R-5 sixth-graders could play softball
Princeton school board could vote on allowing those students to join JH program this season. Decision on drug testing could come during June 25 meeting
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo Anticipated low player numbers in the junior high softball program has some parents concerned to the point they want the Princeton R-5 School District to allow sixth-grade girls to participate, starting this season.
One such parent, Kelsey Holt-Allen - a former Tiger softball player, former R-5 preschool teacher, and softball mom - addressed the Board of Education about the situation during their meeting last Monday night, June 10.
She spoke of her desire to see the entire softball program grow, but feels that declining enrollment will have a negative impact on player numbers.
Princeton has trouble playing “B” games at the junior high level due to the combination of a lack of players and an innings limit. That could cause some girls to not play softball, while allowing sixth-graders to play could spur increased interest from the girls.
Superintendent Jerry Girdner said he’s had concerns about physical requirements and potential dangers, along with the age, physical and mental abilities, maturity, skills and preparedness of sixth-graders competitive junior sports.
But he’s beginning to “see the tunnel at the end of the light,” so to speak, and he’s having athletics director Mike Schmidli evaluating potential
player numbers for the upcoming 2024 season.
The board could take action at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 25. Waiting any longer could cause problems, since the board isn’t planning a July meeting. The August meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12, one week before junior high fall sports practices can begin.
Member schools of the Missouri State High School Activities voted to allow sixth-graders to play junior high sports three years ago on a sport-bysport, but Princeton has never adopted the policy. At least four of its fellow Grand River Conference West schools - Albany, King City, Worth County and Pattonsburg - allow sixth-graders to participate, and Milan (Grand River Conference) does as well. South Harrison is adopting the policy effective with the 2024-25 academic year.
None of the schools allow sixth-graders to play football.
Most HDC Conference schools allow sixth-graders to play junior high sports. None of the schools offer football, but two HDC members - Newtown-Harris and Cainsvilleare sending schools in a grades 7-12 football co-op with Princeton.
Drug testing
The board decided to table a decision to implement an extracurricular drug testing until the June 25 meeting. Girdner repeated his distaste for a hair follicle test, feeling that it’s too intrusive.
A proposed policy is being examined by the school’s at-
See New R-5 hires, Page 3
PRESTON COLE/Princeton Post-Telegraph
The Mercer County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a grant through the Unites Stated Deputy Sheriffs Association. Sheriff Jeff Spencer (center, holding vest) applied for the Grant with the Department being awarded three new custom fit, ballistic vests. The Mercer County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the United States Deputy Sheriffs Association for their generous donation. Also shown are Deputies Randal Francis (left) and Trever Ratliff.
City to get $3.55MM for water project
Princeton to get $2.8 million from state DNR in the form of a $1.4 million grant and $1.4 million loan, plus $750,000 in CDBG funds. October 2025 is expected completion date Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced last Friday (June 14) it has awarded $2.8 million in financial assistance to the city of Princeton for upgrades to its drinking water distribution, storage and treatment systems. The project is expected to total nearly $3.6 million and is anticipated to be completed by October 2025.
Project funding consists of a $1.4 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant, a $1.4 million loan and a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The funding provided by MoDNR is estimated to save the system’s customers more than $1.4 million in principal and approximately $677,000 in interest over the loan’s 30-year term.
“Successful communities make a successful state, and every community must have up-todate drinking water treatment and distribution systems to remain strong and vibrant,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. “This funding helps communities like Princeton improve drinking
water systems that serve our citizens every day.”
“An important part of our work is helping Missouri communities improve their aging water treatment systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One way we do that is by offering financial assistance through programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Through this and other available assistance programs, we can help protect public and environmental health and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”
The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems and water storage and supply facilities, along with interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a project manager.
