MERCER COUNTY 4-DAY
National Weather Service - Pleasant Hill/Kansas City, Mo.
Time of forecast: 12 noon Monday, March 17
Thursday, March 20: Sunny; 53/39
Friday, March 21: Partly sunny; 61/37
Saturday, March 22: Mostly sunny; 58/39 Sunday, March 23: Partly sunny, 50% rain chance; 59
Kindergarten teacher, nurse employed. All probationary teachers are offered contracts for 2025-26 academic year
PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo The Princeton R-5 Board of Education handled salary items, approved purchases, and employed teachers and extra-duty assignments for the 2025-26 school year during its meeting last Monday night.
Salary decisions
Steps and movement for certified staff (teachers) on their salary schedule were approved.
Like most Missouri school districts, Princeton R-5 participates in the state’s teacher baseline grant program. That ensures the district follows state law that calls for a minimum base salary of $40,000 for teachers, and $46,000 for teachers with a master’s degree and 10 years of experience.
The updated salary schedule calls for a $1,000 increase in areas the baseline grant doesn’t cover.
The board also granted a 2.82% increase in the base pay for non-certified staff (custodians, cooks and paraprofessionals). The new base salary for 2025-26 will be $14.20 per hour.
School districts are not bound by Missouri’s voter-approved minimum wage of $15 per hour, which is currently being fought in the legislature and the courts.
Purchases approved
• The district will be purchasing new server and 10 new desktop computers from Quality Network Solutions, at a cost of $24,623.10.
The server will improve the district’s network infrastructure by replacing the aging current system. The computers will replace what was described as outdated equipment.
• A six-year subscription for a grades K-6 math curriculum was approved at a cost of $34,139.86.
The curriculum continues with the district’s current provider, and upgrades series used in the current five-year subscription.
Traditional math textbooks have for the most part been replaced by a subscription-based model that provides annual workbooks for
See Princeton R-5 meeting, Page 5
Special to the Post-Telegraph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. The Missouri Department of Transportation and consultants from Affinis are designing a project to upgrade sidewalks in Princeton and South Lineville along U.S. Routes 136 and 65 in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MoDOT will host a public meeting for property owners and community members to learn about the project and provide feedback.
A public open-house meeting will be held at Princeton High School, 1008 East Coleman
Princeton HS freshman will be one of three area
to represent GRM Networks on the 2025 FRS Youth Tour to Washington, DC.
Street on Wednesday, March 26. Attendees are welcome to visit any time between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to view project plans and speak with project leaders. No formal presentation will be made.
Affected property owners have been contacted by MoDOT’s Right of Way staff to schedule a meeting between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to discuss temporary easement needs for the project.
Walk-ins are also welcome.
Property owners must bring a See Sidewalks, Page 4
COURTESY MERCER FFA CHAPTER
Mercer High School senior and FFA member Amellia Hatfield (second from left) won an FFA book contest sponsored by Smithfield Foods and won $500 for the chapter. She rewrote the book 3 Little Pigs and illustrated it as well, and was chosen as the winner. Hatfield was recognized during a ceremony last Wednesday (March 12). Also shown are Mercer FFA advisor Jeff Wyatt (left) and two unidentified Smithfield representatives.
Mercer man has been in custody facing charges from Christmas incident in Princeton PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo. A Mercer man who was the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a crash and incident in Princeton nearly three months ago has received a change of venue in his case.
Johnathan Rumsower of Mercer appeared via video while in custody last Wednesday (March 12) for arraignment in his case. His attorney, Josh Smith, appeared in Division I of Mercer County Circuit Court before 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge Matt Krohn.
Rumsower waived formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty of the charges that stemmed from the incident, which occurred last Christmas afternoon in Princeton.
He also asked for a change of venue last week, and in agreement with the parties, the cause was moved to Grundy County.
Finally, Rumsower’s request for a two-day jury trial was heard, and Krohn said trial dates would be set by email between the court, circuit clerk and counsel. That cause was set for a court review in Division I of Grundy County Circuit Court in Trenton during its next Law Day on
Thursday, April 17 at 9 a.m.
Rumsower has been held in custody on charges of Class D felony driving while intoxicated (serious physical injury), Class E felony resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony, and two Class A misdemeanors - operated a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner (involving an accident), and fourth-degree assault (special victims).
According to a probable cause statement filed before charges were filed, he was driving a car that struck the rear of an ATV at the intersection of North Brown Street and U.S. 136 in Princeton. He was handcuffed and placed into custody in a Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicle and secured with a safety belt, but later was able to unbuckle the safety belt and tried to escape on foot. He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
Princeton freshman to join girls from Purdin, Gilman City on annual all-expenses paid annual journey
Special to the Post-Telegraph PRINCETON, Mo. Students selected to represent GRM Networks at the 2025 Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., are Ellie Guilkey of Princeton, Gracie Small of Purdin, Mo., and Macayla Rhodes of Gilman City, Missouri. All three will travel to the nation’s capital this summer and join other youth representing rural telecommunications providers. The FRS Youth Tour is an all-expense paid trip that brings together students from across the United States. Attendees
will spend five action-packed days learning about broadband applications in rural communities, tour famous historical sites and monuments, participate in team building exercises and create lifelong friendships. Small, Guilkey and Rhodes will hear from representatives from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and learn how the FCC’s role impacts and benefits rural America. They will also spend a day on
Capitol Hill that includes meeting with staff and members of Congress from their congressional district.
Guilkey is a freshman at Princeton R-5 and is the daughter of Wes and Lauren Guilkey.
