The Leader • 1-4-24

LEADER CLINTON COUNT Y

Thurs., January 4, 2024 |

INSIDE

Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo.

$1.00 | “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: PART I

One Section | 12 pages

Top Sports Moments of ‘23 Check out the first half of The Leader’s annual top sports moments, filled with triumphs! || PAGE A7

Gower Contest Winner Bodenhausens win the Gower Lions Club’s annual Christmas decoration contest. || PAGE A12

(Above) The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team took third at state last March. (Below Left) Debbie Davis retired after two decades with the local Extension and 4-H. (Below Center) New Lathrop Superintendent Dr. Adam Willard with outgoing superintendent Chris Fine. (Below Right) Lathrop freshman wrestler Garrett Beane was an undefeated state champion. leader file photos

Sheriff ’s Calls for Service See what calls for service the Clinton County Sheriff ’s Department recently fielded through dispatch. || PAGE A3

Community........A5 Opinion..............A4 Legals..............A10 Sports................A7

THE LEADER Est. 1895

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Honeycutt Media 102 e. Maple St. Plattsburg, Mo., 64477 (UPS 435580000) 816.539.2111 email: leader@clintoncountyleader.com

VOL. 129, NO. 11

Triumphs and Heartbreaks, Departures and New Beginnings Define 2023 by brett adkison leader editor

As we do each year at The Leader, we’ll ring in the new year by recollecting the biggest headlines in Clinton County in 2023.

We begin this week with the first half of the year, and will continue next week with Part II. The headlines

that follow are organized by publication date in the newspaper.

January 5 – Several Clinton County officials are sworn in for new terms at the courthouse, including Associate Circuit Judge Teresa Bingham, Collector Michele Wells, Treasurer

Rita Terwilleger, Presiding Commissioner Patrick Clark, Prosecuting Attorney Brandi McClain, County Clerk David Woody and first Circuit Clerk Misty Dean; Cameron’s Randall Relford, a former Clinton County Commissioner and state legislator, passes away; The Leader fea-

tures the path of Father Eric Schnieder, which led him to St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Plattsburg; Plattsburg boys basketball wins the LeBlond Holiday Tournament.

January 12 – The Lathrop R-II School District aims to cut $500,000 from its bud-

get next year; The City of Plattsburg considers placing a tax levy increase on the April ballot; The City of Lathrop considers sending a sales tax question to the voters that would fund general street repairs; Ron Gorham retires after 36 years with the City of Plattsburg,

||Continued on A9

CLINTON COUNTY

Commissioners optimistic at end of year by brett adkison leader editor

In the past, the end of December was a financially stressful time at the Clinton County Courthouse, as officials tried their best to keep the county’s tight budget in the black.

While some of that stress remains, the Clinton County Com-

missioners find themselves in a much more comfortable position as they say goodbye to 2023.

Presiding Commissioner Patrick Clark and First District Commissioner Jay Bettis said last Thursday that they hadn’t seen any final projects yet, but were confident the county would finish the year even or in the black. Should

the county finish with a small deficit, it wouldn’t be too great of a concern, because for the first time in a long time, the county has a healthy reserve—approximately $740,000—from which they can pull.

Clark said that they’ve built up the reserve by monitoring the budget throughout the year and

meeting with officeholders to ensure they don’t find themselves in an unexpected deficit. Bettis commended the efforts of the officeholders for working with the commissioners to keep costs down, adding that it has been a joint effort.

Bettis added that the county’s ||Continued on A2

Community

Page A2 • Thursday, January 4, 2024

County, From Page A1

revenues from sales tax, the law enforcement tax and use tax have all been up this year.

The law enforcement sales tax, approved by voters in 2021, has been a game-changer for county finances, too, easing the burden throughout the courthouse. Clark said they were able to give some raises last year that were long overdue.

Still of a concern to the commission is the old jail in the basement of the courthouse. Because of the cramped, inadequate conditions, the county still needs to ship some of its prisoners to other jails at a cost. The commissioners said Thursday that they continue to look into every option that could alleviate the county’s needs.

Thank you for being a loyal Leader Reader!

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Plattsburg Discontinues Glass Recycling

PRESS RELEASE • The City of Plattsburg will end its curbside glass recycling service this week with Thursday, January 4, being the last day glass will be picked up for recycling.

The move is primarily a cost-cutting measure, as the city’s recycling provider, Redgate Disposal, will reduce recycling charges by 25 cents per customer, per month. As the city recently took a rate increase due to inflation – the first increase it has received from Redgate in several years – City officials hope that a

slight cut to the recycling fee will reduce the overall impact to ratepayers.

While the recycling service as a whole remains popular, glass collections have been sparse, with Redgate collecting 200 to 300 pounds of glass each week. This amount isn’t enough to justify keeping the glass recycling service going. Additionally, some recycling customers mix their glass in with other recyclables, contaminating the load and occasionally forcing an entire truckload of otherwise recyclable

materials to be sent to the landfill. Additionally, keeping the glass separate from other recyclables requires Redgate to lash a glass container to the back of their collection vehicles, which could result in a significant spill if a trash truck were to be rear-ended.

Plattsburg’s Board of Aldermen considered adding a glass recycling container somewhere in town for people to deposit their recyclable glass. However, the idea wasn’t adopted due to the fact that similar sites often become dangerous

due to broken glass accumulating around the site.

While good for the environment, recycling on the whole has significantly increased in cost for trash haulers over the past few years. Previously, trash companies were paid per load for each ton of recycling collected. However, as overseas demand for bulk recyclables has declined, haulers must now pay to drop off their recycling, with prices to drop off a ton of commingled recyclable far exceeding the price to deposit a ton of

garbage in the landfill.

Other recyclable materials – such as plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper – will still be accepted for curbside recycling each Thursday. After the city’s final curbside glass collection day on Thursday, January 4, residents will either need to throw their glass away with their regular trash or drop the glass off at a public glass recycling container. The closest container to Plattsburg is a ripple glass bin located at Cosentino’s Price Chopper in Smithville.

Eagle Days Coming to Smithville Lake

The 28th annual Eagle Days at Smithville Lake will be Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6-7, with activities centered at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course Clubhouse. Activities will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. This event is hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Missouri De-

partment of Conservation (MDC), and the Clay County Parks and Recreation Department.

The event will include a life raptor program with birds rehabilitated from injuries presented by Operation Wildlife. Exhibits and information booths will be set up indoors by the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, the

Friends of Lakeside Nature Center, Wings of Love, and the Clay County Parks and Recreation Department.

Some of those exhibits will also include live raptors or terrestrial wildlife such as turtles.

The captive eagle shows by Operation Wildlife will begin at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6.

They will begin at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7. Seating is limited for the live eagle shows.

Eagle viewing stations at the lake will be announced at the event when officials find where waterfowl and eagles are congregating. Eagles catch fish at the lake but also follow and feed on waterfowl using the

lake.

The Paradise Point Golf Course Clubhouse is located at 18212 Golf Course Drive, in Smithville, on the west side of the lake.

For more information about seeing eagles in Missouri at their winter hangouts or at planned events, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Zt6.

Roadwork in Northwest Missouri this week

St. Joseph, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 1-7.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in RE.qxp_CCL - The Paper ads 1/2/24 1:04 PMsome Page of 18 the planned work.

There also may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buck-

Call us at (816) 5392111 to get your subscription started today!

ling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Atchison County Interstate 29 – Pothole patching north and southbound driving lanes from mile marker 110 to mile marker 124, Jan. 2-3.

