05-30-2024 Post Telegraph

Mercer board approves personnel decisions

Two longtime elementary teachers submit retirement notices. Board president reminds colleagues about ethics, their responsibilities. New boiler is purchased, invitation to join sports co-op is approved PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

MERCER, Mo Mercer school board members accepted resignations and retirement notices, and made extra-duty appointments during their May 13 meeting.

After the board came out of a closed session, the six members present accepted the resignation of Courtney Scroggie as the district’s are teacher.

They also accepted two retirements, Doug Eldridge as third grade teacher and Jody Owens as second grade teacher.

Eldridge has also served as a bus driver for several years.

Except for one instance, the board also made a number of appointments for the 2024-25 academic year:

• Carrie Rogers, assistant softball coach;

• Sherri Barker, junior high girls basketball coach;

• Kasen Purdun, varsity cheer advisor;

• Laura Mason, National Honor Society advisor;

• Melissa Hill, junior class sponsor;

and

• Max Siemer, bus driver.

On a 5-1 vote, Dan Martin was appointed as the junior high boys basketball coach. Board vice president Heath West, who earlier voted against rehiring Martin as an elementary teacher and high school boys basketball coach, cast the dissenting vote.

The board also made two employment decisions on 6-0 votes.

Heather Michaelis, who teaches English for grades 4-6, was employed as the district’s Parents as Teachers director.

Longtime former maintenance director Brian Persell was hired as a parttime maintenance worker at the rate of $30 an hour.

And, the board accepted the supplemental pay schedule as presented.

Reminder to board members

Board president Teri Noe talked to board members about board member ethics, and the expectations they have about items that are brought to them. She also discussed board members’ use of social media.

Noe said she wants staff members to feel as if they can bring issues to board members, but the board needs to be sure

See Mercer board, Page 5

Tigers earn Academic All-State honors

left), seniors Gavin Power and Landon Krohn, and junior Clay Evans.

To receive the award, a player has to be in the top 25% of his class or achieve a score of at least 24 on the ACT. He must also have at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, a nomination form signed by his coach and building principal, and his coach must be an MHSBCA member for nomination and election. Freshmen are ineligible to receive the award.

MoDOT urges caution while driving in summer work zones

COLE DUENCKEL

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. As Missourians hit the road to start their summer travels, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious, patient and use good judgment when traveling, especially through work zones. On an average day, there are nearly 800 work zones on Missouri’s 34,000 miles of state roadways, ranging from construction on bridges, interchanges,

and roads to daily maintenance work. In 2023, there were 4,563 crashes including 36 people killed in work zone crashes.

Impaired driving, distracted driving, excessive speeds, and not wearing seat belts are just a few of the concerns that can accompany the increased Memorial Day weekend traffic. In Missouri, 14 people were killed and 60 were seriously injured in crashes over Memorial Day weekend last year. So far in 2024, 70% of the people killed

in crashes on Missouri roads were not wearing a seat belt.

“Staying alert and focused when behind the wheel is what keeps your family and other families safe. With Memorial Day being the start of the summer travel season, it’s important to remember the responsibility you carry every time you get behind the wheel,” said State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood.

“Buckle up, put your phone down, slow down and drive so-

ber so everyone can reach their destination safely this Memorial Day weekend and all summer long.”

Drivers can stay informed of road conditions, delays and work zone locations on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, also available as a free mobile app for Apple and Android devices. Over the Memorial Day weekend, road work did not take place between noon on Friday until 9 a.m. Tuesday, but some

work zones include permanent lane restrictions. For this summer, here is one of the major projects with traffic impacts around the state for which drivers should be on the lookout:

Northwest area: U.S. Route 36: Livingston County - concrete replacement under the U.S. Route 65 and the Kansas City Sub railroad line bridges in Chillicothe. Both east and westbound U.S. Route 36 traffic will be narrowed to one lane.

Resound Fest returning to Bethany for Christian festival

Special to the Post-Telegraph

BETHANY, Mo. Resound Fest will return to Miracle Hills Ranch south of Bethany on June 7-8 for

its 14th year. The free Christian music festival promises a weekend full of uplifting music and a message of hope for all

who attend.

