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Friday, May 15, 2020
REPUBLICAN-TIMES TRENTON
Trenton, MO 64683
75¢
per copy Check out the Republican-Times on the Internet: www.republican-times.com ©W.B. Rogers Printing Co., Inc.
Ten Pages
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 156th Year - No. 73
INDEPENDENCE DAY Event Set For July 3
Public Asked To Help Fund Fireworks Display R-T Photo/Wendell Lenhart
Sidewalks along Ninth Street in the east part of Trenton were being removed this week prior to the Missouri Department of Transportation beginning its Highway 6 overlay project. The project includes water line replacemy by city crews as well as sidewalk replacement and the resurfacing of Highway 6 from the Daviess County line through Trenton to the Muddy Creek bridge east of town.
TRENTON PARK BOARD
June 15 Deadline To Begin Operations
Aquatic Center Opening On Hold With the board president calling it a “very regrettable situation” the Trenton Park Board announced on Wednesday evening that the city’s aquatic center will not open on Memorial Day weekend due to COVID19 concerns and the guidelines the board would be required to follow. The board was holding its first meeting since the pandemic shut down the city’s parks in March. Board President Duane Helmandollar said that under current health guidelines from both the state of Missouri and the Grundy County Health Department, the Trenton Family Aquatic Center would only be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity if it opened on Memorial Day weekend as is the traditional start of the season. Even with a reduced number of swimmers, the number of lifeguards needed each session is about 15, so
TRENTON CITY COUNCIL
it would not be at all cost effective to open. It is likely additional personnel would also need to be on site to handle disinfection duties and to be sure social distancing is maintained. Helmandollar explained that even in the best years the aquatic center does not make a profit, but the loss this year would be exceptional. “The citizens are paying for it so we take the hit, but we can’t take that big of a hit,” he said, noting that so far only 15 certified lifeguards have applied for positions at the aquatic center with about 30 needed. Helmandollar said that if the guidelines are eased in time, the pool could have a shortened season. However, if it can’t be open by June 15, it would not open at all for the 2020 season. The board also approved the 2020-21 budget,
property at 1810 E. 28th St. Orscheln’s plans to build a 37,000-square foot building and move its existing business in Trenton to that location. The project is estimated to cost $5.1 million, with $1 million of the cost to be funded through TIF. Megan Miller, who is serving as the economic development counsel for the city, outlined how the TIF process would work, with 50 percent of property taxes received on
TRENTON R-9 BOARD OF EDUCATION
See Park, Page 5
Briefs...
Animal Shelter Contract Renewed
Orscheln TIF Plan Gets Final Council Approval Construction of a new building to house Orscheln Farm and Home Supply can officially move forward now that the Trenton City Council has adopted an ordinance to approve the Tax Increment Financing plan that will fund the project. During a meeting on Monday night, council members unanimously approved the TIF plan as well as the redevelopment project plans, which include improvements to
which included revenues and expenditures involved in operating the aquatic center. Two budgets had been prepared, one with the pool operating and one without. Helmandollar suggested approving the one that includes the pool opening this year because it would be the one with the highest expenditures and wouldn’t require any amendments should the board be able to offer a shortened season. The approved budget shows revenues of $535,100 and total expenditures of $570,777.91 for a deficit of $35,677.91. As of Dec. 31, 2019 the department had a fund balance of $303,415. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect park operations and activities, the budget would be far
P&Z Hearing Se et
the property going to pay for expenses associated with the project while the other 50 percent would be retained by the city/county taxing entities. She told council members that improvements planned for the property will increase the assessed valuation from the current value of $11,800 to around $1.4 million. The increase in assessed valuation would mean more property tax See Council, Page 9
The Trenton Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1. The commission will hear a request from Kipp and Cara McClellan for a conditional use permit to develop existing property at 3100 Hoover Drive which will house six rental cottages. The hearing will be at Trenton City Hall.
La aredo OKs Trras h Biids The Laredo Board of Aldermen approved a bid from WCA for trash hauling services during a meeting on Monday night. City Clerk Ashley Bonnett said two bids were considered with the bid from WCA being the lowest submitted. The pickup cost to the city will be $12 per month, with the city charging residents $14 per month. The $2 difference will be used to cover the city’s cost of billing and other expenses incurred for providing the service. The next board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8.