The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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MOVIES
For Sale - Elvis movies. $20 each. Russell Jennings, 706 Prichard, Princeton. 660748-4860. 6-20p
APARTMENT FOR RENT
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
All real estate and/or houses, and all rental housing and/or property, advertised in the Princeton Post-Telegraph newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowlingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Independent Living Apartments for Rent in Lamoni, Iowa. Seniors and/or disabled individuals and couples. Ground Level Units, On-site Laundry, SmokeFree Property. Rental Assistance is available to those who qualify. Email Colony@ grm.net or call 641-784-7777 for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity.
6-20-4tb
WOOD’S GUN SHOP
5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-5-2023-ufn
FOR YOUR ASPHALT NEEDS
Griffin Asphalt of Trenton will be in Princeton all this summer. 660-359-1182 5-2/6-30b
Boyer Land Company LLC
Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673 660-748-6314
YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! 1-5-2023ufn
NO HUNTING GUNS & AMMO
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 or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 5-30-52tb
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
Holt, Evans named to GRC.com GRC West All-Sports boys’ team
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo The website GRC.com (short for grandriverconference.com) announced its boys’ allsports teams early last week, a set of teams for both the Grand River Conference West (GRCW, of which Princeton is a member) and the Grand River Conference.
Princeton landed two athletes on the GRCW AllSports boys’ team - 3-time Class 1 state high jump champion and 4-sport standout Talan Holt, and 3-sport standout Clay Evans.
Holt won the state high jump title for the thirdstraight year last month, wrapping up one of the greatest track and field careers in Tiger history - 15 out of a possible 16 point-producing (top-8) finishes in the GRC and GRCW, nine scoring finishes at the district level and seven scores at sectional meets. Add his three state titles, and that’s 34 big-time meets during which he scored, 10 of them first-place finishes.
Holt broke his school record in the high jump during this season’s GRCW track meet with a leap of 6 feet, 61/2 inches. He set the old record of 6-6 at the 2023 Class 1 state meet.
In basketball, Holt was the #3 scorer in the GRCW and received unanimous all-conference the past three seasons. He was also a Class 2 all-district selection the past three seasons
Holt has already signed a letter of intent to play basketball for North Central Missouri College during the 2024-25 season
He earned All-GRCW and all-district honors in 8-man football last season, and was an All-GRC pick his sophomore and junior seasons.
In baseball, he was an All-GRCW selection this spring, and earned all-district honors in 2023.
Evans was the #4 scorer in GRCW basketball last season, earning Class 2 all-district and unanimous AllGRCW honors. He was all-conference in the GRC in 2023.
A 3-year starter for Tiger baseball Evans was a unanimous All-GRCW pick this past spring, earning all-league recognition for the third-straight season. He also earned all-district honors for the third-straight year.
In football, Evans started Princeton’s first 8-man season at quarterback, but was injured late in the first quarter of the Tigers’ first game. He returned later in the season.
Evans is a 2-sport honoree in the classroom as well. He was named to the academic all-state team in football for the second time last fall, and earned academic all-state recognition in baseball this season.
The 2024 GRC West Boys’ All-Sports Teams: FIRST TEAM: Tyler New, Worth County; Kyle Emerson, Albany; Wyatt Maize, North Harrison; Gage Iddings, Pattonsburg; Talan Holt, Princeton; Levi Miller, St. Joseph Christian; Nate Giffin, Stanberry; Colby McQueen, Stanberry; Bo Collins, Worth County; Lucas Frisch, Worth County.
Player of the Year: Tyler New, Worth County. SECOND TEAM: Bryce Martin, Albany; Ryder Sample, King City; Payton Simmons, North Andrew; Avrey Miller, North Andrew; Austin Hill, St. Joseph Christian; Logan Hubble, St. Joseph Christian; Nick Orscheln, St. Joseph Christian; Elias Alarcon, Worth County; Kolton Smith, Worth County; Landon Moser, Worth County.
