On a cold and rainy spring day, the Bearcat family both mourned and celebrated the life of former Northwest President Dean L. Hubbard.
which
the
The day of events began at 10:30 a.m. April 4 in the Mary Linn Auditorium of the Ron Houston Performing Arts Center, where the public was welcomed to a celebration of life. Following this was a private lunch for the Hubbard family, of which many attended. To fi a bell ringing ceremony was held at 1:30 p.m. at the Bell of ’48.
Vice President of University Advancement Mike Johnson officiated the celebration of life. He began the morning by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate.
“It is my sincere honor to be officiating today’s celebration of life here in this place with Dean’s beautiful family, with faithful friends and colleagues all coming here together today in gratitude for countless memories,” Johnson said.
Proceeding Johnson’s opening speech, where he shared multiple accomplishments of Hubbard’s life, Northwest President Lance Tatum was welcomed to the stage.
CEREMONY | A4
Mass rallies held across U.S., group leader talks
Protests and rallies erupted across the U.S. April 5 in disapproval of SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s actions since Trump started his second term.
TikTok is full of videos and livestreams from across the country, including Kansas City, Missouri, capturing these protests. Founder/Group Leader for Indivisible Kansas City Beverly Harvey led and organized the rally in Kansas City, Missouri.
“The goal is to save democracy; plain and simple,” Harvey said.
The mass protests were promoted by the “Hands Off!” movement — a message to Trump and Musk, telling them to get their hands off the country and government. It was one of the largest single-day protests since Trump started his second term, with more than 1,000 cities involved nationally, as well as cities overseas. Canadian citizens were seen protesting at the American and Canadian border.
Indivisible Kansas City started after Harvey went to a rally and said she found there was no central place for locals to receive information about other rallies.
SEE PROTESTS | A4
FUTURE OF FUEL
Evergy announces plans to build gas plant south of town
Ewatt natural gas plant o Highway 71 south of Maryville, south of the existing Mullin Creek Substation.
vergy — a power proMi ss ou ri — r ec en tl y announced plans to build a 440 megawatt natural gas plant off U.S. 71 south of Maryville, Substation Evergy Vice President of Deof facilitie retail customers of the While s costs for w must be reasonable and for it to be Pu b lic C sion. He said now PSC is Evergy pl a ensure receives a ce of convenience and nec
Evergy Vice President of Development Jason Humphrey said the plant — which is called Mullin Creek #1 — is a simple-cycle peaking gas plant, meaning it uses natural gas to generate electricity. This project also includes two other plants set to operate in Kansas. All three plants are expected to begin operations in 2029 and 2030, according to Evergy.
This project is made possible by Missouri’s recent passage of Senate Bill 4, which repeals certain provisions regarding penalties and violations for federally mandated natural gas safety standards. Humphrey said the bill provides a competitive way for Evergy to cover certain costs.
“What Senate Bill 4 allows us to do is kind of help pay for those financing costs along the way,” Humphrey said. “Our shareholders and debt holders still provide the capital, but they start getting a return on those construction costs a little bit earlier in the project, and that helps lower the overall cost of the projects, as we don’t have as much financing cost, which at the end of the day, lowers the
cost of the new facilities for the retail customers of the utility.”
While Humphrey said he is unable to say what the specific costs for the projects will be, it must be reasonable and prudent for it to be approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission. He said right now, the MO PSC is reviewing Evergy’s application to build the plants and ensure it receives a certificate of convenience and necessity.
Humphrey said Evergy anticipates the impact to customer bills to align with the general inflation in the economy.
“The rate of inflation in the economy (has) been quite high here the last couple years, but generally we estimate it’s kind of in that two-four percent range,” Humphrey said. “We would say, on an annual basis, that would be about the impact to a customer bill (with) these plants.”
Humphrey said many community members have questions about the project, with some people concerned about how it may impact taxes and the economy. He said others worry the power will be sent to other geographical areas. Humphrey said he is happy to say Evergy is planning to build the plants to support its retail customer base, as well as the growth of Missouri’s economy.
A virtual public hearing was held at noon April 1, where multiple community members could provide personal testimonies for MO PSC’s record. ol
ANNA BAILEY ws Editor
X Ambassadors lead vocalist Sam Harris greets the audience before performing the band’s first song of the night at the Student Activities Council 2025 Spring Concert April 4. X Ambassadors is a pop rock band from Ithaca, New York.
Ni/Co vocalist Dani Brillhart performs a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Juno”. Ni/Co is a pop group from Los Angeles.
Ni/Co members Colton Jones and Dani Brillhart perform their song “On Purpose” April 4. Ni/Co began its career on YouTube before releasing its original music.
Ni/Co vocalist Colton Jones performs the duo’s original song “On Purpose” with vocalist Dani Brillhart. “On Purpose” has accrued over 5.6 million streams on Spotify.
X Ambassadors lead vocalist Sam Harris performs “BOOM” at the Northwest 2025 Spring Concert. “BOOM” peaked at No. 30 on Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay chart in 2019.
X Ambassadors lead vocalist Sam Harris performs “Renegades” from the band’s 2015 debut album “VHS”. “Renegades” peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Executive order targets public education
President Donald Trump declared an executive order March 20 to shut down the Department of Education and return the issue of education to the states, and some Northwest education majors have expressed their concern.
Just one week prior to the order, 21 states had already blocked Trump’s attempt to dismantle the department, according to the Democracy Docket.
Elementary education major junior Kaylence Cook said the executive order is something her social studies class recently discussed. She explained aspects of education have always been up to the states, while federal funding is what the order seeks to change.
