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Trenton Rotary Club Celebrates 100 Years of Service

The Trenton Rotary Club celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday night, March 9, with a meal and program at Cross Hall on the North Central Missouri College campus. Decorations coordinated by Kim Washburn included Rotary flags collected and received by the club during its 100 years as well as table decorations in the Rotary colors of blue and gold. A table also featured notebooks of the club’s history, compiled by the late Ruth Walker and Dan Wilford as well as other Rotary memorabilia, including attendance pins and song books.

President-elect Jackie Soptic served as master of ceremonies and opened the event by leading those present in the Pledge to the U.S. flag. Dan Wilford gave the prayer.

Mrs. Soptic gave the welcome to those in attendance and recognized special guests, including District Governor Kent Shelman of Independence, who gave remarks about the club’s involvement in Rotary International activities and congratulated members on their accomplishments during its 100-year history. There were 19 former club presidents in attendance. Allan Seidel, who served as president in 1978-79, presenting information about his time as president, including differences in Rotary then and now. He also shared a roster of members from 1976-77, which showed a membership of 60 individuals.

Also recognized were Bruce Constant, who has been a member of the club for 40 years; and Carlotta Gonzalvez, who is the club’s exchange student from Spain.

Diane Lowrey presented a history of the club, which was established during a meeting on March 6, 1923, and outlined the many activities in which the club has been involved over the years. Kim Washburn, who served as president during 2020-21, told about how the club weathered the

Briefs

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Spickard BOA Meets

The Spickard Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. at Spickard City Hall. Mayor Alan Tharp presided over the meeting.

The agenda and minutes from the last meeting were approved on a unanimous vote. The financial report and payment all claims were also approved.

There was discussion about taking bids for the ground around the lagoons for hay. The City decided not to put the ground up for bid.

The next meeting of the Spickard Board of Aldermen will be Monday, April 10 at 6 p.m.

Submitted Photos global pandemic and came back even stronger by becoming a 100 percent Paul Harris Fellow Club as well as a 100 percent “Every Rotarian, Every Year” member participant.

Members of the Trenton Rotary Club celebrated the club’s 100th anniversary during a celebration held on Thursday, March 9 at Cross Hall on the NCMC campus. Members attending included, from left, front row, Dan Wilford, Diane Lowrey, Cathy McKay, Savannah Fogel, Debbie Carman; middle row, Jackie Soptic, Kristi Urich, Joe McDonald, exchange student Carlotta Gonzalvez, Megan Taul, Melissa King, Kim Washburn, Bruce Constant, Steve Taylor, Gary Dolan, L.D. Gibson, Phil Hoffman; back row, Chris Hoffman, Doug Tye, David Critten, Tom Witten, Allan Seidel, John Anthony, Don Purkapile, Scott Sharp, Jeff Crowley, Dr. Lenny Klaver, Brian Upton and Daniel Gott.

Mrs. Soptic read memories shared by members of their time as Rotarians, including L.D. Gibson, Diane Lowrey, Dr. Jim Selby, Don Purkapile and Doug Tye. Phil Hoffman shared information about his family’s participation in Rotary, including the 1927 international convention held in Belgium and attended by his great-great grandfather, H.F. Hoffman.

Debbie Carman, a club member and director of the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the club with a 100-year anniversary certificate from the chamber. Mrs. Soptic also read resolutions received from the Missouri Senate and Missouri House, recognizing the club’s centennial milestone.

A cake honoring the club’s 100th birthday and made by Crystal Whitaker was served and “Happy Birth-

[See Rotary, Page 2]

North Central Missouri College Closed Friday

North Central Missouri College will be closed on Friday, March 17th, for Spring Holiday. This closing includes all buildings and offices at all locations. The Ketcham Community Center will have holiday hours of 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. NCMC will reopen on March 20th for regular hours of business.

Laredo R-VII Spring Roundup

Laredo R-VII School District will hold its Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup on Friday, April 14 from 8:3011:00 a.m. Any student eligible for preschool or kindergarten beginning fall semester 2023 is encouraged to attend. Parents are reminded to bring the child’s birth certificate, social security card and immunization record to the screening. Call the school at 660-286-2225 to set up an appointment.

