Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for September 11th, 2024

On September 3rd, Sherry Young (47) of Maryville failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on charges of No Valid License (Felony) and Trespassing. A warrant was issued and bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On September 3rd, Briley Giamalva (50) of Freeman (MO) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). She was assessed $250 in fines and court costs and placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice.

On September 3rd, Shyan Pearcy (28) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Resisting Arrest and Assault. They were placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice.

On September 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2011 Chevy Traverse driven by Cody Adwell (45) of Ravenwood struck a buggy driven by Freeman Miller (21) of Ravenwood on Route O five miles east of Ravenwood in Gentry County, ejecting Miller from the buggy. Miller received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

On September 3rd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against James Smith (44) of Albany alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), and Possession of Alprazolam (Felony, Schedule 4 Controlled Substance). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety, posted by the defendant. 

On September 3rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Emmanuel Glaywulu (19) of Kansas City alleging Speeding (100 mph) and No Valid License.

On September 3rd, Special Prosecutor Kelly Wayne Puckett filed charges in Harrison County against Sean Sweat (29) of Bethany alleging Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond was set at $7,500, cash only. An affidavit from the Bethany Police Department alleges the defendant stole $837 worth of flooring.

On September 3rd, KGO, a local TV station based in California, reported that a Concord (CA) man was scammed out of over $200,000 worth of life savings and the IRS now says he owes $30,000 in taxes as a result of the scam. The scammers allegedly told the victim that they were from Xfinity and told him that someone had used his personal information to upload pornographic videos to a porn website and that they were generating a report to the FTC. One hour later, another scammer called purporting to be from the FTC and listed all the credit cards the victim had in 40 years as proof that he was who he said he was. The “FTC agent” then told him someone had rented an apartment in Texas in his name and that the FTC would help him move his money to a secure account. He made five withdrawals from his bank account. The victim then received a letter purporting to be from the Department of Treasury confirming the plan to clear his name. The victim, as directed by the scammers, then placed large amounts of cash and gold in boxes, which were picked up by couriers and transferred to the scammers. Eventually, he was advised that there was no courier in his area and that he would need to mail $8,500 in cash in a box to Huntington Beach via UPS. Employees at a Huntington Beach CVS contacted police after two people showed up to pick up the package with photos of an ID instead of an actual ID. The IRS now says the victim owes over $30,000 in taxes because he cashed out some CD’s and an IRA and that they will put a lien on his house if he doesn’t pay.

On September 4th, William Cain (34) of Cainsville failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court on charges of DWI, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, No Insurance, and No Seat Belt. A warrant was issued and bond was set at $500, cash only. The warrant was served on September 9th.

On September 4th, Charles Grandpre (62) of Salina (KS) failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court on a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). A warrant was issued and bond was set at $500, cash only.

On September 4th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against David McGhghy (62) of Oskaloosa (IA) alleging Possession of Cocaine (Felony), Possession of Hallucinogen (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Speeding (88 mph). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On September 5th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Albert Ferguson (39) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 signature bond. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant stole a bike valued at $1,000. 

On September 5th, the Maryville Forum reported that Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter dismissed charges against Margaret Helzer, citing what Dieter said was a lack of evidence. Helzer had been charged in a scheme in which she and co-defendant Nicki Samson allegedly stole $483,000 from NOCOMO into retirement accounts for themselves and Samson’s family members. Samson had previously taken an Alford plea, in which she did not admit guilt, but accepted punishment for the crime.

On September 5th, Clinton County Prosecutor Brandi McClain filed charges against Ryan Maples (19) of Lathrop alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony), Minor in Possession of Marijuana, Speeding (120 mph), and Failure to Register. An affidavit from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department alleges a deputy attempted to stop the defendant, who stopped near Plattsburg, but then took off. A police chase resulted, with speeds as fast as 120 mph. The defendant allegedly went north on Route 33, east on H, then made a U-turn, almost hitting a patrol vehicle. The defendant then allegedly narrowly missed another officer and continued to flee. Clinton County deputies, DeKalb County deputies, and Missouri State Highway Patrol officers joined the pursuit, which reached Cameron, with the defendant eventually crashing near Cameron. The defendant allegedly fled through a field, and the Caldwell County K-9 was called in to track. Eventually, the defendant allegedly knocked at a homeowner’s door in DeKalb County. The defendant eventually surrendered to police. Bond was set at $10,000 with the defendant released on his own recognizance.

On September 6th, KTTN reported that the Missouri State Highway Patrol was contacted by the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding concerns for the safety of a woman traveling with a man from Texas to Missouri. Ryan Phillips (33) of St. Louis was en route to the St. Louis area in a red Range Rover. It was reported that Delisha Evans (30) of Princeton (TX) was in the vehicle with Phillips. The Patrol attempted to stop the Range Rover on Interstate 44, but the vehicle fled the scene. Phillips then crashed the vehicle and an officer-involved shooting occurred. Both Phillips and Evans were found deceased in the Rover.

On September 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Nyankoor Chuol (19) of Des Moines in Harrison County on charges of Speeding (105 mph), Driving with License Belonging to Another, and Minor in Possession.

On September 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that they were notified of an accident that had taken place earlier that morning in Diagonal, 9½ hours after the fact. The accident occurred at P33 and J23 near Diagonal. Subsequently, the owner of the vehicle was located and Jordyn Overholzer (19) of Mount Ayr was charged with Failure to Maintain Control, Minor in Possession, Minor in Possession of Tobacco, Failure to Register, and Leaving the Scene.

On September 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jeffrey Hagle of Delphos on charges of Assault, Interference with Official Acts, DWI, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct. Bond was set at $5,900, cash only.

On September 6th, Judge Christopher Limbaugh of Cole County struck Amendment 3, which legalizes abortion in Missouri if passed by the voters in November. However, on September 10th, the Missouri Supreme Court overruled him, saying the measure can remain on the ballot in November. Limbaugh is a cousin of the late conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh.

On September 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that an 11 year old boy was seriously injured in an ATV accident three miles west of Ewing (MO) when he ran into the back of another ATV, driven by a 15 year old boy. The 11 year old was ejected from his ATV and sustained serious injuries. He was lifeflighted to Blessing Hospital.

On September 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Pablo Narvaez (28) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of DWI, No Valid License (Felony), Speeding (64/30), Failure to Stop, No Headlights, and No Insurance. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On September 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2022 Ford driven by Douglas Chesnut (66) of Hopkins was northbound on Highway 71 half a mile north of Maryville at around 11:05 am when a couch blew off his towed unit and struck a southbound 2018 Lexus driven by Catherine Riley (73) of Lenox. A passenger, William Riley (76) of Lenox, was taken to Mosaic for minor injuries.

On September 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Francis Bonor (56) of Eagleville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant stole a box of cookies from Subway in Eagleville.

On September 8th, NPR reported that five people were shot and wounded on Interstate north of London (KY) and the suspect is still at large. Nine vehicles had been shot into. Interstate 75 was subsequently closed for several hours. The London Police Department identified Joseph Couch (32) as a suspect. As of Sunday, a number of federal and local agencies were involved in a manhunt, including the FBI, ATF, and state police. 

On September 9th, the Missouri Department of Conservation announced arrests and 15 charges filed against three Missouri men who allegedly shot a bull elk and left it to rot near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. A local 14 year old deer hunter tipped off authorities and MDC agents interviewed numerous deer hunters, businesses, and viewed video surveillance footage. Agents from the Ozark, Central, St. Louis, and Southeast regions were involved. 

On September 9th, Jesse Birkenholz (33) of Maryville was arrested and ordered extradited from Nodaway County to Jasper County (IA) on a charge of Theft.

On September 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Lincoln Moore (20) of Maryville alleging DWI, Failure to Register, No Insurance, and Minor in Possession.

On September 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Katelyn Kramer (26) of Conception Junction alleging DWI and Driving with One Headlight.

On September 9th, Ben Marion (51) of Skidmore pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was placed on probation for five years by Judge Corey Herron.

