Khloey Sperry Blocks 8 Shots as Hawks Stun Warriors

Khloey Sperry rejected 8 shots in the paint and had a monster night with 11 points, 14 boards, and 8 steals as the bubble did not burst for Gilman City, who remained undefeated with a 37-30 win over Albany on the Warriors' home floor. The Hawks turned the ball over 22 times against Albany's swarming press and gave up 23 offensive boards against the Warriors yet somehow moved into the lead against them in the third quarter and held off a frantic rally at the end to preserve the win. Hailey McClure keeps getting better every time out and played the entire game, getting 11 boards and a pair of highlight film plays. Avery Gregg had 10 points, while Tenley Griffith stayed on the floor for the whole game, mixed it up with the Warriors, and got 11 boards.

Hailey McClure went coast to coast and finished with a left hand to give the Hawks a 5-2 lead early after Khloey Sperry stepped outside and hit a rare 3-pointer. But then, it looked like Albany would take over behind their swarming press and their post players, Jaiden Hillyard and Kaitlyn Bunker crashing the boards. Maddix Epperly hit a 3-pointer to tie it at 5 and Kennedi Epperly later hit another to make it 9-5 before Alli Burke hit a free throw to cut the Hawk deficit to 9-6. 

Khloey Sperry was doing all she could to keep the Hawks in the game, blocking five shots in the first quarter. But it looked like Albany was taking control after Jaiden Hillyard scored and Maddix Epperly scored off a steal to make it 13-8. But Avery Gregg hit a free throw after a fifth chance try, Hailey McClure got a tip in the post and Khloey Sperry got a steal, and then Sperry went coast to coast and found Avery Gregg open for three. Somehow, despite all the Hawk turnovers and Warrior offensive boards, Gilman City was back in front 14-13 late in the first half. Kaitlyn Bunker got a putback to put the Warriors back in front, only for Sperry to drive and score to put Gilman City back in front 16-15 at the half.

Albany made a concerted effort to get the ball into Jaiden Hillyard as she converted a lob to put the Warriors in front. Avery Gregg cleaned up after a missed transition look and then Khloey Sperry grabbed an offensive board and somehow managed to take a dribble against three Warrior defenders and powered up to make it 20-17. Hillyard put the Warriors right back in front with a shot from the high post and a putback to make it 21-20. It looked like Albany had the Hawks right where they wanted them; last year, the game between the two teams was close all the way before Albany pulled away in the fourth quarter.

But then Avery Gregg countered with a 3-pointer and Tenley Griffith got back-to-back putbacks, and despite all the mistakes, it was Gilman City gaining the separation with a 27-21 lead. Gregg followed with her third triple of the night to make it 30-21 after three.

Sperry scored from inside to start the fourth, and Alli Burke drove and drew a foul, hitting both free throws to make it 34-21. But Albany had a lot of fouls to give, and they do not give up easily when behind. Sure enough, Gilman City gave up one offensive board too many, and Kaitlyn Bunker powered up and converted to spark the Warriors. Maddix Epperly got untracked with a 3-pointer and Jaiden Hillyard blocked a shot with 3:40 left and went coast to coast with it to make it 35-28, still plenty of time. 

But then Hailey McClure got a defensive board after the Hawks got a stop on defense, and she went coast to coast. She missed the shot but grabbed her own board and made what turned out to be the dagger when she flung it over her shoulder and into the basket to stop the bleeding and make it 37-28. Albany had some chances to come closer after Bunker countered to make it 37-30 but went 0 for 4 from the line down the stretch before Gilman City was able to run out the clock.

Khloey Sperry had 11 points. Avery Gregg had 10, Alli Burke 7, Hailey McClure 5, and Tenley Griffith 4.

Khloey Sperry had 8 blocks and Avery Gregg 1. All the rejections seemingly had an effect on the Warriors, who shot 13 for 59 from the field and 1 for 8 from the line. 

Khloey Sperry had 14 boards. Hailey McClure and Tenley Griffith had 11 each, Alli Burke 5, and Avery Gregg 3.

Khloey Sperry had 5 assists. Avery Gregg had 2 and Hailey McClure 1.

