THE BLACK AND GOLD Volume 6 Issue 4 Sept. 25, 2026
Annual 5K a Resounding Success W e
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By: Laci Burnett On Sept. 19, at DeKalb Community Center, Mrs. H and her family hosted the third annual Cassandra J. Donaldson Memorial Walk. This was a huge success, with Mrs. H claiming that they “had record numbers for donations and money raised.” Not only that, but they had a record number of attendees, with a turnout of over 150 people. Every year, the word spreads further about the event, honoring our beloved CJ and her memory.
Newspaper Staff
At this walk, there were donations from multiple organizations around the community, along with numerous families from all around. Along with those who donated items, there were many people and organizations that donated straight to the Cassandra Jo Donaldson Memorial Scholarship. Between this year’s silent auction and many donations, Mrs. H says, “We raised over $7,000 towards this year’s scholarships.” This money will help those in our school and even some outside our community be able to succeed beyond high school.
Katlyn Boydston
MC beats me
Mrs. H and her family are “very thankful to everyone that comes out and celebrates CJ and her life, and allows us to continue to give back in her name.” This year’s memorial walk had a great turnout, was filled with action, and was a beautiful way to remember CJ and how much she is loved. Make sure to keep an ear out for when next year’s walk is and show up for our CJ!
MC hates Christmas
Editors-in-Chief Laci Burnett Bella Beems Assistant Editor Reporters Ivan Bowen Layla Griffin Lauraly Lane
Photographers Kiera Kuse Alyssa Rogers
Designer Gunner Delp
Guest Staff Analeesa Busby
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! DeKalb Homecoming Need something to get up to this weekend, but don’t want to go out of town? Read more! pg. 3
Cross Country Finally Has Meet
Cross Country has their first meet after weeks of postponing! See how all the practice paid off! pg. 6
Softball Wins
Our DeKalb Lady Tigers have their first game in almost a week in a half AND it’s a double header. pg. 8
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Sept. 25, 2026
DeKalb Homecoming Set for This Weekend By: Ivan Bowen
Pat Brant and others have worked together to organize the annual Dekalb Homecoming, which is being held on Saturday, Sept. 26 this year. According to Pat Brant, the purpose of the Dekalb Homecoming is to get everyone together and to have fun and celebrate the Homecoming of Dekalb. It usually takes all year long to get everything ready and set up for the Dekalb Homecoming. Pat Brant claims that everything about the Homecoming is special. When asked if there was one thing that is particularly unique about Homecoming this year, Pat stated, “The Grand Marshal is pretty special.” The parade begins on Sept. 26, Saturday, at 11 a.m. and will travel through DeKalb down Main Street. The DeKalb Homecoming Parade is an event held annually. While there are many things to look forward to, Junior Gunner Delp claims, “I am very excited to march the streets with the band.” The band will be performing the fight song and Raiders March. “I have never been to a small town parade and I'm very excited to see what it's all about,” says Sophomore Alyssa Rogers. If you're able to be at the square, show up and have fun with everyone there. With food, friends, and entertainment, it promises to be a great time.
Photo Credit: DeKalb Homecoming Committee Pictured: DeKalb Homecoming 2026 Flyer
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Sept. 25, 2026
What to Watch By: Kiera Kuse
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: Soul Eater
If you're looking for a dark fantasy anime, then I recommend Soul Eater by Atsushi Ohkubo. Ohkubo was known for writing both the series Soul Eater and Fire Force. The Soul Eater Anime started broadcasting April 7, 2008, and the manga was released May 12, 2004. The show takes place at Death Weapon Meister Academy, in Death City. Maka Albarn who is a Meister and her partner Soul Evans who transforms into a scythe have a goal to have 99 souls of evil humans and 1 with soul in order to turn their weapons into an ultimate “Death Scythe” for their headmaster. This is one of my favorite shows because it's interesting watching Maka fighting with her partner who turns into a scythe and achieving new goals and getting stronger. My favorite part is Excalibur singing: EXCALIBURRRRRRRRRR EXCALIBURRRRRRRRRRRR FROM THE UNITED KING I AM LOOKING FOR HEAVEN I'M GOING TO CALIFORNIAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
What to listen to By: Katlyn Boydston
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: Taylor Swift’s brand new single album TLOASG The Encore
On Sept. 25, 2026, Taylor Swift revealed a brand new single called Patient Zero coming out on Friday. This album is her twelfth studio album. The album features Taylor Swift’s brand new standalone single, and because it was just announced on Sept. 22, 2026, its official lyrics and potential featured artists are still kept under wraps. Taylor Swift’s brand new single, Patient Zero, was rumored to be about the first person infected in an outbreak. However, it’s actually about someone whose been hurt in a toxic relationship offering to help the “contagion’s” next victim. It is described as an encore or companion release tied to her 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl. The songs on the brand new release are Patient Zero, Cleveland!, Pink Clouding, and Babylon. Taylor Swift is really proud of her brand new single songs and she got to explore a scenario where an ex’s new partner reaches out for guidance.
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Sept. 25, 2026
MS Football Comes Out Fighting
_ ._. ._ ... ....
By: Gunner Delp
Cross Country Finally Gets to Run By: Lauraly Lane
Photo Credit: Kiera Kuse Pictured: 8th graders Aric Bramble & Eli Wagner
The Junior High team’s previous Football game was held this Monday at Stewartsville. The game went well, with the final score 30-34. The team put in their best effort. However, they unfortunately lost by only 4 points. When asked about how well of a performance they feel they did, 8th grader Eli Wagner stated, “I did better than I did for our first game.” However, 8th grader Aric Bramble claims, ”I feel as though I did pretty good, but not overall good.” The boys have been putting in the hard work all season long. Coach Robert stated, “The boys kept their cool through rough circumstances,” when asked about what went well during the previous game. The next football game will be held here at home against Platte Valley at 5. Do be sure to show up to support our Junior High Football boys and show you Tiger Pride!
