North Harrison Hires Principal, Bus Driver, Baseball Coach

The North Harrison school board, at their regular meeting Wednesday, hired Justin Joiner as Grade 6-12 Principal, Mark Patton as a substitute bus driver, and Victor Rivera as head Baseball Coach. Ethan Sickels will be Rivera’s assistant. Jennifer Hartschen will coach Junior High Girls Track. The board accepted the resignation of Cheyenne Pulliam as a member of the school board, effective immediately, as she will fill a position at the school.

The board spent the morning visiting classrooms and watching teachers and students in action.

The board renewed the football cooperative agreement with Pattonsburg. The board awarded the 2025 mowing bid to Milligan Lawn Care for $450 per mow.

The next meeting will be March 19th at 7 pm in the school library.

 

Horace (Jimmy) Jones Won Seven Triple Crown Races

Horace (Jimmy) Jones was born in 1906 and passed away in 2001. He was the son of Parnell trainer Ben Jones and was born there.

Jimmy Jones won seven different American Classic races, including the Kentucky Derby in 1957 and 1958, the Preakness in 1947, 1948, 1956, and 1958, and the Belmont in 1948.

Among other major racing wins, his horses won the Arlington Handicap in 1947, 1949, and 1950, the Pimlico Special in 1948, the Arlington Classic in 1949, the Hollywood Gold Cup in 1951 and 1952, the Santa Anita Handicap in 1953, the Jersey Derby in 1956 and 1957, the Florida Derby in 1957 and 1958, the Royal Palm Handicap in 1961, and the Travers Stakes in 1961. He won 54 stakes races total.

He was the leading trainer by earnings in 1947, 1948, 1949, 1957, and 1961. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959. He was the first trainer to win more than $1 million in a single season.

Among significant horses that he trained included Barbizon, Bewitch, Citation, Fabius, Faultless, Gen. Duke, Hill Gail, Iron Liege, Ponder, Real Delight, Tim Tam, and Two Lea.

In 1948, Jimmy stepped aside to allow his father, Ben Jones, to train Citation so that Ben could equal the record of Herbert “Derby Dick” Thompson, who had trained four Derby winners. Citation won the race and would go on to win the Triple Crown.

The closest Jimmy Jones came to training another Triple Crown winner was Tim Tam in 1958, when he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. But he broke a sesamoid bone in his foreleg during the Belmont Stakes and finished second.

(taken from Wikipedia)

 

Bill Would Adjust Statute of Limitations for Lawsuits

Last week, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 68, a bill that seeks to reduce the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Currently, individuals have five years from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit. Under the new legislation, this period will be reduced to two years for injuries occurring after August 28, 2025.

Sponsored by State Rep. Matthew Overcast, the bill aims to bring Missouri in line with other states that have shorter time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. Supporters of the bill argue that the current five-year timeframe is excessive compared to the two-year limit in 25 states and a three-year limit in 16 other states. They believe the change will encourage quicker resolutions of claims, lower insurance costs, and create a more business-friendly legal environment.

"House Bill 68 is about fairness, efficiency, and strengthening Missouri’s legal climate," said Rep. Overcast, R-Ava. "Missouri’s outdated five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims is among the longest in the nation—far exceeding the standard in 45 other states. This isn’t just a legal technicality; it’s an issue of economic vitality and judicial efficiency. By reducing the statute of limitations to two years, we will help Missouri businesses thrive while preserving evidence, reducing legal uncertainties, and streamlining the litigation process."

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has prioritized legal reforms that reduce excessive litigation costs and promote a more business-friendly climate, positioning Missouri as a national leader in economic development. HB 68 directly reflects this vision, ensuring faster resolutions of claims, reduced legal burdens on businesses, and a stronger economy for all Missourians.

During debate, the House also amended HB 68 with Overcast’s support to include language extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Under the amendment sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, survivors will now have 20 years after turning 21—or three years from the time they discover the abuse caused their injury or illness, whichever is later—to file a lawsuit. This change replaces the current 10-year limitation and provides survivors of abuse with more time to seek justice.

Advocates for survivors praised the amendment, noting that trauma and psychological barriers often delay the recognition of abuse-related injuries. They argue that the expanded time frame aligns with a growing national movement to provide greater legal recourse for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Following a House vote of 92-42, HB 68 now moves to the Missouri Senate for further review and debate. If passed, the bill would significantly alter the time frame in which Missourians can pursue legal action for personal injury claims, setting a precedent for quicker litigation timelines in the state.

House Passes Bill to Reduce Pesticide Regulations

The Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 544, a bill that seeks to standardize pesticide labeling requirements in the state. The legislation specifies that pesticides registered by federal agencies or labeled in accordance with federal guidelines will fulfill any state-mandated cancer warning label requirements.

The bill, sponsored by State Representative Dane Diehl, is designed to harmonize state and federal regulations for pesticides, particularly glyphosate-based herbicides, which are among the most widely studied products in the United States.

