The Black and Gold Volume 5 Issue 8 October 17th 2025
Newspaper Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Michaela Copeland
Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Bella Beems
News Editor
Laci Burnett
Reporters
Katlyn Boydston
Grayson Moore
Photographers
Lauraly Lane
Josephine Long
Designers
Ashlynn Bowen
Gunner Delp
Guest Writer
Carma Swartz
Ag Day
Learn about Ag Day and meet some of our fluffy friends! - p. 2-3
What to Watch Cross Country
Read about Zylar Helton’s personal best and some upcoming events - p. 5
Hear from our guest writer about the perfect movie for this spooky season! - p. 7
THE BLACK AND GOLD
Juniors and
Seniors Attend Northwest College Fair
By: Bella Beems
On Thursday, October 9, students from DeKalb High School, accompanied by Mrs. Powell, traveled to Maryville to visit the Northwest College Fair. “I went to help me plan my future and see where I can go to college,” said Junior Camry Hanshaw.
There were many colleges there representing not just Northwest, but many other institutions from around the region. Some colleges were from Nebraska and Kansas, but most of them were from Missouri. The representatives discussed many different paths and opportunities students have “There were different colleges that went there, and I found many different colleges for many different subjects,” says Senior Nathan Bowen.
After the students visited all the college booths they wanted, Northwest gave them a tour of the college, explaining where classes were and all the fun activities college students get up to, such as grocery bingo
Overall, the Northwest College Fair was a fun and interesting college experience that helps students figure out what path they want to go on after graduation.
Photo Credit: Mrs Powell
Photo Caption: DeKalb students check out Mizzou’s booth at College Fair
MCisstinky
Rushville Students Experience Ag Day
By: Josie Long
On Friday, October 10, the DeKalb FFA held Ag Day 2025 Here, FFA members were able to introduce elementary students to different farming equipment and animals. High school students also had the elementary students participate in pumpkin decorating.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to meet the many different animals that Klhoe Pflugradt and Kylee Dexter brought Some of these animals included lambs, baby chicks, and more See page 3 for pictures of some of our furry friends
Ag Day allows elementary students to know where their food comes from and all the tools needed to get it from the fields to their homes. They had 5 stations on Friday, including farming equipment, animals, baby chicks, pumpkins, and birds.
“The other big purpose of Ag Day is to provide an opportunity for high school FFA members to gain some leadership skills and do something they normally wouldn’t do,” said Ag instructor Mr. Medsker.
Photo Credit: Josie Long
Pictured: Ag Day activities
Meet the Animals of Ag Day
By: Josie Long
jalapeño
Eugene
Chicken Nugget
Cleetus & Margaret
Softball Hits it Ove
By: La
High School Softball girls played the Maryville fantastic game and came out on top with a winning score of 19-1. The girls worked hard and were able to end the game after the 5th inning
The Lady Tiger Softball Team has been putting in some grueling hours throughout the season, and the results are showing in games. For example, Sophomore Lillian Wagner hit a home run in the third inning with bases loaded and earned 4 points for the team. Lilly says that she was, “in surprise and shock, because it's my first one, and I had a realization that I can actually do it, because I doubted myself.” This shows the hard work these girls have been putting in this season and even this summer
Although the girls faced a surprise with Maryville’s field being made of turf, they still showed up and played some amazing ball. Coach Horr says, “We hit the ball hard and fielded the ball well. It was great to see the girls get some confidence as we head into the post-season.” With that game over, the girls are now on to Districts.
The Softball team will have its first District game on Saturday, October 18th, in Maysville The girls are excited, and with all the effort they put into practices and games, Coach Horr believes, “As long as we all show up and play at our full potential, we should go far.” Show up for our Softball girls and cheer them on as they play an incredible game this Saturday.
Photo Credit: Coach Horr
Pictured: Lilly Wagner and Kyleigh Black with game balls
Cross Countries Helton Makes a New PR Tigers Fall to Wildcards
By: Lauraly Lane
By: Ashlynn Bowen
On Friday, October 10th, the Football team went up against Stewartsville/Osborn for the Wildcards’ Homecoming game. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost to the Wildcards, 20-58.
“It was one of our most competitive games, and if we could have had more points by the beginning of the fourth quarter, I feel we could have won,” says Coach Wildhaber.
Sophomore Aiden Bramble says, “I feel like there was a lot of things we could have worked on and improved. I don’t feel like I did that bad. I think I need to work on the plays more.”
Tonight the Tigers take on the Panthers at Mound City. Kick-off is at 7:00p.m.
On Tuesday, October 14th, the Cross Country team had a meet at Cameron. They did amazing job.
While no one placed, with plenty of encouragement from his team and family, Freshman Zylar Helton made a new personal record of 24.29, which is an 8.16-minute mile and the fastest he has run while on the team. “It felt good, and I didn’t have to do push ups,” said Zylar Helton His new goal for districts is to get under 24 seconds!
“They did amazing. I’m impressed with the grit of the school kids,” said Dana Taylor, the Cross-Country coach.
The Middle School season will be over after the Haunted Hustle on October 25th, but High School still has Districts on November 1 at Missouri Western. st
Their next event is this Saturday, October 18th, at Platte Ridge Park The bus leaves at seven, and Varsity starts at 9:30 if you want to come out and support
Photo Credit: Josie Long
Pictured: DeKalb Tigers fight for the ball
Photo Credit: Lauraly Lane
Pictured: Zylar Helton and Coach Taylor
DIVA WEEK
Black and Gold Pawdcast Now Streaming!
