Lane Dack Closes Out Wolves as Bluejays Avenge Loss

Northeast Nodaway avenged their loss to East Atchison from 2019, when the Wolves ended Northeast’s 27 game conference winning streak as the Bluejays pulled away late to a 6-2 lead and Lane Dack pitched lockdown relief to shut down the Wolves. 

Dylan McIntyre got the starting nod for Northeast, and promptly gave up a home run in the first winning to Cameron Oswald, a sinking line drive that cleared the fence in left field to put the Wolves up 1-0. He gave up a single to Braden Graves; he had both batters down to their last strike, but couldn’t put them away. But he settled down and got Josh Smith to ground out to the mound to get out of the inning with no further damage done.

The Bluejays couldn’t buy a key hit against the Wolves and their pitcher, Aaron Schlueter, who sported a nasty breaking ball that fooled even the good hitters. They got runners on second and third with nobody out after Ben Boswell hit a pop fly that dropped down the right field line untouched for a single, Colton Swalley hit a towering pop fly that Schlueter misplayed and it dropped just fair inside the first base line. They advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. But then the next three struck out, one looking. The Bluejay batters were pressing the entire game, swinging for home runs instead of singles; against a good pitcher like Schlueter, that led to a lot of strikeouts.

East Atchison threatened in the second, but couldn’t score. With one out, Corey Stevens was plunked by a pitch, but was promptly picked off by McIntyre, a lefty, who East Atchison’s baserunners couldn’t get a reading on all evening. That turned out to be a big item as #9 walked and Zack Stevens singled, bringing up the top of the lineup again. Had McIntyre not gotten the pickoff, the Wolves might have had a big inning going. As it was, Carter Holecek grounded out to end the threat.

Northeast hit it hard in the second, but right at people, while Brayden Munns caught Oswald’s bid for a second home run right in front of the warning track in the third. Northeast finally tied it up in the third when Grant McIntyre walked and Ben Boswell beat out a slow roller to Oswald at shortstop with nobody out. Colton Swalley and Dylan McIntyre both flied out, each time advancing McIntyre to know it up at 1-1.

In the Wolves fourth, with one out, first baseman Auston Pride successfully navigated a tricky grounder to retire Schlueter, which rendered Corey Stevens’ two out single harmless.

Northeast went ahead in their half of the fourth as Schlueter began to tire. Lane Dack flied out, but then Chase Atkins and Brayden Munns walked. Zach Pride was caught looking, but Grant McIntyre walked again to bring up Ben Boswell with the bases loaded. Boswell came through, dropping it right down the right field line to score two and put the Bluejays up 3-1.

But then East Atchison made a comeback bid in the fifth as Carter Holecek and Jarrett Spinnato both beat out slow rollers down the third base line to put runners on first and second. They went to second and third on a wild pitch, and Oswald grounded out to Ben Boswell at short to make it 3-2. Brayden Graves was plunked to load the bases, finishing McIntyre. There was a heartstopping moment as Lane Dack came on in relief and Josh Smith promptly crushed one to deep left field for an apparent three run home run that would have put the Wolves up 5-3. But at the last possible moment, the ball hooked foul and Lane settled down, threw Smith an offspeed pitch, and he grounded out to Grant McIntyre at second to get Northeast out of the inning still up 3-2.

Northeast couldn’t score in the fifth as the strikeouts continued to mount, but Lane Dack settled down and held the fort in the Wolves sixth, getting the first two batters out. There was a heartstopping moment when #9 hit a pop fly that dropped in before second baseman Zach Pride could get to it. But he stuck with the play and his throw beat the batter by half a step for the third out.

Northeast finally broke open the game in the sixth when Zach Pride walked and Grant McIntyre moved him over with a bunt. Ben Boswell reached on a throwing error, making it all the way to second as Pride scored. Colton Swalley popped out, but Dylan McIntyre singled home Boswell. Auston Pride and Lane Dack also singled to put Northeast up 6-2 after six.

The object now was to keep runners off the basepaths so Cameron Oswald wouldn’t get to the plate again. Chase Atkins caught Zack Stevens’ long fly ball to left, Auston Pride made a shoestring catch of Holecek’s tricky line drive, and  Zach Pride caught Spinnato’s line drive at second to end the game.

Obituary -- Rick Wolfe 1959-2021

Rick Lee Wolfe, 61, formerly of northwest Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021, at his home in Springfield, Missouri.  

Rick was born in Maryville, Missouri, on October 20, 1959, and was a lifelong resident of the area.  His parents were George Andrew “Porge” Wolfe and Joann Nell (Shipps) Peter.  He was preceded in death by his father and also his grandparents, Earl and Nellie Shipps, and Harry and Nell Wolfe.

