KAHOKA MEDIA COVID IMPACT ON EDUCATION

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday , March 25, 2020

55 cents

Volume 132, Number 13 www.kahokamedia.com

Governor Parson Announces April 7 Municipal Elections Postponed Until June 2 in Response to COVID-19

MAKING SURE KIDS HAVE LUNCH--On Thursday, Clark County R-1 School launched a drive-thru student lunch pickup program. One of the locations was at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka, where vehicles were met by Jana Zinnert, Jenny Whitfield, Mandy Shores, Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish and Steve and Lynn Summers.

Clark County Hunkers Down The Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted Clark County, closing the Clark County R-1 District , and limiting access to bank lobbies, courthouse offices, and many businesses.

On Monday evening, March 16, the CCR-1 School Board voted to close schools through at least April 3. The school district is providing meals for students at eight pickup locations in the county. Those locations include the Kahoka Baptist Church,

Wayland Baptist Church, Luray Baptist Church, Alexandria Community Center, Revere Fire Station, Wyaconda Community Center, St. Patrick Church, and Shelton Fireworks parking lot in St. Francisville. Food will be available for pick-up from 11:0012:00 Monday through Friday during the school closure.

On Saturday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson ordered schools to remain closed until April 5, all restaurants and bars were to close their dining areas, care centers and nursing homes are not to allow visitors, and all residents are to practice “social distancing”--maintaining at least six feet of separation. (See Page 2 for the complete order) Many Clark County establishments had already take the precautions prior to the governor’s order. Local banks, the Clark County Courthouse, and several other business have

closed their doors to the public, and allow access by appointment only. They are encouraging people to do business by email or over the telephone.

Restaurant dining rooms are closed, but most are allowing pickup and delivery only.

Many local churches have suspended worship services Federal and state tax filing deadlines have been extended: The deadline to file income tax returns has been extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

Farm Bureau Meeting Postponed The Clark County Farm Bureau meeting, scheduled for March 30, 2020, has been postponed. A new date will be announced in the future

Automatic Extensions for Driver’s Licenses, Registrations

Mandy Shores carries a stack of lunches to a vehicle at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka. The CCR-1 School District is providing lunches and breakfast while the school remains closed.

To alleviate public congestion in local license offices, DOR has implemented automatic extensions for expiring driver licenses and motor vehicle registrations. These extensions are effective immediately: Vehicle owners with registrations or license plates expiring in March and April have been granted an automatic two-month extension.

Owners will be able to continue operating their vehicles on Missouri roadways without penalty until they can apply for renewal.

The time frame in which a vehicle safety and emission inspection is valid for March and April license plate expirations has also been extended an additional 60 days. Applicants for title will not be assessed a late title penalty when visiting a license office, effective immediately; this waiver will continue through April 30, 2020.

Valid Missouri driver licenses, nondriver licenses and noncommercial instruction permits with original expiration dates of March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2020, have been granted an automatic 60-day extension.

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Pursuant to Governor Mike Parson’s Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 and a request from Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Governor Parson today signed Executive Order 20-03 ordering all Missouri municipal elections previously scheduled for April 7, 2020, to be postponed to June 2, 2020.

The Executive Order declares that ballots already printed for the April 7 election may be used at the postponed date of June 2. Voters who have attained the age of 18 by April 7 will be allowed to cast a ballot.

“Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters,” Governor Parson said.

“Postponing an election is not easy, but we are all in this together. We are thankful to Secretary Ashcroft and our 116 election authorities for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to doing what is best for their communities during this time.”

“I deeply appreciate Governor Parson’s quick approval and am thankful to the local election authorities – your county clerks and boards of election – who have worked through developing health concerns to find a unified and secure means of implementing our next election,” Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said. “Missouri has 116 separate election authorities, almost all who are elected in their own right, and we have come together to help protect Missouri voters. These are difficult times, but I am grateful for how we have responded, worked together and come to a resolution that helps every single Missouri voter.”

Section 44.100, RSMo, provides that during a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to “waive or suspend the operation of any statutory requirement or administrative rule prescribing procedures for conducting state business, where strict compliance with such requirements and rules would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action by the department of health and senior services to respond to a declared emergency or increased health threat to the population.”

The Executive Order requires local election authorities to publish notice of the June 2 election as required in Section 115.127.2, RSMo. In addition, the Executive Order states: The closing date to register to vote in this election remains March 11.

The deadline for filing as a write-in candidate for office remains March 27 at 5 p.m.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot (Section 115.279, RSMo) shall be May 20.

A public test of voting equipment shall be completed no later than June 1.

In-person absentee ballots may be cast until 5 p.m. on June 1.

The deadline by which absentee ballots must be received by the election authority (Section 115.293.1, RSMo) shall be 7 p.m. on June 2.

Military and overseas voters must request a ballot from an election authority by 5 p.m. on May 29, and the deadline for local election authorities to make ballots available to such voters is April 18. Military and overseas ballots must be received by the election authority by June 5.

Local election authorities are also directed to post information on their website, use social media if available, issue press release, conduct public appearances, and directly contact stakeholders such as candidates.

Clark Co. Senior Center Adjusting in Difficult Times

On Tuesday, March 17, Clark County Commissioners called a special meeting with the elected officials to discuss plans dealing with coronavirus. Clark County Health Department Administrator Evelena Sutterfield updated the group on the latest recommendations. The courthouse will remain open, but it is suggested to conduct business by phone or email. If you must come to the building, please call ahead for an appointment.

The Clark County Senior Center has closed their building due to the impact of the COVID-19.

“Our directive is if the school is closed we are closed,” stated Susan Sheffler, Senior Center Director. “The center will remain closed as long as the schools are closed.”

The center is continuing to deliver meals to their homebound customers.

The customers get the menu for the next week with their Tuesday meal delivery, mark

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what they want for the upcoming week and return their order.

A carry out pick up option is available to the public.

“We are taking carry out orders for pick up at a cost of $5.00,” says Sheffler, “People just need to call the Center at 660-727-2400 to place their order. Many people are using the carry out option.”

The center has postponed their Elvis Impersonator fundraiser until further notice, but they are planning to reschedule.

The center had a nice surprise last week, however. Several local high school students showed up offering to help.

“The kids are washing dishes and helping with disinfecting and cleaning the entire building. This is a really great group of kids,” enthused Sheffler.

Anyone wanting to order meal or with questions about the Clark County Senior Center can call 660727-2400.

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Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Governor Parson Orders Schools Remain Closed for Remainder of Academic Year (JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – In his April 9 COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced that all Missouri public and charter school buildings will remain closed through the remainder of the academic year.

This recommendation was made to Governor Parson today by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and several school superintendents from rural and urban areas across the state.

“Continuing our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering all public and charter schools to remain closed through the remainder of this academic year, with the exception of nutrition and child care outlined in our Stay Home Missouri Order,” Governor Parson said.

School services are expected to continue through the last day of school in each school district as preestablished by the academic calendar approved by their local board of education.

These continued services include alternative educational opportunities as well as providing much-needed meals to students who count on them.

DESE will issue additional guidance to Missouri school leaders in the near future. In conjunction with the Governor’s Office, DESE is continuing efforts to help local school leaders by removing barriers and waiving the necessary state statutes and regulations.

Additional K-12 information and guidance can be found at dese.mo.gov/COVID19.

In addition to this announcement, Governor Parson See Closed, Page 8

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Volume 132, Number 16 www.kahokamedia.com

What Now?

By Mike Scott

Clark County R-1 School district, along with districts across the state and nation, are trying to cope with abrupt shutdown of the 20192020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson ordered schools to remain closed for the rest of the scheduled school year.

Unlike some area schools which are trying to switch to online learning of their students, the CCR-1 district is focusing providing enrichment activities.

“There several issues with e-learning,” CCR-1 Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht told school board member via a Zoom online meeting on Thursday, April 9.

First, we have a lot of kids, and staff members that don’t have internet access at home,” Kracht said.

“If we make all students work for a grade, then we have to follow all IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). It’s impossible to meet their needs online,” Kracht said.

“The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) says we have to educate

everyone, or no one,” added Indian Pride Learning Center principal Megan Wendling.

“Some districts may be doing it, but they don’t have 200-plus IEPs.” “We’re looking for more optional activities,” said High School principal Jason Harper.

Harper also noted that online college-credit classes have continued.

Running Fox Elementary principal Katrina Nixon added, “If we’re teaching them to cook or other life skills while they’re at home, it’s a win.”

Betsy Parrish, Black Hawk Elementary principal, offered a different perspective. Her children are doing e-learning from Knox County R-1.

“Knox County has been oneto-one for years. It’s students and staff were ready, and kids have assignments every day,” she said.

Parrish noted that many students and parents are currently feeling stressed, and that some students aren’t doing the work at all, and the online platform crashes frequently because it’s overloaded.

“The equity gap is getting bigger,” she said.

It was the consensus of the school board to continue to provide enrichment activities.

Even with schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clark County R-1 school board is looking for ways to continue its mission of educating children.

Discussion then turned to traditional activities, such as Prom and Graduation.

“I have no idea when we’ll be able to have Prom or Graduation. I don’t know when we’ll get cleared for a large gathering like graduation,” said Kracht.

“I don’t expect it until late summer.”

“We’re committed fully to having them-when it’s safe,” added Harper.

The board discussed a PromGraduation weekend sometime this summer, with Prom on Friday night and graduation on Sunday.

School finances are a concern because state funding is based in part on attendance.

“They haven’t made a ruling yet on how that will be

handled,” Kracht said.

Sales tax also figures into the school funding formula.

“I’m concerned we’ll take a significant hit if people are making money and buying things,” he added.

He noted that the district will save some money on fuel and utilities, but the bulk of the money spent is on teachers and staff.

In other business: -Kracht reported that the FFA Trip and MSHSAA spring sports seasons have been canceled, and that Marine Ecology trip is expected to be postponed.

-The district agreed to lease four early childhood buses for $46,984, which will be fully reimbursed by the state.

Local Ministers Adapt To Serve Their Congregations

By Mike Scott In times of trouble or uncertainty, many people turn to the church for comfort.

But the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t allow church members to congregate on Sundays, or for other spiritual times.

With Holy Week now past, we asked two local pastors, Dixe Laube of St. Paul United Church of Christ, and Shawn McAfee of Peaksville Christian Church, how they are ministering in these challenging times.

What attracted you to ministry?

How long have you been a pastor?

Dixie-I have always been involved in the church...from the time I was born (1975) to today (2020), I loved being in the church. It was where I could be me, meaning I didn’t have to put on a front for anyone. I know a lot of fake people and the church is not

to be one of those places. We come to the church because of our relationship with God/ Jesus/Holy Spirit. They already KNOW who you are, so why act or change in the building. When I was fourteen, I was asked to teach a Sunday school class. When I was sixteen, I was asked to help counsel at Church camp. And it was at Church camp where my call to ministry actually happened. If one wants to know the truth, I have been a pastor since age sixteen, I am now 44. If one wants to go by doctrine and such, I went to United Theological Seminary from 2004-2009, and was ordained in 2009 by the United Church of Christ at age 33.

So I technically have been an ordained pastor for 11 years.

Shawn-I grew up in the church but wasn’t plugged in very well as a child. As an adult we started to attend at Peaksville and the remnant group of faithful “loved us into

the church” Rev. Paul & Rev. Betty Rathbun took our family under their wing and loved us and mentored us. I saw the need in our church after a few years. Peaskville had been what was known as a Sunday School Church. We had worship on the first and third Sundays and only Sunday School on the other Sundays. The church saw part of their mission was to train Culver Stocton students in the ministry for many years.

Then Paul & Betty started serving the church in 1978 and continued for 20 years. In 1993 I convinced three other men in the church to take turns preaching so that we had worship every week. That was a challenge, but the congregation loved us anyway. After a year only Herb Doty & I were still taking turns. It was actually at a fifth Sunday Hymn sing in LaBelle that I felt the calling to Pastor. They were at a time between Pastors and I saw the difference in their membership

as they so desired leadership and continuity in worship. It was that night in the parking lot of that church that I told Paul I knew I was being called.

He continued to mentor me until his passing - although sometimes in the last few years he called me Pastor and thanked me for stopping by to check on “us old folks”.

I started preaching pulpit supply in 1993 with fully written out sermons that I read and tried to look up from and smile. I’ve been Pastoring at Peaksville for 22 years taking over, with Pastor Herb in 1998 after Paul & Betty retired to travel. For several years Herb & I also served the Wyaconda Christian Church, alternating back and forth each week. Herb was placed on dialysis after a heart surgery in 2006 and I have been the Sr. Pastor at Peaksville since.

See Pastors, Page 4

Clark County Refinances Courthouse Bond, Saves $302,350 At a special meeting of the Clark County Commission conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at the County Courthouse, while observing the lock down imposed by Governor Mike Parson because of COVID-19, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $2,205,000 of general obligation bonds was unanimously approved.

According to the figures presented by the County’s Municipal Bond Underwriter, L.J. Hart & Company of St. Louis, Missouri, the net interest savings from this plan computes to $302,350.47.

Presiding Commissioner, Buddy Kattelmann briefly described the plan which involved applying $500,000 of the $619,984 accumulated reserves in the 1/2 Cent Courthouse Sales Tax Fund as of December 31, 2019 to immediately reduce principal at the June 15, 2020 call date for the Series 2010 General Obligation Taxable Economic Recovery Zone Bonds that funded the construction,

equipping, and furnishing of the new courthouse. It was one of four options that L.J. Hart & Company shared with the County officials and became the favorite idea because it helps pay down this debt at a faster rate.

County Treasurer Roberta McAfee mentioned that it improved the earnings on the surplus fund balances as an added benefit. “We generally came to a consensus that this plan represented our most economical action and are very pleased that the municipal bond market brought us favorable interest rates to save Clark County taxpayers the $302,350, “Mr. Kattelmann remarked.

The average interest rate on the Series 2010 General Obligation Taxable Economic Recovery Zone Bonds is 6.32%, which after consideration of the U.S. Treasury subsidy of 45% of annual interest payments, becomes 3.48%. Since these bonds are callable at no penalty on June 15, 2020, the refunding bonds that are

issued with a 2.00% interest rate, which becomes an effective interest rate of 1.72% after reflecting the reoffering premiums generated from the resale. L.J. Hart & Company was directed to make the refunding bonds available to local financial institutions. The Eastern District Commissioner, Henry W. Dienst, was pleased that efforts were made to give local banks this opportunity. “With an effective interest rate of 1.72%, I am not surprised that many banks in the area have more profitable investments and loans to consider,” Mr. Dienst stated.

Western District Commissioner, Gary Webster, pointed out that these refunding bonds are also callable at no penalty in five years. “Preserving our ability to prepay with our future revenue surplus can further improve this initial $302,350 of savings while also allowing for other options for long range facilities planning by the County Commission,” Mr. Webster said.

Courtney B. Wegman, Vice President of L.J. Hart & Company, explained that the settlement (closing) date is April 29, 2020. “The refunding bond proceeds, after deducting the costs of issuance, are to be kept at trustee bank, BOKF, N.A., St. Louis, Missouri, to be applied on June 15, 2020 along with the $500,000 of the 1/2 Cent Courthouse Sales Tax reserves to prepay all of the remaining $2,675,000 of the Series 2010 Bonds,” Ms. Wegman commented. She

also complimented the three County Commissioners, Treasurer Roberta McAfee, and County Clerk, Kelly Waples, for their attention to detail and strong performance on the rating call with S&P Global (formerly Standard & Poor’s Corporation). “The cooperation and team work were impressive and helped achieve the investment grade rating of “A-”,” Ms. Wegman concluded.

The Clark County Courthouse

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

The Media Selected as A Google Journalism Emergency Relief Fund Recipient The Media and kahokamedia.com have been selected to receive funds from Google’s Journalism Emergency Relief Fund.

“Thank you for applying to Google News Initiative’s Journalism Emergency Relief Fund (JERF). We received over 12,000 applications from more than 100 eligible countries and we are happy to confirm that your application ... has been approved to receive (funds) from the JERF, in our first wave of announcement,” an email received this week read.

The Fund’s aim is to support the production of original journalism for local communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information on Google’s JERF fund can be found at https://newsinitiative. withgoogle.com/ journalism-emergencyrelief-fund.

“We’re excited and honored to receive this funding,” said NEMOnews Media Group publisher Mike Scott. “With so many businesses temporarily closed, it has been a challenging couple of months for all newspapers. Many of the readers we serve are older, or don’t have reliable internet access, so the newspaper remains an important way to provide them with the information they need in this uncertain time.”

Over the past few months, The Media and other NEMOnews Media Group newspapers and websites have published numerous COVID-19 impact stories, such as the “How To Re-Open?” story in this issue.

We have also produced many Facebook Live interviews with public health officials to keep our readers up to date with the COVID-19 situation.

Clark County Senior Center To Re-Open Dining Room The Clark County Council On Aging will be re-opening their dining room next week, according to a press release.

“We will be opening our dining room June 1st. Meals will be served from in- house from 11am-12:30pm We will run at half capacity. This allows 70 people in our facility at a time including staff/volunteers/ board members.

For any patrons continuing to self isolate we will continue home delivery. If patrons are not feeling well, fever, couch, or any symptoms we ask that you do not come into the center. We want to keep everyone safe and healthy during this transition.”

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Volume 132, Number 22 www.kahokamedia.com

Hillyer’s “The Glimpse” Selected for Exhibition

By Mike Scott Clark County graduate Shannon Hillyer’s original oil painting, titled “The Glimpse”, has been chosen for the Third Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum in St. Joseph. Her work was one of 40 selected for the exhibit, out of 125 entered by students from all across the United States.

Hillyer, a junior at Northwest Missouri State University, based her painting pff a photo she took while on vacation in Germany in 2017.

“Initially, I was just fulfilling the requirements of an assignment for my painting class, which was to show an interior and exterior space. This church, portrayed in the painting has various forms of texture, great line variation, and dynamic color contrast, which is what I look for in a subject. It seemed like a perfect fit for the assignment. Also, my professor told me no on my other idea,” Hillyer said.

Hillyer is majoring in Graphic Design at Northwest.

“The graphic design degree encompasses a wide range of art mediums, not just digital art. It requires a diverse skill set and is quite challenging. I chose graphic design because it is giving me a chance to improve the skills I already had and learn a vast array of new things, especially in terms of technology. Graphic design also translates really well into the real world working environment, she said.

