The Leader

4Cs Continues to Servce

The downtown thrift store in Plattsburg provides for people and groups that find themselves in need || PAGE A3

LEADER CLINTON COUNTY

“The People Have The Right To Know”

Cameron City Hall could remain closed until 2026

Cameron City Hall, currently closed due to several structural deficiencies, leaks and mold, will remain vacant due to massive repairs that will

estimates are already well over a million dollars, with a new roof alone being over $500,000.

For at least 18 months or longer, city employees could be displaced before the building might be declared safe and re-open for business.

Currently, the city has continued to operate, albeit from several different buildings downtown, but that will once again be changing according to City Manager Steve Rasmussen.

In an exclusive in-

terview with The Clinton County Leader, Rasmussen gave the newspaper a tour of the now shuttered city hall. The building, dedicated in 2001 to much fanfare, now sits mostly unoccupied with industrial

After a short interim stint, the City of Plattsburg has hired Steve Garrett as the town’s new full-time city administrator.

The Plattsburg City Council previously hired Garrett as the interim in April to replace former administrator Chase Waggoner, with whom the city parted ways in March. Garrett has worked with municipalities in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri for 35 years. A resident of Smithville, Garrett was the city administrator there from 2010 to 2017.

“I had never really thought that I would be back in this position as a full-time administrator,” Garrett said. “But coming in as the interim, I saw the po-

According

Holt Fire Chief Edward Barger said that, with-

The Gower Fire Protection District was named the 2024 Gower Days Grand Marshals. Front Row (in white, left to right): Jessica Roe, John Hesson, Jon Roe and Doug Ottinger. Back Row (in blue): Josh Hamner, Shane Massing, Colby Roe, Colin Archdekin, David Elifrits and Morgan Spencer. brett adkison | the leader

out the increase, the district could see a drastic reduction in ambulance service and ability, and farther into the future, it could go away entirely. As it stands now, he said the ambulance service runs at decreased capability at times, dropping from ALS (advanced life-saving mode) to BLS (basic lifesaving mode), which includes the use of EMTs over paramedics.

There are also times when there is no ambulance service available and they drop into a two-person first responder mode.

“Providing a fullystaffed, ALS transport service (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) throughout 2025 is improbable, if not impossible,” Chief Barger said of the current funding. “The bottom line is that the current tax levy will not support the service delivery model that has been in place for several years, the budget history shows. Changes have been made to make it much more cost efficient, but there just isn’t enough free space to make it work through another year without drastic changes in service delivery.”

Facing increases in operational costs, rollbacks to the effective levy, and previous staffing shortages that forced the district to rely more on overtime, the

Holt Fire Protection District has deficit spent in three of the last four fiscal years. In 2022, the district exceeded its budget by approximately $154,000 and the cash reserve fell to 87 days of operation. Last year, the district went $125,000 over its budget, with the reserve falling to 45 days of operation.

Chief Barger said that the department previously relied heavily on overtime to compensate for the staffing shortages that most fire, police and first responders have faced in recent years. But he said they’ve worked their way up to utilizing a strong group of part-time personnel to work with the full-timers and cut back on overtime.

“Very few small rural communities can compete with the salaries and benefits of larger communities to start with, especially if you are close enough to commute,” Chief Barger said. “The closer you are to the heart of the metro area, the higher the possibility that you become a feeder or steppingstone organization.

“That, combined with the national shortage of paramedics, is a huge problem. You can’t hire what isn’t available. We are doing educational assistance contracts and providing training opportunities for personnel to go to school in

conjunction with contractual employment time. This also provides us with homegrown leadership.”

HFPD taxpayers approved a $1.5 million general obligation bond in 2016 to fund the purchase of a fire truck, tanker truck and two new ambulances, along with other district improvements. Chief Barger said the debt service fund remains healthy and has a reserve to cover some future payments.

The fire district has publicly posted much of its financial information, audits, and tax levy information on Facebook for voters to consider before heading to the polls next month.

“We have to be creative,” Chief Barger said. “We are striving to be the best community-driven service we can be. We provide the best coverage that we can and utilize our resources as efficiently as possible. We need to focus on being data driven for the future, letting the system tell us what it needs and letting the trends show us when it is going to need it. Proactive planning has to be the approach for the future, making budget decisions that make sense long-term and being as transparent as possible to the people that we serve.”

Cameron City Hall, Continued from Page A1

air scrubber fans droning in the halls to mitigate mold spores. A new location in the city limits in DeKalb County has been identified and will be the new home for city employees as of August 1. That decision was made by the council in closed executive session Monday night. Since the leasor had not signed the contract as of press time, the identity of the new location and landlord are being withheld.

Until then, services will continue, with most walkin customers visiting the electric department across the street, the city clerk and utilities director working out of the water distribution department, and the city manager and economic development director in the public safety and fire department building.

As admittedly “dreadful” as the temporary quarters have been, that is the best they could do on such short notice, but there may be a silver lining according to Rasmussen. “Its an interesting thing, that since (we moved out) we’ve had

a number of employees that have said they feel much better not being in this (City Hall) building.” Rasmussen went on to cite how several employees are seeing better health simply moving out of the leaky and mold infested offices.

“They thought they were having allergies, and once they were working out of this building, it all went away. It was the mold in this building causing it,” concluded Rasmussen. “I am not a doctor or an environmental engineer but the evidence is that is happening. And I can give you one, two, three specific people who would absolutely say they are happy to be out of this building, that they feel much better now.”

In touring the facilities, Rasmussen pointed out how the stone work on the facing of the building is concrete block and not brick. Rasmussen added that brick is fire-hardened in a kiln and can last for hundreds of years. Concrete block that looks like brick was used and has a far shorter expected lifespan, and the results

are evident in crumbling walls and columns.

When asked if there was any legal avenue to have the original contractor pay for the repairs, Rasmussen didn’t seem hopeful. The statute of limitations has run out according to the city attorney, and recently the city manager spoke to the original contractor, who claimed that administration and council were made aware of the shorter lifespans of these materials and flat roof but opted for the savings.

“I talked with the contractor and he was told how to do it, so that’s how he did it,” said Rasmussen. “You’ve got a council thinking, ‘If we put a hip roof with a standing seam, or a flat roof, a flat roof is $100,000 and lasts 20 years or a hip roof that costs $500,000.’ So they said, ‘Okay, we’ll save the money and put on a flat roof,’” said Rasmussen.

The current city manager went on to say that he has talked to other public officials in the state who have sworn they would never put a flat roof on a public building.

Garrett Hired, Continued from Page A1

tential of this place, and the people here are really good people. Good people to work with. So when you’ve got good people and great potential, that’s a good place to be. So here I am.”

