Transforming Lives, Empowering People Kick-Off Celebrates Public Phase of Campaign

Over 100 people attended the North Central Missouri College Foundation’s Transforming Lives, Empowering People major gifts campaign kick-off event held Wednesdsay, May 10 on the NCMC campus in front of E.D. Geyer Hall.

NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver welcomed guests and thanked the Campaign Executive Committee for their hard work. Dr. Klaver also recognized the support of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. In addition, he shared the timeline for the construction of the student center; architectural plans will be completed soon, with the bidding process beginning mid-summer, groundbreaking this fall to be completed by the summer of 2025. The artist’s rendering and floor plan was displayed in

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Grundy R-V High School Holds Graduation Ceremonies

Grundy R-V High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 14 at 2 p.m. Cole Peterson was named Valedictorian and the Salutatorian was Skylar Bonnett.

All graduates received certificates of recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives signed by Representative Mazzie Boyd and Representative Danny Busick and the U.S. House of Representatives signed by Congressman Sam Graves.

Individual awards and honors, along with the future plans of each student include:

Skylar Bonnett plans to attend North Central Missouri College and obtain her associates degree, then transfer to a four-year university to obtain her degree in Sports Medicine. She completed the Upward Bound program through North Central Missouri

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Forty-Three Receive Diplomas During GHS Ceremonies

On Friday, May 12, Gallatin High School celebrated the class of 2023 and all of their achievements from the last four years. The commencement ceremony consisted of 43 Gallatin High School seniors. The graduation ceremony began with the seniors parading down the center of the gym for all their guests to see. Once seated Super- intendent, Dr. Justin Collins, introduced the speaker the class voted on. Former Gallatin English teacher, and current NCMC English teacher, Mr. Stephen Williamson shared some of his

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• From Front Page • class Valedictorian is Tucker Otto and the Salutatorian is Lydia Leininger. Providing remarks to their class, Lydia Leininger performed a song titled “Rivers and Roads” with senior classmates Maurissa Bonta, Connor Campbell, Gabe Gamble and Trent Villacampa. The song was a dedication to the memories made and the hopes to see each other again.

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College and also completed the A+ program. She received the DAR Good Citizen award, the Dekalb award, the Everett & Hazel Frey Memorial Scholarship, the Galt Lion’s Club Scholarship, the Trenton Coca-Cola Scholarship, Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the FFA Alumni Scholarship, the Grundy R-V Alumni Scholarship, the Pebble Horn

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• From Front Page • fondest memories of the class when he taught them and a few life lessons for the future. He wanted to make sure his former students understood “today marks an end and a beginning” and that for the rest of their lives “you will get out of it what you put into it.” After Mr. Williamson’s speech, high school principal, Mr. Brent Burke, announced a few special awards and honors.

There was a total of seven students who were a part of the National Honor Society: Peyton Johnson, Elle Copple, Kaydence Clevenger, Evelyn Baldwin, Hadley Jumps and Brett Hemry. Twenty-two students completed the standards for the Missouri A+ Schools Program and had a 2.5 GPA, 95 percent attendance rate all four years of High School, 50 hours of tutoring or mentoring, and good citizenship status: Ethan Adkison, Ashtyn Allen, Colt Baker, Evelyn Baldwin, Isaac Bird, Logan Bottcher, Ella Bradford, Christin Burns, Kaydence Clevenger, Elle Copple, Lane Dowell, Payton Feiden, Makenna Glidewell, Brett Hemry, Peyton Johnson, Hadley Jumps, Adiline Pratt, Addison Pratt, Layton Shubert, Durk Stout and Presley Wells. Ten students graduated with the Gallatin College Preparatory Certificate keeping a 3.0 GPA in all core classes and had an

Valedictorian Tucker

Otto spoke about being kind and enjoying the passage of time. Tucker said in his remarks, “Be kind. The world is already full of hate and tragedy, and you will never truly understand someone, what they are thinking, or what they are going through, and a kind interaction towards them goes a lot farther than you may think. Actions of kindness will make your life easier.”

Presenting diplomas were Trenton High School

Scholarship, the Carolyn Whitney Scholarship, the Amanda Fordyce Scholarship and the D. Lee Cloyed Scholarship Gift.

