The Leader • 3-2-23

CLINTON CO. County leaders mull courthouse renovations

BOUND for the PLAYOFFS

LEADER

Cramped and antiquated, the Clinton County Courthouse has been outdated for decades. The Clinton County Commissioners have started exploring options to expand and improve the 47-year-old structure.

The commissioners are in the initial stages of the process, working with the architectural firm Shive-Hattery and the bonding company D.A. Davidson to consider options and decide on the best path forward.

“When this building was built, it wasn’t built for any future,” said Clinton County Commissioner Patrick Clark. “We’ve got to do upgrades in this building. We’re not in the 1970s.”

The three commissioners agreed that their predecessors in the 1970s had tough decisions to make after the previous courthouse burned down – a common fate for the (three previous) Clinton County Courthouses.

“It’s always easy to look back,” said First District Commissioner Jay Bettis. “This building wasn’t sufficient when it was built. Really quickly, it became insuffi-

on A2

EAST BUCHANAN

East Buchanan, Plattsburg win district championships and advance to the Missouri state sectionals || PAGE A7 CITY OF LATHROP

Board hears about classroom disruptions

During the public comment session at the start of the East Buchanan Board of Education meeting Monday, February 20, one parent, Laura West, addressed the board regarding concerns about disruptions in the classroom – a concern that a number of fourth grade parents share, evidently. A number of parents were there to support Mrs. West on the issue.

According to Mrs. West, families are worried about the impact those disruptions have on their children.

“Our students are not receiving learning opportunities in a safe

Council approves step screen filter at plant

and non-disruptive environment. This has been an ongoing issue for the past few years, and this year the problem has become progressively worse,” said Mrs. West.

Mrs. West continued, “I know of one family that has pulled their child out of the district, and several more are considering what action to take for the sake of their children. My own child told me he is resentful and angry about the situation in his class, and we, my husband and I, are trying to figure what steps we need to take next year for our child.”

Mrs. West told board members that she had followed the

The City of Lathrop will be making a big purchase for a piece of equipment at the new wastewater treatment plant.

The Lathrop City Council approved the purchase of a stepscreen trash filter for the plant during its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 21. The filter is expected to cost approximately $400,000. City Administrator Bob Burns said nearly half of that cost – between $170,000 and $175,000 – will be covered by the remaining grant and loan funding the city received for the project from the state revolving fund.

The remaining costs will come from the city’s sewer fund reserve.

Burns explained to The Leader that the filter will remove trash that reaches the city’s new treatment plant – built in recent years at Lathrop’s previously existing lagoon northeast of town – via the sewer system. That trash can plug up aspects of the treatment plant, Burns said, but was less of a concern when they had the lagoon system, as the trash would just fall out.

Also during the meeting, Rosemary Hoppins with Middleroad Productions was on hand

on in law enforcement the previous week throughout Clinton County.

Season

Lathrop boys, girls fall in early district upsets to bring the 2023-2024 season to an end. || PAGE A8

Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo

“Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”

Lathrop freshman Garrett Beane capped his perfect season with the 2023 Missouri Class 1 State Championship at 106 lbs. last Thursday, finishing the year with a spotless 49-0 record. Wrestlers from Lathrop, Plattsburg and East Buchanan competed at the championships. See A7 for more. clay rader | special to the leader

East Buchanan Schools, Continued from Page A1

chain of command and had talked with the building principal and the superintendent prior to addressing the board. She also said she could have asked to be put on the agenda but that would have happened in March, and she felt she needed to address the board on this issue now.

Other than a few questions by board members to Mrs. West, there was no open discussion on the issue, The CTA report dealt with legislative concerns, and it was reported that during a legislative day in Jefferson City, the only legislator that would allow Amy Kelsey, Vice-President of MSTA, in the office was local state senator Rusty Black. The other legislators would not even open their doors for Mrs. Kelsey to hear her concerns. The concerns that Mrs. Kelsey wanted to discuss with the legislature included open enrollment and the Parents Bill of Rights. It was reported that it appeared that all the legislators had already decided how to vote on these issues and didn’t wish to discuss them with Mrs. Kelsey.

Superintendent Dr. Newell told the board that he felt some form of Open Enrollment would pass the legislature, but exactly what that bill would look like was

still up in the air from his perspective.

The District CTA provided some snacks for the board to show their appreciation for what the board does. Those snacks proved to be useful, as the meeting lasted for almost three-and-a-half hours.

During the celebration, District Technology Director Eric Wright, spoke to the board about a senior who had won the Missouri Association for Jazz competition, Quincy Meyer. Quincy had written and composed a piece titled “Bittersweet Tangerine.”

Quincy spent the day in Columbia auditioning for a position at the University of Missouri as a composition graduate. Quincy credited his achievement to the STEM program he participated in at East Buchanan. Mr. Wright had downloaded the composition that Quincy composed and played it in its entirety for the board and visitors to hear.

A representative from IDS provided the board with a facility update, speaking of the meetings that were held for public information and comment, two in Gower and two at the middle school in Easton, with about 100 people attending, in total.

He summed up the re-

sults of those meetings, with the main issues being what to do with the middle school. He stressed that he was not presenting a final plan, but rather only updating the board. He outlined some possibilities for the middle school remaining in Easton or moving to Gower.

One possibility would be to renovate the building in Easton, which would cost a couple of million dollars. Next would be a completely new middle school building in Easton. Another could be to move the school to Gower. Then the question would be whether to renovate the current elementary to accommodate both elementary and middle school students, or to build a new school building.

He provided some of the percentages, indicating that 54 percent of respondents wished for a new school in Gower, with 32 percent wanting to keep it in Easton. Expansion of the current elementary and renovation of that building appeared to be the least favorable. He is hoping to come back to the board in March at their upcoming work session with some costs for all the options. He said that most of the feedback wanted separate schools for middle and elementary students.

A different approach

Clinton County Courthouse,

cient, and it’s been that way for years. From what I can see, we’ve been behind the gun since the moment it was finished and people moved in.”

Shive-Hattery has met with each department in the courthouse and the 43rd Judicial Circuit to go over their individual needs. Design options have been drawn up and leaders plan to meet again next month to contin-

ue discussions on the issue. On the low end, renovating the existing space could cost upwards of $8 million, while the county could consider expanding its footprint, possibly utilizing space directly east of the sheriff’s department or the current parking lot on the east side of East Street.

The commissioners are also researching the county’s bonding capacity, which

r

to summer school was presented to the board. This would not shelve the current enrichment program, but would rather be a program to help students that are lagging behind educationally with additional time in curriculum areas, primarily reading and math skills. This program would take place in July, with one week devoted to reading and one to math, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The cost to the district could be minimal, as officials hope that the teachers would use their career ladder hours for this teaching time. The board voted to allow this program to move forward to determine the interest from the staff to see if it is feasible.

East Buchanan High School Principal and district athletic director Doug Miller said Monday he had surveyed the middle school girls to determine their interest in additional middle school sports.

Next on the agenda was a discussion of the old gym floor and bids to resurface it. The lowest bid was $17,850 and the highest of the three was $23,695. Discussion then centered around the cleaning process and timing for the cleaning. It was noted that this floor sees a lot of traffic from PE and school

Continued from Page A1

will dictate how much work the county can fund. The commissioners also intend to utilize the $3.6 million the county has left in ARPA funds, which must be spent by 2026, helping offset some of the cost.

