NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
The Pub now open to 19-year-olds
The Pub, previously only open for those who are 21 years old and over, opened its doors to anyone who is 19 years and above beginning Oct. 1. There are now only two bars in Maryville that are restricted to those who can legally drink.
The Pub Co-Owner Doug Meyer said lowering the age has been years in the making. He said the owners waited to make the final decision until after the fall semester began.
“It’s come up several times over the last couple of years, but we’ve been talking about it pretty hard since about July,” Meyer said. “It’s not so much that it’s a bunch of 19 and 20-year-olds coming in. It’s a bunch of people that are 21 or 22 years old, and they might have one or two friends with them that are under 21.”
Meyer said he recognized that many of the existing customers of The Pub were hoping the bar would stay as it was. He said it is important
to stay competitive with the other three bars in Maryville that are open to 19-year-olds.
The Pub bartender Zac Behrens said he knows allowing more people to come in will benefit the business. He said he hopes adjusting will not change the environment of the bar.
“I just don’t want it to lose the culture of The Pub,” Behrens said. “I don’t want it to become a freshman bar.”
Behrens said the first week with the new age restrictions, there have not yet been many people below 21 years old coming in. He said typically, if anyone who is 19-20 years old visits, they are with a group of friends, and most of them are not underage.
To accommodate the change, anyone who comes into The Pub who is legal to drink will receive a wristband. Meyer said all alcoholic drinks will also be served in glass cups, while anyone underage will receive a plastic cup.
“For 19 and 20-year-olds, on Wednesday through Saturday, we’re doing a $5 cover, but they get free pop and free lemonade; whatever comes out of the gun for that $5, but that’s
North Main Street was quiet, but a large gathering of protesters were spreading a message. A silent protest against abortion was held throughout Maryville from First Street to Fifth Street Oct. 5.
The National Day of Prayer sparked this annual protest across the country, specifically referring to the Life Chain. The Life Chain includes a code of conduct that expresses the goals of the gathering and rules that those participating follow.
Maryville City Councilman John McBride said this silent prayer and protest happens on the first Sunday every October.
“There’s a lot of different states that have passed anti-abortion laws, and there are some that haven’t,” McBride said. “Missouri kind of went one way and then went the other way. But it’s (the protest) just to kind of keep God at the focus of it, his desire to see all life that he’s created.”
In the 2024 election, Missouri residents voted to legalize abortion after the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. However, in May, the Missouri Supreme Court stopped all abortions. There is a
Turning Point USA chapter brought to Northwest by student
A chapter of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization founded by political activist Charlie Kirk, its former CEO, might soon form at Northwest. Turning Point USA’s purpose is to guide citizens to engage within their community and to restore traditional American values like family and patriotism, according to Turning Point USA’s website. Kirk commonly debated topics such as gay marriage, abortion and transgender identities on college campuses as part of the organization’s mission, according to BBC. Northwest sophomore Claudia Lux submitted a request to Turning Point USA to start a chapter at Northwest shortly after hearing news of Kirk’s assassination Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. She said she was unsure of what would happen to people like her after hearing of his assassination.
“We all share the same values,” Lux said. “I feel like when he was struck, it affected more than just me; it affected a community.”
served in a plastic glass,” Meyer said. “That just kind of helps the bartenders know that, ‘Hey, they’re coming up with plastic glass; they must be under 21,’ or ‘Coming up with the glass, they have a wristband, they’re over 21.’”
Meyer said allowing customers who are 1920 years old to come in comes with concern of underage drinking.
“The big issue always is fake ID,” Meyer said. “So we’re going to add one more door guy/ bouncer on our busier nights. So just making sure we always have somebody at the door to check IDs, and then just kind of check to make sure nobody came in that was underage.”
Behrens described The Pub as being different from some of the other bars in town.
“It’s a sit-down dive bar,” Behrens said. “It’s glass cups. You’ve got bar lights and stuff in here. It’s not, you know, sticky floors, 50 million people waiting in line for a drink…Everyone can come in here and watch a baseball game, watch the playoffs, watch football, and you don’t have to worry about bumping into 50 million, like, freshmen.”
trial scheduled for 2026 to go over the constitutionality of the restrictions.
McBride said the group of protesters was one of the biggest that had gathered in the past several years. He said there were groups from different churches around Nodaway County in attendance.
Community member and protester Jenny Dirks said the group hopes to promote adoption and other alternatives to abortion.
“We just want to promote just that abortion is wrong, biblically; and we want to encourage young ladies who have maybe had an abortion that there is restoration and forgiveness, and God loves them,” Jenny Dirks said.
Mariah Dirks, another protester, said she has been protesting against abortion since she was about nine years old.
“My parents started it here in Maryville a long time ago, before I was born, so I was just kind of brought into it from a young age,” Mariah Dirks said.
She said it means a lot to her to protest with her childhood friends, and having a larger group made it easier.
The Northwest chapter had its initial informational meeting Sept. 22 in the B.D. Owens Library, with around seven interested members in attendance. It plans to become official later this semester after finalizing its constitution and bylaws. It also needs a faculty adviser, a full roster of leadership positions and a minimum of 10 general members. The chapter must follow University organization guidelines and Turning Point USA chapter policies.
Lux said her father didn’t want her to put her name behind the Northwest chapter after she mentioned she was starting one on campus.
She said it felt right for her community to start one.
NATHAN NODA PHOTO EDITOR
Art gallery hosts unique metal work artist
JASON NEUBAUER
Contributing Writer | @TheMissourian
Just around the corner on the inside of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building sits the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery, now advertising a new, colorful and energetic exhibit.
The exhibit, titled “The Spindle, the Shuttle and the Needle,” showcases a variety of metalwork and weaving sculptures by artist Bobby Zokaites. The exhibition opened Sept. 29 and will run through Oct. 24.