There are plenty of irons in the fire for the City of Plattsburg and Garrett takes the reins, including water and sewer projects and the recent purchase of land on 116 Highway west of town. He said that, nearly as big, the city will

“You ask me if this rises to the level of legal action, and I say no, that is just a decision a public body made, it was time versus money,” added Rasmusen.

The mayor at the time the new city hall was built was Betty Price, who has since passed. The city manager during that period was Phil Lammers.

That savings in money came after only 23 years of time and now the piper will have to be paid. And with virtually no legal recourse, who will be on the hook for these repairs? Ultimately, all roads lead to the taxpayer, but even that comes with options that the City Manager explained.

The first is to tap in to the emergency fund that currently sits at just over $1.5 million. This expenditure could certainly be viewed as an emergency, with the health ramifications of the excessive mold due to a leaking roof. However, Rasmussen warned that it would not be wise to solely utilize that fund, as the price tag could leave the cupboard bare.

continue to define its policies and planning into the future.

“What kind of town do we want this to be in 10 years and in 20 years?” he said. “That requires heavy lifting of a completely different kind. There’s lots to be done and they’re all big things to juggle. So off to the races.”

He added that, as a consultant, he’s worked with a lot of towns in distress over much more

daunting issues, whether with infrastructure or procedures.

“We don’t have that here,” Garrett said. “There are things we could gussy up, and things we need to clean up and straighten up. There are things I still need to understand; ‘That might not be broken so leave it alone.’ Lots of positives in my short time here in Plattsburg and I’m looking forward to more.”

The second option would be to sell city-owned property, such as land in the industrial park or near WalMart, to developers to raise funds. Third, would be to pursue financing and pay the debt off over time.

Rasmussen admitted that it will probably be some combination of the three, but left that up to the council to approve.

For his part, Rasmussen guarantees better inspections moving forward so unpleasant surprises like this are less likely.

Watch for social media updates on Facebook as this story developes including the location of the temporary offices and final cost estimates for the project.

Cameron City Manager Steve Rassmussen points out another area of concern at city hall. jamey honeycitt | the leader

Clinton County Sheriff’s Dept.’s Weekly Calls for Service

Friday, July 5

7:44 a.m.: Fire alarm on East Street in Lathrop.

9:17 a.m.: Vehicle crash on

I-35 in Clinton County.

10:40 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on SW Z Highway in Trimble.

11:22 a.m.: Medical call on Bacon Road in Cameron.

2:58 p.m.: Medical call on NW Saw Mill Road in Stewartsville.

4:20 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

4:38 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main Street in Plattsburg.

7:55 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 169 Highway in Trimble.

10:41 p.m.: Vehicle crash on E. 116 Highway in Clinton County.

11:13 p.m.: Medical call on Kemmer Road in Easton.

Saturday, July 6

6:48 a.m.: Medical call on East Street in Lathrop.

9:08 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

9:26 a.m.: Medical call on W. Clay in Plattsburg.

1:17 p.m.: Medical call on

SW Schwarz Road in Gower.

4:41 p.m.: Medical call on Mapleridge in Trimble.

6:29 p.m.: Vehicle fire on S. Birch in Clinton County.

6:30 p.m.: Vehicle fire on SW Springtown in Plattsburg.

7:35 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Trimble.

8:12 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on N. Main Street in Plattsburg.

9:46 p.m.: Domestic in progress on S. Walnut Street in Plattsburg.

Sunday, July 7 12 a.m.: Gas odor on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

12:22 a.m.: Domestic in progress on E. Osage in Plattsburg.

1:50 a.m.: Medical call on E. Concord in Plattsburg.

3:13 a.m.: Disturbance (not in progress) on E. 116 Highway in Lathrop.

4:29 a.m.: Pursuit on I-35 in Clinton County.

6:39 a.m.: Medical call on E. Concord in Plattsburg.

8:22 p.m.: Medical call on S. Walnut in Plattsburg.

11 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on Second Street

ORGANIZATIONS

in Trimble.

Monday, July 8

7:41 a.m.: Vehicle fire on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

8:32 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 235th Street in Lathrop.

8:47 a.m.: Suspicious activity (not in progress) on N. East Street in Plattsburg.

9:18 a.m.: Disturbance (in progress) on Smith Avenue in Gower

10:54 a.m.: Domestic in progress on 268th Street in Gower.

11:43 a.m.: Vehicle crash on Route E in Clinton County.

12:10 p.m.: Medical call on SE Osage in Lathrop.

12:50 p.m.: Medical call on SE Osage in Lathrop.

1:26 p.m.: Vehicle crash on SE Kimmer Road in Clinton County.

1:32 p.m.: Illegal dumping in Plattsburg.

3:44 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

5:23 p.m.: Medical call on W. Clay in Plattsburg.

10:34 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on Edwards Avenue in Gower.

4Cs Thrift Store Continues to Benefit Plattsburg Community

For over a decade, 4Cs and More Thrift Store in downtown Plattsburg has served the community in several different ways.

For some, it’s a fun local shopping destination. For those in need, it’s a helping hand in hard times. And for other community-based service organizations, it’s a valued supporter.

The shop—located at 210 N. Main in Plattsburg— takes donations from the community, such as clothing, home décor, small appliances and more. It then sells those items to those who can afford it, or provides it freely to those in need.

The proceeds from sales are used to sustain the store and financially support community organizations. That includes services at Broadway United Methodist, such as vacation bible school and youth group, as well as others, including Plattsburg Head Start, the food pantry, the Gathering Place Senior Center, and backpack food program at Clinton County R-III.

Thanks to those who

donate and shop, 4Cs is able to contribute an average of $10,000 annually to local organizations.

“We’re proud,” said Kim Tongue, who has volunteered with 4Cs since its very first year. “Every time we’re open, there’s somebody that comes in and we help. If someone had a house fire or found themselves without, they’re welcome to come in and just take what they need. That’s our main reason. Then it just helps that people buy things.”

4Cs (Clinton County Clothes Closet) started in 2012 when two members of the Broadway United Methodist Church, June Shinabarger and Shelly Anderson, were concerned that Clinton County didn’t have a local Red Cross. The duo spearheaded the effort, which included securing the downtown storefront. Also in those initial stages, former teacher Donna Bonebrake and her Plattsburg students were able to obtain a grant to bolster the effort. Those students then volunteered with the store for a time.

Today, the store continues to operate with a volun-

teer staff of between 15 and 18 people, many of whom are former teachers.

“We couldn’t do what we do if we didn’t have the awesome volunteers that we have,” said volunteer Connie Collins, who has worked at 4Cs for nearly a decade and handles the scheduling.

