Worth County Land Transfers for February 2023

February 10th – Book 206, Page 69; Thomas Rockey Trust to John Rockey; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

February 15th – Book 206, Page 72; James and Mary Ann Huff to Wake & Co. LLC; Quit Claim Deed; Lot 12, Block 10, Original Town of Sheridan.

February 15th – Book 206, Page 73; Eric & Jana Stevens to Richard & Dezra Eighhorn and Scott & Jeanette Richborn; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

February 21st – Book 206, Page 74; Mark & Laurice Harding to Kenneth & Traci Cass; Special Warranty Deed; See Record.

February 22nd – Book 206, Page 77; US Bank National Association to Grand River Family Farms LLC; Deed of Release; Book 200, Page 154.

February 23rd – Book 206, Page 79; Becky Force to Brandi Knight Revocable Living Trust; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

February 27th – Book 206, Page 80; Steven Sisk, Michael & Cheryl Sisk; Susan & Matthew Hardins; Marcie & Andrew Monrad to Kansas City Properties & Investments LLC; General Warranty Deed; See Record.

February 28th – Book 206; Page 82; Justin & Charlotte Green to HNB National Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

Report Potholes to DOT

Missouri Department of Transportation crews are already focusing on pothole repairs to keep roads as safe as possible and will continue through the spring as weather allows. When you see a MoDOT crew making repairs, motorists should slow down and move over a lane to give them room to work safely – remember, it’s the law.

“Between the drastic changes in temperatures throughout this winter season and the moisture from precipitation, we’re already seeing a high number of potholes developing on Missouri highways,” said Natalie Roark, MoDOT state maintenance director. “We ask motorists to please be patient with us and look out for our crews as they work to repair the roadways. Slow down and never drive distracted. Remember, Buckle Up Phone Down.”

MoDOT maintains 34,000 miles of road, including interstates, U.S. and Missouri routes, and lettered routes. In 2022, MoDOT patched more than 800,000 potholes, spending more than $16 million on pothole patching.

Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. The rain and snow leave moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. Frozen water in cracks and under the surface of the roadway causes pavement to bulge and bend. Then when ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps or voids in the surface under the pavement. When vehicles drive over the bulging pavement, it weakens the roadway, eventually causing chunks of pavement or asphalt to pop out, creating potholes.

Motorists can report the location of potholes on state-maintained roads using the following tools:

Call the 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

Use the Report a Road Concern form at modot.org/report-road-concern.

Potholes on local streets and subdivisions should be reported to local city or county maintenance departments.

Northeast Nodaway Students Raise $2,700 For Healthy Heart Month

Northeast Nodaway Elementary students raised $2,719.40 towards Healthy Heart Month, the school reported Monday. Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association. 

Thirteen students raised $100 or more during the fundraiser. They will lead the dancing at the Glow Stick Dance Party that will be held at a future student assembly along with Northeast Nodaway Heart Hero Gordon Wiederholt, a preschool student. 

Students who raised $100 or more were Quinn Nelson ($257.54), Brynlee Rush ($209.68), Hayzer Florea ($200), Juliette Smith ($196.09), James Smith ($196.09), Malakai Sutton ($191.30), Bayne Anderson ($174.26), Gracin Runde ($110), Jaxson Burns ($103.19), Lucie Wiederholt ($101.02), Brady O’Connell ($101), Bexlie Busby ($100.78), and Lily Runde ($100).

Obituary -- Milan Frey 1933-2023

Milan A. Frey, 89, passed away on February 22, 2023. He was born on July 10, 1933, in Pender, NE to Tommy and Daisy (Baker) Frey.

Milan graduated from Pender High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Upon his return from the service, he married JoAnne Powley on August 28, 1955. In 1958, Milan graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He worked for the University of Nebraska Housing and Press.

Milan was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #3, and 40 & ET. Milan enjoyed playing baseball, dancing, fishing, and attending sporting events and activities of his children and grandsons.

Immediate family members include his wife JoAnne and son Gregg Frey, both of Lincoln; daughter Brenda Parman, Albany, MO; grandsons Grant (Andrea) Parman, Sioux City, IA and Cole Parman, Ravenwood, MO.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Memorials to Lincoln TeamMates

Bluejay Girls Can’t Hold Halftime Lead Against Mound City

Northeast Nodaway’s girls couldn’t hold an 11 point halftime lead against Mound City Thursday and fell 37-34 in the District Semifinals. Previously, Northeast had beaten Mound City handily, but in the meantime, the Panthers had gotten much better. The Bluejays had lived on the edge all year, down to just eight players after losing two players for the year due to injury. For most of the year, it was enough. But in the end, the numbers game came back to bite them. Northeast surprised a lot of people by improving from three wins last year to 17 this year. The goal will be to get more numbers and excitement for the team for next year so that the Bluejays can finish off more games and have fresh legs at the end.

This game started out like the last one, with Baylie Busby and Dalanie Auffert attacking the paint as the Bluejays built up a 10-7 lead at the 3:15 mark. Elizabeth Laukemper cut it to 10-9, but Jill Boswell kept a possession alive and hit Busby for three to make it 13-9.

With Busby carrying the load for Northeast with 9 of her team’s 13 first quarter points, Mound City went to a box and one, but then Hadley DeFreece shot them out of it with two 3-pointers as the lead grew to 21-10 at the half. 

But all of a sudden, a different Mound City team came out of the locker room to start the second half. Somehow or another, like sharks smelling blood in the water, they sensed that the Bluejays were tired and came out of their box and one and switched to a suffocating man to man, trapping people in the corners. Sydney Meadows had the hot hand early for the Panthers cut it to 23-19. Then, Kadee Crider, who had been ice cold in both the Worth County game and in the first two quarters of the NEN game, got the hot hand, hitting back to back jacks to put her team in front 25-23. Coaches always tell their shooters to keep shooting, and Crider’s outburst was a good reason why. Miranda Rieger’s transition shot put them up 27-23.

At that point, with 10 turnovers in the quarter and nothing going their way, Northeast could have folded like they did many times the last few years. But Busby went coast to coast to break the run, Dalanie Auffert added a free throw to cut it to 27-26, and then Sasha Deardorff hit a 3-pointer to start the fourth to put the Bluejays back in front 29-27.

The teams traded blows throughout the fourth quarter, with Busby’s free throws putting Northeast up 31-29 with 3:04 left in the game. But points were hard to come by, and with just two team fouls, Mound City could afford to be very aggressive on defense and swarm at every opportunity.

Finally, Crider struck twice more, the second time with a hand in her face with 1:21 left, to put Mound City in front 35-34. Baylie Busby missed a runner, but a tieup went back to Northeast. But on the inbounds play, with Northeast out of timeouts, another tieup went back to Mound City and Northeast had to foul.

The Bluejays put Sydney Meadows on the line, and she made one of two with 28 seconds left to put the Panthers up 36-34. Miranda Rieger, one of the Panthers’ most improved post players this year, nearly came up with the offensive board, but it went out of bounds and the ball went back to Northeast.

Mound City still had fouls to give, and they continued to swarm and trap at every opportunity. Finally, Sasha Deardorff was called for a charge to give the ball back to Mound City.

Northeast fouled Elizabeth Laukemper with 4.8 seconds and she made one of two to put Mound City up 37-34. Northeast secured the board after the second miss, and Baylie Busby rushed it up the floor with a chance to tie. But her off balance 30-footer was short as time expired.

Baylie Busby had 17 points for the Bluejays. Dalanie Auffert had 8, Hadley DeFreece 6, and Sasha Deardorff 3.

Dalanie Auffert had 3 blocks. Baylie Busby, Hadley DeFreece, and Jill Boswell all had 1.

Dalanie Auffert had 9 boards. Baylie Busby had 8, Sasha Deardorff and Jill Boswell 4 each, and Hadley DeFreece and Mylee Wilmes 1 each.

Jill Boswell had 3 assists. Hadley DeFreece, Dalanie Auffert, and Baylie Busby had 2, and Sasha Deardorff 1.

Baylie Busby had 4 tips. Jill Boswell had 2, and Hadley DeFreece 1. Baylie Busby had 2 steals, while Hadley DeFreece and Jill Boswell had 1 each.

Kristin Herndon, Prairie Fire Run the Table, Clinch 1st NCAA Tournament in School History

Kristin Herndon and the Knox College Prairie Fire ran the table in their conference tournament and clinched their first NCAA Tournament berth in school history. They will play Friday against an opponent that is to be determined. 

Previously, the Prairie Fire had an opportunity to win the conference title outright. However, they had to go to Ripon College and win on the road, and they lost by ten and had to share the title. Since both teams split in the regular season, the location of the conference tournament was determined by a coin flip, and Knox had to travel to Ripon to win two games to get their ticket to the tournament.

Prairie Fire 77, Cornell College 54

Some teams you want to play after a loss, because they are still hung over and thinking about what might have been. Other teams you don’t want to play after a loss, because they treat it as a wakeup call and use it as a springboard to bigger and better things. Knox has always been one of the latter teams and has used each one of their losses as a wakeup call. 

Throughout the season, the Prairie Fire have had players come totally out of the woodworks and step up when they were needed. Kristin Herndon had her usual output, with 16 points and 5 boards. This time, it was little-used Haylee Carpenter who came off the bench and came through in a big way, putting up 18 points and 6 three-pointers. Two other players were in double figures as Catessa Duran had 12 and Juliana Vinluan had 10. Two more finished just below double digits as Sophie Elstone had 9 and Kylee Callahan had 8. Carpenter was a bright spot in the Ripon loss and she made the most of her chance.

The ball movement was sharp as there were 23 assists and 11 turnovers. Juliana Vinluan had 7 assists while Sophie Elstone and Catessa Duran had 6 each. The Prairie Fire dominated in the paint 42-20 and outrebounded Cornell 34-21.

It was back to back jacks by Carpenter that put the Prairie Fire up 16-9 after one quarter. The Prairie Fire led by as much as 13 in the second quarter, but a late rally by Cornell, taking advantage of a couple of turnovers, cut the deficit to 36-30 at the half. Knox led by as much as 16 in the third quarter after Carpenter’s 3-pointer with 1:21 left, but once again, Cornell fought back, cutting it to 53-42 by the end of the third.

Another triple by Carpenter put the Prairie Fire up 62-46 at the 7:42 mark of the fourth. Cornell fought their way back to 13 at the 6:41 mark of the period and there was reason to worry as Herndon picked up her fourth foul and came out. But it turned out not to matter as Haylee Carpenter’s sixth triple was too much for Cornell, and the Prairie Fire closed the game with a 15-5 run.