Once a plan is finalized, a bond question would go to the voters.

The need for space permeates throughout the courthouse, which includes the

activities. It was decided to try to alter the timing and process for cleaning to see if that helps with the slickness.

Clinton County had sent a proposal to the district to continue the contract for the school resource officer program. The board discussed the proposal and directed Dr. Newell to get back with the county and work on an acceptable proposal for both parties.

All three building principals reviewed their building goals with the board. Dr. Newell provided the board with his update, which included the open enrollment legislation, the long-term sub for the middle school as a paraprofessional, and a new grant for expanding mental health resources for the district.

Currently, the district shares a counselor position with Mid-Buchanan, and Mid-Buchanan will be using that person full-time next year, so East Buchanan will need to decide whether to hire part-time or hire a counselor full-time for 20232024. Newell also informed the board that Buchanan County had donated 50 iPads to the District.

Newell told the board the last new bus had arrived and it was equipped with a wheel chair lift, there were

growing need to store physical records. The 43rd Judicial Circuit (Clinton County being the busiest of the five counties) needs more courtroom space, among other needs.

Additionally, the jail has long needed more space to house inmates, an issue that started with a court order in the 1980s and considered continuously by county leaders since 2007, when the

some upcoming electrical repairs at the middle school, and he will be working on the food service contract next month.

He informed the board that there will be an active shooter drill for staff upcoming, and the district was to receive a grant from the Department of Health and Senior Services for $150,000.

The special education department will be hosting a job olympics event, with 30 students signed up from East Buchanan and surrounding districts.

At the elementary, the summer school program will run from May 30 to June 9. Middle School students went to Snow Creek recently, taking 130 kids skiing.

The building has received 100 tickets to the upcoming NCAA basketball tournament, and the eighth grade students have voted to have a celebration to end their middle school tenure.

Miller told the board that approximately 31 students would be going out for golf and there might be a need for an additional golf coach. He also said he ran his attendance for the year, and it was better than he first thought, with the attendance coming in at 92.88 percent.

sheriff’s department began housing overflow prisoners in other detention facilities. The cost of housing those prisoners has grown from the low six-figures to approximately $400,000 before the pandemic.

As it stands, the county jail can house just 13 prisoners by commonly-accepted detention standards, while Shive-Hattery projects that the need for inmate space

will grow to 150 beds in the next 30 years.

If the county were to build additional jail space to meet that future need, the commissioners hope to contract the excess beds to other entities at a profit, which would help fund the project. According to the commissioners, several such entities have already reached out to the county about possible agreements.

Seasonal Allergies Can Be An Itch For Dogs And Cats.

If your pet has had a history of seasonal allergies in the past, now is the time to consider being proactive. Starting treatment before the problems begin can not only keep your pet happy and healthy, but potentially save you some money. Allergies that are not managed can lead to wounds and infections, which can be expensive to treat. In addition, it is often impossible to sleep well while your dog is constantly scratching and licking. So protect your own sanity and pocketbook, and get your pet started on an allergy treatment plan.

Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Weekly Report

Friday, February 17

12:25 a.m.: Medical call on SE Horseshoe in Holt.

2:55 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

4:53 a.m.: Suspicious person in progress on 33 Highway in Clinton County.

6:46 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NE 288th Street in Turney.

10:27 a.m.: Warrant service on Walnut Street in Plattsburg.

10:34 a.m.: Search warrant on Walnut Street in Plattsburg.

10:36 a.m.: Medical call on Bunker Hill in Plattsburg.

10:56 a.m.: Standby children’s division on Valley Street in Lathrop.

12:34 p.m.: Trespassing in progress on SE Perren Road in Holt.

12:35 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on SW 251st Street in Lathrop.

3:08 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

6:16 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Old 169 Highway in Gower.

9:38 p.m.: Medical (back pain) on W. Osage in Plattsburg.

9:46 p.m.: Domestic in progress on NE A Highway in Cameron.

Saturday, February 18

12:07 a.m.: Animal call on NW 169 Highway in Gower.

2:38 a.m.: Vehicle crash on NW 312th Street in Plattsburg.

3:40 a.m.: Medical call on SE 203rd Street in Lawson.

5:54 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on C Highway in Clinton County.

8:32 a.m.: Animal call on I-35 in Clinton County.

10:48 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

4:12 p.m.: Medical call on 33 Highway in Holt.

4:42 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

5:55 p.m.: Fire (natural cover) on NW 268th Street in Gower.

6:06 p.m.: Carless and imprudent driving on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

6:27 p.m.: Medical call on SE Cougar in Lathrop.

6:29 p.m.: Medical call on S. Oak Street in Plattsburg.

8:47 p.m.: Careless and imprudent on I-35 in Clinton County.

Sunday, February 19

10:20 a.m.: Fire (controlled burn) on SE Fox Run in Lathrop.

11:30 a.m.: Medical call on W. 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

12:26 p.m.: Natural cover fire on SW Devling in Plattsburg.

12:42 p.m.: Natural cover fire on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

12:48 p.m.: Animal call on

Second Street in Trimble.

1:38 p.m.: Animal call on SE Fred Evans in Lawson.

1:48 p.m.: Natural cover fire on 169 Highway in Gower.

2:56 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

3:06 p.m.: Medical call on James Place in Easton.

3:35 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on SE 228th Street in Clinton County.

3:38 p.m.: Controlled fire on SE 209th Street in Holt.

4:09 p.m.: Medical call on SW 204th Street in Trimble.

4:41 p.m.: Natural cover fire on Lewis in Edgerton.

5:37 p.m.: Medical call on Kennedy in Gower.

6:29 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main in Plattsburg.

7:09 p.m.: Medical call on SW Wohlford in Trimble.

7:23 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

Monday, February 20

4:43 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 33 Highway in Lathrop.

9:19 a.m.: Domestic in progress on NW Main Street in Clinton County.

10:08 a.m.: Suspicious person in progress on NW Hemple Road in Hemple.

11:17 a.m.: Suspicious person in progress on C Highway in Plattsburg.

11:28 a.m.: Natural cover fire on SE Horseshoe in Holt.

11:37 a.m.: Natural cover fire on NE 69 Highway in Cameron.

1:09 p.m.: Natural cover fire on SE Atchison in Holt.

1:16 p.m.: Domestic in progress on SE Oakridge in Holt.

2:13 p.m.: Debris in the road on I-35 in Clinton County.

5:59 p.m.: Littering on NE Gall in Turney.

7:37 p.m.: Medical call on Frank Street in Edgerton.

Tuesday, February 21

3:39 p.m.: Medical call on SW 214th Street in Plattsburg.

4:54 a.m.: Medical call on Concha in Lathrop.

7:21 a.m.: Medical call on Dykes in Holt.

8:51 a.m.: Animal call on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

10:31 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Valley Drive in Plattsburg.

11:06 a.m.: Controlled burn on NW Freeman in Plattsburg.

11:47 a.m.: Medical call on NE A Highway in Lathrop.

12:47 p.m.: Natural cover fire on SE 204th Street in Lawson.

1:58 p.m.: Assisting another agency on NE 69 Highway in Cameron.

