Final North Nodaway Balance Sheet Shows $476,476 Surplus

The final North Nodaway balance sheet for the 2022-23 school year showed a $476,476 surplus. The school started with a beginning balance of $2,111,313.09. Revenues were $7,013,332.91. This includes money that was disbursed for the bond project. Expenses were $4,893,856.89. Carryover expenses for the bond projects totaled $1,643,000. This is debt service money that was budgeted for 2022-23 that will be paid in the upcoming school year. That left the school with an ending balance of $2,587,789.11 for Friday, June 30th.

Total local revenues for the previous school year, including the bond money, were $4,829,528.78. County revenues were $208,028.33. State revenues were $1,493,081.07. Federal revenues were $482,694.73. 

Expenses for the upcoming school year included $1,845,318 for administration, $17,850 for attendance, $95,340 for guidance, $17,250 for professional development, $99,820 for media services, $35,476 for health services, $255,126 for building administration, $278,761 for executive administration, $338,350 for the operation of the plant, $153,195 in transportation costs, $250,862 for food service, $76,065 for community services, $21,000 for facilities acquisition and construction, and $155,700 for debt service. Total expenses were projected to be $3,631,113 for a projected surplus of $204,728.

For the 2023-24 budget, which was approved by the North Nodaway school board unanimously at their special meeting Friday, local revenues were projected to be $1,952,640. County revenues were projected to be $195,500, state revenues at $1,413,365, and federal revenues at $274,296 for a total of $3,835,841.

Expenses for the upcoming school year included $1,845,318 for administration, $17,850 for attendance, $95,340 for guidance, $17,250 for professional development, $99,820 for media services, $35,476 for health services, $255,126 for building administration, $278,761 for executive administration, $338,350 for the operation of the plant, $153,195 in transportation costs, $250,862 for food service, $76,065 for community services, $21,000 for facilities acquisition and construction, and $155,700 for debt service. Total expenses were projected to be $3,631,113 for a projected surplus of $204,728.

The expenses include $2.28 million for salaries and benefits for 49 total employees. The school employs 3 administrators, 22 teachers, 1 part-time teacher and A+ coordinator, 1 librarian, 5 paraprofessionals, 1 preschool aide, 1 guidance counselor, 1 superintendent secretary, 2 building secretaries, 1 nurse, 1 lead cook, two assistant cooks, 1 maintenance supervisor, 2 custodians, 4 bus drivers, and 1 technology coordinator. 

The district must meet certain state salary compliance requirements. Revenues were budgeted by spending at least 75% of formula money (excluding Classroom Trust Fund monies), 75% of half of Proposition C money, and as many dollars per weighted ADA from local and county tax as the previous years. 

The budget assumes adjusted assessed valuation going up 2%, collection rate of current taxes at 95%, the present tax rate of $4.6505 per $100 of assessed valuation, an average daily attendance rate of 198.73 students, and $548 per month towards health insurance for all employees and $2.10 per month for $15,000 term life insurance for all employees. 

On Friday, Governor Mike Parson signed the budget bill including a $38,000 baseline salary grant for all teachers; this time, no local match is required. Certified teachers under $38,000 after their steps get a 13th payment as part of the Missouri Baseline Grant. 

The 2022-23 revenues and expenses include the new doors for the high school, bleachers, air conditioning, and electrical projects. Next year’s budget includes epoxy, furniture, and textbooks.

The wind farm money has been generating around $600,000 a year for the school district, meaning that had it not been there, the school would have been deficit spending. Consequently, the school has been building up reserves in the event that the wind farm money is either reduced or goes away sometime down the road. Before the wind farm became operational a few years ago, the school had been down to $1.2 million in reserves.

In other action Friday, the board voted to set elementary breakfast prices to $2 for students and $2.60 for adults. Lunch prices will be $3.10 for elementary, $3.30 for middle and high school students, and the adult price will follow the USDA recommendation. Students on reduced prices will be 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Extra milk will be 40 cents, seconds $2, a chef salad will be the adult price, sides $1.15, and orange juice 55 cents.

The board voted to purchase security equipment for the building additions for the high school and elementary from Superior Fire & Security from St. Joseph. The cost will be $5,049 for the high school and $4,830 for the elementary.

The school received four bids for epoxy work around the school, including the gym floor, both locker rooms with a 4” cove base, the cafeteria, both storage rooms, the hallway, bathrooms, and the food service supervisor’s office. DS Painting bid $42,350.30. Alley Galleria and A&G Floor Coatings bid $37,050. Froschl Floors bid $57,492. Concrete Revival bid $49,100. The board voted to accept the low bid from Alley Galleria and A&G Floor Coatings.

The school received two bids to provide furniture for two superintendents offices, two principals offices, two secretaries offices, two counselor offices, a board room, and a bookkeepers’ office. Maryville Typewriter Exchange bid $24,244.21, while Scott Rice Office Works bid $30,622.47. The board voted to accept the low bidder, Maryville Typewriter.

Missouri Governor Signs Budget Bills

On Friday, Governor Mike Parson signed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) state operating and capital improvement budget bills, approving historic investments in the future of Missouri, including infrastructure, workforce, education systems, early childhood programs, and public safety resources.

"With this budget, our administration has done the right thing – the conservative thing – to make strategic investments and maintain responsible spending," Governor Parson said. "Missouri's economy is strong. Our revenues are up, businesses are growing and investing, and we maintain a historic revenue surplus, but we must not spend just for the sake of spending. When faced with this generational opportunity, we've cut taxes, put hard-earned dollars back in Missourians pockets, and invested in long-awaited projects that will improve the lives of Missourians for years to come. That's what real, responsible conservatism looks like, and we aren't done yet."

"We want to thank all of the legislators who helped pass this balanced budget that continues Missouri's strong financial position and invests in Missourians both today and tomorrow," Governor Parson continued.

The Missouri FY24 state operating budget is approximately $51.8 billion, including $15.2 billion in general revenue. Additionally, Governor Parson issued 201 line-item vetoes, totaling $555.3 million. 

During his 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Parson again called on the General Assembly to invest in infrastructure projects all across the state, including making it a priority to expand Interstate 70 to six lanes. The FY 24 budget bills include billions of dollars for critical infrastructure projects:

$2.8 billion to expand and rebuild I-70 across the state from Kansas City to St. Louis;

$379 million to boost road and bridge projects within the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program;

$248 million for broadband deployment in unserved and underserved communities; and

$60 million for safety improvements at railroad crossings.

Governor Parson understands that for the next generations of Missourians to achieve and maintain their American Dream, they must have the necessary education and skills to meet the demands of the future. The FY 24 budget prioritizes investments in both education and workforce development systems to provide Missourians with the tools they need to succeed: 

$3.6 billion to again fully fund the K-12 Foundation Formula for the fifth year in a row;

$288.7 million for capital improvement projects at public higher education institutions;

$233 million to fully fund school transportation needs for the second year in a row;

$70.8 million core funding increase for state higher education institutions;

$60 million to invest in semiconductor production research, development, and skills training;

$38 million for the fourth year of MoExcels projects and employer-driven workforce training investments; 

$32 million for the Career Ladder program to reward educators who go above and beyond normal duties;  

Full funding for the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Program which increases baseline K-12 educator pay to $38,000 per year (participating schools will no longer have a grant match requirement); and

$3.5 million for Apprenticeship Missouri and Youth Apprenticeships; 

In his State of the State Address, Governor Parson also emphasized the need to support early childhood programs. The General Assembly agreed and funded Governor Parson's recommendations: 

$78 million to increase rates for child care providers;

$56 million for public and charter schools to provide Pre-Kindergarten programs to all students qualifying for free and reduced lunch; and

$26 million for private child care providers to offer Pre-Kindergarten programs to students qualifying for free and reduced lunch.

As a former sheriff, Governor Parson appreciates the need to continually support public safety efforts. Ensuring Missourians are safe, whether in their home, at work, or in school, is critically important. In the FY 24 budget, Governor Parson approved several key items to improve safety and support communities:

$50 million for a second round of school safety grants;

$20 million for grant funding for first responders;

$13.1 million for targeted salary increases for the Missouri State Highway Patrol;

$11 million to upgrade Missouri State Highway Patrol equipment;

$1 million to continue the Missouri Blue Scholarship program;

$1 million to further support the 988 Crisis Hotline; and

$250,000 for the statewide School Safety Tipline.

In order to increase opportunities for Missourians' success, state government must also look to continually improve the services it provides to citizens. This year, Governor Parson is approving needed upgrades and investments in state government services: 

$300 million for a new mental health hospital in Kansas City;

$33.3 million for reconstruction and reform at the Missouri Children's Division;

$17 million for MO HealthNet eligibility redeterminations;

$7.2 million for the construction of a new Division of Youth Services center in St. Louis;

$4.4 million to implement the Maternal Mortality Prevention plan; and

$4.3 million to increase the number of Youth Behavioral Health Liaisons statewide.

Recovery of Wind Damaged Corn

Wayne Flanary, University Extension

Storms moved across Northwest Missouri and flattened corn by strong winds. These fields have corn, which was uprooted, and roots broken below the soil surface. Other types of damage are leaning corn based on the growth stage of corn and “green snap.”

