Casey Wray Named New North Nodaway FFA President

Casey Wray was named the new North Nodaway FFA President for the 2025-26 school year. Sadee Clapp was Vice-President, Blaine Clements 2nd Vice President, Lacy Riley Secretary, Mya Hansen Treasurer, Lily Blane Reporter, Ridge Clements Sentinel, and Kila Miller Historian. This year's officers were Addalea Barcus (President), Katelyn Parman (Vice-President), Lacy Riley (Secretary), Amy Richards (Treasurer), Sadee Clapp (Reporter), and Casey Wray (Sentinel). 

There were 22 members and 58 guests present.

Awarded Discovery Degrees were Eliza Clements, Luke Clements, Owen Coleman, Jaycie Edington, Journey Farnsworth, Jackson Keho, Hayden Marriott, Conner Pearson, Zoey Phillips, Marek Stevens, Tommie Stringer, and Eli Tatum. 

Greenhand Degrees went to Draven Raver, Weston Alexander, Taccoa Moyer, and Pyper Smith. Pyper Smith was named Star Greenhand.

Chapter FFA Degrees went to Lily Blane, Wyatt Emery, Mya Hansen, Ridge Clements, Harley Howard, Aiden James, Kila Miller, Ty Moyer, Keith Riedel, and Matthew Sturgis.

Honorary membership went to Nicki Herndon, who let students dig soil pits for FFA contest. 

Star Chapter Farmer award went to Casey Wray. Chapter Effort award went to Ridge Clements. 

Chapter Leadership awards went to Addalea Barcus, Sadee Clapp, Blaine Clements, Emily Keho, Stetsyn Brown, Lacy Riley, Casey Wray, Amy Richards, Katelyn Parman, and Nevaeh Smith.

Chapter Scholarship awards went to Addalea Barcus, Sadee Clapp, Blaine Clements, Emily Keho, Stetsyn Brown, Lacy Riley, Casey Wray, Amy Richards, Katelyn Parman, and Nevaeh Smith.

Farm Bureau Proficiency Awards went to Weston Alexander (Dairy), Addalea Barcus (Nursery Landscaping), Lily Blane (Horticulture), Sadee Clapp (Dairy, Dairy Foods, Nursery), Blaine Clements (Soils), Wyatt Emery (Dairy), Mya Hansen (Horticulture), Ridge Clements (Soils), Harley Howard (Dairy Foods), Aiden James (Soils), Emily Keho (Horticulture, Nursery), Keith Riedel (Soils), Lacy Riley (Nursery, Dairy Foods), Pyper Smith (Dairy Foods), and Casey Wray (Nursery, Soils). Eighteen out of 22 members got a proficiency award.

Top fruit salespeople were Lacy Riley (3rd), Addalea Barcus (2nd), and Sadee Clapp (1st). Clapp sold over $1,000 worth of FFA fruits and flower baskets. 

The Dairy Foods team was 11th at Districts. Members were Pyper Smith, Wyatt Emery, Weston Alexander, and Taccoa Moyer. Top scorer was Pyper Smith.

The Floriculture team was 13th at Districts. Members were Lily Blane, Mya Hansen, Kila Miller, and Amy Richards. Lily Blane was top scorer.

The Nursery Landscape team was 2nd at districts and qualified for state. Members were Casey Wray, Lacy Riley, Sadee Clapp, and Addalea Barcus. Casey Wray was top scorer at districts and Addalea Barcus top scorer at state.

The Soils team was 10th at district and qualified for state. Members were Ridge Clements, Blaine Clements, Aiden James, and Keith Riedel. Ridge Clements was top scorer in district and Ridge and Blaine Clements tied for top score at state.

Mylee Wilmes Named Northeast Nodaway FFA President

Mylee Wilmes was named the new Northeast Nodaway FFA president Tuesday, April 29th at the FFA Banquet. Skyler Florea will serve as vice-president, Reece Gray as Secretary, and Fenton Ackley as Treasurer. Outgoing officers are Lindsey Jackson (President), Bailey Busby (Vice-President), Mylee Wilmes (Secretary), Jake Redden (Treasurer), Skyler Florea (Reporter), and Kenneth Schieber (Sentinel). There were 15 members present.

