Trenton Republican-Times_5-16-24

REPUBLICAN-TI I MEES

“GOD BLESS AMERICA” Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 37

What’s Next for the City?

by Mark McLaughlin

R-T Staff Writer

It’s been an eventful last month for the City of Trenton, with the failure of the Economic Development Tax, and pushback on the Wage/Years of Service pay scale.

But the beat goes on.

Mayor Jackie Soptic has gone to work with an active city council on advancing needed improvements for the City, and has been working with city employees to gain needed input on the Wage/Years of Service pay schedule.

At the last Council meeting, Soptic indicated a desire to meet with city employees in the Electric Department and with City Hall Staff to hear their concerns directly, answer questions and gain input.

“We had really good discussion with these workers, and learned some issues that will be addressed,” Soptic said. “Through this entire process, I have wanted to hear everyone’s concerns, and when I

[See City, Page 2]

Briefs...

Jordan Rainer to Headline Music Jam

Rising Country Music star and standout talent from “The Voice” Season 24, Jordan Rainer, is set to ignite the stage as the headliner of this year’s Leadership Northwest Music Jam, presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, this event will once again be hosted at Black Silo Winery in Trenton on Saturday, August 31, coinciding with the celebrations of Trenton’s Alumni Weekend. Trenton High School freshman, Makayla Mejia, is slated as the special guest to kick off the evening's music festivities. Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite. From her unforgettable stint under the mentorship of country icon Reba McEntire on “The Voice” to the resounding success of her current headlining Straight Shot Tour, Jordan Rainer embodies what Reba herself describes as a force of nature. With a magnetic stage presence and a voice that captivates audiences far and wide, Rainer promises a perform-

Humphreys Alumni Reunion

The Annual Humphreys Alumni will be held on Saturday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Humphreys Community Building. Those attending are asked to bring finger foods. Drinks and table service will be provided. All alumni, former students, teachers, family and friends are invited to attend.

Trenton Christian School

Trenton Christian School is now accepting applications for enrollment for Fall 2024. Trenton Christian School will be located at First Christian Church, 1700 Princeton Road. A $100 deposit is to be paid at the time of enrollment. Enroll online at www.trentonmochristian.com. Tuition is $152.50 per week. Accelerated Christian Education curriculum will be used to integrate character-building lessons.

TMS Awards Assemblies

Trenton Middle School will hold awards assemblies on Friday, May 17, which is the last day of school, in the TMS gymnasium. Scheduled assemblies will be as follows: Fifth Grade - 8:15 a.m., Eighth Grade - 8:45 a.m., Seventh Grade - 9:15 a.m. and Sixth Grade - 9:45 a.m. All parents and grandparents are invited to attend.

Laredo R-VII Graduation

Laredo R-VII held eighth grade graduation ceremonies on Monday, May 6. Named valedictorian was Emma Lowrey. River Limkemann was salutatorian and also received the citizenship award.

Lunch with Law Enforcement

The Trenton Police Department invites the community to join them on Monday, May 20 for Lunch with Law Enforcement at the North 65 Center, 2901 Hoover Drive in Trenton. Officers will be available to answer any questions or hear concerns of the public during this time.

ance that will leave an indelible mark on all who attend.

Shane Lynch, Music Jam coordinator, shares his excitement about Rainer’s headline act, expressing admiration for her talent and stage presence. “I watched Jordan on ‘The Voice’ last season and she was my favorite on Team Reba. She's not just a great singer; she’s a true creative entertainer, and I can't wait for her to grace our stage in Trenton.”

More than just a night of music, the Leadership Northwest Music Jam serves as a vital fundraiser for the Leadership Northwest Missouri (LNWMO) program. This year, the event takes on added significance with the introduction of a scholarship initiative. Proceeds from ticket sales will continue to support the LNWMO program, while also paving the way for the future by offering two $500 scholarships to deserving high school seniors. One scholarship will be awarded to a student from Grundy County, the host county of the Music Jam, while the sec-

ond will go to a student from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region. The announcement of this year’s recipients will be released soon.

So come on out for an evening of music and entertainment with the extraordinary talents of Jordan Rainer and Makayla Mejia, but also to support future leaders in Northwest Missouri.

Commissioners Advance 911 System Completion

The Grundy County Commissioners approved a bid of $33,316 for the completion of the 911 system locations at Spickard and Galt in their regularly scheduled Commissioner’s meeting held Tuesday, May 7.

Command One submitted the accepted bid with the cabinets for Spickard coming in at $9,837 and Galt at $11,337. The option of HVAC air for both is $12,142 for a total of $33,316.

Commissioner Brad Chumbley made

The Trenton Police Department is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Lieutenant Larry Smith from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University.

Lt. Smith has successfully completed the twentytwo week Staff and Command program held in Evanston, IL from September 11, 2023 - February 25, 2024. This program, which was implemented by the Center for Public Safety

the motion to accept the bid, and Commissioner Don Sager seconded it to move the project forward.

In other business, Sager made a motion to approve minutes for December 20 and 27 of 2022.

The Commissioners wrote a check for bridge completion of project BRORO40(30) to MERA Excavating for $89,433.40.

in 1983, has graduated over 21,000 students. both nationally and internationally. Lt. Smith was a student in SPSC Class #558, which accommodated a total of 24 students for the twenty-two week period.

The School of Police Staff and Command provides upper-level college instruction in a total of twenty-seven core blocks of instruction and additional optional blocks during each session. The major topics of study in-

clude: Leadership, Human Resources, Employee Relations, Organizational Behavior, Applied Statistics, Planning and Policy Development, Budgeting and Resource Allocation.

Each student is academically challenged through written examinations, projects, presentations and quizzes, in addition to a staff study paper that are all required parts of the curriculum. Upon successful completion, students may

[See Smith, Page 2]

by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

The Trenton City Council met in its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Standing room only was the description of the Council Chamber, as most of the public guests came in favor of the “Sober Life” Recovery House, initiated by council member Duane Urich and director Jenn Hottes, aimed at providing a “safe home” for women transitioning from prison and rehab back into “living life again”.

After the pledge and prayer, Mayor Jackie Soptic called the meeting to order. Minutes of the last meeting were approved and bills were paid. Councilmen Tim Meinecke, David Mlika, Duane Urich, Lou Fisher, Glen Briggs, Calvin Brown and Marvin Humphreys were in attendance. Councilman John Dolan was absent.

The Council approved the Conditional Use Permit of Ed Creason of Consumer Oil and Supply for the construction of six grain bins on their property located next to the feed mill and housed in the old Codes Building. The permit was passed on a 7-0 vote by the Council.

The next topic was the

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Old Glory flying at Five Points

Makayla Mejia

Jordan Rainer

Lt. Larry Smith

From Front Page

Conditional Use Permit requested by Councilman Urich and Jenn Hottes for the “Sober Life” recovery house project.

Designed to accommodate up to five women at a time transitioning from incarceration or rehab into normal life, the ordinance permitting the home was based on the only available zoning category, that of a “halfway house”.

Urich and Hottes both indicated that the purpose of the home was “safe housing” for those women applying to live there. A remarkable and passionate support for the home was expressed by some twentyfive individuals, and support was offered by Cindy Jones of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, who spoke for the church in throwing support behind the organization.

“We want to provide ‘safe housing’, where women can come, and learn how to have success,” Hottes said. “We want to be there to support them, be it through meetings, groups, AA meetings, with the idea that we help them make ‘the next right choice’ in their lives.”

Questions from the Council included whether the directors of the venture had degrees, what the occupancy would be, and so on.

The group noted that “real life experience is the key to helping people learn how to live life again”, as Hottes explained.

She suggested that the best way to help people struggling with drug add-

iction is to support them with people who have “lived it”, know the pitfalls, and have emerged out the other side.

As Jones added, “the only way to help people on drugs is to have been there yourself.”

Mayor Soptic did note that the “Conditional Use Permit” allowed the Council to revoke approval were the home not to meet the promised plan for providing help.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the plan, with Councilman Urich abstaining.

Hottes indicated that they were ready to go to work with filling the Home as early as Tuesday.

The Council took up Bill #26, which was an amendment extension to the MHTC block grant that had expired.

It was noted that the storm drainage project had been delayed, and that MHTC had asked the Council to apply for the extension. The Council approved the recommendation 7-0.

The council voted then on Bill #27, approving Nail Excavating LLC for the Muddy Creek Boring project on a 7-0 vote.

In new business, the Council heard concerns from Jonesy’s Chop Shop Barber Shop on West 8th next to the Plaza Apartments, regarding residents of the apartments taking up handicapped parking and staying there indefinitely.

The Council discussed if they had any options to assist, and concluded that as the parking area was public parking and not time restricted, there wasn’t much they could do. The Mayor agreed with that assessment.

The Council then heard a quote from BTC Bank and others submitting bids for the purchase of a 2024

Dodge Durango police SUV from Landmark Dodge in Independence. The vehicle was priced at $41,200 based on a three year lease with annual payments, for a total of $45,000-$46,000.

Discussion on whether or not to just buy the vehicle outright turned on the issue of impacting the General fund with a big expenditure all at once, versus spreading it out. City Clerk Cindy Simpson commented that past Councils had done it both ways, buying vehicles outright and then later, opting to stretch out payments.

Reviewing lease rate bids from four banks, the Council settled on the BTC Bank option of 5.45 percent over three years.

The Council voted 4-3 with Fisher, Brown and Briggs voting no, noting that they preferred the pay up front option.

City Administrator Ron Urton was asked by Briggs how many vehicles the city had financed, and he noted that three vehicles were being paid over time with one coming off soon. Police Chief Rex Ross noted that the average life of a police cruiser was 4-5 years, but indicated that the new SUV would replace a 2010 SUV nearing the end of it’s life, and used primarily for administrative purposes.

The Council discussed sidewalk settling at the Sesquicentennial Park at Main and 10th, identifying it as a tripping hazard. Urton told the council that the sidewalk fill has started to settle, and that, with Farmers Market coming up, it needed repair. Mayor Soptic recommended in the interim that signs warning of the hazard be placed there.

Urton indicated he would speak to Shuler Concrete and to the City street crew about possible options for repair. The Council

asked Urton to check for other trouble spots on city streets that could be addressed at the same time.

The Council reviewed two bids on Sewer Lining Tubes, and received a recommendation to approve a bid from SMICO Inc. for $443,000. The Council voted 7-0 to approve the bid.

Mayor Soptic brought forward the discussion of what steps to take with the North Industrial Park, north of Trenton. Failure of the Economic Development Tax sidetracked discussions on completing the infrastructure needs to the area to make it more attractive to industrial developers.

Soptic has formed a task force including Chris Hoffman, Scott Sharp, Scott Wilson, Lauren Dannar and Councilmembers Duane Urich and Marvin Humphreys to come up with recommendations on whether to sell the property, “swap out” the property with the Electric Cooperative who holds property adjacent to the Park, or let it ride and do nothing.

No further action was taken at this time.

“Welcome to Trenton Signs” were discussed by the Council for posting on the East and West entrances to town. The signs are 3’ by 8’ vinyl banners used to highlight the city with Farmers Market and Missouri Day events coming up.

The Council then adjourned to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel and real estate matters, with no announcements made.

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, there will be no meeting of the city council on May 27. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Trenton City Council will be Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

• From Front Page •

Soptic stated that adjustments would be made to the schedule based on the information learned from those discussions, and will be brought back to the Council in June.

Soptic said ongoing projects of city attention over the summer months will be the submission of a demolition grant, and the formation of a task force working group to determine recommendations to the Council regarding the north industrial park, and the 80+ acres of land owned by the city.

Of note is that the proposed Economic Development Tax could have been used to start developing the infrastructure for the North Industrial Park in bringing water and electric to the potential development of the site.

Lacking that, the City

911

• From Front Page • learned that the electric and city hall staff had not had those discussions, I wanted to correct that.”

Grundy County Ambulance director Matt Walker was on vacation and did not make a report to the Commissioners.

A phone conference was held with Joseph Vodziak of SAP Global and Courtney Wegman with LJ Hart Company.

The commissioners

• From Front Page •

be awarded a total of six units of undergraduate credit from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

The Center for Public Safety was established at Northwestern University in 1936 with the specific goal of expanding universitybased education and training for the Law Enforcement Community. Since its inception, the

needs to look at options to either sell the property or consider other options for it.

One of Soptic’s economic development goals is the development of more adequate housing in the community.

“We recently passed the infill housing program and have a builder interested in building on the three vacant lots the city owns,” Soptic said. “Grants for housing can be obtained, but these are usually for low-income housing and come with a lot of stipulations that makes it very difficult and unattractive for builders.”

Soptic noted that Green Hills Community Action Partnership has built several houses in Trenton for low-income households through MHDC and USDA. She added that going through Community Action for grants would be the best mechanism for grant funds.

This process is an ongoing one, and will be studied in future editions of the newspaper.

noted that unfunded mandates by the State of Missouri has caused a decrease in the fund balance. In April 2024, the people of Grundy County voted for the use tax and should bring in between $70,000 and $500,000.

Monies will be expected to hit county books in 2025, as the tax will be initially collected beginning July 1, 2024.

