant was fifth in the 3200 with a time of 14:36.99. 

Baylie Busby Second in High Jump at Districts

Baylie Busby was second in the High Jump for Northeast Nodaway, getting a leap of 4’9” in districts at King City Saturday, qualifying her for the sectional meet at West Platte this Saturday. 

In other NEN results, Hadley DeFreece was seventh in the 100 with a time of 14.24. Ruby Wilmes was fifth in the 800 with a time of 2:45.23. The 4x200 team of Baylie Busby, Jaden Atkins, Sasha Deardorff, and Lauren McIntyre was seventh with a time of 2:04.70. 

For the boys, Dylan McIntyre was sixth in the 100 with a time of 12.47. McIntyre was sixth in the 200 with a time of 25.48. He was fifth in the High Jump with a jump of 5’7”. He was also fifth in the Long Jump with a jump of 18’6½”. Creed Wilcox was fifth in the Shot Put with a throw of 41’1¾”. Dylan Wilmes was fifth in the Discus with a throw of 115’9”. Dawson Vore was fifth in the Javelin with a throw of 130’6”.

Tiger Boys Track Wins Districts at King City

Worth County’s boys won districts over a loaded field Saturday, while the girls were sixth. 

For the boys, Worth County had 107, King City 91, Nodaway Valley 81, Stanberry 76, Mound City 71½, Rock Port 53, East Atchison 51, Platte Valley 49½, Albany 34, South Holt 30, Stewartsville/Osborn 29, NEN 26, North Andrew 12, Union Star 9, and DeKalb 1.

Cannon Fletcher was sixth in the 800 with a time of 2:24.48. He qualified in the 1600 with a fourth place finish of 5:12.92. Both Jace Cousatte and Aydan Gladstone qualified in the 110 Hurdles, with Cousatte winning with a time of 16.44 and Gladstone coming in right behind at 16.61. Cousatte also won the 300 Hurdles with a time of 42.54.

The 4x100 Relay Team of Aydan Gladstone, Alex Rinehart, Braxton Hightshoe, and Levi Cassavaugh qualified with a third place finish of 47.39. The 4x200 Relay Team of Aydan Gladstone, Levi Cassavaugh, Braxton Hightshoe, and Jace Cousatte won with a time of 1:34.44. The 4x400 Relay Team of Levi Cassavaugh, Braxton Hightshoe, Alex Rinehart, and Jace Cousatte won with a time of 3:39.40. 

Braxton Hightshoe was seventh in the High Jump with a height of 5’7”. Aydan Gladstone qualified in the Pole Vault with a third place finish of 10 feet. Tyler New qualified in the Triple Jump with a jump of 35’9¼”. Carter Chapman was sixth with a jump of 32’8¼”. Jase Latham was third in the Shot Put and qualified with a throw of 45’9¼”. Cole Cameron was seventh with a throw of 38’5½”. The Tigers qualified two in the Javelin, with Alex Rinehart winning with a throw of 156’11”, and Tyler New placing third with a throw of 138’8”.

For the girls, Stanberry had 76, East Atchison 74½, Platte Valley 66, DeKalb 63, Rock Port 61, Worth County 50, Mound City 46, Albany 44, North Andrew 38, Union Star 37, St. Joseph Christian 36, King City 27, Nodaway Valley 26½, Stewartsville/Osborn 22, South Holt 21, North Nodaway 20, and NEN 16.

Emma Spencer was sixth in the 100 with a time of 14.20. Brooklyn Richardson won the 100 Hurdles and advanced to sectionals with a time of 17.32. The 4x100 team of Hailey Adwell, Eva Engel, Brooklyn Richardson, and Becca Smith placed fourth and qualified for sectionals with a time of 55.74. 

Eva Engel qualified in the Pole Vault with a height of 8’6¼”, good enough for third place. Paige Sherer narrowly missed out on tiebreaks, getting fifth and a height of 7’0½”. Emma Spencer qualified in the Long Jump with a jump of 14’11½”. Brooklyn Richardson was eighth with a jump of 14’3¼”. Kara Staton qualified in the Discus with a third place throw of 99’6”. Ali Brown qualified in the Javelin with a fourth place throw of 110’7”.

Nathan Meyer is Valedictorian, Trevor Henggeler Salutatorian at NEN Graduation

Nathan Meyer was named Valedictorian for Northeast Nodaway and Trevor Henggeler Salutatorian at graduation ceremonies Sunday. 24 seniors graduated, the most at Northeast Nodaway in quite some time. The remembrance video of the seniors included quite a bit of pictures from the past, including Trevor Henggeler dressing up as Santa Claus.

Graduating this year were Landen Allen, Ben Boswell, Anne Briney, Lane Dack, Melanie Duncan, Levi Germann, Trevor Henggeler, Preston Hillyard, Jozlynn Hopper, Torri Kephart, Kodie Meyer, Nathan Meyer, Justin Miller, Kirsten Morrow, Brayden Munns, Abagail Paugh, Natalia Paugh, Auston Pride, Zach Pride, Rachelle Rodriguez, Carson Runde, Colton Swalley, Dawson Vore, and Dylan Wilmes. 

The Class Flower was the white lily. The Class Motto was, “Life’s a garden. Dig it. Make it work for ya.” The Class Colors were blue and black. Class officers were Torri Kephart (President), Trevor Henggeler (Vice-President), Zach Pride (Secretary), and Ben Boswell (Treasurer).

The guest speaker was Jared Freemyer, who was a paraprofessional while the current seniors were in preschool and he was teaching them how to tie their shoes and he was having to keep them out of trouble. “You grow up; the world will send a message that everyone has to be equal. It’s not going to happen that way. You all have different talents and work ethics,” he said. “Some of you work with your hands and others of you work with your minds.”

Freemyer said that the things they think will make them happy now might change as they learn to put others first. “If you’re a good person, I’ll be happy,” he said. “Stay the course, look at reality, and get pleasure from each other’s joy.”

Henggeler told stories about some of the memories that the class had. Two years ago, a bunch of them were in Mrs. Henry’s class and she was out of her room when word got out that the school would be closed for two weeks due to COVID. Normally, they kept a watch for her coming back and did a good job concealing the fact that they had been on their cell phones. But when they peppered her with questions about what was going on, she figured out they had been on their cell phones instead of working and made a rule that they had to turn them in to her at the start of class, and she would hold them until class was over. They got off the hook when the two weeks turned into the rest of the school year.

According to Henggeler, there were plenty of unwritten rules at Northeast Nodaway, including:

–Don’t go to the Platte River for Duck Days without checking with Mrs. Beatty;

–Never tell Mrs. Beatty she looks tired;

–Never tell Mr. Freemyer one’s vote doesn’t matter;

–Always ask the janitor if he’s working hard or hardly working;

–Always ask Mr. Primm for his pirate stories;

–The Class of 2022 must always come in second in float competitions.

“Now, we have to deal with this thing called life,” said Nathan Meyer before the students honored their friends and loved ones with flowers and accepted their diplomas.

Landen Allen is entering the workforce. Ben Boswell is joining the family construction business with the goal of owning the business in the future. Anne Briney plans to work as a paraprofessional with the goal of becoming a teacher. Lane Dack and Melanie Duncan are entering the workforce. Levi Germann is planning to become a heavy machine operator.

Trevor Henggeler is attending Northwest to major in Ag Business. He got a $2,000 scholarship from MFA, a $2,000 Tower Scholarship, the Northwest A+ Scholarship, The Nodaway County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship, the National FFA Built Ford Tough Scholarship, the GRM Scholarship, the Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship, the B.D. & Sue Wright Owens Scholarship, the Alvin & Mary Luke Memorial Scholarship, the Ravenwood CBC Scholarship, the Jackson Township Fire Protection Scholarship, the Northeast Nodaway John T. Belcher Scholarship, and the Northeast Nodaway Student Leadership Scholarship.

Preston Hillyard plans to enter the workforce in a trade skill. Jozlynn Hopper plans to obtain her CMT and work in a nursing home as a CMT. Torri Kephart plans to attend college to pursue a career in social work or teaching. She received the Kenny Dougan Memorial Scholarship and the Alvin & Mary Luke Memorial Scholarship. Kodie Meyer is entering the workforce.

Nathan Meyer is attending Northwest to major in Studio Art (Drawing). He received the Distinguished Scholar Award, the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation Access Scholarship, the Marvin & William Combs Memorial Scholarship, the Northwest A+ Scholarship, and the Distinguished Scholar Day Scholarship.

Justin Miller is entering the workforce. Kirsten Morrow is entering the workforce. Brayden Munns plans to enter the field of law enforcement. Abagail Paugh and Natalia Paugh are entering the workforce. Auston Pride plans to attend college to major in wildlife ecology or enter the workforce. Zach Pride is entering the workforce. Rachelle Rodriguez is entering the workforce as a CAN with the goal of becoming a nurse. Carson Runde is entering the workforce; he will be working with the family farm.

Colton Swalley is attending North Central Missouri College for two years, then transferring to Missouri S&T to major in Electrical Engineering. He received the Kenny Dougan Memorial Scholarship, the Jack Young, Mildred Young, Noble Young, and Myra Young Scholarship, the Northeast Nodaway CTA Scholarship, the Northeast Nodaway Student Council Scholarship, and the John Barber Memorial Scholarship.

Dawson Vore is entering the workforce with the goal of going into law enforcement. Dylan Wilmes is attending Northwest Missouri State and majoring in Wildlife Ecology. He received the NEBS Four Year Scholastic Award and the Jackson Township Fire Protection Scholarship.

Obituary -- Lonnie Vinzant 1961-2022

Lonnie Vinzant passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, May 2, 2022. He was born in Maryville, Missouri, on August 20, 1961, the eldest of two sons born to Marvin and Ruby (Auten) Vinzant. The family lived in Kansas City before permanently settling in Pickering, Missouri, in 1967. Upon graduating from North Nodaway in 1979, Lonnie worked a variety of jobs in the Maryville area before accepting a position with the nursing home in Bedford, Iowa. He married Tammy Gail Pace in February of 1985. They raised three children: Amanda (Mandy), Lucas (Luke), and Katelyn (Katie).

Lonnie was an avid outdoorsman from an early age. He was happiest when he was hunting, fishing, riding horses, or just tromping through the woods. Hunting trips and archery tournaments were important events in his life, and these were also social outings, a time to spend with family and friends.

One of his greatest passions was music. The performance bug first bit him at an early age when he learned to play the snare drum in the school band. Later, he fell in love with the guitar after finding an old, warped acoustic in the attic of his father’s workshop. He spent countless hours listening to songs--many of them over and over again--to teach himself the chords. Growing up, Lonnie always wanted to play in a band, and he ended up playing in several throughout his life.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Marvin and Ruby Vinzant.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy, daughters, Mandy (Matt) Vore and Katie Reed, and son, Luke Vinzant. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Deena) Vinzant, his grandchildren Evan Vore, Ethan Vore, Madylene (Maddy) Vore, Calvin Vore, Hayleigh (Hay Hay) Vinzant, Jeramiah (Bubba) Vinzant, Serenity (Wren) Vinzant, and Saphirra Reed, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many cherished friends.

There will a celebration of life carry-in dinner at the Bedford American Legion building at 11 a.m. on May 21, 2022.