Obituary -- Youvaun Fine 1928-2022

Funeral Services for Youvaun Fine, were held Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 10 AM at Cummings Family Funeral Home. Visitation washeld 1 hour prior to services. Interment was held at Shearer Cemetery in Rural Page County, Iowa. Memorials may be directed towards Taylor County MATURA or New Nodaway County Humane Society.

Geleta Youvaun (Akers) Fine was born November 18, 1928 in Gravity, Iowa to Otto Ray Akers and Eunice (Piper) Akers. She grew up attending country schools near Gravity and attended Gravity High School. She then moved with her family to Bedford, Iowa.

Youvaun married Clifton Fred Fine on January 15, 1951 at the Methodist Parsonage in Bedford, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Janice, Janet and Danny. The couple lived on various farms south of Bedford eventually settling on their home place in 1963. Youvaun enjoyed living on the farm and all that the country had to offer. Each year she grew a huge garden and enjoyed sharing her bountiful harvest with her family, friends and neighbors. After high school, Youvaun worked at the Bedford National Bank then in later years Youvaun worked at O'Brian Brothers as a seamstress and was a cook for the Highway Café in Hopkins and the State Line Café then was a waitress at The Bus Barn restaurant in Bedford before working in the kitchen at the Bedford Care Facility.

Youvaun’s hobbies included feeding and watching wildlife on the farm, embroidery, quilting, making Christmas ornaments, helping Fred in making his apple cider and wine, makings molasses, pulling taffy, and playing cards with friends, playing games with her grandchildren and baking and tending to her daylilies garden. Youvaun was not the type to sit still. She was always looking for something to do and someone to help. Her family was her greatest love and "love" them she did.

Preceding Youvaun in death were her parents, Ray and Eunice Akers; husband, Fred Fine; daughter and son-in-law Janet and Don Wymore; along with her brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish Youvaun's memory are her children, Janice (Ed) Connett and Danny Fine; grandchildren, Shiela Lepley, Kenny Connett, Debbie (Geno) Pierson, Seth Holton; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Dacota, Brenna, Jaxson, Alec, Allison; great-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emily, Kylan and 1 more on the way plus many nephews and nieces.

May God give peace and comfort to all that knew and loved Youvaun.

Obituary -- Cody Stiens 1987-2022

Cody Lee Stiens, 34, of Maricopa, AZ, and formerly of Maryville, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his home in Maricopa.

Cody was born to Kevin J. and Lori Anne (Godsey) Stiens, on September 15, 1987, in Maryville, MO.  He attended St. Gregory’s Elementary School, then graduated in 2006, from Maryville High School.  He was active in 4-H and FFA throughout high school 

He graduated at the top of his class and from Southeast Community College, in Milford, NE, earning an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. 

He worked for Trane, Inc. for over 14 years, and had recently started his own business.  He loved computers; his dogs, Zoe and Rayne, waterskiing, snow skiing and being with his family. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Barbara Louis (Sierp) Godsey, and paternal grandfather, James Stiens. 

He is survived by his father, Kevin James (Sonja DeBord) Stiens, Maryville, MO, and his mother, Lori Anne (Steve) Sears, Queen Creek, AZ; grandparents: Gerald Godsey, Ravenwood, MO, and Della Mae (Adwell) Stiens, Maryville, MO; his siblings: Kelly James (Fallon Cordell) Stiens, and nieces, Regan and Tori, Parnell, MO, and Zachary Curtis Stiens, Chandler, AZ; step siblings: Shae Sears and Tristan Sears, Chandler, AZ, McKenzie (Scott) Pshigoda, Shattuck, OK, Stephanie (Clint) McIntyre, Maryville, MO; his step grandmother Mary Jean Sears, Chandler, AZ; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 AM, on Monday, January 24, 2022, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Maryville, MO.  The burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, also of Maryville.

The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 PM, on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. 

Memorials are suggested to the family to help establish a memorial scholarship fund in Cody’s name to deserving students.

Obituary -- Wilbur Ray 1925-2022

Wilbur Ray, age 96, of Grant City, Mo., was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly father on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, at home with his loving grandson.

Wilbur was born on March 11, 1925, at Isadora, in Worth County, Mo. to James G. and Laura Hall Ray. He spent the majority of his life living on his family farm in Grant City, Mo. with his wife of 68 years. He was baptized in his home church of Isadora Church of Christ where he was a life-long active member, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Worship Leader. Upon his wife’s death in 2013 he moved to St. Joseph, Mo. to live with his family where he began attending Central Christian Church.

