The Leader • 3-16-23

THIRD FOR THE ‘BURG THE LEADER

Plattsburg Tigers defeat Hartville to finish 3rd in the state, finish 31-1

Andy McNeely hired as next principal at middle school

The Lathrop R-II School District didn’t need to look long or far for their next Lathrop Middle School principal. In fact, a familiar face will be headed back to the office next school year.

Andy McNeely has been hired to be the LMS

principal for the 2023-2024 school year. McNeely, who currently serves as the assistant high school principal and athletic director, previously served as the LMS principal.

The move comes at a crucial time. District officials have been working to cut approximately $500,000

Someone impersonating law officer in Clinton, Clay Co.

from the budget next school year in anticipation for a drop in funding. As part of that, Lathrop R-II looked to cut the assistant principal’s position at the high school.

With current LMS principal John Goodin resigning to take a principal’s position in Kearney, McNeely became

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Law enforcement officials are warning of an uptick in officer impersonation in the past week, including cases in both Clinton County and Clay County. In February, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department issued similar warnings.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department issued a release Friday, March 10, outlining a pair of cases that had happened that same day, one on 116 Highway and another on Interstate 35, and confirming that in neither case was law enforcement performing traffic stops in the areas. In response, the

Congratulations, East Buchanan!

department has increased its presence on roadways.

One incident that morning saw what was described as a dark-colored Ford Explorer pulling out behind vehicles and speeding up to them, only to perform a U-turn and speed up to another vehicle. The depart-

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Much ado about an Alley

“Covers

Clinton County Like Dew!”

Looking back at the East Buchanan girls basketball team’s historic season, which included hanging both KCI and district championship banners.

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The Plattsburg City Council discusses a logo for the new water tower, the addition of public bathrooms downtown, and the saga over the alley west of Main Street continues. || PAGE A2

The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team bounced back from a tough loss in the Missouri Class 2 state semifinals to win the third-place game over Hartville, 59-48, on Saturday, March 11, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. For more on the Tigers at the 2023 Show-Me Showdown, turn to page A7 of this edition, and check back next week for The Leader’s commemorative special section. (Above) Plattsburg senior James Braddy (12) hoists the third-place trophy with his fellow seniors (left to right) Luke Schroeder (obscured), Jackson Lewis (35) and Alex Black (54) on Saturday in Springfield. jerry craft | special to the clinton county leader

Council talks water tower logo, downtown public bathrooms

Dissatisfied business owner blasts council; Mayor honors the Tigers

When the City of Plattsburg constructs its next water tower on the north side of town, expect it to have a little more flare.

The Plattsburg City Council met Monday, March 13, during which the council directed City Administrator Chase Waggoner to include both a logo and a tagline in the bid request for the tower. Though it wasn’t officially decided, the city’s current Victorian-style logo was the working logo Monday, with the tagline to be decided later.

Mary Jo Day also spoke to the council about branding the proposed new water tower. She said she’s been reading a book about town makeovers and one of the

subjects was how people often associate a town with what’s on its water tower. She suggested putting more on there than just the city’s name, including the possible tagline “City of Possibilities,” or holding a contest for the slogan.

Mayor Kennedy said that, in that same vein, he had spoken previously with Waggoner about the possibility of adding monument-style municipal signs at the city limits that could include the school’s state championships or the town’s civic organizations.

Monday’s meeting opened with a proclamation declaring Friday, March 17, as Plattsburg Tigers Basketball Day in the city in honor of the 2023 varsity team, which finished its sea-

son 31-1 and placed third at the Missouri Class 2 State Championships this past weekend.

During public participation, M.A. Porter spoke and criticized the council, saying they were failing to do their job in serving the citizens. He said the town has grown little in the last 40 years and the city needs to come up with a strategic plan to spur growth. He said nothing has been done with the condemned building at 100 N. Main, which the city previously sold by bid (Porter submitted an unsuccessful bid for the location), adding that he had voiced his intention to refurbish the building, had he received it.

Porter said the council has catered to just one person on that block (Main

McNeely Hired, Continued from Page A1

a natural fit for the position.

He will also continue in his capacity as activities director.

“I am excited to be back in the middle school,” McNeely said. “We did good work in my time there.

I am grateful Mr. Fine and Dr. Willard and the school board, who thought I did a good enough job there to move me back to that position when they decided to absolve the assistant high school principal’s job. Mr. Goodin did a great job at LMS and the transition will be seamless.”

A 1998 graduate of Lawson, McNeely began his educational career with Smithville High School in 2004, where he taught

social studies and psychology. He was at Plattsburg from 2008 to 2014, teaching social studies before becoming the middle school principal and athletic director.

In 2014, McNeely was hired as the Lathrop Middle School principal and was later hired as the assistant principal and AD at the high school.

He’s had an extensive coaching career in that time, including coaching the Plattsburg football team for four years and the girls basketball team there for two years. He was also the defensive coordinator for Lathrop during the successful Chris Holt era and was an assistant for several sports throughout his near-

ly 20-year career.

“Mr. McNeely has proven himself to be a high quality leader in our school district,” said Lathrop R-II Superintendent Chris Fine. “I’m sure the middle school will continue to improve under his leadership. Being able to keep him as activities director will be beneficial, as well.

I have no doubt this will be a successful move for our school district.”

This is the second time Lathrop has filled an administrative vacancy this school year, as the district hired Dr. Adam Willard to be the next superintendent, replacing the retiring Chris Fine on July 1.

Street between Broadway and Locust), a thinly veiled reference to Lisa Crawford, who owns Lucilia’s On Main and The Backyard. He said the city showed its favoritism by paving just a certain area of the alleyway west of Main Street, adding that Crawford had encroached on city property. He said the council had turned the alley situation into a fiasco and it looks like a war zone.

He went on to say Plattsburg is a nice, beautiful city, but it’s going downhill fast, with the downtown dying and the school under-performing.

Mayor Kennedy told Porter that he has discussed his property with the city administrator and urged Porter to sit down with them to discuss it. Kennedy, who also owns a business on the block, said he’s also experienced damage since changes were made to the alleyway.

Councilwoman Sue Malone said that the alley was paved not for any certain individual but rather because the city had some intention of putting in public restrooms on city-owned property nearby.

The following day, Crawford responded to some of the statements from the previous night, stating some untrue statements were made, unintentional or otherwise. She said no one from the city has formally notified her of an issue of her property encroaching on city land. She added that when they constructed The Backyard, they obtained the needed permits through the city and were transparent about the work and the location.

She said when it came to the 100 N. Main building,

she was the high bidder and has paid for the building, winning it in a transparent bidding process. She added she can’t obtain title insurance for the property until September 2024, which limits the amount of investment – and therefore risk – she can make into the building until then. She said she plans to do some cosmetic work to the building before September of 2024.

In reference to the city paving the alleyway behind Luicilia’s, Crawford said that the former city manager had contacted her, saying the city had done some roadwork and had the material left over, and asked whether she’d oppose it being used in the alley. She said there were potholes in the alley, so she was fine with it.

Crawford described the situation as unfortunate, stating that for people to speak badly about a fellow business owner, and to not support a community member, stand as examples of why people might not want to move to or do business in Plattsburg. She said it was disheartening.