An excerpt from an Associated Press article aligns with this statement, confirming states and districts already have control over curriculum, while federal money is what’s actually on the line.
“I think that it’s (federal funding cuts) going to shut down schools and teachers are going to (get laid off from) the jobs when we need teachers the most,” Cook said.
Cook said she has thought about how this order might affect her post-graduation, especially as she considers teaching in a rural school. She said she is unsure if the school she plans to teach at will still exist once she graduates.
Similarly, freshman Evelyn Stotler is an elementary education major who hoped to stay in Missouri to teach, but she said it generally being a republican-leaning state worries her.
“I still want to be able to help students the best that I can, but I do think it will be hard with funding and all of that to make sure that every student is getting the best care that they can have,” Stotler said. “It is a concern, but I’m still wanting to show up for my students and try my best.”
When it comes to people interested in pursuing a degree in education — and even current teachers — Stotler said they might move to blue states or out of the Midwest entirely. She said being a teacher is already a tough job, and this move could make it worse.
Likewise, Cook said this might have a larger impact on how people value education than they may realize.
“I think it’s going to drop the education rates,” Cook said.
Public universities, such as Northwest, also receive federal funding — both for the institutions themselves and for their students.
Northwest’s Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick said her office has little to share about the situation beyond what has already been reported in the press. She said while the executive order has been made, the Department of Education cannot be fully elim-
inated without congressional approval.
“President Trump directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reduce its size and transfer key functions to other agencies,” Carrick said in an email to the Missourian. “Trump’s plan involves shifting federal student loan oversight to the Small Business Administration and special education services to the Department of Health and Human Services.”
Carrick said Northwest leadership continues to monitor the situation and evaluate potential impacts, many of which she said are unknown at this time.
While not all states are on board with the removal of the Department of Education, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said he supports
Trump’s move, according to KFVS-TV.
In an email to the Missourian, White House Assistant Press Secretary Elizabeth Huston shared a statement made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding the issue.
“President Trump is doing everything within his executive authority to dismantle the Department of Education and return education back to the states while safeguarding critical functions for students and families such as student loans, special needs programs, and nutrition programs,” Leavitt said in the statement.
“The President has always said Congress has a role to play in this effort, and we expect them to help the President deliver.”
Not Your Mama’s offers prom dress rental
A night of dancing, shimmering lights, photo booths, crowned royalty and memories is the dream prom night for some girls.
Jen Chapman, owner of Not Your Mama’s consignment store, said she wants to ensure every girl can have the perfect dress for their perfect night. That’s why she offers prom dress rentals at her store at 423 N. Market St. Chapman said to rent a dress, a person must sign a contract and pay a small fee. She said if the dress is returned in good condition, most of the money will be returned to the customer, so they only pay for the dry cleaning. She does not profit from the rentals. Along with the dress, customers can also borrow shoes from the store to complete the look.
“The prom dress rental program is my way of giving back to Maryville,” Chapman said. “Maryville has been so awesome. We just moved here in August, (and) we opened the store in December. Everybody’s
been so welcoming, so encouraging for the store.”
She said growing up with a single mom, she understands not every girl has the opportunity to buy an expensive prom dress. Chapman said she was
able to give her daughter a nice prom dress and wants other girls to have that experience as well.
She said there is someone at the local high school working with boys who may not have
suits for proms. She has donated some suits to them to help out. Chapman has also decided not to offer accessories beyond shoes due to the complications of selling used jewelry.
“All you’re really out (mon-
program
ey wise) is your hair, your makeup and your jewelry,” Chapman said. “I mean, that’s a big price thing right there for girls.”
Chapman said her store also prevents dresses from sitting in closets and collecting dust while the owner does not know what to do with them.
She said while some people donated the dresses available, she bought many of them with money from her own pocket. She has multiple sizes, ranging from size small to 4X (26), and some jumpsuits for those looking for options without a skirt.
The rentals don’t have to be exclusively for prom; Chapman said someone recently rented a dress for a gala. Anyone can come in and try on some dresses to find something they feel beautiful in. She said anyone who may want to rent can call the store for an appointment and prices.
“There’s people that still don’t even know about the store, so they don’t know about the program,” Chapman said. “We do want to do this next year too, so it’s something we want to continue in the future.”
Not Your Mama’s Store Owner Jenny Chapman rents out dresses for prom and other occasions at 423 N. Market St. Chapman started renting out dresses at the beginning of February and plans to continue into May.
LILLY HALLMON PHOTOGRAPHER DAKOTA OSWALT
INFOGRAPHIC BY JULIANNA LAWRENCE DESIGN EDITOR
SOURCE: USA FACTS
CRIME LOG
for the week of April 10
Maryville Department of Public Safety
April 7
There was an accident between Chase M. Dew 19, and Cassie C. Collins, 36, on U.S. Highway 71 and East South Avenue. Dew was charged with careless and imprudent driving.
April 5
There was a summons issued to Kali S. Peasley, 21, and Damo R. Nelson, 21, for disorderly conduct on the 300 block of North Market Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 1700 block of East First Street.
April 2
A bicycle was recovered at the 500 block of North Laura Street.
There was a summons issued to Conner M. Weeks 20, and Trey W. Potts, 19, for property damage on the 800 block of East Third Street.
April 1
There is an ongoing investigation for domestic disturbance on the 1700 block of East First Street.
March 31
There was an accident between Shadoe S. Miller, 35, and Holden Zigmant, 19, on North Market Street and East Fifth Street.
A check was recovered on the 200 block of South Water Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for a burglary on the 2000 block of East First Street.
