06-15-2023 Post Telegraph

Accused robber remains in jail

Phillip Blink was in court for a bond appearance. Iowa man’s next local court appearance scheduled for July 5 as a “docket call.”

PRESTON COLE

Princeton Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON The Iowa man accused of robbing the bank in Princeton will remain in jail until at least early July, the judge overseeing the case determined last Tuesday, June 6.

Phillip Michael Blink of Promise City, Iowa, had a bond appearance before Mercer County Associate Judge Matthew Krohn, as set by under Supreme Court Rule 33.05. The hearing was held, and after consideration of evidence that was presented under Supreme Court Rule 33.01(d), Krohn found that no bond and conditions would secure the safety of the community.

Therefore, he set the matter for a docket call on Wednesday, July 5 at 9 a.m.

Online court records indicate that Blink has not filed a written request for a speedy trial.

Blink, 67, allegedly robbed

First Interstate Bank on the morning of Friday, May 19. He was found and captured later that afternoon in Knoxville, Iowa.

He is charged with four felony crimes:

• Class A felony first-degree robbery;

• unclassified felony armed criminal action;

• Class B felony stealing or attempt to steal from a financial institution; and

• Class E felony unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting).

After his hearing, Blink was returned to the Mercer County Jail.

Max’s magical act

Water deeply and wisely

MU Extension horticulturist provides advice to save plants

Special to the Post-Telegraph HILLSBORO Mo. During drought, proper watering can help plants survive dry spells, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.

Kelly gives 10 tips to help your plants survive lack of precipitation.

1. Water in the morning. Watering in the evening lets water remain on leaves, making the plant susceptible to disease.

2. Water at the base of the plant. Water at soil level to avoid waste and prevent foliar diseases.

3. Water slowly and deeply. Plants need at least an inch of water weekly. Watering slowly allows water to infiltrate the soil and reach the roots.

4. Know your garden areas. Within each yard is a microclimate with varying degrees of shade and soil. Each requires different amounts of water.

5. Don’t fertilize when it’s dry. Fertilizer encourages plants to grow, and the extra growth requires more water. Also discontinue herbicides or insecticides, which can volatilize during high temperatures and drift to desired plants.

MERCER COUNTY LIBRARY

“Max the Magician” entertained a nearly-full crowd inside downtown Princeton’s Cow Palace last Friday morning, June 9. Another program is scheduled for Friday, June 16; see Telegrams on Page 8 for details.

6. Weed. Weeds rob wanted plants of water.

7. Deadhead flowers. It takes water and energy for the plant to form a seed head.

8. Mulch. Use mulch around root zones to hold moisture and cool the roots.

9. Water some plants more often. Plants in containers and raised beds need more frequent watering because they dry more quickly.

10. Water trees and shrubs. Some recommend watering these for three years after planting.

Kelly recommends against watering edible plants with water caught in rain barrels, which can contain contaminants from roofing materials and birds. Use instead on flowers and shrubs.

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses that automate watering are a good investment, she adds. These slowly and steadily deliver water to the plants. Check you soil’s moisture level. Soil may appear dry on top, but there might be adequate moisture beneath. Kelly recommends the “screwdriver test.” Poke a screwdriver into the soil and pull it out. If it comes out clean, the soil is dry and it’s time to water.

Kelly recommends checking the U.S. Drought Monitor at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

Find more gardening tips from MU Extension by watching “The Garden Hour” at youtu.be/N_SI9xv1_rc.

Subscribe to the MU Extension Commercial Horticulture newsletter at www.muext.us/PGVand the Garden Spade newsletter at www.muext. us/GardenSpadeList.

Patrol announces results of bus inspections

Most local districts have some issues, but none have vehicles taken out of service until issues are fixed and Highway Patrol reinspects buses

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has announced the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2023 annual school bus inspection program.