The council on Monday renewed its contract with Ameren UE for its street lighting system, which was coming due in May. Waggoner said the city has 193 designated lights in town, and 156 have already been switched over to LED-style lighting, with the rest expected to be switched in the coming year. He added that the rates are set by the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The council also approved a bill allowing for the sale of the police department’s old .40 caliber firearms to the city’s police

officers and employees. Waggoner said that the supplier had offered to purchase the weapons back at $245 and then sell them to the officers at $295, essentially making a profit for doing nothing. Instead, by the city making the sale, that money will go back into the department’s coffers. Five officers and three employees (selected randomly from a pool of interested parties) are set to purchase the firearms, which will take place through a dealership with a federal firearms license.

The council also approved amending city code to consolidate an outdated title of street superintendent into the existing public works supervisor role, and approved Amanda Artigas’s appointment to the Board of Adjustments for a five-year term. This board serves as the deciding body when certain city actions are appealed by residents.

The council held a short discussion about the ongoing desire to add public restrooms downtown. Mayor Kennedy said he had spoken to Waggoner about the possibility of purchasing restrooms that can be moved between locations, which would give the city some versatility depending on the event. Waggoner said he had spoken to Public Works Supervisor Justin Hartzell about the possibility of adding mobile restrooms that could be placed on trailers and transported around. Waggoner said there are some affordable options but they would need to be permenantly plumbed, so they would likely stay in certain locations on a seasonal basis.

Police Impersonator, Continued from Page A1

ment did not receive any reports of motorists being pulled over in this incident.

The second incident on Friday was reported as a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee that had pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 35 using dash lights sometime after 4:30 p.m. The incident was reported by a passerby.

The sheriff’s department stressed that its vehicles have black license plates featuring the department’s patch and the deputy’s three-digit badge number in white letters.

In the release, the department urged residents, if pulled over by an unmarked car, to slow down, turn on

their hazard lights and park in a populated and well-lit area before calling 911 to verify with dispatch that the officer is legitimate.

Those with any information are asked to call the sheriff’s department at (816) 539-2156.

The following Monday, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department reported on its social media that it had received a similar report of a gray Jeep with dash lights attempting to pull over a driver in its county. For Clay County, its vehicles have a four-digit number, each starting with an 8.

Back in February, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s

Department reported similar incidents of a police impersonator pulling over drivers in the Fairport area (about seven miles north of Maysville) on State Route A. In these situations, a person in a gray Denali SUV with dash lights pulled over drivers on the mornings of Thursday, February 16, and Friday, February 17. Both times, the drivers were told they were pulled over for going slow (understandable given the winter conditions) and released to go about their day. The impersonator did not wear a police uniform, badge or name tag.

Sheriff’s Weekly Activity Report

Friday, March 3

5:22 a.m.: Missing person on Kansas City Boulevard in Kansas City.

5:46 a.m.: Vehicle accident on I-35 in Clinton County.

6:55 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

12:01 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Cameron.

12:39 p.m.: Medical call on Kennedy Drive in Gower.

12:52 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

1:02 p.m.: Property damage on Main Street in Holt.

2:24 p.m.: Death call on Burris Road in Holt.

2:39 p.m.: Stealing in progress on Valley Street in Plattsburg.

3:16 p.m.: Natural cover fire on PP Highway in Clinton County.

4:44 p.m.: Animal call on S. Birch in Plattsburg.

6:59 p.m.: Controlled burn on Earl Shanks Road in Holt.

7:08 p.m.: Injury vehicle crash on NE 336th Street in Cameron.

10:15 p.m.: Noise complaint on Main Street in Clinton County.

10:42 p.m.: Animal call on 169 Highway in Trimble.

11:47 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on N. Main in Plattsburg.

11:54 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on W Highway in Lathrop.

Saturday, March 4

12:11 a.m.: Medical call on Clinton Street in Lathrop.

12:37 a.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on SE 216th Street in Lathrop.

2:18 a.m.: Medical call on S. Fourth Street in Gower.

7:23 a.m.: Commercial alarm on Center Street in Lathrop.

8:59 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

9:03 a.m.: Vehicle crash on Center Street in Lathrop.

9:05 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

9:22 a.m.: Children’s Division on standby on Quail Place in Plattsburg.

9:36 a.m.: Animal call on N. Cedar in Plattsburg.

11:04 a.m.: Animal call on I-35 in Clinton County.

11:56 a.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on N. Main in Trimble.

4:13 p.m.: Natural cover fire on SE Holiday Harbor in Plattsburg.

4:30 p.m.: Commercial alarm

on Center Street in Lathrop.

5:10 p.m.: Pursuit on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

6:05 p.m.: Suspicious person on NE 284th Street in Turney.

7:42 p.m.: Medical call on W. Grogan on Plattsburg.

7:45 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NW 316th in Gower.

11:03 p.m.: Commercial alarm on S. First Street in Gower.

Sunday, March 5

1:04 a.m.: Assault (not in progress) on Park Street in Lathrop.

1:40 a.m.: Medical call on NW Norton in Plattsburg.

2:13 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

11:18 a.m.: Medical call (seizure) on Center St. in Lathrop.

1:53 p.m.: Medical call on Kennedy in Gower.

2:20 p.m.: Suspicious person (not in progress) on Pine Street in Lathrop.

3:08 p.m.: Natural cover fire on SE Cheyenne in Lathrop.

6:08 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on N. Main in Plattsburg.

6:42 p.m.: Controlled burn on SE Arroyo Drive in Clinton County.

10:48 p.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on W. Bureau in Plattsburg.

Monday, March 6

2:20 a.m.: Medical call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

5:57 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle in progress on SE PP Highway in Holt.

6:46 a.m.: Injury vehicle crash on 33 Highway in Holt.

7:01 a.m.: Medical call on SE Peak in Polo.

7:34 a.m.: Medical call on Clay Avenue in Clinton County.

8:02 a.m.: Animal call on SE Meadow in Lathrop.

8:16 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

8:30 a.m.: Controlled burn on NE Stonum Road in Lathrop.

10:16 a.m.: Medical call on SE Piute in Lathrop.

Noon: Medical call on North Street in Lathrop.

12:32 p.m.: Debris in roadway on 36 Highway in Clinton County.

2:27 p.m.: Medical call on S. Ridge in Turney.

2:53 p.m.: Medical call on SE

Shoshone in Holt.

4:56 p.m.: Medical call on SE

Shoshone in Holt.

5:44 p.m.: Commercial alarm

on SE 69 Highway.

6:24 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on N. Main in Plattsburg.

6:42 p.m.: Medical call on SE Piute Drive in Lathrop.

8:18 p.m.: Medical call on Cedar Street in Plattsburg.

11:25 p.m.: Medical call on NE 272nd Street in Lathrop

Tuesday, March 7

2:40 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

6:34 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

11:33 a.m.: Residential alarm on SE Dykes in Clinton Co.

2:18 p.m.: Assist another agency on Wolf in Lathrop.

2:21 p.m.: Search warrant on Wolf in Lathrop.

3:36 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main in Plattsburg.

4:17 p.m.: Animal call on SE Wilson in Lathrop.

4:35 p.m.: Medical call on Clinton Street in Lathrop.

5:55 p.m.: Medical call on N. Fourth Street in Plattsburg.

6:09 p.m.: Assist another agency on I-35 in Clinton County.

7:19 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

7:56 p.m.: Harassment (not in progress) on SE Shawnee in Lathrop.

Wednesday, March 8

2:24 a.m.: Medical call on SE 202nd Street in Holt.

6:47 a.m.: Medical call on Miller Road in Trimble.

7:22 a.m.: Medical call on Bryan in Gower.