Zokaites’ work delves into multiple themes, such as adventure and childhood, while also combining an industrial environment and allowing his audience to interact with his sculptures by playing with them, according to his official website.
Associate Professor Tom LaPann said it is a rare event to have his art inside the gallery, as Zokaites’ work is usually showcased outside rather than in a building.
“This is a nontraditional thing for him because usually his art is out in the public,” LaPann said. “He makes 20-foottall sculptures that are not usually inside a white-wall gallery.”
While most of his works are in Arizona, Zokaites’ pieces are displayed across the United States, from Hawaii to Maryland.
LaPann said the primary reason behind putting on such a collection is to teach students the amount of research and work that goes into displaying art in public.
“He does a lot of research on how to make those and different potential solutions,” LaPann said. “We thought it might be interesting to show what is going on, as in the research and development stuff that goes into those larger sculptures, and have him come and give a talk about what art is like in the public.”
This exhibit marks the second one hosted for the 202526 academic year. In September, the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts building hosted its annual Faculty Exhibit, showcasing artwork ranging from paintings to
sculptures and more by various faculty members.
Brooke Reyes works as a gallery curatorial assistant for Karen Britt, assistant chair for the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Reyes said there can be a lot of work that is put into setting up an exhibit.
“When there’s an exhibition happening, it gets very busy,” Reyes said. “For the whole week, we’re preparing the walls. We’re going to have to do a whole repaint of all the walls. Those big pedestals, we take them from downstairs, we bring them up,
we move things in and get everything set up. So that is very busy and some hard work with that.”
This is not the only type of work that goes into hosting a gallery. Reyes said work happens daily, from simple housekeeping chores to interacting with the different visitors.
“Average day in here, we just come in, maybe we’ll sweep or mop or do a couple things in the historical gallery,” Reyes said. “Basically, we just attend and communicate with people that come in.”
The historical collection includes artwork from Olive DeLuce, for whom the build-
ing and gallery are named. Pieces can be viewed in an offshoot room shortly after entering the main gallery and signing the guest book at the front desk, attended by student employees like Reyes.
Although there can be hard work going on behind the scenes, LaPann said one of his favorite elements is the contrast that arises from combining metal and weaving.
“My favorite aspect about this show is it has these two (mediums) that are often considered opposites: budding technology and weaving,” LaPann said. “A
lot of times when people learn one thing, they just go that direction. So, I have enjoyed seeing this sort of hybrid of new and old and the sort of mix between metal and fabric.”
Reyes said the amount of work and research that goes into a project, along with how noticeable the exhibit is, are two of her favorite aspects.
“I just think it is just so eye-catching,” Reyes said. “If you were to research it and go into it, then you really see the meaning behind it; what he’s doing to create it.”
First-Year Student Showcase illustrates story of first woman tested for spaceflight
MICAH STOLLEY
Contributing Writer | @TheMissiourian
She reached for the stars, but the weight of the world pulled her down. “They Promised Her the Moon,” by Laurel Ollstein, is this year’s First-Year Student Showcase, with performances 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-11 and 2 p.m. Oct. 12.
This production recounts the true story of Jerrie Cobb, a pilot who became the first woman to test for spaceflight. The story tells how she overcame the adversity and discrimination of her time. Billie McCoy, director of the play, said this is an important story to be told.
“I think this is the time where we need to retell stories of women and other people who were disadvantaged by the government and by other people,” McCoy said.
The play covers how Cobb’s mother was critical of her life choices and wanted her to settle down like most women did in her time. Despite this, Cobb was able to be tested to go to space. Phoenix Erwin, the freshman student portraying Cobb, spoke about the themes the show portrays.
“She’s a woman in the ’60s, and she wants to do all these things that typically the men do when the women have never gotten to do,” Erwin said.
While many theater productions follow a fictional story, this show challenges the actors to portray historical people while also adding their own creative spin. Some actors find reimagining these figures a challenge. Kaelyn Hoeflicker, a freshman playing Cobb’s financial supporter, Jackie Cochran, said it is challenging to portray a nonfictional character.
“It’s very hard to find information about kind of anyone in this show just because of how old it is, and they aren’t super famous that you learn them in a history class,” Hoeflicker said. “I found a lecture about...Jackie (Cochran) herself. That helped me a lot, and that helped me just really understand her.”
The First-Year Student Showcase has been a long-running tradition here at Northwest — now in its 35th year — which gives firstyear students a chance to participate in a theater production. McCoy said that working with firstyear students is beneficial.
“I’m a Speech and Theatre Education major and I’m a senior, so next year hopefully I’ll have a job and be working in a high school,” McCoy said. “This is about as close as I can get to working with high schoolers. We have really, really, really good first-years this year, and they’re all so motivated to making the show happen.”
Bobby Zokaites’ sculpture is one of many metalwork and paracord pieces on display for his exhibition “The Spindle, the Shuttle and the Needle” shown in
the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery until Oct. 24. The School of Fine and Performing Arts plans four visiting artist exhibitions each semester.
EMILIA RAMANAUSKAS PHOTOGRAPHER
Amazon partners with Maryville for factory
RYAN KING
Missourian Reporter | @TheMissourian
Maryville and Amazon have partnered to improve shipping quality and expand the employment market. City leadership said they are thrilled to have the addition of an Amazon factory because of the economic benefits it will provide.
Investment was a key theme of the deal behind getting this Last Mile Factory in town. The decision was about more than making faster deliveries to customers; it was about making a longer-term investment in the region’s economic growth.
Located at 701 Wilson Industrial Road on the east side of town, the company bought 7.33 acres of land in the industrial park of Maryville to build an 11,800 square foot factory.
Ryan Heiland, the city manager, was a key component behind getting the facility in Maryville. Heiland said he has high hopes for the development of the factory and the future possibilities it brings.
“It does certainly bring flexible job opportunities to the region,” Heiland said. “Anytime you can provide a diverse job environment, it creates a very big economic impact for the community.”
