Sports

Golden City Boys Advance to State Basketball Semifinal

By Bob Jackson Reporter

The Golden City boys’ basketball team rolled to a 72-42 win over Crest Ridge, a Class 1 team from Pettis County, at Southern Baptist University in Bolivar on Saturday, March 7. It is the first time since 1997 that the Eagles have been in the final four. They lost to Lakeland in sectional play in 2019 and have come a long way as they were winless in 20152016.

Golden City scored the first 13 points and never looked back with their up-tempo offense. Golden City led 37-23 at half. Brothers, Chain Parnill with 27 points and Arlo Stump (21) and junior Lane Dunlap (16) paced the Eagles. Crest Ridge tried to make a run in the third quarter but key 3-point baskets doomed Crest Ridge. Junior Seth Miller had strong rebounds the entire game. Over 22 fouls were called in the first half. In the last five games, Golden City has held their opponents to below 50 points.

First year coach, Mike Reeves, praised the defensive efforts of the Eagles. Golden City will play St. Elizabeth (24-5) on Thursday, March 12 at 8:30 p.m. at JQH Arena in Springfield. The other two semifinal teams are No. 1, Class 1 Dora (30-2) vs Jefferson Conception (28-2) at 4:30

(Photos by Bob Jackson)

p.m. Finals are set Friday March 13 at 4:30 p.m.

A huge crowd of Golden City Fans wearing white and gold T shirts cheered the Eagles on in the win.

Walnut Grove Girls Rout Montrose Headed to Defend State Title

By Bob Jackson Reporter

The Walnut Grove Girls basketball team had an easy time at Southern Baptist University in Bolivar on Saturday, March 7 in quarter final play in Class 1 as they routed Montrose 65-31. The Tigers were led by three juniors: Lauren Johnson (21 points), Faith Gilkey (19) and MaKayla McVay (15) in winning the game with ease.

Walnut Grove led 20-7 at the end of the first quarter and 36-9 at the half. A smothering defense and speed resulted in numerous turnovers by Montrose.

A big crowd of orange

(Photos by Bob Jackson)

and black boosted the Tigers. Very few people were left in Walnut Grove during the game.

The Tigers are the defending Class 1 State Champs and play Community (281) on Thursday March 12, at 5:30 p.m. in Springfield at JQH Arena in Springfield. In other semifinal play South Iron (25-4) meets South Nodaway (273). Finals are March 13 at 2:30 p.m.

The win for Walnut Grove Coach Rori Henry was number 350th in his coaching tenure.

D126 Tournament March 14

D126 will hold a tournament March 14 on Stockton Lake. Launch site is Old State Park. Registration will begin at 5:30 a.m. at the ramp. Mandatory briefing will start at 6:30 a.m. followed by partner draw and boat position. Fishing will begin from safe light to 3:30 p.m. Call Becky Minor with any questions, 316-644-1454.

Sports Scoreboard

By Bob Jackson Reporter

There is nothing like it when a high school sports team plays in football, track, baseball, volleyball or basketball in a game to advance to a State Championship. That was the case on Saturday, March 7, when three area teams played in quarterfinal action at Bolivar and Liberty Missouri. Two teams, Walnut Grove Girls and Golden City Boys, won at Bolivar and Miller Girls Class 2 lost at Liberty.

Alumni, former players, fans from all three teams forgot about their cattle, cleaning house, watching TV and made it to their games dressed in the school colors. This writer in attendance at Bolivar was impressed with the sportsmanship displayed by players and fans.

On to state in Springfield: Both Walnut Grove and Golden City play Thursday, March 12 against tough foes. Finals are Friday, March 13.

SPORT SHORTS

Lockwood native, Clovis Haubein, who attended Valpariso University in Indiana, is proud of his university as they beat Missouri State in semifinal play at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in St Louis on March 7.

CHANGING

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC TIMES

Greenfield High School will not field a baseball team this spring due to lack of players for a team. Eighteen games and two tournaments cancelled. If school officials agree, GHS will send four or five players to co-op with the Lockwood boys baseball team. The Lockwood girls will co-op with the Golden City Girls softball team.

