05-18-2023 Post Telegraph

Princeton R-5 residents voice concerns to board

Derry suggests board has met outside legal standards, says he “got his answers”

PRESTON COLE

Editor, the Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON Three Princeton R-5 School District residents spoke about their concerns with some facets of school board procedures, interpretation of board policies and how policies are adjusted, and complaints about a lack of answers to questions brought up by one of the speakers, during the R-5 Board of Education meeting last Monday night (May 8).

Danny Derry, who has become a vocal critic of the board since his offer to donate $30,000 to the community’s ballfield project in exchange for naming the baseball field after his late grandfather Dewey Derry was turned down, once again offered the donation.

Danny Derry also questioned

board members if they had held any meetings, under any format (in person, conference call, etc.), with or without a quorum.

None of the seven board members in attendance answered Derry’s questions, prompting the comment “I have my answers” from Derry.

He also questioned a “no” vote from then-board vice president Ron Parsons to not accept his donation offer, after Parsons had seconded a motion that had been made to accept the money. Without a second, the motion could not have come up for a vote.

Linda Nigh, a former teacher in the district, asked about how board policies are interpreted and how recommendations to adjust policies are made.

Steve Jones complained about the lack of answers received. In advertising Derry placed in this newspaper, it was stated that

there would be “questions and answers,” but the board isn’t bound to live up to advertising claims by an outside party.

Board Policy 0412 says citizens “are encouraged to work through problems at the building level before coming to the board.” The policy also allows for a period during all regular board meetings for district residents to give comments and ask questions.

The policy also states: “Questions directed to the board may not always be answered immediately, but all questions will be responded to by an appropriate person as soon as possible.”

In a release sent to area media, school administrators and other staff, superintendent Jerry Girdner said “The Board is committed to transparency and open communication and values the input of all stakeholders.”

Martin, Hill lead Mercer class of 2023

Summer Martin (left) was announced as the valedictorian of Mercer High School’s 2023 graduating class during the school’s annual commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon (May 14), and Kaydee Hill was announced as class salutatorian.

Martin, daughter of Dan Martin and Carrie Roeder, posted a grade point average of 4.01 on a 4.0 scale during her high school career.

Hill, daughter of Justin and Melissa Hill, compiled a 3.69 GPA during her time in high school.

The Post-Telegraph will publish a list of awards and scholarships won by the 10 class members in the near future.

Heroes recognized

Special to the Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON LifeFlight Eagle landed in the parking lot at Princeton Elementary School parking lot on Friday, May 5 just before 4 p.m. on a special mission to honor local first responder.s

First responders, Mercer County Ambulance personnel and LifeFlight Eagle rew gathered at the Stacy Center in Princeton with Scott and Gwen Lowe. Scott had suddenly collapsed during a workout the

morning of April 12, but with the quick action of the first responders and an AED he was able to be brought back. Scott stood before the group and told of his experience, it was emotional and very touching. There were tears of joy and some laughter over inside joking about getting his ribs cracked, he was certainly grateful and appreciative for their help. Recognized for their lifesaving CPR and AED intervention

See Heroes, Page 8

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

PRESTON COLE/Princeton Post-Telegraph

Four persons were recognized for helping Scott Lowe’s (center) life on April 12 at the Stacy Center as he suffered a heart attack. Persons recognized were Derek Power (from left), Livi Binkley, Raven Moreno and Kyle Berndt.

DOUG PRIEST

TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph

ABOVE - Princeton’s 4x100 relay team of Carsey Brown (from left), Grace Kelly, Addy Henke and Alyvia Enright won the event curing the Class 1, Sectional 2 track and field meet.

BELOW - The Tiger foursome of Faith Siemer (from left), Danielle Bears, Grace Kelly and Addy Henke finished second in the 4x200 relay at sectionals. Both teams have qualified for state.

Henke also qualified in the long jump, and Bears qualified in the pole valut and 100-meter hurdles.

Tigers send 6 events to state, barely miss sectional title

Princeton girls need 6th-place finish for 3 points to bring home a postseason champioship for the second-straight week, but finish eighth for a single point PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

SHELBINA, Mo. With one event left in the Class 1, Sectional 2 track and field meet Saturday afternoon (May 13) at South Shelby High School, all the Princeton girls had to do was finish sixth in the 4x400-meter relay to score three points, send an seventh event to this weekend’s state meet, and win a postseason championship for the second time in as many weeks.

With the Tigers having the third-fastest qualifying time in the 8-team field, there was good reason for that optimism. Princeton trailed Brunswick 67-65 in the team standings going into the event, and since the Wildcats didn’t have a team entered, things looked even better for the Tigers.

Once again, however, it was proven that looks can be deceiving. First, No. 2 runner Grace Kelly, who helped Princeton’s other two relay teams make it to state - one a sectional champion - became ill

and had to be replaced. Then, other stuff happened and when it was all said and done, the team finished eighth with a time of 4 minutes, 48.59 seconds and got just a single point. Meanwhile, Northeast Randolph County - better known as Northeast (Cairo) - finished fourth for five points, tying the Tigers with 66 points.

