Norma Schneider 1927-2025

Norma Elaine (Welch) Schneider left the earthly dance floor for the last time to dance with the angels in heaven on July 25th, 2025.

Norma was born September 1st, 1927 in Omaha, Nebraska to Paul J. Welch and Jennie McMahon King.  She treasured her time growing up in Parnell, Missouri surrounded by her cousins and closest friends.

Her business savviness started early when she served at King’s, her mother’s restaurant. While working, she met Gary E. Schneider and the two married December 16, 1961.  Norma went on to run the infamous Lil Duffer Drive-In with her husband while her truest passion was being a dedicated wife, mother to Dana, Craig and Suzi, grandmother and great-grandmother.  

Norma was also a member of the Canasta Card Club.  Norma didn’t just play Canasta – she lived it.  If sass and strategy were cards, she had a full house. 

Gary and Norma moved from Maryville to Osage Beach, Missouri in 1995. She made fast friends with anyone that crossed her path while working at Dog Days Bar & Grill in the t-shirt shack where she was known as the, “T-Shirt Lady.”  She would join party goers working until she was 92 years young.  Norma loved music, Big Bands, Frank Sinatra and chasing her favorite artists seeing Madonna, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi in concert.  Her decades spent at the lake were filled with a robust social calendar with the Newcomers/Longtimers, bridge group and daily Panera meetups with her friends the “Occupied Democrats.”  She never knew a stranger, enjoyed a good glass of wine and celebrated that everyone called her “Grandma.”  Her grands made her world go round and she adored her time with each of them.

Norma returned to Maryville in 2021, where she lived peacefully enjoying the company of her family with her daughter Suzi and son-in-law Nick providing care until her death. Enjoying her summers with her great-granddaughters Izzy and Gabby.  Support from her caregiver Judy Stephens kept her at home and without hospitalization, a true gift.

It’s easy to picture her sweet smile.  She will be remembered for her fun-loving personality, a bright light that was always there to shine for children Dana Schneider of Bozeman, Montana, Craig (Christy) Schneider of Kansas City, Missouri, Suzi (Nick) Anderson-Freeman of Maryville, Missouri; Grandchildren Ashley Silvers (Trevor Gardner) of Camdenton, Missouri, Quintin (Ray Roberts IV) Schneider of Kansas City, Missouri, Kyle Schneider of Kansas City, Missouri; Great Grandchildren Izzy and Gabby Silvers of Camdenton, Missouri.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Jennie, her brother Paul A. Welch Sr. and sister Betty Welch; husband Gary E. Schneider, former son-in-law Jeff Anderson; her beloved beagle Gus and her Granddogs Scout, Boo, Attie, Harper and Jovi.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 4th 2025, at St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville, Missouri. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Parnell, Missouri. Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the church.  

The family is grateful for the amazing care she received at the end of life, especially from Heather Archer and Roe McKenzie.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to benefit Three Rivers Hospice (3rivershospice.com) or Nodaway County Center’s Meals on Wheels Program    (nodawayseniors.com). Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Price Funeral Home. 

 

Local History Grants Now Available

The State Historical Society of Missouri is seeking proposals of up to $500, each, to help Missouri cultural heritage institutions preserve and provide access to local history. The deadline for organizations to submit their application is September 15, 2025. The one-year grant period begins in November 2025. The Richard S. Brownlee Missouri Local History grants honor a long-time former executive director of the State Historical Society who helped expand the Society’s holdings of newspapers, reference materials, manuscripts and artworks. A maximum of $10,000 will be awarded this year.

“Brownlee Local History Grants are an opportunity for local historical societies and cultural heritage institutions to preserve and provide access to their valuable collection,” said Gerald Hirsch, associate director of the State Historical Society of Missouri. “We’re also excited to offer funds for organizations that plan activities and events surrounding the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and how Missouri fits into this celebration in 2026.