2:26 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on SE Highway 69 in Clinton County.

2:58 p.m.: Controlled burn on SE 240th Street in Plattsburg.

3:18 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 69 Highway in Clinton County.

3:50 p.m.: Careless and im-

prudent driving on SE 33 Highway in Clinton County.

4 p.m.: Animal call on Hubbard in Lathrop.

4:02 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

4:21 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) in Lathrop.

4:59 p.m.: Stealing in progress on NE Estep in Cameron.

6:46 p.m.: Animal call on NE H Highway in Turney.

7:51 p.m.: Medical call on Ellington in Holt.

8:49 p.m.: Medical call on MM Highway in Clinton County.

9:02 p.m.: Missing person on S. Birch in Plattsburg.

10:29 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main in Plattsburg.

Wednesday, February 22

1:12 a.m.: Medical call on Z Highway in Edgerton.

3:46 a.m.: Medical call on Gregory Drive in Gower.

9:24 a.m.: Juvenile problem in Clinton County.

10:04 a.m.: Animal call on W. Broadway in Plattsburg.

10:42 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driving on I-35 in Clinton County.

12:45 p.m.: Medical call on Y Highway in Clinton County.

2:11 p.m.: Medical call on I-35 in Clinton County.

3:48 p.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on Chuck Wagon in Lathrop.

5:23 p.m.: Trespassing in progress on Plattsburg Street in Lathrop.

6:09 p.m.: Assault not in progress on S. Birch in Plattsburg.

9:23 p.m.: Domestic (not in progress) on N. Port Arthur in Trimble.

10:11 p.m.: Assisting another agency on 33 Highway in Kearney.

Thursday, February 23

12:42 a.m.: Medical call on Valley Drive in Plattsburg.

7:59 a.m.: Vehicle crash on PP Highway in Holt.

8:30 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NE Estep in Clinton County.

12:03 p.m.: Fire meeting on Pine Street in Lathrop.

12:11 p.m.: Medical call on SW County Line Road in Gower.

1:21 p.m.: Medical call on NW 336th Street in Stewartsville.

1:43 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 33 Highway in Holt.

3:47 p.m.: Medical call on Third Street in Holt.

5:09 p.m.: Animal call on SE Snow Drive in Holt.

5:43 p.m.: Children’s division on standby on SE Haynesville Road in Holt.

5:49 p.m.: Structure fire on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

7:51 p.m.: Medical call on Route E in Agency.

8:37 p.m.: Medical call on SE 200th Street in Holt.

to request approval for a beer garden during the Lathrop Friendship Festival this summer. The council signed off on the request pending the issuance of a picnic license via the police department. The council also reviewed an informational

letter that will be making its way to residents soon, which outlines the city’s street improvement sales tax proposal. Traditionally, the city has funded once-adecade street improvements through voter-approved bonds, but leaders will now also aim to fund annual

improvements through a one-percent sales tax.

The letter states that the new tax, if approved on April 4, will generate roughly $220,000 annually, and provides a sales tax comparison between Lathrop and neighboring communities.

Missouri paddlefish season set to begin on March 15

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

-- Imagine catching a giant, prehistoric fish whose ancestors swam during the time of dinosaurs. That is a reality for thousands of paddlefish snaggers during Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish snagging season. Paddlefish -- named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts -- are an ancient species that can grow to seven

feet and weighed more than 100 pounds.

According to MDC, the state’s major paddlefish snagging waters include Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake.

The paddlefish snagging season for these and most other waters in the state runs March 15 through April 30. The season for the

Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.

A fishing permit is required, unless exempt. The daily limit is two paddlefish, and the possession limit is four. No person shall continue to snag after taking a daily limit of two paddlefish.

Turning the tide at CCR-III

by brett adkison leader editor

The Clinton County R-III School District has a battle on its hands, and it appears district leaders are up for the challenge.

Last month, we reported that the district fell further behind neighboring schools in the annual Missouri Assessment Program testing for the second year in a row. Clinton County R-III not only finished last in the eight-member KCI Conference in English/Language Arts, math and science, but the gap between CCR-III and the rest of the pack is startling. Roughly, just a quarter of Plattsburg students finished proficient or advanced in those subjects, while nearby Lathrop and East Buchanan placed between 40 and 50 percent of their students in proficient or advanced.

West Platte (flush with funding from the Iatan plant and often disregarded in such comparisons because of their uncommon resources) scored above 60 percent in all three areas.

Standardized testing is far from perfect, but that does little to take away from this troubling trend.

Just as concerning, the state legislature seems hellbent on installing open enrollment legislation, which could see students untethered from their residential addresses and transferring freely from one public school to another (with their state education funding in tow). This should be especially troublesome for Plattsburg; East Buchanan and Lathrop are both a short drive away, and the district’s Trimble students could favor the shorter trip to Smithville.

Without a strong track record of student scores, open enrollment could ultimately see an exodus of both students and funding from Clinton County R-III.

District leaders are taking the issue seriously and are laying the groundwork for improvement, starting with increasing student attendance. It’ll be a challenging campaign, but Clinton County R-III has the right people in place.

A decade ago, Plattsburg schools were hampered by questionable leadership which eroded its culture and led to a revolving door of teachers and administrators. That’s changed thanks to the dedication of Superintendent Dr. Sandy Steggall, principals Dr. Rachel Turner, Angie Courtney and Brandon Burns, and others who have firmly planted their feet and offset the downward momentum.

These leaders have rebuilt a stable foundation for Clinton County R-III, and perhaps no other rural school district in Missouri has done more to integrate technology and real-world life skills into its curriculum. There are bright spots among the clouds.

Reversing the district’s test scores won’t be easy. It’ll take asking tough questions and reevaluating strategies where the proverbial rubber meets the road – the classroom. And the importance can’t be overstated; the ramifications of this effort reach beyond the hallways of CCR-III and into the homes and businesses of Plattsburg.

This is a monumental undertaking, but one that Clinton County R-III is up for.

WHAT’S THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD Springtown bridge could finally see life again

You know you’re growin’ older when... You confuse having a clear conscience with having a bad memory.

* * * *

The story of the bridge to nowhere may become a bridge to somewhere because of the planning, hard work and extra effort of those who found a common purpose. On Wednesday, February 22, the application for recreational trails grant was hand-delivered to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks.

The old Springtown bridge used to carry traffic over the Little Platte River, a tributary to Smithville Lake, but fulfilled its usefulness after decades of service for those using Springtown Road heading south out of Plattsburg. The value was diminished, so much so that Clinton County decided to give it “free to a new” home in 2004, as they began bridge replacement. All one had to do was pay to move it.

Well, that free bridge found a new home courtesy of the foresight of the City of Plattsburg. Yes, what most of those naysayers didn’t realize was that what some called the “bridge to nowhere” was part of Plattsburg’s master plan, which not-

ed that the two sections of Perkins Park that were separated by Horse Fork Creek needed to be joined by a bridge.

Unfortunately, what was considered a good idea did not meet the financial commitment to complete the needed infrastructure to make the bridge functional.

The price tag ranged from $60,000 to $100,000, which was unfeasible given the Park Board’s budget. Since 2005, there have been ideas of how to approach the bridge.

