Parking, Trash Violations Discussed at Grant City Council

Violations of parking and trash ordinances were discussed at the Grant City Council Meeting Wednesday, December 20th. 

Donald Mancuso attended the meeting to discuss concerns about parking at Crestwood. He has trouble getting in and out of his driveway due to people parking on both sides of the street in front of the apartments. The city has an ordinance indicating there is no parking on city right of way. The city will put up no parking signs and then start towing vehicles that continue to park on city right of way.

City Administrator Meggan Brown reported that she has had complaints about people burning trash and leaving trash all over their yard. Every citizen in Grant City pays for trash service, unless they pay Porter for a dumpster. The city will send letters of violation.

Michael Chapman had a water leak and attended the meeting to get 50% off his water and sewer bill for December.

There will be a public hearing on January 17th to discuss the Demolition Grant. The city’s in-kind match is estimated to be $163,000, which includes fill dirt, hauling, and seeding.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the furnace in the sheriff’s office is old; it only blows out in the hallway from a small square vent. Warner Heating & Air will give a quote for a new furnace.

The city had a water leak on Thanksgiving. There is a gas valve leaking by the water building. They plan to replace the valve next summer.

The council approved a building permit for the County of Worth for a new county barn.

The custodian at the city quit. Meggan Brown and Farrah Richey will take turns staying to do the cleaning. If that happens, they will have to come in an hour late the next day so that they are not over their 40 hours. The council will advertise for a new custodian. 

Brooklyn Richardson Sparks Tigers, but Red Hot Hawks Prevail

Brooklyn Richardson came back from an ankle injury to spark Worth County’s girls, but a red hot Gilman City squad was able to put them away 43-34, leaving Worth County still searching for their first win Friday in Trenton. The Tigers will get back Bridgette Hightshoe sometime in January (knee) to get them nine players if they stay healthy.

The Hawks got off to a bad start this year, adjusting to a new coach and dropping games to tough Princeton and Braymer squads, along with Class 2 Albany and Gallatin. They won against North Harrison easily 51-10, but struggled to put away another winless squad, Union Star, before getting the 46-35 win. But all of a sudden, they caught fire, beating a pair of quality opponents in Pattonsburg 52-50 and Northeast Nodaway 37-33. They kept on rolling 49-10 against Southwest Livingston going into Friday’s game.

Worth County, playing the numbers game all year, got Brooklyn Richardson (ankle) back for the game, and she sparked the Tigers early. Gilman City picked up where they left off the last three games as Laina Ward knocked one down from the high post, Ava Langfitt pulled up and hit one after a steal, and Ward hit a free throw to make it 5-0.

But Worth County got right back in the game when Rylee Ruckman found the long three point arc to her liking and then Kynah Steele, inserted at guard for much of the game, converted a three point play after Keira Hardy pushed it ahead to make it 6-5. Ward kept hitting, but then Brooklyn Richardson shot the Tigers into an 11-9 lead at the end of one with a baseline shot and then a drive and three point play.

Kristen Tracy got loose in transition, Richardson hit again, and Tracy got a putback to put the Tigers in front 17-12. But just as it looked like they would get their first win, the Hawks started taking control, flying to the glass on offense and denying Worth County any second chances on defense. Swarming and crashing the boards hard, they got four from Ericka Burke and a coast to coast look from Langfitt as they took an 18-17 lead at the half.

Like the boys, the Hawks had a lot of bodies they can throw on the floor, and it started to pay off as the third quarter turned into a track meet. Laina Ward scored from inside, then Avery Gregg and Ava Langfitt both scored in transition as the Hawks took a 24-17 lead to start the third.

Rylee Ruckman broke the run with a 3-pointer and then cleaned up on a miss to make it 24-22, but then Avery Gregg started taking over, cutting inside twice and adding a 3-pointer before Laina Ward’s free throw put the Hawks up 31-26 after three.

Kynah Steele had the hot hand for the Tigers early in the fourth quarter, getting five in the first three minutes to cut it to 33-31, but then Ava Langfitt started taking over, getting six down the stretch as the Hawks closed out the game with a 10-0 run to lead by as much as 43-31 before Ruckman’s triple cut it to nine. But then Gilman City ran out the last 1:11 of the game to close out the win.

Although Worth County was able to keep their turnovers down to 19, down from 25 a game earlier in the season, they could not buy a board as they gave up 23 offensive boards to the Hawks Friday. Although the effort was there, all the extra possessions added up in the end.

Rylee Ruckman had 11 points. Kristen Tracy had 10, Brooklyn Richardson 7, and Kynah Steele 6. Now that they have four scoring options on the floor, the goal will be to try to find a fifth.

Kynah Steele had 2 blocks. Rylee Ruckman and Riley Ridge had 1 each.

Kynah Steele had 8 boards. Kristen Tracy had 6, Riley Ridge 4, Kambree Briner and Rylee Ridge 3, Keira Hardy 2, and Brooklyn Richardson 1.

Kynah Steele had 5 assists. Keira Hardy, Kambree Briner, and Kristen Tracy had 2 and Brooklyn Richardson and Rylee Ruckman 1.

It was on the defensive end that Richardson left her mark on the game. Together with Kynah Steele, she was able to get their hands on a ton of passes, denying the Hawks any offensive rhythm for much of the game. That kept the Tigers in the game despite their struggles on the boards. 

Kynah Steele had 10 tips. Brooklyn Richardson had 8, Kambree Briner 4, Rylee Ruckman and Keira Hardy 3, and Riley Ridge and Kristen Tracy 2. 

Kynah Steele and Brooklyn Richardson had 2 steals. Kambree Briner, Rylee Ruckman, and Kristen Tracy had 1.

Juanita Humphreys 1921-2023

Juanita Maye Setzer Humphreys, Blues Springs, Missouri, formerly of Grant City, Missouri died on December 29, 2023, at the age of 102.  Juanita was born on June 4, 1921, in Worth, Missouri.  After receiving her Teaching Certificate from Northwest Missouri State, she taught school in the Salmon district, a one room schoolhouse. On November 1, 1943, Juanita married William Vance Humphreys of Irena, Missouri.  In 1945, Juanita and Bill had one son, John William Humphreys of Blue Springs, Missouri.

As a young girl, Juanita spent a lot of her time with her maternal Grandmother, Polly Myers.  Juanita loved her grandmother very much.  Her fondest childhood memories came from the time they spent together.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, William Alexander Setzer and Betty Ellen Myers Setzer; her husband, Bill; two brothers Harry O’Donald Setzer and Roy William Setzer and a sister, Estelle Marie Davidson Burgin.

Juanita, Bill and John lived in Worth, Missouri until the 1948 tornado damaged their house.  They moved to Irena, Missouri where they lived until Bill’s death in 1989. Juanita moved to Grant City then to Albany. In 2009, she moved to Blue Springs, Missouri to live with her son.

In 1998, Juanita was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Albany, Missouri.  She knew that the Book of Mormon was true.  She said that reading the Book of Mormon was the biggest and most positive experience of her life.

Juanita is survived by her son John and his wife, Ann Elizabeth Randall Humphreys.  Juanita’s two grandsons are William Randall of the home and Russell Miles and his wife, Amy Jean Schaefer Humphreys, of Odessa, Florida.  Each grandson gave her two great grandsons, Caleb Avery and Haden Scott of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Ethan John and Owen Michael of Odessa, Florida.

Juanita kept house and helped run the Humphreys business in Irena.  Most every customer became a good friend. Salesmen changed their routes so that they could meet together with Bill and discuss business while enjoying Juanita’s cooking.

Juanita loved to talk about her friends and activities with the Irena Willing Workers Club.  She enjoyed making floats for the parades in the area.  She recalled how they took the grand prize in 1963 with a float depicting a Church meeting.  

Juanita also enjoyed doing genealogy and had located her and Bill’s ancestors back into the 1700’s.  She could talk for hours and did about each line of ancestors.  One branch of the Humphreys/Statham line came from English Royalty that could be traced back to the 600’s in Cotenton, Norway.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Grant City Cemetery. Arrangements: Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, MO.

Tiger Boys Take Gilman City’s Best Shot, Survive at Trenton

Worth County’s boys took Gilman City’s best shot, but erased an 11 point second half deficit and came away with a 53-48 win Friday in Trenton. The boys usually play well at Trenton, but this time, Gilman City, trying to avenge their football losses to the Tigers as part of the Pattonsburg cooperative, jumped all over them at the start of the game as Kaleb Fehring hit a 3-pointer, Spike Burke got loose in transition, and Camden Griffin hit a three point play, all in the first 1:17 of the game to put the Hawks up 7-0.

Worth County fought back behind Tyler New despite Bo Collins getting in early foul trouble to make it 9-4, but then Gilman’s 6’5” man, Wyatt Sutton, went off and Griffith chipped in two free throws to make it 13-4. The Tigers sneaked up on a lot of teams early in the year, but after the Mount Ayr game, they have started to take everybody’s best shot, similar to what the Chiefs deal with every Sunday. 

The Tigers, besides Tyler New, were ice cold from the field, and gave up six offensive rebounds to Sutton and the Hawks in the first quarter and 18 for the game, but they were still very much in the game following a banked 3-pointer from New that cut it to 16-12 after one.

Bo Collins came back into the game and provided an instant spark for the Tigers, getting a shot in over Sutton and then hitting Tyler New for three to move the Tigers into the lead at 17-16. But then Kaleb Fehring shot the Hawks back into the lead, shooting from anywhere and putting Gilman City back up 24-19. Cannon Fletcher then came off the bench and shot Worth County back into the lead 25-24 at the half, and somehow, they were ahead despite giving up all the offensive boards.

But Gilman City, one of the tiniest schools in the area, has 13 players on its roster, and they use 10 of them. They put in a pair of fresh legs in Jesse Smith to guard Tyler New, and it had an immediate impact as Gilman scored the first 12 points to go up 36-25 with 4:19 left in third. Landon Preston had 8, Smith 2, and Camden Griffith 2 during the run.

