Route T in Allendale on Unfunded Needs List

On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Transportation released a draft list of high-priority unfunded needs list for roads and bridges around the state. The document identifies $4.7 billion in unfunded transportation needs for the system and guides the development of future projects as state and federal transportation dollars become available. 

The document breaks it down into several tiers. Tier one includes $541 million in needs that could be included through the current program as federal and state funding becomes available. Tier two outlines $2 billion of needs that go beyond the current program. Tier three includes $2.1 billion of additional needs beyond the first two tiers. In addition, the DOT has identified $1 billion more in transportation needs beyond this list and $1.1 billion in statewide operations and maintenance needs. The draft document is open for public comment. The DOT has an online comment form available on its website through September 10th.

Tier two includes the following unfunded transportation needs in the area:

Nodaway -- Intersection improvement on Route 136 at Katydid Road east of Maryville. 

Nodaway -- Intersection improvement on Route 71 and South Avenue in Maryville. 

Worth -- Pavement resurfacing on Route T from Allendale to the Iowa State Line.

Tier three includes the following unfunded transportation needs in the area:

Daviess -- Rehabilitate I-35 from Route C to Route 69.

Harrison -- Major Interstate reconstruction on I-35.

Other unfunded needs include the following:

Gentry -- Extend runway at Albany Municipal Airport.

Nodaway -- Add or reconstruct sidewalk from North Laura to South Davis, 1st Street to South Avenue, and Munn to University Drive in Maryville.

Nodaway -- Planning for trail from Maryville to Lake Mozingo.

Nodaway -- Add or reconstruct sidewalk College Avenue to 16th Street, North College Avenue to North Main, and University Drive to North Main in Maryville.

Nodaway -- Extend runway at Northwest Missouri Regional Airport in Maryville. 

Jack Cottrell, Margaret Bishop are Oldest People at Allendale 4th of July

Around 800 people were at the 2026 version of the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast Saturday as a threatened rain did not materialize. The balloon rides that were promised were canceled due to forecasted weather Friday night, but that did not materialize either, as it all missed the area to the north, hitting Iowa instead.

Jack Cottrell of Grant City was the oldest man as he was still everywhere at 96 years young. Margaret Bishop of Mount Ayr was the oldest woman at 95. Roeh Miller, at four weeks old, was the youngest girl; she is the daughter of Dylan and Chelsea Miller of Allendale. Indiana Wall, son of Lincoln and Molli Wall of Blockton, was the youngest boy. Joe Olney of Abbeville (LA) was the farthest away, coming from 950 miles away.

Paul Myers, whose brother was killed in Vietnam, raised the flag. He and other veterans were recognized, including, but not limited to Roger Knight, Dick Snethen, Jim Coulson (long-time Sheridan mail carrier), Jack Cottrell, Lee Mincy, Bill Tracy, Kyle Dignan, Ron Richards, Will Brown, and Charles Kreitlow.

Some political candidates spoke. Casey Scott, Democratic candidate for Second District House Representative, said she wanted to be a voice for working mothers in the legislature who work 2-3 jobs as well as try to raise kids. She wanted to see full funding for public schools and to reverse what she called the broken promises of the state, which she says underfunds the school drastically in violation of the Missouri Constitution.

Ms. Scott said she also wanted to be an advocate for healthcare; she said that too many people were being forced to make choices between finances and medical care, delaying care until a medical emergency such as a terminal cancer that spread throughout the body or some other terminal illness.

She said that many people lost their jobs due to inadequate healthcare and that many veterans were struggling to access the system in order to get benefits they were entitled to. She said there were groups that were more than willing to help veterans, but they were all running on shoestring budgets and could not replace a fully functional veterans healthcare system. “People keep telling me it’s time for a change,” she said.

Melissa Percell, Republican candidate for Worth County Clerk, said that if elected, she would put her 20 years of experience to work for the county and promised transparency to the people.