The store is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those looking to donate can visit (the alleyway door has a doorbell for dropoffs) or call. Sometimes, the store is full and the shop will post to social media that they aren’t taking donations. But they are nearly always in need of kids clothes, which tend to fly off the shelf.

For those who would like t0 volunteer, the staff could use those willing to fill in from time to time, or those who can specifically help on Saturdays. Longtime volunteers hope to see the store continue into the future, which will require that a new generation is ready to lead the charge in the coming years.

Learn about geology at Watkins Mill State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 5, 2024 – Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is so much more than just a place to camp, swim and tour a woolen mill. It has a deep history that actually goes back millions of years! On Saturday, July 20, at 2 p.m., join Marissa Schorr of the Missouri Geological Survey on an adventure back in time to explore the park’s “rocky” past. Discover how the rocks beneath our feet are clues to what the Earth was like over 300 million years ago; perform handson analyses of the rocks and fossils that can be found in the park, and experience what it’s like to be a field geologist. Grab your family, friends and pet rocks – this is one adventure you won’t want to miss!

This event will take place inside the historic site’s visitor center. It is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. Watkins Mill State Park is located at 26600 Park Road N in Lawson. For more information, call 816580-3387. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks. com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

11:53 p.m.: Medical call on Fifth Street in Plattsburg.

Tuesday, July 9

12:36 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 116 Highway in Clinton County.

1:56 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.

9:33 a.m.: Medical call on W. Osage in Plattsburg.

10:36 a.m.: Medical call on SE Valleyview Lane in Holt.

1:09 p.m.: Medical call on CC Highway in Holt.

2:01 p.m.: Medical call on NE 176th Street in Holt.

3:06 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Cameron.

3:40 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on I-35 in Holt.

5:56 p.m.: Harassment (not in progress) on Oak Street in Lathrop.

7:13 p.m.: Fire alarm on Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

7:25 p.m.: Medical call on Clinton Street in Lathrop.

8:04 p.m.: Medical call on Kennedy in Gower.

8:22 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

10:10 p.m.: Medical call on

116 Highway in Plattsburg.

10:22 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

10:50 p.m.: Death call on 169 Highway in Lawson.

11:46 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on Edward in Gower.

Wednesday, July 10

9:15 a.m.: Hit and run on Oak Street in Lathrop.

9:55 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 169 Highway in Grayson.

12:32 p.m.: Medical call on NW 308th Street in Plattsburg.

1:21 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on N. Main Street in Plattsburg.

1:25 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 36 Highway in Clinton County.

1:45 p.m.: Medical call on Harrington in Gower.

3:09 p.m.: Smoke investigation on NE 179th in Holt.

6:25 p.m.: Medical call on W. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.

6:31 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

7:04 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on Cleveland Street in Holt.

8:32 p.m.: Medical call on South Street in Lathrop.

Thursday, July 11

3:38 a.m.: Medical call on South Street in Lathrop.

4:57 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Trimble.

7:38 a.m.: Medical call on SE Dittoe in Holt.

8:43 a.m.: Gas spill on Karen in Trimble.

10:37 a.m.: Medical call on Jamesplace in Easton.

2:24 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 116 Highway in Lathrop.

2:30 p.m.: Stealing (not in progress) in Blue Springs.

2:46 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.

4:38 p.m.: Medical call on 33 Highway in Clinton County.

5:59 p.m.: Medical call on Vance in Plattsburg.

7:42 p.m.: Harassment (not in progress) in Plattsburg. 9:02 p.m.: Natural cover fire on 69 Highway in Lawson.

9:55 p.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on NW 268th Street in Gower.

4Cs Thrift Store and More in downtown Plattsburg continues to provide for those

need while raising money for community organizations.

A QUICK WORD

Corners, Turned and Turning

Times have been tumultuous for the City of Plattsburg, but the municipality took a stride toward stability recently.

Steve Garrett—who has served as the interim city administrator since this spring—has been hired to the position for the long term. He’s proven to be a good fit for Plattsburg and brings a wealth of knowledge to the office.

What’s more, he’s a steady presence at a time when the City of Plattsburg needs it most. The city has worked through a long list of contentious issues, from utility prices to alleyways, infighting and fireworks. At the same time, there has been turnover both in the mayor’s seat and the administrator’s office.

There’s a chance that the City of Plattsburg is finally turning the corner. That will depend directly on the city council and the constituents. If all parties involved can put aside their disagreements and work toward resolutions, Plattsburg—a true jewel of the Northland— can start moving forward once again. Again, that will depend as much on the folks who sit in the crowd as those who sit behind the council tables.

Meanwhile, to the west, it was another tremendous weekend for the Gower Days festival, which continues to be an idyllic summertime staple.

The town’s support for the event is second to none, and the Gower Days Committee—Chip Holman, Pam Holman, Heather Miller, Gail Orstad, Crystal Baird, Shad Baird, Randy Frye, Cydney Andrews and Beth Verbick—have done a masterful job of building Gower Days into a community cornerstone.

The festival is a reminder that we can often find strength in the things that make us unique. A mild, long-standing joke about Gower is how they forgot to build the other half of downtown (when actually, the railroad ran east-to-west and parallel with the southern-facing downtown buildings).

Today, the veterans memorial sits centrally on Railroad Avenue, serving as a community rally point between downtown and Gower City Park. Between the shade, shelters, playground, open space and proximity to downtown, it’s nearly too perfect for a small-town festival. Together with the arrangement of the stages, vendors, rides and inflatables, it paints a Rockwellian picture of life in Missouri and Clinton County.

It’s been a golden period for Gower, from the near-endless stream of accomplishments from its school district, to its growing role in the greater Northwest Missouri region. These eras don’t always last, so be sure to enjoy it while it’s here. But also, Gower has more than enough momentum to make the good days last.

OPINIONS

WHAT’S THE SHAPE OF THE WORLD?

Bringing Focus Back to Our Communities

y steve tinnen leader publisher emeritus

You know you’re growin’ older when... You realize that there is no lifeguard in the gene pool.

* * * *

“All politics is local” is one of my most favorite phrases when talking about politics. One of my favorite political characters is Tip O’Neill, Jr., who is most associated with this quote. He was a Democrat from Massachusetts who served as the 47th Speaker of the United States House of

Representatives from 1977 to 1987, the third-longest tenure in history and the longest uninterrupted tenure. The phrase became more familiar as politicians were looking for the key to getting elected. O’Neill figured out that if he couldn’t win the local folks, then gaining the voters outside of his home area would be futile.