On September 9th, Judge Corey Herron found that Wesley Parker (41) of Maryville violated his probation on a charge of Stealing by failing to report to Probation and failing to make an effort to pay restitution and court costs. A warrant was issued and bond set at $450, cash only.

On September 10th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Steven McKay (34) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony) and Forgery (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant forged checks from a deceased person to himself totaling $2,855.66. Bond was set at $3,000, 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. 

Kristen Tracy Pitches Strong as Tigers Roll Princeton

Kristen Tracy pitched the win and Worth County unloaded for 12 runs on a Princeton team they had scored one lone run off of in districts last year, winning 12-2 Thursday against a shorthanded squad. Princeton was without two of their players (flu). 

But Princeton had two of their big guns back, Macey Lewis and Addie Henke, and their pitcher, Kelsey Goodin, who put in a lot of work during the offseason and keeps a lot of batters off balance with her unorthodox deliveries. They threatened in the first. After Tiger second baseman Kambree Briner snagged Henke’s screamer, Macey Lewis reached when Briner’s throw pulled Megan Tracy off the bag at first. Riley Clark forced Lewis at second and then Clark took second on a wild pitch. But then she tried to take third and was thrown out to end the inning.

After dodging a bullet, Worth County wasted no time getting on the board as Kambree Briner got the benefit of a close 3-2 pitch with one out. Kristen Tracy hit a shot to Goodin on the mound, but she had no play. Audrey Runde doubled to right field to score one and put runners on second and third to make it 1-0. 

Keira Hardy struck out, but then Worth County scored their remaining six runs in the inning with two out. Megan Tracy got a scratch hit in front of the plate and made it as two Tigers crossed the plate to make it 3-0. Addison Gray walked and Braelyn Fletchall hit a short pop fly down the third base line that dropped in before anyone could grab it and Gray took third. Fletchall stole second and then Riley Ridge, who has established herself as one of the top slap hitters in the area this year, beat out a slap to the shortstop as two more Tigers scored to make it 5-0. Princeton fell asleep on defense and Ridge took second. Then, Rylee Ruckman doubled down the left field line and drove in two more to cap the Tiger first and make it 7-0.

Kristen Tracy was able to hold the fort from there. After walking nine against North Andrew before being lifted, she still fought the strike zone from time to time, but played through it this time. She only walked two batters against Princeton.

Tracy had help in the field in the second inning. Addison Wyatt hit a shot off first baseman Megan Tracy’s glove, but Kambree Briner made a great heads up play and made a diving grab to get her out. 

In the Tiger third, Addison Gray led off with a walk. Walks lead to runs and sure enough, Riley Ridge got her second slap hit of the night, and Rylee Ruckman tripled them both home down the left field line to make it 9-0. Kristen Tracy doubled to left field to bring home Ruckman and make it 10-0.

But Princeton may have found a slugger to go with Macey Lewis and Addie Henke as Kaydence Stockman hit a home run to right field over the new fence, a ball that would have been a long out on the old field without the softball fence. That broke the shutout and made it 10-1. Jolena Gibson singled to center and Evan Boxley singled her to third. That set up Addison Wyatt’s groundout to cut the Tiger lead to 10-2. 

The Tigers made some strong defensive plays in the fifth and sixth to keep Princeton off the board. In the fifth, Kambree Briner made a running catch to keep Macey Lewis off the bases, which might have sparked a big inning with the heart of the Princeton order coming up. In the sixth, after Kristen Tracy froze Stockman on the outside corner, first baseman Megan Tracy stretched to grab third baseman Keira Hardy’s throw to save a run and get out of the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth with two outs, Keira Hardy beat out a pop fly along the first base line that dropped untouched for a scratch hit to keep the inning going. That set up Megan Tracy’s triple to the center field wall when the center fielder overran it. Addison Gray beat out a grounder to shortstop to score Tracy and end it.

Out of the 12 runs Worth County scored that game, 9 of them came with two outs.

Worth County JV 5, Princeton 4

Worth County hung by the skin of their teeth in the nightcap to win it. Consecutive singles by Macey Lewis and Mikaylee Henke and a steal by Henke set up a sac fly from Kaydence Stockman to put Princeton up 1-0 in the first. Evan Boxley grounded out to score another to make it 2-0.

But like the first game, Worth County showed the ability to score with two outs as Braelyn Fletchall kept the Tigers going with a pop fly single to right and the throw to the infield got away to put her on second. Keira Hardy beat out an infield hit to put Fletchall on third, and then Addison Gray beat out yet another infield hit to put Hardy on third and cut the Tiger deficit to 2-1. Megan Tracy beat out another infield hit to tie it at 2-2, and then Princeton threw it around to put Worth County up 3-2 after one.

Kambree Briner, stationed in left, ran down Rachel Brass’ screamer to save an extra base hit. Later, Shannon Devine walked and stole second and took off for third on a groundout. Worth County tried to throw her out for a double play, but the throw got away to allow Princeton to tie it up.

Rylee Ruckman walked and Kambree Briner doubled, and then Kristen Tracy reached on an error to score both to make it 5-3. 

They had to hang on by their fingernails in the third as Macey Lewis singled and Mikaylee Henke doubled to put runners on second and third. Lewis came home on a wild pitch, but then Worth County tagged out a runner trying for home to preserve the lead before shortstop Keira Hardy fielded two balls cleanly for the final two outs.

Shamrocks Drop Three Games at Albany

North Harrison started off the preseason jamboree with some promise, beating Mercer handily and playing Worth County tough for two innings. But when the regular season started, the wheels came off. First, they dropped an 11-1 game against highly touted Pattonsburg. Then, against a team that was supposed to be another doormat, Stanberry’s bats erupted and they won 18-2 against the Shamrocks. With their youth and inexperience, they were clearly missing pitcher Erica Gerken, third baseman Jaci Davis, and shortstop Ruby Heintz from last year.

In the Albany Tournament, they showed some signs of life, jumping on top seed Pattonsburg early before the wheels came off, playing King City tough for four innings before falling apart, and then jumping on North Andrew before the Cardinal bats came alive in the last game.

Pattonsburg 11, North Harrison 3

The Shamrocks were the bottom seed, but they jumped on the Panthers early as Lani Briggs reached on second baseman Reiann Hampton’s throwing error. Addison Milligan dropped down a perfect bunt in no-man’s land between the mound and the first base line, and then Ava Rinehart walked to load the bases. Hampton atoned for her previous error by tagging out Rinehart and throwing out Kayka Wilson at first for a double play as Briggs crossed the plate. Jaxcynn Hansel hit a fly ball that Rosie Cameron lost in the sun in right field as Addison Milligan scored to make it 2-0.

But then the Panthers started fighting back after Jayden Goble crushed a home run to the left field wall in the huge Albany park, much farther away than the normal 200 foot fences. That made it 2-1. Shealyn Pliley walked and later scored on a wild pitch to tie at at 2-2. Kennedy Warner singled to score Kaitlyn Estes to put the Panthers in front 3-2. 

North Harrison could not do any damage in the second as center fielder Katelyn Jones ran down Annabelle Owens’ drive in center field. 

Addi Iddings (Gage Iddings’ sister) crushed a double into the right field gap to start the Panther second. A pair of Shamrock errors plated Cheyanne Miller (running for Iddings) and Reiann Hampton to make it 5-2 and put Katelyn Jones on second. Jayden Goble hit a pop fly that dropped behind the bag at third for a double as Jones, who held up to make sure it wasn’t caught, took third. Jones scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-2. Shamrock center fielder Gracie Young stopped further damage with a great play when she caught Izzy Burger’s fly ball and threw home to double up Goble.

The wheels came off in the third for the Shamrocks when an error, two wild pitches, a walk, and a stolen base set up Addi Iddings’ single to score one to make it 7-2; she has seemingly been getting hitting lessons from one of her best friends, Maggie Collins. Cheyanne Miller (running for Iddings) stole second and Reiann Hampton doubled them both home to make it 9-2. Katelyn Jones bunted for a base hit and Jayden Goble walked. Shealyn Pliley hit a pop fly as the infield fly rule applied, but everybody advanced and a run scored to make it 10-2. Izzy Burger flied out to score one to make it 11-2.