Outside of that little problem, the Princeton girls had a fine day, qualifying for the 50th MSHSAA Girls Track & Field Championships at Jefferson City on Friday-Saturday, May 19-20.

The Tigers boasted one sectional champion, as the 4x100 team of Alyvia Enright, Addy Henke, Kelly and Carsey Brown won with a time of 53.02 seconds.

Princeton got solo second-place finishes from Bears in the 100-meter high hurdles, in 17.47 seconds, and the 4x200 relay team of Bears, Faith Siemer, Kelly and Henke, in 1:53.08.

Bears, a 2-time all-stater in in the pole vault, tied for second with her best performance of the season - 7 feet, 113/4 inches - with Journey Sander of Northeast (Cairo).

Henke continued her late-season

One bad inning costs Tiger BB

Brookfield’s 5-run third lifts Bulldogs in finale PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph BROOKFIELD, Mo Princeton baseball committed several of their five errors in the bottom of the third inning last Tuesday (May 9), helping Brookfield score all of its runs in a 5-4 non-conference victory in the teams’ regular-season finales.

Rogers runs at sectionals

Post-Telegraph staff report

SHELBINA, Mo. Mercer’s track season ended Saturday as Gracie Rog-

ers ran the 400 meters at the Class 1 Sectional 2 meet. She finished eighth in 1 minute, 9.87 seconds.

Princeton, 10-10 entering the postseason, took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the third after the Tigers scored single runs in the first and third frames. Class 3 Brookfield (10-8) got all of its runs in its half of the third to go up 5-2, but Princeton kept the Bulldogs on their toes by scoring twice in the top of the fifth to pull to within 5-4. Brookfield reliever slammed the door shut, however, by allowing the Tigers just one single over

improvement in the long jump with her best performance of 2023 at 15-43/4, good for third place and a berth at state.

Finally, Megan Spencer qualified for her final state meet by finishing fourth in the discus with a toss of 99-4.

In addition to the point from the ill-fated 4x400 team (Enright, Siemer, Kadence Power and Henke), Princeton got points in four events they took to sectionals, plus in three others that had state qualifiers.

Kelly finished fifth in the triple jump and Enright was eighth, with leaps of 30-7 and 29-4, respectively. Spencer was fifth in the javelin at 110-7, Bears was sixth in the 300 hurdles (55.22), and Starla Bass was eighth in the shot put at 2771/2

Siemer barely missed qualifying in the 100 hurdles, as she finished fifth in 17.77 - just .02 shy of fourth place. (The top four finishers in each event go to state.)

Makenzie Dunkin was seventh in the discus at 91-9, and Power took seventh in the long jump at 14-33/4 Points were scored on the 10-8-65-4-3-2-1 basis

TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph Evan Houck got one of Princeton’s eight hits in the Tigers 5-4 loss to Class 3 Brookfield last week. See Tiger baseball, Page 3

Superior sectional for Tigers’ Rhoades, Holt

Rhoades wins three events, qualifies for state in four and breaks two of his all-time Tiger records. Holt continues defense of his 2022 state high titles and qualifies in 100 meters as well

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

SHELBINA, Mo. If a baseball player goes 6-for-7 during a game, you can say he had a superior day.

Using that analogy, the Princeton boys’ track and field program had an extremely superior day Saturday (May 13) during the Class 1, Sectional 2 meet at South Shelby High School.

Especially Andrew Rhoades and Talan Holt.

The Tigers took entries in seven events for the meet that determines qualifiers for the state meet, won four of them and qualified in two others and finished third in the team standings with 55 points - 54 from Rhoades and Holt.

Rhoades continued what arguably is the best season in program history, winning three events - two of them by breaking his own records - and qualifying for state in a third.

He won the pole vault with a leap of 13 feet, 7 inches, to break the record he set during the Grand River Conference meet earlier this month.

Tiger baseball

From Page 2

the final two innings to record the save.

Landon Krohn, Clay Evans and Gavin Power each got two hits for the Tigers. Power drove in three runs and Krohn scored three times.

The Tigers were scheduled to play 6-seed Novinger (4-15) on Monday evening in the semifinals of the Class 1, District 14 tournament at Green City. The Wildcats upset 3-seed Meadville 10-4 on Friday night (May 12) in a firstround game. No. 1 seed Green City was scheduled to play Newtown-Harris after Princeton’s game Monday. The championship game was scheduled for Tuesday, May 16.

• Princeton played just nine Class 1 teams during the regular season, with two games against Class 1 teams being canceled. The Tigers played six Class 2 and five Class 3 teams, and had one game against schools in each class can-

And, he won the 400 meters with a time of 50.14 seconds, topping the time of 50.34 he turned in during the Joe Shy Relays (Chillicothe) in early April.

