Darryl Young 1943-2024

Darryl Dean Young, 80, Eagleville, MO passed away Monday, February 26, 2024, at his home.

He was born on August 5, 1943 in Cainsville, Missouri the son of Cleo Dean and Mina (Reynolds) Young.

On September 4, 1961, he married Donna Hale.

In 1965, Darryl went to work at Young’s Garage in Eagleville, MO with his uncle Gene Young and he later took over the business in 1967. He specialized in doing body work on vehicles. In his spare time in the garage, he also did mechanical work and towing for the business. Over the years the business grew into a large towing and automobile repair facility that is still in operation today. When Darryl was not working in the garage he loved to fish and hunt. Darryl also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren throughout his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernita (Young) and Cy Deshon, Juanita (Young) and Lynn Poush and brother-in-law, Darwin Hale.

Darryl is survived by his wife, Donna of the home; children, Darryl “Shorty” Duane Young (Gloria Spillman), Bethany, MO, Darrin “Butch” Young (Julie), Chillicothe, MO; grandchildren, Greg (Kelli) Young, Josh (Megan) Young, Shelby (Joe) Bond, Brett Young, and Kyle Young and great grandchildren, Hayli Young, Brantley Young, Gracie Young, Evie Young, Avery Bond, and Cooper Bond.

Darryl has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 1 at the Eagleville Community Christian Church, Eagleville, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Hobbs Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hobbs Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com. 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for February 28th, 2024

On February 17th, Jackson County Assistant Prosecutor Hallie Schuman filed charges against Lyndell Mays (23) of Kansas City alleging Murder (2nd Degree), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), and two counts Armed Criminal Action (Felony). Bond was set at $1,000,000, cash only. The charges were filed in conjunction with the shootings at the Kansas City Chiefs Parade.

On February 19th, Jackson County Assistant Prosecutor Kristiane Bryant filed charges against Dominic Miller (19) of Kansas City alleging Murder (2nd Degree), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), and two counts Armed Criminal Action (Felony). Bond was set at $1,000,000, cash only. The charges were filed in conjunction with the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade.

On February 22nd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 1997 Ford F-150 truck driven by Angelina Dull Knife (66) of Ridgeway was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Bethany at around 3:26 pm when she went off the west side, down an embankment, and struck several small trees. She was seriously injured and taken to Harrison County Hospital. A 12 year old passenger received minor injuries. 

On February 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Peyton Doerr (20) of Verdon (NE) alleging Leaving the Scene (Felony), Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Possession of Fake Driver’s License, Parking Vehicle in Middle of Roadway, DWI, and No Seat Belt.

On February 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Brian Clapp (40) of Butler (MO) alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant and another person stole gaming devices, computers and computer equipment, game cameras, GPS devices, pet shock collars, and a car radio valued at $2,033.98. The defendant had been allegedly barred from several other stores due to theft.

On February 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Larry Miller (31) of Skidmore alleging Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony) and Assault. Bond was set at $30,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Angelina Coffelt (37) of Skidmore alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant and an accomplice, on three occasions, went to a Maryville store and took a combined total of $111.13 worth of merchandise without paying for it. 

On February 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Drake Brown (22) of Red Oak alleging Resisting Arrest, Careless & Imprudent Driving, Speeding (120 mph), Failure to Stop, and Illegal U-Turn. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jordan Emerson (31) of Maryville alleging DWI.

On February 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Cynthia Hayes (53) of Maryville alleging Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 23rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Clayton Judd (31) of Ravenwood alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On February 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Jeremiah Thyrion (37) of Lineville (IA) alleging Violation of Protection Order.

On February 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Pete Welch (41) of Bedford in Worth County on charges of DWI, No Insurance, and No Plates.

On February 26th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jamie Brown (45) of Denver alleging Domestic Assault and Property Damage. Bond was set at $1,000, posted by the defendant.

On February 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Jagger Moad (22) of Eagleville alleging No Valid License (Felony). Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

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

Jeff Mozingo Sworn In to Grant City Council

Jeff Mozingo was sworn into the Grant City Council at the regular meeting February 21st. He replaces Bruce Downing, who resigned. He will serve the remainder of the term and run as a write-in for the April 2024 election. The council passed an ordinance authorizing an election.

Mayor Debbie Roach brought new flooring for the Sheriff’s Office to the council. The current flooring is dirty and stays wet for days after a snow or rain and people have walked on it. After discussion, the council decided to have the Sheriff’s Office get bids for the flooring and see if Scott or the other deputies would install the flooring for the city to avoid paying the cost of labor for the install. Kandi also asked about getting the sink in the bathroom fixed; it continually drips. The council agreed. Kandi will go to the lumber yard and order a new faucet and write, “city hall basement” on the ticket so Farrah knows it was for the faucet.

City Clerk Farrah Richey presented RSMo 140.730, which addresses delinquent property taxes. This statute gives cities options for collecting past due taxes. There was discussion on how to proceed with collecting past due taxes from people the city has not been able to reach. One suggestion was to combine the city taxes with the county, paying the county to collect the city taxes. City Clerk Farrah Richey will reach out to Tax Collector Jessica Davidson to see if that is something the county would be interested in. The statute also allows for the abatement of taxes older than three years. There was discussion on how this would work. The council asked Richey to get a list of deceased individuals and individuals who do not live in Grant City and who are unable to be found before making a decision on abating those taxes.

The council was undecided about abating taxes for current residents. One suggestion was contacting a collection agency to try and recover past due taxes from current residents. It was also suggested they speak with City Attorney Taryn Henry about abating taxes.

City Administrator Meggan Brown reported she has filled out the applications for MO-Can on the Masonic Lodge and the application for DNR for inspections. She has filed out the MO-Can application for Dogman’s building. 

The city will send out several letters of violation of city code ordinances.

The city will send out letters on March 1st with the dates of the spring cleanup.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that they took all the winter equipment off the big trucks. They put rock or dirt in some of the places they dug this winter to fix utilities, along with rock on some of the worst areas for now.

The city repaired a gas leak on 10th and Main. The city washed all equipment and vehicles to remove winter sale residue, redid some meter pits, cleaned ditches, and put new rubber blades on the snowplows. 

North Harrison Accepts Two Resignations, Hires Music Teacher

 The North Harrison School Board of Education began their February meeting by observing in various classrooms throughout the building.

Their regular meeting began at 11:30 am when they heard presentations from Mrs. Adcock, Vocational FACS department and Mrs. Stanley, Title instructor.

During this session the school board set graduation date as Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 2 pm, awarded Milligan Lawn care the mowing bid for the 2024 season, and approved the 2024-25 football co-op with Pattonsburg School District.

Resignations were accepted from Randy Mecca, high school mathematics and Maslyn Hummel, high school language arts.

Kelly Briggs will be offered a probationary contract for 2024-25 K-12 music. Other positions filled include Alan Koch as assistant baseball coach, Kiley Taylor, Kara Smith, and Jenny Hartschen as track coaches.

Susan Allen was awarded an extension to her principal contract, employing her through the 2025-26 school year. 

The North Harrison School District is currently accepting applications for an elementary classroom teacher with the grade level to be determined.

The next meeting of the North Harrison School Board of Education will be Wednesday, March 20 at 7 pm. 

Hunter Education Classes March 16th in Maryville

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a Hunter Education Skills Session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Northwest Technical School in Maryville. This session will allow participants to receive the hunter education certificate required to obtain hunting permits. The overall course teaches hunter safety and knowledge about how to hunt.

The skills sessions classes are for students ages 11 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4hD.

The certification course can be completed online by hunters ages 16 and older for a paid fee to an online provider. But for hunters ages 11 to 15, or those of any age seeking in-person instruction, they must take the free skills class in person. They will need to complete the knowledge portion of the class prior to the skills session. That can be done by filling out the chapter review questions in the student manual, or youths ages 11 to 15 can complete the knowledge portion online for a fee paid to the provider. Printed student manuals are available at MDC offices in Chillicothe or St. Joseph, or they can be ordered online for free at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zox.

Besides teaching safety skills, the hunter education course also teaches basic hunting skills to help newcomers to the sport get started and be successful.

To find other hunter education skills sessions near you, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zof.

Shamrock Elementary Music Students Compete at St. Joseph Christian

Recently, the North Harrison Elementary Band competed at the St. Joseph Christian Music Festival:

28 NH elementary students prepared solos and ensembles for the last month and a half. They traveled to St. Joseph Christian High School last Saturday to perform their events for a panel of judges. They came home with 19 “1” and 4 “2” ratings.  Below is a list of the results:

“1” ratings:

6th grade woodwind trio-Ana Ingsson, Keeton Hill, and Brooklyn Wynne

6th grade brass quintet-Eli Jacobs, Landon Richardson, Matt Richardson, Caleb Ingsson, and Cotton Osborn.

5th/6th brass trio-Matt Richardson, Charlie Frank, and Cotton Osborn

5th grade mixed ensemble-Taryn Johnson, Jhet Rinehart, Hayze Pottorff, and Logan Hamilton

5th grade clarinet ensemble-Quincy Norris, Essence Bess, McKenna Hill, Kholt Hoffman, Alivia Parkhurst, and Sadie Edgerton

Solos: Leon Robinson-Timpani, Landon Richardson-trumpet, Eli Jacobs-trumpet. Caleb Ingsson-trombone, Matt Richardson-trombone, Charlie Frank-trombone, Cotton Osborn-tuba, Brooklyn Wynne-flute, Ana Ingsson-clarinet, Kholt Hoffman-clarinet, Quincy Norris-clarinet, McKenna Hill-clarinet, Taryn Johnson-flute, Sadie Edgerton-clarinet

“2” ratings:

Essence Bess-clarinet, Keeton Hill-clarinet, Jhet Rinehart-snare drum, Hayze Pottorff-snare drum.

Evergy to Hike Minimum Usage Rate by $4.28 Effective March 1st

On February 26th, the Missouri Public Service Commission approved a filing by Evergy West, which serves Worth, Nodaway, Gentry, and Harrison Counties, which will hike the Fuel Adjustment Clause by $4.28 per month for minimum usage customers. This change will be effective March 1st. 

Evergy West had made two filings with the Missouri Public Service Commission proposing the hike to reflect changes in its fuel and purchased power cost for the six month period of June through November 2023. 