"This bill is crucial for Missouri’s top industry—agriculture—ensuring access to essential products that feed, clothe, and fuel our state, nation, and beyond," said Rep. Diehl, R-Butler. "It upholds a trusted process with some of the toughest regulations in the U.S., recognized globally for its rigorous standards. This legislation also ensures consistency between state and federal standards, preventing unnecessary confusion while protecting both farmers and consumers. Glyphosate and other widely used herbicides have been thoroughly tested and proven safe, and this bill reinforces that certainty for Missouri’s agricultural future."

Supporters of the bill argue that these herbicides, when used according to the label’s instructions, are proven to be safe and non-carcinogenic. They point to extensive regulatory testing conducted by both U.S. and international agencies that has consistently found glyphosate to be safe for use.

With a vote of 85-72, HB 544 now heads to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

 

Eight Hawks Honored at Gilman City Senior Night

Eight Gilman City players and cheerleaders were honored Friday at Senior Night against state-ranked Princeton. Honored were girls basketball players Riah Crump, Shelby Gibson, Colbi Webb, and Kelsey Sperry; boys basketball players Landon Preston, Parker Virtue, and Kenyon Puls; and cheerleader Hayley Jennings. Shelby Gibson, Kelsey Sperry, and Riah Crump were also cheerleaders.

Previously, the Lady Hawks upped their winning streak to 17 games and hit their 20th win with a 55-49 win over OSHS. The Wildcards always play well on their home floor, and Khloey Sperry was in foul trouble, sitting out for much of the second quarter with three as the Wildcards led much of the way in the half and led 23-21 at the half. Shelby Gibson kept the Hawks in the game with eight second quarter points.

But then Khloey Sperry came back and went beast mode in the third quarter, erupting for 13 points as the Hawks took a 39-32 lead after three. Sperry fouled out in the fourth, but Avery Gregg took over in that period and carried the team on her shoulders, scoring 11 points  as the Hawks hung on.

Khloey Sperry had 27 points. Avery Gregg had 14, Shelby Gibson 8, Alli Burke 4, and Kelsey Sperry 2.

The girls 20-win season was their first since the 2007-2008 season, when they won conference and won 22 games. The Hawks also won 22 games in 2005-2006.

The boys were not as fortunate as they fell 68-54 to the Wildcards. But Camden Griffith got his 1,000th point in the game. Needing 28 points to do so, he got 29.

But the girls saw their 17 game winning streak come to an end against state-ranked Princeton, falling 50-44. They led most of the way, crashing the boards hard and jumping out to a 12-3 first quarter lead at one point. Shelby Gibson, Khloey Sperry, and Kelsey Sperry all had 4 in the period. But then Addie Henke, who is on track to score 2,300 points for Princeton, suddenly started taking over. Every time the Hawks had her stopped, she would pull up and hit one midrange shot after another, just like what Jordan and Bird used to do back in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The Blue Tigers cut it to 14-12 in the second, but a Princeton lane violation allowed Avery Gregg a second chance at a free throw and she made it 20-14. The Hawks led 26-22 at the half.

Henke and the Princeton squad looked like they were going to take over in the third quarter as Henke scored six straight to make it 28-26, but then a basket from Shelby Gibson, free throws from Avery Gregg, and a chaotic sequence in which Princeton stole the ball but Gregg stole it back and fed Khloey Sperry made it 32-28. The Hawks led 35-30 after three, but then Henke took over for the fourth, scoring 15 of her 31 points in the period as Princeton pulled ahead for a 50-44 win.

The boys saw a similar ending. They fell behind by as much as seven in the third, but fought back to tie it at 33 and 35 after three. But Clay Evans scored 16 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter as the Blue Tigers pulled away for a 56-43 win. Camden Griffith had 20 for the Hawks.

 

 

Worth County Hires Elementary Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, Golf Coach

The Worth County School Board, at its regular meeting last Wednesday, hired Cassie Steele as an elementary teacher, Malori Moellenberndt as a special education teacher, and Alec Summers as the Boys Golf coach for 2025.

The District Governance Program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include the fact that the board has adopted a new policy service. Policies, student/parent handbooks, and employee handbooks are all cross-referenced. End of year fund balances have increased by 12%, meaning the school is better able to pay the bills. This increase was related to federal ESSER II funds arriving. The school is implementing a new Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for 2022-27. Board of Education members are participating in yearly training. The Board of Education reviewed goals in August.

Concerns listed include the fact that the board hasn’t approved a board manual yet. Some district committees don’t meet regularly. The district will continue to look for ways to communicate to the public in forms other than social media.

The Professional Development Program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include the fact that the district has gotten grant money to help with professional development and implementing systems of support in behavior and reading intervention. The district has implemented data teams to monitor student progress. The school uses a mentoring program to help new teachers. The district is undergoing professional development on character education as well as social-emotional learning and mental health. Teaching staff and administration are flexible with their schedules as new courses are announced which will support new legislative requirements. Professional development is centered around the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Concerns listed include the fact that teachers miss time out of the classroom because of professional development scheduling. Other concerns listed include the need to balance the addition of new strategies with improving current practices, and the fact that the Professional Development Handbook has not been revised since 2016-17.

