Hali Smith Nearly Gets Triple Double, JH Shamrock Girls Break Slump

Ava Rinehart had 21 points and Hali Smith nearly had a triple double, getting 11 points, 14 boards, and 8 blocks as North Harrison’s junior high girls broke a two game skid, beating East Harrison 35-11 Tuesday night, October 31^st. The boys game was canceled.

Rinehart scored right off the bat when Hali Smith was able to tip the opening tip right to her and she was able to finish. Taylor Whitaker tied it up with a coast to coast layup against the Shamrock press, but Hali Smith scored off a pair of steals to make it 6-2.

But slumps have a way of going away hard, and the Shamrocks battled foul trouble the rest of the quarter as Addison Milligan picked up her second foul. Leanna Thomas’ backdoor layup cut it to 6-4, but then Ava Rinehart got a steal, Hali Smith pushed it ahead, and fed Rinehart in the high post to make it 8-4 after one quarter.

Milligan came back and the offense looked sharper in the second quarter. Milligan got the ball into Rinehart inside, Hali Smith got down the right baseline for two, and Ava Rinehart scored in transition to make it 14-4. Khloe Ponjavic knocked one down from the right side for the Bobcats, but Hali Smith scored from the right side and Ava Rinehart scored a third chance putback to make it 18-6 before Taylor Whitaker cut it to 18-8 at the half.

Rinehart scored off a steal by Raegan Hogan and added a 3-pointer off a pass from Milligan to make it 23-8 as the Shamrocks made a big run in the third to put it away. Hali Smith went coast to coast after Jaelynn Polley got a defensive board and got her the ball, then Hali got one to Rinehart in transition. Hali then blocked a shot, caught the defensive board, and then went coast to coast to make it 29-8.

Rinehart picked up her fourth foul and Kali Wilson’s free throw cut it to 29-9, but Hali Smith got it to Addison Milligan to make it 31-9 after three. Rinehart came back and hit a 3-pointer after a Smith steal and then added a free throw before North Harrison subbed freely for the last five minutes. Kadence Lambert showed some spark in the closing minutes, making some hustle plays while she was out there.

Ava Rinehart had 21 points, Hali Smith 12, and Addison Milligan 2.

Hali Smith had a monster night on defense, getting 8 blocks for her team. With the Bobcat guard duo of Avarie Thompson and Taylor Whitaker constantly trying to bring it into the paint, she was there to reject or alter a good percentage of everything thrown up by the orange shirts.

Hali Smith had 14 boards. Ava Rinehart had 7, Raegan Hogan 3, Jaelynn Polley 2, and Addison Milligan, Kathryn Parkhurst, Bentley Glenn, Emily Parkhurst, Cassoday Richardson, and Kadence Lambert each had 1.

Hali Smith had 5 assists. Addison Milligan had 3 and Jaelynn Polley 2.

Ava Rinehart had 7 tips. Addison Milligan had 4, Hali Smith, Raegan Hogan, and Kadence Lambert 2, and  Jaelynn Polley, Lily Lane, Cassoday Richardson, and Kathryn Parkhurst 1 each.

Hali Smith had 6 steals. Addison Milligan had 5, Ava Rinehart and Raegan Hogan 4 each, and Emily Parkhurst and Kadence Lambert 1 each.

Dalton Guy Steps Up as JH Shamrock Boys Break Slump

Gage Fortner got his usual output for North Harrison Monday, getting 18 points and 8 steals, but it was Dalton Guy who stepped up his game, getting 12 points as the Shamrocks broke a slump and beat Worth County 47-28. After winning their first two games handily, the Shamrocks got into an ice cold shooting slump against South Harrison and lost by two. Someone needed to step up their game, and it was Dalton Guy who answered the call, while five Shamrocks found their way into the scoring column.

For Worth County, who ran into a Stanberry squad who was bigger and quicker than them, they had to find someone who could step up and score. They got six players into the scoring column, but turned the ball over too many times, surrendering the ball 23 times to 12 for the Shamrocks. North Harrison made the most of their extra possessions Monday night.

With Jensen Davis feeding people the ball at will, Kellan Craig dominating the boards, and Gage Fortner getting steals and scoring, the Shamrocks got off to a fast start. Jensen hit Gage cutting inside to start the scoring, then hit Gage for three. Ryker Fortner then hit Dalton Guy, who drove down the right baseline and hit two free throws to make it 7-0.

Maverick Cox got loose against the Shamrock press and got the Tigers on the board and Cole Hardy added a free throw to cut it to 9-3, but then Gage Fortner scored two free throws and Dalton Guy added a drive to make it 13-3. Jordan Dannar cut it to 13-5, but then Gage Fortner scored off a pair of steals, Ryker Fortner added a free throw, and Kellan Craig went coast to coast as the Shamrocks led 20-5 after one.

Ryker Fortner scored from the right side and Gage Fortner scored off a steal, but the Tigers started climbing back when Jordan Dannar and Brock Healy scored 3-pointers and Wes Brown got loose in transition to cut it to 26-13. But Dalton Guy got loose on the baseline again to give the Shamrocks a 28-13 halftime lead.

The Shamrocks resumed pulling away in the third quarter when Kellan Craig got loose inside, Jensen Davis got on the board after a Gage Fortner steal, and Dalton Guy scored off a drive after grabbing an offensive glass to make it 33-13. Cole Hardy got loose in transition to cut it to 36-17, but then Ryker Fortner cut inside, Dalton Guy got loose, and Gage Fortner hit a 3-pointer in transition to make it 43-17.

Wes Brown took a charge on defense to spark the Tigers and they started playing better after that. Maverick Cox scored to make it 43-19 after three, and then Jordan Dannar hit a 3-pointer and Cole Hardy scored off a drive to make it 43-24. Kellan Craig got loose inside and Jensen Davis got loose in transition after Ryker Fortner aired one out to make it 47-24. Bentley Frisch showed some skill for the Tigers down the stretch, handling the ball and scoring twice to get the final margin under 20.

Jordan Dannar led the Tigers with 8 points. Cole Hardy had 7, Maverick Cox and Bentley Frisch 4 each, Brock Healy 3, and Wes Brown 2.

Maverick Cox and Bentley Frisch had 1 block each.

Brock Healy had 7 boards. Jordan Dannar had 5, Cole Hardy 4, Wes Brown and Owyn Wuillay 2 each, and Maverick Cox, Hudson Cameron, Mason Hiatt, Jarrett Gilland, and Weston Hill 1 each.

Cole Hardy had 3 assists. Jordan Dannar and Brock Healy had 2 each, and Hudson Cameron, Bentley Frisch, Jarrett Gilland, and Mason Hiatt 1.

Jordan Dannar had 4 tips. Maverick Cox, Cole Hardy, and Brock Healy had 3 each, Jarrett Gilland 2, and Bentley Frisch and Owyn Wuillay 1 each.

Jordan Dannar had 4 steals. Brock Healy and Owyn Wuillay had 2 each, and Bentley Frisch had 1.

For North Harrison, Gage Fortner had 18. Dalton Guy had 12, Jensen Davis 7, and Ryker Fortner and Kellan Craig 5 each.

Kellan Craig had 10 boards. Jensen Davis had 6, Gage Fortner had 4, and Ryker Fortner, Meric Hansel, Henry Frank, Cole Hartschen, and Owen Gingerich had 2 each.

Jensen Davis had 6 assists. Gage Fortner had 3, Ryker Fortner 2, and Dalton Guy 1.

Gage Fortner had 4 tips. Dalton Guy and Ryker Fortner had 3 each, and Jensen Davis and Kellan Craig 1 each.

Gage Fortner had 8 steals. Jensen Davis had 6, Dalton Guy 4, and Kellan Craig and Ryker Fortner 1 each.

Brooklyn Smith Hangs 24 on Shamrocks; Tigers Get 1st Win

Worth County’s junior high girls were in over their heads playing Stanberry, which has won some games by ridiculously lopsided margins this year. The Bulldogs have 30 players in 7^th and 8^th grade out this year. Still shellshocked from that game, they promptly fell behind 11-4 to North Harrison Monday night. But then, they started climbing back and fought their way back to get a 44-35 win over the Shamrocks. It was Brooklyn Smith who went off for the Tigers, getting 24 points for the night and getting support from Megan Tracy and Audrey Runde. Kennedy Murphy chipped in with a lot of hustle plays.

For North Harrison, Ava Rinehart went off in the early going, getting a steal and then knocking down a 3-pointer after a pass from Jaelynn Polley. Brooklyn Smith countered with a free throw to put the Tigers on the board, but Rinehart got a pass from Addison Milligan and drove to make it 7-1. Smith hit a 3-pointer, but Rinehart capitalized off a pass from Hali Smith and Addison Milligan scored off a steal to make it 11-4.

But then Brooklyn Smith started carrying the Tigers on her shoulders, going coast to coast and hitting two free throws and then scoring off a steal to cut the Tiger deficit to make it 11-8.

Hali Smith got on the board with a 3-pointer and then kept a possession alive and found Ava Rinehart to make it 16-8 to start the second quarter, but then Brooklyn Smith got the ball from Audrey Runde and hit a 3-pointer and then Megan Tracy got on the board, pulling up and hitting a 3-pointer. Brooklyn Smith hit from the left wing and then Megan Tracy got her second pullup three after Kennedy Murphy got a steal to put the Tigers in front 19-16 at the half.

Audrey Runde got on the board for the Tigers to start the third quarter, then Brooklyn Smith got loose in transition and got a pass from Runde. Runde knocked one down from the right wing after Megan Tracy kept a possession alive with an offensive board to make it 25-16.

Ava Rinehart broke the run to cut the Shamrock deficit to 25-18, but then Brooklyn Smith scored twice more to make it 29-18 and then Audrey Runde went coast to coast for a layup and then slashed down the left baseline for another to make it 32-18. Rinehart cut it to 32-20, but then Kennedy Murphy got on the board and then Brooklyn Smith got a pass from Kennedy Murphy and got loose in transition to make it 36-20 after three.

