Bluejays Avenge Tie With Tigers, Win 11-3

Northeast Nodaway’s girls avenged their only blemish on their record up to that point when they handed Worth County its first loss of the season, beating them 11-3 Thursday. Worth County had been playing excellent softball lately, having beaten Trenton and another big school and losing narrowly to South Harrison, which took third at state last year. They also scratched out a 3-2 win over King City the game before. 

The Bluejays had been going well after playing Worth County to an 8-8 tie, beating Albany 8-0 behind Lindsey Jackson’s no-hitter. Fueled by that game, they extended their shutout streak to three games, blanking Stanberry 4-0 and getting Baylie Busby’s first ever over the fence home run before making a long road trip worthwhile and blanking Maysville 20-0 in three innings.

But it looked like Worth County would continue to have the Bluejays’ number, as they have the last few years after Kambree Briner singled to right to start the game and Audrey Runde walked. Kristen Tracy reached on a throwing error by second baseman Bristol Hicks, scoring Briner and putting Runde on third. Riley Ridge struck out, but Addison Gray beat out an infield hit to score Runde to put the Tigers up 2-0.

At that point, it looked like a long night for the Bluejays; many of their players had been to Milan for a basketball shootout there against two tough Class 2 teams, followed by a long 3-4 hour trip home. But the Bluejays won both games, dismantling Schuyler County behind a big day from Baylie Busby. Knox County caught on and swarmed Busby in the second game, but then the Bluejays got contributions from Skyler Florea, back from a shoulder injury, along with Hayley Yost, Blair Nelson knocking down a 3-pointer, and everyone else. It didn’t matter that they were shorthanded without both Brianna Meyer (dental) and Mylee Wilmes (camp); they won that game as well. Despite being without their two best on the ball defenders, they were still able to pressure the ball and force turnovers to fuel their attack.

The Bluejays struck right back against Worth County when Baylie Busby hit a screamer to right field and this time did not get herself thrown out as she got a triple to start the Bluejay first. Blair Nelson doubled to right and Hayley Yost and Lindsey Jackson walked to load the bases. Makenzie Pride singled in Nelson and Yost to put the Bluejays up 3-2 after one. They looked shaky in the first inning, but then got stronger as the game progressed.

In the second inning, Braelyn Fletchall, who hurt the Bluejays in the first game, hit a screamer, but Bristol Hicks, moved from second base to left field, atoned for her error in the first inning and ran it down. That seemed to give Bluejay pitcher Lindsey Jackson the confidence she needed to settle down, and she started throwing strikes.

The Bluejays added to their lead to start the second when Baylie Busby and Hadley DeFreece walked. Blair Nelson got her second double of the night. Hayley Yost, going up against one of her best friends in Kristen Tracy, hit a screamer, but Braelyn Fletchall, playing at second, snagged it to temporarily derail the Bluejays. But Nelson took third on a wild pitch and scored when Lindsey Jackson grounded out to make it 6-2.

Keira Hardy singled to lead off the Tiger third and Kambree Briner grounded out. Audrey Runde hit it hard towards right field, but Hayley Yost, now at second, made a diving stop to rob Runde of a base hit. Kristen Tracy doubled into the left center field gap to score Hardy, but without Yost’s play, it would have been a whole lot more than one run. Riley Ridge reached when Lindsey Jackson dropped her pop fly to put Tracy on third. But on the ensuing first and third situation, Baylie Busby threw down to second to nail Ridge for the third out and the Tigers only managed one run, cutting the deficit to 6-3.

Northeast went quietly in their half of the third and Addison Gray, a bright spot for the Tigers that night, tripled to left to lead off. But when Worth County stranded her and couldn’t bring her in, that opened the floodgates for the Bluejays in the last two innings.

Hadley DeFreece beat out a bunt hit to start off the Bluejay fourth and then Blair Nelson singled to center. Hayley Yost used her newfound speed to beat out a scratch hit between first and second to load the bases and then Lindsey Jackson singled just past second to score two to make it 8-3.

With DeFreece pitching and shutting down the Tiger bats after giving up Gray’s triple, that gave Northeast a chance to end it in the fifth on the eight run rule. Sadie Hall, a freshman, hit a flare up the middle for a base hit and then Baylie Busby crushed a triple, her second of the night, to score her. Blair Nelson was hit by a pitch and stole second and Hayley Yost forced an error with her newfound speed as Busby crossed the plate to make it 10-3. Lindsey Jackson hit a grounder to short and the Tigers had no play at the plate as Nelson came in to score and close out the win.