Missouri’s 2023 school bus inspection results are as follows:

• school buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection - 9,995

• school buses rated as “defective” upon initial inspection - 1,088

• school buses rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection - 381

Buses with identified defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out-of-service require correction of the component(s), and reinspection and a

return to service by MSHP personnel prior to further usage in transporting passengers.

Numbers for a small sample of area districts, listed alphabetically:

• Cainsville R-1: Buses presented - 2; buses approved - 2.

• Grundy County R-5: Buses presented5; buses approved - 5.

• Newtown-Harris R-3: Buses presented - 2; buses approved - 1; buses defective - 1.

• North Mercer County R-3: buses presented - 5; buses approved - 1; buses defective - 1.

• Princeton R-5: buses presented - 10; buses approved - 7; buses defective - 3.

A total of 256 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence award for 2023. During the 20232024 school year, 4,769 buses in these award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on

the passenger entry side of the bus.

“Everyone wants to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school. To that end, the Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel, in partnership with pupil transportation professionals statewide, inspected 11,464 school buses in accordance with Missouri revised state statutes,” said Col. Eric Olson, MSHP superintendent.

Missouri school bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results for 2023 are available at https://apps.mshp.dps.mo.gov/ MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/ documents/2023AnnualSchoolBusInspectionResults.pdf.

School bus inspection criteria, including Missouri State Highway Patrol out-of-service criteria are available at https://apps. mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/FormsBrochures.html.

STORAGE UNITS

For Rent - Large storage unit. Elm Street Storage, Princeton. 660-748-3619. 6-8-ufnbP+C

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SERVICES

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Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673

660-748-6314

YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST!

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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

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

Email: posttele@grm.net

DEADLINES

Al Display Ads (Ads with borders)

All Classified Ads

News & Photos: 10 a.m. Friday

* - includes photos sent via email

NOTE: Deadlines change for holiday printing schedules. Advance notice will be provided.

PLEASE CHECK

YOUR AD!

If an error is made in your ad, we will be happy to correct it. However, we are not responsible for errors that appear for more than one week.

ALL garage sales (and similar sales) MUST be paid for in advance, unless you have an account that is in good standing.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTICE

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).

POST-TELEGRAPH

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MERCER COUNTY, MISSOURI - AT PRINCETON Case No.: 23AI-CC00003

RICHARD SCHRADER AND DIANA SCHRADER )

1106 30th Place ) Pleasantville, IA 50225 ) Plaintiffs,

vs.

KELLY ENTERPRIZES, INC. )

A.K.A. Kelly Enterprizes, Incorporated

A Missouri Corporation

DEANNE J. GOOD

Any possible estate and any known or

Unknown heirs

THELMA J. HOUSEMAN )

Any possible estate and any known or

Unknown Heirs

Defendants

NOTICE UPON ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

The State of Missouri to Defendants:

You are hereby notified that an action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court for the County of Mercer, Missouri, the object and general nature of which is the right, title, and interest in the real property which is the subject of the Petition and legally described as follows:

Lots 173, 174, 175, 176, 193, 194, and 196, Subdivision 9, a part of Lake Marie, Mercer County, Mercer, Missouri.

The names of all parties to said action are stated above in the caption hereof and the name and address of the attorney for plaintiffs is:

Blair E. Merrigan MCT Law

123 E. Third Street

Cameron, MO 64429.

You are further notified that, unless you file an answer or other pleading or shall otherwise appear and defend against the aforesaid petition within 45 days after the 25th day of May, 2023, judgment by default will be rendered against you.

Witness my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court this 12th day of May, 2023.

CIRCUIT CLERK

Tammy J. Crouse

DATES OF PUBLICATION

ORGANIZATIONS

Chapter BY PEO

Chapter BY PEO met

June 5 at Trish Stamper’s home. The regular meeting was held with nine members present.

The city garage sale was a huge success, with proceeds going to our local PEO scholarship.