The damage depends on severity of wind and if there was any protection from changes in the landscape. There is a lot of variability of damage within corn fields.

In general, the younger the growth stage, the greater the opportunity for partial recovery. Also, the degree of root damage affects how well plants will recover.

Fields one to two weeks from tasseling have greatest potential to “goose-neck” as the stalks are still elongating. With time, damaged fields look like they have straightened up, but lower stalks are still leaning. Typically, pollination is often good as both tassels and silked ears are lifted.

Early planted fields pollinating do not have the ability to straighten up because elongation of the stalk is complete by tasseling. These fields are at greater risk of yield loss as tassels and silks are near the ground and may be covered by leaves of other nearby plants. Pollen may not shed properly, and silks may not be exposed to pollen. Kernel set may be an issue.

Corn which is beyond pollination cannot straighten up. Plants will shade each other, and this will reduce photosynthesis and cause kernel abortion.

Damaged roots will try to regrow. Soil moisture is important for regrowth, and this influences the ability of the plant to “goose-neck” and try to recover.

“Green snap” may also be found and is typically from 12th leaf stage to tassel. Green snapped plant recovery is low. If plants are snapped off below the potential ear, of course there is no ear development. The yield loss is determined by how many plants were snapped below where the ear shoot develops and if silks are pollinated.

Some growers have asked about fungicides. Fungicide applications may not provide any value.

Another issue is goose-necked corn ears can break before harvest. The center of gravity is off as the plant is leaning.

Harvest may be difficult as it will be hard to know where rows are because you will be looking at tops of plants. This can result in in addition risk of stalk breakage.

Now is time to wait and see how crop responds. You will probably see a lot of differences of plants within fields. Also, you may want to flag plants so you can follow how they recover. Be sure to contact crop insurance.

For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Field Specialist in Agronomy, University of Missouri Extension at 816-279-1691 or cell phone 913-220-3670.

 

Worth County Route A near Isadora, Gentry County Route T Bridges to Close

Two area bridges are scheduled to be replaced under the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. The Worth County Route A bridge over Branch near Isadora, located north of Missouri Route 46, west of Grant City, is scheduled to close Monday, July 10 for construction. The bridge is expected to remain closed though early November.

The Gentry County Route T bridge over Fitzgerald Creek, located west of McFall, is scheduled to close Monday, July 10, for construction. The bridge is expected to remain closed though mid-November.

“We have 31 weight-restricted, poor condition bridges in northern Missouri to replace under this federally-funded program,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Jeff Gander. Lehman-Wilson was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in May 2022 to replace the bridges.

“The MoDOT team has worked closely with the contractor to develop plans for these improvements, and by October 2023, all 31 bridges will be replaced,” Gander noted.

“We understand closing a road can be challenging, yet it’s the best use of our tax dollars, it makes it safer for all the workers, and it speeds up construction,” Gander explained.

There is no posted detour on most of these projects. The Branch Bridge was built in 1930 and has a traffic volume of approximately 50 vehicles per day.

The FARM Bridge Program will replace deficient bridges on low-volume routes that are:  

Weight-restricted

In poor condition

On timber pile

One-lane but carry two-way traffic

The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the FARM Bridge program webpage.

Design-build is a project delivery method in which one contracting team is selected to design and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost savings.

“Signs will be placed on these roads a few weeks before each closure, and we encourage residents in these areas to sign up to receive our email and text alerts,” Gander said. MoDOT will continue to send information and updates to local media for their distribution. MoDOT’s online traveler map also shows locations of work zones and road closures.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.

While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or via social media.

Missouri Digital Asset Map Being Formed

The Digital Asset Map is a project of the University of Missouri System Broadband Initiative in partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Broadband Resource Rail.

The project aims to provide a comprehensive statewide inventory of public computers and Wi-Fi access locations, as well as resources such as digital literacy programs, computer classes, one-on-one technical assistance centers, and adult/workforce education programs. Entities offering public internet resources are encouraged to help build the Digital Asset Map by entering basic information that populates a searchable map to help users find nearby digital resources. As more assets are added to the map, MU Extension will help promote the tool to users across the state. To contribute to the Digital Asset Map, go to mobroadband.org/digital-asset-map. Next, click on the Add/Edit Digital Asset button and fill out the brief form. The form asks "community anchor institutions" to report available internet speeds. These institutions, such as schools and libraries, help people who would otherwise struggle to get online. The form will help identify locations that may be eligible for federal funds that do not currently have upload and download speeds of at least 1 Gbps. 

For questions, contact help@cares.missouri.edu.

Maryville Job Center Closed Temporarily

The Missouri Job Center-Maryville will not be offering in-person services for a while. The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments’ contract for running the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Services programs ends June 30, and the contract will be under the auspices of St. Joseph Youth Alliance effective July 1, 2023. St. Joseph Youth Alliance is in the process of hiring staff to oversee the job center and the WIOA programs offered there. In the interim, there will be no in person services available at the affiliate job center in Maryville. As soon as staff is hired and trained, the Job Center in Maryville will reopen. In the meantime, for job search and unemployment assistance, please contact the St. Joseph Job Center, 2202 Frederick, St. Joseph, MO, or call 816-387-2380. Please follow the St. Joseph Youth Alliance and Missouri Job Center-Maryville Facebook pages, for updates on when in-person services will resume at the Missouri Job Center-Maryville.

Weekly Area Road Work for July 5th, 2023

Gentry County

Route YY – CLOSED until further notice at the Bear Creek Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is included in a replacement project scheduled to be a part of the September 2023 letting for contractor bids. https://www.modot.org/atchison-and-gentry-counties-bridge-replacements

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 169 to Route J (Nodaway County) through mid-August. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route E – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Walnut Fork Bridge through August. (Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC.) More info: https://www.modot.org/gentry-county-route-e-walnut-fork-bridge-replacement-project

Route T – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Brushy Creek Bridge through October. (Contractor: Lehman Construction and Wilson & Company) *2

Route EE – Pothole patching , July 5-6

Harrison County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project the Ames Creek Bridge, west of Bethany, through early October. (Contractor: Lehman Construction and Wilson & Company) *2

I-35 – Concrete replacement from mile marker 81 to mile marker 84, July 5-7. The road will be narrowed to one lane at various locations in both directions around-the-clock.

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from Route J to U.S. Route 169 (Nodaway County) through mid-August. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route 46 – Pavement and guardrail improvements project from Country Club Road to Katydid Road, through July. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route N – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from 390th Street to 400th Street, July 5, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Worth County

Route PP – Paving, July 5-7

Legend

*1 This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

*2 This bridge is part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. More info: FARM Bridge program web page

*3 This bridge is a part the Safe & Sound bridge rehabilitation project. More info: https://www.modot.org/safe-sound-bridge-rehabilitations-buchanan-carroll-gentry-harrison-counties

*4 This project is part of Gov. Parson’s Rural Road program. The state’s approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget provided an additional $100 million in General Revenue for work on Missouri’s low volume rural roads. Using asset management data, MoDOT has identified approximately 1,700 lane miles of low volume roads ranked in Poor Condition. By next summer, these 113 locations will receive resurfacing treatments of hot mix asphalt to improve the road conditions.

Morning Storms Hit Area Thursday and Friday

Storms moving through the area Thursday and Friday blew through the area.

On Thursday morning, tree branches, power lines, and other debris blew down as a storm with 80 mph winds struck the area. Albany, Eagleville, Worth, and parts of Maryville and Bethany were without power, and service was not restored for hours. This area was largely spared, as power remained on in Sheridan and it only rained for an hour before stopping.

On I-35 between Eagleville and Bethany, winds blew over two semi trucks. In Mercer County, a tree blew onto a truck, blocking Highway 136. The DOT had to remove it so that the road could reopen.

There was also widespread damage in Stanberry and the Tri-C area. Near Conception Junction, local farmers helped clear debris so that motorists could get through to Maryville. 

In Maryville, Route V on the west end was closed due to widespread damage. Authorities there advised people to stay home due to city crews trying to clear out debris. There was one spot near McDonalds where the flooding was 8” deep. 

The height of the storm was around 9 am. United Electric reported that 1,000 customers were without power and 38 poles were down. There were 1,600 Evergy customers without power in Nodaway County alone.

Overall, there were 126 outages on Evergy lines with 2,352 customers and 5,200 rural cooperative customers who were without power at the height of the storm. As of 4 pm that afternoon, there were still 86 Evergy outages and 1,708 customers without power, meaning that it was taking a long time for service to be restored. As of Friday afternoon, service to most Evergy customers was restored.

Phone lines were also affected, with Albany City Hall and the Maryville Fire Department lines down for a time. 

Corn crops were also affected. In Conception, King City, Stanberry, and Quitman, wind damage flattened the corn. 

Some of the worst damage was between Bethany and Albany. On one farm, the storm blew down some outbuildings. In Bethany, the wall from a mobile home was blown down.

Another storm passed through the area around 6:30 am Friday morning. Sheridan, which was largely spared, was hit harder this time, with winds blowing down small branches and a yard ornament at the housing. 

