The Leader • 12-29-22

GOWER PERSON OF THE YEAR

Klein Family honored as a pillar of Gower

Jack and Shari Klein and their expansive family were selected as the collective Gower Person of the Year for 2022. Why select an entire family?

Looking back at the route traveled by this couple as they settled in Gower and established Hixson-Klein Funeral Homes in Gower, Edgerton, and Smithville, it becomes a little more obvious as to why.

The family includes Jack and Shari, along with their grown children (and spouses) Casey Klein, Corey and Mandy Klein, and Christa and Danny Musser, and eight grandchildren, Sara and Garrett Brazzell,

Anna Musser and Jena Musser, and Nick, Chase, Kellan, Emma, and Trevor Klein.

They’re a close-knit family that has been involved in the Gower community since 1977, when

Jack bought the local funeral home from Eldon Hixson. In a 1993 article for the St. Joseph NewsPress, Hixon said, “If you lined up 100 people and had to chose one that

Steve Tinnen reminds us that it’s our deeds and not our intentions that make a difference when it comes to New Year’s. || PAGE A4

Looking back at 2022 in Clinton County

pandemic.

Each year, The Clinton County Leader marks the turning of the calendar by looking back at the biggest stories of the previous 12 months.

From championships to heartbreaks, the loss of community pillars to the emergence of new leaders, the year 2022 was packed with all of the newsworthy headlines we come to expect in Clinton County. But this year will perhaps be best remembered for its relative return to normalcy after the COVID-19

We begin our look back with the first half of 2022, including headlines from January through June below, broken down by publication date of the newspaper (Thursdays). Check back next week for the second half of the Year In Review.

January 6 – Clinton County sits at 78 active cases of COVID, but that doesn’t include approximately 20 overnight cases pushing the total closer to 100; Candidates in Gower, Lathrop and Plattsburg sign up

for the April election, including a brewing three-man race for Plattsburg mayor.

January 13 – The City of Plattsburg is investigating allegations of unsafe work environments at city hall, including drinking at the building, pertaining to City Administrator Greg Harris, an assistant, and Mayor Dave Schauer; Clinton County Planning and Zoning members question commissioners’ decision not to reappoint Steve Mowry to the zoning board; Clinton County sets a local record

with 135 new COVID cases in a single week; Plattsburg Fire Protection District sets record with 665 calls to service.

January 20 – Plattsburg City Administrator Greg Harris, Assistant Administrator Jeremy Zimmerman placed on paid leave as city dives into allegations of misconduct; Clinton County adds 134 new cases of COVID, nearly meeting last week’s high-water mark; Gower looks to be growing, as developer notifies the city council he is work-

Left) Plattsburg native Tom Mallen celebrates the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. (Top Center) Long-time Lath-

Chris Fine announced his intention to retire. (Top Right) Plattsburg Principal Chris Hodge hugs his graduating daughter,

Left) The new Lathrop greenhouse at LHS. (Above Right) The new track at East Buchanan High School.

by jim bonebrake leader reporter

by brett adkison leader editor

NaSa • Bill iNGallS

ing on a new housing development.

January 27 – Clinton County finishes 2021 with a strong reserve of $916,000 and commissioners approve 2022 budget of $4.2 million; East Buchanan schools vote to continue quarantining positive cases and complying with health department regulations, but will no longer track in-

dividuals in close contact to positive cases; City of Lathrop keeps making progress on infrastructure jobs, including new wastewater treatment plant at the city lagoon; East Buchanan track standout Emma Klein signs to compete with University of Nebraska-Omaha; Lathrop Youth Wrestling honors the contributions of the late Randy Wilson and the late Tim Turner; Kent Allen to

retire from the local USDA after 33 years.

February 3 – New cases this week fall to 146, after surging to approximately 200 cases the previous week – total cases for the county since the beginning of the pandemic sits at 4,311; Region prepares to fall from temperatures in the 60s as round of snow, arctic air air expected to blast the area; East Buchanan girls basketball wins annual Hamilton Tournament, defeating Lathrop in championship game; East Buchanan senior Sidnee Carr signs to play golf at Ft. Scott.

February 10 – County law enforcement officials prepare for influx of funding in 2022 thanks to sales tax passed the previous year; Tragic accident claims the life of Plattsburg community pillar Jim Richerson; James Lauer and Autumn Bowman named Plattsburg Courtwarming King and Queen; Luke Webb and Madi Jessen crowned East Buchanan Courtwarming King and Queen; Zach Lynch and Mandi Dean named Lathrop Courtwarming King and Queen; Clinton County Planning and Zoning approves major subdivision southeast of Plattsburg, northwest of Holt; New COVID cases plummet to 70 this week; Plattsburg Lady Tigers wrestler Payge Fuller becomes one of the first girls in the state to win four-consecutive district championships.

February 17 – City of Plattsburg gas customers are rocked with high gas bills as city officials cite volatility of natural gas prices; Lathrop R-II School District expects to save approximately $270,000 by reissuing

bonds; City of Cameron proposes tax district to improve Highway BB bridge over I-35 as Love’s Travel Stop is expected to increase traffic; East Buchanan Middle School Principal Dave Elms announces he’ll retire at the end of the year; During Black History Month, local black soldiers who defended the country, fought for own freedom, are honored; East Buchanan girls basketball earns a share of KCI Conference title.

February 24 – After investigation, Plattsburg City Administrator Greg Harris resigns, assistant fired; Plattsburg’s Payge Fuller, Lathrop’s Drystin Dotson place third at Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships; Shake-up in Clinton County Clerk’s Office, as deputy clerk Candice Hanks is fired and elections deputy Nancy Zimmerman resigns – County Clerk David Woody denies that firing was politically motivated, as Hanks intended to run against Woody for the office; Lathrop’s Caroline Mayes signs to run track at William Jewell while classmate Jackson Gentzell signs to play football at Midland; All three local girls basketball teams – East Buchanan, Lathrop and Plattsburg – to play in district title games.

March 3 – Joe Trotter to return as interim city administrator as the City of Plattsburg searches for fulltime replacement; East Buchanan girls basketball defeats Lathrop by one-point to win Class 3 district title; Plattsburg Lady Tigers finish second in Class 2 district title game; After failed turf installation in 2021, new turf at Perkins Park baseball and softball fields guarantees plenty of home games; COVID cases grind to a halt, as just 10 new cases added in Clinton County; Friends of Lathrop City Park begin final push sitting at $640,000 in contributions for all-abilities playground and splash pad; Lathrop mourns the loss of Jane Williams.

March 10 – Plattsburg native Tom Mallen plays central role in launch of historic James Webb Space Telescope; Local charges have yet to be filed in the case of Lathrop’s Ava Langner, who pled guilty in federal court to taking funds from Plattsburg Special Road District; East Buchanan girls basketball season ends in state quarterfinals against eventual state champ El Dorado.

March 17 – City of Plattsburg drops residency requirements for city administrator, chief of police positions; Lathrop’s Dasha

Hargadin looks back on early life in Ukraine as country is invaded by Russia; Just five new cases of COVID reported in Clinton County.

March 24 – Tri-County Ambulance district asking for an eight-cent tax levy increase during April election for training, equipment, employee retention; Community members turn out at East Buchanan Board of Education meeting to support elementary counselor Jenni Busby, who is set to be repositioned after the school year; Former Plattsburg City Adminsitrator Greg Harris paid out $42,700 severance package; Clinton County R-III, Clinton County Extension team up to utilize district’s downtown building; Burglaries reported in the downtown Lathrop; Plattsburg fireballer Brock Steggall pitches a no-hitter against Albany.

March 31 – East Buchanan High School hosts first track meet with new facilities at the football field; Construction of the new First Baptist Church in Plattsburg nears completion; Plattsburg Head Start faces possible closure without influx of students; City of Lathrop increases water rates by five percent; Lathrop Garden Club celebrates 70 years; Don Talley earns Friend of Education Award from Missouri Association of School Administrators; CCR-III Superintendent Dr. Sandy Steggall, former coach Jason Boldt, and former player Joey Haug throw out first pitch at Perkins Park on new turf.