Transportation and cookies will be provided for the children’s theater workshop during the week of July 24-28, with a performance at the Mercer school on July 29.

President Beth Boxley gave the program on the 129th annual state convention she attended from June 2-4 in Kansas City. Attendees were united by the theme PEO-ing … Sisters in Action. The PEO Sisterhood is a philantrophic educational organization where they celebrate the advancement of women by education through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and the stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, Mo.

Harlene Dougan will host the next meeting on June 10 at First Baptist Church.

CAINSVILLE MELANIE CHANEY

The Hamilton family had their annual reunion Sunday at the Cainsville Community Center. Sandy Alexander was hostess this year. Those attending were: Alan and Brenda Hamilton and two grandaughters, Sandy Alexander, Beverly Fennimore and daughter Andrea, Kenny and Peggy Hamilton, Larry and Susan Griffin, Wes and Kim, Gus and Grace Griffin, Joyce Scott, Edward Flora and friend Sharon, Sonja Grooms, Dena Finney, Rich and Helen Frisbie ,and Carolyn Martin. Good food and good fellowship was enjoyed by everyone.

Sunday dinner guests of Lila McLain were Bessie Allen and her daughter Linda of Hudson, Fla. Other guests of Lila McLain were Ronda and Bryan Pash and Kay and Randall Thomas.

May 25, 2023

June 1, 2023

June 8, 2023

June 15, 2023

Herman and Melanie Chaney, Isaac, Shyanne, Lakelynn and Lilah Chaney, Amanda Zerbe, Corbin and Maudy Hutton and Kenny and Barb McLain went out for supper on Friday to celebrate Kenny’s 75th birthday.

Plans for the annual 4th of July celebration in Cainsville are in full swing. If anyone would like to volunteer it would be greatly appreciated.

Herman and Melanie Chaney attended a car show in McFall, Mo., on Saturday.

If anyone has any news or upcoming events please let me know! Have a great week!

MARRIAGE LICENSES

All persons listed are Missouri residents unless otherwise listed.

Friday, June 5

• Theodore Angelopoulos-Vourderis, Long Branch, N.Y., and Hannah M. King, Princeton.

LAND TRANSFERS

Friday, June 2

• Princeton Custom Meat Processing Inc. to John Logan DeGraffenried et ux.

• Roy Moore et al to Edwin Ropp et al.

Monday, June 5

• Alva D. Mitchell to Alva D. Mitchell.

• Thomas M. Enright to Thomas. M. Enright, trustee.

• Galen R. Oesch to Galen R. Oesch.

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, June 6

• State vs. Katelan

Marie Chase, Lineville, Iowa: Chase did not make her initial appearance for Class B misdemeanor exceeded posted limit by 20-25 mph. A warrant for her arrest was ordered issued, with bond set at $550 cash.

• State vs. Lindsay D. Hall, Princeton: Hall appeared in custody for her initial appearance for Class C felony delivered a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, Class D felony possession of a controlled substance, and Class D misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. She waived a formal reading of the charges. The Court determined that she cannot meet conditions of release. A bond hearing was scheduled for June 14 at 11:30 a.m. Hall also appeared for arraignment for Class D misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. She was advised of her right to counsel, and waived that right. She also waived arraignment and entered a plea of guilty. She was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus $107.50 in court costs.

A payment plan was established, and a $25 time payment fee was assessed. A file review was set for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. to check payment in full.

• State vs. Marcia Lorraine Kempton, Trenton: Kempton appeared for arraignment for Class D misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. She was advised of her right to counsel, and waived that right. She also waived arraignment and entered a plea of guilty. She was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus $107.50 in court costs.

A payment plan was established, and a $25 time payment fee was assessed. A file review was set for Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. to check payment in full.