1:59 p.m.: Medical on 169 Highway in Gower.

2:08 p.m.: Fire on SE 207th Street in Holt.

7:25 p.m.: Medical call on SE Valleyview Lane in Holt.

Thursday, March 9

2:04 a.m.: Animal call on 33 Highway in Clinton County.

4:28 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

4:53 a.m.: Medical call on N. Cedar in Plattsburg.

7:40 a.m.: Vehicle fire on I-35 in Cameron.

9:04 a.m.: Medical (unresponsive) on N. Third Street in Trimble.

9:04 a.m.: Residential alarm on Grogan Street in Plattsburg.

10:20 a.m.: Shoplifter on 169 Highway in Gower.

2:37 p.m.: Medical call on SE Creekwood in Lathrop.

11:45 p.m.: Animal call on Main

Regional 4-H Micro Energizer

On February 11, University of Missouri Extension staff in the Northwest Missouri region coordinated a “Micro Energizer” event for youth in Northwest Missouri. The event was a scaled-down version of the 4-H Energizer event conducted in years past prior to the COVID pandemic. The 2023 “Micro Energizer” targeted just five counties in the University of Missouri Extension’s Northwest re-

Plattsburg Senior Center Menu for March

Thursday, March 16

Chicken pot pie (veggies in the pie), beets, chilled fruit, wheat bread.

Friday, March 17

Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, Irish surprise, wheat bread.

Monday, March 20

Beef hot dog on a whole wheat bun, lima beans, corn casserole, mixed fruit.

Tuesday, March 21

Chicken tenders, tater tots, broccoli, chilled apricots, wheat bread.

Wednesday, March 22

Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, banana cake, wheat bread.

Thursday, March 23

Chicken and biscuits, buttered spinach, lettuce salad, mandarin oranges, wheat bread.

Friday, March 24

Fish fillet, buttered peas, gelatin with cottage cheese, assorted fruits and pastries, wheat bread.

Monday, March 27

Chicken and noodles, fiesta corn, beets, tropical fruit, wheat bread.

Tuesday, March 28

Country ham, sweet potatoes, vegetable blend, fruit gelatin, wheat bread.

Wednesday, March 29

Hamburger on a bun, assorted chips, tossed salad, assorted fruit.

Thursday, March 30

Taco salad, refried beans, diced tomatoes, tropical fruit, wheat bread.

Friday, March 31

Salmon loaf, creamed peas, coleslaw, assorted fruits and pastries, cornbread.

Market Report from Monday, March 6 2276 head sold

Pot loads of heifers 455lbs@2.2650 515lbs@2.25 631lbs@1.9675 2 loads 688lbs@1.90 680lbs@1.95 844lbs@1.7650

Casey Flinn, Owner: 816-769-7532

Field

gion this year.

The 4-H Energizer is an event that is designed to connect 4-H youth with volunteers that teach various 4-H Curriculum Project categories. These include engineering and technology, environmental science and natural resources, plant and animal science, leadership and personal development, communication and expressive arts, healthy living, and shooting sports.

The 2023 “Micro Energizer” 4-H event was conducted at the Cameron Veterans Middle School on February 11. Over 100 youth were in attendance and gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in their desired project categories.

Many thanks to the adult 4-H volunteers that made the 2023 Micro Energizer event a success!

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

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

Find us on Facebook at Tina Livestock Market Check out our market report on Cattle Market Mobile! Check us out on our new website: www.tinalivestockmarket.com

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

Tina Livestock Market.qxp_Tina Livestock Auction 3/9/23 10:17 AM Page 3

Heartbroken Salisbury proves to be a team of destiny

You know you’re growin’ older when... You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don’t even remember being on top of it.

* * * *

The Bible story of the battle between King David and Goliath is a lesson of courage, faith, and overcoming what seems impossible. The quarterfinal basketball game where Cooter High School faced Principia High School appeared to be that kind of a mismatch. The outcome of the game was not where this Bible story ends – it’s where it begins.

Remember what the proverb says: God works in mysterious ways.

Cooter High School is a small, rural, public school in a bootheel town of just 343 people. It’s student-to-teacher ratio is 17 to 1. Principia High School is a private institution in the suburbs of St. Louis with a ratio of 6 to 1. There, it costs day students $22,120 annually, or $41,160 annually for boarded students.

The game was thrilling and close – a 46-43 overtime victory by Principia. But the story was about a scoring snafu in the second quarter when two points were removed on the scoreboard for Cooter.

The Cooter coach David Mathis explained the points were initially put on the scoreboard at the Farmington Civic Center, and in the official scorebook, but then minutes

later, the points were inexplicably taken off the scoreboard and out of the scorebook. The coach did protest at the time. The respective scorekeeper books were compared, but the two points were not put back.

The rules of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) say that once the game is over and the officials leave the court, then the game is ‘officially’ over. Of course, that didn’t stop Cooter – the school, the town, and its fans – from crying foul. They claimed that the game should have never gone into overtime, and Cooter should have been awarded the victory.

Tom Davis, a freelance reporter for Rust Communications, wrote a column on semoball.com calling into question the professed religious values of Principa, which were not followed.

Davis writes: “Character is at the core of Principia’s beliefs? What level of character does it take to compete in the state finals knowing full well that your team was awarded a quarterfinal game through an acknowledged mistake?”

And from their website they claim:

“At Principia, we take a different approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education.”

Principia put out a statement about the situation: “We do not have

anything to share,” Principia Executive Communications Director Laurel Shaper Walters said. “MSHSAA is the one making the call.”

And MSHSAA made the call following their rules. They admitted the mistake, but they followed the rules specific to these circumstances. That’s what that organization must do, or chaos follows. The idea that Principia could have forfeited the game and then MSHSAA would have allowed Cooter to play is unclear. In real life, that sounds like a solution to the scoring snafu. Unfortunately, Cooter knew the score was not going to be changed and they had over a half of a game left.

So, in the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown, Plattsburg had the opportunity to keep their record perfect when they faced Principia in the state semifinals. Some might say that they could right the wrong of the Cooter game by winning. Unfortunately, the Panthers won 65-63.

The victory set up a championship game against Salisbury, who had suffered a tragedy when one of their players, London White, passed away unexpectedly last weekend. The team decided to go forward and honor their fallen teammate and play. His jersey number was No. 20.

In their semifinal victory over Hartville on Friday, and again on Saturday’s 55-46 win over Principia, the Panthers used 20-point efforts in the fourth quarter of both games to put away the victories.

Salisbury coach Kenny Wyatt said after Saturday’s title game, “That’s unbelievable. He was with us, I guess. That seems like too much to be a coincidence.”

Twenty points. Fourth quarter. Both games of the Show-Me Showdown. A state championship won to honor their fallen teammate.

God surely does work in mysterious ways.

* * * *

Trivia question: When did the popular ‘March Madness’ get its name?

A. 1939; B. 1951; C. 1982; D. 1990 (find correct answer nearby).

* * * *

Some more smiles from the witty side of Honolulu, Hawaii, courtesy of Jim Nicholson.

“I named my dog “Five Miles” so I can tell people I walk Five Miles every day.”

Cop: What’s that in the bottle?

Lady: Just some water, sir. Cop: Ma’am that’s wine! Lady: OMG! Jesus did it again.

Two old ladies, Dolly and Ruby, were talking about their grandchildren. Dolly said, “Each year I send each of my grandchildren a card with a generous check inside. I never hear from them, never receive a thank you message.”