Prairie Fire 64, Ripon 61

Despite getting killed on the boards, the Prairie Fire somehow came back and won the rubber match between the two squads. They were killed on the boards 38-25. But they won the battle of the paint 40-26. The game showed Kristin Herndon at her finest; with the team struggling from the field, she shot 8 for 9 and had 16 points, 10 boards, and 4 blocks. The difference was the team’s shot percentage in the first and second halves. In the first half, the Prairie Fire shot 11 for 29, including 3 for 12 in the second quarter, and fell behind 32-26. They were very fortunate to be down six at the half. But the second half showed them fighting back and shooting 50% in the third and 57% in the fourth; unlike the last time they played Ripon, they were able to complete the comeback.

By contrast, Ripon, after shooting 50% in the second quarter, shot 37% in the third and 23% in the fourth. They went to the line 10 times in the second quarter, when they seemingly took control of the game, but only 5 times in the third quarter and twice in the fourth.

The game started off well for Knox; after the game was tied at 4 and 6, shots by Kristin Herndon and Catessa Duran put Knox up 16-10 after one. But by the 5:36 mark of the second quarter, ice cold shooting took its toll and the lead was gone. 

All hell threatened to break loose in the second quarter as Ripon started heating up, getting triples from Breanna Miller, Abi Payne, and Bella Opelt to lead by as much as 29-19 at the 2:12 mark before Knox started coming back. A three point play by Catessa Duran, a steal by Sophie Elstone, and a layup from Kylee Callahan cut it to 29-24, and the deficit was 32-26 at the half.

Herndon hit a shot to cut it to four early in the third, but the game once again threatened to get away from Knox as Bonnie Jensen got the hot hand for Ripon and a triple by Bella Opelt put them up 42-28 at the 6:42 mark of the third. 

But the Prairie Fire started chipping away behind Herndon and Juliana Vinluan and the deficit came down to 46-38 by the 2:48 mark of the third quarter. Finally, Kylee Callahan hit a 3-pointer with 40 seconds left in the third and somehow, Knox was still very much part of the game, down 49-44 after three.

Alison Leslie’s 3-pointer built the Ripon lead back up to 8 at the start of the fourth, and it stayed that way for a time. But then Knox started attacking the paint and got two from Juliana Vinluan and four from Kristin Herndon to cut it to 54-52 by the 6:52 mark. Skyylar Brescia’s layup temporarily stopped the bleeding for Ripon, but then baskets by Herndon and Sophie Elstone knotted it up at 56 at the 4:37 mark.

The score was stuck at 56 for the next three minutes until Catessa Duran finally broke the tie with 1:28 left to put the Prairie Fire up 58-56. Bonnie Jensen knotted it up with 58 seconds left at the line, but Kristin Herndon put back Kylee Callahan’s missed layup attempt with 43 seconds left to break the tie and put Knox up 60-58.

Herndon missed a try for a three point play, but with 31 seconds, the Prairie Fire got the ball back off a turnover and Ripon had to foul. This time, Kylee Callahan made both free throws with 25 seconds left to make it 62-58.

But the game was not over; with 16 seconds left, Kristin Herndon blocked Bella Opelt’s 3-pointer but Ripon got the board and got it to Opelt, who connected with 12 seconds left to make it 62-61. Kylee Callahan made both her free throws to make it 64-61 to make it 4 for 4 from the line in the last minute, and Ripon missed two game-tying triples at the end.

The paint was the key to Knox being able to complete their comeback against Ripon. After the points in the paint were almost even in the first three quarters, Knox outscored Ripon 14-4 in the paint in the fourth.

Anna Gladstone Competes in MIAA Track Championship

The Northwest Missouri State indoor track and field teams got started with day one of the 2023 MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on the campus of Pittsburg State.

The Bearcats had two athletes participating in the women's pentathlon with Worth County track standout Anna Gladstone and Shelby Butterfield getting the MIAA Championships underway.

Shelby Butterfield earned an 11th place finish in the event with 3,398 points and Anna Gladstone earned a 12th place finish with 3,362 points. Butterfield's 3,398 points is a personal record and puts her at No. 9 in school history.

In the 60 meter hurdles, Gladstone finished ninth in 9.08 and Butterfield finished 12th in 9.49.

Butterfield earned third in the high jump with a mark of 5' 4.25" (1.63m), while Gladstone cleared 5' 1.75 (1.57m) to tie for seventh.

Gladstone placed fourth in the shot put with a distance of 35' 10.25" (10.93m). Butterfield placed 14th as she had a distance of 26' 10.5" (8.19m).

Butterfield took sixth in the long jump as she hit a mark of 17' 7" (5.36m), and Gladstone took 12th with a mark of 16' 4.5" (4.99m).

Butterfield ran the 800 meter run in 2:25.93 for an eight place finish, and Gladstone came in with a time of 2:35.94 for a 12th place finish.

(Northwest Missouri State University)

 

Obituary -- Betty Jones 1949-2023

Betty Jo (Squires) Jones, 73, of Bethany, MO passed away on February 14, 2023 at a North Kansas City, MO hospital.

Betty Jo was born in Milford Missouri on August 10, 1949. In November of that same year she came to live with Gordon and Clara Squires of Blythedale Missouri.

She grew up on a farm near Blythedale and a graduated from North Harrison High School in Eagleville Missouri. After graduating in 1967, she began working at the prosecuting attorney’s office the Bethany. While working there, she met the new Highway Patrolman, John Jones. They were married on May 10th, 1968.  She continued working until their first child, Brent, was born in 1970 and left to be a stay-at-home mom.  Their second child, Shane, arrived in 1975 and their family was complete.

During the boys growing up years she opened a florist shop in their home in order to have an outlet for her creative talents while still being home with the boys.  Later, she had the opportunity to return to the prosecuting attorney’s office where she worked until opening another florist shop on the square in Bethany.  She later worked at Eckard’s Home Improvement where she helped many families decorate and improve their homes.  Later she was the head librarian in Bethany before working at the Harrison County Hospital.

BJ was very talented and created many beautiful things.  Her friends benefitted from her creativity as she helped with weddings, showers, home decorating, crafts, gifts, and more. She could do anything and do it well.  

Betty Jo was baptized at a young age and was a life-long member of the Church or Christ. Through her life she helped facilitate several Women’s Day’s and Bible Studies, always striving to further the Lord’s word.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Clara Squires, her ex-husband, John Jones, and 3 brothers, Maurice Squires, Richard Smith, and Wayne Smith.

Those left to mourn her passing are her sons, Brent Jones and Shane (Nicole) Jones; sisters Velda (Garold) Smith and Vada Carlton; her sister-by-heart, Rhonda (Bob) McCoy, and 4 grandsons, Calvin, Kaden, Cooper, and Carter, as well as a host of family and friends.

Inurnment at the Akron Cemetery will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Carter’s Crusaders to benefit research for Neurofibromatosis.  Memorial contributions may be left with at Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. box 46, Bethany, MO 64424 and/or made at https://join.ctf.org/team/482705.

Obituary -- Dorothy Biehle 1937-2023

Dorothy Eileen Lundgren Biehle, 86, of Maryville, MO passed away on February 22, 2023, at her home.

She is one of 5 daughters born to her parents, Henry Lundgren and Helen Sirena Stull Lundgren, on February 16, 1937.

Her hometown was Bayard, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school as an honor student.

She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized.

Dorothy’s minister, Owen Wilmont, was instrumental in her decision to attend Nebraska Christian College, later Norfolk Junior College, in Norfolk, Nebraska.

It was at college that she met Delbert John Biehle, who became her husband on August 21, 1957.  They have been married over 65 years.  She and Delbert have 2 sons who survive her.  Gregory and his son, Tayten, and Kevin, his wife, Elisabeth, and their children, Hannah, Sophia, Isaiah, Victoria, and Lydia. 

Also surviving are 4 sisters, Delores Couch, Darlene Gollihare, Zelda Sanchez, and husband Jess, and Janice Sanchez, and husband Larry. 

While in college she was employed at J.C. Penney’s.  After graduation Dorothy and Delbert moved to Sheridan, Missouri for their first full time ministry. 

Following this ministry of 17 years, they moved to Maryville where they ministered at Countryside Christian Church for 26 plus years.  At Maryville she was employed at Maryville Shoe Store. 

Later she became secretary for Charlie Baird at Maryville Housing Authority.  When Charlie retired Dorothy became the Executive Director of the Housing Authority.

She also served on committees at the State and National level for HUD.  She traveled a number of times to Washington DC as a member of a working committee on the Section 8 program.  She had given presentations about this program at State and National Housing Conventions.

Following their retirement, they accepted a call to serve in ministry at the Isadora Missouri Church of Christ.  This ministry has exceeded 12 years. 

Dorothy’s hobbies include counted cross stitch, crafts, collecting snowman figurines, making flower arrangements, and cleaning the house.  You could even hear her singing as she cleaned.

Her interest in flower arranging and decorating landed her a job at Jamie’s Secret Garden, in St. Joseph. 

Dorothy had a love for music.  She sang with Christ’s Crusaders, a mixed quartet while at Nebraska Christian College.  She and Delbert sang at many Church and funeral services. 

Her specialty ministry included planning for crafts for vacation bible school all their years at Sheridan Christian and Countryside Christian in Maryville.  Often planning for over 100 children on several occasions. 

Her greatest ministry contribution was being a Godly wife and Godly mother, making her goal of raising a Christian family by example.

It goes without saying that our family will miss her input in our daily lives. 

Services will be at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.  The burial will follow in the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 7-8:00 PM

Memorials are suggested to the Isadora Church of Christ, Isadora, MO, c/o Pam Hunt,, 18239 Holly Trail, Grant City, MO 64456.

Obituary -- Joseph McElvain 1960-2023

Joseph Keith McElvain passed away from this life on February 21st, 2023 at the home of Mary Jo Fletchall in Cameron.

Joe was born October 25th, 1960 to Melville and Mary (Vasil) McElvain at Balboa Navy Hospital, San Diego (CA). When Joe was 4 and his dad retired from the Navy, the family moved to Denver (MO). Joe attended Worth County and gradated in 1978.

Joe’s dad was his hero and just like his dad, Joe enlisted in the Navy after High School. Joe served on the USS Coral Sea and was on active service in the Middle East during the Iran Hostage Crisis. He was honorably discharged in 1984 (officially), but only served two, which was plenty, and he was happy to be done.

In 1987, Joe met Mary Jo Fletchall. The couple enjoyed concerts, friends, and going to the casinos with her mom and dad. (BC – Before Children). Joe and Mary Jo are the proud parents of Trenton Allen and Mary Hannah. Joe and Mary Jo have 35 years together on the journey called life-friends literally to the end.