Job opportunities in Maryville are limited. With the addition of the Amazon factory, the community members in Maryville have a new option at a wellpaying job that is near town. At an average starting pay of $16 an hour, Amazon will become a
MARYVILLE BEFORE VERSUS AFTER AMAZON FACTORY
top employer as soon as it opens its doors.
It is estimated that the factory will initially take on 30 new employees when opening in the coming year, according to the St. Joseph Post. Heiland said he is certain the city will reap
the benefits of this deal for years to come.
“It shows that Maryville is a place where business can locate to and continue to expand, it certainly provides that perception to other businesses as well,” Heiland said.
Pedestrian alleyway project construction begins downtown
to address drainage issues within the area. She said along with the improved area between the buildings, driving paths nearby will also be improved.
It’s not only the people of Nodaway County who are excited about this economic development coming in the near future, but the employees at Amazon who worked with the city to get this done as well.
Amazon Economic Develop-
ment Manager Jason Vangalis said his company’s commitment to Northwest Missouri and how this facility is going to improve the overall quality of deliveries in Nodaway County.
“As a good employer and a good community partner, this new facility represents our ongoing commitment to Missouri and our customers,” Vangalis said in the press release.
Amazon’s first goal of its mission statement is to be “Earth’s most customer-centric company…” In the past, Maryville residents would expect delayed deliveries from the nearest facilities in Liberty or Riverside or other local Missouri facilities. Vangalis believes this is a key step in the company’s continued relationship with the town.
“We are proud to be expanding our footprint in Maryville, bringing new opportunities to the area, and improving delivery speeds for our customers,” Vangalis said.
Details about the timelines for the factory are vague as of now, but Heiland said construction has begun; he is just unsure when they will be seeking employees. Nodaway County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Josh McKim and the rest of the Maryville officials are glad to finally get this done.
“NCED, MIDC and the city of Maryville have been working closely with Amazon for nearly a year, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome them to Maryville,” McKim said.
Tourists and residents can share a space that provides opportunities for casual gatherings, photos and an overall sense of what a rural community can look like with the addition of a new outdoor space downtown.
This is what the future holds for Maryville.
Construction for the Downtown Pedestrian Alleyway Project began Oct. 6 and will continue through the spring. Maryville City Manager Ryan Heiland said the timeline is heavily impacted by weather, but the goal is to have the improved area — between Bank Midwest and The Pub — completed by July 2026.
“It will have a Maryville sign that’ll be a great spot for taking photos, and kind of creates a sense of place for the entire pedestrian alleyway,” Heiland said. “There will be a pavilion in the middle of the alleyway, and then on the area closest to Buchanan (Street) is really more of a playground area, and so a lot of landscaping through there, and then a sidewalk through the entire site.”
Heiland said there will also be a turf area that can be used for gatherings or for outdoor games.
Along with these inclusions, there will be murals on the side walls facing the alleyway of both Bank Midwest and The Pub. DeAnn Davison, executive director of Downtown Maryville and tourism director for the City of Maryville, said this area is envisioned as a place where families can host reunions or where senior photos can be taken.
“Having something like the alleyway just brings a vibrancy to our area when you’re thinking of where you’re able to provide a place for people to gather, and just brings a greater sense of community,” Davison said. “It just can be a really multipurpose space that will be a beautiful addition to our downtown.”
Davison said the project was originally created
While construction is underway, Heiland said there will be minimal impact on vehicle traffic, while those who walk may have to adjust their routes.
“If you’re used to walking in between The Palms (Bar and Grill) and The Pub through the alleyway, you’re not going to be able to do that,” Heiland said. “We’ve worked with the business owners. They’re going to have to relocate some of their dumpsters temporarily, and then we’ll work with them for deliveries on the backsides of their businesses.”
Heiland said the budget for this project is expected to be near $1,390,136. Of this amount, $767,826 was contributed through the Community Revitalization Grant Program from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
The Maryville City Council had been in support of this project for several years, along with businesses and organizations within downtown Maryville. Heiland said the goal of this project is to continue to reinvest in the community and to drive tourism to downtown Maryville.
“Well, for the past several years, it’s been a City Council goal to really revitalize the downtown area,” Heiland said. “This is just one of those projects that really creates…a different interest; a different attraction for downtown.”
Davison said she hopes the pedestrian alleyway becomes a unique space that can provide an enjoyable space for both Maryville residents and tourists.
“I’m just incredibly thankful to the City of Maryville that continue to have a really forward-thinking vision of what a rural community can look like, and to have our City Council be so supportive of different initiatives that both downtown and tourism and just the community as a whole are moving things forward and really providing some great amenities,” Davison said.
ANNA BAILEY News Editor | @AmBailey16
CRIME LOG
for the week of Oct. 9
Northwest Missouri State University Police Department
Oct. 1
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Hudson-Perrin Hall.
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Roberta Hall.
Sept. 30
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Franken Hall.
Maryville Department of Public Safety
Oct. 7
There was a summons issued to Nicholas S. Thompson, 28, for driving while suspended on the 800 block of South Market Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for tampering with a motor vehicle on the 400 block of West Second Street.
Oct. 6
There is an ongoing investigation for a stolen motor vehicle on the 400 block of West Second Street.
Oct. 4
There is an ongoing investigation for assault on the 300 block of North Market Street.
There was a summons issued to Likith R. Areddla, 21, for failure to register a motor vehicle, failure to maintain financial responsibility and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle on the 300 block of North Market Street.
Oct. 2
There is a warrant out for the arrest of Stephen D. Hamilton Jr., 39, for failure to appear in court on the 200 block of East Summit Drive.
There is a warrant out for the arrest of Christian N. Stone 23, for failure to appear in court. There was a summons issued to Garet L. Hazen, 17, for failure to stop for a school bus on the 300 block of West South Avenue.
Oct. 1
There was an accident between William J. Harr, 72, and Joshua D. Wilson on West First Street and North Dunn Street.
