Courthouse News for August 31st, 2022

On August 14th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Kolben Klommhaus (20) of Mount Ayr and Keaton White (19) of Mount Ayr on charges of Theft. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department says that the defendants took a picnic table belonging to the school. The defendants subsequently returned the table.

On August 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jose Manuel Ramirez Bruno (25) of Lenox alleging DWI and Speeding.

On August 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jerry Hughes (44) of Conception Junction alleging DWI and No Headlights.

On August 24th, a jury found that Los Angeles County must pay Kobe Bryant’s widow $16 million for emotional distress caused by firefighters and deputies sharing photos of the bodies of the NBA star and his daughter taken at the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed them.

On the morning of August 24th, the Lenox and Clearfield Fire Departments, Taylor County EMS, Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office, Ringgold County Emergency Management, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department helped stop a large anhydrous ammonia leak south of Clearfield on Highway 25.

On August 24th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Zayne Swope (20) of Grant City alleging Minor in Possession, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and Trespassing.

On August 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Andrew Faustlin (25) of Maryville alleging DWI and No Headlights.

On August 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Joshua Paulus (24) of Maryville alleging DWI.

On August 24th, the Missouri Department of Transportation did an emergency closure of northbound Interstate 35 in Harrison County at Route A for shoulder repairs. The road was reopened that evening.

On August 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kevin Kyser (29) of Fitchburg (WI) in Harrison County on a Clark County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Traffic Violation).

On August 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Baley Turner (22) of Crosby (MN) alleging Assault (Felony) and Armed Criminal Action (Felony).  Northwest Mo Info reports that the defendant allegedly was released from the Harrison County Jail after entering a guilty plea for Assault and getting credit for time served. The defendant then allegedly got into an altercation with a Bethany man, attacked them with a foldable hand saw, and the victim was life flighted to Truman Medical Center. The defendant was apprehended in Iowa and taken to the Warren County Jail.

On August 26th at approximately 7:15 am, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department says that 15-year-old Andrea Owens of Clearfield was traveling East on the J23 Detour. Owens swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. Owens’ 2003 Jeep Liberty left the roadway and rolled an estimated three times. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels in a freshly mowed field. Owens stated that several vehicles drove by after the wreck and did not stop. Additionally, Owens reported that one vehicle witnessed the accident and failed to stop to provide aid. Owens was checked by Ringgold County EMS and released to her mother. Owens admitted to and was cited for failure to use a seatbelt.

On August 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Muhammad Usama (31) of Minneapolis (MN) in Harrison County on charges of No Headlights and Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle.

On August 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Brandon Burns (37) of Kansas City in Nodaway County on charges of Speeding, No Seat Belt, and a Platte County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Violation of Zoning Regulations). 

On August 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Stephen Galbraith (35) of Darlington alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On August 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Joel Moore (30) of Clarksdale alleging No Valid License (Felony) and No Seat Belt.

On August 29th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1989 Ford L9000 Tow Truck driven by Roger Smith (62) of Albany was eastbound on Route 136 at around 1:45 pm five miles west of Albany. The Patrol says the front driver’s side tire had an equipment failure, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle went off the north side and overturned, killing Smith.

On August 29th, Harrison Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Trent Summers (21) of Cainsville alleging DWI and Failure to Signal.

On August 30th, the Mount Ayr Fire Department reported that the city was smoke testing the sewer system in Mount Ayr this week. There will be significant smoke produced with this process.

On August 30th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Douglas Dennis (34) of Bethany alleging Burglary (Felony) and Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony). Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On August 30th, Special Prosecutor Stephanie Watson filed charges against Michelle Gascoigne (45) of Maryville in Nodaway County alleging DWI, Driving While Revoked, and No Plates.

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.

Worth County Announces Homecoming 2022

The Worth County Student Council invites the Worth County community to participate in “Homecoming 2022: Worth County Tigers Victories Throughout the Decades” during the week of September 19th through 23rd. With this theme in mind, the parade and the week’s events will focus on fun and eventful happenings throughout the decades. Each class will select a particular event or happening during any decade in which to focus their parade float decorations.

‘We hope that the whole community will join us for Homecoming 2022,” said Caydee Sherer, Student Council President. “We appreciate the support from businesses and community organizations which continues to increase each year.” If your business or organization would like to participate in the parade or in the business window decorating contest, contact the High School Office at 564-2218 for more information.

The Homecoming event will also be a time to remember the alumni of Worth County. “We will be inviting the homecoming queens of 1972, Carolyn Wilkinson Hardy, 1997, Valerie Smith Mumford, and 2012, Haven Schottel to serve as the Grand Marshals of this year’s parade,” said Sherer.

Events during Homecoming will include spirit days throughout the week. The annual Homecoming parade occurs on Friday, September 23rd at 1:30 pm with the coronation of Homecoming King and Queen to follow the parade at the High School football stadium. Homecoming week cumulates under the Friday night lights with the football game against King City with recognition of the Royal Court at 6:30 pm and Tiger football beginning at 7:00 pm.

Jaden Atkins, Baylie Busby Go Deep as Bluejays Win 10-5

Northeast Nodaway’s girls picked up right where they left off from last year, and this time they didn’t need nine innings as they put North Harrison away 10-5 Friday. Last year, Northeast had beaten North Harrison 10-9 in nine innings to end a 13 year losing streak to the Shamrocks.

The Bluejays struck first as Hadley DeFreece got a bunt down the third base line for a base hit and two Shamrock errors put Northeast on the board up 2-0.

North Harrison threatened to strike back as Jayliegh Robins walked and Ruby Heintz singled to right field with one out. Jaci Davis struck out, but Jayliegh and Jaci pulled off a perfect delayed double steal, with Robins somehow getting under Mylee Wilmes’ tag at third. But Hadley DeFreece struck out Katelyn Briggs for the third out. 

With one out in the Bluejay second, Makenzie Pride showed some wheels and beat out an infield hit, and that hustle play sparked another rally. Mylee Wilmes hit a seeing eye single that somehow got just under pitcher Erica Gerken’s glove and somehow just got past Ruby Heintz’s glove, and Baylie Busby singled in Pride and put Wilmes on third. Busby stole second. Hadley DeFreece bunted, but Shamrock pitcher Erica Gerken cut down Wilmes at the plate as Hadley took first and Busby third. Jill Boswell hit a pop fly to left center field that three different Shamrocks gave chase to, but it fell between them for a pop fly double as two runs scored to make it 5-0.

But after North Harrison got out of a bases loaded jam in the third, they realized they could play ball with Northeast and they bunched up three straight singles. Trendi Johnson shot one past second, Jayliegh Robins hit a shot into left field, and Bluejay left fielder Merrideth Adwell made a great stop to keep it from being extra bases. Ruby Heintz beat out a squib in front of the plate to load the bases. Jaci Davis struck out, but Katelyn Briggs hit a pop fly that landed behind second for a base hit as the Shamrocks got one run back to make it 5-1. North Harrison had the tying run at the plate with one out, but Hadley DeFreece settled down and struck out Amber Wilson and Kira Robertson with the high heat.

The heart of Northeast’s order was coming up, but Shamrock center fielder Kira Robertson ran down Jill Boswell’s Texas Leaguer and pitcher Erica Gerken shot a laser beam to first on Hadley DeFreece’s tricky grounder. North Harrison got two runs back in the fourth after Andi Nail reached on an error and Trendi Johnson’s shot off third baseman Lindsey Jackson’s glove resulted in a base hit. Jackson settled down and made a great play on Jayliegh Robins’ trick pop fly despite getting turned around for the second out, but Ruby Heintz’s gap double to left center cut it to 5-3. It would have been even more interesting, but Bluejay first baseman Jaden Atkins knocked down Jaci Davis’ hard shot to get the Bluejays out of the inning. 

North Harrison continued to keep the Bluejays off the boards in the fifth as Merrideth Adwell hit a tricky pop fly between the mound and the plate that could have easily resulted in a collision, but Gerken came away with it.

It looked like it would be like so many of Northeast’s games last year, in which they would go down to the wire regardless of the caliber of the opposition. But Makenzie Pride walked to start the sixth. Lindsey Jackson put down a good bunt; Shamrock first baseman Andi Nail made a great play when she grabbed it and tagged out Jackson as Pride took second. But then Bailey Busby hit a screamer into the right field corner and it sliced away from Katelyn Briggs as Busby flew around the bases for a two run home run to make it 7-3. Hadley DeFreece reached on an error to restart the inning, Jill Boswell walked, and then Jaden Atkins hit a carbon copy of Busby’s shot with the same result, putting the Bluejays up 10-3. 

Bluejay center fielder Ruby Wilmes ran down Trendi Johnson’s screamer to end the Shamrock sixth. But after Shamrock right fielder Katelyn Briggs doubled Hadley DeFreece off second after catching a fly ball, Jayliegh Robins singled down the right field line and Ruby Heintz hit a shot so hard that it wedged under the fence for a ground rule double to put runners on second and third with nobody out. But the Bluejays settled down and traded runs for outs with the big lead as Jaci Davis grounded out to Jill Boswell at short to score Robins and Katelyn Briggs grounded out to Jaden Atkins at first to score Heintz. 

Jayliegh Robins Hits Grand Slam as Shamrocks Run Rule Stanberry

North Harrison broke out of a slow start and run ruled Stanberry 12-2 Saturday in the consolation round of the Albany Tournament Saturday to post their first win over Stanberry in seven years. In 2015, the Shamrocks beat Stanberry 12-6, but were beaten by them 3-2 in sectionals that year. That set off a seven year span in which Stanberry had their number.

But that streak came to an end after North Harrison had dropped their first two games of the season. They had their chances against Northeast Nodaway, but dug themselves into a big hole and lost 10-5. They then had to face North Andrew 12 hours later in the Albany Tournament; the Cardinals are a favorite to win the GRC West this year with one of the best coaching minds in the area in Dave Carroll coming out of retirement to help out Todd Simmons, who has built up a solid program over the last several years at North Andrew. But the Shamrocks led North Andrew at one point and the Cardinals needed a walkoff win to advance to the winners bracket. 

Stanberry had some big guns coming back along with good numbers; their top three batters in Katlin James, Katie Angle, and Amelia Wallace are a match for anyone’s. They had 23 players listed in the roster, second in the area only to Stewartsville/Osborn with 27. 