But then Tyler New took it on himself to get the Tigers back into the game, going coast to coast twice and adding a shot from the high post. Ethan Lininger added an inside shot to cut it to 38-33. The Hawks brought the 300 pound Jace Estrada off the bench, and he showed some skill on the court, scoring twice for the Hawks during that stretch. But Hayden Sanders’ free throw cut it to 40-34 at the end of three.

Tyler New hit a 3-pointer and Cole Ruby got untracked to cut it to 40-39, but Sutton went off for Gilman early in the fourth to keep his team in front. But then Cole Ruby hit a 3-pointer and Tyler New hit two free throws to give Worth County its first lead since the half at 46-44 with 4:33 left.

The game was tied at 46 and 48 before Bo Collins finally got one to go in over Sutton with 1:38 left to give the Tigers the lead. Tyler New got a tip and Bo Collins got a steal, then Tyler New missed a runner with 47 seconds, but Karson Briner got the offensive board, drawing Spike Burke’s fifth foul. He missed both free throws, but then the rebounding that hurt the Tigers for so long that night suddenly flipped in their favor as New got a third chance board and made one of two to make it 51-48 with 46.5 seconds left.

Gilman City tried to set up Fehring for a long 3-pointer, but he stepped out of bounds with 31 seconds left. The Hawks put on the press and nearly forced a five seconds call, but Worth County used a timeout, leaving them with one left. This time, Gilman fouled and put Tyler New on the line, and he made one of two to make it 52-48 with 28.9 seconds left.

The Hawks tried to set up a quick shot, but Karson Briner blocked it and Tyler New was there for the defensive board. He hit one of two to make it 53-48, and then Gilman City picked up an offensive foul with 17 seconds to end it.

Tyler New had 30 points for the Tigers. Hayden Sanders and Cannon Fletcher had 6, Bo Collins 4, Caleb New 3, and Ethan Lininger and Cole Ruby 2.

Bo Collins, Ethan Lininger, and Karson Briner had 1 block.

Bo Collins and Tyler New had 6 boards each. Caleb New had 5, Karson Briner 4, Ethan Lininger and Cole Ruby 3, and Hayden Sanders and Cannon Fletcher 1.

Tyler New had 5 assists. Hayden Sanders and Bo Collins had 3 each, Caleb New 2, and Cole Ruby 1.

Tyler New had 3 tips. Ethan Lininger, Bo Collins, Hayden Sanders, and Caleb New had 1 each.

Bo Collins and Tyler New had 4 steals each. Karson Briner, Cole Ruby, Caleb New, and Hayden Sanders had 1 each.

Isaac Williams’ Shot Gives South Harrison Miracle Finish at Trenton

At Trenton Friday, at the North Central Holiday Hoops tournament, teams could throw out the record books. Most of the games were good games, with only two games being blowouts. 

Out of all the games, the best game was the one between South Harrison’s boys and Brunswick. Brunswick took an early lead, but then South Harrison, despite having a tough luck season, started to take control. They led most of the way and were up 56-50 with a minute and a half left when Brunswick hit a 3-pointer. After the shot, one of South Harrison’s players was whistled for a foul for fighting through a screen, and the new foul rule came into play. Since Brunswick was in the bonus, that meant they had two free throw tries in addition to the made 3-pointer. They made one of two to make it 56-54.

South Harrison then saw two of their best ball handlers foul out in the last minute and a half, but they clung to a lead until half a second was left, when Brunswick hit a guarded three to go up 59-58.

The Bulldogs managed to call timeout before time expired according to the officials, and South Harrison aired it out the full length of the court to Isaac Williams, who is around 6’5” with long arms as well. He caught the ball, whirled around, and got the shot off before the buzzer. It was nothing but net, and South Harrison came away with the 60-59 win.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 27th, 2023

On December 14th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Randell Osborn (56) of Tingley on charges of Fraudulent Practice and Possession of Burglary Tools. Bond was set at $3,000, cash or corporate surety.

On December 14th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Keelan Klommhaus (21) of Mount Ayr on a charge of DWI. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On December 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Anthony Bodle (34) of Maryville alleging Assault.

On December 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Nathan Blane (47) of Hopkins alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony). 

On December 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Benjamin Marion (50) of Skidmore alleging Burglary (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On December 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Evan Pohlman (26) of Conception Junction and Kara Emery (27) of Conception Junction alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony). Bond for both was set at $15,000 each, cash or corporate surety. 

On December 22nd, a pig got loose in Hopkins and rummaged through trash cans throughout town that afternoon. The owner was located and came and got the animal.

On December 23rd, someone backed into the gas pumps at Rick’s in Hopkins, breaking a gas line and forcing the shutdown of all the pumps. As of Tuesday morning, the pumps were still down.

On December 23rd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Nicholas Mercer (34) of Albany alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), Resisting Arrest, DWI, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On December 24th, the Missouri Highway Patrol reported that a 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Brittany Thomas (27) of Albany was westbound on Route 136 five miles east of Maryville at around 7:50 pm when she traveled off the north side, into a ditch, struck the ditch, and crossed over a private driveway. Thomas received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville. 

On the morning of December 26th, the Maryville Forum reported that a fire broke out at the New Nodaway Humane Society in Maryville. There were no injuries and all animals were safely evacuated and placed in foster homes. One dog escaped during the rescue. The fire was put out within an hour. Firefighters stayed for several hours to ensure the building did not catch fire again.

Charges listed are merely 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.

Three Worth County Students Receive Dual Credit Scholarships

The family of Roy ('65) and Judy (Baker '66) Claypool have been in attendance at Worth County schools since 1953. The couple not only attended but worked within the school. Roy was a bus driver for 10 years. Judy worked as a librarian assistant, lunch cafeteria server and carpool chauffeur to many kids for 32 years. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this milestone, a scholarship has been developed to financially assist a senior student who is enrolled in the dual credit college course program for both winter and spring semesters. It takes a tremendous amount of ambition, endurance, persistence and support to be studying academics in high school and college at the same time. We find that Kara Staton has shown all the above attributes and we would like to congratulate her on a job well done. Miss Staton has been accepted into the pre-veterinary program at NWMSU.  We wish her the best as she pursues a full-filling career.  Our family has been blessed in so many ways from our community that we find it only fitting to pay it forward. Other family members that attended WOCO are Jon and Veronica; Tyeson; Chancey and Brent; Victoria and Pren; Stefanie and Justin; Jacob; Victoria, Jake, Newt; and Brennen, Brooke, Maddyx and Bodhie.

Two additional scholarships have been created for students enrolled in dual credit courses at Worth County. Those scholarships are the Dr. Pren James Ross, MD and Estelle McLean Ross, RN Scholarship and the Hawk-Ross Scholarship. 

The first of these scholarships, the Dr. Pren James Ross, MD and Estelle McLean Ross, RN Scholarship is provided by the descendants of the James “Jim” Pren and Marie “Louise” Hawk Ross family from Grant City, Missouri.

Dr. Ross was a graduate of Grant City High School in the class of 1905, and Estelle McLean was a graduate from Thayer, Nebraska, in 1911. They had one son, James Pren Ross, who graduated from Grant City High School in 1947. His wife Louise Hawk Ross graduated from Sheridan, Missouri, in 1950 and three grandchildren have graduated from Worth County R-3.

In 1915, P.J. Ross graduated from medical school in St. Louis, Missouri.  He returned to Grant City to set up practice and continue his love of farming. In 1917, Dr. Ross enlisted in World War I where he served until he was honorably discharged and sent back to Grant City, Missouri, because there wasn’t a doctor able to fill his practice in his absence. Prior to Dr. Ross’ passing in 1956, he was recognized by and admitted to the Stork Club; a feat which required Dr. Ross to have delivered over 1,700 babies in the local community. 

After graduating from the Sisters Hospital of Nursing School in 1916, Estelle McLean enlisted as a Red Cross Nurse. The following year she served in World War I. In 1918, Nurse McLean was removed from the front lines after suffering injuries from grenade shrapnel while tending to injured soldiers in the battle trenches of France.

Dr. Ross and Estelle were united in marriage in 1925.  They continued to serve the Worth County community through countless hours of making house calls and tending to others’ needs.  A gift from Dr. Ross to the city in memory of Estelle, who was the only woman Legionnaire in the county, was the “Honor Roll” wall which carries the names of all service men and women at that time.  It now stands in the courtyard. 

Tyler New, the son of Les (’91) and Rebecca New was selected to receive the Dr. Pren James Ross, MD and Estelle McLean Ross, RN Scholarship. Tyler is a senior at Worth County and is interested in pursuing sports medicine or physical therapy at Northwest Missouri State University. 

The second dual credit scholarship is the Hawk-Ross Scholarship provided by the family of Lazarus “Laz” Leo and Hazel Byrl Hennigan Hawk and the James “Jim” Pren and Marie “Louise” Hawk Ross family. Bridgette Hightshoe, daughter of Bill and Leena Hightshoe, was selected to receive the Hawk-Ross Dual Credit Scholarship. Bridgette is a junior at Worth County and is interested in becoming a veterinarian after high school.

Laz and Hazel’s five children all graduated from Sheridan Missouri: Louise Hawk Ross (‘50), Don Hawk and Bonnie Hawk Taylor (’52), Jack Hawk (’54) and Sarah Ann Hawk Bergman (’57). Laz and Hazel also had 12 grandchildren who attended Worth County R-3, and 11 great grandchildren who have attended or are currently attending Worth County R-3. 

Laz and Hazel began their farming business in the 1920’s and continued through the late 1970’s. In the current era where farming over 10,000 acres is not uncommon, Laz and his two sons were recognized as one of the largest farmers in the Midwest in the 1960’s. They leave behind seven successors who continue to farm in the Worth County community; they too farm with the belief of leaving the land better than they found it. 

Jim (‘47) and Louise Ross (‘50) had three children who all graduated from Worth County R-3: Brad Ross (‘75), Katherine Ross Kannady (‘77) and Pren Ross (‘82).

Jim and Louise were both lifetime Worth County community residents. They both enacted their entrepreneurial rolls alongside each other actively for many years in the community within a mixture of business developments which included auctioneering, agriculture, and manufactured housing.  They were constantly involved in many of the growing community’s activities and functions and were always wanting to do more to develop the place they always called “home”. 