Carmon Fordyce singled to start off the Shamrock fourth. Hali Smith reached on an error when new pitcher Kaitlyn Estes threw away a grounder to put runners on second and third. Annabelle Owens grounded out to score Fordyce. Gracie Young hit a drive for what looked like extra bases, but center fielder Katelyn Jones came clear over from center to snag it. Jones made several such plays; her coach, Bill Pottorff, could have seriously gone with five or six infielders.

In the fourth, Shamrock pitcher Lani Briggs got a double play when she caught Reiann Hampton’s screamer and doubled Cheyanne Miller off third base. Later, shortstop Addison Milligan snagged Kaitlyn Jones’ screamer to end the inning.

King City 10, North Harrison 1

North Harrison played King City tough for three innings, but the Wildkats, with their 1-2 punch of Kenzie Pettijohn and Brylin Armfield, pulled away in the fourth and fifth innings to get the win. 

In the first, Pettijohn was plunked, as was Armfield. Pettijohn pulled off a successful delayed steal of third. Beatrix Bowden grounded out to score her to make it 1-0. 

The score stood up until the fourth inning, when Ava Rinehart crushed a one out triple to the wall in right center. Jaxcynn Hansel reached on an error to score her and knot the game up at 1-1.

But just as it looked like North Harrison was ready to move beyond its late game fade jobs, Wylie McKinnon singled and Kamryn Miller was plunked. Bailey Atkins grounded out to advance them, and Gracy Davis grounded out to score McKinnon. Miller scored on a passed ball to make it 3-1.

The bottom dropped out in the fifth when the two headed monster of Pettijohn and Armfield came up again. Kenzie Pettijohn walked and Armfield proved herself to be a ball magnet, getting plunked again. Once again, Pettijohn pulled off the delayed steal of third and this time, North Harrison threw it away to score her and make it 4-1. Beatrix Bowden singled, and two walks forced in a run to make it 5-1. Later, Gracy Davis grounded out to score a run and a Shamrock error led to another to make it 7-1.

Pettijohn hit a pop fly single to start the sixth and then Armfield was plunked for the third time in the game. Bowden walked and Pettijohn scored on a wild pitch. Wylie McKinnon singled in two more to make it 10-1 before time expired. The Shamrocks had to lick their wounds and figure out how to keep the momentum going as they had a tough North Andrew squad to play.

North Andrew 11, North Harrison 4

North Harrison once again got off to a promising start when Carmon Fordyce hit a squib down the third base line for a scratch hit and Ava Rinehart doubled off the right field wall to put runners on second and third. Jaxcynn Hansel singled to center to put the Shamrocks up 2-0 and took second on a wild pitch. Kayka Wilson reached on an error as Hansel scored to make it 3-0. 

At that point, things looked promising as North Harrison’s outburst prompted an early mound visit from North Andrew’s coach.  But just like Worth County, fatigue from having played three games began to set in and a walk parade loaded up the bases, something you can’t do against the potent Cardinal lineup. Piper Cook singled to score two to make it 3-2 and took third on an unsuccessful throw to third. Walks lead to errors and sure enough, an error led to two more runs. Emery McClintock singled home another run to put North Andrew in front 5-3 before North Harrison was able to pick her off to prevent further damage.

Lillian Richardson reached in the second when a third strike got away, and she stole second. Gracie Wilmes singled her home to make it 6-3. Carmon Fordyce made a diving catch at second to prevent further damage.

In the Cardinal fourth, Richardson singled to center, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. Teigan Miller singled her home to make it 7-3. 

North Harrison got one back in the fifth when Carmon Fordyce doubled off the left field wall. Addison Milligan singled to center to cut it to 7-4. 

But the wheels came off in the fifth when four walks and three errors led to four Cardinal runs to put the game away 11-4. The eight walks were too much to overcome.

Lindsey Jackson Fans 12 as Bluejays Drop Wildcards 4-2

Lindsey Jackson fanned 12 batters as the Bluejays beat Stewartsville/Osborn in their opener 4-2 Tuesday, September 3rd.

The Wildcards threatened early as Jaelin Hahn crushed a double to left center with out out, but Jackson fanned Laila Burris for the second out. A wild pitch put Hahn on third, but Rylei Squire grounded out to Blair Nelson at short to end the threat.

Baylie Busby reached second on a dropped fly ball and stole third. Blair Nelson reached on a dropped throw to first as Busby scored, and Brianna Meyer grounded out to advance her to second. Nelson took third on a wild pitch and Hayley Yost grounded out to score her to make it 2-0 after one.

Jackson fanned five out of the next six Wildcard batters. In the Bluejay third, Sasha Deardorff walked and Baylie Busby reached on a dropped pop fly to second, with Deardorff scrambling and making it just ahead of the force attempt. Blair Nelson bunted to move them over to second and third and Brianna Meyer flied out to center. Sasha was late getting back to third to tag up, but the throw over there got away and she scored anyway to make it 3-0. Another dropped pop fly scored Busby to make it 4-0.

Hahn got her second big blow of the afternoon, a triple to right center, to lead off the Wildcard fourth. Laila Burris reached second on a throwing error to score Hahn and cut it to 4-1. Rylei Squire grounded out to advance her to third. Autumn Manley struck out, but Addie Jackson reached on an error that went under first baseman Makenzie Pride’s legs to cut it to 4-2 and stole second. But then she tried to steal third on a return throw to the mound and was cut down stealing to end the threat.

Northeast could not mount any more threats, as they were hitting it hard, but right at people. In the fifth, Stewartsville/Osborn got Marley Cashatt on with a base hit and she stole second and took third on a wild pitch. But she was stranded there as the next three batters struck out. 

Hahn came up in the sixth with two extra base hits under her belt, and she worked a 3-2 count and drew a walk to lead off. She stole second, but Laila Burris struck out into a double play when Hahn tried to take third on the return throw to Jackson and Hahn was out in a rundown. That loomed up strongly as the next batter, Rylei Squire, singled, which would have cut the Wildcard deficit to 4-3. But Manley grounded out to end the inning. In the seventh, center fielder Sasha Deardorff made a running catch of Addie Jackson’s pop fly behind the back at second to quash any threats. 

Tiger Softball Defies Seeding, Places Second at Albany Tournament

Nobody expected either Worth County or Albany to make the finals of the Albany Tournament, but they both beat higher seeds to make it before Albany beat Worth County in the championship game 11-7 to clinch the title. Worth County beat North Andrew and won a rematch with Princeton before running into the Warriors.

Worth County 14, North Andrew 4

Worth County fell 10-4 to North Andrew Tuesday, September 3rd, but a completely different team took the field in Saturday’s first round game. 

North Andrew threatened in their half of the first when Teigan Miller singled down the left field line. A great play by left fielder Addison Gray kept her at first, but Miller took second and third on wild pitches. Gracie Wilmes walked and stole second, putting runners at second and third with one out. But then Tiger pitcher Kristen Tracy got out of trouble by striking out Emma Curran and getting Piper Cook to ground out to Rylee Ruckman at short.

Keira Hardy started off the scoring for the Tigers in the second when she successfully stretched a double into a triple after crushing it to left center and later came home on a wild pitch.

Worth County had trouble with Cardinal pitcher Teigan Miller, who makes a living by getting batters to chase her high pitches. But Worth County started getting much better swings in the third inning when Riley Ridge, who had victimized Princeton with her slap bunts, did so again to start the inning, beating out the third baseman. She stole second and Rylee Ruckman reached on an error. In the first game, it was Worth County making a bunch of errors; but this time, North Andrew was the one making errors. On the next play, Kambree Briner laid down a perfect bunt down the third base line that she beat out. North Andrew proceeded to throw it around. By the time the dust had settled, two Tiger runs had scored to make it 3-0 and Briner was on second. Kristen Tracy had two strikes on her but shot one down the right field line fair as Briner scored to make it 4-0. Audrey Runde singled to left and the ball rolled through the left fielder’s legs as Runde took second and Tracy third. Megan Tracy tripled to right to cap off the five run third and make it 6-0.