But when Erica Gerken set down Stanberry in order in the first inning, the Shamrocks jumped on top after Trendi Johnson reached on an error and Jayliegh Robins got the first of four hits to move Trendi Johnson to third. Ruby Heintz hit a grounder to third, but Trendi was cut down at the plate. Katelyn Briggs reached on a fielder’s choice and everyone was safe, but it looked like the Shamrocks’ chances would die when Jaci Davis grounded into a force at home. But then the bottom of the order came through as Kira Robertson and Kayka Wilson both singled to put the Shamrocks up 3-0 after one.

North Harrison reverted to the sloppy play of the Northeast Nodaway game and let in a run in the second to make it 3-1. It would have been worse had Robins not cut down Maranda Evans stealing after the first run had scored. Stanberry threatened again after an uncalled pop fly put another runner on, but pitcher Erica Gerken bailed out her team with a strikeout to get out of the inning.

Gerken, one of the team’s most improved hitters this year, helped herself out with a single. Halle Morgan (running for Gerken) took second on a wild pitch and Trendi Johnson reached on an error to score her. Jayliegh Robins singled Johnson home to make it 5-1.

The lower part of the order came through again in the third as Kira Robertson hit a Texas Leaguer just behind the shortstop for a base hit and took second on a wild pitch. Kayka Wilson hit a tapper down the third base line, Stanberry tried to cut down Robertson at third, but hurried the throw trying to cut down one of the fastest players on the team and the ball got away as Robertson scored. 

Wallace tried to get Stanberry back in the game in the fourth as she beat out an infield hit and stole second and third and came home on Kiley Mattson’s fly ball to make it 6-2. But after Evans singled to right for Stanberry, Gerken suddenly started getting stronger and stronger as the day progressed despite the heat and despite being sore from a couple of tumbles she took during the Northeast Nodaway game 12 hours before.  She retired the last five Stanberry batters.

Meanwhile, Jayliegh Robins crushed one off the left field wall in the Shamrock fourth for a triple and came home on Ruby Heintz’s groundout to make it 7-2.

Paige Lane led off the Shamrock fifth with a walk and the next two Shamrocks reached on errors to load the bases. This time, Robins crushed an inside the park grand slam off the right field wall to make it 11-2. Robins had a monster tournament for the Shamrocks, getting a three run shot against North Andrew, a grand slam against Stanberry, going 4 for 4 in the Stanberry game and nearly completing a cycle, and finishing with 7 for her last 9. 

The next two batters grounded out, but then Jaci Davis kept the inning going with a base hit. She went to second on a wild pitch and Wallace made a rare miscue and threw it away as Davis took third. Hailey Claycomb doubled to left to bring her in to end it.

ZeeAnna Gladstone Sparks Rally; Ali Brown’s Walkoff Homer Beats King City

ZeeAnna Gladstone sparked a late inning rally by the Tigers against King City in the first round of the Albany Tournament Saturday, and Ali Brown’s walkoff homer won it as the Tigers took a 12-11 win for their first game of the season. 

It looked like the Tigers were dead in the water after King City had erupted for two in the fifth and seven in the sixth to take an 11-8 lead. Time was called, so it was either win or go home for the Tigers. King City was a dangerous team who had several late inning eruptions at the plate over the last two years, and this game was par for the course for them. And King City seemingly had Worth County’s number, having beaten them twice last year.

But then ZeeAnna Gladstone, who had misplayed a single during King City’s rally, stepped up to the plate to lead off the Tiger sixth and crushed a double to left field. She then pulled off a play worthy of her namesake as she saw a pitch in the dirt, took off for third, and made it on a close play. All of a sudden, a dormant Tiger squad came to life and started hitting the ball again.

Autumn Cousatte hit a single down the left field line to score Gladstone, and then Brooklyn Richardson laid down a perfect bunt down the third base line and beat it out to put runners on first and second. Kynah Steele hit it hard, but right at the left fielder for the first, and Ali Brown hit what looked like a carbon copy. But this time, the ball kept carrying and finally drifted over the fence, and the Tigers had walked it off against a team that had beaten them twice last year.

It started off so well for the Tigers in the early innings. Autumn Cousatte fell behind 0-2 in the first, but showed she is a difficult batter to strike out and fought back to walk. Then, Brooklyn Richardson and Kynah Steele beat out perfect bunt hits to load the bases. Ali Brown struck out and Kara Staton popped out, but Hailey Adwell beat out an infield hit to the shortstop and two runs scored to make it 2-0.

The Tigers added to their lead when Brylee Rush singled and ZeeAnna Gladstone got hit. Autumn Cousatte singled to left center and took second on a throw home as Gladstone took third. The Tigers then twice scored on strikeouts as Brooklyn Richardson and Kynah Steele struck out on consecutive plays, the third strike was dropped, and Gladstone and Cousatte each came home on the throw to make it 5-0.

Taryn Hunter’s triple put King City on the board and she scored on a wild pickoff to make it 5-2, but Worth County got the runs back as Brylee Rush singled. ZeeAnna Gladstone popped out and Autumn Cousatte hit a screamer, but right at the shortstop. But Brooklyn Richardson kept the inning alive with a double to center that scored Rush and Kynah Steele’s home run was well beyond the center field wall at around 250 feet to make it 8-2.

Worth County was seemingly in control, but King City began to play stronger and stronger as the game progressed. When Kinzie Pettijohn’s shot off pitcher Brooklyn Richardson’s glove with two outs and nobody on in the fifth rolled into no man’s land, that opened the floodgates. Gabrielle Schnitker and Taryn Hunter walked, Pettijohn came home on a wild pitch as Schnitker and Hunter took second and third, and Kaylee Roberts’ bunt with two outs fooled everyone. Richardson dove for it and missed and the ball rolled into no man’s land as another run scored to make it 8-4 after five. Then, all hell broke loose as King City teed off in the sixth and erased the Tiger lead. When Emberlyn Medsker hit a 3 run home run to make it 11-8, the game was all but over before ZeeAnna Gladstone worked her magic to revive the Tigers’ hopes.

Missouri Department of Conservation Has New Canine Unit

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent 

In the spring of 2021, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Law Enforcement Branch unleashed the power of the super nose by starting a canine unit to protect our fish and wildlife resources, search for lost people or people evading arrest, find evidence, and more.

The canines have four main functions including tracking, evidence search and recovery, wildlife detection and doing public programs. Conservation canines are like search and rescue dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, or narcotics K9’s. Their essential duty is to use their nose to detect hard-to-find targets. In the last few months, the MDC Canine Unit has had 134 law enforcement and search and rescue types of calls and conducted 248 canine educational programs with approximately 11,834 program participants across the state.

MDC’s Canine Unit is comprised of five dogs and their human partners with three more planned to join the unit in the next year for a total of eight across the state. Tex, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and handler Corporal Alan Lamb. Korra, a black Labrador Retriever, and handler Corporal Justin Pyburn. Penny, a black Labrador Retriever, and handler Corporal Don Clever. Waylon, a Shorthaired Pointer, and handler Corporal Caleb Pryor. Astro, a yellow Labrador Retriever, and handler Corporal Susan Swem.

To start out training the handlers and their canines traveled to the Indiana to attend the 2021 Canine Wildlife Resource Protection School to become certified. The academy was a total of nine weeks, but the training never ends as they continue to train daily to prepare for any request they may get. 

The following are some examples of the work done so far by the canine unit across the state. In all these cases, the human nose and eyes would likely have never found the evidence or people that the canines found in a short amount of time. At a conservation area Astro searched for and found a suicidal victim after several days of first responders and volunteers searching and not locating the victim, bringing closure for family and friends. Tex assisted in an investigation of taking waterfowl in closed season with 26 violations uncovered. Tex also located a shotgun and turkey breast hidden by an individual who started his turkey season a week early. 

Penny assisted in an investigation after a call about conservation area campers illegally shooting animals. Penny located a suspect and several animals including deer and fish that had been illegally harvested. Waylon was called to a trespass call where two suspects shot a turkey while trespassing, then shot at the reporting party when they were confronted. Waylon was able to locate spent shotgun shells that were later matched to shotgun shells in the suspect’s hunting vest corroborating the witness’s statement that they had been shot at. Korra assisted in locating and recovering a woman’s purse at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area the day after her vehicle had been burglarized. 

Opinion -- How to Reduce Abortions Without Removing Access

By Lois Pontius

Democratic Candidate, House District 2

I am pro-life. I even have a problem pulling up perfectly healthy plants in the garden when my husband says, “They are planted too thick; you have to thin them out.” We are all pro-life. We would all like to reduce abortions, but we have different ideas about how to accomplish that. Studies have shown that simply passing restrictive laws to abolish abortions is ineffective. Some studies have even shown that there are actually more abortions in countries with very restrictive abortion laws than in those with more permissive laws. But illegal abortions are dangerous, maiming and killing many young women. So the restrictive laws banning abortions are not about reducing abortions; it is about controlling women – like the Taliban. Or perhaps a more insidious ulterior motive is a divide and conquer strategy by those forces who are planning to overthrow our democratic form of government and install an autocratic dictatorship – like the Taliban. It seems to be quite effective; it certainly has divided us. There is a better way to reduce the number of abortions without infringing on the rights of people to make their own medical decisions with the aid of their personal healthcare providers.

The obvious, no-brainer, common-sense way to reduce the number of abortions is to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies! Here is the game plan:

–Education. Proper education of children about human reproductions, starting with the two year old who is awaiting the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. (No storks or cabbage patches in this story.) Continuing with age-appropriate, scientifically-correct, and morally-based education and counseling concerning physiology and personal responsibility as the child grows in maturation and intellectual ability. No, this is not “grooming!” Get over it!

–Prioritize the fight against sexual violence. Reducing sexual violence begins at a young age as part of comprehensive sex education, including respect for one’s own body and others’ bodies. Prioritize stricter laws against sexual violence, prosecute offenders of sexual violence, and encourage more bystander training and community support across the country. 

–Improve access to contraception. Preventative measures work better than curative measures. Providing free contraceptive counseling and contraception of their choice to low income families would be a highly effective way to reduce unintended pregnancies.

–Require federal paid family leave. The United States is one of only two nations in the world that does not guarantee paid family leave for parents. The most common reason given for having an abortion is the inability to financially support a child or another child. A very large percentage of abortion patients have an income level below the poverty level or are low income. Paid family leave would provide time for healing from childbirth, offer financial stability, and develop nurturing relationships and environments for their children.