Hali Smith Tosses No Hitter Against Putnam County

Hali Smith tossed a no-hitter against Putnam County as the Shamrocks won 17-2 against the Midgets, a major turnaround from recent years when Putnam had North Harrison’s number even when they were down. The Midgets were so shocked by the outcome that they ran their players a lap around the field after the game and after North Harrison’s 9-8 victory in the JV nightcap.

The mound had been dominated by Erica Gerken, who pitched nearly every inning the last three years for the Shamrocks. The big question was who would take over for her since she graduated this year. North Harrison has been breaking in four different arms, including Smith, Lani Briggs, Addison Milligan, and Gracie Young. Young was gone for Wednesday’s game (camp), but Briggs and Milligan both pitched in the nightcap.

Ava Rinehart steps into the catcher’s slot, which she has been playing for a long time in travel ball and junior high. She showed she is ready for varsity level action. Andi Nail and Kayka Wilson return and will split first base and outfield. Nail was one of those kids who kept going even when everything was unraveling around her, turning into a steady anchor at first and catching every pop fly remotely in her area. Kayka’s bat has improved this year.

Carmon Fordyce returns at second base, which she locked down last year. She took away a potential hit from Putnam County in the third, making a shoestring catch to preserve Smith’s no-hitter.

With Rinehart moving behind the plate, Lani Briggs was able to move into the field, where she will play shortstop. Briggs and Fordyce can both back up Rinehart behind the plate when needed. Jaxcynn Hansel, who started as a freshman last year in the outfield, moves from right field to third base to take over the slot vacated by Jaci Davis, who graduated last year. Kira Robertson returns to play center field and Addison Milligan will take over the left field slot. Gracie Young, another freshman, will figure into the mix someplace as well. 

After the Shamrocks worked around an error and stranded a Midget runner at third, Addison Milligan shot a single just past short for her first ever hit at this level. Lani Briggs reached on an error and Addison scored all the way from first. Ava Rinehart singled to left to put Briggs on third and the two pulled off a successful double steal to make it 2-0. Jaxcynn Hansel reached on an error to plate Rinehart to make it 3-0 after one.

With two outs in the second and Putnam playing really shallow, Addison Milligan doubled over everyone’s heads to keep it going. Lani Briggs singled to put runners on first and third and that was all Ava Rinehart needed to crush one over everyone’s heads to the left field wall to make it 6-0.

Putnam County made a bid to get back in the game in the third as Smith walked the bases loaded and two runners came home on wild pitches. But she struck out one batter and Carmon Fordyce’s shoestring catch took away a base hit and kept North Harrison in front 6-2.

In the Shamrock third, Carmon Fordyce reached as the first baseman had her foot off the bag. Jaxcynn Hansel singled and Kira Robertson was hit. A rare miscue happened as Fordyce made a dash to the plate on a passed ball situation and was out, but Hansel and Robertson took second and third and Hali Smith hit a pop fly that dropped into right field as Hansel scored and Robertson took third. Smith stole second. Andi Nail struck out, but Addison Milligan reached on a dropped fly ball as Smith and Robertson scored and Milligan took second. Two wild pitches brought Milligan around to score. Lani Briggs restarted the Shamrocks with a base hit just past short and Ava Rinehart crushed a double over everyone’s head to score Briggs and bringing her within a triple of completing the cycle. Jayliegh Robins was the last Shamrock to hit for the cycle in 2019. Kayka Wilson singled to right to bring Rinehart home. By the time the dust had settled, North Harrison was up 12-2 after three and six runs had crossed the plate.

In the fourth, Putnam County walked the bases full. They nearly got out of the inning, but then a wild pitch scored Jaxcynn Hansel to open the floodgates again. Lani Briggs walked and then Ava Rinehart could not quite complete the cycle, but her double down the left field line scored Kira Robertson and Andi Nail and put Briggs on third. Putnam nearly had Briggs picked off third, but she escaped the rundown and scored as Rinehart took third. Kayka Wilson walked and then Carmon Fordyce reached on a dropped fly ball to make it 17-2, ending the game on the 15 run rule.

North Harrison JV 9, Putnam County 8

The nightcap was much closer; the Shamrocks took a big early lead, but then needed a walkoff to get the win and complete the sweep. 

The first inning was highlighted by Kenzie Milligan’s triple into the left center field gap to plate two runs and Carmon Fordyce’s infield hit as the Shamrocks led 4-0 after one. Lani Briggs scored on a wild pitch in the inning as well.

But after the Shamrocks stranded Briggs at third after she got there with no outs, the Midgets started coming back, using hits and walks to take a 5-4 lead. Two RBI groundouts by Kayka Wilson and Kaydence Lambert put the Shamrocks up 6-5, but a double, four walks, three wild pitches, and a hit batter put Putnam back in front 8-6.