It is with much gratitude the Worth County Education Foundation has been asked to partner with the donors of these scholarships and provide connections between them and the students at Worth County R-3. 

North Nodaway Accepts Two Resignations, Hires Music Teacher, Names Two Substitute Teachers

The North Nodaway School Board, at their regular meeting Wednesday, accepted the resignation of Zoie Ownings as the K-12 music teacher, effective immediately. The board hired Kyle Fitzgerald to be the K-12 music teacher for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. The board also voted to approve the resignation of MacKenzie Hansen as the Elementary Building Secretary, effective two weeks from December 19th. The board voted to add Janelle David and Noah Johnson to the substitute teacher list. All votes were unanimous.

The board voted to accept the audit report from Conrad & Higgins out of Chillicothe and Princeton. The audit found that the financial statements presented fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the governmental activities and each major fund of the school district as of June 30th. 

During the 2022-23 school year, according to the audit report, the school collected $2,194,944 in local revenues, $208,029 in county revenues, $1,493,081 in state revenues, $482,694 in federal revenues, and $2,642,550 on other revenues, including the $2.6 million bond issue approved by voters. Total revenues came out to $7,021,298.

Expenditures include $1,790,001 for instruction, $18,436 for attendance, $57,371 for guidance, $5,168 for appraisal services, $52,389 for health services, $11,449 for professional development, $98,098 for media services, $258,425 for executive administration, $235,269 for building level administration, $368,280 for operational expenses, $162,690 for transportation, $255,065 for food services, $111,032 for early childhood, $8,647 for community services, $1,647,293 for building acquisition and construction, including projects from the bond issue, $104,007 in debt service principal, and $1,271 in interest and fees for a total of $5,190,956.

Revenues collected over expenditures were $1,830,342. However, that figure is high because these figures include the bond money that was disbursed to the school.

The school, as of June 30th, 2023, had $3,931,654 in assets. Out of these, $163,073 was restricted for debt service, and $1,585,510 for capital projects, including the voter approved bond project. The school had $2,194,071 in unrestricted funds. As of July 1st, 2022, the school had $1,852,526 in Fund 1, the General Fund. As of June 30th, 2023, that balance was $2,194,068.

The school did a parent climate culture survey and received positive results. All outcomes were either higher or sharply higher from the previous school year.

97.6% report their child receives the educational support they need. 97.6% feel their child’s opinions are valued by teachers. 95.4% feel their child has been taught in school about respect for other cultures. 97.6% say their child enjoys attending school most days. 97.7% feel their child is treated fairly by school personnel. 95.3% feel their child feels physically safe while learning. 100% feel their child’s school building is in good condition and provides a quality learning environment. 97.6% feel that if their child has a problem, there is someone at school who will help. 83.8% of parents reported receiving communication about the school’s progress towards meeting its goals. 82.9% report receiving information about the educational services available to their child at school. 73.8% report having opportunities to provide input about school decisions. 100% feel comfortable talking to teachers at the school. 96.6% report feeling welcome at the school by school personnel. 95.2% report knowing who to contact if they have questions or concerns about their child’s safety. 83.4% feel the school has programs for their child’s talents, gifts, and special needs. 90.5% feel the school offers programs that develop their child’s self-control, responsibility, problem solving, and respect for others. 95% report there are programs available for birth through prekindergarten and 97.3% feel it meets their needs. 100% feel the school provides technology necessary to promote student learning. 92.5% feel the school recognizes the accomplishments of their child. 87.8% feel the school has helped their child establish educational and career goals. 88.1% feel the school prioritizes closing achievement gaps among students. 90.4% feel the school values and respects differences among students and their families. 92.7% feel the school treats all children the same regardless of their background; this is sharply higher from last year, when it was 47.1%. 80.5% feel the school handles discipline appropriately. 97.6% feel the school environment promotes learning.

One area of concern listed was student bullying. Last year, 26.4% of parents reported that their child was bullied at school. This year, that figure dropped slightly to 23.3%, which is still high. 

The board voted to approve the purchase of new playground equipment for the elementary, not to exceed $51,500, from Fry Park & Playground Equipment of Kansas City. 

The board voted to purchase epoxy flooring for the high school at a cost of $3,599 and $11,350 for the elementary from A/G Coatings out of St. Joseph. 

The board voted to purchase Tier Two Reading Intervention curriculum from Really Great Reading at a cost of $10,610.32. 

The board voted to change the preschool ending time from 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm effective January 4th. 

The maintenance list of projects for the Christmas Break was presented to the board. The projects are as follows:

1. Move offices to the new addition at the high school.

2. Deep clean classrooms in both buildings.

3. Switch stop sign motor for 16-7 bus.

4. Install parking signs for office/administrative staff.

5. Remove stage area at Pickering for swing installation. 

6. Check fan blades at elementary.

7. Take out carpet in the elementary cafeteria. 

8. Touch up paint at both buildings. High school door jam paint. 

9. Change filters at both buildings.

10. Get one door framed and boxed in old principal office.

11. Clean up from metal tin projects. 

12. Take buses to get serviced- Clearmont and St. Joseph.

13. Buff and clean floors in both buildings.

14. Get buildings ready for opening in January.

15. Replace burnt out light bulbs in both buildings.

The board renewed their insurance policy with MUSIC. The rate will be $60,672 compared to $45,948 for 2023. The company cited rises in property claims over the past year as the reason for their raise, the first in 20 years.

Principal Heather Townsend reported that the Veterans Day assembly went well and the kids were excited to take a more active role and sit with the big kids. They also enjoyed sitting with the big kids at the annual Christmas dinner. The goal is to make the Christmas dinner a new tradition at the school. The FBLA helped serve hot chocolate. There were games played as well.

The Elementary Student Council went caroling to the nursing homes in Maryville and received a lot of positive comments. Students got to participate in a dance competition.

A group of teachers from other schools visited the Elementary building on December 11th. The school had other visitors as well. The school received a lot of positive comments about the facility, teachers, and students. 

High School Principal Roger Johnson reported that End of Semester Assessments were December 18th through 20th following a trip to the Hangar.

The Academic Showcase was held on December 7th. There were a variety of projects, activities, posters, writing samples, pinatas, art projects, and live demonstrations. The Winter Music Concert was held as well. 

The Family & Consumer Science students and the National Honor Society students were able to serve or deliver over 30 meals at the Community Thanksgiving Meal with the help of Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Bix. 

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that ProServe and NuCor have partnered with the school to purchase a Morgan Rolling Flag for $6,600.

The school received a grant from the Rickard Trust to help pour in  a rubberized surface underneath the existing playground equipment and to provide a future surface for new playground equipment. The amount of the grant was $89,682.

The exhaust fans have been removed and the tin replaced.

The plasma cutter has arrived and the school will be scheduling some training.

The school will be holding an Open House for the elementary and high school additions on January 18th. The elementary will be at 5:30 and the high school will be at 6:30 pm. There will be ribbon cuttings at the elementary and high school, but not the bus barn. The bus barn will be open for viewing.

Tiger Girls Show Improvement but Still Seeking First Win

Worth County has shown improvement over the last four games, but they are shorthanded and are still looking for their first win of the year as they head into their match with Gilman City at Trenton.

They were playing the numbers game; after the Northeast Nodaway loss, Autumn Cousatte quit the team, and Bridgette Hightshoe was playing in her last game before undergoing knee surgery. She is expected to return in mid to late January. They did get one piece of good news when Riley Ridge came out for the squad; since she was a cheerleader, she did not have to wait until completing the 14 days required conditioning and played in the Albany game. But that leaves them with seven players. Besides Hightshoe, they will get Brooklyn Richardson (ankle) back sometime in January, which will give them nine players down the stretch.

Against King City, they hung around with the Wildkats for a while. But they were no match for the taller King City squad; Claire Staley was beating them on the board, Zoey Tunks was beating them up and down the floor, they shot 24% from the field, and they turned it over 26 times. 

Kristen Tracy cut the Tiger deficit against King City down to 13-6 early in the second, but then all hell broke loose as King City pulled away to a 24-10 halftime lead and then extended it to 35-12 after three as they got a 45-23 win.

There were some bright spots in the game as Kristen Tracy had 10 points and held Staley down to 2 points in the second half after she was loose in the post throughout the first. Kambree Briner had 7 boards and 6 steals for the Tigers. 

Against Albany, they had every reason to expect a better outcome as King City had beaten Albany in the tournament and Northeast Nodaway, which had beaten Worth County by 15, beat Albany by four on the road. But they dug themselves into a 11-2 hole that they couldn’t climb out of. They played two good quarters and two bad quarters. They still had a chance at the half, but then gave up 18 points to the Warriors in the third quarter as they pulled away to the 39-18 win.

The Tigers were ice cold from the field, shooting 7 for 43. They continued to turn the ball over, surrendering it 24 times.

Rylee Ruckman had 9 points. Kynah Steele, who sat out most of the King City game with foul trouble, managed to stay on the floor and had 5. Kambree Briner had 2 and Kristen Tracy 1. 

Kynah Steele had 7 rebounds. Kristen Tracy had 6, Rayleigh Smith was a bright spot with 5, Riley Ridge with 3, Rylee Ruckman with 2, and Kambree Briner and Keira Hardy with 1.

Rylee Ruckman had 4 steals. Kynah Steele had 3, Kristen Tracy 2, and Riley Ridge, Rayleigh Smith, and Keira Hardy all had 1. 

Kynah Steele had 2 blocks and Kristen Tracy 1.

Kynah Steele had 5 tips. Kambree Briner and Keira Hardy had 2, while Riley Ridge, Rayleigh Smith, and Rylee Ruckman had 1.

Against Mount Ayr, they were in over their heads again. Unaware that Iowa now has a shot clock, they passed it around the perimeter, not realizing what was going on, and committed a shot clock violation. That led to a parade of other turnovers, missed boxouts, and red shirts running wild to the glee of the Mount Ayr student body. Four of the Raiderettes’ made baskets in the first quarter were off steals, three off lobs into the paint where there was no help, and two were off second chance putbacks as the perennial powerhouse Mount Ayr squad led 25-2 after one.

