The Leader • 2-29-24

East Buchanan, Lathrop and Plattsburg win district titles to advance to Missouri’s state basketball playoffs.

CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Thurs., February 29 , 2024 | Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo $1.00 | “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”

Woody Sues Commissioners Over Pay

Clinton County Clerk David Woody has filed a lawsuit against the Clinton County Commissioners centering on the commission’s decision not to fully pay Woody his salary while

he was away serving the country overseas.

Woody—a sergeant E5 with the 1135th Engineer Company—left to serve in January 2023, primarily in Syria, and returned stateside just prior to Christmas. He returned to the court-

house earlier this month after his federal leave. He is seeking damages and legal fees in the suit.

The suit, which was filed February 10 in Clinton County Circuit Court, cites a meeting on March 28, 2023, between the commis-

sioners, deputy clerk Christine Owen and the commission’s legal counsel, Ivan Schraeder (via phone). According to the suit (citing meeting minutes), Presiding Commissioner Patrick Clark and Second District Commissioner Richard

Riddell voted to follow the advice of counsel and pay Woody for 120 hours per each Federal fiscal year. First District Commissioner Jay Bettis was absent.

During that meeting, Deputy Clerk Owen said

A

Lathrop and Plattsburg were well represented at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships last week at Columbia’s Mizzou Arena. Lathrop sent a total of 13 wrestlers to the event, while Plattsburg sent three wrestlers. See inside for more.

(Above) After winning a state title a year ago, Lathrop sophomore Garrett Beane returned to the championship match, taking second at 120 lbs.

(Left) Plattsburg’s Kenlee Fish won four matches at state to place third at 190 lbs.

Photos Courtesy of Natalie Huke

she had spoken with Julie Moulden of the Missouri State Auditor’s Office, and was advised that elected officials are to be paid in such circumstances. According to the suit, Owen said she also contacted several other counties that said they have paid their elected officials who have served in the military.

According to the suit, the county’s minutes noted that both Owen and Clinton County Treasurer Rita Terwilleger carried out the commission’s decision under protest.

The county clerk’s an-

nual salary is $47,000.

Woody retained legal counsel in July. The counsel for both sides communicated on several different instances, as laid out in the lawsuit, but were unable to arrive at an agreement whether state law required the county to pay Woody his full salary.

When asked about the lawsuit Thursday, February 22, Second District Commissioner Richard Riddell said the commissioners did what they believed was right by the county, and did so at the advice of their attorney. He added that the

disagreement won’t keep the commissioners from working with Woody as the county moves forward.

Woody reiterated points of the lawsuit—that some other political entities disagreed with the decision but were ignored, and that some officials at the courthouse protested the decision. He said he believes no due diligence was done on the part of the commissioners, and noted that his attorney consistently reached out to the commission’s counsel with little reply.

Lathrop Council approves road closures for market

The Lathrop City Council met for a light monthly meeting Tuesday, February 20.

Representatives of the Oak Street Market visited with the council to put forward the market’s schedule for 2024, which requires minor closures of Oak Street (which were approved by the council). The market runs twice monthly beginning Saturday, May 11, and operates through September.

Clinton County First District Commissioner Jay Bettis attended the meeting and introduced himself to the council.

The council discussed the city’s comprehensive plan, which was last updated nearly two decades ago. The plan—which lays out the community’s hope for the city going into the future, including economics, zoning, improvements and more—is a benefit to the city when applying for different grants.

City Administrator

Bob Burns told The Leader the city hopes to obtain a grant to fund the update, which would include a lot of involvement from the community.

Burns also gave the council an update on the Park Board’s efforts to make big improvements to the baseball fields at Ingram Park on the west side of town. Those improvements include drainage between Field 3 and Field 4, redoing the infield on Field 4, and new bleachers (including the surface work).

GOP Caucus on Saturday

Missouri’s revamped presidential primary elections will begin this week with the Republican caucus on Saturday, March 2.

The caucus will be held in the community room of the Clinton County Courthouse on the lower level. The doors open at 8:30 a.m.: and caucus

voting will start at 10 a.m. At arrival, the photo ID of attending voters will be checked and their voting record confirmed, so arriving early will be helpful.

Caucuses in neighboring counties will be happening at the same time and date. That includes Caldwell County (Stage-

coach Park Community Center, 1010 Main Street, Polo, Mo.), Clay County (Oak Park High School), DeKalb County (Courthouse in Maysville), Platte County (Walden Middle School, Kansas City) and Ray County (Ray County Community Library in Richmond).

er fled from the scene on foot. The sheriff’s department deployed K9 Merlin and its drones, and was aided also by Caldwell County K9 Axel and another drone from the Cameron Police Department. Other agencies—including Lathrop Police, Lathrop Fire, Plattsburg Police, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Tri-County Ambulance—assisted in creating a perimeter for the search.

Taylor was found and arrested shortly after 5:38 p.m. According to the probable cause statement, authorities allege that Taylor had a strong odor of intoxicating beverages, his speech was slurred, and he was argumentative and combative. Taylor allegedly refused a breath test at the jail.

Authorities in Clinton County had to track down a man on Monday after a vehicle struck the back of a MoDOT truck on Interstate 35. The vehicle fled the scene, became disabled shortly after, and the suspect fled on foot before being captured. photo courtesy of clinton co sheriff s dept

Candidates file for offices at the courthouse

This is set to be a monumental election year throughout the United States, as the country decides its president and key members of congress. But it will be a big year in Clinton County, too, as candidates will seek office at the Clinton Courthouse.

That process began Tuesday, February 27, as the 2024 filing period was opened up to candidates. And several people threw their proverbial hats into the ring.

Two seats will be up for

grabs in the Clinton County Commission’s office. Both incumbents, First District Commissioner Jay Bettis (Rep.) and Second District Commissioner Richard Riddell (Rep.) filed for new terms on Tuesday. One challenger, Tyler Walock (Rep.), has filed against Bettis in the First District Commissioner’s race.

A challenger also stepped forward for the sheriff’s seat, as A.J. Carrell (Rep.) filed for office on Tuesday. A pair of incumbents— Assessor Cindy Carter and Coroner Lee Hanks—filed

for re-election on Tuesday, while no one has filed yet for the position of public administrator. Nancy Wingate currently holds that office.