But North Andrew is one of those teams that doesn’t give up easily. They broke up a tight game against the Tigers in the first game and they erased a 5-1 deficit against Maryville to beat them earlier. Sure enough, helped by four Tiger errors and a walk, they fought back in this game to make it 6-4 after three.

But unlike the first game, Worth County fought back after their bad inning, getting a double off the wall from Rylee Ruckman and a double from Kristen Tracy to right center to make it 7-4. Audrey Runde beat out an infield hit to second base to move Tracy to third, and Runde stole second. Keira Hardy singled to score two to make it 9-4, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. Megan Tracy grounded out to score her and make it 10-4.

North Andrew threatened in the fourth, but left fielder Addison Gray, who had let one get through her legs earlier in the inning, ran down Gracie Wilmes’ drive to keep the red shirts off the board.

With two strikes on her, Rylee Ruckman hit a seeing eye single to center field and stole second. Kambree Briner grounded out, but then Kristen Tracy singled to score Ruckman and make it 11-4, Audrey Runde hit another seeing eye single to put runners on first and second, Keira Hardy got a bunt single to load the bases, Megan Tracy laid down a bunt that the pitcher was able to knock down but had no play as Kristen Tracy scored to make it 12-4. Addison Gray’s pop fly single to left center scored two more to make it 14-4. All four runs in the inning came with two out.

North Andrew went 1-2-3 in the fifth as Megan Tracy was able to dig Rylee Ruckman’s throw out of the dirt to save an error and the Tigers were able to win on the ten run rule.

Worth County 5, Princeton 4

Worth County had won handily against the Blue Tigers two days earlier, but Princeton was down two players in that game and a completely different Princeton squad took the field for Saturday’s game. They came back from a big deficit to beat Stanberry in the first game and they went on to have a good tournament, beating Pattonsburg to get third place. 

In the Princeton game, Worth County was hitting it hard, but right at people for much of the game. Princeton mounted the first threat in the bottom of the second when Evan Boxley doubled down the right field line and Audrey Kelly and Addison Wyatt walked with one out. But Mikaylee Henke grounded to Kambree Briner at second, who tagged out Wyatt and threw to first to get Henke out for a double play.

With two outs in the third, Rylee Ruckman walked and Kambree Briner was plunked. Kristen Tracy doubled them both home and went to third on a wild pitch. Audrey Runde reached on an error to score Tracy and make it 3-0.

But the momentum swung right back to Princeton after Addie Henke hit one of her many home runs she has had over the years. With Worth County hitting it hard but Princeton making great plays on defense, the Blue Tigers came back to tie in the fourth when Audrey Kelly walked with one out, Addison Wyatt singled to right and they took second and third when the ball got away from Braelyn Fletchall, and another error let in Kelly to make it 3-2. Addie Henke flied out to tie it at 3-3.

When Macey Lewis, playing at second, ran down a tricky pop fly on the third base side of second and Evan Boxley got her second hit of the day to score Riley Clark to make it 4-3, Worth County was on the ropes. With the 90 minute time limit approaching and the fifth being the last inning, they were down to their last three outs.

Kristen Tracy hit a screamer that was snagged by the first baseman for the first out, but Audrey Runde reached on a throw in the dirt to keep Worth County’s hopes alive. She went to second on a wild pitch and took third when Keira Hardy squared up to bunt and nobody was covering third. Keira then tripled off the right field wall to tie it at 4-4 and Megan Tracy’s sac fly put the Tigers back in front 5-4.

Worth County survived a dropped fly ball in the fifth as pitcher Kristen Tracy recovered to strike out Macey Lewis for the third out.

Albany 11, Worth County 7

Worth County started off well, but a completely different Albany team from the one that was no-hit by Northeast Nodaway in summer ball came to play as they got the tournament title. 

In the Tiger first, Kambree Briner hit a shot that the shortstop knocked down, but had no play on. Kristen Tracy hit a seeing eye single to left and Audrey Runde’s pop fly dropped in to load the bases. Keira Hardy hit a shot off the first baseman’s glove to score Briner and load the bases. Megan Tracy reached second when Albany threw away a force to make it 3-0 after two runs scored.

But then Albany, with a new coach, showed much better plate discipline, refusing to chase borderline pitches and working deep into the count. The fatigue of having played three games set in as a walk parade let in four Warrior runs in the second. Albany scored one in the third when Makena Moffat singled and Marley Hansel bunted out and Moffat went all the way to third on the play and made it on a close play. Like Worth County, Albany is relying on their speed on the basepaths a lot this year.

Albany scored three more when Kaylee Siddens singled, Kennedi Epperly was plunked, and Alexis Seiter walked. That set up Jayden Hillyard’s two run single. Addison Gray made a great play in center when she made a great catch and doubled Hillyard off. Seiter scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-3, but the momentum was swinging back to the Tigers.

Sure enough, Kambree Briner singled. A pair of forceouts nearly finished the Tigers with time close to expiring, but then Keira Hardy walked and Megan Tracy tripled to score Audrey Runde and Keira Hardy to make it 8-5. Addison Gray reached on a throw in the dirt to score Tracy and Braelyn Fletchall doubled in Gray to make it 8-7. But then the walk parade resumed for Albany, who got another big blow from Hillyard before time expired.

Tigers Bounce Back in 44-14 Win Over Panthers

Worth County bounced back in a big way Friday, handling Mound City 44-14 to get back on the winning track. 

In the first game, they struggled to get any kind of big plays against the Platte Valley front line. Against Mound City, which made it to the district finals last year and nearly beat South Holt, they got one right off the bat as Brayden Stevens got a block from Karson Briner and that was all he needed as he took it to the house from 55 yards out with 11:43 left in the first quarter.

Bo Collins dropped Chauncey Brown on the next series for a loss and Mound City missed a wide open Brown on a play that would have been six. Finally, Mound City went for it from deep in their own territory at fourth and three from their own 27 and their quarterback, Creyton Roup, was tackled one yard short of the first down.

A holding penalty wiped out a touchdown for the Tigers, but then Cole Ruby ripped off nine after getting a block from Briner, Hayden Sanders got 22 yards to the 1, and Cole Ruby took a sweep to the house as the Panthers overran him to make it 14-0 with 8:17 left in the first quarter. The whole game was like that; Mound City would line up in a six man front and stop Worth County for long periods at a time, but when they got past the front line, there was nothing but daylight.

Sawyer Thurman kicked one into the end zone to give Mound City a long ways to go, and the penalty bug hit them for a change. They lost a yard on three plays, and they were forced to punt. The short kick was picked up by the Tigers at the 40. The six man front that Mound City uses gave Worth County problems for the first two plays as they couldn’t get everybody blocked, but then Landon Wilmes got loose 30 yards down the right sideline to the six. Cole Ruby was stopped for one to the five, but then Hayden Sanders got a push from Carter Chapman and Karson Briner to the one. Landon Wilmes got a block from Cole Ruby and took it to the house and Karson Briner got the extra point pass to make it 22-0. 

But Mound City, historically a team that has relied almost exclusively on the run, suddenly unveiled a new look, turning to a spread formation with two twin receivers. They moved Cade Gillenwater, last year’s quarterback, onto the line and made Creyton Roup the new quarterback this year. Worth County stopped it this time after they got some initial success as Bo Collins dropped Kane Derr for a loss and Brayden Combs had a pass breakup as Mound City was forced to punt. 

Worth County got the ball on its own 20 and had initial success as Landon Wilmes broke two tackles and got loose for 15 yards to the 35. But then a mixup on the next handoff led to a fumble and Mound City got the ball right back again. Once again, Chauncey Brown got all alone on a pass play, but once again, nobody saw him as Mound City passed up a sure six points. Worth County stiffened up as they dropped Derr after a gain of one, Bo Collins flushed Roup and Brayden Stevens broke up the pass, and Bo recovered a fumble to give the Tigers the ball back on their own 34.