Small is a junior at Linn County R-1 and the daughter of Kenny and Brenda Small. Rhodes is a sophomore at Gilman City R-4 and is the daughter of Brian and Annette Rhodes. All are active in school and community organizations.
To be eligible for the tour, an applicant must be in high school and age 15, 16 or 17 at the time of the tour. The applicant must also have a parent or legal guardian who is an active member of GRM Networks. Students are encouraged to start planning their application for next year by visiting grm. net/about-us/youthtour to review requirements.
The Post-Telegraph is planning a special page to salute the 2024-25 Princeton High School girls basketball team for its extremely successful season. We plan on publishing the page next week (March 27). The cost is $10. To be included, call 660-748-3266 or send an email to posttele@grm.net.
Trash on square discussed again
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo As expected, the Princeton City Council lowered two water rates during its meeting last Monday night (March 10).
City Clerk Cory Willett told council members that after the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reviewed water rates with actual loan closing totals, the city could loser the wholesale charge from $17.51 per 1,000 gallons to $12.50.
The city of Princeton’s minimum rate for the first 1,000 gallons will remain what it was before the DNR review - $25.20. However, the volume rate will drop by $3, from $17.06 per 1,000 to $14.06.
The rates go into effect on April 1, with customers seeing the change on their May 1 bills.
Mayor Doug Stark read Ordinance 1164 by title twice, and the council approved the new rates. The ordinance called for the decrease in the two rates.
Trash on square
Dr. Tammy Hart was scheduled to meet with the council on behalf of Mercer County Area Development to present the group’s upcoming projects, but was not at the meeting.
Hart is the new president of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, and Stark touched base about the trash service around the square, specifically the four wellknown containers on each side of the square. He said the chamber doesn’t want the service to continue because of what it calls inconsistency in the monthly trash pickup, and that the group wants to know if it can dispose of trash in the dumpster at City Hall.
City superintendent Greg Goodknight told Stark the City Hall dumpster is too small to hold both the city’s regular trash plus the chamber’s monthly load. Stark is to contact Hart to tell her the chamber needs to get its own dumpster, and recommend they install a lock so that others won’t fill it.
Other chamber issues
• New chamber vice president Kelly Bertrand did not attend the meeting to answer the council’s questions about a service contract for a proposed Father’s Day celebration on June 14.
The contract was tabled until more information is provided to City Hall.
• The council set the date for the city’s annual clean-up day as Saturday, May 3. The date coincides with the chamber’s annual citywide
garage sales. Other items
• Willett told council members that the city’s amortization payments to its natural gas fund for a 2014 water plant project have been paid in full.
• Goodknight reported that gas meter reading equipment is being installed and is “going well.” He also said connections on the city’s water project are moving forward as scheduled, and that a connection on Cain Street was scheduled for March 11.
• Councilman Tony Johnson asked about an overflowing sewer clean out at 903 Grant Street. Goodknight said the customer at the location will be responsible for needed repairs, and Willett is to contact the customer about the issue and repairs needed.
• A closed session to discuss personnel was held under Section 610.021(3), RSMo. No decisions were made during the session, and no announcements were made after the council returned to open session.
• The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Editor’s note: Information for this report came from unapproved meeting minutes provided by City Clerk Cory Willett.
Most, but not all, votes were unanimous
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
MERCER, Mo Numerous personnel decisions for the 2025-26 academic year were made during the North Mercer County R-3 Board of Education meeting last Tuesday night. After coming out of a closed session, all seven board members voted to reemploy several tenured teachers and staff members. They are Angie Couchman, Greg Frost, Melissa Hill, Dan Martin, Heather Michaelis, Carla Perkins, Janice Persell and Jeff Wyatt.
The following probationary teachers (teachers who have not taught long enough to qualify for tenure) were unanimous reemployed:
Joanna Fisher, Heather Moorman, Melissa Eakes, Brady McElvain, Sherri Barker, Danessa Stout, Kasen Purdun, Larissa Elvins, Amy Hall, Lindsay Landis, Jaxson
Waterbury and Betty Willis.
Contracts for Barker and Eivins carry a provision that they must obtain their teaching certificates by the fall of 2026. Willis’ contract as music instructor and family and consumer science instructor is an “80% contract,” meaning she doesn’t teach a full day of classes.
Jill West was reemployed on a vote of 6-0 with one abstention, that coming from board vice president Heath West. Later, a separate motion to approve Jill West as high school head softball coach passed by the same margin.
Carrie Rogers was rehired as a special education teacher on a 6-1 vote, with Heath West voting against her. Later on, West was also the only dissenting vote for rehiring Rogers as the assistant high school softball coach.
Laura Mason was rehired as a special ed
teacher and librarian on a 5-2 vote, with West and Dana Stark voting against her. A separate vote to retain Mason as the junior high cheer advisor failed on a 5-2 negative vote; board members Ervin Taff and Matt Davis voting in favor, while board president Teri Noe, West, Kailer Stevenson, Makella Hagan and Dana Stark voting against her.
Unanimous votes were made to rehire Wyatt as head girls high school basketball coach, Martin as head boys high school basketball coach, Barker as assistant girls basketball coach, Waterbury as assistant boys basketball coach, Eivins as dance team advisor, and Purdun as varsity cheer advisor.
Superintendent’s report
Superintendent Wade Hall told board members he will be opening a seasonal position for sum-
mer maintenance, with the position to be advertised in-house first.
