04-11-2024 Post Telegraph

Voters give OK to PWSD bond issue

Ellsworth joins incumbent Boxley on Princeton R-5 board. Both incumbents reelected to Mercer board

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

A multi-million dollar bond issue and two issues within the city of Mercer were approved by voters during the annual municipal election last Monday (April 8).

Voters in Public Water Supply District #1 of Mercer County overwhelmingly approved a $3 million revenue bond issue

that will pay for improvements to the district’s waterworks system. That includes the purchase of land and rights of ways, and the cost to operate and maintain the waterworks system.

The bond issue proposal received 77.55% approval, with 304 persons voting in favor and 88 voting against. Mercer proposals pass Two measures in the city of Mercer passed easily. By a 40-16 margin, voters

See April 2 election, Page 2

Princeton groups help families staying at a KC-area Ronald McDonald’s house

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Princeton FFA chapter’s Agricultural Sales CDE (career development events) team didn’t just qualify for competition at the Missouri FFA Convention during the Northwest District CDEs last week - it won the district title. Team members, from left: Hannah Meighen, Mia Covey, Haley Oesch and Emma Walkup. The group had three of the top five individual finishes in their CDE in competition held at Maryville, Mo. More information about the Princeton and Mercer FFA chapters’ performances during the district contests appears inside.

Prepare emergency kit for storm season

University of MO Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity, according to a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.

Missourians need to understand emergency preparedness is their responsibility. The Red Cross, the state and FEMA are not going to take care of you. They will come to your aid when they’re needed at some point, said Conne Burnham, emergency management coordinator.

ily is have a family disaster plan that tells everyone in the family what you’re going to do when an emergency occurs. The plan includes checklists, contact information for doctors, insurance plans, pharmacies, veterinarians and an out-ofstate contact.

In case you are impacted, you can call out of your area and can tell them your status, and then other people can call that person rather than trying to call into the disaster scene, which they probably won’t be able to do, Burnham said.

Weather radios can be programmed to broadcast alerts for watches or warnings for a specific geographic area. The battery backup ensures that it will sound even if the electricity goes out.

Like other safety equipment, Burnham recommends testing it regularly to ensure that it will go off when needed.

Princeton Elementary Student Council students and part of the high school Yearbook class prepared and served a meal for the families staying at Wylie House. The Student Council is collecting “pantry items” for Wylie House until April 18. Students who participated were Faith Siemer, Hannah Meighen, Molley Hickman, Lauren Cunningham, Maizy Allen, Chandler Ussery, Brynlea Power, Christopher Ormsby, Camden Meek and Luca Stockman.

The Student Council is collecting “pantry items” - protein, granola and/or cereal bars, microwave foods, and small bags of chips - for Wylie House until April 18.

Over the past decade, Missouri was hit by 51 climate disasters that caused $1 billion or more in damage, with an average of $4.6 billion worth of climate disasters per year. These disasters included 39 severe storms, five floods, four droughts and three winter storms. These 51 weather disasters cost the state roughly $15 billion.

One of the most important things you can do for your fam-

Weather radios should be in every home, church and public gathering place, especially in communities that do not have emergency warning sirens. Most areas rely exclusively on weather radios, she said.

Time

Finally, families should have a disaster kit that includes the disaster plan and emergency supplies. The kit should be easily accessible, so you can grab and go when there is an emergency.

The supplies will allow you to survive for a few days on your own by having the things

See Storm season supplies, Page 2

Saturday, April 13: Mostly sunny, windy, warmers; 80/58

April 14: Sunny, warm; 83 (average: 63)

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Maizy Allen (from left), Molley Hickman and Faith Siemer prepared vegetable cups for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald Wylie House in Kansas City last Friday (April 5).

warned to keep off these properties. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

No tresspassing for any reason on land that we own or lease. John & Linda Baughman. 9-28-23-52tp

No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 9-15-22-52tb

No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan. 4-27-23-52tp

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger. 5-18-23-52tp

Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting and drones on land owned and/ or rented by FRJ Family Farms, LLC. 3-23-23-52tp

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider 10-10-23-52tp

EMPLOYMENT

Harrison County Central Dispatch is currently accepting applications for Communications Officers! Varying shifts open, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The abilities to multitask and pay attention to detail are a must. We will train the right candidate! Requirements: Be at least 18 years or older, be a citizen of the United States, possess a high school diploma or GED, be free of any felony convictions, and strong computer skills. Benefits also include paid holidays, and County provided retirement and life insurance. Also available are dental and vision coverage. If you’re interested, scan the QR code and print an application or come to the Law Enforcement Center and pick one up today! Still not sure if Emergency Communications is right for you? Call 660-425-3199 and ask to schedule a sit-in for a partial shift. 3-28-4tb

Storm season supplies

From Page 1

you need to get yourself settled and back in groove, and then you can move forward and start implementing your plan and recovering from the disaster.

