The Leader • 8-17-23

INSIDE

One Section | 12 pages

Sharing Mecca’s Stories

A podcast out of Minnesota shines its light on the history of the community of Mecca.

|| PAGE A4

Sheriff’s Activity Report

See what calls were dispatched through the county’s sheriff’s office this week.

|| PAGE A3

Stepping back in time

See what was making news in The Leader 10, 20 and 30 years ago.

|| PAGE A3

Community........A5

Opinion..............A4

Legals..............A10

Sheriff...............A3

THE LEADER

Est. 1895

Winner of 100+ awards from the Missouri press assoc.

Honeycutt Media 102 e. Maple St. Plattsburg, Mo., 64477 (UPS 435580000)

816.539.2111

email: leader@clintoncountyleader.com

VOL. 128, NO. 42

| “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”

Citizens voice frustrations with City Council

Gas rates, budget at the center of growing criticism

As confusion and uncertainty continue to cloud the issues surrounding the City of Plattsburg’s natural gas services, the Plattsburg City Council was peppered Monday night with questions and con-

cerns by residents who have grown untrusting of the city.

Plattsburg City Administrator Chase Waggoner aimed to clear some of the confusion around the natural gas rates immediately on Monday, August 14, giving the crowd an explanation of the city’s

ongoing efforts to untangle its fee structure and find the right answer for its customers.

Waggoner explained that, sometime in the last two years, the city’s billing formula for natural gas fell out of whack, and the city had been under-billing for at least

FEELING LIKE FALL

a year, perhaps even longer. With less revenues, the gas fund fell into a deep hole. He said the gas fund had lost money for three-straight years, culminating with a negative balance of $278,000 at the end of the last fiscal year (ending June

EAST BUCHANAN

With levy approved, looking ahead at new EBMS

Now that voters have signed off on a new middle school building in Gower, leaders at East Buchanan can set their eyes on making it a reality.

It’s mid-August, school is nearly back in session, and that can mean just one thing - it’s almost time for Friday night lights!

Football teams at East Buchanan, Lathrop and Plattsburg have spent the summer preparing for the 2023 campaign, especially in Gower, where the Bulldogs seek to defend their back-to-back state championships. For more on all three schools, see The Leader’s football preview next week in the Green Hills Shopper; then later this month, see our full fall sports preview here in The Leader.

Lathrop R-II sets annual tax levy

The Lathrop R-II Board of Education approved the district’s tax levy for the new year last Wednesday, August 9, and like many schools, Lathrop will benefit from a considerable bump in assessed value.

The board approved the

overall levy at $5.3625 per $100 assessed value Wednesday. That includes a $4.39 levy for the incidental fund (general operations) and a $0.9725 levy for debt service. The overall levy is projected to generate $4.59 million in local revenues this year.

The levy is slightly up from last year, which was $5.3478 per

$100 assessed value.

The district’s assessed value grew by nearly $5 million this year, going up to $85.7 million compared to $80.9 million the year before. Of that increase, $1.96 million came through new construction and improvements.

By again approving the debt-

Last Tuesday, August 8, voters approved the 65-cent levy increase to fund the new East Buchanan Middle School, which is expected to relocate from Easton when the building is ready in fall 2025. The new building is projected to cost upwards of $16 million. As of now, the district intends to build on school-owned property it owns west of Fourth Street just inside Buchanan County.

Superintendent Dr. John Newell said he was pleased with turnout and outcome of the election, stating he believes this was a big step forward for the district and its ability to provide high-quality facilities for its students.

“Now the important work of making sure that we get the best design and quality for our building will be key,” he said. “The first element of this will be getting additional feedback from stakeholders that will go into the final design of the building. Although we are very excited that the levy passed with over 60-percent ‘yes’ votes, we also honor the 40 percent who voted ‘no.’

“Now that the election is over, it is important to remember that we are all East Buchanan, and regardless of how someone voted, we want

CITY OF PLATTSBURG

30). To solve the issue, the council decided to transfer money from its multi-million-dollar reserves to bring the gas fund back to even.

Waggoner said that because of the mishap, customers had been receiving a discount on gas for some time, and when the city put the rate back to what it should have been, many customers felt that increase.

Waggoner said they found another flaw in the billing. He said the city pays approximately $21,000 monthly for the transportation of its gas, which is billed out evenly across all of the gas it sells that month. But, when the city sells less gas in the summer, the perunit price of the transportation fee goes up, and it goes down naturally when the city sells more gas in the winter months. Also in the summer, the city buys and stores gas for the winter months (taking advantage of lower rates). Because that gas isn’t being sold immediately, it doesn’t help offset the transportation costs.

Therefore, Waggoner said the city is going to issue a refund to customers of $1.17 per unit for the last billing cycle because of the gas that went into storage and wasn’t used.

He went on to explain that the city feels the monthto-month calculation of the natural gas rate doesn’t work, and the utility committee has recommended going to a flat rate, averaging what the city spent on gas over the last three years, plus operational costs. That purposed year-round rate is $1.26 per CCF unit. Additionally, the city is billing half of its operational cost on the meter fee (instead of usage) to help stabilize bills and spread the costs out over all users.

Waggoner mentioned that the city recently found a PVC pipe that was illegally hooked into the system and losing a large amount of gas. The situation has been remedied and should bring the gas usage down considerably, saving the city money.

Public participation took up much of the meeting, as a parade of residents addressed the council. At times, the meeting fell into disorder and heated debate.

A groundswell of opposition to the council has been growing in recent months, untrusting of the city’s handling of the budget, utility rates, and a perceived lack of consideration for the community’s input.

Some of the many issues brought up by the public on Monday included:

• The major increase in natural gas bills in the recent billing cycle.

• City spending priorities

• Proper posting of meeting agendas and public availability of proposed ordinances

• Whether increasing utility rates a little over multiple years would be a better solution

• The use of committee meetings to come to conclusions before public input at council meetings

• Public feels the council isn’t representing them

• People on fixed income being able to afford rate increases

• Increase ward meetings to gather input from the public

• The alleyway between Locust and Broadway west of Main Street, and the trash dumpsters in the road and sidewalk

• Why the city is even in the natural gas business, unlike most small cities?

• Trash collection services

• Cutting other areas of the

budget to compensate for losses in utilities

Among those in the public speaking was M.A. Porter, who said that many of the council members have been on the board for years and haven’t been able to solve any of the issues that have piled up on the city.

“If you had worked for me back in the day,” he said, “I would have fired you all—and I suggest the voters of Plattsburg do.”

Terry Peterson of Redgate was at the meeting and spoke during public comment. He said he started his business 16 years ago with a single truck, working full-time during the week and picking up trash on Saturdays with his children riding along with him.

He said he and his employees go out each day, work hard and do the best they can. He said of the hundreds of homes they cover in Plattsburg, they receive just a call and a half, on average, from residents each week. He said if anyone has questions or issues with their service, they’re always welcome to call.

Mayor James Kennedy voiced his own frustration with the council Monday, stating he recommended budget cuts to help alleviate the need for rate increases, but he was unsure whether the finance committee even considered the cuts (which didn’t make it into the final budget).

Alderman Ken Tongue reminded everyone of the solid financial footing the city has outside of its utilities, stating that the city had a carryover of $3 million in the overall budget and auditors had praised their work earlier in 2023. He said utilities have been the big issue, and they’ve done their due

diligence with both the budget and utilities.

He reminded everyone that the city can’t provide utilities for less than they cost without going bankrupt, and he wished they could all understand that the council is doing what they can.