Sept. 30
There is an ongoing investigation for domestic disturbance on the 1400 block of East First Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for stealing by deceit on the 100 block of North Vine Street.
Sept. 29
There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 100 block of South Vine Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 200 block of North Buchanan Street.
Sept. 27
There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 1600 block of South Main Street.
Sept. 26
There was an accident between Sidney K. Fannon 70, and Sandra D. Francis on the 600 block of South Main Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 1100 block of East Fifth Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 1400 block of Country Club Drive.
Sept. 25
There was an accident between Andrew M. Pearsall 22, Zoey A. Hawkins, 16, and Francesca E. Nelson, 28, on the 1100 block of South Main Street. Hawkins was charged with being careless and imprudent.
There was a summons issued to Isidro Valle Ramos, 45, for not having a valid driver’s license on the 1800 block of South Main Street.
Sept. 24
There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 300 block of East 14th Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 2400 block of South Main Street.
There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 1500 block of South Munn Street.
New celebrations highlight identity
RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @Raiea_Salerno
A person’s identity showcases the many experiences they have lived, and they are best shared with others, according to the Center for Engagement and Community Connections website.
Identity365, a year-long celebration hosted by the Center, highlights speakers of vibrant backgrounds through various lectures. They are available for anyone to attend for free.
Thomas Sanchez, a board chair for The Trevor Project and CEO of Social Driver, was the first speaker and presented Sept. 30 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom.
After graduating from Northwest in 2002, Sanchez developed various technologies, including the former LGBTQ+ suicide prevention option on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. His speech, “Leading with Purpose in a Changing World,” highlighted the need to make lasting impacts on communities by using technology.
Sanchez used his early work of promoting The Trevor Project in 2015 as an example during his speech. The Trevor Proj-
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ect is the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth and has served over 231,000 people in 2024, according to its website.
“A lot was happening in my life in 2015, but I’ve become friends with one of the early founders of The Trevor Project,” Sanchez said. “(Peggy Rajski) asked me to go to dinner, and she said, ‘Our mission needs you at the table. It needs you in the boardroom, and we want you to join The Trevor Project.’”
Sanchez said his success can be credited to his professors at Northwest. One of these professors was Phillip Heeler, a retired computer science professor, who attended Sanchez’s speech.
Heeler retired from Northwest in 2014. He said he was excited to see his former student present on his various projects that have helped millions of people.
“He was my student many years ago,” Heeler said. “I wanted to come and hear him speak about his work.”
He said he was inspired by Sanchez’s work and loved hearing his speech. Freshman Brin Argo also enjoyed the presentation. Argo particularly enjoyed learning about Sanchez’s con-
As an early education major, Lux felt certain topics being taught in her classes, like gender identity, were morally wrong. She said apart from Kirk’s shooting, this is what inspired her to start a Turning Point USA chapter on campus.
“I’m having to learn about gender identity and sexual orientation,” Lux said. “In my opinion, those aren’t things that I personally feel comfortable teaching kids. As much as I may not be able to be a great leader…the more of us who are standing here trying to figure this out, the more likely we can make this (Turning Point USA chapter) happen.”
She said she wants students who share the same values as her to have the option to join a safe space where they can engage in political topics without being looked down upon.
There are currently over 3,500 college and high school campuses with Turning Point USA chapters. After Kirk’s assassination, over 37,000 universities and high schools across the United States applied for a Turning Point USA chapter to form at their respective campuses, according to the Dallas Express.
Associate Professor of Political Science
Bronson Herrera and Instructor of Emergency and Disaster Management Travis Surprise plan to coadvise Northwest’s Turning Point USA chapter. Herrera was the previous adviser for the Northwest chapter of the College Republicans before it disbanded last semester.
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tribution to The Trevor Project.
Argo said they were inspired by the statistics of how many LGBTQ+ youth The Trevor Project potentially saved from suicide.
“I’m part of the LGBT community,” Argo said. “I knew about it beforehand, but just hearing the statistics of how many lives it’s potentially saved…it was really meaningful to me.”
They said other students and faculty should attend future Identity365 speeches due to the various perspectives that will be shared.
Tony Miles brought a second unique perspective when he presented his lecture Oct. 3 at the Charles Johnson Theater in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.
Miles played football all four years of college from 1996 to 2000 and graduated from Northwest with a degree in corporate wellness. He went on to become a wide receiver for the Canadian Football League from 2002-2008, and was a College Football Hall of Fame nominee for 2025. He now works as an assistant football coach at University High School in Waco, Texas.
Herrera said he understands Lux’s wish to have a safe space for Republican students. He said he had a professor at the University of Kansas who inspired him to become a political science teacher.
3,500 college and high school campuses with Turning Point USA chapters. There are
“I’m here because I remember what it’s like going to college and not having my voice heard,” Herrera said. “I had this wonderful Democrat who was a political science professor of mine. He said, ‘You know, Bronson, the problem is…Republicans don’t go into academia, and so the reason you’re losing is because you are all afraid to become professors.’ And I thought right then and there, ‘I want to become a professor.’”
The Northwest chapter plans to collaborate with outside organizations, including the Nodaway County Republican Women.
Connie McGinness, the president of the Nodaway County Republican Women, said
All three of these participants said it means a lot to see so many people come out to support their message. McBride and Mariah Dirks said they hope this protest can change someone’s mind. McBride said the aim is to prompt people to think about the alternatives to abortion.
“Hopefully, (they) go to God in prayer before they make a choice about whether to have a child,” McBride said. “Obviously, that’s a big decision, but we just hope they prayerfully consider God’s will on it and go from there.”
Miles’ speech focused on dealing with adversity, as well as what inspires him to be a better person. He said coaching helps him stay optimistic because of the positive impact he is making on his students.
“I think most people that are going through things (give) too much power to yesterday,” Miles said. “They don’t give enough power to today. I think that you know you can be your best…but you have to constantly try to make it your best day and not get too much power to yesterday or the negative.”