But after playing one of their worst quarters of the year, it turned out that the shot clock was the best thing that could have happened to the Tigers as they suddenly looked like a totally different team when they took the floor for the second quarter. Instead of standing around looking at each other, they were actually running plays and working together and attacking the rim instead of waiting for someone else to take charge. Kynah Steele scored to start the quarter, then Kristen Tracy aired one out to her for a score, and then Kynah Steele got a steal and got it to Rylee Ruckman for a three point play to cut it to 25-9. 

But just as it looked like Worth County would turn around and make a game of it like they did against the same squad last year, when they wiped out a big deficit and had the lead at one point before falling by two, Mount Ayr righted the ship by pounding the ball into Izzy Gilbertson, who scored the last Raiderette points of the half for her squad as they took a 41-16 lead at the half. 

The red shirts led by as much as 51-21, but Rylee Ruckman, who was playing in front of friends and family, suddenly came alive and started playing some of her best basketball as a Tiger, getting to the rim at will and setting everyone else up as well. Worth County had not scored over 30 all year, but they set a season high in points scored with 39 as they got the deficit down to 21 and fell 60-39.

Ruckman had 21 points for the Tigers. Kynah Steele had 10 and Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, Keira Hardy, and Kristen Tracy all had 2. The Tigers shot much better than usual at the field, going 16 for 42 from the field for 38%. Ridge’s basket was her first as a Tiger. The team showed they still needed to work on taking care of the ball, surrendering it 25 times.

Rylee Ruckman, Kynah Steele, and Kristen Tracy had 6 boards each. Kambree Briner and Keira Hardy had 2, and Riley Ridge and Rayleigh Smith had 1 each. 

Kambree Briner, Kynah Steele, and Kristen Tracy had 3 assists. Riley Ridge and Rylee Ruckman had 1 each.

Kynah Steele had 4 steals. Kristen Tracy had 3, and Kambree Briner, Rylee Ruckman, and Keira Hardy had 1.

Riley Ridge, Kynah Steele, and Kristen Tracy had 1 block each.

Kynah Steele took a charge on defense.

Kynah Steele and Kristen Tracy had 4 tips each. Keira Hardy had 2, and Rylee Ruckman and Kambree Briner had 1 each.

Against North Andrew, Worth County was able to build on their offensive success and do some good things. But North Andrew plays well on their home floor and won all but one of the quarters, steadily pulling away to a 49-36 win Tuesday, December 19th. Worth County shot 37% from the field and got four people into the scoring column. Rylee Ruckman showed her outing against Mount Ayr was no accident as she scored 13 against the Cardinals. Kristen Tracy had 11, Kynah Steele 8, and Kambree Briner 4. The focus will now be on making all five people on the floor a threat to score. They were able to cut down on their turnovers, surrendering it 19 times after turning it over 25 times a game for much of the year.

The rebounding improved as well, going from the lower 20’s to 26 against North Andrew against a taller squad. Kristen Tracy had 9 boards, Kynah Steele 7, Kambree Briner 4, Rylee Ruckman and Keira Hardy 2, and Riley Ridge and Rayleigh Smith 1 each. 

Kambree Briner had 5 assists. Kynah Steele had 2, and Riley Ridge, Rylee Ruckman, and Kristen Tracy had 1.

Kynah Steele had 3 blocks.

Kynah Steele had 4 steals. Kristen Tracy had 3, and Riley Ridge and Keira Hardy had 1 each.

Kynah Steele had 4 tips on defense. Keira Hardy had 3, Kristen Tracy 2, and Rayleigh Smith and Rylee Ruckman had 1.

The Tigers will try again for their first win against Gilman City after Christmas. The Hawks have been playing excellent basketball.

Caleb New Sinks Three Free Throws to Lift Tigers Past North Andrew

Worth County struggled on the boards against North Andrew as they entered another difficult place to play in. With their best rebounder, Karson Briner, seeing limited action with an ankle injury, they only had 20 rebounds the whole game. They dug themselves into a hole against the Cardinals, but they shot nearly 50% from the field to stay in the game. Tyler New had 31 points, a season high, and Caleb New added 17.

The game was back and forth, with the Tigers clawing back and the game turning into a scoring duel between Tyler New and Braxton Linville. But it looked like the Tigers’ best efforts would come up short for the second time in a row after North Andrew led 57-52 late.

But Worth County clawed back, and with nine seconds left and trailing 58-57, the Cardinals hammered Caleb New attempting a 3-point shot, and he hit all three shots to put the Tigers up 60-58.

North Andrew rushed the ball down the floor for the last shot, but Tyler New stole an entry pass as time expired to preserve the win.

Tyler New had 31 points, Caleb New 17, Cole Ruby 6, Bo Collins 4, and Karson Briner 2.

Tyler New had four 3-pointers, as did Caleb New. Cole Ruby had the other two. 

Caleb New was 5 for 5 from the free throw line.

Bo Collins had 7 rebounds. Ethan Lininger had 5, Karson Briner 3, Hayden Sanders and Cannon Fletcher 2 each, and Caleb New 1.

Bo Collins played a good floor game, getting open people the ball, getting 7 assists. Hayden Sanders had 3, Cole Ruby and Tyler New 2, and Cannon Fletcher, Caleb New, and Karson Briner 1 each.

Tyler New had 2 steals while Hayden Sanders and Cole Ruby had 1.

Hayden Sanders took 2 charges on defense. Caleb New took 1.

Tyler New had 5 tips. Caleb New, Karson Briner, and Bo Collins had 1 each.

MFA Oil to Distribute $19.9 Million in Cash and Equity

MFA Oil Company, a farmer-owned energy supply cooperative, has good tidings to share with its members this holiday season. The company’s members are set to receive a combined $19.9 million in cash and equity in exchange for doing business with the co-op. The company announced the planned distribution at its 94th Annual Delegate Meeting on December 11, 2023.

The cooperative reported a net income of $42.1 million for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2023, compared to $14.3 million for fiscal year 2022. Approximately $22.9 million of 2023 net income came from regional patronage that MFA Oil received from other cooperatives. MFA Oil had a strong year itself, with companywide earnings of $19.9 million from its own operations.

“It was another great year for MFA Oil across all of our business units,” said Jon Ihler, MFA Oil president and CEO. “We credit the support, commitment, work ethic and passion of our employees with our success.”

Based on 2023 earnings, the company’s board of directors approved the retirement of 100% of 2009 member equities ($4 million), retirement of 2010 member equities ($2.2 million) and retirement of 50% of 2011 member equities ($1.7 million. The board also approved $8 million of qualified cash patronage, which represents two-thirds of allocated qualified patronage for the 2023 fiscal year to be paid to members. Together, those figures equal $15.9 million in cash distributions. Additionally, MFA Oil will issue $4 million of member equities for 2023 – bringing the total cash and equity distribution to $19.9 million.

Over the past five years, MFA Oil has returned $49.2 million in cash to members of the cooperative.

Glen Cope, chairman of the MFA Oil Board of Directors, said the company’s fantastic results were attributable to employees at every level of the cooperative and to its member-owners who see the value of doing business with MFA Oil year after year.

“We take great pride in meeting the needs of our farmer-members who own the cooperative,” Cope said. “We reward their business with cash patronage and equity redemptions so that our member-owners can share in the co-op’s successes.”

MFA Oil members are eligible to receive patronage based on a percentage of the total money they spend on gasoline, diesel, propane and lubricants purchased through the company’s refined fuel and propane plants, as well as at Petro-Card 24 stations. Customers who are agricultural producers or owners of land used for farm production and purchase at least $1,000 of product from MFA Oil during its fiscal year (Sept. 1 through Aug. 31) are eligible for membership in the cooperative.

In addition to receiving reports on the company’s financial standing an operational performance, the more than 370 delegates who attended the meeting at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Mo., also heard from guest speakers Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and farm broadcaster Max Armstrong.

Worth County Accepts Custodian Resignation, Approves Ballot Language

The Worth County School accepted the resignation of Larry Richardson as its custodian. 

The board approved the ballot language for the bond issue for the April 2nd ballot. The measure, known as Proposition 1, shall read:

“Shall the Board of Education of the Worth County R-III School District, Missouri, with an

estimated no tax rate increase in the current debt service property tax levy, borrow money in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,300,000) for the purpose of providing funds to construct a secure vestibule connecting the Agriculture building to the High School hallway; to install LED lighting at the softball field, Elementary School, and building exteriors; to improve heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; to improve visitor seating at the football field; to repair/replace roofs and gutters; to renovate building entrances; to acquire buses; to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District; and issue general obligation bonds for the payment thereof? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.2500 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.”

The measure will not require a tax increase. Passage requires a four sevenths majority.

On November 16th, the school received a $2,000 grant from First Interstate Bank to assist with Title I resources as well as to aid in the addition of the new preschool.

The Transportation program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include the driver training program; all bus drivers have the School Bus endorsement and went through eight hours of training in Maryville. The school added a new bus to the fleet in 2022-23 and increased sub route driver pay in November.

Concerns listed include the age and condition of school vehicles, especially the gray car and the gray van. Other concerns include the age and condition of the bus fleet and the need for more drivers. 

Recommendations include updating school vehicles when it is financially feasible, replacing buses as soon as financially feasible, and recruiting bus drivers year-round.

Currently, while transportation revenues from the state have improved in recent years, they have not met the expenditures for the school. For 2024, transportation revenues are expected to come in at $150,000 while expenditures are expected to be around $395,929.

The board voted to declare five portable coat racks as surplus property. They are approximately 4’ x 5’ x 1.5’. People may place bids by writing their name, address, and phone number on the outside of the bid envelope, along with the words, “SURPLUS PROPERTY BIDS.” The bidder should turn in their sealed bid envelope to the district office no later than 3 pm on January 12th, 2024.

The school has conducted lead sampling of its water sources as required by the state. Samples will be sent off to Keystone Laboratories out of Iowa. When results are returned, they will be released to the public. Remediation plans will be completed based on the results.

The board voted to lease accounting software from Pitney Bowes for a term of 60 months for $55.18 per month.

The school received its Annual Performance Report. Data showed slight increases in the APR and scored in the top 15-35% of all districts on Math, English, and Science. The district received all continuous improvement monitoring points.

