Evelyn "Marie" Lehman 1939-2025

Evelyn “Marie” Lehman, 85, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Marie was born on April 21, 1939, in Allendale, Missouri to Lawrence and Gladys Faye (Hobbs) Thompson.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, both of Wathena, Kansas.

Marie married Paul Lehman on May 21, 1966, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He survives of the home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Rex, Clair, Robert, Gene, Kenneth, Billy Dean, Iona Davidson and Doris Cerny.

Additional survivors: Michelle Smith (Bobby), Highland, Kansas; Andrea Walford (Larry), Hamilton, Kansas.

Grandchildren: Brady Smith, Katie Smith, Garrett Isch, Logan Flemister, Matthew Walford and Laramie Walford.

Great-grandchildren: Brayson and Heidi Smith.

Sister: Elaine Stabe (Clark), Grant City, Missouri.

Many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Wathena (KS). Burial was at the Zion Evangelical Cemetery in Wathena.

Memorials: First Baptist Church, Wathena, Kansas or St. Croix Hospice.

 

Worth County Land Transfers for February 2025

February 4th — Book 209, Page 171; Triangle Investment Group and Woods & Wildlife Properties to Farm Credit Mid-America; Deed of Trust.

February 6th — Book 209, Page 172; US Bank to Andrea Chapman and Michael Chapman; Deed of Release.

February 10th — Book 209, Page 173; Bart Hawk and Karla Hawk to Northwest Bank; Deed of Trust.

February 11th — Book 209, Page 174; Elizabeth Lyle and Jeff Lyle to BTC Bank; Deed of Trust.

February 19th — Book 209, Page 175; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems to Donald Noll and Margaret Noll; Deed of Release.

February 21st — Book 209, Page 176; Kayla Troutwine and Tiffany Troutwine to State Savings Bank; Modification of Deed of Trust.

February 21st — Book 209, Page 177; Andrew Cottrell and Dianna Cottrell to Abby Troutwine and Tyson Troutwine; Warranty Deed.

February 21st — Book 209, Page 178; Andrew Cottrell and Dianna Cottrell to Abby Troutwine and Tyson Troutwine; Quit Claim Deed.

February 21st — Book 209, Page 179; Abby Troutwine and Tyson Troutwine to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust.

February 25th — Book 209, Page 180; William P. Tracy & Marcia J. Tracy to Bank of Plattsburg; Deed of Trust.

February 25th — Book 209, Page 181-2; First Interstate Bank to Auda Costin; Deed of Release.

February 27th — Book 209, Page 183; Laurice Harding and Mark Harding to Jordan Harding; Warranty Deed.

February 27th — Book 209, Page 184; Lyndall Hill and Nancy Hill to Neal Borntrager and Rachel Borntrager; Warranty Deed.

February 28th — Book 209, Page 186-7; US Bank to Amber Hawk and Brandon Hawk; Deed of Release.

February 28th — Book 209, Page 188; Aaron Netto to Stephen Reed and Alicia Reed Revocable Inter Vivos Trust; Warranty Deed.

February 28th — Book 209, Page 189; FCS Financial to Cynthia Busby and Richard Busby; Partial Release of Lien.

Marriage License — Zeb Harker & Jo-Quetta Briner.

 

Hopkins Files Motion to Dismiss Lawsuits by Former Clerks

On Thursday, the City of Hopkins filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit by former Clerk Teddy Phipps, who was dismissed by the City Council last year.

On January 27th, Phipps, represented by Edward Murphy of St. Joseph, filed a lawsuit against the City of Hopkins alleging Disability Discrimination, the creation of a hostile work environment, and violation of whistleblower protection laws.

On March 27th, 2024, Phipps filed a charge of Discrimination with the Missouri Commission of Human Rights, which he was required to do within 180 days. On October 30th, he was issued a Notice of Right to Sue.

Phipps argued that he is an Air Force veteran who has been diagnosed and treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which he acquired as a result of his military service in the Middle East following the 9/11 attacks.

On April 2021, Phipps was hired as a part-time clerk. Prior to being hired, he made a full disclosure of his disability to the city. In June 2022, he was promoted to full time City Clerk and Treasurer. His duties included the collection of payments and accounting for municipal taxes and the city water and sewer service.

Beginning in March 2023, Phipps alleges he was exposed to a hostile work environment based on his disability and arising from what he said was the repeated and frequent abusive and offensive conduct of a co-worker that triggered episodes of PTSD. This alleged behavior continued through the end of his employment in March 2024.