Renovating Drought Stricken Pastures

Forage producers can convert tall fescue pastures to nontoxic novel-endophyte fescue without incurring the main expense usually associated with pasture renovation through mid-July.

Typically, the main cost to consider in the conversion process is having land out of production, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Producers can make the best of a bad situation on drought-stricken pastures that show limited or no growth now, he says.

New fescue varieties produce no symptoms of fescue toxicosis, which costs the beef industry millions annually. Replacing toxic tall fescue with nontoxic novel-endophyte varieties offers animal health benefits, including improved weight gain, reproductive performance and milk production.

“The payback is enormous,” Roberts says. “And it’s a perennial payback. You keep getting your money back year after year.”

Roberts usually advocates the spray-smother-spray method of renovation, in which existing fescue pasture is sprayed with a systemic, non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate. The first spray kills most of the tall fescue plants. Then, the field is no-till drilled with an annual smother crop for cut hay or grazing. The field is sprayed again just before planting the new nontoxic variety.

But Roberts says this is a year when spray-smother-spray won’t work well. Smother crop seeds will probably not germinate due to lack of rainfall. Also, seeds that might germinate would further deplete the moisture stored in the soil profile.

Instead, Roberts recommends the spray-wait-spray method. This method requires having clipped in the spring to prevent seed heads from forming, and then spraying with glyphosate in the early summer. Six weeks later, the field is sprayed a second time. Soon after the second spray, the new variety can be no-till drilled into the killed stubble at recommended seeding rates.

Roberts and other forage experts in the seven-state Alliance for Grassland Renewal have found this method to be effective in 10 years of research in the southern U.S. It has also been tested successfully in mid-Missouri.

Roberts says that spray-wait-spray only works on pastures that have had seed heads removed before they are ripe. If seed heads are not removed, seeds fall to the ground and contaminate the pasture with toxic growth.

Renovation is costly, so Roberts recommends converting only part of a farm’s pastures each year. He suggests converting to novel endophytes initially on 10%-20% of their pastureland each year.

“Start small,” Roberts says. Novel-endophyte pastures also require a different style of management than tall fescue. Producers can learn more from their local MU Extension specialist or by attending forage schools offered by the Alliance for Grassland Renewal.

Researchers introduced endophyte-free fescue in the 1980s to prevent fescue toxicosis in livestock, but they found that it lacked the persistence of K-31 and other varieties. New novel-endophyte varieties released in 2002 have proved to be a breakthrough in modern-day agriculture, says Roberts. They show persistence, are resistant to drought, insects and disease and do well throughout the Fescue Belt.

For more information, visit www.grasslandrenewal.org.

Worth County Black Wins Under 11 Third Place

Worth County’s under 11 softball teams both stumbled to good teams with fast pitchers in the league tournament at Ravenwood. Both Albany and Platte Valley clearly established themselves as the teams to beat in the tournament. But the Worth County teams were both good enough that they were able to handle everyone else and made it into the third place game. Put them into one unit, and they will be tough to challenge with their depth in future years. 

The Worth County Black team and the Worth County Gold team met for the third place game Thursday night. It was expected to be a close game, but the Black team batted first and they were able to take advantage of it by jumping on the Gold team in the first inning. Addie Cadle walked and went to second on a wild pitch. Kyah Joslin hit a hard grounder to Gabbey Maudlin, who made a great play at short to get her out at first as Cadle took third. Gwynn Healy hit a grounder to third, and they tried to nail Cadle coming into score, but the ball got away and Healy made it all the way to second. Renae Gladstone then turned on a changeup and crushed a triple into right field past everyone to score Healy. Aria Oberhauser grounded out to score Gladstone, and Samantha Picken beat out an infield hit to score Kinley Fletchall to make it 4-0.

The Gold team fought back from an impossible deficit to beat one of the Maryville teams during the regular season, but Daden Findley’s screamer down the right field line that looked like extra bases was snared by Samantha Picken at first for the first out. A pair of hit batters later in the inning cut the Black lead in half, but then pitcher Kinley Fletchall shut the door with a pair of strikeouts to get out of the inning.

Ridley Ware discovered her own strength when she hit a screamer down the left field line that landed just fair to start the Black second. After standing around in shock, she took first with a single. Cree Blankenship and Addie Cadle walked. The Gold squad nearly got out of the inning when pitcher Kaitlyn Moyer snagged Kya Joslin’s screamer for the second out, but Gwynn Healy beat out a strong throw from shortstop Gabbey Maudlin; a tie goes to the runner, and Kadence Downing crossed the plate to make it 5-2.

After Kinley Fletchall and Aria Oberhauser opened up the Black third with base hits, the Black squad broke open the game with five runs to put the game away.

Courthouse News for June 28th, 2023

On June 14th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Dustin Hill of Lamoni and Debbie Shields of Diagonal were involved in an accident on Highway 2. Shields was attempting to turn into the Sheriff’s Office parking lot. Hill was unable to get stopped and rearended Shields. Hill was cited for Following Too Closely. 

On June 20th, vandals cut the cord to one of the stage microphones, tore down the volleyball netting, destroyed a lamppost, and shot off fireworks, setting a tree on fire at the Sheridan Park. They also destroyed barriers and signs at the Schoolhouse. (Story, Page 4)

On June 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2003 Freightliner driven by Larry Burton (72) of Bethany was northbound on I-35 seven miles south of Bethany at around 8:48 pm when he ran off the west side of the road, struck an emergency crossover, went airborne, traveled across both southbound lanes, and went off the west side before striking a ditch. Burton received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital.

On June 20th, Thomas Gerdes (30) of Kansas City was arrested in Gentry County on a Felony Out of State Warrant. On June 21st, a hearing was held and extradition ordered.

On June 20th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Pedro Salvador (20) of Kansas City (KS) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), No Insurance, and No Valid License.

On June 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against John Paxson (46) of Mount Ayr alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On June 21st, Trevor Bradley (20) of Ridgeway was sentenced by Daviess County Judge Ryan Horsman to 8 years in the Department of Corrections for Child Molestation (Felony). 

On June 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Roger Nelson (60) of Graham alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and Leaving the Scene.

On June 22nd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by a 16 year old boy from Parnell was eastbound on Route 46 two miles east of Ravenwood at around 10:40 am. The vehicle went off the south side and struck an embankment. The boy received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On June 22nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Javin Nichols (16) of King City alleging Speeding (26+ mph over), Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, two counts Failure to Stop, two counts Failure to Signal, and No Valid License.

On June 23rd, Stephan Alsip (35) of Des Moines was arrested in Harrison County on a Felony Out of State Warrant. A hearing was held and extradition ordered.

On June 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Ford F-250 was pulling a 19 foot boat on Routes T and A near Ridgeway at around 9:15 pm. A 16 year old passenger in the trailer fell out of the boat, resulting in injuries. The vehicle subsequently left the scene and was later located on private property.

On June 22nd, Northwest Mo Info reported that a massive police chase and manhunt that started in Kansas City that evening resulted in the arrest of Brandon Fletcher (31) near Gilman City the following morning following an attempted robbery, a string of vehicle thefts, a home invasion, and the defendant allegedly firing shots at officers and another vehicle.

On June 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Erick Hernandez-Portillo (22) of Dallas (TX) in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding (102 mph).

On June 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Dimiti Jobava (29) of Parlin (NJ) in Harrison County on three traffic warrants from Cooper County.

On June 25th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jeremy Tipton (34) of Afton on a charge of DWI following an accident on J55 west of Redding. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On June 25th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Zachary Brannen (37) of Albany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety. 

On June 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Martin Rodriguez (35) of Monett (MO) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On June 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Steven Shaub (33) of Yukon (OK) alleging DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving.

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

Bluejays Blank Tigers in Anticlimactic Little League Final

The showdown between Worth County and NEN Tuesday turned out to be anticlimactic as the Bluejays took no chances, scoring in every inning and coming away with a 10-0 win to secure an undefeated season. Worth County had just as little competition for second place; their only losses this year were to the Bluejays. Last year, the game between the two went nine innings before they posed together afterwards. This time, the game was shortened by the mercy rule, but they still posed together afterwards. Many of them will play football together this fall, and some will play together in the Little League All-Star series.

While the Tigers had baserunners galore, they couldn’t capitalize on them. Meanwhile, the Bluejays took full advantage of their opportunities, starting in the first inning. Wyatt Scadden beat out an infield hit, stole second, and came home on the ensuing overthrow to make it 1-0. Brady O’Connell reached on an error, Benton Roberts walked, and then Jace Burns emptied the bases later in the inning with a double down the left field line into the corner. Gracin Runde singled him home to make it 4-0.

Clayton Oberhauser walked, but Bluejay pitcher Liam Cordell froze the next two Tiger batters on strikes to get out of the inning. One big difference between the two teams was the fact that the bottom of the order came up big for the Bluejays. Brock Adwell hit a seeing eye single up the middle to start the second, Wyatt Scadden hit a pop fly that dropped behind second base for another single, and Liam Cordell once again emptied the bases with a double to make it 6-0.