Mustang Boys Down Stanberry, Throw Scare Into Platte Valley to End Season

North Nodaway’s boys won their first district game since 2016, beating Stanberry 50-30 to start districts Tuesday, February 20th. They built on that and threw a scare into Platte Valley, only trailing by four at halftime before Platte Valley took over the second half to oust the Mustangs.

Aydan Blackford carried the Mustangs on his shoulders like he has all season, getting six of his team’s first nine points and Brice Trimble getting the other three as the Mustangs scored the first nine points of the game. 

Stanberry skipper Nick Groomer, who has made a lot of deep postseason runs in his tenure there, didn’t like what he was seeing and burned a timeout less than two minutes into the game and put on the press. But early foul trouble from the Bulldogs and a 3-pointer from Ethan Fry and another inside shot from Blackford gave the Mustangs a 14-0 lead. 

The tide was temporarily turned as Bulldog standout Colby McQueen got untracked and knocked down a 3-pointer and Mason Casner came out of the game bleeding as the Bulldogs cut the deficit to 16-3 after one. But Casner came back in the second, and after McQueen cut it to 16-5 and Owen Martin scored off a drive, Casner was on fire for the next stretch, as Blackford’s early outburst had opened looks for everyone else. Casner would go on to score the next seven Mustang points as they took a 25-5 lead at the 1:25 mark of the second quarter. 

Stanberry cut the deficit to 26-7 at the half, but then Ethan Fry put a big head fake on a defender and kicked it out to Brice Trimble, who connected from his favorite spot from the baseline. Trimble got an offensive board on his next possession and was rewarded later when Martin got him the ball for another 3-pointer. Mason Casner then hit two straight threes to put the Mustangs up 33-7.

At that point, Groomer had seen enough and started shuttling four in and four out, trying to find a combination of players to play with McQueen. His dramatics evidently woke his players up, as the rest of the supporting cast started contributing and Stanberry was able to hang with North Nodaway the rest of the way, although the margin never got closer than the final score.

North Nodaway kept hitting, and Trevin Wyllie joined Casner in the scoring column and Aydan Blackford’s drive late in the third gave North Nodaway its biggest lead of the night at 46-14.

Mason Casner had 17 points for the Mustangs. Aydan Blackford had 13, Brice Trimble 11, Ethan Fry and Trevin Wyllie 3, Owen Martin 2, and Blaine Clements 1. North Nodaway hit eight 3-pointers for the night.

Brice Trimble and Blaine Clements had 1 blocked shot.

Aydan Blackford had 8 rebounds. Mason Casner had 7, Owen Martin and Blaine Clements 7, Brice Trimble 2, and Ethan Fry and Ridge Clements 1.

Brice Trimble, Aydan Blackford, and Mason Casner had 4 assists. Owen Martin had 3, Ethan Fry 2, and Trevin Wyllie 1.

Brice Trimble had 8 tips, getting a bunch early in the game to knock Stanberry out of its offensive rhythm. Aydan Blackford had 2, and Trevin Wyllie, Ethan Fry, Mason Casner, Owen Martin, and Blaine Clements 1 each.

Brice Trimble and Owen Martin had 2 steals. Mason Casner had 1.

Against Platte Valley, the Mustangs picked up right where they left off the previous game as Brice Trimble hit a baseline three and Mason Casner scored off a drive to make it 5-2. But then the Platte Valley pressure started kicking in and they started taking over, getting points from Brandon McQueen, Alex Mattson, and Tucker Klamm to take back control at 10-5 after one.

For the rest of the half, Platte Valley was seemingly imposing its will on the game and forcing turnovers at will, as the Mustang turnover count reached 13 by halftime. Yet somehow, despite Tim Jermain ranting, raving, working the officials, and benching players, including his best player, Mattson, the Mustangs kept hanging around. Mustang skipper Cody Jenkins, who graduated from Jefferson, had burned three of his timeouts by the early part of the second quarter, and his dramatics seemingly woke his players up. 

With the Mustangs trailing 12-7 early in the second and the game seemingly starting to get out of hand, Mason Casner took a charge on defense to spark the Mustangs, which got a drive from Casner and 3-pointers from Ethan Fry and Brice Trimble as they twice got the deficit down to one. But Alex Mattson took the hint from Jermain and started carrying Platte Valley on his shoulders, scoring all nine points to put his team up 19-15 at the half.

The third quarter belonged to Mattson and Platte Valley as the bottom dropped out and they hung 22 points in the third quarter on North Nodaway. Mattson scored 11 points in the third quarter as the lead grew to 41-25 after the third quarter. Platte Valley is one of those teams which comes out strong out of the halftime locker; they would go on to hang 29 on Worth County in the third quarter of their game.

Mattson scored six more in the fourth quarter as Platte Valley kept beating North Nodaway up and down the floor to pull away for the 51-28 win.

For North Nodaway, Mason Casner had 12, Brice Trimble 6, Aydan Blackford 5, Ethan Fry 3, and Owen Martin 2.

Blaine Clements and Jordan DeLeon had 1 block each.

Brice Trimble and Aydan Blackford had 5 rebounds each. Owen Martin had 4, Blaine Clements 3, Mason Casner 2, and Trevin Wyllie and Ridge Clements 1.

Owen Martin had 5 assists. Mason Casner and Aydan Blackford had 2 each, and Brice Trimble and Ethan Fry had 1.

Owen Martin had 4 tips. Trevin Wyllie had 2, and Mason Casner and Brice Trimble had 1.

Ethan Fry and Aydan Blackford had 2 steals each. Brice Trimble and Mason Casner had 1.

The girls did a much better job against Rock Port than in their first game, but came up short 43-39 in the first round of districts after they fell by 20 to them the first time. The Mustangs dug themselves into an 11-2 hole and were still down 15-9 early in the second when Saryn Brown took herself out of the game and threw off her knee brace. She came back and willed her team back into the game, scoring 19 of her 22 points after she took the brace off. They came back to take the lead in the third quarter at 27-25 before Rock Port came back to take a 34-27 lead early in the fourth.

North Nodaway fought back again and this time tied it up with 55 seconds left when Brown hit a 3-pointer, but then Rock Port got an inside look from Avery Meyerkorth with 25 seconds left to break the tie and stole the ball on the subsequent possession and converted it for the four point win.

Saryn Brown had 22 points. Lauren Herndon had 12, Lacy Riley 3, and Lily Blane and Jackie Wray 1 each. 

Saryn Brown had 14 rebounds. Lauren Herndon had 10, Angie Parker 7, Addalea Barcus 5, Jackie Wray 2, and Lily Blane 1.

Lauren Herndon nearly had a triple double as she had 8 assists to go with her 12 points and 10 boards. Addalea Barcus had 4 assists, Saryn Brown 2, and Lacy Riley 1.

Panthers Throw Scare, but Caleb New Carries Tigers in Overtime Win

Worth County started off well, but then fell behind against Mound City in the second half and then had to claw back to force overtime. But then Caleb New carried the Tigers in the extra period, scoring all four points as Worth County came away with the 51-47 win in the first round on Tuesday, February 20th. 

The Tigers had been in a slump without Bo Collins in the lineup; without him, they were out of sync defensively in their loss to South Holt, they were out of sync offensively in their squeaker win against East Atchison, and they couldn’t buy a board in the Maysville loss. But when Bo returned for the Mound City game, Worth County looked immediately back in sync. Cannon Fletcher scored five early points, Tyler New was finding driving lanes open again, and Caleb New added a 3-pointer as they built up a 14-7 lead after one.

But slumps have a way of going away hard, and sure enough, Mound City showed why they are one of the most dangerous teams to face come district time. They had graduated Tony Osborn and all of the horses who made them a basketball powerhouse from two years ago, but they got a new coach in Alan Ottman who has shown that he can get a lot of mileage out of his teams come district time, regardless of how they struggled in the regular season. Last year, Ottman and the Panthers threw a big scare into Platte Valley before they came away with a nine point win, and this year was no different.

This year’s bunch saw a lot of role players step up into scoring threats and their two main players, Keaton Zembles and Chauncey Brown, step into even bigger roles come district time. Creyton Roup, who had been a role player most of the year, suddenly stepped up and hit two 3-pointers in the second quarter to bring Mound City back to within 20-17 at the 2:57 mark of the second. Tyler New and Karson Briner put the Tigers back up 24-17, only for Zembles to cut the Panther deficit down to 24-19 by the half.

A lot of times, the underdog team puts up a good fight for a half only for the favorite to regroup at halftime and pull away. But this time, another role player, Cole Gillenwater, stepped up and hit a 3-pointer to start the third quarter and the purple shirts rallied around him as Zembles scored on a drive and Roup went coast to coast to put Mound City in front 26-24. 

With Zembles locking down on Tyler New and everybody else having trouble with the huge Panther front line, Rowen Derr scored off a pair of steals, Jacob Hall scored off a putback, and Zembles hit two free throws before Tyler New finally stopped the bleeding with a reverse layup to end the third and cut the Tiger deficit to 34-31.

But the early part of the fourth quarter belonged to the Panthers, as Chauncey Brown, normally a driver, broke out a stepback three to start the period. Karson Briner got a putback, and Worth County started putting on a press, but nothing worked at first as Brown scored a guarded three at the 5:58 mark to make it 40-33.

But then the pressure started to pay off as Tyler New hit a guarded three from the top of the key, added another shot with 4:07, and then Karson Briner knocked one down from the high post with purple shirts surrounding Tyler New with 3:37 left, tying the game. Brown cut inside and scored to untie it and make it 42-40, only for Tyler New to drive and score, tying it back up at 42. Gillenwater hit his second triple of the game, only for Tyler New to tie it back up with a 3-pointer with 1:12 left.

Brown, who had the hot hand all game for Mound City, finally missed a runner with 55 seconds left and Worth County froze the ball, looking for the last shot. Mound City elected to use up their fouls, trying to force a turnover on the inbounds or force Worth County to use time off the clock. Finally, Caleb New missed a shot and Jacob Hall got the board for Mound City. But he threw it away with 3.4 seconds left and Worth County had a chance to win in regulation. But Tyler New’s heavily contested shot at the buzzer was off the mark.

In the extra period, both teams traded misses, but Caleb New got the first of two offensive boards in the period and put it back in to make it 47-45 with 3:09 left. After Worth County got a couple of stops on defense, they ran the clock from 2:09 to 53 seconds left before Mound City used their fourth foul. 