Buchanan County Route Y – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the south Bee Creek Bridge, through mid January 2024. A signed de-

tour is in place. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) More info: https://www.modot. org/buchanan-countyroute-y-bee-creek-bridgereplacements.

Caldwell County Route 13 – Resurfacing project from Mill Creek Drive to Route P, Jan. 2-6.

(Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https://www.modot. org/13-pavement-resurfacing-caldwell-and-daviess.

Carroll County Route 139 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from

County Road 210 to County Road 220, Jan. 3, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Route 139 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from County Road 150 to County Road 160, Jan. 4, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Daviess County Route PP – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Poage Street to County Road 147, Jan. 2, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gentry County Route YY – CLOSED for a bridge replacement

project at the Bear Creek Bridge through April 2024. (Contractor: Gene Haile Excavating, Inc.) https://www.modot.org/ atchison-and-gentry-counties-bridge-replacements.

Livingston County Route D – CLOSED until further notice at the Rattlesnake Creek Bridge due to deterioration. This bridge is included in the Northwest Bridge Bundle which may begin in Summer 2024. https://www.modot. org/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle.

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St. Joseph, Mo. – Kelsey Gillenwater is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) new agent patrolling Buchanan County.

Gillenwater joins the MDC team serving the public and protecting forests, fish, and wildlife resources in northwest Missouri. She is already familiar with the geography. Gillenwater is a St. Joseph native with a degree in wildlife conservation and management from Missouri Western State University.

“I was lucky there was an opening in my home county that gave me the opportunity to come back,” she said. “My family has given me an appreciation of the outdoors. I grew up

hunting, kayaking, fishing, boating, and helping on family farms. My dad has been my role model through the years, teaching me to hunt and dragging me along on adventures. He has always pushed me to do what I love. In high school I knew I wanted to become a conservation agent, so I took various agriculture and biology classes to expand my knowledge in this field.”

Gillenwater graduated in October from MDC’s Conservation Agent Training Academy in Jefferson City. The new agents received more than 1,200 hours of training in criminal investigations, defensive tactics, firearms qualifica-

tions, and technical instruction in fish, forest, and wildlife management. Training also included courses in legal studies, communications and conducting education programs, and First Aid/ First Responder and CPR certification.

During her college years, she worked part time for MDC as an instructor and helped with other nature and outdoor skills programs.

“As a conservation agent, I look forward to meeting more members within my community,” Gillenwater said. “I want to meet with people of all ages to help share the love of the outdoors and what our natural resources have to offer.”

Community

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Page A3

Clinton County Sheriff ’s Department Calls for Service

Thursday, December 21 1:16 a.m.: Structure fire at Walnut Street in Lathrop.

1:49 a.m.: Structure fire at Cedar Street in Lathrop.

2:03 a.m.: Medical call on Center Street in Lathrop.

5:55 a.m.: Gas odor on 33 Highway in Holt.

7:01 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

7:19 a.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Trimble.

9:02 a.m.: Medical call on SE Malden Creek Road in Clinton County.

9:11 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

10:35 a.m.: Medical call on S. Walnut in Plattsburg.

1:25 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Z Highway in Trimble.

2:18 p.m.: Vehicle crash on SE 235th Street in Lathrop.

2:34 p.m.: Natural cover fire on 169 Highway in Gower.

2:40 p.m.: Vehicle crash on SE 235th Street in Lathrop.

10:30 p.m.: Medical call on Talon in Holt.

10:52 p.m.: Carbon monoxide detector on Winner in Gower.

Friday, December 22 6:22 a.m.: Structure fire on Locust Street in Lathrop.

8:17 a.m.: Medical call on E. 116 Highway in Lathrop.

11:03 a.m.: Medical call on SE Tri-County Line in Lawson.

11:12 a.m.: Gas odor at SE Horseshoe Drive in Holt.

12:01 p.m.: Fire call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

2:13 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

2:14 p.m.: Medical call on C Highway in Holt.

2:21 p.m.: Medical call on S. Birch Street in Clinton County.

2:34 p.m.: Vehicle crash on E. 116 Highway in Lathrop.

3:19 p.m.: Medical call on SE Isley Drive in Holt.

3:28 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in

Clinton County.

4:19 p.m.: Hit and run on 169 Highway in Trimble.

4:40 p.m.: Fire call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

4:45 p.m.: Medical call on C Highway in Holt.

6:17 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

6:18 p.m.: Medical call on I-35 in Clinton County.

8:06 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main Street in Plattsburg.

9:53 p.m.: Medical call on E. Concord Drive in Plattsburg.

11:12 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

11:20 p.m.: Medical call on NE 184th Street in Holt.

Saturday, December 23 2:58 a.m.: Disturbance in progress on South Street in Lathrop.

4:18 a.m.: Smoke investigation on SE PP Highway in Holt.

9:35 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 36 Highway in Clinton County.

11:17 a.m.: Medical call on Lancaster Road in Holt.

11:18 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NE T Highway in Osborn.

12:36 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

1:01 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

1:31 p.m.: Suicidal subject on NE 283rd Street in Plattsburg.

1:36 p.m.: Medical call on NE 283rd street in Plattsburg.

1:48 p.m.: Medical call (choking) on I-35 in Clinton County.

2:22 p.m.: Controlled burn on NE A Highway in Lathrop.

2:26 p.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

5:26 p.m.: Medical call on Center Street in Lathrop.

7:38 p.m.: Medical call on SW Reed Lane in Trimble.

7:55 p.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Gower.

10:48 p.m.: Controlled burn on NE Breckenridge Road in

Lathrop.

Ten Years Ago Thursday, January 2, 2014 • Eldon Freeman, founder of Sur-Gro, passes away.

• The Parks family sells Big V Country Mart stores in Kearney, Smithville to the Cosentino family’s Price Chopper company.

• Historic J. Breckenridge Ellis home in Plattsburg (500 W. Clay) is destroyed by fire.

Twenty Years Ago Thursday, January 1, 2004 • A Plattsburg teen and juveniles arrested for shooting horse and other livestock in the area.

• Helen Russell and others features in story about Plattsburg’s community volunteering in The New York Times.

Haynesville Road in Holt.

5:24 p.m.: Medical call on E. Concord in Plattsburg.

5:25 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on SE Kincaid in Lathrop.

8:28 p.m.: Vehicle crash on Z Highway in Clinton County.

8:32 p.m.: Vehicle crash on Z Highway in Clinton County.

Sunday, December 24 12:27 a.m.: Fire call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

3:30 a.m.: Disturbance in Tuesday, December 26 progress on E. 116 Highway 7:27 a.m.: Animal call on C in Lathrop.

Highway in Plattsburg.

4:25 a.m.: Medical call on 8:36 a.m.: Medical call on Oak Street in Lathrop.

NW 316th Street in Gower.

9:03 a.m.: Medical call on 8:48 a.m.: Medical call on SW Crystal Lane in Trimble. SW 214th Street in PlattsWednesday, December 27 9:04 a.m.: Medical call on burg.

12:10 p.m.: Controlled burn 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

9:10 a.m.: Structure fire on on Field Street in Gower.

11:44 a.m.: Fire call on Lo- Locust Street in Lathrop.

12:35 p.m.: Medical call on cust Street in Lathrop.

9:13 a.m.: Medical call on NW 348th Street in Stewarts12:23 p.m.: Careless and E. 116 Highway in Clinton ville. imprudent driver on I-35 in County.

