The Caldwell County News Volume 144 Issue 19
Clean Line Energy opens new Polo office Clean Line Energy, the company behind the Grain Belt Express project has opened a new office at 304 Main St. Suite C in Polo. The office will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Clean Line staff will also be available by appointment for those who require assistance outside of the established operating hours. For more information call (660) 354-3737.
Hamilton woman injured in one-car crash Amanda Teets of Hamilton and Theodore Marti, Jr. of St. Joseph were seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident last Friday night. The crash occurred as the vehicle, which was travelling south on I-29, moved off the right side of the road and overturned, ejecting both occupants. Marti was transported to Heartland Hospital by EMS while Teets was taken to University of Kansas Hospital.
FSA reminds producers of upcoming crop reporting dates Caldwell County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Debbie Clevenger, reminds producers that all 2014 perennial and biennial forage crops must be reported by Nov. 15th and fall-seeded small grains by Dec. 15th. Clevenger said all 2014 perennial and biennial forage acres, such as pasture acreage intended for haying or grazing, must be reported to FSA by the Nov. 15th deadline. All fall-seeded small grain acreage, such as winter wheat, barley and oats, must be reported by Dec. 15. For 2013, the reports will be accepted up until Dec. 16th as Dec. 15th falls on a weekend. In 2012, FSA changed crop acreage reporting dates as the result of a combined effort of FSA and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to make acreage reporting easier and standardized for crop insurance and FSA purposes. All acreage must be reported for a farm, including crops on non-cropland, such as hayed or grazed grassland and other cover crops. Reporting acreage ensures producers are compliant with current and future FSA farm programs, including disaster assistance. Please visit the Caldwell County FSA Office to make your 2014 report by the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact the Caldwell County Office at (816) 586-2711 or visit online at www.fsa.usda.gov.
Green Hills seeks weatherization applicants Green Hills Community Action Agency is currently in need of weatherization applications from Kansas City Power & Light and Ameren utility customers. Give us a call at 660-359-3907 to request an application be sent to you or go online at http://www.ghcaa.org/PublicDocuments/WX-App.pdf to print one off.
Trunk or Treat in Braymer Oct. 31 Braymer United Methodist Church, located at 3rd and Woods, will hold a Trunk-or-Treat Halloween evening, beginning at 5:30. Everyone is welcome to come by for a treat.
Correction:
www.mycaldwellcounty.com
A haunting we will go…
Area Briefs
The 124th Annual Chicken Pie Supper will be held on Saturday Nov. 2 at the Hamilton Federated Church.
75¢ Including Tax
October 30, 2013
Local residents share their spooky stories
(Editors note: We do not offer the following stories and photos as proof -or notof anything. They are simply pictures taken by current and former residents during the course of ordinary family events that were developed later with interesting and unanticipated results. The photos have not been adjusted, and we apologize for this as we normally lighten, brighten and sharpen our pictures prior to publishing. Unaltered, they allow you to see through the eyes of the photographer and decide for yorself. So, does publishing this make us believers? Not entirely. But we’re not quite as skeptical as we were.) Parents routinely tell their children “there’s no such thing as ghosts,” but surveys show, many of these well-intended individuals actually believe the opposite is true. A 2010 Gallup poll found that nearly 75 percent of Americans believe in ghosts-- and former Cameron resident Gayle Johnson is one of them. A long-time fan of “ghost walks” and haunted house tours, Johnson has always believed in life after death. The amateur photographer routinely takes her camera along with her while wandering through graveyards, museums, churches and old houses, in hopes of gathering enough anecdotal evidence to convince others of the possibility of an afterlife. This may be why Johnson was so excited to
One of the “other worldly” creatures from the 2013 Braymer Haunted Park . discover a civil war battle site near their camp this summer. “We picked Belmont State Park because it’s about half-way between my daughter’s house in Lawson and mine in Tennessee. We just thought it was convenient for a family camp out. We didn’t know about the history,” Johnson said. However, as soon as she realized there was a Civil War battlefield nearby that was open to the public, she grabbed granddaughter Hali Smith and headed for the trenches. The youngster was reluctant, at first. “I thought it would be creepy,” Smith said. ‘Then Grandma told a stupid joke… we were walking through the trenches and the sun was starting to set and she said, ‘It was a daaaaark and stormy niiiiiiiight….’ And I said, ‘And the boat sank, blah, blah, blah, blah… we’ve all heard this story.” When Smith finished rolling her eyes and the group finished giggling, Johnson told the story of the battle
Youth deer season set to begin November 2 Area youth age 15 and under will be heading into the woods on Nov. 2 and 3 to take part in the Missouri Conservation Department’s youth deer season. Hunters may take one deer. Additional tags cannot be filled until the regular firearms season. which begins on Nov. 16. Hunters who fail to tag a deer will get a second chance on Jan. 4 and 5 during a second youth season. Each hunter may take only one antlered deer during the firearms season, including the youth portions. Hunters who wish to take an additional deer must hunt on an archer’s permit during the archery season or in a managed hunt where antlered deer can be taken. Points to remember You must have a signed permit in hand when you go afield to hunt. However, if the youth is not hunter-education certified, he or she must hunt in the immediate presence of a qualifying mentor. Keep these tips in mind •Safety is always the most important aspect to keep in mind. Nothing matters more than firearm and tree-stand safety. And ALWAYS identify your target as a legal deer before putting your finger on the trigger. Never consider shooting at sounds in the brush. •Talk to the landowner about deer patterns and locations. He probably knows where the deer travel and gather. •Always wear a safety belt or harness while in a tree stand, and never climb into a tree with a loaded gun. •During the breeding season or the rut (generally between late October through November), deer can be seen most anytime of the day. Other times, morning and evening are the most likely time when you will see their activity. •Deer are edge creatures. They are often found at the edge of a field or clearing in the woods. •A deer’s nose is its best defense. Try to position yourself along a deer trail up from the prevailing wind. •Next are its ears and eyes. Try to remain motionless, especially if you spot an approaching deer. •Patience is mandatory. •Snow-covered ground is a deer hunter’s dream because it reveals a deer’s tracks and makes moving deer more visible.