Brandon Allee, Republican candidate for Worth County Clerk, said that he was asked to run following the retirement of Roberta Owens and that it would be hard to fill her footsteps, but that if elected, he would work hard for the people of Worth County.

Brandon Harvey, Republican candidate for House District 2, said that his background in banking, ag, and commercial business qualified him to be the next state representative. He pledged to fully fund rural schools and to work for good roads and bridges and adequate water supply.

 

 

Tragic Teen Death in Allendale in 1887

From the January 13th, 1887 Grant City Star:

DIED — At the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt Campbell on Sunday, January 2nd, 1887, Miss Jennie M. Campbell, aged 19 years, 1 month, and 10 days, after suffering 50 days from typhoid fever. The funeral services were held at Allendale January 4th, and were conducted by the Rev. B.M. Danford, her pastor, to a large number of sorrowing friends.

Jennie was a noble girl, possessed of a sweet and lovable disposition, and a kind heart; she was loved by all who knew her, and her sudden death when just blooming into a glorious womanhood, will be a heartrending affliction to the loving parents, fond brothers and sisters, and her many true friends.

As we think of the sweet face, and loved form, now hidden from sight until the end of time, our heart goes out in tender sympathy to the bereaved parents, and the lines of the poet...

There is a reaper whose name is Death,

And with his sickle keen

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,

And the flowers that grow between,

...remind us that none can escape, the young and the beautiful nor the old and inform, and life is very short at best.

The Star sympathizes deeply with the grief-stricken family. The following lines are contributed by a friend of the deceased.

Weep not for Jennie, though she is dead,

Let no bitter tears for the loved one be shed,

For with joy she leaves this world of woe,

To receive a bright crown in Heaven, we know.

 

Weep not for Jennie; her joy is increased,

From all earth’s sorrow, she is now released.

On bright, silvery wings she has soared away,

To praise her dear Lord in one endless day.

 

Weep not for Dennie, oh brothers, kind,

That she the Kingdom first should find,

For, parted now, you’ll meet again

On Jordan’s banks to praise your king.

 

Weep not for Dennie, oh sisters dear,

That her voice on earth no more you’ll hear;

But live for Christ and you will gain

A place with her where Jesus reigns.

 

Pickering Family Reunites in Allendale

The Pickering family gathered June 19th at the Allendale Community Building.

Everyone was excited to meet cousins we hadn’t met before and some we hadn’t seen in a while.

There were 35 of us and the food tables were full.

Grandpa Will and Grandma Sue would have been pleased.

Randy and Tina brought a wooden rolling pin and everyone signed it as a keepsake.

Attending and telling stories were: Randy & Tina Sweat (Albany), Billie Fern Wake and Diane Garrett (Grant City), Jerry and Susanne Hiatt (Kansas City), Ang LeMay (Grant City), John and Darleen Kenny (Denver), Vicki Pickering (Atchison), Shaun, Lane, Elanor, David, and Samuel Pickering (Pataskala, Ohio), Tina Long, Jacqueline Stevens Leathers (Kansas City), Linda Pittsenbarger Pickering (Mount Ayr), Greg and Amy (Pickering) Mobley (Maloy), Maddie and Aubry Sickels (Bedford), Marcia Beagle (Grant City), Mike and Becky Worley (Kansas City), Barb Pickering (Grant City), Todd and Stephanie Pickering (Wakefield, Kansas) and Dawsyn (Grant City), Judy Steinman, Whitney, Isaac, Daelynn, and Hudson Landry (Albany).

The family will get together again in December at the Oldtowne Café.

 

Evelyn Groom, Jack Cottrell are Oldest at Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast

Evelyn Groom was the oldest woman at the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast and Jack Cottrell was the oldest man Friday.

There were people from all over the country, including Florida, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and California present.

The youngest boy was Jesse Schrock, two months old, son of Dillon Schrock. The youngest girl was Ainsley Runde, daughter of Alaina (Freeman) Runde of Ravenwood.

Pastor Pudge and the Redneck Revival performed for the second year in a row.

