Graves Presents Service Medals to WW2 Vet’s Family

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) presented military service medals that he was able to recover to the family of a Northwest Missouri veteran. Graves presented medals to the family of William Edgar Taul for his role in WWII. Mr. Taul served in the US Army, beginning in 1944. His military service records were lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis in 1973. However, Graves was able to obtain several medals for his service. 

“I’m grateful for all of our veterans in North Missouri," said Graves. “It’s an honor to be able to present these medals to Mr. Taul’s family so they can always remember his service to our nation."

Congressman Graves presented the Bronze Star Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII to Taul’s family members including his grandson, Ryan Wright, his daughter Peggy Boulware, and his son in law Barry Boulware. 

Veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Graves' office if they are trying to obtain service medals that they earned. Graves office is also able to assist if there is an issue accessing Veterans Affairs benefits.  Anyone in need of assistance can call 816-792-3976.

 

Prairie Day at Dunn Ranch September 20th

The native grasslands in the rolling hills of northwest Missouri are a sample of the prairie ecosystem that once dominated the area. Are you a landowner in northwest Missouri looking to better understand your property’s relationship to the prairie? Do you have a family looking for a fun and educational way to spend your weekend? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) invite the public to a free Prairie Day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Dunn Ranch Prairie and Pawnee Prairie near Eagleville.

Before the main event kicks off, MDC, Audubon Society, and Missouri Master Naturalist representatives will lead a guided sunrise birding hike from 7 to 9 a.m. at MDC’s Pawnee Prairie Conservation Area. Interested participants will meet in the parking area on the west side, off gravel road W 140th Ave.

Once the main event begins, visitors can tour exhibits and display tables from a variety of community partners, meet with land conservation experts, take wildflower walks, and ride on a wagon to see bison grazing on the prairie in Harrison County. Exhibits and departure points for both hikes and the bison tour will be located at TNC’s shelter across from the ranch headquarters (16970 W. 150th St. in Hatfield).

This event is free and open to all ages. Lunch concessions will be available onsite. No registration is required.

For any questions about the event, call MDC’s Northwest Regional Office at 816-271-3100. To learn more about prairie in Missouri, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/habitats/grasslands-prairies-savannas/prairies.

 

Weekly Area Road Work for September 3rd, 2025

The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Sept. 1-7.

MoDOT will limit road construction for the Labor Day holiday to accommodate expected increased travel. Work on most maintenance and construction projects will be suspended at noon today, Friday, Aug. 29, and resume at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Some long-term traffic impacts will remain in place.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org, or download the app for updated information.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Andrew County

Route H – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the Lincoln Creek Bridge through September 2025 (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/route-b-route-dd-and-route-h-bridge-rehabilitation-andrew-and-buchanan.

U.S. Route 71 ramp – CLOSED to southbound I-29 for acceleration lane extension through October 2025 (Contractor: Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company, Inc.).

Interstate 29 – Narrowed to one lane in each direction at the Mill Creek Bridges, north of Exit 60 (Amazonia), for a bridge rehabilitation project through December 2025. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.)

Atchison County

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from the city of Rock Port to Route M, Sept. 2-5.

Route W – Shoulder work at the intersection of Route J, Sept. 2-5.

Route 46 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route HH to Route EE, Sept. 3-4, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Buchanan County

Route 752 (Alabama Street) – CLOSED from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through 2025. (Contractor: Amino Bros. Co., Inc.) https://www.modot.org/projects/route-u-missouri-route-59-and-missouri-route-752-intersection-improvements-buchanan-county.

I-229 – Pavement repair project from mile marker 0 to mile marker 2.6 through October 2025. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Caldwell County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through November 2025. (Contractor: Cale Seymour Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/route-d-bridge-replacement-caldwell.

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement repair project, Sept. 2-5. A single lane may be closed in up to 2-mile sections, around the clock. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Realm Construction, Inc.).

Carroll County

U.S. Route 65 – Resurfacing project from south of Route CC to north of County Road 368 near Carrollton, through October 2025. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC).

