Area School Boards Meet

Personnel and bid contracts were main topics during recent board of education meetings for Pleasant View R-6, Grundy R-5, Laredo R-7, TriCounty R-7 and Princeton R-5.

Pleasant View R-6

A regular session of the Pleasant View R-VI School board of education was held on Tuesday, February 14 in the school cafeteria. Board members present were Vice President Damien Little, Treasurer Jack Bethards, and members Ben Thomas, Jennifer Belvel and Tim Miller. Superintendent Rebecca Steinhoff was also present.

The regular session board meeting was called to order by Vice President Damien Little at 6:01 p.m.

The agenda, minutes, financial statement and bills were approved on a 5-0 vote.

First grade teacher, Mrs. Lindsey Bond, gave an update on her classroom this year.

An update on school improvements was given. Discussion was held on replacing the carpet in the 3/4/5 wing this summer with an epoxy coating, staining concrete or tiles.

The donation of a beef animal from Thomas Farms was approved on a 4-0 vote with Ben Thomas abstaining.

A second reading of MSBA policy 2022B was done.

Under new business discussion was held on the school’s new CSIP plan with no action taken. Any necessary changes will be made soon with it to be adopted at the March meeting.

The board approved a contract with BTC Bank to utilize its Mascot Debit Card Program on a 5-0 vote.

A gifted program was discussed with no action taken.

The board gave unanimous approval for the 1st & 2nd grade to go to LegoLand and Sea Life in Kansas City on May 5th. They also approved the 8th Grade Legacy Trip to Minneapolis, MN May 8th through 10th. The students will visit Mall of America and Target Field.

Superintendent Steinhoff reported that Julianna Mullins and Lilly Ferguson placed first and second in the Grundy County Spelling Bee with both girls to advance to regionals in St. Joseph on March 4th.

Future dates of importance announced include:

2/16 - 4th-6th BB Game

Chula @ PV

2/17 - Early Out Planning Day

2/17 - 5th-8th Grade

Dance 6-8 pm

2/21 - 4th-6th BB Game

BHS @ PV

E. 2/23 - 4th-6th BB

Game Laredo @ PV

2/24 - 5th-8th Grade iReady Award to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City.

2/28-3/3 - Grundy R-V 4th-6th Basketball Tournament

3/6 - 4th-6th BB Game PV @ Jamesport

3/11- Pleasant View Extravaganza (Silent/Live Auction and Dodgeball Tournament)

3/14 - Board Meeting

6:00

During a closed session the retirement of Mrs. Janet Lake as preschool teacher effective the end of the 2022-2023 school year was approved.

Grundy R-5

Grundy R-V School board of education held their regular meeting on Thursday, February 16.

The Board approved the request from the senior class, represented by class president Skylar Bonnett, to move the senior trip from Lake of the Ozarks to Branson.

The board reviewed the school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. The Board approved a calendar with a four day week, beginning on August 22, 2023 and finishing on May 17, 2024.

The board reviewed and approved a three year contract with Wagner Portrait Group for producing yearbooks for the district. Total cost for 130 yearbooks will be $3,250.

The board reviewed bids from Kramer construction for work on three elementary school projects. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

The board approved the bid from Farmer’s Bank of Northern Missouri to provide the district with financing for the lighting update project in the district. The amount is $70,000 at 5.7% annual interest rate.

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A part-time superintendent salary schedule for the district was approved.

A transfer of $163,360 from Fund 1 to Fund 4 in the budget was approved.

Reports were presented by elementary and secondary principals.

After closed session the Board approved the hiring of Samantha Pesquiera as the middle school/high school social studies teacher for 2023-24.

The board offered HS Principal Matt Rayl and elementary Principal Jennifer Dyer a contract for the 2023-24 school year. Salaries for both will be determined at a later date.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at the elementary school in Humphreys.

Laredo R-7

The Laredo R-7 board of education met Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. The agenda, minutes from the last meeting and bills were all approved.

The second reading of the 2022B MSBA Policy Updates was made. Discussion was held on the Facilities Improvement Plan with no action taken.

The board approved the purchase of a 2022 van from Pettijohn with funds from a USDA grant the school received.

