Hopkins Continues to Rebuild City Records

City Clerk Wagner reported the city continues to be in the process of rebuilding the records. Currently, they are recreating the 2023 payroll for reports that they have to file, along with expense reports from last year and audit reports for 2022 and 2023. USDA is waiting on 2022 and 2023 reports. The city has appointed O Tax to do accounting and bookkeeping services for the city. “Dee is working hard so we can get everything filed in a timely manner,” said Wagner. Wagner was appointed the Clerk at the May meeting.

In addition to the expenses that the city normally spends, the council voted to pay an additional expense of $4,375 to O Tax. The work that they were doing to clean up the city’s records totaled 87.5 hours. 

The following work was included in the statement. Sending information to the lawyer about the EEOC changes – 2.5 hours. Finding paperwork for shutoff notices – 13 hours. Account issues and fixing the password – 20.5 hours. Correcting accounts – 1 hour. Finding paperwork for receipt and expense reports for January to March 2024 – 7.5 hours. Checking deposits – 6 hours. Working on problem accounts – 4.5 hours. Recreating the 2023 payroll – 15 hours over two days. Recreating the treasurer’s book for January 2024 – 7 hours. Continuing to check accounts as problems arise – 4 hours. Letters to residents and checking accounts – 4 hours.

The city voted to pay the additional expense, with 80% coming out of the general fund and 20% coming out of the water and sewer fund. The council decided to split it this way because of an additional expense of $8,951.91 from McGwire, which is doing a clearwell project around the city and which will submit a bill of $30,000 in the near future for water tower work. They are spreading out water tower projects over several years instead of the city having to pay $200,000 all at once.

Once the current cleanup is done, the city will still have accounting issues to deal with. They have received several complaints from residents stating that they paid cash for their water and/or sewer bills, but they had never been credited. The council tabled a decision on how to handle these complaints until the next meeting. Some stated that they had paid cash, but had no proof they paid and there were no records showing they paid. Back in May, the council voted to go back one year on previous balances billed wrong with no late fee for two months. After the two month period, residents can come in and apply for a payment plan. The city is in the process of coming up with a list of residents who have paid cash with no proof that they paid. No adjustments will be made for the time the sewer was being underbilled for some residents.

According to the May 6th minutes, there was around $9,000 in delinquent bills as of that time. Some accounts had not been billed correctly and some had not been billed at all. Some had been turned off. Some should have been receiving a sewer bill and had not received one. 

The city voted to roll over their CD’s, which had matured at the end of May.

The council voted to put its Evergy bill on autopay. The city had been getting the bill after the meeting, when they approve bills, and the bill would be due before the next meeting. 

The council granted liquor licenses to Rick’s Country Shoppe and M&M Pub & Grub.

Councilman Allan Thompson objected to Chris Bird using the city mower to mow private property. “It was getting away from him and we needed to borrow his tractor,” responded Bird.

Bird reported that someone was interested in buying the city truck. The council will put it out for bid.

The council voted to pass a resolution regarding the upcoming Hopkins Picnic:

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS AS FOLLOWS:

As the City’s contribution to the Hopkins Picnic, which is an institution sponsored by the Community Club and the citizens of Hopkins, it is hereby resolved that the said period for the picnic is to wit:

From 12 Midnight June 26th to 12 Midnight June 30th, the said Community Club shall collect and receive all licenses, fees for shows, stands and entertainments of all kinds, and for all concessions on all public streets, alleys, and for all public grounds in said city, and shall have the right and power to locate and designate the place and places where said shows, stands, and entertainments and concessions shall operate and have full authority over said streets and alleys and public grounds and regulate the same, and shall keep all fire lanes open on all corners along with ensuring that all valves and meters on said public streets, alleys, and public grounds are unobstructed and accessible at all times by the City. Also, the Community Club will insure that at the time the Streets are turned back over to the City at 12 Midnight June 30th that all streets are cleared of all stands and entertainments of all kinds.

Excepting the City reserves the right to ensure that any stands, concessions, and entertainments of all kinds will be set back away from the lots located at 101 and 105 N. Third Street, which area will be roped off during the above time frame in order to ensure public safety.

Excepting the City reserves the right to enforce all ordinances of the city.

Excepting the Community Club will pay all policing and parking expenses and clear the streets after the picnic; the city has the right to select the extra police.

The Community Club assumes all responsibility for any damage to the paved streets.