She credits the skills learned at Clark different opportunities out there for artists, County for her college success. so for anyone who wants to pursue it, “If there was anything I enjoyed most in ignore the cliches of “starving artist” and High School it was Art, Band, and take a chance.”

Literature. They were my creative outlets, and I didn’t realize how much they all prep you for the real world. Art and Literature classes were where I got to express myself, no matter how weird and quirky my ideas were. Individual ideas are extremely important in shaping your identity as an artist,” Hillyer commented. “Band teaches self discipline and patience. I owe a lot of my patience and perseverance to band. This project had a two week deadline on it so without that patience and self discipline I never would have completed it on time.”

After high school, Hillyer was unsure of her future plans, but chose to attend Northwest.

“Northwest offers a broad range of majors and excellent programs in all the things I was interested in at the time, Biology, Art, and Literature,” she said. “I am graduating in Spring 2021 and have begun researching graduate programs.

I intend to get my masters of Hillyer’s painting, The Glimpse, along with the fine arts degree and be a college 39 entrie other s, can be seen at http:/ /albrecht-kemper.org/ professor.” news/undergraduate-jur ied-exhibition/ “Art is not an impossible career. There are many

How To Re-Open? Area School Districts Face Questions

By Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced an abrupt halt to the 2019-2020 school year in March, the normal flow of the school year was shattered, and it may never be the same. Schools across the area have struggled with how to continue their mission of educating the youth in our communities--possibly without having them in physical school buildings.

This spring, some districts have tried required online courses with mixed success. Others focused on providing enrichment activities, again with mixed success.

Some area schools have completed their graduation ceremonies-others are waiting until later in the summer.

What will the 2020-21 school year look like? How will the fallout from the pandemic change our schools? The truth is, right now, nobody knows.

Missouri School Boards’ Association’s Center for Education Safety recently released a 97-page guideline to re-opening schools in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The extensive document, which MSBA notes is to “guide local discussion” and “is not a one size, fits all solution” encourages local school board to examine every aspect of their education program.

In addition, school districts are also getting guidance from federal and state authorities, as well as local public health authorities as they plan for the upcoming school year.

NEMOnews Media Group reached out to six area school districts--Clark County, Scotland County, Knox County, North Shelby, Palmyra and Milan--to see how their districts are responding to the reopening challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic Three superintendents, Ritchie Kracht at Clark

County, Palmyra’s Kirt Malone, and Ben Yocum from Milan, responded to our questions.

How will you evaluate what standards were or were not taught this year, and how will you get students “caught up”?

Kracht: We know all standards for the 4th quarter were not taught. Teachers will need to first go back and give students a refresher on what was taught the first three quarters and then hit 4th quarter standards and skills before moving on to what is normally taught in the 1st quarter of the school year. The process of getting students "caught up" will take more than one school year. Our teachers will need to evaluate our curriculums and make adjustments.

Malone: We plan to assess all students in grades K-8 in Math and Reading to identify gaps in student progress. Students who are found to have skill deficiencies will receive targeted instruction with classroom teachers and interventionists. This is something that we have always practiced and provides valuable information throughout the academic year.

Yocum: We have a K-12 building curriculum map of all Priority standards taught in each subject. Teachers have updated the curriculum map so we know exactly what standards have not been met with mastery. We are hoping to utilize summer school to catch up on a few of those standards not taught and then will come up with a plan to teach the rest at the beginning of the year 20.21 school year. Prior to the start of the 20-21 school year, the staff will evaluate the progress of where each class ended and formulate a specific plan to address. The challenge will be in the High school, specifically in grades 9-12, as most students take classes sequentially (IE-Algebra I, Algebra II,

etc.) and identifying the skill mastery at the beginning of the school year will be paramount. We typically administer benchmark assessments 5-7 times throughout the academic year and this year, it will be more important than ever - due to the long gap between traditional instruction.

Does your district have the necessary PPE’s and equipment to protect students and staff?

Yocum: The district has secured 200 disposable masks and has plans to receive 500 or so cloth masks. Both of these items are made available through the Sullivan County Health Department and Sullivan County Commission. The district is planning to order gowns and additional face shield/covering as well. Currently, we have 5 immediate thermometers and have ordered 6 additional thermometers.

Unfortunately, there is a limited supply and they are on 'back-order'. The district has also ordered a plethora of disinfectants that will assist in cleaning various areas of high traffic and use. We have several cases of plastic gloves.

Kracht: We do not have any masks or other PPE equipment. We have plenty of hand sanitizer and soap for handwashing to start school back up. As of now, PPE such as masks and face shields are not required for school to start, but the guidelines are always changing.

Malone: We have ordered some PPE’s, and if it arrives, we will not have enough to last for an extended period of time. I can’t imagine how many PPE’s will be needed if every student and staff member throughout the country is required to wear them every day. At this time, we have no idea what the expectations will be for students and staff when school reopens in the fall. I also have concerns See RE-OPEN, Page 9

On Saturday, May 23 members of the John H. McNeil Camp #62 Sons of Union Veterans held a memorial service at the Athens Cemetery near the Battle of Athens State Historic Site.

The Clark County Media

Re-Open

Continued From Page 1 about students keeping PPE’s on their face during school without substantial disruptions.

What changes to classroom activities do you foresee being necessary?

Malone: We have been discussing alternative settings for students, but really have no idea at this time what we will be able to do effectively and efficiently.

Yocum: In the short term, we will strive to increase individual instruction and learning (one at a time); while limiting large-group activities. For Summer school, our intent is to limit the student attendance to 15 or less and allow the teachers to move from one room to another; rather than the students.

Kracht: We will look at how we can better space students in the classroom. Teachers may need to utilize less group activities.

Every school lunchroom is crowded. What changes will be necessary to promote social distancing?

Kracht: The lunch schedule may need to be adjusted and times extended. For example - instead of lunch served room 11:00 to 12:30 the time may need to be extended to 10:30 to 1:30 to cut down on the amount of students in the lunchroom so we can social distance students.

Malone: We will consider every option to make learning as safe and as effective as possible for students and staff. Lunch time could look different if social distancing is still in effect.

Yocum: During Summer school, if held - breakfast and lunch will be eaten in the classroom. If/when school resumes - plans are being considered to limit the students participating in lunch or breakfast to allow 6 feet between each other.

How will you try to promote social distancing in the classrooms? In hallways?

Yocum: We will try to lessen the movement of students from classroom to classroom by having the teachers provide intervention, specials and etc. in the classroom. We will not have assigned restroom breaks students will leave the classrooms individually as needed on an emergency basis.

Malone: Our administrative team has studied the MSBA reopening handbook.

We have discussed some of the suggestions and are identifying best practices to reopen school in the fall. Any changes in reopening buildings will depend on the guidelines at the time.

Kracht: We will social distance in classrooms and hallways if the guidelines from health officials deem it necessary for the safety of our students.

Are changes to school transportation to have fewer students on buses practical for your district?

Kracht: Transportation may be the biggest challenge.

We have 16 bus routes which travel 1,300 miles per day with up to 650 students riding our buses per day. Social distancing on several of our bus routes is not possible due to the amount of students on the buses. Adding bus routes is not practical as we struggle to maintain 16 full time bus drivers.

We can't add bus routes if we don't have drivers.

Malone: Major changes in bus transportation is not practical in rural areas as bus routes cover many, many miles and we employ part-time bus drivers who may have other jobs when they aren’t driving bus routes.

Yocum: For Summer school, we are planning to eliminate the "Courtesy Stop" which will drastically minimize our riders.

Ideally, we have 15-18 students on a bus and place them to promote Social distancing. We will also have another staff member on the bus to assist in taking the temperature of each student before entering the bus. It is unclear how the transportation will be impacted if/when school resumes.

Will you consider expanding online learning opportunities?

Yocum: Currently, the HS students are the only students that have been able to take the devices home. Next year, we plan to expand by allowing students to take home devices in grade levels we normally do not allow for them to take devices home. We have created a Distance/ Remote Learning Task force to help support the teachers and students for learning at home.

Malone: Students learn best when they have a teacher in the classroom with them.

Our teachers have made the best of the hand that was dealt them this spring. We would expand online learning only as a last resort.

Kracht: All options are on the table. There are many challenges for online learning. We have several locations in the county where families do not have access to high speed wifi.

Access to high speed wifi in Clark County isn't just a financial concern for families. Many are unable to receive it because of the location of their home. Using cell data is also hit and miss in several areas as some areas of the county are in "dead spots". Schools have also learned online education works much better for older students than younger elementary students.

We also have concerns on how we can meet the needs of some of our special education students through online options. We will continue to explore how we can educate students online if it becomes our only option.

The Class of 2020 parents would like to thank the many emergency personnel that helped make the parade a very special ending to graduation day.

Thank you also to all the community members that came out and supported the seniors.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Page 9 themedia@centurytel.net

Are you considering any changes to the school schedule? (length of school day, number of school days, alternating days etc) Kracht: All options are being considered.

The biggest challenge is the unknown. No one has any idea what the situation will look like on August 24 when kids are scheduled to return to school.

The Clark County administrative team has been "brainstorming" how to deal with all the different scenarios we may be presented with. We have done several webinars and Zoom meetings with Missouri Department of Education officials, health officials, and school administrators from area schools.

Educators throughout the state are working together and sharing ideas on how schools can best meet the needs of our students in these very challenging times.

Yocum: We are planning to have at least two (2) plans for overall school functionality - one (1) for regular/ traditional attendance and another for adjusted attendance. The adjusted attendance option could have alternating times and/or days of attendance.

Malone: We have to plan for a different start to the school year, because of all the unknowns out there, and we will have an alternative schedule ready to implement throughout the district.

We have studied MSBA’s alternative scheduling options and will consider what is best for our school district as we move into the summer months.

Changes in the school schedule will, again, depend on where we are with social distancing requirements later this summer.

How will social distancing impact sports?

Malone: We will follow the recommendations of national, state and local health experts in our efforts to keep all students and staff safe in the classroom and on the field.

Kracht: Sports and several of our other extracurricular activities are in jeopardy. You can't play football, basketball, etc... if we are under orders to follow social distancing.

Yocum: The current guidelines for Social Distancing could drastically impact our ability to have/ hold sporting events or activities. Right now, any or all of practicing will follow the MO United School Insurance

Council guidelines.

How will all of this affect your budget?

Yocum: The budget ramifications are unclear. The school district receives nearly 60% of the overall revenue from the State's Foundation Formula.

That amount is driven by the number of students attending the school. The state of Missouri sets a State Adequacy Target (the amount designed to represent the cost to educate each student) and that figure can be manipulated IF the state's revenue does not meet projections. This is typically done by "Withholding" funds.

So far, the legislature is committed to funding the Foundation Formula for next year; but there is discussion about "Withholding" throughout the end of this year. Having said that, given the massive amount of revenue shortfalls - I anticipate the withholdings to potentially continue.

Malone: We are thankful that DESE and the state legislature have continued to fund schools during building closures this spring.

Also, the legislature has approved full funding of the foundation formula for next school year which provides the largest percentage of state revenues for public schools. Some of our state funds come from statewide sales tax revenues, so the longer businesses are closed, the less revenue we will probably receive from sales taxes.

Kracht: The budget challenges will probably last for multiple years.

How badly we are affected will largely depend on how quickly we can get our economy back to "normal".

Other Comments Kracht: This has been a very difficult time for our kids, families, and staff. The Clark County School District will make decisions on what is best for our kids based on the best information we have from health officials and the Missouri Department of Education. Safety of our students and staff will always be the number one factor on decisions we make.

Yocum: Moving forward, establishing multiple options for multiple things will be highly important!

We have instituted a Distance/Remote Learning (DRL) Task Force. This team is planning options for the school year to take place IF meeting in a physical

location is not possible.

We implemented this, as we cannot afford to have the same type of delay that we have experienced this year.

The DRL platform will be added to the student handbooks - to insure the process is well communicated among students-parents. The Social/Emotional wellbeing of the students/ staff is extremely important right now and we will prepare the best we can to respond to the varying student needs. We have also committed to continuing to provide lunches to students throughout the month of June, 2020 - we typically average 210 meals delivered per day. Our Food Service and Transportation staff has done a great job serving the students/ community in this fashion! We hope to follow the MUSIC (MO United School Insurance

Council) guidelines, MSBA guidelines and other information from the Health Department when making plansdecisions to provide services within the school.

Editorial Note: School districts are facing unprecedented challenges right now.

Too often, people either ignore the important work they do, or are quick to complain about something they don’t like. Right now, administrators and school board members have some really tough choices to make. They’re going to make those choices based on the best information available at the time, and they’re going to try to do what they think is best for our students. Please join me in saying thanks to our local school administrators, board members, teachers and staff members. -Mike

MU Extension Offers Assistance May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health issues are not unique. Data shows that 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness during their lifetime. Everyone has stress, but COVID-19 has ramped up stressed levels for all of us. While there are many resources available to rural Missourians to help with ongoing stresses, it can be difficult to find them. MU Extension and its partners through “Together We Can” are working together to help farmers, their friends and families, and rural communities find practical resources. The resources can be found at the MU Extension “Show-Me Strong Farm Families” Facebook page. Additionally, MU Extension has developed a toolkit to help friends and family members identify the warning signs of mental and physical stress, along with offering tips for managing stress.

During stressful times, it’s important to talk to someone and not keep things bottled up inside. Often, individuals may not reach out to someone or seek mental health care due to fear of embarrassment to themselves or their families.

It can be hard to be vulnerable and share how we are really doing. In order to combat discomfort and provide anonymity, the below resources are available to offer confidential assistance through a simple phone call or text.

• Preventing suicide means being informed and knowing what to do when you or someone you know is having a difficult time. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential assistance 24/7.5.

• If you are a farmer or rancher who needs to talk to someone directly (or you are someone who is worried about a farmer), Iowa Concern is there to listen. You can call the hotline at 1-800-477-1985.

Iowa Concern services are available 24/7.

• “Missouri 2-1-1” is a free referral and informational helpline that connects people with a wide range of health and human services 24/7, simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone.

• The MU Psychological Services Clinic is offering Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) Telepsychology services to help adults and children cope with anxiety and stress related to the COVID-19 crisis. To request services call 573882-5808 or visit https://psychology.missouri.edu/ psychological-services-clinic. All sessions will be delivered via videoconference or telephone. Due to the generosity of a donor, they are able to offer this program for FREE. • “The Crisis Text Line” provides access to free support 24/7 to anyone in any type of crisis. Text HOME to 741741.

If you see troubling signs or symptoms in a family member, friend, or neighbor, remember these five steps: ask, keep them safe, be there, help them connect, and follow up. Together we can break the stigma surrounding mental health care. For more information, visit http://extension.missouri.edu/.

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Volume 132, Number 27 www.kahokamedia.com

Fireworks are an important part of the Independence Day celebration, but they must be use with caution.

Kahoka Fire Chief Chris Blomgren gives safety advice to our readers. Photo courtesy Chris Blomgren

Fire Chief Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

By Denise Shannon It won’t look the same as in other years, but the 4-H and FFA livestock shows will go on at the 2020 Clark County Fair.

Clark County Fair 4-H and FFA: The Show Must Go On The question on most everyone’s minds lately has been, what about the Clark County Fair! Through the hard work of the Clark County 4-H Council and the Clark County Junior Livestock Committee, with the support of the Clark County Fair Board, youth events for Clark County 4-H and FFA have been adapted and will be held during the 2020 Clark County Fair. Plans are in place to move forward with all shows being open to the public, however that status may change, if we experience an increase of cases of COVID-19 in the county. The youth events will have several adaptations to provide an environment that is responsible and respectful for all participants.

To minimize the potential for exposure, all species will come in an hour or two before their show and will leave the grounds following the show.

The bleachers will be removed to allow for those viewing to bring their own chairs and to social distance themselves. There will be an increase in sanitation measures within the barns in response to health concerns. Due to changes in scheduling and challenges due to restrictions caused by coronavirus, some classes and competitions will not be able to be held in some shows. If sponsorships have already been paid for these awards, the funds will be rolled over for the 2021 Clark County Fair and sponsors will not be asked to sponsor again until they have been awarded. In efforts to minimize exposure and facilitate social distancing, we will not be extending the invitation to sponsors to present their awards in person this year.

Adapted Schedule - Sunday, July 26th Horse Show at 2pm - Monday, July 27th Art Hall Judging- closed to the public - Tuesday, July 28th Dog Show at 8am, Cat Show at 1 pm - Wednesday, July 29th Sheep Show at 10 am, Goat Show at 5 pm - Thursday, July 30th Swine Show at 10 am - Friday, July 31st Dairy Show 10 am, Beef Show 11 am - Saturday, August 1st Rabbit Show 8 am, Poultry Show 11 am Art Hall will be open to the public 4-7pm on Thursday and Friday of the Fair.

Art Hall Awards will be presented before the sale.

We will also be holding a modified Livestock and Art Hall Sale. Buyers are encouraged to bring their own chairs to socially distance in the arena. A slide show of the youth and their projects will be used for a live auction to support the 4-H and FFA youth of Clark County.

As we continue our preparations for the Fair, we appreciate patience as we adapt to conditions to provide youth with learning experiences and the opportunity to showcase their efforts in an environment that is safe and socially responsible.

We ask that anyone who is experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or otherwise not feeling well to stay home and do their part in helping us provide to minimize risks, as we seek to offer a safe environment for our youth and those in attendance. Those attending events will be asked to social distance as recommended by the CDC and local health department.

Clark County License Office Holiday Schedule The Clark County License Office will be closing at noon on Thursday, July 2, and will be closed Friday, July 3.

The normal hours of operation are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday.

Bing, bang, pop, crackle. Here we go again. It’s that fun time of year when family comes together to celebrate the fourth of July with BBQ and fireworks. But, what is part of fireworks, fire. It is important to remember fire safety when it comes to letting off your fireworks this fourth.

Let’s take a look at some firework safety advice from local Fire Chief and Clark County Emergency Director, Chris Blomgren.

What is your advice on fire safety when using fireworks?

There are a lot of different things when it comes to firework safety that we really need to take into consideration, and it is really easy to overlook them. Don’t shoot fireworks near houses, near structures, vehicles, or crowds of people. Don’t let little kids play with fireworks. Even sparklers, that we like to give our kids, can burn over 1000 degrees. It can burn really easy.