This simple commonsense approach has other significant meanings for all, as we try to navigate the

ridiculous political rhetoric that permeates our news every day. Focusing on what goes on around us right here in Plattsburg, USA, is far more important than what the talking heads are speaking about.

Deeming that our country was founded by immigrants wanting religious freedom, I’m going to shine a bright light on some powerful, uplifting religious messages I was able to experience this past weekend.

First, Rev. Mark Famuliner—associate pas-

tor at St. Therese Parish in Parkville and chaplain at St. Pius High School—visited St. Ann Catholic Church on Saturday. He was bringing the message of missionaries working in the poorest neighborhoods of Kansas City and Washington, D.C., in a program called A Simple House. We don’t have to travel to foreign countries to find people in need. They live right here close by in Kansas City. The idea is rooted in finding those who are suf

fering from poverty, drug abuse, or homelessness in our own neighborhoods. The missionaries live amongst those they serve by residing in common housing without internet, TV, smart phones, etc. This environment allows them to focus on the job at hand where they can concentrate on prayer, scripture and fellowship. A time entitled Grand Silence is observed every day until 9:20 a.m. Rev. Famuliner, a youthful priest, shared

What a difference 23 years makes!

Just a short 2.3 decades ago, we were all celebrating the opening of Cameron’s shiny new city hall. Also about that same time, a 29-year-old newspaper guy rode into town to manage the local newspaper and try to become the next Craig Watkins. My, oh my, how things have changed.

Time has not been kind to either the building or that publisher—me. We are both crumbling a bit in the 23 years since those two occasions. I am 25 pounds heavier and sport a treatable heart condition. City hall “bricks” are disintegrating under foot (pictured right) and mold from a severely leaky roof has rendered the once proud building uninhabitable.

So who is to blame?

That is usually the first

thing folks try to figure out. Who can we pin this one on?

It’s the social media frenzy of our time. Is it the current regime, because they didn’t recognize the problems early enough?

Is it the administration 10 years ago that had studies commissioned showing the roof was a disaster even then and apparently did nothing to fix it? Or is it the council and city manager that oversaw the initial

building of the facility in 2000-2001 that allegedly opted for more affordable materials (dare I say cheap) in order to save money but provide less longevity?

Don’t waste your time, I say.

Two-thirds of the options are long gone and may have done the best with what they had at the time. The ones we need to focus on now are those in power currently; our present mayor, council and city

manager. In previous columns I have used the phrase, “It may not be their fault but it is their problem.” Now, if

The United States Drifts Closer to One-Party Rule

Just yesterday, July 8, I had the privilege of witnessing a farewell ceremony for a dear friend who passed on his 103rd birthday, July 4, 2024. His oldest son gave some very telling, off-the-cuff remarks about his father and one recurring theme was his Dad’s love of the flag and devout patriotism. He remarked that his Dad drove home the notion that our flag means something, really something.

To that end, I have found it unimaginable that a Supreme Court justice allowed our flag to be displayed in a most disturbing manor. I fully agree that he had the right to

do so, but what real message was he conveying to us? A few weeks later, I learned the message quite clearly. He and five other members of the court clearly displayed their “Loyalist” position as concerned to our country and its present form of government.

Let me define the term Loyalist. From my desk on Maple Street, loyalist can be defined as forever agreeing by action(s) with a person or persons demanding absolute power over another person or group. The most recent decision by the court reflects this without a shadow of a doubt.

Sadly, George Washington,

Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin, to name just a few, had it all wrong. Our experiment—“Of the People, By the People, and For the People”—was just lip service for nearly 250 years. Washington and his gang really meant that only most people need to abide by the law of the land, and that a president is clearly above it. Sadly, all of my elementary teachers, junior high, high school, and college professors got it wrong. I’ve asked some of my friends and they, too, thought all Americans were subject to the law of the land. Dred Scott got it wrong also and we should know

where that led. The lack of a judicial system is just one more clear indicator of a drift to one-party rule. The difference between rule and govern should be quite clear by just looking at the countries that have rulers and presidents or prime ministers. Some single-party countries disguise their absolute ruler with the word president, but anyone can see through it.

Sadly yours, Richard Canaday Lathrop, Mo.

Recently, a famous “conservative” commentator, Candace Owens, has been making claims that we never landed on the moon. She will, and has, gotten a lot of attention for this and likely will grow her platform with these remarks. It’s very unlikely she actually believes this, though. It’s clearly untrue, yet over the years people keep buying into the idea that we never landed on the moon. Why is that?

Ever since the 70s, the belief that we never landed on the moon has bounced between five percent and 20 percent of all Americans. Some attribute this to conspiracy theorists and cite it as a reason we need to crack down on “misinfor-

mation,” but this doesn’t solve the issue. The real reason is because it’s becoming increasingly hard to believe that America did something truly that great.

For many, this is a comfortable lie. America was a nation that, at one point, had the highest human capital in the world. Entire nations were exasperated by the unconquerable American spirit. Be it engineering, road construction, scientific advancement, or industry, we ran circles around other first world nations. Now we struggle to even have basic competence in regular government services. Once, when hard men staffed the Postal Service, it was the envy of the world. Now,

THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER

Jamey & D’Anna Honeycutt

Emeritus

Steve Tinnen

many governmental positions are manned by the unmotivated and disinterested.

With Boeing planes dropping out of the sky and fiascos like the withdrawal from Afghanistan, I can hardly blame those who doubt the moon landing. It’s far easier to believe that nothing great has ever been done than to face the decline in American capability.

What made me write this article was the stories of Mr. Honeycutt and others in the county. The hard truth of the decline, in both the nation and this county, was it was all by choice. Letting downtown Cameron crumble for 20 years was a choice. Allowing the great families

of Cameron to feud over a dang gas station was a choice. Allowing petty, unelected county bureaucrats to hold us back was a choice. Missing opportunity after opportunity due to dysfunction between our county government and local municipalities was a choice. None of these problems are impossible to overcome. They take vision, hard work, and collective action. The only hard part is leaving petty grudges in the past and stop giving excuses for why something cannot be done. Michael Pyles Lathrop, Mo.

by jamey honeycutt leader publisher

Showing grace to others as we show grace to ourselves

By Pastor Kobey Puls Cameron United Methodist Church

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Colossians 3:12-17. At this very moment, stop reading the newspaper, grab your Bible or open a Bible app on your phone, and read through these verses. If you have a New Living Translation (NLT) of the Bible, read it. Go ahead, I’ll wait for you... Welcome back. What

did you think about those verses? Is there a word or phrase that stands out to you? Is there a word or phrase that challenges you and stirs deep within you?

