North Nodaway School Board Hears Active Shooter Presentation

North Nodaway’s school board, at their special meeting Wednesday, heard a presentation from Nodaway County Deputies Dalton Murphy and Sgt. Seth Richey. They reported to the board on strategies to deal with intruders and active shooters. 

The school has a plan in place for both schools in the event of an intruder. The Nodaway County deputies gave an abbreviated version of the training that they provided to teachers and staff. This four hour training fulfills the state requirement for teachers for active shooter training. 

Superintendent Chris Turpin said that the school is always looking at ways of creating a safer environment for the kids. “As superintendent, my job is to keep the kids as safe as possible,” he said.

Richey and Murphy presented facts and figures about active shooters. Most active shooter incidents are over in five minutes. Most happen early in the morning between 8 and 11, although the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooting in Florida took place right before the end of school. The recent shooting in Uvalde (TX), which took an hour and 15 minutes, was atypical. Over half used handguns, which are much easier to conceal. Around 25% had diagnosed mental health issues, and 61% had evidence of mental health issues, but had not been diagnosed. 

Active shootings have been more frequent in recent years. In 2019, there were 25 incidents at schools which resulted in injuries or deaths. Most shooters do not have a criminal background. Although the Columbine shooters specifically targeted athletes, most such shooters do not have a motive other than wanting to take as many lives as possible. Most plan their shootings weeks, months, or even years in advance. For instance, the Virginia Tech shooter planned his shooting several years in advance and actually wrote papers about it that were turned in and graded before he actually carried out his mass shooting in 2008. 

Active shootings have been a part of American history since colonial times. The first one that was recorded was on July 26th, 1764 when four Native Americans slaughtered 9-10 schoolchildren at a school along with the schoolmaster. Only two children escaped. Missouri has had 17 since 1917.

Many active shooters do not necessarily seek to commit suicide; many are now being taken into custody by law enforcement.

After 2008 and the Virginia Tech shooting, active shooter trainings have been much more common. “You guys seem to be ahead of the curve,” said Deputies Murphy and Richey. North Nodaway is putting in new doors which will help protect against intruders. The bond project that was recently approved by voters includes an addition to the front of the school which will allow the school to better control access. The good news is, as Turpin noted, was that in recent surveys that the school sent out to parents, most felt that their kids were safe at North Nodaway.

In the event of an active shooting, all local agencies will respond with the goal of first stopping the killing, and then stopping the dying. Staff at North Nodaway has gotten training on immediate first aid, including how to treat gunshot wounds. 

Each active shooter has had 4-5 concerning behaviors observed by people close to them before they actually carried out their shooting. “If you see something or hear something, say something,” said the deputies.

In the event that there is an active shooting, the school will have a designated safe zone secured by law enforcement where students and families can reunite. Afterwards, counselors and staff from all over the area will help provide free counseling to the students. 

North Nodaway School Board Looks Into Replacing Football, Gym Seats

The North Nodaway school board, at a special meeting Wednesday, heard a presentation from Monty Kinman of Heartland Solutions about replacing the football and gym bleachers. 

The gym bleachers have been in place since 1992, when the new gym was built. But Superintendent Chris Turpin said that the school had gotten complaints from patrons that the current bleachers move a lot. Currently, the gym seats 464. Kinman said that if the school took no action that sooner or later, the bleachers would be unusable. They could be rebuilt and last another ten years, but they would still cost a lot and would not be ADA compliant. 

If the school gets new gym bleachers, they would be custom built between 90 and 120 days. Removal of the old bleachers would take over the weekend, and installation would take one week, during which time the gym would be closed to the public. It would not interfere with the work on the High School addition or the bus barn, which is being done at different locations.

The seating of the new bleachers would be similar. There would be holes in the new bleachers, which would allow for people in wheelchairs to see the games. Currently, people in wheelchairs have to sit in the corners in order to view the games.

Currently, the school has nine bleachers at the football field which seat around 450. New portable bleachers would have wheels, which would make them easier to move; they could be used for the Hopkins Picnic. Older people have had trouble using the current bleachers, and the railings and fences around the new bleachers would increase safety. 

Board members gave their verbal approval for Turpin to put the indoor bleachers back on the agenda for the February or March meeting.  Turpin said the outdoor bleachers could be paid for by grant money, possibly as part of a collaborative project.