To show the kind of game it was for the Tigers, Jordan Dannar hit a tricky grounder to Wyatt Scadden at short to start the third; he legged it out on the type of play that he has beaten nine times out of ten. But this time, first baseman Jace Burns stretched out and snagged Scadden’s errant throw to get the out. Later, Brock Healy singled to right, but Hudson Cameron, trying to go from first to third, was out in a rundown and then Brock was out in another trying for second.

Jace Burns made it 7-0 in the third when he stole second, then turned on the afterburners and came home on an errant throw. Later, Gracin Runde walked, and then the bottom of the order came through once again as Landon Moore, the littlest kid on the team, singled, and then Brock Adwell singled them both home to make it 9-0. 

Once again, Worth County had baserunners galore, loading up the bases with no outs, and once again they couldn’t capitalize. Brock Adwell came on in relief and struck out two and got Cole Hardy to ground out to Scadden at short, who tagged out the runner going by for the final out.

Brady O’Connell stole third and came home on an errant throw in the fourth to close out the win.

Discovering Red, White, and Blue in Nature

With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

Red Royal Catchfly Flowers,

Red Male Summer Tanagers,

White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves, 

White Great Egrets,

Blue False Indigos, and

Male Indigo Buntings.

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

Want to learn more about birds in Missouri and where to find them? Check out the website of the Great Missouri Birding Trail at greatmissouribirdingtrail.com/Wordpress/ .

Need suggestions on things to do for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include: cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

With the MDC free mobile app -- MO Outdoors – nature lovers can quickly and easily find MDC outdoor offerings based on the types of outdoor activities they want -- close to home, work, or even while traveling. MO Outdoors can help folks find MDC conservation areas, fishing accesses, hiking trails, and more around the state based on the desired types of outdoor activities. Users can also mark “favorite” locations to quickly find them in future searches. MO Outdoors also connects users to MDC-area regulations and season information, hours of operation, images, area closings, interactive maps of area boundaries and features, parking lots, boat ramps, and wildlife viewing areas using their device’s GPS. Users can also download maps for offline use. MO Outdoors is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-outdoors.

Eli Mullock Inducted Into Eight Man Hall of Fame

During his career at Worth County, Eli Mullock rewrote the recordbook at Worth County, running for over 2,300 yards and 52 touchdowns his senior year as Worth County beat Mound City for the state title in 2011 52-20. He was inducted with Lucas Schawang, who quarterbacked the Panthers to three state titles before Worth County finally ended their run in 2011. 

When he was younger, Eli once donned a Batman uniform for something, and always tried to act the part. Every time the game was big, he would come up bigger. Every time he touched the ball, he would think touchdown. One of his first big scores was when Worth County was playing Mound City in 2009 in the rain and mud, and Mound City had just taken the lead on Worth County in the fourth quarter. But Eli shot through the purple shirts like they weren’t even there, and he scored the game winning touchdown. For a span of six years, from 2005 to 2011, Worth County was the only team to beat Mound City.

That 2009 game was one of the most embarrassing moments for the area sports pundits, who thought Worth County was no competition for the Panthers this year. Following the game, KQ2, instead of starting their football show as scheduled, played 20 minutes of commercials before finally coming on and their announcers lamely admitted Worth County belonged in the conversation.

Eli also quickly dispelled one of the stereotypes of his coach, Chuck Borey, who had a stereotype of extremely athletic kids who hated to hit. In 2009, he knocked a Tarkio ballcarrier into the air so hard, he spun like a windmill before planting the turf.

He was also involved in one of our more embarrassing moments on the sideline, in 2011 against South Holt, although it wasn’t his fault. Coach Borey was nice enough to let us call the first play of the game, and after some brainstorming, we were inspired by the way Lucas Schawang was a constant threat to run or throw. We drew up a perfect play call where the line fired out to block like it was a run, quarterback Bryce Ross pitched it to Eli like it was a simple quick pitch, only for Eli to air it out to Aaron Patton for a strike. South Holt bit hard on the misdirection, but the problem was, Kylynn Sisk caught Patton from behind and forced a fumble, the only time Patton ever dropped a pass or fumbled a football. To this day, Coach Borey swears we don’t have a clue when it comes to football.

But when all the chips were on the table, Eli Mullock came through in 2011. On the last regular season game against Stanberry, the Bulldogs were completely outplaying Worth County, but the Tigers were somehow hanging around. Stanberry had the ball with under two minutes left with the lead. All they needed was one first down, and they could kneel out the clock. But Eli Mullock came away with a loose ball, and the Tigers had hope again. Despite Dan Collins successfully talking the officials into throwing a False Start against the Tigers and wiping out a go-ahead touchdown, they got to the 40 with around 40 seconds left. Everyone knew who the ball was going to, and it didn’t matter as Eli shot through the middle and bounced down the left side. One of the Stanberry players nearly caught him at the 10 and knocked him off balance, but somehow, he stayed inbounds and got into the end zone for the winning score.

And in the Eight Man All-Star game, after Worth County had won state in 2011, Eli did it again. Everyone knew who the ball was going to, and once again, it didn’t matter as he scored from 40 yards out to win the game for his team.

Missouri to Get $1.7 Billion in Broadband Money

On Monday, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Missouri will receive more than $1.7 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of the federal Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). Missouri’s BEAD program allocation ranks as the third highest among all states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.

“We appreciate Senator Roy Blunt's past efforts to secure this funding and the support of our partners at the NTIA as we continue to advance the critical priority of broadband expansion statewide,” Governor Mike Parson said. “This significant allocation will greatly assist our ongoing investments in Missouri's broadband infrastructure and build upon our recent $400 million investment. We're excited to be among the top five states in BEAD funding as we work to ensure every Missourian has access to a quality internet connection.”

Nationally, the NTIA allocated a total of more than $42.45 billion through the BEAD program. Missouri’s share of BEAD funding will be used by the Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development for its Connecting All Missourians initiative, which aims to provide high-quality internet statewide.

“Our state's BEAD allocation shows the critical need for broadband expansion across Missouri and provides an unprecedented opportunity for progress,” BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, said. “This historic funding will allow our office to work with willing providers to bring quality internet connections to those without access.”

“We’re grateful for this assistance from federal partners in investing in our state’s broadband infrastructure, which is vital to our economic success,” Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development, said. “In today’s digital economy, access to high-speed internet is a necessity for citizens, businesses, and communities alike. As our Office of Broadband Development works to expand access statewide, this funding will go a long way in meeting our goal of connecting all Missourians.”

Obituary -- Kenny Powell 1932-2023

A Private Family Memorial for Kenny Powell, 91, of Bedford, Iowa will be held at Sweet Home Cemetery in Ravenwood, Missouri later this summer.  Memorials may to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Bedford United Methodist Church in his name.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.  

Kenneth Burton Powell passed away on June 22, 2023 at the Bedford Specialty Care Facility in Bedford, Iowa. Kenny was born on April 15, 1932 on a farm east of Ravenwood, Missouri to parents, Loyd and Emma (Freeman) Powell.

Kenny graduated from Ravenwood High School with the class of 1950. He loved the game of baseball and for years was the pitcher on a slow pitch softball team.

On May 22, 1954 Kenny was united in marriage to Betty Louise Throckmorton and they were blessed with two sons, Steven and Mark. The couple enjoyed more than 66 years of marriage before Betty's passing in 2021.

The family made their home in Maryville and Barnard, Missouri before moving to Bedford, Iowa in 1966 to open Field's Dad and Lad Clothing Store. They served the community there until their retirement in 1995 selling men's apparel, fine gifts and providing alterations.

Kenny was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints in his childhood and as an adult attended the Methodist Church. For years Kenny was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, the Bedford Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. For many years he enjoyed attending his sons' and then grandsons' sporting events, and in his last years the first question he asked his visitors, was "How did one of the great-grandkids games go?"

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Emma Powell; wife, Betty Powell; and son, Mark Powell.

He is survived by his son, Steven (Debra) Powell; grandsons, Clinton (Kandra) Powell and Derek (Amanda) Powell all of Bedford; daughter-in-law, Roxie Powell. His five great-grandchildren, Camden, Adalyn, Parker, Matthew and Kynasen Powell were the center of his life, and they are left with wonderful memories of their great-grandpa that they affectionately called "Pa."

Also left to cherish his memory are brother, Loyd Powell of Ithaca, New York; sisters, Cleola Brandt of Ravenwood, Missouri and Shirley Vulgamott of St. Joseph, Missouri; sister-in-law, Doris McLean, along with many nieces, nephews and a host of cherished friends.

Worth County Sheriff's Department to Help Enforce Grant City Ordinances

The Grant City Council, at its meeting Wednesday, approved an agreement with the Worth County Sheriff's Department that will allow for enforcement of city ordinances. The Sheriff's Department will move to the basement of City Hall rent free, and in return, they will enforce city codes and ordinances as directed by the city. In addition, the Sheriff’s Department will enforce city traffic codes.

The basement will allow for more office space for the Sheriff and more security. The Sheriff's Department will still use the basement office. 

The move was subject to approval from the Worth County Commission. On Monday, the Worth County Commission verbally approved the move. The next move will be for the city to draw up a contract to be signed by the Sheriff’s Department, the city, and the commissioners.