–Offer universal healthcare. I was amazed at what childbirth costs are today. I think my first childbirth cost in 1964 was $150.00, and I thought that was a lot then. Now, I understand it runs in the thousands of dollars, even with insurance. For low income families, that can be a dealbreaker. Universal healthcare would provide better prenatal and post-natal healthcare and make the childbirth process more accessible and safe. In addition to decreasing the need for abortions, it would also decrease the maternal mortality rate, which for the United States, is the highest rate of all the developed countries. This should also include mental health support for postpartum depression, which affects as much as one in seven parents who recently gave birth.

–Offer affordable or free childcare options. When mothers get more financial support for childbearing, removing the financial strain of caring for young children, they are much less likely to pursue abortion.

–Insure access to safe and affordable housing. Housing costs have risen so sharply that for low income families, it is very difficult to provide a safe place for children to live along with providing the other essentials of a health environment for children. It discourages women from continuing a pregnancy.

It may seem rather expensive to fund all these measures, but would it be any more expensive than all the lawsuits that are going to be flying all over the country with the current situation being as it is? The recent vote in Kansas makes it very clear that the people do not want abortions banned. Those candidates facing an election in November had better take notice. Some of them may need to do some backpedaling between now and November.

Erica Gerken’s Dash Sparks Shamrocks to Consolation Over KC

North Harrison pitcher Erica Gerken had been winning games for the Shamrocks with her pitching arm for the last two years. In the Albany tournament, she showed she was one of the most improved hitters from last year. In North Harrison’s 13-3 win over King City to claim consolation, Gerken pitched well and held up despite the heat and despite pitching her third game. But it was her legs that sparked the Shamrocks. 

Besides a single from Jayliegh Robins in the first, North Harrison had hit nothing but weak grounders to first base or the mound against King City when Gerken came up to bat with one out in the third. They were down 1-0 after Taryn Hunter’s double in the first to put the Wildkats on the board. But then Gerken had a long battle with King City pitcher Emberlyn Medsker and drew a walk on a 3-2 pitch. All of a sudden, she realized that King City was not paying attention and made a mad dash for second and the throw got away into the outfield. Gerken was not done and she made another dash to third base and was safe on a close play. Although Halle Morgan (running for Gerken) was subsequently cut down at the plate, the play sparked the Shamrocks, who overcame the heat and a dangerous King City squad.

Kaylee Roberts’ perfect bunt resulted in a scratch hit that scored Kinzie Pettijohn to put King City up 2-0, but first baseman Kayka Wilson knocked down Taryn Hunter’s hard hit line drive to prevent even further damage, and the cracks began to show in the Shamrock fourth.

Ruby Heintz walked in the fourth and Katelyn Briggs singled to center. Briggs was out trying for second on King City’s throw to third, but Jaci Davis’ single cut the lead in half and Kayka Wilson’s screamer was caught, or the game would have been tied.

The floodgates finally opened in the fifth as Amber Wilson spoiled a change, hit a tapper back to the mound, and reached on Medsker’s bobble. Gerken showed her improvement in another area as she laid down a perfect sac bunt, King City hurried a throw to second that was dropped, and everybody was safe. Wilson and Hailey Claycomb (running for Gerken) went to second and third on a wild pitch, and then Trendi Johnson’s pop fly dropped in for a base hit and she took second as the cutoff throw got away, putting runners on second and third. 

The next four Shamrocks all hit safely as Jayliegh Robins singled, Ruby Heintz singled, Katelyn Briggs doubled, and Jaci Davis doubled as six Shamrocks crossed the plate. Kayka Wilson singled to left to put Davis on third, stole second, and then Erica Gerken hit a hard shot off the shortstop’s glove for a base hit. By the time the dust had settled, North Harrison was up 8-2.

But Worth County was up the same margin against King City earlier in the day, and they came back to make a game of it, and the Tigers needed a walkoff to get the win. Sure enough, all hell threatened to break loose as Kamryn Miller walked and Kinzie Pettijohn reached on an error to put runners on first and second. Had the lineup turned over to Emberlyn Medsker, anything could have happened, but second baseman Trendi Johnson made a leaping catch of Gabrielle Schnitker’s line drive. The dangerous Taryn Hunter was up, and she hit a hard shot, but right at Ruby Heintz at shortstop. She threw to third for the force play and Jaci Davis bobbled the throw. With the bases loaded and the heart of the lineup, including Medsker, coming up, a grand slam would have brought King City right back in the game, but Davis stuck with the play and managed to tag out Miller, who had overslid third base, and Kaylee Roberts grounded out to Gerken, leaving Medsker in the on deck circle.

After dodging King City’s best shot in the fifth, North Harrison couldn’t afford to relax and got the bats going again in the sixth. Jayliegh Robins got a single, her third hit, and went to second on an error and Ruby Heintz singled her home and went second on the throw home. Katelyn Briggs reached on an error when nobody called a pop fly behind second and Heintz took third. Carmon Fordyce (running for Briggs) stole second and Jaci Davis singled to center to score two. Kira Robertson got a bad hop single that bounced past short and into left. Annabelle Owens advanced them on a groundout and Natalie Parkhurst singled them both home to make it 13-2 before King City scored a single tally in the sixth.

Hadley DeFreece Strikes Out Career High 13; Bluejays Win 2nd

Northeast Nodaway’s girls won their second game Monday, holding off Stewartsville/Osborn 4-1 as they made an early lead stand up. Last year, Northeast won handily against the Wildcards in both meetings. But the Wildcards improved in all phases of the game, including pitching, hitting, and defense. With a freshman pitcher in Ella Schwope who travels and who didn’t act like a freshman on the mound Monday, and 27 people listed on their roster, the orange shirts are looking to replicate what the Bluejays did last year. They also have a fast base stealer in Addie Jackson and a steady hitter in Alissa Francis, who had two hits for the Wildcards.

It looked like an easy win for the Bluejays at first. With two outs, Jill Boswell shot a ground rule double past the left field fence and Jaden Atkins singled to score her. The throw went home and the catcher threw to second to try to nab Atkins, only for it to get away into center field, allowing Atkins to circle the bases to make it 2-0. 

In the Wildcard second, Chloe Ramsey tried to bunt Libby Rush over to second after Rush had singled. But Baylie Busby made a diving grab in foul territory to quash the threat.

Northeast added two more in the second. Lindsey Jackson walked and Baylie Busby singled. The cutoff throw got away, putting runners on second and third. Hadley DeFreece singled and went to second on the throw home to make it 4-0. Jill Boswell beat out an infield hit and Jadin Atkins walked to load the bases. But Merrideth Adwell grounded into a 1-2-3 double play to kill the rally, and all of a sudden, the Wildcards realized they could play ball with the Bluejays and that they were a much better team than a year ago.

DeFreece struck out the side in the third, but Jill Boswell made the lone Bluejay error in the fourth, bouncing a throw in the dirt as she tried to retire the speedy Addie Jackson. Jackson stole second and then came home on Alissa Francis’ single to make it 4-1.

Northeast ran its way out of a big inning in the fifth as Baylie Busby tried to steal second after leading off with a walk, but was doubled off by Hadley DeFreece’s fly ball to right. But DeFreece picked up her team in the later innings despite the heat; she retired 12 out of the last 13 Stewartsville/Osborn batters, including striking out the last four. Jaden Atkins helped her out by saving Boswell an error when she picked up her throw in the dirt in the sixth just ahead of Jordyn Haskell. Third baseman Lindsey Jackson caught a pop fly in the field.

Tiger Softball Beats Nemesis Princeton to Claim Third at Albany

Worth County’s softball team beat their nemesis Princeton Saturday to claim third place at the Albany Tournament. After the Tigers had an epic meltdown loss in 2019, in which they lost an 8-0 lead and lost 9-8 to the Blue Tigers, Princeton has had their number, winning five out of their next six games, including ousting the Tigers from districts in both 2020 and 2021. Worth County had an impressive win over them at North Harrison in 2020, only to lose an 11-8 slugfest, a 4-1 duel in the GRC Showcase, and a 2-0 district loss as they lost three times to Princeton in two weeks. In 2021, Aivry Griffin was plunked in the face by an errant throw during warmups and the Tigers lost big despite a monster home run from Kara Staton, and then lost again to Princeton in the district finals.

The Tigers were coming off a forgettable 10-0 loss against highly touted Gallatin; while the Bulldogs were the top seed in the tournament, the Tigers beat themselves with six errors in the game. Worth County finally looked like breaking the Princeton jinx to start the game as they jumped on them with three runs to start the first. 

But Princeton comes back this year with plenty of their horses from the last few years, along with sophomore slugger Addie Henke. Faith Siemer, a pesky batter who can foul off pitches and work the count deep, started off the first with a walk and Henke promptly tripled her home and came home on Carsey Brown’s groundout to make it 3-2. Princeton came in solid from the first through fifth slots.

Worth County made their lead stand up for one and a half innings and added to it as Hailey Adwell doubled off the center field wall and Kara Staton doubled her home to make it 4-2. But then all hell threatened to break loose as the top of the order was coming up for Princeton, and their first four hitters all teed off on Brooklyn Richardson with singled to tie it at 4. Megan Spenser grounded out to score another and put Princeton in front 5-4, Emma Walkup walked, and Jolena Gibson was hit by a pitch. Grace Kelly’s pop fly single dropped in for a hit, but Worth County cut down a runner at the plate for the second out.

A bizarre play forced another run in for Princeton as the umpires lost track of the count and gave Macey Lewis ball four instead of ball three. The fourth ball was wild, and Lewis wound up at second and a run scored on the play to make it 7-4.

It seemed like all the breaks were going Princeton’s way as they had been for the last few years. But all of a sudden, Riley Ridge’s grounder took a bad hop past short into left and the Tigers started coming back. Kelsey Goodin replaced Megan Spenser on the mound, but Autumn Cousatte greeted her with a double to put runners at second and third. Brooklyn Richardson singled to score Ridge and stole second. Kynah Steele struck out and Cousatte was cut down at the plate on a grounder to third, but Richardson scored on a wild pitch to cut it to 7-6 as Hailey Adwell went all the way from first to third. Ali Brown singled down the right field line to score one run and Kara Staton hit her second double of the evening to put the Tigers back in front 8-7.

Ali Brown came on to pitch for Worth County, but Addie Henke promptly homered to tie it up at 8-8 in the Princeton fourth. Time was called as Princeton was batting in the fifth, as Emma Walkup walked. Jolena Gibson forced her at second and took second on a wild pitch. Grace Kelly hit a short to ZeeAnna Gladstone, who nearly doubled Klaire Buckler (running for Gibson) off second, but it got away and Buckler took third. But Macey Lewis grounded out to Steele at short to end the fifth.