If you have a firework that doesn’t go off, let it sit, don’t try to re-light it, don’t tear it apart to see what’s wrong, just dunk it in water. That way you do not have to worry about it exploding when you’re not expecting it.

As popular as they are, fireworks fights, are dangerous.

In Missouri, we get about 500 people that go to the Emergency Room, and probably a third of

those injuries are to the face and eyes and the other third are to the hands.

Don’t hold the fireworks when you’re shooting them. Put them somewhere safe, and then light them, and step back, stay away from crowds.

Drinking and firing fireworks, for a lot of people, go hand in hand. The more you drink, the less that you’re thinking, the more likely you are to injure yourself, said Chris.

What is your advice on the safety of preventing fires while cooking during the Fourth?

If you already have a fire started, be it with wood or charcoal, don’t spray lighter fluid or gasoline on it.

We respond to a few calls a year, where someone is pouring gas on something that is already lit and catches the gas can on fire, they panic, they throw it, the fire spreads, or blows up in their hand causing injury.

Another big one is if you’re grilling. Have the grill away from the house, away from leaves or things that can burn, away from the garage. Don’t grill inside if it’s a rainy day because of carbon monoxide build-up.

One of the big things is just

keeping small people away, kids, dogs, other pets away from the grill, because it is real easy for them to trip and fall into it, or play tag and get pushed into a hot grill, causing some pretty bad burns, said Chris.

What is your advice on the safety of fireworks with children?

I grew up with sparklers. A lot of people did, and we never really realized how dangerous they could be. I’ve been burnt as an adult, so I know it doesn’t take but a second to get blisters raising from a burn with them”.

“They make all sorts of different things for kids to play with now, from pop-it’s to snakes. Snakes can cause burns to if you’re not careful. Really whatever you let your children do, just having a sober adult watch them and make sure that whatever their doing is safe, said Chris.

How should someone prepare before doing fireworks in town and out in the country?

Look at it from being in town and also being in the country. If you’re out in the country, mow down an area that’s going to be safe for you to do your firing. If you do mow down, make sure you See Fireworks, Page 8

Kahoka Fireworks Proclamation Fireworks will be allowed in the city of Kahoka at these times: Friday, July 3, 8am - 10pm Saturday, July 4, 8am - 10pm Sunday, July 5, 8am - 10pm

Be careful transporting fireworks in your vehicle. Photo courtesy Chris Blomgren

COVID-19 Affects School Budget Process

By Mike Scott “This is the most challenging budget process I had to work with,” said Clark County R-1 School District Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht, “because there are so many unknowns.”

On Wednesday evening, June 24, the CCR-1 school board met to review and approve the FY2021 budget. A full review of the budget will appear in next week’s edition of The Media.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already forced Missouri Governor Mike Parson to withhold $123 million from the state’s K-12 funding for this year, which ended June 30.

In a conference call with school superintendents, Parson said to expect another withholding of around $100 million, Kracht said in his budget message.

The state shortfall should be offset, in part at least, by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, which should give the district $247,000 next year.

Because the pandemic closed schools in March, the district finished the 2019-2020 year with a surplus of $279,214.

“We saved a ton of money by not having school,” Kracht said.

While staff was paid during the shutdown, about $165,000 was saved by reduced utilities, fuel, activity trips,building budgets and substitute teacher pay.

Another benefit was that the average daily attendance, a key ingredient in the complex funding formula, remained higher that it otherwise would have if school had been in session. This will benefit the district next year.

The outlook for the 2020-2021 year is unclear.

“The unknown is the problem,” said Kracht.

Teachers, staff and administration will have the pay frozen in 2020-2021 school year.

“I feel that not knowing how bad it will get, that’s our only choice,” Kracht told school board members. “We can hope for the best, but we have to be prepare for things to get bad again.”

Kracht’s proposal is to give larger pay raises in 2021-2022, if economic conditions improve.

“The staff members we’ve talked to understand we’re in a tough position,” said High School Principal Jason Harper.

Another impact is that, for the second year in a row, the district is not buying any buses.

“It’s a trend we cannot continue,” Kracht said. “If things get better, maybe we can buy a couple in the spring.

Building budget have not been reduced, but Kracht has instructed principals to only order necessities they need to start the school year, and then see where finances stand.

Kracht also reported that the school applied for and received $52,000 in CARES funding administered by Clark County.

The district used the money to purchase new floor cleaners for both elementary buildings and the Indian Pride Learning Center, equipment to sanitize school buses, as well as masks, face shields, glove and supplies.

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Volume 132, Number 28 www.kahokamedia.com

Mental Health Expert: Take Care of Yourself and Others

By Mike Scott

shape, or form and that is called a collective trauma.

NEMOnews Media Group

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on in the United States, many individuals are experiencing fear and anxiety about the virus and its effect on them, their families, friends and communities.

Public health actions, such as stay at home orders, social distancing and canceled events, have disrupted patterns in our daily lives, causing some to feel isolated and stressed Even as restrictions are easing and people finding their “new normal”, the pandemic’s effects continue to impact people’s lives and mental health. To provide more insight into this widespread issue, we interviewed Chaka Batley, DNP, APRN-FPA, Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health - Lifespan; Primary Care - Pediatrics) with Preferred Family Healthcare.

According to their website, pfh.org, Preferred Family Healthcare is a community-based health care organization that offers a range of services in nearly 100 locations.

In Missouri, they operate 70 locations, and also have locations the Quincy, Illinois area, and in Kansas and Oklahoma.

How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting people’s mental health?

The pandemic of COVID-19

Anxiety and stress over the COVID-19 pandemic can impact the mental health of everyone. Experts advise taking care of yourself and others as this public health crisis drags on. is a collective trauma that has activated the stress response system. The stress response can present initially as a fight, flight, or a freeze state, causing cognitive, behavioral, and physical changes or difficulties.

Common reactions to trauma or a stressful event such as COVID-19 include: confusion, nightmares, mood swings; irritability, easily started, tremendous fatigue/ exhaustion, muscle tension, changes in sleeping/eating

patterns, vague complaints of pain, fear, worry, obsessive/ compulsive behaviors, emotional numbness, and emotional shock. The strategic plan to minimize the effects of COVID-19 required physical distancing and isolation for an extended period of time.

This distancing and isolation has increased the number of individuals who feel alone and who may potentially be isolated from their main support system.

Parents/Educators/

School-aged children have been forced to adapt to teaching/learning in the home environment causing individuals to feel more overwhelmed, fueling the stress response. Biological parents/care-takers, fosterparents, DCFS case workers, and the children within DCFS custody who are now dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and the restrictions on visitations, court delays, etc.

Everyone has been affected

by COVID-19 in some way,

Scotland County Hospital Celebrates 50 Years Scotland County Hospital is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Scotland County Hospital (SCH) is a not-for-profit district hospital in operation since 1970, designated as a Critical Access Hospital in Memphis, Missouri. Since 1997 SCH has established four (4) hospital-based rural health clinics in Scotland, Clark, Knox and Schuyler Counties in order to stabilize healthcare delivery providers.

SCH has continually demonstrated a deep commitment to this rural & remote geographic area it serves, in which the hospital is the only hospital in a four (4) county area of extreme Northeast Missouri.

Scotland County Hospital’s mission is “to improve the healthcare of our communities with services close to home”.

To build on that mission and make the hospital even stronger, Scotland County Hospital recently signed an affiliation management

agreement with Blessing Health System in Quincy, Illinois, as a partner in this mission.

Some of the earliest newspaper reports of a possible nursing home and hospital in Scotland County are documented back to 1965. With a steering committee formed and many volunteer citizens to move this dream forward, the committee determined a nursing home and a hospital would meet a need in the area.

On August 30, 1966, Scotland County voters approved a special bond issue to help construct a 30-bed hospital facility and a 47-bed nursing home facility. Several early volunteers helped collect signatures on a petition to establish the hospital and nursing home.

Missouri legislation, at the time, would not allow a nursing home to be built that had an adjoining wall to a hospital. Many local Scotland County citizens lobbied legislators in Jefferson City to change

the laws to allow this type of construction.

At that time, Scotland County Memorial Hospital directly connected to Scotland County Nursing Home was a one-of-a-kind facility in Missouri. A newspaper article form The Memphis Democrat, dated Thursday, September 1, 1966, just days after the bond issue passed, read like this: The Hospital and Nursing Home project has proven to all of us that we are realizing our needs, not only for medical facilities, but for progress. Many communities have, or are in the process of trying to build hospitals and nursing homes, but to our knowledge Scotland County is the first in the state to attempt to vote bonds for a Hospital and a nursing home combination. It can be done and we are pioneering this effort.

The eyes of 113 counties in Missouri are upon us. Later in June 1968, The Memphis Democrat reported that

Scotland County Hospital, in Memphis, Mo, opened its doors in July 1970

an additional bond issue will be on the Tuesday, September 17th ballot in order to have the additional local funding necessary to receive the federal government’s Hill-Harris monies, and pledges of cash were still needed by all Scotland County residents. All of these deadlines were met and construction began. The Scotland County Nursing Home opened its doors on July 6, 1970, while the Scotland County Memorial Hospital opened its doors on Monday, July 20, 1970.

The operation of Scotland County Hospital is well into its 5th decade. In 1970 the governing board of directors consisted of Glen Myers (chairman), Clare Morgan (vice present), Hollis Boyer, Leon Cowell, Paul Drummond, and P.C. Hinds. The Administrator was Gale Robertson, and the Ladies Auxiliary listed Beverly Daggs (president), Helen Cone (vice president), Marilyn Kittle (secretary), and Jean Crawford (treasurer).

At 8 am on July 20, 1970, SCH opened its doors with two patients admitted. The first baby arrived the following day. The baby girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Kent DaVolt, arriving at 9:42 am, Tuesday, July 21, 1970. The hospital’s first set of twins were born to Mr. & Mrs. Robert Azinger of Memphis, on March 26, 1971.

During the grand opening in July of 1970 there were over 3,000 in attendance according to local news stories.

Does it affect different age groups differently? How? The uncertainty of COVID-19 caused many organizations and businesses to think outside of the box and envision how to continue business but differently.

Many healthcare institutions began or continue to provide services via telehealth in increasingly large numbers.

Many businesses partnered with each other to provide services or to help support those providing services. This rapid change in what services were provided and how they were provided affected people across all groups.

We experienced higher engagement initially in the younger generations who are familiar with technology initially and overtime we are seeing more and more people getting comfortable with technology, taking advantage of telehealth services. Providers who were against telehealth preCovid-19 are expressing the benefits and opportunities telehealth provides to patients and providers. Some individuals have expressed their desire to create a “new normal” that allows them to continue telehealth even when the pandemic subsides.

Telehealth capabilities have increased the number of individuals who are able to keep scheduled appointments.

See Mental Health, Page 8

What Is Serology Antibody Testing?

By Denise Shannon Recently, people in Clark County have been going to the Clark County Health Department to take part in serology antibody testing for COVID-19.

To help others to understand what to do, and how this works, we asked the administrator of the Clark County Health Department, Evelena Sutterfield, some questions about serology antibody testing.

Do you need to schedule an appointment for this testing, or do you just walk-in to the health department?

“The request for the antibody serology testing has been great. Appointments are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays and by special arrangement if needed”, said Sutterfield.

Who should come in for this type of testing? Is there a certain age range for the individuals who are to be tested?

Sutterfield said, “This testing requires a venous blood draw which may be an unpleasant and difficult experience for younger children. Anyone can be tested if an adequate blood sample can be obtained but teenage and up would be the preferable target age group. A signed consent form will be required”.

How long will this serology antibody testing be provided?

“We were fortunate to request and receive funding from the county CARES Act funds to provide free testing to Clark County residents.

The test will be offered at no charge until allocated funds are depleted. Once the funding is gone the testing will continue for as long as requested for a fee of $60. This is the current fee for out of county individuals presenting for testing”, said Sutterfield.

See TESTING, Page 4

VFW Post 4342 held a Family Fun Day on July 4, with plenty of food, fun and games, culminating in a fireworks display at dusk.

The Clark County Media

Mental Health

Continued From Page 1 On the other hand, we have some individuals receiving substance use treatment express missing the accountability and the validation they receive for adherence to their plan within the office setting.

Does it affect different genders, races, or economic backgrounds differently?

How? We are seeing patterns in some populations based on the level of potential exposure.

Some populations who may have increased risk include: Grandparents caring for children, individuals in the criminal justice system, Immigrant workers, elderly with chronic illnesses, individuals with disabilities, individuals living in nursing home or who may be experiencing homelessness, individuals with substance use, lowincome families with limited resources, individuals of color, and essential workers.

The risk exposure can be a variety of things, such as lack of resources to socially isolate or maintain the recommended hygiene necessary to protect and prevent transmission of COVID-19, which includes small or close living spaces in large groups. Healthcare services are not as easily accessible, which can have detrimental effects on those who need addiction medicine treatment/services.

Recent reports indicated a 25 percent increase in overdoses, impacting rural areas more than urban areas as it relates to substance use during COVID-19.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 infections in rural counties also jumped 13% in the last week, which is at a faster rate than the rest of the nation.

What are some signs/ symptoms of a mental health issue?

Common warning signs that may indicate the need to speak to a mental health professional include: feeling very sad or withdrawn, out of control risk-taking behaviors that cause harm to self or others; overwhelming fear for no reason that is accompanied with racing heart, physical discomfort, or trouble breathing; seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real; excessive use of alcohol or other substances; drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping patterns; extreme difficulty staying focused or completing daily tasks; intense worry or fear that prevent completion of daily activities and feelings of hopelessness or helplessness with thoughts or plans to harm self or others.

What can people do if they notice the signs/symptoms in others or themselves?

Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Talk to a trusted individual- it is very important to

have a support system especially during these times. It’s important to also continue communicating with family and friends even if it’s through video chat or text messages.

If you notice any of these symptoms in others, it is important to ask questions, try to understand what they may be experiencing and how their experience is impacting their daily lives and involve a healthcare professional.

There are services available in the community.

Help others cope in healthy ways. Healthy coping is very important for yourself and for you to encourage in others.

Some healthy coping can be making sure to take care of your basic needs (sleep, eat, exercise); reach out to others even when physical distancing is required; keeping a daily routine as much as possible or creating a new routine to carry out during the pandemic; practicing positive self-talk and compassion; and focusing on what you can control right now.

Where can they go for help?

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, it is important to stay with the person or find someone you trust to stay with you if you are the person experiencing the crisis.

You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-Talk (8255)), text “HELLO” to 741741, use the Lifeline Chat service at https:// suicideprevention lifeline. org/chat/, call 911, or your local Emergency Room. If the person is not in a crisis situation, it may be appropriate to contact a healthcare professional such as a primary care or behavioral health office to find out what resources are available in the local area. Mental health professionals are available at Preferred Family Healthcare and Clarity Healthcare for therapy, counseling, substance use treatment, life skills training/ support, medication management, addiction medicine treatment, and we offer crisis services to patients. These services are available to all ages and all walks of life. We offer a sliding scale for individuals who need to receive services and limited resources.

Is there anything else people need to know?

Self-care is essential for everyone! In order to be a help to anyone else, you must first take care of yourself.

Everyone responds to trauma differently and it is important to allow individuals time and space to process their emotions and thoughts regarding the collective trauma of COVID-19. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate you need help. And we all need to work towards eliminating the stigma pertaining to mental health by acknowledging it is OK to not be OK. It is okay to ask for help even if it is just for a few seconds, minutes, or hours to have time for yourself. There should be no shame in self-care!

We can support those around us by respecting the experience of others, even when it is different from our own and meeting our friends, family, and colleagues where they may be in this difficult and uncertain time.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Page 8 themedia@centurytel.net

MO BULLDOGS 14U - Team members are shown in no particular order. Ben Schwartz of Hannibal, Kyle Taylor of Quincy, Illinois; Jackson Stewart of Philadelphia, Joey Langemann of Philadelphia, Caleb Nelson of Kahoka, Coach Jared Stewart of Philadelphia, Cole Peterson of Camp Point, Cooper Bliven of Ewing, Rylan Roberts of Knox City, Zander Johnson of Kahoka, Aneyas Williams of Hannibal, Brady Lowe of Quincy, Brydon Allison of Camp Point, Coach Ryan Waterman of Lewistown, Beau Britt of Philadelphia. Photo by Elke Britt

MO Bulldogs 14U Take State Title

Submitted by Leah Roberts

The Missouri Bulldogs 14U traveled to the USSSA 14U AAA State Championship in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 19-21.

The Bulldogs were one of twenty-two 14U USSSA teams in the state vying for a chance at the title in Kansas City.

The Bulldogs began pool play on Friday, June 19, going 1-0-1 and beating the #2 team in the state 3-0.

They closed pool play out beating the KCBA Knights Black 8-0.

Seeded third out of twelve teams, the Bulldogs got a first round bye and had to win two games to get to the championship on Sunday. The Missouri Bulldogs bean the Missouri Elite 5-2 led by a 2 RBI performance from Brady Lowe of Quincy. The semi-final game started slow for the Bulldogs, where they found themselves down 0-4 in the bottom of the third. Aneyas Williams of Hannibal started the rally with a solo HR, while Zander Johnson of Kahoka tied it at 4 on a single.

Ryland Roberts of Knox City, earned the win on the hill and the Bulldogs went on to beat Mac N Seitz 14U 9-4 to advance to the title game at 12 p.m.

Standing in the way of hoisting the trophy in Kansas City was the #1 ranked team in the state, the Midwest Scorpions.

To no surprise the pitching was strong on both sides, the Bulldogs struck out eight while the Scorpions fanned seven of their own. The first run of the game came in the top of the third inning when Williams scored on a Johnson ground out to the short stop. The Scorpions scored in the bottom half following a lead-off walk and a single. Brydon Allison of Camp Point walked in the go ahead run in the bottom of the third to make it 2-1 in favor of the Scorpions. Zander Johnson of Kahoka came in as relief for the Bulldogs and pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Brady Lowe reached on an error and Brydon Allison singled as Aneyas Williams singled to tie it at two in the top of the 4th. Zander Johnson homered in the top of the fifth to make it a 3-2 ballgame.

