REPUBLICAN-TIMES
“GOD BLESS AMERICA” Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 49
IRELAND, JOHNSON, KROHN SWEEP OUT INCUMBENTS IN PRIMARY
By Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com
Grundy County Voters turned out Tuesday, August 6 at 11-polling places in the county, to pass judgment on primary Democratic and Republican slates of candidates, setting the final lineups for the November 6 general election.
The result? Seismic change at the County and Circuit Court level.
36% of the registered voters in Grundy County (2,261 voters) participated in the different polling places.
In the 1st District County Commissioner race, challenger Kevin Ireland outpaced incumbent Don Sager by a 675 to 385 vote count.
2nd District County Commissioner Brad Chumbley was defeated by challenger Brian Johnson by a 565-428 vote count
In the 3rd Circuit Judge race, challenger Matt Krohn outpaced incumbent Steven Hudson by a 1,441638 vote count. All three move on to the
November General Election ballot as unopposed Republicans. The deadline for an independent candidate run in these contests is October 9.
Rodney Herring(Sheriff), Michelle Geib(Collector/Treasurer), Nathan Curtis(Assessor), Adria Moore(Public Administrator), and Dewayne Slater(Coroner) won in unopposed contests.
Early voting Tuesday morning was brisk at county polling places, with
poll workers saying they expected a heavy vote turnout. The number doubled municipal elections in April.
Many county seats, including contested County Commissioner and 3rd Circuit Court Presiding judge positions, as well as state elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and national elections for 6th District House seat and
[See Voters, Page 2]
GEC Community Foundation, Inc. Awards over $9,000 in Grants
Trenton, Missouri, August 1, 2024 – The Trustees of the GEC Community Foundation, Inc. awarded 15 grants totaling $9,339 prior to the Grundy Electric Cooperative Annual Membership Meeting on August 1, 2024. All grants are funded by member donations called Operation Round Up where members voluntarily round up their utility bills each month to fund grants to eligible entities. Education grants were awarded to Pleasant View R-VI, Laredo R-VII,
Trenton R-IX, Princeton R-V, North Mercer R-III, Cainsville R-I, Gilman City R-IV, South Harrison R-II; and a rural development grant was awarded to Life Options Green Hills. Since 2005, the GEC Community Foundation, Inc. has awarded 888 grants totaling $520,114.10 to schools and community organizations. The Foundation assists qualifying schools and organizations with grants for education, health, and rural development within Grundy
Electric Cooperative’s 12 county service area: Harrison, Mercer and Grundy counties and portions of Linn, Livingston, Daviess, Gentry, Putnam, and Sullivan counties in Missouri and portions of Ringgold, Wayne and Decatur counties in Iowa.
The Operation RoundUp Program allows GEC members and customers of the Public Water Supply District Number 1 of Grundy County to voluntarily “round up” their utility bill to the next even dollar.
Kenadee Mullany traveled to Oaks, PA. to compete at nationals. She placed 3rd on vault, 11th on uneven bars, 12th on bean, 5th on floor, and 4th all around. She competed against 23 other gilrs.
North Central Missouri Fair
July
29 - August 3
The North Central Missouri Fair took place last July 31-August 4at the Trenton Fairgrounds with all the bells and whistles… Tractor pulls, the midway, the livestock contests, the rodeo, live entertainment and the popcorn…oh, the popcorn.
The Fair Parade was held on Tuesday and regaled viewers with personal, family and political floats.
The PWSD Round-Up funds are disbursed solely to projects located in Grundy County. For an average of $6 per year, participating GEC members and PWSD #1 customers assist in funding local community projects.
The next grant application deadline is October 1, 2024. Qualified applicants must be a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization or other eligible entity and may apply for a grant by completing a grant application with supporting information.
The Rock Barn was home to the MOPS Baby Show in the Rock Barn courtyard(see photos with story) and an array of exhibits through the week. Exhibits included quilting, knitting, crocheting, canning, woodwork, gardening, livestock exhibitions(see photos with story), and the annual flower show.
The FFA cookshack served a daily special of loaded potatoes, deserts, burgers, hot dogs and chips from opening in the morn-
ing to closing at 10 PM each night.
Early week events included the tractor pull and live bands in the courtyard each night.
One of the highlights of Friday night were the ATV and Dirt Bike races which ran at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, the Beef and Horse shows started early with a 9:30 horse show at the Grundy County Saddle Club.
Saturday night’s main attraction was the Tuff Trucks event at 7 PM Saturday night. Beginner and Expert events were held.
Perhaps the highlight for ag enthusiasts were the different livestock shows for cattle, goats, and sheep. Event winners and placeholders are featured in photos provided by the North Central Missouri Fair. While the weather was hot, fair goers enjoyed clear skies for the better part of the week.
Old Glory flying at Five Points
Voters at First Baptist in Trenton cast ballots early on election day.
Photo by Mark McLaughlin
Photo submitted by Kenadee Mullany
Voters at Grundy County Courthouse complete check in at voting place on Election Day.
Photo by Mark McLaughlin
United States Senator.
Voters voted at Galt Baptist Church, Spickard Christian Church, Laredo Community Building, Edinburg Baptist Church, the Grundy County Courthouse, the NCMC Frey Building, First Christian Church-Trenton, Birst Baptist Recreational Center, Liberty/Myers Township, Franklin/Washington Townships, Wilson/Marion Township, Madison/Taylor Township, Trenton 1st Ward-Jefferson Township, Trenton 2nd Ward-Lincoln Township, Trenton 3rd Ward-Harrison Township and Trenton 4th Ward-Jackson Township.
Turnout was calculated at ( ) by County Clerk Courtney Campbell.
Race results included:
U.S. Senator
Incumbent Senator Josh Hawlery will face Lucas Kunce in November. While the race will be a high profile one, Hawley is heavily favored. Kunce ande Hawley will debate next week at the Missoutri State Fair in Sedalia.