Tenley Griffith had 7 tips. Hailey McClure had 4 while Avery Gregg, Khloey Sperry, and Alli Burke had 3.

Khloey Sperry had 8 steals. Tenley Griffith and Avery Gregg had 2, while Hailey McClure and Alli Burke had 1 each.

Brock Healy Lifts Tigers in OT Thriller; Dylan Smith Grabs Two Key Steals

Brock Healy got a game-winning 3-pointer and Dylan Smith got two key steals, one at the end of regulation and one at the end of overtime that preserved the 42-40 Tiger victory over King City Friday. 

The Tigers were supposed to be run out of the gym by a revenge-minded King City squad that has built itself into one of the key basketball powers in the area under Chris McMillan. But Worth County kept hanging around for the entire game and then finally grabbed the lead at the end.

Worth County was supposed to be rusty and out of practice, but they won handily against North Nodaway and NEN in its first two games. Friday was supposed to be different against King City, but they picked up right where they left off as Caleb New and Brock Healy each hit 3-pointers to put the Tigers up 6-0. But then everything started going from bad to worse as they suddenly missed shots that they had made throughout their first two games. Caleb New put Worth County up 8-5 after one quarter after Jonathan Garlock hit a guarded three to cut it to one, but then Worth County kept missing shot after shot as King City started taking control. Garlock hit a pair of shots to put King City in front to start the second, Cayden Wainscott added a free throw, and then Coltin Potter got a steal after Worth County botched a last-second end of quarter play and converted at the other end to put King City up 12-8 at the half.

Caleb New finally got going for the Tigers as they got an early push to get to within 15-13 to start the second half. But the lid came off the basket for King City as well, and they pushed back in front despite foul trouble as Josiah Schellhorn's free throws put them up 25-18. Collin Potter put them ahead by as much as 27-19 before Brock Healy finally got untracked to cut it to 27-21 after three.

Back-to-back jacks by Caleb New and Brock Healy finally tied the game at 29, only for Garlock to hit a tough shot to put King City back in front. Hayden Sanders fouled out, and King City continued the momentum, getting a free throw and then a third-chance putback from Landon Carlson to put them up 34-29 with 2:25 left. 

Caleb New kept Worth County afloat with two more 3-pointer to cut it to 36-35, and Dylan Smith got a tie-up. But the possession arrow was in King City's favor, and they ran down the clock to 14 seconds before Worth County fouled Garlock and put him on the line. He made the first to make it 37-35, but missed the second, touching off a wild scramble. Finally, Ryder Smyser came up with it and pushed it ahead to Brayden Combs, who got behind the King City defense for a game-tying layup with seven seconds left.

King City got the ball back with a chance to win in regulation and they tried to air it out. But Dylan Smith got the first of two key steals and hung on to the ball as time expired in regulation.

Jonathan Garlock drove and hit a pullup to start the extra period, and the score was stuck there for the next two minutes. Finally, Caleb New got a midrange shot to go down to tie it at 39. Cayden Wainscott hit a free throw to put King City up 40-39 with 52 seconds left. Caleb New missed a good look at a 3-pointer, but Jordan Dannar stole the ball back to give the Tigers another chance. This time, Brock Healy drove around a Ryder Smyser screen and was wide open for the go-ahead three to put the Tigers up 42-40 with 10 seconds left. King City got the ball into its end with 6.3 seconds left and tried the same backdoor play they did at the end of regulation. But once again, Dylan Smith was ready for it and picked it off. The last four seconds took an eternity to tick off, but Caleb New threw the ball high in the air to kill the game.

Caleb New had 23 points. Brock Healy had 11, Hayden Sanders 3, Brayden Combs 2, and Ryder Smyser, Dylan Smith, and Ethan Lininger had 1. 

Ryder Smyser had 1 block.

Caleb New had 14 rebounds. Hayden Sanders had 8, Ryder Smyser 7, Brock Healy 4, and Dylan Smith and Brayden Combs 3 each.

Brock Healy had 4 assists. Brayden Combs had 2, and Hayden Sanders, Caleb New, Ryder Smyser, and Dylan Smith had 1.