Brayden Stevens picked up two yards, and then Hayden Sanders got a block from Landon Wilmes and got five more to the Panther 39. On the next play, Hayden Sanders took a dive, got past the Mound City six man front, and took it to the house with 52 seconds left in the first quarter to make it 30-0.

But after that, Worth County started going back to the sloppy play that led to 16 penalties and cost them the game against Platte Valley. They had Mound City backed up third and 17 at their own 12, but then a pass interference penalty gave Mound City hope again and they took full advantage, showing the kind of form that got them two state titles under Taylor Standerford’s tenure. They rode the back of Chauncey Brown to the Tiger 23 before Ethan Lininger dropped him at the 25. A false start made it fourth and nine at the 30, but then Mound City unveiled the power sweep out of their spread twin formation, and Worth County had no idea how to stop it as Roup took it for 12 yards and a first down to the 18. A short pass to Ernie Peters carried 12 yards to the six and Roup took it in with 8:06 left. Peters caught the extra points to make it 30-8.

But Worth County did not wake up from the hangover and picked up a costly holding penalty on the kickoff, burying them at their own five, since these penalties are marked off from the spot of the foul. Mound City nearly picked up a safety on the series and Worth County was forced to punt. The kick was shanked and Mound City had a golden opportunity to make a game of it at the Tiger 15.

They got as far as the Tiger six, but on fourth and one, Brown was stopped for no gain and the Tigers got the ball back. Worth County had third and 11 on their own five, but Hayden Sanders picked up 10 yards to the 15 and then a quick pitch to Brayden Stevens picked up the first down to the 20. Landon Wilmes got a block from Karson Briner and picked up 14 more to the 34. They were stuck with third and ten there, but an option to Wilmes picked up the necessary yardage to the Panther 36 as Mound City couldn’t get off the field this series. Finally, Hayden Sanders got a cutback run as Mound City overcommitted to the option man and Hayden had nothing but daylight to make it 36-8 at the half.

Mound City got the ball back to start the second half, and the power sweep victimized the Tigers again as Roup carried the Panthers as far as the Tiger 30 before Brayden Stevens delivered a big hit that knocked him out of the game for one play. A bad snap derailed the drive, and the Panthers were forced to punt, pinning the Tigers at their own 3.

Landon Wilmes took a quick pitch and accelerated to the 16, and then Cole Ruby weaved his way to the 25. Brayden Stevens picked up eight more to the 33 and a horsecollar put it on the Panther 31. But Worth County was derailed by a mixup on a pitch play and the ball went out of bounds to put them behind the sticks, and two incomplete passes gave the Panthers the ball back on downs. But Mound City went three and out as Ethan Lininger blew up a shovel pass on third and four and the Panthers were forced to punt, pinning Worth County at the 9. 

The six man front for Mound City created problems for Worth County, but finally, Brayden Stevens got a block from Landon Wilmes and took it 68 yards to the house and Landon Wilmes caught the extra point pass to make it 44-8 with 4:20 left in the third.

But then the sloppy play that hurt the Tigers against Platte Valley hurt them again on the next drive. They picked up three defensive penalties, a late hit, a five yard facemask, and a pass interference that helped the Panthers down the field and set up Roup’s one yard run with 9:31 left to make it 44-14.

But after Worth County went three and out on its next series, they picked it up defensively on Mound City’s last two possessions, getting two tackles for loss from Bo Collins and one from Landon Wilmes and a sack from Sawyer Thurman. 

Geraldine Murphy 1936-2024

A late-in-life world traveler who once held a pilot’s license, Geraldine “Gerre” Murphy, 88, formerly of Maryville, Missouri, embarked on her final journey August 21, 2024. Surrounded by her three children, she died at Lakeview Village Care Center in Lenexa, Kansas, where she’d been since May 30 with a serious head injury resulting from a fall.

An eager learner with a lifelong passion for reading, Gerre documented by author the 5,000+ books she’d read since age 16. As a wife and mother of two little girls, she went back to college, graduating with highest honors from Northwest Missouri State College in 1965, double-majoring in business education and English. Taking college classes every summer, she earned a master’s degree in English in 1969 and over time, nearly completed a doctorate in education.

Professionally, she taught typing, shorthand, secretarial practice, bookkeeping, general business and later literature for 27 years at North Nodaway High School in Hopkins, Missouri, and became a longtime sponsor of Student Council and Future Business Leaders of America. Not ready to retire, she worked full time until age 70 in her alma mater’s Registrar’s Office, receiving the Tower Award for Outstanding Service and Contributions to the University. 

Gerre was a “yellow dog Democrat,” a proud Bearcat and loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan who cheered the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 1970 in New Orleans. A devoted library patron and faithful blood donor, she was a member of the American Association of University Women.

A consummate tanner around the Murphy’s swimming pool, she favored black Russians and merlot, loved precious gems and boosted the U.S. economy dime by dime in casino slots from coast to coast. She walked a bazillion miles during her life, watched her weight like a hawk for 70+ years with size 4 jeans in her closet to prove it, and drove flashy convertibles too fast longer than her family preferred. 

At age 77, she started a new chapter, moving to the Kansas City area near her children. Bitten by the travel bug, she toured countless cities in 20+ countries across four continents; beat uterine cancer twice; and joined the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, enjoying social justice workshops, book discussions and volunteer projects. She loved apartment life at Lakeview Village retirement community, never missed Wheel of Fortune; was an ecstatic great-grandmother, and never stopped saving stray rubber bands around soup cans. 

Born Geraldine Ann Busby June 25, 1936, to Byron and Neri (Robertson) Busby, she was the second of four children raised on the family farm near what was Pumpkin Center, Missouri. She started her education in a country schoolhouse and was graduated from Horace Mann High School in Maryville in 1954. She married Marvin Murphy September 16, 1955, and “Murph and Gerre” were a “bonded pair” until his death 57 years later.

Survivors include daughters Marli Murphy, Kansas City, Missouri; and Sue Murphy Andrus, Lenexa, a son born on her birthday, Mike (Gaylene) Murphy, Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren Katy Andrus and Penny Murphy, Lawrence, Kansas, Nick (Lindsey) Andrus, Denver, and Jordan Murphy, Olathe; great-granddaughters Murphy and Emery Andrus, Denver; and nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

To honor her express wishes, no memorial service is planned following cremation. Arrangements: Price Funeral Home.

Dog Threatens Four People in Sheridan

Since the start of July, a large brown dog has threatened at least four people in Sheridan. Sheridan has an ordinance against vicious dogs and requires that dogs be tied up. Sheridan used to have an ordinance against pit bulls, but a few years ago, the legislature passed a law prohibiting towns and cities from passing ordinances against any specific breed.

Missouri also has a following law against vicious dogs. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 578.024 has the following key points:

–A person commits this offense if they own or possess a dog that has previously bitten a person or a domestic animal without provocation, and that dog bites any person on a subsequent occasion.

The offense is classified as follows:

–Class B misdemeanor, unless the attack results in serious injury to any person (then it becomes a class A misdemeanor).

–If any previous attack also resulted in serious injury to any person, it becomes a class E felony.

–If the dog’s attack results in the death of any person, it is a class D felony.

–In addition to the penalties, if a dog that has previously bitten a person or a domestic animal without provocation bites any person again, or if a dog that has not previously bitten a person attacks and causes serious injury or death to any human, the dog must be seized, impounded, and may be destroyed.

–The owner or possessor of the impounded dog can file an appeal to contest its destruction.

–If a dog attacks or bites a person engaged in criminal activity at the time of the attack, the owner or possessor is not guilty of any crime specified under this section.

Worth County Land Transfers for August 2024

August 1st – Book 208, Page 211; BTC Bank to Benjamin & Camille Siegrist; Provisional Deed of Release; Book 206, Page 12.

August 6th – Book 208, Page 213; Donald and Eva Darlene Jay Legacy Trust to BTC Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

August 14th – Book 208, Page 217; SMS Financial to KC Property Guys, Tyco Restoration; Deed of Release; Book 199, Page 58.

August 19th – Book 208, Page 219; Tyler McElvain and Becky McElvain to BTC Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

August 23rd – Book 208, Page 222; Colton Hibbs to Clayton & Shelby Troutwine; Warranty Deed; See Record.