Mayor Kevin Harding gave the welcome.

Among the veterans recognized were Bill Calhoon, Paul Myers, Ralph Kobbe, Jack Cottrell, Ron Richards, Mike Fletchall, Jeff Ruckman, along with Bob Courtney, aka Pastor Pudge, who served on the USS Blue Ridge.

The farthest away was Dean Olney, who came from Sacramento (CA).

Jim Motsinger, who graduated in 1961 and who now lives in Houston, came up to visit along with two of his sons.

The weather cooperated for the event; it was nice and warm. Around 500 people showed up, and there was enough breakfast for everyone for the 61st edition. People still missed the late J.W. Harding, who emceed the event for over 40 years.

 

Veteran Walking 1,000 Miles to Texas Passes Through Allendale

Recently, Daniel Crawford, a veteran walking from Minnesota to Texas, passed through Allendale, where he ate at the OldTowne Cafe. He once served in the HMX1 division while Bill Clinton was President, flying him around.

Currently, Daniel is walking to raise funds for 23rd Veteran, which is a support group for veterans. His goal is to reach Austin (TX) by April 8th, where he intends to view a total eclipse of the sun. He plans to mark his 729th day of being sober there. 

23rd Veteran is a Minnesota-based support group for veterans which helps veterans with mental health issues. They offer a 14 week program which helps the brain redirect negative triggers from military experiences to new positive memories and emotions.

As of Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $31,950 of the $75,000 it is seeking to raise. To donate, visit https://impact.23rdveteran.org/campaign/1-000-miles-of-gratitude/c561316

Evelyn Groom is Oldest Woman, Jack Cottrell is Oldest Man at Allendale

Evelyn Groom was the oldest woman at the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast Tuesday. She is about to turn 93. Betty Dunfee was a close second. Groom was accompanied by her son Mike. Jack Cottrell, also at 93, was the oldest man. 

Nola Olney, from California, was the farthest away. She lives 1,700 miles from Allendale. Galen and Joyce Gamel, formerly of Grant City and now from South Carolina, were a close second. 

Blake Dodson, at two months, was the youngest boy at 2 months. He is the son of Kevin and Meridee (Scott) Dodson, who make the trip from Tarkio to Allendale every year. Jane Sleep, daughter of Allison (Hunt) Sleep, at 10 months, was the youngest girl.

The celebration was held from 6 am to 10 am. Brad Gabriel of Agriland provided the gas for the cooking. Roger Wink provided the processing for the meat. Richard and Rosa Williams of the Allendale Baptist Church provided the bottled water. 

Veterans and members of the military were recognized. New this year was the Space Force, created a few years ago by President Donald Trump. It now has its own flag and anthem. It and the other five branches of the Armed Forces were recognized.

Recognized for their service to their country were Lee Mincy (Army), Melbourne Fletchall (Army), Joe Marshall (Army), Rick Frese (Army), Charles Kreitlow (Army), Ronnie Wilkinson (Air Force), Galen Gamel (Army), Ron Richards (Marines), Jack Cottrell (Army), Sean Cameron (Army), Ralph Kobbe (Army), Larry Jennings (Army), Paul Myers (Navy), Bill Calhoon (Air National Guard), Jim Coulson (Army), and Nola Olney (Navy). 

Man Travels from Australia to Attend Allendale Breakfast

The Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast got international attention Monday as Axel Levitan of Sydney (Australia) came from halfway around the globe to attend the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast. He is a friend of Kevin and Jeannie Harding. He was put to work helping to serve the breakfast, and he was honored for being the farthest away. Other candidates were from Oregon and Colorado.

Evelyn Groom (91) was the oldest woman present, while Jack Cottrell (92) was the oldest man. Kyson Bern Humes, held by his grandmother Beth Davis, was the youngest boy while Odelia Newman, daughter of Carlie Newman, was the youngest girl at three months. 