Items in a basic disaster kit should include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated or hand-crank AM/FM radio, a first-aid kit and water.

Work gloves, sturdy footwear, toiletries and tools to turn off utilities are other items that can be included. When putting together your kit, remember pets and people with special needs, including babies, the elderly and those with medical conditions.

Anyone with special needs should go through the process of understanding how vulnerable they are during a hazard like severe weather, Burnham said.

One thing most people forget to include in a disaster kit is money.

You may need access to cash in case there’s something you absolutely need to have. Burnham said. If it is a large-scale event and there is no electricity, it’s not going to be possible to get gas out of the ground, money out of the ATM, and credit cards won’t work.

April 2 election

NO HUNTING OR TRESPASSING on any land owned by LAKE MARIE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. 7-28-23-52tp

No hunting or trespassing of any kind without permission on land owned by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner. 9-28-23-52tp

Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom and drones on land owned and/or rented by KRW5 Trust (Keith or RaeLynn Weaver) 10-5-23-52tb

No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Shirley or Joe Don Pollard. 4-19-24-52tp

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-28-24-52tp

Absolutely no hunting with guns or dogs, fishing, or trespassing on land owned by Berndt Farm and Berndt Twin Lake Inc. 11-10-23-52tpP

No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy and Donna Cox, and Robert and Tina Cox. 12-3-22-104tpP

No trespassing on property owned by Shandra Morin 4-11-24-52tp

Princeton track From Page 3

the event.

PRINCETON GIRLS

The Tigers scored in four events, good for 9 points; Princeton finished in a tie for 10th place.

The 4x200 relay team of Riley Clark, Grace Kelly, Mikaylee Henke and Addilyn Henke took fifth place, with a time of 1:57.08.

The 4x100 team of Mikaylee Henke, Danielle Bears, Kelly and Addilyn Henke finished seventh in 54.59.

Princeton also scored in two individual events - Bears was seventh in the 300-meter low hurdles in 52.78, and Kelly was eighth in the discus at 89-31/4

The Tiger teams are scheduled to compete in the Gary Ferguson Relays today (Thursday, April 11) in Trenton. Princeton will host its annual Jim King Relays next Monday afternoon and early evening.

• Princeton was scheduled to compete in the Warrior Relays at Albany last Tuesday (April 2), but it was canceled due to weather.

Princeton baseball From Page 3

Having a plan in place makes recovery much easier. walks, another one of the Warriors’ (3-5) woes on a sunny but cool late afternoon.

From Page 1

decided that city elections won’t be held if the number of candidates match the number of open positions available.

On a 38-18 vote, Mercer voters approved imposing a 5% business license tax on telecommunications providers that operate inside the city limits.

School board results

• The Princeton school board was assured of getting a new member since board member Nathan Evans didn’t file for reelection.

That person is Chet Ellsworth, one of four candidates running for two seats on the board.

Incumbent Blake Boxley was the leading vote-getter with 216, followed by Ellsworth with 191. Danny Derry was third with 161 votes, and Seth Renfro finished fourth with 116.

• Both incumbents on the Mercer school board were reelected.

Current board president Ervin Taff got the most votes out of a field of five candidates, and Makella Hagan was second. Vote totals: Taff, 97; Hagan, 92; Phillip T. Huffman, 70; Amanda Martin, 45; Montana Holt, 29.

• A very small portion of the Cainsville R-1 School District lies within Mercer County - virtually all of the district is in Harrison County - and the two persons who voted helped a registered write-in get elected to the school board with the highest number of votes.

Andrea Cain got two votes in Mercer County and 71 overall, and led the field of five candidates for two seats.

Incumbent Bart Skroh was reelected to his seat with 50 votes, followed by the other registered writein, Colton Nelson. He received two votes in Mercer County and 29 overall in finishing third. Shane Vaughn received 25 votes and incumbent Ed Mercer got 20 votes.

• Mercer County voters helped Holly Fairley and Katie Ireland win seats on the Newtown-Harris school board; Richard Smith and Kelsey McCall on the South Harrison (Bethany) board; and Ruth Ann Shipps and Melody Chapman on the Spickard school board. Shipps also got two write-in votes to fill a two-year unexpired term. Six other persons received one writein vote each. No one filed for the position. The school board will have to name someone to fill the position.

• Gage Porter won election to one of two seats on the Mercer City Council. No one filed for the other seat, and it appears that former Councilman Billy Fisher received the most write-in votes - 10 - to fill it, according to Mercer County Clerk Judy Hamilton.

Two candidates for the water district board, Gene Anderson and Jim Collier, were elected without opposition in their respective sub-district.

Thomas got three hits and scored four times for Princeton. Clay Evans, Krohn and Boxley each got two hits, and Krohn drove in four runs. Boxley notched three RBI.