Republican— Josh Hawley, unopposed-(1,847 ) County
votes—declared winner
Democrat —
Karla May—( 44 ) votes statewide
December L. Harmon(15 ) votes statewide
Lucas Kunce—(82 ) votes statewide—-declared winner
Mita Biswas— (6 ) votes statewide 6th Congressional District
Republican—
Freddie Griffin Jr. (442 ) county votes
Brandon Kleinmeyer (109 )county votes
Sam Graves (1,404) county votes—declared winner
Weldon Wray Woodward ( ) countyvotes
Democrat
Rich Gold (47 )county votes
Pam May (97 )county votes—declared winner
Missouri Governor Lieutenant Governor
Mike Kehoe edged a surging Senator Bill Eigel by more than 10% of the vote statewide. Kehoe will take on Missouri House Minority leader Crystal Quade in the November election.
Republican— Darrell Leon McClana-
han (10 )votes
Jeremy Gundel ( 7 )votes
Bill Eigel (1,078)votes
Robert James Olson ( 6 )votes
John R. (Jay) Ashcroft ( 268)votes
Mike Kehoe (623 )votes—declared winner
Chris Wright (20) votes
Darren L. Grant ( 7)votes
Amber Thomsen (14)votes
Democrat
Eric Morrison (22 )votes
Crystal Quade ( 58 )votes—declared winner
Sheryl Gladne (9 )votes
Hollis L. Laster (5 )votes
Mike Hamra (56 )votes
Lieutenant Governor
Republican
Holly Rehder (397 )votes
Dave Wasinger (659)votes—dead heat
Lincoln Hough (497 )votes—dead heat at press time
Paul Berry III (53 )votes
Tim Baker (165)votes
Matthew E. Porter (124 )votes
Democrat Richard Brown (88)votes
Anastasia Syes (56)votes
Secretary of State
Warrensburg State Senator Denny Hoskins moved past a competitive field to take on Barbara Phifer in November.
Republican Valentina Gomez ( 128 )votes
Shane Scholler (116 )votes
Denny Hoskins (981 )votes—declared winner
Adam J. Schwadron (48 )votes
Jamie Corley (109 )votes
Dean Plocher (119 )votes
Mary Elizabeth Coleman (185)votes
Mike Carter (209)votes
Democrat
Monique Williams ( 46 )votes
Barbara Phifer (59 )votes—declared winner
Haley Jacobson ( 40 )votes
State Treasurer
Republican
Cody Smith (221 )votes
Andrew Koenig (437 )votes
Lori Rook (570 )votes
Vivek Malek (608 )votes—0declared winner
Tina Goodrick (57 )votes
Karen Pujji (19 )votes
Democrat
Mark Osmack (139)votes—declared winner
Attorney General
One of the highest interest races at the state level, Governor Parson’s appointee to replace Josh Hawley as A.G., Andrew Bailey, defeated Will Scharff by a surprisingly strong margin. He will face Elad Gross in November.
Republican
Andrew Bailey (814)votes
Will Scarff (1,107)votes—declared winner
Democrats
Elad Jonathan Gross (137 )votes
Missouri State Representative-2nd District
Republican
Mazzie Christensen (1,874)votes—unopposed
Democrat
None
Circuit Judge Circuit 3
Republican
Matt Krohn (1,441)votes—declared winner
Steven D. Hudson (638)votes
Grundy County Commissioner-1st District
Republican
Don Sager (385 )votes
Kevin Ireland (675
)votes—declared winner
Grundy County Commissioner-2nd District
Republican
Brian Johnson (565)votes—declared winner
Brad Chumbley (428)votes
Grundy County Sheriff
Republican
Rodney Herring (1,863 )votes (unopposed)
Grundy County Assessor
Republican
Nathan Curtis (1,777 )votes (unopposed)
Grundy County Public Administrator
Republican
Adria Moore (1,773)votes (unopposed)
Grundy County Coroner
Republican
Dewayne Slater (1,868 )votes (unopposed)
Constitutional Amendment Question 1
Yes (955)votes — measure carried statewide No (1,188 )votes
Constitutional Amendment Question 4
Yes (1,175)votes— measure carried statewide No (955 )votes
Washington Township
Question Yes (13 )votes—measure carried No ( 5 )votes
5th Overall Female, Kenzie Milligan, Ridgeway Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Heifer, Kipton Thummel, Gallatin Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Grand Champion Heifer, Kenzie Milligan, Ridgeway Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Market Goat, Madison Moots, Brashear Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Buck, Addy Schuman, Amity Mo
Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Goat Showmanship, Senior - Rachel Darling, Kirksville Mo, Intermediate - Navaeh Wollard, Norborne, Junior - Emmett Jeffries, Chillicothe Mo.
Champion Market Goat, Rachel Darling, Kirksville Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Champion Buck, Gabriel Hoppe, Kirksville Mo
Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Sheep Showmanship, Senior - Harlee Beck, Chillicothe Mo, Intermediate - Jaecy Heisey, Polo Mo, Junior - Hadlee Beck, Chillicothe Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Lori A. Stiles Rotary News
The North Central Missouri College agriculture program was the topic of a program presented to members of the Trenton Rotary Club at their meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the BTC Bank community room. Jackie Soptic presided at the meeting, Dan Wilford gave the prayer and Jeff Crowley was the sergeant at arms.
Program Chairman Kristi Harris introduced ag instructors Rustin Jumps, Jack Green and Kurt Meighen, who shared information about what is happening in the college ag program. Jumps, who also serves as manager of the Barton Farm Campus, said there are 75 to 80 students enrolled in the ag program and that 12 of those students participated in internship opportunities during the spring and summer. In addition to their studies, ag students also participate in a number of activities, including the hosting of a high school judging competition that this year drew over 1,900 participants from 75 high schools. The students also attend events to promote the NCMC ag program and take part in state and national agriculture competitions.
Green, who is also the livestock judging coach, said the judging program continues to grow with both a freshman and
sophomore judging team participating in competitions this year. During the past year, the judging team took part in events in Wisconsin, the American Royal in Kansas City, Oklahoma, Denver, CO and Valentine, NB, where the team had its best finish of the year. The team has also hosted a judging clinic for high school students and will honing their judging skills at the Missouri State Fair this year.
Meighen recently joined the ag faculty after teaching at Princeton High School the past three years. His focus will be on precision agriculture and agronomy. He said with the increased use of technology in farming, it is important for students to receive training in this area. He said students will have an opportunity to receive drone certification as well as CDL licensing, which will be an eightweek course, starting this fall. An agriculture operations certificate is also available for students who plan to go back to work on their family farm or enter the agri-business workforce.