During business, the council approved an ordinance setting the rate structure for the natural gas it provides to city residents. Under this rate structure, customers in the city will pay a monthly base rate of $37.50 ($18.50 for utility operations and $19 for debt service), and a per-unit, flat charge of $1.25 per 100 cubic-feet. For customers outside of town, the base rate is $49.25 with a per unit charge of $1.375. The new rate will begin on August 24.

The council went on to approve:

• Removal of the second logo on the new water tower, which will save the city

approximately $5,000.

• A resolution authorizing the sale of the certificates to fund construction of the new water tower, as previously approved by the voters.

• A bill repealing a section of zoning regulations that could allow for salvage yards in town with the issuance of a special use permit.

• A bill approving the semi-annual financial statement for January through June of 2023.

• An amendment to city codes that prohibits residents from blowing grass clippings into city streets and sidewalks.

• An amendment to city codes that no longer allows commercial tree and yard companies from depositing trees, limbs, etc., at the public yard waste drop-off facility.

• A resolution supporting an application for grant funding from MoDOT and committing city matching funds for

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

sidewalk improvements (the proposed project and grant application is generously being spearheaded by community members).

• A resolution supporting city staff in developing an ADA transition plan for pedestrian transportation (related to the sidewalk grant application).

• Re-adoption of the conflicts of interest code.

• A resolution allowing for Waggoner to solicit bids and enter into a purchase agreement for a new dump truck when a suitable deal is struck (the city maintenance department’s dump truck recently broke down).

The council also discussed options for glass recycle pick-up with Redgate’s Terry Peterson, and set a date for its tax levy hearing on Monday, August 28, at 6 p.m.

Market Report from Monday, August 7 • 804 head sold

SPECIAL COW SALE - FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 • 6 PM EXPECTING

700-800 HEAD!

Phillips farms-Complete dispersal - 67 angus cows. 3-6yrs old. Start calving September 3rd. Bred angus bulls. Very fancy set. Sold big calves off them back in May. Excellent opportunity to buy top end cows.

Bradford farms-Complete dispersal - 73 angus cows 3-7 years old. Start calving September 5th. Bred angus or sim angus bulls. Very nice quality cows.

Andy Kidd - 40 cow/calf pairs. 5-7 years old. Running back with angus bulls

Rader farms-Complete dispersal - 54 angus cows. 4-7 years old. Bred to angus or sim angus bulls. Start calving September 2nd. Fancy set.

Behrnes farms - 25 angus and sim angus cow/calf pairs. Big calves by side running back with angus bulls.

Flannery farms - 25 angus cows. Some with calves balance 3rd stage.

Tucker farms - 32 angus cow/calf pairs. 4-6 yrs old. 4-6 years old. Calves tagged to match. Nice set. Newman farms-Complete dispersal - 62 angus and sim angus cows 3-6 years old. Bred to angus bulls. Start calving September 3rd. Nice big cows. Raised big calves.

Stuart Collins - 20 homeraised angus heifers. Pelvic measured. Start calving September 7th for 60 days. 1100lbs. Roberts farms - 25 blk cows. Bred to angus bulls. 5yrs old. Start calving September 1st.

Clayton farms - 10 fancy angus cows. 3rd stage. 5-6yrs old.

Chris Walter - 25 red angus cows. Bred angus bulls. 4-5 years old. Start calving September 1st.

Ball farms - 10 blk angus heifers. Homeraised. Pelvic measured. Fancy set start calving September 5th. Wilson farms - 30 blk cows. 3-6yrs old. Start calving September 6th. Bred angus or sim angus bulls. Fancy set.

SHEEP, GOAT & HOG SALE - SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 • 10 AM

FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, AUGUST 21 • 11 AM

FEEDER SALE - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 • 11 AM

Open all day on Sundays to receive livestock!

Barn: 660-622-4214

• Casey Flinn, Owner: 816-769-7532

Field Reps: Dwayne Penny: 816-506-2776

Bobby Morrison: 816-345-0518

• Utah Stulz: 660-334-0400

• Ben Peterson: 660-247-2759

Travis Gibson: 660-646-8337 • Rick Tate: 660-734-1307

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

Clinton County Sheriff’s Weekly Activity Report

Friday, August 4

6:33 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

7:03 a.m.: Death on E. Grand in Cameron.

11:33 a.m.: Medical call on 33 Highway in Osborn.

11:34 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

12:46 p.m.: Smoke detector investigation in Clinton Street in Lathrop.

3:06 p.m.: Medical call on Fourth Street in Plattsburg.

4:31 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on Pine Street in Lathrop.

7:40 p.m.: Animal call on S. Oak Street in Plattsburg.

Saturday, August 5

8:14 a.m.: Controlled burn on NE Silvius in Turney.

8:37 a.m.: Animal call on Hallar in Gower.

12:55 p.m.: Medical call on SE 115th Street in Edgerton.

3:15 p.m.: Animal call on S. Mulberry Street in Plattsburg.

3:55 p.m.: Debris in the roadway on I-35 in Clinton County.

8:46 p.m.: Animal call on S.

•

Birch Street in Plattsburg.

9:47 p.m.: Medical call on Valley Street in Lathrop.

11:17 p.m.: Medical call on N. Port Arthur in Trimble.

Sunday, August 6

5:09 a.m.: Disturbance in progress on Valley Street in Lathrop.

10:31 a.m.: Animal call on East Street in Lathrop.

12:18 p.m.: Suicidal subject on N. Ridge in Turney.

12:48 p.m.: Animal call on SE Oak Hollow in Holt.

1:10 p.m.: Suicidal subject on N. Ridge in Turney.

2:34 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 336th Street in Clinton County.

3:33 p.m.: Medical call (choking) on Santa Fe in Gower.

6:56 p.m.: Controlled fire on Scott Road in Holt.

7:13 p.m.: Domestic in progress on East Street in Lathrop.

7:27 p.m.: Medical call on East Street in Lathrop.

7:49 p.m.: Medical call on Pine Street in Lathrop.

11:45 p.m.: Medical call on

Russell Street in Lathrop.

Monday, August 7

1:19 a.m.: Medical call on SE Isley Drive in Holt.

5:16 a.m.: Medical call on Concha Street in Lathrop.

7:01 a.m.: Medical call on Pine Street in Lathrop.

7:39 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

9:35 a.m.: Fire on 33 Highway in Holt.

11:03 a.m.: Fire on 169 Highway in Clinton County.

11:15 a.m.: Domestic in progress on SE Valleyview Lane in Holt.

11:39 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NW VV Highway in Hemple.

12:22 p.m.: Fraud on SE Downing in Lawson.

12:46 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 69 Highway in Clinton County.

12:46 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 172nd Street in Clinton County.

2:04 p.m.: Assault in progress on Maple Street in Lathrop.

2:05 p.m.: Medical call on Ma-

WEEKLY HISTORY NOTES •

Five Years Ago

Thursday, August 16, 2018

• Facing a bleak financial outlook, the Clinton County Commissioners consider sending a tax rollback proposal to the voters.

• Drought strikes the county, leading to some of the worst corn crops since the early 1980s.

• Gower’s Riley Merrow teams with Gaige Blanton of St. Joseph to place 11th at the Bassmaster National High School Championship fishing tournament.

• Lathrop High School graduate Drake Higgins earns NAIA All-American honors for his performance as a punter on the Missouri Valley football team.

10 Years Ago

Thursday, August 15, 2013

• Plattsburg City Council approves changes to the handicap parking layout around the Clinton County Courthouse.

• Touch-ups to Lathrop Middle School ahead of the new year include an outdoor classroom area.