The Scorpions had

one last chance in the bottom half of the seventh. A leadoff single and passed ball had the Scorpions tying run on second with 0 outs when a failed bunt attempt led to the runner getting thrown out at third by Cole Peterson of Cam Point. From there the Bulldogs shut the door with Aneyas Williams getting the save. The Bulldogs finished the weekend 5-0-1 and hoisting the State Tile in Kansas City.

Although their record

shows a lot at 24-31, Coach Waterman said, “These guys have really bought in to the program and really believe in We>I (We are

greater than I), that has kind of been our motto lately and the guys are having fun and winning TOGETHER.”

Mark your calendar!!

139th Annual Clark County Fair: July 29th - August 2nd Rust Revival - September 11 35th Annual Clark Co. Mule Festival: September 17th-19th 137th Annual Old Settlers’ Day Celebration: Saturday, September 26th!!

Old Settlers’ Theme-Roaring 20’s Brought to you by the Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce Member Name Phone Able Auto Transport 800-340-0951 American Family Insurance Kimberly C. Daniel, Agent 660-727-2823 Andy’s Appliance 660-727-2727 Arnold Accounting 660-727-2065 Ayerco 660-727-3613 Backroads Boutique & Consignment 660-727-2019 Ball Volvo Truck & Tire Center 660-727-3358 Bank of Monticello 660-727-3379 Dr. Lynne Barbour 660-727-4746 C&R Market 660-727-3477 CARE 660-727-2089 Clark Co. Fair Clark Co. Farm Bureau Matt Johnson, Agent 660-727-3846 Clark Co. Health Department 660-727-2356 Clark Mutual Insurance John Huffman, Agent 660-727-2177 Clark County Pharmacy 660-727-2214 Clark County Recorder of Deeds (Melissa Bevans) 660-727-8261 Kahoka Dental 660-727-1500 Conn Communications 660-727-2178 Clark County Auto 660-727-3885 Eicher Farm Supply None Exceed Physical Therapy 660-727-2722 Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri 660-727-3344 Farmers Insurance, Jacob Armstrong, Agent 660-754-1000 Green Valley Seed 660-727-3341 H&M Antiques & More 660-727-1600 Hawkins-Harrison Insurance 660-727-2127 Hometown Journal 660-727-3383 Huffman Insurance Agency John Huffman, Agent 660-727-2177 Ice Cream Shoppe 660-727-2138 IMI, Inc 660-727-2924

Member Name KMEM Kahoka Meat Processing & Deli Kahoka Medical Clinic Kahoka Motors Co. Kahoka State Bank Kahoka Veterinary Clinic Kirchner Clinic L&W Quarries Mac’s Super Saver Main Street Graphix Meinhardt Insurance Deane & Jay Meinhardt, Agents Mid American Grain Oberman Jewelry& Gifts Ott’s Auto Supply Papa’s Pizza Pinnacle Propane People’s Bank Reed’s Grill LLC Shelter Insurance Tim Bertram, Agent Sommers & Sons Sawmill Steve’s Family Dining Subs and Grub The Media Trump Heritage Haus Trump Trucks Vigen Memorial Home Welcome Inn Whitetail Properties Real Estate Jeff Propst, Agent Wilson Funeral Home Wood Builders Wood Machine Shop Yoder Saws HONORARY MEMBERS City of Kahoka Clark Co. Ambulance

Phone 660-727-3433 660-727-3377 660-727-2181 660-727-3386 660-727-3201 660-727-3677 660-727-2123 660-727-2850 660-727-3100 660-727-2606 660-727-1090 660-727-3464 660-727-3646 660-727-3353 660-727-3368 660-727-2941 660-754-5004 660-727-2011 660-866-2444 660-727-3463 660-727-9505 660-727-3395 660-341-5650 660-727-2387 660-727-3311 660-727-3326 636-209-0362 660-727-2117 660-727-3266 660-727-3361 660-727-1464

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Volume 132, Number 33 www.kahokamedia.com

Clark County R-1 Announces School Re-Entry Plan

By Mike Scott Schools across the state of Missouri are struggling to decide how, or even if, they will return students to the classrooms for the 2020-21 school year, in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

After months of meetings between school administration and staff, Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht presented the plan school board members on Wednesday evening, August 14 “I am positive that everyone will find something in this plan that they do not agree with,” Kracht prefaced his presentation. “Our goal is to keep kids in the classroom.”

That said, parents uncomfortable with allowing their students can enroll in the district’s contracted online learning platform, Edgenuity.

Students must sign up for the online option by August 28, and will not be eligible for extra-curricular activities. They will also be locked into the online option for a period of time. Elementary students could return to the classroom at the end of the first quarter. Middle and High School students will stay in that option through the semester.

Students will be returning to inpersons classes on August 24 under a four-stage set of guidelines: Green, Yellow, Orange and Red.

GREEN

Green guidelines indicate a low risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Students or staff who are sick must stay home. Parents should screen their children daily before sending them to school. Staff and visitors will have their temperature taken and be screened at the school.

For specific info, see the complete

will be A thru K, and GRAY DAY will be L thru Z. Based on current numbers, that splits the student population nearly equally.

Students will be sent homework to complete on the days they are not in attendance.

All school buildings go to orange status at the same time.

RED

Clark County students are scheduled to return to class August 24. plan online at www.kahokamedia. com.

Under Green guidelines: -Social distancing will be practiced to the greatest extent possible.

-Frequent hand washing and hygiene practices will be taught and encouraged.

-All K-12 students will need to keep a mask with them or in the desk or locker to be worn when required.

-Hand sanitizing stations will be added to the buildings to increase accessibility.

-Students will have their own water bottles. Fountains will be turned off.

-Assemblies and other large group gatherings will not take place.

-Each building will have a COVID safe room for students exhibiting symptoms to wait in until a parent can pick them up.

-Elementary students will remain with the cohort classrooms.

Elementary students will wear masks when working in small groups or when social distancing cannot be maintained.

-Middle and high school students

Clark County Primary Election Results 1448 out of a possible 4887 registered voters cast their ballots in the August 4 primary election.

In Clark County, there were only two local contested raced.

In the Republican primary for Assessor, challenger John Campbell edged incumbent Anthony (Tony) Daniel by just 19 votes, 581-562.

Campbell will be unchallenged in the November general election.

In the Western District Commissioner Republican primary, Joseph Humes will advance to the November election. Humes received 319 votes, while Ed Knupp got 203. David Birky received 176 votes.

Humes will face Democrat Paul Brotherton in the general election. Brotherton was the only Democrat in the primary race for Western District Commissioner, and received 105 votes.

In other local results, Henry Dienst (R) received 362 votes for Eastern District Commissioner. He will be unchallenged this fall.

Sheriff Shawn Webster (R) was unchallenged, and received 991 votes.

Ed Wilson (R) received 1036 votes for coroner.

Wilson was unchallenged.

Kevin Flood (R) received 984 votes for Surveyor.

He as unchallenged.

Melissa Vigen (D) was unchallenged for Public Administrator. She received 203 votes.

Lewis County REC Holds Drive-Thru Special Meeting of the Membership The members of the Lewis County REC came out in full force to attend the special drive-thru meeting of the members held on August 6th. There were 352 members who registered to vote. Mike Schantz was re-elected to serve a three-year term representing District 1, Larry Smoot was re-elected to serve a one-year term representing District 3, and Randy James was elected to serve a three-year term representing District 3.

The By-Law Amendment passed with 337 voting yes and 15 voting no. The By-Law amendment reads as follows: All voting shall be in person,

will be required to wear masks in the hallways between classes and when working in small groups.

-Lunch shifts for all grade levels will be adjusted to included staggered time and lunch in classrooms.

-Students and staff on school buses must wear masks at all times -Visitors will not be allowed in the buildings except for pre-scheduled meetings.

Again, see the complete guidelines for more details.

YELLOW

Yellow conditions indicate an increased risk of spreading the virus. Students movements may be reduced, and Middle and High School students will not use lockers.

Mask usage will be increased. It is possible that one school could be yellow while others remain green.

ORANGE

Under the orange condition, students will attend classes every other day, based on the custodial parent’s last name. RED DAY

Under the Red guidelines, no students will be on campus, and there will be no extracurricular activities.

The district will provide remote learning through electronic methods where possible. Work will be sent home to students without internet access. Bus drivers and noncertified staff will deliver and pick up homework daily.

Meal deliveries will be made IF grant funding is available.

Under either Orange or Red conditions, teachers will work with at-home students via internet, or by telephone with those without internet.

The learning plan is very different than what students experienced in March, April and May. “Last time it was voluntary,” said Middle School Principal Jason Church. “This is compulsory. You have to do the work one way or the other.”

“We want to make things as normal as possible for the students,” added High School Principal Jason Harper. We need to be patient.

This plan is the best way for our kids to stay in the buildings.”

“We saw how valuable face to face instruction was this spring,” added Church.

School Board Approves Tax Levy, Discusses Running Fox, MSHSAA Activities Wednesday night’s school board meeting covered a range of topics in addition to the ReEntry plan.

The meeting opened with a public tax rate hearing.

Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht told board members that according the district’s unadjusted tax rate for debt service could be $1.0454 per $100 assessed valuation.

“That’s the highest we could levy,” Kracht explained. “But we told the voter that we wouldn’t go over the 75¢ limit when they approved the bond issue.

We don’t need it, and we can get by without it.”

The overall tax levy approved by the board will remain unchanged at $3.50 per $100 assessed valuation.

That breaks down to $2.75 for all operations and wages, and 75¢ for debt service.

“We are the lowest around,” Kracht said.

“We tend to make due with less.”

Following the reentry plan discussion, board member Heather Weber-Webster brought forward the idea of moving some students from Black Hawk Elementary to Running Fox to help further social distancing, as classes sizes at Running Fox are considerably smaller. For example, in the third grade, Black Hawk has a total of 59 students in three classes, or a little over 19 per class. Running Fox had 13 students in the same grade.

“For years we’ve talked about moving the line to get me in Running Fox,” said Running Fox Principal Katrina Nixon.

“I think that if its a student that requires a lot of services, or attended the IPC

and additionally, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may also be carried out by use of mail ballot, absentee ballot, or electronic ballot, or any combination thereof, under procedures established by resolution of the Board of Directors and disclosed concurrently with the notice of any meeting of members at which mail, absentee, or electronic voting be allowed. The Board of Directors shall take all steps necessary to insure that any advanced voting be done in a secured manner. In the event of a recount of ballots, all valid mail, absentee, or electronic ballots shall be included within the results of any necessary recount or re-balloting.

The winner of the $50 energy credit for bringing their registration from the Rural Missouri Magazine was Donna Oiler from Kahoka. The winner of the grand prize, $400 energy credit, was Lynn and Betty Hudnut from Canton.

(Indian Pride Learning Center), it would be better if they stayed at Black Hawk,” said Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish.

After discussion, the board decided to allow families that were interested in going to Running Fox to better social distance to voluntarily sign up for a lottery drawing. The number of slots available in each classroom would be determined after registration next week.

Parents would be required to provide their own transportation.

Jason Church, discussed MSHSAA activities going forward this fall, and the recent Clarence Cannon Conference meeting.

This week, MSHSAA backed away from an earlier position that school not holding inperson classes would be ineligible for MSHSAA

activities.

Church disagreed.

“If it’s too dangerous to go to school, you can’t do the fun things out of school,” he said.

At the CCC meeting, it was decided there would be no “Jamboree” events this year.

The CCC is also requiring the athletes wear face coverings on the sidelines and in the dugouts, but not on the field of play. The school will purchase gaiters for athletes to use.

There was also discussion about not having cheerleaders or marching band.

“We told them if our cheerleaders and band aren’t allowed to participate, we’re not playing,” Kracht said.

Church also discussed the first two games of the football season, which were scheduled against St. Charles Lutheran and Priory See School, Page 8

Lewis County REC members attended a special drivethru meeting to vote for board members on Thursday, August 6.

The Clark County Media

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Page 8 themedia@centurytel.net

School

Continued From Page 8 Academy of Creve Couer.

St. Louis and St. Charles counties are hotspots.

“I don’t think playing these schools reconciles with our vision of keeping our kids safe and in school,” Church said.

Church told board member he was sure he could reschedule Week 1 against a “nearby Iowa team”, but rescheduling Week 2 would be difficult.

“One football game doesn’t sound like a lot, but its 10% of the season. If you’ve played for years to get there-it’s important,” said Church.

The board gave its approval to drop the first two games with St. Charles Lutheran and Priory Academy.

On Thursday, an updated schedule showed Keokuk as Clark County’s Week 1 opponent. Week 2 remains empty at this time.

CCR-1 Open House & Orientation Schedule • The time and date of attendance is based on the custodial parent’s last name • Please do not all show up at Running Fox and Black Hawk at 5:00 each night. We allowed for a two hour window each night for social distancing.

• Masks are not required at open house & orientation but are encouraged.

• We are encouraging only one adult per student and no siblings attend the open house/ orientation to aid in social distancing.

Tuesday, August 18 5:00-6:00 Middle School 6th grade and new student orientation (A-K) 6:00-7:00 High School 9th grade and new student orientation (A-K) 6:15-7:15 Middle School 6th grade and new student orientation (L-Z) 7:15-8:15 High School 9th grade and new student orientation (L-Z) *We are not doing 7th grade and 8th grade orientations this year to cut down on traffic in the building.

Wednesday, August 19 5:00-7:00 Running Fox and Black Hawk Open Houses (A-K) 5:00-6:00 Indian Pride Learning Center Open House AM classes (A-K) 6:00-7:00 Indian Pride Learning Center

AC L

SELECT 10 OZ BAG

Clark County Health Department Administrator Evelena Sutterfield accepts the keys to the building donated by Neill McKee. Pictured are Evelana Sutterfield, Neill McKee and Susette Borces-McKee.

Building Donated To Clark County Health Department The Clark County Health Department will soon be able to provide COVID-19 testing, thanks to a generous donation by Neill McKee. The Health Department had applied for CARES funding to remodel their building to create a screening vestibule, and a new entrance to allow suspected COVID-19 or other infectious individuals to bypass the lobby and any patients waiting in the lobby.

After McKee read the story in The Media that federal CARES money could not be spent to remodel the CCHD offices, he contacted

Administrator Evelena Sutterfield to discuss donating the building McKee originally moved the building to its location near the courthouse to attract a new business to Kahoka, but that deal fell through. Since then, it had been rented to a daycare provider, and was currently vacant and listed for sale.

HOSTESS

ALL DAY SNACKS

Like many non-profits (and nearly every theatre) GRP has been hard at work, finding ways to bring the arts to the Tri-States from a safe distance. This has turned into a wonderful opportunity to host their first performance at the Rand Park Pavilion. Sue Scott of Kahoka and Tim Snyder of Carthage portray Melissa Gardener & Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. They are both born to wealth and position, and are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes

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The building can also be used to reduce hightraffic times at the main CCHD building.

The new annex also allow the CCHD to more safely serve inmates in the Clark County Jail, which is just diagonally across the street.

Sutterfield hopes to begin COVID-19 testing services later in August.

Great River Players Keeps their Distance at Rand Park

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“This donation will allow us to start COVID-19 testing locally,” said Sutterfield.

Sutterfield added that the new building would be called the Clark County Health Department Annex, and it would not have fulltime staffing.

“We can meet people there to perform testing,” said Sutterfield.

and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years.

Even though their lives go down many different and distant paths, their relationship never withers completely.

Audiences will be charmed to see how their lives twist and turn. Told through the letters exchanged over a lifetime, this play shows that even when apart, people can be very much connected.

Performances are August 14th and 15th at the Rand Park Pavilion

at 7 PM. This production is a part of the ’Keep ART in the heART of the Tri-States Fundraising Campaign’. A free will donation will be accepted to help maintain GRP’s facility until such time as the regular season may resume.

Audience members are free to bring chairs or blankets, and enjoy the spaciousness of the Pavilion. Limited VIP seating is available for interested groups of 4-6 people. Hors d’oeuvres and sparkling beverages provided at VIP tables. Contact greatriverplayers@gmail. com or call 319-795-5355

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CCR-1 High School students and parents held an unofficial Prom on Saturday, August . A car cruise around Kahoka was followed by the dance, which was held at the C.A.R.E. Building.

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Media

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, September 16. 2020

Volume 132, Number 38 www.kahokamedia.com

As the 2020 harvest season begins, producers can expect above-average yields and lower crop prices.

Clark County Ag Producers Face Good Yields, Lower Prices

By Mike Scott “Farming and ranching is the backbone of any community in Northeast Missouri,” said John Wheeler, County Executive Director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Clark County. The agriculture industry in Clark County is by far the largest economic driver and the largest employer. A strong ag economy creates a strong local economy.”

The economic impact of local agriculture is enormous.

According to Wheeler, “Annually, on average in Clark County, we plant approximately 62,000 acres of corn and 68,000 acres of

Nutrition Site Closing Dining Room Again “As a precaution to continue to protect our clients and staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have made the decision to keep the dining room closed until further notice. Please call ahead to place your order or to be added to the delivery list,” the organization said in a press release.

The telephone number at the Nutrition Site is 660-727-2400.

Masks are required for entry. Please ring doorbell for assistance.

Hopp Announces Write-In Campaign For Assessor Dakota Hopp has announced that she is a write-in candidate for Clark County Assessor.

Hopp worked in the Clark County Assessors office for seven years, and has a total 17 years of experience in real estate, including serving as a bank appraiser and title search clerk.

She will face Republican nominee John Campbell in the November 3 election.

soybeans. Average yield for corn is 160 bushel/acre and average yield for soybeans is 45 bushel/acre resulting in approximately 10 million bushels of corn and 3 million bushels of soybeans produced per year in Clark County.

At $3.50 per bushel for corn and $9.50 per bushel for soybeans this results in $60 million of gross revenue that results from corn and soybean production.

Also, Clark County has approximately 10,000 head of beef cows grazing 30,000 acres of pasture adding an additional $10 million dollars to the local economy. These dollars go back into the local economy to support business, local

infrastructure, and schools.”

The 2020 harvest season is getting started and the yield outlook for the area if good.

“Yield potential for Northeast Missouri looks promising, especially for corn. Corn and soybean planting conditions were good and there was ideal precipitation through corn pollination. This results in excellent yield potential for corn.

Weather conditions turned dryer in August that had a negative effect on soybean yield potential. However, soybeans yields are expected to be average to slightly above average,” said Wheeler.