Worth County nearly committed a backcourt violation, but continued to run the clock down until Tyler New hit Caleb for a wide open three that he missed with 35 seconds left. But he followed his shot and grabbed his own miss, and the possession continued.

Worth County ran the clock all the way down to 20 seconds as Mound City was playing for the turnover. Finally, Caleb New, who wanted the ball in his hands, was fouled and made both free throws to put Worth County up 51-47.

Mound City rushed it up the floor, but missed two desperation threes before Worth County was able to run out the clock.

Tyler New had 26 points for the game. Karson Briner had 8, Caleb New 7, Cannon Fletcher 5, Hayden Sanders 2, and Bo Collins 1.

Caleb New and Bo Collins had 1 block.

Karson Briner had a career high 15 boards. Tyler New had 4, Bo Collins 3, Hayden Sanders and Caleb New 2, and Cole Ruby 1.

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

Karson Briner had 5 tips. Tyler New had 4, Hayden Sanders 2, and Cole Ruby, Bo Collins, and Caleb New had 1.

Karson Briner and Caleb New had 2 steals. Cannon Fletcher, Hayden Sanders, and Cole Ruby had 1.

For the girls, they traded blow for blow with Nodaway Valley for the first four minutes of the game, leading 7-5 and building on their ability to play good teams tough down the stretch. But then someone missed a boxout on Ava Graham, who got a putback for the Thunder. The problem with the Tigers all year was letting such plays snowball, and it came back to bite them at the worst possible time. When the dust was settled, Nodaway Valley went on a 28-0 run to lead 33-7 and the rout was on. The Thunder went on to pull away for a 54-16 win. Kynah Steele had 9 points for the Tigers. Kambree Briner had 5, and Kristen Tracy 2.

Birth Announcement -- Delphina Jane Walker

Giovanni and Jacy (Gabriel) Walker are pleased to announce the arrival of their first child, a daughter, born at 3:03 p.m. on November 16, 2023, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, MO. Delphina Jane Walker weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.

In addition to her parents, Delphi Jane is welcomed by her maternal grandparents, Brad and Jane Gabriel of Grant City, and paternal grandmother, Mary Walker of Sikeston; as well as maternal great-grandparents, David and Carolyn Hardy of Grant City, and Norma Gabriel of Agency, MO, and paternal great-grandmother, Mary Walker of Sikeston.

Bluejays Rain Nine Threes, Dalanie Auffert Grabs 700th Rebound

Northeast Nodaway’s girls rained down nine threes against Stanberry in their third meeting between the two teams and Dalanie Auffert grabbed her 700th rebound as the Bluejays came away with a 51-47 win in the first round of districts. After struggling to score for much of the year, the Bluejays came alive in the Stanberry game, with Hadley DeFreece getting five 3-pointers and Mylee Wilmes getting four.

Stanberry showed a lot of improvement from their first two games. After being a one dimensional team for the first part of the year, with most of the scoring coming from Amelia Wallace, they were able to get Lindsey Hailey untracked from the 3-point line, and Trista Lager emerged as one of the top on the ball defenders. She drew the assignment of guarding Baylie Busby, holding her to 12 points after Busby had averaged around 20 for most of the year. 

It looked like a long night for the Bluejays in the first quarter after Stanberry started showing the kind of offensive firepower that had eluded them in the first two games they played. They were running Wallace into the high post off a screen, getting her the ball, and having her dish off to open people, creating plenty of scoring opportunities. Northeast turned the ball over five times in the first quarter, and Stanberry led by as much as eight before four points from Auffert late in the period cut the Bluejay deficit to 15-9 after one.

Busby got a steal and hit two free throws to cut it to four to start the second quarter, but then Lager hit a 3-pointer, Wallace scored off a steal, and then dished off to Kaitlyn James backdoor as the Stanberry lead grew to 22-11. They led by 11 twice before Mylee Wilmes’ 3-pointer cut it to 23-16. But then Wallace scored to close out the half and James scored to start the third quarter and put Stanberry up 27-16.

But then Hadley DeFreece suddenly hit back to back jacks, and Northeast was right back in the game down only 27-22. Bella Wright got loose in transition to make it 29-22, but then Baylie Busby started stealing the ball at will and the Bluejay deficit started shrinking. Brianna Meyer scored four straight to cut it to 31-30 before leaving with an injury; she returned later in the game and played in the Platte Valley game. 

Eva Cameron put Stanberry up 33-30 with 2:27 left, but then Mylee Wilmes hit a 3-pointer, Hadley DeFreece hit another, and the Bluejays were in the lead at 36-33. Lindsey Hailey tied it up with a 3-pointer, but Hadley untied it with one of her own and Busby added a pair of free throws to put the Bluejays in front 41-36 after three.

Hadley DeFreece and Mylee Wilmes struck again early in the fourth quarter and the Bluejays led by as much as nine twice, but then Stanberry started coming back and Kaitlyn James and Lindsey Hailey struck to cut it to 49-45.

Northeast started freezing the ball, but Stanberry, with no team fouls, could afford to be very aggressive and Wallace got a steal with 1:39 left, only to miss two free throws that would have cut it to two. Wallace got another steal, only for Lager to miss a 3-pointer. Wallace got the offensive board, but Dalanie Auffert blocked her putback try and Brianna Meyer got a tieup.

Stanberry pressed and forced a turnover to get the ball back, but Hailey missed a 3-pointer. Despite the Bluejays being without one of their best ballhandlers in Jill Boswell, who was bleeding on her forehead and had to come out during that stretch, they were able to handle the ball better and drew Stanberry’s last three fouls. Finally, Baylie Busby hit two free throws to make it 51-45 with 36 seconds left. 

Brianna Meyer got a steal to Baylie Busby, who got it to Hadley, but she missed a layup try with 16 seconds left and Wallace countered on the other end with 9 seconds left to make it 51-47 as Stanberry used their last timeout. Northeast missed two free throws, but Stanberry’s halfcourt heave missed.

Against Platte Valley, Northeast couldn’t get anything going offensively as Platte Valley pulled away to an 8-0 lead after one. Blair Nelson kept them in the game for a while in the second quarter, scoring twice to keep the Bluejay deficit at 14-4. They had been there before against Platte Valley and had made things interesting, but then the rebounding broke down, with Platte Valley getting six offensive boards in the last four minutes of the second quarter. The game snowballed from there, with Platte Valley taking an 18-4 halftime lead and pulling away to a 45-13 win.

North Nodaway Accepts Resignation, Hires Lindsay Alexander as Elementary Secretary, Renews Principals

The North Nodaway School Board, at its regular Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, voted to accept the resignation of Angela Davison as Kindergarten Teacher and Parents as Teachers Educator at the end of the school year. She has been hired as the Kindergarten Teacher at Northeast Nodaway for the upcoming school year.

The board also voted to approve the employment of Lindsay Alexander as the Elementary Secretary. Board member Stan Alexander abstained.

The board voted to rehire principals Heather Townsend and Roger Johnson.

The board voted to add Zaire Sutton, Michael Goff, and Brooke McMahon to the substitute teacher list.

The school calendar was approved for the upcoming school year. The first day of school will be August 21st, with the final day being May 16th.

Student climate survey results for grades 6-12 at North Nodaway were released. Most survey questions showed improvement from the previous school year. Among the biggest areas of improvement:

– 67.5% of students felt teachers valued their opinion this year, compared to 47.5% last year.

–89.6% feel teachers provide quality instruction, compared to 62.9% last year.

–89.6% feel the school has focused on minimizing violence, compared to only 26.3% last year. 73.7% feel the school has implemented practices to minimize bullying, compared to only 45.1% last year. 68.8% feel the school handles discipline fairly, compared to only 49.4% last year. And 80.3% feel that the school teachers student self-discipline, compared to 62.9% last year.

–70.1% feel the school system assures student voices are heard and respected, compared to 51.2% last year.

–96.1% feel the school has focused on providing technology and updated resources for learning, compared to 79.1% last year.

–88.2% feel socially accepted, compared to 70.3% last year.

Among areas in biggest need of improvement according to the survey, only 42.8% reported liking going to school. 67.1% reported that the school was clean and facilities well-maintained. 

Results from the 3rd through 5th grade student climate survey were released. Many different categories scored at 100%, and satisfaction levels were higher than in the older group. The area in biggest need of improvement was in the area of bullying. Only 52.4% of students who responded reported that students at the school were not bullied. That was an increase over the previous school year, when 24.4% reported that.

The board solicited bids for stage lighting and sound improvements for the stage at the old gym. The board awarded the contract to Lanham Music out of St. Joseph, who submitted the low bid of $7,488.17. Northwest Audio Visual bid $10,530.70 and Progressive Electronics bid $18,016.

The board voted to approve the bid by 4K Flooring to do the carpeting at the high school for a price tag of $23,964.96. The school received four bids for the project. Meyer Flooring bid $23,370.25. Carpet Bargain Barn bid $28,933.78. Eckard’s bid $32,873.

The board received one bid, from Northwest Missouri Concrete Coatings, to epoxy the rest of the high school floors, except for the commons, for $49,799. The board voted to approve the bid.

Principal Roger Johnson reported that the Academic Showcase will be on March 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm for the addition to the high school. A ribbon cutting for the elementary addition will be that same night at 6 pm.

An awards assembly for the third quarter will be March 14th, and Parent Teacher Conferences will be March 14th from 1 pm to 7:30 pm.

A group of teachers is looking to purchase new Social Studies curriculum for the upcoming school year.

Senior Night for the basketball teams was February 13th.

For Volleyball, Andrea Jenkins, Lauren Herndon, Lacey Riley, Addalea Barcus, Emily Keho, Lily Blane, and Kila Miller received Academic All State honors. For Cross Country, Andrea Jenkins and Casey Wray made Academic All State. Morgan Pope was recognized by Heartlander Newspaper for her Passion Project, renovating the Roxy Theatre. 

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that teachers have been doing LETRS training. Fourth graders have been doing Flashlight Fridays, where they can use flashlights to read their books in the dark. Third grade is working on fractions, while fifth grade is working on a weather and erosion unit.

Dribblers Club is in full swing. Student Council has been raising money. Kids marked the 100th Day of School by dressing up in red to support the Chiefs. Spring drills have been completed. Nutrition classes for PreK through 1st grade have started. Valentines Day parties were held on February 14th. 