John Galanakis, Taylor Sanders are Worth County Courtwarming Royalty; Girls Lose, but Tyler New’s Free Throws Lift Tiger Boys

John Galanakis and Taylor Sanders were named Worth County Courtwarming royalty for 2023 Friday before the games with Princeton. Galanakis is the son of Dino and Kera Galanakis, while Sanders is the daughter of P.J. and Jessica Sanders. Other queen candidates were Liz Brown, daughter of Jessica and the late Adam Brown, and Paige Sherer, daughter of Carissa Snead. The other king candidate was Tanner Ridge, son of Taylor Ridge and Kelsey Ridge. 

Junior attendants were Brooke Lininger, daughter of Clayton Lininger and Courtney Owens and Tyler New, son of Les and Rebecca New. Sophomore attendants were Bridgette Hightshoe, daughter of Bill and Leena Hightshoe, and Cannon Fletcher, son of Ben and Amanda Fletcher and Rebecca Henson. Freshmen attendants were Rayleigh Smith, daughter of Heidi and Corey Kerwin and Jeremy Smith, and Brayden Combs, son of Tim Combs and Bailey Hughes.

First grade attendants were Emily Dannar, daughter of Chris and Darcy Dannar, Kath Winther, son of Garrett and Tanya Winther, Gracee Frisch, daughter of Mike Frisch and Katelyn Frisch, Kruz Adams, grandson of Sean Cameron, Adelyn Saltkill, granddaughter of Roger and Kim Allen, and Grady Jones, son of Michelle Jones.

The girls played first and struggled against Princeton, digging themselves into a 34-15 hole against the Blue Tigers by halftime and falling 59-37. Addy Henke ran wild for Princeton, scoring 13 in the first quarter and 34 for the game. It didn’t help that the Tigers turned the ball over 28 times and gave up 16 offensive boards and were hacking and fouling throughout the game. They had a better third quarter, getting as close as 43-29 at one point, but then Princeton closed out the game with a 12-2 run to start the fourth.

Ali Brown had 11, while Brylee Rush and Taylor Sanders had 8 each. Kynah Steele had 12 boards and 5 assists for the Tigers.

The boys game was next, and it looked like a repeat of the girls game at first. Worth County had been playing excellent basketball lately, taking two good teams in Rock Port and Nodaway Valley to overtime and avenging an earlier loss to King City. But Princeton was red hot, running St. Joseph Christian out of the Gilman City gym 75-53 and getting an impressive win over Maysville, the new powerhouse boys team in the area. They came into the game with two players, Clay Evans and Talan Holt, who averaged 38 points a game combined and a capable supporting cast. They also had a strong post player in Jaden Finney who can hurt teams on the boards. 

Sure enough, the game picked up where the girls game left off as Princeton built up a 13-5 lead before Tyler New found Tanner Ridge backdoor to cut it to 13-7. 

But then Tyler New took over the second quarter, hitting a couple of early threes to get himself going. Worth County played one of its best quarters of the year, not giving up a single offensive board while only committing one turnover. After New’s second triple, Worth County was up 15-13 and all of a sudden, they realized they could play ball with Princeton.

Talan Holt tied the game up again at 15, but then Tyler dribbled through a double screen and finished and then drove down the baseline and hitting two free throws to make it 19-15. Tyler jumped a pass and scored, then Worth County got Karson Briner going in the paint late in the quarter to lead by as much as 24-15 before Kelby Thomas’ free throw cut it to 24-16 at the half.

But then Princeton adjusted and came out in a box and one on Tyler New, with Kelby Thomas faceguarding him and two other blue shirts shadowing him up top when he had the ball. While Worth County was trying to solve the box and one, the blue shirts started coming back, with Jaden Finney crashing the boards at will as Princeton tied it up at 24 by the 3:40 mark of the third. 

Tanner Ridge hit Cannon Fletcher inside to stop the bleeding, but Princeton hung around for the rest of the period and were within 28-27 after three following Finney’s eighth point of the period.

Roman Birge got loose in transition to start the fourth to put Princeton up 29-28, but then Tanner Ridge took charge for the Tigers, hitting back to back jacks to give Worth County the lead back and force Princeton out of the box and one. That made it 34-29 with 6:16 left.