The program at the Aug. 8 Trenton Rotary Club meeting will be presented by Brent Stephens, director of the Workforce Development Board of North Missouri.
County Commissioners Meeting Overview
The Grundy County Commissioners met, with all hands on deck, at the Courthouse on July 30.
Ambulance director Matt Walker updated the commissioners that the new Transit van had arrived and the Department is working on it to prepare it for service.
Lisa Colson, with GHRPC brought in letters for an environmental cultural study that is to be sent out to all the tribes for the second phase of the Thompson River Project. She also told the Commissioners that she is still working for HUD and getting reimbursed for invoices that need paid.
North Central Missouri Fair July 30-August 6, 2024 Senior Horticulture Division
On Tuesday July 30, 2024, the Senior Horticulture had 48 entries this year at the fair. Twyla Johnson of Spickard, Mo. had the most entries. She had 23
entries. She got the top prize for having the most entries. She had 8 Blues, 8 Reds and 7 Whites. Marie Clark of Spickard, Mo. had 21 entries. 9 Blue, 10 Red 2
Lori A. Stiles, 61, a resident of Trenton, Missouri died at 6:17 P.M., Tuesday, July 30 2024 at her residence.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Resthaven Mortuary, Trenton, Missouri.
Memorial to Three Rivers Hospice and maybe left with the mortuary.
Ms. Stiles was born May 14, 1963 in Trenton, Missouri the daughter of Daniel Emerson and Patricia Ann Meeker Murphy. She was a retired employee of Evergy after 18 years of employment.
Her survivors include one daughter Les-
lie Brown, Trenton, Missouri; one son Lance Stiles, Princeton, Missouri; two granddaughters Morgan Brown and Marley Brown, both Trenton, Missouri; one brother Cary Murphy and wife Dee, Galt, Missouri; one niece Cassie Cordray and husband Daniel, Galt, Missouri; one great nephew Bodie Cordray, Galt, Missouri and two aunts, Vaughncille Brown and husband Garold, and Judy Meeker, both of Galt, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparent and one uncle Clitus Meeker.
White. Delvin Wilford of Laredo, Mo. had 3 entries. 1 Blue, 2 Red. Mitch Snyder of Buckner, Mo. had 1 entry, 1 Blue.
Freddie Griffin Jr.
Paid for by Patsy Griffin
Approved by Freddie Griffin Jr For Congress
Chalk Talk
by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer
Kamala Harris’ roll out to the country over the last 14-days has been flawless, largely due in part to mainstream media trying to rebrand Harris, revise history, and to pick up right where they left off with the “Big Lie” that Joe Biden was as sharp as a tack.
No, Kamala Harris was never the Border Czar, despite the video, audio and written quotes to that effect going back to January 2021. But wait, as of August 1, ignore what we said…she actually WAS the Border Czar and did a brilliant job.
No, Kamala Harris is not against fracking, despite what she said in 2018 and 2019. No, Kamala Harris never said that she would ban offshore drilling.
No, Kamala Harris does not support a mandatory buy-back of AR-15 style assault rifles, a clever disguise for an anti-Second Amendment gun confiscation scheme.
No, Kamala Harris does not support reparations to the descendants of slaves.
But yes, she does support reform of the Supreme Court in terms of term limits(18-years) and an enforced Code of Ethics by an outside body. No, she doesn’t back court-packing.
No, Kamala does not want to abolish ICE and start over. Yes, she does want to hire more ICE agents to surge to the Border. Read between the lines —We don’t want enforcement and deportation, we want concierge service and social work to speed up the entry process.
No, she doesn’t want to defund the Police, after her 2020 statements during the “Summer of Love” Riots where she encouraged people to contribute to the Minnesota Defense Fund for the bail money of accused rioters. No, she never said “we need to re-
imagine how we do policing” and divert funds to social workers and education programs.
Yes, she still believes in the Green New Deal and is silent on electric vehicle mandates.
No, she no longer supports the abolishment of private health insurance. Yes, she still supports the idea of Medicare for all.
She was a “tough cop” as a San Francisco D.A. and as California Attorney General and “put away woman abusers, fraudsters and white collar crooks.”
Where Donald Trump is concerned, she “knows the type”, coming across as sage, wise and edgy and two days ago challenged Trump to “say it to my face” when lobbing his criticisms at her for being the most radical left Presidential nominee ever.
When watching an illusionist, how do you figure out how the trick was completed? You always watch the other hand.
Kama Kama Kama Kama Kama Chameleon… You come and go, you come and go…
The Mainstream Media, stinging over its spanking from the public over the propaganda campaign to shelter Joe Biden, learned absolutely nothing.
The Media is trying to, with a straight face, bank on hamster-level attention deficit disorder by the American people to forget everything they were saying three months ago about Kamala Harris being Joe Biden’s best insurance policy for staying in the White House.
“The only thing worse for Democrats than Headof-Lettuce-Joe would be Cackling Kamala.”
They said.
Now, after complicitly reporting on the heroism of Joe Biden for stepping away, covering for a truly “bloodless coup” by Democratic Party oligarchs, stripping Democratic primary voters of their voice, and franchise by shoving Biden aside, they breathlessly support the 48-hour conversion of the Party to view Harris as their savior.
Did you notice that in the 48-hour whirlwind from Biden stepping away that we went from talk of an open mini-primary, to quick endorsements of Harris from the Clintons, Clyburn, and Congressional leaders to Chuck Schumer’s slovenly endorsement in which we said, “This has been a transparent process from the grass roots up, and how we fully support Vice President Harris.(clap, clap, clap)...You don't have to clap, I’ll clap”
Brad Bandon, missionary to Northern Nigeria, and currently living in Connecticut, was the speaker at the Rural Dale Baptist Church on Sunday, July 38. Brad and others work with the Fulani Muslim people. Both schools and safe houses have been built.
English is taught to the children, using the Bible as the textbook.
Barb Harbo of Eagan, MN, spent July 29 and 30 visiting her mother, Bonna Dittberner.
Dan and Carol Wilford went to the Alpha Baptist Church on Wednesday
Really? How far down did you go to achieve “grassroots”? The Senate Majority Whip?
The most interesting story I heard in the last week dealt with how long it took the Obamas to come around and endorse her. The story has it that as the pressure campaign on Biden intensified and Obama threatened Biden with the 25th Amendment, Biden, in one coherent moment, got his final revenge on the Oracle of Martha’s Vineyard.
