FLIP PAGES FOR WEBSITE.qxp_Trenton Republican-Times 11/18/21 11:43 AM Page 1
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
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TRENTON
REPUBLICAN-TIMES
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Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 158th Year - No. 22
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Gallatin, Newtown Boards Meet
BRIEFS THS Play Is Moved
The THS Gilded Drama presentation of “Disorder in the Court” has been moved from Friday, Dec. 10 to Thursday, Dec. 9 in the Trenton R-9 Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the play, under the direction of Tashyana Dowell, are $6 and can be reserved by contacting Mrs. Dowell at 660359-2291 ext. 212 or by email at tdowell@trentonr9.k12.mo.us.
Gallatin R-5 Approves Bid For Roof Repair The Gallatin R-5 and Newtown-Harris R-3 boards of education held meetings recently, with the Gallatin board approving an expenditure for roof repairs and both boards setting the filing dates for the April 5 election. Gallatin R-5 Recent work on one part of the roof at the Gallatin R-5 School has led to a problem in another area and board members voted Wednesday evening to fix the issue to the tune of more than $40,000. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Copple said the contractor for the project, Jamesport Builders, had been fixing another part of the roof and during that process workers had been walking over cracks that were already on the portion of the roof that covers the high school commons and girls restroom. A recent heavy rain then resulted in leaks over that area and some flooding, making it necessary to replace the roof now, rather than wait as had been planned. “I don’t see that this can wait,” he said. “I’m not sure it will hold and in my opinion, let’s have them take care of it now.” “Now” will mean having the work completed in January or February, with the contractor indicating it could take a month or so to get the materials in. The cost, which Dr. Copple said is being discounted due to the contractor “feeling bad” about contributing somewhat to the quicker deterioration of the roof, will be $40,780. The board plans to replace the elementary roof in the spring or summer and Dr. Copple said that when it is all done, all of the roofs in the district will be in good shape and be under warranty. In other action items, board members accepted a snow removal bid from Will Salmon Excavating. The bid, which is the only one received, is for $900 per removal and another $900 if ice melt has to be applied to the parking lot. The total bid of $1,800 if snow is removed and ice melt is placed on surfaces is $300 higher than last year. The board also voted to [See BOARDS, Page 7]
WEATHER ALMANAC Day: High/Low Rain Monday 64/37 — Tuesday 69/39 — Wednesday 62/39 — Barton Campus Wednesday 62/37 —
County Commission
R-T Photo/Wendell Lenhart
HOUSE FIRE No injuries were reported but this house at 503 E. 22nd St., sustained extensive damage in a Tuesday evening fire. Trenton Fire Chief Brandon Gibler said the blaze began in a one-car detached garage, which was deemed a total loss, and spread to the house, where there was extensive damage to the second story, attic and roof. Smoke and water damage was reported throughout the house, which is owned by Morse and Sons and occupied by Jennifer Cannon. In addition, there was moderate damage to a vehicle that was parked near the garage. Trenton firefighters were able to rescue a dog that was upstairs and bring it to safety. Gibler said the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and the Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the residents of the home. The Trenton Fire Department was assisted by the Grundy County Rural Fire Protection District, Grundy County EMS, the Trenton Police Department, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, Trenton Municipal Utilities and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.
Utility Committee Mulls Natural Gas Price Surge Information Will Be Included In December Bill The high cost of natural gas was among the topics of discussion at a meeting Tuesday evening of the Trenton Utility Committee. There was not a quorum at the meeting so no action was taken, but Trenton City Administrator/Utility Director Ron Urton told the group that natural gas prices are expected to be very high this winter, something that will not only affect those who use natural gas for heating but will also affect the cost of generating electricity because the turbines that generate the electricity are natural gas-powered. Urton said TMU will be sending out information in the December bills that will [See TMU, Page 6]
The Grundy County Commission will not hold its regular weekly meeting next week, but one commissioner will be available. According to the county clerk’s office, commissioners Phil Ray and Brad Chumbley will be attending the Missouri Association of Counties meeting at Osage Beach, however, commissioner Don Sager will be in the office on Tuesday morning.
Play Tickets Available
Art’s Alive will present the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 in the Hoover Theater. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the customer service counter at Hy-Vee. Cash and checks will be accepted and the purchaser must indicate which performance they plan to attend. All seats are on a first come, first serve basis, and doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance. Ann Plumb is directing the play.
Tree Festival Items Sought
R-T Photo/Seth Herrold
If you’re one of those people who have had their Christmas tree up since the day after Halloween then you’re probably thinking it’s about time that employees in the electric department of Trenton Municipal Utilities got the town’s holiday decorations up. For the rest of us, it’s just a signal to get in gear - and to get in the spirit of the season.
Spickard Aldermen Renew Contract Rapid Removal Ups Trash Removal Cost For City Of Spickard The Spickard Board of Aldermen renewed its contract with Rapid Removal during a meeting held Wednesday. According to information provided by City Clerk Amy Chapman, the board voted to renew the contract with the waste-hauling company and noted that due to the rising cost of landfills and fuel, the company would
raise its cost for trash removal. No amount was listed on the information provided. The contract with the company was signed and includes keeping a dumpster at city hall. The board voted to charge $16 per trash-toter and $7 for each extra toter, effective Dec. 1 and set the filing dates for the April 5, 2022 municipal election as Tuesday, Dec. 7 through Tuesday, Dec. 28. There are two terms to be filled (the names of the incumbents were not available as of press time) and it was noted that persons who wish to file may do so at city hall during regular business
hours, which are 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. The office is closed on holidays and those who need to file at a time other than those listed may call city hall and set up an appointment. In other business, the board voted to have Fluid Equipment fix all of the problems with the south lift station and voted to purchase an electric well pump for meter reading. No amounts were listed on those items. A water report was also given showing a 9.4 percent water loss. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6.
The 13th Annual Festival of Trees will be held Nov. 27 at the Rock Barn and donations of items for the auction are being sought. The event, which benefits disabled individuals in Grundy County, will begin with a parade at 5:30 p.m. at the Eastside Park parking lot and end at the back side of the Rock Barn. There will be a variety of music and crafts from 6 to 7 p.m., with entertainment including the THS Colorguard, Makayla Hamilton and Connie Olmstead among those announced so far. Children will have the opportunity to make Santa plates and gingerbread houses and a “balloonmaker” will also be available. Ed Arnold will conduct an auction of decorated trees, wreaths and other items at 7 p.m. Brenda Thorne, one of the event’s organizers, said there are several unique items this year, including a fire pit made and donated by the Grand River Technical School. Anyone interested in donating items for the auction is asked to contact Mrs. Thorne, Judie Leininger or Deanna McCarter.