With extra innings, the international tiebreaker took effect and the last out of the previous inning took second base. Mackenzie Dunkin came in to pitch for Princeton, but Worth County took full advantage of the tiebreaker rule as Kynah Steele’s long fly ball put Brooklyn Richardson on third. Hailey Adwell and Ali Brown both grounded into fielders’ choices at third; Princeton elected to hold Richardson, the fastest runner on the team for the Tigers, at third and not risk her breaking home. But then Kara Staton hit a grounder and Richardson beat a force on a close play as the Tigers took a 9-8 lead. ZeeAnna Gladstone struck out, but Brylee Rush doubled to right center field to score two runs to make it 11-8.

It looked like Princeton might make it interesting, as they had the top of their order coming up, but on the first pitch, Faith Siemer hit a shot to Kynah Steele up the middle. Steele made a shoestring catch and touched the bag with her glove to double Lewis off second for a double play. Addie Henke reached on second baseman ZeeAnna Gladstone’s bobble, but she atoned for her miscue by handling Carsey Brown’s trick grounder and flipped it to Steele for the force at second for the final out.

Levi Cassavaugh Scores Four Times as Tiger Football Wins Big

Worth County picked up where it left off last year, winning big over South Holt 60-12 Friday as Levi Cassavaugh scored four touchdowns, three running and one passing. They showed that quarterback was not a problem as they used both Tyler New and Braxton Hightshoe at the spot. And the Tigers stayed away for the most part from some of the costly penalties that came back to bite them late in the year after keeping the Knights in the game with 15 penalties last year. 

Dylan McIntyre caught two more touchdowns and kicked several kickoffs into the end zone, including the opening kickoff that pinned the Knights on the 15. They went three and out after Grant McIntyre dropped a Knight back for a loss of three and Jace Latham had a quarterback hurry. Braxton Hightshoe had a long runback to the Knight 36, and four carries from Levi Cassavaugh, who was the blocking back last year but who was moved to runningback this year, got the Tigers on the board.

South Holt showed they were strong at the skill positions and they marched right back down the field. A quick hitter picked them up 23 yards to the 39, and Noland scrambled to the Tiger 25. Worth County almost got the stop as Tyler New dropped a back for one yard, Colt Cameron had a hurry, and Noland was flushed and threw another one away. But then he eluded the rush of Elias Alarcon and aired one out for a 24 yard score and the Knights had tied it up.

There was a heartstopping moment on the ensuing kickoff as it squibbed along the ground and the Knights nearly recovered it before Cassavaugh fell on it at the 14. He took an option pitch from Tyler New, nearly broke one, and got 18 yards to the 32. He was swarmed under at the 30, but then Braxton Hightshoe’s jet sweep took it to the 36 and then Cassavaugh moved a pile of defenders to the Knights 36 for a gain of eight and a first down. Cassavaugh picked up three, Hightshoe four, and then Cassavaugh started right from the 29 and  broke to the left. The Knights were blitzing on the play, but they overran him and he took it to the house. Tyler New got one away just in time before he was drilled, and Dylan McIntyre hauled it in to make it 14-6.

The ensuing kickoff died at the two, and it could have meant trouble for the Knights, but they were able to pick it up and run it back to the 19. A swing pass got it to the 26 after a runningback was swarmed under for a loss, but a false start put it back on the 21. South Holt tried to isolate Noland, but Colt Cameron shadowed him perfectly and tackled him one on one at the 26. On fourth and three, the Knights gambled and went for it, throwing a quick pass to one of their receivers, but Dylan McIntyre was there for a perfect one on one tackle to stop them at the 25.

The Tigers only needed one play to convert as Grant McIntyre outjumped a smaller defender and Tyler New cut it in for the extra points to make it 22-6, and the body language of the South Holt players said it all.

Elias Alarcon and Grant McIntyre came through unblocked and got a sack on the next series. A personal foul gave South Holt a chance, but Worth County formed a wall and stopped a running play and Jace Latham and Elias Alarcon combined on a sack to force the Knights to punt. The kick was nearly blocked, but they got it away into the end zone, where the Tigers took over on the 15.

Once again, the Tigers only needed one play to score. South Holt came with a blitz, but Tyler New saw it and took off and ran 65 yards to the house to make it 28-6.

South Holt tried to go back to the quick hitter that worked earlier in the game, but this time it ran into six black shirts. A play action pass went nowhere as Jace Latham flushed Noland and Colt Cameron and Tanner Ridge cleaned up. On the next play, Levi Cassavaugh, who started the state championship came completely cold after Alex Rinehart went down, showed why he stepped up so big as he beat everyone to the ball for a fumble recovery after a bad snap. 

Worth County overcame a pair of holding penalties back to the 37, one of which wiped out a score, but Tyler New aired it out to Dylan McIntyre, who beat two South Holt defenders, and Levi Cassavaugh ran in the option to make it 36-6.

The Tigers nearly recovered the ensuing squib kick before South Holt fell on it at the 31. This time, the Knights were able to score as Worth County went for the pick and missed, and the Knights were able to air it out for a 55 yard score to make it 36-12. But then Braxton Hightshoe dropped Noland hard on the extra point try and he was slow getting up. Worth County got the points right back after covering the kick at the 33. Levi Cassavaugh broke through the first wave, broke a tackle at the Knight 35, and was off to the races for his third score of the day. He ran in the extra points to make it 44-12.

South Holt was swarmed under on the ensuing kickoff and buried at the 13. Colt Cameron had a sack to pin them on the 11, but then Noland scrambled to the 32. Elias Alarcon sacked him back to the 25. An 11 yard pass put the Knights in a manageable down and distance, but Tyler New and Dylan McIntyre had pass breakups to kill the drive. 

Tyler New started cramping up, but Braxton Hightshoe came in and aired one out to Dylan McIntyre as the Tigers overcame a bad snap, and Landon Wilmes ran it in to make it 52-12. The Tigers got the ball back right before half and Hightshoe aired it out to Levi Cassavaugh, whose catch and run put the Tigers over the 45 point mark.

Editorial -- Cancel Culture Comes to Missouri Schools

Cancel culture is coming to Missouri schools. On Sunday, it became a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for librarians or other educators to give students access to books with what the Missouri legislature and Governor Mike Parson deem to be sexually explicit images. This includes photos, drawings, videos, and other visual depictions. This does not apply to written descriptions. There are exceptions for anatomy, biology, sex education, art, and other images considered educational.

But when Big Government decides to appropriate the right to decide what is educational and what is not, the problem is, where does it all end? There is speculation that the Missouri legislature will next turn to written depictions. 

One could easily see this sort of law working the other way around. In Rome, for instance, if you distributed books written by the apostolic fathers, you risked being tortured to death or thrown to the lions in the arena. Is it far fetched to assume that slavery advocates would have banned abolitionist works given the chance before the Civil War? 

The Soviet Union would have sent people off to the gulags for distributing Bibles to people. Walter Ciszek, for instance, was an American priest who conducted clandestine missionary work in the USSR between 1939 and 1963 and was imprisoned for his work for 15 years in the gulags. He was eventually released and wrote a riveting book, “With God in Russia,” about his time there.

Let’s turn to more recent examples. What if former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden become so toxic to voters that we elect Hillary Clinton in 2024? If you’re a Republican, would you trust Hillary Clinton not to demand that our libraries censor any material that praises Donald Trump? Would you trust Hillary Clinton not to demand that our libraries censor material that she deems to be Russian propaganda or that shows Russian culture in a positive light? 

Or let’s turn to an actual example, not a hypothetical one. Russian President Vladimir Putin has imprisoned over 10,000 people in Russia for protesting against his “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. I’m sure he would imprison people for printing books critical of his operation or getting them to kids. So if our cause of escalating the war in Ukraine and playing nuclear chicken with Russia is so right and just, then why are our governments acting like him here at home?

We already have safeguards against graphic sexual images getting before our kids. School librarians follow district specific policies in deciding which books to offer students. Educators and administrators are trained on what is age appropriate; as a Northwest alum with a teaching degree, one of the topics we learned was what was and wasn’t age appropriate.

It is not the place of state government to impose a one size fits all approach to public education. What books should be offered to our kids is a matter that should be decided by administrators, educators, librarians, parents, students, and school board members. If the Republican Party is really committed to getting Big Government out of our lives, they need to trust the taxpayers and local school boards to make their own decisions about what to offer our kids. To do otherwise is to violate the First Amendment protections of freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

Obituary -- Margaret Birkenholz 1920-2022

Margaret Leona Birkenholz (Schildknecht), 102, Hopkins, Missouri passed from this life on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 while at her home surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born near Rea, Missouri to Lawrence and Kathryn (Weddle) Schildknecht on February 25, 1920.

She was a graduate of Rosendale High School and Northwest Missouri State College. Margaret spent many of her earlier years teaching school. Later in her life she also spent many years as a school librarian. She was a member of the Pickering United Methodist Church and the UMW.

Her loves were teaching, crocheting “hot pads”, her family, her faith, and helping others. When asked about her life, she would proudly state that she had her toes in both oceans and the Gulf of Mexico and that she always had everything she needed. (Meaning her family, faith, and friends.)

Margaret married Charles “Linwood” Birkenholz of Hopkins, Missouri on December 28, 1943 in Red Bank, New Jersey. 

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her son Lowell, her brothers and sister in law: Lawrence Ray (Arthena) Schildknecht, Argyl Schildknecht, and sisters and brother in laws: Marthalene (Bob) Dowis, and Frances (Paul Allen) Clark.

Survivors include her two sons: Lawrence (Rene) Birkenholz, Independence, Missouri and Louis (Cheryl) Birkenholz, Hopkins, Missouri; her brother, Paul (Mary) Schildknecht, Omaha, Arkansas; sister in law, Martha Schildknecht, Meridian, Idaho; grandchildren: Charles (Denise) Birkenholz, Hillsboro, Oregon; Mick (Robin) Birkenholz, Ellston, IA; Kurt (Amber) Birkenholz, Santa Clarita, California; Jesse Birkenholz and Leslie Birkenholz, Hopkins, Missouri and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at the Pickering United Methodist Church under the care of Price Funeral Home. Burial: White Oak Cemetery, Pickering, Missouri. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

Family and friends are invited to a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Pickering Community Center following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickering United Methodist Church, the Pickering Community Building, or the White Oak Cemetery.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Editorial -- The Irony of Supporting Liz Cheney

A book title we’d like to see sometime is, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dick Cheney.” Today, the Democrats are swooning over Liz Cheney, the defeated Congresswoman from Wyoming, who is now contemplating presidential ambitions. Unlike most Republicans on January 6th, she took a stand for the impeachment of Trump, the rule of law, our system of government, and participated in the hearings to expose the former President. Some Democrats are even pushing her to run for President so she can stick it to Donald Trump. The problem is, they need to be careful what they wish for. In 2016, Hillary Clinton deliberately elevated Donald Trump because she thought he would be the easiest candidate to beat. We all remember how that turned out.