The Family Circle Singers performed. 2nd District House candidates Randy Railsback and Mazzie Boyd spoke briefly at the gathering, with Railsback presenting Mayor Kevin Harding with a US flag and a flag of Missouri. 

The tribute to the veterans was held, with 20 veterans coming up on stage to be recognized and honored. 

Pioneers of Worth County: W.F. Calhoun Lived on Same Allendale Farm for 66+ Years

Back in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the pioneer families of Worth County were celebrated. W.F. Calhoun of Allendale, as of May 1928, had lived on the same farm near Allendale for 66 years according to the May 2nd Worth County Tribune. He was affectionately known as Uncle Barley.

In 1856, Calhoun’s parents came to Worth County and settled in Lotts Grove. In 1862, they moved to the farm where W.F. would go on to live for the next 66+ years. In 1869, he married Julia House, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Arch House. 12 children were born, of whom 10 were living as of May 1928. They were Frank, Ed, Fred, George, all of Allendale; Albert Calhoun of Grand Island (NE), Mrs. Gilbert Roberts of California, Maggie Campbell of Oregon, and Mrs. Mann Murray, Mrs. Henry Sims, and Miss Leona Calhoun, all of Allendale.

As of 1928, Uncle Barley and his wife were 80 years young. He served as Worth County Collector for one term, and he was a Justice of the Peace for Smith Township for several years. They were still in good health.

Area Election Results for April 5th, 2022

All results are unofficial. By law, results cannot become official until Friday at 12 noon.

Grant City Sales Tax

Yes 119, No 44. Passed.

Proposition Tigers

Yes 270, No 266. Failed; needed 4/7. Results include Independence Township.

Worth County School Board

Josh Fletchall 333, Ashley Rush 256, Brad Maudlin 379. Results include Independence Township.

Worth County Road & Bridge Levy

Yes 410, No 118. Passed.

Allendale Village Levy

Yes 26, No 1. Passed.

Sheridan Mayor

Ashley Rush 20, Barry Lyle 2, Candy Martin 1, Rick Morrow 1, Butch Thomas 1, Jim Bullock 1, Chris Fletchall 1.

Sheridan City Council

Mary Jo Riley 16, Candy Martin 15, Rodney Martin 2, Gary James 2, Dan Barnett 2, Jeff Blaine 2, Larry Dowis 1, Ashley Rush 1.

Village of Worth

Adam Downing 4, Nick Combs 3, Stacie Downing 2, Thor Downing 2, Angel Roush 2, Linda Hubbard 2, Alicia Combs 1, Gene Bowen 1, Joe Gardner 1, Selina Gardner 1, Montana Lykins 1.

Northeast Nodaway School Board

Karl Wilmes 156, Kenna Florea 137, Randa Doty 109. Results include Worth County.

North Nodaway School Board

Krista Barcus 182, Jerime Bix 119, Kane Oberhauser 212.

North Nodaway Proposition PFK (Progress for Kids)

Yes 184, No 95. Passed.

Ravenwood Mayor

Bryan Sobotka 50, Bill Stephenson 29.

Adeline Grindstaff Colvin of Pleasant Hill Church Finished the Race

The September 21st, 1932 Times-Tribune recounted the story of Adeline Grindstaff Colvin, who went to the Pleasant Hill Church and who finished the race:

Adeline Grindstaff, daughter of W.M. And Evangeline Grindstaff, was born October 11th, 1875 and departed this life September 13, 1932 age 56 years, 11 months, and 2 days.

She was united in marriage to Robert Edward Colvin November 15, 1994. To this union were born six children, Ruby, Opal, Eldon, and Hale, Willie, and Earl having died in infancy.

She confessed faith in Christ many years ago at Allendale. For the last several years, she has been a worshiper with the Pentecostal people of Pleasant Hill, accepting the deeper work of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Even in her last several months of suffering, her greatest pleasure was in prayer and praise to God. With those of like precious faith, she always said, “I am ready to live or die as the Lord sees fit.” May her aimable qualities be an incentive to those who are left to emulate her virtues and consecrate our lives to him who gave his life for us.

