Versailles Leader Statesman Dec 8, 2016

Roger Francis Uses Mind’s Eye To See the World Pg. 14

Kaylee Sue Weaver Meets Santa Claus Pg 9

Barista Helps Ministry Pg. 2

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Versailles leader-statesman

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 Volume 131 Number 49 Versailles, MO

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Collector’s office open extra December hours

The Morgan County Collector’s Office will be open special hours this month to allow Morgan County residents to pay taxes before the end-of-year deadline.

Collector Kathy Francis announced, in addition to the normal courthouse hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, her office will be open: - 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17; - 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 23; - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26; and - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

For more information, call 573-378-5370.

Bluegrass Martins Christmas at Royal

The Bluegrass Martins firstever local Christmas concert is scheduled 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Royal Theatre in Versailles.

Versailles students, under direction of Jennifer Rauscher, sing Christmas carols and other holiday tunes, both Special guests include Ron traditional and modern, Saturday, Dec. 3 on Monroe Street in Versailles. The street was blocked for the annual and Leona Williams.

Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas on the Square event. In addition to the choir, this year’s event featured approximately 20 craft and food vendors, a silent auction, Mrs. Claus (Pat Opie) in an antique sleigh, Santa (J.J. White), carriage rides, and a special performance by members of the Hawthorn Aerial Flyers. (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

All tickets are $15. Call 573378-6226 for reserved seating or purchase at the door, upon availability.

For more information, call 573-378-6226 or visit theroyaltheatre.com.

The Versailles City Council Tuesday, Dec. 6 hired a new police officer, approved the 2017 budget, and discussed policy for city employees who also volunteer to respond to emergencies during work hours.

The council approved the recommendation of Police Chief Chad Hartman to hire Cassidy Keene as a full-time police officer, bringing the total number of regular officers to eight, one short of full staff. Keene will start at $12.50 per hour.

Hartman described Keene, who graduated police academy in March, as “very sharp.” Keene currently is a jailer in Miller County, has dispatch experience, and her “references check out,” according to Hartman.

The 2017 budget was approved by the council. Mayor Terry Sil-

local athletic programs are highlighted through advertising. Please patronize these businesses.

Posters are being distributed to businesses in Versailles and are available free at the newspaper office, 104 W. Jasper, in Versailles during regular business hours.

Pick one up today! Supplies are limited.

Sounds of the season

Tigers winter sports Council: officer hire, budget, emergency response posters now available vey announced he will release a budget report soon, but said the new budget leaves the city with a surplus of $121,969. Anticipated 2017 revenue is $2,982,771. Expected expenses are $2,860,802.

The budget is available for public viewing at City Hall.

A recent policy decision by Public Works Superintendent David Avey to limit the time away from job duties taken by public works employees who also volunteer as first responders was met with criticism by Versailles City Fire Chief Bob Ferguson.

Ferguson said, “it could cost lives” and it was “not in the best interest of citizens.”

Concern was expressed by various council members that an employee leaving their primary job during work hours for non-emergency calls was unnec-

essary and that very clear and consistent communication with supervisors before leaving and when returning was needed City attorney Steve Grantham suggested a compromise, allowing employees to respond only when no ambulance service was immediately available.

Council Briefs - The city and police department now have an upgraded phone system. The contact number remains 573-378-4634.

- Approximately $17,000 was approved to purchase lights, sirens, graphics/emblems, and fire suppression equipment for a city fire apparatus.

- DeWayne Cunningham was officially hired with the public works department after a successful probationary period.

- A 4-inch water main break

at the sewer treatment plant was repaired.

- Salary amounts were approved for all city employees.

- Ann Black’s contract as the city’s grant administrator and community development director was renewed.

- 22 boxes of old city records that have met the retention schedule will be shredded.

- Residents who pay a year in advance for trash service ($111.98) will receive one month discounted. Deadline to pay in full is the end of January.

- Versailles is “at the top of the list” according to Silvey, to be considered for a $86,000 MoDOT grant.

The next meeting of the Versailles City Council is scheduled 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at City Hall.

The Versailles LeaderStatesman has produced an 18x24 full-color, glossy poster for the Versailles High School winter sports teams.

The poster includes photos of the varsity boys basketball, girls basketball, and wrestling teams. It also features season schedules for each sport.

Local businesses and organizations who support

Christmas activities, events planned locally

There are plenty of fun things to do locally this year to get into the holiday spirit. There are Christmas light displays, concerts, plays, musicals and more.

Here’s a list of area activities: Christmas at the Park The Versailles City Park Board, Morgan County Health Center, and KS95 are hosting Christmas in the Park 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 in Versailles City Park. The event will feature Christmas music, lights, hot chocolate and candy canes from Santa.

Bluegrass Martins Christmas The Bluegrass Martins firstever Christmas concert is scheduled 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Royal Theatre in Versailles.

Special guests include Ron and Leona Williams. All tickets are $15. Call 573-378-6226 for reserved seating or purchase at the door, upon availability.

For more information, call 573-378-6226 or visit theroyaltheatre.com.

Christmas Cookie Sale A Christmas Cookie Sale is scheduled 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Kent Memorial Lutheran Church in Sunrise Beach. A variety of cookies will be sold by the pound. For information call 573-374-5267.

Christmas workshop A free children’s craft workshop and free gift store for children only, is scheduled 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10 at Westlake Christian Church on Route O in Laurie. Children can choose and wrap a gift for their parents or caregivers.

All children and adults are also invited to a free breakfast the same morning.

Nativities from around the world will also be on display. For information call 573-374-0647.

No reservations are required.

Candlelight and Carols The Greater Lake Area Chorale will present Candlelight and Carols Winter concert 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12 at the United Methodist Church in Versailles.

Community Orchestra The Lake Area Community Orchestra will present a holiday concert 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Royal Theatre in Versailles.

There is no admission charged. However, donations are welcome. For information call Leonard Vader 573-644-4801.

Unity Circle Of Lights The Versailles Unity Circle of Lights is scheduled through Sunday, Jan. 1 at the Versailles City Park in Versailles. Holiday light displays are exhibited for public viewing and can be seen

GL AChorale Greater Lake Area Chorale Presents

on foot or by driving through the park. For more information call 573-378-4634 or visit cityofversailles.org.

St. Patrick’s Festival of Lights St. Patrick’s Festival of Lights is lit 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through Sunday, Jan. 1 around the statue of Mary and reflecting fountains at the Shrine of St. Patrick Catholic Church off Highway 5 in Laurie.

The Festival of Lights includes 4,000 strings of lights, more than 60 automatic timers and more than 350 extension cords and is focused on the original meaning of Christmas: Jesus and Mary.

There is no charge to view the light display. The gift shop will be open to welcome guests and will be serving hot chocolate and cider.

For information call 573-3747855 or visit stpatrickcatholicchurch.org.

Enchanted Village of Lights The City of Laurie will present the Enchanted Village of Lights display 5 to 9 p.m. now through Sunday, Jan. 1 (10 p.m. on the weekends) in the Laurie City Park.

The free light display boasts more than 180 light displays, including animated, blow-up, flashing and musical lights, plus

fence line, pole and road lights.

Hailed as the largest light show in mid-Missouri, almost 20,000 people visited this 27-acre drivethrough light park last year.

Horse drawn carriage rides are available for a fee.

For information call 573-3748776 or visit cityoflaurie.com.

Christmas for Kids The Morgan County Caring for Kids Coalition is having sign-ups for Christmas for Kids gift distribution through Friday, Dec. 9 at Morgan County Family Support Division and Morgan County Health Center.

The Christmas for Kids gift distribution is scheduled 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15 at Versailles First Assembly of God church, at the corner of Hunter and Hicks Street in Versailles.

Toys for Kids The Toys for Kids Christmas Toy Giveaway provides free Christmas toys for children in need noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Morgan County VFW on Troutdale Road in Gravois Mills.

To help, call 573-363-5433 or mail a toy or donation to 25 Baptist St., Macks Creek, Mo. 65786. They also have donation boxes set up at several business Madisen Buckingham performs an aerial acrobatic rouin the area where toys can be tine Saturday, Dec. 3 during a special performance of the Hawthorn Aerial Flyers at the Royal Theatre in Verdropped off. sailles. The Flyers are a newly formed group of Hawthorn Dance and Gymnastic students who work with the “silks.” (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

Candlelight & Carols Monday, Dec. 12 • 7 p.m.

2016 Fall Concert Series

Versailles United Methodist Church • 201 N. Monroe • Versailles, MO Sponsored by Clinic Pharmacy and The Versailles Leader-Statesman

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 2

www.leader-statesman.com

Police host open house

The Versailles Police Department hosted an open house Tuesday, Dec. 6 in their newly remodeled headquarters in the former library next to City Hall in Versailles. At the open house, clockwise from left photo, Carol Jones, Chief Chad Hartman, Officer Eric Hedrick, School Resource Officer Darren Smith, Randy Francis, and Assistant Chief James Burkhart. (photos by Bryan E. Jones)

Filing opens Dec. 13 for local elections Filing for candidacy in Tuesday, April 4, 2017 municipal elections begins 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 and continues during each government body’s regular business hours and until 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017.

Morgan County R-II School District Three seats on the Board of Education of the Morgan County R-II School District will be up for election, each with three-year terms.

Also available is one seat for the remaining one year of an unexpired term.

Candidates for these positions may file during the district’s regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, while the school is in session. Filings will be accepted at the schol district’s central office, 913 W. Newton in Versailles.

The school will be closed 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, and will also be closed Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.

City of Versailles Elections will be held for mayor, city marshal, north ward alderman, and south ward alderman of the City of Versailles, each with a four-year term.

Candidates may file during regular office hours at City Hall,

104 N. Fisher in Versailles.

Candidates must include with their filing an affidavit of tax payments and bonding requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Forms are available at dor.mo.gov/forms/5120.pdf.

Versailles Rural Fire Protection District There is one seat up for election on the board of the Versailles Rural Fire Protection District. It has a six-year term.

To file for candidacy, call the district office at 573-378-5901.

Morgan County Health Center Three seats are up for election on the board of the Morgan County Health Center, each with a four-year term.

Candidacy declarations will be accepted during regular office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, at the health center, 104 W. Lafayette in Versailles.

Town of Gravois Mills Elections will be held for two positions on the Gravois Mills board of trustees, each for a twoyear term.

Candidates may file by calling town clerk Gail Kruse at 573374-4651.

Gravois Special Road District 8 One seat on the board of Gravois Special Road District 8 will

be up for election, with a threeyear term.

To file for this position, submit a candidacy declaration during regular office hours at the road district barn, 27876 Highway 5 in Gravois Mills, or leave a message at 573-372-2215.

Gravois Fire Protection District One seat will be up for election on the board of the Gravois Fire Protection District, with a six-year term.

Filings will be accepted during regular office hours with administrative assistant Jodie Hunsaker at the district office, 215 Route O in Laurie.

City of Laurie Elections will be held in the City of Laurie for one alderman each from Ward 1 and Ward 2, each with a two-year term.

Candidates may file during normal business hours at City Hall, 147 S. Main, lower level, in Laurie.

Candidates must include with their filing an affidavit of tax payments and bonding requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Forms are available at dor.mo.gov/forms/5120.pdf.

City of Barnett Elections will be held for one seat each as alderman for Ward 1 and Ward 2, each with a two-

year term, and an additional seat for Ward 2 with an unexpired term of one year.

Declarations of candidacy may be scheduled by calling the city clerk at Barnett City Hall, 573-392-6482. Messages will be returned promptly.

Barnett Special Road District A seat on the board of Barnett Special Road District 3 will be up for election. Candidates may call Jeanne Thomas at 573-3926482 for filing.

Mid-Mo Ambulance District Also up for election is the seat from Sub-district 4 in Morgan County on the board of the MidMo Ambulance District.

Candidacy paperwork will be accepted during regular weekday business hours at the district office, 221 S. Moreau Ave. in Tipton. The office will be closed Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2, 2017.

Public Water Supply District 2 (Ivy Bend) One seat on the board of Public Water Supply District 2 will be up for election, with a three-year term. It is the seat representing sub-district 5 in Ivy Bend.

Candidates for this position must file at the Morgan County Courthouse in Versailles.

State auditor reports:

County entities may need to study Sunshine Law

A recent Sunshine Law review by the office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway showed two out of three local tax-funded entities did not meet all the requirements of laws designed to keep government accessible to citizens.

Three Morgan County government agencies were among the random sample of public entities that unknowingly participated in a recent pop quiz on the subject.

Included in the study’s statistical sample of political subdivisions throughout Missouri were the Morgan County Health Center, the Versailles Rural Fire Protection District, and the Golden Age Nursing Home District.

What it was all about Galloway’s office sent registered letters Tuesday, Aug. 2 to 326 organizations randomly selected from the 4,113 political subdivisions in its database.

The letters were designed to resemble a public records request from a private citizen.

They asked for the meeting notice, agenda, and minutes of the organization’s last meeting in 2015, the name and contact information of its custodian of records, and information about its policy on recording meetings.

Under state laws promoting government transparency, the entities were required to respond within three days, either to comply with the request or to acknowledge receipt of it. Acceptable reasons for not promptly complying included questions to clarify the intent of the request, and requests for payment in advance of a reasonable fee.

Also evaluated were the contents of the meeting notices, agendas, and minutes received from each responding entity.

Meeting notices are required by state law to include the time, date, location, and tentative agenda of the meeting. Agendas must also cite a proper reason for any proposed closed session.

Meeting minutes must also state the date, time, and location of the meeting, and list the board members in attendance.

How Missouri did In her statement of the findings of the Sunshine Law review, Galloway noted: • Of the 326 request letters sent out, only 309 were delivered to the intended recipient; 17 were not confirmed as delivered.

• Of the 309 public entities that received the letter, 48 entities, or 15.5 percent, did not respond at all.

One of these was the Morgan County Health Center, which had not responded before the study’s six-week cut-off date of Friday, Sept. 16.

Gena Terlizzi, director of communications for Galloway’s office, confirmed the health center still had not responded to the public information request as of Wednesday, Nov. 23.

• Of the 261 responses Galloway’s office received, 194 (74.3 percent) were sent within three days as required by law, while 67 organizations (25.7 percent) responded after the three-day timeline expired.

Both the Versailles Rural fire district and the Golden Age Nursing Home District responded to the auditor’s public information request, but neither response was sent within three days.

Terlizzi said the Versailles RFPD’s response was one day late, and Golden Age’s response was two days late.

• Four political subdivisions denied the request for reasons that are not allowed under state law.

Among the illegal reasons for not complying with the public records request were: requests for clarification about the reason for the request or how the information would be used; requests that the applicant appear in person or fill out a form to receive the records; or demands for more information about the person making the request.

The Sunshine Law requires that if a request for access to public information is denied, the custodian of records respond in writing, citing the statute under which access is denied. None of the organizations denying access to the state auditor’s request cited a statute to support the denial.

• Only 91 respondents (29.4 percent of organizations that received the request) fully complied with all aspects of it.

• Of the 185 meeting notices the auditor’s office received in reply to its letter, 32 notices (17.3 percent) did not provide at least one of the required elements.

There were 18 organizations that could not provide any public meeting notice as requested, and 15 of the tentative agendas that proposed a closed session did not properly cite a reason for the closure.

Neither of the responding organizations in Morgan County provided all the required elements in its meeting notice.

According to Terlizzi, the Ver-

sailles RFPD’s meeting notice did not include the location of the meeting, and the Golden Age meeting notice did not include the location or a proper citation of the closed session.

• Out of 201 responding entities that provided meeting minutes, 74 organizations (36.8 percent) omitted at least one required element from the minutes.

Again, neither of the responding organizations in Morgan County supplied minutes that contained all the items required by the Sunshine Law. Terlizzi said both the Golden Age minutes and the Versailles RFPD minutes failed to specify the location of the meeting.

• Both the Versailles RFPD and the Golden Age NHD were among the 222 responding organizations that properly responded to the auditor’s request to identify the organization’s custodian of records. There were 12 organizations (5.1 percent) that did not respond properly.

• Both the Versailles RFPD and the Golden Age NHD were among 201 organizations whose responses fully addressed the policy question about recording meetings, compared to 16 organizations (7.4 percent) whose responses fell short of Sunshine Law requirements.

• Of the 309 delivered public records requests, 43 organizations requested payment before providing the records, which is allowed under the Sunshine Law. Most fees assessed were in compliance with the law, but some were not compliant or seemed unreasonable.

Auditor’s conclusions In her summary analysis of how organizations statewide performed, Galloway estimated: • Approximately 893 of the 4,113 political subdivisions in Missouri (21.7 percent) would not respond timely to a Sunshine Law request.

• Approximately 638 of the 4,113 organizations (15.5 percent) would not respond at all.

• Approximately 2,727 (66.3 percent) would not fully comply with the public records requests.

Galloway noted, “By failing to properly and timely respond to requests or denying requests unjustifably, political subdivisions risk fines, lawsuits, and loss of credibility with their constituency.”

In a press release accompanying the report, Galloway added, “My office regularly receives

complaints related to access of public information, which is exactly what the Sunshine Law is designed to address.”

She said the results of the study “were extremely disappointing and demonstrate that we have a long way to go in improving transparency and citizen access to information in Missouri government.”

On a positive note, Terlizzi said the auditor’s office has received many calls from the government entities listed in the report.

“This indicates these entities want to comply and are looking to improve,” she said. “That is a positive result from this report.”

Local comments Representatives of the local organizations named in the auditor’s report were invited to comment on this story.

Glenda Tietjen, administrator of the Golden Age Living Center, said she had contacted the state auditor.

“In participating in this Audit we learned we need to have an agenda specific for closed meetings, not added onto the board agenda, along with all elements needed to be included in each meeting,” said Tietjen. “This has been a learning experience for us and we will continue to educate ourselves to meet all requirements of the Sunshine Law.” Shawn Brantley, administrator of the Morgan County Health Center, said: “After receiving notification from the Attorney General’s Office, I looked into this matter further, because I had no record of ever receiving such a request.

“It appears that the State Auditor’s Office still had the previous administrator listed as the Custodian of Records for the health center, so I never received that letter. I will be contacting the State Auditor’s Office to clear this issue up.”

Versailles Rural FPD board president Jim Dykzeul explained, saying the board secretary is available only two days per week and the recently deceased fire chief Troy Nichols, usually collected the mail.

A letter from the auditor’s office to VRFPD read, “A sincere thank you ... for your interest in ensuring compliance with sunshine law requirements. ... I’m sorry to hear it was under such unfortunate circumstances and extend my sympathies to all on Mr. Nichols passing.”

Coffee with a cause

Isaac Lancaster was the barista Saturday, Dec. 3 at Love Light Coffee Shop during the annual Christmas on the Square event in Versailles. Love Light helps fund a ministry to young women and girls who need assistance in various ways. (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

Rural FPD training tower in demand The Versailles Rural Fire Protection District board learned Thursday, Dec. 1 its firefighter training tower is in service and in demand.

Deputy Chief Jim Towles told the board the tower’s construction was completed and it is being used to train the district’s firefighters.

Towles also noted the MidMo Ambulance District and the Versailles City Fire Department have asked to use the tower to train their personnel.

Chief’s report Interim fire chief Bill Jones said the approach to the Highway 52 and Route D fire station needs repair. He agreed to consult with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Jones reported the district responded to 19 incidents in November, with an average response time of 9.82 minutes.

The calls included one passenger vehicle fire, one forest wildland fire, one brush fire, eight medical assist calls, one

vehicle accident with injury, one vehicle accident without injury, four authorized controlled burns, and two calls canceled en route.

Jones reported maintenance on all fire apparatus was up to date. He noted a new deck gun valve on the pumper rescue truck was not working, after being replaced in October.

Towles said all the district’s fire trucks need new windshield wiper blades.

Other business Owen Hoover was assigned to administer and document maintenance on all fire apparatus, with board secretary Jo Reistad entering the data into the FirePrograms database.

It was noted approximately 123 people were expected to attend the district’s Christmas dinner Saturday, Dec. 10.

The fire board’s next meeting is scheduled 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017 at the Highway 52 and Route D fire station in rural Versailles.

MU Extension Council filing open until Dec. 27 The Morgan County University of Missouri Extension Council has announced, in a legal notice in this newspaper, local voters will have an opportunity to elect members of the extension council in January 2017.

The council consists of both elected and appointed members, working with the university to offer local educational programs.

Up for election are seats from Haw Creek Township, Osage Township, Moreau Township, Mill Creek Township, and Buffalo Township, each with a twoyear term.

Nominees as of Monday, Dec. 5 were Jason Huffman, Michael Letchworth, and Phyllis Schwartz for Haw Creek; Joann Billington for Osage; Marcel Guhr and Dawn Murdock for Moreau; and J.T. Gerlt for Mill

Creek. No one had filed yet for Buffalo Township.

Additional nominations may be made until Tuesday, Dec. 27 by a petition of 25 or more qualified voters residing within the district.

Nominations must be filed at the county extension office, on the fourth floor of the Morgan County Courthouse, 100 E. Newton St. in Versailles.

Forms for nomination are also available at the extension office.

Voting will take place online or by paper ballot, either at the courthouse or by mail, Monday, Jan. 9 to Monday, Jan. 20, 2017.

A notice to be published at a later date will have more details about voting procedures.

For more information, call Joni Harper at the extension office, 573-378-5358.

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Obituaries

Dorothy Lovinger

Dorothy B. Lovinger, 99, of Columbia, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 at the Lenoir Care Center in Columbia.

She was born Aug. 29, 1917 in Denver, Colo., daughter of Eddo B. and Lula (McCracken) Blackburn.

The family moved to Hot Springs, Mont., where she grew up.

She met Warren C. Lovinger at Western Montana State College in Dillon, Mont., where both were students. They married Aug. 14, 1937 in Hot Springs, and immediately became team teachers at the Monarch, Mont. school.

After World War II, she helped support the family as a typist. In 1951, the family settled in Aberdeen, S.D. While there, she completed her master’s degree.

In 1956, the family moved to Warrensburg, where her husband was president of Central Missouri State University.

She was active as the First Lady of CMSU, hosting countless events and serving as president of several university and community organizations.

In 1979, they retired to their farm near Stover. They enjoyed 25 years as farmers, volunteers, and leaders in their church and community.

After her husband’s death in 2006, she lived in Columbia.

She is survived by three children and their spouses, Patricia Schutjer and the Rev. Clifford Schutjer of Phoenix, Ariz., Jeanie Peters and David Peters of Waverly, Warren Lovinger, Jr. and Marilyn Lovinger of Nevada, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and siblings Harry Blackburn, Pauline Keirn, and Glenn Blackburn.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 3, at the ScrivnerMorrow Funeral Home in Stover with the Rev. Andrew Florio officiating. The music selections were “In the Garden,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Interment was in the Stover Cemetery. Bryan Schutjer, Paul Peters, Bruce Wilson, Bradley Peters, Thomas Lovinger, and Daniel Lovinger served as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions were suggested to the Lovinger Graduate Student Scholarship, University of Central Missouri Foundation, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or the Stover Cemetery.

Arrangements were under direction of the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover.

Ruth Ann Bay

Ruth Ann Bay, 78, of Bolivar, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar.

She was born Aug. 6, 1938 in Hermitage, the daughter of Kenneth and Ruth Hutcheson Wilson.

She attended Hermitage schools from grade one through high school. Following high school, she married Jack Bay and the couple lived in Columbia.

Their careers took them to Iowa and Grandview where they lived from 1969 to 2000. Theylived 15 years at a lake home near Laurie, then moved to Bo-

livar in 2015.

She was employed in several secretarial positions. In 2000, she and her husband started Eclipse Data Systems.

She enjoyed music, playing piano, watching the Kansas City Royals and Mizzou football games, trout fishing at Bennett Springs, and cheering for her nieces and nephews on the Skyline High School basketball teams.

She, along with her sister, husband, and brother-in-law, began a volunteer effort to raise funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia for longterm care facilities in the Citizens Memorial Hospital Foundation system.

She is survived by her husband of the home; sister Kay Bohannon of Hermitage; brother-in-law Park Bay of Columbia; son James Bay and wife Elizabeth of Morrison, Colo.; adopted daughter Joni Chichuk and husband Mike of Kansas City; three granddaughters; two stepgranddaughters; two grandsons; three great-grandsons; and many cousins and friends.

Funeral service was Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Hathaway-Peterman Chapel in Wheatland, with the Rev. Ellen Hoff officiating.

Interment was in Hermitage Cemetery in Hermitage.

Memorial contributions were suggested to the Music in Memory Program, c/o CMH Foundation, 1500 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar, MO 65613.

Record

Timothy Wayne Burton

Timothy Wayne Burton, 68, of Versailles, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles.

He was born Aug. 31, 1948, in Clevela nd , Ohio, a son of the late Cecil and Bettie (Neff) Burton.

He retired from many years of service in sales.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Versailles where he served as a Sunday school teacher for the men’s fellowship class.

He enjoyed gardening and cheering the Cleveland Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He is survived by wife Darnell of the home; daughters Lani Luckman and husband Steve of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and China Burton and Jason Lucas of North Liberty, Iowa; stepson Russell Leroux and wife Jackie of Waco, Texas; stepdaughter Penny Leroux of England; eight grandchildren; a great-grandchild; brother Christopher Burton and wife Joann of Lake Geneva, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life observance was Saturday, Dec. 3, at First Baptist Church in Versailles, with Dr. Todd Forman officiating.

Memorial contributions were Marjorie Fulks suggested to the Goldschmidt Gracy Cancer Center or First Baptist Marjorie Camilla Fulks Gracy, Church in Versailles.

81, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 in Springfield.

She was Linus Francis ‘Con’ Conrad born Sept. 11, Linus Francis “Con” Conrad, age 77, of Versailles, passed 1935, in Plaaway Sunday, December 4, 2016, at his home. to, the young He was born October 27, 1939, in Washingest child of ton County, Iowa, a son of the late Bernard N. John Sherand Leona B. (Sanders) Conrad. man Fulks On December 9, 1989, in Kansas City, Misand Lina Mae souri, he was united in marriage to Sue CoRoyster.

She married Leroy A. Bates chran, who preceded him in death on June 14, in 1953. They divorced in 1973. 2014.

She married James Franklin Linus was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Army NaGracy in 1982.

She was a homemaker. She tional Guard, having served in Vietnam. He was enjoyed playing piano, singing, awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense listening to gospel and country Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

He built his career as a heavy equipment operator for the Intermusic, genealogy, and reading.

She was saved at the age of 13 national Union of Operating Engineers Local 101 in Kansas City, at the Plato Baptist Church. She Missouri, retiring after many years of service. was a member of the First Bap- He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in St. Paul, tist Church of Stover at the time Iowa and the Missouri River Boating Association.

Linus was a hard worker who stayed busy working with his of her death.

She is survived by husband hands. He spent many hours remodeling the home he and Sue James of the home; daughters purchased. He enjoyed attending auctions and acquiring broken Donna and Patti; stepdaughter items which had potential to be fixed and put to good use. Above Elaine Gracy Kelley; stepson all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandDennis Gracy; six grandchil- children. dren; four great-grandchildren; He is survived by his sons, David Conrad and wife Sara and 11 step-great-grandchildren; sis- Danny Conrad and wife Christy, both of Kansas City, Missouri; ter Vivian Smith; sister-in-law his daughter, Kim Plemmons and husband Mickey of Versailles, Deana Fulks; and several nieces, Missouri; grandchildren, Faith Conrad, Hope Conrad, D.J. Conrad, Chasidy Burton, Eli Conrad, Mia Conrad, Jessie Schaffer, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by B.J. Kling, Rachel McGary, Caleb Plemmons and Brett McGary; her grandparents; parents; sister great-grandchildren, Landon Schaffer, Ellie Burton, Hadley BurBonnie Fulks Willhite; brother ton and Regan McGary; brothers, Paul Conrad and wife Kaye, Dale Fulks; infant sister Freida David Conrad and wife Mary, Ray Conrad and wife Justine, Vic Fulks; sister Betty Joe Fulks Conrad and Tony Conrad and wife Bobbie; sisters, Bernadine Nipper; son Anthony “Tony” Kruse and husband Mark, Karen Derksen and Connie Menke and Bates; a granddaughter; and a many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by step-grandson.

Graveside services were his daughter, Diane Shoop, brothers, Carl Conrad, Ernest Conrad Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Stark and Jim Conrad and his sister, Patricia Finette.

Cemetery in Plato, with the Rev. A celebration of Linus’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 9th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles Phillip McGuire officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial with Pastor Jerry Piker officiating. contributions were suggested Inurnment will be held at a later date. to the Stark Cemetery via the Memorial contributions are suggested to Paralyzed Veterans of Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home, America.

210 East Jasper, Versailles, MO Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com.

65804.

Arrangements were under di- Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwellrection of the Scrivner-Morrow Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

PAID OBITUARY Funeral Home in Versailles.

undivided 1/8 interest.

Eric L. and Danielle R. O’Donnell to Randall D. and Teresa J. Adams Trustees, lot 36, Ivy Bend Number One. Rafael and Tristan Maxon, Rondal and Laura Hunter, Richard and Lori Bruce to William M. Wolfe Trustee, southeast quarter of southeast quarter, and southwest quarter of southeast quarter, all of section 28, township 41, range 18.

William A. Hornburg Sr., Donald L. McCart to William A. Hornburg Sr., Donald L. McCart, west half of northwest quarter, section 22, township 41, range 17.

Donald G. and Donna M. Courtney to Robert Stephens, lot 24, Broken Circle Development Number Two. James S. and Kathleen A. Strunk to Steven H. and Tracy M. Dunn, unit 522, Timberlake Condominium Building 500.

Randall L. and Sharon L. Ratley Trustees to James S. and Kathleen A. Strunk, unit 831, Timberlake Condominium Building 800.

Terrence J. and Leanne Cornwell to David M. and Sharon Mitchell, lot 8, Crum’s Subdivision.

Fern Vogt to Marcus Vogt, east half of northwest quarter of southeast quarter, section 19,

township 42, range 17.

Raymond and Leslie Guyton to Samuel and Teresa Hutton, lots 27 and 28, Ivy Bend Number Seven.

Scott A. and Mary E. Schmidt to Scott A. and Mary E. Schmidt Trustees, southwest quarter of southeast quarter, and northeast quarter of southeast quarter, and north half of southeast quarter of southeast quarter, all of section 18, township 41, range 18.

Kenneth G. and Kay Frances Moon to Richard A. Windsor, west half os southwest quarter, and northeast quarter of southwest quarter, all of section 1, township 44, range 19, and east half of southeast quarter, section 2, township 44, range 19.

Victor K. Jeffries, Laura Lee Pearen to Steven A. and Jennifer M. Imler, northwest quarter of southeast quarter, section 22, township 42, range 16.

Lyman Moore to Joel B. and Abbey A. Clark, northwest quarter, section 7, township 41, range 17.

Kenneth W. and Nancy J. Moore to Joseph J. Miller, Bridgette S. Saunders, lot 38, Indian Haven, and northwest quarter of southeast quarter, section 35, township 41, range 17, and lot 39, Indian Haven, 1/14 interest.

Indian Creek Hills Property Owners Association to William

Birth

Arrangements were under direction of the Kidwell-Garber Doris Stauffer Shirk Ervin and Susie Shirk of Funeral Home of Versailles.

Latham are the parents of a born Saturday, Dec. 3, James J. Vernitte daughter 2016 at Community Wellness James J. Vernitte, 82, of Sun- Clinic in Barnett. rise Beach, died Wednesday, The baby, Doris, weighed 8 Nov. 30, 2016, at the Laurie Care pounds, 10 ounces and was 20Center in Laurie.

1/2 inches long.

He was born June 15, 1934, in Doris has five siblings, Jesse, St. Louis, a son of the late James 12; Judith, 10; Ethel, 8; Carol, 5; and Frances (Faraci) Vernitte. and Atlee, 2.

He married Jeanette (Seals) Maternal grandparents are Vernitte Aug. 22, 1953, in St. Raymond and Emma Stauffer of Louis. She preceded him in Latham. death Oct. 6, 2004.

Paternal grandparents are Al He was employed as a district vin and Rachel Shirk of Latham. manager at American General Maternal great-grandmother Insurance Company, from which is Anna Stauffer of New Holhe retired. land, Pa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Paternal great-grandparents and restoring cars. are Menno and Martha Shirk, He is survived by daughter and Rachel Newswanger, all of Deborah Ash and husband Der- Pennsylvania. rick of Sunrise Beach; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Gene Vernitte Maribeth Joy of St. Louis; companion Terry Zimmerman Eisenbise of Laurie; and many Brandon and Ednaruth Zimother relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and merman of Barnett are the parwife, he was preceded in death ents of a daughter born Wednesby son James Vernitte and sister day, Nov. 30, 2016.

The baby, Maribeth Joy, Joann Williams.

A celebration of life obser- weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces vance is scheduled noon, Thurs- and was 20 inches long. day, Dec. 8 at the Kidwell-Garber She has two sisters and three Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel in brothers, Arlene, 14; Nevin, 11; Laurie, with Father Henry Ussh- Loren, 8; Kenneth, 5; and Janelle, 3. er officiating.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. to Maternal grandparents are noon, Thursday, Dec. 8 at the fu- Noah and Edna Weaver of Versailles. neral home.

Memorial contributions are Paternal grandparents are Elsuggested to the American Can- vin and Mary Ella Zimmerman of Barnett. cer Society.

Arrangements are under di- Great-grandparents are Paul rection of the Kidwell-Garber and Barbara Zimmerman, and Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel in Miriam Zimmerman, all of Missouri, and Elizabeth Weaver of Laurie.

Pennsylvania.

Morgan County Land Transfers

Leon M. and Carol D. Beachy to Matthew A. and Donna M Smith, section 32, township 43, range 17.

Melissa Marie Flaspohler Trustee to Russell J. Flair, lot 4, Millstone Townhouses.

Ruth D. Somers Trustee to Michael J. Puhr, Paula J. KaufmanPuhr, northwest quarter, section 1, township 40, range 17, two tracts.

Michael E. and Linda K. Kalinowski to James D. and Shawna Lyonfields Trustees, Thomas Lyonfields, lot 7, Bob White Haven.

Gravois Arm Lions Club of Gravois Mills, Missouri to Michael R. Carter, northeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 20, and northwest quarter of southwest quarter, section 21, all of township 41, range 17.

Donald L. and Bonnie Melke to John M. Schenck, northwest quarter, section 12, township 40, range 17, two tracts.

Roger A. and Eden Lamb to Thomas M. Sr. and Mary G. Deters, east half of northwest quarter, section 28, township 41, range 17.

Paul W. and Beverly J. Thompson, Becky J. and Lawrence T. Cosgrove to James E. and Jennifer R. Newcomb, south half of southwest quarter, section 27, township 41, range 17, also, an

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 3

and Sherry Stone, lot 83, Indian Creek Hills Number Two. James D. Street Trustee to James D. Street, southeast quarter, section 25, township 41, range 17.

James D. Street Trustee to James D. Street, lot 10A, Fanny Jarvis Acres Number One First Addition.

Clifton and Glenda Wilbourn to Arlyn and Teresa Hartsock, lot 3, Orchard Estates.

Danny L. and Margaret T. Kemper to Danny L. Kemper, northwest quarter of southwest quarter, section 35, and northeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 34, all of township 44, range 18.

Ronald A. and Ann M. Mueller to Harley R. and Barbara J. Lusher, lot 12, Leewood Subdivision Amended, also, part west road, and lot 14, Leewood Subdivision Amended, also, 1/15 interest.

Michael E. Alfrey to Thomas C. and Lola J. McNeill, lot 7, Sycamore Point.

Kenneth C. and Sharon K. Cucchi Trustees to Thomas C. Bashaw Trustee, lot 10, Laurie Industrial Park.

Ron L. and Catherine E. Hodges to Jess Cairns, southeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 28, township 41, range 17.

Kendall Imhoff

Wilson and Bethany Imhoff of Rochester, Ind. are the parents of a son born 6:43 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016.

The baby, Kendall, weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Joseph J. and Deborah L. (Zimmerman) Imhoff of Rochester, Ind. (formerly of Versailles).

Paternal grandparents are David Ray and Ida Imhoff of Rochester, Ind. Maternal great-grandparents are Irvin L. and Mabel Zimmerman of Versailles, and John and Helen Imhoff of Holland, Ky. Paternal great-grandparents are Ben and Verna Ramer of Rochester, Ind., and David and Emma Imhoff of Goshen, Ind. Paternal great-great-grandparents are Christian and Lydia Weaver of Goshen, Ind., and Lizzie Imhoff of Goshen, Ind.

Lillian S. Shirk

Alvin and Nancy Shirk of Latham are the parents of a daughter born Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at Community Wellness Clinic in Barnett.

The baby, Lillian, weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 inches long.

She has four brothers and two sisters, Andrew, 12; Karen, 11; Vernon, 9; Jonathan, 7; Larayne, 5; and Timothy, 2.

Maternal grandparents are Raymond and Laura Shirk of Barnett.

Paternal grandparents are Alvin and Rachel Shirk of Latham.

Paternal great-grandparents are Menno and Martha Shirk of East Earl, Pa., and Rachel Newswanger of Kutztown, Pa.

Marriages

Justin Ray Shelledy, 38, Sedalia, and Jennifer Ann Casto, 34, Sedalia. were married Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Robert W. Laschanzky, 54, Stover, and Kelly L. Bieszczat, 47, Stover, were married Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

Samual Garrett Wry, 36, Versailles, and Carolyn Antonia Apodaca, 27, Versailles, were married Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

David Rickey Bowman III, 23, Stover, and Destiny Marie Morton, 21, Stover, were married Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

Richard Martin Hoover, 20, Arbela, and Amanda Joy Shirk, 19, Barnett, were married Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.

Marlin Ray Kilmer, 20, Versailles, and Rebecca Jane Zimmerman, 20, Versailles, were married Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016.

Garrick Adam Aubrey, 31, Versailles, and Penelope Marie Etcheson, 24, Versailles, were married Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016.

Kevin Michael Gladman, 26, Stover, and Amber Daun Strubberg, 26, Stover, were married Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.

Aaron Lynn Leinbach, 20, Barnett, and Janelle Grace Rissler, 19, Barnett, were married Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.

Logan Michael Lepley, 24, Versailles, and Constance Joann Parrish, 24, Versailles, were married Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.

Terry Joseph Holm, 38, Versailles, and Sarah Marie Greenwood, 24, Versailles, were married Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016.

Jacob Michael Holder, 26, Gravois Mills, and Whitney Michelle Triebsch, 25, Gravois Mills, were married Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016.

Divorces

Stephen Kirkbride Jr., Kansas City, and Nita Kirkbride, Barnett, were divorced Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016.

Daniel Kindsfather, and Yvette Kindsfather, Gravois Mills, were divorced Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.

Todd Miesner, Gravois Mills, and Tina Miesner, Barnett, were

divorced Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.

John Stewart, Gravois Mills, and Hazel Stewart, Gravois Mills, were divorced Monday, Nov. 7, 2016.

Michael Garber, Versailles, and Shannon Garber, Versailles, were divorced Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016.

Associate Circuit Court

Kendal Rae Miller, Oct. 29, failed to equip vehicle with muffler, adequate muffler, properly attached muffler, $70.50 costs, $154.50 fine.

Jason C. Perry, May 29, failed to equip vehicle with muffler, adequate muffler, properly attached muffler, $70.50 costs, $229.50 fine.

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Versailles Rural Fire Report

The Versailles Rural Fire Department recently responded to the following calls.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, firefighters were dispatched for a motor vehicle accident at a location on Highway 5 and Highway 52.

Firefighters provided manpower assistance and traffic control.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, firefighters were dispatched for a medical emergency.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, four firefighters and three apparatus were dispatched to a location on Three Ponds Road for a combine fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. Units on scene approximately one hour, 52 minutes.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, four

firefighters and one apparatus were dispatched to a location on Highway 5 for a natural cover fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene and found a small grass fire slow burning. They extinguished the fire, cut down one tree and advised land owner to watch for rekindle.

Units on scene approximately 24 minutes.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, firefighters were dispatched to a location on Greystone Road for a report of a natural cover fire. Call cancelled en route, firefighters were advised the fire was a controlled burn.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, firefighters were dispatched for a medical emergency.

Food establishment inspections The Morgan County Health Center conducted food establishment inspections for Monday, Nov. 21 to Friday, Dec. 2.

Results shown include the critical violations and the number of non-critical violations.

The following establishments were inspected: Sunshine Market, Barnett, Tuesday, Nov. 22, routine inspection, one critical violation observed, eggs stored above ready-to-eat food in bakery refrigerator, corrected during inspection, and zero non-critical violations observed.

Pizza Hut, Laurie, Tuesday, Nov. 22, routine inspection, zero critical violations observed, and one non-critical violation observed.

Nature’s Friend, Versailles,

Monday, Nov. 28, routine inspection, zero critical violations observed, and zero noncritical violations observed.

Veracruz, Versailles, Tuesday, Nov. 29, routine inspection, zero critical violations observed, and two non-critical violations observed.

Pioneer Restaurant, Versailles, Wednesday, Nov. 30, routine inspection, zero critical violations observed, and four non-critical violations observed.

Critical violations are usually corrected at the time of inspection. Non-critical violations are not considered an imminent health threat but need to be addressed no later than the next routine inspection.

Highway Patrol Report

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the following recent accidents this week.

Denman, Dollard A two-vehicle accident occurred 9:28 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 on MO-5 at Route J in Morgan County.

The accident occurred as a 1995 Ford F150 driven by Jacqueline Parrish, 18, of Osage Beach, attempted to turn north onto MO-5 from Route J and pulled into the path of a southbound 2016 Ford Focus driven

by Jessica L. Dollard, 22, of Gravois Mills. The Focus struck the F150 on the driver’s side. Both drivers were wearing safety devices.

A passenger of Parrish, Ethan E. Denman, 26, of Versailles, sustained minor injuries. He was not wearing a safety device.

He was transported by private conveyance to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Dollard sustained minor injuries and was transported by Mid-Mo Ambulance District to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

May Malcolm D. May, 21, of Sunrise Beach, sustained serious

injuries in a single-vehicle accident 9:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 on MO-5, 0.25 miles north of the MO-7 north junction in Camden County.

The accident occurred as the northbound 2010 Dodge Journey he was driving travelled off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned. He was not wearing a safety device.

May was flown by Staff for Life to University Hospital in Columbia.

Newton A two-vehicle accident occurred 6:22 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 on MO-52 at the MO-5 east junction in Morgan County.

The accident occurred when an eastbound 2007 Dodge Durango driven by Robert A. Newton, 40, of Versailles, made a left turn into the path of a westbound 2002 Chevrolet 2500 driven by Daniel L. Kilmer, 47, of Barnett, causing the 2500 to strike the Durango in the passenger side.

Both drivers were wearing safety devices.

Newton sustained minor injuries and was transported by Mid-Mo Ambulance District to Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.

Versailles Police Report

Wednesday, Nov. 30 to Monday, Dec. 5 The Versailles Police Depart- Sunday, Dec. 4- Lock-out on ment recently responded to the Woods Drive, entry gained. Call for verbal domestic dispute on following: Wednesday, Nov. 30- Report Westview Drive, male subject of harassment/stealing on Mis- left residence, said he was going souri Avenue. 911 hang-up from to kill himself.

Monday, Dec. 5- Call for verMcDonald’s, accidental.

Thursday, Dec. 1- Lock-out at bal domestic dispute on Moreau Drive. Report of trespassing on Gates Corporation.

Westview Drive.

Saturday, Dec. 3Lock-out at On Friday, Dec. 2, one unit and three personnel responded Walmart. to a medical emergency on Hill Road.

On Friday, Dec. 2, five units and six personnel responded to a natural cover fire, approximately 60 years and older suggested meal donation $4.00. two acres burnt, on Highway J. Soup served 10:30 a.m. • Lunch served 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fruited Jell-O and whole wheat bread available each day.

On Friday, Dec. 2, five units and five personnel responded Versailles Nutrition Site Westside Senior Center to a possible natural cover fire 308 Fairground Rd. • Versailles 1501 Hwy. O • Laurie on Oakridge Lane, upon arrival Thursday, Dec. 8- Baked ham, Thursday, Dec. 8- Baked ham, it was determined to be a con- broccoli, tossed salad, tater tot broccoli, tossed salad, tater tot trolled burn, no action required. casserole, baked sweet potato, pud- casserole, baked sweet potato, On Friday, Dec. 2, seven units ding. chocolate cake. and eight personnel responded Friday, Dec. 9- Battered fish, Friday, Dec. 9- Battered fish, to a structure fire on Delta Road. mixed vegetables, steak fries, chili mixed vegetables, steak fries, chili dog, coleslaw, cherry squares.

Upon arrival, units found a man- dog, coleslaw, cherry squares. ufactured home fully involved, Monday, Dec. 12- Vegetable la- Monday, Dec. 12- Vegetable lathe structure and contents were sagna, tossed salad, broccoli, open sagna, tossed salad, broccoli, open a total loss, the resident was not faced turkey sandwich, mashed faced turkey sandwich, mashed potato/gravy, oatmeal/cranberry potato/gravy, fast & fancy. home at the time of the fire.

Tuesday, Dec. 13- Baked chick On Friday, Dec. 2, two units cookie. and three personnel responded Tuesday, Dec. 13- Baked chick- en, mashed potato/gravy, cabto a two vehicle accident without en, mashed potato/gravy, cab- bage/carrots, ham & beans, orange injuries at Highway 5 and Route bage/carrots, ham & beans, orange wedge, corn bread, cake. wedge, corn bread, cake.

Wednesday, Dec. 14- Beef tips J. Wednesday, Dec. 14- Beef & gravy, peas, ambrosia salad, On Saturday, Dec. 3, one unit stew, peas, ambrosia salad, grilled grilled cheese, tomato soup, cookand three personnel responded cheese, tomato soup, cookies. ies. to an activated medical alarm on Thursday, Dec. 15- Christmas Thursday, Dec. 15- Baked pork Beauty View, cancelled prior to Dinner- Pork roast, peas & onions, chop, applesauce, green beans, beef arrival. carrots, fried chicken, mashed stew, mashed potatoes/gravy, spice On Saturday, Dec. 3, one unit potatoes/gravy, red & green poke cake. and three personnel responded to cake.

Friday, Dec. 16- Fish filet, a medical emergency on Trout- Friday, Dec. 16- Brunch- Scram- roasted Mediterranean, apricots, bled eggs, sausage, fried taters, bis- chicken tenders, corn flaky potadale Road. toes, oatmeal/cranberry cookie.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, four units cuit n gravy, dessert, fresh fruit. and five personnel responded to a natural cover fire, two acres Sponsored by: burnt, on Montana Road.

Morgan County Carpet On Saturday, Dec. 3, two units 713 N. Main, Laurie • Call Mike Backman for all your flooring needs and three personnel responded to a medical emergency on RidgeSince 1985 573-374-4000 line Drive.

Gravois Fire Report

The Gravois Fire Protection District recently responded to the following calls Sunday, Nov. 27 through Saturday, Dec. 3: On Sunday, Nov. 27, six units and six personnel responded to a natural cover fire endangering a structure on Faith Boulevard, fire was extinguished by fire personnel without damage to the structure.

On Sunday, Nov. 27, two units and two personnel responded to a medical emergency on Treveno Road.

On Monday, Nov. 28, one unit and two personnel responded to a service call, lift assist to resident, on Highway RA. On Monday, Nov. 28, one unit and two personnel responded to a service call, lift assist to resident, on Highway RA. On Monday, Nov. 28, one unit and three personnel responded to a medical emergency on Ottersway Road.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, one unit and three personnel responded to a medical emergency on Highway 5.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, one unit and three personnel responded to a medical emergency on Highway 5.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, two units and three personnel responded to a single vehicle accident with injuries on Highway 135 north of Cuptree Road.

On Friday, Dec. 2, one unit and two personnel responded to a medical emergency on Marker Lane.

Nutrition Site Menus

Versailles Municipal Court News

The Versailles Municipal Court heard the following cases in November.

Zachary R. Arment, allowing dog to run at large, first offense, $50.00 fine, $25.50 costs.

Zachary R. Arment, allowing dog to run at large, second offense, $249.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Duane G. Becker, exceeding the posted speed limit, $59.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Randall T. Calton, exceeding posted speed limit, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Jenna K. Cordes, exceeding the posted speed limit, $60 fine, $25.50 costs.

Cody J. Cotton, exceeding posted speed limit, $60 fine, $25.50 costs.

Janet L. Cox, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Ben C. Curtman, failure to appear, $50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Victoria L. Custard, exceeding the posted speed limit, $72 fine, $25.50 costs.

Aaron A. Cutshaw, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50

costs.

Nathan L. Fox, exceeding the posted speed limit, $44 fine, $25.50 costs.

Brett A. Garver, failure to register motor vehicle, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Billy B. Gideon, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Lillian R. Huff, animal neglect, $50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Jennifer J. James, failure to have drivers license in possession, $37.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Linda S. Knoll, exceeding the posted speed limit, $56 fine, $25.50 costs.

Harish K. Kotha, exceeding the posted speed limit, $60 fine, $25.50 costs.

Sean J. Kretzer, driving while suspended, $350 fine, $25.50 costs.

Sean J. Kretzer, failure to appear, $50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Rachel L. Moss, assault, $174.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Edwin R. Nolt, failure to have drivers license in possession, $37.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Zachary W. Oxford, littering, $174.50 fine, $25.50 costs, plus $46.15 restitution.

Hunter Ries, exceeding the posted speed limit, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Jeremiah J. Schaffer, no valid drivers license, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Jeremiah J. Schaffer, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Nelda L. Stenfors, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Elizabeth M. Sweesy, exceeding the posted speed limit, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Susan K. Walters, allowing debris to remain on property, $25 fine, $25.50 costs.