Six seniors were recognized. They were Jake Redden, Makenzie Pride, Lindsey Jackson, Baylie Busby, Kenneth Schieber, and Landon Wilmes. 

Star Chapter Greenhand went to Kynder Florea. Getting a Chapter FFA Award was Reece Gray. Star Chapter Farmer went to Reece Gray. Outstanding Junior award went to Skyler Florea. Outstanding Senior award went to Lindsey Jackson. Jake Redden got his State FFA Degree. 

Greenhand awards went to Aubrey Fetters, Kade Giesken, Brayden Miller, Fenton Ackley, Jude Archer, Kynder Florea, and Lance Runde. 

Activity awards went to Lance Runde, Kenneth Schieber, Makenzie Pride, Fenton Ackley, Brayden Miller, Lindsey Jackson, and Jake Redden.

Scholarship awards went to Kynder Florea, Kade Giesken, Jake Redden, Lance Runde, Austin Adwell, Skyler Florea, Lindsey Jackson, and Kenneth Schieber.

Jeff and DeAnn Redden were named honorary members for all the help they gave the organization over the years.

Members of the FFA Knowledge team were Aubrey Fetters, Kynder Florea, and Kade Giesken, with Fetters being the high scorer.

Members of the Agronomy team were Lance Runde, Reece Gray, Fenton Ackley, and Baylie Busby with Runde being the high scorer.

The Business Management team consisted of Mylee Wilmes, Fenton Ackley, Skyler Florea, and Lance Runde. Mylee Wilmes was the high scorer.

The Ag Mechanics team consisted of Kenneth Schieber, Jake Redden, Landon Wilmes, and Austin Adwell. Kenneth Schieber was the high point scorer, finishing fifth overall at districts. The team finished ninth and qualified for state.

Six Shamrocks Receive North Central Career Center Awards

Six North Harrison students received awards at the North Central Career Center Tuesday afternoon.

Annabelle Owens and Ciera Hilburn received awards for their work in the SkillsUSA contest.

Owan Roberson and Cambry Lane received certificates of completion.

Dustin Hamilton was named Newcomer of the Year for the Welding Technology Program.

Ethan Henson was recognized as the Automotive Collision Technology program Newcomer of the Year.

Owan Roberson was named Student of the Year for the Welding program.

The Marvin Garrett Award went to Dustin Hamilton and the Jerry Gilpatrick Award went to Owan Roberson. These awards are given for work ethic, leadership, and dedication.

NEN Names Non-Certified Staff for Upcoming Year

The Northeast Nodaway school board, at its regular meeting Thursday, approved non-certified staff for the upcoming school year. Hired or rehired were DeAnn Redden (Bookkeeper), Kristin Sybert (Secretary), Terry Runde (Nurse), Casey Schmidt (Maintenance), Melody Adwell (Custodian), Stephanie Meyer (Part Time Custodian), Taylor Emery (Technology), Michelle Holaday (Paraprofessional), Holly Karr (Paraprofessional), Brittany Burns (Paraprofessional), Omi Adwell (Food Service Point of Sale), Ruth Adwell (Food Service Point of Sale), and Tina Wendle (Food Service Point of Sale).

The CTA held a cake celebration for two staff who are leaving this year. The CTA will give out a scholarship for an NEN senior this year.

The board voted to renew the bus transportation contract with Precious Cargo out of Ravenwood.

Brandy Rush and Karl Wilmes were sworn in to new three year terms for the board. Kenna Florea did not seek reelection.

The new board elected officers for the upcoming year. Karl Wilmes was elected Board President. Heather Jackson was named Vice-President. DeAnn Redden was reappointed as Board Secretary. Leslie Wilmes was named Alternate Board Secretary. Cody Adwell was named MSBA Delegate, with Jeff Redden serving as the alternate. Heather Jackson was appointed to the Park Board.

Superintendent Brenda Dougan reported that open enrollment, voucher tax credits, and charter school expansion continue to be debated in the legislature. Several bills that would eliminate or cap property taxes have been filed. The supplemental budget was approved, so the school will get more small school grant money than what had been budgeted. The school will get around $180,000 instead of $90,000.