But Hali Smith, who beat the Midgets with her arm in the first game, beat them with her legs in the second as she beat out an infield hit to start the Shamrock fourth. She stole second and took third on a wild pitch. Jaxcynn Hansel doubled over the field fielder’s head to cut it to 8-7. After a long battle with the pitcher, Annabelle Owens had a good hold on a 3-2 pitch and walked. Hansel stole third and then Annabelle stole second. Addison Milligan walked and then Carmon Fordyce’s pop fly to right dropped in for a base hit to score Hansel to tie it at 8-8. Kayka Wilson popped out, but Kaydence Lambert walked to force in a run and win it for the Shamrocks.

Darlene Messner 1941-2024

Darlene (Wilkinson) Messner, 82, Maryville, Missouri passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Darlene was born August 2, 1941, in Hatfield, MO to Rex and Lillie (Sweedman) Wilkinson.  She was a graduate of Stanberry High in 1959, she met the love of her life, Burton Messner, and they married on March 1, 1964.  They resided in Stanberry, MO, where they raised 4 children on their family farm, twins Becky & Brenda, Rod, and Marcie.    

Darlene was honest, loved her family dearly and had a strong faith in the Lord.  She was a member of Laura Street Baptist Church.  She enjoyed spending time with children, whether her own kids, the day care kids she watched for over 20 years, or in the church nursery.  She thought of her daycare and nursery kids as extended family.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, in-laws Marvin and Lavenia Messner, Ronnie and Sharon (sister) Graham, Jerry (brother) and Cathy Wilkinson.

She is survived by her husband, Burton; daughters Becky Ross, Brenda (Rick) Davis; son Rod (Marci) Messner and daughter Marcie (Phillip) McIntyre; grandchildren Kacie (Brian) Wolff, Rene (Kolby) Griffith, Korey Ross, Raven Davis (Quentin), Rachel Davis, Dakota (Jessi) Messner, Peyton Messner, Kevin Ross, Mateo Messner, Delaney McIntyre, and Dylan McIntyre; great-grandchildren Penny Griffith, Macie, McKinley, and Grayson Wolff, Koen Messner, Harrison Kolbeck; brother Dave (Connie) Wilkinson, sister-in-law Sandra McGuire and many nieces and nephews. 

Per her wishes Darlene’s body has been cremated under the care of the Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, MO.  Memorial services will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville, Missouri.  The family will receive friends from 5:30-6:30 PM prior to the service.  Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be sent to Three Rivers Hospice, 3901 Beck Road, Suite C, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64506.

LaVerne Spainhower 1923-2024

Mabel LaVerne (Hass) Spainhower, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on Saturday, June 8, 2024. LaVerne had been surrounded by her family as she was gradually letting go of this life. LaVerne was born on August 24, 1923 in Hatfield, Missouri to Ralph and Theo Hass. Following graduation from Hatfield High School, she received her Associates Degree in Education from Maryville Teacher’s College (now Northwest Missouri State University). 

She married her first love, Mac Spainhower in 1946 and together they had three children, Joe, Sally and Sara. After Mac’s untimely death in 1981, LaVerne continued to work and then traveled with longtime friends. She experienced many road trips all over the United States, including a memorable road trip to Alaska…yes, they drove to Alaska! 

LaVerne found love again at the age of 74 and married Richard Houk, and together they enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events, time in Arizona, and spending time with both of their families. In addition to teaching in a one room schoolhouse, LaVerne also worked as a bank teller and school secretary. Her most important role, however, was Mom and Grammy. She was an active member of Grant City United Methodist Church and after moving to Kansas City, in the Platte Woods United Methodist Church. LaVerne was an invaluable volunteer and served as a bookkeeper, group leader, hospitality leader or whatever else she thought needed to be done. She was also a member of the PEO sisterhood for over 75 years. 

Her unwavering Christian faith guided her throughout her life and served as a beacon of hope to all who knew her. She had a passion for helping people, whether by sharing her delicious food, her life wisdom, her quietly comforting presence, or her warm smile. Known for her tireless energy and joyful spirit, LaVerne was an avid gardener, golfer, bridge player and a devoted sports fan, particularly of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. She welcomed the 2015 World Series Champions Kansas City Royals back to Kauffman Stadium, all at the sprightly age of 92. A local TV station even interviewed her where she expressed her favoritism for player Salvador Perez! As a mother, Grammy and great grandmother, LaVerne was the heart and soul of her devoted family. She loved spending time with them and creating memories that will be cherished forever. Her wisdom, grace and unconditional love will continue to be her legacy for years to come. 