He said he had attended a Missouri Educators Unified Health Plan (MEUHP)meeting and learned Mercer had dropped from Tier 4 to Tier 3 status, which means a savings of a few dollard per plan. All schools that obtain health insurance from MEUHP got an assessment for the year, and Mercer’s fee is $17,497. Hall said he’s waiting on quotes from another insurance company.
Hall reported that transportation director Kerri Jincks is looking for a new buss. If a bus is found, he said the district would have to move quickly to buy it, and it may require a special board meeting.
He said Mercer isn’t participating in the East
See R-3 board, Page 5
50th anniversary observed
SUBMITTED PHOTO
John and Renate Reed of rural Princeton celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 5. Cards may sent to them at 18162 U.S. Highway 65, Princeton, MO 64673.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Princeton High School senior Seth Weathington represented performed at the MSHSAA District Solo & Small Ensemble Festival on Friday, March 14 at Central High School in St. Joseph. He received an “Exemplary” rating, the highest possible, for his tuba solo, and will now be taking it to the State Festival in Columbia on May 2.
Thursday, Feb. 6 • December R. Leslie vs. John Benjamin Leslie Jr.
ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!
Friday, March 14 • Arnold Snook to Otis Miller.
City of Princeton Judge Alex Van Zandt
Note: Persons appearing in this space are Missouri residents unless otherwise noted.
Monday, March 10
• City vs. Colleen N. Phillips, Princeton: Phillips appeared without counsel on a charge of violating a city nuisance ordinance. She was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for April 14 at 1:30 p.m. for plea or trial setting.
Phillips also appeared without counsel on a charge of violating the city’s animal at large ordinance. A bench trial was scheduled for April 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Phillips also appeared without counsel on an unidentified ordinance violation. Evidence was presented, and the court found her not guilty. Once the case was adjudicated and Phillips was found not guilty, the charge was removed from public viewing.
COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.
All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Monday, March 10
• Minutes of the March 3 meeting were approved.
• Bills were approved and paid.
• February motor equipment expense reports were received from Sheriff Jeff Spencer for vehicles assigned to Deputies Jordan Boswell and Trevor Ratliff.
• Circuit Clerk and Recorder Tammy Crouse presented the February uniform disbursement record, receipt and disbursement report, and list of land transfers.
• Aaron Moore spoke with commissioners and Spencer about 911 dispatching.
• Commissioners and County Clerk Judy Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore to pay the following:
* $98.03 to GRM Networks for the phone bill, $750 to postmaster for postage, and $86.61 to MTE for office supplies (money taken from Treasurer’s Maintenance Fund #34);
* $7.88 to Hamilton for election expenses (money taken from Lindley Township Fund #43); and
* 448.50 to GT Distributors for equipment (money taken from Sheriff’s Civil Process Fund #32).
• Commissioners received the February monthly balance sheet from Moore, as verified by Hamilton. Hamilton
also presented the yearto-date revenue and expenditure reports.
• Commissioners received the Feb. 28 current and delinquent tax balance and the March 1 balance of delinquent taxes from Moore, as verified by Hamilton’s worksheets of current and delinquent taxes. Hamilton also presented a balance worksheet of protested taxes.
• Commissioners reviewed and approved a three-year hay ground lease agreement between Mercer County and John Wells (JW Wells Farms). Commissioners signed the agreement.
• The training certificate for 1st District Commissioner Denny Power was received from the County Commissioners Association of Missouri.
• Road & Bridge Supervisor Shawn Powell presented mileage logs dated Feb. 6-March 6.
• The county received Tier II reports from Smithfield.
• Commissioners received the Ravanna Township financial statement long form for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024.
• Sales tax and use tax reports for December 2024 were received from the Missouri Department of Revenue for the county’s use on March 7.
• Commissioners and Moore reviewed the county’s investment policy. Commissioners voted to approve the policy, and they and Moore signed it with Hamilton attesting.
• Commissioners reviewed and adopted the county’s computer and electronic technology usage policy. Commissioners signed the policy.
• Shannon Howe with Howe Company held a preconstruction conference for two bridges, with Charles Summers of MoDOT and Mike Schrage of BRS Construction LLC in attendance. BRS Construction LLC is building both bridges. Notices to proceed were signed by commissioners.
One bridge is on Ebony Street in Harrison Township. The start date is early May, and the completion date is Aug. 29 or 120 calendar days
after the road is closed. The other bridge is on Inkwell Street in Washington Township. The start date is April 1 and the completion date is July 31 or 120 calendar days after the bridge is closed.
• Commissioners reviewed LPA on-call consultants for an upcoming bridge project, Bridge No. 0600014 BRO-R065 (003) on Colony Loop in Marion Township. They voted to approve Howe Company LLC to serve as engineer for preliminary and contract plans and right of way plans for the project. They signed a selection letter to MoDOT’s Northwest District to that effect.
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, March 24: cheddar cheese omelet.
Tuesday, March 25: pancakes, sausage patty.
Wednesday, March 26: french toast sticks.
Thursday, March 27: donuts, yogurt.
Friday, March 28: biscuits, sausage gravy. Lunch is served with the choice of 1% fat-free white milk or fat-free chocolate milk. Students in grades K-5 have the choice of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or the menu entree. Students in grades 6-12 have the option of a chef salad or the entree every day unless noted.
All bakery items are whole wheat or whole grain. Fruit is served with lunch.
Monday, March 24: pizza or ravioli with sauce, buttered corn, romaine salad.
Tuesday, March 25: teriyaki beef or hamburger patty, California blend, brown rice.
Wednesday, March 26: biscuit and gravy or breakfast sandwich, scrambled eggs, hash brown.
Thursday, March 27: taco salad or burrito, Spanish rice, tortilla chips.