All positions for next year have been filled.

Principal Heidi Beatty reported that testing will finish on May 10th.

Kenny Schieber competed in the State Championships for Auto Tech and won the title. He will go to Nationals in Atlanta.

A preschool and kindergarten roundup was held April 16th. Students rode the bus around town, did several activities inside, and explored the classroom and school. Parents had a parent meeting.

Student scheduling meetings are underway for the next year. Graduation is set for May 11th at 2 pm.

An elementary career fair will be held on May 13th.

The Elementary Student Council will put on a year end celebration May 14th. The third and fourth grades will go to St. Joseph on May 7th to visit the Pony Express Museum and Remington Nature Center. The fifth and sixth grades will visit the SAC Museum and Wildlife Safari May 9th. The third through fifth grades will visit Safety Acres at Northwest on May 6th.

 

 

 

 

 

Grant City Targets Several Dogs for Violations; City Doesn’t Get Shelter Grant; Council Purchases New Truck

The City of Grant City is targeting several more dogs for impoundment in its continuing effort to enforce dog ordinances. All dogs must be on a leash, tied up, kept within a fence, or kept indoors. Owners may not let dogs run loose, and owners may not keep more than three dogs. City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported to the Grant City Council at its meeting Wednesday that one dog has been picked up lately and there will be several more.

The city did not get the park grant. Jeanes reported she is looking for other grants to apply for. The goal is still to get the new shelter house up by this summer.

The city received bids for a new pickup for the gas department. Council member Catherine Runde said it would not be a good look for the city to be driving around in a new pickup as they were in the process of raising rates. The city recently raised water rates and is in the process of raising gas rates. But council member Kevin Kobbe noted that it was $150 per hour to fix a vehicle in Maryville and that things were not going to get any cheaper.

The city received three bids for trucks. Joe Machens bid $47,760 for a new F-150. Victory Chevrolet bid $49,000 for a Chevy truck, while Reed Auto Group bid $49,575.60 for a Chevy truck. The city received two bids for topper and tool drawer systems for the trucks. Realtruck ARE bid for two different systems, one for $6,772.48 and one for $7,102.98. The council voted 3-1 to purchase the F-150 for $47,760 from Joe Machens and the $6,772.48 topper. Catherine Runde was opposed.

Joe Hegeman of United Fiber and Laura Almquist of Mosaic Foundation introduced themselves to the council.

Kevin Kobbe had a water leak at his shop. The rest of the council decided to follow the normal procedure for a one-time credit.

The council voted to donate $150 to the annual Worth County Progress Organization Golf Tournament.

The city did not receive any bids on the demo project. Several called after the deadline and expressed interest, but did not get their packets in time. Phase 2 is done on the Masonic Lodge building. After the asbestos is removed, the project will be put out for bid again.

The city sent more letters of violation out regarding property cleanup. Jeanes reported that she is getting some response.

Carma Rauch purchased the lot to the east of her house wondering what can be done with the ditch in the middle. The ditch had formerly been an alley, which the city closed in 1999 and subsequently put in the ditch. The council decided she can purchase a tube from the city, but that it was not the city’s responsibility to install it.

City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes asked Carl Staton if the city was going to look into replacing the water tower, and about the older mains and valves that are around town. There are at least 100 valves and different sized mains. The city is getting more info.

Better By Design will be back around May 1st to finish the lead pipe survey.

The $5 million wastewater project should start at the lagoon around May 1st and the request for power is in.

The city is in the process of drafting a new grass ordinance. Under the proposed ordinance, the price would go up if the city has to go in and mow the property, and the council discussed changing the height from 12 inches to 8 inches.

The city is looking into selling the old water meters with either a local scrapper or on an auction site; Jeanes reported they are selling well on the auction site.

Ryan Fletchall reported that he is hoping to drain it and start with the cleaning shortly. He has installed two new water meters and new services. The city repaired a water leak on Briggs Street. There were violations at the lagoon due to waiting on test results from White Cloud. The city received those results on April 22nd and sent them to DNR. There was discussion on a new pool filter; the city decided to get chemicals to clean the current filter and get through the season.