Brashear 10, Princeton 2

Three Princeton pitchers combined for six unearned runs, as the Tiger defense had seven errors during Friday’s rescheduled game (it had been postponed by rain and wet grounds last Tuesday, April 2).

Brashear starting pitcher Jack Reeves helped his own cause in the top of the first when he clubbed a 3-RBI home run after the visitors’ first two hitters reached. It was the first home run hit out of Tiger Baseball Field. Two more runs scored after that as Brashear took an early 5-0 lead.

Princeton scored both its runs in the bottom of the first. Thomas’ double scored Clay Evans, and Power scored on a sacrifice fly by Schreffler. The Tigers were shut down by Reeves and reliever Cole Ervin, who pitched no-hit ball with eight strikeouts over the final five innings.

The Tigers’ three pitchers, while giving up 12 hits, combined to strike out 16 Brashear batters.

• Princeton got its scheduled April 1 game against Gilman City started, but the umpires halted play as GC came up in the top of the second because of rain and worsening field conditions. As of Monday (April 8), the game had not been rescheduled.

• The Tigers will be in the Putnam County Tournament in Unionville on Saturday (April 13). They will open against Green City, and will play either Putnam County or Scotland County in their second game. Princeton 15, Albany 0 - Thursday, April 4

OFFENSE - Hits: Kelby Thomas 3, Clay Evans 2, Landon Krohn 2, Cooper Boxley 2 Gavin Power, Noel Schreffler. 2B: Krohn. RBI: Krohn 4, Boxley 3, Schreffler 2, Clay Evans, Chase Evans. Runs scored: Thomas 4, Krohn 3, Clay Evans 2, Talan Holt 2, Chase Evans 2, Power, Boxley. Walks: Chase Evans 3, Evan Houck 2, Power, Thomas, Krohn, Holt, Boxley. Hit by pitch: Krohn. Stolen bases: Clay Evans, Thomas.

PITCHING - Clay Evans: 3.2 innings, 0 runs, 3 hits, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts; Thomas: 1/3 inning, 0 runs, 0 hits.

Novinger 10, Princeton 2 - Friday, April 5

OFFENSE - Hits: Power, Thomas. 2B: Thomas. RBI: Thomas, Schreffler. Runs scored: Clay Evans, Power. Walks: Clay Evans 2, Krohn 2. Hit by pitch: Power.

PITCHING - Power: 4 innings, 5 runs (3 earned), 6 hits, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts; Thomas: 2 innings, 3 runs (1 earned), 4 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts; Schreffler: 1 inning, 2 runs (0 earned), 2 hits, 0 walks, 1 strikeout.

PRINCETON TRACK & FIELD - Joe Shy Relays

T. Holt dominates high jump in big-school meet

Tiger senior clears 6-43/4 for the second time in as many meets

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. Princeton’s boys track and field program won one event and scored in four others, and the Tiger girls scored in four events, during the Joe Shy Relays on Friday at Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium II.

Talan Holt, the Tigers’ senior 2-time reigning Class 1 state champion in the high jump, easily won the event with a leap of 6 feet, 43/4 inches - 6 inches higher than the second-place finisher. He’s competed in two meets this spring, and has cleared 6-43/4 in both. The Joe Shy event was Holt’s first outdoors jump to date.

Freshman Kash Holt, Talan’s younger

PRINCETON BASEBALL - A win, a loss and a rainout

brother, finished in a 3-way tie for third place, clearing 5-9.

Two other freshman scored individual points for Princeton. Corbin Powell was sixth in the 400 meters with a time of 55.18 seconds, and Hunter Lowrey was seventh in the discus with a toss of 12601/2

Princeton also scored in two relay events. The 4x200-meter team of Gavin

Tigers roll in GRCW opener

Princeton takes run-rule win in conference opener, then loses rescheduled game

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON, Mo Tiger baseball won its conference opener in run-rule fashion last Thursday (April 4), but lost a non-conference decision the next evening. Both games were played on Tiger Baseball Field.

Princeton 15, Albany 0

The Tigers needed just four innings to put Albany away 15-0 last Thursday as Grand River Conference West action got underway.

Princeton (5-3 overall) got all the runs it needed in the bottom of the first inning with a 4-run round. Landon Krohn drove in the first run and got an RBI when he was hit by a pitch. Talan Holt drove in Gavin Power with a fielder’s choice, Cooper Boxley beat out a bunt single for an RBI, and Krohn then scored on a balk to make it 4-0.

Eleven Tigers batted in their half of the second, and Princeton got five more runs across the plate. Clay Evans hit an RBI single to score younger brother Chase Evans, and later scored when Power got in a rundown for a 6-0 lead. With the bases loaded, Noel Schreffler cracked a 2-RBI single for an 8-0 cushion, and Chase Evans got an RBI on a bases-loaded walk to put the Tigers up 9-0 after two.