“I’ll go, but if I go, I’m endorsing her.”Biden said. That wasn’t the way Obama wanted this to go. He was ticked off. Incensed. But like all things Democratic Party, hijinks and shenanigans won the day and the absolutely most unlikely thing ever …happened.
Kamala Harris outflanked, outplanned, and out executed Barack Obama. Ain’t that just a kick in the head?
And give credit where credit is due …Game knows game. Don’t underestimate her.
Harris has yet to give a press conference. She has yet to come face to face with Donald Trump, who wants to make sure there’s no more shuffling at the top of the Democratic Ticket before agreeing to debate.
Polls suggest that Harris, just as a breathing, coherent, sentient being in control of her faculties has tightened races nationwide. But in National polls, Trump still has the lead.
Though, as Real Clear Politics Josh Hammer says, “Kamala Harris wants to be unburdened by what has been”, and “retconning history…magically pretending she was never Border Czar”, Harris attempts to pretty up her image, the Media’s rush to enhance her image, and the Party’s hurricane of actions to legitimize her un-democratic ascension to the top of the Ticket, the Honeymoon will last as long as she can avoid and deny her past statements and positions, and never be confronted by a reporter’s question that requires an extemporaneous response.
However, Republicans have the receipts. They will barrage her with her own words. And when Trump finally gets the chance to “say it to her face”, something I know he relishes, then the curtain is stripped back and the American people see Harris for what she is.
A product of propaganda. The creation of a fairy tale. A fake. A phony. The Big Lie 2.0.
Always, always watch the other hand.
evening, July 31, which was the last night of the Revival meetings. Director of Missions for the North Grand River Baptist Association, Bro. Keith Corrick of rural Laredo was the speaker, E. J. Barnes, pastor of the Modena Baptist Church led the singing and was accompanied by Princeton music teacher, Jessi O’Dell on the flute and Shelly Searcy of Galt on the piano. Special Music was provided by E. J. as his wife, Diann accompanied on the piano. A
selection of finger foods were served following the service.
Denise Hamilton of Tindall came to visit Bill and Kathy Waits on Friday evening, August 2. A birthday celebration was held for 4-year old Renley Kitchen on Sunday afternoon, August 4. Around 40 people attended the party which was held in the home of Casey and Valerie Kitchen of Trenton. Renley is the great-grandson of the Waits’.
Stephen N. Walker, 32, of Trenton was arrested un July 29,2024 and charged with Domestic Assault-3rd Degree. The complaint alleges that on or about July 28, the defendant knowingly caused physical pain to the victim by striking the victim with a closed first on the head, and the victim was a domestic assault victim in that they are related by marriage and have children in common. Walker was ordered held on $20,000 cash only bond administered by North Missouri Court Services, and ordered to have no contact with the victim. Court date is scheduled for August 13.
Arrest Records
Samantha Marie Ratkovich, 55, of Trenton, was arrested on July 29, 2024 and charged with Felony E Hindering Prosecution of a Felony. The complaint alleges that on June 17, 2024, the defendant, for purposes of preventing the apprehension of another suspect, for conduct constituting the offense of a Felony Warrant, by hiding the suspect on the defendant’s property in a camper. The defendant was ordered held on a $20,000 cash bond, administered by North Missouri Court Services. Her court date is scheduled for August 13, 2024.
Timothy Ray Harding, 40, of Polo,
North Central Missouri College In-Service next week, Fall Semester Begins August 19
North Central Missouri College will conduct in-service for all faculty and staff on August 15 and 16. On Thursday, offices on the NCMC campuses will have
limited staff and services.
Faculty will have limited availability on both days. Classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 19.
was arrested on July 26, 2024 by St. Joseph P.D. on a Felony E charge of Assault-3rd Degree. On June 8, 2024, the defendant knowingly caused physical injury to a victim by hitting them in the face, causing the lip to bleed. The defendant is a prior and persistent offender, and faces potential extended term of imprisonment for a Class D felony. Previous charges/convictions for Assault-2nd degree(2004) and Assault2nd Degree(2007) are on the books for the defendant. He is ordered held on a $25,000 cash only bond, and is scheduled to go to court August 13, 2024.
Sean Nathaniel Christophel, of St. Joseph, was arrested on three warrants for failure to appear in court on July 26, 2024. He was charged with Misdemeanor C Fail to drive on right half of roadway when roadway was of sufficient width dating back to June of 2020. He was also held on a Misdemeanor D Driving while revoked/suspended-1st offense in June of 2020
And owner operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, also dating back to June 20. He was held on a collective $583 total bond and will go to court August 13.
North Central Missouri College In-Service next week, Fall Semester Begins August 19
There were 53 entries in three categories when Art’s Alive presented the Fine Arts Show at the North Central Missouri Fair this past week. The purpose of the exhibit was to encourage all area art-
ists, both junior and adult, to showcase their artistic talents for the public to view and appreciate. The entries consisted of paintings, drawings, and photography. The “Best in Show” and
“People’s Choice” was the painting, “Flag”, submitted by 16-year-old, Alyssa Bunnell of Trenton. Art’s Alive reported that approximately 150 people visited the Fine Art’s Build-
THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
of-town judges for judging the exhibits.
“Progressivism and A “Living Constitution”
By Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com
(An ongoing series)
The end of the Civil War brought to America a new reality… There were 8 million new Americans to integrate into the fabric of the nation, to give them first…freedom, second, equal protection under the law, and third…the right to vote.
The Civil War settled the issue of slavery, but it also settled the issue of whether the states or the federal government were to have “supremacy” when the interests of each came into conflict with the other.
The mindset of America changed from “the United States are…” to the “United States is…”
We went from being Virginians in America to being Americans who lived in Virginia.
The problem was this…Half the nation’s white population had been dragged screaming and kicking into this new reality, and in order to protect African-American rights to vote, and equal justice under the law, more government intervention, beyond the military occupation of Reconstruction was required.
Between 1880 and 1900, the vast majority of Westward Expansion was complete. The second Industrial Revolution was underway. American manufacturing was roaring, producing consumer goods to the extent of what man could possibly want.