Clinton County has been a Republican stronghold for more than a decade, and with no Democrats filing Tuesday, the county appears destined for another GOPheavy election. That could result in most offices being decided in August’s Primary Election, as opposed to November’s General Election.

The election period runs through Tuesday, March 26.

Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Calls for Service

Friday, February 16

8:00 a.m.: Vehicle crash on North Street in Lathrop.

8:29 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 33 Highway in Clinton County.

8:37 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

8:42 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Trimble.

9:03 a.m.: Animal call on SW Dubois in Plattsburg.

9:05 a.m.: Medical call on SW Lake Drive in Lathrop.

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

9:53 a.m.: Medical call on I-35 in Clinton County.

11:40 a.m.: Controlled burn on 280th Street in Clinton County.

11:42 a.m.: Controlled burn on 272nd Street in Clinton County.

11:43 a.m.: Medical call on Clinton Street in Lathrop.

1:00 p.m.: Controlled burn on I-35 in Clinton County.

3:14 p.m.: Controlled burn on 228th Street in Lathrop.

3:55 p.m.: Medical call on 230th Street in Lathrop.

8:08 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on N. Main in Plattsburg.

11:03 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on Center Street in Lathrop.

Saturday, February 17

1:03 a.m.: Medical call on NE Crowley Corner in Clinton County.

2:16 a.m.: Medical call on N. Main Street in Plattsburg.

2:36 a.m.: Medical call on NE 264th Street in Lathrop.

6:59 a.m.: Medial call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

11:11 a.m.: Medical call on W. Broadway in Plattsburg.

3:10 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on SE Cheyenne in Lathrop.

6:37 p.m.: Medical call on Moore Drive in Plattsburg.

7:31 p.m.: Threat (not in progress) on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

10:04 p.m.: Suicidal subject on NW 283rd Street in Plattsburg.

Sunday, February 18

1:49 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg. 2:33 a.m.: Pursuit on S. Birch in Plattsburg.

7:48 a.m.: Medical call on Z Highway in Edgerton.

9:32 a.m.: Fire alarm on S. Birch in Plattsburg.

11:50 a.m.: Medical call on Center Street in Lathrop.

11:55 a.m.: Controlled burn on Sw 252nd Street in Gower.

12:47 p.m.: Controlled burn on SE Cannonball in Holt.

2:11 p.m.: Controlled burn on 212th Street in Lawson.

2:58 p.m.: Medical call on SW Brangus in Lathrop.

4:25 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

6:04 p.m.: Medical call on W. Maple in Plattsburg.

6:46 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 169 Highway in Gower.

7:59 p.m.: Suicidal subject on East Street in Lathrop.

11:22 p.m.: Medical call on PP Highway in Lawson.

Monday, February 19

6:13 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

4:44 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

4:49 p.m.: Medical call on 33 Highway in Holt.

4:50 p.m.: Controlled burn on 252nd Street in Gower.

6:34 p.m.: Medical call on I-35 in Clinton County.

7:35 p.m.: Medical call on Kempter Drive in Kearney.

8:45 p.m.: Domestic in progress on PP Highway in Lawson.

8:58 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver in Gower.

11:32 p.m.: Vehicle crash on PP Highway in Clinton County.

11:33 p.m.: Medical call on PP Highway in Clinton

Candidate forum held for Cameron R-I School Board

Attendance at a Cameron R-I Board of Education candidate forum was noticeably sparse this weekend, with just two of the six candidates showing. Those in attendance were Dan Landi and write-in candidate Heath Gilbert.

The forum, hosted by the Cameron American Legion and moderated by Richie King of WO Entertainment, began at 6 pm Friday night.

The first question of the evening concerned poor candidate turnout. Landi fielded the question by admitting that organization of the event could have been flawed by not giving all candidates enough notice. However, he added that all were contacted

at least a week prior. Subjects discussed included concerns over students’ continued access to “dirty” books in school libraries, teacher pay, district waste, transgender sports and school shootings.

Gilbert addressed concerns by the audience surrounding board policies. It was suggested by some that it is unnecessarily difficult for patrons to gain access to members during regular monthly meetings, where these issues are typically addressed. Audience members also proposed that the current policies make it extremely difficult to voice concerns in a timely manner, and that current board members and Superintendent Dr. Matt Robinson may be insulated

County.

Tuesday, February 20

12:58 a.m.: Domestic in progress on Pine Street in Lathrop.

5:18 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 69 Highway in Clinton County.

7:14 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

8:42 a.m.: Domestic (not in progress) on N. Main in Plattsburg.

10:22 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

1:28 p.m.: Fraud report on Walnut in Plattsburg.

2:00 p.m.: Controlled burn on I-35 in Clinton County.

2:02 p.m.: Natural cover fire on 216th Street in Lathrop.

5:32 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Liberty.

8:31 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

11:53 p.m.: Medical call (overdose) in Agency.

Wednesday, February 21

6:11 a.m.: Vehicle crash on Y Highway in Plattsburg.

9:31 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

11:43 a.m.: Medical call on Broadway in Plattsburg.

3:53 p.m.: Animal call on 212th Street in Clinton County.

4:02 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

5:56 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

7:31 p.m.: Medical call on SE 228th Street in Plattsburg.

7:52 p.m.: Gas odor on 33 Highway in Plattsburg.

8:40 p.m.: Threat (not in progress) on Center Street in Lathrop.

8:42 p.m.: Medical call on Frederick Drive in Gower.

Thursday, February 22

1:24 a.m.: Structure fire on PP Highway in Clinton

County.

3:03 a.m.: Medical call on PP Highway in Holt.

5:30 a.m.: Medical call on Maple Street in Holt.

8:54 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

10:46 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

11:40 a.m.: Medical call on Smith Street in Gower.

12:18 p.m.: Medical call on Third Street in Trimble.

1:36 p.m.: Medical call on Scott Avenue in Holt.

2:46 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle in progress on BB Highway in Clinton County.

4:58 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 33 Highway in Holt.

6:21 p.m.: Medical call on SW Holiday Harbor in Plattsburg.

10:15 p.m.: Medical call on Hondo Street in Lathrop.

from public scrutiny and accountability.

Landi assured audience members that transparency was an important part of why he and Gilbert sought board positions in the April 2 election.