Talan Holt countered with a drive, but then Tyler New added a free throw and Levi Cassavaugh hit Cannon Fletcher inside to make it 37-31 with 3:21 left.

But Holt scored off a drive, Tyler New picked up his fourth foul, and Kelby Thomas hit two free throws to cut it to 37-35 with 2:21 left. Cannon Fletcher missed a shot inside and Holt’s drive with 1:52 left tied it again at 37. Tyler New made 1 of 2 from the line, but Finney stepped outside to hit a shot to put Princeton up 39-38.

Tyler New missed; Levi Cassavaugh kept the possession alive with an offensive board, but then Holt stole the ball and later scored off a drive to make it 41-38.

New answered right back, driving through a crowd and scoring to make it 41-40 with 35 seconds left. Worth County fouled to put Clay Evans on the line, but he missed a 1-1 with 24 seconds left and John Galanakis got a defensive board with 21.7 seconds left.

Worth County tried to drive to the basket, but neither Tyler New nor Levi Cassavaugh could find a driving lane open for a long time. Finally, Tyler New somehow split two defenders and drew a foul with 2.2 seconds left. He made the first and Princeton called a timeout to try to ice him. But Tyler New hit the second and Princeton’s desperation three was well short as time expired.

Tyler New had 20, but it was the supporting cast who came up big for the Tigers in the win. Tanner Ridge had 13, a career high; Cannon Fletcher had 6, also a career high. Karson Briner had 3.

Karson Briner had 10 boards. Levi Cassavaugh had 6, Tyler New and John Galanakis 3 each, and Tanner Ridge 2.

Levi Cassavaugh had 9 assists. Tanner Ridge had 3 and Tyler New 2.

Tyler New had 1 block. Cannon Fletcher had 2 tips and Tanner Ridge 1. Tyler New, Levi Cassavaugh, and Karson Briner all had 1 steal.

Courthouse News for February 1st, 2023

On January 23rd, the King City School notified patrons that one of the district’s students was the target of a phone scam. The student received a series of texts with violent images of threats demanding money or physical harm would follow. The new scam is widespread in the US. Under no circumstances should individuals give out personal information in reply to such a text.

On January 24th, the US District Attorney’s Office reported that Melvin Carter (48) of Kansas City was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of Firearm. The US District Attorney’s Office says Carter was arrested on Oct. 14, 2022, when Independence police officers were called to an address on S. Overton Avenue after Carter was ejected from his ATV as it flipped over while making a turn. Prior to the officers’ arrival, the Independence Fire Department responded to an earlier 911 call and informed officers that Carter had been armed when they arrived at the scene of the accident. They retrieved his firearm, a Keltec 9mm pistol, which they turned over to the police officers. Officers found the ATV flipped on its side when they arrived at the scene. Carter was bleeding from his head and being treated by paramedics. Police officers checked Carter’s jacket and found a plastic baggie that contained approximately 105 grams of methamphetamine.

On January 24th, the US District Attorney’s Office in Kansas City announced the indictment of Marvin McWhorter III (41) of Ottawa (KS) in conjunction with the armed robbery of the Citizens Bank & Trust of Mound City. On December 21st, 2022, the defendant allegedly stole $4,445 from the bank while brandishing a firearm.

On January 24th, the US District Attorney’s Office in Kansas City announced the indictment of Alan Flamenco (23) of Blue Springs on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, four counts Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.

On January 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Blake Richardson (27) of Fillmore in Nodaway County on a Nodaway County Warrant (Speeding).

On January 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Alejandro Martinez (33) of Kansas City alleging Forgery (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Device (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On January 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Hannah Summers (39) of Amity in Gentry County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance Inside Jail Facility, and a Gentry County Warrant for Contempt of Court (Resisting Arrest).

On January 26th, US District Judge Brian Wimes sentenced James Curtman (32) of St. Joseph to 18 months without parole on a charge of Making a Bomb Threat. On June 3rd, 2021, the defendant allegedly began yelling and cursing at a Social Security Administration employee in St. Joseph during a phone appointment and told them he was going to make a bomb and blow up the building. The Social Security Office was closed that day and the next due to concerns about the bomb threat.