The family would like to extend a big Thank You to the extraordinary staffs and caregivers of Wexford Place Senior Living Community, Interim Home Health, and Ascend Hospice in caring for our mom, they are living angels. 

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Mac Spainhower and Richard Houk, and four siblings. She is survived by her children, Joe, of Milwaukie, OR, Sally, of Davenport, IA and Sara (Tom) of Kansas City, MO, 5 grandchildren and 10 (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren. 

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A visitation for friends and family will be held at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed by burial at the Grant City Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will take place at Wexford Senior Living Community at 6500 N. Cosby Ave., Kansas City, MO on Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. Instead of plants or flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to Mission Possible Thrift Store & Food Pantry in Grant City, MO or to the Grant City United Methodist Church.

Editorial -- Facebook Hates Rural America

Unfortunately, we won't be on Facebook as much as we used to be. Over the last several months, Facebook has been engaging in a systematic attack on our paper, taking down our posts for no reason that we can think of. This, after they let us post at will for 15 years on this platform. This is not just an attack on us; this is an attack on all of you as well as our whole way of life. 

It comes down to one of three possible explanations: 1. The moderators are from out of the country just like the owners of Alpha Media, who recently dumped Stuart Johnson, are from out of the area and don't understand Rural America or our way of life. 2. Their algorithm is written in a way to allow the likes of Bill Gates or Elon Musk or some other billionaire to make a living while keeping the rest of us down. When we grow to a certain point, their spam filter kicks in. 3. They hate Rural America and our way of life and don't want us to succeed in any way b/c they would rather see us working like slaves for just over broke instead of making a living.

So we are looking for a new home for our blog so we can promote our paper to the world. X (formerly Twitter) is not an option. Since Elon Musk bought it out, the quality has become worse and worse. Now, it is down (at least for us) for hours at a time, only up occasionally. So while we may post there occasionally, it is not a solution. We have a Plan C that we will roll out soon. It is not ideal, there are not a lot of people from around here on it, but it might be the best solution we have.

But the irony of it is that while Facebook is attacking us, and all of you by extension, they are letting the real scammers get away. Case in point:

–Catholic Answers is one of the country’s largest Catholic apologetics shows in the country. We encountered an imposter site, “Catholic Answers Live,” which posts disparaging content in its private group against the Catholic faith. Not only that, they openly say that Eastern Orthodox people, who are one of the three main branches of Christianity, are not welcome. We have friends and subscribers who are strong Protestants and who are strong Catholics. But dividing the body of Christ is just wrong, let alone set up an imposter site to do bait and switch content. Naturally, we reported it as spreading hate. Half an hour later, Facebook denied our claim. Even though imposter sites are a direct violation of Facebook’s Terms of Service.

–Another case in point: There was a fake advertising site claiming Wal-Mart was giving away hundreds of free electronics. We reported it. Facebook refused to take it down. Even though this is a direct violation of Facebook’s Terms of Service against spreading false information. We see these fake giveaway sites on Facebook all the time. There has been a rash of thefts at the Maryville Wal-Mart this year, judging by the court pages. We have a theory that at least part of it is related to Facebook allowing scammers on its site to claim that Wal-Mart and other retail giants are giving away stuff for free. And then the politicians wonder why there is so much crime in the country.

Third case in point: We have gotten numerous friend requests from porn accounts. We report and block those accounts, which contain nudity, sexual services, and explicit videos. We recommend that you do as well if you choose to continue using Facebook. After all, how do we know that those accounts are not underage? In Missouri, belief that someone is over the age of consent is not a defense if the cops arrest you. 

Fourth case in point: A few weeks ago, we had a scammer post on our Sheridan Express profile image, which is a public domain photo of General Philip Sheridan, after whom our town is named. They were making dire threats against us alleging copyright violations and giving us a number to call. They even had a fake checkmark purporting to show they were an admit. Even though that poster was impersonating Facebook, Facebook refused to do anything about that scammer.

Since Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has decided that he hates Rural America so much, we have one question to ask him. If he and his company succeed in destroying our way of life by keeping us down, where is he going to find the food that he eats every day? Even the billions of dollars that he and Facebook have is not going to buy the food that he eats if there is no longer anyone around to make it. 

Editorials are the view of the Editor and Publisher. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sheridan Express Cooperative board of directors or its membership.

Obituary -- Robert Moore 1949-2024

 

Robert Dean Moore, age 74, died Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Robert was born September 22, 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri.  He was the son of Elijah and Laura L. (Dehart) Moore.

