Christmas
season spirit
arrives in Mercer County
PRESTON COLE/Princeton Post-Telegraph (Santa, Dr. Hart); COURTESY MERCER SCHOOL (Concert) The Christmas season is officially in Mercer County as it’s now just a couple of weeks before the holiday. Clockwise, from top left: Mercer elementary students in preschool and kindergarten performed during the school’s annual concert last Tuesday night (Dec. 3). TOP RIGHT - Santa and Mrs. Claus had a young child’s full attention during his visit to Princeton on Saturday night. ABOVE: Dr. Tammy Hart (center) explained how she and her husband Spencer renovated the front portion of the old Bank of Princeton building during Saturday afternoon’s Christmas Home Tour. The Princeton events were sponsored by the Princeton Chamber of Commerce.
It’s for Princeton third-grade student injured in hunting accident in late November Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo. Princeton R-5 Elementary School will host a “Benefit for Karson” before and during the Princeton-North Harrison varsity basketball doubleheader next Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Karson Wager, a third-grader at Princeton Elementary School, was involved in a hunting accident in late November. He’s recovering, but his family has incurred considerable expenses during his hospitalization. All proceeds from the “Benefit for Karson” will go
, Page 3
GRM Networks Board of Directors authorize return of $5.1 million in capital credits
Tigers receive top honors at Albany
basketball
OBITUARIES
Bill Gamet
Princeton, Mo.
William Ray “Bill” Gamet, 97, of Princeton, Mo., passed away Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at Liberty Hospital, Liberty, Mo.
He was born on November 12, 1927 in Logan, Iowa, the son of Dale A. and Leila Ione (Miller) Gamet.
On February 4, 1946, he married Helen Opal (Weaver) Gamet in Princeton. She preceded him death on Jan. 20, 2017.
Bill was a graduate of Princeton High School. He served in the United States Army and was a member of the 49th Army Grand Forces Band. He was manager of the Supply Store, then the Princeton Hy-Vee Food Store and later was owner of the Big G grocery store.
He served as president of the Princeton Rotary Club and was a member for 62 years, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow member distinction. He also served as president of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, member of Lodge #35 AF & AM, member of Princeton R-5 Board of Education, and Scoutmaster of Boy Troop 105. He also was a member of the Calamity Jane Melodrama cast for many years playing the “hero.” He also sung in the United Methodist Church choir for many years.
In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill is survived by his son, Phillip Bruce (Nancy) Gamet, Princeton; daughter, Terrilee (Fred) Stinson, Gunnison, Colo; grandchildren, Nicole Lee Stinson, Arvada, Colo., Nathan Philip (Katrina) Gamet, Trenton, Mo., and Jarin Easter (Audrey) Gamet, Winterset, Iowa; and great-grandchildren Alexis Ann, Avery Jane, and Beckett Lynn Gamet,
Paxton William, Callan Ronald, and Henley Lynn Gamet, and London Nicole and Kobe Knight Shashore.
Bill’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Princeton First Christian Church under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton. Burial will follow in Ravanna Cemetery, Ravanna, Mo. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
Sally Reighard Princeton, Mo.
Sally Louise Reighard, 83, of Princeton, Mo. passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2024 at her home.
She was born Oct. 3, 1941, in Redfield, Iowa, the daughter of Benjamin Wilson and Hazel Pauline (Zimmerman) Merical.
She married Roland Joseph Reighard in Des Moines, Iowa. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2011.
Sally worked as a nurses aide and was a member of Ragan-Hickman American Legion Post #477 Auxiliary of Mercer, Mo.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Shirley Keltner.
Survivors include her son, Dorn Leroy Reighard; brothers, Benja (Carol) Merical, and Burton (Gretchen) Merical; grandchildren Cody and Mercedes Reighard; and a great-grandchild, Mason Reighard. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Early Cemetery, Mercer, MO.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturday at Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, Mo. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
De Lyla Spaid Fairfax, Va.