The Missouri Local History grants are eligible for projects in any of these areas: The preservation of historical local records, which includes the purchase of archival supplies to store or display manuscripts, photographs, maps or other materials. Funds may not be used for preservation of federal, state or local government documents. Another area of focus can be education or programming activities to promote learning about local history or training for the preservation of local history records. New this year are projects or programs that promote America’s 250th anniversary. Grants are available to Missouri cultural heritage institutions that are members of the State Historical Society at the silver level or higher with preference given to local historical societies.

Grant proposals for the 2025-26 cycle may be submitted online at https://shsmo.org/awards/brownlee-grant

Schutz to Expand in St. Joseph, Creating 20 Jobs

Schütz Container Systems, an industrial container and packaging manufacturer, announced today that it will expand in St. Joseph, investing $31 million and creating 20 new jobs. The company’s expansion includes adding a new manufacturing line for industrial packaging.

“Missouri is proud to welcome Schütz’s new facility to St. Joseph,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Their investment reinforces the strength of our state’s manufacturing sector, our highly skilled workforce, and our commitment to supporting businesses that choose to grow here. This expansion will bring quality jobs and continued economic momentum to northwest Missouri, and we look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.”

Schütz’s St. Joseph location will be the first among its 14 locations in North America to manufacture an additional product line of industrial packaging. A new building will be constructed on-site specifically for this purpose, using the latest generation of fully electric equipment to maximize efficiency, quality, and cleanliness in production.

“St. Joseph has proven to be the ideal place for us to grow,” said Frederik Wenzel, President and CEO of Schütz Container Systems. “With this expansion, we’re increasing our container manufacturing capacity and creating new jobs to meet rising demand. The skilled workforce and strong community support make St. Joseph the right place to invest in our future.”

Schütz’s packing systems are used worldwide to transport and store products safely. From simple chemicals and hazardous goods to highly sensitive products such as foods, Schütz supplies its customers with sustainable packaging solutions.

“Schütz’s expansion in St. Joseph is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud to work alongside our outstanding local partners to enhance ongoing investment and create quality jobs. Together, we’re supporting business growth that helps Missouri communities thrive.”

Schütz was among the companies visited during the Trade Mission to Germany and the Netherlands in July 2022.

For this expansion, Schütz will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

What others are saying

“We’re excited to see Schütz expanding its manufacturing operations here in St. Joseph,” said Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership. “This growth not only strengthens our local economy, but also reinforces our region’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. We’re proud to support companies that continue to invest in innovation and long-term success in our community.”

“A $31 million investment is a major milestone for Schütz in Buchanan County,” said Scott Nelson, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner. “Schütz’s decision to grow here speaks volumes about the strength of our community and the pro-business environment we’ve worked hard to create. We’re proud to support this expansion and look forward to the lasting economic impact it will bring to our residents.”

“We are thrilled that Schütz, one of St. Joseph’s newer companies, continues to grow and create new opportunities here,” said St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale. “Its expansion is a strong sign of confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure, and the future of St. Joseph. We’re excited to continue partnering with businesses that choose to build and thrive right here in our community.”

About Schütz Container Systems

Schütz Container Systems offers the largest production and service network in North America for Immediate Bulk Containers (IBC) and is a division of Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA, headquartered in Selters, Germany. As the world market leader in IBC, Schütz sets the benchmark in its markets with emphasis on quality, innovation, and supply security. The company provides its customers a fully circular product offering. In line with its sustainability philosophy, the Schütz Ticket Service operates within a closed-loop system, ensuring the swift collection and reconditioning of emptied industrial packaging in all major industrial nations worldwide.

To learn more about Schütz Container Systems, visit schüetz.net/USA.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

 

NEN to Offer After School Care Again

Northeast Nodaway is once again offering after school care in the library between 3:10 and 4:30 pm on weekdays after school. Students will be escorted by a teacher to the library after school. If school is dismissed early, the students will need to be picked up at the time of dismissal or have an alternate plan.

There is a $15 registration fee for the first child and $5 for each additional child. Fees for afterschool care will be $4 per hour per child. Students who remain after 4:30 pm will be charged $1 per minute for every minute past 4:30 pm.

