A fundraiser for the Grant City Fire Department will be held Saturday, May 3rd in front of the Firehouse between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Kinion Banks from Southern Boyz Outdoor will be cooking up a Louisiana dinner. Chicken and sausage, Jambalya, white beans, rolls, desserts, and water will be served. Proceeds will help with the Fire Department.
The Worth County School is seeking cereal donations this year. Cereals wanted include Cheerios, Mini Shredded Wheat, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Malt O’Meal, Corn Pops, Pop Tarts, Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, Rice Krispies, Honey Combs, and Raisin Bran. No Corn Flakes, please.
The goal is to make a big domino chain down the elementary hall. Last year, the school collected 251 cereal boxes. After the domino chain is set off, all boxes will be donated to Mission Possible.
Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team had every right to expect to go home early against North Nodaway. The Mustangs had not won a game, had been run ruled in most of their losses, and had yet to score more than two runs in a game. But in a game that featured bizarre playing conditions, with high winds whipping up dust in the players’ eyes and temperatures that felt like 30-40 degrees out instead of 60, it turned into a comedy of errors, with 30 walks, 10 errors, 10 wild pitches, and three passed balls. The umpire had a tight strike zone all day, with everything being a ball until shown otherwise.
Neither side could find anyone who could solve the strike zone or the playing conditions until finally, Lance Runde came in and restored order for the Bluejays, allowing them to pull away for an 19-8 win over North Nodaway for their third win of the year and their second straight. The game lasted almost two and a half hours; without Runde coming in to restore order, the game could have very easily gone on to four or five hours and ended at 9 or 10 at night.
It looked like the Bluejays were on their way after the first inning. Landon Wilmes started off on the mound; he got off to a rocky start by walking the first two, but he looked to be settling in after striking out the next two and picking off Weston Alexander at third after a rundown.
And it looked like the Bluejays were on their way to closing it out early after taking advantage of four walks and two errors and running wild on the basepaths, swiping three bags in the inning. They jumped on top 4-0, and it would have been worse had it not been for catcher Blaine Clements running a long ways to catch one in front of the Mustang dugout and second baseman Kaeden Nave catching a pop fly on the third base side of second.
Gannon Volner came up sporting an unorthodox swing with a vicious uppercut; it looked harmless, but he showed he could pack some serious pop as he caught hold of one for a base hit to start the Mustang second. It looked like Wilmes would pitch his way out of the inning, striking out the next two. But then, his control deserted him as he hit three batters and walked one. Camdain Frisch came on in relief, but he walked the next three batters before striking one out to get out of the inning. By the time the dust had settled, the Mustangs were up 5-4, taking their first lead all year, and scoring the most runs they had scored on anyone.
Jace Cameron grounded out to score Brayden Stevens to knot it at 5, and then Carter Chapman got the Bluejays’ first hit, a pop fly just out of the shortstop’s reach to plate Reece Gray to make it 6-5. Two Mustang errors put the Bluejays up 8-5.
But then Camdain Frisch continued to fight the strike zone, giving way to Lance Runde after walking three batters. It would have been worse for the Bluejays had not Landon Wilmes, now at catcher, made the first of three outstanding defensive plays in the inning, throwing Draven Rader out stealing. At first, it looked like it was more of the same after Runde came in as he walked Weston Alexander and a dropped force play let in a run. Blaine Clements then singled in two more runs and the game was tied again at 8-8.
But then Landon Wilmes bailed his pitcher out, grabbing a pop fly for the second out and then picking off Kaeden Nave at third. Those plays gave Runde all the confidence he needed to settle in and throw strikes the rest of the way.
Reece Gray legged out an infield hit, beating out third baseman Gannon Volner’s throw, to set up a four run Bluejay third as they regained control and took a 12-8 lead, taking advantage of five walks and two wild pitches.
Lance Runde settled in and set down the Mustangs in order in the fourth.
The bottom dropped out for the Mustangs as Northeast plated seven more in the fourth. The big blows were a solid hit by Camdain Frisch and a triple over the left fielder’s head by Brayden Stevens, who took advantage of the vast confines of the Bluejays’ home field. Chase Clabaugh came off the bench for Northeast to hit a solid shot that forced a Mustang error.
Runde struck out the side in the fifth to close out the win.