• The 1892 Stoutimore/Jenkins home at 502 S. Birch in Plattsburg is added to the National Register of Historic Places.

• Plattsburg graduate Cody Gilpin sinks hole in one at PCC.

• Lathrop graduate Gretchen Mayes spends July in Finland as part of a 4-H exchange program, as she worked alongside her host family.

20 Years Ago

Thursday, August 14, 2003

• The new expansion to Plattsburg High School is officially opened, with Jim and Al-

ice Woodward performing the ribbon cutting duties.

• The community of Lathrop mourns the loss of beloved school secretary Sandy Ross, who perished in a traffic accident.

• The East Buchanan High School cheer team qualifies for the Missouri state championship competition. Team members include Roni Dawn Grier, Amanda Hardwick, sponsor Shelly Parks, Rachel Mann, Jessica Schmoe, Hannah Farrell, Amy Pence, Korrin Yager, Kristen Parker, Mallory O’Donnell, and Tiffany Brinton.

30 Years Ago

Thursday, August 12, 1993

• Residents alarmed by a helicopter over Plattsburg learn that it’s part of a law enforcement operation to spot cultivated fields of marijuana, only small patches of which were found in Clinton County.

• The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to build a new creek over Horse Creek near Plattsburg.

• Jason and Jamie Grayson receive the Franc E. Tinnen Scholarship for 1993.

40 Years Ago

Thursday, August 18, 1983

• Worth Campbell and Charlie Roberts have purchased the Chevrolet dealership in Plattsburg.

• Joe Trotter wins the 1983 club championship at the Plattsburg Country Club.

• Deals of the week at Don Soper’s Market: Cans of pork and beans, three for $1; pork chops for $1.29 per pound; a 12 oz. package of cookies for $1.39.

“Dog Days of Summer” Thursday

Shoppers in Plattsburg will have the chance to hit the town with their favorite pooch this week.

The Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce has announced its Summer Lovin’ Shopping Event Series, offering fun opportunities to shop locally.

On Thursday, August 17,

the chamber will host Dog Days of Summer. Shoppers can bring their dogs to hangout on Main Street and shop. Pup cups will be available for the dogs and a selfie station will be available to capture the moment.

After that, the next chamber shopping event will

ple Street in Lathrop.

3:17 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on SE 210th Street in Holt.

4:23 p.m.: Medical call on Main Street in Plattsburg.

4:29 p.m.: Medical call on Maple Street in Lathrop.

6 p.m.: Controlled burn on Plattsburg Street in Lathrop.

10:18 p.m.: Vehicle crash on VV Highway in Clinton County.

Tuesday, August 8

7:07 a.m.: Medical call on 69 Highway in Lathrop.

8:25 a.m.: Harassment (not in progress) on W. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

9:43 a.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Gower.

11:33 a.m.: Suspicious activity on NE Witt Road in Cameron.

8:12 p.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

Wednesday, August 9

2:23 a.m.: Fire alarm on 169 Highway in Gower.

4:32 a.m.: Medical call on Z Highway in Edgerton.

9:46 a.m.: Medical call on SE

209th in Holt.

11:41 a.m.: Fire (smoke investigation) on Maple Street in Lathrop.

12:02 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on W. Riley Street in Plattsburg.

1:01 p.m.: Fire alarm on Center Street in Lathrop.

1:39 p.m.: Controlled burn on NW Harley in Gower.

4:08 p.m.: Controlled burn on N. Seventh Street in Plattsburg.

5:39 p.m.: Controlled burn on Cannon Ball in Holt.

6:05 p.m.: Domestic (in progress) on I-35 in Clinton County.

7:58 p.m.: Domestic (in progress) on Ash Street in Lathrop.

8:45 p.m.: Animal call on Center Street in Lathrop.

8:54 p.m.: Medical call on SE Horseshoe Drive in Holt.

9:14 p.m.: Medical call on Harrington in Gower.

10:29 p.m.: Suspicious per-

son in progress on W. Clay in Plattsburg.

Thursday, August 10

9:53 a.m.: Animal call on 240th Street in Clinton County.

11:17 a.m.: Vehicle crash on SE PP Highway in Holt.

11:38 a.m.: Controlled burn on C Highway in Plattsburg.

12:11 p.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

3:59 p.m.: Medical call on Concha in Lathrop.

4:13 p.m.: Medical call on SE Horseshoe in Holt.

4:18 p.m.: Medical call on NE 188th Street in Holt.

4:46 p.m.: Medical call on S. 169 Highway in Gower.

5:07 p.m.: Animal call on 248th Street in Clinton County.

5:33 p.m.: Civil call on Troxtler Lane in Clinton County.

5:52 p.m.: Medical call on Lincoln Drive in Gower.

10:55 p.m.:

be Thursday, September 21, for Honoring Heroes Night. There will be cupcakes for heroes and there will be special discounts for first responders and military.

Each night, the chamber hospitality area will be located at the Plattsburg Senior Center.

PLATTSBURG CHAMBER

A QUICK WORD

Regulating the county’s backyard

by brett adkison leader editor

Last week, Doug Lowe of Trimble wrote a letter espousing the benefits of wind turbines, lamenting Clinton County’s opposition, and landing a few pointed remarks about the intelligence of some residents.

While I enjoy Mr. Lowe and the talks we’ve had over the years, his opinion on wind turbines (specifically in Clinton County) missed the mark.

Don’t get me wrong.

Green energy is a worthy and important endeavor. It’s development will benefit the planet, and ultimately, will be key in securing the nation’s future energy needs. As new technology comes along, green energy will also become more viable and efficient.

However, commercial wind turbines and large overhead transmission lines such as the Grainbelt Express will always meet resistance in Clinton County. Why? Because Clinton County doesn’t need to risk the headache.

Clinton County is unlike all other rural counties in Missouri. We’re the only third-class county in the state that’s surrounded by three first-class counties (Platte, Clay, Buchanan). That makes us a prime living location for commuting workers, which adds to our population density. That broader tax base also means our public entities— from our school districts to our fire departments and everything in between—are better funded than those to the north.

That’s a recipe for resistance.

These things aren’t art installations. Communities aren’t tripping over themselves for the chance to gawk at wind turbines and power lines. Though some have either underplayed or overhyped the health and wellness concerns around turbines to be minimal, those concerns do exist— enough so that even Shatto

Dairy voiced opposition to the turbines (and we ain’t giving up Shatto for nothing).

These projects usually find a foothold in sparsely-populated counties who need the tax dollars. It’s symbiotic relationship— these counties need the turbines and the companies need these counties.

Clinton County isn’t it.

Is this your classic case of NIMBY? Maybe. But some people (often removed from the issue to a degree) forget we have a right to dictate what happens in that collective backyard. For Clinton County, that regulatory power came through planning and zoning.

I can still remember a young, haughty state senator telling me years ago that planning and zoning was the gravest mistake Clinton County could make; it’s red tape and it scares off business. That’s true. In the late 2000s, a trucking company proposed building a hub near 36 Highway in rural Clinton County, but once it felt public scrutiny through the zoning process, the company tucked tail and ran for the relative freedom of DeKalb County. It wasn’t an uncommon story for those days.

But 15 years later, Clinton County has reaped the benefit of strong zoning, and DeKalb County has reaped the whirlwind without it. When wind energy companies came knocking, Clinton County had the regulatory apparatus in place to control its local destiny, while DeKalb County – where a large, vocal section of the population passionately opposed the turbines – had to fight the fire with a water pistol. The result? Some clear evening, find yourself a high hill with a view to the north. Before long, you’ll see DeKalb County’s distress signal—a hundred red lights blinking on the horizon, a warning for airplane pilots and zoning opponents, alike.

