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NW men’s cross country sprints to 10th place at national championships
TREY HOUCHIN
Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
With pouring rain replacing the usual California sun, Northwest men’s cross country placed 10th out of 34 programs at the 2024 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships Nov. 23 in Sacramento.
The Bearcats scored 323 points, achieving the program’s second-best team result — behind only their 5th-place finish in 2019 — with three runners earning All-America recognition for finishing in the top 40 in the championship meet.
Senior Grant Bradley and juniors Drew Atkins and Nate Mueller each finished inside the top 40, with Atkins achieving his second career All-America award in backto-back cross country seasons. Their performances set a program record for the most All-America honors at the national event.
There have only been eight Northwest cross country men’s All-Americans in program history — three of which come from this season alone with Atkins, Bradley and Mueller.
Maryville football defeated by Blair Oaks in Class 3 state tournament
The Maryville football team began their season the same way it started, with a loss to Blair Oaks.
The Falcons defeated the ‘Hounds 61-12 during the season opener Aug. 30 and then eliminated them in the Class 3 State Tournament 28-14.
The game was tied 14-14 after junior running back Sadler Viau scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The Falcons then responded with two more touchdowns to secure the win. Head coach Matt Webb said he was unsatisfied with the game’s results.
“I’m very disappointed we lost the game,” Webb said. “It was tied 14-14 in the fourth quarter and the state semifinals, so I am very disappointed and not being able to make plays in the fourth quarter to win the football game.”
The ‘Hounds ended with a record of 9-5, with losses against Class 5 St. Pius X
(Kansas City, Missouri) 61-0 Sept. 20, Class 4 Lutheran North 40-7 Oct. 12, Class 4 Savannah 42-14 Oct. 18 and Blair Oaks. All four teams made it to their district championships, with Blair Oaks and Lutheran North advancing to their State Championship games.
Lutheran North will play Festus 11 a.m. Dec. 6 and Blair Oaks is set to play Seneca 11 a.m. Dec. 7. Despite losing in the semifinals, Webb remains proud of the team and their effort this season.
Volleyball ends season with loss in semifinals, talks tradition
The Northwest volleyball team’s season came to an end after a three-set loss to the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers in the MIAA semifinals Nov. 22.
The Bearcats matched up against the Lopers three times within the current season, taking two sets from UNK in the second matchup, but ultimately losing in the fifth set. The team last beat the Lopers Oct. 29, 2022, in a fourset game, marking only the third Bearcat victory out of 26 matches since 2012.
The Bearcats ended the season 9-7 in the MIAA conference and 16-12 overall under the coaching of Amy Woerth.
“Our team culture stood out to us,” Woerth said in an email to the Missourian. “We worked harder and smarter than the opponents.”
The team started the season with three losses in the Augustana Classic; this is the first time the ‘Cats started a season 0-3 since 2004.
Seven seniors helped the Bearcats overtake rival team Central Missouri Nov. 9 in a three-set sweep. Senior outside hitter Payton Kirchhoefer was credited with eight kills, while senior setter Natalie Laiolo recorded 18 assists during the game. Freshman outside hitter Abby Bulthuis also saw the court for the fourth time during the match, clocking four kills against UCM.
“I think it really just shows how all my hard work has paid off this season in practice,” Bulthuis said. “And before, I just really focused on giving back to the team, no matter if I was on or off the court. But then, now that I’m on the court, the team on the bench and on the court has my back completely.”
With a four-set win against the Fort Hays Tigers Nov. 16, the ‘Cats punched their ticket to the MIAA Tournament, securing the fifth seed.
The team first matched with the No. 4 Washburn Ichabods, where the Bearcats came out on top with a four-set win (1925, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21) to secure their spot in the semifinals of the tournament. For the third and final time this season, the team faced the Lopers with hopes of continuing to the finals.
“From now on, it’s win or go home,” Woerth said. “So it’s a different mentality.”
Going on to the semifinals Nov. 22 against UNK, the team was hungry for a win against the Lopers, but the Bearcats fell short. With a three-set sweep (9-25, 19-25, 16-25) UNK advanced to the finals and the ‘Cats were sent home.
Senior libero and defensive specialist Kyah Luhring was also part of the 2024 MIAA Volleyball Championship All-Tournament team for her performances in the Washburn and University of Nebraska-Kearney matchups. Within the season, the Bearcats went 6-3 playing at Bearcat Arena and were 16-12 overall. Within the MIAA conference, the team hit a .562, with a .571 overall.
OLIVIA WALLACE
LEAH COX Sports Reporter | @byleahcox
Northwest men’s cross country run laps around Bearcat Stadium Sept. 17. The team placed 10th out of 34 programs at the 2024 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships Nov. 23 in Sacramento.
LANEY PACE MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER
SEE DEFEAT | A3
Maryville senior running back Sadler Viau scores his third touchdown, contributing to his total 160 yards during the 49-42 win over Cameron Nov 15.
LILLY HALLMON MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER
Bearcat women’s basketball falls in its first MIAA matchup
The No. 9-ranked Northwest women’s basketball team dropped its MIAA opener and second home game of the season to Missouri Western, 57-48, Dec. 3 at Bearcat Arena.
Freshman guard Brooklyn Stanley got the Bearcats (7-2, 0-1 in the MIAA) on the scoreboard after an early first quarter scoring drought, as the ‘Cats missed their first seven shots to start the game.
On the other side, Missouri Western (5-3, 1-0 in the MIAA) came out on fire, leading 22-4 at the end of the first quarter. Northwest’s four points in the first quarter against Missouri Western marks the lowest quarter score this season.