But then North Harrison started fighting back, as Hali Smith hit Ava Rinehart backdoor, Smith got loose and cleaned up a miss in transition, and then Addison Milligan got a pass from Polley and hit from the high post to make it 36-26. Megan Tracy hit a pullup three and Brooklyn Smith hit another from the baseline after Megan Tracy inbounded one to her to make it 42-27, but then Hali Smith got a putback, Rinehart scored off a steal, and then Hali Smith got a putback, and Ava Rinehart scored off a Smith steal as North Harrison scored eight unanswered in less than a one minute span to cut it to 42-35 with 35 seconds left. They had two chances to get it to five, but then Brooklyn Smith got the ball to Audrey Runde in transition with 11 seconds left for the final dagger.

For Worth County, Brooklyn Smith had 24. Megan Tracy and Audrey Runde had 9 each, and Kennedy Murphy had 2.

Megan Tracy and Kennedy Murphy had 8 boards each. Brooklyn Smith had 6, Audrey Runde 5, Brecklyn Rush 4, and Kynlee Steele 1.

Megan Tracy had 6 assists. Audrey Runde had 3, and Kennedy Murphy, Kynlee Steele, Brecklyn Rush, and Brooklyn Smith had 1.

Brooklyn Smith had 11 tips. Megan Tracy and Audrey Runde had 4 each, Brecklyn Rush 3, and Kennedy Murphy 1.

Kennedy Murphy had 4 steals. Brooklyn Smith also had 4, Megan Tracy 3, Kynlee Steele 2, and Audrey Runde 1.

For North Harrison, Ava Rinehart had 21 points. Hali Smith had 10, and Addison Milligan had 4.

Hali Smith had 5 blocks and Addison Milligan 1.

Hali Smith had 20 rebounds. Ava Rinehart had 9, Addison Milligan 4, Raegan Hogan 3, Ana Ingsson 2, and Jaelynn Polley and Bentley Glenn 1.

Hali Smith had 5 assists. Jaelynn Polley and Addison Milligan had 2, and Raegan Hogan 1.

Ava Rinehart had 7 tips, while Addison Milligan had 4 and Raegan Hogan 2.

Hali Smith had 6 steals. Ava Rinehart and Addison Milligan had 2.

Parker Virtue Returns to Wreck Warrior Running Game; Panthers Pitch First Shutout in Six Years 50-0

In a game even more shocking than the first time, Pattonsburg put together a solid defensive performance to go with its always dangerous passing game and pitched its first shutout in five years, 50-0 over Albany on the same field as the first time. Pattonsburg will now play Worth County Friday at Worth County starting at 7 pm.

The night saw a slew of lower seeds getting wins. King City shut down Stanberry 20-12 for only their third win of the year, ending Stanberry’s season. Stanberry had won handily against them earlier in the year. DeKalb got their first win of the season, 44-40 over Stewartsville/Osborn. Mound City was off to a bad start, with lopsided losses to Stanberry and Worth County in their first two games; however, after that, they started putting up points on the board even against good teams and threw a scare into South Holt. They beat Rock Port 66-54.

For whatever reason, despite it not working the last time they played Pattonsburg, some folks took to social media to talk more trash about the Panthers. Once again, it got back to Pattonsburg’s players and fans and once again, karma struck the Warriors hard. Albany had every reason to expect a different outcome Friday; they had Kyle Emerson back, which meant better pass coverage for the Warriors and a deep threat for the Warriors on offense. Mesh him in with newfound runningback Quentin Hurkman and the reliable freshman back Elliot Mercer along with their huge line, and the Warriors were supposed to prevail.

But Pattonsburg had a secret weapon in Parker Virtue. Injured for much of the season, the Panthers got him back for the North Andrew game, and he had an immediate impact, getting eight tackles against the Cardinals as Pattonsburg was able to shut down their running game and get the halftime win. With him and Jace Estrada clogging up the middle, Pattonsburg was able to take away the running lanes that Albany had in the first game against the Panthers that allowed the Warriors to stay in the game for most of the night.

On top of that, the tackling was much better as everyone was wrapping up and gang tackling the Warriors. And Wyatt Maize played lockdown defense all night on Kyle Emerson, only allowing him a few catches. The result was the Panthers’ first shutout since 2018, when they shut out Kansas City East (KS) 66-0.

The defensive focus for the Warriors this time was for their defensive backs to cover Pattonsburg’s receivers for six seconds, trying to replicate the success that King City had against them earlier in the year. They lined up Elliot Mercer to get a good edge rush against Gage Iddings, and tried to hold the edge down on the other side. For the first three plays of Pattonsburg’s first possession it worked as Iddings got tackled for a one yard gain and he threw two incompletions. But then Gavin Humphrey, who burned the Warriors several times in the first meeting, did so again, getting behind the Warrior defense for 33 yards to the Warrior 27, and then Landon Preston made a diving grab in the end zone. Landon made another diving grab to make it 8-0 with 10:25 left.

Albany caught a short pass to start the Warriors first series, but then coughed up the ball. Jace Estrada came clear over from the nose tackle slot, all 300 points of him, and pounced on the ball near the sideline. That gave the Panthers the ball at their own 31. There was a heartstopping moment on their first play from scrimmage when a ball caromed off a Panther into the hands of Trevor Akins, who returned it to the Panther 18. But then he was hit and fumbled it right back to the Panthers. A pair of short passes moved the Panthers to the 32, and a pass interference put the ball on the Warrior 38. The Warrior pass rush finally got through to Iddings, with Elliot Mercer and Seth Miller getting to him. But then Gage Iddings got the yardage back and then some, taking it 23 yards down to the Warrior 19. On the next play, the ball bounced out of the hands of a Panther, out of the hands of a Warrior, and into the hands of Landon Preston with 7:38 left for a touchdown. Iddings, in the grasp of a Warrior, somehow got it away to Preston for the extra points to make it 16-0.

Albany started at the 40, but two runs by Elliot Mercer went nowhere, Wyatt Maize broke up a 1 on 1 pass intended for Kyle Emerson, and a short pass was not enough for a first down. But Albany, which didn’t stop Pattonsburg at all the first time, except for a desperation pass at the end of the first half, did so after Pattonsburg got a first down. Quentin Hurkman picked up 11 to the Panther 34, and they overcame a bad snap as Trevor Akins caught a 10 yard pass to the 20. But then Virtue made his presence felt, dropping Hurkman for a loss to the 25. Hurkman picked up five to the 20, but then Albany tried some trickery with a direct snap to Hurkman, only for him to fumble the ball and Pattonsburg to get the ball back on downs.

On third and seven at the 32, Wyatt Maize had a clutch catch to the Warrior 39 for a first down, and then Landon Preston caught a long pass to the 18. With Elliot Mercer getting free on the edge rush and Iddings forced to run down the left sideline, he somehow waltzed the tightrope into the end zone for a score. Wyatt Maize caught the extra point pass to make it 24-0.

Albany went to their spread formation after getting it on the Panther 38 and rescued a third and 10 when Emerson caught a pass for eight and Mercer ran it for a first down to the 25. A late hit put the ball on the nine. But then the Panthers made a stand as Wyatt Maize broke up a pass. Elliot Mercer caught a short pass, but Wyatt Maize stopped him for a gain of one. Chase Cline was stopped for a one yard gain at the seven to set up fourth and goal. With Cline under a heavy rush from two Panthers, he lateraled it to the 250 pound Seth Miller in a playground move. Even players at the NFL level have trouble tackling someone weighing 250 pounds who has skill carrying the ball, as anyone who remembers Christian Okoye knows. Miller showed some skill, shedding tackle after tackle as he barreled to the end zone. But finally, he was ruled down just short of the goal line, in a call that prompted plenty of chirping from the Warrior sideline, and the Panthers got the ball back at their own 1. It was the second time that the Panthers made a last-ditch tackle at the one to hold on downs against the Warriors.

Landon Preston caught a pair of passes to get the ball to the 14, but then a holding penalty brought the Panthers back to the 11 and wiped out a big gain. Gage Iddings scrambled for nine to the 20, but then Seth Miller flushed Iddings out and his pass was broken up. Kole Emerson broke up a pass on fourth down to set up fourth and four. Since the Panthers don’t punt, a hold by the Warriors would have given them a short field, but Landon Preston caught a short pass for six yards to the 26 to give the Panthers a first down. Two incomplete passes set up a third and ten. Iddings threw a short pass to Gavin Humphrey, who ran down the left sideline and got the first down. He then juked Kyle Emerson and broke free, taking it to the house with 6:09 left to make it 30-0.

After getting the ball on the Panther 37, the Warriors finally seemed to get the running game going as Quentin Hurkman picked up seven to the 30, and an offsides penalty put it on the 25. Hurkman picked up four more to the 21, but then Albany tried to air it out to Kyle Emerson. Wyatt Maize was there for the pass breakup to set up third down. Hurkman got dropped by Collin Mason for two and then Landon Preston made a one on one tackle to stop him short of the first down on the 17.

Gage Iddings picked up four, and a short catch and run to Landon Preston picked up five more to the 26 after a block from Jace Estrada. Gage Iddings scrambled to the Warrior 20, but it was called back to the 30 by a holding penalty. But Landon Preston caught a 14 yard pass to the 16, and then Gavin Humphrey made a diving grab for a score with 1:35 left to make it 36-0.

Albany tried to get some momentum going into the half and aired it out. But then Camden Griffith wrestled it away from the Warrior receiver and came away with it at the 7 to kill the drive. Pattonsburg nearly scored again before the half, getting a couple of long passes to Landon Preston down to the Warrior 10. But a pair of holding penalties killed the drive.

Albany started off at the Pattonsburg 29 following a late hit penalty on the onsides kick, but it didn’t matter as the first carry by Hurkman ran into Estrada and Humphrey. Another carry by Hurkman got nowhere, and then he picked up six to the 23. But then Parker Virtue met him at the 20, one yard short of the first down and the Panthers got the ball back.