OPINIONS Memories of Mecca Shared

WHAT’S THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD

You know you’re growin’ older when... You have more patience, but truthfully, it’s just that you don’t care anymore.

* * * *

The beginning of what surely will be a series of stories regarding the village of Mecca, Missouri, and the May/Bailey families began on Monday morning, August 14, at the Clinton County Historical Museum in Plattsburg. That’s when Gwen Green, armed with her large scrapbook, met with Eric Roper, a Minneapolis Star-Tribune reporter overseeing the Curious Minnesota podcast project.

Clearly the word ‘curious’ has significant meaning for this meeting, with Ms. Green, who started seeking out information in the 1980s, and Mr. Roper’s job of finding answers to questions presented by Minnesotans for his podcast.

For this project, he became interested in who lived in the home he purchased in Minneapolis in 2020, and he learned that a black couple, Harry and Clementine Robinson, purchased the home in 1917. Harry was born in Indiana and Clementine Brown was born in the village of Mecca. It sparked so much interest that Mr. Roper made the trip to Plattsburg to learn more and gather information for his podcast series.

Joining them were Lesli Shaver, president of the historical society, her husband, Mike Shaver, Steve Tinnen, Terry Wood, Clyde May and Tane Danger, an audio engineer for the

podcast.

A love of family history was part of Gwen Green’s life growing up in Plattsburg. Surely there were more than ample family members to research and follow, with her grandparents, Benjamin F. (B.F.) May and his wife, Lucille, raising 16 children (11 boys and five girls) in Plattsburg. Her mother, Zelia, was one of those five girls.

Throughout the hour-plus-long interview session with Ms. Green, they were constantly looking through

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

newspaper clippings and photographs, as she provided the background to her family’s rich history, which travels back in time when members of her family were slaves.

“It’s fun, I love history,” she claimed in an interview later in the afternoon. “The ability to find out information is easier these days and these things about our families should be known. Most in the black community don’t want to share the history. I want to share our family history (Bai-

Wind energy isn’t a green cure-all

To the dear gentleman in Trimble who wrote about wind turbines: blowing your children’s inheritance on traveling the world to gawk at peasants and repeating NPR talking points does not make you smart. It just makes you an arrogant liberal. Though I am only a humble union electrician with an engineering degree from Rolla, I have, in fact, worked on a wind farm before.

By law, wind farms must conduct bird mortality studies because the turbines tend to shred eagles like brisket. While the statistics for the number of birds killed each year can vary by an

CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Emeritus Steve Tinnen

order of magnitude, it is indisputable that windmills tend to kill the more well-liked and endangered birds. Birds of prey are particularly vulnerable to wind turbines due to their hunting patterns. Had you bothered to use Google, you would have known that.

While I believe it’s improbable for windmills to cause mental retardation, I am happy to stand in solidarity with anyone who opposes wind turbines. They are stupid. Imagine creating electricity from an extremely inconvenient source of energy that requires absurd amounts of maintenance and takes up a huge amount of space. Now,

imagine being the moron dimwitted enough to look down on your fellow Clinton County citizens for opposing such a stupid form of energy.

All serious people are focused on nuclear. There is no energy that produces more electricity per square foot than nuclear. With our growing energy needs, it is the only solution. Even solar and hydroelectric are better than those stupid turbines.

Perhaps next time before writing a letter to the editor, read a book first.

Michael Pyles II Trimble, Mo.

Eric Roper conducts an interview with Gwen Green as she shows him information gathered in her scrapbook.

Brian Jones

Brian Jones, 58, of Lathrop, Mo., passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo.

Brian was born on September 22, 1964, the son of Donald and Janis (Rogers) Jones in Milan, Mo. He grew up on a farm in rural Lathrop and attended Mirabile Elementary School. He was a 1982 graduate of Lathrop High School. Brian married Melessia Lee on September 30, 1989, at the First Baptist Church in Kearney. He began a passion for helping others as a volunteer firefighter for the Lathrop Fire Department, where he became an EMT and worked for Tri-County Ambulance, and he later obtained an Associates Degree in nursing from Penn Valley Community College. He began his nursing career in the emergency room, to eventually become the Employee Health Nurse at Liberty Hospital, where he made a lasting impact. He also worked for Cerner and Lake City Army Ammunition Plant as an occupational nurse. He was a loving, kind man that loved to help people and he knew the medical field was where he belonged. Brian was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed camping and the outdoors. Brian will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Senior Center Menu for August

Thursday, August 17

Chicken and biscuits, creamed peas, buttered beets, tropical fruit.

Friday, August 18

Swiss steak, broccoli, cauliflower, mandarin oranges, biscuit.

Monday, August 21

Sausage veggie bake augratin, green beans, carrots, pears, wheat bread.

Tuesday, August 22

penny salad, fruit cocktail, whole grain bread.

Thursday, August 24

Taco salad, fiesta corn, diced tomatoes, tropical fruit, wheat bread.

Friday, August 25

Shepherd’s pie (with vegetables in the pie), buttered beets, lettuce salad, chilled peaches, wheat bread.

Monday, August 28

Tuesday, August 29

Ham casserole, broccoli, cauliflower, mandarin oranges, wheat bread.

Wednesday, August 30

Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pineapple, whole wheat roll.

Thursday, August 31

Fish filet, creamed corn, stewed tomatoes, applesauce, wheat bread.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Melessia, of the home; children, Tyler Jones of Hutchinson, Kan., and Lindsey Jones of Lathrop; siblings, Martin Jones (Teresa Richards) of Lathrop, and Robin Ecton of Lathrop. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in care of the funeral home. Funeral services were held 10 a.m., Monday, August 7, at Lathrop United Methodist Church in Lathrop. The family received friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, the evening prior, at Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. Burial followed at Lathrop Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658.

Free Dinner on Broadway

There is a free Dinner on Broadway on Monday, August 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., located in the Susan L. Hageman Memorial Kitchen at 301 W. Broadway St. All are welcome!

Salmon loaf, creamed peas, coleslaw, chilled apricots, cornbread.

Wednesday, August 23

Chicken salad, potato salad, copper

Sloppy joe on a bun, potato wedges, beets, coleslaw, fruit gelatin with pears.

Friday, September 1

Spaghetti with meat sauce, lettuce salad, carrots, chilled peaches, garlic bread.

State Sen. Rusty Black in Plattsburg

Missouri 12th District

State Senator Rusty Black will be speaking in Plattsburg on Thursday, August 24, at 7 p.m. at the Clinton County 4-H Youth Building

(251 E. 116 Highway). A potluck dinner (meat provided) will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the doors will open at 6 p.m.

Though the event coin-

Football Openers

The 2023 football season is just around the corner, and it’s sure to be historic for Clinton County teams.

The defending, backto-back Class 1 state champions are in the Cameron jamboree this Friday starting at 6 p.m. They open the season on the road August 25 against South Harrison (Bethany) at 7 p.m. They have their first home game on Friday, September 1, when they host Savannah.

Lathrop will start their

first season under Coach Creason on Friday, August 25, with a road trip to Lexington. The following week, they’ll play Trenton at home at 7 p.m.

The Plattsburg Tigers are playing in the eightman ranks for the first time. The Tigers will play against Maysville on Saturday, Aug. 26, at home at 11 a.m., in what will ultimately be an exhibition. They travel to Knox County on September 2 and will host Schuyler County on Sept. 8.

cides with the Clinton County Republican Club meeting, all are welcome to come meet State Senator Black, regardless of political affiliation. There will be time

for questions and comments with Sen. Black after his talk. For more information, call or text (816) 664-3913.