The alleged behavior involved targeting Phipps with disparaging remarks, accusing him of violating the law, bullying tactics, and rude behavior, including remarks directed at his condition. Phipps alleges that he complained to the Mayor and City Council on multiple occasions to stop the hostile work environment, but that they did nothing because the co-worker was the only person employed by the city who was licensed operate the city water system.

Phipps alleges that he was in a protected class of employees under Missouri law due to his PTSD and that it played a role in his termination. As a result, he alleges that he is entitled to back pay, front pay, other past and future economic losses, emotional distress, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, other non-economic losses, attorney’s fees, and court costs.

In addition, Phipps alleges that he made allegations of violations of the law by the co-worker, mismanagement, gross abuse of authority, and violation of city policies. However, he alleges that the supervisors ignored this information in violation of the Missouri Whistleblower Protection Law.

On March 13th, the City of Hopkins, represented by Jill Ellen Frost, filed an answer denying the allegations in the lawsuit and denying that Phipps’ disability played a role in his termination.

In its answer, the city denied all the allegations and alleged in both its answer and in its motion to dismiss that Phipps failed to state a claim or cause of action upon relief can be granted, and that the suit should be dismissed. In addition, the City of Hopkins argues that they do not meet the definition of “Employer” required in Missouri law because it is not a person engaged in an industry affecting commerce who has six or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding year. In addition, the city alleges the petition failed to establish that they were a Public Employer under Missouri law.

In addition, the city argues that Phipps had to allege facts to support each essential element of the cause to be pleaded, and that mere conclusory allegations and/or bare legal principles are not adequate pleadings under Missouri law. In fact, the city argues, the case is subject to dismissal because the plaintiff failed to establish supporting facts in support of his suit.

The city argues that at all relevant times, it had less than six employees and is therefore not an employer as defined by Missouri law.

A related suit has been filed in Nodaway County Circuit Court by former clerk Krystal Judd-Bowen alleging discrimination, retaliation, termination due to her gender and the fact she was pregnant, and violation of the Missouri Whistleblower law.  The city filed a similar answer denying all the allegations and a similar motion to dismiss.

 

Bill Would Cut Red Tape for Patient Care

On Thursday, the Missouri House third read and passed HB 618, sponsored by State Representative Melanie Stinnett, with a vote of 148-4. The bill aims to ensure that Missourians receive timely medical care without unnecessary delays by reducing hurdles to the process of prior authorizations. HB 618 would make it easier for patients to get timely care needs met starting January 1, 2026.

Healthcare providers and hospitals with a strong track record of 90% or more approvals won’t need pre-approval for most services. High-performing hospitals can skip the hassle if they meet quality standards, join value-based care agreements, or maintain high approval rates.

Exceptions include costly pharmacy or imaging services over $100K, non-essential cosmetic procedures, and experimental treatments.

Patients switching to new health plans also gain a 90-day grace period for previously approved medications, ensuring continuity of care. “This bill is a step in the right direction for quality patient care,” stated Rep. Stinnett, R-Springfield. “By removing the barrier of prior authorization in some instances, we can ensure that patients are getting access to the healthcare they need when they need it.”

HB 618 excludes Missouri’s Medicaid program, except for Medicaid managed care organizations, and would not apply to providers new to a health plan or those operating beyond their licensed scope.

Now that HB 618 has passed out of the House, it heads to the Missouri Senate for review.

Absentee Ballots Available for April 8th Election

Absentee ballots for the April 8th election are now available in the Worth County Clerk’s office. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

—Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include name, address, mailing address if different, signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

—Call the office for an absentee application.

—Vote in person in the County Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm along with identification pursuant to the Missouri Voter ID law. Bring government ID or a driver’s license or sign the affidavit and show a voter registration card, utility bill, or paycheck.

—Go to worthcountymo.us site, print the absentee form, fill it out, and mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 25th, 2025. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5 pm on Monday, April 7th in the County Clerk’s office.

The County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 5th from 8:30 am to 12 noon for absentee voters.

If you have questions, contact Roberta Owens (660) 564-2219 or submit a request to PO Box 450, Grant City, MO 64456 or fax a request to (660) 564-2432.

 

Skyler Florea, Mylee Wilmes Doing NHS Project

NEN students Skyler Florea and Mylee Wilmes are doing a supply drive for the Bright Side Pantry in Maryville as their NHS community service projects.

Items sought include toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, deodorant, trash bags, sponges, dish soap, hand soap, chapstick, lotion, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and kids hygiene supplies.

Drop off items to bins located at the NEN office between March 17th and 21st.