All that negativity changed with a chance meeting a year ago in March, during a Plattsburg Park Board meeting. Josh Walker, the branch manager of the Bank of Plattsburg, lives on the road, which took him past the bridge daily to work. The rugged patina of the bridge was surrounded by overgrowth of brush - an unsightly vision on the way to work. This vision finally caused Walker to hire an architect to see what it would take to make the bridge viable. During that Park Board meeting, Ryan Curtis, president of the local soccer club, was also in attendance. Curtis needed Grafton Park’s field to be rehabbed for the growing soccer numbers. Curtis also shared that his company had worked to obtain trail grants.

A chance meeting had led to a chance to fix the bridge.

Since that time, much work has been done, often behind the scenes, to complete the grant application. Walker and Curtis got the ball rolling. Joining them to complete the application were Joe Trotter, Chase Waggoner, Justin Hartzell, Cindy Wier, Lisa Read, and park board members Mike Shaver, Kathy Soldanels, Beau Brown, K. C. Lewis and Steve Tinnen.

Those organizations that receive the grant will be notified this fall.

* * * *

Trivia question: What function does the U.S. Electoral College perform? A. Supervises the presidential debates; B. Is another name for the U.S. Congress; C.Trains those who run for political office; D. Is an assembly that formally elects the president (answer is nearby).

* * * *

Some smiles for the more mature audience, courtesy of Jim Nicholson, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Surgeon: “Your insurance will cover either the vasectomy or the anesthetic, your call!”

Doctor to a patient – “Hey, it’s good to see you again. That medicine must have worked!!”

Doctor to his obese patient: “Good news. The pain in your

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

chest wasn’t’ a heart attack. It was your belt buckle.”

Wife’s comment to her husband while in the hospital: “Based on your current condition, I should probably throw the rest of those leftovers away.”

(Trivia answer: D. An assembly that formally elects the president. The Electoral College is a group of intermediaries designated by the Constitution to select the president and vice president of the United States. Each of the 50 states is allocated presidential electors equal to the number of its representatives and senators.

In total, the Electoral College comprises 538 members. A presidential candidate must win a majority of the electoral votes cast to win — at least 270 if all 538 electors vote). * * * *

Food for thought: “When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.”

Patrick Jake O’Rourke (November 14, 1947 – February 15, 2022) was an American libertarian political satirist and journalist.

Talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com

Legislators look to weaken initiative petition

For over 115 years, Missourians have had a process allowing citizens to petition our state for changes. The process is demanding and requires hard work by citizens who want an initiative on the ballot.

Missouri’s state motto is “Let the good of the people be the supreme law.” The initiative petition process is among the most direct forms of democratic participation.

Our freedom to get initiatives on the ballot are vital to the good of the people and any efforts by our elected leaders to take away our freedoms should be rejected by every voter!

Legislators’ efforts proposed this year are contained in sev-

Publisher Emeritus

Steve Tinnen

Jamey & D’Anna Honeycutt

eral bills and joint resolutions, and most all “redefine” current passage of simple majority to sixty percent or higher. During public hearings, legislators had a difficult time providing hard facts as to why moving the goalposts is needed. Since when does majority equal sixty or sixty-seven percent?

In 1976, the Missouri Conservation Sales Tax Amendment 1 was a citizen-led ballot initiative to amend our constitution, levying a sales tax of one-eighth of one-percent which established our Department of Conservation. MDC has strong non-partisan and public support, making Missouri a national leader in con-

servation.

Other successful citizen petitions include expanded Medicaid and minimum wage increase. These efforts have improved the lives for countless Missourians.

Thirty years ago, then-Gov.

John Ashcroft (R), rejected a similar effort by the Democratic majority in the General Assembly to drastically curtail petition process. Here’s what Ashcroft – father of current Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft – had to say in his veto message of that attempt:

“It is through the initiative process that those who have no influence with elected representatives may take their

cause directly to the people. The General Assembly should be reluctant, therefore, to enact legislation which places any impediments on the initiative power which are inconsistent with the reservation found in the Constitution.”

House Joint Resolution 43 has passed in the State House and a public hearing has been held in the Senate. NOW is the time to contact Senator Rusty Black, 573.751.1415 or rusty. black@senate.mo.gov to specifically oppose HJR 43 and other bills that change the petition process.

Elizabeth Frank Plattsburg, Mo.

Sidney B. Johnson

Sidney B. Johnson, 80, passed away on February 24, 2023, in St. Joseph, Missouri, with his wife by his side. As a life-long Christian who believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he now lives at peace in the glory of our God.

Sidney was born August 19, 1942, in Sedalia, Mo., to Sid and Katherine Johnson.

At the age of two, the family moved to St. Joseph, and then settled in Agency, Mo., near Frazier, where they built generations of life, livestock, crops and memories. After graduation from Faucett High School, Sidney attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a degree in agriculture economics. After graduating, he started a career in farming with his father, and later both of his sons.

Sidney served the public in multiple elected positions including Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Missouri State Senator and Buchanan County Collector. In the Missouri State Senate, he served as Assistant Majority Leader and chaired seven committees. He was proud of the bipartisan legislation accomplished during his 12year tenure in the Senate. He continued to be active with the Missouri Tourism Commission and presided as president of the Missouri Association of Counties. He received an honorary Doctorate of Education from Missouri Western for his work as vice-chair of the education committee. Sidney served on the University of Missouri Agriculture Foundation, Buchanan County Tourism Commission, University of Missouri Extension Council, Buchanan County and Missouri Farm Bureau, and Frazier Baptist

Church delegate to the St. Joseph Baptist Association, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was a life-long active member of Frazier Baptist Church.

Sidney was preceded in death by his mother and father, Sid and Katherine Johnson, two brothers-in-law, Elmer Clark and Tom Trail, both of Gower. He is survived by his wife, Jean Turner Johnson, and four children, Beery Johnson, Rick (Kristy) Johnson, Lindsey (Tim) Minson, and Jennifer (Dave) von Fintel. He has 12 grandchildren including Lauren, Sid, Alex (Chester), Connor (Cody), Ryan, Cazes (Hannah), Zac (Jessica), Garrett (Devon), Grant, Flynn, Kai and Ellis. He has five great grandchildren; Ivory, Archie, Kingston, Calloway and Ruby. He is also survived by siblings Nancy Clark, Martha Trail, Jim (Connie) Johnson, Kathy (Bill) Rhoad, and Barbara Johnson along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 2, at Frazier Baptist Church, Frazier, Mo. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 3, at Frazier Baptist Church, Frazier, Mo. Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage giving to Second Harvest Community Food Bank or the Frazier Baptist Church fund.

Darrel House

Darrel House, 83, of Gower, Mo. passed away February 24, 2023.

He was born on June 29, 1939, to Milford Hadley and Sarah Pauline (White) House in Starfield, Mo. Darrel grew up in the Starfield area and graduated from Gower High School.

On October 23, 1960, he was united in marriage to Luray Davis. After their marriage they lived in Gower, where they made their home. His wife, Luray, passed away February 25, 2011.

Darrel was in computer sales for over 30 years and he received many awards.

Darrel was a mem-

Stephen “Steve” David Prudden, 61, Plattsburg, Mo., passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023.

