Kelly Purdy’s planter in memory of her mother placed second. First place went to Debbie Douglas, third place to Mitzi Shipley and in the student division, Mrs. Gina Parks’ Kindergarten class took first place honors. Thanks to all who decorated planters and participated in Winterfest 2024.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Winterfest Parade and Living Window Winners 2024
City Council Adopts New Employee Insurance Carrier
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Unionville City Council was called to order by Mayor Charley Bill Pittman at 5:30 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2024, will all aldermen [Gary Davis, Kellie Purdy, Eric Lutz and Jason Hill] in attendance.
Kelly Beets, MIRMA, gave a bit of background on MIRMA and its growth. He then presented a risk management award to members of the Electric Department. The award includes grant funding in the amount of $2,509 for the purchase of employee safety equipment. Beets also congratulated the city on receiving 95% on their MIRMA evaluation.
Wade Summers and the council discussed his bid for work on the power plant project. The
council informed Summers he needs to submit receipts and a detailed breakdown on labor in order to be reimbursed for the work.
After review, Purdy motioned to approve the consent agenda. Hill seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.
Staff reports were reviewed. T. J. Payne, Water/Wastewater Dept., informed the council that in addition to his written report, he had been working on McCalment Gym.
Shawn Caley, Electric Dept., accompanied by members of the department, inquired whether the city would increase the percentage of employee insurance costs they covered since they are saving money by moving to MIRMA
Mayor Pittman reported he had to contact DNR regarding sewer project. He added he had spoken with a gentleman about bat removal at McCalment, but thought the cost was too high and put that issue on hold. Pittman told the council that he had shared the engineer’s reports on the old Subway building with Red Rock Demolition and lawyers. In old business, Amy Homann, City Treasurer, presented information on tablets for council members and the mayor. She inquired as to whether they wanted private emails created that would be strictly for council business. The
City Council ... Cont. to pg. 4
Yummy treats and beautiful handcrafted items will be up for sale at the annual Friends of the Putnam County Library annual Candy and Craft Sale December 13 and 14. The sale will take place in the foyer of the library and hours will be Friday, 9- 5; and Saturday 9 – noon or until sold out.
A variety of chocolate and peanut butter fudge, divinity, peanut clusters, cookies and other scrumptious homemade treats, as well as the handcrafted goods, will be offered at very reasonable prices.
Funds raised from the annual sale are used to fill the gap and support the activities of the Putnam County Library. The Friends of the PC Library is a 501c(3) nonprofit that supports activities at the library. The group also periodically holds classes of interest to the community.
Anyone interested in supporting the library is welcome to join; dues are only $5 and can be left at the library.
KOBC, Radio Omaha Returns to the Airwaves on Sunday, December 15
KOBC, radio Omaha, is on the air once again with an “Omaha Country Christmas.” This year’s show will be “broadcast” from the “studios” at Omaha Baptist Church on Highway 149 north, 14 miles east of Unionville, at 5:00 pm Sunday, December 15th. The KOBC studio band and singers and the KOBC actors are ready to bring listeners the music and message of Christmas, mixed with some good, clean country humor. There is no admission charge and members of the studio audience will enjoy some good country refreshments at intermission.
(Okay…the radio station is fictional, but the music, humor and message of Christmas is real. Come find out what it’s all about.)
coverage.
Congratulations to Deion! He completed the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program through the Putnam County Public Library. He was rewarded with a pizza party celebration accompanied by his friends. Photo credit: Christy Allen, PC Public Library Director
Members of the Electric Department were on hand at the City Council meeting and received a risk management award from MIRMA presented by Kelly Beets. Pictured (L to R): Shawn Caley, Lucas Hinkle, Kelly Beets, Derek Knowles, Charlie Pearson
Putnam County Auto Spa had the winning entry in the lighted parade. Second place went to Putnam County Veterinary Clinic and third to Javier Rodriguez. Living window winners were Judge’s Choice -Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri; People’s Choice -- Sunshine Kids 4-H Club.
The People’s Choice award went to Nikki Hill’s planter in memory of her mother.
Obituaries
Connie Bland
Connie Sue Bland, 76, of Newton, Iowa, went to her eternal resting place with Jesus on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at Newton Village. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 5, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. On Saturday, December 7, a visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the Omaha Baptist Church in Omaha, Missouri, followed by a graveside service at Chapel Cemetery in Chapel, Missouri. After the graveside, a luncheon will be provided at the Omaha Baptist Church. Memorials to St. Nick’s Christmas Club, a non-profit helping children & families at Christmas time in Jasper County, may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton or Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions in Green Castle, Missouri
Connie’s story began on January 19, 1948, where she was the third of six children born in Unionville, Missouri, to Olen and Margaret Brown. Connie married Dean Bland on October 18, 1964, at Omaha Baptist Church in Omaha, Missouri. They were blessed with three children: Vicki, Cheryl, and Rick.
After marrying and establishing a family Connie worked at the Maytag Company in Newton for 27 years. She looked forward to the weekends when she was able to spend time with family; especially making the trip back to Unionville to spend time with her parents and extended family.
Connie enjoyed being part of the Silver Wheels Car Club and taking bus trips to casinos as she
was able to spend time with lifelong friends. She delighted in her outings and luncheons with the “girls” along with her weekly trip to the beauty shop.
Connie filled her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; loving them with all her heart. There were times she might hear “that’s my Grandma, with the marshmallow hair!” or maybe “that Grandma is one tough cookie!” She loved to make crafts and sewing. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Many addicted customers looked forward to the candy she made every Christmas and she always made sure each family member would have their favorite.
Connie was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki Shafer; parents, Olen and Margaret Brown; grandparents, Robert and Faye Kelley; father & mother-in-law, Milar and Opal Bland; brother, Tom Brown, her sister, Regena Shepherd; and brothers-in-law, Larry Shepherd and Mike Blankenship.
Those left to cherish Connie’s memory are her husband Dean Bland; daughter, Cheryl and Bill Hansen; son, Rick and Rhonda Bland; her sister, Sheri Blankenship; brothers, Robert and Roberta Brown and Ken Brown; her sisterin-law, Sandy Brown; 17 grandchildren, Josh and Angela Brant, Justin and Leslie Brant, Jacob Douglas, Kendee and Cory Fox, Lindsey Hansen and Damon Avila, Lance Hansen, Luke and Jessica Hansen, Michele and Wyman Reed, Milar Bland, and Faye and Alex Burnette; 21 great-grandchildren, Christian Davis; Kali, Levi and Elias Brant; Evelyn Foley; Trevor, Owen, Piper and Miles Fox; Isaiah Hansen and Jaylah Avila; Kaylee Hansen and Scarlett Versendaal; Spencer, Cameron, Violette and Henry Hansen; Marshall Penning; Truman Reed; Evie and Navi Burnette; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
If Connie had any final wishes, she would ask that you put your family before yourself and enjoy your family for as long as you can as you never know how long you may have them.
Connie will be deeply missed. She always made you feel welcome and loved. We will keep her memory in our hearts always.
The family would like to thank the staff of
Newton Village for their attentiveness and loving care. In addition, a special thanks for the loving care that her granddaughter, Lindsey gave in these last few months.
Sandra Spence
Sandra Dean Spence, 71, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville, with her mother by her side.
Sandy was born to Robert Dean and Wanda Charlene (Brown) Spence in Unionville, Missouri, on October 10, 1953. She received her education from Putnam County R-I Schools, graduating in 1971. After high school, Sandy continued her education at Cosmetology School in Kirksville, MO. She later changed careers and spent time as a 9-11 emergency dispatcher for Centerville Police Department and Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, then Chillicothe, MO, and also at Fairfield, Iowa, for the State of Iowa. Sandy ventured over to Indian Hills as a secretary in the main office at the Centerville campus, which then turned into beginning her schooling to be a nurse. She finished Indian Hills as a Registered Nurse and later became an R.N.C. She was first employed
as a nurse by the Veterans Hospital in Knoxville, Iowa, for around 12 years before working at many area hospitals in Iowa and Missouri. She always picked the night shifts and holidays to work. Sandy also worked as a Home Health Nurse, which was one of the most rewarding jobs she held.