Please turn to page 10
Common Core controversy takes center stage in Kingston A set of educational standards being implemented around the state have become the subject of a mounting controversy in Caldwell County. Kingston resident Melissa Glodo took aim at the Common Core Standards during October’s school board meeting, saying they are unduly influenced by the federal government and they erode local control. Glodo also protested the nature of some of the material on the Common Core list, saying it is “inappropriate” as some of the texts contain graphic, sexual material. “And the kids must know the material in order to pass the test,” Glodo said. In addition to the nature of the material being presented, Glodo also objects to another key element of the Common Core—the collection of personally identifiable data on students. Those who are in favor of the Common Core claim the information will only be used to measure academic proficiency, but parents such as Glodo find the possibility of the information being sold to, or used by, private companies worrisome. “They’re asking for more information than most parents are comfortable giving,” Glodo explained. Defenders of the Common Core, including Kingston school administrator Andrea Hieronymus, feel the new standards will help smooth the transfer of students from Kingston to area high schools as it will ensure all students have been taught the same material and are entering 9th grade with comparable skill sets. “It’s good for the kids,” Heironymus says. This point of view is shared by Kingston Math teacher Jared May. “The material was clearly developed by people who’ve taught,” May said. He feels the in-depth set of expectations called for by new standards prepares students for higher levels of education. After listening to both sides of the Common Core issue, the Board tabled the discussion until next month in order to process the information presented by Glodo and to research the topic in greater detail. The next Kingston School Board meeting will be held on Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Braymer Community Outreach Center Holiday Food Drive begins Nov. 10
Food collection bags will be left at Braymer residences in the beginning of Novemeber. Residents are asked to fill the bag with nonperishable food donations and leave the bag on their front porch the morning of November 10. Volunteers will collect the donations for the Outreach Center that day. Collection boxes are located at Braymer Market and Braymer City Hall for those who wish to drop off their donation. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Braymer Community Outreach Center, c/o City Hall, P.O. Box 125, Braymer, MO 64624. Anyone wishing to volunteer or for questions, contact Donna Prothero at 816-724-1982.
Ereline McCord uses a cluster of corkscrew willow branches to form an eye-catching seasonal floor display.
Gearing up for Christmas at the Penney Antique Mall ‘Twas the month before Christmas And all through the Mall Ereline was working On each vendor’s stall… It’s easy to get into the spirit of things at the Penney Antique Mall. As the holidays approach, proprietor Ereline McCord, is preparing for a festive season with one eye on innovation and the other on the tried and true. In addition to decorating the shop windows and filling them with the country crafts and unusual antiques her store is known for, McCord is putting together several holidaythemed shop sections featuring candy canes, snowmen and Santas—many of which come from her personal collection-- to create a Winter Wonderland from one end of the store to the other. Once the decorating is done, McCord will get to work on a number of Please turn to page 10
INDEX Classifieds ............................. 5 Local News ............................ 4 Sports . .................................. 8 Weekly Record...................... 3
Ghostly photos
News and Advertising deadline for The Caldwell County News is Monday at noon
Page 10
The Caldwell County News October 30 2013 - Page 10
Local News Ghosts... Continued from page 1 itself. The main objective in fortifying the area was to block Union movements on the Mississippi River. While doing this, the Confederate soldiers also had to protect their position from inland attack. The trenches through which the trails led were part of an elaborate system of earthworks dug by the soldiers. They were heavily fortified with cannon and rifle batteries. Then, on November 7, 1861 the forces at Belmont were attacked by Ulysses S. Grant. When the smoke cleared, Union losses were 607 (120 dead, 383 wounded, and 104 captured or missing). Confederate casualties were slightly higher at 641 (105 killed, 419 wounded, 106 captured, and 11 missing.) Once her grandma finished explaining Belmont’s history, Smith looked around at the empty field and said, “If you can hear me, I’m sorry about what happened to you. It’s sad. I’m sorry you didn’t get to go home.” Thereafter, almost every photo Johnson took of her granddaughter showed at least one “orb” of light hovering near the girl. As the evening wore on, the orbs became more prevalent—at least on camera. “You couldn’t see anything with your eyes,” Smith said, “You had to look at the camera to see if you caught anything.” As the family prepared to leave the site, Smith turned and said good-bye to the darkened meadows while her grandmother snapped a final shot to document the event. Later that evening, while reviewing the days photos, the last shot showed an entire field filled with orbs.
Hali Smith and Grandfather Charles Parks tour a Civil War battle field. (Photo by Gayle Johnson)
The civil war battle field was not Johnson’s only ghostly encounter last summer. She also had a close encounter of the creepy kind during a trip to Jamaica. Johnson writes, “These are from the Rose Hall Plantation in Jamaica. The “White Witch” of Rose Hall murdered several of her husbands in the upstairs bedrooms. She would stand on a balcony overlooking a courtyard and watch slaves being beaten and killed. She would have her staff place bear traps in the bushes just to catch fleeing slaves and place them in a basement room without any treatment, food, or water to die.” Johnson continued, “It’s said the White Witches ghost roams the plantation and specifically strange things have been seen in the mirror that I’ve included in the pictures. The first picture of the mirror shows a little girl in the lower right corner.... not a ghost...she was with our group. The close up of the mirror, though, is quite a different story. Look for an old fashioned dress with a high collar.....there was nothing whatsoever in front of the mirror that even remotely resembled what we see in the second picture.” (Photos by Gayle Johnson)
By Lisa Marie
When I was a kid growing up in southern Kansas, my older sister and I shared a room. Summer nights were often hot and humid thanks to no air conditioning in our room. We were lulled to our dreams by the hum of a box fan that sat in the middle of the room while the windows were left open.
( To p ) T h e mirror shows the one member of the Jamaica tour group. Johnson is standing behind the girl and to the right ( R i g h t ) Moments later, Johnson moves closer and captures an entirely different image.
