R-5 board handles variety of items at January meeting
Girdner has superintendent contract extended by a year, to 2027-28. Two incumbents file for board positions, so no election will be held in April
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo During their annual evaluation process, members of the Princeton R-5 Board of Education unanimously extended the contract of Superintendent Jerry Girdner by another year.
The action took place during the board’s meeting last Tuesday night (Jan. 14).
The action by the six members present (board president Ron Parsons was absent) keeps Girdner under a three-year contract through the 2027-28 school year.
His salary will be determined next summer during the annual budget process.
No election to be held
Girdner told the group that current board members Parsons and Nathan Evans were the only persons who filed for the April 8 election. Under state
law, Princeton R-5 doesn’t have to hold an election, and the two men will automatically remain on the board.
Math program review
The district’s grade 7-12 mathematics teachers provided a review of the program, including an update on enrollment in certain course offerings. They presented sample lessons to highlight their classroom strategies, and discussed their efforts to support student achievement.
And, they told board members about a unique opportunity for scholarships that reward students for high scores on the math portion of the ACT. Students can get a $500 scholarship for a 30 score, $1,000 for a 35 score, and $2,000 for a 36 score.
Policies approved
After studying 16 policy updates, the board unanimously voted to approve and/or adopt them. The Missouri Consultations for Education provided the updates that reflect legislative changes. Most of the up-
dates were mandatory.
The policies approved cover:
• the school year and school day
• compulsory attendance ages
• student attendance
• truancy and educational neglect
• student suicide awareness
• average daily attendanceearly childhood program
• certified staff contracts
• support staff duties
• differentiated salary schedules
• minimum teacher salaries
• Career Ladder
• employee post-retirement options
• terms and conditions of employment
• meal charges
• Holocaust education
• virtual education
School funding update
Board members received updates about the impact of Senate Bill 727 on school funding. The focus of a discussion was on new requirements of next
See R-5 board, Page 6
Special Tiger, special moment
KELLY/For the
At 8:05 p.m. last Monday night (Jan. 13), with 61/2 minutes left in the game against the South Harrison JV in the South Harrison Tournament, Princeton senior Addilyn Henke (center) hit a 3-point basket to send her over the 2,000-point mark for her career. Henke is just the second Tiger girl to score 2,000 points during a career; Stacy (Rockhold) Snyder (1985-86 through 1988-89) was the first and still holds the school girls’ record of 2,112 points. Henke could break the record Friday night against St. Joseph Christian in Grand River Conference West play in the Princeton Elementary Gym. She’s shown her after the Jan. 13 game with one of the many banners made to recognize her feat, along with Tiger assistant coach Payton Goodin (left) and head coach Mike Schmidli.
REAL ID requirements enforcement begins May 7
ANNE MARIE MOY
Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7 is less than four months away. Currently, 41% of the Missouri Department of Revenue’s total document holders have a REAL ID. While a final rule issued at the federal level allows federal agencies to utilize a phased-in approach to card-based enforcement for up to two years beyond the May 7 deadline, the Department is encouraging Missourians to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
A Missouri-issued REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card will have a star, as shown below, in the upper righthand corner. A driver license or ID card that is noncompliant with REAL ID will have “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” in the upper right-hand corner. Who will need a REAL ID?
Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID is a choice, and is not mandatory. However, individuals will soon be required to present a REAL ID-com-
pliant document for official purposes including, but not limited to, entering nuclear power plants, accessing federal facilities, and boarding federally regulated domestic flights. If you plan on flying in the future but do not want to apply for a REAL ID, you can present another Transportation Security Administration approved acceptable form of ID such as your U.S. passport.
A noncompliant driver license or ID card is, and will continue to be, acceptable for verification of identity, driving privileges, verification of age, voting and registering to vote, and other purposes not limited by the REAL ID Act. What documents do I need to obtain a REAL ID?
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, Missourians will need to submit valid, original documents verifying their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, proof of residency, and official name change if needed. Anyone wishing to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or
ID card must notify the person assisting them at the start of their transaction. When will REAL ID requirements start being enforced?
REAL ID will start being enforced on May 7. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to ease the burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where can I apply for a REAL ID?
Residents can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or non-driver identification card at one of Missouri’s many contract license office locations. The transaction and processing fees for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, new or renewal, are the same as for a license or ID card that is noncompliant with REAL ID. Detailed fee information can be found at https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/ resources/license.html#fees. Duplicate transaction fee waiver provisions may apply for an otherwise eligible first-time REAL ID-compliant card applicant,
COURTESY PRINCETON R-5 Princeton’s representatives on their respective South Harrison Tournament All-Tournament teams are shown here. From left: Macey Lewis, Kash Holt, Clay Evans and Addilyn Henke. Evans was also named as the Most Valuable Player of the boys’ tournament.
currently holding a valid document with more than six-months remaining until expiration. Why are these changes being made?
The REAL ID Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government set new standards for the issuance of identification to achieve enhanced security.
Missourians can learn more about REAL ID at https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/real-id/. Information is also available on the TSA website at tsa.gov/real-id and on the DHS website at dhs.gov/real-id.
The ONLY COMPLETE COVERAGE of both Mercer County varsity-level sports programs every week can only be found on our pages! PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH
Work was to be completed this month. DNR must approve city’s extension PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph PRINCETON, Mo During a brief meeting last Monday night (Jan. 13), the Princeton City Council granted an extension to the firm that is performing the distribution portion of the city’s water/wastewater project. The extension, requested through April, is dependent on approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), however. Flinn & Sons Excavating of Union Star, Mo., is doing the work of installing new water
See Extension, Page 3
TERRI
Post-Telegraph
OBITUARIES
Dallas Rose Princeton, Mo.
Dallas William Rose, 16, of Princeton, Mo., passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at his home.
Dallas was born the son of Daniel and Stephanie (Odom) Rose in Jefferson City, Mo., on May 13, 2008, completing our little family. He was raised on a farm with his two older sisters, where they gave us the greatest memories. He loved riding his dirt bike, four-wheeler, and go-cart. Always going fast! Dallas was attending Princeton High School, having started his junior year this past gall, after moving to the town in May 2024.
There are so many things to say about him, it’s hard to figure out where to begin. We’ll always remember him as our sweet little boy, stealing our hearts and making everyone smile, however, this last year has been one of much change and growth in so many wonderful ways. Watching him change from boy to young man, learning to make his way in the world, has been an experience like none other. He had so many irons in the fire. No step he made was without purpose. From thousands of adventures through the woods and in the fields with his sisters to teenage boy hanging out with his new friends. There was always something to learn, something to explore. A puzzle to figure out, a code to crack. A task to complete, high scores to beat, tests
to ace. He had a love for space and astronomy, that began at an early age when he got his first telescope and continued on as he grew. He was always writing stories and poems, bringing his imagination to life through his characters and worlds.