Nick Engleman, former GHS baseball coach, is now the head baseball coach at El Dorado Springs High School.

Miller Lady Cardinals Take an “L” to KC Suburb East Buchanan

By Gina Langston Editor/Publisher

The Miller Girls’ basketball team struggled to get a lead at Liberty North High School Saturday, March 7 during Class 2 quarter final play. The Lady Cardinals lost the neutral court playoff game against East Buchanan (Gower, MO) by a score of 51-41. “Basketball is a long season and there’s no other team I’d rather go to battle with. I am beyond proud of this group and I am already looking forward to what the future holds for them. They’re champions in my heart,” Coach Hannah Wilkerson shared on her personal social media page.

Miller got a late start with three unanswered baskets right out of the gate. With just minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Ashten Kingsley hit two consecutive 3s which brought a bit of excitement to the Miller crowd and much needed momentum before the half.

They played more like themselves in the third quarter, bringing the score up to 32-28.

Since the Cardinals were unable to do much in the lane because of an aggressive 6’1” freshman, Kelsey Gracie from East Buchanan in their way, they opted to take their chances outside the arch. Freshman Haylie Schnake put up a three, followed by A. Kinglsey’s third 3-pointer of the day which brought the Cardinals as close as they would get to a lead, 40-37, with 4:30 left in the game.

Miller’s leading scorer this season, Kaylee Helton with 500 points, got into foul trouble early and fouled out mid-way through the fourth quarter, which sealed the deal for the Cardinals. Miller’s other leading scorers, Claudia Hadlock and Payten Richardson, were shut down by an experienced Bulldog defense.

(Photos by Gina Langston)

Lockwood EL/MS/HS February Students of the Month

Congratulations to Lockwood Elementary and Middle School February Students of the Month. Pictured are Owen Patterson, Haydn Dunnagen, Landry Ogden, Angeles Brewer, Aleaniah Gilt, and Jayden Tripp. These students were chosen by faculty and administration for academic achievement and efforts in extra curricular activities. Thank you to S&H Farm Supply for your support in this program as our February Sponsor.

High School

Elementary/Middle School

Congratulations to the Lockwood High School February Students of the Month, Emily Janes and Claud Trent. These students were chosen by faculty and administration for their exemplary behavior and extra efforts in academics and extra curricular activities. Thank you to Muncy’s Supermarket, our sponsor for the month of February.

Dade County Among Places With the Highest Tax Refunds in MO

SmartAsset’s map highlights the counties that receive the highest tax refunds, as well as the counties that owe the most in taxes. Scroll over any county in the state to learn about tax returns in that specific area. Note Dade ranks No. 10 in the state as one of the counties recieving the highest tax refunds.

From Steve Sabato SmartAssets.com

Whether you save it for retirement, use it to pay down credit card debt or spend it immediately, a tax refund can be a great financial boost. Many Americans depend on their tax refund as an important part of their annual budget. Each tax season millions of U.S. taxpayers are issued refunds for the amount of money they overpaid within that tax year. Meanwhile, some taxpayers end up owing money to the IRS after filing their taxes because they underpaid throughout the year. SmartAsset analyzed data from the IRS to determine the counties where people received the highest average tax refunds and the counties where people owed the most money after filing their taxes. To determine the counties that received the highest average refunds, we divided the total amount of money refunded by the IRS in each county by the number of refunds issued in each county. We did the same to calculate the average amount owed, by dividing the total taxes owed in each county by the number of filers that still owe taxes.

We then ranked and indexed each of the counties where residents receive the highest average refunds and where residents pay the most after filing their taxes.

According to a recent study by financial technology company SmartAsset, folks in Dade County receive some of the biggest tax refund checks in Missouri. To determine the counties that received the highest average refunds, the study divided the total amount of money refunded by the IRS to residents by the number of refunds given out in each county. For more details on the study, including our methodology and interactive map, check https://smartasset. com/taxes/tax-returncalculator#Missouri/ taxReturn.