After school care payments must be made by the 15th of each month. Failure to make the payment means that children will not be able to attend until payment is received.

Students will be able to complete homework, participate in a variety of activities, or use the gym or the playground.

 

Opinion -- As Medicaid Turns 60, Its Future Hangs in the Balance

By Sheldon Weisgrau

Missouri holds a central role in the history of health care in the United States. Sixty years ago, on July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson traveled to Independence, Missouri, to stand side-by-side with native son Harry S. Truman and signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act into law. This historic legislation, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, provided health insurance coverage to millions of Americans who were previously left out: seniors over the age of 65 (Medicare) and low-income individuals and families (Medicaid). Together, these programs serve as the foundation of our health care system. Today, Medicare and Medicaid provide health insurance coverage to 144 million people, or more than 4 in 10 Americans. Two-and-a-half million Missourians rely on these programs.

Cuts to Medicare have long been considered a political “third rail,” with politicians reluctant to tamper with a program that is viewed favorably by 82% of Americans, including large majorities of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. Medicaid, despite nearly equal popularity, with 77% support, hasn’t proven as invulnerable. The recently passed federal budget bill will extend the tax cuts passed during the first Trump administration and add more than $3 trillion to the national debt. It also slashes $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next 10 years, the largest cut in health care funding in history. Nearly 12 million Americans, and more than 130,000 Missourians, will lose their health care coverage.

These cuts threaten the very foundations of Medicaid and the health care safety net. More than 1.25 million Missourians, about half of them children, rely on MO HealthNet (Missouri’s Medicaid program) for preventive care, doctor and hospital visits, laboratory and diagnostic services, and prescription drugs. MO HealthNet covers services across the life spectrum, paying for nearly 4 in 10 births and two-thirds of nursing home care in the state.

Those covered by Medicaid are more likely to receive preventive care, get timely treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses, and fill their prescriptions than those without insurance. Medicaid serves as the leading payer for mental and behavioral health and family planning services. The program reduces racial, ethnic, and rural health disparities; enhances health; and lowers mortality.

Medicaid provides other benefits as well. It improves high school and college graduation rates. Children who are covered by Medicaid earn more and require less health care as adults. By eliminating catastrophic out-of-pocket medical costs, Medicaid reduces debt (a significant problem in Missouri) and lowers poverty rates for families.

The program also reinvests tax dollars into the economy, creating jobs and economic growth in Missouri communities and supporting rural hospitals and other health care providers. (A special rural health fund included in the budget bill will offset only a fraction of the losses that will be suffered by rural health providers – currently more than 20 rural Missouri hospitals are at risk of closure).

For 60 years, Medicaid has delivered a valuable return on investment by providing a safety net for low-income Americans and an economic engine for neighborhoods and communities. As we celebrate its anniversary in the face of cuts that threaten to roll back so much of the security it provides, it is instructive to remember the words of President Johnson in 1965:

“Few can see past the speeches and the political battles to the doctor over there that is tending the infirm, and to the hospital that is receiving those in anguish, or feel in their heart painful wrath at the injustice which denies the miracle of healing to the old and to the poor… There is another tradition that we share today. It calls upon us never to be indifferent toward despair. It commands us never to turn away from helplessness. It directs us never to ignore or to spurn those who suffer untended in a land that is bursting with abundance.”

Medicaid is not “waste, fraud, and abuse.” It is not intended to separate the “deserving” from the “undeserving.” Medicaid is a vital lifeline for Missourians in their times of greatest adversity or misfortune. It has survived the political ups and downs of the past six decades largely intact. If we are unable to reverse course, the catastrophic reductions that we make today will lead to a sicker, less prosperous country tomorrow.

In the coming months, MFH will assess the future impacts of these dire cuts, inform the public and policymakers of their significance, and work with partners across the state and the nation to rebuild this critical program.

Mr. Weisgrau is the Vice President of Health Policy and Advocacy for the Missouri Foundation for Health.