It is ironic that the Democrats are holding up the former Vice President’s daughter as the exemplar of virtue for conservatives to follow. In 2000, the Democrats accused George Bush and Dick Cheney of stealing the election, aided and abetted by the Supreme Court. There were more allegations of vote fraud and rigging in 2004 after John Kerry narrowly lost that year. Mr. Cheney was held up as the example of all that was evil in the GOP. He was seen as a war criminal who never met a war he didn’t like, who was the real mastermind behind the Bush Administration, and who would stop at nothing, including putting American lives in danger, to further the narratives of the Bush Administration.

Now, the Democrats want us to forget all that in 2022. But we can’t. For all her loud talk about the rule of law, Liz Cheney voted with Donald Trump 93% of the time. And what if history repeats itself, the Democrats elevate Cheney in 2024 like they did Donald Trump in 2016, and she wins? We would have even more wars, even more bloodlust, the danger of a four front war with Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, and even more roads and bridges falling into disrepair as the Cheney Administration fuels ever increasing sums of money into wars of choice.

George Bush was the worst President in US History, and Dick Cheney, of course, was the 2nd in charge. After the 9/11 attacks, we had a unique opportunity to shape the world for the better. President Putin was one of the first people to call Bush after the attacks, and people were willing to follow our lead.

But instead of using the attacks to usher in an era of goodwill, Bush used it to carry out a war of choice and a personal vendetta against Saddam Hussein, who had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks and who shot terrorists. Over 1 million civilians died in a US effort to prop up an Iraqi government that nearly fell to ISIS after Barack Obama fulfilled a campaign promise and left. Instead of the Pax Americana that we could have had, other countries would no longer accept our leadership. 

In 2007, President Putin of Russia gave a speech in Munich in which he decried what he saw as the US monopolistic dominance in global relations, and its uncontrolled reliance on the use of force. In effect, he was flipping everyone the bird. One does not have to defend any of the actions of Putin subsequent to that speech to see that the policies of perpetual warfare that Bush championed and that Joe Biden has brought back have led to this state of affairs. 

George Bush was the worst President in US History because his policies destroyed the system of Pax Americana that the collapse of Communism in 1989 created. Instead of being a country that everyone else looked up to, many nations saw us as a nation to be feared and wondered if they were next. For instance, Kim Jong-Un built up North Korea’s nuclear program because he knew full well what happens to countries such as Libya which give up their nukes and are later bombed into the Stone Age.

We regard Mr. Bush as the worst in US History over a few others. James Buchanan stood on the wrong side of history on the slavery issue, but it would have been difficult for any US President to stop the slide towards Civil War. Herbert Hoover ushered in the Great Depression and was trounced by the biggest margin of any incumbent US President in history. But the Depression was worldwide, and it would have been difficult for any US President to stop it. Under Donald Trump, we were in perpetual crisis mode, with one crisis after another coming one right after the other, and he three times brought us to the brink of war with Iran and once with North Korea.  But we were already in decline thanks to the Bush era. Bill Clinton, while he presided over a period of prosperity, gutted our local communities with NAFTA and the China Agreement, planting the seeds for the rise of Trump.

So with Bush being the worst president in history, why are the Democrats trying to rehabilitate him and Cheney? They have the perpetual warfare thing down pat. For Joe Biden, the only mistake that Bush made was in not arming proxies to do our dirty work. But there is a big difference between Ukraine and Iraq. Russia is a nuclear armed country fully capable of destroying us in an instant if they wanted to, just like we could them. If Ukraine turns into a shooting war between the US and Russia, then it could quickly spiral into a nuclear war that nobody would win.

Editorial -- No Place for Extrajudicial Killings

The targeted killing of Russian political figure Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian nationalist and war cheerleader Alexandr Dugin, has no place in war. 

Trial International, a human rights group, says that life is the first and most fundamental right of individuals, without which no other right can be upheld. Thus, extrajudicial executions are a violation of this right. The state has the obligation to promote and protect the right to life. Unfortunately, Ukraine has not only refused to condemn the killing, they are criticizing those who do.

Extrajudicial executions can be considered a war crime in the context of an armed conflict. They violate such treaties as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and the European Convention on Human Rights.

You don’t have to like or agree with the content that Alexandr Dugin or his daughter produced. But under International Law, there are no exceptions which would allow a country to commit an extrajudicial execution just because they don’t like what the victim is saying. By that logic, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi Arabia, would be justifiable since the Saudi authorities did not like what he wrote.

It is telling that President Joe Biden refuses to condemn this blatant act of violence, which he would have done promptly had it been Russian agents committing an extrajudicial killing against a civilian in Ukraine because they didn’t like what they were writing about Vladimir Putin. This tells me that Joe Biden is not really interested in fighting for the “Rules Based International Order” that he keeps talking about, but is just interested in carrying out a personal vendetta against Putin, using the Ukrainians as cannon fodder.

Russia stands accused of committing numerous such executions and poisonings over the years, both when they were known as the Soviet Union and today. If we don’t take a stand and condemn it when “our” side does it, then how can we argue that we are in any way morally superior to the Russians?

Editorial -- Support for Escalating Ukraine Declining

It turns out that the longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the less support there is in the US for Joe Biden’s policy of escalation. According to a Reuters-Ipsos poll, about 51% support providing weapons to Ukraine. But that number is down from 73% in April. In April, 39% supported the US sending troops to Ukraine. That number is now down to 26%. 40% now say that the problems of Ukraine are none of our business and we should not interfere. That is up from 31% in April. Around 59% now say that given the current economic crisis, the US cannot afford to lend financial support to Ukraine.

Despite all this, Joe Biden just announced a new $3 billion military aid package to Ukraine, continuing his policy of escalating the conflict there, playing nuclear chicken with Russia, and disregarding the declining public support for the policy. Given the fact that our roads are turning into potholes, some of that $3 billion would have come in awfully handy.

Obituary -- Bertha Slayden 1936-2022

Bertha Joyce Slayden was born September 1, 1936, at the family home in Martinsville, Missouri to Loren and Clella (Parman) Carter. She passed away August 20, 2022, at Mosaic Life Care in Albany at the age of 85.

Joyce attended all 12 years at Martinsville School, living in the country with her parents. Joyce enjoyed school, all classmates, students in the other classes and being in the Junior and Senior Plays. After graduation she attended Gard Business School. Her first job was in the office of Wes Tab, now Mead Paper Company. Then from there to the Circulation Department of the St. Joseph News Press. On February 24, 1958, she started working at the USDA/ASCS Office in Mound City, Missouri and worked there until she retired in May of 1992 after 34+ years.

On February 20, 1958, she married Franklin Wattenbarger of Mound City, Missouri, (hometown King City, Missouri). In 1970 Franklin passed away. Joyce married Don Slayden of Mound City (hometown Dearborn, Missouri) in 1971.

In October of 2001, Joyce and Don moved to Albany. They enjoyed lots of tours and trips in the States and even going to Hawaii. They had a large yard, flowers, and a garden. Don had poor health since moving to Albany where he had several stints in the Crestview Nursing Home before his passing on December 18, 2009.

Joyce was a member of the Albany First Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary #121 of Mound City.

Joyce always felt blessed, enjoying the many friends in the different towns that she has lived in, workplace and churches.

Graveside Service and Burial: 10:00 AM Friday, August 26 at Lone Star Cemetery, Denver, Missouri. The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday evening at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany, where friends may call anytime after 2:00 PM on Thursday.

Obituary -- Lloyd Hansen 1943-2022

Lloyd Dean Hansen, 79, of Hopkins, MO, passed from this life on Monday, August 22, 2022, at his home with family gathered at his side.

Lloyd was born on May 12, 1943, in Guthrie Center, IA.  His parents were Louie and Bessie (Brown) Hansen. 

His parents preceded him in death, as well as his son Kirby in 2011, his brothers Lee Hansen, and LaVern, who died in infancy, his daughter in law, Joy Hansen, and his sister-in-law, Evelyn Hansen.

He graduated from Northeast Nodaway High School in Ravenwood, MO, and had lived all his life in Nodaway County.  He was of the Christian faith.

Lloyd was self-employed.  He worked in construction and was a contractor.  He was also a car trader and scraper. 

He married Donna Jeane White on July 1, 1961, in Maryville, MO.  They have been married for 61 years.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors, 2 sons, Ed Hansen, Hopkins, MO, and Ted (Corkey) Hansen, Pickering, MO.  His daughter, Connie (Tim) Hoepker, Maryville, MO, his brother, Larry Hansen, Sheridan, MO, and his sister-in-law, Karen Hansen, Fairfax, MO.  9 grandchildren, Kaelen Hansen, Kelby (Kya) Hansen, Bo Hansen, Cody Hoepker, Kyle (Danielle) Hansen, Kayl (Jessie) Hansen, and K.J. Hansen, all of Hopkins, MO, April (Justin) Wilson, Oregon, MO, and Chyler Hoepker, Mound City, MO, 4 step grandchildren, James (McKenzie) Leach, Savannah, MO, Brittney Leach, Pickering, MO, Harley Hansen, Pickering, MO, and Madison Leach, Pickering, MO, 17 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

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

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 PM, on Monday, August 29, 2022, at the Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville, MO. 

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at the Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville.  The burial will be at a later date.

Memorials can be directed in Lloyd’s name to the Hopkins Fire Department.  

Obituary -- Reva Kelley 1924-2022

Reva M. (Jones) Kelley, 98, of Clearmont, MO, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at the Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville.

Reva was born in Gravity, IA, on August 12, 1924.  Her parents were Ellsworth Earl and Edith Mabel (Huss) Jones. She graduated high school in Gravity and had lived most all her life in the Clearmont, Missouri area. 

On September 4, 1942, she was united in marriage to Lowell E. Kelley. 

She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening. 

