Governor Kehoe Calls Special Session

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe called a special session of the Missouri Legislature, the Missouri Independent reported Friday. 

The first measure would be to break up the Kansas City congressional district into three sections. It is currently held by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, a Democrat. The objective is to create seven Republican held districts and one Democratic held district. The risk is that it would make current Republican-held districts, including the 6th district held by Rep. Sam Graves, more competitive since a lot more Kansas City voters would be voting in the 6th district under this plan.

The move is part of an arms race between Democratic governors and President Donald Trump in an effort to redraw congressional boundaries ahead of the 2026 Congressional elections. The US House is currently narrowly held by Republicans. California, a Democratic state, and Texas, a Republican state, are pursuing similar measures.

The other measure being considered in the Missouri legislature is initiative petition reform. Currently, Constitutional Amendments placed on the ballot require a simple majority to pass. The legislature is seeking to put a Constitutional Amendment on the Missouri ballot for November 2026 requiring a majority vote in all eight congressional districts in order to change the Missouri Constitution in addition to a majority vote statewide. Propositions, such as the Minimum Wage law that passed in 2024, would still require a simple majority, but could be amended or repealed by the legislature.

Graves Presents Service Medals to WW2 Vet’s Family

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) presented military service medals that he was able to recover to the family of a Northwest Missouri veteran. Graves presented medals to the family of William Edgar Taul for his role in WWII. Mr. Taul served in the US Army, beginning in 1944. His military service records were lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis in 1973. However, Graves was able to obtain several medals for his service. 

“I’m grateful for all of our veterans in North Missouri," said Graves. “It’s an honor to be able to present these medals to Mr. Taul’s family so they can always remember his service to our nation."

Congressman Graves presented the Bronze Star Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII to Taul’s family members including his grandson, Ryan Wright, his daughter Peggy Boulware, and his son in law Barry Boulware. 

Veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Graves' office if they are trying to obtain service medals that they earned. Graves office is also able to assist if there is an issue accessing Veterans Affairs benefits.  Anyone in need of assistance can call 816-792-3976.

 

Prairie Day at Dunn Ranch September 20th

The native grasslands in the rolling hills of northwest Missouri are a sample of the prairie ecosystem that once dominated the area. Are you a landowner in northwest Missouri looking to better understand your property’s relationship to the prairie? Do you have a family looking for a fun and educational way to spend your weekend? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) invite the public to a free Prairie Day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Dunn Ranch Prairie and Pawnee Prairie near Eagleville.

Before the main event kicks off, MDC, Audubon Society, and Missouri Master Naturalist representatives will lead a guided sunrise birding hike from 7 to 9 a.m. at MDC’s Pawnee Prairie Conservation Area. Interested participants will meet in the parking area on the west side, off gravel road W 140th Ave.

Once the main event begins, visitors can tour exhibits and display tables from a variety of community partners, meet with land conservation experts, take wildflower walks, and ride on a wagon to see bison grazing on the prairie in Harrison County. Exhibits and departure points for both hikes and the bison tour will be located at TNC’s shelter across from the ranch headquarters (16970 W. 150th St. in Hatfield).

This event is free and open to all ages. Lunch concessions will be available onsite. No registration is required.

For any questions about the event, call MDC’s Northwest Regional Office at 816-271-3100. To learn more about prairie in Missouri, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/habitats/grasslands-prairies-savannas/prairies.

 

Weekly Area Road Work for September 3rd, 2025

The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Sept. 1-7.

MoDOT will limit road construction for the Labor Day holiday to accommodate expected increased travel. Work on most maintenance and construction projects will be suspended at noon today, Friday, Aug. 29, and resume at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Some long-term traffic impacts will remain in place.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org, or download the app for updated information.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Andrew County

Route H – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the Lincoln Creek Bridge through September 2025 (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/route-b-route-dd-and-route-h-bridge-rehabilitation-andrew-and-buchanan.

U.S. Route 71 ramp – CLOSED to southbound I-29 for acceleration lane extension through October 2025 (Contractor: Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company, Inc.).

Interstate 29 – Narrowed to one lane in each direction at the Mill Creek Bridges, north of Exit 60 (Amazonia), for a bridge rehabilitation project through December 2025. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.)

Atchison County

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from the city of Rock Port to Route M, Sept. 2-5.

Route W – Shoulder work at the intersection of Route J, Sept. 2-5.

Route 46 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route HH to Route EE, Sept. 3-4, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Buchanan County

Route 752 (Alabama Street) – CLOSED from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through 2025. (Contractor: Amino Bros. Co., Inc.) https://www.modot.org/projects/route-u-missouri-route-59-and-missouri-route-752-intersection-improvements-buchanan-county.

I-229 – Pavement repair project from mile marker 0 to mile marker 2.6 through October 2025. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Caldwell County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through November 2025. (Contractor: Cale Seymour Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/route-d-bridge-replacement-caldwell.

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement repair project, Sept. 2-5. A single lane may be closed in up to 2-mile sections, around the clock. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Realm Construction, Inc.).

