July 4, 2024 -- Trenton Republican-Times by HoneycuttMedia

REPUBLICAN-TIMES

GRVCO Performs “Sunlit Silence”

Close to 400 were in attendance as the Grand River Valley Choir & Orchestra performed their Summer Concert, Sunlit Silence, Saturday, June 15, at 7:00pm in the Trenton R-

IX Performing Arts Center. Tyler Busick is the Choral Conductor; Chris Thomas, the Orchestral Conductor. Sonja Wimer is the choir accompanist. Barb Cox served as Master of Ceremonies.

Barb introduced three of the five individuals who had the vision and passion to connect with each other to establish a community adult choir and orchestra

The Trenton-Republican Times will provide questionnaires to all county and state level candidates for office in the 2024 election. Each candidate will receive the same questionnaire tailored for their office, and their answers will be entered, without comment or editing, for voters to decide the direction of their county and state government offices.

Submitted photo

for the purpose of contributing to the musical culture of North Central Missouri. These founders are Barb Cox, Christianne Jacobsen, and Karla Hannaford. Barb then recognized

Trenton R-IX Handles Mountain of Agenda Items

By Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com

The Trenton R-IX School Board met in regular session and completed a dizzying set of agenda items, including passage of the 2024-25 Budget(dealt with in separate, accompanying story this week), Senate Bill 727(dealt with in a separate, accompanying story next week), and numerous other items.

All Board Members were present and in attendance and quickly ap-

proved minutes of the previous meeting, consent items on the agenda and monthly bills.

After passage of the 2024-25 budget which will reflect total revenues of $14,269,817.49 in total revenues and expenditures of $16,871,379.41 for a deficit status of $2,601,561.92, attributable to the receipt of $3,667,000 in bond monies from bonds sold to fund Fund 4 capital

expenditures.

More on this in the story that follows. How Fund 1,2,3 and 4 monies are received will be studied and what the balance sheet looks like for the school.

The Board heard Gott report that all desktop computers must be replaced in computer labs throughout the District because they will become obsolete due to a computer update. The district is also starting the

process of replacing 33inch monitors, where teachers display work for students to see, with monitors of more than 70 inches.

Gott reported to the Board that the freeze on lateral and vertical movement of staff on salary scales has been suspended, and that teachers will be able to move laterally for experience, and for the completion of additional

[See Agenda, Page 2]

An installation of officers and board members was held as part of the Thursday, June 28 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club, held at the BTC Bank community room. A program was also presented by new Grundy County Conservation Agent AJ Musche.

Jackie Soptic presided at the meeting and conducted the installation, Dan Wilford gave the prayer and Jeff Crowley was the sergeant at arms.

Steve Taylor was the program chairman and introduced Musche, who is a native of southwest Missouri and is the son of a highway patrol employee. Following college, he attended the Missouri Department of Conservation Academy and after gradu-

Rotary Installs New Officers and Board Members

ation was assigned to Grundy County, which he said was his first choice. He said the community has been very welcoming and supportive. He shared his various duties of enforcing the state conservation regulations, which include fishing, hunting, etc. He reported that one case of chronic wasting disease was reported last year near Laredo and said the department will continue to check for the disease during the next season in an effort to halt the spread of CWD. He said he has received only one confirmed mountain lion spotting during his time her so far. Musche said he is an advocate for youth outdoor involvement and has worked with an FFA student on a winter

trapping project. He also said there is a local certified animal rehab specialist, who takes in injured squirrels, raccons, etc.

During the business meeting, Scott Sharp was installed as the new club president for the 2024-25 year, that begins on July 1. Other officers are Kassie Hodge, president-elect; Elizabeth Gibson, secretary; and Cole Soptic, treas-

[See Rotary, Page 2]

The Trenton Rotary Club installed new officers and board members for the 202425 year during the June 28 meeting at the BTC Bank community room. Pictured are, from left, front row, secretary Elizabeth Gibson, board members LaTasha Cunningham and Kristi Harris; back row, pres-

ident Scott Sharp, treasurer Cole Soptic and board members Lauren Danner, Don Purkapile and Doug Tye. Not pictured are president-elect Kassie Hodge, past president Jackie Soptic and board members Chris Hoffman and Brian Upton. Submitted Photo

Photo by Megan Graham

GRVCO

• FROM FRONT PAGE•

three individuals who participated in the first concert in 2009 and also performed Saturday. They were Elizabeth Chipman, Leslie Hixson, and Robert Wimer. Leslie had the distinction of performing in every concert.

GRVCO commissioned a piece of music to be written for them. "Sunlit Silence," based on the poem High Flight, celebrated GRVCOs 15th Season...and was dedicated to the late Buddy Hannaford. Barb asked how many students of Mr. Hannaford were in the audience. Around 40 stood. Parents and grandparents of students were also asked to stand. There were many. The composer, Mr. Jonathan Krinke, was present to introduce and conduct the music.

Mr. Krinke is in his 20th year as music educator in the State of Missouri. Jonathan is an avid composer and arranger. He has served in various leadership positions for the Missouri Music Educators Association and the Missouri Choral Directors Association.

The GRVCO Board of Directors hosted a reception in the Commons following the concert where patrons could enjoy punch and cookies and meet our special guest, composer Mr. Jonathan Krinke, and the GRVCO musicians.

GRVCO is a not-forprofit community music organization. They have no sponsors, but rely totally on financial support to provide the funds necessary to continue the organization’s mission.

Rotary

• FROM FRONT PAGE•

urer. Board members are and Lauren Danner, Kristi Harris, Doug Tye, Chris Hoffman, Don Purkapile, LaTasha Cunningham, Elizabeth Gibson and Brian Upton. Mrs. Soptic will serve on the board as past president.

Members were asked to assist with putting up U.S. flags at the courthouse on July 4. They will be put up

at 7 am and taken down at 5 pm. Treasurer Cole Soptic also gave an end of the year financial report. There will be no meeting on Thursday, July 4. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 11 at the BTC Bank community room. Ryan Tepen and Kassie Hodge are the program chairs.

LOCAL

certification hours that are reflected in movement forward for staff.

Gott highlighted that Senate Bill 727, signed by Governor Parson, will mandatorily move teacher salaries to $40,000 a year for first year teachers, hiking salaries from the $36,500 base currently paid.

Agenda

• FROM FRONT PAGE•

less(10& maximum) on participation grades.

Attendance policies were discussed and a positive report on the Average Daily Attendance of students across the district was improved, and reflected significantly state monies received by the District.

THS Principal Chris Hodge spoke to changes to GRTS attendance and impacts on allowing THS students to participate. Students will be required to score 70% on their course of study in order to be retained in subsequent years at the Technical School.

Concerns were raised by Board members Melissa King and Ronda Lickteig on the use of cellphones in the middle school by students and teachers, clear violations of school policy. TMS principal Mike Hostetter and Superintendent Gott said this concern would be addressed and remedied going into next year.

The Board approved setting the tuition rate for 2024-25 at $6,760. Gott said that the state approved a budget that would raise the state adequacy target to $6,760 which will match the tuition rate for the 2024-25 school year, previously set at $6,375.

The $6,760 figure is the per student fee the state uses to provide state funding for each student in the District.

The Board approved a bid for doors and windows from Custom Glass for $198,000. The bid includes replacing doors and side lights with three access controls, and repaint-

ing doors at Rissler Elementary School. The bid also includes disposal of old materials and new trim that will be needed, but that work, originally planned for this summer, will take place in the summer of 2025.

The board approved a bid from MFA oil by a 60 vote(Andy Burris abstaining), for $2.70 for number 2 diesel fuel. It was the only bid received and reflected a 40% decrease from this time last year.

A dairy bid was approved from Prairie Farms, with skim milk at 33.57 cents per unit, 1% homogenized milk at 35.8 cents and 1% chocolate milk at 37.9 cents. It also included five pounds of cottage cheese(mostly used on high school salad bars) and sour cream at $11.

The board approved to GEC Community Foundation Grants to Title I teacher Mary Ellen Johnson for $667 to buy reading games, ande to fourth grade teacher Megan Lynch requesting $103 to buy a new “reading rug” for her classroom.

The Board approved the District Literacy Plan put forward by Director of Academics Dr. Johanna Baugher. This story will be discussed in next week’s edition due to it’s depth and importance to the school.

The Board received the resignation of Board Member Jeff Spencer who will be moving out of the district. The Board approved the resignation, and Gott announced that the District will accept ap-

plications for the open spot, beginning July 1. The appointed candidate would serve until the next Board election.

Board meetings next year will be held on Wednesdays, reflecting a change. Gott noted support for this, but insisted on the meeting date each month being consistent on Wednesdays.

Resignations were received in executive session from special education teacher Jessia Roy and food service worker Jena Knapp at Rissler. Hirings included Jackie Wyant for Rissler focus room/behavioral support and Carla Neely as a Rissler Special education teacher, Stacie Pauls and Ashley Sensenich as TMS special education paraprofessionals, and Mattie Yoder for Rissler food service.

A+ and Activities membership and participation reports were presented as well. More will follow on these stories next week.

Rissler elementary principal Wade Profitt said that separate Open Houses would be held for grades K-1 and 2-4 to begin next school year.

TMS Principal Hostetter said that the TMS school theme for next year will be Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. Both Hostetter and THS principal Hodge expressed anxious anticipation of receipt of MAP and EOC tests completed in April.

School start end times were announced by Gott as 7:50 to 3:00 at Rissler next year and 8:05 to 3:15 at TMS and THS.

Trenton Area Calendar of Events

FRIDAY

Church Women United Thrift Shop, 17th & Harris, noon to 4 p.m.

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, 6 p.m. For more information, call 359-2704.

North 65 Center: Line Dancers, 9:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.

Grundy County Health Department, Safe Sitter for Grandparents, GCHD Education Annex, 9 a.m. to noon.

SATURDAY

Church Women United Thrift Shop, 17th & Harris, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Farmers Market, Sesquicentennial Park, 8 a.m. - noon.

Grundy County Museum open 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

Narcotics Anonymous, St. Philip’s

Episcopal Church, 4 p.m.

Grundy County Museum open 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, 6 p.m. For more information, call 359-2704 or 3572367.

Grundy County Health Department, WIC Services by appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Free Blood Pressure Check and $1.00 Blood Sugar Checks, walk-in, 9 a.m. to noon.

MI Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 2901 Hoover Drive, 7 p.m.

North 65 Center: Line Dancers, 9:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

Trenton Lions Club, First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, noon.

Grundy County Health Department, Children’s Immunizations by Appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nurse Services by appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spickard Coffee Club, Wise Community Center, 8 a.m.

Domestic Violence/Anger Management Group, North Central Missouri Mental Health Center, 7 to 9 p.m.

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Fun Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Grundy County Health Department, Children’s Immunizations by Appointment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ; GCHD Board of Trustees, Regular Board Metting Lower Level of Health Department 4:30 p.m.

Green Hills Alcoholics Anonymous, Tenth Street Baptist Church, noon. For more information, call 359-2704 or 357-

2367.

Class of 1959 Lunch at Senior Center at 11:30 a.m.

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

Trenton Rotary Club, BTC Bank Community Room, noon.

North 65 Center: Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Early Bird Bingo, 6:00 p.m.; Regular Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Grundy County Health Department, Adult Blood Draw Clinic by appointment, 9 a.m. to noon.

Meet the new Grundy County Jewett Norris Library Director, Sarah Shoberg from 2pm to 4pm on the main floor at the library.

State Legislature Concludes Work in Jeff City

By Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com

The Missouri State Legislature adjourned it’s regular session last week with eighteen bills emanating from the House on the Missouri operating budget becoming law, 11-House bills on specific items, and the Missouri Senate passing 18-bills that will become law on August 28 unless vetoed by Governor Mike Parson.

Of the State Operating Budget expenditures. A total of $50,958,905,461 was appropriated on new and ongoing legislation, against receipts of $15,175,459,665 from general revenue, including individual income taxes, sales and use taxes, corporate income taxes, insurance premium taxes, and liquor and beer taxes.

Another $24,282,38,712 was received from federal funds and another $11,501,047,084 was received from other funds, including lottery and gaming proceeds, highway and roads funds, conservation funds and Proposition C and cigarette taxes.

The breakdown of monies spent parceled out this way:

6.827% —American Rescue Plan Act

5.207%---Office of Administration and Employee Benefits

4.917%---Health & Senior Services

4.537%---Corrections, National Guard, Public Safety

4.367%---Economic development

Agriculture

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9.767%---Other, including agriculture, commerce and Insurance, conservation, elected officials, General Assembly, Higher Education and Workforce Development, Judiciary, Labor and Industrial Relations, Natural Resources, Public Defender, Revenue, and Statewide Real Estate.