See video excerpts from the forum on The Clinton County Leader’s Facebook page by following the QR code below.

You know you’re growin’ older when... You’re sitting at home on a Saturday night, and the telephone rings, and you hope it isn’t for you.

* * * *

Within the farming community in Clinton County, there are a handful of respected farmers who reflect the legendary description by radio icon Paul Harvey laid out in, “So God Made a Farmer.” There at the top is Wesley Norton, the local guru of farming, who passed away on February 23.

And how would one determine such a lofty designation? It is easy when you consider the influence he had with other farmers and his passion to be the best steward of the land. This passion would also include the love of his family, as he taught his children the valuable lessons of hard work.

One can’t achieve this lofty status without the proper foundation, which was in-

stilled by his parents, R. Rea and Helen Louise (Ditmars)

Norton. His resume during his four years at Plattsburg High School shows remarkable achievement, with well-rounded involvement in all activities, including mixed chorus and band. He was student council president and FFA treasurer, reporter, and president. He lettered in football all four years, including co-captain his senior year. He lettered in track all four years. He played basketball, lettering his junior and senior years.

He used his hard-nosed athletic ability to earn a football scholarship to Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College in Maryville. After two years, he decided to head the University of Missouri—Columbia, where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture Economics.

Wesley joined the Missouri National Guard, where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was recognized for his outstanding math abilities.

After college, he returned

to the farm, where he raised cattle, hogs and crops. His easy-going, fun-loving charm earned him close relationships with fellow farmers. They soon learned that they could gain valuable knowledge about the nuances of farming during their regular conversations. One farmer was the late George Silvius. It was reported by many that they spoke to each other every day. One family member said the relationship was built on their farming careers and family. “They were each other’s therapy.”

His daughter, Brenda Norton, shared that his financial acumen was sought by others in the farming community. This knowledge was supercharged with his passion to help others. His work did not go unnoticed, as he earned multiple farming awards, far too many to list. Included in these awards was a proclamation from the Missouri Governor.

He had a reputation for eating fried chicken—a lot of fried chicken. Reportedly

two fried chickens at lunch. Brenda also shared a story about his zest for eating. This time it involved the biscuits thrown at Lambert’s Restaurant. During a trip he won to South Missouri, the bus stopped for lunch. When returning to the bus, they asked for individuals to raise their hands on the number of rolls consumed. Wesley won the contest with 22.

His daughter, Christy, recalled during a speech she was presenting when a man came up to ask her about her last name. He had attended Northwest Missouri, too, and remembered her dad as a fun-loving guy who hung upside down from trees.

However, his influence on her, sister Brenda and brother Brad, was something she valued the most.

“He was a special guy who taught us a lot,” she recalled. “Sometimes we learned while doing chores. Life lessons, as well. He was most proud of us and was dedicated to making sure he came to my sporting events,

no matter how busy he was.

Dad was a proud farmer and a steward of the land.”

Wesley was indeed a valuable resource and a mentor to a young Dirk Talley of Plattsburg. He reflected on his relationship spawned 37 years ago. His desire to own his first vehicle set in motion the need to pay the loan on his truck.

“This truck purchase also set in motion a three-year stint working almost daily beside the man who would be my greatest mentor for the passion that remains for me today in production agriculture today,” Talley said.

“When you worked alongside Wes, there were two gears you operated at--fast and hard, or faster and harder. Perhaps some would argue that slowing down might benefit all concerned, but Wes carried a weight on his shoulders that most could not handle. They were considered a very large operation with many facets, including grain production, cow-calf, all the way through back-

grounding and then on to the feedlots for finishing, and a large hog operation. You can’t run all those operations unless you’re running at full tilt. Wesley Norton was the definition of full tilt.”

“Those of us who were lucky enough to know Wesley on a personal level have lived a more enriched life because of him. Everything from his strong drive and determination, his care for the land that fed his family, to even his quirky sayings, “Ya Know.” I will miss you dearly, my good friend. Just know, I’m down here doing what I love in agriculture, in many ways thanks to you, Wesley Norton.”

His son, Brad, recalled a time working with his dad in the 1970s when interest rates were sky high. Brad wondered why he should do all that work when he could sell everything and let the interest pay for their living.

“I suggested that he could put the money in CD’s and that would be a way to fund

You are sitting on your bed tying your shoes and the electricity goes out. And it stays off...for weeks.

What would you do?

How would you care for your family? What if water stopped flowing and cell phones didn’t work. All with no warning. Just poof! How would you survive? Are you prepared? Do you have a plan? What if basic services stopped happening and stores were closed? Could you take care of yourself and your family and for how long until help arrives?

I’ll bet most of you are shaking your head. Few of us are really prepared for much of anything if our comforts disappeared in the blink of an eye. Not a zombie apoc-

alypse or nuclear war but something far less scary initially: a power outage.

That doesn’t sound too bad but what if it went off everywhere around you and stayed off for months and months?

Uh oh.

Whether by foreign hackers, acts of terrorism or electromagnetic pulse (EMP), our electric grid is quite fragile, as Califormia experiences frequently with rolling black outs and brownouts.

I have heard several experts and engineers sound the alarm over our grid being breached. One of the main concerns revolves around how dependent our national electric grid is on dozens of enormous electric substations across the country.

If nine (or so) of them were attacked, the entire country

could lose power. Maybe a few days or a few months depending on the severity of the attack, but we could be in the dark for a very long time.

Those large transformers that are vital for these substations are not plentiful and many are manufactured overseas or in China. I trust China to “help” us in a crisis like I trust Homeland Security to secure our southern border. Frankly, China would be the first suspect on my list of cyber-attackers.

Either way, we would be in the dark and if that were in winter, it could be doubly dangerous. Could you keep your family warm? How would you communicate, with cellular service and the internet down as soon as batteries drained?

While we cannot prepare

for every scenario, the more we prepare, the easier survival gets. And while I am no expert, use this as a jumping off point for your own research and plan. Here are a few areas for your plan:

Electricity

Most of us need at least a minimum of electricity each day for lights, a hot plate for cooking, or medical devices, like respirators or even a c-pap.

Start with extra batteries for flashlights and emergency radios, but perhaps even a small solar array that could charge a phone or power a fan or radio. That could recharge batteries but if you need more kick, I would recommend an emergency generator to run a few more

items or heat and cool a small living space. These can generally be purchased for less than $1,000 but should be used cautiously and only run outside in a well-ventilated area.