Center has broadened its original objective and now provides a variety of courses and programs in the area of Police Training, Management Training and Executive Development.

The Trenton Police Department anticipates a variety of benefits from Lt. Smith’s attendance at this program. Many of the program’s graduates do go on to achieve a variety of leadership positions within their respective agencies.

OBITUARIES

CIRCUIT COURT

In City of Trenton vs. Laura K. Allen, charged with operation of a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant entered a guilty plea and was ordered to pay $25.50 plus court costs, which she did in open court.

In City of Trenton vs. David Ayala, a payment review hearing was conducted regarding a an ordinance violation for expired plates and a second count of operating a motor vehicle without a valid ID or license. The defendant entered a guilty plea and was fined $50.50 plus court costs. Upon request of the defendant, the case was continued until June 14 court date in order to have more time to pay.

In City of Trenton vs. Robert Glenn Blozvich, charged with operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, involving an accident, and a second ordinance violation for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, both cases were continued until May 21 to provide the defendant time to obtain legal counsel.

In City of Trenton vs. Tommy Joe Brittain, charged with failure to yield (ordinance), the defendant failed to appear. A bench warrant was issued for Brittain’s arrest, and he faces current fines of $99.00.

In City of Trenton vs. Dampier De’Jon Evans, charged with operating a motor vehicle on highway without valid or no license, and a second count of operating a vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant entered a guilty plea and paid fines and court costs in the amount of $114.50 in open court.

In City of Trenton vs. Wagner Kane Evans, charged with exceeding posted spoeed (6-10 mph. Over limit), the defendant entered a guilty plea and was ordered to pay fine and court costs in the amount of $99.00.

In City of Trenton vs. Mark B. Golden, charged with two ordinance violations for operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, and failure to stop at a stop sign line/before cross-

walk/point nearest intersection, the defendant entered guilty pleas, but failed to appear in court. A Show Cause summons was issued, and he is ordered to pay a cash bond of $124.

In City of Trenton vs. Gemma C. Gray, the defendant was charged with exceeding posting speed (41 mph. In a 25 mph. zone), the defendant entered a written guilty plea and submitted fine of $100.50.

In City of Trenton vs. Levi E. Hostetler, charged with improper lane use, the defendant entered a guilty plea and paid costs of $99 to the court.

In City of Trenton vs. Levi Ryan Hughes, the defendant was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign. The defendant entered a guilty plea and was ordered to pay fines and court costs in the amount of $99 by May 21.

In City of Trenton vs. Melissa Lee Kane, charged with an ordinance violation for expired plates, the defendant failed to appear. A Show Cause Summons was issued to her last known address, with pending fees of $89 owed.

In City of Trenton vs. Diane Kallaine Leota, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant pled guilty, and was ordered to pay fines of $64 by June 21.

In City of Trenton vs. Alyssa Mariah Lewis, the defendant, initially charged with illegal/improper turning pled guilty to an amended charged of defective equipment. She was ordered to pay fines and court costs of $225.

In City of Trenton vs. Jacob Scott Maize, charged with operating vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant entered a guilty plea and was ordered to pay fines and costs of $64 to the court by June 4, 2024.

In City of Trenton vs, Brian Douglas McCabe, charged with an ordinance violation of expired plates, and a second charge of operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant entered guilty pleas on both counts, and was ordered to pay fines and court costs of $89 on offense one,

Charges for Non-Support, DWI Filed in Grundy County

Nicholas R. Day, 42, of Trenton was arrested on a Failure to Appear warrant tied to a 2023 case for a Misdemeanor A charge of Non-Support. Day was arrested on May 2 and is being held on $1,500 cash only bond, with a court date scheduled for May 14. Michel Sergo Zessi of Trenton was arrested by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office on a Misdemeanor A count of DWI-Prior and a Misdemeanor A count of operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. The complaint reads that on or about April 19, the defendant operated a motor vehicle while under the in-

and $64 on offense two.

In City of Trenton vs. Jazmen Nicole Miller, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant failed to appear. A Show Cause Summons was issued, and a new court date of June 4, 2024 was set. Upon disposition, she will face fines and court costs of $64.

In City of Trenton vs. Taufa Muimui, charged with operating a motor vehicle on the highway without a valid or no license, the defendant failed to appear. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest with a cash only bond of $114 set.

In City of Trenton vs. Jennifer Lynn Neff, charged with counts of expired plates, displaying a fictitious/cancelled/suspended /revoked/altered driver license, and operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant appeared in court, requested and received a continuance until June 4, 2024.

In City of Trenton vs. Debra Kay Nicolaus, charged with expired plates, the defendant entered a guilty plea, and paid fines and costs of $89 to the court.

In City of Trenton vs. Simon Dionisio Paiz, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant failed to appear. A Show Cause Summons has been issued from the court, requiring a June 4, 2024 court date.

In City of Trenton vs. Joseph Alan Pannone, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant failed to appear in court for a second time. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest, with cash bond of $64 due upon arrest.

In City of Trenton vs. Jonathan Lee Patrick, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, no information was available from the court.

In City of Trenton vs. Sean Michael Pruitt, charged with expired plates, the defendant had entered a previous guilty plea, with fines and court

costs of $89 due by May 7. He failed to appear to make payment as ordered, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest with a cash bond of $89 due.

In City of Trenton vs.Amy Ridenour Valeka, charged with a nuisance violation, the court tried the case and found her guilty of a failure to abate the nuisance complaint. In lieu of fines, the defendant paid the court costs of 189.00 in open court.

In City of Trenton vs. Joshua W. Rosenbaum, charged with speeding of 42 mph. In a 25 mph. zone (1619 mph. over), the defendant pled guilty to an amended charge of defective equipment, and paid fines of $225 in full.

In City of Trenton vs. Dennis A. Ryan, charged with speeding 60 in a 45 mph. zone (11-15 mph. over), the defendant entered a guilty plea, and paid fines and costs of $109.00 in full.

In City of Trernton vs. Lacy McKenna Smith, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendangt requested and received a continuance until June 4, 2024.

In City of Trenton vs. Silas Dacen Spencer, charged with operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, the defendant failed to appear. A Show Cause summons was issued, demanding his appearance in court on June 4, 2024.

REAL ESTATE

Keith Edmonston and wife to Shawn Muselman and Wife.

Hickman Family Farm LLC to Connie Watkins

Daniel Schuler and wife to Calvin Beechy

Glenda Klinginsmith to Matthew King and Wife.

Chandler Asher to Cheyanne Morrison.

MARRIAGE DISSOLUTIONS

Petitions Filed

Chanda J. Martin vs. Dakota Martin

Creed D. Jones vs. Kerry J. Jones

Petitions Granted

Hope M. Hughes vs. Wayne A. Hughes

Samantha N. Jones vs. Joseph L. Holmes

Elizabeth Zuptich vs. Richard Zuptich

Alice Mae Westergaard

Alice Mae Westergaard, a 78-year-old Galt, MO resident, passed away at 8:56 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at her home in Galt.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Galt Christian Church in Galt. Burial was in Berry Cemetery north of Galt. Memorial donations are suggested to the Berry Cemetery and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Alice Mae Westergaard was born August 18, 1945 in Marshalltown, IA to Georgie Orville and Tessie (VanWye) Shriver. In August of 1968 she was united in marriage to Kermit Morris Holt. He preceded her in death in 1981. In November of 1981, she was remarried to Jimmy Ed-

ward Westergaard at the Galt Christian Church. Alice had a bachelor’s of library Science and worked as a teacher at Galt until retiring in 2000. She enjoyed gardening and flowers and crocheting and sewing, and was an avid reader.

Surviving relatives include her husband Jim; children Lora Schnurbusch and husband, Gary of Columbia, MO, Darren Holt of Des Moines, IA, and Dana Downs and husband, Stephen of Clear Lake, IA; a brother, Ronald Shriver of Eastern MO; and grandchildren, Erin Rogers, Claire Holt, Zoey Downs and Abigail Downs. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com

Phil Hoffman Has Program at Recent Rotary Meeting

Phil Hoffman presented the program at the Thursday, May 9 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club, held at the BTC Bank community room. Brian Upton presided at the meeting, Chris Hoffman gave the prayer and Steve Taylor was sergeant at arms.

Program chairman Bruce Constant introduced Hoffman, who told about his attendance at the Berkshire-Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, NE, held the weekend of May 4. He said that while he didn’t know the number of persons attending the event, as many as 75,000 have attended in past years, which has led to the event being called “The Woodstock of Capitalism.” The chairman of Berkshire-Hathaway, Warren Buffett, was very involved in the meeting, providing company updates and answering questions from stockholders. Among Berkshire-Hathaway holdings are stock shares of Apple, Bank of America and American Express. Hoffman also told about how Berkshire-Hathaway came to be, from its purchase by Buffett and his association with Charlie Munger, who was a partner until his death last year.

During the business meeting, it was announced that a community fireworks program is planned in Trenton on July 4 and that money is being collected to put on the show. Persons wanting to donate can contact Cole Soptic at Farmers State Bank, who is helping to organize the event. Checks are to be made out to the Green Hills RDI, with fireworks being listed in the memo line.

The program for the May 16 Rotary meeting will be presented by Mercer County Associate Circuit Judge Matt Krohn, who will talk about the Third Judicial Circuit Drug Program. Daniel Gott will be the program chairman.

fluence of alcohol. The defendant is a prior offender required to serve a minimum of ten days in jail before being eligible for probation, due to a previous DWI arrest in February of 2011. On the second count, referencing the previous case, the defendant operated a motor vehicle on a public road and, in a careless and imprudent manner by failing to stop at a stop sign and thereby endangered the property of another or the life and limb of any person and was at that time involved in an accident. The defendant was ordered held on a $10,000 cash only bond and assigned a May 14 court date.

Monday-Pork fritter on bun, pickles and onions, sweet potato fries, strawberries, brownie.

Tuesday-Western omelette w/peppers and onions, ham slice, tator rounds, fresh oranges, English muffin.

Wednesday-Chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cinnamon applesauce, biscuit.

Thursday-Salisbury steak, mixed vegetables, stewed tomatoes, mixed fruit, hot roll.

Friday-Polish sausage on bun, sauerkraut, pea salad, 1/2 banana, chocolate cake.

(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.)

BANNAD STUDIOS

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Chalk Talk

by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

How would you like to be the Communications Director in the White House right now?

In the past the office of the White House Press Secretary devoted it’s time to articulating the deep dive information that reporters sought to sell policy programming to the American people.

This White House communications office spends 127 percent of it’s time walking back the statements that this President makes offhandedly on the way to and from Marine One, and in the case of his sitdown CNN interview last week with Erin Burnett, the Communications Office is spending as much time covering up Biden’s “15 lies in 17 minutes” classic that wrapped up his Presidency in a nutshell.

Three truths emerged from the “Pinocchio” firestorm last week…

1 – Biden lies, about everything. No…I really mean everything.

2 – Biden has no idea what he is saying. None. There isn’t enough Ritalin on the face of the planet to keep this plane from falling apart in midair.

3 – Biden is given little breadcrumbs, note cards, prompter points, but then you get little nuggets about “Uncle Bose” getting eaten by cannibals in New Guinea and chain fights with “Corn Pop”...and on it goes… Biden’s staff try to keep him shielded from the media because he simply can’t put coherent thoughts together. To Burnett’s credit, she asked questions that needed to be asked about the pain people were feeling from inflation, and other issues, and Biden just couldn’t handle those questions.

You can enter this in your

search bar, “15-lies in 17-minutes” and get the full rundown – The New York Post offered a pretty comprehensive list, but here are the top three…

1 – “Inflation was 9 percent when I came to office… ” No, you gasbag, it was at 1.4 percent in January of 2021 when you took office. By June of 2022, inflation was in runaway mode and Trump had nothing to do with it.”

2 – “They have the money to spend. It angers them and angers me that they have to spend more.” According to Bankrate, 76 percent of adults making less than $50,000 a year are living from paycheck to paycheck, an increase from 71 percent the year before that. In my household, we were in the “end of the money before the end of the month” phase a year ago. Now, we make cuts.

3 – “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security. We’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas”, referencing putting a “hold” on promised weapons shipments purchased and paid for months ago, not even the $16 billion in arms garnered from the $90 billion foreign aid bill passed three weeks ago. Can you imagine an American President tying an arm behind Israel’s back with any other President than this one? Can you imagine the response of the United States in 2001 being told to “hold back” on dropping “daisy cutters” on the tunnel structures in Afghanistan for fear of civilian casualties? It would have elicited a five finger salute with two on either side of the middle one making a fist.

The lies Biden tells come

from an inability to speak truthfully, or knowledgeably, but more concerning, to speak cognizantly…to actually deliver thoughts of substance.

Damn those diffuse lewy bodies, anyway…

Outkick CEO Clay Travis and his afternoon radio partner Buck Sexton both predict that the Democratic Party will dump Biden from the ticket by Memorial Day.

Otherwise, the Democrats “steaming pile” of “stuff” will continue to be the hard work and headache of the poor dumb acolytes in the White House Press Office.