First grade teachers Mrs. Lischer and Mrs. Stuff shared about the first semester and the new Eureka Math curriculum.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that seven children were screened for the new preschool and all paperwork was completed on December 7th. The school has been working on the new preschool room.

The PTO fed all staff on Thursday with a Taco Bar.

Attendance winners were released for October. For October, the fifth grade won. For November, Mrs. Rush’s Kindergarten class won.

The school has purchased math games for students to take home and play with. 

Mrs. Pottorff met with the Kindness Club Kids and decorated ornaments to pass out for Christmas.

Teachers had their Christmas Party on December 22nd.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported on some of the things students had been working on in class. Eighth Grade Social Studies has been researching the New England colonies and creating a travel brochure to recruit European settlers. Government students have been completing campaign posters and ballots for mock elections. Art I students are using drawing techniques to create self-portraits. Junior High Music students are using a bucket drum to create rhythmic accompaniment to a popular song of their choice and then translating it into music notation.

The freshmen had the highest attendance of any class with a 97.93% attendance rate.

Greenhouse students went to Red Oak Greenhouses on December 5th. FFA Trapshooting completed in their final shoot of the season December 9th. The Family & Consumer Sciences Food Drive collected 495 pounds of food to donate. 

For December 2023, total revenues for the school are at $1,434,386, up $232,654 from last year. Expenditures are at $1,785,630, up $155,189 from last year. Increase from revenue is from pre-K grants. Expenditures are increased due to capital projects, including replacing the football stadium lights, in summer 2023. The board approved a budget amendment for the school year which includes pre-K revenue and expenditures as well as updates for vocational grant expenditures and revenue.

 

North Harrison School Proposes $1 Levy Increase for April

The North Harrison School District, at their meeting Tuesday, December 19th, approved putting a $1 levy on the ballot for the April 2nd election. If passed, the measure would increase the property tax levy from $4.50 per $100 assessed valuation to $5.50. Passage requires a simple majority. Last year’s balance, from all five checking accounts, was $1,195,032.74. This was as of December 1st, 2022. This year’s balance, as of December 1st, 2023, was $1,099,521.57, or $95,511.17 less than last year. 

The measure is named Proposition Shamrocks C.A.R.E. The purpose will be to attract and retain quality certified and support staff and meet additional operating expenses. Currently, the state operates a grant program which brings up the base salary to $38,000 a year for starting teachers; however, the legislature does it on a year by year basis, and approval is not guaranteed.

The Sheridan Express welcomes letters both for and against the measure. All letters must be signed; we cannot accept anonymous letters. The Sheridan Express reserves the right to edit or reject letters.

Mrs. Marrisa Irvin, art instructor, and Mrs. Tanya Norris, third grade instructor, shared information about the activities in their classrooms.

Elementary Principal Susan Allen reported that Ms. Capps and the elementary students put on another good concert December 7th.

The Elementary Student Leadership Team hosted a food drive for the Harrison County Food Pantry the first week of December. Fifth grade students won an ice cream party for bringing in the most food. The team is also doing candy cane grams to raise money for the La Plate School District, which recently lost their elementary school due to a fire.

Several teachers and paraprofessionals visited the Cainsville Early Childhood Special Education to observe and learn strategies to use with their students.

Superintendent Ethan Sickels reported that the school will be having a poverty simulation for the staff on February 12th.

The school received a quality pre-K grant for the second semester, which will allow the school to offer free pre-K for four year olds. The school will receive $50,900 from state funding instead of the $18,900 they would have collected in tuition. They will utilize these funds to pay for the teacher and paraprofessional, required training, and updated assessments and supplies.

P1 Plumbing of St. Joseph will be at the school over the break to fix leaking pipes and make recommendations for the system.

American Digital Solutions will come in January to install the additional card readers the school wrote for in their School Safety Grant.

The board approved the facilities master plan for upcoming years. Already done are the purchase of a new van to replace the blue van, new concrete for the ag building sidewalk, south front steps, and the north and east parking lots, and a replacement for the water heater. The following improvements are on the school’s master list:

2023-24 – New concrete at the greenhouse and for the shot put and discus; gravel the high school parking lot, track, and elementary; window safety decals; address and replace HVAC and well field leaks; security camera updates; replace a missing gate on the playground; new cabinets and plumbing for the Life Skills classroom, finish key fobs for the outside entrances.

2024-25: Replace high school classroom doors; paint and new hardware for high school lockers; high school bathroom repairs and updates; locker room repairs and updates; add a storage room outside the high school hallway door; update the emergency system; building updates; fixes to the elementary playground; new concrete for the elementary entrance.

2025-26: Purchase a new van to replace the silver van; small gym repairs and updates; multipurpose room/storm shelter repairs and updates; tear out old lab tables in the science room; reseal the elementary classroom windows.

2026-27: Overhang at the Elementary and Early Childhood Center doors; Stain or update the east side gym bleachers; update the stage mat.

2027-28: Furniture updates; replace interactive flat panels; replace elementary flooring.

Long range plans include paving the Elementary Child Center parking lot, building a concession stand and restrooms for the track, and replacing the roof on the Early Childhood Center.

In addition, there is the need to maintain the vehicle fleet. The school purchased four buses in August 2017; those vehicles all have between 70,000 and 101,000 miles. Another bus was purchased in May 2022. The blue van has 202,597 miles, the silver van has 171,875 miles, and the Suburban has 71,117 miles. All mileage figures are as of November 1st.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 20th, 2023

On December 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that at 3:45 pm, Bricey Gorman pulled from the parking lot of the Ringgold County Hospital into the path of a vehicle driven by Gauge Bowan of Mount Ayr. Bowan had to be mechanically extracted from the vehicle and was taken to Ringgold County Hospital for treatment. Gorman was ticketed for Failure to Yield and No Proof of Insurance.

On December 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested James Saufley (54) of Clearfield on a charge of Driving While Suspended. Bond was set at $300, cash only. 

On December 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Adam Austin (26) of Creston on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. He was being held on no bond until seen by a magistrate. 

On December 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Tammy Downey (63) of Kellerton on two charges of Controlled Substance Violation (Intent to Deliver, Felony). Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On December 9th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Makayla Dewes (26) of Creston was arrested in Ankeny (IA) on a Ringgold County Warrant for a Controlled Substance Violation and Failure to Affix Drug Stamp. Bond was set at $30,000. 

On December 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Ian Caley (33) of New Hampton alleging seven counts Animal Neglect.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Nekota Neal (29) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Tampering with Evidence, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Hollyann Hill (35) of Skidmore alleging DWI and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bond was set at $1,000 with the defendant released on her own recognizance.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Charles Wehner (19) of Lees Summit alleging DWI.

On December 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2011 Dodge Charger driven by Nicholas Merrigan (38) of Clarksdale was southbound on Route 169 two miles south of Stanberry at 2:28 am. The Patrol says the driver failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the center, and ran off the east side, struck a utility pole, and went airborne. The vehicle hit the ground and became airborne again. It then crossed 460th Road and struck the ground, overturning as it crossed 372nd Street before coming to rest. Merrigan received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger, Michael Perman (44) of King City, was killed. Subsequently, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Merrigan on charges of DWI (Death of Another) and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On December 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Dustin Ruminer (32) of Albany alleging Property Damage. Bond was set at $1,000 signature bond.

On December 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Neil Hacker (45) of Elmo alleging Burglary (Felony) and Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony). Bond was set at $20,000 Signature Bond.

On December 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jerry Moore (58) of Burbank (OK) in Harrison County on a Lafayette County Warrant (Traffic & Trucking Violations). 

On December 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Michael Welling (46) of Eagleville alleging Victim Tampering. Bond was set at $20,000, cash only. 

On December 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Kevin Cecil (39) of Gallatin alleging DWI. 

On December 15th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Joseph Dixon (43) of Independence alleging Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On December 16th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Tayton Berendes (22) of Bethany alleging Burglary (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On December 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2011 Chevy Impala driven by Joseph Tate (20) of Gilman City was northbound on Route 146 two miles north of Gilman City and a 2001 Chevy S-10 driven by Francisco Prior-Cruz was southbound at around 6:20 pm. The Chevy S-10 crossed the center of the roadway and struck the Impala head on. Prior-Cruz received serious injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital. Tate received minor injuries. Subsequently, the Missouri state Highway Patrol arrested Prior-Cruz on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), DWI, Leaving the Scene ($1,000+ in Damages), and No Seat Belt.

Charges listed are merely 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.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 13th, 2023

On December 6th, the Worth County Sheriff’s Department conducted a test of the emergency siren in Sheridan.

On December 9th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Josiah Brown (23) of Ridgeway in Harrison County on charges of DWI, Failure to Signal, and No Seat Belt.

On December 10th, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that fire crews from New Hampton, Bethany, North Harrison, and Albany battled a blaze at a residence at New Hampton after an explosion fully engulfed the house in flames. Four people were located. Two were lifeflighted and two were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Three firefighters were treated for smoke and fume inhalation while fighting the fire.

On December 11th, Northwest Mo Info reported that a Harrison County business, The Sportsman Hut, will be closed until January after a fire at the business on Saturday night. 

On December 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Rosemary Sharp (76) of Mount Ayr in Worth County on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device, and DWI (Drugs). 

On December 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2008 GMC driven by Michael Riley (43) of Lee’s Summit (MO) was northbound on Route 71 being pursued by Andrew County Sheriff’s officers at around 9:42 pm two miles north of Midway in Nodaway County when he traveled off the east side, struck a fence, struck a utility pole, and overturned. He received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. 

On December 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Annmarie Lauber (38) of Clarinda alleging three counts Passing a Bad Check. The amounts alleged written were $144.18, $113.39, and $80.78.

On December 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Cynthia Ferrer (18) of Maryville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that between September 21st to November 8th, the defendant stole 25 items from a local store by either under ringing items or switching tickets for cheaper items. The amount alleged lost was $329.85. 

On December 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Krishana Patterson (18) of Maryville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that between September 21st and October 24th, the defendant stole seven items from a local store by either underringing items or by switching tickets for cheaper items. The amount alleged lost was $78.34.

