Junior High Tiger Boys Win Early Bird; Shamrocks Fourth; Tiger Girls Fourth

Worth County’s boys won the Junior High Early Bird Tuesday, March 28th while the girls were fourth. North Harrison’s boys finished an impressive fourth.

For the girls, Stanberry ran away with the meet with 104 points. South Harrison had 76, Gilman City 57, Worth County 39, Albany 39, Nodaway Valley 38.5, Princeton 31, NEN 14, Mercer 13, King City 12, Platte Valley 8, North Harrison 6.5, Tri-County 6, North Nodaway 6, and Union Star 2.

For the boys, Worth County had 88, Princeton 77.33, Nodaway Valley 72, North Harrison 42, South Harrison 36.33, Stanberry 27.33, Platte Valley 27, Tri-County 23, King City 15, NEN 11, North Andrew 9, Union Star 8, Albany 6, North Nodaway 6, and Gilman City 4.

For the girls, Sumer Riley was sixth in the 100 with a personal best of 15.37. Riley was also sixth in the 200. She qualified with a personal best of 31.67, and then got sixth in the finals with a time of 33.33. Kristen Tracy was fourth in the 800 with a time of 3:07.48. 

Kristen Tracy finished fifth in the 100 Hurdles and got a personal best of 21.28. 

The 4x100 team of Keira Hardy, Megan Tracy, Addie Gray, and Audrey Runde got a personal best and took third with a time of 58.57. The 4x200 team of Keira Hardy, Megan Tracy, Addie Gray, and Sumer Riley was fourth with a time of 2:07.64. The 4x400 team of Addie Gray, Alivia Moyer, Audrey Runde, and Keira Hardy was fourth with a time of 5:15.53.

Sara Fletchall won the Pole Vault with a height of 7’6¼”. Addie Gray got a personal best in the Long Jump with a jump of 11’10½”. Alivia Moyer was third in the Triple Jump with a personal best of 25’11¾”. Audrey Runde was sixth with a jump of 25’1¼”. 

For the boys, Bo Collins was second in the 100 with a time of 12.68. Collins ran away with the 200 with a time of 25.71. Cole Ruby knocked over four seconds off his time in the 400 and got a third place finish of 1:01.91. Hayden Sanders didn’t place in the 400, but he knocked over five seconds off his time and got a time of 1:08.11. 

Cole Ruby was second in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 18.41. Dylan Smith was sixth with a time of 19.92.

The 4x100 team of Ethan Lininger, Cole Ruby, Dylan Smith, and Caleb New beat their previous best time by over 1 second and finished second with a time of 54.19.  The 4x200 team of Caleb New, Hayden Sanders, Dylan Smith, and Ethan Lininger was sixth with a time of 2:03.87. The 4x400 team of Ethan Lininger, Hayden Sanders, Caleb New, and Maverick Cox was fifth with a time of 4:56.56.

The Tigers were 1-2 in the Pole Vault. Hayden Sanders won with a height of 6’11¾”. Bentley Frisch was second with a height of 6 feet.

Dylan Smith got a personal best in the Triple Jump and finished fifth with a jump of 31 feet. 

Bo Collins won the Shot Put with a throw of 45’3¼”. He got a personal best with that throw. Ethan Lininger came close to a personal best and got third with a throw of 34’8¼”. Collins was second in the Discus with a throw of 113’5”.

NEN

Fir the girls, Rylee Scadden, only a 6th grader, was fourth in the 100 with a time of 15.23. Blair Nelson matched a personal best with a time of 16 seconds. Brianna Meyer shaved over two seconds off her time in the 400 and got a time of 1:16.02. Bristol Hicks was sixth in the 800 with a time of 3:16.02. 

Blair Nelson matched a personal best in the Long Jump and finished second with a jump of 13’2¾”. Severia Hall got a personal best in the Triple Jump with a jump of 19’1¼”. Brianna Meyer was sixth in the Shot Put with a throw of 27’¾”. 

For the boys, Jude Archer was fifth in the 100 with a time of 13.90. Reece Gray was fifth in the 200 with a personal best of 28.02. Archer was sixth in the 400 with a time of 1:04.27. 

The 4x100 team of Jude Archer, Liam Cordell, Lance Runde, and Wyatt Scadden was fifth with a time of 55.21. The 4x400 team of Xander Bodle, Lance Runde, Wyatt Scadden, and Jude Archer was fourth with a time of 4:44.20.

North Nodaway 

Taccoa Moyer got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 18.07. Lily Blaine shaved over 11 seconds off her time in the 400 and got a personal best of 1:17.98. Moyer also shaved a lot of time off in the 400, getting a personal best of 1:28.17 and knocking almost six seconds off her time.

In the 100 Hurdles, North Nodaway saw two girls get personal bests. Eliza Clements got a time of 22.23, almost 2.7 seconds better than her previous best time. Trynzlee Ebrecht shaved 2.85 seconds off her previous best time and got a time of 22.55.

The 4x100 team of Lily Blaine, Trynzlee Ebrecht, Laney Turner, and Eliza Clements shaved almost 3 seconds off their time and got a time of 1:04.88. The 4x200 team of Lily Blaine, Mya Hansen, Eliza Clements, and Zoey Phillips got a personal best with a time of 2:16.89.

Mya Hansen was third in the High Jump with a jump of 4’5¼. Lily Blaine got a personal best with a jump of 3’7¼”. 

For the boys, Keith Riedel got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 18.87. He got another personal best in the 200 with a time of 41.95. Ridge Harger knocked two seconds off his time in the 400 and got a fourth place finish of 1:03.08. Robbie Forney and Draven Rader got personal bests in the 1600. Forney got a time of 7:16.09 while  Rader got a time of 7:31.64. Jackson Keho got a personal best in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 22.21.

The 4x100 team of Ridge Harger, Weston Alexander, Draven Rader, and Jackson Keho got a personal best time of 1:04.54. The 4x200 team of Weston Alexander, Robbie Forney, Jackson Keho, and Marek Stevens got a personal best with a time of 2:19.79. 

Ridge Harger was fifth in the Long Jump with a personal best of 14’10¾”. 

North Harrison

The girls 4x400 team of Jaxcynn Hansel, Ava Rinehart, Hali Smith, and Gracie Young was fifth with a time of 5:26.10. Gracie Young tied for sixth with a time of 3’11¼”. Jaxcynn Hansel was fourth in the Discus with a throw of 66’3¼”. 

For the boys, Lucian Sweeney knocked almost two seconds off his time and got a personal best in the 100 of 14.50. The Shamrocks placed two in the 200. Wyatt Maize knocked over two seconds off his time and got a second place finish of 27.12. And Lane Graham knocked almost five seconds off his time and got fourth with a time of 27.64. Tate Richardson knocked 16 seconds off his time in the 1600 and finished second with a time of 5:50.74. 

Lane Graham got a personal best in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 20.60. 

The 4x400 team of Lane Graham, Landon Johnson, Wyatt Maize, and Tate Richardson was second with a time of 4:33.02. 

Tate Richardson got a personal best in the High Jump and finished tied for second with a height of 4’11”. 

Lane Graham was third in the Long Jump with a jump of 14’11½”. Tate Richardson was sixth in the Triple Jump with a jump of 30’7¼”. That jump was a personal best. 

Proposed Power Lines Would Run Through East Portion of Worth County

A proposed new transmission line running from Orient (IA) to Denny (MO) to Fairport (MO), north of Maysville, would run through the eastern half of Worth County somewhere between Grant City and Allendale. 

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which handles regional energy for the area, has determined that they need more power to the portion of the national grid that they manage. MISO is responsible for planning new transmission lines. They serve part of Missouri and 15 other states. In order to meet demand growth and to prevent blackouts like what have happened recently in California and Texas, they have decided that they need a new transmission line by 2030. In July 2022, MISO’s board approved the Orient-Denny-Fairport project.

MISO does not own transmission or distribution infrastructure, but is entrusted by the entities that own the infrastructure to manage it. Their task is to match electricity generation with electricity consumption.

NextEra Energy, based in Virginia, is bidding to build the Missouri portion of the transmission line. Mid-American has already gotten the Iowa portion of the line and will build the line to the Missouri border. On Wednesday, Stantec, a Virginia-based Company contracting for Next Era, conducted a town hall regarding the proposed transmission lines at Hundley-Whaley in Albany with Worth and Gentry County landowners. They have begun the process of contacting landowners. Landowners may be contacted by other companies seeking to build the Missouri portion of the transmission line between now and May. 

The proposed transmission line is a 102 mile long project consisting of 345 KV transmission lines that will connect the Denny substation to Associated Electric Cooperative’s Fairport substation. The Iowa portion will be owned and operated by Mid-American, while NextEra would own the Missouri portion.

The lines would have a 150 foot easement for lines. Farmers would be allowed to graze their cattle on the easement portion as well as raise their crops. Existing fences would not have to be moved. They cannot build buildings or plant trees within the 150 foot easement area. Under the easement rules, NextEra personnel would have access to the land for the purpose of maintaining their lines. The transmission lines would be 120 feet tall. There would also be a fiber line running three feet deep parallel to the power lines. It would not be used to hook up to the Internet, but it would only be used for the utility’s private use.

Farms may be sold by landowners after an easement is signed, but the easement would still exist for the new landowner. Who would receive the easement payments would be between the buyer and the seller. 

Bids are due by May 2023. In October 2023, the MISO board will award the project. After that, the project will be subject to regulatory approvals, which must be obtained before construction can begin. The target date for completion of the project is June 2030.

Environmental and cultural factors have to be considered as well as homes and farms. In the last 20 years, Bald Eagles have made a comeback in the area in the last 20 years, and nests have to be taken into consideration. During nesting season, which runs from May to July, construction cannot come within 500-600 feet of a Bald Eagle nest.  

Dan Blaha of Stantec gave an hour long presentation Wednesday morning, answering questions from landowners from Worth and Gentry Counties regarding the logistics of the project.

While the project itself has nothing to do with wind or solar power, Mr. Blaha said wind or solar farms could input their power into the line. The poles would be directly embedded into the ground. There is a 900 to 1000 distance between each utility pole. 

