The Leader • 12-28-23

LEADER CLINTON COUNT Y

Thurs., December 28, 2023 |

Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo.

$1.00 | “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”

CLINTON COUNTY R-III

District sees major improvement in APR CCR-III runs out of space at Ellis Elementary

by brett adkison leader editor

The Clinton County R-III Board of Education received some welcomed news Wednesday, December 20, during its regular monthly meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Sandy Steggall reported that the district

EAST BUCHANAN

District OKs $5 million in lease deal for new MS

earned major improvements in its Annual Performance Report (APR), increasing its score by more than 20 percent from 2022— tied for the second-highest improvement in the entire state.

Clinton County R-III improved everything from their test scores to their attendance, increas-

ing their overall score from 63.9 percent of the possible points in 2022 to 84.7 percent in 2023. The new APR is based on results from the 2022-2023 school year, including the MAP and EOC testing conducted last spring.

Last year, the district found itself trailing the rest of the KCI

Conference, ranking eighth, well behind seventh-ranked Hamilton at 73.3 percent. This year, Plattsburg moved all the way up to third, behind only West Platte (93.7 percent) and North Platte (85.2 percent). Other scores of note include Lathrop, which slipped to eighth ||Continued on A2

HISTORY GONE

ELEVATOR BURNED

leader reporter

||Continued on A2

One Section | 16 pages

Local Letters to Santa Claus See what kindergartners in Lathrop, Plattsburg and Gower requested for Christmas, and more! ||INSIDE

A Look Back at History See what The Leader was reporting on 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago in Clinton County. || PAGE A3

Sheriff ’s Calls for Service

by jim bonebrake

Prior to the monthly East Buchanan Board of Education meeting, IDS (Incite Design Studio) participated in a work session with the board. The discussion centered around the site selection and details of the proposed design of the new East Buchanan Middle School. A community information meeting will be scheduled in January. During the monthly board meeting, IDS completed their presentation.

Prior to this discussion, Mrs. Redmond, FACS Teacher for the middle and high school students, brought students to the meeting and shared a power point presentation with the board highlighting the FACS program and the involvement of students.

IDS presented three building site location options and a rough cost estimate for each site option. The site the board opted to utilize is currently the practice football field, and that field will be relocated to the south.

A.J. Mueller Company estimated that utilizing this site would be approximately $500,000 less in site development than the site to the southeast that was previously considered. The differences in cost estimates include less excavation, shorter utility extensions, and no requirement for making improvements to Stringtown Road.

The board then approved the issuance of $5,000,000 in lease participation certificates.

Representatives from LJ Hart

INSIDE

See what calls for service the Clinton County Sheriff ’s Department recently fielded through dispatch. || PAGE A3

Community........A5 Opinion..............A4 Legals..............A10 Sports................A7

THE LEADER Est. 1895

The remains of the Lathrop Elevator lay in burned pieces Thursday morning on Locust Street. The elevator, built in 1915 by the Guyton and Harrington Mule Company, was a central pillar to Lathrop’s economy and community for more than 100 years. brett adkison | the clinton county leader

Thursday morning fire claims landmark of Lathrop’s mule era by brett adkison leader editor

Lathrop Fire Chief David Eads stood across Locust Street from the smoldering remains of the town’s grain elevator Thursday morning. Seven hours earlier, crews had arrived to find the structure fully engulfed in fire. Now, finally in the daylight, it lay twisted mounds of wreckage.

“This elevator is a hundred

years old,” Eads said. “Every high school kid has worked in there at one time, it seems like.”

He arrived at the scene at 1:15 a.m. that morning, fire shooting upward through the tall tower. He said the structure had started collapsing in the back alleyway, signaling that the structure may have been burning for some time before it was first noticed. The flames became so hot that the siding on the

back of homes on East Street melted, more than a hundred feet from the building.

The Lathrop Fire Protection District was aided by many departments, including Holt, Plattsburg, Osborn and more. Chief Eads said the Cameron Fire Department’s tower rig was especially useful, allowing them to shoot down into the pile of rubble. A resident ||Continued on A2

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Honeycutt Media 102 e. Maple St. Plattsburg, Mo., 64477 (UPS 435580000) 816.539.2111 email: leader@clintoncountyleader.com

VOL. 129, NO. 10

Page A2 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

Lathrop Fire, Continued from Page A1 brought an excavator, which allowed them to dig through the building’s remains and find remaining hot spots.

Investigations will be conducted into the blaze.

Chief Eads said that, in his initial talks with the fire marshal, the site could present challenges when determining the cause or origin point of the fire, as it’s much different from the typical structure fire.

The Leader will continue to follow up on the fallout from the fire.

A relief fund has been established at Goppert Financial Bank for grain elevator employees who will be out of work because of the fire. Checks can be made to Lathrop Feed and Grain with LFG Employee Relief Fund in the memo. Cash donations are also accepted at the bank.

In December 1914, with the Great War raging overseas, the Guyton and Harrington Mule Company readied itself for a major boom in its business as a staging and inspection location for British horses and mules. Already with 12,000 head of English horses and Mules in town (costing around $50,000 weekly in

maintenance), the company estimated that the total would balloon by an additional 40,000 head by the summertime.

According to The Lathrop Optimist, the company began leasing additional farms and building new ponds, while the Burlington and Santa Fe railroads began expanding their facilities in town, including more track to handle the shipments.

At this same time, Guyton and Harrington made plans for a new elevator on Locust Street to handle the increased need for feed. The elevator was constructed in the spring of 1915.

In 1923, the elevator was purchased by Mr. C.F. Owen under the name The Lathrop Elevator Company.

It proved to be a fortuitous year, as Oral M. Robison began his feed company at the corner of Oak Street and Locust on July 23, 1923. He later added a feed room to his office and built his own small grain elevator at the location.

Robison went on to purchase the Lathrop Elevator on June 30, 1936, from a small group of farmers ( H.C. Bonham, C.L. VanBuren, and John and Norval

East Buch,

Continued from Page A1 and Company also attended this meeting to review details of the lease. The interest rate is 3.94 percent for a 15-year term and will be eligible for refinance after four years.

The board also reviewed the recent audit, with the district declared to have a “clean audit.”

Superintendent Dr. John Newell reviewed the Annual Performance Report recently released by the state and he will be going into more detail during the January board meeting.

The next East Buchanan Board of Education meeting will be Monday, January 15, at 7 p.m. in the high school library.

Community

Stonum) who had bought the elevator just a week earlier from Mr. Owen, who was of failing health. The Robison Elevator went on to conduct business from the larger elevator while a storage warehouse was maintained at his original location at the corner of Oak and Locust.

From Lathrop’s centennial book of 1967: “The business was mainly feed, seeds, grain, fuel and ice until recent years when it has changed to feed, seeds, grain and fertilizers. For many years, the town had an ice route and coal deliveries made by the Robison Elevator. Many changes have been made in the business and to the building since 1936. The building has been expanded and the most modern equipment installed at intervals. The Robison Elevator is known for many counties around for its good service and fair trading. It is the home of Purina Chows in Lathrop. The present employees are J.A. Eames,, Robert Eames, Marvin Smith, Maude Mick, Count Grayson and Jack Cox.” The Redwood Group (Mission, Kansas) purchased the location in 2017.

Thank you for being a loyal Leader Reader!

CCR-III, Continued from Page A1 (72.3 percent) and East Buchanan, which was sixth at 75.8 percent.

CCR-III students tested higher across the board, including marks in English/ language arts, math, science and social studies, while the district greatly improved its student attendance and earned 100 percent of the points possible for its graduation rate.

Overall, the district also eclipsed the state average.