The school calendar for 2023-2024 was approved with the first day being August 22, 2023 and the last day being May 9, 2024.

It was decided to place an ad in the RepublicanTimes for mowing bids. Bids will be accepted until Friday, March 10.

Junior high track with coop with Pleasant View R6 for the spring semester.

The 2023-2024 health insurance policy was approved. The school will pay $510 to employees monthly premiums.

The first reading of the 2023A Policy Updates took place.

The board agreed to hir Cayden Bowe to grease the buses for $25 per greasing per bus.

It was agreed to pay each teacher participating in Career Ladder/Tutoring $25 per hour up to 35 hours above career ladder hours. Discussion was held on basketball and cheer par- ticipation with no decision announced.

The board discussed the budget review, the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services plan, MSIP 6/CSIP updates and review and the Murphy Scholarship.

During closed session, it was approved to extend Superintendent Misty Foster’s contract and to pay Cayden Bowe for two snow removals.

Tri-County R-7

The regular meeting of the Tri-County R-7 board of education was held Thursday, February 9 at 6 p.m. in the library.

The superintendent and principal both gave reports.

The board approved a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

An HVAC bid from Oliphant’s Heating and Cooling was approved.

A bid from Bluum Technology for desktop computers for the business room was approved.

Under new business, the board agreed to seek bids for the financial audit for the 2023-2024 year, renewed membership in the OSBA Health Insurance consortium and discussed the budget and capital projects with no action taken.

The board entered into an executive session with no announcements made.

The next regular meeting of the Tri-County R-7 board of education will be Thursday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the Superintendent’s office.

Princeton R-5

Princeton R-5 board of education met Monday, February 13 in regular session. The consent agenda consisting of approval of the January 9 board of education meeting minutes, bills for payment and any necessary fund transfers and the financial report were approved.

Information was shared from the Games for Guilkey fundraising results. Mr. Guilkey is the elementary building principal recently diagnosed with cancer. T-shirt sales, donations, soup supper, lottery ticket raffle, chuck-a-duck, concession stand, silent auction, gun raffle, and new donations have raised over $29,724.50 to be provided to the Guilkey family.

In old business, the board reviewed the proposal from community member Danny Derry, who offered $30,000 for the opportunity to name the baseball field at the new complex after his Grandfather Dewey Derry. Dewey (Alumni of 1934) played minor league baseball for the New York Yankees for two years. In addition, Dewey was a long time coach/player for the Princeton Merchants baseball team spanning from 1940 to the mid 1950s. The board was grateful for the presentation from Mr. Derry and had significant discussion on the topic. Mr. Girdner shared that there is a lot to consider in naming rights. Some of the challenges are the two existing fields of Gerald Gentry & Dick Franklin field and if those field names would be moved to the new stadium. There has been recent suggestions about past coaches George Scurlock and Dave Niemeyer being honored with field names. Additionally there have been recent donations made that naming rights were not offered or considered. The concern would be if all previous donations should have an opportunity for naming rights and what that donation level should be. There was discussion for a Wall of Fame at the concession stand to honor accomplished baseball and softball athletes, coaches, and contributors. The Wall of Fame would provide an opportunity to recognize our past while naming the fields numerically, Fields #1, #2, & #3. The school board asked Mr. Girdner to provide possible policies or procedures that would evaluate naming rights of school district facilities. The board will continue to work towards a solution and adoption of a plan and procedure regarding naming of facilities.

The Board approved the opening of an additional banking account at First Interstate Bank. The account will provide investment opportunity of the Districts cash reserves.

Previously the Mercer County Economic Area Development (MCAD) board presented information on the possibility of a County Daycare. The proposal would require the Princeton School District to host, manage, and fund the program. A lot of the work on grant applications has been completed for the initial startup for the program. MCAD provided contact information on a possible facility to host the daycare. The Superintendent updated the board on the possible locations of the closed church at 500 W. Main and the most recent opportunity presented at the educational wing of the United Methodist Church. The school board had many questions regarding the facility, budget, and staffing. MCAD will work in the near future to present possible annual funding opportunities to offset the cost to operate.