Currently, NextGen is in the process of offering landowners $3,000 per parcel and $2,000 for the first year for an easement option. Landowners would get an option payment of $2,000 each year for up to six years until awarded. Crops or hay fields that are damaged during construction will be compensated for. If NextGen does not get the bid, the money will be the landowner’s to keep. Stantec is in the process of contacting 150 landowners with land along the lines.

NextGen would pay local property taxes for the power lines. Since they are a state assessed utility, the state would tell local assessors how to assess the lines. 

If people don’t sign the easement option, then Stantec and/or NextGen will come back and negotiate at a later date. As a last resort, eminent domain could be used. In the last few years, following construction of the Grain Belt Express line, there was a lot of talk in the Missouri Legislature about banning eminent domain by private entities. However, a compromise proposal signed by Governor Mike Parson that was endorsed by both farm organizations and Invenergy, the company pushing the Grain Belt Express, required that landowners be paid 150% of fair market value for land taken through eminent domain for electrical transmission projects.

The law signed by Governor Parson last year also requires that developers start construction within seven years of getting easements or lose their rights to the property. A court appointed commission would determine fair market value of a farmer’s land during eminent domain proceedings; the commission must include a farmer who has lived in the area for at least a decade. An amount of power proportional to the length of the line must be made available to residents.

Courthouse News for March 29th, 2023

On March 13th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Paul Maudlin (45) of Mount Ayr on two charges of Felon in Possession of Firearm. Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On March 21st, the Farmington (MO) Police Department reported that Lisa Mae Gladys Pierce (12) of Farmington went missing. She is 5’4”, weighs 160 pounds, and has black hair and blue eyes. The Farmington Police Department says she was picked up from her home by an Oregon man, David Jennings (18). If anyone has info, please contact the Farmington (MO) Police Department at (573) 756-6686 along with local law enforcement.

On March 21st, Radio Iowa reported that there were at least 30 false reports of school shootings called in. The first school, Clinton (IA), canceled classes for the day. One such call was phoned into Creston that day. No shots were fired and no students were injured.

On March 21st, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Brandon Frey (31) of Shannon City (IA) on a Probation Violation. He was being held on no bond until seen by the district judge.

On March 22nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Tayton Berendes (22) of Bethany alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony), No Insurance, and No Plates. 

On March 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Rory Kainoa (35) of Fort Dodge (IA) alleging DWI.

On March 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Clayton McKune (21) of Albany alleging Speeding (20-25 mph over) and Driving While Revoked.

On March 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2011 Chevy Truck driven by Nicole Nichols (31) of Guilford was eastbound on Route M near Guilford at around 7:16 pm when she swerved to avoid a deer, traveled off the right side, overcorrected, and overturned. She received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On March 25th, the Worth County Ambulance was called out to help David Evans Sr. near Sheridan. Two bulls were fighting and one of them hit Evans and threw him into a metal fence. The bull was then pushed into the fence up against Evans, stepped on him, and then was pushed completely down on top of him. Evans was lifeflighted to Omaha. He is expected to recover.

On March 25th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Timothy Barmann (59) of Maryville alleging Domestic Assault. Bond was set at $15,000, cash or corporate surety. Defendant may not contact the victim, nor be within 200 feet of her, her residence, or her family members.

On March 27th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Hector Cruz (44) of Bartlesville (OK) alleging Speeding (26+ mph over) and No Valid License.

On March 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Eric McCrary (34) of St. Joseph alleging DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

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

North Harrison Gets 83.9% Score on State Performance Report

The North Harrison School Board learned at its monthly meeting March 15th that the district’s Annual Performance Report had a score of 83.9% of the points possible. The report was prepared by the state. This was above average.

The school scored 97.8 of a possible 124 points on performance, while they scored 50 out of a possible 52 points for continuous improvement. 

All probationary teachers were rehired for the 2023-2024 school year.

The board awarded the lawn care bid to Milligan Lawn Care. The bid for this year was $425 per mow, which is $25 higher than last year due to increase gas costs. They are covered by liability insurance.

The board will meet again on Tuesday, April 18th at 7 pm to reorganize following the April 4th election. The board will also look at the salary schedule. Currently, Superintendent J.W. Brandt, in his report, said he plans to recommend a $2,000 increase to the base, which corresponds to a 6.6% raise, which will keep up with inflation. 

ELEMENTARY BOARD REPORT

Enrollment – 127 (including preschool). Preschool - 26. K - 11. 1st - 10. 2nd - 13. 3rd - 17. 4th - 15. 5th - 13. 6th - 17. Virtual - 0.

Academics, Curriculum, and Building Projects

–Summative meetings have gone well. We have discussed their end of the year reflection and an area of growth for next year. 

–We celebrated Read Across America Week. We had a bookmark contest, partner reading, and dress-up days. The students also completed a BINGO card of reading activities for a prize. 

–Field trips are scheduled for May. Sixth grade is going to GEHA Stadium, Second and Third are going to Science Center in Des Moines, Preschool is going to Crowder State Park, Fourth and Fifth are going to Grant City to roller skate and Bethany to a movie, and Kindergarten and First are going to Pump It Up in Des Moines.  

–Third through Sixth grade students are beginning to prepare for MAP testing. 

–The Family Technology Night went over very well. Several parents, staff members and community members were in attendance. The PTO served a very nice meal.

Classroom Reports from Teachers

Preschool

We have launched our outer space unit, and have spent this week learning about the Sun. This topic directly aligns with the Missouri Early Learning Standards in Science (showing interest in the Earth and sky.) We are using books, songs, writing, and movement to solidify our learning! 

We are also wrapping up 3rd quarter assessments, and I’m excited for parents to see their children’s growth! I am proud of how all preschoolers are showing growth in academic and social-emotional areas. 

Kindergarten

We just finished 3rd quarter assessments and I am very proud of each of my students! We have grown so much since last quarter!

First Grade

My first graders worked so hard on their grabber project for the Williford Stem day. I took 4 first graders to the STEM Day to showcase all their hard work. I’m so proud of them!

Second Grade

Second grade has been rocking it with telling time to the nearest 5 minutes and counting money. 

We are excited to start learning about the Earth’s systems including the water cycle and Earth’s rapid and slow changes.

Third Grade

Third grade is starting a literature unit over Sarah Plain and Tall and learning about the Westward Expansion. We are wrapping up elapsed time in math and moving on to shapes/attributes of polygons. We recently started our class March Madness Reading Challenge as well! 

Fourth Grade

MAP is back, back again! MAP prep is in full swing in the fourth grade room. We talked about how you wouldn’t just go to your first baseball game without practice. The same is true for the MAP test.  

Fifth Grade

We are working like busy bees in 5th grade. Now is the time of year we really zone in on any standards left to learn and review all the others that we already have with the MAP test in mind. Along with MAP prep, we are in the process of giving “book talks” over a book we have recently read independently. This involves creating a Google slide about the book and telling the story as the main character. 

Sixth Grade

We are so proud in the 6th grade!  Every student has met their Accelerated Reading Goal for 3rd quarter and we have several students who have doubled their goals since 1st quarter.  We cannot wait to prove just how much we have grown in Math and Reading this year when we take our MAP test this spring.  Bring it on!

Computers

Grades K-2 have started working with the coding Ozobots.  They will continue to work through different challenges with color coding directions.  Grades 3-6 are currently working on practicing the tools they will use on the MAP test. Once that is complete they will begin with the coding Ozabots.

Library

*Grades K-2 have been reading Dr. Seuss books to celebrate “Read Across America Week”, and are now reading St. Patrick’s Day stories to learn about the upcoming holiday. 

*3rd grade just started reading the book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, and is learning about the author as we read.

*4th grade is working on “Cereal Box Book Report” projects, where they create a new kind of cereal based off of a book that they have read.

*5th-6th are reviewing ELA standards in preparation for MAP testing, and are making connections between the standards that we cover with actual books.

Music

The music students are getting ready for the Spring Concert.  K-2 will be presenting, “The Little Engine That Could” and 3-6 are going to present a set of some of the popular songs by Elvis!  The kids have enjoyed learning about Elvis and how he came to be the King of Rock and Roll.

Dylan McIntyre, Drew Dack Combine for Perfect Game

Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team let up DeKalb 15-0 Monday in a three inning perfect game. Dylan McIntyre pitched the first two innings and Drew Dack finished up, leaving both available for tough games upcoming against East Atchison and Albany. They struck out all but one DeKalb batter. Drake Miller tapped one in front of the plate to start the game out, but new catcher Dylan McIntyre alertly scooped it up and threw him out. 

The Bluejays took advantage of five DeKalb errors in the first inning to score nine runs. The big blows were supplied by Tyler New, who got the first ever hit by a Worth County player wearing blue to bring in Dylan McIntyre, Carter Chapman, who singled between third and short to keep the inning going, and a two run double by Elias Alarcon which capped off the scoring.

Northeast scored six more in the second, taking advantage of five free passes. Walks lead to runs, and sure enough, Landon Wilmes got the hardest hit ball of the day, a scorcher to left. Dylan McIntyre, who struck out trying to chase one of DeKalb’s many Eephus pitches, caught hold of an even slower pitch and dropped it over the center fielder’s head for another double that brought in two runs. 

The only tense point was whether Northeast would complete the perfect game, and they did so as Drew Dack recovered from a 3-0 count and battled back to get the strikeout.

The win erased the bad memories of the Maryville game, the only game the Bluejays could get in during the first two weeks. Dylan McIntyre held the Spoofhounds in check, but they lit up Drew Dack, and the fielding broke down behind him as the green shirts run ruled Northeast.

Dylan McIntyre and Drew Dack have been penciled in to handle most of the pitching chores. Grant McIntyre moved from center to behind the plate; he can serve as a third pitching option, and Coach Proffitt can choose between Drew Dack and Carter Chapman. 

Elias Alarcon has locked down the first base position, while Camdain Frisch anchored second. Drew Dack played short the first two innings and Dylan McIntyre played short the third inning. Boston Adwell returns to his old spot at third. 