T-Shirt Fundraiser for Trevin Wyllie

A t-shirt fundraiser is being organized for Trevin Wyllie. He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Shirts are $25 each and cash, check, or Venmo is accepted. To order, contact April Kirk (660) 541-5138 or Anna Marie Smith (229) 225-6353. All proceeds will support Trevin and his family and cover expenses associated with treatments. All orders are due by March 28th.

Shirts will be blue and read, “Team Trevin — No One Fights Alone.” Shirts will be delivered by the end of April.

 

Work Day Held at Roxy

Around 20 students and adults helped during a work day at the Roxy Saturday. Helping out were Laney, Landon, and Ashley Turner, Draven Rader, Taccoa Moyer, Amy Richards, Owen Martin, Lakota Rucker, Airanna Owens, Ali Brittain, Don and Judy Crane, Vicki Riley, Cameron Morrison, Deena Poynter, Glenda Wyer-Nelson, Cody and Emily Bix, and Allan Thompson. Maryville Hy-Vee donated donuts and water to the workers.

Workers did painting, vacuuming, and cleanup.

The hole on the roof has been fixed, and the east side of the building shored up. Another work day will be held at a later date.

The North Nodaway School Play will once again be at the Roxy April 4th and 5th at 7 pm each night. The play is named “The Audition,” and it will be about a play audition with a bunch of rambunctious students trying out for different roles. The question is whether the director (Olivia Renfro) can put it together in time for the play to be a success.

 

Addison Gray Stars as Annie in Worth County School Play

Addison Gray starred as Annie, the beloved orphan, in a production of Annie Jr. Friday through Sunday at the Worth County School.

The play started out at an orphanage somewhere in New York City where Molly (Kaydence Downing), Kate (Kinley Fletchall), Tessie (Krista Monticue), Pepper (Emsley Spainhower), July (Unique Brown), Duffy (Lexi Snead), and Annie were living under the supervision of Miss Hannigan (Areanna Galanakis), an overbearing headmistress, who did nothing but make the orphans work all day. Annie is the glue who keeps all the other girls grounded, but one night, it gets to be too much for her and she runs away.

On the streets of New York City, she befriends a dog who has also run away, but she is captured and brought back to the orphanage. But she gets the break of a lifetime when Grace Ferrell (Evalyn Gilland), secretary to Oliver Warbucks (Jarrett Gilland), one of the richest people in the world, brings Annie home to stay at his house for two weeks.

There is one complication — Mr. Warbucks wanted a boy instead of a girl, which somehow got lost in translation. But Mr. Warbucks relents and decides to adopt Annie.

But there is a question of whether Annie’s parents are still alive. Many years before, Annie’s mother put a message in a locket promising to come for her someday. So Mr. Warbucks decides to take matters to the highest platform in the land, even if it means working with Franklin Roosevelt (Heather Deardorff). who trounced the Republicans in the last election; Mr. Warbucks is a diehard Republican.

A master of pulling the strings, Mr. Warbucks gets himself and Annie booked on one of the most powerful radio shows in the country, hosted by Bert Healy (Hayden Sanders). With the new technology of radio getting beamed into new homes everywhere, and with the girls back in the orphanage listening, Mr. Warbucks offers a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the location of Annie’s parents.

Wildly jealous of Annie’s newfound fame, Miss Hannigan hatches a plot with Rooster (Unique Brown) and Lily (Laura Hansen) to create a fake story, claim the $50,000, and kidnap Annie. They come to Mr. Warbucks with forged papers purporting to show that they are the real parents of Annie and that they will take her to a farm in New Jersey. But in the meantime, President Roosevelt enlists the FBI to investigate what happened to Annie’s parents, and it turned out they had passed away many years ago. Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily are arrested on charges of Attempted Kidnapping, Forgery, and Attempted Stealing.

Worth County Kindergarten Parent Meeting April 9th

The Worth County Elementary will be holding a parent meeting on April 9th at 6 pm at the Multipurpose Room for incoming Kindergarten parents. Your child is welcome to attend with you. Activities will be provided. This event is for children who will be five years old before August 1st, 2025.

Parents will receive a packet of information, meet teachers, and some of the staff. If you have not received an email with registration information, please contact the school. Computers will be available at the event for parents who wish to register their child.

Please bring copies of your child’s birth certificate, Social Security number, proof of residency, parent photo ID, and immunization records. If you have already uploaded them online, you will not need to bring them.

The school will also have Kindergarten readiness screenings on April 10th and 11th. The screenings will take 45 minutes per student.