She leaves to mourn her departure her faithful husband and four children, Mrs. John McHenry of Mount Ayr; Mr. Raymond Campbell of Shelton (NE); Eldon Colvin of Oakland (IA); and Hale at home; her aged father and mother of Redding; three sisters and one brother; Mrs. O.W. Lynch of Clearfield; Mrs. Pharman Sutherland of Redding; Mrs. A.D. Manning of Grant City; and Mr. Jake Grindstaff of Clearfield; five grandchildren, Ruthie and Joan Adeline McHenry, Robert, Ruby, and Beatrice Campbell, and many other relatives and dear friends.

She was a faithful wife and daughter, a kind and loving mother, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Weep not that her toils are over,

Weep not that her race is run,

God grant we may rest as calmly

When our work, like hers, is done.

‘Till then, we yield with gladness,

Our mother to Him to keep,

And rejoice with sweet assurance 

He giveth His loved one sleep

Call not back the dear departed,

Anchored safe where storms are o’er

On the border land we left her.

Soon to meet and part not more,

When we leave this world of changes,

When we leave this world of care,

We shall find our missing loves one,

In our Father’s Mansion fair.

We were reminded of the following:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast 2020

The Fourth of July Breakfast was held as usual Saturday despite COVID-19 concerns and a rainstorm that passed through the area that morning. 

Gregg Sherwood of Albany was the speaker; he said that in an age of mass confusion, “Do we really know what matters?” He said that if we asked, God would change our situation. He said that conflict happens when people were not in agreement, and that prayer before going into interactions would give us wisdom to avoid conflict. He said that whatever we asked in Jesus’ name, God would grant. 

Jack Cottrell was the oldest veteran present and the oldest man present as well. Evelyn Groom was the oldest woman present. Political candidates Rick Frese (East Commissioner), Reggie Nonneman (East Commissioner), Miles Spainhower (Assessor), and Karla Hawk (Assessor) introduced themselves. Paul Myers raised the flag. Hadley Briner (5 weeks) was the youngest girl, and Rollin Parkhurst (5 months) was the youngest boy. Betty McCabe, Linda Brown’s sister, came the farthest away, from Oregon, over 1,700 miles.

Route C Now Open South of Allendale

A section of Route C in Worth and Gentry counties is now open after repairs were made to a culvert washout. Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation closed Route C from Route M in Worth County to Route DD in Gentry County on May 15 after rainfall washed away soil and material around the culvert. Crews were able to complete the necessary repairs and reopen the roadway to traffic Friday morning.

Please remember that all roads are No Phone zones. Buckle up. Phone down. Arrive Alive. For more information about this and other MoDOT projects, visit modot.org and view the online Traveler Information Map. While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or via social media.

90th Birthday Party for Evelyn Groom August 22nd in Allendale

A 90th birthday party will be held for Evelyn Groom on August 22nd from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Allendale Community Center. She taught over 40 years at Worth County, including in one room schools. She was a teacher at the Denver Schoolhouse and later taught at Worth County.

The Allendale Broom Factory

Allendale once had a broom factory which sold brooms all over Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa. It was run by John Barnes, who began making brooms at the family farm northwest of Allendale in 1904 and continued almost 50 years. He moved the operation into town in 1952 and continued it until his death in 1953. After his death, Bea Ross taught himself how to make brooms with the factory’s equipment and continued the business for at least 16 more years, although he was only making a few dozen a year in 1969, at the time it was featured in the Times-Tribune.

The brooms were made from corn plants, which were harvested, cut, left to dry for two weeks, and then cured.

At its peak, the Broom Factory made between 200 and 250 brooms a week. It twice sold 2,500 brooms to Henry Field of Shenandoah. Another good customers was Place’s in Bethany, which would then turn around and resell them to their own network of stores. 

Barnes was a fixture on the roads during those years, as he would regularly hitch a wagon and travel to Grant City, Allendale, Albany, and Mount Ayr to peddle his brooms.

