Northwest Missourian Jan. 11, 2024

CON V ERGING CA MPUS & COMMUNIT Y

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

VOL. 112, NO. 15

@THEMISSOURIAN

‘YOU CA N DO

Northwest’s director of accessibility welcomed to new role

EVERYTHING’

RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

Ferris suggests when talking to those with a visual impairment, the good first step to understanding is to state your name.

“I cannot speak for everyone, but saying your name when you meet us is very important,” he said. “Since we cannot see, it’s hard to regularly meet people if we don’t know who you are. So far, everyone on campus has been good about that.”

Accommodations on college campuses for disabled persons is a fairly new phenomena, dating back to only 34 years ago.

Northwest hired a new director of the Accessibility and Accommodations Office Jan. 2. Director Miah Lugrand has studied and taught special education from preschool to highschool graduates for 20 years in the Kansas City Metro area. Lugrand’s passion for teaching and directing special education in primary school started when she taught kindergarten for three years. In her third year, she found a passion for special education.

“By my third year, I would say I was successful in moving kids,” Lugrand said. “Like, making kids feel successful. They were giving me a lot of kids at that time that were in special education, and the time I spent with them was so rewarding.”

She went back to school to pursue a master’s in special education at University of MissouriKansas City. Lugrand also has a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s in education along with her special education degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City.

After teaching primary school aged children, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and direct at a university level. After being hired, Lugrand said she was welcomed and quickly set up for her new position.

“Everyone here is just so nice, super pleasant and super accommodating,” she said. “They already have things set up for me, so I didn’t have to make phone calls on things, it was already done for me. They have wonderful faculty.”

SEE BRAILLE | A4

SEE DIRECTOR | A4

Student talks disability awareness

W

Only around

RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

hen a blind child stumbled across a system of writing made for one group, he spent the next 9 years modifying it for another. At 15, Louis Braille created what we now know as a common writing system for the blind.

January recognizes Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille literacy system that is used by many with visual impairments. In 1829, at the age of 15, he developed a system of raised dots for those to navigate life and readings through their own system of literacy after living partially blind. Braille made the writing system after stumbling upon the “NightWriting” system, created by Charles Barbier in the 1800’s to help soldiers communicate at night without attracting attention; Braille modified it to create a system of literacy for the blind.

Freshman Max Ferris, a student with blindness, stresses the importance of awareness of disabilities.

“It is very important to recognize those with disabilities because it deters others from making wrong assumptions,” Ferris said. “It is common to think those with disabilities can’t do everything, but you can do everything, you just need the proper support to do so.”

Over the years, there has been increased recognition and awareness for those with disabilities, but only a third of public schools in the U.S. have general accessibility for students. The rest limit access, even to those with well-known disabilities.

In the year 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) passed which allowed students from age three to 21 to receive accommodations and a public education tailored to their needs and profile. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed the same year, which prevented discrimination on the basis of special needs or disability, and all public institutions, including academic institutions, abide by this law.

Accommodations can range from automatic doors, to Braille or to extra assistance with work and mobility. However, it is still common for those with impairments and disabilities to struggle with everyday mobility and ease. This is mostly due to the infrastructure and a lack of education on disability awareness.

10% of people with blindness can read Braille as opposed to

56% in 1960.

NW President discusses fall semester, spring priorities SIDNEY LOWRY Editor-in-Chief | @sidney_lowry

As the second semester of the school year begins, Northwest President Lance Tatum’s first year overlooking the University continues.

During the initial months on campus, rather than making many changes, he said a lot was learning what goes on and the environment surrounding Northwest. A transitional team was formed to help Tatum find out more about different aspects of the University as he settled into his new position.

“I think that’s always a fear that people have when a brand new CEO shows up on campus, ‘He’s going to change so much that we lose our identity,’ which was not my intention,” Tatum said. “It was great to hear people reinforce the fact that they thought the identity of Northwest was on point.”

Before his arrival in June 2023, Tatum said approachability and involvement are important to getting acclimated on campus and into a new town. On campus, attending multiple events and hosting differ-

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest President Lance Tatum talks about the history of the Bell of ’48 and the significance behind its ringing on Walkout Day Oct. 20.

ent groups at the Thomas L. Gaunt House were important in getting involved with students, faculty and staff. Off campus, Tatum said attending community events and meet-

IN NEWS

Police Chief Ron Christian retires after three years in the role.

Lieutenant Mike Stolte prepares to take over.

A2 Ron retires

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1914.

ing with representatives at the state capitol was exciting and a big part of being involved.

“I was very pleased with how we were able to complete our first semester, and I

OUR VIEW A5

As the beginning of the legislative session begins, Missouri Senators need to focus on impactful issues.

think we met the goals that we had,” Tatum said. “By the time we got to December, we felt really good about the fall.”

Before he began his tenure as Northwest president, Tatum outlined enrollment and addressing infrastructure as goals for the year.

As first-time freshman enrollment declines across the country, Tatum and other University officials made recruitment and enrollment a top priority. In the fall semester, there were changes made to Bearcat Advantage, a model that offers in-state tuition to out-of-state students, and enhancements to merit-based and test-optional scholarships.

From beginning conversations, Tatum has talked about increasing efforts for out-of-state students because of Maryville’s location. Being so close to the neighboring states of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, Tatum said it was important for Northwest to be competitive against other universities in those states.

SEE TATUM | A4

IN SPORTS

Northwest’s basketball teams prepare for the first meeting of the season with Missouri Western.

A8 St. Joe Showdowns

PLEASE

RECYCLE

Jan. 11, 2024 @TheMissourian

A2

NEWS

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Former Maryville Police Chief Ron Christian explains the need for new body cameras to City Council at the Aug. 28, 2023 meeting. Christian became interested in law enforcement while in college.

Police Chief Ron Christian retires after serving 38 years HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

Maryville Police Chief Ron Christian announced his retirement last week, with his official last day Jan. 5. Police Lieutenant Mike Stolte has taken over as interim police chief.

Christian has spent 38 years in the law enforcement community and has been police chief since August 2020.

“When I was appointed chief, my first order of business was to let them know that my time here would not be terribly long,” Christian said. “I mean, I’m not as young as I want to be anymore, so we’ve been working for the last three years with this day in mind.”

He first started his career with Maryville Public Safety in the fire service at 20 years old because he was not yet old enough to carry a gun, but switched to law enforcement

soon after.

Christian said he became interested in law enforcement during his college days. He worked fast food and got to know several of the officers. He also had a friend who worked at the Sheriff’s Department and had the chance to go for ride-alongs with them.

“I don’t know what specifically spurred that interest, but I just thought it was an interesting career,” Christian said.

“Seemed like where, potentially, a person might have an opportunity to make a difference in a positive sense for the community.”

Christian said becoming the police chief took a lot of patience, time and training. He said there also needs to be an interest expressed in the police chief position and the department has seen that with Stolte.

His goal is to have the transition between him and Stolte

to be as smooth as possible. He said he wants the department to continue to function just fine without him.

“I really feel very privileged to have worked alongside so many over a career time,” Christian said. “So many outstanding men and women that are really dedicated to this profession.”

Stolte said he is looking forward to the challenges his new position might bring him while still providing the most efficient and effective police service the department can bring to the community.

“I understand there’ll be challenges that pop up every now and then, but I think we’ll be ready,” Stolte said.