Polls in five of the six battleground states put Donald Trump up by 4 to 12 points in those states, and that is not something this President has the juice to overcome.

Whether the Democrats get Governor Brylcream or Michele Obama to ride in in a white Chevy Bolt to save the Dems, they’re in deep trouble.

In the meantime, I can envision the want ad for new help at the White House Press Office.

“Wanted, journalism/marketing/damage control expert sought to help craft the White House messaging. Desirable characteristics…work in an Alzheimer's unit, screenwriting experience with Disney, Pixar, or Lucasfilms fantasies highly valued. Must be able to package fiction as the truth, and sell it. Must be able to see the “vision” of what the message “could be”. Must drive an EV, have no gas appliances, have spent time on Gaza student protests, or time playing video games, or talking to imaginary friends. Finally…must believe in unicorns.”

I know this covers a lot of ground, but there is a lot of fantasy to be written and spoken to make this President believable.

I’m with Clay Travis…wait for the bombshell over Memorial Day Weekend that ends with the words, “I will not seek, nor will I accept, another term as your President.”

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Laredo News

Carol Wilford

Laredo R-VII eighth grade students traveled to Kansas City on Friday, May 3 on the customary end-of-the-year trip. This year they went to Cracker Barrel, The Exit room, K1 Speed and Texas Roadhouse. Laredo students in grades 3-8 who did well on the MAP test were rewarded by going swimming at Marceline.

A graduation party was held for Peyton Moore at the Laredo Community Center on Saturday, May 4 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A buffet of walking tacos were served, plus cupcakes for dessert.

The Laredo Lions Club served root beer floats to the students and staff at the Laredo R-VII School on Thur., May 9, the last day of school for the summer.

An historical event occurred in Laredo on Sat., May 11. The Final Spike 2816 Steam Train passed through Laredo around

3:30 p.m. The Anniversary Steam Tour of the CPKC (Canadian Pacific and Kansas City) Southern Railways began in Chicago, with Kansas City being its final destination. There were 18 railroad cars (and two extra engines facing each other near the front of the train) that were pulled by the big steam engine; and there were no stops along the way.

Mary Gonzalez and sons, Sammy, Joshua and Andrew of Kansas City, KS, arrived at Dan and Carol Wilford’s late afternoon on Sat., May 11. Mary joined her mom and dad at the Galt-Grundy RV Annual Banquet at Galt High School that evening. Mary and her sons, as well as Jerry and Goldie Wilford of Highland’s Ranch, CO, attended the First Baptist Church of Milan on Sun., May 12. After church, they all ate at Jackson’s Place in Milan.

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Published every Thursday, except holidays; Single Copy, $1.15 plus 10¢ sales tax. $52.60 plus tax per year in Trenton and Grundy County. $64.60 plus tax per year in Missouri and $75 per year out of state.

COMMUNITY

Life Options Green Hills Holds 5K Run

Life Options Green Hills held a 5K run on Saturday, April 27 at the Rock Barn in Trenton. Farmhouse Table Coffee Co. was available with coffee and sweet treats. Music was provided by Freedom Sound Ministry.

Winners in each category included:

Women 18-29 - Jena Harris, first; Avery Webb, second.

Women 30-39 - Mackenzie Weldon, first; Jessica Romine, second.

Women 40-49 - Jackie Webb, first; Jewell Harris, second.

Women 50-59 - Sherri Betz, first; Missie Cotton, second.

Women 60-69 - Kari Ross, first.

Men 18-29 - Dylan Heitz, first.

Men 30-39 - Michael Ormsby, first; Jesse Miller, second.

Men 40-49 - Brandon Puls, first; Andy Clark, second.

Men 50-59 - Jerry Lucas, first; Steven Mosely, second.

Girls 6-12 - Ainsley Miller, first; Timberlynn Johnson, second.

Girls 13-17 - Rozalea Webb, first; Claire Wood-

ard, second.

Boys 6-12 - Joshua Detweiler, first; Colten White, second.

Boys 13-17 - Luke Csicsai, first; Scott Maberry, second.

Sponsors for the event included Generational Buildings; Wright Memorial Hospital; Premier Eyecare Associates; Magic Wash; RDK Wellness & IV Hydration; Serve Link Home Care; Trenton HyVee; American Family Insurance - Cara McClellan; Barnes Greenhouses; Bennett Farms, LLC; BTC

Bank; Century 21 - Team Elite; Consumers Oil & Supply Co.; Edward Jones, Bethany; Grundy County Lumber; Midwest Tire Outlet; O’Rourke Wellness Center, P.C.; Cale Gon-

dringer Agency, LLCShelter Insurance; Smithfield; Steven’s Excavating & Plumbing, LLC; Trenton Abstract & Title Company, LLC; and United Country Heitz Real Estate, Bethany.

Thank You

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support these past 2 months. A special Thank You to Sunnyview Nursing Home for the amazing love and care, and to Doctor Smith and St. Luke’s Hospice for the excellent health care. We could not have managed through this without you.

The Family of Johnny Egeland

Trenton Area Calendar of Events

FRIDAY

Church Women United Thrift Shop, 17th & Harris, noon to 4 p.m.

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, 6 p.m. For more information, call 359-2704.

North 65 Center: Line Dancers, 9:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Church Women United Thrift Shop, 17th & Harris, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farmers Market, Sesquicentennial Park, 8 a.m. - noon.

SUNDAY

Narcotics Anonymous, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 4 p.m.

MONDAY

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, 6 p.m. For more information, call 359-2704 or 3572367.

Grundy County Health Department, WIC Services by appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks, walk-in, 9 a.m. to noon.

MI Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 2901 Hoover Drive, 7 p.m.

North 65 Center: Line Dancers, 9:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

Trenton Lions Club, First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, noon.

Grundy County Health Department, Children’s Immunizations by Appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nurse Services by appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spickard Coffee Club, Wise Community Center, 8 a.m.

Domestic Violence/Anger Management Group, North Central Missouri Mental Health Center, 7 to 9 p.m.

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Fun Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.

Grundy County Health Department, Immunizations by Appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Adult Blood Draw Clinic by appointment, 9 a.m. to noon.

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, noon. For more information, call 359-2704 or 3572367.

THURSDAY

Trenton Rotary Club, BTC Bank Community Room, noon.

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Early Bird Bingo, 6:00 p.m.; Regular Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Submitted Photo

Life Options Green Hills held a 5K run on Saturday, April 27 at the Rock Barn. Runners in 13 age categories competed for their respective title.

LOCAL

North Central Missouri College Employee Awards Presented

Multiple awards were presented at the annual faculty/staff recognition ceremony at North Central Missouri College. Employees and departments were recognized for their achievements so far this year. Beth Crawford, Jeffrey Jackson, Janet Pultz, Sue Nichols, Janet Gott and Sarah Bonnett were recognized for their years of service and retirement from NCMC.

Receiving recognition and awarded Emeriti status upon retirement were Beth Crawford, Janet Gott, and Sue Nichols. This prestigious title is awarded to professional and instructional retirees from NCMC who have dedicated twenty years or more of full-time service to NCMC. Individuals have to be recommended and approved

by the Board of Trustees.

Emeritus is an honorable title for personnel who have retired with long, successful careers and contributions to North Central Missouri College.

Outstanding Employee

Spotlights for the year identified included Merribeth Copeland, Korynn Skipper, Jeffrey Grider, Colton Greer, Rick Sharp, Megan Erickson, Sarah Bonnett, Sophia Swink, Janet Gott and Kael Brock. NCMC President Dr Lenny Klaver also praised and recognized those whose positive comments were received by the president’s office.

Those recognized for earning advanced education degrees were Brandon Mysliwiec, Masters of Business Administration in IT Management; Hannah

Lovett, Associate in Arts from NCMC; Nicole Shell, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Andra Schuelke, Masters of Science in Nursing; and Jessie Tabbert, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Members of the NCMC family were recognized with years of service awards. Jennifer Triplett and Merribeth Copeland were recognized for five years of service. Vel Westbrook, Tricia Key, Megan Pester, Jayne Meservey, Tocarra Williams and Lisa Kauten were recognized for ten years of service. Whitney Trump and Ronda Copple were recognized for fifteen years of service. Dr. Susan Stull and Sarah Bird were recognized for twenty years of service.

The Advising Department was awarded the Aus-

mus Mini Grant awarding $250 from the NCMC Foundation to further advance a project submitted for funding.

Dr. Beth Caldarello was awarded the NCMC Spirit Award, which recognizes an employee that has demonstrated great morale and a positive attitude. The recipient is selected based on their overall NCMC spirit, enthusiasm, involvement, encouragement toward others, helpfulness, and optimistic outlook.

The Diversity and Inclusion Award is an acknowledgment bestowed upon an individual who actively promotes inclusive excellence. This person contributes to and enhances the environment of North Central Missouri College through a sustained commitment to maintain and improve opportunities for the diverse communities we serve. The Diversity and Inclusion Award was presented to Joni Oaks and Tami Campbell.

The Shipley Excellence in Assessment Award was presented to the Library and Library Services. This award recognizes an individual or department that has accomplished meaningful assessment to improve student learning or services and is named in honor of NCMC Professor Emeritus Melody Shipley.

Faculty member Cassie Cordray, Education Instructor was announced as this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award winner. The Excellence in Teaching Award

is an honor given to a faculty member who demonstrates a clear vision of teaching, substantial contribution to the improvement of teaching methods and curriculum, captivating presenter, leader, responsible, and expert in their field.

Skylar Bonnett was awarded the Outstanding Student Employee award for this year. The Outstanding Student employee award is given annually to one NCMC student employee who has exceeded their position requirements while maintaining a positive attitude and demeanor. This individual represents what it is to be a professional, hard-working, and reliable student employee.

In honor of long-time employee John Campbell, Lead Maintenance, The John Campbell Dedication Award is given to individuals who have shown dedication and commitment to North Central Missouri College, their department, peers, and their job. An individual that goes above and beyond to help others and the college. This year, the award was presented to Maryellen Harman.

The Outstanding Employee Randy Young Top Sail Award is annually given to an individual who has significantly helped NCMC become a better place through their leadership, performance, attitude, and accomplishments. Employees are nominated by other employees and selected by each group's pres-

ident and respected presidents (AMP, classified, faculty, students). This is the most prestigious award given each year. It is named in honor of Emeritus Randy Young. Alicia Endicott, NCMC Foundation Director, was awarded the Randy Young Top Sail Award this year.

This year’s BrownPushkarsky Award winner, selected by members of the student body, was faculty member Amy Guthrie, English Instructor. The Brown-Pushkarsky Award, named in honor of NCMC Professors Emeritus Tom Brown and Louis Pushkarsky, recognizes an instructor who best exemplifies their dedication to teaching.

The Brown-Allnutt Award was presented to Angela Heins, SSS Academic Advisor. The Brown-Allnutt Award is named in honor of staff members Lee Ann Allnutt and Linda Brown. This award is designated for a staff member who has provided exemplary service to students; the student body also chooses it.

The student body also presented the Nowland Excellent Student Organization Advisor. This award is presented to an individual that provides leadership, growth, and commitment to the student organization they advise. This year’s recipient was Christina Boatright, BSU Advisor. This award is named in honor of retired faculty member David Nowland.

Extension Notes

by Shawn Deering, MU Extension Livestock Specialist

Mention anaplasmosis to a group of cattlemen in northwest Missouri and you will likely get mixed responses. Some will know what it is because they have dealt with it firsthand. Others will not know what it is and will say they have never heard of it. Anaplasmosis is a serious disease that affects cattle in an increasingly larger area of the country. Historically, the disease has been a problem in the southern areas of the United States. Anaplasmosis has progressively spread north, possibly due to increased cattle movements. It is something that our producers need to be aware of. Clinical anaplasmosis is usually caused by a tiny organism called Anaplasma marginale. This organism attaches to red blood cells and destroys them. Thus limiting the ability of cattle to carry oxygen in the bloodstream. The disease is not contagious but is transferred between cattle by ticks, biting flies and even contaminated needles, scalpels, tattoo pliers, etc. There is a strong correlation between age of cattle and the severity of the disease. Calves are much more resistant to the disease than older cattle. There is no clear evidence that Brahman influenced cattle are more resistant to infection. If infected cattle do survive, they are not likely to have severe problems with the disease in the future unless they become immunosuppressed or severely infected with other parasites. However, they will remain carriers of the disease for the rest of their life unless the carrier infection is eliminated by antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of the dis-

To the Great Constituents of District 2,

“It’s ‘The Final Countdown’” – Song by Europe

This week, we passed the budget on to the Governor for approval before the 6:00 PM deadline today. We have one more week until the end of session. I hope that we can get to SJR 74- Initiative Petition- before the end of the week. SJR 74 goes over how we change our Constitution as a state and is vital to protecting Missouri.

Here are the bills that the Governor signed this week:

HB 2634: will prevent abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. This legislation prohibits public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, from supporting abortion facilities or affiliates and grants taxpayers and the Attorney General the ability to enforce these provisions through legal action.

SB 727 and HB 2287: These bills had to be signed together due to HB 2287 being the fix to some of the issues in SB 727 to form a comprehensive legislative package focused on educa-

LOCAL

Laredo R-VII End of Year Awards

tion

reform in Missouri.