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that MPI and Bud’s Sewer came to the elementary and found several disposable sanitary wipes clogging the drain.

The school is waiting on Pinnacle to hook up the CO2 system; they are waiting until they can get on the roof. Guttering will be put on the elementary once an acceptable weather day arrives. The school is waiting on windows for the counselor’s office.

The next meeting will be March 27th at 6 pm.

Worth County Hires Jessica Sanders as Art Teacher, Renews Principal Contracts

The Worth County School Board, at its regular Board of Education meeting Wednesday, extended the contracts of principals Josh Smith and Chuck Borey. They also offered the K-12 Art teaching position to Jessica Sanders. She will replace Selina O’Connor, who is retiring.

The Governance Program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed including the fact that most policies have been reviewed and/or updated. End of year balances increased by about $590,000, which indicates the district’s ability to pay bills prior to new local funds arriving. This increase was related to federal ESSER III funds that were received in 2022-23. The school district is implementing a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for 2022-27. Board of Education members are participating in regular training.

Concerns listed include the fact that some district committees don’t meet regularly, and the need to communicate to the public in forms other than social media.

The Professional Development Program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include the fact that the district has implemented data teams as part of professional development days. A mentoring program is helping with new teachers. The district has been implementing the DACL Program, along with character education, social-emotional learning, and mental health. Teachers were able to participate in observations out of the district.

Concerns listed include the fact that teachers miss time out of the classroom because of professional development scheduling. Other concerns listed include the need to balance the addition of new strategies and content with improving current practices, and revising the Professional Development Handbook, which was last revised in 2016-17.

The school is seeking $152,800 in enhancement grants for the Ag and Business departments. They are applying for 25 desktop computers, two smartboards, two ICEV subscriptions, a printer, a stock photo license, a web server, carpet tiles, a cap heat press, a teacher laptop, and ventilation for the welding station. Of the $152,800, the school’s match, if approved, is $50,225. 

Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Schlapia and Mrs. Rush reported on President’s Day booklets and the transition into learning about money. Mrs. Lane reported about her fifth graders’ studies on phases of the moon and their pop tab service project for the Ronald McDonald House.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported that Eva Engel had won the Area II FFA Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award.

GRC Honor Band members were Mitzie Gillespie (Flute), Unique Brown (Flute), Evalyn Gilland (Clarinet), Addison Gray (Clarinet), Arenna Galanakis (Alto Sax), Ethan Frese (Alto Sax), Emsley Spainhower (Trumpet), Lucas Frisch (Horn), Conner Pointer (Baritone), Anissa Russell (Percussion), and Liam Hayden (Percussion). 

FCCLA qualifiers included Eva Engel (Level 2 Fashion Construction), Abbi Brown and Bridgette Hightshoe (Level 3 Food Innovations), and Arenna Galanakis and Emsley Spainhower (Level 2 Food Innovations). 

A Missouri Roadway Safety presentation was held on February 16th. ACT testing will be March 12th. Sophomores will tour the Vo-Tech on March 13th and 8th graders will tour it on March 21st.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that Heather Deardorff, Kaeslyn Briner, Jace Mullock, Chase Davidson, and Paige Hubbard participated in the math contests in January. District contests will be in April.

For the 100th Day of School, kids brought in 100 things to make a trail mix for a snack. Mrs. Campbell placed 100 Tigers around the elementary building. All 100 were found and pinned to the board. 

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

For Heart Hero Kickoff, Jenny Nixon from the American Heart Association joined the school. The NFL is teaming up with Heart Hero and every student that completes Finn’s Mission will get entered into a drawing to win tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl. For every 18 students who complete Finn’s Mission, the school gets entered into a drawing for a $10,000 gym/playground makeover thanks to the NFL.

For the first week, 15 students completed Finn’s Mission. Of those, three won a drawing for an avocado warmie.

For Super Bowl Week, Mrs. Rush’s Kindergarten class decked themselves out to look like Pat Mahomes. Mrs. Rush’s class also gave Mrs. Pottorff a sign and lots of hugs as a thank you for all she does for the school and students.

The Fourth Grade won the attendance award for the first semester. They got to have a popcorn party.

For professional development, staff participated in active shooter training and ELA curriculum.

Athletic Director Cree Beverlin reported on participation numbers for spring sports. There will be 28-30 participating in track between both the girls and boys teams. Around 7-8 will do boys golf, and 7-9 will do baseball, which is a cooperative with NEN. The Early Bird will be March 21st.

Junior high students start track practice this week. Junior high scholar bowl has been winning at least one in every meet they have participated in. 

Students Lincoln Wake and Elias Alarcon have been making the online graphics for the school’s Facebook game day announcements.

Superintendent Chris Healy reported on bond issue preparation. It is a no tax increase bond issue. If approved, the school will build a corridor from the High School to the ag building, replace the lights at the softball field, and do facility maintenance and repairs. 

School revenues were up $143,300 and expenses were up $354,931 from the same period last year. The district prepaid $130,000 in bond prepayments and scheduled payments that were approved in August 2023. Other expenses that increased included the replacement of the lights at the football field and personnel costs.

The board approved a calendar for the 2004-25 school year. The first day of school will be August 20th and the last day will be May 16th. There are 26.5 built-in makeup hours and other listed makeup days. There will be 167 student days of instruction. 

The board added Josh Smith to the School District Credit Card.

The next meeting will be March 18th at 6:30 pm. The board will be discussing teacher contracts.

Crestwood Apartments in Grant City Up for Sale

The Crestwood Apartments in Grant City are up for sale. An ad in the Gentry County Shopper says the Board of Directors is accepting sealed bids for the 24 apartments. It is located at 307 East 7th Street in Grant City.

Bid application forms can be obtained by contacting Jozy Moyer, Board Secretary, at 3 North Briggs Street, Grant City, MO 64456 or email at whiteponyranch@gmail.com. Sealed bids should be marked, “SEALED BID” and mailed to the address above. Bids will be opened March 10th at the Board Meeting of Crestwood Apartments to be held at 307 East 7th Street in Grant City. The meeting will be closed until after the bid opening.

Veteran Walking 1,000 Miles to Texas Passes Through Allendale

Recently, Daniel Crawford, a veteran walking from Minnesota to Texas, passed through Allendale, where he ate at the OldTowne Cafe. He once served in the HMX1 division while Bill Clinton was President, flying him around.

Currently, Daniel is walking to raise funds for 23rd Veteran, which is a support group for veterans. His goal is to reach Austin (TX) by April 8th, where he intends to view a total eclipse of the sun. He plans to mark his 729th day of being sober there. 

23rd Veteran is a Minnesota-based support group for veterans which helps veterans with mental health issues. They offer a 14 week program which helps the brain redirect negative triggers from military experiences to new positive memories and emotions.

As of Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $31,950 of the $75,000 it is seeking to raise. To donate, visit https://impact.23rdveteran.org/campaign/1-000-miles-of-gratitude/c561316

J.L. Houston to Mark 70th Anniversary

This year will mark the 70th anniversary of the J.L. Houston Company of Hopkins. It was founded in 1954 by John L. Houston, after whom the company is named. After months of preparation beforehand, experimental steel tubing was made at the factory for the first time on June 2nd, 1954. The June 3rd, 1954 Hopkins Journal reported the following:

Steel tubing, experimental ones, were made for the first time in Hopkins yesterday (Wednesday) morning at the factory of John Houston in northwest Hopkins.

For the past several months, preparations have been underway to produce steel tubing in Hopkins. First, a concrete block building 28x50 was built by Houston just west of the Mrs. Jesse Albright property. William Cross erected the structure. 

Before the roof went on, a 9,000 pound punch and riveting machine were swung into place. With the completion of the building, the five horsepower motor was connected and the curving roll, weighing 6,000 pounds, was moved into place. It is powered by a 7½ horsepower motor.

The factory is to be operated by Francis Hilton, who with the aid of Lester Shell and Ralph Wood, both of Hopkins, will get acquainted with the machinery and learn tube rolling. Ultimately, six or seven men might be needed in the business.

The curving machine can make steel tubing from 8 inches in diameter to 84 inch tubes. They are made in two foot sections and then riveted together, making any length tubes required. 

Full scale operation will be started soon.

From those beginnings, the J.L. Houston company has grown to employ 45-50 people, the biggest employer in the Hopkins and Pickering areas along with the school. They now sell tubing all over the country.

John Houston was actively involved in the company and the Hopkins community until his health no longer permitted it in the 1990’s. His death, on October 8th, 1999, made the front page of the October 14th Hopkins Journal:

John Houston, founder of J.L. Houston Company, died Friday, October 8th, 1999.

Mr. Houston was born on May 18th, 1909 in Hopkins to Bruce and Dola McBeth Houston. He was a lifelong resident of Hopkins.

A graduate of Hopkins High School, Mr. Houston completed two years of study at Northwest Missouri State. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army. He had served in the Italian theatre of operations.

After his discharge from the Army, he worked for Mutti Motor Company in Hopkins as a parts specialist. On weekends during the 1940’s and 1950’s, he sold car and tractor chains as a wholesaler for Lloyd Chain of Maryville as well as a line of copper and brass fittings. He was also in the corrugated metal culverts business, purchasing and selling culverts to counties in Northwest Missouri and neighboring areas.

In 1954, the J.L. Houston Company began with the production of metal products. Metal tubes were to be produced first. He and his son, Ronald, expanded the business in 1967 to include a large variety of steel tanks. Shortly after that, the company was incorporated.

Mr. Houston stayed involved in the company business until ill health in the early 1990’s prevented it.

The J.L. Houston Company is employer to 40 area people and is one of only three plants of its type in the entire state of Missouri.

Mr. Houston was an active member of the Hopkins Christian Church, served on the church board, on various committees, and as a deacon. He served on the City Council of Hopkins, a member of the American Legion, the Hopkins Lions Club, and a member of the Midwestern Culvert Association.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for February 21st, 2024

On February 12th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against David Chandler (43) of King City alleging Attempted Burglary (Felony), Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony), and Possession of Controlled Substance. An affidavit from the Gentry County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant approached a local business intending to break in, but left when they saw a surveillance camera. Bond was set at $2,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 14th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2013 Kenworth driven by Joshua Hawkins (26) of Leedey (OK) was southbound on Route I-35 four miles south of Lamoni. The driver attempted to avoid a vehicle blocking both lanes of traffic. The vehicle attempted to take the exit, but went off the west side of the road, overturned, and came to rest on its side, blocking the southbound ramp. Hawkins received minor injuries and was taken to the Decatur County Hospital.