Tracey Steele Running for House District 12

Worth County grad Tracey Steele is running as a Democrat in House District 12, which is located just north of Kansas City. Mr. Steele, who now lives in Parkville, posted an announcement on his campaign Facebook page. It reads, in part:

“I grew up in the northwest Missouri town of Grant City. My dad was a farmer and a small business owner who dropped out of school after the eighth grade to help support his family before serving in World War II. Mom set aside her dreams of attending college and becoming a writer so she could raise a family as a Missouri farm wife.”

“They taught me the value of education; how to work hard; to keep fighting, even when times are tough; to help your neighbors when they can use a hand; and to treat everyone like the human beings they are. To me, that's always been what it means to be an American. Those are the values that helped make this country special.”

“The people who have been running our state for the past 2 decades lost those values along the way. Instead, they've tried to divide us and to demonize our neighbors. They're attempting to siphon funding from our schools to line the pockets of the private school interests who claim to be offering "choice", when it's obvious their goal is to add to their own fortunes. They're supporting radical plans to take healthcare away from millions of people even when Missouri's healthcare system is already ranked as one of the worst in America. They cheer while programs like Head Start and SNAP food assistance are decimated.”

“They've had their chance, and they blew it. The evidence is clear: the Republicans can't be trusted.”

The district will be one of the most heavily contested in the state. Safely in Republican hands for a while, it changed hands to the Democratic Party in 2022, only to flip back to Republican control in 2024 by a narrow margin.

 

NEN Needs Free & Reduced Lunch Applications for Grants

The Northeast Nodaway school needs free & reduced lunch applications in order to access grant money. Many grants are unavailable to NEN due to the low number of free and reduced applications filled out. Patrons are encouraged to fill out the confidential application even if they don’t plan to participate.

Extra milk for lunch or breakfast will be deducted from the student’s lunch account. Money for extra milk should be paid to the school office so it can be entered into the student’s account.

All elementary snack milk money must be paid in advance for the year. Snack milk is voluntary, but is offered from Preschool through 2nd grades. If children do not drink snack milk, they can drink water. Snack milk for a whole year is $98.40, and can be paid during registration.

Meal prices are as follows:

Elementary student lunch — $3.30

Elementary student breakfast — $2.10

Extra breakfast entrée — $2.00

Extra cereal — $.75

Extra milk — $.60

7-12 grade lunch — $3.40

7-12 grade breakfast — $2.10

Extra lunch entrée — $2.00

Fruit/Veggie Bar only — $2.00

Extra 4 oz. juice — $.60

Breakfast and lunch should be purchased in advance by sending the money to the school office. Students will purchase meals from 7:45 am to 8 am or after school each day. Elementary and high school students will be allowed to charge up to $10 for lunch. After the maximum charge is reached, the student will be given a cheese sandwich and milk until payment is made.

The school will be offering the ala carte items during the breakfast and lunch hour for grades 7-12. Ala carte items will be deducted from the student’s lunch account. No money will be taken in the cafeteria for purchases.

 

Community Calendar for July 30th, 2025

Community Calendar items are free of charge. Send entries to express@grm.net or message us on Facebook. All events are subject to last minute cancellation.

EAGLES LODGE #3669, MARYVILLE

Located at 29997 Highway 71, Maryville.

August 2nd — Grilled chicken breast $20. Barbwire Band, 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

August 9th — Auxiliary Charity Breakfast, 6 am to 11 am. Cost $12.

August 30th — Ham Balls, 5 pm to 7 pm. Cost $20. Dixie Cadillacs 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

September 20th — Eagles Car Show, 12 noon. Registration 12 noon to 1:30 pm. Awards 4 pm. BBQ 5 pm. Barbwire Band 7:30 pm. If interested in showing, contact Kyle (660) 541-1728.

The Eagles Lodge is available for rent for special occasions. Call Gerald Potter (660) 541-0115, Kyle Martin (660) 541-1728, Kelly Potter (816) 205-3342 or Marla Messner (660) 541-0168.