He was born December 7, 1961, in Cameron, Mo., to Ralph and Wanda (Adkison) Prudden. Steve was employed as a gutter installer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his children, Jeremy Prudden (Christina), Troy, Kan., and

ber of the Gower Christian Church, where he served as an elder, church board president, and held many committee chairs. He also served on the board for the East Buchanan School District and the Gower City Council. Darrel was a 60year member of the Gower Masonic Lodge. He served on the Mid-Continent Ball Association. He enjoyed coaching softball and was a softball, baseball, and football official. Darrel also coached trap shooting for East Buchanan FFA. He thoroughly enjoyed reading Louis LaMour books and fulfilled his dream when he met him in person.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Betty Ann House, and a nephew, Eric House.

Darrel is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Rich) Benz and Stephanie (Andy) Phipps; grandchildren, Tabatha (Zack) Craft, Jacob (Chelsea) Phipps,

Stephen “Steve” Prudden

David Prudden, Odessa, Mo.; grandson, Eli Prudden, Odessa, Mo.; sisters, Debbie Prudden, Plattsburg, Mo., Theresa Horine (Mike), St. Joseph, Mo., and Dawn Steward (Mickey), Lebanan, Mo.; brothers, Eddie Prudden, St. Joseph, Mo., David Hisel, Lebanon, Mo., and Sam Prudden, Creston, Iowa; many nieces and nephews.

Farewell Services are

Amanda Benz and Kiera Benz; great-grandchildren, Taryn, Zayn, and Willa; brothers, Gary House and Dale House; nephews, Scott (Kim) House and Carter (Lauren) House; and many friends.

Masonic service and visitation were held Tuesday, February 28, at the Gower Christian Church AFC Building. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 1, at the Gower Christian Church AFC Building. Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, Mo. Donations: Gower Christian Church Memorial Fund or the Gower Cemetery Association. Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.

1 p.m. Thursday, March 2, Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.baileycox. com.

Plattsburg Senior Center Menu

Thursday, March 2

Chili with beans, crackers, lettuce salad, chilled pears, cinnamon rolls.

Friday, March 3

Turkey sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli, assorted fruit and pastries, wheat bread.

Monday, March 6

Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, seasoned green peas, mixed fruit, biscuits.

Tuesday, March 7

Navy bean soup with ham, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower mix, fruit gelatin, cornbread.

Wednesday, March 8

Chicken, potato salad, buttered cabbage, fruit cup, hot rolls.

Thursday, March 9

Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, green beans, fruit crisp, wheat bread.

BASKETBALL

Tigers win district, make quarters

The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team won its third district championship in five years last week, and now sit just one win away from a return trip to Springfield and the Missouri Class 2 State Final Four.

Isaia Howard, now the alltime Plattsburg scoring leader as just a junior, scored 35 points with 15 rebounds Friday, February 24,

to lead the Tigers past West Platte 53-47 for the Class 2, District 15 championship at Plattsburg High School.

On short rest, the Tigers – undefeated at 29-0 and still ranked at the top of the state – followed it up with a 61-40 win over Bishop LeBlond on Monday in the state sectionals at Staley High School.

Plattsburg now advances to the Missouri Class 2 State Quarterfinals this Friday against Weaubleu (24-6) at

St, Joseph’s Civic Arena.

Tip-off is at 5:45 p.m.

The winner advances to the state semifinals in Springfield.

“The guys just battled all night long,” Plattsburg head coach Twydell Love, Jr., said of the Tigers’ district win against West Platte last week. “It’s tough to beat a team three times, so we knew going into the game it wasn’t going to be the same result as the two previous

games with them. They are a good team, but our players stepped up when needed to finish the game.”

Senior James Braddy added 11 points with seven assists and four steals against West Platte. Senior Luke Schroeder scored five points.

Against LeBlond, Braddy led the way, putting up 21 points with eight rebounds. Howard scored 20 points

||Continued on A9

WRESTLERS MAKE HISTORY

Brassfield

3rd, Rankin

4th at state meet

In just his first year of high school wrestling, Garrett Beane has cemented his place in Lathrop High School history.

The freshman won the Missouri Class 1 state title at 106 lbs. on Thursday, February 23, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo., finishing the season with a perfect 49-0 record.

Beane won all four of his matches at the 2023 Missouri Class 1 State Championships last week, including the first three by pin. He defeated Andrew Garcia of St. Pius in the championship match with a 9-5 decision.

The future looks bright for both Beane and the Lathrop program. Lathrop head coach Rick Mudd said that

||Continued on A12

East Buchanan wins district crown, falls to S. Harrison in sectionals

For the third time in four years, the East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs are district champions.

The Lady Bulldogs defeated longtime rival Mid-Buchanan 47-37 in the Class 3, District 15 championship game Saturday, February 25, at Lathrop High

School. It’s the third time since the 2020 season that the East Buchanan girls won a district title and advanced to the state playoffs.

“We are really proud of how everyone has stepped up as teams have tried to focus their energy on (East Buchanan senior Gracie Kelsey),” said head coach Cori Elms. “It’s been fun

to see some of our younger players start to understand their role on our team. The veterans are doing a fantastic job, and I think it says a lot about who they are as a team. They don’t quit and they believe in each other.”

Kelsey led the team with 23 points and 13 rebounds, three steals, three assists and four blocks. Fel-

low senior Kinzie Woodside put up eight points with five steals and seven rebounds, while Hilarry Elifrits added eight points.

To get to the title game, the Lady Bulldogs (23-4), the tournament’s top seed, knocked off fourth-seeded Lawson in the semifinals 56-34 on Thursday, Febru-

by brett adkison leader editor

Lathrop senior wrestler Sierra Brassfield finished her high school career with a third-place finish. clay rader | special to the leader

Plattsburg senior Jackson Lewis. brett adkison | the leader

Plattsburg wrestler Dakota Rankin earned the Tigers’ highest finish, placing fourth at 215 lbs.. clay rader | special to the leader

||Continued on A9 Holly Caylor with the jump shot in the district championship game. brett adkison | the leader

The Lathrop Lady Mules basketball team entered last week’s Class 3, District 15 tournament seeded second, but couldn’t overcome a rolling Mid-Buchanan team, falling 54-38 in the semifinals Thursday, February 23.

“The way the season ended for us was not what we had strived for or expected,” said head coach Greg Keith. “We were hit with a lot of adversity that week prior and days leading up to the district semifinal game. That being said, I was proud of how the girls battled in the final game against Mid Buchanan. It was a testament of how hard we played with relentless effort all season long.”

Keith said numbers were down for the program this year, but that the team’s competitiveness and posi-

435

tive culture helped them turn the corner, accomplishing several goals along the way.

“It was the first time in nine years the Lathrop girls won a conference tourney title. It was also the first time in seven years a Lathrop girls team finished with a winning record. Those are not easy goals to accomplish in the KCI conference. Thank you to our seniors, Avery Clay and Ginevra Girardo, for their efforts this season. We have a good core of girls returning next season that will be motivated and hungry for more in 2023-2024.”

The Lathrop boys basketball team entered last week’s district tournament as the third seed, but was one of three different KCI Conference teams that fell at the hands of the upset-minded St. Pius Warriors, who went on to win the district title as the sixth seed and advance all of the way to the

Class 3 State Quarterfinals.

St. Pius defeated Lathrop in the opening round of the tournament, 59-54, on Monday, February 20.