Also on Wednesday, the board discussed the need for additional space at Ellis Elementary. As it stands, there are 365 students at Ellis with no open classrooms, while Clinton County Middle School has 164 students with three to four open classrooms, and Plattsburg High School has 192 students with three to four open classrooms.

Some of the needs at Ellis include classroom space, shared office space and

3x5 CCL 12-28-23

conference space, as well as the possible addition of restrooms in the pre-K classroom and a recovery room.

According to the district’s facility plan, these items have been identified as needs and given priority over other items, such as cafeteria upgrades at all three schools, an alternative school program for secondary students, upgrades for the science classrooms and more.

One move that could immediately alleviate some space at Ellis Elementary in the short term would be moving the fifth grade students to Clinton County Middle School, which was discussed Wednesday. In her presentation, Dr. Steggall noted the move would help even out student and teacher numbers between the two buildings, open three classrooms at Ellis, and have a minimal cost. Board members had some concerns about the age gap between

fifth grade and eighth grade students sharing the same space.

In the long term, the district could consider building additional space at Ellis Elementary. Hollis and Miller provided an estimate of $8.4 million for an 8,400-squarefoot addition that would include six to eight new classrooms and office space.

The work would require a voter-approved bond. The board had concerns about the price point, noting that the estimate comes out to a steep $100 per square-foot.

The district could also consider an early childhood center that would include preschool classrooms, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, and more.

Dr. Steggall said she will talk with members of the staff and the community to gain their perspectives on the options, and community discussion events could be held in the coming months.

MoDOT Roadwork in NW Missouri this week

St. Joseph, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Dec. 25-31.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

There also may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Caldwell County Route 13 – Resurfacing project from Mill Creek Drive to Route P, Dec. 26-30.

(Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https://www.modot. org/13-pavement-resurfacing-caldwell-and-daviess.

foot width restriction.

Carroll County Route 139 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from County Road 210 to County Road 220, Dec. 27, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Route 139 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from County Road 150 to County Road 160, Dec. 28, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Gentry County Route YY – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Bear Creek Bridge through April 2024.

(Contractor: Gene Haile Excavating, Inc.) https:// w w w. m o d o t . o r g / a t c h i son-and-gentry-counties-bridge-replacements.

Buchanan County Route Y – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the south Bee Creek Bridge, through early January 2024. A signed detour is in place. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) More info: https://www.modot.org/buchanan-county-route-y-beecreek-bridge-replacements.

Chariton County Route 5 – Pavement repairs from Batts Creek Road to Mudd Lane, Dec. 26-29.

Dean’s List at Jewell

816-930-2000 • www.woodwardre.com

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

William Jewell College has announced the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester. The honor recognizes students with a grade-point average of 3.7 or above enrolled in at least 14 hours.

Congratulations to Caroline Mayes of Lathrop and Hannah Haley of Plattsburg for making it on the Dean’s List!

Clinton County I-35 – Concrete replacement southbound from mile marker 40.0 to mile marker 34.0, December 26-29. The road will be narrowed to one lane around-the-clock with a 12-

Daviess County Route PP – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Poage Street to County Road 147, Dec. 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Linn County U.S. Route 36 – Shoulder work from Route FF to Helm Street, Dec. 27.

Livingston County Route D – CLOSED until further notice at the Rattlesnake Creek Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is included in the Northwest Bridge Bundle which may begin in Summer 2024.

New conservation agent in nearby Ray County

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has placed Claire Burch as the new conservation agent serving Ray County. A native of Lee’s Summit, Burch has lifelong experience in the outdoors and since college has worked in the conservation field.

Burch graduated in October from MDC’s Conservation Agent Training

Academy in Jefferson City.

The new agents received more than 1,200 hours of training in criminal investigations, defensive tactics, firearms qualifications, and technical instruction in fish, forest, and wildlife management. Training also included courses in legal studies, communications and conducting education programs, and First Aid/First Responder and CPR certification.

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Community

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A3

Clinton County Sheriff ’s Department Calls for Service

Friday, December 15 5:13 a.m.: Medical call on SW Holiday Harbor Circle in Plattsburg.

6:56 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on A Highway.

10:06 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

1:49 p.m.: Medical call on Maple Street in Lathrop.

2:01 p.m.: Medical call on W. Locust in Plattsburg.

2:28 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

5:31 p.m.: Medical call on Maple Street in Lathrop.

6:11 p.m.: Medical call on 33 Highway in Holt.

6:21 p.m.: Medical call on NE Breckenridge in Lathrop.

7:50 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in

Clinton County.

Saturday, December 16 5:53 a.m.: Medical call on PP Highway in Clinton County.

6:06 a.m.: Medical call on Breckenridge in Lathrop.

8:31 a.m.: Medical call on Frederick Drive in Gower.

3:05 p.m.: Medical call on Railroad Circle in Lathrop.

3:49 p.m.: Animal call on SE Haynesville Road in Holt.

8:34 p.m.: Medical call on N. Second Street in Plattsburg.

9:12 p.m.: Assault in progress on Broadway in Plattsburg.

10:21 p.m.: Suspicious activity (not in progress) on 169 Highway in Trimble.

11:42 p.m.: Medical call on E. 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

Sunday, December 17 3:05 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay in Plattsburg.

5:40 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay in Plattsburg.

5:48 a.m.: Medical call on Y Highway in Plattsburg.

5:54 a.m.: Burglary in progress on SE Shoshone Drive in Holt.

8:53 a.m.: Animal call on 116 Highway in Gower.

3:30 p.m.: Controlled fire in Cameron.

4:08 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

5:26 p.m.: Suicidal subject on N. Main in Plattsburg.

5:49 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

8:37 p.m.: Careless and im-

prudent driver on 116 High- 3:56 p.m.: Medical call on way in Clinton County.

116 Highway in Plattsburg.

8:43 p.m.: Medical call on 4:26 p.m.: Animal call on SE SW 240th Street in Gower.

Haynesville Road in Holt.

9:24 p.m.: Domestic in prog4:44 p.m.: Animal call on ress on 116 Highway in Lath- NE 272nd Street in Lathrop. rop.

5:25 p.m.: Suspicious activiMonday, December 18 ty in progress on 169 High1:33 a.m.: Medical call on H way in Gower.

Highway in Lathrop.

6:05 p.m.: Burglary (not in 4:49 a.m.: Medical call on progress) on SE Cannonball Park Street in Lathrop.

Road in Holt.

8:55 a.m.: Medical call on E. 6:16 p.m.: Stealing (not in Clay in Plattsburg. progress) on Grant Street in 10:39 a.m.: Medical call on Turney.

W. Maple in Plattsburg.

6:35 p.m.: Trespassing in 10:43 a.m.: Medical call progress on Clinton Street in (transfer) on Lexington in Lathrop.

Plattsburg.

Tuesday, December 19 10:49 a.m.: Stealing (not in 6:44 a.m.: Medical call on progress) on Middle Road in 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

Plattsburg.

8:34 a.m.: Medical call on 11:20 a.m.: Medical call on Route E in Agency.

Center Street in Lathrop.

3:57 p.m.: Suicidal subject 11:48 a.m.: Animal call on Y on Harrington Lane in GowHighway in Clinton County. er.

Tina Livestock Market.qxp_Tina Livestock Auction 12/21/23 10:48 AM Page 4 11:52 a.m.: Medical call on 5:48 p.m.: Careless and imholidays.

Clinton Street in Lathrop. prudent driver on 116 High• Mercantile Bank purchas- 12:50 p.m.: Medical call on way in Clinton County. es lights for the gazebo at County Park Road in Easton. 7:10 p.m.: Stealing (in progPlattsburg’s Perkins Park, which are installed by Jimmy Hartzell.

ress) on NW Braley Road in Plattsburg.