Friday, March 28: breaded chicken sandwich or macaroni and cheese bites, waffle fries, broccoli with cheese, dessert.
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, March 24: a) tenderloin; b) turkey sandwich; sun chips.
Tuesday, March 25: a) salisbury steak; b) hamburger; mashed potatoes, green beans, roll.
Wednesday, March 26: a) shrimp; b) hamburger; fries.
Thursday, March 27: a) chicken alfredo, garlic bread; b) meatball sub; carrots.
Friday, March 28: a) fish; b) chicken nuggets; corn.
CAINSVILLE
Breakfast is served with fruit, juice, and milk.
Mondays: breakfast burrito, cereal, toast. Tuesdays: french toast with syrup and peanut butter, turkey sausage. Wednesdays: cereal, toast, hash brown patty, scrambled eggs. Thursdays: pancake, turkey sausage. Fridays: biscuits, gravy. Lunch is served with milk. Fruits and vegetables are available every day, and students are required to have at least one cup of either on their tray.
Monday, March 24: pulled pork, cheesy potatoes.
Tuesday, March 25: hamburger, baked beans.
Wednesday, March 26: chicken fried chicken, green beans.
Thursday, March 27: sloppy joes, french fries. Friday, March 28: chicken quesadillas, Spanish rice.
MELANIE CHANEY
She’s a winner! Laura Crofutt was in a Toastmaster International speaking contest in Fort Dodge, Iowa last weekend, where she won first place twice for impromptu speaking. She will now qualify to do the district contest, which is composed of members from the state of Iowa and parts of Nebraska and Illinois on May 2. Toastmasters International is a global, non-profit organization that operates local clubs to help people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice, evaluation, and expression of interest.
Cainsville school news
The National Honor Society induction ceremony was March 19.
The FFA will go to contests at NCMC on March 20.
There is a board meeting on March 20 at 7 p.m.
The Gilman City elementary tournament is March 20-22. The East Harrison boys and girls elementary basketball teams will be playing in the tournament. The girls will play Friday at 5:50 p.m., and the boys will play Saturday at 10 a.m.
On March 24 the FFA will be at contests in Hopkins.
On March 25 spring pictures will be taken. There will also be free physicals for sports that day. And now, the news!
The families of Forest and Maggie O’Brien Thompson began gathering at the Hamilton barn on Friday eveningor a family weekend celebration. Carolyn Ross gave a family history presentation on Saturday evening as well as celebrating Brien Thompson’s 50th birthday which was on the 16th! Everyone returned to their homes on Sunday. In total they had 64 in attendance!!
BG Coffey took 2 of the TRIO sophomores from Cainsville on a three-day STEM trip to Springfield (hiking, dissecting sharks, behind the scenes at the aquarium, playing Clue in a castle) plus college visits to Ozark Tech. They also enjoyed Fantastic Caverns while they were there.
Visitors of Lila McLain have been Kay Thomas and grandson Tristan Wolf; Ronda Pash; Josh Pash, Jackson and Sawyer; and Page Eads, Carson and Hunter.
The 20th Century Club met March 13 with Kay Thomas as hostess and program leader.The program was on the Little Brown Church in Iowa and a quiz about Saint Patrick’s Day.
Don't forget the annual PTO carnival at Cainsville R-1 will be Saturday, April 5. If anyone would like to donate their time for helping set up and clean up or donate something for prizes, please contact the school. Riley Hagan came from Arkansas visit his dad Rex Hagan on Saturday and Sunday. Rich and Helen Frisbie, Sandy Alexander, Ken and Barb Crawley, and Alan and Brenda Hamilton attended the Pleasanton 4th of July fundraiser at the Davis City Community Building on Saturday night. It was a fun night for all. Thanks for the news everyone! Hope to hear some more for next week!
The Princeton PostTelegraph strives for accuracy and fairness in all of its news stories and photo captions. If you feel we have made an error, please contact us at 660748-3266 or posttele@ grm.net (email) to request a correction. If it is found we are in error, we will be happy to publish a correction or clarification.
Judge Matt Krohn
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.
Wednesday, March 12
• State vs. Peter Hayse et al, Maryville, vs. Scott Hawk (dba Hawk Outfitters), Princeton: Hayse appeared with his attorney, and Hawk was represented by his attorney. The court requested that counsel advise to court as to the status of the case. They said they have discussed mediating the case in an attempt to resolve the remaining disputes. Hawk’s counterclaim is the only claim remaining in dispute. The court noted it entered an order referring the parties for alternative dispute resolution according to Local Rule 38.3(3). By agreement of the parties, the cause was set for a oneday bench trial on Aug. 26, 2025 at 9 a.m. The court also requested the parties jointly submit a proposed scheduling order for the court’s consideration, and ordered the parties to submit the scheduling order within 30 days, or no later than April 11.
• James Conwell, Trenton, vs. Glenn Promnitz, Woodbine, Iowa: Both parties were represented by counsel. The court noted this matter was scheduled for a trial setting. Jamie Boyer, Conwell’s counsel, requested the matter be set for a jury trial to last 3-5 days. Promnitz was not opposed. The court told the attorneys it will enter an order referring the parties for alternative dispute resolution according to Local Rule 38.3(3) before a jury trial is set in a civil case per local rule. The court also requested the parties jointly submit the scheduling order within 30 days, or no later than April 11. The attorneys said they can submit same within this time frame.