August 23rd – Book 208, Page 223; Clayton & Shelby Troutwine to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

August 23rd – Book 208, Page 223; Judson Summers to Nicholas Combs; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

August 23rd – Book 208, Page 225; Judson Summers to Shawn Earixson; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

August 26th – Book 208, Page 226; Greg Badell to Hunter Prim; Warranty Deed; See Record.

August 27th – Book 208, Page 227; Nodaway Valley Bank to Colton Hibbs; Deed of Release; Book 203, Page 233.

August 27th – Book 208, Page 228; BTC Bank to Greg Badell; Deed of Release; Book 179, Page 186; Book 186, Page 3; Book 196, Page 55.

August 27th – Book 208, Page 229; BTC Bank to Greg Badell; Deed of Release; Book 202, Page 179.

August 27th – Book 208, Page 230; Worth County Collector to Nicholas Combs; Tax Sale; See Record.

August 27th – Book 208, Page 231; Worth County Collector to Aaron Moad, Shelby Hansen; Tax Sale, See Record.

August 28th – Book 208, Page 232; Mark & Mary Beth Carr to Kathryn Sherer & Scott Sherer; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

August 28th – Book 208, Page 233; Amanda Coney and Donald Spencer to David and Kaitlyn Prickett; Warranty Deed; See Record.

August 28th – Book 208, Page 234; David & Kaitlyn Prickett to First Interstate Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for September 4th, 2024

On August 22nd, Michael Knight (37) of McFall pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Peace Disturbance. He was assessed $615.50 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley. 

On August 26th, Thomas Gilliland (27) of Pickering pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony). He was sentenced to five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On August 27th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Jenna Lamb (30) of Diagonal was east on 180th Street in Ringgold County and a vehicle driven by Klayton Yoder (20) of Kellerton was northbound on 220th Avenue. The Yoder vehicle pulled into the intersection, and the Lamb vehicle attempted to avoid it but struck the Yoder vehicle. There were no injuries.

On August 27th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Robert Boulden (73) of Sharpsburg was southbound on P27 when it swerved to miss a deer. It ran into a ditch and into a cornfield, traveling for 100 yards. The vehicle attempted to reverse out of the cornfield, but drove into a ditch. There were no injuries.

On August 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Richard King (49) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony, 4th Offense), Failure to Stop, and No Insurance. Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt subsequently filed charges. Bond was set at $6,000, cash only.

On August 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Mark Tunks (63) of Cameron in Gentry County on charges of DWI (Felony, 3rd Offense, .174% Blood Alcohol Content) and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). Charges were filed by Prosecutor Jessica Jones. Bond was set at $5,000.

On August 27th, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reported that a scam caller asked to speak directly with the sheriff and claimed to have had a prior business relationship with the department. The scammer alleged that the Sheriff’s Department had recently purchased drug testing kits from the company, purportedly located in Texas, and offered to provide a couple of coffee machines for free if the office would purchase drug testing kits. But when the sheriff asked to see the company’s website, the scammer disconnected the call.

On August 28th, Heather Mitchell (40) of Macon was recalled from incarceration by Judge Steven Hudson and placed on five years probation effective September 28th. She had pleaded guilty to a charge of Forgery (Felony) in Harrison County Circuit Court. The court had sentenced her to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, but retained jurisdiction for 120 days. 

On August 28th, the Peabody (KS) Gazette-Bulletin reported that a former Peabody interim City Clerk went missing on August 3rd. His wrecked pickup was found in a cornfield on August 25th near Newton (KS), and his body was found on the 29th. Shortly before he disappeared, the Kansas Department of Commerce began investigating grants that he had awarded to Mullinville, where he formerly lived, and to Peabody while he was employed with the Kansas Department of Commerce. 

Clayton had been hired in 2020. It turned out that in 2016, Clayton had pleaded guilty in Philadelphia County (PA) to charges of Forgery, Theft, and Conspiracy and ordered to pay $210,000 in restitution. He still owed $195,712.50 of that restitution. The Kansas Department of Commerce said that under Kansas law, they were unable to perform national level criminal level background checks. 

The Marion County (KS) Record published the text of an email from Clayton, to be sent after his death, accusing the Kansas Department of Commerce and Lieutenant Governor David Toland of steering grants to projects in his constituencies and that of the House Speaker and State Senate President and alleged that he was forced to join a theater board in an effort to steer grant funds towards that board. Clayton also accused Toland of ordering him to alter grant scores so that a preselected group of applicants would get funds, and accused the Kansas Department of Commerce of retaliating against him. These allegations were denied by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988. Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

On August 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that around 12:13 am on I-35 three miles north of Bethany, a 2017 Mack Tractor Trailer driven by Nicholas Anders (23) of Sedalia was southbound, traveled off the west side, struck a guardrail, struck a concrete barrier, and struck a bridge pillar. Anders received serious injuries and was taken to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City.

On August 29th, Caldwell County Prosecutor Brady Kopek filed charges against Wesley Adams (28) of Breckinridge alleging three counts Possession of Child Pornography (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash only. 

On August 29th, the Associated Press reported that Carolina Amesty (29), a State Representative in Florida, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of Forgery. The AP reported the defendant allegedly forged a man’s signature on a document she notarized while working as an administrator at her family’s private Christian school. The acts were alleged to have occurred before she was elected to her current position.

On August 30th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Gregory Johnson (48) of Bethany alleging Stealing. Bond was set at $800, cash only. An affidavit from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant, who was staying at a friend’s house after being let out of jail, stole $500 of her money. 

On August 30th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Michael Frankovich (39) of St. Joseph in Nodaway County on a Buchanan County Traffic Warrant.

On August 30th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kodie Meyer (20) of Ravenwood in Nodaway County on charges of Minor Visibly Intoxicated, Minor in Possession, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding, and No Seat Belt.

On August 30th, Reuters reported that Osiel Cardenas, founder of the Zetas, an armed drug gang who was serving 25 years in prison, was transferred from the custody of the US Bureau of Prisons to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, who has begun deportation proceedings. NBC reports the Biden Administration  plans to hand him over to Mexico, where he faces outstanding charges there.

On August 30th, St. Charles County Assistant Prosecutor Laura Whitlow filed charges against Niyah Brown (22) of Black Rock (MO) and Alexis Daggs (29) of Florissant (MO) alleging three counts Elder Abuse. An affidavit from the St. Peters Police Department alleged that their department received a call from a concerned citizen who saw three elderly people sitting in a van in 96 degree heat, all doors were closed, and the vehicle was not running. The individuals were special needs persons with no ability to call for help, and they were profusely sweating. The citizen and a few other customers were able to get the rear sliding doors and the trunk open to allow air to circulate. Attempts to page the defendants on the store’s intercom were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the defendants allegedly returned and falsely stated that they were only gone for 10-15 minutes when in fact, it was at least 40 minutes in 96 degree heat. Bond for both defendants was set at $50,000, cash only.

On August 30th, the Eastern Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that a jury had convicted Christopher Carroll (54) of three counts Bank Fraud, three counts Perjury, Conspiracy to Violate the Clear Air Act, 13 counts Violation of the Clean Air Act, and two counts Witness Intimidation. The jury found Carroll responsible for $3 million for allegedly fraudulently obtaining money from the PPP program, poisoning the air through Clean Air Act violations, and then threatening a witness. The defendant allegedly used money that was supposed to save jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic to buy land and a fleet of trucks so he could start a trucking company. The defendant then allegedly removed emissions control equipment to save on fuel costs. The defendant had allegedly laid off dozens of people despite being approved for PPP funds.  The loan application had allegedly contained false statements, including that wife and his partner’s wife owned the company in order to conceal that he was a paroled felon.

On August 31st, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported recovering an abandoned brown trailer with an Oklahoma tag at P27 and 130th.

On August 31st, the San Francisco Police Department reported that Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first round draft pick, was in serious but stable condition after being shot in an armed robbery attempt. The suspect was apprehended. 