Cole Peterson plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to earn a degree in Computer Science. He completed the A+ program and received the Galt Lion’s Club Scholarship, the Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the Groundbreaker Scholarship and the Kummer Vanguard Schol-

ACT score of at least 21. Ten Students graduated with the Gallatin High School Honors Program Certificate and had a cumulative grade point average of 3.5, an ACT minimum of 21, and had met all the A+ requirements. Gallatin High School had four students finish Grand River Technical School vocational programs: Garrett Dungy, Tisha Hibler, Colin Schlaiss and Tyler Tustison. And the final group of awards given to the class where the President’s awards. The President’s Silver Award for Educational Achievement was awarded those who had at least a GPA of 3.0 and showed outstanding educational growth or commitment in their academic subjects: Lane Dowell, Emma Harper, Neveah Ripple, Isaac Bird, Hannah Loubey, Tisha Hibler, Madison Moulton, Gabe Parker, Draven Wright, Tyler Tustison, Colt Baker, Whitney Dutro, Levi Thompson, Tyler Tustison and Christin Burns. The President’s Gold Award for Educational Excellence was awarded to the students who had a GPA minimum of 3.5, had an 85 percent on a recent academic achievement test, and had 12 credits in the “New Basics” defined by the Department of Education: Ella Bradford, Elle Copple, Makenna Glidewell, Peyton Johnson, Presley Wells, Hadley Jumps, Payton Feiden, Gabe Hacking, Ashtyn Allen, Adison Pratt, Brett

Principal Chris Hodge, Superintendent of Schools Daniel Gott and Board of Education President Brandon Gibler. THS faculty and senior class selected Tyler Busick and Jackie Price to be honored during the graduation ceremony. Busick and Price were chosen to be the first to congratulate the graduates after they received their diplomas. The THS Concert Band played “Rippling Watercolors”, “Remember Me”, “Pomp and Circum- arship.

Aidan Rains plans to attend North Central Missouri College and then complete the Graceland Program. He completed the A+ program, received the Lainie Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the Everett & Hazel Frey Memorial Scholarship, the Trenton Coca-Cola Scholarship, the FFA Alumni Scholarship, the Velda Kincaid Scholarship, the Grand River Mutual Scholarship and the Tower Scholarship from

Hemry, Evelyn Baldwin, Haliegh Stanhope, Adiline Pratt, Layton Shubert, Logan Bottcher, Ethan Adkison, Durk Stout, Kaydence Clevenger and Colin Schlaiss.

Individual Awards were also handed to a few respectable students. First, a group of awards voted on by the class members as well as GHS staff were presented: The Patriotism award - Kaydence Clevenger, the Service awardPeyton Johnson, the Outstanding Leadership Award

- Ella Bradford, the Citizenship Award - Ethan Adkison, the Achievement Award - Hadley Jumps, the Principal Award, given to one senior female and one senior male - (female) Elle Copple and (male) Brett Hemry, and the MSHSAA athlete award, given to one female senior athlete and one male senior athlete(female) Presley Wells, (male) Isaac Bird. After those individual awards the Valedictorian and Salutatorian were announced. With a GPA of 4.057 Elle Copple was the Salutatorian, and with a GPA of 4.063 Ella Bradford was the Valedictorian.

The Ceremony ended with the students walking across the stage to receive their diplomas and with some ending words from class president Elle Copple. She relayed the message of their past journeys and how it helped get them to where they are today. It took them all working together and making sure “no one got stance”, “Star Spangled Banner”, the THS Alma Mater, and “Proud Heritage” during the graduation ceremonies. THS Gold Rush also performed “Hey Brother”. The 2023 class motto is “Remember the rewards of today, the promises of tomorrow, and never forget yesterday, the memories of the past.” -Unknown. Graduation ended with the seniors and THS band leading in the Alma Mater and a celebratory hat toss.

Northwest Missouri State University.

Ashton Snider plans to enter the military upon graduation.

Dusty Wilson plans to work on a local farm as a general farm hand and eventually begin a tow truck and lawn mowing business. He obtained certificates for supporting the Backpack Buddies Program, as well as completing the Career Independence I & II programs at Grand River Technical School.

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Geyer Hall and Cross Hall for the public to view. Dr. Klaver also thanked Dr. Albert and Carol Cross for their gift for the student center to be named Dr. Neil & Susanne Nuttall Student Center. The naming announcement was shared with a confetti cannon celebration.

Dr. Neil and Susanne Nuttall were in attendance for the celebration. Dr. Nuttall expressed his thanks and gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Cross for making the naming of the student center in their honor possible. Dr. Nuttall shared about his time at NCMC and how Susanne was with him and shared the successes and relationships built in the community.

NCMC Foundation left behind” when one was struggling. Her final words were “Congratulations class of 2023 - we did it!”