Carl Staton reported the city replaced gas signs along Old 169. He straightened sign posts and cut brush and repainted a boiler. The city put in a new service line and meter for a new customer, and another customer has contacted the city about putting in a line. A third is planning to return to natural gas.

The city received bids for a new boiler. One was from USID for $100,695 for a whole new boiler system and one from East Fork Engineering for $3,040 for necessary upgrades. The city awarded the bid to East Fork Engineering.

Tyson Troutwine reported that the chip seal bid for 2025 would run between $90,000 and $92,000.

Troutwine reported he had spoken to the county about helping with the repair on South Lyon Street in front of the new County Barn. He said they would not help with any of it. Troutwine estimated it would take six loads of cold mix to fill the potholes totaling $15,000. They would then need to be chip sealed. A second option would be to put hot mix down when the chip seal guys were in town at an estimated cost of $20,000 to $22,000. The council decided to fix potholes as they usually would and leave it at that.

The city did an inventory of signs around town, and the total cost of replacing all of them would be between $6,400 and $7,000. The council decided to replace signs that are missing or can no longer be read first.

Troutwine reported talking to the DOT about replacing the tube at the corner of Main and 46, but that the DOT told him it was the city’s responsibility to fix any tubes within city limits as of 2015, wash out along the shoulder, and mowing.

Clerk Farrah Richey reported that the auditor is hoping to be done with the audit by the end of the month. The city is getting ready for Community Services to move into the breakroom at City Hall.

The school and the ball board asked about moving the Nature Trail so they can put in a new batting cage. The city found out it would not be a violation of grant rules, and it will not cost the city any money or labor to do any of the work to move it.

Clayton Scott to Film New Movie

Clayton Scott, who filmed the movie “Below the Fold,” a fictional horror movie about Susie Potter, who disappeared from Skidmore, is casting a new movie, “The Pastor.” A beloved small-town Missouri pastor, Matthew Donovan, hides a dark secret from his community. When he’s introduced to a single mom, Hillary, he struggles to keep his secret hidden.

Scott is seeking local actors for the new film, which will be filmed mostly in Sheridan and Hopkins. Please send headshots and resumes to claycjs@gmail.com. The casting call will be held on May 24th from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be paid roles, food, and credit.

Roles sought include Ashlyn (Female, 12), Deb version one (Female, mid-30’s), Deb version two (Female, 50’s), Tyler (male, 40’s), Ellie (Female, 13), and Frankie (Male, 14-15).

 

Lucas Frisch Wins Three Times; Eva Engel Sets New Meet Record; Emma Spencer Wins at Tiger Relays

Worth County’s track teams saw good individual performances at the Tiger Relays Tuesday as Lucas Frisch won three times for the boys and Eva Engel set a meet record in the Pole Vault. Emma Spencer won in the 200.

For the girls, Rock Port and South Harrison ran away with the meet. Rock Port had 116.58, South Harrison 93.25, East Atchison 52.25, Maysville 49, Stanberry 45.33, Albany 40, Worth County 39, Platte Valley 38, DeKalb 29, King City 22, Nodaway Valley 20, Pattonsburg 13, Gallatin 7.25, South Holt 7, East Harrison 6, NEN 4.33, and North Harrison 2.

Emma Spencer is working towards her times of last year, when she won state in the 200. She was third in the 100 with a time of 13.54. She won the 200 with a time of 27.49. Keira Hardy was sixth with a time of 29.72. Audrey Runde was sixth in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 19.66.

The 4x100 team of Keira Hardy, Eva Engel, Rayleigh Smith, and Emma Spencer was second with a personal best time of 53.46. They beat their previous best by .8 of a second. The 4x200 team of Megan Tracy, Keira Hardy, Rayleigh Smith, and Audrey Runde was fifth with a time of 2:00.63.

Eva Engel had been working on a different form in her Pole Vault. She got off to an inauspicious start at the Early Bird, when she no-heighted. But it began to pay off as the season progressed, and she was able to set the meet record Tuesday, April 22nd with a height of 3.27 meters. The previous record holder was Claire Andrews.