On August 31st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Ryan Riley (22) of Hopkins in Nodaway County on charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and No Seat Belt. The arrest followed a wreck on Hawk Road north of Route 46 one mile west of Maryville at around 10:45 pm. The Patrol says a 2023 Polaris Razer driven by Riley was northbound, attempted to pass another vehicle, overcorrected, began to overturn, traveled off the east side of the roadway, and came to rest on its top. Riley received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Maryville.

On August 31st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2000 Ford F250 driven by Tabatha Hatfield (43) of St. Joseph was westbound on 450th Street three miles northeast of King City at around 7:20 pm when she went off the north side, overcorrected, and struck a ditch. The vehicle then overturned. Hatfield received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger, Anthony Williams (49) of St. Joseph, received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. 

On September 1st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that around 5:05 am on I-35 at the 55 mile marker in DeKalb County just north of Cameron, a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was involved in a separate crash and came to rest on its top in the middle of southbound I-35. The driver had exited the vehicle and was standing in the roadway. A 2024 Ford Edge driven by Archie Seneh (34) of Kansas City struck both the 4Runner and the driver, Luci Pineda (38) of Farmington (MN), who was killed in the wreck. An infant passenger in the 4Runner received minor injuries. A passenger in the Edge, Regina Seneh (36) of Kansas City, received moderate injuries. Another passenger, Lindie Seneh (56) of Kansas City, received serious injuries. 

On September 1st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Cody Cheatham (25) of Flag (TX) in Gentry County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). The arrest followed a crash on Route 169 in Stanberry at around 1:10 am. The Patrol reports that a 2023 Ford F250 driven by Cheatham was northbound on 169 when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, traveled off the east side, struck a utility pole, a telephone pedestal, a tree, and then a business sign. Cheatham received moderate injuries.

On September 1st, KTTN reported that Phillip Blink (67) of Promise City pleaded guilty to the armed robbery of the First Interstate Bank of Princeton on May 19th, 2023. After obtaining $4,115 and fleeing, he was apprehended in Knoxville (IA), where the stolen money was recovered. 

On September 2nd, the US Department of Justice announced the seizure of a plane belonging to Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The plane had allegedly been purchased in the US and then smuggled out through a shell company for use by the Venezuelan President in violation of US sanctions. The Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Commerce were involved as well. The plane was seized after it had been taken to the Dominican Republic for maintenance work. The US says Maduro lost a recent election and is fraudulently staying in power.

On September 3rd, the Associated Press reported that an attempted mass escape at the Makala (Congo) prison resulted in 129 people dead, most in a stampede and others shot dead by guards. There were also 59 injured people as well as women who were raped. The facility holds over 12,000 inmates in a facility designed for 1,500.

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. 

Pattonsburg Outgains Rock Port but Falls 62-60

Pattonsburg outgained Rock Port on the football field and outplayed them on the field, but somehow fell short 62-60 Friday night in Rock Port. Rock Port, with the Blue Jays leading 54-52 in the fourth quarter, had a backbreaking drive in which they killed much of the clock while scoring and converting the extra points to make it two possessions, 62-52. Pattonsburg answered with a score of their own, but the difference was that Rock Port converted one more extra point than they did. They converted four extra points to three for Pattonsburg.

The question was who was going to step up after the graduation of Gage Iddings, who had carried the Panthers on both sides. That question was answered as Camden Griffith stepped into the quarterback spot and completed 14 of 23 passes for 334 yards and six scores.

In addition, Pattonsburg did something different this year – they mixed up the run and the pass. They ran the ball 30 times and threw the ball 23 times.

Camden Griffith had 14 carries for 99 yards, Landon Preston 11 times for 80 yards, Wyatt Maize 4 carries for 21 yards, and Drake Sperry 1 carry for 1 yard. As a team, Pattonsburg ran 30 times for 201 yards.

Wyatt Maize had 5 catches for 192 yards. Landon Preston had 7 catches for 91 yards. Gavin Humphrey had 5 catches for 48 yards. Drake Sperry had 2 catches for 3 yards. Pattonsburg had 535 yards to 298 yards for Rock Port, but the scoreboard still showed more points in Rock Port’s favor. One area that is in need of improvement is the kickoff coverage. Pattonsburg gave up two kickoff returns for scores, which helped skew the stats. 

Rock Port rode the legs of Brock Holmes for the win. He had 23 carries for 200 yards. Corbyn Jakub ran for 66 more and threw for 32.

For Pattonsburg, Wyatt Maize had 7 tackles. Parker Virtue and Bryson Clark had 5, Gavin Humphrey and Jace Estrada 4, Collin Mason 3, Camden Griffith 1, and Landon Preston 1. Camden Griffith and Parker Virtue each had 1 sack. Gavin Humphrey had a pick while Collin Mason had a fumble recovery. 

Shamrock Softball Breezes Past Mercer in Jamboree

North Harrison’s girls bounced back after their loss to Worth County in the first Jamboree game and beat Mercer 10-1 in their second game. The Shamrocks got their bats going early in the first. With one out, Lani Briggs hit a shot off the bag at third that caromed into left for a double. Ava Rinehart and Carmon Fordyce walked, and then Jaxcynn Hansel singled two runs home. The ball got away from the right fielder as she took second and a third run scored. Hansel stole third. Gracie Young walked and stole second. Kayka Wilson grounded out to score Hansel, moving Young to third. Young scored on a wild pitch to cap the first inning.

Gracie Young pitched in the first. While Mercer got some good swings off her, she got some good plays in the field behind her. Ava Rinehart, moved from catcher to shortstop, caught Jazmine Lewis’ screamer and then snagged a grounder deep in the hole at short and got it to first for another out. Lani Briggs caught the second game, going back to the position she held last year. Mercer’s lone run in the inning came when Riley Stark reached on an error to score Sari Rogers to cut it to 5-1.

Three straight Shamrock walks jumpstarted the second inning. Walks lead to runs and sure enough, Lani Briggs’ fly ball was deep enough to score Andi Nail. Ava Rinehart reached on an error to score Hali Smith, a stolen base attempt turned into a run when Mercer threw it away, and Jaxcynn Hansel’s base hit after chasing a high pitch scored two more.

Hali Smith worked the second inning for the Shamrocks. She fought the strike zone and walked two and plunked one to load the bases, but she pitched through it to get out of the inning. She had some defensive help as catcher Lani Briggs picked Linda Barton off first. The play was an object lesson on why you keep the tag on a runner until they call time as first baseman Kayka Wilson kept the tag on Barton; sure enough, she lost her balance and came off the bag.

Tigers Hang Six on Shamrocks in Third; Ava Rinehart Homers Late

Worth County’s softball girls hung six runs on North Harrison in the third inning before the Shamrocks struck back in the bottom of the inning with freshman Ava Rinehart’s first varsity home run at the Jamboree in South Harrison. South Harrison beat Worth County in the Tigers’ second game. The third game was unplayed as a surprise popup storm came up. 

Both teams fought to a scoreless tie in the first two innings. Lani Briggs pitched for the Shamrocks while Kristen Tracy pitched for the Tigers. 

Worth County was able to get runners to second and third with two outs in the top of the first, but Shamrock second baseman Carmon Fordyce made a shoestring catch to end the inning. Addison Milligan made a shoestring catch at short in the second to keep the Tigers off the board. 

The floodgates were opened in the third after back to back Shamrock errors let in the first two Tiger runs. That led to a single from Audrey Runde, walks from Rylee Ruckman and Addison Gray, and another single from Megan Tracy that put the Tigers up 5-0. Addison Gray came home on a wild pitch before Shamrock catcher Ava Rinehart tagged Megan Tracy trying to come home on another wild pitch. Rinehart was shaken up, but remained in the game.

Gracie Young walked for the Shamrocks but then Tiger shortstop Rylee Ruckman made a running catch of a pop fly near the third base line for one out. Lani Briggs grounded for what might have been a base hit, but second baseman Kambree Briner made a diving stop and flipped to Megan Tracy at first for the second out as Young scored to make it 6-1. The only tense point was whether Kristen Tracy could complete a no-hitter against the Shamrocks, but with North Harrison down to its final out, Ava Rinehart crushed one into the right field gap and circled the bases to cut it to 6-2. After Carmon Fordyce followed with a single, the Tigers’ only thoughts were about survival, but then Kambree Briner retired Kayka Wilson for the third out.