At the May meeting, the council voted to approve an additional expense to AA Lawn Care for $2,100 for mowing the cemetery three times. 

The Hopkins CBC made a request for the city to contract with the Regional Council for a demolition grant to demolish additional abandoned structures in Hopkins. The fee for writing the grant would be $1,500 and the CBC agreed to pay it on behalf of the city. The deadline for submitting the grant for this cycle is September 15th. Members have been asking some of the property owners if they were interested in participating, since the grant requires owner cooperation. The council voted to approve the contract. 

Darren White, candidate for Nodaway County Sheriff, introduced himself to the council.

The city set new policies for use of charge accounts and credit cards for day to day use. Only one credit card will be in use, which is held by Chris Bird. The city had two other cards, which they have turned off. Any purchases should have a receipt which will be turned into the City Clerk. 

Part time employees will now write down on a time card what was done during work hours. The council will consider work over 30 hours in a week on a case by case basis.

City Hall is being monitored by security cameras in use 24 hours a day.

Sue Wagner reported that in cleaning and organizing the office, cemetery records have been found all over the office. Most records found are from 2021 and earlier. Few current, up to date records were found. 

There was a leak from a customer, and their water did not go through the sewer. The council waived the sewer bill of $127.50.

The council approved a contract with the New Nodaway Humane Society. They will do a random monthly run through the city. When the Humane Society has to pick up a dog, the owner will get a verbal warning the first time and then the city will be notified the second time that the owner needs a dog tag. 

Chris Bird presented a bid from Mid-America Road Builders for street repair. The goal is to complete repairs before the Hopkins Picnic later this month. Discussion was held on the intersection of 148 and Barnard Street; the state is responsible for that portion. 

Bird also presented a bid for a new mower. The old mower was 9 years old and had issues of overheating. Repairs could have cost over $1,000. The council voted to purchase a new Country Clipper motor for $12,275, including a trade in for the old mower. 

Richard Gilpatrick 1938-2024

Richard Lee Gilpatrick, 85, passed away May 28, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO.

Richard was born July 29, 1938 in Harrison County, MO, the son of Keith and Roberta (Beeks) Gilpatrick.

He married Veta (Groves) Gilpatrick on February 14, 1956 at the home of Rev. O.D. Hedges in Martinsville, MO.  To this union three sons were born, Jerry, Rolan, and Kevin.  Richard and Veta were married for 59 years before her death in 2015.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jerry Gilpatrick, a great great grandson, Nate Briggs, and a brother-in-law, Kenny Groves.

Richard owned a Refrigeration and Appliance Repair business in Eagleville for many years.  After that he did custom lawnmowing, was a caretaker of the Eagleville Ball Field, and also worked for many years as an attendant for both Boggess Funeral Home and Roberson Funeral Homes.

Richard attended church throughout his growing up years with his parents, and in later years enjoyed worshiping at the Eagleville Christian Church with his wife, Veta.  Richard and Veta greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and they attended as many of their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities as they could until Richard’s health prevented it.  They also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, eating out, going to the casino, and especially their many fishing trips.  For many years, they kept a trailer near Bennett Spring State Park and it became a favorite location for their children and grandchildren to also visit and spend time together as a family.  Richard enjoyed starting his mornings at the local coffee shop with the guys at the round table. Chyanne Pulliam, owner, became a granddaughter-at-heart to him. 

Survivors include 2 sons, Rolan (Chris) Gilpatrick and Kevin (Penny) Gilpatrick; daughter-in-law, Linda Gilpatrick Woods; brother, Roger (Georgetta) Gilpatrick; sister-in-law, Verla (Richard Jr.) Fine; sister-in-law, Margaret Groves; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Gena) Gilpatrick, Jenna (James) Reddoch, Toni (Mike) Storms, Darci (Klint) Kloepping, Shawna Gilpatrick, Kristen (Tom) Shore, Andrew Gilpatrick, and Braiden Gilpatrick, and 13 great grandchildren.  He also remained close with daughter-in-law, Leanna Gilpatrick, frequently attending family gatherings at her home.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, at the Eagleville Christian Church, Eagleville, MO with Pastor Bruce Williams officiating under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO.  Burial followed in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO.  The family received friends from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Friday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO and/or Donor's Choice in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. box 46, Eagleville, MO  64442.  Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Lizzie Jeanes Named New Deputy Clerk

New Deputy Clerk Lizzie Jeanes has begun her duties after the City of Grant City hired her in April. In her first report at the May 22nd Grant City Council Meeting, she discussed new grant opportunities she has found. One is a solid waste grant that could provide picnic tables and park benches. She also found a Rural Community and Agriculture Grant from a private source, but the city did not qualify because it is for 501(c)3 organizations; she is passing it on to the Progress Organization. She asked about the protocol for code enforcement; the city directed her to send letters of violation and then refer it to the City Attorney.