• Anchor Loans LP, Calabasas, Calif., vs. Roxann Rickey, Bethany: The plaintiff appeared by its attorney, and Rickey appeared pro se, with both appeareing via Webex as previously approved by the court. Plaintiff’s motion to strike portions of Rickey’s revised answer was taken up. After hearing arguments from both parties, the court ruled on the motion as
follows: Rickey shall have 30 days in which to file a second amended answer to plaintiff’s petition for breach of contract. Plaintiff’s attorney, Amy Newell, is to submit a proposed order for the court’s consideration. The court also requested the parties jointly submit a proposed scheduling order for the court’s consideration, and ordered the parties to submit the scheduling order within 30 days, or no later than April 11. Newell said she believes they can submit the order within this time frame.
• Brent Cowan vs. Kelly Cowan, both of Princeton: Petitioner and movant Brent Cowan appeared with his counsel, Lauren Horsman. Kelly Cowan appeared pro se. The court noted the matter is scheduled for a show cause hearing. Kelly Cowan made an oral motion for a continuance. Horsman was unopposed, but said she wants Kelly Cowan to understand the date the matter is reset to will be the date the show cause motion will be taken up and heard at Brent Cowan’s request. Kelly Cowan said she understands. By agreement, the show cause hearing was rescheduled to May 14 at 1 p.m. Two hours will be set aside for the hearing, if needed.
• Arvel E. Hendrickson, Princeton, vs. Joseph Hendrickson, Bethany, and Peggy Herring, Princeton: Plaintiff appeared with his attorney, Robert Cowherd. Defendants appeared with their attorney, Tara Walker. Walker’s motion to withdraw was taken up. Defendants consented in open court for Walker to withdraw as their attorney. Therefore, the court granted Walker’s leave to withdraw as counsel for defendants.
Defendants’ letter filed with the court was taken up next. The court advised it interpreted the letter as a motion for the court to modify the judgment entered on Oct. 23, 2023, and also interpreted the letter as a possible motion for contempt. The court asked defendants what the intent of their letter was and what they were hoping to accomplish. They explained the sale date was set and reset, but never occurred last year as provided in the judgment. The court advised it could not give legal advice. The court also explained that the judgment became final 30 days after it was filed, and therefore, the court lost jurisdiction to
amend the judgment thereafter. The court advised the defendants to seek other legal counsel regarding the matter. Cowherd and the defendants agree that plaintiff may remove property determined to be his sole and separate property pursuant to the judgment entered in this case on Oct. 23, 2023 as long as Arvel Hendrickson provides reasonable notice of when he plans to enter upon defendants; property to remove said property. In addition, defendants requested that plaintiff may remove such property as long as he does not damage their property, such as rutting up their property while it is muddy and the ground is soft.
By agreement, the matter was continued for 90 days, until June 11 at 1 p.m., for a case management conference.
• State vs. Kayla Marie Brown, Princeton: Brown appeared on a Class E felony charge of third-degree domestic assault. She waived arraignment and entered a plea of guilty. Imposition of sentence was suspended, and she was placed on probation for four years under the supervision of the Department of Probation and Parole. She was ordered to pay $300 to the county law enforcement restitution fund within 30 days, pay court costs which include $46 to the crime victims compensation fund, also within 30 days, and be screened for treatment court.
• State vs. Deven Kyle Price, Osceola, Iowa: Price appeared via Webex, with his attorney in the courtroom, on two Class D felony counts of forgery. At the state’s request, cause continued to May 14 at 9 a.m. for a probation violation hearing. Price is to be at the hearing in person.
Mercer co. FooD pantrY
Located in the basement of Princeton Methodist Church. Second and fourth Tuesday: 9-10:30 a.m. Other Tuesdays: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Note: Persons can pick up their food in the church basement. At present, social distancing will be observed, and masks are recommended but not mandatory.
City to borrow from itself, will save money
Princeton Post-Telegraph
LINEVILLE, Iowa Members of the Lineville City Council determined how to finance a water main project and set the date and times for two public hearings next week, during their meeting last Monday night (March 10) Water main project
Mayor Jack Shields told the council that if the city were to borrow money from an outside source to finance the proposed water main project, bond attorneys would have to be hired. He also said that he and City Clerk Brandy Shriver were told that if the city could borrow funds from itself, it would be best for the city to do that.
Shields said that after he and Shriver researched the best method for funding the project, money in the water account could pay $90,000 toward the project, and the water account would have to borrow $50,000. He suggested borrowing $30,000 from the General Fund and $20,000 from the PILOT Fund complete paying for the project.
After a discussion, the council voted to borrow the funds from those accounts at 5% interest for seven years.
In an unrelated matter concerning water, shrinkage in the Water Department was reported at 35.79%. It was said there might be a leak in Second Street (which was never opened and was mostly a ditch) between the 400 and 600 blocks.
Public hearings set
Shriver had the council look at her rough draft
of the 2025-2026 budget, expecially street expenses, and asked if they thought she’d budgeted enough for what they might want to do about streets during that fiscal year. Shriver has budgeted $98,500, and council members indicated they thought that would be enough.
Next, she told council members they needed to set a date for a public hearing on the city’s proposed tax levy. They decided to hold a public hearing on Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Shriver also said the council needed to schedule a public hearing to amend the 2024-2025 budget because of the water main project. The hearing was set for 6:10 p.m. on March 24, also at City Hall.
Other items
• Shields told the council since some people have been throwing trash bags next to the recycling trailer and/or tying bags to the trailer, he’d ordered a sign that states if people don’t put their recyclables inside the trailer, they could be charged with littering. A camera is going to be installed to find out who is doing the littering.
• Shields thanked the Lineville Fire Department, Lineville First Responders and all volunteers for hosting the annual Firemen’s Ball that was held recently.
