Northwest Missourian Jan. 25, 2024

CON V ERGING CA MPUS & COMMUNIT Y

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Water plant back to full production, relocation discussed

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

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VOL. 112, NO. 17

@THEMISSOURIAN

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HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

The Maryville community was told to conserve water Jan. 18 going through the weekend. The city and City Manager Greg McDanel sent out a press release to inform the town of these temporary changes.

During his report at the Jan. 22 Maryville City Council meeting, McDanel explained the situation and why Maryville had to cut back on its water use.

“City staff was notified that there was an issue with the capex building filter and that we were struggling to meet the production of water demands,” McDanel said.

The Water Treatment Plant operates on two large membranes. McDanel said those membranes have always lacked production during the colder weather. Those membranes are then supplemented by a smaller filtration membrane, which ended up also having an issue.

Veolia Water Technologies sent a representative to be on-site by Friday morning, while also providing a remote representative. Staff was then able to find valves that were in the capex building and get those back online to start water production back up.

“We did find that solution on Friday, but asked users to continue the practices through the weekend that they could,” McDanel said.

Though the solution was found, the plant still needed to get back up to production levels, which is why the city was asked to continue conserving. Larger users, such as Northwest, Kawasaki and Mosaic Medical Center- Maryville, also came forward to find out what they could do to help the process.

“The issue has been addressed,” McDanel said. “Towers are nearly full and water production has returned to normal.

So we will continue to work on some things, to plan improvements and things we found through this process that should streamline and prevent this issue from happening again.”

While the Veolia Water Technologies consultant was on site, the staff had them look at other issues at the plant and get a head start on solving those as well.

McDanel reminded Council of the current process of designing and pursuing a new water treatment plant with newer technologies that would eliminate this being an issue again. The city has been looking for a new water treatment plant and discussed it at several different Council meetings.

Not only is the plant going to be replaced or under construction, but also the water towers in town. Council approved a full maintenance contract with Maguire Iron, Inc. for the north, south and Edwards Street water towers at the Oct. 9 meeting.

Mayor Tye Parsons also expressed his gratitude for the staff that helped fix the issues with the Water Treatment Plant.

“It’s a strange deal,” Parsons said. “It was a problem that could have been a lot worse, (without) the quick actions of Greg (McDanel) and Matt (Smith) and all of your staff.”

The city sent out a press release Jan. 22 to inform Maryville the voluntary water conservation practices were no longer necessary.

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

A customer exits Señor Burrito despite winter weather conditions Jan. 23. Even with the recent snowstorms, the restaurant has remained open for business, and Señor Burrito Co-Owner Eric Dickey explained that he plans to keep it that way.

Local shops lose business during severe weather

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SYDNEY SLATON Missourian Reporter | @TheMissourian

his semester is off to a snowy start, with campus having been closed for three separate days due to heavy snow and ice. Maryville businesses have been dealing with the effects of the snowstorms as well.

Many businesses in Maryville had to close, and with college students making up part of their customer base, even the stores that were open saw a lack in business during the snowstorm.

Jim Goecken, co-owner of Student Body, Planet Sub and the Bearcat Bookstore, said it was hard to be closed for so long despite school starting back up.

“It’s tough because we were shut down for a week between Christmas and New Year’s,” Goecken said. “Students were gone then when students got back, we’re still shut down, so we’re trying to be open.”

Deciding when the weather is too severe to work in can be a hard call. Goecken said they make the call situationally based on activity in his stores. Keeping businesses open when there’s not much activity is hard since there’s no profit to be made, and it can be dangerous for employees.

“If we’re sitting here for two hours and nobody’s coming in and the weather is getting worse, we just let the managers make the call on it, between myself, the manager and the manager next door,” Goecken said. “It’s not doing any good to pay payroll for people to sit here, and then have to worry about how they’re getting home after that, too.”

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

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Señor Burrito Co-Owner Eric Dickey prepares a DoorDash order for local DoorDash delivery driver Catherine McGuire Jan. 23.

It’s not doing any good to pay payroll for people to sit here, and then have to worry about how they’re getting home after that, too.”

JIM GOECKEN CO-OWNER OF STUDENT BODY, PLANET SUB AND BEARCAT BOOKSTORE

SEE CLOSURES | A4

City Council approves contracts, talks sales tax change HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

New Interim Police Chief Mike Stolte is continuing former Police Chief Ron Christian’s goal to receive funding for the

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1914.

ONKARABETSE KOIKANYANG PHOTOGRAPHER

Interim Police Chief Mike Stolte requests City Council implements a contract with ESU Pursuits for the Maryville Police Department Jan. 22.

Maryville Police Department.

Stolte asked for two contract approvals at the Jan. 22 Maryville City Council meeting.

The Maryville Police Depart-

ment (MPD) has been looking for new patrol vehicles and found two for sale. Mayor Tye Parsons said the money to purchase new vehicles was budget-

ed in last year’s fiscal budget as well, and the MPD was not able to locate any at that time.

“As you know, we’ve had difficulty finding acceptable units due to the nationwide production issues,” Stolte said.

Stolte asked to execute a contract with ESU Pursuits for the Purchase of the two 2023 Ford Police Interceptor SUV AllWheel Drive Patrol Vehicles.

The FY ‘24 budget for the MPD includes $95,200 in Capital Improvement Funds for the patrol unit replacements. The price for each patrol car is $46,800 plus an $800 delivery fee. A couple of the existing patrol cars will be decommissioned, surplused to other departments or sold.

SEE COUNCIL | A4

PLEASE

RECYCLE

Jan. 25, 2024 @TheMissourian

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NEWS

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

International Northwest students gather in The Station Conference Room for the Incoming International Students and Wellness Services Workshop Jan. 17.

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Former Assistant Director Nikita Alimohammad discusses mental health resources during Incoming International Students and Wellness Workshop Jan. 17.

NW hosts event for international student wellness RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

Northwest is home to a variety of students from different backgrounds and cultures, including students of different races, genders and nationalities.

Campus services hold events and opportunities to accommodate people of those varieties.

Some of those opportunities are an extension from Wellness Services. These events offer support and opportunities for the students of Northwest, including those from international backgrounds. They hosted an event for incoming international students at 4 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Center Room of The Station.

The presentation included information from financials to counseling. Those running the event included Counselor Justice Mang’anda, former Assistant Director of Wellness Education and Prevention Nikita Alimohammad and Assistant Director of Clinic Services Judy Frueh. There are close to over 1,000 international students at Northwest, and around 30 students attended.

Mang’anda spoke about the importance of social and mental health for international students.

“You have to adjust to things like language, culture and just have to adjust ways of doing so many things,” Mang’anda said.

“The challenges they face are unique in the way that it can be a barrier, because culturally, maybe they’re not used to mental health counseling.”

Wellness Services has a variety of services available for international students that fit what they are specifically looking for.

Students can opt for peer wellness coaching, a one-on-one basis coaching that can help students with social engagement, motivation and confidence.

The rate of social isolation for international students is nearly 42% higher than domestic students in any given college, for example. The biggest challenges international students most usually face are language barriers, financial stressors and discrimination according to Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds.

Mang’anda became an international student in 2018, pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. When he first arrived, he felt intimidated by the aspect of opening up due to his culture.

However, overtime, he understood the importance of counseling and healing.

“We treat international students just like everyone else,” Mang’anda said. “We can be there and help you see things differently about taking care of yourself and being an international student, and just being a human being.”

There are over 1 million international students in the U.S. In a 2022 report, 70% of students come from Asia.

Most students come from China, around 324,196 students overseas the same year. Interaction with international students has been proven to alleviate stress and isolation, making a college stay more comfortable for international students, according to a study done by Duke University.

Frueh wanted to give international students a chance to have an important orientation they most likely missed when transferring to Northwest.

“

The challenges they face are unique in the way that it can be a barrier, because culturally, maybe they’re not used to mental health counseling.”

JUSTICE MANG’ANDA NORTHWEST COUNSELOR

“We feel like some students don’t know enough of the services that we offer,” Frueh said.

“We just wanted to review our services so that they know all of the options available to them.”

Frueh spoke more about insurance to the students that

attended and how insurance worked while they would be enrolled at Northwest. As long as a student is enrolled at Northwest, their insurance is active and valid. When a student graduates and leaves Northwest, the insurance becomes invalid, but over summer and winter breaks, the insurance stays active.

Two international students from India, Kartikeya Datta and Ashritha Boinipalli have been at Northwest for nearly a year. Datta and Boinipalli are pursuing their master’s degree in computer science. For both, their stay at Northwest came with challenges, but they enjoyed the new things the U.S. brought them.

“I pretty much like it,” Boinipalli said. “It’s a small town where we can explore things. I chose this transition because I wanted to see myself in a good state, a good settlement phase.”

The biggest challenge for both Boinipalli and Datta was the transition from India to the U.S., including finances and the weather. However, so far, Boinipalli enjoys the current weather. For Datta, he said he didn’t have any specific challenges, but he enjoys the friendliness of the campus as well as the winters.

“I chose Northwest because it’s quite affordable,” Datta said.

“It’s a big change from India to here. Other than that, everyone seems quite friendly here.”

Wellness Services encourages international students to take advantage of the services they have and support they feel they might need. Alimohammad said she wants each student to be successful in their journey and transition at Northwest. If any students have concerns and questions regarding their stay, they are advised

by Wellness Services to seek information and get the answers to the questions they have.

“Life itself can be hard sometimes,” Mang’anda said.

“We just want to help you be the best you can be. So utilize the resources.”

Tower Choir to perform at statewide workshop DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

The Northwest Tower Choir showcased a preview concert Jan. 20 for its expected performance at the Missouri Music

Educators Association (MMEA) at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 25.

The convention, held at the Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach, Missouri, hosts elementary, middle and high school ensembles, as well

as choirs from colleges and universities across the state.

The MMEA conference also brings in All-State Choir, Jazz, Band and Orchestra, which will give performances Jan. 27.

This year is MMEA’s 86th annual in-person workshop and conference. Aside from showcasing many performances, the conference will also recognize up to seven “outstanding” educators and administrators according to the MMEA workshop conference website.

For many students however, a fun and educational aspect of attending the MMEA convention is getting to meet people from different schools that share a passion for music.

Tyler Jenkins is a sophomore music education major and member of Tower Choir. While he’s never attended an MMEA workshop before, he believes it will be similar to its Nebraska counterpart, NMEA, which he attended previously.

Jenkins said his experiences at NMEA were fun because of all the different presentations and concerts. Above all else, his favorite part was meeting new people and learning more about music education.

“Almost every music educa-

tor in Missouri goes to this conference,” Jenkins said. “Meeting new people and getting your name out there really helps with networking and making sure that you have the proper communications to get jobs.”

Jenkins said he anticipates the exciting activities, learning new methods of teaching and being surrounded by other people who share a love for music.

Mary Roth is in her fourth year of earning her vocal music education degree. This is her first time attending the MMEA conference with Tower Choir and as a national member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

While Roth does not yet know what to expect, she said she’s eager to learn and attend workshops and performances while she’s there.

“Conventions like MMEA are designed to accommodate the ever-changing world of education and musicianship,” Roth said in an email to the Missourian. “It’s imperative that pre-service and current teachers be dedicated to adapting their practices and continuing to be a lifelong learner in a field that is constantly evolving.”

UP NEXT Missouri Music Educators Association 2:30 p.m. Jan. 25 Osage Beach, Missouri

Both Jenkins and Roth agree there’s no set theme for this year’s concert. Jenkins said there are a variety of pieces in different languages, styles and eras that showcase the complexity and diversity of art pieces the choir is able to perform.

Similarly, Roth said Tower Choir is presenting a diverse set of songs meant to showcase each member’s versatility, strengths and passions.

A concern among members of Tower Choir is the potential for winter weather to make travel difficult. Jenkins and Roth are not taking the bus due to these worries, and because they want to attend the conference for the entire week.

The convention will be held Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, complete with K-12, collegiate and AllState ensemble performances.

25, 2024 NEWS Jan. @TheMissourian

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Senate welcomes new members, plans events DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

ONKARABETSE KOIKANYANG PHOTOGRAPHER

Student Senate President Elizabeth Motazedi welcomes members back to the groups' first meeting of the semester. President Motazedi encouraged students to apply for positions within the Senate.

Student Senate met Jan. 23 for the first time this semester, a week later than previously scheduled due to severe weather. The meeting consisted of executive and committee reports, with no new or unfinished business to discuss.

Senate Executive President Elizabeth Motazedi reminded members of their voluntary responsibilities. She encouraged the senators to contribute toward the Jan. 24 Student Organization Fair and nominate their fellow members and faculty for the Northwest Leadership Awards.

Sophia Sander is a business management major and is the president of the pre-law society.

She previously served on the Senate as a freshman class representative and off-campus representative, then took a semester off.

At the meeting, Sander was unanimously sworn in as Senate parliamentarian, responsible for maintaining order and efficiency within the meetings. Student and Alumni Relations Co-Chair McKenna Grimmer discussed Sander’s efficiency and workmanship in previous semesters.

“She’s been a hard worker,” Grimmer said. “She's really about the cabinet. She knows how it works, how Robert's Rules of Order was meant

to be.”

The Senate will have a new member meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 for Senators to get informed about the organization and its members. This will offer a guide for new members and a refresher for recurring members. Senators are expected to be placed in their new committees for the semester by the beginning of next week.

The Civic Service Committee has a blood drive planned for Feb. 20 and Feb. 21. This comes shortly after the American Red Cross reported a 40% decrease in blood donations in the past 20 years and declared an emergency blood shortage.

The group is also considering hosting a winter clothing drive at some point.

While the Inclusion Committee had no report for the meeting, the group did welcome a new Co-Chair, junior Misturah Hassan.

The Public Relations Committee welcomed Freshman Class President Phillip Motazedi as its new co-chair. The group is hoping to be more active on TikTok this semester and encourages Senators to reach out with fun, new ideas.

Senate is seeking a new City Liaison after Organizational Finance Co-Chair Brayden Major stepped down due to personal schedule conflicts.

UP NEXT Student Senate 7 p.m. Jan. 30 J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom

Senate was also reminded of events going on around campus like the Martin Luther King, Jr. school supply drive and open Resident Life applications. As a nationwide recycling competition, Campus Race to Zero Waste approaches, members are encouraged to make sure what they are recycling is actually meant to be recycled, and to keep the campus eco-friendly.

Elizabeth Motazedi gave inspiration at the end of the meeting based on a quote that had inspired her earlier in the week about hardships.

“Success is not final,” Elizabeth Motazedi said. “Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. So if something knocks you down, it's the way you get back up.

That really truly counts. At least that's how I see it. So keep pushing.”

As for future meetings, there will be no Senate Feb. 20. During this time, Senate members will be attending a legislative reception.

Mosaic clinics use Gala funds for renovations RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

The new mental health clinic at Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville has an improved inpatient and outpatient clinic, looking to modernize the furnishings and decorative choices.

Located at 2016 S. Main St., Mosaic Medical Center received St. Francis Foundation Gala funds to refurbish the outpatient behavioral health unit, as well as the outpatient clinic at 114 E. South Hills Dr. in Maryville. In May 2023, the hospital started the new renovations to the clinics, and, by August, the clinics were finished.

St. Francis Hospital Foundation has supported the funds and needs of the Mosaic Medical Center since 1976. It is a nonprofit local organization that has donated more than $10 million to the center for education, ER renovations and cancer care centers. The organization hosted galas in the past year to raise money to renovate the new behavioral health unit.

LPN Practice Nurse Rachel Welch said the clinic before the renovations were dreary and not

as inviting as the newly-renovated clinics. Welch has been with Mosaic Medical Center for eight years.

“It was not inviting,” Welch said. “You walk into a basement, and it’s not inviting or welcoming. And so, we wanted to give the patient something that, you know, was welcoming. You are welcome here.”

Mosaic Medical Center - Maryville has no specific plans for future renovations, but Welch says she hopes to hire another therapist along with a new pediatric mental health grant offered by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The $100,000 grant is for future plans and renovations.

The new behavioral health unit includes different services like play therapy, medication management therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). The clinic originally started with just two therapists and one provider. Now, there are five providers and therapists at the clinic, a steady increase in the unit’s staff.

“Our outpatient now, you

SUBMITTED

Renovations to the inpatient and outpatient clinic at Mosaic Medical Center - Maryville, funded by the St. Francis Foundation Gala, are being completed. Staff and patients said the space was dreary and less inviting before the changes.

enter a more calm and relaxed environment,” Welch said. “It helps people want to begin their healing journey and that you’re not walking into a dreary place. We want you to come in and be relaxed.”

The psychology of architecture plays an important role in mental health. Natural light has been shown to defer stress and improve positive moods. Patients in brighter rooms with natural light were shown to

have an easier visit and shorter stay as opposed to those in dimly lit rooms. Out of the 174 patients tested in a 1996 University of Alberta study, those in naturally-lit rooms stayed for around 16.9 days for clinical depression. Those who stayed in dimly lit rooms remained for an average of 19.6 days according to the National Library of Medicine.

Assistant Director of Wellness Services on campus Kris-

ten Peltz said the importance of mental health awareness impacts how the stigma changes and affects people.

“We all recognize how important it is to take care of our physical health, but our mental health falls in that same category,” Peltz said. “I think that willing to put the time and effort and energy into creating this space speaks to how important it is that we attend to mental health.”

Jan. 25, 2024 @TheMissourian

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NEWS

CRIME LOG for the week of Jan. 25 Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

Jan. 20 There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Tower Suites East.

Jan. 17 There is an open investigation for stealing in Dieterich Hall.

Maryville Department of Public Safety

Jan. 21 There was a summons issued to Aleigha N. Gomez, 19, for minor in possession, open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to yield to right of way on the 300 block of North Main Street.

There was a summons issued to Mackenzie G. Palmer, 18, for being under 19 in a bar and possession of a fake ID on the 100 block of South Fillmore Street.

Jan. 19 There was an accident between Beverly A. Bliley, 81, and Brayton V. Magee, 19, on North Market and East First Street.

Jan. 16 There was an accident between Lily D. Brooks, 19, and Edward R. Richards, 20, on West Ninth Street and North Buchanan. Brooks was charged with careless and imprudent driving.

There was a summons issued to Nicholas R. Mercer, 34, for driving while suspended on the 600 block of North Main Street.

There was a summons issued to Shawn D. Freeman, 24, for driving while suspended and failure to maintain financial responsibility on the 100 block of West Jenkins Street.

Jan. 12 There was a summons issued to Tyler C. Johnson, 18, for minor in possession, possession of a fake ID and being under 19 in a bar.

Jan. 6 There was an accident between Tanner J.W. Carriker, 21, and Tara A. Scott, 23, on North Main Street and East Seventh Street. Scott was charged with careless and imprudent driving.

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Fantastic Fidos groomer Meredith Adwell brushes one of the dogs in the shop Jan. 23. Fantastic Fidos plans to move its business from 220 N. Main St. to 2613 S. Main St. and is aiming to have its doors open by April 1.

Fantastic Fido’s to move buildings, add more services for community HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

Fantastic Fido’s has made the decision to relocate from its current location to a new spot on South Main Street.

Maryville is one of the three places to find a Fantastic Fido’s. Maryville’s Fantastic Fido’s is a doggy daycare for people to drop their dog off for the day and the employees take care of it. There are also training and grooming opportunities for the dogs.

Maryville Location Lead Meghan Hemingway said she is excited for this transition to the new building. Which is located where The Source is, at 2613 S. Main Street. Fantastic Fido’s is currently located at 220 N. Main St. “We are moving because this building isn’t really meant for the capacity of what Fantastic Fido’s is meant for,” Hemingway said.

Hemingway explained the Saint Joseph location is more accurate to what the business normally does. The Saint Joseph location is a social based facility, which means there is plenty of yard space for the dogs to come in and interact with each other.

“Dogs, while they’re there, we separate by size, age and temperament,” Hemingway said. “Here we can’t do that, so, you know, we’re expanding.”

Hemingway said a main goal of moving is connecting with the community and having more community ties. She says she

wants the opportunity to show the community what Fantastic Fido’s is about and how there is more the business can offer than what it currently provides. Right now only a portion of the full business commodities is offered in Maryville. She said the move is necessary to achieve those goals.

The business will be moving from an enrichment daycare to allowing the dogs to be outside and interacting with others the same size as them. She wants community members to be confident to drop off their dogs and know they’re going to be happy all day and sent home happy.

“We want to be able to show the community that we have the space that your dog can come and play on and do all those things,” Hemingway said.

The business is also hiring in anticipation of more needed positions, like trainers, to be filled. Hemingway said she loves working at Fantastic Fido’s and loves to create an environment where people can come to work, love their job and feel safe.

Fantastic Fido’s will officially have the building April 1 and are hoping to be open by the first week of May. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house to celebrate the move once it is complete. The old building is still open until the move. The opening timeframe is subject to change because it relies on how much work or change needs to be done to the building to make it suitable for the dogs and staff.

“I’m just really excited for the move,” Hemingway said.

“It’s much needed.”

COUNCIL

CONTINUED FROM A1 “I know that last fiscal year we had vehicles budgeted and we weren’t able to find it to buy,” Parsons said. “And so even though we would have loved to buy within the state or the city, we’ve got to get it where we can, so good job locating these.”

Council approved this contract, which led to the next contract Stolte brought forward. This contract is with 911 Custom for the purchase of emergency equipment for the MPD patrol vehicles, which will cost $10,909.76.

The new equipment includes car cameras, radios, lighting, sirens and radar units, which some had been previously approved by Council. Council approved the contract.

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Señor Burrito Co-Owner Eric Dickey assembles a bowl for a customer during the lunch rush Jan. 23. Despite the cold weather, customers went in-person and ordered meals while on their lunch break.

CLOSURES

CONTINUED FROM A1 Luckily for those who love Mexican food, or anyone craving a late-night burrito, authentic Colombian restaurant Señor Burrito has remained open.

Assistant Language Professor Eric Dickey is coowner and helps run the shop with his wife. Dickey said they have never let the weather stop them.

“No, we have not had to close, fortunately,” Dickey said.

“We haven’t, that would be our choice, but fortunately we have not. I don’t believe we ever have.”

However, this doesn’t mean that it has been business as usual at Señor Burrito. The cold weather still deters many customers from venturing out into town.

Nevertheless, there are other ways for customers to order their food, many have been ordering their food through DoorDash to avoid going out.

Goecken said with the cold keeping people inside, Plan-

et Sub often relies on delivery apps as well to fulfill orders for customers.

“If it’s too cold, you’re not going to go outside to go eat,” Goecken said.

Getting orders to Planet Sub customers isn’t the only problem. Student Body needs to field orders from local organizations and produce their products, which can be difficult with the weather affecting clients, manufacturers and distributors. Goecken said his team are able to complete pre-existing orders or try to reach out to customers online, but keeping up supply and finding ways to deliver can be difficult.

It’s been hard for local shops to stay on top of regular business with the extreme weather. Nicer weather allows for everyone to get out.

Central Dispatch Sales Tax An ordinance to execute the First Amendment to the Second Memorandum of Understanding with Nodaway County regarding the implementation of a central dispatch sales tax was also brought forward by City Manager Greg McDanel.

The Memorandum of Understanding was approved at the Nov. 13 City Council meeting. This document expresses the agreement of a sales tax between Nodaway County and Maryville. The initial sales tax was approved by the Nodaway County 911 Board Oct. 19.

The proposal is to reduce the sales tax from half a cent to three-eighths of a cent. Council approved the tax, which will support operations, capital improvements and reserves.

“It’s all ready to place the three-eighths cent sales tax on the April 2, 2024 ballot,” McDanel said.

Other City Council Business: • Council approved the Speedy Spoofhound and Eugene Elementary School 5k/Fun Run event. It will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 20.

• Council approved the reappointment of Tourism Committee members Jeff Stubblefield, Jordyn Greenhaw and Mike Zech.

• Council approved the reappointment of Christopher Wallace as the Nodaway County/ University of Missouri Extension Council member.

• Council approved a professional services agreement with Confluence for Landscape Architectural Services on the Downtown Pedestrian Alleyway Project.

• Council approved a contract with Meyer Auto Center for the purchase of two 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Trucks for the Public Works Department.

• Council approved a Web Development and Service Agreement with Earthdiver, LLC for a redesign of the Visit Maryville Tourism website.

25, 2024 OPINION Jan. @TheMissourian

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You’re not THE STROLLER: Your Bearcat is an aggressive pedestrian alone with feeling sad this winter JULIANNA LAWRENCE Columnist @jsonthemoon

Waking up to six inches of snow and a gray-covered sky may seem like a winter wonderland to some, but for others like myself, it is taunting. Some may call it the winter blues, but I would say it’s much darker.

As a child, going outside to play in the glistening snow and sledding for hours created some of the fondest memories for me.

As I grow older, those memories feel detached from what winter feels like now. I used to think of snow days as a day to build snowmen and drink hot cocoa, but having snow days now feels like another day wasted shriveling up in bed.

The season of many holidays is supposed to bring joy and comfort, and for the past few years, I’ve dreaded even the thought of it being cold. I never knew the real reason winter could be so upsetting, but there is a reason.

The decrease in sunlight can shrink a person’s internal clock leading to a drop in serotonin levels and ultimately can leave a person feeling depressed. With the bitter negative temperatures and days ending earlier, it can become extremely difficult to stay afloat. Many aspects of winter can cause a person to feel social withdrawal, excessive sleepiness or insomnia, weight gain, mood swings and more.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a form of depression with an unknown direct cause. It is a very common form of depression that affects about 5% of people in the U.S and can last about 40% of the year.

You’re not alone in the winter, and lying in bed all day because it is cold does not mean you are any less of a person.

Seasonal depression is lonely and can make a person feel trapped in their own home, but there are many healthy ways to deal with this disorder. Switching up your routine, finding hobbies that you’re interested in and engaging with friends and family can keep you in check. There are many resources and activities that can help you get through the winter feelings. Light therapy and vitamin D supplements are also other ways to directly confront winter depression.

I’ve seen many of my friends and family members affected by seasonal depression. It is a lonely feeling, but just know you are not alone and there are people who are in the same sad snowy boat as you.

When I first felt seasonal depression, I thought there was something wrong with me. I felt like I was in a horrible hibernation. Winter hasn’t felt happy in a long time and as more winters pass, it hasn’t seemed to get any easier. But taking care of my body and finding things I enjoy has helped me pass this time a little less blue.

When you find yourself swallowed up in your home with ice all around wondering why it doesn’t feel the same as when you were young, just know the sun will come out again and will melt it all away.

If you read the stroller last week, you would have noticed many people on this campus were attacked, including me.

I will not stand for this.

“Aggressive pedestrianism” isn’t just a term our friend group coined, but a lifestyle.

I will not live in fear of what might happen, but I will make it to my class 30 seconds earlier than I would if I stopped for a car. Nine times out of ten they will stop, and that’s

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

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there’s no chance of this.

I am not condoning walking into the street without looking or stepping straight into the hood of a car, but I will continue my ways of not stopping for cars that are miles away from me – it’s never two inches. Maybe I should, but I can’t start now.

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

OUR VIEW:

Accessibility shouldn’t be buried under snow and ice After more than two weeks of raging winter weather, we can finally start to see the pavement as the ice and snow melt away. While this brings comfort that getting around town and campus will become easier, some people are still in the thick of having to adapt their lives depending on the conditions of the roads and sidewalks.

One thing is clear following the two bursts of snowstorms that happened so far in Maryville this year — the way the University chose to remedy the roads and sidewalks covered in ice was less than satisfactory. Yes, the snow and ice are unavoidable, but action needs to be taken before and during these winter months.

While this may only seem like a complaint of having to walk through snow and slush-ridden roads and sidewalks, it is more than that. We don’t like having to trudge through the snow, but when the sidewalks to get into buildings across campus are sheets of ice, it is more than a nuisance — it is a safety problem.

People with mobility issues and those with disabilities are hit with obstacles bigger than the annoyance

YOUR VIEW:

“How was your experience getting around the campus the past week regarding the snow?”

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fun to dream about. I have thousands of dollars in loans, let me have this one thing.

I refuse to let myself have any more awkward interactions than I will undoubtedly have in a day. Doing the jig of stepping onto the street while the car inches forward, then taking a step back, while they step on the brakes, is enough to make me turn around and get back in bed. If I just walk out onto the crosswalk then

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odds I’m willing to take.

As a pedestrian, I have the right of way on the cross walks and I am not “abusing” these privileges, I’m just making sure I get good use.

The person in the car gets the heat or air conditioning it provides, while I am trekking my way to class in the harsh Maryville conditions.

I know I won’t get free tuition, that’s just a running college student joke, but it’s

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of walking through the snow. For those who use a wheelchair or other mobility device, a large patch of ice or an unclear sidewalk can be the end to their journey.

Those with visibility impairments have no way of knowing whether the routes they usually take around campus will be accessible to them, leaving them completely unaware if they will be able to make it where they need to go.

We can give Northwest credit, many paths to the J.W. Jones Student Union were clear, but as students got closer to academic buildings, those slabs of concrete covered in melted snow turned into thick sheets of ice that made it dangerous to walk on.

Walking into nearly every building without having to pass over sheets of ice was nearly impossible unless you were able to jump from the small cleared patches every few feet. When someone isn’t able to see those spots, or when someone has limited mobility, it turns a walk to class into a safety risk.

Accessible parking spots for disabled people are located near the entrance and exits of buildings, but what good does that do when

there is 20 feet of ice-covered sidewalk in between that door and the person’s vehicle?

It’s understood that not every inch of the roads and sidewalks can be cleared, but the state of campus over the last two weeks has been dangerous — especially for those with disabilities.

The snow and ice were bad enough the first time around, but more snow and ice were packed on top of the existing hazard the second time. If the roads and sidewalks had been properly cleared and treated the first time, the second snowfall would have been easier to clear, or at least not make the walking conditions much worse.

Mother Nature may say where the snow falls, but it is Northwest’s responsibility to make sure measures are taken to keep people on campus safe when they walk from building to building.

The University needs to make accessibility a priority as the winter weather progresses and the temperatures continue to sit below freezing. Expect to lay down some salt and bring out the snow plows — it is imperative to the welfare of many people across campus.

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“It has been a real struggle because it has been extremely slippery and wet. This is impractical because we may fall and get injured and our shoes get damaged. They should close school to fix these issues.”

“Getting around campus wasn’t too hectic, the weather made it a little tough, although the roads were slippery I think it was fine.”

“Getting around campus wasn’t too bad because I happen to have a vehicle but the parking has been treacherous due to giant blocks of ice and my car has gotten stuck twice.”

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Jan. 25, 2024 @NWMSports

A6

SPORTS

Wrestling prepares for home meets NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

The Spoofhounds boys wrestling team placed sixth out of seven teams at the Midland Empire Conference Tournament Jan. 20, while the girls team placed sixth out of six teams.

Only two wrestlers received trips to the podium individually, including 165-pound freshman Kendrick Watkins, who earned second, and 126-pound senior Tanner Turner, who also claimed second.

Coach Tyler Nickerson said it does kind of hurt to not have as big of teams as some other schools, which puts Maryville at a disadvantage in total team points.

“But, I think it is just preparation for matches at the tournament — just the way we warm up, how we mentally prepare and how we physically prepare — it was something that we all agreed on that we could have done better,” Nickerson said.

The Spoofhounds have the upcoming Quad State Tournament at 10 a.m.

Jan. 27 at Maryville High School. The Spoofhounds also host their first dual of the season at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30.

Nickerson said his team will excel with the home crowd behind the team. With the Spoofhounds hosting, he said he believes the advantage lies with his team.

“The Maryville crowd is always something special and the families of the wrestlers come out and it gets loud,” Nickerson said. “The kids always feel better just about competing at home and defending the turf.

So, that plays a mental part for the boys between the crowd and the mental aspect of defending home.”

The upcoming Quad State Tournament consists of 17 teams and is a

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville wrestling coach Tyler Nickerson covers assistant coach Aiden Perry while showing students positioning during practice Nov. 9.

large tournament for the boys’ team as districts are coming up. It could also serve as a bounce-back for both the girls and boys teams.

Turner has had a solid season for the Spoofhounds, boasting an 11-6 record.

During the MEC Tournament, Turner wrestled at 126 pounds and won all his matches during pool play, landing him in the championship bracket.

Turner had to switch up his game plan as his opponents became tougher as he progressed through the championship bracket.

“I mean, you still want to go in with that good mindset and stick to the same

game — kind of sticking to that leg attack,” Turner said. “Going into my last championship match going against the kid that placed sixth at state last year, you want to be a lot smarter and wrestle a lot smarter. So, that’s going to vary depending on who you go against and just the type of matches you have.”

Tanner wrestled aggressively on Saturday and finished the tournament strong placing second.

“Tanner did well,” Nickerson said.

“He got to his offense, and that let him push the pace well. And, that was one of his goals and points of emphasis going into the season — wrestling

UP NEXT

Quad State Tournament 10 a.m. Jan. 27 Maryville High School Maryville Tri 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Maryville High School

more his style and being more of a proactive wrestler. And, it worked out well for him. Saturday, he got to his leg attacks and was tough on top. So I think he accomplished his goals for the tournament.”

CONFERENCE

ROAD

Lincoln (6-11, 2-9 MIAA) has had a less than stellar season in its final season in the MIAA. The Blue Tigers have the third-worst defense in the MIAA, giving up 71.1 points per game while the Bearcats have the sixth-best defense in MIAA giving up 61.1 points per game.

“I think we just take it one game at a time, no matter who we are playing,” Kesten said “We just have to play like ourselves and not play down to our competition. We just gotta play how we know we are capable of each game.”

In Northwest’s most recent homestead, it faced off against Central Oklahoma Jan. 18 at home, where the Bearcats came up short 71-57. Northwest’s leading scorers were Kesten with 13 points, junior guard Molly Hartnett with 13, and sophomore guard Lindsey Kelderman with 9.

As the season intensifies for Northwest, the semester for the University — after some delays courtesy of the weather — is also underway. For any player in any sport, balancing academics and athletics can be a challenge. Kesten said she balances both worlds by keeping her schedule busy.“I like to keep a tight schedule,” Kesten said. “I like to stay busy — making sure I wake up in time for the training room and make sure I allot time for shooting times and any other extracurriculars that come with being a student-athlete.”

“Sophomore (guard) Kora Grow has done a great job this season helping this team massively,” Obley said. “Our girls, despite the injuries, have done an amazing job working together, playing their hardest and helping this team get better and better every game. And, this will help us get results in conference and non-conference games.”

To keep her squad ready for any challenge and get the best out of each other, Price said she makes sure her team is in the best possible situation.

“Some responsibilities and ways I as a player could help the team get this win is to play to the best of my ability and hold me and my teammates accountable,” Price said.

CONTINUED FROM A8

CONTINUED FROM A8

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Bearcat women’s basketball junior guard Caely Kesten rushes the ball into the paint during the first half of Northwest’s 79-49 triumph over Newman Jan. 20.

FIRST

CONTINUED FROM A8 “We are not really trying to run fast, we are trying to get better for when it counts,” Masters said. “We don’t have any win or loss record to deal with, so we deal with being great when it counts.”

Masters said one of the challenges of hosting a track meet is losing the ability to coach at certain times. Coordinating a track meet means making sure things are set up, where they need to be and everything runs smoothly.

Although he may be focused on running the meet, Masters said the experience working with his assistant coaches is crucial to their understanding of what is a good time. Therefore, that allows Masters to not have to be everywhere all at once.

“We work together so much that we know what we are expecting — we have conversations about that,” Masters said. “During the meet, we know a couple of events that the times are pretty good, but if I don’t coach them directly, sometimes, I don’t know.”

The next event for Northwest is the Bearcat Invite Feb. 1-3, once again at the Hughes Fieldhouse. This meet gives the Bearcats another opportunity to submit performances to qualify for nationals. Masters said his goal is to get the teams ready to go and would love to see the Bearcats make qualifying times at its own event.

At last year’s Bearcat Invite, Hammond also posted two provisional times in 60-meter hurdles and 60-meter dash. Hammond’s 7.54 in the 60-meter dash broke the program record, and then she broke that record again in the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championship Feb. 24.

Hammond said the process in preparing for the Bearcat Invite is simple for her. Taking advantage of her practice time, eating right and making sure to be focused on the day of the meet.

“At practice, it is just making sure that everything I am doing has a purpose to it,” Hammond said.

“Making sure I am not slacking or going through the motions. The night before I run, I always try to eat pasta or some type of rice. Then the day of the meet, I wake up, listen to music and just get in a good headspace.”

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest women’s track and field freshman Grace Hill bounds into the sand pit during the women’s long jump at the Coach Richard Alsup Open Jan. 20. Hill placed sixth overall with a distance of 4.97 meters.

25, 2024 SPORTS Jan. @NWMSports

A7

BEARCAT SOFTBALL’S 2023 SEASON STATISTICS

INFOGRAPHIC BY REESE SERVI MISSOURIAN DESIGNER

FILE

Northwest softball sophomore pitcher Jadyn Streigle prepares to pitch the ball during a 5-0 win against Newman March 25, 2023.

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest softball junior outfielder Grace Lubben throws to second baseman junior Annie Gahan Jan. 23. The Bearcats’ first action will be a doubleheader against Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State Feb. 2 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Softball looks to build off best campaign in 6 years ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

Northwest softball is just a couple of weeks away from its first action of the 2024 season with a doubleheader against Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State Feb. 2 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Coach Naomi Tellez is entering her third season at the helm. Tellez led the team to a 13-win improvement from her first season with a 28-24 overall record in 2023. The Bearcats will be returning 14 players from last year’s team that accounted for 891 at bats of the season’s 1,414 and 305.1 innings out of 335.1 in the circle.

After finishing 10th in the MIAA last season, Tellez said making the conference tournament is her goal for this campaign. The MIAA is expanding the tournament to the top-10 teams instead of just the top eight. To make the tournament, improvements in the circle and consistency at the plate are needed.

“From a pitching perspective, we want to be a little bit tighter and a little bit sharper,” Tellez said. “Everybody is returning. We have some newcomers that can help us out, for sure. Offensively, we do lose a lot of power, but we do have a lot of returners that are going to have to step up.”

At the plate, Tellez will rely on her two corner outfielders from last year — junior Lillie Filger and sophomore Omara Love — and the right side of the infield in junior first baseman Skylar Pieper and senior second baseman Abby Nolte.

Filger and Love are the only two returning players to receive MIAA honors last year. Both received honorable mention all-MIAA after they finished in the top 20 for batting average. Filger, the South Dakota State transfer, hit .371 and has the highest returning batting average from last sea-

son. For Love, her freshman year ended with a .359 batting average and is the second-highest returning batting average. Both players also finished in the top 15 in the conference in stolen bases.

Pieper and Nolte are the two most experienced players since Tellez took over as coach. Nolte has the most games started at 95 under Tellez, with Pieper right behind her with 93. The experience of Pieper and Nolte is impactful due to the lack of home run hitters. Tellez said the team may have to resort to changing its play style to score runs.

“

I think we peaked really early and struggled late in conference, and that is not who we are as a team.”

NAOMI TELLEZ NORTHWEST SOFTBALL COACH

“I think we peaked really early and struggled late in conference, and that is not who we are as a team, “ Tellez said. “Just being able to sustain our offense throughout the entire season, which is hard, but we might have to rely on manufacturing runs more than we have had to in the past.”

Love wasn’t the only freshman last season to have a big contribution to the Bearcats. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jadyn

Streigle started 21 games last season and logged a record of 13-9 with a 3.01 earned run average in 139.1 innings. Streigle’s earned run average and 13 wins finished in the top 15 in the MIAA. Streigle said her freshman season was important to boost her confidence, but she did not let the confidence turn into a big ego, and she continues to work to get better. This offseason, Streigle has been working on perfecting her rise ball — a pitch she used to throw often but lost the feel for. The reemergence is huge for sustaining success in conference, Tellez said.

“Knowing that we have gone through conference and everyone has seen her, we have to develop on that,” Tellez said. “We can’t just be the same pitcher we were last year. We had to develop a new pitch, and we had to work through that.”

Senior left-handed pitcher Breck Dickey saw most of the innings Streigle didn’t pitch.

Dickey threw 111.1 innings with a 4.72 earned run average and 119 strikeouts. With 89 career appearances, Dickey sits tied for fifth all-time in appearances at Northwest with Moran Brunmeier (2010-2013).

If Dickey can appear in 24 games or more, which she has done every year but 2020, she will finish second all-time in appearances in Bearcat history. Dickey is also just five innings away from cracking the top-10 all-time innings pitched in a Bearcat career. Additionally, she sits at third all-time in career strikeouts at 363, only needing six more to pass Cola Krueger (2006-2009).

Streigle and Tellez had high praise for Dickey and her leadership she’s shown throughout her career. Tellez said sometimes the little things Dicky does are huge for the program. Like her ability to teach young pitchers

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest softball sophomore outfielder Alexis Brown sprints to third base during practice Jan. 23. Brown scored six runs during the 2023 season.

how to get properly warmed up or just being there to help guide a teammate. Streigle said Dickey is always willing to help anyone on the pitching staff, physically or mentally. The thing she appreciates most about Dickey is her body language on the field.

“One thing I really admire about her is, no matter how much she was struggling last year, she immediately got it together,” Streigle said. “Whether she got pulled or stayed in, she was able to keep a straight face in order to do what she needed for the team.”

Among the seven new players for Tellez, she said she’ll keep her eye on freshman pitch-

er Olivia Moyer, catcher Gaige Pinkerton and junior pitcher Cassidy Paulson. Tellez said she likes all the personnel the team brought in but sees these three as making the biggest impact for the Bearcats this spring.