Whole home solar units are great but can be expensive and could also be vulnerable to an EMP, but that could also affect the generator, too. So what is the solution? Prepare.

Water and Food

If power goes out, water is not far behind, as soon as tanks are drained and pumps can’t operate. Keep enough bottled water on hand to keep everyone hydrated. That is more than you think—cases of water, not just a few extra bottles.

Beyond that, think about

how you will flush a toilet or clean dishes if the water runs out. You might look into collecting rainwater from your roof gutters. With a simple screen and a clean out pipe, a basic gutter and barrel can give you washing, flushing and bathing water.

Food is a bit trickier. Without electricity, or with very limited power (batteries or small solar charger), keeping food cold is difficult, so make sure you have non-perishable items that provide energy and protein needed to keep you healthy and functioning. Peanut butter, mixed nuts and canned meat are good as are many options in dehydrated food packs. Just have a plan for food for a few weeks if the store shelves run out and travel is limited.

Billy Gene Nichols, Sr., 84, of Plattsburg, Mo., formerly of Rushville, Mo., went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 19, 2024.

Bill was born on Aug. 16, 1939, in Stockton, Mo., to James and Pearl (Bishop) Nichols. In his early years, he was a cowboy for Newby Brothers, and later raised tobacco and livestock. He loved spending time with his family and friends and never knew a stranger. He loved his border collies and horses,

Wesley Rea Norton, 85, of Plattsburg, Missouri, passed peacefully February 23, 2024.

He was born on June 30, 1938, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to R. Rea and Helen Louise (Ditmars) Norton. Wesley was a graduate of Plattsburg High School, Class of 1956. He attended and graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia, with a degree in Agriculture Economics.

Wesley was a lifelong and proud Clinton County, Missouri, farmer and steward of the land. He was in the Missouri Army Reserves, a member of the First Pres-

Darlene Saale

Billy Gene Nichols

and enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and playing his harmonica.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Billy G. Nichols Jr.; two sisters, Edna Bernard and Mary Ann Dockery; four brothers, Jimmy, Alvin, Lee Roy and Virgil Nichols.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Nichols, of the home; his children, Larry Nichols of Lake, Michigan, Cindy (Randy) Sloan of Gower, Mo., Linda (Cliff)

Boatright of Weston, Mo., Sherri (Ron) Shatto of Plattsburg Mo.; daughter-in-law, Karla Nichols of Dekalb, Mo.; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren,

Wesley Rea Norton

byterian Church of Plattsburg, Missouri, Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Pork Producers, a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge, and a founding member of both the Clinton County Youth Building and Plattsburg Rural Fire Department. Wesley was most proud of his family, the kids, and grandkids.

Darlene Saale, 76, of Gower, Mo., passed away, February 26, 2024.

Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, March 4, at the Gower Christian Church. Funeral Service: 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, at the Gower Christian Church. Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gower Christian Church or the Gower Convalescent Center.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Laura Mae (Pendleton) Norton, and his parents. Wesley is survived by son, Bradford (Nina) Norton of Liberty, Missouri; daughter, Brenda (the late Cory Wohlford) Norton of Plattsburg, Missouri; daughter, Christina M. (Tyah L. Sartler) Norton of Muskego, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Kaitlynn Norton (fiancé Corbin Hare) and Cameron Norton; sister, Charnette Norton; brother, David (Carolyn) Norton; niece, Jaimee Norton; nephew, Eric Norton; and his beloved Golden Retriever, Penny.

and sisters, Ellen Harris of Raymore Mo., and Minnie Asher of Cameron, Mo.

A private family inurnment will be held at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Gower, Mo., at a later date. The family suggests memorial gifts to the Plattsburg Senior Center. Online obituary and guestbook at www.baileycox. com. Arrangements: Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service, Plattsburg, Mo.

Senior Center Lunch Menu

Friday, March 1

Beef and noodles, cauliflower, carrots, tropical fruit, wheat bread.

Monday, March 4

Beef hot dog on a whole wheat bun, baked beans, corn, peaches.

Tuesday, March 5

Chicken tenders, spinach, lima beans, applesauce, wheat bread.

Wednesday, March 6

Visitation for family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, and immediately followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 418 West Locust St., Plattsburg, Mo., 64477. Interment will be at the Brethren Church Cemetery north of Plattsburg after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Plattsburg FFA. Arrangements are made through Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service, Plattsburg, Missouri. Online guestbook and obituary are at www.baileycox.com.

Blood drive at Lathrop High School in March

A blood drive will be coming to Lathrop High School next month.

The LHS National Honor Society will be hosting the drive through Community Blood Center on Thursday, March 14. It will last from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in commons area of the high school. LHS is located at 102 N. School Street.

Appointments are preferred and can be booked at savealifenow.org/ group with the group code “CBIL.” For additional information, you can contact Susan Rupert at (816) 710-6116 Ext. 7414, or by emailing susan.rupert@ lathropschools.com.

Questions about medical eligibility? Call 1-800-688-0900.

Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pineapple, wheat bread.

Thursday, March 7

Tuna casserole, creamed peas, buttered beets, pears, wheat bread.

Friday, March 8

Taco salad, refried beans, diced tomatoes, apricots, wheat bread.

Monday, March 11

John Marzetti, cauliflower, lima beans, pineapple, wheat bread.

Tuesday, March 12

Ham and beans, spinach, buttered beets, apple crisp, cornbread.

Wednesday, March 13

Hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, peaches

Thursday, March 14

Fish fillet, peas, corn, man-

darin oranges, wheat bread.

Friday, March 15

Sloppy joe on a bun, potato wedges, broccoli, mixed fruit.

Monday, March 18

Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pears, wheat bread.

Tuesday, March 19

Sausage veggie bake au gratin, corn, spinach, mandarin oranges, wheat bread.

Wednesday, March 20

Chili with beans, buttered beets, cauliflower, peaches, crackers.

Thursday, March 21

Salmon loaf, creamed peas, lima beans, applesauce, wheat bread.

Friday, March 22

Glazed ham, broccoli, sweet potatoes, pineapple, homemade rolls.

Monday, March 25

Hamburgers on a bun, tater tots, coleslaw, apricots, relishes.