7:54 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

8:27 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

10:03 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

10:10 p.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Trimble.

Wednesday, December 20 4:06 a.m.: Medical call on Oak Street in Lathrop.

4:39 a.m.: Medical call on N. Short Ridge Street in Easton.

10:55 a.m.: Animal call on A Highway in Turney.

12:06 p.m.: Vehicle fire on Mule Barn Road in Lathrop.

1:43 p.m.: Animal call on NE 284th Street in Turney.

4:03 p.m.: Natural cover fire on A Highway in Turney.

9:47 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

9:51 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

• WEEKLY HISTORY NOTES • Five Years Ago December 27, 2018 • Clinton County R-III Board of Education sends $7 million no-tax question to the voters in April, which would fund renovations at Ellis Elementary, security upgrades throughout the district, construction of a hallway between the high school and middle school, the second phase of the track/football stadium.

• Clinton County Commissioners approve rezoning of Lake Arrowhead from a planned district to regular residential zoning. Existing properties will be grandfathered in but will change over once the property changes hands or substantial improvements are made.

• Lathrop Elementary student Brayden Stover raises hundreds for families in need by selling paper football.

• New pastor Scott Archdekin welcomed to Lathrop First Christian Church.

• Retirement reception held for Mary Blanton as she serves her last day as the county’s long-standing clerk.

• Plattsburg senior Sydney Stephens signs to compete in track and field at Missouri S&T. Ten Years Ago December 26, 2013 • Plattsburg sophomore Evan Guyette to take part in 2014 F1D World Championships in Romania for model plane flight.

• Missouri Attorney General’s office reaches out to members of Lathrop City Council after fielding complaints that three members had violated state laws on meeting transparency.

Twenty Years Ago December 25, 2003 • Clinton County R-III School District receives a perfect score of 100 from the State of Missouri Annual Performance Report (APR).

• Clay County collecting old Christmas trees to use as crappie beds at Smithville Lake.

• Plattsburg student athlete Christine Talley signs to play volleyball at William Jewell.

• Chester and Judy Norvell of Lathrop celebrate 50th wedding anniversary.

Thirty Years Ago December 23, 1993 • Steve Huitt and Howard’s Market in Lathrop continues to donate a portion of sales to Lathrop PTO during the

Forty Years Ago December 29, 1983 • Temperatures plummet to -23 degrees in a record-setting cold blast for Clinton County.

• Plattsburg Student Council collects more than 900 cans of food for those in need for the holiday season.

435 W. 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682 Casey & Amelia Flinn, Owners

Market Report from Monday, December 18 • 2103 head sold Steers: 400-500lbs 2.87-3.11 500-600lbs 2.75-2.99 600-700lbs 2.50-2.70 700-800lbs 2.24-2.33 800-900lbs 2.07-2.24

Heifers: 400-500lbs 2.48-2.70 500-600lbs 2.30-2.54 600-700lbs 2.25-2.34 700-800lbs 2.05-2.19

Bulk of butcher cows 80-98 High Yielding • 99-103 Bulls • 95-113

SPECIAL COW SALE - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 • 6 PM EXPECTING 600 HEAD!

Joel Oetting - 25 homeraised red angus heifers. 1200lbs. Bred to lbw red angus bulls. Start Feb 15th for 60 days.

Eckmann farms-Complete dispersal - 68 angus cows. 3-7yrs. Bred to sim angus bulls. Start calving March 3rd. Nice set of cows.

Jason Lorenco - 20 fancy angus heifers. 1100lbs. Start calving March 1st for 65 days. Very gentle set of heifers.

N4 farms - 48 angus cow/calf pairs. 5-8yrs old. Big cows with August and September calves by side.

Walton Farms-Complete dispersal - 47 angus and sim angus bulls. Start calving March 1st.

Vandiver farms - 20 angus heifers. 8 are AI bred to sydenstricker enhance for March 1st. 12 are bull bred to lbw sydenstricker bull. Start March 15th for 45 days.

Kevin Brock - 16 angus cow/calf pairs. 5-8yrs old.

Kent Tieman - 20 homeraised red angus heifers. 1200lbs. Start calving March 1st for 45 days. Bred to mushrush red angus lbw bull.

Hill farms - 38 angus cows. 3-6yrs old. Start calving March 5th. Fancy set of young cows. Bred to sydgen angus bulls.

Christopher farms - 20 red angus cows. 3-6 yrs old. Start calving march 1st. Bred black angus.

Davis farms - 39 angus and angusx cows. 4-7 yrs old. Bred angus bulls. Start calving March 7th.

Dean and Rita Jacobs-Complete dispersal - 29 angus and angusx cows. Running ages. Spring calvers.

Wilson farms - 43 angus cows. 4-6 yrs old. Bred to sim angus. Start calving March 5th.

Spring Hill farms - 18 angus cows. All coming with their second calf. Bred to April valley angus bulls.

Start calving March 3rd for 55 days. Very fancy set. This is just a partial list!!

THIS IS JUST A PARTIAL LIST!!

FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, JANUARY 1 • 11 AM Cattle Sales: Mondays @ 11 am Sheep, Goat & Hog Sales: 1st Saturday of the month @ 10 am Special Cow Sales: 4th Friday of the month @ 6 pm 5 weigh cow buyers at every sale!

Very active weigh cow and bull market!

Open all day on Sundays to receive livestock!

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 • Rick Tate: 660-734-1307 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

OPINIONS

Page A4 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

WHAT’S THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD

CCR-III impresses Kansas City Chiefs have a history of humbug on Christmas Day with quick APR turnaround A QUICK WORD

by steve tinnen

leader publisher emeritus

by brett adkison leader editor

Talk about an early Christmas present for the Clinton County R-III School District.

Superintendent Dr. Sandy Steggall announced last week during the monthly board meeting that the district had not only stopped its falling scores in Missouri’s Annual Performance Report (APR), but had rocketed to near the top of the eightschool KCI Conference.

Just last year, CCR-III was last in the KCI, earning 63.9 percent of the points available in the APR (which takes into account MAP scores, attendance rates, graduation rates, and more).

Every other school in the KCI had earned 73 percent of the points or more, including five that scored above 80 percent. Of the two dozen Northwest Missouri schools that The Leader looked into, CCR-III was second to last.

Plattsburg wasn’t just out of the race—it had lost sight of the pack. Now, 12 months later, there’s a Tiger standing on the podium. CCR-III netted an overall score of 84.7 percent on the new APR, behind only North Platte (85.2) and West Platte (93.7) in the KCI. The latter school is usually disregarded in such standings, considering the uncommon resources with which they work thanks to the tax revenues of the Iatan plant.

The impressiveness of this turnaround cannot be overstated. Even in a successful campaign, CCR-III appeared destined to languish a year or two as leaders implemented their strategies and those labors bore fruit. In a testament to the students,

teachers and the administrative team—including Dr. Steggall and principals Brandon Burns, Angie Courtney and Dr. Rachel Turner—the district did not have to wait long.

In my two decades with local newspapers, this is perhaps the most impressive effort I’ve seen from any public institution--school, city, county, or otherwise.

And it’s a major benefit to the Plattsburg community.

While other towns (Lathrop, Gower, Smithville, Kearney, Cameron and others) are buoyed by easy access to I-35 or 169 Highway, Plattsburg has to go above and beyond to draw families and businesses just a little farther off the beaten path.

It’s a beautiful town with an active community and an army of supporters, but to stay alive, it must have a successful school district as its keystone.