The higher than average yields may

not benefit farmers as much as it could.

International trade, the weather, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, have an impact on prices “Commodity prices have turned lower compared to last year.

Reduced prices are the result of continued disruption of trade with China and COVID-19.

The pandemic has resulted in decreased demand for agricultural products domestically and worldwide. Locally, 2020 crop production looks to be above average so hopefully this production will offset lower commodity prices,” said Wheeler.

“The weather has affected prices some.

Ideal planting and

growing conditions throughout the Midwest brought USDA predictions of a bumper crop. However, dryer conditions in August coupled with the major storm (derecho) in Iowa that destroyed approximately 40% of Iowa’s crop brought slightly higher prices in August and going into harvest,” he added.

Beef and pork producers also felt the bite of pandemic.

Wheeler said, “As a result of COVID-19, there was a negative effect on prices for beef and pork. As workers in beef and hog processing facilities began to fall ill to COVID-19, this created a backlog of beef and pork in the supply chain. This resulted

in livestock producers unable to move market ready beef and pork adding to production costs. The national economy also struggled because of COVID-19 and consumers had less money to spend on meat products and to eat at restaurants. Livestock prices began to fall and have not recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels.”

We asked Wheeler to explain the expense side of farming.

“According to the MU Extension corn planning budget, total cost to plant one acre of corn for 2020 is $567.05 per acre. This dollar amount includes land cost and all operating costs. If corn averages 165 bu/acre, See AG, Page 9

Online Learning Faces Challeges

By Mike Scott The start of the school year in Clark County R-1 school district classrooms gone very well.

“Overall, things have gone as smoothly as they can,” said CCR1 Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht at last Wednesday’s school board meeting. “I want to give a big shout out to Ardith (school nurse Ardith Harmon) for everything she has done in helping us get ready.”

Kracht also praised Evelena Sutterfield and the staff at the Clark County Health Department for working so closely with the school district.

Harmon, in turn, praised the Clark County teaching staff for working with her and utilizing seating charts to help protect the students, and to quickly identify any students who may be exposed to COVID-19.

Building principals even quipped that discipline issues have declined so far this year.

The only real problems for inclassroom students have been an unexpected sewer blockage at Running Fox Elementary on the first day of school, and some challenges coordinating student pickup after school at Black Hawk, which have since been

resolved.

“My in-classroom students’ parents have been terrific,” said Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish. “Anything we’ve asked, they’ve been more than willing to do.”

For remote-learning students, the story is nearly the opposite.

“Parents of my online students are not pleased,” said Parrish.

“I’m getting 30-40 phone calls a day. All I deal with are tech problems.”

In addition to limited internet access for remote students, many of the programs used by the school are overloaded due to the number of schools using them. Customer support for the software is overwhelmed, and the training provided to the schools was inadequate.

And to top it off, last week, Google pushed out an update to all the Chromebooks, causing them to no longer run several of the learning programs used by students inside the classroom and remotely.

“Ninety-five percent of my at-home computers weren’t working,” Parrish said. Inside the classrooms, some computers worked, others didn’t.

The district’s technology management contractor, Quality Network Solutions, said it wasn’t their problem, according to

Parrish. After Kracht made several calls to QNS, they eventually responded and helped get the computers and software updated.

But there is an even bigger problem facing the school district and its 54 remote-learning students.

“We have some students who are doing online, that are not doing anything,” said Parrish, who estimated that up to fifty percent of her remote-learning students hadn’t done schoolwork so far.

At the High School, Principal Jason Harper estimated that 35 percent of his remote students were not doing the required amount of

school work.

“I’m worried that graduation rate will be affected,” said Harper.

To address the situation, the school is seeking help from the legal system.

“We’re going to be contacting the juvenile officer,” Kracht said.

“These students are truant.”

According the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website: Every parent, guardian or other person having custody or control of a child between the ages of seven (7) and the compulsory attendance age for the district

has the primary responsibility of ensuring that the child regularly attends school.

A parent, guardian or custodian of a child or children who do not regularly attend school may be reported to the Department of Social Services, Children's Division, or to the county prosecutor's office. A violation of the compulsory attendance law is a class C misdemeanor.

The board also heard a request from the parents of a football player who would like to have their son enroll in remote learning, and be allowed to play football.

“We’re just asking for See LEARNING, Page 8

Remote online learning is a new reality, but it has its challenges for both students and schools.

The Clark County Media

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Page 8 themedia@centurytel.net

LEARNING

Continued From Page 1 the opportunity for him to do what he loves,” said his mother.

“Our current policy is that students must be on campus seven out of eight period per day to participate in extracurriculars,” said Middle School Principal and Activity Director Jason Church.

Church noted that MSHSAA is allowing students who only attend two class periods day to participate.

Putnam County and Mark Twain, as well as Hannibal and Kirksville, are allowing students to participate in extracurriculars if they attend only two periods. All other schools in northeast Missouri require all-day attendance.

“School is compulsory. Extracurriculars are not,” said Harper, who also pointed out that by playing football, this student is exposing themsef to a lot of risk.

The parents asked if he could take online classes on campus, such as in the library instead of being in the classroom.

“If we do that for him,” said school board member Craig Hunziker, we have to allow it for anyone, and pretty soon we won’t have room and it will be just like being in the classroom.”

School board member Jason Acklie added, “We had a whole group of seniors last year that didn’t get any part of their season.” Acklie was referring to the abrupt ending of school in March, and the cancellation of the baseball and track seasons.

After discussion, no motion to allow the change was made, so the current policy for extracurricular participation will remain in place. Remotelearning students are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.

The board also discussed possible changes to their green-yellow-orange-red school re-entry plan. One topic of discussion would be to allow the middle and high schools to move to the orange condition, meaning every-other-day classes, while the elementary buildings remain on a daily schedule.

Currently, Kirksville, Macon and Monroe City are following an every-other-day schedule to limit the number of students and reduce the number of potential contacts in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19.

Parade of Champion is scheduled to proceedwith some changes. Only 10 schools will attend, and the field show competition will be divided into three groups. Fans attending will only be able to watch their school’s group perform, and then will have to leave. The admission price will be reduced accordingly.

“We have athletic programs that are playing every week. This gives our band kids something to look forward to,” said Harper.

Homecoming week will look different this year, according to Harper.

“We want to keep it as close to a regular Homecoming as possible,” he said. “We can’t do a dance—it’s not safe, and the pep rally really can’t happen.”

The week will still have many of the same activities, and elementary students can do banners which will hang in the high school.

In other business: -Kracht reported that the USDA is funding school breakfasts and lunches completely until the end of the year, or when the money runs out. Students will all be served a free breakfast and lunch. They will have to pay for any extra milk or ala carte food.

-The school will be applying for addition CARES funding -Approved a MACC Dual Credit agreement -Approve a student-teaching agreement with Iowa Wesleyan -Remote-learning students who want school pictures will be allowed to schedule appointment on the makeup picture day.

-The district is applying for grants for internet hotspots outside each building. This would allow teachers to take students outside and still be connected.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests: Rhonda S. Alexandropoulos, age 51, of St. Charles, MO, was arrested on September 6, 2020 at 10:34 am by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for Exceeded Posted Speed Limit (Exceeded by 11-15 mph), Possession Of Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid Of 10 Grams Or Less and Unlawful Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. Rhonda was released on summons to appear at a later court date.

Scott L. Jenkins, age 64, of Vandalia, MO, was arrested on September 6, 2020 at 10:52 am by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License and Driver/ Front Seat Passenger Fail To Wear Properly Adjusted/Fastened Safety Belt. Scott was released on summons to appear at a later court date.

Timothy M. Loucks age 36 of Kahoka MO was arrested on September 6, 2020 at 3:54 pm by the Kahoka Police Department for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License. Timothy was released on summons to appear at a later court date.

Rachel M. Razillard, age 31, of Wyaconda, MO, was arrested on September 9, 2020 at 3:35 pm by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License and DWI – Drug Intoxication. Rachel was released on summons to appear at a later court date.

Justin R. Brown, age 35, of Luray, MO, was arrested on September 10, 2020 at 11:43 am by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office on a Warrant for Domestic Assault – 2nd Degree. Justin was released on personal recognizance to appear at a later court date.

Matthew S. Fox, age 38, of Kahoka, MO, was arrested on September 11, 2020 at 8:06 pm by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for Driving While Revoked/Suspended. Matthew was released on summons to appear at a later court date.

The Census is Far More Important Than You Might Think As you know by now, there is a Census being conducted this year.

Every ten years, our Federal government conducts a massive undertaking trying to figure out who lives in our country, and where they live.

The Census is mandated in our constitution, specifically in Article 1, Section 2.

It makes sense, we need to account for changes in our population. In the concrete industry, we are constantly looking at ways we can adapt to changing conditions. If all of a sudden most of the people left an area

Clark County Quilt Update We are excited to be receiving quilt blocks for our Clark County quilt from local and out of state former residents!

Do we have yours? We hope you will consider making a block and not miss out on being part of this project. The block needs to be 100% cotton 10½ x 10½ and relate to Clark County

Relay For Life To Hold Windows Of Hope Event Relay for Life of Clark County and The American Cancer Society will be holding a Windows of Hope event

and no one was using our services there, then we would look to shift our service area. If over the course of a couple of years thousands people moved to Moberly, then it would stand to reason that companies would consider expanding there to provide them their services. So it’s extremely important to know your environment, and for those same reasons it is an important, and often overlooked, task that our government needs to accomplish.

The importance and the effects of the Census are especially felt in government.

For example, in the last Census, Missouri lost a congressional seat in Washington D.C. because it was determined that people had left Missouri. So instead of having nine Representatives in

Congress, we now have eight. Maybe people did leave Missouri, or maybe not enough people in Missouri filled out and submitted their Census form. To ensure that does not happen again, we need to make sure we are all doing our part with the Census.

In Northeast Missouri, it’s especially important because after the Census is completed the state legislature will go through redistricting.

So, based on the results and where the population in Missouri is located, people’s Senate and House districts could change. Folks who live in Pike County could be drawn into districts in St. Louis, for example. And people who live in Randolph County could definitely end up in a district that includes Columbia.

Those districts would definitely not represent

the people who live in those counties.

I cannot emphasize this enough: Please fill out your Census. Please answer the door and talk to the Census worker who might knock on it one afternoon soon. It is extremely important for our communities in Northeast Missouri that your household is counted in this year's Census. For representation in your government, and for resources from your government that we need, please make sure to take the Census seriously.

As always I appreciate hearing your perspective on this and other issues presented in my weekly column. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-7985. You may also email me at cindy. olaughlin@senate. mo.gov.

in some way or through a family connection.

For questions or more information about getting a submission sheet, you may contact Linda Plenge 660727-3862 or email lkplenge63@gmail.com; or call director Jo Bryant 660-948-2522. This quilt will become a permanent addition to our museum. (above picture shows some of the submitted blocks.)

The Missouri Bicentennial Quilt containing blocks from

each county is finished and will be on display at the Sever Library in Kahoka next September during our 2021 Old Settler’s celebration. We are excited to have it in Kahoka and plan to have a quilt show at the same time. Guidelines for entering the quilt show will be decided later.

Now that we have a date for the state quilt display, we would like to show our Clark County quilt at the same time.

So we have decided to extend the deadline for

submission of blocks to January 31, 2021. We hope you find time this winter to complete one!

Check out the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt: missouri2021. org where you can view the completed quilt and by choosing Selected Blocks you can see the individual county blocks.

They might give you an idea for yours! Be sure and notice Sue Inman’s ‘Honey Wars’ block right up in the northeast corner!

the week of September 29, 2020. Windows Of Hope will be held in place of the traditional Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony.

Luminarias may be purchased in honor of a cancer survivor, someone who is fighting cancer, someone who has died from the disease, a caregiver or any loved

one.

To join the celebration of life, luminarias bag may be purchased for $5.00. The loved one’s name will be printed on the bag. The “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” luminarias, without illumination, will be placed in the windows of a Clark County business around the square

during the week of September 29th. Orders need to be mailed by September 22.

Windows Of Hope is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s cancer-fighting programs and research.

For more information, contact Michelle Allen at 660-341-7061.

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, October 14. 2020

Volume 132, Number 42

www.kahokamedia.com

CCR-1 Board Considers Parent- The Show Must Go On...

Teacher Conferences, Indoor Activities Amid COVID-19 Concerns

By Mike Scott The end of the first quarter of 2020-2021 school year is near, the CCR-1 School Board discussed how to have safe parent-teacher conferences at their Wednesday, October 7 meeting.

“We’re concerned about a potential of 800 visitors,” Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish told board members. “Elementary conferences are different than middle school and high school. We show parents their student’s work, their papers and other things. Elementary parents are all in. By the time they reach the upper grades, it’s less so.”

Parrish relayed concerns from her staff about holding conferences.

“I think conferences are important, and we need to keep them,” said Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht.

Kracht presented a plan for both Black Hawk and Running Fox, as well as the Indian Pride Learning Center. Under that plan, everyone would be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Conferences would be scheduled in advance, and be limited to 12 minutes. Teacher would then sanitize between visiting parents. The school also will offer parents the option of a ZOOM or telephone conference at another time.

The middle school and high school would also require masks, and have A-K students conferences on Tuesday, October 20, and L-Z students conferences on Thursday, October 22. Parents would also be given the opportunity for telephone or ZOOM conferences.

High School Principal Jason Harper reported that he hasn’t received any concerns about holding conferences from his staff.

“I don’t think it will be big problem at the high school,” Harper said. “High school traffic for conferences is much lower than it used to be.”

Harper added that if there are students struggling, the school has already reached out to those parents.

IPLC Principal Megan Wendling echoed that she didn’t see any problems in her building, but they have a different situation with both early childhood education and special education students.

Parrish asked if she can prioritize conferences to those meet with parents of students who really need face-to-face meetings in order to limit the number of visitors in the building, and the board gave its consent.

“I want our teachers to be comfortable,” said board member Heather Weber Webster.

“We cannot afford to have our teachers get sick,” said Kracht.

Continuing with the COVID topic of discussion, School Nurse Ardith Harmon reported that students, parents and staff are all doing a great job following the prevention guidelines that are in place. She added that the quarantine process is working, and those students that have been quarantined have not exposed anyone else.

Harmon also reported that flu shots will be available for staff and students, at no cost, later this fall.

“We’re so fortunate that the Clark County Health Department works well with the school. That’s not the case in many other areas,” Kracht said.

Kracht reported that because of the virus, the Clarence Cannon Conference member schools have voted to limit the number of people attending CCC indoor events, such as basketball games. Each participant will receive four tickets. There will be no pep bands. Cheerleaders will be allowed, but there will not be any student sections allowed.

“I hate to do it, but we want to keep kids in school and we want them involved in activities. I told the other schools, if our parents can’t be there, we don’t want to play,” said Kracht.

Kracht also noted that attendance at away nonconference games will be at the discretion of those schools, and that, due to the smaller gym size, Middle School four or so games played at the Middle School will be limited to two tickets per participant.

Indian fan will have an option to watch indoor activities, even if they can’t get a ticket.

The board approved joining the NFHS network to provide live streaming of high school sports. For a one-time cost of $2500, NFHS will install a camera system with automatically tracks the ball. Viewers interested in watching games can subscribe for $10 dollars per month or $69 dollars year.

See SCHOOL, Page 2

The 29th Annual Parade of Champions was held on Saturday, October 10.

(Above) The combined High School and Middle School bands perform the National Anthem (Left) The Clark County Middle School Marching Iindians parade through Kahoka.

Parade Of Champions Marches Through Kahoka It seems there are three choices of weather for Clark County’s Parade of Champions: Hot, Freezing Cold, or Rainy.

Sometimes Mother Nature will mix it up and do all three. But for the 29th Annual Parade of Champions, the weather was clear and hot.

Seventeen bands marched the parade route through downtown Kahoka on Saturday, October 10.

Wright City’s Middle School band took top honors in the Middle School class, followed by Scotland County, Schuyler County and Canton.

In Class 1A, Canton High School placed first, and North Shelby placed second.

In Class 2A, South Shelby places first, followed by Highland, Mark Twain, Schuyler County and Scotland County.

Class 3A was topped by Wright City High School, followed by Trenton and Central Lee. The overall parade champion was Wright City.

In the field show competition, North Shelby won the 1A contest.

Schuyler County placed second, and Scotland County took third place. In 2A, Mark Twain took

Wayland Council Discusses Proposed Swap Meet October 5, 2020--Regular Meeting was brought to order by Mayor Rick Jinkens with roll call. Sherry Bunker - present, Connie Handyside - present, Gary Whitaker — present, Shirley Bunker -- absent. City workers Travis Wixom and Doug Smeltser were also present. City water and sewer operator George Hausdorf arrived late.

Because of Covid-19 it was requested that there be no visitors, and we only had one, Colleen South.

Gary Whitaker made motion to approve the bills, 2nd by Sherry Bunker. Vote was Gary Whitaker aye, Sherry Bunker aye, Connie Handyside aye, Shirley Bunker absent.

Gary Whitaker made motion, 2nd by Sherry Bunker to accept the Minutes from the September 2020 Regular Meeting. Vote was Gary Whitaker aye, Sherry Bunker aye, Connie Handyside aye, Shirley Bunker absent.

Old Business: Connie Handyside is concerned with parking at Post Office. After discussion by the Board, Gary Whitaker suggested painting lines and/ or putting up signs. Nothing was arrived at.

Connie Handyside also brought up that Todd Reed has posted on Facebook that he is going to have a “Swap Meet” the 24th of October in Wayland. She asked if this was allowed. It was stated that to the best of everyones’ knowledge there is no Ordinance against it or permit needed. Connie Handyside is going to call the City Attorney.

With no further “Old-Business” Gary Whitaker made motion to close and go on to “New Business” 2nd by Sherry Bunker. Vote was Gary Whitaker aye, Sherry Bunker aye, Connie Handyside aye, Shirley Bunker absent.

New Business: City worker Doug Smeltser brought up that one of the two pumps at the McKee lift station is out, and needs repaired or replaced.

Connie Handyside made motion 2nd by Gary Whitaker to adjourn. Vote was Connie Handyside aye, Gary Whitaker aye, Sherry Bunker aye, Shirley Bunker absent.