Stanley said although the ‘Cats did not get the start they hoped for, she was proud of how they battled all the way until the final whistle.
“The first quarter obviously didn’t go as planned and we didn’t get in our heads about it,” Stanley said. “We came back, and it was a new quarter. We fought through it, and, you know, we fought back in the game just like how we always do, no matter what.”
After an 18-point lead built up by the Griffons at the end of the first quarter, the Bearcats found a spark in junior guard Lindsey Kelderman and graduate student guard Caely Kesten. Kelderman scored a quick second quarter bucket as Kesten drained a triple to eventually ignite a short spurt from the ‘Cats, cutting the Griffon lead to only 12 with 7:50 to go in the first half.
Kesten knocked down another three-pointer in transition to get the home crowd back into it, forcing a Missouri Western timeout, cutting the deficit to nine with 6:03 remaining in the first half. The Griffons took a 3421 lead over the Bearcats at the break, due to Griffon senior guard Alyssa Bonilla’s 21-point first-half performance. Bonilla led the way for Missouri Western with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.
Kesten had high praise for Bonilla after the game and said she was tough to contain due to her quickness and will to score.
“(Bonilla) is a dynamic guard — she can get downhill, she also can shoot the ball and so it’s kind of tough,” Kesten said. “Something we could have adjusted, maybe, is like backside pressure or something, but initially we just have to be better.”
Kesten helped cap a 10-0 scoring run midway through the third quarter, cutting the Griffon lead to one, 3635, with 2:23 to go. After a few turnovers by Northwest down the stretch in the fourth quarter, Missouri Western escaped with a MIAA victory on the Bearcat’s home floor.
57-48
was the score that marked the first MIAA loss for women’s basketball.
Northwest shot a season-low 36% (18-of-50) from the floor and converted only seven of their 16 total free throw attempts. Kesten led the way for the ‘Cats with 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Kelderman posted nine points, three assists and three rebounds, while graduate student guard Molly Hartnett pulled down a season-high 10 rebounds. Head coach Austin Meyer said getting battle-tested earlier rather than later in MIAA play will only make himself and the team better moving forward into more conference matchups down the road.
“We hadn’t had a ton of adversity at this point, and we did make a run (in that game), but yeah, you know, you got to get back, luckily we’re a short turnaround with us playing on Thursday,” Meyer said. “So, come back in tomorrow, and you know, we’ll watch the film and try to figure out what we need to do to be better.”
Up next, Northwest will look to bounce back in its second conference matchup of the season against Emporia State at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at White Auditorium in Emporia, Kansas.
Northwest men’s basketball drops home opener
Northwest men’s basketball fell in its home opener Dec. 3 against Missouri Western. The Griffons, now 8-2, defeated the ‘Cats 70-66. This loss moves Northwest to 1-6, and 0-1 in conference play.
To start the first half, the
Griffons went on a 6-0 run and gained the lead. Freshman guard Marcus Glock made his presence known, with three field goals from beyond the arc. With 10:09 left to play, the score was tied 20-20. At halftime, it moved up 37-32, with a five-point advantage for Missouri Western.
First-year head coach Matt
Keeley said the Bearcat fans’ dedication and the atmosphere in the arena help motivate the team.
“I’d way rather play at home than on the road and most of those have been neutral games…our people travel,” Keeley said. “Whether it was St. Joe, you know, felt like we had a good crowd or Kansas City, obviously, but being in Bearcat (Arena) is certainly, we’d like to play as many games as we can at home and we’ll make some strides on trying to get a few more nonconference games at home even next year.”
During the second half, a foul was called on the Griffons early that put the ‘Cats up to 35 points. A two-pointer from senior forward Luke Moustakas tied the score yet again 37-37. Four points later, the score was tied up for a second time at 39-39. Senior transfer guard Emorie Knox evened the scale yet again 4444. A two-pointer from sophomore forward Jack Ratigan knotted the game up for the last time, bringing it to 57-57.
The final seconds were crucial for the Bearcats, trailing by one point with 39 seconds to go. Griffon senior guard Zane Nelson scored a final three to take the victory 7066. Ratigan and Glock both recorded career-high scoring, Ratigan with 18 points and Glock with 15. Northwest shot 49% from the field, while Missouri Western shot 44.6%.
Keeley said there were possessions during the game he wished could have been executed differently.
“As a coach, you always want a possession, well you want a lot of possessions back, but usually it’s the late ones that you want back,” Keeley said. I didn’t feel like they had, that maybe that I thought that
maybe gave us the best point, and so the and one possession where you don’t get it I’m charging our guys to ‘Battle battle, fight, fight, go zone.’”
Keeley said more organized play was a factor for them during this game, especially in the last moments.
“Just providing a clear solution, especially in the run and as Emorie (Knox) he was he was feeling that we needed to have, and he was right, a better plan of like, ‘Hey, what do you want us to do right now,’” Keeley said. “Even though we played because we played the spurts,
some of those games were tight with ten minutes to go or eight minutes to go, but previously hadn’t been close with two to three minutes to go.”
Keeley said the team learned a lesson against the Griffons.
“Unfortunately, learned lesson, down the stretch in the last two or three minutes, we got to be a little more organized inside of that stuff and obviously that starts with the head coach,” Keeley said.
The Bearcats will continue MIAA play with Emporia State at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Emporia, Kansas.
Northwest women’s basketball graduate student guard Caely Kesten steps back for a three-pointer during its 57-48 loss to Missouri Western Dec. 3.
NATHAN VANDRUFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TREY HOUCHIN Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
Northwest men’s basketball senior point guard Emorie Knox dribbles the ball around his defender during a 70-66 loss to Missouri Western Dec. 3.