Bills of note include:

House Bill 1495: Taks the Missouri Veterans Commission with expanding it’s efforts to prevent veteran suicide.

House Bill 1909: Removes the requirement for city and county committee meetings to take place in the county seat.

House Bill 2111: Modifies powers of the State Auditor

House Bill 2634: Modifies provisions relating to public funding of abortion facilities and affiliates and provisions relating to MO Health Net providers.

Senate Bill 754: Modifies provisions related to public safety.

Senate Bill 756: Modifies a property tax credit for certain seniors.

Senate Bill 895: Modifies provisions relating to landlord-tenant actions, including eviction proceeding moratoriums and filings for transfers of real property with outstanding collectible judgments.

SJR 71: Provides for the levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys , and circuit attorneys.

Citizen taxpayers can google any bill heading, for example “Senate Bill 895” to get the full reading, content and provision of any bill passed into law by the Legislature.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Francis “Gene” Wood

Francis “Gene” Wood, an 81 year old former Trenton resident, passed away at 8:45 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at Life Care Center of Brookfield.

Graveside services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Trenton. Memorial donations are suggested to Life Care Center of Brookfield and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Francis Eugene Wood was born February 21, 1943 in Lebanon, MO to Leonard and Edith Ora Belle (Hubbard)

Wood. He grew up in Trenton and graduated from Trenton High School. He worked for the Rival Plant in Sedalia, retiring after 34 years of service. In 2005 he moved to Trenton where he lived with his sister.

He is survived by a sister Dorothy Hessenflow of Independence, MO, and numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Billy Wood, and sisters Mary Windsor, Veda Shockey, and Ruth Hickman.

rug. Call 60-358-2074. Real Estate

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LOCAL

A Deep Dive on the 24-25 Trenton R-IX Budget

By Mark McLaughlin

Superintendent Daniel Gott presented a 2024-25 budget to the Trenton R-IX School Board last Thursday, with $14,269,817.49 in revenues against expenditures of $16,871,379.41 in expenditures, reflecting a deficit budget of $2,601,561.92.

Before patrons of the district break out the paper bags to offset the effects of hyperventilation, a deep dive is required to understand all the

moving parts of a high-powered financial system.

The deficit is reflected in the receipt of $3,667,000 on bond issue monies to be used for major capital expenditures this summer, which show up in the accounting for the last fiscal year, as it was received June 11, but which are “pass through” funds that go directly to repair of roofs, HVAC systems, phone systems and security measures on doors and windows to be undertaken this

PRINCETON MANOR APARTMENTS

is accepting applications for

Rent is based on income and includes: Water, Sewer, Trash, Lawn Care, Snow Removal, 24 hour Maintenance and On-Site Laundry Facilities. Applicants

summer and concluded in summer 2025.

Bonds were solid in $5,000 denominations and were sold out almost instantly, mostly snapped up by big bond investors on Wall Street looking for safe investments, and a rock solid AA+ rating of the Trenton RIX District, the highest rating available.

When reviewing monies received from state and local sources, factoring expenditures, and then considering “reserve funds”, which have represented the District spending less money than received through conservative budgeting, will still leave the school in the black for the year at $30,000 and overall $4.5 million in reserves.

School funding is split into four accounts: FUND 1—General Revenues/ Incidentals — Covers everything from school lunches, textbooks, supplies, literally everything the school purchases down to the last paper clip.

FUND 2—Teacher Salaries — Is zeroed out each year. Will reflect a significant “bump” this year with

the passage of SB 727, which sets teacher starting/minimum salary at $40,000, up from $36,500-base salary this year.

FUND 3—Debt Service —Interest paid on purchased debt on .90 levy passed in previous bond issues, will be directed at repayment of the current bondi issue.

FUND 4—Capital Projects —Large expenditures, construction, technology, and the “big” items faced by the District every year.

Funding sources include, most impactfully, state monies on Average Daily Attendance, which begin at $6,760 per student. How much the school is paid for each student is based on each student’s attendance. If a student is absent 10% of the time, the school is docked 10% from that individual student’s $6,760 allotment.

The extreme task orientation of each school principal in moving attendance into 94%, 95% and 96% ranges is critical in the receipt of those state monies.

Because of the District’s work in this year, they have received a projected Ad-

justed ADA funding of 1.082 students against less than 1,000 actual students. At $6,760 per student, that figure adds up quickly.

Other funds include Prop C funding at $1,360 a student, Classroom Trust funding at $618 a student, up from $454.80 in 2023-24.

Local monies, specifically property and other local taxes come from property tax, In lieu of tax, the M&M surtax, and county taxes account for over $3.1 million.

The assessed value of Grundy County properties, factoring the lack of a County Assessor revaluation last year, reflects a $100,000 dip on the $2.8 million received from property taxes last year.

Gott says that the District’s reserves, currently sitting at 32%, well above the recommended 25-30% schools are recommended to have on hand, can handle at least one year of the statemandated salary increases.

Beyond that, and considering the possibility of property tax freezes for seniors which might impact District funding, much less proposals

to eliminate property and income taxes by Governor candidates, represent a financial situation where everything potentially is up in the air.

“My goal every year is to keep the budget balanced, as each year, we will pull money down from Fund 1 to Fund 4 to cover those arising costs.”Gott said.”The District is in a healthy financial position, but we want to keep ourselves in that position.”

Fund 1 & 2

Expenditures: $13,280,655.02 Revenues: $13,310,671.47 Difference: $30,316.45 Fund 3 Expenditures: $691,990.00 Revenues: $954,146.02 Difference: $262,156.02 Fund 4 Expenditures: $2,880,040.16 Revenues: $10,000.00 Difference: $2,870,040.15 Total Expenditures: $16,852,685.18 Revenues: $14,294,817.49 Difference: $2,557,867.69

Letters to the Editor

As I read this past week's Chalk Talk, I had a few thoughts which developed into opinions.

Pointing out that all law enforcement officers put their life at risk by doing their jobs is important. Because injury to officers is not a common occurrence in this area doesn't negate this truth. Most of us are not willing to put ourselves in imminent danger.

Sheriff's next term. It would have been easy, but it was not their intent.

WIC provides healthy foods, healthcare referrals, nutrition education and breastfeeding support.

For more information about Missouri WIC, call the Grundy County Health Department at (660) 359-4196 or visit www.health.mo.gov/wic.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The fact that, as you say, some Sheriffs have had "to go on public assistance to pay their bills: is disturbing. I also find that a law had to be passed to force a reasonable wage be paid to Missouri Sheriffs pretty embarrassing.

When researching the State Auditor's authority I have been unable to find it stated they have the authority to decide how a county can spend it's money, unless the Auditor finds proof of improper governmental activity. Such activity defined as official misconduct: fraud, misappropriation, mismanagement, waste of resources, or a violation of State or Federal law, rule or regulation. This statutory definition is provided in a bill related to the State Auditor's power. The bill was passed by both Houses in May of this year, but I was unable to determine if the Governor signed it into law.

You ask how hard would it have been to state the pay raises were to go into effect at the beginning of the

Judge Green in Cole County determined that because of the increased and enhanced duties of Sheriffs, the wage increase should begin when the law was enacted. The fact that the Governor signed the Bill into law, thus involving the Executive Branch indicates the Executive Branch makes law is wrong.If the Governor vetoes a law, the Legislature, with a two thirds majority in both Houses, can override the veto, therefore giving the Legislative Branch ultimate authority to to make law. To infer that because the Governor, a member of the Executive Branch, has a part to play in making law, that the State Auditor, by being a member of the Executive Branch also has any place in determining law is ludicrous.

There is a poor, set upon group in this story but it is not the Commissioners. As far as Commissioners being the villians in this story, if the shoe fits.....

As far as SB190 is concerned, I do not have a strong opinion. I am confused though. I am an Independent, not a Republican, so I may be wrong regarding the tenets of the Republican Party. I thought the Party wanted smaller Government. The individual state controlling more than the Federal Government related to what

goes on within it's borders. Wouldn't each country having more control of what happens within it's boundries than the state be the same thing?

I am also confused by the metaphor used. Who is eating the chocolate covered grasshopper? Is it the citizens of Grundy County,

the taxpayers of the entire state, the sheriffs, the legislatures, or the Commissioners? Remember sometimes, that which glitters is the foil covering on a chocolate covered grasshopper, but sometimes it's gold.

Anna Ferguson Trenton

Once again and many times, I find myself agreeing with so much of what you write in the Chalk Talk Opinion. Your writings on the American Experiment I applaud. On June 27, 2024 page 5, I especially appreciate where it said "Virtue....The Moral Center on which our Republic depends." I complain that they are not teaching this in our public schools. At least from what I observe.

Sunday, June 23, 2024, turned out to be the highlight of the month for me. At 10th Street Baptist Church, I listen to Beth Ann, who is an exceptional speaker on the AM KTTN station, and author with her new book called "The American Crisis Continues". I was very captivated as she spoke with conviction of our forefathers and how they sacrificed, Giving their lives, fortunes and sacred honor.

In 1923, my motherin-law started teaching in the country school each day with prayer and Bible reading. In another state in 1940, my Mother taught just 1 year in the country school with 9 boys. But I don't remember her mentioning anything about prayer or Bible reading. What happened to education in general?

Virginia Crumpacker Spickard

The men were of various professions,,,farmers and Godly preachers who walked the talk. Many preachers motivated their congregations to fight and were first to sacrifice their lives and fortunes. They often left their wives as widows and children as orphans. I look forward to reading her book.

Virginia Crumpacker Spickard

OPINION

THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT

The Genius of the Bill of Rights

By Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com

(Part seven of a ten part series)

When the Constitution was done, a theoretical exercise turned practical application, there was still an important phase to complete…Ratification.

There had been a coalescence of thought around two premises in the Convention, and it extended to the State Assemblies and Legislatures that would soon take it up and discuss it.

There was the Federalist point of view, which supported the Constitution, and agreed with its Federal approach …A three branch government, Legislative, Executive and Judicial with built in separations and checks on power that made it truly “coequal”, with one branch to make the laws, a second to put them into place, and a third to make sure that the laws passed were in fidelity with the Constitution.

The Anti-Federalist point of view dug in on the issue of what they saw as “sovereign republics” surrendering their power to a central government. They saw the Constitution as “the road to hell” towards tyranny and a loss of individual human rights.

These “factions” would become parties, and the two sides would play out the discussion, that in some part, continues today.

Madison, Hamilton and John Jay saw two states as critical to ratification … New York and Massachusetts. Without either, the Republic would be a futile exercise.

New York was the nation’s economic and commercial hub, the face of business, shipping and the primary “port of entry” for the rest of the world to the United States. Massachusetts was the birthplace of the Revolution, the people who arguably suffered the most as Britain brought down the hammer of the Crown on them.

Virginian George Mason, one of Washington’s oldest friends, parted ways with the General over the subject of the Constitution and was one of the few members of the Convention who refused to sign it.

As the Constitution moved from inception to ratification, Madison and Hamilton

set about the writing of the Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays printed as editorials in New York newspapers to convince the people of the city that the Constitution was the right course of action for the new nation.

European experts, from British Prime Minister William Gladstone , to Alexis DeToqueville, and others saw the Federalist Papers as “the greatest discussion of political principles in history.”

As political persuasion, the Papers largely failed as New York legislative elections placed 85 anti-federalists in power across the state to just 19 federalists.

But the exercise was critical in this way … It convinced Madison of the need for a Bill of Rights, committing to writing and codifying the rights provided by “Nature’s Law” to the citizenry of the United States.

Madison’s thinking had evolved, as most Federalists believed a Bill of Rights to be an unnecessary exercise, as the rights to be expressed seemed “self-evident’.”

At the end of the day, many in the Convention on both sides agreed to sign it with the promise that a Bill of Rights would be the first order of business of the new Congress. State legislatures would become convinced as well.

But it was two of the “First Sons” of the Revolution, Samuel Adams and John Hancock of Massachusetts who brought the Massachusetts Legislature around by their endorsement of the Constitution and their provision of a “concept framework” for a Bill of Rights that Madison would use in penning more than a dozen potential Amendments to the Constitution.

In writing this series, learning of the role of Hancock and Adams coming around “full circle” from leading the Revolution, to sealing the Constitution’s success within the United States was something new, and an epiphany to me.

After all, Adams was the first separatist, and perhaps, given that resume, one of the most important, if understated unionists when the entire process, twenty years out, was said and done.

The Bill of Rights assured the rights of freedom of expression, in all its forms,

The deadline for letters is noon on Monday of the

speech, religion, assembly, the right to petition the government with grievances, to assemble, to protest.