Brock Healy had 7 tips. Dylan Smith had 5, Caleb New 4, Ethan Lininger 2, and Hayden Sanders 1.

Dylan Smith had 6 steals. Caleb New had 4, and Brock Healy, Jordan Dannar, and Brayden Combs had 1.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 10th, 2025

On December 2nd, Highway 136 was closed in Harrison County between Highway CC and T due to a Smithfield semi-truck carrying hogs catching fire.

On December 2nd, Lisa Tolen (54) of Jameson pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Micah Lea Dixon. Defendant must reside at DuPont Health Living Facility and make restitution of $700.

On December 2nd, Fabeik Maker (29) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Driving While Revoked and Speeding (26+ mph over). He was sentenced to 12 days in jail with credit for time served and fined $248 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon.

On December 2nd, Scott Mullen (34) of Pattonsburg pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). He was fined $80.50 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon.

On December 3rd, Jesse Gray (48) of Gallatin pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to two counts Harassment (1 Felony), Domestic Assault, Property Damage, Delivery of Marijuana (Felony), and Witness Tampering (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Daren Adkins and sentenced to 83 days in jail with credit for time served. Defendant may have no contact with victims.

On December 3rd, Alonso Alegria (20) of Los Indios (TX) pleaded guilt in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident) and Leaving the Scene. He was fined $300.50 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On December 3rd, Casey George (46) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Violation of Protection Order. He was sentenced to 5 days in jail and placed on two years probation by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On December 3rd, Jimmy Allen (64) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Tampering with Evidence (Felony). He was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Atkins.

On December 3rd, Mbukani Mwenebatu (22) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to charges of Tampering with Motor Vehicle, DWI, Speeding, and No Valid License. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Daren Adkins, fined $380.50 plus costs, and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

On December 3rd, Christopher Wright (42) of Ridgeway pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and No Valid License. He was sentenced to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Atkins and fined $300 plus costs.

On December 3rd, Christopher Erickson (49) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of DWI (Felony). He was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Atkins. Court retains jurisdiction for 120 days and the DOC will make recommendations regarding incarceration or probation.

On December 3rd, Sianna Glass (19) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). She was placed on five years probation by Judge Daren Atkins.

On December 3rd, Billy Jack Hurn (44) of Lathrop pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Speeding (26+ mph over), four counts Littering, and No Seat Belt. He was fined $10, placed on two years probation, and sentenced to two days in jail by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On December 3rd, Brandon Wyatt (29) of Gallatin pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to charges of two counts Burglary (Felony), Domestic Assault (Felony), Kidnapping (Felony), and Property Damage. He was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Adkins.

On December 4th, Donald Gillespie (63) of Grant City pleaded guilty in Worth County Circuit Court to charges of DWI (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), No Insurance, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident). He was placed on probation for five years by Judge Corey Herron and ordered to serve 120 days shock time in jail and pay fines of $150.50 plus court costs.

On December 4th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Lee Norman (44) of Ravenwood alleging three counts Stealing (Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was denied. This is in addition to earlier charges the defendant had picked up.

On December 4th, Brian Cuchetti (33) of Albany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to two charges of Driving While Revoked (Felony). He was placed on five years probation and sentenced to 30 days in jail by Judge Corey Herron.

On December 4th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Isaiah Ferguson (25) of Conception Junction alleging Sex Offender Present Within 500 Feet of Park (Felony).

On December 4th, James Smith (45) of Albany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Resisting Arrest (Felony), and Driving While Revoked (Felony). He was sentenced to 14 days in jail with credit for time served and placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On December 4th, Kaliah Wilson (20) pleaded guilty in Livingston County Circuit Court to a charge of Making a Terroristic Threat (Felony). She was placed on five years probation by Judge Ryan Horsman.

On December 5th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jaycee Dreher (32) of Maryville alleging Witness Tampering (Felony) and Hindering Prosecution (Felony). Bond was set at $30,000.

On December 8th, Judge Corey Herron issued an arrest warrant for Tyler Storm (38) of Maryville following receipt of a violation report. Bond was denied. Defendant was on probation for a charge of Possession of Child Pornography (Felony).