The sequence involving the Evans brothers showed a lot of

Albany’s problems, as Chase reached on a walk, went to second on a balk and went to third on a wild pitch, before Clay’s RBI single.

Princeton added three runs in the bottom of the third on an RBI double by Krohn, who then scored on an error, and an RBI single by Boxley; Boxley’s hit gave the Tigers a 12-0 lead. The game ended in the bot-

tom of the fourth on the 15run mercy rule. With the bases loaded (on two walks and a single), Krohn singled in two runs to push the margin to 14-0, and Boxley’s sacrifice fly drove in Kelby Thomas to end the game.

Two Albany pitchers combined to give up 11 hits and 10

See Princeton baseball, Page 2

Stockman, Ethan Rhoades, Nico Rubio and Lance Montgomery was sixth, in 1 minute, 39.29 seconds. The 4x100 quartet of Stockman, Powell, Rhoades and Rubio came in seventh in 48.96. The Tigers scored 24 points, good for 10th place in the 13-team field. Princeton was the second-smallest program in

See Princeton track, Page 2

PRESTON COLE/Princeton Post-Telegraph

RIGHT - Landon Krohn got four RBI on a single, double and hit by pitch as Princeton took a Grand River Conference West victory over Albany.

OBITUARIES

Linda Scott

Bethany, Mo.

Linda Lou Scott, 76, of Bethany, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Pearl’s II Eden for Elders in Princeton, Mo.

She was born on June 11, 1947 in Albia, Iowa, the daughter of Roscoe and Josie (Hart) Thomas.

Linda was a police dispatcher and also ran a motel in Princeton. She loved crafts, writing, playing piano and gardening flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Scott; and daughter, Jeanette Meinecke.

Linda is survived by her sons, George (Shari) Scott, II, Bethany, Tim (Shelly) Meinecke, Leon, Iowa, and Gus (Selma) Meinecke, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; daughter, Jennifer Meinecke, Kansas City, Mo.; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Her funeral service was held Tuesday, April 2 at Zion Baptist Church, Cainsville, Mo., under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial followed in St. Paul Cemetery, Cainsville.

Memorials may be made to Zion Baptist Church in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424.

Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

LAND TRANSFERS

Monday, April 1

• Bobby Lee Shriver to Crystal Jost et al.

• Ronnie E. Stamper, trustee, to Ronnie E. Stamper, trustee.

• Rousse Investments LLC to Johnboy’s LLC.

• James Robert Clark, trustee, et ux to Shandy Holdings LLC.

Tuesday, April 2

• Chance W. Holt to Todd Simpson.

• James F. Stamper, trustee, et al to James F. Stamper.

Wednesday, April 3

• Leslie Walters to Leslie Walters, trustee, et ux.

SCHOOL FOOD

All menus subject to change. PRINCETON

Breakfast is available to all students. It is served with a choice of 1% white milk or skim chocolate milk. Cereal is available as an option every day except where noted. Fruit and juice are available every day. Nutri-grain bars are available on select days.

Monday, April 15: no school.

Tuesday, April 16: pancakes, sausage patty.

Wednesday, April 17: mini caramel cinnamon rolls.

Thursday, April 18: scrambled eggs.

Friday, April 19: biscuits, sausage gravy.

Lunch is served with the choice of 1% fat-free white milk or fat-free chocolate milk. Students in grades K-5 have the choice of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or the menu entree. Students in grades 6-12 have the option of a chef salad or the entree every day unless noted. All bakery items are whole wheat or whole grain. Fruit is served with lunch.

Monday, April 15: no school.

Tuesday, April 16: sweet chili chicken or chicken straws, brown rice, egg roll.

Wednesday, April 17: biscuits and gravy or breakfast sandwich, scrambled eggs, hash brown patty.

Thursday, April 18: frito pie or BBQ pulled pork sandwich, romaine salad, black bean fiesta.

Friday, April 19: crispito or chicken strips, buttered peas, potato wedges, dessert.

MERCER

Breakfast is served with orange juice and white or

Princeton Elementary Character Word winners

chocolate milk. Cereal is an optional entree.

Mondays: egg entree. Tuesdays: cereal, toast. Wednesdays: breakfast roll. Thursdays: sausage, pancakes. Fridays: biscuits, gravy.

Lunch is served with milk. A salad bar and fruits and vegetables are available every day, except where noted. Students in grades PK-6 will have the choice of option A or a chef salad. Students in grades 7-12 will have the choice of either option or a chef salad.

Monday, April 15:

a) ham sandwich; b) hamburger; broccoli and rice.

Tuesday, April 16:

a) chicken fried steak b) ham; mashed potatoes, white gravy, green beans, roll.

Wednesday, April 17: a) shrimp; b) deli sandwich; tater tots.

Thursday, April 18: a) hamburger; b) meatball sub; peas and carrots.