DON’S TERMITE SPECIALISTS LLC DON PANGBORN JR. 40 Years of Experience
Penney Antique Mall... Continued from page 1
special treats for her holiday shoppers, including a “Guess How Many” game featuring a jar filled with candy and a display showcasing “Grab Bag” bags—a selection of handbags containing envelopes stuffed with surprises. The shop, which currently hosts 39 dealers, occupies the same building as the former Hamilton Supply Company. Consequently, the ample floor space makes it easy to maneuver through the book shelves, furniture collections and display cases. Bulky though these items may be, McCord says “Antique furniture is a must-have for anyone because of the quality and the construction.” During the non-holiday season, McCord offers friendly, personal service to a steady stream of collectors, interior designers and those who simply want something different for their homes. “I like things that are unique,” she says. This is why shoppers at the Penney Mall often find the usual assortment antique store merchandise (retro toys, old books, record albums, depressions glass, etc.) keeping company with one-of-a-kind items that make them do a double-take. Museum quality pieces such as a full-sized carousel horse, a fullyfunctional hand-crank Victrola and a 100-year-old folding baby buggy may be found sitting beside a parrot made entirely of leather or a bundle of locally-sourced, corkscrew willow branches. With thousands of items filling the store, the
Closer to home, Braymer resident Deb Rankin submitted the following photo of her daughter Billie’s wedding in 1999. Rankin says, “ This picture was taken at the wedding reception of Rob and Billie Ann Sullivan at the Elks Club in Warrensburg. The area they were in is smoke free. Is it or isn’t it? Is it an angel (see the wings) watching over the newly married couple or a ghost who just wanted to party? I have my own ideas and since I took the picture and haven’t photo shopped it in any way (it was taken with a standard filmcamera), I think it’s an angel, but you judge for yourself.” Kelly Smith of Independence sent in this ghost story: Ghosts aren’t always scary entities. Some just want their presence known. I believe the latter is something I’ve encountered from time to time. Our house is a tri-split-level home with two bedrooms on the top level and stairs that lead into the living room. On several occasions I’ve caught the image of a young boy wearing nickers standing at the top of the stairs. I know this wasn’t our young son trying to play tricks because the two are completely opposite in body types, not to mention my son has never worn knickers. The ghost is also a bit on the ornery side. I had just dried off after showering one morning when I heard the sound of a child giggling. The giggles came from above my head, so it could not have been our son. Although it caught me off guard, I quickly decided to deal with it like I’d learned from my mom...I talked to him like I was his mother. I simply said, “I’m not dressed and little boys are supposed to be in bed at this hour.” At least he’s obedient, as far as I could tell anyway, because I heard no more giggles and had no feeling I was being watched. And Lisa Marie of Kansas City had the following tale to tell: More than just a dream
One night in particular I will NEVER forget! For some reason, I was awakened in the middle of the night. My eyes instantly went to a hooded figure standing next to my bed. This figure was bending over, face to face with me. It was dressed in a black cloak (almost like the ghost of Christmas future in Bill Murray’s Scrooged). I couldn’t see a face and it never spoke. All I remember was the feeling of its’ hot breath on my face. I couldn’t say anything because I was paralyzed with fear. The only sound that would come from my mouth was a loud gasp. Within seconds, my sister said to me, “Lisa are you OK?” I then told her that a dark, hooded figure was leaning over my bed and breathing in my face. Her response, “there is nothing there. Go back to sleep.” My mom always taught us girls that if we felt an uncomfortable spirit, to silently say to ourselves, “By the power of God, I ask you to leave.” I kept saying this to myself over and over again. The next second, I opened my eyes and the “thing” was gone. The next morning, my sister and I were eating breakfast together. I retold the story of everything that happened the night before. She then stopped eating, looked at me and said, “I saw it, too. I didn’t want to say anything last night because I didn’t want to freak you out more.” While my sister would often joke around with me, she wasn’t about this strange encounter we both had the night before. I know this had to be something because decades later, my husband told me of a similar situation with one of his brothers. A dark, hooded figure breathing over his brother’s bed. Was this a ghost of a loved one? Was it a demon? I have no idea, but you have been warned!
shop should offer something for everyone, but as McCord pointed out, “People come in looking for specific items.” To accommodate treasure hunters, McCord maintains a Facebook page with updates about what’s going on at the shop; however, even with an internet presence she relies primarily on old-fashioned, in-person business. To that
end, she plans to keep the store open late on Nov. 22- the night of the lighting of Penney Park—to accommodate visitors and guests. The shop, located at 101 S Davis in Hamilton will be open MondaySaturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the holiday season, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 throughout the remainder of the year. Extended hours are available by appointment. Call (816) 583-7727 for more information.
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Faith Walk The Caldwell County News April 24, 2013 - Page 10
Prison lay minister hopes to set up transition program for released inmates By Anne Tezon Miracles happen around us every day. But we seldom hear about them.
One Missouri man, Russell Ford, is determined to change that. The many miracles he witnessed occurred while he was serving a 25 year prison sentence in an Alabama state facility. And he’s telling hundreds of folks about them in his slang-ridden but convincing south Missouri twang. He hopes that by repeating his painful story of conversion and redemption, he’ll be able to help “his boys” as they are released from prisons all over the country. Ford certainly didn’t intend to become a convict. True, like many other inmates, he had a physically and verbally abusive father and an otherwise dysfunctional childhood. But from his teen years on, Russell seemed to be seeking the kingdom of God. He first sought it as a teen minister in a Baptist congregation, even enrolling in a Baptist college. But on the eve of his completion of college, Ford had too many questions for his professors . . . questions they couldn’t and wouldn’t answer. He entered the secular world with a vengeance, determined to become rich and successful. He did both, making eight figures, before losing it all when he tried to cheat someone in a financial transaction. Before landing in an Alabama prison falsely accused of a violent crime (which he was eventually cleared of, but only after serving almost his full term) Russell Ford had served in the military in law enforcement and investigations. He then became a bounty hunter and ironically captured a number of murderers and drug smugglers, which led to him being shot twice, stabbed twice, poisoned, hit by a car and beaten almost to the point of death. This man, possessing an apparent nine lives, sustained many more beatings and near death experiences in prison, much of it because of his ardent faith in God. That faith had its genesis in early religious encounters, but one of them began while he was being held in a county jail awaiting trial in Alabama. The only thing to read in that facility was the Bible. “I read it eight times,” Russ recalls. “One night I broke down and asked God to show me if He was real. I needed something to hold onto. The silence was heavy. Then I heard a voice that said, ‘Wait Be patient. I have many great plans for you.’” Those great plans didn’t begin until several years into his confinement when he accepted the challenge of a Catholic chaplain to read The Baltimore Catechism, which is a detailed treatise on the main tenets of the faith and was once used extensively to teach children. Ford read it and drilled the priest with questions on subsequent visits. He became a convert and eventually started an apostolate in the Alabama prison system. But in doing so, he endured beatings and warnings to cease his ministry. The bulk of the miracles he witnessed were often when confronting retaliation for his ministry. Like the time the fingers on his right hand were stomped on and broken so he would stop writing about his lay apostolate in a national magazine called “This Rock” (now called Catholic Answers Magazine). He began trying to set his own fingers and finally gave up and began praying the rosary. At that time he saw a light and felt a warmth in his hand. His hand was healed. At another time, he and his “boys” (other converts) were battling a satanist group in prison. The high priest of that group had put out a contract on Ford and his men. One day two of Ford’s group was surrounded by seven satanists who clearly intended to kill them. The men grabbed their scapulars and began praying a Hail Mary. Suddenly, they saw a strange look on their opponents faces and the two were able to easily walk around them without harm. Ford has seen enough miracles to write a book on them, but the one that perhaps had the biggest impact on his life involved a priest, Fr. Luke Zimmer, who was known nationally as a miracle worker. Fr. Zimmer came to Ford’s prison and held a retreat. During that time he performed several healings, including laying hands on a wheelchair-ridden inmate who got up and walked, never returning to his chair. One day when Russ was meeting privately with Fr. Luke, he interrupted him and said, “Russ, Our Lady has chosen you to play a significant role in the triumph of her Immaculate Heart.” Recalls Russell, “He leaned over and whispered in my ear and told me something that could only have been told to him by God. It put into perspective everything that has happened over the past 25 years. God has a reason for everything.” It has become apparent to Russell Ford, now that he is no longer incarcerated, that he was chosen to help inmates, both inside institutions and as they try to make a transition to civilian life. He will be taking his mission to Catholics worldwide on May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, when he is interviewed on a popular EWTN cable television show, The Journey Home, by Marcus Grodi. Meanwhile, every waking hour of his life since his release from prison has been devoted to his mission, First Century Christian Ministries, which he started while in prison in 1992. His primary goals include evangelizing through the establishment of centers in several cities, continued prison evangelization in all 51 penal systems in the country through volunteer chaplains, and the establishment of a transition center in the Kansas City area that will function on an intense, monasterylike level to keep the men from caving in to worldly temptations and going back to prison. For more information, Ford can be contacted at First Century Christian Ministries, P. O. Box 14515, Springfield, MO 65817, 417-593-7915. The ministry’s website is www.fccmission.org.