With Dylan McIntyre moving behind the plate, Tyler New took over in center field. Carter Chapman (left) and Sawyer Thurman (right) were the other two outfielders. Gaige Bodle, who was out (flu), started the first game in right, while Brayden Stevens, who was cleared to play Monday, will figure in the mix somewhere.

Chase Clabaugh got to pinch run for Grant McIntyre, while Jace Cameron is waiting in the wings for his chance.

Hy-Vee Recalls Hamburger Skillet Meal

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling one variety of its Hy-Vee Chili Macaroni Hamburger Skillet Meal due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (dairy) not listed in the product packaging.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product.

Hy-Vee was made aware of the undeclared allergen on Friday, March 24, 2023. The recall was initiated after reviewing the spice packet. Lot FEB0824 Y18 was only lot impacted by this packaging issue.

The affected products were distributed to Hy-Vee’s grocery stores and Dollar Fresh Market stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The recalled product is labeled as Hy-Vee Chili Macaroni Hamburger Skillet Meal and is packaged in a 5.2 oz cardboard box. The only Best By date that is being recalled is “Best By FEB 08 24 Y18” and this code can be found on top of the box. The recalled product also has UPC 0075450085520.

UPC: 0075450085520

Product and Size: Hy-Vee Chili Macaroni Hamburger Skillet Meal – 5.8 oz.

Lot Number: FEB 08 24 Y18

Hy-Vee has voluntarily removed all affected Hy-Vee Chili Macaroni Hamburger Skillet Meal entrees from its shelves. Customers who purchased the product and have a dairy sensitivity should dispose of the product or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives at (800) 772-4098 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider.

Obituary -- Bobbie Allen 1935-2023

Bobbie Allen, age 87, Grant City, Missouri died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph Missouri.

Bobbie was born October 27, 1935, near Sheridan, Missouri.  He was the son of the late John Edwin and Mary Catherine (Booher) Allen.

Bobbie attended Blockton High School, Blockton, Iowa. 

He was united marriage to Ruth Kobbe on October 11, 1961, at the Grant City United Methodist Church.  To this union four children were born Randy, Rebecca, Roger and Rosemary.

Bobbie served his country as a member of the Air National Guard.

Bobbie had many hobbies and interests which he enjoyed working at, such as carpentry, mechanic, and plumbing.   Bobbie loved being outdoors, including hunting and fishing.  He enjoyed spending time in his garden and mowing his lawn.  When he came inside it was time for watching a western of some kind.

He was also involved in the community while his health permitted driving the OATS bus and helping with Boy Scouts of America.  Bobbie served as the Grant City Water Plant operator for over 20 years, later becoming the supervisor for Nodaway County Public Water District #1 for over 15 years.  He was a member of the Grant City United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth (Sept. 9, 2020), infant grandson baby Conley, sisters Rosene Cook and Thelma Morris, and an infant brother.

Survivors include Randy (Jolinda) Allen, Grant City, Rebecca Allen, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Roger (Kim) Allen, Grant City, Rosemary (Gary) Thompson, Savannah, Missouri, eight grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, one brother-in-law Ralph Kobbe, Grant City, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Graveside services and burial will be 12:00 PM, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Grant City Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 AM, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City.  Memorial: Grant City Cemetery, c/o Rebecca Summers, 30644 170th Road, Grant City, MO 64456.

MDC Sets Migratory Bird, Waterfowl Seasons

MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

Mourning Doves, Eurasian Collared Doves, and White-Winged Doves

Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 29

Limits: 15 daily and 45 in possession combined total for all three species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Sora and Virginia Rails

Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 9

Limits: 25 daily and 75 in possession combined for both species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Wilson's (Common) Snipe

Season: Sept. 1 through Dec. 16

Limits: 8 daily and 24 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

American Woodcock

Season: Oct. 15 through Nov. 28

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

2023-2024 WATERFOWL HUNTING

Teal

Season: Sept. 9-24

Limits: 6 daily and 18 in possession

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Ducks

Season:

North Zone: Oct. 28 through Dec. 26

Middle Zone: Nov. 4 - 12 and Nov. 18 through Jan. 7, 2024

South Zone: Nov. 23 - 26 and Dec. 7 through Jan. 31, 2024

Bag Limit: 6 ducks daily with species restrictions of:

4 mallards (no more than 2 females)

2 scaup for first 45 days and 1 scaup for last 15 days

3 wood ducks

2 redheads

2 hooded mergansers

1 pintail

2 canvasbacks

2 black ducks

1 mottled duck

Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag or 18 total, varies by species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Coots

Season: Same as duck season dates in the respective zones

Limits: 15 daily and 45 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Snow Geese (White and Blue Phases) and Ross's Geese

Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2024

Limits: 20 blue, snow, or Ross's geese daily with no possession limit

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

White-Fronted Geese

Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2024

Limits: 2 daily and 6 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Canada Geese and Brant

Season: Oct. 7-15 and Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2024

Limits: 3 Canada geese and Brant in aggregate daily, 9 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Light Goose Conservation Order

Season: Feb. 7 through April 30, 2024

Limits: No daily or possession limits

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset

Methods: For the taking of blue, snow and Ross's geese, hunters may use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells and recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or sounds or imitations of bird calls or sounds.

YOUTH HUNTING DAYS

North Zone: Oct. 21 and 22

Middle Zone: Oct. 21 and 22

South Zone: Nov. 18 and 19

Limits: Same as during regular waterfowl season

Hours: Same as during regular waterfowl season

Requirements: Any person 15 years of age or younger may participate in youth waterfowl hunting days without permit provided they are in the immediate presence of an adult 18 years of age or older. If the youth hunter is not certified in hunter education, the adult must have the required permits and have in his or her possession proof of hunter education unless exempt. The adult may not hunt ducks but may participate in other seasons that are open on youth hunting days.

FALCONRY SEASONS

Falconry Season for Doves

Season: Sept. 1 through Dec. 16

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession, singly, or in the aggregate (any ducks, coots, or mergansers taken by falconers must be included in these limits)

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Falconry Season for Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers

Season: Open during waterfowl seasons (teal, youth, duck) and Feb. 11 through March 10, 2024

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession, singly, or in the aggregate during the regular duck-hunting seasons (including teal and youth seasons) and extended falconry seasons (any doves taken by falconers must be included in these limits)

Hours: Sunrise to sunset during the September teal season, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset during the remaining seasons

HUNTING ZONES

Waterfowl hunting in Missouri is divided into three zones: North, Middle, and South. For a map and more information, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl/duck-zones or refer to MDC’s “2023-2024 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest,” available beginning in July where hunting permits are sold.

NONTOXIC SHOT REQUIREMENTS

Shells possessed or used while hunting waterfowl and coots statewide, and for other species as designated by posting on public areas, must be loaded with material approved as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Get more information on nontoxic-shot requirements, allowed types, and conservation areas requiring use at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/nontoxic-shot-regulations.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on migratory-bird and waterfowl hunting, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species and select the specific species, or get MDC’s “2023-2024 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest,” available beginning in July where hunting permits are sold.

Opinion -- Time to Update Missouri Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

By the Missouri Budget Project

Missouri’s Circuit Breaker Property Tax Credit was intended to help older adults and those living with disabilities stay in their homes, even if their property taxes increase. Like an electrical circuit breaker, the tax credit kicks in and offsets some of the cost of property taxes for low-income households when their property tax goes over a certain proportion of their income. Although the credit serves as a lifeline for many older adults and Missourians with disabilities, as Missouri Budget Project points out in a recent report, every year more and more of the folks the credit was designed for are left out because the credit hasn’t been adjusted since 2008.

“Neither income eligibility nor the amount of the credit have changed in fifteen years,” said Amy Blouin. “Because those aren’t tied to inflation, the very Missourians the law was intended to help are losing access to the circuit breaker, leaving them struggling to pay their bills and even stay in their homes.”

For example, although property taxes increase regularly, the amount of the credit hasn’t increased since 2008. Moreover, because eligibility guidelines haven’t been adjusted for inflation during that time, fewer of the Missourians who need it can qualify.

When older adults and Missourians with disabilities do meet those outdated income guidelines, they often receive a smaller credit because their households fall higher on the income scale – with those at the upper end of eligibility receiving credits of less than $10 a year.

“Missouri lawmakers can provide real property tax relief for older Missourians, disabled veterans, and Missourians with disabilities by updating the circuit breaker,” said Amy Blouin, President and CEO of Missouri Budget Project. “Doing so would help Missourians in every part of our state continue to live independently in their own homes.”

Property values and their corresponding taxes increase faster in some parts of the state than others, but the circuit breaker helps older Missourians and those with disabilities in every single county in our state. What’s more, it’s a way legislators can help folks who need it without jeopardizing funds that localities rely on for schools, and services like road maintenance, parks, and police and fire protection for their communities.

State legislators can make a real difference in the lives of older adults and Missourians with disabilities struggling to make ends meet on fixed incomes across Missouri. Improving the circuit breaker would benefit almost 6,000 households in Northwest Missouri.*

“It’s been fifteen years, and it’s time to update the circuit breaker tax credit,” continued Blouin. “After all, the circuit breaker isn’t just a box on a tax form. It’s a connection to the homes and communities in which Missourians have built their lives.”

Editor – Missouri Budget Project provided a fact sheet showing that 30 Worth County residents took advantage of this law and got an average benefit of $442.

Tiger Boys Second, Girls Fourth in Early Bird Meet

Worth County’s track boys were second in the Early Bird Thursday, while the girls were fourth.

In the boys meet, Mound City edged out Worth County with 73 points to 65.5 for the Tigers. Bedford had 50, South Harrison 48, Albany 43, East Atchison 39, North Andrew 39, Platte Valley 37, Maysville 32, King City 32, Gilman City 32, Stanberry 25, Tri-County 22, North Harrison 15, Mount Ayr 10, Union Star 9.5, NEN 8, East Harrison 4, North Nodaway 2, and Nodaway Valley 2.