MEETING ADJOURNED.

first place, South Shelby placed second , and Highland took third.

Wright City won the 3A honors, followed by Central Lee and Trenton.

Scotland County won the Peoples Choice award.

Outstanding Winds went to Wright City. Central Lee won the Outstanding Auxiliary.

Trenton received Outstanding Percussion award, and Wright City claimed the Outstanding Field Commander, Sweepstakes, and Grand Champion awards.

Monroe City Top Seed At Class 2, District 5

By David Sharp, NEMOnews Media Group

Host Monroe City (16-6) drew the first seed at the October 14-17, 2020 Class 2 District 5 softball tournament. The Lady Panthers drew a first round bye in the seven team District Tournament.

Clark County (10-8) was seeded second. The Lady Indians will play a first round contest against seventh seeded South Shelby (5-13) at 5:45PM on Wednesday, October 14.

All of the Monroe City District first round games are scheduled to be played on October 14. Third seeded Palmyra (10-10) will play sixth seeded VanFar at 4PM in first round action.

Fourth seeded Highland (6-12) takes on fifth seeded Mark Twain (5-15) in the final of three Monroe City District first round contests at 7:30PM. Monroe City will play the winner of the Highland vs. Mark Twain first round game in the championship semifinal round. The championship semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, October 15.

The first round game involving Highland or Mark Twain and Monroe City is scheduled for 5PM. The second semifinal game possibly involving Clark County, South Shelby or Palmyra will follow with a 7PM first pitch.

The Monroe City Class 2 District Championship game is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 1PM. The winner of the Monroe City District will face the winner of the Marceline District 6 tournament in the Class 2 Sectionals.

Marceline (20-1) is the top seeded team on their home field. Brookfield (10-9) is seeded second at Marceline.

Indian Football vs. Brookfield, Monroe City Canceled Due to High Schoolfootball team being in quarantine due to contact tracing, the varsity football games with Brookfield for today and Monroe City on October 16 have been canceled.

Additionally, the JV contest at Palmyra on October 19 has been canceled.

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The Clark County Media

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

KAY LYON Kay Lyon, 72, of Palmyra, passed away at 4:10 pm Monday, October 5, 2020 at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO. Friends and Family are invited to Kay’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday October 9, 2020 at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in

Copyright 2020, The Media

Clark County Arrest Reports The Clark County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests: Brittani J. Dudley age 34 of Clive, IA. was arrested on October 8, 2020, at 5:53 pm by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License, Exceeded Posted Speed Limit (Exceeded by 1115 mph), and Possession Of Controlled Substance Except for 35 Grams Or Less of Marijuana/ Synthetic Cannabinoid.

Brittani was released

on a summons to appear at a later court date.

Douglas D. Gates age 55 of Alexandria, MO. was arrested on October 8, 2020, at 8:37 pm by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License and on an FTA Warrant for Operate Vehicle On Highway Without A Valid License.

Douglas was released on personal recognizance to appear at a later court date.

NORMA JEAN (PHILLIPS) ARNOLD Norma Jean (Phillips) Arnold, 90 of Seattle, Washington passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 in Seattle, Washington.

The daughter of Aubrey and Veta Brown Phillips was born on January 7, 1930 in

Page 2

themedia@centurytel.net

Palmyra, MO. The Funeral Service will begin at 5:00 PM with Pastor Dewayne Larenson officiating.

Burial will be at Combs Cemetery in Luray, MO. Kay was born October 26, 1947, in Davenport, IA to Francis Julian Runge and Nellie May Tipton.

She was married to Elvin Lyon on May 29, 1971 in Fort Madison, IA. He preceded her in death on April 18, 2013.

Survivors include her Son, Greg (Missy) Lyon of Palmyra, MO, David (Christy) Lyon of Montgomery City, MO, Corey (Thom) Jenkins of Kahoka, MO, and Missy Riney of Montrose, IA; one brother Gary (Jo Rae)

Runge of Galesburg, IL; grandchildren Travis (Chant) Moss, Shelby Cordray, Kristyn (Ashton) Lynum Young, Cody (Casey) Fort, Emily Lyon, Levi Lyon and Alexis (Matthew) Maher, 5 great grandchildren and two new arrivals on the way.

Kay was preceded in death by her Father, Mother, brother Steve Runge, sister Donna Fillman, grandfather Carson Wade Houser and stepfather Orville Wayne Hunter.

She was passionate about crafting of all kinds.

Some of her favorites were scrap-booking, dolls, and ceramic figurines.

She served on the Board for the Clark County Mule Festival

and was very active in the Eagle Fleet Camping Club.

Kay enjoyed any opportunity to travel.

During her career, Kay served the community as a School Bus Driver and a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Kay attended the Galesburg Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Kahoka.

Pallbearers will be Levi Lyon, Cody Fort, Ashton Lynum-Young, Matt Maher, and Chris Cordray.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.com.

Ewing, Missouri.

She was united in marriage to E. W. (Bill) Arnold in 1948 and they moved to Kahoka in 1959.

Norma received her degree from Truman State University.

She was actively involved in St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka, (office and music programs), and Solano Beach Presbyterian in San Diego, California before moving to Seattle in 2008.

She was an avid bridge player, voracious reader, meticulous seamstress and quilter, enjoyed playing the piano and organ and loved spending time with her grandchildren and the

great grands.

Norma is survived by her three children, Randy Arnold of Albuquerque, NM, Tamara Arnold (Tim McAfee) of Seattle, WA and Natalie Carroll of Kahoka, MO; four grandchildren, Robey Arnold of Albuquerque, NM, Ryan (Caitlin) McAfee of Seattle, WA, Cole (Jennisa) Carroll of Luray, MO and Callie (Calem) Lipper of Columbia, MO; three great-grandchildren, Harper McAfee, Austen McAfee and Teigen McAfee; three stepgrandchildren and their families, Craig McAfee, Staci Steffy, and Scott McAfee; brother, Leland Phillips of Lewistown, MO and sister, Donna

(Richard) Parsons of Des Moines, IA and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Aubrey and Veta, exhusband Bill, infant sister, Linda, grandson, Caleb Carroll, son-inlaw, Jimmy Carroll and sister-in-law, Peggy Phillips.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Inurnment will be in the Lewistown Cemetery at Lewistown, Missouri.

There are no services scheduled. Memorials in her name may be made to the Sever-Clark County Library or St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka, Missouri.

Online condolences may be left at www. arnoldsfuneralhome.net.

-Ruth Brotherton asked when the sports boosters could resume serving from the concession stand area at the Activity Field. The school will try it with areas roped off to avoid people congregating.

-The quarter-credit for Driver’s Ed class will not be factored into grade point average

calculations..

-The board will review a number of new board policies next month.

-The board will seek bids for a new roof at the High School. The current roof has reached its expected lifetime and leaks in several locations.

School

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Continued From Page 1 The NFHS can also live stream band concerts and other events, such as graduation, which would be free to viewers.

Currently, five other CCC schools have this system in place.

In other business:

UnityPoint Health – Keokuk Accepting Applications For Mammogram Assistance Program (Keokuk, October 7, 2020) —UnityPoint Health – Keokuk and UnityPoint Health – Keokuk Foundation are committed to supporting quality healthcare close to home.

Together, they are offering a free screening mammogram assistance program that is available to residents of the Tri-State Area.

“If your doctor has recommended a mammogram, but you haven’t followed up because you can’t afford it, we have funds available to help,” stated

Amy Conlee, Director of Business Development & Marketing, UnityPoint Health – Keokuk.

“To be eligible for a free screening mammogram, women must complete an application and be over age 40. Those participating may include individuals that do not have insurance, have insurance that won’t pay for one, or those that cannot afford the co-pay or deductible.”

This program was made possible through the generosity of

private donors and donations from the First Community Bank, Pink Ribbon Debit Card program to the UnityPoint Health – Keokuk Foundation.

Applications are available at the Outpatient entrance of UnityPoint Health – Keokuk, 1600 Morgan Street, Keokuk, Iowa and online at unitypoint. org/Keokuk.

For more information, please call UnityPoint Health – Keokuk, Imaging Department at 319-526-8700.

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Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Volume 132, Number 46

www.kahokamedia.com

Heavy Turnout In General Election

More than seventy three percent of registered Clark County voters performed their civic duty and voted in last Tuesday’s general election.

There were only two contested local races on the ballot. For Western District Commissioner, Joe Humes (R) defeated former a commissioner, Democrat Paul Brotherton, by a 1309-971 margin.

In the County Assessor’s race, Republican John Campbell, who defeated incumbent Tony Daniel in the August primary, held of a strong write-in campaign by DaKota Hopp. Campbell won by a 1915-1155 margin.

For the Eastern District Commissioner, incumbent Republican Henry Dienst was unchallenged, and received 1173 votes.

Shawn Webster, the current Clark County Sheriff, was unchallenged, and received 3120 votes. Webster is a Republican.

Republican Ed Wilson was reelected Coroner, receiving 3090 votes in the uncontested race.

Kevin Flood, (R), was reelected Surveyor, with 2959 votes.

Democrat Melissa Vigen was unchallenged for the position of Public Administrator. Vigen received 2671 votes.

Clark County voters cast 2888 votes for Greg Sharpe to remain State Representative in the 4th District. Sharp, a Republican, received 13.590 votes overall. He was unchallenged.

Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves (R) was reelected a more than two to one margin. In Clark County, Graves topped Democrat Gena Ross 2660 to 587. Libertarian Jim Higgins received 72 votes.

All of Missouri’s statewide officials on the ballot as Republican won their races. Governor Mike Parson defeated Nicole Galloway by nearly a half-million votes statewide. Locally, Parson received 2667 votes, while Galloway received 648.

Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe won by an even larger margin over Democrat Alissia Canady, topping her vote county by nearly 600,000 statewide. Locally, Kehoe won 2531-630.

Secretary of State John Jay Ashcroft topped challengers Yinki Faleti (D) by more than 700,000 votes statewide. In Clark County, Ashcroft garnered 2719 votes, while Faleti got 484.

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick defeated Democrat challenger Vicki Lorenz Englund by a wide margin. In Clark County, Fitzpatrick received 2577 votes, while Englund received 607.

Eric Schmitt topped Rich Finneran (D) easily in the statewide race for Attorney General. Locally, Schmitt received 2532 votes, while Finneran got 632.

At the top of the ticket, Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence carried Clark County and Missouri easily in the race for President. The Trump/Pence ticket topped Democrat nominees Joe Biden/Kamala Harris by a 2672-678 margin locally.

Kidnapping, Assualt and Weapons Charges Filed After November 1 Incident A Keokuk man was arrested Tuesday night, following a weekend incident which resulted in law enforcement officials asking for the public’s help to locate him.

Trenton Kindhart, 31, of Keokuk was taken into custody on two felony warrants at 10:04pm Tuesday night, in downtown Kahoka.

Early Sunday morning, Kindhart is alleged to have forced his way into a Kahoka apartment, beaten and threatened to kill a man at that Trenton Kindhart apartment, and assaulted a female.

The male victim later “got away”. According to the Probable Cause Statement, Kindhart also allegedly took the female victim’s cell phone and used the phone to hit her. He also allegedly put a handgun in her mouth several times during the night.

Around 9:30am, the male victim and a friend returned to the apartment to “get his stuff” and Kindhart allegedly pulled a gun on the friend while the male victim gathered his belongings. The friend reported the incident to Kahoka police.

Kahoka police responded to an apartment in the downtown area at 11:08am Sunday morning. The female victim ran from the apartment, and Kindhart pushed police Chief Bill Conger on the stairway of the apartment. Conger managed to pull off Kindhart’s hooded sweatshirt as he fled.

While Conger was transporting the female victim to a safe location, a wrecked vehicle was reported on West Main Street. Conger joined the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol looking for Kindhart. According to the PC statement, the car belonged to a female that had not reported it stolen in Iowa.

Kindhart faces several felony charges, including Kidnapping-1st Degree, Assualt-1st Degree, Burglary-1st Degree, Assualt-2nd Degree, Resisting/ Interfering with Arrest for a Felony, Armed Criminal Action, and two charges of Unlawful Use of Weapon. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of Assault-4th degree for pushing a law enforcement officer.

Kindhart also faces Assault-1st Degree charges for an August incident near St. Francisville.

Kindhart made is initial appearance in Clark County Associate Circuit Court on Wednesday, November 4. He is being held on a $100,000 cash only bond on November incident, and $50,000 cash only bond for the August incident.

ON TO STATE On Friday morning, November 6, Clark County Cross Country ualifiers for the State Cross Country Meet a received an escort out of town as they headed to Columbia. More photos and results can be seen on Page 12.

A New Way To Access Health Care?

By Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group

“Having insurance is not equivalent to getting health care,” said Dr. Randy Tobler, Chief Executive Officer of Scotland County Hospital.

“What a lot of people are doing now is selfrationing,” added Tobler. He explained that high co-pays, high deductibles, coinsurance, all on top of high premiums forces people to make a choice.

“They realize that if they go get checked out, and the doctor orders labs, they’re going to have another thousanddollar expense. So people delay care, get sicker, and present more acutely. It’s bankrupting people, and in our area, it’s going to be the difference between sustainability or not for hospitals.”

Scotland County Hospital recently hosted a Facebook Live event to present a different idea.

“Care in America is a way to access health care, rather than accessing insurance. It is a plan that allows employers and their

employees to have a direct relationship with providers of care, on a subscription basis, with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance.

From a statistical standpoint, this accounts for 99 percent of care,” Tobler said.

Every employer in northeast Missouri is eligible to apply for their employees working 30 hours per week or more.

Plans are not available for individuals.

“Care in America is a way for people to get health care, and have insurance for the catastrophic things.

They get health care with the premium, which also covers a wrap-around insurance plan,” Tobler continued.

The plan provides a direct relationship with Scotland County Hospital as a way to access 99 percent of needed care. For other needed care, plans include ‘wrap around’ coverage for catastrophic events, or other services not available at Scotland County Hospital.

The catch, if you want to call it that, is that the health care must be delivered by Scotland

County Hospital and Clinics, or at one of the Care in America network providers in St. Louis.

If specialized care is needed that cannot be done at Scotland County Hospital, or if you’re travelling and cannot get to Scotland County Hospital, the ‘wrap around’ policy works just like traditional insurance, with co-pay and deductibles. That plan would also be part of the Healthlink Network, there are a large number of innetwork providers in the area.

Tobler shared an example of how the ‘wrap around’ coverage would work. Assume a patient has a heart condition. She is short of breath and fatigued.

She’s having visit after visit with her doctor, and paying $30 co-pay for each visit. Then a doctor orders and EKG and a chest x-ray.

Under the Care In America plan, she’d have zero out of pocket cost for all of that. If she came in with an event, everything done at Scotland County Hospital would cost

Dr. Randy Tobler CEO, Scotland County Hospital nothing. If she had to transfer to another hospital, everything at the other hospital would be subject to deductible and copay, just like a traditional insurance policy.

“Most people don’t use the catastrophic coverage in a year,’ said Tobler. “They use the bread and butter stuff, and that’s’ why it’s a perfect fit for our community.”

Best of all, the average monthly premium is $411 for a single, or $989 for a family plan.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

“I’m the biggest skeptic,” Tobler said.

The idea works for several reasons. First, See CARE, Page 11

CCR-1 Moves To Every Other Day Classes at High School/ Middle School Covid-19 is hitting the Clark County R-1 school district. Hard.

“We thought we’d get here,” said Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht.

On Wednesday, Kracht called an emergency meeting of the CCR-1 school board to discuss what steps to take.

As of 5:30pm Wednesday evening, the district had 170 students and 11 staff members in quarantine.

Nine students had tested positive for Covid-19, as had three staff members.

“We have very few left in one grade at the High School,” added Kracht.

“Our recommendation is that we go to Orange for High School and Middle School, and

leave the elementary buildings at green,” Kracht told board members. Orange designates every-otherday attendance at school, with work being sent home. Green is a normal school day.

“Our concern is the hardship it would put on families if we tried to have elementary students go everyother-day,” Kracht said.

Childcare is not readily available.

Elementary school administrators agreed.

“We think it’s best for that age group to stay in school,” said Running Fox principal Katrina Nixon. “Our concern is daycare. Someone is going to have those kids.”

If those students are teachers’ kids, teachers

are entitled coronavirus leave under federal guidelines.

“We don’t have substitute teachers,” added Nixon.

Black Hawk principal Betsy Parrish stated that CDC guidelines had changed, and that the new guidelines count exposure as 15 minutes of contact in a 24-hour period, instead of 15 continuous minutes.

Indian Pride Learning Center principal Megan Wendling agreed that it would be best for her students to stay on a regular schedule.

Referring to her special education students, Wendling said, “My kids need consistency and to have their routines. It would be like starting over

every day if we missed a day.”

Wendling also noted that this spike in quaratines came five days after trick or treat night.

The elementary schools will also increase mask usage.

“If we don’t do something, there won’t be anyone in the buildings,” Kracht warned.

Under level Orange, student’s whose parent’s last name starts with the letters A-K will attend one day, and L-Z the next.

“Every other day will be a lot more effective.

It’s better than not being here. It’s not great, but it’s better than the alternatives,” Kracht added.

See SCHOOL, Page 11

The Clark County Media

Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Page 11 themedia@centurytel.net

On Wednesday, November 4, the Clark County R-1 school board held an emergency meeting to decide what steps to take about the high number of COVID-19 cases and quarantined students at the high school and middle school.

SCHOOL

Continued From Page 1 The board voted to approve the Orange, every-other-day schedule for High School and Middle School, starting Friday.

“We’ll go through

CARE

Continued From Page 1 Care in America has partnered Iron Workers’ union to provide a much larger group of insured. Employers and employees joining Care In America would need to join the Iron Workers’ union at a cost of $10 per employee per month.

Secondly, since there are no insurance claims to file, and the ‘wrap around’ coverage would only be used for less than one percent of care encounters, insurance companies can provide a lower cost.

In addition, facilities like Scotland County have fixed costs, and using more of those services don’t really cost the hospital more.

“Whether we have 75 babies a year or 125, I have to have doctors to deliver them. We have unfilled capacity. We don’t want our operating rooms sitting empty too much of the time. Why not have people come in and get their hernia fixed, or their gall bladder taken out that they’ve been waiting on because they don’t have $3000 laying around,” Tobler said.