Verse 13 is one that always stands out to me, especially in the NLT. It says: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

I’m not perfect and you are not perfect. Knowing that, we should “make allowance” for each other to make mistakes. We should give a little cushion for our ability to completely mess things up. When someone does make a mistake, we should approach them with humility, patience and kindness. And if it is a mistake that brings harm or frustration to us personally, we should offer forgiveness re-

membering that we all make mistakes.

Unfortunately, we are really good at saying, “Well, nobody’s perfect!” when we mess up. But we’re not so good at allowing others to be imperfect. We are really good at being overly critical of the work and decisions of others, and we are really good at overly justifying our own bad work and bad decisions.

I believe the word we

Plattsburg Senior Center July Menu

Wednesday, July 17

Hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, peaches, July birthday cake.

Thursday, July 18

Chef’s salad with meats, vegetables, cheese and egg; tomato salad, apricots, crackers.

Friday, July 19

Sloppy joe on bun, potato wedges, creamed peas, mixed fruit.

Monday, July 22

Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pears, wheat bread.

Tuesday, July 23

Chicken and rice, corn, cauliflower, mandarin oranges, wheat bread.

Wednesday, July 24

Baked potato bar with meats and cheeses, broccoli, banana pudding, wheat bread.

Thursday, July 25

Salmon loaf, coleslaw, spinach, peaches, cornbread.

Friday, July 26

Hamburger stroganoff, carrots, lettuce salad, pineapple, wheat bread.

Monday, July 29

Hamburger on a bun, baked beans, coleslaw, peaches, relishes.

Tuesday, July 30

Ham salad on lettuce, copper penny salad, pickled

beets, lime gelatin with cottage cheese and pineapple, wheat bread.

Wednesday, July 31

Swiss steak, cauliflower, green beans, assorted fruit, wheat bread.

Thursday, August 1

Chicken tetrazzini, broccoli, creamed peas, pears, wheat bread.

Plattsburg Council Meeting Canceled

The Plattsburg City Council will need to wait until another day to handle its monthly duties.

are looking for here is grace. God offers us the grace of forgiveness, the grace of gentleness, and certainly the grace of patience. In my own life, I know I have tested the patience of God and God has been gracious every time. The same grace that is shown to us in our lives is the grace we should extend to one another. Grace is the substance of love that binds us together and allows harmony to exist, even when

we keep making mistakes. Join me in this prayer: Dear God, thank You for the patience, the kindness, the endless grace that you have shown to me. Fill me with Your presence so I may be able to extend Your grace to those around me. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Along with its normal business, the council was set to consider three items

The council tried to gather on Monday, July 15, for its regular monthly meeting, but was unable to put together a quorum. As of press time, the meeting has yet to be rescheduled.

on Monday: approval of its semi-annual financial statement covering January 1 through June 30; an ordinance to establish a no parking zone on a portion of S. Oak Street; an amend-

ment to the city code dealing with the establishment of a Historical Preservation Committee and establishing possible local landmarks and historic districts.

I-29 in St. Joseph Closed for Road Work

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The north and southbound lanes of Interstate 29 through St. Joseph will close beginning at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16 and reopen by 4 a.m. on Friday, July 19. Clarkson Construction Company, along with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will close the interstate to demolish the existing deck, install new beams and paint the girders of the Cook Road Bridge.

During the 72-hour closure, traffic will be directed

on the same signed detour onto I-229 that was used early this month. Southbound I-29 traffic must exit at I-29/I-229/U.S. Route 71 (EXIT 56B) and northbound I-29 traffic must exit at the I-229/I-29 (EXIT 43). Click to view the detour map. Local traffic will not be able to access I-29 at the following locations: Northbound I-29 from: Route 6 (Frederick Blvd.) – Exit 47 U.S. Route 36 – northbound Exits 46A & 46B, Southbound I-29 from: Business

Route 71/US. Route 59 –Exit 53; U.S. Route 169 (Rochester Rd) – Exit 50

The contractor must close the roadway for the safety of

Burkhead

crews. motorists. This is the second of several closures of I-29 that will occur during the project.

the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

Career Opportunity: The City of Plattsburg, Missouri (pop. 2,222) is accepting applications for a full-time Water/ Wastewater Operator. This can be an entry-level position or can accommodate someone with experience and/or education in a related field. Wages will depend heavily on experience, education, and certification, however entry-level hires will have the

holidays including vacation.

This position splits time between the wastewater treatment plant in Plattsburg and the water treatment plant in nearby Trimble, Missouri. This is a technical, hands-on position, (no suit and tie required) ideal for someone who can learn the science behind water quality, chemistry,

a personal story about an encounter during his 10-month mission experience in Kansas City. He was confronted by a knife-wielding man when they first met. He was able to convince him that he was not a threat and began to share the story of fulfilling a spiritual need that the man was missing. The outcome in this particular case was a successful one, with the man regaining his life with a job and a family.

“We go out in pairs to meet the poor in their own homes and homeless camps. We eat with them and bring them assistance by purchasing food and necessities,” he said. “Our work is an experiment in Christianity.”

On Sunday, at the First Christian Church, where I attend with my cousin Beverly Lee, Rev. Scott Killgore brought his message about how one of the most popular hymns, Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow – Doxology, contains the message that is key for understanding where all of our

blessings come from.

For those of you who are not familiar with the preaching of Pastor Killgore, his ministry is Bible-based, focused on educating the parishioners by scripture. These are lessons carefully crafted to bring the best scriptures to shine the light on who God is and why following his son Jesus will lead us to everlasting life.

Years ago, I followed the crusades of Rev. Billy Graham. For me and thousands of others, his message was inspirational and lifechanging.

For me, Rev. Scott Killgore is the Billy Graham of not only Plattsburg, but he could begin his own crusade across this country. He suggested we recite or sing these words as we begin and end our day: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy

Cameron lottery player wins $100K

PRESS RELEASE

A Missouri Lottery player in Cameron was looking to fill the minutes before a meeting when she uncovered a $100,000 Scratchers top prize.

“I was killing time,” the winner explained. “I had a meeting to go to and was early, so I got a crossword (ticket).”

The “20X Crossword” ticket she purchased at Trex Mart, 614 N. Walnut St. in Cameron, turned out to hold

the first of the game’s seven prizes.

“It was a surprise, to say the least,” she laughed. “It was a wonderful surprise.”

In FY23, players in Clinton County won more than $3 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $310,000 in commissions and bonuses, and more than $815,000 in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

Ghost. It will make a difference in your day, and so will focusing on what’s going on in and around our own neighborhoods.

* * * *

Trivia question: When and where was the Republican party founded? A. Michigan, 1866; B. Wisconsin, 1854; C. Virginia, 1856; D. Ohio, 1880 (answer is nearby).