Miles said he had always wanted to give back to Northwest, a campus he felt had provided him with a community as an out-of-state student. He said it was a big honor to be invited as a speaker to Northwest. He said if he could present at the University again, he would without a doubt.
“I’m a Northwest guy through and through,” Miles said. “If there’s anything that I can do to help out in any way, I would always do it. I just think that it’s unique when people who are going through some things can hear from someone that went through some things. It just has a different effect on them.”
it is a conservative group that supports the United States flag and Constitutional rights. It discusses legislation every second Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. at Pizza Ranch. McGinness said she heard of the new chapter from Herrera. She said Turning Point USA is a peaceful organization, and having it will allow students to calmly engage in political discussions.
“I think that they would be very good for the moral ethics of our country,” McGinness said. “Even if I don’t agree with the other side, you hear what they have to say and why they believe it. I think that’s what everybody needs to do.”
McGinness said she joined the Nodaway County Republican Women in 2023 because she wants the United States to be safe from socialism. McGinness has 12 grandchildren, and she wants them to have the same freedoms she did when she was younger.
She said speaking about political issues peacefully is better than resorting to violence over disagreements. She said Northwest’s Turning Point USA chapter is a good avenue to help that happen.
Lux agreed with this. She said the political divide surrounding Kirk’s shooting is what gave her confidence in starting the organization despite her father’s concerns.
“I was so shocked,” Lux said. “It had only been two days since he died, and we were already talking about what happened, and we were having a debate on whether or not he deserved it. After that, that was when I realized that I can’t give up on this.”
Jenny Dirks said anyone who has questions can go to the Calvary Chapel’s website or contact Pastor JD Dirks personally. She said she hopes to see the protest continue to grow, and the event will continue to happen annually. She said anyone willing to stand up for their cause is welcome to stand with them.
“Hopefully, someone gets convicted,” Mariah Dirks said. “That’s, I think, everybody’s prayer here; that one person changes their mind.”
Northwest alum Tony Miles shares his story and experiences from his time at Northwest during an Identity365 lecture Oct. 3. Miles was a two-time All-American wide receiver and won back-to-back national championships with the Bearcats in 1998 and 1999.
NATHAN NODA PHOTO EDITOR
Sustainability is a constant effort; people must fulfill civil duties
“Environmental issues will fix themselves, and small contributions make no difference.”
Hearing phrases like this honestly makes me upset. To me, these phrases stand for a mindset of uneducated people who have no concern for our planet or the fellow living creatures who share this space.
We, as a society, need to educate ourselves about environmental issues and learn how we can do our individual parts.
Each of the large environmental issues in the U.S. need to be addressed by our governments. This does not give anyone an excuse not to make some effort to fix them.
I try to put myself in the shoes of opposing viewpoints. Doing this allows me to understand others and affirm why I hold such beliefs.
I recognize how looking at all the environmental issues our world is facing can make us feel small. It creates a notion that there is nothing we can do; this is a feeling I am sure we have all faced at some point.
It can be a challenge to want to help with an issue that we cannot see. Yes, our world is in a climate crisis, but unless you are the animals who are losing their habitats or are living next to a landfill, the significance of the impacts is hard to conceptualize.
Breaking this cycle of thinking is what will begin the change our world needs to heal.
In the state of life I am in now, I am doing what I can. The majority of my efforts go toward making sure I am educated, and I am working to earn a minor in sustainability. By doing this, I am able to learn about the many sectors that are involved with creating an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
I’m not saying everyone needs to add this minor. I also keep myself up to date with the news and sustainable efforts.
I also recycle. I have a box in my house where I place anything that can be recycled. Once this is full, I take it to the Northwest Recycling Center and separate my items into the correct bins.
At the very least, I believe anyone can find the time to recycle. This is so simple, and Northwest makes it very accessible.
There have been efforts toward sustainability on campus since the 1990s. Since 2011, it has participated in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition. Northwest is one of nine public universities in Missouri that has a recycling program, according to the Missouri Recycling Association. There are also dumpsters marked specifically for recyclable items in residential parking lots. Like I mentioned earlier, there are bins within buildings that have slots for different types of recyclable items.
As Maryville residents, we should all utilize the resources given to us; and as humans on this Earth, we should all put effort into doing our part to help heal and protect our planet. Creating an impact — no matter how small — is important and makes a difference.
Students are key in keeping inclusion active on campus
With the closing of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion last year — presently named the Center for Engagement and Community Connections — and the student body uproar that came with it, it set a precedent for the University to continue to foster diversity on campus.
The closure was a hard adjustment, but the Editorial Board has seen a change in the events being held on campus to cater to those groups and their heritage. Though some of these identity celebrations traditionally occur during the summer break, the University has made a leap to include all groups and their respective celebrations while school is in session.
Juneteenth, Pride Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month are just a few examples of observations that can now be highlighted during the academic year.
When the ODI shut down, the student body protested and posted about the closing on social media — are those same students going and participating in these celebrations of inclusion?
It seems like every week there is a
YOUR VIEW:
How do you think the University has continued to foster diversity after the dissolution of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion?
new group hosting a food night, movie night or Q&A session for those who are interested in learning more. Hosting and going to the events is just one way the campus can keep the celebration of diversity thriving.
Every day is a celebration of something new — and as students of Northwest, we should embrace that. We should embrace where we came from and be proud of where our ancestors came from, as well as our peers.
On the Editorial Board, there is a wide variety of backgrounds — some share similarities, while others are on the other side of the globe. We embrace where we came from because it’s important to our identity.
From ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion and culture, there is representation across the entire University.
As students who want to support all walks of life, go to those events and support those who usually don’t get as much support — use this as a way to keep the diversity spark alive on campus.
Identity365 is a great way to make connections with groups and connect
ETHAN EASTER Junior Agricultural Sciences
“I think campus is doing pretty well and there are inclusion events and the tribute to women is awesome, so they should keep that up.”