Megan Tracy was sixth in the Triple Jump with a personal best of 9.23 meters.

On the boys side, there was no clear favorite as the top ten teams were within 30 points of each other and the top six were within 18 of each other. Rock Port had 58, Stanberry 53, Worth County 52, Albany 48, Gallatin 42, South Harrison 40, North Harrison 39, East Atchison 30, Platte Valley 28, North Andrew 28, North Nodaway 27, DeKalb 26, Pattonsburg 25, King City 24, South Holt 19, NEN 18, Maysville 15, Nodaway Valley 2, and Union Star 1.

Lucas Frisch came close to a personal best in the 110 Hurdles, running away with the event with a time of 15.77. Frisch also won the 300 Hurdles with a time of 43.06. He won that event by almost six seconds.

The 4x100 team of Andrew Griffin, Cole Ruby, Sawyer Thurman, and Lucas Frisch was third with a time of 47.53. The 4x200 team of Brayden Combs, Wyatt Hill, Franklynn Taute, and Cole Ruby got a personal best in the event with a sixth place finish of 1:43.70.

Andrew Griffin matched a personal best in the High Jump with a height of 1.85 meters, good enough for second place. Brayden Combs was fifth in the Pole Vault with a height of 3.05 meters.  Lucas Frisch’s third win of the afternoon was in the Triple Jump, where he got a personal best of 12.89 meters.

The Tigers placed two throwers in the Javelin. Wyatt Hill was fourth with a personal best throw of 37.95 meters. Sawyer Thurman was sixth with a throw of 36.50, also a personal best.

 

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for April 30th, 2025

On April 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jolee Schulenberg (21) of Falls City (NE) alleging DWI and No Taillights.

On April 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Yusuf Osman (37) of Columbus (OH) alleging Leaving the Scene (Felony, Property Damage Over $1,000) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident). An affidavit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol alleges that on February 2025, the defendant crashed a 2019 Freightliner into someone’s fence during icy conditions and then left the scene. The damages were estimated to be $1,426.

On April 22nd, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Dakoda Wright (32) of Cainsville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On April 23rd, Jay Dee Shirley (56) of Carrollton pleaded guilty in Livingston County Circuit Court to charges of Sexual Misconduct and Assault. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Michael Leamer. Defendant must serve 30 days shock time in jail. KTTN reported that the charges were related to alleged sexual contact with students at the Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe.

On April 23rd, Susan Gentry (59) of Gilman City pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). She was placed on one year probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must pay $300 to the Harrison County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund.

On April 23rd, Trevor Adams (20) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to two counts Assault (Felony). He was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn with credit for 284 days served. An affidavit from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant assaulted a cellmate while incarcerated at the Harrison County Jail.

On April 23rd, Casey George (46) of Bethany failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court for charges of two counts Violation of Protection Order. A warrant was issued and bond set at $10,000, cash only.

On April 23rd, Jessica Chandra (37) of Templeton (IA) failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court for charges of Illegal U-Turn (Accident). A warrant was issued and bond set at $500, cash only.

On April 24th, Shawn Perry (55) of Bellevue (IA) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance. He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn. Defendant must enter an outpatient treatment program within three weeks, successfully complete the program, and follow recommendations.

On April 24th, Reshay Maitrejean (25) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to charges of Possession of Controlled Substance and Peace Disturbance. They were placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn. Defendant must enter outpatient treatment within three weeks, successfully complete such treatment, and follow all treatment recommendations.

On April 24th, Mark Wilson (56) of Chillicothe pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to two counts Violation of Protection Order (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn. Defendant must enter and successfully complete the Third Circuit Treatment Program.

On April 24th, Richard King (50) of Bethany failed to appear in Harrison County Circuit Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), Failure to Stop, and No Insurance. A warrant was issued and bond set at $15,000, cash only.

On April 24th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Laura King (29) of Grant City alleging DWI.