Route M – CLOSED in various locations for multiple culvert replacements, Sept. 2-5, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Route NN – Resurfacing project, Sept. 2-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). ^*3

Route UU – Resurfacing project, Sept. 3-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). ^*3

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge maintenance at the Grand River Bridge, Sept. 2-4. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals guiding motorists through the work zone.

Chariton County

Route PP – CLOSED at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is scheduled to be replaced through the Northwest Bridge Bundle beginning Sept. 2. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin) ^*2

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge maintenance at the Grand River Bridge, Sept. 2-4. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals guiding motorists through the work zone.

Clinton County

I-35 – Pavement rehabilitation in the northbound lanes from Exit 40 (Lathrop) to Exit 48 (south Cameron) through November 2025. Both north and southbound traffic will be one lane, each direction, in the southbound lanes (Contractor: Michels Road & Stone). https://www.modot.org/projects/interstate-35-and-us-route-69-concrete-overlay-clinton-county

Route H – Scrub seal project, Sept. 2-8. The road will be closed in 2-mile sections during the resurfacing. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons)

Daviess County

Route 6 – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement project at the bridge over I-35 (Exit 64) through mid-September 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC) https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-6-and-route-n-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-35-daviess-and-harrison

• Interstate 35 under the Route 6 bridge will be closed in both directions overnight Sept. 3-4. The interstate will close beginning at 7 p.m. on Sept. 3 and reopen at 6 a.m. on Sept. 4. During the closure, I-35 traffic will be directed up and over the ramps at Route 6 (Exit 64).

Route 190 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Clear Creek Bridge, north of Lock Springs, through mid-November 2025. A detour is in place directing motorists to use U.S. Route 65 and Missouri Route 6 around the closure. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-190-bridge-replacement-daviess-county

Gentry County

Route B – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the Zounds Creek Bridge through October 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth

Route M – Scrub seal project, Sept. 2-7. The road will be narrowed to one lane with a pilot car to guide motorists through the work zone and a 10-foot width restriction. (Contractor: Vance Brothers, Inc.)

Harrison County

Route N – CLOSED at the bridge over Interstate 35 near Eagleville for a bridge deck replacement through early December 2025 (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-6-and-route-n-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-35-daviess-and-harrison

• Interstate 35 under the Route N bridge will be closed weeknights, Aug. 26-Sept. 5. The interstate will close on weeknights beginning at 7 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. the next day. During the closure, I-35 traffic will be directed up and over the ramps at Route N (Exit 106). There will be no access to/from Route N during the closure.

Route B – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route N to 210^th Street, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route CC – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route MM to 370^th Street, Sept. 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from 245^th Street to 22^nd Street, Sept. 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route H – CLOSED in up to 2-mile sections for a resurfacing project Sept. 2-5. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.) ^*3

Holt County

Route B – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Hickory Creek Bridge through December 2025. (Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/route-b-bridge-replacement-holt-county

I-29 – Concrete Replacement northbound at the 92.2 mile marker, Sept. 2-4.

I-29 – Concrete replacement northbound at the 90.0 mile marker, Sept. 4-5.

Livingston County

U.S. Route 65 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 36 in Chillicothe to south of Route CC near Carrollton, through October 2025. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC).

Nodaway County

Route NN – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Platte River Bridge west of Parnell through October 2025. (Contractor: Louis-Company, LLC). https://www.modot.org/route-nn-bridge-replacement-nodaway.

Route F – CLOSED for pavement repairs from Route N to 295^th Street, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route F – CLOSED for pavement repairs from Kite Road to 280^th Street, Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sullivan County

Route T – CLOSED at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle. https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route 6 to Rainbow Road, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Rainbow Road to Robin Road, Sept. 3-4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Route W – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Robin Road to Pearl Road, Sept. 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Worth County

Route 169 – CLOSED, for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through October 2025. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC.) https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth.

Route W – CLOSED for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through December 2025. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.) https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-46-and-route-w-bridge-replacement-worth

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^*1 This bridge is part of the NWBB (Northwest Bridge Bundle) program. The design-build team is Capital-Horner & Shifrin. More info: NWBB program web page.

^*2 This bridge is part of the Safe and Sound Bridge Rehabilitation program. The contractor is Capital Paving & Construction, LLC. More info: Northwest Missouri Safe & Sound Bridge Rehabilitations | Missouri Department of Transportation.