There will be a public fireworks display in Trenton this year to celebrate Independence Day and the community is being asked to step up with financial support to make it happen. A committee of local residents is accepting donations for the event, which is set for Friday, July 3 and will be held at the Black Silo Winery. Black Silo and Modine Manufacturing are partnering with the committee to sponsor the show, with the winery providing the location as well as securing the pyrotechnician that will shoot off the fireworks. Diane Lowrey, who is serving as committee chairman, said efforts are under way to raise money to help pay for the display with an emphasis on members of the public and organizations being asked to make donations rather than relying mostly on business contributions. “Businesses have been great supporters of this event in the past and we know that many will continue to do so,” Mrs. Lowrey said. “However, with the struggles faced by our local businesses this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking individuals and organizations to help fund an event that is enjoyed each year by the whole community.” Approximately $3,500 will need to be raised to help pay for the display and it is hoped the money can be raised quickly. Contributions can be left with Mrs. Lowrey at the Trenton Republican-Times newspaper office or left at or mailed to the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 611 E. Ninth St., PO Box 233, Trenton, MO 64683. Checks can be made out to the Chamber of Commerce, with See Fireworks, Page 9
Superintendent Gives Update
Plan Outlines R-9 Summer Activity Schedule The Trenton R-9 Board of Education addressed a number of topics during a meeting on Tuesday night. Although no formal vote was taken, board members heard and gave support to a plan outlining how R-9 summer extracurricular activities will be conducted. The plan allows activities to commence on June 1, with the month of June involving fall sports athletic activities only. Activities such as band and music camps, cheer camps, etc. would not be allowed to take place until July without approval from a principal or the superintendent. There will be no driver’s education offered this summer as well. The plan was developed by Trenton High School Principal Kasey Bailey, THS assistant principal and
athletic director John Cowling and retiring athletic director Wes Croy, with Cowling working with coaches and activity sponsors to make sure the plan is being followed. Addressing a concern by board member Dorothy Taul regarding student safety, Bailey told the board that the plan was developed as “the best case scenario” and that adjustments can be made, if necessary, once activities begin. Superintendent Mike Stegman said the district has been working with the Grundy County Health Department to come up with a plan that would best assure the safety of students. Specific plan guidelines are outlined in a sports story on page 2 of today’s Republican-Times. Stegman announced the district
National Weather Service
Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Friday and Saturday with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s. The sun returns on Sunday and Monday with the high near 70. The high at Trenton on Monday, May 11 was 58, with a high of 59 on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The low om Wednesday was 50. The high on Wednesday at the Government Weather Station near Spickard was 64, the low was 50.
will be receiving just over $297,500 through the CARES Act Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund. The money will focus on improvements to the district’s online learning component, including teacher resources, training and equipment. Stegman said the district wants to make better resources available to staff as online instruction becomes a part of the district’s overall curriculum. Stegman said the district will continue to offer a meal program to students through Thursday, June 18. Cooks will be paid at the summer school salary rate to continue preparing the meals. The program, which has been in place since school was suspended in mid-March due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, has been serving around 350 breakfast and lunch meals each day, with administration, staff and Bright Futures volunteers distributing the meals at the pickup site. Stegman asked members to review a publication issued by the Missouri School Boards Association which outlines various scenarios for school districts as they prepare to start classes in the fall. Under legislation passed last year, districts would not be able to start school this year before Aug. 24, however, the legislature gave the state board of education the flexibility to waive that date in case of an emergency. COVID-19 has been designated an emergency this year and some schools, Stegman said,
What’s Inside... The Trenton FFA has announced the achievements of its members during the 2019-20 school year, with that list appearing on page 5 of today’s Republican-Times along with the announcement of the 2020-21 chapter officers.
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are looking at an early start date. He said Trenton is still looking to start on Aug. 24 to give time for summer construction io be finished before students return to classes. However, he said the district is monitoring health guideline changes and would consider possible alternatives if the situation would warrant. A construction update was given, with board members being told that a tour of the new performing arts center project would be offered at the July meeting if possible. Stegman said construction work is under way at both the high school and Rissler Elementary School and should be completed before the start of school in See R-9, Page 9
What’s Inside
Sports.............................page 2 Local News.........page 3, 4 & 9 Op/Ed ............................page 4 Calendar........................page 4 Agriculture....................page 5 Comics ...........................page 6 Crosswords....................page 7 Dear Annie ....................page 7 NASCAR .......................page 9