Reva had worked at Lloyd Chain, the Maryville Packing plant for 14 years, and Mary Dow Applique. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell.  Her daughters, Janet Dow and Kathie Lynch, her parents, her sisters, Claris, Verla, and Adra, her brother, Earl, and her son in law, Ronnie Dow.

Her survivors include her daughters, Diana (Doug) Hunt, Sandra (Bill) Nold, and Connie (Regan) Nonneman, her son, Randy (Diane) Kelley, son in law, Bob Lynch, 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 44 great great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, August 29, 2022, at the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville.  The burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Clearmont, MO.

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

The burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Clearmont, MO.

Memorials can be directed in Reva’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Courthouse News for August 24th, 2022

On August 12th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jaxson Welcher (21) of Creston on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Harassment of Public Official. Bond was set at $300, cash or corporate surety.

On August 16th, a northbound semi truck on 148, traveling at around 75 mph, passed three cars at once, nearly passed a fourth, and nearly had a head on collision with an oncoming vehicle before swerving into the right lane just in time. They then tailgated the fourth car for the remaining two miles into Hopkins.

On August 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jose Manuel Ramirez Bruno (24) of Lenox in Nodaway County on a charges of DWI.

On August 16th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Amberlyn Potter (29) of Grant City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving, Failure to Register, No Insurance, No Valid License, and DWI.

On August 17th, two apartment buildings on the Grant City Square, including the former Dr. Swift clinic, caught fire at around 11 am. Fire units from Grant City, Sheridan, Blockton, Parnell, Jackson Township, and Maryville along with the Worth County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Worth County Ambulance responded.

On August 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Brian Roberts (43) of Bethany alleging DWI and Failure to Register.

On August 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Chester Patterson (64) of St. Joseph alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Driving While Revoked (Felony). Bond was set at $500, cash only.

On August 18th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Victoria Gomez (16) of Hopkins alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On August 18th, a Grant City woman reported that loaded county gravel trucks were driving on her road at an excessive rate of speed.

On August 18th, a Bethany resident reported that someone had dumped a cat in their yard.

On August 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Gregory Young (37) of Eagleville on a charges of DWI.

On August 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Taylor Holley (23) of Maryville in Nodaway County on a City of Maryville Warrant for Failure to Appear (Expired Plates) and a Platte County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Speeding).

On August 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jeremiah Stiens (43) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On August 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Angela Demots (55) of Overland Park (KS) in Harrison County on charges of Speeding (104 mph) and Cutting In on Overtaken Vehicle.

On August 20th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Jeffrey Overholser was driving south on Depot Street in Redding, turned into his driveway, noticed it was partially blocked by another vehicle, and was unable to stop in time due to a mechanical malfunction, striking the other vehicle. There were two people occupying the other vehicle. Nobody was injured.

On August 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Clifford McCrary (40) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of DWI, Driving While Revoked, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, Failure to Register, and Failure to Yield. Charges were filed on August 23rd.

On August 21st, a police chase in Buchanan County led to a crash. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that Theodore Marti (37) of St. Joseph was fleeing from law enforcement when he struck a parked vehicle on Lake Front Lane, reversed, and struck the driver’s side door of another vehicle. Marti then fled the scene, but was then transported to Mosaic with moderate injuries. Two passengers, Kristen Smith (33) of Faucett and Rodney Phillippe (27) of Maryville received moderate injuries.

On Sunday, August 21st at approximately 9:09 pm, the Andrew County Sheriff’s Department received a phone call from a concerned citizen about a threat to the John Glenn Elementary School, located in Country Club Village. An individual had allegedly made a Facebook post making death threats against school officials for not allowing parents to walk their kids to class. On August 22nd, the Andrew County Sheriff’s Department arrested Guy Johnson of Country Club on charges of Making a Terrorist Threat. Charges were filed that day by Prosecutor Steve Stevenson and bond was denied.

On August 22nd, the Missouri League of Women Voters and the Missouri NAACP filed suit to block a new voter Photo ID law passed by the legislature this year. The law requires people to show photo ID to cast a regular ballot. People without a government ID can cast provisional ballots that will be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures. The measure also bans payment for anyone who works to register voters. People who help register more than 10 voters need to register with the Missouri Secretary of State. The suit alleges that the law limits free speech by restricting voter engagement.

On August 22nd, a Jefferson City resident, Joy Sweeney, filed a lawsuit attempting to get the recreational marijuana measure taken off the November ballot with the support of an anti-drug group, Protect Our Kids. The lawsuit alleges that the petition didn’t gather enough valid signatures and that the measure deals with too many policies, which the lawsuit says is in violation of the Missouri Constitution.

On August 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Chance Barber (21) of Pickering alleging DWI.

On August 23rd, Artema Gray (42) of Silver City (IA), a town of 245 people in Mills County, pleaded guilty to charges that she stole $42,000 in personal purchases on the city credit card, overpaid herself nearly $11,000, used city money to pay her CenturyLink bills, and pocketed money from city fundraisers. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

On August 23rd, a jury convicted two men, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and conspiring to obtain a weapon of mass destruction. Two other men were acquitted and two others pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Editorial -- Restrictive Immigration Policies Aren't Working

It turns out that restrictive immigration policies do not work and do not stop people from coming to a country illegally. On Monday, the UK, which has some of the most restrictive immigration policies in the world, reported that 1,295 boats attempted to cross the British Channel from France on that day alone, a record. 

These people are coming despite increasingly aggressive policies from the UK, such as using the Royal Navy to stop boats, and threats to deport people to Rwanda, which faces allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings. The problem is that governments who focus on criminalizing migration are treating the symptoms, not the problems of war and famine. A disproportionate number of these people are fleeing wars such as Afghanistan, Syria, and now Ukraine. As a side note, if the politicians are tired of “illegal immigration,” then maybe they should quit starting or escalating the wars that cause it.

All countries have borders. But the fact is that if people want to migrate to a certain place, which people have done for millennia since the Biblical fall of man, you’re not going to stop them. 

The solution is not open borders, but neither should it be the kind of draconian police state tactics that the US decries Russia for using. Many politicians throw up their hands and ask why more people don’t come legally. The problem is that it costs thousands of dollars to get someone into this country legally, meaning only people with plenty of money can afford to do it. We need to enforce our immigration laws, but we have to make it as easy as possible to come to the US legally.

Sure, if people come to this country for the purpose of selling drugs to our kids, plotting terrorist attacks, or committing violent crimes, then they should be deported after serving the maximum possible sentence. But if people come for the purpose of starting a new life, learning English, and playing by our rules, then they should be allowed to come here. 

Many of the people coming here include babies and young children. The Supreme Court now says that life begins at conception. So it is only fair that if we are to adopt that standard, we should treat people with dignity from conception to the grave.

One of the most disturbing aspects of our immigration system is the fact that an unelected bureaucracy, with unelected judges, and officers who are not accountable to the people, are the judge and jury. If people are tired of Big Government trying to regulate our farms out of existence, then we need to pay attention when Big Government suspends basic constitutional law that we fought the British in 1776 to win. If they suspend the civil liberties of immigrants, it’s only a matter of time before they do it to us.

Unless one is Black or Native American, we are all either immigrants or descended from immigrants. One of my ancestors was English; another was Polish. All of our families were strangers and guests in another land at one time. 

Instead of unelected bureaucrats playing judge and jury, we need to enforce laws already on the books. If someone crossed the border via the Rio Grande, that is federal property and criminal trespass. If someone then crossed into private property without the owner’s permission, that is criminal trespass as well. If someone is stealing identities to give to undocumented immigrants, that is identity theft and should be prosecuted. But let’s enforce our immigration laws the way we enforce any other laws we have – with the right to a jury trial, the right to an attorney, to present evidence in their defense, and to appeal a guilty verdict. 

And as for employers who undercut our economy by hiring undocumented workers at subminimum wages, there are laws on the books for that. Prosecute them for wage theft. Require them to participate in e-Verify. Sue them for knowingly hiring undocumented workers for the purpose of undercutting competition.

But don’t create a police state, suspend basic civil liberties for certain people, talk about how certain countries need to become pariah states because they do not follow the “Rules Based International Order,” and expect the rest of the world to listen.

Proposed Missouri Tax Cuts in Special Session: Pro and Con

Pro: Governor Mike Parson’s Office

On Monday, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has issued the official call for a special session to make historic income tax cuts and extend key agriculture tax credit programs for a minimum of six years. The General Assembly will meet in Jefferson City on September 6, 2022, at 12 p.m. to begin consideration of Governor Parson's proposed legislation.

"My team and I have been working with our colleagues in the General Assembly and agriculture partners to formulate a plan to adequately extend our critical agriculture tax credit programs and pass the largest income tax cut in state history," Governor Parson said. "Today, we believe we have that plan and are ready to call legislators back to Jefferson City to get to work on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and business owners and provide lasting tax relief to every taxpaying Missourian."

Tenets of Governor Parson's proposed tax plan include reducing the individual income tax rate, increasing the standard deduction, and further simplifying the tax code. Governor Parson's proposed plan includes:

–Reducing the top individual income tax rate from 5.3 to 4.8 percent, a nearly 10 percent cut;

–Increasing the standard deduction for individuals by $2,000 and by $4,000 for married joint filers; and

–Eliminating the bottom income tax bracket.

Governor Parson's tax relief plan means significant savings for Missourians each year. Below are a few scenarios that estimate state income tax savings for Missourians of different backgrounds, based on the State's tax structure:

–Senior making $20,000 per year - 100 percent decrease in tax liability;

–Single adult making $25,000 per year - 32 percent decrease in tax liability;

–Single mom with two kids making $35,000 per year - 21 percent decrease in tax liability; and

–Married couple making $125,000 per year - 11 percent decrease in tax liability. 

"Our tax cut proposal means that every taxpaying Missourian, no matter their background, income, or job description, will see a reduction in their tax liability," Governor Parson said. "Every Missourian will earn their first $16,000 tax free and married joint filers will earn their first $32,000 tax free, resulting in significant savings for millions of Missourians. Our plan puts more of Missourians' hard-earned dollars back in their pockets and aims to make it a little easier for families to put food on the table and gas in the car."