* * * * A smile...

Two guys in a bar are watching TV. There’s a news report abut a man who threatens to jump off a fivestory building unless the cop gives him $3,000. One guy at the bar says to the other ,“I bet you 100 bucks the guy jumps.” The other guy takes the bet. The guy on TV ends up jumping. The guy hands over the $100, but the winner gives it back, saying that he had

already seen the guy jump earlier on the newscast.

The loser says, “Well, I saw it too, but I didn’t think he would jump again.” (Trivia answer: The Republican Party began as a coalition of anti-slavery Conscience Whigs such as Zachariah Chandler, and Free Soilers such as Salmon P. Chase.

The first anti-Nebraska local meeting where “Republican” was suggested as a name for a new anti-slavery

party was held in a Ripon, Wisconsin, schoolhouse on March 20, 1854).

Food for thought: “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician and actor who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989.

The Cameron R-I Board of Education was among 31 in the state to earn the Missouri School Board Association’s 2024 Governance Team Award. The award is based on the outstanding commitment of the school board and superintendent to ongoing professional development in effective government practices. (Left) Cameron R-I Board of Education President Pam Ice accepts the award on behalf of her board.

(Right) Reverend Scott Killgore and (left) Reverend Mark Famuliner. brett adkison | the leader

Gower Days took a step back in time this year to honor recent Grand Marshals with plaques on Friday evening. (Left to Right) Mayor Ken Pike (2023), Reverend Bob Elliott (2022), Roger and Beth Mead (2021), Rita and Ronnie Musser (2020) and Jacqueline Wellington, receiving on behalf of husband and former Gower Police Chief Joe Wellington (2019). brett adkison | the clinton county leader

2024 Gower Days Royalty. Front Row (left to right): Little Ms. Gower Cedar Warner and Princess Timber Warner. Back Row: King Lane Epperson, Queen Naomi Tiller, and Bradyn Jackson, representing his brother, Prince Brenton Jackson, who was unable to attend Friday. brett adkison | the clinton county leader

MoDOT 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 July 15-21. There also may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler. modot.org, or download the app for updated information.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Atchison County Route 111 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Pike Creek Drainage Ditch north of Corning, through August 2024. (Contractor: North Central Bridge, LLC) https://www. modot.org/missouri-route111-missouri-route-46-androute-yy-bridge-replacement-atchison-and-gentry.

U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching from the city limits of Tarkio to Route 275, July 17-19.

Buchanan County Cook Road Bridge –CLOSED for a bridge rehabilitation project over Interstate 29 in St. Joseph through October 2024. (Contractor: Clarkson Construction Company) https:// www.modot.org/interstate29-bridge-rehabilitationbuchanan.

Interstate 29 – CLOSED around-the-clock for a bridge rehabilitation project, July 16 at 4 a.m. – July 19 at 4 a.m. (Contractor: Clarkson Construction Company) https://www.modot.org/ interstate-29-bridge-rehabilitation-buchanan.

U.S. Route 169 & Route FF – Roadway surveying, July 15, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Caldwell County Route 13 – CLOSED from Route P to Far West Drive for a resurfacing project from the south city limits of Hamilton to just north of Route HH in Kingston through early September 2024 (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https://www. modot.org/13-pavementresurfacing-caldwell-anddaviess.

Carroll County Route M – CLOSED at the Grand River bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project July 15 through Oct. 1, 2024. (Contractor: Hardy Construction, LLC) Route M Bridge Rehabilitation in Carroll and Chariton | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).

Route CC – CLOSED beginning July 15 at the Little Wakenda Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through October. (CapitalHorner & Shifrin). *1 Routes T, UU, NN, W – Pothole patching, July 15-19.

Chariton County

Route D – CLOSED until further notice at the Shoal Creek Bridge due to deck deterioration. This bridge is currently scheduled for the

December 2025 contractor letting through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

Route WW – CLOSED at the Old Channel Chariton River Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through August (Capital-Horner & Shifrin). *1

Route F – CLOSED at the Palmer Creek Bridge west of Keytesville for a bridge rehabilitation project through September (Capital-Horner & Shifrin). *1

Route JJ – CLOSED at the Slater Branch Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through October (CapitalHorner & Shifrin). *1

Route D – CLOSED at the West Fork of Bee Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project, through October (Capital-Horner & Shifrin). *1

Route M – CLOSED at the Grand River bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project July 15 through Oct. 1, 2024 (Contractor: Hardy Construction, LLC) Route M Bridge Rehabilitation in Carroll and Chariton | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).

Route 5 – Pavement improvement project under the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge west of Salisbury through July. (Contractor: Capital Paving and Construction, LLC).

Route NN – Resurfacing project July 15-16. The road will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC). *2

Route 129 – Resurfacing project July 17-23. The road will be narrowed to one lane

and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC). *2

Clinton County Route H – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project from NE Estep Road to U.S. Route 69 through November 2024. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.) https:// www.modot.org/route-hbridge-replacement-clinton.

Route K – Pothole patching from Route Y to 354 Street, July 15, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers.I-35 – Concrete replacement northbound between mile markers 43.8 and 47, July 15-19. A 12foot width restriction will be in place.

Route V – Pothole patching from Route 33 to U.S. Route 69, July 16.

Route PP – Pothole patching from Route 33 to U.S. Route 69, July 17-18.

Gentry County Route DD – Pothole patching from Route C to 600 Road, July 15-16.

Holt County Route 113 – CLOSED for

a culvert replacement from 170 Road to 190 Road, July 16, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Linn County Route C – Resurfacing project, July 15. The road will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC). *2

Livingston County

Route D – CLOSED at the Rattlesnake Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through mid-August. (Capital-Horner &Shifrin)*1

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement improvement project under the U.S. Route 65 bridge and the Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge in Chillicothe through mid-August. One lane may be closed in either direction around-theclock with a 10-foot width restriction in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC).

Mercer County

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from the Harrison/Mercer County line to Route C near Princeton through September. The road will be narrowed to

one lane and a 12-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Norris Asphalt Paving Co.).

Route K – Seal coat project from U.S. Route 65 to the Iowa state line, July 15-17.

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 71 – Resurfacing project northbound from the intersection of U.S. Route 59 to the intersection of Route 46, July 16-23. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route NN – CLOSED until further notice at the Platte River Bridge west of Parnell due to significant bridge deterioration.

Route NN – CLOSED around the clock for a culvert replacement from Route EE to Katydid, July 15-16.

Route 71 – Pothole patching from Route FF to the Iowa state line, July 16.