But by the time Bea Ross took over, conditions were not ideal. At $1.50 an hour to hire a work crew, he figured that it was not profitable to make brooms at scale. When Barnes was at his peak, wages were $1 a day plus a meal, and youth were much easier to come by.

Oldtowne Offering Groceries

The Oldtowne Cafe is now offering groceries in addition to their takeout items. Among their offerings are:
Meats – Hamburger, ham, roast beef, sausage patties, bacon, chicken strips, grilled chicken breast, and pork chop.
Frozen – Frozen corn, dinner rolls, french fries, margarine.
Breads – Texas Toast, sandwich bread, kaiser buns.
Dry Goods – Elbow macaroni, onions, flour, sugar, salt, potatoes.
Produce – 2% milk, lettuce, eggs, tomatoes.
Prices are on the Facebook page. Prices are subject to change at any time. If you need something, order by Wednesday at noon. They are open to suggestions.
To order, call (660) 786-2229, (660) 562-8684, or (660) 254-4539.

EmiLee, Elizabeth Brown Improving Their Barrel Race Times at Allendale

EmiLee and Elizabeth Brown steadily improved their times in the Barrel Racing event at the Allendale Rodeo. While she didn’t win, EmiLee got her time down to 14.588 seconds, while Elizabeth is down to 15.242. Brown’s time was good enough for third place in the Saturday session.

Like the first night of the rodeo, an early rider set a torrid pace in the Barrel Racing and nobody else could catch up to her. Taylor Risen of Peculiar (MO) set a pace of 13.935 seconds, breaking the 14 second barrier at Allendale. Ava Mills was second in Saturday’s event with 14.387 seconds. Rachael Schroder of Princeton tried to match her pace and might have, had her horse not stumbled on the third turn and had she not knocked over a barrel.

Like Friday night, only one contestant successfully rode the bulls as Dustin Sargent took second with a score of 76. The bull spun around and crashed into the west fence in an unsuccessful effort to get him off. Enraged at being successfully ridden, the bull slammed both Sargent and bullfighter Corey DeMott through the fence; nobody was seriously hurt. A few others came close, but could not stay on for the required eight seconds, which seemed like an eternity. Jacob Hanks won from Friday night, getting a score of 78. He and Sargent were the only two who had a qualified ride.

The Ranch Bronc riding started off Saturday night’s events, featuring horses that were completely unruly. Chase Gabriel was the one person who successfully rode one; the horses were very difficult to ride, catch, or force back into the pens after their turn.

Smiley, who entertained everyone Friday night, returned for more Saturday. He talked about how he was pulled over in Grant City for speeding and no tail light. His wife was driving the car. When the cop asked for her license, she still had her Oklahoma license. “I dated a girl in Oklahoma, and it was the most miserable experience in my life,” the cop said.

Smiley told another story about how he started two businesses – a veterinary clinic and a taxidermist. “If I can’t cure them, you get your pet back,” was the slogan. When the announcer groaned, Smiley retorted, “Well, you’re from Iowa!”

Jamie Roup was nearly thrown to start the breakaway roping and whiffed on her calf. “At least she didn’t get bucked off,” said Smiley. Nobody could match Brooke Gray’s 2.1 from Friday night, with the closest being 3.5 seconds from Taylor Roup.

Smiley then took four people from the east side and four people from the west side. He warmed them up with the Cha Cha Slide, and then had them race in Redneck Cross Country Skiing, in which all four contestants had to get their feet into this huge pair of skis and walk to the finish line. It was obvious that the east side had done this sort of thing before as they did it with ease and got to spray the west side with water, as they couldn’t even get out of the gate.

The time to beat for the Calf Roping was 10.1 seconds for Trey Johnson and Thad Davis in the open and John Johnson’s 11.1 in the Over 40. As the first three contestants whiffed, Smiley told a story about the time a girl went to her dad and asked him to talk like a frog. “Mom says as soon as you croak, we go to Disney Land,” said the little girl.