Governor Parson's special session call also includes the extension and creation of several agriculture tax credit programs intended to help develop key areas of Missouri's agricultural industry, the state's top economic driver. The sunset for each program will be for a minimum of six years. The call includes:

–Extending the expiration of the meat processing facility investment tax credit;

–Creating a tax credit program for retail dealers of higher ethanol blend fuels;

–Creating a tax credit program for retail dealers of biodiesel;

–Creating a tax credit program for Missouri biodiesel producers;

–Creating a tax credit program for establishing or improving urban farming operations;

–Extending the expiration of the Rolling Stock Tax Credit program;

–Extending the expiration of the Agricultural Product Utilization Contributor Tax Credit;

–Extending the expiration of the New Generation Cooperative Incentive Tax Credit;

–Exempting utility vehicles for agriculture use from state and local sales and use taxes;

–Creating the Specialty Agricultural Crops Act; and

–Amending the Family Farms Act to modify the definition of small farmer.

Con: Missouri Budget Project

Statement from Amy Blouin, President & CEO, Missouri Budget Project

While Missouri is fortunate to have the budget reserves it currently does, this situation is temporary, and is a result of short-term federal funds. Quite simply, relying on the current surplus to fund permanent tax changes isn’t fiscally sustainable, or responsible, and will ultimately require cuts to state services like we saw in Kansas a few years ago.

In response to COVID, the federal government provided billions of dollars to Missouri, which bolstered the state’s economy and state revenue. Those extraordinary federal funds also allowed the state to stockpile a large amount of general revenue. Governor Parson was reluctant to use short term federal funds for ongoing needs, and the same logic applies here.

Moreover, while Governor Parson focused on how certain struggling individuals might pay less in taxes, the proposals discussed today remain heavily weighted to benefit the wealthiest Missourians. What’s more, it would not benefit the thousands of Missourians who earn too little money to owe income taxes – even though they pay more in overall state and local taxes than their wealthy counterparts. In fact, in Missouri, the lower your earnings, the more you pay in state and local taxes as a share of what you make: according to the most recent analysis, Missouri families in the bottom quintile of income pay 9.9% of their income in state and local taxes, compared to just 6.2% for the wealthiest 1% of families.

Missouri can’t afford to enact the failed Brownback tax failure that devasted Kansas' budget. With Brownback’s policies, a budget surplus became a deficit, lawmakers had to make repeated and drastic cuts to state services, and the state’s economy suffered. After years of budget crises, that state’s Republican legislature reversed course and repealed most of the tax cuts. Because of the Hancock amendment, Missouri policymakers won’t have that option.

Missouri is the Show-Me State, and the Kansas failure showed us the devastating results of these kind of cuts to schools, public safety, healthcare, and the many other fundamental state services all of us rely on.

Obituary -- Shirley Stevenson 1933-2022

Shirley L. Stevenson, 89 of Burlington (IA) died Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.

Born February 25, 1933 in Hopkins, MO she was the daughter of Dale and Doris Wilson Owens. She married Robert M. Stevenson on December 13, 1953 in Hopkins, MO. He died June 24, 1978.

Over the years Shirley worked for Gray’s Insurance in Missouri, the Auditor’s office at the Des Moines County Courthouse and for Martha Brown Clothing, Ltd.

Shirley attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Burlington and was a past president of the Ruth Circle. She was involved with the VFW in the 1970’s and she enjoyed spending time with her family in Northwest Missouri every 4th of July.

Survivors include two daughters Karen Stevenson and Linda Hanger of Burlington; one son Kirby Stevenson of Moline, IL; three grandchildren Ashley Johnson of Sioux City, SD, Carlee Swanson of Blandinsville, IL and Bryce Hanger of Raritan, IL; six great grandchildren Carson, Kinsley, Kendall Julissa, Daniel and Jenna; sister Betty (Weldon) Dowden of Bartlesville, OK and brother Terry (Melodee) Owens of Hopkins, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three brothers Donald Owens, Wayne Owens, and Larry Dale Owens.

Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to Lunning Chapel.

There will be a graveside service at 1 pm Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Memorial Gardens in Maryville, MO.

Rowen Family Holds Annual Reunion

Huey and Kay Rowen had their annual Family Reunion at Mozingo Lake Cabins at Maryville from August 18th to 21st. They were so blessed by beautiful weather and had 48 of their family of 54 able to attend. Only their grandson Nathan Hann and his wife Mallory and four children, who have recently been stationed in Hawaii for the next three years, were unable to come.

Kathy and Jeff Fletchall brought granddaughters Audrey, Macy, and Bryce Fletchall from Wentzville (MO). Dallas and Kelsey Fletchall brought twin sons Calvin and Thomas, age 7, from Fulton (MO). David and Robin Summa brought daughter Erin Vernon and her three children, Lael, Eliana, and Adonias, ages 7, 4, and 7 months, from Smithville. Valerie and Marty Partch, also from Smithville, brought daughters Raegan, Kennedy, and McKinley, ages 9, 7, and 5. Matthew and Malorie Summa brought Sky and Stone, ages 6 and 3 from Kansas City. Suzanne and Scott Harris came from king City. Kandel and Nick Wood of Weatherby Lake (MO), brought sons Landyn, Peyton, and Carson, ages 18, 15, and 10. 

Jordan and Shelby Bottiger of St. Joseph brought Rosalind Kay, age 2. Michael and Tanya Hann of Centralia (MO) brought Kirsten, who is in her last year of grad school at MU in Columbia (MO). Brooke and Andrew Van Hulten of Centralia brought Kylie and Ace, ages 9 and 5. Clint and Denise Rowen brought Alex, Gigi, and Abby, ages 17, 15, and 10 of Sheridan. God blessed us so much to be able to have a great weekend together.

North Star Clients Growing in Worth County

North Star’s presence in Worth County has been growing over the past year. North Star provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape free of charge. All services are confidential and available to both men and women. They are available at (660) 562-2320. All services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Executive Director Linda Mattson gave a presentation Monday to the Worth County Commissioners updating them on how the organization was growing.

In 2020, North Star only served five clients from Worth County. But in 2021, they were able to get a grant for a full time advocate for Worth and Gentry Counties, and a local board member, Amy Jackson, was appointed to the board. In 2021, they served 13 clients. 

In addition, they offer education on what constitutes abuse as well as a support group. People can show up at their door at 1220 East 2nd in Maryville if necessary. They are funded through grants and through private donations. 

They have partnered with the Tri-County Health Department, Mission Possible, the Worth County Sheriff, and they have helped house people who needed a place to stay. If necessary, they can help financially and help clients fill out orders of protection. Mattson said that Sheriff Scott Sherer has gone out of his way to check on the wellbeing of clients. 

As an organization, North Star spent $50,000 on clients last year, and they have never turned anyone down.

Kim Mildward updated the commission on the progress with the broadband program, spent for with COVID relief money. The county voted to match $39,242 out of the $392,426 that United Fiber is spending to bring broadband to the county. Funds are paid for out of the ARPA funds that the county received. The county will not be on the hook until the program is officially funded. The county will also sign a letter of support for the United Fiber project. 

State construction needs were discussed by the commissioners. Among projects mentioned were Route M from 169 to Denver, Jay Creek just west of Grant City, and the Mullock bridge near Oxford. 

The county will be getting new equipment in December. Delivery of a new grader will take place around Christmas, while delivery of a new excavator will be around December 9th.

Opinion -- Inflation Reduction Act Cuts Health Care Costs for Missourians

By the White House

President Biden believes that health care should be a right, not a privilege. Every American deserves the peace of mind that quality, affordable health insurance brings, and Americans facing illness should never have to worry about how they are going to pay for their treatment or face a choice between buying life-saving medications and putting food on the table. 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will lower health care costs for millions of Americans and put money back in the pockets of American families and seniors. The Act will cap prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of Missouri Medicare beneficiaries, reduce health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Missourians by about $820 per year on average while expanding coverage to about 29,000 Missourians, and cap insulin co-payments for the tens of thousands of Missouri Medicare beneficiaries that use insulin. 

Cutting Prescription Drug Costs

Americans pay two to three times what citizens of other countries pay for prescription drugs. For some drugs, U.S. prices are even higher than that. For example, a GAO study found that Spiriva, used to control asthma and used by about 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2020, had an estimated U.S. net price of $250 in 2020 and cost between $30 and $52 in France, Australia and Canada. Myrbetriq, used to control overactive bladder and used by over 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2020, had an estimated U.S. net price of $164 and cost $43 in Canada. The Inflation Reduction Act finally takes on this problem by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for high-cost drugs. It also provides seniors and people with disabilities who have  Medicare coverage with new protections against unaffordable prescription drug bills. 

• Protecting Hundreds of Thousands of Missourians from Catastrophic Drug Costs by Capping Medicare Beneficiary Out-of-Pocket Costs in Part D at $2,000. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and lung disease  can face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and millions of people in Medicare struggle to afford their medications. The Act will require Part D plans to offer improved financial protections that would phase in starting in 2024, with the $2,000 out-ofpocket cap taking effect in 2025. Each year, that will benefit about 34,000 Missouri Medicare beneficiaries who would otherwise have out-of-pocket costs above the cap, according to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). And, for the first time, all 966,000 Missourians with Medicare Part D will have the peace of mind of knowing their pharmacy costs are capped.

• Saving Billions of Dollars for Seniors and People with Disabilities and the Federal Government by Allowing Medicare to Negotiate Prices for High-Cost Drugs. By bringing down the cost of these drugs, the legislation will save billions of dollars for both Medicare beneficiaries, who will see reduced out-of-pocket costs, and the federal government. Nationwide, KFF estimates suggest that some 5 to 7 million beneficiaries each year use the types of high-cost drugs that would be subject to negotiation and could see reduced cost sharing as a result.

• Addressing Rapid Prescription Drug Price Growth in Medicare. The Act requires companies to pay Medicare a rebate if they increase drug prices faster than inflation. That will achieve billions more in savings for the federal government and will further reduce outof-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries, starting in 2023.

• Saving Missouri Medicare Beneficiaries Money by Capping Insulin Copays at $35 per Month. Drug manufacturers have raised insulin prices so rapidly over the last few decades that some Medicare beneficiaries struggle to afford this life-saving drug that costs less than $10 a vial to manufacture. Starting in 2023, the legislation will cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries at no more than $35 for a month’s supply. Some 69,000 Missouri Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020.

• Providing Extra Help Paying for Drugs for Missouri Medicare Beneficiaries with Low Incomes. The Act expands eligibility for full Part D Low-Income Subsidies – known as Extra Help – in 2024 to low-income beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% of poverty and modest assets. Currently, individuals with incomes between 135% and 150% of poverty only receive partial help, meaning that they still pay premiums and face more significant co-pays. About 11,000 Missouri Medicare beneficiaries received partial Extra Help in 2020 and could be helped by the expansion of income eligibility for full Extra Help, KFF estimates. 