The city got a complain about people parking on the sidewalk just north of the Methodist Church and people were not able to get to the church for services. The city directed her to send a letter of violation. Jeanes reported she also had a citizen complaint about stray cats. People can trap stray cats. She got a query about the empty lot the city owns north of City Hall. The city said it was open to accepting bids.

Five citizens, Carolyn Jones, Archie and Pam McCord, Ron Peterson, and Gary Owens, were in attendance to discuss a sewer issue. There were handshake deals made 3-5 decades ago that the city would take care of the sewer lines serving their homes and which runs across Owens’ property. However, easements that would grant the city access to make repairs on the lines have not been found. “We were told it was our responsibility,” said one of the citizens. Owens reported standing water issues and sewer water coming across his yard, and said that when he was digging on his property, he would regularly encounter sewer lines when digging on his property. There was a long discussion on whose responsibility it was to repair the lines in question. The city will look into finding any easements that may have been filed and figure out who is legally responsible for making repairs.

In the meantime, Mayor Debbie Roach and council members said there was nothing stopping the citizens from repairing the lines in question at their own expense, but that if the city were to do it, there were a lot more hoops that they would have to jump through.

Rachel Brown attended the meeting and reported that she was forming a prevention coalition to provide activities and events to help with drug prevention for youth and adults in Worth County. She asked if city employee Ryan Fletchall could attend their monthly meetings; the council granted permission. She asked if the city could donate space for a community garden; the council agreed to donate space at Doc Swift Park next to Dollar General. Brown received a grant to provide all the materials to start a community garden in Grant City.

There was discussion on where the city is with taking down dangerous buildings on the Square. There are five buildings that have been condemned by the council. The council agreed to focus on the State Farm building on the northeast corner of the Square and the Masonic Lodge building on the east side next to the Grant City Housing.

Ryan Fletchall reported that he has been working on the pool all month getting it up; the pool opened as scheduled on May 25th. There were some issues with the pump; the city will look into getting a new filter. Fletchall will get bids and get them back to the city for the June meeting. He reported that levels have been going down at the lagoon, but that duckweed was starting to grow there and that it was difficult to treat. The grinder pump that the council agreed to repair was being put together and should be back the week of May 27th. He reported they had to do work on the pump by the State Barn; it was not turning on. 

Carl Staton reported that the city will be installing gas at the new County Barn and for Joey Hughes’ new house. He ordered pipes and risers for the County Barn.

Tyson Troutwine reported that he had been cleaning out ditches and tubes. The city voted to order three loads of cold mix to work on potholes. Carter Chapman has begun work as a summer helper. 

The city received a citizen complaint about water running from an alley into her basement. The council will determine if the city owns the alley before moving forward.

Ryan Fletchall reported that he got a quote for the tile on the pool. To have all of them replaced, including depth parkers, would cost $32,230. 

The council voted to keep pool admission prices the same, but to raise concession stand prices.

Clerk Farrah Richey reported she spoke with Civic Plus, which offered archiving the city’s social media poses for $3,000. The council rejected it.

The council voted to donate $150 to the Worth County Progress Organization Golf Tournament, $100 to the Back to School Fair, and $125 for the Mosaic Foundation Golf Tournament.

Discussion was held on the welcome sign on the east side of Grant City, which the city says is rotting. Councilman Kevin Kobbe has been looking at options. The company which did the sign on the west side gave a quote of $3,000. The school in the past has looked into putting up a digital sign. The council voted to table the matter until the city could talk with the school and see if they were still interested. 

The council gave permission for Mount Ayr to send kids down to the pool for swimming lessons. The old pool in Mount Ayr was shut down by the state and the city is demolishing it and replacing it with a new one.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for May 29th, 2024

On May 20th, Brea Roark (42) of Atlantic (IA) pleaded guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) in Nodaway County Circuit Court. She was sentenced to 5 years supervised probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On May 20th, Robert Rother (67) of Maitland pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to 5 years supervised probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On May 21st, Bailey Hayworth (24) of Maryville pleaded guilty to a charge of Stealing in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court. She was sentenced to two years supervised probation by Judge Robert Rice and ordered to pay $2,488.42 in restitution. 