On January 26th, US District Judge Beth Phillips sentenced Earl Penn (31) of St. Joseph to 15 years without parole on a charge of Felon in Possession of Firearm. On August 31st, 2022, the defendant was convicted at trial of being in possession of a firearm on June 22nd, 2020. On June 22nd, 2020, the defendant allegedly provided a false name to officers who had an outstanding warrant for violations of his federal supervised release and resisted arrest. Officers recovered a loaded handgun from the defendant’s pouch after he was restrained.

On January 26th, Lamar Johnson (41) of Eldon pleaded guilty in US District Court to being part of a conspiracy to use the identities of 238 false and fraudulent economic impact payment claims worth $1,200 each, using the identities of mostly deceased people. He will be sentenced on June 21st, 2023.

On January 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Robert Wallace (46) of Bethany alleging two counts Forgery (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 cash only.

On January 26th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against Ashley Harvey (31) of Maitland alleging Property Damage.

On January 26th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against John Pierson (32) of Maryville alleging Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Device.

On January 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Amir Austin (19) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony).

On January 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyler Coleman (30) of Naples (FL) alleging Stealing (Felony).

On January 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested John Shanks (23) of Stanberry on a charge of DWI.

On January 27th, Nodaway County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Cloud filed charges against Alexander Brown (32) of Bedford alleging Stalking (Felony) and two counts Violation of Protection Order. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On January 30th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Tina Culbertson (57) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 with the defendant released on their own recognizance.

On January 30th, David James (38) of Maryville was arrested in Nodaway County on a State of Iowa Warrant.

On January 30th, the US Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Missouri reported that a Rock Port man, Quentin Carder (23), pleaded guilty before US District Judge Howard Sachs to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl & Cocaine (Causing the Death of Another) and Distributing Fentanyl & Cocaine (Causing the Death of Another). On June 18th, 2021, the defendant allegedly distributed four blue pills that appeared to be oxycodone but which was actually fentanyl, to a victim. On June 20th, the victim’s father found him unresponsive and in medical distress. The victim was taken to a hospital and passed away two days later. Carder faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison without parole.

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.

Obituary -- Cora Findley 1952-2023

Cora Maye Findley, 70, of Albany, Missouri, passed away January 30, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Cora was born April 16, 1952, in Parnell, Missouri. She was the daughter of Victor and Jean (Maxwell) Adams.

Cora was united in marriage to Donald (Pete) Findley on December 13, 1975.

She was a homemaker, bookkeeper, and a member of the Gentry Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her father Victor Adams, sister Jane and her husband Terry Wyer, infant brother and sister, father-in-law Bob Findley, sister-in-law Betty Sherer, brothers-in-law, Ralph Stevens and Don Force.

Survivors: husband, Donald (Pete) Findley, of the home; sons, Steven (Connie) Adams, Albany; Tim (Sarah) Findley, Albany; Brian (Beth) Findley, Gentry, MO; daughter, Teresa Findley, Albany; mother, Jean Adams, Maryville; sisters, Francis Force, Grant City; Bonnie (Steve) Moreland, Bethany; Annie (Danny) Bohon, Maryville; brother, Vic (Nancy) Adams, Maryville; mother-in-law, Donna Findley, Albany; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Friday, February 3 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial will be in the Knox Cemetery, Worth, MO. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday at the chapel. Friends may call anytime after 2:00 PM on Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com

Obituary -- Jim Boedeker 1939-2023

James “Jim” Leroy Boedeker, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, daughters and special caregivers, Billie and Jill.

He was born on February 16, 1939, in Parnell, Missouri to Gerald Leo and Grace Lucile (Diss) Boedeker. He graduated from Ravenwood High School in Ravenwood, Missouri. After graduation, he attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

Jim spent 34 years working for MFA in Ravenwood, Conception Junction and Guilford. He took great pride in his job and enjoyed the many people he came into contact with. He retired in 1997.

On June 3, 1982, Jim was united in marriage to his loving wife, Norma Jean Herring. He was the best and most loving husband.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randall Leroy Boedeker; and brother, Paul Boedeker.