Carroll County

U.S. Route 65 – Resurfacing project from south of Route CC to north of County Road 368 near Carrollton, through October 2025. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC).

Route M – CLOSED in various locations for multiple culvert replacements, Sept. 2-5, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Route NN – Resurfacing project, Sept. 2-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). ^*3

Route UU – Resurfacing project, Sept. 3-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). ^*3

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge maintenance at the Grand River Bridge, Sept. 2-4. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals guiding motorists through the work zone.

Chariton County

Route PP – CLOSED at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is scheduled to be replaced through the Northwest Bridge Bundle beginning Sept. 2. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin) ^*2

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge maintenance at the Grand River Bridge, Sept. 2-4. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals guiding motorists through the work zone.

Clinton County

I-35 – Pavement rehabilitation in the northbound lanes from Exit 40 (Lathrop) to Exit 48 (south Cameron) through November 2025. Both north and southbound traffic will be one lane, each direction, in the southbound lanes (Contractor: Michels Road & Stone). https://www.modot.org/projects/interstate-35-and-us-route-69-concrete-overlay-clinton-county

Route H – Scrub seal project, Sept. 2-8. The road will be closed in 2-mile sections during the resurfacing. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons)

Daviess County

Route 6 – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement project at the bridge over I-35 (Exit 64) through mid-September 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC) https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-6-and-route-n-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-35-daviess-and-harrison

• Interstate 35 under the Route 6 bridge will be closed in both directions overnight Sept. 3-4. The interstate will close beginning at 7 p.m. on Sept. 3 and reopen at 6 a.m. on Sept. 4. During the closure, I-35 traffic will be directed up and over the ramps at Route 6 (Exit 64).

Route 190 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Clear Creek Bridge, north of Lock Springs, through mid-November 2025. A detour is in place directing motorists to use U.S. Route 65 and Missouri Route 6 around the closure. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-190-bridge-replacement-daviess-county

Gentry County

Route B – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the Zounds Creek Bridge through October 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth

Route M – Scrub seal project, Sept. 2-7. The road will be narrowed to one lane with a pilot car to guide motorists through the work zone and a 10-foot width restriction. (Contractor: Vance Brothers, Inc.)

Harrison County

Route N – CLOSED at the bridge over Interstate 35 near Eagleville for a bridge deck replacement through early December 2025 (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-6-and-route-n-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-35-daviess-and-harrison

• Interstate 35 under the Route N bridge will be closed weeknights, Aug. 26-Sept. 5. The interstate will close on weeknights beginning at 7 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. the next day. During the closure, I-35 traffic will be directed up and over the ramps at Route N (Exit 106). There will be no access to/from Route N during the closure.

Route B – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route N to 210^th Street, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route CC – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route MM to 370^th Street, Sept. 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from 245^th Street to 22^nd Street, Sept. 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route H – CLOSED in up to 2-mile sections for a resurfacing project Sept. 2-5. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.) ^*3

Holt County

Route B – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Hickory Creek Bridge through December 2025. (Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/route-b-bridge-replacement-holt-county

I-29 – Concrete Replacement northbound at the 92.2 mile marker, Sept. 2-4.

I-29 – Concrete replacement northbound at the 90.0 mile marker, Sept. 4-5.

Livingston County

U.S. Route 65 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 36 in Chillicothe to south of Route CC near Carrollton, through October 2025. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC).

Nodaway County

Route NN – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Platte River Bridge west of Parnell through October 2025. (Contractor: Louis-Company, LLC). https://www.modot.org/route-nn-bridge-replacement-nodaway.

Route F – CLOSED for pavement repairs from Route N to 295^th Street, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route F – CLOSED for pavement repairs from Kite Road to 280^th Street, Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sullivan County

Route T – CLOSED at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle. https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route 6 to Rainbow Road, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Rainbow Road to Robin Road, Sept. 3-4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Robin Road to Pearl Road, Sept. 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Worth County

Route 169 – CLOSED, for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through October 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC.) https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth.

Route W – CLOSED for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through December 2025. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.) https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-46-and-route-w-bridge-replacement-worth

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^*1 This bridge is part of the NWBB (Northwest Bridge Bundle) program. The design-build team is Capital-Horner & Shifrin. More info: NWBB program web page.

^*2 This bridge is part of the Safe and Sound Bridge Rehabilitation program. The contractor is Capital Paving & Construction, LLC. More info: Northwest Missouri Safe & Sound Bridge Rehabilitations | Missouri Department of Transportation.

^*3 In 2024, the Governor signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, including an additional $100 million to continue low-volume road improvements. This funding will be used to improve conditions on 1,985 lane miles of rural roads at 149 locations, including the ones listed below. For more information on the Governor’s Rural Roads Program, visit Governor's Rural Roads Program | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org). 

Late Outburst Pushes Tiger Softball Past Trenton

A late outburst by Worth County pushed them past Trenton 10-4 in extra innings 10-4. It was supposed to be one of those games that coaches schedule to expose weaknesses and see what the team needs to improve. Sure enough, Trenton took a 2-0 lead after five and the Bulldogs looked to be in control.