Dallas was such an amazing person. Sweet and kind and good. To know him, was to love him. Although nothing took a backseat to his family, he would always try to make time for everybody he came in contact with, no matter how small the interaction. He never held any ill will towards anyone, but was always quick with a joke. He thoroughly enjoyed making people smile and laugh. He was on the A honor roll and had a list of activities and projects he was either continuing or beginning this year. Scholar Bowl, teacher’s aide, Dungeons and Dragons DM, disc golf, football…he was just simply thriving here. He made an impact on so many people in such a short time.
There aren’t words to describe the loss we are feeling. Our boy left a 6-foot 5-inch hole in all our hearts. And his just grew too big for this world. The strength and love of his memory will live on forever in all of us.
Dallas is survived by his parents; sister, Emma and Rebecca Rose; maternal grandfather, Brad Odom and paternal great grandfather, Calvin Schaefferkoetter.
Dallas has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home of Princeton.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Dallas Rose Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
Jim Arnote
Prairie Village, Kan.
Jimmie Lee Arnote, 95, of Prairie Village, Kan., died peacefully at home 0n Saturday evening, Jan. 11, 2025.
His funeral service was held Sunday, Jan. 19 at Johnson County Funeral Chapel in Overland Park, Kan.
“Jim” was born on Sept. 5, 1929, in Princeton, Mo., the youngest child of Bert Tray and Maude Arnote. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy E. (Morrison) Arnote, brothers Joseph R. (Lorene), Thavis R. (Coral), and M. Hubert Arnote; and sisters Averil (Bob) and Enid (Emery). He is survived by his sister-in-law Avanelle Arnote; his sons Jeff and Jay (Deanne) Arnote; three grandchildren, Jared (Marta), Katie, and Allie Hightower (Casen); one great granddaughter, Hadley; and a great grandson on the way.
Jim grew up on the family farm without modern conveniences like plumbing and electricity. Primary schooling was in a one-room schoolhouse with his older brothers as the teachers. He worked summers following the wheat harvest across the upper Midwest. Jim graduated from Princeton High School. College was interrupted by an offer he couldn’t refuse from the U. S. Army. He served during the Korean War and was assigned to act as military police escorting AWOL soldiers. He then returned to school and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While a member of
Tau Kappa Epsilon, he met Dorothy (Dot) and they were married at First Baptist Church of Gallatin, Mo., on Aug. 7, 1955. Jim and Dot moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he started his pest control career with Midwest Spray Chemical Company. Later he moved to Prairie Village, and worked for the Industrial Fumigant Company. In the early 70’s, he took over as part-owner and vice president. Jim and his partners traveled the world dealing with chemical suppliers and eliminating pests within the food industry. In 2001, the company was sold to the employees, and Jim joined the Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Jim always had many irons in the fire like owning the St. Regis Hotel, owning apartments and rental properties, a bookstore, and a gun store. Along with friends, he owned many motor homes for vacation travel around the country. Throughout his life, Jim managed the Arnote family farms, and enjoyed collecting and driving antique John Deere tractors. He owned many collectible cars, and never without a convertible to drive in nice weather, and still owns the 1967 Camaro he purchased for Dot. Jim and Dot were active members of Cherokee Christian Church for over 40 years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Christian Church of Princeton in Jim’s name.
Ronald Moss Newtown, Iowa
Ronald Lee Moss, 87, of Newton, Iowa, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at his home. A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 20 at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials in Ron’s name can be left at the funeral home. (Please make checks payable to Mary Moss.)
Ron, the son of Carl and Roberta (Constable) Moss, was born Jan. 9, 1938, in Cainsville, Mo. He graduated from Princeton, Mo., High School in 1956 and then attended Central College. Ron was united in marriage with Mary Helen Wokosin on May 3, 1958, at First Baptist Church in Newton. Ron worked in the parts department at Maples Chevrolet from 1968-2000. After his retirement, he was a bus driver for the Newton schools from 2000-2019. Ron drove many of the sports teams to their games, and as a result, kept a close eye on scores and accomplishments from all kids he transported. He was well-liked
and remembered by the students he drove. Ron was a member of First Baptist Church and the Red Rock Threshers. He enjoyed antique tractors and participated in tractor pulls and harvests with the Threshers. Ron shared a love of old cars with both of his sons. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and never missed their events. He always had a good story to tell. Pop-Tarts and ice cream were two staples of Ron’s diet. He believed “A day without ice cream is like a day without sunshine!”
Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Moss of Newton; his sons, Terry (Cathy) Moss of Newton and David (Connie) Moss of Newton; his grandchildren: Kyle, Tanner (Jerrica), Tyler, Kara, Mackenzie (Brandon), and Abi (Dillon); his four great-grandchildren, Payton, Briah, Brynnlee, and Benton; his brother, Joe Moss; his sisters-in-law, Donna (Bill) Booth and Vida Trotter; and his two favorite grand dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Donna Moss; and brother-in-law, Bob Trotter.
COMMISSION
MERCER COUNTY
COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.
All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted. Monday, Jan. 13
• 2nd District Commissioner Gary Porter participated via teleconference.
• Minutes of the Jan. 6 meeting were approved as revised.
• Time sheets and the Jan 15 payroll were approved.
• Commissioners received the December current and delinquent tax balances from Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore, verified by County Clerk Judy Hamilton’s worksheets. Hamilton also presented the balance worksheet of protested taxes.
• Kyle Halferty with First Interstate Bank presented signature cards for commissioners, Hamilton and Moore to sign.
• Commissioners received green sheets reflecting 2025 payroll changes for each employee from their respective departments.
• Public Administrator Kelli Judd presented a letter electing to be paid based on salary for her current term in office (2025 through 2028).
• The county received the December sales tax and use tax reports from the Missouri Department of Revenue for the county’s use on Jan. 7.
• Sheriff Jeff Spencer presented an intergovernmental service agreement for the confinement of prisoners, dated Nov. 19, 2024, between the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and Mercer County. The facility would be used for detention and transportation services. Commissioners approved the agreement, and it was signed by Spencer and Presiding Commissioner Jerry Allen.
• A bid opening was held for Bridge 07900221 BRO-R065 (001) on Bison Street in Marion Township with Shannon Howe of Howe Company LLC. The following bids were received:
* MS Contracting, Brookfield, Mo.$754,798
* C&C Bridge & Concrete, Pilot Grove, Mo.$1,291,423.50
* BRS Construction, Edina, Mo. - $837,860.50 Howe will review the bids and get back to commissioners.
Howe told commissioners an easement had been obtained on BRO-R065 (41) on Jewell Street in Washington Township for $2,720. Allen signed the rightof-way clearance certification. Howe told commissioners they would need Road & Bridge employees to remove four or five trees in the rightof-way before March 31. The trees have broken limbs, bark fallen off or holes in them.