It assured gun ownership and possession, the court rights to due process, protection against self-incrimination, the right to know what charges were filed against you, the right to a fair and speedy jury trial of your peers, and restrictions on cruel and unusual punishments.

The Ninth Amendment provides that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution should not be construed to mean that the Constitution does not protect rights that are not enumerated. The Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to address fears that expressly protecting certain rights might be misinterpreted implicitly to sanction the infringement of others.

Some experts say that the 9th Amendment was the enshrinement of the Declaration of Independence rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It said that just because a right was not enumerated did not mean that it did not exist.

The 10th Amendment was a nod to the states, expressing that the Federal Government could do only that that it was enumerated to do. Other rights, not so enumerated, belonged to the states to protect, and to the people themselves.

Madison recognized the age old principle that unless you “put it in writing”, the offer/acceptance principle of business did not have wheels.

Now it did. New York and Massachusetts eventually ratified, and Rhode Island would be the last state to come aboard in 1794.

The Bill of Rights was not a political concession. It has become the context in which all action of the government, of all three branches is judged today, and swithin interpretation of it’s “parts”, all government business is done.

When Congress passes a bill and makes it a law, it can be challenged almost immediately on some Constitutional provision or violation of the articles of the Constitution, or one of the first ten amendments. When President Biden signs an Executive Order

to unilaterally forgive $167 billion in federal student loans, it is “struck down” by the Supreme Court as “unconstitutional” on the grounds that Congress must approve the financial aspects of the order.

Roe vs. Wade used the argument that the 14th Amendment, which codified the concept of “Equal Justice Under the Law”, to justify nationwide legalization of abortion, and the 1973 Supreme Court agreed. The 2022 Supreme Court, in the Dobbes case, reversed the earlier court decision, arguing that nowhere in the Constitution was the right to an abortion guaranteed, and sent the issue, of state concern, back to state legislatures to decide in their own states.

The concept of the “rule of law”, the glue of our system, and the promise by government to people in their living of “civil society” good for everyone, has its root in the Constitution and in the Bill of Rights.

It is not to say that our Constitution or the BOR assure that everything which is legal and constitutional is also right and moral.

We didn’t create a “perfect union” with the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We admitted as much in the first sentence that begins, “We the People of the United States of America, in order to create a more perfect union do hereby …”

It is the same thought process Jefferson used when he talked about “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.”

Jefferson did not promise an equality of outcome, only an equality of opportunity. Madison did not guarantee perfection, but only an attempt to get there.

We haven’t done everything right. Our sins as a nation, in the name of what was “constitutional” are many, but over time, and with deliberation, many of those inequalities have been corrected and made right. Many more, it seems, still require a remedy.

In the final installment of this series, George Washington will be studied as the “Indispensable Man”, who without his guidance at every turn, our nation would likely not exist in its current form.

they are to be published. The Republican-Times welcomes letters from its readers. We require that all letters to the editor be signed by the writer, including a telephone number where the writer can be reached. The writer’s name will be published. Subject matter of the letters is limited to issues and matters of local interest to the general public. Letters of a personal or family nature (i.e. thank you cards, memorials, etc.) will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit, shorten or correct grammatical or spelling errors. The publisher reserves the right to reject any letter submitted for publication.

Grundy County Tax Sale

I, Barbara Harris Collector of Revenue within and for Grundy County, Missouri hereby give notice as provided in Chapter 140 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri for 1986, that I shall offer for sale the hereinafter described lots and lands for delinquent taxes on real estate at the front door of the courthouse on the fourth Monday, the 26rd of August 2024, Grundy County Missouri, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on the said day. (must live in the state of Missouri to bid on tax sale property)

TRENTON TOWNSHIP

11-04-20-01-01-00300 932 Laclede St-Erin & Stephanie Carriker, all pt N 1/3 of blk 14 Fields 3rd add to city of Trenton Desc comm NW cor blk th 84’ th N 66 2/3’, 2021- 530.53, 2022-434.74, 2023- 380.80 total 1346.07

11-05-16-02-10-00200 2324 Prince Rd, Jeffrey Scott & Tamara Corbin, All lots 10 thru 17 in blk 2 of Grossland add to the city of Trenton, 2021- 1517.12, 2022-1312.76, 2023-1146.73 total 3976.61

11-04-17-04-07-00800 1610 Cedar StJulie Crisman, com at the NW cor of lot 4 of the Perry NW add to the city of Trenton th S 50’ th E 100’ th N 50’ th W 100’ to beg see deed, 2021-369.27, 2022-291.05, 2023-255.37 total 915.69 2022-779.70, 2023-681.95 total 2379.45

11-04-17-04-05-00500 107 E 17th StWilliam S Draper, E ½ of lots 43 & 46 in Lockhart add to the city of Trenton, 2021-414.43, 2022-331.31, 2023-290.52 total, 1036.08

11-04-17-04-55-00200 308 W 12th St – Gregory Drew & Patrica J Todd -the E 33 1/3 of lot 4 nd the W 33 1/3 ft of lot 3 in blk 5 in Merrill’s 1st add to city of Trenton, together with right to use the E 8th ft of the W 33 1/3 of lot 2 in blk 2 in blk 5 in Merrills 1st add to the city of Trenton, 2021-868.90, 2022-736.16, 2023-643.95 total 2249.01

11-05-21-02-49-00500 712 Harris Ave -Bobbie Dunkin & John Smiley, W 61.5’ of lot 7 blk 19 & the N 20 by 615’ of lot 7, 2019- 627.64, 2020-608.64, 2021- 548.82, 2022-451.02, 2023395.01 total 2631.13

11-04-20-01-23-00100 300 W 7th StJames M Hall Lot 1 blk 7 in original town of Trenton see deed, 2021- 664.90, 2022-554.45, 2023- 485.30 total 1704.65

11-05-16-02-26-00400 1802 Pleasant Plain Christopher & Ramah Hancock, lot 14 in blk 1 of Lafferty-Wetzler add to the city of Trenton, 2021- 468.19, 2022379.19, 2023- 332.32 total 1179.70

11-05-16-04-06-00300 1036 Oklahoma Ave, Wesley Knapp, pt of SE ¼ com at pt 435’ W & 168’ N of SE cor on R/W line of old Hwy 65 th N 726’ th W 109.5’ th S to N R/W old Hwy 65th sely to pt directly S of beg, 2021-2378.37, 2022-2079.47, 2023- 1815.71 total 6273.55

11-05-21-01-01-00200 1904 E 10th St- Leisa Rosha Meinecke, Com at intersection of E line of Kerfoot St and S line of E 10th St th S 135’ th E 200 th N 135’ th W 200 to Beg, 2021-1906.69, 2022- 1659.59, 2023-1449.35 total 5015.63

11-04-17-01-61-01200 1909 Carnes St-Jade Mock- All of the E ½ of lot 8 exc 10 ft off the W side for an alley in the extension of northwestern add to the e W side for an alley in the extension of northwestern add to city of Trenton, 2021-368.00, 2022-289.95, 2023 total 912.35

11-04-17-04-38-01100 1203 Merrill St -Jade M. Mock, The S 72 of the E 90 of lot 4 of Central add to the city of Trenton, 2021- 401.02, 2022-319.36, 2023280.06 total 1000.44

PUBLIC NOTICES

11-04-17-04-60-00200 413 W 10th St

- Earl & V Rebecca Nance, Com in SW cor of Lot 1 in Central add th N 100’ th E 75’ th, 2021-649.02, 2022-540.26, 2023-472.93 total 1662.21 11-0417043600200

412 W 13th CT-Arthur & Doris Nunn, all that part of lot 17 in Merrill’s Divsn in part to the city of Trenton Mo, desc as com 141.75’ W & 200” N of SE cor of lot 17 of the Merrill’s Div in part to the city of Trenton, th E 47.25’ th S 100’ th W 47.25’ to POB,2021- 476.79, 2022-386.85, 2023- 338.99 total 1202.63 11-05-16-02-04-00400 1109 E 24th St, Michael Travis Curtis O’Conner All lots 1 thru 4 in blk 4 of the Grossland add to city of Trenton, 2021-366.82, 2022-288.88, 2023-253.47 total 909.17

11-04-17-04-36-00600 1312 Gilmore St-Richard Powers, Com 115’N of SW cor of lot 17 of the Merrill Div in part to the city of Trenton, th 105’ th e 90’ th W 90’ to pob, 2021-313.07, 2022-240.99, 2023-211.66 total 765.72 11-04-20-0132-00100 515 Monroe St- Ane Hafoka ,Lupe Otukolo, all of the N or NE ½ of lots 3 & 4 in blk 35 of the original survey of town now city Trenton desc as com at NE corner of said lot 4 th in a NW direction 100 ft th SW 50 ft, 2021431.53, 2022-346.54, 303.80 total 1081.87

11-06-14-00-05-01401 2100 Fisherman Rd-Leisa Rorebeck, All of lot 28 in unit 3 of Paynes Lake of Trenton. 20212918.97, 2022-2562.40, 2023- 2238.27 total 7719.64

11-04-17-04-38-00300 418 W 13th St-Randall Harry Rummerfield &Marti Gayle Doolin, all that part of lot 4 Peery’s Central add to the city of Trenton, desc as com at a pt 150’ E & 200’ N in the SW cor of lot 4 of Central add th E 120’ th S 90’ th W 60” th N 15’ th W 60 th N 75’, 2021- 598.94, 2022495.69, 2023- 434.02 total 1528.65

11-04-17-04-37-00500 503 W 12 StRonald Silkwood - all the E ½ of blk 3 exc N 90’ there of the Wiggin-Murphy add to the city of Trenton, 2019- 379.95, 2020-371.51, 2021- 337.47, 2022262.74, 2023- 230.68 total 1582.35

11-04-17-01-68-00300 2008 Lulu StJohn R. Smiley- All lot 6 in Holt S 3rd addn to the city of Trenton, 2021-416.90, 2022-333.50, 2023-292.41 total 1042.81

11-04-17-01-37-00300 103 E 23rd StJames W. Smith c/o Kristina Missey, All lot 7 & 8 in blk 12 in Holt S 4th addn to the city of Trenton, 2021-745.52, 2022626.25, 2023-548.01 total 1919.78

11-04-20-01-30-00300 506 Grundy St- James Wayne Smith c/o Kristina Missey, All L 2 in blk 37 of original town of Trenton, 2021-602.59, 2022498.91, 2023-436.85 total 1538.35

11-04-20-01-15-00400 140 E 8th St –Misty Miller Smith & Domanich Ratkovich, W ½ of lot 11 & all lot 12 in blk 13 of the original town of Trenton, 2021-843.31, 2022-713.36, 2023-624.01 total 2180.68

11-04-17-01-48-00400 405 E 22nd St, Chris Stanturf, E 71 of lot 1 E 71 of lot 2 in blk 2 in Holts 4th addn to city of Trenton, 2021-627.00, 2022-520.66, 2023-455.83 total 1603.49

11-04-17-01-63-00102 2007 Chestnut St -Ida Tunnell c/o Misty Degroot, S 50 E 77.5 Lots 1-3 in blk 13 of Holts 1st add to the city of Trenton, 2021- 403.49, 2022-321.53, 2023- 281.98 toal 1007.00

11-04-18-00-00-01901 13142 W Crowder Ct Jamie Wattenbarger, The S 50 ft of lot 2 & & the N 10 ft of lot 4 of the Iceland Lake, 2021-255.04, 2022189.87, 2023-167.10 total 613.01

11-04-17-03-24-00101 506 W Crowder Rd-Lyle K. Wheelbarger, all that part of lot 19 merrills Div in part of Trenton com 272 1/2 ‘ E of the NW corner th S 239 ½’ the E 90’ 10” th W 90’ 10” pob, 2021-679.57, 2022-567.51,

2023-496.69 total 1743.77

11-04-17-03-24-00500 610 W Crowder- John R. Woodland, all that part of lot 19 of Merrill’s Division in partition to the city of Trenton Mo desc as com at the NW corner of said lot 19 running th E 90 ft 10” thence S 155 ft th W 90 ft 10” th N 155 ft to the POB, 2021562.30, 2022- 463.03, 2023-405.51 total 1430.84

11-05-16-04-08-00200 1110 Rural StJohn R Woodland, all lots 12 in blk 1 of the Grandview addn to the city of Trenton, 2021-433.99, 2022-348.72, 2023305.70 total 1088.41