Gerri Dearmont came to the meeting to close out the $500,000 CDBG Grant for wastewater funding and deobligate it. The city was approved for the grant, only to subsequently get a much bigger $5 million grant from the Missouri DNR which could not be used in conjunction with other such programs. Since an entity can only have one CDBG program active at one time, that will free up the city to apply for another CDBG program when the next round of funding opens up in a few months. Grant City is automatically eligible for the program.

The council passed an ordinance to vacate South Front Street south of 10th Street. The land will revert back to the owners with the city retaining an easement in the event of needing to repair a water or gas line.

The council passed another ordinance allowing the Golf Course to permit drinking at their events or at the Club House. Current ordinances do not allow drinking on city property. However, the city took over ownership of the Golf Course on paper. The move by the council allowed for the Golf Course to do what it has always done in the past.  The vote was 3-1, with Bruce Downing opposed. He felt that the city should not carve out such exceptions. 

The city is in the process of negotiating the sale of the Internet service that it owns to United Fiber. The city owns the system, while Midwest Data out of Rock Port does the billing and the upgrades to the system. The city was one of the first cities in the area to have a municipally owned system, getting $115,000 in grant money to start up the system. However, the city is barely breaking even with its service, while future upgrades to the system to compete with high speed broadband that is coming through the county could be astronomical. The city has lost ten customers to United Fiber since it started offering service to the area.

Sherri Runde of the Tri-County Health Department gave a presentation to the council about the work she was doing at Tri-County Health Department. Recently, the city had its meeting to update the Strategic Plan. The Tri-County Health Department did its own survey of the community and found several strengths, such as safety, healthy homes, and quality of healthcare. Concerns included the need for more tobacco and alcohol education, access to exercise, lack of mental health services, and the fact that many people have to drive 20+ miles to get primary care. 

The Tri-County Health Department offers widespread health education on many health-related topics. They are in the process of looking for a mental health provider and a dental provider to come to the county. Runde goes to Sheridan every first Friday, the Senior Center every second Friday, and Allendale every third Friday to reach out to people, leads a walking group at the Grant City trail Tuesday mornings at 10 am (which could change to 9 due to the heat), and leads exercises at the Senior Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

City Administrator Meggan Brown discussed building demolition, grants, and other topics. The city approved expenses for a picnic table, a handicapped table, and a recycling bin for the new shelter house west of the Pool for a cost of $861.43. That is part of the city’s share of the Solid Waste grant they received. 

Brown also reported that there was asbestos in the buildings in the southwest corner of the square south of The Petaler. She got a quote from a contractor certified to do asbestos removal for the buildings. There will be a public hearing before the next meeting. She also got a quote for the removal of the Dogman’s building.

The council discussed starting a brochure, a packet for new families, and a historical brochure.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the city would not have to move the water line at Route YY where the bridge is being repaired. The council approved changing hours for the city crew to be from 6 to 11 and 11:30 to 2:30, effective for the next full pay period until the last full pay period in October. The city awarded the bid for the chip seal for this year to Approved Paving. 

The council, at the request of Staton, voted to raise the amount that the mayor can approve for purchase from $500 up to $1,000. The amount for three bids was raised from $3,000 to $5,000. 

The council voted to donate $100 to the Worth County Back to School Fair.

The council will meet again on July 19th at 6:30. Prior to that, a Zoning Adjustment meeting will be held at 6:15 pm.

Several Tiger Track Athletes Make Honor Roll Boards

The following Worth County athletes made the Honor Roll for the boards at Worth County. Each event has a certain threshold that athletes have to clear to make the boards. 

Girls

–Emma Spencer made the boards with a time of 12.96 seconds in the 100 at Sectionals. She also had a time of 12.98 in Districts. The threshold is 13.10.

–The 4x100 team of Emma Spencer, Hailey Adwell, Brooklyn Richardson, and Rayleigh Smith broke the school record and won state with a time of 50.99. The threshold is 52.60.

–Riley Ridge got a height of 5’1” in the High Jump this year at Rock Port. She also had 5 feet at Tarkio and Stanberry.

–Eva Engel got the school record at Albany with a height of 11’1¼” and later won state, regularly getting over 10 feet. The threshold is 8’6”.

–Ali Brown broke the school record in the Javelin with a throw of 120 feet. Before her was Payton Adwell, who had a throw of 108’7”.

Boys:

–Levi Cassavaugh made the honor roll in the 100, where he got a time of 11.01 at Stanberry. The threshold is 11.4. He also made it in the 400, where his best time was 51.83 in Sectionals. The threshold is 53 seconds.

–Two of the relay teams made the boards. The 4x100 team got a time of 46.02 in Sectionals. The threshold is 46.2. The 4x200 got a time of 1:34.30 at State. The threshold is 1:35.60. 

–Jase Latham’s best throw in the Shot Put was 50’7¾ in Districts. The threshold is 46’6”.

Nick Adcock Makes Mizzou Hall of Fame

On September 8th, Nick Adcock will be inducted into the Mizzou Track & Field Hall of Fame. He is the son of Sue (Ruckman) Adcock. 

In 2007, Nick claimed the title of “America’s Greatest Athlete Under 20.” He was Mizzou’s first ever track and field athlete to qualify for the USAFT Junior Decathlon Championship and won it with a score of 7,293 points. He beat out a field of 145 athletes, and his performance was the seventh best in the 58 year history of that event. For that, he qualified for the US Junior National Team and competed in the Pan Am Junior games in Sao Paulo (Brazil), where he placed second.

He was a five time All-American, and won the Big 12 Championship in 2008 and 2010 in the Heptathlon, and also won it in the Decathlon in 2010.

Nick holds the school record in the Heptathlon with 5,938 points and the Heptathlon 60 Meter Hurdles with a time of 7.92. In 2009, he placed fourth nationally in the Indoor Heptathlon and did so again in 2010. He holds the Big 12 Conference Meet Record for the Heptathlon and was the 2010 USFFCCA Midwest Athlete of the Year.

Nick also excelled in the classroom as well as the track, winning multiple Big 12 academic awards.

He represented the USA once in Toluca (Mexico), once in Sao Paulo (Brazil), twice at the Thorpe Cup in Marburg (Germany) and once in the USA.

In 2011, he won the 2011 Indoor USATF National Championship.

Nick grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Oak Park High School in 2006. His Kindergarten teacher at Fox Hill Elementary started drilling into his head when he graduated that he should go to college at the University of Missouri. He started doing track in middle school, doing High Jump and some relays. In high school, he started doing hurdles as well, which became his favorite event.

In 2009, he met his wife Liz Roehrig, who was competing for the University of Minnesota, where she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2021. They married in 2014 and reside in Columbia (MO), where he is an accounting manager at Storage Mart and she is a PE teacher and assistant track and field coach at Battle High School. They have two daughters, Teagan (6) and Braylee (8 months).

Doris Monday, at 103, Honored at Worth County Alumni Reunion

Doris Monday, at 103 years young, was honored at the Worth County Alumni Reunion Sunday. She graduated from the Class of 1937. She went to school with Doc Swift, and she had teachers like Berniece Faubion (Grammar), Sadie Simmons (History), Glenn Marr, and Ollie Erickson. 

She remembers Rainbow Park well, including the pool, the building where they had music shows, the ferris wheel, and the ball park. “I’m blessed to be able to halfway function,” said Monday. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it another year, so I thought I’d better come.” Monday will turn 104 in August and is one of Worth County’s oldest residents. Wilbur Osborne, at 106, is Worth County’s oldest living resident. The oldest Worth Countian ever was Maude Logan, who lived to be 108 and passed away in the 1980’s.

At 103, Doris Monday can still take care of herself, drive a car, and can still make pies. She is a fixture in Sunday School classes at the Allendale Baptist Church.

Bill Lutes, who graduated from the Worth County Class of 1953, was the second oldest person present, sneaking in late. He and a lot of other kids used to go swimming in his dad’s pond during summers, after Rainbow Park was taken down and donated to the war effort during World War 2 and before the current pool was built later that decade. He was a fixture on the football teams of those years under Glenn Marr, whose son, Ted, was present.

Richard Williams opened the event with prayer. Carolyn Hardy emceed the event as always. 

The Alumni Association awarded three scholarships this time. Lance Abplanalp was awarded the vocational scholarship, while Paige and Kaydee Sherer were awarded the other two scholarships. 

Tucker Owens was unable to be there for the reunion, so teacher Julia Wideman gave a talk about her work organizing the annual Veterans Day program at the school, including the building of the Memorial Wall. It is similar to the Vietnam Memorial and includes all 1,428 people from Missouri who were killed in action in Vietnam. 

Wideman talked about how the students were able to celebrate our veterans over the years, including a real-life replica of Iwo Jima, a reenactment of Lee Teter’s “Reflections” picture, of a broken-hearted businessman at the Vietnam Memorial grieving for a loved one and soldiers from beyond the grave reaching out and comforting him. 

She also talked about the year in which students got to wear the uniforms of family members who had served in the military. She played Tucker Owens’ original song, “I Need a Hero,” played at one of the Veterans Day celebrations at the school with David Wideman, in his grandfather’s World War 2 uniform, sitting beside him. 