March 27
A cellphone was recovered on the 2300 block of Chamee Drive.
There is an ongoing investigation for financial exploitation on the 300 block of James Avenue.
PROTESTS
CONTINUED FROM A1
Senate discusses DEI reimagination
ANNA BAILEY Asst. News Editor | @AmBailey16
The final diversity, equity and inclusion reimagination student listening session was held during the April 8 Student Senate meeting.
Within the listening session,
Senate Executive President Chloe DeVries posed six questions open to all attendees of the meeting to answer. These questions, which were also asked at the previous two DEI student listening sessions, covered a variety of topics.
Shay Malone, the assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, and Garrison Kennedy, student rights and responsibilities coordinator, were also present at this meeting.
The first question posed by DeVries focused on how the University can better support identity-based organizations.
International Rep. Tosin Popoola was the first to answer this question, he said the most important aspect is event participation.
“At the end of the day, if you want something or want someone to be there, you go to it,” Popoola said.
Continuing the topic, DeVries shared an idea that had been brought up at previous DEI student listening sessions. She said unless a student is heavily involved in or the president of an organization, they likely do not look at Involve to find events on campus.
“One idea that a group had was to make it like a Canvas site…and it’s a Canvas site that every undergraduate student is in, and then the presidents or the advisers could post announcements of when stuff is going on,” DeVries said.
The second and third questions asked by DeVries focused on how to raise awareness of minority cultures and how to support individuals in such cultures.
Some of the conversation topics which came from this
Harvey said a lot goes into planning a rally — the first part is finding a location. She said the organization was hoping to find a free place to gather because she has paid out of pocket for everything she’s done so far. Eventually, the group was able to find a location — the Kansas City Plaza. After finding it, they decided to host an informational meeting before the rally.
“We got to have protests because that’s visible, but we also need to educate people because there’s still a lot of people that don’t know who they can call, who they can write, what they can do,” Harvey said. “We’ve kind of combined that day with a meeting where we will help educate people on those things.”
Harvey said the Trump administration is destroying the country, and the protests and rallies are necessary for citizens to fight against it. She said Trump and Musk are dismantling the way of life in the U.S. and if people do not wake up and take action, they will be living in a country like Russia.
“We don’t have anyone to help us,” Harvey said. “It’s going to be up to the American people to stop this.” This isn’t the last mass rally that is planned to happen in the country. Several more have been scheduled for April 12 across the country. Any local dates have not been released as of April 8.
Harvey said the younger generations are key in these rallies. She said she is fighting to save the country for younger citizens, but they also need to be involved in the rallies and protests.
“It’s the young people that we’re trying to save this country for — those young people, their families, their children, their grandchildren,” Harvey said. “I’ve lived my life. I’ve had a wonderfully full life, but we’re doing this to save it for future generations.”
question included making information more accessible to students whose first language is not English or are not accustomed to living in America, and ways to make individuals of different cultures feel more comfortable.
A specific idea, brought up in question by Sophomore Class President Phillip Motazedi, was a required event for University Seminar that talks about DEI topics and allows students to learn proper terminology about
minority cultures.
Amid this topic of conversation, DeVries shared some insight she gained from a previous conversation.
“I was sitting down having a conversation…and they said, ‘Well one things that I’ve always said to people is if you don’t want to go to DEI events, or if you don’t feel comfortable in the Center for Global Engagement, or if you feel like that’s not your space, there’s a group of people
One man, Josh Moutray, said he lives directly across from the proposed gas site at Mullin Creek #1. His family began looking for a place to build their home in 2007, ultimately deciding the location as perfect.
“The past 14 years, we have poured every ounce of spare energy into our property, making it beautiful,” Moutray said during the hearing. “We (have) visions of a barn in the southeast corner to host family gatherings, landscaping projects planned, additions to the house planned and specific trees picked out to go into specific spots. The construction of a home never ends.”
Upon learning of Evergy’s plan for the natural gas plant near his home, Moutray said his and his family’s lives changed.
“From there, we began to research the health risks of living
that feel like the Center for Global Engagement is their only space on campus,’” DeVries said. DeVries said this conversation stuck with her. She advised Senate to, as leaders on campus, ask “why” if they hear someone complaining about being required to attend a DEI event.
The next question DeVries opened conversation with focused on how the University can provide services that address food and housing insecurities.
Junior Class Rep. Alora Bucey began the conversation by stating an opinion she said she feels strongly about. She said meal plans should not be required for students who live on campus.
A prominent topic, which was brought up by multiple senators, was the idea to have information sessions available to students where they could learn how to eat and cook on a budget, as well as how to apply for financial aid.
The final two questions were broader, opening the conversation to general improvements the University could make to ease student challenges.
Senior Class President Denise Neal shared an experience she had, which she said she knows multiple other students can relate to. She said accommodations need to be more easily accessible and the turnaround for them to be put into place should be quicker. In her own experience, Neal said, she attempted to gain accommodations seven times before being denied them.
“Having that literally stepby-step, I want them to dumb it down, I want every piece of information that we think wouldn’t even be useful,” Neal said. “I think that it is so important because… regardless of those seven times I submitted it, I still got denied.”
DeVries said all of the comments made in regards to the DEI student listening session will be brought to the DEI work group and then allocated to the appropriate University department to work on.
CEREMONY CONTINUED FROM A1
Tatum spent the majority of his speech expressing the legacy Hubbard left at Northwest.
Tatum said he is grateful to have sat down with Hubbard the previous month. The conversation, he said, was spent reminiscing and discussing their respective presidencies. Johnson then welcomed Maurice Huff, a graduate of Northwest’s 2000 class. Huff said he was able to meet Hubbard personally by chance one spring day. He said following that day, his experience at Northwest grew to heights he did not think were possible.