Ruby replies, “I too send my grandchildren a very generous check. I hear from them within a week after they receive it. In fact,

they each pay me a personal visit.” “Wow! How come?” asked Dolly.

Ruby replies, “Very simple solution. don’t sign the check.” (Trivia answer – A. Entitled “March Madness,” it first appeared in the Illinois Interscholastic, the IHSA’s magazine, in 1939. The term struck a chord with newspapermen, who used it throughout their pages. During the tournament’s “Golden Era” of the 1940’s and 1950’s, “March Madness” became the popular name of the event. However, the term didn’t find its way to the NCAA tournament until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger (who used to be a sportswriter in Chicago) used it during coverage of the 1982 tournament.

* * * *

Food for thought: “I’m an Einstein of the streets and an Oxford scholar of common sense.” “You don’t kiss the cheerleaders and shake the hands of the parents until the game is over.” “If the waitress has dirty ankles, the chili is good.”

“You can always tell the Catholic schools by the length of the cheerleaders skirts.” Alfred James McGuire (September 7, 1928 – January 26, 2001) was an American college basketball coach and broadcaster, and the head coach at Marquette University from 1964 to 1977.

Talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com

Letter: Lobbyists make their money work in Jefferson City

How do you get a law passed in Missouri? You buy a politician. However, this gets expensive. There are 197 politicians in the Missouri General Assembly. Writing a check for each of them would cost a fortune and think of the hand cramps. Unfortunately, paid lobbyists would wear out dozens of shoes each year if they had to visit each elected official to convince them to betray their constituents for the sake of special interests. Luckily, the lobbyists of Missouri

came up with a solution to this problem. Why buy 197 politicians when you can buy just one?

The Speaker of the House in Missouri is an extremely powerful position. You appoint committee seats, pick the other house leadership roles, and determine which committee bills are sent to.

After years of power consolidation, the Speaker of the House has almost total control of the Missouri House of Representatives.

That’s all well and good

of me to say, but how do you go about buying the speaker’s office? Easy, you just write a very large check to the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC). Don’t take my word for it, go to followthemoney.com and check yourself. All the past Speakers are near the top of the donor list.

Back when I worked at the State Capitol, I became curious why the legislature spent so little effort addressing Missouri’s actual problems

like infrastructure, liberal indoctrination in our schools, and promoting a healthier society for Missouri families. Once I looked at the campaign finance reports, it all made sense. The people who gain leadership positions and committee chairs are not those who are the most knowledgeable, ethical, or the most courageous. It is those who donate the most. Where do these politicians get their money to donate to the HRCC? From lobbyists, of course.

WHERE TO CONTACT LAWMAKERS

Lobbyists will find a politician who agrees with their views (or one whose views are easily purchased). They will then donate to this politician so they can win reelection – but, more importantly, so they can purchase their position in the House. Campaign finance limits do not affect this. Lobbyists simply donate money to a Political Action Committee (PAC) with the understanding that the money they donated will in turn be donated to the politician of their choice. All of

this is very legal of course. Before anyone grumbles about crooked Republicans, there would be no change were the Missouri House run by Democrats. Our political system is one based entirely off money. If your name is not near the top of the current speaker’s donor list, congratulations. You have no actual representation.

Michael Pyles II Trimble, Mo

Robin S. Nave (Burnside)

Robin Suzanne Nave (Burnside), 65, of Kearney, Missouri, died unexpectedly on March 7th, 2023, at her home. Her loss was completely unexpected and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.

Robin was born on October 26th, 1957, to John and Shirley Burnside in Plattsburg, Missouri. Robin attended The University of Missouri-Columbia and was passionate about mental health, social work, and helping the homeless community. Robin worked as a licensed clinical social worker at Western Missouri Mental Health Center, Truman Medical Center, Liberty Hospital, and other institutions before her retirement in 2022. Anyone who knew Robin knew that she was passionate about her grandchildren, traveling the world, and reading anything she could get her hands on. Rob-

MoDOT: I-35 Rest Area to Close

in’s family and friends will miss her more than words can convey.

Robin was predeceased by her mother, Shirley Burnside, and many aunts and uncles. She left behind her husband Robert Nave, children, Courtney and Cameron Nave, and beloved grandchildren Rhys Hill, Emerson Hill, and Dion Hill. She also left behind her father John Burnside; siblings Ronald, Ricky, Roxanne, Roddie and Rae Burnside; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her celebration of life will be held on March 18, 2023, at Hidden Valley Funeral Home at 1015 East H Highway, Liberty, Missouri 64068. The visitation will be 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a short service from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Arr. Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Liberty)

Bless to speak to Gardeners

The Clinton County Master Gardeners have announced they’ll be meeting on Tuesday, March 21, at the Clinton County Youth Building east of Plattsburg on 116 Highway at 6:30 p.m.

The club will have a guest speaker that evening, John Bless of Plattsburg Floral, who will demonstrate basic flower arrangements. The program is free and the public is welcomed to attend.

Birding in Cameron

St. Joseph, Mo. – Late winter is a good time to go birding, as the birds are more visible with foliage off the trees and shrubs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free Beginner Birding hike from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 23, at Wallace State Park at Cameron.

The birding hike will teach participants about birds, how to look for them, and how to find information to learn more about birds that are spotted. Birding is about seeing or hearing birds and understanding their lifestyle habits and their role in forest or grassland ecology. Resi-

dent and migratory birds are actively foraging for food to stay warm in winter, which also enhances the chances of spotting them. Winter birds can range from blue jays looking for dried berries to hawks scanning the ground for prey. Waterfowl are seen near ponds and rivers. This program is for participants ages 14 and older. They will need to dress for the weather conditions and bring their own binoculars, drinks, and snacks. Participants can leave the hike at any time and do not have to do the full four hours. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed. Registration is required.

ST. JOSEPH – MoDOT will permanently close the southbound Platte County Interstate 29 (Dearborn) and Clinton County Interstate 35 (Lathrop) rest areas next week as work begins to convert the facilities to commercial vehicle parking. The rest areas, including parking, will be closed to all motorists beginning the morning of Thursday, March 16. As part of the

project, the current rest area buildings will be removed, additional truck parking will be added and vault toilets will be installed. MoDOT has contracted with Emery, Sapp & Sons on the $3.8 million project that is expected to be completed by the end of October 2023.

It is estimated that up to 35% of the annual daily traffic on Missouri’s interstates are commercial ve-

hicles. Of the 141 sites near an interstate in Missouri, 87 are at or above capacity at the peak hour between 2 and 3 a.m. An additional 23 are between 80-100% full.

“When truckers can’t find parking off the road, they resort to parking on the interstate access ramps and this creates a safety hazard,” said Marty Liles, MoDOT northwest district engineer. “By converting

FROM THE STATE CAPITOL

the rest areas to truck parking, we’re able to help meet the needs of commercial vehicles while decreasing the costs associated in the renovation and upkeep of traditional rest areas.” MoDOT maintains seven welcome centers, 14 rest areas and 24 truck-only parking sites.

Missouri moves closer to open enrollment

Last week, the Missouri House took another step towards empowering parents with more control of their child’s education with the passage of open enrollment for public schools.

Currently, a student’s educational opportunities are limited by their zip code unless their family can afford private tuition. However, every student has unique needs and deserves the opportunity to find the best educational fit for them regardless of their zip code or household income. This is especially true of our most vulnerable students who are too often trapped in schools that are not meeting their needs.