On December 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against America Hernandez (18) of Maryville alleging Stealing and Minor in Possession. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that between September 21st and November 8th, the defendant took 35 items from a local store by underringing items, switching tickets for cheaper items, and shoplifting. Six of the items alleged to be stolen were alcohol. The total value of the items alleged stolen was $381.38.

On December 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Amalie Neils-Adams (18) of Maryville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that between September 18th and November 6th, the defendant stole 16 items from the Maryville Wal-Mart by underringing items, shoplifting, and switching tickets for cheaper items. The amount alleged stolen was $104.98.

On December 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Faith Ann-Marie Fuller-Salas (30) of St. Joseph alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant, an employee of a local store, stole lottery tickets from the store between November 14th and December 5th.

Charges listed are merely 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.

Mason Casner, Aydan Blackford Sink Bluejays

Northeast Nodaway’s boys showed improvement against North Nodaway before falling 49-35 Tuesday, December 12th, but they still have a lot of work to do if they are to get back to .500. They continued their string of improvement the next game, getting their first win and avenging a PVI Tournament loss in the process, beating DeKalb 51-41. For North Nodaway, they weathered a big night from just-returned Braxon Linville, holding off North Andrew. But after they took an early 5-0 lead on the Bluejays, all of a sudden, Grant McIntyre started finding Jake Redden inside and they cut it to 5-3.

They hung around until the last 28 seconds of the first quarter, but then in a script similar to the Stanberry debacle, in which they held their own until they imploded late in the first quarter and fell 73-33, they gave up two easy baskets late in the first quarter. First, Blaine Clements got a putback for the Mustangs to put them up 10-6. Then, Owen Martin got a tip, Ethan Fry a steal, and he threw it back to Martin at the first quarter buzzer to make it 12-6.

But unlike the Stanberry game, Northeast kept hanging around, keeping North Nodaway off the scoreboard for much of the second quarter. For the first four minutes, the only points were a 3-pointer from Aydan Blackford and a free throw from Grant McIntyre as the Mustangs led 13-7. But then the Mustangs’ rebounding advantage began to tell and they started to pull away. Blackford hit from the high post after a pass from Blaine Clements, Owen Martin went coast to coast, and Clements added a free throw before Grant McIntyre’s drive cut it to 18-9 at the half. But North Nodaway had 17 rebounds at that point to only 11 for the Mustangs.

But the second half started off well for Northeast as both Grant McIntyre and Brycen Kennard got Jake Redden the ball, and Jack Boswell added a drive to cut the Bluejay deficit to 22-18. But Aydan Blackford got loose inside twice to push it back out to 26-18. Redden cut it to 26-20, but then Aydan Blackford got it in to Mason Casner, Mason drove and drew Jake Redden’s fourth foul as he converted it, Aydan got loose inside, and then Mason got loose in transition to make it 30-16.

Grant McIntyre got a free throw and Lance Runde hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 30-20, but Mason Casner drove and scored to make it 32-20 after three.

With the Bluejays needing a spark to get back in the game, they bombed away from three as Trenton Hartley got on the board for three 3-pointers and Brycen Kennard added two. But the Mustangs were able to get to the rim with Northeast in foul trouble and Ethan Fry, pushed by coach Cody Jenkins to be more of a scoring threat, came alive in the quarter with five points. Five different Mustangs scored as they were able to pull away despite the barrage.

For Northeast Nodaway, Trenton Hartley had 9, Jake Redden 8, Grant McIntyre 7, Brycen Kennard 6, Lance Runde 3, and Jack Boswell 2.

Brycen Kennard, Grant McIntyre, and Jake Redden each had 5 boards. Jack Boswell had 4, and Lance Runde and Reece Gray had 1.

Grant McIntyre was finding the open guy at will, getting 8 assists. Jack Boswell had 4, and Brycen Kennard and Trenton Hartley had 1 each.

Jack Boswell and Jake Redden had 3 tips each. Jake Redden and Brycen Kennard had 2 steals. Reece Gray had 1.

For North Nodaway, Mason Casner had 15. Aydan Blackford had 13, Blaine Clements and Owen Martin 6, Ethan Fry 5, and Brice Trimble 4.

Blaine Clements had 4 blocks.

Blaine Clements had 9 boards. Mason Casner had 8, Aydan Blackford and Brice Trimble had 4 each, Owen Martin 3, and Ethan Fry 1.

Mason Casner had 6 assists. Owen Martin had 4, Aydan Blackford 3, and Ethan Fry, Blaine Clements, and Brice Trimble had 2 each.

Owen Martin had 5 tips. Brice Trimble, Blaine Clements, and Ethan Fry had 2 each, and Mason Casner and Kaeden Nave had 1.

Ethan Fry and Brice Trimble had 3 steals each. Brice Trimble and Mason Casner had 1.

 

 

Mustangs Avenge Loss to Bluejays; Addalea Barcus' Shot Decides

Northeast Nodaway’s girls could not beat North Nodaway a second time as they fell to the Mustangs 26-24 Tuesday, December 12^th. For Mustang coach Sami Jackson, it was her 13^th revenge win since coaching the Mustangs. As of Sunday evening, here are her win totals:

2023-24 – 6 (so far)
2022-23 – 9
2021-22 – 15
2020-21 – 17
2019-20 – 15
2018-19 – 17
2017-18 – 15
2016-17 – 14
2015-16 – 12
2014-15 – 14
Total – 133

Out of those wins, 13, or almost 10% of her wins, have been over a team that had beaten her squad in a previous game. She freely admits, “Revenge wins are the best kind.” She has also had several other games where her squad lost to a good team the first time and the Mustangs nearly knocked them off the second time. The following are her revenge wins so far:

2023-24 (1) – Northeast Nodaway
2020-21 (1) – Worth County
2019-20 (5) – St. Joseph Christian (2), Rock Port (2), DeKalb
2018-19 (3) – Northeast Nodaway, Nodaway-Holt, Rock Port
2015-16 (3) – Nodaway-Holt, South Holt, Northeast Nodaway

This year, the Bluejays beat North Nodaway despite both Baylie Busby and Dalanie Auffert fouling out after a runner by Lauren Herndon at the end of regulation that would have won it for the Mustangs hit the rim twice before rolling out. The game started off like the last one, with little scoring. Neither team was able to draw blood in the first four minutes. But then Dalanie Auffert picked up her second foul and North Nodaway started taking control, getting baskets from Saryn Brown and Lauren Herndon to go up 5-1 at the 1:44 mark. Auffert countered to make it 5-3, but then picked up her third foul. Angie Parker, back from a broken nose sustained in the DeKalb game, hit a free throw to put North Nodaway up 6-3 after one.

With nothing working against the stingy Mustang defense, Northeast put Auffert back in despite her three fouls, but Lily Blaine, only a freshman, took back to back charges while Saryn Brown put the Mustangs up 8-3. Sasha Deardorff finally got the lid off the rim with a 3-pointer and Baylie Busby added another, but Saryn Brown’s free throws put North Nodaway up 14-9 at the break.

Things threatened to get dire for the Bluejays after Saryn Brown hit one of her 30-footers and Lacy Riley, who hit back to back to back triples in the North Andrew win, hit another to make it 20-9 to start the third quarter. But Baylie Busby, who finally managed to stay on the floor and avoid foul trouble, suddenly started squeezing through gaps nobody else could, like her aunt Natalie Busby (now Yaple) did so many times during her playing days. Despite Auffert picking up her fourth trying to guard Saryn Brown, Busby kept attacking the rim, and Northeast put on a press and was able to force a bunch of turnovers. Brianna Meyer came off the bench; like she had plenty of times during the softball season, she was able to give the team a spark with her defensive play, getting pressure on the ball and getting several tips and deflections.

After Busby hit a free throw for her 9^th point of the quarter to cut it to 22-18, Hadley DeFreece hit a 3-pointer and Busby hit another with 5:31 left in the game and the Mustang lead was gone and the Bluejays led 24-22.

But then Saryn Brown took it into traffic with 1:43 left and made a runner over Busby to tie it up. Dalanie Auffert missed on the other end and Addalea Barcus got the defensive board with 1:25 left. North Nodaway took the ball to the wing on the ensuing possession. Instead of holding it for the last shot, like the Bluejays kept doing in the previous meeting, Saryn Brown found Addalea Barcus all alone behind the defense and she made a point blank layup to put the Mustangs back in front 26-24 with 1:08 left.

Hadley DeFreece missed a 3-pointer, and that touched off a wild scramble for the ball, and it went out of bounds off Northeast Nodaway. With Northeast Nodaway at only one team foul and North Nodaway with none, the new foul rule had a big impact on the game; team fouls reset after every quarter instead of every half. If a team doesn’t have enough fouls to put the other team on the line, the team with the lead in the fourth quarter can take big chunks of time off the clock. North Nodaway ran the clock all the way down to 16 seconds before heavy pressure from Brianna Meyer forced a traveling violation.

Baylie Busby tried to get the ball into Dalanie Auffert, but it was knocked away and Lauren Herndon came up with the steal. With Northeast below the five fouls necessary to put the Mustangs on the line and less than ten seconds left on the clock, they were unable to stop the clock as Herndon was able to hold the ball in the backcourt as time expired.

For Northeast, Busby had 15 points. Dalanie Auffert, Sasha Deardorff, and Hadley DeFreece each had 3.

Dalanie Auffert had 5 blocks. Baylie Busby and Hadley DeFreece had 1 each.

Baylie Busby had 14 boards. Dalanie Auffert had 7, Jill Boswell and Mylee Wilmes 3, and Sasha Deardorff, Hayley Yost, and Brianna Meyer had 1.

Dalanie Auffert had 4 assists. Jill Boswell, Baylie Busby, Hadley DeFreece, and Mylee Wilmes all had 1.

Brianna Meyer had 5 tips. Baylie Busby had 3, Jill Boswell, Dalanie Auffert, Sasha Deardorff, and Hadley DeFreece had 2, and Mylee Wilmes had 1.

Baylie Busby had 4 steals. Dalanie Auffert had 2, and Jill Boswell, Hadley DeFreece, and Brianna Meyer had 1.