Also to its benefit, CCR-III has maintained a place at the forefront of tech education (offering advanced opportunities that few, if any, rural districts in the state can compete with) and continues to pride itself on viewing education as more than factual memorization. But those things go to the wayside without the traditional skills that offer a foundation for every student—math, science, language. The district lost that thread for a moment, but with things patched up, the sky is the limit.

Just one concern remains.

If the Clinton County R-III School District continues to perform this well, school leaders run the risk that the City of Plattsburg will task them with untangling its alleyway snafus.

You know you’re growin’ older when... You realize that when you are more fortunate than others, you have to build a longer table, not a taller fence. **** While most Chiefs fans will rightly focus on this year’s Christmas Day debacle of losing to the Oakland/ Las Vegas Raiders, 20-14, I’m going to recall one of the NFL’s longest games— the 1971 Christmas Day game against the Miami Dolphins.

It was a double-overtime loss for the Chiefs, 27-24, as the Dolphins and Chiefs battled for 82 minutes, 40 seconds, in what remains the NFL’s longest game.

The Saturday double-overtime game featured 17 future Hall of Famers between the two teams, including opposing coaches Don Shula and Hank Stram. It was the final game at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium, with Arrowhead opening in 1972.

During the regular season and for the Sunday playoff game, our family—Skip, Franc E., brothers Dave, Greg and I—joined Ray and Eleanor Speckman, riding in our ‘Go-Go’ bus to old Municipal Stadium.

We left early and parked in our prime spot right behind the north stands with the parking fee only a dollar for Sam’s parking. We unpacked our tailgate picnic meal of fried chicken and fixings, while Ray made his usual trip inside the stadium to purchase a game day program.

During the week before the game, our mom, Franc E., was in protest mode because they were taking away the sacred day to

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER Publishers

Jamey & D’Anna Honeycutt

Becca Balliet................. General Manager Brett Adkison...................................Editor Becca Giesken............... Advertising Rep. Jim Bonebrake............................Reporter Clint Dye....................................Reporter Connie Collins...........................Proofreader

Publisher Emeritus Steve Tinnen

MEMBER OF

Missouri Press Association

Northwest Missouri Press Association Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce Lathrop Chamber of Commerce Gower Chamber of Commerce

Advertising Representative for Missouri Press Service, Columbia, Mo.

honor the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. She used her sewing skills to make a jock-strap corsage and sewed another jockstrap on the American flag she flew outside the side entrance to our home. On that day, as part of her protest, she wore the corsage on her jacket.

The weather was unseasonably warm, which made it easier on the team from Miami, and for those who were in the stands for 82 minutes-plus. Our season tickets were on the 35yard line, Section C, right behind the Chiefs’ bench.

This section was deemed the Wolf Pack due to the rabid fans sitting in that area.

Our seats in the north stands were temporary bleacher seating, with the only thing separating the fans from the Chiefs players and the opposing players being a sixfoot board walk and a short chainlink fence.

The fan-friendly setting was crucial for Lamar Hunt when they were designing the new Arrowhead Stadium. To this day, the stadium continues to be one of the best venues to witness an event.

Miami’s victory overshadowed a heroic performance by Chiefs running back Ed Podolak. He rushed for 85 yards, caught eight passes for 110 yards and returned three kickoffs for 154 yards. His third kickoff return was for 78 yards, as he ran down the sideline in front of the Chiefs bench.

He was forced out on the Miami 22-yard line, setting up what should have been an easy kick for Jan Stenerud into the endzone that was named after him, Stenerud’s Roost. That left it to sure-footed Jan Stenerud, who inexplicably pushed his 33-yard attempt wide right with 35 seconds left in

regulation to send the game into overtime.

That miss set in motion Franc E., as she hurried down the bleacher steps and attempted to climb the fence behind the Chiefs’ bench.

Her climbing of the fence was stopped by a policeman who politely helped her back to the boardwalk.

She explained that her intent was to give Stenerud the corsage that she had plucked from her coat.

The officer took the corsage and who knows where it ended up. Hopefully, it became a good luck gesture for the despondent kicker.

We never saw the corsage again, and figured it was lost just like the game. It was the Dolphins’ left-footed kicker Gero Yepremian (whose side job was a salesman for his tie company) that provided the victory for Miami.

His 37-yard kick sent the players, coaches and fans scurrying to the lockers or exits. Our family, along with the Speckmans, faced a long drive home knowing we had received the worst gift a Chiefs’ fan could receive.

For the longtime Chiefs fans the loss in 1971 still stings. More so than any Chiefs’ fan who witnessed the catastrophe of what transpired on Christmas Day 2023. **** Trivia questions 1. The New Year’s Eve ball was born out of a 1907 ban on what?

A. Alcohol B. Fireworks C. Books D. Child labor.

2. What percentage of Americans say a prayer on New Year’s Eve? A. 5% B. 61% C. 23% D. 85% (answers is nearby).

The Christmas Season should lead more of us down the path to the home where Christ is present.

Once there, the church signs have great messages with some humor included.

Enjoy.

Whoever stole our AC units, keep one— it’s hot where you are going. · Tweet others as you would like to be tweeted. · Jesus had two dads and turned out fine. · Adam & Eve, the first people to not read the Apple terms and conditions. · Too hot to keep changing sign; sin bad, Jesus good, details inside. · Dust on your Bible could lead to dirt in your life. · “Don’t make me come down there” -God. · The fact that there’s a highway to Hell and only a stairway to Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers. · Be the kind of person your pet thinks you are.

(First Answer. B. For safety reasons, New York City banned the shooting of fireworks off a building in 1907. This led to the creation of a lighted ball. Second Answer. B. Over half of Americans pray on New Year’s Eve and Day). **** Food for thought: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Benjamin Franklin, writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. **** Thank you and I’ll talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com

****

CONTINUING THE PLATTSBURG LEADER, LATHROP OPTIMIST AND RURAL REPORTER

Yearly Subscription Rates Clinton County.................................$52 Missouri.............................................$65 Out-of-State......................................$69 Change Of Address: postmaster, send address changes to: the clinton county leader, 102 e. maple, plattsburg, mo, 64477 What’s Your View?

“Letters to the Editor” with a 400-word limit can be sent to the following: Email: leader@clintoncountyleader.com Mail: P.O. Box 333, Plattsburg, Mo, 64477

816-539-2111

DAVID RICE ATCHISON • “President for a Day”

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!

Community

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A5

OBITUARIES

Former Lathrop resident Shirley Park passes

stationed at the USAF base in Bermuda. During his service in Bermuda, he and Shirley welcomed their son Russell (1954) into the world. After their military service they returned to Lathrop, Mo., where Bill started farming with his parents: Vernon and Aletha Park. The following year (1956) their daughter Marla was born.

Bill and Shirley (dba Parkview Farms) farmed for over 40 years and ultimately managed over 900 acres of crops, selling 3,000 hogs and finishing 400 steers a year for market. They constructed a corn silo storage pit, a farrowing house, and a finishing hog operation along with many other improvements. Shirley managed the accounting and finances and was an early adopter of PC computing.

Bill and Shirley loved farm life and built a new home in 1962. They enjoyed having company and giving parties. They hosted an ex-

change student from Bolivia named Guido Fernanda who spent six months with them.

While in Lathrop, they belonged to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where Shirley taught Sunday school and was president of the Christian Women’s Fellowship.

Shirley was also involved in 4-H as a knitting mentor making baby clothes, sweaters and afghans over the years. Shirley was also an avid reader until her death.

Bill and Shirley moved to Lenoir Woods in Columbia, Mo., in July 1996 due to Bill’s health and to be closer to their daughter and her family in Columbia.