Joe had his laborer card and was vested in the Laborer’s Local 663 Heavy Highway. He also worked for Danny Jennings and Frances Goff doing construction. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his children, fishing, and rock hunting.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Mel and Mary McElvain.

He is survived by his children Trent of Cameron and Hannah of Springfield; friends Mary Jo Fletchall of Cameron and Lisa Hargrave of Grant City; brothers George (Mary) McElvain of Lakewood (CO), Raymond (friend Debbie) of Denver (MO), Frank McElvain of Denver (MO); and John  of Denver (MO); sisters Virginia Wilson of Creston, Jennifer King of Grant City; Angela McElvain of Grant City; and Bonnie (Russell) of Lemke Adel (IA) and many, many nieces and nephews, too many to count.

Joe had many, many friends. He found them in some of the odd places. He will be sadly missed by us all. Donations to help with final expenses can be mailed to Hannah McElvain, c/o Mary Jo Fletchall, 1404 M. Pine Street, Cameron, MO, 64429.

Worth County Library -- "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak is First Book for Book Club

Kandi Hughes, Librarian

The Worth County Library is excitedly inviting everyone to join us for our very first Book Club.  We will be reviewing the book – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  Please send an email to libraryworthcountymo@gmail, call 660-541-4024 or stop by the library to get a copy of the book.  We will meet on Tuesday, 3/21 at 5:00.  Hopefully everyone will have had enough time to have read the story by that date.  

This book was originally published in 2005, and became an international bestseller.  It has been translated into 63 languages and sold over 16 million copies.  The setting is Nazi Germany at the start of WWII.  The main character, Liesel Menger’s life is changed when she picks up an object by her brother’s grave.  It turns out to be her first act of book thievery.

The book starts with a narration by Death stating a small fact that everyone dies.  I read the first 35 pages and put down the book convinced that this was not going to be a book I enjoyed reading. It has a unusual format as the author  throws in a few facts, a few thoughts and sometimes he tells you what will happen to a character before the story is told.  After getting a snack, I decided to continue on to see if the plot got any better.  Before I knew it I was engrossed in the story and finished the book.  Needless to say once I gave the book a chance, I really appreciated it.    

Screenplays that are derived from a book are always missing some of the excitement as the story must be shortened due to time constraints.  However, after reading a book I like to watch the movie to see what they were able to incorporate into the screenplay.  

The movie, The Book Thief, was released in 2013.  Sophie Nelisse had only one prior film experience was only 12 years old when she starred as the main character, Liesel.  She received much acclaim and some awards for her performance.  The movie also starred Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson, award winners themselves.  According to Rotten Tomatoes 73% of the audience enjoyed the movie.  The DVD is available here at the library for checkout.  It includes some deleted scenes which I enjoyed as they showed some additional material from the book that didn’t make it to the final film.

It will be a fun evening to see how everyone perceived the book.  Don’t miss out!

Worth County Absentee Voter Information for April 4th, 2023

Absentee ballots are now available for Worth County voters for the April 4th Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

–Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include: Name, address, mailing address (if different), signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

–Call the office for an absentee application.

–Vote in person in the Worth County Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm along with identification pursuant to the new Voter ID Law: Government ID or Driver’s License or sign the provided statement and show one of the following: Voter registration card, utility bill, paycheck, etc.

–Go to the county website at worthcounty.us and print the absentee form, fill it out, then mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5:00 pm on Monday, April 3rd in the Worth County Clerk’s office.

The County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 8:30 am to 12 noon for absentee voters.

If you have any questions, contact Roberta Owens (660) 564-2219 or submit a written request for an absentee ballot to Worth County Clerk, PO Box 450, Grant City, MO 64456 or fax a request to (660) 564-2432.

Courthouse News for February 22nd, 2023

On February 14th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Anastasia Dawson (29) of Hamilton alleging Statutory Sodomy (Felony), two counts Child Molestation (Felony), Statutory Rape (Felony), Child Abuse (Felony), and two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child (1 Felony). Bond was denied. Northwest Mo Info reports that the defendant allegedly engaged in illicit activity with a minor while she was the victim’s youth group leader. The defendant later allegedly paid the victim to work on her farm and tend to her children, during which the victim began to stay overnight at her residence. The defendant then allegedly helped the victim run away from home.

On February 15th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Rachel Clark (38) of Albany alleging two counts Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), Assault (Felony), and two counts Leaving the Scene (Felony). 

On February 16th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Brandon Rairden (31) of Bethany alleging Burglary (Felony), Harassment (Felony), and Trespass. Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On February 16th, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department reported that someone impersonating a sheriff’s deputy conducted two traffic stops. The first stop occurred on February 16th and the second occurred on February 17th. Both stops were made on Route A near Fairport. In both cases, the “officer” told the drivers he pulled them over for driving too slow. In both cases, the vehicles were driving slowly due to road conditions with ice and snow.

On February 16th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2000 Buick LeSabre driven by Sophia Ferguson (18) of Maryville was westbound on Route 46 and Hawk Road in Nodaway County at around 12:12 pm when she traveled off the north side on ice covered roads and struck a tree and fence line. She received minor injuries.

On February 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Wesley Parker (40) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $15,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Jay Rasmussen (35) of Bethany alleging Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On February 17th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Destine Seeley (27) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On February 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Latosha Lawson (40) of Maryville alleging Property Damage (Felony), Assault, and DWI. Bond was set at $20,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Pelayo Salgado (29) of St. Paul in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway. Charges were filed the next day by Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt.

On February 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Will Fisher (30) of Parnell in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Felony) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On February 20th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department posted the following about a police chase that resulted in the arrest of two alleged car thieves:

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is still searching for a 2010 Dodge Ram dually (Iowa license plate JYM 932) that was stolen last week from a residence east of Bedford. On Friday evening the Gentry County Missouri Sheriff's Office engaged in a pursuit of a 2005 Dodge that was stolen from Kansas City. Robert McNutt and John Lawson were arrested following the pursuit. A license plate belonging to the missing Dodge from Taylor County was found inside that truck.

It is believed that McNutt and Lawson have been in Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri the past week, particularly in Taylor, Ringgold, Worth, and Gentry counties. If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of the Dodge truck or where McNutt and Lawson have been frequenting, please contact the Taylor County Sheriff's Office at 712-523-2153.

On February 21st, federal authorities seized the assets of Medical Cost Sharing Incorporated, based in St. Joseph. The two founders, James McGinnis and Craig Reynolds, allegedly collected nearly $7.5 million in membership fees for the purpose of paying peoples’ medical expenses. However, the defendants allegedly only covered $246,000 towards healthcare bill sharing. Assets seized included the homes of the two founders.

On February 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Rosemary Schieber was westbound on Route 136 two miles east of Maryville at around 7:10 am. The vehicle struck a deer in the roadway. Schieber received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On February 21st, Nathan Hoover (36) was arrested in Nodaway County on a warrant from the State of Illinois.

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

Veterinary Prescriptions Now Required for Antibiotics

Several antibiotics used in cattle and other livestock will require a veterinary prescription in the coming months. This change represents the final phase of the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to bring all medically important antibiotics approved for use in animals under veterinary oversight by June 11, 2023.

“This will end over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics and livestock owners will need a prescription from a veterinarian if they want to continue to have access,” said University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Craig Payne. He said antibiotics won’t necessarily need to be purchased from a veterinarian, but a prescription will be required regardless of where they are purchased.

Many antibiotics went through a similar transition in 2017. Feed antibiotics that had once been available OTC began to require a veterinary feed directive (VFD), and OTC antibiotics delivered in the water required a prescription.

“However, some antibiotics remained available OTC in the form of injectables, intramammary tubes, boluses, etc.,” said Payne.

FDA’s Guidance for Industry #263 (GFI 263) specifically addressed these antibiotics with the expectation that by June 11, 2023, these remaining OTC antibiotics must display the following language on the label: “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.”

Once antibiotics with the revised labeling reach retail locations in the coming months, they will require a prescription, Payne said.

Considering the impact of these changes, producers may have questions. These are the questions Payne encounters most often:

Which antibiotics will be affected? See the table below for examples of antibiotics affected.

After June 11, will I need a prescription to use antibiotics purchased before the label change? FDA intends to allow existing stocks of OTC antibiotics to be depleted and a prescription will not be required for use. However, if the antibiotic is being used extra-label (in a manner that is not in accordance with the approved label directions), a veterinary prescription is required.

I don’t own cattle but I do use some of the antibiotics affected by GFI 263 in other species. Will I still need a prescription? Yes. A prescription will be required regardless of the species you intend to use it in.

I don’t use a veterinarian. How do I ensure I have access to antibiotics once the changes occur? You will need to work with a veterinarian to ensure continued access. For a veterinarian to issue a prescription, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) must be established. In Missouri, this means a veterinarian is acquainted with the keeping and care of your animals either by examination or timely visits to the operation where the animals are kept. You will need to contact a local veterinarian for further details about the requirements for establishing and maintaining a VCPR.

Will these changes lead to additional expenses? It is not known if the changes will affect antibiotic prices. However, there are expenses associated with establishing and maintaining a VCPR. Someone who already has a VCPR established should expect little to no additional expenses associated with these changes.

My local farm store currently sells some of the antibiotics affected by GFI 263. Will they be able to sell these antibiotics once they require a prescription? In Missouri, any business that sells, dispenses or fills orders for animal prescription drugs is required to have a state pharmacy permit and must comply with the rules and statutes associated with holding that permit. Because of this, farm stores in Missouri may choose not to sell antibiotics once they require a prescription. Please contact your local store for more information.

It is important to note that veterinarians dispensing drugs to their own clients are exempt from these regulations and that pharmacy regulations vary from state to state.

Will I be able purchase these antibiotics from online vendors that are not located in Missouri, provided I have a prescription? Online pharmacies that conduct interstate business must follow federal and state requirements when distributing, dispensing or delivering prescription drugs. Many of the popular online vendors currently sell prescription drugs and are already in compliance with these requirements. Contact the vendor with any additional questions you may have.

Ashley Marriott to Resign After 2023-24 School Year

The North Nodaway School Board, at its regular meeting Wednesday, accepted the resignation of Principal Ashley Marriott. She will serve out her contract for the following year and resign at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

In other personnel moves, the board voted to employ Kinser Corbett as the K-12 PE teacher for the 2023-24 school year. The board voted to extend the contract of High School Principal Roger Johnson for the 2024-25 school year. The board voted to approve Ronda Brown as a substitute teacher.