On May 21st, a tornado swept through Greenfield (IA) and Adams County (IA), doing widespread damage and killing five people. 

On May 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Julie Bailey (58) of Maryville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Department of Public Safety alleges that the defendant, on three occasions between March 17th and April 16th, stole various items valued at a combined total of $216.01.

On May 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Avery Rothwell (19) of Weston alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Department of Public Safety alleges that the defendant, between February 12th and April 12th, stole merchandise from a local store with a combined total value of $61.41.

On May 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Briley Giamalva (50) of Archie alleging DWI (Prior), Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and Driving While Revoked. 

On May 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Ben Greeley (42) of Maryville alleging DWI (.231% Blood Alcohol Content). 

On May 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Pamela Wissler (39) of Graham alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant stole $38.60 worth of merchandise from the Maryville Wal-Mart between March 30th and 31st. 

On May 22nd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested John Peters (43) of Corydon (IA) on a Ringgold County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Theft). Bond was set at $300, cash only.

On May 22nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Daniel Romero Garcia (24) of Cedar Creek (TX) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), No Valid License, and No Seat Belt.

On May 22nd, the Maryville Forum reported that no new evidence was uncovered after a search and excavation at a well in Quitman related to the disappearance of Branson Perry of Skidmore back in 2001.

On May 23rd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jeremiah Ikenberry (18) of Diagonal on charges of Driving While Suspended and Speeding. Bond was set at $300, cash only.

On May 23rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Mark Wilson (55) of Ridgeway in Harrison County on a charge of No Insurance and a Harrison County Warrant (Violation of Court Order). 

On May 23rd, Heather Mitchell (40) of Macon pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Forgery (Felony). She was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Steven Hudson.

On May 24th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Jeramy Sanders (27) of Bethany alleging No Valid License (Felony), No Insurance, No Plates, and No Seat Belt. 

On the morning of May 24th, overnight storms damaged buildings and the city sign in Guilford, the Maryville Forum reported. The National Weather Service attributed it to straight line winds.

On the afternoon of May 24th, the Worth County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol made an arrest in front of the Grant City Apartments.

On May 24th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Suleiman Tunka (18) of St. Joseph in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding (126 mph). 

On May 24th, the Missouri Department of Revenue assessed five liens against Snakebite Tavern alleging that they owe a combined total of $120,860,90 in unpaid sales taxes, interest, additions, and penalties from 2019 to 2023.

On May 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Tucker Murphy (21) of Stewartsville was northbound on Route H and a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica van driven by Penny Long (62) of Maitland was westbound on Route A 4.5 miles east of Graham at around 1:42 pm.  The Patrol says the Mitsubishi failed to stop and struck the front left tire of the Pacifica. Long received minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene. The Patrol says Murphy was not insured.

On May 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that Korbin Fletchall (20) of Stanberry was driving a golf cart at a private residence 2.5 miles northwest of Stanberry at around 1:15 am. The Patrol says that a passenger, Greyson Jurgensmeyer (23) of Westphalia (MO) fell off and was seriously injured. He was taken to Mosaic and life flighted to Research Medical Center in Kansas City. Subsequently, the Patrol arrested Korbin Fletchall (20) of Stanberry in Gentry County on a charge of DWI. 

On May 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Magomed Kepkeev (41) of Wheeling (IL) in Harrison County on a Newton County Warrant (No Seat Belt). 

On May 25th, Maryville Public Safety sent the following news release about a dead infant found at Mozingo Lake:

On May 25th, 2024, at approximately 10:58 in the morning, a Maryville Mozingo Lake employee was performing routine maintenance in a remote area of the Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville, The employee discovered the body of a newly born infant, deceased, and called the Northwest Regional Communication Center. A Maryville police officer was able to respond and immediately secured the location.

This is an active investigation into the cause of death of the infant. The Maryville Police Department is asking anyone with information to please come forward and provide that information as soon as possible. Contact the Maryville Police Department at (660) 562-3209.

On May 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Cory Farrell (25) of Grant City in Worth County on charges of Driving While Revoked (3rd or subsequent), Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Failure to Equip Vehicle with Two Tail Lamps, and Failure to Register.