They joined First Christian Church, where she served as president of the Christian

Women’s Fellowship. Bill died on January 18, 1999, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Shirley is survived by her son, Russell D. Park (Jyoti). Her daughter, Marla Mueller (Randy), passed away shortly before Shirley in August 2023. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Austin Park Mueller, Vaughn Harrison Mueller; step-grandchildren, Scott and Dayna Wicks and Kirk Wicks; and two great-grandchildren, Aliya and Jesse.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to a library of donor’s choice; Platte City Cemetery (Platte City, Mo., 64079); or First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (101 N. Tenth St, Columbia, Mo.).

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Effective January 1, 2024, the amount of the Federal Universal Service Charge (FUSC) appearing on your bill each month will increase as a result of an increase in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) universal service fund contribution factor from 34.5% to 34.6%.

The new FUSC amount is calculated by multiplying the FCC’s universal service contribution factor against your interstate access service charges. The federal universal service fund program is designed to help keep local telephone service rates affordable for all customers, in all areas of the United States.

3406 Miller Street Bethany, MO 64424 877-742-5553

A Note from the Plattsburg Senior Center The mission of the Clinton County Senior Action Council & OATS Committee (aka, Plattsburg Senior Center), and most recently the board adopted the name “The Gathering Place,” is to provide nutritional services to adults 60 years of age and over in order that they can maintain their independence.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under contract with Young at Heart Resources to provide certain services for which we receive reimbursement.

The funds we receive provide approximately 40 percent of the dollars required to maintain our monthly operations. The remaining funds are generated locally through meal donations from clients and, of course, our fundraisers. Additionally, memorials for individuals are received, along with gifts and donations from local

organizations. Annually, the City of Plattsburg provides us funds of $5,000.

Currently, it takes an average of $6,000 a month from the local funds just to maintain our operations.

The continuing operations and upkeep of our facility are of great concern.

The Board of Directors is open to suggestions as how to improve the financial situation.

This is a facility for all ages, primarily available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and always available on the weekends and evenings to rent as long as a board member or staff member is present. Our meals are available for all ages with seniors having priority! We request a donation of $5 for a senior meal (60 and older), and for those under 60 years of age, the cost is $7.50.

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LTC Networks® es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

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Shirley Park passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the age of 91. She was a longtime resident of Lathrop Missouri (40-plus years) and more recently, of the Lenoir Woods residential retirement community in Columbia, Missouri.

Born Shirley Dean Turpen, she was the daughter of Oliver P. Turpen and Emzie Sinclair Turpen. Shirley grew up in North Kansas City attending North Kansas City High School, where she began dating her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) R. Park.

After attending Kansas City Junior College and the University of Missouri, Shirley entered medical technical training at General Hospital in August 1951.

She was united in marriage to Bill Park on December 16, 1951, at First Methodist Church, North Kansas City. Shortly thereafter, Bill went into the U.S. Air Force.

Shirley continued her medical technical training, graduating in 1952. She then joined Bill in Mississippi and worked at Mobile Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, living in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

While in the U.S. Air Force, Bill flew as a hurricane hunter radio operator

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LATHROP Page A6 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

Community

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A7

Letters to Santa from East Buch Kindergartners CCL Christmas 2023.qxp_Christmas Ads 12/26/23 10:06 AM Page 16

Mrs. Miller’s Class Dear Santa, I would like a PocMoN. I would like ToU JETDon’t forget to feed the reindeer?

Your Friend, Zayn Craft Dear Santa, I would like a BORBe. I would like toYCAmr Tell Mrs Claus I said “hi”!

Your Friend, Elizabeth Gehl Dear Santa, I would like a tede Ber. I would like hot wheels.

Thank you for the presents!

I love to open them!

Your Friend, Cedar Warner Dear Santa, I would like a WEB. I would like TRACTOR. Tell Frosty I said, “hi”!

Your Friend, Cooper Farmer Dear Santa, I would like a marioset. I would like PoKemonstuFFy. Which is your favorite reindeer?

Your Friend, Roper Edwards Dear Santa, I would like a PiKhCHUOOLORBOOK. I would like SHOOTINGSWORD. Do you want to eat a gingerbread man ?

Your Friend, Liam Taylor

Dear Santa, I would like a BaBY AliVE. I would like an LOL. Can I come see the reindeer?

Your Friend, Ava Generaux Dear Santa, I would like a SLED. I would like StRinU cAr. Make sure you get to every house and deliver all of the presents!

Your Friend, Josiah O’Donnell Dear Santa, I would like a SUV ToY. I would like BLOCKS. What is the reindeer’s favorite food?

Your Friend, Austin Szuba Dear Santa, I would like a UNICON. I would like CreSTL eRIGS. Dont forget to check on the reindeer!

Your Friend, Norah Moreels Dear Santa, I would like a ToyrBOT. I would like a LIBOTGENE. I cant wait to open your presents!

Your Friend, Hudson Snyder Dear Santa, I would like a mosR Tuc. I would like a FotBo Lochr.

Have a good Christmas and don’t forget to stop at every-

one’s house!

Your Friend, Walter Musgrove Dear Santa, I would like candy canes. I would like sqwishy toys.

What is your favorite snack?

Your Friend, Finley Ritter Dear Santa, I would like a cuLRveLu. I would like bLooeandBengo.

How often do you take a bath?

Your Friend, Annabelle Mason Dear Santa, I would like STRE TELR. I would like UNICON. Don’t forget to feed the reindeer snacks!

Your Friends Grace Rapp Mrs. Ray’s Class Dear Santa, I would like a rader (reindeer). I would like a santu hat (santa hat). Who is your favorite reindeer?

Your Friend, Ruby Edwards Dear Santa, I would like a bow. I would like a pokif (pocket knife).

How is Rudolph?

Your Friend, Levi Fortner Dear Santa, I would like a sonicbblpa-

Letters to Santa from Plattsburg Kindergartners Dear Santa, My name is Beau and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: drt bik, spidr, gum.

Love, Beau

My name is Emerik and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: a transformer.

Love, Emerik

Dear Santa, My name is Tristan and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: a book.

Love, Tristan

Dear Santa, My name is Ryker and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: Marvel Hulkster and a transformer.

Love, Ryker

Dear Santa, My name is Kinsley and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: LOL doll, gum, cemu.

Love, Kinsley

Dear Santa, My name is Sawyer and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: I don’t care what I get.

Love, Sawyer

Dear Santa, My name is River and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: Lego, candy, cat.

Love, River

Dear Santa, My name is Phoenix and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: robot.

Love, Phoenix

Dear Santa, My name is Landon and I am 6 years old. I live in Trimble.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: 3 little treasure chests, candy, a box of toys.

Love, Landon Dear Santa,

Dear Santa, My name is James and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: stuffed animal, robot, monster.

Love, James Dear Santa, My name is Paisley and I am

5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: unicorns and ponies.

Love, Paisley Dear Santa, My name is Isabella and I am 5 years old. I live in Trimble.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: Gabby’s boat.

Love, Isabella Dear Santa, My name is Ryder and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: Elsa dress, video camera, Ariel jammies.

Love, Ryder Dear Santa, My name is Kace and I am 5 years old. I live in Trimble.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: truck, racer.

Love, Kace Dear Santa, My name is Stella and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: barb campr, fairy doll, Stitchwote book.

Love, Stella Dear Santa, My name is Jasper and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. ||Continued on A9

set (sonic battle play set). I would like a pawpatc (paw patrol HQ). Why do you have a white beard?

Your Friend, Kallaway Howard Dear Santa, I would like a musdu (mustang). I would like a Ifon pro (iphone pro). How did you get your magic?

Your Friend, Cam Jennings Dear Santa, I would like dirt bik (dirt bike). I would like Ifun 15 (iphone 15). Are your elves real?