Rhoades also won the 200 meters in 22.74, and finished fourth in the javelin with a toss of 143-7, to finish the day with 35 points.

Holt scored in all three of his events, winning one and qualifying for state in another.

Holt, the 2022 Class 1 champion in the high jump, won the event by clearing 6-31/2 - his state-winning leap from last year. He also qualified for state in the 100 meters, finishing fourth with a time of 11.59.

He finished with 19 points, getting the final four by finishing fifth in the 200 meters in 23.75

Rhoades and Holt will compete during the 98th MSHSAA Boys Track & Field Championships this weekend (Friday and Saturday, May 19-20) at Jefferson City.

Princeton’s 55th point came in the 4x100-meter relay, as the team of Ethan Rhoades, Tyler Coffman, Kelby Thomas and Nicolas Rubio finished eighth in 48.63.

Points were scored on the 10-8-6-5-43-2-1 basis.

celed. STATISTICS - vs. Brookfield

OFFENSE - Hits: Landon Krohn 2, Clay Evans 2, Gavin Power 2, Kelby Thomas, Evan Houck. RBI: Power 3. Runs scored: Krohn 3, Houck. Walks: Krohn, Houck.

PITCHING - Thomas: 2.1 innings, 4 runs (3 earned), 2 hits, 5 walks, 1 strikeout; Evans: 3.2 innings, 1 run (unearned), 1 hit, 0 walks, 2 strikeouts.

St. Joseph Christian 6, Princeton 2 at Princeton - Thursday, May 4

GRC Championship Game

OFFENSE - Hits: Power 2, Thomas, Talan Holt, Noel Schreffler. 2B: Power. RBI: Power. Runs scored: Krohn, Thomas. Walks: Krohn. Stolen bases: Holt.

PITCHING - Krohn: 6 innings, 3 runs (0 earned), 3 hits, 3 walks, 13 strikeouts; Thomas: 1 inning, 3 runs (1 earned), 1 walk, 0 strikeouts.

TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph

Princeton’s dynamic track and field duo of Andrew Rhoades (left) and Talan Holt continued their outstanding seasons on Saturday (May 13) during the Class 1, Sectional 2 meet near Shelbina. Rhoades qualified for state in all four of his events (200 and 400 meters, pole vault and javelin), and broke his own school records in the 400 and pole vault. Holt qualified for state in the high jump and 100 meters - matching his 2022 state champion leap in the high jump - and finishing fifth in the 200. Between them, they scored 54 of the Tigers’ 55 points as Princeton finished third in the team standings.

Local golfers end season

Tigers’ Clapham falls one stroke short of return to Class 1 state meet PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. Princeton graduate senior Ashton Clapham barely missed qualifying for state golf for the second-straight year last Monday (May 8) during the Class 1, District 4 tournament.

Clapham shot 31-over 103 on the par72 Excelsior Springs Golf Club layout, good for 21st place out of 60 golfers. Problem was, he needed to finish in the top-20 to earn a trip to the MSHSAA Boys Golf Championships, which was scheduled to be held Monday and Tuesday (May 15-16) at the Country Club of Missouri in Columbia.

Nine golfers from the top two teams - Gallatin and Kansas City Lutheranwere scheduled to play at state, leaving 11 slots for individual golfers.

Levi Willett finished tied for 36th with a score of 116, and John Schreffler finished 56th with a 149.

Mercer golf ends season

Mercer sent two golfers to the District 4 tournament. Wes Hashman finished 51st at 130, and Tyler Meinecke was 57th at 158.

GARDEN PLANTS

ECHO VALLEY

GREENHOUSE

CLOSED MAY 18!

Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays Shade trees - Week’s Roses

All Kinds of Berries

Asparagus - Grapes

Figs - Rhubarb

Herbs - Cucumbers

Sweet Potato Plants

Deck Planters

Tomatoes (Including 8 Heirlooms)

Vegetable & Bedding Plants

Hanging Baskets

Potting Soil - Fertilizers

1.5 Miles West of Modena

12944 Highway D 660-748-3444

3-30-8tbP+C

INFORMATION

HOW TO CONTACT US

Princeton Post-Telegraph

PO Box 286/704 West Main Princeton, MO 64673

Phone: 660-748-3266

Fax: 660-748-3267

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The receipt of news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases by the Princeton Post-Telegraph DOES NOT constitute an agreement to publish such news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases. All news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases will be published at the discretion of the editor. At all times, the editor reserves 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.

This notice also applies for advertisements for the Courier (shopper).

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate and/or houses, and all rental housing and/or property, advertised in the Princeton Post-Telegraph newspaper and the Courier shopper 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.

GUNS & AMMO WOOD’S GUN SHOP

5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-6-2022-ufnP+C

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Mercer County Area Development provides 0% interest loans to qualified Mercer County, Mo., business. Up to $10,000 for equipment, inventory, operating, exterior storefront rehab, signage and more. No cost to apply. For info call 660-748-4006.