4:13 p.m.: Burglary in progClinton County.

9:54 a.m.: Medical call on ress on Center Street in Lath3:58 p.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Gower. rop.

Locust Street in Lathrop.

12:28 p.m.: Medical call on 7:12 p.m.: Medical call on 7:43 p.m.: Careless and im- 169 Highway in Cameron.

Whitcome Street in Lathrop. prudent driver on PP High- 12:33 p.m.: Domestic in 8:45 p.m.: Medical call on way in Clinton County. progress on NW Plotsky in 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

8:02 p.m.: Vehicle crash Plattsburg.

10:53 p.m.: Domestic Tina Livestock Market.qxp_Tina Livestock Auction 12/28/23 11:10 AM Page 1 in on PP Highway in Clinton 1:29 p.m.: Medical call on progress on SE 200th Street County.

County Road CC in Holt. in Holt.

8:08 p.m.: Disturbance in 2:03 p.m.: Animal call on progress on NW 356th Street I-35 in Clinton County.

Thursday, December 28 in Stewartsville.

5:21 p.m.: Animal call on SE 2:28 a.m.: Medical call on E. 8:16 p.m.: Medical call on N. Oak in Edgerton.

Monday, December 25 12:42 a.m.: Medical call on N. Oak in Edgerton.

5:14 a.m.: Medical call on NW Plotsky Avenue in Plattsburg.

6:58 a.m.: Medical call on SE Bigham Road in Gower.

7:11 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Gower.

8:58 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

9:40 a.m.: Medical call on East Street in Lathrop.

9:44 a.m.: Medical call on SE Bigham Road in Gower.

1:51 p.m.: Animal call on Z Highway in Trimble.

2:03 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on SW 274th in Trimble.

2:35 p.m.: Fire call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

2:48 p.m.: Animal call on Maple Street in Lathrop.

3:38 p.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

5:01 p.m.: Careless and im-

• WEEKLY HISTORY NOTES • Five Years Ago Thursday, January 3, 2019 • State auditor gives Clinton County a “poor” rating, noting the county’s weak financial condition and multiple deficiencies.

• Clinton County Commissioners take $51,000 loan from road and bridge department to finish the year in the black.

• Newly-elected county officials are sworn into office for new terms, including Presiding Commissioner Patrick Clark, Judge Ryan Horseman, County Clerk David Woody, Circuit Clerk Ellis Dockray, Judge Teresa Bingham, Collector Michele Wells, Prosecuting Attorney Brandi McClain and Treasurer Rita Terwilleger.

prudent driver on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

5:18 p.m.: Fire call on Locust Street in Lathrop.

• Helen L. Biggerstaff to celebrate 100th birthday this month.

Thirty Years Ago Thursday, December 30, 1993 • Reggie Moore, owner of McCullough’s Variety Store, is the first woman inducted into Lathrop Rotary Club.

Forty Years Ago Thursday, January 5, 1983 • Dozens compete in New Year’s Day Golf Classic at Plattsburg Country Club, despite the snow on the ground.

• Leslie Waters of Gower sells Waters Hardware to Lee and Natalie Elvins of Gladstone.

116 Highway in Plattsburg.

7:56 a.m.: Controlled burn on Y Highway in Plattsburg.

8:04 a.m.: Medical call on NW Willow Creek Road in Stewartsville.

9:57 a.m.: Medical call (routine transfer) on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

10:06 a.m.: Controlled burn on NE 270th Street in Lathrop.

12:28 p.m.: Animal call on SE Haynesville Road in Holt.

1:32 p.m.: Medical overdose on SE Arrowhead Road in Clinton County.

6:07 p.m.: Fire alarm on Center Street in Lathrop.

7:32 p.m.: Fraud call on East Street in Lathrop.

7:54 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.

8:25 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on NW 352nd Street in Osborn.

11:32 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

435 W. 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682 Casey & Amelia Flinn, Owners

Sheep, Goat & Hog Sale: Saturday, January 6 @ 10 am

Feeder Sale:

Monday, January 8 @ 11 am

Feeder Sale:

Monday, January 15 @ 11 am

Feeder Sale:

Monday, January 22 @ 11 am

Special Cow Sale:

Friday, January 26 @ 6 pm

Feeder Sale:

Monday, January 29 @ 11 am

Cattle Sales: Mondays @ 11 am Sheep, Goat & Hog Sales: 1st Saturday of the month @ 10 am Special Cow Sales: 4th Friday of the month @ 6 pm 5 weigh cow buyers at every sale!

Very active weigh cow and bull market!

Open all day on Sundays to receive livestock!

Barn: 660-622-4214 Casey Flinn, Owner: 816-769-7532 Field Reps: Dwayne Penny: 816-506-2776 Utah Stulz: 660-334-0400 Bobby Morrison: 816-345-0518 Ben Peterson: 660-247-2759 Travis Gibson: 660-646-8337 Rick Tate: 660-734-1307 Find us on Facebook at Tina Livestock Market Check out our market report on Cattle Market Mobile!

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OPINIONS

Page A4 • Thursday, January 4, 2024

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

A New Year’s note Ready to ring in the New (Election) Year! from our publishers WHAT’S THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD

by steve tinnen

leader publisher emeritus

by jamey honeycutt leader publisher

While reading a Christmas letter from a friend (yes, some still send letters), I noticed he repeatedly used the word “challenging” to refer to 2023.

Normally, I would pass over that adjective as mere word salad, but I paused.

Indeed, 2023 was very challenging.

Many seem to be suffering from a malaise that I can only relate to anecdotally as a child in the 70s. Inflation has again strained household budgets and made a trip to the grocery store painful.

Business is a minefield lately with staffing shortages and the aforementioned inflation.

On top of that, 2023 was the year my wife and I decided to purchase land and begin building a house. Normally that would be a very positive experience, but about the time we began that journey, the rug was ripped from under us.

My mother fell ill and passed within a few months.

We spent almost five months on the road back and forth to Arkansas.

Now, I am no different than others. Everyone experiences loss. But her passing brought mortality into vivid focus. It was very similar to being the next group to board the plane.

You aren’t up to bat just yet, but you know it will happen eventually, which adds just a bit more anxiety to the time you have left.

You begin to take inventory but in a different way. Time is much more valuable than before and you are less about “getting” and more about the experience of giving, whether it be things or information.

I was always the one in a hurry for, well, 51 years; too focused on what is to come and what may be, rather than reveling in what is and why that is enough.

Losing mom was the reference point that made me finally realize that tomorrow is here and what I have is enough. It is the people I love that I need more of, not things.

Everything I need is right

here in rural Missouri. Perhaps I am entering a stage where it is more about walking the next generation into the leadership role, because I can definitely see a handoff coming.

The world is changing and while I don’t necessarily understand or like everything I see, I can do my best to keep this little corner of heaven in order until the next group will steward the way.

Now, before any of this begins to sound like I see my role as any more grandiose than yours, let me assure you, taking inventory can also be an ego check.

I make no bones about my capacity to affect change.

While we are not the Associated Press or Fox News, we offer a voice to our citizens that those national outlets can’t.

We promise to highlight the accomplishments of our youth and inform the public when it comes to government use of your tax dollars.

No other source will tell you more about your community and neighbors in Clinton County than The Leader.

It’s a good thing that power is not a desire of mine since I have so little, but I do take the responsibility of keeping a good local newspaper in publication seriously.