THIRD TEAM: Michael McIntosh, Albany; Jerry Gilpatrick, North Harrison; Daltyn Sperry, Pattonsburg; Clay Evans, Princeton; Vail Freuchting, St. Joseph Christian; Payton Hausman, St. Joseph Christian; Johnston Stewart, St. Joseph Christian; Tucker Schieber, Stanberry.
Remain calm
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission issued a video report recently showing a rather large bear crawling out of a cabin’s rather small vent hole. The critter had apparently spent the winter indoors. The Commission did not identify the location of the home; instead it warned residents living in wildlife locations to beware of bears. They said that if you come across signs that there’s a den near your home, “remain calm, leave the area quickly and quietly, and do not disturb the den for the rest of the winter season.”
A bird in hand
A pet parrot that goes by the name “Samba” got stranded for three days high in a tree in Lewisville, Texas. Samba survived attacks by predatory hawks before the bird’s owner, Giulio Ferrari, was able to get the bird he loves down from a tree. As he put it, “It's like my soul has reentered my body. When this happened my soul left my body for three days. I haven’t been sleeping well, I haven’t been eating. It’s been tough. I’m exhausted, physically and mentally.” All’s well that ends well.
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?”
TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph Clay Evans was named to GRC.com’s GRC West All-Sports boys’ third team.
TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph Talan Holt (#33) was named to GRC.com’s GRC West All-Sports boys’ first team.
OBITUARIES
Erma Rutherford Princeton, Mo.
Erma Rutherford, 88, of Princeton, Mo., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at NorthCare Hospice House, North Kansas City, Mo.
The daughter of Herbert Hadley and Marie Esther (Ritter) Brown, she was born on May 11, 1936.
Erma attended and graduated from Spickard High School in 1954. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Kansas City and worked at AT&T. She went on a blind date and met her future husband, Hobart Junior Rutherford. They got married on April 2, 1961 and were married for 32 years until his passing in 1983. Around this time, she moved to Princeton and started working at Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation. She retired as a data processing supervisor after working at GRM for 37 years.
Erma was baptized at a young age and was one of the original members of New Hope Baptist Church of Princeton. She held various positions in the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Survivors are her daughters, Pam (Randy) Edson of Liberty, Mo., and Linda (Roger) Easum of Cainsville, Mo.; grandchildren, Logan (Kennedi) Easum of Republic, Mo., and Nicole (Clay) Binkley of Bolivar, Mo.; sister, Deloris “Jo” Bruse of Denver, Colo.; and two nieces and two nephews.
Her funeral service was held Thursday, June 13 at New Hope Baptist Church, Princeton, under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton. Burial followed in Goshen Cemetery, west of Princeton.
Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church and/or NorthCare Hospice House, in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673.
Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
New R-5 hires
From Page 1 torney to ensure it passes legal muster. Again, time is of the essence since fall high school sports practices begin Aug. 12
More electric buses
Girdner told the board the district has been approved for an EPA grant of $1.725 million that will provide five electric school buses. The grant covers the price of the buses and infrastructure.
Grundy Electric will work with the district to implement the infrastructure for installing charging stations.
Buses could be delivered before the 2024-25 academic year begins in late August.
Other items
• A bid for banking services from Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri was approved.
• The district’s annual financial audit is scheduled to start July 26.
Mark Higgins, of Conrad & Higgins LLC of Princeton, will perform the audit.
• An online auction of a limited number of surplus items will be held via the Govdeals.com website. The auction will end on July 5.
Closed meeting actions
A number of employment decisions were announced after a scheduled closed session.
The board accepted the retirement notice of grades 7-12 art teacher
Becci Shew, who served in several capacities during her 29-year career. During the open session, Girdner presented Shew with an engraved watch.
Rafaela Johnson was employed as Shew’s replacement. She will also serve as yearbook advisor.
Angie Stockman was hired as a 7-12 math teacher, and Cody DeMoss was hired as the 7-12 business teacher.
Riley Moreno (preschool) and Bill Goodin
(special education) were employed as paraprofessionals. Goodin was also hired as high school cross country coach and 7-12 assistant track coach.