The south side bar is open Fridays from 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays at 12 noon, and Sundays from 2 pm to 10 pm. The Phil Forney Band will play Sundays from 7 pm to 10 pm.

OATS TRANSIT

OATS Transit is currently offering regular transportation services. To schedule a ride or to inquire about services available in your area, please call the OATS Transit office at 816-279-3131 or 800-831-9219. You can also visit our website at www.oatstransit.org, where you can find your local schedule by clicking on your county under the “Bus Schedules” tab. OATS Transit is available to the rural general public of any age, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we contract with various agencies to serve their clients.

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

July 30th — Back to School Safety Fair, 5 pm, Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds, Bethany. Backpacks, school supplies, vendors, shoes, health resources. Sponsored by the Harrison County Health Department.

July 31st — NEN Summer Library, 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Last day.

July 31st to August 2nd — The Rose Theatre presents Black Tuesday, an original play by Worth County grad Riley Drury. A story from the Great Depression. Tickets $8 at rosetheatremaryville.org. July 31st and August 1st at 7 pm, August 2nd at 2 pm.

August 1st to 2nd — Blythedale Free Fair. On August 1st, rides begin 6 pm. High Country in concert 7 pm. On August 2nd, parade begins at 5:30 pm. Rides begin at 6 pm. Bill and Lisa Bennett and the Midnight Country Band in concert at 7 pm.

August 1st — NEN Pool Party, Stanberry Pool, 8 pm to 10 pm. For grades 7 through 12; no outside guests allowed. Free admission, drinks, and pizza.

August 2nd to 10th — Dead period for Worth County athletics.

August 3rd — American Legion Breakfast, 8 am, Parnell.

August 4th — Online registration begins for North Nodaway.

August 4th — North Harrison registration for grades 10-12, 9 am. Contact Mrs. Smith if you are unable to come.

August 4th to 8th, 11th to 15th — North Harrison Band Camp, 10:30 am each morning.

August 4th to 8th — NEN Band Comp, 12 noon to 6 pm August 4th, 1 pm to 6 pm August 5th to 8th.

August 5th — North Harrison registration for grades 7-9, 9 am. Contact Mrs. Smith if you are unable to come.

August 5th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

August 5th — Registration at NEN for PK through 12th grade, 1 pm to 6 pm.

August 6th — OATS Bus from Worth County to Maryville. To reserve a ride, call Joan Ford (660) 254-1274.

August 7th to 9th — Hopkins Picnic.

August 7th — The Missouri Department of Transportation will host a public meeting in Conception Junction to discuss the upcoming bridge replacement on Nodaway County Route VV. The meeting will be at Jefferson High School from 5 pm to 7 pm.

August 8th — Pot Luck, Worth County Senior Center, 12 noon.

August 8th — Gentry Opry. Doors open and meal 5 pm. Music at 7:30 pm. Special guests: Rick and Delaney Hontz.

August 8th to 9th — Allendale Rodeo, 7 pm each night.

August 9th — The next Household Hazardous Waste collection will be Saturday, August 9th at the Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 E. Halsey Street, Maryville. The collection center will be open from 8 am to 12 noon.

August 9th — Worth County Farmers Market, Grant City Square, 8 am to 12 noon.

August 9th — NEN Elementary Swim Party, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Stanberry Pool. For grades Pre-K through 6th grade. Free admission to NEN students. No outside guests allowed. Adult supervision required. Paid for by a grant written by school counselor Abby Groomer.

August 9th — Car Show, Hopkins Park, during the Hopkins Picnic. 12 noon.

August 9th — Cornhole Tournament, next to the M&M Pub & Grub during the Hopkins Picnic, 3 pm. $20 per team. Sponsored by the North Nodaway Student Council.

August 11th — Fall varsity sports practices may begin.

August 12th — Registration day at Worth County, 9 am.

August 12th — In-person registration at North Nodaway, 9 am.