11-05-16-03-01-00501 1103 E 17th St-John Rian Woodland- Tract land in NE ¼ of SW ¼ sec 16 in the city of Trenton being pt outlot #32 desc comm pt 37’ E & 100 S cor said NE ¼ of said NE ¼ of SW ¼, 2021-2289.74, 20222000.62, 2023-1746.90 total 6037.26

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

03-05-21-01-05-00300 Spickard .02 acres-Gloria J Coffman, pt of lot 4 25 x 30 in original town of Spickard blk 3, 2021- 70.92, 2022-25.52, 2023- 23.50 total 119.94

03-05-22-02-14-00200 4th st- Gloria Jean Coffman, W ½ of blk 4 & strip of land 10’ wide off W side of E ½ of blk 4 in Stapps 3rd addn to the town of Spickard, 2021- 106.22, 2022-57.44, 202351.26 total 214.92

03-05-21-04-04-00300 211 S 2nd StCody Odor; Rachel Pratt, a tract of land 70’ N & sly 70’ E & W in SW cor of lot 3 & all of S 70’ of lot 4 in Spickard 1st add to town of Spickard, 2021-294.18, 2022-227.54, 2023-199.14 total 720.86

03-05-22-02-17-00200 204 N 6th StJudith Richmond- all of the S ½ of blk 4 in Cook King & Keith S addn to city of Spickardsville, 2021- 801.95, 2022687.07, 2023- 598.66 total 2087.68

03-05-21-01-11-00600 Spickard- Judith Richmond, Comm 128’ S of SE cor of blk 7 original town of Spickard th W 63’ th Swly along 230’ approx. S 93’ E 200’ N 236’ to pob, 2021-107.49, 202258.60, 2023-52.27 total 218.66

03-05-22-02-24-00100 6th st – Judith Richmond, all the N ½ of blk 5 in C.K & K addn to the city of Spickardsville 2021- 140.11, 2022-88.14, 2023- 77.96 total 306.21

03-05-22-02-24-00200 6th St- Judith Richmond, all the W ½ of the S ½ of blk 5 in C.K & K addn to the town of Spickardsville, 2021- 70.92, 2022-25.52, 2023- 23.50 total 119.94

03-05-22-03-07-00200 3rd & Madison St-Todd McDowell- E ½ of lot 1 blk 8 in Stapps 1st add to Spickardsville Mo, 2020- 1480.21, 2021-1326.71, 20221161.94, 2023- 1011.54 total 4980.40

03-05-22-03-07-00500 212 3rd St –Todd McDowell- all of lot 3 in blk 8 of Stapps 1st addn to the city of Spickardsville, 2020-72.48, 2021-70.92, 202225.52, 2023-23.50 total 192.42

03-05-22-02-07-00700 506 N 8th StTodd McDowell All that part of blk 1 of Ragan & Dennis addn to the city of Spickard comm at SW cor th N 120’ th E 200’ th S 120’ th W 200’ to POB, 2021-106.22, 2022- 57.44, 2023-51.26 total 214.92

WILSON TOWNSHIP

15-01-11-04-17-00400 303 W Main St.- Jennifer Courtney, Lot 11, 12, in blk 24 in the Milwaukee 3rd addn to the city of Laredo, 2021-865.52, 2022-726.55, 2023-599.43 total 2191.50

15-01-11-04-17-00200 315 W Main –George & Rebecca Covey, lots 7 & 8 in blk 24 of the Milwaukee 3rd addn to the city of Laredo, 2021-333.92, 2022257.32, 2023-213.48 total 804.72

15-01-11-04-22-00301 202 E Main St

– Shelby Marie Eckert- lots 10, 11 &12 blk 10 in Village of Gorham now city of Laredo, 2020-357.90, 2021-318.84, 2022-244.01, 2023-202.54 total 1123.29

15-01-11-04-35-00200 208 E 3rd St,Galen & Carol French, W ½ of lot 2 & E 37.5 of lot 3 in blk 13 of the original town of Laredo, 2021-1035.76, 2022876.80, 2023-723.01 total 2635.57 15-06-14-01-12-00100 Laredo- Richard D SR & Tonja A Gardner, all of lots 1 thur 4 in blk 1 of the J. M. Stone 4th add to the city of Laredo, 2021-201.37, 2022-140.33, 2023-117.25 total 458.95 15-06-14-01-12-00400 Laredo -Richard D. JR & Tonja A Gardner, the N 26’ of lots 9 thru 12 in blk 1 of the J. M. Stone 4th add to the city of Laredo, 2021- 70.32, 2022-24.64, 2023- 22.11 total 117.07

15-01-11-04-11-00300 215 W 2nd St – Joe A Howe SR & Joseph Howe c/o Travis & Billie Constant, Lot 7 thru 10 in blk 22 in the Milwaukee 2nd add to city of Laredo, 2021291.74, 2022-220.08, 2023- 182.85 total 694.67 15-01-11-04-07-00300 301 N 3rd Ave – Norma Lovell; Timothy Hampton, all of lot 4, 5 & 6 in blk 6 of McClelland and Ogle’s 1st addn to the Village of Gorham now city of Laredo, 2021-309.80, 2022-236.04, 2023-195.98 total 741.82

15-06-14-01-06-00200 302 S 2nd Ave- Kyle Meek c/o Tammy Frame, lots 4,5,6 in blk 1 of the J.M. Stone 2nd add to the city of Laredo, 2021-223.93, 2022-160.23, 2023-133.63 total 517.79

15-06-13-02-00-00300 314 S 3rd StMisty Lynn Miller c/o Zachary Lee, all part NW ¼ of NW ¼ sec 13 desc comm 400 ‘ S 33’ E of NW cor 40 AC tract th S 50’ th E 202’ more or less to R/W th N 100’ th W 200’ to pub rd th S 50’ to POB, 2021-17.87, 2022-26.00, 202323.22 total 121.09

15-01-12-03-07-00400 302 N 3rd Ave – Gary Reed, all of lots 7 & 8 in blk 7 in McClelland- Ogles 1st addn to the Village of Gorham now city of Laredo, 2021-249.57, 2022-182.86, 2023-152.24 total 584.67

15-01-11-04-02-00100 Laredo- Lester & Debbie Riddle, Lots 1 Thru 6 in blk 4 of the McClelland- Ogle 2nd add to city of Laredo, 2021-74.88, 2022-28.66, 2023-25.42 total 128.96

15-01-11-04-02-00200

Laredo- Lester & Debbie Riddle, all of lots 9 thru 12 in blk 4 of the McClelland Ogle 2nd add to the city of Laredo, 2021-70.32, 202224.64, 2023-22.11 total 117.07

15-01-11-04-03-00100

Laredo- Lester & Debbie Riddle, all of lots 1 thru 6 in blk 3 of the McCleland Ogle 2nd add to city of Laredo, 2021-70.32, 2022- 24.64, 2023-22.11 total 117.07

15-01-11-04-03-00200 516 N 3rd Ave- Lester & Debbie Riddle, all of lots 7 thru 12 in blk 3 of the McClellandOgle 2nd add to the city of Laredo, 2021-794.81, 2022-664.13, 2023-548.07 total 2007.01

15-01-12-03-07-00100 Laredo- John & Paula Turdo, lots 3 & 4 in blk 7 of the McClelland- Ogle 1st addn to city of Laredo, 2021-71.87, 2022-26.00, 202323.22 total 121.09

15-01-12-03-07-00500 312 E 1st–John & Paula Turdo, lots 5 & 6 in blk 7 of the McClelland-Ogle 1st add to the city of Laredo, 2021-844.45, 2022707.94, 2023-584.12 total 2136.51

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP

06-06-14-00-00-00101 Tindall-Sarah A. Schroder, 10 rods wide off N end of W ½ NW ¼ NE ¼ sec 14 & the S 2 rods wide of the N end of W ½ NW ¼ NE ¼, 2021-66.59, 2022-21.44, 2023-19.96 total 107.99

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

08-09-32-01-07-00200 207 NW Border St -James & Frances Davidson, all that pt of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of 32-62- 22 com at the SW corner of said tract th N 38 rds 13 ft th to E line of said tract S 38rds 13 ft to POB, 20201586.95, 2021-1422.13, 2022-1217.82, 2023- 1054.23 total 5281.13

08-08-33-02-04-00300 408 N Main St- Judi Hein & Steve Switlik, all lots 7 & 8 in blk 12 of Brassfield 4th add to the town of Galt, 2021-212.23, 2022149.89, 2023-130.96 total 493.08

08-08-33-02-06-00100 311 N MainJames Thomas & Casey Joy Lea, all of lots 1 & 2 in blk 10 of Brassfields 4th add to town of Galt, 2019-591.69, 2020546.81, 2021-494.11, 2022- 398.70, 2023-346.08 total 2377.39

08-09-32-04-05-00300 Galt- Douglas Yarbrough; Toni Yarbrough, all pt NE ¼ SE ¼ sec 32 in city Galt comm SW cor of Whans add th W 159’2 ½” along pub rd th N 102 ½’ th E 159’ ½ to NW cor lot 7 blk 1 th S 102 ½’ to pob , 2021149.74,2022-94.73, 2023- 83.27 total 327.74

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP

13-05-21-00-00-00301 674 SW 50Th St- Kellon & Lea Ann Boyle, Leasehold,

2021-1246.13, 2022- 1068.18, 2023933.80 total 3248.11

MADISON TOWNSHIP

12-02-09-00-00-00103 Hwy 146 Lake Wittona - Brad & Wanda Middleton, Leasehold, 2021-179.26, 2022-121.51, 2023-107.32 total 408.09

LEISURE LAKE

UNIT 1

12-02-04-03-06-47700 Lot 250- Denise Gilbertson, 2021-66.53, 202221.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-43300 Lot 301- Denise Gilbertson, 2021-66.53, 202221.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-43400 Lot 300 – Denise Gilbertson, 2021-66.53, 202221.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-45601Lot 276 – Denise Gilbertson, 2021-153.35, 202298.49, 2023-87.22 total 339.06

12-02-04-03-07-45700 Lots 274 & 275 – Denise Gilbertson, 2021-2222.05, 2022-1936.24, 2023- 1691.11 total 5849.40

12-02-04-03-07-45800 Lot 273 -Denise Gilbertson, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-46201 Lot 268 -Don-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GRUNDY COUNTY, MISSOURI BOKF, N.A., ) Plaintiff, ) ) Cause No. 24AG-CC00013 vs. ) )

Debbie S. Gaddy a/k/a Debbie S. ) Gaddy Wright a/k/a Debra Sue ) Wright (Deceased), ) Michael E. Wright, and ) John Doe ) Defendants. )

NOTICE OF ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

The State of Missouri to Defendants, Debbie S. Gaddy a/k/a Debbie S. Gaddy Wright a/k/a Debra Sue Wright (Deceased) and John Doe:

You are hereby notified that an action has been commenced against you in the Circuit Court for Grundy County, State of Missouri, the object and general nature of which is to Quiet Title as to the property secured by a Deed of Trust dated March 24, 1997, and which action affects the following described property to wit:

ALL OF THE SOUTH FORTY (40) FEET OF LOT FIVE (5) AND THE NORTH THIRTY (30) FEET OF LOT SIX (6), IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN HOFFMAN AND HEIMAN’S SECOND ADDITION TO THE CITY OF TRENTON, MISSOURI. SUBJECT TO ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ROADS AND EASEMENTS.

The names of all parties to said action are stated above in the caption hereof and the name and address of the attorney for the Plaintiff is Scott D. Mosier, Millsap & Singer, LLC, 612 Spirit Dr., St. Louis, MO 63005, (636) 5370110.

You are further notified that, unless you file an answer or other pleading or shall otherwise appear and defend against the aforesaid petition within forty-five (45) days after the 20 th day of June, 2024, judgment by default will be rendered against you.

Witness my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court this 11 th day of June, 2024.