Before moving to Grant City, Missouri, Robert had lived in Creston, Iowa.

Robert was married to Debra Jo (Stinnett).  Debbie preceded him in death on December 4, 2017.

Robert was a handyman and had worked many various jobs in the communities that he lived in.

Others who preceded him n death were his parents, two sisters, half-sisters Loretta Burton, Pauline Hartlett, and twins Jeraldine and Jerod Mink, and an infant brother.

His survivors include sister Kathy Percifield, Grant City, his close friend Kimberly Riggs, Grant City, children Michelle Moore, Raymond Moore, April and Richard Quinn, Tina and Tammy Moore and Jeff Moore.

Per his wishes Robert has been cremated under the care of the Hann Funeral Home, Grant City.  There will be no services held at this time.  A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will be in the Kirk Cemetery, Allendale, Missouri.

Ravenwood Sends Letter of Violation

The City of Ravenwood sent a letter of violation to a person who had built a fence without a permit. Like Grant City, Ravenwood requires residents adding new structures or fences on their properties and/or put in a water supply or sewer system to get a building permit at City Hall. The ordinance, passed in March 1999, reads as follows:

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN FOR THE CITY OF RAVENWOOD, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: TO CONTROL BUILDING AND WATER SUPPLY OR SEWER SYSTEMS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.

Section 1: A person, group of persons, company, or organization desiring to build a new structure or add to an existing structure or to put in a water supply and/or a sewer system within the city limits of the City of Ravenwood, Missouri, shall FIRST file with the City Clerk an application for a building permit on a form provided by the City Clerk and shall therewith pay an application fee of $10 to the City Clerk at the time of the filing of said application.

Section 2: The City Clerk shall forward the Application for a Building Permit to the Board of Aldermen and Mayor who shall review same at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen. If the Application is approved by a majority of the Board, then a building permit shall be issued to the applicant allowing for the building of a new structure or adding to an existing structure or the putting in of a water supply and/or sewer system.

Section 3: The granting of a building permit in no way guarantees that any of the work done is of a workmanlike manner, that any person performing any work is skilled, licensed, or bonded, or that it is being built on the applicant’s property. These requirements are the sole responsibility of the applicant, his agents, the property owners, or the workmen involved, without any liability on behalf of the City of Ravenwood.

Section 4: If a building permit is not granted by the Board of Aldermen and the applicant, or someone acting through his authority or on his behalf shall build the structure or add to an existing structure or put in a water supply and/or a sewer system, the applicant, his agents, and assigns shall all be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or a jail sentence of 90 days or both said fine and jail sentence. Each day shall constitute a separate violation. The structure may also be ordered to be removed, razed, or altered to comply with this Ordinance.

Section 5: If a building permit is not granted by the Board of Aldermen, the applicant shall have a right to appeal the administrative decision of the Board to the Circuit Court of Nodaway County, Missouri, for judicial review under the Missouri State Statutes regarding same. Failure of any person to file an appeal shall constitute waiver of said right.

Section 6: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and adoption.

Bill Stephenson came to request that a “T” be put in his ditch, which he said would help with runoff. Mayor Brian Sobotka and council members said that while the city has three other major projects ahead of it, they were receptive to the request. In the meantime, the city will dig the ditch a little deeper to help with drainage during storms.

Work on the Playground was discussed. The project got an award from FCS Financial of $5,000, not $10,000 as was originally thought, meaning that more fundraising is needed.

Discussion was had on lining up volunteer labor to finish the project. The new shelter house will be done at a later date. 

Paint work needs done on the north side of City Hall and on the water plant. 

The Council is planning to pass a new policy on water from the Fire Department for recreational purposes. In the past, the Fire Department had filled up peoples’ pools and then paid an estimated bill to the city. The new proposed policy would require people who want recreational water to get it through the city. Sobotka and city council members stated that while Ravenwood has some of the cheapest water in the area, they were not giving it away. 

The following are water rates for towns in the area for minimum monthly usage: Barnard – $136.50, Burlington Junction $128, Clearmont – $122.50, Conception Junction – $55.05, Hopkins – $72.31, Ravenwood – $18.65, Skidmore – $84, Albany–  $38.61, King City – $77.70, Stanberry – $64.69, Maryville – $39.20. Ravenwood has the lowest water rates in the area.

The following are sewer rates for towns in the area. Barnard – $79, Burlington Junction – $34, Clearmont – $65, Conception Junction – $27.53, Hopkins – $61.16, Ravenwood – $35, Skidmore – $60, Albany – $63.50, King City – $35.11, Stanberry – $58.20, Maryville – $121.44. Ravenwood has one of the lowest sewer rates in the area.