HB 2016: The deployment strategy involves implementing rotating shifts for National Guard members and dispatching highway patrol troopers equipped with standard law enforcement gear, all of whom have volunteered for the mission. In line with these efforts, the Missouri General Assembly approved a $2.2 million supplemental budget request to support border security initiatives and replenish the Governor's emergency response fund.

HB 1751: Increases the municipal approval radius from one-half mile to one mile for landfills, solid waste processing facilities, demolition landfills, and sanitary landfills. This change means that the Department of Natural Resources will not issue a solid waste disposal operating permit to one municipality without the approval of an adjoining municipalities' governing body if the permit location is within one mile of the adjoining municipalities' border.

HB 1803: would expand the MOBUCK$ program, which helps local lenders offer reduced interest rates to eligible borrowers. Highlights of the

ease include anemia, pale or yellow mucous membranes, lethargy, loss of coordination, rapid or difficult breathing and excited and aggressive behavior. Often times though, the first symptom a producer will notice is the death of a mature cow during late summer or early fall. This time-period tends to correlate with the height of tick and biting fly season. This is also a time when producers are busy with putting up hay, family vacations, etc. and cowherds are quite frankly not checked as frequently. Progression of the disease is fairly rapid and symptoms can easily be missed if cattle are not checked regularly. Prompt treatment with tetracyclines in the early stages of the disease usually ensures survival. Control strategies vary depending on the part of the country where the producer is located and the overall cattle population in the area. Because of the primary method of transmission, a good fly and tick control program is definitely a plus. If you suspect that you might have a problem, contact your veterinarian to see what he or she recommends for your specific operation.

Budget:

The Missouri General Assembly this week finalized and approved a $51.7 billion budget, cutting nearly $2.6 billion from the Senate’s version of the FY2025 budget. The budget also reflects a $1.2 billion reduction in spending from the FY2024 budget.

• $120.6 million increase to fully fund the K-12 education foundation formula

• $14 million increase to fully fund school transportation

• The budget bans any state taxpayer dollars from going to any sanctuary city for illegal immigrants

• The Governor and Legislature have reduced welfare spending by removing over 150,000 ineligible recipients

• $53 million for I-29 and I35 improvements

• $2 million for grants to crisis pregnancy resource centers to support mothers in need

• When the Republicans took over the legislature there were over 63,000 state employees. The number of state workers has been declining since then and the 2025 budget will reduced another 7,000, bringing us down to 49,500 employees.

• Fully funded local schools through the state education formula, increased teacher pay to recruit and retain quality teachers, and transportation funding; thus ensuring our public schools have all the resources they need to provide a world-class education.

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.Christensen@ house.mo.gov

Kindergarten

Everly Bethards - Missouri Reading Circle Certificate, Book It! Certificate, Sight Word Star Award (mastery of Journeys 88 sight words), Most Improved iReady Reading (+96), Most Improved iReady Math (+79) and Heart of Gold Award.

Salem Ferguson - Missouri Reading Circle Certificate, Book It! Certificate, Hard Worker Award (most iReady Math lessons passed 60) and Out of Your Shell Award.

Brycen GlidewellMissouri Reading Circle Certificate, Book It! Certificate, Sight Word Star Award (mastery of Journeys 88 sight words), Best Effort Award (most iReady Reading lessons passed 60), Hard Worker Award (most iReady Math lessons passed 61) and Overall Hard Worker Award.

Sophia Hudson - Missouri Reading Circle Certificate, Sight Word Star Award (mastery of Journeys 88 sight words) and Sassy Sister Award.

Xzavier Jones - Missouri Reading Circle Certificate and Energizer Bunny Award.

William Nunley - Missouri Reading Circle Certificate and Best Friend Award.

First and Second Grade Lorelei Hecker - Highest Reading i-Ready Score, Most Improved Reading i-Ready Score and Break A Leg Award.

Tyson LowreyReading Circle Certificate, Highest Math i-Ready Score, Most Improved Math i-Ready Score and Salt of the Earth Award.

Korbin ReeterReading Circle Certificate and Live Wire Award.

Autumn Barr - Highest Math i-Ready Score and Eagle Eyes Award.

Grayson BinghamReading Circle Certificate, Book It! Honor Diploma and Straight as an Arrow Award.

Molly Eckert - Reading Circle Certificate, Most Improved Math i-Ready Score and Social Butterfly Award.

Madelyn GlidewellReading Circle Certificate, Highest Reading i-Ready Score, Book It! Honor Diploma and Tough Cookie Award.

Kayden Jones- Reading Circle Certificate, Most Improved Reading iReady Score and Gift of Gab Award.

Blayden RobbinsReading Circle Certificate

and Sharp as a Tack Award.

Third and Fourth Grade Conner BowerReading Circle, Completion of third grade, Most iReady lessons passed –third grade, Highest percentage of i-Ready lessons passed for third grade, Best Handwriting, Excellent Speller and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Marlena HeckerReading Circle, Completion of third grade, Most Improved Math i-Ready –third grade, Highest Diagnostic Score – 3rd Grade i-Ready, Multiplication Master, Excellent Speller, Excellent Effort and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Addison PriceReading Circle, Completion of third grade and Most Improved.

Lucas Russell - Reading Circle, Completion of third grade and Most Unique.

Chloe Smiley - Reading Circle, Completion of third grade, Most Improved Reading i-Ready – third grade and Best Dancer.

Austyn BurkeybileReading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Most Improved Math i-Ready –fourth grade, Multiplication Master, Most Organized, Most Dependable and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Jazaniah JonesReading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Multiplication Master, Quietest Worker, Excellent Speller and Fastest Multiplier.

Macey LowreyReading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Most i-Ready Lessons Passed –fourth grade, Multiplication Master, Math Whiz and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Isabel May - Reading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Highest Percentage of i-Ready Lessons Passed – fourth Grade, Highest Diagnostic Score – fourth Grade, Excellent Speller, Writing Wizard and Most Generous.

Caden Reeter - Reading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Most Improved Reading i-Ready –fourth Grade and Terrific Helper.

Gage Smiley - Reading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Multiplication Master, Most Athletic and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Carter Tobias - Reading Circle, Completion of fourth grade, Excellent

Speller, Multiplication Master, Most Energetic and Participation in 5/6 Grade Basketball.

Students Participating in 5/6 Grade Basketball

Connor Bower, Marlena Hecker, Austyn Burkeybile, Macey Lowrey, Gage Smiley, Carter Tobias, Brantley Gott, Landon Gott, Tymberlynn Limkemann, Megan Lowrey, Marie Tobias and Tyler Ward.

Students Participating in 7/8 Grade Basketball

Brantley Gott, Landon Gott, Isabella Bonnell, Tymberlynn Limkemann, Megan Lowrey, Marie Tobias, Tyler Ward, David Bonnell, Kenzie Bower, Jordan Foster, Serenity McLain, Leighton Whipple, Isabella CervantesCashatt, Cainen Griswold and River Limkemann.

Fifth–Eighth Grades

Most Math I-Ready Lessons completed for the year – 1st - Emma Lowrey, 2nd - Kenzie Bower and 3rd - Megan Lowrey.

Most Reading I-Ready Lessons completed for the year – 1st - Emma Lowrey, 2nd - Megan Lowrey and 3rd -Brantley Gott

Most Improved Math IReady Diagnostic score –5th - Landon Gott, 6thMarie Tobias, 7th - Jordan Foster and 8th - Cainen Griswold.

Most Improved Reading I-Ready Diagnostic score – 5th - Brantley Gott, 6th - Megan Lowrey, 7th - Leighton Whipple and 8th - Cainen Griswold. Most Improved Math IXL Diagnostic score – 5th - Landon Gott, 6th - Marie Tobias, 7th - Leighton Whipple, 8th - Bella Cashatt.

Most Improved Reading IXL Diagnostic score – 5th - Kyrian Reeter, 6th - Megan Lowrey, 7th - Leighton Whipple and 8th - River Limkemann.

Top Math I-Ready Score – 5th - Landon Gott, 6th - Megan Lowrey, 7thJordan Foster and 8thEmma Lowrey.

Top Reading I-Ready Score – 5th - Landon Gott, 6th - Megan Lowrey, 7thLeighton Whipple and 8th - Emma Lowrey.

Top Math IXL Score –5th - Landon Gott, 6thMegan Lowrey, 7thLeighton Whipple and 8th - Emma Lowrey.

Top Reading IXL Score – 5th - Landon Gott, 6thMegan Lowrey, 7thSummer Meeker and 8thEmma Lowrey.

The 26th annual MATCP (“Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals”) training conference was held in Branson, Missouri last month and the 3rd Circuit Treatment Court Program was recognized for 20 years of service. The 3rd Circuit Treatment Court program serves participants from all four counties of the Third Circuit – comprised of Grundy, Harrison, Mercer and Putnam Counties. Judge Matt Krohn currently serves as Supervising Judge of the 3rd Circuit Treatment Program. The Treatment Court Team consists of treatment professionals from all four counties such as counselors, probation officers, trackers, the Treatment Court Coordinator, prosecutors, the Sheriff of each county and a defense counsel representative. Pictured are team members, from left, Isaac Chaney, Probation and Parole Officer for Mercer and Grundy Counties; Laurette Wigal, Probation and Parole Officer for Harrison County; Melanie Tipton, Preferred Family Healthcare, Director of this treatment provider; Ashley Hale, Preferred Family Healthcare, Counselor; Stephanie Whipple, Preferred Family Healthcare, Counselor; Penny Hines, 3rd Circuit Treatment Coordinator; Judge Matt Krohn, 3rd Circuit Treatment Court Judge; Cory Coleman, Collector/Law Enforcement; Toni Hamilton, Juvenile Office Representative; and Nikki Hinkle,Probation and Parole Officer for Putnam County.

Rylie Boyer of Maysville has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Student for May. Rylie is a Missouri A+ scholarship student and just graduated with her associate in science degree. Rylie plans to transfer her degree to Northwest Missouri State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology.

At NCMC, Rylie was on the Pirates softball team, a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, and a Residence Assistant in Selby Hall. Her favorite class was Biology with Dr. Susan Stull. Riley said, “I love biology, and Dr. Stull worked well with me and my sports schedule. All of the instructors at NCMC are supportive of the athletes and our schedules.”

Rylie went on to say, “I chose NCMC for the A+ scholarship program. Thanks to it, I haven’t had to pay out of pocket for my tuition. Also, I like the small hometown feel of campus and everyone here. My favorite thing about NCMC was getting to know everyone and bingo nights! NCMC made transitioning into college life easier than going to a four-year. Two years of free college has helped a lot, and I also got to play softball.”

Leadership Northwest Missouri Announces Winners of Inaugural Scholarship

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Friday, May 17 • 5:30 pm

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Leadership Northwest Missouri proudly announces the recipients of its inaugural scholarship aimed at recognizing outstanding high school seniors within the Northwest Missouri region. This year, for the first time ever, Leadership Northwest Missouri is awarding two $500 scholarships to deserving students, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering leadership and education in the community. The funding of these scholarships is a result of the proceeds from the previous year’s Leadership Northwest Music Jam.

The scholarships, estab-

lished to support the educational endeavors of promising young leaders, are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities. One scholarship is designated for a student from Grundy County, the hosting county for the Leadership Northwest Music Jam, while the second scholarship is open to applicants from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region.

After careful consideration of numerous applications, Leadership Northwest Missouri proudly announces the winners of this scholarship: Corbin Axtell from Grundy R-V High School and Judson Smith of St. Joseph Christian High School. Corbin plans to attend North Central Missouri College and pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Business. Judson will attend Missouri Western State University where he will major in biology.

"We are proud to award these scholarships to Judson Smith and Corbin Axtell," said Jenna Stevens, Music Jam Committee Member. "Their exemplary

academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to serving their communities truly set them apart. We believe that they will continue to make significant contributions to the Northwest Missouri region, and we are happy to help support their educational journeys."

Leadership Northwest Missouri extends its heartfelt congratulations to Judson Smith and Corbin Axtell on their outstanding accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

Returning for its fourth consecutive year, Leadership Northwest Music Jam presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center will

once again be hosted at Black Silo Winery in Trenton on Saturday, August 31, coinciding with the celebrations of Trenton’s Alumni Weekend. Proceeds from the event will fund the Leadership Northwest Scholarship for 2025. Rising Country Music star and standout talent from "The Voice" Season 24, Jordan Rainer, is set to ignite the stage as the headliner of this year’s event, along with Trenton High School freshman, Makayla Mejia, slated as the special guest to kick off the evening's music festivities. Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com /e/leadership-northwestmusic-jam-featuring-jordan-rainer-tickets-8590713 34487

Photo Courtesy of North Central Missouri College

Submitted Photo

Corbin Axtell Grundy R-V High School

Judson Smith St. Joseph Christian

Cultural Corner Presents “All Media” Exhibition

Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery invites the public to view their new exhibit, “All Media,” featuring over 150 pieces from 43 artists throughout Missouri. The exhibit features a variety of media including watercolor, stained glass, woodcarving, sculptures, wire wrapping, fiber, pen and ink drawings, acrylic paintings, hand ceramics, oil paintings, photography and more. The Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery allows artists a forum

to demonstrate the creativity and diversity of the artist and artisans throughout our area and beyond. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at this exhibit.