Area Church Schedules Braymer Baptist Church: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., worship service at 10:25 a.m. Wednesday: Bible study 6 p.m.; Children’s activities 6:45 p.m. Youth group 7 p.m.
Braymer Christian Church: Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:45; Youth group 6:00 p.m. Sunday: Men’s Bible study Wednesday at 7 p.m., Women’s Bible study Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Women’s Sisters in Service, fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Glimpses of Heaven
Epiphanies & Serendipities I believe it was about seven years ago when I tried to ignore that “still, small voice.” I had only driven about a quarter of my drive from Independence to downtown Kansas City to begin my shift at 7:00am when I heard “Call your sister.” I had no idea where that came from... I thought, “It’s rush hour. I hate seeing people talking on their cells and not paying attention. I’ll call her later.” Within seconds the voice came again, but more forceful this time, “Call your sister!” Again, I argued, claiming to call her that evening. But God was having none of my arguing that morning. Instantly I
felt like I was being loomed over with a scolding voice that any parent only wishes we could summon. One last time, I heard, “CALL. YOUR. SISTER. NOW!!” And, acting like a surly teen, I said, “Okay, okay!” and grabbed my phone. She answered with a voice that was so tired and weak. Her twins were babies, her older son was in elementary school, and she was teaching in a different town from her home. Exhaustion was an understatement. When I told her that I felt like I was supposed to call her, she said, “Oh my gosh! I’m so glad you did! I can barely keep my eyes open and I can’t take off any
Braymer Church of Christ: Morning worship 10 a.m. Braymer United Methodist: Sunday school 10 a.m.; worship 11 a.m. Bible study Tuesday evening. Breckenridge First Baptist Church: Sunday- Bible study 10 a.m.; Morning worship 11 a.m.; Evening worship 6 p.m.; Wednesday evening Bible study/prayer meeting 7 p.m. Breckenridge United Methodist Church: 508 W. Main; Sunday school 9 a.m.; Sunday services 9:30 a.m. Christ Chapel Polo: Sunday school 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship 11 a.m.; Thursday night Bible study 6:30 p.m. Cowgill Baptist Church: Sunday school 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m.; Wednesday: Children’s activities and Bible study 7 p.m. Cowgill United Methodist Church: 111 W. 3rd St.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school 10:30 a.m. Cowgill Gospel Christian Center: Worship service Sun. 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Wed: 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Polo: 110 E. Elm St.; Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; Morning worship 10:30 a.m.; Discipleship training 6 p.m.; Evening worship 7 p.m.; Wednesday evening Bible study/prayer, Youth and Mission groups 7 p.m. Cowgill Gospel Christian Center: Worship service 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening 7:00 p.m.
more from work.” We continued to talk and, by divine coincidence, we both pulled into our respective parking lots at the same time. Before saying our goodbyes, she thanked me for calling her because she was afraid that she would’ve fallen asleep and had a wreck if we hadn’t talked all the way in. I am grateful beyond measure that I listened that time when God would not let me ignore His instruction. To share your personal story of an epiphany or a serendipitous occurrence, email us at news@mycaldwellcounty.com with Glimpses of Heaven in the subject line.
Hamilton Church of Christ: Church service 10:00 a.m & 7:00 p.m..; Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Hamilton Federated Church: Sunday school at 9:50 a.m. Church services at 10:50 a.m. Hamilton First Baptist Church: Traditional worship service 9 a.m.; Sunday School/ Bible study 10:15 a.m.; Contemporary worship service 11:15 a.m. Lord’s Supper. Hamilton Open Bible C.U. Church: Sunday school 10 a.m.; Morning worship 1l a.m.; Evening service 6:00 p.m. Every Thursday Bread and Clothing Ministries 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday service 7 p.m. Hamilton Sacred Heart Catholic Church: Mass Saturday 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m. Hamilton United Methodist Church: Contemporary worship service at 8:30 a.m. in Family Life Center; Sunday school for all ages at 10:00 a.m.; Traditional worship service at 11:00 a.m. in Sanctuary. Hopewell Baptist Church: Sunday school 10 a.m.; Church service 11 a.m.; Prayer meeting Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Kendall Chapel: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; Church at 10:30 a.m. Kidder Baptist Church: Sunday school 9:45 a.m.; Worship 10:45 a.m. Kidder Methodist Church: Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Church service 9:30 a.m. Kingston Church of the Nazarene: Sunday school 9:45 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. Worship service;
6 p.m. Bible study and youth group.
More churches to follow next month
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The Caldwell County News October 9, 2013 - Page 4
Family Living The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce would like to extend our sincere thank you to EVERYONE who made the JC Penney Festival such a success!
Hamilton Open Bible Church
Left: before hair cut Right: after her hair cut
718, W. Berry, Hamilton
Presents “The Victorymen” Sunday, Oct. 13 10:30 a.m. Everyone welcome to attend
Jordyn Meseberg donates to Locks of Love
Jordyn Meseberg, daughter of Tary Hicks of Braymer, had a hair cut this weekend and donated her pony tail to Locks of Love. Tary stated, “Of course this is near and dear to our heart because of her siser Kary, and Jordyn, even though she never knew Kary, did it in her honor.” Amy at Images cut her hair on Saturday, Oct. 5 and she took off a little over 10 inches. It takes 8-10 pony tails to make one hair piece and the hair pieces are given to girls free of charge and they can get a new one every 18 months so new hair is always needed.