April 7 – Construction begins on new roundabout at 116 Highway and 69 Highway on the east side of Clinton County; James Kennedy tops incumbent Dave Schauer, Roger King for Plattsburg’s mayor seat; Tri-County’s eight-cent levy increase question is passed; Travis Day, Mark Coulter earn seats on Clinton County R-III School Board; Adam Swearingin and Jenice Minnis voted onto Lathrop R-II School Board; Jesse Fisher and Lori Caylor voted onto East Buchanan School Board; Mark Christiansen set to retire from Thorne Lumber in Plattsburg after 13 years there; Plattsburg graduate Derek Zimmerman-Guyer named communications director for Missouri Western athletics; Lathrop High School academic bowl team wins KCI Conference championship.

April 14 – Botched ballot language casts doubt on ambulance district’s tax hike, as voters approve language for eight one-hundredths of a cent, not the intended eight cents; Lathrop FFA Alumni

donates bench to Plattsburg chapter in memory of former advisor and teacher, the late Scott Adam; East Buchanan academic bowl team wins district, advances to state playoffs; Human remains found at a farm outside of Gower.

April 21 – County officials brainstorm ways to turn around the criminal element at Lake Arrowhead in rural Clinton County; Lathrop R-II Superintendent Chris Fine announces his intention to retire afer the 20222023 school year; Dr. Becky Schilling to become next principal at East Buchanan Middle School.

April 28 – Just four active cases of COVID reported in Clinton County; Clinton County R-III hopes downtown business will be a life tool for students’ education.

May 5 – After a decade, Clinton County Clothes Closet continues serving its mission; Republican Senate candidate Mark McCloskey, the St. Louis lawyer who rose to prominence for defending his home during BLM protests, speaks to Clinton County Republican Club; After two years at Division I Idaho, East Buchanan basketball star Ethan Kilgore announces transfer home to Missouri Western.

May 12 – Plattsburg High School Principal Chris Hodge takes principal’s position in Trenton; Plattsburg City Council signs off on Main Street Stroll; Lathrop FFA hosts first plant sale at new greenhouse; Clinton County R-III opens downtown storefront, named Tigers on Main; Lathrop golf wins KCI Conference championship.

May 19 – James Larson, Jr., who was arrested in Lake Arrowhead after stand-off, allegedly held woman hostage, assaulted her, charged with domestic assault and kidnapping, among other charges; Officials with Plattsburg Community Courtyard ask residents to help them paint the future of the service building; Greg Keith named next head coach of Lathrop girls basketball team; East Buchanan and Plattsburg seniors walk across the graduation stage; Clinton County Historical Society’s hard work pays off as Jefferson Highway Memorial signage added in Plattsburg.

May 26 – Clinton County R-III technology director Brandon Burns hired as the next principal at Plattsburg High School; Plattsburg Fall Festival Committee impresses as hundreds turn out

looked most like a funeral director, Jack would be the last person you would pick.”

Why? According to Hixon, Jack was gregarious. However, with some refinements urged and directed by Hixon, Jack – a bass player in a touring band, a Harley rider, pitch player, mechanic and everyday guy – fit right into the funeral business and the Gower community.

In that same article, the late Bemo Hawkins said, “Jack blew in about the same time as the musk thistle, and we been stuck with both ever since... Jack’s not afraid to let his hair down in public, and I like that way. The community is blessed to have Jack and his family.”

In an article for the Rural Reporter in 1994, Jack said, “I owe a lot to Eldon. I learned much from him about treating families with dignity and respect, as well as restorative techniques.” Jack said he will always

keep the Hixon name on the business because of how Eldon helped him and what he means to Jack’s success.

Jack was born in Sauk Center, Minnesota, where his parents operated a dairy farm. When Jack was 13, his parents moved to Valentine, Nebraska, and owned and ran a café, which just happened to be the place where the local mortician came in for lunch. There he first became acquainted with the funeral business.

“I didn’t want anything to do with death,” Jack said. However, in Valentine, during college, he was shingling a garage of the local funeral home on a very hot day. The director asked if he would help him on a death call. Jack said he thought about it for a minute or two and decided a ride in air-conditioning was better than that hot roof. After helping, and relinquishing his discomfort with death,

Jack started helping more in the funeral home. He was hooked, and changed his major in college to mortuary science.

At this time, Jack also played in a band as the bass guitarist. He met Shari at a dance where his band was performing in North Platte, Nebraska, in 1969. He transferred from Nebraska’s Kearney State College to the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. He and Shari were married in 1970 and they moved to South Dakota, where he served apprenticeships and managed a funeral home for four years.

Finally, in 1977, Jack learned that Eldon Hixon wanted to sell his funeral home in Gower.

Jack still rides his Harley. He’s most comfortable in jeans and leathers, and still does mechanic work, keeping the fleet of vehicles in shape to be used at a moment’s notice. He still plays

the bass guitar and sings with his band, The Missouri Rebels. This band plays festivals, hog roast, political fundraisers, wseddings, charity events and weekend dances.

Jack coached his three sons in little league baseball for ten years. They all went on to play football for East

Buchanan in the 1990s. Now Jack’s grandsons play for the state-champion Bulldogs. Emma was a standout in volleyball and track at East Buchanan, and now competes in college. Sara, Anna and Jean each competed and represented EBHS, too – a true family tradition.

According to Shari and

Christa, they never miss a football game. Cell phones have given the family more freedom to go to games without someone having to stay close to a land-line phone, since they never know when a call will come their way.

SPECIAL COW SALE - FRIDAY, DEC. 30 • 6 PM

EXPECTING 700 HEAD!

Schmidt farms-Complete dispersal - 73 blk angus/sim angus cows. 4-7 yrs old. Start calving March 1st. Bred to sydgen angus bulls. Very nice set of cows. Weaned 6 and 7wt calves off back in October.

Fifer farms (Hardin, Mo)-Complete dispersal - 70 angus cows. 6-8 yrs old. Bred to angus bulls. Calve in March.

Weber farms-Complete dispersal - 55 blk angus cows. 3-7 yrs old. Start calving March 1st. Very gentle cows.

Graham farms (Hamilton, Mo) - 15 angus heifers, Montana origin. Bulls were turned in June 8th for 60 days. Bulls are PowerBall genetics. 75lb bw. Heifers are all AI sired heifers.

Weldon Sprouse (Braymer, Mo) - 24 second calf cows. Start calving in March. Bred to Larry Dale Patton angus bulls.

Russ Higgins - 20 angus cows. 4-7 yrs old. Bred angus. March calvers.

Lavelock bros (Carrollton, Mo) - 24 Angus heifers. All confirmed AI'd by vet, bred to Herbster Game On reg. Angus bull, pelvic measured, AI'd on May 27 to calve first of March.

Joe Scott - 47 blk angus cows. 4-6 yrs old. Start calving March 2nd. Bred to angus bulls. Fancy set. Will Zuerner (Lawson, Mo) - 20 angus heifers. Start calving March 1st for 60 days. Nice quality heifers.

Brock farms - 30 angus cows. 3-5 yrs old. Start calving March 1st. Bred angus.

Baker farms - 30 angus cow/calf pairs. 4-6 yrs old. 1-2 month old calves. Tagged to match.

Barrie Bothwell (Breckinridge Mo) - 40 angus cows 6-8 yrs old. Start calving March 15th bred angus.

The Klein Family. Front Row: (left to right) Anna Musser, Christa Musser, Jena Musser, Shari Klein, Kellan Klein, Chase Klein, Emma Klein. Back Row: (left to right) Danny Musser, Garrett Brazzell, Sara Brazzell, Jack Klein, Nick Klein, Casey Klein, Corey Klein, Trevor Klein, Mandy Klein.