For the girls, South Harrison (105) and East Atchison (99) ran away with the meet. Maysville had 57, Worth County 52, Mound City 52, Platte Valley 51, Pattonsburg 31, Gilman City 24, King City 24, North Andrew 20, Stanberry 15, Albany 15, East Harrison 12, Nodaway Valley 12, Bedford 11, Tri-County 2, and NEN 2.

For Worth County, Brooklyn Richardson was 4th in the 100 with a time of 14.04. She got a personal best in the prelims with a time of 13.83. Rayleigh Smith didn’t place in the 200, but she got a personal best of 30.19. Hailey Adwell was fourth in the 400 with a time of 1:08.25. Brylea Paxson was 5th in the 1600 with a time of 7:08.46. 

Brooklyn Richardson was fifth in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 18.30. 

The 4x100 team of Hailey Adwell, Brooklyn Richardson, Rayleigh Smith, and Emma Spencer was second with a time of 56.17. The 4x200 team of Hailey Adwell, Eva Engel, ZeeAnna Gladstone, and Brooklyn Richardson was sixth with a time of 2:04.34. 

Eva Engel, pushed by the Mound City contingent, reached her goal of 10 feet and won the Pole Vault. 

Kara Staton was 5th in the Shot Put with a throw of 32’7¼”. Kara won the Discus with a throw of 98’2¼. Ali Brown was 6th with a throw of 85’4”. Ali was second in the Javelin, getting a personal best with a throw of 119’9”. 

For the boys, Levi Cassavaugh was 5th in the 100 with a time of 11.89. Ethan Frese got a personal best with a time of 12.70. Levi was 6th in the 200 with a time of 24.56. Earlier, he got a personal best in the preliminaries by almost 1 second with a time of 23.98. Cassavaugh then ran away with the 400 with a time of 54.59. 

Lucas Frisch was 6th in the 300 Hurdles with a time of 49.19.

The 4x100 team of Andrew Griffin, Landon Moser, Franklynn Taute, and Lucas Frisch was fourth with a time of 49.01. With three freshmen on the squad, this is a group with some potential. The 4x200 team of Tyler New, Landon Moser, Brayden Murphy, and Franklynn Taute was fourth with a time of 1:47.10. A group of four Tiger freshmen, Brayden Combs, Brayden Murphy, Sawyer Thurman, and Franklynn Taute, was 3rd in the 4x400 with a time of 4:11.21. 

John Galanakis was 3rd in the High Jump with a personal best of 5’9”. Andrew Griffin got a personal best and a tie for 6th with a jump of 5’3”. Brayden Combs matched a personal best in the Pole Vault and was fourth with a vault of 9’6”. 

Landon Moser was 2nd in the Long Jump with a personal best 19’4”. Tyler New got a personal best with a jump of 17 feet. Moser was 5th in the Triple Jump with a jump of 35’11½”. Andrew Griffin was 6th with a jump of 35’7¼”. 

Jase Latham was 2nd in the Shot Put with a throw of 43’7¼”. Elias Alarcon was 5th in the Discus with a throw of 105’9”. Tyler New was 3rd in the Javelin with a throw of 129’4”. 

Northeast Nodaway

Mylee Wilmes got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 14.52. Baylie Busby was 5th in the High Jump with a time of 4’7”. Sasha Deardorff got a personal best in the Long Jump with a leap of 11’4¼”. Dalanie Auffert got a personal best in the Shot Put with a throw of 26’5¾”. She also got a personal best in the Javelin with a throw of 56’4¾”. 

North Nodaway

Andrea Jenkins got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 14.88, beating her previous best by over a second. Lucardia Hendricks got a personal best in the Discus with a throw of 65 feet. 

Mason Casner got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 12.20. Owen Martin got a personal best in the 400 with a time of 1:01.01. He got another personal best in the High Jump with a jump of 5’1¼”. Casner was 5th in the Long Jump with a jump of 18’3¾. Martin got a personal best in the Triple Jump with a jump of 33’9”. 

North Harrison

Kira Robertson got a personal best in the 200 with a time of 31.35, over two seconds better than her previous best time. Erica Gerken got a personal best in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 20.94. Kira Roberson got a personal best as well with a time of 21.90, beating her previous best by over a second. 

Kolton Graham got a personal best in the 100 with a time of 13.05. Tyson Gibson was 3rd with a jump of 19’3”. He was 2nd in the Triple Jump with a jump of 40’4¼”. Dillon Hartschen got a personal best in the Shot Put with a throw of 27’11”. 

Courthouse News for March 22nd, 2023

On March 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Darrin Herron (57) of Braddyville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving and No Valid License.

On March 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyler Miller (23) of Pickering alleging DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and No Valid License.

On March 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jamie Fee (30) of Conception Junction alleging DWI and Failure to Register.

On March 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Kyler Hill (23) of Cameron alleging DWI.

On March 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Tristan Eads (19) of Bethany alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving, Speeding, DWI, and No Seat Belt.

On March 15th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against James Whitt (27) of Trenton alleging Harassment.

On March 15th, the Iowa State Highway Patrol reported that a 2010 Chevy Silverado driven by David Patrick Love (54) of Mount Ayr and a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Donna Allen (44) of Afton met on the crest of a hill on 170th Avenue in Ringgold County at around 8:45 pm. They had a head on collision, and both drivers were killed. A passenger in the second vehicle, Shawn Allen (46) of Afton, was life flighted to Des Moines.

On March 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a DWI crackdown in Andrew and Nodaway Counties. They made one DWI arrest, issued seven traffic citations, made 49 warnings, and rendered one motorist assist.

On March 17th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Robert McCully (77) of Redding on charges of Harassment and Possession of Dangerous Weapon While Intoxicated. Bond was set at $3,000, cash or corporate surety.

On March 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Brian Spooner (50) of New Market (IA) in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On March 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Eric McCrary (33) of St. Joseph in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Drugs) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On March 19th, Northwest Mo Info reported that Mercer County authorities responded to a call of shots fired. There had been an altercation between two parties. Subsequently, Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Vestal filed charges against Ray Lewis (51) of Princeton alleging two counts Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On March 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Daniel Andronache (26) of Kansas City in Nodaway County on charges of No Valid License, Speeding, and a Clinton County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Traffic Violations).

On March 20th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Jenny Lotton (31) of Anderson (MO) alleging DWI (Serious Physical Injury, Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Seat Belt. Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On March 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Cody Copeland (30) of Maryville alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was denied.

On March 21st, Tristyn Grube (27) was arrested in Nodaway County on a warrant from the State of Kansas.

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.

Minnie Lane, Simply Siam Chosen by Rural Missouri Readers as Favorites

Two Maryville businesses, Minnie Lane and Simply Siam, were chosen in Rural Missouri’s reader poll. Businesses in Mound City and Craig and the main street of Hamilton were listed.

By Rural Missouri

For more than two decades, the readers of Rural Missouri have been sharing their favorite places in the Show-Me State with the editors of the magazine. Thousands of entries in the annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers' Choice Awards helped the staff highlight the best places to eat, shop, stay and relax. Winners in the 20th edition of the contest were recently announced in the magazine's April edition, with a winner, runner-up and editor's choice award presented in 16 categories.

A new feature this year is the addition of the Best of Rural Missouri Hall of Fame recognizing those restaurants, businesses and places that are not only voter favorites but have become Missouri institutions. 

"During the 20-year history of the Best of Rural Missouri contest, some winners have emerged as perennial favorites among our readers," says Editor Jim McCarty. "The inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2023 represents those places that have received five or more first-place wins during the history of the statewide contest. We'll continue to list our Best of Rural Missouri Hall of Fame annually and add to that list in the years to come. Please join us in congratulating all of the places our readers consider to be truly the best."

The following were selected by Rural Missouri readers as the best in 2023:

Restaurant

1st: The Mudcat Coffee House, Oak Ridge

Runner-up: Home Town Diner, Hermitage

Editors' choice: Li'l Black River Cafe, Grandin

Barbecue

1st: Exit 92 BBQ, Craig

Runner-up: Kehde's Barbecue, Sedalia

Editors' choice: Strawberry's BBQ, Holcomb

Burger

1st: Rich's Famous Burgers, Steelville, St. James and Sullivan

Runner-up: Uncle Ernies, Bourbon

Editors' choice: White Grill, Nevada

Dessert

1st: Bourbon Cafe and Coffee Saloon, Bourbon

Runner-up: A Slice of Pie, Rolla

Editors' choice: The Pie Safe, Carthage

Food truck

1st: Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co., Columbia

Runner-up: Hercules Southern BBQ, Piedmont

Editors' choice: Ghetto Tacos, Webb City

International Food

1st: Simply Siam, Maryville

Runner-up: The German Table, Cole Camp

Editors' choice: The Greek Corner Gyros, Kirksville

Breakfast

1st: Cosmic Cafe, Warsaw

Runner-up: Billy Gail's, Branson and Ozark

Editors' choice: Jonesy's Cafe, Paris

Outdoor Adventure

1st : Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Lampe

Runner-up: Katy Trail State Park

Editors' choice: Floating on a Missouri stream

Antique Store

1st: Nostalgia Vintage Apparel and Marketplace, Sedalia

Runner-up: Minnie Lane, Maryville

Editors' Choice: Downtown Antiques, West Plains

Place to Take the Kids

Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview

Runner-up: Wonders of Wildlife, Springfield

Editors' choice: Kansas City Zoo

Getaway Without the Kids

1st: Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock, Ridgedale

Runner-up: Echo Bluff State Park, Eminence

Editors' choice: The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs

State Park or Historic Site

1st: Harry S Truman State Park, Warsaw

Runner-up: Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon

Editors' choice: Wakonda State Park, La Grange

Festival

1st: Apple Butter Makin' Days, Mt. Vernon

Runner-up: Heritage Days, Warsaw

Editors' choice: Bethel Colony Fall Market, Bethel

Made in Missouri Product

1st: Bankhead Candies, Bowling Green

Runner-up: Burgers' Smokehouse, California

Editors' choice: Hammons Black Walnuts, Stockton

Winery, Brewery or Distillery

1st: Piney River Brewing Co., Bucyrus

Runner-up: Stone Hill Winery, Hermann

Editors' choice: R/Farm Distilling Co., Mound City

Main Street

1st: St. Charles

Runner-up: Cape Girardeau

Editors' choice: Hamilton

      

These are the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees:

      

Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que, Cuba

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton

St. James Winery, St. James

Silver Dollar City, Branson

Branson

Lake of the Ozarks

Obituary -- Lois Marcum 1942-2023

Lois Gelene Marcum was born August 19, 1942 in Worth County, Missouri to Harold Colyde and Wilma Louella (Reeves) Mathews. She passed away on March 18, 2023 at her home in Sheridan, Missouri at the age of 80. 