Christian said the most memorable parts of his time in the police force had both good and bad qualities. One of his most memorable cases he remembers working on was a shooting at a monastery at Conception Abbey

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Former Maryville Police Chief Ron Christian gives a speech before presenting an award during the Oct. 9, 2023, Maryville City Council meeting.

in Conception, Missouri.

“We’ve had other homicides and stuff, those are always hard to talk about,” Christian said. “So that’s probably, unfortunately, been one of the bigger ones.”

From a more positive standpoint, Christian said the recent creation of the R. Keith Wood Public Safety Facility and the combination dispatching police and working towards a joint and regional 911 center has been a highlight. He said he still walks in the morning and thinks about how nice it is to have the

Pine takes over as helm of Maryville Fire Department GEORGIA MCGONIGLE News Reporter | @GeorgiaMcg641

After serving in the interim role for six months, the Maryville Fire Department appointed Lieutenant Jace Pine as fire chief Dec. 18.

Following the retirement of former Fire Chief Phil Rickabaugh in June, Pine provisionally filled the fire chief position during the department’s selection process.

Pine said he feels motivated to make changes for the better by expanding the team of firefighters and implementing new training processes.

He said he feels ready to get to work.

“We’ve just got a lot going on for us right now, and there’s a lot of projects to take on, but I’m excited for it,” Pine said.

Pine began his career with the Maryville Fire Department in 2015 as a volunteer firefighter. After accepting a full-time position in 2018, his hard work led to his promotion as lieutenant in 2022.

Over the course of his work with the department, Pine also attended Northwest, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management and geographic information systems. Pine later earned a master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University.

Although Pine has felt passionate and dedicated to this field of work since the beginning of his time with the department, he said he had never envisioned taking on the fire chief role this early in his career.

new public safety building.

Now that Christian has retired from the police force, he is going to continue with his ministry positions. For the last 14 or 15 years, he’s worked part-time in these positions and wants to contribute to the community with it. He is also looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.

“I think Mike’s ready to go and he’s well liked and respected, and he’s going to do a phenomenal job,” Christian said. “I’m sure he’ll probably do a better job than I ever dreamed to do.”

“

I intended on being in the fire service, I just didn’t intend on being the chief quite this quick.”

JACE PINE FIRE CHIEF

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Fire Chief Jace Pine and Cory Roberts walks down the stairs of Bearcat Stadium during the annual 9/11 stair climb.

“I worked every single day with Chief Rickabaugh on different projects, and as I finished my masters degree, it just kind of all fell into place at the right time,” Pine said. “I definitely didn’t think this was the path I was going to take. I intended on being in the fire service, I just didn’t intend on being the chief quite this quick.”

Although the department is mostly made up of volun-

teer firefighters, one of Pine’s main areas of focus in his new role is to ensure the department receives proficient training to operate skillfully and professionally.

Pine said the department’s firefighter team must uphold the same standard of efficiency and dedication as a team of career firefighters, which serves as the foundation for his vision of a professional

volunteer fire department.

In an effort to achieve this professionalism, Pine aims to grow the firefighter team to ensure there is coverage at all times, and to enact thorough preparation for firefighters in areas like quickly responding to emergencies “My goal is to kind of standardize that stuff and ensure we’re getting the best response we can,” Pine said.

Although Pine was only appointed to this official position recently, he has already begun working toward bettering the department. During his time as the interim fire chief, Pine worked on establishing formal training courses for the firefighter team. The courses teach firefighters about the operations of a fire truck and how to drive them through lessons and hands-on practice.

11, 2024 NEWS Jan. @TheMissourian

A3

Minimum STATE MINIMUM WAGES COMPARISONS wage in Missouri continues increases ANNA BAILEY News Reporter | @AmBailey16

The minimum wage has been increasing since 2018 as a result of Proposition B, this was supposed to end in 2023; however January 1, 2024 brought another increase.

Proposition B is a law in Missouri that states there will be an annual increase of 85 cents to the minimum wage at the beginning of a new year. It also says that 2023 was the last year that this annual increase will occur, making the minimum wage stop at $12 an hour. However on Jan. 1 the minimum wage increased again, this time by 30 cents making the total $12.30 per hour.

As the minimum wage has been going up, local businesses like Barnyard Boutique have had to make accommodations according to how much the minimum wage changed. Keitha Clapp, the owner of Barnyard Boutique, said that, as the minimum wage has been increasing, she has had to adjust certain things for her business.

INFOGRAPHIC BY JULIANNA LAWRENCE ASST. DESIGN EDITOR

“When it first went up a few years ago, it really made a lot of difference in how much my payroll was and how much I had to charge for delivery and just things had to go up in price to accommodate,” Clapp said.

At Barnyard Boutique and other local businesses, a majority of their employees will work full-time, allowing employees to earn more than a minimum wage salary. However, at companies like Walmart, McDonald's and Applebee's it is more likely they have part-time employees who are paid minimum wage either by an hourly wage or by tips.

Freshman Aleah Mason works

as a server at Applebee's. She said since the minimum wage went up, students who live off campus and work minimum wage jobs will be impacted positively.

“Off-campus workers would benefit from it a little bit because a lot of times for students who

The state minimum wage has increased

$4.45 since 2018.

don’t live on campus and have to pay rent that would help and other bills or things like that,” Mason said.

Proposition B, however, does not apply to public employers; this includes Northwest. This is why the campus minimum wage remains at $10.30 per hour.

There is a provision under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act that allows for educational organizations to apply for a certificate from the Department of Labor which lets the University pay students less than the state minimum wage.

Since 2018, when Proposition B was made into a law, the minimum wage in Missouri has in-

creased from $7.85 per hour in 2018 to then end at $12 per hour in 2023. Then, with the most recent increase in 2024 the minimum wage has grown $4.45.

Compared to neighboring states, Missouri sits at the highest minimum wage. Following Missouri is Nebraska at $12 per hour.

Since the beginning of Proposition B, it’s estimated that employees who have been earning a minimum wage salary since 2018 will have earned an annual $1,408 increase in pay, according to the National Employment Law Project,. This estimate does not include the most recent increase in 2024.

MLK week to be celebrated on campus with activities, speaker DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

Weeklong events for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will kick off at Northwest Jan. 15 with the annual Peace Brunch, a guest speaker and a performance from the Northwest Jazz Ensemble.

Northwest Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Shay Malone said these events aren’t only for students on campus but those from the surrounding communities.

The Peace Brunch will be held in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch will have a catered soul-food menu, featuring classic items like fried chicken. The Northwest Jazz Quartet will provide live entertainment while Northwest alumna and guest speaker Leslie Doyle delivers a keynote address.

Doyle has been a leader in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion for over 20 years. She is the founder of Doyle Legacy Consulting, where she leverages her experiences in various industries to help communities foster a greater sense of belonging. She credits her time at her “beloved NWMSU” to shaping her passion for equity and inclusion.

“It is an honor to be back,” Doyle said.

“I really got engaged in this work more heavily at Northwest. It helped me to understand what it was that I wanted to do with my career and the impact that I could have.”

Doyle’s keynote address will discuss the importance of DEI initiatives in higher education and what steps can be taken when people try to silence said initiatives.

Doyle said civil rights are still applicable in today’s context because there are many places where people are searching for their voices. Understanding history can help people learn from mis-

takes of the past and propel society forward, she said.