Payton Goodin and Schmidli were hired to coach junior high girls’ basketball.
Louis O’Brien was hired as interim varsity football coach.
Scott Ussery and Troy Malone were hired as assistant varsity football coaches. Part of Malone’s duties will be to transport Cainsville students who will be added to the Princeton/Newtown-Hariss co-op.
High School Principal
Dr. Merideth Ussery will serve as junior high cheer advisor for football and basketball.
Dr. Tina Holt was hired to coach high school girls’ golf.
Dale Bagley and Kaylyn Bagley will serve as National Honor Society advisors.
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, June 24: open face roast turkey sandwich with gravy, hominy, boiled new potatoes, pears.
Tuesday, June 25: chef salad with turkey and ham, club crackers, croutons, bananas with strawberry glaze.
Wednesday, June 26: smothered pork chop, black eyed peas, mixed greens, bread, mandarin oranges, apple bar.
Thursday, June 27: hamburger on bun, french fries, coleslaw, baked pineapple.
Friday, June 28: baked fish, baked beans, peas, hush puppies, assorted fruit, blueberry cobbler, ice cream.
LAND TRANSFERS
Friday, June 7
• J Mongomery Properties to Chase Land LLC.
• Main Beam Farms LLC to Grow N Bone LLC.
• Main Beam Farms LLC to TMD Farms Missouri LLC.
Tuesday, June 11
• David D. Byler to John J. Hostetler.
• Larry D. Brown, trustee, to Millburn Tallgrass Prairie LLC.
Wednesday, June 12
• Beverly Peace to Rebecca Ann Reno, trustee.
Thursday, June 13
• Richard D. Clark et al to Robert D. Clark.
• Robert D. Clack to Richard D Clark et al.
• Richard D. Clark et al to Jack & Jane Farms LLC.
MERCER CO. FOOD PANTRY
Located in the basement of Princeton 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.
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DIVISION I
CIRCUIT COURT
Judge Steven Hudson
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. Wednesday, June 12
• State vs. Shawn Phillip Ashford, St. Joseph. Ashford did not appear for a hearing on a motion to revoke his probation for Class A misdemeanor stealing. A capias warrant was ordered issued, with bond set at $10,000 cash only. Ashford’s probation was suspended until further order of the court.
• State vs. Timothy J. Dennis, Princeton. Dennis appeared on a Class E felony charge of failure to register as a sex offender. His plea of guilty was accepted, and he was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections. He is to enter a 120-day treatment order. He was ordered to pay $300 to the county law enforcement restitution fund within 60 days after his release from the Department of Corrections. Dennis was also ordered to perform 80 hours of community service within 180 days of his release, and undergo a mental health evaluation and follow up with recommendations within 30 days of his release.
• Larry Eugene Kuster, Osceola, Iowa. Kuster appeared for a probation violation hearing involving his convictions on Class E felony charges of driving while intoxicated (persistent offender) and driving while revoked or suspended, and an infraction charge of failure to display plates on motor vehicle or trailer. On the DWI charge, Kuster was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections. The court retained jurisdiction for 120 days. He was or-
dered to pay court costs.
• Mitchell R. Medina, Buellton, Calif. Mitchell appeared via Webex on a Class E felony charge of first degree tampering with a motor vehicle. At his request, cause continued to July 10 at 9 a.m. Probation was suspended, and a warrant for his arrest remains in place.
• State vs. Ivy Ormsby, Princeton. Ormsby appered for a probation violation hearing on her convictions on three Class D felony charges of possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, a Class D misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and a Class E felony charge of delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a county or private jail or correctional center except with a prescription. She is to be screened for the 3rd Circuit Treatment Court program, and if accepted, she is to complete the program.
• State vs. Michael Penrod, Ottumwa, Iowa. Penrod failed to appear on a Class D felony charge of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. A capias warrant was ordered issued, with bond set at $10,000 cash only. His probation was suspended until further of the court.