Putnam County Route Y – Resurfacing project, July 17-23. The road will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC). *2

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

MDC seeking feedback on updates to deer management

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is revising its white-tailed deer management plan and is seeking public feedback on the plan’s goals and objectives. Goals of the new plan include deer population management, hunting and recreation, deer health and disease, education, communication, and public engagement, and research.

According to MDC, white-tailed deer are an extremely important wildlife resource of the state and deer hunting is tremendously popular. Each year, nearly half a million hunters pursue deer in the Show-Me State. This represents a tremendous boon to Missouri’s economy and supports thousands of jobs. Deer are also a favorite species for photographers and wildlife viewers, attracting thousands of visitors annually to Missouri’s public lands.

MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle notes that much has changed

for deer managers since the previous version of the plan was completed a decade ago, including the distribution of chronic wasting disease (CWD), the number of deer hunters, and changing hunter preferences.

Isabelle noted that the continued spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and declines in deer hunter numbers are two very significant challenges to the future of deer management in Missouri.

“In addition to these challenges, liberal seasons and increases in antlerlesspermit numbers have not resulted in sufficient harvest to slow the growing deer population in some areas,” Isabelle said. “These and other challenges will be addressed in the updated management plan as we continue to be adaptive in our deer management approach.”

According to MDC, the new plan will provide long-term strategic goals and a framework that directs deer management for the

Jamey Honeycutt,

they don’t fix the problem, it will definitely be their fault. And a fireable offense at that; some at the ballot box, one with a pink slip.

I believe that every counselor, the mayor and the city manager have the best interests of the City of Cameron in mind but it is now time to put up or shut up. All have talked about how they want better for Cameron at one time or another, and now they have their opportunity.

The next year and a half are going to be tricky, as we have to come up with almost $2 million over and above operating the city under

next decade. Areas of focus within the new plan include maintaining deer numbers at biologically and socially acceptable levels, minimizing the effects of CWD on the deer herd, providing citizens with information about deer management and satisfactory opportunities to enjoy deer hunting and other deer-related recreational activities, and conducting research to help inform management of the deer herd.

MDC invites the public to learn more about deer management in Missouri and to read and comment on its draft Deer Management Plan goals and objectives through Aug. 4 at mdc. mo.gov/white-tailed-deermanagement-plan-revision. In addition to the public comment opportunity, MDC will be sending a survey to a random sample of Missouri deer hunters in July to learn more about hunter opinions of Missouri’s deer population, deer hunting season and regulations, and deer management.

Continued from Page A4

normal circumstances. All of that while dealing with skyrocketing costs, inflation, an unreliable workforce and volatile social climate?

Yeah, I would say it is time to chart a course for good decisions and transparency, or it will be the beginning of the end for each and every one of these folks.

So let’s listen to them. Lets support them and let’s communicate with them. But at the end of the day, it is all about the results.

Cameron can do better and this group needs to lead the way. The floor is yours, ladies and gentlemen.

That may sound harsh, but it is fair. During my first few months dedicated to covering this bunch, I have been impressed by their commitment, enthusiasm and passion for the job. Now it is time for the results to come through and city hall is their opportunity. This group will be judged by how they navigate the city through this repair, renovation and remodel. Like it or not, this will be the Rasmussen-Curtis City Hall when we cut a ribbon in two years. Legacy.

Proudly serving Clinton County, Missouri, for more than 125 years

location. 816-2889060.

Agriculture

See Consumer Oil & Supply for your One Stop Shop for Muck and Lacrosse boots and gloves. Consumer Oil & Supply. 614 Harris Ave. 660-359-2258

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

Gravel, sand, top soil, mulch, river rock, boulders-Turney Mini Quarry 816-248-2523.

PAYING $75/ACRE FOR RENTAL PASTURE. Will consider any size and

For Rent Mobile Home for Rent in Jameson. 3 bedroom, 2 bathHouse for rent: No pets. No Smoking. One bedroom, One bath. One story, with a basement. Close to the country club. Carpeted, extremely clean. Call 660359-3800

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 con-

NOTICE

Easton Fire Protection District will hold a tax levy meeting on Tuesday, August 13th at 7 PM to set the levy for the upcoming year. This is open to the public and will be held at the Easton Fire Protection District Building. (7/25, 8/1/24)

Now Hiring

Part-time secretary for Nashua Baptist Church, 11408 N Main St, Kansas City, MO 64155. Hours: M - T 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Hourly rate based on experience with no benefits. Position is responsible for administrative duties of a non-profit, Southern Baptist Church. The candidate should have a friendly, service - desiring per- sonality with the ability to organize and handle multiple, detail-oriented functions. QuickBooks, Publisher and Breeze are computer software used by the Church. Please send resume to nashuabaptistchurch@gmail.com

tact 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 Sale

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For sale: 2009 Honda

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660-358-2074 for info.

Estate Sale. Misc furniture, tools, saws, lg green egg smoker, pellet grill. For pics or info call Carol at 573-2912681

Registered Jack Russells 816-807-0382

Hay for sale. GrassClover mix. Big rounds 1500#. 4 miles north of Chillicothe. 660-752-3761

Garden Headquarters! Garden seeds and assorted garden tools. Best prices in town! Trenton Hardware, 901 Main in Trenton, 660359-3660.

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"

PUBLIC HEARING

James Parker of Lathrop, MO has applied to the Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission for a Major Subdivision (4 Lots) of a 20.13 acre lot parcel into 4 lots measuring 5.0 +/-, 5.0 +/-, 5.06 +/-, and 5.06 +/- acres each. Rezone of all 4 lots to R-1 (Single Family Residential). Property is located on the North side of SE 207 th St., East side of SE Sellers Ln, West of SE Perren Rd, Holt, MO. Section 27; Township 54N; Range 31W. The Public Hearing will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 7:00 pm in the Community Room in the basement of the Clinton County Courthouse. All interested parties should attend.

Clinton County Planning and Zoning Tricia “P.J.” Knight - Administrator (7/11, 7/18/24)

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NOTICE

The Plattsburg Housing Authority of the City of Plattsburg announces that on July 10, 2024, it shall make available for public review a draft copy of components of its Fiveyear Agency Plan for FY2025-2029 and Annual Agency Plan for FY 2025, the FY 2023-2027 CFP budget (Fixed)/2025 Annual Statement per the guidelines of 24 CFR 903, a requirement of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. These documents will be available for a period of 45 days. They can be reviewed Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: at the Plattsburg Housing Authority Office, located at 409 W. Walnut, Plattsburg, Missouri.

The Plattsburg Housing Authority has scheduled a Public Hearing to be held on September 30th, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Plattsburg Housing Authority. At this time the Plattsburg Housing Authority will welcome any comments prior to finalization of their agency plan for submission to HUD on September 30th, 2024.