Your Friend, Noah Jennings Dear Santa, I would like a wtbd (water bottle). I would like a pokinof (pocket knife). How old are you?

Your Friend, Brooks Kriley Dear Santa, I would like a gam (game).

I would like a stufe (stuffie). What is your favorite cookie?

Your Friend, Rafe Lee Dear Santa, I would like a dol (doll).

I would like a red (red Rudolph reindeer). Does Rudolph live with you?

Your Friend, Harper Liechti

Dear Santa, I would like sdfe vnpopch (stuffie, paw patrol). I would like a ranber stufe (reindeer stuffie). How do you travel around the world in one night?

Your Friend, Lily McBane Dear Santa, I would like a sontrhogtr (sonic toy). I would like a Sonct (sonic). Do you live in the North Pole?

Your Friend, James Nugent Dear Santa, I would like a puppy. I would like a pon (pocket knife). How many reindeer do you have?

Your Friend, Daniel O’Donnell Dear Santa, I would like a musau (mustang). I would like a inf41 (iphone 14). Do you like your reindeer?

Your Friend, Riggs Oswald Dear Santa, I would like a pokhaf (pocket knife). I would like a Bel (bell). How do the elves make the toys?

Your Friend, Deklan Vasut Dear Santa, I would like a wdbd (water

bottle). I would like a stufe (stuffie). How do you deliver the presents on time?

Your Friend, Emersyn Wilks Dear Santa, I would like a sofe (stuffie).

I would like hat. How do you deliver all the presents to all the kids in the world?

Your Friend, Conner Wilson Mrs. Guyer’s Class Dear Santa, I would like a vt (vanity).

I would like a prs (purse).

What is your favorite food?

Your Friend, Hadlee Abel Dear Santa, I would like a Kit KAt White (white Kit Kat). I would like an iPAD. How do the elves feed the reindeer?

Your Friend Joey Barron Dear Santa, I would like an Bxelguwex (XBox game). I would like Sbte (slide). How do the reindeer fly?

Your Friend, Wesley Bowers Dear Santa, I would like an ELuL (LOL Doll). I would like a BWBW (newborn baby). Why is the sleigh shiny?

Your Friend, Glacier Brown ||Continued on A10

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Valued customers and friends like you are the foundation of our success!

Best wishes for a happy holiday season & a new year of joy, peace & prosperity.

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Page A8 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Letters to Santa from Lathrop Kindergartners Mrs. Boehner’s Class Dear Santa, How are you? I would like hot wheels cars.

Love, Brantley Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. I wunt a Godzilu peez.

I wil lev you milk and cookes and chokolet.

Love, Rhett Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin gud.

I wunt a drtbik pez. I wil lev you milk and cookes.

Love, Preston Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good.

I wunt a oculus pleez. I will lev you milk and cookes.

Love, Jay Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good.

I wunt a rabotoy pleez. I wil lev you milk and cookes.

Love, Cassidi Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. I wunt a pupee pleez.

I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Eli Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. I wunt a oculus pleaz.

I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Silas Dear Santa,

How are you? I hav bin good? I wunt a puppy.

Pleez. I wil leev you mik and cookes. Love, Remi Dear Santa, How r u I hav bin good. I wunt a acshon figr pleez. I wil leev you milk and cookies.

Love, Alijah Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. I wunt a pupee and tomu tume pleez. I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Marvy Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good and bad. I wunt a elf pleez. I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Aubriella

good. I wunt Dbac pleez.

I will leev you milk and cookes. Love, Cooper Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good and bad. I wunt a pupee. I wil leev you milk and cookes.Love, Avalynn Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. Pleeze I wunt cande land pleez. I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Jensen Miss Gentzell’s Class Dear Santa, My name is Oaklyn. I have ben good this year. For Christmas I wunt dols and LOL priz dols.

From, Oaklyn

Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good. I wunt a puppee. I wil lev you milk and cookes.

Love, Hadley

Dear Santa, My name is Maci Baker.

I have ben xtra good this year. For Christmas I wunt squishmelow and streche.

From, Maci

Dear Santa, How are you? I hav bin good and bad. I wunt a babe with a wrist band. I wil leev you milk and cookes.

Love, Jozie

Dear Santa, My name is Alias. I have ben good this year. For Chirstmas I wunt armeman, sonic toy, and spidrman.

From, Alias

Dear Santa, How are you?

Dear Santa, My name is Donald. I have

I hav bin

ben xtra good this year. For Christmas I wunt nitendo games.

From, Donald Dear Santa, My name is Raelynn. I have ben xtra good this year. For Christmas I wunt a babe dol.

From, Raelynn Dear Santa, My name is Maverick. I have ben mostly good this year. For christmas I wunt a sonic pilow, stufe, and streche.

From, Maverick Dear Santa, My name is Brooklyn. I have ben Mostly good this year. For Christmas I wunt hi heelz and a babe dol.

From, Brooklyn Dear Santa, My name is Zoey. I have ben good this year. For Christmas I wunt hi heelz and a dres.

From, Zoey Dear Santa, My name is Joshua. I have ben good this year. For Chirstmas I wunt a toy tran and a tran bed.

From, Joshua

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

3406 Miller Street Bethany, MO 64424 877-742-5553

grm.net

LTC Networks® is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

LTC Networks® es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Dear Santa, My name is Jeremiah. I have ben xtra good this year. For Christmas I wunt a blak venm, a red venm, a gold venm, and a prpl venm.

From, Jeremiah Dear Santa, My name is Marshall. I have ben xtra goos this year. For Christmas I wunt a monstr truk and hot wheel trak.

From, Marshall Mrs. Holliway’s Class Dear Santa, How do you fit in the chimnee? I hav bin mostlee gud.

I wood like scats. I wil leev you Oreeos and hot choklit with morshmelos. Merry Christmas!

Love, Violet Dear Santa, How do the randeer git magik? I hav bin gud mostlee. I wood like pupeecorn slim. I wil leev you donuts and choclit melc. Merry Christmas!

Love, Evelyn Dear Santa, Why do you need elfs? I hav bin kind of note, mostlee gud. I wood like a kids smrt fon. I wil leev you shoogr cookeez and wit milk. Merry Christmas!

Love, Whitley Dear Santa, Why do yor elvz com hom? I hav bin a lidl bit note. I wood like rolr scats. I wil leev you bred and milc. Merry Christmas!

Love, Alaina Dear Santa, How ded yu meet Mrs. Claus? I hav bin kind of note.

I wood like a squshee. I wil leev you choklet kukeez and hot coko with mrshmeloz.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Peyton Dear Santa, Where did yu git the randeer? I hav bin a lidl bit note.

I wood like rolr bladz. I wil leev you choclit chip cuceez and wit mlc. Merry Christmas!

Love, Abbie Dear Santa, How did yu git the randeers?

I hav bin gud and bad. I wood like a scatbord. I wil leev you kukeez and hot koko with moshmeloz. Merry Christmas!

Love, Talon Dear Santa, How do the elvz hav majic? I hav bin gud and bad.

I wood like eer ringz. I wil leev you Oreoz and choklit mik. Merry Christmas!

Love, Harper Dear Santa, I I hav bin gud and bad. I wood like a toee arplan. I ||Continued on A10

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Plattsburg Santa Letters, Continued from Page A7 This year, I have been nice. My wish list: Minecraft pic axe, RC monster truck, boat, punching bag.

Love, Jasper Dear Santa, My name is Olivia and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: barbz ionm canbr.

Love, Olivia Dear Santa, My name is Hudson and I am 5 years old. I live in Excelsior. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: wath, dragon, ne.

Love, Hudson Dear Santa, My name is Vance and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: VR heset, fone, pasashne.