At the February 1st meeting, the board heard a presentation on the state of the bleachers at the high school gym. At their regular meeting last Wednesday, the board voted to approve a Request for Proposals.

The board voted to amend the 2022-23 calendar to forgive the school day of February 9th, which was canceled due to weather. This meant that Monday (President’s Day) remained a no-school day for North Nodaway.

Games Get Tougher, But Kristin Herndon, Knox Clinch Share of Conference

On December 30th, Kristin Herndon and the Knox College Prairie Fire got a rude awakening in an ugly loss to the University of Chicago. Then, they woke up and won their next three games by ridiculous margins. But the competition would get tougher and most games would be a grind as the Prairie Fire began a drive to fight for a conference title.

January 14th – Prairie Fire 67, Beloit 54

The Prairie Fire took a 35-21 halftime lead and were in control for most of the game. But unlike their previous three games, they could not pull away, but Beloit would never get closer than 9 the second half. Kristin Herndon had 8 points and 9 boards along with 4 assists in the win. Eight different players scored and three were in double figures. 

January 17th – Prairie Fire 72, Illinois College 68

The Prairie Fire took a 42-27 halftime lead, but had to cling by their fingernails before coming away with a 72-68 win. Kristin Herndon had 21 points and 7 boards along with 3 steals. Sarina Dacio had 13 and Juliana Vinluan had 10. Catessa Duran had 10 boards. The Prairie Fire led by 9-11 until late in the fourth quarter when a steal and a second chance rebound was converted by Ashlyn Wightman to cut it to 64-57. Anna McKee’s triple cut it to 66-60 at the 1:32 mark. They got the deficit down to two at the five second mark, but then Juliana Vinluan hit two free throws with four seconds left to clinch it for the Prairie Fire.

January 21st – Prairie Fire 68, Lake Forest 59

The Prairie Fire won their sixth straight as they had 10 players score and four reach double figures. Kristin Herndon had 11 points for Knox. Catessa Duran had 14, Sophie Elstone 13, and Kylee Callahan had 11 to round out the double figure scoring. Elstone had 10 boards. Knox had 48 points in the paint to 34 for Lake Forest, while Knox had 19 points off turnovers compared to 12 for Lake Forest. The Prairie Fire led by as much as 18 in the fourth; Lake Forest whittled away, but never got it under 10 points until 10 seconds were left on the clock.

With the win, the Prairie Fire exceeded their win total from last year.

January 25th – Prairie Fire 63, Grinnell 51

Knox outscored Grinnell 36-20 in the paint and 19-8 off turnovers as they won their seventh straight. It was a wild game. First. Grinnell started off well and led 17-14 despite being just 7-10. Then, Knox outscored them 21-3 in the second and took control, leading 53-31 after three quarters. Then, they had to weather a frantic rally by Grinnell as they got red hot from the field, slicing their deficit from 22 to 12 in just a three minute span. It was 59-47 at the 4:43 mark of the game, plenty of time for that level of play, but the Prairie Fire righted the ship and never led their lead shrink any closer than 12. 

Kristin Herndon had just 5, but that was a product of balanced scoring and the Prairie Fire feeding the hot hand. Sophie Elstone had 15 on 7 of 9 shooting, Kylee Callahan had 13 on 6 of 8 shooting, and Catessa Duran had 12 on 6 of 13 shooting. Herndon had 11 boards and 2 blocks. Callahan had 5 assists.

January 28th – Prairie Fire 57, Monmouth 53

In a game that was close all the way, Knox held off Monmouth 57-53. Kylee Callahan had 23 and Kristin Herndon had 14 in the winning effort. Herndon had 8 boards and 3 blocks. Catessa Duran had 6 steals. Knox had 23 points off turnovers compared to 12 for Monmouth.

Monmouth trailed by four to eight points for much of the fourth, but fought back to force a 48-48 tie with 3:31 left as Ashley Jones connected for them. Jones then got a steal, but Sophie Elstone blocked Lily Harlan’s jumper that would have put Monmouth in front. Subsequently, Kylee Callahan’s second chance free throws put Knox back in front 50-48. 

Herndon’s free throw extended it to 51-48 with 1:44 left, but Lily Harlan’s free throws cut it to 51-50 with 1:21 left. Monmouth had a chance to take the lead after getting a stop, but turned it over and Kylee Callahan’s free throws put Knox up 53-50 with 26 seconds left. Herndon’s free throws extended it to 55-50 with 17 seconds left, but Lily Harlan was fouled on a three point attempt with 12 seconds left and hit all three to cut it to 55-53. 

Kristin Herndon only made one of two with 11 seconds left, but Monmouth fouled Loraya Rocha during the second attempt, and she made one of two to make it 57-53 and Monmouth’s three point attempt with 4 seconds left went astray.

January 31st – Prairie Fire 60, Lawrence 35

A rare breather for the Prairie Fire, who trailed 8-7 after one, but broke it open with an 18-7 second quarter and a 29-9 third quarter. They outscored Lawrence 34-6 in the paint and 24-12 off the bench. Eleven different purple shirts scored, and all 15 people who got to play got at least one rebound. Kristin Herndon had 14 points and 13 boards in the win along with 2 blocks.

They set a school record with their ninth straight win.

February 4th – Prairie Fire 68, Cornell 53

The Prairie Fire had one of their most dominating displays on the boards for the year in winning their 10th straight. They outrebounded Cornell 48-24, outscored them 32-12 in points in the paint, and 15-2 in second chance points.

Kristin Herndon had 14 points and 14 boards in the game. Catessa Duran had 24 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks in the win. 

Cornell hung around for most of the game and an early fourth quarter push got them to within 56-48. But the Prairie Fire scored the next 11 points to put the game away.

February 8th – Prairie Fire 45, Monmouth 38

A revenge-minded Monmouth squad chipped away at a 14 point halftime deficit throughout the second half, but came up seven points short. Kristin Herndon had 11 points and 12 boards while Juliana Vinluan had 10 as well. Catessa Duran also had 12 boards. Bench strength and points in the paint helped keep Knox afloat as they outscored Monmouth 21-0 off the bench and 26-10 in the paint. They outrebounded them 45-30.

Monmouth trailed by 11 to start the fourth quarter and finally got a steal with 1:07 down 43-36 with a chance to cut it to four or five. But they missed a layup try and a 3-pointer and Knox was able to hold them off on the free throw line.

The win was their 11th straight and matched a school record for their 18th win in a season.

February 11th – Prairie Fire 71, Beloit 57

The Prairie Fire played everybody this game and built up a 24 point lead after three before a frantic Beloit rally brought them within 14. Kristin Herndon had 7 points. Sixteen different people got minutes, 12 got to score, and 13 had at least one board. They outscored Beloit 35-18 in the paint and 25-14 off turnovers. 

But things got interesting in the fourth and the game got as close as 65-57 with 1:21 to go after Kristin Herndon had fouled out a few minutes earlier. But the Prairie Fire went four for four from the line and added a jumper down the stretch to close the game out.

The game was Senior Day, and seven different seniors, including Herndon, were honored. The program set a school record with its 19th win and its 12th straight overall.

February 14th – Prairie Fire 63, Illinois College 62

In a game that was close all the way, the Prairie Fire pulled off the close win. Kristin Herndon had 8 points and 9 boards. Kylee Callahan, continuing her hot streak down the stretch, had 23. Catessa Duran had 13 and Juliana Vinluan 10. Knox outscored Illinois College 32-16 in the paint.

Neither team led by more than a possession in the fourth until Ashlyn Wightman’s three point play put Illinois College up 56-52 with 5:18 left. But Callahan raced right down the floor and hit a three to make it 56-55 and keep Knox in the game.

Illinois College led by 1 to 3 from then on until the Prairie Fire got a stop with 23 seconds left. Callahan drew a foul with 5.4 seconds left and hit both free throws, and Illinois College missed a subsequent jumper that would have won it.

The game clinched at least a tie for the conference title, Knox’s first since winning a South Division title in 1988-89. It was their 13th straight win and 20th overall.

February 18th – Ripon 64, Prairie Fire 54

Playing for a share of the conference title on their home floor, Ripon took a big lead and outrebounded Knox for one of the few times all year 50-33. They built up a 26-13 halftime lead before a frantic rally by Knox almost saved the game. They outscored Ripon 24-15 to cut it to four after three, but could not complete the comeback. Kristin Herndon had 15 points and 7 boards. Kylee Callahan had 13.

Round One of Father vs. Son Goes to Shamrocks

Round one of what could be an epic rivalry between father versus son went to North Harrison Saturday as the Shamrocks beat East Harrison 42-36.

The Bobcats talked long-time coaching institution Tom Hogan into coming out of retirement to coach the boys team. They started off with an impressive win over Breckenridge to start the season, but haven’t won another game, and only two of their games were within ten points. One of his sons, Braden Hogan, is his assistant at East Harrison after assisting the girls. His other son, Dylan Hogan, is now an assistant at North Harrison. Naturally, the recordbook went out the window as both teams wanted to beat each other. Any kid wants to beat his dad in a game both are good at, and naturally, Tom wanted to show that he hadn’t taught Dylan everything he knows.

There were some hints last year as Dylan said that Tom had never lost his passion for the game and still gave both his sons coaching advice sometimes.

Tom Hogan swears he has mellowed out over the years, but the fiery version came out after a disappointing 65-24 loss to Mercer the night before. A totally different Bobcat team took the floor for Saturday as East Harrison picked up five offensive boards in the first quarter, all by Jordan Corum, as they quickly built a 7-2 lead, four of the points coming from Corum. North Harrison was ice cold from the field, fueling the Bobcats as they were able to turn those misses into fast break points on the other end. 

Kolton Graham stopped the bleeding for the Shamrocks with a pair of free throws to cut it to 7-4 after one, and then Evan Schreiber struck twice to bring them within 9-8 early in the second. Keygun Johnson’s putback finally put them in the lead at 10-9.

Diesel Boswell’s steal put East Harrison back in front 12-10, only for Tyson Gibson to get a steal and convert to swing the momentum back to the Shamrocks. A Keygun Johnson block turned into a fast break and free throws at the other end for Jerry Gilpatrick, and Dustin Hamilton scored a backdoor layup to make it 16-12. But then Garrett Baker got loose in transition and Hagen Booth scored off a steal as the Bobcats fought back to tie at 16.

The game remained close at the start of the third until Hagen Booth hit a guarded three with 5:05 left to put East Harrison in front 25-22. But then Keygun Johnson responded with a scoring burst, hitting an inside shot off a pass from Tyson Gibson, grabbing a putback, driving and scoring for two, and then posting up and scoring after a pass from Kolton Graham. Jerry Gilpatrick added a 3-pointer to make it 33-25.