All of a sudden, the Tigers realized they could play ball with them and started figuring out how to time up their pitcher. A key hit by Rylee Ruckman in the sixth fueled a rally that tied it up 2-2 and then the Tigers scored two more in the seventh to take a 4-2 lead. Trenton tied it up with a two run home run in the bottom of the seventh, only for the Tigers to erupt with six in the eighth to win it 10-4, with everybody up and down the lineup getting hits.

Coach Cody Green said he didn't say anything special to light a fire under them. "I just told them to keep playing the game they love," he said. 

The Tigers had two players back from injuries. Kristen Tracy, who had a scare when she was plunked in the back during warmups between innings at Eagleville, pitched the whole game. Riley Ridge came back from an injury and played the whole game.

Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, and Rylee Ruckman all got key hits for the Tigers. Trenton was very good at making contact and putting the ball in play. Kristen Tracy didn't strike out a lot of batters against a team that was difficult to strike out, but she got a lot of soft contact. There were a ton of pop flies, which forced a lot of communication, but several different people caught pop flies. Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, and Megan Tracy caught two, while Kristen Tracy and Keira Hardy caught one. 

Tigers Stopped at Goal Line, Fall 34-26 Against Rock Port

Worth County dug itself into a hole with poor tackling and three turnovers. They nearly got out of it, but were stopped one yard short of the goal line Friday as they lost 34-26 to Rock Port. Now, they have to lick their wounds and deal with injuries as they have been dropping like flies. First, Reyen Hansen, who figured to help out on the defensive line this year, tore his ACL. Then, Brayden Murphy, who was working his way into a starting line spot, broke his hand. Then, quarterback Hayden Sanders took a helmet to just below the knee from Jack Meyerkorth during the game and came out as Brock Healy was pressed into service. Then, Healy threw some good balls to Bo Collins and the Tigers nearly came back, only to be stopped on the one late in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers got the ball to start the game and Cole Ruby ripped off gains of 7 and 13 yards to the 40, showing some newfound ability to shed tackles. Hayden Sanders got a block from Cole Ruby and picked up ten more and a jet sweep from Jude Archer netted four. But they stalled there and Rock Port took over on downs. 

The Blue Jays wasted little time after a pass interference put it on the Tiger 39. They unveiled a freshman, Jacob McMahon, who the Tigers could not tackle to save their lives. He carried Rock Port down to the 18 and then a jet sweep to Logan Ellis picked up six to the 12. McMahon burst 12 yards for a score to make it 6-0.

During Rock Port's initial surge, the only thing stopping them was themselves as they picked up six penalties in the first quarter. A roughing the passer penalty fueled the Tigers' next drive, putting the ball at the 38. An offsides gave the Tigers a free first down at the 32. Cole Ruby converted a third and four, getting 23 yards to the three and then Bo Collins took a reverse pitch to the house with 8:06 left to make it 6-6.

Lucas Frisch batted down a pass on the next play to give the Tigers a chance to get the defense off the field, but they got no pressure on quarterback Westyn Amthor, who threw a strike to Jack Meyerkorth for 19 yards to the Tiger 33. Then, the tackling broke down on McMahon, who took it to the house. Meyerkorth caught the extra point pass to make it 14-6.

Once again, Rock Port shot itself in the foot to keep the Tigers in the game, getting a late hit and an offsides as the Tigers moved the ball to the 35. Hayden Sanders got a block from Lucas Frisch and took it to the house with 2:15 left to make it 14-12.

Worth County finally got a stop on its next series as Rock Port stopped itself with a mixup on a handoff and were forced to punt. But the Tigers could not take advantage, as Rock Port was in disarray on defense and didn't get set in time, leading to a long gain for the Tigers, only for them to get put behind the sticks by a block in the back penalty. Rock Port returned the ensuing kick to the 39 after the tackling broke down again, but the Tigers made a stand as Bo Collins batted down a pass at the line and Brayden Stevens broke up a pass. But a false start put the Tigers behind the sticks again and Hayden Sanders threw into double coverage and got picked off, with Jack Meyerkorth returning it to the Tiger 20. Then, Worth County got caught peeking in the backfield and Amthor threw a strike to Camden McEnaney for a score with 8:12 left to make it 22-12 after McMahon's run.

Things threatened to go from bad to worse after Cole Ruby was stopped twice for three yards and was cramping up. This is the third straight time the Tigers have lost their first game of the season, and each time, key players were cramping up in the sweltering heat at various points in the game. But then Hayden Sanders aired one out to Bo Collins, who took it to the house for 62 yards. Caleb New caught the extra point pass to make it 22-20 after Hayden Sanders took a bootleg down the left side and the Rock Port defender tried to come off New to make the play.

It looked like Worth County might take control after Cole Ruby got a block from Caleb New and ripped off 19 yards to the Rock Port 30 after Worth County finally started tackling McMahon. Lucas Frisch caught a pass down to the 13 and an offsides penalty put it on the 8. But then a mixup on the handoff turned into a fumble and Rock Port recovered.

