12-14-2023 Post Telegraph

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Volume 151, No. 50 - Princeton, MO 64673

FIND THIS INFORMATION AND MORE IN THIS WEEK’S PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH

Classified Ads -- 2 News ---------- 5-10 Sports --------- 3-4

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IN SPORTS - COUNTY TEAMS SWEEP CONFERENCE OPENERS

Recognition for 1,000th point

WIC participation increases in Missouri LISA COX Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. October marked the start of the 50th year of WIC services in the United States. Missouri WIC begins this celebration with an overall increase of 7.7% in participation over the last federal fiscal year (FFY). WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health services.

A recent report from the USDA showed Missouri to be among seven states with consistently lower than national eligible participation rates in FFY 2021. Missouri WIC’s overall participation decrease occurred over several years with a sharper decrease during the pandemic when it was difficult to access WIC benefits in person.

In an effort to improve access to WIC services and to improve the benefit redemption process, Missouri WIC actively pursues outreach opportunities and technology advancements.

• In the last year, ongoing outreach strategies in collaboration with the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division, and its health plan partners, to improve communication of WIC program eligibility and WIC program benefits to MO HealthNet program participants was implemented.

• On Aug. 10, 2023, new policies took effect under a USDA physical presence waiver, allowing aspects of WIC services to be provided virtually or over the phone to respond to participant requests for remote access to WIC services.

• In the current FFY, participants will receive increased amounts in their fruits and vegetables cash value benefit (CVB) providing more healthy foods each month.

• Before the end of 2024, Missouri WIC will move from an “offline” EBT card system, which requires in-person loading and benefit redemption, to an “online” EBT card system, which removes the in-person requirement allowing for more flexibility in the program.

Removing technology and remote service barriers, along with improved direct communication to eligible individuals is expected to continue to have a positive impact on WIC participation.

Missouri WIC offers healthy food choices that target specific essential nutrients often missing from the diets of participants, such as iron, calcium, protein, and vitamins A, C, and D. To meet these needs, the WIC food package includes fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole

grains, milk and yogurt along with other nutritious foods.

To qualify for the WIC program, participants must meet the following requirements: • Be a pregnant, breastfeeding or new mother; an infant up to age one; or a child up to their fifth birthday.

• Be a resident of Missouri.

• Meet income eligibility requirements.

Missourians interested in learning about the benefits of WIC may visit WIC.Mo.Gov or call TEL-LINK at 1-800-835-5465 to find the WIC local agency in their county.

JOE JEREK Special to the Post-Telegraph

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2024-2025 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 8 open meeting in Jefferson City.

2024 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting Dates • Spring Youth Portion: April 6-7 • Regular Spring Turkey Season: April 15 through May 5 •Fall Firearms Turkey Season: Oct. 1 - 31 2024-2025 Archery Deer and Turkey Hunting Dates • Sept.15 through Nov. 15 and Nov. 27 through Jan. 15, 2025 2024 - 2025 Firearms Deer Hunting Dates • Firearms Early Antlerless Portion: Oct. 11-13 (in open counties) • Firearms Early Youth Portion: Nov. 2-3 • Firearms November Portion: Nov. 16-26 • Firearms CWD Portion: Nov. 27 – Dec. 1 (in open counties) • Firearms Late Youth Portion: Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 • Firearms Late Antlerless Portion: Dec. 7-15 (in open counties) • Firearms Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 28 - Jan. 7, 2025 Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions will be included in the MDC 2024 Spring Tukey Hunting and Regulations booklet and the MDC 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

BETTY WILLIS/Special to the Post-Telegraph

Mercer senior Maddi Fisher (left) received the game ball after her third-quarter layup Friday night scored the 1,000th point of her career. See Page 2 for more information.

Brett Cruickshank Selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Student

Brett Cruickshank from Princeton, MO, has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Student for December. Brett is a non-traditional, second-year student and plans to graduate with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Applied Science degree next fall.

After graduating from NCMC, he intends to transfer to Northwest Missouri State University to complete a bachelor’s degree

in business.

Brett is involved in Student Support Services (SSS), Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, and Business Club.

Brett has been named on the President’s/Dean’s Honor Roll and has received an NCMC Foundation scholarship. His favorite class is Marketing with Sarah Bird.

Brett said, “I like marketing, and I think it is interesting.”

Brett went on to say, “My favorite thing about NCMC is the faculty and staff. Everyone is very positive and super

Cruickshank… cont. to pg.2

THE ONLY COMPLETE SOURCE FOR MERCER COUNTY NEWS AND SPORTS INFORMATION!

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2 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CLASSIFIED/LEGAL ADS

INFORMATION

GUNS & AMMO

HOW TO CONTACT US Princeton Post-Telegraph PO Box 286/704 West Main Princeton, MO 64673 Phone: 660-748-3266 Fax: 660-748-3267 Email: posttele@grm.net DEADLINES Al Display Ads (Ads with borders) All Classified Ads News & Photos: 10 a.m. Friday * - includes photos sent via email NOTE: Deadlines change for holiday printing schedules. Advance notice will be provided.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! If an error is made in your ad, we will be happy to correct it.

However, we are not responsible for errors that appear for more than one week.

WOOD’S GUN SHOP

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ALL garage sales (and similar sales) MUST be paid for in advance, unless you have an account that is in good standing.

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EDITOR’S NOTICES All real estate and/or houses, and all rental housing and/or property, advertised in the Princeton Post-Telegraph newspaper and the Courier shopper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowlingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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The receipt of news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases by the Princeton Post-Telegraph DOES NOT constitute an agreement to publish such news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases. All news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases will be published at the discretion of the editor. At all times, the editor reserves the right to edit, amend, and/ or delete any and all information at will, with or without explanation.

The limit of liability of the Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for advertising, legal and/or non-legal, not published.

The Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for the non-publishing of news, letters to the editor, and/or press releases.

This notice also applies for advertisements for the Courier (shopper).

SERVICES I CAN HELP YOU STOP SMOKING!

Russell Jennings 706 Prichard Princeton, MO 660-748-4860 9-21-2023/9-12-20-24bPC

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Boyer Land Company LLC

Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673 660-748-6314 YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! 1-5-2023ufnP+C

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5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-5-2023-ufnP+C

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.

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No tresspassing for any reason on land that we own or lease. John & Linda Baughman.

9-28-23-52tpP+C

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No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck.

9-15-22-52tbP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––

No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan.

4-27-23-52tpP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––

Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger.

5-19-22-52tpP+C

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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 and Roberta Zimmer. 3-23-23-52tpP+C

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Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned

by Barbara & LeRoy Hider.

10-10-24-52tpP+C

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NO HUNTING OR TRESPASSING on any land owned

by LAKE MARIE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. 7-28-23-52tpP+C

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No hunting or trespassing of any kind on land owned

by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner.

9-28-23-52tpP+C

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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).

10-5-23-52tbP+C

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No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Howard or Joe Don Pollard. 4-21-22-52tpP

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Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-30-23-52tpP

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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

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MERCER COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of Linda M. Shriver, Deceased Estate No. 22AI-PR00024 STATE OF MISSOURI ) COUNTY OF MERCER ) NOTICE OF FILING OF STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT AND SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION (Sec. 473.840) You are hereby notified that the undersigned independent personal representative will file the attached statement of account, containing a schedule of proposed distribution of the assets of the estate, in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of MERCER County, Missouri, at Princeton on December 31, 2023. If no objections to the statement of account or schedule of distribution are filed within twenty (20) days after the filing thereof, the undersigned independent personal representative will distribute in accordance with the schedule of proposed distribution contained in the statement of account.

If no proceeding is commenced in the court within six months after the filing of the statement of account, each independent representative is thereby discharged from further claim of demand by any interested person.

Copies of the original and any supplementary and corrected inventories and all settlements filed in the court are attached hereto.

Carrie Scott Personal Representative Address: 9515 NW Beaver Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131 Designated Resident Agent: Jessie Garrison Attorney at Law Telephone: 660-425-3131 Address: 106 North 16th Street, Bethany, MO 64424 Respectfully submitted, JESSIE GARRISON Mo. Bar #74174 106 N. 16th Street Bethany, MO 64424 Phone: (660) 425-3131 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE DATES OF PUBLICATION November 30, 2023 December 7, 2023 December 14, 2023 December 21, 2023 ––––––––––––––––––––––––

Cruickshank…cont. from pg. 1 helpful.”

When asked why he chose NCMC, Brett said, “NCMC is affordable and flexible. I can take my classes online, but I am still close enough that I can come to campus to get help.”

Each month, a student is nominated by a faculty or staff member to be featured as an Outstand-

ing Student based on their dedication to educational success, attitude toward learning, and hard work in their field and activities.

To learn more about NCMC, visit https:// www.ncmissouri.edu/ or contact the Admissions Department at 660-3593948.

December 14, 2023

Pharmacists Play Unique Role in Advancing Health Equity for Patients With Chronic Disease Lauren Massaro

A new study, outlined in a poster at ASHP Midyear 2023, identified 3 key themes associated with the ways in which pharmacists are positioned to advance health equity for patients with chronic diseases.

Pharmacists are well positioned to advance health equity for persons from racial and ethnic minority groups experiencing chronic disease, according to a poster presented at this year’s American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exposition.1 Three key themes emerged from the current study highlighting the ways in which pharmacists can advance health equity for patients with chronic diseases. These themes emphasized the importance of providing tailored, and culturally and linguistically appropriate, care, leveraging resources made available through established community relationships with other health care team members, and taking advantage of training to further increase learning about health equity and the obstacles that bar it.

With the help of existing literature and suggestions from 13 subject matter experts in pharmacy policy and practice, investigators selected 6 pharmacist-led programs addressing health disparities in chronic disease for examination in their research. Investigators conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives from each selected program, which spanned different geographic regions, program sizes, and approaches, to account for diverse insights.

Three national experts were also interviewed to provide their perspectives on pharmacist-led initiatives, national trends, and policies shaping such initiatives in addressing health disparities.

Nodding to the fact that nearly 90% of the US population resides within a 5-mile drive of a community pharmacy, interviewees noted how the geographic accessibility of pharmacists advantageously positions them to provide tailored care

to patients. Further, the accessibility of pharmacists within communities allows the providers to better understand patient needs and address medical mistrust.

Partnering with other health care team members can also aid pharmacists in advancing health equity among patients with chronic disease, said interviewees. Health care team members like pharmacy technicians and community health workers, for instance, can facilitate advancement by referring patients to community resources that address health disparity-based needs.