But Jordan Corum, who was out with foul trouble, came in and his presence on the floor stopped the bleeding for East Harrison, who fought their way back to within 33-30 after a Grayson McFall free throw and a Hagen Booth fast break at the start of the fourth.

Tyson Gibson hit a free throw, Keygun Johnson scored after bobbling an entry pass underneath his legs and recovering, and Jerry Gilpatrick added two free throws to make it 38-32. But after Booth cut it to 38-32 and later cleaned up after a steal to cut it to 38-34, and North Harrison started missing free throws, there was reason to worry that Tom Hogan, one of the best endgame coaches around, might work up some magic at the end. 

But the players still have to make the plays, and North Harrison made just enough free throws at the end to hold off the Bobcats. Corum slashed and drained a shot over the much taller Johnson to make it 40-36 with a minute left, but Jerry Gilpatrick hit one free throw at the 52 second mark and another at the 32 second mark to make it six again, and East Harrison missed a couple of threes at the end.

Keygun Johnson had 17 points, Jerry Gilpatrick 8, Tyson Gibson 6, Ethan Henson and Evan Schreiber 4 each, and Kolton Graham and Dustin Hamilton 2 each. 

Ethan Henson and Keygun Johnson had 3 blocks. Tyson Gibson had 2 and Andrew Craig 1.

Keygun Johnson had 13 boards. Tyson Gibson had 12, Dustin Hamilton 4, Ethan Henson and Andrew Craig 3 each, Kolton Graham 2, and Jerry Gilpatrick and Evan Schreiber 1 each.

Jerry Gilpatrick had 5 assists. Ethan Henson had 3, Dustin Hamilton and Tyson Gibson 2 each, and Kolton Graham 1.

Keygun Johnson had 4 tips. Jerry Gilpatrick had 2, and Dustin Hamilton, Kolton Graham, Evan Schreiber, Andrew Craig, Ethan Henson, and Tyson Gibson all had 1.

Tyson Gibson had 5 steals. Dustin Hamilton and Keygun Johnson had 2, and Jerry Gilpatrick and Evan Schreiber had 1.

The season started with a lot of promise, but the team was decimated with illness and injuries early, as they got off to a 1-11 start. But the Shamrocks have gotten more competitive as the season progressed and have won their 6th game. Tyson Gibson is the only departing senior, and they will have some promising freshmen coming up from a successful junior high squad. Johnson, Gilpatrick, and Henson will return to anchor a North Harrison squad that will have a lot of firepower, while upcoming freshman Wyatt Maize could break in.

The game didn’t make any difference between father and son, as they exchanged a bear hug after the game.

Shamrock Girls Can’t Hold Halftime Lead Against Bobcats

North Harrison’s girls could not hold a 22-14 halftime lead against East Harrison Saturday as the Bobcats came back and beat the Shamrocks 35-30. 

Trendi Johnson had the hot hand in the second quarter, getting nine points off 3-pointers in the period as the Shamrocks grew their lead from three. Jaci Davis hit a 3-pointer to start the third to make it 25-14. But then East Harrison put a triangle and two on Johnson and leading scorer Jayliegh Robins. Robins, who took three charges in the second and third quarters, then picked up her fourth foul and had to sit.

The second half was a microcosm of the way the season has gone for the Shamrocks, who have only won two games. They have typically played one or two strong quarters, even against good teams, only to fade away as the game progressed. The Northeast Nodaway game was a good example. With only six players, it is hard to keep up with teams with normal numbers of players and even harder to do so with foul trouble. Sure enough, by the start of the fourth quarter, the lead was gone.

Like sharks in the water smelling blood, the Bobcats sensed that North Harrison’s players were tired and went to a suffocating man to man defense in the fourth. The Bobcat lead grew to as many as five before Jayliegh Robins returned and converted a steal to make it 33-30 with 2:46 left. But when one is tired, your legs are gone and it is difficult to make tough shots. North Harrison didn’t score another point the rest of the way.

The game also showed how much the Bobcats had improved as a team. Against North Nodaway, the Bobcats threw in the towel in December after the Mustangs hung 31 points on them in the first quarter and lost 49-18; in Saturday’s game, they showed no such quit and fought back. The Bobcats managed their comeback despite their standout, Karlee Crouse, only scoring two points through three quarters before going off in the fourth quarter; the balanced scoring from five other players kept them in the game before Crouse took over in the fourth. Off to a bad start at 2-9, the Bobcats are now at 11 wins and are having their best season since the 2017-18 season, when they won 17 games under Bill Pottorff and won the HDC Tournament. They will be a team to beat next year, as they only have one senior in the roster listed.

The challenge for the Shamrocks next year will be to put a team on the floor for next year. Of their six players left, four graduate. The two current players returning are Jaci Davis and Kira Robertson. A third, Carmon Fordyce, who was injured in the Pattonsburg loss (concussion), will return. Two promising incoming freshmen in Lani Briggs and Jaxcynn Hansel make five. But if the Shamrocks are to put a competitive team on the floor next year, they will have to find a way to generate interest and excitement in the basketball team like they do for softball. The Shamrocks regularly have 20 players out every year for softball.

Jayliegh Robins and Trendi Johnson had 9 for the Shamrocks. Jaci Davis had 8, Halle Morgan 5, and Kira Robertson 1. While the stats didn’t show it, Rhaelynn Estrada got better every single game this year. Her presence on the floor meant that North Harrison didn’t have to force Jayliegh Robins or Halle Morgan to play with four fouls in the third quarter of the Winston game, one of two games the Shamrocks have won. And her presence meant that there were several times North Harrison didn’t have to finish with four players.

Worth County Hires Activities Director, Special Ed Teacher

The Worth County School Board met via Zoom Thursday due to inclement weather and acted on several items.

The board voted to offer Brittany Snyder a Special Ed teacher position and Cree Beverlin an Activities Director position. Superintendent Chris Healy reported that initial projections show a need for an additional elementary teacher in 2023-24. Due to large class sizes, the school plans to have two kindergarten and two first grade classes. The school has a K-12 PE teaching position and another 7-12 position that requires a teaching certificate open. Currently, it is posted as a Social Studies position, but it could be a combination of different certifications, depending on the applicants.

On the employment section of the school website, the school lists a Substitute Teacher (ongoing), Substitute Bus Driver, Cook, or Custodian (ongoing), and a Full Time Bus Route Driver listed.

The board approved the calendar for 2023-24. The first day will be August 22nd and the tentative last day will be May 16th, with 167 student days. 

The District Governance Program was rated Above Average. Strengths listed included the fact that most policies are being reviewed and/or updated. End of year balances increased by $160,000, meaning that the school can pay the bills prior to new local funds arriving without having to borrow money. The school is implementing a new Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for 2022-27. Board of Education members are participating in yearly training requirements. The Board of Education reviewed goals in August 2023. The board has focused on training, based on results from surveys administered in the spring.

Concerns listed include the fact that some district committees don’t meet regularly. The district will continue to look for ways to communicate to the public in forms other than social media.

Goals for the 2022-2027 Comprehensive School Improvement Plan include:

–Equip students for success;

–Develop and retain effective teachers;

–Provide high-quality career-technical education;

–Improve district climate and culture;

–Increase parent and community engagement;

–Develop district leadership capacity.

The district’s Professional Development was rated Above Average. Strengths listed included the mentoring program, the focus on social-emotional learning and mental health, the flexibility of schedules by teachers and administrators, and the ability to observe classes out of the district. Professional development is centered around the Comprehensive School Improvement Program and planned in the spring after teacher input is gathered.

Concerns listed include the fact that teachers miss classroom time because of professional development scheduling. The Professional Development Handbook is in need of revision, since it was last revised in 2016-17.

The school received bids from two sources, MFA Oil and Agriland, for fuel for the next school year. MFA Oil bid unleaded for 1,200 gallons at $2.7469 per gallon for a total cost of $3,296.28. Diesel for March 2023 to October 2023 was 3,000 gallons at $3.2884 per gallon for a total of $9,865.20 and for November 2023 to January 2024 for 3,000 gallons at $3.3123 per gallon for a total of $9,936.90.

Agriland bid unleaded for 1,200 gallons at $3.149 per gallon for a total of $3,778.80. For diesel, their bid was 6,000 gallons for $3.50 per gallon for a total of $21,000. 

The board voted to approve the agreement with MFA Oil through February 2024.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that the Kindness Club invited officers from the Worth County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol and presented them with a basket of goodies to thank them for their service to the community.

A math contest was held on January 26th after school. Miles Saville, Jace Mullock, Kaeslyn Briner, Kaydence Downing, Jarrett Gilland, Hudson Cameron, Heather Deardorff, Brock Healy, Jordan Dannar, and Owyn Wuillay participated.

Ms. Degase held a group connection with the Parents as Teachers program on January 27th.

The Elementary has a lost and found corner by the office. Instead of things laying across the brick wall, the school was given a clothes rack to hang things on.

Paul and Marti Meyers with the Grant City Lions Club came to the school and did vision screenings with the Kindergarteners and first graders.

On February 6th, school staff participated in Active Shooter training.

Heart Hero Month was kicked off at the school on February 13th and will run through March 8th. Students will work on different styles of jump roping and will participate in an obstacle course. They will also work on basketball skills. These activities will take place during PE time. Students that raise $25 or more will get to participate in Cosmic Bowling in the Multipurpose room.

For Valentine’s Day, loved ones sent flowers, candy, stuffed animals, and balloons to elementary students. Some students received cookies made by Worth County FCCLA students from loved ones.

Mrs. Campbell has joined the Missouri School Nurse Supervision and Support Program, which is free. The area rep came and visited the school and had a lot of positive comments about the friendliness of the staff and how well the school’s plans in place were. This program will help the school get three AED’s, emergency bleeding kits, an emergency bag, and other items for the school. The AED’s will go in the press box, the softball field, and the lower elementary.

The school is also in the process of becoming a Project Adam Heart Safe School. The school is forming a CPR/AED response team and establishing a program involving awareness, training, and effective emergency response in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest at school. Last fall, a student at Putnam County collapsed during basketball practice and had to be lifeflighted.

Teachers Brittany Schlapia and Allie Rush will receive LETRS Training for the 2023-23 school year, which will help teachers develop evidence-based foundational knowledge and systematic instruction based on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language that will positively affect long-term systematic change in literacy outcomes. Teachers Jamie Stalder and Harlee Meek received the training this year.