In the coming year, I pledge that you will be kept informed and have your questions asked, your concerns voiced, and a weekly snapshot of what is happening in our community.

We will try to boost philanthropy by bringing those in need and those with means together. Charity begins at home and we have great organizations that need our support, many of which rely on little or no tax dollars. I want to work harder to spotlight those making a difference.

Thank you for supporting our newspaper. It has been a challenging year, but with your support and our renewed purpose, 2024 will be abundantly bountiful.

Happy New Year, Jamey and D’Anna

You know you’re growin’ older when... You remember being cool. Now you’re just cool when it’s chilly at night. **** “I’m so broke, I can’t even pay attention.” This line is often used by comedians when trying to bring a laugh. However, the line about paying attention is where we should all begin to focus as the year 2024 begins, and it is no joke.

Why is it so important to pay attention? Because, among other things, it’s a presidential election year.

That’s where most of the headlines will be roaring as we go through our daily lives. However, where the real rubber meets the road is right here in Clinton County, in what used to be a Bellwhether State—the great state of Missouri.

That’s where you should be focusing or paying attention.

In all the Clinton County communities—Plattsburg, Lathrop, Gower, Trimble,

Jamey & D’Anna Honeycutt

Becca Balliet................. General Manager Brett Adkison...................................Editor Becca Giesken............... Advertising Rep. Jim Bonebrake............................Reporter Clint Dye....................................Reporter Connie Collins...........................Proofreader

playbook of a former Democrat sheriff, the late Bob DeFreece. Bob was a huge country music fan, as he featured music at his events.

Some even traveled from Nashville to play. Sheriff Fish’s event provided live entertainment that evening at the Plattsburg Community Courtyard.

Most, if not all, of the outcomes of these races will be determined in the August Primary, as the Republicans now have a straggle hold on elections in our county. It’s a total change from when the Democrats held power in the county for decades.

The official filing for the county and statewide races begins February 27, 2024, and goes through March 26, 2024.

If you’re looking for a resolution for 2024, start paying attention—it pays dividends where you live, right here in Clinton County, USA. **** Things to consider if/ when giving advice: - Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but

dreadfully uneasy to take.

- Retire from your job, not from life.

- Book the trip!

- Walk at least a little way down into the Grand Canyon; don’t just stay up on the rim.

- Nothing good is happening on your phone past 8 p.m.

- Every time you receive a box containing something you bought online, fill it with items to donate.

- Drive slower: It’s safer, less stressful and gives you time to look around.

Be a fountain, not a drain. **** Trivia question: What percentage of Americans make New Year’s resolutions? A. 10%; B. 75%; C. 45%; D. 90% (find answer close by). **** Some humorous signs…

Girls, Girls, Girls... Just kiddin’, oil changes.

- Dogs prepare you for babies... cats prepare you for teenagers. (Carroll County Veterinary Clinic).

- Buy bed, FREE one ||Continued on A8

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Staying Sane Despite a Barrage of Extremism If you’re tuned in, you may be overwhelmed by a plethora of newscasts and its reverberating chatter.

With the complexity of news we see the ever-expanding media, podcasts and commentators.

News or issues used to be more benign and middle of the road. Now worldwide events are so radical.

People and countries are aligned with various ideologies, monies, and religious and political viewpoints.

We see more divisiveness and polarization.

Make no mistake, reason, logic or even common sense are no longer legitimate. We have to overcome this extremism. To keep our sanity, let’s try more levity. Maybe we need another Saturday Night Live (SNL).

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER Publishers

Holt, and Cameron—their municipal elections will be held in April, where mayors and councilmen will be elected. School board members will be elected and board presidents selected.

Already in Plattsburg, the race for mayor has three filed, with current Mayor James Kennedy filing for re-election.

Countywide, Clinton County voters will be electing First and Second District Commissioners.

Current Presiding Commissioner Pat Clark is not on this year’s ballot. The race for sheriff promises to be one of the most interesting, with current Sheriff Larry Fish facing a former member of his department, A.J. Carrel. Sheriff Fish has already begun his campaign with a fundraising event in Plattsburg, bringing in current Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Ashcroft is among the leaders seeking the office of Governor of Missouri—a position his father, John, held from 1985 to 1993. Sheriff Fish is also using a part of the familiar

Publisher Emeritus Steve Tinnen

MEMBER OF

Missouri Press Association

Northwest Missouri Press Association Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce Lathrop Chamber of Commerce Gower Chamber of Commerce

Advertising Representative for Missouri Press Service, Columbia, Mo.

Have Tuesday Night Thrive (TNT) to get more laughs and humor. We do see on TV and videos ridicule of bonehead ideas. Dr. Phil and Ask Dear Abby are so weathered. A smart Dr. Ventriloquist or Ask Your Local Barber or Hairdresser may find more clarity.

When it comes to the nobility in the halls of congress, they act like there’s no ability. Stupidity doesn’t need to be permanent. We do have elections.

Our highest executives, one in the White House and one in the Naval Observatory House, have shown their true colors.

Biden recalls his time at the Naval Academy. That was a figment of his imagination, as was his high class ranking at the University

of Delaware (Delaware U: The Fighting Blue Hens).

Now the cackle lady— sorry, V.P. Harris—was a czar for a while. As appointee of our southern border, she penetrated deep into Mexico looking for the “root cause.” The result; the U.S. should be more friendly, don’t document who the migrants are, set more crossing records, coerce the U.N. to up the free debit card amounts, provide good free cell phones, and supply free plane tickets to their favorite destination.

Did somebody flunk kindergarten and other grades prior to this? The head of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, should have his picture framed and hung in someone’s outhouse.

I’m about to hide my citizenship, get on the Darien pathway in Mexico and soon enjoy all the freebies. What a great country we live in! And when I’m in the states, the welfare begins. Some are deserving, while many are milking the system. America is so charitable.

“Give your tired, your poor, your huddled masses” does not mean you send your rejects. The disorderly migration shows many military-aged Chinese already here, bunches of Muslim or jihadis and also prisoners.

Included are young human trafficking kids and bad drugs. Our sovereignty and respect is gone.

LeRoy Schwery Lathrop, Mo.

CONTINUING THE PLATTSBURG LEADER, LATHROP OPTIMIST AND RURAL REPORTER

Yearly Subscription Rates Clinton County.................................$52 Missouri.............................................$65 Out-of-State......................................$69 Change Of Address: postmaster, send address changes to: the clinton county leader, 102 e. maple, plattsburg, mo, 64477 What’s Your View?

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816-539-2111

DAVID RICE ATCHISON • “President for a Day”

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Community

Frederick “Bill” Stocklas

Janet (Rehm) Conner Janet Ruth (Rehm) Conner passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, the day after celebrating Christmas with her beloved family.

Janet was born on April 4, 1944 (4/4/44), in Beatrice, Neb., to Melinda M. (Knoche) and Arnold W. Rehm, the third of six children. She married Norman Leroy Conner at St. Peter Lutheran Church outside Craig on April 21, 1967.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her younger brother, Ronald R. Rehm; and her in-laws, Kathleen E. (Keller) and Norman W. Conner. She is survived by her husband of over 56 years and their children, Shawna M. (Mark) Macrander of St. Joseph; Angie D. Conner of Plattsburg; and Chris W. Conner of St. Joseph. Their eight grandchildren are Brooke L. Conner of Kansas City, Mo.; Teagan V. Conner of Sedelia, Mo.; Conner S. Wilcox of Virginia; Devon J. Wilcox of Wisconsin; and Josiah C. Macrander, Delaney M. Macrander, Cassidy A. Macrander, and Kelsey R. Macrander, all of St. Jo-

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seph. She was so very proud of the young adults each of them are becoming and loved family pictures. Her siblings include Carol (Billie Paul) Sharp of Mound City, Mo.; Kenneth (Barb) Rehm of Florida; Lois Deering of Fillmore, Mo.; Bill (Connie) Rehm of Savannah , Mo.; sister-in-law Janice Rehm of Easton, Mo.; and brother-in-law and sister-inlaw Darell (Sylvia) Conner of Plattsburg, Mo. She has many friends and extended family, including numerous nieces and nephews, left to morn her loss, as well.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Plattsburg Senior Center.