/s/ Becky Stanturf, Circuit Clerk (6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/24)

ald Savage, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-46300 Lot 267 -Donald E Savage, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-07-46700 Lot 261, 262, 263 – Donald E Savage, 2021-1346.11, 2022-1158.09, 2023- 1012.00 total 3516.20

12-02-04-03-09-37500 Lot 55 – Howard I Smith JR,2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

UNIT 2

12-03-05-04-01-00200 Lot 532 –Robert Reed JR & Amanda Odom, 2020- 67.55, 2021-66.53, 2022- 21.35, 2023-19.91 total 175.34

UNIT 3

12-02-04-03-11-11300 Lot 223 -Neil W & Ellen J Carter, 2019-62.53, 202067.55, 2021-66.53, 2022- 21.35, 202319.91 total 237.87

12-02-04-03-04-23700 Lot 12 &13, Linda Jones & Betty Bell, 2021-76.69, 2022-30.40, 2023-27.82 total 134.91

12-02-04-03-01-13700 LOT 163 –Ron Penick, 2020-67.55, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 175.34

12-02-04-03-01-03300 Lot 41 -Mark Romesburg, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-02-04-03-01-03400 Lot 40 – Mark Romesburg, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35,

2023-19.91 total 107.79

UNIT 4

12-03-05-04-02-13500 Lot 32- Doug Eckard, 2019- 85.02, 2020-89.03, 202185.72, 2022-38.40, 2023- 34.79 total 332.96

12-03-05-04-02-14100 Lot 26 –James D King, 2020-67.55, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2022-19.91 total 175.34

12-03-05-04-02-13300 Lot 34 – Aca F. McDonald, 2021-66.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-03-05-04-02-16000 Lot 3 – Kimberlee A Moore & Kris Kane, 202166.53, 2022-21.35, 2023-19.91 total 107.79

12-03-05-04-02-16100 All of lot 2Kimberlee A. Moore & Kris Kane, 2021- 95.84, 2022-47.39, 2023- 42.64 total 185.87

I, Barbara Harris, Collector, Grundy County, State of Missouri, do hereby certify that foregoing is true and correct list of lands and lots that will be offered for sale as above set forth.

Date this 7th day of July 2024 Barbara Harris. Collector Grundy County, Missouri

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

The Grundy County Commission will open Board of Equalization meetings on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.. Any persons wanting to meet with the board of equalization to discuss assessment letters received on assessed values should: First visit with the Assessor’s Office and discuss the valuation issue or call 359-4040 ext 2

IF not satisfied with results, then visit with the County Clerk’s Office to set a hearing with the board of equalization at 359-4040 ext 4. Paperwork will need to be filed in the County Clerk’s office by July 8, 2024 before a meeting can be set.

Meetings set by 2 nd Monday in July with meeting being held the 3 rd Monday of July. Statutes

LOCAL

Veterans Report A Better Experience with the V.A.

Local veterans of military service spanning from 1959 to the 1990’s report that reforms made to the Veterans Administration following the scandal of the Phoenix V.A. Hospital in 2014 have resulted in better experience for former warfighters needing assistance for injuries and illnesses relating to their military service.

Visiting the Major Dale Steppe Post 31 of the American Legion on Tuesday, June 25, our intention was to meet with veterans and find out if they were being taken care of to the degree that they should be.

The veteran’s in attendance at the meeting in-

cluded Post Commander Nathan Rorebeck (Army,1993-95, officer Arne Arenson, a contributor to much of the research done on the Legion and it’s pivotal role in passage of the G.I. Bill of Rights in 1944, Ed Arnold(Army, 1972-75), who served in Germany and then at Ft. Leavenworth, Richard Guile(Air Force, 1959-63), stationed at Edwards Air Force Base during the testing of the X-15 supersonic flight testing, Larry Starrett, (Navy, 1965-69), who served as a troop transporter up the Saigon River in Vietnam, Ken Hoch (Navy, 1967-71), posted in San Diego with three tours

off the coast of Vietnam, and transport boats to Hue, in the immediate aftermath of the Tet Offensive in 1968, Jeff Jackson(Army, 1976-1982, National Guard 1993-2012), who was recently named the Post’s Legionnaire of the Year , and Curtis Rockhold(Air Force, 1966-69) who worked in administration and retired after a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Each of the Legionnaires reported that when they have experienced needs for care, or for assistance, for the most part, their experience has been positive.

The 2017 VA Reform

[See Veteran, Page 9]

Christian School Coming to Trenton This Fall

By Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

The Trenton Christian School hopes to open for grades 2-8 this coming fall, hire a teacher/administrator and build the program a grade at a time until the school is a full K-12 school.

The School is currently taking enrollment and conducted an Open House Thursday, June 27. The Open House was held in the Church Activity Center, located just east of the church and the “home” of the new school.

The takeaway from that public get-together was significant interest in opening enrollment to grades 2-8, with the Trenton Christian School committee opting to move ahead with that extended grade level offering.

The school will be based on components of scripture, on up to three hours of dedicated, quiet, study and learning time and three hours of active, socialization time each day.

The School is to be built on “ACE” (Accelerated Christian Education) Curriculum designed to be very self-paced, and

very much accountability based. The entire premise of the school, and its structure for the delivery of education is designed on self-pacing, self-checking, and then testing.

Trenton Christian Church pastor Lori Kiehl says that the school’s formation has been a great learning experience for her.

Just back from the “Leaders for Tomorrow” conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Kiehl came home energized and immersed in the “processes” that ACE uses in building schools.

When she became active pastor of the Church in January 2024, members of her church board began to discuss needs seen by the Church and Congregation.

One item brought up was the desire to possibly found a Christian school in the community, aimed at bringing more youth and kids into the Church’s programs and services.

Kiehl asked that a needs assessment be completed.

Out of 239 responses received, 76% of those responding indicated the need for a

Christian school in Trenton, and thought the way to build it was a class or two at a time, beginning with kindergarten and first grade. The need, however, as identified in the Open House, was for grades 2-8.

The needs assessment coincided with the receipt of a large gift from former school employee Graham McVey that was “large enough that we really needed to point it towards something substantial and important.”as Kiehl related.

The school will be based on components of scripture, on up to three hours of dedicated, quiet, study and learning time and three hours of active, socialization time each day.

The school will keep standards high. They will be seeking accreditation with the Missouri Non-Public School Association, and complete the Iowa Assessments Program throughout in checking student and school progress.

The ACE program is present in all fifty states and more than 145-countries around the world. The curriculum has been tried and tested for over fifty years with ACE

students typically outperforming public school students and going on to postsecondary education very well prepared academically, and as importantly, with an instilled habit structure that leads to student success.

The school is now accepting applications for enrollment in the Fall 2024 school year. Trenton Christian School is located at First Christian Church at 1700 Princeton Road.

A $100 deposit is to be paid at the time of enrollment. Enroll online at www.trentonmochristian.com. Tuition is $152.50 per week.

Accelerated Christian Education curriculum will be used to integrate characterbuilding lessons. For more information, contact Lori Kiehl at (660) 247-0744 or email kiehllori@gmail.com

Kiehl says the goal this year is to begin with 13-students. Trenton Christian is in the process of hiring a teacher/administrator to shepherd the process from inception to completion, adding a new teacher in each subsequent year.

Photo by Mark McLaughlin

POST 31 OFFICERS: Officers of the Major Dale Steppe Post 31 of the American Legion are Finance Officer and former State officer Arne Arenson, Sergeant At Arms Jeff Jackson, Chaplain Ken Koch and Post Commander Nathan Rorebeck.

Photo by Mark McLaughlin

Army and National Guard veteran of 25-years Jeff Jackson was named the Major Dale Steppe Post 31 Legionnaire of the Year. Jackson serves as Sergeant At Arms of the Post.

Photo by Mark McLaughlin

Act made it possible for vets needing medical treatment to access care with their Tri-Care insurance at local hospitals if they were more than 40-miles away from the nearest VA Hospital.

VA services to veterans are based very largely on “rating of disability”. Several of the vets discussed their proximity to infantry and artillery, with a coinciding major hearing loss. One of the vets told of exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam as being a qualifying thing that provided service.

The VA scandal of 2014 came down to the administration of the Phoenix VA hospital delaying patient appointments, and providing bonuses to doctors and care providers who managed to keep patient expenditures low.

The result was the death of many vets who could not get into see a doctor for months, and for some even years. When the lid was blown off this scandal, the outrage of average Americans led to significant reform, and upon further examination, revealed that while Phoenix VA may have been the most egregious, the patterns on cost limiting and responsiveness to veteran needs was not limited to that hospital.

For the most part, these vets said that they got what they had needed. The G.I. Bill of Rights, passed in 1944, provided ten cate-

gories of care and services to veterans, authored, lobbied and pushed by the American Legion before it’s unanimous passaqe in both Houses of Congress and signature by President Roosevelt.

The G.I. Bill provided for: Adequate hospitalization, Prompt settlement of disability claims, Review of discharges, Musteringout pay, Educational opportunity, Vocational and on-the-job training, An effective Veteran’s employment or Placement Service, Readjustment allowances, Loans to aid the veteran in purchasing a home, farm or small business and Concentrations of all Veteran’s functions in the VA.

LOCAL

that the3 G.I. Bill of Rights was one of the best pieces of legislation ever passed by the Congress. That the V.A. moved from a bureau under the DOD to become it’s own cabinet level department in the last 15years reflected that even as vets come home from war, they often bring the war home with them.

Homelessness, treatment of PTSD, and veteran suicide, now up to 135,000 veterans a year is a national crisis that lawmakers, nongovernmental organizations, and veteran advocates have prioritized for years.

One thing learned from discussion with the Legionnaires was that there are many veterans who are entitled to services they have not followed up on, or signed up for.

They are self-sufficient, individually tough and deeply principled. While war is hell, it is defining for our servicemen and our veterans as they return from it changed, mature, older than their years, and deep in their wisdom.

There is no better expenditure of taxpayer dollars than giving back to men and women who gave everything they had to defend our country.

That we’re doing a better job of taking care of them, by their account, is reassuring.

Officers in Post 31 for the next year are: Nathan Rorebeck, Commander; Cristine Chaney, First Vice; Vince Fender, Adjutant; Arne Arenson, Finance Officer; Kenneth Koch, Chaplain; Jeff Jackson, Sgt. of Arms Post 31 meets the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Veteran • FROM PAGE EIGHT•

Education and training benefits were the most popular parts of the G.I. Bill, claimed by 51 percent of veterans. Some 2.2 million attended college or graduate school, and 5.6 million prepared for vocations in fields such as auto mechanics, electrical wiring, and construction. Veterans could attend any institution that admitted them, using benefits that covered even the costliest tuition and helped support spouses and children. Nearly three of every ten veterans used low-interest mortgages to buy homes, farms or businesses. The economic impact was huge. In 1955, for example, the Veterans Administration backed close to a third of housing starts. One can make the point

As with all bureaucracy, the paperwork for gaining service eligibility is overwhelming for a lot of warfighters of all ages.

Rorebeck, Arenson, and others spoke of Wayne Kleinsmith, a Trenton VFW member, who spends a lot of his time assisting local vets with sign-up and helping them navigate the jungle of making sense of V.A. requirements, limits, and roadblocks.

While veteran issues should be at the forefront of our public discussion in an election year, the one thing this group did not do was whine and complain about things.

Missouri Department of Economic Resources project specialist Scott Sharp meets with visitors at GRM Fiber Field Day last Friday at Princeton.

Photo by Mark McLaughlin

GRM CEO Mitch Bailey (check story) addresses visitors at the GRM Fiber Field Day last Friday in Princeton. Six area broadband providers joined in the celebration recognizing the accelerated deployment of broadband internet service in North Central and Northeast Missouri.

Photo by Mark McLaughlin

Special BOE Meeting in June for Grundy

R-V School District LOCAL

The Board approved amending the 2023-24 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues for the year. Actual expenditure were $2,920,176 and actual revenues were $ 3,076,767.

The Board reviewed and approved the preliminary 2o24-25 budget. Revenue is expected to be $2,619,318 and expenditures at $2,846,946.

The Board approved a bid for a new lawn mower from Pettijohn of Trenton for $12,594. The Board approved the

district participation in the 2024-25 Teacher Baseline Grant.

The Board discussed changes to the high school handbook, no action was taken.

An executive session was held; the Board approved the hiring of Caitlyn White as the assistant cook at the elementary school.

The next regular meeting of the Grundy R-V School Board will be Wednesday, July 16 at 6:00 in the high chool business room.

Chalk Talk

by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

By Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com

The depantsing of Joe Biden in last Thursday’s Presidential debate signaled disaster afoot for Democrats in potentially losing the White House, the Senate, losing a lot of ground in the House, Governor’s races and state legislatures all the way down the ballot.

The question coming out of the debate was whether Donald Trump won the debate or Joe Biden lost it.

I think it was a little of Trump winning by keeping his cool, circling back time after time to immigration, runaway inflation, surrendering energy dominance for energy dependence, and reminding Americans at every turn that people have died because of the policies of Joe Biden… military people, little girls and housewives, police officers and others.

Biden struggled to complete sentences, his voice trailing off into gibberish again and again, and if his presentation was designed to convince America to give him four more years as Commander in Chief, it opened the question as to whether or not he could conclude the next seven months of this term as President.

Some people in the know wonder if he can serve for another seven minutes.

In the aftermath, pundits, political experts and talking heads on CNN, MSNBC and the other alphabet news divisions had no choice but to call it what it was … an unmitigated disaster.