• Commissioners received orders from Mercer County Circuit Court establishing compensation of Deputies Randy Francis, Trever Ratliff and Jordan Boswell for 2025.
• Porter disconnected from the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
• Commissioners received Tier Two notification from the city of Princeton.
• Allen signed Progress Invoice #11 from Bridge 25300041 BRO-B065 (41) for $3,063.98; Progress Invoice #8 for Bridge 07900221 BRO-R065 (001) for
$11,800.01; and Progress Invoice #11 for Bridge 25200071 BROR065 (40) for $6,422.02, all for engineering services.
LAND TRANSFERS
Friday, Jan. 10
• Justin Toomey to Corey Brant.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
• G.D. & R.J. Inc. to the Barbara J. Ellsworth Revocable Living Trust.
• G.D. & R.J. Inc. to Brandon C. Harvey and Katie L. Harvey.
Thursday, Jan. 16
• Jeanette Clark, trustee, et al to James Robert Clark et al.
• James Robert Clark, trustee, to Crosshair Properties II LLC.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
All persons listed are Missouri residents unless otherwise listed.
Friday, Jan. 10
• Brandon T. May, Kansas City, and Stacy C. Labrozzi, St. Joseph.
• Jereamy R. Doolittle and Bayleigh S. Cooper, both of St. Joseph.
MERCER CO. HEALTH DEPT.
305 West Main, Princeton 660-748-3630
JANUARY 2025
WIC services
Thursday, Jan. 23, at office, by appointment. Open lab Friday, Jan. 24, 8-10 a.m., by appointment. Other items
• Board meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m.
• The MCHD is still offering COVID-19 and flu shots for all persons 6 months of age and older regardless of insurance status; state vaccine provided by VFC and 317 programs. Regular and high-dose flu shots are available. RSV vaccines may be available for those age 60 or older, and women during their 32nd through 36th weeks of pregnancy. Inventory is limited. A monoclonal antibody injection is also available for infants in their first RSV season. Call 660748-3630 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Extension
From Page 1
lines and mains, and its part of the project is supposed to be finished this month, City Superintendent Greg Goodknight said. He presented the request to the council, which unanimously approved it.
A change order has been submitted to the DNR for its approval.
Goodknight also reported that workers from Smico Contracting of Odessa, Mo., are onsite at the water plant to begin making improvements there.
Trash request approved
Nancy Gamet had asked to have the trash pickup service at the residence of her late father-in-law, Bill Gamet, stopped. Council members voted to approve the request until the residence is occupied again.
Other actions
• Minutes from the December meeting were approved, and bills were approved and paid.
• North Ward Councilman Tony Johnson was reelected to serve as mayor pro tem. He presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Doug Stark.
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Editor’s note: Information for this report came from unapproved meeting minutes provided by Deputy City Clerk Jami McLain.
CAINSVILLE
MELANIE CHANEY
Rich and Helen Frisbie and Sandy Alexander attended the “hitching party” for Carrie and Jim Bob Cook on Saturday night at Marty and Lori Youngs’ house. Good crowd, great food, music and fun.
Kenny and Barb McLain visited with Rocky Hart on Saturday, Jan. 18. Rocky is recovering from knee surgery and some complications in Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe. He will be there until the end of February so he would enjoy visitors! Keep him in your thoughts and prayers!
Herman and Melanie Chaney and Sam and Brenda Vaughn went out for supper Jan. 18 to celebrate Brenda’s birthday.
Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline are coming to Cainsville! Mark your calendars folks!
Sunday, Feb, 9, Elvis Presley (Ben Johnson) and Patsy Cline (Lauren
Johnson) will be at the Cainsville school gym! Cainsville Betterment Committee is holding a fundraiser for the Cainsville Depot and American Legion Post #257. The Cainsville R-I senior class will kick off our Sunday with a free will donation luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds of the luncheon help our 2025 class go on their senior trip. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. will be a dessert auction in the gym. Then at 1:30, Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline will put on a concert to entertain us all! Free will donation for the concert. All proceeds from the dessert auction and concert will go to Cainsville American Legion Post #257 and will be used to restore the precious depot! Come join us for some fun and fellowship!
Big shout out of great appreciation to GRM Networks for their grant of $1,050 going for a new refrigerator and hot water heater at the cook shack at the American Legion ball field. Thank you to Becca Deskins for sending the application, to Tara Robbins for telling what was needed, and to everyone else who helped along the way. Trenton Community
Plumbing will be putting in the hot water heater free of charge! The American Legion building and grounds project is expected to take $40,000, so any and all support is greatly needed and appreciated.
The Cainsville R-1 school board meeting will be Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.There are varsity basketball games at Tri-County on Jan. 24. The week of Jan. 27 begins the Gilman City Basketball Tournament. The East Harrison girls play Tuesday, Jan. 28 against Tri-County at 4:30 p.m., and the Bobcat boys play Gilman City af 5:45 after the girls’ game.
Have a great week and try to stay warm!
ORGANIZATIONS
Chapter BY PEO
Chapter BY of PEO met Jan. 13 with Jeania Hobbs as hostess. Terri Moore reported on the success of the wrapping of Toys For Tots. Discussion was held on restructuring the scholar award. The program was introducing ourselves to our new members. We learned one sister had met Jimmy Carter, three members played basketball in a cafeteria/gym, and a story of an infa-
mous Ford Falcon. Next meeting will be Feb. 3 with Gayle Waldron as hostess. Beth Boxley will present the program on our Founder’s Day.
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.
Lineville council approves water project bid
Corydon firm’s bid was the lowest of two bids received. City clerk, two workers get raises
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
LINEVILLE, Iowa Mem-
bers of the Lineville City Council approved the low bid for a water main replacement project, during its meeting last Monday night (Jan. 13).
First, Mayor Jack Shields opened a public hearing about proposed plans, form of conract, and the cost estimate for a water main replacement on West Elm Street.
Two bids were received - Shane Poe Construction LLC of Downing, Mo., $158,483; and Southern Iowa Plumbing of Corydon, Iowa, $139,000. No comments were received, either orally or by mail, so the hearing was closed.
Next, City Clerk Brandy Shriver presented a resolution awarding the contract for the project to Southern Iowa Plumbing, and all five council members approved the resolu-
tion. Finally, Shriver presented council members with information from area banks from which to borrow money, since the city will need extra money to complete the project. The council voted to borrow $100,000 from Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri when it becomes necessary. Other business
• Judy Shields told the council that she and her husband want to deed a portion of their property to their son, to place a building and living quarters, and asked where he could connect to utilities and who paid for doing so. Shriver was told to call the Iowa League of Citizens to find out what the city’s legal obligations are about the matter. Shields was asked to get more details about what water usage might be, and which direction he would want to go to connect with the sewer main. The latter is because the main closest
to the property wouldn’t have enough fall, so he would need a lift pump.