Brycen Willis was named Prince and Sadie Webb Princess at the Gilman City Elementary Fun Night Tuesday, April 8th. The event raised $9,200 to fund activities for the school’s elementary students throughout the year.
The event featured upcoming basketball talent from Pre-K through sixth grade. The Kindergarten game was one of the liveliest of the night as Ava Knipp and Lakeyn Ward had their own cheering sections. Ava and Laken scored four each to put their team up 8-0 before Koal Kramer got his team on the board to make it 8-2. Laken and Ava continued to be on fire, with Laken getting 8 and Ava 6 in the 14-6 win. But Koal Kramer played hard until the end for his side, scoring all six points for his side and getting a late steal at the end.
The first grade game was also lively, featuring a scoring duel between Lane Ward and Kable Moulin. The game was tied at 2, 4, and 6 between the two sides. It looked like Kable’s team might take control after Kehlani Carey chipped in to help out, but then Lane Ward took the team on his shoulders, scoring six in the last 1:43 to give his team a 12-8 win.
Linda Burrows scored the lone basket for the second graders, while the third graders, the first group to shoot at the ten foot baskets instead of the eight foot baskets, found it an adjustment as they played to a scoreless tie.
There was an intermission and a half court shooting contest. Four people made a half court shot, so they turned it into a free throw shooting contest, which narrowed it down to current Hawk standout Camden Griffith and Dustin Ward, a reserve player for the Hawks. But the contest was anything but easy as Dustin showed that he had been working on his shot since the season ended and gave Camden Griffith everything he could handle. The first round was tied before Griffith finally won the second round.
The last game was the most exciting, featuring a battle between two teams led by cousins Grady Webb on one side and Chyles Webb on the other.
Kasin Curtis put Grady’s team on the board first and then Grady made the first 3-pointer of the night to put them up 5-0.
They looked to be in control, but Bella Whitney then got Chyles’ side on the board and then Chyles Webb started taking over, cutting it to within 5-4 at the 6:18 mark. Chyles (sister of Colbi Webb) and Grady are cousins, but they have epic sibling fights over who the better basketball player is.
Grady dropped his second 3-pointer, but then Chyles dropped a baseline shot over Grady and then drove and scored to knot it up at 8 with 4:19 left.
Chyles Webb got a putback to put her team up 10-8 with 3:42 left, but Grady Webb stepped back and hit an NBA 3-pointer with 3:26 left to make it 11-10. But Chyles showed the ability to make players around her better, hitting Aspen Wyatt for what turned out to be the winning basket with 2:27 left, giving her team a 12-11 win.
Kirby Payne won the 50/50 raffle, netting $650.
On April 3rd, multiple news outlets reported that the Edmond (OK) Police Department arrested former Northwest Missouri State head football coach and current University of Central Oklahoma coach Adam Dorrell on a charge of DWI. His vehicle was impounded. As of April 11th, Dorrell was still listed as the head football coach of UCO.
On April 3rd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jordanne Beardsley (31) of Delphos on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only.
On April 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Steven Lamer (41) of Creston on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine. Bond was set at $1,000, cash or corporate surety.
On April 7th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Larry Overholser of Benton on a charge of Harassment. Bond was set at $1,000, cash or corporate surety.
On April 8th, Theresa Marcione (45) of Mount Ayr pleaded guilty in Worth County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). She was placed on four years probation by Judge Corey Herron.
On April 9th, Joseph Randazzo (36) of Kearney pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to charges of Burglary (Felony) and Property Damage. He was sentenced to 28 days in jail for the Property Damage charge with credit for time served and five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the Burglary charge. Court retains jurisdiction for 120 days and reserves the right to call him back to serve parole.
On April 9th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Lester Bryan (68) of Jamesport alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $5,000, cash only. Defendant must wear drug patch, be supervised by Supervision Services, no use of controlled substances or alcohol.
On April 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Joshua Savick (32) of Cainsville alleging Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), Assault, and Peace Disturbance. An affidavit from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant drove through the parking lot of the Good Day Farm in Eagleville, waiving a machete and yelling. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.
On April 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jeffrey Claphan (44) of Maryville alleging Sex Offender Within 500 Feet of School Building and Peace Disturbance.
On April 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Makia Shimer (22) of St. Joseph alleging DWI and Following Too Closely.