The concept of “Big Business” entered the arena, and where people were starting to make big money from electric light bulbs, telephones, and the dawn of auto-
mobiles, factory work forces, assembly lines, and work specialists rolled out goods.
But workplaces were dangerous places. Children worked in factories. There was no such thing as a 40-hour work week. You could easily go home with one or two less digits than you went to work with. Workers complained, went on strike, and faced “strike busting” by club wielding thugs.
Unions came into existence. And around the world, economic philosophers such as Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx theorized that the conflict between management and labor needed to be addressed through force, and countries that supported management(bourgeois) at the expense of workers(the proletariat) needed to be overturned by revolutions…generally violent ones, aimed at seizing the means of production and redistributing wealth from have to have-not.
Progressives of 1880 are the ancestors of the modern progressive movement, as it is manifested in today’s Democratic Party. They are much more connected to the French Revolution than the American Revolution.
While labor-management issues played out in America, thinkers began to wonder how to apply Progressive principles to the United States, the American people, and the workings of the Republic.
In 1887, Princeton University professor Woodrow Wilson took up the cause of socialism, and while tagging it with the “Progressive” label said this:
“In a fundamental theory socialism and democracy are almost if not quite one and the same. They both rest at bottom upon the absolute right of the community to determine its own destiny and that of its
members. Men as communities are supreme over men as individuals.” (Woodrow Wilson, Socialism and Democracy, 1887).
As the first American political figure to espouse this idea, it was clear that the Progressive vision and the Founder’s vision were two different things.
The Bill of Rights Essay: The Progressive Era stated, “The difference between the Founders’ and progressive’s visions can be summarized this way: The Founders believed citizens could best pursue happiness if government was limited to protecting the life, liberty and property of individuals…Unlike the Framers of the Constitution, progressives believed that the ultimate aim of government should be promoting the development of all human faculties. Because “communities” have rights, these rights are more important than the personal liberty of any one individual in that community.”
To truly understand the mindset of what we call “Progressives” today, this understanding is critical. Progressives may accept, tacitly, the Bill of Rights as stating the rights of the individual, but they believe that the Constitution is to be considered “a living document”, that is designed to flex and change with the times.
In this “living document” comes the development and “expression” of new rights — The right to abortion, the right to birthright citizenship, and other rights which may be identified by men, not those which the Founders interpreted as “endowed by God”.
In the same mindset comes the idea that individual rights are not absolute. There is not an absolute right to the freedom of speech, clearly and emphatically
not a right to bear arms, clearly and emphatically “nuance” to the 4th, 5th and 8th Amendments on due process and rights before the court that allow for less than the presumption of innocence until proof of a person’s guilt.
Corners can be cut, glossed over or ignored altogether in the interest of “the greater good”.
The Framers believed that the rights they enshrined in the Bill of Rights, as given by God, could not ever be taken away. Progressives believe that rights can be granted by man.
But if they can be granted by men, they can also be enforced arbitrarily, and when inconvenient, stripped of men altogether.
This is the backdrop by which we see the current controversies on what is free speech, what is hate speech, what is protected, and what should not be.
When Wilson became President in 1912, he initiated what was known as the “administrative state”. It is also known as “the bureaucracy” and the “Deep State”, and includes career civil service employees filling the cubicles of Federal government offices.
With 2.9 million federal employees nationwide, the administrative state may be the deepest part of “the swamp”.
In the next installment of the American Experience, we will examine the phenomenon of the administrative state, the Progressive Amendments, and the recent Supreme Court case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo which overturned what is known as the “Chevron Deference” doctrine, an important “mechanism” by which the courts and Congress “deferred” to regulatory agencies to set regulations, or apply penalties that had the force of law.
ing at the fairgrounds. Terry Toms, Art’s Alive chairman for the Fine Art Show, expressed appreciation to all who entered and to the out-
Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Bull. Cutler Epperson, Trenton Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Beef Showmanship Senior - Harlee Beck of Chillicothe Mo. Intermediate - Carson Beverlin of Trenton Mo. Junior - Kipton Thummel, Gallatin Mo.
Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Champion Bull, Gracie Rogers, Princeton Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Market, Sari Rogers, Princeton Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Champion Market, Carson Coram, Browning Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
3rd Overall Female, Carson Beverlin, Trenton Mo. Photo by North Central Mo Fair
4th Overall Female, Emma Henderson, Gallatin Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Champion Market Lamb, Anna Pfaff, Chillicothe Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Market Lamb, Lauren Herndon, Hopkins Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Reserve Champion Ewe, Harlee Beck, Chillicothe Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Champion Ewe, Lauren Herndon, Hopkins Mo Photo by North Central Mo Fair
Green Hills MomCo Baby Show at County Fair
0-3 Month Boys
First: Rhiggs Graves, 3 months old; Parents: Patrick Graves & Breanna Elder of Jamesport, MO Second: Maverick Couzens, 1 month old; Parents: Kyle Couzens & Whitney Houser of Jamesport, MO Third: Theodore Calnan, 2 months old; Parents: Preston & Kelsey Calnan of Trenton, MO
0-3 Month Girls
First: Brooklyn Hazzard, 3 months old; Parents: Dale & Jenny Hazzard of Gallatin, MO Second: N/A Third: N/A
3-6 Month Boys
First: Parker Ervie, 6 months old; Mother: Brooke Ashford of Trenton, MO. Second: Suede Cooksey, 6 months old; Parents: Jordyn & Avery Cooksey of Trenton, MO. Third: N/A
3-6 Month Girls
First: Ellie Bruce, 4 months old; Parents: Phillip & Lexia Bruce of Purdin, MO
Second: N/A. Third: N/A
6-12 Month Boys
First: Jarvis Ferguson, 9 months old; Parents: Andy & Kiersten Ferguson of Spickard, MO, Second: Venture Weese, 8 months old; Parents: Levi & Katelyn Weese of Chula, MO, Third: N/A
6-12 Month Girls
First: Kora Wheeler, 6 months old; Parents: Dylan & Kelsey Wheeler of Chillicothe, Second: N/A, Third: N/A
12-24 Month Boys
First: Thomas Hazzard, 20 months old; Parents: Dale & Jenny Hazzard of Gallatin, MO, Second: Ripley Graves, 12 months old; Parents: Seth Graves & Echo Vonburg of Trenton, MO, Third: Theo Thomas, 12 months old; Parents: Toby Thomas & Lyric Nolan of Trenton, MO
12-24 Month Girls
First: Charlotte Huffman, 1-year-old; Parents: Thomas
& Jessica Huffman of Liberty, MO, Second: Saige Coon, 1-year-old; Parents: Isaiah & Emily Coon of Trenton, MO, Third: Storie Scoggin, 16 months old; Parents: Travis & Marissa Scoggin of Chillicothe, MO
2-3 Year Boys
First: Haphaestus Jones, 2 and a half years old; Mother: Brianna Jones of Trenton, MO, Second: N/A, Third: N/A
2-3 Year Girls
First: KanDaisey, 3 years old; Parents: Corey Anderson & Breanna Elder of Jamesport, MO, Second: Catherine Metcalf, 2 years old; Parents: Tim Metcalf & Tiffany Koehl of Spickard, MO, Third: Eliana Titus, 2 years old; Mother: Sara Sharp of Trenton, MO
4-5 Year Boys
First: Grayson Huffman, 4 years old; Parents: Thomas & Jessica Huffman of Liberty, MO, Second: N/A, Third: N/A
4-5 Year Girls
First: Zabella Jones, 4 years old; Mother: Brianna Jones of Trenton, MO
Second: Rilyann Huffman, 4 years old; Parents: Thomas & Jessica Huffman of Liberty, MO, Third: Leona Koehl, 4 years old; Parents: Tim Metcalf & Tiffany Koehl of Spickard.