3-23-12tbP+C (end 6-8)

SERVICES

Boyer Land Company LLC Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673 660-748-6314

YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST!

1-5-2023ufnP+C

Wells Heating & Air Conditioning LLC

Princeton, MO 660-748-8489

Sales and Service

On All Brands

Serving Princeton & Surrounding Area

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NO HUNTING

NOTICE - Hunting and trespassing with dog and/or gun, trapping or fishing on land owned or leased by the undersigned is strictly forbidden. You are hereby 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. 9-29-22-52tpP+C

No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck

9-15-22-52tbP+C

No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan

4-27-23-52tpP+C

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger. 5-19-22-52tpP+C

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 and Roberta Zimmer. 3-23-23-52tpP+C

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider 10-13-22-52tpP+C

No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Howard or Joe Don Pollard 4-21-22-52tpP

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-30-23-52tpP

Absolutely no hunting with guns or dogs, fishing, or trespassing on land owned by Berndt Farm and Berndt Twin Lake Inc 11-10-22-52tpP

No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy and Donna Cox, and Robert and Tina Cox. 12-3-20-104tpP

R-5 board OKs Career Ladder, hires SB coach

Career Ladder pays teachers for extra work that isn’t paid. Hall-of-famer Schmidli hired to lead Tiger HS softball program

PRESTON COLE

Editor, the Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON Provided the district’s grant request is approved, the Princeton R-5 School District will participate in the state’s Career Ladder program during the 202324 academic year.

The decision was made during the Board of Education’s meeting last Monday night (May 8).

The Career Ladder program provides extra pay to teachers for additional responsibilities and voluntary efforts made after contracted time, that aren’t already paid in some other form.

Money for the program is provided in a matching grant, with up to 60% being provided through a state grant, and not less than 40% of added salaries and benefit costs paid by the local district.

The grant is subject to annual appropriations by the Missouri Gen-

eral Assembly. Other items

• The board tabled action on health insurance premiums until the regular June meeting, because renewal information wasn’t available.

• Board members reviewed a draft policy regarding naming rights for district facilities. They’ll continue working toward a solution and adoption of a plan and procedures for naming rights.

• First Interstate Bank of Princeton was awarded a one-year contract to provide band depository services for the district.

New board member Mitch Reger, manager of the Mercer branch of Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri, abstained from the vote to approve First Interstate under state law.

• At the start of the meeting, the board approved minutes of meetings held April 10 and 25, paid bills and made fund transfers. Girdner announced that the last day of 2022-23 classes will be

Friday, May 19 with early-out dismissal at 12:30 p.m.

He also announced two meetings during June - the regular meeting on Monday, June 12 and a special meeting on Tuesday, June 27. During that meeting, the board will close out the 2022-23 fiscal year and approve a preliminary budget for the 2023-24 school year, which begins July 1.

• After a closed session, the district announced the employment of Dana Seymour as the district’s secondary (grades 7-12) principal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. She returns after retiring as elementary principal at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

The board also employed hall-offame softball coach Mike Schmidli as varsity softball coach and parttime activities director, and employed Derek Power as junior high girls basketball coach for the 2023 season.

And, the board approved a list of non-certified staff members for 2023-24.

Mercer, Lineville city councils work quickly

MERCER

City won’t put gravel on Legion Hall/Community Center lot

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

MERCER The Mercer City Council handled several routine items during its meeting last Tuesday night (May 9).

After approving minutes from its April meeting and paying bills, the council talked about a request to place gravel on the parking lot at the American Legion Hall/Mercer Community Center. It was determined that the city won’t be taking care of the parking lot, meaning the Legion will have to handle it.

After a discussion, the council decided to buy a couple of speed bumps to place on Main Street near the school campus in an attempt to slow down traffic.

Councilmen approved the transfer of the Harley Jones property to the Mercer County Area Development Corporation.

City clerk Tracy Meinecke discussed a city street account that has a balance of $5,128. She’s going to transfer the funds to the general account to help pay for a complet-

Commission

MERCER CO. COMMISSION

Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission. All votes are unanimous unless noted.

Tuesday, May 9

• May 1 meeting minutes were approved.

• Bills were approved and paid.

• Commissioners received the April mileage logs and motor equipment expense reports from Deputies Randy Francis and Riley Nelson from Sheriff Jose Lopez, plus Lopez’s motor equipment expense report.

• Commissioners received the treasurer’s monthly balance sheet and balance of delinquent taxes, dated April 30, from Collector/ Treasurer Susan Moore, as verified by County Clerk Judy Hamiton. They also received revenue and expenditure reports and the

ed chip-and-seal street project, and then close the account.

The council went into closed session at 7:05 p.m. to discuss personnel. The session ended at 7:45, with no announcements made.

Editor’s Note: Information for this report was provided by city clerk Tracy Meinecke.