On April 11th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Christian Chastain (30) of Maryville alleging Forgery (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $2,400, cash only. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant received a check mailed to the wrong address for the victim. Instead of forwarding it to the victim, the defendant allegedly forged an endorsement by her transferring the money to him and deposited it in his bank account.
On April 11th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Donald Moad (54) of Albany alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony). A capias warrant was issued.
On April 11th, KTTN reported that the US Department of Labor, OSHA, and the US Department of Justice fined John Troyer, a Jamesport-based roofing contractor, a combined total of $290,000 following the investigation into the fatal fall of a teen worker in March 2023. An investigation alleged that Troyer did not provide required fall protection for workers and unlawfully employed minors in roofing jobs.
On April 11th, Judge Corey Herron issued an arrest warrant for Molly Cartwright-Messick (43) of Maryville alleging Failure to Abide by Court Order following a bond violation report. The defendant is currently facing a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony).
On April 11th, the Kansas City Star reported that the Trump Administration revoked the visas of 43 current or former Northwest Missouri State students. Five are current students and the remaining 38 are “optional practical training students” who have graduated, but remained in the country for employment associated with their visas. The specific reasons were not given as of Friday. On March 27th, Inside Higher Ed, a website which tracks higher education, reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would begin revoking such visas, claiming such students who were being revoked were “lunatics” who did not come to the US to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos. It also reported that some had lost their visas due to their participation in protests against the war in Gaza and others for being arrested and charged with crimes.
On April 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan traveling on Route NN failed to yield at around 10:25 am and was struck by a 2023 Ford Bronco on Route 6 in Daviess County. A 70 year old woman from Wathena (KS) and a 53 year old woman from Trenton received minor injuries.
On April 14th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 15 year old Hopkins male received minor injuries during a crash on I-29 in Platte County. A 39 year old woman in St. Joseph was killed and a 52 year old man experienced moderate injuries after a 1980 Chevy van was northbound on I-29 at Mile Marker 27. The van encountered a slow moving vehicle, overcorrected, went into the median, overturned, returned to the roadway, and came to rest.
On April 14th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Coltin Hatfield (29) of Kellerton on a warrant from the Iowa Department of Corrections. He was also charged in Ringgold County with Harassment and Trespassing.
On April 14th, mushroom hunters discovered a dead body just north of the Trenton city limits in Grundy County, KTTN reported. The body was subsequently identified as Steven Johnson, who had been reported missing around Thanksgiving 2024.
On April 14th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Marshall Kennedy (23) of Pattonsburg alleging DWI and Speeding (80 mph).
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.
Four North Harrison students attended the FCCLA State Conference at Margaritaville Lake Resort and Conference Center in Osage Beach March 16th through 18th. Almost 1,283 delegates from across the state represented more than 9,263 members.
Lance Jacobs, Raegan Hogan, Henry Frank, and Lily Lane attended the conference from North Harrison. Adviser Brenda Adcock also attended.
On Monday, almost 856 students participated in more than 30 competitive STAR Events. Lance Jacobs competed in the Food Innovations category and earned a Silver medal. He is the son of Caleb and Emily Jacobs.
In addition, the North Harrison Fire District and Fire District Auxiliary awarded the FCCLA for support shown to the community. As part of the FCCLA’s service projects, they have actively assisted the Auxiliary with fundraisers and community service projects. Auxiliary members Emily Jacobs, Gayla Pottorff, Deana Bourne, and Lily Ingsson presented the award to the FCCLA, which was accepted by FCCLA President Kyler Kimbrough.
On April 8th, people wrote in Doug Chesnut's name for the Mayor's position in Hopkins. Incumbent Mayor Matt Wray had only 14 votes, with 36 write-in votes cast. However, Nodaway County Clerk Melinda Patton told the Express Monday that since Chesnut had not filed as a write-in candidate for the position, Wray was still the mayor because Chesnut's votes did not count. In the same election, Roberta Boyd filed as a write-in candidate for the open city council seat. Patton said that had she won, Boyd would have been seated since she had filed the paperwork with the Clerk's office. Bryson Allen won with 42 votes cast. Shadoe Miller had 19 votes and Boyd 18 write-in votes.