But let’s take a timeout, with the benefit of 96-hours in the rear view to look at what really occurred last Thursday night.

The mainstream media, Democratic Congressional leadership, the Obamas and the Clintons have sworn to us up and down from 2020 on that Joe Biden, despite what we see, hear and glean from his appearances on TV, is not the doddering octogenarian we see with our own eyes, but rather a smooth, savvy, compassionate good guy who may not have the fastball anymore, but still has breaking balls, sliders and an occasional spit ball to get out of the inning at least even.

Ninety minutes in Atlanta Thursday night shattered the story, the propaganda, and the greatest lie ever told to the American people.

That Joe Biden is fit to be President.

While media, and mostly conservative media has covered the cover-up and has told us that all of this was a sham from the jump, I still don’t believe even they have made

the most important connection.

That the American people have been gaslighted. That it is more than just a conspiracy theory that other people besides Joe are behind the curtain pulling the levers. That this wanton action by the media, the Party, the campaign, and those around Biden have known from the beginning that he could not take the 3:00 AM call that Presidents have to take.

That staffers with lanyards, 20 and 30 somethings, are making the decisions. That major policy is coming from Barack Obama, that the moves the Administration makes that make Biden look so awful are designed to accomplish the “fundamental transformation of America” Obama promised 16-years ago, and land hard on a guy who is being sacrificed.

At least he doesn’t feel the hits. He isn’t even aware of them.

Article II of the Constitution sets forth the responsibilities of the Office of the President, his roles, his duties, and the complicated processes the President follows every day.

Biden has been proven to be incapable of the most basic elements of doing the job he swore an oath to do.

The way you know that even Biden’s own supporters have been snookered is how shocked they were at what they saw Thursday night. They have spent four years-plus foundering on the Kool-Aid of what they’ve been told.

The biggest of big lies.

You know that it wasn’t just Biden who was stripped naked Thursday night. It was the entire Democratic machine.

And the way you know, is how the machine recovered between hour 36 and 96, closed ranks and sent this message…

1—Thursday night was a one off

2—Joe is great between 9 AM and 4 AM

3—We stand by Joe, he’s our guy no matter what

4—We made $34 million dollars in the aftermath of the Debate

Don’t worry. It’s all good. There’s nothing to see here.

Don’t believe your lying eyes. Joe is fine.

The Democratic Machine is trying to confuse the issue, buy time until the July 11 sentencing of Trump on the Bragg records falsification farce in New York. Judge Juan Mershan is being pressured to sock a jail sentence on Donald Trump or place him under house arrest.

It is their only hope.

While the outcome on July 11 could be a complication for Trump, it is the head fake of all head fakes for the Democrats.

It is the only thing that can change a news cycle that will last three weeks, and then people will be told that Biden is the only hope of the country to save them from big bad Donald Trump.

They are betting that America’s collective case of Attention Deficit Disorder will save them one more time, and that they survive their worst nightmare.

That they have tried to defraud, fool, and smoke one by the American people. This is one “dark one” where Americans must, must, must not dive out of the batter’s box.

Joe Biden cannot serve as President. Democrats have fed you the biggest of biggest of biggest of lies.

They must be held accountable for that.

LAREDO NEWS

On Tue., June 18, Ron Sawyer and his brother Vernon Sawyer and their families held a 100th birthday celebration for their mother, Grace Parsons, who lives in the Indian Hills-Stonebridge Community Nursing Home in Chillicothe. Eleven year old Anna Brose spent June 19 – 23 with her grandparents, Vernon and Patty Sawyer. Anna is the daughter of David and Amy Brose of Liberty. Vernon, Patty and Anna attended the wedding of Logan Foster and Braxton Shanks at the Rural Dale Baptist Church on Fri., June 21.

Randy and Carmella Foster’s overnight guests on June 20 were their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Matt Foster of Smithville and their family. Megan and Matt’s sons, Jackson and Mason were two of the groomsmen, and their daughter, Sydney was a bridesmaid in the Foster/Shanks wedding on June 21. Randy and Carmella’s other grandchildren, Morgan and Jordan Foster, daughters of Matt and Keri Foster of Laredo,

were two more bridesmaids.

Alpha Baptist Church held a Yee-Haw Cowboy Supper Celebration on Sat., June 22 to honor the Mothers and Fathers. There were 42 in attendance. The western theme included an authentic-looking setting and servers; and old western background music was played to fit the occasion. There was a lot of picturetaking, fellowship and good food.

Dan and Carol Wilford drove to Lee’s Summit on Sat., June 22, to spend the day with their son and daughter-in-law, John and Ingrid Wilford. On Thur., June 27, Dan attended the North Central MO Mental Health Center Open House. The event, commemorating its 50th anniversary, was held in the basement conference room of the Trenton office. Dan was a licensed professional counselor for the Mental Health Center from July 8, 1984 until September 2018. Steve and Naomi Campbell of Marshall spent Sat., June 29 with Naomi’s parents, Dan and Carol Wilford.

HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Williams Shopping Center • Trenton, MO

Submitted by Jeanie

Gibson

Southside Farm Club

The Southside Farm Club met Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the home of the hostess, Jacky Mack, of rural Grundy County with ten members and two guests, Anna Lou Mack Martin and Mindy Mack Bragg. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal with the main course of a baked chicken dish prepared by Jacky along with rolls and beverages. The members prepared and brought many sides plus five desserts.

The meeting was brought to order after the meal by President, Babette Hill, and roll call chosen by the hostess was, “What summer activity do you enjoy?” The answers were varied including: family reunions, water skiing, watching birds, watching crops grow, traveling, planting flowers, camping, music concerts, watching sunsets, swim-

ming and mowing. Jeanie Gibson read the minutes of the last meeting, which were approved as read, and the treasurer’s report was given. There was no unfinished business and during new business, Marie Dolan, who will be the hostess of the December meeting asked if the previously scheduled date of December 11, 2024, could be moved to December 18, 2024. It was the concensus of the members present that would be fine with the group. It was noted that a contribution from the general fund will be sent to the local breast cancer awareness group. The hostess gift of a pretty potted pink Gerbera daisy was given to Judith Urich and the mystery gift of a multi-opener kitchen tool was won by Ellen Dolan.

The program was given by Ellen Dolan who noted that June 19th was an official Federal

holiday commemorating the freedom of slaves in 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation and executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1,1863, during the Civil War. It became the Thirteenth amendment to the US Constitution after the Senate passed it on April 18,1864, and passed by the House of Representatives on January 31,1865. In many places, the news was hidden by slaveholders to preserve slavery. In Galveston,Texas, 250,000 slaves were set free more than two years later. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021. Festivals, parties and church services are now held on this date to commemorate this holiday.

Ellen also told of a slave cabin that is now being restored near the Thompson House, which is the oldest standing

building in Grundy County, Missouri. The builder, Dr. William Preston Thompson and his family, were one of the first settlers to arrive in this area around 1834. It was built by his six slaves including one named Jefferson Waterford. The slave cabin will have a stone fireplace when it is finished. Emery Zook and a few of his sons have been working on this project near Crowder Park.

Ellen also told of many early settlers to the area of which many coming from the Kentucky area also had slaves. Many of Trenton’s streets are named for many of these early settlers. They include Harris, Shanklin,Tindall, and Moberly. Other settlers included Perkins, Kilburn, Skinner, Embry, Thompson and Wynne.

The next meeting will be held July 17, 2024, with Sue Brewer as the hostess. The meeting was adjourned.

The Grand River Mutual Network Fiber Field Day, held at the Princeton office June 27, was an outstanding presentation on the collaborative efforts of area broadband internet providers, economic development leaders, and state and federal officials.

Much was learned about the process of rural broadband access, which, interestingly, echos the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 and the development of rural telephone in the 1950’s.

GRM, which has coverage of over 4,500 square miles in North Missouri and South Iowa, began the “deployment” of fiber broadband service in 2009 and through state and federal funding, appropriations and matching grants by 2016 had brought the potential of each customer able to possess their own ethernet connection, not sharing broadband space with other customers.

GRM CEO Mitchell Bailey explained that $37 million in United States Department of Agriculture(USDA) Reconnect 1 and 3 grants had been received by GRM to continue, update and upgrade their broadband services to customers.

The focus of the project was to connect areas left out of internet service during the school shutdowns of COVID years, to provide, offer and extend telehealth services to patients and provide “face time” discussions between doctors and patients without requiring office visits.

Bailey noted a specific connection for Parkinson’s Disease patients that allowed them to gain consultations, and treatment from Parkinson’s experts around the country.

That is for-real, “make a difference” advances in al-

lowing internet users to do a heck of a lot more than just play video games, post on Facebook or Tik Tok or You Tube, but to actually communicate with needed services in a two-way fashion.

That is impactful.

David Adams, CEO of Green Hills Media out of Breckenridge, who has extended fiber optic service to Chillicothe spoke to a $45 million investment by the Cooperative to match the incoming Federal Funds.

Taylor Holland, of NTCA Rural Broadband Association said the initiative “creates local heroes” out of teachers, doctors, and connections to farmers and farm experts. He lauded the work of the Cooperatives and of local economic development (NCMDA) for example in helping to develop “business incubators” in high schools to build job training and options, and to fully connect small rural downtown business districts in 21st century level telecommunications.

BJ Tangsley, Director of the Missouri State Office of Broadband Expansion, emphasized the willingness of the local cooperatives to put their own money where their mouth was in ponying up millions of dollars to match the grants received.

“Broadband creates two-way communicators, not just purchasers or passive consumers.”Tangsley said.”It doesn’t ensure that the growth and exponential potential of this process will happen, but it won’t happen at all if they don’t have the service.”

Tangsley said that a lot of credit needed to go to county governments, the legislature, and the governor’s office for their promotion of the program and the process.

Tangsley said that $261 million had gone into 54,000

new broadband connections in Missouri that had received high speed internet.He added that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill proposed and managed through Congress by the Biden Administration resulted in a $367 billion investment in broadband, roads and bridges, and other needed infrastructure improvement.

The final speaker of the afternoon was Will McIntee, former Iowan and current Director of Strategic Engagement for Sports and Infrastructure in the Biden White House.

McIntee spoke to a nationwide $42.5 billion investment through the Act towards broadband installation.

“The President believes strongly that every American should have access to broadband, regardless of zip code”McIntee said.”And he believes that it needs to be affordable as well.”

Pointing to family farms as the “engine of the economy”, McIntee concluded by noting that all that goes into this project and process effects clean water, roads and bridges, and clean energy programs.

“It is local people … these cooperatives and the people they employ who take the “concept”, apply the hard work and turn it into something that is real, substantial and effects the lives of normal people everywhere.”McIntee said.

After the speakers concluded their remarks, the entire group adjourned to a “sample construction” site to demonstrate the process to those in attendance.

“It’s rarely as easy as it looks.”said Bailey.”You’ll never know how many 45-degree angles our installers confront when they are putting this into place.”

GRM Fiber Field Day A Tremendous Success... and Eye Opening Commissioners Meet in Regular Session

By Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer

The Grundy County Commissioners met in regular session at the Courthouse on Tuesday, June 26.

Presiding Commissioner Phillip Ray and Associate Commissioner Don Sager were in attendance. Associate Commissioner Brad Chumbley was absent.

Commissioner Ray attended a meeting at Grundy County Electric, and took a check for the new meter at the 911 site while he was there.

Grundy County Rural Fire and Ambulance Director Matt Walker provided Department updates. Walker noted air conditioning issues with the trucks, stating that this time of year with extreme heat, they struggle to keep up. They talked about parking Medic Ambulance 4 at the Road and Bridge Barn until the new truck is delivered, and then move to sell Med 4.

Republican-Times staff writer Mark McLaughlin

came to the commission to ask questions about the situation with Sheriff’s pay and deputy pay and how much deputies are making a year. The Commissioners noted that deputy pay is not within their purview to set salaries or per hour wages, but that this falls within the Sheriff setting salaries from his own budget, rather than being set by the commissioners.

Sheriff Herring has suggested that citizens concerned with deputy pay needed to contact the commissioners.

Barb Harris, Grundy County Treasurer, brought in information she received on the impact of SB 190, the bill proposing the freezing of county property taxes on seniors currently drawing social security taxes.

The Road and Bridge crew visited the commissioners and said all they have been doing is working on the county truck trying to get it to start.

The meeting adjourned at noon.