Tuesday, March 26

Chicken tetrazzini, broccoli, corn, gelatin with pears, wheat bread.

Wednesday, March 27

Swiss steak, cauliflower, spinach, applesauce, wheat bread.

Late Games: All three local teams make quarters

It’s going to be a packed weekend of basketball action in Clinton County.

Three teams—the

East Buchanan and Plattsburg boys, and the Lathrop girls—won their respective sectional games earlier this week to advance to quarterfinals. And all three teams

will be hosting those pivotal playoff games.

The Lathrop Lady Mules downed Trenton on Monday, 52-32, to remain undefeated and advance.

They’ll host El Dorado Springs on Friday night at LHS.

The Plattsburg boys blew past Maysville in the Class 2 sectionals Tuesday

night in DeKalb County, 72-62. They will host Weaubleau on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals.

East Buchanan domi-

nated KCI rival Lawson in the Class 3 sectionals Tuesday, 64-38. They’ll host Summit Christian Academy in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Lady Mules win first district since 1987

It took just eight minutes for the undefeated Lathrop Lady Mules to wipe away nearly four decades of basketball heartache Friday.

The Lady Mules scored the first 15 points of the Class 3, District 15 championship game against LeBlond on Friday, February 23, on their way to a decisive 51-27 victory at East Buchanan High School in Gower. It was the first district basketball championship for Lathrop—boys or girls— since the 1987 season.

The Lady Mules (26-0 and ranked fourth in Missouri Class 3) dominated from the outset, leading 15-2 after the first quarter and holding LeBlond (17-10) to just five points in the first 13 minutes of the game. Lathrop held LeBlond to just 13 percent shooting from the field while racking up 18 steals on the night.

Both Lathrop teams won district titles in 1987, with the boys finishing third in the state and the girls making the quarterfinals. It was the last time either team would make the state playoffs for 36 sea-

sons.

Lathrop head coach Greg Keith said this is a special group of young women, and though their talent is obvious, their chemistry away from the court goes unnoticed.

“They all have outstanding character, sportsmanship and attitudes,” the coach said. “Winning a lot of games and championships is great, but I hope they look back on this season on their ‘why’ they were successful, and it is be-

Upset Propels Bulldogs to the championship

coming in 2014 in Class 2.

East Buchanan (22-7) downed rival LeBlond (1910) in the Class 3, District 15 championship, 51-37, on Saturday, February 24, at EBHS. It’s the first district championship for the Bulldogs in a decade, the last

“On Saturday, I thought we did a great job of being patient and not getting shook early when LeBlond got hot,” said East Buchanan head coach Michael Carpenter. “The boys did a great job of just buying in to one possession at a time and that really started to stack up as the game went on.”

Aidan Smith came up big for the Bulldogs with 11 points, while Clark Scott

scored 10 points with eight rebounds and Gage Busby scored 10 points with three steals. Seth Spencer added nine points.

The district stuck a wild note in the semifinals—a round in which neither fourth-seeded LeBlond nor third-seeded East Buchanan were expected to escape.

KIPP Legacy came into the district tournament as the top seed, but fell at the hands

||Continued on A15

cause of their bond with one another. Personally, for me as a coach, seeing the joy and excitement in their faces when that final buzzer sounded was everything for me. They earned the right to celebrate and be happy and I

couldn’t be prouder of them!”

Keith added there have been a lot of great Lathrop teams over the years, and he hopes the coaches and players know that the Lady Mules accomplished this feat for

Plattsburg wins its fourth district crown since the 2019 season

b

In their quest for another trip to the Missouri Class 2 Show-Me Showdown, the Plattsburg Tigers left a pair of teams in their wake last week.

The Tigers (25-4) defeated West Platte (14-11) in the Class 2, District 15 title game, 79-53, on February 24

at Plattsburg High School. It’s Plattsburg’s fourth district title since 2019, including back-to-back championships.

“The guys came out locked in from start to finish,” said Plattsburg head coach Twydell Love, Jr. “I am so proud of my guys for the growth of our team from the beginning of the season

to now. We still have some goals we are trying to reach this year and everything is right in front of us still.”

Senior Isaia Howard poured in 45 points against West Platte to go with 17 rebounds, nine assists and seven steals. Rylan Langton scored eight points, Jaiveon Grayson scored six points and Gavin Boyle added five

points.

The Tigers dispatched Stewartsville-Osborn in the district semifinals on February 22, 69-46.

It was another big performance from Howard, who scored 26 points with 19 rebounds, 10 assists and six steals. Jon Fish scored 12 points and Langton

||Continued on A15

(Above) The Lathrop Lady Mules celebrate with their fans as they receive the district title on Saturday in Gower. (Right) Lathrop senior Kaitlyn Morgan fights through LeBlond’s defense to get to the basket. brett adkison | the leader

The East Buchanan Bulldogs celebrate their victory over LeBlond and a trip to the Missouri Class 3 state playoffs. brett adkison | the leader

y brett adkison leader editor

Plattsburg’s Jaiveon Grayson looks to pass Saturday

Lathrop makes an impression at state wrestling

For the second year in a row, Garrett Beane battled his way through Missouri’s best to earn a spot in a Missouri state title match.

Lathrop’s sophomore wrestler finished second at 120 lbs. in Class 1 at the 94th Annual Missouri High

School Wrestling Championships last week in Columbia, Mo. Beane—who won a state title at 106 lbs. last year while going 49-0—finished his second campaign with another stellar record of 343.

Beane won his first three matches of the tournament to advance to the 120 lbs.

64682

championship on Thursday, February 22. Once there, he fought hard, falling in a slim 4-3 decision against Holden’s Daylen Greene (43-2). Beane’s run to the title match helped lift Lathrop into eighth place in the Class 1 team standings with 59 points. St. Pius X (Kansas City) won the state champi-

Market Report from Monday, February 19 2309 head sold

Steers:

400-500lbs 3.13-3.54

onship with 234 points.

Freshman Remi Wolfe also had an impressive outing for Lathrop. Despite battling an injury this year, and being undersized at the 190 lbs. division, Wolfe put together a 4-2 record at state to finish fifth. He was especially impressive in the fifthplace match, as he battled Braxton Sneed (Lift for Life Academy) for a 1-0 decision victory.