Although interviewees highlighted the importance of training and resources in increasing learning among pharmacists on health equity, they also acknowledged how the application process for resources like grants can be time consuming. They further mentioned how the lack

of universal pharmacist provider status across all payers acts as a barrier to achieving health equity, as it hinders pharmacists’ ability to receive reimbursement for providing services, including those provided to patients with chronic disease.

Current study findings can guide pharmacists in addressing health disparities, driven by social, economic, and environmental inequities, that disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority groups burdened by chronic diseases.

Reference 1. Ogwuegbu J, Therrien N, Horton K, Dwyer G. Pharmacists’ role in advancing health equity for persons with chronic disease. Presented at: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition; December 3-7, 2023; Anaheim, CA. Poster 4-019.

MDC offers free winter tree ID class Dec. 16 at Parkville Learn to identify trees at Parma Woods Shooting Range

MDC will offer a free winter tree identification class Dec. 16 at the Parma Woods Shooting Range and Training Center at Parkville.

Kansas City, Mo. – teach how to use factors The Missouri Department such as bark patterns, of Conservation (MDC) crown shapes, and limb will offer a free class in and twig characteristics identifying trees during to identify trees. Particiwinter from 9 to 11 a.m. pants can use the knowlon Saturday, Dec. 16 at edge to identify trees in the Parma Woods Shoot- their neighborhood or to ing Range and Training add to enjoyment during Center at Parkville. When winter hikes in wooddeciduous trees drop their lands and forests. leaves in the fall, other Registration is rekeys in identifying tree quired. To register, visit species gain importance. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ This class is open to Zz4. all ages. MDC staff will

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Post 12-14-2023.indd 2

12/12/23 5:14 PM

SPORTS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 3

December 14, 2023

MERCER GIRLS BASKETBALL: Cardinal senior scores 1,000th point

Maddi’s magical milestone PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph

MERCER, Mo. On the basketball court, Mercer senior Maddi Fisher weart No. 34. For the rest of her career, she can claim another number - 22.

Late in the third quarter Friday night in an otherwise hohum, small school, lop-sided game, Fisher hit a running layup to become the 22nd Mercer girl to reach the coveted 1,000-point mark to cap a 7134 HDC Conference victory.

Fisher scored 13 points in the first quarter and Ashlynn Brown added 7 to get the blowout going, with the Cardinals (5-1, 1-0 HDC) taking control, 23-5. Brown hit 7 more points in the second, as Tri-County took the period 12-10 to cut the gap to 33-17 at halftime.

Mercer boat-raced the Mustangs 28-6 in the third quarter as Brown hit two 3-point shots and Emma Shipley, Sari Rogers and Breanna Houk added a 3 each. Fisher scored 8 points and Brown hit for 7, and Shipley added 4, during the stretch that saw the Cardinals go to the fourth up 61-23.

Fisher led the field with 24 points over the first three quarters. Brown added 15 and

Shipley contribued 13; neither Fisher nor Shipley played in the fourth quarter. Other scoring: Bailey Houk 9, Rogers 3, Breanna Houk 3, Payton Houk 2, Liberty Shively 2.

Milan 63, Mercer 61 (OT)

MILAN The host Wildcats scored at the end of regulation, withstood a Mercer run to open overtime, then rallied for a non-conference victory last Thursday (Dec. 7) to hand the Cardinals their first setback of the season.

Marian Dabney hit for 8 points in the first quarter, while Fisher scored 7 for Mercer, and Milan led 14-12 after the quarter. Brown and Breanna Houk hit 3s for the Cardinals in the second, but the Wildcats took the period 12-11 for a 23-21 halftime lead.

The teams picked things on offense in the third quarter. Milan hit two 3s to offest Fisher’s 11, but the Cardinals outscored Milan 15-11 to pull them to within 42-38 with 8 minutes to go.

Brown hit two 3s in the fourth and Shipley added another, but Milan’s late deuce sent the battle to an extra 4 minutes tied 53-53 after the Cardinals outscored Milan 15-11 late.

Mercer started the extra period with a 5-0 surge, but Milan responded with 9 straight points to go up 62-58. Fisher scored 5 points and Brown, and both girls hit a 3, but Milan was able to hold off any more Cardinal surges.

Fisher led all scorers with 28 points, 20 over the final three quarters. Brown and Shipley each added 12. Other scoring: Bailey Houk 4, Breanna Houk 3, Payton Houk 2.

Mercer 68, Green City 66

GREEN CITY Mercer hit three 3s during the fourth quarter to edge a possible district opponent last Tuesday night (Dec. 5).

The teams could meet again in the Class 1, District 11 tournament in Princeton.

BETTY WILLIS/Special to the Post-Telegraph

Maddi Fisher launched the third-quarter shot on which she hit the 1,000th point of her career.

Mercer boys rebound from 1-3 start with non-con, HDC wins PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph

MERCER, Mo. After starting the 202324 season with a 1-3 record - one, admittedly, to one of northeast/north central Missouri’s top Class 1 outfits - the Mercer Cardinals needed a win in the worst way possible.

They got two in about 24 hours.

After holding off an athletic, Class 2 Milan club the previous night. Mercer hosted Tri-County on Friday night to open its 5-game HDC Conference slate and downed the Mustangs 61-47.

Two seniors, Tyler Meinecke and Brendon Wolfe, combined for 52 of Mercer’s 61 points, but every Cardinal that played contributed in some manner. In the first quarter, Mercer (3-3, 1-0 HDC) got 9 points from Meinecke and 6 from Wolfe as the Cardinals took a 15-5 lead. Meinecke connected for all but 2 of the hosts’ 17 second-period points, and Mercer outscored T-C 17-16 for a 32-21 halftime.

Post 12-14-2023.indd 3

Mercer’s seniors scored the Cardinals’ first 10 points of the third quarter, before Jayce Davis, one of Mercer’s 7 seniors, hit 1-of-2 free throws to end the string of 42 straight Mercer points. The Cardinals outscored Tri-County (1-5, 0-1 HDC) 13-10 during the third and led 45-31; the fourth quarter was a 16-16 deadline.

Meinecke led all scorers with 32 points, 24 in the first half, while Wolfe hit for 18 of his 20 during the first half.

The Cardinals, who use the 3-point shot liberally, didn’t make any from behind the 19-foot, 9-inch arc. Other scoring: Wes Hashman 4, Kobe Hill 2, Mason Martin 2, Davis 1.

Green City 68, Mercer 32

GREEN CITY The soon-to-ranked host Gophers (the first Missouri Basketball Coaches Association polls could be released this week) built a comfortable first-half lead and put the game away in the third quarter to win going away last Tuesday night (Dec. 5).

The athletic Gophers (who have been

in three straight basketball state quarterfinals and five straight state baseball tournaments) were outscored 19-10 in the first quarter and 15-9 in the second for a 34-19 halftime lead. Green City (50) put the game out of reach 23-9 in the third quarter for a 57-28 cushion.

Tyler Meinecke was hurt during the second quarter and didn’t play in the second. Kobe Hill led Mercer with 12 points and Meinecke added 11. Other scoring: Navari Payton 5, Wes Hashman 2, Brenden Wolfe 2.

Mercer 50, Milan 41

MILAN Ahmed Niasse is a tremendous athlete. He’s won numerous all-conference and all-district honors in football and basketball, including being named a Class 1 first-team all-state linebacker in football.

He’s not too shabby in basketball, either. He proved that last Thursday (Dec. 7), scoring 28 points in a losing effort against Milan. The Cardinals had better balance, however, and held off the host

Wildcats 50-41.

Four Cardinals scored during the game, and all of them scored in a first quarter that ended 10-10. Tyler Meinecke and Kobe Hill each hit 3-point goals for Mercer. Brenden Wolfe knocked in 7 points in the second, and Meinecke and Hill combined to match that output as Mercer outshot the Wildcats 14-9 for a 24-19 spread at intermission.

Niasse scored 8 points in the third frame as Milan outscored the Cardinals 12-9 to pull to within 33-31, and he tallied 8 of the Wildcats’ 10 during the fourth. But Meinecke topped that, scoring 12 points on two hoops and 8-of-10 free throws, and Wolfe and Wes Hashman added buckets to pad the Cardinals’ 17-point closing outburst.

Meinecke led Mercer with 23 points, and Wolfe added 13. Other scoring: Hill 9, Hashman 5.

12/12/23 5:14 PM

4 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • SP0RTS

December 14, 2023

PRINCETON GIRLS BASKETBALL: Close first win in new conference

Tigers hold off Pattonsburg late PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph

PRINCETON, Mo. Opening night in a new conference was not easy for the Princeton Tigers - but it was successful.

Princeton got a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, then held off Pattonsburg 59-54 in the Grand River Conference West (not division, but a separate league) opener for both outfits on Friday night.

Four Tigers scored in the first quarter on 6 hoops, one of them a 3 by Addilyn Henke, and Princeton led 13-12. Pattonsburg got equal scoring from three players for its total, as the Panthers (4-3, 0-1 GRCW) hit 6-of-6 free throws.

Nothing got decided during the second quarter, a 12-12 standoff that saw 5 Tigers score, while Katelyn Jones hit for 8 of Pattonsburg’s total.

Princeton led 25-24 after the first 16 minutes.

Princeton got its offense going in the third, outscoring the Panthers 21-14 to take a 46-38 margin into the fourth quarter.

Henke put through 9 points on four buckets, including a 3, Gracie Allnutt got three buckets and Grace Kelly added two, offsetting a 9-point period from Jones.

The Tigers (5-1, 1-0 GRCW) built a double-digit lead a few times in the fourth despite making just two hoops, one a 3 from Aubrey Kelly. Princeton made 8-of-13 free throws during the period to offset a Pattonsburg rally that saw the visitors take the period 17-13.

Six of Princeton’s seven available players scored, three in double figures - Addilyn Henke with 23 points, Allnutt with 13 and Grace Kelly with 10. Other scoring: Macey Lewis 6, Mikaylee Henke 4, Aubrey Kelly 3.

Jones led all scorers with 29

TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph

Tiger 2-guard Clay Evans (#2) went around two Pattonsburg defenders for a first-half goal.

Post 12-14-2023.indd 4

points, and Kelsey Crabtree added 13 for Pattonsburg.

Princeton 65, East Harrison 25

RIDGEWAY, Mo. Princeton needed an easy win badly after losing the championship game of the Albany Tournament by 24 points to the Platte Valley dynasty two days-plus earlier.

The Tigers got what they needed last Monday night (Dec. 4) by crushing the HDC Conference Bobcats.