KENDYL LAY PHOTOGRAPHER
KAITLYN LISKO Sports Editor | @kaitlynmlisko
Abby Brunssen talks college journey
OLIVIA WALLACE
Sports Reporter | @_oliviawallace_
From coming into the volleyball program during the COVID pandemic to becoming a leader on and off the court, senior middle hitter Abby Brunssen has done it all.
The 23-year-old from Atkins, Iowa, has made her mark on Bearcat volleyball. In her first year, she totaled 72 blocks and played in 29 matches. Brunssen also received an MIAA Honorable Mention for her performance in the conference in the 2021 season and was a MIAA Scholar Athlete in 2021.
“Every year each team is different,” Brunssen said in an email to the Missourian. “They all have their highs and lows, and being able to see my fellow classmates that I came in with when I was 18 grow alongside me was amazing to see.”
Seniors outside hitter Olivia Dir, libero and defensive specialist Kyah Luhring, outside hitter Payton Kichhoefer and libero and defensive specialist Kristen Ford entered the program with Brunssen. Later, setter Natalie Laiolo and middle hitter Avery Kemp joined the 2024 volleyball senior class.
Brunssen would only go up from there; in the 2022 season, she accomplished much more. In her sophomore year, she was ranked No. 2 in the MIAA in blocks per set with 1.14,
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Bradley said he was pleased with how the national race turned out overall.
“I think a lot of it was just the belief that it was possible — all year I hadn’t been outside of second place, so I just really thought I belonged to be running at the front finally, and I knew that I also have two teammates that will be right next to me,” Bradley said. “That’s a lot of motivation in a race and I don’t have a choice to falter. I went for it and I don’t really regret anything, so to be an All-American, it’s awesome.” Bradley led the ‘Cats in the championship race, placing 18th with a time of 30:04.3. Atkins was right behind Bradley in 19th at 30:04.6, marking their times the third and fourth fastest 10K performances in program history. Mueller finished in 24th with a time of 30:13.1.
Sophomore Riley Witt placed 138th with a 31:41.5 time, while junior Tyler Blay followed in 167th at 31:59.9. Senior Bran-
she also led the team in blocks (95). She was named All-MIAA Honorable Mention and was also on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.
“
I do believe we were a crucial piece of continuing to build that culture, but we wouldn’t have been able to do that without the girls before us."
ABBY BRUNSSEN SENIOR MIDDLE HITTER
“Us five learned the culture of Bearcat volleyball,” Brunssen said in an email to the Missourian. “I do believe we were a crucial piece of continuing to build that culture but we wouldn’t have been able to do that without the girls before us.”
Also in the 2022 season, the Bearcats were named the MIAA Regular Season Champi-
don Mundorf finished 219th with a time of 32:59.4, and sophomore Sam Shipp took 223rd-place at 32:59.8.
Bradley said his senior season went better than he ever expected it to.
“We were training forever, and then, you know, now it’s over,” Bradley said. “I think the season flew by because we were so consistent as a team."
Head coach Wick Cunningham said he was proud of the entire team’s effort in the national championships.
“We had a lot of personal growth throughout the season,” Cunningham said. “I feel that both the men and women’s teams were just more ambitious and dedicated than I’d say they ever have been. It just seems like the life lessons that we’re trying to teach them here really go beyond running, and I feel like we’re really promoting great core values that they can use the rest of their lives — that’s the most exciting thing for me moving forward.”
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ons going 17-3 in the MIAA and undefeated at home with 10 wins.
Brunssen’s achievements continued to add up in the 2023 season, where she would be named first-team all-MIAA after being honorable mention the last two seasons. She led the ‘Cats to 250 kills, 101 blocks and 306 points in her junior year. Brunssen also had at least one block in 27 games in the 2023 season.
“Every college athlete can attest that most of the time you are going from the very top of the totem pole to the bottom,” Brunssen said in an email. “Which is a big adjustment for anyone. Finding your role on a new team is something that takes time and navigating that is something basically all your other teammates are going through so you have them to lean on.”
In her last season as a Bearcat, Brunssen totaled 318 kills and played 105 sets, and had 777 total attempts on the court. She also had 113 total blocks this season, which brings her total as a ‘Cat to 381 total blocks in her four years. Brunssen also accumulated 916 kills in her career.
“There are so many memories I have from my five years here, and 99% of them come from off the court with my team,” Brunssen said. “I have been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by my best friends my entire career here. They are a huge reason why my time here at Northwest was so enjoyable.”
“Our five losses are to quality teams and quality programs and that’s the expectation we have around here and we need to find a way to win them, but I’m very proud of this team’s overall development on the season,” Webb said.
Webb expressed pride in his team’s defensive performance this season.
“I think our defense did a good job this year,” Webb said. “Obviously, I would like to take back a few plays back, in the state semifinal game in the fourth quarter, but at the same time I’m very proud of our overall defensive effort on the year and they will continue to improve.”
The team recorded nine interceptions, with senior defensive back Kole Zarbano tallying six. The team also had nine sacks this season.
The ‘Hounds credit their offensive line for their success.
“Winning teams run the football, and they are able to run the football when everybody knows you’re going to run the football, that’s what a good culture does and that’s what we want to establish,” Webb said. “Both of those two did a really good job all year but it really starts with the offensive line and I’m really proud of the way we ran the ball this year.”
After senior quarterback Matthew Walter broke his collarbone against Benton Oct. 4. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Dredge led the team through eight games tallying eight touchdowns.
“I’m very excited about our quarterback position moving forward,” Webb said. “Jackson Dredge has done an outstanding job as a sophomore filling in the shoes of a senior (Walter) that has a long rehab and was out for the most part of the season. Jackson stepped up and did some really good things and I’m excited about seeing him develop and lead this team in the future.”