DeDe Smith throws out the first pitch at the Pink Out softball game in Braymer.
Pink Out held at Braymer Cancer survivor DeDe Smith, a 1983 graduate of Braymer C-4 threw out the first pitch at the Pink Out softball game held Oct. 3. Senior Darcey Peters co-
Major Molly Chapter honors Gerald Gentry
Fall Harvest Dinner Saturday, Oct. 19 5 - 7 p.m.
Hamilton United Methodist Church Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and corn, veggie and fruit salads, hot rolls, assorted homemade pies, iced tea and coffee.
(Carry-outs available at 4:30 p.m.)
Free Will Offering
Orders for deliveries and carry-outs need to be called to 583-2325 by noon on Oct. 19. Orders not received by then will be filled in the buffet line for a free will offering.
ordinated Braymer’s Fall Pink Out. In its fifth year, PINK OUT is an event that is held each October at high school games throughout the nation. The goal of the PINK OUT is to raise awareness for breast cancer and to educate young women about the disease. The PINK OUT is also a significant fundraiser for the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Schools throughout the country participate in this event each year by creating their own unique PINK OUT. Most football teams wear pink shoe laces and wrist bands, and the cheerleaders use pink pom-poms and wear pink hair ribbons. Fans dress in pink clothing and turn their stadium pink! All of this shows our solidarity to tackle breast cancer.
Major Molly Chapter honors Gerald Gentry. Shown are front row: Mrs. Jolene King and her father, Mr. Gerald D. Gentry. Back row: Mrs. Cinda Morris, Regent, NSDAR Major Molly Chapter.
At an ad hoc meeting of the local NSDAR Major Molly Chapter, the chapter was pleased to honor Mr. Gerald D. Gentry, veteran of World War II. Mr. Gentry was inducted into the Army Air Force in June, 1942. Following his basic training at Sheppard Field, TX, Mr. Gentry was deployed to Italy in 1943. After his service in Italy, Mr. Gentry was then deployed for the next two years in the Pacific Theater where he served as a Master Sergeant. His unit was one of the first to land in Japan in the fall of 1945 following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Gerald was discharged in December, 1945. He returned to work for the Burlington Railroad. Gerald and his wife, Helen Margaret Puffer, having been married in May, 1942, had three children, Fleeta Geraldine, Jolene Margaret and Joyce Elaine. Gerald owned and operated a dairy for more than twenty years and Margaret owned and operated The Flower Shop in Princeton for 26 years. Gerald has been a long time member of the American Legion, the VFW and Masonic Lodge. He coached American Legion baseball teams and umpired for the local softball and baseball teams for many years in Princeton. In 1986 the new baseball field in Princeton was named “Gentry Field” in his honor.
Penney High School receives check from Target
Penney High School recently received a check for $130.31 from the Take Charge of Education program funded through Target stores. These funds will be used to reward Penney High students for hard work and good attendance during the school’s End of Course testing again this year. Penney High School principal Tim Schieber, along with all the PHS students and faculty, want to thank everyone who takes the time to designate Penney High School to receive funds from the Target Corporation. They would also like to thank Target Corporation for making this program possible and allowing our students the opportunity to continue with our end of year rewards. Danger breeds best on too much confidence. Pierre Corneille
October 2, 2013
Volume 144 Issue 15
75¢ Including Tax
www.mycaldwellcounty.com
Photo by Deb Rankin
Local newspaper under new ownership
USDA initiates ‘orderly shutdown’ Due to a lapse in appropriations for Rural Development as of Oct. 1, Rural Development has initiated the process of orderly shutdown of nonessential operations. The USDA’s plans for a lapse in appropriations can be seen at www.whitehouse. gov/omb/contingency-plans. Current Rural Development services may be delayed or interrupted as a result. For example, automatic disbursements for previously obligated Rental Assistance (RA) funds will continue, but not RA contracts will be renewed or issued.
Swan Lake Refuge closed due to lapse in federal funding The Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge was one of many to be closed on Oct. 1, 2013 when federal funding expired. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is aware that any lapse in appropriations imposes hardships on those they serve. However, due to this lapse in appropriations this facility is currently closed to the public and all public activities are cancelled. Only limited functions will continue, such as those necessary to respond to emergencies, perform essential functions and to protect human life or personal property. While the lapse in appropriations remains in effect, public access to service properties will be prohibited, fish and wildlife management activities and all public programs will be cancelled.
Truck crashes into Farrar building in downtown Braymer John Wilkerson attempted to make a turn off of Route A on to 2nd street in downtown Braymer last Friday, but failed to successfully negotiate the turn and ran directly into the Farrar building. A second vehicle, owned by Anna Leabo, was involved in the crash. Though no one was injured, Braymer’s main street was closed off for the day while engineers assess the structural soundness of the building. Consequently, Braymer’s homecoming parade had to be re-routed from 3rd street to the school. The extent of the damage is still unknown. Building owners, Maxine and Bill Farrar could not be reached for comment.
Steve Henry might be crazy. While there are any number of reasons that might lead people to draw this conclusion, in this case, the cause is something fairly obvious: Nobody, but nobody, is investing in weekly rural newspapers. Not in this economy, not with all the financial troubles plaguing rural communities throughout the Heartland. Not with the stiff competition for advertising that comes with such a small market. And certainly not when you’ve never worked at a newspaper before and there is not one member of your current staff with professional journalism training. You’d have to be nuts. And yet, on Monday, Sept. 30, Henry stood beside his wife Stephanie and signed the papers finalizing his purchase of The Caldwell County News; a deal which includes seasonal supplement, Rural Living, and partial ownership in The Pony Express—Caldwell County’s weekly shopper. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” Henry said. “The opportunity presented itself and I saw the potential to do something to benefit the surrounding communities. I wanted to keep the business local. I didn’t want to let an out of town corporation buy it and turn it into something other than a community newspaper.” Henry may not have a background in journalism, but he is well versed in com-
Grand River Orchestra rehearsals begin Oct. 8 Persons interested in performing with the Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra for the Dec. 7 performance are invited to attend the rehearsals beginning Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Hodge Presbyterian Church, 315 W. Crowder Rd. in Trenton. Registration begins at 6:00pm and rehearsals will run from 6:30-8:30. There is a $10.00 participation fee. Any questions can be referred to Leslie Hixson 660.339.7794.