• Shrinkage in the Water Department was reported at 22.42%.
• Shields directed Shriver to have water/wastewater Superintendent Kevin Nickell to contact someone to “blow out” a pipe at the city lagoon.
• Shriver gave council members the most recent update on the post office situation. She read an email from a United States Postal Service (USPS) attorney to the city’s lawyer, Alan Wilson, and his response.
The USPS attorney said their position is that the city can’t terminate the post office’s lease since it runs through September 2027. Wilson said the city doesn’t want to terminate the lease, but wants to move the post office to a safer space the city has prepared in the Community Building.
• A discussion was held about annual pay raises. On 5-0 vote, $1 hourly
raises were given to Denny Rankin (to $19) and Nickell (to $18).
On a 4-0 vote with Councilman Tom Shriver abstaining, Brandy Shriver was granted a 5% raise that increases her salary from $29,256.20 to $30,719.10.
Brandy Shriver was already holding the city clerk position when Tom Shriver was first elected to the council.
• Brandy Shriver presented the monthly fund balance report for December. Income was $14,235.12 in governmental fund and $18,785.52 in utility funds. Expenses were $15,243.05 in governmental funds and $25,644.66 in utility funds.
The usual transfer of $1,425 in utility funds was also reported.
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.
Thousand Hills SP gets special designation
TISHA HOLDEN
Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
Missouri State Parks has announced that DarkSky International has certified Thousand Hills State Park or rural Kirksville as an Urban Night Sky Place.
A culmination of years of collaborative effort, the certification validates the park’s work in protecting the night sky above and around the city from the effects of light pollution.
"This achievement reflects the dedication of Thousand Hills State Park, DarkSky Missouri, Truman State University and the city of Kirksville to reducing light pollution as a vital step toward protecting and celebrating the region’s significant cultural and natural resources,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places program manager. “It is encouraging to see so many collaborators supporting this effort.”
Ryan Persinger, superintendent of Thousand Hills State Park, spearheaded the initiative to promote night sky preservation and light pollution abatement. He has worked diligently in making certain the park met the standards to earn the certification.
“First, we had to determine which DarkSky certification the park would qualify for, and then we worked to get the park lighting and management plans to meet those requirements. We developed a light management plan for the park and inventoried all the outdoor light fixtures in the park,” Persinger said. “After getting 67% of the park lights to meet the certification requirements and getting community support letters, we were able to submit our application to DarkSky International.”
The idea for the DarkSky certification came about in early 2020 from a group of Truman State University students under the guidance of their professor Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale. Persinger then worked with both DarkSky Missouri and DarkSky International for application and certification requirements and guidance. The park team worked with the Adair County Public Library and Truman State University on dark sky and astronomy programming and gathered community support letters.
By 2021, Persinger submitted the initial certification inquiry to start the process with DarkSky Missouri, and by September 2024, Thousand Hills State Park received its certification. The park’s outdoor lighting is currently 78% compliant with plans to be 100%
compliant by the end of 2025.
“We work to keep the light pollution in and around our parks to a minimum to help protect the beauty of the night,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “We view this park as a beautiful area, near a large city, where our guests can enjoy the darkness and beautiful night skies that our ancestors enjoyed.”
Thousand Hills State Park now joins more than 220 Dark Sky Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting darksky.org/ what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.
Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 west of Kirksville.
to SMC board
Special to the Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo. GRM Networks chief revenue officer Jenni Neff has been appointed by NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association to the Services Management Corporation (SMC) Board of Directors as a Central Regional Representative. SMC is the organization that provides the day-to-day administration of benefit programs that are provided by NTCA for employees of NTCA member companies such as GRM Networks.
“Jenni has been an integral part of our management team for more than 20 years,” said GRM Networks chief executive officer Mitchell Bailey. “She has overseen the administration of our employee benefits program which covers present and retired employees of the cooperative. She will bring a wealth of understanding and experience to the SMC board.”
Neff, along with other board members, will provide leadership and oversight. Her term runs through December 2027, when she will be eligible for reappointment.
Olson to retire Feb. 1 as MSHP superintendent
MEGHAN CLOUSE
Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
Colonel Eric T. Olson, 24th superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced he will retire effective Feb. 1 after more than 34 years of dedicated service.
“I appreciate the support and friendships I have made across the state the last 34 years,” Olson said. “The privilege to serve as a trooper has been a rewarding and
humbling experience. I thank my family as well for their unwavering support throughout my career."
“Colonel Olson is a dedicated public servant whose commitment to law and order and improving public safety across our state will be greatly missed,” Gov. Mike Parson said at the time of the announcement. “Appointing Eric as MSHP
See Olson retires, Page 5
GRM Networks’ Jenni Neff GRM Networks’ Neff named
Princeton HS announces 2nd quarter honor rolls
Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo Princeton R-5 Junior/Senior High School recently announced its honor rolls for the second quarter of the 2024-25 academic year.
Seventh grade “A” Maizy Allen, Aubrey Meek, Brooklyn Purvis, Gray Rardon, Presley Stockman, Chandler Ussery.
Seventh grade “B”
Andrew Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Karter Spencer, Johnathon Wright.
Eighth grade “A”
Shayden Berndt, Benjamain Campbell, Ainsley Cowan, Brodie Ellsworth, Treylen Francis, Lucas Girdner, Annie Martin, Aniston Power, Mary Jane Renfro, Brile-
igh Summers, Mackenzie Willett.
Eighth grade “B”
Brooklyn Besco, Jozie Estes, Adysen Girdner, Aalayah Hofius, Addisyn Illg, Mathew Lamp, Wesley Roberts, Ethan VanGenderen.
Freshmen “A”
Emzlie Bauer, Shannon Devine, Stephanie Escorcia, Hector Garcia, Ellie Guilkey, Jacob Ormsby, Alexis Schurke, Maddox Tipton, Bowe Ussery, Maxwell Walkup. Randall Wilson, Samuel Wright.
Freshmen “B”
Rachel Bass, Brynn Bottcher, Rebekah Delegard, Cloe George, Dynten Hale, Maryn Illg, Coley Power, Hannah Roberts, Gavin Tatum, Mitchell Walker, Kor-
Olson retires from MSHP From Page 4 the Division of Drug & Crime Control where he served as director. Olson was promoted to major in 2017, where he served as commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, General Headquarters, Jefferson City. Olson was promoted to lieutenant colonel March 9, 2017, and designated assistant superintendent of the patrol. On Sept. 1, 2018, he assumed the role of acting superintendent.
superintendent was one of the first appointments we made. After responding to natural disasters, train derailments, civil unrest, a global pandemic, and the list goes on, we couldn’t be more proud of the exceptional work Eric has done in leading our state’s top law enforcement agency. On behalf of all Missourians, Teresa and I thank Eric and his family for their service and wish them all the best in his well-earned retirement.” Olson was appointed to the Highway Patrol on July 1, 1990, as a member of the 63rd Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop H where he held the ranks of trooper, corporal, and sergeant.