Lois was a homemaker. She was also the first sanitation inspector for the state of Missouri. She was a member of Chapter K  P.E.O. of Hopkins, Missouri. She married Larry Marcum on July 3, 2002 in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

Lois is preceded in death by her husband Larry in 2008, parents, and sister Jean Ann Lawrence.

She is survived by children, Candace (Rodney) Martin, Chandra (Scott) King, Terry (Connie) Constant II, Connie Shelley (Loren Gaither), Christine Silvy,( Kenny Simpson), brother Bud Mathews and sister Mary Alice Nevels, 8 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Lois will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Burial will be Isadora Cemetery, Grant City, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to service time. 

At Least 31 Transgender, Sexual Orientation Bills Filed in Missouri Legislature

BY DMITRY MARTIROSOV

Missouri News Network

A slew of transgender bills are still awaiting action in the Missouri General Assembly, but many of the proposals have already begun to impact the LGBTQ community, lawmakers and providers said.

At least 31 bills that have been filed are aimed at the LGBTQ community. The bills seek to curb anything from transgender participation in sports different from birth gender to preventing transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming health care to banning discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity by public and charter school teachers and other officials.

Of the bills, eight — four in each chamber — aim to ban access to gender-affirming medical care to anyone under 18 and prohibit health care providers from offering referrals for other physicians. Doctors who violate these provisions, the bills state, would be subject to disciplinary measures such as losing their license.

Although none of the bills have passed either chamber, Rep. Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, believes harm has already been done.

“I don’t think that these bills need to pass to affect trans youth in Missouri,” Aune said. “Just by proposing the legislation and talking about it so openly ... that has such a devastating effect in and of itself.”

Aune was one of six Democrats present at the much-discussed, nine-hour public hearing in the House General Laws Committee on Jan. 24, when eight bills seeking to restrict certain LGBTQ rights were heard. She alluded to the fact that Missouri is one of the leading states with the most pre-filed LGBTQ-restrictive bills, trailing only Oklahoma, with 34.

“When the Missouri legislature makes headlines for targeting marginalized communities, those communities feel it whether the law passes or not,” Aune said. “Because what we’re doing is getting a permission structure to our constituents to discriminate against an entire group.”

Figures, preliminary impacts

Currently, in Missouri, an estimated 12,400 people 13 and older identify as transgender, according to a 2022 study by the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law. Of those, an estimated 2,900 are transgender youth ages 13 to 17.

Although Missouri’s transgender youth population has increased only by an estimated 400 people in the past five years, the nation’s population, in comparison, has more than doubled, growing from roughly 150,000 transgender youths in 2017 to more than 300,000 in 2022, according to the Williams Institute.

Regardless of whether any bills pass, this budding population is already feeling the impacts, said Anthony Banks, a licensed social worker and a clinical therapist with the Counseling Hub, a Columbia-based counseling service.

“There is a multitude of research that shows the relationship between an adolescent teen’s access to gender-affirming health care, activities and overall perceived support, and their mental health,” Banks said.

“There’s always an increased risk of anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, self-harming behaviors, suicidality and general feelings of hopelessness when there’s lower support, whether that support is familial or in the community,” he said.

Banks, whose caseload consists of 50% LGBTQ clients, added that after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, giving states the authority to determine whether women would have the power to choose whether to have an abortion, he saw a shift in his clients’ demeanor.

“I noticed clients being more concerned with a possibility of gender-affirming services becoming more limited as well as LGBTQ+ rights overall,” he said. “I believe this concern has only continued.”

Banks noted that when lawmakers create legislation that acts as a barrier to health care, the message often is that “people will stand in their way, and that they cannot be themselves.”

These adverse effects are amplified by a recent poll by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that sampled more than 700 LGBTQ youth.

The poll found that 86% of trans and nonbinary youth say that debates around these bills have a negative impact on their mental health. The poll also found that 45% of trans and nonbinary youth report being cyberbullied or experiencing online harassment, 42% stopped speaking to a family member or relative, and 29% feel unsafe going to a doctor when feeling sick or injured — all a result of these debates.

Law and differing opinions

Under Missouri law, as outlined in the state’s physician manual, gender reassignment surgeries are not covered by MO HealthNet. That means that even if transgender people were to seek gender-affirming health care, they would likely have no other option than to pay out of pocket.

Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, said physicians in Missouri don’t perform these types of procedures.

“No one does surgery on minors,” Razer said. “It’s just not something that’s done.”

He added that since insurance doesn’t cover these medical procedures, it remains too costly for people to pay for privately.

But Rep. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, sponsor of HB 419, one of the eight bills heard in the Jan. 24 hearing, pushed back.

“How (does he) know that?” Hudson said. “That’s been a question I’ve been asking.”

As one of the most outspoken opponents in the General Assembly regarding LGBTQ-restrictive legislation, Razer, the only openly gay senator in Missouri, believes that some of these bills stem from “sheer ignorance.”

“I mean that in the literal term,” he said. “Lack of knowledge.”

And this lack of knowledge remains baffling to him.

“We’re legislating on something that the vast majority of my colleagues have no idea what we’re talking about,” Razer said. “And now they want to make medical decisions based on an issue that they don’t understand.”

Again, Hudson pushed back.

Citing drugs and surgeries related to gender transition procedures as “harmful,” Hudson said that as a member of the General Assembly he can’t stay idle.

“As a legislature, we need to act, and we need to act quickly,” he said. “Because we’re talking about children here — we’re talking about protecting children.”

He added that an increase in awareness in the general public has made this type of legislation particularly urgent.

“Why would we want to wait until some poor Missouri kid comes out and says ‘my life has been ruined because of this,’” Hudson said. “Why don’t we put this in statute now? Why don’t we act to protect children now?”

On Feb. 16, Hudson’s HB 419 — along with HB 183, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, also presented in the Jan. 24 hearing — was voted out of the General Laws Committee and will now head to the House floor for debate. It has not yet been placed on the House calendar.

Democrats in the Senate last week stalled efforts to debate a transgender bill, although it is expected to come up next week when the Senate returns from its break.

Foresight and recent developments

This ongoing battle between sponsors and opponents of the bills recently gained new ground when Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, on Feb. 9, confirmed that his office launched an investigation into St. Louis Transgender Center for allegedly harming children after a whistleblower who worked at the center came forward.

The announcement was followed a day later by a request from Bailey for the center to immediately pause all prescriptions for puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to new patients while the investigation is ongoing.

On Feb. 15, the center rejected the request.

Hudson said that talking about these issues remains vital.

“We need to be able to have these conversations as a legislature, as a society,” he said, “as citizens who care about children.”

North Nodaway School Board Names Teachers, Awards Bid for Gym Bleachers

The North Nodaway School Board met Wednesday to hire or rehire teachers for the 2023-24 school year and to award a contractor to put in new gym bleachers. 

The board voted to hire or rehire Catherine Auffert (Middle School/High School (MS/HS) Special Ed), Troy Nally (MS/HS FFA Teacher), Heather Townsend (MS Math, 6th Grade Core), Victor West (MS/HS Social Studies), Angela Davison (Kindergarten), Sarah Emery (Elementary Special Ed), Danielle Johnson (2nd Grade), Leah Koger (1st Grade), Stacey Meyer (K-12 Art), Cynthia Martin (K-12 Librarian), Cody Bix (MS/HS Science), Emily Bix (MS/HS Language Arts), Cody Jenkins (6-12 PE), Sami Jackson (Elementary Title), Jessica Hilsabeck (4th Grade), Michael McConkey (MS/HS Social Studies), Emily Limback (MS/HS Business, Family & Consumer Science), Bethney Pedersen (MS/HS Language Arts), Audrey Trimble (3rd Grade), and Prent Eaton (District Guidance Counselor). All votes were unanimous.

The board voted to purchase new bleachers for the gym. Heartland Seating provided the lone bid at a cost of $95,667. The bleachers include two sets of five-row bleachers, six handicapped notches (three on each side), two aisles with railings, and brackets to prevent the sagging issue with the old bleachers. The school will remove and dispose of the old bleachers for a savings of $3,000. The old bleachers had shown signs of wear with complaints about them sagging during the last basketball season. 

The school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year was approved. School will begin on August 23rd. Thanksgiving break will start with an early dismissal on November 21st with school resuming on November 27th. The Christmas break will start on December 20th with an early dismissal and school will resume on January 4th. Spring break will be from March 28th to April 1st, with school resuming on April 2nd. Commencement will be on May 12th, with the tentative final day on May 17th with an early dismissal that day. The final day of school could be moved back due to makeup days. The school will provide 163 total days of instruction totaling 1079.6 hours.

High school principal Roger Johnson reported that there was a good turnout for the Academic Showcase on March 1st. Students did a science fair, a history day, Poetry Night, the Art/ELA project, and student written plays.

There are 12 out for spring baseball, 15 out for high school track, and 26 out of 34 junior high students out for track. There are 62 students enrolled in high school and 34 enrolled from 6th to 8th grades. FFA and Scholar Bowl have started contests; North Nodaway will be hosting an FFA contest on March 27th. Several hundred students from other schools are expected to be in attendance.

The school qualified nine from History Day to the state meet in Columbia on April 21st and 22nd. Qualifiers included Owen Martin, Caleb Stevens, Mason Richardson, Ethan Tyler, Wyatt Emery, Keith Riedel, Ridge Harger, Matt Sturgis, and Gavin Cruz.

Elementary Principal Ashley Marriott reported that there were 98 students in the elementary, and 15 in the preschool.

The school had a Dr. Seuss Day. Students rotated through multiple stations where they were exposed to different texts and challenged to build, create, and solve problems.