Sandy enjoyed going on the truck with her Dad, whether that was riding or driving since she had her CDL as well. She loved her black cars and always kept them clean. Sandy was a big fan of Montgomery Gentry and traveled around to watch them perform numerous times over the years. Sandy enjoyed fishing, riding horses and later being around or watching her nephews and nieces ride horses. Original Aunt Sandy duties included baking birthday cakes for Charlie and Mary Jayne when they were little. The next generation of nephews had a dedicated cowtown toy closet at Aunt Sandy’s house. Having fun with her friends was extremely important to her. Those friends were all like family and most of those mischievous stories do not or have not been repeated, but they all had a good time together. Sandy made the trip west to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo more than once, and absolutely loved it. It was the perfect vacation for someone who loved to watch rodeo and have a good time. She was
also a member of the First Christian Church of Unionville Survivors include her mother Wanda Spence; sister Sharon Maddaleno (Mark); niece Mary Jayne Simmons; nephews, Charles Robert Simmons (Kris), John Robert Maddaleno (Mechelia), Trey Andrew Maddaleno; great nieces/nephews, Jake, Jared(Breann), Chase and Lea Simmons, and Callysta Wells; and a great great nephew Walker Simmons.
She was preceded in death by her father; and grandparents, Stanley and Lola Brown, and Johnnie and Helen Spen-
ce. Funeral service were at 11:00 am, Friday, December 6, 2024, at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville. Burial followed at the Unionville Cemetery. There was a visitation one hour prior to the service from 1011:00 am. Memorials may be given to either Putnam County Care Center or the PC Café & Resource Center and can be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Spence Family, 709 27th Street, Unionville, Missouri 63565. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Denise Spencer
Denise Ann Spencer, 61, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Denise was born on April 12, 1963, in Unionville, to Donald and Opal (Sheehan) Butler. She spent most of her life in the Unionville area, graduating from Unionville High School in 1981. After school she went to work as a tech and CNA at various local nursing homes and group homes where she was very good at working with the elderly patients. On September 6, 2006, she married Darrell Wayne Spencer, he preceded her in death in 2020.
Denise is survived by two daughters; Allyson Smith of Unionville, and Shelby (Anthony) Stafford of Unionville, step son; Josh Spencer and family of Trenton, Missouri, step daughter; Shanelle Stark and family of Trenton; grandchildren; Lily and Drew McAlister, her father Donald Butler, two sisters; Debbie (JC) McAlister of Milan, Missouri, and Michelle Butler of Milan, niece Carie (Curtis) Faulconer, nephew Jeremy (Christal) McAlister, aunts and uncles; Eleanor Sheehan of Unionville, Dennie (Barb) Sheehan of Unionville, Ruth and Glen Milner of Unionville, Bill and Ruth Sheehan of Altoona, Iowa, and Darl Salisbury of Unionville, and many, many cousins. She was preceded by her husband Darrell Wayne Spencer, mother Opal Butler, uncles; Garold (Marge) Sheehan, Melvin Sheehan, and Robert (Shirley) Myers, and aunt; Margaret Salisbury.
December 2024 Clinic Schedule
CountyCourtMinutes
Robert Munden, Presiding Commissioner
Shane Bradshaw, Eastern Dist.
Gerald Owings, Western Dist.
September 23rd, 2024 OFFICIAL COUNTY COURT MINUTES
Now on this 23rd day of September, 2024, it being the 7th day of the July term of the Putnam County Commission, said Commission met at the office of the County Commission, where and when were present
Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner, Gerald Owings, Western District Commissioner, and Christy Brooks, County Clerk. Robert Munden, Presiding Commissioner was absent.
Christy presented the appointment of Clint Stobbe to the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission Board and the Green Hills Rural Development Board (Putnam County citizen member), replacing Jack Tucker, who resigned. Gerald made the motion to approve the appointment and Shane 2nd. All in favor. Motion passed.
Christy stated the CD came up for renewal on September 17th Commission discussed cart rock. Christy gave them an update.
Gary from Howe Company, along with Shannon Howe, presented a list of bridges that are rated “poor” for the 2026 projects. Shannon discussed upcoming projects for 2025.
Michael Marriott from MODot discussed the bridge project on State Hwy 129. He also discussed upcoming STIP projects for 2025. Commission discussed issues with traffic on Hwy U while the bridge construction is continuing.
Shane Ross, plumbing contractor, met with Commission to give an update on the sewer project. Shane Bradshaw asked what the deadline is to have the project
done. Shane Ross Stated it would be by the end of the year. Gerald asked if he would provide the county with any information regarding the plumbing/sewer pathways. Shane stated he has pictures he will give the county. Shane Bradshaw stated he would like to know where the project is financially for budget. Shane Ross stated he will get us a figure. Christy stated they will need an itemized invoice in December to get this paid before the year end.
Roofers were present and Shane Ross along with Commission did a walk through to discuss repairs.
[signed]
Gerald Owings, Western District Commissioner
Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner
Christy Brooks, County Clerk Date: 11-12-24 *** October 28th, 2024 OFFICIAL COUNTY COURT MINUTES
Now on this 28th day of October, 2024, it being the 2nd day of the October term of the Putnam County Commission, said Commission met at the office of the County Commission, where and when were present Robert Munden, Presiding Commissioner and Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner. Gerald Owings, Western District Commissioner, and Christy Brooks, County Clerk, were absent.
Brandon Lindsay, Road and Bridge Supervisor, met with Commissioners to discuss finishing up the bridge located by D. Mathes.
Melvin Hines notified the Commission that he would be unable to haul York Township cart rock for 2024 and would like
to rescind his bid. Commission contacted the township and asked if they would like the rock in 2024 or 2025. Township stated they would like the rock hauled as soon as possible. Commission reviewed bids and contacted the next lowest bidder, Canterra Aggregate, to see if they would honor the original amount and, if so, how soon would they be able to haul the rock. Canterra will honor the price and would start asap. Robert will have Christy send the information on Tuesday.
Ami Hartwig and Rick Smith met to discuss abandoning plated roads in Hartford. Mr. Smith explained the history of the roads in question and properties. Robert talked with the county attorney and will have Christy email the survey on Tuesday for his review.
Representatives from Elevatus Architecture met with the Commission to discuss the possibility of a regional jail.
Shannon Howe, Howe Company, met with Commission and brought in the bridge bid for approval. Shannon recommended the Commission accept said bridge bid from BRS Construction for $588,226.50. Shane made a motion to accept the bid from BRS Construction in the amount of $588,226.50 based on the recommendation from Howe Company. Robert 2nd. All in favor. Motion passed.
Leslie Ream met with Commission to discuss using monies from the Circuit Clerk’s budget to pay up to 20 hours per week for a part-time clerk for the rest of 2024. Shane made a motion to approve the request. Robert 2nd. All in favor. Motion passed.
At 1:00 p.m., Shane Bradshaw made a motion to go into closed session pursuant to Missouri Statutes RSMO 621.021 Subsection (1). Robert seconded the motion. All in favor. By roll call vote. Robert Munden-aye, Shane Bradshaw-aye. Motion carried.
At 1:30 p.m., Shane Bradshaw made a motion to go out of closed session. Robert Munden seconded the motion. By roll call vote. All in favor. Shane
Bradshaw-aye, Robert Munden-aye. Motion carried.
[signed] Robert Munden
Presiding Commissioner Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner Date: 11-12-24
*** November 12th, 2024
OFFICIAL COUNTY COURT MINUTES
Now on this 12th day of November, 2024, it being the 3rd day of the October term of the Putnam County Commission, said Commission met at the office of the County Commission, where and when were present Robert Munden, Presiding Commissioner, Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner, Gerald Owings, Western District Commissioner, and Christy Brooks, County Clerk. Brian Isabelle met with Commission to discuss a letter regarding 192nd St. that he had e-mailed. Christy presented the letter earlier in the meeting. Mr. Isabelle’s brother, along with Greg and Tracy Rowe, were also present. Commissioner Munden made it known that the Commission would not be discussing the Rowe’s section of 192nd due to ongoing litigation. Mr. Isabelle is concerned that because Charles Miller did not give a permanent easement on his end of the road when abandoning it, along with the fact that the Rowe’s are not willing to grant an easement to him if their portion of the road is abandoned, then he may be landlocked. Commission stated that at this point, there is nothing they can do since the Miller petition has already been decided and the Rowe’s are in litigation. Commission suggested that Mr. Isabelle express his concerns to the courts. Mr. Isabelle asked for the county to share the insurance information with them in the case a “liability” arises. Commission will not give the information until they have talked with counsel.