In 2004, Olson was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Troop B Headquarters in Macon. In 2014, Olson was promoted to the rank of captain and designated commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit. In 2015, he transferred to
On March 5, 2019, Parson appointed Olson the 24th superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was confirmed by the Missouri Senate on March 14, 2019. Olson grew up in Chillicothe, Mo. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1986. Olson earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., in 1990. He completed the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., in 2011 and attended the FBI National Executive Institute in 2023. Olson and his wife have two sons.
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.”
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
bynn Whipple.
Sophomores “A”
Kassidi Alderson, Evan Boxley, Chase Evans, Hailee Hein, Mikaylee Henke, Kash Holt, Remi Lewis, Gracie Mitchell, Sawyer Oesch, Kaydence Stockman, Caden Weathington, Hudson Wilson.
Sophomores “B”
Devin Allton, Katie Bauer, Blake Bears, Riley Clark, Anthony Dowling, Judd Henke, Hunter Lowrey, Karsen Spencer, Gavin Stockman, Loren Stubbs, Addison Wyatt.
Juniors “A”
Lauren Cunningham, Alyvia Enright, Damian Houk, Kole Lewis, Andrea Lotz, Emily Oswalt, Annabelle Otero, Kadence Power, Dallas Rose, Celia Stiles, Kaylynn Whipple, Aubrea
Willett. Juniors “B”
Elijah Bauer, James Bauer, Abbey Hullinger, Cypres Johnson, Macey Johnson, James Mason.
Seniors “A”
Ryker Allen, Roman Birge, Cooper Boxley, Amelia Covey, Clayton Evans, Jolena Gibson, Kelsey Goodin, Addilyn Henke, Maggie Hernandez, Molley Hickman, Caden Ingraham, Macey Lewis, Mercedes Luper, Ethan Rhoades, Randa Shahan, Madalyn Tipton, Marie Walker, Seth Weathington.
Seniors “B”
Hanna Allnutt, Daniel Hernandez, Malekai Livingston, Noel Schreffler, Timothy Stark.
Final 2024-25 deer harvest numbers released
2,051 were taken by hunters in Mercer Co.
JOE JEREK
Special to the Post-Telegraph JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri’s 2024-2025 deer-hunting season ended Jan. 15 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 276,262. Of the deer harvested, 129,252 were antlered bucks, 23,842 were button bucks, and 123,168 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,208, Jefferson with 4,900, and Macon with 4,495.
Hunters in Mercer County took 2,051 deer overall - 1072 antlered bucks, 110 button bucks and 869 does.
This year’s harvest total was down 15% from last year’s record total of 326,448 and was 8% below the five-year average. For more harvest information from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/ hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/ deer-harvest-summaries
Deer hunting ended with the close of the archery season. Preliminary data from MDC showed that hunters checked 56,347 deer during the 2024-2025 archery deer season. Top counties for the archery deer season were Jefferson with 1,579, Franklin with 1,216, and St. Louis with 994.
Mercer County hunters took 456 deer during the archery season - 265 antlered bucks, 18 button bucks and 173 does.
This year’s archery deer
harvest total was slightly (1%) higher than last year’s total of 55,731.
According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, the overall drop in harvest this year was due to a combination of factors including a week-later start to the November portion of firearms deer season and a bumper acorn crop.
“The November portion of firearms deer season always starts two Saturdays prior to Thanksgiving,” said Isabelle. “Based on the timing of Thanksgiving, the November portion started about a week later than it did in 2023. When this shift in season timing happens, we expect to see a drop in harvest because it shifts the November portion start date a week past the peak of the rut when deer aren’t moving quite as much.”
Another factor that affected this year’s harvest total is a bumper acorn crop.
“Throughout much of Missouri, there were a lot of acorns in the woods,” said Isabelle. “When that happens, deer don’t need to move nearly as much to find food, even within the timber, and they frequent fields less often because of the abundance of food in the woods.”
Isabelle noted that the counties with the largest decline in harvest were in the forest-dominated Ozark counties where acorn abundance has a more significant effect on deer movement.
“Harvest totals in most northern and western Missouri counties, that consist primarily of open
cropland or pasture, were down to a much lesser degree.”
For deer harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra. mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/. For deer harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/ hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/ deer-harvest-summaries.
According to MDC,
four non-fatal, self-inflicted firearms-related hunter incidents and three non-fatal, shooter-victim incidents were reported for the season.
GUNS & AMMO
WOOD’S GUN SHOP
5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-4-2024-ufn
1
SCHOOL FOOD
All menus subject to change. PRINCETON
Monday, Jan. 27: a)
creamy chicken, biscuit; b) hamburger; fries.
Complaint
lodged on book in MC Library
Boyer Land Company LLC
Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673
660-748-6314
YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST!
SERVICES FARM ITEMS
1-4-2024ufn
For Sale - Large round bales of hay. Never wet. 660953-0522.
1-16/1-23/1-30/2-6pd
For Sale - 95 large round grass hay bales. Plastic twine. $57 per bale. 201 bales net wrapped hay. $65 per bale. Call 660-292-0139. 1-16/1-23b
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 hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan. 4-25-24-52tp
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. 3-21-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider 10-8-24-52tp
No hunting or trespassing of any kind, including but not limited to use of dogs or drones, on land owned by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner. 9-26-24-52tp
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). 10-3-24-52tp
No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 5-30-24-52tb
year’s (2025-26) salary schedule, which include the mandatory minimum salary of $40,000 for first-year teachers and $46,000 for teachers who have master degrees and 10 years of experience.
Right now, the state is providing what’s called “baseline grants” to help districts meet the requirements, but now there are concerns about the sustainability of that funding.
State revenues are declining and there’s uncertainity about legislators being able to fulfill the financial commitments of SB 727 through the appropriation process.
Other actions
• December meeting minutes were approved, and bills were approved and paid.
• The board accepted the retirement notice from kindergarten teacher Renee Dailey, effective at the end of the current school year.
• Louis “Bubba” O’Brien, who served as interim head high school football coach during the 2024 season, has told Girdner about his desire to return to being an assistant coach. So, the district is going to post the position, which will remain until it’s filled.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
ADVERTISE
in, and SUBSCRIBE to the Princeton Post-Telegraph TODAY!
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
No trespassing on property owned by Shandra Morin 4-11-24-52tp
Breakfast is available to all students. It is served with a choice of 1% white milk or skim chocolate milk. Cereal is available as an option every day except where noted. Fruit and juice are available every day. Nutri-grain bars are available on select days.
Monday, Jan. 27: cheddar cheese omelet.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: pancakes, sausage patty.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: french toast sticks.