Once again, the tackling on McMahon was nonexistent as he ripped off gains of 24 and 18 into Tiger territory. Worth County forced third and nine at the 27, only for McMahon to rip off an 11 yard sweep to the 16, A holding penalty put Rock Port behind the sticks, but a pass to Meyerkorth put the ball on the 5. Finally, McMahon ran it in with 21.5 seconds left to make it 28-20. Lucas Frisch broke up a pass to keep it at one possession. Worth County could only make it to the 38 before time expired for the half.

The second half started off well for the Tigers as Rock Port tried to go for it on fourth and four at their own 36, but a botched flea flicker play turned into a sack by Jude Archer and the Tigers had the ball at the Rock Port 34. But they could go nowhere with it and on fourth and five, Hayden Sanders underthrew his man and Meyerkorth picked it off and ran it back to the 35.

Worth County had two chances to get off the field, but could not get any kind of pressure on Westyn Amthor. On third and ten at the 35, Amthor had plenty of time and threw a strike to Meyerkorth for a first down at the Tiger 35. Then, Rock Port was behind the sticks with third and 12 at the 37, only for Amthor to have 10 seconds with which to survey the field. It was only a matter of time before he unleashed a strike to Meyerkorth to make it 34-20 with 5:37 left in the third.

On the ensuing extra point try, McMahon was seemingly stopped at the two, only for him to apparently lunge into the end zone, which would have made it 36-20. One of the officials signaled it good, but the call was waived off, meaning it was still 34-20.

Hayden Sanders pushed forward for a first down at the 33 on the next series, only for the blocking to break down on the next two plays and the Tigers were driven back to the 28. Sanders came off limping after he had taken a helmet to just below the knee and was done. But Brock Healy stepped right in and threw a strike to Bo Collins for 13 yards to the Rock Port 39 to make it a manageable down and distance. An option pitch to Cole Ruby got the first down at the 36. Brock Healy was sacked on the next play, only to throw a 19 yard strike to the 25 and a first down. Ryder Herron seemingly had Cole Ruby in his sights, only for Cole to find his second wind and run right by him and pick up 11 to the 14. Cole Ruby ran right through the defense for a score with 1:18 left in the third to make it 34-26.

Worth County finally got the kind of pressure on Amthor that they needed as Ryder Smyser beat Jaxon Smith and drew a holding penalty after Rock Port had gotten as far as the 23. Then, Sawyer Thurman, Bo Collins, and Ryder Smyser got in on a sack and Worth County had the ball on the Rock Port 39. But Worth County had two tries to score and came close, only to fall short both times. 

On the first, Lucas Frisch caught a counter pitch and took it 26 yards down to the 15. But on fourth and five at the Rock Port 10, Brock Healy came under a heavy rush and fumbled it away, giving Rock Port the ball on the 14. Wyatt Hill made back to back tackles on Rock Port's next series and Brayden Stevens broke up a pass to force a punt and Worth County had the ball back at its own 25. 

They were faced with fourth and three at their own 32, but Brock Healy aired it out to Caleb New, who hauled it in for 22 yards to the 26. A botched pitch set them back to the 29, but a roughing the passer penalty put it on the 14. Cole Ruby nearly got into the end zone on the next play, but stepped out of bounds at the three to set up first and goal. Two tries by Cole only got to the one, and Lucas Frisch was stopped short as well. On fourth down, Brock Healy tried an option and cut it in, taking on a defender much bigger than him, but was tackled at the two and Rock Port was able to run out the clock. 

Tenley Griffith Wins Two, Hailey McClure, Khloey Sperry Go Deep as Hawks Win Tri-County Jamboree

Freshman pitcher Tenley Griffith won two games and Hailey McClure went deep as Gilman City's softball team won two games and tied the third to win the Tri-County Jamboree Thursday. 

Gilman City 5, Pattonsburg 4

Gilman City seemingly broke open the first game, only to be left hanging by their fingernails for a 5-4 win in their first game. They bunched together two hits in the first inning, but Vanessa Weigand robbed Khloey Sperry from her third base position and Carlie Pittsenbarger robbed Kayleece Puls in left to kill the rally. 

But the Hawks showed the ability to get production from the lower part of their order as Parker Crabtree, Hailey McClure, and Caitlynn Chalfant all singled to make it 2-0. Chalfant advanced on a wild pitch and to third on Ellie Smith's groundout, and then Avery Gregg's slow roller down the third base line scored her to make it 3-0. Khloey Sperry reached on an error as Gregg made it to third and Tenley Griffith grounded out to score her. Sperry came home on a wild pitch to make it 5-0.

But despite losing a lot of horses from last year's 20-win season, Pattonsburg returns a group that does not give up easily and an error that allowed Cheyanne Miller to circle the bases ignited them. Singles by Jayden Goble and Addie Iddings and back to back triples into the vast outfield of Tri-County made it 5-4 and put Kaitlyn Estes on third with nobody out. 

But Griffith pulled herself together and struck out Vanessa Weigand and Carlie Pittsenbarger and got Kara Bernadino to ground out back to the mound to preserve the win.