HB 253 would establish the Public School Open Enrollment Program to improve quality instruction and increase parental involvement, provide access to programs and classes, and offer opportunities by allowing students to attend a public school in a nonresident district, similar to what many school districts already offer as the children of staff can often enroll regardless of where they live.

The bill would allow school districts to opt in as a receiving district and determine how many students, which program, and even which grade they will accept them in. The number of students who may transfer out of a district is capped at 3% of the previous year’s enrollment. Local school districts would retain all local funding for that student, but the state per pupil funding would follow the student to their new school. The bill also codifies existing language from MSHSAA on school transfers to ensure that transferring to another school for sports still costs a year of eligibility. Should this bill pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor, Missouri would become the 45th state with some form of open enrollment for students.

On the House floor, the bill’s sponsor, former school superintendent Rep. Brad Pollitt, asked, “Should your address be the main determination as to what public school your children attend? I believe it shouldn’t. Should the child and family be the center of educational focus? I think they should.”

He added, “I believe open enrollment is a step in the right direction for educational reform, for offering choices and accountability within the public school system.”

Having heard the arguments for this bill both on the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and on the House floor, it was striking how little the argument was focused on what was best for the student and instead what was best for the public school system. Too often, what is actually best for the student is not prioritized. Even with another record year of

school spending looming, school districts are too focused on revenue and not on the education they are providing. Parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s upbringing and education and need to have every educational opportunity made available.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve Northwest Missouri in the Missouri House of Representatives. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 573-751-0246 or at Josh.Hurlbert@house. mo.gov if there is anything I can do for you, or stop by my office in Room 406-B if you are ever in the Capitol.

Congratulations to Plattsburg High School paraprofessional Kim Taber, who was recently recognized as the Missouri Council for Exceptional Children’s Paraprofessional of the Year for 2022-2023. Her family was on hand earlier this month at PHS as she was recognized for the achievement. logan reynolds | plattsburg high school

Basketball For All gives kids a chance to take the court

On Wednesday, February 8, Plattsburg High School held Basketball for All, which is similar to a Special Olympics competition. This event brought six schools to PHS: Cameron, East Buchanan, Lathrop, Winston, Braymer, and Mid Buchanan. A total of 70 students participated.

Amanda Wilkinson, PHS special education teacher, said, “The last time we held an event like this was the winter of 2020, right before we were shut down due to COVID. I love this event because it gives our students with significant disabilities an opportunity to participate in a sport. It also gives them a chance to interact with new people and make new friends. It was awesome to see so many groups within our high school step up in a leadership role to help out. This event would not have been successful without the group effort of our entire school.”

The day began with the kids honing their skills and preparing for the games with a clinic organized by the PHS boys basketball team. PHS senior Lucas Schroeder said, “The best part of the

experience would have been working with the kids.”

The stations included dribbling, shooting baskets and learning how to defend players.

Eventually, once everyone went through each station, the games began. After the games were over, students were served lunch,

which was provided by the Price Chopper in Kearney. Each participant was awarded a medal created by PHS technology design studio.

“The basketball event brings students and communities together,” said Gary Murphy, PHS Special Education Director and event coordinator. “Students in Mrs. Wilkinson’s class helped pick up the donated food for the event. We had many student and adult volunteers help make the day a meaningful, fun day for the students and their families.”

Special education departments in the KCI Conference are organizing more events so all students have a chance to participate in athletic activities.

“It was fun. My favorite part was getting to play basketball,” said Eva Belcher, sophomore.

CLINTON COUNTY R-III

On fire! Kayden Sammons locks in on the basket to make his shot during the Basketball for All event at Plattsburg High School. natalie huke | plattsburg high school junior

For more than 120 years, Clinton Co.’s news and sales leader!

MISSOURI CLASS 2 STATE BASKETBALL

Tigers Down Hartville for Third Place

Plattsburg

falls in semifinals but doesn’t stay down

The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team bounced back from a heartbreaking loss in the state semifinal to make history and end their remarkable season with a victory.

The Tigers (31-1) defeated Hartville (25-7) in the Missouri Class 2 third-place game, 59-48, on Saturday, March 11, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. The third-place trophy marks the best finish in Plattsburg boys basketball history, improving on the program’s fourth-place finish in 2019.

Third-place games can be tricky to navigate in high-level high school sports, because they often proceed a tough loss in a semifinal contest. Despite their hopes of reaching the state title game coming up

||Continued on A12

POSTSEASON

KCI, District Basketball Honors

Missouri Class 2, District 15 All- District

Girls: Plattsburg – Letecia

Howard.

Boys: Plattsburg – Isaia

Howard, James Braddy, Luke Schroeder. Player of the Year: Isaia Howard of Plattsburg. Coach of the Year: Twydell Love, Jr., of Plattsburg.

Missouri Class 3, District 15 All-District

Girls: East Buchanan – Gracie Kelsey, Hilarry Elifrits.

Lathrop – Keylie Beane, Kaitlyn Morgan, Autum

Nichols. Player of the Year: Gracie Kelsey of East Buchanan. Coach of the Year: Cori Elms of East Buchanan.

Boys: East Buchanan – Isaiah Watkins, Gage Busby.

Lathrop – Brendan Fine, Matthew Miller.

KCI All-Conference Boys

James Braddy (Plattsburg), Gage Busby (East Buchanan), Joe Clark (Mid-Buchanan), Brendan Fine (Lathrop), Isaia Howard (Plattsburg), Creek Johnson (North Platte), Charlie Kenslow (West Platte), Matthew Miller (Lathrop), Isaiah Watkins (East Buchanan), Isaac Willoughby (Lawson).

Honorable Mention: Miles McHenry (West Platte), Jacob Miller (Hamilton), Luke Schroeder (Plattsburg), Jackson Wahlgren (Mid-Buchanan).

KCI All-Conference Girls

Gracie Kelsey (East Buchanan), Hilarry Elifrits (East Buchanan), Kinzie Woodside (East Buchanan), Keylie Beane (Lathrop), Kaitlyn Morgan (Lathrop), Kinley Wilkins (Lawson), Evie Caresia (Lawson), Jordan Thornton (Mid-Buchanan), Mallie Lieffring (Mid-Buchanan), Karli Guinn (North Platte), Letecia Howard (Plattsburg), Julia Pattison (West Platte).

Honorable Mention: London Wilson (Mid-Buchanan), Lindsay Ramsey (North Platte), Madisyn Matlick (West Platte), Colby Shepardson (West Platte).

Junior Isaia Howard goes to the rim against a Principia player in the semifinals. jerry craft | special to the leader

(Above) Plattsburg Tiger fans flocked to Springfield on Friday and Saturday to root on the Tigers in the state championships. (Below) Plattsburg senior Luke Schroeder moves past a Hartville defender in the third-place game. jerry craft | special to the leader

East Buchanan Basketball

2023 Missouri Class 3 State Sectional Qualifier District 15 Champions • KCI Conference Champions

Lady Bulldogs again rule the KCI, district playoffs

For the last four years, the East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs have pieced together a golden era of accomplishment best described in its numbers.

84-29 overall.

25-3 in the KCI Conference.

Three district titles

Four conference titles.

An 8-1 record at districts.

15-3 in all postseason games. One sectional appearance, one quarterfinal appearance, and the 2020 Missouri Class 2 State Championship.

It’s a run that will live in lore at East Buchanan, thanks in large part to the accomplishments of the 2023 team.