This week’s Pawdcast is guest-hosted by Lauraly Lane with special guest Senior Faith Williams. This week’s topic is The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift They discuss their favorite songs from the album as well as the controversy over the album and how some of the songs might be about specific people. Make sure to check out the full episode, and this week’s song of the week, on Spotify
Avalee Servaes
Reason: Always has something nice to say
Syra Servaes
Reason: Super sweet to everyone she talks to
What to Watch
By: Carma Swartz
A movie that I recommend is Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton. This movie is about a scientist who builds a man, then he sadly dies before finishing him.
A makeup saleswoman saw him wandering and took him home so Edward, the scientist’s creation, could have a place to stay. Later on in the movie, Edward falls in love with the woman’s daughter, who is seen as a normal teen compared to his odd personality. The daughter, Kim Boggs, is scared of Edward at first, but eventually she shows him kindness and compassion.
This movie is perfect for Halloween and just to show that everyone is different. The theme of the movie is "Don't judge a book by its cover,” which is important to remember year-round Tim Burton does a great job of making this movie have a spooky vibe to it, as well as showing the true meaning.
Ag Ed on the Move
By: Michaela Copeland
Again this Wednesday, the Dekalb FFA had the opportunity to visit the Elementary school to teach Mrs. Byergo’s third-grade class about agriculture and its importance in our daily lives.
Last week the FFA students talked about Soils
This week, Maggie Hall took the lead in teaching about Soils. Her favorite part about teaching the third graders was “interacting with them. They are all so different ”
Next week, the DeKalb FFA will go back to the elementary school to talk about Beef Cattle.
Photo Credit: gstatic com
Pictured: Film cover
Photo Credit: Miley Phillips
Pictured: Maggie Hall teaching about soils
How To Get in Shape for Basketball: Go to Morning Weights
By: Josie Long
Weight lifting is a key factor in sports, as it can help you improve The Morning Weights program allows our students and student athletes to improve their strength, endurance, and discipline While weights are a good way to target specific muscle groups, they can also be a good way for students to get out of their comfort zone and improve their lifestyle.
Morning Weights is led by Coach Rumpf, who does a wonderful job at holding people accountable.“I recommend Morning weights to all student athletes in this school because it's the key difference we need to make to become bigger, faster, stronger, and tougher There is a lot of talent in this school, but hard work always beats talent ”
Morning Weights sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:30. If you ever find yourself wanting to step out of that comfort zone or simply want to improve, our coaches encourage you to show up!
What to Play
By: Gunner Delp
Interested in a chill skateboarding video game? Well, if you are, I suggest checking out the video game skate (Yes, it is spelled in all lowercase, including a period ) Sit back, relax, turn on some music, and shred some wood
This latest installment to the Skate video game series was released on September 16th, 2025. The Season 1 update came out on October 7th, 2025. The developers decided to add numerous new features to the game, including improved parkour, additional trick variations, enhanced challenges, unlockable areas, and more
The game takes place in a city called San Vansterdam and allows for many skating opportunities, challenges, and unique obstacles to shred on. The city is composed of four districts: Hedgemont, Gullcrest Village, Market Mile, and Brickswich.
No need to worry about prices - skate is a free-to-play game! The only time you may find yourself spending money is every time a new cosmetic comes into the shop
I have been playing the Skate games ever since Skate 2, so I would say that I have quite a bit of experience with these types of games. The controls are difficult to learn at first, but once you get the hang of things, you'll be shredding with ease. I would rate skate. as a 10/10 video game due to its graphics and its updated game features
Photo Credit: EA
Pictured: skate video game cover
What to Listen To What to Read
By: Katlyn Boydston
On May 16th, Morgan Wallen released his fourth album, I’m the Problem, which was highly anticipated by fans worldwide The album is off to a successful release with 5 tracks in the Top 10 of Apple Music’s Country charts
Morgan Wallen’s new album, "I’m the Problem," discusses his personal struggles, regrets, and reflections on past mistakes, particularly in relationships His new album is a blend of country and pop with some upbeat tracks and some with a pop-rock sensibility. Morgan Wallen said his new album is a reflection of his past mistakes and a move to be more self-aware.
Songs on this album are I Ain’t Comin’ Back, I’m A Little Crazy, Just In Case, Don’t We, Leavin’s The Least I Could Do, Nothin’ Left, Falling Apart, What I Want, Number 3 and Number 7, Interlude, Kick Myself, Kiss Her In Front of You, Smile, Lies Lies Lies, I Got Better, Eyes Are Closed, Come Back as a Redneck, Skoal, Chevy, and Browning, Superman, If you were Mine, and more The most popular song off this album is I Got Better
My personal favorites off this album are Just in Case, Love Somebody, and Smile because these songs are good to listen to and I listen to them a lot.
By: Grayson Moore
If you are looking for a good book to read, I recommend Coraline by Neil Gaiman Coraline is about a girl named Coraline who moves to a town that she’s unfamiliar with, and into a house with unfamiliar people
There’s a small door in the living room, which she discovers when counting windows, that she’s very curious about. She asks her mom to open it for her, and she discovers that it just opens up to a brick wall. She goes to sleep that night and is awoken by a mouse, so she follows it until it leads her to the small door.
She grabs the key and opens the door, to a portal to what seems to be the same room she left, and the same house she left The only difference is that the things she didn’t like about the real world were better in the alternate one: better parents, better food, and a better garden
After a few times of returning to the better version of the world, her “other” mother wants her to sew buttons into her eyes, so that she’ll stay there forever After Coraline tries to leave, she realizes she’s trapped and has to figure out how to leave. If I had to rate this book, I would give it a 8.7 out of 10.