On April 3rd, the Pattonsburg School Board had a special board meeting with teachers and staff to discuss ongoing issues regarding student conduct in the bathrooms. Subsequently, the school sent out the following letter to parents and patrons:
Dear Parents and Patrons:
On April 3rd, 2025, the Pattonsburg Board of Education had a Special Board meeting with teachers and staff, to discuss ongoing issues in the Middle and High School. Issues in the bathrooms include wiping fecal matter on the stalls and walls of the bathroom creating a biohazard, vaping, bringing in and using non-flushable wipes which clog and damage plumbing, hanging out in the bathroom, and engaging in general horseplay that has led to damaged toilets and sinks.
The Board of Education, Teachers, and Staff that attended the meeting agreed to enforce the handbook which states, “Due to the increase in technology, in our facility, there is to be no food or drinks in lockers or the classrooms. No food or drinks, other than water, should be in the hallways, parking lot, or used during the school day from 7:50 to 3:36. Teachers may excuse water with no additives.” Students can have water in the classrooms, but it must be in a clear container with a lid. Students should not be putting water in opaque containers like Stanley cups or drinking containers without lids. Special circumstances for food and drink may be pre-approved by the Administrator in charge for students with documented medical issues.
The Board of Education, Teachers, and Staff also decided that students must check in with their classroom teacher before going to the bathroom outside of established times between classes. Teachers and staff are going to do bathroom “checks” throughout the day on a regular schedule to monitor for vandalism and destruction. Cameras have been installed to monitor who enters or exits the bathrooms, but know there are no cameras inside the bathrooms.
Students involved in vandalism, destruction, or horseplay in the bathrooms, hallways, or other school property will be punished in accordance with the handbook. Administrators have been told to contact the Daviess County Juvenile Officer to report the incident.
The Board of Education, Teachers, and Staff kindly request you discuss with your child the serious consequences of being involved in incidents that may occur in bathrooms, hallways, or other areas of school property.
Thank you very much for your cooperation with the Pattonsburg R-II Board of Education, Administration, Staff, and Teachers.
Sincerely
(signed)
Bill Pottorff
Pattonsburg Superintendent
By the Missouri Budget Project
Thursday’s passage of the federal budget resolution in the U.S. House paves the way for Congress to rush through massive federal changes that would result in Missourians losing health insurance, food assistance, and other support. These plans would essentially offload massive federal responsibilities onto our state, forcing harmful tradeoffs and deep service cuts.
If enacted, the proposals would slash federal support for health care, food assistance, education, and other priorities—while offering trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the wealthy. About half of the cost of extending the 2017 tax changes goes to tax cuts for the top five percent of earners.
While Missouri families would pay the price of the cuts – with parents forced to skip meals so their kids can eat, people unable to afford life-saving prescriptions, and students packed into overcrowded classrooms – Missouri legislators would be left holding the bag, expected to plug massive funding holes with strained budgets and limited revenue tools.
“Regardless of the smoke and mirrors, these are cuts. Cuts that will make it harder for Missourians to afford health care and feed their kids, and cuts that could make it harder for Missouri to keep rural schools open,” said Amy Blouin, President and CEO of Missouri Budget Project, a nonprofit public policy analysis organization that analyzes state budget, tax, and economic issues. “The federal government is passing the buck, and state lawmakers will face dire choices.”
Under Congressional proposals at play, Missouri could lose upwards of $2 billion in federal funding each year:
● Medicaid: Missouri could lose up to $2 billion in federal funding under proposals being discussed in Congress.
● Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): If Missouri were required to pay just 10% of SNAP benefits, we would face an additional $150 million cost.
● Education and Public Services: Deep cuts to federal education funds, housing supports, and child care would force Missouri to either backfill federal dollars or cut essential local services.
Missouri lawmakers would still be required to enact a balanced state budget, despite huge federal funding losses. Doing so would require massive budget cuts, likely some combination of cuts to health coverage – with impacts concentrated among low-income people and families, older adults, and people with disabilities who otherwise would not be able to afford health care, education, and other services.
“These proposals would devastate state budgets and families alike,” said Blouin. “Our state is already facing growing budget challenges, and these cuts would hit a time of deep economic uncertainty.”
In the coming weeks, Congress will begin fleshing out its proposals.
“Our Congressional delegation has a choice. They can reject tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires and invest in Missouri families, healthy communities, and a federal-state partnership that works for all of us.”
The Missouri Budget Project is a nonprofit public policy analysis organization that analyzes state budget, tax, and economic issues.