Snow removal bids were scheduled for 10:00 a.m. No bids were provided.
Commission reviewed the budgets for the Road and bridge department,
along with Law Enforcement.
Tom Carman and Dylan Brooks, Road and Bridge department, met to discuss bridges.
The 10:30 meeting with Green Hills Regional Planning was cancelled.
Robert and Shane reviewed the bridge by the country club. Commission reviewed bridges for 2026 BRO projects. Commission submitted bridges #0600005, #1780009,
JEFFERSON CITY –
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) has named Lindsey Ward as the Veterans Suicide Prevention Manager. In July, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 912 and House Bill 1495 into law, charging the Veterans Commission with creating a new program to assist in efforts to prevent Veteran suicide. Ward will lead the Veterans Suicide Prevention Program and work in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health to provide recommendations and adopt procedures, programs, treatment options, aid, and other assistance necessary to support efforts to prevent Veteran suicide.
“We are very pleased to announce Lindsey Ward as the new Veterans Suicide Prevention Manager,” said MVC Executive Director (Ret.) Col. Paul Kirchhoff. “We are losing Veterans every day, and whatever we need to do to curb that, we are all in. I am confident Ward will help us accomplish this mission.”
Ward began her career with the Commission in 2021 as a Veterans Service Officer in Mexico, Missouri. She is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served
and #2590005 with county paying $33,000 per bridge. Christy will e-mail to Shannon at Howe Company [signed]
Robert Munden, Presiding Commissioner
Gerald Owings, Western District Commissioner Shane Bradshaw, Eastern District Commissioner Christy Brooks, County Clerk Date: 11-25-24
from 1996 to 2012. Her duties included logistics chief, overseeing the preparations of Marine Corps Aviation units for deployment, and maintaining the readiness of equipment and personnel for routine missions and rapid deployment. Ward also held many additional duties as a staff non-commissioned officer in the Marines, including being a uniform victim advocate, substance abuse counseling officer, and company gunnery sergeant.
Ward’s education includes military leadership and development academies and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Columbia College. She is currently a public health graduate student at the University of Missouri. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven state Veterans Homes, five state Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans, seamlessly integrated with the Veteran community, emphasizing a culture of transparency and excellence. For more information about Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.
The world’s oldest resident
This year’s Respect for the Aged Day in Japan honored 116 year old Tomiko Itooka who at the age pf 116 years is the world’s oldest resident. She also ranks twenty-third on the Guinness World Records historical list of the world’s oldest humans.
TheShepherd’sCall
by Dr. H. Wade Paris
A Simple Shepherd
John’s gospel reports not everything Jesus did was recorded. (John 21:25) I like to imagine events that could have happened. This is one of those imaginative events.
Joel was a shepherd. He had been a shepherd all his life. A shepherd’s life is not easy. Joel’s life had been especially hard. He was a bit simple, there were many things he could not understand. He never married; and since his parent’s death, he had lived alone and lonely.
As Joel aged, shepherding grew difficult. He never owned sheep. Instead, he worked as a hireling. The day came when owners feared his age and health would put their sheep at risk.
As a believer, he often prayed for the Messiah to come quickly. On his final night in the field sleeping on the hard ground and being very anxious about his future, He awoke to a bright light filling the sky. It frightened him, but then he heard singing. Beautiful music---angels were everywhere. They were saying something, “A Savior is born. He is in a barn in Bethlehem. Hurry and you can see him.”
Thus, Joel experienced the greatest event in his long, hard life. He observed the baby looked hale and healthy like a newborn lamb. What impressed him most that night was the angels---their brilliance, their marvelous music. He could not get that out
of his mind.
He was hired as a household servant; however, he was slow and clumsy. After being dismissed from several families, he was sold as a slave to pay his debts. Joel feared the worst. His owner was a Roman soldier, a centurion. The master had purchased him not so much for his labor but because he reminded him of his late father.
Surprisingly, the two men developed a camaraderie. Once Joel was ill; everyone assumed the old man would die. His centurion master rode miles to fetch Jesus, hoping He would come and heal Joel. Learning of his master’s mission, Joel hoped he would live long enough to see Jesus. Instead, he miraculously got well before the master returned. In response to the centurion’s faith, Jesus healed Joel from afar.
Later, Joel stood in the back of the crowd when Jesus was crucified. He believed God would send angels to rescue Jesus. When they did not come, Joel was crushed, another disappointment. That night he asked God why the angels did not come; “He was your Son?” Then he heard it again---the beautiful music. The brilliance of that holy night filled his room, but nowhere else in the house. Then an angel whispered, “Take my hand, Joel, and I’ll take you home.” The angels had come just for him.
A first daredevil
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, bungee jumping is a sport in which the jumper falls from a high place connected to a large elastic cord. Stunt driver Laurent Lasko took bungee jumping to a new level recently when he attached his car to eight bungee cords and dropped no less than 213 feet, three inches, becoming the first daredevil to win the Guinness World Records title for “the highest car bungee jump.” The event took place in the Paris Business District, organized by the Nissan motor company.
From Your Friends At Omaha Baptist Church
May You Enjoy The Holiday Season
A reminder of Gabriel’s visit to Mary in Nazareth.
Luke 1:26-33: “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ “
Introduce
Bill Protecting Employees of Bankrupt Businesses
WASHINGTON --
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in introducing the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act. The bill would empower rank-and-file employees in the bankruptcy process, allowing them to retain more of their wages, benefits, and retirement savings when their employer files for bankruptcy.
Current laws don’t prioritize employees during bankruptcy proceedings–they prioritize the bankrupt business’s creditors. This bill would change that, granting employee claims higher priority and placing restrictions on golden parachutes for executives.
“When companies go bankrupt, workers—and not predatory creditors—should be taken care of first. This legislation would prioritize workers’ claims to wages, benefits, and retirement funds in bankruptcy proceedings, protecting compensation earned through years of hard work,” said Senator Hawley.
“Employees should not have to panic that they will lose their hardearned wages, benefits, and retirement savings when their company files for bankruptcy,” said Senator Durbin. “The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would ensure that all employees, not just those at the top, receive the benefits they were promised.”
“America’s corporate bankruptcy laws put executives first and workers last. The system is broken and must be reversed,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Greedy corporations are allowed to use bankruptcy to deprive workers and retirees of their hard-fought earnings, while padding the pockets of C-suite executives. The Teamsters Union applauds Sen. Durbin and Sen. Hawley for their bipartisan collaboration to protect working people. We will use the full weight of our powerful union to support such long overdue corporate bankruptcy reform.”
Cosponsoring the legislation are U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Senator Hawley has been a staunch supporter of workers’ rights. He has co-sponsored the Warehouse Worker Protection Act which prohibits dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries, stood with and and voted to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, fought to keep jobs here in the U.S., and advocated for United States Postal Service workers. More information about his past work in support of the American worker can be found on his website.
City Council ... Continued from pg. 1
consensus was in favor of private emails.
Davis questioned why all of the safety markers approved previously hadn’t been completed.
Mayor Pittman will take care of it and clarified that they were to be put every where there are two or more steps up to the sidewalk.
In new business, Purdy motioned to have Bill 2329, MIRMA Health read twice by title. Hill seconded the motion. Following City Clerk Linnette Caley’s reading of Bill 2329, MIRMA Health twice by title, Purdy motioned to approve. Lutz seconded the motion, which passed 4-0 via roll call vote.
Homann inquired about raising the amount of comp time, citing that several employees were maxed out. Following discussion, Purdy mo-
tioned to raise comp time to 120 hours across the board. Davis seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.
Homann requested permission to pay for renting the Lions Building for training. Lutz motioned to approve. Purdy seconded the motion, which passed 3-0, with Davis abstaining. Payne reported he had received the fiveyear plan from Benton & Associated for line replacement and the grant should be awarded after the first of the year.
Purdy discussed McCalment opening on Monday, December 9. In discussion, an open house will be held later. Purdy motioned to adjourn. Lutz seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM
Birthdays Send additions/Corrections to: urep@nemr.net
Thursday, December 12
LS Sausage Gravy, Biscuit, Potatoes, Juice, Peaches
Beef Stew, Biscuit, Carrots, Potatoes & Onions, Peas, Spiced Apples
Wednesday, December 18
SALAD BAR, Goulash, Garlic Bread, 1 C Spinach Salad, Carrots, Fruit
“You can have more than you’ve got because you can BECOME more than you are.” ~ Jim Rohn
How many small squares can boast the crowd that was present Saturday night? Food to meet anyone’s appetite (and then some!). Games and activities for the kids and shopping opportunities for the adults was overbounding. There was even a Baby Show!! The square looked so festive with all the decorated planters and the evening ended with a lighted Christmas Parade. This was the perfect event to get everyone in the spirit of the Christmas Season. Hats off to the organizers of this wonderful festival!
Blaine Robinson, Jana Lewis, Richard Savage, Lyle Olds, Ethan Madrigal
Saturday, December 14
David Hyle, Penny Ruggles, Sam Leach, Grant Shipley, Michelle Valentine, Penny Carman, Jesslyn Ray, Sterling Bradshaw
Sunday, December 15
Doug Hyle, Ced Gilworth
Monday, December 16
Kay Blanchard, Ann Brown, Denise Halley, Myrna Welch, David Guffey, Kaye Wertz, Jack Martin, Ericka Whitehead
Tuesday, December 17
Marti Cullum, Marilyn Loop, Dale Foster, Lisa Moss, Tawnya Fowler, Don Lahr, Zeke Clover
Wednesday, December 18
Donald Noland, Jerry Clark, Carol Scalf, Mary Comstock, Sandy Brown, Sandra Crawford, Kelly Anders, Carol McGrew
“Dear whoever is reading this, you’re beautiful and someone out there is crazy about you. So smile. Life is too short to be unhappy.” ~ Author Unknown
The Unionville Republican & Putnam County Journal (USPS 649240)
Established July 1865
Published weekly by Blackbird Creek Printing Company, 111 S. 16th Street, Unionville, Missouri. Periodical postage at the Post Office in Unionville, Missouri 63565
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Unionville Republican, P.O. Box 365, Unionville, MO 63565-0365. Ron Kinzler, Publisher Karen Bradshaw, Editor Mindy Clark, Advertising northmissourinews.com
Member of the Missouri Press Association
Subscription Prices: $32.50/year in-county addresses, $36.50/year out-of-county; $27.00/ year on-line. All subscriptions include sales tax where applicable and must be paid in advance.
Governor Parson Announces Department of Public Safety Director Sandra Karsten to Retire
(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – December 4, Governor Mike Parson announced that Sandra Karsten will retire as Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director at the conclusion of Governor Parson’s term in office on January 13, 2025.
“Director Karsten has dedicated her entire public service career to law enforcement, public safety, and good governance. Our communities across the state are better off today having benefited from her service,” Governor Parson said.
“Whether it was fighting crime, helping respond to a global pandemic, or anything in between, Sandy always answered the call with skill, creativity, and focus. It has been an absolute honor for Teresa and me to work alongside her with her unmatched professionalism and integrity.
We are proud to call her a friend, and we wish Sandy and her family the best in her retirement.”
“It has been my great honor to serve the people of Missouri and to work to make this a safer state for more than 39 years,” Director Karsten said.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with dedicated and committed professionals at the Highway Patrol, the Department of Public Safety, and with our public safety partners across the state. Missourians are fortunate to be served by dedicated and capable public safety professionals. I am grateful to the many public safety leaders I have had a chance to work with over almost four decades and am especially appreciative of Governor Parson for giv-
ing me the opportunity to serve in his administration.”
Governor Parson appointed Karsten to serve as DPS’s 15th director on August 27, 2018, following her retirement as Missouri State Highway Patrol superintendent. Karsten had served with the Highway Patrol for 33 years and was the first woman in Patrol history to attain the ranks of lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel; she was also the first woman to lead the Department of Public Safety.
Karsten worked with Governor Parson to develop and implement the Missouri Blue Scholarship, which funds up to $5,000 in tuition to assist recruits attending Missouri law enforcement training academies. She also worked to increase information sharing for law enforcement through reorganizing the Missouri Law Enforcement Data Exchange (MoDEx).
Karsten also led an overhaul of DPS’s grants program to make grants more accessible, increase staff support, and reduce administrative burdens on local grant recipients – including streamlining the Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund, which boosts minimum pay for deputies in counties across the state.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karsten oversaw the expansion and restructuring the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team, MO DMAT-1, to transform it into a rapidly deployable, fully-equipped medical unit capable of providing highly specialized medical personnel for more mission assignments.
Karsten also worked closely with Lincoln University to help establish and license the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy, the first licensed law enforcement training academy
at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation. Karsten is the daughter of Betty and the late Jay Munden and graduated from Putnam County R-I.
Graves Calls for Inspector General Investigation of FEMA
WASHINGTON, DC – On December 4, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA) asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General to conduct an investigation of incidents in which Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees actively avoided homes in disaster areas that displayed political signs and flags associated with the Trump campaign.
The T&I Committee, which has oversight and legislative jurisdiction of FEMA, has opened an investigation of the agency, and is now acting to ensure the Inspector General conducts its own investigation as well. “On November 19, 2024, Administrator Deanne Criswell appeared on Capitol Hill and provided conflicting testimony regarding whether your office has initiated an investigation into instances of political targeting by FEMA during its disaster recovery efforts,” Chairs Graves and Perry wrote to DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. “The Committee is requesting that you immediately open an investigation into the multiple allegations of the deliberate avoidance of homes with Trump campaign or political signs during the agency’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”
Graves and Perry cited the reported incidents in Lake Placid, Florida, but disputed Administrator Criswell’s assertion that
Joe’sBitsand Pieces
it was isolated to one employee and one incident. The Chairs wrote, “the former FEMA employee reported that FEMA employees avoided homes with Trump campaign signs in multiple states that were impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In North Carolina, the Committee is aware of reports of FEMA employees skipping any home that displayed a ‘Make America Great Again,’ ‘Drain the Swamp,’ ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ or Trump campaign sign.… FEMA leadership has given no indication of whether it will perform additional outreach to homes in North Carolina that were not canvassed as a result of this policy.
“The Committee also has serious concerns regarding the alleged disclosure of the terminated FEMA employee’s personal information and home address as well as her allegations that FEMA records may have been deleted. During her testimony before the Committee, Administrator Criswell asserted that all agency records are preserved and that she would send any requested records to the Committee to assist its investigation. The Committee requests that you notify staff if your office should uncover any deleted records relevant to this investigation.”
Graves and Perry, in asking the Inspector General to open an investigation and provide the Committee with regular briefings, said, “FEMA must work to restore the trust of the American people, and your office plays a crucial role in bringing transparency and accountability to the agency.”
Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)
FARM LEASES REVIEW
I am going to review a subject today I have before but remains a confusing issue. While more farm leases are in writing now than before, oral leases need to be reviewed in Missouri.
Farm leases in Missouri can be written or oral. While all through my career I have promoted written farm leases, there remain many that remain oral. If you have an oral farm lease or more than one year, it is actually a written lease under Missouri statue 441. Farm leases are also different from a house lease which can cause even attorney’s confusion. According to Missouri law, oral agricultural leases of more than 1-year have written rules. One of the most important ones is an oral lease requires a 60-day written notice in order to terminate said lease. A new owner does not change that requirement since the lease goes with the land! More confusing yet is that oral lease termination letter must be given to the renter at least 60 days prior to when the oral lease was started initially. So, if someone shook hands and agree on December 1 of a year, the written letter of termination must be received by the tenant no later than October 1 of any year afterward. Failure to do so means the tenant is allowed another year’s tenancy. I hear many folks say Missouri’s date
is March 1 but that is not correct! Just because a new landowner takes over the property does not matter either. I know we are close to Iowa so I hear November 1, which is their lease date, is right too but that is not the case in Missouri. You can read much more on verbal farm leases in guide 520 online at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g520 or pick up a copy at your county extension office for a small fee. They have written lease forms too.
REMINDERS
Please remember the extension office now has 1099 and other information returns. A sheet cost 75 cents apiece and available forms include W-2, 1099MISC, 1099NEC, 1096’s and others. Remember last year the IRS requires if you have 10 or more information forms (not sheets) to send (not including W-2’s) then you must do them online. If you do not fit into that category, you can still send the forms in. These are limited so if you need any of them, stop by the extension office (1st floor of the courthouse in Unionville) to get yours. The Putnam County Extension Office is taking orders for their annual Krispie Crème donuts that will be back in February. Contact the office (947-2705) for more information on that.
THOUGHT: “What comes easy, won’t last, what lasts won’t come easy”!
A humorous Nobel Prize
There’s the Nobel Prize and then there is the Ig Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize honors “discoveries that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” The Ig Nobel Prize was created in 1991 by Marc Abrahams, editor and co-founder of the Annals of Improbable Research, to make “people laugh and then think.” Among this year’s prize winners was a Japanese research team that discovered mammals can breathe through their butts. This year’s Ig Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the late Harvard psychologist, B.F. Skinner, for his research into whether pigeons in missiles were able to guide their flights.
Please join us for a retirement celebration in honor of Gerald Owings, Putnam County Western District Commissioner!
Lt 118A Meadow Rue; Grantors: Joshua D. Welch Trustee, Tiffany L. Welch Trustee; Grantees: Rodney A. Welch, Tessa Welch
November 13
Lt 1 Bl 9 Elson’s Third Add., Lt 2 Bl 9 Elson’s Third Add.; Grantors: Deena L. Collins, John Collins, Angie Pearson, Bobby Pearson, Rhonda Lyn Henshaw, Michael Christopher Henshaw; Grantees: Verl R. Hollon, Kerri K. Hollon
November 14
STR 35-67-22, STR 24-67-22, STR 26-67-22, STR 36-67-22; Grantors: Michael J. VanHamme Trustee, Michael J. VanHamme Revocable Trust Agreement dated April 1 2009; Grantees: Martin Roy Keller, Jr., Dawn Vickers Keller
STR 30-66-16; Grantors: Thomas B. Morvant, III, Ann Marie Morvant; Grantees: Lowell Zachman, Ashley Zachman
STR 9-66-16; Grantors: Steven J. Letnes, Cynthia J. Letnes; Grantees: Steven J. Letnes Revocable Trust dated June 1 2004, Amended & Restated October 20 2015, Steven J. Letnes Trustee
November 18
STR 30-66-18; Grantor: Jacklyn Ann Morvant; Grantees: Melvin Mullett, Sarah Mullett
STR 22-65-20; Grantors: Alex P. Oberreuter, Bethanie L. Oder; Grantees: Robert R. Madison, Selena F. Stone
STR 36-67-22; Grant-
ors; James L. Godfrey, Gary D. Godfrey, Patricia J. Godfrey; Grantees: Martin Roy Keller, Jr., Dawn Vickers Keller
STR 36-67-22; Grantors; James L. Godfrey, Gary D. Godfrey, Patricia J. Godfrey; Grantee: Charles Fondren
Lt 220 Spring Beauty; Grantor: Victoria Ann Life; Grantee: Diana B. Cowan
Lt 221 Spring Beauty; Grantor: Diana B. Cowan; Grantee: Victoria Ann Life
November 21
STR 20-66-17; Grantors: Beverly Sue Worley, Roger Worley, Brenda Lou Rowland, Tommy L. Rowland, Jr., Ronnie Wessel, Tonja Jo Wessel; Grantees: Cynthia R. Owens Trustee, Paul D. Owens Trustee, Cynthia R. Owens Revocable Trust dated May 28 2015, as Amended & Restated
November 22
Bl 1 Elson’s Second Add.; Grantors: Nathan L. Baughman, Janelle Baughman; Grantees: Nathan L. Baughman, Janelle Baughman
Lt 3 Bl 7 Parrish Add., Lt 6 Bl 7 Parrish Add.; Grantors: David M. Hunter, Gayla A. Hunter; Grantees: Miranda Dunham
STR 12-65-22, STR 13-65-22; Grantors: Jared L. Williams, Jenna J. Williams; Grantees: Victor Graber, Rebecca Sue Graber
November 26 Lt 249 Prairie Rose; Grantors: Larry E. Hornaday, Kristi D. Hornaday; Grantees: Larry E. Hornaday, Kori M. Hornaday, Kristi D. Hornaday
F/K/A Premium Standard Farms Inc; Grantee: Whitworth Farms, Inc.
STR 8-65-20, STR 27-65-21, STR 28-65-21, STR 34-65-21; Grantor: Murphy-Brown of Missouri LLC; Grantee: Whitworth Farms, Inc.
USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds
New Federal Order Will Require National Milk Testing and Support State Officials and Dairy Regulators; Builds on Actions to Protect Farms, Farmworkers and Communities from H5N1 Avian Influenza
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2024 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024. Today, USDA is issuing a new Federal Order, as well as accompanying guidance, requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA, which was developed with significant input from state, veterinary and public health stakeholders, will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds.
“Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, USDA has collaborated with our federal, state and industry partners to swiftly and diligently identify affected herds and respond accordingly. This new milk testing strategy will build on those steps to date and will provide a roadmap for states to protect the health of their dairy herds,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide. USDA is grateful to our partners who have provided input to make this strategy effective and actionable, and we look forward to continued collaboration in seeing this through.”
This NMTS is de-
signed to increase USDA’s and public health partners’ understanding of the virus’ spread in the United States through a structured, uniform, and mandatory testing system that will help swiftly identify which states, and specific herds within them, are affected with H5N1; support the rapid implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of transmission to other livestock; and importantly, inform critical efforts to protect farmworkers to help lower their risk of exposure. USDA believes this additional step is needed to proactively support effective biosecurity measures, which is key for states and farmers to contain and eliminate H5N1 infections from their livestock and to eliminate HPAI in livestock across the U.S. dairy population.
“This testing strategy is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of individuals and communities nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, and we continue to work closely with USDA and all stakeholders on continued testing for H5N1 in retail milk and dairy samples from across the country to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply. We will continue this work with USDA for as long and as far as necessary.”
The Federal Order released today makes three new requirements. First, it requires the sharing of raw milk samples, upon request, from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility that sends or holds milk intended for pasteurization. Second, the Federal Order requires herd owners with positive cattle to provide epidemiological information that enables activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance. Finally, like USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, it requires that
Give Shelby a call today @
Located 1 block East of the Unionville Square 1415 Main Street Unionville, MO
private laboratories and state veterinarians report positive results to USDA that come from tests done on raw milk samples drawn as part of the NMTS. The first round of silo testing under the Federal Order and the NMTS is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 16, 2024, although some states are already conducting testing compatible with the NMTS.
This new Federal Order does not override or supersede USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, which still requires the mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows prior to interstate shipment and requires that all privately owned laboratories and state veterinarians report positive test results connected with those tests.
The new Federal Order announced today is intended to complement and enhance this existing order.
National Milk Testing Strategy
As part of the National Milk Testing Strategy, APHIS will work with each state in the contiguous United States to execute testing in a way that works for the state and that aligns with the NMTS standards. Once a state begins testing under the NMTS, APHIS will place that state into one of five stages based on the HPAI H5N1 virus prevalence in that state. As states move to another stage, we will have a stronger picture of our progress towards eliminating HPAI H5N1 at state, regional and national levels. These stages include:
Stage 1: Standing Up Mandatory USDA National Plant Silo Monitoring
USDA will immediately begin nationwide testing of milk silos at dairy processing facilities. This national sample will allow USDA to identify where the disease is present, monitor trends, and help states identify potentially affected herds.
Stage 2: Determining a State’s H5N1 Dairy Cattle Status
Building on the results of silo monitoring, in collaboration with states, USDA will also stand up bulk tank sampling programs that will enable us to identify herds in
the state that are affected with H5N1.
Stage 3: Detecting and Responding to the Virus in Affected States For states with H5N1 detections, APHIS will work quickly to identify specific cases and implement rapid response measures, including enhanced biosecurity using USDA’s existing incentives programs, movement controls and contact tracing.
Stage 4: Demonstrating Ongoing Absence of H5 in Dairy Cattle in Unaffected States
Once all dairy herds in a given state are considered to be unaffected, APHIS will continue regular sampling of farms’ bulk tanks to ensure the disease does not re-emerge. Bulk tank sampling frequency will progressively decline as the state demonstrates continual silo negativity (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly if continually negative). If a state becomes affected, USDA will re-engage detection and response activities, and the state will return to Stage 3.
Stage 5: Demonstrating Freedom from H5 in U.S. Dairy Cattle
After all states move through Stage Four, APHIS will work with the states to begin periodic sampling and testing to illustrate longterm absence from the national herd.
As of this announcement, the following six states will be included in the first round of states brought into the program for testing: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
As states begin testing under the NMTS and as they move through the five stages, their progress will be shared at USDA HPAI in Livestock Testing. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we
Milk Testing ... Cont. to pg. 7
Continued from pg. 6
anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status.
Webinars and Additional Information
USDA co-hosted information sessions for all state animal health officials and state dairy regulators the week of Dec. 9 to learn more about the National Plant Silo Monitoring and sampling procedures. These sessions were scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 10 and Wednesday Dec. 11 to allow multiple opportunities for dairy regulators and industry stakeholders to participate.
APHIS has been working diligently to educate and inform key state and animal health partners about this Federal Order and National Milk Testing Strategy, as well as to establish written agreements with states to support how they can work with USDA under the new strategy.
APHIS has also sought and received input from state animal and public health partners about potential needs for the strategy and implementation across their various states, particularly for standardized sampling tools, outreach, and potential personnel and fiscal resources from USDA.
In the coming weeks, APHIS will include ad-
ditional states in the NMTS. Throughout this process APHIS will continue to support and offer resources to states that develop bulk milk testing plans in a way that meets the needs of each state and the importance of the response. APHIS will work with each of the 48 contiguous states to participate in the program.
USDA’s Multifaceted Effort to Address H5N1
Since confirming the initial H5N1 infections in cattle in March 2024, USDA has taken significant steps to better understand and control the virus’s spread. This response was aided by APHIS’ more than 50 years of experience in research and managing influenzas across other animal species, and by long-standing partnerships with state animal health officials that allow for the swift establishment of all testing and response activities. APHIS and state partners have seen significant success in responding to detections identified through state-level testing programs, and the NMTS builds on these efforts and will better identify the prevalence of the virus and guide response steps nationwide.
USDA has provided all H5 livestock testing through the NAHLN laboratory network, free of charge, regardless of whether it was performed for pre-movement testing under the
current Federal Order; through the Dairy Herd Status Program; under testing programs that some states have designed pursuant to their unique authorities; prior to intrastate movement to fairs, exhibitions, or sales as part of state testing programs; or for producers interested in learning the status of their livestock herds. As a result of this testing, USDA has received samples from each of the 48 contiguous states over the course of this outbreak, with all confirmed positive findings being reported through the APHIS website, and whole genome sequences of each detected virus uploaded to public databases.
USDA continues to stress to farmers nationwide that effective biosecurity practices are the best weapon against the spread of disease, and that all farms should review their current biosecurity measures and ensure best practices identified over the past eight months are incorporated, even if H5N1 has not been detected in their state or region.
USDA strongly encourages herd owners to participate in the already available producer support programs, which help to cover the cost such as biosecurity programming, PPE for employees, and veterinary care. Producers can find more information
at Financial Assistance | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or at your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency county office.
USDA Research Related to H5N1 in Dairy Cattle USDA has been working collaboratively with its federal partners at HHS to better understand the origin of the emergence of the virus and its potential impact in both bovines and humans. USDA has leveraged its laboratories, researchers, and regulatory agencies to address this issue and, in partnership with FDA, help ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply. This includes lab and personnel support for FDA-designed studies to test the safety of milk and dairy products and reaffirm the efficacy of pasteurization for the safety of products on retail shelves. USDA FSIS has also completed a series of studies on beef, which demonstrate that safely cooking beef inactivates the H5N1 virus, if present. USDA APHIS has also prepared and shared two separate epidemiological reports on the virus and its spread, which can inform biosecurity practices and next steps.
To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/ livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/ livestock.
Scary snakes
More than 600 people showed up for this year’s decade-old Florida Python Hunt in August. According to Florida Today, Pythons swallow any critters in their path that look like lunch and “they spread deadly parasitic diseases to our native snakes.” Thus the need for the hunt, which engages the state’s citizens to join in the annual
MEAL CHAMPIONS SPONSORS THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!
The P. C. Cafe appreciates the support of the following businesses, organizations,and individuals for providing meals for the Senior Citizens in Putnam County:
NOV 11 - Honor of Veterans & Memory of Kennedy Assassination (Steve & Linda Jones)
NOV 12- Memory of Sam Frank (Mary Frank)
NOV 15 - Grand Ladies of the Republic-In Memory of Leta Torrey
NOV 19- Audra Jackson Ins & Fin. Svcs. Inc. NOV 20 - Hyvee
NOV 21- Heath and Julie Halley
NOV 26 - Gary Knight Real Estate LLC NOV 27 -Dessert paid by Vernon Mfg
If you are interested in becoming a Meal Champion for older adults, please contact Mary Clapham at the P. C. Cafe and Resource Center.
Back in the Day
By Ross Malone
December 11, 1919 –Robert Pankey of Eldorado Springs was a model youth. He was said to never swear, smoke, or touch liquor. But, on this day, he held up the Bank of Washburn and took $12,850.00.
Everglades conservation. The annual event gives citizen hunters an opportunity to win as much as $10,000 in prizes and to “increase awareness about invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology.”
“In the end, just three things matter: how well we have lived; how well we have loved; how well we have learned to let go.” ~ Jack Kornfield
Lady Midgets ...
Tayla Turner scored eight points and provided a pair of assists. Turner pulled down six rebounds, three each offensive and defensive and added a steal.
Lea Simmons scored four points and recorded a deflection.
Reagan Smith scored four points and provided an assist. Smith stole the ball five times and re-
December 12, 1873 –Merchants in St. Louis organized a ferry service at Third and Washington where the mud flowed “deepest and most rapid.” Shoppers and merchants would step aboard the ferry boat and be pulled across the street by ropes.
December 13, 1919
– Suggested Christmas gifts for men with automobiles included motor robes, windshield wipers, dash clocks, Klaxon horns, and tire vulcanizers.
December 14, 1792 – Birthday of Lilburn Boggs. He was a war hero, fur trader, Jackson County politician, and the sixth Governor of
Missouri. He was governor during the Honey War and the Mormon War, and was instrumental in establishing Missouri’s public schools. He was later elected Governor of California.
December 15, 1898 – North of Joplin, two infants died in the cold covered wagon that their family was traveling in.
December 16, 1811 –The first shocks occurred in the largest earthquake ever to shake North America. It was centered on the New Madrid Fault in Missouri.
December 17, 1931 – C.C. McCallon’s clothing store in West Plains was robbed by Ma Barker’s gang. It was noted that they took over $2000 worth of clothing and only the latest fashions.
For information about Ross Malone’s Missouri Books, visit www.RossMalone.com .
Continued from pg. 9
corded three deflections and a defensive rebound.
Loralei Fisher scored two points and provided an assist. Fisher pulled down 11 rebounds (four offensive, seven defensive). Additionally, she blocked a shot and stole the ball three times.
Bryna Hurley scored two points. Hurley pulled down five rebounds (two offensive, three defensive), stole the ball twice and added a deflection. In other stats, Riley Jones pulled down both an offensive and defensive rebound, provided an assist and added a steal. Ava Perkins recorded a deflection and a steal. Rory Gilworth blocked a shot.
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& 5’x 8’ Nylon and are purchased through the American Legion.