Superintendent Chris Healy, in his written memo to the board, reported that one big project for the summer involves removing the windows in the vo-ag building and covering it with metal on the exterior and insulation and wood on the interior. This will improve heating efficiency. The school will improve the lighting to desired levels. There will be new heating units for the metal and the wood shop, 75% of which will be paid for by a state grant. Other projects will be evaluated later.

Obituary -- Pat Grace 1950-2023

Clifford Patrick "Pat" Grace was born November 29, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, and passed from this world January 31, 2023, at the Washington Soldiers Home, Orting, Washington, a victim of Parkinson's and Agent Orange exposure.  Pat grew up on a farm near Grant City, Missouri, and graduated from Worth County High School R-III in 1968 where he played both offensive and defensive guard on the football team, which won the 1967 conference championship. 

Pat joined the Army in 1970, served as a medic in Vietnam and obtained his LPN in 1975.   He left the Army in 1985 and worked for 29 years at Western State Hospital, Lakewood, Washington, retiring in 2015.

Pat is predeceased by his parents Clifford Paul Grace and Vivian Isabelle Hardy Grace and sister Nancy Grace Ulibarri.   He leaves behind his wife of 51 years Vera Jo (Jo); two daughters Billie (Josh), Molly (Chris), a granddaughter Shelby (Steven), a grandson River, his sister Teddee, many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. (PT), April 29, 2023, in the Aspen Chapel Celebration of Life Center Building, Mountainview Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.  The service will be followed by a reception from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM (PT) in the Willow Room, Celebration of Life Building, on the grounds of Mountain View Memorial Park at the same address.

Donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.  Or at  https://give.michaeljfox.org 

Tiger Teams Split on Senior Night

Worth County’s girls snapped a five game losing streak with a 49-29 win over Maysville Friday, while the boys continued a tailspin that started after the Courtwarming win over Princeton, falling to powerhouse Maysville 68-32.

The girls put together a surprising scoring outburst in the first quarter, putting up 24 points in the period. Both Kynah Steele and Ali Brown went off in the period, slashing to the rim and getting on the line at will. It was the kind of 1-2 punch that Coach Tiffany Bliley had looked for from those two all year. Steele had 8 points in the period while Brown had 7. Four other Tigers chipped in with Rylee Ruckman getting 3, and Liz Brown, Hailey Adwell, and Brylee Rush all getting 2. Ali Brown’s putback at the first quarter buzzer put the Tigers up 24-5. 

Worth County continued to pull away in the second quarter despite Ali Brown’s foul trouble. After Maysville had closed to within 31-15, Kynah Steele scored two free throws after a drive, Rylee Ruckman hit a 3-pointer, and Hailey Adwell hit a shot from the left wing with her foot on the line to make it 38-15 at the half.

With Paige Sherer seeing limited action due to an ankle injury sustained in the JV game, Lanie Cousatte saw extended minutes and got several steals and boards. Kynah Steele was lights out on the boards for the Tigers. A freshman, Rayleigh Smith, showed some potential for the future as she did a textbook drive, straight to the rim, drew contact, and hit one of two from the line. 

Maysville put on a 10-0 run late in the third and early in the fourth to come as close as 16, but then Worth County went to its delay game and was able to run out the clock.

Nine different Tigers entered the scoring column. Kynah Steele had 12, Ali Brown 11, Hailey Adwell 10, Rylee Ruckman 6, Lanie Cousatte and Brylee Rush 3, Liz Brown 2, and Taylor Sanders and Rayleigh Smith 1 each.

The boys game was a different story as the Tigers fell to Maysville 68-32, against a new powerhouse team in the GRC East. The Wolverines, who had been mired below .500 ever since the early 1990’s, suddenly posted their best season in quite some time last year. This year, they figured to drop off with graduation, but they are actually better this year despite only two seniors listed on the roster. 

The Tigers played strong in the first quarter, even leading 7-4 at one point after John Galanakis got loose in transition. The Tigers trailed 16-12 at the end of one and Levi Cassavaugh’s 3-pointer cut it to 16-15. But then all hell broke loose as Maysville took over the game and scored the last 22 points to get a 38-15 halftime lead and Worth County could never get any closer than 18 in the second half.

Worth County could not keep Dillon Willis off the boards, giving up 15 offensive boards, at least 10 of them to Willis. He had 31 points, 12 of them directly from offensive boards. Only a sophomore, he will be a force to be reckoned with in future years. “He’s a big boy,” said former long-time Stanberry assistant and now Maysville coach Chris McMillen. “We needed him to be a bull in a china shop tonight, and he responded.” Everybody else on the Maysville squad is also a threat to score, which means enemy teams can’t just key on Willis.

Honored at Senior Night were Paige Sherer, Lanie Cousatte, Taylor Sanders, Ali Brown, Hailey Adwell, and Liz Brown from the girls squad, Levi Cassavaugh, Tanner Ridge, and John Galanakis from the boys squad, and A.J. Drury, Kaydee Sherer, and Tucker Owens from the pep band. 

Courthouse News for February 15th, 2023

On February 2nd, Corry Johnston (35) of Des Moines was arrested in Adair County on a Ringgold County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Burglar Tools, Driving While Barred). Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On February 7th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Richardo Tarango (42) of Coffey alleging Possession of Controlled Substance, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Valid License. Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On February 7th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Justin Faris (39) of Mount Ayr on charges of Driving While Suspended and Improper Rear Lamp. Bond was set at $300, cash only.

On February 7th, a Grant City resident reported that they got a scam call from someone purporting to be from Dish. They stated they were getting ready to change the orbit of their satellite and that if he didn’t give out his receiver ID, he might lose some of his favorite stations.

On February 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Joseph Hyde (41) of Kellerton on charges of Driving While Suspended and No Insurance. Bond was set at $300, cash only.

On February 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Devin Lacy (37) of Winston alleging Property Damage.

On February 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Mauricio Garcia (23) of Bethany alleging DWI.

Sometime between February 8th and February 11th, someone vandalized one of the Missouri DOT signs one mile east of Hopkins near the junction of Highway 246 and Route AC.

On February 9th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against Karagen Max (22) of Maryville alleging Stealing. Bond was denied.

On February 9th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that at 5:20 am on snow and slush covered roadways, a 2010 GMC Sierra driven by Randy Busse (33) of Conception Junction was eastbound on Route 136 three miles east of Conception when he slid off the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned. Busse received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville. Schools were called off, as were the games between Worth County and North Nodaway. The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department deployed extra deputies to help deal with weather related accidents.

On February 9th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department received 14 new ballistic shields, which will be used in the event of an active shooter or high risk search warrants or traffic stops. The cost was $1,700 each, and the money was paid for through a grant from the Gladys Rickard Charitable Trust. One was assigned to each deputy, and they will be carried in the deputy’s patrol vehicle.

On February 9th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department received 16 AED’s, which can be used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They were paid for by a grant funded by the Health Resource and Service Administration. The sheriff’s department partnered with Northwest Health Services and the Rural Community Opioid Response. One will be carried by each deputy.

On February 11th, Sheridan fire units were called out to a grass fire west of town.

On February 12th, Northwest Mo Info reported that a Bethany woman, Allison Derwinis, was reported missing on Wednesday. On Thursday, at 2 am, a 911 call was received from her phone near Gilman City, but there was no communication on the line. Her vehicle was located near where the 911 call originated. A search of the area did not locate her. Subsequently, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that her body was bound near 240th Avenue and 146 near Gilman City on February 13th using canines. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department says the investigation is ongoing and that they are being assisted by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Detective Squad, the FBI, the DEA, and the Bethany Police Department.

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Dillon DeLong (28) of West Des Moines (IA) in Harrison County on a charge of DWI.

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested W.L. Robertson (81) of Gilman City in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving.

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jeremy Miles (44) of Blythedale on two counts Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, No Valid License, and Displaying More than 4 Headlamps on Vehicle.

On February 13th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Crystal Huddleston (26) of Ridgeway alleging Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

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

District Seedings Released

District seedings have been released for Districts 14 and 16. 

For the boys, Jefferson will host Class 1, District 16. Worth County is seeded 5th and will play Mound City February 20th at 4:30 pm. North Nodaway is seeded 7th and will play Rock Port February 20th at 5:45 pm. Northeast Nodaway is seeded 6th and will play South Holt at 7:00 pm.

For the girls, Northeast Nodaway will host Class 1, District 16. Northeast Nodaway is seeded 2nd and will play Rock Port February 21st at 5:45 pm. North Nodaway is seeded 5th and will play South Holt February 21st at 4:30 pm. Worth County is seeded 6th and will face Mount City at 7 pm on February 21st.

Platte Valley is the top seed in both brackets.

Mercer will host all the games of District 14 this year. North Harrison’s girls are seeded 7th and will play Grundy County February 21st at 6:00 pm. North Harrison’s boys are seeded 4th and will play Tri-County February 20th at 4:30 pm.

Hadley DeFreece Drops 24 on Wildcards

Hadley DeFreece dropped a career high 24 points on Stewartsville/Osborn Friday as the Northeast Nodaway girls continued winning, dropping the winless Wildcards 50-14.

“They scare me,” said coach Sheldon Saxton before the game. “They are one of those teams who could go off at anytime.” The Wildcards did not look like a typical winless squad, with sparkplugs Josie Brush and Addie Jackson being their main weapons. They have played several teams close, but have not gotten over the hump.

The focus of the game for the Wildcards was to shut down Baylie Busby and Dalanie Auffert and make someone else try to beat them. They held down Auffert to 8 points, and Busby had to earn every single one of her 15 points. 

Northeast pulled away slowly for the first quarter, getting out to an 11-2 lead after one as Dalanie Auffert had 5 and Busby 4. But then Hadley DeFreece stepped up to start the second quarter, hitting back to back jacks to put the Bluejays comfortably in control. Baylie Busby scored off a drive and Dalanie Auffert got a putback to make it 20-2 at the 5:24 mark of the second quarter.

The Wildcards tried to hang around for the remainder of the quarter, but a steal from Busby and a free throw put Northeast up 28-8 at the half.

Hadley DeFreece once again sparked the Bluejays at the start of the third, getting a steal and converting it to start the period; then, adding a 3-pointer to make it 33-8. Brush scored a couple of free throws and a coast to coast look to keep the deficit down to 35-12, but then Busby hit an outside shot and Dalanie Auffert hit a free throw to make it 38-12 after three. Mylee Wilmes hit a 3-pointer and then Hadley DeFreece erupted again, hitting a 3-pointer and then jumping a pass and converting it to trigger the running clock.