James M. Watring, exceeding the posted speed limit, $60 fine, $25.50 costs.

Peter J. Winkelbauer, exceeding posted speed limit, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

Peter J. Winkelbauer, defective equipment, $199.50 fine, $25.50 costs.

www.leader-statesman.com

Morgan County Sheriff’s Report

Friday, Nov. 25 to Thursday, Dec. 1

Arrests................................... 9 Auto Accidents/Assists......... 1 Domestic Violence................ 3 DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)... 1 Illegal Drugs......................... 2 Inmates in Custody............181

Property Damage.................. 2 Reports................................ 20 Residential Burglaries........... 2 Stealing................................. 3 Total Bookings.................... 26 Total ICE Detainees.............. 3

Brenda Brooks, Lavender Road, Barnett, on Friday, Nov. 25, reported property damage.

Samantha Brown, Highway 52, Versailles, on Friday, Nov. 25, reported an auto accident.

Deals on Wheels, Highway 5, Gravois Mills, on Friday, Nov. 25, reported stealing.

Heather Diehl, Eastgate, Sunrise Beach, on Saturday, Nov. 26, reported property damage.

Family Center, Highway 52, Versailles, on Sunday, Nov. 27, reported stealing.

Craig Scritchfield, Highway 52, Versailles, on Monday, Nov. 28, reported stealing.

Randell Thornton, Highway 135, Stover, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, reported burglary.

Joyce Mings, Dogwood Drive, Stover, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, reported burglary.

R-II School Menus Morgan County R-II Schools Milk served with all meals.

Breakfast (all schools) All choices include fruit juice.

Thursday, Dec. 8- Sausage pancake on stick; or yogurt, fruit streusel muffin; or cereal, cinnamon toast; or oatmeal bar, cinnamon toast. Pineapple.

Friday, Dec. 9- Biscuits & gravy, sausage; or mini waffles; or cereal, yogurt; or oatmeal bar, yogurt. Strawberries.

Monday, Dec. 12- Cinnamon toast crunch French toast; or breakfast pizza; or cereal, yogurt; or oatmeal bar, yogurt. Applesauce.

Tuesday, Dec. 13- Pancake sausage griddle; or yogurt, fruit streusel muffin; or cereal, cinnamon toast; or oatmeal bar, cinnamon toast. Apple.

Wednesday, Dec. 14- Blueberry sweet roll w/lemon glaze; or breakfast nachos; or cereal, yogurt; or oatmeal bar, yogurt. Banana.

Thursday, Dec. 15- Scrambled eggs, toast & jelly; or apple pastry; or cereal, toast & jelly; or oatmeal bar, toast & jelly. Orange smiles.

Friday, Dec. 16- Biscuits & gravy, sausage; or mini waffles; or cereal, yogurt; or oatmeal bar, yogurt. Mandarin oranges.

Lunch (Versailles elementary and middle school.)

Fresh fruit offered daily. Garden salad bar offered daily at middle school in place of specialty salad choice at elementary.

Thursday, Dec. 8- Chicken nachos w/white queso or BBQ rib on bun, garden salad; or taco salad, cornbread. Texas Pintos, banana orange mix.

Friday, Dec. 9- Cheese pizza or corn dog, garden salad; or popcorn chicken salad, fruit streusel muffin.

Broccoli w/dip, cinnamon apple slices, snickerdoodles.

Monday, Dec. 12- Lasagna w/Italian bread or chicken patty on bun, garden salad; or Italian chef salad, Italian bread. Cheesy cauliflower popcorn, peaches.

Tuesday, Dec. 13- BBQ pork tacos or pizza quesadilla, garden salad; or taco salad, cornbread.

Cowboy beans, orange pineapple mix.

Wednesday, Dec. 14- Chicken patty or baked ham, mashed potatoes w/gravy; or chicken Ceasar salad. Corn, pears, hot roll.

Thursday, Dec. 15- Cheeseburger or grilled chicken sandwich, potato wedges, garden salad; or Cobb salad, fruit streusel muffin.

Applesauce.

Friday, Dec. 16- Pepperoni pizza or peanut butter & jelly w/ yogurt, garden salad; or popcorn

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MOST VISIBLE OFFICE IN VERSAILLES! Location provides free advertising with 7,392 traffic count per day.

502 N. Highway 5, between the Morgan County Library and rodeo grounds.

Formerly the American Family office and is next to Gold Star Realty and Auction office.

Call 573-378-5560 or 573-489-4012 (owner/broker)

chicken salad, fruit streusel muffin.

Carrots & dip, strawberry banana mix.

Lunch (South elementary) Both choices include fresh fruit.

Thursday, Dec. 8- Chicken nachos w/white queso, garden salad; or taco salad, cornbread. Texas Pintos, banana orange mix.

Friday, Dec. 9- Cheese pizza, garden salad; or popcorn chicken salad, fruit streusel muffin. Broccoli w/dip, cinnamon apple slices, snickerdoodles.

Monday, Dec. 12- Lasagna w/ Italian bread, garden salad; or Italian chef salad, Italian bread. Cheesy cauliflower popcorn, peaches.

Tuesday, Dec. 13- BBQ pork tacos, garden salad; or taco salad, cornbread. Cowboy beans, orange pineapple mix.

Wednesday, Dec. 14- Chicken patty, mashed potatoes w/gravy; or chicken Ceasar salad. Corn, pears, hot roll.

Thursday, Dec. 15- Cheeseburger, potato wedges, garden salad; or Cobb salad, fruit streusel muffin.

Applesauce.

Friday, Dec. 16- Pepperoni pizza, garden salad; or popcorn chicken salad, fruit streusel muffin.

Carrots & dip, strawberry banana mix.

Lunch (high school) Fresh fruit offered daily.

Thursday, Dec. 8- Chicken nachos w/white queso & Spanish rice or BBQ rib on bun, garden salad, Texas pintos; or garden salad bar, cornbread. Banana orange mix.

Friday, Dec. 9- Jalapeno popper pizza or corn dog, garden salad, broccoli w/dip; or garden salad bar, fruit streusel muffin. Cinnamon apple slices, snickerdoodles.

Monday, Dec. 12- Lasagna w/ garlic bread or spicy chicken patty sandwich, garden salad, cheesy cauliflower popcorn; or garden salad bar, garlic bread, peaches.

Tuesday, Dec. 13- BBQ pork tacos or pizza quesadilla, garden salad, cowboy beans; or garden salad bar, cornbread. Orange pineapple mix.

Wednesday, Dec. 14- Chicken patty/spicy chicken patty or baked ham, mashed potatoes w/gravy, corn; or garden salad bar. Pears, hot roll.

Thursday, Dec. 15- Bacon cheeseburger or grilled chicken sandwich, potato wedges, garden salad; or garden salad bar, fruit streusel muffin. Applesauce.

Friday, Dec. 16- Pepperoni pizza or peanut butter & jelly w/yogurt, garden salad, carrots w/dip; or garden salad bar, fruit streusel muffin.

Strawberry banana mix.

www.bankov.com

Main Bank 113 E. Newton Versailles 573-378-4626 Drive-In Bank 119 N. Fisher Versailles 573-378-4233 Greenview Bank Hwy. 5 & 7 Greenview 573-873-8000 Shawnee Bend Bank 76 Grand Point Blvd.

Sunrise Beach 573-374-3366 Laurie Bank Hwy. 5, Laurie, 573-374-6575

www.leader-statesman.com

Kottwitz VMS student of week

Tristan Kottwitz is the seventh-grade December Student of the Week at Morgan County R-II Middle School.

The seventh-grade team nomination comments read, “Tristan is someone who is always respectful to everyone. He does his best to get along with other students and treats everyone fairly when working in a groups.

“He speaks up for others when they are not being heard by others and is a class leader. Tristan gives 100% every day and he is never afraid to try something new. Failing is not an option for him!

“We are lucky to have such an awesome student who cares about his education and strives so hard to treat everyone equally.

Tristan is an excellent student and a true TIGER!” Each week, a sixth-, seventhor eighth-grade student at Versailles Middle School is chosen to be the student of the week.

That student gets a gift certificate from an area restaurant.

At the end of each month,

People

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 5

Tristan Kottwitz

one of the students of the week will be chosen as “student of the Reading Friday, Dec. 2 in the library at Versailles Elementary School are fifth-grade students, clockwise from month” and they receive a gift front left, Makhai Marriott, Reya Butts, Jackson Morrison, Michael Mensah, Michelle Masters, and Semia Burcard, another restaurant gift cer- rows. (photo by Bryan E. Jones) tificate, and three event passes to a middle school activity.

The school’s student of the month program was developed by the school culture committee, consisting of Encore teachers at the middle school.

At a health assembly Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Versailles Elementary School, students Teagan McGill, from left, Brendolynn Marvin, and Jaxon Marshall work Friday, Dec. 2 learned about the importance of dental hygiene. Participating on stage, between using computers to practice organizing files and creating folders in Teresa Courter’s good hygiene and bad plaque actors, are students, from left, Bryce Young, Abbigale computer class at Versailles Elementary School. (photo by Bryan E. Jones) Reno, and Chase James. (submitted photo)

Firefighters from both Versailles Rural Fire Protection District and Versailles City Fire Department participated in a joint training exercise Monday, Nov. 28 in Versailles.

Versailles Rural FPD Captain Owen Hoover, left, explains to firefighters the proper techniques of fighting a brush fire. Personnel also trained in vehicle extrication procedures and structure fire interior attack tactics. (photo by Stephanie Roberson)

Lindyspring Lake of the Ozarks recently had a ribbon-cutting as they joined the Lake West Chamber of Commerce. Dave and Rosann Kempker purchased the business two years ago. The business provides water softener, reverse osmosis, filtration, and chlorination system service, installation, and repair. At the ribbon cutting were, front from left, John Wheeler, Liz Brown, Rosann and Dave Kempker, Ellen Bozich, Pat Wheeler, back from left, Don Huschle, Paul Hooper, Michael Benson, Al Dzurko, Jess Wadle, and Howard Halbedel. (submitted photo)

reek Stable Full-Time Clerical Position dar C573-378-4594 S e C Horseshoeing and Training

New Shipment of Western Decor Coming this week!

• Saddles • Tack • Harnesses • Barn Supplies

• Horse Health • Carts • Western Decor • Toys

18728 Hwy. K • Versailles, MO 65084 Wed. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Christmas

Puppies!

The City of Versailles is accepting applications for full-time clerical help.

• 40 hours per week • Wage based on experience • Computer and good customer service skills required

Applications will be accepted until 1 p.m. Dec. 21, 2016 and can be picked up at City Hall, 104 North Fisher, Versailles, MO 65084.

The City of Versailles is an equal opportunity employer.

Half German Shepherd

One Male • Five Females Mostly Black with a Little Tan/White 5 1/2 Weeks Old by Christmas • Shots/Wormed $150 each • 660-458-6722

Versailles City Park

Christmas at the Park

Friday, Dec. 9

Santa!

Sponsored by the Versailles City Park Board, Morgan County Health Center & KS95.

We want to thank everyone for your cards, prayers, food, and taking the time to sit with Dora.

Words cannot begin to express what your support and help has meant to Dora, myself and our family during Dora’s illness and passing.

Thank you to our friends, neighbors and community for all you have done for us during this time.

Ken Gerber & Family

Don’t leave your pets home alone for the holidays.

Board them at

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

KS95.1 will be playing Christmas music!

There will be Lights, Hot Chocolate & Candy Canes from

Thank You

We Have You Covered Now serving you in two locations!

New & Newer Units!

Convenient Downtown And noRtH LoCAtIon next to Loganbill Motorsports across from Casey’s

Since 1973

Healthcare for Large & Small Animals General Healthcare • Surgery In House Lab/X-Ray • Grooming Boarding • Dental Care

www.versaillesveterinary.com Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon & 1 p.m.-5 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

M.B. Jones, D.V.M.

573-378-4430 • 1311 W. Newton • Versailles

24 Hour Access

ALL SIZES AND CONTRACTOR UNITS WITH ELECTRIC Owner - Wayne & Jacquie Brewer

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 6

Petersens are caretakers of ‘Little cathedral of the Ozarks’

by Janet Dabbs Jerry and Barbara Petersen have been the caretakers of a piece of Ozark history for the past 20 years: the old St. Patrick’s Cemetery Church on Route O in Laurie.

Deep roots in history Founded in 1868, it is the oldest church in Morgan, Miller and Camden counties.

Father Barnett, the former priest of Shrine of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie and a champion of the old church, once referred to it as the “Little Cathedral of the Ozarks.”

According to a church brochure, the history of the church dates back to 1822, when a group of chieftains rode to the Florissant home of Louis W.V. DuBourg, S.S., bishop of the Louisiana Territory and the Floridas, to request a missionary to visit and minister to their people in the villages along the

Caretakers Jerry and Barbara Petersen have their burial place picked out in the cemetery at the old St. Patrick’s church in Laurie. (photo by Janet Dabbs)

www.leader-statesman.com

Osage River.

Father Charles de La Croix, a Belgian Jesuit missionary, was the first priest sent to the Osage nation. He was a circuit rider who came by horseback, boat, canoe, or sometimes on foot.

Trappers and traders, many of them drawn by mining prospects or the fur and timber trades, would come to the village for the month-long celebration when the priest visited.

After Thomas Fitzpatrick moved his family to Laurie in 1863, he and several of his neighbors began plans to build a church on land donated by Patrick Johnson. Work on the church began in 1868.

The old St. Patrick’s Church was a multi-cultural effort, built

by Irish Catholics, a first-generation German-American, and a Protestant Scotsman. Stone was quarried on a nearby farm, and a kiln was erected to burn limestone for the mortar.

Designed to hold 80 people, the church was completed by 1870 and dedicated in 1883.

Small living quarters were added in 1936 for the circuit-riding priests. These quarters have beecome a museum featuring liturgical vestments, photos, and artifacts of the early church.

From shrine to museum A few of the interesting artifacts include a photo of Mr. and Mrs. William T. White, the first couple married in the church, in 1913.

There is also a “sick box” the early priests carried with them on home visits to ill parishioners. The well-preserved box contains early 20th-century articles for Holy Communion, as well as a bottle of anointing oil, a crucifix, a candle, and a Bible.

The last regular church service held in the old church was July 20, 1952. By 1956, the building fell into disrepair.

Several concerned priests and parish families raised funds to repair the neglected sanctuary.

Keeping with the design of the original builders, the restoration preserved the church’s simple, practical, plainness.

It was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites March 2, 1979.

In 1997, the old church was

wooden pews face a stark white altar, where a statue of Jesus serves as the focal point.

From time to time, there is a wedding or burial at the old church, and the Petersens’ oversee the use of the building.

Caretakers Originally from St. Louis, they have been married 60 years. Before that, they lived only two blocks from each other their entire lives.

“We met when I was 14,” Barb revealed. “I went to the grocery store where he worked, and I saw him, and I made him carry my groceries home,” she remembered with a smile.

They were married seven years later. Jerry worked as a pipefitter, and Barb was a stayat-home-mom. They have five children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family enjoyed a vacation home in Sunrise Beach for seven years, and retired to the lake permanently in 1994.

Their son, Gregory Steven Peterson, was buried in the old church cemetery in June.

“Our stone is already up there next to his,” Barb said.

Beautiful statues of angels

keep watch over the old cemetery and its intriguing headstones, many dating back to the early 1800s. Many tell a short yet touching story about their owners, such as the twins who died in infancy during the winter of 1890, and love of a husband who joined his wife of 70 years in the grave only a few months after her.

Some stones are so old, the dates are not legible.

“I love the old stones,” Barb said. “They are unique. Most are simple and homemade, the stones drug up from the local quarry.”

Every day, people come to the peaceful acres and clean grave sites, often stopping to kneel and pray over their loved one.

“At first, we didn’t know a lot of people who are buried there, but over time we have started to get to know more and more.”

Barb said.

Jerry laughingly called Barb and himself the “last of the Mohicans.”

Masses are celebrated at the Little Cathedral of the Ozarks Memorial Day, Labor Day and All Souls Day. For tour appointments, call 573-374-7855.

Jerry and Barbara Petersen visit the altar Saturday, Dec. 3 at the old St. Patrick’s Cemetery church in Laurie. The Petersens are caretakers of the church, the oldest in Morgan, Miller, and Camden counties. (photo by Janet Dabbs)

again on the verge of destruction. This time, heroes were the St. Patrick Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council 10381. Their restoration project took a year and a half, with more than 30 people investing 1,800 man-hours.

The Knights continue to fund and work on projects to preserve the old church. A new sign was displayed last fall, and fresh carpet was installed last week, honoring the last wishes of a St. Patrick’s parishioner.

Honor of service “Having the privilege to watch over this great old church is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me,” Jerry Petersen confided.

He visits the church every week to make sure all is well.