Lucerne, MO -- Prime Hunting/Recreational
Property. 161.80 Acres: First Class Properties is pleased to offer this 161.8 acre property at auction, showcasing a unique combination of agricultural, hunting and building potential. Located in western Putnam County, Missouri, between Unionville and Princeton, and South of Hwy 136, this property provides a balance of seclusion and accessibility. The tracts diverse landscape, featuring 60 acres of open area with a row crop base, timber with dense cover and two ponds, creates an ideal environment for wildlife, complimented by the nearby Medicine Creek bottoms. There is rural water and electricity available at the road, but not installed on the property. Having previously generated annual income of $16,500.00 through cattle and hunting leases, this property has good perimeter fences and presents an attractive investment opportunity. It will be sold free of leases, with the successful bidder securing hunting rights BEFORE closing after payment of 10% of purchase price to be held in escrow. Please contact Auctioneer, Mark Smith 660-734-1762 or the First Class Properties team at 660-734-0506 for further information. #10262024 Jared Williams @ First Class Properties, LLC, Lancaster, MO 660.734.0506
Unionville, MO -- New Listing!: Build Your Dream Home on the Lake. Located on South Wildflower Drive lots 296 & 297 at Lake Thunderhead. This lot provides a beautiful lake view, timber for pri-
vacy in the back, electricity on the lot, water is available, and is within walking distance of South Pontoon Alley. Lots on this part of the lake are few and far between and will not last long. Lake Thunderhead is an HOA-Dues are $810, and $100 Road assessment annually. $89,900. #38069 Charity Taylor, REALTOR® Sales Executive @ Century 21 Lifetime Realty, 800.893.6891
Unionville, MO -- 2 Bdrm/1 Bath Ranch on 3 city lots. Large shaded yard, great location! 139’ x 113’ Lot: This 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Ranch with attached garage sits on three shaded lots. You’ll love this location near the Unionville city park & historic downtown square. A solid storage shed in the backyard makes the perfect wood or lawn shop or she-shed. Large laundry room, back deck, & quiet neighborhood. With a simple yet roomy floor plan, all this home needs is your tlc to make it the quaint easy-keeping home you’ve been looking for! Call Ami for your private showing today. $95,000. #2118 Gary Knight Real Estate LLC, Unionville, MO 660.947.2506
Unionville, MO -- 3 Bedrm/2 Bath + Bonus Room on 6 Acres, Detached Garage, Full Basement. 2.00 Acres: 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Ranch with Large Bonus Family Room, full finished basement w/ kitchenette, back deck, covered sun patio, 24’x40’ detached garage, level shaded yard + More! This easy keeping home has been maintained exceptionally well and is nestled into the quiet community of Hartford, Mo. Reduced: $175,000. #1831 Gary M. Knight, Broker @ Gary Knight Real Es-
tate LLC, 660-947-2506 shomemoreauctions.com
The Midgets opened play in the Tri Rivers Classic against the Schuyler County JV. They were originally scheduled to play the North Shelby Raiders, but the Raiders extended football season led to them withdrawing from the tournament.
the Midget scoring with 20 points and added an assist. Hornaday also led the team in blocked shots with two. He pulled down eight rebounds (five offensive, three defensive) and recorded three deflections and a steal.
Mason Morris scored 18 points and provided a pair of assists. Morris pulled down seven rebounds (four offensive, three defensive) and added three deflections and four steals.
Daxton Smith scored eight points and provided three assists. Smith pulled down eight rebounds, four each offensive and defensive and added a pair of deflections.
Sawyer Morgan put seven points on the board and provided an assist.
Brock Munden scored six points. Munden pulled down four offen-
sive rebounds, stole the ball four times and added a deflection.
Avery Campbell-Johnson put five points on the board and provided three assists. Campbell-Johnson stole the ball four times, added a deflection and a defensive rebound.
Diego Lopez put three points on the board and provided a pair of assists. Lopez recorded four steals and three deflections.
Cameron Cullum scored two points. Cullum pulled down both an offensive and a defensive rebound and added a pair of steals.
In other stats, Matthew Blanchard recorded a defensive rebound, a pair of deflections and a steal. Angstrom Watt provided an assist and recorded a defensive rebound a pair of deflections and a pair of steals.
Lady Midgets Fall to Eagles, 48-33
pair of steals.
Sammi Blanchard led the team in assists with three and scored two points. Blanchard recorded three deflections, a pair of steals and a defensive rebound.
Tayla Turner scored two points. On defense, Turner stole the ball twice and pulled down a pair of defensive rebounds.
Loralei Fisher led the team in rebounds with eight (three offensive, five defensive). Fisher scored two points and provided a pair of assists. Fisher also led the team
in steals, capturing three and added a pair of deflections.
Reagan Smith led the team in deflections with four and added a steal. Smith scored two points and provided an assist. She also accounted for an offensive rebound. Rory Gilworth put two points on the board and pulled down a pair of defensive rebounds. In other stats, Ava Perkins provided an assist and pulled down an offensive rebound. Bryna Hurley recorded a defensive rebound.
The Midgets’ shooting was cold in the first quarter, allowing Schuyler to take a 13-12 lead at the buzzer. The Midgets took back the lead 3025 in the second quarter. The final two quarters the Midgets held the Rams to only eight points and sealed the 69-33 victory. From two-point range, the Midgets made 23 of 45 (51.1%) and the Rams 11 of 33 (33.3%). From three-point range, both teams made three of 20 (15%). At the line, PC made 14 of 29 (48.3%) and Schuyler two of two (100%). The Midgets recorded 21 transition points and the Rams six. PC recorded 35 points off turnovers and 18 second chance points, while the Rams recorded seven points off turnovers and three second chance points.
Kooper Hornaday led
In the opening round of the Tri Rivers Classic, the Lady Midgets were matched with the Lady Eagles of Knox County.
The Midgets took an early lead in the first quarter, before the Eagles hit on some threes and ended up leading 11-6 at the end of the quarter.
In second quarter action, the Eagles expanded their lead to 28-16.
The Midgets closed the gap, 29-38, at the end of the third. However, the Eagles would prevail, winning 48-33.
From two-point range, PC made nine of 42 (21.4%) and the Eagles seven of 35 (20%).
From three-point range, the Midgets connected
on four of 11 (36.4%) and Knox on four of 12 (33.3%). At the line, PC made three of six (50%) and the Eagles 22/42 (52.4%). Trips to the mercy strip made the difference, with PC recording 30 personal fouls to Knox County’s 13.
Allise Perkins led the Midget scoring with 19 points and added an assist. Perkins also led in blocked shots with four. She recorded five rebounds (two offensive, three defensive and recorded a pair of deflections and a pair of steals.
Bella Lopez scored four points. Lopez pulled down both an offensive and a defensive rebound and recorded a
Lady Midgets Defeat Rams
After being edged out 48-33 by the Knox County Lady Eagles in the first round of play at the Tri Rivers Classic Tournament, the Lady Midgets faced off with the Schuyler County Lady Rams.
At the end of a tight first quarter, the Midgets led 9-8. They were able to add fifteen more points in the second quarter, while holding the Rams to eight and went into the locker room leading 2416. Schuyler fought back in the third quarter putting 18 points on the board, but PC answered with 19 of their own, maintaining a 43-34 lead. The Midgets sealed the 64-46 victory in the fourth quarter putting 21 points on the board to Schuyler’s 12.
From two-point range, PC made 21 of 45 (46.7%) and the Rams made 16 of 49 (30.1%). From beyond the arc, the Midgets sank six of 18 (33.3%) and Schuy-
ler three of 19 (15.8%). At the line, the Midgets made four of eight (50%) and the Rams five of seven (71.4%). The Midgets recorded 22 points off turnovers and the Rams 16. PC posted 11 second chance points and Schuyler six. Both teams recorded 12 assists and 13 deflections.
Allise Perkins led the Midget scoring with 33 points, and provided an assist. Perkins earned the double double with 11 rebounds (two offensive, nine defensive). Additionally she stole the ball twice and deflected it three times.
Sammie Blanchard led the team in assists with five and put 11 points on the board. She also led the team in steals with six and deflections with four.
Kooper Hornaday led the Midget scoring with 20 points and in blocked shots with a pair.
Avery Campbell-Johnson takes it straight to the hoop and scores after the steal. He recorded four steals against Schuyler County.
Bella Lopez (5) cuts for the lane against the Knox Lady Eagles, while Tayla Turner provides the block.
Allise Perkins (1) takes it to the hoop against the Knox Co. Lady Eagles. Perkins led the Midget scoring with 19 points.
Obituaries
Continued from p. 2
Chris Jones
Chris Eugene Jones joined many of his dear family and friends in heaven on October 27, 2024, at the age of 71, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 19, 1953, in Kirksville, MO, to Dorothy Louise (Robb) and Darrel Gene Jones, both preceding him in death, as well as his brother Dennis K. Jones.