Mom’s Night Out

Plattsburg American Legion Post 97 will be hosting a Mom’s End-ofSummer Celebration and Night Out on Saturday, August 19, beginning at 7 p.m.

The evening will include a wine tasting and charcuterie selection. There is a cover charge. The legion would like to

celebrate the women and mothers in the community who work diligently, whether it’s helping mold students into tomorrow’s leaders or keeping segments of the community operating like a well-oiled machine. Though it’s a night for the ladies, your favorite man is welcomed to tag along if you prefer!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing will be held August 21, 2023, 6:00 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office, 100 S. Y Highway, Plattsburg, to establish the 2024 certified tax rate for the Extension District.

The purpose of the tax rate is necessary to generate sufficient revenue to fund extension programming in the district, which includes annual funding for the costs of personnel and the acquisition, supply and maintenance of the Council’s property, work, and equipment. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Sandra Bryson, Treasurer.

TINNEN: Memories of Meeca Shared, Continued from Page A4

ley-May). It’s a generational thing for me. My goal is to get the message for generations to come. It’s truly a spiritual thing for me.”

The spiritual aspect of the village of Mecca, which now is covered under water due to the Smithville Lake project, is present at the Shady Grove cemetery located north of where the community was located. Her brother, Clyde May, who is responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery, joined the interview session. He led the group on a tour of the cemetery that afternoon, as Mr. Roper continued to collect information for this podcast.

Mecca, where Clementine Brown was born and raised, was a community where black residents established their homes. Most were farmers and farm hands. Ms. Green said that there were four towns where their community took up residency: Paradise, Liberty, Independence, and Mecca. All these town names had meaning for their community, especially Mecca, the name of a famous holy city.

Clementine Brown also had a very famous brother, Dr. Gideon Brown, who was also born in Mecca on April 8, 1878. He was known as the first black person to perform a surgical operation, on Mrs. Julia M.P. May, who refused to be operated upon unless it was done by a black person. Dr. E. B. Beers of Trimble, Mo., was the

patient’s doctor and administered the anesthetic while the successful surgery was being done at the patient’s home.

The work on the podcast continues this week, as Mr. Roper’s research continues in Kansas City.

“I’m blessed to have the Star-Tribune see the value in finding out the answers to the questions we’ve raised,” Mr. Roper said. “We want to put together podcasts that have a further reach than just Minnesotans. The story of Harry and Clemetine Robinson is that kind of story. This ‘extraordinary ordinary’ duo found success a century ago.”

That window into their lives stretches all the way back home to Mecca, Missouri. And Gwen Green will continue to reveal the rich family history of those born in Mecca and beyond.

* * * *

Food for thought: “History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul” John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, better known as Lord Acton, was an English Catholic historian, politician, and writer. He is best remembered for the remark he wrote in a letter to an Anglican bishop in 1887: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen

Gwen Green explained where the village of Mecca was located in relationship to the Shady Grove Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for residents of the Mecca community. Also pictured (L-R): Clyde May, Tane Danger, Eric Roper.

New East Buchanan Building, Continued from Page A1 Lathrop R-II, Continued

everyone to be a part of the creation of the new building.”

Dr. Newell said school leaders will take a couple days to catch their breath and focus on beginning the 2023-2024 school year before jumping directly into work on the middle school.

“We want voters to know that we are intent on getting to work right away to get this project started,” he said.

He gave a rough timeline that the district will follow as they move forward, beginning with approval of a request for proposals (RFP) for construction managers at this month’s board meeting. Those proposals will be narrowed down in September, with approval for a construction manager expected in October.

During that time, Incite Design Studio will begin a site survey and verify the location’s suitability. IDS will also start design work and set up avenues in which the community give

feedback on the design. In either late December or early January, the design will be finalized and IDS will coordinate with the construction manager.

In spring 2024, the district will break ground on the new middle school and construction will continue until it’s complete. If all goes accordingly, students will be moving in in Fall 2025.

“The biggest thing we want to achieve is to have a facility that meets our needs now and into the foreseeable future, to the extent we are able,” Dr. Newell said. “Community input has already played a big part in the decision-making process. It was very clear from feedback that we received both from staff and community members that a separate building (not connected to the elementary or high school) was a high priority. This feedback led to the proposal we put forward. If feedback would have shown a different preference, we would have made a different proposal to add onto

an existing building.”

Dr. Newell said there are several design decisions that need to be made, but he expects there will be a lot of public interest surrounding the design will center on the the gymnasium and stage space. He said feedback has shown that a competition-ready gym is a big priority.

“We would love to have a separate performing arts center at some point in the future, but since that is likely several years down the road, we will also be looking at what performance space we could include in this building that will expand our capacity,” Dr. Newell said. “The collective consciousness of the staff and community will generate more ideas and solutions than any individual or small group. We have a basic idea of what we are wanting to accomplish, but we are also going into this with an open mind knowing that possibilities may present themselves in the design that

Bridge over 36 Highway open again in Hamilton

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Caldwell County Route 13 bridge over U.S. Route 36 is open following a bridge replacement project. The project to replace the bridge, led by Capitol Paving and Construction, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, began in late May. The roadway was reopened to all traffic today, Aug. 14.

The previous bridge, built in 1958, had been struck multiple times by high-profile vehicles driving underneath on U.S. Route 36. As part of the replacement project, the new bridge superstructure has been designed to increase

clearance beneath the bridge to help prevent future damage. The new bridge includes a pedestrian walkway on the west side. Due to an ongoing resurfacing project on Route 13 from the southern Hamilton City Limits at Mill Creek Road to Route HH in Kingston, traffic wishing to travel south of Hamilton on Route 13 will be directed along a signed detour on U.S. Route 36 to the west, Interstate 35 to the south, and Route 116 to the east to reconnect with Route 13.

To learn more about the projects affecting Route 13, visit: https://www.modot. org/caldwelldaviess-county-

route-13-road-and-bridgeimprovement-projects.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.

While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (2756636) or via social media.

MDC offers free virtual Monarch Mania workshop

Kansas City, Mo. – Monarch

butterflies are a delight to see and a marvel of nature. Learn about their transformative life cycle and impressive migrations when the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Mid-Continent Public Library will cohost a free virtual Monarch Mania program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

The butterflies start life as a tiny egg, hatch into a growing caterpillar, form a pupa, and then emerge as a large orange and black creature that sips nectar from flowers. Their populations have declined, however, as their supportive native plant habitat in North America has been reduced. This workshop will cover how the monarchs transition between life stag-

we simply haven’t discovered yet—which is why it is essential to have an authentic opportunity for engagement.

“Our community has done an excellent job of this throughout this process, and I have no doubt that we will get an excellent facility from our collective efforts.”

Dr. Newell said the success of the levy didn’t come down to any single person, but the collective effort of many.

“We appreciate all of the efforts of the ‘Vote Yes for EBMS’ group to support this issue, and all of the board members, staff, and community members who worked so hard to get information out to the voters,” he said. “Our position the whole time was that regardless of how someone voted, we wanted to make sure that it was based on accurate information. I believe we accomplished this goal because of the efforts of the whole team.”

from Page A1

service levy at $0.9725 per $100, the district continued to uphold its end of the no-tax-increase bond issue that funded the 2015 construction of the sports complex at Lathrop High School.