In new business, the board approved the 20232024 School Calendar. The start date for 23-24 is Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and the completion date is Friday, May 17, 2024. All snow days are built into the calendar that total at 1,105.4 hours have a story read to them by Mrs. Persell and then do a craft. recognized through activities, a park tour, meal and travel to the Thompson House for individuals age 65 and over (registration required by May 5); Christmas in July on July 7-9, with a Christmas Trivia contest on July 8; Dutch Oven Cooking Weekend on Sept. 15-17; Crowder Women in Nature, with women participating in various outdoor skill activities on Oct. 7-8; and a Halloween Event on Oct. 27. A “Learn to Paddle” event will also be held, with the date to be announced. The park will also be having its yearly “Toddler Tuesday” event, which begins on April 4 and continues each Tuesday for six weeks. Preschool-age participants

The board was updated on a Grant Opportunity to improve building HVAC units. Improving Ventilation in Missouri K-12 School Project will provide eligible school districts with funds to repair or improve airflow in classrooms. The district has applied and is awaiting further guidance.

The board approved a bid from ProVision for 50 Access Points using E-Rate Funding. The bid amount of $25,724 includes shipping to the district. The access points will be used to improve outdated technology along with connectivity speed and reliability.

During a closed session the board approved the extra duty assignment of Bill Goodin as JH/HS Track for the 2023 season.

The board approved the hiring of Vickie Girdner as a cook.

The board approved the resignation of 3rd grade teacher Kacie Miyama effective at the end of the 2223 school year.

The board scheduled an additional board meeting for Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. During this meeting, the board approved the contract extension of Elementary Principal Wes Guilkey. The contract will be for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 school years. Salary will be determined after the board evaluates the upcoming budget.

During the business meeting, members were reminded to respond to their invitation to the club’s 100th celebration on March 9 as soon as possible. Each person attending is being asked to bring 2 pair of shoes for the club’s “Shoes for Orphan Souls” and the Bright Futures Trenton shoes projects. It was announced the club will have a special program on April 6, featuring Dr. Kim Baxter, a Nebraska optometrist who works with Rotary clubs to provide eye care to individuals in Kenya and south and central America. Area clubs are to be invited to attend the meeting. The club will meet again on Thursday, Feb. 23. Elizabeth Gibson is the program chairman.

Dennis D. Morse

Mr. Dennis D. Morse, an 81-year-old resident of Trenton, died at 11:06 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.

Mr. Morse was born January 31, 1942 in Moscow Mills, the son of Dewey and Edna Twellman Morse. He was an over-theroad truck driver, logging over one million miles of driving. He was also a farmer, which he dearly loved.

He was a charter member of the Moscow Mills Lions Club and was a member of Trenton Elks Lodge No. 801. He loved to shoot clay birds and was on the trap shooting team and was an avid John Wayne fan. After his death, he was a tissue donor.

On July 7, 1990 he was married to Susan Denise Jokers at Carlinville, IL. His survivors include his wife, Susan of the home; four sons, Wade R. Morse of St. Louis, Adam J. Morse of Livingston, TS, Aaron M. Bright and wife, Pam L. of Trenton and Vaughn M. Bright and wife, Mary of Granite City, IL; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Roy Morse. Memorials are suggested to the National Rifle Association and may be left with the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com.

Rev. Christi Lyn Taylor

Rev. Christi Lyn Taylor, 46, of Red Oak, TX, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Charlton Methodist Hospital in Dallas, TX.

Christi was born on February 1, 1977 in Tustin, CA, the daughter to Don Taylor and Sue Keith Taylor. She attended elementary school in Trenton and middle and high school in Canyon, TX. Undergraduate work was completed at Southwestern Assemblies of God University and West Texas A&M University.

She served as Associate Pastor and Youth Leader at Southside Assembly of God Church in Garland, TX and student mentor in the Red Oak Independent School District.

She is survived by her mother, Sue Keith Taylor of Red Oak, TX; her uncle, Dean Keith and wife, Linda of Rolla; her aunts, Babe Roy of Spickard and Ann Taylor of Fulton; and many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Don Taylor; her grandmothers and grandfathers; uncle, Jerrold Taylor; and several cousins and friends.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 25 at 1:30 pm at Resthaven Mortuary, north or Trenton, with burial following in Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

Christi had requested, in lieu of flowers, for donations to be made in her name to the Missions Fund at First Family Church, 6101 Bell St., Amarillo, TX 79109.

Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com.

Circuit Court

Davis Allen Bowman pleaded guilty to an amended charge of operating a motor vehicle with brakes not in working condition and exceeding the posted speed limit and was fined $268.00 and $139.00 in costs.

Jonathan Cyle Brown pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle without a safety belt properly fastened and was fined $10.00.

Warranty Deeds

Allen R Hickman and wife to Allen R Hickman and wife.

6K properties, LLC to Robert W. Beck and wife.

Timothy G Peery and wife to 6K properties LLC. Bradley E Whitney and wife to Bradley E Whitney.

Monday-Chicken strips, sweet potato fries, tomatoes & cottage cheese, mango, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday-Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pineapple, biscuit.

No other information given before press time.

(Coffee, iced tea, water and milk are served daily and an alternate meal of chef’s salad, crackers and fruit cup is available each day.)

The Capitol Reeppoor tt

TREP. MAZZIE BOYD

MO House of Representatives

201 W. Capitol Avenue Room 116A-2

Jefferson City, MO 65101

E-mail: mazzie.boyd@house.mo.gov

573-751-4285

NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT

To the Great Constituents of District 2,

“When it's grim, be the Grim Reaper.”

- Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach, advice to quarterback Patrick Mahomes

HOW ‘BOUT THEM CHIEFS?!

An amazing Super Bowl victory by our very own Kansas City Chiefs.

Lawmakers approved legislation aimed at protecting businesses, schools, and churches from burdensome government mandates. By a vote of 105-36, the House approved HB 184 to prohibit local ordinances requiring businesses to pay for new electric vehicle charging stations. I don’t believe we need to charge small businesses in District 2 to have an electric vehicle charging station.

During committee on Thursday, HB 419 was combined with my HB 463 and Rep. Sparks’ HB 549 and passed out with a vote of 85. This bill would prevent mi- nors from receiving transition surgeries and hormone therapies before the age of 18. This is a HUGE win for Missouri. This bill will now go on to the rules committee to be voted on.

Senator Mike Moon held a press conference with Senators Hoskins, Eigel, and Carter along with Representatives Hudson, Sparks, Baker and myself. During the press conference, we got to hear from Chloe Cole and Luka Hein. When Chloe and Luka gave their testimony, you could hear a pin drop in that room.

Luka Hein was only given one option by her doctor in Nebraska when she came to them with questions at the age of 15-16: double mastectomy and testosterone.

Chloe Cole, from California was also 15 when she went to her doctors looking for help. She was put on puberty blockers, cross sex hormones, and given a mastectomy. Both of these women have since de-transitioned and advocate for laws protecting children from making these life altering decisions before adulthood. Hearing the pain that they’ve endured was incredibly moving. Why does this topic matter? What else could possibly be more important than the lives of Missouri children? Even one young girl deprived of her ability to be a mother is too many. One young girl who can never feed her children because of the profit-driven industry of child transitions is TOO many. I am going to continue fighting until this bill is over the finish line.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 SMALL TOWN SHOWCASE ARE NOW OPEN!

Nominate your community today to be one of 2024's Featured Five communities! Please note: to be eligible for participation, communities must be located within the state of Missouri and have a town population of 10,000 people or fewer. Nominations end May 1st. Nominate your small town here at: https://mohumanities.org/no minate-your-community/

It's a pleasure to serve and as always if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office at (573) 751-4285 or email me at Mazzie.Boyd@house.mo.gov.

Shakespearean Circle Begins Study on “Twelfth Night”

The Shakespearean Circle met on Wednesday, February 15 at 1:30 pm at the Activity Center of the First Christian Church in Trenton. Members in attendance included Krista Rickerson, Amy White, Susan Engelmann and Terry Cobb.

Following the business meeting, Susan Engelmann introduced the play “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” as a comedy that involves twins and mistaken identities. She described it as being about desire’s power to override