LINEVILLE

Lineville to donate $100 for youth swimming program

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

LINEVILLE Actions taken by the Lineville City Council during its May 8 meeting:

• Shrinkage in the Water Department was reported at 16.39 percent. Councilman Scott Bell said he had noticed a soft spot near his residence, and said he thinks water/ wastewater superintendent should inspect the area.

• It was reported that four to five loads of gravel were to be ordered for the Street Department.

• City clerk Brandy Shriver presented the council with a donation request from the Learn-to-Swim program, and memberd decided to donate $100 to the program.

balance of protested taxes from Hamilton.

• Circuit Clerk and recorder Tammy Crouse presented the April uniform disbursement report, receipt and disbursement report, and list of land transfers.

• Presiding Commissioner Jerry Allen signed Progress Invoice #3 for BRO-065 (42) Bridge #01300281 (Badger Street) in the amount of $1,192.95; Progress Invoice #2 for BRO-B065 (41) Bridge #25200041 in the amount of $2,225.41; Progress Invoice #2 for BRO-B065 (40) Bridge #25200071 in the amount of $2,038.49; and Progress Invoice #11 for BRO-B065 (39) Bridge #2550002 (Indigo Place) in the amount of $4,091.21, all for engineering services to Howe Company, LLC.

• Commissioners and Hamilton

• Shriver also said Mayor Jack Shields wanted to send a nuisance letter to the resident at 906 Washington Street about the junk vehicles in the yard, and a letter about the need to mow to another resident. The council decided to send a letter to the property owner at 906 Washington, but preferred to check the other property before sending the owner a letter.

• Shriver gave her monthly fund balance report to the council.

April revenue was $22,801.68 in governmental funds and $23,868.31 in utility funds.

April expenses were $8,126.43 in governmental funds and $17,251.95 in utility funds.

The usual transfer of $1,425 in utility funds was made.

• Bills of $11,135.36 were approved for payment.

Editor’s note: Information for this report was taken from meeting minutes provided by city clerk Brandy Shriver. All votes reported were unanimous, except where noted.

signed a certified copy of order authorizing Moore to pay the following:

*$40.56 to General Revenue for half of the Xerox lease (money taken from Recorder’s Special Fund #06);

*$42 to Grundy Electric Cooperative for Lindley Township utilities (money taken from Lindley Township Fund #43); and

*$147.44 for Bridge #01300281, $275.05 for Bridge #25300041, $251.95 for Bridge #25200071, and $298.03 for Bridge #2550002 for progress invoices (see details above), all matching funds, to Howe Company, LLC. Money was taken from SLFRF/ARPA Grant Fund #07.

• Commissioners received Road & Bridge Department reports, dated April 4-May 4, from supervisor Shawn Powell.

DIVISION I CIRCUIT COURT

Judge Anthony Horvath

Persons listed in this report are Missouri residents unless otherwise noted. Addresses shown are those of the defendants on the day their cases were heard.

Putnam County Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Horvath presided over this session following the recent death of 3rd Circuit Presiding Judge Thomas Alley. Mercer County Associate Circuit Judge Matthew Krohn was appointed as presiding judge by the Missouri Supreme Court, but under state law he cannot preside over Mercer County Division I cases in most circumstances.

Wednesday, May 10

• State vs. Jessica Rae Claycomb-Beltz, Vandalia: Accompanied by her attorney, Claycomb-Beltz appeared in custody for two Class D felony charges of first-detree tampering with a motor vehicle. At her request, cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. for arraignment. She was remanded to custody.

• State vs. Jeffrey Ray Demry, Centerville, Iowa: Accompanied by his attorney, Demry appeared in custody in two cases. One case involves Class E felony driving while intoxicated (persistent offender. The

other case involves Class E felony unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting) and Class A misdemeanor fourth-degree assault. The case was set for a plea or trial setting on June 14 at 9 a.m. He was remanded to custody.

• Donnie E. Gannon, Princeton: Accompanied by his attorney, Gannon appeared in custody for a bond modification hearing involving a Class E felony charge of driving while intoxicated (persistent offender), and Class A misdemeanor charges of driving while revoked or suspended (second or third offense), second-degree property damage (law enforcement or relative), and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, involving an accident. His request for an OR (own recognizance) bond was granted, with the special condition of wearing a SCRAM device to be put into place by North Missouri Court Services before his release from jail, and following the court’s bond conditions that were previously set.

At his request, cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting.

• State vs. Alexis A. Graham, Jefferson: Accompanied by her attorney, Graham appeared in

custody for a probation violation hearing involving her convictions on Class E felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting), third-degree assault, escape or attempted escape from custody while under arrest for a felony, and resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony. At her request, cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. for a probation violation hearing. Graham is to appear in person.

• State vs. Ray Frank Lewis, Princeton: Accompanied by his attorney, Lewis appeared in custody in three cases.