This past season, the East Buchanan girls basketball team won both a KCI Conference championship and the Class 3, District 15 championship, going 23-5 on their way to another playoff appearance.

“The most important piece is the understanding of how hard you have to work to get there,” said East Buchanan head coach Cori Elms of this four-year run. “We take a lot of pride in who we are as a team and the way we prepare for the playoffs. It’s important for us to continue to challenge ourselves in the offseason, and with our schedule, while working on our individual skills at the same time.”

The Lady Bulldogs had just two seniors this year, but they were as influential as they come, as Gracie Kelsey and Kinzie Woodside provided the leadership for the championship campaign.

“The bottom line is, they are winners,” said East Buchanan head coach Cori Elms of her senior duo. “They have an internal drive to compete and work hard. They both brought different strengths to our team, but the greatest thing they

did was compete every day.”

Kelsey will go down as one of the best athletes in East Buchanan history. The Drury commit holds the program record in rebounds (1,013), is second in scoring with 1,766 points, while adding 169 assists, 167 blocks and 156 steals.

Coach Elms praised Kelsey’s ability to impact both ends of the court, how well she played with her back to the basket, and her willingness to be coached and handle constructive criticism for the sake of being the best player she could be.

“I think the fact she added elements to her game every year is what really stood out,” Elms said. “She learned how to use secondary moves that most post players cannot master. She had a tremendous knack for the ball off the rim, which made her really tough on the boards. A lot of things that Gracie did on the defensive end around the basket often would go unnoticed by others, but her ability to

alter shots was huge for us.”

Woodside was again the lynchpin at point guard, serving as a field general – a role from which she also helped lead the East Buchanan volleyball team to a Final Four appearance last fall. She finished her career ninth in program history in assists (203). Coach Elms said Woodside was a great communicator on the court.

“She was confident in her knowledge of what was expected and communicated this well to her teammates,” the coach said. “She didn’t back down from a tough assignment on either end of the floor. It was evident how important she was the past few years when we were missing her from the lineup. With her on the floor, it allowed the rest of the team to settle into their strengths which always made us better.”

To earn the program’s fourth KCI championship in many years, the Lady Bulldogs leaned heavily on a junior trio that stepped up with

greater confidence and experience this season – Hilarry Elifrits, Holly Caylor and Angelina Engnes.

“We saw some big things from all three of them,” Elms said. “Hilarry’s ability to score caused teams to focus more on her this year, and when they didn’t, she had some big games from the perimeter. Even though her scoring didn’t go up from last year, her percentages and other statistical categories made great jumps. Angelina gained confidence in her shot, which was a major asset to us and allowed us to have another scoring option. We will need both of them to become more assertive offensively next season. Holly did a great job defending and rebounding. She will need to take on an even bigger role with her post defense next season.”

As the program moves into a new phase, East Buchanan also saw key contributions from their younger players, especially Brooklyn Johnson, Kaylynn Engnes and Laney Wilmes, who logged vital

minutes on the varsity court in 2023.

Johnson and Engnes especially represent the future for the Lady Bulldogs, as this was just their freshman year.

“They both stepped up and had some big games for us,” Elms said. “Brooklynn’s offense and rebounding were crucial in some big games in conference and tournaments. Kaylynn’s defense really came along as we hit the playoffs.

“We asked a lot of Laney Wilmes, Kaylnn, and Brooklynn down the stretch. It’s important that they could gain that experience. We will need them to take on more on both ends of the floor. The hope is they saw what will be expected from them as far as carrying an offensive load next season, and continue to work on being creative with ways they can score. We will need them to grow on the defensive end to carry that load for

us.”

The 2023 East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs basketball team. Front Row: Parker Cox, Sydney Gilliland, Angelina Engnes, Kinzie Woodside, Gracie Kelsey, Raquel Marza-Gil, Kaylynn Engnes, Sherlyn Perez, Katie O’Donnell. Middle Row: Jaycee Bassett, Heidi Church, Laney Wilmes, Maggie Kelsey, Holly Caylor, Haleigh Croney, Sierra Simmons, Brook Parmely. Back Row: Allie Kelsey, Madison Miller, Brooklynn Johnson, Hilarry Elifrits, Kaylee Barton, Olivia Fortney. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHOLASTIC PHOTOGRAPHY

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! CALL 816-539-2111

AGRICULTURE

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

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

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

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

Kingsville Livestock

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

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

Osborn Livestock

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

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

FOR RENT

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

Apartments For Lease - Various size apartments available in Hale MO. Utilities and appliances furnished. Available soon. NO PETS.

Background check required. 660-6452269 or 660-6452316

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."

FOR SALE

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

For Sale: Rockwood camper 30ft 5th wheel with large slide out. $11,000.00. Surveyor pull behind camper 15ft, sleeps

8, $8,000.00. Utility trailer, heavy duty, patched ramp, 3500lb axel, $1,200. Call 816-617-3372

For Sale: Queensize wooden bed frame with foundation and adjustable firmness dual air chamber Select Comfort mattress; $300.00. Call 660485-6305

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf

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

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

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

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

Notice for Bid

The City of Trimble is now accepting bids for Chip (Haydite) & Seal. Please contact City Hall for Bid Specs. Sealed bids due at City Hall by 5:00 pm, April 3, 2023. Trimble City Hall 101 S Fourth St PO BOX 99 Trimble, MO 64492 816357-2079 Clerk@trimblemissouri.orgMark Graham 816-357-2079 (3/16/23)

PUBLIC HEARING

O Highway Investments LLC of Trimble, MO has applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Major Subdivide (8 lots) of a 95.6 acre parcel into 8 Lots measuring 11.1+/-, 11.1+/-, 10.5+/-, 12.4+/-, 10.0+/-, 10.9+/-, 15.7+/and 13.9 +/- acres. Rezone of the 8 lots to R-1 (Single Family Residential). Property is bordered on the South and East sides by Highway O. Property is located East of US Hwy 169, North of SW 227th St., Trimble, MO. Section 7; Township 54N; Range 32W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the Community Room in the basement of the Clinton County Courthouse. All interested parties should attend.

Clinton County Planning and Zoning

Tricia “P.J.” Knight - Administrator (3/16, 3/23/23)

NOTICES

THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 359-3313. Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of service & experience. MR. TIRE –Mastercraft and Yokohama tires. Tdtf

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

E.O.E. S415dtf

North Central Missouri College is seeking Upward Bound Summer Instructors. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu/jobs for more information and how to apply or call 660-359-3948 x1338. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

North Central Missouri College is seeking an Agriculture Agronomy/Precision Technology Instructor. This is a full-time position with benefits included. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu /jobs for more information and how to

apply or call 660357-6203. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Help WantedCounterperson, Delivery Driver, Monday thru Friday, 8-5, every other Saturday, 7:30-12:00. Paid vacation and holidays. Must have clean driving record. Apply in person at Carquest Auto Parts, Trenton, MO.

WANTED

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

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

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

SERVICES

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

Notice for Bid

The City of Trimble is now accepting bids for house & property Located @ 203 N. Port Arthur Rd Trimble, MO 64492. Sealed bids due @ City Hall by 5:00 pm March 20, 2023. Trimble City Hall 101 S Fourth St. Trimble, MO 64492 816357-2079 (3/16/23)

PUBLIC HEARING

Trevor and Katie Rawlings of Cameron, MO have applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Major Subdivide (4 lots) of a 53.05 acre parcel into 4 Lots measuring 38.05+/-, 5.00+/-, 5.00+/-, and 5.00+/acres. Rezone of the 3-5.00 acres lots to R-1 (Single Family Residential).