The family received friends at Heaton, Bowman, Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel on Saturday, December 30.

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Call us at (816) 539-2111 to start your subscription today and catch all of the historic high school sports action!

Frederick William “Bill” Stocklas, 83, Plattsburg, Missouri, left his earthly home for Heaven on December 24, 2023. He was the youngest child of Albert and Rena (Parks) Stocklas, born November 26, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill married Brenda Heisler on July 26, 1964.

She preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rena Gay. Survivors include daughters, Beverly Krueger (Kurt) of Daphne, Alabama, and Barbara Elder (Jason) of Poughkeepsie, New York; sisters, Mary Jo Worley and Marjorie Ann Kunstel of St. Louis, Missouri; and five grandchildren.

Bill was a member of the Plattsburg community for over 60 years, worshiping at the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburg.

Bill provided for his family through his work as a pilot.

He volunteered regularly at the Plattsburg Senior Cen-

Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Page A5

A Cold Blast from the Past

ter and was always willing to help a neighbor in need.

He loved his family and his Savior and will be terribly missed.

Farewell services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 4, First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburg. Interment will follow at Lathrop Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburg. The family suggests memorial gifts to the Plattsburg Senior Center. Arrangements: Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service. Online guest book and obituary at www.baileycox.com.

Follow The Leader on Facebook for updates, photos and more throughout the week!

Mike Larkin was kind enough to share these historical photos that he previously received from the late Harry Lewis. The top photo was taken in March 1939 south of J Highway on Lilly Road, north of Lewis home. Harry Lewis stands next to his 1923 Ford.

Soon after the photo, this cut drifted entirely shut once again. Directly above, a crew of men try to dig out the county’s very first road maintainer, which was shut in by the snow in March 1939. Hopefully Clinton County won’t be seeing any kind of snow drifts like this in 2024!

Page A6 • Thursday, January 4, 2023

Community

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Sports

Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Page A7

The Leader’s Top Sports Moments of the Year: Part I by brett adkison leader editor

It’s time once again to count down the 10 biggest sports stories in Clinton County.

In 2023, all three schools—East Buchanan, Plattsburg and Lathrop— continued to rack up championships at an unreal rate, which makes this list all the more difficult to decide.

Some of the accomplishments that earned honorable mention this year would have been top-five stories just a decade ago.

That just goes to show the drive and determination of the coaches and players in Clinton County.

This week, we begin with some honorable mention moments, then move to stories that earned spots 10 through six. Next week, we’ll break down the top five stories from the year.

Honorable Mention • For the second year in a row, the Lathrop Lady Mules basketball team won the annual KCI Conference Tournament championship.

• Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, visited Plattsburg High School to speak to the students and community.

• Lathrop mourned the loss of Rick Berry, who was a pillar of the local sports community, creating a softball coaching legacy that helped hundreds of players learn and love the sport.

• The East Buchanan volleyball team continued its success, winning the 2023 KCI Conference Tournament.

• The East Buchanan boys golf team also added to its banner, winning the KCI Conference championship.

• After stellar seasons for both teams, the Lathrop academic bowl squad was able to defeat East Buchanan to win a district title and advance to the state playoffs.

• Plattsburg’s cheerleading team took second in Class 1A at the MCCA State Game Day competition.

10. Lathrop girls wrestling wins a KCI Conference championship With a rich history in wrestling and the emergence of girls wrestling in Missouri, 2023 was the perfect time for the KCI Conference to resurrect its annual meet.

The Lathrop Lady Mules made history, scor-

ing 170 team points to win the championship over second-place Mid-Buchanan.

The Lady Mules earned six individual KCI championships: Avery Clay at 235 lbs., Sierra Brassfield at 155 lbs., McKayla Knight at 135 lbs., Jordan Diercks at 120 lbs., Ali Gonzales at 115 lbs. and Sara Allyn at 100 lbs.

The Plattsburg Lady Tigers (cooperating with East Buchanan) were fourth on the girls side. The Lathrop boys finished third in the conference meet and Plattsburg (with East Buchanan) was right behind them in fourth.

9. Plattsburg baseball wins a district title In 2022, the Plattsburg Tigers baseball team won 29 games and finished third in the state. With some key seniors leaving the team, the Tigers figured to take a step back in 2023. But by the end of the season, Plattsburg was hitting on all cylinders, winning eight of their final 11 games.

That included a win over West Platte in the Class 2, District 15 semifinals and close 4-3 victory over North Platte in the title game, earning the Tigers another district championship and a berth in the Class 2 state playoffs.

Plattsburg nearly advanced to the state quarterfinals, too. In a wild, backand-forth game against Maysville in the state sectionals, the Tigers found themselves down 12-7 in the bottom of the seventh inning. With their backs against the wall, Plattsburg scratched back into the game with a four-run outburst, but came up just short, 12-11.

Over the last two years, Plattsburg baseball has won an astounding 50 games, including seven postseason games.

8. East Buchanan girls basketball wins another district title It’s hard to overstate the dominance with which East Buchanan girls basketball reigned over the region the past four years. In that time, the Lady Bulldogs won 84 games, including 25 games in the KCI Conference and 15 postseason games, including the 2020 Missouri Class 2 State Championship.

The 2023 squad cemented their place in that ||Continued on A8

East Buchanan star Gracie Kelsey helped lead the team to another district title. file photo

Lathrop wrestler Avery Clay helped lead the girls program to a district tournament title. file photo

Lathrop senior Kaitlyn Morgan was a central leader in back-to-back KCI tournament titles for LHS. file photo

Plattsburg leaned on its pitchers, including Hunter Risch, in their drive for a district title. file photo

Page A8 • Thursday, January 4, 2024

Community

Top Sports Moments of 2023: Part I, Continued from Page A7

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

run by going 23-5, winning the team’s fourth-straight KCI Conference championship, and once again gaining entry in the state tournament by winning the Missouri Class 3, District 15 championship.

While East Buchanan fell in the sectional round against South Harrison, it was quite the send-off for standout athlete Gracie Kelsey (the Division I Lindenwood commit who racked up 1,766 points and 1,013 rebounds in her career at EBHS) and fellow senior cornerstone Kinzie Woodside.

7. East Buchanan girls golf qualifies for state championship meet For the second time in the program’s short history, the East Buchanan girls golf team earned a state trophy.

The Lady Bulldogs qualified five players for the 2023 Missouri Class 1 State Championships this past fall, giving them a leg up on much of the field.

Senior Anna Kenagy had an impressive outing, shooting 208 over two rounds in Sedalia to finish 24th individually and help East Buchanan to a team score of 866. That was enough to keep them ahead of Duchesne (874), which finished fifth.

South Harrison won the state title at 821 strokes.