“It didn't just give Black people rights,” Doyle said. “It is, in many ways, the foundation for every civil rights movement that we've seen. It's important for students to get engaged in the conversation to know as much as they can about the movement, to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain an appreciation and respect for different cultures.”

Doyle said everyone has a responsibility to continue the legacy. She said people can do that by understanding what equity looks like and how to keep it in mind while making decisions.

“We all have a role to play,” Doyle said.

“To advocate for greater diversity, equity and inclusion, and to help people to feel a greater sense of belonging, through acceptance, through celebration. That is what we're really striving for.”

The MLK Peace Brunch will also honor three Northwest faculty and staff member’s commitment to diversity and how it has impacted students and community members.

There will also be civil rights teach-ins provided throughout the week to inform students of ongoing issues.

“The teach-ins are an informal way to acknowledge and pay homage to the sit-in movements that were so integral to the civil rights movements,” Malone said. “Martin Luther King, Jr. took up the principles of non-violence with sitins, demonstrations and marches and was very successful in fighting for equity for all with non-violence.”

Northwest faculty will lead teach-ins in the Student Union during lunch times to discuss main values of the Civil Rights Movement and other concepts that were vital to the fight for social justice.

At the Jan. 18 teach-in, Bayard Rustin will be discussed. Rustin introduced

non-violence to King and was the organizer of the March on Washington, where King famously gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. The rest of the schedule will be released on MLK Day at the event, Malone said.

A Black Wall Street will be taking place at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 in the Student Union. This event is in reference to Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District, which was known as Black Wall Street in 1921.

“

We all have a role to play,to advocate for greater diversity, equity and inclusion, and to help people to feel a greater sense of belonging, through acceptance, through celebration.

LESLIE DOYLE NORTHWEST ALUMNA GUEST SPEAKER

Black Wall Street was one of the most prosperous and wealthy African American communities in the United States. In just two days, the entire city was destroyed by white mobs in what became one of the largest race riots in U.S. history.

“This event is called Black Wall Street because it is representing so many of the

Black-owned and minority-owned businesses that are in this area,” Malone said. “Many students are often looking for these types of businesses in our community and sadly, they are not around.”

The event’s aim is to assist in the promotion of minority-owned businesses in the area and giving recognition to Blackowned businesses that are typically underrepresented. Black Wall Street is sponsored by Northwest’s Black Student Union.

Throughout the week of Jan. 15 to Jan. 19, there will be a school supply collection in accordance with the MLK festivities. The supplies will be donated to two schools in Kansas City, Missouri. Dropoff locations will be in the Administration Building and the Student Union, among other places around campus. These are sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of which Martin Luther King, Jr. was a member.

Malone said the events are not just for Black students, and she encourages everyone within the Northwest community to participate. Her hope is that people not only remember King as a Black minister but also an activist who witnessed firsthand the inequities within society and chose to do what he could to change them through social action and non-violent demonstrations.

“Today, we still have many inequities in our society and many of us ask ourselves how we can be the change,” Malone said. “I believe this week of education and celebrations gives us a chance to do that as well as find other possible avenues to do so.”

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will update its websites to include other ways in which students can get involved with MLK Day celebrations. Malone said the ODI will have several other events during Black History Month in February and throughout the year.

Jan. 11, 2024 @TheMissourian

A4

NEWS

CRIME LOG Jefferson C-123 hires new superintendent for the week of Jan. 11 Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

Jan. 8 There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Forest Village Apartments.

There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Roberta Hall.

Jan. 7 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Dieterich Hall.

There is an open investigation for sexual assault in Hudson Hall.

MORE INFORMATION

University Police Chief Clarence Green said in an email to The Missourian the UPD is currently investigating and will send to the prosecutor for criminal charges. UPD has provided resources to all that are impacted.

Maryville Department of Public Safety Jan. 2 There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 600 block of East Seventh Street.

Dec. 29 There was an accident between Molly M. Uelliger, 29, and Christopher M. White, 30, on North Main Street and West Fourth Street. Uelliger was charged with having no valid driver’s license and failure to obey a traffic signal.

Dec. 28 There was an accident between Tamara C. Guyer, 39, and Richard A. Force, 20, on South Main Street and East Lieber Street.

Dec. 24 There is an ongoing investigation for a burglary on the 300 block of East Summit Drive.

Dec. 22 There was a summons issued to Madison M. Martin, 21, for assault and resisting arrest on the 700 block of East First Street.

There was a summons issued to Clayton D. McKune, 20, for minor in possession on the 700 block of East First Street.

There was a summons issued to Kaden M. Lippold, 19, for possession of a fake ID and minor in possession on the 300 block of East Fourth Street.

There was a summons issued to Trevor M. Weir, 19, for minor in possession on the 300 block of East Fourth Street.

Dec. 21 There was a summons issued to Aeric D. Aguiar, 38, for maintaining a nuisance on the 1200 block of West Crestview Drive.

DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

The Jefferson C-123 School District in Conception Junction, Missouri, hired Dallas Giedd as its new superintendent at the Dec. 6 school board meeting.

This change comes as the current superintendent Tim Jermain plans his retirement after 34 years in education.

Giedd, a Northwest alumnus, has worked in education for 19 years. He began his career as a math teacher and assistant football coach at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri, a role he held for nine years.

From there, he went on to be the 6-12 principal at the Albany RIII School District for two years.

He went back to teaching math and being an assistant football coach as well as an admin intern at Park Hill South High School in Riverside from 2016-2021. Ever since, Giedd has been teaching K-12 physical education at Jefferson C-123. He is also the assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach and junior high track coach.

Although Giedd has held numerous roles in the field of education, he has never been a superintendent before. He decided to apply for the position because he feels his education and experiences have prepared him well for the administrative role.

“It will be different not having the day-to-day classroom lessons,” Giedd said. “It will be similar in the way that I will be there working to do what is best for the students, and trying to do whatever I can to support them and help them grow as individuals.”

He understands there will

SUBMITTED

be a lot to learn, but Giedd said he is excited about the new opportunity and looks forward to working with the administrative team and staff.

He said he admits there can be challenges when administrative transitions occur, but he said the supportive staff at Jefferson C-123 will continue to work together to put students first.

He has already begun training with Jermain to get acquainted

TATUM

CONTINUED FROM A1 “We’ve seen some early successes in terms of students from those states submitting housing applications, that we think that perhaps we are starting to become more noticed by students because of the way the scholarship has been modified,” Tatum said.

When it comes to enrollment efforts for this year, Tatum said he has little impact because the process started before he arrived on campus.

Despite that, he said he is trying to get involved with recruiting when students come on campus by stopping in on tours and visit days.

“If I’m going to ask faculty and staff and students to become more actively a part of the recruiting process and be engaged in student business on campus, I think it’s appropriate for the President’s Office to also take a step in that direction,” Tatum said.

Working on campus infrastructure was a highpriority item when evaluating the current state of buildings and systems on campus. During the summer break and fall semester, ground was broken on both the Residential Facility Plan and the Facility Services Master Plan. Phillips Hall and North Complex were both leveled and await plans for what to do with the newly open space. The Thompson-Ringold Building was also torn down before the end of the fall semester.

Another significant aspect of the infrastructure at Northwest is the centralized energy system on

with the job duties. Giedd said he looks forward to continuing learning under him. Overall, Giedd feels optimistic and ready to fill the role as superintendent.