“It works because we take away the part of the premium that goes up in smoke to administrative costs. Every time I go

Thanksgiving,” Kracht said. “And evaluate where we’re at and where the county is at then.”

The school intends to send home meals for the students that will be staying home.

Extracurricular activities will still go

on as planned, and parents will make the decision whether or not their students should participate.

On Friday, Kracht reported that the first day of every-other-day attendance went well.

down Hwy. 40 and see those gleaming glass buildings, I get the rage,” Tobler added.

“We’re saving you bucks, and keeping our health care institution alive. It’s a fair deal,” he said.

The Care In America Foundation wants to protect the doctorpatient relationship.

“It’s not the way it used to be. We’re more beholden to the insurance companies than we are to our patients,” said Tobler.

“I have to click all the boxes on the EMR (Electronic Medical Records) rather than spend time with the patient, to make sure the bill goes through.

It’s perverse.”

“We know if we restore a trusting relationship between patients and doctors, if I tell you don’t need something, you trust me that it’s not the insurance company saying you can’t have it. And if I tell you that you need something, I’m not nickle-diming you,” Tobler said.

Is it risky?

“HMO’s were a similar concept,” said Steve Simon of Crane Agency in St. Louis, who has worked with Scotland County Hospital to make the Care In America plan available in northeast Missouri.

“It’s an evolution of that type of program,”

Simon added.

“The doctors at Scotland County Hospital are not going away. They want to deliver a different care model.” Simon said. “We don’t envision it going away. It’s a win-win for patients and providers.”

Making Care In America available in northeast Missouri is not a done deal yet.

“All insurers are interested in doing this,” said Tobler. “But they want a proof of interest of a 1000 people.”

Tobler hopes to have a census of at least 1000 employees quickly, and encourage employers, large and small, to fill out the plan census, which is available online.

“We could pull the trigger as soon as January 1,” he said.

“But if we can’t get it together by then, maybe we’ll have to wait until April.”

If your business is interested in more information on Care In America, or wants to complete an employee census, visit https:// www.careinamerica.org/ care-in-nemo For more questions, please call Steve Simon at (314) 206-4158.

Layne Sommers pulls in a pass while being closely guarded.

Sam Wheeler and Gage Winters bring down Palmyra’s Ross Arch.

Sam Wheeler running for his last two points as a Clark County Indian football player.

Wheeler completed a pass to Layne Sommers late in the game to score, then ran the two point conversion.

Gage Winters stays on his feet and gets around the end of Palmyra’s defense.

Indians Struggle in District Semi Final With about half of the 2020 Clark County Indians in quarantine, Friday’s district semi final contest against the top-ranked Palmyra Panthers was going to be an uphill climb.

Clark County got the ball first.

Three plays later, as Sam Wheeler pass was picked off, and Palmyra had the ball on the Indian 17-yard line.

Palmyra’s Landyn Smith scored on a 17 yard run, and after the extra pointy kick, the Panthers jumped out early, 7-0.

Another Wheeler interception gave Palmyra the ball again, and they turned the opportunity into points again, pulling ahead 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Palmyra would score again. The extra point kick was blocked, and the Panthers led 20-0 An interception ended the next Indian possession, but they got the ball back right away by recovering a fumble. Clark County put together a drive into Panther territory, but it stalled at the 29-yard line, and Clark County turned the ball over on downs.

Palmyra drove to score, going up 28-0.

Clark County mounted another good drive, this time fighting all the way to the Palmyra 11-yard line before being turned away.

At the half, Palmyra led 28-0.

Layne Sommers picked off a Brody Lehenbauer pass on the first play of the second half, but the Indians could not take advantage of the turnover.

Palmyra’s next drive took them 70 yards to score. The extra point was good, and Palmyra had a 35-0 lead and a running clock.

Clark County would score late in the contest, as Wheeler would connect with Layne Sommers with 2:22 remaining. Wheeler ran the extra point, and the Indians were on the board 35-8.

Clark County had 147 yard of total offense, with 67 on the ground and 80 in the air.

Indian seniors are Layne Sommers, Kenny Harrell, Kyle Gregory, Gabe Hunziker, Kaleb Nixon, Bode James, Dylan Bradley, Justin Webster, Corrigan Humphrey, Aaron Day, Tristen Shores, Shane Lindsey, Dylan Krebill, and Hunter Yancy.

We thank them for their years of dedication and hard work.

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Volume 132, Number 47

www.kahokamedia.com

Governor Parson Announces Changes in State’s K-12 School Quarantine Guidance Proper Mask Usage May Prevent Close Contacts from Quarantining

all times to further reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus.

The person who tests positive for COVID-19 is still required to isolate at home.

Close contacts in (JEFFERSON CITY, K-12 schools should MO, November 12) continue to quarantine – Today, Governor at home for 14 days if Mike Parson, the (1) their school does Department of not require students Health and Senior and staff to wear Services (DHSS), masks, or (2) the mask and the Department was not being worn of Elementary and appropriately by either Secondary Education the person diagnosed (DESE) announced with COVID-19 or modifications to the person who was Missouri’s K-12 exposed. school reopening and “Schools that operating guidance. are consistently The large number implementing of students and COVID-19 mitigation school staff members strategies remain quarantined in recent among weeks has the safest presented a The Clark County places significant R-1 School Board is for our strain for holding a meeting students,” educators, to discuss this issue Governor school Parson leaders, on Wednesday, said. “We and November 18, believe this Missouri at 6:00pm, in change families the High School will lead alike.

Library to more “We schools know that encourCOVID-19 Last week, the is not going Scotland Co. R-1 aging away soon, School Board voted proper mask so it is to require masks be usage, important worn at all times helping that we by students, staff to further continue protect to evaluate and visitors. students the and guidance educators from the we’re issuing at the spread of the virus.” state level to make At today’s briefing sure our procedures in the State Capitol, are sustainable for the Governor Parson was next several months,” joined by Dr. Rachel Governor Parson said.

“We have been working Orscheln, Associate Professor of Pediatrics hard with DESE and DHSS to find a solution in the Division of Infectious Diseases at that allows us to Washington University continue providing the and St. Louis high-quality education Children’s Hospital. Dr. our students deserve Orscheln has worked while still keeping closely with DHSS them, our teachers, and DESE throughout and all school staff the pandemic, members safe.” providing expertise to Under the updated ongoing conversations guidance, proper mask related to K-12 wearing may now school reopening and prevent individuals operating guidance. from being identified “Given the high as close contacts in rates of COVID-19 K-12 schools that in our communities, have implemented a it is inevitable that mask mandate. This some children and means that if both adolescents will individuals at school – test positive,” Dr. the person diagnosed Orscheln said. “We with COVID-19 and also know that some the person exposed of these children will to the positive case – likely, at some point have masks on and are wearing them correctly, in their illness, be at school. However, we the individual exposed have learned that in does not need to schools where students quarantine. and staff are always Exposed individuals wearing masks and should self-monitor practicing physical for symptoms and distancing, this virus stay home at the first does not spread as sign of illness. They easily as it does in should also continue See Masks, Page 10 to wear a mask at

On Wednesday, the CCR-1 School Board will consider whether to order students and staff to wear masks at all times, in order to reduce the number students and staff quarantined for contact tracing.

The Clark County Health Department is reporting 113 active COVID-19 case in Clark County, as of Sunday, November 15. To date, the total number of cases is 381, with 257 recovered, and 11 deaths reported.

DHSS Issues Statement Regarding Statewide COVID-19 Case Growth JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri is now seeing 28,000 new cases per week, or an average of 4,000 new cases per day, on average. Last week, the rate was 2,800 new cases per day—representing a significant increase.

“Like the rest of the United States, Missouri is experiencing an increase in new cases of COVID-19,” said Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “We believe we

will be able to start vaccinating our healthcare workers and longterm care facility staff as early as next month, and thus help protect them as they take care of our most vulnerable citizens. In the meantime, you can help them, help yourself and help your loved ones by continuing to physically distance, wear masks, use hand sanitizer and avoid congregating indoors when possible, even during the holidays. We monitor hospitalizations and available ICU beds daily but are

mindful that all of us need to do everything we can to decrease their utilization given what we are seeing nationally. One way all of us can do our part is to get a flu shot. If you have not already, please do so.”

DHSS has added to its website considerations for celebrating the holidays safely at health.mo.gov/ holidays2020.

Learn more about flu prevention or where you can get a flu shot at mostopsflu.com.

COVID, Quarantines Taking Toll On CCR-1 School District “We’re at the point that if we lose many more staff, we’re going to break,” said Clark County R-1 School Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht during the Wednesday, November 11 school board meeting. “Our biggest concern in staff members.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, 204 students were quarantined, along with 10 staff members. An additional nine students and seven staff members were in isolation due to testing positive.

“We’re trying to cover everything, but it’s a juggling act, and it’s stressful for everyone,” said Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish. Parrish asked the board to consider taking the elementary buildings to Level Orange, which would be every-other-day in person attendance, just as the Middle School and High School are currently doing.

“We’re shuffling enough that

we’re okay, but my building is much smaller,” added Running Fox Principal Katrina Nixon.

At this point, the board did not move the elementary buildings to Level Orange.

“It’s extremely stressful on staff,” said Kracht.

High School Principal Jason Harper provided a spark of hope.

“Once we get to Monday, the quarantine numbers will go way down,” Harper said. A large number of students are slated to return to school at that time.

“If we can lower the quarantine numbers, we can start making progress,” Harper added.

Problems continue with students not doing assigned work during quarantine.

“The kids in quarantine are just not doing the work,” said Kracht.

“It’s super hard to get the caught up again,” added Nixon.

What is the school district doing

about it?

“Teachers and building principals are reaching out to kids and parents to try to get the students to complete work.

Students who do not complete work and fail classes will have the same consequences as previous years which include mandatory summer school, not getting credit in classes failed, or retake the grade level,” said Kracht How are they making up for the lost fourth quarter of last school year?

“Teachers are doing everything they can to fill in the gaps from missing the fourth quarter. They are spending more time reviewing information before moving on to new topics. Catching kids up will not be accomplished in one school year. The amount of students getting quarantined is making things more difficult. This has See SCHOOL, PAGE 8

Keokuk Judge Held Role in 1876 Election

By Troy Treasure

NEMOnews Media Group

The United States celebrated its Centennial in 1876. On Nov. 7, the nation held a presidential election.

The outcome went undecided for four months, resulted in a constitutional crisis and remains, arguably, the most controversial in U.S. history.

A judge from Keokuk, Iowa held a significant position in the heated debate.

Samuel Freeman Miller was appointed as an Associate Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court

by President Lincoln in 1862.

In his 2004 book “Centennial Crisis: The Disputed Election of 1876,” the late Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist wrote, “The Senate confirmed him in half an hour without reference to a committee.”

The presidential nominees in 1876 were Governors Rutherford

B. Hayes (R-Ohio) and Samuel Tilden (D-New York).

In the election’s immediate aftermath, Tilden had more votes in the Electoral College.

He also won the popular vote, yet Tilden never became president.

Tilden’s problem was he received 184 electoral votes, one shy of the 185 then needed to win.

Hayes picked up 165.

Shenanigans by both political parties ensued.

According to a recent Salon Magazine report, Republicans used their influence in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina to “toss out Democratic votes whenever they could.” In South Carolina, “eligible voter turnout reached an impossible 101 percent,” Salon reported.

Meanwhile in the Pacific Northwest, Hayes had won Oregon.

However, Governor La Fayette Grover, a Democrat, tried to replace a Republican elector “with a proTilden Democrat.”

To repeat: Tilden needed just one additional vote in the Electoral College to win the presidency.

Fast-forward to late January 1877.

Congress established what was alleged to be a bipartisan 15-member Electoral Commission comprised of five senators, five members of the House of Representatives and five Supreme Court Justices.

Samuel Miller of Keokuk was one of the Justices.

Presidential historian the late David C. Whitney wrote, “On the surface this seemed nonpartisan with five Democrats, five Republicans and five impartial justices.

“In actuality, three of the justices were Republicans (including Miller), so the Commission’s findings were a foregone conclusion,” Whitney added.

Democratic leadership eventually capitulated when promised Hayes

The late U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Freeman Miller of Keokuk, Iowa is shown in this undated photograph.

Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division would remove Federal troops from the South, essentially ending Reconstruction.

Twenty Electoral College votes swung to Hayes. He “defeated” Tilden 185-184.

Whitney noted Hayes left Columbus, Ohio for Washington D.C. on March 1 not knowing for sure he would be See Judge, Page 10

The Clark County Media

Wednesday,November 18, 2020

ALLEN LOWELL CAMERON

A ueen si e uilt is being raf ed off to rain funds for the Mark and Hillary Plenge family. Their son, Bryton, was in ured in an accidental shooting in September.

Quilt Fundraiser For Bryton Plenge On September 3, 2020 a parent's worst nightmare; receiving a call that your child has been shot. That evening was no different that any others, a group of FFA trap shooting members gathering for a practice shoot. Unfortunately there was a fellow classmate,s gun that was loaded and it fell over, discharging.

In that split second a young man's life changed dramatically.

Bryton, the son of Mark and Hillary Plenge, is a junior enrolled at Clark County R-1 School that is in for a battle that no 16 year old should have to endure. He was accidentally shot in the lower right leg. He was air lifted to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital where he has undergone several surgeries, with many more to go. To help the family offset travel and medical expenses as well as taking time off from work, a quilt raffle is going to be held for Bryton.

Chances for the quilt can be purchased in person or electronically. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10.

The queen size quilt measures 96"x110". The drawing for the quilt will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Need not be present to win and the quilt can be mailed if the winner is not from northeast Missouri.

To purchase tickets in person, please contact LaTisha Scott-Snead 319.750.7089 or Haley Davidson 660.341.5892. Tickets can also be purchased electronically. This can be done via Venmo: @LaTisha-Scott-Snead or to @Hilary-Plenge or paypal friends and family to dwayneandlatisha@ yahoo.com or facebook pay to LaTisha.

Due to contributions made by Paca's Patchwork from Kahoka, MO and Premier Dirt Promotions from Middletown, IA, the cost of the materials used to complete the quilt has been covered, therefore, all monies raised will go directly to Bryton and his family. Let us bless this family that endured such a tragedy.

Allen Lowell Cameron, 88, of Kahoka, MO, passed away peacefully at 9:13 am on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Allen was born on October 22, 1932 in Antioch, MO, on the Cameron Farm.

He was the son of the late William Robert and Vera Maude (Stark) Cameron.

Allen graduated from Kahoka High School in the Class of 1950.

He later went to the University of Missouri on the G.I. Bill.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Allen served in the 24th Infantry Division, “The Oak Leaf Division” 11th Field Artillery.

He married Luella Mae Terry in Kahoka, MO, and from this union a son, John Rodney Cameron, of Keokuk, IA was born.

Allen later married Jenerette Louise Ellison and together they had the late Joseph Mark Cameron and another son; Robert Gustaf Cameron.

Allen married his wife of 50 years; Loresa Bayawa Balansag on February 23, 1970 in San Carlos City, Philippines, and she survives.

Allen and Loresa share two sons; Jay Balansag Cameron of Kahoka, MO, and Miles Balansag

School

Continued From Page 1

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been a challenging year but our students and staff are working hard,” said Kracht.

“Six to eight years down the road, we’re still going to feel the effects of all this,” said Harper.

The board also presented new rules for the trap team. Among

5/D Express has immediate openings for OTR drivers. Late model equipment, weekly home time, weekly pay, health insurance, located in Keosauqua IA. Must have 2 years experience and pass pre employment drug testing.

Call 319 293 6131 for more information.

LIVE ON-SITE • 20TH ANNUAL TRUMP BRED HEIFER AUCTION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH STARTING AT 1:00 P.M.

To be held at Carthage Livestock, Inc., 1300 Wabash Ave., Carthage, IL

FEATURING 175 REPUTATION BRED HEIFERS • 175 head of fancy Angus bred heifers: 110 con rmed AI’d to “KG Solution 0018” with the balance bred natural service to performance tested registered calving ease Angus bulls that meet the Missouri Select Heifer criteria.

• The AI’d heifers are due to calve Jan. 27th.

• The natural service bred heifers will start calving Feb. 11th for approximately 60 days (Large majority will calve in Feb./March).

• Heifers will be sold in small, uniform lots.

• Complete and thorough vaccination program to include Cattle Master 4 + VL5 and Spirovac VL5. All heifers are calfhood vaccinated and have had their rst round of Scour Guard shots.

• All heifers in this sale have been ultrasounded, tested free for BVD, CHV & eligible to go to any state.

• All heifers will carry a “Show Me Select” ear tag!

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Page 8

(Kami) Cameron of Luray, MO Mr. Cameron was a farmer since 1960.

He also worked for Sheller Globe and Morse Rubber in Keokuk as a laboratory technician for 25 years.

Allen was a wealth of knowledge, always learning and researching.

You could always find him on his “quadrunner” trying to win the battle with thistles and brush.

He had many hobbies throughout the years from hunting, horseback riding, fighting chickens, and camping.

He was a patient, honest, and fair man.

He really enjoyed watching his sons and grandson tractor pull.

He and his wife Loresa also had the opportunity to travel and were able to see a lot of interesting and memorable places together.

Allen was able to also take part in the Honor Flight.

A once in a lifetime opportunity.

In addition to his wife, Loresa, and his sons, Allen is survived by his grandchildren; Lori Ann (Jim) Stelzer, Adam Joseph Cameron, Kassidy Taylor Cameron, Evan Hays Cameron, Eleanor Kamille Cameron, Estelle Joy Cameron, two great grandchildren; Maddox and Layla and by several nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son; Mark Cameron, and his special aunt and uncle who were like his second parents; Frank and Florence Stark.

In accordance with Allen’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and private family services will be conducted.

Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in them are a requirement that students complete a hunter safety course, be enrolled as an FFA member, and have a rules agreement signed by both student and parent.”

“I see nothing here that would have prevented what happened,” said board member Kevin Ross.

“I think the sponsor needs to look at the gun before it ever leaves the vehicle.”

That idea brought questions of liability for the sponsor. Instead, it was agreed that the student would open the gun case to show the sponsor that there is an orange safety flag installed in the chamber.

That safety flag is to remain in the chamber until the gun is ready to fire.

In other business, the board: - Heard reports on the district’s vocational programs, including Ag, Business, Family and Consumer Science, and Building Trades.