Missouri Counties with the Highest Average Tax Amount Refunded

Dade County ranks No. 10 in Missouri with the highest average tax return with an average of $2,914 amount funded, and ranks No. 81 as the largest average tax amount owed with the average amount owed being $3,411.

Washing Hands (Continued from front) Economic Summit (Continued from front)

“I thought it was very informational and made a lot of good connections with people to help grow Greenfield and get some things accomplished,” said Kim Rhodes, president of the Greenfield Chamber. “I want to thank Bob Jackson and Rob O’Brian for all their hard work.”

At a little over two hours long, Lockwood Chamber President Penny White said that she felt there were more questions to be asked and just not enough time to cover them, but that she is optimistic about things people in the county can be doing and that getting the conversation started is great. “I think it’s a good idea to get people into a room and talk about what is or could be going on in our county,” said White. “I felt like this meeting was more geared toward giving out potential resources for helping individually whether it is for a business or improvements.” Another business owner and volunteer with several area organizations, Michelle Kleeman, also said she felt the event was a good start. “I believe that we all have a vested interest in keeping the community strong and moving forward,” said Kleeman. “This was an excellent way to bring those interested under one roof and gave us the ability to connect.” Kleeman said that her hope is that those attending are able to keep the momentum going and make a solid and achievable plan with long- and short-term goals countywide. “We are so much strong together as a county than we can ever be as separate cities,” said Kleeman. Several representatives of area school districts were present as well, among them Mike Wallace, superintendent of the Everton R-III School District. “It was good to see such a diverse group of people (farmers, attorneys, education, law enforcement, news media, health, political, electric [utilities], local business owners and private citizens) taking an interest in working together to make the communities of Dade County more successful, thus leading to a more successful county as a whole,” said Wallace. “The presentations were informative and beneficial, and I made some good contacts and left with some good ideas.” Among government officials present, Kenny Snider, mayor of Lockwood, said that he was impressed with the turnout and interest in growing the county’s economy. “It’s a good start. If you get the right people with the right mindset together and keep out the ‘Negative Nancys’ you could get a few things done,” said Snider. “I was excited to see such a good turnout.”

Greenfield BoA (Continued from front) Harris said that he felt allowing for the destructhe board should abide tion of old records. by the previous decision to do what was necessary, and allow the city attorney and police department to handle it. Discussed an ongoing situation regarding improper permitting and use of utilities at a property on Jefferson Street.

Rose cautioned the The consensus of the board to make sure that board was to inform the is what they really need property owner that he to do before they did it. had 30 days to get his “If you want me to be ‘mean’ with him, be sure that’s what you want,” said Rose. past due balances paid up and the utility situation corrected or there will be consequences. Larkin is to deliver the

The consensus of the notice personally.board was to move forward with more formal proceedings, to which Rose said he would proceed as requested. Addressed some concerns of the animal control officer, Sara Hurd. The board agreed to consider the revision of

In other business: dog licensing ordinance

The board approved a allowing for single year resolution, based on that or multiple year regisof the state of Missouri, tration, and to clarify the limits on cats and dogs allowed per residence. Approved a bid of $2,750 from Chance Kleeman to purchase the old dump truck the city had offered for sale.

Approved a special rate for a long-time customer of the RV park that would be staying longterm during the spring and summer construction season.

Approved the selection of a new workmen’s compensation insurance provider as presented by brokers, Connell Insurance.

Approved the renewal of the lot used by the City Garden, again for $1 per year.

COVID-19, is spread via contact with droplets released when a person who is sick coughs and sneezes. It is not yet known whether it also spreads through the air. Most of the cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., so far, have been among people with recent travel to areas with COVID-19 outbreaks, or among close personal contacts of someone sick with COVID-19. Because COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus, there is no vaccine yet to protect against it, and humans have no immunity to it. There are still a number of precautions that can be be taken, however: 1. Wash hands often with soap and water. 2. No touching of the face with unwashed hands. 3. Keep a distance of eight (8) feet from people who are sick.