A team of teachers completed the Crisis Prevention and Intervention training on March 15th.

On March 16th, an awards assembly was held.

On March 22nd and 23rd, early childhood screenings will be held. Around 30 were signed up as of March 15th.

An elementary math team has been formed and is scheduled to compete on Saturday, March 25th. They will do an online assessment that students will participate in from their own classroom.

An elementary talent show is tentatively planned for the Roxy for Friday, March 31st.

A rough draft of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan has been sent out to patrons with a request for feedback and comments. A committee has been at work drafting the plan. Members are Superintendent Chris Turpin, Principals Ashley Marriott and Roger Johnson, Prent Eaton (Counselor), Sami Jackson (Title I), Tiffany Whipple (parent), Troy Nally (ag teacher), Samantha Brown (Board President), Allen Thompson (Hopkins City Council Member), Mark Hoover (business owner), Kristi Stricker (parent), Rick Woldruff (business owner), Angie Davison (teacher), Heather Townsend (teacher), Cody Jenkins (teacher), Emily Bix (teacher), Bonnie Trimble (community member), Catherine Auffert (resource teacher), Lindsay Alexander (parent), Lauren Herndon (student), Aydan Blackford (student), Cari Cline (post-secondary instructor), and Nicki Herndon (technology specialist). Turpin has asked that any feedback is sent to his email, and the committee will meet on April 1st. They will make changes, and the CSIP will be presented for approval at the April board meeting.

Discussion was held on 6th grade athletes participating in junior high sports. Turpin recommended keeping the present policy approved by the board last year, which allows them to play with parental permission. He said in his board meeting notes that it was a beneficial thing for their kids and they probably wouldn’t have had a junior high team without them this year. 

Tim Blackford was presented with a plaque for his years of service to the board. Representative Jeff Farnan sent each board member certificates of appreciation.

Discussion was held on health insurance plans and companies. The school is currently at MEHUP, and the board currently covers $517. This year, they added coinsurance amounts to their plans without making them better. The school is looking into switching to another provider and a committee will make recommendations for the next meeting.

One bus is broken down; the rear end needed to be replaced, and parts and installation may take until the end of April. The bus is under warranty. 

The board will discuss salary proposals, approve the list of graduates, and swear in new board members and reorganize the board. For staff salaries, Turpin is recommending adding 3% to the base salary, making it $35,020 and allowing the step down in service. He recommended that health insurance increase to $550 per employee. Non-certified staff will go up 50-75 cents if approved, plus a 13 cent step. Turpin is looking at adding a career ladder while it is being partially funded by the state.

Worth County High School Honor Rolls for Third Quarter

HIGH HONOR ROLL

Seniors: Lance Abplanalp, Hailey Adwell, Ali Brown, Levi Cassavaugh, Claire McElvain, Maddy Runde, Taylor Sanders, Caydee Sherer, Paige Sherer, Drew Welch.

Juniors: Autumn Cousatte, Emily Davis, Ethan Frese, Mitzie Gillespie, Tyler New, Tuker Riley, Brylee Rush, Kara Staton, Kynah Steele, Lincoln Wake.

Sophomores: Bridgette Hightshoe.

Freshmen: Brayden Combs, Riley Ridge, Marissa Schmitz, Rayleigh Smith.

8th Grade: Brandon Bever, Kambree Briner, Jessie Chapman, Bo Collins, Sara Fletchall, Evalyn Gilland, Addison Gray, Keira Hardy, Krista Monticue, Alivia Moyer, Caleb New, Cole Ruby, Hayden Sanders, Ryder Smyser, Emsley Spainhower, Kristen Tracy.

7th Grade: Paige Chaney, Jolynn Hawk, Breeanna Ray, Audrey Runde, Megan Tracy.

REGULAR HONOR ROLL

Seniors: Colt Cameron, Wyatt Craven, Braxton Hightshoe, Cash Jacobs, Tucker Owens, Tanner Ridge.

Juniors: Brooklyn Richardson, Rebecca Smith.

Sophomores: Evan Baker, Abbi Brown, Carter Chapman, Eva Engel, Emma Spencer, Mackenzie Walter.

Freshmen: Katie Fletchall, Wyatt Hill, Brayden Murphy, Brylea Paxson, Bailey Steele, Brayden Stevens, Sawyer Thurman.

8th Grade: Luke Findley, Arenna Galanakis, Macie Hubbard, Kimberlyn Kobbe, Ethan Lininger, Sumer Riley, Dylan Smith.

7th Grade: Unique Brown, Maverick Cox, Hartley Fitzgerald, Braelyn Fletchall, Liam Hayden, Lola Morin.

Worth County Elementary Perfect Attendance Rolls

Perfect attendance roll for the third quarter:

Kindergarten (Mrs. Rush) – Sam Clarkson, Sophia Hern.

Kindergarten (Mrs. Schlapia) – Bowen Findley, Gemma Hall, Mason Steele.

1st Grade (Lischer) – Poseidon Thomas, Kash Winther.

2nd Grade (Mrs. Hightshoe) – Sophia Combs, Riggin Smyser, Iris Thomas.

3rd Grade (Mrs. Sherer) – Desmond Dannar, Hadley Downing, Mason Hern, Elsie Jenkins, Kyah Joslin, Teagan Saville.

4th Grade (Ms. Lewis) – Audra Spainhower.

5th Grade (Mrs. Lane) – Jane Hawk, Weston Hill, Lane Pickering, Jaydon Roush, Miles Saville, Brooklyn Smith.

6th Grade (Mrs. Ridge) – Tucker Fletchall, Kassidy Joslin.

Cody Green Offered Teacher Contract; School Applies for Energy Grant

The Worth County School Board offered renewal contracts to all current teachers for the 2023-24 school year and offered Cody Green a teacher contract for the 2023-24 school year at their regular meeting Wednesday.

The board is in the process of applying for a $1.8 million energy improvement grant and has advanced through the first round of application screening.

The curriculum program was rated as Above Average. Strengths listed include the board reviewing policies on schedule, the school offering a variety of coursework, updated curriculum, new math content resources purchased within the last two years, and the curriculum aligned to Priority Missouri Learning Standards in fall 2021.

Concerns listed include the fact that the curriculum has been updated recently, but that new staff needs time to become familiar. Recommendations include providing time and resources to allow teachers to align curriculum to state standards and implement it at age appropriate levels.

Besides offerings mandated by the state, the school offers additional courses through online access, such as LAUNCH, Mizzou, and Odysseyware. Dual credit courses are available through North Central Missouri College, Northwest, Missouri Western, and Missouri Valley.

Numbers for the district’s Annual Performance Review from 2022 were released. Academic achievement status for English & Language Arts and Math for the entire district was rated as being “On Track,” while Science and Social Studies were rated as “Approaching.” Academic achievement growth for English & Language Arts was rated as “Below Average” and Math was rated as “Average.” Success ready students were rated as “Approaching,” while graduation rates were rated as on target. Districtwide, the school scored 82.5 out of a possible 124 points possible on performance, while it scored all 52 points possible for continuous improvement. Overall, the district scored 134.5 points out of a possible 176, or 76.4%.

The numbers for the school were in line with the state and the area. Out of 553 measured, 435 scored between 70% and 94.9%. In the region, 47 out of 59 ranked between 70% and 94.9%. The school was ranked in the 68th percentile, or higher than 68% of schools, in math performance and in the 66th percentile in English & Language Arts. 

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that the school participated in the statewide tornado drill on March 7th and everything went smoothly. 

Mrs. Campbell and Mr. Coleman had the Heart Challenge. They raised a total of $7,846.01. The class with the most students registered was a tie between the 2nd and 3rd grades. The 3rd grade raised the most money. Findley Sherer raised the most money, raising over $1,000. Kaydence and Hadley Downing worked as a team and finished second, also raising over $1,000. Sophia Combs was 3rd, Teagan Saville 4th, and Baylor Sagel 5th. These students will participate in tossing slime at some of the local law enforcement officers. The 39 students who raised over $25 for Heart Heroes will participate in Cosmic Bowling that Mrs. Campbell will set up in the multipurpose room at a later date.

Tiger token winners for February were second and fourth grades. They get to carry the Tiger Token Class of the Month banner with them to specials.

Kindergarten invited moms in to enjoy muffins with them on February 23rd.

The PTO Carnival was held on March 3rd and some of the Elementary Staff helped at some of the games.

The Kindness Club met on March 13th and made a basket for the nursing home. They made four-leaf clover cards along with glitter bottles. They made baskets with candy for the classrooms from a leprechaun thanking them for being so kind last month and encouraging them to continue their kindness every day, not just on certain days. They also gave out kindness calendars for March and April.

Mrs. Pottorff had an activity for the Elementary to do during Random Acts of Kindness Week. It was called, “We’ve Been Hugged!” An envelope was started in a classroom and that class had to pick one of the random acts of kindness to do out of the envelope. When that class was done, they forwarded it to another class and placed a sign on the doorway saying, “We’ve Been Hugged!” The sixth graders wrote notes of encouragement to the high school basketball teams.

Ms. Degase, Mrs. Rush, and Mrs. Schlapia went to the Younger Years Conference last week and are implementing some of the things they have learned.

Third grade worked on fractions using mini chocolate bars. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders enjoyed game time for their reading incentive party.

The 2023-24 Kindergarten Parent Meeting will be held April 12th at 6 pm this year. Kindergarten screening will take place on Friday, April 14th.

Teachers are getting ready for field trips this year. K-3 will go to St. Joseph to The Fun Run on May 5th. 4-6 will go to Kansas City to The Rush Funplex on May 9th.

The Worth County Parents as Teachers group will meet at the Activity Center on March 23rd from 4 pm to 5 pm.

On April 19th, the Title I and School Counseling programs will host a parent meeting. The guest speaker will be Jackie Cochenour. She will present to parents about protecting children through active bystanding and healthy touch for children and youth. Parents will receive guidelines for healthy touch at home and in youth serving settings, learn how to balance children’s needs for warmth and affection with safe and respectful ways of interacting, and learn about healthy sexual development in children so they can identify normal and abnormal touching behaviors. Parents will receive practical skills for protecting children and learn how to be an active bystander in child sexual abuse prevention and response. 