Jason Davidson of the Class of 1997 reflected on the people he grew up with who made him who he is today. He mentioned Victor Bollinger, the long-time pastor at Allendale; Vicki and Joker Miller, who created a family friendly place for kids to come to on Saturday nights at the Pool Hall; Randy James, who maintains cemeteries around the county; Debbie Roach, who has done a lot of work behind the scenes to make the community better; and teachers like Edith Fletchall, Vonda Terry, Mary Kay Hunt, Clella Goodwin, Scott Darrach, Doyle Bounds, and Dale and Joanna Healy. “It’s fitting that Chris and April Healy are continuing what Dale and Joanna have done for the school over the years,” said Davidson. “It doesn’t matter who you are; anyone can be successful in life.” He has worked at several TV stations, starting with KQ2, and still gets people who remember him from his TV days. Now, he runs a successful advertising firm and has made almost 5,000 ads.

There were 28 graduates and 11 guests present. There were six alumni books sold for a total of $180, and collections totaled another $139. The Davidson family had the most people present from one family. The classes with the most attendance were the classes of 1965 and 1971. Ed Roberts of Harrisonville was the farthest away.

Dustin Rowen Gets Revenge in Second Night of Hangman Races

Dustin Rowen took revenge on his dad in the second night of the Hangman races at the Sheridan Rodeo as he beat his dad hands down Saturday.

Previously, Henry and Dustin had teamed up and nearly had it won, only for Henry to fall off his horse on the final turn and hand the victory to Cory DeMott’s team.

On Saturday, Dustin was looking for revenge against his dad. So he teamed up with Nick Joslin, while Henry, thinking maybe a girl was needed to show how to do a man’s job, tabbed Katie Burchett.

The race was off, but while Joslin was able to hang on the tire with no problems, Henry struggled with a slow horse and Katie nearly fell off the tire as she could barely hang on. It was no contest as Dustin easily took home the win and did a victory lap with Joslin in celebration.

Perhaps moving the funeral home sign off one of the main bucking chutes was better luck for the bull riders, as there were two qualified rides. Trey Hill (73 points) and Blake Moore (75 points) were able to successfully ride the always tough bulls at the Grand River Rodeo. A third rider, Daytona Lutz of Hopkins, nearly rode one, but planted the turf right before the buzzer sounded. 

Seth the Clown was anxious to get the show on; during a delay in the action, he suggested that if they took much longer to get the bull lined up, the Duggars, a reality show family with numerous children popular in some Christian circles, might have another baby. 

But much more serious matters were at hand when one of the bull contestants was tossed into the air, hit the bull with the back of his head and neck, and was knocked motionless. The Worth County Ambulance responded promptly, with them and numerous cowboys giving first aid. For the time being, all differences were set aside, and the cowboy contestants were all one team.

The irony of it was that the bull in question, “Juicy Fruit,” a regular at the Grand River Rodeo, nearly leveled one of the pickup men into the fence in the same arena several years ago, as told by Seth before the tumble happened.

Other than that, the second night of the rodeo went well except for Seth dropping the ball and failing to pick up Rodrigo, the world champion bull whip artist from Mexico City that the Sheridan CBC supposedly paid $3,000 for. Seth was supposed to pick of Rodrigo from the airport, but thought he was supposed to pick up the briefcase instead and there was no Rodrigo to perform his tricks. 

So Seth tried his best to imitate Rodrigo and demanded that he be paid the $3,000 instead. But when he brought out Coy, the bull fighter, out into the ring with a balloon, he haggled an agreement that if he cracked the whip and broke the balloon, he would get the $3,000. But when Seth cracked the whip and then ran up and broke the balloon with his hand, the announcer suddenly sharpened his pencil and declared that Seth had to finish the act before being paid, which entailed lighting the whip on fire and cracking it.

Seth freaked out at the the prospect of having to deal with real fire, but he obliged and everyone went home happy. 

Henry Rowen Takes a Tumble in First Night of Sheridan Rodeo

In a plot seemingly hatched up at Henry’s shindig the weekend before, the boys upped the ante for the crazy event in between the barrel racing and the bull riding. The team of Henry Rowen, Dustin Rowen, and Mark Jordan pitted themselves against the team of Corey DeMott, Will New, and Dale Brown in a game of Hangman. 

With Jordan and Brown operating a skid loader holding a tire swinging over the dirt, one person had to grab the tire from a moving horse. The horse had to go down and back, pick up the hangman from the tire, and then make another pass down and back. It looked like Henry and Dustin would emerge as the winners, only for Henry to take a tumble on the final stretch after Dustin had collected him from the swinging tire, allowing Corey DeMott, Will New, and Dale Brown to come away in the inaugural Sheridan Hangman Championship. 

Everybody breathed a sigh of relief after the suspense preceding the event. Seth the Clown, who had seen it all and who was keeping up a good chatter all night, was speechless for once, having no idea how to explain what was about to take place. 

Another new event was the baseball contest, rodeo style. A young man and a young lady were recruited by Seth to put on a pair of goggles, swing three times at a plastic baseball, weave through a set of orange flags, and then see how far they could kick a kickball. Seth declared the young lady, but the supporters of the young man will likely say the contest was rigged because the man kicked the ball clear to the press box while the young lady barely dribbled it with her kick. 

There were a lot of local favorites riding the barrels, such as EmiLee and Liz Brown, Heather Fenton of McFall, Lisa McCrary of Clyde, and Dayna Rowen of Sheridan. Liz Brown was third in the Friday night run with a time of 15.516.

The event that contestants had the most trouble with was the bulls, with all the contestants taking a tumble in three seconds or less. One possibility to break the jinx, North Nodaway grad Daytona Lutz, said he was going to give it a try Saturday. He’s traveled around the country riding bulls, riding a few here and there. The team roping was a close second, with several missing, a few catching only one heel, and one doing it cleanly but breaking the barrier.

Creighton Troutwine, Bellame Rush are Little Mr. & Miss Defiance; Brit Fisher Remembered

Creighton Troutwine and Bellame Rush were Little Mr. & Miss Defiance Friday evening to kick off festivities. Bellame had a magic trick to show everybody, while Creighton’s special hobby was fishing and working with his dad, Clayton Troutwine. 

Other contestants included Lilyann O’Grady, who wanted to be a teacher; Logan Jones, who wanted to cook, and Alessia Surrell. 

The event was emceed by NEN grad Alicia Smith, who gave a talk in memory of the late Brit Fisher. In Spring 2017, Alicia was competing in a Teen Miss USA contest when she got a call from an unknown number. But it was a local number, and it turned out to be Brit, who had just been chosen to head up the contest, loved working with kids, and was really excited about it, but she needed help. “I don’t really have a plan,” said Brit at the time. Alicia came home from the competition and worked out a plan with Brit and went through all the prizes. “I didn’t sleep for 48 hours,” said Alicia.

Alicia said she had no idea how Brit had gotten her cell number, but the two formed a fast friendship over the years, with Brit texting Alicia out of the blue with random ideas for future competitions. In October, Brit had all sorts of plans for this year’s competition and was ordering stuff for it back then. 

After the competition was over, everyone got popsicles as a reward.

Weekly Area Road Work for June 28th, 2023

Gentry County

Route YY – CLOSED until further notice at the Bear Creek Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is included in a replacement project scheduled to be a part of the September 2023 letting for contractor bids. https://www.modot.org/atchison-and-gentry-counties-bridge-replacements

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 169 to Route J (Nodaway County) through mid-August. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route E – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Walnut Fork Bridge through August. (Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC.) More info: https://www.modot.org/gentry-county-route-e-walnut-fork-bridge-replacement-project

Route T – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Brushy Creek Bridge through October. (Contractor: Lehman Construction and Wilson & Company) *2

Route EE – Pothole patching from Route T to Route P, June 26-30.

Harrison County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project the Ames Creek Bridge, west of Bethany, through early October. (Contractor: Lehman Construction and Wilson & Company) *2

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from Route J to U.S. Route 169 (Nodaway County) through mid-August. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching from Route KK to Route YY, June 29.

Route WW – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Morehouse Street to 370th Street, Jun 26, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route N – CLOSED for multiple culvert replacements from 390th Street to 400th Street, June 27-30, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching from the Iowa state line to the intersection of U.S. Route 136, June 27-28.

Worth County

Routes W and K – Pothole patching, June 26-30  

Legend

*1 This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

*2 This bridge is part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. More info: FARM Bridge program web page

*3 This bridge is a part the Safe & Sound bridge rehabilitation project. More info: https://www.modot.org/safe-sound-bridge-rehabilitations-buchanan-carroll-gentry-harrison-counties

*4 This project is part of Gov. Parson’s Rural Road program. The state’s approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget provided an additional $100 million in General Revenue for work on Missouri’s low volume rural roads. Using asset management data, MoDOT has identified approximately 1,700 lane miles of low volume roads ranked in Poor Condition. By next summer, these 113 locations will receive resurfacing treatments of hot mix asphalt to improve the road conditions.