Lathrop senior Keaton Coots finished his high school career with a sixthplace finish at 144 lbs. He went 3-3 at the state tourna-

Heifers:

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Cattle Sales: Mondays @ 11 am

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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

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Plattsburg (which coops with East Buchanan for wrestling) sent three wrestlers to the Missouri State Wrestling Championships last week in Columbia, with each earning a medal.

Junior Kenlee Fish put together a tremendous performance in the Missouri Class 1 girls tournament, going 4-1 and finishing third at 190 lbs. Her only loss of the tournament came in the semifinals against Isabella Renfro of Seneca, who finished as the undefeated state champion.

Meanwhile, the Plattsburg boys wrestlers competed up in Class 2 for the first time. That did little to faze either Caden McLallen or Dakota Rankin, who both battled their way to the podium.

Rankin, a senior, finished his career at PHS with a fifth-place finish at 285 lbs. He was 4-2 in the tournament and downed Mexico’s Emilie Scanavino in the fifth-place match.

McLallen, a junior, was 3-3 in the tournament, bouncing back from a loss in the first round to climb all the way to a sixth-place finish .

Plattsburg junior Caden McLallen (above) and senior Dakota Rankin (below) joined Kenlee Fish on the medal stand, as all three PHS state qualifiers came home with some hardware.

leader

435 W. 2nd St., Tina, MO

Casey & Amelia Flinn, Owners

Aubrey Schrunk (right) battled all of the way to a sixthplace finish at state.

to the leader

Jordan Diercks (center) finished third at 120 lbs. to rep Lathrop on the podium. natalie huke | special to the leader

Lathrop senior Keaton Coots ended his high school career with a medal.

Steve Tinnen, Continued from Page A4

our living,” Brad recalled. “Dad quickly rejected that idea.

‘We’re not doing that because we’re farmers. That’s what we do!’”

And he did it better than most.

Close the Gate

By Nancy Kraayenhof

For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,

Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,

Put away your tools and sleep in peace.

The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well under the hot, summer sun,

Hang up your shovel inside the barn; your work on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey thru life, often a jagged and stony way,

The sun is setting, the crops are harvested, and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin,

the stories flow like good beer, Wash off your boots in the puddle of rain, for there is nothing more to fear.

You always believed that the good Lord would provide, and He always had somehow,

Take off your gloves and put them away, no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the Land, and yes Dad – we will close the gate.

* * * *

Trivia question: What is the world’s most cultivated plant? A. Corn; B. soybeans; C. Wheat; D. Rice (find answer close by).

* * * *

Some smiles courtesy of Jim Nicholson, Honolulu, Hawaii...

• I can’t believe I forgot to go to the gym today. That’s seven years in a row, now.

• Ask your doctor if a drug with 32 pages of side effects is bad for you.

• Driver: “What am I supposed to do with this speeding ticket?” Officer: “Keep it. When you collect four

Jamey Honeycutt,

Continued from Page A4

Heat and A/C

Obviously if you have a wood heat source in your house you are way ahead in the winter and cool is not necessary for survival, but many of us have become a bit soft, so try to prepare for a minimal heat source so you can warm a small room in an emergency.

With as little as a candle and a flower pot you can warm a room. For more heat, a small propane canister heater is a huge bonus when you are in a crisis. Check out the many ways you can create safe heat in an emergency power outage.

Fans can really help cool you down if we lose power in the summer. Again, some batteries can be recharged to operate small fans and generators are a good back up plan, but short of a whole home solar array, cooling a large area will be difficult, so think cross-ventilation and cool thoughts.

Cash If there is no juice, there

of them, you get a bicycle.”

(Trivia Answer: C. Wheat is the most grown food crop in the world, followed by rice, in terms of area and production, both. Rice is the most grown food crop in the world. It is a staple food for over half of the world’s population and is grown on every continent except Antarctica).

* * * *

Food for thought: “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will, in the end, contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

* * * *

Thank you and I’ll talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com

Mules make it to title game

After winning just three games in the regular season, the Lathrop Mules basketball team wasn’t expected to survive the first round of the Class 3, District 16 tournament in Trenton last week.

Let alone compete for a championship.

The sixth-seeded Mules scored back-to-back upset victories to make the

district title game, giving top-seeded Lawson a fright in the first half before ultimately falling 66-59 and settling for second on Saturday, February 24.

Not only did the Mules nearly double their win total from the regular season, they also ended a long drought; this was the Mules’ first district title game appearance since 1994. Head coach Matt Pritchett was a

Wrestling, Continued from Page A8

ment, fighting back from a loss in the quarterfinals to earn two more victories and a place in the fifth-place match. The senior finished his career with more than 100 victories.

The Mules took nine qualifiers to the state tournament. Donovan Walters went 2-2 at 106 lbs. at the state meet. Kyler Simon (150 lbs.), Jesse James (165 lbs.), Gage DeShon (138 lbs.) and Paxton Quarles (126 lbs.) each finished with 1-2 records in

their respective divisions. Jacob Clark fought hard at 132 lbs. but fell in a pair of matches.

Lathrop also sent four female wrestlers to the Class 1 girls tournament, spearheaded by Jordan Diercks, who placed third at 120 lbs., going 4-1 against the best grapplers in the state. She suffered a tough loss in the semifinals but had the tenacity to rebound, earning a big pin-fall over Dalayna Hargis (South Callaway) in the

member of that team, and had a front row seat to the program’s return in 2024.

“It has been a long year for everyone involved,” Pritchett said. “These young men never quit and always worked hard. Seeing their faces and reactions after every game in districts was an absolute high for me. The joy that they were feeling was a long time coming and

will be no ATMs or open banks. You might plan on having some emergency cash on hand, even if it is a couple hundred bucks in 10’s or $20s, in case no one can make change.

Meds

Look into a 90 day supply option for any meds with your pharmacy. Again, costs are an issue but at least think about it when you are making your emergency plan.

Obviously, I am no expert and I am sure many of you are screaming out things I omitted, but that was my intention—to get everyone thinking about emergency preparedness. Do some research, make a plan, write it down and start carrying out those plans so you will be independent and not a victim if things get rough for a while.

I remember watching all those folks in Hurricane Katrina waving for help from rooftops and I realized that I never wanted to find myself in that situation. And if I did, I was going to have a really dry boat.

third-place match. Diercks finished the year with a 43-3 record.