A career day was held at the Elementary on March 16th. Speakers included Hailey (Green) Seipel (Radiologic Technologist), Alissa (Miller) Ridge (Pharmacist), Angel Roush (EMT), Mark Downey (Senior Application Engineer), Tom Davidson (Construction Worker), and Debbie Roach (Mayor of Grant City).

Curriculum Director and Athletic Director Josh Smith reported on some of the things students were learning.

Second graders are learning multiple ways of adding the same problem using vertical addition, hundreds chart, number bonds, arrows, and the number line.

Third graders are learning how to put fractions on a number line and identifying the equivalent fraction. Students broke apart Hershey bars to see fourths and fractions.

High school Algebra I are learning how to factor polynomials. 8th graders are using Edpuzzle and Blooket to learn about exponents. 8th grade ag students are learning about different byproducts that result from the production of animals and plants for food, including bioplastic.

Fears that the new baseball cooperative with Northeast Nodaway would gut the track and golf programs did not materialize, at least for this year. There are 16 boys out for varsity track and 15 girls. There are 12 boys and 12 girls out for junior high track. There are 9 out for boys golf, one of the highest participation numbers in quite some time. There are 7 participating in the baseball cooperative with Northeast Nodaway.

The Junior High Scholar Bowl finished the season undefeated.

Autumn Cousatte, Brylee Rush, Kara Staton, and Riley Ridge were named to the Academic All-State Softball Squad.

4th grade teacher Ashton Lewis, 5th grade teacher Rachel (Runde) Lane, and High School Social Studies teacher Cree Beverlin presented to the board about their classroom activities.

The school awarded a bid from Warner Heating & Air to put in heating units in the ag building and the main school entrance along with putting a new heating unit in the boiler room at a total estimated cost of $27,700. The cost is only an estimate due to price fluctuations of materials and equipment. Board member Tish Warner abstained.

The board voted to direct Superintendent Chris Healy to solicit bids for painting the exterior elementary building along with painting the bus barn.

The next Board of Education Meeting will be April 20th at 7:30 pm. The board will make extra duty assignments and hire non-certified staff.

Obituary -- Sharon Dunfee 1950-2023

Sharon Lynne Dunfee was born on July 1, 1950 in Maryville, Missouri to Billy Arch and Betty (Maudlin) Dunfee.  She passed away on March 13, 2023 at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri at the age of 72.

Sharon graduated from Grant City High School in 1968.  She attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where she graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music.  Sharon had a love for all kinds of music, including classical opera, sacred music and folk music.  She worked as a case worker for the Division of Family Services in Los Angeles, California for 19 years. 

Sharon returned to live in Grant City in 1996, where she pursued her love of drawing and painting, making gifts of drawings for all her nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed visiting the nursing home, playing the piano and singing for the residents there.  In 2017, after an accident at home, she became a resident there.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father Bill in 1983, infant brother Teddy, paternal grandparents Arch and Bernice Dunfee, and maternal grandparents Walter and Jocie Maudlin.

Surviving are her mother, Betty Dunfee of Grant City, Missouri, brothers Norman of New York City, Neal of Lyons, Colorado, sisters Cynthia (Robert) Thomas of Lees Summit, Missouri, Valerie (Claude) Gicquel of Annecy, France; nephews Joshua Walker and Zachary Gicquel; nieces Lucia Gicquel and Prugh Dunfee, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri, with visitation from 1:00 PM to service time.  Burial will be in the Grant City Cemetery.  

Courthouse News for March 15th, 2023

On February 22nd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Brandon Frey (31) of Shannon City (IA) on a Probation Violation. Bond was set at $2,000, cash only.

On February 23rd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Mark Weems  on a charge of Theft. Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On March 7th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against Brandon Harber (29) of Tarkio alleging DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On March 7th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Konner Edwards (20) of Faucett alleging DWI, Minor Visibly Intoxicated, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On March 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Avery Cook (21) of Eagleville alleging Assault (Felony), Armed Criminal Action (Felony), and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was denied.

On March 8th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Rachel Clark (38) of Albany alleging Domestic Assault.

On March 8th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Lisa Coots (38) of Fillmore alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Valid License. 

On March 9th, the Missouri State Attorney General’s Office filed charges against Curtis Dormann of St. Joseph alleging the defendant took $3,000 from a homeowner in October 2021 for renovations which he never intended to perform. Missourians who believe they may have been victims of a contractor scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.

On March 9th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2020 International driven by Michael Williams (32) of St. Louis was southbound on I-35 on mile marker 91.8, inside Bethany city limits. The vehicle traveled off the west side, overcorrected, overturned, and came to rest on the passenger side, blocking both southbound lanes of I-35. Williams received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital. A five year old passenger received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital.

On March 9th, the City of Grant City picked up a male dog who was really skinny and had no collar. The next day, their owner claimed him. One month before, the dog was being taken care of at someone else’s place, when he ran off with another dog.

On March 10th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jeremy Burmeister (41) of Kersey (CO) on a charge of DWI. Bond was set at $1,000, cash or corporate surety.

On March 10th, a Hopkins man reported someone spraypainted graffiti on his concrete bunker.

On March 11th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Bradley Mabary (40) of Grant City alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle. 

On March 12th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Constance Goodrich (37) of Worth on charges of Possession of Stolen Vehicle (Felony) and Fraudulent Use of Registration. Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety. On March 12th, 2023 Ringgold County Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle parked outside a Mount Ayr resident’s home, just west of City State Bank. Upon further investigation, law enforcement noticed that the vehicle’s license plates did not match the tan 2005 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel 4x4 that they were placed on. With the recent amount of vehicle theft taking place in the area, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office took immediate action. On questioning by the officers, the defendant said the vehicle belonged to her. After Iowa State Patrol ran the VIN number through dispatch, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Des Moines, Iowa. The Defendant was arrested on the above charges and transported to the Ringgold County Jail.

On March 13th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Justin Smith (30) of St. Joseph alleging 15 counts Stealing (Felony) and one count Burglary (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash only. Northwest Mo Info reported that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly entered a residence near Martinsville on December 6th, 2022 and stole 14 firearms and a pickup.

On March 13th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Cameron Hamaker (24) of Eagleville alleging Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, DWI, Speeding (26+ mph over), Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Insurance.

On March 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Dakota Weese (28) of Burlington Junction alleging DWI, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and Failure to Signal.

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.

Grant Claycomb, Kansas Christian Off to 9-5 Start

North Harrison grad Grant Claycomb and the Kansas Christian Falcons are off to a 9-5 start this year. Claycomb has served as a reliever and a spot starter for them, appearing in four games as of Friday.

On February 18th, Claycomb appeared in two thirds of an inning in Christian’s 5-0 loss to Central Baptist, getting two outs.

On February 27th, the Falcons struggled in a 10-1 loss to Northwestern (IA), handing them their first win in seven tries. Claycomb got into the game and pitched one inning, gave up two hits, one run, walked one, and struck out one.

On March 1st, Claycomb got his first start of the season against Harris-Stowe, in St. Louis. Harris-Stowe has played Christian tough all three games, but the Falcons have come away with three close wins. Claycomb overcame five walks through four innings and pitched the Falcons into a 4-2 lead. Christian scored one in the fifth, and Harris-Stowe got a two run home run in the bottom of the inning to cut it to 5-4, but the lead stood up for the rest of the game.

On March 9th, the Falcons spotted Roosevelt a 7-0 lead after two innings and an 8-0 lead in the fourth. Claycomb came on in relief in the fourth and got the Falcons out of the inning. Kansas Christian scored six in the fifth to get back in the game. Claycomb gave up a run in the fifth, but held in the sixth before the Falcons scored four in the seventh. Although Claycomb gave way in the seventh, he got credit for the win after the Falcons scored one in the 8th, one in the 9th, and held off Roosevelt’s final rally to get the 12-11 win. 

North Nodaway Basketball Teams Battled Adversity, Showed Growth

North Nodaway’s cheerleaders and basketball teams were celebrated at the athletic banquet Wednesday, and five seniors were recognized for having gone all four years through the program. 

The fall cheerleaders were recognized first. They were Emily Keho (most improved), Lacy Riley (most energetic), Addalea Barcus (most improved stunter), Sydney Whipple, Katelyn Parman, Amy Richards, Riley Volner (MVP), and Gabby Harker. They were sponsored by Ms. Trautz.

The basketball cheerleaders were Amy Richards (best spirit), Katelyn Parman (most encouraging), Nevaeh Smith, Olivia Renfro (most improved, best team player), Addalea Barcus (best voice projection), Riley Volner (leadership), and Emily Keho (most easygoing). 

The basketball girls were next. Honored were Jacquelyn Cline, Ellaina Renfro, Lauren Herndon, Saryn Brown, Angie Parker, Andrea Jenkins, Addalea Barcus, Lacy Riley, Emily Keho, and Jackie Wray. They were coached by Ms. Limback.

The girls lost two players; Saryn Brown (knee) and Kelsey Barcus (early graduation), and had to have other players learn new roles. Addalea Barcus and Lacy Riley were pressed into service and Jackie Wray earned some minutes later in the year. Despite this, and playing a schedule with no pushovers, they still managed to create some good wins. Jacquelyn Cline rewrote the single game scoring recordbook, scoring 36 against Albany and then 41 against Union Star. That record had stood for 50 years. She will continue her career next year at North Central Community College, where she will look different wearing red..

Cline led the area in points per game despite facing a box and one every night. She was a super unselfish player who could nonetheless carry the team on her shoulders; when she succeeded, the whole team succeeded. For this, she was awarded the offensive player.

Lauren Herndon was everywhere on the count; when the team was down, she could be counted on to make plays happen on defense. She led the team in steals and was one of the top rebounders. For that, she got the defensive player. She always showed a positive attitude regardless of the score, and became more vocal this year. For that, she got the leadership award.