One case is a Class A misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked or suspended (second or third offense). The second case involves that charge, plus misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered. Those cases involved probation violation hearings, and at Lewis’ request, cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. for probation violation hearings.

The third case involves 2023 charges of Class E felony charges of un-

lawful use of a weapon (exhibiting) and unlawful use of a weapon (possessed weapon and a felony controlled substance), Class D felony possession of a controlled substance, and two Class A misdemeanor charges of unlawful

possession of drug paraphernalia. The case was set for a plea or trial setting on June 14 at 9 a.m.

Lewis was scheduled for arraignment in this case, but waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty.

• State vs. Ivy Orms-

by, Princeton: Ormsby appeared in two cases. One case involved three Class D felony charges of possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic can-

See Division II, Page 8

Local lifesavers lauded

SUBMITTED PHOTO

During its May 8 meeting, the Princeton City Council presented a proclamation to five persons involved in saving Scott Lowe’s (second from left) life at the Stacy Center on April 12. Receiving the proclamation from Princeton Mayor Kurt Meighen were Livi Binkley (from far left), Raven Moreno, Kyle Berndt, Derek Power and Pearl Scurlock. Scurlock purchased an AED for the Stacy Center in 2017; it was used in helping save Lowe’s life.

SENIOR MENUS

All menus subject to change.

MERCER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

Serving from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Meals can be picked up at the west door (facing Broadway Street) from 11:30-12:15. Meals served with 2% milk, coffee or tea. All bread, rolls, buns and crackers are whole grain; at least half grains are whole grains. For meal deliveries, call 660-748-3636 by 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to eat at the Senior Center. Meals for anyone age 60 and older are a suggested contribution of $5. Meals for anyone under age 60 cost $7.

Monday, May 22: Philly steak sandwich with peppers and onions/bun, macaroni and cheese, peas, peaches and cottage cheese.

Tuesday, May 23: pork chop, scalloped potatoes, corn, lemon poppy seed muffin, pears.

Wednesday, May 24: loaded baked potato with diced ham, broccoli and cheese, sliced bread, baked pineapple, peanut butter brownie cupcake.

Thursday, May 25: fish, hush puppies, harvard beets, glazed carrots, baked apples.

Friday, May 26: chicken strips or livers, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot roll, assorted fruit, Jell-O cake, ice cream.

Monday, May 29: Senior Center closed.

Tuesday, May 30: hot ham and cheese sandwich/bun, new potatoes, creamed peas, mandarin oranges.

Wednesday, May 31: hamburger steak with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, winter mix with cheese, sliced bread, apricot.

CAINSVILLE

MELANIE CHANEY

The last day of school for Cainsville R-1 will be May 18, with an early dismissal at 12:50 that day. The last day will also be a field day for all the kids. Teacher in-service is May 19.

Don’t forget about the alumni banquet on Sat-

urday, May 27. Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day, with the program to begin at 1. Please stop by and enjoy a great free will donation lunch and a good visit with current, new and old acquaintances.

Herman and Melanie Chaney attended the wedding of Karen Skroh and Michael Matthew on Saturday, May 13 at First Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph. Karen’s brother, Pastor Bart Skroh, officiated the event.

Herman and Melanie Chaney spent Mother’s Day weekend in St. Joseph shopping, visiting with friends and enjoying some of the local restaurants.

Bill and Becca Deskins and Daron, Sabrina, Jaydon Wonsetler attended Lexi Milligans sixth birthday party at her house Friday night, May 12.

Sydney Deskins received her LPN degree from NCMC on Saturday, May 6. Bill and Becca Deskins, Sierra Deskins, Daron, Sabrina, Jaydon Wonsetler, Nancy Morris, Linda Franklin, Korena Giles and Alexis Milligan attended.

Bart, Roger and Vanya Skroh drove to St. Joseph for the rehearsal for Karen and Mike Matthews wedding. Then they drove back for the wedding on Saturday, May 13. It was a beautiful wedding and the refreshments at the reception in the Benton Club were amazing! On Sunday after church, they

went to the South Harrison High School graduation to see great-nephew Jad Cornett graduate with 41 of his classmates.

Bruce Williams gave a great speech. Afterward, they went to Jad’s reception at the Bethany Country Club.

Sectional track results from South Shelby on Saturday, May 13 were as follows: Sloane McLain placed third in the 200 meters and high jump, and advanced to the state meet in both.

Bree Vaughn placed fifth in the discus, and Karlee Crouse placed eighth in the long jump.

The annual Cainsville 4th of July celebration will begin July 7. Flea market and vendors’ booths will be set up July 8. Contact Sabrina Wonsetler at 660-868-3219 for more information.

Rich and Helen Frisbie attended the Mercer High School graduation on Sunday to watch one of Helen’s nephews recieve his diploma. They then went to Goosh-Moore Park at Lineville for his graduation party.