On April 25th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Joshua Baker (43) of Pattonsburg alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony), Child Abuse (Felony), and Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was denied. Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson also filed charges against Brandy Hobson (27) of Pattonsburg alleging four counts Child Molestation, two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony), and Enticement of a Child (Felony). Bond was denied.

On April 25th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Martin Caddell (62) of Weatherby (MO) alleging two counts Possession of Prohibited Item at Jail (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On April 25th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Christian Elliott (30) of Dawn alleging DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving. Bond was set at $5,000 cash only with supervision by Supervision Service. If released on bond, defendant must wear a drug patch.

On April 25th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Norman Butts (45) of Darlington alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony) and Driving While Revoked (Felony).

On April 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Elizabeth Francis (41) of Bethany in Harrison County on a charge of Driving While Revoked and a Gentry County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Driving While Revoked, No Insurance, No Seat Belt).

On April 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2021 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 59 year old man failed to yield the right of way at 136 and North Hundley Street in Albany, resulting in a collision that injured a 66 year old Albany woman, who was driving a 2013 Toyota Venza.

On April 26th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Lisa Simmons (59) of Gallatin alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only. Defendant must be supervised by Supervision Services and have no contact with the victim.

On April 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Dawson Vogelaar (22) of Pleasant Valley (MO) in Daviess County on charges of DWI and Failure to Place Vehicle Not in Motion as Far Right as Possible.

On April 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Stevie Varner (36) of Union Star in Nodaway County on a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Charges were filed on April 28th by Prosecutor Tina Dieter. Bond was set at $5,000 with defendant allowed to post 10% cash.

On April 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against David Craig (41) of Smithville alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony), Property Damage (Felony), Driving While Revoked (4th Offense, Felony), Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, Failure to Signal, Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device, Failure to Register, Speeding (60/25), and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). Bond was denied. Dieter also filed charges against Lacy Merys-Reeves (38) of Maryville alleging Resisting Arrest. Bond was set at $500, cash only. Defendant may have no contact with David Craig.

On April 28th, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department reported that there were scam texts claiming that recipients have unpaid tolls or traffic tickets. The messages state that unpaid tolls or tickets will result in a license suspension.

On April 28th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against David Chandler (44) of King City alleging Driving While Revoked (6th Offense, Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On April 28th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Hayley Mathews (29) of Albany alleging Peace Disturbance, Sexual Misconduct, Resisting Arrest, and two counts Stealing. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only. Defendant may not enter any church in Albany, any bars, or consume alcohol.

On April 28th, Special Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Cody Severe (24) of St. Joseph alleging Forgery (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety. An affidavit from the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant forged 12 checks from the victim totaling $12,695 and cashed them at a local bank.

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.

 

Dustin Ward's Double Lifts Pattonsburg, Sinks Shamrocks

Dustin Ward's double Monday night lifted a shorthanded Pattonsburg team past North Harrison 5-4 in a GRC West matchup. The Panthers were without Landon Preston, Ethen Elder, and Parker Virtue (Senior Trip), and struggled at first with a makeshift lineup. But they got stronger and stronger as the game progressed and Camden Mossburg nearly finished the game on the mound before Camden Griffith got the final two outs for the save.

North Harrison, coming off a high note with a 13-3 win over South Harrison, picked up right where they left off at first. Tate Richardson singled to center and stole second and Ryker Fortner advanced him to second with a groundout. Gage Fortner reached on an error when Camden Griffith threw it in the dirt and Richardson scored. An errant pickoff try put Gage Fortner on second and Andrew Craig singled him home. Kellan Craig singled him to second and they both scored on a dropped fly ball, putting North Harrison up 4-0 after just half an inning.

Ryker Fortner began for the Shamrocks, but fought the strike zone in the first inning, putting three of the first four batters on. Finally, Tony Jennings (running for Mossburg) wandered off first; North Harrison tried to pick him off, only for Reagan Coin to come home from third and Jennings to take second on the throw home. Later, Dustin Ward walked to force in a run to cut the Panther deficit to 4-2.

After the rocky first inning for Pattonsburg, Camden Mossburg settled down, and his left-handed delivery and his big breaking ball bearing in on right-handed batters kept everyone off balance for the rest of the night. 