He graduated in 1978 from Nodaway-Holt R-7 High School in Graham, Missouri.  Rick had farmed with Swartz Farms for 25 years. He was also a trucker for Del Clement Trucking, Nodaway-Holt Fertilizer, and Renshaw Farms. After moving to Table Rock Lake, he became the head driver for the “Ride The Ducks” tourist attraction in Branson, Missouri.

Rick had played Santa for over 25 years for family, friends, school, and civic organizations.  He also drove his 1946 Farmall Tractor in parades for Camp Quality of NW Missouri.  

He co-chaired the Graham Street Fair for many years.  Rick will be  Honored as the 2021 Graham Street Fair Grand Marshal.

He was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Cape Fair, Missouri.  

On February 14, 1989, Rick was united in marriage to Dr. Jeanette “Jette” Slade. She survives him of the home.

Other survivors include  his children, Ivy and Major Marty Small, and their children, Zane and Hazel Small, Republic, Missouri; his mother and step father, Joann and Jerry Peter, Maryville, Missouri; his sister, Deb (Duane) Parman, Sheridan, Missouri; his niece, Kally Jo (Tim) Haer, Bolckow, Missouri, and nephew, Wayde Parman, Kansas City, Missouri.

Rick has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM, on April 17, 2021, First Baptist Church, Cape Fair, Missouri.  

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021, in conjunction with the Graham Street Fair.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Rick’s name to the Ozark Food Harvest, PO Box 5746, Springfield, Missouri 65801.

Obituary -- Donna Frueh 1933-2021

Donna Jean Frueh, 87, of Maryville, MO, died April 1, 2021, surrounded by family at Mosaic in St. Joseph. 

She was born December 31, 1933, in rural Custer County Nebraska, the daughter of Arthur Jess and Celestine “Sally” Mary (Ryan) Crocker. 

A 1951 graduate of Horace Mann High School. She was a member of St. Gregory’s Barbarigo parish. 

On Sept. 2, 1953, she married Eugene Edward Frueh in Maryville. He preceded her in death on April 23, 2006. 

Donna loved to spend time with her family and friends; she always helped others. She also loved to sew, especially making quilts for her family, patched the clothes for the kids, and fleece blankets for the homeless. She was an avid card player.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Frueh, and a daughter, Diane Stanislaus, her parents and brother, Robert Crocker. 

Survivors include daughter and sons and their spouses, Karla and Randy Wooten, Maryville; Randy and Judy Frueh; and Roger and Teresa Frueh, both of Pickering, Mo; a daughter-in-law, Barb Frueh, a son-in-law, Marlin Stanislaus; 11 grandchildren and their spouses, Ashley and Ben Greeley, Shawn and Emily Frueh, Ryan and Nicole Jones, Westley Wooten, Mataya Wooten, Danay and Cory Fast, Kiley and Mike Kuehn, Megan and Brett McQuinn, Joe Frueh, Logan and Nikki Frueh, and Kammi Frueh; great-grandchildren, Layla and Leo Greeley, Landon and Jackie Frueh, Colby and Gracyn Jones, Adalyn and Kenzie Fast, Brycen and Brinley Kuehn, Simon McQuinn, and Alayna Frueh; brother, Jim Crocker; and sisters, Mary Brook Crocker and Betty Potter; and many nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville, under the care of Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maryville. A family rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 05, at the St. Gregory’s Barbarigo, Catholic Church, visitation will be following the rosary until 7:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing are requested. 

Memorial donations may be made in Donna’s name to St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Church or Head for the Cure Foundation.

Obituary -- James "Alan" Welch 1952-2021

James “Alan” Welch, 68, of Parnell, Missouri passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 at his home.

Alan was born on August 15, 1952 in Sheridan, Missouri to James M. and Rose Ann (Frueh) Welch. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parnell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Patrick Welch and sister, Elaine Neaderhiser.

Alan is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jean Ann (David) Welch-Hoppins, Lathrop, Missouri, Ricky Welch, Parnell, Missouri, Chris (Shelley) Welch, Albany, Missouri, Carol McGinnis, Lexington, Missouri, Andy (Kim) Welch, Sheridan, Missouri and Ammy (Will) Washington, Kansas City, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Welch has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10th at 10:30am at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parnell, Missouri. Memorials can be made in care of the family. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Vehicle Strikes and Kills Pedestrian Near Pattonsburg

A vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian near Pattonsburg Friday morning at around 12:40 am on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2012 Honda Accord driven by Christopher Ellis (26) of Cedar Rapids (IA) and a pedestrian, Matthew Martin (46) of Preston (ID) were both northbound on I-35 ten miles south of Pattonsburg when the Honda struck Martin, killing him. Ellis was not injured in the wreck.