I appreciate all the news, but I know more people had visitors and went places. I also know a couple that have been on a trip that I have heard nothing about. Sorry to call you all out (no I’m not … LOL); send me some more news for next week. Have a good one everybody!

COMMISSION MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission. All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Monday, May 1

• Minutes of the April 24 meeting were approved, for both the open and closed sessions.

• Bills were approved and paid.

• Time sheets and the April 30 payroll were approved.

• Commissioners voted to approve a medical office building lease between the commission on behalf of Mercer County (“Landlord”) and Saint Luke’s Hospital of Trenton, d/b/a Wright

Memorial Hospital (“Tenant”) for property located at 400 North Fullerton in Princeton. Presiding Commissioner Jerry Allen signed the lease document.

• Commissioners voted to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 1, an engineering serSee Commission, Page 7

Stacy Center pool being enjoyed after reopening

SUBMITTED PHOTO

“There have been a lot of compliments regarding the Stacy Center pool and many members have been enjoying it recently,” reports Stacy Center board member Derek Power. “Thank you to all the individuals, churches, organizations, and grants donated to get the pool back up and going. The Stacy Center and its members greatly appreciate it!”

TIGERS! CARDINALS!

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they’re playing, we’re bringing you the best coverage you’ll find anywhere!

Evergy files its 2022 report and 2023 plan

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY Pursuant to Public Service Commission rule, Evergy Missouri West Inc., d/b/a Evergy Missouri West, has filed its 2022 Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Compliance Report and 2023 RES Compliance Plan with the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The PSC Staff has been directed to file a report regarding the Company’s 2022 RES Compliance Report and 2023 RES Compliance Plan no later than June 1, 2023. Any other interested person or entity has until June 1, 2023, to file comments.

Evergy Missouri West provides electric service to approximately 336,640 customers in the Missouri counties of Andrew, Atchison, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Car-

roll, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Ray, St. Clair, Vernon and Worth.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

The Princeton PostTelegraph strives for accuracy and fairness in all of its news stories and photo captions. If you feel we have made an error, please contact us at 660-7483266 or posttele@grm. net (email) to request a correction. If it is found we are in error, we will be happy to publish a correction or clarification.

Commission

From Page 6

vices contract, dated Oct. 24, 2022 between Mercer County and Howe Company, LLC.

• County Clerk Judy Hamilton, Public Administrator Kelli Judd and Assessor Dana Widner presented fees collected during April.

• Commissioners received the certificate of training from the Missouri Coroners and Medical Examiners Association for Coroner Doug Priest’s 2023 training conference.

• Commissioners voted to approve an agreement between the Mercer County Commission on behalf of Mercer County and the Mercer County Area Development Corporation. Allen signed the agreement.

• Commissioners and Hamilton signed a certi-

fied copy of order authorizing Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore to pay GRM Networks $100.74 for Moore’s phone bill. Money was taken from Treasurer’s Maintenance Fund #34.

LAND TRANSFERS

Tuesday, May 9

• Ardith Spencer et al to Robert Wayne Evans.

• Ardith Spencer et al to Dennis Evans.

• Bob Evans et al to James Evans.

• Legacy Farms Missouri, LLC to RHE-PETE Farms LLC.

MERCER CO. FOOD PANTRY

Located in the basement of Princeton United Methodist Church.

Second and fourth Tuesday: 9-10:30 a.m.

Other Tuesdays: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Note: Persons can pick up their food in the church basement. At present, social distancing will be observed, and masks are recommended but not mandatory.

ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!

SUBSCRIBE to the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Princeton R-5 Elementary School had its Careers on Wheels last Thursday (May 11). “The kids loved it!” said counselor Lori Puls. “Big thank you to Kelly Hagan (City of Princeton), Cheyenne Dixon (Smithfield), Derek Berndt (GRM Networks), Willie Girdner (Princeton MoDOT) and Mercer County Fire Department and Shawn DeVore (shown), Logan Hanson and Damien Miller (Mercer County Fire Protection District).”

Princeton R-5 Elementary holds Careers on Wheeles event

Heroes

From Page 1

were Raven Moreno, Livi Brinkley, Derek Power and Kyle Berndt. John Duffy, spokesperson of LifeFlight Eagle presented them with a special plaque. Doug Priest, Mercer County Ambulance District director, continued the ceremony and gave CPR Save pins to the four and to Maria Rubio and Jennifer Dusenberry, Mercer County, 911 dispatchers. Mary Gibson and Alison Allen were not present; they had helped that morning.

Priest called up and presented EMS pins the Mercer County EMS crew: Gary Porter, paramedic; Brandi Ury, RN; Jerrid Todd, RN; Dakota Thompson, paramedic; Shaun DeVore, paramedic; and the April 12 LifeFlight Eagle crew - Jake Loving, flight critical care paramedic; Lachelle Hatcher. flight nurse; and Gary Doke, pilot. (Loving was present.)

