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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022
R-T
TRENTON
REPUBLICAN-TIMES
75¢
©Honeycutt Media, LLC
16 PAGES + 2 INSERTS
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 158th Year - No. 70
republican-times.com
NCMC Commencement Ceremonies Held May 7 North Central Missouri College 2022 Commencement was held on May 7, with two ceremonies; the morning ceremony at 9:00 a.m. honoring all associate degrees and certificates that are non-nursing, and the afternoon ceremony at 1:00 p.m. honoring nursing certificates, degrees, and pinnings. Both commencement ceremonies were held at the Ketcham Community Center on the Main campus located in Trenton. Commencement was also live-streamed at piratesdigitialmedia.com. 2022 marked the 95th NCMC commencement ceremony with 448 degrees and certificates awarded to 407 individual graduates - 130 associate in arts, 23 associate in arts in teaching, 148 associate in applied science, two associate in general studies, five associate in science, and 140 certificates. The average age is 24.48, with the oldest graduate being 58 and the youngest 17. Graduates come from Delaware, Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, New York, and Oklahoma and countries Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela. Distinguished Alumna Phyllis Jackson provided the morning ceremony address. In her remarks, she praised the graduates for their tenacity and hard work and encouraged them to leave the world in a better place than they found it. In her re-
marks, she said, “No adequate words can tell you how proud I am of you as students….all of you coming together to make today happen, to realize what could easily have just been abandoned, now actually has become a celebration of standing strong and moving forward, around, over, even though the difficulties thrown at you.” She also said, “How could anyone have ever doubted the tenacity of you as you moved forward from March 2020 to this glorious celebration today? Your Pirate blood rings true; you will not be overcome.” Medical Director, Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital and Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Amy Patel, was the speaker for the afternoon ceremony. In her remarks, she provided the graduates with points of advice to help them as they enter the workforce. In her speech, she said, “stay the course, even if you fail along the way. It’s okay if your career path takes an unexpected turn and is not straight. Do not get discouraged; reflect, regroup, and fail forward.” She also said, “You have shown great courage and fortitude to get where you are today. Be proud. Be grateful. Be fearless going forward. The best for all of you is yet to come.”
Hodge Hired As THS Principal The Trenton R-9 Board of Education has selected Mr. Chris Hodge as the new Trenton High School principal. Mr. Hodge will begin his duties with the district on August 1, 2022. Mr. Hodge brings 13 years of administrative experience as a high school principal. Mr. Hodge most recently has served as the Plattsburg High School principal for Clinton County R-3 for five years. His previous positions include serving as high school principal, athletic director, and varsity girls basketball coach at Pattonsburg High School; high school social studies teacher and varsity boys basketball coach at Maysville High School; and high school social studies teacher, athletic director, and varsity boys basketball coach at Tri-County High School. “Mr. Hodge impressed the principal selection committee with his interest in assisting all students in learning, employability, and work ethic skills for their future careers. He spoke of the importance of public relations both in the school itself and the community in which it sets,” commented Mrs. Dorothy Taul, Trenton R-9 Board of Education President. “We are looking forward to working with Mr. Hodge as we continue to make Trenton High School a place of high academic excellence and a supportive climate for teachers and students.” Mr. Hodge received a Bachelor of Science in History from Missouri Western State University as well as a Masters of Education in Administration and a Specialist in Education from
Chris Hodge
William Woods University. Mr. Hodge’s vision for THS is focused on developing student belonging and growth as well as building a positive school culture. Hodge stated, “I look forward to working with the staff and students to create an inclusive and positive environment for everyone. I look forward to hearing from all stakeholders and community members as we will work to make THS a place where students want to grow.” Mr. Hodge and his family are excited about their transition to the Trenton R-IX School District. “Our family is excited to become a part of the Trenton school community,” said Hodge. He and his wife Kassie have three children: son Kaden is completing his sophomore year at the University of Missouri in Columbia; daughter Cole is graduating from Plattsburg High School this spring and will be attending North Central Missouri College in the fall utilizing her A+ Scholarship; and daughter Kaylor will be a freshman this fall and attending Trenton High School. Mr. Mike Stegman, Trenton R-9 Superintendent, stated, “Mr. Hodge is an excellent addition to our administrative team at THS. We look forward to his leadership and innova[See Principal, Page 6]
Phyllis Jackson
Dr. Amy Patel
Faculty Senate President Tracy Welch led the processional, and the Trenton National Guard presented the colors. Faculty Marshalls will be Sarah Bird, Maryellen Harman, Cassie Cordray, Janna Ingram, Vel Westbrook, Korynn Skipper, Ashtyn Wilson, and Sophia Swink. NCMC student Riley Neill sang the national anthem for both ceremonies. Makayla Eads, Student Senate President, provided the welcome and evocation for both ceremonies,
with Dr. Tristan Londre, Vice President of Academic Affairs, presenting the class, and Dr. Lenny Klaver, President, conferring the degrees. President Klaver, President and Vice President of the Board of Trustees, presented degrees and honors with Dr. Kristen Alley, Vice President of Student Affairs, giving the turning of the tassel. Chris Hoffman, trustee and alumnus, provided the alumni welcome.