Photo Credit: Cameron Cashman Pictured: Cross Country Team
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Cross Country team went to Benton High School for their first meet that hasn’t been rained out. Eighth grader Andrew Giddens says, “It was very challenging for the team; I think we did pretty well for our first meet of the year.” Eighth grader Ruby Farrell ran a 17:19 for her time, placing 9th overall. For her first-ever meet, she did very well as well. The team’s next meet is Monday, Sept. 28, at Rock Port.
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Sept.25, 2026
What to Read (or Not) By: Mrs. Miller
A Hit........
.........And a Miss
Photo Credit: Amazon.com Pictured: The Secret History Book Cover
Photo Credit: Thriftbooks.com Pictured: Monday’s Not Coming Book Cover
Recently, I’ve had both reading hits and misses. The most recent hit is The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Written in the early 90s and set on a private college campus in the mid-80s, this book has great retro, dark academia vibes.
Monday’s Not Coming, by Tiffany D. Jackson, was a disappointment. The story starts off interesting enough: 13-year-old Claudia comes home from summer vacation to find that her friend Monday is missing, and no one seems to care.
The story follows Richard, a transfer student to this exclusive, private college in rural Vermont. After getting himself admitted to an exclusive class, he also finds himself with a new group of friends, which brings with it a new way of life: weekend getaways to country estates, expensive lunches, and eventually, a murder.
Claudia is faced with starting 8th grade on her own, navigating a big secret she’s been keeping for years, and investigating Monday’s disappearance while everyone treats like she’s the crazy one.
If you enjoy dark stories with in-depth character development, this is definitely a mustread.
While the story is really interesting, the author introduces a twist near the very end that just doesn’t make sense, nor does it feel needed. This story could have stood on its own. A missing girl, an ended friendship, and burgeoning romance were plenty to keep this story afloat.
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Sept.25, 2026
Lady Tigers Sweep WildCards in Doubleheader By: Alyssa Rogers
What to Eat By: Bella Beems
Small Town Grill opened in mid May, by Whitney Juda and her family. Some of you might remember P&J’s, the restaurant that used to be on the DeKalb square before Small Town Grill. I had the personal joy of going in and enjoying a meal with my friend this past Saturday after the CJ Walk. After walking three miles, a nearly as good as home cooked meal hit the spot really nicely.
Photo Credit: Lauraly Lane Pictured: Gretchyn Bowers ambracing her win
Softball was scheduled to play two games this week on Monday and Thursday. Monday’s game was cancelled due to field conditions. The field was too wet to be safe to play on due to the storm on Sunday.
The Grill was close by and wallet friendly, with amazing service and quiet atmosphere. It’s open from Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. On Fridays they have a fish fry where they serve catfish locally caught and you can pair it with any of their many different sides. They have anything from salad to spiral chips. Small Town Grill isn’t too far out of reach from anyone here in town and dining there supports our local businesses and eats.
Thursday’s game was a double header against OSHS. DeKalb won both games. They won 9-1 for the first game. The second game they had a 6-inning run rule victory 17-7. Coach Horr said “There were many great highlights of the game! Alivia Hall had an Amazing catch to rob what was probably a homerun and Gretchyn Bowers had two really tough catches at the fence in foul territory.” Coach H said it was really cool that every girl got to participate in last night’s game. Their next game is at home on Tuesday, Sept. 29 against Albany. Come out and wish our Lady Tigers luck.
Photo Credit: Facebook.com Pictured: Small Town Grill Logo
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Sept. 25, 2026
What to play By: Layla Griffin
Tigers Faced A Tough Loss to Nodaway Valley By: Layla Griffin
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: UNRAVEL two
Lately I've been playing Unravel Two; it follows the story of Unravel. Unravel Two is about these yarn characters that are tied together. The two Yarnies represent two kids running away from an abusive adoption/group home or strict adults. I really like this game because it's about how it's ok to have someone to support you through dark times in your life. Throughout the game, there are multiple levels that you can do on your own, and control both yarnies or have someone play with you. There are also more difficult and bonus levels to play for when you're done with the original story. The price has always been $19.99. You can also get the Unravel Yarny Bundle; it gives you Unravel and Unravel Two for only $29.99. You can buy a digital copy or a physical disc/cartridge. You can play it on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Photo Credit: Josephine Long Pictured: Tigers face off aganist Nodaway Valley
Last week, on Friday, Sept. 18th, against Nodaway Valley. Coach Wardlow said ¨We were under manned, had a few out due to injury.” The final score was 56-0. The Coach said the highlight of the game would've been “Young guys getting varsity action.” Even though we lost, the boys had fun. They are gonna try harder moving forward. Sophomore Easton Matthews said, “We definitely could have played better in our last game, mostly little mental errors.” Sophomore Wyatt Davis said his highlight was, “I made a tackle to stop a 2 point conversion.” Next week is another away game on Oct. 2nd against Rockport. Be there to show your support for the DeKalb Tiger Football boys.
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Sept. 25, 2026
Don’t Miss This! 28 29
Cross Country Meet @ Rockport MS Football vs Platte Valley HS Softball vs Albany FFA Fruit/meat/chocolate sales kickoff
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Softball @ NEN (V,JV)-reschelduled
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Jostens meeting with Seniors Softball vs NEN (V,JV)
02
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HS FB @ Rock Port Area l trap shoot-Fall City TBA Mid Buch Tournament Savannah Cross Country Meet
WEEK IN WEEK IN THE LIFE THE LIFE