Addisyn Musser was 33rd for East Buchanan in the individual standings, while Abigail Barton was 42nd, Hilarry Elifrits was 72nd and Kylie Clark was 87th in a field stacked with the best small school golfers in the state.

6. East Buchanan boys track team breaks a 36-year drought District championships can be hard to come by in track and field. Each district is packed with so many schools, it’s hard to fight your way to the top. That would explain why the East Buchanan boys track team, despite winning a state championship in 2005, had gone 36 years without winning a district title.

The Bulldogs laid that drought to rest in 2023.

With the right mix of talent up and down the event sheet, East Buchanan scored 120.5 team points to win the Class 2, District 8 championship by six points over West Platte last May. In the process, the Bulldogs earned three individual district championships and racked up 14 sectional qualifications.

That last part proved crucial, as East Buchanan turned right around and won the sectional championship, too.

It all culminated with a fifth-place finish in the Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championships. Sophomore Trey Johnson had a breakout performance, winning the state title in the javelin, and the 4x800M relay team— Carson White, Aidan Henlsey, Kyler Paxton, Parker Conroy—also won its state championship.

(Above Left) The East Buchanan Lady Bulldogs continued filling the trophy case with a fourth-place finish at the state golf championships this past fall.

(Above Right) The East Buchanan boys track team ended a 36-year drought by winning a district championship last May. (Left) The Lathrop academic bowl team punched their ticket to the state playoffs by winning a district championship last spring.

Tinnen: What’s the Shape of the World?, Continued from Page A4 night stand.

- Little Mexico Restaurant – Soup of the Day, Tequila.

- Photoexpress: Imaging Specialists & Photographic Studio.

We can shoot your wife and frame your mother-in-law. If you want, we can hang them, too!

- Door knockers, please note: This household charges $50 per minute to listen to sales pitches, religious messages and fundraising stories. By knocking on this door or ringing the doorbell, you signal your agreement with the terms outlined above.

Fun fact! Wind chimes are

made from the metallic bones of robots that tried to overthrow us.

Hang them outside your house as a warning to others. (Trivia answer: C. Nearly half of Americans, 45 percent, make some kind of resolution on New Year’s Eve. Nearly 75 percent of people keep them for only 2 weeks. Nearly one-quarter (22%) admit they just can’t stay up until midnight.

According to The Underwear Expert, white underwear brings peace while red brings love and yellow brings success. It begs the question: what about the people who don’t wear underwear? The

answer will appear next week). **** Food for thought: “New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls, and humbug resolutions, and we wish you to enjoy it with a looseness suited to the greatness of the occasion.” Mark Twain - Letter to Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, Jan. 1863.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910),[1] known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an

American writer, humorist, essayist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He was praised as the “greatest humorist the United States has produced”, and William Faulkner called him “the father of American literature”. His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). **** Thank you and I’ll talk to you next week!

Steve Tinnen

Fun way to learn about nature with MDC app

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Don’t let winter temperatures keep you inside – there’s still much to explore in this season! To help kids and adults discover nature, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is once again partnering with the Agents of Discovery mobile gaming app for its Winter Edition Missions.

Agents of Discovery is an educational gaming app that allows users to engage with nature while completing “Missions”, or games – proving that screen time can be green time.

Winter Edition Missions will run through March 1. Anyone can join by downloading the free app and completing the Missions

at participating locations.

Each Mission consists of educational challenges that teach players about local history, culture, ecosystems, and safety.

Missions include prizes to reward “Agents”, or players who participate. Once an agent completes a mission, they can earn stickers, pins, and other prizes.

The following MDC locations have new Winter Edition Missions: “How Do Animals Handle the Winter?” at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City “Operation Backyard Bird” at Cape Girardeau Nature Center “Winter Mission” at Powder Valley Nature Center in

Kirkwood “Winter Walk” at Springfield Nature Center Download the free app and create an Agent profile.

Then pick a Mission in your area. Download the mission before heading to it, so you can play the game without WiFi or a data connection.

Then use your secret Agent tool to find and unlock chal-

lenges.

Agents of Discovery is available for download through the App Store for Apple products or Google Play for Android devices.

For more information on Agents of Discovery, visit https://discovertheforest. org/activities/agents-of-discovery.

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Community

Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Page A9

The Year in Review: Part I, Continued from Page A1 having served in numerous capacities, including public works director and wastewater treatment plant director; Clinton County Clerk David Woody—also a sergeant with the Missouri National Guard—has been called out for deployment.

January 19 – Gower City Council places marijuana sales tax on the April ballot; The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department reports 8,652 calls for service in 2022, up from 8,282 the previous year; Longtime Lathrop R-II Technology Director Norman Carlock announces he will retire at the end of the school year; the East Buchanan football team receives a mayoral proclamation commemorating their 2022 state championship; H&R Block opens new location in Lathrop; Lathrop community member Judy Norvell passes at 88.

January 26 – The Clinton County R-III School District approves historic move to eight-man football for Plattsburg High School; Debbie Davis to retire after 20 years of service with the Clinton County University of Missouri Extension and 4-H; Gracie Kelsey and Jack Archdekin are crowned East Buchanan Courtwarming Royalty; Brendan Fine and Avery Clay crowned Lathrop Courtwarming Royalty; The next superintendent of Lathrop R-II schools, Dr. Adam Willard, visits Lathrop Rotary.

February 2 – For the second-straight year, the Clinton County R-III School District falls behind on MAP test scores; Lathrop Middle School Principal John Goodin announces he’s leaving for Kearney at the end of the school year; East Buchanan School District to consider the future of East Buchanan Middle School building in Easton; The Lathrop Lady Mules wrestling team wins the KCI Conference wrestling tournament.

February 9 – Clinton County Commissioners approve $4.5 million budget for 2023, place marijuana sales tax on the April ballot; East Buchanan hosts community meetings to help decide whether to keep its middle school at its current building in Easton with renovations, or build new in Gower; The Chinese spy balloon making headlines around the world travels over Clinton County.

February 16 – With resignations and retirements, the Lathrop R-II School District will avoid cutting any filled positions ahead of next school year; Plattsburg seniors James Braddy and Ja-

zelle Bingham are crowned 2022 Courtwarming King and Queen; Dr. Adam Willard, the next superintendent at Lathrop R-II visits with community at basketball games.

February 23 – Plattsburg boys basketball, East Buchanan girls basketball win district championships; Plattsburg’s John George recounts his travels to Super Bowl LVII; Clinton County R-III school officials lay out strategy to improve attendance and test scores.

March 2 – Lathrop freshman wrestler Garrett Beane caps a perfect season (49-0) with a Missouri state championship at 106 lbs.; Clinton County officials mull over possible renovations to the courthouse; Parents of fourth grade students at East Buchanan bring concerns over classroom disruptions to the school board; Lathrop City Council approves step screen filter for wastewater treatment facility; Plattsburg boys basketball team remains undefeated, winning a district championship and advancing to the state quarterfinals; East Buchanan girls basketball wins district title but falls to South Harrison in sectional round of state playoffs.

March 9 – The 30-0 Plattsburg Tigers basketball team defeats Weaubleau to earn a spot in the Missouri Class 2 State Final Four in Springfield; Kim Hobbs, a 1990 graduate of Plattsburg High School, earns a second Super Bowl ring as an executive with the Kansas City Chiefs.

March 16 – The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team finishes third in the Missouri Class 2 State Basketball Tournament with a record of 31-1; Andy McNeely hired as the next middle school principal at Lathrop; Reports of someone impersonating a law enforcement officer in Clinton County, Clay County; Plattsburg City Council considers a logo for the new water tower to be constructed on the north side of town.