Wilbur grew up with 12 brothers and sisters in a hardworking farming family in Isadora, Mo. They loved the Lord and shared the talent of music. Over the years, he sang at many weddings, funerals, revivals, and small concerts in the area. He could always be found humming a tune or singing a song.

He learned the trade of farming working alongside his brothers and dad. With only an 8th grade education, he went on to be a successful livestock and row crop farmer.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of him studying his Bible for a Sunday school lesson, climbing on his lap to listen to his stories, or him humming a hymn, or singing a song. His family is forever grateful for the Godly example he lived in word and in deed. He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being and those that spent any time with him recognized the peace and joy he had within himself because of his faith. He would use his death as an opportunity for you to examine your life and invite you to accept the Lord into your heart as your Lord and Savior.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Laura (McCord) Ray who he married on October 15, 1944, their two infant children Madonna May and Orlin Lee, his parents, 12 siblings: brothers Virgil Ray, Delbert Ray, and Jim Ray. Sisters: Madlyn Ray, Lucy Ray, Tessie Lynch, Ollie Heron, Neva Olney, Opal Glover, Betty Wiley, Helen Roach, and Alice Ridge.  

He leaves behind his son, James G. Ray and his wife Kathy (Wallace) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo.; his three grandchildren, Jeremy James Ray and his wife Rhapsody (Jett) Ray of Peyton, Co., Jamie Jo (Ray) King and her husband Shawn King of Jefferson City, Mo., and Joshua J Ray and his wife Jennifer (Moran) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo. 11 great grandchildren, Reagan Christine King, Grant Michael King, Jackson Ray King, Madison Jo King, Chloe Elizabeth Ray, John Wilbur Ray, Jessica May Ray, Sophie Elaine Ray, Mollie Evelyn Ray, Jacob Daniel Ray, Wyatt Thomas Ray, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Private funeral services will be held at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City with burial in the Grant City Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be given to the Isadora Church of Christ in lieu of flowers.

Courthouse News for January 12th, 2022

On January 1st, Ringgold County Deputies were called to a disturbance at Still Smokin BBQ at 104 W Madison St., Mount Ayr, Iowa at around 1:55 am. Tucker Darrah (21) of Redding was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior) and Public Intoxication and booked into the Ringgold County Jail to appear before a magistrate. Bond was set at $600, cash only. Vinny Fletchall (39) of Mount Ayr was arrested at the same time and location and charged with Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior), Public Intoxication, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only. Devan Jackson (23) of Grant City was arrested at the same time and location and charged with Disorderly Conduct (Fighting/Violent Behavior), Public Intoxication, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only.

On January 4, 2022, Taylor County Deputies were called to the 500 block of West Michigan Street in Lenox for a domestic abuse investigation. Andrew Kerwin, 31 of Lenox, was taken into custody and charged with Domestic Abuse/Assault. Kerwin is being held without the ability to post bond pending his initial appearance with the Magistrate. 

On January 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2016 Mazda driven by Gerald Barousse (67) of Lafayette (LA) and a 2014 Ram 3500 with a towed unit driven by Kenneth Zaczkowski (76) of Columbus (MN) were both southbound at around 3:50 pm on I-35 two miles south of Bethany when the Mazda struck the rear of the Ram’s towed unit. Neither driver was injured. A passenger in the Barousse vehicle, Shannon Barousse (66) of Lafayette (LA) received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital.

On January 5th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Mohammed Abuoun (28) of Lee’s Summit alleging Excessive Blood Alcohol Content (Commercial Motor Vehicle), Careless & Imprudent Driving, and Driving Commercial Motor Vehicle with Willful/Wanton Disregard for Safety.

On January 5th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Bryan Wolfe (31) of Cainsville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only. Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly was found in possession of a Kayak that was reported stolen in July, and that he allegedly turned over additional stolen items located at his residence.

On January 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Heather Mitchell (37) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On January 7th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Matthew Felton (43) of Maryville in Nodaway County alleging DWI and Failure to Place Stopped Vehicle as Near as Right Hand Side of Highway as Possible.