For North Nodaway, Saryn Brown had 15. Lacy Riley had 5, Lauren Herndon, Lily Blaine, and Addalea Barcus 2, and Angie Parker 1. It was the second time in two games that North Nodaway had a game-winning shot, and both times, it was one of their supporting cast who stepped up. In the North Andrew game, it was a putback from Jackie Wray which put them over the top; in the NEN game, it was Addalea Barcus.

Lacy Riley and Jackie Wray each had 1 block.

Lacy Riley and Lauren Herndon each had 9 boards. Jackie Wray had 4, Addalea Barcus 3, Angie Parker 3, and Saryn Brown and Lily Blaine 1.

Lauren Herndon and Saryn Brown had 3 assists each. Jackie Wray and Lily Blaine had 1.

Saryn Brown had 8 tips. Lauren Herndon had 2 each and Jackie Wray had 1.

Lauren Herndon and Saryn Brown had 3 steals each. Lacy Riley, Addalea Barcus, and Angie Parker had 1 each.

Worth County Land Transfers for November 2023

November 7th – Book 207, Page 266; Grand Lake LLC to Shandy Holding LLC; Warranty Deed; See Record.

November 8th – Book 207, Page 268; Edward Morrow, Chadrick Morrow, Grace Morrow, Renea Smyser, Almenda Owens, Carla Welch to Tiffany & Kayla Troutwine; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

November 9th – Book 207, Page 276; State Savings Bank to David Love; Deed of Release; Book 205, Page 121.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 277; KC Property & Investments to David & Sally Overland; Warranty Deed; See Record.

November 15th – Roy & Donnetta James to Matthew & Tammie Thummel; Deed of Release; Book 198, Page 124.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 281; Betty Dunfee Trust to Pleasant Valley Farms LLC; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 283; Marianne Brown Testamentary Family Trust to Pleasant Valley Farms LLC; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 285; Neil Dunfee, Norman Dunfee, Valerie Dunfee-Gicquel, Claude Gicquel, Cynthia Thomas, Robert Thomas to Pleasant Valley Farms LLC; Warranty Deed; See Record.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 290; Pleasant Valley Farms LLC to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

November 15th – Book 207, Page 300; Pleasant Valley Farms LLC to US Farm Service Agency; Deed of Trust; See Record.

November 17th – Book 207, Page 471; Hobert & Teresa Combs Revocable Trust to Michael Frisch and Jamie Stalder; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

November 17th – Book 207, Page 473; Michael Frisch and Jamie Stalder to JLB Corporation DBA Golden Oak Lending; Deed of Trust; See Record. 

November 27th – Book 207, Page 505; Ian and Sally Overland to Home State Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

November 27th – Book 207, Page 522; John, Russell, and William Humphreys to William Humphreys; Warranty Deed; See Record.

Third Ravenwood Winter Festival Held Despite Bitter Cold

The third Ravenwood Winter Festival was held Saturday despite bitterly cold conditions. Falling temperatures and high winds were there all afternoon, with wind chills as low as they were during the Worth County/South Holt game in the football playoffs.

Ed Wiederholt opened his auto body shop, and plenty of people took advantage. Organizers set up two fire pits so that people could keep warm; there were plenty of people at Tuck Point. 

There were several Santas present, and there will be some debate about who the real Santa was. One such person, on the NEN 4-H float, looked like Baylie Busby. Brian Sobotka brought out his carriage. Ms. Bonifas rode the seventh grade float. The Nodaway County Republican Women put together a patriotic float for the 2024 election season.

There was a drive-thru at the park afterwards, with the Ravenwood Christian Church putting together a live nativity scene. The NEN junior and senior classes held food fundraisers. There were carriage rides in Ravenwood Sunday evening when the weather was nicer.

The following were the light contest winners:

Large – 1st, Scott & Billie Shunk; 2nd, David & Susie Nelson. 

Small – 1st, Charlie & Kathy Brand; 2nd, Helen Fare; 3rd, Sheldon & Christy Scadden; 4th, Halo Salon & Spa (Claudia Patterson). 

The following were the parade winners: 1st, Smalltown Grinchmas, built by the Runde Family; 2nd, Wiederholt Families’ Santa Stable & Reindeer; 3rd, 7th Grade Santa’s Workshop.

Caleb New Hits 18, Karson Briner Boards 12, Tigers Win Third Straight

Worth County’s boys got their third straight win, getting a 71-48 win over King City. Tyler New had his usual output with 20 points and 10 assists, but it was Caleb New who added 18 for the Tigers as they were able to cool down a red hot Wildkat squad. Karson Briner was lights out on the boards for the Tigers, getting 12 for them.

At first, it was King City coming out on fire, with Graham Medsker scoring the first five points for them. Jonathan Garlock scored two free throws and Collin Potter scored backdoor as they continued to maintain a lead as the quarter progressed as Worth County started off ice cold. But as the game progressed, Worth County managed to impose their will on the game, running up and down the floor and getting good transition looks. Tyler New was pushing it up the floor at will and getting it to the open guy, and sure enough, the shots started to fall.

Bo Collins got loose in transition, Cannon Fletcher got it to Hayden Sanders for three, and then Cole Ruby got another to put the Tigers in front 13-9. Ryder Sample countered with a free throw, but then Tyler New scored off a drive, Hayden Sanders took a charge, and Cannon Fletcher hit a 3-pointer after a pass from Tyler New to make it 18-10.

Ryder Sample’s steal cut it to 23-16 after one, but Worth County had seven different players get in the scoring column that period, which boded well for the rest of the game.

The deciding sequence came at the start of the second quarter, when back to back jacks from Caleb New sparked a 16-3 run in the second quarter for the Tigers. Tyler New went coast to coast and scored, prompting a King City timeout with Worth County leading 31-16.

Out of the timeout, Jonathan Garlock hit a 3-pointer to cut the King City deficit to 31-19, and King City faceguarded Tyler New with Graham Medsker the rest of the way. It took the Tigers a couple of minutes to adjust, but then Karson Briner stripped Brady Armfield of a defensive board and converted to spark the Tigers again. Tyler New hit Hayden Sanders for three, and then Caleb New turned a steal into a three point play to make it 39-19. Sample got the hot hand late with Tyler New in foul trouble to cut it to 39-24, but the damage was done.

After running up and down the floor all half, the teams were winded for the third quarter, with the scoring dropping off. Caleb New hit two 3-pointers and Cannon Fletcher added another and took a charge on defense as the Tigers slowly built it back up to 50-30 before Darwin Bowden hit a halfcourt three at the third quarter buzzer to cut it to 50-33.

Brody Wall’s triple cut it to 50-36 to start the fourth, but then Tyler New got untracked with a three point play after driving and Karson Briner hit Bo Collins inside to make it 55-36 as the lid started to come off the basket for the Tigers in the fourth. Worth County lost track of Bowden underneath the basket, but then Cole Ruby hit a 3-pointer and Tyler New scored off a drive to make it 60-38, as his drives were either setting up other players or leading to layups in the period.

King City continued to hang around as Collin Potter’s drive cut it to 65-46 with 2:12 left, but then four straight from Tyler New finished it and prompted wholesale substitutions.

Tyler New had 20 for the Tigers. Caleb New had 18, Cole Ruby 9, Bo Collins, Hayden Sanders, and Cannon Fletcher all had 6, Karson Briner 4, and Ethan Lininger 2.

Bo Collins had 4 blocks and Karson Briner 1.

Karson Briner had 12 boards. Bo Collins had 7, Cannon Fletcher 5, Caleb New 4, Ethan Lininger 3, Tyler New 2, and Cole Ruby and Ryder Smyser 1.

Tyler New had 10 assists to complete a double double. Cole Ruby had 3, Bo Collins 2, and Cannon Fletcher, Caleb New, and Karson Briner had 1 each.

Caleb New and Bo Collins had 4 tips. Tyler New and Cole Ruby had 2, and Karson Briner 1.

Bo Collins had 3 steals. Cole Ruby, Caleb New, Karson Briner, and Wyatt Hill had 2 steals. Tyler New had 1.

Baylie Busby Hangs 26 on Stanberry; Bluejays Erase Nine Years of Futility

Baylie Busby had a career night against Stanberry, hanging 26 points on them and the Bluejays erased nine years of futility against the Bulldogs, beating them 42-31 Thursday to raise their record to 5-2. It was a typical matchup in which they got the lead, had to battle foul trouble through the middle stages of the game, then found their second wind late to win it. The last Bluejay win was in 2014, when Dallis Coffelt was the leading scorer and the queen of the block party, as she was one of the best shot blockers the Bluejays have had.  Taylor Coffelt helped out with plenty of hustle plays and some incredible highlight film threes.

Kaitlyn James put Stanberry ahead early with a triple from the corner, but then Northeast shadowed her well, keeping her from hitting another the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Busby answered with one of her own, then Hadley DeFreece hit a 3-pointer. Jill Boswell hit a midrange shot after Dalanie Auffert got her the ball, and then Hadley DeFreece got on the floor to knock a ball loose and Baylie Busby tipped it to herself and scored on the other end to make it 12-3 after one.

But Stanberry has been playing everyone tough this year, and Amelia Wallace carried the team on her shoulders, getting loose in the paint, getting some steals, and running the floor. Stanberry switched to a man to man defense after Northeast was picking them apart in the first, and the quarter turned into a scoring duel between Busby and Wallace. Busby scored all nine Bluejay points in the quarter, getting to the rim at will and making the black shirts foul her. She was 7 for 9 from the free throw line that period.

The Bluejays led 21-14 with time winding down in the first half, but as they were holding the ball for the last shot, disaster nearly struck as the ball was knocked loose and Busby was called for a foul during the scramble. That foul was her third. Then, early in the third quarter, Wallace got a steal, went to the rim, and got the benefit of a charge/block call on Busby, her fourth foul, and cut Stanberry’s deficit to 21-16.

With Busby on the bench, Hadley DeFreece stepped up and hit a 3-pointer, but Wallace carried the Bulldogs on her shoulders in Busby’s absence, scoring the next four Stanberry points to cut it to 24-20. But then Northeast went to a box and one on Wallace with Jill Boswell faceguarding her, and Hayley Yost played some of her best basketball as a varsity player, hitting Mylee Wilmes and Hadley DeFreece for three and moving the ball well from the high post and earning the trust of her teammates. Yost saw extended minutes with Dalanie Auffert in foul trouble as well. Northeast weathered the storm and led 32-22 after three.