The Mercer County Fire Protection District secured the LZ (land zone) the morning of April 12, and again at the school on May 5. (A huge thank you to our firefighters!)

The AED was donated by Pearl Scurlock six years ago. (Thank you Pearl!)

Doug Priest is director of the Mercer County Ambulance District, and is also Mercer County coroner.

Division II

From Page 5

nabinoid, and Class D misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The other case involved a Class D felony charge of delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a county or private jail or correctional center except with a prescription. She requested continuances in both cases, and causes was set for June

14 at 9 a.m. for plea or trial settings. Bond was continued.

• State vs. Ian Michael Ragsdale, St. Joseph: Ragsdale appeared for a plea or trial hearing on two Class D felony counts of tampering with a motor vehicle. At his request, cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. Bond was continued.

• State vs. Trey Ryan Schooler, Princeeton: Accompanied by his attorney, Schooler appeared in custody for arraignment on Class D felony charges of second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. He waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for June 14 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting. He was remanded to custody.

• State vs. Shelly L. Service, Chillicothe: Accompanied by her attorney, Service appeared in custody for arraignment on a Class D felony charge of abuse or neglect of a child (no sexual contact). She waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for June 14 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting. She was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections.

• State vs. Derrick Michael LeMasters, Parkersburg, W. Va. - LeMasters appeared for a guilty plea docket hearing for two Class E felony charges of resisting arrest, detention or stop by fleeing (creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person). He entered a plea of guilty, and was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections on each charge, to run consecutively. Execution of sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation for five years under the supervision of the Department of Probation and Parole.

MERCER COUNTY 4-DAY WEATHER

National Weather Service, Pleasant Hill/Kansas City, Time of forecast: 1 p.m.

Monday, May 15

Thursday, May 18: Mostly sunny; 79/59

Friday, May 19: Partly cloudy, early rain; 73/51

Saturday, May 20: Partly sunny; 73/51

Sunday, May 21: Sunny; 77

Forecasts reflect daytime high, followed by overnight low. Weather forecasts change often. Check local radio, weather radio, or the NWS website (www.weather.gov) for updates.

In the same case, LeMasters was charged with Class B misdemeanors of operated a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, exceeded posted speed limit by 26 mph or more, and failure to drive on right half of roadway when roadway was of sufficient width (causing an immediate threat of an accident). Pursuant to a plea agreement, he entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced to six months in the Mercer County Jail on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently with the sentences for his felony convictions.

LeMasters was also charged with Class D misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered), and infraction displayed or possessed motor vehicle or trailer plates of another person. He pleaded guilty to each charge, and was fined $500 on the misdemeanor charge and $400 on the infraction charge.

• State vs. Jimmy Taylor, Verona: Taylor appeared for a probation violation hearing involving his 2021 conviction for Class D felony first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. He admitted violating the same condition of his probation (not reporting) on Sept. 30 and Nov. 8, 2022. His probation was continued, with additional conditions to report as directed and create a home plan in Verona. The plan and his phone number and address needed to be

provided before his release.

• State vs. James Patrick Ward, Princeton: Ward appeared on a Class E felony charge of violation regarding baiting or fighting of an animal, or to permit, promote, conduct, advertise or collect a fee regarding the baiting or fighing of an animal. At his request, cause continued to May 25 at 9:30 a.m. for a plea and sentencing.

• State vs. Dakoda Wright, Cainsville: Accompanied by his attorney, Wright appeared in custody for a criminal motion hearing on charges of Class D felony possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, and Class D misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. At his request, cause continued to May 25 at 9 a.m. for disposition.

On Wednesday, May 11, Wright’s attorney contacted the Court and waived his client’s right to a trial by jury. Wright was remanded to custody.

• State vs. Jeffery Morgan Mueller, Bethany: Mueller appeared for arraignment for Class A misdemeanor operated a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, involving and accident. He waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. At his request, cause continued to July 12 at 1:30 p.m. for a plea or trial setting.

• State vs. Chad M. Hill, Milan: Hill appeared for a guilty plea docket hearing in two cases,

both involving Class E felony passing a bad check. He withdrew his previous pleas of not guilty and entered pleas of guilty. In each case, he was sentenced to two years in the Department of Corrections to run concurrently with each other and with two convictions in Sullivan County. He was ordered to pay costs in each case, and pay restitution of $225.15 in one case and $269.02 in the other case.

• Christopher Illg et al, Cainsville, vs. Matthew

Dixon et al, Chillicothe: The case was called and passed to June 14 at 9 a.m. for trial setting.

• Kenneth D. Thomas, Princeton, vs. Ronald S. Anderson et ux, Princeton: Thomas appeared as a self-represented litigant. Defendants did not appear but were represented by their attorney. The matter was taken up and passed to Aug. 9 at 9 a.m. Anderson’s attorney is to prepare and submit an order dismissing defendant Sylvia Cook from the suit.