• State vs. Lee Ann Hobbs, Mercer: Hobbs appeared for arraignment for Class D misdmeanor operated motor vehicle owned by another knowing owner of vehicle has not maintained financial responsibility. She was advised of her right to counsel, waived that right, and entered a plea of guilty. She was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus $107.50

in court costs within 30 days. A file review was set for July 5 at 9 a.m. to check payment in full.

• Ronald Dawayne Preuss, Newtown: Preuss appeared for arraignment for Class B misdemeanor failure to register motor vehicle. He was advised of his right to counsel, and waived that right. He also waived arraignment and entered a plea of guilty. He was ordered to pay a $50.50 fine plus $71.50 in court costs within 30 days. A file review was set for July 5 at 9 a.m. to check payment in full.

• State vs. Brandon Lee Rairden, Harrison County Jail, Bethany: Rairden appeared in custody for a trial setting for Class E damage to jail or jail property, and Class A misdemeanor fourth-degree assault pursuant to Subsection 6, Section 565.056 RSMo (special victims). A preliminary hearing was set for July 5 at 1:30 p.m. Rairden’s request for a bond hearing will be held at the same time.

• State vs. Leland Robert Saxton, Mercer: Saxton did not appear for a payment review hearing involving his conviction for Class B misdemeanor operated vehicle on

highway without a valid license (first offense). It was noted that he is making regular payments. On the Court’s motion, cause continued to July 5 at 9 a.m.

• State vs. Sandra Elaine Hull, Princeton: Hull did not appear for a trial setting for Class A misdemeanor stealing (value less than $150, no prior stealing offense). She was represented by her attorney, who submitted trial dates. The case was set for a bench trial on Aug. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

• State vs. David W. Strasburg, Mercer: Strasburg did not appear for a payment review hearing involving his conviction for Class D misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (first offense). It was noted that he is making payments as ordered. On the Court’s motion, cause continued to July 5 at 9 a.m.

• State vs. Kyle Ray Nickell, Humeston, Iowa: Nickell appeared for a counsel status hearing for Class A misdemeanor driving while revoked or suspended (second or third offense). His attorney was

in the courtroom and on his request, cause continued to July 5 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting, discovery, and plea negotiations.

• State vs. Carter Graham, Mercer: Graham appeared for a preliminary hearing for Class E felony unlawful use of a weapon. He made an oral motion for bond modification, which the Court denied. The state’s motion for bond forfeiture was taken up, and was taken under advisement. The Court found that Graham was advised of his rights to a preliminary hearing, and was bound over to appear on June 14 at 9 a.m. Bond was contined as previously ordered.

• State vs. Dakoda Wright, Cainsville: Wright appeared in custody for preliminary hearings in two casesClass D felony burglary and stealing, and receipt of stolen property and tampering with a motor vehicle. He waived his right to the preliminary hearings, and the Court accepted the waivers. He was bound over to appear on June 14 at 9 a.m. Bond was continued as previously ordered, and Wright was remanded to custody.

Enjoy your stuff, but be prepared to let it go

DR. GLENN MOLLETTE

Special to the Post-Telegraph

NEWBURGH, Ind. One of the perils of life is putting too much value on “stuff.” Stuff can be about anything. It can consist of what we have or what we don’t have.

Much of life is about our stuff. Our house, cars, things in the house. Things around the house and things in the garage, storage building, barns and more barns. If we work hard, it’s possible to accumulate lots of stuff. Often, we have more than we need.

We paint, stain, groom and polish our stuff. Sometimes we put in in cases, drawers, cabinets and even safes. We know how difficult it is to buy and accumulate. Stuff is expensive.

We take pride in our stuff. We admire, adore and feel good about what we have. We remember days when we didn’t have much, wanted more and maybe felt poor. It felt good to get a check and even better to put a few dollars in the bank.

Me, me, and I often became our most significant heroes. We applaud ourselves because we did it, whatever it is. It’s all good because we know where we could be or what could have been or what even might be if luck, circumstances and health had changed or still might change.