August 12th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

August 13th — Blood Drive, Ravenwood United Methodist Church, 2 pm to 6 pm.

August 14th — Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

August 14th — Worth County Elementary Open House, 5 pm. All-Sports parent meeting 5:30 pm. Seventh grade orientation 6 pm.

August 14th — NEN Back to School Supper hosted by the Booster Club, 5 pm to 7 pm. Free will donation. Mandatory incoming 6th grade and new 7th—12th grade parent and student meeting, 5 pm. Open house for PK-12th grade, 5:30 pm.

August 15th — Worth County Back to School Bash, Sheridan Park, 8 pm to 10:30 pm. Volleyball, basketball, food, drinks, water games. Sponsored by Connect Worth County.

August 16th — Crossroads Annual Block Party, Crossroads Church, Grant City, 4 pm to 7 pm.

August 16th — Dual Benefit, Trevin Wyllie and Linda Adwell, former DOT Maintenance Barn, Barnard, 5 pm. Free will donation dinner. Live auction, music, and dancing to follow. Sponsored by the Maryville Elks Lodge and the Maryville Eagles Aerie & Auxiliary.

August 17th — Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

August 18th — Fall junior high sports practices may begin.

August 18th — Gilman City Elementary Open House, 5:30 pm. For grades PK through 6th.

August 18th — North Harrison Back to School night, 6 pm. All-sports meeting for parents, 6:30 pm. Orientation for sixth grade and new 7th-12th grade students, 7 pm.

August 19th — First day of school for Worth County and NEN. Early dismissal for Worth County.

August 19th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

August 19th — Open House, North Nodaway, 4 pm.

August 20th — First day of school at North Nodaway. Early Dismissal.

August 20th — First day of school for North Harrison.

August 20th — Worth County School Board Meeting, 6 pm.

August 20th — North Harrison School Board Meeting, 6 pm.

August 21st — NEN School Board Meeting, 7 pm.

August 22nd — NEN Picture Day.

August 22nd — Platte Valley Football Jamboree, 5 pm.

August 22nd — Worth County Football Jamboree, 7 pm.

August 23rd — Worth County Farmers Market, Grant City Square, 8 am to 12 noon.

August 24th — Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8 am to noon. The NEN Boys Basketball Team will help serve.

August 26th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

August 26th — Softball Jamboree at North Harrison, 5:30 pm. Worth County and North Harrison will participate.

August 27th — Picture Day at Worth County.

August 28th — Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

August 28th — Tiger Softball at Trenton, 5 pm.

August 28th — Mustang volleyball at Diagonal, 5:30 pm.

August 29th — Early dismissal for North Harrison, Northwest Missouri State Fair.

August 29th — Platte Valley Football at Pattonsburg, 7 pm.

August 29th — Tiger Football vs. Rock Port, 7 pm.

September 1st — Labor Day. No school or mail delivery.

September 2nd — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

September 2nd — Bluejay Softball at OSHS, 5 pm. Game will be played at Stewartsville.

September 2nd — Mustang Volleyball vs. East Atchison, 5:30 pm.

September 2nd — Tiger Softball at North Andrew, 5:30 pm.

September 2nd — Shamrock Softball vs. Pattonsburg, 5:30 pm.

September 2nd — Tiger JV Football at Pattonsburg, 6 pm.

September 3rd — Hundley-Whaley Farm Field and Family Day, 4 pm to 8 pm. All producers and families are invited.

September 3rd — Tiger Golf at Stanberry, 4 pm.

September 4th — Tiger Golf at South Harrison, 4 pm.

September 4th — Mustang Volleyball at South Holt, 5:30 pm.

September 4th — Shamrock Softball vs. Stanberry, 5:30 pm.

September 4th — Tiger Softball at Princeton, 5:30 pm.

September 5th — Grandparents Day at Worth County.

September 5th — Grandparents Day at North Nodaway Elementary.

September 5th — Tiger Football at South Holt, 7 pm.

September 5th — Panther Football at Mound City, 7 pm.