North 65 Center Menu

Friday July 5th

CLOSED

Monday, July 8th

Wednesday, July 10th

Thursday July, 11th

Tuesday, July 9th

Loose Beef on Bun, Pickles & onions, Seasoned Potato Wedges, Fruit

Cocktail

Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potato/Gravy,

Green Beans, Applesauce, Biscuit

Baked Ham, 3 Bean Salad, Pickled Beets, Pears, Wheat Bread

Pork Roast, Red Potatoes, Carrots, Peaches, Wheat Bread

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle by Jacqueline

ACROSS

1. Six (Spanish)

5. Invests in little enterprises 9. Large dung beetle 11. Gored 13. Partially paralyzed 15. Still a little wet 16. Legal field media company 17. Not working 19. 500 sheets of paper 21. Church structure 22. Sheep disease 23. Small drink of whiskey 25. Weaving tradition

26. Pestilence

27. Body part

29. Nabs

31. Places to stay

33. Witnesses 34. Looked for 36. Arranges

38. Political action committee

39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.)

41. Hair-like structure

43. Parts producer

44. Greek city 46. Subway dwellers

48. Norm from “Cheers”

52. Clean a floor

53. Vied for 54. Canned fish

56. Inspire with love

57. Sent down moisture 58. Wrest 59. Partner to carrots DOWN 1. Mounted 2. Assign 3. Wrath 4. Selfimmolation by fire ritual

E. Mathews

5. Parts of an organism 6. Person from England 7. Tropical plants of the pea family 8. Body part 9. Practice boxing 10. Containers 11. Contrary beliefs

12. Bleached 14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian 15. A group of similar things ordered one after another 18. Innermost spinal cord membranes 20. Cassava 24. A restaurant's list of offerings 26. Annoy constantly 28. Orchestrate 30. Z Z Z 32. Astute 34. Highly decorated tea urn 35. Teach to behave 37. Endurance 38. Urinating 40. Barbie friend dolls

42. Repents 43. Man-eating giant

45. Jewish calendar month

47. Accelerated 49. Husband of Sita in Hindu 50. Lump of semiliquid substance

51. Lying in wait 55. Cease to exist

COMICS

Buying fireworks?

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without some fireworks. And U.S. consumers are spending more and more to

$5.28 per pound in 2021, but up from $4.92 in 2020 and $4.02 in 2019. And the number of people seeking out fireworks also appears to be growing. The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics found that 44% of consumers plan to commemorate this Thursday with fireworks or another community celebration — up from 42% in 2023 and 37% in 2022. Beyond these festivities, NRF and Prosper expect July 4th celebrants to spend an average of $90.42 per person on

Garfield® by Jim Davis

Alley Oop® by Joey Alison Sayers and Jonathan Lemon

For Better or For Worse® by Lynn Johnson

Frank & Ernest® by Bob Thaves

The Born Loser® by Art and Chip Sansom

Shoe® by Jeff MacNelly

Occupation Outside your Public Office

Attorney for 17 years with the Andereck, Evans, Milne & Peace Law Firm, Trenton office, handling and trying cases in the four counties of the 3 rd Circuit and elsewhere in the State of Missouri. I am currently the Associate Circuit Judge of Mercer County. My wife and I also operate a small beef cattle operation on our family farm. Public offices sought, or held, during your political career

I am a candidate for Circuit Judge of the 3 rd Judicial Circuit. I was elected as Associate Circuit Judge in 2014. I am currently serving my third term as Associate Circuit Judge, now my 10 th year. I am a former City Attorney and prosecutor for the Cities of Princeton and Mercer.)

Educational background, training, degrees, Graduated Princeton igh School, Salutatorian in 1990. Graduated agna cum laude with a achelor of Science Degree from Benedictine college in 1994, Political Science/Prelaw. I earned my Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law in 1997 with an emphasis in Trial Practice and Procedure.

Occupation Outside your Public Office

Besides being a full-time Circuit Judge, my wife and I operate a farm south of Trenton. We raise beef cattle, show cattle, laying hens and butcher chickens. Public offices sought, or held, during your political career

Grundy County Prosecutor (1987-1998), Associate Circuit Judge (1999-2023), appointed Circuit Judge by Governor Parson (2023-current)

Educational background, training, degrees, I graduated from Trenton High School in 1979. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree from William Jewell College in 1983; and in 1986 I graduated law school with a Juris Doctorate from the

Judges • FROM FRONT PAGE•

Judge Matthew Krohn

Seventeen (17) years of mandatory Continuing Legal Education, including legal ethics hours for lawyers. Missouri Bar Leadership Academy graduate. Served on the 3 rd Circuit Treatment (“Drug”) Court team since January 2015 with the last two elected Circuit Judges – the onorable Jack Peace and the Honorable Thomas Alley. Currently serving as the 3 rd Circuit reatment Court Supervisory Judge for all four counties and have for the past three (3) years. Ten (10) years of annual mandatory and additional Continuing Legal ducation hours for Judges on areas of law heard and handled by the Circuit Judge, including criminal, civil, juvenile and family law. Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals training multi-year attendee. National association of Treatment Court Professionals training. Served on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and commissioners (“MAPACJC”) 2022-24, and served as Secretary of the Board. I served on the Faculty of MAPACJC Annual training Conference in April 2024 educating fellow judges. Was one of 50 judges selected by the Missouri Supreme Court to participate in issouri’s first- ever domestic violence summit for trial ourt judges in 2015. The summit was funded by a grant from the U.S. department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women.

Describe what you believe to be the role of a circuit court judge

The role of a Circuit Judge is to faithfully and impartially determine all matters that come before the court promptly and fairly based on the evidence presented as determined by applicable law. The Circuit Judge serves as the presiding judge and as the chief administrative officer. The Circuit Judge also presides over en banc meetings, which are business meetings that typically involve all the judges and Circuit Clerks of each county. The Circuit Judge handles the Division One criminal and civil law days in each county. The Circuit Judge also hears juvenile cases in each county. The Circuit Judge is responsible for handling criminal cases that are bound over from Associate Circuit Court on felonies and misdemeanors, and the Judge presides over those cases through disposition, sentencing or trial. The Circuit Judge also presides over criminal and civil jury trials for cases filed in Circuit Court. Historically, the Circuit Judge in the 3 rd Circuit has pre-

Judge Stephen Hudson

UMKC School of Law, where I received the “Thomas Trial Practice Award”.

Describe what you believe to be the role of a circuit court judge

The Circuit Judge in the 3rd Circuit is selected by the registered voters of the counties within the circuit. The Circuit judge serves as the Presiding Judge, who serves as the chief administrative officer over all circuit divisions. The Circuit Judge, as should any judge, should defend and follow the Constitution, hold wrongdoers accountable, deliver timely justice and ensure impartiality in the courtroom.

As an office holder, what do you believe are your accomplishments or work you are proudest of in this position? What will you prioritize and what needs will you address with another term in office?

The Grundy County Commissioners recently approached me with the suggestion of making some much needed updates and improvements to the Grundy County Courtroom. I fully support their decision in doing so. The Harrison County courtroom has acoustical issues. I would like to see equipment installed in that courtroom that would inhibit the echo issues we currently have there. This would improve the courtroom environment for all of those involved including guests in the courtroom, defendants, attorneys, prosecutors, clerks and court reporters. Also, I would like to see a portable microphone system in the courtrooms in Mercer, Grundy and Harrison Counties. Do you wish to contrast yourself with your opponent? Why should the voters vote for you?

I am currently the Circuit Judge for the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which includes Grundy, Mercer, Harrison and Putnam Counties. I have been a judge for almost 26-years. Over seventy-five percent of the cases I have presided

sided over the 3 rd Circuit Treatment (“Drug”) Court Program for the four counties.

The Circuit Judge is also responsible for working with the Commissioners in each county to establish a budget for the Presiding Judge’s Office and Courts. What do you propose to prioratize, and what needs will you address if elected to a term in office?

To handle cases and court business in a professional, fair and effective manner.

Do you wish to contrast yourself with your opponent? Why should the voters vote for you?

I have the knowledge, training and experience which qualifies me for the office of Circuit Judge. When our last elected Circuit Judge, the Honorable Tom Alley, was battling cancer, Judge Alley named me as Acting Presiding Judge, as needed. Further, after Judge Alley passed in April of last year, the Missouri Supreme Court appointed me as the Interim Presiding Judge of the 3 rd Circuit and I served in that capacity. I have extensive jury trial experience. I was a trial lawyer and tried numerous jury trials. I also have presided over several jury trials as a judge, and I am knowledgeable and well- versed in trial practice and procedure. I believe in respecting people’s time and holding court as scheduled. I am known for being organized and well prepared. I am proficient at moving and handling cases to which I am assigned. I believe in making prompt decisions after due consideration after cases and matters are heard. Historically, the Circuit Judge has presided over and led the 3 rd Circuit Treatment Court Program for the four counties. I have been involved in our Treatment Court Program as a team member and judge since 2015, and I have been presiding over the 3 rd Circuit Treatment Court Program for the last three years. If elected, I will faithfully and impartially serve as judge, and I will uphold the dignity and professionalism of the Court. Is there anything else you wish to highlight for purposes of outreach to the voters?

For more information about me as a candidate, please visit https://krohnforjudge.com

over have been criminal cases. It has always been my opinion that a Circuit Judge should have a background in criminal law. I believe my background as a Criminal and Civil Attorney, a Prosecutor, as well as my long standing career as the Grundy County Associate Judge combined with the fact that I am the candidate that has proven that I can and will continue to effectively fulfill the duties as the 3rd Circuit Judge. I have a proven record of being able to handle large numbers of civil and criminal cases at a time while making clear, timely, concise and fair rulings.. Is there anything else you wish to highlight for purposes of outreach to the voters?

First and foremost, I am a family-man, a father to three grown children and a Grandfather to an amazing granddaughter. I am the son of two parents that taught me the value of hard work, a strong work ethic, and to treat people the way one would like to be treated. My parents were married for over 50 years until my father passed away in 2013. My mother, Dorothy was a school secretary in the Trenton School District and my Father Jerry worked in Quality Control at Trenton Foods for over 40 years. I am a Christian who was raised in the Wesley United Church, where I still attend services on Sunday.

I have served on numeroÇus boards, committees and organizations, including the NCMO Fair board, where I served as President two times. I have also served on the Grundy County United Way Board, NCMC Occupations and Advisory committee and the Trenton R-9 Vocational Agriculture Advisory Committee and many others.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the constituents of Grundy County for over 25 years as the Associate Circuit Judge, and it continues to be an honor to serve Grundy, Mercer, Harrison and Putnam Counties as your current Circuit Judge.

SPORTS LOCAL

P. E. O. Sisterhood Promotes Education for Women

• FROM PAGE 16 •

7—ALABAMA

—Kalen DeBoer has lost something like 14-games in his entire coaching career spanning two decades. He is Elite Level Good. He lost 21-players from Saban’s roster when he got the job, but put them back together. Getting Caleb Proctor to re-transfer from Iowa back to Alabama was a big get. Jalen Millroe is an exciting player for the Tide, and DeBoer’s work with Michael Penix is what Milroe needs to make the jump from very good to elite.

RECOMMENDATION: “Hold” — ’Bama won’t get through the regular season with less than two losses, but they’ll still be in this position at the end.

8—MISSOURI

—Picked by Athlon as the number six team in a 16-team SEC, Coach Drink’s Tigers are not going to lose a step. With an electrifying ability to throw the ball all over the yard and run outside zones until your eyes bleed, the Brady Cook-Luther Burden III combination might be the best QB-WR hookup in the entire country. Drink did well in the transfer portal and lost next to nothing. They’ll be 7-0 on October 29 when they play Alabama. Oklahoma is next week. Don’t expect a lot of love for Missouri unless they bounce the Tide and Sooners in successive weeks. It is doable.

RECOMMENDATION: “Buy” — No doubt in my mind that Mizzou is a top five team this year.

9—UTAH

—Cam Rising returns for a 6th year to lead the Utes into their inaugural season in the Big 12. If the Big 12 has lacked dominating defensive teams for a long time, Kyle Whittingham’s guys will set a tone for how coaches recruit after this. I like these guys a lot, but games with Oklahoma State, Arizona, TCU, and Iowa State, plus a kickoff game with Baylor will shed light. I like Kansas a lot as well … I see Utah and KU in the Big 12-Championship

game.

RECOMMENDATION: “Hold” — Utah has more new “scouts” to do than anyone in the country in this position (except Oregon, now in the BIG 10). Can’t see them escaping unscathed. Utes are one of those teams that start out good, and barring injuries like they suffered last year, finish stronger in November.