Thursday, Jan. 30: pancake on a stick.
Friday, Jan. 31: biscuits, sausage gravy.
Lunch is served with the choice of 1% fat-free white milk or fat-free chocolate milk. Students in grades K-5 have the choice of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or the menu entree. Students in grades 6-12 have the option of a chef salad or the entree every day unless noted. All bakery items are whole wheat or whole grain. Fruit is served with lunch.
Monday, Jan. 27: BBQ rib sandwich or fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese, green beans.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: teriyaki beef or hamburger patty, steamed broccoli, brown rice.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: taco or burrito, Spanish rice, tortilla chips and cheese.
Thursday, Jan. 30: oven fried chicken or chicken fried steak, scalloped potatoes, buttered peas, roll.
Friday, Jan. 31: fish sticks or BBQ pork sandwich, broccoli and cauliflower, hush puppies, apple turnovers.
MERCER
Breakfast is served with orange juice and white or chocolate milk. Cereal is an optional entree.
Mondays: egg entree. Tuesdays: cereal, toast. Wednesdays: breakfast roll. Thursdays: sausage, pancakes. Fridays: biscuits, gravy.
Lunch is served with milk. A salad bar and fruits and vegetables are available every day, except where noted. Students in grades PK-6 will have the choice of option A or a chef salad. Students in grades 7-12 will have the choice of either option or a chef salad.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: a) pork loin; b) meatloaf; mashed potatoes, green beans, roll.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: a) chicken nuggets; b) Italian sub; steamed broccoli.
Thursday, Jan. 30: a) nacho supreme; b) McRib; tater tots.
Friday, Jan. 31: a) pizza; b) popcorn chicken; corn.
CAINSVILLE
Breakfast is served with fruit, juice, and milk.
Mondays: breakfast burrito, cereal, toast. Tuesdays: french toast with syrup and peanut butter, turkey sausage. Wednesdays: cereal, toast, hash brown patty, scrambled eggs. Thursdays: pancake, turkey sausage. Fridays: biscuits, gravy.
Lunch is served with milk. Fruits and vegetables are available every day, and students are required to have at least one cup of either on their tray.
Monday, Jan. 27: slippy joes, corn casserole.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: chicken strips, tater tots.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: scalloped potatoes and ham, peas.
Thursday, Jan. 30: chicken fried rice, egg rolls.
Friday, Jan. 31: pizza, lettuce salad.
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.
Recently my colleague and I, who belong to the Kitchen Table Activist Group, reviewed the books in the Mercer County Library. We were searching for books that were pervasively vulgar, obscene, and/or pornographic in nature. And, we found in the “minors” section one book, Looking for Alaska by John Green.
This particular book has scenes describing oral sex between a young man and a young woman. This book also includes a group of college students watching a pornographic film in which the author describes in detail the
sexual act between the man and woman who performed in the film. We challenged this book and requested it be removed from the “minors” section and placed in the adult section or removed entirely. Our challenge was denied and this book remmains in the “minors” section of the Mercer County Library. While we are pleased this was the only such book we found in the library, it remains in the library and is available to minors.
Norene Campbell Virginia Rinehart Cainsville, Mo.
Princeton boys From Page 8
Princeton 59, Chillicothe JV 27
The Tigers did win their championship semifinal game last Thursday (Jan. 16) in running clock fashion, but the game didn’t get out of hand until the fourth quarter.
Princeton led 17-10 after one quarter and started the second with 13 unanswered points for a 30-10 lead. The Hornets refused to die, hitting three 3s down the stretch before a late bucket by Evans gave Princeton a 32-19 halftime lead. The Tigers clamped down defensively in the second half, allowing just three goals and 7 points overall while outscoring Chillicothe 11-6 in the third quarter and 16-2 in the fourth.
Eight Tigers scored, with Holt leading the way with 18 points. Clay Evans and Lowrey added 11 each. Other scoring: Walker 9, Chase Evans 5, Kolton Schurke 2, Boxley 2, Schreffler 1.
Six of Chillicothe’s 10 buckets were 3s. Princeton 90, East Harrison 22
Ten Tigers scored, and all 13 played multiple minutes as Princeton dominated the #1-seed vs. #8-seed mismatch last Monday night (Jan. 13).
Princeton outscored the Bobcats 24-5 in both firsthalf quarters for a 48-10 halftime lead. The Tigers outscored EH 30-4 in the third to take the margin to 78-14. Four Tigers, including two reserves, scored in double figures - Clay Evans 24, Holt 14, Chase Evans 14, Blake Bears 11. Chase Evans and Bears are reserves. Other scoring: Boxley 8, Walker 6, Lowrey 6, Schreffler 3, Dynten Hale 2, Schurke 2. Princeton’s top 8 players sat out the fourth quarter and parts of the third, and all 13 players played during the first half.
Cardinal rally falls short to HDC rival in 3rd-place game
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
BETHANY, Mo. Mercer’s girls, after trailing by 15 points in the second quarter and 12 in the third, found themselves in position to pull off their second upset of the South Harrison Tournament on Saturday afternoon.
HDC Conference rival Tri-County had other ideas, however, as the #4 seed Mustangs were able to pull away over the final 7 minutes to take a 52-42 decision in the event’s third-place game.
Mercer (4-9) started off cold against T-C’s defense, trailing 11-3 after the first quarter and 20-5 - the Cardinals’ largest deficit of the day - with just over 3 minutes left in the second.
Payton Houk hit two buckets within 32 seconds to get the ship righted for Mercer, and after Mustang freshman Lily Turner hit a shot, Bailey Houk buried a pair of 3-point goals to bring Mercer to within 22-15 with 1:05 left. Turner then hit late to give T-C a 24-15
halftime lead.
Tri-County stretched the margin to 12 points, 29-17, with a couple of hoops early in the third quarter. Mercer countered with 3s from Bailey Houk and Ashlynn Brown to make it 29-23, but the Mustangs (8-6) got a pair of goals to get the lead back to double digits at the 3:41 mark, 33-23.
Once again, however, Mercer rallied. Brown hit 4-of-4 free throws and Kylie Holt got a bucket to make it 33-29, and after a T-C free throw, Holt drained a 3 to bring the Cardinals to within 34-32 going to the fourth quarter.
Mercer got the game tied at 34 with 7:15 to go in the fourth, but T-C got a 7-1 spurt for a 41-35 margin. Payton Houk hit two foul shots before the Mustangs hit two shots, the second with 3:07 remaining to make it 45-37 on their next-to-last goal. Bailey Houk hit two shots to make it 46-41 with 1:45 left. Tri-County got a bucket and made 4-of-8 free throws after that for the final
MERCER BOYS BASKETBALL SH Tournament
0-for Bethany week
PRESTON COLE
Princeton
BETHANY, Mo. The Mercer boys were the #7 seed in last week’s South Harrison Tournament. And, sadly for the young Cardinals, their seeding help up as they were denied the opportunity to play for a trophy after absorbing two losses.