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. 

 

Opinion -- Missouri Right to Education Initiative Wins Court Victory

By Missouri Right to Education

Missouri Right to Education announced a major legal victory today in its effort to guarantee high-quality public education as a fundamental right. A Missouri court ruled in favor of Spencer Toder, the initiative’s Director, in his lawsuit challenging the Secretary of State’s false and misleading ballot language.

At issue was whether the Secretary of State’s proposed summary fairly and sufficiently represented the amendment, which seeks to make high-quality public education – adequate, thorough, and uniform – a fundamental right in the Missouri Constitution. The court sided with Toder, with the state unable to provide evidence that the amendment would result in negative outcomes for “students with disabilities and low-income families,” as stated in the Secretary of State’s proposed summary.

“Only public schools guarantee that all students are provided education, regardless of financial status or ability,” Toder said. “It’s unacceptable that we consistently ask our public schools to do more with less. When passed, we will finally be able to hold the state accountable and ensure that every child in Missouri has access to a public school with the necessary resources for them to thrive. When our kids are well educated, companies will flock to Missouri and our economy will soar. High-quality public education is the foundation of every successful community.”

The ruling orders the State to adopt clear language that accurately reflects the purpose of the initiative: ensuring every child in Missouri has a right to a high-quality public education.

“We filed this ballot initiative because schools across the country are shutting down as politicians take money from public schools and send it to private schools as a handout to their wealthy donors,” said Toder. “We’re seeing it happen in states like Arizona and Florida and Missouri is running the exact same playbook. The only thing that can stop it is this constitutional amendment. It is important to ask why any politician or organization would want to stand in the way of providing high quality public education for all kids.”

Missouri is currently 49th in state funding for public education and 49th for teacher pay.

“The idea that further defunding our schools is good for our communities is insane, but this amendment will not only stop the state from taking resources away from our public schools, but will finally give us the ability to ensure that we are competitive nationally and that our children have all of the opportunities they deserve.”

Missourians can sign up to volunteer and donate to the initiative at moeducation.org

About Missouri Right to Education:
Missouri Right to Education is a nonpartisan, citizen-led effort committed to ensuring every child in Missouri has access to a high-quality public education. By amending the Missouri Constitution to guarantee this right, the initiative seeks to strengthen public schools, improve accountability, and build a stronger future for Missouri’s families, workforce, and economy. To qualify to be on the November 2026 ballot, Missouri Right to Education must collect approximately 172,000 signatures across six congressional districts by May 3rd, 2026.

 

1917 Conway Fire Caused $30,000 in Damages

Conway was visited by another disastrous fire Monday afternoon, this being the second conflagration within a month.  Three business houses were wiped out entirely entailing a loss of $30,000.00.  Some insurance was carried in each case but not enough to cover the damage sustained.

The fire started in the basement of the Conway Hardware company and spread rapidly.  Two neighboring buildings were soon burning and as the task of curbing the flames proved too great for the small army of men and women who were exerting all their energies toward securing water and saving stock, a call for help was sent to nearby towns, the Bedford fire company making a record run in automobiles, covering the ten miles in 15 minutes.  The big fire engine was pulled by a motor truck and arrived in just 45 minutes. 

As soon as the local boys arrived, they took steps to save other buildings threatened and soon had the blaze under control, relieving the worn out workers who had struggled valiantly against big odds earlier in the game.

The other two buildings destroyed were Bates & Piper general store and John Dant, poultry, butter and eggs.

Conway has had more than her share of fires the past month and it is hoped that the proverbial third will not materialize. 

From the Bedford Times Republican of 9 August, 1917

 

Ice Fishing in Northwest Missouri

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

The following are safety recommendations for ice fishing and places to ice fish in northwest Missouri. A minimum of four inches of new, clear, solid ice is the general rule for a person to safely walk on. Ice thickness and strength can vary depending on the body of water, melting that has occurred, air temperature, snow cover, water kept open by wildlife like geese, etc.