The “All Media” exhibit opened on Tuesday, April 16th, and will be displayed in the Cultural Corner Gallery through Friday, May 31st. A special closing reception will be held Friday, May 31st from 5-7pm and is free and open to the public.

The Cultural Corner

Art Gallery is located at 424 Locust Street in Chillicothe and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 1-4 pm. For more information, contact the Cultural Corner Art Guild & Gallery at 660-2405022, follow the Facebook page “Cultural Corner-Art Guild & Gallery”, or visit their website at www.culturalcornerartguild.org.

Flexible Staffing is sponsoring this event.

granted

the Main Campus

Trenton, along with a monetary donation. The donation is designated for the garden and is to be used for upkeep.

“We extend our gratitude to The Shakespeare Club for their dedication to planting and maintaining the garden,” said NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver. “The garden holds a special place in our college's history, and we appreciate The Shakespeare Club's contribution.”

At present, there are no immediate plans to alter the name or landscaping of Shakespeare Garden on campus. However, as NCMC is currently preparing for its centennial, there may be potential updates or revisions to the space in the future. Kristi Varner and Cole Soptic, members of the NCMC Centennial committee and chairs of the campus beautification committee, will work with the centennial committee and college on plans for the space.

Pictured are members of the Shakespeare Club with members of the NCMC Centennial Committee, including, from left, front row, Terry Cobb, Krista Rickerson and Sarah Dannar; back

Cole

Kristi

Photo Courtesy of North Central Missouri College

The Shakespeare Club recently

back to North Central Missouri College the Shakespeare Garden, located on

in

row,

Soptic,

Harris, Amy White, Susan Englemann and Kristi Varner.

Submitted Photo

GRM Networks, in partnetship with the Foundation for

Smithfield Makes Donations to Schools

Smithfield Foods recently made $10,000 in donations to three area school districts that each district will use at their discretion for funding educational needs that will support the schools and students.

Districts that received donations are:

recently awarded a $2,500 scholarship to

Nash

a graduate of Cainsville

High School, during commencement ceremonies held at the school. Pictured with Nash is Jenni Neff, Director of HR and Marketing at GRM Networks.

Carleton Nash Awarded GRM Networks®/ FRS Scholarship

Through a partnership between GRM Networks and the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), Carleton Nash, a graduate of Cainsville R-1 High School, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Nash plans to further his education and attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1994, FRS is the philanthropic arm of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association of which GRM Networks is a member. The FRS Scholarship Program awards onetime scholarships to students from rural communities for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school. Since its founding, FRS has awarded more than $2 million in scholarship to more than 800 students. This year the foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary and awarded 55 scholarships totaling $173,000 which is the largest number of scholarships and greatest total amount of dollars ever awarded in their history. Nash was sponsored by GRM Networks.

“GRM Networks is proud to partner with FRS to award this scholarship to Carleton,” said Mitchell Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of GRM Networks. “We wish him the best as he pursues his education.”

“Receiving an FRS scholarship is quite an achievement because we had more than 1,300 applications for the 55 scholarships we awarded this

year,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “The students who are receiving these scholarships are curious, smart, hard-working, kind, and give me hope for the future. Providing opportunities for young people in rural communities has been a core mission for FRS for the past 30 years, and it would not be possible without the generous support of NTCA members and other individuals in the rural broadband industry. We are excited to announce our 2024 scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”

Nash was awarded the scholarship during commencement. He is pictured left with Jenni Neff, Director of HR and Marketing at GRM Networks.

GRM Networks is a member owned cooperative that provides communication services to customers located within a 4,500 square mile area that covers 44 exchanges in Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. GRM Networks is dedicated to delivering reliable, advanced communications technology while providing an exceptional customer experience. GRM Networks is committed to promoting and investing in its local communities. LTC Networks and SCC Networks are subsidiaries of GRM Networks and cover an additional four exchanges in Iowa and Missouri. For more information about GRM Networks, visit grm.net.

Submitted Photo

Grundy R-V School District recently received a $3,000 donation from Smithfield Foods to use at their discretion for educational needs of the school and students. Pictured are, from left, Lori Young, human resources manager, Smithfield Foods; Lexa Stonger, student, Grundy County R-V School District; Savannah Fogle, executive assistant, Smithfield Foods; Ryker Summers, student, Grundy County R-V School District; Kinsley Allnutt, student, Grundy County R-V School District; Addison Rains, student, Grundy County R-V School District; Matt Rayl, principal, Grundy County R-V School District; and Jeremy Hill, senior environmental systems manager, Smithfield Foods.

Submitted Photo

Newtown-Harris R-III School District recently received a $5,000 donation from Smithfield Foods to use at their discretion for educational needs of the school and students. Pictured are, from left, Amy Peterson, human resources coordinator, Smithfield Foods; Lori Young, human resources manager, Smithfield Foods; Savannah Fogle, executive assistant, Smithfield Foods; and Dr. Matt Copeland, superintendent, Newtown-Harris R-III School District.

Submitted Photo Putnam County R-I School District recently received a $2,000 donation from Smithfield Foods to use at their discretion for educational needs of the school and students. Pictured are, from left, Lori Young, human resources manager, Smithfield Foods; Dr. Heath Halley, superintendent, Putnam County R-1 School District; Savannah Fogle, executive assistant, Smithfield Foods; and Dusty Bowman, administrative support specialist, Smithfield Foods.

To A Degree

Newtown-Harris R-III School District – $5,000 Grundy County R-V School District – $3,000 Putnam County R-1 School District – $2,000 Each district hosted an event on May 2, where Savannah Fogle, executive assistant for Smithfield Foods, presented a check to each school board. “Doing good work in our communities means providing access and opportunity to quality education for all,” said Fogle. “We’re proud to make this donation to these three rural Missouri school districts so that students can have the necessary resources to thrive and succeed.”

Smithfield is committed to developing the next generation of leaders through donations to schools and education programs and providing scholarship assistance for 1,500 students globally by 2025. Last year, the company funded more than $2.5 million in education programs and awarded scholarships of more than $740,000 to 13 schools in seven states for the 2023–2024 school year. For more information, visit https://smithfieldfoods.com/ sustainability/helping-communities/.

Have you ever stopped to wonder what causes someone to think a certain way or what causes you to act in the way that you do? Psychology courses look at important questions such as why do people think and act the way they do? How do we learn and change throughout our lives? How does culture influence our behavior? What motivates us? How do we learn? What contributes to the development of psychological disorders? There are probably a thousand reasons to study psychology. One stands out – it’s fascinating! If you are interested in a deeper understanding of the human mind, you should consider studying psychology. Psychology courses at NCMC help lay the foundation for those interested in a psychology career. NCMC has been hard at work developing the Associate in Arts: Psychology (AA) to facilitate a more seamless transfer pathway for those interested in a psychology degree (https://www. ncmissouri.edu/academics/aa-psychology/). However, information and skills learned in psychology classes benefit students from many other degree programs or for those who simply want to learn more about the human mind.

The Psychology Department at NCMC offers a range of courses to students. General Psychology is the most frequently taken course from the Psychology Department and is a great place to start. The course is offered fall,

spring, and summer semesters in both online and on-ground formats. Besides meeting the Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement for many degree programs, the course content is important. For example, this course teaches students about human development, motivation, memory, learning theory, stress and stress reduction, personality, emotions, language and communication, social interactions, and decision-making. A General Psychology student commented, “I had no idea there was so much you could learn about the human mind. This class helped me learn why humans do what they do.”

Once students have successfully completed General Psychology, there are several additional psychology options at NCMC. Human Growth and Development is a popular choice for students interested in learning more about how humans develop across the lifespan. Child Psychology is a course that focuses on psychological basis of child growth and development, with emphasis on the emotional, mental, physical, and social needs of childhood. This is a common choice among those interested in working with children. Social Psychology focuses on how individual behavior is impacted by societal influences. Abnormal Psychology discusses psychological disorders and treatments. It is an ideal course for anyone interested in working in the health professions, although certainly not limited to only those students. Several of these courses are offered as dual credit on the Trenton campus, online, and at the Savannah Campus. See the NCMC course schedule for availability each semester.

Overall, the Psychology Department at NCMC has several options available for students at NCMC, whether or not they plan to pursue a career in psychology. If you have any questions about the psychology courses or the transfer pathway, please contact Dr. Lindsay Oram at loram@mail.ncmissouri.edu.

Rural Service,

Carleton

(right),

R-1

Dr. Lindsay Oram NCMC Psychology Instructor

GEC Community Foundation, Inc. Awards

The Trustees of the GEC Community Foundation, Inc. recently awarded seven grants totaling $5,696 to area schools. All grants are funded by member donations called Operation Round Up where members voluntarily round up their utility bills each month to fund grants to eligible entities.

Education grants were awarded to Pleasant View R-VI, Grundy R-V and Laredo R-VII, South Harrison R-II Elementary, South Harrison R-II High School, North Harrison R-III, Cainsville R-I, and Wayne Community Schools.

Since 2005, the GEC Community Foundation, Inc. has awarded 873 grants totaling $510,775.10 to schools and community organizations. The Foundation assists qualifying schools and organizations with grants for education, health, and rural development within Grundy Electric Cooperative’s 12 county service area: Harrison, Mercer and Grundy counties and portions of Linn, Livingston, Daviess, Gentry, Putnam, and Sullivan counties in Missouri and portions of Ringgold, Wayne and Decatur counties in Iowa.

The Operation Round-Up Program allows GEC members and customers of the Public Water Supply District Number 1 of Grundy County to voluntarily “round up” their utility bill to the next even dollar. The PWSD Round-Up funds are disbursed solely to projects located in Grundy County. For an average of $6 per year, participating GEC

in Grants

members and PWSD #1 customers assist in funding local community projects.

The next grant application deadline is July 1, 2024. Qualified applicants must be a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization or

other eligible entity and may apply for a grant by completing a grant application with supporting information. Grant applications are available at www.grundyec.com.

Submitted Photo

The GEC Community Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant to Pleasant View R-6 for $1,000 to purchase decodable books. At left, Adriane Todd accepted the grant check from Foundation Trustee Dennis Gutshall of rural Trenton.

Submitted Photo

The GEC Community Foundation, Inc. awarded a grant to Grundy County R-V School and Laredo R-VII School for $687 to purchase first aid kits. Pictured at left is Nurse Angela Huffman and Susan Kuntz of Grundy County R-V School.

43. Beer mug 44. Nostrils

46. Type of chef 49. Midway between north and east 50. They __ 51. Splits

55. Walk in a timid manner

58. Preserved animal skin with hair

59. Popular donut shop item

60. You smear it on bagels

64. Don’t know when yet

65. Equal to 10 amperes

66. Synthetic acrylic fiber

67. One point south of due east

68. Of mixed ancestry

69. Home of the Pyramids 70. A way to change color

1. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 2. Untangle 3. One from the U.S. 4. Academic terms 5. San __ Obispo, in California 6. Not healthy 7. Self-assessment questionnaire (abbr.) 8. Arugula genus 9. VIII 10. Makes a monarch 11. Tormentor 12. Commercials 13. Sprinkle

19. Make a mistake 21. Freshwater fishes 24. Vermont town 25. Man-made device 26. Entrap 27. Places to store important things

31. Accumulate 32. Greek mythological nymph 34. Gregory __, American dancer

35. Denotes past 36. Becoming popular again 40. Indicates position 41. Came before 45. An extra seedcovering

Cheerful 48. Deli sandwich staple 52. Skateboarders love them 53. Mandela’s party 54. Sierra lake 56. Nickname for Elizabeth 57. Remove from record 59. Employee stock ownership plan 60. Former NFLer Newton 61. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

62. Work unit 63. Town in Cambridgeshire

Garfield® by Jim Davis

Alley Oop® by Joey Alison Sayers and Jonathan Lemon

For Better or For Worse® by Lynn Johnson

Frank & Ernest® by Bob Thaves

The Born Loser® by Art and Chip Sansom

Shoe® by Jeff MacNelly

Classified Advertising Information

Phone 660-359-2212

Classified advertising rate schedule in the Republican-Times is listed below. DEADLINES:

For Newspaper: 4 p.m. the Monday before Thursday printing

For Green Hills Weekly Paper: 4 p.m. the Thursday before Tuesday printing Ads also appear same number of days on the Internet at www.northwestmissouri.com.

The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject copy not consistent with editorial policy.

Up to 25 words - $10.00 60¢ per word for each additional word over 25 words. Blind ads should be answered by writing box numbers given in care of the Republican-Times.

BUSINESS/ SERVICES

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: "The advertisements appearing in this column may involve the offer of a security as defined by Missouri law, such as investment contracts, partnership interests, or notes. It is possible that these advertisements or the offers on which they are based may require registration with the Missouri Securities Division under Chapter 509 of the Revised Missouri Statutes.