“Dr. Hubbard helped me understand that if you can visualize what you want in life, work hard at making those dreams come true, that anything in life is possible,” Huff said.
The final speaker was Ruthita Fike. Hubbard recruited Fike in 1978 to work as the director of institutional advancement at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Fike served until 1985.
Fike said while working for Hubbard, she saw his many unique talents early on.
“He was not just a star, but a whole constellation of strength, complexity and color, and he’s shown so brightly in our lives,” Fike said.
The bell ringing ceremony commenced later April 4, led by Tatum and Student Senate Executive President Chloe DeVries.
DeVries spent a few minutes summarizing Hubbard’s accomplishments. Following, she rang the Bell of ’48 25 times, once for each year Hubbard served as the University president.
“He believed in the power of education to transform lives, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that Northwest will always remain a place where students can dream, achieve and thrive,” DeVries said.
near a natural gas plant, and despite it being termed a clean energy source, it is not,” Moutray said. “It may be cleaner, but by no means is it clean. From methane exposure, carbon dioxide, oxides and nitrogen in the air, to the mercury in the water, we are in direct danger.”
Moutray said Evergy is changing the course of his family’s future, forcing them to choose between staying in their home and risking early mortality or packing up and starting over somewhere else.
Humphrey said he recognizes issues may come up from the MO PSC and others throughout the planning process, but Evergy’s main goal is enabling continued prosperity for its customers.
As for the environmental impacts, Humphrey said the power plants will burn natural gas, which has about half the carbon intensity as coal does. Humphrey said Evergy is us-
ing the newest, most advanced and most efficient combustion turbines available on the market for Mullin Creek #1. Due to that efficiency, the plant will provide the most electricity for the least amount of gas it possibly can.
He also said it will have stateof-the-art environmental controls on the back end to address the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
“I just want to say we’re really excited to partner with Nodaway County, the Maryville community and Northwest Missouri State (University) in particular,” Humphrey said. “We’ve been the retail electric provider for a very long time in northwestern Missouri, and we’re really, really happy to be investing in both construction jobs and tax base, but also long-term jobs at this plant as we help kind of invest in the infrastructure for our northwest Missouri friends.”
Student Senate Executive President Chloe DeVries leads the diversity, equity and inclusion reimagination listening session at the April 8 Senate meeting.
ALLY JEFFRIES PHOTOGRAPHER
Northwest alumnus Maurice Huff discusses his experiences with former Northwest President Dean L. Hubbard April 4.
NATHAN NODA ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
Protesting
cannot be
the only way to fight
Are the protests enough? Enough to combat the fear, the hatred and all the other mixed feelings happening. Are they enough?
I don’t have the answer to that. I don’t know if standing and showing how we feel will ever be enough, but it’s a protected freedom when done correctly.
This past weekend on April 5 was a day for nationwide protests. People have been naming them the “Hands Off!” protests — named for the wish for the current president to keep his hands off our government. Will it work? We have no idea; but I will say I’ve never felt more connected to people — to see the vast amount of people who feel the same as me, to see there are people who want to stand up for how they feel about the new administration. If we can even call it new anymore?
These protests come days after a record-breaking filibuster by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. The filibuster lasted 25 hours; 25 hours without ever repeating a point; 25 hours, and at the end of it all graciously gave up the floor.
The senator broke the previous longest filibuster record held by a racist who protested the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
The scary thing is the amount of backlash those protests and filibusters are accumulating. People threatening people’s lives because of a protected freedom — my bad, I forgot you only care when it pertains to the amendments you feel are important when they pertain to you.
I will never understand the blind hatred that is happening now. The hatred that is ripping families and friends apart. The hatred that is against everything ‘not normal’ and ‘wrong’. I will never understand the hurt and pain being caused and how people care so little about other people.
History class is something most of you skipped, and most of us never blinked an eye. However, now that history could repeat itself, it’s a little scary considering some of you don’t even know about what happened the first time.
Some people have never listened to the groundbreaking, record-smashing, Tonyaward-winning musical Hamilton written by the brilliant Lin Manuel Miranda — and God, does it show.
Almost a million people protested around the country this past weekend, and not one capitol was stormed — funny how that works.
Funny how it works when people are allowed to speak their minds. Funny how it works when half this country still thinks Germany warning us about fascism is a joke — it’s all just really funny — I just don’t know how to laugh about it anymore.
I don’t know what’s enough. I don’t know what to do after this. If someone could call the 17-yearold girl who leads the rebellion in every dystopian novel, that might be a good thing right about now.
Just a reminder that has nothing to do with anything: Adolf Hitler dismantled a democracy in 53 days — it’s been 73 days since Jan. 20.
THE STROLLER:
Your Bearcat is over repetitive reboots
As a big Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, your Bearcat is not excited in the least for the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps” release. How many times can we start over with the concept of the “first” Fantastic Four film?
I don’t even care that this is the first MCU attempt. It doesn’t matter. It’s still the same characters based on the same comics, and the first half of the movie will
probably still be the Fantastic Four acquiring their powers and figuring out how to deal with them.
This has to stop. The Fantastic Four do not need a “fantastic” four different variations of almost the same origin story.
Maybe I wouldn’t be as upset if the characters weren’t played by yet another entirely different cast. Don’t give me your facts on Hollywood and recasting things, they will not make me
any happier about the situation.
Your Bearcat is a fan of the original 2005 “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel, to include their cast.