March 23 – Clinton County R-III to institute before and after school care; Gower City Council and East Buchanan School District to share costs of an AED machine at Heritage Park; Former East Buchanan standout Lilly Schilling wins NAIA National Championship with Clarke basketball team.

March 30 – Lathrop City Council approves increases to water and sewer rates; After eight years at Clinton County R-III, athletics director Kemper Kellerstrass

announces he’ll be leaving the district after the school year.

April 6 – East Buchanan places measure on August election ballot that would see new middle school building constructed in Gower; Voters in Lathrop approve new sales tax for street improvements; Marijuana sales taxes in the area approved by voters; The Gower Fire Department celebrates its 30th anniversary.

April 13 – Gower Masonic Lodge donates $24,000 to benefit students at East Buchanan; The Leader features the story of Reverend Charles East, who will turn 79 in April 2023.

(Above) The annual Easter egg hunt at Lathrop’s downtown park. (Below) Community members gather last summer for the annual Juneteenth picnic at the museum in Plattsburg. (Below) County officeholders are sworn into office last January. file photos

April 20 – Plattsburg football officially makes the move to eight-man football as the high school comes in under the enrollment cap; Hunter Adkins hired as the new activities director at Plattsburg; The Monster Truck driven by Bailey Shea of Northern Missouri makes a stop at Ellis Elementary; Missouris Shoal DAR Chapter presents community service award to Plattsburg’s Hartzell family; Lathrop academic bowl team defeats East Buchanan to win district title; Lathrop High School Principal Robert Bowers honored with Consummate Professional Award by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.

April 27 – Lathrop Elementary Principal Chauncey Rardon announces he’ll be resigning from the position after 20 years to take a principal spot in Kearney; Residents ask Plattsburg Council about a bevy of issues during town hall meeting; East Buchanan Board of Education votes to put 65-cent middle school levy on the August ballot.

May 4 – Clinton County Senate Bill 40 moves its offices from Goppert Community Center to downtown Lathrop office; Lathrop City Council approves the addition of a fourth storm siren, this one on the southwest side of town; Plattsburg High School earns national recognition for dedication to safety and care from the National Athletic Trainers Association; May 11 – Authorities clear Lathrop High School after a bomb threat is made at the building; Plattsburg Tigers baseball hosts Military Appreciation Night, including ceremonies by city officials and American Legion Post 97; Lathrop’s Brody Spear and Lucas Quinn win first place at the state FBLA com-

petition in graphic design, earning a spot at nationals in Atlanta; East Buchanan golf wins KCI Conference championship, Trevor Klein wins individual KCI title; East Buchanan boys track team wins first district title in 36 years.

May 18 – Stephanie Bowers, a second grade teacher at Lathrop Elementary and the wife of LHS principal Robert Bowers, is hired as the next principal at the elementary school; The COVID-19 pandemic officially comes to a close, with Clinton County experiencing 5,699 confirmed cases and 120 deaths; The inspirational Cory Wohlford, who continued to coach and lead young adults after a car accident cost him use of his legs, passes away at 60; Lathrop, Plattsburg and East Buchanan baseball teams each advance to play for district championships.

May 25 – Plattsburg Ward II Alderman Tracy Pincus is removed from office after an eight-year-old redistricting mistake is uncovered and its found her home is actually in Ward III; City of Plattsburg quells concerns over safety at municipal pool; Brendan

Fine announced as Valedictorian at Lathrop graduation; Dylan Ellis is the Valedictorian at East Buchanan graduation; Lathrop baseball wins the first district championship in its 25-year history; Plattsburg baseball wins another district championship; East Buchanan athletes Rilyn Sherwood (triple jump), Aidan Hensley, Carson White, Parker Conroy, Kyler Paxton (4x800M relay) and Trey Johnson (javelin) win event championships at state meet.

June 1 – Visitors flock to Gower and the abbey of Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles after the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster is found to be incorrupt year after her passing; Memorial Day services held throughout Clinton County; Lathrop City Council approves site plan for new Dollar General store on 116 Highway; Lathrop baseball advances to the Missouri Class 3 State Quarterfinals before falling to Barstow.

June 8 – Chaotic Plattsburg City Council meeting does little to clear up confusion around the dismissal of Tracy Pincus as alderman; The

annual Lathrop Friendship Festival takes over Oak Street—Charlie Tate and Sherry Christian named Festival Senior King and Queen, Kendra Gagnon is named Rotary Citizen of the Year and Chauncey Rardon serves as Festival Grand Marshal.

June 15 – Plattsburg Masons ask for donations, which will be matched and used to support local students; Larry Freeman receives his 60year membership pin to the Plattsburg Masonic Lodge; Lathrop mourns the loss of coach and volunteer Rick Berry.

June 22 – The annual Juneteenth Picnic at the Riley-Carmack Museum in Plattsburg continues to grow; The Lathrop Antique Car, Tractor and Engine Show rumbles throughout the weekend.

June 29 – A man is killed in a shooting at Lake Arrowhead; The Bigfoot Monster Truck makes an appearance at Dennis Sneed Ford; Plattsburg mourns the loss of community member Keith “Grumpy” Felts.

Page A10 • Thursday, January 4, 2024

Community

$52 $42

THE LEADER

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

$65 $55 $69 $59

CCL classifieds 1-4-24.qxp_Layout 1 1/2/24 2:33 PM Page 1

LEGALS

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! CALL 816-539-2111 Classified Ad Rates $10 for up to 25 word or less (advance payment required) $.60 per word afer 25

AGRICULTURE See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply, 614 Harris Ave., 359-2258 --------------------------Buying standing walnut, oak & cottonwood timber. Cash or on shares. Call Mike at 816-248-3091 --------------------------PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and location. 816-288-9060 --------------------------WANTED FARM GROUND - I am looking for row crop ground to cash rent.

Call Brad 816-2843689.

--------------------------Kingsville Livestock Auction. Located 45 miles SE of Kansas City, MO. On 58 Hwy. East of Modern. 816.597.3331. www.kingsvillelivestock.com fwda --------------------------Summers Crop Services, LLC in Lathrop.

Fertilizer & lime applications. Call Curtis Summers for a free quote. 816564-7116, fwda --------------------------Osborn Livestock Auction located 7 miles West of Cameron on Hwy 36, Osborn, MO. Sale every Wednesday at 10AM. 816-6752424 fwda --------------------------Tina Livestock Market. 435 W 2nd St., Tina, MO 64682. Call 660-622-4214. www.tinalivestockmarket.com fwda ---------------------------

FOR RENT Sunnyview Apartments is taking applications for single & double apartments.

Sunnyview is a residential care facility for the elderly. We provide qualified staff to administer medications, provide three meals a day and offer minimal assistance with the activities of daily living.

Now accepting Medicaid. For more information contact Cassandra Brewer at 660-359-5647.

--------------------------Apartments for rent in Hale MO. Different size & prices. First month's rent and deposit. No pets. Background check required. Available

now . call 660-6452269 or 660-6492316.

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Available 1/10/24 Call 660-645-2269.

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

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FOR SALE Attention customers!

Trenton Hardware has all your home building & repair supplies. If we ain't got it...you don't need it! Trenton Hardware, 901 Main, 660-359-3660.