During the regular session meeting that evening, the board approved a pair of changes to two banking accounts. Superintendent Dr. Adam Willard was added as an authorized signer on the district’s bank account, replacing the retired Chris Fine. Similarly, new Lathrop Elementary Principal Stephanie Bowers was approved as an authorized signer on the district’s Black and Gold bank account for students at Goppert Financial, replacing former principal Chauncey Rardon. Bridgette Keith and Lauren Claypool were also added to the Black and Gold account in place of Tresa Kelly.

Athletic Director Andy McNeely gave a presentation on the athletic trainer services offered by Cameron Regional Medical Center and the board approved the district’s local compliance plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The board also accepted the resignation of Keaton Mudd, who was going to be an assistant coach for the high school softball team but recently took a job that conflicts with the schedule.

Connecting You to Better Health

Liberty Hospital Primary Care

es, and how adults in autumn make migrations south in autumn and back northward in spring to keep the species a part of the natural landscape. Participants will also learn how they can help support monarch butterflies.

This program is for all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short. mdc.mo.gov/4mu.

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

St. Joe PRC to hold event in Cameron

Cameron • Pregnant women and parents of infants up to twelve months are invited to the Pregnancy Resource Clinic Baby Care-A-Van at First Baptist Church (202 East Ford St., Cameron) on Saturday, September 9th from 10:00 a.m. to noon for free maternity clothes and baby items.

In addition to the clothing, attendees may enter for a prize drawing, receive goodie bags, and receive information about the PRC My Baby & Me pre-

Extension Donates AED to Courtyard

natal parenting classes. The PRC is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and offers prenatal parenting classes and clinic services, support groups and outreach programs. We are excited to bring some of our services to your community for a special giveaway.

Notes: Free maternity clothes and baby care items; first come - first serve, appointments encouraged by calling 816-387-8090; limited quantities.

A Walk in Weston

JEFFERSON CITY, MO,

AUG. 12, 2023 – Make your way to Weston Bend State Park’s West Ridge Trail to enjoy a mindful morning walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27.

Life is so hectic, so why not slow down and take in the calming forest? Bring water, sun protection, comfortable walking

shoes and bug spray. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles on a gravel surface. This program is free and open to the public. The event will be canceled if it rains.

Weston Bend State Park is located at 16600 Highway 45 North near Weston. For more information, call 816-640-5443.

Two local organizations are partnering to lessen cardiac deaths. The Clinton County University of Missouri Extension Council recently donated an AED to The Community Courtyard in Plattsburg. AED stands for automated external defibrillator, which is a device that can save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The Extension Council obtained three AEDs through private donations and grants from the American Heart Association. Devices now are at the Extension Council Youth Building and the courtyard. A third device will soon be placed in a Clinton County public space yet to be determined. The Extension Council hopes to obtain and donate more AEDs in the county. It also plans to offer free CPR, AED and first aid classes soon. (Pictured, Left to Right) Stacey Steffens, Regional Extension Director for Northwest Missouri; Darrell Wolf, Extension Council member who—along with Karen Farnell and Mat Owens—was instrumental in acquiring the AEDs; Jim Hobbs, president of the Community Courtyard board; and Jon Clark, Extension Council Chairman.

Can livestock producers outlast the drought?

BOLIVAR, Mo. – It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash.

Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to great lengths to find alternative feed sources, including growing and buying things they’ve never used before.

Maybe it’s time to take a hard look at our operations and ask how many cows our fields can sustain going forward, Tucker says.

Tucker, himself an Ozarks beef producer, and other MU Extension specialists are speaking to producers across the state at drought meetings about farm economics and surviving until better days arrive. He discusses the emotional attachment producers have to their livestock and the reluctance to let them go even when they are costing them money.

But even before the drought began, we were already facing higher input

costs, including fertilizer, fuel, equipment, labor and interest expenses, he says.

“With the rapidly changing environment, we simply can’t sustain the same number of cows we used to. My recommendation from the start has been to drop onethird of your cows.”

Keeping a few less cows is not all bad and may actually increase profitability. “It gives flexibility to graze more and feed less.

Two-thirds of the normal cow numbers allows you to keep calves longer – growing them to heavier weights – and capture added value,” he says.

“Maybe it means instead of starting to feed hay at Thanksgiving, we make it to Valentine’s Day before the tractors have to leave the barn,” he says. “It gives you the flexibility to keep a few more heifer calves and let Mother Nature apply a little more selection pressure so we ensure only the profitable ones make it into the herd.” Having fewer cows gives tremendous flexibility to add other profitable enterprises to the operation, he points out.

Northwest Missouri MoDOT Roadwork this week

St. Joseph, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Aug 14-20.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

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

Andrew County

Interstate 29 – Pavement improvement and guardrail/ cable project from south of Business Route 71 to just south of Route O (Buchanan County) through late October 2023. Work will be completed overnight Sunday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Short-term ramp closures may occur. An 11.6foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Atchison County

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from G Avenue to the Missouri River through November 2023. A 12-foot width restriction and 14foot height restriction are in place. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.)

U.S. Route 136 – CLOSED at the Missouri River Bridge to Brownville, Neb., for a bridge repair project and at the Napier Sub railroad crossing in Phelps City for pavement improvements through Aug. 15. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.)

Buchanan County

I-29 – Pavement improvement and guardrail/cable project from south of Business Route 71 (Andrew County) to just south of Route O through late October 2023. Work will be completed overnight Sunday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Short-term ramp closures may occur. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

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

I-229 – CLOSED southbound for a bridge rehabilitation project from Sixth and Atchison streets to Lake

Boulevard through December. A signed detour is in place. (Contractor: Comanche Construction, Inc.) More info: https://www. modot.org/buchanan-county-i-229-bridge-rehabilitation-project-6th-atchison-streets

Route 752 (Hyde Park Avenue) – Permit/sidewalk work eastbound from Third Street to Seventh Street through mid-September.

Route KK – Permit/utility work through August.

I-29 – Guardrail repairs northbound from mile marker 40 to mile marker 43.3, Aug. 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The road will be narrowed to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction. (Contractor: Superior Rail System, LLC) Cook Road – CLOSED at the bridge over I-29 for maintenance and core drilling.

Aug. 14-15: The roadway will be closed to all traffic beginning Aug. 14, at 7 a.m. and remain closed overnight through Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m.

Aug. 16-18: The roadway will be closed to all traffic daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Caldwell County

Route 13 – CLOSED from Mill Creek Drive to Route P for the first stage of a resurfacing project from the south city limits of Hamilton to just north of Route HH in Kingston through December 2023. The project will be broken up into three stages with a signed detour in place. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https://www.modot. org/13-pavement-resurfacing-caldwell-and-daviess

Route 13 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Route 13 bridge over U.S. Route 36 in Hamilton through mid-August. (Contractor: Capitol Paving and Construction LLC) https:// www.modot.org/13-pavement-resurfacing-caldwell-and-daviess

Carroll County U.S. Route 24 – Bridge rehabilitation projects through August: S. Route 24 over BNSF Railroad just east of the U.S. Route 65 interchange. S. Route 24 over Little Wakenda Creek east of Carrollton.

Chariton County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Clarks Creek Bridge through mid-October.*1

Route NN – CLOSED for pavement repairs from Route 129 to Rascal Flatts Road, Aug. 14-16, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Clinton County

Route NN – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Castile Creek Bridge through December. (Con-

tractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC) https:// www.modot.org/clintoncounty-route-nn-bridge-replacement.

Daviess County

Route P – CLOSED in 2-mile segments for a resurfacing project Aug. 14-18.

(Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Gentry County

Route YY – CLOSED until further notice at the Bear Creek Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is included in a replacement project scheduled to be a part of the September 2023 letting for contractor bids. https://www.modot.org/ atchison-and-gentry-counties-bridge-replacements

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 169 to Route J (Nodaway County) through mid-August. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route E – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Walnut Fork Bridge

through early September.

(Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC) More info: https://www.modot.org/gentry-county-route-e-walnutfork-bridge-replacementproject

Route T – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Brushy Creek Bridge through October.*1

Route T – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Fitzgerald Creek Bridge through mid-November.*1

Route A – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from 375th Street to 385th Street, Aug 15-17, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Grundy County

Route 6 – Intersection improvement project at Routes 146 and W through early October. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals directing motorists. Access to/ from Route W will be closed. A 12-foot width restriction is in place. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.)

Route W – CLOSED for a bridge replacement proj-

ect at the Hickory Creek Bridge, between Route WW and F, through mid-August.

A signed detour is in place.

(Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https://www.modot. org/grundy-county-route-wbridge-replacements

Route P – CLOSED in 2-mile segments for a resurfacing project Aug. 14-18.

(Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Harrison County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project the Ames Creek Bridge, west of Bethany, through early October.*1

Route D – Pavement repairs, Aug. 14-18.

Route U – Pavement repairs, Aug. 14-18.

U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the bridge over Big Creek, Aug. 14-17. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route A – CLOSED for a bridge rehabilitation project, Aug. 14-18. *2

Holt County

U.S. Route 159 – Pavement improvement and flood remediation project from the Missouri River near Rulo, Nebraska, to the Little Tarkio Creek near Fortescue through November 2023.

(Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.)

Route 111 – CLOSED for a pavement improvement and flood remediation project from Driftwood Drive to Lewis and Clark Trail, through September. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.)

Linn County

Route MM – Sidewalk improvements from Route MM (Seventh Street) to Route O (Alonzo Avenue) through mid-August.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!

CALL 816-539-2111

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AGRICULTURE

See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply, 614 Harris Ave., 3592258

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 660358-2682

PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-787-4006

For Sale 8 foot heavy duty blade. Pick up cattle guard medium duty. 18 month old Black Hereford Heifer virgin bull. Call 660-247-1371.

2 Registered Alpine Goats (Doe's). 1 Milking. 1 Dry. Call 816-284-1019 for more information.

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

Osborn Livestock Auction located 7 miles West of Cameron on Hwy 36, Osborn, MO. Sale every Wednesday at 10AM. 816-675-2424 fwda

Tina Livestock Market. 435 W 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682. Call 660-6224214. www.tinalivestockmarket.com fwda

FOR RENT

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

“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."

TRUSTEE’S SALE

FOR SALE

Pond pipe & pond valves, pressure tanks & water pumps. All your plumbing & hardware needs. Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, Trenton, 660-359-3660

For Sale - Camper. Excellent condition. 2017 Hideout LHS 185. Sleeps 6. Galt. $9,500. 515-7714020

Tools for sale. Brad Nailer. Weed Eater. Sanders. Drills. Blower. Angle Grinder. Circular Saw. Chain Saw. Call 816-539-0339 for details.

Old sawmill for sale, 52 inch blade, PTO driven. Chevy engine with gearbox and PTO shaft. 24 inch surface planer PTO driven. Near Pleasanton Iowa. Would like to sell all together. call 660-7488259.

Shelly's Pet Care, 660684-6864, 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!

IN RE: Jeff L. Reece And Russanne R. Reece, Husband and Wife, Their Heirs and Assigns Trustee’s Sale:

For default in payment of debt and performance of obligation secured by Deed of Trust executed by Jeff L. Reece And Russanne R. Reece, Husband and Wife, Their Heirs and Assigns dated January 31, 2012 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Clinton County, Missouri in Book 2012, Page 329 the undersigned Successor Trustee, at the request of the legal holder of said Note will on Monday, August 28, 2023 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., (at the specific time of 12:50 PM), at the West Front Door of the Court House, City of Plattsburg, County of Clinton, State of Missouri, sell at public vendue to the highest bidder for cash the following described real estate, described in said Deed of Trust, and situated in Clinton County, State of Missouri, to wit:

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: ALL OF LOT TWENTY-FOUR (24), TIMBER CREEK ESTATES PHASE 2, A SUBDIVISION IN CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI. AND

A TRACT OF LAND SITUATE IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION THIRTEEN (13), TOWNSHIP FIFTY-FOUR (54) NORTH, RANGE THIRTY-ONE (31) WEST, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION THIRTEEN (13), TOWNSHIP FIFTY-FOUR (54) NORTH, RANGE THIRTY-ONE (31) WEST, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI; THENCE WITH THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION NORTH 89 DEGREES 15 MINUTES 54 SECONDS EAST, 1321.69 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF TIMBER CREEK ESTATES PHASE 2; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE OF TIMBER CREEK ESTATES PHASE 2, SOUTH 01 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 940.70 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID POINT BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT TWENTY-FOUR (24) TIMBER CREEK ESTATES PHASE 2; THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID LINE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 296.33 FEET; THENCE DEPARTING FROM SAID LINE NORTH 89 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 07 SECONDS WEST, 10.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS EAST, 296.33 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 07 SECONDS EAST, 10.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. to satisfy said debt and costs.

MILLSAP & SINGER, P.C., Successor Trustee 612 Spirit Drive St. Louis, MO 63005

(636) 537-0110

File No: 212434.082823.433263 FC

NOTICE

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §1692c(b), no information concerning the collection of this debt may be given without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction. The debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

PUBLISH ON: August 3, 2023 08/10/2023,

PUBLIC NOTICES

Because The People Must Know

August 7, 2023

East Buchanan C-1 School District announced its revised free and reduced price policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

Local education officials have adopted the following family-size income criteria for determining eligibility:

add’l

Children from families whose current income is at or below those shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications are available at the school office. To apply, fill out a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application and return it to the school. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year. A complete application is required as a condition of eligibility. A complete application includes:

(1) household income from all sources or Food Stamp/TANF case number, (2) names of all household members, and (3) the signature and last four digits of social security number or indication of no social security number of adult household member signing the application. School officials may verify current income or other information provided on the application at any time during the school year.

Foster children may be eligible regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Households with children who are eligible under the foster, Head Start, homeless, migrant, or runaway programs should contact the school for assistance in receiving meal benefits. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Children who are members of households currently certified as receiving Food Stamps, TANF or FDPIR are eligible for free meals. To complete an application, the household must provide the names of the children, a statement that the household receives the qualifying benefits, the Food Stamps/TANF/FDPIR case number, and the signature of the adult household member making application. When known by the school that members of a household are receiving assistance from Food Stamps, TANF or FDPIR, households will be notified of their children's eligibility for free school meals. If any children in the household were not listed on the eligibility notice or not listed on the application, the household should contact the school to have benefits extended to all children in the household.

If a family member becomes unemployed or if family size changes, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for these benefits.

Under the provisions of the policy, the Superintendent will review the applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, they may wish to discuss the decision with the hearing official on an informal basis or he/she may make a request either orally or in writing to the Dr. John Newell. Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. A complete copy of the policy is on file in each school and in the central office where any interested party may review it.

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660359-4100. 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 816-289-1935 or Leah Helton 660-3593806 or 660-635-0537

"Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different"

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

We've Moved! The Clinton County University of Missouri Extension office has moved to 100 Y Highway in Plattsburg. It offers the same great services. Everything from 4-H to health programs to animal ag and Master Gardener programs.