“Chris Evans can’t be in a MCU ‘Fantastic Four,’ he was Captain America.” Oh, but they can cast Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom? Be so for real. I don’t even care that it’s been 20 years; Chris Evans could still own the role of Human Torch.
Also, how dare the creators
spring yet another cast on me already. I just got over the casting from the 2015 reboot. I mean, I made peace with Miles Teller as Mister Fantastic. On the other hand, whoever cast Kate Mara as Susan Storm needs a psychological evaluation. I’m not expecting this movie to be great or even good. I’m not excited. I don’t want it.
OUR VIEW:
Support for survivors must be constant; be accessible
Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted, according to RAINN.
Sexual assault is not a joke; it’s important to take the time to offer resources and support for anyone you know who has been impacted by sexual assault.
Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men have reported experiencing some form of sexual assault or harassment in their lifetime, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
It is the duty of our University to create a safe space for survivors of sexual assault — and not only during awareness months. There are spaces on campus, however, not everyone knows about them or what they offer.
Offices meant to provide support, such as Title IX and the Wellness Center, must be easily accessible and should promote their resources to students.
Survivors should not have to worry about finding the help they need while in a time of crisis.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with organizations holding events to show support, including Denim Day April 30. This month is meant to give survivors a platform to speak out and show others they aren’t
YOUR VIEW:
alone. Along with this, other organizations show their support through other events. Wellness Services hosts the annual Clothesline Project to display shirts designed by students to raise awareness. The Behavioral Sciences Association’s annual ‘I Will Listen’ mental health exhibition also can provide survivors with a chance to speak out and make their voices heard.
This year, the Northwest Missourian is partnering with North Star Advocacy Center to bring back the Letters From project as an outlet for survivors to anonymously share their stories until April 20.
The spring is jam-packed with awareness events, and while it’s important and impactful to participate, the support can’t end May 1.
In the fall semester, Northwest saw a large number of reported assaults and harassment, with six cases from Sept. 25 to Oct. 15. Assault is not limited to one month; it’s important resources are available any time they’re needed.
Every student has access to the UPD phone number, 660-562-1254, and free Wellness Services counseling, but support is needed beyond this.
Even if you’ve never experienced sexual assault, it’s important to be educated about it. Recognize signs of dis-
LILY CROM Freshman Therapeutic Recreation
RASHELLE TAYLOR Freshman Pre-Nursing
tress in your friends and be a shoulder for them to lean on. This doesn’t mean you have to put your own needs and boundaries on the back burner or be at their beck and call, but being available to support your friends matters.
Survivors may experience depression, flashbacks, PTSD and other emotional, psychological and physical effects, according to RAINN. The process of holding an assaulter accountable is draining. It can include invasive Sexual Assault Evidence Kits and other burdens to prove sexual assault took place.
On top of this, it’s important to note some survivors will never experience closure and will have to live knowing their assaulter will never be brought to justice. Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 975 perpetrators will walk free, according to RAINN.
Take the time to understand what resources are available for survivors and encourage your friends to take advantage of them.
Now than ever, it’s important that Northwest provides a safe space for survivors. No one should go through the aftermath of sexual assault alone.
The Editorial Board will be wearing denim April 30 and will support survivors by giving them an opportunity to share their stories.
Do you think the University has effective resources for survivors of sexual assault? “I know of
“I do not think so. Like, I know that they have like counselors and stuff, like at the Wellness Center that you can go talk to, but like there’s not anything necessarily specific to that topic.”
“I’ve only seen an example of one person and they did not help her very much, like at all. So I’m going to say no. But also I don’t know much about it.”
NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
ANNA CASE CARTOONIST
The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of the Northwest Missourian.
@ Bryan Clay Invitational April 16-18 Azusa, California
MHS BB vs. Cameron
6 p.m. April 10
Maryville High School
vs. Lathrop
6:15 p.m. April 14
Maryville High School
@ Savannah
4:30 p.m. April 15 Savannah High School
vs. Lafayette
4:30 p.m. April 16
Maryville High School
Soccer hones in on ‘playing like Maryville,’ beats Lafayette
OLIVIA WALLACE Sports Reporter | @_oliviawallace_
Since the 2023 season, the Spoofhounds have started off the season 3-0, but for the team this season, it’s more than just winning — this season they are embracing the ‘Play like Maryville’ slogan.
One way the team is securing that goal is by playing quick and getting on the board early in the game.
Compared to last season, the team only scored 10 points against Lafayette — ending the game in a mercy rule win. During the game, Ingram played some of the younger girls to get them experience on the field.
“Our seniors motivate and lead the soccer team by setting a strong example with their work ethic, attitude and commitment to the game,” Ingram said in an email to the Missourian. “They really helped to guide some of our newer or younger players that we were able to get into this game.”
One of those younger players, freshman Olive Madden stepped up on the field and scored her first goal as a Spoofhound to close out the game.
“I think the girls kept good communication and a high tempo which allowed that many goals,” Ingram said. “No matter the level of competition, it is our goal to play our best.”
No matter the competition, the Spoofhounds want to keep their momentum high with the Smithville Round Robin tournament
COMEBACK
CONTINUED FROM A8
“There is always motivation to win, but it would feel really good to take down Cameron after they ended our season last year,” Creason said. “Our coaches and the rest of the players feel the same way.”
The Dragons come into the matchup fresh off a 10-9 victory over the St. Joseph-Lafayette Fighting Irish (0-10) April 7 in Cameron, Missouri. Maryville will face off against Cameron in its fourth Midland Empire
April 7 to 10 to push to 4-0 on the season.
“I think the team connected really well against Lafayette,” Hannigan said. “It was fun to see some of the younger girls get in the game as well and see success. It’s always fun to cheer on the younger classmen and see them succeed in a varsity match. It just goes to show that our team has a strong connection.”
Within the first 15 minutes of the game against Lafayette, the ’Hounds were up 3-0 from sophomores midfielder Miah Stoecklein and Leah Wonderly. Senior Jalea Price then secured another goal for the team.
“It felt good to come out fast and strong against Lafayette and get that first goal early on,” Price said. “It set the tone of the game.”
Conference game of the season. Opening pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. April 10 at Maryville High School.
Creason said he is ready to get back to the fundamentals and brush off the devastating loss to focus on what is next.
“Just being confident and trusting the work I have put in, and not trying to do too much has helped me grow a lot as a player,” Creason said. “The team has been playing with a lot of energy. We trust each other, and it would feel good to get a win over them this time around.”
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Price went on to secure five goals for the Spoofhounds in the first half of the game — something she has accomplished before for the team.
Before halftime, the team was up 11-0 against Lafayette thanks to junior defender Payton Kurz and senior Braelyn Hannigan . “Going into the game, I expected a big win,” Hannigan said. “I know last year I got a hat trick in the game against them, and I wanted to repeat that this year, and I did. I think it was kind of a team goal to score more goals on them than we did last year, and we also did that.”
The ’Hounds are set to kick off against Johnston 4:30 p.m. April 11 at Maryville High School.
CONTINUED FROM A8
“I think the biggest for us is to control our momentum,” Tellez said. “You know, just one day at a time, one game at a time, one pitch at a time. Really, just be where our feet are and keep the momentum on our side. If we lose it, how can we get it back quickly? Just really attacking one thing at a time.”
The upcoming games are crucial for securing a place in the conference tournament, where Northwest is currently sitting second to last, just above Newman (6-32, 1-13 MIAA). The ’Cats took down No. 1 conference seed Central Oklahoma (33-6, 12-2 MIAA) March 28, but haven’t found consistent wins throughout conference play.
“We’ve talked about how we were fighting to get into the conference tournament right now, so things have to go our way,” Tellez said. “We also need to play very, very well in these next six games. But it’s also, you know, the pieces of the puzzle are there. We just have to execute on all on all cylinders.”
The ’Cats Senior Day celebration April 12 will see the seniors honored after the conclusion of Game 2 against Washburn. Tellez is excited to recognize their contributions and has one last message for the seniors.
“Thank you for choosing Northwest — and choosing to be a part of our program, and putting in the time and the effort, the blood, sweat and the tears to make this program better than they found it,” Tellez said.
UPSET CONTINUED FROM A8
Game 3, the final game of the series, was once again about the runs for the Bearcats, winning 10-0 in seven innings. This was their second shutout win this season as they secured the series win against the RiverHawks.
Freshman pitcher Logan Brasel pitched a complete game, going all seven innings. Brasel struck out eight batters and had zero walks, moving his pitching record to 4-0 on the season so far. Three Bearcat hitters were all able to have two hits and three RBIs as the ’Cats had 12 hits on the day, with eight of the nine Bearcat hitters getting at least one. Jandron said he was happy with the team’s performance at the plate
and the number of hits.
“Our offense has had a lot of success when we don’t rely on a few guys to get the job done, and we really make pitchers earn their outs,” Jandron said. “These guys have bought into the process and are just enjoying the time they have together.”
This upcoming week, Northwest has another midweek game 2 p.m. April 9th against Missouri Western at Bearcat Baseball Field. This is followed by a home series April 11-13 against Newman. Jandron says he wants his team to stay locked in and focused as they finish the final stretch of this season.
“As we hit our final 15 game regular season stretch, we intend to seek for improvements and continue to build on what we’ve done so we can play our best baseball in May,” Jandron said.
Maryville girls soccer senior forward Jalea Price kicks a goal during the Spoofhounds’ 15-0 shutout victory over St. Joseph-Lafayette April 1.
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
NW track and field gears up for Mules
LANDON CLOUSE Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
With weather finally warming up, Northwest track and field will look to hit the track strong at the midseason mark.
Head coach Brandon Masters’ team will prepare to travel to the University of Central Missouri to participate in the Mule Relays April 11 in Warrensburg, Missouri. With the weather on the Bearcats’ side during this meet, it will be a chance to show the hard work they’ve been putting in and go for another positive outing this weekend.
Masters said he is looking forward to opening up his sprinters for the first time all outdoor season.
“It is really exciting, we haven’t opened up a majority of our sprinters this year for outdoor,” Masters said. “We are excited to get them going, and it looks like great weather. They always do better when the weather looks pretty nice. We’re excited to get a bunch of them opened up for the outdoors.”
Masters emphasized how important weather is to consider. Different conditions — like wind and temperature — can significantly affect a runner’s performance and times during a meet.
Preparing for a race only to be met with unexpected conditions can throw things off. The effect varies depending on the type of event and the individual runner, but it remains a major factor in overall preparation and performance.
Masters said while the conditions
in Emporia April 4 weren’t ideal for running his sprinters, he’s not using that as an excuse. What matters most to him is that his athletes continue to fight and compete to the best of their abilities. He emphasized the goal is to not let Mother Nature dictate how they perform.
“So when it’s raining and there are north winds and it feels like 42 (degrees) or whatever it was at Emporia, that’s not a good time to run our sprinters, especially early in the early outdoor season.” Masters said. “Sometimes you have to just toughen up and deal with the weather if it is bad. No matter what, we’re going to go compete. We’re going to compete at the highest level.”
So far this outdoor season, women’s track and field junior Lydia McGlocklin has put up some impressive times and finishes. In Emporia for the ESU Relays March 27-29, she showed a dominant performance in the women’s 800-meter, finishing a full seven seconds ahead of the runner-up with a meet-record time of 2:11.83.
Following that, during the Midwest Classic in Emporia April 4, Northwest delivered a solid performance in the women’s 1500-meter. Five Bearcats placed in the top 10, and McGlocklin led the charge, taking first place. With a time of 4:34.91, McGlocklin finished with the third-fastest time in program history.
The Bearcats look to keep this momentum going as the Warrensburg weekend and the end of the season approaches.
Maryville native talks journey into professional softball
From high school with record-breaking track performances and all-state softball and basketball honors to playing softball at the University of Missouri and going pro, Taylor Gadbois Pipkins has achieved athletic success at every level.
Gadbois Pipkins reflects on her journey as an athlete as something shaped by camaraderie, synergy and mentorship. She believes gender equality in sports does not look like comparison and pitting women against men, but recognizing women separately for their own skill and achievement.
Gadbois Pipkins’ skill shines through in her storied sports resume, beginning with her multisport success in high school that landed her a spot as the first woman in the Spoofhound Athletics Hall of Fame. She said she did not pull it off all on her own.
“I was a good athlete, but the only reason I was remotely good was the people who I was playing with,” Gadbois Pipkins said.
She said another significant part of her high school athletic career and success was the support from her coaches. While she was in high school, her mom was sick. She said while she loved playing sports, she views them as partially being a distraction for her at that time. In this, she said her coaches helped her through a lot.
Gadbois Pipkins named multiple coaches in softball and track as big supporters. However, it
was one of her basketball coaches — Dale Kisker — she specifically named as someone who made a huge impact.
She said Kisker changed her life for the better in every way. He was constantly there and checking in after her mom got sick.
She said Kisker was also probably the most confident in her and her abilities, pushing her to be better.
“He gave me all this confidence to keep moving forward and keep pushing, and his family was the same way,” Gadbois Pipkins said. “They’re just amazing humans.”
For Gadbois Pipkins, the transition from Maryville to the University of Missouri was eye-opening. She said athletes go from being one of the best at their high
school to a place where everyone else was also one of the best where they’re from.
“I need to really focus on working hard and getting better and learning from all these girls,” Gadbois Pipkins said. “I learned so much in college about softball that I didn’t even know was possible.”
Gadbois Pipkins received honors throughout her college career, including all-conference and all-region. She also earned All-American honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in 2014.
Gadbois Pipkins was among the approximate 5% of college softball players that end up playing professionally.
While she said professional softball was fun to experience
and she loved all of the girls she played with, she only played for two years.
“Picture travel ball, but you get paid for it, and you’re still playing on janky fields, ” Gadbois Pipkins said. “Divots in the ground…We joked all the time, like, ‘Is the grass going to be mowed today?’ or ‘Are there going to be actual lines painted on the field?’”
Gadbois Pipkins said they do not get paid enough for all of the work they did, and the girls who still play now deserve more than what they’re given.
As the second highest paid player on her team, Gadbois Pipkins shared that she was paid around $9,000. She said the
girls were not able to get other jobs with the given time commitments, besides providing lessons, which can make good money, but is not long-term.
Gadbois Pipkins believes pay for professional athletes comes down to how hard the athletes work, ability and viewership. She acknowledges the discrepancy in the pay scale regarding gender, but she does not think it should come down to a comparison of men vs. women.
“There’s not comparables in those,” Gadbois Pipkins said. “Men and women, they’re different, but they’re different in good ways. Men get paid more than women because people want to watch that more; (that) doesn’t mean women aren’t good and doesn’t mean women shouldn’t get paid well.”
In a similar vein, Gadbois Pipkins said it’s important for younger athletes to know that they can still be authentic to themselves while participating in sports. She said even if it’s your job, sports are supposed to be fun, and to remember, at the end of the day, it’s a game and not life or death.
“You should not be identified as an athlete or just someone that plays sports; you’re so much more than that,” Gadbois Pipkins said. “I think once you realize that…you start to really focus on playing the game again, rather than being so stressed out about what you need to do.”
Northwest women’s track and field junior Lydia McGlocklin runs wickets to improve running technique and speed during cross country practice Oct. 17, 2024.
LILLY HALLMON PHOTOGRAPHER
Former Spoofhound athlete Taylor Gadbois Pipkins speaks about her athletic career at the inaugural Class of 2024 Spoofhound Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony Feb. 17, 2024.
ALLI DUARTE Copy Editor | @alli_son_d
NW baseball takes down No. 1, talks breaking through
The Northwest baseball team had a strong week, winning three out of four games against Central Missouri and Northeastern State.
The ’Cats started the week off against No. 1 Central Missouri at Crane Stadium in Warrensburg, Missouri, in a midweek game April 1, where Northwest was able to pick up a 13-4 win over the Mules. This moves the Bearcats’ record to 2-0 over the Mules so far this season. They will play one more time against UCM April 15 at Bearcat Baseball Field where the ’Cats will look to execute the season sweep again.
Head coach Tony Jandron said he is proud of his team’s fight against the Mules so far this season and that when they do the right things correctly, they can beat anyone.
“When we reflect on games versus ranked opponents, it’s a nice reminder that we can beat anyone when we stick to the things we do,” Jandron said.
The ’Cats then had another road trip where they traveled to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to play Northeastern State in a doubleheader April 6 and single game April 7.
Game 1 of the doubleheader was all about the runs as they took the win 14-2. The ’Cats brought in 11 runs in the top of the ninth inning
to bolster their lead. Junior pitcher Ben Haug was able to go seven innings, allowing six hits and one run with five strikeouts, moving his record 3-3 so far this season. Graduate student center fielder Ashton Neuman had a strong day at the plate, going 3-6 with four RBIs, one home run and two runs. Jandron was pleased with the offense during Game 1, and said this is what happens when his team stays focused.
“We can put up a lot of runs in a hurry, if we stay committed to what we do, we always believe that we will break through,” Jandron said.
The ’Cats dropped Game 2 10-7. The Bearcats were up 5-3 after five innings and looked to put the game away from the RiverHawks. However, the RiverHawks were able to get momentum, putting up at least two runs in each inning the rest of the game, pulling away from the ’Cats and winning 10-7.
Graduate student pitcher Jaren Guck was able to pitch five innings, allowing four hits and three runs. Relief pitchers for the ’Cats struggled on the mound, allowing nine hits and seven runs. Senior first baseman Kai Young had a good day at the plate, going 3-5 with one home run and two RBIs. Northwest had four errors in this game and was never able to recover from the momentum shift late in the game.
Spoofhounds look to reignite win streak against Cameron
TREY HOUCHIN Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
A three-game winning streak has fizzled out for Maryville baseball, as its momentum was shattered in a lopsided 15-2 loss to Highway 71 rival Savannah April 8 at Savannah High School.
Coming into the matchup against the Savages (7-5), the Spoofhounds (6-5) were riding high after an exciting 9-7 victory over the East Buchanan Bulldogs (1-7) in a nonconference bout April 7 at Maryville High School. In baseball, however, momentum can shift quickly. Maryville was stunned at the bottom of the fourth inning after Savannah pushed across 10 runs to extend its lead by 13.
The Savages held the Spoofhounds in the top of the fifth inning to earn their seventh win of the season — snapping the ’Hounds win streak in five innings. Senior shortstop Canon Creason finished with the only two RBIs for Maryville, going 1-for-3 at the plate with a two-RBI double. Sophomore pitcher Will McCollough added two hits while earning the start on the mound with five hits, six walks and seven earned runs allowed through three innings pitched.
Head coach Hans Plackemeier said games like these can be a humbling experience for his younger group, but is hopeful they can flush this one and produce more in the next matchup.
“Sometimes you have off days in this sport, but the beauty of this game is that there is always the next one,” Plackemeier said.
Senior left fielder Grant Smail contributed
Northwest softball gears up for Senior Day celebrations
we are keeping ourselves in these games.”
After going 1-3 in its pair of doubleheaders April 8-9, Northwest softball (16-23, 6-12 MIAA) is remaining focused on seizing the opportunities it has left — including its upcoming Senior Day celebration.
The ’Cats fell to No. 23 Pittsburg State (31-9, 12-2 MIAA) in a pair of 5-3 losses April 8, followed by a split against Missouri Southern (29-13, 9-5 MIAA) with a 1-0 loss in Game 1 and a 8-4 win in Game 2. Head coach Naomi Tellez said she is confident the team is close to breaking through and that they are consistently putting themselves in good positions to win.
“We just need that one hit,” Tellez said. “We just need a little bit of momentum to go our way. It’s defeating, but I look at it from a coaching perspective of
Despite the losing record, there were big plays for multiple players during the games. Tellez highlighted big performances from athletes, including former Week Nine MIAA Hitter of the Week junior outfielder Omara Love. Love made three spectacular catches throughout the team’s games against the Lions, improving her fielding percentage to .953, making 39 putouts with just two errors.
Senior infielder Skylar Pieper also made an impact during the doubleheader against the Gorillas after a two-run home run in Game 1.
“Omara had a really big weekend for us,” Tellez said. “Skylar had a great day against Pitt. It just depends on the day.
I think the nice thing about our lineup is when one person is struggling, there’s always somebody else we can lean on, and somebody else that we can rely on.”
Northwest softball will see another
“
There is always motivation to win, but it would feel really good to take down Cameron after they ended our season last year.”
CANON CREASON
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the final hit, as Maryville finished with two runs, four hits, four walks, seven runners left stranded and only one error in the field. However, Savannah concluded with 15 runs, nine hits, 11 RBIs, 10 walks, seven runners left stranded and zero errors.
With a painful defeat fresh in the ’Hounds’ minds, they must now face the team that knocked them out of the first round in the Class 4 District 16 Tournament last season — a matchup that promises to test their resolve.
The Cameron Dragons (4-4) left the Spoofhounds’ postseason hopes to dry after a 6-4 defeat in the 2024 season. Creason said he is excited for the rematch against Cameron after ending his season the previous year.
Northwest baseball junior pitcher Landon Wells throws from his windup in the first loss of the double header against Rogers State March 28.
NATHAN VANDRUFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Maryville baseball senior catcher Gavin McAtee receives a fast ball from the pitcher during the Spoofhounds’ 9-7 victory over East Buchanan April 7.
SAVANNAH ATHY-SEDBROOK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
pair of doubleheaders going into the weekend, first facing Emporia State (25-17, 6-10 MIAA) 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 11. Senior Day matchups against Washburn (27-16, 9-7 MIAA) noon and 2 p.m. April 12 will round out the week.
Tellez said the team is focused on carrying momentum throughout the games to secure wins, something she said the team has struggled with all season.
Northwest softball freshman shortstop Curstin Todd tags out a runner trying to steal a base in the Bearcats’ Game 1 win over Newman March 29.