On February 15th, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that they have been getting calls about spammers and scammers and issued the following Facebook post:

Harrison County Citizens, our office has been receiving numerous calls about persons falling victim to online scams. 

1. Scammers will contact you requesting you to send them money to invest in the newest or latest moneymaking scheme. 

2. Scammers will ask you to purchase prepaid credit cards, gift cards, Google Play cards, or Apple Pay cards.  They will then ask you for the numbers from the cards and the money will be transferred to them leaving the card empty. 

3. Scammers will ask you to purchase electronic items and send them to a P.O. Box in exchange for something of value. 

4. Scammers will use intimidation, or play on your feelings to make you think you are in trouble or can trust them to make this transaction. 

5. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office will NEVER contact you asking you to post bond or advise you of an arrest warrant over the  phone.  

6. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them look like they are local callers. 

7. Never provide scammers with your bank information, personal information, address, or phone number. 

8. Oftentimes, scammers are not even in the USA and will set up fake accounts, addresses, and companies to gather your information or products. 

If you feel that you have fallen victim to a scam, please contact local law enforcement to make a report immediately. Most times we cannot recover your money however, we can offer resources to help protect you from being scammed in the future.

On February 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Jaden Goodin (20) of Tarkio and a 2005 Scion driven by Donna Owen (33) of Graham were both eastbound on Route 136 near Rosemary Avenue in Burlington Junction. The Scion began to slow and attempted to turn left and was struck in the rear by the Fusion. Owen and a passenger in the Scion, Michael Volner (46) of Graham, received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On February 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Howard Thomas (60) of Maryville on charges of Speeding, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and DWI. 

On February 19th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Brewster Pepper (38) of Paris (MO) in Nodaway County on charges of DWI (Drugs, Felony), Speeding, Driving on Left Side of Roadway when Obstructed by Hill, and Driving While Revoked (Felony). 

On February 20th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Elizabeth Shelley (41) of Albany alleging Driving While Suspended (Points), Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Leaving the Scene, No Insurance (2nd Offense), and No Seat Belt. 

On February 20th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Trenton Barnett (39) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

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

Tyler New's Scoop Shot Layup Gives Tigers 49-46 Win Over Rock Port

Worth County’s boys avenged their earlier loss to Rock Port Thursday in the District Semifinals as Tyler New’s scoop shot layup and three point play with 1.3 seconds left gave Worth County a 49-46 win and sent them into the finals with Platte Valley. The win came despite 20 out of Rock Port’s 46 points coming from shots with a hand in their face, including Bannack Skillen hitting guarded shots at will all night. Everybody stepped up in the win; they had to with Jack Meyerkorth holding Tyler New to 12 points for the night. Bo Collins got the rust out of his system from the week and a half layoff and shared scoring honors. Cannon Fletcher continued his late season improvement and grabbed nine boards. Karson Briner also had double figures with 10. But the biggest stat for the night for the Tigers came in the rebounding column. After giving up 15 offensive rebounds in the first game between the two schools, they gave up only four the second time around.

At first, it looked like a long night as Bannack Skillen took over early and Reed Miller added an inside shot to put Rock Port up 7-2 at the 5:45 mark. Hayden Sanders and Cole Ruby stopped the bleeding with 3-pointers for the Tigers, but Skillen slashed his way to the rim again to make it 12-7. But then Tyler New went coast to coast and Hayden Sanders, normally an outside shooter, slashed to the rim to cut it to 12-11. Then, Karson Briner got a block and came away with it after a wild scramble and got it to Tyler New. Briner ran the floor hard on the play, and was rewarded with a layup to put Worth County up 13-12 after one.

Bo Collins’ putback to start the second quarter put the Tigers in front 15-12, but then Bannack Skillen hit a guarded three to tie it up again and the momentum started swinging back to Rock Port. A lob to Corbyn Jakub put the Blue Jays up 17-15, and they led by 1-3 until Cannon Fletcher tied it up at 21 with a 3-pointer with 2:50 left. Skillen’s reverse layup put Rock Port up 23-21, but Bo Collins’ free throw after an offensive board and another free throw from Hayden Sanders knotted it up at 23. Malachi Skillen got loose in transition and made one of two from the line to make it 24-23. Tyler New got a steal and got it to Cannon Fletcher, who aired it out to Bo Collins to give the Tigers a 25-24 lead, but Jack Meyerkorth’s drive at the halftime buzzer put Rock Port up 26-25.

Caleb New’s 3-pointer put Worth County back in front 28-26, and they maintained it for most of the third quarter. Tyler New’s 3-pointer from the baseline made it 32-28, and Cade Makings’ guarded shot from the high post was answered by an inside shot from Bo Collins to make it 34-30. Makings’ tough shot from inside tied it up again at 34, but then four straight from Karson Briner put the Tigers back in front 38-34 after three.

But then Bannack Skillen’s guarded three to start the fourth swung the momentum back in Rock Port’s favor, and they started climbing back into the game. Skillen’s free throws put Rock Port back in front 41-40. Tyler New drove into the lane to make it 42-41 Worth County, but Cade Makings’ putback made it 43-42 Rock Port. Bo Collins’ baseline shot put Worth County ahead 44-43, but then Jack Meyerkorth’s guarded three put Rock Port back in front 46-44.

With three minutes left in the game, Rock Port got a stop and began stalling on offense. They got it all the way down to 1:37 before Jack Meyerkorth missed a runner in the lane and Worth County got the ball back. Tyler New missed a runner, but then stripped Corbyn Jakub of the rebound and tied it up again at 1:10 left. Bo Collins then got a steal with 58 seconds left and Worth County started stalling, getting it down to 17 seconds left.

With time winding out, Tyler New drove in on two blue shirts and got his scoop shot layup to go with 1.3 seconds. Corbyn Jakub tried to step in to take a charge, but New got the benefit of the charge/block call and Jakub picked up his fifth foul in the process. New made the free throw to make it 49-46.

Rock Port inbounded it with a long pass to Ozey Hurst, whose shot that would have sent it to overtime looked like it was going in. But it hit the back of the rim and bounced out, giving Worth County the win. Hurst’s shot was from the same spot on the floor in 2011 where King City’s boys hit an improbable halfcourt shot that sent it to overtime against Northeast Nodaway in the third place game of the King City Tournament. That game went to six overtimes before NEN finally came away with the 100-93 win.

For Worth County, Tyler New and Bo Collins had 12 each. Karson Briner had 10, Hayden Sanders 5, Caleb New 4, and Cole Ruby and Cannon Fletcher 3.

Karson Briner had 2 blocks and Bo Collins 1.

Cannon Fletcher had 9 rebounds. Karson Briner had 8, Bo Collins 6, Tyler New 4, and Cole Ruby 1.

Tyler New had 6 assists. Bo Collins, Cole Ruby, and Karson Briner had 3. Cannon Fletcher had 1.

Cannon Fletcher had 6 tips. Tyler New had 4, Cole Ruby and Hayden Sanders had 2, and Karson Briner 1.

Caleb New, Cole Ruby, Tyler New, and Bo Collins had 1 steal each.

But things all came to a crashing halt Saturday against Platte Valley. The teams played to a 4-4 standoff until the last 2:07 of the first quarter; then, Platte Valley scored nine points in just over two minutes and the rout was on. Worth County had only one senior and two juniors in the rotation; their other five players in the rotation were all freshmen, while Platte Valley plays juniors and seniors in their rotation. Worth County's youth and inexperience showed as they were in over their heads and by the 3:07 mark of the second, it was already 27-6. It ballooned to 34-8 at the half and then Platte Valley scored 29 points in the third quarter to put it away as they came away with a 79-28 win in the District Finals. Bo Collins and Tyler New had 11 in the mismatch. Hayden Sanders and Wyatt Hill had 3 each. Tyler New scored his 1,500th career point at the 4:48 mark of the third quarter. 

Nate Briggs 2023-2024

Nate William Briggs, almost 2 month old son of Collin and Ashlynn (Gilpatrick) Briggs of Eagleville, MO entered into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, February 16, 2024 at a Kansas City, MO hospital.  He was born December 17, 2023, in Kansas City, MO to his loving and caring family.

Nate was preceded in death by his grandparents, Twila Cook, Bonnie Hullinger, Veta Gillpatrick, Scotty Briggs, Floyd Jr. Frisbie, Jerry Gilpatrick, Bill Luther and Virginia Luther.

He is survived by his dad and mom, Collin and Ashlynn; Maternal Grandparents, Josh and Gena Gilpatrick and Scotty and Lori Niffen; Paternal Grandparents, Billy and Amber Briggs; Great-Grandparents, Gene and Paula Frisbie, Linda and Melfred Woods, Tom and Debbie O’Neil; Marvin Harding and Mary Briggs; Great-Great-Grandparents, Louise Frisbie, Richard Gilpatrick, Artie Hullinger and Garold and Velda Smith; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21 at the Eagleville Community Christian Church, Eagleville, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO.  Burial will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO. There will be no visitation.  Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com. 

Stanberry License Office Up for Bid

The Missouri Department of Revenue is announcing the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Stanberry, Missouri, located at 130 W First St, Stanberry, Mo., 64489. Bids will start being accepted March 6, and must be submitted by March 19.

For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri's statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS at missouribuys.mo.gov. Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Stanberry License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the Office of Administration, is posting an RFP for the Stanberry License Office contract, since the current contract is close to expiring. Interested bidders have approximately 10 business days to submit their proposal for the operation of the license office in the competitive bid process, as outlined in the RFP. A scheduled tour of the current location may be requested by emailing the procurement contact listed on MissouriBUYS.

NEN Accepts Two Resignations, Hires Four Personnel

The Northeast Nodaway School Board Meeting, at their regular meeting February 15th, accepted the resignations of Colton Davidson and long-time teacher Denise Henggeler. They approved contracts for four new personnel. They are Angie Davison (Kindergarten), Issak Werner (PE), Mazzy Hummel (JH/HS English), and Brayden Hanf (Preschool). The school still has positions open for fourth grade and for PK-12 Music. 

The board approved a contract for Precision Lawn to mow the ballfield.