Friday, April 19:

a) popcorn chicken; b) chicken quesadilla; steamed broccoli and cauliflower.

CAINSVILLE

Breakfast is served with fruit, juice, and milk.

Mondays: breakfast burrito, cereal, toast. Tuesdays: french toast with syrup and peanut butter, turkey sausage. Wednesdays: cereal, toast, hash brown patty, scrambled eggs. Thursdays: pancake, turkey sausage. Fridays: biscuits, gravy.

Lunch is served with milk. Fruits and vegetables are available every day, and stu-

dents are required to have at least one cup of either on their tray.

Monday, April 15: hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Tuesday, April 16: tater tot casserole, peas.

Wednesday, April 17: chicken fried rice, egg rolls.

Thursday, April 18: fajitas, green beans.

Friday, April 19: meatball subs, hominy.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

These students were recently recognized as Character Kids of the Month during the March awards assembly at Princeton Elementary School. The character word for the month was “Cooperation” (working well with others). This award was sponsored by Goodin Farms. Winners, from left: Blakeley Guilkey, kindergarten; Elliet Power, first grade; Ryleigh Neil, second grade; Rosalie McFee, third grade; Camden Meek, fourth grade; Christopher Ormsby, fifth grade; and Chandler Ussery, sixth grade.

Siemer is recipient of NCMC scholarship

Special to the Post-Telegraph

TRENTON, Mo. The North Central Missouri College (NCMC) Foundation recently announced dual credit scholarships to 30 students in counties that fall within NCMC’s service area. The recipients of the Jack N. Young, Mildred M. Young, Noble J. Young, and Myra A. Young Dual Credit Scholarship are given a onetime $324 scholarship to use toward their tuition.

Nearly 100 applications were received, and winners were selected by the NCMC Foundation Scholarship Committee. This is an annual scholarship program with applications received the first Friday in February and awards announced later that month. Recipients are strongly encouraged to write a thank-you letter expressing their appreciation.

Faith Seimer, a senior at Princeton High School, is currently taking prerequisites for the NCMC nursing program. “I am applying for early admission to the nursing program. When I am accepted, I plan to complete the requirements to obtain my licensed practical nurse license, and then apply and complete the registered nurse requirements from North Central Missouri College and obtain my registered

nurse license,” she said.

“This scholarship would be a tremendous benefit in funding my academic endeavors.”

“Scholarships are one way to help students afford to further their post-secondary education. The Jack N. Young, Mildred M. Young, Noble J. Young, and Myra A. Young Dual Credit Scholarship make it possible to award these annual scholarships, it would not be possible without the families investing in NCMC,” said NCMC scholarship coordinator Kristi Varner. “Our students are fortunate to have such generous donors leaving planned gifts that continue to provide dozens of dual credit scholarships.”

By participating in the NCMC dual credit program, a high school student can make substantial progress toward a college degree before finishing their senior year of high school. For questions about the NCMC Dual Credit program, contact director of regional programs Whitney Trump at 660-357-6318 or wtrump@mail.ncmissouri.edu. For information on NCMC Foundation Scholarships, contact NCMC Foundation executive director Alicia Endicott at 660-357-6403 or aendicott@mail.ncmissouri.edu.

How Sheriff Spencer’s appointment happened

CHESTON EASTER

Special to the Post-Telegraph

On Monday, March 25, the Mercer County commissioners were pleased to appoint Jeffery Spencer as the new sheriff of Mercer County, who was sworn in by Division II Circuit Judge Matthew Krohn. Spencer has three decades of experience in Missouri law enforcement with the majority of his career spent as a state agent. Sheriff Spencer’s appointment followed on the heels of county commissioners receiving the resignation of Jose Lopez, which was dropped off through the mail slot late Saturday evening (March 23), and formally accepted Monday morning. Per Missouri statute, Coroner Doug Priest faithfully served as acting sheriff of Mercer County during the interim period.

Commissioners have reached out to Lopez’s attorney for confirmation that his former lawsuit against the county for additional pay within an elected official’s term has been dismissed with prejudice, as he no longer holds public office. To date, the lawsuit has consumed hundreds of staff hours and thousands of dollars in Mercer County taxpayer funds.

Sherrif Spencer has graciously offered to take over the security aspects of the courthouse, duties which had been shared among several courthouse officials and employees since early February, which will allow the courthouse building to be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday beginning April 1. Individually elected officials will continue to work and operate their offices as they see fit.

Sherrif Spencer has a proven track record of strong interpersonal relationship skills, emotional intelligence, and budget management, in addition to a firm code of personal ethics and Christian morality that will make him and his family an asset to Mercer County for many years to come.

Cheston Easter is Mercer County’s 1st District commissioner.

Princeton Elementary names March Students of the Month

Wells wins as Mercer FFA qualifies two teams

Princeton Post-Telegraph

MARYVILLE, Mo. Mercer’s FFA chapter qualified two CDE (career development events) for state competition last week during the Northwest District contests.