Two Interstate Rest Areas to Permanently Close

Submitted Photos

Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Carman, left, presented a certificate of recognition to Trenton Rotary Club president-elect Jackie Soptic, right, during the March 9 Rotary Club 100-year anniversary celebration held at Cross Hall on the NCMC campus.

Trenton City Council Meets

Trenton City Council met on March 13, 2023.

The sewer plant has normal operations. Working to adjust the bar screen. Check valve in large plant pump failed. It was isolated and other pumps are being used. The council is getting a quote from the contractor for replacement. Reservoir PS – working to develop a new connection plan. Clarifier Modification project – starting, contractor is ordering materials.

River PS – engineer finalizing plans. Grundy electric crew is installing new meters and continuing regular maintenance. Perform routine maintenance.

Council is working on getting more water meters to communicate with AMI. Inputting LSL inventory data as it becomes available. Identifying and planning sewer main repair projects.

The airport had normal operations. Concrete apron re- placement for this spring has been completed. Need to cut and seal.

Crews performing maintenance on asphalt plants, storm inlets and culverts. Contractor is hauling asphalt sand when the weather is decent and is almost finished.

Council has also advertised for asphalt rock hauling.

The Trenton Fire Department had normal operations. The contractor has started to repair the concrete on the east side of the building.

The Trenton Police Department had normal operations and the new patrol car was outfitted with a partition, lights and radio.

Lights and poles have been ordered for the Dollar General lighting. The engineer for the Tenth and Oklahoma watermain project has been completing plans for phase one.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will permanently close the southbound Platte County Interstate 29 (Dearborn) and Clinton County Interstate 35 (Lathrop) rest areas next week as work begins to convert the facilities to commercial vehicle parking. The rest areas, including parking, will be closed to all motorists beginning the morning of Thursday, March 16. As part of the project, the current rest area buildings will be removed, additional truck parking will be added and vault toilets will be installed. MoDOT has contracted with Emery, Sapp & Sons on the $3.8 million project that is expected to be completed by the end of October 2023.

It is estimated that up to 35 percent of the annual daily traffic on Missouri’s interstates are commercial vehicles. Of the 141 sites near an interstate in Missouri, 87 are at or above capacity at the peak hour between 2 and 3 a.m. An additional 23 are between 80-100 percent full.

“When truckers can’t find parking off the road, they resort to parking on the interstate access ramps and this creates a safety hazard,” said Marty Liles, MoDOT northwest district engineer. “By converting the rest areas to truck parking, we’re able to help meet the needs of commercial vehicles while decreasing the costs associated in the renovation and upkeep of traditional rest areas.”

MoDOT currently maintains seven welcome centers, 14 rest areas and 24 truck-only parking sites on seven interstates throughout Missouri.

For more information about the rest area projects and to sign up for project email updates, visit

[See Rest Areas, Page 2] day” to the club was sung. Brian Upton shared national and local trivia from 1923 in keeping with a Rotary meeting tradition.. The group then repeated The Four Way Test to conclude the evening’s activities.

The Trenton Rotary Club was formed during a meeting on March 6, 1923 and received its charter during a ceremony on April 27, 1923 with 18 charter members receiving their certificates of membership. A banquet honoring the occasion was held in the Baptist Church with more than 100 Rotarians, their wives and guests present.

D.C. McVay served as the club’s first president and since that time 98 members have served in that role. E. Cook and Steve Maxey are the only two president to serve two. The current president is Michael Ormsby. Trenton has also had two district governors – R. Leroy Miller in 1958-59 and Rev. A.L. Palmer in 1968-69. Trenton served as host to the district convention during Miller’s term in 1959.

The club has been very active during its 100 years of existence, spearheading or assisting with numerous projects to benefit the com- munity and surrounding area. In the early days, club members were responsible for making the first city street signs in the machine shop of Rotarian Charles Holmes, who also provided his shop to refurbish an Army vehicle used by the Trenton Fire Department.