With one out in the Pattonsburg second, Reagan Coin and Alex Young walked and that finished Ryker Fortner. Gage Fortner came in, but Camden Griffith greeted him with a base hit that cut it to 4-3.

Andrew Craig singled to start the third, but Mossburg overpowered Kellan Craig, froze Brandon Underwood, and Kyler Kimbrough hit a screamer, but right at Dustin Ward at second to kill the rally.

Meanwhile, Gage Fortner settled down and retired the Panthers in order in the third and the fourth. With the wind howling in from center, the game settled into a pitcher's duel, with Jace Estrada and Camden Mossburg narrowly missing home runs for the Panthers and Andrew Craig narrowly missing one for the Shamrocks as the wind kept blowing balls foul. 

A dropped fly ball put Camden Griffith on in the fifth and Camden Mossburg singled him over to third and Tony Jennings (running for Mossburg) stole second. Jace Estrada grounded out to score Griffith to tie the game up at 4-4, but North Harrison looked like they might get out of the inning when Collin Mason struck out. But then Dustin Ward hit a screamer that sliced away from Axle Allen in left field and rolled into the corner for a double as Mossburg scored to make it 5-4. 

With two outs in the sixth, North Harrison tried to answer as Tate Richardson hit a carbon copy of Ward's hit and got a double. He was nearly caught stealing third, but Jace Estrada dropped the tag. But Ryker Fortner hit one on a rope, but right to Reagan Coin in center, who put it away for the final out.

Pattonsburg tried to get some insurance runs in the sixth as Alex Young doubled into the left field corner, but he was thrown out by catcher Kellan Craig, who threw a strike to Kayson Sims at third to end the threat.

Gage Fortner reached on an error as shortstop Camden Griffith got played by a hop, but Alex Young gunned him down as he was trying for second for the first out. Andrew Craig worked a walk after getting from 3-0 to 3-2, running Mossburg out of pitches. But Griffith had a short memory as he came on in relief and struck out Kellan Craig and Lucian Sweeney for the final outs.

Jake Hoy Named as New North Nodaway Boys Basketball Coach

Jake Hoy was named as the new North Nodaway boys basketball coach at the regular North Nodaway School Board meeting Wednesday. He will replace Cody Jenkins, who will become the principal at North Nodaway next year. He will be assisted by Jess Greiman, who will also coach the junior high girls basketball team and the junior high track teams. Greiman will be assisted by Barrett Lodge, who will also be the boys junior high assistant.

Other extra duty people who were hired or rehired were Dallas Giedd (Platte Valley Football), Sami Jackson (Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball), Jody Thompson (Head Girls Volleyball), Madison (Thompson) Geib (Assistant High School Volleyball, Assistant Girls Basketball), Lindsay Alexander (Junior High Volleyball), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Junior High Volleyball), Cody Bix (Baseball, Junior High Boys Basketball), Barrett Lodge (Assistant Baseball), Nathan Schoonover (Track, Cross Country), Bethney Pedersen (High School Football Cheer), Kelly Liniger (High School Basketball Cheer), Ashlie Marriott (Junior High Cheer), Emily Higgins (Flag), and Cameron Morrison (A+ Coordinator).

Senior class sponsors are Troy Nally and Emily Bix. Junior class sponsors are Victor West, Jake Hoy, and Lori Harris. Sophomore Class Sponsors (unpaid) are Reid Hart, Cindy Martin, and Kyle Fitzgerald. Bethney Pedersen is High School Student Council sponsor and Reid Hart is Middle School Student Council sponsor. Emily Bix is Yearbook Sponsor and School Play Sponsor. Tiffany Whipple is sponsor for the Mustang Metro. Bethney Pederson is sponsor for the Middle School Play. Kyle Fitzgerald is sponsor for Instrumental and Vocal Music. Troy Nally is FFA sponsor and Emily Bix is sponsor of the High School and Middle School Scholar Bowl teams.