State Rep. Mazzie Boyd -- Children and Drag Shows

by State Rep. Mazzie Boyd

To the Great Constituents of District 2,

At the heart of conservative values is the belief that our culture and societal norms should be preserved and protected for the wellbeing of future generations. One significant area of concern that has arisen is the attendance of minors at drag shows. A group of Missouri House Representatives, Senators, and I have proposed legislation to safeguard our children from these adult-oriented performances. The proposed bills have drawn criticism, but the foundation of our argument is solid – these performances are fundamentally not suitable for the impressionable minds of our youth.

Drag shows, inherently, contain sexual elements and as such, fall into the category of sexually oriented businesses. If we have legislation that restricts minors from establishments like strip clubs, why should drag shows be an exception? Such environments potentially expose children to sexual content before they are emotionally mature enough to understand it. This is not about suppressing sexuality; rather, it’s about shielding children from adult themes until they are emotionally ready.

A case in point is a Columbia school that took students to a drag show without the knowledge or consent of their parents. The school district apologized, but it raises the question – can a child truly understand and consent to being exposed to such adult content? The age of consent in Missouri is 17, an age at which a teenager is presumably mature enough to make such decisions. But what about the 8 or 9-year-olds? Those arguing that this proposed legislation is government overreach need to be reminded of the fundamental role of government – protecting its citizens. Children, due to their age and innocence, are the most vulnerable among us and require the utmost protection. The government is duty-bound to step in when the welfare of these young minds is at stake. 

Claims that this legislation infringes on First Amendment rights are misdirected. As State Representative Darin Chappell rightly points out, “No government should ever be associated with an event that has a proven history of exploiting kids.” Our primary concern here is the well-being of our children and not curtailing free speech. 

The contention that our proposals unfairly target the LGBTQIA community is unfounded. This isn’t about who is performing; it’s about who is watching. It’s about creating safe spaces for our children, a principle that is not exclusive to any group or community. Chris Barrett, representing Missouri Chapter of Gays Against Groomers, himself acknowledged, “This adult entertainment should be for adults only.”

Regarding parental rights, they indeed exist, but they come with the duty to protect and provide for the child. Parents cannot take their children to establishments that are deemed harmful to minors, and the same should hold for drag shows. 

Missouri isn’t the only state looking to protect its children. Last month, the Texas House advanced a significant bill – Senate Bill 12 – aimed at regulating sexually oriented performances in front of minors. The move, which has had its fair share of controversy, underscores a fundamental truth: such adult-themed performances are unsuitable for our young ones’ developing minds. The recent ruling against Tennessee’s similar bill on the grounds of being too broad does not deter our efforts. Our legislation in Missouri is precisely worded and has significant enforcement measures in place to deter violations.

Our society is evolving, but this doesn’t mean that we should discard the values that form our cultural backbone. Safeguarding our children from adult-themed entertainment is not a matter of controversy; it’s a moral responsibility. As legislators, we must ensure that the innocence and well-being of our youth are fiercely guarded, setting them on a path to a balanced and healthy adulthood. It’s not merely a matter of importance; it’s an urgent necessity.

It's a pleasure to serve and as always if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office at (573) 751-4285 or email me at Mazzie.Boyd@house.mo.gov.

All my Best,

Mazzie Boyd, State Representative for District 2

 

North Harrison Hires Linda Woods as Teacher

The North Harrison School Board voted at their regular board meeting Wednesday to hire Linda Woods as a probationary teacher for the school.

New superintendent Dr. Ethan Sickels will begin his duties on July 1st. The board voted to make him the banking official and financial representative for the school.

The board had $1,532,712.30 in all funds on June 2nd, 2022 and $1,551,774.69 on June 2nd, 2023, a difference of $19,062.39. The board voted to zero out the teacher fund and to transfer the maximum amount, $162,326, to the Capital Projects Fund. 

Larissa Richards Inducted Into Pitt State Hall of Fame

Larissa Richards has been named to the Pitt State (KS) Hall of Fame, the university announced Wednesday. She and other members will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame during the weekend of October 7th.

Richards is a sister of the late Stacie Jenks and aunt to Kali, Tevin, and Colt Cameron.  She was a two sport athlete, competing for the Gorillas in both track and basketball.

As a track athlete, she was a six time NCAA All-American thrower. She was two time national runner up in discus in 2011 and 2013. She was a 12-time All-MIAA performer and a four time MIAA champion. She set the outdoor Shot Put record with a throw of 50’6¼; that mark is currently fourth. She set and still holds the school record in the Discus with a throw of 181 feet. 

As a basketball player, at 6’6”, she was a force on the interior, leading a highly physical Pitt State group that towered over most of their competition. They lost to Northwest three times during the Bearcats’ final four run, but made life hard for them all three times. In 2012, they had their best season ever, posting a 27-6 record and reaching the Elite Eight. Richards set the school record for blocked shots with 187; she is currently second on the list.

Missouri Foundation for Health -- Many Missourians Confused About Legality of Birth Control

by the Missouri Foundation for Health

There is considerable confusion about the legality of birth control in Missouri and many are worried about future access, according to a new survey of state residents. One in four (25%) Missourians do not believe or do not know that birth control pills — the most used form of contraception in the U.S. — are legal in the state. More than half (53%) do not believe or do not know that emergency contraception is legal, and four in 10 (40%) do not believe or do not know that IUDs are legal.

In addition, many in Missouri are concerned about the future availability of birth control. Fully half of survey respondents (50%) — including 44% of Republicans, 48% of Independents, and 66% of Democrats — are concerned that elected officials in Missouri will enact laws that restrict people from getting the birth control method they want.

The survey of 1,000 Missouri residents was conducted as part of the Missouri-based The Right Time initiative. Through this effort, health centers across the state are improving access to contraception by providing free or low-cost birth control in 34 locations. The Right Time provides training, assistance, and funding to expand access to the full range of contraceptive methods. The initiative is focused on offering patients same-day access to all methods of birth control, and has resources that make it easier for people in Missouri, including those who are uninsured or underinsured, to receive quality contraceptive services.

“The fallout from the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling on abortion has had expected and unexpected consequences,” said Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director of Missouri Family Health Council. “One unexpected result is that health centers across the state report that many patients are confused about the legality of birth control because of the June 2022 decision. The message is simple: Abortion is banned in Missouri; birth control is not.”

Other survey findings include:

72% of respondents — including 74% of Republicans, 85% of Democrats, and 87% of Independents — think the Missouri state legislature should pass policies that make birth control more affordable and accessible.

More believe that elected officials in Missouri are not supportive of birth control (36%) than those who believe legislators are supportive (26%). 

84% of respondents — including 82% of Republicans, 90% of Democrats, and 85% of Independents — support people aged 18-35 having access to all methods of birth control.   

More say they do not know how to get birth control online (48%) than those that say they are aware of online ordering (39%).  

The Right Time is improving information about, and access to, quality contraceptive services by reducing costs and improving access and knowledge. TheRightTime.org provides residents of Missouri with access to free and low-cost birth control, trustworthy information on birth control, and video testimonials about services and contraceptive methods.

“Our initiative is based on the simple belief that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue the future they want, including if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant,” said Kathleen Holmes, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Missouri Foundation for Health. “Removing barriers to quality contraceptive information and care is foundational to The Right Time effort. The polling released today makes clear that correcting misperceptions about the legality of birth control is both important and urgent.”

Farm Bureau Commentary -- Global Climate Agenda Requires Animal Sacrifice

 By Garrett Hawkins

At Missouri Farm Bureau, we’ve talked extensively for more than two years about the global climate agenda and how activists continue to miss the big picture. Every United Nations, European Union, and Biden Administration meeting seems to focus on the “climate crisis” and ways to save the human race. Now, it seems we’ve entered a new phase of the global climate agenda – animal sacrifice, and Europe is leading the way. 

The Irish government has proposed the large-scale slaughter of their cattle herd – culling 65,000 cows a year for three years, effectively reducing their national dairy herd by 10 percent. The European Union recently approved a plan to spend more than $1.5 billion to close farms and eliminate a significant portion of the Netherlands’ livestock herd in an effort to reduce emissions. You really can’t make this stuff up.

Until recently, the Netherlands was hailed as a tremendous agricultural success and model. During World War II, the Netherlands suffered a horrific famine where more than 20,000 people died during the Nazi occupation. In response, they invested heavily in agricultural production and efficiency, and have become one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. In spite of having just about one percent of the EU’s farmland, the Netherlands produces six percent of the EU’s food.  

While we may not think it’s a good idea for the EU to slaughter their own livestock and forcibly close their farms, I suppose it is their prerogative. However, here’s the kicker. Not only do the EU’s plans impact their own producers – they are seeking to impose new standards on global trade. A proposal put forward by the European Commission, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), would require companies to demonstrate what action they are taking to protect the environment. If adopted, the CSDDD would introduce requirements for companies to identify, prevent, or end the impact of their activities on the environment. If you’re a farmer in Missouri, that should raise your eyebrows, considering Missouri exported more than $112 million worth of agricultural products to the EU in 2022. 

Here at home, the Biden Administration’s “all-of-government” approach to climate change is charging full speed ahead. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is getting into the big-government climate solutions game as well, through its proposed rules requiring publicly-traded companies to report climate-related risks. These proposed rules would even trickle down to the farm and ranch gate by requiring a company’s upstream and downstream value chain to report data to the SEC, creating huge compliance and data privacy concerns for the agricultural sector.

