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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021
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TRENTON
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Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 158th Year - No. 32
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republican-times.com WINTER WONDERLAND
BRIEFS Two Races for City Council
There are now contested races in two of Trenton’s four city council wards. Glen Briggs of 701 E. Fifth St., filed for office Wednesday morning, challenging the current first ward officeholder, Kevin Klinginsmith, who had earlier filed for re-election. Briggs has previously served on the council from the first ward. The filing resulted in the second race for city council as Bob McIntyre is challenging the incumbent, Duane Urich for a seat from the fourth ward. Incumbents Marvin Humphreys from the second ward and David Mlika from the third ward have also filed, but so far have no opposition. Filing continues through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28.
Gallatin Special Board Meeting
R-T Photos/Seth Herrold
“Winter Wonderland” was the theme of the the Trenton R-9 Winter Band Concert, held Tuesday evening at the Trenton Performing Arts Center. The sixth grade band, seventh and eighth grade band, (pictured at top) and the Trenton High School band (at left) performed at the concert. Anthony Webb is the Trenton R-9 Director of Instrumental Music, with Madeline Cotton serving as the assistant.
NCMC Purchases Vacant Building Former US Bank Will Provide Temporary Space A building that has been sitting vacant on Ninth Street will get new life as North Central Missouri College trustees voted to purchase the building during a meeting held Tuesday. According to information provided by Chief of Staff Kristi Harris, the board voted to purchase the property at 121 E. Ninth
St., at a cost of $75,000. The building formerly was the downtown location of U.S. Bank. Mrs. Harris said that the building will initially be used as temporary space for areas that need to move in order to allow for demolition of older buildings on the campus. She said the college is currently working on plans for what will be permanently housed at the site. Trustees heard a glowing report from its auditor during the meeting. Matt Wallace of KPM CPAs in [See NCMC, Page 5]
Mandates Affect Head Start Federal mandates requiring that Head Start employees, students, volunteers and all outside service providers be vaccinated for COVID-19 and masked are having an effect on the Green Hills Head Start program. At Tuesday night’s meeting of North Central Missouri College trustees, GHHS directors Janet Gott and Sue Ewigman explained they were notified Nov. 29 about the new protocol, which went into effect Nov. 30. Under the vaccine mandate, all of those listed above must be fully vaccinated ( having had two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine). Those who are seeking a medical or religious exemption must have that exemption approved prior to that date. Anyone hired after Jan. 31 would have to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption [See HEAD START, Page 12]
The Gallatin R-5 Board of Education will meet in special session at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5 in the high school library. The board will meet to approve the use of Missouri Association of Rural Education for its superintendent’s search following the announcement that Dr. Bryan Copple will be leaving to take a position in the Richmond District at the end of his contract year, June 30, 2022. The board also plans to hold an executive session to discuss personnel.
Nursing Home Board Filings
Two incumbents have filed for re-election to the Grundy County Nursing Home District Board of Directors. Jim Cox and Jim Bush, both of Trenton have filed for re-election to the board, subject to the April 5 election. Filing continues through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28.
Sunnyview Board Meets
The Grundy County Nursing Home Board of Directors met Tuesday, approving a change with the energy project and a payment for that project. According to information provided by Administrator Jerry Doerhoff, the board approved a change in the duct work for the energy project as presented by engineer Fred Malicoat. The change, he said, will not add to the cost. The board approved a payment of funds request for $239,609.46 to the Wilson Group, Inc. which is the contractor for the energy project. Work on the project continues. Doerhoff read a report from Lockridge and Constant on the recently-completed audit, which went smoothly, and presented his report, which included activities enjoyed by the residents such as the monthly birthday party, pumpkin social, honoring veterans and the resident council meeting. A closed session was held to approve the minutes from the November closed meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Committee Hears Reports Financials Looking Good At This Point The Trenton Utility Committee met Tuesday night, hearing a financial update and reports from the utility director, comptroller and department heads. City Administrator/Utility Director Ron Urton said the committee reviewed the utility financials, which he said look good right now, with no surprises and no concerns. Office Administrator/Comptroller Rosetta Marsh said the AMI changeouts for this fiscal year are nearing completion for the Electric Department, with a total of 1,570 electric meters being changed out and now being read with the new system. In the past month, 269 electric meters have been changed out. She said the installation will begin again in May. In discussing work on the budget, Mrs.
WEATHER ALMANAC Day: High/Low Rain Monday 44/25 — Tuesday 45/20 — Wednesday 48/21 — Barton Campus Wednesday 47/17 —
Marsh said there is still approximately $30,000 left in the Headworks project to put toward the water line project. She also said the interviewing process is getting under way to fill the accounting assistant position that will be open and it is hoped that a decision on a candidate will be made by the end of December. In his report, Urton noted that generators have all been filled with a winter blend fuel. The fuel pump and line issues that have occurred at the north substation have all been repaired and all engine heaters are working. Urton said water department employees are installing gates to limit access to the reservoirs and the contractor for the water main project to the sewer treatment plant has said work will tentatively begin in January. Toth and Associates is beginning work on the water and sewer rate studies, Urton said. The next meeting of the utility committee is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18.
HOLIDAY HOOPS
Trenton, Gallatin and Mercer were all in action at NCMC’s Holiday Hoops this week, as the event returned after being forced to cancel last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SPORTS, 2-4
Photo courtesy of Trenton Police Department
SHOP WITH A COP The Christmas season was made a little brighter for 19 local youth through the Trenton Police Department’s “Shop With a Cop” program. The youngsters, who ranged in age from three to 16, provided a wish list of items and were able to visit the TPD Wednesday evening to receive a bag of gifts as well as a coupon for a ham donated by Smithfield. The program is made possible by donations from individuals, organizations and businesses and normally would include a pizza party. The party was not held this year due to concerns with COVID-19. Pictured with one of the participating families are Trenton Police Officer Chanse Houghton, left, and Lt. Larry Smith.