Chris received his education in Kirksville and graduated with the Class of 1971. Chris developed a strong work ethic from a young age. He spent his youth working at his family’s DX service station, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting DX signs. Over the years, Chris wore many hats. Truck driver, drywall finisher, farmer; but was most proud of his time as a Construction Trades teacher. In this role, he inspired young people both inside and outside the classroom. He also coached youth softball, encouraging and mentoring many along the way. His friendships were forged across these different chapters of life, from the students he taught to the buddies he met playing softball and working his chip and pop routes.
He answered to many names throughout his life—Bim, Bimbo, Jonesy, Bubba, Dr. J and Chris—but the one he loved most and was proudest of was Poppy. Known for his warm humor, captivating storytelling, and generous heart, Chris could light up a room with laughter, often through tales of his hunting adventures, outdoor pursuits, and time spent junking with Terri. Together, they found joy in antiquing and crafting displays of their “uniques and curiosities” at home.
In 2011, Chris retired from teaching and drywalling to spend more time doing what he loved: hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. These excursions
were as much about friendship as they were about the game, and he cherished the time spent with his companions in the field. His bird dogs and the strays he took in also became beloved members of his family, filling his days with joy.
Though he didn’t attend church regularly, Chris had faith in God and His creations. He shared this sense of wonder with his granddaughters, Abby and EmmyLee, instilling in them a love for the outdoors and teaching them the importance of stewardship. With Abby, he shared his passion for hunting, gifting her a pink BB gun and a purple camo .243 rifle to mark the start of their adventures. He carefully taught both girls gun safety, ensuring that every lesson, like every shot, was deliberate and meaningful. EmmyLee often joined him in hunting for Native American artifacts, combing ditches together with quiet determination. And when it came time for driving lessons, Poppy made sure to keep things fun as he taught the girls to drive the buggy, their laughter echoing across the fields and dirt roads surrounding the Jones property.
Chris found happiness in life’s simple moments: mowing acres of grass in his flannel pajama pants, sitting on the back porch watching birds with Terri, or savoring a cup of Folgers coffee with a Marlboro Red cigarette and an old western on TV.
Chris is survived by his wife Terri, who was by his side for nearly 40 years (May 25, 1985); his children, BJ Richardson of Springfield, MO; Brittany Shaffer (Michael Hall) of Moscow Mills, MO; and Melissa (Dave) Salter of Ashland, MO; and his two granddaughters, Abigail Nicole Shaffer and Emma Lee Shaffer, his uncle Bob (Sharon) Jones, his aunt Laura Rachel Casey, his sisters-in-law, brothersin-law and many nieces,
nephews and cousins. Though Chris’s passing leaves a deep void, his warmth, humor, and love for life will live on in the many lives he touched. He taught his family how to face life’s challenges with determination and grace, and his love of the outdoors will be remembered in every hunting trip, shared laugh, and quiet moment over black coffee. Those lucky enough to know Chris will carry his legacy forward, guided by the lessons he taught and the memories they shared.
A funeral service for Chris was held at 11am, Saturday November 2, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with
Virgil Jones presiding. Pallbearers were Dannie Rhoads, Mark Louder, Dr. Garry Elam, Greg Murphy, Dennis Wilson, and Ronny Roof. Honorary pallbearers include Dick Gooch, Joel Shipman, Jim Miller, Bryan Collier, Marty Jones, and Tim Findling Burial followed at Parkview Memorial Gardens. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 1st
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jones Family Scholarship for a Career & Technical graduate, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.
Robert Kirkman
Robert L. Kirkman, 88, of Newton, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Park Centre in hospice care.
Robert, the son of Schuyler and Bertha (Carter) Kirkman, was born on Tuesday, October 20, 1936, in Putnam County, Missouri. He attended rural schools in Putnam County and graduated from Livonia High School with the class of 1954.
On November 12, 1961, Robert married Wilma Schmitter in Queen City, Missouri. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage and two children, Dorothy and David.
Robert accepted the Lord at an early age. He was originally a member of Omaha Baptist Church in Missouri before transferring his membership to First United Methodist Church in Newton, Iowa, where he lived since 1955.
Robert served in the
MO 63565
8:30 am, 10:45 am & 6 pm Sunday School ~ 9:45 am Weekly Fellowship: Monday ~ Ladies Quilting ~ 9 am
Monday Night Bible Study ~ 6:30 pm Tuesday ~ Ladies Bible Study ~ 9:45 am Wednesday ~ Bible Studies ~ 6:30 pm
restore a 1957 Chevy. He also enjoyed country and gospel music, NASCAR races, and attending the county fair to see his grandchildren’s 4-H and open exhibits. Robert was a skilled woodworker, crafting cedar desks, and bed frames for his children. After moving to Park Centre, he spent much of his time in the woodshop until his health declined.
Robert deeply loved his family and was always there with a helping hand. His life changed on August 21, 2024, when he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
United States Army from November 3, 1959, until his honorable discharge from active duty on February 15, 1962. His service took him to Colorado, New Jersey, Alabama, and South Carolina. Most of his time was spent in the personnel office at the Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, with three months at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, processing new recruits. Reflecting on that time, he once said he’d never seen so many short haircuts and long faces before or since. He was discharged from the reserves on November 2, 1965.
After his military service, Robert worked briefly on a pipeline and at the Grinnell shoe factory before joining the Maytag Company in 1955. He worked there for 38.6 years, retiring on May 31, 1994, from the maintenance department. Robert was a proud member of UAW Local #997. He later worked in the maintenance department at Park Centre for 15.5 years and spent a short time with Nook Heating and Cooling.
One of Robert’s passions was restoring old Cub Cadet garden tractors. He took special pride in helping his son
“Self-talk strategies: If you need confidence, talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. If you need persistence, talk to yourself the way you would talk to a student. If you need patience, talk to yourself the way you would talk to a child.”
~ James Clear
The family would like to thank Hospice for their warm and compassionate care during Robert’s final days, as well as Dr. Edwards for the comfort and guidance provided. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Park Centre community for their support and friendship throughout Robert’s life and during his time living there.
Survivors include his wife Wilma; one daughter Dorothy (Shawn) McFarling; one son David (Alana) Kirkman; four granddaughters Tasha McFarling, Deana (Jake) Arnett, Anna Kirkman, and Paige (Brandon) Versendaal; two grandsons Brandon
(Sami) Kirkman and Levi Kirkman; Three great-grandsons Patrick Kirkman, Benjamin Kirkman and Aiden Arnett; two great-granddaughters Natalie Polo, and Edith Arnett; and one great-grandchild on the way.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha Kirkman, August 25, 1996, and Schuyler Kirkman, July 31, 1998. One cousin, Ruth Carter, October 20, 2014, who was more like a sister than a cousin, and one brother-in-law Gilbert Schmitter, November 29, 2021.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family greeted guests at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. A luncheon followed at the funeral home. Burial took place at Chapel Cemetery, five miles north of Livonia, Missouri. Memorials may be designated in Robert’s name to Park Centre, First United Methodist Church in Newton, or Chapel Cemetery in Livonia, Missouri, and may be left at the Pence Reese Funeral Home, Newton, IA 50208
Classic Kids 4-H Minutes
The Classic Kids 4-H Club met on Sunday, November 10th at 5:30 pm at the 4-H Building in Unionville, MO. 13 members were present and 7 other guests including leaders and parents. Members discussed officer training that will be conducted on January 3rd and Recognition Day on January 12 at 2:00 pm. December activities were discussed including creating a planter for Winterfest, and a service project for the elderly to be conducted at the December meeting. Project leaders have been selected for some of the project areas and county wide meetings have been
scheduled for rabbits and arts and crafts projects. There were no project or committee reports at this time. Emmitt Fleshman gave a demonstration on How to Draw a Turkey! Kady Wood completed a demonstration on sewing! The next meeting will be held on December 8th at the 4-H Building where the planter final design will be shown and a service project and hot chocolate party will be completed. If you do not have a 4-H Club we would love to have you join us!
Submitted by: Katie Halley, Classic Kids 4-H Club Reporter
Thank you
Thank you for the outpouring of support shown to us during Chris’ illness and death. The messages, food, cards, gifts, flowers, visits, and donations to the scholarship fund in his memory have been heartwarming. We sincerely appreciate the prayers and every single kind gesture.
The Family of Chris Jones Terri, BJ, Brittany, Michael, Abby, and Emma