Addilyn Henke scored 12 points and hit two 3s, Grace Kelly added 7 and Lewis hit a 3 as Princeton raced away to a 27-10 first-quarter lead in Ridgeway’s new gym. (ICYMI: Ridgeway and Cainsville make up the East Harrison co-op.)

Five Tigers scored in the first quarter, and five scored in the second that Princeton won 12-8 for a 39-18 halftime cushion.

Princeton outscored EH 20-2 during the third period as 6 players - none more than 5 points - and by period’s end all 7 available Tigers had scored as Princeton increased its lead into turboclock range at 59-20.

Addilyn Henke led all scorers with 20 points, 18 in the first half. Grace Kelly added 14 points and Lewis scored 12.

Other scoring: Audrey Kelly 7, Mikaylee Henke 5, Allnutt 5, Gracie Mitchell 2.

Coming up The Tigers played at North Harrison on Tuesday night, and will host North Andrew on Friday night. Next week, Princeton will host Green City on Monday, Dec. 18, and will play its NCMC Holiday Hoops game on Wednesday, Dec. 30 against Lathrop at 6:30 p.m.

TERRI KELLY/Princeton Post-Telegraph

Three Pattonsburg defenders tried by failed to stop Princeton senior Grace Kelly from scoring during the second half.

Princeton R-V Board of Education Meets December 11th The agenda for the regular BOE meeting included:

The Consent Agenda was approved consisting of A) Approve November 13th, 2023 Board of Education Meeting Minutes B) Approve Bills for Payment and any Necessary Fund Transfers C) Financial Report Announcements A) School Board Election Filing Dates December 5, 2023 – December 26, 2023 Current seats held by: Blake Boxley & Chad Smith As of 8am Tuesday (Dec. 12) There have been two to file Chet Ellsworth & Danny Derry.

B) School Board Election April 2, 2024 C) School Not In Session December 18 – January 2 D) Teacher In-Service January 2 / School Resumes January 3 E) January BOE Meeting- Jan

8th 5:30 Old Business The School Board approved the annual Auditors Report from the firm of Conrad & Higgins.

The School Board will approve board policy updates at the January meeting.

New Business o The school board approved the renewal of liability & property insurance with CPSK & Missouri Public Entity Risk Management Fund (MOPERM) for a total of $102,941. This is an increase of $10,220 from the previous year. o The School Board reviewed the plan for implementing a program called “Get the Lead Out” as required by state law.

Starting in the 2023-24 school year, a new state law mandates maintaining drinking water

12/12/23 5:14 PM

NEWS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 5

December 14, 2023

OBITUARIES

Mike Greenlee

Lake Ozark, Mo.

Michael Ames Greenlee, son of Ames and Mildred (Day) Greenlee, was born in Wayne County, Iowa on Oct.10, 1947, and passed away on Dec. 5, 2023 at his home in Lake Ozark, Mo., at the age of 76.

Mike was raised in Lineville, Iowa where he graduated in 1965 from Allerton-Clio-Lineville High School. He was united in marriage to Christine Shroyer on Dec. 29, 1967. In 1969, he received a BS degree in biology from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville. Following college, he served for two years with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he entered the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science

Post 12-14-2023.indd 5

in Dallas, Texas and graduated valedictorian of his class in August 1972.

He and Christine then returned to Princeton to join Mike’s father in the funeral business where they remained until retirement in June 2016.

Mike served as mayor of Princeton for 18 years, and later as a Princeton city councilman. He served as the Mercer County coroner and the treasurer of the Princeton Cemetery Association for many years. He was a member of Princeton United Methodist Church, the Princeton Rotary Club, and Mercer Lodge #35 af&am.

Mike enjoyed golfing and taking his family on boat rides. After a spinal cord injury in November 2017, he enjoyed observing nature, binge watching shows, and following his family and friends through social media.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Karen McVey, his stepbrother, Jerry Martin, and his step-mother, Grace Greenlee.

Mike is survived by his wife, Christine of the home; two daughters, Andrea Greenlee Richards (and partner, Jer-

emy Houser) of Kirksville, Mo., and Gretchen Cleppe (and husband, Mike) of Columbia, Mo.; five grandchildren, Sam Richards (and wife, Gabby) of Keytesville, Mo., Max Richards (and partner, Brandon Vassallo) of New York, NY, Ava Jackson of Kirksville, and Ella and Wesley Cleppe of Columbia; two great grandchildren, Rhys and Rhett Richards; and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mike’s funeral service was Saturday, Dec. 9 at Princeton Methodist Church. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Princeton Methodist Church and/or Princeton Cemetery Association, in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673.

Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

George Post

Princeton, Mo.

George Delbert Post, 77, of Princeton, Mo. passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023, at a Bethany, Mo., nursing home.

He was born on Oct.

22, 1946, in Winterset, Iowa, the son of Delbert and Evelyn (Halbert) Post and was raised by his grandparents, William and Margaret Post who preceded him in death.

On March 9, 2008, he married Hilka Lincoln in Princeton. She survives of the home.

George went to school in Winterset, Iowa and started working at the age of seven. His grandfather wanted him to learn to be a worker and not a loafer.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and talking on the phone with nieces, Pattie and Willie, whom he helped raise.

He loved horses and cattle and enjoyed taking his horse teams with Hilka all over the country.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela; grandson, Benjamin Duane Hostetler; brothers, Carl, Frankie, Junior, and Delbert Post; sisters, Della and Mary Post; stepmother, Cleo; half-brother, Larry; half-sisters, Linda and Dianna, and sisters-inlaw, Stella, Beverly, and Janet.

In addition to his wife, Hilka, George is survived by his sons, Billy Joe Post, Allen Auxier and Michael; daughter, Mi-

chelle Jones; stepdaughters, Carrie (Dewey) Hostetler, April (Bryan) Vandiver, and Lana Hail; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Lincoln; half-brothers, Kalvin Post and Marty Keptheart; half-sister, Rose; half-sister-in-law, January; 27 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

George has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home of Princeton.

The family will hold a Remembrance Service at the VFW Hall, 116 North 3rd St., Winterset, Iowa at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Another obituary appears on Page 6.

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, cof-

fee or tea. All bread, rolls, buns and crackers are whole grain; at least half grains are whole grains.

For meal deliveries, call 660-748-3636 by 10 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to eat at the Senior Center.

Meals for anyone age 60 and older are a suggested contribution of $5. Meals for anyone under age 60 cost $7.

Monday, Dec. 18: fish patty/bun, macaroni and tomatoes, lima beans, apricots.

Tuesday, Dec. 19: frito pie (corn chips with chili, hamburger, beans, lettuce, salsa, onion, cheese and sour cream), pineapple.

Wednesday, Dec. 20: chicken strips or livers, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn, sliced bread, Mississippi mud bars, peaches.

Thursday, Dec. 21: lasagna, green beans, side salad, garlic knots, spiced pears.

Friday, Dec. 22: ham loaf, sweet potato casserole, broccoli and cheese, roll, candy cane sheet cake, ice cream, assorted fruit.

ADVERTISE in the Princeton Post-Telegraph today!

12/12/23 5:14 PM

6 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS

OBITUARIES

Robert Rhoades

Des Moines, Iowa

New books at library Special to the Post-Telegraph

Robert Stanley Rhoades, 81 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at a Des Moines hospital.

He was born on February 2, 1942, in Des Moines, the son of James Madison and Bertha (Richmond) Rhoades.

He married Charlene Sego on July 4, 1962. She preceded him in death on Nov, 23, 2022.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest “Dusty,”,Archie “Pete,” Kenneth, James, Daniel, Donald, Sherman, Harold, and Larry Rhoades; and sisters, Bertha Slight, Vern “Vernie” Rhoades, Marilyn Meyers, and Dorothy Philby.

Robert is survived by his son, Rob (Tammy) Rhoades; grandson, Shane Rhoades and family; granddaughter, Amber Whipp and family; seven great grandchildren and a sister, Cleta Johnston.

His funeral service was Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Roberson Funeral Home in Princeton, Mo. Burial followed in Early Cemetery at Mercer, Mo. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

SUBSCRIBE to the Post-Telegraph TODAY!

Post 12-14-2023.indd 6

PRINCETON, Mo. These new titles have been added to the shelves at the Mercer County Library.

Adult fiction: The Little Liar, Mitch Albom; The Edge (#2 of the Travis Devine series), David Baldacci; Starstruck, Amy Clipston; Resurrection Walk, Michael Connelly; Unnatural Death, Patricia Cornwell; Just Once, Karen Kingsbury; A Very Inconvenient Scandal, Jacquelyn Mitchard; The Talk of Coyote Canyon, Brenda Novak; Alex Cross Must Die (#32 of the Alex Cross series), James Patterson; Knowing You by Tracie Peterson; and The Mystery Guest (#2 of Molly the Maid series) Nita Prose Adult non-fiction: Finding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents’ Murders, and Saved by Prayer, Holly Marie The Mercer County Library has also added to its large print, western, children’s, juniors, young adult, and Amish sections. Please remember the library’s platforms - Boundless, Libby, and Hoopla - are open 24/7.

COMMISSION

MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.

All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Monday, Dec. 4 • Minutes of the Nov. 27 meeting were approved. Minutes approved included those for the regular open session and a closed session.

• Time sheets and the Nov. 30 payroll were approved.

• Bills were approved

December 14, 2023 and paid.

• Commissioners and County Clerk Judy Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore to pay the following: * $162 to Cardmember Services for badges and patches for new Deputy Sheriff William Griffin (money taken from Sheriff’s Special Fund #32); and * $488.30 to Tiger Commissary Services for commissary items for prisoners (money taken from Jail Commissary Fund #49).

• Commissioners received a copy of appointment of a deputy sheriff for Griffin dated Nov. 28 by Associate Circuit Judge Matthew Krohn.

• The report of motor fuel taxes, motor vehicle sales taxes and motor vehicle fee increases, for $56,173.45, from the Missouri Department of Revenue for the county’s use on Nov. 22.

• The preliminary budget meeting was held.

• Gary McFee with Howe Company LLC spoke to commissioners. Letters were signed about no easement acquisitions for Bridge No. 01300281 BRO-R065 (42).

• Sheriff Jose Lopez presented his November motor equipment expense report, and the November mileage log and motor equipment expense report for Deputy Randy Francis.

• Commissioners received the November funds collected report from Assessor Dana Widner.

• Circuit Clerk and Recorder Tammy Crouse presented her November uniform disbursement record, receipt and

BY PEO project provides dresses for girls

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Members of Chapter BY PEO of Princeton display the dresses they made for the group’s Dress a Girl program. disbursement report, and list of land transfers.

• Commissioners met with Dale Phillips of Phillips about health insurance quotes for 2024.