Looking back on this season and the senior class, Webb had one last thing to say to them.
“Thank you for everything you did, you’re part of a great tradition and we talk every year that tradition never graduates,” Webb said. “They’ll never graduate and they certainly have a large part of this culture.”
Northwest volleyball senior middle hitter Abby Brunssen prepares for an attack during the Bearcats’ five-set loss to Nebraska-Kearney Nov. 15.
KENDYL LAY PHOTOGRAPHER
Maryville football running back Canon Creason rushes down the field during the Hounds’ Nov. 15 victory over Cameron.
LILLY HALLMON MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER
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DAKOTA OSWALT NEWS EDITOR
Infographics by
ALLI DUARTE COPY EDITOR
A full version of these stories, plus more local crime stories, are available online at NWMISSOURINEWS.COM TRIGGER WARNING These
CASE CLOSED?
University ranked among the safest, crime still surfaces
Northwest has been deemed the seventh safest college in Missouri for 2025 by Niche, a company that provides various rankings for college. It was the safest in 2020, according to Your Local Security.
Even with its reputation for safety, the University and its surrounding communities have not been completely shielded from danger within. Maryville residents of all ages — whether they lived in the area permanently or just for their college years — have been affected by major crimes in the past. Some of these crimes have even made their way into books and documentaries, many receiving national news coverage.
NW alum recounts 1972 murder of her family, talks ongoing coping process
One crime occurred west of Conception Junction, Missouri.
The Merrigan family, consisting of Marion and Kathleen, and two of their children, Helen and William, were found murdered Oct. 11, 1972.
There was one surviving member of the family — 18-year-old Sue Merrigan, now Sue Dorrel, who had just begun her freshman year at Northwest. She got a call, and found some family members awaiting her. They put her in the car and started driving before she was told.
“I kept kind of pestering them, then they just said ‘something’s happened to your family,’” Dorrel said. “And I said, ‘Who?’ And they said, ‘Well, all of them.’ And I said, ‘What?’ And they said, ‘Well, they’re not alive. They’re dead.’”
Dorrel said she felt shocked
Murder of Tess Hilt remains unsolved after over 50 years of investigations
The following year, in 1973, 22-year-old Teresa “Tess” Hilt, a Northwest graduate student, was found murdered in her room in College Garden Apartments, now Campus View Apartments. She had attended a party the night of Aug. 3, and returned home Aug. 4, around 1 a.m., according to the Maryville Forum.
One of the last people to see Hilt alive, Ed Happel, was also the one to find her lying face down in her bed. She had been strangled and stabbed over 10 times.
Polygraph tests were performed on Happel and other men, but all were cleared of involvement, according to the Forum archives. Tips didn’t seem to lead anywhere and the investigation slowed. By 1989, the evidence had
been exposed to water, causing it to be destroyed. The original case file was missing, and while a slim file was found later, little progress could be made.
In 2009, Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong worked as a detective on the case, along with Maryville Public Safety Detective Ryan Glidden. They followed leads and conducted interviews, but found no substantial evidence. The FBI was involved in the investigation at a few different points throughout the years.
The original investigators didn’t have the same technology used today, and many people alive during the original investigation are now deceased, which Glidden said is difficult.
“(You’ve) got to keep in mind it was over 50 years ago now,”
Glidden said.
Michall Holmes knew Hilt and is determined to keep her memory alive. He described her as an outgoing and sociable person.
“Imagine the absolutely best known girl on campus, not necessarily the most popular, but everybody knows who she is,” Holmes said. “So if you can imagine that at Northwest, where you are now, that’s what Tess was.”
About 12 years ago, Holmes created the Justice for Tess website which allows patrons to submit tips to help solve the case.
He said all tips are reported directly to the MPD.
“There aren’t words to explain how happy I would be just to finally know who and why,” Holmes said. “Tess was a good kid…she had a marvelous personality, great sense of humor.”
upon learning of their murder.
She took time off from school for a few weeks as officials worked.
While she didn’t want to go back to school, her family members and professors urged her to.
Officials found the murderer to be 15-year-old Benedict Kemper, who Dorrel said was in the same class as her brother William.
Kemper admitted to the murders, according to Justia Law. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, being found guilty on four counts murder in the first degree.
“I don’t even know if I was relieved, I don’t know if I was angry,” Dorrel said. “Again, I think it took a long time — I’m talking months — before I can say that I could even feel emotions.”
Over time, Dorrel worked through feelings, starting a family
and pursued an education career. Kemper’s parole hearings meant Dorrel had to speak against his release, sparking anger.
Dorrel said working with children surfaced a joy she wanted in her life. She began talking to people about what she was facing, and decided she wanted change.
“After several parole hearings, I had decided I was just so full of anger, and that wasn’t who I was,” Dorrel said. “So I decided I (had to) go to prison and meet with him. I’ve got to confront him.”
Talking to Kemper encouraged Dorrel to work on forgiveness. She doesn’t focus on how her family died, but how they lived.
“Well, life’s too short,” Dorrel said. “Don’t take things for granted...Cherish the moments you have. Live in the moment.”
Leader of the Mosaic Medical Center Auxiliary Board Sue Dorrel begins a meeting by introducing herself and going over the agenda Nov. 12.
NATHAN NODA PHOTOGRAPHER
Teresa “Tess” Hilt served as the Index Editor for Tower Yearbook prior to her murder Aug. 4, 1973. She was found lying face down in her apartment.
Sorority observes week to honor life of sister whose was murdered in 1995
Another Northwest student, then-senior 22-year-old Karen Hawkins, was sexually assaulted and killed in April 1995 by 24-year-old Dennis Lee Jones. Hawkins was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma-Alpha Epsilon Chapter.
Jones hanged himself in July 1995 at the Nodaway County Jail before he could go to trial. He had been charged with murder, felonious restraint, rape and sodomy related to Hawkins’ death, according to News-Press Now.
Strong was an investigator on Hawkins’ case. It was his first homicide investigation, and it was tough for him because he knew Hawkins and her family.
Investigators found her car in a parking lot, where Strong said a substantial amount of evidence.
“We got down there, and when
I looked inside the car, I’d been around enough to know — and I’d been a medic — that there’s a good possibility we’re working (a) homicide,” Strong said.
Jones was brought in as a suspect since he’d been out for drinks with Hawkins the evening prior.
Strong said his behavior marked him as a person of interest.
Shortly into the interview,
Jones started confessing to dumping Hawkins’ body in a river. His admission gave Strong leads on where the assault took place . Jones gave a full confession later.
Sigma-Alpha Epsilon Chapter invites Strong to present in memory of Hawkins’ every year.
“It’s emotional,” Strong said.
“When I first started doing it, I couldn’t get through it without my voice cracking up.”
Julianna Marshall is the presi-
dent of operations for Sigma Sigma Sigma-Alpha Epsilon Chapter. Strong’s presentation is a part of Karen Hawkins Memorial Week.
During this week, the sorority memorializes their sister by taking self-defense classes with the University Police Department, fundraising for North Star Advocacy Center and hosting a silent memorial walk around campus.
“The thing that I learned the most from it is just to kind of live through your everyday life… go be adventurous because she (Hawkins) was just a very outgoing, bubbly person who would always say yes to everything,” Marshall said. “And I’ve learned that, through her story, you never know what’s going to happen, and so just always live life to its fullest potential.”
Daisy Coleman case continues to gain national attention, impacts community
One case put Maryville into the national headlines. It was later developed into a Netflix documentary titled “Audrie & Daisy,” and a subsequent short film called “Saving Daisy.”
On the night of Jan. 8, 2012, 14-year-old Daisy Coleman was allegedly raped at a house in town by 17-year-old Matthew Barnett.
Coleman was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, and unable to consent under Missouri law, according to ABC News. Barnett admitted to having intercourse with Coleman but said it was consensual and she was not drunk. However, Coleman consistently said she had been drinking before sneaking out to meet Barnett and his friends at his house.
Coleman allegedly blacked out for the majority of the night, and
University student killed in 2012 attack still remembered by fraternity brother
Later the same year, Northwest lost another student. Senior Tomarken “T.O.” Smith was killed outside of Molly’s Party Club — where Shooters bar now sits — Sept. 14, 2012, at age 21. Smith was a beloved member on campus, involved in several activities from Residential Life to Sigma Phi Epsilon-Missouri Lambda Chapter. He was killed due to an altercation in front of the Maryville club. Two men from Bethany — then 32-year-old Kevin Mooney and then 24-year-old Tony Overlin — both pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. They served six years in prison.
Smith was at the club with his friend, then-senior Colby Morris, who spoke with the Missourian after the incident.
Morris said Smith tried to
stop one of the two attackers from dancing with one of Smith’s friends, who happened to be a woman. The attackers waited for Smith outside the bar.
Brandon Zenner was a friend of Smith’s and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon-Missouri Lambda Chapter. Smith was one of the first people Zenner met on campus.
He said finding out about Smith’s death was one of the most difficult moments of his life. He said a piece of him, and the fraternity, was ripped out.
“I still think about Tomarken (Smith) in passing all the time, more than you’d imagine, and it’s been over 12 years now,” Zenner said. “Something random will happen throughout my day, and Tomarken will just come up. But I think that’s a good thing…he was that kind of person, some-
body that you want to be able to keep their spirit alive, be able to think of. Tomarken is still very present in, I think, a lot of us.”
Embodying Smith’s spirit is something Zenner tries to do. He said Smith was a joyful person, making every situation positive.
A few months after his death, over 200 people gathered at the Bell of ‘48 to honor Smith’s life.
Smith’s family was present at the ceremony. They thanked the community for its support.
Then-Student Senate president Riley Ziemer rang the bell 21 times as a representation of Smith’s age at the time of his death.
“Tomarken was just incredibly special,” Zenner said. “We say it with a lot of people, (they) leave us too early, but Tomarken was, I mean, that’s just who he was.”
when she woke up, she was lying in her front yard in freezing temperatures.When she was discovered, her mother realized something else might have happened, so she reported the incident.
Eventually, Barnett pleaded guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child, receiving no jail time, and two years’ probation, according to CNN.
Former Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White, who worked on the case, was interviewed in the Netflix documentary “Audrie and Daisy.” Comments he made in the film sparked backlash.
“You know, unfortunately, you have a lot of people involved in this that are running around, telling a lot of stories,” White said in the documentary. “You know, and without pointing fingers…it serves
to benefit people’s causes by making a lot of things up that really didn’t happen and really doesn’t exist. But don’t underestimate the need for attention. Especially young girls.” White was not reelected to the position in 2016, and he ran unsuccessfully in 2020 and 2024. Current Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong replaced him. Coleman died by suicide Aug. 4, 2020. During his run for office that year, White made comments to the Maryville Forum. saying he thought Coleman may have committed suicide in order to keep him from winning.
Before Coleman’s death, she was an advocate for sexual assault victims. She cofounded SafeBAE, an organization that works to prevent sexual violence, specifically among teens.
NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
A woman holds a “Support Daisy for justice” sign during an Oct. 22, 2013, protest for Daisy Coleman outside the Nodaway County Courthouse. FILE
Karen Hawkins’ car was located outside of BJ’s Bar, now Clear Creek Bar & Grill, hours after her April 21, 1995 murder. Blood and hair were found inside.
SUBMITTED
Students gather at the Bell Tower to hear then-Northwest President John Jasinski speak at Tomarken “T.O.” Smith’s vigil on Sept. 14, 2012.
What precautions do you take to stay safe?
GURSHEEN
SOOD Junior Biology/Psychology
“Staying on campus, firstly, because I don’t have a car…I usually have a small weapon, which is a pocket knife, with me. I do carry pepper spray. Obviously, at night, I keep my phone on me, my headphones out so I’m aware of my surroundings. My phone should be charged. ”
“None, I’ll be honest. I grew up in a small town, so precautions weren’t really taught. I kind of just live.”
“I usually lock my door in my dorm, making sure my blinds are closed at home… Coming from a smaller town, you usually don’t see a lot of crime, so usually I’m just pretty low key with that, and I’m not always super worried
Maryville isn’t immune to crime; students should prioritize safety
“It’s a lot bigger deal to our community than it is to a large city.”
This is what Maryville Public Safety Detective Sgt. Ryan Glidden said while speaking about crime in small towns.
Just because we live in a small town does not mean we are safer from crime of any kind. It is still possible for crime to happen, and it is just as important to keep yourself safe here as it is anywhere else.
There are conversations all the time about what locations have higher crime rates or are safer to live in. Each year, new lists are made that rank the safest and least safest cities to live in. Looking at these lists, it’s clear that the largest cities have higher crime rates, while rural areas are listed as safer.
However, this does not always mean you should leave your doors unlocked or put yourself in dangerous situations. Maryville is in the 82nd percentile for safety. This means 82% of cities are more dangerous than Maryville and 18% are safer.
Taking in these numbers, it is easy to brush off the fear of danger, but this could change with one person moving into town.
Look at the nearby city of Skidmore, Missouri, for example. This notably smaller town, having nearly 10,000 fewer citizens than Maryville, is in the 62nd percentile for safety. Population has little to do with safety.
When living in areas with higher crime rates it is common to take precautions in order to increase safety.
These precautions and others should not be any less utilized while living in a small town. Crime is still possible, and it is just as important to stay safe.
Optimistic bias is a common belief that negative events are less likely to happen to one’s self or people close to them, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Nothing prevents crime from happening to any person. It is just as important to stay safe in Maryville as it is anywhere else. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan if a situation does not feel safe. Travel in groups whenever possible, especially in isolated areas, and have a person who lives nearby that you feel safe to go to when you need help.
Unlike larger cities, Maryville does not have all of the same resources available to help individuals escape dangerous situations, an example being public transportation. However, this does not mean there are not
manageable precautions that can be made. It is also important to be aware of past crimes. Do not disregard a crime that happened 50 years ago any less than one that happened two years ago.
In 2022 there were a total of 233 serious crimes in Maryville, according to the Maryville Department of Public Safety. At least 27 were reported as violent crimes.
Even as many of us travel home for winter break keep this in mind — no matter where you are heading. Do not skip the necessary and simple precautions to stay safe, no matter who you are, your location or the time of day.
Social media theories don’t give you the right to attack others
ALLI DUARTE Copy Editor @alli_son_d
There have been many instances in which the indirect victims — significant others, parents and other family members — of popularized unsolved crime
cases are heavily judged because of the way they act in the media.
I find it appalling how often people will automatically begin attacking the people close to a
victim — be it in a case of murder or disappearance — just because of how their emotions are portrayed in a Netflix documentary or news story.
Yes, there are many cases where the crime was committed by someone with a close relationship with the victim. However, it is not up to the general public to be the absolute authority on who is guilty. Especially when all of the “evidence” is in how the indirect victims present themselves in the media.
You can have your theories.
Sometimes your theories may end up being correct. However, I will never be in support of those who feel the need to personally attack a mother speaking at a press plea about her missing child for not crying enough, and accuse her of trying to cover for murdering them. I cannot support those who criticize a man for not sounding as panicked as they think he should have in a 911 call, and insist he must have been the one to murder his brother.
Grief and emotions are not linear and they are not “one size fits all.” Not everyone will react to traumatic experiences in the same way. People cope in different ways.
Denial and avoidance in coping are not the same thing as apathy and indifference. You as a secondhand receiver of information and circumstances do not get to be the bringer of judgement.
Between all of the different
people passing judgment, there will never be one right way for the indirect victim to react. If they’re not being too cool and controlled to actually be a victim, then they’re being too emotional and must be covering something up.
In the age of social media, it is so much easier for people to dig into the personal lives of strangers and pick apart every single thing they’ve ever said looking for “proof.” All it takes is one word or action that plants the seed of a theory in someone’s mind. Within seconds they are sifting through every post the victim’s family member has ever made and may continue to make, scrutinizing every word. Imagine your best friend suddenly goes missing, and you don’t act at all like your peers or coworkers expect you to. Your peers continuously stare and whisper, asking why you aren’t reacting how they think you should. Your peers start bringing up every fight you’ve had, every rumor they’ve heard and remotely negative comments you’ve made. Everyone’s favorite thing to do is ask if you have something to do with your friend’s disappearance or if you killed your friend. How someone externally presents themselves to the world in the face of trauma and grief should not be the solitary nail in the coffin for an automatic guilty verdict from the public.
ANNA CASE CARTOONIST
JOHNNA PETERSON Sophomore Business Education
DALTON WRIGHT Freshman Agricultural Business
‘Senior for a Santa’ continues successes
ASTRE
With the holiday season upon us, many people are out grabbing presents for families, but not everyone has a family who is able to buy them gifts.
Home Instead, an in-home senior care company, has set up Christmas trees at two businesses in Maryville: Rapid Elite and The Kitchen and Bath Source. On these trees, anyone can pick up a paper light bulb with small gift requests from those who get care from the Home Instead Maryville branch.
Terrilynn Wilson, a customer service representative at Rapid Elite, said one of her former coworkers at Rapid Elite also works for Home Instead and recommended setting up a tree. Since the start of the program, it has had great success, with the tree running out of bulbs multiple times.
Wilson said she had not heard of the program before this, but thought it was a kind idea. She said it is a good way to show care and compassion for those in the community who may not have family who can get them Christmas gifts.
“I knew the ones (programs) for kids and families was out there,” Wilson said. “It’s just a nice thing to do for the seniors.”
She said initiatives like this show the care humans can have for one another. She said many people have come in — not previously knowing about the program — and taken a bulb.
Wilson said it’s nice to share the holiday spirit with the seniors, and it makes both the participants and recipients feel good. She said it’s also just nice to know the community wants to participate in programs like this.
Owner of Kitchen and Bath Source, Michelle Wickersham, also had a tree set up at the front door of her store. She said she had seen the tree set up in previous years at Sears Hometown Stores Inc., prior to its closing in 2022, and wanted to take up the tradition.
Wickersham said it is important these senior citizens know someone cares about them. She also said it feels good to be able to give to the community and share holiday cheer, she said.
“Our family always participated in it, and adopted seniors every year,” Wickersham said. “We reached out to Home Instead to tell them that we would like to do the tree and sponsor the program.”
Wickersham said programs like these are something she always encourages people to get involved in, if they can. Whether it’s for a family, a child, an animal or a senior, a little kindness, she said, can mean the world to someone.
Wickersham said her tree had seven bulbs left, and
Home Instead has no more to deliver to them after the seven are gone. Wilson said her tree had a total of three left, and the rest have been picked up by customers. After these 10 bulbs are gone, all seniors who made a list for the program will have been “adopted” by a community member.
These experiences, along with what he witnessed as a detective — autopsies and murder victims, particularly those involving children — had emotional impacts on him.
“Some people say, ‘Well, you get used to it, don’t you?’...You don’t get used to it,” Strong said. “You cope with it, and sometimes your coping skills suck. If you look at law enforcement as a whole, you have a high alcoholism, you have a high divorce rate, you have a high suicide rate, so I consider myself to be a survivor to get through that.”
Looking on the other side, Strong said his favorite part about working in law enforcement is the camaraderie with the people he works with every day.
Another rewarding aspect for Strong is saving children who suffered abuse. He said freeing those children and seeing justice served is a gratifying feeling that can’t be put into words.
As for the Sheriff’s Department, Strong said he will miss being in the middle of what’s going on, but he’s feeling good about Captain Austin Hann tak-
ing over as Sheriff at the beginning of the new year. He said making the decision to walk away has been emotional, but he’s at peace with it.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve them (Nodaway County), and I’m glad that they put their faith in me,” Strong said. “I have worked hard to fulfill that obligation of the Sheriff and to be there for them, and I’m grateful that they elected me and gave me the opportunity to do that.”
Strong will use his retirement to devote more time to his wife, children and grandchildren. He will also spend more time delving into his hobbies. As a firearms enthusiast, he belongs to two shooting clubs. Strong also has plans to get back into the arts, specifically photography.
Overall, Strong said he has great stories from his career in law enforcement, some of which can be told in public and others that cannot.
“It’s been an adventure,” Strong said. “I’m glad that I went into this line of work. It came with its baggage, but, man, it’s been a ride. You know, I’ve been to the Oval Office, I’ve traveled to different states, met some really interesting people…it’s been a ride.” SHERIFF CONTINUED FROM A1
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“We started stockpiling all kinds of different cookware and things like that so when a student doesn’t have something, they can come here and get it,” Hajiyev said. “It’s kind of like (the) desk in your residence halls, but since they are closed, it will be here.”
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Brock said Benjamin Clowdus brings a sense of community to the store.
One of Benjamin Clowdus’ favorite aspects of playing the instruments in front of Scooter’s Coffee is learning about
A list of events held over breaks
Cooking utensils
Travel itineraries and shuttles
The Safe Ride Home Program
*Resources are provided by the International Involvement Center.
The IIC does not only offer kitchen utensils, but for international students, it offers the opportunity to travel wherever the students choose to go with their saved-up money. IIC will plan the itinerary as well as a shuttle to and from the airport and can help find somewhere that fits within each student’s budget.
Students staying on campus are not just paying for personal expenses like groceries and outings. Campus made a change this year, taking away daily fees to stay over the Thanksgiving break. However, it is keeping the $4 charge a day for winter break. Ngcobo said this change has affected her budget.
“It is helpful, but it is a week versus a month,” Ngcobo said. “I am going to be paying more to stay a month than I am a week. I know a lot of people that can’t go home because they can’t afford to.”
the many people he meets, and forming the aforementioned sense of community.
While he has received monetary tips from people in the past, he said he doesn’t perform for the money.
“I’m just basically looking for a friend,” Clowdus said. “I suppose that’s why I play.”
Paper light bulb ornaments are labeled with names and gifts that customers of local businesses can buy to support
Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong’s badge is pinned upon his uniform. Strong comes from a family of law enforcement where both of his uncles and his son held positions in law enforcement.