It is best to ice fish with someone else in case of emergencies. Some recommended safety equipment are a life jacket, ice picks on a line to put around your neck, ice cleats for your feet to prevent falls, rope, and a throwable cushion.

The Missouri Dept. of Conservation has many conservation areas with lakes and ponds to ice fish.  You can go to www.mdc.mo.gov or use the free MO Outdoors app to find information about conservation areas like maps, regulations, etc.

Some of the public bodies of water in NW MO to ice fish are Mozingo Lake, Seat Conservation Area (ponds), Harrison County Lake, Pony Express Lake, Limpp Lake, Worth County Lake, Happy Holler Lake, and Smithville Lake. Fishing permits are required for public water ice fishing, and can be purchased at vendors across Missouri, through the MDC MO Hunting permit app, or online at www.mdc.mo.gov.

 

NEN Christmas Dressup Days

December 11th — Candy Cane Day; wear red & white.

December 12th — Flannel Friday; wear your cozy flannels.

December 15th — Winter’s Nap; wear your pajamas or comfy sweats.

December 16th — Holiday Ugly Sweater; wear your ugly holiday sweater.

December 17th — Christmas Lights. PreK & K — red; 7th & 1st — orange; 8th & 2nd — yellow; 9th & 3rd — green; 10th & 4th — blue; 11th & 5th — purple; 12th & 6th — pink; faculty — favorite color.

December 18th — Winter Wonderland. Wear blue and white.

December 19th — Deck the Halls. Wear your favorite Holiday accessories.

All apparel must comply with the school dress code. No hats allowed.

There will be a junior high and high school spirit competition. The class with the highest participation on random dress-up day checks will earn a special treat during the Homecoming float building day.

 

Opinion -- Court Rules Language for Anti-Abortion Measure Insufficient

 By the Missouri ACLU

A panel of judges at the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District found ballot language from both the Legislature and Secretary of State insufficient for failing to inform voters that the anti-abortion Amendment 3 would repeal and replace the Right to Reproductive Freedom that Missourians approved in 2024.

“With bills filed already threatening prosecution against providers and patients, it is crucial that Missourians know they are being asked to end the protections for reproductive health care that we just passed in the last general election,” said Tori Schafer, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the ACLU of Missouri. “This amendment 3 not only imposes strict bans on health care for Missourians but allows the anti-abortion politicians to impose similar restrictions on abortion that prevented access to care.”

The court recognized the potential impacts of Amendment 3, passed as HJR 73, stating, “HJR 73 eliminates the fundamental right as established by [the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative], and, in its place, places more limitations on the circumstances under which an abortion may be performed and allows the General Assembly to enact laws broadly regulating abortions, abortion facilities, and abortion providers.”

The court rewrote both the summary statement that voters will see on the ballot and the fair ballot language which informs voters of what a yes and no vote will mean.

The court certified the following summary statement:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;

Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve-weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;

Allow legislation regulating abortion;

Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;

Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?

The court certified the following fair ballot language:

A “yes” vote will repeal Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by the voters in 2024 which provided reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability; continue to ensure women’s ability to access medical care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages; allow legislation to regulate abortion providers and facilities to ensure health and safety; require informed and voluntary consent for an abortion, including parental or judicial consent for minors; allow restriction of abortions to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies; prohibit public funding of abortions except in limited circumstances; and prohibit gender transition procedures for minors including gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs, with exceptions for specific medical conditions.

A “no” vote will leave Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by voters in 2024 in place; will not limit abortion to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies, but leave access to abortion available through fetal viability; will not prohibit gender transition procedures for minors.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes. 

The ACLU of Missouri and Stinson LLP filed the lawsuit against the Secretary of State in July of 2025.

 

Kindness Club to Tattoo Teachers

Worth County Kindness Club is selling chances to tattoo their favorite teachers. For $1 a tattoo, you can help cover your favorite teachers in fun, temporary tattoos.

On December 10th at PTO Night in the Jungle, they will be there from 5 to 6:30 pm. On December 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, and 17th, they will be at the top of the ramp in the Worth County Elementary.

All proceeds will go to support the activities of the Kindness Club. Members were at the recent game between Worth County and North Nodaway raising funds for the organization.