If something is in need of repair, the Petersens take it before the Knights, who make sure the sanctuary is spotless inside and oversee what Jerry calls “a spectacular grounds crew.”

A visit to the old church is a peaceful break from the busy world, like stepping back in time.

The hand-hewn rock building has an old-fashioned church bell, like ones that used to ring across the Ozark hills, beckoning the faithful to worship.

The Stations of the Cross An early 20th-century sick call kit, displayed in the cemhang on the sanctuary walls, etery church’s museum, contains everything a priest telling a story in pictures of Je- needed to call on a sick member. (photo by Janet Dabbs) sus’ suffering and death. Plain

Versailles United Methodist Church

Blue Christmas

Friday, Dec. 16 • 6 p.m.

210 N. Monroe, Versailles • 573-378-4042

Celebrating the reason For the season

Attend the Church of Your Choice

Bethel Mennonite Church

37830 Bethel Church Rd., Fortuna. Route E, 1 mile north of Junction HH

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening - MYF (8th-HS) at Providence (Rt. E, 1 mile south of Junction HH) Wednesday Evening Bible Study/Prayer - 7:00 p.m.

573-378-4878 David Zapf, Pastor

Gravois Mills United Methodist

437 Valley Road, Gravois Mills, MO Sunday School 8:45 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m.

573-372-1011

Lynn Facemyer, Pastor

First Baptist Church Jasper & Van Buren - Versailles

Christian Radio for the Lake Call for a FREE Program Schedule:

(573) 372-1903 Westminster Presbyterian Church 208 N. Fisher - Versailles

Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

573-378-4975

Bus Rides 573-569-0063 Everett Rayl, Pastor

Pastor Danny Owsley

United Pentecostal Church www.pentecostalsofversailles.org 105 W. Cleveland - Versailles

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday - 7:00 p.m.

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

Lord’s Day - 10 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m.

573-378-5548 The Lighthouse

Calvary Baptist Church Hwy. 52 West - Versailles

Sunday 10 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship - 10:35 a.m.

Worship - 6:00 p.m. • Wed. Awanas 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting - 6:45 p.m.

Gerald Hamlett, Pastor

Mike Homan, Pastor

www.facebook.com/calvarybaptistversailles

Gravois Mills

in Downtown Gravois Mills Bible Study- 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship- 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening- 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study- 7 p.m.

Landon L. (Cap) Chapman, Pastor 573-372-2268

St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church

Hwy. 52 & D Sunday Mass 10:30 a.m.

573-378-6175

Father John Schmitz Assistant Father Henry Ussher

Chad Courter, Pastor

Hwy. 5, 1 mile south of signal light • Versailles

605 Alumn Springs Rd. - Versailles (American Legion Building)

www.tsbcov.com “Trinity Cares For You” 13537 Church Road - Versailles

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship Services 10:45 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Versailles Church of Christ

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday - 7 p.m.

Lakeside Community Church

573-378-5225

“The Lighthouse on the Hill” Sunday School 9:30 a.m. • Worship 10:30 a.m.

Bible Study Sunday 6 p.m. • Wednesday 7 p.m.

Youth Sunday 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Dinner Served

Sun. School - 9:30 a.m. • Morn. Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sun. Night - 6 p.m.

Wed. Kidz & Teens - 6:45 p.m. • Adults - 7 p.m.

First Assembly of God Church

Rudy Beard, Pastor

573-378-4693

26441 Hwy. 5, Gravois Mills, MO

“It’s more than just a church. It’s family.”

Corner of Second & Jones - Versailles 573-378-4484

573-378-5301 or 573-378-5751

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship-10:45 a.m.

Bible Study 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Gravois Mills

Pentecostal Church of God

www.versaillespresbyterian.org

Hicks & Hunter - Versailles

Sunday Awanas - 5:30-7 p.m.

The Family Worship Center

573-378-5958

573-569-0521

Hopewell Union Church

Hwy. C Between Versailles & High Point Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Kenneth G. Cook, Pastor

First Christian Church

573-378-4798

United Methodist

Glensted Versailles Sunday Worship “Worship in the Country” 8:00 & 10:45 10 minutes from Versailles Discipleship Hour: 9:30 every Sunday at 9:30 Hwy. 52 West to D Handicapped Accessible 210 N. Monroe North on D to Z corner of Z & Glensted Rd. 378-4042

Lora Cunningham, Pastor www.versaillesumc.com

1000 N. Monroe - Versailles

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Night Jr. & Sr. High Youth Groups 6 p.m. www.welcome2fccv.org

901 Kidwell Drive - Versailles

John Wagner, Senior Minister Adam Schetzler, Associate Minister

Your Good Health Is Our Only Business

573-378-5515

573-378-4661

www.leader-statesman.com

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that filings will be accepted for Commissioner of the Gravois Special Road District #8 beginning at 8:00 a.m. on December 13, 2016 and ending on January 17, 2017.

Election will be held on April 4, 2017.

Declarations of candidacy for the above mentioned position will be accepted at the Road District Barn by calling 573-372-2215 during regular office hours. Please leave message.

11-24-16 to 12-08-16 ------------------------------------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MORGAN COUNTY, MISSOURI JAY MICHAEL STARK PETITIONER CASE NO. 16MG-DR00005 vs.

DANIELLE SAIGE COX, ET AL RESPONDENT. ORDER OF PUBLICATION OF NOTICE The State of Missouri to Respondent: DANIELLE SAIGE COX You are hereby notified that an action has been commenced against you in the Circuit Court of Camden County, Missouri, the object and general nature of which is custody and support of minor child C.G.S.S. DOB 06/06/07 The names of all parties to said suit are stated above in the caption hereof, and the name and address of the attorney for Petitioner is Andrew E. White, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 201, Osage Beach, Missouri 65065.

You are further notified that unless you file and answer or other pleading or shall otherwise appear and defend against the aforesaid Petition within forty-five (45) days after the 24th day of NOVEMBER, 2016, judgment by default will be rendered against you.

It is ordered that a copy hereof be published according to law in The Leader Statesman, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Morgan, State of Missouri.

Witness my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court this 17th day of NOVEMBER, 2016.

LORI MOON Circuit Clerk /s/ Willa Stafford Deputy 11-24-16 to 12-15-16 -----------------------------------------PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that filings will be accepted for one (1) Board of Director seat on the Gravois Fire Protection District for a term of six (6) years.

Filings shall be accepted beginning Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., the closing of the filing date is Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. You may file at the district office located at 215 Hwy. 0, Laurie, Missouri, with the Administrative Assistant Jodie Hunsaker during regular office hours.

12-01-16 to 12-08-16 ------------------------------------------SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS (Public Notice of Filing) The Morgan County R-II School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the School Board to file to be a candidate in the April 4, 2017, election. Interested persons may file at the superintendent’s offices located at 913 West Newton, Versailles, Missouri 65084.

For more information please contact Linda Nachbar, Board Secretary at 573-378-4231.

Filing will begin on December 13, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. and will continue during the district’s regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

Except for the first and last day of filing, filing will not occur on days that the school district’s central offices are closed due to inclement weather. Filing will also not occur on the following holidays and breaks when the school district’s central offices are closed: December 22, 2016 through January 2, 2017 and January 16, 2017. Filing will end on January 17, 2017, at 5:00 p.m.

There are three (3) positions available with three-year terms and one (1) position for a one-year term.

Done by order of the Board of Education, November 21, 2016 Hugh Smith, Board President Linda Nachbar, Secretary Morgan County R-II Board of Education 913 West Newton Versailles, MO 65084 12-01-16 to 12-08-16 ------------------------------------------April Election Filing Notice The regular City Election of the City of Versailles, Missouri, shall be held on the 4th day of April 2017, the same being the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April as provided by law. That at such election there shall be elected by the

Public Notices vote of the people the following officer(s): MAYOR NORTH WARD ALDERMAN SOUTH WARD ALDERMAN CITY MARSHAL The opening date for filing will be at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. The closing date for filing will be at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Candidates may file at City Hall, 104 North Fisher, Versailles, Missouri.

The designated polling places for said election will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following locations: North Ward – Morgan County Library; South Ward – Hunter Civic Center Candidates must comply with Section 115.306 RSMo by filing an Affidavit of Tax Payments and Bonding Requirements Form 5120 with the Missouri Department of Revenue declaring that they are not delinquent in the filing or payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, municipal taxes, or real property taxes on the place of residence and include a copy of the affidavit with their Declaration of Candidacy.

12-01-16 to 12-08-16 -----------------------------------------NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the first day for filing for Commissioner of the Barnett Special Road District #3 for the April 4, 2017 election will be Tuesday, December 13, 2016 beginning at 8:00 a.m. closing will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Contact Jeanne Thomas at 573-392-6482 for filing. All messages will be returned promptly.

12-01-16 to 12-08-16 -----------------------------------------NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the first day for filing declarations of candidacy for the April 4, 2017 election will be Tuesday, December 13, 2016 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and closing will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Filings will be accepted for Alderman Ward I and Alderman Ward II (for two year terms) and for Alderman Ward II, for an unexpired term of one year, for the City of Barnett.

Declarations of candidacy for the above mentioned positions may be scheduled by contacting the City Clerk at Barnett City Hall at 573392-6482. All messages will be returned promptly! City of Barnett.

12-01-16 to 12-08-16 ---------------------------------------NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE WHEREAS, Mark Loganbill and Sara Loganbill, husband and wife, by their Deed of Trust dated December 21, 2007, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Morgan County, Missouri, as Document No. 200700008380, conveyed to Kevin M. Langford, Trustee, the following-described property situated in the County of Morgan, State of Missouri, to-wit: TRACT I: The North Half of the Northwest Quarter; the North Half of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and the North Half of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter all in Section 28, Township 45, Range 18 in Morgan County, Missouri.

SAVE AND EXCEPT THEREFROM: a tract of land lying in the North Half of the Northwest Quarter in Section 28, Township 45, Range 18, in Morgan County, Missouri; described by metes and bounds as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said North Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 28, Township 45, Range 18; thence West 13.53 chains; thence South 42 degrees 14 minutes East 2.73 chains; thence South 31 degrees 45 minutes East 2.82 chains; thence South 26 degrees 10 minutes East 2.85 chains; thence South 32 degrees 40 minutes East 3.80 chains; thence South 28 degrees 30 minutes East 5.25 chains; thence South 50 degrees 03 minutes East 2.23 chains; thence South 58 degrees 50 minutes East 3.03 chains to the East line of said North Half of the Northwest Quarter; thence North 18.21 chains to the point of beginning.

TRACT II: The South Half of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 28. Township 45 North, Range 18 West in Morgan County, Missouri.

ALSO, The Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 28, Township 45 North, Range 18 West in Morgan County, Missouri.

ALSO, a tract of land lying in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 28, Township 45 North, Range 18 West in Morgan County, Missouri described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 28; thence South along the East line of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 28 to a point where said East line

intersects the center of the county road; thence Southwesterly along the center of the county road for a distance of 1120 feet to a point; thence Northwesterly to the Southwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 28; thence East along the South line of said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter to the point of beginning.

TRACT III: The Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 28, Township 45, Range 18 in Morgan County, Missouri.

Which conveyance was made to the said Trustee in trust to secure the payment of the Promissory Notes and indebtedness described in said Deed of Trust; and WHEREAS, pursuant to said Deed of Trust the holder of the aforesaid Promissory Note has appointed the undersigned, John C. Reed, as Substitute Trustee as provided in said Deed of Trust; and WHEREAS, default was made and still continues in the payment of said note; NOW THEREFORE, at the request of the legal holder of said note and in accordance with the provisions of said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will on the 23rd day of December, 2016, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., to-wit at 1:00 p.m., sell said property at public vendue to the highest bidder for cash at the North front door, Morgan County Courthouse, 100 East Newton Street, Versailles, Missouri, to satisfy said note and the costs of executing this Trust.

/s/ John C. Reed John C. Reed, Substitute Trustee 12-01-16 to 12-22-16 ------------------------------------------ APRIL ELECTION FILING NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the first day for filing Declarations of Candidacy for the April 4, 2017 election will be Tuesday, December 13, 2016 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Closing will be January 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Declarations for Mid-MO Ambulance Board of Directors from District #1 in Moniteau County and for District #4 in Morgan County will be accepted at the Distrtict Office, 221 S. Moreau Ave., Tipton, MO during regular business hours weekdays except on December 26, 2016 and January 2, 2017.

12-01-16 to 12-08-16 ------------------------------------------ PUBLIC NOTICE A one 3-year term of office on the Board of Directors of Public Water Supply District No. 2 of Morgan County, Missouri will expire April 8, 2017, Chapter 247.060 RSMo, as follows: Sub-district No. 5, a 3-year term Anyone desiring to become a candidate must make written filling with the County Clerk at any time after 8:00 a.m. on December 13, 2016 and before 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2017. The County Office is located at: Morgan County Courthouse, 100 E. Newton Street in Versailles, Mo. A member of the Board of directors must be a registered voter who resides in the sub-district he or she represents, must have no delinquent taxes, must be at least 25 years of age and must have resided in the sub-district for at least one year prior to his or her election.

Paula J. Conklin

District Clerk, PWSD# 2 12-08-16 to 12-15-16 ------------------------------------------NOTICE The town of Gravois Mills will have two (2) seats up for election on April 4, 2017 for positions of Town Trustee. The term is for two (2) years. Candidate sign up will begin December 13, 2016 and filings will end January 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. For sign up, contact Gail Kruse, Clerk, at 573-374-4651.

12-08-16 to 12-15-16 ------------------------------------------Nominees Selected for University of Missouri Extension Council Members Morgan County Citizens of voting age in Morgan County, pursuant to the provisions of Section 262-577, RSMo., 1969, will have an opportunity to vote and elect members to the University of Missouri Extension Council of Morgan County in January.

The extension council, consisting of elected and appointed members, is the official body within the county to cooperate with the University in carrying out the provisions of the Smith-Lever Act of Congress and amendments and acts supplementary thereto and any other acts effecting extension programs. The nominees as of December 5, 2016 and their districts are as follows: Haw Creek Township- Three to be elected for two-year terms: Jason Huffman, Michael Letchworth, Phyllis Schwartz Osage Township- One to be

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 7

elected for two-year terms: Joann Billington Moreau Township- Two to be elected for two-year terms: Marcel Guhr and Dawn Murdock Mill Creek Township- One to be elected for two-year term: J.T. Gerlt Buffalo Township – One to be elected for two-year term: No person filed Additional nominations may be made by petition of 25 or more qualified voters residing within the district, filed with the council within 20 days after the publication of this notice of election. Forms for nominations are available in your county extension office located at: University Extension Center Courthouse, 4th Floor 100 E. Newton Versailles, MO 65084 573-378-5358 (Contact: Joni Harper, County Program Director) Dean Thiemann, Chair, University of Missouri Extension Council of Morgan County University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnamera veteran in employment or programs.

12-08-16 to 12-08-16 ------------------------------------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MORGAN COUNTY, MISSOURI VAL KONIECZNY Plaintiff, vs.

DIRECTOR OF REVENUE, CHARLES COLE, BETTY COLE, BRIAN BLACKWELL Defendants.

Case Number 16MG-CC00085 NOTICE UPON ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION The State of Missouri to respondent/defendants: CHARLES COLE, BETTY COLE, BRIAN BLACKWELL You are hereby notified that an action has been commenced against you in the Circuit Court of Morgan County, Missouri the object and general nature of which is to transfer to title to abandoned watercraft and other personal property that may have been the title owner of and which affects the following described property: 1984 Landau Pontoon Watercraft bearing VIN number LB011213M841 1981 Lowe Pontoon Watercraft bearing serial number LWNZ1324M81H-20SPT 2000 Johnson Model 25 outboard motor bearing VIN number G04715004 The names of all parties to said action are stated above in the caption and the name and address of Plaintiff’s attorney is Christopher Schappe; 216 E. McCarty St.; Jefferson City, MO 65101; 573-6348501.

You are further notified that unless you file an answer of other pleading or shall otherwise appear and defend against the aforesaid petition within 45 days after the date of first publication of this notice, which date is DECEMBER 8, 2016 judgment by default will be rendered against you.

Witness my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court this day NOVEMBER 29, 2016.

LORI MOON /s/ Pam Parr Clerk The costs of Publication shall be paid by: Plaintiff 12-08-16 to 12-29-16 -----------------------------------------NOTICE Notice is hereby given that filings will be accepted for the Board of Trustees of the Morgan County Health Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on December 13, 2016 and ending at 4:30 on January 17, 2017.

There are three positions available with four year terms. Declarations of Candidacy for the above mentioned positions will be accepted at the Morgan County Health Center at 104 West Lafayette, Versailles, MO during regular office hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

12-08-16 to 12-15-16 -----------------------------------------NOTICE Notice is hereby given that filings will be accepted for the Board of Trustees of the Morgan County Health Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on December 13, 2016 and ending at 4:30 on January 17, 2017.

There are three positions available with four year terms. Declarations of Candidacy for the above mentioned positions will be accepted at the Morgan County Health Center at 104 West Lafayette, Versailles, MO during regular office hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

12-08-16 to 12-15-16 ------------------------------------------

Wendy Broeker of Holts Summit registers to win a hickory rocker Saturday, Dec. 3 at Rustic Homestead during the rural business open house event in Versailles. (photo by Dorothy Anderson)

Andrea Zimmerman, left, helps customer Sharon Goetze of Sover as she shops for family Christmas presents Saturday, Dec. 3 at Cedar Valley Chimes during the rural business open house event in Versailles. (photo by Dorothy Anderson)

Grant awarded to Elks for fifth consecutive year Osage Community Elks Lodge #2705 has been awarded a fifth Impact Grant from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) for $7,500 to help the lodge address needs in the community. The Elks project, “School 1st Responder Program,” has been in place since January 2013 and now will be able to continue through at least 2017.

The project has “created a support structure to facilitate response to the needs of underprivileged elementary age students to promote a healthier, more stable learning environment.”

The elementary schools served through this program include Stover, Versailles (including South Elementary School), Climax Springs, and Hurricane Deck.

According to the Elks, the most important aspect of the project is the quick response time to needs that cannot be met through the “system.”

During the past four years, the program has provided a variety of items and supplies to individual students, teachers, classrooms, and schools.

The 1st Responders also pro-

vided funds to start an archery program at Versailles elementary school. The schools often do not have adequate funding to provide teachers with supplemental classroom supplies and help for individual students in need. Some of the items purchased through the program include shoes, clothing, eyeglasses, hygiene products, snacks, and basic school supplies.

Most recently, requests have been granted for bean bag chairs and area rugs to provide alternative seating, and light filters to cut the glare from the fluorescent lights.

Teaching supplies provided include pedometers, flash drives, student dictionaries, scientific calculators, electric keyboards, basketballs, soccer balls, art supplies and even soil and seeds. Some purchases have been for specific class projects.

To date, the 1st Responders have received $40,000 in grant funds and $25,400 in other donations and have spent more than $55,000.

The lodge is seeking additional funding to keep the program operational once the grant funds are gone.

and place potatoes in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, mash and stir.

Green Bean Casserole - 2 cups brown (or any kind of rice, if using other rice follow directions for water amount) - 2 cups water - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast - 1 can green beans (approx.

14.5 oz) - 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz) Preheat oven to 350, cook rice on stovetop according to package directions. While the rice is cooking add oil to pan over medium heat and cook chicken, until brown on all sides. Combine rice, chicken, green beans and cream of mushroom in baking dish.

Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes.

In addition to eating healthier options here are a few winter wellness tips to keep moving inside when it is cold outside: 1. Run up and down stairs inside, if someone cannot sprint or run them, they can walk them.

2. Do body-weight exercises.

Body-weight exercises, such as jumping jacks, lunges, “burpees,” push-ups, squats, etc. are all great exercises to do anywhere!

3. If it snows, try sledding.

Walking back up that big hill is a fun workout that one may not realize is happening.

4. Clean the house. Monitor movement with a fitness tracker and receive instant feedback on progress. Crank the tunes and turn cleaning into a dance routine. Bonus: If feeling really ambitious, rearrange the furniture.

Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities has some ideas for a healthier holiday

by Megan Thebeau Healthy Communities Coordinator As the season grows colder and people begin preparing and celebrating the holidays, they need to remember to continue eating healthy and exercising.

Why not try a new healthy recipe this year?

Here are two healthier holiday sides worth trying this holiday season: Mashed Sweet Potatoes - 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped - 1 tbsp brown sugar - 1 tbsp maple syrup - ½ tsp ground cinnamon - ½ cup greek yogurt Place sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.

Joey Bertelli, from left, Lilly Keeter, and Tyler Morrison get set to create mosaic art Bring to a boil over high heat projects Friday, Dec. 2 in Joy Dock’s art class at Versailles Elementary School. The and reduce to medium low and students got to choose their medium during a “free” art day because of achieving simmer for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain water five consecutive behavioral “good days” in the classroom. (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 8

www.leader-statesman.com

Editorial

L etters to the Editor F O R rom

ur

eaders

Dear Editor, Recently we drove all the way to Branson, excited to see the Christmas light displays. To say we were not impressed does not say enough. One park charged $12 a person. One charged $20 a carload. We had a $5 off coupon. The second tour was a mile

D ateline F T rom the files of

he

long and there were maybe 20 “things” to look at.

In Morgan County, we have several beautiful drive-thru Christmas displays. They do not charge. Some you can give a donation or not. In Laurie, you are greeted at the end by volunteers

Versailles Leader-Statesman

of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Silvey of December 8, 1916 T. R. Townley, a pioneer citi- Versailles, accidently shot himzen of Morgan County, and for self in the chest with a shotgun a quarter of a century or more a Saturday afternoon, Nov. 28. citizen of Versailles, is confined he was rushed to the Boonville to his home with a foot said to be hospital where a blood transfuaffected with gangrene. Thanks- sion was given Sunday. Tuesday, giving morning he rose from his members of his family went to bed and in lighting a lamp, he Boonville. His condition is imdropped the globe on the floor, proving and it is thought he will breaking it. A piece of the glass probably recover.

December 7, 1956 struck the big toe on the left foot, making a small wound which The Tigers won their first he barely noticed. The wound game in the Tipton tournament grew more and more painful un- Tuesday night, winning from til Sunday when he was forced Hughesville 52-35. Scoring for to quit walking on it. His many Versailles were Pyle with four; friends hope to see him recover Nelson, three; Daniels, eight; from this disorder. He is 77 years Burris, two; Moore, 17; Gunckel, 14; and Hutchison, four. old.

Members of Bethel and Mt. December 3, 1936 Clyde Allen Hicks, the six- Zion congregations will have a year old son of Mr. and Mrs. joint canning project again this Hugh Hicks, has been quite ill at year on Thursday, Dec. 20. The his home the past week suffering two churches expect to can about Sunshine Law by adhering to the specific, and with diptheria. He was given an- 3,000 Number 2.5 cans of meat often admittedly mundane, re- titoxin and is rapidly recovering. for overnight shipment. The quirements of announcing meet- Ray Silvey, the 15-year old son canned food is to be shipped to ings, keeping records, providing minutes, producing information upon request, etc. are simply means to an end.

The end, of course, is government accountability and true by Jim Kruse, Pastor (retired), First Christian transparency.

Christmas is all about the hem.

Elsewhere in this newspaper coming of Jesus. I realize some 2, The chance to tell of the is a story about a recent “sting” Christians are offended by the story of Jesus. We teach our kids operation by the Missouri State commerce of Christmas. This is about Jesus. There is pleny of huAuditor to determine the level of a matter of opinion. I choose cel- man interest in that story. adherence to Sunshine Law re- ebration of Jesus’ coming. The 3, The attention of Christmas. quirements in the state.

Messiah’s advent is according Practically everyone is giving The bad news is the percent- to prophecy (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7). attention to Christmas. Nonbeages were not high. The good “God dwelt among us” (John 1:1, lievers and believers celebrate news is, many entities, including 14).

Christmas for different reasons; three listed in the report in Mor- Among the obvious reasons but, they celebrate it. What other gan County, were not actively or we celebrate Jesus’ coming are: holiday has attention drawn to deliberately trying to walk on 1, The fulfillment of prophecy. the birth of Christ? the shady side, they just needed The place of Jesus’ birth, the 4, The beauty of Christmas. to dot an “i” or cross a “t” in a time and conditions surround- The glitter of Christmas is an couple of places. ing his coming, were all fulfilled attention getter. The nicely If our public servants choose when Jesus was born in Bethleto consistently walk on the sunny side of the street, there is less suspicion of (and opportunity for) shady activities; the ice of conflict melts faster between citizens and government representatives; the operational footing is by Roberta Sarver stable and the traction is dependable, allowing for confident civic progress; and it’s easier to see intentions, recognize motives, and our rock band. know the details, when we pass Dear Great Aunt Sarah, Thanks for the invitation to I didn’t think you’d mind if I each other on the sidewalk.

The shady side means bicker- spend Christmas vacation at your brought my weight bench, too. I ing, grudges, personality con- place. I’m not sure why Mom and think it will fit in the back of my flicts, lawsuits, public ill-will, Dad picked the holidays to go to car. obstruction, and general failure The Bahamas, but it was awfully Oh, and there is a convention nice of you to say I could stay at of sumo wrestlers in your city and mistrust.

The sunny side is just a heck your apartment, since the dorms the week after Christmas. I took are closed those two weeks. the liberty of telling them they of a lot more fun.

Mom says I should tell you a can stay at your place to save a couple things before I arrive. I little money. I got to know them have a pet boa constrictor which last year when we were all in will be coming with me; but jail. They’re really cool guys and don’t worry, he only got out of I don’t think they’ll break anyby Janet Dabbs his glass aquarium once, when I thing if we tell them to be careforgot and left the lid off. ful.

And I’ll be bringing my drum My girlfriend may be stopping set, too. Maybe you’ll want to by to visit on her way home for come in and listen when I’m Christmas; that is, if she can get working on some new songs for someone to post bond for her.

Nickels and Sense B E. J ,E /P by

ryan

ones

ditor

ublisher

The sunny side of the street One of my favorite tunes to play in our Dixieland jazz band, Dixieland Garage, is “Sunny Side of the Street.” It’s a classic, a jazz standard, and just a heck of a lot of fun.

Of course, in a pragmatic way, walking on the sunny side of the street keeps one out of the shadows and in the light and warmth of the sun. The ice melts faster on the sunny side and the footing is secure.

Things are markedly more comfortable on the sunny side and seem to a great extent congenial and easy-going.

People walking on the sunny side can see and recognize each other with ease and details of architecture and items displayed in windows can be seen much better.

That’s the general idea behind Missouri’s Sunshine Law. It’s designed to get our taxpayer supported organizations, agencies, departments, and districts to, in the spirit of the song, walk on the sunny side of the street.

The Sunshine Law, officially known as the “Open Meetings and Records Law” was introduced by the Missouri General Assembly in 1973.

The purpose of the law is clearly stated: “It is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law.

Sections 610.010 to 610.200 shall be liberally construed and their exceptions strictly construed to promote this public policy.”

In English, what this means is

every public body should be “liberal” in its intent to be open and accessible to the public, looking for reasons to do business in the open, in the spirit of the Sunshine Law. This applies to meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations. That pretty much covers it.

It also means they should be “strict” when it comes to taking advantage of the very limited exceptions which allow them to meet behind closed doors.

Another way of putting it: our public servants, who are spending my money and yours, should be pro-actively doing business in the open rather than searching to find the most tenuous string attached to a possible exception in order to “justify” going into closed session.

In my years of observation and experience covering public entities for the newspaper, I believe, at least for the majority, that public entities in Morgan County and those who represent them, are sincere in their service and seek to fulfill the spirit of the Sunshine Law. There are those, unfortunately, who would rather not be bothered with things like accountability and transparency and let their position on a board or their elected authority swell their egos until they forget they serve at the pleasure of their constituents.

I like to remind those people that there are two parts to being a public servant: the “public” part and the “service” part. Neither should be taken lightly.

Dotting the “i”s and crossing the “t”s in compliance with the

who give you a candy cane.

My advice? Stay close to home and enjoy what so many in our communities do to make Christmas so special.

Mary Jepsen Lake of the Ozarks

Pastor’s Pen

Austria for Hungarian refugees.

December 2, 1976 The Conservation Commission has lowered the age for free fishing for Missourians to 65 from the present 70, and raised the age when youngsters need a fishing license to 16 years instead of the present 15.

December 5, 1996 Thomas Woolsey is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who stole vases from his wife’s grave in the Versailles Cemetery last week. Two Grecian-shaped urns were taken from the grave of Helen Woolsey when the cemetery grounds were vandalized last week. Deep cuts were cut all over the west lawn, and several granite flower urns were stolen from a number of monuments in both sections of the cemetery, said Gene Bartram, president of the Versailles Cemetery Association.

Church

wrapped gifts, lights, glitter of Christmas, and all the rest get our attention. That is what it is designed for.

5, The giving of gifts. Many are involved in gift giving who don’t care about the greatest gift God could possibly give - Jesus Christ and salvation through his death on the cross. God gave us Jesus.

These are among the attentiongetting items of Christmas. Celebrate it! Enjoy it! Be involved in it! Be blessed in celebrating and give him the glory!

Across My Kitchen Table ‘Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas

Word on the Street Do you think we should build a wall at our southern border?

You’ll really like her; she’s on the ladies’ roller derby team. Please act like you don’t notice the Lion King tattoo on her leg. The guy who did it was an amateur, and it looks more like a hyena with leprosy.

Well, I’m looking forward to the holidays. Can’t believe I haven’t seen you since I was 10 years old. Too bad Mom and Dad decided to go south. They’re gonna miss a great time. Maybe being in The Bahamas will help Mom get over those sick headaches.

Love, Ryan P.S. Do you still have that valuable old coin collection?

Library Bookworm

No. But there should be better screening and background checks for immigrants entering. It worked at Ellis Island.

Barbara Peterson, Sunrise Beach

Yes, to keep out illegal aliens.

They take away our jobs and they bring in violence, gangs and crime.

Lilly Pouge, Versailles

We need a more secure border. We should add to the existing security (not like the wall of China). People should enter our country legally.

Marty McKewon, Laurie

Yes. We should give Americans priority so we have less unemployment and not hand out so many visas.

Kayla Kammerer, Gravois Mills

Not a physical wall. They’d just climb it. We should step up border patrol, cameras and sensors to stop illegal’s from entering.

Richard Vest, Laurie

Yes, to stop illegal aliens from entering. We have enough to take care of with our own people.

Sharon French, Sunrise Beach

by Stacey Embry, Director, Morgan County Library This week, I attended my first book club. I am a reader, but have never been in an official club. Counting myself, we had 12 attendees representing a very diverse group of people, in age and careers. I did well picking our first book, but I knew it wouldn’t fail. Seriously, if you have not read Wonder by R.J. Palacio, then you are only robbing yourself. One of our readers was so touched by the book she is giving it to her grandchildren as gifts. She feels it should be required reading for everyone.

Each attendee participated in the conversation, some more than others, but I honestly feel everyone said what they wanted to say. This book can wreck a person emotionally because it touches our rawest feelings. As parents, we felt heartache and the fifth-grader in all of us remembered the awkwardness of transitioning into our teenage years. Because of the emotional factor, discussion was easy.

I am excited about book club!

I really enjoyed discussing our book, which is the obvious goal of book club. I also see what the hoopla is all about. If you know anyone who is part of a well-

established book club, then you know they love being in book club. They post about their club on Facebook, they buy T-shirts about reading books. They are very similar to those silly runners who can’t shut up about running. (That is joke. Remember, I am one of those silly runners and I guess I am going to get worse now because I am also a book club-er.)

What is the hoopla? The hoopla is about sharing who you are, which is a basic component to any group, activity, or hobby that develops “fanatics.” We started our book club by sharing our name and a little personal information about ourselves. The real sharing started when we discussed the book. For people who don’t read, this illustrates the simplicity of why we read. We read because we want to see another person’s world. That person can live a life like ours and help us not feel so alone or they can live in a world we wish we could be part, or not a part of, for that matter. When we discuss the book, we amplify that feeling of seeing another person’s world. Not only do we enjoy the story, we learn about each other’s world by the comments we make.

The next Morgan County Library Book Club is scheduled

6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 in our community room. I will be announcing our book choice in the next week.

Book club is not the only fun event for our library. We will be conducting our first Evening Story Time 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Evening Story Time is our first attempt at working with community partners. Our goal is to have an evening event for children the second Wednesday of every month with various presenters at each meeting.

At this time, we are partnering with the Morgan County Health Center, the PAT programs at our local schools, and other various guests. The first month will be led by Berenice, our children’s librarian. Please mark your calendars!

Last, but not least, don’t forget our first LEGO Play Day is scheduled 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. See you Saturday morning!

For more information, visit the Morgan County Library, 600 N. Hunter, in Versailles, call 573378-5319; or see the library’s website at morgancountylibrary. org. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday.

Merry Christmas from the Leader-Statesman

www.leader-statesman.com

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 9

Santa, aka J.J. White, holds Kaylee Sue Weaver, 1, Saturday, Dec. 3 as “elf” Jackson People explore the vendor booths and other activities Saturday, Dec. 3 during the Morrison looks on with Mrs. Claus, aka Pat Opie during the annual Christmas on the Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas on the Square event in Square event in Versailles. Mr. and Mrs. Claus greeting visitors inside the Morgan Versailles. There were 20 vendors, a silent auction, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, County Historical Society Museum. (photo by Bryan E. Jones) acrobats at the Royal Theatre, refreshments, and more. (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

This home at 11 Jade Road in Rocky Mount, caught fire twice, once on Friday, Dec. 2 According to information provided by Gravois Fire Protection District Fire Chief Ed and once on Saturday, Dec. 3. No one was injured in either incident.

Hancock, a home located at 32281 Delta Road, off Lake Road 135-3 in Gravois Mills, was a complete loss due to fire Friday, Dec. 2. (photo provided by Denis Yates)

House catches fire twice, simultaneous loses dog, home in weekend fire incidents force firefighters to close road Man

by Janet Dabbs the wildland fire. Once the wild- also planning to see what could

by Janet Dabbs Rocky Mount Fire Protection District firefighters were toned out at approximately 8:53 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 2 to a structure fire at 11 Jade Road, off Route W, in Rocky Mount.

Two apparatus and four personnel arrived on the scene within five minutes to find flames showing through the roof of a home. Due to the advanced state of the fire, mutual aid was requested from Lake Ozark and Moreau County fire districts.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fire by deploying two lines, one line going in through the front door and the second at the rear of the home.

The fire was quickly extinguished, containing the fire to the back of the home, kitchen and attic areas.

Because many motorists would not follow firefighter instructions

to take a detour around the fire, and due to insufficient space and parking for fire apparatus, the fire district was forced to close the road.

Exasperating the situation was an incident happening at the same time that tied up Lake Ozark Police Department officers at a nearby apartments on Route W. Two alternate detours were established to handle the traffic flow.

According to RMFPD Fire Chief Kevin Hurtibise, there was extensive fire damage to the back of the house, the kitchen and the attic, with heavy smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure.

According to Hurtibise, the cause of the fire appears to be a heat lamp that ignited wood shavings used for dog bedding in a dog house located up against the back of the home.

Weather Report

Temperature

Hi Lo Precip.

Nov. 22 57 44 0.01 Nov. 23 55 41 0.00 Nov. 24 51 36 0.00 Nov. 25 43 31 0.00 Nov. 26 57 26 0.01 Nov. 27 53 38 0.00 Nov. 28 59 47 0.01

Precipitation 1.04 inches

for

month:

Information from University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture Automated Weather Station at Morgan County RII School District

Rocky Mount FPD responded with a total of seven personnel and two trucks. Lake Ozark assisted with four personnel and one truck. Moreau County Fire District was placed on standby, but not used at the scene.

Rocky Mount firefighters were toned out a second time, to the same location at 11 Jade Road, at 10:35 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

According to Hurtisbise, a second fire broke out at the same residence causing damage to another 20 percent of the home.

The fire marshal was called in to investigate the cause of this fire, which is still undetermined.

The occupants were not at home at the time of either fire. The dog was not in the dog house, but was in a fenced in area in the back yard. No animals or humans were injured in either fire

Gravois Fire Protection District, GFPD, firefighters were called to a manufactured home on fire 6:27 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in Gravois Mills. The home belonged to Elmer Srader and was located at 32281 Delta Road, off Lake Road 135-3, in Gravois Mills.

The first arriving unit reported a home fully involved in fire. A portion of the roof had already collapsed and a wildland fire had ignited. “The home was already a total loss when we arrived,” GFPD Fire Chief Ed Hancock said. The wildland fire was threatening to ignite an RV parked in the driveway and other materials.

According to Hancock, firefighters initially started pulling water lines and protecting the exposure, working to extinguish

land fire was secure, they began putting the fire out on the residence.

Srader was visiting a neighbor at the time of the fire. “Someone alerted him that his house was on fire,” Hancock said.

Denis Yates, who lives next door to Srader, was an eyewitness. “My dogs woke me up by barking and I looked out my window and saw the house on fire. There were lights flashing and multiple fire trucks and an ambulance in the driveway. I was worried someone got hurt,” Yates said. “He lost his little white dog, Pretty. It’s sad. That dog was his buddy.”

The home and contents were a total loss. The GFPD notified the Salvation Army to request assistance for the homeowner. Yates said he and other neighbors were

be done by the community to help. The American Red Cross announced it was helping with immediate needs.

The GFPD responded to the fire with seven units and eight personnel. “We pulled a request for additional in-district manpower, recalled our off-duty personnel and placed an engine company at the station to handle additional emergency calls,” Hancock reported. The last unit cleared the scene 10:40 p.m.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and, according to Hancock, the fire was so extensive it may never be determined where it started. “It appears to be accidental. We have several eyewitness accounts that say the fire started in the rear third of the house,” Hancock said.

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Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 10

Events Osage Community Elks Lodge

Regular meetings for local #2705 and visiting Elks are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

For additional information call 573-374-4781.

135-3 Crime Watch

The 135-3 Crime Watch meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday night of every month at the Gravois G-3 Fire Station. Persons who want to join the group may talk to their neighborhood patroller or call 573-374-8390.

Hurricane Deck Lions

The Hurricane Deck Lions Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday at the Hurricane Deck Lions Club Den located on Lake Road 5-29. Social hour is 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and meeting.

Theodore Kilmer gets some cake Saturday, Dec. 3 at For additional information, call AK Small Engine during the rural business open house 573-374-4211. event in Versailles. (photo by Dorothy Anderson)

Raw food lunch at health center

A raw foods luncheon is scheduled noon Monday, Dec. 12 at the Morgan County Health Center, 104 W. Lafayette, in Versailles.

Participants may bring raw food dishes to share with others at the luncheon. Examples from past luncheons include raw veg-

The Knights of Columbus Council #10381 Mary Mother of the Church in Laurie meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Shrine of St. Patrick.

For more information, call the an dishes such as kabobs, a fresh shrine at 573-374-7855. greens salad, a hummus and avoVersailles cado dip, and more.

Masonic Lodge The raw food luncheon is scheduled noon the second Mon- Versailles Masonic Lodge #320 holds its regular meetings at 7 p.m. day of each month.

For more information, call on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

573-378-8882.

The Masons hold Bingo at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Kidwell Home.

The Masonic Lodge is located at 308 N. Walnut, Versailles. For more information, call 573-3725790.

Orchestra to perform winter concert Dec. 11 The Lake Area Community Orchestra continues their series of winter concerts with a performance 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Royal Theatre in Versailles.

The concert is free.

About 45 participants ranging in age from high school to their 80s make up the orchestra and come from communities surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.

A variety of Christmas music

will be played including an interesting Manheim Steamroller arrangement of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” and other selections including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Those Fabulous Flutes, Greensleeves” and “Joy to the World.”

For further information, contact director Rose Adams, 573375-5403, or president Leonard Vader, 573-644-4801.

Greater Lake Area Chorale concludes winter concert Dec. 12 The Greater Lake Area Chorale will conclude their winter concert series “Candlelight & Carols” with a performance 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at the United Methodist, 210 N. Monroe in Versailles. The concert is

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A variety of Christmas music will be performed.

For additional information contact, director Michael Lindeman, 573-480-7492 or mical2274@charter.net.

American Legion Post #104

The American Legion Post #104

in Versailles meets at 6 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the American Legion Post on Alum Spring Road (by the cemetery) in Versailles.

Versailles Lions

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily at Sunrise Serenity Group, 15465 N. Highway 5 in Sunrise Beach. Days and times are subject to change.

For additional information on Al-Anon in Sunrise Beach, call 573-207-8388.

Alcoholics Anonymous also meets 7 p.m. daily at New Beginnings, 8297 S. State Highway 5 in Greenview. For more information call 573-692-2231.

Rolling Hills Country Club Ladies

The Versailles Lions Club meets The Rolling Hills Country at noon, every Tuesday at Pioneer Club Ladies play every Tuesday.

Restaurant in Versailles.

The 18-hole group starts at 8:30 a.m. and the nine-hole group at 9 a.m.

Zack Wheat In addition to golf, a luncheon Post 624 is also held the second Tuesday The American Legion Zack of each month.

Wheat Post 624 Legion and For additional information, Auxiliary in Sunrise Beach meet contact the Pro-Shop at 573-378the first Tuesday of each month at 5109.

7:30 p.m.

The 40/8 and La Femmes meet Al-Anon the third Tuesday of each month Al-Anon meetings are 10 a.m. at 7:30 p.m.

Dinner is served every Wednes- Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at day and Friday night starting at 5 Betterview AFG, Serenity Hall, 15465 N. Highway 5 in Sunrise p.m.

Beach.

For additional information on Laurie-Sunrise Al-Anon in Sunrise Beach, call Beach Rotary Club 573-286-7466 or 573-569-0906.

The Laurie-Sunrise Beach Rotary Club meets at noon every Addiction Free Thursday at the Sunrise Cantina, in Christ 264 Sunset Hills Dr., in Sunrise

Addiction Free in Christ meetBeach. The meeting immediately ings are held every Wednesday follows lunch.

For more information call 573- at New Revival Center, 106 S. Hunter in Versailles. Snacks and 374-1331. refreshments are at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting from 7 to 8 p.m.

Draggin’ Threads Anyone wishing to conquer addictions may attend.

Quilters The Draggin’ Threads Quilters For more information, call 573meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 378-4700 or 573-378-7954. the upper level of the Bank of Versailles in Laurie on Wednesdays.

Gravois Mills Anyone interested may atAlcoholics tend.

For more information call Sue Anonymous Purdon, 573-372-6418.

Gravois Mills Alcoholics Anon-

ymous meets at 25720 Hwy. 5 in Gravois Mills, at the corner of Highway 5 and Troutdale, bottom of the hill.

Open 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Thursdays and 6 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information call Paula E. 573-539-5246.

TOPS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday at The Bank of Versailles, the bank is located at the junction of Route O and Highway 5 in Laurie.

Weigh in is from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

For more information call Pat Cornelius 573-873-3178 or Judy Smith 573-374-8503.

V.F.W. Post 5178 Morgan County/ Gravois Mills and Ladies Auxiliary

V.F.W. Post 5178 Morgan County/Gravois Mills meets the first Monday of each month, with a meal at 5:45 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Auxiliary also meets at the same time.

A dance is every Saturday night with music by “Hambo Lathem.”

Meal begins 5:30 p.m., dance 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Texas Hold’em is first Friday each month. Sign-in is 4 p.m. with $20 buy-in and 50/50 payout.

A breakfast is served 7 to 11 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. It is open to the public.

A service officer is on call to assist any military person and family with their needs. For more information, call 573-207-0147.

The post is located on Troutdale Road in Gravois Mills.

Common Ground Narcotics Anonymous

The Common Ground group of Narcotics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. every Friday at 25720 Highway 5, in Gravois Mills, across from M.J.’s Mini Mart.

For more information call Tim D., 573-789-3779.

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland currently has two troops in Versailles with room for more girls, though space is limited. The more sup-

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port each troop leader receives, the more girls she can take. The troop leaders are: • Cindy Zolecki, Daisies (grades K-1) Troop 70679; phone 573-434-2177.

• Donna Thomas, Brownies (grades 2-3) Troop 71475; phone 573-569-0156.

Cookie sales will start in January, so now is a great time for parents to register their girls to be part of this program.

The area is still in need of a leader for a Junior troop (grades 4-5). Training and resources are provided. For more information, call Carina Kagan at 877-3124764, ext. 1334.

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The Gravois Arm Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Lions Building 1/2 mile south of Gravois Mills on Highway 5 at the Lions Club Community Center.

For additional information, call 573-372-6366.

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Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 11

Christmas acrostic poems Snowflakes falling so pretty Now my yard is filled with piles of snow On the Christmas tree there are lots of ornaments Wow! No school on a snowing awesome winter day! That’s amazing!

by Alaynna

Jordan Leffert cuts some modeling clay into strips Friday, Dec. 2 in Joy Dock’s art class at Versailles Elementary School. He got to choose his medium during a “free� art day because of the class achieving five consecutive behavioral “good days.� (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

Candy in our stockings, yummm Ho ho ho get in bed, Santa’s here Rudolph is on the rooftops It’s starting to snow outside Sitting down, opening presents The frosty snow is very cold Mom! He’s coming down the chimney Are you going to write a ChristNow we are in the North Pole! mas list?

Orange lights lighting up the Santa is sitting down and eating sky cookies Red lights lighting up the sky

by Cali The ice is lit up with the beautiElves are making toys ful colorful lights on it Looking so happy and Houses are bright with lights Enjoying the light of the Arctic Very small Even Santa on his Reading the Night before Christmas� on the Sleigh with Rudolph and his red nose way there

by Cash Lights all over the neighborhood Christmas is a time for family Ice is colorful from the light and friends Getting inside from the cold Hot chocolate Heading inside to get hot cocoa Teasing my brother that we are Rest and spend time with family Is fun to play games with family going back home Stay at home and have fun Santa is waiting!

by Andi Tis the season to be jolly Many gifts And get candy in your stocking Candy is in our stockings Sit and watch TV with your famHot chocolate keeps us warm ily Railroad tracks are covered with

by Cooper snow I love Santa Snow Santa is nice No school now you can go snowTelling Merry Christmas to boarding people On a ramp Me and my sisters make a snow- Winter man Board On a rail going really fast All presents are nice Awsome Snow is on the road

by Austin Riding Diving in snow With my brother we go sledding Icy snow No wheels I get presents Go fast No school

by Dayton Try to bury my brother in snow Eat lots of Tony’s pizza Snow is cold.

Relax playing video games Now it’s Christmas.

by Brayden Over the snow is a kid ice skating.

Winter is cold like you.

by Emma

by Alicia Bland’s VES third graders

Sparkly and can play with it Nice and cold Other people play in it, like me White and comfy when you lay in it.

by Erin

Sledding down the hill No school yay yay yay!

On the ice people are skating White snowflakes Days are short At night drinking hot cocoa Yay no school! Yay!

by Myli

Santa Claus rides in one Lights on the reindeer Evergreen trees under, so small Family for Christmas is nice Dancing and prancing in the air All the time my family is cool at

by Zeke Christmas My family goes to 2 Christmases Shows presents I love my family at Christmas A warm hug Love my mom at Christmas Nice and jiggly You love Christmas Taste of hot chocolate

by DeMarion A hearty ho-ho-ho

by Jakob Sparkly snowflakes Now is the time for snow Cousins On the roof, in my yard Hanging lights all around White sparkly snow Reindeer bring Santa to put presby Samuel ents under the tree Icy snow outside Cold sitting by the Christmas Steady tree is right behind me tree Teamwork to put up the tree Have a bunch of pretty ChristMy mother is a good cook on mas lights Christmas Really excited to open presents Adventurous to go outside and In the snow making snow anplay things gels Star Snowball fight with the family The tree is sparkling with light Taking lots and lots of pictures Red cookies for Santa with my family Eating turkey Making a snowman with my sisEarly out of bed to open presents ter

by Jshaun As cold as a snowman Sitting on the couch drinking hot Elves eating Christmas cookies cocoa Looking at the naughty and nice

by Kynzie list Very funny little creatures Candy in our stocking Every elf is making toys Have cookies and milk on Santa’s little helpers Christmas day

by Morgan Rabbits are white on Christmas Ice on our window Sweet cookies laid out for Santa Santa, Santa I love you And cool presents in my stock- Tree, tree I see you and you see ing from Santa me Not getting any coal ever Must leave Santa cookies and The elves are making toys for milk kids All we have to worry about is At night Santa comes to your Santa coming to town house and sneaks you pres- Santa, you’re the best in my ents! book

by Kailyn

by Nevaeh

Abby Ballard, a first-grade student at Lake Christian Academy, displays a Christmas tree she made in art class Thursday, Dec. 1 at the academy in Sunrise (photo by Janet Dabbs) Beach.

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Sports

Ray Stockdale Invitational champs The Versailles wrestling team won first place at the Ray Stockdale Invitational Saturday, Dec. 3 in Knob Noster. Members of the team include, front from left, Kooper Wilson, Jacob Vogt, Sam Dornan, Willie Schotte, Jacob Aeschbacher, Ayden Easton, middle from left, Clyde Hoxworth, Zach Reed, Mason Bradley, Brycen Reynolds, Clayton Coleman, Konner Shewmaker, Brody McGowan, Michael Trotter, team manager Joy Bias, back from left, Eddie Oldendorf, Walker Schotte, Gage Tessier, Riley Rademann, Kendell Cann, and team manager Sara Vogt. (submitted photo)

Versailles wrestler Willie Schotte won all three of his matches by fall as the Tigers opened their 2016-2017 season with duals against Buffalo, Hollister and North Callaway Thursday, Dec. 1 at the middle-school gym. Schotte won this match against Jacob Swatek of Hollister in 56 seconds. (photo by Chris Johnson)

Tigers win Ray Stockdale Invitational The Versailles wrestling 1:35 and then won by fall in 39 Tigers had two individual seconds against Tyler Findley of champions and captured the Warsaw. Easton then lost by fall team title at the Ray Stockdale at 1:15 to Isaac Hill of Holden Invitational Saturday, Dec. 3 in and claimed second when he won by fall against Glen Gamill Knob Noster.

Willie Schotte won the 182- of Platte County JV in 1:35. pound weight class and Jacob Reed went 2-2 at 113 to finish Aeschbacher was the 220-pound third. He won by fall in 48 seconds versus Austin Page of class champion for the Tigers.

Versailles scored 152 points Butler and won by fall in one and Knob Noster came in second minute against Logan Hernandez of Knob Noster. He lost by with 142.

In other results for the Tigers, tech fall, 15-0, against Jake Kooper Wilson (126), Walker Stathopoulos of Platte County Schotte (195) and Ayden Easton JV and dropped a 10-4 decision (285) finished in second place. to Kagan Froning of Fatima.

Zach Reed (113) and Michael Trotter opened with a 2-1 loss Trotter (170) both came in third to Kieon Davis of Warsaw at place. Mason Bradley (106), Sam 170. He then won by fall in 17 Dornan (132), Clyde Hoxworth seconds against teammate Gage (145) and Jacob Vogt (160) all Tessier and won by fall in 1:30 versus Eddie Pilsudski of Tolton finished in fourth.

At 182, Willie Schotte won by Catholic. Trotter won the third fall against Paul Karsten of Blair place match by fall in 57 seconds Oaks at the two-minute mark of against Davis of Warsaw.

Coleman (126), the title match. Schotte recorded Clayton wins by fall in his previous Eddie Oldendorf (132), Brycen matches versus Colby Schwartz Reynolds (138), Kendell Cann of Warsaw and Forrest Hertzog (145), Gage Tessier (170), and Riley Rademann (195) all of Holden.

Aeschbacher won by decision wrestled for the Versailles junior against Nate Fauquier of varsity team.

Warsaw, 2-1, to win the title at The Tigers and Holden tied for 220. Aeschbacher won by tech most team pins in the tourney fall against Kaleb Bisges of with 19 each.

Team Scores Blair Oaks, 27-9, and won by fall against Dylan Wilson of Holden 1. Versailles 152; 2. Knob Noster at 4:41 in his first two matches. 142; 3. Holden 131.5; 4. Blair At 126, Wilson won his first Oaks 130; 5. Warsaw 87.5; 6. match, 3-0, against Addison Platte County JV 62; 7. North Canole of Blair Oaks, and then Callaway 55; 8. Butler 45; 9. defeated Nick Maddux of Platte Tolton Catholic 37; 10. Fatima County JV, 2-1. Wilson posted 16; 11. Holden JV 0; 11. Knob a 2-1 victory against Zach Noster JV 0; 11. Platte County Rolofson of Platte County JV JV B 0; 11. Versailles JV 0. to advance to the final, where Tigers go 2-1 in season opener he lost a 4-0 decision to Dallas The Tigers opened their season with two wins and a loss Larsen of Warsaw.

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Sports

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 13

The Versailles Tigers claimed the fifth-place trophy at the Eugene Invitational basketball tournament with a 57-56 victory against Owensville Saturday, Dec. 3 in Eugene. Members of the team are, from left, head coach Jason Ollison, Wyatt Espinosa, Ayrton Gennetten, Shane Randall, Quinn Randall, Hunter Edgar, Jonathon Geier, Tyler Zolecki, Coby Williams, Chase Hyman, Bryce Kephart, Austin Zolecki, Brayden Morrison, Colbey Boicourt, Ori Bartlett, assistant coach Blake Randall, and assistant coach Rich Williams. (submitted photo)

Tigers finish fifth at Eugene Invitational Following a first-round loss to eventual champion Blair Oaks, the Versailles Tigers won their next two games to claim the consolation trophy at the Eugene Invitational basketball tournament last week.

The Tigers held on for a 57-56 victory against Owensville in the consolation final Saturday, Dec. 3.

Blair Oaks defeated Eugene, 70-55, to win the tournament title. Osage won the thirdplace game, 70-38, against Tuscumbia.

In the consolation contest, the Dutchmen led 32-27 at the half, but the Tigers rallied to take a 41-40 lead into the fourth quarter. Tyler Zolecki scored five points in the third quarter to help Versailles go in front.

Hunter Edgar made two free throws late in the fourth quarter to put the Tigers on top and Owensville missed a half-court shot as time expired.

Shane Randall led the scoring for the Tigers with 15 points. Edgar finished with 13.

Coby Williams had nine points.

Zolecki scored seven. Bryce Kephart and Wyatt Espinosa added five points apiece and Jonathon Geier scored three

Middle school sports report

The Versailles Middle School seventh-grade boys basketball team won the championship at the 40th Annual Eldon Tournament last week.

The Tigers defeated Camdenton, 46-20, Monday, Nov. 28; won 45-16 versus Eldon Thursday, Dec. 1; and captured the title with a 49-26 victory against Osage Saturday, Dec. 3.

The middle school wrestling team won 13 matches and lost 25 against Blair Oaks and Joel E. Barber of Warsaw in a triangular meet Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the middle school.

The Tigers wrestlers defeated Fatima and lost to Fulton in a meet Thursday, Dec. 1 at Fulton.

Overall, Versailles won 16 bouts and lost 17 against the Comets and Hornets.

The seventh-grade girls basketball team defeated Eldon, 27-19, Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Eldon tournament. Katelynn Jackson scored 12 points and Maris Ollison had nine for Versailles.

Osage posted a 19-12 win against Versailles Saturday, Dec. 3 at Eldon. Ollison led the Lady Tigers with five points. Kylee Grandchamp and Jackson scored two points each and Brooklynn Yuska had one point.

The seventh-grade girls dropped a 42-10 contest to Blair Oaks Monday, Dec. 5 in Versailles. Grandchamp scored four points, Ollison had three points, Jackson put in two points and Madison Lucas-Avey contributed one point.

The eighth-grade boys basketball squad lost to Blair Oaks, 56-22, Friday, Dec. 2 at Blair Oaks.

The eighth-grade girls basketball team fell to Blair Oaks, 59-3, Friday, Dec. 2 at Blair Oaks.

points.

Logan Moritz scored 14 points and Zach Finley and Sean Irwin had 11 each for the Dutchmen.

Tigers coach Jason Ollison said it was a good tournament for his team, “I am very proud of the way the boys played this week. We improved and learned a lot about ourselves during the tournament. Friday night and Saturday we fought through a lot of adversity and came together as a group. I am very optimistic about where we are going.”

Score by quarter Owensville 13 19 8 16 56 Versailles 12 15 14 16 57 Versailles exploded for 31 points in the second quarter and rolled to a 78-49 victory against Calvary Lutheran in the consolation semifinal game of the tournament Friday, Dec. 2.

The Lions led 12-8 after the first quarter but, led by Geier’s five three-point baskets, the Tigers took control of the game in the second period and held a 39-22 lead at the half.

Geier scored a game-high 21 points, making six threepoint shots. Williams added 16 points, including three threepointers. Espinosa had 11.

Edgar scored nine. Randall put

in eight points. Kephart added six. Ayrton Gennetten had four points and Zolecki finished with three. The Tigers made 11 field goals from beyond the threepoint line.

Alex Flannigan led the Lions with 12 points.

Score by quarter Calvary 12 10 15 12 49 Versailles 8 31 20 19 78 Blair Oaks pulled away in the second quarter and handed Versailles an 89-69 loss in the first-round of the tournament Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The Falcons held a 19-13 lead after the first quarter and outscored the Tigers, 24-14, in the second period to take a 16point lead at the half.

Randall was the scoring leader for Versailles with 19 points. Espinosa added 11 and Williams and Edgar scored 10 points each. Geier had six points. Gennetten and Zolecki contributed five points apiece and Kephart finished with three points. Randall and Williams had five rebounds each and Williams dished out eight assists.

Score by quarter Versailles 13 14 18 24 69 Blair Oaks 19 24 28 18 89

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in Versailles.

The Eagles held a 63-4 lead at halftime.

Espinosa led the Lady Tigers with four points. Bielinski, Comer and Hoffa scored two points each and Allison Foley had one point.

Kylie Shoot led the Eagles with 11 points.

Southern Boone won the junior varsity contest, 21-9. Keely Gustafson scored three points for Versailles while Knoerle, Allison Foley and Kristen Coontz had two points each.

Score by quarter S. Boone 38 25 14 6 83 Versailles 2 2 4 3 11

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scoring leader for the Lady Tigers with nine points. Carrie Hoffa added eight points. Kylie Viebrock scored three points.

Hannah Whan, Anna Knoerle, Kylynn Ballew, and Mareena Bielinski had two points apiece and Madison Patten and Adaya Comer each scored one point.

Morgan Moss led Richland with 24 points and Brittany Latham added 22.

Score by quarter Richland 21 19 17 14 71 Versailles 8 11 6 5 30 Southern Boone raced to a 38-2 lead after the first quarter and rolled to an 83-11 TriCounty Conference win against Versailles Thursday, Dec. 1 at Leroy J. Viebrock Gymnasium

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Lady Tigers host Cole Camp, Eugene The home stand continues for the Versailles girls basketball team as they host Cole Camp Thursday, Dec. 8 and Eugene Monday, Dec. 12 in nonconference contests.

Next Tuesday, Dec. 13, the Lady Tigers travel to Tipton.

The Lady Tigers record fell to 0-4 with losses to Southern Boone and Richland at home.

Richland took control early and defeated Versailles, 7130, Monday, Dec. 6 at Leroy J. Viebrock Gymnasium in Versailles.

The Lady Bears led 21-8 at the end of the first quarter and increased their lead to 40-19 by halftime.

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Versailles freshman Allison Foley dribbles the basketball into the offensive end of the court in the second half of the Lady Tigers Tri-County Conference contest versus Southern Boone Thursday, Dec. 1 at Leroy J. Viebrock Gymnasium in Versailles.

Southern Boone won the game, 83-11. (photo by Chris Johnson)

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Roger Francis: Seeing the world through his mind’s eye

Versailles Leader-Statesman, Thursday, December 8, 2016, Page 14

Roger and Marya Lynn Francis

by Sharon Tausch It is not an unknown fact that most people take many blessings for granted. For the vast majority, daily routines like rising from bed, showering, getting dressed and driving off to work are accomplished with little or no thought, that is, for people who have their sight. For Versailles resident Roger Francis, however, daily routines are somewhat different.

Francis’s daily activities are different because he is “not” sighted, and must see the world through the eyes of his mind.

When he rises from bed in the morning he must know how far it is to the shower, in what direction to walk, which shelves hold his razor, soap, shampoo and toothbrush. He must know how much money is in his wallet, how each five, 10, or 20-dollar bill is folded, and that the person who handed him his money could be trusted to tell him which bill was which.

Because he is now retired, he no longer needs to find a ride to

work, but two years ago when he was still employed as a musician in Nashville, Tenn., he’d have to call a cab, or find his cane and his way to the closest city bus stop alone.

Sighted people have it way better than most of them think, but it is a common misconception that living without sight means living with a handicap. According to Francis, it means no such thing.

Francis has been living independently and performing as a professional musician since graduating 42 years ago from the Missouri School of the Blind in St. Louis.

Although his early life was difficult in that he had to leave home at the age of five, he says he thanks God and his parents (Jim and Dean Francis) every day that he was sent to an educational institution where he could learn to be self sufficient and live on his own. He says he is grateful to his family, his friends he met at school, and his teachers for treating him like everyone

www.leader-statesman.com

else so that he could feel normal.

“Blindness might be a nuisance, but it is not a handicap,” Francis said. “My lack of physical sight only served to teach me to see the world through the eyes of my mind.”

Anyone who has ever seen and/or heard Francis perform on stage would most likely acknowledge he is a talented musician and singer. He not only can sing nearly any song of any musical genre on the charts; he can interpret the original artist to an amazing degree of authenticity. In fact, the majority of his performances on the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville included his interpretation of popular country artists such as Willy Nelson, George Jones, Hank Williams, and a host of others.

He has also been a songwriter for more than 45 years. Francis began writing songs as a young man when he first became interested in music. He learned to sing and play the guitar when he was still a youngster, and he says it was his grandmother who taught him his first song, titled, Boil that Possum.

“I knew from an early age what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to sing and play on stage, and I could see it happening in my mind.”

Francis says he remembers the first performance his mom and dad attended in Nashville.

He said his father came up to his boss after the performance and thanked him for giving his son the opportunity to do what he loved most. Francis said his boss said to his father, “I didn’t give him a job; he did his homework and earned it.”

In fact, one of the first songs Francis ever wrote is titled, Through My Mind’s Eye, which is about his faith, family, and what it is like to view life from internal rather than external sight.

While Francis often would perform one or two of his own songs on stage, he never actually tried to get any of them published.

“I guess I was too busy making a living,” he said. Working late hours and traveling, however, didn’t keep him from creating songs and lyrics in his mind and writing them down while traveling on a bus or a plane from one performance to another. Most of his songs are written from his own life experience or about people he has known throughout his years as a musician.

When asked how many songs he has written, he says, “You know, I never really counted how many songs I have in my repertoire, but I have more than enough to do several performances and not sing any of them twice.”

Francis was given the opportunity to prove his above statement during two recent performances at The Bees’ Knees Ale House on West Jasper Street in Versailles.

“My first night at the Bees’ Knees was very special because it was the first time ever that I’d been given the opportunity to spend a whole evening singing my own songs.” Francis said.

What is unique about Francis’s personal repertoire is that the songs were written throughout the decades beginning in the 1970s. Therefore, they reflect the changes in society and his own musical taste as he went from a teenager to a semi-retired citizen. He has written songs that fit into various musical genres and can honor individual listeners’ musical tastes.

In his performances, Francis often interjects a number of humorous selections that draw laughter and smiles from the audience. “Yeah,” he says, “you gotta throw in a few laughs or you’re not doing your job on stage.”

Having returned to Versailles

after all those years, Francis feels he has come full circle in his life. Although he still performs for various events and businesses, he says he is perfectly content to spend time with his beautiful wife Marya Lynn, and enjoy their home they bought a little less than two years ago.

Francis says he truly believes his meeting with Marya Lynn was heaven sent. “I was performing on the General Jackson with my boss, Steve Hall, and the other band members when, at the end of the performance after the band had packed up, a man walked onstage, told me he was from Michigan, that he enjoyed the show, and mentioned he happened to have his sister with him, who was partially sighted.”

Francis says he thanked the man for coming on stage and for talking to him, reached for his pen and pad he kept in his guitar case, wrote down his phone number and handed it to him.

He said, “You’re a long way from home. Could you please give my number to your sister and ask her to call me when she gets home safely?” Francis said that was his first meeting with Marya Lynn even though they never actually spoke to each other.

“She actually called me when she got back home, and that was the beginning of what has become the very best part of my life. I never could have imagined being as happy as I am today.”

These days, Francis spends his time doing a variety of activities.

He enjoys filling in with the bass guitar with local musician Linda Cable and her Deep Water band; travels with his brother Jerry and their friend, Rick Pifer of the Sanctified Blues gospel group to play for prisoners in Saint Joseph and Moberly; and plays for the congregation at church, for weddings, special events, or for business establishments.

At their sandstone home in

Versailles, two of their basement walls are lined with CDs he has collected during his nearly 50year musical career.

There is also an electric piano, a rocking chair that he once rocked his baby daughter in, and a guitar placed carefully on its stand in their designated locations.

When he is not upstairs sharing household chores with Marya Lynn, listening to television or sharing a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, this is where he spends much of his time.

He may be categorizing CDs (with Braille symbols), typing lyrics to songs (on his Braille writer), or making his way to wherever he wants to go at the moment.

He may navigate his way to the refrigerator for a cool drink, go toward his music shelves or his guitar, with the light on, or in the dark.

He just follows the map he has created within his mind’s eye.

Roger Francis uses a vintage Braille writer to type lyrics to songs.

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Large, wet snowflakes fell sporadically Sunday morning, Dec. 4 in Versailles during the first snowfall of the season. (photo by Dorothy Anderson)

Madelyn Viebrock paints a watercolor heart Friday, Dec. 2 in Joy Dock’s art class at Versailles Elementary School. She got to choose her art form during a “free” art day. (photo by Bryan E. Jones)

Check out our selection of American-Made Windows & Doors.

Many are made in Missouri!

Come see the crew at Fajen Lumber for all your building needs!

404 W. 2nd St. • Stover • 573-377-2514

Ages: Birth - 5 Years Accepting Applications for Full-time Teachers

13539 Hwy. 52, Versailles • 660-553-1204 • Kreativekiddos1@gmail.com