One member of the qualifying teams finished atop all the judges in that contest, as Peyton Wells was first in Horse Evaluation.

That team finished in

second place, as Lily Stark placed 17th and Payton Houk was 26th. Rilee West finished 36th.

The Livestock team qualified for the Missouri FFA Convention contests as well, with a third-place finish. The Rogers sisters made up the team’s score, as Sari Rogers was fourth, Gracie Rogers was seventh and Kali Rogers was eighth. Linda Barton finished 43rd.

The Mercer chapter sent three other CDE teams to compete at districts.

The Forestry team finished eighth in a contest in which only the top six teams qualified for state.

Riley Stark finished 21st, Kobe Hill was 31st and Bailey Houk was 41st to make up the team score.

Mason Martin finished 43rd.

The Agriculturl Mechanics and Poultry teams

both finished in 13th.

Scoring members of the Agricultural Mechanics team were Jayce Davis, 31st; Wes Hashman, 33rd; and Travis Burton, 54th. Tyler Meinecke finished 65th.

Scoring members of the Poultry team were Kennedy Vincent, 35th; Raionna West, 40th; and Isaiah Argo, 53rd. Keegan Brundage finished 56th.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Princeton Elementary School recently held its March awards assembly. The following students were recognized as Students of the Month, from left: Bentley Girdner, kindergarten; Titus Bears, first grade; Karson Wager, second grade; Halle Allen, third grade; 4th- Camden Meek, fourth grade; Emmalyn Terabelian, fifth grade; and Matthew Campbell, sixth grade.

Princeton FFA is first in district Ag Sales, will compete at state

Team has three of the top five individual judges. Three other CDE teams qualify for state FFA convention

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

MARYVILLE, Mo The Princeton High School FFA chapter had one CDE (career development events) district champion, and three other teams qualified for state-level competition during the Northwest District CDEs held last week.

The winning team was Agricultural Sales, a team that boasted three of the top five individual finishes - Emma Walkup, third; Haley Oesch, fourth; and Mia Covey, fifth. Their combined scores made up the team’s point total. Hannah Meighen finished 11th.

That team competed last Tuesday (April 2).

The other teams earned the privilege to compete during the upcoming Missouri FFA Convention during the district CDEs last Wednesday (April 3).

The Horse Evaluation team had the highest finish, taking fifth place. The top three individu-

housing and/or property, advertised in the Princeton Post-Telegraph newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowlingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

al judges making up the team score were Sawyer Oesch, 7th; Evan Boxley, 11th; and Riley Clark, 29. Hailee Hein finished 40th.

Two other teams that qualified for state competition, Forestry and Poultry, did so with sixthplace performances.

Three persons were on the Forestry teamMarkus Templeton, 13th; Kaydence Stockman, 17th; and Corbin Powell, 39.

Four persons competed on the Poultry team, and the top three competitors were Covey, 12th; Molley Hickman, 18th; and Chase Evans, 21st. Trey Cowan finished 48th.

Other teams competing at the district CDEs and their members were were:

• Entomology, 11thMadalyn Tipton, 23rd; Lauren Girdner, 41st; and Lauren Cunningham, 52nd.

• Meats Evaluation, 18th - Emily Oswalt, 61st; Jolena Gibson, 64th; James Mason, 68th.

• Soils, 25th - Hunter Lowrey, 83rd; Lyle Pollard, 96th; Kolton Schurke, 97th.

the right to edit, amend, and/ or delete any and all information at will, with or without explanation.

The limit of liability of the Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for advertising, legal and/or non-legal, not published. The Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for the non-publishing of news, letters to the editor, and/or press releases.

CARD SHOWER

A card shower is requested for Raymond and Mary Donelson, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Friday, April 5. Cards may be sent to them at 19350 Den Place, Princeton, MO 64673.

The couple was married on April 5, 1969 and have lived on their farm ever since.

CAINSVILLE

MELANIE CHANEY

Several neighbors, friends and family attended 50th anniversary celebration for Kenny and Barb Crawley on Sunday afternoon, April 7 at Cainsville Baptist Church. Ken and Barb would like to thank all the people who came to their celebration. They had a wonderful time visiting with everyone. They also appreciated all the cards and well wishes.

Maudy Hutton celebrated her eighth birthday with family and friends at the Cainsville Community Building on April 7.

Several people attended the PTO carnival at Cainsville R-I school on April 6. Everyone who helped get ready, cleaned up donated and worked at the event is greatly appreciated.