Advertisers and potential advertisers are advised that transactions and advertisements involving securities entail certain rights and responsibilities created by the above mentioned laws. If you have any questions, call your attorney or the Missouri Securities Division at 1800-721-7996.

Anyone considering investing should be aware that all persons who sell securities and the securities they sell must be registered or exempt from registration with the Securities Division of the Secretary of State's office. To make sure the individual and the investment are registered prior to investing, call 1800-721-7996.

INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU

INVEST! Always a good policy, especially for business opportunities and franchises. Call MO Attorney General at (880) 392-8222 or the Federal Trade Commission at (877) FTC-HELP for free information. Or visit our Web site at www.ftc.gov/bizop.

The Republican-Times business office hours are Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch) and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The office will be closed on Saturdays.

Republican-Times 122 E. 8th St. 359-2212 Fax: 660-359-4414

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

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.

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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.

-------------------------------------PAGE TREE SERVICE

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

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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

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Carquest Auto Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 3592268, tlautosupply.com Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

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Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! MidStates will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-359-2045 or at http://www.mid-states.net. 4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

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

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JAMESPORT BUILDERS, 660-684-6931, 32137 State Hwy 6, Jamesport. POLE BARNS – GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.

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

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Willing Workers LLPDo you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate... 660-9735694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648

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Offutt, Offutt & Associates Auction Service. Land, farm, and Home. Free Appraisals. Cameron, MO. 816-7243214

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CRP Grass seeding and management. Experienced life long grass farmer. Ray Schwarz 816-223-4712

-------------------------------------www.republican-times.com

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FARM NEEDS

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-288-9060

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Gravel, sand, top soil, mulch, river rock, bouldersTurney Mini Quarry 816-2482523.

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PETS/ANIMALS

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! --------------------------------------

INSURANCE

HELTON INSURANCE

SOLUTIONS - Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816289-1935 Or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660-6350537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different"

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Shelter Insurance – Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-359-4100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter. ShelterInsurance.com

NOTICES

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

The annual Willis Chapel Cemetery board meeting will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 19 at 907 W. 18th St., Trenton, MO

FOR RENT

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: "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.”

For rent: Hale, Mo. One 1br apt and one studio apt. NO PETS, first month rent and deposit required, Appliances and utilities furnished. Ideal for someone on a fixed income. Immideate possession, background check required. Please call 660-645-2269

FOR SALE

Fresh bulk garden seed. Limited supply. Trenton Hardware, 901 Main in Trenton, 660-359-3660.

WEBSITES

Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlautosupply.com

HELP WANTED

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.

REAL ESTATE

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: "All 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.”

IN THE 3RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT GRUNDY COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION

Case No. 24AG-PR00024

Petitioner: BROOKE NICOLE ASHFORD vs.

Respondent: PARKER ARON PAUL ERVIE, MINOR

Nature of Suit:

PR Guardianship - Minor

Notice Upon Order for Service by Publication

The State of Missouri to: Unknown, Natural Father of Parker Aron Paul Ervie

You are notified that an action has been commenced against you in the Probate Division of Circuit Court of Grundy County, Missouri, the general nature of which is: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF MINOR

The name and address of the Attorney for Petition: TARA L WALKER, 605 E 9TH STREET, TRENTON, MO 64683. The Court has appointed David Hershberger, an Attorney with an address of 721 Webster St., Chillicothe, MO 64601, to represent the above-named Minor.

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"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."

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.

ADAMS PARK APARTMENTS

One and two bedroom apartments for rent. Income based rent. We accept HUD. For further information, contact the manager at: 660-359-6666, MondayThursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 1312 E. 9th St. MO Relay #711 Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer

"We will not knowingly accept any advertising for property which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all advertised property is available on an equal opportunity basis."

FOR SALE: Home in Spickard, MO. 3 bed 1 bath. Has older two car garage. No heat or air. Older move in ready home. No title Insurance. Serious inquires only. Please call 660-748-3339

RUMMAGE SALE

Moving Sale - 8912 NW St. Rt. CC, Hamilton, May 17 & 18, 8am-4pm. Lots of garden tools, dishes, antiques and primitives.

Large Moving Sale May 24-25 3300 E. 10th St. Trenton. Behind Green Hills Medical Clinic. Clothing: Girls, women's, boys, mens. Househould, Seasonal and garage items. Cleaned out many years of items. Very large sale. --------------------------------------

Notice to Bidders

Myers Township is seeking bids for 2024 rock hauling from Norris Quarries at Trenton and/or Princeton. Please send sealed bids by 28th pf May 2024, 5pm to Kris Smith, 1001 NE 126th Street Galt, MO. 64641. Myers Township reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

(5/16/24)

Said Matter will be heard on 20th day of JUNE, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., at the courtroom of the Probate Division at Grundy County Courthouse in Trenton, Missouri. It is ordered that a copy of hereof be published according to law in Trenton Republican-Times, a newspaper of general circulation publisher in Grundy County, Missouri. You are further notified that, unless you file an answer or other pleading or otherwise appear and defend against the aforesaid petition, judgment by default will be entered against you.

06-MAY-2024 /s/ Michelle Smith Probate Clerk

(Date of 1st Publication May 16, 2024) (5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/24)

CITY OF NEWTOWN

WASTEWATER OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Routine Duties (Salaried)

1. Must have a Class D Wastewater License

2. Check lift station and record flow data on a daily basis

3. Monitor the lagoon operation at least twice weekly

4. Maintain lagoon site, weed control on an as need basis

5. Perform bi-annual drawdowns with required sampling at the lagoon

Additional Duties (Hourly)

1. Conduct manhole inspections every 6 months

2. Perform periodic maintenance on the lift station every 6 months

a. Check pump electrical loads

b. Tank test pumps

c. Exercise valves

3. As needed:

a. Repair, change out pumps

b. Repair, unplug lines

c. Respond to lift station alarms

d. Inspect and approve new service connections

e. Attend city council meetings as requested

f. Connect and operate portable generator

4. Maintain and exercise portable generator under loan every 6 months

5. Exercise valves at lagoon every 6 months

Questions regarding job description, please contact Mayor Amy Peterson at 660-626-6993 or Wastewater Operator Sandra Buckler at 660-748-6442. Please submit resume by May 16, 2024 by 6:00 PM to:

City of Newtown

Attn: Wastewater Operator Job Position PO Box 87 Newtown, MO 64667

(5/9, 5/16/24)

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given this 16th day of May 2024 that the Planning & Zoning will hold a public hearing on June 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, for purpose of hearing a request from Jason Lassiter for a Minor Subdivision to allow him to subdivide the SW corner of the Eastgate Shopping Center parking lot so he can build a 2 story 21 unit Apartment structure located at 1801 E 8th Street.

Mr. Donnie Vandevender, Chairman

Mr. Michael Ormsby, Secretary (5/16/24)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given this 16th day of May 2024 that the Planning & Zoning will hold a public hearing on June 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, for purpose of hearing a request from Jason Lassiter for a rezone of property from B-3 General Business to R-3 One-Two Family Dwelling Lower Density to allow for a 2 story 21 unit apartment to be constructed on vacant property located at 1801 E 8th Street.

Mr. Donnie Vandevender, Chairman

Mr. Michael Ormsby, Secretary (5/16/24)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given this 16th day of May 2024 that the Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on June 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, for purpose of hearing a request from Jason and Shelley Martin for a 435 square foot variance on the Maximum Area for Accessory Structure of 720 square foot to allow them to build a 33’x 35’ carport on property located at 1011 Rural Street.

Mr. Donnie Vandevender, Chairman Mr. Michael Ormsby, Secretary (5/16/24)

Trenton Drops 12-7 Decision to Lathrop to Bow Out of Districts

The Lathrop Mules used eight hits to score 12 runs and defeat the Trenton Bulldogs boys baseball squad 12-7 in first round district play.

Lathrop jumped out to a 3-0 first inning lead then added three more runs in the third to go up 6-1.

Trenton narrowed the lead to 6-3 with a two run 6th inning, then the Mules blew the doors open with a 6-run runaway in the 7th inning.

REQUESTS FOR BIDS/INVITATION FOR BIDS

City of Trenton Trenton Municipal Airport State Block Grant Project No. 23-011A-1

Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., June 13, 2024, and then publicly opened and read at City of Trenton, 1100 Main Street, Trenton, Missouri 64683 for furnishing all labor, materials and equipment and performing all work necessary to: Construct T-Hangar.

Copies of the bid documents including project drawings and technical specifications are on file and may be inspected at: City of Trenton, 1100 Main Street, Trenton, Missouri 64683 Olsson, 1027 S. Main Street, Suite 503, Joplin, MO 64801 Olsson, 601 P Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68508 Quest CDN (see below

To be qualified to Bid, a complete set of plans, specifications, contract documents and proposal form must be obtained from either: 1) www.questcdn.com for a fee of $22 (nonrefundable). Once logged into the site, insert eBidDoc project number 9126232 (Trenton Municipal Airport, Missouri; Construct T-Hangar); or 2) Olsson at (402) 474-6311 for a fee of $90 (nonrefundable).

Questions regarding bids shall be directed Brian Coomes, P.E., consulting engineer at (620) 670-5102. Contractors may inspect the project site by arrangement with Wes Barone, Airport Manager, (660) 359-2013. A prebid conference will not be held for this project.

Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid guaranty in the amount of five (5) percent of the total amount of the bid. The bid guaranty may be by certified check or bid bond made payable to City of Trenton. Bids may be held by the City of Trenton for a period not to exceed 90 Days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of evaluating bids prior to award of contract.

The right is reserved, as the City of Trenton may require, to reject any bid and also the right to reject all bids. In accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, and the Missouri Prevailing Wage Law, the Contractor will be required to comply with the wage and labor requirements and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the United States Department of Labor and the Missouri Division of Labor Standards, respectively. The highest rate between the two (Federal and State) for each job classification shall be considered the prevailing wage.

The City of Trenton, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

This project is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation. The owner has established a contract goal of TBD percent participation for small business concerns owned and controlled by qualified disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). The bidder shall make and document good faith efforts, as defined in Appendix A of 49 CFR Part 26, to meet the established goal. Award of contract is also subject to the following Federal provisions:

• Executive Order 11246 and DOL Regulation 41 CFR PART 60 - Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity.

• DOL Regulation 29 CFR Part 5 – Davis Bacon Act.

• DOT Regulation 49 CFR PART 29 - Government wide Debarment and Suspension and Government wide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace.

• DOT Regulation 49 CFR PART 30 - Denial of Public Works Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Procurement Market Access to U.S. Contractors (Foreign Trade Restriction).

• TITLE 49 United States Code, CHAPTER 501 – Buy American Preferences.

(5/16, 5/23, 5/30/24)

The Bulldogs didn’t lack offense, as Aiden Weyer and Brayden Wiggins both put up two hits apiece, with Wiggins banging in 4 of the Bulldogs seven runs. Zach Miller and Remi Olmstead put up the other two RBI producing hits for the Bulldogs.

Sound pitching from

Camden Skipper for 4.1 innings produced nine strikeouts against three walks, while Wiggins chipped in 2.2 innings and two strikeouts. The Bulldogs gave up eight walks in addition to Lathrop’s eight hits which put Mule baserunners in scoring position.

Lathrop first baseman Gavin Miller did the lion’s share of the damage for Lathrop in logging two hits, three RBI’s and scoring one run himself.

The loss signaled the end of a serious Trenton hot streak. The Bulldogs ended their season winning eight of their last 11 games and finished 12-9 for the year.

Lathrop moves on to the District Championship game against the winner of Mid-Buchanan and East Buchanan later this week.

Sports Briefs...

THS Track Honors Banquet Held

The Trenton High School track banquet was held on Monday, May 13. Four students were honored for special achievements for the 2024 track season.

Avery Clark was the THS girls high point scorer with 125 points.

Ty Bonnett was the girls freshman high point scorer with 37 points.

Asher Pryor was the boys high point scorer and freshman high point scorer with 141 points.

Robert Muselman was awarded the Team Leadership award for his four years of dedication to the track team.

Sager Drops Three-Set Sectional Match to Exit Tournament

Trenton’s Bradyn Sager lost a hotly contested match to Benton’s Ridge Stagner to go out 5-7, 6-2, 8-10 in Sectional Boys tennis May 10.

Sager concludes a highly competitive and successful run for the Bulldogs in advancing to the final 16 in individual boys tennis.

Bulldogs Top Chilli

5-3 in District 15 Tennis Title Match, Drop 5-0 Sectional Match to Maryville

DISTRICT

Trenton’s boys tennis team scored a 5-3 dual victory over Chillicothe to take the Class 3 District 15 tennis championship May 7.

Bradyn Sager, #1 singles player, scored a 6-4, 6-1 straight sets victory over Chillicothe’s Jadon Collins. Victor Markell, #2 singles player, dropped a 1-6, 3-6 match to Chilli’s Joshua Adams and #3 singles player Isaac Dixon scored a 6-0, 6-1 straight sets victory over Chilli’s Anthony Trantham Jacob White, #4, won 7-5, 7-5 over the Hornets Andrew Snider in a hotly contested match, followed by #5 Henry Lasley scoring a 6-4, 6-4 match win over Austin Lyford.