“I’m going to miss this group so much,” Lathrop head coach Matt Pritchett

said of his seniors. “Not just the basketball part of it; more importantly, the kind of young men they are. I truly enjoyed being around them everyday. They are a positive, hard-working group that brought enjoy-

ment and competitiveness to everything they do. Hopefully we will be able to make up some of the basketball parts with a good young group next year.”

and 12 rebounds in his final game as a Mule. Fellow seniors Matt Miller scored 13 points and eight rebounds and Jared Wright added seven rebounds. Kyle Morgan put up nine points.

Cattle Sales: Mondays @ 11 am Sheep, Goat & Hog Sales:

Barn: 660-622-4214

Casey Flinn, Owner: 816-769-7532

Field Reps: Dwayne Penny: 816-506-2776

Utah Stulz: 660-334-0400

Bobby Morrison: 816-345-0518

Ben Peterson: 660-247-2759

Travis Gibson: 660-646-8337

Sheep/Goats/Hog: Clark Allen: 660-973-6826

Find us on Facebook at Tina Livestock Market

Check out our market report on Cattle Market Mobile!

Check us out on our new website: www.tinalivestockmarket.com

3x10 GHWP 2-28-23 RT & CCL 3-2-23 SHEEP, GOAT & HOG SALE - SATURDAY, MARCH 4 • 10 AM FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, MARCH 6 • 11 AM FIRST ANNUAL MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTIONSATURDAY, MARCH 11 • 11 AM FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, MARCH 13 • 11 AM SHEEP, GOAT & HOG SALE - SATURDAY, MARCH 18 • 10 AM FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, MARCH 20 • 11 AM SPECIAL COW SALE - FRIDAY, MARCH 24 • 6 P.M.

Open all day on Sundays to receive livestock!

Steers: 300-400lbs 2.38-2.60 400-500lbs 2.25-2.51 500-600lbs 2.20-2.44 600-700lbs 2.04-2.23 700-800lbs 1.80-1.97 800-900lbs 1.66-1.85 Heifers: 400-500lbs 2.00-2.27 500-600lbs 1.95-2.21 600-700lbs 1.77-1.92 700-800lbs 1.66-1.85 Bulk of butcher cows 81-94 • High Yielding 97-101 • Bulls 1.12-1.19

AM Page 5

Ingle breaks past a St. Pius defender in the district semifinals last week. (Right) Sophomore Isaiah Watkins. brett adkison | the leader

East Buch, Continued from Page

A7

ary 23. Kelsey scored 23 points with 15 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Elifrits poured in 14 points with three steals, and Woodside scored 10 points with four steals.

The season came to an end Tuesday night when East Buchanan fell in a hard-fought contest against South Harrison. For more on that game, check back in next week’s issue of The Leader.

The East Buchanan boys team was the second seed in last week’s district tournament but found themselves on the short end of a St. Pius upset in the semifinals, as the sixth seed came up with a 48-38 win.

“This senior class was awesome,” said East Buchanan head coach Michael Carpenter. “I was their assistant in seventh grade before I moved up to high school and to see them grow since then has been a lot of fun. This group absolutely made the program better and will be missed a lot. All of them are very competitive and bring different leadership styles to the team which is exactly what I want in leaders. I will miss them a lot next year.”

Senior Jack Archdekin led the team with 15 points and eight rebounds against St. Pius. Isaiah Watkins scored 11 points and Gage Busby had eight rebounds. AdamStephen Engnes had four points with five rebounds and two assists.

Plattsburg, Continued from Page A7

with 11 rebounds, and both Luke Schroeder and Jackson Lewis scored eight points. Rylan Langton added four points.

Earlier in the week, Howard was honored for passing the 1,874-point mark for his career, making him the all-time scoring leader at Plattsburg, passing former Lady Tiger Christy Jones, who was on hand to help mark the occasion.

Not to be outdone, the Plattsburg Lady Tigers – despite entering the tournament with only seven wins and seeded fifth – used a pair of upsets to earn a

spot in the district title game at North Platte High School.

The Lady Tigers fell 50-40 to Polo in the title game this past Saturday. The young Plattsburg squad upended Gallatin 50-48 in the opening round and then top-seeded West Platte 46-44 (OT) in the semifinals.

“It was a special week because nobody thought that we would make it out of the first round or even beat the #1-seeded team.,” said head coach Michael Howard. “I told the girls going into the week that I believed we could get to the dis-

trict final, and the girls did the rest by playing some of our best basketball of the season. They are a great group to coach.”

In the big win against West Platte, Julia James hit the game-winning shot for the Lady Tigers and freshman Letecia Howard scored 14 points. Senior Caidyn Bentz scored 12 points and Alexis Meyer scored eight points. Against Gallatin, Howard scored 18 points and Meyer scored 14 points.

(Top, left to right) Laney Wilmes, Gracie Kelsey and Hilarry Elifrits. (Above) East Buchanan senior Kinzie Woodside against Mid-Buchanan in the district title game. brett adkison the leader

LEGALS Page A10 • Thursday, March 2, 2023 THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

PLACE

Classified

Ad Rates $10 for up to 25 word or less (advance payment required) $.60 per word afer 25

AGRICULTURE

See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply, 614 Harris Ave., 359-2258

Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or on shares. Call Mike at 816-248-3091

*WANTED* FARM GROUND TO LEASE! Competitive Rates AARON LANDES 660-3582682

Gravel, sand, top soil, mulch, river rock, boulders-Turney Mini Quarry 816248-2523.

Kingsville Livestock

Auction. Located 45 miles SE of Kansas City, MO. On 58 Hwy. East of Modern. 816.597.3331. www.kingsvillelivestock.com fwda

Tina Livestock Market. 435 W 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682. Call 660-622-4214. www.tinalivestockmarket.com fwda

Osborn Livestock

Auction located 7 miles West of Cameron on Hwy 36, Osborn, MO. Sale every Wednesday at 10AM. 816-6752424 fwda

Summers Crop Services, LLC in Lathrop. Fertilizer & lime applications. Call Curtis Summers for a free quote. 816564-7116, fwda

FOR RENT

Sunnyview Apartments is taking applications for single & double apartments. Sunnyview is a residential care facility for the elderly. We provide qualified staff to administer medications, provide three meals a day and offer minimal assistance with the activities of daily living. Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.

PUBLISHER’S NO-

TICE: “All rental property advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which make it illegal to ad-

vertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” "We will not knowingly accept any advertising for rental property which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis."

FOR SALE

Complete line of Milwaukee Power tools. Everyday low prices. Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, Trenton, 660-359-3660.

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer

1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME

* AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf

HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO.

New To Medicare or Want To Compare

Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816-2891935 or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660-635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different" Tdtf

Shelly's Pet Care, 660-684-6864, 103 S. Locust St., Jamesport, MO 64648. Professional, Personalized Grooming. Appointments available

Monday - Saturday.

35 Years of Experience! Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996! dtf

10 week old beagle puppies. 1 male and 1 female, tri-colored. $50 each. Located in Chula, Missouri. Call Glen at 660-6393439.

AKC Silver Lab puppies. DOB 12/26/22. 6 silver, 1 yellow. Dewclaws clipped, dewormed and vaccinated.