De Lyla Alexander Spaid, 81, daughter of Ross Alexander Jr. and Lyla Lee (Derry) Alexander, was born in Trenton, Mo., on Aug. 21, 1943, and passed away surrounded by loving family and friends in Fairfax, Va., on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
De Lyla was born and raised in northern Missouri, where her Midwest upbringing instilled in her strong values, a resilient work ethic, and an enduring appreciation for the simplicity of life. As a high school senior, she moved to Texas, eventually settling in Dallas, where she spent most of her adult life. Despite her many years in Texas, De Lyla always held her Midwest roots close to her heart.
De Lyla was a proud American and a woman of remarkable determination. Born during World War II while her father served in the Army Air Corps, she developed a deep respect for service and dedication. After a successful 30-year career as a human resources director for a major law firm, she earned her master’s degree at Texas A&M University, where she worked as a career counselor for the Corps of Cadets.
As the oldest child, in a family of seven D siblings, De Lyla’s greatest pride was her family, and
she exemplified the spirit of a devoted military mother. She lived to see her only son, Wes, safely retire as a colonel in the Marine Corps after a distinguished 30-year career and multiple deployments. This milestone brought her immense peace and fulfillment.
In her own words, De Lyla had a “wonderful life,” living each day without regret. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and humor, encouraging all who knew her to live authentically and embrace life’s joys. Her life lessons - don’t sweat the small stuff, always be honest and humble, keep your sense of humor, and love without conditions - will resonate forever.
In keeping with her practical and down-toearth nature, De Lyla requested that her ashes not be placed in a “fancy” urn for display or interment. Instead, her remains will be lovingly spread near the farmland of her grandparents, Francis and Hazel Derry, in Princeton, Mo. - a tribute to her deeply cherished family heritage.
Her final wish was to hear one last joke from her sister, Dana, which brought a smile to her face: “The farmer’s son didn’t study medicine... because he wanted to go into a different field.”
De Lyla is predeceased by her brothers, Doug and Dempsey. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law, Wes and Nicole; her beloved grandchildren, Kate, Jack, and Ross; her sister, Dana; and her brothers, Dwight, Drew, and Dulles. She is also lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law Chris, Simone, Twylla and Margo and a host of adoring nieces and nephews.
De Lyla left this world as she lived it - with
laughter, love, and grace. Rest in peace, dear mom, G-mom, sister, aunt, and cherished friend.
Ruth Combs Princeton, Mo.
Ruth Lorraine (Shackelford) (Hamilton) Combs of Princeton, Mo., formerly of Bethany, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at Pearls II Eden for Elders in Princeton at the age of 94 years. She was born on Aug. 14, 1930, to Ellis and Fern (Alexander) Shackelford in Mt. Moriah, Mo. Ruth graduated from Mt. Moriah High School in 1948. She worked in the drug store in Mt. Moriah and also as a telephone operator in Bethany, Missouri. Later on she worked for Place’s Warehouse in Bethany, from which she retired. She married Leslie “Fayne” Hamilton on Oct. 9, 1950. To this union one daughter was born, Theresa “Colleen,” who was born on their seventh wedding anniversary. They lived on a farm near Gilman City, Mo. Fayne passed away on Sept. 7, 1985. Ruth was baptized into the Church of Christ on Sept. 14, 1986, in Bethany.
Ruth later married Lester “Earl” Combs on May 13, 1997. They lived in Blue Ridge until Earl passed away on Dec. 14, 2006. She then moved to Bethany to be closer to her two remaining sisters. Later in life, to be closer to her daughter and grandkids, she moved to Hal England Center in
Princeton.
In addition to her husbands, Fayne Hamilton and Earl Combs, she was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Viola King, Maurine Preston, Nadine Kinnison, Lester Shackelford, Lawrence Shackelford, and Aaron Shackelford; two nieces and two nephews.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Colleen (Iven) Jincks, Princeton; two granddaughters, Kerri Jincks and Kelsey Jincks, both of Princeton; stepdaughters Delynn (Alan) Walden, Frankson, Texad, and Debbie (Jim) Albercht, Carrollton, Mo.; a stepson, Bill (Phyllis) Combs, Greensboro, NC; and six step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Ruth’s favorite things were spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed canning, gardening, playing cards with friends, and sewing. She was a loving wife and mother and was a very special mom to her daughter, Colleen and a wonderful and special grandma to Kerri and Kelsey.