• John Thomas Scott, Leon, Iowa. Scott appeared on a Class D felony charge of stealing (motor vehicle, watercraft or aircraft). At his request, cause continued to July 2 at 1 p.m. for arraignment, or a plea or trial setting. Bond was continued, and a warrant that had previously been issued
Princeton FFA president Covey participates in Area Officer Institute
HAILEE HEIN/Princeton FFA
Princeton FFA chapter president Mia Covey recently participated in the Missouri FFA’s Area Officer Institute at Camp Rising Sun at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Covey is an Area 2 officer.
for his arrest was withdrawn.
• State vs. Dakoda Dale Wright, Cainsville. Wright appeared via Webex in two cases. One case involved Class D felony charges of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property. The other case involved a Class D felony charge of second-degree burglary, and a Class D misdemeanor charge of stealing (value less
than $150 and no prior stealing offense). At his request, cause continued to July 10 at 9 a.m. Wright was remanded to custody.
CAINSVILLE MELANIE CHANEY
Visitors of Herman and Melanie Chaney on June 15 included Amanda Zerbe, Isaac, Shyanne, Lakelyn and Lilah Chaney, Levi and Damien Chaney, Bill and Becca Deskins,
Mark Waddle and Lee Everett.
Herman and Melanie Chaney attended a Father’s day Barbecue at Isaac and Shyanne Chaney’s house. Others attending were Justin, Tracy, Shaylynn, Shawnee and Cody Begley, John Remmer, Diesel Boswell, and Kenny and Barb McLain.
Planning and preparing for Cainsville’s annual 4th of July celebration is in full swing. If anyone would like to help, has any questions or donate, please get in touch with
City Hall. The event will be Friday night, July 5 and Saturday day and night July 6, with church services Sunday morning, July 7.
Not much news, to be honest. It was a busy weekend and I didn’t have time to get it all together. Please send me some for next week, even if it’s what you think is old news, and enjoy your week.
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Princeton council approves variance on house, recreation tax request
Money would go for playground equipment at Derry Sports Complex
PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo A number of items were handled, all unanimously, during the Monday, June 10 meeting of the Princeton City Council.
Donna Herdrich requested, and received, a variance on a building permit for her residence. The current city ordinance calls for a 20-foot distance from the street to a building, but there is currently 12.5 feet from the street to the Herdrich’s building.
Rec tax request
Princeton R-5 Superintendent Jerry Girdner’s request to apply for $50,000 in recreation tax funds, on behalf of the city, was approved. The money would be used to purchase playground equipment
at the new Russ Derry Sports Complex. Why does the city have to make the request, when it doesn’t sponsor any teams that use the complex? Here’s why: The city owns the property, but the R-5 district is in charge of the complex.
Ivan Schraeder, the county’s legal counsel, recommended that the school district doesn’t own the property, the city has to sign off on the application.
The policy applies to other groups asking for recreation tax funds.
Cyber security insurance
City Superintendent Greg Goodknight requested the council approve cyber security insurance to the city’s blanket policy. The request was approved; the insurance will cost the city an additional $2,000 per year.
Gas meter prices
The council amended the city’s budget by $7,000 for the replacement of gas meters. Wesco, the company that is supplying the meters, had to increase its prices in the past year.
Fireworks permit
Bill Heck’s application for a fireworks permit was approved. The permit covers the 16-day period from June 20 to July 5. Heck sells fireworks from a tent in the parking lot of his business, Crossroads Liquor & Sporting Goods.
Other items
Goodknight told the council a payment request of $19,000 was submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for the water tower project. Tank Pro, the contractor that won the bid to perform the work, will be bringing equipment to town to start the project.
Goodknight also said a decision needs to be made on charges to rent the city’s dump trailer. The council set the rate at $200, which will cover a $65 minimum fee for up to one ton of debris, plus fuel, labor and mileage. Any additional tonnage over one ton will be charged an additional $65 per ton.