• The monthly fund balance report was presented. February income of $10,398.59 in governmental funds and $9,392.62 in utility funds was reported.
Expenditures were reported at $37,501.80 in governmental funds and $19,084.87 in utility funds.
Bills of $64,137.27 were approved and paid.
Editor’s note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by City Clerk Brandy Shriver. All votes were unanimous, except where noted.
Sidewalks
From Page 1
valid driver’s license. If you are unable to attend the public meeting, two other opportunities for public comment are available through Wednesday, April 9. View the project website at Missouri Route 136 and U.S. Route 65 Sidewalk/ADA Improvements in Mercer County | Missouri Department of Transportation. While there, sign up to receive updates about this project via email and/or leave comments. Mail your comments to: Mercer County ADA project; Missouri Department of Transportation; 3602 North Belt Highway. St. Joseph, MO 64506 All comments must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 9. MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Northwest District Communications at 816-901-4529 by Wednesday, March 19.
ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!
WOOD’S GUN SHOP
5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-2-2025-ufn
Boyer Land Company LLC
Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673
660-748-6314 YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! 1-2-2025ufn
Looking for land to lease for 2025 deer season. Will pay top dollar. References available. Not an outfitter. Fully insured. 715-495-3241. 1-30/4-15b
For Sale - 201 net wrapped grass hay. $49/bale. 95 plastic twine hay. $45/bale Call 660-292-0139. 3-13/3-20p
NOTICE - Hunting and trespassing with dog and/or gun, trapping or fishing on land owned or leased by the undersigned is strictly forbidden. You are hereby warned to keep off these properties. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy & Donna Cox and Robert & Tina Cox.
2-6-2025/3 years (106t)p
No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan. 4-25-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger. 5-16-24-52tp
Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting and drones on land owned and/ or rented by FRJ Family Farms, LLC. 3-21-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider 10-8-24-52tp
No hunting or trespassing of any kind, including but not limited to use of dogs or drones, on land owned by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner. 9-26-24-52tp
Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom and drones on land owned and/or rented by KRW5 Trust (Keith or RaeLynn Weaver). 10-3-24-52tp
No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 5-30-24-52tb
No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Shirley or Joe Don Pollard. 4-19-24-52tp
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-28-24-52tp No trespassing on property owned by Shandra Morin 4-11-24-52tp NO HUNTING OR TRESPASSING on any land owned by LAKE MARIE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. 3-6-2025
Mercer co.
HealtH Dept.
305 West Main, Princeton 660-748-3630 MARCH
Blood pressure clinics
Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m., Oakwood Terrace, Princeton. WIC services
Thursday, March 27, at office, by appointment. Open lab
Friday, March 21, 8-10
a.m., by appointment.
Other items
• Safe Kids NWMO
meeting: Thursday, March 20, 1 p.m.
• Board meeting: Wednesday, March 26, 6 p.m.
• Princeton R-5 Health Fair: Thursday, March
27.
Two competitions, silent auction, drawing for a $1,000 Milwaukee tool set and Marcia Cox’s famous cinnamon rolls to be available
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph PRINCETON, Mo. The Princeton Rotary Club has announced its annual Youth Turkey Calling Contest and Outdoor Expo will be held next Saturday, March 29 at Princeton Elementary School.
There will be vendor tables, a concession stand, a silent auction and a raffle for a Milwaukee tool set and large packout.
The tool set, being provided by Girdner Post & Lumber of Mercer, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,000.
The concession stand will feature Marcia Cox’s famous homemade cinnamon rolls. A full pan of the rolls costs $20, and pre-orders must be made by Friday, March 21.
Vendor tables cost $20; pre-register with Matt Krohn.
The silent auction will feature turkey hunting calls, hunting equipment, blinds, apparel and gear, and many other items.
Vendor tables and the silent auction open at 8:30
R-3 board decisions From Page 2
Harrison baseball coop (with Cainsville and Ridgeway) this season because of low numbers.
Mercer only had one boy wishing to play baseball. Ridgeway is sending a few boys to North Harrison (Eagleville), creating a new co-op.
In other sports news, Hall said six students are on the boys golf team, and a total of 23 kids are participating in track, either at the grades 6-8 or 9-12 levels, He added that 14 girls have shown interest in playing junior high softball this fall, after Mercer could not field a team in 2024. He will be opening up positions for coaches to lead the program.
Finally, Hall said Mercer isn’t fielding a high school Scholar Bowl team this spring because of a lack of numbers.
Principal’s report
In her report, Principal Aimee Huse said elementary students are making progress in English. She meets with all the elementary teachers weekly, and goes over all students and their needs. She added that having a single reading curriculum is helping with the improvements.
She also handed out data about the math program, which shows 19 more students are performing at or above grade level than at the start of the academic year, a 27% improvement. Teachers have reviewed a number of textbooks and they’ve decided on Reveal Math, a series from McGraw Hill. A proposal will be made to the board during its April meeting scheduled for April 14. Finally, Huse said staff from First Interstate Bank in Princeton have been giving presentations to students.
Other items
• Hall, Hill and Perkins attended CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan training, in advance of a local CSIP meeting.
• Hall said the district’s money market interest rate has remained at 4.23%.
• Planning for summer school is underway. Hall said he wants to hold sessions over 12 days of five-hour classes - May 20-23, May 27-30 and June 2-5 - for a total of 60 hours. Dates and teachers will need to be approved during the April meeting.