Revenge Tour Continues; Bluejays Drop Wildcards

Northeast Nodaway’s boys continued their revenge tour, beating Stewartsville/Osborn 57-43 Friday at their Homecoming game. With the win, they won four out of their last five. Out of those four wins, three of them were against teams that had beaten them before. 

In the first game against Stewartsville/Osborn, Braxton Gibson ate the Bluejays alive, picking them apart at will. This time, Drew Dack faceguarded him all over the floor; while he still got his points, Northeast was able to hang around for the game until they finally pulled ahead and won in the fourth quarter.

The game started off well for Northeast as Drew Dack got a steal and Dylan McIntyre got a three point play to make it 5-0. The lead held up for the remainder of the first quarter; Drew Dack beat the Wildcard press with a pass to Dylan McIntyre who finished and got a three point play to make it 16-10 with 1:54 left.

But the Wildcards hung around as Quintin Reid hit a 3-pointer and Gibson got a steal to cut it to 16-15 after one. They moved into the lead to start the second when Eli Martens got a steal and Gibson followed it up with a coast to coast look to make it 19-16. Drew Dack fought back with a drive to tie it at 21, but it looked like the Wildcards would take control of the game when Reid got loose in transition, Eli Martens got a putback, and Gibson went coast to coast to make it 27-21 before Trent Hartley cut the Bluejay deficit to 27-24 with a 3-pointer.

At that point, the game looked like so many of Northeast’s other games this year, in which they would hang tough for a quarter or a half, only to implode in the second half. Sure enough, the Wildcards’ big guns, Tristan Auxier and Braxton Gibson, started going to the rim at will in the third quarter and the Wildcard lead grew to 39-32 by the two minute mark of the third quarter.

But then Dylan McIntyre got consecutive putbacks to cut the deficit to 39-36 after three and then added an inside shot to start the fourth to make it 39-38. Martens put Stewartsville/Osborn back up 41-38, but then Boston Adwell hit his only shot of the game to tie it at 41 and Jack Boswell went coast to coast after a block from Dylan McIntyre to make it 43-41. Dylan added yet another putback to make it 45-41.

Braxton Gibson went coast to coast to cut it to 54-43, but then Drew Dack knocked down a shot from the high post and Dylan fed the ball to a wide open Jake Redden to make it 49-43. The Wildcards were forced to start fouling, and Northeast went six for six from the line to close it out.

McIntyre Scores 21, Jack Boswell Takes Key Charge; Bluejays Win

Northeast Nodaway’s boys avenged an earlier loss to North Harrison on Tuesday, February 7th as they came away with a 46-43 victory and crashed their senior night. The big difference in the game was the rebounding; in the first meeting between the two teams, Keygun Johnson had 17 boards for North Harrison. But in the second meeting, the Bluejays held him down to 7.

The Shamrocks picked up right where they left off as Keygun Johnson got a putback to break a 2-2 tie and added a drive to the rim and Tyson Gibson added a drive to make it 8-2 with 3:37 left in the first.

North Harrison maintained a six point cushion for the rest of the quarter, but then Jake Redden scored an inside shot and Dylan McIntyre scored five straight to erase the Shamrock lead and put Northeast up 15-14. Tyson Gibson took a charge on defense and later had a chasedown stuff, but Jack Boswell hit two free throws and Drew Dack had a pullup to make it 19-14. 

Free throws from Tyson Gibson, a three point play from Keygun Johnson, and an inside shot from Gibson put North Harrison back in front 22-19 before Drew Dack’s putback cut it to 22-21 at the break.

The Shamrocks looked like they were taking control after Jerry Gilpatrick broke a 24-24 tie with a 3-pointer and Keygun Johnson added a steal to make it 29-24. But then Jack Boswell took a charge on defense to swing the momentum around for the Bluejays and Dylan McIntyre scored five straight to tie it up again. Keygun Johnson’s three point play put North Harrison up 32-29, but Jake Redden got a steal and fed Drew Dack, Dylan McIntyre drew Tyson Gibson’s fourth foul and made one of two to tie it at 32, and Drew Dack scored after getting a tip and Jack Boswell getting the steal to make it 34-32 after the break.

Keygun Johnson picked up his fourth foul and Dylan McIntyre hit both free throws to make it 36-32 with 7:31 left. With both Johnson and Gibson in foul trouble, North Harrison couldn’t be as aggressive as they wanted to on defense and Northeast was able to take big chunks of time off the clock. Finally, North Harrison got the ball back and a free throw from Keygun, an offensive board from Ethan Henson, and a subsequent free throw cut it to 36-34 with 3:24 left.

But after the teams exchanged misses, Dylan McIntyre hit two free throws with 2:28 left and North Harrison was forced to start fouling. The Bluejays made seven of eight down the stretch from the line and built up the lead to 43-37 before Jerry Gilpatrick hit a 3-pointer from 35 feet out at the buzzer to cut it to three.

Aydan Blackford’s Free Throws Lift Mustang Boys Past Union Star 46-43

Aydan Blackford’s free throws broke a late tie and Mason Richardson and Owen Martin got key steals for the Mustang boys as they beat Union Star 46-43 Tuesday, February 7th.

The game started off well for North Nodaway as Jeremiah Dobbins hit two 3-pointers and Owen Martin scored off a drive to make it 8-0. But when Damian Dailey picked up his second foul at the 4:51 mark of the first quarter, Union Star put their newfound athleticism to use, getting scoring from four different players as they chipped away and cut the Mustang lead to 11-9. 

Dailey returned to start the second and Richardson hit a free throw and Dailey hit a 3-pointer to rebuild the Mustang lead back to 15-9 in the second. Dailey picked up his third foul and Bryton Potter’s drive cut it to 15-11, but Blaine Clements came off the bench in relief of Dailey and gave the Mustangs some quality minutes during the next stretch as they built their lead into double digits. Aydan Blackford hit a shot from the left side, Owen Martin hit a free throw, Blaine Clements scored a backdoor layup, and Blackford added a putback as the Mustang lead grew to 22-11 by the half.

Aydan Blackford hit a reverse layup and Damien Dailey returned to hit an inside shot, but then Union Star started crashing the offensive boards at will in the period as they hung around and stopped the bleeding. They used balanced scoring on offense to chip away, getting the deficit down to 30-21 before Owen Martin hit a free throws and Blaine Clements hit a putback at the third quarter buzzer to make it 33-21 after three.

But all of a sudden, Union Star started the fourth on a big run as Zeke Fisher and Hunter Dierenfeldt had the hot hand for them and Devin Karr added a steal. By the five minute mark of the fourth, the Mustang lead was gone as Dierenfeldt’s coast to coast basket put Union Star up 35-33.

Blackford scored a three point play and Owen Martin added a steal with 4:17 left as the Mustangs restored order for the time being. Then, North Nodaway got a steal and Aydan Blackford aired one out to Damian Dailey to make it 40-35 with three minutes left.

Bryton Potter missed a runner, but Union Star got the offensive board and Fisher connected for three with 2:40 left to cut it to 40-38. Mason Richardson missed two tries to make it two possessions. Potter missed on the other end, but Devin Karr collected the offensive board and drove, drawing a foul and hitting one of two to cut it to 40-39 with 2:04 left.

North Nodaway ran the clock down to 1:43 on its next possession, but Owen Martin missed a 1-1 and Dierenfeldt hit a runner with 1:38 left to put Union Star back up 41-40. But Brice Trimble, who had not scored all night, suddenly connected with 1:17 left after being set up with an Aydan Blackford drive to make it 43-41. 

Carter Jackson made one out of two with 1:04 left to cut it to 43-42. Brice Trimble missed a 3-pointer, Devin Karr drew a foul, and he made one of two with 49 seconds left to tie it at 43.

On the ensuing possession, North Nodaway ran it down to 25 seconds before Mason Richardson missed a 3-pointer. But Damian Dailey kept the possession alive with an offensive board. With 15 seconds, Aydan Blackford got a pass from Owen Martin and drove, drawing a foul and hitting one of two to make it 44-43.

Blackford missed the second free throw and Damian Dailey nearly saved it, but Hunter Dierenfeldt came up with it and rushed down the floor and went in for a runner. But North Nodaway made the first of two key defensive plays when Mason Richardson stole the ball and got it to Blackford, who was fouled with 5.7 seconds left and hit both free throws to make it 46-43.

North Nodaway went full court man to man to force Union Star to take time to bring it up. They tried to set up a game tying three, but Owen Martin stole the ball as time expired to preserve the Mustang victory.

Aydan Blackford had 13 points to lead the Mustangs. Mason Richardson and Damian Dailey had 7 each, Jeremiah Dobbins and Owen Martin had 6 each, Blaine Clements 4, and Brice Trimble 3.

Blaine Clements, Mason Richardson, and Aydan Blackford had 1 block each.

Aydan Blackford had 7 boards. Owen Martin had 5, Blaine Clements and Mason Richardson 4 each, Damian Dailey 3, and Jeremiah Dobbins and Brice Trimble 1 each.

Aydan Blackford had 6 assists. Mason Richardson had 4, Owen Martin 2, and Jeremiah Dobbins and Brice Trimble 1 each.

Owen Martin had 3 tips. Damian Dailey had 2, and Aydan Blackford, Blaine Clements, and Mason Richardson had 1 each.

Mason Richardson had 4 steals. Blaine Clements and Owen Martin had 3 each, and Aydan Blackford and Brice Trimble had 1 each.

Dalanie Auffert’s Shot Lifts Bluejays Past South Holt 41-40

Northeast Nodaway’s girls somehow overcame 32 turnovers as Dalanie Auffert bailed them out in the closing seconds against South Holt Monday night. It wasn’t the only game winner for Auffert in that building; several years ago, in an elementary tournament, Auffert hit two game winning free throws.

South Holt came into the game with a 9-13 record, but with NEN grad Michelle Schulte as the assistant and South Holt celebrating its Senior Night, you could throw out the recordbook. 

The Bluejays had some early success against the South Holt press as Dalanie Auffert twice got loose in transition, Mylee Wilmes got a 3-pointer after an Auffert offensive board, and Hadley DeFreece got behind the defense in transition to make it 9-2.

But then the Knights started swarming, pressing, and trapping; whenever the ball went into Auffert in the post, they would run 2-3 players at her and grab and tear at the ball. The turnovers started to mount for Northeast and by the early part of the second quarter, the lead was gone. 

With the game tied at 11, Baylie Busby restarted the Bluejays with a steal and two free throws. Busby then found Mylee Wilmes, who hit a tough shot with a hand in her face, and Busby added a 3-pointer to make it 18-11.