With Boswell shutting down Wallace, someone else had to step up for Stanberry and James slashed to the rim and made one out of two. Then, Stanberry kept the possession alive with an offensive board and later, Trista Lager knocked one down from the high post to cut it to 32-25.

The scoreboard was frozen there until Busby came back, and she carried the team on her shoulders again, scoring all ten points for them in the last 4:30 of the game.  The second and fourth quarters resembled several games from Busby’s eighth grade year, in which she scored or assisted on nearly all of Northeast’s baskets. She drove and hit two free throws and then grabbed a defensive board and went coast to coast to make it 37-25.

But Stanberry put on their press and they started coming back again, starting with James’ putback to make it 37-27. Wallace finally got herself going again with a fourth chance putback with 1:33 left, still plenty of time. The Bulldogs got the ball back, but Busby stole it and scored to make it 39-29. But Stanberry rushed right down the floor before Northeast could get back on defense and Wallace scored to make it 39-31. But Busby restored order with two free throws, and the Bluejays got some stops on defense before Busby hit another free throw at the end.

Baylie Busby had 26 points. Hadley DeFreece had 9, Mylee Wilmes 5, and Jill Boswell 2.

Jill Boswell had 1 block.

Baylie Busby had 9 boards. Jill Boswell had 6, Dalanie Auffert 3, and Hadley DeFreece, Sasha Deardorff, Mylee Wilmes, Brianna Meyer, and Hayley Yost all had 1.

Jill Boswell had 4 assists. Mylee Wilmes and Hayley Yost had 2, and Baylie Busby, Dalanie Auffert, and Sasha Deardorff had 1.

Baylie Busby and Jill Boswell had 3 tips. Sasha Deardorff, Hadley DeFreece, and Blair Nelson had 1.

Baylie Busby had 3 steals. Sasha Deardorff, Hayley Yost, Jill Boswell, and Hadley DeFreece had 2 each, and Mylee Wilmes had 1.

 

Sheridan Changes Water Shutoff Policy

At their regular City Council meeting Monday, the Sheridan City Council voted to change the water shutoff policy. All past due accounts must be paid by January 24th, or water will be shut off. In the future, all accounts which are past due and which exceed $100 will be shut off. 

No decision has been made by the US Postal Service regarding the location of a new post office in Sheridan. Officials were to have visited the town last month, but they never came. 

The council granted permission for the City Collector to use the dropbox at City Hall to collect taxes.

The next meeting will be January 1st at 6 pm.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 6th, 2023

On November 24th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Auston Horras (41) of Des Moines on a charge of DWI. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On November 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Tanner Wilcox (24) of Parnell in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Prior), Resisting Arrest, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident). Subsequently, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Wilcox. Bond was set at $500, cash only.

On November 28th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Nidia Escobar (31) of Kansas City (KS) alleging No Valid License, Speeding (88 mph), and No Insurance. 

On November 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Sabastian Rodriguez (19) of Hidalgo (TX) alleging No Valid License and Speeding (78 mph).

On November 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Brandon Church (42) of Darlington alleging Forgery (Felony), No Insurance, and No Valid Motorcycle License. An affidavit from the Gentry County Sheriff’s Department alleges that the defendant forged an expiration sticker on his motorcycle plate.

On November 29th, Randall Walker (33) of Ottumwa (IA) was arrested in Nodaway County and ordered extradited to Wapello County (IA) on charges of Burglary and Probation Violation. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On November 30th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jeffrey Rogers (56) of St. Louis alleging Forgery (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Passing a Bad Check (Felony). Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant attended a coin auction in Maryville where he allegedly bid successfully on 18 lots of coins, for which he allegedly wrote a check from a closed account in the amount of $11,880. The defendant allegedly provided fraudulent identification to the auction house.

On December 1st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Nicole Powers (33) of Maryville in Nodaway County on a Nodaway County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Traffic Violation). 

On December 1st at 3:55 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2008 Buick Lucerne driven by Randolph Hansen (75) of Eau Claire (WI) was southbound on I-35 five miles south of Bethany on slush covered roadways when he traveled off the west side of the roadway, down an embankment, overturned, and came to rest on its top. Hansen received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital.

On December 4th at around 10:30, the Maryville Forum reported that Jackson Township fire units responded to a mobile home fire in Ravenwood. There were no injuries, but several deceased pets were removed.

On December 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kyle Watkins (35) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of Driving While Revoked, No Insurance, No Seat Belt, and a Jackson County Warrant (Fraudulent Use of a Credit Device).

On December 5th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Samantha Greenwell (42) of Albany alleging Burglary (Felony), Misusing 911, Resisting Arrest, Peace Disturbance, and Attempted Escape from Custody. Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

Charges listed are merely 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.

Cole Ruby Gets 16 as Tigers Round into Midseason Form

Cole Ruby got the hot hand for the Tigers with 16 points, Tyler New had 17, and Worth County looked like they were in midseason form as they beat Northeast Nodaway 65-25 Tuesday, December 5th. The only tense point was whether Grant McIntyre would win his bet with Bo Collins. He won his bet with Bo, scoring 10 points to Bo’s 9, and outrebounded him for good measure 8-6, meaning the Bluejays will gain a new slugger on their baseball team in spring.

The rest of the game belonged to the Tigers, who were red hot from the field to start the game. Cannon Fletcher hit Tyler New for three to start the game, Caleb New hit back to back jacks, and then Cannon Fletcher hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Karson Briner to make it 12-0 just two minutes into the game. Their first non-three game when Bo Collins finished inside off a pass from Cannon. At that point, Northeast had turned the ball over four times already. Tyler New’s putback made it 16-0.

Jack Boswell finally got Northeast on the board with a pair of free throws, but Bo Collins had a block to set up Tyler New coast to coast, Karson Briner knocked one down from the high post, and then Cole Ruby hit eight straight. Grant McIntyre scored his first points, but Tyler New hit from the high post to make it 30-4 before Jack Boswell’s half court attempt at the buzzer was in and out.

Lance Runde lobbed one into Grant to start the second, but then Ethan Lininger got a tip and Tyler New a steal to restart the Tigers. Lininger’s putback made it 34-6. Brycen Kennard got on the board for the Bluejays, but then a horrific sequence happened for the Bluejays where they could not buy a board and Worth County had eight straight offensive boards before Cannon Fletcher finally hit a corner three to spark another run.

The Tigers were putting on a clinic and did not turn the ball over until late in the first half and four times during the game. Karson Briner got a quick outlet to Tyler New for a coast to coast finish, Hayden Sanders took a charge on defense, and then Cole Ruby got a putback to make it 41-8. Grant McIntyre converted another lob from Lance Runde before Cole hit a guarded three from the top of the key to make it 44-10 at the half.

At that point, Grant had 6 points for the Bluejays and Bo had 2 for the Tigers. The only tense point was whether or not Bo would win his bet with Grant, and all of a sudden, he got the hot hand in the third quarter. After Caleb New hit a 3-pointer for the Tigers to start the third, Bo Collins got loose after Cole Ruby got a tip and Tyler New got a steal. Tyler New converted a steal from Caleb New, and then Bo aired one out to Caleb to make it 53-10.

Jack Boswell took on Karson Briner and hit a tough shot over him and converted a three point play to make it 53-13, but then Bo heated up, knocking one down from the high post and knocked down a 3-pointer from the left wing. Tyler New got loose in transition, and Cole Ruby hit a 3-pointer to make it 63-13. Brycen Kennard got a monster stuff to prevent even more damage.

Bo Collins had 9 points to 6 for Grant, and it looked like a comfortable margin with the running clock in effect. Against the Tiger reserves, Brycen Kennard got loose inside twice and Jack Boswell hit a pair of free throws, but time was winding down for Grant to make good on his bet. Jack Boswell lobbed it into Grant for two, and then Reece Gray added a steal. Ethan Lininger scored from inside with 3:37 left, and time was winding down. But finally, Trenton Hartley lobbed it into Grant; Brayden Combs tipped it, but it still got through to Grant, who finished over Ethan Lininger for his 10th point of the night.

For Worth County, Tyler New had 17 points. Cole Ruby had 16, Caleb New 11, Bo Collins 9, Cannon Fletcher 6, Ethan Lininger 4, and Karson Briner 2.

Bo Collins and Cannon Fletcher had 1 block.

Karson Briner and Ethan Lininger had 7 boards each. Tyler New and Bo Collins had 6 each, Cole Ruby 4, Cannon Fletcher and Franklynn Taute 3, and Caleb New 1. Franklynn Taute showed a lot of improvement from last year, getting after it on the floor and grabbing three boards in the last few minutes.

Cannon Fletcher had 5 assists. Tyler New and Caleb New had 4 each, Karson Briner, Hayden Sanders, and Cole Ruby had 2 each, and Wyatt Hill, Brayden Combs, and Ethan Lininger had 1 each.

Tyler New had 6 tips. Caleb New, Karson Briner, and Brayden Combs had 2 each, and Bo Collins, Hayden Sanders, Ethan Lininger, Cole Ruby, and Franklynn Taute had 1 each.

Tyler New had 4 steals. Hayden Sanders had 2, and Cannon Fletcher, Karson Briner, Caleb New, Cole Ruby, and Ethan Lininger had 1 each.

For Northeast Nodaway, Grant McIntyre had 10, Jack Boswell 7, Brycen Kennard 6, and Reece Gray 2.

Brycen Kennard and Reece Gray had 1 block.

Grant McIntyre had 8 boards. Brycen Kennard had 6, Trenton Hartley, Jack Boswell, and Lance Runde 2, and Chase Clabaugh 1.

Lance Runde had 3 assists. Jack Boswell had 2, and Reece Gray, Grant McIntyre, and Trenton Hartley 1 each.

Reece Gray and Lance Runde had 2 tips. Brycen Kennard and Trenton Hartley had 1 each. Reece Gray had 1 steal.