6-12 Month Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
4-5 Year Girls
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
3-6 Month Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
Year Girls
Photo by Green Hills MomCo 12-24 Month Girls
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
12-24 Month Boys
Photo by North Green Hills MomCo
3-6 Month Girls
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
4-5 Year Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo 2-3 Year Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo 0-3 Month Girls
Photo by Green Hills MomCor 12-24 Month Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
0-3 Month Boys
Photo by Green Hills MomCo
PUBLIC NOTICES
TO: BRYAN MACGUIRE, THE FATHER OF A CHILD BORN ON THE 15 TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that there is now on file in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Polk County, Iowa, a Petition in Case Number JGJV253869 which prays for the appointment of a guardian for a minor child born on the 15 th day of October, 2014.
The Petitioner’s attorney is Kevin Cunningham whose address is Cunningham & Kelso, P.L.L.C., 2830 100 th Street, Suite 106, Urbandale, IA 50322, telephone (515) 278-4200.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that there will be a final hearing in this matter to appoint a guardian before the Iowa District Court for Polk County, at Room 220 of the Polk County Justice Center in Des Moines, Iowa, at 2:00 p.m. on the 3 rd day of October, 2024.
For further details, contact the Clerk’s office.
This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. General rules and information on electronic filing are contained in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16. I nformation regarding the protection of personal information in court filings is contained in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, Division VI.
If you need assistance to participate in Court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at 515-561-5818. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800- 735-2942.
Disability coordinators cannot provide legal advice.
CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT Polk County, Iowa
(8/1, 8/8, 8/15/24)
Agriculture
See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply 614 Harris Ave. 3592258
Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or on shares. Call Mike at 816248-3091
Gravel, sand, top soil, mulch, river rock, boulders-Turney Mini Quarry 816-248-2523.
PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-288-9060.
For Rent Sunnyview Apartments is taking applications for single & double apartments. Sunnyview is a residential care facility for the elderly. We provide qualified staff to administer medications, provide three meals a day and offer minimal assistance with the activities of daily living. Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.
FOR RENT Hale, Mo.
One 2 bed apt, one 1 bed apt, 1 studio. NO PETS First month rent & dep req. appliances & utilities furnished. Background check req, 660-645-2269
For Rent Cameron, Mo. 3
V VBS B
BR 1 Bath ranch style home. NO pets. You will receive a text questionnaire. Text 816-284-0570 for info.
FOR RENT Hale, Mo.
One 2 bed apt, one 1 bed apt, 1 studio. NO PETS First month rent & dep req. appliances & utilities furnished. Background check req, 660-645-2269
Wanted North Central Missouri College is seeking a parttime Library Assistant. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu/jobs for more information and how to apply or call 660-3576203. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
For Sale
We're back! St. Ann's Garage Sale St. Ann's Hall, Eighth and Osage in Plattsburg. Friday, August 9, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items for a free will offering. Proceeds benefit the Ladies Visitation Sodality and St. Mary's Home for Mothers. Can't wait to see you!!!
Huge garage sale. Furniture, gas stove, area rugs, TV, much more and lots of misc. Aug 9 7:30-6 Aug 10 8-12
Registered Jack Russells 816-807-0382
For Sale 2021 Polaris
LOCAL
Ranger XP1000. Air-Heat wipers. Electric windows, winch, back up mirror, side mirrors, dump bed. Call 660-359-7643
Bannad Studios Custom Soft Décor. Pillows, Cushions & Covers. In Any Size. Any shape. We will use your fabric or ours. Designer and discount fabrics available. Indoor and outdoor Cushions, pillows, bedding, etc. Call today for your quote. 816-724-0694 If no answer, we're in the workroom. Please leave a message.
Pond building supplies. Roll plastic pipe, 100 lb. & 160 lb. PSI. Pond shutoff & stock tank valves, hydrants. Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, Trenton, 660-359-3660.
HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816-289-1935 or Leah Helton 660-3593806 or 660-635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service
Is What Makes Us Different"
Shelter Insurance – Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com
Shelly's Pet Care, 660684-6864, 103 S. Locust St., Jamesport, MO 64648. Professional, Personalized Grooming. Appointments available Monday - Saturday. 35 Years of Experience!Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996!
Help Wanted
Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. E.O.E.
Notices
THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 3593313. Premium Diesel,
In Re: Tanner Moore, A Single Person TRUSTEE’S SALE
Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of service & experience. MR. TIRE – Dean, Hankook, Cooper tires.
Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlautosupply.com Services
*SEAMLESS GUTTER-
ING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 359-5477. 52 Years Experience.
WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks, Highest prices paid! You Call - We Come Get It!