Property is located on the East of Hwy

A, South side of NE 336th St., and North of NE 324th St., Cameron, MO. Section 5; Township 56N; Range 30W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 7:30 pm in the Community Room in the basement of the Clinton County Courthouse. All interested parties should attend.

Clinton County Planning and Zoning

Tricia “P.J.” Knight - Administrator (3/16, 3/23/23)

PUBLIC NOTICES

Because The People Must Know

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE is hereby given that a regular election will be held in the Lathrop R-II School District on April 4, 2023 for the purpose of electing three directors of the Board of Education for terms of three (3) years. The polls shall open between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. All qualified and registered voters residing in the District are entitled to vote at the election.

A SAMPLE BALLOT FOR THE ELECTION IS AS FOLLOWS:

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS:

(To cast a vote for director upon this ballot, darken the oval next to the name of the candidate or candidates for whom you wish to vote; your vote will not be counted for any candidate unless the oval is darkened next to the name). FOR DIRECTOR OF LATHROP R-II SCHOOL DISTRICT

TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023

(VOTE FOR THREE (3) CANDIDATES TO SERVE TERMS OF THREE (3) YEARS)

( ) WILLIAM ROBERT DIETRICH, JR.

( ) JEN LANNING

( ) T’KEYA SHARMÉ COPE

( ) JAMES P. MARTIN

( ) DARRELL DENNIS MORGAN, JR.

Lauren Claypool, Board Secretary (3/16, 3/23/23)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION

Case Number: 23CN-PR00021

In the Estate of WILLIAM D. COLBURN, Deceased.

NOTICE OF HEARING

TO ALL PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY OF WILLIAM D. COLBURN, DECEASED, WHO DIED ON JANUARY 19TH, 2022, RESIDENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI, AS AN HEIR OF SAID DECEDENT OR THROUGH ANY HEIR OF SAID DECEDENT:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed in the above Court by Karen Colburn, for the determination of heirs of William D. Colburn, deceased, and of their respective interests as such heirs in and with respect to the following described property owned by said decedent at the time of death, to-wit: Bank Account at Commerce Bank

Petitioner's attorney is Kim Brown, Attorney at Law, LLC, 1803 N. Walnut, P.O. Box 77, Cameron, Missouri 64429.

You are hereby required to appear to answer said petition on April 10th, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri, at Plattsburg, Missouri, at which time and place said petition will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment may be entered in due course upon said petition.

Dated 3/6/23

Ren Eads, Circuit Clerk, Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri (3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/23)

PAGE TREE SERV-

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

Free Estimates!

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

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

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

Experience.

JAMESPORT

LUMBER - Full Service Lumberyard. We also sell Trusses/metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery Available • Free Estimates.

32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-6846404

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

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.

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

RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospi-

NO HUNTING DIRECTORY

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

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

PLATTSBURG

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

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

JAMESPORT

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

LAUHOFF JEWELRY Downtown Chillicothe620 Washington St. Open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30, Saturday 9:00-1:00. 660-646-3504 www.lauhoffjewelry. com

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

AGRICULTURE

Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or

6-23

Bruce Reynolds 5-23

Mrs. C.R. Moody & Blackledge Farms 3-23

Hales Farms 3-23

Redburns’ Lucky Star Ranch 8-23

Nelson Farm 3-23

Sylvia Conner 3-24

Sandra Wiedmaier 3-24

All lands leased by

Brandon Stevens 3-24

TURNEY

Sypkens Farms 6-23

King Farm 10-23

GOWER

Emmett O. Auxier Farm 10-23

LATHROP

David Adam 3-24

Additional Areas Available: TRIMBLE CALL

(816) 539-2111

To be added to the No Hunting Directory

on shares. Call Mike at 816-248-3091

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

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

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

Kingsville Livestock

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

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

Osborn Livestock

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The City of Gower, Missouri will be receiving bids at Gower City Hall, 97 North 4th Street, Gower, Missouri, 64454 until 3:00 PM on Friday April 21, 2023 for the installation of approximately 1,200 lineal feet of 6” PVC Waterline, 4 Fire Hydrants, 4 6” Gate valves and 17 service line connections. Plans and Specifications can be secured from Snyder & Associates, Inc. 802 Francis St. St. Joseph, Missouri, 64501 (816-364-5222) upon the receipt of Twenty-five dollars ($25). Payment is nonrefundable. A Pre-Bid conference for Gower Water Line Replacement will be held at Snyder & Associates, 802 Francis Street, St. Joseph, Missouri 64501 at 10 o’clock (A.M. S.T.) on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Pre-Bid is not mandatory but is highly encouraged.

(3/16, 3/23/23)

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

FOR RENT

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

Apartments For Lease - Various size apartments available in Hale MO. Utilities and appliances furnished. Available soon. NO PETS. Background check required. 660-6452269 or 660-6452316

FOR SALE

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

For Sale: Rockwood camper 30ft 5th

wheel with large slide out. $11,000.00. Surveyor pull behind camper 15ft, sleeps 8, $8,000.00. Utility trailer, heavy duty, patched ramp, 3500lb axel, $1,200. Call 816-617-3372

For Sale: Queensize wooden bed frame with foundation and adjustable firmness dual air chamber Select Comfort mattress; $300.00. Call 660485-6305

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf

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

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

PUBLIC TEST OF THE VOTING EQUIPMENT AT CLINTON COUNTY

On March 28, 2023, the public is invited to attend a test of the voting equipment for the upcoming April 4, 2023, General Municipal Election. The testing will be held at the Clinton County Courthouse located at 207 N Main, Plattsburg, MO 64477 at 10:00 a.m. in the office of David Woody, Clinton County Clerk. Any person wishing to attend will be welcome.

(3/16, 3/23/23)

Grooming. Appointments available Monday - Saturday. 35 Years of Experience! Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996! dtf

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

EMPLOYMENT

Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. E.O.E. S415dtf

North Central Missouri College is seeking Upward Bound Summer Instructors. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu/jobs for more information and how to apply or call 660-359-3948 x1338. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

North Central Missouri College is seeking an Agriculture Agronomy/Precision Technology Instructor. This is a

full-time position with benefits included. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu /jobs for more information and how to apply or call 660357-6203. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Help WantedCounterperson, Delivery Driver, Monday thru Friday, 8-5, every other Saturday, 7:30-12:00. Paid vacation and holidays. Must have clean driving record. Apply in person at Carquest Auto Parts, Trenton, MO.

SERVICES

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

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

PUBLIC HEARING

CIRCUIT COURT OF CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION Case Number: 23CN-PR00002

IN THE ESTATE OF: DIANA JOAN GILSON, Decedent.

NOTICE OF HEARING

To all persons known or unknown who claim any interest as an heir or through an heir in the property of Diana Joan Gilson, who died on the 25th day of August, 2021, residing at 6729 Red Top Lane, Lawson, Missouri.

You are hereby notified that an application has been filed in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clay County, Missouri, by Vaughn M. Gilson for the Determination of Heirship and of their respective interests as such heirs in and with respect to all of the property owned by said deceased at the time of death including the following to wit: Associated Bank Checking Account #6680 $5,964.87

Central Bank Checking and Savings Account #6596 $21,407.30

Petitioner's attorney is Adam L. Sales, whose business address is 1517 NE Parvin Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64116.