Area FFA awards are in Chillicothe at 6:30 p.m. on April 10. There's a varsity track meet at Trenton and a junior high track meet at Stanberry

and varsity baseball game at Braymer on Thursday, April 11. On April 12 there will be free physicals for the fifth to the 11th grade for sports next year. There is a varsity baseball game at home on April 12. There is high school district Scholar Bowl at Worth County on April 13. Junior high and varsity track at Princeton and a varsity baseball game at Ridgeway on April 15. Varsity track at Worth County and junior high track at Trenton on April 16. FFA state convention begins April 17.

There is a varsity baseball game at Hamilton on April 17.

Leland Parkhurst will be celebrating his 99th birthday on Sunday, April 14 at his home from 2-4 p.m. with friends and family. Please feel free to stop by and wish him a happy birthday.

If anyone has any news for next week please let me know.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Princeton FFA chapter’s Horse Evaluation team finished fifth during the Northwest District CDE (career development events) contests last week and qualified for competition during the Missouri FFA Convention. Team members, from left: Riley Clark, Evan Boxley, Sawyer Oesch and Hailee Hein.

Krohn receives NCMC dual credit scholarship

Special to the Post-Telegraph TRENTON, Mo. The North Central Missouri College (NCMC) Foundation recently announced dual credit scholarships to 30 students in counties that fall within NCMC’s service area. The recipients of the Jack N. Young, Mildred M. Young, Noble J. Young, and Myra A.

Young Dual Credit Scholarship are given a onetime $324 scholarship to use toward their tuition.

Nearly 100 applications were received, and winners were selected by the NCMC Foundation Scholarship Committee. This is an annual scholarship program with appli-

cations received the first Friday in February and awards announced later that month. Recipients are strongly encouraged to write a thank-you letter expressing their appreciation.

Landon Krohn, a Princeton High School senior, enrolled in three dual credit classes with NCMC to get a head start on his educational future.

“I intend to double major in computer science and mathematics while playing baseball at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg,” he said. “I know I will have to balance my time wisely. After I graduate from Central Missouri in War-

rensburg, I intend to return to a rural community and work as a systems engineer for an agricultural company.”

“Scholarships are one way to help students afford to further their post-secondary education. The Jack N. Young, Mildred M. Young, Noble J. Young, and Myra A. Young Dual Credit Scholarship make it possible to award these annual scholarships, it would not be possible without the families investing in NCMC,” said NCMC scholarship coordinator Kristi Varner. “Our students are fortunate to have such generous donors leaving planned gifts that contin-

ue to provide dozens of dual credit scholarships.”

By participating in the NCMC dual credit program, a high school student can make substantial progress toward a college degree before finishing their senior year of high school. For questions about the NCMC Dual Credit program, contact director of regional programs Whitney Trump at 660-357-6318 or wtrump@mail.ncmissouri.edu. For information on NCMC Foundation Scholarships, contact NCMC Foundation executive director Alicia Endicott at 660-357-6403 or aendicott@mail.ncmissouri.edu.

Vaccines more important as measles cases rise

LISA COX

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

As vaccine uptake continues to decrease, measles cases or outbreaks have emerged in several states, including Missouri earlier this year. Nationally, the total number of measles cases has already reached the level that occurred during the entire year of 2023. With cases reported across the country, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) recommends parents and guardians check their child’s vaccination records to make sure they have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

This vaccine has been used in the United States since the 1970s and is a safe and effective way to protect children from measles. To be fully immunized, children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first

dose between ages 1215 months and the second dose between ages 4-6 years old. Infants as young as 6 months can receive the first dose if traveling to areas where the measles infection rate is high. Families should consult their health care provider to discuss appropriate vaccine options for their children.

Herd immunity, achieved through a measles vaccination rate of 95% or more is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in the community and protecting vulnerable populations who cannot receive vaccines.

“Achieving this level of vaccination creates a barrier that limits the spread of infectious disease within a community, safeguarding those who are unable to be vaccinated due to their age or compromised immune systems,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS.

Forestry team sixth in district CDEs, to compete at state

Statewide, the MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped steadily from 95.4% in the 2016-17 school year to 90.5% at the start of the 2023-24 school year, according to preliminary data reported by Missouri school districts. Religious (non-medical) exemptions have simultaneously increased from 1.9% to 3.5%.

The measles vaccine, given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, is extremely effective, giving those vaccinated with just one dose 93% protection against measles infection. Both doses of the vaccine provide individuals with a 97% protection rate throughout their lifetime. Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, especially serious for children under age five and those who are

immunocompromised. Common symptoms include a rash that starts as flat red spots on the head and spreads to other parts of the body, high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth. But in some instances, individuals with measles will develop brain infection, which can lead to brain damage, and for some the disease is fatal even with the best care.

The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area. A person can spread measles without knowing they are infected. If not treated, complications can grow in severity.

See Vaccines for measles, Page 8

Missouri deer hunters

“Share the Harvest”

JOE JEREK Special to the Post-Telegraph JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) thank the thousands of Missouri deer hunters who donated 247,575 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season, including 5,394 whole deer. MDC and CFM also thank the participating meat processors throughout the state who grind the donated deer meat into ready-to-use packages, and the many sponsors who financially support the program. The donated

deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Feeding Missouri, and MDC.