He and Marcia Cox of Farm Bureau Insurance for Blue Cross and Blue Shield First PCB Gold.

Commissioners voted to use Cox as the broker for her product for 2024.

mas plans.

Kim Palmer brought all the dresses made for the Dress a Girl program.

Members present posed with them for a photo.

Comfort food by Terri was enjoyed by all.

The next meeting will be Jan. 8 at First Baptist, with Jeania Hobbs as hostess. Kim Palmer will have the program.

AINSVILLE ORGANIZATIONS C MELANIE CHANEY Chapter BY PEO

Chapter BY PEO met Dec. 4 at the Christian Church annex with Terri Moore as hostess. The regular monthly meeting was held with nine members present. Roll call was answered by their favorite breakfast food.

Members will meet in a few weeks to wrap gifts for toys for tots.

A white elephant dirty Santa gift exchange was enjoyed by all, and members shared their Christ-

There is a food drive going on until Dec. 21.

Things can be brought to City Hall.

Zion Baptist Church caroled at Pearls II and around Cainsville on Sunday, Dec. 10.

The elementary Christmas program will be Dec. 13 with a a free will donation soup supper in the lunch room at 5 p.m. The funds will go to the senior class for their senior trip.

The preschool Christ-

mas program will be at 1 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the school gymnasium.

There will be early dismissal on Dec. 19 and the beginning of Christmas break.

Any news is appreciated. Have a great week!

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We appreciate your support!

12/12/23 5:14 PM

December 14, 2023 • NEWS

Princeton Post-Telegraph • 7

Branson (MO) Voted America’s 45th Most ‘Christmassy’ Town Survey of 3,000 to determine America’s 75 most ‘Christmassy’ towns. Branson was the only Missouri town included in the top 75.

Each year, top 10 rankings of the quintessential American towns that exude Christmas charm are published, with North Pole, Alaska consistently clinching the top spot.

This Alaskan town is a Christmas haven yearround, especially noted for its festively named thoroughfares such as Santa Claus Lane. The festive mood intensifies during the holiday season. Other towns that capture the holiday essence include Leavenworth, Washington, with its Bavarian village flair and 21 miles of twinkling Christmas lights, and Mystic, Connecticut, celebrated for its Christmas market, numerous local Christmas tree farms, a lantern light tour, and boats adorned with holiday lights.

Mixbook, a #1 rated photo book brand, embarked on a deeper exploration, crafting a comprehensive list of 75 American towns with the strongest Christmas vibes, as chosen by 3,000 families who were polled. #1 Pigeon Forge, TN. Emerging unexpectedly at the top is Pigeon Forge. Despite its southern location, it captures the holiday spirit with its festive allure and Appalachian warmth. During the holiday season, this picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland, draped in millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations.

The town hosts an array of Christmas-themed events, including parades, shows, and the renowned Winterfest, showcasing stunning light displays and live entertainment.

Additionally, Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s famed theme park, which features its own spectacular holiday celebrations, complete with seasonal music, performances, and traditional crafts. #2 Durango, CO. In second place is Durango celebrated as one of America’s most charming holiday destinations, offering a unique and enchanting Christmas experience. What sets Durango apart during the festive season is its blend of natural beauty and his-

Post 12-14-2023.indd 7

toric charm. The town is adorned with festive lights and decorations, reflecting its rich heritage and creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

A highlight of the season is the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Polar Express train ride, which brings to life the magic of the classic Christmas story, delighting both children and adults. The journey through the snow-covered landscapes, complete with hot chocolate and carols, is a quintessential holiday experience. #3 Lake Placid, NY. The charm of Lake Placid in winter lies in its stunning natural setting amidst the Adirondack Mountains, blanketed in snow, offering a picturesque backdrop for the holidays. The town embraces the spirit of the season with a warm, small-town ambiance, adorned with twinkling lights and elegant decorations that line its streets and shops, creating a storybook-like setting.

A significant draw is the outdoor winter sports activities available, such as skiing, skating, and bobsledding, allowing visitors to indulge in the same grounds used by Olympic athletes. Lake Placid’s holiday festivities are further enhanced by its unique events, like the Holiday Village Stroll, featuring carolers, horsedrawn carriage rides, and festive markets. #4 Stowe, Vermont.

Stowe, Vermont, in 4th position with its postcard-worthy landscapes and quintessential New England charm, is a beloved destination during the holiday season, often regarded as a picture-perfect Christmas town.

The essence of Stowe’s holiday appeal lies in its idyllic setting amidst the Green Mountains, coupled with a picturesque village that seems to leap out of a Christmas card.

The town is adorned with festive lights and decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh pine and warm treats, enhancing its cozy, inviting atmosphere. A key feature of Stowe’s holiday season is its vibrant

Christmas markets and local craft fairs, which showcase Vermont’s rich artisanal heritage and offer a plethora of unique, handcrafted gifts. #5 Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria, voted as America’s fifth most Christmassy town, embodies the spirit of the holiday season with its unique blend of history and festive charm.

The town’s picturesque streets, lined with historic brick buildings, are transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Al-

exandria’s rich colonial history adds to its allure, offering a nostalgic backdrop to modern holiday celebrations. The town hosts a variety of seasonal events, such as traditional candlelight tours, and the iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, showcasing its vibrant community spirit. The bustling holiday markets, local artisan shops, and cozy cafes create an inviting atmosphere, drawing visitors from near and far.

Missouri had one town included in the top 75 most ‘Christmassy’ towns: #45 Branson The town is famous for its dazzling Christmas light displays, particularly at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which transforms into a luminous wonderland with millions of lights and a towering Christmas tree.

Branson’s live entertain-

ment scene, one of its most significant attractions, amps up for the holiday season with an array of Christmas shows featuring music, dance, and comedy, all infused with festive themes. The Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express experience brings the magic of the season to life, offering a memorable train ride through the winter landscape.

“We hope our guide inspires families to experience these wonderful destinations that celebrate the essence of Christmas.

Visiting these festive towns provides a unique opportunity to create lasting memories, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the spirit of the season” says Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand at Mixbook.

Tis the season to get jolly, big time -- especially in Texas where everything is bigger. Take the gigantic inflatable Santa that mysteriously showed up in a vacant lot in Tyler, TX in time for the holiday season. Resident Marsha Daugherty told KETKTV, “Nobody lives on this lot, so we don’t know

who installed Santa. But isn’t that fun?” Locals will tell you that whoever is responsible for the gigantic Christmas present made the holiday all the better. It’s estimated that he or she who came up with the idea spent a thousand dollars or more to arrange the special holiday event.

Christmas, Texas style

12/12/23 5:14 PM

8 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS

December 14, 2023

MDC changes turkey regulations for spring hunting and proposes changes for fall hunting

Changes include new all-day spring shooting hours on private land and proposed changes for fall archery and firearms hunting.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces changes to turkey hunting regulations for the spring season and has proposed regulation changes for the fall seasons. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the changes for the spring season at its Dec. 8 open meeting in Jefferson City and also gave initial approval on proposed regulation changes to fall turkey hunting.

Spring shooting hours for private land only will be extended from a halfhour before sunrise to sunset. Shooting hours on public land will remain a half-hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. These changes will be effective for the Spring 2024 turkey season.

Proposed changes to fall turkey hunting would require both fall firearms turkey hunters and fall archery turkey hunters to purchase a fall turkey-hunting permit. Turkeys would no longer be included in the archery-deer permit. The bag limit would be reduced from four to two birds. These proposed changes will be open for public comment from Feb. 2 through March 2, 2024, under Public Commenting Opportunities at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities.

According to MDC, the primary motivation for the regulation changes

Post 12-14-2023.indd 8

is to increase opportunities during the spring season for youth hunters and hunters who work during the day and to reduce the fall harvest while maintaining as much opportunity for hunters as possible.

MDC noted that 93% of land in Missouri is privately owned and 88% of Missouri’s annual spring turkey harvest is done on private land. MDC added that maintaining shooting hours ending at 1 p.m. on conservation areas and other public lands would continue to support multiple afternoon activities by a variety of users on these areas.

“Hunter participation and recruitment has been on the decline in Missouri for several years,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “When surveyed on why hunters aren’t participating, the most common answer is that school or work interferes with getting out into the field. By extending shooting hours, a barrier to participation will be removed for those unable to hunt during the morning.”

Oakley added that the 1 p.m. closure during the

spring season was originally seen decades ago as a way to help Missouri’s turkey population rebound from a few thousand birds to the several hundred thousand wild turkeys we have today.

“Almost every other state in the Midwest and Southeast moved away from an early afternoon closing time after their turkey populations were restored,” Oakley said.

“Those states have seen increases in hunter participation, sustainable increases in harvest, and stable hunter satisfaction after moving to an all-day season.”

The current fall turkey season allows hunters to harvest up to four birds of either sex without a beard requirement. The proposed changes will reduce the number to two birds of either sex.

“While hen harvest is contentious in Missouri, our hen-harvest-rate is low enough that it is not having a negative impact on turkey numbers on a statewide scale,” Oakley explained. “That said, at the property level, hen harvest may have some impact on future production.”

Our Ever-Changing Christmas Story Christmas is always changing. The biblical story never changes but your story is always changing. How we celebrate and view the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus may change throughout life.

We view the story one way as children but then the story matures as we age.

We all have a lot of Christmas stories. I remember a large family.

My mother came from a large family as did my dad. They all had children so the total number of family we felt connected to was great. The years have passed by and my mother and father have passed as have all their siblings and many of their children. The people we related to, heard from and spent Christmas with has changed. They no longer exist. Many of us have lost spouses and buried children and thus our Christmas has changed.

The story of Christmas is the same but it’s not the same. For some of us we have a difficult time even recognizing Christmas. What once brought us laughter, joy and even peace may no longer exist.

How you spend Christmas this year may be a distant memory next year.

What you may dread or

enjoy this Christmas may not even be possible next year.

In reality, very few of our Christmases ever look totally the same.

Finances change. Jobs changes. Health changes.

Death robs us of loved ones. Our residences sometimes change.

Mary and Joseph certainly never celebrated Christmas ever again the way they celebrated their first one. The birth of Jesus in a stable and placed in a manger will always stand out as the Christmas we will remember about that family. Hopefully they had a few easier Birthday celebrations for Jesus in the years ahead. Although it seems they may have had many more difficult ones as Jesus’ father Joseph soon disappeared from the Biblical narrative. We don’t know if Joseph died or left but his absence had to be a hardship on Mary and her family.

The story of the first family of Christmas was filled with ups and downs. What Jesus would face later in life was excruciating for his mother and siblings and certainly for him. The end of Jesus’ life story is the best part.

The story for Jesus ends well. He was abused, humiliated, lived-in poverty, executed but came out of

his tomb as the living son of God. According to the scriptures he was seen by hundreds of people.

The person who had to be more thrilled than all in seeing Jesus after his death had to be his mother. The way she would experience and celebrate Christmas, her son’s birthday, would forever be changed. Her Christmas story became an amazing story of victory, triumph and great hope.

Her story changed and it got better.

My prayer for us all is that we each will experience hope, peace and victory in our ever-changing Christmas story.

Find books by Glenn Mollette at Amazon.com Learn more about his books, columns and music at GlennMollette.Com

12/12/23 5:14 PM

NEWS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 9

December 14, 2023

10 Tips to Help Children with Special Needs Enjoy the Holidays

Chevy Chase, DC The holidays are upon us, and while there’s loads of merry-making and fun to be had – the changes and sensations of the season can add stress to the lives of children with special needs and their families.

The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC), a nonprofit organization serving children with special needs ages 5-14 in the greater Washington, DC area, offers the following tips to help.

“Children with special needs enjoy the holidays but they are especially sensitive to the changes in routines that the holidays bring,” said Stephanie Nash, LICSW, president and CEO of ECC. “Making a plan, thinking about your child’s needs, and adjusting your expectations can help you create a positive holiday experience for the entire family.”

Tip #1 – Make a plan for the holidays and share it with your family. Create a schedule for your family’s holiday activities and post it for your child to see. You may find

Post 12-14-2023.indd 9

it helpful to use pictures to help a young child.

Talk about the schedule with your child, so he or she can anticipate what will happen.

Tip #2 – Remind your family about holiday plans. Review the schedule. Discuss the schedule with others in your home, so they understand what is going on and how they can best support your child with special needs (and everyone else in the family), so everyone can have a fun holiday.

Tip #3 – For holiday gatherings, give your child a job and a plan. Ask your child to help collect coats, give out treats, or greet arrivals. Rehearse the plan. Give your child a schedule or plan for a festive occasion so he or she knows what to anticipate and when things will happen.

Tip #4 – Maintain routines as much as possible. There may be special activities for the holidays, but try to keep your child’s schedule as close to “normal” as possible. Routines are key for helping children coping

with special needs, and it’s especially important for children to stick to regular medication and sleep schedules as much as possible.

Tip #5 - If your child is sensitive to unfamiliar smells, help manage them. Cinnamon is a common holiday fragrance.

One way to help a child experience this smell minimally (and gauge reaction to it), is to add cinnamon to play compound before an event.

Ask guests visiting your home to not wear heavy perfumes if your child is sensitive to them and think about other smells like evergreens.

Tip #6 – Eat healthy foods and consider how new or special foods impact your child. During the holidays there are all sorts of fun foods and treats to enjoy. Some children are more affected than others by dietary changes. Pay attention to your child’s moods and how diet and situational changes may be impacting him or her. If you are at an event, bring along food that is familiar to

your child if you think it may be needed.

Tip #7 – Take breaks when needed. Sometimes children need a break from the hubbub of holiday activities and busyness. Fill a bag or backpack with a few favorite toys, games or activities.

If you see your child is getting stressed, get out the bag and find a quiet spot to play.

Tip #8 – Do not allow presents to be a hindrance to enjoyment.

Toy packaging today can frustrate children and parents alike. Children who have trouble with fine motor skills may find unwrapping some gifts frustrating. You can adjust packages to their comfort level by loosening ribbons and paper, or pre-cutting fasteners.

Ask others who give your child gifts to be aware of his or her needs when it comes to wrapping presents. Some children find it dis-orienting to unwrap things that are new and unfamiliar to them. If that is the case for your child, wrap a few favorite toys for your child to unwrap.

Tip #9 – Get your child into the spirit of the season through gift giving. Gift giving provides

an opportunity to practice social skills. Help your child make a gift for someone else, and practice how to give the gift to that person. Let your child experience the joy of giving.

Tip #10 – Give your child the gift of your attention. Holidays can be busy for grown-ups and children. Make sure you spend a few minutes of quality time with your child every day.

Give your full attention.

Practice active listening, where you listen to what your child is saying and then repeat it back to them to demonstrate that you are listening. Focus on offering connection and support.

About the Episcopal Center for Children

The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC) is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to serving the needs of children and their families for the past 125 years. In June 2019, the ECC suspended operation for its K-8 therapeutic school for children with emotional challenges from the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

The Board of Directors continues to be committed to its longstanding mission of serving children in determining plans for the ECC’s future.

ECC currently offers an After School Enrichment Program and is working toward reopening its therapeutic school.

It was love at first sight when a deer made a romantic Christmas pass at an ornamental doe in the front yard of a Camp Nelson, CA home recently.

The statuesque female of the species didn’t have a

chance when the wouldbe boyfriend sought to get passionate. His embrace resulted in considerable damage to the figurine and it was all caught on tape thanks to a security camera.

Love conquers

“If you’re climbing the ladder of life, you go rung by rung, one step at a time. Don’t look too far up, set your goals high but take one step at a time. Sometimes you don’t think you’re progressing until you step back and see how high you’ve really gone.” -- Donny Osmond

12/12/23 5:14 PM

10 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS

December 14, 2023

In CO2 case, Supreme Court was principled MARK W. HENDRICKSON Special to the Post-Telegraph

GROVE CITY, Pa. Decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court reverberate throughout our society and political system. In addition to actual decisions and the written opinions that accompany them, the Court sometimes has a major impact on public policy by choosing not to hear a case. One example of the latter happened last month when the Court declined to hear a lawsuit initiated by a number of Republican state attorneys general that sought to put a stop to the Biden Administration’s efforts to assign a social cost to carbon dioxide emissions.

From the point of view of public policy, it would have been of great benefit to our country if the Supreme Court had taken up this case and ruled against the Administration. The Republican attorneys general are more than justified in distrusting the process by which Team Biden would calculate a social cost to CO2 emissions. The Biden bias has been evident since his first day in office when he hastily reauthorized something called the “Interagency Working Group of the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases.”

Federal regulatory agencies are required to conduct cost-benefit analyses of major regulations. Notice there are two sides to such analyses – the costs and the benefits. But notice the name of Biden’s working group: “Social Costs” are specified, but there is no mention of “social benefits” anywhere. Team Biden is fixated on the alleged costs of CO2 and not interested in weighing any social benefits of that trace atmospheric gas.

Does CO2 have any benefits? Yes, indeed, and they are considerable.

The human-assisted CO2 enrichment of Earth’s atmosphere over the past four or five decades has led to a greening of the planet—an increase of land featuring vegetation about twice the size of the

Post 12-14-2023.indd 10

continental United States.

Climate change expert Bjorn Lomborg says that land appears to be greening by an amount equivalent to “three Great Britains” per year. Growing seasons have lengthened and agricultural productivity has increased (quite helpful when considering a global human population of eight billion).

Furthermore, since “cold weather kills 20 times as many people as hot weather” according to the English medical journal The Lancet, “overall weather-related human fatalities decline when the climate warms.” The modest increase in global temperatures of approximately two degrees since the end of the Little Ice Age in the 19th century has been a boon for human health. CO2 is benign and beneficent; hence, the absurdity of the US government classifying it as a pollutant.

I wrote 15 years ago that the formal classification of CO2 as a pollutant would open a Pandora’s box of silly, counterproductive policies, and that has certainly been the case. Today, in the face of abundant evidence that CO2 has been beneficial rather than harmful, the political left is seeking to force Americans to drive more costly (both in terms of environmental degradation as well as in terms of dollars and cents) EVs and is threatening to destabilize our electric grid system by replacing reliable sources of energy (yes, fossil fuels as well as nuclear) with more costly unreliable intermittent sources of energy (wind and solar).

Even as the costs of these alternate technologies can be seen to be rising faster than anticipated, making it clear that the only way to continue to force the transitions to these allegedly “green” alternatives will be additional massive expenditures

by Uncle Sam, the left is doubling down, refusing to consider abandoning their economically and environmentally destructive course.

Personally, I would

have been delighted if the Supreme Court had taken up the lawsuit filed against Team Biden’s CO2 quackery, but I must admit that the Court made the right decision. I admire the Court’s adherence to judicial consistency.

Look at the 2022 Dobbs case. There, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on the grounds that the Court itself had usurped the legislative prerogative to write laws governing abortion. Similarly, in last year’s West Virginia v. EPA decision, the Court corrected another usurpation of the legislative prerogative – this one by the EPA – ruling that EPA lacked statutory authority to essentially dictate what fuel sources electricity-generating utilities must use.

It is very encouraging for those who believe in the rule of law to see the Supreme Court take

a clear stand that each branch of government must stay in its own lane and restrict itself to exercising only the powers and responsibilities assigned to its own branch.

For the Court to have reined in EPA’s dubious machinations would have paid huge economic dividends, but the Court believed that this wasn’t their call.

Essentially, the Court is saying is that it’s up to Congress to assert itself.

A short-term measure might be for Congress to explicitly forbid the EPA from rigging the contest with bogus “cost-benefit” analyses. But how would they police that? The real solution would be for Congress to end the CO2 madness by passing a simple one-sentence law: For purposes of law and regulation, carbon dioxide is not to be classified as a pollutant.

Christy’s Christmas In FANNIE MAY FUDGE INGREDIENTS: 4 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter; 25 regular-size marshmallows (not minis); 1 12-ounce package milk chocolate morsels; 1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels; 2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

DIRECTIONS: Line a 15x10x1” baking sheet with parchment, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add marshmallows, chocolate morsels, unsweetened chocolate and vanilla extract, and set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk

Smoke a turkey for your Christmas dinner This year, opt to smoke your holiday turkey.

Why? Smoking results in an aromatic bird with a delicate, smoky flavor and a beautifully tender and juicy texture. Learn how to smoke a turkey, and get our best seasoning and storage tips, right here.

How to Smoke a Turkey It's easier than you think to make a perfectly smoked turkey. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect: Rinse and Rub Turkey Rinse the turkey in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the entire turkey with crushed garlic, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in an aluminum roasting pan.

Stuff the Turkey (Note: The turkey should already be clean, with the neck and giblets removed). Stuff the hollowed cavity with butter, cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover the seasoned and stuffed turkey loosely with foil.

Smoke the Turkey Add wood chips to the smoker according to the manufacturer's directions and place the covered turkey in the pre-heated smoker. Smoke the turkey, basting regularly, until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone.

See Smoked Turkey, Page 16

and butter. Over medium-high heat, bring mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, boil for a full 2 minutes. Pour hot mixture over marshmallow and chocolate, and beat with whisk attachment until melted and smooth.

This may take several minutes.

Pour into prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for about 3 hours (or overnight). Remove from refrigerator and cut into 4 large rectangles. Wrap in parchment paper and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

When ready to use, cut into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.

~~~ “Being negative only makes a journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don’t have to sit on it.”

-- Joyce Meyer

12/12/23 5:14 PM

CHRISTMAS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 11

December 14, 2023 PRINCETON PRESCHOOL A Dear Santa: My name is Amaya. I am 5 years old.

This year I have been good. One thing I did nice this year was take turns.

What I would like most for Christmas is presents.

Also, if you can, would you please give Daddy a present because I love him. I promise to leave out juice for you and water for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Amaya Dear Santa: My name is Paisleigh. I am 3 years old. This year I have been pretty good. One thing I did nice this year was help Mom with laundry. What I would like most for Christmas is my grandparents here. Also, if you can, would you please give my mom cows because she loves them. I promise to leave out cookies for you and veggies for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Paisleigh Dear Santa: My name is Gracie. I am 4 years old.

This year I have been really good. One thing I did nice this year was share with my friends & brother too. What I would like most for Christmas is a Furby. Also, if you can, would you please give my brother a thousand minis because he's been very good. I promise to leave out a drink for you and carrots for your reindeer.

Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Gracie Dear Santa: My name is Everly. I am 4 years old. This year I have been a little good. One thing I did nice this year was make pictures for my friends and teachers. What I would like most for Christmas is a big LOL surprise. Also, if

Post 12-14-2023.indd 11

you can, would you please give my sisters presents because they need new things to play with. I promise to leave out cookies & milk for you and food for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Everly Dear Santa: My name is Styrling. I am 5 years old.

This year I have been really good. One thing I did nice this year was colored something for my dad.

What I would like most for Christmas is a puppy dog.

Also, if you can, would you please give my Daddy a puppy dog because we only have 1 puppy dog. I promise to leave out cookies & milk for you and cookies & milk for your reindeer.

Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Styrling Dear Santa: My name is Hoyt. I am 5 years old. This year I have been really good. One thing I did nice this year was help Mom. What I would like most for Christmas is hot wheels.

Also, if you can, would you please give my baby Ember a baby doll because she kinda loves baby dolls. I promise to leave out cookies & milk for you and carrots for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Hoyt Dear Santa: My name is Addisyn. I am 4 years old.

This year I have been a lot good. One thing I did nice this year was sharing toys with my best friend Mac. What I would like most for Christmas is a Bluey toy.

Also, if you can, would you please give my Mommy, Daddy, sister & brother presents because or they would be sad. I promise to leave out a present for you and broccoli for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Addisyn Dear Santa: My Name is Mac. I am 4 years old.

This year I have been kinda good. One thing I did nice this year was played with grandma & grandpa.

What I would like most for Christmas is another remote control thingy.

Also, if you can, would you please give Mommy a dress because I love dresses. I promise to leave out lights for you and reindeer food for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Mac Dear Santa: My name is Brooks. I am 4 years old.

This year I have been a little good. One thing I did nice this year was help Dad. What I would like most for Christmas is a razor dinosaur. Also, if you can, would you please give Lucy a Barbie because she asked for one. I promise to leave out a drink for you and a candy cane for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Brooks Dear Santa: My name is Clara. I am 4 years old.

This year I have been really good. One thing I did nice this year was shared with my brother. What I would like most for Christmas is a unicorn. Also, if you can, would you please give my brother a monster truck because he shared his toys with me. I promise to leave out milk & cookies for you and carrots for your reindeer. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Clara

PRINCETON PRESCHOOL B Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my parents. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: mini brands, teddy bear, tiny tree, doctor kit, tiny baby, toy Santa, and a suitcase for my brother.

Love, Addison Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my sissy. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: real watch, stuffed unicorn, unicorn book, and foil fun.

Love, Mary Grace Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very helpful to my friends, family and teachers. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: baby dolls, tablet, baby shark, Little Live pets, Paw Patrol toys, Minnie Mouse activity easel with storage, and puzzles.

Love, Josey Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very ornery to my sister. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: monster truck, bulldozer, and peace on Earth.

Love, Ollie Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my friends and family. I would like a few gifts for Christ-

mas. Here is my list: Case combine, monster truck Grave Digger on Trax, BB gun, and a tablet.

Love, Kwayd Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my mom. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: nutcracker, books, coloring books, blue bucket, toy eighteen wheeler, fire truck toy, toy ambulance, and a toy police car.

Love, Samuel Dear Santa: I have been very great this year. I am always very nice to my brother. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: princess dress, Barbie, green slime, coloring books, red blocks, black shirt, and boots.

Love, Averleigh Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my friend Landri. I would like a few gifts for Christmas.

Here is my list: two mixies, cowboy boots, snowman, puppy, balls for the puppy, and a dog house.

Love, Kinzley Dear Santa: I have been very busy this year. I am always very kind to my sister. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: dinosaur, car, Legos, and books.

Love, Sawyer

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12 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CHRISTMAS

December 14, 2023

PRINCETON PRESCHOOL B Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very good to my siblings. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: robotic fish, Spiderman, Thor, and Captain America.

Love, Jackson

Lillee: a pillow the shape of a star Lane:go kart Lorelei: a toy dog Ryker: a real baby fish and a fake baby fish Reese: a dinosaur P.S Our teachers think we would like some books and puzzles as well :)

fire truck, the one with a hose that squirts water.

Thank you!

Bentley Girdner

Dear Santa: How is Mrs. Claus? I would like an ATV. Be careful!

Noah Ward

Dear Santa: How are you?

Can I have a baby dog? I would like some makeup please. You are the best!

Blakely Berndt

Dear Santa: How are the reindeer? I would like a toy. It makes different sounds.Thank you!

Faithlynn Roberts

Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very thankful for my family and Santa. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: Barbie Dreamhouse, dentist kit, cry babies, Barbie clothes, cookies, purse, and Landri clothes.

Love, Landri

MERCER PRESCHOOL Dear Santa: We have all been working so hard and have learned so much. We are so excited for Christmas to come and cannot wait to leave you some cookies and milk and maybe a carrot or two for your reindeer. Below is our list of what we would love to get for Christmas this year. Merry Christmas from North Mercer Preschool.

Elle: a toy horse Lexi: unicorn Brixton: new big kitchen with food and cooking stuff Evie: more mini trees Layla: phone and barbies Lillee: a pillow the shape of a star Lane:go kart Lorelei: a toy dog Ryker: a real baby fish and a fake baby fish Reese: a dinosaur P.S Our teachers think we would like some books and puzzles as well :)

Dear Santa: How are Snowflake and Bob? For Christmas can I have pet reindeer that is real in a box? Thank you for bringing toys to me.

Hayslee Berndt

PRINCETON KINDERGARTEN B Dear Santa: How do you deliver all the presents before morning? I would like rainbow roller skates and an Elsa toothbrush and toothpaste.

Love, Avery Crouse

Dear Santa: I have been very nice this year. I am always very sweet to my baby brother. I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: baby doll, toilet for Barbie, Ken doll, baby for Barbie, huggie wuggie, costumes for dress-up, and a motorcycle.

Love, Leilani

Dear Santa: I have been very good this year. I am always very nice to my mom.

I would like a few gifts for Christmas. Here is my list: unicorns, motorcycle, doll house, car, coloring book, hamster, and a horse.

Love, Paislee PRINCETON KINDERGARTEN A MERCER PRESCHOOL Dear Santa: I love you SanDear Santa: We have all ta. I want a Hippopotamus been working so hard and Game. I would like a Bathave learned so much. We man headquarters toy. Be are so excited for Christ- safe! mas to come and cannot Daemon Allen wait to leave you some cookies and milk and may- Dear Santa: be a carrot or two for your I like your reindeer. I also reindeer. Below is our list like you. You always bring of what we would love to me the toys I want. This get for Christmas this year. year I want a furby that Merry Christmas from lights up. A purple one.

North Mercer Preschool.

Also a fluffie stufflez uniElle: a toy horse corn. You are the best!

Lexi: unicorn Paisley Baker Brixton: new big kitchen with food and cooking stuff Dear Santa: How are the Evie: more mini trees reindeer? I would like a Layla: phone and barbies

Post 12-14-2023.indd 12

Dear Santa: For Christmas, I would like a tablet. Have a safe trip! How are the reindeer doing?

Bowen Ellsworth Dear Santa: I would like a dance mat, a puppy, and also a new swimsuit. Santa, how are the reindeer?

Greyleigh Girdner Dear Santa: How are the elves? How are the reindeer? I want a fish in a tank. Thank you!

Wyatt Kilen Dear Santa: How are you?

I would like a Bluey thing from the show.

I would also like a unicorn nerf gun. Thank you.

Fiona Landis Dear Santa: How is Dasher?

I would like a sleigh that comes with reindeer? Have a good flight.

Savannah Weaver

Dear Santa: How do you know where we live? I would like a remote control jeep and a world globe.

Love, Graycen DeMoss Dear Santa: How do you get to town so fast? I would like a computer and a Barbie from the movies.

Love, Baylor Evans Dear Santa: How do you make presents? I would like a cat toy and a Pikachu toy.

Love, Ella Felder Dear Santa: How do you get to faraway places with your Reindeer?

I would like a ladybug

microphone and a snow globe.

Love, Blakeley Guilkey Dear Santa: How do you get the presents delivered before day time? I would like a remote control spider and a dirt bike.

Love, Hyde Hamilton Dear Santa: How do the Reindeer fly? I would like a dirt bike and a robot to clean my room.

Love, Jamison Holt Dear Santa: How do you make presents? I would like a kid camera.

Love, Marlo Holt Dear Santa: How long does it take you to get to the North Pole? I would like a remote control racecar and a track to race on.

Love, Logan Lopez Dear Santa: How do you know where I live? I would like a remote control Transformer and a toy knife.

Love, Zaiven Nickel Dear Santa: How do you get to everyone’s house so fast? I would like a Furby and a Barbie Dreamhouse.

Love, Savannah Parsons

Dear Santa: Be careful not to run into a cliff. I would like a robot that talks and plays chess with a person.

Thank you!

Miles Johnson

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CHRISTMAS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 13

December 14, 2023 Dear Santa: How do the Elves make all the toys? I would like a remote control robot and a red Mustang.

Love, Thomas Shaffer Dear Santa: How are you so fast? I would like a toy cat and a dollhouse.

Love, Zoey Speakman MERCER KINDERGARTEN Dear Santa: How are you?

How are you feeling? For Christmas I would like a skateboard, a hoverboard, and an iPhone. Thank you for my presents last year!

Love, Logan Dear Santa: I would like a nerf gun, a remote control car, and a little puppy (a real one)! I love you so much and want to hug you!

Love, Ty

Dear Santa: I would like all of the hot wheels and a big red farm with all the animals in it (like horses, cows, pigs, and sheeps and all the other animals like chickens). I hope you have a safe trip!

Love, Shawn Dear Santa: I would like a weiner dog, a sit down man police officer, and a snowboard! Happy Christmas!!

Love, Rage Dear Santa: I would like unicorn toys, toy robots, and a toy car. Thank you for the presents!

Love, Atalia PRINCETON 1st GRADE-A Dear Santa: I would like a blue tool box. How is Santa doing?

Love, Titus Bears

Dear Santa: I really want to see what you look like and I love you! This year I would like a kitty squishmallow (that’s really big).

I would also like a unicorn nightlight, and a squishmallow that looks like you!!

Love, Ophelia North Mercer Kindergarten

Dear Santa: What kind of cookies do you like? How are Mrs. Claus and the reindeer? I want a cute cat stuffy and a cute dog stuffy. I would also like a little unicorn, a big LOL doll, and snow boots. I have been good. I love you Santa!

Love, Alessa Colvin

Dear Santa: Will you come down my chimney? I would like a Mario Kart game for my Nintendo Switch. Will your elves come down the chimney with you, Santa? Do you have a reindeer with a red nose? Is it glowy? Have a safe trip!

Love, Eli

Dear Santa: I would like an RC car this year. I have been good this year.

Love, Killian Covey

Dear Santa: I would like a toy chainsaw, a toy weed eater, and a toy lawn mower! Thank you for delivering presents to me!

Love, Bentley

Dear Santa: I hope you are doing good Santa. This Christmas I want a big LOL doll and a Squishmallow.

I also want a Nintendo Switch and a PS 5. I have been good.

Love, Sadie Henke Dear Santa: Santa I have

been good. How are your reindeer? I want a fake chainsaw with fake wood.

I also want a four wheeler and a drone.

Love, Easton Houck Dear Santa: How is Rudolph? I have been good. I want a Nintendo and a four wheeler.

Love, Thomas Meinke Dear Santa: How are you doing? What would you like for milk? Thank you for Brutus. I want a reindeer stuffy.

Love, Braxtyn O’Brien Dear Santa: How are the reindeer doing? I’ve been good. I want a Nintendo Switch. I also want a starfish, horse, rabbit, hamster, goldfish, puppy, and a snake.

Love, Ruby Owen Dear Santa: How is Mrs. Claus? Can I have a red and black DS and a big, big, big, t-rex with two wings and two miniature arms?

Love, Locklar Powell Dear Santa: I would like a cute puppy, a Squishmallow, and a plush Santa. I really like you. I have been good.

Love, Paisley Power Dear Santa: I want a Nintendo Switch and a monster truck mini. I am a good person.

Love, Grant Reger

a mermaid doll. Could I also get a home for my cat and carrots for my horse?

Love, Everly Smith PRINCETON 1st GRADE-B Dear Santa: How are you feeling? I need some more of my socks. I want an air soft fun with two big jugs of B.B’s. I want a heart chocolate for my mom. I love Christmas!

With Love, Brycen Tatum Dear Santa: How are the reindeer? I need clothes.

I would like a shot gun.

Would you bring my mom sunglasses? I love you Santa.

With Love, Kasen Collins Dear Santa: How are you?

I need a new backpack. I want a baby husky and a kitten. Can you bring Lucas a hermit crab? Be safe Santa.

With Love, Ellena Daly Dear Santa: How are you doing? I need shoes. I want an X-box and a buckeye. Can my friend have a backpack? I love you Santa so, so much!

With Love, Dylan Berndt Dear Santa: Do you have your reindeer?

I want a reindeer stuffy and a phone. I need shoes. My dad needs a nice shirt. I love you Santa!

With Love, Paysleigh Hofius

Dear Santa: How are you?

I need a new backpack. I want a little kid car. My dad needs a new phone.

I hope you feel good because of the cold weather.

With Love, Elliet Power Dear Santa: How are you doing? I need a pair of socks. I want a P.S. 5 and a new game. Please bring my dad a new walker. Santa I love you.

With Love, Brant Elder Dear Santa: Do you eat cookies every day? I need a new pair of jeans. I want a picture of you. My dad needs swim trunks. I hope you have a good flight.

With Love, Juliana Renfro Dear Santa: How is Mrs. Claus? I need some socks.

I want a phone. My mommy wants a pair of socks. I love you Santa.

With Love, Oaklyn Stockman Dear Santa: How are you doing? Could I have more socks if you have time? I want a bead set. My sister wants a Christmas tree. I love you Santa.

With Love, Mya Davis Dear Santa: How are you?

I need earmuffs. I want a little live pet horse. Will you give my sister a hat? I love you.

With Love, Willow LaRue

Dear Santa: What type of cookies do you like? I want scissors, glue, markers, pencils, books, a computer, and a backpack. I would also like a cat, horse, and

Dear Santa: I would like a tablet for Christmas and a phone. I would also like a whole set of kitchen stuff!

Have a good Christmas!

Love, MarLee Dear Santa: I would like ice skates, a snowboard, and a new dog! I really love you!

You’re the best!

Love, Sadie

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12/12/23 5:14 PM

14 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CHRISTMAS MERCER 1st GRADE Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your reindeer?

For Christmas I would like a phone, hoverboard, and squishy melon.

Love, Meredith Martin Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your reindeer? For Christmas I would like a a car, monster truck, and a bike.

Love, Barrett Berwanger Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your elves? For Christmas I would like a PS5 and Xbox.

Love, Faith Miller Dear Santa: How are you?

I am fine. For Christmas I would like a phone, hoverboard, and squishy melon.

Love, Rhythm Wilson Dear Santa: How are you? I am feeling fine. For Christmas I would like a drone, 43 nerf guns, and a swimming pool.

Love, Charlotte Fisher Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your reindeer? For Christmas I would like a monster truck, a sonic toy, and a scooter.

Love, Malaki Campbell Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your elves? For Christmas I would like an Xbox, and a phone.

Love, Bowen Scroggie Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your elves? For Christmas I would like a PS5, Vbucks, and batman legos.

Love, Jagger Persell Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your reindeer? For Christmas I would like an elf, doll, and a dog.

Love, Allie Lackie

PRINCETON 2nd GRADE-A Dear Santa: Thank you for the scooter you gave me last year. Can I please have a queen-size air mattress to go with a camping tent?

May I please have a neon pink bike? Can I also have two tablets, please? I will get one and my brother, Bowen, would get one.

Oh, and we will leave you cookies. The reindeer will have plenty of carrots and candy canes. Merry Christmas With Love, Morgan Dear Santa: Thank you for the shoes you gave me last year. I walk in them all of the time. Could you please bring me a Monster truck and a video game? Happy New Year!

With Love, Rhylan Dear Santa: Thank you for giving me that big bear.

I named him Golom and thank you for giving me a real cat. This year I don’t actually want a Squishmallow, which can wait. I want a stuffed dog, pretty please? Can you make one?

I bet your elves would be awesome at making one.

And I also want everyone to have the best Christmas that they have ever had.

Sincerely, Kaylen Dear Santa: Thank you for the bean bag chair you gave me last year. Can you please bring me Breyer horses and Breyer toys?

Would you also please bring me a Rainbow High doll? But not an orange one because I already have it. If you make me one of them, I will play with it

December 14, 2023 a lot! We will leave you milk.

With Love, Raelynn Dear Santa: Thank you for the scooter you gave me last Christmas. This is what I want for Christmas: a mat, bars, and a gymnastics beam, please?

With Love, Aria Dear Santa: My name is Ryleigh and I am eight years old. I’ve been good this year! I helped my mom and dad put up the Christmas tree. Please bring me a new book, an LOL doll, and a dirt bike. Thank you.

With Love, Ryleigh Dear Santa: Thank you for the Son-uva Digger Monster truck that you gave me last year. I play with it all of the time.

Could you please bring me a Golden Grave Digger Monster Jam garage?

With Love, Karson Dear Santa: Thank you for the American Girl doll ambulance you gave me last Christmas. Please, can you get me a hot pink Stanley cup and can I get an I Survived book?

With Love, Madison PRINCETON 2nd GRADE-B Dear Santa: How are your reindeer? I am fantastic. Is everyone ready for Christmas? Are you fine? I hope I get slippers, a pillow and a blanket under my tree.

Merry Christmas.

With Love, Taylor

are doing awesome! How are the other elves doing? They are doing great!

How is Mrs. Claus doing?

She is doing amazing. All I want for Christmas is two squishamello eggs, a big Squishamello cat, elf Barbie, two mermaid Barbies with a pink dolphin, and a seahorse brush. Merry Christmas.

With Love, Lucy Dear Santa: How are you doing with your family?

Have you had a Christmas dinner with your family?

Could your elves make me a bracelet kit, more Owl Diary books, and a comfy chair? Please bring one of your elves with you so I can snuggle with it. I will leave cookies for you.

With Love, Emerson Dear Santa: I wonder who is on the good list? My Christmas is going well.

How is your Christmas going? My classroom is very nice. What I want for Christmas is a Nintendo Switch. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

With Love, Kynison

Dear Santa: How are you? Have you had a good day? Have a good day. I want a VR, Super Mario Wonder, and soccer nets. I want a Chromebook too. I want a t.v. too.

With Love, Weston Dear Santa: How is your reindeer? How are you doing? I want a toy car, and a happy family, and a toy gun, and a toy sword.

With Love, Silas Dear Santa: How are you?

I'm doing fantastic! How is Sprinkles? When will you send her? I want to see how she is doing. I want to get a small Christmas Tree soI can hang all my cat decorations onit. I want a Nintendo Switch so I can see lots of my friends and I want a computer for Christmas.

With Love, Sadie Dear Santa: How is my elf?

What is her name? Your elf is good. I don't know her name.

With Love, Emma

Dear Santa: My name is Carson. I am 8 years old.

I've been good this year! I helped my dad put his dirt bike on his truck. Please bring a dirt bike, another dirt bike so me and my mom can go riding that.

With Love, Carson

Dear Santa: How is Lola?

She is doing very good.

How are the reindeer? They

Dear Santa: How are you?

How are your reindeer?

For Christmas I would like a pet dog, battery car, and drone.

Love, Emma Gates

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CHRISTMAS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 15

December 14, 2023 MERCER 2nd GRADE Dear Santa: I would like to have a laptop, a Stitch squishmallow, a pencil pouch with a zipper, and a Stitch sweatshirt.

Love, Everly Conger Dear Santa: I would like to have a horse book, some horse treats, a pencil holder, and 24 karat gold earrings.

Love, Gracie Eakes Dear Santa: I would like to have a drone, Legos, a football, and a Chiefs stocking hat.

Love, Teagan Gerdes Dear Santa: I would like to have a Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo video games, and an LOL doll.

Love, Jasmine Hawthorn Dear Santa: I would like to have a toy lamborghini, a jump rope, and a football.

Love, Kade Johnson Dear Santa: I would like to have some Babysitter books, some Shopkins, high heels, and a real dog.

Love, Gracie Mason Dear Santa: I would like to have a new house, an XBOX, a Farm Simulator 19 game, and a new car for my mommy.

Love, Wyatt Parsons Dear Santa: I would like to have a Chiefs football helmet, a football game, a drone, and a Chief’s mini fridge.

Love, Cash Siemer Dear Santa: I would like to have ShopKins, a stuffed animal that is a tiger, Dog Man books, and an American Girl doll.

Love, Randi Sikes

Dear Santa: I would like to have my tablet fixed, a drone, a Picachu stuffed animal, and LED lights for my room.

Love, Braedon Steen Dear Santa: I would like to have a racecar, a tablet, a Nintendo Switch, and a remote control helicopter.

Love, Malachi Wilson PRINCETON 3rd GRADE - A Dear Santa: I probably won’t get many presents, but can I please have a hoverboard, a wallet, a watch, a Youtuber setup, 360 Reese’s, a game called Navito X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, money, and a $50 Xbox gift card? Also, can you please replace my Roblox gift card with and Xbox gift card the same price because I want to surprise Barrett because he bought something big for me. I would also like an Easy Bake Oven with a mix. Also can I have a Vbucks card? Thank you very much. See you at the Christmas party.

Love, Oliver Dear Santa: The thing I want the most is a Golden Retriever puppy, but here’s some more choices: a squishmellow, a Snakle, a Stitch pillow, chapter books, cow pictures, horse pictures, a big beanbag, a new sled, dog toys, a puppy collar, a slime kit, new shoes, and new clothes. I will leave cookies, milk, and Sprite for you and carrots for the reindeer.

Sincerely, Halle Dear Santa: I would like a

1:4 scale rock crawler with rear steer, and electric dirt bike, an electric 4-wheeler, a rear steer RC car. I would like a new tablet, BB guns, a phone, a PlayStation 4, 1000 PlayStation Bucks. Could I please have a machete, a knife, an ax, and a saw? I could use 1000 Ro-bucks and 1000 Mine Bucks. Santa, can I please get these?

From Karsyn Dear Santa: I would really like a camera for Christmas so I can take pictures and never forget that moment. So, please, can I get one? It could be any type of camera. Have a good Christmas.

Love, McKenna Dear Santa: For Christmas, can you please get me an Indiana Jones Temple of the Golden Idol Lego set?

That is the only thing I want because it is so cool!

Sincerely, Flynn Dear Santa: Can I have a Stitch bedding set, a drone, and one big pig squishmellow? How is Mrs. Claus doing? I really like pigs so could I please have 10 real pigs and 7 toy pigs?

Your friend, Rosalie Dear Santa: For Christmas, could you please bring me a drone, a fishing pole, and an electric dirt bike? I would like an RC car that is small and can run 20 miles per hour. Thank you for all of that.

From Justin

doll, an LED sign, a Rainbow High closet, something for my room, something for my locker next year please. How is Mrs. Claus doing? Eat the gingerbread cookie. I made it.

From Adeline Dear Santa: I would like Legos, a dog, a Lego tank, a robot, a hoverboard, an elf, and a new house, please.

From Jordan Dear Santa: For Christmas, I would like an iPhone 13 Mini, please. I would also like a very high tech drone with a small camera, please. Santa, I would also like a Meta Quest 3 please.

I would also like an RC car that goes 70 mph. I would also like an Xbox series X. Thank you.

From Owen PRINCETON 3rd GRADE - B Dear Santa: Thank you for the Christmass last year, but some of my stuff broke. What I would like for Christmas this year is 100 Pokemon cards, a Furby, and a new switch to play Zelda Tears of the Kingdom! Just do the best you can on the switch.

With Love, Hannah Smith Dear Santa: Hello Santa! How are you doing? This year may I please (and thank you) have a PS5 and maybe a Nintendo game called Super Smash Bros?

Love, Christian Holt

Dear Santa: Hi Santa! How are you and your wife and elves? This year I would like a Breyer set, Ugg slippers, more squishmellows, and a new Lego set! Thank you!

Love, Saylor Stark Dear Santa: Could you get me a PS5 and a PS5 steering wheel, please!

Love, Kruz Lee Bowen Dear Santa: Hi Santa! How are your reindeer? I would like a PS5, a dirt bike, and a pocket dog. When the elves come, tell them not to make a mess! Thank you!

Love, McCrea Kelly Dear Santa: I hope you have a great Christmas!

I really want a drum, so I can be noisy! Merry Christmas, Santa!

Your friend, Emiley Lowrey Dear Santa: Hi Santa! How is Rudolph, is he good? This year I would like an ethernet cord, also a basketball-themed water bottle.

Love, Lincoln Bears Dear Santa: My name is Solomon. I am 9 years old and I’ve been good this year! I helped mom carry groceries to the house. Please bring me an iPhone 15 for Christmas!

Thank you!

With love, Solomon Owen

Dear Santa: I hope you bring me a Rainbow High

Dear Santa: I would like to have a slime set, a phone, makeup, and a real dog and cow.

Love, Reece Stark

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12/12/23 5:14 PM

16 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CHRISTMAS Dear Santa: Hi Santa! Coco the elf (that you put in our classroom) how old is she?

For Christmas this year I would like a puppy and a small tent to put in my room. Also I would like a Lego set that has Lego diamonds. The ones that we all want, me and Callao.

Locklar already has two.

Love, Finn Powell Dear Santa: Hi! How are you? This year I would like a Nintendo Switch, a computer or phone with a charger, and lastly a pink lava lamp. Thanks Santa!

Love, Camie Bears Dear Santa: Hi! How are you? Thanks for everything I got last year. This year I would like a baby calf and a new four-wheeler. Thanks for your time!

Your friend, Tanner Barger Dear Santa, Hi! As you should know, I’m a good kid. How is your family? I hope they are good. I love my hoverboard I got last year and Easton loved his gift. Of course Evan loved his chocolate.

This year, I would like a karaoke machine to do a little singing, if it’s not too much. Well, thank you for your time!

Love, your friend, Emery Dear Santa: Hi! I’m wondering how you and your family are? I’m asking if you can get me a headset, Santa? I also want a PS5 with the game Marvelous Spiderman Miles Morales.

Thank you!

Love, Keegan

Post 12-14-2023.indd 16

MERCER 3rd GRADE Dear Santa, The Mercer third grade students have been extra good this year at school and at home. We are very excited about Christmas break and Christmas! We hope you, Mrs. Claus, your elves, and all of the reindeer are doing well. These are the things we are hoping for and wishing you will bring us this year.

Hudson Coon: headset, Chiefs shirt, toy dog.

Jarren Coon: Peppa Pig and Suzy the Sheep.

Keslie Holt: hoverboard, Taylor Swift concert tickets, iPhone casemakeup desk, and a desk.

Shaden Martin: Russell Wilson jersey, Kobe Bryant jersey, and a phone.

Kacyn Porter: Taylor Swift tickets, Chief tickets, and Squishmallows.

Lily Ralston: computer, iPhone 15, iPad, 10 Taylor Swift tickets, and Seahawks Lego set.

Makinley Stark: desk, phone, vanity, Squishmallows, and Taylor Swift tickets.

Jonathan Ward: dancing and copy cactus.

Annabel West: llama, Diary of Wimpy Kid books, Stanley Cup, MacBook Pro, and more makeup.

Bentlee West: LED lights, slime, circle water bottle, flavors for the water bottle, and Poppets.

Riot West: Taylor Swift tickets, Taylor Swift coloring sheets, and Squishmallows.

Malcolm Wilson: drone, 10

December 14, 2023 tickets to Greenland, and transformer phone case.

The third grade class hopes you have a safe flight on Christmas Eve and have a wonderful Christmas!

Smoked turkey From Page 10

How Long to Smoke a Turkey How long to smoke a turkey depends on multiple factors, including the size of the turkey and the type of smoker. When you cook it according to this recipe, a 10-pound turkey should be done in about 5 hours.

You'll know the turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads at least 180 degrees F. At What Temperature Should You Smoke Turkey?

For this recipe, you'll preheat your smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F. Low and slow smoking ensures a juicy texture and perfect flavor.

Can You Smoke a Frozen Turkey?

We don't recommend smoking a frozen turkey, as a frozen bird may not cook evenly (which may cause foodborne illness).

Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before smoking.

Seasoning for Smoked Turkey

The outside of this smoked turkey is simply seasoned with garlic and salt. The cavity is stuffed with a variety of ingredients (cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to infuse the bird with irresistible flavor from the inside out.

Should You Brine a Turkey for Smoking?

When it comes to smoking a turkey, brining is completely optional. The low and slow cooking actually draws the moisture into the turkey instead of out, so you don't need to add anything to keep it juicy. This top-rated recipe doesn't require a brine.

What to Serve With Smoked Turkey Of course, the smoked turkey will be the star of your holiday table. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't leave room for sides!

How to Store Smoked Turkey Store leftover smoked turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat until warmed through in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stove.

INGREDIENTS One 10-pound whole turkey, neck and giblets removed; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tablespoons seasoned salt; ½ cup butter; two 12 fluid ounce

cans cola-flavored carbonated beverage; 1 medium apple, quartered; 1 medium onion, quartered; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground black pepper; 2 cups hickory wood chips, or more as needed (optional) DIRECTIONS Preheat a smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C). Rinse turkey under cold water, and pat dry. Rub crushed garlic over the outside of the turkey, and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Transfer to a disposable roasting pan.

Fill the turkey cavity with butter, cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover turkey loosely with foil.

Add wood chips to the smoker according to the manufacturer's directions.

Place the roasting pan in the preheated smoker.

Smoke the turkey, basting every 1 to 2 hours with juices from the bottom of the roasting pan, for 5 hours.

Add more wood chips if desired. Continue smoking and basting, until turkey is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 5 more hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).

12/12/23 5:14 PM