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Custom hunting blind. 2007 Chevy Malibu-Good condition. $2000. Heavy Duty utility trailer with ramps $1500 , heavy duty utility trailer, tilt bed $1500 Call 816617-3372 --------------------------Shelter Insurance – Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660-3594100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com Tdtf ---------------------------

HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816-2891935 or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different" --------------------------Shelly's Pet Care, 660-684-6864, 103 S. Locust St., Jamesport, MO 64648. Professional, Personalized Grooming. Appointments available Monday - Saturday.

35 Years of Experience! Serving the Green Hills Area since 1996!

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NOTICES THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 359-3313.

Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol – CENEX. 83 years of service & experience. MR. TIRE – Mastercraft and Yokohama tires.

--------------------------Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlauto supply.com ---------------------------

EMPLOYMENT Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. E.O.E --------------------------The Missouri Department of Conservation, Lake Paho CA in Princeton, Missouri is looking for a PartTime Hourly Resource Technician.

Mon. - Fri. work week.

Duties include mowing, area maintenance, operation of farm equipment, and prescribed burning.

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Must have valid driver's license. Apply by going to jobs.mdc.mo.gov and click on hourly jobs tab. For more info contact Jonathan McCulley (660)7263746.

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SERVICES Willing Workers LLP - Do you need your siding or roof replaced? Give Willing Workers a call today for a FREE estimate...

660-9735694, John Kramer, 17594 St. Hwy. 190, Jamesport, MO 64648 ---------------------------

JAMESPORT LUMBER - Full Service Lumberyard.

We also sell Trusses/ metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery Available • Free Estimates. 32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-684-6404 --------------------------Carquest Auto Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268, tlautosupply.com. Monday-Friday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12.

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

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

Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Page A11

Offutt, Offutt & Associates Auction Service. Land, farm, and Home. Free Appraisals. Cameron, MO. 816-724-3214 --------------------------RED BARN MINI STORAGE, across from the new hospital on Iowa Blvd in Trenton. 5 Unit sizes available. Call Mike or Jane Cooksey 660-359-7683.

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

--------------------------WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks.

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

--------------------------PAGE TREE SERVICE Jeff Page 660359-3699-shop, 660-359-2202home. Serving the entire Green Hills Area! Specializing in tree trimming, stump grinding & complete removal. 75’ bucket truck, chipper & stump grinder. Licensed & insured.

Free Estimates!

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NO HUNTING DIRECTORY

All hunting, fishing, swimming, and trespassing on land owned or controlled by the undersigned is hereby forbidden, except with the permission of the owner.

(Names added to this list for $25 per year. ADVANCE payment only.)

PLATTSBURG

Sylvia Conner Sandra Wiedmaier All lands leased by Brandon Stevens Sloan Farms Hales Farms Redburns’ Lucky Star Ranch King Farm

TURNEY GOWER

Emmett O. Auxier Farm

3-24 3-24 3-24 10-24 10-24 11-25 10-23 10-24

LATHROP

David Adam 3-24 Kenneth Turner 5-24 Additional Areas Available: TRIMBLE

CALL (816) 539-2111 To be added to the No Hunting Directory

Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! MidStates will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-359-2045 or at h t t p : / / w w w. m i d states.net.

4100

Oklahoma Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

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

--------------------------Country Discount Store 19939 State

Highway D Hamilton, MO. Dog food. Fresh Brown Eggs. Much, much more! Come check out our Specials!! CASH OR CHECK ONLY. ---------------------------

Call 816-539-2111 to place your Classified Ad today!

PUBLIC NOTICES Because The People Must Know

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI AT PLATTSBURG PROBATE DIVISION Matter of Hazel May Johnson

No. 23CN-PR00092

NOTICE OF HEARING To all persons known or unknown who claim any interest as an heir or through an heir in the property of Hazel May Johnson, who died on the 27th day of July, 2017, residing at 6872 S.E. Horseshoe Drive, Holt, Missouri 64048: You are hereby notified than an Application has been filed in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri by Jacqueline Jamie Meisner for the heirs of Hazel May Johnson and of their respective interests as such heirs in and with respect to all of the property owned by said deceased at the time of death including the following, to wit: All of Lot 4 Shugart Acres, Clinton County, Missouri. Parcel ID 1506.124003002010.000 known and numbered as 6872 S.E. Horseshoe Drive, Holt, Missouri 64048.

Applicant's attorney is Thomas E. Hankins, whose business address is 6812 N. Oak, Suite 5, Gladstone, Missouri 64118.

You are further notified that a hearing on said Application will be held in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County at the Courthouse, 207 North Main Street Plattsburg, MO 64477, on the 21st day of February, 2024, at 9 a.m. at which time evidence will be presented to the Court and at which time and place you are entitled to be present and to be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment may be entered in due course upon said Application.

Date: January 4, 2024

/s/ Deana Morton Deputy Court Clerk (1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25/24)

IN THE 43RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, CLINTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION Case Number: 23CN-PR00090 In the Estate of LUETTA MAY CROWLEY, Deceased.

Notice of Letters Testamentary Granted (Independent Administration) To All Persons Interested in the Estate of LUETTA MAY CROWLEY, Decedent: On December 19, 2023, the last will of the decedent having been admitted to probate, THOMAS SHIRK was appointed the personal representative of the estate of Luetta May Crowley, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, Missouri.

The personal representative may administer the estate independently without adjudication, order, or direction of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, unless a petition for supervised administration is made to and granted by the court. The personal representative’s business address is: 5050 NW Manson Rd Kidder, MO 64649 The personal representative’s attorney’s name, business address and phone number is: Herman Joseph Ray Esry, Parman & Easterday 10740 Nall Ave STE 160 Overland Park, KS 66211 (913)385-9400 All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six months from the 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 limitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent's death, as provided in Section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods.

Nothing in Section 473.033, 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. Date of the decedent's death: July 16, 2023 Date of first publication: December 28, 2023 /s/ Deana Morton Clerk Receipt of this notice by mail should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that the recipient 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 above referenced Circuit Court.

(12/28/23, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18/24)

Page A12 • Thursday, January 4, 2024

Community

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Students recognized at Lathrop Elementary School

Congratulations to the Big 3 winners at Lathrop Elementary for the month of November (above). Those three traits are being responsible, respectful and safe.

Front (left to right): Joshua Loberg, Matt Baker, Rowan Hufford, Tricilli Cope, Landyn Wood, Tesley Williams, Tinley Gordon, Gunner Schanuth, Ava Taylor, Haddon Wathen, Andrew Peters. Back: Gabe Willard, Max Defries, Eli Hatheway, BrynLee Russell, Renner Ward, Laleigh Huonker, Hadley Brawley (Above Right) Congratulations to Easton Grissom and Scottlynn Peterson (pictured), as well as Katelyn Pollard (not pictured) for being the Lathrop Elementary PE Team Players for November.

(Right) Members of the Lathrop Elementary Student Council visited Oakridge of Plattsburg on December 11 to visit with the residents there. Members pictured include Lauren Clay, Brody Hartzell, Jillie Reeves, Leilani Katsulis, Adeline Willard, Gigi Behm, Joziah Velez.

Bodenhausens win Lion’s Annual Lighting Contest

Congratulations to longtime Gower residents Keith and Marge Bodenhausen for winning the Gower Lions Club’s Eighth Annual Christmas Lighting Decoration Contest. The couple received a gift certificate to Hy-Klas Grocery and a free flag in the club’s American flag program next year.

Wishing our readers a tremendous 2024! We can’t wait to bring Clinton County’s headlines to your door!