Share the Harvest is coordinated by MDC and CFM and has been helping feed hungry Missourians for more than 30 years. Since the program was started in 1992, it has provided about 5 million

See Deer hunters, Page 8

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Princeton Forestry team finished sixth during last week’s FFA Northwest District CDE (career development events) contests in Maryville, and qualified to compete during the state FFA convention later this month. Team members, from left: Corbin Powell, Kaydence Stockman and Markus Templeton.

COMMISSION MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.

All votes are unanimous

unless otherwise noted.

Monday, April 1

• Minutes of the March 25 meeting were approved.

• The March 31 payroll was approved.

• Bills were approved and paid.

• Assessor Dana Widner spoke to commissioners about new address points. She said it wasn’t a function of her office.

• Sheriff Jeffrey Spencer introduced Trever Ratliff to commissioners. He began in the second deputy position on this day.

They also discussed equipment needed and current vehicles. Sheriff Spencer wants to sell the current sheriff’s vehicle and get an Explorer police-type vehicle for the same money. Commissioners agreed with doing this.

Sheriff Spencer has been in contact with the Missouri Sheriffs Association, who told him former Sheriff Jose Lopez had permanently closed the Mercer County Jail several weeks ago. They said the jail had been grandfathered in and would most likely not be able to be reopened.

Sheriff Spencer also asked the commission to approve a new signature card on the sheriff’s account #1191002647 at First Interstate Bank. Commissioners voted to add Sheriff Spencer to the card along with Presiding Commissioner Jerry Allen, who is currently on the card, and remove Lopez’s name. The new card will be

signed. Sheriff Spencer presented a memo to commissioners and County Clerk Judy Hamilton asking that the Sheriff’s Department be paid bi-monthly instead of the current monthly payroll. The deputy sheriff supplement would continue to be paid monthly. Commissioners voted to approve the request.

And, Sheriff Spencer presented March meal costs for inmates and motor equipment expense reports.

• Commissioners received the funds collected report from Widner.

• The county received emails from Howe Company LLC and a landowner about financial terms from the county in reference to easements on bridge projects. Howe Company LLC also presented monthly progress reports on bridge projects.

• Marcia Cox met with commissioners. Commissioners voted to approve moving the probationary period for health insurance from the first of the month after 60 days of employment to the first of the month after 30 days of employment.

• Commissioners approved a three-year agreement with Omnigo Software. Sheriff Spencer signed the agreement.

• Commissioners received an appointment of deputy sheriff for Chief Deputy Sheriff Randal Francis.

• Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore presented Form 205, the Collector’s Annual Settlement.

• Public Administrator Kelli Judd presented the March public administrator fees.

• Commissioners and Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Moore to pay the following:

* $158.84 to Moore for checks (money taken from TMF Fund #34); and

* $6,000 to the Mercer County Council on Aging Inc. for food and consumables, and deliver meals to Mercer County residents age 60 and over. Money was taken from Senior Citizens Fund #46 per the request of the Senior Citizens Board.

• Commissioners left the courthouse at 10:20 a.m. to deliver voting machines to polling locations.

Vaccines for measles

From Page 7

Most health insurance plans cover vaccines, but individuals should check with their insurance provider to verify coverage. For those without insurance, the Vaccines for Children Program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides free vaccines to children who qualify.

Additionally, most local public health agencies throughout the state of Missouri offer vaccinations at affordable rates. To find a local public health agency near you and schedule an appointment, visit the Local Public Health Agency Directory. (Locally, call the Mercer County Health Department at 660-7483630.

ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!

Poultry CDE team places, qualifies for state

Deer hunters “Share the Harvest”

pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries.

“Hunters started Share the Harvest more than 30 years ago because they saw a need in their communities,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “And hunters remain the driving force behind this popular program that helps feed our fellow Missourians who are in need. We sincerely thank the thousands of deer hunters who support Share the Harvest, along with the many participating meat processors and sponsors who help make it possible.”

“The donated veni-

From Page 7 son stays in the local areas where the deer were harvested so it truly is helping out neighbors in need,” said Tyler Schwartze, CFM executive director. “We greatly appreciate all the citizens of this great state that have made this possible over the past three decades.”

The National Institutes of Health state that children need protein in their diets for proper growth and development, and adults need it to maintain good health. Yet many

Missourians can't afford or can't get to good sources of protein. Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit CFM at confedmo.org/ share-the-harvest/.

ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Princeton’s FFA Poultry judging CDE (career developments events) team finished sixth during last week’s Northwest District contests, qualifying for competition at the Missouri FFA Convention next week. Team members, from left: Chase Evans, Mia Covey, Molley Hickman and Trey Cowan.