Pattonsburg got a couple of first downs, only for Kole Emerson to pick off Iddings at the Warrior 31. But after Elliot Mercer picked up three to the 34, Albany tried to air it out deep, but threw it right into double coverage as Gage Iddings came to help out and made a diving pick at the Panther 13. Pattonsburg was faced with third and nine, but then Iddings scrambled for a first down to the 25. A short pass lost two, and then an incomplete pass set up third and 12. But then Landon Preston made a clutch catch at the Warrior 33 for a first down. An offsides penalty put it on the 28, but a long pass to Landon Preston was wiped out by mutual facemask penalties, and the down was replayed. It didn’t matter as Preston beat Kyle Emerson for a score with 31 seconds left to make it 42-0.

A late hit by the Panthers gave Albany a first down on the Panther 38, only for a holding penalty to put Albany behind the sticks on the next play.  A quick pitch to Akins got the penalty yardage back on the next play, only for Hurkman to meet Iddings and Estrada on the next play. Gavin Humphrey then tackled him on the next play, and Wyatt Maize broke up a pass to give Pattonsburg the ball back on downs at the 39.

With the Panthers up by more than 35 for the whole second half, the running clock was on for the entire half, allowing them to drain the clock even on incomplete passes.  They got a first down to the Warrior 27 on back to back offsides penalties, but they were put behind the sticks with a false start to the 32. On third and 14, with Jace Estrada cramped up and having to come out for a play, Pattonsburg put in Parker Virtue, and ran a perfect guard eligible play to him for 28 yards down to the eight. Two plays later, Gavin Humphrey took a shovel pass to the house and Landon Preston caught the extra points with 1:28 left. At that point, the officials had seen enough and ordered the clock to run out.

Mazzie Boyd Calls for Missouri House Speaker’s Resignation

Editor – On October 23rd, Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher was the subject of a Missouri Independent story alleging that he billed the state for thousands of dollars worth of travel that was already paid for his campaign. He had already been facing allegations over his attempts to hire a private company to manage constituent emails for $800,000 instead of the in-house process the House already uses and allegedly threatening staffers who objected. 

On October 24th, despite the fact that Plocher had begun writing checks to reimburse the House, The Independent reported other politicians began calling for investigations and/or his resignation. On October 26th, the Independent reported that he had reimbursed the House $4,000 as of that day.

Among the people speaking up were Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, GOP Attorney General candidate Will Scharf, State Senator Bill Eigel, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, and State Rep. Chris Sander. Ashcroft and Eigel are running for Governor, as is Kehoe. Plocher is running for Lieutenant Governor.

On Wednesday, October 25th, State Representative Mazzie Boyd published her own statement on her campaign Facebook page:

“Over the last several weeks, we have heard multiple accusations against Speaker Plocher and his alleged unethical behavior that is deeply concerning. From his business dealings with Fireside and an $800,000 contract for software that is unnecessary, to allegedly threatening staff employees who challenge his double dealing, to this latest accusation of receiving thousands of dollars in reimbursement personally when his campaign paid for lavish trips, the allegations keep coming.”

“But while these are merely accusations, there seems to be a pattern developing. As a conservative member of the Missouri House, I have lost confidence that Speaker Plocher can lead effectively. I believe he needs to devote his time to clearing his name and serving his district, and he can’t do all that while remaining Speaker of the House. That’s why I am calling on Speaker Plocher to resign as Speaker.”

“I would also urge the Missouri House Ethics Committee to do a full investigation of the numerous allegations of misconduct. The people of Missouri deserve to know the full extent and veracity of these allegations against Plocher.”

“Once the Ethics Committee has finished their investigation, the House can determine whether or not further action should be taken. Until that process if complete, I believe we need a new leader with integrity to help House Republicans move this state forward.”

“The Legislature can’t be bogged down by this distraction; we have work that needs to be done for Missourians. Our state can’t wait till 2025.”

But on October 26th, the Independent reported that Plocher rejected calls for his resignation, calling the expenses a checkbook error and calling the new revelations a witch hunt by “leftist media,” Democrats, and disgruntled staff. 

On October 24th, Plocher took to Twitter to defend himself. He wrote:

“We self-reported and immediately corrected the administrative errors referenced. Missourians deserve complete transparency and accountability from their elected representatives, which I’ve delivered and will continue to deliver as Speaker.”

“My primary focus is working with my colleagues who elected me Speaker to pass a forward-looking conservative agenda next session that brings greater opportunity and prosperity to Missouri while protecting our Constitutional freedoms.”

“The sideshows and political spectacle must end so we can get back to doing the important work Missourians expect of us.”

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for October 25th, 2023

On October 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jerrod Naze (22) of Maryville alleging Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). 

On October 18th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Mark DeVine (31) of Clarinda alleging Stealing (Felony). A probable cause affidavit from the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department alleges that the defendant took an $8,000 check from two victims for a roof replacement in July 2023 and never did the work. Bond was set at $50,000 with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On October 18th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against James Johnson (35) of St. Joseph alleging Leaving the Scene. Bond was set at $500, cash only.

On October 18th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Candias Nickle (66) of Mount Ayr and Tasha Greene (31) of Mount Ayr were involved in an accident at around 4:30 pm in Mount Ayr. Nickle was stopped at East Adams Street and North Lincoln near the Elementary when she attempted to turn right, turning into the path of Greene, causing a collision. Nickle was charged with Making an Unsafe Turn and No Insurance. Greene was charged with No Insurance.

On October 19th, US District Judge Brian Wimes sentenced Brooke Stewart (39) of St. Joseph to two years and six months in federal prison without parole and ordered her to pay $139,663 in restitution and a $50 fine. On May 18th, Stewart pleaded guilty to filing false claims for COVID-19 unemployment benefits using the stolen identities of five individuals who were incarcerated along with fraudulent claims in her own name and that of another person. None of the inmates whose identity information was stolen actually received any of the benefits. Among her victims was Garland Nelson, who is serving a 32 year federal prison sentence for a cattle fraud scheme that led to the murders of two brothers in Braymer along with a life sentence in state prison on related charges.

On October 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 1982 Chevy C-70 Farm Truck driven by Kevin Henggeler (19) of Guilford was eastbound on 340th Road in Gentry County two miles west of Stanberry at around 3:25 pm when he traveled off the south side, overcorrected, returned to the roadway, and overturned. Henggeler received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On October 19th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against David Robertson (49) of Martinsville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony). Bond was set at $40,000, cash only.

On October 19th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Richard Chance (48) of Maryville alleging three counts Assault (Felony) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000 with defendant given leave to post 10% cash. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant fired a shot inside the Inque Jester Tattoo parlor in Maryville on the afternoon of October 18th during a dispute. 

On October 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Michael Hollimon (48) of Wichita (KS) in Harrison County on two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). 

On October 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Christopher Hilt (39) of Gallatin in Harrison County on charges of Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), No Plates, No Insurance, and No Seat Belt.

On October 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 1978 GMC Pickup driven by Edward Giggar (74) of Conception Junction was southbound on Route 46 in Ravenwood at around 7:54 pm. A 2017 Ram Pickup was stopped in the southbound lane facing northbound when the GMC struck the Ram, a pedestrian, and a mailbox. The pedestrian, Chris Baldwin (53) of Ravenwood, received minor injuries.

On October 21st, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Christopher Allen (38) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash only.

On October 22nd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Lincoln Pope (22) of Pickering in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving.

On October 23rd, Special Prosecutor Myra Stout filed charges against William Taul (42) of Plattsburg in Harrison County alleging Non-Support ($3,470.42 in arrears).

On October 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Christopher Hilt (39) of Trenton alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), No Insurance, No Plates, and No Seat Belt. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On October 23rd, Grundy County Prosecutor Kelly Wayne Puckett filed charges against Amos Slabaugh (39) of Spickard alleging 11 counts Assault (Felony) and Armed Criminal Action. Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department alleges that the defendant purchased a gun and ammunition for the purpose of killing 11 Amish children. The defendant allegedly went to two Amish residences for that purpose; however, nobody was home at the time.

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.

JH Bluejay Boys Get 14 Points, 8 Steals from Bentin Roberts in Breakout Win

Northeast Nodaway’s junior high boys raced out to a big lead and never looked back, getting a 33-4 win over North Nodaway. Having split their first two games, they felt they hadn’t played up to their potential yet, and they made the most of their chances Tuesday, October 24^th. North Nodaway has impressive numbers, a pair of good ballhandlers in Jackson Keho and Owen Coleman, and a pair of bigs in Weston Alexander and Robbie Forney. But the challenge will be to harness their talents together. The effort was there; the Mustangs outrebounded the Bluejays 25-23. But they struggled in running any kind of offense, and it showed up in the turnover column, with North Nodaway surrendering the ball 31 times to nine for the Bluejays.

Bentin Roberts, who has a lot of friends and family from Hopkins, led the effort for the Bluejays with 14 points and 8 steals. Liam Cordell added another 9 points and six Bluejays made it into the scoring column.

Liam Cordell got the scoring started when Jace Burns kicked one out to him for a baseline shot. Wyatt Scadden added a free throw, Roberts got loose in transition after Liam Cordell pushed it up the floor, Scadden added another free throw, and then Bentin Roberts converted three straight steals into points, getting a three point play, a layup, and then a pair of free throws as NEN led 13-0 after one.

Cordell knocked down a baseline shot and then a 3-pointer to start the Bluejay scoring for the second quarter. Jackson Keho, who had several good looks getting downhill and going to the rim, finally got one to drop for the Mustangs with 3:02 left to put them on the board. Gracin Runde and Brady O’Connell got on the board for the Bluejays before Owen Coleman got to the rim and finished to cut the Mustang deficit to 22-4 at the break.

Cordell once again started the scoring for the Bluejays in the third quarter, scoring off a drive. Wyatt Scadden scored off a carom, and then Bentin Roberts started stealing the ball again, scoring five straight to finish the quarter and put the Bluejays up 31-4 after three. Xander Bodle, who showed a lot of improvement from last year and who had several good looks go astray, finally got one to go down in the fourth quarter.

Bentin Roberts had 14 points. Liam Cordell had 9, Wyatt Scadden 4, and Gracin Runde, Brady O’Connell, and Xander Bodle each had 2.

Wyatt Scadden and Jace Burns had 6 boards each. Xander Bodle and Gracin Runde had 3 each, Bentin Roberts 2, and Liam Cordell, Brady O’Connell, and Jaxen Taylor had 1 each.

Brock Adwell had 2 assists. Jace Burns, Liam Cordell, Gracin Runde, and Xander Bodle had 1 each.

Liam Cordell, Bentin Roberts, and Brock Adwell had 4 tips each. Jace Burns had 3, and Wyatt Scadden and Gracin Runde had 1 each.

Bentin Roberts had 8 steals. Liam Cordell had 4, and Wyatt Scadden, Brady O’Connell, Jace Burns, and Jaxen Taylor had 2 each. Xander Bodle and Gracin Runde had 1 each.

For North Nodaway, Jackson Keho and Owen Coleman had 2 each.

Weston Alexander and Jackson Keho had 6 boards each. Hayden Marriott had 4, Thomas Stringer and Robbie Forney 3 each, Owen Coleman 2, and Gannon Stricker 1.

Weston Alexander, Robbie Forney, and Thomas Stringer had 1 tip each. Jackson Keho had 4 steals, while Robbie Forney and Cade Miller had 1 each.

Maddy Faustlin Scores 16, Swipes 10; JH Bluejays Off to 3-0 Start

Northeast Nodaway’s junior high girls are off to a fast start this year, winning each of their first three games. Kynder Florea has been a constant for the Bluejays, getting 18 in one game and 13 in another. She continued that trend. But it is a sixth grader, Maddy Faustlin, who has been the pleasant surprise for the Bluejays. The daughter of Cammi (Hansen) Faustlin, who was a defensive stopper for the Bluejays in the late 2000’s, and a great-niece of Les New, who was a rebounding machine for the Tiger boys team which won a conference title in 1991, she has been playing travel ball, and her hard work is paying off on the basketball court. She had a double double, getting 16 points and 10 steals for the Bluejays Tuesday night, October 24^th in NEN’s 37-2 win over North Nodaway. Kynder Florea scored 15, and Bristol Hicks and Lily McCampbell also chipped in.

The Bluejays got off to a slow start, only leading 3-0 at the 3:39 mark. But following a Florea free throw, Bristol Hicks scored four straight, grabbing a couple of offensive boards and then Faustlin scored off a steal. Hicks handed one off to Florea for the finish, and then Florea added a free throw as Northeast led 13-0 after one.

The Mustangs were shorthanded, playing without Eliza Clements (ankle), and they struggled to find the range against the Bluejays. They got their lone tally at the start of the second quarter when Pyper Smith found Zoey Phillips to cut it to 13-2. But then Faustlin took over, getting a drive and a pair of steals to push the Bluejay lead to 19-2. Florea went coast to coast to put the Bluejays in front 21-2 at the half.

At the start of the third, Bristol Hicks inbounded one to Kynder Florea, who drove and finished to start the half. Kynder got a handoff from Hicks and finished, Faustlin scored off a steal, Kynder Florea cut inside and got a pass from Faustlin to score, and then Lily McCampbell got on the board when Zoey Phillips knocked the ball away from Florea, but she got it back and fed Lily backdoor. A pair of drives by Faustlin, the second after Rylee Scadden had kept a possession alive with an offensive board, put the Bluejays up 35-2 and started the running clock. Florea scored off an inside shot after getting a pass from Scadden to start the fourth to round out the scoring.

Maddy Faustlin had 16 points to lead the scoring. Kynder Florea had 15, Bristol Hicks 4, and Lily McCampbell 2.

Kynder Florea had 5 boards. Bristol Hicks had 3, Kiley Yost 2, and Sadie Hall 1.

Bristol Hicks had 3 assists. Maddy Faustlin and Rylee Scadden had 2, and Kynder Florea 1.

Maddy Faustlin had 8 tips. Kynder Florea had 4, Rylee Scadden 2, and Bristol Hicks, Piper Gray, and Kiley Yost had 1.

Maddy Faustlin had 10 steals. Kynder Florea had 5, Piper Gray 3, and Lily McCampbell and Rylee Scadden 1 each.

For North Nodaway, Zoey Phillips had the lone two points.

Zoey Phillips and Pyper Smith had 4 boards each. Trynzlee Ebrecht and Taccoa Moyer had 1.

Piper Smith had 1 assist. Zoey Phillips had 4 tips and Trynzlee Ebrecht 1.

Camden Griffith Catches 13, Panthers Win at Halftime

Pattonsburg got its second straight win Friday as Camden Griffith continued to emerge as a workhorse at wide receiver with 13 catches for 156 yards for the Panthers in their 52-6 halftime win. Most of Pattonsburg’s games end at around 10 or 11 at night; this one actually ended before Worth County’s game did.

The Panthers were not taking anyone lightly despite their 90-66 win over Albany the week before. “When you think of Missouri eight man football, you think of North Andrew,” said quarterback Gage Iddings after the Albany game. “Great program, great team, great facility. They’re still North Andrew.” 

Iddings followed the Albany game with a solid effort against the Cards, completing 31 of 37 passes for 268 yards, six touchdowns, and no picks. He ran for 90 more yards in 7 attempts. 

On the other side of the ball, the focus of the game was on stopping the Cards’ running game. North Andrew is the exact opposite of Pattonsburg, seeing to run the ball down peoples’ throats and using it to set up the reverse or the pass. Despite their seeming one-dimensional approach, they always have plays in their pocket that they use when needed. Gage Iddings had his usual output on defense with 15 tackles. But it was Jace Estrada who stepped up on defense when he was needed, following with 12; his massive 300 pound frame turned out to be a problem for  North Andrew. Parker Virtue had 8, Landon Preston 6, Wyatt Maize and Camden Griffith 3, and Alex Young and Alex Arnold had 1 each. Gavin Humphrey added a pick on defense and returned it for 11 yards.

Besides Griffith, Wyatt Maize had 9 catches for 33 yards. Landon Preston had 5 catches for 59 yards. Gavin Humphrey had 2 catches for 18 yards, and Caden McCrary had 2 catches for 2 yards. 

Rose Theatre Seeks Donations for Renovations

Nodaway Community Theatre Company wants to “raise the stage” at The Rose Theatre and is asking for the Maryville community’s help.

NCTC is a not-for-profit corporation, founded in 1990. In 2008, the company bought the property at 118 West Third Street, naming it The Rose Theatre. The current space features a small acting venue, seating 75 audience members, and offers plays for actors from 2nd grade through adults.

Plays produced in 2023 include Chateau La Roach (with actors in grades 5-8), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (with actors in grades 7-12), and Death by Dessert (a dessert theater with adult actors). Two other plays--Arsenic and Old Lace (with actors in grades 7-12) and Caps for Sale (with actors in grades 2-6)-- will take the stage this November.

According to Scott Lance, a director at The Rose, “Raising the stage will let audience members see the actors much better–especially the younger (and shorter) ones! We want our stage to be more ‘user friendly’ to let our audiences see all the action!”

Total cost for the project is $8,000, which includes tearing out the old stage, replacing it with a stage that is two feet higher, building new platforms from the stage to the audience, and raising access doorways that lead offstage. Renovations are slated for November through December 2023.

Donations for the “Raise the Stage Campaign” may be made by check payable to NCTC

and sent to P.O. Box 32, Maryville, Missouri 64468; or by going to the group’s website at rosetheatremaryville.org and choosing the PayPal link found there. NCTC is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and all donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Nina Dewhurst at (660) 582-8916.

NEN School Board Names Concession Stand Manager

The Northeast Nodaway School Board, at its regular Board of Education Meeting, approved Barb Bredlow as its concession stand manager.

The board set the filing dates for the April 2nd, 2024 election for December 5^th through December 26^th.

The board voted to approve the renewal with Blue Cross & Blue Shield and increase the health insurance benefit to $685.18. The vote was 5-0-1 with Heather Jackson abstaining.

The board approved the senior trip to Brandon for Spring 2024.

The board awarded the snow removal bid to Phillip McIntyre for $175 per snow.

The board chose Delanny Hopper to be the district representative for the Belcher Scholarship. She will compete at the regional level for the scholarship and will also receive a $200 scholarship from the NEN Education Foundation.

Mrs. Henggeler reported that the McTeacher Night on October 17^th was well attended. The CTA will have a Christmas party at Tuck Point on December 20^th.

Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Chaim Jenkins reported that High School Softball finished with a record of 13-7 in the regular season, a second place finish in the Highway 275, and a first round bye in the district tournament. Football has a record of 8-1. Elementary Scholar Bowl finished with a record of 8-1-1 and were champions of the Northwest Elementary Scholar Bowl League.

Band finished sixth and the color guard second at Carrollton. The band was 14^th at Clarinda and third in the field show.

The FFA held their fall contests. Entomology was 9^th, Farm Management 9^th, and Dairy Foods 15^th. Selected FFA members will be at Nationals in Indianapolis from October 31^st to November 4^th. The FCCLA attended the Region I meeting on October 11^th at Northwest. They will host an elementary Halloween dance on October 25^th from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Fire, bus evacuation, intruder, and earthquake drills have been completed. The Raptor Emergency Management System has been implemented with building personnel.

Principal Heidi Beatty reported that the school honored Mrs. Trickel as the school’s Teacher of the Year at a ceremony at Northwest on September 27^th.

The school will begin an enrichment program for students grades 4 through 8 who have advanced scores on state testing assessments.

A pre-K through 6 Halloween Parade will be held in Ravenwood. At 2 pm, the junior high and high school students and families are invited in to see the elementary costumes and host a pep rally for fall and winter sports.

There will be a Trunk or Treat in the school parking lot from 4 pm to 5 pm on October 25^th.

Superintendent Brenda Dougan reported that a School Safety grant was received.

The school has gotten an updated estimate for a parking garage and concrete approach to the ag shop. The estimated cost is $33,700.

Codi Crooks has been hired as the new kitchen manager.

Dougan and board members Jeff Redden and Kenna Florea attended a training on the Sunshine Law.

 

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft Visits Worth County Library

Missouri Secretary of State John (Jay) Ashcroft visited the Worth County Partnership Library Friday to show his support for the state library system and to answer questions about his duties. In attendance were current and former librarians, library board members, and a government class taught by Jeshua Blaine. Ashcroft said that the partnership is still a unique one for the state and he always holds it up as an example of what entities can do when they work together. “It just makes so much sense,” he said.

Among his duties include assisting with elections, regulating securities, corporate registration, overseeing the Wolfner Library (which provides books to people who are blind), and funding the state library system, of which Worth County is a part.

He said he had gotten a lot of questions about the election since 2020 and said that it was a matter of credibility. “I focus on how government can work better,” he said.

Asked about a question between the federal/state divide, Ashcroft said that securities regulation is one area where it can become blurry. “I can regulate securities until the SEC steps in,” he said. Periodically, his office issues news releases regarding fraudulent and/or unregistered securities in the state which promise returns that they can’t deliver. Sometimes, Ashcroft’s office refers matters for criminal prosecution.

Asked about local needs, current librarian Kandi Hughes said that the library needs more money. “We cannot do without the school,” she said. Currently, the library has the second smallest funding level in the state. Ashcroft said that he was pushing for an athlete and entertainer’s tax to be continued along with trying to change rules to allow more flexibility with state funding so libraries can meet their physical needs. He noted that some libraries he visited had leaky roofs. Several years ago, the Maryville Public Library had issues with a leaky roof which cost them a lot of money to fix. Ashcroft said a lot of the problem for the upcoming session is that a lot of people would be running against each other. He said that the current formula, which favors St. Louis, St. Charles, and Kansas City was “silly” and that they were looking at ways to balance it more. He encouraged the library to take advantage of grant opportunities that were available at the state level.

The Partnership Library has been seeking to expand opportunities for people. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program has been well received, with several kids successfully completing the program. The library has drawn people from Iowa seeking books and resources. They have changed their hours to be open in the mornings on Tuesday and Thursday to accommodate different people. Ashcroft noted that some libraries he visited were beginning to do away with some of their desktop computers, but Hughes noted that there were still people in rural parts of the county who still didn’t have high-speed Internet access.

Ashcroft said that he was a believer in a constitutional republic. He said that the problem with majority rule is that then, minorities are only granted powers which the majority sees fit to give them. He said that there were certain things that majorities should not decide, such as one’s choice of religion or speech.

He is the son of former Governor, Senator, and US Attorney General John Ashcroft. He said that his dad is now 81 years old, doing well, and doesn’t act his age, still climbing up on roofs. An accomplished musician as well, he still relaxes by playing the piano.

Tigers Match School Record for Most Points Scored; Down Shorthanded Princeton

Worth County matched its school record for the most points scored in a game, downing Princeton 94-6 Friday to end their regular season at 8-1. They will now have a week off and play the winner of Pattonsburg and Albany, who play at Albany this Friday. Worth County has the most points in District 7, but since they lost to Platte Valley, the Tigers get the second seed and Platte Valley the top seed. Albany locks down the third seed and Stanberry the fourth seed. Pattonsburg and King City are fifth and sixth, but since King City beat Pattonsburg, the Wildkats leapfrog over Pattonsburg and take over the fifth seed, setting up a rematch of Pattonsburg's 90-66 win over Albany.

Princeton was playing without Talan Holt, their star quarterback and runner (ankle). They kicked off to Worth County and held them on their first two plays. But then Tyler New jetted ahead for 10 yards and a first down to get them untracked to their own 34. From there, Landon Wilmes got loose for 44 yards down to the 2, and then Tyler New took it the house. Landon Wilmes caught the extra point pass to make it 8-0 with 10:16 left in the first.

Tyler Coffman, a lightning quick back, ran back the kickoff to the 32, but was immediately driven back on the first play. Then, Kolten Smith, Bo Collins, and Elias Alarcon dropped Clay Evans, Holt's replacement at quarterback, for a loss of two. An incomplete pass forced Princeton to punt, and the kick was shanked, giving Worth County good field position at the Princeton 33. Landon Wilmes caught a short pass to the 22, and then Tyler New took a counter 14 yards to the 8. Landon Wilmes got blocks from Elias Alarcon and Ethan Lininger to the house and Tyler New ran in the extra points to make it 16-0.

Princeton was taking too much time getting the play off, with the play clock running down to one second at one point. A tackle for loss and two incomplete passes set up a three and out, and another short kick put the Tigers on the 40. This time they only needed one play to score as Tyler New aired it out to Grant McIntyre and Bo Collins made a diving catch to add the extra points to make it 24-0 with 6:20 left.

Lucas Frisch buried Coffman at the 15, but then Evans aired it out to Corbin Powell for 32 yards to the Tiger 33. An incomplete pass and a sack by Bo Collins and Tyler New pushed Princeton back to their own 35. But then a strike from Evans to Navari Payton set up a first down at the 21. A jet sweep to Payton moved it to the 12, and then Landon Wilmes and Bo Collins stopped Coffman back at the 17. But then Evans aired it out to Payton again, and he caught it with 2:23 left to put Princeton on the board at 24-6.

Princeton tried an unsuccessful onsides kick to give the Tigers the ball at the Princeton 38. But just as it looked like they would get a stop and make a game of it, Tyler New took a sweep 39 yards to the house with 1:30 left. Landon Wilmes ran in the extra points to make it 32-6.

A holding penalty on the ensuing kickoff buried Princeton at their own 13, and then Elias Alarcon buried Evans at the 12. Bo Collins got a sack to push them back to the two to force a three and out, and then Tyler New ran back the ensuing punt to the 11. Landon Wilmes got blocks from Lucas Frisch and Grant McIntyre to the house with 10 seconds left in the first quarter and Grant McIntyre ran in the extra points to make it 40-6.

The Blue Tigers set up shop at their own 26. Lucas Frisch got a big hit on Payton after he caught a short pass to hold him to no gain. Two quarterback hurries forced a three and out and Worth County got the ball at their own 30. Grant McIntyre caught a long pass to the nine, and one of the Princeton players landed on him, tweaking his ankle. Fortunately, he came back a few plays later. Worth County needed three plays to get in, but Landon Wilmes took it to the house with 9:49 left in the second and caught the extra point pass to make it 48-6.

Bo Collins got another sack, burying Princeton at their own 16 on their next series. Worth County forced a three and out and Tyler New ran it back to the Princeton 17. Grant McIntyre came back, and Lucas Frisch waited for a block to develop, then burst through a hole and took it down the right side to the house with 7:58 left in the half. Tyler New scrambled into the end zone to make it 56-6.

Princeton got a runback to their own 31, but then Bo Collins blew up a sweep by Evans to the 26. A short pass to Kash Holt picked up two, but then Bo Collins flushed Evans out of the pocket and he threw it away to force a three and out. Worth County got the ball back at their own 36, and then Tyler New aired it out to Lucas Frisch. He caught it at the Princeton 20, and he was in the grasp of a blue shirt, but he broke away and took it to the house. Bo Collins made a diving grab to make it 64-6.

Once again, Princeton took too much time in the huddle, and a Delay of Game penalty put them behind the sticks. A sack by Elias Alarcon, Landon Wilmes, and Bo Collins and a pass breakup by Lucas Frisch forced a three and out and Worth County started at their own 29. Landon Wilmes picked up carries of six and 15 yards to the Princeton 30, and then a hard run by Lucas Frisch picked up 10 yards and drew a five yard facemask penalty to the 15. A bad snap put the Tigers back on the 30, but that only made things more interesting. Nobody covered Bo Collins on the next play, and he took a pass from Tyler New to the house with 2:18 left in the first half. Worth County had a rare miscue on the extra point try as they lined Bo Collins up to kick the extra point, but a bad snap derailed it.

Elias Alarcon and Lucas Frisch had tackles for loss on the next series, and Princeton was forced to punt and Tyler New ran it back to the Blue Tigers’ 25. A swing pass out of the backfield to Landon Wilmes netted 20 yards down to the five, and then Lucas Frisch picked up four more to the one before Worth County elected to kill the first half clock.

Princeton elected to play on with junior varsity players, but the JV picked up where the varsity left off. Ryder Smyser showed a lot of improvement over last year and flushed Chase Evans out of the pocket on one play and then he and Franklynn Taute combined on a tackle for loss. Worth County started off on their own 20, and a simple dive play sprung Cole Ruby loose and he took it to the house with 8:29 left. Karson Briner caught the extra point pass to make it 78-6.

Princeton started at their own 29, but then Sawyer Thurman set them behind the chains with a tackle for loss, and they were forced to punt. Worth County started at their own 17, and Cole Ruby picked up 13 to the 30. A blind side block wiped out a touchdown run by Ruby and put the ball on the 26, but on the next play, nobody guarded Karson Briner, and he took a long pass from Hayden Sanders to the house with 3:13 left. Sanders ran in the extra points to make it 86-6.

Brayden Murphy and Sawyer Thurman had tackles for loss to put Princeton behind the sticks, but a Roughing the Passer penalty gave them new life at the Tiger 34. But the Tigers held there as a Delay of Game penalty set them behind the chains again and they were unable to get out of it. Worth County almost stalled, faced with fourth and seven at their own 36, but then Cole Ruby took a quick pitch down the right side, met a wall of blue shirts, reversed his field left, reversed field again, and got the first down to the Princeton 24. Hayden Sanders aired it out to Karson Briner the rest of the way, and he ran in the extra points to make it 94-6 with 2:48 left in the game.

Worth County had a chance to score 100 as Princeton tried to air it out for a score on the last play of the game and Hayden Sanders intercepted it. But he was tackled at the Princeton 30 as time expired.

The Tigers last scored 94 points in 2016, when they beat Pattonsburg 94-50. They scored 92 last year when they beat St. Joseph Christian 92-12. They also scored 92 against Pattonsburg in 2021, when they beat the Panthers 92-6 at halftime. They also scored 94 against South Holt in 2010 in a wild 94-48 win which promoted the Highway 275 Conference to make a rule requiring conference games to be called when the margin reaches 45 points for a while.

The game clinched the GRC West title for Worth County. The game was the first win for Worth County in The Pit since 1984, when they beat Princeton 43-22 in the year they won their last 11 man GRC title. In Worth County’s last-ever 11 man varsity game in 1988, Princeton was beating Worth County 48-0, but one of the few highlights for Worth County was when current assistant Les New, then a freshman, picked up a fumble in the last few minutes. Everyone stopped, but the whistle never blew as it was still a live ball. All of a sudden, Les realized what was happening and returned it several yards before being tackled.

 

North Nodaway Hires Three Substitute Teachers, Cheer Coach

The North Nodaway School Board, at its regular board meeting Wednesday, hired Daniell Sutton as the Junior High Basketball Cheer Coach for this year. The board also voted to approve Alexys Minton, Leah Koger, and Daniell Sutton as substitute teachers.

The board voted to approve the senior class trip to Brandon from May 6th to 9th with lodging at the Water Mill Cove. 

Middle/High School Principal Roger Johnson reported that there were eight students in Vo-Tech. There are three students on supervised work release, and five cadet teachers, one in the elementary. 

The school completed emergency drills for tornadoes, fires, bus evacuations, intruders, and earthquake.

The FFA is completing fruit sales. Fall contest at Northwest saw several groups and individuals do well. 

Mr. Bix and Mr. Johnson were able to attend the MoreNet Technology Conference in Columbia. They presented their drone program and attended various sessions on technology.

The Leo Club and Student Council have been active around the school.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that testing has been completed and that the elementary is now working on reading success plans. 

Representative Jeff Farnan spoke with the third graders about how a bill is made. The school honored Jerald Everhart on Custodial Day with a parade, gifts, and posters.

Student Council Officers were named for elementary following a campaign and election. Camden Reynolds was named President, Avery Volner Vice-President, Marin Alexander Secretary, and Addy Daily Treasurer. Other members elected were Arianna Owens, MyLee Stringer, and Cooper Chesnut.  

Students are learning about national parks and American history. Others are incorporating science and social studies to learn about their local environment. Older students are getting ready for Halloween by writing scary stories.

At lunch, students are helping to keep the cafeteria clean by wiping down tables and doing a quick sweep under the tables.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the school has received a private grant for the Ag shop. They received $53,000 to purchase a new Lincoln Plasma cutter that will accommodate a 4x4 piece of metal. It also includes some training, safety equipment, and about $10,000 worth of metal for the kids to use.

MUSIC liability and property insurance will be going up an estimated 20% for next year. They paid out over $40 million from their property insurance reserve this year. 

The school is in the process of getting quotes for an heating and air unit for the locker rooms. The one that they have is no longer working.

The school has submitted an application for an $89,000 grant for playground surfacing.

The school had a surprise inspection on the buses. Everything was fine except one bus needed tires replaced.

Fortner Brothers, Jensen Davis Wreak Havoc on Winston

North Harrison's junior high boys have turned into a juggernaut the first two games of the season. After winning handily at Mercer, they picked up right where they left off, beating Winston 52-17 Thursday as Ryker and Gage Fortner and Jensen Davis all played a big part. The rest of the Shamrocks were swarming and pressing all night before they finally called off the dogs late in the third quarter.

The team started off slowly as Eli Lee scored off a backdoor layup to put the Redbirds up 2-0, but then Ryker Fortner scored off a steal and the rout was on. The Fortner brothers fed off each other all night, starting when Gage got a steal off the press and fed Ryker for a layup. Gage scored off a steal, knocked down a steal from the left side, and then Dalton Guy added a drive.

Gage Fortner then would go on to score the next eight points for the Shamrocks, with Ryker assisting on six of them; the other was when Gage jumped a pass. Jensen Davis got on the board late, scoring off a Fortner steal and then getting a tipin as North Harrison led 23-2 after one.

Some of the other Shamrocks started getting in the column in the second. Jensen Davis scored off a steal and then knocked one down from the left side, then Cole Hartschen got on the board after Henry Frank got a steal. Dalton Guy found Kellan Craig inside to get him on the board and then Ryker Fortner scored off a steal as the Shamrocks led 30-5 at the half.

Jensen Davis pulled up and hit a 3-pointer to start the third quarter after nobody came out to guard him. Hudson Warner countered with a shot from the wing, but the next three minutes belonged to the Shamrocks. Gage Fortner knocked down a 3-pointer, Dalton Guy scored off a Ryker Fortner steal, Kellan Craig scored off a steal, Jansen Davis scored off another steal from Ryker, Gage scored off a steal, Jansen Davis got the ball into Kellan Craig in the high post and he drove and finished, Jansen scored off a steal, and Kellan Craig hit a free throw to give North Harrison its biggest lead of 52-7 with 2:19 left in the third. 

For North Harrison, Gage Fortner had 18, Jansen Davis 15, Kellan Craig 7, Ryker Fortner 6, Dalton Guy 4, and Cole Hartschen 2.

Dalton Guy had 6 rebounds. Kellan Craig had 4, Jansen Davis and Meric Hansen 3 each, Cole Hartschen and Lance Jacobs 2, and Scotty Briggs 1.

Ryker Fortner had 6 assists. Gage Fortner had 3, Jansen Davis 2, and Cole Hartschen, Henry Frank, and Dalton Guy had 1.

Ryker Fortner had 11 tips. Henry Frank had 5, Gage Fortner 4, Jansen Davis and Dalton Guy 3, Kellan Craig and Keaton Hill 2, and Eli Jacobs, Cole Hartschen, and Meric Hansel 1 each.

Ryker Fortner had 10 steals. Gage Fortner had 8, Kellan Craig 4, Cole Hartschen 3, Jansen Davis and Dalton Guy 2 each, and Henry Frank, Meric Hansel, and Keaton Hill had 1 each.

Ava Rinehart, Hali Smith Hang 18 on Winston

Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith each hung 18 points on Winston as North Harrison prevailed 40-17 Thursday. They previously fell 21-16 to perennial powerhouse Mercer, but came out strong out of the gate to bounce back and even out their record. 

It was Rinehart who went off in the first half, starting off with a putback and then adding a drive to the rim. Hali Smith added a steal and then Rinehart scored a free throw after a Morgan Chandler steal. Winston did not have any way to stop Rinehart as she weaved her way through several red shirts for a layup, scored off a steal, and then slashed to the rim once again to make it 13-1 after one.

Rinehart added a free throw to start the second, scored off a Hali Smith steal, and then Smith added a baseline shot. Rinehart scored off yet another steal before Redbird sharpshooter Kaitlyn Estes hit a 3-pointer to cut her team's deficit to 20-4.

It was Hali Smith who went off in the second half, starting with a putback. Addison Milligan got her the ball inside for another shot. Ava Rinehart split two defenders, and then Rinehart got her the ball on the baseline and then Hali scored from inside as the Shamrocks led 32-4 after three.

Hali Smith scored twice more, scoring off a drive after Milligan got her the ball, then she went coast to coast for a layup to make it 36-4 before North Harrison started subbing freely. Morgan Chandler showed some skill down the stretch, knocking down a shot inside after Kadence Lambert got her the ball and then hitting a tough shot from the baseline.

Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith had 18 each for the Shamrocks and Morgan Chandler had the other four. The focus for the Shamrocks will be getting other people in the scoring column down the road.

Hali Smith had 8 rebounds. Ava Rinehart had 6, Raegan Hogan and Addison Milligan 4 each, Ana Ingsson 2, and Kadence Lambert and Jaelynn Polley 1.

Addison Milligan had 5 assists. Hali Smith had 4, and Morgan Chandler, Ava Rinehart, Kadence Lambert, and Kathryn Parkhurst had 1 each.

Hali Smith and Addison Milligan had 7 tips each. Ava Rinehart had 4, Raegan Hogan 3, and Lily Lane, Jaelynn Polley, and Morgan Chandler 1 each.

Ava Rinehart had 11 steals. Hali Smith had 7, Addison Milligan 6, Raegan Hogan 2, and Morgan Chandler and Kadence Lambert 1.

Kaley Smith Offered Worth County Pre-K Teaching Job; Basketball Cheer Sponsor, Bus Driver Named

The Worth County School board voted to offer the Pre-K teaching position to Kaley Smith at their regular board meeting Wednesday. They also made two other personnel moves. They named Dominique Findley the High School Basketball cheer sponsor, and Cole Fisher as a bus driver. 

Work has proceeded with getting the new preschool up and running. Mr. Borey and Mr. Healy have been in sessions to discuss successful Pre-K programs. Enrollment applications are open until October 27th. Applicants will be contacted the week of October 30th. The first day of school will be on January 9th and will run through May 16th.

The Health Services program was rated as “Excellent.” The Health Aide actively ensures that students have immunizations, vision screens, fluoride treatments, human growth lessons, handwashing, and medications. School staff are trained in CPR and AED. The health office is clean and organized. Staff well-being is a focus. The health aide is participating in a School Nurse Supervision program through the DHSS, allowing the school to get $10,000 in equipment. Concerns listed include the fact that the District Wellness Committee last met in 2021-2022 and had low participation.

The Media Services program was rated as “Average.” Strengths listed include the fact that the school is able to purchase Kindles to help struggling readers. The Librarian works with district staff to identify materials for addition to the collection. There are awards and incentives to encourage reading. There is a summer reading program and other incentives. Concerns listed include the appearance and organization of the library. 

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that 145 out of 152 students have 90% or greater attendance.

A new attendance incentive is a race track bulletin which keeps track of monthly attendance. For September, the fourth grade had the highest attendance percentage and earned a free recess.

State Rep. Mazzie Boyd visited the fourth grade class on September 20th. 

The Elementary will be participating in Dr. Fallon Stiens’ Halloween Candy Buyback. Prizes will be awarded for the most pounds of Halloween candy, most spooktacularly decorated classroom door, and the best artwork. All candy and artwork will be sent to deployed troops. Dr. Stiens also came to the school to do dental screening and fluoride treatment. Brooke Claypool, Kaitline Combs, and Maria Burns from Therapy Log came to do hearing and vision screenings. 

Mrs. Pottorff has implemented a compliment coins program for the Elementary. Teachers keep track of compliments that their class receives and puts a token in their jar. The classes that received 20 or more compliments received a free recess. The class with the most compliments was the sixth grade. 

For the school year, the school has received $362,879 in local sources, up from $134,369 last year. There are no revenues from county sources, down from $101 last year. Proposition C money is $111,717, up from $104,941 from last year. This is included in local sources. State money is $294,080, down from $295,043 from last year. Transportation money is at $41,884, up from $15,226 from last year. Money for the Classroom Trust is at $30,461, up from $29,497 from last year. Total revenue from all sources is $921,391, up from $682,671 from last year.

Expenses include $441,202 from the General Fund, down from $460,308 from last year. Teacher Fund expenses are $397,701, up from $392,687 from last year. Capital Project expenses are at $274,760, up from $99,724 from last year. Total expenses are $1,113,663, for a deficit of $190,000 for this year. 

Revenues include the $175,000 the school received from the Patterson Foundation and $50,000 from the state for the Pre-K program and $90,000 from the DNR for a bus grant. Expenditures include completed parking lot paving, football lights, and exterior painting. Insurance payments have been received and do not show in expenditures. Revenue figures do not include incoming property tax revenues, which will show up in January. 

The board heard a quarterly investment report. The school holds money as follows:

● First Interstate Bank (FIB) Money Market Account: $1,304,082 (5% interest rate)

● FIB Money Market Account (*0232): $50,327.20 (2.75% interest rate)

● First Interstate Bank Checking Accounts: $314,000 (0.0% interest rate)

● First Interstate Bank Debt Service Checking: $96,904 (0.0% interest rate)

● MOSIP Term (180 days): $1,680,111.66 (5.6700% interest rate)

● MOSIP Liquid: $730.95 (5.35% interest rate)

On August 3, 2023, the district transferred $1,680,111.66 to a Missouri Securities Investment Program Term account (MOSIP) locked in for 180 days and will receive an interest rate of 5.67%. The remaining portion of district funds will remain in First Interstate Bank.

The district had a $1,300,000, 180 day term account with MOSIP that matured March 31, 2023 and earned $26,373.26. The district had a $1,601,223.34, 180 day term account with MOSIP that matured July 28, 2023 and earned $37,814.75.

The district opened a money market account with First Interstate Bank on 6/21/2023 that earns 5% interest. The district has 3 checking accounts with First Interstate Bank that are non-interest bearing. The AD Quick account balance incurs a monthly fee because of a balance lower than required to avoid fees.

The board made the following federal program appointments:

Foster Child Liaison: Jessica Maschino

Migrant Liaison: Amanda Pottorff

Homeless Coordinator: Amanda Pottorff

English Language Learner Liaison: Amanda Pottorff

Title IX: Chris Healy

504 Coordinator: Chris Healy

These positions must exist within the district and the board must approve these positions in order for the school to receive federal funding.

The board voted to approve a Notice of Intent that could turn into a second gym for the school. On September 21st, President Joe Biden declared 33 Missouri counties, including Worth County, a disaster area. There will be some funding that will focus on hazardous mitigation. It is unknown how much money will be allocated to this declaration. Under this plan, a new gym would double as a saferoom in the event of a tornado or other emergency. A cost analysis will be done to see if the project is applicable for the funding obligation as well as the size of the structure that would be allowed. Projects selected would require a 25% local match. Maryville and Lawson have completed a saferoom gym project in recent years. Projects require a 25% match. Very preliminary estimates show that it would cost the district $800,000 to complete the project. Completing the Notice of Intent is not an application, and there are no commitments required by completing it.

Previously, the school sought to build a second gym through a bond issue; however, that was defeated by the voters twice. Most other schools, including NEN and North Nodaway, have a second gym. North Nodaway also has a gym at the elementary in Pickering. 

The board voted to solicit bids for a hallway to connect the main school building with the ag building. They will accept sealed bids until December 15th. The goal is to complete the project by July 2024. The goal is to provide security for students as well as prevent kids from sliding off the stairs in the event of snow or ice. 

The board voted to transfer all of its scholarships and a grant fund to the Worth County Education Foundation. The school says it would allow for much cleaner bookkeeping. The scholarship funds involved include a general scholarship fund, the Class of 1931 Fund, the Edna & Doyle Thompson Scholarship, the Norma Maudlin Scholarship, the Bernice Findley Scholarship, the Tom & Waurine Stephens Scholarship, and the Evans Grant. 

The next board meeting will be November 15th at 6 pm.

Grant City to Hold Public Hearing on Five Abandoned Buildings

The City of Grant City will conduct a public hearing on five different abandoned buildings on the Square on November 1st at 6:30 pm. The city has done inspections for all of them and found that none of them were structurally sound. The buildings in question are the Francom building, the Dogman building, the State Farm building, the Masonic Lodge, and the Hole in the Wall. 

The city is in the process of trying to get funding for the demolition. The city has gotten quotes, and the estimated cost to demolish all of them is around $180,000. They are seeking an emergency grant, CDBG funding, and other sources. 

The final version of the Strategic Plan will be done by December 31st. The city is still in the process of working on goals.

United Fiber, which is providing Internet service to the city, is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives a $30 discount for Internet service for up to 12 months. The program is renewable. There is a limit of one benefit per household.

City Administrator Meggan Brown reported that the city had gotten reimbursed through a Solid Waste Grant for picnic tables it had purchased. 

The city approved signing an agreement to do the survey for the Wastewater project, which will bring the city into compliance with DNR regulations. 

The main portion of the High Street waterline project will be completed shortly. Water lines along Lovers Lane are deteriorating and will need to be fixed or replaced.

Two buildings have recently come up for sale. The old car wash next to High Street and the old Bowling Alley are up for sale. 

The city will paint the basketball court so that it can be used for pickleball. The city has a net for it, but they need a fence.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that chip and seal work has been done on the streets and that more gas meters have been put in. Crews were working on a sewer line on 3rd street and winterized the pool. The city has gotten a new lawn mower and a mini excavator. They will check for a leak on their side of the line near the school. Tyson Troutwine has successfully completed his gas certification.

The council approved offering level billing for water as they do for gas. It does not apply if there is a leak on the customer’s side of the line. 

The city received two inquiries about auditing the city for 2022 and 2023.

The city compiled a list of past due taxes. There are some past due from 2004 to 2022. Some people have passed away, while others have gone bankrupt. The total amount of past due taxes owed the city is $73,206.81.

The council voted to donate $100 to the Tri-County Health Department.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for October 18th, 2023

On October 10th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Roderick Hughes (48) of St. Joseph was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison without parole after he pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (4,600 potentially lethal doses) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

On October 10th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Judy Edwards (76) of Albany alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Insurance.

On October 10th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Rebecca Lane (29) of Graham alleging Possession of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $10,000 with the defendant to be released on her own recognizance. 

On October 10th, Buchanan County Assistant Prosecutor Michael DeAngelis filed charges against Carrie Stewart-Tillman (34) of St. Joseph and William Person (29) of Belton alleging Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). The defendants allegedly carried a gun into a school in St. Joseph.

On October 11th at 7:47 am, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2007 Honda Fit driven by Richard Leach-Steffens (54) of Maryville and an Amish buggy driven by David Yoder (28) of Stanberry were southbound on Route 136 near Conception Junction when the Honda struck the buggy in the rear, ejecting Yoder and a passenger, Willis Yoder (23) of Stanberry. They both received moderate injuries and were taken to Mosaic of Maryville.

On October 11th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Harold McChesney (87) of Hatfield was driving in the wrong lane of traffic on Route 2 east of Mount Ayr and struck a vehicle driven by Lakshmi Ravuri (24) of Maryville. McChesney was cited for driving in the wrong lane. There were no injuries.

On October 12th, Harrison County Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Hernan Hipolito Lopez-Gomez (37) of Milan alleging three counts Violation of a Protection Order. Bond was set at $75,000, cash only. 

On October 12th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Randy Randle (54) of Sheridan in Nodaway County on a charge of Driving While Revoked (Felony). 

On October 13th at 7:25 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2022 GMC Denali driven by Kyle Hayes (82) of Pensacola (FL) was southbound on Route EE two miles west of McFall, failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed Route T, went airborne, and overturned. Hayes received moderate injuries and was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

On October 13th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Harold Nichols (63) of Bethany alleging DWI (Felony), No Valid License (Felony), and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On October 13th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Craven Martin (24) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender. Bond was set at $2,000, cash only.

On October 14th at around 8:35 am on 275th Street ½ mile east of Maryville, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2005 Ford Focus driven by a 17 year old juvenile from Parnell was westbound when he crossed the center line and struck a 2014 Ford Escape driven by Melissa Tyler (40) of Maryville head on. The juvenile received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On October 14th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Mary Garton (34) of Bethany alleging Child Abuse (Felony). Bond was set at $150,000, cash only.

On October 15th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Kason Hulett (21) of Lenox on charges of Driving While Revoked, (Habitual), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Leaving the Scene, Failure to Register, and No Insurance. 

On October 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Raymond Groce (37) of St. Joseph alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, and Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.

On October 16th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported a runaway horse in the Ellston and Sun Valley area. 

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.

Tigers Unravel in District Finals Against Platte Valley

 Worth County started off strongly against Platte Valley, scoring the first two runs of the game, but unraveled in the fourth inning and fell apart as they were run ruled 12-2 after five.

The Tigers worked around an error to get out of the first inning, and then Kambree Briner reached on a bad hop single, Kristen Tracy singled to right and the ball got away from Kenzie Redden in right as Briner scored and Tracy took third. Kynah Steele laid down a perfect bunt and made it as Tracy scored to make it 2-0.

But with one out in the second, the bottom of the order came through for Platte Valley as Emalee Langford and Delaney Wolf singled, Mackenzie Swinford walked to load the bases, and Kenzie Redden, who had struggled against Albany, crushed a single into right field. But Tiger right fielder Rylee Ruckman gunned down Wolf at the plate to preserve the 2-1 lead.

The Tigers struggled to piece anything together against Wolf, but it looked like the lead would hold up for a while. Rylee Ruckman ran down Brylie Angle’s pop fly in foul territory in the third, which turned out huge when Kali Redden doubled and Maleeah Bliley and Emalee Langford walked. Delaney Wolf popped out to Brooklyn Richardson to end the threat.

The bottom of the order was coming up for Platte Valley in the fourth inning; but with one out, Kenzie Redden crushed a double to right and Maggie Collins’ bad hop double put runners on second and third. That opened up the floodgates, and all hell broke loose. There were four errors, three walks, doubles by Maleeah Bliley and Maggie Collins, and a base hit by Kali Redden. By the time the dust had settled, Platte Valley was up 11-2 after four, and it would have been worse had not Tiger center fielder Riley Ridge ran down Bliley’s screamer that would have been extra bases.

In the fifth, an uncalled pop fly dropped in and put Emalee Langford on second; she took third on a wild pitch and Delaney Wolf’s sac fly finished it.

Alan Koch to Retire as North Harrison High School Principal

The North Harrison School Board of Education met Monday, October 16. 

A retirement resignation letter from High School Principal Alan Koch, effective with the ending of the 2023-24 school year was approved.  Mr. Koch will be completing a 28 year career in education. He began his career in 1996 as a science teacher with the North Daviess School District. He returned to the northwest region for the 2019-20 school year and has served the North Harrison district since in teaching, coaching and administrative roles. 

Special Education instructors Barb McKiernan and Christine Sweeney updated the board on their department and classroom happenings.

The board approved the 2022-23 audit as prepared by CPA John Gillum and the Crisis Response and Management Plan prepared by guidance counselors Mrs. Steele and Mrs. Smith.

Elementary Principal Susan Allen reported that the school had its first tornado drill on September 21st. A book blast was held this month, and many students earned ten books for their grade level. The PTO sold socks and garden flags for their fall fundraiser. Proceeds will go towards school field trips, student t-shirts, and classroom needs.

High School Principal Alan Koch reported that three student teachers from Graceland University will begin student teaching at the school starting January 22nd, 2024. They are Mackenzie Klinginsmith (K-12 Music), Mason Vander Woude (K-12 Art), and Dalen Elliott (7-12 Math). 

Superintendent Ethan Sickels reported that the school received a School Safety Grant for $33,810. Proceeds will be used towards adding one more security camera, two new card readers for the High School and Elementary entrances, three portable AED’s, and 50 safety kits including bags, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and clipboards. Other items may be purchased as they work on more safety planning during the course of the year.

The school also received a Teen Mental Health grant. Mrs. Smith will attend a virtual three day training in December and the instruction and professional development will occur during the second semester. 

The next meeting of the North Harrison Board of Education will be Wednesday, November 15 at 7 pm.

Sharon Fletchall Family Gathering

Sharon Fletchall’s garage was the scene of a family gathering Saturday, October 7th.

Those attending were Ken and Lisa Ray, Council Bluffs; Marilyn Pritchett, Mount Ayr; Tim & Kim Richmond, Bennington (NE); Kathy Shriver, Kansas City; Larry Pritchett, Gentry; Kay Brockmeyer, Buckner (MO); William Allison, Kendall, and Kennedy, Harrison (AR); Richard and Sandy Richmond, Omaha; Roger and Kim Dynes and Katie, Willard (MO); Theresa Dynes Green, Manly (IA); Kenny Dynes, Oklahoma; Trista Roberts, Colorado; Lavon and Zoey Smith, Albany; Bobby, Alyssa, and Willa Smith, Albany; Brandon and Ashley Curnutt and Brenda, Morgan, and Alan Curnutt, all of St. Joseph; Mike Constant, Aiden Constant, Marion, Richard, Randy, Chevon, and Sarah Constant, all of Council Bluffs; and surprise guest Ted and Ginni Sweeney of San Manuel (AZ); and Sharon, Don, and Gail Holman. 

Another gathering in the books and plans for next year. My thanks to everyone who came and all the food. Sure filled this old gal with love. Many thanks to Donnie’s legendary brisket, pork, and all the food and help from Gail Constant; we couldn’t do it without them.

–Sharon Fletchall

Rylee Ruckman's Walkoff Hit Puts Tigers in District Finals

Worth County’s softball team was down for the count, but they came back to win in walk-off fashion 6-5 Monday to make it to the final against Platte Valley. This was their fourth walkoff win this year, having walked off against Hardin-Central, Maryville, and North Harrison earlier in the year. It was Rylee Ruckman’s first ever walkoff hit. She also made a key defensive play in the fifth inning that saved a run.

It looked like a long night at first for Worth County. Princeton had routinely knocked Worth County out of districts in recent years, and they had some of the horses that were on those teams back. Brooklyn Richardson began the first inning by fighting the strike zone, bouncing everything in the dirt. In the Princeton first, Macey Lewis reached on Kambree Briner’s error, Grace Kelly walked, they went to second and third on a wild pitch, and Faith Siemer singled them home to make it 2-0.

Another Tiger error in the third put a runner on base, and then Faith Siemer hit a home run to make it 4-0. Meanwhile, Worth County was in over their heads against Kelsey Goodin, either swinging late on her pitches or chasing her high heat. They started to hit the ball better in the third inning, but hit it right at people.

In the fourth, Kynah Steele walked, but Brylee Rush was called out on strikes and Autumn Cousatte popped up, the ball was dropped, but Steele was forced at second. But Keira Hardy squibbed one in front of the plate and beat it out to keep the inning alive, and then Rylee Ruckman doubled them both home to cut the Tiger deficit to 4-2. Coach Tiffany Bliley said that it was at that point that the energy level of the team started going up.

With two outs in the Princeton fifth, Brooklyn Richardson began fighting the strike zone again and walked Emma Walkup. Walks lead to runs and sure enough, Riley Clark singled and Hannah Meighen crushed one into the gap to score Walkup. But right fielder Rylee Ruckman alertly gunned down Meighen at second, and Kynah Steele tagged her out right before Clark crossed the plate to keep the deficit at 5-2.

With one out, Kambree Briner atoned for her earlier errors when she crushed a double into left center field in the Tiger fifth. Two Princeton errors cut it to 5-3, and then Kynah Steele scored on a wild pitch to cut it to 5-4. Princeton could not answer in the sixth as Addy Henke was cut down stealing to end the inning.

Kristen Tracy led off the Tiger seventh by beating out an infield hit to short; she got there right before the ball did. Kynah Steele was plunked. There was a heartstopping moment as Brylee Rush popped out to second and Tracy was nearly doubled off second. Autumn Cousatte was plunked to load the bases, but Keira Hardy grounded to short and they went home for the force play, and the Tigers were down to their final out. But Rylee Ruckman caught hold of one and singled to left, bringing home Steele easily to tie the game. Autumn Cousatte slid underneath the tag on the throw home to give the Tigers the walkoff win. Bliley had been harping on the need to get out in front of pitches, and Ruckman did it perfectly her last two at bats.

Tigers Celebrate Senior Night as Seven Recognized

Worth County celebrated five football players and two band members who will be graduating from the school next year. Band members celebrated Friday include Ethan Frese and Mitzie Gillespie. Football players include Elias Alarcon, Grant McIntyre, Landon Moser, Tyler New, and Kolten Smith.

Elias is the son of Mary Beth Taute and the late Juan Alarcon. He was escorted by his mother and brother, former Worth County football standout Isaac Alarcon. Elias plans to attend Lineman school in Nashville (TN). Coach Jon Adwell said that Isaac is a very dynamic player who always performs when the lights are on. People know when #55 is pulling to kick out the defensive end.

One of the biggest holes that Worth County had to fill last year was on the line, and Elias filled a big hole at that spot. He took on a leadership role for the team, never accepts losing, and never lets the team do anything other than their best effort every play.

Ethan Frese is the son of Rick Frese and the late Fran (Costin) Frese. He plans to go to college to pursue a degree in computer engineering. Caleb Smith, the band instructor, recalled that Ethan was one of the quietest kids in class when he first came to Worth County when Ethan was in seventh grade. But he developed a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and sense of humor by his sophomore year and has risen to become drum major.

Mitzie Gillespie is the daughter of Wendy Franck and Donnie Gillespie. She plans on attending Southwest Community College in Creston to pursue a degree in nursing. Mr. Smith says that Mitzie was also one of the quietest kids in class, but that she has a heart filled with kindness, is a loyal friend to others, and will go out of her way to help people. 

Grant McIntyre is the son of Adam and Katrina McIntyre. He plans to attend Northwest and pursue a degree in Agribusiness. Coach Adwell says that Grant has always been a ball hawk and always comes up with it when Tyler New throws him the ball. 

His dad, Adam, played football for North Nodaway and was always willing to talk trash about how they ruled, an opinion he still maintains to this day. His passion for football was passed down to his two sons, Reid and now Grant. Grant stood out early in his career with his willingness to fly to the ball and has become a matchup nightmare on defense at the receiver spot. 

Landon is the son of Jon and Ashleigh Moser. He plans on attending North Central Missouri College in Savannah, where he will pursue a degree in radiology. Nicknamed, “Sneaky,” he emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Tigers this year, getting several pass breakups in the Pattonsburg game.

Tyler New is the son of Les and Rebecca New. He plans on attending Northwest to get a degree in Applied Health Science with an emphasis on Sports Medicine. Coach Adwell says he is the heart and soul of the team and was one of the most selfless, gracious players he’s ever coached.

Nicknamed, “T-Grizz,” Tyler, despite his small and skinny frame, has been one of the most difficult men to tackle the last two years. He showed that he can always be counted on to get the tough yardage; against Platte Valley last year, one of the most difficult teams to run on, he got almost 200 yards in Worth County’s playoff victory over them.

Kolten Smith is the son of Valerie and Brian Whiteker. He plans on attending a trade school next year. Nicknamed, “Sully,” his emergence as a force on the defensive line has been one of the reasons why the Tigers have turned their season around following their Week 1 loss to Platte Valley. He has become a lot more mobile despite his huge frame and blocked a punt against King City.