On May 25th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Donato Valeriano (40) of Grant City in Gentry County on charges of DWI and No Valid License.

On May 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Embele Rogatien (27) of Cactusmoore (TX) in Harrison County on charges of Speeding (26+ mph over) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On May 27th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against David Bartholomew (54) of Des Moines alleging DWI (Felony), Driving While Revoked, and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On May 27th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Niki Hancock (43) of King City alleging No Seat Belt, Failure to Register, Driving While Revoked, and No Insurance.

Charges listed are merely 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. 

Lindsey Jackson Tosses No Hitter Against Albany

Northeast Nodaway’s softball team beat Albany 8-0 in a run rule shortened game after Lindsey Jackson no-hit the Warriors and struck out ten batters in five innings of work. In a sign of the Bluejays’ growth, they beat a team that had beaten them last fall. The Warriors lost Abigail Troncin, but still have pitcher Makenna Moffat, whose pitching turned around the Warriors’ season last fall after they started off 0-4.

The Bluejays made some mistakes, but they were able to play through them this time. After Bailey Busby was out trying to stretch a double into a triple in the first, Hadley DeFreece beat out a bunt single and Brianna Meyer reached on a scratch hit, beating out a bad hop to put runners on first and second. Hayley Yost was plunked and Blair Nelson walked to force in a run to make it 1-0.

Meanwhile, the Bluejays had some solid plays in the field behind Lindsey Jackson. That gave her all the confidence she needed to throw strikes when she needed to. 

Sasha Deardorff started off the Bluejay second when she worked a walk on a 3-2 pitch. Mylee Wilmes beat out a bad hop single to put runners on first and second. The infield was treacherous and both teams had to contend with the potential for bad hops, making Jackson’s no-hitter that much more impressive. Baylie Busby hit a pop fly single that landed to load the bases and then Hadley DeFreece crushed a triple over the center fielder’s head to empty the bases and make it 4-0. Brianna Meyer hit a grounder to third; she bobbled it, and that was all Hadley needed to make it home safely to make it 5-0. 

Lindsey Jackson continued to deal in the third inning, getting one batter out on a change and locating another on the outside corner to freeze another. Albany kept the Bluejays off the board in their half of the third, but Jackson got one to chase a high change, overpowered another, and fought back from 3-0 to the third batter to strike out the side in the fourth.

Baylie Busby stretched a single into a double to start the Bluejay fourth and Hadley DeFreece made it all the way to third on a dropped fly ball as Busby scored to make it 6-0. Brianna Meyer’s pop fly dropped into right field for a base hit to make it 7-0. 

Jackson got one out on a change and froze another batter for her sixth straight strikeout before the Warriors reached on a dropped pop fly with two outs. But Jackson froze the next batter to get out of the inning.

Sasha Deardorff once again started a Bluejay rally as she hit a squib down the third base line and beat it out, and she took second on a wild pitch. Mylee Wilmes beat out a carbon copy as Deardorff took third and she stole second. Sadie Hall grounded out to the pitcher, but Deardorff was able to come home and score on the pay to end the game on the run rule, which is eight in town ball.

Sheridan Alumni Makes $1,000 Donation to CBC Building Fund

The Sheridan Alumni Association voted at their annual Alumni Reunion Sunday to donate $1,000 to the Sheridan CBC Building Fund. This donation is above and beyond what they pay the CBC to host the annual event and cater the meal. The money will pay down the principal of the loan that the CBC is seeking to pay off. The Sheridan CBC is seeking donations to pay down the loan for the building. Sharon Rawlings made the motion to donate the money. 

At the motion of Chandra Hopkins, Mike Scott was reelected Alumni Association President and Janet Gladstone as secretary and treasurer. 

Attendance was much higher this year. There were 57 people who attended this year, compared to 34 last year. This includes alumni and their guests. Arvetta Terry and Larry Dowis were the oldest alumni present, from the Class of 1951. “If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have graduated at all,” said Dowis. Someone from the Class of 1943 wrote a letter. 

The closest to home was Rick Morrow, who lives just a block from where the reunion was held. There were people from as far away as Georgia and Arizona. Patrick and Grace Osmon came from Atlanta. They were guests of Larry and Joan Osmon. Joan is a member of the Class of 1971. Donna Dukes of the Class of 1954 came from Arizona.

The most popular name for women present was Linda. The most popular name for men was Steve and Larry. 