Under the terms of the Deed of Trust executed by Tanner Moore, A Single Person dated 03/03/2022, and recorded on 03/04/2022 Book 686 Page 819 Document 22LR0352 in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Grundy County, MISSOURI, the undersigned Successor Trustee, will on 08/21/2024 at 2:00 PM at the West Front Door of the Grundy County Courthouse 700 Main St. Trenton, MO 64683, sell at public venue to the highest bidder for cash subject to the terms announced at the sale, the realty described in said deed of trust, to wit: ALL OF LOT TWELVE (12), IN BLOCK TWO (2), IN COUNTRY CLUB ADDITION TO THE CITY OF TRENTON, GRUNDY COUNTY, MISSOURI..
Eastplains Corporation SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE
(7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15/24)
Notice of Public Hearing Grundy County Health Department
A hearing on the proposed 2023 Grundy County Health Department tax levy will be held on Wednesday, August 9 at 5:00 pm at the Grundy County Health Department (lower level), 1716 Lincoln, Trenton, Missouri. The tax rate is determined by computation on forms supplied by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office. The tax rate will be expressed in cents per $100 valuation. The final levy is subject to revised figures from state and county
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GRUNDY COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION
In the Estate of ALAN P. THRASHER, Deceased
NOTICE
OF
TESTAMENTARY GRANTED
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ALAN P. THRASHER, deceased:
Estate No. 24AG-PRO0031
On the 25 day of June, 2024, Patty S. Thrasher was appointed personal Representative by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Grundy County, Missouri. The business address of the Personal Representative is: Patty S. Thrasher, 311 Atkinson, Galt, Missouri 64641 and her attorney is Tara L. Walker whose business address is 605 E. 9th Street, P.O. Box 457, Trenton, Missouri 64683 and whose telephone number is 660-339-5050.
All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in the probate division of this court within 6 months from the first date of the first publication of this notice or if a copy of this notice was mailed to, or served upon, such creditor by the personal representative, then within two months from the date it was mailed or served, whichever is later, or be forever barred to the fullest extent permissible by law. Such six-month period and such two-month period do not extend the l imitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent's death, as provided in Section 473.033 RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in section 473.0336 RSMo shall be construed to bar any action against a decedent's liability insurance carrier through a defendant ad litem pursuant to section 537.021, RSMo.
Receipt of this notice by mail should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that he or she necessarily has a beneficial interest in the estate. The nature and extent of any person's interest, if any, can be determined from the files and records of this estate in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Grundy County, Missouri.
Date of decedent's death was October 29, 2023.
Date of first publication of this notice is August 1, 2024
/S/ Michelle Smith
Clerk of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Grundy County, Missuori
PUBLIC RELEASE
(8/1,8/8,8/15,8/22/24)
Trenton R-IX, Grundy R-V, Laredo R-VII, Pleasant View R-VI, and Spickard R-II announced its revised free and reduced price policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Local education officials have adopted the following family-size income criteria for determining eligibility:
3
Children from families whose current income is at or below those shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications are available at the school office. To apply, fill out a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application and return it to the school. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year. A complete application is required as a condition of eligibility. A complete application includes: (1) household income from all sources or Food Stamp/TANF case number, (2) names of all household members, and (3) the signature and last four digits of social security number or indication of no social security number of adult household member signing the application. School officials may verify current income or other information provided on the application at any time during the school year. Foster children may be eligible regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Households with children who are eligible under the foster, Head Start, homeless, migrant, or runaway programs should contact the school for assistance in receiving meal benefits. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Children who are members of households currently certified as receiving Food Stamps, TANF or FDPIR are eligible for free meals. To complete an application, the household must provide the names of the children, a statement that the household receives the qualifying benefits, the Food Stamps/TANF/FDPIR case number, and the signature of the adult household member making application. When known by the school that members of a household are receiving assistance from Food Stamps, TANF or FDPIR, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free school meals. If any children in the household were not listed on the eligibility notice or not listed on the application, the household should contact the school to have benefits extended to all children in the household. If a family member becomes unemployed or if family size changes, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for these benefits. Under the provisions of the policy, the verifying official will review the applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, they may wish to discuss the decision with the hearing official on an informal basis or he/she may make a request either orally or in writing to the Superintendent. Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. A complete copy of the policy is on file in each school and in the central office where any interested party may review it. USDA Non-discrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative me ans of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)-8778339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
1. Major American automaker (abbr.) 4. Pressure measurement
7. Two-year-old sheep
10. Indigenous person from Laos or Thailand
11. Up in the air (abbr.)
12. Actress de Armas
13. Not moving 5. Cool!
16. Bog arum genus
19. Perceptible by touch
26. Type of sword
27. Hates
30. Immobile
34. Pie _ _ mode
35. Moved quickly
36. Passenger’s place on a motorbike
41. A way through 45. Former US Secretary of Education Duncan
46. Leader
21. Type of test 23. Monetary units 24. Collection of various things 25. Sum of five and one
47. Flowing
50. Greetings
54. Remedy
55. Soft lightweight fabric
56. Building material
57. Sea bream
59. A way to cause to be swollen
60. One and only 61. People get one in summer
62. Wreath 63. Thus far 64. They __ 65. Sea eagle DOWN 1. Policemen (French)
2. Toy dog 3. Inflamed colon disease
4. Can’t move 5. Helps little firms 6. Lists of names, subjects, etc. 7. Takes down 8. Makes possible 9. Wife of Julius Constantius 13. Engine additive
14. Arctic explorers (abbr.) 17. Written account
18. Consumed 20. Something the first shall be 22. No (slang) 27. Gov’t lawyers 28. Peyton’s little brother
29. Small amount 31. Investment vehicle
32. Fall behind 33. Midway between northeast and east
37. Head pain
38. Popular sport in England and India
39. King Charles’s sister
40. Boat race
41. About fish
42. Maidservant
43. Able to be marketed
44. Tinier
47. Parts per billion (abbr.)
48. Paddle 4.9 Oneness
51. Bitter chemical
52. Not around 53. Very fast airplane 58. Swiss river
Europe’s pesky inflation is taking its time to subside. After a steep plunge from double digits in late 2022, consumer price increases have loitered between 2% and 3% this year. That’s getting close to the European Central Bank’s goal of 2%, but it’s not there yet. So the ECB made one quarter-point rate cut on June and then hit pause in July. Then the most recent inflation figure complicated the picture by creeping up by a tenth of a percentage point, to 2.6%. On top of that, the key services component remained elevated at 4.0%.
and
Meanwhile, high rates are weighing on house prices and growth. What to do? ECB officials are sticking to their story: they expect inflation to fluctuate around current levels for the rest of this year, and to reach their 2% target by the end of 2025. And what’s it mean for the next policy meeting Sept. 12?
Bill Diviney at ABN AMRO Financial Markets Research notes that inflation is likely to fall to 2.2% in August and to average 2.2% for the third quarter. And that means “we continue to expect the ECB to resume rate cuts in September.”
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
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Coach Madi Stillwell concluded an ambitious summer schedule of open field play, team and leagues for the Trenton High Softball squad the week of July 22-26 at the THS softball complex.
The Bulldogs finished 14-10 in the 2023 season, and will be replacing a lot of firepower following the graduation
Bulldog Softballers Ready for the Fall
Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com
of nine seniors last year.
While more will be provided in the season preview edition of the Republican-Times, Stillwell said this about camp.
“Camp and our overall summer were great this year in that we got to work on improving on field skills, fielding, hitting, throwing, and we brushed up
on technique.”Stillwell said.”We had the opportunity to get lots of players in position to play, develop potential and get better.”
The Bulldogs open practice August 12, and open their season with a “shakedown” Jamboree at Trenton Saturday, August 24 at 9 AM with Brookfield and Putnam County coming to town.
The
Old Ball Coach
Pitcher Avery Clark and catcher Kaylor Hodge form the primary battery for Stillwell’s defense, and developing the batting order will be the main work of early fall workouts.
The season opener is August 31 in the Cameron tournament with the home opener September 5 against South Harrison.
by Mark McLaughlin StaffWriter@Republican-Times.com
THS Football Developing an Extra Heartbeat
Doing this job, the weeks pass like almost every week, one after the other. When I was in the school business, summer days were recharge days, opportunities to help my team get better, and in my travel ball days…now that was more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
It’s been fun getting to know THS boys and girls coaches over the last few months, and I’ve been impressed with how they made use of the “20-contact days” MSHSAA gives them to teach, improve, mesh weight and agility workouts and watch kids get bigger and stronger before your eyes.
Every coach at THS has approached it with gusto, and instead of wearing them down, it seems to amp them up. And the kids are caught up in it and you see the enthusiasm, the work ethic, improved habits, and a bubbling up of confidence working through all the repetitions.
I used to teach graduate classes to coaches on team and leadership building, and the first question I always asked them was, “so you want to coach? Why?”
The answers were always fascinating. Young guys seemed to have the need, so closely removed from actually competing themselves, to live through teaching their players. It was still vicarious to them. The “old salts” who had done it for a long time, continued to do it to build legacies and make investments in the kids they coached.
The other question I always asked them early in the class was, “why do your players play?” Some played to be a part of something, others played to prove something, others still knew that they were good and wanted to go out and excel.
A very, very few were good, knew it, and knew enough to know that keeping your eye on the ball, working at your craft, and pushing others to meet their level of effort meant more success for everyone . Why? To win. To excel at the highest level.
To do something special.
If there’s 50-players on a football team, in their minds, there are fifty starters. It takes drill, and repetition, and getting knocked on their can for the “food chain” to work itself
out and to understand that some guys are bell cows, some guys are role players, and some guys are practice players.
For some, their time ultimately comes. For others, they never see the field much. Many will wander away, believing their time could be better directed towards other things. The truly devoted but physically limited kids are the ones that coaches always love, and remember the most.
They are the glue guys who believe that the “greater good” is just as important as any individual goal that they have for themselves.
They walk through fire for their coach, and for their teammates. When a teammate excels as the best player on the team, in the conference, in the district and at the state level, those “Labrador Retriever” kids revel in their teammates success and feel they share in it.
I have watched the Trenton team all summer, and marveled at the meticulous way Kevin Hixson has used his time.
He has built habit structure. Muscle memory. Technical proficiency at the positional level. Kids' bodies have changed over the summer.
There was no wish, hope and maybe to what I saw from these boys this summer. There was just a hell of a lot of “do”.
In the last workouts of the summer before dead week, the week of this printing, the final aspects of the foundation of a season have been laid.
I pull my car up alongside the practice field, work at my large coffee, and just listen and watch. I watched 50-plus repetitions of play reps this morning and I just smiled.
One of my favorite spectator sports is watching great coaches coach. Coach Hixson is a great coach.
A play was run, concluded, and there was immediate individual feedback to a different player after every play. Hixson stood behind the defense, helped them identify strong and weak side of the formation, and yet, was cog-
nizant of everything happening with all 22guys in the repetition.
Probably 35 or 36 different players got individual coaching…served up in twenty second chunks, maybe with a physical demonstration, sometimes admonishing, sometimes finishing the instruction by tapping his clipboard on the player’s helmet. And in every case, the player made eye contact with his coach, said “yes, sir” or nodded his head. I watched in the subsequent play…more often than not, the player immediately applied the small, technical instruction that would make him better.
These kids are going to be fun to watch. While I don’t have names and numbers down yet, I saw a shifty little quarterback with great feet, a quick release, and burst speed who runs with his head up and decides on the fly play by play when it is his “read” that determines success or failure.
I identified some really explosive outside speed. THS opponents need to set the edge this fall, because these young backs have a nose for a seam and how to exploit it.
I saw one big old true Big Ten type tight end make a couple of nice catches, concentrating on finishing the catch and then turning upfield.
He looked for contact, and laid out a poor freshman cornerback trying to step up to stop him. I think he’s still going.
This team is going to be fun to watch, and in my view, what I saw this summer was as good a use of time, as impressive an overall plan, and as much player enthusiasm as I’ve seen…ever.
The entire coaching staff is on the same page of sheet music with Hixson, but he is conducting the orchestra with a deliberate style.
This team has developed an extra heartbeat. It will take them far. And when it beats together, it sounds like a Viking war drum. It will be fun.
Trenton Bulldog softballer taking infield at THS softball camp this July 22 through 26.
Photo by Madie Stillwell
THS Softballer Kagen Croy tking hitting practice off the tee at softball camp July 22-26.
Photo by Madie Stillwell
What’s better than a slippy slide THS softballers cooling off at the end of summer workouts during Softball camp July 22 through 26.
Photo by Madie Stillwell