Mercer (4-8) finished its participation with a 64-45 loss to #6 seed Tri-County last Wednesday night (Jan. 15) in the consolation semifinals.
Gabe Manning scored 10 points with two 3-point goals during the first quarter as the Mustangs (4-9) got off to a 17-6 lead after the first quarter.
Carter Fewins hit three 3s and scored 15 points in the second stanza as T-C outscored the Cardinals 23-13 for a 40-19 halftime lead. Kobe Hill had 9 of Mercer’s 13 points during that stretch.
Fewins hit two more 3s and two other T-C players each hit three deuces during the third quarter, an 18-12 Mustang run that increased the lead to 27 points, 58-31. Mercer was able to outscore T-C 14-6 in the fourth to get the final margin under 20 points.
Hill led Mercer with 22 points, 11 in each half. Kaimon Hill added 10 for Mercer. Other scoring: Brett Hashman 4, Mason Martin 4, Isaiah Argo 3, Lawson Twedt 2.
Eleven of T-C’s 24 field goals were 3s.
Hill, who scored 43 points
in the Cardinals’ two tournament games, was named to the All-Tournament team.
Half of T-C’s four have come against Mercer. The teams meet in an HDC Conference game on Feb. 7 in Mercer.
Braymer 75, Mercer 55
Braymer used its depth and superior athletic ability to control the tempo and pull away in a first-round game last Tuesday night (Jan. 14).
Braymer, the event’s #2 seed who lived up to its high seeding in losing the championship game by two scores, got two 3s and 12 points by Caegan Sensenich in the first quarter and, despite points from 6 Cardinals, led 20-15 after the first quarter.
The Bobcats got three goals from two players to spark a 1711 second-quarter surge that got the lead to double figures, 37-26. Braymer then outscored Mercer 16-9 in the third behind four hoops from Wade Kincaid (14 points during the middle two frames) and two 3s from Sensenich to take the spread to 18, 53-35 after 24 minutes. There was lots of offense in the fourth quarter, as Braymer edged the Cardinals 22-20; Hill buried a trio of 3s and Martin hit for 7 points over the final 8 minutes.
Hill made five 3s and led Mercer with 21 points, and Argo added a career-best 17.
Other scoring: Martin 8, Twedt 5, West 2, Grady Beavers 2.
10-point margin.
Bailey Houk led Mercer with 16 points and Brown added 10 (with 7-of-8 foul shooting), all in the fourth quarter.
Other scoring: Payton Houk 6, Lily Stark 4, Holt 3, Jazmine Lewis 1.
Payton Houk was named to the All-Tournament team.
South Harrison 62, Mercer 18
The host Class 3 Bulldogs - the only Class 3 varsity team in the girls’ tournament - dominated much smaller Class 1 Mercer in the championship semifinals last Thursday night (Jan. 16).
All 8 available Bulldogs (SH entered its JV team after Maysville dropped out of the event) scored during the game.
South Harrison led 21-6 after the first quarter, and outscored Mercer 14-4 in the second for a 35-10 halftime lead. A 15-6 spread in the third quarter made it 50-16 before the Bulldogs ended the game with a 12-2 closing kick.
Payton Houk led Mercer with 8 points. Other scoring: Lily Stark 3, Lewis 2,
Sari Rogers 2, Riley Stark 2, Bailey Houk 1.
MSHSAA enrollments: South Harrison 186, Mercer 37. Mercer 49, North Harrison 33
Mercer upset the #3 seed Shamrocks to begin its tournament run last Tuesday night (Jan. 14) with a 16-point decision over a former HDC foe.
The Cardinals got four goals (one a Holt 3) and made 4-of-6 free throws in the first quarter to establish an early 13-7 lead. Mercer got 3s from Holt, Brown and Riley Stark in the second, as Mercer outscored NH 12-9 for a 25-16 halftime lead.
Mercer pulled away to solid control in the third, outscoring NH 14-6 behind two threes by Brown and one by Payton Houk, and led 39-22 going to the fourth. Brown led all scorers with 14 points and Holt tossed in 12. Nine of the Cardinals’ 17 hoops were 3s. Other scoring: Bailey Houk 7, Lily Stark 6, Riley Stark 6, Payton Houk 4.
Trophy time for Tiger teams
TERRI KELLY/Special to the Princeton Post-Telegraph
The Princeton boys were all smiles after holding off upset-minded Braymer 61-57 on Saturday night to win the South Harrison Tournament. From left: FRONT - special assistant coaches Jackson Sticken and Casen Collins; CENTER - Bowe Ussery, Dynten Hale, Chase Hale, Blake Bears, Noel Schreffler, Mitchell Walker, Cooper Boxley and tournament MVP Clay Evans; BACK - assistant coach Ethan Sticken, Kolton Schurke, Hunter Lowrey, Kash Holt, Chase Evans and head coach Damon Collins. Not pictured: John Schreffler.
TERRI KELLY/Special to the Princeton Post-Telegraph Princeton’s girls posed with their second-place trophy Saturday night after falling in the championship game of the South Harrison Tournament. From left: assistant coach Payton Goodin, Mikaylee Henke, Randa Shahan, Macey Lewis, Addilyn Henke, Gracie Mitchell, Evan Boxley, Audrey Kelly, Hanna Allnutt and head coach Mike Schmidli.
PRINCETON BOYS BASKETBALL South Harrison Tournament
Still perfect after title win
Tigers edge Braymer in the fourth quarter for 61-57 win PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
BETHANY, Mo If a basketball tournament is seeded properly, the top two seeds should play in the championship game and said game shouldn’t be decided until the final moments.
Saturday night’s South Harrison Tournament title tilt lived up to the expectations, as #1 seed (and Class 2 #8) Princeton took the lead for good with just over 3 minutes and edged #2 seed Braymer 61-57.
The game was tied 50-50 after Clay Evans hit 1-of-2 free throws - the miss his only one in the fourth quarter - with 3:18 left in the period. On the Tigers’ next possession, Cooper Boxley hit an old-school 3-point play (field goal plus free throw) to put Princeton (14-0) up 5350, and Braymer (8-4) never led again. That was the Tigers finally clamped down on the Bobcats’ long-range shooting. Braymer hit 10 3-point shots, 9 over the first three periods (5 by Caegan
Sensenich), but only made one in the fourth quarter. That 3 came with 2 seconds left, and cut the gap to 59-57. Princeton got the inbounds pass to Evans an 83% foul shooter, who hit two free throws with 6/10ths of a second left to create the final margin.