munity news. He is currently involved in youth football, the Hamilton Boosters, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Cameron Elks, the Gallatin Men’s Club and attends The Hamilton Federated Church with his family. In the past, Henry has also been involved in 4-H and girls softball. He was a volunteer fireman and taught Hunter Safety courses. Henry pays no attention to those who say newspapers are a thing of the past, “Maybe it’s just time for a change,” he says with a grin. Henry’s vision for The Caldwell County News is not as much about change as Please turn to page 11
Clean Line Energy attempts to set the record straight
Author to visit PHS Oct. 4
Students at Penney High School in Hamilton, Missouri will spend the day face-to-face with Chris Crutcher on October 4. Crutcher will speak to the entire Penney High School student body on the topic Mining Personal Truth for Student Writing. After hearing Crutcher speak, students will branch off into breakout sessions with local professionals who will discuss their careers and how they use writing within their professional tasks. Penney High School Book Club will meet with Crutcher for lunch where he will speak on the topic Banned: When Real Life Fiction Meets the Censor. In the afternoon, Penney staff will interact with Mr. Crutcher on the topic of diversity.
Stephanie and Steve Henry with son, Stephen, age 10. Not pictured: daughter Blair, 25, and son Will, 27.
Panther Homecoming Royalty crowned
After an entire week filled with fun, including a parade, a homecoming pep rally / bonfire, a sneak peek at the newly formed Polo Drum Line and an auditorium filled with students cheering on classmates during a few light-hearted games, Polo High School seniors Dakota McGinley and Kelsey Gallion were crowned PHS’s 2013 Homecoming King and Queen. For game details and more Homecoming photos, turn to page 8. (Photos by Debby Misel)
Several weeks ago, The Caldwell County News published an article in which a local landowner spoke out against The Grain Belt Express; a highvoltage transmission line being developed by Clean Line Energy. The article stated, “There is no public use, no public necessity and no public benefit to us…” a statement that Clean Line Energy’s Development Director Mark Lawlor says, is just not true. According to Lawlor, not only will Caldwell County benefit from “potentially tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenue” and royalties to landowners who contract with them, the area will also see in increase in revenue during the construction process and as a direct result of the manufacturing and maintenance jobs created by the development of the line. Lawlor encourages anyone with concerns
to contact Clean Line by calling 855-665-3438 or by writing to Grain Belt Express, Clean Line Energy Partners, 1001 McKinney, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77002. However, he is primarily interested in handling complaints from those whose land may be utilized to provide a 200 foot wide right-of-way for the new transmission line. Once the complaint has been recorded, representatives from Clean Line will contact the apprehensive landowners. “This way negotiations can be tailored to address individual concerns,” Lawlor said. Land acquisition, with or without successful negotiation, seems to be one of Clean Line’s specialties. Lawlor will be speaking at the Annual Improving Transmission Right of Way Processes Conference being held at the Marriott in KanPlease turn to page 11
Braymer crowns Lora James 2013 Homecoming Queen
Braymer C-4 presented its annual Homecoming accolades last Friday night, choosing Queen Lora James, King Kyle Kelley, and Princess Sydney Youtsey who was escorted by Jacob Dudley, to reign over this year’s festivities. The King and Queen were crowned at halftime during Friday night’s game against Albany. For game details and more Homecoming photos, turn to page 9. (Photos by Deb Rankin)
Fall turkey forecast
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INDEX Classifieds ............................. 5 Local News ............................ 4 Sports . .................................. 8 Weekly Record...................... 3
Penney Days return!
News and Advertising deadline for The Caldwell County News is Monday at noon
Page 12
Volume 144 Issue 23
November 27, 2013
75¢ Including Tax
www.mycaldwellcounty.com
Area Events
There is no substitute for a teacher On any given day, approximately 5% of teachers in a district are absent, leaving administrators scrambling to find last-minute help. According to a report given by Hamilton Superintendent Troy Ford at the November meeting of the Board of Education, this problem has been aggravated by a shortage of qualified substitutes to fill the void. Ford is not alone in this dilemma; schools are suffering from a shortage of substitutes from sea to shining sea. A recent report released by the U.S. Department of Education gives several possible explanations for this situation: early retirements, low wages, and more stringent requirements for substitutes, to name a few. In Missouri, the state requires substitutes to have 60 hours of college credit, and they must pass a criminal background check. When those two requirements are met, a 180-day, renewable substitute certificate is issued. Another possible reason for the shortage in substitutes is a healthier economy. As unemployment sinks and companies begin to recover, many of the people who used to work as substitutes are finding permanent positions, for better pay. Regardless of the reason, until the situation is resolved, Ford suggested sharing resources with other districts to expand the pool of qualified subs in the area; a proposition that received a lukewarm response from the Council. As an alternative solution, council member Jessica Green suggested the school provide better incentives for teachers to be at work, effectively reducing the need for substitutes. While Green may have made the comment in jest, the statement may be cause for genuine concern. Absenteeism among teachers is on the rise nationwide. According to a U.S. Department of Education study released in 2012, on average, 36% of American teachers are absent more then ten days per year. In addition, the study shows that absences are higher on Mondays and Fridays, and they often coincide with holiday weekends or occur over short periods that do not require medical documentation. Research also suggests the nation’s
Braymer Holiday Bazaar November 30 For 31 of Braymer’s 126 years, the Braymer Holiday Bazaar sponsored by Delta Chi Sorority, has been a big attraction for the town. The Christmas season returns with the arrival of the Braymer Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. It is also small business Saturday. What a great day to come to Braymer to shop! This years vendors include homemade wood and fabric items, purses and jewelry, jelly, candles, soap, snowmen, santas, American Girl, rustic decorative items, primitives, window art, handmade pottery, Crochet and knit items, Christmas crafts, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Creative Memories, 31 Bags, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The ham luncheon buffet with dessert table is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas pictures will be available for children and families. After lunch, be sure to visit Mary Lue’s Flower Shoppe Open House in downtown while visiting Braymer. There will be hourly door prizes. This year look for some special items in the hourly drawings. A dollar donation is requested at the door for Delta Chi Sorority’s Annual Adopt-A-Family project.