There were 15 alumni present from the 1950’s, 23 from the 1960’s, and 16 from the 1970’s. 

Tiffany Bliley Resigns as Science Teacher, Softball Coach, and Basketball Coach

The Worth County School Board, at its regular meeting Wednesday, accepted the resignation of Tiffany Bliley as high school science teacher, head softball coach, and head girls basketball coach. Bliley managed the softball team in its 8-8 tie with Northeast Nodaway during the summer portion of its schedule as usual. However, shortly afterwards, she abruptly turned in her resignation to accept a science teaching position at Jefferson, where she was originally from. The move left the school scrambling to find new coaches for the girls basketball and softball teams and a teacher for the high school science class for the upcoming year.

In other personnel actions, the board hired two paraprofessionals and named Dominique Badell the junior high cheer sponsor.

With the school moving its fences in to 200 feet and purchasing new fencing as a result of the voter approved bond issue, the board declared the current fence, approximately 415 feet of 4’ chain link fence and posts, as surplus property. The school will take bids for its sale. The buyer must remove the fence during the month of July 2024.

The board voted to approve $500 reimbursements for teachers Brittany Schlapia, Patty Lischer, Allie Rush, Leena Hightshoe, and Keely Sherer for completing a volume of LETRS training. The state will reimburse the school for these payments.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported that the freshmen won the 2023-24 classroom attendance challenge with a 96.99 attendance rate.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that there were 67 students enrolled in summer school this year.

The board voted to reimburse itself for expenditures for bond projects up to $500,000.

The board voted to continue the $500 reimbursement rate for employees who use the district provider. Insurance rates went up 3.8% for the upcoming school year. 

The school received two bids for speech language pathologist services at the school for the 2024-25 school year. Renae Luke bid $75/hour plus mileage of $75/day for a total estimate of $24,300 a year. Innovative Therapy Solutions, being run by Valerie Gray and Braxton Baker (when needed) bid $65/hour for a total estimate of $21,060 for the year. The board approved Innovative Therapy Solutions.

The board received three proposals from Superior Fence for the new fence at the ball diamond. The first proposal was for the school to do the labor for $7,942.81. The other two involved Superior Fence doing the labor. The first involved a 6’ nine gauge galvanized fence for a cost of $8,810. The second involved a 6’ nine gauge black coated fence for $10,640. The board voted to accept the bid from Superior Fence for materials and installation of the black fence for $10,640.

The board voted to finish the gym floor again. The school replaced their gym floor in the summer of 2016. They are currently having issues with the finishing bubbling and peeling up. There are spots on the floor that are currently down to bare wood. The best option for repairing and maintaining it is to sand it down to bare wood, paint, and finish it again. Ideally, this is done every 10-12 years, but the school says the problem spots will only get worse if they don’t refinish the whole floor. They tried to go a little deeper before refinishing it last summer, but it didn’t solve the problem. 

The school received five bids for the project. Luebbert Hardwood Floors bid $32,215 for the project. They would fix the floor in Fall 2024 during school. They did a site visit in April. Northwest is a reference. Lankford Enterprises, which did the original project, bid $28,470. Phillips Commercial bid $42,830. SVB Wood Floors bid $42,054. Egan Supply Company bid $32,491. They listed Nebraska University and Iowa State as references.

The board voted to award the bid to Luebbert Hardware floors. They, along with three of the other contractors, use water-based sealers. Lankford uses an oil-based sealer.

The board voted to increase teacher pay by an average increase of 5.4% for all teachers. This year, the legislature passed Senate Bill 727, which will increase the state teacher minimum pay grant from $38,000 to $40,000. This grant will impact 15 out of Worth County’s 33 teachers. Without the state grant, the schedule will revert back to the salary schedule ending in 2021-22. District expenses will increase by #35,000 for the year.

Effective 2025-26, Senate Bill 727 will raise the minimum salary for teachers to $40,000 and $46,000 for teachers with a masters degree and 10 years of experience. If there is no compression to the salary schedule, it will result in a $250,000 increase to the budget.

The board voted to increase non-certified staff by anywhere from 5% to 14% depending on how far away they were from the $38,000 base salary. The positions that are farther away from $38,000 received a larger increase. The average increase for non-certified pay is 12.4%, and the estimated cost will be $42,600.

The board voted to increase extra duty pay by 12.9% compared to the previous school year. This will add $9,650 to the budget. Salaries were calculated using a percentage of $38,000 for the calculations.