September 5th — Platte Valley Football vs. Stanberry, 7 pm. Game will be played at North Nodaway.

September 6th — Worth County Farmers Market, Grant City Square, 8 am to 12 noon.

September 6th — Bill Hill Memorial Tournament, Albany, 9 am. Worth County, North Harrison, and Pattonsburg will participate.

September 7th — American Legion Breakfast, Parnell, 8 am.

September 8th — Tiger Golf at Maryville, 9 am.

September 8th — Bluejay Softball vs. Albany, 5 pm.

September 8th — Tiger Junior High and JV Football vs. King City, 5 pm.

September 8th — Platte Valley JH/JV Football vs. East Atchison, 5 pm. Game will be played in Hopkins.

September 8th — Panther Junior High Football at Albany, 5 pm.

September 8th — Worth County PTO meeting, 7 pm, Activity Center.

September 9th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

September 9th — Bluejay Softball (JH/JV/V) vs. Platte Valley, 4 pm.

September 9th — Tiger (JH/V/JV) Softball vs. Stanberry, 4 pm.

September 9th — Mustang Cross Country at Clarinda, 4 pm.

September 9th — Tiger Golf at Albany, 4 pm.

September 9th — Mustang Volleyball vs. Heartland Christian, 5:30 pm.

September 9th — Shamrock Softball vs. King City, 5:30 pm.

September 10th — Hundley Whaley Day at Albany, 9 am.

September 10th — Girls Golf home meet at Worth County, 4 pm.

September 10th — Elementary Title Math Family Night at North Harrison, 5 pm.

September 11th — Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

September 11th — Tiger Softball (JH/V) vs. North Harrison, 4 pm.

September 11th — Mustang Volleyball (JH/V/JV) at Union Star, 5 pm.

September 12th — Pot Luck, Worth County Senior Center, 12 noon.

September 12th — Tiger Football at Princeton, 7 pm.

September 12th — Platte Valley Football vs. DeKalb, 7 pm. Game will be played at South Nodaway.

September 12th — Panther football vs. North Andrew, 7 pm.

September 13th — Tiger Softball at King City Tournament.

September 13th — North Harrison 5K Color Run/Walk and Kids Dash. Packet Pickup 7 am. Run/Walk starts at 7:30 am. Kids dash starts at 8:30 am. Proceeds go to support the North Harrison Track & Field Program.

September 13th — Varsity Volleyball Triangular at North Nodaway, 9 am.

September 13th — Big Brothers/Big Sisters Glow Walk/Run, 6:30 pm. Event starts at Mosaic Medical Center Parking Lot.

September 15th — No school at Worth County. Teacher’s meeting.

September 15th — Mustang Cross Country (HS/JH) at Red Oak, 4 pm.

September 15th — Bluejay Softball at North Andrew, 4:30 pm.

September 15th — Tiger JH Softball at Princeton, 5 pm.

September 15th — Platte Valley JH/JV at Nodaway Valley, 5 pm.

September 15th — Tiger JH Football vs. Princeton, 5 pm.

September 17th — Worth County School Board Meeting, 6 pm.

September 18th — Regional Commissioner’s Meeting, Sheridan Community Building, 8 am.

September 18th — NEN School Board Meeting, 7 pm.

September 19th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

September 20th — Worth County Farmers Market, Grant City Square, 8 am to 12 noon.

September 21st — Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of American Legion Squadron 464.

September 22nd — No school at NEN or North Nodaway. Teacher’s meeting.

September 25th — Kidsight Vision Screening at NEN, 9 am. For Pre-K through 1st grade.

September 26th — Hopkins Historical Museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm.

September 27th — Benefit for Denise Bloomquist, Nodaway County Senior Center, 4 pm. Denise has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It has spread to the lymph nodes in her stomach and on her bones.

September 28th — Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon. The NEN cheerleaders will be helping.

September 28th — Maryville Fall Into Fun, Nodaway County Square, 12 noon.