“This is a great school with hard working staff, students and a supportive community,” Giedd said.

“With all of those things in place I feel confident that we will continue to provide a great educational experience for our students.”

Similar to Giedd, Jermain,

campus. The $105 million Energy Infrastructure Modernization Project was approved Sept. 7 by the Northwest Board of Regents. This project outlines the upgrade of the John C. Redden Power Plant, energy distribution systems, alongside other utilities like HVAC, sewer and stormwater and more.

The timeline for this project is to be completed over the next three years, so improvements can be made around campus without having entire buildings offline at once.

“My goal is to not create a situation where people are concerned that the heat or the air conditioning is going to be functioning when they come to work, or that the toilets are going to flush, and the water fountains are going to work,” Tatum said. “Those things have to happen without the thought or the concern of our employees and our students. So we’re trying to be as mindful as we can to be as least disruptive as possible.”

As for the upcoming semester, Tatum said he is looking forward to traveling across the United States to meet alumni, spending more time in Jefferson City to discuss more resources for the University, and getting more integrated into campus and community life with more informal events. Tatum’s inauguration event as Northwest’s 11th president is set for April 19.

“I just just want to thank everybody, for the way they’ve treated us and the way they’ve been open to our ideas,” Tatum said. “I really look forward to having some impact as we move through the next six to eight months.”

Dec. 20 There was an accident between Kirk L. Francis, 60, and Jessica L. Stiens, 42, on the 1000 block of South Main Street. Francis was charged for following too close.

Dec. 18 There was an accident between an unknown driver and the Missouri Department of Corrections on the 100 block of East Fourth Street.

Dec. 16 There is a warrant for arrest for Christi L. Brown, 32, for failure to appear in court on the 500 block of South Buchanan Street.

Dec. 15 There was an accident between Brody C. Stagner, 17, and Amy L. Chor on the 500 block of West Fourth Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

Dec. 14 There is a warrant for arrest for Fernando J. Lopez III, 27, for failure to appear in court on the 100 block of North Vine Street.

Dec. 13 There was an accident with Veronica P. Vanpatten, 41, on U.S. Highway 71 and 268th Street.

Vanpatten was charged with careless and imprudent driving.

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Director of Accessibility and Accommodations Miah Lugrand works in her office on the third floor of the Administration Building. Before arriving at Northwest, Lugrand taught special education in the Kansas City Metro area for 20 years.

DIRECTOR

CONTINUED FROM A1 Spending time with children in special education made her understand the importance of accommodations for students, especially after high school. After doing college visits with students with disabilities, she realized there were many schools without proper accommodations and accessibility.

“I noticed that a lot of colleges didn’t have access for our students to be there, and a lot of that has changed, which is great,” Lugrand said.

In 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted, a law prevent-

ing any discrimination on the basis of special needs or disability. The law prevents public spaces, as well as academic institutions, from discriminating against those with short term or long term disabilities.

Even when the ADA prevents discrimination on the basis of disability, many schools and public spaces still are inaccessible to those that need easy accessibility, according to ABC News.

The IEP’s and 504’s a student would need in school to help them succeed essentially “expire” once they graduate, redoing the accommodation process all over again once college starts. The pro-

cess of getting proper accommodations changes, and many parents and students are not aware of the changes. Awareness and accommodations for students outside of highschool often ceased, and that bothered Lugrand.

“It really bothered me,” she said. “Now getting this role, not only can I assure families that students will get the modifications and accessibilities they need, but I can also make sure this is a safe and accepting place for students.”

Even after being director for just six days, Lugrand says it has been a great six days and she looks forward to helping more students in the future.

who started out as a student at Jefferson and later at Northwest, began his educational career as a physical education teacher and coach of various sports at Albany R-III School District, which he did for 10 years.

Jermain has spent the past 24 years in administrative roles at Jefferson C-123, including high school principal, K-12 principal and now superintendent. He continued to coach multiple sports since his arrival at Jefferson, and currently coaches boys basketball.

Jermain said leaving education is emotional. He said there are a lot of changes that happen in life, but the uncertainty of leaving a field he’s been tied to for so long is hard.

“My schedule has pretty much been built around the school schedule for as long as I can remember,” Jermain said. “There’s a little apprehension stepping away from that. There’s definitely some sadness as I step away.”

While saddened about leaving his field, Jermain is also looking forward to entering retirement. He still helps his dad with the family farm and is hoping to be there more often. He is also excited for added flexibility to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Jermain expressed confidence in the school board’s decision to hire Giedd as the new superintendent. He also thinks the administrative transition will go over smoothly due to Giedd’s familiarity with the district. The two will work together through the end of the 2023-24 school year, until Jermain’s last day, June 30.

Giedd’s contract extends until the end of the 2025-26 school year.

BRAILLE

CONTINUED FROM A1 Today, only around 10% of people with blindness can read Braille as opposed to the 56% in 1960, according to CTV News. Studies have shown that the rise in technology is at fault; however, it’s not the end all. To Ferris, Braille literacy is still important, but technology helps disabled persons navigate everyday life. Magnifying glasses and apps for reading words are just some of what Ferris uses in his everyday life.

“I now have an app on my iPad that can read assignments and zoom in when I am in class,” Ferris said. “It helps doing and reading assignments much faster. Of course, I use a cane, but that is just a part of me, so I often forget to talk about it.”

Even though technology has taken over living for those with visual impairment, Ferris still suggests the importance of Braille education as a majority of public buildings utilize them for convenience.

Director of Accessibility and Accommodations Miah Lugrand says along with disability awareness, it is important to accommodate students with disabilities.

“About 15% of college students experience some type of disability,” Lugrand said. “It is important to know how to cater to students with disabilities. We want to be able to support them so they can perform at their best while in a higher education setting.”

Lugrand suggests engagement with the community, talking to other people and listening to their experiences. Using the internet to research disability awareness and how to help people with disabilities is a great first step, she said.

“We often have this mindset of what we think a disability actually means,” Lugrand said. “A disability, really is long term or short term. Definitely get out in your community and learn more about how you can support and accommodate persons with disabilities, because they do live wonderful and fantastic lives, if they can have the right support to do so.”

Volunteering in special education classrooms is one of the options Lugrand suggests to understand disability awareness.

Learning about disabilities like blindness and mobility impairments is critical to understanding and combating the stigma around disability perception, according to Medium.

“It’s a great opportunity to see how technology has evolved over time,” Lugrand said. “Definitely do your research and see how you can support others.

Awareness is important.”

11, 2024 OPINION Jan. @TheMissourian

A5

Yes, I’m fat, THE STROLLER: but doctors Your Bearcat loves holiday family drama should still care for me SIDNEY LOWRY Columnist @sidney_lowry

I’ve been fat my whole life.

Don’t be shocked to hear me say it. I know, and I can see it, too.

I think about the way my body looks all the time — the way a shirt clings onto my arms, the way pants fit around my stomach, even down to the tightness of a necklace. It’s been that way since I was 6 years old, and I still find myself always thinking about the way I am perceived.

I’ve used the Body Mass Index Calculator more than I’d like to admit. I’ve considered weight loss surgery more than once.

I’ve seen how long I can go without eating. All of this and more in hopes of losing the weight I can’t seem to shake.