Superintendent Chris Healy reported that Senate Bill 727 established the minimum teacher salary for the 2025-26 school year at $40,000 for a starting teacher and $46,000 for a master’s degree and 10 years experience. If the state does not fund it like they have in the past, projected increases in costs for the school would be $300,000.

The board voted to apply for a state grant for various instructional equipment. The state reimbursement would be $28,050. For the Ag Construction course, the school is applying for a plasma table, a plasma cutter, and two tool storage cabinets. For the Computer Programming class, the school is applying for 15 student iPads and a Smart MX 75” panel. For the Agricultural Structures class, the school is seeking 20 student iPads. For the Business Technology class, the school is seeking 20 Office 2024 licenses.

Principal Josh Smith reported on some of the things students are studying. The Biology I class is studying how DNA works. The 8th Grade Science class is studying the human heart and blood flow. The Health class is studying basic First Aid and CPR. The PE classes are playing a game called “The Floor is Lava,” where the object is to cross the gym without touching the floor.

The seventh grade was the attendance winner with 94.22%, followed by the seniors and the sophomores.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported on the 100th Day of School celebration. Kids brought 100 things to make a trail mix for a snack. Mrs. Campbell placed 100 pictures of Mr. Borey around the elementary building to see if the teachers could find all of them before the end of the day. 97 were found and pinned to the board.

Loved ones sent flowers, candy, stuffed animals, and balloons to students for Valentine’s Day. Some students received cookies made by the FCCLA.

Heart Hero Kickoff was held for students from Pre-K through 6th grade. For every 18 students who complete Finn’s Mission, the school gets entered into a drawing for a $10,000 playground makeover from the NFL.

Mrs. Pottorff was honored February 6th for Guidance Counselor Week. Kids showered her with cards and gifts, and she was given a counselor t-shirt.

The sixth grade was the winner of the January attendance challenge with an attendance rate of 96.60%.

Deb O’Neal with the Missouri Extension started nutrition classes for PK through 3rd grade February 13th.

Students are celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week this week.

The elementary had 116 students who completed 100% of their AMI work during snow days. All of those students’ names were put into a random name draw and 15 students got prizes.

Title Parent Science Night will be March 4th from 5:30 to 7. The FCCLA will have a seat belt safety program for PK through 3rd.

The board approved the 2025-26 calendar. The first day of school will be August 19th. Thanksgiving Break will be from November 26th to 28th. Christmas Break will be from December 22nd through January 5th. Easter Break will be from April 2nd through 6th. The tentative last day of school will be May 15th.

The board voted to approve a change order in the HVAC contract, which is part of the voter-approved bond issue. Herner Construction received a bid from an out of town firm that was $3,500 lower than the Warner Heating & Air bid. The school wanted to keep contracts local when it was competitive. Also, local contactors are the ones who will serve the equipment. The board voted to approve the switch to Warner Heating & Air. Board member Tish Warner abstained from the vote.

The school voted to approve a grant application for the business program to purchase 25 Chromebooks, a smartboard, four presentation laptops, and a portable speaker. Total cost would be $20,300 of which the grant would pay 50%. The money is from Career Technical Education. The state provides it grant money for approved school programs. The board approval is contingent on the availability and appropriation of funds from the legislature.

The board approved the sale of a house at 400 Meade Street.

The board extended Principal Josh Smith’s contract through the 2026-27 school year.

Five Honored on Worth County Senior Night

Two boys basketball players and three band members were honored during Worth County Senior Night Thursday. The girls basketball team didn’t have any seniors on the team.

Boys basketball players were Karson Briner and Cannon Fletcher. Band members were Eliza Corey, Anissa Russell, and Emma Spencer.

The boys basketball game was not much of a contest as the Tigers were totally outclassed by a bigger and quicker Maysville squad. They fell behind 20-7 after one quarter and were outscored in the next two quarters, falling 62-37.

Cole Ruby had 16 for the Tigers. Caleb New had 8, Cannon Fletcher 5, Karson Briner 4, and Lucas Frisch and Ethan Lininger had 2 each.

Cannon Fletcher had 2 blocks. Andrew Griffin and Karson Briner had 1.

Karson Briner and Hayden Sanders had 4 boards. Caleb New, Cole Ruby, Cannon Fletcher, and Ryder Smyser had 3. Dylan Smith had 2 and Andrew Griffin, Franklynn Taute, Lucas Frisch, Wes Brown, and Ethan Lininger had 1.

Caleb New and Hayden Sanders had 3 assists. Lucas Frisch had 2 and Karson Briner, Cole Ruby, and Dylan Smith had 1.

Karson Briner had 2 tips. Lucas Frisch, Hayden Sanders, Ryder Smyser, Franklynn Taute, Wes Brown, and Dylan Smith had 1.