LANDRY SATTERFIELD Senior Art Education
with those who might go unnoticed on campus, making them feel included in the college experience.
Using the opportunities the school puts on is just one way the student body can participate after the shift from the ODI and make it a positive change on campus instead of focusing on the negative.
The Editorial Board urges the student body to attend the events being put on and talk to those hosting to get a glimpse of the diverse history. Learning new things from those different from you will help the growth of understanding on campus.
Try new things, and maybe you’ll learn something about where you or others came from. If you want people to show up for you, you have to start by showing up for others.
The University has done its part in creating a new environment for these groups to thrive. It’s time to do your part and use that opportunity to make new friends and learn something new about another group represented here on campus.
“In all of my classes, they do a really good job at incorporating multiculturalism into the curriculum, but overall I think we could see a lot more student engagement within events on campus.”
Your Bearcat doesn’t want
We’re finally getting into fall, which means it seems like everyone is getting into a relationship; also known as cuffing season. This also means I am seeing an intense amount of public displays of affection. Please stop. You do not need to be walking with your significant other so close you’re tripping over your feet. Making out while walking should be as illegal as drinking and driving. Stopping in front of the J.W. Jones Student Union to cuddle
is really inconvenient. I just want to eat lunch.
I understand, this is the greatest love story of your life — but it’s not mine. I don’t need to see your love life acted out. If I did, I would ask.
Every act of PDA should also come with a fine. I will call the Maryville Police Department if I see another act of intimacy that should never see the light of day. You’re walking the line between PDA and a criminal
charge. I will start pointing and laughing every time I see an absurd amount of PDA.
It’s OK, you really like each other, but can we not be content with just holding hands? A little peck here and there is whatever, but when I start seeing tongues, you need to stop. I should not be subject to this torture.
I’m already dealing with the stress of midterms; I can’t handle this. You’re also dealing with the stress of midterms, so
NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
TRAYVON MCCALIB Senior
Business Management
“I think the University has some events that highlight inclusion and diversity but feel like the university could have more potential engagement with more events.”
go study or something. Your relationship is going to cause me to fail my next exam — I can only imagine what it’s going to do to you.
Your significant other will still be there in the privacy of your own homes — I promise they won’t just disappear. So wait the five minutes for the sake of the rest of us.
OUR VIEW:
ANNA CASE CARTOONIST
The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of the Northwest Missourian.
ANNA BAILEY News Editor @AMBailey16
UPCOMING GAMES
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Northwest ranked for first time, strives for more wins
CLAYTON CULP Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
For the first time in program history, the Northwest Bearcat soccer team is ranked as they head to the University of Central Missouri to play the Jennies.
The No. 24 Northwest Bearcats (6-2, 3-0 MIAA) soccer team will travel to Warrensburg, Missouri, to play the No. 9 Central Missouri Jennies (5-23, 2-0-2 MIAA) 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at South Recreation Complex. The ’Cats are looking to extend their current four-game win streak.
The Bearcats have had a strong start to the beginning of conference play in the MIAA, winning their first three games. This is the first time in Bearcat soccer program history they have started conference play 3-0. Head coach Marc Gordon attributed the team’s success at the start of conference play to skills on both sides of the ball.
The Jennies have also started conference play undefeated, 2-0-2. The Bearcats have historically struggled against the Jennies, beating them just three times in program history — a total of 41 matches. The team will look to beat the Jennies for the first time since March 5, 2021, when they won 5-4.
throughout the field, and if we spend all our time focused on her, there are other players that can punish us.”
For the ’Cats to come out of this game with a victory, Gordon said his team needs to play and execute to get a win.
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4:30 p.m. Oct. 13
Maryville High School
MHS VB vs. St. Joseph-Benton
6 p.m. Oct. 9
Maryville High School
@ Varsity Round Robin
9 a.m. Oct. 11
Lawson High School vs. DeKalb
IMPACT
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“We scored three goals on set pieces, so corner kicks and their attention to detail and our training with them running the corner kicks as we have asked them has created some success,” Gordon said.
The ’Cats have also not allowed a goal to start conference play as senior goalkeeper Lily Ellis has picked up threestraight clean sheets, making her total career shutouts 32.
For the Jennies, junior forward Mikayla Ernst has already tallied a total of 10 goals through 10 games, leading the team in goals scored. Gordon said Ernst is a threat to the Bearcats’ success, but she will not be their sole concern.
“We just have to go in and play the game, she has a high work rate, is a very pacey player, and clearly she is finding success,” Gordon said. “We got to manage her, but they are good
McMenamin sees the ranking as a ladder to climb — hoping to make it to the Top 10 in the country.
One goal McMenamin set for the team, and achieved, is setting a solid foundation for future Bearcats — for new recruits to come in and see what the program has to offer and what playing for the team truly means.
“When you go to a school that has the prestige that Northwest does, the expectation is you want to win as fast as you can,” McMenamin said. “My main goal was making sure our foundation was set. If you build a great foundation, the house will be really pretty. Not everybody always sees the foundation or the work that you’re doing to build that, but eventually your house is going to be fine.”
Coming into the coaching job, McMenamin was aware of the senior class and was unsure how the team would react. A handful of players entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season; a few went to Central Missouri with former head coach Rich Wright.
“Walking in and having the group of seniors has been a blessing,” McMenamin said. “They weren’t really skeptical of the new guy coming. They jumped in with the shovels and said ‘Where can I dig? What can I do? How can I help?’ They’ve taken
NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
As for the Bearcats’ preparation for the game, sophomore midfielder Lillie Shaw — who is transitioning from being a forward into a defensive midfield position — said the team is approaching the game differently.
“We are staying with our own routine; Wednesdays are usually kind of our big days where we try to focus on things we might try to do differently against a different opponent, and will be our more grueling practice,” Shaw said. “The first couple games, it was a learning curve to figure out where I had to be positionally and learning how to play sitting further back on the field.”