Naturally, I feel the worst about myself when I am visiting a doctor’s office. Each time, it starts the same. Stand on the scale, and get your weight and height recorded. Then, sit and wait for my doctor to come in and tell me whatever I came in for that day is because of the number on the scale.

It doesn’t matter if I come in for continuous headaches, neck pain, a sprained ankle, or anything else. Every problem is because I’m fat.

It’s simple; most doctors don’t listen to fat people. If you have a problem, their solution is for you to lose 25 pounds, and boom! You’re cured.

This isn’t only something that has happened to me. It happens often to people who are overweight and obese. You sit down, ready to tell your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and before you’re done, they’ve found the problem — you’re fat, that’s got to be it.

For the last four years, I told my doctor something was wrong, but they didn’t listen. I would tell them the symptoms I was having — the same ones I’ve been having for years — and they chalked it up to me needing to lose a couple of pounds, and then I would feel good as new.

I finally went to a doctor who could see past my big arms, the fat around my face and my stomach. They listened to me when I told them what was wrong. After four years of begging a provider to listen to me, I was diagnosed with the exact condition I’d been trying to get my other doctor to see.

It felt weird. I left with a smile on my face because I had finally been heard. Having a doctor listen to you and actually provide care shouldn’t be abnormal.

Nearly one in three people are overweight, and two out of five adults are obese in the United States. That is at least a third of the population who are likely not being listened to and taken care of properly.

The American Board of Obesity Medicine was created to help physicians learn about how to treat obesity. There are doctors out there who will listen to you even if you’re fat. A certified provider by the ABOM means that overweight patients can be cared for by someone who can see past their weight.

Despite my weight, I should be listened to and be provided with the care I need. Everyone deserves the correct treatment that could potentially save their life.

Everyone always complains that the holiday season means being in the middle of a fight between your 90-yearold grandma and your mother about something insignificant.

I love this.

Other people’s favorite part of the holidays might be the food or presents, but not me. I live for drama. Not my own drama, but from my extended family.

As soon as I became an adult, even though I barely qualify, I started hearing all

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. Sports Editor Design Editor Asst. Design Editor Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Copy Editor

(660) 562-1224 (660) 562-1635 nwmadv@nwmissouri.edu

None of the things my family is making a huge deal about actually matters. As long as we stay away from politics and keep to the family drama, it will all be fine.

Going home for the holidays, I know I always have at least one thing to look forward to and that’s our Christmas dinner with a side of gossip.

The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of the Northwest Missourian.

The Missouri Senate needs to address important issues OUR VIEW:

Just over a week ago, the Missouri Senate’s legislative session began.

There are 595 bills filed, all categorized into over 200 different keywords.

When considering the priorities of Missouri legislators, there is an abundant amount of bills that regard the review of curriculum, gender and pronoun usage, abortion and firearms.

With 50 days left to file Senate bills, Missouri Senators need to shift their focus from these hot-topic issues to more pressing concerns. Concerns that impact the lives of the people they represent. As the state enters another year of policymaking, Missouri citizens need to evaluate where their priorities stand.

They need to ensure their representatives are attentive to their concerns.

There are 72 proposed bills regarding elementary and secondary education. Many of them discuss funding, taxes and specific programs. Woven between the list of bills, seven specifically address the review or restriction of curriculum, and nine are about the biological gender of a child.

Senate Bill 868, sponsored by Sen. Mike Moon, establishes the “Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act.” This act will require a school official to contact a student’s

YOUR VIEW:

What do you think are the most pressing issues the government should be focusing on?

NEWS STAFF Nathan VanDruff Raiea Salerno Georgia McGonigle Anna Bailey Delanie Dykes Allison Duarte Onkarabetse Koikanyang Hailey Johnson-Neeser Noah Crowe

Sports Reporter News Reporter News Reporter News Reporter/Designer Designer Photographer Photographer Cartoonist Social Media Manager

CONTACT US Newsroom: Advertising Phone: Advertising Email:

We see each other once or twice a year, so everyone has been gathering the hot gossip they need to get off their chest for months. A year of drama over one dinner means no time to be bored.

I don’t miss sitting at the kids’ table in a chair too small for me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give up my spot at the adult table now that I know the true privilege behind it.

I think the best part is that none of it affects me at all.

HAILEY JOHNSON-NEESER CARTOONIST

EDITORIAL BOARD Sidney Lowry Wesley Miller Hannah Claywell Dakota Oswalt Destiny Taylor Savannah Athy-Sedbrook Julianna Lawrence Alexis Starks Aaron Hare Brianna Bowman

the family drama. The aunts, uncles and cousins who no one likes. I live for these moments.

Sitting silently in the corner listening to the crazy stories of why the family doesn’t talk to someone anymore is amazing.

I would never know these things if the holidays didn’t bring us together to talk about the important things — drama.

How else would I know my great grandma was arrested? These stories are really what make the holiday season feel right.

Circulation: Fax:

(660) 562-1528 (660) 562-1521

parent within 48 hours if a student expresses confusion about their gender identity. It also states that school officials must obtain parent permission before using another name than what was given during registration.

Similarly, school officials must have parental consent before using a pronoun that is different from a student’s biological sex on their birth certificate. Finally, it doesn’t require any public or charter school official to address someone by a pronoun different than their biological sex if it goes against the “school official’s religious or moral convictions.”

This is one example of many bills with similar language, but there are bigger issues than biological sex that need to be addressed.

Drug and controlled substance abuse, a growing mental health crisis, environmental protection and homelessness all need support from legislators, but these categories have fewer bills proposed than gender identity, abortion and curriculum review and restrictions.

Is a preferred name and pronoun of a student more important than protecting children from school shootings and mental health concerns?

Within the elementary and secondary education category, there is only one bill that talks about supporting the mental health of students, only one that is about suicide prevention, and four support teacher recruitment and retention.

Missouri is in store for another year of unimportant legislation being debated while little good is achieved.

Simply, Missouri legislators need to focus on issues that actually have an impact on the lives of their constituents.

Gender identity is a hot topic now, but what would happen if there were no bills proposed to force a child to use a pronoun that aligns with their biological sex? Nothing. What happens if there is no attention to the lack of mental health resources for minors? People will suffer.

Legislators need to use the power they have to make changes for the better, not enact useless policies that will have little to no impact in the coming years.

This all comes back to who Missouri voters cast ballots for. Research candidates and see how their beliefs align with your own. It’s time to start making policymakers do what they were put in office for. Put aside political agendas and make legislation that benefits the people.

DANIEL SHERCHAN Freshman Psychology

TYRIK GATES Junior Criminology

CECYANA NDAYIHKI NSAHO-KILIBA Sophomore Political Science/ Pre-law

“Probably medical health care. Not everyone can afford it. I think the government should be able to provide basic health care to everyone in this country.”

“The justice system. People get treated differently everyday, and individuals are getting bigger punishments than others.

But that’s the big thing we all need to work on, especially the government, because it’s unfair.”

“A problem that should be focused on, is in the Second Amendment. People care so much about their right to bear arms, that they forget about people’s rights to live past their childhood.”

CONVERGING CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN An Independent Student Newspaper since 1914.

CORRECTIONS POLICY

If you believe information within our publication is incorrect, please email us at northwestmissourian@gmail.com, call our newsroom (660) 562-1224, or leave us a comment on www.nwmissourinews.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We publish letters from readers for free. All letters become the property of the Northwest Missourian, which reserves the right to edit them. Letters should include your name, address and telephone number.

Letters should be between 150 and 300 words and sent to s.lowry.missourian@gmail.com.

Your first copy of the Northwest Missourian is free. Additional copies cost 25¢ each.

800 University Drive, Wells Hall Maryville, MO, 64468 DIRECTOR Steven Chappell Madalyn Mosbauer

Student Publications Director General Manager/Ad Director

AD STAFF Vanessa Weiler Sydney Cook Grace Lohman Abby Miller Jesse Kilcoyne Grace Roggy Silas Bales

Advertising Manager Ad Design Manager Advertising Designer Advertising Designer Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive

Jan. 11, 2024 @NWMSports

A6

Boys wrestling set for home meet

PRACTICE

CONTINUED FROM A8 The six-year coach said the last two weeks of winter break is when he starts to see his athletes’ energy levels drop and with the weather making it harder to train, he ex-

NORTHWEST GAME RESULTS Since the last Northwest Missourian issue Nov. 30

NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

Maryville boys wrestling has exceeded expectations this season, and the Spoofhounds continued to do so as they took eighth out of 35 teams at the Mid-Buchanan Invitational Jan. 6.

Coach Tyler Nickerson said he was proud of the effort despite the struggles.

“We had a conversation about it after the tournament talking about how a team can have so many guys missing and still place top 10 in a tournament like that shows how hard these guys workday in and day out,” Nickerson said. “They push each other to be better.”

The Spoofhounds’ two star seniors have had great seasons so far with 150-pound senior Tucker Turner holding a record of 10-2 and 126-pound senior Tanner Turner boasting a record of 8-5. Both were also recent runner-ups at the MidBuchanan Invitational.

“They have really grown into great wrestlers, and … they have a good chance this year of making it to state,” Nickerson said.

Xander Brown, 175-pound sophomore wrestler, said the Turners are great guys, and their impact has helped the success of the team and other individuals.

“They always want to get better, and they’re always coming in laughing,” Brown said.

“They’re just really great kids.”

In the early stages of the season, Brown had found success in being able to put points on the board for his team.

Brown was bumped up a weight class right before the Clarinda Triangular Nov. 30 where he was a key part to his

SPORTS

NW WBB Northwest 69-59 Missouri Southern Nov. 30 Bearcat Arena Northwest 69-59 Pittsburg State Dec. 2 Bearcat Arena Fort Hays State 62-48 Northwest Dec. 7 Hays, Kansas Northwest 67-65 Nebraska-Kearney Dec. 9 Kearney, Nebraska Washburn 66-64 Northwest Dec. 13 Bearcat Arena Northwest 55-48 Emporia State Dec. 16 Bearcat Arena

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville boys wrestling freshman Bryce Bennett covers assistant coach Aiden Perry while showing freshman Joe Snyders how to be positioned at the beginning of a period during practice Nov. 9.

team winning against Clarinda.

“We were really close in the duel in points, and so it was more so me wanting to get points for the team,” Brown said. “My coach brought it up to me, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it if you think that’s what’s best.’ So then I won that match, and then we won the duel. It’s always a great feeling to get things done for the team when they need you most.”

Brown has been battling injuries all season and has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to return to the mat.

Last season, he was the

157-pound starter but had the opportunity to experience a new weight class this campaign after football jumped him to 175. Unfortunately for him, though, he was quickly sidelined after injuring his ankle early in the season at a junior varsity meet Dec. 2.

“Going into that tournament I was feeling good, and after that first match I got hurt, so I couldn’t really wrestle well …

Got it taped and continued to wrestle that Saturday and ended up beating everyone else,” Brown said. “So, right now I’m trying to work my way back to

pects them to be a little less motivated than usual. Even though this time of year is a little slower for the team, Masters said he loves his job because it is so different from every other sport.

“I love the fact that we don’t have to have five or 11 players

that have to be good to have a good team,” Masters said. “I think that’s what I love about track and field, it’s just pure sport. There are so many different ways you can have a great team.”

Track and field’s competition is mainly based individually, but

UP NEXT

Maryville Triangular 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11 Maryville High School Chillicothe Tournament 9 a.m. Jan. 13 Bearcat Arena

being able to wrestle — that’s my ultimate goal as of right now.”

Brown plans to make his return to the mat at the Spoofhounds’ next competition in the Maryville Triangular at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11. at Maryville High School, when the Spoofhounds host Sabetha (Kansas) and Falls City (Nebraska). keeping a good atmosphere is dependent on the team’s connection and how well they work together.

He said he loves working with each one of the athletes and watching them improve over time.

Anderson said the only thing that gets him motivated is his teammates and coaches. He said he enjoys being able to make lifelong memories with them while he does what he loves and improves at his events.

“Spending time with my teammates is always the best,” Anderson said. “Being around those people is good for me, and it really helps me with everything. I would say they are my best memory.”

Northwest 67-63 Augustana (nonconference) Dec. 19 Bearcat Arena Northwest 90-34 Kansas Wesleyan (exhibition) Dec. 30 Bearcat Arena Northwest 71-69 Northeastern State Jan. 4 Tahlequah, Oklahoma Northwest 63-42 Rogers State Jan. 6 Claremore, Oklahoma

NW MBB Northwest 78-74 Missouri Southern Nov. 30 Bearcat Arena Northwest 77-67 Pittsburg State Dec. 2 Bearcat Arena Fort Hays State 57-49 Northwest Dec. 7 Hays, Kansas Northwest 83-53 Nebraska-Kearney Dec. 9 Kearney, Nebraska Northwest 68-65 Washburn Dec. 13 Bearcat Arena Northwest 63-59 Emporia State Dec. 16 Bearcat Arena Northwest 100-44 Clarke (nonconference) Dec. 30 Bearcat Arena Northwest 78-65 Northeastern State Jan. 4 Tahlequah, Oklahoma Northwest 78-57 Rogers State Jan. 6 Claremore, Oklahoma

ST. JOE

CONTINUED FROM A8 “Against (Western), we will need to be great in our transition defense, rebounding and defending the ball,” Meyer said. “When you’re playing really good teams, you are usually going to have to make plays offensively as well — playing with pace, being aggressive and moving the ball.”

Atwood said during this time of the season with the winter break for the University and having a week off, getting back into the game can feel exhausting, but she has confidence in her team.

She said the passing and constant movement within the Bearcat offense has improved significantly throughout the year.

“While we do have a lot to be proud of, it is important we focus on the next game and continue to grind and get better each day, even when it does start to feel long,” Atwood said. “It is important to remember our goals for the season and focus our minds on those.”

CONFERENCE

CONTINUED FROM A8 Most sports’ seasons can feel long, and basketball is no exception. With a 17-week regular season, the demand on an athletes’ body and mind can begin to wear them down.

The contest with Western is also the only game of the week for Northwest, while the schedule typically would have two games per week.

“It is nice,” Moala said. “It gives us more time to really dial in our scout and how we wanna attack things.”

After the matchup with the

24

consecutive times Northwest has defeated Missouri Western.

Griffons, the Bearcats will be back at home following a threegame road trip. And their first guest back is another squad fighting for the top of the MIAA — Central Oklahoma (13-3, 5-3 MIAA) at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in Bearcat Arena.