Aubrey Schrunk also impressed in Columbia, placing sixth at 100 lbs. She finished the year with a 42-9 record. She was 3-3 in Columbia; her three wins were all by pin, while her three losses all required a decision.

Gracie Rindom went 2-2 at 140 lbs. for the Lady Mules, while Ali Gonzalez fought hard but fell in both of her matches at 115 lbs.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!

CALL 816-539-2111

$10

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

PAYING $75/ACRE

FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-288-9060

WANTED FARM

GROUND - I am looking for row crop ground to cash rent. Call Brad 816-2843689.

ISO pasture to lease. Cameron, Osborn, Plattsburg, Maysville. Top price paid. Text 816-284-0570

Kingsville Livestock

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

www.kingsvillelivestock.com fwda

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

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 as-

sistance with the activities of daily living. Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact

Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.

Commercial and Office Space Available at 203 E. 9th St. in Trenton. Water and sewer provided. Call 660-359-3800.

For Rent - 2 Bedroom Duplex in Trenton. All appliances, mowing and snow removal included. Renter pays all utilities. No pets or smokers allowed.

References and background checks required. No HUD.

First month and deposit due. Call 660359-1442.

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 660-6452316.

For lease, Large house. Hale, MO Appliances furnished. 1st month & deposit due. NO Pets. Background check required. Available 2/15/24 Call 660-645-2269.

PUBLISHER’S NO-

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

Call 816-539-2111 to place a classified ad

FOR SALE

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

4 burial sites for sale at Resthaven Cemetery, Trenton, Missouri. $675 each or $2475 for all. Call Bob at 660-3597468.

2004 Chevy Trailblazer LS 4x4 Clean interior, no rust or leaks. NEW Battery, alternator, coil packs and plugs. 2nd owner. Both key fobs 144,000 Miles. Call 417-331-1929

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!

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"

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

Help Wanted: Trenton Head Start Teacher, Full-time with the following benefits: Dental/ Health insurance/Life flight, Retirement, life insurance, sick leave and paid tuition to North Central Mis-

souri College. Visit www.greenhillsheadstart.org for job description and application or call 660-359-2214.

Secretary Position. Will need to know Excel, Word and QuickBooks. 16 hours a week, Friday and Saturday.

$12.75 to start, 3month review. Will be bonded. Please submit resume to office@leisurelake.net or mail to 71660 NW 25 th Trenton, MO. Call 660-789-2793 if questions.

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.

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

SERVICES

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

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

Offutt, Offutt & Associates Auction Service. Land, farm, and Home. Free Appraisals. Cameron, MO. 816-724-3214

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

Need proof God is real? Watch "Evidence for the Bible pt1" by Mike Winger on YouTube

PUBLIC NOTICES

Because The People Must Know

IN THE 43RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI

PROBATE DIVISION

Case Number: 24CN-PR00016

In the Estate of RONALD FRANKLIN BAILEY, Deceased.

Notice of Letters of Administration Granted (Supervised Administration)

To All Persons Interested in the Estate of RONALD FRANKLIN BAILEY, Decedent:

On February 20, 2024, the following individual was appointed the personal representative of the estate of RONALD FRANKLIN BAILEY, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri.

The personal representative's business address and phone number is:

4912 Gene Field Rd, St. Joseph, MO 64506

The personal representative's attorney's name, business address and phone number is:

Kimberly S. Brown 1803 Walnut PO BOX 77 Cameron, MO 64429 (816)632-2004

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 Decedent's death, as provided in Section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in Section 473.033, RS Mo, 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: 08-JUN-2023

Date of first publication: 2/29/24

/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. (2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21/24)

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

Case Number: 24CN-PR00010

In the Estate of JOHN ERIC COX, Deceased.

Notice of Letters of Administration Granted (Independent Administration)

To All Persons Interested in the Estate of JOHN ERIC COX, Decedent:

On February 8, 2024, the following individuals was appointed the personal representative of the estate of JOHN ERIC COX, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of CLINTON COUNTY, Missouri.

The personal representative's business address and phone number is:

MICHAEL COX 32675 W146 ST EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO 64024

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 attorney's name, business address and phone number is:

JOSEPH GAGNON, 119 N MAIN ST, PLATTSBURG, MO 64477 816-336-2660

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 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: 30-DEC-2023

Date of first publication: 2/15/24

/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.

(2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7/24)

AGRICULTURE

PAYING $75/ACRE

FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-288-9060

WANTED FARM

GROUND - I am looking for row crop ground to cash rent. Call Brad 816-2843689.

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

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

ISO pasture to lease. Cameron, Osborn, Plattsburg, Maysville. Top price paid. Text 816-284-0570

FOR SALE

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

4 burial sites for sale at Resthaven Cemetery, Trenton, Missouri. $675 each or $2475 for all. Call Bob at 660-3597468.

2004 Chevy Trailblazer LS 4x4 Clean interior, no rust or leaks. NEW Battery, alternator, coil packs

and plugs. 2nd owner. Both key fobs 144,000 Miles. Call 417-331-1929

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted: Trenton Head Start Teacher, Full-time with the following benefits: Dental/ Health insurance/Life flight, Retirement, life insurance, sick leave and paid tuition to North Central Missouri College. Visit www.greenhillsheadstart.org for job description and application or call 660-359-2214.

Secretary Position. Will need to know Excel, Word and QuickBooks. 16

hours a week, Friday and Saturday.

$12.75 to start, 3month review. Will be bonded. Please submit resume to office@leisurelake.net or mail to 71660 NW 25 th Trenton, MO. Call 660-789-2793 if questions.

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.

Commercial and Office Space Available at 203 E. 9th St. in Trenton. Water and sewer provided. Call 660-359-3800.

For Rent - 2 Bedroom Duplex in Trenton. All appliances, mowing and snow removal included. Renter pays all utilities. No pets or smokers allowed.

References and

background checks required. No HUD. First month and deposit due. Call 660359-1442.

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 660-6452316.

For lease, Large house. Hale, MO Appliances furnished. 1st month & deposit due. NO

Pets. Background check required. Available 2/15/24 Call 660-645-2269.