Jess Greiman and Sami Jackson are in charge of weightlifting. Nathan Schoonover is FBLA sponsor, and Emily Bix is NHS sponsor. Heather Townsend is Special Ed Coordinator and Cameron Morrison is District Test Coordinator. Linda Russell is Elementary Student Council Sponsor and Sami Jackson is Elementary Lead Teacher. Troy Nally is Middle School and High School Lead Teacher. Reid Hart is History Day Sponsor.

The board also hired non-certified personnel. Hired or rehired for the upcoming school year were Kristi Stricker (Middle School and High School Building Secretary), Lindsay Alexander (Elementary Building Secretary), Christi Fountain (Food Services Director), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Cook), Corey Everhart (Assistant Cook), Dustin Stringer (Bus Driver), Ron Thompson (Bus Driver), Angie Titus (Bus Driver), Kayla Baldwin (Preschool Teacher), Kasey Drummond (Paraprofessional), Stephanie DeLeon (Paraprofessional), Emily Higgins (Paraprofessional), Kelly Liniger (Paraprofessional), Bo Hansen (Maintenance Supervisor), Teresa Thompson (Elementary Custodian), Jerald Everhart (Middle School and High School Custodian), Nicki Herndon (Technology Coordinator), Linda Russell (District Nurse), and Tiffany Whipple (District Bookkeeper).

Karissa Oberhauser was named as a Substitute Teacher.

The board reorganized following the reelection of Kane Oberhauser and Krista Barcus. Jennifer Clements was named President, Stan Alexander Vice-President, Krista Barcus as MSBA Delegate, and Tiffany Whipple as Board Secretary and Treasurer.

The board approved a usage agreement with the Hopkins Ball Association for the use of the Little Gym for its prescheduled activities in the event of inclement weather. Stan Alexander abstained.

The school conducted a survey regarding weather cancelations at school. There were around 52 responses. 57.7% were very supportive of having a late start (2 hours later than usual). However, when asked which option would better serve their families in case of inclement weather, 42.3% responded with school cancelation and only 11.5% responded with a late start.

The school also asked what factors influenced their opinions about late start. The totals add up to over 100% because some parents chose over one response. 90.4% cited safety concerns. 36.5% cited impact on work schedules. 25% cited impact on student learning and 25% cited availability of childcare.

The timing of cancelation notifications was also surveyed. 63.5% said that receiving the notification the night before by 10 pm would give them more time to plan and adjust their schedule, realizing that the weather forecast might change by the next day. Only 15.4% said that receiving the notification by 6 am was sufficient.

As far as communication methods, 96.2% said receiving Textcaster alerts was most effective. The numbers add up to over 100% because most respondents chose more than one response. 67.3% preferred the Facebook pages, 15.4% preferred KMA, 7.7% preferred KQ2, 5.8% preferred Channel 5, 3.8% preferred Channel 41, and 1.9% preferred KAAN.

When asked about Alternative Methods of Instruction to replace in-person school days, 78.8% said they supported it. Only 11.5% were opposed to it. 38.5% were very comfortable with assisting with their child completing schoolwork at home during AMI days. Another 32.7% were somewhat comfortable.

When asked about which two types of AMI activities worked best, 67.3# said online assignments and lessons. 67.3% said paper-based assignments. 30.8% said prerecorded video lessons, while 23.1% said virtual office hours for questions and support.

When asked how many days should be used for AMI, 51.9% said that five days should be used. 28.8% said three to four days. 11.5% said one to two days should be used. 7.7% said that AMI should not be used and days should be added back to the school calendar.

The board approved 11 students to graduate on May 11th. They are Kody Bird, Mason Casner, Nevaeh Halvin, Gabryelle Harper, Owen Martin, Katelyn Parman, Olivia Renfro, Amy Richards, Lakota Rucker, Neveah Smith, and Alanis Wray. Wray graduated early in December 2024.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that students celebrated their birthday book club. There were 20 students screened for Early Childhood. Teachers have completed their MAP and LETRS training. Students are working on getting ready for testing. K-2 is visiting Inspire U in St. Joseph. Third through fifth grades are visiting the Science Center in Kansas City.

Principal Roger Johnson reported that seniors are getting ready for Senior Trip and documenting community service hours. Scheduling of students for next year is nearly completed. Several students qualified to state in FFA events.