Her funeral service was held Monday, Dec. 9 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial followed in Hamilton Cemetery, Modena, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hamilton Cemetery and/ or Mercer County Ambulance in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
GRM board approves capital credit refunds
Special to the Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo. The GRM Networks Board of Directors has authorized the return of more than $5.1 million in patronage capital credits to its member-owners. This includes more than $4.5 million paid to members with service in 2000 and $556,000 paid to members with service in 2023.
This year, GRM Networks has also returned $2.7 million to the estates of deceased members. Combined, a total of $7.8 million will be returned to members, or their estates, in 2024.
The December 2024 check distribution marks the 36th consecutive year GRM Networks has paid capital credits to member-owners. Since 1989, members of the cooperative have received more than $80 million in patronage capital credits.
GRM Networks proudly supports the local economy through its investments in the communities served such as the payment of local taxes and the employment of more than 100 full-time employees. GRM Networks provides scholarship programs and learning opportunities for area youth, distributes quarterly community improvement grants to local organizations and sponsors numerous community events.
The 2024 capital credit checks will be mailed the third week of December. For more information, or to report a change of address, members may contact Elizabeth Polsdofer at 660-748-2470.
DIVISION II
CIRCUIT COURT
Judge Matt Krohn
NOTES: Persons listed in this report are Missouri residents unless otherwise noted. Addresses shown are those of the defendants on the day their cases were heard. Defendants in criminal cases were represented by counsel unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
• State vs. Kirby Eastin, Mercer: Eastin did
not appear for a criminal motion hearing involving his conviction on two Class C misdemeanor charges of negligent burning or exploding. At the state’s request, a capias warrant for his arrest was ordered issued, with bond set at $1,000 cash. Eastin’s probation was suspended until further order of the court.
• State vs. Mark Elsen, Grand River, Iowa: Elsen failed to appear on a Class A misdemeanor charge of passing a bad check. At the state’s request, a capias warrant for his arrest was ordered issued, with bond set at $750 cash.
• State vs. Stephen Aaron Evans, Mercer: Evans did not appear on an infraction charge of driver/front seat passenger failed to wear a properly adjusted/fastened seat belt. At the state’s request, cause continued to Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. for arraignment. The circuit clerk sent him a letter about his new court date.
• State vs. Donnie E. Gannon, Princeton: Gannon appeared for a review hearing involving his conviction for Class A misdmeanor driving while intoxicated (prior offender) and Class D misdmeanor driving while revoked or suspended (first offense). He provided proof of his attendance at AA meetings per conditions of his probation. He is in compliance with other conditions. The court instructed the circuit clerk to raise Gannon’s security level to 3 due to the sensitive nature of this information of probation, and to his health information.
• State vs. Michael E. Houk, Princeton: Houk did not appear for a hearing involving his 2023 conviction on a Class A misdemeanor charge of second degree harassment. At the state’s request, a capias warrant for his arrest was ordered issued, with bond set at $1,000 cash. His probation was suspended until further order of the court.
• State vs. Tyler L. Johnson, Princeton: Johnson appeared for arraignment on a Class A misdemeanor charge of fourth degree domestic assault (first or second offense). He waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for Jan. 21, 2025 at 9 a.m. for a plea or trial setting.
• State vs. Wayne Scott Larue, Cantril, Iowa: Larue did not appear on Class D misdemeanor charges of driving while revoked or suspended (first offense), and owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered). At the state’s request, a capias warrant for his arrest was ordered issued on each charge, with bont set at $1,000 cash on the driving charge and $1,500 cash on the “no insurance” charge.
• State vs. Jason Wayne Perkins, Bethany: Perkins appeared in custody on four Class D felony charges - two for receiving stolen property, and two for stealing ($750 or more). At his request, a bond hearing was set for Dec. 11 at 8:45 a.m.
• State vs. Gunnar Scott Oberender, Mercer: Oberender appeared without counsel on a Class D misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked or suspended (first offense). He was advised of his right to counsel, waived that right, and entered a plea of guilty. He was ordered to pay a $100 fine, plus $94.50 in court costs and a $300 donation to the county law enforcement restitution fund, all within 30 days. A payment plan was established, with the $25 time payment fee waived. A file review was set for Sept. 2, 2025 at 9 a.m. to check payment. Oberender will not have to appear for the review if the fine and costs are
paid before then.