Austin Harvey of Knoxville (IA) came close with a 10.6. Meanwhile Smiley told another tale about how he put on a tea party for a friend, and they were having a good time until his wife walked in and announced that the only water was coming from the toilet.

New Hampton cowboy Lane Watson nearly toppled the overall mark with an 8.4, but got ten seconds for breaking the barrier. Finally, the last contestant, Clay Ellis, got the overall win with a time of 9.2 seconds. Nobody could topple John Johnson’s mark in the Over 40, and he came away with that prize.

Like Friday night, the team roping was one of the tougher events for the contestants. Four teams whiffed, and the team of Ben Dales and Clay Ellis nearly got the whole ball of wax with a 6.9, but five seconds was added due to only one heel being caught. Shawn and Shane Martin’s 7.7 from Friday night held up for the win, while Dales and Ellis won the Saturday pot.

There was one more event to resolve as two contestants from the east side and two from the west side got to play Musical Chairs. One from each side was eliminated in the early rounds, setting up the finale between the east and the west. Both contestants were blindfolded for the finale, and nobody could find the chair until Smiley decided that his sympathies were with the contestant on the west side and helped her find the chair for the win.

First Night of Allendale Rodeo Goes Well

The first night of the Allendale Rodeo opened Friday to clear skies and many contestants. Smiley Todd Pettigrew entertained the spectators, stumping around on one leg with the other in a boot. He joked that he had a 45th birthday and got seven different crutches and a walking boot. Jack Cottrell tried to convince Smiley that he was born in 1973, while Smiley had an early announcement during the bronc riding – there was a lady in the top of the west bleachers named Margaret Young who was 101 and sitting with her parents. The last was about as believable about the kid’s song about Billy Boy meeting his wife, who was 99 and who was a young thing who could not leave her mother.
Nick Jordan of Ames (IA) was the only contestant to successfully ride the bronc in the bareback or Saddle Bronc, getting a 73. Local favorite Aaron Benson, trying to ride with his arm in a cast, took an early tumble, as did five other contestants.

The Stick Horse Races have gotten more and more popular every year; this time, there were three heats for the first time. Smiley talked about the time he went to the Doctor because his ear was not working. “It was the best day of my life,” he lamented. “I couldn’t hear my wife.”

Cole Smith set an early pace in the breakaway roping with a time of 2.3 seconds, only for Brooke Gray, an experienced hand, to take the lead with 2.1 seconds. Nobody else could top that out of the 14 contestants who entered. Bridget Merrigan of Conception, sister of Jefferson basketball standouts Chelsea and Ashley Merrigan, got a 3.5. Bridget Lambright of Fort Dodge (IA) got a 2.5, while Brody Tunks of King City, a young contestant with a lot of promise, got 2.3. Several other contestants tried to beat the early pace set by Gray and whiffed. Meanwhile, Smiley insulted the people of Iowa by saying that it really meant, “Idiots Out Wandering Around.”

While everybody was setting up for the next event, Mike and John, two spectators, were recruited to play a baseball game. They put on blindfold goggles and had all the trouble in the world hitting or catching the whiffle ball. They finally got hits, weaved through the sticks, and had to kick a kickball through a hoop. Neither one could do it, meaning they had to jump through the hoop themselves, which John did with flying colors.

Two contestants, Thad Davis of Savannah and Trey Johnson of Humboldt (KS), tied for first in the Calf Roping with 10.1 seconds. Jackson Davis of Blueville (IA) got 10.7 seconds, while John Johnson of Humboldt (KS) got 11.1 seconds, which topped the Over 40 category. Bill Riley was second in the Over 40 with 12.1 seconds. Smiley talked about how he, his wife, and his mother-in-law went on vacation in Florida. He borrowed a quarter from his mother-in-law to put in a wishing well that they encountered and then the mother-in-law went to make a wish as well. But she tripped on the concrete and was killed.