THE SHAPE

OF

Pave roads with good works, not good intentions

You know you’re growin’ older when... You find, these days, that most of your conversations start out with “Did I tell you this already?” or “What was I going to say?” (courtesy of Jim Nicholson, Honolulu, Hawaii). *

Like most Americans, I’ll spend New Year’s Eve at home, right here in Plattsburg, USA. I’ll spend it with my closest friends – wife, Sue, and our three dogs, Dottie, Sugar, and Daisy.

And like most Americans, I’ll make the basic resolutions to exercise more, eat right, lose weight, get organized, spend less money, spend time with people I like. I’ve made these resolutions and similar ones for, let’s just say, 50 years. I’ve been successful sometimes, but like most, I’ve failed to live up to my good intentions.

And maybe that is a good thing, when you consider the following thought – the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I like the alternative: “Hell is full of good meanings, but heaven is full of good works.”

I suggest we all resolve to do more good works.

Happy New Year!

* * * *

More New Year’s data...

- Despite the hype, only 15 percent of Americans spend New Year’s Eve at a party or public event.

- In the U.S., 45 percent of people ring in the New Year with friends and family, while 24 percent prefer to stay at home, and three percent don’t celebrate at all.

- Those who head to the famous Times Square party throw 1.5 tons of confetti. The trash generated takes 300 sanitation workers 15 to 16 hours to clean up.

- An average of 44 percent of Americans make a New Year’s resolution before the night is over.

- Only 31 percent of people stick with the promises they made to themselves the prior year. A whopping 81 percent fail by February.

- The four most popular types of goals people set are to exercise, eat well, lose weight, and save money.

* * * *

From Mark Twain (letter to the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, January 1863):

“New Year’s Day – Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them, as usual. Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink, and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and

exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. We shall also reflect pleasantly upon how we did the same old thing last year about this time. However, go all in, community. New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls, and humbug resolutions, and we wish you to enjoy it with a looseness suited to the greatness of the occasion.” * * * *

Trivia question #1: What percentage of Americans say a prayer on New Year’s Eve? A. 5; B. 61; C. 23; D. 85.

Trivia question #2: In what year was the first known New Year’s Day celebration? A. 1545; B. 1982; C.. 2000 B.C; D. 300 B.C. * * * *

Some smiles from Jim Nicholson, Honolulu, Hawaii (and yes, it’s sunny and 80 on Waikiki Beach).

• The main function of the little toe on your foot is to make sure the all the furniture in the house is in place.

• Instead of a sign that says, ‘Do not disturb,’ I need one that says ‘Already disturbed, proceed with

FROM THE STATE CAPITOL

caution!’

• No Soliciting! We are too broke to buy anything, we know who we are voting for, we have found Jesus, and seriously, unless you are giving away free beer – PLEASE GO AWAY!

• If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee, you must take the spoon out of the coffee cup.

• Doctor to patient – “Well, well, it seems your weight is perfect. You just happened to be eleven feet too short.”

• I’m so glad I learned about parallelograms in high school math instead of how to do my taxes. It comes in so handy during parallelogram season.

• Pharmacists to customer: “You may experience irritability and pain in the hands and wrist... and that’s just from trying to get the cap off (in memory of pharmacist Frank Gassman, Plattsburg).

• Did you know on the canary Islands, there is not one canary? And on the Virgin Isles? Same thing – not one Canary there either.

* * * *

From Reader’s Digest … Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.

I invented a new word: Plagiarism!

Why do we tell actors to “break

a leg?” Because every play has a cast.

Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him, “What’s the word on the street?”

Hear about the new restaurant called Karma? There’s no menu: You get what you deserve.

A woman in labor suddenly shouted, “Shouldn’t! Wouldn’t! Couldn’t! Didn’t! Can’t!” “Don’t worry,” said the doctor. “Those are just contractions.” (Trivia answer - #1 B. Over half of Americans pray on New Year’s Eve and Day according to an infographic on history.com. Trivia answer #2 C. The earliest known celebration took place in Mesopotamia according to CNN).

* * * *

Food for thought: “We fed ’em Christmas and New Years; now all the poor have to do is just fill the few meals until next Christmas.” — William Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was an American vaudeville performer, actor, and humorous social commentator.

* * * * Talk to you next week! Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com

Closing the book on 2022 and looking toward Mo.’s future

by sen dan hegeman twelfth district state senator

The end of the year offers us the opportunity to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and how they have affected our lives. At the same time, we can look forward to a new year full of new hopes and ambitions. As we make our New Year’s resolutions, we affirm our belief we can make our lives and the world around us better through self-im-

provement and community involvement. The holidays and new year remind us of the qualities that are so important to us all — those of faith, humility and goodwill to our neighbors.

2022 will long be remembered as the year of ups and downs. It has been nearly three years since we were hit with a pandemic. There are still pictures and video of Americans wearing masks, and images of tired nurses

in overcrowded hospitals attending to a large number of people stricken with a virus we still do not fully understand. The history books will paint the picture for future generations to learn. This continues, but so does the knowledge we have gained since then.

Before we turn the page on 2022, I urge you to take a moment and consider your priorities for the upcoming year. Whether you would

like to eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time with family or just complete a project that remains unfinished, now is the time to set resolutions for the future. Making concrete goals is a good way to encourage oneself to follow through. As the calendar advances, you can also move yourself forward.

I would, again, like to thank everybody who has supported me and been a part of my time as Missouri state

senator the past eight years.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, this is the end of my final term in the upper chamber. In many ways, it has flown by. I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish since 2015. There are still things to be done, and I leave these to the wonderful people who will follow me and work hard to make northwest Missouri better in the years to come. Thank you for allowing me

How to contact your elected officials

Missouri Governor (573) 751-3222

U.S. Senator (816) 471-7141

Eighth District State Rep. (573) 751-0246

to serve you the last eight years.

As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate. mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

(573) 751-1415

Gov. Mike Parson

Sen. Roy Blunt

Sen. Josh Hawley U.S. Senator (816) 960-4694

Rep. Sam Graves Sixth District U.S. Rep. (816) 749-0800

Rep. Randy Railsback

Sen. Dan Hegeman 12th State Representative

Sharon (Bowers) McCulloch

Sharon Raye (Bowers)

McCulloch, 81, of Plattsburg, passed away on December 23, 2022, at her home.

Sharon was born on December 14, 1941, to Ruth and Raymond Bowers. She spent her early childhood in rural Lathrop before moving to Plattsburg, where her parents owned and operated Plattsburg Greenhouse.

She was a graduate of Plattsburg High School and went on to complete training as a dental assistant at UMKC School of Dentistry in Kansas City.

She worked as a customer service manager throughout her career. Following her retirement, she enjoyed her work as the secretary at Broadway United Methodist Church in Plattsburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Travis McCulloch; and brother-in-law, Ronald McCulloch.

She is survived by her children, Rebecca Clymore (Danny) and Roxanne Perry;

grandchildren, Dylan Clymore (Samantha), Andrew Dickerson (McKenzie), Skyler Pummill (Brie), Shelby Dickerson (Bianca) and Hannah Perry (Keighley); great grandson, Orin Clymore; former spouse, James McCulloch; beloved brother, John Bowers (Linda); five nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion, 110 W. Locust Street in Plattsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to establish a scholarship fund in her name at Plattsburg High School.

District Governor visits Lathrop Rotary

Larry “Kent” Shelman (right), the district governor for Rotary District 6040, visited the Lathrop Rotary Club on Thursday, December 15, at the Lathrop First Christian Church. Shelman gave a presentation for the Lathrop Rotary members highlighting the achievements of Rotary and the goals for Rotary International. The motto for this year is Imagine Rotary. During the meeting,

DAR Gives Back

he presented Lathrop Rotary president Bob Burns (left) with a Rotary Foundation Banner signifying the Lathrop Rotary Club had 100-percent participation in Foundation giving. steve tinenn | the clinton county leader

The Missouris Shoal Chapter of DAR continues to help provide support of the community. (Above) Members of the DAR present the Cameron Veterans Home with collected donation items. (Below) The DAR presents a check to the Plattsburg Senior center to assist with food purchases.