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
‘It’s been a ride’
Sheriff Strong to officially retire
After a lengthy career in law enforcement, Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong will officially retire at the end of the year.
Once students at Northwest, Strong and his wife were art majors. They both hoped to become art teachers some day.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve them (Nodaway County), and I’m glad that they put their faith in me,”
RANDY STRONG
NODAWAY COUNTY SHERIFF
However, the approaching arrival of their first child during their tenure at the University meant Strong needed to add a job on top of his studies, so he started working on the county’s ambulance service. He said he became one of the first licensed paramedics in Missouri.
Strong comes from a family of law enforcement, and through the ambulance work, he met police officers who asked him to consider applying for an open position. He applied, and while he started working with the Maryville Police Department part-time, he eventually decided to go in full-time.
“It was really difficult to maintain going as a student full time and then working full time, and especially doing shift work,” Strong said. “And then with our first child, it would just become impossible for me to do that.”
Considering the difficulties of working full-time and being a full-time student, Strong decided to continue his work with MPD. Eventually, in 1991, he became a detective for Maryville. Shortly after, he worked as a special deputized U.S. Marshal on the case United States v. Emery. He worked with other task forces and agencies as well before his retirement from the city in 2012.
Around the time of his initial retire-
ment as detective, people began approaching Strong, asking him to run for Nodaway County Sheriff. After speaking with his wife, Strong decided to step into the political world and run for office in 2016. He has won two consecutive sheriff terms since.
“It was really, incredibly difficult,” Strong said. “It was an eye-opening experience for me, but we got in with the blessing of the people. And I’m grateful for everybody that supported me through that.”
One of Strong’s main goals in his first term as Sheriff was changing the culture at the department. He said when he ran for his second term, he won by a landslide and was flattered at the support he received from both Republicans and Democrats.
Now, Strong, who turned 69 years old last month, is ready to officially retire. Two of the hardest parts of working in law enforcement for him have been the trauma and daily obstacles he faced.
When he first started out in the ambulance, Strong saw people with horrific injuries. He said he didn’t understand the effects of trauma at the time, and it wasn’t until later on in his career that it became normalized in the field to seek professional help.
Townsman inspires community with his music performances outside local shop
The sun is rising as Maryville residents arrive at Scooter’s Coffee for their morning cup of Joe. The smell of espresso beans isn’t the only thing wafting through the air; the sound of a melodious tune of an ocarina can sometimes be heard, giving customers an extra pick-me-up.
Benjamin Clowdus, a townsman who works at Best Brands Plus, plays the ocarina and violin outside of Scooter’s Coffee almost every morning during the warmer months. He takes breaks when the temperature dips below 55 degrees, but frequent customers know he’ll be back in the springtime, playing as he has for the past few years.
Benjamin Clowdus began playing the ocarina in the spring of 2020, when his mother, Nancy Clowdus, became sick. He said he would practice for about an hour a day. Eventually, his mother encouraged him to practice outside of the house, so he started playing in parks. He began visiting a dif-
ferent park to play during his daily lunch break, before moving his performances to public sidewalks, in front of stores in town.
Nancy Clowdus died in July 2020, and Benjamin Clowdus plays in her memory, as well as for other causes important to him. “I play for the suffering over-
seas…I play for my mom,” Benjamin Clowdus said. “You cannot believe how many people come up to me and talk to me, (and) tell me their story.”
Benjamin Clowdus didn’t begin learning the violin until May of this year. It took him a few months to become proficient in playing the instrument, but he overcame the challenge quickly.
When he’s playing, Benjamin Clowdus said it’s almost like he enters a dreamlike state. He said it feels like a woman is singing to him — touching his heart — while he imagines tears falling down his cheeks.
“When I’m playing, in the moment, it’s like you’re in a trance,” Benjamin Clowdus said. “(It’s) like you’re daydreaming while you’re playing.”
Myah Brock is an assistant manager at Scooter’s Coffee. When Benjamin Clowdus first started performing in front of the shop, Brock said she thought it was brave of him to do that in front of people, especially strangers.
Winter break is quickly approaching, and students have many requirements to complete before they can go home for their respective holidays; some students simultaneously prepare to spend their break on campus.
Those who decide to stay on campus over winter break have resources available to help them while the campus is empty. The bulk of resources come from the International Involvement Center, located on the first floor of B.D. Owens Library.
Mahammad Hajiyev, a student success and outreach coordinator for the IIC, said it tries to make breaks as easy as possible for students who are staying on campus, the majority of whom are international students.
“I email all of the international students with a list of hours for all of the places that students might need while staying here over break,” Hajiyev said. “We are working on extending the Safe Ride’s hours on Sunday nights due to popular demand.”
Students who are not international students can request this information from the IIC. These students can also request information on specific events the IIC is planning for those who are staying on campus.
Over Thanksgiving break, Hajiyev said the IIC had planned a game night and a Thanksgiving dinner during the holiday to give students a reason to leave their vacant residence halls. It intends to do similar events for the upcoming break.
Tanya Unathi Ngcobo, a second-year international student from South Africa, said she budgets money to have a cushion to fall back on over the break.
“In the past, a group of us had gotten together and contributed money in shopping, and then we would get a bunch of food that we could all share over break,” Ngcobo said. “I do my best to save up during the semester, but on-campus jobs are not active over breaks, so I have to be very careful with my money.”
For meals made in the residence hall, students may find themselves without the proper cooking utensils, since their residence hall desks are closed. Hajiyev said this is something the IIC is working on including as a resource for students.
Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong will officially retire at the end of the year after serving over 45 years in law enforcement. Strong plans to focus on photography and his family during his retirement
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
ZOEY SMITH Missourian Reporter | @TheMissourian