• Hall told the board about four summer projects - rotating four classrooms in the main building (including moving preschool out of its present building), declaring the preschool building as surplus property and selling it, addressing water damage in the library, and
a.m. and run until 11:45, when contest awards will be announced and the raffle is held.
Sign-in for turkey calling and owl hooting contests take place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The turkey calling contest starts at 10:15, and the owl hooting contest starts at 11. The entry fee for both contests is $5.
There are three age divisions in the turkey contest - 8 and under, 9-12 and 13-15. The top three finishers in each division will get certificates and cash prizes - $50 for first place, $35 for second place and $25 for third.
refinishing.
Heath West said the chain link fence around the elementary playground needs to be tightened up, and suggested having an ag construction class do the work. Hall said he’d talk to Wyatt about the matter.
• Hall presented a draft salary scheduld for the 2025-26 school year. It shows how the teacher baseline salary grant would help all Mercer teachers to the levels established in SB 727 - $40,000 for a starting teacher, $46,000 for a teacher with a master’s degree and 10 years of experience.
The grant would provide the district about $89,000, and it would cost about 18,000 to allow teachers to take annual steps on the salary schedule.
Hall also said he thinks the district should participate in the Career Ladder program in 2025-26.
He will present salary schedules for teachers and non-certified staff during the April meeting.
• Hall showed a PowerPoint demonstration about House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 215, which deal with open enrollment.
Editor’s Note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by district bookkeeper Jennifer Lynn Wilson.
Senior MenuS
All menus subject to change.
MERCER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Serving from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Meals can be picked up at the west door (facing Broadway Street) from 11:30-12:15. Meals served with 2% milk, coffee or tea. All bread, rolls, buns and crackers are whole grain. For meal deliveries, call 660-748-3636 by 9:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to eat at the Senior Center. Meals for anyone age 60 and older are a suggested contribution of $5. Meals for anyone under age 60 cost $7.
Monday, March 24: spaghetti and meatballs, sliced bread, green beans, winter mix vegetables, tropical fruit salad.
Tuesday, March 25: fish filet, macaroni and tomatoes, coleslaw, applesauce.
Wednesday, March 26: hot beef sandwich, peas and carrots, corn, pears.
Thursday, March 27: pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, spinach, bun, grape salad.
Friday, March 28: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, antigua blend vegetables, biscuits, assorted fruit.
Monday, March 31: chicken strips, peas and carrots, broccoli, peaches, sliced bread.
The owl hooting contest is for youth age 15 and under, with the top three finishers winning cash prizes - $30 for first place, $20 for second and $10 for third. The contests are open to amateur callers only. Callers may use friction, mouth calls or mouth only. A tree call, yelp, cluck, purr and a caller’s favorite call could be requested of the participants. More information is available by contacting Jerry Girdner at 660-7483211, ext, 225. Information and entry forms are available on the Rotary Club’s Facebook page, @ PrincetonMoRotary.
Charity project is also a fundraiser for chapter Special to the Post-Telegraph PRINCETON, Mo. The Princeton High School FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter’s shoe drive fundraiser.
It’s an opportunity to help people in need of decent footwear and benefit the FCCLA at no costs to the donors, as well as a chance to clean out closets, storage bins or garages. All donors have to do is take new or gently used shoes to Princeton High School, and FCCLA members will bag them up for you. The chapter will receive 40 cents per pound, with a goal of collecting 2,500 pounds of shoes.
The shoe drive began Feb. 1 and runs through April 1.
For more information, contact Princeton FCCLA advisor Dr. Tina Holt at tholt@tigertown. k12.mo.us.
The Princeton PostTelegraph strives for accuracy and fairness in all of its news stories and photo captions. If you feel we have made an error, please contact us at 660748-3266 or posttele@ grm.net (email) to request a correction. If it is found we are in error, we will be happy to publish a correction or clarification.
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
Guest speaker Brad Addison is a conservation educator with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and he’ll
be the featured speaker from 9-9:45 a.m. Addison grew up in southeastern Louisiana on his family’s farm along the Tickfaw River. He called in and killed his first turkey at age 10, and that ignited a passion that’s led him on a 46year journey across 11 states in pursuit of this magnificient game bird. He was a competitive caller in the late 1980s and early 1990s and won regional contests. Now, he focuses on mentoring youth and mobility impaired hunters as a member of the board of directors with Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, and assisting veterans and disabled veterans through Peterson’s Outdoor Ministries in Vernon County and an annual veterans turkey hunt in Michigan.
Page 1
students, along with online access.
Final approval by the board will take place after teachers and administration make a final review of sample materials.
• A proposal by Charles Luebbert Hardwood Floors Inc. to refinish the gym floor was approved.
Manufacturers recommend that gym floors be refinished every 10 years. The floor in the Princeton Elementary Gym hasn’t been sanded or installed since it was installed in 2007; the recently finished 2024-25 basketball season was the 18th season the gym has been in use.
The project will include a complete sanding down to bare wood, new paint and modern artwork, with the board scheduled to review artwork proposals during its next meeting on April 14.
The project will cost $35,000.
Other items/actions
• The board heard program reviews from the district’s kindergarten and first grade teachers, the K-12 band and choir programs, and the grades 7-12 business and technology programs.
• A review of House Bill 711 was held. HB 711 addresses open enrollment, an idea that has been floated around the General Assembly for several years but never put into law, was given. Small rural districts such as Princeton have strong concerns about the potential impact the bill would have, should it become law.
• A transportation agreement was approved with Newtown-Harris R-3 was approved for that disrict to continue taking students to the North Central Career Center (vo-tech school) in Bethany. Newtown-Harris transports its students, plus those at Princeton and Mercer, to the school.