The untold story is that America’s farmers and ranchers are producing more food using fewer resources than ever before. Over the last seventy years, US agricultural productivity has increased by 175% and land use fell by 28%. According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American beef producers have increased their production by 23 percent while decreasing emissions by 15 percent per animal. According to the EPA, in 2018, voluntary land management practices alone removed 764 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. That’s equivalent to taking 165 million vehicles off the road for approximately one year. In my opinion, the greatest steward of the land and the true conservationist is the American farmer. American producers have used innovation to leave their farms better than they found it for generations. That’s a story we are proud of and one policymakers should understand before handing down directives that could take farms and ranches out of production, reduce global food security, and jeopardize global trade.

Franz Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Union (EU) Commission, stated in 2021 that, “If we don’t fix [climate change], our children will be waging wars over water and food. There is no doubt in my mind.” For my part, I have no doubt that Mr. Timmermans believes he is on a noble crusade. But, the fact that he and other climate activists believe sacrificing Europe’s livestock herd will improve food security is misguided and truly frightening. 

Garrett Hawkins is a farmer from Appleton City and serves as the President of Missouri Farm Bureau. MOFB is the state's largest farm organization with a presence in every county throughout the state. 

I-29 Northbound Lanes Reopen in St. Joseph

 Beginning Tuesday, June 20, motorists traveling on Buchanan County Interstate 29 can expect fewer construction delays at the Missouri Route 6 (Fredrick Boulevard) Bridge in St. Joseph. Crews from Herzog Contracting Corp., contracted by the Missouri Department of Transportation, plan to fully reopen both northbound lanes of traffic from Gene Field Road to Route YY (Mitchell Avenue).

Construction below the Fredrick Boulevard Bridge is now complete. Crews will begin repaving and continue guardrail repair overnight. An updated project schedule is shown below:

Early April through late August:

Guardrail and median cable improvements and roadway patching from south of Business Route 71 (Andrew County) to south of Route O (Buchanan County).

All work will be completed overnight from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday. Intermittent lane closures will occur.

Late June through late October:

Resurfacing from south of Business Route 71 (Andrew County) to south of Route O (Buchanan County).

All work will be completed overnight from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday. Intermittent lane closures will occur.

Intermittent, overnight closures of the on/off ramps for resurfacing at the intersections of U.S. Route 169 (Exit 50), Frederick Boulevard (Exit 47), U.S. Route 36 (46 A/B), U.S. Route 69 (Exit 44) and I-229 (Exit 43). More information on the ramp closure schedule will be provided as information becomes available.

An 11.6-foot width restriction will be in place for all project work zones.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. Know before you go by visiting the MoDOT Traveler Information Map for work zone information and road conditions at http://traveler.modot.org/map/, or downloading from your smart phone’s app store.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

When visiting modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by connecting with us on social media. 

Missouri DOT Seeks to Combat Noxious Weeds

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) have joined forces to control invasive, exotic and noxious weeds along the state’s roadways.

“This partnership is important as some of the treated acres on MoDOT right of way are located adjacent to land managed by MDC, MPF, and many citizens, businesses, and communities across Missouri,” said Natalie Roark, state maintenance director.  “Gaining control of invasive species benefits both departments, MPF, and the entire state.”

Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) spraying units have been a part of MoDOT’s herbicide application operations in some test regions in recent years. This spring, MoDOT is taking the new UTV spraying operation statewide to strategically target specific harmful vegetation while limiting collateral impact to desirable roadside vegetation.  The new partnership includes funding, training and shared resources between the three organizations to support MoDOT’s crews applying the treatments.

“These operations are positive in that they not only remove vegetation that could continue to spread and replace beneficial plants, but they also encourage and bolster the vegetation that promotes a healthy environment for native insects and other forms of Missouri wildlife, as well as people,” said Angela Sokolowski, MDC invasive species ecologist.

Support vehicles will be working behind the UTVs to provide materials and a water source as well as back-up safety to the spraying crews. Typically, spraying operations should have little impact on traffic flow on state roadways as the work is done from the shoulder and side slopes of the roadside. Motorists are urged to use caution and slow down if they see an invasive species spraying operation at work.

For more information on the plants categorized as invasive for Missouri by the MDC, please visit https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/invasive-plants.

USDA Nominations Open for County Committees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally. 

 All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2023. 

“Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency, and they serve as the eyes and ears for the producers who elected them,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In order for county committees to be both effective and equitable in their decision-making at the local level, they must reflect the full diversity of American agriculture. I am excited that we have another opportunity through this year’s nominations and elections cycle to make our committees more inclusive, and in turn, better equipped to best serve all our customers. I encourage you to consider serving the farmers, ranchers and producers in your community on your local FSA county committee, and I thank you in advance for your public service.”

Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and they may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area. 

Customers can locate their LAA through a new GIS locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections. 

“Based on feedback from stakeholders, including the USDA Equity Commission, we are unveiling this new tool to make it easier for producers to effectively participate in the process,” Ducheneaux added. 

Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they: 

• Participate or cooperate in a USDA program; and 

• Reside in the LAA that is up for election this year. 

A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages minority producers, women and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote and hold office. 

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. 

Be Careful During Summer Celebrations

With ongoing drought conditions around state, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be extra careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire.

FIREWORKS: Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.

OUTDOOR BURNING: Don’t burn during wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.

DRIVING OFF ROAD: Wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

MAKING A CAMPFIRE: Clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Learn more about camping on MDC areas at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/camping.

CALL FOR HELP: Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

REPORT FOREST ARSON: Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

PRESCRIBED FIRE: Fire used in the wrong way can create disasters. Used in the right way, fire can help create habitat for wildlife. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/prescribed-fire.

New Master Gardner Training Starts August 14th

Gardening has many rewards, says David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others.”

The MU Extension Master Gardener program is designed to do just that, Trinklein said. “Its motto, ‘helping others learn to grow,’ emphasizes service to others as the program’s main objective.”

A new session of online Master Gardener training begins Aug. 14.

Trinklein and MU Extension horticulture specialist Sarah Denkler teach the 14 online sessions. “These classes represent a viable option for people who can’t take the weekly classes in person,” Trinklein said.

Classes are delivered through the Canvas learning management system as a series of scripted and narrated video presentations. Students work at their own pace. A composite score of 70% on chapter quizzes is needed to pass the course.

Topics include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, landscape design, woody ornamental plants, herbaceous ornamental plants, turf management, insect and disease management and pesticide safety.

Core training is the first step toward certification as an MU Extension Master Gardener. Trainees must also complete at least 30 hours of volunteer service, Trinklein said. Local Master Gardener coordinators can help online trainees find volunteer opportunities to meet the service hour requirements.

The deadline to register for the fall session is Aug. 13. For more information, visit mg.missouri.edu.

Obituary -- Rebecca Baldwin 1952-2023

Rebecca Ann (Beccy) Baldwin, 71, Hopkins, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Beccy was born in St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, MO, on March 25, 1952, to Charles (Pink) and Beverly Turner.

Beccy attended North Nodaway schools, where her musical genes were showcased as she sang with the choir, played the bass clarinet and was the majorette for the marching band. She was also active in basketball, cheerleading, numerous clubs, Rainbow Girls, church activities and more. If you were a kid in Hopkins in the 60’s, there’s a good chance Beccy taught you how to swim. Beccy graduated from North Nodaway High School in 1970. After high school, Beccy’s love for learning led her to Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in

Elementary Education with a minor in Music Education. She later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration followed by her Specialist in Education degree from NWMSU. She married her high school sweetheart, Jackie Lee (Jack) Baldwin, on February 9, 1974 and they settled in Hopkins to raise their family.

Over the years, they watched countless ball games, concerts, and performances of every kind - you could count on finding them cheering on their kids and grandkids from the stands.

Beccy was a devoted educator who dedicated her life to enriching others. She taught at West Nodaway and North Nodaway, established Kids Day Out Preschool in her home, and served as principal for North Nodaway Elementary. While principal, she led the school to receive the first Federal Outstanding Professional Development Award for rural schools. 

Beccy also served as Director for the Northwest Regional Professional Development Center where her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development contributed to and inspired educators across the region and the state. 

As we mourn the loss of Beccy, we celebrate the profound impact she had on the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Beccy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beverly Turner, her husband, Jack Baldwin, and her brother, Dick Turner.

Beccy is survived by her daughters Jodi (Chad) Grosse, Bennington, NE; Ali (Joe) Carson, Defiance, MO; Bess (Pete) Rolofson, Athens, AL; and Lyndi (Jake) Blamey, Springfield, MO; grandchildren Jace and Jackson Stroburg and Cora Grosse; Kate and Colt Carson; Colin, Gwen, and Sylvia Rolofson; Turner, Rook, and Palmer Blamey; great-grandchild Brantley Micklonis; brothers Rob (J.P.) Turner and Tom (Diane) Turner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at First Christian Church, Hopkins, MO, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am at the First Christian Church in Hopkins, MO on Friday, June 23, 2023 with burial following at the Hopkins Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Hopkins First Christian Church.