Gilman City 6, East Harrison 0

After Kayleece Puls got a pair of outs at shortstop and Giffith struck out Aspen Zerbe to end the first, Avery Gregg singled to lead off the Hawk first. Gregg, who stole 42 bases last year without getting caught, was at it again and successfully swiped second. Khloey Sperry grounded to shot and Gregg came so far off second that she distracted her and she misplayed it as Sperry was safe and Gregg scored. Sperry stole second and Griffith's fly ball moved her to third. Allie Burke beat out an infield hit to score Sperry to make it 2-0.

Griffith worked around a walk in the second and then Khloey Sperry tripled into the right center field gap to start off the second. Tenley Griffith hit a line drive that sunk on the third baseman and everyone was safe. Sperry scored on a wild pitch and Alli Burke's Texas leaguer dropped into center to make it 4-0. 

Hawk second baseman Parker Crabtree made a diving shoestring catch to rob Avarie Thompson of a hit. That loomed up strongly as Taylor Whitaker walked and Lainey Thompson singled to put runners on first and third. But Zerbe grounded out to Griffith to end the threat.

Parker Crabtree hit a high hopper that skipped past short for her second hit and Hailey McClure caught hold of one and hit a screamer over everybody's head and circled the bases to make it 6-0. She hit two home runs last year and will provide a lot of power to the lower part of the order.

Gilman City 5, Tri-County 5

Gilman City moved some people around, putting Allie Burke on the mound, Avery Gregg behind the plate, and Khloey Sperry in center, giving people some reps just in case. Meanwhile, Tri-County had been getting better each game; after dropping their first game 3-0 to East Harrison, they played Pattonsburg tough before losing to them 4-2. 

The first one and a half innings was all Mustangs after Avery Chadwick robbed Khloey Sperry of a sure triple and right fielder Julie Courter robbed Tenley Griffith in right field of extra bases. The Mustangs and Hawks always play each other tough even when the record book suggests otherwise. Meanwhile, Gilman City threw away a dropped third strike in the Tri-County first; the outfield is so huge that it meant that Avery Chadwick circled the bases and Julie Courter scored as well to make it 2-0.

The sparkling plays continued for the Mustangs in the second inning as their shortstop robbed McClure of a base hit to end that frame.

But after Burke settled in and retired Tri-County in order and Ellie Smith wore one for the team, Khloey Sperry crushed a home run to right field to tie the game and bail out the Hawks. With two outs, Tenley Griffith scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-2 and then Hailey McClure reached on a throwing error to plate two more to make it 5-2.

But with their heart of the order coming up, the Mustangs came roaring back as Dani Critten crushed a triple down the right field line and later scored on a wild pitch to tie it at 5-5. Tri-County got more traffic on the bases, but Gilman City was saved by the bell as time expired before they could cash in. 

Maxine Washburn 1925-2025

Maxine Washburn, lifelong resident of the Hatfield, MO area passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, at the age of 100 years and 36 days old. She had been residing at the Worth County Convalescent Center for 10 months. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication to her family and farm.

Born Wilma Maxine on July 20, 1925, she was the youngest daughter of Edmond Howe and Eva Gertrude Humphreys James of Ringgold County, Iowa. Maxine attended the Chestnut Ridge one-room school through the 8th grade. Her fondest memories of school included a picnic at the cave on the Miller Farm. As a young girl she was baptized at the Old Watterson Quarry and attended the Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church.

On December 11, 1944, Maxine married her best friend, William Donald “Bill” Washburn in Leon, Iowa. Together, they began building a life centered on family, farming, and serving others raising 8 children along the way. Bill and Maxine first started housekeeping south-east of Mount Ayr, IA. They moved to southern Ringgold County, IA and finally settled in Harrison County, MO near the Hermix Community. Throughout her life, they lived near the Iowa/Missouri line within a few miles from where Bill and Maxine was born and raised.

Maxine was the epitome of a farm wife. She hauled grain over the hills and curves with children in tow, raised a large garden and strawberry patch, milked cows on their dairy, and tackled every job that needed doing. As a homemaker she always had a quilt in the frame ready for the next wedding, baby shower, college dorm room, or a friend in need. Her love for family was unsurpassed. Grandchildren anticipated going “over the river and through the woods” for holiday and birthday feasts, summers, and after-school stays at Grandma’s house. She had a passion for researching family genealogy and looked forward to organizing and attending family reunions. Maxine always wanted to be home by dark, feeling someone needed to be home to protect the family and farm.

Even after losing Bill tragically in 1987, she planned and enjoyed trips to Ohio and Canada to research family history, visit family and cemeteries. Maxine’s life was defined by strength, generosity, and love. She served as treasurer for the Lotts Grove #5 Country School, was a 4-H leader, and was known throughout the community as a resource for history and genealogy. She usually had an inside entertaining story to support the facts too.

Survivors include her children Jayla Mae Smith, Jamesport, MO; Joe (Carol) Washburn, Hatfield, MO; Rose (Mike) Washburn, Runnells, IA; Penny Washburn, Hatfield, MO; John (Marie) Washburn, Columbus, NE; Rob (Tina) Washburn, Eagleville, MO; Ten Grand-Children; Five Step-Grandchildren; Twenty-eight Great-Grandchildren; Three Step-Great-Grandchildren; and Two Great-Great Grandchildren.