Ellaina Renfro was one of those players who was always wanting to step up and always asking what she could do to help the team. She did all the little things to help the Mustangs go, and she was a presence in the paint. In the team’s victory over Northeast Nodaway, she blocked seven shots. Asked to learn a new role, Renfro stepped up and learned how to play the guard position after having been a post her previous three years. When Cline got her 41 points against Union Star, it was Renfro and the whole team who was feeding her the ball. For that, she was given the hustle award.

Addalea Barcus had to step up, even in practice. She earned more and more minutes as the season progressed, and broke into the starting lineups, where she became a presence on defense. She always came with a good attitude every day. For that, she was named the most improved player. Only a freshman, she, Lacy Riley, and Jackie Wray will all provide a bright future if they work at it.

Although she didn’t play much, Andrea Jenkins always led the cheers on the bench, always popped off the bench to recognize a good play, and always wanted to do what was best for the team. For that, she was given the Heart of a Mustang award.

Although there were only five awards to give out, four other players stepped up this year. Angie Parker, despite her small size, stepped up to become one of the top rebounders on the team, take charges on defense, and provide occasional scoring punch. Lacy Riley provided occasional scoring punch and showed steady improvement throughout the course of the year; by the end of the season, she was starting to finish at the rim. Jackie Wray will provide some much needed size in the paint for the next three years and got more physical as the season progressed. Emily Keho has potential as a ballhandler and has a good midrange shot.

A pair of incoming freshmen, Lily Blaine and Mya Hansen, could factor in the mix as well. 

They were coached by Sami Jackson and assisted by Madison (Thompson) Geib. Sami said that the best teams were the ones that showed the most fight and heart and the ones who stick together no matter what, and that she couldn’t have asked for a better group of players.

Like the girls, the boys were faced with adversity to begin with as Aydan Blackford missed the first month of the season with a broken collarbone. Despite this, they got him back in January and wound up winning five games this year after winning only one each of the last two years. “It was a pleasure to go to battle with these kids,” said coach Cody Jenkins. 

Despite only winning five games this year, the hunger is there for the Mustangs; before Wednesday’s banquet, there were six of them playing a game of pickup basketball. The day after districts had ended, Owen Martin walked to his car after school totally bored because there was nothing to do. 

Team members were Aydan Blackford, Damian Dailey, Ethan Fry, Mason Richardson, Brice Trimble, Owen Martin, Jeremiah Dobbins, Preston Hansen, Blaine Clements, Kaeden Nave, and Jordan DeLeon. Eighth grader Ridge Clements was the manager and he meshed right in with the older guys during Wednesday’s scrimmage. The scoreboard did not always show it, but the team grew throughout the course of the year. They went from turning it over 30 times per game at the start of the year to 15 times per game. They went from 5 assists per game to 10. Cody Jenkins has been preaching consistency, which starts in the classroom. When kids get consistent in the classroom, then it starts showing up on the basketball court as well. 

When he returned, Aydan Blackford played the last 13 games and had 9 in which he scored double figures. He averaged 14 points per game. For that, he was awarded the offensive player.

Mason Richardson was already a force on the offensive end, but he stepped up his role on the defensive end, and was always asked to guard the other team’s best player, even when they were taller. For that, he was named the defensive player of the year.

Owen Martin led the team in tips and steals. He always put in the time, and coach Jenkins said he was always pestering him about when the film would be ready so he could watch. He has been putting in a lot of time and effort and is one of those players you can’t get out of the gym. For that, he was named the most improved and given the hustle award.

Two players were named the newcomer award. Blaine Clements and Jordan DeLeon fought epic battles during practice, and it showed up on the floor. Blaine broke into the rotation, backing up Damian Dailey, and gave the Mustangs quality minutes. Jordan developed the hunger necessary to get better, and meshed right in with the other players Wednesday. The two kept right on banging together in the scrimmage.

Damian Dailey kept the Mustangs going during the first part of the year when Blackford was down, leading in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots. He showed a lot of growth both in the classroom and on the floor. For that, he got the Mustang award.

The other senior, Jeremiah Dobbins, provided a lot of ballhandling help, size, and occasional scoring punch from outside. The Mustangs will return a lot of other horses for next year. Ethan Fry and Aydan Blackford could form a devastating backcourt if they stay healthy. Brice Trimble can score a bunch of 3-pointers in a hurry and greatly improved his defense this year. Preston Hansen, an undersized post player, made a lot of hustle plays when he was in. Kaeden Nave provided some quality minutes for the Mustangs at guard off the bench.

At the end of the banquet, five seniors were recognized for playing all four years and putting in the time and the effort through the good times and the bad. They were Jeremiah Dobbins, Damian Dailey, Jacquelyn Cline, Ellaina Renfro, and Riley Volner.

Obituary -- Ronald Wallace 1936-2023

Ronald Hugh “Ronnie” Wallace, 86, Gentry, MO passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Orilla’s Way in Grant City, MO.

He was born November 9, 1936, at the home of his parents, Charles and Helen (Mumford) Wallace.

Ronnie was the youngest of three children. He grew up on a farm north of Gentry and loved working the cattle on horseback and growing crops with his dad. Ronnie participated in FFA for four years at Albany High School where he graduated in 1955.

Ronnie married Sheila Warren on January 21, 1956. To this union, three daughters were born, Kathy Ann, Becky Sue and Diana “Di” Lynn. Ronnie taught his girls the importance of hard work and to love the Lord. He was baptized at an early age and took his family to church at the Worth Baptist Church where he was a deacon.

Ronnie and Sheila divorced in 1980 and he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he was a supervisor at a meat packing plant. There he married and had a son, Charles Ivan. They later returned to Iowa and then South Dakota.

Eight years ago, Ronnie returned to the farm and his girls. Di, his baby, became his right hand and caretaker. Ronnie was raised in and raised his family at the Worth Baptist Church and then attended the Gentry Baptist Church. He moved to Albany and after contracting COVID, went to live at Orilla’s Way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen; brother, Jimmie Wallace; sister, Betty (Wallace) Howard; beloved cousins, Hugh and Glen Walker and a son-in-law, Jack Fine.

Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Kathy (James) Ray, St. Joseph, MO, Becky Fine, Albany, MO, and Diana (John) Smith, Albany, MO; son, Charles, Sioux Falls, SD and lifelong friend, Harlon Force of Alta Loma, CA; 9 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.

Memorial Services held by the family will be scheduled and announced in the near future at the Gentry Baptist Church, Gentry, MO. Memorials may be made to the Gentry Baptist Church and/or Knox Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Courthouse News for March 8th, 2023

On February 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Stephan Alsip (34) of Des Moines in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), an out of state warrant, Speeding (87 mph), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Plates, and No Seat Belt. Bond was set at $30,000.

On February 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kayley Duckworth (29) of Des Moines in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Seat Belt. Charges were filed the next day by Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt. Bond was set at $20,000.

On February 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Rory Kaidna (34) of Fort Dodge (IA) in Harrison County on a charges of DWI (Drugs).

On March 1st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kyler Hill (23) of Cameron in Harrison County on a charge of DWI.

On March 1st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Greg Smith (32) of Pleasant Hill (MO) alleging Driving While Revoked, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Failure to Have 2 Headlamps.

On March 2nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Luis Torres (34) of Des Moines alleging DWI, No Valid License, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On March 3rd, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department reported that a 16 year old girl from Lenox took off her tracking device and ran away from home. On March 6th, the girl was found safe and returned home.

On March 3rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Dillon DeLong (29) of West Des Moines alleging DWI.

On March 3rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Kevin Nible (46) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony).

On March 3rd, Parnell fire units were called out to a hay fire.

On March 3rd, Jackson Township fire units were called to a grass fire southeast of Ravenwood near the Nodaway and Gentry County border. It spanned three properties and was visible as far away as Route 46 between Sheridan and Parnell. 

On March 3rd, the Bethany Fire Department responded to a structural fire at a house west of Bethany at around 1:26 am. When they arrived, the residence was fully engulfed in flames. During the investigation following the fire, a body was found inside.

On March 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Cameron Hamaker (23) of Eagleville in Harrison County on charges of Failure to Yield to Law Enforcement, DWI, Speeding (131 mph), Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Insurance.

On March 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2010 Ford Focus driven by Maryann Johnson (21) of Liberty attempted to pull into the intersection of Route 71 and Business 71 one half of a mile east of Maryville at around 6:50 pm. The Patrol says she pulled into the path of a 2010 Cadillac SRX driven by Benjamin Farrell (56) of Maryville, which struck the driver’s side of the Focus. Johnson received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville. Farrell was not injured. A passenger, Beverly Farrell (54) of Maryville, received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On March 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Aeric Aguiar (38) of Maryville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and Leaving the Scene.

On March 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Tayton Berendes (21) of Bethany on charges of Driving While Suspended, No Insurance, No Plates, and a DeKalb County Warrant (Conditional Release Violation).

On March 5th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Dawn Nims (45) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Felony), Driving While Revoked, and Failure to Signal. Charges were filed the same day by Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter. Bond was set at $10,000 cash or corporate surety, with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On March 5th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Tristan Eads (18) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of DWI, Speeding (55 mph/40 mph zone), Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device (60 mph/15 mph zone), and No Seat Belt.

On March 5th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2002 Nissan Frontier driven by Jenny Lotton (30) of Anderson (MO) was northbound on I-35 at the 84 mile marker, 8 miles south of Bethany at around 5:14 pm. The Patrol says she left the west side of the roadway, overcorrected, and overturned. The vehicle returned to the roadway and continued overturning off the east side of the roadway. She received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital. A passenger, Luis Gutirrez (33) of New Britain (CT) was ejected from the vehicle, was seriously injured and was life flighted to Truman Medical Center. Subsequently, Lotton was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on charges of DWI (Felony), No Seat Belt, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Valid License.

On March 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two were injured in a teen wreck near Albany at around 10:32 am that morning. The Patrol says that a 2017 Ford Free Style driven by a 16 year old boy was eastbound on 136 one mile east of Albany when it traveled off the south side, overcorrected, and traveled off the north side, struck a ditch, and came to rest. The boy received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic. A passenger, Olivia Pepin (18) of Albany, received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic.

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.