Two enhancement grants were discussed. The board approved a 25% ($6,484) match for the Agriculture Enhancement Grant if awarded and a 25% ($644) match for the Family and Consumer Sciences Grant if awarded.

Election day for the board is April 2nd. The only two candidates who filed are Cody Adwell and Courtney Kennard. No election is needed.

Superintendent Brenda Dougan reported that among bills of interest include open enrollment, voucher tax and charter school expansion, and assessment and accreditation bills. Governor Mike Parson held a State of the State Address in which he called for fully funding transportation and the foundation formula, possible growth in Proposition C money, continued career ladder funding, and increasing the baseline salary grant to $40,000 from the current $38,000.

Assistant Principal Chaim Jenkins reported that Blair Nelson and Jalyn Burns attended the FCCLA Star events to assist and observe practice for competition. An FFA spaghetti supper on February 6th was a success. FFA Week is this week, with a breakfast this Sunday, February 25th at the Ravenwood Community Building. Night of Music will be held on March 1st, and the Pep Band will play at the State Basketball Tournament.

The school is switching from NFHS to Hudl for film for home basketball games. NFHS has a paywall, while Hudl is free for people to watch.

Roster projections for the next school year include 13 for girls softball, 10 for girls basketball, and 6 for boys basketball.

Principal Heidi Beatty reported that literacy testing for K-6 was done September 15th for the first round and December 20th for the second round. The next schoolwide testing date is in April. Reading Success Plan updates are being sent to parents every two weeks. 

Parent/Teacher conferences were held February 5th. A mini-cheer clinic for students from preschool to fifth grade was held. They performed at halftime of the basketball game on February 6th.

County Government Day was held February 8th. 

Miss Meek has been looking into starting a new trapshooting squad for the next school year.

Velma Walters 1941-2024

Velma Elaine Walters was born June 18, 1941 in Sioux City, Iowa to Anna Elizabeth (Lytle) and William Nathan Kesterson.  She graduated from Onawa High School in Onawa, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Keith Walters on October 8, 1961 in Onawa, Iowa.   She loved playing cards, fishing, watching football and golf.  Velma was a member of the Tent Chapel Church of Christ of Blockton.

She passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024 surrounded by her family at the Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Keith in 2021; son Chuck “Buck” in 2018; sister Marilyn; brothers-in-law, John, Wayne and Dale Walters; sisters-in-law, Jeane Walters, June Bryon and Maxine Hamblen. 

Velma is survived by her sons: William (Camilla) Walters of Mount Ayr, Iowa, David (Tana) Walters of Grant City, Missouri, daughter-in-law Donna Walters of Raymore, Missouri; 5 grandchildren: Hunter Walters, Wayne (Monica) Walters, Ben (Breann) Walters, Jordan Walters and Bobby Lynch; 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jeanne Walters. 

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Blockton Community Hall in Blockton, Iowa. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa.  Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City is handling arrangements.

Ted Findley 1943-2024

Ted Othello Findley, (80) of Grant City, MO passed away February 18, 2024 at the Worth County Care Center. 

Ted was born to Ross and Berniece (Spainhower) Findley on November 6, 1943 at their home near Denver, MO where he grew up working on the farm.  He graduated from Grant City High School in 1961 where he enjoyed playing football.  He continued his education and graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville MO.  Ted and Barbara (Burns) married September 1, 1962.  He worked at COOP in Maryville while going to college then later they purchased a farm near Denver, MO where they raised their two daughters.

Ted was a hard worker for which most of his time was taken up with farming, raising cattle and sheep. He built fence for hire, was on the school board, public water board, soil conservation board, and was the Worth County Presiding Commissioner. He enjoyed being a leader for 4-H Horsemanship for the area kids, taking his girls to fun shows, High School Rodeos, and serving on the Missouri High School Rodeo Association Committee for 4 years. Any free time was spent coyote hunting, coon hunting with Sam and Frisky, fishing, riding and hunting with great mules like Minnie and Kate, and watching the KRAZIES, (yes with a capitol K) which was what he called his great grandchildren.  If the grandchildren or Krazies got out of line, he would tell them “Grandma is going to tan your hide.”  He could never correct them himself as he was the instigator a majority of the time. 

Ted loved kids.  He also had helped Santa Claus for over 20 years by visiting the school and surrounding communities. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Berniece Findley.

Ted is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home.  Brothers, Rex (Karen) Findley, Dannie Mac (Glenda) Findley, Brother in-law, Russell (Nancy) Burns.  Two daughters, Lisa (Tim) Runde, Ravenwood and Jana Findley, Grant City. Grandchildren, Jeff (Holli) Runde, Jon (Alex) Runde, Laura (Heath Evans) Hibbs.  Great grandchildren, Kylee, Tanner and Findley Bea Runde. Parker, Daisy, Lexi and Evan Runde, Harper Hibbs and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM, Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri, where visitation will be from 4:30-7 PM, Wednesday, February 21. Burial will be in the Miller Cemetery, Denver, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Worth County Education Foundation for the Berniece Findley Music Scholarship c/o 510 East Ave, Grant City, Missouri  64456.

1954 Hopkins High School Senior Spotlight: Leo (Shark) Traster

The Hopkins student newspaper in 1954 was named the Hopkins Hypo. They published school news, menus, gossip, ballgames, and senior spotlights. The following piece is about Leo (Shark) Traster, a senior at Hopkins High School that year.

Our history this week is about one of our very popular senior boys, Leo (Shark) Traster. Shark was born September 18th, 1935 at Hopkins, the second son of Mr. & Mrs. Merle Traster. Shark attended all eight years of grade school and four years of high school at HHS. He has one older brother, Kermit, a graduate of HHS and now a lieutenant in the air force, and a younger sister, Orilla, grade student at Hopkins.

Shark is the president of the senior class and is the assistant manager of the Hopkins school yearbook.

His favorite hobby is sleeping. His favorite song, “Heart of My Heart;” favorite color, yellow; favorite food, chicken; favorite subject, math; favorite sport, basketball. He dislikes people who think they know it all.

Shark’s plans are undecided now. During the summers recently, he has been working at Mutti Hardware. We are sure that whatever Shark decides to do, he will be a success. The students of HHS wish him the best of luck in everything he does.

Missouri House Passes Childcare Tax Credit Package

The Missouri House has swiftly moved to pass House Bill 1488, sponsored by State Representative Brenda Shields. The bill, which received overwhelming support with a vote of 113-39, introduces a comprehensive tax credit package aimed at promoting development of additional childcare resources to serve Missouri families.

Missouri is currently facing a shortage of childcare resources, with only one available childcare slot for every three children under the age of five. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Representative Shields emphasized that the rising cost of childcare has become a major obstacle for many families and is a significant factor influencing parents' decisions to stay home rather than rejoin the workforce.

"Missouri has lost more than $1.3 billion annually due to childcare shortages, including $286 million in potential tax revenue. This plan serves as an innovative solution, fostering collaboration between businesses, parents, and government to ensure quality, affordable childcare is accessible statewide," Representative Shields, R-St. Joseph, stated. “The availability of childcare is an important for the future of state, and passing this legislation brings us one step closer to cultivating a reliable workforce, anchored by a system of childcare that is both dependable and economically feasible.”

"Addressing the childcare shortages is pivotal for Missouri's prosperity. With the passage of HB 1488, we're making a strategic investment in our state's families,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis, said. “These targeted tax credits not only alleviate immediate challenges but also promote the development of additional childcare resources either associated through Missourians’ employment or through an independent provider. By championing affordable childcare, we empower families and bolster our workforce, ensuring a brighter and more resilient Missouri."

Some of the key provisions of HB 1488 are as follows:

Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act (Effective: Jan 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2030):

–Taxpayers can claim a 75% tax credit against state liability for childcare contributions.

–Credit range: $100 to $200,000 per year.

–Eligible donations must directly support childcare for children aged 12 or younger.

–Non-refundable tax credits capped at $20 million annually, with a 15% increase for contributions in "childcare deserts."

Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act (Effective: Jan 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2030):

–Taxpayers with two or more employees can claim a 30% tax credit for childcare expenditures.

–Maximum credit: $200,000 per taxpayer per year.

–Applicable to corporations, certain charitable organizations, and individuals subject to state income tax.

–Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations would be eligible for a refund of its tax credit

–Non-refundable tax credits capped at $20 million annually, with a 15% increase for contributions in "childcare deserts."

Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act (Effective: Jan 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2030):

–Childcare providers with three or more employees can claim a tax credit for withholding tax and up to 30% of capital expenditures so long as the employees work a minimum of three months for an average of 10 hours each

–No credit for capital expenditures under $1,000.

–Maximum tax credit: $200,000 per provider per year.

–Non-refundable tax credits with excess credits carried back or forward up to five tax years.

–Capped at $20 million annually, with a 15% increase for contributions in "childcare deserts."

The tax credits, estimated to cost up to $70 million, would sunset after six years, allowing lawmakers to assess its impact and make necessary adjustments.

Missouri anticipates that this tax credit package will not only address the immediate childcare crisis but also serve as a crucial economic development tool for the state, providing a reliable workforce with access to quality, affordable childcare options.

Representative Brenda Kay Shields, a Republican, represents part of Buchanan County (District 11) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Shields’ office at 573-751- 3643 or by email at Brenda.Shields@House.Mo.Gov.

Rev. Earl Griffith Became Hopkins Methodist Minister in 1954

The January 7th, 1954 Hopkins Journal reported on the installment of the Rev. Earl Griffith as the new Wray Memorial Methodist minister. He came to Hopkins from Southern Methodist University, where he was to complete his graduate degree in theology on January 28th of that year. He began his duties in Hopkins December 20th.

He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Griffith of Trenton, from where he graduated. He entered the service in 1943 and fought the Germans in World War II. He became a department manager for Montgomery Ward, but in 1949, he was called to the ministry and enrolled at Westminister College in Fulton (MO). He then went to Southern Methodist in Dallas. 

Before coming to Hopkins, he served churches in Missouri and Texas.

He was married to Evelyn Fair in 1940. As of January 7th, 1954, they had two sons, David (5½) and Stephen (2½). 

Rebounding Woes Doom Tigers Against Maysville

Worth County’s boys continued to struggle without Bo Collins Thursday as they fell 64-37 to state ranked Maysville. Without Collins, they did not match up well against Dillon Willis and the Wolverines, who are one of the top rebounding teams in the area with Willis as their sparkplug. They managed a season low 13 rebounds against the red shirts. Worth County is at 16-4 for the season, but have dropped two of their last three games going into districts.