Mrs. Washburn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill Washburn; son J.D. Washburn; daughter Mariann Pottorff; siblings Phrayne James, Bus James, Jessie Washburn, Jim James, and Darline Adkins.

Open Visitation will be held at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA on August 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 12:00 PM – 2:00PM. Services begin at 2:00 PM August 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Lotts Grove Cemetery, where Maxine will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bill.

Bernard Riley 1939-2025

Bernard Joseph Riley, 86, of Maryville, Missouri, passed away August 25, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph, surrounded by family.

He was born on August 13, 1939, to Thomas and Vivian (King) Riley on the three-generation Riley family farm in Ravenwood, Missouri; where his grandparents (John and Anna Riley) had been early settlers and his father Thomas was born. He married Sharon Luke on June 20, 1964, and they moved to the farm in 1966 where they raised their family. His roots ran deep on that farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother George Riley and sister-in-law Barbara Riley.

An early advocate for organ donation, stating, “Don’t take your organs to heaven – heaven knows we need them here!”, Bernard donated a kidney to his brother George in August 1994. He never gave it a second thought to donate and he was able to see the result of his gift for another ten years; saying “He’s not heavy Lord, he’s my brother.”

Bernard was a member and attended St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Catholic Church in Maryville. He was a 40-year member of the Tri-C American Legion Post 464, Conception Junction, Missouri. Since 1989, a member of the Maryville Bearcat Fraternal Order of Eagles and served many offices including State President and South-Central Regional President. He was inducted into the “Missouri State FOE Hall of Fame” in 2023 and received the “Missouri State FOE Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2025.

Bernard and his brother John had once followed the wheat harvest in Montana. He served his Country with the US Army National Guard in Maryville from 1958-65. He had worked for Allison Concrete in Stanberry, had delivered Falstaff Beer for Jim Vawter in the area, and had once owned the Palms Bar in Maryville from 1963-66. He was a farmer and raised cattle and hay. And he had worked as a union carpenter for 37 years, working for Grace Construction, and for Lehr Construction of St. Joseph.

His survivors include his wife of over 61 years, Sharon of the home in Maryville; his children, Christine Standiford (Wayne Corcoran), and children Ashley (Jordan) Smith, Amanda (Cori) Wardlow, and Angela Standiford, Raymond (Patti) Riley, and children, Lukas Riley, Johnathan Riley, Kristen Patterson, Shannon (Josh) Milbourn, and Justin (Hannah) Patterson, Roger Riley, (Jessica Klinefelter), and children, Abigail (Dakota) Hoecker, Gabriella Riley (Ari Ross), Saleena Scholbrock, and Caleb Fields, Sara (Doug) Freemyer, and children, Shelby (Gary) Wyant, and Kameron Freemyer, Rex (Tanya) Riley, and children, Brianna (Cory) Rosenbohm, Vanessa Riley, and Andrea Riley; his brothers, John and Leo (Linda) Riley, and sister-in-law, Mary Riley, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a parish and family Rosary at 4:30 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville; followed by a FOE memorial. The visitation will continue from 5:30-7:00 PM.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 1, 2025, at St. Gregory’s. The burial, with military honors, will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, Conception, Missouri. The funeral service will be live streamed through the church.

Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the diabetes education program with Deby Hull at Mosaic Medical Center, Maryville, the Midwest Transplant Network, and the Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease in Saint Joseph.

Missouri First State to Exempt Capital Gains Tax

By the Missouri Department of Revenue

Missouri House Bill 594 (HB 594), recently signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe, is landmark legislation that eliminates tax on capital gains for individuals and provides a path for corporations in Missouri to do so, as well. This bill makes Missouri the first state in the nation to completely exempt such tax for individual filers.

“The department is already preparing for next year’s tax season and we are making the adjustments required to accommodate this and other new laws that affect taxpayers,” Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said. “It is always a good thing when we can implement changes that put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Missouri citizens.”

The key provisions in HB 594 are outlined below:

For Individuals: Effective January 1, 2025, individuals can deduct 100% of all capital gains reported for federal income tax purposes when calculating their Missouri adjusted gross income. This applies to both short-term and long-term capital gains from assets such as stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrency.

For Corporations: Corporations can deduct 100% of capital gains from their federal taxable income when the top individual income tax rate in Missouri falls to 4.5% or lower. The corporate subtraction will take effect in the tax year following the year in which this rate reduction occurs. For 2025, the top individual income tax rate is 4.7%, meaning corporations will not be eligible for the deduction in tax year 2025. 

Tax preparers may want to review client withholdings and adjust them downward if clients are expected to be affected by this new subtraction. 

 

Opinion -- Missouri Ballot Initiative Would Establish Right to High Quality Public Education

By Missouri Right to Education

The Missouri Right to Education campaign is preparing to begin signature collection to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot that would guarantee every child in Missouri the right to high-quality public education.