Obituary -- Clifford Blanchard 1952-2021

Clifford Leo Blanchard, 68 of Grant City, MO transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, March 29, 2021. Cliff was surrounded by family in hospice care during his last earthly days.

Clifford was born on October 5, 1952 in Osceola, Iowa, the son of Virgil “Shorty” Blanchard and Ruby (Heston) Blanchard. Clifford graduated from Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, IA. He married Sandy Rayburn and together they raised Sandy’s three children, to whom Clifford was an amazing father: Myshell (Rayburn) Grimes, Misty (Rayburn) Zahrt and Matthew Rayburn. 

Clifford and Sandy spent 43 years together. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home, loving their children, family, friends and anyone who walked through their door. They enjoyed many adventures together including traveling, camping, collecting antiques, bowling, playing cards and enjoying their family. Clifford worked for Jimmy Dean Meat Company for 15 years in Osceola, Iowa.

In 1988, Cliff and Sandy moved from Osceola, Iowa, to Rockledge, Florida. In Florida, Clifford owned and operated an independent construction clean up contracting business. After his wife’s passing in 2019, Clifford returned to the Midwest to be near family, settling in Grant City, MO. Clifford’s true loves in life were his wife Sandy, his family, cooking and designing remodeling projects. Cliff took great joy in preparing delicious meals for friends and family.

Clifford leaves to cherish his memory step-daughter, Myshell Grimes of Grant City, MO; step-daughter, Misty Zahrt and husband Cory of Adel, IA; step-son, Matthew Rayburn and wife Jacki of Milford, KS; grandchildren: Gage Grimes, Zachary Grimes, Corbin Zahrt, Chloe Zahrt, Chaise Zahrt, Avi Rayburn and Caeler Rayburn. Siblings: Janice Brown and husband Francis of Osceola, IA; Mike Blanchard and wife Kelly of Osceola, IA; Karen Toney and husband Gary of Osceola, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A private tree planting ceremony, to celebrate Clifford's life, will be conducted in Osceola, Iowa at a later date. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of tribute donations to the American Lung Association in Clifford’s name. The donations may be made online at action.lung.org.

Arrangements: Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri

Courthouse News for March 31st. 2021

On March 19th at around 2:30 pm, a vehicle driven by Dena Lloyd was slowing down and making a left hand turn; the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department says Ashtyn Werner didn’t see Lloyd turning and rearended her with her vehicle. Both Werner’s Chevy Cruise and Lloyd’s KIA were totaled. Lloyd was transported to Ringgold County Hospital for treatment.

On March 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Larry Mossburg (43) of Blythedale alleging Harassment.

On March 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Norman Moad (52) of King City alleging Trespass and Stealing.

On March 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Amber Ruiz (20) of Topeka (KS) in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding and a Clinton County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Speeding).

On March 24th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Taylor Kerr (22) of Albany alleging Speeding (26+ mph over) and No Insurance.

On March 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Bernie Staves (42) of Chippewa Falls (WI) alleging Passing a Bad Check (Felony). Bond was set at $4,000, cash only.

On March 25th, a Gentry woman reported that an animal had broken into her pen and killed her rabbits and attempted to kill her goats sometime between 6:40 am and 8:15 am that morning.

On March 25th, a semi truck carrying 40,000 pounds of meat drove off I-29 southbound near mile marker 38. Interstate 29 was operating with one lane of traffic while the truck was being salvaged.

On March 25th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Andrew Cason (33) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Domestic Assault. He is being held on no bond until seen by the magistrate.

On March 26th, Jeffrey Huff, an officer with Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, was recognized as Employee of the Month for actions he performed during a traffic stop in August 2020. In August 2020, Huff stopped a 16 year old teen driving 113 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone. He had the boy call his parents, and learned that he was suicidal. He talked to the boy about his own loss, when his brother committed suicide and how it had affected his entire family. Later, the family contacted Officer Huff after they had picked up their son and credited him with saving his life. The teen had been planning to take his own life. If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On March 26th, a white van with red lettering was driving around Bethany posing as a door to door meat salesman.

On March 27th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against DeAndre Johnson (50) of Albany alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), No Valid License, and No Insurance.

On March 29th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Ariel Hayes (31) of St. Joseph alleging Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony). 

Charges listed are mere 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.