Tyler New did all he could, getting 19 points on 9 for 14 shooting. Caleb New had 7 points, including a four point play. Hayden Sanders had 6, Cole Ruby 3, and Karson Briner 2. Worth County was 15 for 43 from the field for 35%. They were 6 for 25 from the three point line, and only got to the line once all night.

Karson Briner had 4 rebounds for the Tigers. Tyler New and Cole Ruby had 3, Cannon Fletcher 2, and Hayden Sanders 1. Tyler New had 4 assists. Cole Ruby, Hayden Sanders, Cannon Fletcher, Caleb New, and Karson Briner had 1. Cole Ruby had 2 steals. Hayden Sanders, Tyler New, and Cannon Fletcher had 1. Karson Briner had 1 block. Cannon Fletcher had 1 tip.

The girls lost 28-24.

Jerry Gilpatrick Leads Four Shamrocks in Double Figures as Shamrocks Win

North Harrison hung 34 points against East Harrison Thursday night in the first quarter and Jerry Gilpatrick had 21 points and 9 assists to lead four green shirts in double figures. The Shamrocks pulled away to a 78-20 win, ensuring there would be no repeat of last year’s near-fiasco, in which a Bobcat squad with just one win nearly beat North Harrison on the last regular season game of the year.

The Shamrocks went early and often to the offensive glass, and it paid off when Keygun Johnson converted a third chance putback to start the scoring, Johnson added a free throw, Jerry Gilpatrick got back to back steals, Keygun got one of his own to make it 9-0 and the rout was on.

Keygun Johnson got one to Jerry Gilpatrick for a transition basket, Johnson knocked one down from the high post, then Wyatt Maize and Jerry Gilpatrick teamed up for back to back jacks to get it to 19-0. Jerry Gilpatrick scored off another fast break and Keygun Johnson scored off two more as the margin grew to 25-0 before Trysen Ratliff finally got East Harrison on the board.

North Harrison continued to pull away for the rest of the period as Wyatt Maize hit a 3-pointer after Kolton Graham got him the ball, Keygun Johnson got Jerry Gilpatrick the ball for a transition shot, Wyatt Maize got Andrew Craig the ball inside for two, and Dustin Hamilton scored off an Andrew Craig steal to make it 34-3 after one quarter. Jerry Gilpatrick had 13 points, Keygun Johnson 11, and Wyatt Maize had 5 assists in the period.

More people got in on the act in the second quarter as Ethan Henson opened the scoring with five straight to start the period. Keygun Johnson scored off a Dustin Hamilton steal, Dustin Hamilton hit from the left wing off a pass from Jerry Gilpatrick, Ethan Henson’s steal led to two free throws from Wyatt Maize, Keygun Johnson scored off a Dustin Hamilton steal, Wyatt Maize hit a free throw, a block from Andrew Craig led to a Gilpatrick score on the other end, and Kolton Graham hit Andrew Craig inside for two free throws to put the Shamrocks up 52-11.

North Harrison continued its avalanche in the third quarter, scoring 16 points in just over a three minute span. Jerry Gilpatrick started off the scoring with a 3-pointer off a pass from Wyatt Maize, and Wyatt Maize scored after Jerry Gilpatrick got a tip and steal. Andrew Craig, who had going 150% throughout the first half even though he only had four points to show for it, earned a starting spot in the second half and it paid off as Jerry Gilpatrick got him the ball to score. Keygun Johnson got a fourth chance putback, Kolton Graham got Craig the ball inside, Graham got on the board with a 3-pointer, and then knocked one down from the high post to make it 68-11 at the 4:49 mark.

The Shamrocks could have gone for 100 if they had wanted to, but they started subbing after that stretch, and Brayden Eakes and Gavin Orndorff got on the board for East Harrison to cut it to 68-15. The starters came in one more time as Jerry Gilpatrick and Wyatt Maize had back to back jacks to make it 74-15 after three.

Andrew Craig, normally a post player, looked like guard material on one play as he got a steal and got to 10 points, and Kolton Graham added a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter.

Jerry Gilpatrick had 21 points. Keygun Johnson had 17, Wyatt Maize 14, and Andrew Craig 10. Kolton Graham had 7, Ethan Henson 5, and Dustin Hamilton had 4.

Andrew Craig had 2 blocks. Jerry Gilpatrick and Keygun Johnson had 1.

Keygun Johnson had 8 rebounds. Jerry Gilpatrick and Andrew Craig had 5 each, Kolton Graham 4, Wyatt Maize and Ethan Henson 3, and Landon Johnson 2.

Jerry Gilpatrick had 9 assists. Wyatt Maize had 8, Kolton Graham 4, Andrew Craig, Dustin Hamilton, and Ethan Henson had 2, and Keygun Johnson had 1.

Wyatt Maize had 8 tips. Jerry Gilpatrick had 7, Keygun Johnson 6, Kyler Kimbrough and Landon Johnson 3, Dustin Hamilton, Ethan Henson, and Tate Richardson 2 each, and Andrew Craig 1.

Jerry Gilpatrick had 7 steals. Keygun Johnson and Wyatt Maize had 4, Ethan Henson 3, Dustin Hamilton, Andrew Craig, and Dustin Hamilton had 2 each, and Landon Johnson and Kolton Graham had 1 each.

Jaxcynn Hansel Boards 20, Blocks 7, but Shamrocks Lose Final Game

Jaxcynn Hansel did all she could to stave off the inevitable, grabbing 20 boards and blocking seven shots Thursday, but the East Harrison Bobcats beat the Shamrocks up and down the court and got plenty of transition opportunities as they beat North Harrison 44-22. With the loss, the Shamrocks finished the regular season winless. Hansel had plenty of help on the boards as Carmon Fordyce, one of the shortest players on the floor any given night, came away with 11. Kira Robertson had 9 and Erica Gerken, who had not played ball since her freshman year, got to where she could give the team valuable minutes off the bench, added six. Gerken added two blocked shots of her own.

Five different Bobcats got into the scoring column as they raced out to a 10-0 lead in the first few minutes. While Karlee Crouse was the best player on the floor for them, they have gotten to where you can’t just guard her anymore. North Harrison hung around for a while as Jaci Davis hit a 3-pointer and Lani Briggs scored off a drive. But then a sixth Bobcat scored, and they continued to crash the boards and get the lead to 15-5 before Lani Briggs’ free throw cut it to 15-6 after one.

The Shamrocks hung around for the first part of the second quarter and even made East Harrison use a timeout, but then the bottom dropped out as Crouse fueled a big run that put the Bobcats up 31-8 before Jaxcynn Hansel cut it to 31-10 at the half. But the break did not save North Harrison as the Bobcat run continued through the third quarter as they lead grew to 43-11 after three.

But then, with five minutes left, Erica Gerken, playing in her last home game as a Shamrock, caught a skip pass, skidded along a slick spot on the floor near the right baseline, threw up a prayer from the three point line while falling backwards, and it somehow went in to spark the Shamrocks. She had been making her 3-point shots during halftime warmups, and it paid off. From there, the Shamrocks got one of their first sustained scoring runs all year as Jaci Davis got loose in transition, Lani Briggs got a tip, Carmon Fordyce got a steal, and threw it back to Briggs for two free throws, Jaci Davis drove and pulled up and scored from the high post, and then little-used Raven McClellan got an offensive board as time was expiring, handed it off to Carmon Fordyce, who put it back up and in as time expired.

Jaci Davis had 7 for the Shamrocks. Lani Briggs had 6, Jaxcynn Hansel 4, Erica Gerken 3, and Carmon Fordyce 2.

Kira Robertson had 3 assists. Lani Briggs and Jaci Davis had 2, and Carmon Fordyce, Jaxcynn Hansel, and Raven McClellan had 1.

Jaxcynn Hansel had 4 tips. Carmon Fordyce had 3, Kira Robertson 2, and Jaci Davis and Lani Briggs had 1.

Jaxcynn Hansel had 2 steals. Erica Gerken, Kira Robertson, Carmon Fordyce, and Lani Briggs had 1.

Mary Canon 1924-2024

Mary Elizabeth Canon was born January 3, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia to Wesley and Hazel (Ogden) McClure. Mary wanted to make it to her 100^th birthday for a celebration and did just that. She passed away February 13, 2024.

Mary graduated from Morgantown High School in 1942.  She worked at a dime store for a short time after graduation. She met her husband when he was stationed near Morgantown in the Coast Guard and fell in love with him within 6 months. She traveled across the country all by herself to San Diego, California to be where Lloyd was. While there she worked in an aircraft factory.  She was united in marriage to Lloyd Canon on May 7, 1944. They stayed in San Diego until Lloyd got out of the service. In 1946 they moved to St. Joseph, Missouri and later settled on farm near Parnell, Missouri where Mary was a housewife and raised their family.  

Mary and Lloyd welcomed three children to the family, Russell, Virginia and Wayne.  Lloyd preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents; 1 granddaughter and 6 siblings. 

Surviving are children Russell (Sharon) Canon, Virginia (Mike) Mitchell and Wayne (Margie ) Canon, 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and  1 great-great grandchild.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February  17, 2024 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in Grant City Cemetery.

Four Reach Double Figures as Mustangs Have Much Easier Time with King City

North Nodaway got everything they could handle in King City earlier in the season and somehow came away with a 51-41 win. Something similar was expected for Tuesday’s rematch, but this time, North Nodaway came out of the gate swarming, pressing, and trapping King City all night long as they led wire to wire and beat King City 64-31 in the rematch.

The rebounding was as different as night and day for the Mustangs, as they didn’t give up their first offensive rebound to King City until the 4:45 mark of the second quarter and only gave up six for the whole game. By contrast, they gave up 26 offensive rebounds and King City attempted 31 more shots than North Nodaway did in the first meeting. The turnover battle was drastically in the Mustangs’ favor as well; they surrendered the ball only eight times and King City threw it away over 20 times.

The hunger was there for the players after last year; they had just come off a five win season, but they were playing a full intensity pickup game before the athletic banquet, and Owen Martin in particular was lost and looking for something to do after the final buzzer sounded last year. The hunger has been there all year, and it has been growing and growing as the season progressed. They fell to South Holt, but they played a good game and lost by single digits to the Knights in Oregon. They then went into the dragon’s den at Platte Valley and lost by a lot there, but they handled it the right way as they came out strong right out of the gate.