Music at the festival kicks off on Friday, June 7, at 3 p.m. and wraps up after the community wor-

ship service on Sunday, June 9 at 9 a.m. On-site camping is also available, making Resound Fest the perfect affordable

summer vacation for the whole family.

Resound Fest 2024 will feature We Are Messengers, Ben Fuller, Cochren

& Co., Ryan Ellis, Caleb & John, Terrian, Break

CHAD POWER/Special to the Post-Telegraph Four members of Princeton High School’s baseball team have received Academic All-State honors from the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association (MSHBCA). Players chosen for the prestigious honor are junior Cooper Boxley (from

Four

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FOR YOUR ASPHALT NEEDS

Griffin Asphalt of Trenton will be in Princeton all this summer. 660-359-1182 5-2/6-30b

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Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673

660-748-6314

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GREENHOUSE ITEMS

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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. 9-28-23-52tp

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. 5-16-24-52tp

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

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. 11-10-23-52tp

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MERCER COUNTY, MISSOURI

PROBATE DIVISION

In the Estate of Roland Frank Pence, Deceased Estate No. 24AI-PR0014 Notice of Letters Testamentary Granted (Independent Administration)

To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Roland Frank Pence, Decedent:

On May 2, 2024, the last will of the decedent having been admitted to probate, Megan Jean Redd and Justin Carl Pence were appointed the personal representatives of the estate of Roland Frank Pence, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Mercer County, Missouri. The personal representatives may administer the estate independently without adjudication, order, or direction of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, unless a petition for supervised administration is made to and granted by the court. The personal representatives’ business addresses and phone number are respectively: 417 Frederick Place, Gower, MO 64454 and 1751 NW 38th St., Kansas City, MO 64116, (816) 233-0257.

The personal representatives’ attorney’s name, business address and phone number is: George Brent Powers, Building D, Suite 401, 3715 Beck Road, St. Joseph, MO 64506-5039, (816) 2330267.

All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six months from the date of the first publication of this notice or if a copy of this notice was mailed to, or served upon, such creditor by the personal representative, then within two months from the date it was mailed or served, whichever is later, or be forever barred to the fullest extent permissible by law. Such six-month period and such two-month period do not extend the limitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent’s death, as provided in Section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in Section 473.033, RSMo, shall be construed to bar any action against a defendent’s liability insurance carrier through a defendant ad litem pursuant to Section 537.021, RSMo.

Date of the decedent’s death: December 30, 2023.

Date of first publication: May 16, 2024. Julie Humphrey Deputy Clerk

Receipt of this notice by mail should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that he necessarily has a beneficial interest in the Estate. The nature and extent of any person’s interest, if any, can be determined from the files and records of this Estate in the Probate Division of the Circuit Couri of Mercer County, Missouri. DATES OF PUBLICATION

May 16, 2024

May 23, 2024

May 30, 2024 June 6, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MERCER COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION

Case No. 24AI-PR00015 In the Estate of BONNIE L. MORELAND, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Small Estate) To All Persons Interested In the Estate of BONNIE L. MORELAND, Decedent.

On May 3, 2024, a small estate affidavit was filed by the distributees for the decedent under Section 472.097, RSMo, with the Probate Division Division of the Circuit Court of Mercer County, Missouri.

All creditors of decedent, who died on May 29, 2023, are notified that Section 473.444, RSMo, sets a limitation that would bar claims one year after the death of decedent. A creditor may request that this estate be opened for administration.

Receipt of this notice should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that the recipient may possibly have a beneficial interest in the estate. The nature and extent of any person’s interest, if any, may possibly be determined from the affidavit on this estate filed in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Mercer County, Missouri.

Date of First Publication: May 23, 2024 /s/ Julie Humphrey, Deputy Clerk, Circuit Court of Mercer County DATES OF PUBLICATION May 23, 2024 May 30, 2024

Resound Fest From Page 1

the Fall, Mitch Langley, and Joe Guerra, as well as the band Jaren & Nextera.

For the full festival lineup, including stage times, visit www.resoundfest.org.

Resound Fest is a family-friendly event with many activities for kids and adults such as swimming pool/ waterslide, canoeing/paddle boats, children's games/ activities, volleyball, basketball and more. There is a small charge for some of these activities. Activity passes can be purchased at the festival.

Thanks to support from local churches, businesses and individuals, admission to Resound Fest is completely free of charge. To reserve your camping spot or for more information, visit www.resoundfest.org.

“Crawl” it a win

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a pub crawl as “a visit to several pubs, one after the other, having a drink or drinks at each one.” It’s not for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, 69-year-old David Clarkson of Sydney, Australia recently earned a page in the Guinness Book of World Records by “drinking his way” in and out of no less than 120 pubs in 24 hours. How did he do it? According to the Guinness judges: “Each visit had to incorporate a paid transaction for a beverage [non-alcoholic or alcoholic], as well as a minimum of 125 ml [milliliters] of liquid being consumed ... David notes that he consumed 20 litters of liquid in 24 hours, mostly consisting of soft drinks and juices.”

HONORS

2024 ALL-CONFERENCE BASEBALL

Listed as conference provided GRAND RIVER CONFERENCE WEST FIRST TEAM

All unanimous selections

Nick Orscheln, jr., St. Joseph Christian (SJC); Johnston Stewart, jr., SJC; Logan Hubble, jr., SJC; Hayden Riley, jr., SJC; Levi Miller, jr., SJC; Talan Holt, sr., Princeton; Gavin Power, sr., Princeton; Landon Krohn, sr., Princeton; Clay Evans, jr., Princeton; Daulton Worrell, soph., Albany; Chase Cline, jr., Albany; Ryder Sample, soph., King City.

SECOND TEAM

Keygun Johnson, sr., North Harrison; Tate Richardson, fr., North Harrison; Mason Stewart, fr., SJC; Max Montgomery, fr., SJC; Ethan Hewins, sr., SJC; Graham Medsker, soph., King City; Kelby Thomas, sr., Princeton; Cooper Boxley, jr., Princeton.

HONORABLE MENTION

Jarrett Smith, fr., Albany; Jerry Gilpatrick, sr., North Harrison; Nate Gerling, fr., SJC. HDC CONFERENCE

FIRST TEAM

Boston Bell, sr. Tri-County; Peyton Baker, sr., Tri-County; Camden Mossburg, soph., Gilman City; Gage Iddings, sr., Gilman City; Camden Griffith, soph., Gilman City; Zack Cross, sr., Newtown-Harris; Corbin Axtell, sr., Newtown-Harris.

SECOND TEAM

Landon Preston, jr., Gilman City; Brett Otto, sr., Newtown-Harris; Mason Rayl, jr., Newtown-Harris; Daltyn Sperry, sr., Gilman City.

HONORABLE MENTION

Grayson Allen, sr., Tri-County; *Kobe Hill, soph., East Harrison.

* - Mercer student

These six members of the Princeton High School baseball team have received postseason from conference and/or district coaches. From left: Cooper Boxley, second team AllGrand River Conference West; Talan Holt, unanimous first team All-Grand River Conference West; Gavin Power, Class 1 All-District 14, unanimous first team All-Grand River Conference West; Kelby Thomas, second team All-Grand River Conference West; Landon Krohn, Class 1 All-District 14, unanimous All-Grand River Conference West; and Clay Evans, Class 1 All-District 14, unanimous first team All-Grand River Conference.

the

ference team as an honorable mention selection.

YOU to these area businesses and professional people for their support of the Post-Telegraph’s SPORTS

COURTESY PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL

MELISSA HILL

Special to the Post-Telegraph

Mercer sophomore Kobe Hill, a member of the East Harrison baseball co-op, was named to

All-HDC Con-

LAND TRANSFERS

Friday, May 17

• Marilyn K. Hardy to Andrea Elaine Maag, trustee, et al. (4 transactions)

Monday, May 20

• David Curtis to John R. Kile.

MARRIAGE

LICENSES

All persons listed are Missouri residents unless otherwise listed.

Thursday, May 16

• Hunter Boxley and Samantha French, both of Princeton.

Tuesday, May 21

• Ian Campbell and Chasidy Finney, both of Princeton.

DIVISION II

CIRCUIT COURT

Judge Matthew Krohn

NOTES: 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.

Tuesday, May 21

• State vs. Reed E. Beavers, Princeton: Beavers appeared via video on Class E felony charges of resisting arrest, detention or stop by fleeing (creating a substantial risk of severe injury or death to any person), damage to jail or jail property, unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting), and third degree assault; Class D felony third degree assault (special victim); and Class A misdemeanor fourth degree assault (special victim). He did not appear by Webex as scheduled on May 20. He entered a plea of not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. The court determined Beavers could not meet conditions of release and did not modify his bond. A bond hearing was scheduled for May 23 at 8:45 a.m.

During that hearing, Beavers said he had applied for a public defender but had not heard back. A bond hearing was then set for May 28 at 9:30 a.m.

• State vs. Joseph V. Bellow, Princeton: Bellow appeared for a hearing on two Class D felony counts of stealing $750 or more. At his request, cause continued to June 18 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting.

• State vs. Rita Marie Bryant, Princeton: Bry-

ant appeared for a plea or trial setting on an infraction charge of animal trespass. The case was set for a bench trial on July 16 at 1:30 p.m. The court set the bench trial so as to allow her to hire legal counsel. The court plans to proceed with the trial that day.

• State vs. Alexander Kauffman Campbell, Princeton: Campbell did not appear on infraction charges of failure to display plated on motor vehicle or trailer, and driver or front seat passenger failed to wear properly adjusted or fastened safety belt. At the state’s request, cause continued to June 18 at 9 a.m. for arraignment. The court clerk sent Campbell a letter about the new court date.

• State vs. Joe R. Greene, Princeton: Greene appeared for a case review on his conviction on two Class A misdemeanor peace disturbance (first offense). The court ruled that Greene’s apology letter requirement is met. Except for his community service, he is compliant with other probation conditions.

• State vs. Jennifer L. Hoover, Lineville, Iowa: Hoover appeared on a Class A misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked or suspended (second or third offense). She waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for July 16 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting.

• State vs. Hunter J. Luke, Sheridan, Ill.: Luke did not appear on a Class C misdemeanor charge of exceeded posted speed limit by 11-15 mph. At the state’s request, cause continued to June 18 at 9 a.m. for arraignment. The court clerk has sent him a letter about the new court date.

• State vs. Jerry Miles Mahoney, Mercer: Mahoney did not appear for a plea or trial setting on a Class A misdemeanor charge of careless and imprudent driving (involving an accident). At the state’s request, cause continued to June 18 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting or disposition. The court clerk has sent him a letter about the new court date.

• State vs. Seth A. Shields, Leon, Iowa: Shields appeared on a Class A misdemeanor charge of careless and

imprudent driving (involving an accident). He entered a plea of guilty. He was ordered to pay $107.50 in court costs and $300 to the county law enforcement fund within 45 days, and watch a Missouri State Highway Patrol video. Shields paid the money that day. Restitution had already been paid.

• State vs. Donald R. Stopplemoor, Princeton: Stopplemoor appeared on a Class C misdemeanor charge of animal trespass (second or subsequent conviction). The case was set for a bench trial on July 16 at 1:30 p.m. The bench trial was set to allow Stop-

plemoor sufficient time to retain legal counsel. The court plans to proceed with the trial on July 16 with or without his having counsel.

• State vs. Christopher Thomas Williams, Princeton: Williams appeared on a Class D misdemeanor charge of owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered; first offense). He was advised of his right to counsel, waived that and entered a plea of guilty. He was ordered to pay a fine of $300 and $107.50 in court costs. A payment plan was established,

with a $25 time payment fee if the money is not paid after 30 days. A file review was set for Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. to check payment.

• State vs. Kirby Wayne Eastin, Mercer: Eastin appeared for a sentencing hearing for his conviction on two Class C misdemeanor charges of negligent burning or exploding. Imposition of sentence was suspended, and he was ordered to pay $1,080 in restitution, $107.50 in court costs and a $10 crime victims compensation judgment. A file review was set for Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. to check payment.

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 660748-3266 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.

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OBITUARIES

Robin Reaves

Lance Reaves

Urbandale, Iowa

Robin Ann Reaves, 55, and Lance Eugene Reaves, 46, both of Urbandale, Iowa, both passed away Friday, May 10, 2024 in Leon, Iowa.

Robin Ann was born June 13, 1968 in Leon, Iowa, and Lance Eugene was born January 19, 1978 in Corydon, Iowa, the children of Raymond Eugene and Norma Deane (Day) Reaves.

Robin was a 1986 graduate of Lineville-Clio High School in Lineville, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa for two years. She enjoyed taking care of children at day care. She was talented at scrapbooking, making cards and taking pictures.

Lance was a 1996 graduate of Lineville-Clio. He loved finding out sports statistics and reading.

They were both members of the Lineville Baptist Church.

Robin and Lance were preceded in death by their parents and their sister, Sonja Reaves.

Survivors include their brother, Kevin Reaves, Princeton, Mo.; aunt, Lavatis (Phillip) Hamiton, South Lineville, Mo.; and many cousins and friends.

Memorial graveside service and inurnment for Robin and Lance were held at Friday, May 24 at Evergreen Cemetery in Lineville, under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home of Princeton.

Memorials may be made to the Robin and Lance Reaves Memorial (checks payble to Lavatis Hamilton) in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Mercer board

From Page 1

they’re following the chain of command.

Board Policy 250 was distributed to board mebers.

New boiler purchased

The board accepted the lowest of two bids the district received for a new boiler.

Maven Mechanical Services of Liberty, Mo., submitted the low bid of $42,087.10. Superintendent Wade Hall made the recommendation, saying the company had received good recommendations.

District staff will have to take apart the current boiler, and the new boiler will be installed this sum-

mer. If a carbon steel feed water tank is used, there would be a $2,500 reduction. Hall is going to check into this.

American Boiler & Mechanical of North Kansas City, Mo., submitted a bid of $47,223. Other decisions

• The board voted to give non-certified staff a $1.5% pay raise for 202425, and changed the pay cycle to every month instead of over 10 months.

• Signers on accounts at the Mercer branch of Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri were approved.

Noe, West and Kailer

Stevenson will be authorized signers on the checking account. Hall and bookkeeper Jennifer Wilson will be able to ask about balances, rates, issue stop payments, and upon board approval, renew certificates of deposits and make internal transfers.

Hall and Wilson will also be able to get into the district’s safe deposit box.

• Fifteen students were approved to receive the Millemon Math Award, and each will receive $265.93. Nine of the students are first-time recipients.

• Hall told the board that the preliminary 202425 budget is still a “work in progress.” When it’s finished, he’ll send it to board members to review.

• The board approved the Career Ladder plan; no changes were made from the 2023-24 plan.

• Currently, the district’s tuition rate is $6,000, and it’s going to rise to the “state adequacy target” for 2024-25. The district is based on when a students starts at Mercer. Hall went over pros and cons of raising and lowering the rates.

The board asked Hall to see what other districts charge and discuss it during the June meeting.

• Board members approved an invitation from the East Harrison sports co-op (Cainsville and Ridgeway) for Mercer kids to play junior softball (grades 6-8) and high school baseball (grades 7-12) during the 2024-25 academic year.

They learned that because of a lack of participation by Mercer students, Princeton has dropped the district from its football co-op for grades 7-8 and 9-12.

• In her report, Principal Aimee Huse reported First Interstate Bank and the University of Missouri made presentations to students.

with teachers weekly next year.

• In his report, Hall said the flower bed infront of the school has be redone, and that he’s looking to paint the chain link fence around the playground.

He also said areas of run-off at the softball field have been fixed, and that he’s waiting to see if any bus companies have vehicles for sale.

• West told his colleagues and administrators he’s like the agriculture education department to invest in a portable welder.

Editor’s Note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by district bookkeeper Jennifer Lynn Wilson.

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 660748-3266 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.

She will be meeting

POST-TELEGRAPH MISSION STATEMENT

(What we try to do every week) “Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it because in the process WE WILL CATCH EXCELLENCE.”

Coach Vince Lombardi

THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment for religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Cainsville’s Nash receives $2,500 scholarship

Special to the Post-Telegraph CAINSVILLE, Mo. Through a partnership between GRM Networks and the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), Carleton Nash, a graduate of Cainsville R-1 High School, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Nash plans to further his education and attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1994, FRS is the philanthropic arm of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association of which GRM Networks is a member. The FRS

Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from rural communities for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school. Since its founding, FRS has awarded more than $2 million in scholarship to more than 800 students. This year the foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary and awarded 55 scholarships totaling $173,000 which is the largest number of scholarships and greatest total amount of dollars ever awarded in their history.

Nash was sponsored by GRM Networks.

“GRM Networks is proud to partner with FRS to award this scholarship to Carleton,” said Mitchell Bailey, chief executive officer of GRM Networks. “We wish him the best as he pursues his education.”

“Receiving an FRS scholarship is quite an achievement because we had more than 1,300 applications for the 55 scholarships we awarded this year,” said FRS executive director Pam Becker. “The students who are

receiving these scholarships are curious, smart, hard-working, kind, and give me hope for the future. Providing opportunities for young people in rural communities has been a core mission for FRS for the past 30 years, and it would not be possible without the generous support of NTCA members and other individuals in the rural broadband industry. We are excited to announce our 2024 scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”

Spring turkey hunters harvested more birds

JOE JEREK

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows turkey hunters checked 43,380 birds during Missouri’s 2024 regular spring turkey season, April 15 through May 5. Top harvest counties for the regular season were Franklin with 940 birds harvested, Callaway with 822, and Texas with 780. Hunters in Mercer County harvested 591 turkeys during the regular spring turkey season.

Young turkey hunters also harvested 3,739 turkeys over the youth

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 660748-3266 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.

weekend, April 6 and 7, bringing the overall 2024 spring turkey harvest to 47,119. According to MDC, that is a 6-percent increase in total harvest from 2023 and a 20-percent increase in total harvest compared to the previous five-year average “2024 was the third year in a row in which harvest increased,” said MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “The ability to hunt all day on private land may have had a role in this increase. Successively better hatches starting in 2021 meant there were also likely more turkeys on the landscape as well. We are still looking at the data to see

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how much of the increase in harvest can be attributed to the new regulation, as well as how many new hunters the regulation change helped to get into the field. A 6-percent increase in harvest is in line with what we would have expected knowing that many factors play into harvest totals.”

Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,566 turkeys over the spring youth season and hunters harvested 41,977 during the regular spring season for a 2023 spring season total harvest of 44,543. Get more information on this year’s spring turkey harvest numbers by county at extra.mdc.

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mo.gov/widgets/harvest_ table/.

See more information on turkey harvest numbers for past seasons online at mdc.mo.gov/ hunting-trapping/species/ turkey/turkey-reports/turkey-harvest-summaries.

For more information about turkey hunting in Missouri, visit MDC online at huntfish.mdc. mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

Anchors away California constables ordered Etienne Constable of Seaside, CA to build a fence to hide the fishing boat he keeps in his driveway, apparently because it was an unappealing sight. So, with the help of a neighborhood artist, he built a fence featuring a life-like, detailed painting of his vessel. Neighbors and passers-by approved his solution as did the town’s city

manager, Nick Borges, who told reporters: "I thought, 'Wow, that's pretty creative.' I laughed at it. The only action I'm going to take is a high five.

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Cainsville High School graduate Carleton Nash (right) accepted his $2,500 GRM Networks/FRS scholarship check from Jenni Neff, director of HR and Marketing for GRM Networks.

MDA, USDA seek input for black vulture study

JILL PRITCHARD

Special to the Post-Telegraph JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a multi-year study to better mediate conflicts with black vultures. Landowners, cattle ranchers, birdwatchers, and others may contribute to the study by reporting sightings of black vultures marked with tags on their wing.

Black vultures play an important role in nature by eating carrion, or dead animals. Vultures have acids in their stomachs that metabolize diseases, such as rabies, and remove them from the environment. However, their aggressive nature can cause issues for cattle ranchers and other livestock producers. The species can prey on calves, vulnerable cows, and smaller farm animals such as lambs and goats. Black vultures can also cause property damage to vehicles, boats, and houses.

“Black vulture populations in Missouri have been growing and expanding in recent years,” said MDC Wildlife Management Coordinator Alan Leary. “As a result, more landowners are reporting conflicts with them.”

Black vultures are known to tear windshield wipers off vehicles, damage rubber seals around the windows, and scratch the paint. They can also tear up vinyl upholstery on boats, pool covers, canvas awnings, or other exposed rubber materials. Black vultures can

rip shingles off roofs and peel off window caulking and vent seals. In an effort to track black vultures and test management tools, 89 black vultures near the Missouri-Arkansas border were captured this spring and marked with a white tag on their right wing. Each tag has a letter and number (i.e., A47 or C20). The tags may be visible from below while the birds soar or while birds are perched. Twenty-eight vultures were also equipped with radio transmitters to track their daily movements.

The purpose of the study is to better understand black vulture movements, human-black vulture conflict, and to test vulture management tools.

“While there are a number of management tools we can recommend to people experiencing vulture conflict issues, we don’t fully know how the use of these tools may affect their behavior and movements,” said USDA Wildlife Biologist Eric Tillman. “Do they adjust their home range, alter their roosting network, or permanently abandon the conflict area? Or do they just return after management is completed? With this study, we hope to answer some of those questions.”

All sightings of tagged black vultures, either observed alive or taken by a landowner with the appropriate permit, should be reported to the United States Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab online at reportband.gov. Sightings can also be emailed to USDA Wild-

life Biologist Eric Tillman at Eric.A.Tillman@ usda.gov.

Black vultures vs. turkey vultures

Though turkey vultures are much more common in Missouri, black vultures are expanding their range northward, and sightings of them are increasing. As of 2021, their population estimate was around 12,000.

Black vultures have a large, black body with a bare, black head. When seen flying, black vultures wings are held nearly horizontal. This species frequently flies higher than turkey vultures, following and watching them from above.

Turkey vultures also have large, black bodies, but are identifiable by their bare, red head. When soaring, turkey vultures hold their wings in a V position.

Turkey vultures look for carrion by riding wind currents and searching for smells to investigate for food. Black vultures cannot smell as well as turkey vultures, and they rely more on sight to find food. Black vultures will commonly follow turkey vultures to find food, and groups of them aggressively drive off the turkey vultures.

Black vulture nuisance issues

Black vultures will occasionally prey on new-

born livestock, sick cows, or cows that are giving birth.

Livestock producers may use non-lethal techniques to deter black vultures, such as loud noises, spraying with a garden hose, or using pyrotechnics without a permit. Removing animal carcasses and cutting down dead tree snags and other possible roosting sites can also discourage black vultures.

Black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and may not be killed without a depredation permit obtained from the Missouri Farm Bureau. To apply for a depredation permit, landowners may visit mofb.org. To learn more about black vulture mitigation options, visit agriculture. mo.gov.

Landowners can report black vulture livestock loss and request assistance by contacting USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services by calling 573-449-3033 ext. 10.

To report property damage caused by black vultures, contact MDC Wildlife Management Coordinator Alan Leary at 573-522-4115 ext. 3693.

Thomas #1 in Missouri

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Kenny Thomas is the new #1 in Missouri arm wrestling in the 165-pound class. Thomas also just broke into the world's top 50 in rankings, being ranked in 10 different classes - the top five in 6 classes and the top 10 in four other classes ranging from 165 pounds all way up to 250 pounds. He is sponsored by Flying S Farms, Tyson and Kelli Stark. Thomas is shown here with is wife Rachal.

How did he get in there?

Somehow three-year-old Ethan in Queensland, Australia managed to work his way into a claw machine via the chute through which prizes are dispensed. In this case it was a Hello Kitty plush toy machine. Using hand gestures Dad signaled his boy to stand far back in the machine’s container allowing police to smash through the glass pane. All’s well that ends well. When the ordeal came to a successful end, one of the police officers told Ethan, “You won a prize, which one do you want?”

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Graves-Chapple research compared tillage in corn, soybean fields

University of MO Extension ROCK PORT, Mo. Decades-long research on corn and soybean plots at the University of Missouri in northwestern Missouri shows how tillage systems have affected yields.

Four of the most common tillage systems were compared at Graves-Chapple in Rock Port: fall and spring disk; spring disk; no-till; and fall chisel and spring disk.

Last year was the 34th year of the corn tillage systems research at Graves-Chapple. According to the center’s 2023 annual report, each plot comprised eight 30inch rows that were 250 feet long. The corn plots were planted on April 18, 2023, with a population of 32,000 seeds per acre in a field that raised soybeans in 2022. Harvest was on Oct. 10, 2023.

The 2022 growing season had been dry. Last year, rainfall during the growing season was sparse and below average, and temperatures had large swings. The no-till

corn plot had the highest yield at 218.8 bushels per acre. The fall chisel and spring disk plot was the lowest-yielding system, yielding 206.7 bushels per acre.

“History has shown that during weather patterns like this, no-till usually has the highest yield because it allows better water infiltration,” said Jim Crawford, director of Graves-Chapple Center. “Allowing the roots to chase water deep into the profile benefits the plants when the hot and dry summers arrive.” Notill conditions also help moderate swings in soil temperatures.

The cumulative results of the study, over 34 years, show the spring disk system had the highest corn yield of 188.2, followed closely by notill at 187.6.

The soybean tillage research at Graves-Chapple has been conducted for 23 years. Over that time, the no-till treatment had the highest average yield for any tillage method, averaging 59.8 bushels per

Show-Me Bowls to be played in St. Joseph

Special to the Post-Telegraph

COLUMBIA, Mo. The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced two top-tier venues that will play host to the Show-Me Bowl for the next five years.

During its April meeting, the MSHSAA Board of Directors voted to approve Columbia as the host city for the 2024 MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl for Classes 1-6. The six games will be played on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Missouri. The Board also approved St. Joseph as the host city for the 2024 Show-Me Bowl for the 8-man game. The 2024 8-man Show-Me Bowl game will return to Spratt Memorial Stadium on the campus of Missouri Western State University for the first time since 2007.

“We appreciate the work the cities put into this bid process, and we have taken this process very seriously,” MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. “We have an obligation to our membership to find not only the best facilities to host our championships, but also the best support from the host site to serve our schools’ needs. We are very excited about the next five years for the Show-Me Bowl!”

In addition, the Board approved St. Joseph’s proposal to host all 11-man and 8-man Show-Me Bowl games at Spratt Stadium from 2025-28.

“We have been extremely fortunate to host a wide variety of high-profile events over the last several months and cannot wait to welcome our state’s best high school football teams to an outstanding venue here in St. Joseph and Buchanan County,” said executive director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely. “In conjunction with our partner Missouri Western State University, we look forward to delivering an outstanding championship experience for all involved!”

Along with Griffon football and soccer, Spratt Stadium is also the home of the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training camp.

“We feel Spratt Stadium is one of the premier college venues in the state and for our university to be on display for the best of the best high school football teams across Missouri over these next few years is a win-win for everyone involved,” MWSU Director of Athletics Andy Carter said.

acre per year, followed closely by spring disk at 58.3 bushels per acre per year. In 2023, no-till plots had the highest yield at 63 bushels per acre. The fall chisel and spring disk was the lowest-yielding system, yielding 55.9 bushels per acre.

Each plot consisted of eight 30-inch rows that were 250 feet long.

The plots were planted on May 10, 2023, with a population of 138,500

seeds per acre into corn residue. Harvest was conducted Nov. 13, 2023.

Yield results were taken from the center four rows of each plot in both corn and soybeans.

“The biggest aspect of no-till over the years is the financial savings since there are no tillage costs,” said Crawford. “The application of fertilizer, herbicides, seed, planting and harvesting were the same for each of the tillage systems used.” Over

this time frame there is no significant difference between the yields for the four systems. The real advantage is the lower labor and equipment costs for no-till, making it the most profitable over this time frame.

“We used the average cost people charge for each tillage operation to account for labor and equipment costs,” he said. These numbers came from MU Extension publication G302,

“Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri,” available for free download at https://extension. missouri.edu/g302. Environmental benefits are another bonus with no-till, Crawford said. “No-till programs greatly reduce the amount of soil erosion caused by wind and water runoff,” he said.

Download the full 2023 Graves-Chapple annual report at https://muext.us/ GC2023.