Missouri is facing a number of challenges as we work to strengthen our communities and grow our economy. With an aging population and Missourians now dying at a faster rate than they are being born, it is essential that we give people every reason to make Missouri their home.  With the biggest driver of home selection being access to quality education, it is essential that Missouri raises its national profile through a constitutional commitment to that end.

Our constitution currently requires the legislature to provide free public schools, but there is no reference to our children having the “right” to adequate, thorough, and uniform high-quality education. Without a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to education, parents lack strong legal standing to hold the state accountable should it not uphold that right.

“This amendment is not about politics,” said Spencer Toder, Director of Missouri Right to Education. “It is about putting Missouri’s kids’ futures in writing. This will give teachers, parents, and communities the power to advocate for our students and make sure they get the kind of education that prepares them for a successful life.” 

The proposed amendment’s language has been submitted to the Secretary of State. To ensure voters have clear and accurate ballot language for the amendment, the campaign has filed a legal challenge to the state’s initial summary, which Toder asserts is false. “Why Secretary Hoskins would attempt to mislead voters who just want kids to have a right to education is beyond me, but we are confident that the courts will require fair and accurate language, and once that process is complete, we will begin signature gathering.”

The campaign emphasizes that the amendment does not add new programs or restrict educational opportunities. Its sole purpose is to ensure Missouri’s children have access to strong public schools across the state, no matter where they live. Missorians who are interested in getting involved in the effort can sign up to volunteer and contribute at MOEducation.org.

“The passing of this amendment will be a beacon to growing businesses across the country that Missouri is serious about fostering the most educated and prepared workforce possible.” Toder said. “Through a right to education, we will ensure a brighter future for Missouri.”                                  

 

Route M Bridge Near Denver Now Open

The East Fork River Bridge on Worth County Route M is now open following a deck replacement project. Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened the bridge on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The bridge on East Fork River Bridge has been closed since April 21.

Two other bridges are also included in this project -- the Zounds Creek Bridge on Gentry County Route B and the Middle Creek Fork Grand River Bridge on U.S. Route 169 in Worth County. For more information about this project, visit: https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth.

All work is expected to be completed by December 2025.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.

Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting www.modot.org

Hali Smith, Jaxcynn Hansel Hammer Mercer in Jamboree

North Harrison is looking to capitalize on its late season run last year, returning many of the same players that were on that squad. In the Jamboree, Jaxcynn Hansel and Hali Smith each bashed three hits. The hitting was spread out with Lani Briggs, Ava Rinehart, and Addison Milligan all getting two and Andi Nail beating out a scratch hit. Nail showed a newfound ability to move runners, as she sacrificed herself twice to bring runs home. A newcomer, Becca Welling, was crushing the ball hard in practice and it carried over into the jamboree as she hit a rocket back to Kristen Tracy for a hard out in the Worth County game and showed the ability to make contact. Ciera Hilburn showed potential to be a slugger as a freshman, once crushing a practice rubber fungo ball as hard as any softball and nearly taking out her partner, Erica Gerken, during hitting drills. Luckily, Gerken, the pitcher for the Shamrocks at the time, had plenty of experience dodging missiles. It is starting to pay off as Hilburn has started putting live pitching into play as a senior this year, hitting one solidly but right at someone in the Worth County game. Raegan Hogan, a freshman, is learning to be a slapper; if it pays off, she has good speed and has a chance of beating out anything she gets in play. 

The Shamrocks can slug with anyone with their one through five hitters. Their success will depend on how their six through nine hitters continue to progress and step up for third year coach Justin Joiner. 

Against Mercer, North Harrison was able to put it together as Addison Milligan singled with one out in the first. Milligan took second and third on wild pitches and Rinehart walked. Rinehart continued sprinting down to second and Mercer threw down, allowing Milligan to steal home for a successful double steal to make it 1-0. Jaxcynn Hansel's Texas leaguer dropped inn to score Rinehart and Hansel stole second. Hali Smith reached on a fielder's choice to short as Hansel took off for third and made it. Raelin Hogan walked and Becca Welling grounded out to score Hansel. Andi Nail beat out a scratch hit and the ball got away to allow two more runs to cross the plate and make it 5-0.

Kathryn Parkhurst, Lani Briggs, and Addison Milligan all walked and Ava Rinehart's fly ball was dropped, scoring Parkhurst. Jaxcynn Hansel wore one to force in another run. Hali Smith singled to score one and the cutoff throw got away to score another. Raegan Hogan drew another walk and Hansel scored on a wild pitch to make it 10-0.

Sari Rogers beat out an infield hit, took second and third, and scored on Lily Stark's groundout to put Mercer on the board at 10-1.

Becca Welling walked, advanced on Andi Nail's grounder, and took third on a wild pitch. Lani Briggs singled her home, allowing Welling to win a $1 bet as she crossed the plate. Three more Shamrocks singled in Addison Milligan, Ava Rinehart, and Jaxcynn Hansel and Rinehart came home on a wild pitch as the Shamrocks made it 14-1.

Mercer rallied in its half of the third as Paisley Wells and Lanie Rogers walked and Kylie Holt, Payton Davis, and Sari Rogers all singled before Addison Milligan stopped the bleeding with a catch to secure the 14-4 win. 