The R-5 district will pay Newtown-Harris $6,000 for the service.
Closed session
Staff employments for 2025-26 were discussed during a scheduled closed session, and were voted on and announced after the session.
• The resignation of high school paraprofessional Jeanenne Neeley was approved.
• Hope Ellsworth was hired as a kindergarten teacher.
• Kylie Stimpson was employed as the district’s nurse. She replaces long-time nurse Kim Rardon, who is retiring.
• Contracts for probationary teachers Ashley Woods, Louis O’Brien, Dale Bagley, Kaylee Wilson, Katlyn Bagley, Rebecca Bickel, Emily Voorhies, Payton Goodin, Robbie Claycomb, Cody DeMoss, Rafaela Johnson and Angie Stockman were approved.
A probationary teacher is one who hasn’t taught long enough to be considered for tenure.
• Tenure contracts for Carissa Bauer, Shelly Hanson and Alisha Marsh were approved.
• All proposed extra-duty assignments were approved. That list will be published next week.
All-Conference From Page 6
Shelby Gibson, sr., Gilman City; Alli Burke, soph., Gilman City; Lainey Thompson, jr., East Harrison Coach of the Year
Kaitlyn Eoff, Gilman City.
BOYS - First Team
*Levi Youtsey, sr., Winston; *Hunter Miller, sr., Grundy County; *Gabe Manning, jr., Tri-County; *Camden Griffith, sr., Gilman City; *Landon Preston, sr., Gilman City; *Kobe Hill, jr., Mercer Second Team
*Kaleb Bower, sr., Grundy County; *Brayden Watkins, jr., Winston; *Carter Fewins, jr., Tri-County; *Landon Dodds, jr., Tri-County; *Hagen Booth, East Harrison, sr
Honorable Mention
Bristol Sheetz, sr., Winston; Kenyon Puls, sr., Gilman City; Kaimon West, sr., Mercer. Coach of the Year
Colby Peukert, Winston.
All-Defensive - GIRLS
Kinsley Allnutt, jr., Grundy County; Sloane McLain, jr., East Harrison; Reiann Hampton, soph., Winston; Khloey Sperry, soph., Gilman City; Avery Gregg, jr., Gilman City; Tori Dustman, sr., Tri-County.
All-Defensive - BOYS
Levi Youtsey, sr., Winston; Hunter Miller, sr., Grundy County; Landon Preston, sr., Gilman City; Camden Griffith, jr., Gilman City; Gabe Manning, jr., Tri-County; Kaimon West, sr., Mercer
COURTESY PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL
Three members of Princeton’s Class 1, District 11, Grand River Conference West tri-champion, and state quarterfinalist girls basketball team received All-GRC West honors. From left: Macey Lewis (unanimous), Addilyn Henke (unanimous) and Audrey Kelly (honorable mention). Henke has received unanimous all-conference honors all four seasons of her career.
ALL-GRAND RIVER CONFERENCE WEST
* - Unanimous selection
GIRLS - First Team
*Addilyn Henke, sr., Princeton; *Macey Lewis, sr., Princeton; *Madison Lillard, sr., North Andrew; *Jayden Hillyard, soph., Albany; Brylin Armfield, soph., King City; Kynzee Adcock, fr., Stanberry.
Second Team Clare Staley, sr., King City; Kinsley Johnson, sr., Pattonsburg; Audrey Kelly, jr., Princeton; Ellie Lawrence, sr., North Andrew; Kaitlyn Bunker, soph., Albany; Maddix Epperly, fr., Albany; Kristen Tracy, soph., Worth County; Ava Rinehart, fr., North Harrison.
Honorable Mention
Trista Lager, sr., Stanberry; Hayleigh Wink, jr., Albany.
PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL
Three members of Princeton’s Grand River Conference West championship (undefeated in league play) boys basketball team received All-GRC recognition. From left: Kash Holt (unanimous), Clay Evans (unanimous) and Hunter Lowrey (honorable mention. Evans is a 2-time unanimous AllGRC honoree.
BOYS - First Team
*Johnston Stewart, sr., St. Joseph Christian; *Braxon Linville, sr., North Andrew; *Colby McQueen, sr., Stanberry; *Landon Carlson, fr., King City; *Clay Evans, sr., Princeton; *Kash Holt, soph., Princeton.
Second Team
Cy Carlson, sr., St. Joseph Christian; Mason Nester, jr., North Andrew; Karson Briner, sr., Worth County; Gavin Humphrey, jr., Pattonsburg; Coltin Potter, soph., King City; Wyatt Maize, soph., North Harrison.
Honorable Mention
Nick Orscheln, sr., St. Joseph Christian; Isaac Coates, soph., North Andrew; Cole Ruby, soph., Worth County; Jonathan Garlock, soph., King City; Daulton Worrell,
jr., Albany; Jarrett Smith, soph., Albany; Hunter Lowrey, soph., Princeton
ALL-HDC CONFERENCE
* - unanimous selection
GIRLS - First Team
*Kinsley Allnutt, jr., Grundy County; *Zoie Williams, sr., Tri-County; *Khloe Sperry, soph., Gilman City; *Avery Gregg, jr., Gilman City; *Karlee Crouse, sr., East Harrison
Second Team
Ashlynn Brown, sr., Mercer; Lexa Stonger, jr., Grundy County; Shealyn Pliley, sr., Winston; Reiann Hampton, soph., Winston; Alexis Neeley, jr, Tri-County.
Honorable Mention
Payton Houk, soph., Mercer; See All-Conference, Page 5