Moving to doubles, the Trenton team of Sager and Markell lost a 7-9 extended game series to Collins and Adams of Chillicothe.

The Bulldog team of Dixon and White took an 8-3 win over Trantham and Snider, while Jake Horton and Lasley dropped a 6-8 match score to Elijah Carpenter and Quincy Swearingen of the Hornets.

Trenton advances to the sectional round with an 11-4 team record, and Chillicothe bows out at 8-5 on the year.

THS Coach David Sager leads the Bulldogs in what has been a great season for them.

SECTIONAL

The Trenton Boys tennis team dropped a 5-0 decision to the Maryville Spoofhounds in a sectional tennis match Tuesday night.

Maryville’s William Shell posted a 6-1, 6-0 two-set win over Trenton’s Jacob White while Jake Horton of Trenton dropped a 6-0, 6-0 straight set match to Maryville’s Kyler Skidmore.

In doubles action, the team of Braydn Sager and Victor Markel lost a 2-8 match to Kason Teale and Jaxson Staples.

By Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

With the mercurial Libby Endicott off to make the world safe for Democracy, I will be trying to step up and “into the breech” to give readers a 35,000 foot view on Trenton area sports.

Trust me…I won’t move nearly as fast, or have that “young” point of view.

But I’ve seen a lot, done a lot, and understand the mechanics of winning and losing pretty well, as I have done plenty of both as a basketball coach.

This region is home to some very strong traditional athletic programs, with the Newtown-Harris/Grundy County R-5 collective perhaps bringing the top overall girls and boys programs to the fore.

Newtown-Harris boys track team smoked the competition at the District Track Meet this past weekend in Chillicothe, winning the District Championship with 123 team points, with the Green City team being the next closest squad with 90.5 points in the 14-team field.

Your track program is always a very clear indicator of the overall athleticism of your program, and it’s no surprise that these two schools have done a great job in blending their athletes together.

Interesting note…N-H won the meet by individual event winners, relays and only two scoring entries in field events. That they are faster, have better endur-

ance, jump higher and longer, and are stronger can be said to translate on the basketball court, the football field and other sports.

The end of spring sports is always sad for the lovers of high school sports generally, because the whirlwind of games, meets and matches comes to an inglorious end.

Seniors move on. Roles change as underclassmen move up.

And in the best programs, comes the time where the most dedicated high school athletes have three choices…

1 - Lay around and get fat and flabby.

2 - Go play some pick-up, take in a camp, or shoot horse with your girlfriend in the park.

3 - Get BUSY with the weight room, team camps, individual camps, and in the most extreme cases, travel teams and serious one-on-one training.

The degree to which a high school athlete “engages” in the off-season has a lot to do with their coach.

How hard any coach of any sport commits to player development in the off-season, communicates that expectation to the players in his/her program, and succeeds in obtaining their “buy in” determines how much better a player can get in the summer.

There is a balance to walk – it’s important for kids to have some time off in the summer to be kids, but for the most ded-

George Groumoutis and Brady Stagner of Maryville topped Isaac Dixon and Jacob White, 0-8 and Jake Horton and Henry Lasley lost a 0-8 decision to Maryville’s William Sheil and Kyler Skidmore for the 5-0 Maryville dual victory.

The Old Ball Coach

icated and determined, the options are there.

I know a young man who is going to be a junior in a neighboring high school. He’s a massively gifted young junior player who plays football, basketball, and baseball … effectively busy for all but a few scattered days throughout the school year.

He related to me a year ago that with summer league basketball, weights and 7on-7 football, that “I really didn’t have a summer…I’m tired.”

How much is too much?

There is a great debate about whether a talented athlete should specialize in one sport, or be a multi-sport player.

Small schools are different from bigger ones in this respect…they really can’t put together a competitive program every year without their best athletes doing everything.

Factor in the need to work and make money, working in the fields if a farm kid, or working other jobs to put gas in their ridiculously obnoxious pickups or “old cars”, and you have a busy, if not “in over his head” kid.

So many young men I worked with in the last dozen years or so did have a college dream to play after high school. As good as those kids were in playing competitive travel basketball, not one of them had been offered a scholarship yet, much less be noticed in their 8th grade year.

Trenton bows out of the tournament with a match record of 11-5 while Maryville moved to 15-2, moving to the state quarterfinal round.

The pull and draw of playing college sports is enticing, but it is unforgiving. I’ll talk in a later edition about how the recruiting process works, and the “changes” in lifestyle that occur as a talented high school athlete becomes a college player.

One out of every two players that go on to play beyond high school step away by the end of their sophomore year…It’s a lot of investment now in something that three or four years from now just isn’t as important anymore.

Why that is, we’ll discuss later.

Finally, in this space, we are watching an evolving sports-scape where Caitlin Clark captivates America, and the women’s national final outdraws the mens final in TV ratings. We’re seeing the NCAA convulsing its last dying gasps as college football moves towards separating from the parent organization and doing it’s own thing. We’re seeing Name Image and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports running amok, and revenue sharing between college programs and athletes a matter of when, not if.

Dare I even dabble in the transfer portal? It’s the gosh-danged wild west in college sports right now.

And the freaking Kansas City Royals are leading the American League West Division. Who Knew?

So much to talk about. Hang on for the ride.

Submitted Photo

The Trenton boys tennis team defeated Chillicothe 5-3 in the District 15 final to take the Championship. Bradyn Sager, Trenton’s #1 singles player, defeated Jadon Collins 6-4, 6-1 in straight sets.

Trenton High School Class of 2024

THS Graduates 75 in Ceremony Held May 11

”How did it get so late, so soon?”

Those were the words of Trenton High School valedictorian Aubrey Dalrymple as she addressed her fellow graduates at the 158th edition of Trenton High School Commencement Saturday night, May 11, held in the beautiful, wide open confines of C.F. Russell stadium under 75 degree temps and beautiful clear skies.

Dalrymple was the top student among 75 graduates, that included thirteen honor graduates and nine National Honor Society graduates.

The graduates processed in to “Pomp and Circumstance”, led by the THS Concert Band, and received a welcome and introduction from Superintendent Daniel Gott.

Salutatorian Nathan Stark told the graduates not to get lost in making money, finding success, or achievement, but rather, to look ahead.

“Find out who you are and find something important to cling to,” Stark said. “Whatever you do, apply yourself and work with eagerness and enthusiasm…that’s what people notice.”

Stark concluded by admonishing his fellow graduates to “look through the lens of the present, as it is the only way to see what is in store for you.”

Valedictorian Dalrymple brought more words of encouragement to her fellow graduates, invoking the words of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who said that there was no secret to success.

Powell said, “There are no secrets

to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”

“You can miss the best things in your life if you keep your eyes shut,” Dalrymple said. “Understand that sometimes, your 100 percent effort may only amount to the 20 percent that you have left in any given day.”

Trenton High School principal Chris Hodge took to the podium, recognizing nine honor graduates for 2024. They included Katelyn Nicole Clark, Cade Edward Claycomb, Aubree Jean Dalrymple, Morgan Lynn Foster, Emma Elaine Roberts, Abby Grace Simpson, Gabe Michael Stark, Nathan George Stark and Kyla Briann White.

Each student received the gold cords symbolizing honor student status.

Mr. Hodge, Mr. Gott and Trenton R-IX Board President Brandon Gibler proceeded with the awarding of diplomas and recognized Science teacher Charlie Bacon and Government teacher Derek Booth as staff who were the first to recognize the graduates as they crossed the stage.

At the conclusion of the awarding of diplomas, the THS vocal group

“Gold Rush” presented “It Takes a Village” to send the message that everyone in attendance had a part in the preparation and support of the graduates making their way into the world.

That was followed by the THS Concert Band’s rendition of the “Alma Mater” that saw graduates link arms and sing together the school song, after which the students were recognized as the graduating class of 2024.

Mortar boards flew all over the field.

The ceremony concluded with the recessional “Darklands March” and the graduates left the area in a controlled stampede, all smiles, meeting friends and family.

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin THS valedictorian Aubree Dalrymple addresses the graduates in her speech at THS Comnencement Saturday night.

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin

Trenton School Board President Brandon Gibler awards diplomas at the Trenton high school graduation as Principal Chris Hodge reads recipients and Superintendent Daniel Gott looks on.

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin

Mortar boards go flying as THS seniors are recognized as the Class of 2024. Seventy-five seniors received diplomas at the 158th Commencement in THS history.

THS Baccalaureate Program an Uplifting Event

The Trenton High School Baccalaureate service was held at First Baptist Church in Trenton on Wednesday, May 8.

The student led service was based on moving forward in life steeled by faith in God, being open to His leading, and to move passionately in the direction of purpose that God has for everyone. Victor Markell provided a piano prelude to the service, followed by a welcome from senior Nathan Stark and an invocation from Collin Taylor.

Aubree Dalrymple shared the poem “A Time to Believe” from BJ Morgenstern, which encouraged the graduates to take risks and act boldly based on their faith in God in moving towards that which he intends for them.

Morgan Foster shared several readings from scripture and focused heavily on Jeremiah 29:11-13, where God said to his 17-year old prophet, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.”

Jena Harris then introduced High School Science teacher Charlie Bacon, voted earlier this year as Outstanding Teacher in the state of Missouri. Bacon, a 16-year veteran of the school and Head Wrestling Coach, was feted by Harris as a student favorite who everyone learned from and benefitted from having as their teacher.

Bacon told the seniors that they had been one of his favorite classes to ever work with, and hinted in a rundown of his hour by hour job at the school, that the seniors were very good at never allowing for a dull moment.

The anecdotes were hilarious.

Bacon moved on to the serious portion of his address to the seniors and talked to them about the difference between happiness and success.

“An organism’s niche is the role that they play in the ecosystem,” Bacon said. “Being involved and working hard in your environment is what makes you special.”

He noted that money, success and fame are not an equation to happiness. “Happiness is wholeness,” Bacon said.

He shared the experience of Olympic athletes who reported that the

thing that made them happiest was not the achievement of wins and medals, but the training in pursuit of their goals. Bacon advised the seniors not to spend so much of their time comparing their lives to other people on social media.

“Keep in mind that we always put forward our best days and the best things that happen to us,” Bacon said. “It would be easy to become depressed when comparing every day to other people’s best days.”

“Understand this…routine days are the most common part of your life.”

He posited the acronym SPIRE to the seniors as five areas to work at improving 1 percent on every day of their life.

S - Spiritual - Live a meaningful and purposeful life by living in the moment.

P - Physical - Take care of your body. God only gave you one, so care for it every day.

I - Intellectual - Be a lifelong learner. Ask questions, research, don’t take what people tell you at face value. Always verify.

R - Relational - Work on building the deep, non-surface aspects of your relationships with people. Work on the things that matter.

E - Emotional - Practice gratitude and kindness daily.

Bacon admonished the seniors to “focus on your own strengths, not those of others”, and cautioned that what people learn most from are the “tough problems” they encounter.

“Keep in mind that when you are putting up hay, get to the halfway part and keep looking ahead and be encouraged,” Bacon said. “That’s hard work, but you feel accomplishment at the end of it.”

Bacon shared the expression PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a well known challenge many people face for a variety of reasons. He quoted a noted psychologist who said the key to handling tough circumstances is what he calls “PTG” or Post-Traumatic Growth.

He said many young people sink from sadness into depression. What

moves the needle is when a person gives up and loses hope.

Bacon said that the students would face tough things, but to “keep swimming”, and have hope that someone will be along to help.

The evening concluded with the “Gold Rush Seniors” sharing their rendition of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”, and a benediction from Ella Novak.

The evening was inspirational and an encouraging “last step” before graduation.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Dalrymple

Thirteen seniors were recognized as honor graduates during an awards ceremony held Wednesday, May 8 at the Trenton Performing Arts Center. Those honored were, from left, Lillian Woods, Nathan Stark, Gabe Stark, Emma Roberts, Ella Novak, Zane Michael, Victor Markell, Adrianna Havens, Jena Harris, Morgan Foster, Aubree Dalrymple and Katelyn N. Clark. Not pictured is Michael Schultz.

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin

THS Science teacher Charlie Bacon addressed THS seniors at their Baccalaureate service Wednesday night. He challenged graduates with the idea that "happiness is disguised as doing and completing hard work".

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin

Seniors await the beginning of Baccalaureate at First Baptist Church Wednesday night.

R-T Photo/Mark McLaughlin

THS senior Nathan Stark provided opening remarks at the THS Baccalaureate service Wednesday night.