Kambree Briner Goes Six for Six as Tigers Sweep Jamboree

Kambree Briner went 6 for 6 for the Worth County softball team and nobody could get her out in either game as the Tigers won a slugfest from North Harrison and easily beat Mercer in the nightcap. The Tigers are playing the numbers game, with only ten out and already down one player in Riley Ridge (ankle). They had another scare when catcher Audrey Runde plunked pitcher Kristen Tracy during the first game during warmups; however, Kristen stayed in the game and moved to first as Megan finished out the first game and won the second. If the Tigers can make it through the season unscathed, then Briner figures to be quite a force for the Tiger squad this year.

Worth County 11, North Harrison 7

The Shamrocks had beaten the Tigers in Bethany this summer, but two walks and a scratch hit by Briner loaded the bases for the Tigers to start the first. A dropped fly ball opened the floodgates as three Tigers crossed the plate. Megan Tracy scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-0.

But North Harrison had gotten into plenty of high scoring slugfests during their late charge last year and they bounced right back as Lani Briggs started off with a triple to right. Ava Rinehart singled to center to score Briggs, stole second, and circled the bases on an errant throw to cut it to 4-2. Addison Milligan walked, Jaxcynn Hansel beat out a scratch hit, and Hali Smith singled home a run to make it 4-3 and put Hansel on third. Hali stole second and then Andi Nail grounded out and Becca Welling, a new player trying out softball for the first time, hit a rocket that Kristen Tracy knocked down, but her only play was at first as the Shamrocks took a 5-4 lead.

Kennedy Murphy reached on an error and Audrey Runde walked before Kambree Briner seemingly put a hex on the ball as she hit a bad hop single that bounced well over Hali Smith's head for her second scratch hit, scoring Murphy. Kristen Tracy doubled and all three Tigers scored as the Shamrocks threw the ball around to make it 8-5. The lower part of the order came through as Rayleigh Smith singled home Rylee Ruckman to make it 9-5.

After the injury scare, things could have snowballed for the Tigers, but Megan Tracy stepped in and struck out the first batter she faced and Rayleigh Smith caught a pair of balls in right field to get the Tigers out of the second inning with no damage done.

Audrey Runde and Kambree Briner singled to start the Tiger third, with Briner taking second on the unsuccessful throw to third. Kristen Tracy, showing no ill effects from being plunked the previous inning, crushed a double to score them both to make it 11-5.

Addison Milligan and Jaxcynn Hansel walked to start the Shamrock third. Hali Smith beat out Kambree Briner's throw from second and it got away as Milligan scored, Hansel took third, and Briner second. Andi Nail grounded out to score Hansel before Rylee Ruckman retired the last two Shamrock batters at shortstop.

Worth County 13, Mercer 1

Megan Tracy fought the strike zone to start off the first, but got two strikeouts to get out of the inning. Audrey Runde singled and Kambree Briner crushed a triple to put the Tigers on the board. Kristen Tracy reached on an error and Briner scored. Kristen and Megan Tracy both came home on wild pitches and Rayleigh Smith grounded out to score Rylee Ruckman to make it 5-0 after one.

Tracy settled in during the second and Kambree Briner helped out with her glove, snagging Emma Stark's screamer. 

Kennedy Murphy walked and went to second on a wild pitch. Kambree Briner's magic bat struck again as she stretched a single into a double to score Murphy. Kristen Tracy singled Briner to third and Kambree scored on a wild pitch. Addison Gray doubled to left to score Tracy to make it 8-0.

Kennedy Murphy walked and Briner's magic bat struck again as she singled. Megan Tracy walked to load the bases and Addison Gray got her second straight hit, singling to right. The ball got away and Gray made it to third as the bases cleared, making it 11-0. Rylee Ruckman singled to left and Kennedy Murphy walked to force in a run to make it 13-0.

Megan Tracy walked the first two batters and a throwing error let in the first run, but Addison Gray caught a fly ball and doubled a runner off second to end the game.

Missouri Now Allows Forfeiture of Vehicles for Resisting Arrest

Missouri House Bill 495, signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, now allows for impoundment and forfeiture of a vehicle if the driver is convicted of a felony for resisting arrest.

However, if the vehicle was stolen, the legal owner can retain legal rights to reclaim it. They can file a police report, provide proof of ownership, and request a post-seizure hearing. Owners need to prove that the vehicle was stolen, they had no knowledge or involvement in the crime, and they took reasonable steps to report the theft.

To recover a lost title, owners can apply for a duplicate title with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Fill out all owner and vehicle details, such as the VIN, year, make, your legal name, and Missouri address. Your signature must be notarized. Cost is $8.50 for a duplicate title fee and $6 for a processing fee for a total of $14.50.

Some jurisdictions can require payment of towing or storage fees even if the owner was not at fault. Owners can request a waiver.

House Bill 495 does not override existing protections for innocent owners. Missouri courts have typically upheld the principle that forfeiture should not punish uninvolved parties.

The preceding does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.