On January 8th at around 3:35 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2014 Ford F250 driven by Joseph Kinnison (26) of Ridgeway was northbound on 330th Avenue and 270th Street one mile east of Mount Moriah, failed to yield the right of way, and struck a 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Cally Brandon (18) of Bolivar (MO), causing it to overturn. Brandon and a 14 year old passenger were injured and taken to Harrison County Hospital. Kinnison was not injured.

On January 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Heather Mitchell (38) of Bethany alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On January 8th, a 2011 Nissan Frontier driven by Logan Myers (19) of Joplin and a 2004 Honda Accord driven by Stephen Todd (56) of Indianola (IA) were both northbound on I-35 near the Iowa border, eight miles north of Eagleville on an icy roadway. The Patrol says the Nissan was driving too fast for conditions, spun out of control, and came to a stop on the roadway and was struck by the Honda. Myers received minor injuries and was taken to Harrison County Hospital. Todd was not injured. There was heavy freezing fog that evening.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Sean Bolin (54) of Vienna (SD) alleging DWI, 2 counts Assault, and Resisting Arrest. Bond was set at $50,000, cash or corporate surety.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Billy Joseph Stephenson (31) of Maryville alleging 2 counts Trespassing. Bond was set at $1,000 signature bond.

On January 9th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested William McCrea (30) of King City in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On January 10th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Michael Sprague (53) of Albany alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony), Resisting Arrest (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Attempted Tampering with Evidence. Bond was denied.

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Tyler Parkhurst (27) of Albany was southbound on Route A and 45th Street three miles south of Evona at 3 am when he traveled off the west side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was seriously injured and taken to Mosaic in Albany. Subsequently, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Parkhurst on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Sabrina Trautz (25) of Barnard in Nodaway County on charges of Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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.

Mustang Girls Post Defensive Gem to Break Skid; Saylor Brown Scores 12, Saryn Brown Boards 13

North Nodaway's girls were mired in a skid in which they lost three out of their last four, but they broke out of it by playing strong defense against King City, getting the 33-24 win. The Mustangs started off strong and then held off numerous attempts by King City to get back in the game. They got 13 boards from Saryn Brown and 8 from Jacquelyn Cline, and they held down Zoey Tunks, only allowing three points from her. Ellaina Renfro was an intimidating force in the paint, with the purple shirts passing up some driving opportunities or missing badly when they did try. And every time King City got the deficit down, North Nodaway always seemed to have an answer from one of the Brown sisters.

The difference between last Tuesday's game and their previous slump was the way they started off. Against Nodaway Valley, they dug themselves into a hole, fought back to within six by the midpoint of the third quarter, only to see the bottom drop out. Against South Holt, they fell behind by as much as 17 in the first half before fighting back to within two before running out of time. By contrast, they got off to a 9-4 start against Stewartsville/Osborn, the one win during that stretch, and a 9-2 start against King City.

North Nodaway has recently started to mix in a man to man look along with their usual zone, and for the first time all year, it worked out well. King City was not sure what they were running against, and they struggled to find good looks in the first quarter besides a driving layup by Tunks in the first quarter. North Nodaway was not exactly ripping the nets, but they got enough to pull away, with Saylor Brown hitting Lauren Herndon backdoor and hitting a reverse layup. Jacquelyn Cline, who battled foul trouble all night, picked up her second foul and Tunks cut it to two, but Saryn Brown got a free throw, cut inside and got a pass from Saylor, and Saylor Brown added two free throws off a drive to make it 9-2 after one. Kelsi Barcus played well during that stretch with Cline on the bench, collecting several boards.

King City started fighting back in the second quarter, getting a 3-pointer from Taryn Hunter to cut it to 13-8. But like they did all night, North Nodaway would get some timely buckets, with Jacquelyn Cline going backdoor and Kelsi Barcus hitting a free throw to make it 16-8 before Fulvia Cappi hit a tough pullup to cut it to 16-10.

Taryn Hunter hit a three to start the third quarter and the Wildkats fought back behind Hunter to cut it to two at 19-17 at the 3:42 mark. But once again, North Nodaway got a bucket when they needed it, with Lauren Herndon cutting inside and getting a pass from Saryn Brown to make it 21-17. The defenses took over after that, and the score was stuck there until the start of the fourth, when Saryn Brown got behind the defense and got a pass from Saylor and hit two free throws. Ellaina Renfro kicked one out to Saylor for three to make it 26-17 with 6:43 left.