• State vs. Ryan M. Harris, Newtown: Harris appeared for a preliminary hearing on a Class E felony charge of first degree harassment. He waived his right to the hearing, and he was bound over to appear in court on Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. His $15,000 bond was continued, and he was remanded to the custody of the Mercer County sheriff.
• State vs. Christopher Baker, Trenton: Baker appeared for arraignment on charges of Class C misdemeanor failure to drive on the right half of roadway when roadway was of sufficient width, and Class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He waived arraignment and entered pleas of not guilty. The case was set for Jan. 7, 2025 at 9 a.m. for discovery and plea negotiations. The state’s request to consolidate the cases was granted without opposition.
Benefit
From Page 1
to the family to help with those expenses.
There will be a soup supper, a silent auction, chuck-a-duck game and a cake walk during the evening. The doubleheader starts at 6 p.m.
If you would like to donate auction items or have questions, contact Lori Puls at 660-7483335, ext. 285 or via email at lpuls.tigertown. k12.mo.us.
POST-TELEGRAPH MISSION STATEMENT
(What we try to do every week)
“Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it because in the process WE WILL CATCH EXCELLENCE.”
Coach Vince Lombardi
THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment for religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Hibernating bears
Sleepy season for bears is late November to midApril and, apparently, at least one bear in Monrovia, Calif., was checking out bedrooms recently. Homeowners there heard noises coming from their home’s crawlspace. Mark Chou told reporters “We were like, OK, something is under there. We kind of tiptoed towards it a little bit and then I could hear a little more scratching and we ran back inside the house. It turned out that it was a big bear that was stuck in a crawlspace doing the scratching. It was so big that he could barely fit through the crawlspace door (and so) he kind of pawed his way out.”
Bella Boutique announces grant recipients
Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo Bel-
la Boutique, which is operated by the Mercer County Area Development Corporation, has announced their recent grant recipients. All the grants went to Mercer County’s two school districts. Recipients include:
• Princeton FFA chapter, $500
• Princeton R-5 counseling department, $200
• Mercer FFA chapter, $1,000
• Mercer music department, $200
• Mercer Title I department, $200
Groups applying for a Bella Boutique grant must meet the following criteria:
• Applicants must be a Mercer County, Mo., organization.
• Applicants must be a non-profit (does not have to be a 501(c)(3) group) that does not receive tax support, other than the school (FFA, FCCLA, FCA, etc.; $1,000 limit).
• Teachers can apply ($200 limit).
• Recipients must use the grant funds as indicated on the application form.
• Recipients must keep complete documentation of all expenses (copies of canceled checks, invoices, receipts, etc.) involving the Bella Boutique grant.
• Recipients must notify Bella Boutique and supply photos and a statement that the project is complete.
The next deadline to apply for a Bella Boutique grant is Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Other applications in 2025 are Monday, June 30 and Friday, Oct. 31.
SCHOOL FOOD
All menus subject to change. PRINCETON 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, Dec. 16: breakfast sandwich.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: pancakes, sausage patty.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: banana muffin loaf.
Thursday, Dec. 19: pancake on a stick.
Friday, Dec. 20: bis-
cuits, 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, Dec. 16: BBQ rib sandwich or hot dog, macaroni and cheese, baked beans.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: teriyaki chicken or hamburger, egg roll, brown rice.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: chili or vegetable beef soup, peanut butter sandwich, celery sticks, cornbread.
Thursday, Dec. 19: beef roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, hot roll, cherry crisp; no peanut butter and jelly sandwich, no salad bar.
Friday, Dec. 20: chicken nuggets or fish sticks, tater tots, buttered corn, apple empanada.
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.
Monday, Dec. 16: a) tenderloin; b) soft taco; tater tots.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: a) ham; b) popcorn chicken; mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, roll, red velvet cake. Wednesday, Dec. 18: a) spaghetti, breadstick; b) hamburger; corn.
Thursday, Dec. 19: a) deli sandwich; b) sloppy joe; chips.
Friday, Dec. 20: a) turkey sandwich; b) ham
sandwich; chips, candy bar; no salad bar.