Besides the bulls and the broncos, the event that the contestants had the most trouble with was the Team Roping, which only two of nine contestants successfully completed. Shawn and Shane Martin won with a time of 7.7 seconds, while Bobby Jeanes and Travis McGraw were second with 8.5 seconds, with five seconds added on because only one leg was caught.

Before the barrel racing, two more people were recruited to lead the crowd in sing-offs, followed by the whole crowd singing along to Garth Brooks’ “Low Places.” Taylor Dorbee of Powersville (MO) set a torrid pace with 14.076 seconds, and nobody else could catch up with her. Angela McGraw of Tonganoxie (KS) came in second with 14.391, and Lisa Luther of Fontanelle (IA) had 14.413.

The bulls were not in any mood to cooperate as only Jacob Hanks was able to tame his animal, getting 78 points. A few came close, with Wayne Miller and Lester Hilton coming one half second short of getting a qualified ride. LeRoy Miller stayed on for five seconds, while Daniel Stutzman and Jacob Larrington stayed on for four seconds.

50 Years Ago, Max Calhoon was Awarded Bronze Star

50 years ago last week, Max Calhoon received a Bronze Star. The Bronze Star is a decoration given to members of the US Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, or meritorious service, including service in a combat zone. He is from Albany, but is active in the Allendale community.

The Calhoons are a military family with many other members who are either serving or have served. Max’s brother, Wendell, was an Air Force Captain. Max’s son, Ben, joined the Air Force after the 9/11 attacks and is currently serving. Bill Calhoon, Max’s brother, also served in the military; he currently lives in Allendale and is active in the community as well as Grant City and Missouri Lions.

The Sheridan Express invites recognition of all Veterans and current service members, including anniversaries of service medals. Send stories and pictures to PO Box 136, Sheridan, MO 64486 or email express@grm.net.

Hikers Pass Through Allendale, Grant City, and Sheridan

Hikers Kolton Rackham and Amanda Autrey passed through Allendale, Grant City, and Sheridan Monday after passing through Eagleville and Hatfield Saturday and resting Sunday. They are on a 2,918 mile journey from Tybee Island in Georgia to Don David Park in Oregon. They are on a journey of self-discovery and are raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation as well as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Asked why they had selected those charities, Kolton said that they chose Make-a-Wish because of how they help kids heal by giving them hope. “I’m a mentor and she’s a healer, and we both try to help create what kids want,” he said. Amanda said that she had struggled with suicide in the past, and that it was a beacon of light for people whose loved ones had taken their own lives.

They grew up in Utah; Kolton is a 1 on 1 mentor and helps people reach personal goals and identify mental blocks keeping them from reaching those goals. Amanda is a holistic healer and helps people with healing energy and processing out negativity. She said that in Australia, some people make a journey across the Outback, which is sparsely populated, for personal discovery. Kolton and Amanda said that they met many wonderful people along the way, helping someone celebrate their 40th birthday. “We’ve met a lot of kind people along the way, and they’ve shown a lot of hospitality to us,” she said. Amanda said that they are like family to them.

Their goal is to get to Oregon by Thanksgiving, but will take longer if necessary. Both say they want to travel more down the road. Amanda was in China for two weeks once, while Kolton took a cruise that took him to Mexico, Haiti, and Jamaica.

After their walk, their goal is to stay in Oregon, get married, and keep doing what they’re doing. Amanda said that she wanted to work with veterans and rescue animals that need a home. Kolton said that he wants to work with kids and the homeless. He said that he had a lot of good conversations with homeless people along the way and that he wanted to help people to find hope.

While between Grant City and Sheridan, they got to meet some camels. Kolton admitted that he had an irrational fear of camels. “At first, there were one; then there was six,” he wrote on their Facebook page, 2918 Miles, Monday. Kolton said that he faced his fear by feeding one an apple; then, it tried to eat his whole bag hoping for more snacks. “Amanda thought they were adorable, but that’s probably just because they didn’t try to eat her,” he wrote.