Christal A. Thomas-Kariker, Executive Director

The Housing Authority of the City of Plattsburg, Mo. (7/18/24)

Class of ‘24 graduates from Leadership Northwest Missouri

Leadership Northwest Missouri recently held their 2024 graduation celebration in Jamesport, Mo., at the Spillman Event Center.

The evening began with a welcome by emcee Jennifer Jarvis, LNWMO Board President and 2021 LNWMO alum. Deb Powers, Class of 2001, blessed the group with an invocation prior to dinner. Ethan Piveral, member of the Class of 2024, reflected on the class year, sharing memorable moments, followed by a class video presentation. Dr. Tim Crowley shared uplifting leadership thoughts to all in attendance. Jennifer Jarvis thanked all program sponsors.

Executive Director Kendra Pickering, 2022 LNWMO alum, recognized retiring board members Dr. Kristen Alley, Galt; Marcus Casady, Maryville; Jennifer Jarvis, Savannah; and Heather Nicholas, Burlington Junction. LNWMO is honored to welcome new board members Sarah Battreall, St. Joseph; Brittany Higgins, Carrollton; Machelle Skinner, Savannah; and Carolynn Sollars, St. Joseph.

Jenna Stevens, Music Jam co-chair and 2021 LNWMO alum, presented the Leadership Northwest Missouri Citizenship Award for 2024 to Shane Lynch, practice manager, Wright Me-

morial Physicians’ Group and Saint Lukes’s Mercer County Clinic. Shane, with the help of LNWMO Class of 2021, created Music Jam, which is now gearing up for the fourth year. The event is LNWMO’s top fundraiser and has raised over $30,000 accumulatively and boosts local economy. This year, the event established two scholarships for local high school seniors with a portion of the proceeds. In Shane’s professional role, he demonstrates exceptional leadership and volunteerism. Shane has a strong commitment to the community and collaborates with North Central Missouri College’s Athletic Department to organize a toy drive

to benefit local children.

Jennifer Jarvis presented each of the 24 graduating class members a certificate for completing the program. Graduates from the 2024 class, “Pickering’s Pioneers,” represented the following 12 counties: Jeff Agnew, Ethan Piveral, Atchison County; Sarah Battreall, Isaura Garcia, Victoria Masucci, Carolynn Sollars, Amanda Zessi, Buchanan County; Jordan Wright, Carroll County; Cydney Andrews, David Woody, Clinton County; Nicole Lynch, Daviess County; Chris Martin, DeKalb; Valarie Shisler, Gentry County; Olivia Burchett, Lauren Dannar, Nevada

Fields, Tocarra Williams, Grundy County; Rebecca TenHulzen, Harrison County; Richard Switzer, Linn County; Wes Rockwood, Vanessa Slemp, Ashley Turner, Shelby Wood, Nodaway County; and Rachel Brown, Worth County.

A special thank you to the Graduation Planning Committee from the Class of 2023: Chad Howerton, Jenna Keyes, RaCail King, John Nab, Kerry Savage, and Carrie Watkins.

Leadership Northwest Missouri is a leadership development program designed to bring together participants from throughout a 19-county region to build, strengthen and inspire

leaders through training and networking experiences. This class began in January and continued through July with monthly sessions in various Northwest Missouri communities. Classes during the 2024 class year were held in Conception, Chillicothe, Savannah, Carrollton, Maryville, Tarkio and Cameron. Each session contained instruction on various leadership skills, examination of various issues facing the region and handson exercises. In addition to education, other regional issues that were addressed included agriculture, entrepreneurship, healthcare, mental health, and economic and workforce development.

Turnip Day in Missouri is coming up on Thursday, July 25

COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is an old Missouri saying, “On the 25th of July, sow your turnips, wet or dry.” This local proverb vaulted into the national spotlight during the presidency of Missouri native Harry S. Truman, said University of Missouri Extension state specialist David Trinklein.

Evidently, the congressional session of 1948 was particularly contentious, with the GOP-dominated Congress refusing to pass any of President Truman’s initiatives. In reprisal, Truman called a two-week special session to deal with matters Congress had refused to address before adjourning for the summer. The President proposed that it should begin on “what we in Missouri call Turnip Day—July 25th.”

The tactic did not work: Congress still refused to pass any of President Truman’s initiatives in what

historians refer to as the Turnip Day Session, which ran July 26-Aug. 3. However, it did bring to the attention of the American public that, at least in Missouri, late July is a good time to plant turnips. “Turnip, an ancient vegetable that’s been cultivated for thousands of years, is underappreciated as a fall vegetable crop.” said Trinklein.

Growing

It’s best to plant this versatile vegetable in late summer so plants will mature during the cool fall weather. It takes about two months for turnips to mature, depending on the variety, Trinklein said, and fall turnips are usually sweeter and more tender than those planted in the spring.

Choose a site that gets full sun and has welldrained soil, Trinklein said. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil down

12 to 15 inches. Broadcast turnip seed over your welltilled bed and rake lightly to cover the seeds. Give turnips about an inch of water a week to keep the roots from becoming tough and bitter. Mulch heavily. Turnips don’t like to share space, so keep the weeds away.

Both the root and the leaves care edible. “Just take some of the outer leaves off while it’s growing,” Trinklein said. “It might result in a root that’s a little smaller, but you’re still going to have a root at harvest.”

If you grow turnips just for their greens, you don’t need to thin out the seedlings. If you want the root, thin the seedlings 2 to 4 inches apart after they’ve grown 4 inches high, Trinklein said.

Harvesting and storage

This plant loves cool weather. In fact, turnips will taste sweeter if you harvest

them after a light frost.

“You can harvest turnips until the ground freezes,” Trinklein said. “The later you wait, and the cooler the temperature surrounding them, the milder and more flavorful they’ll become.”

If you have enough room, turnips can be stored for three or four months in your refrigerator. Or, Trinklein says, you can build a simple and inexpensive root cellar to store all your root vegetables.

“Nearly bury a plastic trashcan at a 45-degree angle so it can shed water,” he says. “Place the produce into the can, put on the lid and then cover with a cushy layer of some mulching material such as straw. It’s a root cellar without the cellar.”

Health benefits

Both the root and the leaves are a nutritious addition to any diet.

Low in calories, turnips are nutrient powerhouses and a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and glucosinolates, Trinklein says. The latter are sulfurcontaining compounds that have been shown in animal studies to reduce DNA damage and fight cancer. Today, turnips are more of a staple in the European diet. Why not find out what Americans have been missing by adding this nutritious and versatile vegetable to your home garden this