The Caldwell County News is joining forces with the Red Cross this Christmas to distribute holiday cards to service members stationed throughout the U.S. and overseas, and veterans and their families, as well. If you would like to send a Christmas (or other holiday) greeting card to a member of the U.S. armed services, bring a signed card to the newspaper office. Cards do not need to be in envelopes as they will be sent in postal shipping box and envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution. If you’d rather send the card yourself, address the envelope as follows:
Holiday Mail for Heroes PO Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Place a stamp on it and send it with your outgoing mail. All cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, Dec. 6 in order to allow time for delivery prior to the holiday. The Red Cross provides these additional guidelines for sending cards to service members: Ensure that all cards are signed. Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program. Only cards are being accepted. Do not send letters. Do not include email or home addresses on the cards. Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process. Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
Santa arrives in Caldwell County
Santa and Mrs. Claus joined a robust group of Merry-Makers last Friday night to flip the switch and turn on the lights in Penney Park, officially kicking off the 2013 Holiday Season.
Opening-weekend deer harvest down compared to 2012
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Hunters checked 61,446 deer during the opening weekend of the November Portion of Firearms Deer Season, in spite of awful weather conditions. The Missouri Department of Conservation says the slow start doesn’t diminish prospects for a normal deer harvest. The opening-weekend harvest was down 12 percent compared to 2012. Conservation Department biologists predicted that this year’s deer harvest would be smaller than last year’s, due to a smaller statewide deer population and acorn abundance. Last year’s opening-weekend harvest of 69,614 was the smallest opening-weekend harvest in more than 20 years. Yet, in spite of that slow start, hunters shot enough deer during the remainder of the firearms deer season to post the third-largest total deer harvest in Missouri history. “The distribution of our deer harvest over the course of the season has changed dramatically in the past 20 years,” says Conservation Department Resource Scientist Jason Sumners. “Back then, people only had nine days to hunt with modern firearms, so a significant reduction in the opening-weekend harvest was almost certain to result in a reduced deer harvest for the year. Today, Firearms Deer Season spans 42 days, so there is no rush to shoot a deer the first two days of the November Portion.” That is not to say that hunters don’t want to shoot deer on opening weekend. But this year’s weather was challenging, even for highly motivated hunters.
Please turn to page 8
Braymer Homes Tour set for Dec. 7
The 16th Annual Braymer Holiday Homes Tour will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Those opening their homes for the event are Brad and Toi Anne Cox, Joe and Linda (Wright) Guerriero, Doneta Wright and Terry and Kathy Wright. Lois Cox and Bess Lightfoot will also have their apartments open for tours at Oak Tree Square where refreshments will be served by GFWC Tuesday Study Club members in the senior housing’s newly renovated Activity Room. The homes have all recently been updated or renovated and readied for the holiday season. The tour is sponsored by the General Federation of Women’s Club in Braymer, Tuesday Study Club. This event provides funds for the club’s community projects which include: sending a student to the Sophomore Pilgrimage in Jefferson City, a monthly program for the Braymer C-4 fourth grade class, Student Honor Night Please turn to page 8
INDEX Classifieds ..................................5 Local News .................................4 Sports . .......................................7 Weekly Record...........................3
Lodge raises money for pantry The Masonic Lodge 224 was out and about the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. They were at the four way stop in Hamilton collecting money for The Caldwell County Food Pantry. The lodge will match the monies raised that weekend. Dec. 6 at the Methodist church the lodge will be having a soup and chili dinner from 4 to 7 p.m.The lodge will be collecting food for the pantry at the following locations Dollar General, Caseys, Hyklas, and Bank Northwest. Look for the bins. h
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Advocating
then therefore no insurance, registrations, licenses. The firearms were muskets that had to be manually reloaded after each firing, thus no mass shootings, hence a good reason for registration of firearms. Healthcare, was the local midwife, or doctor with minimal skills and death and suffering was much more prevalent for those in the 13 colonies than today. Today we have remarkable medical technology and if everyone has health insurance they can take advantage of these resources. Old King George III may have limited the freedoms of these people, but look what they did to overcome. They left their homeland and made a new life on a new continent. They were free. If anyone here wants to be free of the perceived tyranny and wants to leave for another continent. Feel free to do so. Of course you will have to deal with the proper documentation. Oh no, another regulation! That should just be reserved for those wanting to come to This Free Land of Opportunity. I am thankful for my freedoms and the regulations and government agencies that are doing their best to keep me safe and well. Thank you for
I was having a bad Christmas. Everyone in my family has moved away, my budget was beyond tight and the little money I’d managed to save had been used on a much-needed car repair, the lights on my artificial tree went out- though they would come back on if you gave the tree a good shake (can you say “fire hazard?), my wreath kept falling off the door... nothing was going right. In a last ditch effort to find some holiday spirit, The Night Before Christmas - by Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N I decided to bake Christmas cookies. You know T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the town, the kind - the really pretty St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down; ones cut into festive shapes and covered in icing and Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild, sugar sprinkles. Everyone While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child. knows Christmas cookies The children were nestled, each snug in their beds, can to make anyone feel The grown-ups wouldn’t bother, “There’s no room,” they said; better. Even me. To minimize the odds When even the inkeeper sent them away, of screwing it up, I went Joseph was wondering, where they would stay? to The Mart and bought a cookie baking kit. The He thought of the caves in the side of the hills, box contained cookie mix, “Let’s go there,” said Mary, “it’s silent and still.” tubes of frosting, candies for decorating, and cookie The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, cutters (a snowman and a Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go; tree). And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay, Now, most people Our Saviour was born on that first Christmas Day! know I am not much of a chef. In fact, if it requires The Father was watching in heaven above, more than adding hot He sent for His angels, His couriers of love. water or re-heating in the microwave, I let someone More rapid than eagles God’s bright angels came, else do it. Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name; It’s safer that way. But, even with my lim“Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael, Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel; ited skills set, I was determined. Okay, the last time Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live, I baked anything it was Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give.” in my Easy-Bake oven, but still... There were chilThe Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night, dren on the front of the And saw in the heavens an unearthly light. package- happy, smiling, Christmas-loving kids… The Angels assured them, they’d nothing to fear, if a nine-year-old can hanIt’s Christmas they said, the Saviour is here! dle it, so could I! They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door, As a precautionary Till Mary invited them in to adore. measure, I removed the battery from my smoke He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet, alarm. Then I dug a cookie Ne’er did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet! sheet out from under the sink, washed the dust off He spoke not a word, but the and got to work. shepherds all knew, I added milk to the He was telling them secrets and cookie mix, whipped up blessing them too; the batter, cut out a bunch of snowpeople and everThen softly they left Him, The greens, and popped them Babe in the hay, in the oven. And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day. I checked on the cookies every two minutes- just in Mary heard them exclaim as they case… and after four minwalked up the hill, utes I noticed something “Glory to God in the Highest, odd. These things do not Peace to men of good will!” hold their shape when they’re cooked. My per-