Since taking fourth place in Missouri Class 2 in 2019, the Plattsburg Tigers basketball team has been building on the program’s legacy. But for the past two seasons, one team – Gallatin – has stood in their way.

Now, in 2022, both teams are undefeated early, each starting the year with eight-straight wins and making a beeline toward a fourth-straight postseason meeting. If that game should come to pass, the Tigers will be locked and loaded.

Led by junior standout Isaia Howard and a strong senior class, Plattsburg came into the year with a solid foundation from which to launch their championship bid. The team’s seniors this year are Alex Black, Luke Schroeder, James Braddy and Jackson Lewis, with the latter three all in the starting line-up.

“Our seniors this year have been a huge part of our success,” said Plattsburg head coach Twydell Love, Jr. “They all play major minutes for us and having that game experience from last season helps our chemistry

Lewis and Schroeder have seen a lot of success in the last 12 months, starting with their strong junior years on the court last season, which was followed by a third-place finish at state baseball in the spring (both started for the Tigers on the diamond).

“Luke does a lot for us, guarding multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball, and this year he has improved his (scoring) by being more aggressive on the offensive end,” Love said. “Jackson is a threat for the defense, being able to stretch the floor and knock down timely perimeter shots.”

Braddy is an addition to this year’s squad and has already proved to be a spark plug at the point guard position. Love said he has the ability to provide pressure while on defense and lead the team by running the offense.

“His speed and endurance help him have an advantage over the defenders, and being able to knock down shots efficiently,” Love said. “We are excited to have a guy like him who is an extension of myself on the floor.”

Howard is helping lead the charge again this year, having started for the Tigers since his freshman year. With an uncommon combination of versatility, skill

and size, Howard is a double-double machine, and could put together a special season.

“Isaia is one of the top players in the state in any

class,” Love said. “His ability to attack the basket and dominate the boards the way that he does is fun to coach and watch. His game translates to the next-level, being

able to switch one-throughfour guarding on the perimeter and the interior. The kid is so unselfish, also. He wants the guys around him to succeed, too.”

Entering year two as the Plattsburg High School wrestling coach, Kemper Kellerstrass knows they will be low in numbers but that won’t stop them from competing their hardest each and every time they step on the mat.

“Our goals as a coaching staff are for them to chase, accomplish, and create new individual goals,” Kellerstrass said. “The standard of our program is to compete to our highest capacity in every match that we’re in and compete for a team trophy in every tournament that we’re in.”

Setting the tone for the Plattsburg boys team will be two state qualifying returners in senior Wyatt Moran and sophomore Caden McLallen.

A year ago, both Tigers earned victories in their respective weight classes in Columbia.

Having experienced the environment of the state tournament is something Coach Kellerstrass carries over to this season and the success they can achieve. “Our returning state qualifiers help bring some experience

with the intangibles of wrestling,” Kellerstrass said. “They have a higher floor of belief and self-confidence than others in the room, and they also have some of the physical experience of competing in a big environment which helps for future individual success, and they can take others under their wing to help them find success.”

Joining Moran as the only seniors on the boys team this season is Jeffrey Kobel. The junior class will be represented by Dakota Rankin and Shea Raymond. Rankin could be on the cusp of a big year. The sophomores helping

round out Plattsburg’s biggest class on the team are Gavin Utz, Kyle Parmeley, Logan Reynolds, Jacob King and Corbin Allen.

A trio of freshmen are out for the team this season. Stepping into high school wrestling for the first time will be Ryan Lloyd, Brody McCartney and Reece Dixon.

Strength in numbers best explains the Plattsburg girls wrestling team. Eleven girls will be stepping onto the mat this season.

The lone senior out this season is Bristol Robertson. Two juniors, Madison Flett and Lillian Watchinski, join Robertson as the

leaders of this squad.

Plattsburg’s girls wrestling has a bright future with eight underclassmen wrestling this season.

An athletic sophomore group consisting of Kenlee Fish, Tesha Traub Madison Huke, Lilly Kershaw and Aynjewel Jones, could be major difference makers for Plattsburg this season. Entering their first year of high school wrestling will be freshmen Julianne Lambert, Charleigh Mooney and Allyson Dunivan.

Both teams are entering the season looking to insert themselves into the thick of the KCI Confer-

GIRLS BASKETBALL

ence on the road to Columbia and a possible state tournament appearance. On that road they have set some team goals like having the highest team GPA at Plattsburg High School. They also want to qualify as many to the state tournament as possible and both squads want to compete for a trophy.

“Our guys and girls’ teams chase process goals every day,” Kellerstrass said. “They focus on the things they can control daily and align that with their individual goals they created at the beginning of the season.”

Young Lady Tigers ready to step up and take the lead

Plattsburg in a long time.

The Plattsburg Lady Tigers basketball team has seen plenty of success in recent years, making back-toback district championship games, and even winning a title in 2021 to advance to the state playoffs.

But after each of those seasons, the Lady Tigers graduated an important senior class, leaving the 2022-2023 team searching for reinforcements. Luckily, they’ve found one of the most talented freshmen girls classes to come through

They’ve also found a new head coach, as Plattsburg alum Michael Howard – a standout athlete in his time with the Tigers – has taken the reigns in place of Chris Hodge, who took the Trenton principal’s position last spring.

“All of the freshmen play hard,” Howard said. “Each one of them complete hard in practice and games. I love that. They care a lot about the team and their teammates, when it’s good or bad.”

The 2022-2023 Plattsburg Boys and Girls Wrestling Teams. photo courtesy of shirley marsh | spill my cup photography

The 2022-2023 Plattsburg Girls Basketball Team. photo courtesy of shirley marsh | spill my cup photography

PLATTSBURG

A year after reasserting their place in the KCI Conference and the postseason basketball season, the East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs are poised to build on their ever-growing legacy.

East Buchanan returns five players who started last season – seniors Gracie Kelsey (center) and Kinzie Woodside (point guard), and juniors Hilarry Elifrits (shooting guard), Angelina Engnes (guard) and Holly Caylor (forward).

Though Kelsey and Woodside are the only seniors on the team, they bring with them a wealth of experience. In addition to last year’s run to the state quarterfinals, both were members of the state semifinalist volleyball team this past fall, and Kelsey was a central figure on the 2020 state champion basketball team as just a freshman.

Head coach Cori Elms said that both Kelsey and Woodside are incredible leaders and are well-liked by their peers.

“Younger players want to play well for them, and that makes them special as a combo,” she said. “They both have very different

leadership styles, so that helps them to balance each other out. They have both found great success in the work they have put into sports, and I think this gives them credibility with their teammates. That experience of being in big games while continuing to be positive with their teammates is very helpful.”

In Kelsey, the Lady Bulldogs return one of the best basketball players in the state across all classes, as the Drury-commit is an exceptional force around the basket both offensively and defensively. Elms said that Kelsey is coachable, responds well to constructive criticism, and is always will-

ing to work to elevate her game.

“What makes her stand out is that, each year, she has grown as a player by utilizing secondary moves, handling the ball more for us, shooting more from the perimeter, accepting different roles on defense,” Elms said. “Another thing that has made her special is how she dealt with her injury (in 2020-2021). She was a vital part of our bench as a sophomore, and it helped her see the game through a different lens. It forced her to become more vocal as a leader which helped a lot when we got her back on the court.”

Last season, Woodside missed the beginning of the

season with an injury, and her return helped propel the Lady Bulldogs toward a district championship. Elms said that Woodside is great at communicating with her teammates.

“Her knowledge of the game and willingness to take charge on the floor allows everyone around her to play with more confidence,” Elms said. “It provides opportunities for others to settle into a position where they can succeed. Her teammates respect her in that role, and she has accepted what her job is on our team.”

The junior trio of Elifrits, Caylor and Engnes were major players on last year’s district champion-

ship team, stepping up as just sophomores to provide key production and minutes on the court. Elms said they are more confident in themselves this season and it’s been fun to watch them take ownership in the team.

“We have had a lot of moments already this year where they have stepped in to show a younger teammate what to do or talk them through things,” the coach said. “Also, there is a physical maturity that shows on both sides of the floor. We hope to see Hilarry Elifrits continue to be a great offensive option for us and add an element to her game off the dribble. We need Angelina Engnes and Holly Caylor to

look to score more and put a lot of pressure on others defensively. They are the catalyst of our defense.”

Elms also noted that Brooklynn Johnson gives the team an option in the paint, and does an outstanding job of using post moves and crashing the boards. She said Kaylynn Engnes has done well at guard, and plays at a high level at both ends of the floor. Elms said that those two players – along with Laney Wilmes, Allie Kelsey and Olivia Fortney – are doing great things and will be a big help as they acclimate to the varsity game.

The Top Sports Moments in Clinton County in 2022

It’s impossible to overstate how difficult it is to compile a top 10 list for the biggest sports moments in Clinton County, especially in this era.

A decade ago? A different story. Then, a conference or district championship would often land a team in the top three. The biggest championships came on the individual front, either on the wrestling mat or on the track.

But today, teams at East Buchanan, Plattsburg and Lathrop have made it commonplace to compete for state championships. Beginning with Lathrop softball’s state title in 2015, all of the way up to East Buchanan’s second-straight football title earlier this months, Clinton County athletes are excelling – together – like never before. That’s a major testament to the student-athletes, coaches and families who haven’t just made a commitment to producing champions, but well-rounded young adults who succeed on the field, in the classroom and the community.

That’s all well and good, but it sure makes this list a challenge. There are dozens of cool sports moments that won’t make the top 10. East Buchanan girls golf sent three players to state, Plattsburg girls basketball competed for a district title, some of our best cross coun-

try runners finished their careers at the state championship meet. Plattsburg grad Hanna Williams finished out her decorated track career at Missouri Western, while former East Buchanan basketball star Ethan Kilgore announced he’s coming home, transferring from Division I Idaho to play for the Griffons.

There’s maybe no better proof than our tenth moment from 2022, which, in any other year, would be in a shoe-in for the top five.

Be sure to check back next week, when we break down the top five moments of the year!

10. The Heroics of Avery Clay

Facing what was sure to be the final moment in her high school softball career, Lathrop senior Avery Clay stepped to the plate.

The Lady Mules trailed LeBlond 9-6 in the bottom of the last inning Wednesday, October 12, in the opening round of district play. Lathrop had trailed the St. Joseph private school 9-1 earlier in the game, but the girls – led a two-home run performance from Audrey Davis – clawed back into contention.

However, it appeared the comeback would fall short. Clay refused to accept it.

The senior stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning with two run-

(Above Left) Plattsburg senior wrestler Payge Fuller took fourth at state this year, capping a stellar career. (Above Right) Lathrop senior Drystin Dotson was third in the state in wrestling, falling only to the undefeated state champion. (Right) The Lathrop golf team won its very first KCI title.

ners on base at Plattsburg’s Perkins Park and blasted a shot into the night’s sky, which disappeared over the fence and completed the comeback, tying the score at 9-9 and forcing extra innings. The Lathrop crowd went electric in that wild moment.

Ultimately, LeBlond would get the win, outscoring Lathrop in the eighth to win 11-10. But it’s a moment Clay nor her teammates will soon forget, and it’s an example of the tenacity that high school sports instills in

young athletes.

9. Lathrop boys golf wins the KCI Conference

Golf isn’t always the most competitive of high school sports, especially at the small school level. Often, it’s about providing access and guidance to would-be players to learn a life-long sport.

That wasn’t the case for Lathrop this past spring, as a cast of young-yet-talented golfers pushed the program to new heights under the direction of Rick Mudd, who has coached the program for 22 years.

That included some hardware.

The golf team fired off a score of 375 to win the KCI Conference championship during its annual tournament on Wednesday, May 4, in Lawson. The Mules were led by freshman Max Gagnon, who shot an 86, parring the last hole to win the individual KCI Conference title. Tristan Walters was third in the tournament for Lathrop, shooting an 88.

Cole Chapman was sixth with a 98, Zach Painter was 10th at 103, and Griffin Schrunk was 11th at 104.

Of note, East Buchanan was second in the tournament with a score of 401. Carson Thompson led the Bulldogs with an 87, finishing second behind only Gagnon.

8. Plattsburg basketball wins KCI Tournament

We didn’t have to look far to find the eighth (or seventh) moments on our list.

Just this month, the Plattsburg Tigers basketball team – currently undefeated

on the season at 8-0 – ran roughshod through the conference competition to win the 2022 KCI Conference Tournament championship.

That included a 55-41 victory over West Platte in the tournament championship, during which junior standout Isaia Howard poured in 29 points with 20 rebounds. The Tigers also downed Lathrop in the semifinals, 67-51, and North Platte in the opening round, 66-35. They were dominant, outscoring opponents by a combined 61 points.

With Howard, James Braddy, Jackson Lewis, Luke Schroeder and others contributing each and every night, it appears Plattsburg in a position to push their season all of the way into March.

in a budding rivalry, too; East Buchanan ended Lathrop’s season last year in the district title game, and the two squads are expected to go head-to-head for the district and conference championships later this winter.

6. Fuller, Dotson place at state

Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment on this list comes compliments of former Plattsburg athlete Payge Fuller.

7.

Lathrop girls basketball wins the KCI

On the very same day, the Lathrop Lady Mules basketball team put to rest their three-year campaign to win a conference title.

The Lady Mules – led by the junior trio of Keylie Beane, Kaitlyn Morgan and Autum Nichols – advanced to the KCI Conference championship game each of the previous two years, only to fall short of taking the crown.

Lathrop turned that narrative around earlier this month, earned a hard-fought win against powerhouse East Buchanan, 29-24, in the title game to take the 2022 KCI Conference Tournament championship. Beane, Morgan and Audrey Davis each scored eight points in the game.

It was the second round

Last year, as a senior, Fuller won her fourthstraight district championship for the Lady Tigers –one of the very first female athletes in Missouri to become a four-time district champ. Pushing the difficulty even farther, Missouri girls wrestling has just one class, so every team in the state – no matter the size –competes against each other.

She capped her high school career with a fourthplace finish at the 2022 Missouri State Wrestling Championships in Columbia, further cementing her place in Plattsburg history.

Meanwhile, Lathrop senior Drystin Dotson fought his way to a third-place finish at 152 lbs. at the Missouri Class 1 State Wrestling Championships.

Dotson had a stellar claim to second place, too. He went 5-1 at the championships, his only loss coming to eventual state champion, undefeated Butler wrestler Brendin Patrick, by a slim 3-2 decision in the quarterfinals. It was the closest Patrick came to a loss the entire year. His second-closest victory? A 2-0 decision against Dotson in January.

After state football, East Buch eases back onto the court

Returning starters give Bulldogs a tough squad

For the second year in a row, Michael Carpenter had to wait before he could get his full team on the court for practice.

With many of the boys playing on East Buchanan’s state champion football team, it wasn’t until December before the Bulldogs – all of the Bulldogs – were on the court. Despite those players missing a month of practice, Coach Carpenter said he’s excited for the season, in part because the team had a great summer of activities. He also feels that, with last year’s experience, he feels better about how to ease the football players into basketball season.

“It may take some time to catch up but I think we have a chance to surprise some people this season,” he said.

The East Buchanan

Bulldogs will benefit from returning four different players who started at different times last season.

That includes the senior trio of AdamStephen Engnes (point guard), Carson White (center) and Jack Archdekin (shooting forward), who will be joined again by fellow starter, junior Gage Busby (shooting forward).

Between two state championship seasons of football and their experienc-

es on the court, those three seniors bring a ton of leadership with them. Not to be outdone, the fourth senior on the team, Bronco Whitt, has been a leader for the stellar baseball team at East Buchanan.