The problem with stuff is that it does change. It fades, erodes, rots, burns, is stolen, or simply becomes worthless. What might have been valuable may have changed. Life is always changing.

If you have a lot of stuff then you have lot to worry about. You can’t keep from worrying some.

In time, all of your stuff will belong to someone else. Your land. Your prized possessions. All that you

MOLLETTE

have worked to collect and preserve. Stuff is passed on or gained by someone else. You can make a plan of passing your stuff on to someone else but they may not really care about it and immediately hand it over to a complete stranger. Once anything is out of your hands then who knows what will happen.

We all die sooner or later and we take nothing with us. All of our stuff is left behind and eventually, sometime down the road of life, everything will end up in a junk or trash pile. Fifty years from now people you have never heard of might sleep in your bed in your house, if your house is still in existence.

There once was a man who had so much stuff that he had to build multiple barns. One day he was selftalking, “I have so much stored up for many years. I’m going to take it easy, eat drink and be merry.”

Later that day he died. Jesus talked about this guy in one of his stories found in Luke, Chapter 12. Chances are anyone might identify with the man Jesus talked about if our existence becomes too wrapped up in all of our stuff.

Enjoy your stuff, but be prepared to let it all go.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern Seminary and Lexington Seminary, all in Kentucky. He is the author of 13 books.

Varsity football Tigers compete in Graceland camp

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Members of the 2023 Princeton High School football team participated in an 8-man football camp on June 3 at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Participating Tigers, from left: FRONT - Kole Lewis, Ethan Rhoades, Chanse Glenn, Hudson Wilson, Judd Henke, Chase Evans, Kolton Schurke and Lance Montgomery; BACK - Isaiah Argo (Mercer), Corbin Powell, Navari Payton (Mercer), Evan Houck, Hunter Lowery, Talan Holt, Kash Holt, Kelby Thomas, Clay Evans and Cooper Boxley. Two prospective players from Newtown-Harris were unable to attend due to family commitments.

Coach Nathan Powell said over 150 players from eight schools (seven from Missouri) participated. “We took 17 kids with us and competed really well,” he said. “We finished second in the “King of the Hive” competition to finish off the day.” (“Hive” was used in the drill since Graceland’s mascot is “Yellowjackets.”)

“We held a team camp Tuesday through Friday (May 30-June 2) to prepare and averaged about 20 kids each day,” Powell added.

Teams included Princeton, Albany, Plattsturg, Slater, Schuyler County, Knox County and Braymer from Missouri, and Twin Cedars (Bussey), Iowa. Princeton, Plattsburg and Slater are moving from 11man football to 8-man this fall.

Intervention deadline set for Evergy request

KEVIN KELLY

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY Evergy Missouri West, Inc. d/b/a Evergy Missouri West has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to adjust the Demand Side Investment Mechanism (DSIM) charge on customer bills. The DSIM charge, which appears as a separate line-item on customer bills, allows Evergy Missouri West to recover demand-side management program costs and incentives under the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA).

According to the application, a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month will see the charge de-

crease by approximately $0.69 a month, effective August 1, 2023.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than June 23, 2023, with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission’s Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS) at www.psc. mo.gov.

Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 651022230, telephone (866) 922-2959, e-mail opcservice@opc.mo.gov)

or the Public Service Commission Staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc. mo.gov). The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission.

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

Gardens provide fast food for hungry critters

University of MO Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. Cute critters by day, gardeners’ worst enemies by night.

Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist

David Trinklein.

“Our four-legged ‘friends’ can be more formidable garden foes than insects, diseases and weeds,” said Trinklein. “Because of their size and our inability to control their numbers in urban and suburban areas, deer probably are the most formidable offenders.”

Deer and other critters like food that is tasty and convenient, he said. A garden is wildlife’s equivalent of a fast food drive-thru. Gardens are

especially enticing to wildlife when they cannot find food in their native habitats, such as during drought.