SERVICES

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

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

Offutt, Offutt & Associates Auction Service. Land, farm, and Home. Free Appraisals. Cameron, MO. 816-724-3214

Need proof God is real? Watch "Evidence for the Bible pt1" by Mike Winger on YouTube

FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023

of LeBlond in a major upset Thursday, February 22. That same evening, East Buchanan pulled the rug out from under St. Pius X (the tournament’s second seed), 76-59.

All

“I thought we played one of our better halves of basketball that second half against Pius,” said Carpen-

Plattsburg,

scored nine points with six rebounds. Grayson scored seven points with eight rebounds and Tryston Miller added seven points with four rebounds.

LHS

Girls,

them, too.

Senior Kaitlyn Morgan set the tone for Lathrop on Friday, scoring 23 points to go with eight rebounds. Fellow senior Keylie Beane scored nine points with nine steals and five assists. Freshman Jacie Kassanavoid scored nine points with four steals, while senior Autum Nichols had six points with five rebounds.

Wrestling,

ment, fighting back from a loss in the quarterfinals to earn two more victories and a place in the fifth-place match. The senior finished his career with more than 100 victories.

The Mules took nine qualifiers to the state tournament. Donovan Walters went 2-2 at 106 lbs. at the state meet. Kyler Simon (150 lbs.), Jesse James (165 lbs.), Gage DeShon (138 lbs.) and Paxton Quarles (126 lbs.) each finished with 1-2 records in their

ter. “We were able to make a couple changes at half on defense and were able to stay hot on offense in the second half.”

Scott nearly had a double-double in the upset, scoring 20 points with nine rebounds. Isaiah Watkins scored 13 points. Aidan Smith scored 12 points with

Continued from Page A7

The Plattsburg Lady Tigers were able to score an opening round victory of their district tournament in Dearborn, 41-25 over Lutheran Kansas City, but

Continued from Page A7

Audrey David pulled in six rebounds with two points, Alayna Williams grabbed four rebounds and Trinity Goodman scored two points.

While their defense boosted them to a championship, the Lady Mules’ offense was on display when they blew past Lawson in the semifinals. They scored 37 points in the first

Continued from Page A8

respective divisions. Jacob Clark fought hard at 132 lbs. but fell in a pair of matches.

Lathrop also sent four female wrestlers to the Class 1 girls tournament, spearheaded by Jordan Diercks, who placed third at 120 lbs., going 4-1 against the best grapplers in the state. She suffered a tough loss in the semifinals but had the tenacity to rebound, earning a big pin-fall over Dalayna Hargis (South Callaway) in the third-place

six assists. Busby scored nine points with eight rebounds and Dylan Davidson added eight points.

For the East Buchanan girls team, the season came to an end in the opening round of districts, falling to South Harrison, 52-38.

Brookfield in the opening round, 57-54. Brayden Pritchett led the team with 19 points and five rebounds, while Kyle Morgan scored 18 points with four assists and four steals. Brody Spear scored nine points, Max Gagnon

their season came to an end against eventual champ North Platte in the semifinals, 49-22.

half and never looked back, winning 67-43. Beane had a big evening, scoring 24 points with five assists and five steals. Morgan scored 14 points while dishing out seven assists. Kassanavoid scored 12 points with six rebounds and Nichols had 15 rebounds with nine points.

match. Diercks finished the year with a 43-3 record.

Aubrey Schrunk also impressed in Columbia, placing sixth at 100 lbs. She finished the year with a 42-9 record. She was 3-3 in Columbia; her three wins were all by pin, while her three losses all required a decision.

Gracie Rindom went 2-2 at 140 lbs. for the Lady Mules, while Ali Gonzalez fought hard but fell in both of her matches at 115 lbs.

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scored six points with five rebounds and Eli McKinley nabbed eight rebounds.

In the semifinals, the Mules followed it up with a 52-49 victory over second-seeded Carrollton. Morgan went off for 20 points while Pritchett scored 10 points with nine rebounds. McKinley scored eight points with six rebounds and four assists, Gagnon scored seven points and Spear scored six points.

The Mules took the opening advantage in the district title game against Lawson, leading by three points at the half. But the Cardinals managed to pull back into the contest and earn the 66-59 victory. Pritchett led Lathrop with 16 points and eight rebounds, while McKinley and Spear each scored 12 points. Kyle Morgan added 10 points.

Ellis Elementary Tigers of Character

was a

for the Ti-

as the center

where he helped spearhead the program’s first season of eight-man football. Plattsburg averaged 66 points per game on the way to a 10-1 record and a district championship. Brown earned postseason honors for his work, including All-Northwest Missouri. In addition to football, Brown is a key member of

Plattsburg’s baseball team.

Plattsburg football coach Brandon Boswell said he’s excited for Brown and looks forward to watching his continued success.

“Braden isn’t just a great football player, he is a great person that has lived his life by the values that his faith and parents have instilled in him,” Boswell said. “When I got to Plattsburg, Braden was in the process of rehabbing from a knee injury that he suffered his freshman year in football. Not only did he do a great job overcoming the physical adversity of rehab, but he showed his resilience by overcoming the mental adversity that comes with

experiencing the injury he suffered.

“Braden has been a cornerstone in the rebuilding of Plattsburg football and I am certain we would not have had the success that we’ve had without him. He has always been dependable on and off of the field. Days like today bring so much joy to me as a coach because it is another moment in which our team gets to celebrate together. Braden has spent years investing in himself and Plattsburg football. In doing so he has been a great servant leader that made those around him better. I know he will do the same at Simpson College.”

Congratulations to the Tigers of Character at Ellis Elementary for the month of January. The habit for the month was, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” An extra congratulations to Student of the Month Race Novich. Front Row (left to right): Bobby Roepke, Kace Masoner. Second Row: Eliza Jones, Lia Parra, Runlynn Cobb, Knox Findley, Starla Hale, Lincoln Snook, Addison Bowen, Wyatt Keefhaver. Third Row: Hannah Lloyd, McKenna Bucy, Amelia Gunn, Lily Converse, Race Novich, Silas Hale, Henry Thiessen. Not pictured: Paisley Johnson, Benjamin Thiessen, Emmy Williams, Logan Anglin-Wolfe.

Plattsburg senior Braden Brown signs with Simpson football after helping the Tigers to a 10-1 record in

courtesy