“All these seniors are great leaders,” Carpenter said. “They are vocal when you want them to be and do a great job of leading by example. This group has a little bit of everything. Jack,

who was All-Conference and All-District last year, will do whatever you ask of him. He has played inside and out and can do both well. Adam has played a lot of varsity basketball at point guard now. He does a great job of bringing intensity and getting us in the right spots. Carson is now a three-year starter for us and each year has improved at the line and finishing. We also have Bronco Whitt in that senior

Girls Basketball,

Joining Howard his first season is his freshman daughter, Letecia Howard. Despite being small in stature, the youngster is already opening eyes on the varsity season this winter. Her speed and ability to shoot, pass and defend from the point guard position has quickly made her one of the best players in the KCI Conference, no mat-

ter the age.

“Letecia plays hard and it rubs off on the team,” said Coach Howard. “She tries to get her teammates involved in the offense. I love her hustle and her never-back-down attitude.”

She leads a freshman class that, in just four months, has already made an impact throughout all of

the sports programs at PHS. Those freshmen include Isabella Parra, Lilly Nelson, Sophie Schmitten, and Teagan Sowers.

Despite being young, the Lady Tigers will have some older leadership, learning from the experiences of their senior trio of Caidyn Bentz, Gracie Arnold and Jazelle Bingham. The Lady

Tigers will also get key production from junior Julia James and sophomore Loralie Matsukeich this season.

“The older players do a good job of trying to get the younger kids’ energy up and to compete on both sides of the floor,” Howard said. “They try to lead by example.”

group and he shoots the ball well.”

Carpenter said that Busby had a great summer and he was impressed with the junior’s work.

“I think he has the potential to have a good year for us,” Carpenter said. “Isaiah Watkins is another one I expect to step up and help us. He played a good amount of varsity down the stretch for us last year, so with that experience and all

the work he’s put in, he will help us a lot.”

Carpenter added that they have a strong group of sophomores – including Nathan Schilling, Aidan Smith, Dylan Davidson and Ty Ingle – who will be getting their first substantial look at varsity playing time and will have a chance to help the team this year.

The 2022-2023 East Buchanan Boys Basketball Team. photo courtesy of scholastic photography

Massive

way for the LHS Mules

With a packed senior class leading the way, the Lathrop Mules basketball team will set its sights on taking its next stride forward under coach Matt Pritchett.

The Mules will have nine seniors on the team in 2022 – guard Brendan Fine, forward Matthew Miller, guard Jared Wright, center Jared Gaskins, center Ethan Noll, guard Jacob Gaskins, guard Carson Carver, guard Tyson Partain and forward Garrett Packard.

“The seniors have been great so far,” said Pritchett. “They understand that we

are still trying to figure out a rotation. I have no issues with any of them on the offensive end. The only issue for us has been on the defensive side. We have been playing several teams that play smaller line ups, so we have trouble matching up with some of our bigs. But I have never questioned their leadership and what they all want to accomplish as a team.”

Fine, Miller, Wright and Jared Gaskins return as starters from last season, providing the team with a one-two punch and a lot of one-thecourt leadership.

Last year, a young Lathrop Lady Mules basketball team came up a win short of the KCI tournament title, a win short of the KCI regular season title, and a win short of the program’s first district championship since 1987. In fact, they were just a single basket away from winning that district championship, which would have put them in the state playoffs for the first time in 35 years.

This year, Lathrop returns nearly all of its starting line-up, a year older and a year wiser, under the direction of new head coach Greg Keith. They’ve already

avenged one of those titles, winning the conference tournament earlier this month. Time will tell if they can add to their banner.

It’s an uncommon dynamic, having a new head coach with an experienced line-up – a dynamic that Keith cautiously approached as he took the helm.

“My assistant coach Betsy McCulley and I discussed just that at the beginning of practices this season,” he said. “This may be a new team to us, but it’s not a new team to them. They feed off each other, and a veteran group like that, you’re always just trying to tinker

||Continued on A12

The 2022-2023 Lathrop Girls Basketball Team. photo courtesy

by brett adkison leader editor

Mix of returnees, new faces will power LHS wrestling

This season when the Lathrop Mules boys wrestling team take to the mat, a strong group of juniors will set the tone for how their season will play out.

“We’ve got a good group of leaders in the wrestling room this season,” said Lathrop head coach Rick Mudd. “They’re going to make sure we keep moving forward, especially as they become more confident in what they’re doing.”

The juniors on this year’s squad are Keaton Coots, Gage Deshon, Cody Blevins, Zach Painter, Kyler Simon, Carson Clay and Ryder Dalinghaus.

As a two-time state qualifier, Coots enters the season with high expectations. As a sophomore he picked up an opening round victory before falling in his next two matches.

Having that experience under his belt is something Mudd is looking forward to seeing translate into even more success this year.

“The next step for Keaton is to get on the podium,” Mudd said. “Being at state twice has him really determined to become a medalist.”

Coots isn’t the only junior Mudd is looking at to take the next step. The long time Mules coach feels Deshon, Simon, Clay and Dalinghaus have a good opportunity to make it to Columbia at season’s end.

“All of our guys have come into the season determined,” Mudd said. “They are working hard and have a chance to make it to Columbia. It’s on us as coaches to help them get there.”

The lone senior on this year’s Mule squad is Scott Abbott. New to the sport,

what Abbott lacks in experience, he makes up with attitude and determination.

“Scott is still learning, but he works hard and leads by example. He will get better as the season goes on,” Mudd said.

Five sophomores are looking to make an impact this season for Lathrop and they are Mason Mudd, Blake Oliphant, Elijah Craig, Gabe Provin and Denton Keel.

Mudd and Provin are the most experienced of the group having competed at a varsity level as freshmen.

A great sign for the future of Mules wrestling is the fact that there are 11 freshmen out on this year’s team.

The young Mules ready to begin their legacy of Lathrop wrestling are Garrett Beane, Mikell Roach, Caleb Colatrella, Wade Whitlow, Beau Adams, Keelan Logan, Andrew Scott, Cooper Walters, Heith McClendon, Jacob Clark and JD Summers.

“It’s pretty exciting to have such a big class of freshmen and then another big class below them in the junior high,” Mudd said.

“Our guys are pretty green, but there is a lot of talent

Lathrop Girls Basketball,

with things that may work a bit better to fit their style of play. I think the bonding is great right now. They have adapted to my coaching style, and the expectations that go along with it.”

The Lady Mules return a dangerous line-up this season, including junior point guard Keylie Beane, junior guard Kaitlyn Morgan, junior forward Autum Nichols, junior guard Sarah Swanson

and sophomore forward Audrey Davis.

“The sky’s the limit for this group,” Keith said. “They can and want to win now. All five of the girls that you mentioned each bring different attributes to the court in their own way. So when one or two of them are having an off night, the other two to three can hopefully pick up the slack. They are very good teammates to and

there. Now they just need to learn how to be varsity athletes.”

Two freshmen that have stood out to Mudd are Garrett Beane and Beau McAdams, both of which are getting better through the rigors of training with older opponents that don’t take it easy on them in practice.

When it comes to the Lathrop girls wrestling team, Coach Mudd has three state

Continued from Page A11

for one another, and nobody cares who gets the credit.”

Beane has been especially disruptive at the point. Keith said she sees the floor well, attacks the rim, is shooting consistently and brings a lot of energy on defense.

“I am not sure I have ever coached a girl with her combination of skill sets,” the coach said. “That being said, the attention that she

Lathrop Boys Basketball, Continued from Page A11

“Miller and Fine bring the experience that we need,” Pritchett said. “This is their third year starting, so the big games are familiar. They both are athletic and play extremely hard. We will go as far as they can take us this year.”

Junior guard Kyle Mor-

gan has been a shot in the arm for the Mules early on, putting up points and easing some of the pressure elsewhere in the line-up.

“Morgan hit the spring and summer circuit hard this year,” Pritchett said. “All that work is paying off, for sure. He brings another guy

that can handle the ball for us. He is a sneaky defensive player and can shoot the three-pointer, which helps everyone out.”