The trailer will be rented only to persons who live inside the Princeton city limits.
And finally …
• Maridy Campbell was on the agenda to discuss an issue with cats, but did not appear.
• The next meeting will be held Monday, July 8 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Editor’s note: Information for this report came from unapproved meeting minutes provided by Deputy City Clerk Jami McLain.
Lineville council handles items from all city departments at meeting
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
LINEVILLE, Iowa Mem-
bers of the Lineville City Council handled items from every city department, during the group’s June 10 meeting.
Water Department
Shrinkage was reported at 10.73%.
Kevin Nickell, water/ wastewater superintendent, said the recent Department of Natural Resources inspection went well, with only two requirements that need to be met and some recommendations the council should consider.
City Clerk Brandy Shriver was instructed to contact Kelling Electric to get an estimate of the cost of setting up the pump house with a generator backup.
Sewer Department
Shriver told council members that the contractor accidentally dug up the Community Building’s electric service line, while digging drains for the library addition. Discussion was also held about Nickell needing to inspect a manhole on East Third Street.
Shriver was told to contact Kelling Electric for an estimate on the cost of setting up the lift station with a generator hookup.
Garbage Department
Some dumpster customers get trash picked up twice a week but are charged the same monthly fee as dumpster customers picked up weekly. No changes were made to the current billing.
Shriver told the council about the fees to take tires to the landfill. The council agreed to try to have a
tire disposal day for Iowa city residents only in August. Businesses won’t be allowed to participate.
The recycling trailer needs new signs and tires, and maybe wheel bearings. The council approved buying new tires and getting the bearings checked.
Street Department
Mayor Jack Shields said he needs to find a person to run a leaf blower for him while he’s fixing potholes. Shriver said she’d help Shields.
Other items
• Shriver gave the council an estimate to fix electrical outlets in the park. The estimate to only fix the outlets to where
they’d work was $495. Councilman Tom Shriver moved to have two outlets on the north side of the park and two on the south side to be brought up-to-date and repaired, regardless of the cost.
The council voted to go with Shriver’s plan.
(Editor’s note: Tom Shriver is Brandy Shriver’s husband. She was employed as city clerk several years before he was elected.)
• Brandy Shriver gave the council an agreement from LeCompte Memorial Library, and the council approved it.
• A discussion was held about city rules about livestock inside the city
limits. Lineville city codes say “No livestock in the City Limits without written consent from the council.” Shields will be speaking with the concerned resident about removal of the livestock.
• Brandy Shriver presented the monthly fund balance report. Income during May was $19,676.13 in governmental funds and
$22,312.02 in utility funds. May expenditures were $40,817.95 in governmental funds and $24,011.91 in utility funds. The usual transfers of $1,425 in utility funds were made.
Editor’s note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by City Clerk Brandy Shriver. All votes were unanimous, except where noted.
COURTESY MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Forty-five FFA members from across the state participated in the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Pictured above are the winners of the beginning division. They are (from left) Carson Coram, Linn County, first; third place Kenadi Head, Linn County, third; and Hailee Hein, Princeton, third.
Princeton’s Hein takes second in FFA
Public Speaking Academy competition
HAILEE HEIN
Princeton FFA
WARRENSBURG, Mo.
Forty-five FFA members from across the state participated in the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy held June 4-6 on the University of Central Missouri campus, sponsored by the University of Central Missouri, Missouri State, and Missouri FFA Foundation.
During the three-day event, FFA members used their resources to develop and refine an effective speech. Dr. Terry Cunconan, Dr. Nikki Freeman, and Ms. Sydney Crank from the university’s Speech Communication Department conducted the three days of intense learning. The academy was designed to help FFA members increase their confidence, develop organizational skills, use language effectively, analyze audiences and improve speaking skills by judging themselves honestly and critically, while keeping a positive attitude. Each student presented their
speech in competition at the conclusion of the academy.