President Allan Seidel announced that the campaign goal is to raise $9.9 million and that to date, $7.7 million has been raised. He thanked those generous investors for their support. Mr. Seidel asked everyone to consider investing to help reach the $2.2 million still needed to reach the campaign goal. He also shared that an anonymous donor would match up to $125,000 in pledges and gifts for the student center.

NCMC Foundation Executive Director Alicia Endicott closed the event by inviting everyone to tour campus, get some ice cream or a water bottle, and contact her for any questions about the campaign.

Cap’n Patch the Pirate was also in attendance to greet guests, and music was provided by Amy Guthrie, NCMC English Instructor.

The class of 2023 has accomplished many things. Among them are several athletes, artists, and organization members. They will be moving on to their next adventures whether it be college, tech school, or straight to work. Guidance Counciler, Carrie Crouse, is proud to announce that the class of 2023 as a group have obtained around $356,000 in scholarship funds. Many of the Scholarships come from local businesses and donors, while others come from individual institutions. The Graduating class has officially finished their High School chapter and will look forward to what is next.

Monday-BBQ riblet on bun, diced tomatoes, broccoli w/cheese sauce, raspberries, chocolate chip cookie.

Tuesday-Swiss steak w/peppers & onions, steamed rice, cinnamon applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday-Tuna noodle casserole, peas, carrots, tropical fuit, garlic breadstick.

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

Friday-Beef hot dog on bun, potato sticks, spinach salad, cantalope, Jello 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.)

660-684-6864

103 S. Locust, Jamesport, MO 64648

Local Grain Prices

BRIEFS Spickard Special Road District

The Spickard Special Road District Board met on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at the Spickard Fire Station. During the meeting, the minutes from the previous meeting were accepted. The agenda included equipment, rock, tubes, and elections. Tyler Etter made a motion that property be added to new business. The motion passed unanimously.

The board accepted the treasurer’s report and agreed to pay bills of $3,143.07 for rock and $499.05 for a tire.

The next meeting of the Spickard Special Road District is set for Wednesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at the Spickard Fire Station.

Law Enforcement Lunch

A Lunch with Law Enforcement event will take place at the North 65 Center at 11 a.m. today (Thursday, May 18). The public is invited to come and discuss issues of concern or ask quesitons of local law enforcment.

Humphreys Alumni Banquet

The Humphreys Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 27 from 1-3 p.m. at the Humphreys Community Building. All former students, friends and former teachers are welcome to attend. Those who plan to attend are asked to bring your favorite finger food. Drinks and table service will be provided.

Fireworks Donations Sought

A fireworks display is planned in Trenton on Monday, July 3 to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

A committee of local residents, chaired by Cole Soptic, is currently seeking donations to help pay for the event. It is hoped that around $5,000 can be raised to pay for the show, with fireworks to be shot off from an area near the Rock Barn at dusk on July 3.

Individuals, businesses and organizations wanting to make a contribution can do so my leaving their donation at the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce office, Farmers State Bank, Trenton Abstract and Title or the law office of Tara Walker. Donations can also be mailed to the chamber at PO Box 233, Trenton, MO 64683. Checks should have “fireworks” written in the notation line.

For more information about the event, persons can contact Cole Soptic at Farmers State Bank or call the chamber at 359-4324.

MSBA Seeks Approval for a “Bee Friendly” License Plate

Smithville, MO - The Missouri State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) is seeking to promote awareness and support for the declining bee population in the state of Missouri by introducing a "Bee Friendly" license plate. The organization hopes to get approval from the Missouri Legislature to begin production and distribution of the license plates to residents throughout the state.

According to the MSBA, bees play a crucial role in pollination, a process necessary for the growth of many of the foods we eat. However, the bee population has been declining in recent years due to factors such as pesticide use and habitat loss.

The “Bee Friendly” Missouri license plate is designed to raise awareness of the importance of bees and encourage the planting of pollinator-friendly gardens.

In order to get the “Bee Friendly” Missouri license plate approved by the Mis- souri Legislature, the MSBA is calling on interested individuals to sign up for the license plate. The organization needs at least 200 people to show interest in purchasing the license plate to move forward with production.

“This is an opportunity for Missouri residents to make a tangible contribution to the health of the bee population in our state,” said MSBA President Michael Brown. “We encourage everyone who cares about the environment and the food we eat to sign up for a 'Bee Friendly' license plate and help spread awareness of the importance of bees.”

Individuals interested in supporting the "Bee Friendly" license plate can visit the MSBA website at http://mobees.org/beefriendly to sign up. The MSBA is also encouraging residents to contact their local representatives and urge them to support the legislation.