“If you are well, you do not need to wear a face mask to try to protect yourself from seasonal flu or coronavirus. Facemasks are intended to be worn by people who are sick, to keep germs from traveling far when the person coughs or sneezes,” said Allen. “Facemasks are also needed by health care workers or family members who have to be very close to sick people in order to care for them.”

Allen said that there are no cases of coronavirus in Dade County at this time, but that DCHD staff are still seeing a high number of seasonal flu cases each week.

“It is important that everyone in our community stay home when sick. Going to work, to church, or out in the community when you are sick, or sending a sick child to school or daycare puts other people at risk,” said Allen. “The best way to protect our whole community is for people who are sick to stay home.”

Allen went on to say “We will hear about more cases of coronavirus and seasonal flu in the U.S. over the weeks and months ahead, but we have a strong public health system that is trained to quickly identify cases and stop the spread of disease. You can do your part to help by staying home when you are sick.”

Learn more at dadecountyhealthdept.com or follow them on Facebook. For more information, contact Pamela Allen at 417-6372345 in Dade County, or for more information regionally contact Jaci McReynolds, MHA, MoCem at 417839-3579.

Greenfield’s Twin Dragons restaurant is currently closed as new management prepares to take over, but patrons of the Asian-themed eatery can be assured little will be changing as far as operations are concerned.

The new owners will be Ron and Gemper McCoy of Greenfield, with Gemper and their daughter, Princess, handling most of the management duties. Gemper McCoy has been a familiar face to customers of the restaurant since 2009, and has worked her way up from part-time waitress to owner.

McCoy said she started learning about the various aspects of operating the restaurant soon after she started, and is always learning new things, from cooking to hiring. She said she started learning to cook the various items on the menu about five years ago.

“I like to learn everything I can when I’m working,” said McCoy. “A lot of people already assumed I owned the restaurant.”

The McCoys had been discussing the purchase of the restaurant from the previous owners, Huan and Ha Thach, of Springfield, last year. This was before Mr. Thach fell ill and died early in February.

“Huan said, if he ever retired, he wanted me to have the restaurant,” said McCoy. “I said, ‘OK,’ and I thought, maybe sometime in the future - and then he got sick.”

After Thach died, as is Vietnamese custom (Thach had immigrated from Vietnam in 2002), a family member was offered the opportunity to purchase the restaurant, but decided the ownership of an Asian restaurant in a small town wasn’t for him.

“He said when he decided not to buy it that, ‘If we sell it to anybody, it should be to you [Gemper], you already know everything about it and besides, you deserve it,’” said McCoy.

Ron McCoy said the Thachs had been considering selling the restaurant and opening up another in a location closer to Springfield prior to his passing, so he and Gemper had been preparing for the possibility of buying the restaurant already. Gemper McCoy is originally from the Philippines herself, so she was understanding of honoring family tradition before having the opportunity to purchase the restaurant, but is glad that it worked out so that she could.

“I love this restaurant and really love all of my customers,” said Gemper McCoy. “That’s why I wanted to do this.”

During the changeover from the Thachs to the McCoys, various licenses and inspections need to be transferred or made anew, which is easier to do while the restaurant is closed. The McCoys said they are also taking the opportunity to do some cleaning and moving some things around to better suit Gemper’s preferences - as every cook, every manager does things differently. But some things aren’t changing.

“All the recipes and prices will be the same, it will still be ‘Twin Dragons,’ the only difference will be a different owner,” said McCoy.

The McCoys said that their goal is to reopen later in March, and that they will be announcing the date beforehand.

PAT Dr. Seuss Family Game Night

BUNCO at LW Library a Success

From Amy Schnelle

The Lockwood Parents as Teachers group participated in a Dr. Seuss Family Game Night on Friday, February 28, 2020. Children and their parents and grandparents enjoyed Dr. Seuss book themed snacks and games at the Meinert Community Center. Each child also got to choose a Dr. Seuss book and toy to take home. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for partnering with Parents as Teachers to bring this event to our community. Parents as Teachers students who attended were as follows: Nilah Cossins, Maria Schnelle, Elijah Fittje, Grant Meinzen, Clara Schnelle, Pryor Warren, Levi Meinzen, Brooks Allison, and Briggs Warren. If your child lives in the Lockwood School District and was born after August 1, 2014, they are eligible to be a part of this group. For more information contact Amy Schnelle at aschnelle@tigersk12.org or visit the Lockwood Parents as Teachers Facebook page.

