Smokin' Assassins are Grand Champion for Worth County Smokeoff in 99 Degree Heat

The Smokin' Assassins, an outfit out of Maryville, was the Grand Champion for the Worth County Smokeoff after Saturday's competition. Beer-B-Que was Reserve Champion and also received the Peoples' Choice Award. Smokin' Assassins is a family-based outfit. "I couldn't have done it without either my wife Tiffany or my son Cade," said Brian Arnold. "Tiffany kept me in line and did much of the cooking, and Cade did much of the hard work. We tried three new recipes this time, and we were fortunate."

Temperatures rose to 99 degrees around the area on Saturday. Despite record rainfall that day, the ground looked parched with the change in the weather. However, a dozen smokers braved the heat. Local favorite Beer-B-Que has consistently done well in these competitions and another local team, B&G BBQ, consisting of Brian and Julia Judd of Ravenwood and Greg Miller of Grant City, tried its hand in the contest for the first time and won some prizes. Other winners:

Beans
1st -- Smokin' Assassins; 2nd -- Terre Haute Smoking; 3rd -- B&G BBQ.

Chicken
1st -- Platte River Custom Pits; 2nd -- Smokin' Assassins; 3rd -- Beer-B-Que.

Ribs
1st -- Brian's Beef; 2nd -- Beer-B-Que; 3rd -- Terre Haute Smoking.

Pork
1st -- Beer-B-Que; 2nd -- Smokin' Assassins; 3rd -- Terre Haute Smoking.

Brisket
1st -- Brian's Beef; 2nd -- Platte River Custom Pits; 3rd -- B&G BBQ.

Miles Saville, Lola Morin are Little Mr. & Miss Smokeoff

Miles Saville was named Little Mr. Smokeoff and Lola Morin Little Miss Smokeoff during the first night of the Worth County Smokeoff Friday. Lola likes Lucky Charms and likes to play outside. Miles likes oatmeal, playing outside, and riding his bike. He said he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. They were crowned following the Baby Show, at which babies and young children aged 0 to 3 were shown.

Around 12 BBQ contestants arrived for Friday's events and two more were expected to arrive during the night for the contests on Saturday. A band played that evening and a DJ capped off the Smokeoff for Friday night. A mechanical bull challenged anyone who was not faint at heart; there was also a dunk tank and some vendors.

School Faces Possible $215,484 Deficit for Next School Year

The Worth County School Board approved a budget that includes a possible deficit of $215,484, which Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz said was the worst-case scenario that could happen to the district. This assumes that only 96% of state revenues come in, that overall state revenues will be down by around $140,000, and that federal revenues will be down by around $37,000. Expenses are expected to be down by around $91,882 according to budget figures. The school will not know the figures for the current school year until the final payment from the state comes in. Dr. Martz said that part of the reason was that state gambling revenues were lower than expected.

Dr. Martz said that the budget forecast means that the school will stay above the 25% threshold in reserves; however, if the financial situation does not improve, there could be cuts coming down the road. The budget includes an increase of $1,000 to the base teacher pay as well as a 4% across the board raise for administration, teachers, and non-custodial staff. The board also voted to allow affected teachers to recover two steps from previous salary freezes.

Pole vault equipment was thrown around by the recent storm, which bent and tore part of a fence as well. The school has been approved for a Solid Waste Grant that will include $9,975 for a composter. The school match will be around $2,000, including in-kind work. Dr. Martz said that would decrease the need for dumpsters, resulting in overall savings to the district. The school plans to upgrade its Internet service and received a discount for phone services.

Worth County Proposes Drug Testing Policy

The Worth County School is proposing a new random drug testing policy for all participants in MSHSAA activities as well as all students who park on school grounds while school is in session. This includes such activities such as band and vocal activities. Parents could also request to have their kids placed in the drug testing pools. Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz said the proposed policy was put forward because of hearsay allegations regarding students using pot. Among other schools, Maryville, North Nodaway, and Albany have implemented a similar policy. The total annual cost to the school would be around $1,500.

Under the proposal, around 60 students would be chosen based on a computer software program at random throughout the course of the year, or 1-2 students a week. If a student refuses to take a drug test, they would automatically be out of any MSHSAA activities for the next 365 days. If they have a positive test, they would be tested again; a second positive test would result in a third round of tests. "If students are held out of activities as a result of pot use, hopefully, that will be a deterrent," said Dr. Martz. Bus drivers are already subject to drug testing, but not teachers. He said that at North Callaway, where he was a principal, the rational there was that it would help students fight back against peer pressure because of the likelihood of being caught.

All the board members supported the proposed policy; Dr. Martz said that he will continue looking into it.

Worth County Hires New Assistant Softball Coach, Cook

Worth County has hired a new assistant softball coach and a new cook. Tyler Miyashiro will teach Social Studies and assist head coach David Gilland with the varsity girls softball team. He was previously employed at Smithton (MO), which is near Sedalia. His hiring is contingent on certification as well as successful completion of a background check. The board also voted to hire Taylor Fletchall, who will be employed as a 3/4-time cook as well as a summer helper. The Worth County School Board made the move following a brief closed session at the close of their regular school board meeting Thursday.

Bull Riding, Eight Other Events to Highlight Sheridan Rodeo

Bull Riding and eight other events will highlight the first rodeo in 31 years in Sheridan. There will be nine events -- bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, and over 40 calf roping. The rodeo will be held both Friday and Saturday nights; start time will be at 7:30 at the Rodeo Arena north of the old schoolhouse. Admission will be $8 for 21 and older, $5 for kids aged 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. To register, call (641) 773-5232.

After the Rodeo, there will be a wild cow milking contest and dancing at the Snakebite Tavern. There will be music from 9 to 1 each night; Jeremy Long will be there Friday night and the Reved Up Band will perform in concert Saturday night.

Lions Reschedule 4-Wheeler Races for July 12th

The Grant City Lions, after having their 4-wheeler races canceled again due to inclement weather, have rescheduled the event for July 12th.

Seven Lions, three Leos, and one guest participated in highway cleanup and received pins for their efforts.

The Lions will help this year with the Pickering Lions Horse Show on Thursday, July 30th, with serving food. They will also be helping with the Worth County Young Farmers Tractor Pull on the 31st at the Fairgrounds as well as putting on their Tractor Pull on August 2nd.

The Lions voted to take out a $90 ad for the program for the Lions All Star Football Game.

Bill Calhoon reported that two teams, one on the boys side and one on the girls side, were shorthanded during the Lions All-Star Basketball Game. Ad revenue was down, but attendance was good. The event is looking for a new location; the Ketchum Center will be available for next year's all-star game, but the dorms will undergo remodeling. Kaitlyn Davidson's team finished second on the girls side.