11, 2024 SPORTS Jan. @NWMSports

MARYVILLE GAME RESULTS Since the last Northwest Missourian issue Nov. 30

MHS GBB

South Harrison 55-49 Maryville (Savannah Invitational Tournament) Dec. 1 Savannah, Missouri Maryville 63-56 South Harrison Dec. 8 Maryville High School Platte Valley 42-24 Maryville Dec. 8 Conception Junction, Missouri Liberty 51-35 Maryville Dec. 13 Maryville High School Van Buren (Arkansas) 57-44 Maryville (Twelve Courts of Christmas) Dec. 20 Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri Maryville 41-36 Lawson Dec. 21 Lawson, Missouri Crete (Nebraska) 52-44 Maryville (Doane Tournament) Dec. 28 Crete, Nebraska Grand Island Northwest (Nebraska) 64-35 Maryville Dec. 29 Crete, Nebraska Maryville 45-38 Auburn (Nebraska) Jan. 2 Auburn, Nebraska Lafayette-St. Joseph 46-29 Maryville Jan. 4 Maryville High School

MHS BBB Maryville 66-53 Platte County (Savannah Invitational Tournament) Nov. 30 Savannah, Missouri Maryville 62-47 Kearney (Savannah Invitational Tournament Championship) Dec. 1 Savannah, Missouri Maryville 80-27 South Harrison Dec. 7 Maryville High School Maryville 69-42 Platte Valley Dec. 8 Conception Junction, Missouri Maryville 67-42 Bishop LeBlond Dec. 14 Maryville High School Maryville 48-45 Grain Valley Dec. 19 Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri Crete (Nebraska) 68-49 Maryville Dec. 28 Crete, Nebraska Maryville 49-48 Grand Island Northwest (Nebraska) Dec. 29 Crete, Nebraska Auburn (Nebraska) 71-63 Maryville Jan. 2 Auburn, Nebraska Maryville 68-51 Lafayette-St. Joseph Jan. 4 Maryville High School Maryville 76-60 Red Oak (Iowa) Jan. 5 Red Oak, Iowa

A7

Defense drives success for Maryville boys NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

Maryville boys basketball have had a strong defense this season, leading them to a 9-2 record — the best 11-game start since the 2018-2019 campaign when the Spoofhounds claimed the Class 3 District 16 title.

The Spoofhounds have only allowed 50 points or more in four games this season and are giving up less than 42 points per game on average.

Coach Matt Stoecklein said he’s been pleased with the defense, and it’s come down

“

Our players take offense to when guys have big games against us.”

MATT STOECKLEIN COACH

to fighting for as much as the opponent will give.

“Our players take offense to when guys have big games against us,” Stoecklein said.

“Our players see someone is averaging 20 a game, we try to hold them under that, and if a guy is averaging 10 points a game, we try to hold them under that, which is a great recipe for winning games.”

The Spoofhound seniors are some of the cornerstones of their defense. Senior guard Derek Quinlin and senior guard Delton Davis have played stellar defense all season. Quinlin has been solid in the paint and forcing turnovers with 3.2 steals per game. Davis stays out on the perimeter and gets the steals making them a great duo.

“Losing Derek Quinlin and Delton Davis is not going to be easy,” Stoecklein said. “Many games, they play the whole game and never get taken out, but we have some freshmen this year that can step up when it comes to it, such as (guard) Tate McCollum. Having a big brother on the team can be great for chemistry, and when he’s on the court, he has been making plays.”

Tate McCollum is the younger brother of junior guard Peyton McCollum and

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville boys basketball senior guard Delton Davis goes for a layup and scores during the first half of the Spoofhounds’ 68-51 triumph over LafayetteSt. Joseph Jan. 4 at Maryville High School.

Spoofhound girls adapt to schedule changes, prepares for conference foe WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

Maryville girls basketball was looking to bounce back from a loss to Lafayette-St. Joseph Jan. 4 and was set for its first chance to do so at home against East Buchanan Jan. 9.

Until, it wasn’t. After a blanket of snow covered northwest Missouri in the early part of the week, the Spoofhounds-Bulldogs contest joined a large list of postponements and cancellations. Due to the weather, Maryville also canceled school Jan. 9, which meant no game and no possibility of practice for the Spoofhounds.

Coach Kelly Obley said these types of situations are why adaptability is so important.

“Having consistency in our practices is important, but we also talk a lot about being flexible,” Obley said. “And so, with the snow days, it’s been a nice opportunity for us to get some rest and get our legs back under us.”

Maryville (3-9) will first see how beneficial the extra rest was when it hosts Midland Empire Conference foe St. Pius X (4-7) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Maryville High School. The Spoofhounds will be looking to snap a twogame losing skid to the Warriors. While Maryville lost a bit of preparation time, Obley said the team will practice Jan. 10.

Maryville will be tasked with halting Pius’ own bounce-back

attempt after losing six of its last eight games. Obley said the Warriors are still a good team, and she still wants to see growth from her players.

“What we wanna do is we wanna be better than we were yesterday,” Obley said.

Although the snow lost a day of practice for Maryville, as previously mentioned by Obley, it also provided a respite for the demands of a long basketball season. Junior guard Jalea Price said she enjoyed the break as it can be tough to stay fresh as an athlete.

“I’m always making sure that I’m eating the right foods, getting the right amount of sleep to make sure that my body is ready for these games,” Price said. “I think many of my other teammates do the same. We all want to make sure that we’re taking care of ourselves so we’re prepared enough to play.”

After the matchup with Pius, the Spoofhounds will host another opponent, but this time will look a little different as the game is moved down the street to Bearcat Arena. The typical site for Northwest basketball games will instead be the location for Maryville versus Glenwood (Iowa) at 2 p.m. Jan. 13.

The Saturday contest will wrap up a three-game homestand for the Spoofhounds. Price said it has been nice to not have to get on a bus to go somewhere.

UP NEXT

MHS vs. St. Pius X 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11 Maryville High School MHS vs. Glenwood (Iowa) 2 p.m. Jan. 13 Bearcat Arena

“Yeah, I’m super excited, especially if the game is gonna be in Bearcat,” Price said. “It’s also really nice to play at home, you know, we have the home-court advantage, and it’s a lot of fun.”

With 12 games played and 11 contests still left in the regular season, Maryville is near its halfway mark of the season, but there is still plenty of basketball to play.

Obley said she’s proud of the team so far and is thrilled to see how it can improve heading into the thick of the conference schedule — seven of the last 11 foes for the Spoofhounds are MEC opponents.

“What we really want to focus on is just cleaning up some of those little areas of the game,” Obley said. “So, the turnovers and rebounds, you know, and then, offensively, just continuing to get better every game. I think (junior forward) Alyssa Cunningham has really stepped up for us and attacked the basket, and it’s been good to see her offensively be more aggressive.

So, as we go through our conference schedule, we just want to continue to get better.”

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville boys basketball junior guard Peyton McCollum dribbles down the baseline during the second half of the Spoofhounds’ 68-51 victory over Lafayette-St. Joseph Jan. 4 at Maryville High School.

takes after his brother in playing the spot-up shooter role.

Junior guard Peyton McCollum has also played a large part in the success of their defense this season.

“He’s grown a lot since he’s been here,” Stoecklein said.

“We’ve given him the opportunity this season to guard their best guards this year, and he’s done an outstanding job.”