PUBLIC HEARING

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

The Grundy R-V School District is accepting applications for substitute teachers and part-time bus drivers. Must be able to pass a background check and hold appropriate certification/license. Applications can be found on the Grundy R-V website or by calling the office at 660-673-6511. Complete the application, and

A hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Plattsburg Fire Station, 105 Bush St, Plattsburg, Missouri at which time citizens may be heard on the property tax rates proposed to be set by the Plattsburg Fire Protection District for the 2024 tax year.

ASSESSED

return to:

Grundy R-V HS PO Box 6, 205 S West Border Street Galt, MO. 64641

Attn: Superintendent Grundy R-V is an equal opportunity employer

The City of Laredo is accepting applications for City Clerk. Driver's license, 21+ yrs old & H.S. Diploma/GED required. Must be bondable with a clean criminal background. QuickBooks & Microsoft Office and clerical experience preferred. For further information or application contact Laredo City Hall @ 213 E Main St, (660) 286-2632.

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, water-

proofing * Backhoe & Bobcat work * New water & sewer lines. Kale Hoerrmann - Owner, 30 years experience – 660953-0724.

*SEAMLESS GUTTERING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S

CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 3595477. 52 Years Experience.

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

PAGE TREE SERVICE

Jeff Page 660-359-3699shop, 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, 660-6846931, 32137 State Hwy 6,

PUBLIC HEARING

Joseph Gump of Plattsburg, MO has applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Minor Subdivide of a 23 acre parcel into 2 lots measuring 5.0 and 18.0 acres. Rezone of both lots to AG-B. Property is located on the Northeast Quadrant of the Intersection of N Hwy 33 and State Hwy 116. Sections 17,18,19,20; Township 55N; Range 31W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, September 7, 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 (8/17, 8/24/23)

Jamesport. POLE BARNS – GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.

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.

JAMESPORT LUMBERFull 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

RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospital on Iowa Blvd in Trenton. 5 Unit sizes available. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 660-3597683.

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

Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800-425-0976 or 485-6611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs.

All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

Willing Workers LLPDo you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate... 660-973-5694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648

Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton!

Mid-States will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660359-2045 or at http://www.mid-states.net.

4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

LAUHOFF JEWELRY

Downtown Chillicothe620 Washington St. Open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30, Saturday 9:00-1:00. 660646-3504 www.lauhoffjewelry. com

BUY - SELL - TRADEBIG NASTY'S GUNS & AMMO - Stop in and see us at our New Location1515 E. 9th Street, Trenton, MO. Nathan Rorebeck, 660-635- 0469, www.bignastys.com

WANTED

Old oak color grand piano doesn’t need to work just need shell for art project will haul away for free. Call 816-604-0563 thank you.

NOTICE OF HEARING

The City of Trimble will hold a tax levy hearing on Wednesday August 23rd at 6:30 pm to set the levy for the upcoming year. This hearing is opened to the public and will be held at the Trimble Community Center located at 101 S Fourth St. (8/17/23)

Wanted: TWIN sized

French Provential bed. Reasonable. 816-5907964

RUMMAGE SALE

HUGE COUNTRY YARD

SALE! Complete household dispersal. Plus 2 other families. 3 Ton Electric furnace, brown garage door with opener, 2 brown screen doors, tv antenna, furniture, household, glassware, primitive, some antiques, toys, carpet, lots of women's clothes S-L, men's L. Don't miss this one! 26297 Bean Ave, Gilman City. August 19th 8am2pm.

AGRICULTURE

PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-787-4006

For Sale 8 foot heavy duty blade. Pick up cattle guard medium duty. 18 month old Black Hereford Heifer virgin bull. Call 660-247-1371.

2 Registered Alpine Goats (Doe's). 1 Milking. 1 Dry. Call 816-284-1019 for more information.

FOR SALE

Tools for sale. Brad Nailer. Weed Eater. Sanders. Drills. Blower. Angle Grinder. Circular Saw. Chain Saw. Call 816-539-0339 for details.

Old sawmill for sale, 52 inch blade, PTO driven. Chevy engine with gearbox and PTO shaft. 24 inch surface planer PTO driven. Near Pleasanton Iowa. Would like to sell all together. call 660-7488259.

PUBLIC HEARING

Sharon Curtis of Cameron, MO has applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Minor Subdivide of a 27 acre parcel into 2 tracts measuring 5.9 and 21.10 acres. Rezone of the 5.9 acre tract to AG-B. Property is located on the South side of NE Platte Road, West of West St., and North of NE 358th St. Section 22; Township 57N; Range 30W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 7:20 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 (8/17, 8/24/23)

PUBLIC HEARING

Deedholder – AECI LAND, L.L.C. of Springfield, MO together with Operating Business – Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. of Springfield, MO have applied to Rezone 94.3 acres to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the purpose of operating an Electric Generating Plant. Property is located on the South side of NE 288th St., West of Breckenridge Rd., East of NE Dixon Rd., Lathrop, MO. Section 02; Township 55N; Range 31W. The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 7:10 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 (8/17, 8/24/23)

MDC offers free fishing events in Plattsburg, St. Joseph

St. Joseph, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a series of Free Fishing Days events during August in the state’s northwest counties. Individuals and families are welcome to learn about fishing from MDC staff and volunteers at the events. Basic skills will be taught, and participants will go fishing. All tackle

and bait will be provided by MDC

A Fly Fishing Clinic will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, at Everyday Pond in St. Joseph. Instructors will teach the basics about fly fishing, including the art of casting with a fly rod and fly line. Then participants will go fishing. All fly fishing equipment will be provided. This clinic

is open to participants ages 8 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc. mo.gov/4mR.

A Free Fishing Day will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, at MDC’s Hartell Conservation Area east of Plattsburg. The event is open to all ages. A valid fishing permit is required

Thursday, August 24th at 6:30p.m. (Doors open at 6) Plattsburg 4H Building

for ages 16 to 64. Registration is required. To register, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/4mE.

A Free Fishing Day will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Nodaway County Lake near Maryville. This event is for all ages. A valid fishing permit is required for ages 16 to 64. Registration is required. To

register, visit https://short.mdc. mo.gov/4ma.

MDC fishing classes and clinics give participants the knowledge and basic skills they need to go fishing and be successful catching fish. For more info about the programs, contact Mack Sorrells, MDC education assistant, at Mack. Sorrells@mdc.mo.gov.

It’s time to choose your new time-based rate plan.

Learn more:

Evergy’s Missouri customers will be automatically enrolled in the Standard Peak Saver plan if you don’t choose one of the other three additional rate plan options before October.

Choose your plan now at evergy.com/TimePlans

Why is Missouri changing to time-based rates?

The Missouri Public Service Commission has ordered Missouri utilities, including Evergy, to transition to mandatory time-based rate plans. The goal of time-based rates is to match the costs you pay with the actual cost to produce energy. With time-based rate plans, you’ll pay less for energy used during off-peak times, when demand for energy is lower, and more for energy used during peak hours.

How time-based rate plans work:

With time-based rates, you’ll pay less for any energy used during the 20 off-peak hours. But when energy demand is high during peak hours, the cost for energy will be higher. It is important to shift your large appliance usage, like dishwashers, dryers, and HVAC, to off-peak times, like overnight and early morning, to avoid paying a higher price for energy during the peak times.

We’re here to help:

To help you choose the best plan for your household, we have developed online tools and reports that analyze your actual energy usage and determine the plan that best fits your lifestyle.

Four new time-based rate plans –Choose before October

With time-based rate plans, you can take advantage of lower off-peak pricing by shifting your larger appliance usage, like dishwashers and clothes drying, to off-peak hours.