Avoid animal pests by putting barriers in their way, Trinklein said. Pungent smells and unpleasant tastes may dissuade wildlife such as deer. Some gardeners choose chemical repellents with repugnant odors. Spray these around the edge of the garden. Keep in mind human and pet safety, plant toxicity and expense when considering

these options, he said.

There are numerous homespun remedies for repelling wildlife. One of the easiest is a mixture of 20% whole eggs and 80% water. Reapply monthly. Some commercial repellents contain capsaicin, the chemical that gives the fire to hot peppers. Other homespun remedies include sachets containing dog hair and highly perfumed soap.

Objects such as scarecrows, foil, aluminum pie plates, predatory bird figures and mirrors can

help deter deer, raccoons, rabbits and other pests. These are most effective when moved frequently, said Trinklein. Animals become accustomed to them if they’re left in the same place.

More drastic methods include fences, netting and small cages over individual plants such as tomatoes. These can be effective but expensive, he said. Using 36-inch-high

MERCER COUNTY 4-DAY WEATHER

National Weather Service, Pleasant Hill/Kansas City, Time of forecast: Monday, June 12, 8 a.m.

Thursday, June 15: Sunny; 90/67

Friday, June 16: Mostly sunny, 40% chance; 86/65

Saturday, June 17: Mostly sunny; 85/64

Sunday, June 18: Mostly sunny; 87 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.

Extension to offer Chillicothe exercise class starting June 22

CHILLICOTHE Beginning Thursday, June 22, Grand River Multipurpose Center in Chillicothe will host “A Matter of Balance,” presented by Jessica Trussell, MU Extension’s human development and family science field specialist, and Micah Potgieter, Extension's nutrition and health specialist.

It will be a five-week group program that enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Participants will learn about the importance of exercise in preventing falls and practice exercises to improve strength, coordination, and balance. There is an exercise component of this class and the group will start exercising on day 3.

Additional topics include home safety, assertiveness, developing positive strategies for change, reducing barriers to exercise, identifying physical risk factors for falls, personal action planners, recognizing misconceptions about falls, and moving from self-defeating to self-motivating thoughts.

Classes will be held from 1:30 p.m. each Monday and Thursday from June 22-July 20; there will not be a class on July 3. If you have questions about the course, you can reply to this email (TrussellJL@missouri.edu) or call 660-646-0811. You can register online herehttps://extension.missouri.edu/events/a-matter-of-balance-chillicothe - or call the office 660-646-0811.

Special to the Post-Telegraph

LINDA GEIST

See Critters, Page 8

District Two Legionaires meet in Unionville

COMMISSION MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

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

Monday, June 5

• Minutes of the May 30 meeting were approved.

• Bills were approved and paid.

• Public Administrator Kelli Judd and Assessor Dana Widner presented fees collected during May.

• Shea Farrell, a representative for Congressman Sam Graves, spoke with commissioners.

copy of order authorizing Collector/Treasurer

Susan Moore to pay the following:

*$31,226.85 to Norris Quarries for gravel and $11,355.15 to the Mercer County Road & Bridge Department for hauling it (money taken from Lindley Township Fund #43); and

*$21.36 to Cardmember Services for meals and $84.09 to Dish Network for TV in the jail and Sheriff’s Office (money taken from Sheriff’s Special Fund #32).

landowner doesn’t want to keep the fence 20 feet from the center of the road.

• Bob Berndt spoke to commissioners about a fence on Colorado Place.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Missouri District Two Legionnaires met at the American Legion Wilbur C. Odam Post 34 American Legion Hall in Unionville. District Two Commander Phyllis Cambell led discussions on membership and upcoming events. From left: FRONT - Rick Clark, District Commander Phyllis Cambell and Unionville Post 34 Commander Butch Williams; BACK - Jerry Quigley, Lloyd Miller, Robert Jobson, Leroy Wyant (Milan post commander, Bill Lewis and Ralph Thomas.

• Sheriff Jose Lopez presented May mileage logs for the 2017 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy 654.

• Commissioners and County Clerk Judy Hamilton signed a certified

MoDOT announces 2024-2028 STIP road plan

LINDA HORN

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY The

draft FY 2024-2028

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on June 7. The draft five-year program includes funding from General Revenue - passed by the Missouri General Assembly - to widen and improve I-70, fix low-volume minor roads, upgrade railroad safety crossings and more. A 30-day public review and comment period began June 7.

The STIP makes available $14 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $14 billion, the draft STIP details $10.5 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2.1 billion per year. It also includes a record $3.4 billion in state General Revenue funded projects from the General Assembly subject to Gov. Mike Par-

son’s approval of the final budget.

“Over the past two years, the cost of doing transportation improvements has experienced record inflation ranging from 20-30%. Aside from the new funding from the General Assembly, this year’s program didn’t add a significant number of projects to the last two years as we manage the fiscal constraints of the funding,” said MoDOT

Director Patrick McKenna. “We are able to continue our asset management efforts while also making critical improvements and upgrades to corridors and safety features across the state.”

The draft FY 20242028 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2024-2028 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2028) and reflects the transportation

needs of communities across the state.

The proposed program is available for public review. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can con-

See 2024-2028 STIP plan, Page 7

• Dean Henley, Marion Township trustee, spoke to commissioners about a new fence being built on Colorado Place. The

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 660-748-3266 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.

Good ol’ days? From EPA? Hardly

CALEB JONES

Special to the Post-Telegraph COLUMBIA, Mo. A few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon, the Jones family got to travel back in time - not exactly by choice. The chance meeting of my propane tank and a skid-steer resulted in the emptying of my propane supply that would rival Old Faithful.

Thankfully no one was hurt, but the weekend turned into a family camping experience - only in our house. We had zero hot water and no working appliances. While my kids didn't seem to mind the ice baths and hot dogs cooked over our firepit, after a couple days I caught my wife looking up hotels on her phone. The one saving grace came when Lindsey and I built our farmhouse the experts over at Boone Electric Cooperative guided us to a groundsource heat pump, which provides our heating and cooling.

The folks at the Environmental Protection

2024-2028 STIP plan

From Page 6

tact MoDOT by email to STIPcomments@ modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT's website: https://www.modot.org/

DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends July 6, 2023.

Following the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. The Commission will review the comments and the final transportation program before considering it for approval at its July 12 meeting.

COMMENTARY

Agency must really enjoy camping, too. They just proposed some new rules for electricity production with the goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035. If finalized, these rules would shut down the majority, if not all, of your electric cooperative’s natural gas and coal plants.

Don’t get me wrong - I applaud their good intentions, but this is about as smart as putting an ejection seat in a helicopter.

Here in Missouri, our electricity is generated by a host of different sources. This mix of coal, natural gas, wind and hydro all play a role in working together to keep your lights on every time you flip that switch.

We have watched other states shut down coal and natural gas plants without having an alternative and reliable baseload of electricity. As you can imagine, when the sun isn't shining and the wind

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.

SENIOR MENUS

All menus subject to change.

isn’t blowing their electricity isn’t flowing. Last December, nine of our neighboring states faced rolling blackouts because the demand for electricity outpaced what they could provide. That’s unacceptable and downright dangerous.

Our electric co-ops aren't against using renewable resources. In fact, 25% of the electricity you already use comes from renewable resources like wind and water. Because we added these sources when they made economic sense, we are able to do this without blackouts and sky-high electric bills for our members.

Someday, there will be technology available for electric co-ops to generate 100% renewable, reliable and affordable electricity for you. Until that time, let’s avoid a future of cold showers and lights we can’t turn on. I only want to camp on the back 40.

Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.

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, June 19: Ribbi Q/bun, potato wedges, lima beans, peaches.

Tuesday, June 20: taco salad, refried beans, Spanish rice, baked pineapple.

Wednesday, June 21: tuna noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, seasoned potatoes, biscuit, fruit cocktail delight, oatmeal schtchies.

Thursday, June 22: goulash, green beans, breadstick, cherry fluff salad.

Friday, June 23: pit ham, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetable casserole, hot roll, peach crisp with ice cream.

BUY A COPY OF THIS WEEK’S PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH AT THESE LOCATIONS:

PRINCETON - Casey’s • EverCare Pharmacy Hy-Vee Clinic Pharmacy • Snappy’s Post-Telegraph Office

MERCER - Hour Place • Mercer Hometown Market

SOUTH LINEVILLE - Randy’s Short Stop

DNR provides help plugging abandoned wells

Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY A well installation team from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey was on scene at Bennett Spring State Park working toward plugging an abandoned water well within the park. The project follows the successful plugging of an abandoned well in Johnson Shut-Ins State Park last year and several others on private property. The effort is not only important for public safety, but essential to ensuring the superior quality of Missouri’s groundwater.

“The Ozark Aquifer is arguably the best on the planet and we need to keep it that way,” said geologist Tiffany Wysong, who led the project at Bennett Spring State Park. “Water is more important now than ever as a vital resource. We also have so many endemic species living in our cave systems here in Missouri that depend on our groundwater for their survival. It’s a very sensitive ecosystem and if any contamination were to impact them, some of those species could be wiped out completely.”

Missouri state law requires abandoned wells to be plugged properly. A well is considered abandoned when it can no longer produce water, trans-

Critters

From Page 5

chicken wire buried 6 inches in the ground can exclude smaller wildlife such as rabbits and squirrels. For deer, fences must be 8 or more feet high to be effective.

Electric fences also are an option. Deter small species with two strands of electric fencing 2 and 4 inches above the ground. Larger animals require taller fences. Trinklein recommends clearly labeling all electric fencing to avoid accidental contact by humans.

Plant selection is another way to deter wildlife. Common garden flowers considered to be deer-resistant include ageratum, geranium, marigold, morning glory, nasturtium, salvia, snapdragon, Shasta daisy, canna, liatris, petunia, phlox, verbena, vinca and yarrow. For a more complete list, go to ipm.missouri. edu/MEG/2009/7/CritterControl-in-the-Garden.

port water to its point of use and has not been used for two or more years.

“You don’t want anything going down a well from the surface straight into the underground aquifer,” Wysong said.

“We are here to help the public and our focus is on preserving our groundwater. Plugging a public water system well or a domestic well is a very common thing to work through, whether it was hand dug decades ago or more recently abandoned.”

Providing technical assistance for the work at Bennett Spring State Park was Dan Nordwald of the Missouri Geological Survey. During his career both in private industry and public service, he’s plugged around 100 abandoned water wells and more than 1,000 monitoring wells.

“This is important work and it’s essential

we protect our aquifer,” Nordwald said. “We cannot take chances when it comes to any potential contamination.”

Grants that provide financial assistance to plug abandoned wells are awarded annually to groundwater-based community and not-for-profit non-community public water systems. For additional information, please contact the department’s Source Water Protection Program Coordinator at 573-526-0269 or via email at sourcewaterprotection@dnr.mo.gov.

If you discover an abandoned well, please report it to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through our online Report an Environmental Concern form. Abandoned wells also may be reported by calling the department at 573-3682165 or emailing welldrillers@dnr.mo.gov.

The Missouri Geolog-

ical Survey regulates all borings in Missouri, including not only water wells but also monitoring wells, heat pump wells, mineral exploration wells and oil and gas wells. It permits well and pump installation contractors, maintains the Well Information Management System and interactive Well Installation Section Drilling Information Map, among other duties. Visit the well and drilling page at dnr.mo.gov for more information on the Well Installation Sections activities and resources.