• Saving Tens of Thousands of Missouri Medicare Beneficiaries Money by Ending Cost Sharing for Vaccines in Part D. While Medicare Part B covers vaccines such as the flu vaccine at no cost-sharing, patients receiving vaccines covered under Medicare Part D, such as the vaccine for shingles, must pay for a portion of the cost out of pocket. Starting in 2023, the legislation will require $0 cost-sharing for vaccines for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Some 73,000 Missouri Medicare beneficiaries received a Part D vaccine in 2020, and that number is likely to rise as those vaccines become more affordable.

Lowering Health Insurance Premiums and Expanding Coverage

Since their creation in 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces and premium tax credits have played a critical role in providing affordable, quality health insurance coverage for people who don’t get health insurance through their jobs. As the ACA’s major coverage expansions took effect, the share of Missourians without health insurance fell by 32 percent. But because premium tax credits weren’t adequate for people with lower incomes, and weren’t available to middle-income people with high premium burdens, some people still couldn’t afford health insurance coverage or paid for health insurance at the expense of meeting their families’ other basic needs. 

President Biden promised to build on the Affordable Care Act by making premium tax credits more generous and lowering health care premiums for working families. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) kept that commitment by improving premium tax credits, and helped the U.S. reach its lowest uninsured rate in history. But those improvements were set to expire at the end of 2022. The Act continues those critical improvements through 2025, preventing premium spikes this January. Continuing these ACA improvements means: 

• Saving Hundreds of Thousands of Missourians about $820 per Year. About 250,000 Missourians with Marketplace coverage are saving an average of about $820 annually from the ARP subsidies that the Inflation Reduction Act would continue. Those savings increase to thousands of dollars per year for some middle-income older people who would otherwise face very high premium burdens. Among those benefiting the most from these affordability improvements are:

o Missouri small business owners and self-employed people. ACA coverage plays a critical role in providing affordable health coverage to 49,000 small business owners and self-employed adults in Missouri, Treasury data show. In fact, this population makes up 25 percent of ACA marketplace enrollment among working-age Missourians. 

o Middle-income older people who have retired or don’t have health coverage through their jobs. For example, a 60-year old Missourian with income of $60,000 would pay about 19 percent of income for benchmark health coverage without expanded premium tax credits, which cap premiums at 8.5 percent of income. 

• Allowing Tens of Thousands of Missourians to Gain Coverage. About 29,000 more Missourians will have health insurance next year compared to without the Inflation Reduction Act, according to HHS projections. The Act’s coverage expansions will:

o Improve health outcomes and likely save lives. Health insurance improves access to care and health, a large body of research finds. That includes a randomized trial finding that expanding Marketplace coverage saves lives: mortality fell among people  who gained Marketplace coverage due to randomized outreach. 

o Improve financial security. Health insurance reduces medical debt and improves credit scores and access to credit, research finds – making it possible for people to buy a home or take out an auto loan that in turn allows them to get or keep a job. Health insurance also reduces the frequency of bankruptcies and evictions, with one study finding that access to premium tax credits significantly reduces the share of people delinquent on rent or mortgage payments. 

o Narrow disparities in health coverage and access to care. Continuing the ACA improvements will reduce uninsured rates for all demographic groups, but the uninsured rate will fall disproportionately for Black people – narrowing existing gaps in coverage, Urban Institute researchers estimate. Narrowing gaps in coverage also narrows gaps in access to care, research finds. 

Hy-Vee Now Offering Flu Shots

Hy-Vee, Inc. announced Monday that the flu vaccine is now available inside its more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations, with no appointment or prescription necessary. Drive-thru flu clinics will also be offered at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations throughout the company’s eight-state region on select days. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year to prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.

Australia is nearing the end of its worst flu season in five years, according to a report from the country's Department of Health and Aged Care1, a sign that flu activity in the U.S. could reach pre-pandemic levels during the 2022-2023 season. 

Hy-Vee pharmacists conduct a screening process prior to vaccination to ensure each individual is receiving the most beneficial flu vaccine for their health. Both regular- and high-dose flu vaccines are available at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the flu vaccine and other immunizations at no charge. At this time, all vaccine patients must wear a mask during their vaccination, according to CDC guidelines.

Currently, flu vaccines are available without a prescription during regular pharmacy hours to patients 6 months and older at Hy-Vee’s Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota locations; or 3 years and older in Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin locations, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ PREP Act.

Patients 12 years and older may also receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the time of their flu shot at their local Hy-Vee Pharmacy. Patients seeking both a flu and COVID-19 immunization should notify their Hy-Vee pharmacist upon arrival.

Each patient who receives a flu vaccine at a Hy-Vee Pharmacy can earn a 20-cent Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks reward, which can be redeemed at any Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Express or Dollar Fresh Market fuel location. See www.Hy-Vee.com for details. Restrictions apply. 

Hy-Vee will also be offering workplace vaccination clinics using its fleet of Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobiles and Hy-Vee Health mobile trailers. Employers who wish to schedule an onsite clinic for their employees can email vaccineclinic@hy-vee.com for more details. Clinics are typically held September through November.

Worth County School Board Approves Substitute List for 2022-2023

The Worth County School Board approved the substitute teacher list for the 2022-2023 school year. Teachers named were Dana Auffert, Jeshua Blaine, Janice Borey, Rachel Brown, Sue Cantanzareti, Colleen Combs, Barb Dannar, Josephine Deen, Kera Galanakis, Cody Green, Mason Hawk, Mollie Hardy, Amy Jackson, Janet Kinsella, Judith Matteson, Ashley Moser, Kristin New, Trisha Ross, Jan Ruckman, Jessica Sanders, Debbie Sherer, and Becky Thompson. Named as a custodial maintenance sub was Mark Fletcher.

The board held their annual tax rate hearing and voted to leave the tax rate unchanged at $3.52 per $100 of assessed valuation and the debt service levy at 25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The board approved the prepayment of $70,000 in current bonds, which will save the district $3,200 in future interest expense. The prepayment was necessary in order to maintain the 25 cent debt service levy. 

The school had two negative account balances from the previous school year. High School Annual had a negative account balance of $720.51 and the National Honor Society had a negative account balance of $113.81. The school will transfer non-designated funds from the Fund 60 fund balance to eliminate the negative account balances.

The board voted to set the tuition rate for nonresident students of the district at $5,314.87. This is the rate that must be paid by nonresident students unless waived by the board. 

Enrollment at the elementary is 151 students, up 11 from last year. Overall enrollment at the school is up 8 from last year. Kindergarten has 28, 1st grade 17, 2nd grade 21, 3rd grade 21, 4th grade 18, 5th grade 28, and 6th grade 18.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that certified staff and paraprofessionals attended the Emotional Poverty Workshop at King City. Teachers are getting ready to start the new year and teachers have been working on their classrooms for the last two weeks. The school had their open house on Wednesday evening. Picture day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30th. 

Curriculum Director and Athletic Director Josh Smith reported that all teachers have been provided with current Missouri Learning Standards. Special Ed and Title teachers have attended training.

Athlete development programs have been held for all athletes grades 7 to 12. Band also held camps. Several improvements have been made at the softball field.

Softball has 16 varsity players out this year. Junior high has 10 players out. Football has 27 players out, 22 from Worth County and 5 from Northeast Nodaway. Junior high has 16 players, 12 from Worth County and 4 from Northeast Nodaway. Girls Golf has 8 players. High school cheer has 8 members and junior high has 8 as well. Currently, the school says that the district has high enough participation in junior high activities to remain a seventh and eighth grade only school.

Keelin Engel, Tate Welch, Jill Hardy, Nate Adwell, Anna Spainhower, EmiLee Brown, Wyatt Abplanalp, Braidy Hunt, and Megan Cassavaugh will receive their American FFA Degrees in October at the National FFA Convention. FBLA peaches have been delivered, while the FFA had their Back to School Bash on August 20th.

Principal Jon Adwell reported on the professional development that staff have been engaging in, including work on mathematics curriculum and resources, reading, instruction training, and other trainings during the summer. Church groups have been coming in and feeding the teachers.

The board voted to renew the banking agreement with Great Western Bank made in 2019, now First Interstate Bank. First Interstate is honoring the agreement. The agreement was for three years, with options to renew in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The board voted to exercise its option to renew. Board member Amber Monticue abstained from the vote.

Superintendent Chris Healy reported that assessed valuation for this year was $33,184,876, an increase of 11%. This will result in increased local tax revenues in the district. Since most of the increase was from personal property, the school does not have to roll back its levy. Transportation revenues will be significantly higher for this year, thanks to legislative action. The school will apply for electric buses through a grant program from the EPA. Most future bus grant programs will be electric buses. 

The DESE will come to the school and evaluate the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

The school plans to make recommendations on the Career Ladder Program, which was resurrected by the legislature this year. The school can apply for three levels of funding. After two years of service by teachers, the school can apply for up to $1,500 in extra pay for teachers for putting in extra hours to help tutor students. For three years, the school can apply for up to $3,000. For five years, the school can apply for up to $5,000. The program requires a 40% match at the local level. The school could save costs by tying in existing tutoring programs. Superintendent Chris Healy will make recommendations at a future meeting. This pay would be in addition to the $38,000 base salary that was approved by the legislature and the school.  Currently, Healy said that the governor has no intention to cut anything from the programs he was pushing this session.

Various facility projects were completed during the summer. The lockers in the high school were repainted and repaired. The roof on the ag building is currently undergoing repair and maintenance. The teacher workroom and handicapped restroom was renovated over the summer through the use of grant funds. The softball field has undergone renovations throughout July and August. It was paid for with donations from the Aivry Griffin Memorial Foundation, the Grant City Ball Board, school district funds, and community donations and labor. The dugouts were expanded, new concrete was poured, and new bleachers were ordered. They were scheduled to be delivered Friday. Weeds were removed from behind the outfield.

The district long range planning committee will meet to reevaluate the goals and needs of the district in regards to facility maintenance, improvements, and continued safety upgrades.

The board took no action on putting the bond issue on the ballot for the November election. The last filing date for the school if it wishes to run it a third time is August 30th. The next time it could run a bond issue and only need a four sevenths majority would be April 4th, 2023; the deadline for that election would be January 24th, 2023.

The board set its next meeting date for September 15th.