Saturday, May 11 • 7:30 pm CF Russell Stadium

Devin AllenEmily BennettPaiton Brewer

Shayla Chapman Cameron Christy

Gavin Cagle Gabby ChapmanKatelyn N. Clark

Evan Claycomb Aubree Dalrymple

Katelyn R. Clark Cade ClaycombEric Davidson

Seth Doolittle Nautica Dowling

Robert Davis Mckenzy DolanSeth Elder

Paige FarrisMorgan FosterAva Frazier

Kiley Hamilton

Kinze Hanson

Matthew Golden

Saige GottJena Harris

Adrianna Havens Brayden Hughs

Grace Ervie

Racheal

Hannah Oshel

Kimberly Otto

Ella Novak

Gabriel Novak

Ayden Owen

Emma Redaelli

Charlie Riley Lance Polk

Kyle Price

Robert Muselman

Dariana SanchezMichael Schultz

Emma Roberts

Bradyn Sager

Leah Roach

David Sharp Milo Simpson Madison Snuffer Cassie Shuler

Abby Simpson

Maverick Sole

Amanda Stapleton Gabe Stark Bryce Sparks

Cayden Spears

Trinidy Ungles

Collin TaylorDacoata Thomas

Maverick Stieh

Alexis Stewart-Lewis

Nathan Stark

Tymberlyn White Brayden Wiggins

Lucus Werner

Kyla White

Lillian Woods Ronald Woods

Trenton High School Class of 2024 Scholarship Recipients

North Central Missouri College Foundation Scholarships

Everett & Hazel Frey Memorial Scholarship

Katelyn N. Clark, Kinze Hanson, Robert Muselman, Gabe Stark and Nathan Stark

Lynn Freeman Scholarship

Adrianna Havens and Dulce Lopez, NCMC Knowledge Scholarship

Seanacie Ireland, Tymberlyn White, Ronald Woods

Claude M. & Nadine Eckert Scholarship Madi Moore

Charles & Virginia Holmes Rotary Scholarship Ella Novak

C.F. Russell Scholarship

Emma Roberts

Shelter Insurance Scholarship Aubree Dalrymple

Robert Bailey

Memorial Scholarship

Milo Simpson

Orange County Community Foundation Grant

Emily Bennett

Trenton High School Alumni Association and Foundation Trust of THS Scholarship

Emma Roberts

Graham McVay

Memorial Scholarship

Jena Harris and Gabe Stark

Anonymous Scholarship

Shayla Chapman, Evan Claycomb, Saige Gott, Zane Michael and Hannah Oshel

Lenhart Memorial Journalism Scholarship Cade Claycomb

Ann Brinser

Memorial Scholarship Victor Markell

Gary Brinser Memorial Scholarship Cade Claycomb

Riding for Veteran’s Scholarship Madi Moore

MFA Ag Scholarship

Morgan Foster and Abby Simpson

Kadyn McClellan

Memorial Scholarship Fund Madi Moore

Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri Scholarship Aubree Dalrymple

Trenton Lions Club Scholarship

Cade Claycomb and Emma Roberts

Trenton High School Class of 1967 Scholarship

Emily Bennett and Bradyn Sager

Trenton Kiwanis Club Scholarship Aubree Dalrymple

Missouri Army National Guard Recognition Nautica Dowling

Julia Louise Williams Key Welborn Memorial Scholarship

Emma Roberts

Church Women United Scholarship to NCMC

Cade Claycomb, Kinze Hanson, Emma Roberts, Abby Simpson and Tymberlyn White

Grundy County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Cade Claycomb and Emma Roberts

DAR Good Citizen Award Ella Novak

Trenton Masonic Lodge Scholarship

Emily Bennett and Bradyn Sager

FCS Financial Cade Claycomb

Murphy Memorial Scholarship Morgan Foster

R.P. Hill Memorial Award

Emma Roberts and Abby Simpson

Drew Dolan Memorial Scholarship Tymberlyn White

National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship Jena Harris

Ryan Bosley Memorial Scholarship Collin Taylor

Ladies Auxiliary

VFW Post #919/Joseph L. Norton Scholarship

Emma Roberts

Gerald Wright

Memorial Scholarship

Kyle Price, Dariana Sanchez, Lillian Woods

Marlene Moore Alexander Creative Art Award

Aubree Dalrymple and Dulce Lopez

George Washington Carver Awards

Katelyn N. Clark, Aubree Dalrymple, Paige Farris, Morgan Foster, Victor Markell, Zane Michael and Nathan Stark

American Citizenship Award Aubree Dalrymple

Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Scholarship to NCMC

Adrianna Havens and Ronald Woods

Hamilton Family Endowment Fund for Excellence Scholarship

Madi Moore and Gabe Stark

Merle & Harold Ebbe

Scholarship to NCMC

Ella Novak

John T. Belcher Memorial Scholarship

Cade Claycomb

NCMC Dual Credit Scholarship

Emma Roberts

Missouri Higher Education

Academic ScholarshipBright Flight Scholarship

Victor Markell and Zane Michael

President’s Award for Educational Excellence

Katelyn N. Clark, Aubree Dalrymple, Victor Markell, Zane Michael, Michael Schultz, Gabe Stark, Nathan Stark and Lillian Woods

United States Marine Distinguished Athlete Award Madi Moore and Gabe Stark

United States Marine Scholastic Excellence Award Aubree Dalrymple

KMZU Academic Dream Team

Aubree Dalrymple

Student Council Scholarship

Ella Novak

Opportunity Scholarship

Robert Muselman

Future Teachers of America Scholarship

Kinze Hanson

Laredo Lions Club Scholarship

Morgan Foster

Missouri Western State University School of Fine Arts

Madison Snuffer

Truman State University Tru-Merit Scholarship President’s Honorary Scholarship, TruOpportunity Scholarship, A+ Recognition Scholarship, and the Girls State Scholarship Jena Harris

Oklahoma State University

Joseph Fleming Memorial Freshman Scholarship, Achievement Scholarship, and a scholarship from the Ferguson College of Agriculture

Cade Claycomb

Kansas State University

Missouri Tuition Match Program Award, College of Health and Human Sciences Scholarship

Morgan Foster

Auburn University Academic Presidential Scholarship

Victor Markell

Evangel University

Evangel Opportunity Grant Collin Taylor

Evangel University

Bronze Valor Scholars Award

Aubree Dalrymple

Northwest Missouri State University Academic Excellence

Kyle Price

Grand River Technical School

Certificates of Completion and Tech Prep Certification

Administrative Medical Office Assistant Certification

Tymberlyn White

Certified Nurse’s Aide Certification

Hannah Oshel

Industrial Welding Certification

Ayden Owen and Brayden Wiggins

Computer Service Technology Certification

Emily Bennett

Auto Service Technology Certification

Lance Polk and Maverick Sole

Building Trades Certification

Gabe Novak and Lucas Werner

Collision Technology Certification

Charlie Riley

Health Services Technology

Certification

Hannah Oshel and Tymberlyn White

Early Childhood Professions Certification

Wybie Ultra

Career Independence I & II Program Certificate

Kara Little

Seal of Biliteracy

Aubree Dalrymple, Emma Redaelli and Dariana Sanchez

Graceland University

Football Scholarship

Gabe Novak

MSHSAA Award of Excellence

Gabe Stark and Jena Harris

C.F. Russell Award

Gabe Novak and Madi Moore

Three-Sport Athlete Award

Bradyn Sager

Recognition of Academic Lettering

Katelyn N. Clark, Cade Claycomb, Aubree Dalrymple, Morgan Foster, Ava Frazier, Saige Gott, Kinze Hanson, Jena Harris, Adrianna Havens, Dulce Lopez, Victor Markell, Zane Michael, Madi Moore, Ella Novak, Emma Roberts, Michael Schultz, Abby Simpson, Milo Simpson, Maverick Sole, Gabe Stark, Nathan Stark, Collin Taylor, Tymberlyn White and Lillian Woods

Recognition of Honor Graduates

Katelyn N. Clark, Aubree Dalrymple, Morgan Foster, Jena Harris, Adrianna Havens, Victor Markell, Zane Michael, Ella Novak, Emma Roberts, Michael Schultz, Gabe Stark, Nathan Stark and Lillian Woods

brett otto Son of Tonya & Mike Otto Newtown-Harris R-III

leilani Youngs Granddaughter of Ginger & Bill Youngs Princeton R-5 Preschool

Peyten Hogan Grandson of Shelly & Steve Smith Ankeny High School

jacob roney Son of Denese & John Roney Chillicothe High School

GALLATIN R-V

Friday, May 10 • 6:30 pm Bulldog Stadium *Weather Permitting

Grayson AllenPeyton BakerAnnabelle Ball

Anna Carder Jasmine Cecil

Boston Bell Abigail BurnsEmma Christopher

MacOn Dutro

Alex Endicott

Hannah Critten Courtney CroseAshley Feiden

Bryson Hunter Hayden Jeffers

Thomas Green Stanley HansonLuke Johnson

Kegan JonesAidyn KenzyLaurie King

Madelyn Mauch Keegan McBroom

Tanner King

Clarissa KissireChristian McLey

Kendra Parker

Alayna Rainey

Marquel Nielsen

Marquese Nielsen

Betty Rogers

William Johnson

Jaiden Rainey

Rebecca TurnerHallie VandersliceOwen Waterbury

Addyson Sipple Alexzandrya Thomson

Kati Jo Wortman

Anasen Wayne Jaden Wilson

GRUNDY R-V

Sunday, May 12 • 2 pm High School Gymnasium

Breaden ArndtCorbin AxtellCooper Coffman

Kaylee Fischer Raegen Griswold

Slade HillMakina LimkemannErica Lovett

Carley McBee

Chloe Weske

Molly Milazzo

Peyton MooreLayton StongerJaydon Stotts

Grundy County R-V High School – Class of 2024 Awards

Valedictorian – Molly Milazzo

Salutatorian – Corbin Axtell

All graduates will be receiving certificates of recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives signed by Representative Danny Busick and Representative Mazzie Christensen and the U.S. House of Representatives signed by Congressman Sam Graves.

Breaden Arndt - Breaden plans to enlist in the US Navy. He received a certificate in Computer Service Technology from Grand River Technical School.

Corbin Axtell - Corbin plans to attend North Central Missouri College to major in Business, then transfer to a 4-year university to major in Logistics. He completed the A+ program and has received the Academic Excellence Award, the Leadership Northwest Missouri Scholarship, the Lainie Lewis Memorial

Scholarship, the Pebble Horn & Grundy R-V Alumni Scholarship, the Galt Lion’s Club Scholarship, the Trenton Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Holiday Hoops Scholarship, and the Josten’s Scholastic Award.

Cooper Coffman - Cooper plans to attend welding school and enter the workforce. He received the Academic Excellence Award and a certificate in Industrial Welding from Grand River Technical School.

Kaylee Fischer - Kaylee plans to attend North Central Missouri College to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice. She received the Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship and the Allene Maloney Memorial Scholarship.

Raegen Griswold - Raegen plans to continue attending North Central Missouri College and then transfer to Missouri Univer-

GILMAN CITY R-IV

Friday, May 3 • 7:00 pm High School Gymnasium

sity to become a veterinarian. She completed the A+ program and has received the Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the Pebble Horn & Grundy R-V Alumni Scholarship, the Galt Lion’s Club Scholarship, the Trenton CocaCola Scholarship, and is the alternate for the D. Lee Cloyed Memorial Scholarship Gift.

Slade Hill - Slade plans to continue working at the feed mill after graduation. He completed the A+ program and received a certificate in Building Trades and Forklift/OSHA 10 from Grand River Technical School.

Makina Limkemann - Makina plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Erica Lovett - Erica plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Carley McBee - Carley plans to attend North Central Missouri

College and then transfer to Northwest Missouri State University to obtain her Education degree. She received the Claude M. & Nadine Eckert Scholarship. Molly Milazzo - Molly plans to attend college to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice. She completed the A+ program and has received the Academic Excellence Award, the Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the Pebble Horn & Grundy R-V Alumni Scholarship, the Galt Lion’s Club Scholarship, the D. Lee Cloyed Memorial Scholarship Gift, the Smithfield Scholarship, and the Josten’s Scholastic Award.

Peyton Moore - Peyton plans to attend North Central Missouri College to earn a Business Management degree while working at Laredo MFA. He completed the A+ program and received the Laredo Lions Club Scholarship.

Layton Stonger - Layton plans to enroll in the post-high Computer Networking Technology program at Grand River Technical School to continue his education. He received a certificate in Computer Service Technology from Grand River Technical School.

Jaydon Stotts - Jaydon plans to enlist in the Army after graduation. He received a Computer Service Technology certificate from Grand River Technical School.

Chloe Weske - Chloe plans to attend North Central Missouri College and obtain her Associate of Arts in Teaching, then transfer to Graceland University to further her education to become a preschool teacher. She received a certificate in Early Childhood Professions from Grand River Technical School.

Ericka BurkePresley BurkeKaleb Fehring

Gabe Lawson

Reese Sperry

Zane Gibson Ava LangfittJiana Stotts

Joseph Suarez

Laina Ward

Jaren Zerbe

Wyatt Sutton

NEWTOWN-HARRIS R-III

Sunday, May 5 • 2:00 pm

Zackary CrossAndrea FairleyAnna Fordyce

Layden Fordyce

Grant Oaks

Valentina Gonzalez

Gauge MacGregorTate McClaranPayton Miller

Landry Oaks

Brett OttoCarly Smith

TRI-COUNTY R-VII

Robert Kimberling Gymnasium

Lexxus

Blakley-WrightHalli CourterTori Dunks

Ella Lockridge

Cale Turner

Matthew Manning Kedric MooneyLiberty PerkinsMadison Reeter