You are further notified that a hearing on said application will be held on the day of April 21st, 2023, at 9 A.M., in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri, at the Clinton County Courthouse, 207 N. Main Street, Plattsburg, Missouri, at which time evidence will be presented to the Court and at which time and place you are entitled to be present and to be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment may be entered in due course upon said petition.

Dated: 3-13-2023

Jessy Schulz, Clerk

(3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6/23)

Select Investments & Holdings LLC of Kansas City, MO has applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Minor Subdivide of a 24.9 acre parcel into 3-8.3+/- acre lots. Rezone of the lots to R-1 (Single Family Residential). Property is located in the NE Quadrant of the intersection of NE Brown Road and NE 256th St in Lathrop, MO. Section 22; Township 55N; Range 30W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 7:15 pm in the Community Room in the basement of the Clinton County Courthouse. All interested parties should attend.

Clinton County Planning and Zoning Tricia “P.J.” Knight - Administrator (3/16, 3/23/23)

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Lathrop R-II School District is accepting proposals for contracting out the Food Service Program with a Fixed Price contract for the 2023-2024 School Year. A pre-proposal meeting will be held April 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Lathrop High School. Request for Proposals are due by May 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

For questions and bid specifications, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 816-710-6110 or chris.fine@ lathropschools.com

The Lathrop School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

(3/9, 3/16/23)

Plattsburg

Basketball,

Continued from Page A7

East Buchanan HS Third Quarter Honor Roll

HONOR ROLL

The following students qualified for the first quarter honor roll. All students had to receive grades of B- or higher. Weighted classes were taken into consideration.

Seniors – Isabella Baugh, Ashley Baxter, Jeffery Bradford, Jack Church, Kayla

Curnutt, Adam Stephen Engnes, Cole Gilliland, Bella Grado, Alec Hesson, Christian Maiseroulle, Jena Musser, Derek Peak, Taran Sherwood, Laken Stallard, Johnna Thomas, Kinzie

Woodside

Juniors – Abigail Archdekin, Holly Caylor, Caroline

Claycomb-Young, Maddox

Erich, Nathaniel Fortney, Alexis Golden, Maely McCoy, Rayven Moore, Aden

Mortimore, Tucker Musser, Gavin Rhode, Luca Rodriguez Carrascal, Ashton Roe, Macy Scott, Carter Shreve, Emrey Taylor, Barrett Veatch, Zora Whitt

Sophomores – Corbin Allen, Jordyn Allen, Heidi Church, Andrew Collard, Parker Conroy, Dylan Davidson, Landon Delong, Robert

Gross, Ty Ingle, Jacob King, Jaden Marsh, Lake McCray, Augustus Mink, Katherine O’Donnell, Coleson Orstad, Wyatt Palmer, Kyler Paxton, Cayden Ray, Nathan Schilling, Aidan Smith, Jaden Torres, Jessalyn Townsend, Tesha Traub, Isaiah Watkins, Braden Whiteley, Laney Wilmes

Freshmen -- Hayden Allen, Beck Bodenhausen, Lliam Bonwell, Darcy Davis, Kylie Elliott, Griffin Helsel, Maggie Kelsey, Brayden

Lewis, Benjamin Rhoad, Nolan Rust, Clark Scott, Sierra Simmons, Colten Townsend.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

The following students qualified for the first quarter high honor roll. All students had to receive grades of A- or higher. Weighted classes were taken into consideration.

Seniors – Brooklynn Adams, Adrian Allen, Zakary Andrews, Austin Cilke, Laynie Davidson, Dylan Ellis, Spencer Gresham, Max Henry, Gracie Kelsey, Carly

Livingston, Brody Martin, Raquel Marza-Gil, Quincy Meyer, Allysson Parks, Wyeth Perry, Maya Watkins, Carson White Juniors -- Gage Busby, Kylie Clark, Teddi Dixon, Hilarry Elifrits, Riley Everett, Wyatt Fisher, Chloe Friess, Kelsey Herpel, Lola Hofmann, Ty Humbard, Aynjewel Jones, Anna Kenagy, Nicholas Klein, Trevor Klein, Addisyn Musser, Aidan Rhoad, Madeline Whitt Sophomores – Abagail Barton, Ella Brown, Tibet Brown, Zamuel Brushwood, Trey Johnson, Madisyn Miller, Maverick Mumford, Elizabeth Newell, Trey Pendleton, Alden Perry, Andrew Rhoad, Seth Spencer, Gavin Utz, Chloe Wheeler Freshmen – Myles Adams, Lewis Atha, Haleigh Croney, Kelsey Curp, Lana Curp, Franklin Duke, Ann-Marie Edwards, Kaylynn Engnes, Sydney Gilliland, Caroline Houghton, Brooklyn Johnson, Allie Kelsey, Chase Klein, Kaden Mujica, Ava Pflugradt, Natalya Sprague, Chase Wilson, Liam Wilson

Tigers of Character

Congratulations to the February Tigers of Character at Ellis Elementary in Plattsburg. The Tiger Habit for the month was Synergize. An extra congratulations goes to Zyler Bybee, who was the Student of the Month. Front Row (left to right): Zyler Bybee, Hayden Norris. Second Row: Jaxon Johnson, Lily Lager, Kodi Greene, Jaxon Perkins, Kirk Reeves, Ryker Schmalz. Back Row: Tara Miller, Hannah Lloyd, Caysen Martin, Zavier May, Drake Wilkinson, Xander Osborn, Cassie Timms. Not Pictured: Joel Denton, Henry Thiessen, Shane Groshong, Reece Denton.

just short, the Tigers showed poise and tenacity in attacking the third-place game less than 24 hours later.

“They handled it well, just like we’ve done all year long,” said Plattsburg head coach Twydell Love, Jr., “taking everything game by game. I knew it was our seniors’ last game of their high school career, so I just let them play free and have fun together and enjoy the moment.”

Plattsburg took a first quarter lead and never relinquished their advantage, leading 27-24 at halftime and outscoring the Eagles 32-24 in the second half. The Tigers shot over 50 percent from the field and made 10 of their 20 three-point attempts.

Senior James Braddy was the leading scorer for Plattsburg, putting up 21 points to go with four assists. Fellow senior Luke Schroeder scored 13 points and junior Isaia Howard put up 11 points with nine rebounds. Ryan Langton scored nine points, senior Jackson Lewis scored three points and Gavin Boyle added two points.

A furious comeback attempt in the state semifinals the previous day fell just short, as Plattsburg fell to Principia, 65-63, on Friday at the Hammons Center in Springfield. In their lone loss of the season, the Tigers found themselves down by as much as 10 points in the third quarter, but outscored the Panthers 12-6 in the final three minutes of the game, nearly pulling off the upset.

“We fought to the very end, and that’s all you can ask for out of your guys,” said Coach Love. “We had multiple opportunities and we just came up short.”

Howard led Plattsburg with a gamehigh 29 points to go with eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Braddy scored 20 points, Lewis scored six points and both Schroeder and Langton scored three points. For more on Plattsburg’s historic thirdplace finish and remarkable season, check out The Leader’s commemorative special section in next week’s edition.

(Left) Plattsburg head coach Twydell Love, Jr. directs his players in Springfield during the Class 2 Show-Me Showdown this past weekend. (Right) Plattsburg’s Rylan Langton brings the ball up the court against Hartville. jerry craft | special to the leader

Students at Ellis Elementary cheered on the Tigers as they left Plattsburg last week for Springfield. brett adkison | the leader