Awards were presented at a banquet held on Thursday, June 6. The banquet included the presentation of certificates of completion to each of the participants and recognition of the winners in each division. The finalists in each division (Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced) were presented plaques and a state Public Speaking Pin from the Missouri FFA Association.
Beginning Division results: first, Carson Coram; Linn County; second, Hailee Hein, Princeton; third; Kenadi Head, Linn County.
Intermediate Division results: first, Kate Strackeljahn, St. James; second, Ashlyn Klippenstein, Maysville; third, Riley Bruce, Fair Play.
Advanced Division results: first, David Gramajo-Paz. Carthage; second, Wrinston Worthington, Dadeville; third, Krista Cokerham, Meadville; fourth place, Douglas
History part of Green City’s 4th
KAREN BRADSHAW
Unionville Republican GREEN CITY, Mo Save the dates - Wednesday-Thursday, July 3-4.
As part of the Green City Chamber of Commerce’s July 4 celebration and fireworks display, the public is welcome to join the community on July 3-4 to celebrate the restoration of the 1931 Shell Filling Station off the southeast corner of the square, where Fred “Killer” Burke was first identified and later captured at Green City on March 26, 1931.
Two authors and historians will speak at the Green City Museum.
the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre escaped, Ten months later, on Dec. 14, 1929 in St. Joseph, Mich., while working a routine traffic crash, police officer Charles Skelly came face to face with a killer. Shots were fired, the assailant escaped, and the dying Officer Skelly identified his murderer before taking his last breath.
Ball, Carthage.
Assisting with the threeday conference were state FFA vice presidents Braden Havlik, Langston Mitchell, Jackson Rhine, and Carmen Wilburn. The conference coordinator for the academy is Marie Davis, Northeast District supervisor for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education in Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Hailee Hein is co-reporter for the Princeton FFA chapter.
“Bloody Chicago” was the name given to America’s most corrupt city after the grotesque scene that left seven humans inbedded into masonry walls and oil-slickened concrete. Two Thompson submachine guns did most of the damage, but the masterminds behind
The trail led to a home in Stevensville, Mich., where authorities found an arsenal of weaponry, over $300,000 worth of stolen bonds, bulletproof vests and two Thompson submachine guns, The hideout belonged to Fred Burke, a highly sought suspect in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and now the most wanted man in the nation.
Chriss Lyon is a retired public safety professional and historian who has not only walked the beat, but shot the most famous Thompson submachine gun in the world, all while
documenting and researching the historic era of the “Roaring 20s.” Using techniques of forsensic genealogy combined with investigative research, she has been able to uncover little known facts about the people and events surrounding the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre using police reports that had never been publised, interviews with family members of key witnesses, and leading experts.
Lyon established the foundation for what would develop as a haven for gangsters from the onset of the Prohibition Era through to the mid-20th century, while revealing new information about the eventual capture of notorious gangster Fred “Killer” Burke on a farm northwest of Green City. Lyon is the author of A Killing in Capone’s Playground: The Story of the See Green City, Page 7
Members of the Princeton FFA chapter recently participated in FFA Camp at Camp Rising Sun at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Pictured above with state FFA officers are Emily Oswalt (from left, directly behind sign), Riley Clark, Lauren Cunningham, Evan Boxley and Princeton FFA advisor Kurt Meighen. Campers had the opportunity to participate in various leadership activities. Oswalt earned two awards: a State Leadership Award and All-Around Camper Award.
Green City history to be feature of town’s July 4th event From Page 7
Hunt for the Most Dangerous Man Alive Enfys (pronounced EN-vis) McMurry, author of Centerville, The Mid-America Saga and Disaster at 39,000 Feet, is a Welsh-American writer and public speaker.
The authors and the Green City Historical Museum are looking for previously untold or lost stories and artifacts from families and area citizens about the capture of Fred “Killer” Burke and stories about Harvey Bailey. Help them save that intriguig part of Green City history for the generations to come. Please visit and share your story with the authors before it is lost forever.