The Mules opened the season by winning just four of their first nine games, but that’s misleading; four of their five losses have

qualifiers leading the way. Returning from a state appearance a year ago are senior Sierra Brassfield and junior McKayla Knight. Joining them as a previous state qualifier is junior Jordan Diercks, who qualified her freshman year.

Ali Gonzalez is another junior Coach Mudd expects to make a difference on the mat this season as well.

“Those four are the

leaders of this team and have been in our program since junior high,” Mudd said.

“They all work hard and love to win. It’s going to be a fun season watching them compete.”

Joining Brassfield as the seniors on this year’s team are Sara Allyn, Alyssa Berryman, Bre Paul, Reina Sapp and Avery Clay.

A quartet of sophomores - Destiny Painter, Emma

“Seeing our numbers rise like they have has been huge for our program,” Mudd said. “This group will be very competitive this season.”

garners night in and night out, only opens it up for others to rise to the occasion.”

The Lady Mules have two seniors on the team this year in Ginevra Girardo, a foreign exchange student, and Avery Clay, multi-sport leader for Lathrop. “She brings a level of physicality that fits our style perfectly,” Keith said.

come against teams who are a combined 26-2. A better indicator would be that the Mules finished third in the annual KCI Conference Tournament earlier this month, which included wins against both Lawson and small school power Mid-Buchanan.

McGregor, Chasey Mitchel, Hunter Cohee - along with three freshmen - Aubrey Shrunk, Sophia Rumans, Syndey Clark - boost the numbers for a program that has built lots of momentum the past few years.

The 2022-2023 Lathrop Boys Wrestling Team. photo courtesy of scholastic photography

The 2022-2023 Lathrop Girls Wrestling Team. photo courtesy of scholastic photography

AGRICULTURE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: “All rental property advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” "We will not knowingly accept any advertising for rental property which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis."

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EMPLOYMENT

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The Galt Rental Housing annual board meeting will be Friday, January 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the community room. Reorganize the board. All residents are invited to attend.

For default in payment of rent the items in unit #71 will be sold on January 5th, 2023 at Green Hills RV & Self Storage located at 2403 Princeton Rd Trenton Mo 64683 at 10:30am. This is a not a sale to the general public It is by invitation only to selected former

buyers who have already been notified.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Because The People Must

INVITATION TO BID

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY TRUSTEE:

Estate of Richard H. Mos Jr.

To all person interested in the Estate of Richard H. Mos Jr., decedent.

The undersigned, The Commerce Trust Company, is acting as Trustee under a trust, the terms of which provide that the debts of the decedent may be paid by the Trustee upon receipt of proper proof thereof. The address of the Trustee is The Commerce Trust Company, Trustee, 1000 Walnut (BB16-2), Kansas City, MO 64106.

All creditors of the decedent are notified to present their claims to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or be forever barred.

Date of first publication is December 22, 2022.

The Commerce Trust Company, Trustees (12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12)

NOTICE UPON ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

In the Circuit Court, Clinton County, Missouri

Judge or Division: Hon. Brent Elliott Case Number 22CN-DR00083

In the Marriage of: Cassie Kitchell v Kevin Michael

Cassie Kitchell, Petitioner

Nature of suit: Dissolution of Marriage

The state of Missouri to: Kevin Michael

You are Notified that an action has been commenced against you in the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri, the Object and general nature of which is Dissolution of Marriage which will be heard in this court on, February 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time and place you should appear.

The names of the parties in this action are stated in the caption above and the name and address of the attorney for the Plaintiff is: Connie J. Boysen, #36167, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, 706 Felix St., St Joseph Missouri 64501

You are further notified that, unless you file an answer or other pleading or otherwise appear and defend against this action within 45 days after, judgment by default may be entered against you.

It is further ordered that a copy hereof be published according to the law in the Clinton County Leader, a newspaper of general circulation published in the county of Clinton, state of Missouri.

Know

Sealed proposals, addressed to CITY OF LATHROP, MISSOURI

For Street Improvements Phase II, Lathrop, Missouri, will be received by the City Clerk of the City of Lathrop, Missouri until 10:00 o'clock A.M. (Prevailing Local Time) on the 16th day of January, 2023, at City Hall, 707 Oak Street, Lathrop, Missouri, and at that time will be publicly opened and read

The proposed work includes: Approximately 7.6 miles of chip and seal, 0.95 miles of 2 asphalt overlay, and 0.22 miles of 4 full depth pavement replacement in the “Base Bid”.

Additional work and/or partial replacement work of the Base Bid includes a maximum of: Approximately 2.6 miles of chip and seal, 0.46 miles of 2 asphalt overlay, and 0.22 miles of 8 full depth pavement replacement in the “Add Alternates”.

This is a prevailing wage project. The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in the bid proposal. State wage rates, not Federal wage rates, are to be utilized for this contract. Certified payroll for each employee must be submitted and approved on a weekly basis.

Enrollment in Federal Work Authorization Program – Bidders are informed that, pursuant to Section 285.530 RSMo., the successful bidder shall, by sworn affidavit and provision of documentation, affirm its enrollment and participation in a federal work authorization program with respect to the employees working in connection to the contracted services.

Safety Training Program – Bidders are informed that the project is subject to the requirements of Section 292.675 RSMo., pertaining to on-site employees completing a course in construction safety and health approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The City of Lathrop hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award.

No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed.

Plans and specifications may be inspected at City Hall, 707 Oak Street, Lathrop, Missouri 64465. Complete instructions to bidders and proposal sets, including Plans and Specifications, may be obtained from Veenstra & Kimm, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 1201 W. College, Suite 100, P.O. Box 236, Liberty, Missouri 64069, upon deposit of $20. This deposit is nonrefundable. Plans and specifications may also be obtained electronically at no cost. Please contact Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. at 816-781-6182 or Bob Burns, City Administrator at 816528-6981 for more information.

The project will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder. The City will select the lowest bidder based upon the amount in the Base Bid or combination of the “Base Bid” and any or all “Add Alternates” amounts. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive all informalities or irregularities in bids. The City also reserves the right to reject any and all construction upon completion if it does not meet the specifications or fails to meet normal quality criteria.

A certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond in the amount of 5% shall be submitted with each proposal.

Proposals must be on forms provided. An acceptable alternate bid bond form may be used.

THE CITY OF LATHROP

STORAGE, across from the new hospital. 5 Unit sizes available, prices starting at $19 per month. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 359-1069 or 359-7683.

H & S CONTRACTING Remodeling, room additions, garages & decks and pole barns * New homes & basements w/ICF forms * Wall replacement under homes, repair cracks & bowed walls * Leveling, waterproofing * Backhoe & Bobcat work * New water & sewer lines. Kale HoerrmannOwner, 30 years experience – 660-9530724.

JAMESPORT BUILDERS, 660684-6931, 32137 State Hwy 6, Jamesport. POLE BARNS – GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.

BUY - SELLTRADE -BIG NASTY'S GUNS & AMMO - Stop in and see us at our New Location - 1515 E. 9th Street, Trenton, MO. Nathan Rorebeck, 660-6350469, www.bignastys.com

Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! MidStates will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up

NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-359-2045 or at http://www.midstates.net. 4100 Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

Cox Family Dentistry, P.C. Andrew P. Cox, D.D.S. 1011 Cedar St., Trenton. 660-359-6889 or 660-359-6993

AGRICULTURE

See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply, 614 Harris Ave., 359-2258

CRP/Pasture Clearing All types of Skid Loader Work. Call

Gabe Buzzard, Trenton, MO. 816-6783918

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*WANTED* FARM GROUND TO LEASE! Competitive Rates AARON LANDES 660-3582682

Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or on shares. Call Mike at 816-248-3091

Gravel, sand, top soil, mulch, river rock, boulders-Turney Mini Quarry 816248-2523.