The hustle plays started right off the bat when Brice Trimble stuffed a shot, Aydan Blackford grabbed it, and aired it out to Ethan Fry, who finished. Jonothan Garlock countered for King City, but then Mason Casner drove and converted a three point play. Then, Ethan Fry dove on the floor to knock a ball loose, Mason Casner picked it up, and Aydan Blackford converted a third chance opportunity at the free throw line to make it 7-2. Ethan Fry only scored the first two points of the game, but he had a huge impact on the game with his pressure defense and his hustle plays.

With North Nodaway pressing, King City kept dribbling into the corners, where Ethan Fry and the rest of the blue shirts were waiting, and the lead continued to grow as Fry got the ball twice into Blackford to make it 14-2. At that point, King City took five out and put five in to try and stop the bleeding.

Cayden Wainscott and Cooper Mooney stopped the bleeding for King City, getting the Wildkat deficit down to 16-6, but then Brice Trimble got the first of his many 3-pointers and Owen Martin drew a foul at the buzzer and made one of two to make it 20-6.

Trimble knocked one down in the high post and then Owen Martin got a tip, Ethan Fry got a steal, and fed Martin for two to make it 24-6. The teams traded buckets through the next stretch as Mooney got loose again, Garlock hit a 3-pointer, and Josiah Schellhorn, who tormented the Mustangs on the boards in the first game, finally started to get untracked. But North Nodaway had five different people score in the period to stay afloat. Finally, Aydan Blackford got a drive and then Mason Casner drove and spun and finished at the buzzer to put the Mustangs up 36-18.

The third quarter belonged to Brice Trimble, who had the hot hand in the period and had nine in the quarter. Owen Martin scored off a drive and stepped back and hit a 3-pointer and Blackford contributed two. The lead grew to 52-25 after three, and then Mason Casner cut inside and Aydan Blackford scored off a steal to trigger the running clock with North Nodaway up 56-25.

Aydan Blackford had 19 points. Brice Trimble had 17, Mason Casner 12, and Owen Martin 10. Ethan Fry, Blaine Clements, and Kaeden Nave had 2.

Brice Trimble and Blaine Clements had 1 block.

Aydan Blackford had 7 rebounds. Owen Martin had 5, Brice Trimble and Ethan Fry had 4, and Mason Casner 2.

Aydan Blackford and Owen Martin had 6 assists. Brice Trimble and Ethan Fry had 3, Mason Casner 2, and Kaeden Nave and Blaine Clements had 1.

Owen Martin had 7 tips. Ethan Fry had 5, Mason Casner 3, Blaine Clements and Brice Trimble 2, and Aydan Blackford 1.

Brice Trimble had 5 steals. Mason Casner and Ethan Fry had 3, Aydan Blackford and Owen Martin 2, and Blaine Clements 1.

Baylie Busby, Dalanie Auffert Both Break 20 Point Barrier in Win

Northeast Nodaway kept winning Tuesday night, February 13^th as Baylie Busby had 21 points and Dalanie Auffert had 20 and the Bluejays won 49-23 over winless South Holt on Senior Night.

Dalanie Auffert scored from inside for the Bluejays, only for Chloe DeBee to knot it up at 2. But from there, Baylie Busby took over as she got a steal after Hadley DeFreece got a tip, and then cut inside and got a pass from Auffert to make it 6-2.

With Northeast swarming, pressing, and trapping throughout the next stretch, South Holt burned two quick timeouts, to no avail. Dalanie Auffert put down two free throws after grabbing an offensive board to make it 8-2. Then, South Holt seemingly got loose in transition only for Busby to get in the set position, ready to take a charge. Frequently, that forces a travel or a missed shot as the offensive player tries to avoid the foul call; this time, it forced a miss, Dalanie Auffert was there for the board, handed it off to Busby, and she was rewarded with the basket at the other end to make it 10-2 after one.

Blair Nelson, who played a lot of valuable minutes for the Bluejays in the game, jumped a pass and finished to start the second, only for Abby Sipes to beat the Bluejay pressure and hit a pullup to make it 12-4. But then both Baylie Busby and Dalanie Auffert got hot at the same time and the floodgates opened for the Bluejays. Busby knocked one down from the high post, Auffert got a putback, Busby got a steal and converted, Auffert got an inside shot after Busby got an offensive board, Jill Boswell got a defensive board and a quick outlet to Busby who finished at the other end, Hadley DeFreece got the ball into Auffert, and Busby got an inside shot off a pass from Auffert. By the time the dust had settled, the Bluejays were up 26-4 at the break.

But South Holt is one of those teams which digs themselves into a 20-30 point hole at the beginning, only to get better and better as the game progresses. They made things interesting against St. Joseph Christian, and they made a big run against Worth County after getting way behind. After a free throw from Olivia Prussman, all of a sudden, Lexi VanHoutan, who made a bunch of threes against Worth County in the second half, started doing so again; she hit one with Baylie Busby draped all over her to cut it to 26-8. Busby and Auffert kept hitting to build the lead back up to 33-8, only for Abby Sipes, normally a driver, to hit a guarded three. VanHoutan hit another guarded three, and then Spies reached back and channeled Caitlyn Clark and hit a logo three at the buzzer to cut the Knights deficit to 37-17 after three.

But then Dalanie Auffert scored from inside to start the fourth as the Bluejays restored order. Jill Boswell knocked one down a backdoor pass from Hadley DeFreece, Dalanie Auffert scored from inside, Jill Boswell dropped one to Busby in transition, Auffert scored from inside again, and Boswell hit from the right wing after a pass from Auffert as the Bluejay lead grew to 49-20 before the bench came in.

Baylie Busby had 21 points. Dalanie Auffert had 20, and Blair Nelson and Jill Boswell had 4.

Dalanie Auffert and Baylie Busby had 1 block each.

Dalanie Auffert had 6 boards. Jill Boswell had 5, Baylie Busby and Sasha Deardorff had 4 each, Blair Nelson and Brianna Meyer had 3, and Hadley DeFreece had 1.

Hadley DeFreece, Dalanie Auffert, and Baylie Busby all had 4 assists. Jill Boswell had 3, Blair Nelson 2, and Brianna Meyer and Sasha Deardorff had 1.

Baylie Busby had 6 tips. Brianna Meyer had 4, Sasha Deardorff and Hadley DeFreece 3, Jill Boswell and Blair Nelson 2, and Mylee Wilmes and Dalanie Auffert 1.

Jill Boswell had 5 steals. Baylie Busby had 4, Dalanie Auffert, Brianna Meyer, and Hadley DeFreece had 2, and Sasha Deardorff and Blair Nelson 1.

Tiger Girls Can’t Hold Lead Against Wolves

Worth County’s win over South Holt was a temporary respite as they had to face another brutal, physical opponent Monday. East Atchison was only 12-10 as of their most recent game, but their record is misleading. They have gotten healthy again and won eight out of 10, scoring 41 or more points in all those games.

Nonetheless, the game was back and forth the whole night. Worth County led 16-13 after one. East Atchison came back to lead 27-26 after the break. Worth County seemingly took control by outscoring the Wolves 12-6 in the third. But East Atchison outscored Worth County 14-4 in the fourth to get the five point win.

Rylee Ruckman had 12 points for the Tigers. Kynah Steele had 10, Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, and Kristen Tracy had 6 each, and Keira Hardy had 2. It was the kind of balanced scoring the Tigers had been looking for all year. They were 16 for 44 from the field for 36%. Rylee Ruckman had four 3-pointers. Worth County was 6 for 6 from the line. 

Kristen Tracy and Kynah Steele had 8 boards each. Rylee Ruckman had 3, Kambree Briner had 2, and Riley Ridge and Keira Hardy had 1.

Kristen Tracy had 6 assists. Kynah Steele had 4, and Rylee Ruckman had 2.

Kristen Tracy had 3 steals. Kambree Briner, Rylee Ruckman, Kynah Steele, and Keira Hardy all had 1. Kynah Steele had 2 tips and Kambree Briner and Riley Ridge had 1. 

Riley Ridge had 1 block.

Worth County will try again this Thursday against a Maysville squad that has only won three games, but is improving and has a lot more firepower than last year.

Sheridan Birthdays and Anniversaries for March 2024

March Birthdays

1 – Hartley Fitzgerald, Chase Metcalf, Atticus Sapps, Patty Fugate; 3 – Ava Wells; 4 – Chase LaFollette, Jared Staton, Marsha Martin; 5 – Reyan Lebow; Audrey Young; 6 – Karl Coleman, Rita Bryant, Elsie Jenkins; 7 – Ryan Mercer, Gary Rush, Mary Clements, Nancy Runyon; 8 – Carl Hines; 9 – Randy Koch; 10 – Cora Davidson, Callen Noe, Brett Hamblin; 11 – Karen Andrews, Harlyn Lewis; 12 – Steve Farrell, Janet Gladstone, Rachel Rush, Taccoa Moyer; 13 – Matthew Thummel, Tiffany Troutwine, Harold Wake; 14 – Daryl Owens, Kirby Welsh, Tina Fletchall; 15 – Mike Scott, Hudson Sigman; 16 – Kelly Morrison; 17 – Kelly Fisher, Ezra Martin; 18 – Grace Morrow, Jim Steinman; 19 – John Steinman, Laverne Walker, Kathy Adwell; 20 – Elizabeth Dimmitt, Vonda Thompson, Karen Parman; 21 – Bobbie Heideman; 22 – Jenni Wall; 22 – Rebecca Mick, Leslie Birkenholz, Suzanne Harris; 24 – Ruthie Owens; 25 – Tanya Hill; 26 – David Hunt, Ashlyn Barnett; 28 – Hillary Steinman, Kelsie Goolsby; 29 – Joe Brand, Everett Lee; 30 – Kameran “Kam” Chase Buffington, Lytisha Lee; 31 – Kolsen Middleton, Toni Dye.

March Anniversaries

7 – Abby & Troy Hawk; 9 – Nikki & Dusty Hamblin; 12 – Carol & Doyle Parman; 15 – Amee (Nelson) and Brian Wilmes; 25 – Cheyenne & Kade Maupin; 30 – Allison & Timothy Martin.