Tigers Fall Short in Brutal Defensive Struggle with Platte Valley

Worth County fell short 12-6 in a brutal defensive struggle with Platte Valley in which they made one too many mistakes Friday night. It was the lowest scoring game ever played by the Tigers in eight man, eclipsing a 14-6 loss to West Nodaway in 1991, current coach Jon Adwell’s last game as a player. Worth County hit hard throughout the game, but gone was the explosive playmaking of previous years. They showed the ability to move the ball, but they could not convert any quick strikes that would have turned the tables. 

The two teams were a mirror image of each other, with both teams trying to grind out a win against the other’s defense. That style of game can work, but only if penalties and turnovers and assignment breakdowns are kept to a minimum. Worth County had too many of those in Friday night’s game. They will have to get better in a hurry, as Mound City will come to town wanting to make a statement after their 70-18 loss to the Tigers last year. They were one of the most improved teams, totally turning their season around after struggling the first two games and nearly knocking off South Holt before the Knights salvaged their season with an improbable comeback and score at the end.

The start of a game in any sport is a chance to set the tone, but that did not happen for the Tigers as a muffed kickoff buried them on their own seven to start the game. They advanced as far as the 31, only for a sack and a fumble to give Platte Valley a short field to work with at the Tiger 23

Platte Valley wasted no time as Leland Otto ripped off 10 to the 13. The Tigers made a defensive stand as Jayden Strum was stopped for two and Bo Collins stopped Otto for no gain. But the Tigers could not get off the field all night on third down, and it happened on that drive as Lucky Ferry weaved his way to the three and scored the next play to make it 6-0. Landon Wilmes dropped Mason Casner short of the goal line to keep it at 6-0.

Worth County ran the ball back to the 27, and on the play, Leland Otto, the heart and soul of the Platte Valley team, broke his fibula and will be out for the year. But there was no dropoff for the Platte Valley players, who said they wanted to win it for Leland Friday night. 

The Tigers ground it out long and slow, with new quarterback Hayden Sanders and Landon Wilmes getting carries into Platte Valley territory despite the huge Platte Valley front line, anchored by Landon Wiederholt, one of the biggest defensive lineman the Tigers have ever had to face throughout their eight man history. But then the penalties started to mount; first a false start, and then a delay of game penalty. Finally, faced with fourth and two at the Platte Valley 20, they got a false start to move them back to the 25. They tried a guard eligible play from Hayden Sanders to Bo Collins, but Dylan Klamm and Jayden Strum blanketed Collins and knocked the ball out of his hands to give Platte Valley the ball back on downs.

Mason Casner ripped off a 10 yard gain, but then Bo Collins dropped Jayden Strum for a loss of three. But then the tackling brown down as Lucky Ferry got loose to the Tiger 35 and then Casner picked up 11 more to the 24. Platte Valley got as far as the 19 before a false start backed them up to the 24. They got nine yards back, getting to the 15 for a fourth and one. Then, new quarterback Ridge Clements moved a pile to the 9 for a first down. After the season was over, the players said that Clements was ready to play quarterback, and he justified their expectations, not trying to do too much and managing the game well. 

But then Ethan Lininger dropped Casner for a loss of one. A pass to a wide open Justin Miller was just too far, and Ferry was only able to get to the Tiger five. Once again, a pass was too far for Miller and the Tigers took over on downs.

Once again, Worth County started moving the ball against the huge Platte Valley front line. Mason Casner dropped Landon Wilmes for a short gain to set up third and five at the Tiger 10, but then Hayden Sanders ripped off gains of 9 and 11 yards. Cole Ruby earned some varsity action for his performance in the preseason jamboree, and he ripped off a nine yarder after getting a block from Lucas Frisch. Hayden Sanders followed a block from Carter Chapman and picked up seven into Platte Valley territory to the 34.

But once again, the penalty bug bit them after they were stood up as Kegan Etter, who was a sparkplug for Platte Valley last year, shot a gap and dropped Landon Wilmes to set up third and eight at the 32. Blaine Clements then blew up a screen pass and then a delay of game penalty put the Tigers behind the sticks at fourth and 13. On the ensuing punt, Mason Casner ran it all the way back to the 40. With the first half clock winding down, Platte Valley kept it on the ground, getting 3-6 yards a carry, and trying to score and leave as little time as possible for Worth County to get a score before halftime. They got as far as the Tiger 5 before Worth County nearly caught a break when Brayden Combs stripped one of the Platte Valley backs and had nothing but daylight ahead of him. But the officials ruled the Platte Valley back had been stood up first and that the play was over. 

Worth County stiffened up as Mason Casner was dropped back to the six. Lucky Ferry got the next carry and he was fighting for yardage when this time, Brayden Combs was not to be denied and he fell on a fumble at the one with 52 seconds left as Worth County killed the clock to end the half.

Platte Valley recovered a squib kick at the 28 to start the second half. They tried some rare trickery as they started off in the swinging gate and then shifted to their regular power formation, but Worth County was not fooled and they forced a three and out. But Worth County could not do anything either as a mixup on a pass play on third and nine meant nobody was home and they were forced to punt. Worth County finally caught a break when the punt was muffed after a hit by Brayden Stevens. Ethan Lininger picked up the loose carom and returned it to the Platte Valley 36. 

But once again, Worth County failed to wake up and clean things up from the first half, as a long run was wiped out by a penalty and Worth County tried another pass, but this time, Blaine Clements not only got his hands up and batted the ball, it stuck to his hands as he got a pick and returned it to the Worth County 34. The loss of Leland Otto meant that Clements started playing both sides of the ball, and he stepped right up for Platte Valley.

Platte Valley, for once, had penalty problems of their own and could not take advantage of it, but Worth County stopped themselves once again, this time with a holding penalty, a delay of game penalty, and a false start, forcing a punt and putting Platte Valley in good field position at the Tiger 38. They got as far as the Tiger 20, but then Worth County stopped Ferry on fourth down at the 19 to hold on downs.

Once again, Worth County shot themselves in the foot with a penalty, this time with a false start and Platte Valley got the ball back at their own 37. But this time, Platte Valley gave it right back to them when a bad snap rolled around on the ground until Worth County picked it up at the Platte Valley 38. 

Once again, Worth County struggled as a mixup on the play resulted in a loss and Hayden Sanders was flushed on a pass play and dropped at the 40 to set up third and 12. But then Cole Ruby took a sweep, ran into a wall of Platte Valley defenders on the left side, reversed his field, and walked the tightrope down the right side and took it to the house. One referee signaled that he was out of bounds short of the goal line, but the other referee signaled that he was in as the Tigers tied the game up at 6-6 with 9:12 left in the game. They avoided their first shutout in many years with that score. Hayden Sanders was tackled short of the goal line as Platte Valley preserved the tie.

Lucky Ferry nearly broke one on the ensuing Platte Valley possession, but was ruled out at their own 28 and the Tigers held after Jude Archer broke up a pass on third down. Once again, Worth County shot themselves in the foot with a holding penalty. This time, Platte Valley gave them another chance as they got a facemask penalty that gave the Tigers a first down at their own 37, but Worth County proceeded to unravel even more, getting a delay of game, their fourth of the game, followed by a holding penalty. Finally, Jayden Strum picked off a pass and ran it back to the Tiger 21.

Ferry carried the team on his shoulders at that point, with Platte Valley keeping it on the ground and running out time. Finally, Ridge Clements took it in from eight yards out with 1:46 left to put Platte Valley up 12-6. Landon Wilmes dropped Clements to stop the extra point.

But Worth County unraveled even more on the final possession. Brayden Stevens ran for a first down to the Platte Valley 35 with 58 seconds left, but back to back holding penalties, including one that wiped out another touchdown run by Cole Ruby that would have tied it or given Worth County the lead, buried them behind the sticks. Finally, Justin Miller got back to back sacks to end it.