Kingsville Livestock Auction. Located 45 miles SE of Kansas City, MO. On 58 Hwy. East of Modern. 816.597.3331. www.kingsvillelivestock.com fwda

Summers Crop Services, LLC in Lathrop. Fertilizer & lime applications. Call Curtis Summers for a free

quote. 816564-7116, fwda

Tina Livestock Market. 435 W 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682. Call 660-622-4214. www.tinalivestockmarket.com fwda

Osborn Livestock Auction located 7 miles West of Cameron on Hwy 36, Osborn, MO. Sale every Wednesday at 10AM. 816-6752424 fwda

FOR RENT

Sunnyview Apartments is taking applications for single & double apartments. Sunnyview is a residential care facility for the elderly. We provide qualified staff to administer medications, provide three meals a day

NOTICE OF FILING DATES FOR APRIL ELECTION

Declaration of candidacy for the position of director of the LATHROP FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTmay be filed at the office of the District of Lathrop, Missouri, commencing at 8:00 a.m. on December 22, 2022 and ending at 5:00 p.m. on January 5, 2023.

If the office should be closed during regular office hours, contact Gary Martin at 816528-3218 to arrange for filing. (12/22, 12/29)

and offer minimal assistance with the activities of daily living. Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.

Apartment for rent - 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $500 a month. No pets. Stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer included. Call 660-605-1050

For Rent: 2 bedroom duplex with garage and all appliances provided. Mowing and snow removal included. No Pets or Smokers allowed. References required. 660-359-1442

FOR SALE

Cold Weather Supplies. Heat tapes, propane torch kits & fuel. Also ice melt, snow shovels and safety treads (ice creepers). Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, 660-359-3660.

HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

For default under the terms of the Deed of Trust executed by Mark L. Alvord, a married person, dated December 6, 2019, recorded on December 11, 2019, as Instrument No. 201903559, Office of the Recorder of Deeds, Clinton County, Missouri. The undersigned Successor Trustee, between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, will on January 3, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the West Front Door of the Clinton County Courthouse, 207 North Main, Plattsburg, Missouri, sell at public vendue to the highest bidder for cash (certified funds only) the following real estate:

Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot Three (3) in Block One (1), Plattsburg Land and Building Association Addition To The City Of Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri; Thence Along The West line of said lot North 00 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds East, 87.70 feet; thence South 89 degrees 48 Minutes 38 Seconds East 96.33 feet to the East Line Of Said Lot; Thence Along Said Line South 00 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds West, 87.70 feet to the Southeast corner of said lot; thence along the South line of said lot North 89 degrees 48 minutes 38 seconds West, 96.33 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Also

The South One Foot of the following described tract of land: All that part of Lot Three (3) in Block One (1) of the Plattsburg Land and Building Association Addition to the City of Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot Three (3) in Block One (1), Plattsburg Land and Building Association Addition to the City of Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri; thence along the West Line Of Said Lot North 00 Degrees 01 Minutes 34 Seconds East, 87.70 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing along said line North 00 degrees, 01 minutes 34 seconds East, 62.30 feet to the Northwest corner of said lot 96.33 feet to the Northeast corner of said lot; Thence Along The East Line Of Said Lot South 00 Degrees 01 Minutes 34 Seconds West, 62.30 feet; thence North 89 degrees 48 minutes 38 seconds West, 96.33 feet to the point of beginning.

to satisfy said debt and costs.

Marinosci Law Group of Missouri, P.C., Successor Trustee, (816) 287-0800, may be deemed to be a debt collector and, if so, is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §1692c(b), no information concerning the collection of this debt may be given without prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Marinosci Law Group of Missouri, P.C. Successor Trustee (816) 287-0800 (12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29)

McDaniel 816-2891935 or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660-635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different" Tdtf

Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf

Shelly's Pet Care, 660-684-6864, 103 S. Locust St., Jamesport, MO 64648. Professional, Personalized Grooming. Appointments available Monday - Saturday. 35 Years of Experience! Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996! dtf

EMPLOYMENT

Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. E.O.E. S415dtf

The North 65 Center, Trenton, is accepting applications for experienced kitchen help. Position is fulltime, M-F, hours are 6 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.,no weekends, pd holidays. Experience in all areas of kitchen required. Pick up application at 2901 Hoover Drive, Trenton, or contact Karen @ 660-359-3058. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Life Options Green Hills Pregnancy + Health Center has a Marketing and Operations Coordinator job opening. Please contact us at 660358-1378 or lifeoptionsgreenhills@gm ail.com for more information or an application.

NOTICES

THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 359-3313. Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of service & experience. MR. TIRE –Mastercraft and Yokohama tires. Tdtf

The Galt Rental Housing annual board meeting will be Friday, January 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the community room.

Reorganize the board. All residents are invited to attend.

For default in payment of rent the items in unit #71 will be sold on January 5th, 2023 at Green Hills RV & Self Storage located at 2403 Princeton Rd Trenton Mo 64683 at 10:30am. This is a not a sale to the general public It is by invitation only to selected former buyers who have already been notified.

SERVICES

*SEAMLESS GUTTERING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 359-5477. 52 Years Experience.

WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks. Highest prices paid! You Call - We Come Get It! FRONTIER AUTO & TRUCK PARTS (formerly Jim’s Auto Salvage) 145 Hwy. W., Trenton, 3593888.

Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800425-0976 or 4856611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

JAMESPORT LUMBER - Full Service Lumberyard. We also sell Trusses/metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery Available • Free Estimates. 32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-6846404

Carquest Auto Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268, tlautosupply.com Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

Willing Workers LLP - Do you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate... 660-9735694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648

Call 816-539-2111 to place your Classified Ad

Ellis Elementary Tigers of Character

Congratulations to the Tigers of Character for the month! The habit was “Put first things first.” A special congratulations to student of the month Roxsi Mitchell. Front Row (left to right): JaKoby Coldren, Ryan Li, Logan Wendel, Skylar Anderson, Willow Hampton. Second Row: Madison Lloyd, Valariegh Mantonya, Glacier Brown, Addie Roach, Kember Shinneman, Emerik Pavlich. Third Row: Roxsi Mitchell, Kaylee Bruns, JD Rick, Lucas Murdock, Gage Ryun, Liam Keevhaver, Jace Burchit. Not pictured: Vaida Osborn.

for Wine Stroll; Plattsburg baseball team wins district championship, sectional game to advance to Missouri Class 2 State Quarterfinals; East Buchanan senior Emma Klein wins state championship in triple jump, second

in the long jump; Lathrop senior Kiah Huitt second in the state in the javelin throw.

June 2 – Clinton County Clerk’s Office rocked by horrible audit outlining mishandling of operations

in the office, including late filings of payroll taxes to the IRS, earning a “poor” rating; Plattsburg baseball takes third place in the Missouri Class 2 State Championships; Area services honor those who served on Memorial Day; Plattsburg’s Maurine Bodenhausen earns 2022 Missouri Senior Volunteer of the Year from Show-Me Service Awards.

June 9 – Republican challenger for the Clinton County Clerk’s seat Candice Hanks withdraws from the ballot; Tri-County Ambulance will run corrected, eight-cent tax levy question on August ballot;. Lathrop goes “Down on the Farm” for 2022 Lathrop Friendship Festival – Scott Archdekin named Rotary Citizen of the Year, Fire Chief David Eads (previous Person of the Year) earns special honor from Rotary, Randy and Frankie Frazier named Senior King and Queen; Dedication Day held for new Baptist Church in Plattsburg.

June 16 – Chase Waggoner hired as next city administrator at City of Plattsburg; Clinton County residents receive notification from Clinton County Assessor’s Office that assessed values will be on the rise.

June 23 – Clinton County R-III goes with Aramark as new food service provider, ends lease for beauty shop building; 44th Annual Lathrop Antique Show draws a crowd for Father’s Day weekend; East Buchanan and Clinton County begin discussions on a possible school resource officer; Clinton County Historical Society’s first Juneteenth Picnic a major success.

June 30 – Plattsburg Mayor James Kennedy denies allegations of bullying from neighboring business owner Lisa Crawford.