-Reviewed and accepted the low bid of $4000 for roof repairs at the High School.

-Approved changes to Board Policies. Most changes are to keep up with changing legislation or legal decisions.

-Declared a number of items as surplus property to be sold by sealed bid.

-Agreed to pay paraprofessionals serving as substitute teachers an additional $25 per day

themedia@centurytel.net

Kahoka has been entrusted with the care and arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Allen’s memory are suggested to St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

You are invited to share your memories of Allen and leave a condolence at www. wilsontriplett.com.

Acknowledgment of Military Service The members of the United States Army, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Allen Lowell Cameron served our country for one year, ten months, and twenty days in the United States Army.

He trained as a Field Wireman at Fort Riley, Kansas and served with the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. He was stationed

overseas for one year, four months, and sixteen days, attaining the rank of Corporal (E-4).

He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations: Army Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal United Nations Service Medal He was inducted 3 February 1953, received an honorable discharge 22 December 1954 and returned to Kahoka, Clark County, Missouri.

He was transferred to the United States Army Reserves, Missouri Military District to complete eight years service.

The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 10 November 2020.

At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.

Culvert Work Will Temporarily Impact Clark County Route E & A

MACON - Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing the following culvert work in Clark County.

Please see the dates and locations below. All work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

Clark County Route E - Nov. 17, road will be closed from CRD 111 to 0.5 mile south of CRD 401 for culvert work.

Clark County Route A - Nov. 18, road will be closed from 0.5 mile south of Clark County Route U to 1.2 miles north of CRD 230 for culvert work.

Clark County Route A - Nov. 19, road will be closed from 0.5 mile north of CRD 230 to 1 mile south of Route U for culvert work.

Clark County Route A - Nov. 20, road will be closed from CRD 230 to 1 mile south of Route U for culvert work.

SURPLUS PROPERTY FOR SALE

The school board has declared several items as surplus property. The surplus property will be sold to the highest sealed bid. Items and bidding guidelines (minimum bid on all items $10) are listed on the school’s website (www. clarkcounty.12.mo.us) or a list can be picked up at Central Office at 427 W. Chestnut St. in Kahoka.

Bids are due at Central Office on December 8 at 10:00 a.m. The board reserves the right to approve or reject any and all bids. bids.

Trash Pick Up Change Notice

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, trash collection in the Kahoka area, scheduled for Thursday, November 26, will be collected on

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

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ONLINE AT kahokamedia.com

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Lewis County REC To Host A Holiday Banquet At The Clark County Senior Center The Clark County Senior Center and the Lewis County REC Cares Foundation are hosting a Holiday Banquet at The Clark County Senior Center.

This event is free for all Clark County Seniors that are 55 and older.

The holiday banquet will take place on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at the Clark County Senior Center.

The Senior Center will be delivering these meals to their regular homebound clients only. All others will be carry-out only! Due to COVID-19. They will be serving the food from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The menus are; Meal #1 includes turkey, stuffing, mashed pot. w/gravy, green bean casserole, hot roll, and dessert, or Meal #2 that includes ham, stuffing, mashed pot. w/gravy, corn, hot roll, and dessert.

All orders need to be placed by 2 p.m. on December 3rd, 2020.

Place your order by calling this number, 660727-2400.

Chamber Announces Annual Dinner, Lighting Contest The Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Dinner will be held Monday, December 7, at 6:30pm, at Steve’s Family Dining in Kahoka. Member businesses can RSVP to Melissa Bevans.

A residential and business lighting contest is also planned, with the winners walking away with Clark County Cash.

Judging will be held December 18. To enter, contact Bev Laffoon at Kahoka State Bank by December 16.

Christmas On The Square December 12 On Saturday, December 12, Kahoka will have its first “Christmas on the Square celebration.

The event will include at Christmas Light display contest in the park, multiple vendors, tree lighting, Santa, wagon rides, hot chocolate, music, and more.

Contact DaKota Hopp for more information.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Volume 132, Number 48

www.kahokamedia.com

The Clark County Food Pantry is doing its part to make sure that every Clark County family can have a Thanksgiving meal this year. On Monday morning, food pantry volunteers gathered at the Kahoka Christian Church to distribute the makings of those meals, to families in need Pictured are: (Left to right)Jeannie Ray, Allys Murphy, Kathy Welker, Peggy Thorn, Kathy Lucas, Barb Clark and Eileen Brotherton. Not pictured: Dave Stuart, Jim and Leslie Rainbolt, and Mike Murphy.

CCR-1 School Board Considers Mask Mandate To Reduce Contact Tracing

By Mike Scott

As quarantine numbers in the Clark County R-1 School have dropped dramatically in the past week, the CCR-1 school board held a special meeting to discuss Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s new COVID-19 contact tracing guidelines for schools. In short, the new guidelines to contact trace and quarantine fewer students and staff members in the event of a positive coronavirus test, if the district requires masks be worn at all times by students, staff, and visitors.

As of Wednesday, November 18, the High School had lost 1546 student days of instruction this school year. The Middle School lost 777 days, and Black Hawk lost 779 day. Running Fox lost 318 student days of instruction.

As of Wednesday, there had been a total of 33 students and 14 staff members who had tested positive.

And as of Wednesday, student quarantine numbers had dropped from over 200 to 152.

“The every other day schedule at the High School and Middle School is working,” said Superintendent Dr. Ritchie Kracht. The High School and Middle School are currently on Level Orange of the district’s plan, while the elementary schools remain on the green, every day schedule.

“The governor’s new guidelines would take away contract tracing for many students if everyone is wearing a

mask,” said Kracht Last week, the Scotland County R-1 school district adopted the new guidelines.

“We cannot do beyond what local health officials say,” added Kracht. He reported that Clark County Health Department Administrator Evelena Sutterfield had told him that pre-k through second grade students cannon wear masks properly.

School administrators at each building gave their opinions to the board members.

Crowding in the lunchroom is the biggest concern at Black Hawk.

“It’s not possible to social distance between students, even with three at table,” said Black Hawk Principal Betsy Parrish.

Board member Heather Weber Webster asked if Parrish thought grades 3-5 can wear masks properly all day, and if there would be problems with some wearing masks while others did not.

“It would cause some dissention if half had to wear masks and the other half didn’t,” Parrish said.

Board president Mark Plenge said, “I don’t think wearing masks all day is right.”

“Do we want to follow CDC guidelines, or the governor’s?” asked board member Jason Acklie.

“I don’t know the right answer.”

Board member Craig Hunziker asked the principals if their recommendations had changed in the past week.

“In my building, no,” said Running Fox

Principal Katrina Nixon.

“Going every other day would only help our staffing problems,” answered Parrish. She went on to explain that it would not benefit the students.

“The mask rule would be academically the best for students,” said High School Principal Jason Harper. “We need them to stay in school as much as we can. It becomes harder and harder to educate them if they’re not in class. It’s safer to be orange, but academically kids will be better off in school every day.”

The discussion turned to whether students are doing the work at home.

In previous meetings, administrators have discussed that many students are not doing either the online work or the homework packets being sent home.

For example, Black Hawk recently had an entire classroom quarantined at home.

“Very few did the

work,” said Parrish.

“The gap is getting wider between those who get support at home and those who don’t,” said Kracht.

“Academically, kids are falling behind.”

“We have to make an emphasis on getting the work done,” said Harper.

“And it has to be legitimate work, not busy work,” added Kracht, noting that the district has to file reports with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education about the remote work being assigned.

“It’s not a day off for the kids. It’s a school day, out of school,” he continued.

“What are we going to do about it?” asked Hunziker.

“We can encourage them. We can talk to their parents,” answered Harper.

“You’re going to have to hold students and parents accountable,” said Middle School

Principal Jason Church.

“It makes me nervous that a large portion of our students may be losing the opportunity to change their lives through education,” said Church.

After all that discussion, the board decided that it was in the best interests of the school district to remain at orange level for the High School and Middle School, and at the green level for the elementary buildings and the Indian Pride Learning Center.

They did adopt the governor’s guidelines for students on school buses, which may reduce contact tracing related exposures on the buses.

It should be noted that the district already required masks on the buses.

In other business, the board reviewed winter activities precautions.

Church reviewed practice and game rules for basketball, dance, cheerleading and coaches.

The Clark County R-1 school board voted Wednesday not to adopt Missouri Governor Parson’s guidelines to allow reduced contact tracing related quarantines if schools required masks be worn at all times.

The Media is now accepting letters to Santa and children’s photos, which will be included in our Christmas edition on December 23RD. Letters and photos need to be submitted by Wednesday, December 16, and may be emailed to themedia@centurytel.net or dropped by our office at 178 W. Main, Kahoka, MO. (If emailing a photo-please change file name to show your child’s name)

Media The Clark County

Kahoka, Missouri

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Final CARES Funds Awarded

By Clark County Commission The Clark County Commission made their final disbursements of the nearly $800,000 in federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds in late November. The total amount awarded in the final round of funding was $302,229.37 Fourteen local businesses, government agencies and organizations applied for funds, according to Clark County Clerk Kelly Waples.

The Tri-State Bluegrass Association applied for $10,900, but was not awarded any funds.

The Consolidated Public Water Supply District #1 applied for and received $4481.99 for a drive-up payment drop box, and for desk shields.

The Break Room in Kahoka applied for and received $878.26 for cleaning supplies.

Sissy & Me Daycare in Kahoka applied for and received $3135.50 for lost income due to being quarantined.

Papa’s Pizza applied for and received $2168.55 in cleaning and other supplies.

Industrial Opportunities applied for $82,442.02 for lost revenue, but were not awarded any funds.

The Clark County Office of Emergency Management applied for $14,500.10 in additional hours worked between March and November due the pandemic. They were awarded $5574.36.

The Clark County R-1 School District applied for and received $34,156.56 for masks, PPE, earbuds, homework lesson envelopes, laptops, cleaning equipment and sanitizer.

Clark County government applied for and received $70,000 for laptops, cleaning supplies, PPE, and the upcoming CARES Fund audit. The assessor’s office will also purchase software to allow access to maps and deeds online.

Kassi Kiger’s daycare applied for and received $2000 for lost income due to quarantine.

The University of Missouri Extension Council applied for and received 311.58 for shields.

The City of Kahoka applied for and received $1551.47 for wages for a quarantined employee.

Kahoka State Bank applied for and received $1228.08 for shields, supplies and computer cable.

See CARES, Page 5

Volume 132, Number 50

www.kahokamedia.com

Christmas on The Square

Wreaths Across America To Honor Fallen Veterans At St. Patrick

Some people felt like they were in a Hallmark movie. Others felt like they stepped back in time. Either way, the Christmas on the Square celebration in Kahoka on Saturday night was a huge hit.

There was something for everyone in Kahoka’s City Park. Children visited Santa, and families could take a horse (or mule) drawn wagon ride, and everyone enjoyed the spectacle of light displays in the park.

Organizers are planning to repeat the event next year.

CCR-1 Board Addresses Failing Grades

By Mike Scott “Teachers are working their tales off ,” said Middle School Principal Jason Church at Wednesday night’s meeting of the CCR-1 School Board. “And the kids are coming back emptyhanded.”

The every-other-day schedule that the Middle School and High School have been operating on has been successful in reducing the number of students being quarantined due to the COVID-19 virus.

“Overall, the Orange Level has worked. The numbers are down,” said Superintendent Dr, Ritchie Kracht.

However, the schedule has been problematic for quality education.

“Right now, one-sixth of my kids would be repeating their grade,” said Church.

The situation is no better at the High School.

“Currently, 37 students have a failing grade, and 19 have multiple failing grades,” said High School Principal Jason Harper. For comparison, last year, 19 students had failing

grades, with only 3 having more than one failing grade.

To address the problem, the CCR-1 board approved an intervention plan for these atrisk students.

High School students who are failing two or more classes in the current quarter, or have failed two more classes in the first semester, will be required to attend classes on campus every day.

“We can do that, and maintain social distancing,” said Harper.

Middle School students will face the same criteria if they are failing two or more core classes.

Grades will be calculated every two weeks. Students will be required attend every day until their grades improve to a 63 percent, or “D” grade.

The plan went into effect at the High School on Monday, and will be implement at the start of the third quarter at the Middle School.

“I think if we work real hard until Christmas, we can make a difference for some of these students,” said Harper.

“We don’t want the value of education to be watered down,”

added Harper. “I want that piece of paper you hand them (at graduation) to mean something.”

The board also discussed upcoming winter and spring activities, including music concerts, basketball Senior Night, Courtwarming, and Prom and graduation.

The High School’s Holiday Concert was held Sunday, December 13. Only two guests were allowed per participant, and the concert was livestreamed. The Middle School concert has been moved to the High School on December 21.

Basketball Senior Night will be next Friday, December 18, versus Macon.

Courtwarming and Prom dances aren’t likely to happen.

“Unfortunately, a dance is the worst possible idea,” said Harper, adding that he would like to have a Prom after graduation, if the COVID -19 situation at the time allows it.

“We would like to have these opportunities for our kids,” said Kracht.

Graduation will probably be at the Activity Field, like it was last See SCHOOL, Page 6

REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

On December 19, 2020 at 10:30am. Wreaths Across America will be at the Shrine of St. Patrick Cemetery in St. Patrick, Mo, to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreathlaying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

The St. Patrick Betterment Group and the Shrine of St. Patrick Cemetery have partnered with Wreaths Across America to honor the veterans that are laid to rest in at St. Patrick. Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on December 19, 2020 at 10:30AM by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help. Visit www. wreathsacrossamerica. org for to sponsor a wreath or for more information Please note: to ensure the safety of our community, masks and social distancing will be required.

On Thursday, December 10, 2020, The Lewis County REC Cares Foundation distributed Christmas meals to local residents at the Clark County Senior Center. Meals were delivered to the Senior Center’s regular homebound clients.

The special meal was funded by Lewis County REC s Round Up program, allowing members to round up their payments to benefit others, according to Member Services Manager Travis Mathes. Lewis County REC will be holding similar events in Lewis and Knox Counties between now and Christmas.

The Media is now accepting letters to Santa and children’s photos, which will be included in our Christmas edition on December 23RD. Letters and photos need to be submitted by Wednesday, December 16, and may be emailed to themedia@centurytel.net or dropped by our office at 178 W. Main, Kahoka, MO. (If emailing a photo-please change file name to show your child’s name)

The Clark County Media

SCHOOL

Continued From Page 1 spring.

In other business, the board: -Approved the annual audit. John Gillum, Auditor, reported that the district’s finances were in good shape despite the challenging year. He expects 2021 to also be a challenge due to the audit requirement of the Coronavirus and CARES Act money.

-Approved new safety procedures for the FFA Trap team.

-Awarded surplus property bids.

-Nurse Ardith Harmon reported that as of Wednesday, only 42 students and thres staff members were quarantined, and there were only three active cases in the school

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Page 6 themedia@centurytel.net

district.

-Extended a COVID-19 leave policy for teachers .

-Reported that the school district received all “4’s”, the highest ranking, in the Clarence Cannon Conference Fall Sportsmanship ratings.

-Set Wednesday, January 13, as the date of the next school board meeting

CARES

Continued From Page 1 The remaining $176,743.07 was awarded to the Clark County Health Department. The Health Department has an exception allowing them until April 1 to turn in receipts for their CARES expenses.

The Clark County R-1 High School Concert Choir and Concert Band performed their Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 13. Director Bob Dooley credited the musicians for overcoming the challenges presented by this year. Only half of the students have been able to rehearse together at a time during school due to the Level Orange at the High School. The choir performed “Come, Singing Noel”, “Joy To The World”, “The First Noel”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, “Bethlehem Skies”, “Christmas Is”, and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home”. The Concert Band performed “Overture To A Winter Festival”, “Sounds of Christmas”, “A Christmas Auld Lang Syne” and “Ukrainian Bell Carol.”

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On Saturday evening during the Christmas on the Square event, Bryton Plenge, a CCR-1 student injured in a trap shooting accident last fall, was on hand to draw the winning raf e ticket for a uilt donated by Latisha ScottSnead. The money raised was donated to help with Bryton’s medical and travel expenses. Ronnie Armstrong was the drawn as the winner.

Spectacular Tree of Lights at Scotland County Hospital MEMPHIS, MO - Have you driven down Sigler Avenue in Memphis, MO, in front of the Scotland County Care Center and Scotland County Hospital, to see the 25-foot Christmas tree that serves as a colorful centerpiece between the two facilities? Prepare to be dazzled by its bright beauty! This tree has been an annual tradition

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for many decades.

This year, it was reengineered to be even more spectacular.

According to Tammy Newland (Hospital Business Office) and Mitch McClamroch, William (Bill) Assell, Hospital Administrator at the time, originated the idea in the 1980’s of having a spectacular tree of lights.

Recently retired Scotland County Care Center Maintenance Director, Jerry Grosenkemper, reports it was originally a joint effort of the Care Center & Hospital, with construction help from the City of Memphis crews, followed by Dave Seppelt, and currently with Jamie Kice, using their bucket trucks.

Mitch McClamroch, another long-time employee of Scotland County Hospital, recalls the tree was erected about one year after he started at Scotland County Hospital in 1986.

He and Grosenkemper agreed Richard Burlingame, then Hospital Maintenance Supervisor, was largely involved with the original project and welded many of the original rebar light anchor stakes.

Sadly, when the Hospital's maintenance shed burned in 2019, all

tree components were destroyed, resulting in the tree not being displayed during the Christmas season last year. This newly constructed tree is 25 feet tall with 28 strands of LED bulbs attached to the star at the top of the flagpole. This year's design team, which primarily consisted of Todd Cline and Ty Sizemore from the Hospital's Maintenance Department, incorporated new engineering techniques, making it energy efficient and brighter. Jamie Kice, Hospital Maintenance Department Supervisor said, "We have taken extra steps this year to decorate the campus

with every decoration we have in storage to restore some sense of normalcy around here for our staff. I'd like to invite the community to drive by, too, and enjoy the decorations."

It is no secret tensions are high as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues into the holidays.

Humans are exhausted.

Healthcare workers are especially frustrated and overwhelmed. Now, more than ever, we need joy, comfort and hope this holiday season.

This beautiful lighted tree seems to make the healthcare campus on Sigler Avenue brighter and happier this year.

Photo by Jonathan Holton