But then Cline picked up her fourth foul and King City isolated Chloe Eiberger twice in the post, got a drive from Capps, and a free throw from Hunter to cut it to 26-23 again. But Cline came back and hit Saylor Brown backdoor with 4:24 left to break the run. Eiberger's free throw cut it to 28-24, but then North Nodaway went into their delay game, taking big chunks of time off the block until they got into the bonus. They played lights out defense, only giving up contested looks during the last four minutes and holding the purple shirts scoreless. Finally, they got into the bonus with 1:24 left and Saylor Brown, Jacquelyn Cline, Lauren Herndon, and Ellaina Renfro all hit free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Saylor Brown had 12 points for the Mustangs. Saryn Brown had 9, Lauren Herndon 5, Jacquelyn Cline 4, Ellaina Renfro 2, and Kelsi Barcus 1.

Saryn Brown had 13 rebounds. Jacquelyn Cline had 8, Lauren Herndon 6, Kelsi Barcus 5, Ellaina Renfro 2, and Saylor Brown 1.

Saylor and Saryn Brown each had 4 assists. Lauren Herndon and Jacquelyn Cline had 2 each, and Ellaina Renfro 1.

Saylor Brown and Jacquelyn Cline had 4 tips each. Ellaina Renfro had 3, Lauren Herndon 2, and Kelsi Barcus and Saryn Brown 1.

Saryn Brown had 4 steals. Saylor Brown had 3, Lauren Herndon 2, and Angie Parker and Ellaina Renfro 1 each.

Obituary -- Jeanne Scroggs 1956-2021

Jeanne Marie Scroggs was born Jeanne Ferguson on July 23, 1956, in Newport Beach, California, and passed away on December 17, 2021 in Hopkins, Missouri. She is survived by her son, Paul Matthew Guerrero and his fiancée Diana Cartagena and their daughter Dana. She is also survived by her twin brother, Allan Ferguson, her great-aunt Sandy Garman, and her cousins Eric and Sueann Dewey-Hoffman and Ron and Becky Hoffman and their children. She was a poet and an artist, as well as a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University. She is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Ferguson, and her husband Richard Scroggs.

No words can never sum up the entirety of who Jeanne was. She was funny and defiant and brilliant. She was a mother, a wife, a poet, a dreamer, and a believer, one who suffered much and loved much.

The consolation her family holds is in her own rock-solid belief in Jesus Christ, her specifically and undeniably Catholic faith, and her special devotion to the Blessed Mother, whose guidance she felt through the darkest days of her life.

Another consolation and guiding star for her was her friendship with the Davis family of Hopkins, Missouri, especially Sue Davis, less a friend and more a soulmate. She is survived also, then, by Sue and her children: Tara, Travis, Tina, Teresa, and Tammy and all of their spouses and children, and preceded in death by Sue’s husband, Bob Davis.

Jeanne wasn’t outwardly tough, but she was a survivor of everything that life threw at her and oh, how much it threw at her. She dealt with mental illness for all of her life, a fact we are not ashamed to mention here because she was never afraid to mention it herself. She was an advocate and an example for those struggling with bipolar disorder. She often faced discrimination and gossip for her struggle, but she persevered, and had a way of winning over those who has previously shunned her through the sheer force of her personality.

A California tomboy in her youth, she found her greatest joy as a Midwestern housewife, as partner to the late Richard Scroggs of Winterset, Iowa. In Rich she found the perfect partner, whose love of this country and the God who created it led them to drive across America in search of adventure. Now they are once again together, with all of heaven to explore.

Late in life, she found romance again, with Tony Lombardo, of Santee, California, in whose company she found permission to be fully herself, to love and be loved.

No one can ever replace such a unique individual, and no one ever will. We, her family and friends, are honored to have known her and will love her always.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 15 at 10 am at St Gregory's Catholic Church, 333 S. Davis Street in Maryville.

Arrangements Price Funeral Home

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Grant Cameron Sets School Record with 13 Steals as Tiger Boys Win

Grant Cameron set a school record for Worth County with 13 steals Friday and the Tigers got back on the winning track with a 49-24 win over North Harrison. The previous record was Todd Harding, who had 11 steals in a game.