“We have to play a perfect game,” Gordon said. “I think there are going to be ups and downs in the game; we just have to be the best version of ourselves that day. I talk to the girls a lot about (how) it is important to know your opponent and what they do, but it’s also important to focus on the things that we are trying to be and become and create problems for them.”
After the Bearcats play the Jennies, the team will travel further to play Rogers State (1-44, 1-2-1 MIAA) 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in Claremore, Oklahoma, and end their road trip.
over this team, and if there’s ever an issue or anything like that — you go to them and they take care of it.”
One of those seniors who has stuck it out with McMenamin is senior quarterback Chris Ruhnke — a leader for the team both on and off the field, and a player who McMenamin can go to during a game to get the job done.
“Obviously, with the coaching change there’s a lot of unknown, and I think it’s pretty cool to see how many seniors stuck around,” Ruhnke said. “We obviously trust Coach Mac (McMenamin); we trust in each other. It’s just been great so far.”
The Bearcats are back in action 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in Warrensburg, Missouri, against the Central Missouri Mules (3-2, 3-0 MIAA).
On the other side of the field will stand Wright, who is now the Mules’ defensive coordinator. While there is some connection with Wright, McMenamin sees the matchup as just another game and has told the team to have tunnel vision against the Mules.
“Our guys know they want to win; they don’t care who’s in their way,” McMenamin said. “That was our meeting on Sunday — when things get personal, things go sideways. It’s the Bearcats versus the Mules.”
Northwest soccer senior defender Moira Franck steals the ball from a Broncho during its 1-0 victory over the University of Central Oklahoma Oct. 3. The Bearcats next face Rogers State University 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in Claremore, Oklahoma.
EMILIA RAMANAUSKAS PHOTOGRAPHER
’Cats look to claw back in road games
’Hounds tie program record-season wins; team led by seniors
spot with 79.
The Maryville Spoofhounds (20-7) aim to bump their record to 21 wins in a District 16 clash against the St. Joseph-Benton Cardinals (10-14) Oct. 9. A win against Benton — for the second time this season — would allow Maryville to tie their most wins in a season since 2020.
The Spoofhounds can attribute much of their success in 2025 to their quartet of seniors. One senior, middle blocker Olivia Stanley, has shown her experience with reliable play for Maryville.
Stanley has totaled 50 blocks and is responsible for nine of the team’s 22 individual blocks on the year and has tallied 41 assisted blocks. The next closest player in that metric is senior outside hitter Abigail Bowe, who’s recorded 27 total blocks.
Seniors also account for three of the four kill leaders for the Spoofhounds: Bowe in the top spot with 222; outside hitter Brylee Acklin at second with 127; and Stanley in the fourth
Even though the seniors hold many of the team’s highest stats, Stanley says it’s a team sport.
“I think when we’re playing together as a team is when we’re most successful,” Stanley said. “I think when we execute that we look our best.”
Stanley’s approach to collective effort reflects her new head coach’s implementation of culture.
After being an assistant coach under Alyssa Stout for two years, Meghan Hermelink is in her first year as the ’Hounds’ head coach.
Hermelink has had a hand in coaching the seniors and juniors for three years now, but said as a first-year head coach, coaching each girl is a new challenge.
“I’m still trying to figure it out, and every girl takes feedback differently, so that’s something all three of us coaches are still trying to navigate,” Hermelink said.
Despite the talented seniors leaving after this season, Hermelink marks the talent on this team as something she can continue to build on in future seasons.
“We have a lot of talent; we
The Northwest volleyball team (6-7, 0-4 MIAA) saw its first home games this season and was handed back-to-back losses, but the team is using the defeat as a chance to grow.
After the weekend losses against Fort Hays State University (13-4, 2-3 MIAA) and No. 3 University of Nebraska-Kearney (18-0, 5-0 MIAA), the Bearcats have gone back to the drawing board and are changing the way they enter a game.
While the team sits 0-4 in MIAA play, head coach Amy Woerth said she sees the team growing into something lethal and using more intensity in games, which will come in handy for future conference play.
“I feel like the way we can get out of this is to continue to compete, learn and grow and be patient with our underclassmen and get them exposed,” Woerth said. “We can’t get them better until they understand this conference.”
With the team’s upcoming road games against No. 4 University of Central Oklahoma (17-1, 3-1 MIAA) and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (11-5, 2-2 MIAA), the ’Cats are hungry to tack on wins to their record.
For senior setter Ella Caffery, she said she has seen the team step up on the court during a match and use one another for help — despite being down on the scoreboard. On the offense side, the team has seen a noticeable difference in the challenge at the net.
“Part of my game has always been being an offensive setter,” Caffery said. “Last year, that was a big role of mine, was to get as many kills as a hitter would, essentially. I take pride in that, and I think our passers take pride in it when they put me
in a position to get kills.”
Caffery totaled two kills against Fort Hays State and three kills against the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
The team’s mindset is on one thing: taking a set away from Central Oklahoma. Last season, the Bearcats pushed 3-1 against the Bronchos — Woerth has told the team what she expects from them and how they can take down a ranked opponent.
“What we have noticed so far about UCO is their stats aren’t as good as their ranking,” Woerth said. “They’re a beatable team. Every team we’ve played is beatable. Somewhere along the way, you can find a way to expose their weaknesses…I feel like they’re a beatable team.”
After Central Oklahoma, the ’Cats travel down to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to face the Lions — a team the Bearcats took down in three sets last season. Woerth said the team looks to take them down in the same fashion.
“We better play well,” Woerth said. “It’s another opportunity. We want hungry people. We want hungry people that want to go in and play their best and let the results take care of itself. We’re not talking about our record every single day, we’re not talking about we have to win every single day.”