^*3 In 2024, the Governor signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, including an additional $100 million to continue low-volume road improvements. This funding will be used to improve conditions on 1,985 lane miles of rural roads at 149 locations, including the ones listed below. For more information on the Governor’s Rural Roads Program, visit Governor's Rural Roads Program | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org). 

Late Outburst Pushes Tiger Softball Past Trenton

A late outburst by Worth County pushed them past Trenton 10-4 in extra innings 10-4. It was supposed to be one of those games that coaches schedule to expose weaknesses and see what the team needs to improve. Sure enough, Trenton took a 2-0 lead after five and the Bulldogs looked to be in control.

All of a sudden, the Tigers realized they could play ball with them and started figuring out how to time up their pitcher. A key hit by Rylee Ruckman in the sixth fueled a rally that tied it up 2-2 and then the Tigers scored two more in the seventh to take a 4-2 lead. Trenton tied it up with a two run home run in the bottom of the seventh, only for the Tigers to erupt with six in the eighth to win it 10-4, with everybody up and down the lineup getting hits.

Coach Cody Green said he didn't say anything special to light a fire under them. "I just told them to keep playing the game they love," he said. 

The Tigers had two players back from injuries. Kristen Tracy, who had a scare when she was plunked in the back during warmups between innings at Eagleville, pitched the whole game. Riley Ridge came back from an injury and played the whole game.

Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, and Rylee Ruckman all got key hits for the Tigers. Trenton was very good at making contact and putting the ball in play. Kristen Tracy didn't strike out a lot of batters against a team that was difficult to strike out, but she got a lot of soft contact. There were a ton of pop flies, which forced a lot of communication, but several different people caught pop flies. Riley Ridge, Kambree Briner, and Megan Tracy caught two, while Kristen Tracy and Keira Hardy caught one. 

Tigers Stopped at Goal Line, Fall 34-26 Against Rock Port

Worth County dug itself into a hole with poor tackling and three turnovers. They nearly got out of it, but were stopped one yard short of the goal line Friday as they lost 34-26 to Rock Port. Now, they have to lick their wounds and deal with injuries as they have been dropping like flies. First, Reyen Hansen, who figured to help out on the defensive line this year, tore his ACL. Then, Brayden Murphy, who was working his way into a starting line spot, broke his hand. Then, quarterback Hayden Sanders took a helmet to just below the knee from Jack Meyerkorth during the game and came out as Brock Healy was pressed into service. Then, Healy threw some good balls to Bo Collins and the Tigers nearly came back, only to be stopped on the one late in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers got the ball to start the game and Cole Ruby ripped off gains of 7 and 13 yards to the 40, showing some newfound ability to shed tackles. Hayden Sanders got a block from Cole Ruby and picked up ten more and a jet sweep from Jude Archer netted four. But they stalled there and Rock Port took over on downs. 

The Blue Jays wasted little time after a pass interference put it on the Tiger 39. They unveiled a freshman, Jacob McMahon, who the Tigers could not tackle to save their lives. He carried Rock Port down to the 18 and then a jet sweep to Logan Ellis picked up six to the 12. McMahon burst 12 yards for a score to make it 6-0.

During Rock Port's initial surge, the only thing stopping them was themselves as they picked up six penalties in the first quarter. A roughing the passer penalty fueled the Tigers' next drive, putting the ball at the 38. An offsides gave the Tigers a free first down at the 32. Cole Ruby converted a third and four, getting 23 yards to the three and then Bo Collins took a reverse pitch to the house with 8:06 left to make it 6-6.

Lucas Frisch batted down a pass on the next play to give the Tigers a chance to get the defense off the field, but they got no pressure on quarterback Westyn Amthor, who threw a strike to Jack Meyerkorth for 19 yards to the Tiger 33. Then, the tackling broke down on McMahon, who took it to the house. Meyerkorth caught the extra point pass to make it 14-6.

Once again, Rock Port shot itself in the foot to keep the Tigers in the game, getting a late hit and an offsides as the Tigers moved the ball to the 35. Hayden Sanders got a block from Lucas Frisch and took it to the house with 2:15 left to make it 14-12.

Worth County finally got a stop on its next series as Rock Port stopped itself with a mixup on a handoff and were forced to punt. But the Tigers could not take advantage, as Rock Port was in disarray on defense and didn't get set in time, leading to a long gain for the Tigers, only for them to get put behind the sticks by a block in the back penalty. Rock Port returned the ensuing kick to the 39 after the tackling broke down again, but the Tigers made a stand as Bo Collins batted down a pass at the line and Brayden Stevens broke up a pass. But a false start put the Tigers behind the sticks again and Hayden Sanders threw into double coverage and got picked off, with Jack Meyerkorth returning it to the Tiger 20. Then, Worth County got caught peeking in the backfield and Amthor threw a strike to Camden McEnaney for a score with 8:12 left to make it 22-12 after McMahon's run.

Things threatened to go from bad to worse after Cole Ruby was stopped twice for three yards and was cramping up. This is the third straight time the Tigers have lost their first game of the season, and each time, key players were cramping up in the sweltering heat at various points in the game. But then Hayden Sanders aired one out to Bo Collins, who took it to the house for 62 yards. Caleb New caught the extra point pass to make it 22-20 after Hayden Sanders took a bootleg down the left side and the Rock Port defender tried to come off New to make the play.

It looked like Worth County might take control after Cole Ruby got a block from Caleb New and ripped off 19 yards to the Rock Port 30 after Worth County finally started tackling McMahon. Lucas Frisch caught a pass down to the 13 and an offsides penalty put it on the 8. But then a mixup on the handoff turned into a fumble and Rock Port recovered.

Once again, the tackling on McMahon was nonexistent as he ripped off gains of 24 and 18 into Tiger territory. Worth County forced third and nine at the 27, only for McMahon to rip off an 11 yard sweep to the 16, A holding penalty put Rock Port behind the sticks, but a pass to Meyerkorth put the ball on the 5. Finally, McMahon ran it in with 21.5 seconds left to make it 28-20. Lucas Frisch broke up a pass to keep it at one possession. Worth County could only make it to the 38 before time expired for the half.

The second half started off well for the Tigers as Rock Port tried to go for it on fourth and four at their own 36, but a botched flea flicker play turned into a sack by Jude Archer and the Tigers had the ball at the Rock Port 34. But they could go nowhere with it and on fourth and five, Hayden Sanders underthrew his man and Meyerkorth picked it off and ran it back to the 35.

Worth County had two chances to get off the field, but could not get any kind of pressure on Westyn Amthor. On third and ten at the 35, Amthor had plenty of time and threw a strike to Meyerkorth for a first down at the Tiger 35. Then, Rock Port was behind the sticks with third and 12 at the 37, only for Amthor to have 10 seconds with which to survey the field. It was only a matter of time before he unleashed a strike to Meyerkorth to make it 34-20 with 5:37 left in the third.

On the ensuing extra point try, McMahon was seemingly stopped at the two, only for him to apparently lunge into the end zone, which would have made it 36-20. One of the officials signaled it good, but the call was waived off, meaning it was still 34-20.

Hayden Sanders pushed forward for a first down at the 33 on the next series, only for the blocking to break down on the next two plays and the Tigers were driven back to the 28. Sanders came off limping after he had taken a helmet to just below the knee and was done. But Brock Healy stepped right in and threw a strike to Bo Collins for 13 yards to the Rock Port 39 to make it a manageable down and distance. An option pitch to Cole Ruby got the first down at the 36. Brock Healy was sacked on the next play, only to throw a 19 yard strike to the 25 and a first down. Ryder Herron seemingly had Cole Ruby in his sights, only for Cole to find his second wind and run right by him and pick up 11 to the 14. Cole Ruby ran right through the defense for a score with 1:18 left in the third to make it 34-26.

Worth County finally got the kind of pressure on Amthor that they needed as Ryder Smyser beat Jaxon Smith and drew a holding penalty after Rock Port had gotten as far as the 23. Then, Sawyer Thurman, Bo Collins, and Ryder Smyser got in on a sack and Worth County had the ball on the Rock Port 39. But Worth County had two tries to score and came close, only to fall short both times. 

On the first, Lucas Frisch caught a counter pitch and took it 26 yards down to the 15. But on fourth and five at the Rock Port 10, Brock Healy came under a heavy rush and fumbled it away, giving Rock Port the ball on the 14. Wyatt Hill made back to back tackles on Rock Port's next series and Brayden Stevens broke up a pass to force a punt and Worth County had the ball back at its own 25. 

They were faced with fourth and three at their own 32, but Brock Healy aired it out to Caleb New, who hauled it in for 22 yards to the 26. A botched pitch set them back to the 29, but a roughing the passer penalty put it on the 14. Cole Ruby nearly got into the end zone on the next play, but stepped out of bounds at the three to set up first and goal. Two tries by Cole only got to the one, and Lucas Frisch was stopped short as well. On fourth down, Brock Healy tried an option and cut it in, taking on a defender much bigger than him, but was tackled at the two and Rock Port was able to run out the clock. 

Tenley Griffith Wins Two, Hailey McClure, Khloey Sperry Go Deep as Hawks Win Tri-County Jamboree

Freshman pitcher Tenley Griffith won two games and Hailey McClure went deep as Gilman City's softball team won two games and tied the third to win the Tri-County Jamboree Thursday. 

Gilman City 5, Pattonsburg 4

Gilman City seemingly broke open the first game, only to be left hanging by their fingernails for a 5-4 win in their first game. They bunched together two hits in the first inning, but Vanessa Weigand robbed Khloey Sperry from her third base position and Carlie Pittsenbarger robbed Kayleece Puls in left to kill the rally. 

But the Hawks showed the ability to get production from the lower part of their order as Parker Crabtree, Hailey McClure, and Caitlynn Chalfant all singled to make it 2-0. Chalfant advanced on a wild pitch and to third on Ellie Smith's groundout, and then Avery Gregg's slow roller down the third base line scored her to make it 3-0. Khloey Sperry reached on an error as Gregg made it to third and Tenley Griffith grounded out to score her. Sperry came home on a wild pitch to make it 5-0.

But despite losing a lot of horses from last year's 20-win season, Pattonsburg returns a group that does not give up easily and an error that allowed Cheyanne Miller to circle the bases ignited them. Singles by Jayden Goble and Addie Iddings and back to back triples into the vast outfield of Tri-County made it 5-4 and put Kaitlyn Estes on third with nobody out. 

But Griffith pulled herself together and struck out Vanessa Weigand and Carlie Pittsenbarger and got Kara Bernadino to ground out back to the mound to preserve the win.

Gilman City 6, East Harrison 0

After Kayleece Puls got a pair of outs at shortstop and Giffith struck out Aspen Zerbe to end the first, Avery Gregg singled to lead off the Hawk first. Gregg, who stole 42 bases last year without getting caught, was at it again and successfully swiped second. Khloey Sperry grounded to shot and Gregg came so far off second that she distracted her and she misplayed it as Sperry was safe and Gregg scored. Sperry stole second and Griffith's fly ball moved her to third. Allie Burke beat out an infield hit to score Sperry to make it 2-0.

Griffith worked around a walk in the second and then Khloey Sperry tripled into the right center field gap to start off the second. Tenley Griffith hit a line drive that sunk on the third baseman and everyone was safe. Sperry scored on a wild pitch and Alli Burke's Texas leaguer dropped into center to make it 4-0. 

Hawk second baseman Parker Crabtree made a diving shoestring catch to rob Avarie Thompson of a hit. That loomed up strongly as Taylor Whitaker walked and Lainey Thompson singled to put runners on first and third. But Zerbe grounded out to Griffith to end the threat.

Parker Crabtree hit a high hopper that skipped past short for her second hit and Hailey McClure caught hold of one and hit a screamer over everybody's head and circled the bases to make it 6-0. She hit two home runs last year and will provide a lot of power to the lower part of the order.

Gilman City 5, Tri-County 5

Gilman City moved some people around, putting Allie Burke on the mound, Avery Gregg behind the plate, and Khloey Sperry in center, giving people some reps just in case. Meanwhile, Tri-County had been getting better each game; after dropping their first game 3-0 to East Harrison, they played Pattonsburg tough before losing to them 4-2. 

The first one and a half innings was all Mustangs after Avery Chadwick robbed Khloey Sperry of a sure triple and right fielder Julie Courter robbed Tenley Griffith in right field of extra bases. The Mustangs and Hawks always play each other tough even when the record book suggests otherwise. Meanwhile, Gilman City threw away a dropped third strike in the Tri-County first; the outfield is so huge that it meant that Avery Chadwick circled the bases and Julie Courter scored as well to make it 2-0.

The sparkling plays continued for the Mustangs in the second inning as their shortstop robbed McClure of a base hit to end that frame.

But after Burke settled in and retired Tri-County in order and Ellie Smith wore one for the team, Khloey Sperry crushed a home run to right field to tie the game and bail out the Hawks. With two outs, Tenley Griffith scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-2 and then Hailey McClure reached on a throwing error to plate two more to make it 5-2.

But with their heart of the order coming up, the Mustangs came roaring back as Dani Critten crushed a triple down the right field line and later scored on a wild pitch to tie it at 5-5. Tri-County got more traffic on the bases, but Gilman City was saved by the bell as time expired before they could cash in. 

Maxine Washburn 1925-2025

Maxine Washburn, lifelong resident of the Hatfield, MO area passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, at the age of 100 years and 36 days old. She had been residing at the Worth County Convalescent Center for 10 months. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication to her family and farm.

Born Wilma Maxine on July 20, 1925, she was the youngest daughter of Edmond Howe and Eva Gertrude Humphreys James of Ringgold County, Iowa. Maxine attended the Chestnut Ridge one-room school through the 8th grade. Her fondest memories of school included a picnic at the cave on the Miller Farm. As a young girl she was baptized at the Old Watterson Quarry and attended the Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church.

On December 11, 1944, Maxine married her best friend, William Donald “Bill” Washburn in Leon, Iowa. Together, they began building a life centered on family, farming, and serving others raising 8 children along the way. Bill and Maxine first started housekeeping south-east of Mount Ayr, IA. They moved to southern Ringgold County, IA and finally settled in Harrison County, MO near the Hermix Community. Throughout her life, they lived near the Iowa/Missouri line within a few miles from where Bill and Maxine was born and raised.

Maxine was the epitome of a farm wife. She hauled grain over the hills and curves with children in tow, raised a large garden and strawberry patch, milked cows on their dairy, and tackled every job that needed doing. As a homemaker she always had a quilt in the frame ready for the next wedding, baby shower, college dorm room, or a friend in need. Her love for family was unsurpassed. Grandchildren anticipated going “over the river and through the woods” for holiday and birthday feasts, summers, and after-school stays at Grandma’s house. She had a passion for researching family genealogy and looked forward to organizing and attending family reunions. Maxine always wanted to be home by dark, feeling someone needed to be home to protect the family and farm.

Even after losing Bill tragically in 1987, she planned and enjoyed trips to Ohio and Canada to research family history, visit family and cemeteries. Maxine’s life was defined by strength, generosity, and love. She served as treasurer for the Lotts Grove #5 Country School, was a 4-H leader, and was known throughout the community as a resource for history and genealogy. She usually had an inside entertaining story to support the facts too.

Survivors include her children Jayla Mae Smith, Jamesport, MO; Joe (Carol) Washburn, Hatfield, MO; Rose (Mike) Washburn, Runnells, IA; Penny Washburn, Hatfield, MO; John (Marie) Washburn, Columbus, NE; Rob (Tina) Washburn, Eagleville, MO; Ten Grand-Children; Five Step-Grandchildren; Twenty-eight Great-Grandchildren; Three Step-Great-Grandchildren; and Two Great-Great Grandchildren.

Mrs. Washburn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill Washburn; son J.D. Washburn; daughter Mariann Pottorff; siblings Phrayne James, Bus James, Jessie Washburn, Jim James, and Darline Adkins.

Open Visitation will be held at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA on August 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 12:00 PM – 2:00PM. Services begin at 2:00 PM August 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Lotts Grove Cemetery, where Maxine will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bill.