Trenton Park Board Discusses Policies, Hears About Mayor’s Proclamation The Trenton Park Board met on Wednesday, May 4 at City Hall with 6 members and Mayor Linda Crooks in attendance. President Curtis Crawford called the meeting to order, previous meeting minutes were reviewed and accepted. Board Member Gary Schuett brought a motion to the board to accept two policies that he had written and had been reviewed by City Attorney Tara Walker. The first policy was for placement of security cameras in various locations in the city parks to help deter
vandalism and theft. The second policy was to establish a reward system for information leading to an arrest or conviction of persons who vandalize or steal from the Trenton Park Department. John Hamilton seconded the motion and all were in favor. The pool committee reported that they are still needing a Pool Manager and more lifeguards for the Trenton Family Aquatic Center before the start of the season. The board agreed to advertise the positions again with a final date to apply of May 16 as
that is the date they would need to start the process of filling the pool in order for it to open as usual on Memorial Day Weekend. If there are no pool manager applications by May 16 the board will call a special meeting to determine how to proceed. The Park Superintendent reports that the grounds and facilities committees are working on installing new equipment in area parks but the rainy weather has caused delays. He is also working with insurance to figure out steps to replace a set of bleachers at
the fairgrounds that were flipped over and damaged in a recent wind storm. Mayor Linda Crooks has signed a proclamation declaring May 21, 2022 as “Kids to Parks Day” in Trenton. “Kids to Parks Day” is an annual event organized by the National Park Trust to empower kids and encourage families to go outdoors and visit local parks, public lands and waters. The regular meeting adjourned and a closed session was held for personnel matters.
BRIEFS THS Graduation Ceremonies
Trenton High School 2022 commencement exercises will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at C.F. Russell Stadium. Guest speakers will be the Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. The Southeast gate of the stadium will open at 6 p.m. for guests to sit in the bleachers or around the perimeter fence of the track. In case of forecasted inclement weather the ceremony will be moved indoors to the THS gym at the same time and date. The ceremony will also be streamed on the Trenton Bulldog Activities YouTube channel. Please call the office at 660-359-2291 with any questions.
TMS Awards Assemblies
Trenton Middle School will hold their awards assemblies on Wednesday, May 18 in the school gymnasium. Assemblies are scheduled as follows: 5th grade at 8:15 a.m., 8th grade at 8:45 a.m., 7th grade at 9:15 a.m. and 6th grade at 9:45 a.m. All parents and grandparents are invited to attend. Visitors are asked to please check in to the middle school office upon arrival.
Cops ‘N Bobbers Event Set
The 10th Annual Cops ‘N Bobbers event will take place on Saturday, June 4 at the North Central Missouri College Barton Farm Campus (96 SE 8th Ave, Trenton, MO). This Cops and Kids fishing event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.The event is free for the kids and lunch will be provided by CFM Insurance. The participating youth will be elegible for prizes. Please note that children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult and youth 16 and older must have a Missouri fishing permit. This even is being co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, NCMC Barton Farm Campus and CFM Insurance.
Library To Begin Program
Summer Reading Program Kick-off on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Grundy County Library children's department. Adults will register upstairs. If you need to get a card, bring proof of address and photo ID. There will be food, program sign-up, gifts, and drawings. Come for the fun!
United Way Seeking Funding
United Way is seeking organizations for the 2022-23 funding year. To apply for membership the organization must provide the following: tax exempt letter/number, brief overview of organization, Grundy County demographics served and approximate annual budget. All United Way organizations are required to participate in fundraising and attend 7 of 9 United Way yearly meetings. Applications are currently due May 18th, 2022. If you would like an application or have questions you may contact Chairman Edna Foster at grundycorsvprusinmo@gmail.com.
Gallatin Alumni Plans Progress
Plans for the Gallatin High School alumni Banquet Saturday, May 28, are progressing with the class of 1972 alums serving as the planning committee. Early reservations can be made by sending name, class year and check for $20/per person to: Sharon Lockridge, 30491 Hwy P, Jamesport, MO 64648. The reunion, to be held at the high school, will allow plenty of time to catch up and reminisce with schoolmates at the mixer as the doors open at 4:00 PM. Unlike single year class reunions, the mixer and banquet offer the opportunity to see friends from other classes as well. The catered meal will begin at 5:30 PM. For more information contact Linda Arnold at 660-6632203 or Deanna McWilliams at mcwilliamsfh@gmail.com.