On Jan. 4, the Spoofhounds did something only a handful of Maryville teams have done in recent years — they beat Lafayette-St. Joseph. Since 2009, the Spoofhounds had only beaten the Golden Eagles two times prior to their recent Thursday night triumph.

“We weren’t executing in the first half, and we talked about that in the locker room, so we came out in the second half and had a great game and were able to close it out,” Stoecklein said. “Being able to come back this season and win for the home crowd is always a great feeling.”

In their most recent contest, the Spoofhounds won in 76-60 fashion against Red Oak (Iowa) Jan. 5. Maryville is on the road again at Bedford (Iowa) Jan.

UP NEXT

MHS vs. Bedford (Iowa) 7:15 p.m. Jan. 11 Bedford, Iowa MHS vs. Glenwood (Iowa) 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13 Bearcat Arena MHS vs. East Buchanan 7:15 p.m. Jan. 16 Maryville High School

11, which will then be followed by back-to-back home games against Glenwood (Iowa) at 3:30 p.m. Jan 13 at Bearcat Arena and East Buchanan at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16th at Maryville High School.

Bedford boasts a 9-2 record this season and is coming off a loss to East Mills Dec. 19. The Bulldogs average 58 points per game. Glenwood holds a 5-4 record and is 2-2 on the road.

East Buchanan is 7-2 overall, with the Bulldogs’ only losses coming against an undefeated Maysville (10-0) Dec. 22 and against Plattsburg (12-2) in the KCI (Kansas City International) Basketball Tournament Championship Dec. 9.

SPORTS

Winter wrestling Maryville boys wrestling set for first home competition. see A6

’Hounds are in town Maryville girls basketball enjoys three-game homestand despite schedule changes. see A7

Jan. 11, 2024

RACE TO FIRST PLACE

Women’s basketballs heads to St. Joe

N

DESTINY TAYLOR Asst. Sports Editor | @destinytay04

orthwest women’s basketball is 12-2 as it prepares to play against Missouri Western at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in St. Joseph.

Last season the teams met twice, and the Bearcats fell to the Griffons both times. The first was a 55-37 triumph for Missouri Western Jan. 7, 2023, in Maryville, followed by its 75-59 victory Feb. 18 in St. Joseph.

Coach Austin Meyer said he is pleased with his team at this point in the season. At this time last season, the Bearcats record was 8-7.

“At the halfway point — 14 games — we feel like we are in a pretty good spot,” Meyer said. “I have been very pleased with our overall attitude and desire to improve each day. As the season continues, typically playing rotations shrink, so we continue to look for players that are gonna consistently defend, compete and produce at a high level.”

Meyer said Western is one of the most talented teams in the conference with a well-coached and very athletic team. Junior guard Emma Atwood said the Griffons have a lot of depth because they are known to play multiple athletes off the bench, but Northwest has its strengths as well. The Bearcats have had six different athletes as the leading scorer of a game throughout the season so far.

“I think that shows that, on any given night, anyone can go off,” Atwood said. “I also think we play off each other well. We have the chemistry to recognize that when someone is playing well, get the ball to them and then play to your own strength.”

Meyer said the energy right now is good with 13 athletes on the roster who all have a strong bond and know how to play off each other’s strengths. He said each teammate brings something to the court, but it can be a little difficult to give them all an even amount of playing time.

He said the team takes pride in doing the little things that all add up to a win as well as defending each other. He said the Griffons always play really fast and score at a high level.

SEE ST. JOE | A6 UP NEXT NW vs. Missouri Western 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 St. Joseph, Missouri

SIDNEY LOWRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Northwest women’s basketball junior guard Emma Atwood defends the ball from William Jewell guard Averi Porter at the Nov. 11 game in Bearcat Arena. The Bearcats are 12-2 as the team heads to contest against Missouri Western Jan. 13.

Bearcat men look to stay atop conference rankings WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

WESLEY MILLER MANAGING EDITOR

Northwest men’s basketball junior guard Isaiah Jackson prepares to go up for a shot in the paint during a 68-65 win over Washburn Dec. 13.

Practice schedule resumes for track and field teams

It’s early January, and the MIAA regular season crown is once again within reach for Northwest men’s basketball.

The Bearcats had a rough start to the campaign, as they dropped to 2-2 for the first time since 2015 after a loss to Emmanuel (Georgia) Nov. 18. Since then, they’ve won nine of their next 10 games, but it still has not been easy.

Five of their eight conference games so far have been decided by single digits. After the triumph over Pittsburg State, 7767, Dec. 2, coach Ben McCollum said, “... it feels like we have to have a little more grit.”

And “grit” is what Northwest will still need as it travels just under 50 minutes down U.S. Highway 71 to matchup with another team that has its sights set on the MIAA title — Missouri Western — at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in St. Joseph.

DESTINY TAYLOR Asst. Sports Editor | @destinytay04

After a four-week winter break and two meets coach Brandon Masters said he deemed successful, Northwest’s track and field teams are preparing for their third competition of the season.

Junior Zac Anderson said he feels confident in his men’s team despite the level of competition he expects to be at the Coach Richard Alsup Open Jan. 20 in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse. He said the team’s

“I think Western’s one of the better teams in the league,” McCollum said. “They do everything well, and, you know, it’s just like any team in the MIAA. It’s gonna be one of those games that they’ll be excited to play, we’ll be excited to play … and it’ll be a tough game.”

The Bearcats (11-3, 7-1 MIAA) sit atop the conference standings while the Griffons (11-3, 5-3 MIAA) are tied for fourth.

Even though a win for Western wouldn’t propel the team to first place, it would move the Griffons to just one game back. Additionally, a loss for Northwest could potentially mean a tie for the conference lead with Fort Hays State (1-3, 6-2 MIAA) — who the Bearcats already lost to Dec. 7.

“I think there’s just more good teams than there were in the past,” McCollum said about the MIAA this season. “I think there’s six, seven teams that are right there to be able to

energy is increasing as it approaches the meet.

“We have a very talented team this year, and we have a lot of really good freshmen,” Anderson said. “Everyone has been working really hard, so we are definitely gonna put some good things together early on in the season. It has been difficult with the snow and everything, but I can tell that everyone has worked hard during the winter.”

Anderson said he is working toward returning himself to his full strength due to a hamstring injury from the beginning of the season.

Over the break, he said he made sure to stay active and slowly work toward sprinting at his full

UP NEXT NW vs. Missouri Western 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13 St. Joseph, Missouri

win the league still, and that makes it that much more difficult — every game and every possession matters a little bit more.”

History as of late has been on Northwest’s side against Western. The Bearcats have defeated the Griffons 24 consecutive times, including 10 times in St. Joseph.

The recent success doesn’t matter to redshirt freshman forward Trey Moala, though. He said the team is aware of the win streak, but everyone still needs to remain focused.

“I think they’re a really good team — definitely not one to be underestimated, especially when we’re going into their house,” Moala said.

SEE CONFERENCE | A6

speed to prepare for the next meet.

Masters said he is confident in the Bearcats’ abilities but is still prepared to train his athletes hard.

“I think we are pretty fast for January,” Masters said. “I would say we aren’t technically strong — certainly not in the field events but also in the running blocks and finishing the reps — but that is to be expected right now. So, this is a pretty normal place to be at, and I don’t think we are behind at all.”

SEE PRACTICE | A6