The shelterhouse near the World War memorial at Moberly Park was constructed by the Rotary Club, which has also provided playground equipment at Eastside Park for handicapped children as well as providing funds and labor to build portable stages used by the North Central Missouri Fair. Other local projects have included construction of a storage area at Rissler Elementary School for Bright Futures Trenton, installation of a recycling bin in conjunction with Easter’s Variety Store, co-sponsorship of a Kids Identification project with McDonald’s and the Trenton Police Department, a fifth and sixth grade basketball tournament (in cooperation with the Kiwanis and Lions clubs) to benefit middle school athletics, hosting football tailgates to benefit high school football and band, sponsoring local students to attend Boys State and Freedom Forum, volunteering at the food pan- try, ringing the bell at Christmas time for the Salvation Army and sponsoring the annual Missouri Day Festival Parade, organizing entries and providing judges.

The club holds a fish fry yearly to raise funds for contribution to Rotary International projects. These efforts, along with individual contributions made by members, have resulted in the club being designated a 100 percent Paul Harris Fellow Club, one of only 13 clubs in the 52-club 6040 Rotary District. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International and designation as a Paul Harris Fellow is given to individuals who support the ideals of Rotary. A $1,000 contribution is made to Rotary International in their honor.

The local club has been a supporter from Day 1 of the district’s “Shoes for Orphan Souls” project, working with Buckner International of Dallas, TX to provide shoes, socks and shoe laces to children in need in foreign countries served by Buckner. In the past three years, the club has also included the Bright Futures Trenton shoe project in its efforts, helping to provide shoes for local youth as well. The eradication of Polio has been a top priority of Rotary Inter- national and the Trenton club has supported those efforts by raising $11,000 in two separate campaigns to help make the world poliofree. modot.org/northwest-missouri-rest-area-modifications.

The club has been a long-time participant in Rotary’s Student Exchange Program, hosting many high school students over the years from countries such as Spain, Mexico, Germany, South Africa and Hungary, with local Rotarians and other families serving as host families. Trenton resident Amy Whitaker (now Currie) was sponsored by the local club in 199 to spend the school year in Mexico as a guest of the Heimsatz family, who has sent two of their children to live in Trenton as exchange students. Amy’s daughter, Sophia, is currently a Rotary Exchange student in Spain and another THS student, Ellis Gilham, spent a year in India as an exchange student during the 2015-16 school year.

As the club celebrates its centennial year of service, members intend to continue to render service to the community while maintaining the ideals of Rotary and assisting in district and international projects.

MoDOT asks drivers to always buckle up, keep your phone down, slow down and move 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-ASKMODOT (275-6636) or via social media.

John Ross Axsom, 42, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

John was born on September 9, 1980 in Trenton, to Benard C. and Janet M. Brown Axsom. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1999. He was a dispatcher/jailer for the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, then a corrections officer with the Adair County Sheriff’s Department prior to promotion to Jail Administrator in 2009. John was an instructor for the Missouri Sheriff’s Association and a member of their Jail Standards Com-

Beverly A. Goodin, an 89-year-old resident of Quincy, IL and formerly of Trenton, died at 9:45 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Quincy.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grundy Center Cemetery, Northeast of Trenton. Slater-Neal Funeral Home of Trenton is in charge of arrangements.

Beverly was born April 24, 1933 in Trenton, the daughter of Henry and Opal Wise Goodin.

Beverly graduated from Trenton High School in

Local

Deaths

John Ross Axsom

mittee since 2013 and their Jail Administrator Committee. John was named the 2019 Missouri Sheriff’s Association Jail Administrator of the year.

John enjoyed camping, floating, fishing, fixing things, and caring for his pets.

John is survived by his mother, Janet Axsom of Trenton; sister, Deb (Kevin) Dailey of Mercer; sister, Lisa (Tom) Butler of Vichy; sister, Brenda Axsom (fiancé Kerry Dauma) of Lexington; aunts; an uncle; and assorted nieces, nephews, great-nieces and a greatnephew. Also surviving is Jacob Walton and many close friends.

John was preceded in

Beverly A. Goodin

1951. She lived in Trenton until moving to Kansas City for five years, where she was employed by Southwestern Bell and then transferred to Fort Worth, TX in 1961. She was employed as a physician’s assistant for six years and eventually was self-employed in art advertising.

Beverly was an avid reader, gardener and admirer of the arts. She volunteered at the Botanical Gardens and Casa Manana Theater in Fort Worth.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Trenton.

Her survivors include

Daily Record

Circuit Court

Davis Allen Bowman pleaded guilty for operating a motor vehicle with brakes not in working condition and was fined $207.50 and $67.50 in costs.

Jonathan Cyle Brown pleaded guilty to failure to wear safety belt and was fined $10.00.

Stephanie L Engle pleaded guilty to exceeding the posted speed limit and was fined $70.50 and $70.50 in costs.

James Daryll Weaver pleaded guilty to failure to wear a safety belt while driving a commercial vehicle and was fined $50.50 an $71.50 in costs.

Macy Grace Merwin pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle with brakes not in working conditon and was fined $207.50 and $67.50 in costs.

Lexie Taylor Whetstine pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle with brakes not in working condition and was fined $207.50 and $67.50 in costs.

Warranty Deeds

Evolution Spray Foam to North Central Missouri College.

Taylor Rhianon Sparks Viera and husband to Nathan Rorebeck and wife.

John Ross Axsom death by his father, Bernard Axsom. one niece, Cheri Benedict of Hannibal; three greatnephews, HJ, Michael and Andrew Benedict; and three great-great nieces and one great-great nephew.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Adair County Humane Society and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Joetha Kaye Lewis; and her dear friend, Ruth Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Trenton, the Grundy Center Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com

Mrs. Patricia A. Murphy, an 83-year-old resident of Trenton, died at 11:35 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at her residence.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Resthaven Mortuary, north of Trenton.

Mrs. Murphy was born June 24, 1939 at Trenton, the daughter of Vaughn Olen and Helen Lorene Hamilton Meeker. She graduated from Trenton

As of August 1, 2022 please note the following price guideline and publication deadline for placing obituaries in the Trenton, Republican Times Death Notice - No Cost This is basic information following the below guidelines: Name

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North 65 Center Menus

Monday-Philly cheesesteak on bun, diced tomatoes, corn, tropical fruit.

Tuesday-Meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, cauliflower, 1/2 banana, cornbread.

Wednesday-Pork roast, baked potato, carrots, mango, hot roll.

Thursday-Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rosy pears, biscuit.

Friday-Beef hot dog on bun, baked beans, cucumbers & onions, fruit juice, snickerdoodle cookie.

(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.)

Patricia A. Murphy

High School in 1956. She was employed by Trenton Foods for over 40 years before retiring.

On June 2, 1957 she was married to Daniel E. Murphy at Trenton. He passed away on January 16, 2022.

Her survivors include one son, Cary Murphy and wife, Dee of Galt; one daughter, Lori Stiles of Trenton; three grandchildren, Cassie Cordray and husband, Daniel, Leslie Brown and Lance Stiles;

Card Showers

A card shower has been requested for Rhoda Oyler, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday anniversary on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Cards may be sent to her at 6311 N. Cosby Ave, Apt. 107, Kansas City, MO 64151.

Tfd

On Tuesday, March 14 at 10:40 a.m., the Trenton Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Lend Nation, 1808 E. 9th St. in Trenton. The building is owned by Steve Richman.

Upon arrival, firefighters noticed there was no smoke showing from the exterior and there was light smoke in the interior. Firefighters located a bathroom that had a small portion of the ceiling on fire from an overheated exhaust fan. The plastic cover of the fan caught fire and fell onto the toilet lid which caught the toilet lid on fire and other materials at the floor level. Firefighters used a water can extinguisher to extinguish the fire and thermal imaging camera to check for additional hot spots.

There was fire damage to the ceiling exhaust fan, ceiling tiles and toilet. There was minimal smoke and water damage. The fire department was on scene for 40 minutes.

three great-grandchildren Morgan Brown, Marley Brown and Bodie Cordray; one sister, Vaughncille Brown and husband, Garold of Galt; and one sisterin-law, Judy Meeker of Galt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Clitus Meeker.

Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com