Love, Vance Dear Santa, My name is Bryce and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: Sonic, PS5, Dog. Love, Bryce Dear Santa, My name is Jaxon and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list (in picture form): Ninetendo Swithc, camera, basketball.

Love, Jaxon Dear Santa,

My name is Hadley and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: barbie house, barbie camper, doll stacey.

Love, Hadley Dear Santa, My name is Heartleigh and I am 5 years old. I live in Cameron. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: stitch backpack, stitch scplk.

Love, Heartleigh Dear Santa, My name is Ahriana and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been naughty. My wish list: macup, ukn.

Love, Ahriana Dear Santa, My name is Lucy and I am 5 years old. I live in Holt. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: princess travel kit, magic flyers, lol smashers.

Love, Lucy Dear Santa, My name is Kaylee and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: blue beach, cabin, slime football.

Love, Kaylee Dear Santa, My name is Zoey. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice.

Love, Zoey Dear Santa, My name is Beau. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been naugh-

ty. My wish list: nerf gun pistol.

Love, Beau Dear Santa, My name is Noah. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: robot, dincsaur, firey.

Love, Noah Dear Santa, My name is Emma and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: barbeeuifethtkor krol, cat, aurora dol.

Love, Emma Dear Santa, My name is Kara and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been nice.

Love, Kara Dear Santa, My name is Rexford and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: Godzilla, Kingodora, King Kong.

Love, Rexford

Dear Santa, My name is Cameron and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: nerf gun, slime, giant stuffed animal. Love, Cameron Dear Santa, My name is Berrigan and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: football, lightsaber, picture of Santa. Love, Berrigan Dear Santa, My name is Wyatt. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: robot toy, bryey, toy.

Love, Wyatt B. Dear Santa, My name is Elizabeth and I am 6 years old. I live in Trimble. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: yo-yo, bell, toy Santa.

Love, Elizabeth

Dear Santa, My name is Wyatt and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: crane, firetruck, dozer.

Love, Wyatt

Dear Santa, My name is Jude and I am 6 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: Razar, phone, lightsaber.

Love, Jude

Dear Santa, My name is Carson and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg. This year, I have been nice. My wish list: lightsaber, nerf gun, dog.

Love, Carson

Dear Santa, My name is Zayne and I am 5 years old. I live in Plattsburg.

This year, I have been nice.

My wish list: PS5. RC Car. Love, Zayne

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A9

Artwork from Ellis Elem. 3rd Graders

Page A10 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Lathrop Santa Letters, Continued from Page A8 wil leev you kukeez and mlk.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Benzino

Wednesday doll and carpet.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Charlotte

Dear Santa, How do the scowt elfs git to howsis? I hav bin mostlee gud. I wood like a robot dog. I wil leev you a jinjrbred hows and cok. Merry Christmas!

Love, Lila

Dear Santa, Haw do u no if I am note? I wunt 2 boxs of Legos. Merry Christmas!

Love, Braxtyn

Dear Santa, How do the randeer fli? I hav bin a lidl note and a lidl nis. I wood like squshmaloz. I wil leev you choklit chip kukeez and mlk. Merry Christmas!

Love, Tinley Dear Santa, Are the randeer nis? I hav bin mostlee gud. I wood like a big RC. I wil leev you a cupcake and pop. Merry Christmas!

Love, Quest Dear Santa, Whut is your favrit cookies?

I hav bin gud and bad. I wud lik Lankee Box mrch. I wil leev you jinjrbred men and choclit milk. Merry Christmas!

Love, Jaxson Mrs. May’s Class Dear Santa, How do you fly? I want a

Dear Santa, Where do elves come from?

I wunt a Barbie wath pink har. Merry Christmas!

Love, Lennon H. Dear Santa, Haw do u fli? I wunt lagos and babe Yoda and Mac and chez. Merry Christmas!

Love, Michael Dear Santa, Wut do you like? I wunt a Wednesday Barbie. Merry Christmas!

Love, Adaline Dear Santa, What do you went for Christmas? I what a squishy and shorts and shirt. Merry Christmas!

Love, Chloe Dear Santa, What would you want? I want a pomni lego set, the amazing digital circus lego set, jax lego set, zooble lego set, cain lego set, kauofmo

EBES Letters,

lego set, kinger lego set, ragatla lego set, and gangle lego set. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Love, Lennon L.

Where do the elves come from? I want a stitch plushy and a shirt and a pair of pants. Merry Christmas!

Love, Molly

Dear Santa, How do the reindeer fly? I what a drone. Merry Christmas!

Love, Warren

Dear Santa, Haw do u get yor majek? I wunt pokemon krds. Merry Christmas!

Love, Marek

Dear Santa, Haw do u get uor magic?I wunt kool toys. Merry Christmas!!!!

Love, Henry

Dear Santa, How did you get your magic? I want a batcave, Batman, Batgirl, Superman, Robin, Joker and GTA5. Merry Christmas!

Love, Deklen

Dear Santa Haw r the render? I what roller skates. Merry Christmas!

Love, Novalee Dear Santa, Do u like monkes? I wunt rlr scats. Merry Christmas!

Love, Sydney Dear Santa, Hou dos yor shop run? I wunt cloz for Ember. Merry Christmas!

Love, Haddon Dear Santa, Haw do elvz gum to a haws?

I wunt a dron and a nintido swich. Merry Christmas!

Love, Jareth Dear Santa

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Dear Santa Wut kind uv cokes do u like?

I wunt a stufe unikorn. Merry Christmas!

Love, Kelsyn

Continued from Page A7 Dear Santa, I would like a cat. I would like a tre. How do the reindeer fly?

Your Friend, Mia Drowns Dear Santa, I would like a P S five. I would like a NiNTenDo. How do Santa’s reindeer fly?

Your Friend, Layne insco Dear Santa, I would like Pez (peas). I would like a TAL (tablet).

How do the reindeer fly?

Your Friend, Rowyn Kostman Dear Santa, I would like a Rocit. I would like a GAMbox (gamebox).

How do you get down the chimney without getting burnt by the fire?

Your Friend, Hudson McIntire Dear Santa, I would like a Tow (toy). I would like a ROB (robot).

What do the reindeer look like?

Your Friend, Raylan Moran Dear Santa, I would like hoy sz (hot

wheels). I would like a siPR sRS (super heroes). What do reindeer like to eat?

Your Friend, Rhett Pyles Dear Santa, I would like a Roroc (robot).

I would like TR (truck).

How old is Santa?

Your Friend, Jayden Quick Dear Santa, I would like a ROcs (rocket ship). I would like RObc (robot). How tall is Santa?

Your Friend, Ryder Shipps Dear Santa, I would like a Bik. I would like a Cat. How big is your kingdom?

Your Friend, Jacob Smith Dear Santa, I would like a BliPPi CAR Wel. I would like a BliPPi ROBot CLR. Do the reindeer like ramen noodles?

Your Friend, Rhydian Taylor Dear Santa, I would like a catsutmiluvon (cat stuffed animal). I would like a van. How do the elves fly?

Your Friend, Bexlei Wilmes

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A11

Christmas Artwork from Plattsburg Third Graders

Hoping everyone had a very merry Christmas!

Page A12 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Thank you for being a Leader Reader!

We’re looking for ward to covering your community in 2024!

Call us at (816) 5392111 to start your subscription today!

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A13

Page A14 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

CHRISTMAS in CLINTON COUNTY

Third Grade Artwork!

Have a great Christmas break and happy New Year!

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

CCL classifieds 12-28-23.qxp_Layout 1 12/26/23 2:57 PM Page 2

LEGALS

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

For Sale: Snowbird special. Forest River Campers. 27 foot gooseneck has slide out Rockwood 2005 model. $8500. 15 foot Surveyor, sleeps 8, pull type. $7000.