South Holt countered with a pullup three, but Busby twice slashed to the rim to make it 22-14.

But then the turnovers started to mount again and the Knights started coming back again, getting as close as 24-21 on Zoey Prussman’s 3-pointer before Baylie Busby hit Dalanie Auffert inside to make it 26-21 at the half.

Auffert’s putback after a long defensive standoff lasting over three minutes put the Bluejays in front 28-21 with 4:41 left, but the Bluejays had turned it over 17 times by the half and nine more in the third quarter. It was only a matter of time before the extra possessions for South Holt started to tell, and they started heating up from the field, grabbing the lead for the first time at 33-28 after three.

Jill Boswell hit two free throws to start the fourth quarter, but then South Holt started freezing the ball and taking time off the clock. When Northeast came out to guard them, Zoey Prussman drove and hit two free throws and Abby Sipes added another to make it 36-30 with 4:09 left.

Boswell inbounded to Busby with 3:52 left and she made two free throws to make it 36-32. Both teams exchanged misses at the free throw line, and then South Holt threw away a pass. One of their players tried to save it from going out, but Baylie Busby came away with it after a scramble and was fouled, making both free throws to cut it to 36-34 with 2:54 left.

Sipes missed a 1-1 with 2:49 left, but Northeast lost the rebound out of bounds and had to foul again, putting Zoey Prussman on the line. She made both free throws to make it 38-34 with 2:39 left.

Northeast tried to force it into the post, but the gold shirts were all over it, grabbing and tearing at the ball and forcing a tieup that went back to South Holt. Busby blocked a shot on the other end, but turned it over trying to rush it up the floor. But South Holt turned it right back over with 2:10 left with a traveling call.

Baylie Busby split two defenders and drew a foul, making both free throws with 2:03 left to make it 38-36. Zoey Prussman tried to drive down the right baseline, but stepped out of bounds and Northeast had a chance to tie or take the lead with 1:44 left.

Busby got in trouble in the right corner and threw a wild pass in Dalanie Auffert’s general vicinity. Somehow, she came up with it and was fouled, making one of two with 1:34 left to make it 38-37. Busby then stole the ball to flip the script and put Northeast up 39-38 with 1:20 left.

Both sides exchanged traveling calls, and then Dalanie Auffert stuffed Prussman inside and Baylie went coast to coast the other way. But her runner missed and after a scramble, the ball went out off of Northeast with 30.7 seconds left.

South Holt double dribbled with 23.8 seconds left, but Hadley DeFreece missed two free throws with 21.4 seconds left. Hadley tried to take a charge on Prussman rushing it down the left side, but didn’t get the benefit of a charge/block call and Prussman made both free throws with 18.4 seconds left to put South Holt up 40-39.

Baylie Busby took on the whole South Holt army but missed a runner. But somehow, Jill Boswell was able to deflect it to Busby and save it from going out of bounds. This time, Busby found Dalanie Auffert all alone with 4.7 seconds, and she connected to put Northeast up 41-40.

There was no secret about what South Holt wanted to do, as they gave it to Zoey Prussman and she slashed past two Bluejay defenders into the lane. But her off-balance runner rimmed out and Northeast had come away with the victory.

Baylie Busby had 19 points to lead the Bluejays. Dalanie Auffert had 13, Mylee Wilmes 5, and Hadley DeFreece and Jill Boswell 2 each.

Dalanie Auffert had 2 blocks and Baylie Busby 1.

Dalanie Auffert had 11 boards. Baylie Busby had 10, Jill Boswell 7, and Mylee Wilmes and Sasha Deardorff 1 each.

Jill Boswell had 4 assists. Dalanie Auffert and Baylie Busby had 3 each, and Hadley DeFreece 2.

Baylie Busby had 6 tips. Hadley DeFreece had 3, and Dalanie Auffert, Jill Boswell, and Mylee Wilmes had 1.

Baylie Busby had 6 steals. Dalanie Auffert had 3, and Jill Boswell and Mylee Wilmes 1 each.

Busby Goes Bezerk in Third; NEN Pulls Away from Shamrocks

Baylie Busby went bezerk in the third quarter and helped Northeast Nodaway put North Harrison away as they got a 46-9 win Tuesday, February 7th.

North Harrison played tough in the first half. Their whole game plan was built around stopping Dalanie Auffert, who had 11 points and 14 boards in last year’s 27-23 win by the Bluejays in Ravenwood. Everytime the Bluejays got the ball into Auffert in the paint, Jayliegh Robins and Halle Morgan would hammer her. Jayliegh had 5 blocks and Halle 1 for the night.

For Northeast, Baylie Busby scored off a Hadley DeFreece steal with 5:25 left in the first, but that would be the only score for either side in the period for quite some time. Busby picked up two fouls back to back before scoring off a drive to make it 4-0 with 2:12 left. But then Busby picked up her third foul and sat on the bench the rest of the half.

Dalanie Auffert finally got untracked late in the first quarter as Sasha Deardorff got her the ball. But then Northeast continued their wave of futility; they would get the ball into Auffert at will, only for Jayliegh Robins or Halle Morgan to block or alter her shot and make her miss. Finally, Jill Boswell got Dalanie the ball with 4:35 left to make it 8-0, Boswell added some free throws, and Hadley DeFreece hit a 3-pointer to make it 14-0 at the 1:13 mark.

But when Jayliegh Robins hit a guarded three with 36 seconds left in the half and the Shamrocks got a stop on the other end, they had every reason to feel they were still in the game.

But then Baylie Busby came back for the third quarter and immediately cut inside and got a pass from Hadley DeFreece to make it 16-3. Jill Boswell followed with a steal, took on Robins, and got the benefit of a charge/block call, converting it into a three point play. Baylie then went coast to coast to make it 21-3.

Trendi Johnson’s free throws cut it to 21-5, but Hadley DeFreece restarted the Bluejays with a steal and then Baylie took over from there. She hit a free throw and then knocked down a shot from the high post after getting a pass from Jill Boswell. Hadley DeFreece added a 3-pointer as Dalanie kicked the ball out to her. Baylie Busby got the ball in the post and hit a tough shot over Robins, then went coast to coast off a defensive board, jumped a pass and converted that, then converted Jill Boswell’s steal. Sasha Deardorff got on the board and all of a sudden, the Bluejays were in unfamiliar territory, on the winning end of a running clock game up 39-5.

Trendi Johnson hit two free throws and Jayliegh Robins added a steal to cut it to 39-9, but then Baylie took over again for the Bluejays as she knocked down a 3-pointer, went to the rim and scored, and then stepped through two defenders, drew a foul, and hit two free throws to make it 46-9.

Baylie Busby had 26 points, a career high. Hadley DeFreece had 8, Jill Boswell 6, Dalanie Auffert 4, and Sasha Deardorff 2.

Dalanie Auffert had 3 blocks and Baylie Busby 1.

Jill Boswell had 9 boards. Dalanie Auffert had 8, Baylie Busby 4, Sasha Deardorff 3, Mylee Wilmes and Hadley DeFreece 2, and Makenzie Pride 1.

Dalanie Auffert had 6 assists. Jill Boswell had 4, Hadley DeFreece 2, and Sasha Deardorff and Baylie Busby 1 each.

Hadley DeFreece had 8 tips. Baylie Busby had 5, Jill Boswell and Mylee Wilmes 3 each, Dalanie Auffert 3, and Sasha Deardorff and Makenzie Pride 1 each.

Jill Boswell had 7 steals. Hadley DeFreece and Baylie Busby 4 each, Mylee Wilmes and Sasha Deardorff 2 each, and Dalanie Auffert 1.

For North Harrison, Jayliegh Robins had 5 and Trendi Johnson 4.

Jayliegh Robins had 5 blocks and Halle Morgan 1.

Jayliegh Robins had 7 boards. Halle Morgan had 5, and Trendi Johnson and Kira Robertson 2 each.

Halle Morgan and Jayliegh Robins each had 1 assist.

Jayliegh Robins had 3 tips. Trendi Johnson had 2 and Halle Morgan 1. Jayliegh Robins and Halle Morgan had 2 steals. Rhaelynn Estrada had 1.

Ten Tigers Qualify for State in FBLA

The Worth County FBLA Chapter participated in the District Leadership Conference at Northwest Missouri State University on Wednesday, February 8th.  Worth County was well represented with ten students qualifying for state in nine events.  Taking first place in E-Business were seniors Ali Brown, Taylor Sanders, and Drew Welch.  The prompt for this year was to create a website for a local rental property.  Our team worked with Dan and Bobbi Jo Gladstone of Worth, MO to create a website for their renovated grain bins.  Combining their website design skills with interior drone footage and the uniqueness of the bins themselves gave the team a leg up and they won districts for a third year in a row.  Drew Welch also took first place in the event of Database Design Applications where he had an hour to produce and populate a database requiring reports, queries, and relationships.   

Another first-place finish for Worth County FBLA was the Digital Video Production team of senior Tucker Owens and juniors Ethan Frese and Lincoln Wake.  The team worked all fall on capturing football videos in all weather conditions and grabbed some unique field footage using a drone.  After submitting their video, they then presented to a panel of judges on their design and development process.  Lincoln Wake also won his individual event of Word Processing where he had an hour to produce business formatted documents ranging from letters, agendas, and tables.  Tucker Owens also qualified 3rd in an objective test of UX Design. Ethan Frese qualified 5th in his objective test of Computer Problem Solving.  

The chapter had two second place finishes that also qualified for state.  Senior, Hailey Adwell, placed second in Website Design where she showcased her business, Hailey Adwell Designs, and presented her website to a panel of judges. Hailey’s website included several years of her design work and the judges were impressed that she used her actual business as her website project.  Also placing second at districts in their first year of FBLA were freshmen Brayden Combs, Lucas Frisch, and Andrew Griffin.  They took on the event of Public Service Announcement in which they had to produce a 30 second video over a teen social issue and then present to judges on their planning, design, and development process behind the video.  The boys chose the topic of teen screen addiction and made a cartoon PSA where a 911 call from a concerned parent turned out to be an addicted screen zombie. 

Teams are currently fine tuning their projects for state submission and will travel to Springfield, MO April 16th-18th.  FBLA will help out at the PTO carnival in early March.  Then, on March 9th FBLA will take their field trip to Urban Air in Des Moines and will also volunteer two hours at Meals from the Heartland.  FBLA officers are currently deciding on ideas for fundraising to generate funds for state and potentially nationals.  In other business department news, the Website Design class is almost ready to start taking on clients who need website built for them.  If you would like a website, please reach out to April Healy at ahealy@wc.k12.mo.us