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, Dec. 16: goulash, green beans, bread and butter.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: tater tot casserole, green beans.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, hot roll.
Thursday, Dec. 19: pizza, cottage cheese.
Friday, Dec. 20: hot ham and cheese, chips.
COMMISSION
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission. All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Dec. 2
• Minutes of the Nov. 28 meeting were approved.
• Sheriff Jeff Spencer spoke to commissioners.
• Bills were approved and paid.
• Time sheets and the Nov. 30 payroll were approved.
• 2025 county holidays were approved.
• A preliminary budget hearing was held at 9:15 a.m. Spencer presented budget worksheets.
• Commissioners received the balance of delinquent taxes, dated Oct. 31, from Collector/ Treasurer Susan Moore as verified by County Clerk Judy Hamilton. Hamilton also presented the balance of protested taxes, dated Oct. 31.
• Spencer presented his November motor equipment expense re-
port.
• Commissioners received the November funds collected report from Assessor Dana Widner.
• Commissioners authorized Moore to pay the following:
* $98.47 to MTE for supplies, and $95.30 to GRM Networks for the phone bill (money taken from Treasurer’s Maintenance Fund #34);
* $40.56 to General Revenue for the Xerox lease (money taken from Recorder’s Special Fund #06); and
* $149 to Sarah Golden for uniform expenses (money taken from Sheriff’s Special Fund #32).
• Glenn Miller, Morgan Township trustee, came in to discuss brush.
• 1st District Commissioner Cheston Easter left the meeting at 10 a.m.
CAINSVILLE
MELANIE CHANEY
Herman and Melanie Chaney attended the Smithfield Christmas party in Princeton on Dec. 5. They enjoyed some music bingo, good food, visiting and winning prizes.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 they spent the day in St. Joseph Christmas shopping.
Lila McLain went to the home of Nathan and Sierra Wolf in Maysville to help celebrate her great-granddaughter Berkeley's third birthday on Dec. 7. Those also in attendance were Randall and Kay Thomas; Bryan and Ronda Pash; Page, Carson and Hunter Eads; Walker and Emily Thomas; Berkeley’s parents, sisters Kaylynn and McKinley, and brother Tristan and several members of Nathan’s family.
Several people attended the Christmas tree lighting on the square in Cainsville and enjoyed seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus at City Hall on Sunday night. Gift bags were provided by the
Cainsville merchants, plus the kids and adults enjoyed cookies and coffee or hot chocolate. The Cainsville R-1 school’s Christmas concert will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. The senior class will be having a supper before the concert. Everyone is welcome to attend and help support the kids and enjoy the concert. There are varsity basketball games on Friday, Dec. 13 at North Nodaway. There are varsity basketball game at Ridgeway vs. Union Star on Dec. 16. The monthly school board meeting will be Dec. 18. Please let me know if I forgot anything or if you have any news for next week! When I have to put in here what I did to have news, it’s getting bad, I don’t do much! Have a great week.
ORGANIZATIONS
Chapter BY PEO
Chapter BY of PEO met Dec. 2 at the Mercer County Library with Kim Palmer as hostess.
Toys for Tots Christmas wrapping will begin Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. at the Mercer County Fair building. Members were asked to bring scissors. Contact Terri Moore with questions. Kim shared that 26 dresses had been sent to Dress A Girl Around the World.
Gayle Waldron presented each member with authentic maple syrup from her trip to Canada. Kim served a wonderful Christmas meal.
The next meeting will be Jan, 6 at First Baptist Church with Jeania Hobbs as hostess.
Should conservative Missouri add Illinois’ conservative
PAUL HAMBY
Special to the Post-Telegraph
MAYSVILLE, Mo. Should we expand Missouri to 140 counties?
On Nov. 5, Donald Trump won the popular vote. He won every swing state, the Electoral College and a landslide in the number of counties voting red.
The USA has 3,144 counties and county-equivalents.
Nationwide, 85.2% of counties voted for Trump. That is a lot of real estate. Even in traditional blue states, only a few urban counties voted for Kamala Harris.. Illinois has 102 coun-
LIBERTY THOUGTS
ties. Harris won the popular vote in Illinois but only 14 of 102 counties. Trump won 86% of the counties.
Missouri has 115 counties. Trump won the popular vote and 111 of 115 counties. That is, 96% of Missouri counties voted red.
Oregon is essentially two cultures trapped inside the state lines. The eastern counties vote red and resent the high tax, high regulation of the nine liberal counties that control their state. The residents of 13 eastern
counties in Oregon have joined a movement to secede from Oregon and become part of the conservative red state Idaho.
California, Washington and Maryland have similar efforts for conservative counties to secede from their liberal state governments.
Closer to home, on Nov. 5, seven Illinois counties voted to secede from the state of Illinois.
“Phil Gioja loves Watseka, his small city 90 miles south of Chicago with its rebounding downtown, historic homes and welcoming churches. Yet he has been tempted to join the steady
exodus of friends and fellow business owners leaving for lower-tax, Republican-controlled states like Indiana and Tennessee.” Gioja says “Help Watseka divorce Illinois.” and “Leave Illinois Without Moving.”
(Wall Street Journal)
“Thirty-three counties have now passed the Illinois Separation Referendum, as it is called. Twenty-seven of these counties either border Missouri or can be connected to Missouri by other counties that have also passed the referendum.” - David Stokes, ShowMe Institute
Over our country’s 248-year history, the state
State could reduce teachers’ GPA requirements
ANNELISE HANSHAW
Missouri Independent
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo Missouri educators will no longer need a 3.0 grade-point average in their subject area to teach in public schools beginning in July, the State Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday.
The threshold to be qualified to teach in the state is now a 2.5 gradepoint average in the teacher’s content area. The only exception will be special-education teachers, who will still be required to meet the 3.0 mark.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations say the change is intended to increase the number of certificated teachers coming into public schools. Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said in a statement that the change would remove “unnecessary barriers to the teaching profession.”
“There is no evidence tying a particular GPA in the content area to more effective teaching,” Daryl Fridley, the department’s education preparation coordinator, told the board on Tuesday. “Most of the non-teaching professional options in sciences, math and history do not require such a high GPA.”
A 3.0 GPA requirement most impacts teachers in STEM subjects, he said.
When the department looked at teacher candidates who met other requirements but didn’t meet the GPA standard, nearly a quarter of those disqualified were in STEM.
Teacher candidates still must pass a performance assessment, with a test of subject knowledge, to be certified. Of those who didn’t meet the GPA requirements, 90% passed the performance assessment, Fridley said.
The department hopes the new requirements will bring more teachers into the profession. Currently, almost 44% of first-year teachers are certified in Missouri. Over a quarter are serving as a substitute teacher, 6% have no certification and the rest have alternative certifications.
“Discussions about this issue often include the
question, ‘Isn’t this a case of lowering standards?’”
Fridley said. “We maintain that with a third of the state’s first year teachers having no more than a substitute teacher certificate and some with even less, any action that leads to a higher proportion of first-year teachers completing the preparation program is actually a net gain for the overall quality of teachers.”
In the midst of low teacher retention rates and poor recruitment, the change is welcome, the department reiterated.
“Both quantity and quality of teachers are really important to the learning of students,”
Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner of educator quality, said during Tuesday’s meeting.
The department reiterated that it doesn’t believe the lower GPA threshold will affect teacher quality.
A 2019 study out of Texas showed that there was no improvement in achievement outcomes between a 2.5 GPA and 2.75 GPA requirement. Increasing the threshold to 3.0 excluded 44% of education students and brought a small increase on teachers’ evaluations. The study concludes a “higher GPA criteria would also have minimal impact on the quality of our nation’s teachers.”
Carol Hallquist, vice president of the State Board of Education, said she was initially wary of lowering the GPA standard but is now “totally supportive.”
“When I reached out to principals and people who are in teacher preparation programs, they said there was no correlation and were very supportive,” she said. “They also said that you have to pass licensing tests, and that is really what we want to look at.”
Doug Hayter, executive director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators, told The Independent he has been speaking to the department about the GPA requirements and is optimistic.
“There is a balance where we need to have requirements that mean something, but the research that they have seems to indicate that this change would not have a substantial impact on teacher effectiveness,” he said. “As long as that’s the case, we want to
give educators as many options as possible in a world where there’s still a lot of open positions in regard to public education.”
Further helping open doors for new teachers is the reinstatement of a general science certification for high school educators. The department has required science teachers to specialize in an area, like chemistry or biology, but now will bring back a certification for generalists with a broader knowledge base.
“The reinstatement of this general science certificate will create opportunities for more students to choose to be science teachers, not by lowering standards, but instead by creating a path in which the standards are more
See Teachers’ GPAs Page 6
counties?
and territory maps have changed many times.
Our flag had 48 stars as recently as 1958. Hawaii and Alaska joined the Union in 1959. In 1863, West Virginia split from Virginia after a long bitter fight for independence.
Illinois’ rural citizens share Missouri traditional values such as balanced budgets, low taxes and low regulations much more than they agree with
Chicago and the ultra liberal state government of Illinois. Perhaps it’s time to say “Welcome to Missouri” and have them become part of the Show-Me State.
Paul Hamby is a free-thinking, conservative farmer and small business owner in northwest Missouri’s DeKalb County. Copyright (C) 2024 Liberty Thought of the Week. All rights reserved.
Wind knocks down “Welcome” sign, volunteers clean it up
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Recent strong winds took down the “Welcome to Princeton” sign near the intersection of U.S. 136 and Route FF. Chamber of Commerce president thanked Spencer Hart, Bill Zeider, and Brad and Clayton Bertrand for volunteering to clean up the mess.
Kelly Bertrand said the chamber isn’t going to put the sign back in place, but future plans are to put up a new sign. The chamber is looking into grants for a new sign, since it has to be lower than the old one because it was too tall for the LifeFlight medical helicopter during landings and takeoffs from the pad just west of Saint Luke’s Mercer County Clinic (top of photo).
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660-748-6314
YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! 1-4-2024ufn SERVICES
NO HUNTING
NOTICE - Hunting and trespassing with dog and/or gun, trapping or fishing on land owned or leased by the undersigned is strictly forbidden. You are hereby warned to keep off these properties. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
No tresspassing for any reason on land that we own or lease. John & Linda Baughman. 9-28-23-52tp
No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan. 4-27-23-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger. 5-16-24-52tp
Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting and drones on land owned and/ or rented by FRJ Family Farms, LLC. 3-23-23-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider 10-10-23-52tp
NO HUNTING OR TRESPASSING on any land owned by LAKE MARIE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. 7-28-23-52tp
No hunting or trespassing of any kind, including but not limited to use of dogs or drones, on land owned by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner. 9-28-23-52tp
Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom and drones on land owned and/or rented by KRW5 Trust (Keith or RaeLynn Weaver). 10-5-23-52tb
No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 5-30-24-52tb
No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Shirley or Joe Don Pollard. 4-19-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-28-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting with guns or dogs, fishing, or trespassing on land owned by Berndt Farm and Berndt Twin Lake Inc. 11-10-23-52tpP
No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy and Donna Cox, and Robert and Tina Cox. 12-3-22-104tpP
No trespassing on property owned by Shandra Morin 4-11-24-52tp
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
NOTICE is given that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Mercer, Missouri at 6:30 p.m. on the 23rd day of December in the year 2024 at the City Hall, 14402 State Street, Mercer, Missouri, concerning the matter of the proposed annexation into the City of Mercer, Missouri of the following described real estate in Mercer County, Missouri: THAT PORTION OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 19,TOWNSHIP 66
NORTH, RANGE 23 WEST OF THE 5TH PRINCIPAL
MERIDIAN, LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF MERCER, STATE OF MISSOURI, BEING A PORTION OF THE PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED IN TRUSTEE'S WARRANTY DEED RECORDED IN THE RECORDER OF DEEDS
OFFICE AS DEED BOOK 241 PAGE 664, AND BEING DESCRIBED BY JASON R. LOADER, PS 2010018904 ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 AS FOL-
LOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER; THENCE ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER, N 88°40'22" W 451.49 FEET TO THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE C.R.I.&P. RAILROAD AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING ON SAID SOUTH LINE N 88°40'22" W 183.24 FEET TO THE EAST RIGHT-OFWAY LINE OF US HIGHWAY 65; THENCE ON SAID EAST RIGHT-OFWAY LINE, N 04°22'18" E 515.22 FEET; THENCE CONTINUING ON SAID EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, N 10°54'13" E 131.86 FEET; THENCE S 88°14'31" E 135.40 FEET; THENCE S 05°06'35" W 176.56 FEET; THENCE S 84°53'25" E 41.00 FEET TO SAID WEST RIGHT OF-WAY LINE OF THE C.R.I.&P. RAILROAD; THENCE ON SAID WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, S 05°06'35" W 465.62 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINS 2.58 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ALL BEARINGS HEREIN ARE BASED ON A MISSOURI STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM, NAD1983(2011), CENTRAL ZONE 2402 GRID BEARINGS.
At this public hearing any interested person, corporation or political subdivision may present evidence regarding the proposed annexation. Furthermore, any objections to the proposed annexation should be filed, in writing, with the Board of Aldermen of the City of Mercer, Missouri not later than 14 days after the date of the said public hearing. Done by order of the Board of Aldermen. Tracy Meinecke City Clerk DATES OF PUBLICATION
December 12, 2024 December 19, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS interested in the Estate of Billy J. Hobbs, Decedent. The undersigned, Duane Hobbs, is the acting Successor Trustee, under the terms of the Trust, the terms of which provide that the debts of the decedent may be paid by the Successor Trustee upon receipt of proper proof thereof. The address of the Successor Trustee is 20851 Gazebo Street, Princeton, Missouri 64673.
All creditors of the decedent are noticed to present their claims to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or forever be barred. /s/ Russel Duane Hobbs, Successor Trustee of the Billy J. Hobbs Irrevocable Trust dated 08/09/2010. Allan D. Seidel Seidel & Havens, LLP 705 Main Street Trenton, MO 64683
Telephone: (660) 359-2293
Facsimile: (660) 359-6744 Email: mahlaw@shdattorneys.com
ATTORNEY FOR SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE DATES OF PUBLICATION
December 12, 2024
December 19, 2024
December 26, 2024 January 2, 2025
Teachers’ GPAs
From Page 5
aligned with the needs of schools,” Fridley said.
Hayter expects the change to impact districts statewide, saying that “every little bit helps” to recruit teachers.
“This is one small part of a bigger picture of making sure that we have very effective educators in our classrooms moving forward,” he said.
The “bigger picture,” Hayter said, includes boosting teacher pay and making schools welcoming for educators.
Missouri Independent is part of States Nation, the nation’s largest nonprofit news organization.
LAND TRANSFERS
Friday, Nov. 22
• Don Gibson to Derrick Conover.
• Jeremiah Jay Graber to Michael R. Jasper.
Monday, Nov. 25
• Daniel J. Owens to Barbara Thacker.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
• Murphy Brown of Missouri LLC to Whitworth Farms Inc. (2 transactions)
Monday, Dec. 2
• James H. Isaacs to James H. Issacs, trustee, et ux.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
• Lake Marie Property Owners Association to Anthony Poch. Wednesday, Dec. 4
• Michael Yount to Leroy Yoder.
• Leroy Yoder to Christina Maria Ceballos.
Thursday, Dec. 5
• Charlene Collier, trustee, to Frances Charlene Collier.
• Frances Charlene Collier to Terri Nigh, co-trustee, et al.
• Nontypical Outfitters LLC to Robert Payton Jr.
• Todd Michael DeMoss to Dawn Y. Stout.
• Frederick E. Sager, trustee, et ux to Adam Sager.
MERCER CO. HEALTH DEPT.
305 West Main, Princeton 660-748-3630 DECEMBER
WIC services
Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, at office, by appointment.
Open lab
Friday, Dec. 20, 8-10 a.m., by appointment. Other items
• Princeton after school games: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m.
• Office will close at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve, and will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 for Christmas.
• Board meeting: Monday, Dec. 30, 6 p.m.
• The department is still offering COVID-19 and flu shots for all 6 months and older regardless of insurance status; state vaccine provied by VFC and 317 programs. Regular and high-dose flu shots are available. RSV shots
ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!
may be available for those 60 years of age 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 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
ADVERTISE in the Post-Telegraph today!
SUBSCRIBE to the Post-Telegraph today!