Right, Levi Meinzen shows his joy of all the activities. Below, Clara Schnelle, Elijah Fittje, and Maria Schnelle take their turn with a photobooth. Pryor Warrenfinishes his puzzle. Brooks Allison sports his cat

in the hat shirt. (Submitted photos)

2020 participants include: Delores Reuter, Dixie Weimer, Elaine Kaelke, Ella Whaley, Holly Carter, Jennifer Thieman, Jessica Gossett, Jessie Thieman, Joanne Snodgrass, Kenneth Hagerman, Kristen Fittje, Kristy Miller, Mary Kahre, Myra Daniel Huser, Paula Daniel Brisco, Phyllis Hagerman, Sue Sparkman, among others.

From Phyllis Haggerman

Saturday Bunco was a great success. Thank you to every one that helped from set up, bringing snacks and drinks, participating, supporting, funding, and cleaning up afterwards! We especially hope all the winners enjoy their prizes.

Without this community, Thrivent, and our local businesses, the 2020 Summer Reading Program would not be possible. The Library is so thankful to each and every person that helps and supports the library in every way possible.

The 2020 Summer Reading Program will begin May 26 and we have high hopes for a large number of participants who will both enjoy and learn from our planned activities. AND READ during our eight week program featuring many new books! (A special thanks to Caiden Hunt for his large donation to our book collection.)

‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!’ Story Time celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY! We read Hop on Pop and Fox in Socks (two of Ms. Jessica’s favorite Dr. Seuss books.) We played a few Dr. Seuss themed games, (thank you to the consistently wonderful Amy Schnelle for sharing your games with us) we colored some fun socks, and enjoyed red and white Dr. Seuss hats (jello and whipped cream!)

Stop in any time to check out our newly acquired books including Foreign Deceit by Carson, Lost by Patterson, Salt River by White and The Timepiece by Lewis.

The Lockwood Library is open Monday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday 9 - 6, Wednesday 9 to noon, Thursday 9 - 5, and Saturday 9 to noon.

From Alexis Byrnes

Clark Blackwell has owned Blackwell’s service station in Lockwood for 36 years. Blackwell’s, on Main Street, has been around since 1984, when Blackwell decided to move his business to southwest Missouri from Indiana after 22 years and continue his work in Lockwood.

“I have owned the business, starting in Indiana, since 1962,” Clark added.

The filling station that is now Blackwell’s has been a family business for as long as Blackwell can recall before taking it over as his own. He purchased the property in Lockwood and operated out of the building already present for a few years, before tearing it down and rebuilding.

Blackwell’s station was one of the last Standard Oil dealers in the area before the brand was discontinued.

Blackwell’s is also one of the last full service stations around.

“We still do full service for anyone that wants it or needs it,” Clark Blackwell’s wife, Beverly, stated.

Clark Blackwell had also previously worked in the trash service for 30 years. He previously owned and operated Blackwell’s Solid Waste (BSW) in Lockwood, but has since sold the business to his son-in-law, Junior Moenning, who still operates the business today. The Blackwells started the first trash service in the rural area.

But after 58 years of being a business owner, Blackwell has decided to put his remaining business up for sale.

“I’m getting too damn old. I’m 82 years old,” he said.

Blackwell stated that after he sells his business, he plans on retiring. While Blackwell shared that he had no plans for the future, Beverly, didn’t quite agree.

“I’ve got some plans!” said

Beverly Blackwell.

The sale of the business includes the gas station itself, as well as the adjacent shed and carwash. Anyone interested in purchasing the business can contact Clark Blackwell at 417- 232-4518.