Four Injured in Five Car Wreck Near St. Joseph

A five car wreck led to four injuries Thursday at around 12:20 pm near St. Joseph. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2007 Honda Civic driven by a 17 year old girl from St. Joseph, a 2015 Isuzu Truck driven by Kameron Turner (26) of Lee’s Summit, a 2017 Ford Fusion driven by Cole Fergus (30) of Shawnee (KS), a 2002 Cadillac driven by Adan Ramirez (32) of Grand View (MO), and a 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Sherene Daniels (42) of Wathena (KS) were all northbound at the 46.6 mile marker on I-29.

The Patrol says the Isuzu struck the towed unit of the Cadillac. The Cadillac attempted to avoid the collision by driving off the west side, coming to a controlled stop. The Isuzu lost control, striking the Ford Explorer, pushing it into the Ford Fusion. The Isuzu went off the west side of the roadway and struck the cable barrier. The Ford Explorer overturned and came to rest on its wheels. The Fusion lost control and spun, striking the Honda before going off the east side of the roadway. The Honda came to a controlled stop on the shoulder.

Sherene Daniels, the driver of the Explorer, was seriously injured. Two passengers in her vehicle, an 11 year old girl and a 7 year old boy, received minor injuries. The driver of the Isuzu, Kameron Turner, received minor injuries.

Obituary -- Ronnie Craven 1938-2022

Ronnie Lee Craven entered into his eternal rest on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the age of 83.

Ronnie was born in Gentry County, Missouri, to Clifford and Neva (Wilkinson) Craven on September 9, 1938. He was the seventh of twelve children.

After graduating high school, Ronnie began his working career as a mechanic, and then progressed to retail sales when he moved to Colorado with his young family. In the late 1960’s his brother Clif invited him to return to Missouri to work as a commercial carpenter, a vocation that became his career for thirty years, until his retirement at the age of 60. Though he loved his work, Ronnie’s real passion was for his family and friends. His greatest joy was to spend time with everyone in the expansive circle of belonging that he created as he embraced and accepted everyone whom he came to know. He accepted Jesus as his Savior as a young man, and during his closing years he dedicated himself to showing his Savior’s love through deeds of service. Wherever he lived, he loved to be helpful to family, friends, and neighbors, often setting aside his own work to help get a vehicle running, repair a broken tool, or help construct or renovate a building. He and his wife moved to Cleveland, Tennessee for the last three years of his life in order to be close to their two sons. His parting words were “I have a wonderful family and I love each and every one of them. Thank you God and thank you Jesus”.

Ronnie is survived in death by his loving wife, Patricia Ann (Marsh) Craven, and two children Randy (Cheryl) Craven, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and Roger Craven, of Reliance Tennessee. He is also survived by his siblings Dee (Renata) Craven, Karen Szumiesz, and Neil (Luise) Craven, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Neva Craven, brothers Rollie Craven, Charles Craven, Clifford Craven, Gary Craven, David Craven, and sisters Kathryn Craven Want, Jean Craven Wilson, and Connie Craven Jennings.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Friday, July 1 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial will be in the Miller Cemetery, Denver, MO.  The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday at the chapel.  Friends may call anytime after 2:00 PM on Thursday.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Best Friends Animal Society at www.bestfriends.org or can be mailed to Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402. 

www.robersonpolleychapel.com

Bill Sponsored by Rusty Black, State Senate Candidate, Becomes Law

On Thursday, Governor Parson signed HB 2116, the No Patient Left Alone Act, into law. Led by bill sponsor Rep. Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe), Rep. Mitch Boggs (R-LaRussell), Rep. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly), and Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson), the patients’ rights bill is an important advocacy measure for families with loved ones in medical care. Rep. Black is seeking the Missouri State Senate District 12 seat being vacated by State Senator Dan Hegeman

“Strengthening these patient protections for all Missourians is not only common sense, but it will help our most vulnerable citizens during critical moments of their lives,” House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher said. “I am thankful to Governor Parson for signing this important measure into law because there is no greater advocate for a patient than members of their own family.”

Plocher helped champion the issue during the 2022 legislative session after a deeply personal experience with a family member’s hospital stay. HB 2116 protects the rights of both patients in medical care and families providing comfort to their loved ones.

Under the bill, upon patient request, a hospital, office of a health care facility, or hospice facility licensed in Missouri, allows patients to designate at least three essential support persons, in addition to a spouse or legal guardian, and allows a spouse or guardian and at least one support person to stay with the patient at all times during their stay. The bill does not affect a medical professional’s ability to provide care for patients.

“This is a victory for patient advocates who no longer have to jump through administrative hoops to stand beside and comfort their family members during a hospital stay,” Leader Plocher said. “Access to family or loved ones during medical care is not a privilege, it is a right, and I thank the bill sponsors for their leadership, my colleagues in the House, and to Governor Parson for signing it into law today.”

The full bill summary and bill text for HB 2116 may be found here. HB 2116, HB 2097, HB 1690, and HB 2221 were included in HB 2116. The law will take effect on August 28, 2022.

Sheridan Recycling Collection Day August 6th

David Chesnut of Nodaway Co Recycling has set the first collection date for August 6 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.  The collections will continue from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month.  Dates are August 6, September 3, October 1, November 4, December 3.  

Education will be provided on site as to which materials will be collected, the processing of materials, removing contaminated items and labels, and how to sort materials.  There is no fee to drop-off.  

All metals will be accepted with the following guidelines:

 Aluminum cans – rinsed

 Metal containers – emptied, labels removed, rinsed

 Tin food cans – rinsed and labels removed, no food or liquid

 Lids placed inside the can

 Contact in advance for large metals, white goods, electronics, etc.

For further information, contact Robin Davidson at (660) 582-5121 ext 4 or email:  robin@nwmorcog.org

FDA Recommends Inclusion of Omicron Booster Doses

On Tuesday, June 28th, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s independent experts on the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee met to publicly discuss whether a change to the current vaccine strain composition of COVID-19 vaccines for booster doses is necessary for the 2022 fall and winter seasons. 

The COVID-19 vaccines that the FDA has approved and authorized for emergency use have made a tremendous difference to public health and have saved countless lives in the U.S. and globally. However, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has evolved significantly, with recent surges around the world associated with the rapid spread of highly transmissible variants such as omicron. 

Currently available vaccines have helped reduce the most serious outcomes (hospitalization and death) caused by COVID-19, but results from post-authorization observational studies have shown that effectiveness of primary vaccination wanes over time against certain variants, including omicron. And while initial booster doses have helped restore protection against severe disease and hospitalization associated with omicron, studies have also indicated waning effectiveness of first booster doses over time.

The American public can be assured that any COVID-19 vaccine authorized or approved by the FDA meets our standards for safety and effectiveness. We encourage those who are currently eligible for a booster to get one.

As we move into the fall and winter, it is critical that we have safe and effective vaccine boosters that can provide protection against circulating and emerging variants to prevent the most severe consequences of COVID-19. Following a thorough discussion on June 28, 2022, an overwhelming majority of the advisory committee voted in favor of including a SARS-CoV-2 omicron component in COVID-19 vaccines that would be used for boosters in the U.S. beginning in fall 2022.

Following the vote, and striving to use the best available scientific evidence, we have advised manufacturers seeking to update their COVID-19 vaccines that they should develop modified vaccines that add an omicron BA.4/5 spike protein component to the current vaccine composition to create a two component (bivalent) booster vaccine, so that the modified vaccines can potentially be used starting in early to mid-fall 2022. 

As we expect this coming year to be a transitional period when this modified booster vaccine may be introduced, we have not advised manufacturers to change the vaccine for primary vaccination, since a primary series with the FDA-authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines provides a base of protection against serious outcomes of COVID-19 caused by circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2. 

Vaccine manufacturers have already reported data from clinical trials with modified vaccines containing an omicron BA.1 component and we have advised them that they should submit these data to the FDA for our evaluation prior to any potential authorization of a modified vaccine containing an omicron BA.4/5 component. Manufacturers will also be asked to begin clinical trials with modified vaccines containing an omicron BA.4/5 component, as these data will be of use as the pandemic further evolves.

The FDA has been planning for the possibility that vaccines would need to be modified to address circulating variants and previously provided guidance to industry on how to do so efficiently. As has been the case with all COVID-19 vaccines throughout the pandemic, the agency will evaluate all relevant data to inform the safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality of modified vaccines under consideration for authorization or approval to ensure that they meet the FDA’s standards. 

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, the FDA will communicate future plans pertaining to the potential authorization or approval of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses with an omicron component.

Crash Near Allendale Fatal to Two Florida Residents

A crash near Allendale was fatal to two Florida residents Tuesday, June 28th at around 7:22 pm. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2017 Ford F-350 driven by Robert Moad (37) of Denver was westbound on County Road 170 1.8 miles east of Route C three miles southeast of Allendale, while a 2019 Honda ATV driven by Jorge Calvo (52) of Hialeah (FL) was eastbound. 

The Patrol says that upon approaching a hill crest, the Ford skidded across the center portion of the roadway and struck the ATV. Both vehicles came to rest off the south side of the roadway. The ATV came to rest overturned and underneath the pickup. Calvo and a passenger, Zulema Mederos (55) of Hialeah (FL) were killed in the wreck. Moad and a passenger in the pickup, Melissa Percell (41) of Denver, received minor injuries.

Hopkins Historical Society Announces Summer Schedule, New Leadership

The Hopkins Historical Society Museum is now open to visitors following closure during the winter months. Volunteers will greet folks each Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm. The museum will also be open each night during the annual Hopkins Picnic from August 4th, 5th, and 6th as well as by special request.

During a recent meeting of the organization, Allan Thompson was elected President. Reelected were Garland O’Riley (Vice President), Joyce Hennegin (Secretary), and Lois Brand (Treasurer). Six additional members compose the board.

Since the demand for the Hopkins Cemetery books exceeded the supply, the Society voted to order 100 reprints. The order has now been fulfilled and the books are available at the museum in Hopkins. The cost of each book is $35 and includes the original cemetery book with burials dating from August 7th, 1850 through December 31st, 1998 as well as the 11 year supplement covering burials from January 1st, 1999 through March 31st, 2010. The books were researched and compiled by Anna Cross and the late Russell Cross.

Marcia Cline has set up a Facebook page for the historical society and has assumed the responsibility of choosing and entering newsworthy announcements.

Dues are now payable to the Hopkins Historical Society, the amount being $10 per person. Send dues to Lois Brand, 29370 140th Street, Hopkins, MO 64461.

Proceeds from dues help defray expenses of utilities and maintenance of the museum.

The forthcoming digitizing of the Hopkins Journal newspapers came as great news to members of the historical society. Denise Reasoner has been in contact with the State Historical Society of Missouri and made arrangements to be a part of the Missouri Digital Newspaper Project. Newspapers from every county in the state will likely be included in the project.

As soon as the journals are digitized, the news will be available to read and research free online.

The fall meeting of the Hopkins Historical Society will be Tuesday, October 25th.

–Anna Cross, Historian

Editorial -- Basic Income For the Children

Recently, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, which held that abortion should be legal. Justice Samuel Alito, speaking for the 6-3 majority, wrote that since the right to abortion was not a right recognized by most states in 1868, when the 14th Amendment was ratified, it could not be used to justify the right to choose. He wrote that it could not be applied to other precedents, since Roe involved the termination of pregnancy and that life begins at conception.

Since, according to Justice Alito, life begins at conception, it is only fair that we ensure that every child is a wanted child. I propose that we pay everyone over 18 a universal basic income of $1,000 a month, $2,000 a month in the event of a pandemic, depression (such as the Great Recession), or nuclear attack. In addition, I propose that we resurrect the Child Tax Credit, which paid eligible households up to $3,600 a year for each child under 6 and up to $3,000 for each one between 6 and 17. In addition, I propose that we resurrect the child tax credit to pay eligible families 50% of their spending on childcare up to $8,000 for one child and up to $16,000 for two or more children.

First of all, it upholds the life and dignity of the human person. It’s not enough to postulate that life begins at conception and then leave everyone to sink or swim once they are born. A $1,000 a month UBI would allow a homeless person to buy three square meals a day and have some left over and possibly find a place to live.

It strengthens families and frees people up to participate in their churches and communities. One of the most common reasons for marital strife, in our personal observation, is finances. And we know of people who would spend all their time dedicated to their favorite civic groups and local governments if they had the money to do so. 

This is not a substitute for work. People would still need to find jobs; even around here, with a low cost of living, $1,000 can barely make ends meet. But it can provide a floor and make work more meaningful. It would be leverage for workers; if an employer mistreated their workers, a basic income could tide them over until they found better work. It would help people escape domestic violence situations, since they would still have an income to help them until they could get back on their feet.

Any sound moral system has to put the poor first. On December 24th, 2021, Forbes reported that women who seek abortions are more than three times as likely to be poor; 49% of women who have abortions are poor, while the national poverty rate is 12%. 59% of women who are seeking abortions are mothers facing high poverty risk. If we don’t want people to get abortions, we need to get rid of the need by tackling poverty. The less poverty we have in this country, the less likely people are to get abortions.

Both parties in the recent case that led to the overthrow of Roe wanted the Supreme Court to decide one way or another; hence, Chief Justice Roberts’ search for middle ground by upholding Mississippi’s 15 week ban without entirely overturning Roe went unheeded.

No laws against abortion will stop people from getting them as long as there is rampant poverty in this country. People will either go to another state where it is legal, or they will get it illegally, or they will get it via abortion pills. If people have better ideas to tackle poverty, we’re willing to listen to better ideas. The idea now is to be peacemakers and find solutions.

Yes, a basic income would cost money. If we were to give everyone over 18 $1,000 a month, it would cost $3.1 trillion. The most obvious question is inflation. But we could minimize it if we found ways of paying for it. 

First of all, we could cut our defense spending by two thirds and save $471 billion and still have the strongest military in the world. US Senate candidate Lewis Rolen, speaking at the Gentry County Democratic rally, said something that was very true. We are protected by the Atlantic and the Pacific and Mexico and Canada are not likely to invade us. I maintain we should protect NATO from Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand from China, and South Korea from North Korea. But we have hundreds of military bases abroad that serve no useful purpose and weapons systems that we never use and never plan to use.

Secondly of all, basic income means we don’t have to jump through the hoops in order to get immediate help. We spend over $1.6 trillion on welfare costs. While we should not abolish welfare programs that we know work, there would be much less of a need for them, and much less paperwork for people. We could save as much as $1.2 trillion just in administrative costs.

Third, we could raise the individual income tax of people making $87,917 or more by 5%. That would raise around $410 billion. Most of us here don’t make that kind of money, and the wealthy can afford to pay a little more in order that we can tackle the problem of poverty. 

Fourth, we have tried an experiment since 1981 called supply side economics, where we lower taxes on the rich in order for them to put more money in the economy. But it turns out that many turn around and offshore it so that they can avoid taxes. On April 13th, 2021, current IRS commissioner Charles Rettig estimated that the US is losing $1 trillion in unpaid taxes every year. If we improve oversight of high income tax returns of people making over $1 million a year, we could recover that and give it back to the people.

In 2017, the Roosevelt Institute reported that if we gave each adult $12,000 a year and paid for it, we would grow the economy by $515 billion and expand the labor force by 1.1 million people. This would create a tax base that would further pay for a basic income.

The total cost of a child tax credit and the childcare credit would be around $495 billion. If we means tested it, by limiting it to families making $75,000 or less, we could reduce it to $329 billion. In March 2022, a study by researchers at Barnard College, Columbia University, and the Open Sky Policy Institute found that the return on investment for such a policy would be 10 to 1. This includes improved health and longevity for kids, which means savings for public healthcare and insurance premiums. Crime would fall. Kids whose families got such checks would see future earnings go up $270 billion in their lifetime – meaning a bigger tax base. 

There are a few arguments against it. The first is that it would positively reinforce the cycle of consumption that is driving us into debt. But that is an argument for more financial literacy, which we all support. There are plenty of places like Dave Ramsey, Mr. Money Mustache, the Minimalists, and the Tiny House Movement which help people live within their means and declutter. We’re open to other voices as well.

Pushing for public policy steps to reduce poverty and abortions and encouraging people to live within their means are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they compliment each other. The more people save from not overconsuming, the more they spend on things or people that truly matter, like their children.

The second is that it would discourage people from going to work. We all know the type of person who feels that they should not have to work. But we can’t allow the actions of a few to override the fact that we have a poverty problem that is leading to the erosion of our childrens’ futures. Besides, there are many reasons why people don’t work. Some take care of a child or an elderly loved one. COVID is not gone, but is lingering around. Some have disabilities that we are not aware of; people are under no obligation to explain their situations if they don’t want to. 

God had the foreknowledge to know that some of us would choose to go astray. He had the foreknowledge to know that Lucifer would revolt against him. That did not stop him from creating us in his image. By the same token, the fact that certain people will choose to misuse their time and talents should not stop us from doing all we can to lift people out of poverty and making every child a wanted child.

Worth County to Raise Teacher Salaries to $38,000

The Worth County School Board voted Thursday to participate in the state grant program to bring minimum teacher pay up to at least $38,000 a year. Currently, Missouri is ranked 49th in teacher pay. This affects 8,500 Missouri teachers and 400 districts.

The vote is contingent on continued state funding. The new salary schedule will be valid only if the state continues to appropriate the grant funds. The vote also includes an enhancement for experienced teachers.

In the previous school year, 16 out of Worth County’s 33 teachers made less than $38,000 a year. Before the state increase, Worth County had one of the lowest starting pay rates of any school in the area, although more experienced teacher salaries were competitive with the rest of the area. These teachers will get pay increases from between $1,550 and $6,500 a year. 

If the state decides to end funding for the program, the salary schedule will revert to the one that was approved by the board for the 2021-2022 school year.

Judy Beauchamp Hunt Speaks at 2022 Alumni Reunion

Judy Beauchamp Hunt spoke at the Worth County Alumni Reunion Sunday; she was a member of the Class of 1972. 48 students graduated from that class, which marked its 50th anniversary Saturday at the Skating Rink. 

Worth County grad Lincoln Moore played his saxophone for the assembly. He can play 16 different instruments. He played the piano for the concert choir, which shocked his own mother, who didn’t realize that he could play the piano. Moore is continuing to pursue his passion for music; he is in college and is planning to become a music teacher.

Emcee Carolyn Hardy announced that yearbooks from last year were sold out. New yearbooks have been printed, this time adding the date of death when known. Eight were sold Sunday. Molly Miller and Cheyenne Fairchild were awarded scholarships by the alumni association.

Judy Beauchamp Hunt is the daughter of the late Shelby and Norma Beauchamp, who lived on the farm at the junction between 169 and the roads that lead to Worth and Denver, five miles south of Grant City. “I miss them every day,” she said. Her sister Vickie and brother Ron also graduated from Worth County.

Following graduation, she enrolled at Northwest Missouri State and completed a one year secretarial certificate in May 1973. She started her work career in the loan department of Provident Savings & Loan in June 1973 and worked in various jobs while raising her two sons, Jared and Ryan.

She returned to college at Missouri Western in 1999, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Business minor. She was awarded an Outstanding Graduate in CIS from the Math & Computer Science Department.

She began working for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica as a Marketing Specialist in the Cattle Product Division, later transferring to the Private Label Produce Division. She retired in 2018.

Judy is married to Bob Hunt, and together, they are enjoying retirement, spending time with their blended family of two sons, two daughters, their spouses, and four grandchildren as well as traveling and other hobbies.

Hunt said that she felt so blessed to grow up in Worth County, with so many giving and caring people. She watched how her parents and the people around her actively invested time and resources in the kids. Her parents taught her early on how to have a relationship with Jesus.

She started in first grade in 1960 when the elementary was still on High Street and Mrs. Neva Waldeier was their teacher. They were taught phonics, and they were expected to color their workbooks and missed recess if they did not get their work done on time. Hunt said that it was a very effective method of learning. She met people in St. Joseph who couldn’t read well. 

In second grade, Hunt’s teacher was Mrs. Pansy Rinehart. She did lots of math drills and wrote multiplication drills. They had a mock grocery store, where there were shoppers, cashiers, and stockers, and they had to apply their math knowledge. 

In sixth grade, they moved to the main building, where there were two buildings in what was the northernmost wing of the school building. They didn’t have to ride back and forth to lunch every day. They could now interact with the high school kids instead of just look on them from afar.

By ninth grade, there were 58 class members and they got to make their own Homecoming floats. In their sophomore year, they thought that they had the perfect float with the theme, “We’ve got ‘em trained!” It was called the Victory Express and it came complete with a smokestack. The problem was that the float caught on fire and burned. But they went on to win in 1970 and 1971. 

Hunt talked about the support they had from their sponsors, Norma Maudlin and Mary Ellen Kimble. They finally got to decorate the gym for prom, and they turned it into an island paradise and even covered up the ceiling.

The class of 1972 had its share of tragedy, including the time they lost Mark Findley. On May 12th, 1972, 48 students graduated with the motto, “We’ve only just begun,” which was a popular song during that time. The class flower was the rose and the class colors were red and white. 

Hunt talked about the people who were part of their lives, including teachers Bob Newman, Hazel Michael, Pat Newland, 4-H sponsors Don and Lois Null, and the many others who were part of 4-H. She got her first job at Fern’s Drive-In, which was open until 1 am back in those days, and her dad would get up at 1 in the morning so he could pick her up and bring her home. The pay was 50 cents an hour. 

She said there were only three certainties in life, death, taxes, and eternity. She said that the gospel message of Jesus was the only thing of eternal value and that Jesus accepted the penalty for our sins.

There were 39 members present and 9 guests. Evelyn Groom was the oldest person present, from the Class of 1948. The biggest family was the Hardy family, with 6 graduates present. The farthest away was Ben Ray, who came from Colorado. The class with the most grads present was the Class of 1972 with 6. There was $232 donated Sunday during the collection and eight books sold.

Obituary -- Donna Riley 1941-2022

Donna Lee Riley, 81 of Hopkins, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at her home.

Donna was born on January 10, 1941 in Hopkins, Missouri to Ray D. and Maude M. (Hall) Kreps. She was a 1961 graduate of North Nodaway High School. She was a homemaker and member of the First Christian Church of Hopkins. She was a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed bowling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Lisa Willey, son, Aaron Riley and son-in-law, Ismael Torres-Vegas, grandson, Phillip Landess and six siblings.

She married Maurice Riley on April 19, 1959 in Hopkins, Missouri. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include their daughter, Jennifer “Tootie” Torres; grandchildren, Jenni (Jeremiah) Snyder, Ashlee (Vincent) Sturgeon, Chelsey (Luke) Harper, Maggie Riley, Mark (Sarah) Willey, Garrett (Michael) Torres, Wade (Emily) Torres; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Amanda) Snyder, Ryver and Havyn Wolf, Bryson Putnam, Brendyn Harper and Gabryelle Harper; two great-great grandchildren, Raiden and Cherokee and one sister, Penny Sheley.

Mrs. Riley has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. Memorial Service 10 am Saturday, July 2nd at the First Christian Church of Hopkins. The family suggests memorials to Mosaic Hospice. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

 

Two County Dusters Perform in Sheridan, Mark 25th Anniversary

Two County Dusters performed in Sheridan Friday night during the first night of the Sheridan Rodeo. They mark their 25th anniversary this year. For the last 25 years, they have been performing at area rodeos all over Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa. With a patriotic theme, they perform various feats of horsemanship. They were scheduled to perform last year, but the Sheridan Rodeo was rained out for both nights, and they agreed to come back this year.

They are a group of boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17 who have tried out and who have made the squad. They hold tryouts every year. They recently marked their 25th anniversary as alumni reunited. They are open to youth from Northwest Missouri, Southwest Iowa, and Southeast Nebraska who have completed fourth through 12th grades in school.

The outhouse races this year were replaced by the Magic Carpet Rides as Dustin Rowen pulled his dad, Henry Rowen, and Ed Jacobs pulled his son, Chance, around the ring on their horses. Dustin must have felt he was living in the early part of the 20th century, when kids raced horses instead of cars. He pulled his dad at breakneck speed around the ring. But slow and steady won the race as Henry finally fell off, while Chance was able to hold on as his dad was slow and steady.

Lefty the Clown kept everyone on their toes and had a stunt in which he and his “wife” responded to an “emergency” in which the showoff fan, who was obviously drunk, passed out in the rodeo arena and held up the event. Lefty and his “wife” went to attend to the “victim,” only for the “victim” to revive and drive off with Lefty’s “wife” with the heartbroken clown in hot pursuit.

Local favorites tried their hand in some of the events. Cash Jacobs only needed two seconds to take a tumble from the bull. Corey Farrell didn’t stay on his bronco much longer before taking a tumble. Brylea Paxson successfully completed the Barrel Race in just under 17 seconds. Morgan Wallace of Gentry would have won the event and broken the 16 second barrier, but she knocked down one of the barrels.

Grant City Rescinds Neighbor Signature Requirement

At their regular meeting June 15th, the Grant City Council voted to rescind the requirement that people get neighbor signatures for building permits. City Administrator Meggan Brown had checked with Albany and Stanberry, and neither city has such a requirement.

Olivia Hill came to the meeting to discuss the reading of her old meter during the switchout to the new meter. The city voted to bill her for her average usage.

Brown has been looking into a PHMSA grant for gas meters; however, the city does not qualify. 

The city will be having a ribbon cutting for the new basketball court on July 4th.

The pool pump that the city had purchased is ordered and is being built. Estimated arrival was the 24th. The baby pool is not circulating well and sometimes has to be restarted. City employees are doing wastewater training. The city has been fixing potholes.

Emily Wicoff was there to inform the council of grant opportunities that have become available through state ARPA funds for water, wastewater, storm water, and lead service line inventory. The council authorized her to pursue the grant.

The city voted to donate $100 each to the Aivry Griffin Memorial Foundation and the Back to School Fair.

Courthouse News for June 22nd, 2022

On June 3rd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a Jeep driven by Mindy Lesan (63) of Kellerton was struck by the Ringgold County Ambulance driven by Jonathan Ross (52) of Mount Ayr. There were no injuries.

On June 7th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Theresa Marcione (41) of Mount Ayr on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Valid License. Bond was set at $300 cash.

On June 13th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Amberlyn Potter (29) of Grant City alleging Speeding, Failure to Register, No Insurance, and DWI.

On June 14th, Fremont County (IA) Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson was killed in a collision with a combine on Highway 275 near 260th Street after his vehicle struck a dual front tire of a southbound combine which was sticking into the northbound lane. The vehicle skidded and overturned several times before coming to rest. His remains received a police escort from the State Medical Examiner’s office in Ankeny (IA) to the Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg (IA).

On June 14th, Special Prosecutor Tara Cluck filed charges against Justin Brodrick (41) of Quitman in Nodaway County alleging Non-Support (Felony).

On June 14th, Special Prosecutor Tara Cluck filed charges against John David (42) of Pickering alleging Non-Support (Felony).

On June 15th, the Ravenwood Fire Department was called out to a bailer fire.

On June 15th, a 2020 Chevy 1500 driven by Gregory Dias (65) of Stanberry was turning left from 169 into a private drive ½ mile south of Stanberry when he was rearended by a 2015 Chevy Cruz driven by a 16 year old King City youth. The King City youth received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

On June 15th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Quinten Rice (24) of Blue Springs alleging DWI.

On June 16th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department reported that a semi truck with a trailer overturned and snapped a power line on Northbound 71 near 400th Street (White Cloud Bottom). Northbound 71 was limited to one lane of traffic. The trailer was also split in two and there was a pile of used tires in the field.

On June 16th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Rachel Clark (37) of Forest City alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On June 16th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Derick Liebetrau (19) of Albany alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Property Damage (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On June 16th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Andrew Wickizer (19) of Ionia (MI) alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Property Damage (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On June 16th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Danielle Morgan (30) of Grant City alleging Sexual Misconduct.

Devon Shaw, of Bedford, was arrested on June 16, 2022 by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department. He was charged with simple domestic abuse assault. He was held on no bond until seen by the Magistrate. He has since been released from custody.

Andrew Kennan, 18, of Clearfield, turned himself in on June 16, 2022, to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office. Kennan was charged with possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and theft. These charges are results of the previously reported search warrant for a stolen stop sign in rural Taylor County.  Kennan posted the appropriate bond and has since been released. 

On June 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a vehicle driven by Correy Miller (43) of Cameron was northbound on 71 in Nodaway County near Bolckow when he went off the east side, struck a sign, overturned, and struck a utility pole. Miller was seriously injured and taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph for treatment.

On June 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Justin McQuinn (44) of Bethany alleging No Valid License (Felony) and Speeding (20-25 mph over).

On June 17th, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s securities division issued a final order to cease and desist against Overland Park, Kansas resident Robert C. Bridgforth after he defrauded six Missouri investors by selling fake “silver certificates.” The order also prohibits Bridgforth from working in the securities industry and includes $3.3 million in civil penalties and $651,000 in restitution plus interest.    

Between April 2018 and August 2020, Bridgforth, through an entity he reportedly called Liberty Gold and Silver, offered and sold securities instruments to six investors in Missouri, including four elderly residents from Warrensburg, Independence and Oak Grove. The certificates were said to be collateralized by gold or silver.    

In connection with offering the investments, Bridgforth made material misstatements and omissions, engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme when paying investors interest, and misappropriated investor funds. By engaging in these activities and conduct, Bridgforth violated multiple sections of the Missouri Securities Act.

The year-long investigation concluded with a June 14, 2022, hearing before Missouri Securities Commissioner David M. Minnick, in which Bridgeforth failed to appear. Bridgeforth also must pay $13,000 in investigative costs.

On June 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Ronald Gibson (43) of Ridgeway alleging Domestic Assault (Felony) and 8 counts Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Bond was set at $100,000, cash only.

On June 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Logan Evans (31) of Guilford alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 20th, Northwest Mo Info reported that a Cameron woman, Jessica Marie Hughes-Salcedo, had gone missing on May 18th after telling her mother that she would return for some personal items. On June 19th, the Independence Police Department reported that they had been in contact with her, and that she was safe.

On June 20th, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reported that a body was found in the missouri River Friday. The body was identified as Michael Zorn (39), a homeless man from St. Joseph. An extensive search was made for any living relatives without success.

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.

North Nodaway Hires Custodian, Names Volleyball Coach

The North Nodaway school board hired a custodian and named a volleyball coach for the upcoming school year following their regular school board meeting Thursday.

The board voted to hire Tara Bott as the elementary custodian for the 2022-2023 school year. The board also voted to name Cari Cline as the head volleyball coach for the upcoming school year. Since she is serving on the school board, Cline will work on a volunteer basis.

In addition, the board voted to approve a $5,000 purchase agreement with Brennon Allen and Gerold Allen for the lot of land located across from the elementary school in Pickering. The school will use it for the construction crews to store their equipment on during the construction on the elementary. Later, it will be used as a parking lot. The board voted to appoint Superintendent Chris Turpin as the closing agent.

Obituary -- Melvin Powers 1939-2022

Melvin Ira Powers, age 83, Oxford, Missouri, died Saturday, June 18, 2022, at his home in Oxford. 

Melvin was born March 19, 1939, near Oxford, Missouri. He was the son of the late Franklin Ernest and Marjorie Minnie (Craven) Powers.

Melvin was baptized as a young man at the Union Baptist Church, Carmack, Missouri. Melvin attended Stanberry High School, Stanberry, Missouri.

At fifteen years old Melvin started and operated a custom harvesting business, working for many farmers across the country. While on the wheat harvest in Montana, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Marie Mossey. Melvin and Kathleen were married September 1, 1962, in Denton, Montana. To this union four children were born, Skye Lynn, Jeffrey Blaine, Libby LeAnn, and Katrina Dawn.

Melvin and Kathleen farmed near Oxford, where they raised livestock and grain. Melvin continued to do custom trucking, hauling, and spraying. In later years they limited their ventures to row cropping. 

Melvin and Kathleen were proud of their children and wanted them to have every opportunity possible. Toward that end, they helped start the girls’ summer softball league in Worth County. They helped coach the team for many years, and even in his final years Melvin would often recount cherished memories about this time with the team.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathleen (July 19, 2012), son Jeffrey (August 18, 2020), and three brothers Verlin Dale Ellis, Bryson Glee Ellis, and Carl Ernest Powers.

His survivors include: daughters Skye Powers, Dixon, Missouri; Libby (Richard) Romero, Oak Hill, Virginia; Katrina (Terrance Williams) Powers, Blue Springs, Missouri; grandchildren Alyssa (Tony) Wright, Lebanon, Missouri; Brea Powers, Dixon, Missouri; Tylar Powers, Eldon, Missouri; Damian Words, Independence, Missouri; Seth and Ryan Romero, Oak Hill, Virginia; two great grandchildren, Jordan and Jaelynn Wright, Lebanon, Missouri; one sister, Roberta (Powers) Wallace, Gentry, Missouri; nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Missouri. It will be conducted by Pastor Bill Bracken. A reception will follow immediately after the burial at Gambino’s Pizza, Stanberry, Missouri.

Memorials: Oxford Cemetery, c/o Carol Scott, 20503 Highway U, Parnell, Missouri 64475.

andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Max Calhoon 1949-2022

Max Allan Calhoon was born January 27, 1949 in Allendale, Missouri to George and Alta  (Barnhart) Calhoon. He passed away on June 16, 2022 near Allendale, Missouri at the age of 73. 

Max graduated from Worth County R3 High School in 1967. He served in the United States Army from 1968-1970.  He managed the Coop in Grant City for several years before moving to Texas and working as a parts distributor there. Later Max moved back to the Allendale are where he worked for Blue Stem Seeds and later at T3 Manufacturing until his retirement. 

Max was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wendell Calhoon and sisters, Naomi Whitehouse and Linda Farrell; ½ brothers, Loren, Jack and Lawrence Calhoon, Orie and Wayne Hammer and ½ sisters, Lanora Knight, Georgia Pitchforth and an infant ½ sister.

He is survived by his children: Andy Calhoon of Ottawa, Kansas, and Kim McMillen of    Texas; brother, Bill Calhoon of Allendale, Mo and sister Wanda (Mike) Moutray of Gardner, Kansas. 

A memorial service and inurnment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. 

Obituary -- Neola Stringer 1923-2022

Neola Ann Stringer, 99, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Maryville Living Center.

Neola was born on June 16, 1923 in in Xenia, Missouri to Russell and Mary (Killiam) Nicholson. Neola was a graduate of the Hopkins High School and Gard Business College. She was a homemaker and member of the Wray United Methodist Church and the Xenia BTW Club.

She married Howard L. Stringer on December 31, 1945 in Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 17, 2017. She was also preceded by her parents, two brothers, Lewis Nicholson, Herbert Nicholson and one sister, Irma Zapf.

Survivors include her son, Richard Stringer; six grandchildren, Christina Ziph, Ann Estes, Richard A. Stringer, Amy Coulter, Dustin Stringer and Rebecca Lawrence; fifteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services 10 am Tuesday, June 21st at the Hopkins Cemetery under the care of Price Funeral Home. There will be no visitation held. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

1880 Dispute Resulted in Shooting Northeast of Bethany

The November 25th, 1880 Bethany Republican carried this account of a shooting three miles northeast of Bethany:

On Friday [November 19th, 1880] about noon at the house of Allen Dale about three miles northeast of Bethany, while some railroad hands were at the house getting their dinner, a difficulty arose between two of them, Peter Ramsey and Stephen Dugan. They had some words at the table and upon going out into the yard, Dugan drew a revolver and fired at Ramsey twice, the first shot missing, the latter striking in the side, the ball penetrating the cavity.

The shooter at once fled and the wounded man was brought to Bethany for treatment. He was placed in charge of Drs. McClure and Keith, who dressed his wound and cared for him. The injury was not very dangerous and he is getting along all right. The other man has not been captured. Both parties were non-residents.

Dugan was at Ridgeway the same night, and a deputy sheriff went there in pursuit, but it seems no one would give any information until Dugan had been gone several hours. They say about a year ago, Ramsey gave Dugan a severe beating.

LATER – We hear that Dugan is now at or near Davis City (IA).

Sheridan Alumni Attendance List for 2022

The following people attended the Sheridan Alumni Reunion on May 29th, 2022:

1947 – Eldon Hart.

1951 – Arvetta (Hart) Terry, Larry Dowis.

1954 – Paul “Sonny” Beezley, Jack Fisher.

1955 – Darlene (Thomas) Runyan, Elnora (Goff) French.

1957 – Sally (Risser) Beezley.

1958 – Patty (Thummel) Fisher.

1959 – James Ridge.

1960 – Joyce (Ezell) Stephens, Jack Thummel, Ivalee (Risser) Johnson.

1961 – Sharon (Vanskyock) Fletchall, Larry Hibbs.

1962 – Gary James, Richard Wilson, Ruth Ann (Sanders) Thummel.

1965 – Adrian Duane Wilson.

1966 – Sarah (Cossins) Winsor.

1967 – Eddie Troutwine.

1968 – Sharon (Scott) Rawlings.

1970 – Steve Wake, Sherry (Rowe) Evans.

1971 – Joan (Randle) Osmon, Janet (Scott) Gladstone.

1972 – Steve Proctor, Connie (Randle) Wonderly, John Ridenour, Linda (Dowis) Marsh, Kathy Rowe.

1973 – Mike Scott, Linda (Smyser) Scott, Mike Rowe.

Guests – Wanda Wilson, Carolyn Ridenour, Robert Wonderly, Joyce Ridge, Larry Marsh, Larry Osmon.

North Harrison to Offer Preschool; Board Sets Rates

The North Harrison R-III School Board met Wednesday, June 15.

The board heard from Dana Hale representing the newly formed North Harrison Community Betterment Group.

The board decided to offer AM 4-year-old preschool at no charge to students living in the North Harrison School District. If the 4-year old child stays for the PM session the cost will be $15 per day.

Three-year old pre-school will cost $28 per day.

Daycare rates were set at $30 per day for a non-trained child and $28 per day for those trained.  The drop-in daily rate for infants and toddlers will be $35 per day. These rates will be effective July 1.

Student tuition for the 2022-23 school year was set at $5,500 per student.

The board approved the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan as presented.

Transfers from Fund 10 to Fund 20 and Fund 40 were approved, as well as amending the 2021-22 budget to actual.

Grant City License Office to Close July 15th

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced the closing of the license office in Grant City, Missouri, located at 101 W. Third St. The last day of operations will be July 15, 2022.

License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue. All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process. 

The Grant City License Office contract will be placed out for bid on Missouri's statewide electronic procurement system, https://missouribuys.mo.gov/, in the future. Until that time, the Department encourages customers to visit one of the following nearby locations to receive assistance with their motor vehicle and driver licensing needs:

*         Maryville License Office - 115 E. Fourth St., Suite 1, Maryville, MO 64468-1614

*         Stanberry License Office - 130 W. First St., Stanberry, MO 64489

*         Bethany License Office - 3105 Miller St., Bethany, MO 64424

*         Princeton License Office - 703 Hickland St., Suite B , Princeton, MO 64673

A full list of license office locations and hours of operation can be found at https://dor.mo.gov/license-office-locator/.

Max Calhoon Killed in Allendale Wreck

Max Calhoon (73) of Allendale was fatally injured in a wreck in Allendale Thursday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2001 Chevy Pickup driven by Calhoon was northbound on Route T and North Street in Allendale city limits at around 5:40 pm when he crossed the center line, left the west side of the road, went airborne, struck the ground, kept going straight, went airborne off an embankment, struck several trees, and hit the bottom of a pond. 

Judy Beauchamp Hunt to Speak at Worth County Alumni Reunion

The 67th Worth County Annual Alumni Reunion will be Sunday June 26th, 2022 at  12:30

Carry in lunch, local talent, business meeting and great fun! Judy Beauchamp Hunt will be the speaker. Hope you can attend! 

Judy Beauchamp Hunt, daughter of Shelby and Norma,  grew up on a farm five miles south of Grant City,  and lived there with her parents, sister Vickie (class of 1975), and brother Ron (class of 1979), until her graduation from Worth County R-II in 1972. 

Following graduation, Judy enrolled in Northwest Missouri State University and completed a One Year Secretarial Certificate in May 1973. She started her work career in the loan department of Provident Savings and Loan in St. Joseph, Missouri in June 1973 and worked in various jobs while raising her two sons, Jared and Ryan. 

She returned to college at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph in the fall of 1999, and graduated in May 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and a Business minor. She was awarded Outstanding Graduate in CIS from the Math & Computer Science Department. 

Judy began working for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) in 2004 as a Marketing Specialist in the Cattle Product Division, later transferring to the Private Label Product Division. She enjoyed the opportunities, challenges, and her colleagues there until her retirement at the end of 2018. 

Judy is married to Bob Hunt and together they are enjoying retirement, spending time with their blended family of two sons, two daughters, their spouses, and four grandchildren, as well as traveling and other hobbies.

Governor Signs Six Bills Into Law

On Thursday, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed six pieces of legislation into law, including Senate Bill (SB) 718, which establishes Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Week and promotes career and technical education, among other provisions.

"We are happy to be joined by Senator Washington and Representative Shields to sign SB 718 into law," Governor Parson said. "Missourians are proud that our state is home to two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and this legislation will help bring awareness and deserving recognition to these institutions. Additionally, this bill helps us move forward with our workforce development goals to ensure Missouri has a skilled and capable labor force."

SB 718 - Designates HBCU Week and modifies provisions regarding higher education:

Designates the third week of September as HBCU week to raise awareness of HBCUs in Missouri. This legislation also allows the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to assist students with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act application process, promoting career and technical education in Missouri. 

Additionally, SB 718 makes several other modifications to state statute:

Creates a $3,000 maximum tax credit for physicians who provide preceptorship training to medical students;

Establishes the "Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Scholarship Act" and provides qualifying students a scholarship equal to the tuition and fees paid for dual enrollment courses;

Requires Missouri high schools to offer a minimum of one computer science course to students;

Allows postsecondary institutions and associated employees to assist with opportunities for student-athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness; 

Creates the Workforce Diploma Program to help adults obtain a high school diploma;

Requires public higher education institutions to post the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number on student ID cards;

Requires Missouri public higher education institutions to grant course credit to any student who scores a three or higher on an advanced placement examination; and

Provides bankruptcy protections for Missouri 529 college savings plans.

"What began as a bill to bring more awareness and attention to our two HBCUs has grown into a more impactful piece of legislation that will improve all of higher education," State Senator Barbara Washington said. "I'm proud to carry legislation that will make NILs easier for our athletes; that will provide more dual credit opportunities; and create the workforce diploma program for our high school graduates. I want to thank the Governor, Rep. Brenda Shields, and Rep. Kurtis Gregory for pulling this bill through."

“Provisions in this bill show the ongoing commitment of our medical professionals to ensure a healthy future for all Missourians," State Representative Brenda Shields said. "The preceptor tax credit is funded by physicians to help train tomorrow’s physicians."

SB 799 -  Modifies the offense of escaping from custody:

Adds to the offense of escaping from custody individuals who are held for parole or probation violations. 

HB 2162 - Opioid addiction treatment:

Allows the Department of Health and Senior Services Director to issue a standing order for Naltrexone; and

Allows the Department of Corrections and Judiciary to use the Opioid Addiction Fund if appropriated by the General Assembly. 

SB 725 - Modifies provision relating to ground ambulance services:

Prohibits a newly elected ambulance board member from running for reelection if they do not attend ambulance board member training; and

Modifies the Ground Ambulance Reimbursement Allowance to allow ambulance districts to maintain up to $10 million in provider tax funding coming into the state.

HB 1472 - Modifies provisions relating to the offense of money laundering:

Changes state money laundering statute to account for new technologies, including cryptocurrencies. This will also give prosecutors more tools to combat human trafficking in the state. 

SB 655 - Modifies provisions relating to Missouri Local Government Employees' Retirement System:

Allows political subdivisions to elect to cover emergency telecommunications, jailors, and Emergency Management Services employees under the LAGERS retirement system. 

Timetable Set for North Nodaway Bond Projects

The timetable has been set for the North Nodaway bond project that was approved by voters in April. Ellison-Auxier, who is working on the project, plans to have 50% of the final drawings and plans done by July 5th. 75% of the final drawings and plans will be done by July 26th. 95% will be done by August 16th. The project will be put out for bid on August 23rd. The bids will be awarded on September 13th. The board will review the drawings along the way as they go.

The school will hold off on issuing bonds. Recently, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three quarters of a percent, which will create a lot of volatility in the markets. The school will be able to get a better deal in 2-3 weeks once they stabilize, according to L.J. Hart.

The board approved the bid for removing the trailer in Pickering to Bo Hanson for $200. The trailer must be removed by July 15th. Hanson was the lone bidder.

Two trees on the high school lawn will be removed following the recent storm that knocked down numerous trees in Hopkins. The Hackberry tree is hollow in the middle. The school awarded $2,500 to Gerald Allen to remove it. A small maple also received extensive damage. The school awarded the bid to remove it to Ed Welch for $250. 

The board approved two textbook purchases for the upcoming school year. The board approved The Wonders series for $57,650 for K-12 Communication Arts. It will be delayed one year for the elementary. The board also approved the I-ready math series for K-8 for a cost of $20,530. The funds were paid for by local money that was saved from ESSER III funding. This came out $16,469 under what had been budgeted. 

Technology Director Nicki Herndon surveyed teachers on technology needs and the board voted to award seven LG 75” TV displays, seven interactive panels, and software for a total of $25,959.00 from KC Audio Visual. This was also paid for by local money saved from ESSER III funds.

The board approved fixing the ceiling in the Pickering Elementary for a total of $18,600 to Richie Marriott. 

The board also approved Marriott to do concrete projects for the summer. He will pour 80 feet of concrete along the east drive to improve drainage. He will also pour 150 feet of concrete runway for the long jump and triple jump, two regulation circles for shot put and discus, and pour space for a high jump pad. The total price tag will be $9,800.

The board approved the 50/50 Ag Enhancement Grant for the upcoming school. The ag department will purchase a trailer tig welder, impact wrench, two vacuums, variable speed router kits, and a lathe. The total cost will be $8,330, of which the state will reimburse $4,165 if approved.

The board awarded service bids for the upcoming school year. The school received three bids for the propane. MFA bid $1.69 per gallon, while Agriland and Consumer each bid $1.634. The board voted to stay with Agriland, since they currently have the big. Last year’s bid was $1.244, which means an estimated increased cost of $7,800 for next year.

The school only received one bid for the trash in Porter Trash. They raised their price from $315 per month last year to $372 per month for this year. In addition, they provide a recycling bin which went from $35 last year to $60 for the upcoming year. 

The school board voted to continue to use Graves Menu Maker for the food bid.

The board voted to approve the drug test policy to include sixth graders, since sixth graders can now participate in junior high sports. Previously, the random drug test policy only applied for seventh through 12th graders.

The legislative session was the focus of board training this month from the Missouri School Boards Association. Transportation funding will be funded at 100%, but it is only 75% of what was promised. The $38,000 teacher salary floor that was passed will be a grant program. The school will start work on the $38,000 salary grant now that the guidance has come out. However, this is subject to funding from the legislature. Efforts to make school board elections political went nowhere this year.

The school received a few minor propane violations, and the school will make repairs to correct them. There were two at the tanks and one at the high school outside by the old weight room.

The school will have their buses inspected once it gets under 60 days before school starts. The food service and federal program reviews are finished.

Obituary -- Jerry Marler 1939-2022

Jerry Wayne Marler, youngest child of Roy and Maude (Rinehart) Marler, was born February 15, 1939, in Grant City, Missouri and passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa surrounded by family.

He graduated with the class of 1957 from Grant City High School.

Jerry was married to Mary Ruth Long on June 26, 1972. She passed away February 26, 2010. Jerry and Sheila Warren were married April 21, 2012.

Jerry worked for his brother-in-law and sister, Gerold and Jean Willey at Gerold’s Plumbing and Heating. He was the manager of a state liquor store and retired as manager of Farm & Home in Mount Ayr after fifteen years of service.

Jerry was a member of the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr and president of the Mount Ayr Activity Center Board.  Jerry was a talented craftsman and builder. He built their home in Mount Ayr along with all the cabinets and woodwork. He made several beautiful pieces for grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a kind and very loving man who knew everyone. Jerry was an avid baseball fan, the St Louis Cardinals were his team, but Jerry would watch any baseball game on TV. Jerry would sit by the phone waiting to hear the results of his great grandkids sporting events.  

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife Mary Ruth; two sisters Frances McCalla and Ferne Marler; two brothers Bobby Marler and Bill Marler; brothers-in-law Gerold Willey and Eugene McCalla; sister-in-law Betty Marler; stepson Eddie Long.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sheila of their home; one sister Jean Willey of Mount Ayr, IA; two special nieces Stephanie (Paul) Fell of Des Moines, IA and Kim (Bob) Weehler of Mount Ayr, IA; step-daughters Kathy (James) Ray of St Joseph, MO, Becky Fine and Diana (John) Smith, both of Albany, MO; eight step-grandchildren and twenty seven step great grandchildren; sister-in-law Teckla (Jim) Willumsen of St Joseph, MO and brother-in-law Tom (Megan) Warren of Atchison, KS; Mary Ruth’s children, step-daughter Carolyn (Melbourne) Fletchalll of Lebanon, MO and Peggy Long of Independence, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.  

Memorials are to St. Jude's Hospital and the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr.

South Avenue to Close at Main Street in Maryville

South Avenue at South Main Street will be closed to through traffic for an approximate six (6) week period beginning Tuesday, July 5th at 7 a.m., subject to weather conditions. VF Anderson Builders, LLC will reconstruct portions of South Avenue that require full depth subgrade and pavement replacement. 

Traffic signs will be installed according to the traffic control plan showing the official detour using South Walnut Street, Lieber Street, and South Market Street. South Avenue will be closed at this time to thru traffic just east of South Walnut Street and west of the eastern entrance to Hy-Vee. All impacted businesses will remain accessible from existing driveways located off South Main Street or South Market Street. The traffic signal at South Main Street and South Avenue will be taken out of service creating continuous northsouth traffic along South Main. Reduced speeds will be crucial for ensuring safe turning movements to and from businesses near this location.

Courthouse News for June 15th, 2022

On June 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Shealyn Supinger (19) of Redding on charges of Controlled Substance Violation, Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $11,300, cash only.

On June 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Bradley Weatherd (34) of Albany in Gentry County on charges of Possession of Hallucinogen (Felony), Speeding, and No Seat Belt. Charges were filed the next day by Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On June 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Colton Orcutt (26) of Bethany alleging DWI and Failure to Signal.

On June 8th, a Burlington Junction man reported getting called by debt collectors attempting to collect someone else’s debts.

On June 8, 2022, Deputies with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office began an investigation into the theft of a stop sign in rural Taylor County. On June 9, 2022, Deputies executed a search warrant in the 100 block of 2nd Street in Clearfield for the stolen property. During the search warrant, Deputies located a large amount of controlled substance along with other instruments used in the possession and or delivery of controlled substances. No one was home at the time of the warrant. On June 13, 2022, James O'Connor, 21, of Clearfield, turned himself into the Taylor County Sheriff's Office on his outstanding warrants. O'Connor was charged with theft in the 5th degree and possession with intent to deliver. O'Connor posted bond and was released. 

On June 9th, a Hopkins woman reported that someone wrote graffiti into the dirt at the ball diamond the previous night.

On June 9th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Blaken Clapham (34) of Grant City alleging Burglary (Felony), Arson (Felony), and Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony). Bond was denied.

On June 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Stephanie Mercer (33) of Maryville alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at $5,000 with defendant released on her own recognizance.

On June 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Clayton Robinette (27) of Trimble (MO) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On June 10th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Molly Waterman (35) of St. Joseph alleging DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Leaving the Scene, and No Insurance.

On June 10th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Molly Ueligger (28) of Grant City alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Unlawful Possession of Illegal Weapon (Felony).

On June 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Seth Drawbaugh (26) of Blythedale alleging DWI (Felony), No Valid License, and No Seat Belt.

On June 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Tayton Berendes (21) of Bethany alleging Resisting Arrest, No Valid License, and No Headlights. Bond was set at $1,500, cash only.

On June 10th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Phil Yoder (65) of Redding was stopped on Highway 2 waiting for traffic to clear while attempting to turn left on P64. A vehicle driven by Dalton Barnes (17) of Lamoni rearended him. Barnes was ticketed for Failure to Stop. There were no injuries.

On June 12th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Spencer Fisk (27) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender. 

On June 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2020 Jeep Compass driven by Ofir Tau (23) of St. Joseph was southbound on Marble Road two miles west of Bethany while a 2014 GMC Acadia driven by Lidia Hart (37) of Bethany was northbound. The two vehicles met on a curve and collided. Tau received minor injuries while Hart received moderate injuries.

On June 13th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Abraham Cabrera (20) of Davenport (IA) on a charge of Stealing. Bond was set at $2,500, cash or corporate surety.

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.

Obituary -- Barbara Miller 1947-2022

Funeral Services for Barbara Miller, age 75 of Hopkins, Missouri, will be held at the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford at 9 AM, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Visitation will be held at Cummings Family Funeral Home Friday, June 17, 2022 from 3-7 PM with family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Interment will be held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed towards the family to be established. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Barbara Ann Miller was born on February 19, 1947, to Arthur Dean and Lillie Alma Knowles Young in Clark County Missouri in the back of the doctor’s car on the way to the hospital. Barb spent much of her early childhood playing at the Christian church camp that her family lived on in South Missouri. When she was nearing kindergarten, her family moved to Athelstan and then on to Gravity Iowa, where Barb attended the remainder of her schooling. She enjoyed playing basketball during her junior and high school years in Conway and Gravity. Barb attended a church camp while living in Gravity where she accepted the Lord as her Savior.

On November 10, 1963, Barbara was united in marriage to Gordon Green. From this union, three children were born, David Wade, Martha Ann, and Thomas Allen Tyril Green. She loyally dedicated almost 30 years to this relationship until they later divorced. Barb was a homemaker and farm wife for almost 20 years. She always raised a huge garden, canning the produce she grew, and raising chickens and other animals. She enjoyed the farm life, fishing, and working hard. She was known to have many different pets in her lifetime, from pet coons, to a 10-year-old goldfish, to numerous neighborhood cats that she couldn’t let go hungry. She always had a pet dog close by her side, Always. Over the next 15 years she traveled many places around the Midwest, residing in locations too many to list. She gave selflessly as she was dedicated to her family and their wellbeing, making a home out of almost nothing. She may not have had a lot, but with a can of paint in hand, she would make every new house their home. She often worked multiple jobs wherever she could. She was found serving others with food, caring for neighbors in need, or spending time with a friend. At one point, Barbara and her family lived in a tent in Vail, Colorado, spending their time entertaining guests on a dude ranch. Each day, Barb would prepare chuck wagon meals on a campfire, feeding those who were touring the ranch. It was an experience the average person doesn’t get to enjoy.

In the mid 1980’s after she was over 40 years old, Barb went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree as an art teacher. She worked full time, while attending school fulltime and raising her family. After graduating she taught art classes at Rockport and North Nodaway High Schools. She shared her artistic talents by painting murals in area homes. Painting wasn’t her only talent; she was also an avid quilter and crafter. Her stitches can be found in many quilts made for seniors, grandkids, and veterans. Barb loved to create crafts and helped make corsages for her kids and grandkids weddings. Her artistic ability was amazing, and you never know where you might see one of her creations.

On one warm evening in 1992, during a motorcycle ride with her brother, she meet an eligible local bachelor from Hopkins. He took her on a bike ride, and everything else was history. On June 12, one day before Richard Tiny Miller got any older, they were united in marriage. They enjoyed many bike rides and hanging out with their best friends, Michael and Gaye Stahl. For many years they made weekly trips to eat supper together. This continued even after Tiny’s death, but without the motorcycles. One of their favorite places to eat at was Jay’s in Clarinda, Iowa. They enjoyed watching their grandkids grow up and were involved in many of their activities. She was a loving and caring “Grandma Barb”. Between her and Tiny, they dedicated many years to the local Hopkins Community. She served as Treasurer of the Hopkins Community Betterment Organization for many years, helping to raise money and see the completion of many projects in the community.

In 1996 Barb started working at the Maryville Treatment Center. She started as a guard, was dedicated, and worked her way up to sergeant in Control Center. She made many friends there and was a great employee. She loved being in charge and making inmates obey orders. She retired after 17 years of service on November 1, 2013. After her retirement she kept busy by attending grandkids and great grandkids activities, spoiling her two dogs, Daisy and Sophie, maintaining her garden, flowers, and yard, and most recently by making fancy lampshades. Every Fall you would find her in a yard with her whirly gig picking up walnuts. She would be so tired of picking up walnuts, but still be happy to help a neighbor when they “offered” her their fallen walnuts.

Barb attended church every chance she got in the many towns she lived in. In her final years she was a regular attended of the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Barb loved attending the women’s meetings and being involved in the women’s group. She looked forward to working with several other ladies to make Senior and Quilts of Valor. She loved spending Sundays with her church family and then Sunday dinners with Ty and his family or eating out with Jeanette Perdew. Barb knew the Lord and knew she would be in heaven with Him one day. Her wish is that her family will know the same and that they will be reunited in Heaven. She had a huge heart and loved her family with all her being. Barb loved being a Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. She excelled at these roles. She made time to go to every activity that she could for her kids. Her family will remember the wonderful meals they had at Grandma Barbs or the new recipes she made. Barb was a great cook and a few of her family’s favorites include cinnamon rolls, Texas sheet cake, brownies, potato salad and wilted lettuce. She made those the best of anyone! Family and close friends will remember a couple of her common sayings such as “Yuns” or “I Missed ya Gone” these we often used by Barb and will always bring a smile to their face and a warm memory of a beloved woman.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard Tiny Miller, her father, Arthur Young, brother, William Young, and granddaughter Taylor Ann McCartney.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, David Green (Danielle Miller), daughter, Martha McCartney (Terry Skelly), Tyril Green (Christy), mother, Lillie Young, sister Lydia Brumfield (Randy), Grandchildren, Justin Green (Charlotte), Kelli Jo Wiederholt (Travis), Lacie Groom, McKenzie Benson (Trevor Hale), Shelby McCartney, Wyatt Green (Camille), Garrett Green (Twila), Faith Green, Ally Green, and Oakley Green, and six great granddaughters, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Editorial -- Energy Prices Triple in Some Parts of the Country

On Monday, Rep. John Joyce of PA talked about how energy prices have tripled for one of his constituents. In his own words:

Madam Speaker, last week, I heard from a woman in my district who told me about the direct impact that rising energy prices are having on her family. This year, her energy bill will climb from $135 to $398 a month.

This constituent is not alone, and because of this record setting inflation, two thirds of Americans have been forced to use their savings just to pay for everyday expenses.

…

Instead of using American energy, President Biden is preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to bring more foreign oil into our markets here in America.

Americans cannot afford these record setting prices, and we cannot afford to allow the Biden administration to continue its war on American energy.

Not only is President Biden seeking to import even more oil into the country as his “solution,” he is groveling before a nation whose human rights record is even worse than Russia’s. On March 12th, Human Rights Watch and Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia executed 81 men in a mass execution which was one of the biggest in its history. None of these men received a fair trial. 

And Saudi Arabia, like Russia, conducted a war of aggression against one of its neighbors when it conducted a seven year war of choice in Yemen, aided and abetted by the US. So apparently, the US is OK with wars of aggression when an ally conducts it. It’s just when someone like Russia or China does it that the US suddenly engages in virtue signaling on human rights and demands that we all have to make sacrifices so we can “stick it to the Russians.”

If the US must purchase oil from a foreign source as a temporary solution for high fuel prices, Venezuela would be the lesser evil. While they also have an abysmal human rights record according to Human Rights Watch, they have not attacked their neighbors like Saudi Arabia or Russia have.

But the real solutions have to start here at home. This is not going to please anyone, but the US has to put aside partisan differences for the common good. The Republicans are right that we have to tap into our own energy sources in order to address skyrocketing gas prices. The Democrats are right that manmade Climate Change is a danger, and that we have to develop wind, solar, and electric vehicles to replace coal and oil. 

And the wind farms have provided a windfall for the North Nodaway school. While the money is not guaranteed down the road and it does not solve all their problems, it has allowed the school to give their staff raises and do work on the facilities that they have put off in the past.

Bill Would Protect Against Certain Bank Overdraft Practices

A bill in the House, HR 4277, the Overdraft Protection Act of 2021, would increase protections for bank customers against certain practices that banks do with overdrafts. Banks frequently charge as much as $35 per overdraft check.

Each financial institution that offers overdraft coverage for accounts must disclose overdraft coverage fees. It must also disclose that the consumer’s transaction may be declined if there are insufficient funds and the consumer will not be charged if such transaction is declined. 

A financial institution must provide certain other disclosures regarding its overdraft protection program, including prompt notification of the account’s overdraft status. The bill limits the number of fees a consumer may be charged each month and year.

Bill Would Protect Small Businesses From Debt Collector Harassment

On February 22nd, Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) re-introduced the Small Business Fair Debt Collection Protection Act which safeguards small businesses from harassment by third-party debt collectors. 

The bill extends protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to small businesses with loans or obligations that are less than $2.5 million so that debt collectors have guardrails on what they can do to collect these debts.

“This bill promotes entrepreneurism and allows small business owners to have equivalent protections as consumers when dealing with debt collectors,” Rep. Lawson said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and many are doing well, but in those occurrences when they fall behind on meeting their obligations, they should be given the same level of grace as consumers.”

Currently, small business loan borrowers do not have the same protections individual consumers have under federal law.

Small business owners often place their personal finances as capital to start and expand their businesses. Small business owners typically apply for credit using their personal credit, yet they don’t receive the same protections as individual consumers. By expanding the protections that currently exists for consumers to small business owners, these businesses are more likely to succeed.

On June 14th, the House Committee on Financial Services did a markup on the bill, known as HR 6814.

Obituary -- Larry Vance 1947-2022

Larry L. Vance, 75, of Maryville, MO, passed away at home on Sunday, June 12, 2022, with family at his side.

Larry was born in Ravenwood, MO, on January 25, 1947, to Joseph J. and Doris F. (Wilson) Vance.  He grew up in Ravenwood and Parnell MO area.

He graduated from Northeast Nodaway High School in 1965 and joined the United States Navy in that year.  He served his Country for over 20 years, spending 3 deployments in Vietnam and was a proud SeaBee. 

He had worked for over 20 years as a maintenance supervisor in NW Missouri with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Larry had attended the Parnell Methodist Church and was a member of the Parnell American Legion Post 528.  He was also a member of the VFW post in Maryville, MO.

On November 30, 1985, at the First Christian Church in Maryville, Larry was united in marriage to Rose Marie Treese. 

He liked to fish and go camping and he and Rose wintered in Texas for many years.  He loved and enjoyed his grandkids.  He also loved country music, and he had owned and ridden horse. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose, in 2018, and his 2 sisters, Darlene Hagg, and Sandra Payne, his stepdaughter, April Lawyer, his 2 nephews, James Herndon, and Aaron Walker, his stepfather, Paul Herndon, and his niece, Terri Hagg. 

His survivors include his daughter, Joyce Vance, (and fiancé Bob), brother, Gerald Herndon, Holt, MO, 2 sisters, Marsha (Dave) Wilmes, Maryville, MO, and Linda (Curt) Jenkins, Ravenwood, MO, his brother-in-law, Gary Hagg, Maryville, MO, 2 stepdaughters, Kim Treese, Kansas City, MO, and Rosemary (Kirby) Stiens, Maryville, MO, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Larry has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.  His memorials services are pending at this time.  He will be buried in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Parnell American Legion Post 528, or the New Nodaway Humane Society, Maryville MO.

Letters from Soldiers: World War I Letter from Howard Rybolt

Howard Rybolt subsequently became the long-time weather observer for Worth County.

Somewhere in France, November 20th, 1917

Dear Folks,

I am taking another opportunity to drop you a line and let you know I am still OK.

Gee, it has been a long time since I have been in the states. Sure will be glad when I get back. Think probably I will get back to the states sometime in January or February.

I celebrated by birthday and Thanksgiving at sea. I guess maybe it will be the same Christmas.

Tell everybody hello and that I would write all a letter, but I can’t write to everybody, so you can let them read this one.

When I joined the Navy, I weighed 132 pounds, but now, I pull down 18 more and reach 150. It isn’t such a bad life after all.

I am going to try and get a furlough after this trip and maybe I will get to come home in February some time.

Hoping this finds you all well and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I am, as ever, your son,

Howard

Letters from Soldiers: World War I Letter From John Willhite

The Worth County Tribune published letters from local servicepeople during World War I. Here is one such letter from John Willhite.

Fort Riley (KS) Base, Hospital, Sec. I, Dec. 23rd, 1917.

Dear Delph:

Will just drop you a few lines to let you know I’m having a h___ of a time.

Doing just as I please and getting all any two ordinary men should eat.

I was transferred from Section K to Section I, or Isolation, last Wednesday. I have charge of the laundry for this section and believe we have a bunch of it. Friday, I sent out 1,170 pieces and I have 1,298 pieces checked and ready for the laundry tomorrow besides quite a “batch” that hasn’t been through the sterilizer yet.

I am living in a tent with a board floor. Half of this tent is occupied by my bed, table, foot locker, and surplus clothing; the other half is where I keep the clean laundry stored.

Cold? Well, no! I have one of the most modern stoves, in fact, it hasn’t been patented yet. I have a lantern for light and when I go to bed at night, I place the lantern inside a medium sized box and turn the open side toward my bed. I then turn the light down low. Like the parlor lamp at a “sparking party,” and I have steady heat all night. Besides that I have access to as many blankets as I want to use and taking it all combined, I have a snug little “bachelor’s home.” All that disturbs me is the pitiful wails of some of the meningitis patients when having their spine punctured.

We are having splendid winter weather here and are hoping it will last for some time.

I got a package from home the other day, containing fried chicken and rabbit. Gee, with what I get from home, what they feed us here and the candy that certain young lady friends send me, I fear that I’ll have to get some larger trousers. The blamed buttons are not sewed on any too good anyway.

I suppose the young fellows around there are busy looking after their questionnaires about now.

Delph, your page of “Letters from the boys” is the best thing a newspaper ever did, for I certainly enjoy reading them and I’m sure other people do also,

Well, I’ll light a Pall Mall now, while I think of something else.

Oh, yes, if you don’t mind, I’ll take this means of thanking my friends in Worth County for their gifts and remembrances which they have sent me, for I simply cannot find time to write each one separately, but anything I receive is fully appreciated.

Well, I guess I’ve used about enough of Uncle Sam’s paper, so I’ll close. Give my best regards to Elsye and A.M.’S folks, also to your father.

Very truly yours,

John W. Willhite

Study Shows Broadband Expansion Would Help Local Economies Grow

A recent analysis shows how expansion and adoption of internet services in three northwestern Missouri counties could help grow their economies in the decade ahead.

The report, “Economic Benefits of Expanding Broadband in Missouri: Atchison, Gentry and Worth Counties,” makes the case for public and private investment in rural broadband, said Alan Spell, assistant extension professor in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri.

The report also highlights the value of efforts to encourage adoption of broadband once the infrastructure is in place, Spell said.

“We know that broadband benefits our communities, but we don’t necessarily know how much,” he said. “This analysis gives us an idea in hopes that it will increase community, education and support efforts to expand local broadband access. It also gives us some benchmarks and goals to set.”

The analysis was prepared as part of MU Extension’s collaboration with local economic developers and the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, which serves the three counties studied in the report as well as Nodaway and Holt counties.

“This work will help transform our communities’ health, education, agriculture, and economic opportunities,” said Kimberly Mildward, economic development planner with the Regional Council. Using the UM System Broadband Initiative’s Digitally Connected Community Guide, the group hopes to bring affordable high-speed internet to the region and encourage the use of broadband applications. The project received support through federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds.

An executive summary, individual county reports and the full report are available at muext.us/BroadbandResources.

The study estimates the 10-year economic benefits of expanding fixed broadband adoption in Atchison, Gentry and Worth counties, which are among the state’s least-populated counties. Worth County, with just over 2,000 residents, has the lowest population in Missouri.

“To realize broadband’s economic benefits,” the report concludes, “community residents and businesses must increasingly adopt broadband service and gain skills in using broadband-related technologies. Increased broadband adoption and use drives long-term economic gains.”

“The pandemic has shown that those unable to access broadband – either by their location, type of work or financial situation – are at a disadvantage as the economy evolves and more people shift to remote work, learning, shopping and health care,” Spell said.

To access federal and state programs designed to close that gap, communities will need to gauge broadband’s economic benefits. Spell said the study provides a framework for estimating those benefits and can serve as a foundation for further research.

“This study showed us that even relatively small gains in internet adoption can make a huge amount of difference and be a big boon to our local economy,” Mildward said.

The researchers looked at two scenarios: The minimum scenario supposes that adoption of fixed broadband increases 10 percentage points over 10 years; the maximum scenario makes projections based on a 20-percentage-point increase over 10 years.

Under the minimum scenario, average annual GDP in the three counties increases by 1.3% to 1.6% over 2019 levels. In the maximum scenario, average annual GDP growth was 2.1% to 2.3% higher than 2019 levels.

Those gains may seem modest, but they represent faster increases than in recent years and add up to significant growth over time, Spell said. For example, a 1.4% average annual increase in Atchison County’s GDP over 10 years – as projected under the minimum scenario – would make the county’s economy 12% larger than it was in 2019.

The study also estimated significant annual employment increases. With minimum broadband adoption, Gentry and Atchison counties would see annual job increases averaging 1.3% and 1.4%, respectively, over 2019 levels. Worth County’s annual job increases averaged 1.6% above 2019 levels. With broadband adoption gains of 20 percentage points, annual employment increases for the three counties averaged 2.9% to 3.0% above 2019 levels.

At a public forum in Atchison County, farmers shared that broadband access would enable them to use equipment to help with precision application of herbicides and fertilizer, benefiting both the environment and the farmers’ bottom lines. Other applications electronically monitor moisture levels in grain bins, aiding decisions on when to sell.

Internet access means high school students can access Advanced Placement classes and companies can train their workforces locally. Telemedicine appointments can save patients time away from work, cut travel expenses and make it easier to address health issues that might otherwise be put off.

“All of this has a powerful impact on our lives, opportunities and economies over time,” Mildward said.

Pioneers of Worth County: W.F. Calhoun Lived on Same Allendale Farm for 66+ Years

Back in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the pioneer families of Worth County were celebrated. W.F. Calhoun of Allendale, as of May 1928, had lived on the same farm near Allendale for 66 years according to the May 2nd Worth County Tribune. He was affectionately known as Uncle Barley.

In 1856, Calhoun’s parents came to Worth County and settled in Lotts Grove. In 1862, they moved to the farm where W.F. would go on to live for the next 66+ years. In 1869, he married Julia House, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Arch House. 12 children were born, of whom 10 were living as of May 1928. They were Frank, Ed, Fred, George, all of Allendale; Albert Calhoun of Grand Island (NE), Mrs. Gilbert Roberts of California, Maggie Campbell of Oregon, and Mrs. Mann Murray, Mrs. Henry Sims, and Miss Leona Calhoun, all of Allendale.

As of 1928, Uncle Barley and his wife were 80 years young. He served as Worth County Collector for one term, and he was a Justice of the Peace for Smith Township for several years. They were still in good health.

Huge Crowd Saw Grand Opening of Ravenwood Creamery in 1928

Hundreds of people attended a grand opening for the Ravenwood Creamery on April 30th, 1928, the Worth County Tribune of May 2nd reported. A delegation from Worth County attended. The Tribune wrote the following report:

The formal dedication of the Ravenwood Creamery at Ravenwood Tuesday was considered a success from every standpoint. The day was ideal and a large crowd listened to the speakers with interest. Mr. Salzer of Bedford was the first speaker and made a fine talk. State Dairy Commissioner E.G. Bennett was the second speaker and also made a fine walk. No wonder that these men could talk – if you had seen the good things that the women of Ravenwood and the surrounding country had to eat – you would of known that they ought to have made a good speech. The Maryville Chamber of Commerce furnished the ice cream and the coffee was furnished by the businessmen of Ravenwood.

Geo. Hemshrot, the butter maker, was on hand explaining all the details of the working of the little plant. Mr. Gates was also busy telling us about the creamery.

Mr. Gates said they had received 2,100 pounds of cream that made 840 pounds of butter – and say, Mister, it was fine butter. Mr. Gates told us that the plant cost them around $11,000 to complete. They have 100 shareholders. The music was fine. A jersey cow was auctioned off at the close of the exercises and she brought $114.

Attending from Grant City were J.L. Dawson, Chas. McLaughlin, E.E. Yetter, Roy Wyman, Thornton Pitney, Sim Elliott, Jim Hoey, L.J. Elliott, D.C. Simons, L.M. Willhite, Dr. L.F. Thompson, Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Wyman, Manuel Bressler, W.E. Hotaling, and H. Miller.

1928 Bootlegging Operation in Hopkins Busted

Back in 1928, Prohibition was still in effect, and an alleged bootlegging operation in Hopkins was busted. The Maryville Democrat-Forum, in an article reprinted by the May 2nd, 1928 Worth County Tribune, reported that a raid by sheriff’s officers on the Charles Sewell restaurant at Hopkins resulted in the arrest of the proprietor, who was taken to the county jail and charged with Possession and Sale of Intoxicating Liquor. Officers led by Sheriff L.B. Campbell found numerous cases of empty bottles and one full gallon of what officers said was alcohol.