October 4th — Worth County Farmers Market, Grant City Square, 8 am to 12 noon.

October 5th — American Legion Breakfast, Parnell, 8 am.

October 5th — Pattonsburg Car Show, 210 Central Avenue, 9 am.

October 6th — No school at Worth County, NEN, North Harrison, or North Nodaway. Teacher’s Meeting.

October 19th — Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Tri-C Memorial Post 464 membership.

October 31st — Halloween Honky Tonk, Old 169 Bar & Grill, Grant City. Party starts at 6 pm; live music starts at 7 pm.

November 16th — Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.

Epic 1893 Fight Between Man and Two Owls

From the February 3rd, 1893 Sheridan Advance:

A Fight With Owls — How Uncle Elisha Huff Went for Game and Got “Done Up.”

Uncle Elisha Huff, a well-known citizen of Clover Plain (CT), went to the door to look at the sky before going to bed. While he stood on the doorstep, an owl hooted in an apple tree across the garden.

Mr. Huff is an old hunter and trapper, and the minute he heard the owl hoot, he decided to get him if he could. He went back into the house to slip on his boots and get his gun. The moon was shining, but Uncle Elisha’s eyesight is not as keen as it was once, and when he got under the apple tree, he could not see the owl.

With the idea of stirring the bird up and making it fly out of the tree, if it was still there, he picked up a stone and threw it among the branches. There was a sort of fluttering noise among the limbs, and Mr. Huff tried to get sight of the bird, but the shadows were too much for him; he could not see it, and he let drive another stone.

This time, there was more noise among the limbs, and Mr. Huff thought he saw the owl sitting high up in the tree.

He pulled up his gun in line with the dark object and pulled the trigger. The same instant, Uncle Elisha heard a sort of a squeal, and he got a rap in the face that knocked him flat.

When the old man fell, his elbows struck a stone and his gun flew out of his hand. He was a little bit dazed at first, but he soon collected his senses and saw sitting on the branch of a quince tree a few feet away two immense white owls.

Mr. Huff immediately began to get onto his feet, but he did not reach them. When he was on one knee, ready to stand up, the two owls with a savage squeal shot out from the quince tree and struck the old man a fearful blow on the side of the head with their claws. Uncle Elisha tippled over, half stunned. The blood was running down his face.

When he came to, he jumped to his feet as quickly as his age would permit him to. He had hardly straightened up when the owls struck him again. This time, one of the birds hit him on the head; the other one struck him on the chest. The old man went down once more, and the two owls still sat on the quince tree limb squealing and grinding their beaks together ominously.

When Uncle Elisha moved, the birds shook their feathers savagely and made ready to pounce on him. Mr. Huff hated to give up on a couple of owls, but he knew enough to lie still while thinking out a plan for outwitting them.

He thought of his dog and whistled to him. The dog was asleep in his kennel, out back of the house. He was a big, lazy animal of the Newfoundland species. He heard his master’s whistle and shambled out into the garden. When the dog got within 10 feet of the quince bush, the owls landed on his back, and he moved faster than he had moved for years in the direction of his kennel, yelping painfully. Mr. Huff seized the opportunity to get up, but lay down again when the owls left the dog and started for the quince tree.

Once Mr. Huff started to crawl towards the house on his hands and knees, but he was brought to a halt by the owls. They lit on his back and pounded his head and sides unmercifully with their wings.

The old fellow hated to acknowledge himself beaten, and he lay still until after midnight, trying to think out some way of escape from his tormentors, but he could not do it and he finally yelled at the top of his voice for his son to come out.

His son was about half asleep when he came to the garden in answer to his father’s calls. He woke up, however, when one of the owls came at him with a squeal.

The young man retreated to the house and got his gun. When he returned to the garden, his father was still lying on the ground and the owls occupied the limb of the quince bush.

Young Huff was a crack shot and, taking both birds at long range, he let both barrels of his gun go at them. They tumbled to the ground dead. The owls were very large. One measured three and a half feet across the wings from tip to tip. The other measured a few inches less.