10—MICHIGAN

—I am not seeing it with these guys under Sherrone Moore. While they will punish opponents with their ground game this year, a new quarterback and new position/skill guys short of Donovan Edwards in the backfield make Big Blue rely on the defense. They’ll be good, but… games with Texas, USC, Washington, Oregon and Ohio State make it hard for me to see how Michigan wins more than three of those contests. 8-4 not out of the realm of possibility, and missing the playoffs likely.

RECOMMENDATION: “Sell”---Run for the exits, folks…If Sherrone finds a way to beat Ryan Day in “The Game”, he will be renamed Jesus Christ. The next ten: 11—Florida State— “BUY”. 12— Penn State— “SELL” 3—NC State— “SELL” 14—LSU—’SELL” 15—Tennessee—’BU Y, BUY BUY!!!”” 16— Clemson—”HOLD” 17—K-State— “BUY, BUY BUY” 18—Oklahoma “HOLD” 19—Oklahoma State— “BUY” 20—Arizona— “HOLD”

I like Florida State, Tennessee and Kansas State to make the biggest jumps ito the Top Ten this year. FSU has a lot to prove after being left out of the playoff last year, and Coach Mike Norvell has to “resell” his team on the vision. Tennessee’s Nico Maleavela is a Cam Newton, Vince Young, kind of guy that can really play. K-State’s Avery Clark has faster feet than anyone since Johnny Manziel and an arm as good as any around. The Wildcats will be fun to watch.

The Missouri State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood held its 130th annual convention June 7-9, 2024.

More than 300 representatives of PE.O. chapters across Missouri attended including delegates Barbara Cox, President of Chapter MN and Marjorie Kuehn , President of Chapter AD both of Trenton, MO.

Also attending were Terry Cobb, member of Chapter AD who serves the Missouri State Chapter as P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund chairman and Connie Hoffman, Treasurer of Chapter AD and Chairmanof the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a philanthropic educational organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and the stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, MO; and motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations. There are just under 6,000 chapters in the United States and Canada with over 200,000 members.

The purposes of P.E.O. are educational and philanthropic, accomplished through projects on the

local, state and international levels. The six international projects include:

P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, a revolving loan fund at low interest.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship that funds graduate study for foreign women.

Cottey College in Nevada, MO, a four-year liberal arts college for women.

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, grant assistance for women to resume educational studies after a break.

P.E.O. Scholar Awards, grants for women of the U.S. and Canada pursuing advanced degrees or are engaged in advanced study and research.

P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, qa scholarship for high school seniors to attend college.

In addition, Missouri chapters provide scholarships for women to attend Cottey College and fund the Missouri P.E.O. Outreach Fund, a state project to assist those either aged and infirm or needy and infirm.

For further information contact Barbara Cox at the_coxes@hotmail.com or Marjorie Kuehn at mkuehn26@yahoo.com

Missouri Tiger Football Preview

By Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com

Any doubt that Missouri football fans may have had in Coach Eli Drinkwitz going into year three disappeared when Drinkwitz, responding to a storm of criticism lobbed at quarterback Brady Cook, basically told Missouri fans to go to hell, and appreciate what they had.

While it may have taken the fans awhile to embrace Cook, Drinkwitz most important constituency, the Missouri football team, were sold. By the end of the season, and the clock counted down to zeroes in Missouri’s 14-3 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, the verdict was in. Missouri football was back. Eli Drinkwitz could be elected Governor.

Brady Cook was a darned fine quarterback, and Luther Burden III was the most electric wide receiver in college football this side of Marvin Harrison III.

Harrison is gone. Burden is back, a remarkable bit of re-recruiting by Drinkwitz and staff to persuade Burden, a probable

first or second round NFL draft choice should he have so chosen, to come back to Columbia for another year.

Following a 10-2 season, with losses only to Georgia and LSU, the Tigers are picked by Athlon Sports to finish 6th in the SEC and start the year as the number 8 team in the country.

They lose All-American Cory Schrader, the Truman State walk-on who became one of the most captivating stories in all of college football last year. Georgia State transfers Marcus Carroll and Appalachian State’s Nate Noel look to be tremendous adds for the Tigers rushing game this year, behind a stacked offensive line, where Oklahoma transfer Cayden Green at guard and SMU transfer Marcus Bryant bolster an already outstanding group.

Cook, back for his third year as Quarterback thrived in Drinkwitz run-pass offensive system, completing 66% of his passes, with Burden number two outside receiver Theo Wease able to catch a lot of balls as well.

While Missouri’s defense experienced some losses last year, they took a solid rep into the year and performed well, minus the game against LSU’s Jayden Daniels, where the Heisman Trophy winner may have won the award. Seven transfers join returning Edge Rusher holy terror Johnny Walker, who was all over quarterbacks all year. Zion Turner (exMichigan State) and Chris McClellan(ex-Florida) will tie down one defensive end spot and a DT spot to make the Mizzou front line a tough out.

The secondary took some hits to graduation but returning safety Joseph Charleston is joined by transfer corner Toriano Pride from Clemson coming on to help.

Athlon tabs Carroll, the transfer running back, as the player to watch in the Missouri program this year as a run-pass catch threat who ran for 1,354 yards and 13-touchdowns and 23catches for 234-yards.

A giant part of Cook’s efficiency in running the Missouri offense last year was the use of Schrader as

a check down receiver, who could catch and then carve up chunks of yardage after the catch.

Missouri, as noted, notches the number 8 spot in ESPN’s preseason top25. A “light” schedule could make the Tigers 7-0 before they play Alabama October 29 and Oklahoma, new to the SEC but familiar to Missouri fans the first week of November.

Drinkwitz has been brilliant in building the Missouri program around sayings and themes aimed at articulating a vision that the players turn into a mission.

Last year, Drinkwitz said, “"We have two signs in our team room, (which are) 'Improve every day makes us better,' and 'Embrace your role with the team first,' and I think those two signs kind of describe exactly what our kids do. You know, just because you are denied at that moment in time doesn't mean you're denied forever. You just go back to the process of working and improving, and when your opportunity is called, you can take advantage of it.”

Drinkwitz Holds a 40-22 overall coaching record and stands 28-21 at Missouri.

While there was a little bit of “simmer” under his seat a year ago, Drinkwitz seized the momentum and the work logged in three previous years.

It’s said that a college football coach needs four years to completely rebuild any program in his own image, to get his own players and install his own program.

This is year five. Picked to finish behind Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas, and Tennessee, Drinkwitz sees ONLY Alabama and Oklahoma, listed behind them as legitimate threats.

A trip to the twelve team College Football Playoff is not out of the realm of possibility, and the work done over five years to make everyone in Columbia believers is “in the soup.”

Missouri could be a top five team by season’s end if they catch that elusive “lightning in a bottle” teams need to make deep runs in the college football game.

They appear geared to do so.

TRENTON REPUBLICAN-TIMES

NCMC Elevates Two Assitants to Associate Head Coach Status

Lesli Collins

players and Academic AllAmericans.

Suttenfield will be entering his thirteenth year with the Pirate's baseball team in 2024-25. In that time, NCMC has collected a Region XVI Championship in the 2022-23 season, had 11 First Team All-Region selections including the program's first All-

American during 2023-24. Additionally, Pirate's baseball has had 57 Academic All-Americans during his tenure. Countless players have been placed at all levels of 4-year schools with some moving on to play professional baseball during his time in the program.

The North Central Missouri College Athletic Department is excited to announce the promotion of Lesli Collins and Ryan Suttenfield from their roles as Assistant Coaches to Associate Head Coaches. Their promotions are an acknowledgement of their years of dedication to the women's basketball and baseball programs, respec-

tively. Each coach plays a vital role in the success of these NCMC programs.

Collins, who is entering her eighteenth year with the women's basketball program, has helped lead the Lady Pirates to 6 Region XVI titles and 4 National Tournament appearances. She has also coached 7 NJCAA All-Americans plus numerous All-Region

Ryan Suttenfield

TRENTON R-IX SUMMER SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES

The following schedule was released from Trenton R-IX Athletic Director John Cowling on summer athletic opportunities for Bulldog boys and girls athletes.

DEAD WEEK — August 3-11

No athletic activities will take place during this week.

WEIGHT ROOM TIMES:

High School Boys Weights: (MWF)-6:30 to 8:00 AM

High School Girls Weights: (MWF) 8:00 to 9:30 AM

Middle School Boys Weights: (TU, TH) 7:00-8:15 AM

Middle School Girls Weights: (Tu, TH) 8:30-9:45 AM

OPEN GYM/OPEN COURT/OPEN FIELD TIMES:

High School Boys Wrestling: (MWF) 8:00-9:30 AM

High School Girls Wrestling: (MWF) 9:30-11:00 AM

High School Girls Basketball: (MWF) 9:30-11:30 AM

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL (MWF) 8:00-9:30 AM

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF Tu-Th

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Middle School Football (TH) 10:00-11:00 am (after weights)

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS

Open Court 10:00 AM-11:30 am

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS

Open Court Tu, Th

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

Open Field (T/TR) 9:00-10:30 AM

SOFTBALL CAMPS

July Date: TBD at Chillicothe or Trenton Softball Team Camp: Mornings July 29-August 2

THSL/MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CAMP

July 22-26 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

DRUMLINE

July 15-19 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

JULY 22-26 8:00-AM-4:00 PM

COLOR GUARD CAMP

Full Band and Color Guard Camp

July 22-26 8:00-4:00 PM

*The Republican-Times will keep this schedule updated through the summer.

Football Preview

With high school sports in “dead week” in off-season programming this week, let’s indulge our own guilty pleasure this week in checking out ESPN’s Top 10 in College Football going into the season, with Fall Ball kicking off in just over a month across the country.

The 2024 College Football season will offer enormous intrigue, with Conference Realignments taking effect, a twelve team College Football Playoff, conferences changing TV affiliations all over the place, and the coaching carousel from last year practically turning into an amusement park accident, triggered by the retirement of Alabama coach Nick Saban.

It’s a whole new world.

So I’ll take a few liberties here looking at the beginning Top 25 and recommend whether to “Buy”, “Sell” or “Hold” on how Bristol, Connecticut sees it this fall:

TOP 25

1 —Gerogia

— Won 2 of the three last national championship games, and loaded again. Quarterback Carson Beck is the frontrunner for the Heisman. The loss of Eli Bower to graduation hurts this team significantly. Regular season wars with Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss and Tennessee offer plenty of opportunities to stumble.

RECOMMENDATION: “Hold” — If Georgia wins all five of these games, they are the #1 seed in the CFP.

2—OHIO

STATE

Only a national championship will do. Ryan Day has lost four games as coach of this team, and the heat under his chair is sizzling. Will Howard transfers from K-State to give the Bucks a solid, winner of a quarterback. Sequential games with Iowa, Oregon, Nebraska and Penn State afford stumble/fumble opportunities. While Oregon is the game that has the marker, don’t sleep on Iowa the week before. Ohio State will beat Michigan.

RECOMMENDATION:

“Sell” —Too much bad ju ju in Columbus to see the Buckeyes win it all. They will get Michigan this year.

3—TEXAS

—Steve Sarkisian completes the return of Texas

football to the elite of elites as they move to the SEC this year. With Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning comprising two of the top six quarterbacks in college football, and weapons all over the field, the Longhorns look poised to make a long run. An early season game with Michigan will start the meteoric rise. The early October game with Georgia could be a CFP preview.

RECOMMENDATION:

“Buy”---These guys could be number one in the country with a win over Georgia.

4—OREGON

—With Dillon Gabriel now wearing metallic green and gold, the Ducks will quack their way through the Big Ten, I believe they will beat Ohio State, and ascend to number two or three and make the Playoffs with a Big Ten Championship game under their wing. Can they beat Ohio State twice? If that is a game to save Ryan Day’s job… .we’ll see.

RECOMMENDATION:

“Buy” —Could these guys play Ohio State three times this year? A 12-team CFP makes it possible.

5—NOTRE DAME

—Riley Leonard comes over from Duke and gives Coach Freeman’s team a chance to make a big move this year, but Notre Dame has only been average over the last few years, 8-4 with Sam Hartman at the controls this last year. Leonard is “elite” but the skill positions are questionable. A lot is being put on a good Notre Dame defense.

RECOMMENDATION: “Sell” — Notre Dame will not be in the Top Ten in December, but could still make the CFP as a lower seed.

6—OLE MISS

—Lane Kiffin is a guy that you love to hate/love/hate then love. No one loved to get under Nick Saban’s skin more than Kiffin, and he, by himself is woth the price of admission. Heisman candidate Jackson Dart reminds me of Joe Burrow in a lot of ways, and the kid has flair. I like the Rebels knocking off Alabama, LSU, and probably Tennesee.

RECOMMENDATION: “Buy” — Moving up…