Evans, who scored 13 points in the second half, drained 9-of-10 foul shots over the final 3:18, 8-of-8 during the final 47 seconds, in a performance that earned him his second tournament Most Valuable Player honor of the season. How the game got there
Princeton hit four of its seven 3s during the first quarter, two by Noel Schreffler and one each by Evans and Kash Holt. Holt hit for 9 points, including the Tigers’ first 7 points, and Schreffler’s consecutive 3s gave the Tigers their biggest lead, 13-5 at the 2:45 mark. An exchange of 3s between Sensenich and Evans, the latter with 20 seconds left, sent the game to the second quarter with Princeton up 18-13.
Braymer got the lead in the
second quarter inside the final 3 minutes as the Bobcats used a 20-9 surge that included four 3s during a period that saw them outscore Princeton 22-14 overall. Down 27-25, Braymer got an 8-0 spurt for its biggest lead, 33-27 on a Jamesyn Haley 3 with 1:47 left. An offensive rebound made it 35-29 shortly thereafter, before Tiger freshman Mitchell Walker got a bucket and a late free throw to make it 35-32 Braymer at the break. Holt and Schreffler hit 3s during the third quarter, as the Tigers claimed a 40-37 lead off an 8-0 surge. Braymer was able to regain a little bit of control later to go up 46-43, but an Evans deuce with 1:16 left sent the battle to the final 8 minutes with Braymer holding a 46-45 edge. Holt led all scorers with a career-best 22 points, and Evans’ 13-point second half allowed him to finish with 18. Other scoring: Schreffler 9, Walker 5, Boxley 5, Hunter Lowrey 2.
PRINCETON GIRLS BASKETBALL South Harrison Tournament
Class 3 team edges Tigers
South Harrison wins own event in fourth quarter
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
BETHANY, Mo South Harrison, the lone Class 3 program in its own tournament, finished the game on a 17-7 surge over the final 6 minutes to beat Class 1 #7 Princeton on Saturday night 61-51 in the championship game.
Princeton (12-2), which was behind much of the second half, got an 8-2 rally in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 44. The Tigers got a hoop from Addilyn Henke and consecutive 3-point goals from Audrey Kelly and Macey Lewis, the latter with 6:12 left, to knot the game for the final time. Abby Owens converted an old-fashioned 3-point play with 5:46 left to put the Bulldogs up 47-44, before Kelly connected almost a minute later to make it 47-46. South Harrison (11-4) got two hoops and as many free throws for a 5346 lead with 3:45 left, and the Tigers couldn’t get closer than 5 points after that. How it got there
Princeton showed its mettle early, getting a 3 and another goal from Henke and a Kelly 3 to go ahead 8-5 at the 5:20 mark of the first quarter. South Harrison scored 8 consecutive points to go up 13-8, but Hen-
ke hit two free throws with 17 seconds left to cut the gamp to 13-10.
The Tigers continued to take the fight to SH during the second quarter behind hot hands by Henke (four goals) and Lewis (two hoops). With the scored knotted at 16, SH got 5 points inside 15 seconds for a 21-16 lead. Princeton responded with buckets on three consecutive possessions, two by Henke and one by Lewis, to take a 22-21 lead. A late Bulldog free throw tied the game at 22 at halftime. The game went back and forth during the third quarter. After a SH 3 gave the hosts a 29-28 margin, Henke hit two free throws with 5:22 left for the Tigers’ final lead, 30-29.
A slow 7-0 SH rally gave the Bulldogs a 36-30 lead. Henke hit 3-of-3 free throws and drained a late 3 to complete her 10-point quarter, but two hoops by Abigail Malloy between Henke’s scores pretty much negated them. SH led 40-36 after three.
Addilyn Henke led the Tigers with 25 points, while Lewis and Kelly hit for 11 each. Henke and Lewis were named to the All-Tournament team. Other scoring: Randa Shahan 2, Mikaylee Henke 2. South Harrison (MSHSAA enrollment 186) made it to the title game with easy wins over
small Class 1 programs Mercer (37) and East Harrison (44). Princeton 55, Tri-County 32
The Tigers pulled away in a weird third quarter that saw T-C shoot 16 (9 made) of its 18 total free throws during the teams’ championship semifinal game last Thursday night (Jan. 16).
Addilyn Henke hit three 3s and scored 12 of Princeton’s 16 first-quarter points as the Tigers got off hot, 16-2. The worm turned in the second, as the Mustangs (8-6) outscored Princeton 10-4 to pull to within 20-12 at halftime.
Henke got hot again in the third, scoring 18 points (six hoops, one a 3, and 5-of-5 free throw shooting) as despite getting into strong foul trouble, the Tigers outscored T-C 2514 to go up 45-24. The scoring slowed in the fourth quarter, but Princeton controlled the 8-minute stretch 10-6 to get the lead over 20 points.
Henke led all scorers with 34 points, 30 in the odd-numbered quarters. Other scoring: Kelly 7, Lewis 6, Shahan 6, Hanna Allnutt 2. Princeton 57, SH JV 43
South Harrison’s JV, a replacement needed for a bracket tournament when Maysville pulled out, had notions of pulling off an 8-seed over 1-seed upset in the first round last Monday (Jan. 13), but the
MBCA POLLS Both Princeton Tiger teams ranked JAN. 20 CLASS 1 GIRLS POLL
Note: Polls alternate weekly.
Bulldogs only had two scoring threats while Princeton got points from 6 of its 7 available players.
Those two girls did all of SH’s scoring in the first quarter and led 14-12 after 8 minutes. Princeton’s balance really took over in the second, as the Tigers got a combined 10 goals from 5 girls (including two 3s), outscoring SH 22-8 for a 34-22 halftime lead. Princeton out-
Two
on Page 1.
Other scoring: Lewis 8, Shahan 7, Gracie Mitchell 4, Mikaylee Henke 3.
1. Northeast (Cairo); 2. Walnut Grove; 3. Delta; 4. Green City; 5. Macks Creek; 6. Chadwick; 7. Princeton; 8. Higbee; 9. Rock Port; 10. Wheatland. JAN. 13 CLASS 2 BOYS POLL
1. Norwood; 2. Eugene; 3. Puxico; 4. Harrisburg; 5. South Iron; 6. Hartville; 7. Maysville; 8. Princeton; 9. South Pemiscot; 10. Van-Far.
TERRI KELLY/Special to the Princeton Post-Telegraph Princeton’s Cooper Boxley (#23, white) and Hunter Lowrey (also in white) clogged the passing lane against Braymer.
TERRI KELLY/Special to the Princeton Post-Telegraph Audrey Kelly’s point total matched her uniform during the South Harrison Tournament’s title game.
scored SH 23-21 in the second half.
Tigers scored in double figures - Addilyn Henke with 23 points and Kelly with 12. Henke’s 3-ball 90 seconds into the fourth quarter pushed her over the 2,000-point mark for her career. More information appears
See Princeton boys, Page 6