North Harrison came into the game shorthanded after they imploded in the last quarter and a half and lost 51-37 to King City after it had been close all the way up to that point. Half their team was gone for Friday (illness), and they played a makeshift lineup of Brandon Hamilton, Nick Babinski, Matthew Heintz, Cooper Cracraft, and Jerry Gilpatrick. They decided to do the exact opposite of their normal game plan of pushing it up the floor; they took the ball out top, ran the four corners offense, and stalled the ball, hoping to open up driving and passing lanes for Brandon Hamilton. 

But Worth County was able to counter by pressuring the ball hard, denying the ball one pass away, and stealing the ball at will. The effort was there for the green shirts, but Grant Cameron was all over the floor on defense for the Tigers, and the rest of the team followed his lead. The turnover battle told the tale; the Tigers only surrendered the ball 9 times, while forcing 35 Shamrock turnovers.

The points were hard to come by at first, but the Tigers started slowly and steadily pulling away throughout the first quarter. Tyler New scored off a Grant Cameron steal; then, Aydan Gladstone aired one out to Grant for a fast break after a rare Shamrock shot. North Harrison stalled for the next two minutes, but then Gladstone got a steal and made it 6-0 with 4:15 left. Gladstone got untracked from the left wing for three, added a drive, and Levi Cassavaugh scored a 3-pointer to make it 14-0 after one.

North Harrison finally found some open lanes to start the second quarter, and Brandon Hamilton got them on the board as they cut it to 17-4 with 5:13 left. But the rest of the quarter was all Tigers. First, Tyler New scored off a drive. Then, Gladstone and New got steals and finished, the latter after a Gladstone tip. Gladstone then had the highlight of the night when he got a steal, flipped up a prayer than went in, and converted the bonus free throw after a foul. Grant Cameron then got a steal and fed Gladstone to cap the run and put Worth County up 28-4. Hamilton finally scored from inside for the Shamrocks, but Aydan Gladstone’s putback at the buzzer put Worth County up 30-6 at the half.

Jerry Gilpatrick sparked the Shamrocks to start the second half when he grabbed an offensive board and drew a shooting foul. He made one and missed the second, but Nick Babinski got the putback to make it 30-9. Grant Cameron got loose twice in transition and got passes from Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone. The teams traded blows for the news few minutes before Gladstone knocked down two free throws after a drive, Jackson Runde got untracked with a putback, and Tyler New hit a 3-pointer after a Runde kickout to put Worth County up 44-17 after three. Jackson Smith hit a baseline shot and Jackson Runde hit a three to make it 49-17 and give Worth County their biggest lead of the game before they began subbing freely. But Brandon Hamilton scored five in the fourth as the Shamrocks fought hard to the end.

For Worth County, Aydan Gladstone had 18. Grant Cameron and Tyler New had 9 each. Jackson Smith and Jackson Runde had 5 each, and Levi Cassavaugh had 3.

Aydan Gladstone had 4 boards. Jackson Runde, Jackson Smith, Tyler New, Levi Cassavaugh, and Brent Harris all had 2, while Grant Cameron, Jace Cousatte, and Karson Briner had 1 each.

Tyler New had 5 assists. Jackson Runde had 4, Grant Cameron 3, and Aydan Gladstone and Jace Cousatte had 1 each.

Jackson Runde had 11 tips. Grant Cameron had 7, Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone 4 each, Jackson Smith 3, and John Galanakis and Levi Cassavaugh had 1 each.

Grant Cameron had 13 steals. Aydan Gladstone had 5, Jackson Smith and Tyler New had 4, Jackson Runde 3, Levi Cassavaugh 2, and John Galanakis, Brent Harris, and Andrew Howard 1.

For North Harrison, Brandon Hamilton had 13. Jerry Gilpatrick had 3, and Nick Babinski, Matthew Heintz, Cooper Cracraft, and Evan Schreiber had 2 each.

Brandon Hamilton had 8 boards. Nick Babinski, Evan Schreiber, and Cooper Cracraft all had 4, Jerry Gilpatrick 3, and Matthew Heintz and Karsyn Ury 1.

Nick Babinski had 4 assists. Brandon Hamilton, Cooper Cracraft, and Jerry Gilpatrick had 1.

Nick Babinski and Evan Schreiber had 2 tips. Cooper Cracraft, Matthew Heintz, and Jerry Gilpatrick had 1.

Evan Schreiber had 2 steals. Cooper Cracraft and Brandon Hamilton had 1.