“From a pitching perspective Olivia is going to bring a lot of innings to us,” Tellez said. “She is a freshman and her demeanor is similar to Jadyn. Cassidy is a junior college transfer that came in and is in her fifth year of college and brings a lot of experience.

Behind the plate, Gaige will probably see a lot of innings.”

SPORTS

Wrestling wonderland Maryville boys wrestling is set to host its first home meet of the season. see A6

Bearcats are back Northwest softball prepares for the start of a new season.

see A7

Jan. 25, 2024

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

CHASING CENTRAL

Northwest women’s basketball players, coaches and assistants celebrate after sophomore guard Lindsey Kelderman scored a layup in the paint during the second half of the Bearcats’ 79-49 blowout victory over Newman Jan. 20. Kelderman scored 13 points against the Jets.

Conference clash next for Bearcats

C

NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

oming off a 79-49 win against Newman Jan. 27, Northwest women’s basketball is looking for its first win against Central Missouri since January 2015.

The Bearcats play against the Jennies at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Multipurpose Building on Central’s campus in Warrensburg, Missouri. Central is third in the MIAA in scoring, with 74.7 points per game while Northwest is eighth in the conference and averages 68.4 points per game.

After the contest with the Jennies, the Bearcats will face off against Lincoln at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Jason Gymnasium in Jefferson City, Missouri. The Blue Tigers are on a two-game losing streak with their most

recent losses coming against Roger State Jan. 18 and Northeastern State Jan. 20. The Bearcats beat both teams earlier in the season.

Junior guard Caely Kesten is second on Northwest (13-4, 7-4 MIAA) in scoring with 11.8 points per game. She said being aggressive is the key to winning against Central (14-3, 8-3 MIAA).

“Not playing scared, knowing our abilities and just being aggressive right when we come out,” Kesten said. “It’s definitely a game we have the potential to win, so taking advantage of the things we can is gonna be good for us.”

Coach Austin Meyer has served as the coach of the program since 2018, and the Bearcats have never defeated the Jennies during his tenure.

“We know they’ve been the team to beat in this league for a lot of years,” Meyer said. “Just focus-

UP NEXT NW vs. Central Missouri 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25 Warrensburg, Missouri NW vs. Lincoln 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27 Jefferson City, Missouri

ing on coming out and playing with energy and with the game plan we go in with and trying to execute. We always talk about the process, getting better each day and the habits. If we can focus on those, we feel like the outcome is typically gonna be in a good place for us.”

SEE CONFERENCE | A6

Spoofhound girls set to hit road LANDON CLOUSE Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville girls basketball junior forward Rylee Hornbuckle takes a shot from beyond the arc during the 46-29 loss against Lafayette-St. Joseph Jan. 4.

With the weather still being frigid and icy nearing the final month of the season, Maryville girls basketball is coming up against Pembroke Hill, with an 1-11 record, at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 26.

For coach Kelly Obley, this will be her first matchup against Pembroke Hill in her coaching career, which provides unfamiliar territory for the Spoofhounds in this upcoming matchup.

“They are very well coached, and we are excited to come up against them,” Obley said. “It will be a great contest.”

With a 56-37 loss against Bishop LeBlond (12-2) Jan. 18 and a 73-40 loss to Smithville Jan. 22, the Spoofhounds will look to get back on the right track. Coming into the matchup with the Raiders, the Spoofhounds boast a 30% winning percentage, holding a 3-11 season record, while Pembroke Hill enters with a 8.3% winning percentage and a 1-11 season record.

Northwest earns multiple first-place performances ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

Northwest’s track and field teams hosted the Coach Richard Alsup Open Jan 20 in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse.

There were 17 other schools that

competed, including MIAA foes Lincoln, Nebraska-Kearney and Missouri Western.

The meet saw 12 Bearcats achieve a provisional qualifying time in Division II. Northwest also had seven athletes finish first in their respective events.

Junior guard Jalea Price said she and her teammates are making sure they get the proper amount of sleep, eat well and stay healthy in preparation for the contest.

“In practice, we will listen to the game plan and practice like we are going to play so we are ready when the game rolls around,” Price said.

38.1

points Maryville girls basketball scores per game.

Maryville has shown strength on the road with a 2-1 record, while the Raiders have with an 0-2 home record.

The clash will see the Spoofhounds, scoring an average of 38.1 points a

Senior Tiffany Hughey’s 53.34 in the women’s 400-meter dash and sophomore Dominic Sedlaceks 6.77 in the men’s 60-meter dash were both new meet records.

Junior Ally Hammond was one of the Bearcats to post provisional times. Hammond, who finished second in both 60-meter hurdles with a 8.74 and 60-meter dash with a 7.62, ran good enough times in both events to earn a provisional.

Hammond said she was OK

UP NEXT

MHS vs. Pembroke Hill 6:45 p.m. Jan. 24 Kansas City, Missouri MHS vs. East Buchanan 6 p.m. Jan. 31 Maryville High School

game, facing the Raiders’ defense that allows 54.9 points a game.

After heading to Pembroke Hill, the Spoofhounds will come back home to face East Buchanan (8-6). Maryville will look to defeat East Buchanan for the third time in the last four tries at 6 p.m. Jan. 31. A common opponent for both teams going into this matchup is Lawson, and both teams won over the Cardinals by an average of 4.5 points.

Injuries have been only a small factor in Maryville’s season, but Obley said it’s provided opportunities for others.

with her personal results given the part of the season Northwest is in.

She also said the Bearcats had an impressive meet, even mentioning Hughey as a standout.

“I feel like I did OK, originally I wanted to run a little better,” Hammond said. “But this is our first meet coming off of break, so I just try to be nice to myself and understand that I haven’t really been competing.”

Coach Brandon Masters has been the track and field coach

SEE ROAD | A6 UP NEXT Wendy’s/Pittsburg State Invitational 10 a.m. Jan. 27 Pittsburg, Kansas

since 2018 after spending 20152018 at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Masters said the results from the meet were nice, but he is more worried about the right process for Northwest.

SEE FIRST | A6