fectly formed snowmen looked like Frosty after he’d been inside the greenhouse for 20 minutes. And my trees had morphed into horrifically deformed versions of their formerly majestic selves. Humph. I would have to try again. I went back to The Mart to get more cookie mix- and the second batch came out just like the first. So did the third. Chilling the dough, chilling the cookie sheets, freezing the cutters- none of it made a difference. I was averaging about three decently shaped cookies per dozen. It wasn’t just the trees and the snow persons either. With each cookie kit, I received another set of cookie cutters. By the end of the day I had managed to collect a bell, a star, gingerbread persons, reindeer, Santa… And every one of them spread into unidentifiable blobs once they hit the oven. I started dragging the cookies into the living room to show to my boyfriend. “What do you think this looks like?” I asked. He shrugged, “A cookie?” Terrific. I was now in possession of five dozen, freshly-baked, misshapen mounds of Christmas cheer. The only way to save them? Add more sugar. The cookies were merely a blank, if slightly deformed, canvas upon which I would use piles of icing to create festive, holiday-inspired scenes of perfect joy. Unfortunately, the icing that had come with the cookie kit was unfit for human consumption. So, back to The Mart I went for a Wilton 12 piece decorating kit and four cans of Betty Crocker white icing. Other cookies were boring and cliché. Mine would be epic and original. I would create edible Christmas art! My colors would be smart and hip. My cookies would be Pinterest worthy. There was a surprising range of icing colors available in the baking aisle but I decided to mix my own from my little McCormick package of red, blue, yel-
All I want for Christmas…
All I want for Christmas… …is the return of my prodigal. Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home. Would you set him free from his addictions. Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend. May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas. For so many years I asked for just such gifts—for many Christmases. Probably you have as well. A couple of helpful thoughts that helped me through those years: 1. God knows the yearnings of your heart. He knows exactly what you want for Christmas. And He is so willing for you to ask, to be honest, to cry out. So don’t be afraid to tell Him how your heart aches, about your fears for your loved ones, about your concerns for your other children, about how overwhelmed you feel at this time meant for celebration. 2. At the same time, remember that His answers almost always look so different, and have such later timing, than our requests. We can’t understand what He is doing—He tells us His ways are above ours. Yet Scripture tells us repeatedly that He knows and understands and is filled with compassion for our pain. He has given us many wonderful promises that enable us to express our love for and trust in Him—and see His faithful responses. Just read and meditate on these words from God: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“ (Matt. 6:33) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29) So for this Christmas, I join you in asking God for miracles in the lives of your prodigals. But I also ask that He will help you to seek Him first and enable you to experience His peace and freedom from fear and deep rest in Him. May His blessings overflow you this Christmas season. by Judy Douglass
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Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor, Don’t like regulations, don’t like healthcare insurance, don’t like to register firearms, don’t like undocumented workers, don’t like President Obama. Don’t like, don’t like, don’t like. Oh but we love the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution and we quote them all the time. As I sit here and read the Declaration of Independence it is filled with freedom from Tyranny. Reading the Constitution it is filled with government regulations setting forth the duties of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. It also has 27 amendments the last being ratified in 1992. It also has a quote at the front of the book by Alexander Hamilton, 1775. “The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records. They are written, as with a sun beam in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.” The framers of the constitution and the signers of the Declaration of Independence never would have envisioned a vast world as it is today. Although the basics are laid out nicely, changes and upgrades must be made. These are old parchments. Laws are changing constantly to keep up, they must. We didn’t have vehicles
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The Mostly-True Tale of an Ugly Cookie
The Caldwell County News Vol. 144, Issue 27, Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Published weekly at 101 S. Davis • P.O. Box 218 • Hamilton, Missouri 64644 Phone (816) 583-2116 • Fax (816) 583-2118 • e-mail: news@mycaldwellcounty.com Web Page:www.mycaldwellcounty.com
(USPS 233-500) H & H Publishing, L.L.C., Owner • Incorporated under the laws of Missouri October 1, 2013
Periodical Postage Paid at Hamilton, MO 64644 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: H&H Publishing, 101 S. Davis St., P.O.
Box 218, Hamilton, MO 64644
the ability to pay the taxes (even if I do complain) so that we will have the roads and services that are available. Thank you for the insurance companies that take a huge amount of my pension so that I get proper medical care, home and auto insurance. Oh how awful that some are now being forced to buy medical insurance. I say how fortunate that those that really could not afford it before are now able to get it. Some say the law was rushed through, well I say about time since U.S. Presidents have been trying to get everyone insured for over 100 years. I too, could go on. I do my homework, and the only people I feel threatened by are those that espouse hate and fear and mistrust of all government and each other. I feel threatened for those that need a hand up and the greed of the corporations and some in government that are in the back pockets of those corporations that are unwilling to give that hand up. Most of us in the United States are Blessed, but there are many that are not. Thank God for the regulations that protect us and the agencies that help those that cannot help themselves. Gayle Toms Polo, Missouri
Ugly sweaters have nothing on these bad boys. Is it a tree? A snowman? A star? Your guess is as good a mine.
low and green. How hard could it be? Kindergarteners can do it. Blue and Yellow makes green, Red and Blue makes Purple, and so on and so forth. The only problem? At my house, for some reason, Red and Blue made Brown, Blue and Yellow made a shade of green that should never, ever be used on anything you’d put in your mouth. Fortunately, I had managed to save a single cane of white icing. The sprinkles would have to add that special something to my baked goods. Did you know, if the cookies are still warm when you ice them, the frosting will melt leaving you with a plate full of bug-eyed, insane looking snowmen with facial features that look like they were drawn on by a threeyear-old who’s been taking swigs of Grandma’s “eggnog?” Well, now you do. And so do I. Rather than throw out an entire box full of unattractive, but completely edible, cookies, I took them to work, and guess what? Everyone at the office was delighted! They did not see plates filled with malnourished, poorly dressed snowmen. They saw something more. And this is the true magic of Christmas cookies. The people you give them to do not care what they look like. They care that you took time to make something with your own bungling hands. You even mixed your own hideous colors. The results may be something less than elegant, but at the end of it all, you’ve created something that came from the heart. And that is a true gift.
Steve Henry, Publisher Stephanie Henry, Marketing Lisa Parris, Editor Debbie Rankin, Production Staff Cindy Fickess, Bookkeeping Dennis Clark, Distribution Allen Gentry and Debby Misel, Sports –Subscription Rates– In Missouri 1 Yr. - $30 (includes tax) Out-of-State: 1 Yr. - $38.00