Nice, happy litter ready for pick up. NO SUNDAY CALLS. Silver Aspen Labs, Sam Packnett. 660287-1654. Located N. of Sedalia.

NOTICES

THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 359-3313.

Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of service & experience. MR. TIRE –Mastercraft and Yokohama tires. Tdtf

Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlauto supply.com

EMPLOYMENT

Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683.

E.O.E. S415dtf

Grundy County Circuit Court has an opening for a fulltime Probate Clerk. This position is 40 hours per week with benefits. Duties include processing court cases, assisting with court hearings, general clerical functions and customer service. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED, have efficient computer skills and be detail oriented. Basic knowledge of court procedures and legal documents beneficial. Mail resume to Becky Stanturf, Grundy County Circuit Clerk, 700 Main St., Suite 7, Trenton, MO 64683 or email to becky.stanturf@ courts.mo.gov. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. EOE

WANTED

Looking to purchase a 24 ft. pull-type camper in good shape. Call 660-9731583.

IN SEARCH OF LAND TO LEASE: HAY GROUND, 51,000 Acres, CATTLE/SHEEP GROUND, 40-1,000 Acres, Weed Spray Included. Please Contact: Brady Sims 816-547-4991.

WANTED: Land to build a home in Gower, MO or Platte County. 8-20 Acres on a budget up to $150k. Please call Phillip at 816-6464152. Thank you for your consideration.

Call 816-539-2111 to place your Classified

SERVICES H & S CONTRACTING Remodeling, room additions, garages & decks and pole barns * New homes & basements w/ICF forms * Wall replacement under homes, repair cracks & bowed walls * Leveling, waterproofing * Backhoe & Bobcat work * New water & sewer lines. Kale HoerrmannOwner, 30 years experience – 660-9530724.

PAGE TREE SERV-

ICE Jeff Page 660359-3699-shop, 660-359-2202home. Serving the entire Green Hills Area! Specializing in tree trimming, stump grinding & complete removal. 75’ bucket truck, chipper & stump grinder. Licensed & insured. Free Estimates!

WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks. Highest prices paid! You Call - We Come Get It!

FRONTIER AUTO & TRUCK PARTS (formerly Jim’s Auto Salvage) 145 Hwy. W., Trenton, 3593888.

*SEAMLESS GUTTERING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 359-5477. 52 Years Experience.

JAMESPORT LUMBER - Full Service Lumberyard.

We also sell Trusses/metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery Available • Free Estimates. 32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-6846404

Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800425-0976 or 4856611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospital in Trenton. 5 Unit sizes available. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 660-359-7683.

Willing Workers

LLP - Do you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate... 660-9735694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648

Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! MidStates will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-359-2045 or at http://www.midstates.net. 4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

BUY - SELLTRADE -BIG NASTY'S GUNS & AMMO - Stop in and see us at our New

NOTICE FOR BID

CITY OF GOWER IS NOW ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CHIP AND SEAL. PLEASE CONTACT CITY HALL FOR BID SPECS. SEALED BIDS ARE DUE BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:00PM ON MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023.

GOWER CITY HALL

97 N 4TH ST PO BOX 408 GOWER, MO 64454 816 424-6617 Gowercityhall.us@gmail.com

(3/2, 3/9/23)

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The City of Lathrop will be accepting bid proposals for one outdoor warning system. The purpose of this project is for the procurement and installation of an outdoor warning system to be located in the backyard of the Lathrop Elementary School as part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. Bids must be received by no later than 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Lathrop City Hall, 707 Oak Street, PO Box 225, Lathrop, MO 64465. Bids received after this date and time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the sender. Copies of the bid information can be obtained from Bob Burns at (816) 740-4251 or lathropcity@grm.net.

(3/2/23)

Location - 1515 E. 9th Street, Trenton, MO. Nathan Rorebeck, 660-6350469, www.bignastys.com

JAMESPORT BUILDERS, 660684-6931, 32137 State Hwy 6, Jamesport. POLE BARNS – GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.

LAUHOFF JEWELRY Downtown Chillicothe620 Washington St. Open

Monday-Friday 9:005:30, Saturday 9:00-

1:00. 660-646-3504 www.lauhoffjewelry. com

Carquest Auto

Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268, tlautosupply.com Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

AGRICULTURE

Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or on shares. Call Mike at 816-248-3091

*WANTED* FARM GROUND TO

LEASE! Competitive Rates

AARON

LANDES 660-3582682

See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply, 614 Harris Ave., 359-2258

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE S SALE

For default under the terms of the Deed of Trust executed by Jewel Ascencio, an unmarried woman, dated September 14, 2021, recorded on September 27, 2021 as Document No. 202103771, Office of the Recorder of Deeds, Clinton County, Missouri, the undersigned Successor Trustee will on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 09:30 AM at the West Front Door of the Clinton County Courthouse, 207 North Main, in Plattsburg, Missouri, sell at public vendue to the highest bidder for cash:

All of Lot 25, in PROSPECT ADDITION, an addition to the City of Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, according to the recorded plat thereof, to satisfy said debt and costs.

AT, Inc.

Successor Trustee

Gregory D. Todd, Vice President 314.621.5070

www.atllp.com

(Ascencio, 85007-597, Publication Start: 02/09/2023 )

AT, INC., AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, MAY BE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND IF ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

(2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2/23)

IN THE 43RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION

Case Number: 23CN-PR00004

In the Estate of MARSHA FAYE BUCKLER, Deceased. Notice of Letters Testamentary Granted (Independent Administration)

To All Persons Interested in the Estate of MARSHA FAYE BUCKLER, Decedent:

On February 2, 2023, the last will of the decedent having been admitted to probate, TERRY L. BUCKLER was appointed the personal representative of the estate of MARSHA FAYE BUCKLER, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of CLINTON COUNTY, Missouri. The personal representative may administer the estate independently without adjudication, order, or direction of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, unless a petition for supervised administration is made to and granted by the court. The personal representative’s business address is: Terry L. Buckler, 7278 SE Snow Dr, Holt, MO 64048

The personal representative’s attorney’s name, business address and phone number is: Perry B. Smith, 6 Westowne St #601, Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 291-4143

All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six months from the date of the first publication of this notice or if a copy of this notice was mailed to, or served upon, such creditor by the personal representative, then within two months from the date it was mailed or served, whichever is later, or be forever barred to the fullest extent permissible by law. Such six-month period and such two-month period do not extend the limitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent's death, as provided in Section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in Section 473.033, RSMo, shall be construed to bar any action against a decedent's liability insurance carrier through a defendant ad litem pursuant to Section 537.021, RSMo.

Date of the decedent's death: March 25, 2022

Date of first publication: February 9, 2023

/s/ Teresa L. Bingham Judge

Receipt of this notice by mail should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that the recipient necessarily has a beneficial interest in the estate. The nature and extent of any person's interest, if any, can be determined from the files and records of this estate in the Probate Division of the above referenced Circuit Court.

2/16/23)

City, MO. On 58 Hwy. East of Modern. 816.597.3331. www.kingsvillelivestock.com fwda

Tina Livestock Market. 435 W 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682. Call 660-622-4214. www.tinalivestockmarket.com fwda

Osborn Livestock

Auction located 7 miles West of Cameron on Hwy 36, Osborn, MO. Sale every Wednesday at 10AM. 816-675-

2424 fwda

Summers Crop Services, LLC in Lathrop.