Custom hunting blind. 2007 Chevy Malibu-Good condition. $2000. Heavy Duty utility trailer with ramps $1500 , heavy duty utility trailer, tilt bed $1500 Call 816617-3372 --------------------------14 Church Pews, 10 feet, Good Condition, $50/each, Photos on Craigslist.

Call 774-312-3354.

--------------------------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 660635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different" --------------------------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!

---------------------------

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.

--------------------------FREE SAWDUST...

You load it and haul it. Located about 4 miles northwest of Hamilton at:33972 190th St. Hamilton, MO. 64644 --------------------------Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlauto supply.com ---------------------------

EMPLOYMENT North Central Missouri College is seeking a Custodian. This is a full-time position with benefits included.

Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu/j obs for more information and how to apply or call 660-3576203. NCMC is an equal opportunity/af-

firmative action employer --------------------------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 --------------------------Job opening for a part-time receptionist position at a chiropractic clinic. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 2 Saturday mornings a month. Please send resumes to orourkewellnesscenter@gmai l.com.

---------------------------

SERVICES Willing Workers LLP - Do you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate...

660-973-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION The City of Gower and the East Buchanan C-1 School District are proposing to annex two 2 tracts of land owned by the District totaling 21.50 acres more or less as described below: Tract 1: Commencing at the Southeast comer of Section 4, Township 55 North, Range 33 West, Buchanan / Clinton County Line in Missouri; thence along the East line of said section North 02 degrees 38 minutes 51 seconds West, 1311.64 feet to the Point of Beginning said point being the North line of the South Half of the Southeast Quarter; thence departing from said line and along the North line of the South Half of the Southeast Quarter North 89 degrees 16 minutes 21 seconds West, 1526.26 feet; thence departing from said Line North 00 degrees, 43 minutes 41 seconds East, 454.03 feet; thence South 89 degrees 16 minutes 21 seconds East, 1016.51 feet; thence North 00 degrees 43 minutes 41 seconds East, 363.41 feet; thence South 89 degrees 16 minutes 21 seconds East, 461.54 feet to the County Line; thence along said line South 02 degrees 38 minutes 51 seconds East, 818.86 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above described tract of land contains 19. 71 acres, more or less, and is subject to all recorded and unrecorded easements, restrictions, and right-of-ways: and Tract 2: Commencing at the Southeast comer of Section 4 Township 55 North, Range 33 West, Buchanan/Clinton County Line in Missouri; thence along the East line of said section North 02 degrees 38 minutes 51 seconds West, 1334.57 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continuing along said Line North 02 degrees, 38 minutes 51 seconds West, 660.61 feet to the South line of the City Limits for Gower, Missouri based on MODOT Route DD plans; thence departing from said line and along the South line of the City Limits for Gower, Missouri South 89 degrees 21 minutes 13 seconds East, 165.57 feet; thence departing from said Line South 16 degrees 47 minutes 30 seconds East, 35.34 feet to the West right-of-way line of Missouri Route DD; thence along said right-of-way the following course and distances South 12 degrees 49 minutes 47 seconds West, 77.27 feet; thence 266.42 feet by arc distance along a curve to the left having a radius of 1467.69 feet and a chord bearing and distance of South 07 degrees 35 minutes 47 seconds West, 266.06 feet; thence South 02 degrees 21 minutes 48 seconds West, 284.21 feet; thence departing from said right-of-way South 89 degrees 10 minutes 04 seconds West, 81.21 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above described tract of land contains 1 . 79 Acres, more or less, and is subject to all recorded and unrecorded easements, restrictions, right of ways.

A public hearing has been scheduled for January 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Gower City Hall. Forward comments to the City of Gower, 97 North 4th St., PO Box 408, Gower, Missouri 64454, (816) 424-6617.

(12/21, 12/28/23)

Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Page A15

5694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648 --------------------------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, 660-684-6404 --------------------------Carquest Auto Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268, tlautosupply.com. Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

--------------------------Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800425-0976 or 485-

6611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

--------------------------BUY - SELL TRADE -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 --------------------------Offutt, Offutt & Associates Auction Service. Land, farm, and Home. Free Appraisals. Cameron, MO. 816-724-3214 --------------------------RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospi-

tal on Iowa Blvd in Trenton. 5 Unit sizes available. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 660-359-7683.

--------------------------*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.

--------------------------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.

--------------------------LAUHOFF JEWELRY Downtown Chillicothe -

IN THE 43RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION Case Number: 23CN-PR00090 In the Estate of LUETTA MAY CROWLEY, Deceased.

Notice of Letters Testamentary Granted (Independent Administration) To All Persons Interested in the Estate of LUETTA MAY CROWLEY, Decedent: On December 19, 2023, the last will of the decedent having been admitted to probate, THOMAS SHIRK was appointed the personal representative of the estate of Luetta May Crowley, 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: 5050 NW Manson Rd Kidder, MO 64649 The personal representative’s attorney’s name, business address and phone number is: Herman Joseph Ray Esry, Parman & Easterday 10740 Nall Ave STE 160 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913)385-9400 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: July 16, 2023 Date of first publication: December 28, 2023 /s/ Deana Morton Clerk 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.

(12/28/23, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18/24)

620 Washington St. Open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30, Saturday 9:00-1:00. 660-6463504 www.lauhoffjewelry. com --------------------------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!

--------------------------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 h t t p : / / w w w. m i d states.net.

4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

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

---------------------------

FOR RENT Apartments for rent in Hale MO. Different size & prices. First month's rent and deposit. No pets. Background check required. Available now . call 660-6452269 or 660-6492316.

--------------------------Hunting Land for lease. North Central MO. Firearms. Deer Season 2024. Vrious tracts & prices. No outfitters. 660-6452269.

--------------------------For lease, Large house. Hale, MO Appliances furnished. 1st month & deposit due. NO Pets. Background check required.

Available 1/10/24 Call 660-645-2269.

--------------------------Call 816-539-2111 to place your classified ad today!

Send all your Legal Notices to Becca Giesken at legals@clintoncountyleader.com

Double Lot in Lake Concord Community

Page A16 • Thursday, December 28, 2023

Going Once...Going Twice...SOLD

This lovely home sold fast and we can sell yours too! If you are thinking about selling or just want to know what your home is worth, give us a call today! We can help with every step of the buying and selling process. Residential, commercial or land, our team has you covered!

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Lady Bulldogs at Hoops for Hope

The East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs took part in the first Hoops for Hope in Lawson last week, raising money for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. The ladies defeated Crest Ridge in the opener of the shootout. (Left) Senior Hilarry Elifrits fires from three. (Right) Freshman Piper Jacobs drives to the rim. brett adkison | the clinton county leader

(Left) Sophomore Allie Kelsey takes a shot against Crest Ridge. (Right) Freshman Kourtney Keling on defense.

(Below) Senior Holly Caylor positions for the rebound. brett adkison | the clinton county leader

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Connecting You to Better Health Liberty Hospital Primary Care The path to better health is guided by primary care teams who provide connections and personalized care for all ages. With several convenient locations, same-day appointments, urgent care and more, Liberty Hospital Primary Care is the premier choice in the Northland for whole-person care.

libertyhospital.org/primarycare

Happy New Year May you have a happy, prosperous and healthy new year!

Jordan Roth, CFP®, ChFC®, CEPA® Financial Advisor

This is where health happens.

Liberty • Kearney • Shoal Creek • Excelsior Springs • Plattsburg

903 West Clay Avenue Suite B Plattsburg, MO 64477 816-930-0017 MKT-9811D-A AECSPAD 20836508