Wednesday, July 3, 1-5 p.m.
• Meet and greet with Lyon and McMurry at the Book Nook (Green City), housed on the first floor of the Green City Museum.
• The Capture of Fred Burke, the movie filmed on location in Green City in 1931, will be shown every hour on the hour, starting at 1 p.m. The cast of the film are all the original people involved with the capture and local area citizens, except for Fred Burke.
• The “Famous Shell Filling Station and Historic Depot” will be open to the public on July 4 from 1-4 p.m.
• The Green City Museum will have a special display about Harvey Bailey, the “Dean of American Bank Robbers,” on July 3 from 1-5 p.m., and July 4 from 1-4 p.m.
To help celebrate this historical event, anyone who has a gangster-era car or truck, moonshine still, or gangster-related history, the Green City Chamber of Commerce would love you to join its July 4 parade. Line up at 10:30 a.m. at the Green City school. Enter the car
show after the parade in front of the museum.
If you have any ques-
tions, contact David Hauser at 660-342-2781 or 660-874-4455.
COURTESY MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
COMMISSION
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.
All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted. Monday, June 10
• Commissioner candidates Denny Power, Gary Porter and Amy Cool were in attendance.
• Minutes of the June 3 meeting were approved.
• Bills were approved and paid.
• The May sales tax and use tax reports were received from the Missouri Department of Revenue, for the county’s use on June 7.
• Sheriff Jeff Spencer spoke to commissioners. Later, he presented the May motor equipment expense report for Deputy Trever Ratliff.
• Circuit Clerk and Recorder Tammy Crouse presented the May uniform disbursement record, receipt and disbursement report, and list of land transfers.
• Mileage logs were received from Road & Bridge Supervisor
Shawn Powell.
• Commissioners received the balance of funds and delinquent tax reports from Collector/ Treasurer Susan Moore, verified by County Clerk Judy Hamilton. Hamilton also presented the balance of protested taxes and year to date revenue and expense reports to commissioners and other elected officials.
• Commissioners received the notification of a road closure for Bridge 01300282 BRO-R065 (42) replacement on Badger Street in Lindley Township from Brookfield Box & Bridge LLC. The notification says the road is anticipated to be closed through Aug. 17.
• Commissioners and Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Moore to pay the following:
* $95.63 to GRM Networks for the phone bill in Moore’s office (money taken from Treasurer’s Maintenance Fund #34);
* $7,513.94 to Norris Quarries for gravel and $2,479.85 to the Mercer County Road & Bridge
The goat that got away
It was easy for Jeffrey the goat to make his getaway in Kansas City, M0. After all, he is a mountain goat. They found him hiding 80 feet off the ground under a roadway and rescuers managed to get a rope around him. But Jeffrey didn’t surrender. Instead, he tried to escape by jumping from ledge to ledge. He finally fell to the ground, landing on padding provided by local firefighters.
Department for gravel and hauling in Lindley Township (money taken from Lindley Township Fund #43); and
* $19,474.82 in prisoner board reimbursement from the state of Missouri to Law Enforcement Fund #36 from Criminal Cost Fund #25.
• Commissioners re-
ceived copies of a memo/order from Prosecuting Attorney Pamela Blevins requesting Moore issue checks from Mercer County Law Enforcement Fund #39 in the amounts of $607.79 to Cardmember Services for towing and storage of evidence, $415 to All Systems Go for a speak-
er for use in the courtroom, and $184.08 to Coroner Doug Priest for the transport of human remains to the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorization from the Restitution Board for all requests were attached.
• Commissioners went into closed session at
9:10 a.m. for personnel actions. They returned to open session at 9:19 a.m.; no actions were taken.
• Spencer and commissioners went to meet with Harrison County Sheriff Trevor Place to discuss dispatch service being provided, and options for 2025.
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