Fertilizer & lime applications. Call Curtis Summers for a free quote. 816564-7116, fwda

FOR RENT

Sunnyview Apartments is taking applications for single & double apartments.

Sunnyview is a residential care facility for the elderly. We provide qualified staff to administer medi-

cations, provide three meals a day and offer minimal assistance with the activities of daily living.

Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.

FOR SALE

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME

* AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re

NO HUNTING DIRECTORY

All hunting, fishing, swimming, and trespassing on land owned or controlled by the undersigned is hereby forbidden, except with the permission of the owner.

(Names added to this list for $25 per year. ADVANCE payment only.)

PLATTSBURG

your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf

HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816-2891935 or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660-635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different" Tdtf

Complete line of Milwaukee Power tools. Everyday low prices. Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, Trenton, 660-359-3660.

Shelly's Pet Care, 660-684-6864, 103 S. Locust St., Jamesport, MO 64648. Professional, Personalized Grooming. Appointments available Monday - Saturday. 35 Years of Experience! Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996! dtf

10 week old beagle puppies. 1 male and 1 female, tri-colored. $50 each. Located in Chula, Missouri. Call Glen at 660-6393439.

AKC Silver Lab puppies. DOB 12/26/22. 6 silver, 1 yellow. Dewclaws clipped, dewormed and vaccinated. Nice, happy litter ready for pick up. NO SUNDAY CALLS. Silver Aspen Labs, Sam Packnett. 660287-1654. Located N. of Sedalia.

NOTICES

THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 359-3313. Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of service & experi-

TURNEY

Additional Areas Available: TRIMBLE CALL (816) 539-2111

To be added to the No Hunting Directory

ence. MR. TIRE –Mastercraft and Yokohama tires. Tdtf

Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlauto supply.com

EMPLOYMENT

Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683.

E.O.E. S415dtf Grundy County Circuit Court has an opening for a fulltime Probate Clerk. This position is 40 hours per week with benefits. Duties include processing court cases, assisting with court hearings, general clerical functions and customer service. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED, have efficient computer skills and be detail oriented. Basic knowledge of court procedures and legal documents beneficial. Mail resume to Becky Stanturf, Grundy County Circuit Clerk, 700 Main St., Suite 7, Trenton, MO 64683 or email to becky.stanturf@ courts.mo.gov. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. EOE

WANTED

Looking to purchase a 24 ft. pull-type camper in good shape. Call 660-9731583.

IN SEARCH OF LAND TO LEASE: HAY GROUND, 51,000 Acres, CATTLE/SHEEP GROUND, 40-1,000 Acres, Weed Spray Included. Please Contact: Brady Sims 816-547-4991.

WANTED: Land to build a home in Gower, MO or Platte County. 8-20 Acres on a budget up to $150k. Please call Phillip at 816-6464152. Thank you for your consideration.

SERVICES

H & S CONTRACTING Remodeling, room additions, garages & decks and pole barns * New homes & basements w/ICF forms * Wall replacement under homes, repair cracks & bowed walls * Leveling, waterproofing * Backhoe & Bobcat work * New water & sewer lines. Kale HoerrmannOwner, 30 years experience – 660-9530724.

PAGE TREE SERVICE Jeff Page 660359-3699-shop, 660-359-2202home. Serving the entire Green Hills Area! Specializing in tree trimming, stump grinding & complete removal. 75’ bucket truck, chipper & stump grinder. Licensed & insured. Free Estimates!

WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks. Highest prices paid! You Call - We Come Get It! FRONTIER AUTO & TRUCK PARTS (formerly Jim’s Auto

Salvage) 145 Hwy. W., Trenton, 3593888.

*SEAMLESS GUTTERING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 359-5477. 52 Years

Experience.

JAMESPORT LUMBER - Full Service Lumberyard. We also sell Trusses/metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery Available • Free Estimates. 32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-6846404

Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800425-0976 or 4856611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospital in Trenton. 5 Unit sizes available. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 660-359-7683.

Willing Workers LLP - Do you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate... 660-9735694, John Kramer,

17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648

Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! MidStates will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-359-2045 or at http://www.midstates.net. 4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

BUY - SELLTRADE -BIG NASTY'S GUNS & AMMO - Stop in and see us at our New Location - 1515 E. 9th Street, Trenton, MO. Nathan Rorebeck, 660-6350469, www.bignastys.com

JAMESPORT BUILDERS, 660684-6931, 32137 State Hwy 6, Jamesport. POLE BARNS – GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.

LAUHOFF JEWELRY Downtown Chillicothe620 Washington St. Open Monday-Friday 9:005:30, Saturday 9:001:00. 660-646-3504 www.lauhoffjewelry. com

Carquest Auto

Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268, tlautosupply.com Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

Wrestling, Continued from Page A7

Beane wrestles essentially year-round and is already a seasoned wrestler.

“He came in and helped our younger guys and was pretty much a leader the moment he came through the door,” Mudd said.

Beane wasn’t the only wrestler who made the podium last week, as several Lathrop wrestlers battled their way to the medal rounds.

Gage DeShon fought all of the way to a fourth-place finish at 120 lbs., going 3-2 over the two-day event. He fell to Cooper Berry of Maysville in the third-place match. Keaton Coots was sixth at 144 lbs., going 3-3.

Coach Mudd was impressed by the pair, stating it was probably the best tournament of their respective careers, adding that it was cool to see them enter the championships unranked

and finish on the medal stand.

The Mules finished 11th out of more than 50 teams in the overall standings, with Centralia winning the state title.

The Lathrop Lady Mules also had an impressive outing, as their five qualifiers combined for three medals. Senior Sierra Brassfield finished her career with a victory, taking third place at 140 lbs. while going 5-1 in the tournament.

McKayla Knight was fifth at 135 lbs., going 3-2, and Jordan Diercks was sixth at 120 lbs., finishing 3-3.

“They have three different personalities,” Mudd said. “It makes them fun to coach, so it was pretty cool for all three to get on the medal stand.”

Fellow Lady Mules Ali Gonzalez and senior Avery

Clay competed at the state championships, but fell before the medal rounds. Together, they were 18th out of nearly 100 teams, while nearby Kearney won the Class 1 state title.

For Plattsburg, Dakota Rankin was fourth at 215 lbs. to bring home a medal. He was 4-2 in the tournament, both losses coming against third-place finisher Tristin Gavette of Versailles (including a close, 1-0 decision in the third-place match).

Wyatt Moran was 2-2 at 165 lbs., Brody McCartney was 1-2 at 106 lbs., and Reece Dixon fell in his two matches at 150 lbs.

Kenlee Fish was Plattsburg’s lone qualifier in the girls state championships, putting together a good showing at 170 lbs. with a 2-2 record.

(Left) Lathrop’s Gage DeShon. (Right) LHS’s Jordan Diercks. clay rader | special to the leader

Lathrop senior Avery Clay

Lathrop wrestler Keaton Coots

Plattsburg wrestler Kenlee Fish

Lathrop wrestler Ali Gonzalez

Lathrop wrestler McKayla Knight

PHS/EBHS wrestler Brody McCartney

Plattsburg senior Wyatt Moran

PHS/EBHS wrestler Reece Dixon