Survivors include his wife; sisters, Catherine Barmann (Joe) of Maryville, MO and Dorothy Walk of Lee’s Summit, MO; brothers, Joseph Boedeker (Sandra) of Macon, MO, Robert Boedeker (Kathi) of Maryville, MO, and Francis Boedeker (Rita) of Monticello, MN; daughters, Tammy Arnold (Tim), Debbie Pullen (Gary) and Brenda Sullivan (Steve) all of St. Joseph, MO; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Friday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. The family will gather with friends 9:00 A.M. Friday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Parish Rosary 9:30 A.M. Interment Saint Joseph Cemetery, Parnell, Missouri. Per Jim’s wishes, in lieu of flowers please send donations to Parnell Cemetery, Freudenthal Center for Parkinson’s Disease, or St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Freudenthal Hospice caregivers. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Worth County Land Transfers for January 2023

December 27th – Book 206, Page 36; Danny Freeman to Danny & Barbara Freeman; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

December 27th – Book 206, Page 37; Whitney & Jake Dillard to Gwyanda Harker; Quit Claim Deed; South half lot 35 of Goodsill’s Addition to Grant City, Worth County.

December 28th – Book 206, Page 38; Gary & Trena Baker to Kendra Pickering; Quit Claim Deed; Lot 1, 2, 3, Block 1, Okey’s Addition.

December 28th – Book 206, Page 39; Estate of Samuel Baker to Kendra Pickering; Deed of Personal Representative; Lot 1, 2, 3, Block 1, Okey’s Addition.

January 3rd – Book 206, Page 40; Roy Claypool to Judy Claypool; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

January 3rd – Book 206, Page 41; Citizen’s Bank & Trust to Charolette McClain; Deed of Release; Book 188, Page 95.

January 3rd – Book 206, Page 42; Conservation Employees’ Credit Union to Randy & Becky Baker; Deed of Release; Book 184, Page 155.

January 3rd – Book 206, Page 43; Eldon & Loretta Hart Revocable Trust to Jay Hart; Trustee’s Deed; the West ½ of the Northwest ¼ of the Northeast ¼ of Section 18, Township 66, Range 32.

January 9th – Book 206, Page 44; Andrews Brothers Inc. to Darin Stephens; Warranty Deed; the West Half of the Northeast Quarter Section 34, Township 67, Range 31 lying east of New Highway 169.

January 9th – Book 206, Page 46; Michael & Lindsey Humpal to Hill’s Bank & Trust; Deed of Trust; See Record.

January 9th – Book 206, Page 47; Castle 2020 LLC to James Hsiau; Special Warranty Deed; the East ½ of Lot 10 and all Lot 11, 12, Block 3, Railroad Addition.

January 18th – Book 206, Page 50; Jack & Patti Spainhower to Kansas City Properties LLC; General Warranty Deed; See Record.

January 18th – Book 206, Page 51; Kansas City Properties & Investments LLC to Jack & Patti Spainhower; Land Use Agreement; See Record.

January 18th – Book 206, Page 52; Kansas City Properties & Investments LLC to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

January 20th – Book 206, Page 53; HNB Bank to Jack & Patti Spainhower; Deed of Release; Book 206, Page 32.

January 20th – Book 206, Page 54; Vivian Coleman to Corey & Amber DeMott; Warranty Deed; the West ½ of the Southwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ of Section 5, Township 66, Range 31.

January 20th – Book 206, Page 55; Estate of Clifford Blanchard to Dino Galanakis; Deed of Personal Representative; Lot 2, 3, 6, 7, Block 4, Grand View Place Addition.

January 20th – Book 206, Page 56; Dino Galanakis to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; Lot 2, 3, 6, 7, Block 4, Grand View Place Addition.

January 26th – Book 206, Page 57; Jack & Nancy Baker to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

January 26th – Book 206, Page 58; First Interstate Bank to Lyle & Janet Hogue; Deed of Release; Book 197, Page 60.

January 26th – Book 206, Page 59; Kenneth New to Kenneth New and Phillip New, Stephanie New, William New; Quit Claim Deed; the Southwest ¼ of the West ½ of the Southeast 1/4, all Section 1, Township 65, Range 33.

January 27th – Book 206, Page 60; The Hiatt Family Trust to the Brent & Rose Angela Taney Trust; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

January 30th – Book 206, Page 61; John & Wilma Jacobs to Joseph Jacobs, John Jacobs, and Kristi Hughes; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

January 30th – Book 206, Page 64; Kelley Ross to Clayton Ross & Kristen Ross; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.