The ’Cats are set to face the Bronchos 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in Edmond, Oklahoma, then take on the Lions 1 p.m. Oct. 10 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
“We got to believe in the process and continue to believe in the process,” Woerth said. “Even though it’s a challenge right now — it doesn’t mean that you can change that focus.”
have a lot of girls that want to be here, that want to build a program and aren’t really playing selfish volleyball,” Hermelink said.
The Benton Cardinals have the next opportunity to compete against the Spoofhounds. Benton has struggled at times throughout the season, posting a five-game losing streak from Sept. 15-25.
Maryville will host Benton 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Maryville High School. Following this match, the Spoofhounds travel to take on the
Bulldogs 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at South Harrison High School (6-12-1).
Maryville hosts the St. Pius X Warriors (12-13-1) 6 p.m. Oct.
14 and the Chillicothe Hornets (20-4) 6 p.m. Oct. 16 before the Class 3 District 16 Tournament begins Oct. 21.
OLIVIA WALLACE Sports Editor | @_oliviawallace_
KEATON SMITH Sports Reporter | @keatonsmedia
Northwest volleyball senior middle hitter Kate Frakes delivers a serve during the Bearcats’ 3-0 loss against Fort Hays State University Oct. 3.
MITCHELL HARVEY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Maryville volleyball celebrates after a point scored in its 3-0 win against St. Joseph-Lafayette Oct. 29. The Spoofhounds are seeking their 21st win of the season against St. Joseph-Benton 6 p.m Oct. 9 at Maryville High School.
MITCHELL HARVEY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
THE POWER BEHIND THE PAW
Football head coach John McMenamin hugs defensive coordinator Chad Bostwick after defeating No. 15 University of Central Oklahoma Sept. 27. This marks the fourth win in a row for the Bearcats.
Coach leads ’Cats to No. 22 rank
“Itell the story ‘Once A Bearcat Always A Bearcat’ really hit me — because I knew no matter what, I had a family and it didn’t matter how successful I was or unsuccessful I was, there was a family of Bearcats that would welcome me.”
Those words come from former two-time national champion Bearcat and present football head coach John McMenamin, whose life plan took a turn back to Maryville to lead the ’Cats to being in the polls again.
While a Bearcat in the late ’90s, McMenamin had thoughts the sport he loved wasn’t for him, and he didn’t fit in with the team.
“Coach (Mel) Tjeerdsma is one that made me stick around because freshman year was hard,” McMenamin said. “It’s just like every freshman; I didn’t know if football was for me. I was like ‘Man, I thought I was really good,’ and then I got here and I wasn’t near as good as I thought I was.”
The coaching staff during his time as a student made him stay and play — but also formed him into the coach he is today.
While the game of football has changed from 26 years ago, McMenamin has adapted the tools he was once given to the new generation of Bearcats.
“(Former Bearcat football assistant coach)
Jim Svoboda, my offensive coordinator, he probably impacted me just as much,” McMenamin said. “He taught me how intrinsic the game was and just how cerebral you had to be to play. His ability to watch film and be creative and unique really caught my atten-
tion, and that’s what drew me in.”
McMenamin was also a part of the Bearcats’ 1998 and 1999 national championship run — something he wants for the 2025 Bearcat team.
Years later, McMenamin would be in the same position as his former role models with the headset on the sidelines.
Coaching was never what McMenamin wanted to do, but he knew it ran in his DNA. His father, Joe McMenamin, was a head coach for Omaha Central High School football for 16 years in Omaha, Nebraska. McMenamin saw the position as time-consuming and thought the family aspect was missing — years later, he found the perfect balance.
He dove into multiple different workforces before finding his way to the University of Nebraska-Omaha to obtain his master’s degree in urban studies and joined the Mavericks football team as a graduate assistant coach.
“I was like, ‘This really isn’t work — doesn’t pay much but it’s not work,’” McMenamin said. “I loved it. I knew from that day on that I probably should have started sooner. This is what I wanted to do, and it’s been hell on wheels since.”
Everywhere McMenamin went as a coach, he made an impact — with Wayne State College in 2011, he recruited more than double the players for the Wildcats before he left for Tulane University.
While in Nebraska, McMenamin also coached at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, where he turned around a program from 8-3 to finishing the season No. 22 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
From there, he went down to the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri, as an offensive coordinator from January 2015 to December 2019 — where he coached the No. 1 total-offense in Division II in 2019.
He took Tulane to the Cotton Bowl Classic in 2023 against the University of Southern California and brought back a championship win as head coach. When the Bearcat coaching job opened up following Rich Wright’s departure from the team, he knew he had to take the leap back to Missouri.
“God works in mysterious ways,” McMenamin said. “This job opened up and we had to talk amongst our family and said, ‘You know, I know we aren’t coaching anymore, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.’”
Coming back to Bearcat Nation was a blessing in disguise for McMenamin — four new coaches also accompanied him to the team.
Offensive coordinator Collin Prosser, special teams coordinator Jake Willrich, wide receivers coach Mark Wright and quarterbacks coach Bryan Boesen are the four coaches who joined the Bearcat staff along with McMenamin.
“I always dreamed of, if I could ever get a job where you get to hire your own staff and everybody’s rowing in the same direction,” McMenamin said. “I think that’s playing with fire. I think it’s awesome.”
As of McMenamin holding the head coach position, the ’Cats now sit No. 22 in Division II football, an achievement the team has not reached since the 2021 season. The team is also currently No. 1 in MIAA in scoring defense and No. 2 in scoring offense.
Northwest football head coach John McMenamin celebrates after defeating the University of Central Oklahoma 38-16 Sept. 27. The Bearcats are now ranked No. 22 in NCAA Division II.
OLIVIA WALLACE Sports Editor | @_oliviawallace_
HANNAH CLAYWELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Northwest head coach John McMenamin holds his fist up after a defensive stop against the University of Central Oklahoma Sept. 27. The Bearcats are first in the MIAA.
HANNAH CLAYWELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF