Setting the Levy
The Lathrop R-II School District sets its tax levy for this fiscal
CLINTON COUNTY
LEADER
CITY OF PLATTSBURG
Crews act fast to fix Plattsburg’s major water leak
A major leak in the City of Plattsburg’s water system had users boiling their water over the weekend and into this week.
The city issued a boil
advisory on Friday, August 16, after finding a substantial break in the municipality’s 12-inch transmission line between the town and its water treatment plant in Trimble (approximately seven and a half miles
to the southwest). Crews with the City of Plattsburg Public Works Department and Decker Construction worked throughout the night to replace a 20-foot section of pipe that had failed. The repair was finished
Saturday morning, but not before the city’s standpipe water storage tank on the west side of town (Shaver Road and 116 Highway) was nearly emptied. Plattsburg City Administrator Steve Garrett said that the stand-
BACK TO SCHOOL
Students throughout Clinton County return from summer break
The 2024-2025 school year is officially underway, as local districts headed back to the classrooms earlier this week. The East Buchanan School District in Gower returned to session on Monday, August 19, while both Lathrop, Plattsburg and Cameron all returned on Tuesday, August 20. (Pictured) Tigers in the making! Students at Ellis Elementary hit the ground running on Tuesday morning as they returned to school from summer break. brett adkison | the clinton county leader
pipe filled some throughout the day Saturday, and filled substantially overnight into Sunday as demand dropped.
The city collected samples throughout town on Monday and sent them to the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) Kansas City office for safety testing. DNR declared the samples safe the following day and the boil advisory was lifted. Between the size of the leak and its hardly-accessi-
||Continued on A2
City considers cost-cutting ahead of its big expenses
by jamey honeycutt leader publisher
Concerns over how financial needs will be met were front and center during the budget discussion Monday night during the Cameron City Council meeting.
City Manager Steve Rasmussen laid out a timeline for approving a budget on schedule and Councilman John Feighert III led questions and comments. He had serious concerns regarding the timeline and how much belt-tightening was needed in light of recent expense revelations.
“We need to cut budgets, across the board (except police, fire and park board) by 10 percent,” said Feighert.
Next, he questioned the need to shop financial fund advisors to get a better return for the city. Then he questioned city attorney Padraic Corcoran regarding the “dope tax” and the possibility of clawing more funds from those visiting the local marijuana dispensary. Unfortunately, Corcoran advised the councilor that the constitution prohibits additional taxation on marijuana.
That line of questioning highlights the difficult times the city may experience as bills begin to come due on city hall renovations, crumbling infrastructure on Third Street and an approaching connection to the new water pipeline from American Water (St. Joseph).
The stark reality had Councilman John Breckenridge, up in arms, as well. Breckenridge expressed concern that the parks department budget would be “insolvent” without a $120,000 annual transfer from the water department to cover the salaries of work-
||Continued on A3
Change opens door to tax breaks for electric plant
The proposed electric generation plant north of Lathrop could receive local tax abatements after Clinton County officials in the last week cleared a path for consideration through the county’s enhanced enterprise zone (EEZ).
The county’s EEZ board met last Thursday, August 15, and approved a recommendation for an amendment to the EEZ order to add fossil fuel electric power generation businesses to the list of eligible applicants. The Clinton County Commissioners approved the recommendation the following Tuesday.
Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AECI) plans to build a 900-megawatt electric generation plant on 288th Street west of Breckenridge Road, approximately two miles southwest of Turney (about four miles north of Lathrop). Last year, Clinton
County approved a zoning change for the 94-acre property from agricultural use to heavy industrial.
AECI provides energy to nearly a million homes and businesses in three states through more than 50 local cooperatives. The plant could be brought online sometime between
Dept. Adds Rapid Response
The Cameron Fire Department has a new took in its arsenal when
2026 and 2027. The EEZ—which includes specific rural areas around Lathrop, Plattsburg, Gower and the north central portions of Clinton County—was established in 2011 ahead of a proposed wind turbine installation in the northern section of the county. Clinton County later went on to ban large-scale commercial wind and solar operations. Through the EEZ, eligible businesses could receive a maximum of a 70-percent tax abatement over a 10year period. Much of that depends on the number of jobs the project will create,
See which calls for service came through the Clinton County Sheriff’s Dispatch for the previous week.
||Continued on A2
CLINTON COUNTY
Cameron Fire adds rapid response vehicle to fleet
the salaries of those jobs and the company’s overall investment into the county.
Should AECI seek such abatements, they would first negotiate with the Clinton County Commissioners on the terms. If the commission sees fit, they could utilize the EEZ for abatements, or utilize other options, such as Chapter 100 bonds.
Should they elect to use the EEZ, a public hearing will be held prior
Late
TROY, Mo. – Corn planting in 2024 was a tale of two seasons, early and late, requiring special attention to drying and storage, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis.
Planting got off to a good start this year. Then Missouri averaged more
to a final decision. Taxing entities that would be impacted by the decision would be notified ahead of the hearing.
The EEZ board, itself, is comprised of several leaders whose communities would be impacted by any abatements. That includes Lathrop R-II Superintendent Dr. Adam Willard (who presided over Thursday’s meeting), Lathrop R-II Board of Education Member Dar-
rell Morgan, Lathrop City Administrator Bob Burns and Lathrop business owner Gary Paul, among others.
Also of note, AECI plans to host an informational meeting on the proposed project on Wednesday, September 18, at the Goppert Community Center in Lathrop. That open meeting will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
than 6 inches of rain in April, about 2 inches above normal. Parts of western Missouri received more than 10 inches of rainfall.
Corn planted by late April will likely reach black layer by the end of August. However, June-planted corn may not reach black layer until late October to early November, says Ellis.
ble location, city officials initially estimated the city could be without safe drinking water for up to seven days. Garrett credited the city’s workers and staff for the quick turnaround.
“I’m impressed,” said the city administrator. “The guys were out there overnight taking it pretty seriously, making sure everything got done the way it should be. Twentyfour hours after they clocked in, they clocked out. They showed an incredible amount of dedication. In situations
Delayed planting shortens the harvest window and increases the risk of a killing frost before corn reaches full maturity. Growers with late-planted corn must decide whether to naturally dry down corn in the field, sell at a rate penalized for moisture, or artificially dry grain in the bin.
Successful storage depends on several factors: moisture, pest control, grain temperature and grain quality.
Most farmers will take advantage of good weather to dry down in the field before harvesting. However, they must weigh risks of leaving corn to field dry or early harvest. Corn that does not dry well enough before it is stored can develop mold.
Sell the wettest corn or blend it with drier corn, even though you likely will take a moisture dock, Ellis
says. Another option is to feed the wettest corn to livestock.
The amount of moisture in corn can vary greatly and heavily determines drying time and costs.
Ellis says 1,000 bushels of corn stored at 20% moisture contains 3,150 more pounds of water than corn harvested at 15% moisture. By contrast, corn harvested at 25% moisture contains 7,090 pounds of water –more than double of corn testing at 15%. Corn at 25% moisture takes twice as much energy to dry than 20% corn.
Properly stored corn should be at 15.5% moisture by spring and 14% after one year of storage.
There are other factors as well. “At a given temperature and relative humidity, there is a corresponding moisture content where the grain will no longer release
like this, some towns go days without water.”
Signs early Friday indicated that there was a system problem. The first was a series of supply and pressure problems near Trimble, itself, followed by calls in Plattsburg about low water pressure. When the issue was finally found, the break was located approximately three-quarters of a mile off the nearest roadway--SW Hord Road--and under a creek. This presented hurdles, as crews had to ensure the access hole was dug
moisture. This is called the equilibrium moisture content,” Ellis says.
Horizon Point, a custom weather analysis system designed by MU Extension, provides a grain drying report that predicts the equilibrium moisture content for specific areas and weather conditions.
In short, it tells you when to turn the grain bin fans on and off, says Ellis. See http://muext.us/HPGDR.
When drying and storing late-planted corn, Ellis recommends layering grain in multiple bins if available and bins are close to one another to avoid excessive auger movement. Add heat and blend layers to decrease drying time and reduce costs. Be aware that with heat added and no blending of the grain, excessive drying can occur.
Natural air drying is
large enough to avoid a cavein while also accounting for water infiltrating the access hole.
Crews also flushed out lines on Monday to help clear out air in the system.
The City of Plattsburg consumes upwards of 500,000 gallons daily, with the standpipe on 116 Highway storing 450,000 gallons. The city’s water treatment plant produces upwards of a million gallons daily to service the city and its wholesale water customers.
slow and should be done with a maximum grain depth of 18-20 feet in a bin with a diameter of less than 30 feet, says Ellis. Larger depths and diameters result in high power requirements. Keep grain level as it fills and start the fan as soon as the bin floor is covered to prevent spoilage. The maximum starting moisture should be no more than around 20%, depending on weather conditions and bin fan capacity. Check bins frequently, following safety protocols. MU Extension offers numerous resources for storing grain, including guides and customized spreadsheets to help farmers make good decisions about storage. Visit https://extension.missouri.edu/tags/temporary-grain-storage.
Council approves tax levy increase, appointments
The Cameron City Council opened its meeting with public participation Monday night. New resident Pam Peterson had questions regarding the sidewalk program and whether it was successful based on her experiences with crumbling sidewalks downtown. She commented, “Is there a concern with liability to downtown with the poor condition of the sidewalks and the curbs?”
Mrs. Peterson added that she has a daughter with disabilities that she cannot take downtown for fear she would fall. “It concerns me thinking of the people wanting to come downtown with the conditions of the sidewalks,” continued Peterson.
City Manager Steve Rasmussen assured her he would use her contact information to address her concerns after the meeting.
Jack Briggs was then appointed to the Industrial Development Authority after the consent agenda was approved. Larry Raider was appointed to the Board of Adjustment and Economic Development Director Lance Rains was tapped to be the MO-KAN representative.
During the city manager’s report, Steve Rasmussen deferred to Zac Johnson, assistant city manager, to give an update on the city hall move to Bank Midwest. While Johnson admitted “there were a few bugs and hiccups,” the internet was working and phone problems were almost handled with Bright Speed tackling the issues.
Johnson also disclosed to the group that a pressing matter is staffing at city hall, with eight open positions. He mentioned that interviews were happening soon but that there was a long way to go before people were in the positions.
After a vote to disclose conflicts of interest as recommended by the state, the council turned to the looming 2024-2025 budget that must be ratified by Oct 1, 2024 when the new fiscal year for the City of Cameron begins. That budget discussion and work session are included in a separate budget article in this edition.
Next, the council voted to renew the management contract with Alliance Water to operate the wastewater plant.
Next, the council convened a tax levy hearing where it was announced that rates were to be increased by .0275 per $100 valuation. There were no questions or comments by residents and the hearing was closed and the levy passed.
Finally, the council passed a resolution to award the annual street repair asphalt bid to All Pro Asphalt and Maintenance.
Cameron Budget,
ers. Councilman John Feighert also took exception to the city subsidizing the park board with labor. “I think going forward, the park board should pay for all the city staff work on their projects. They have their own tax for a reason,” said Feighert.
Feighert also took exception to the giving of cost of living raises to staff during a time when the budget was so thin.
Exploring ways to generate revenue for the city, selling property was addressed with serious interest. Properties potentially on the chopping block include the City Business Park as well as the Community Center.
Regarding the sale of the business park, Councilman Breckenridge was ready to move on. “We’ve been sitting on that thing for how long? Eight years?” said Breckenridge, “Time to fish or cut bait!”
Land prices are up since the city purchased the land, so there is the chance liquidation of assets might offset the wave of expense headed Cameron’s way in the next year or two.
The unknown had Breckinridge at a loss with all the questions
facing the city this budget season.
“We don’t know what that building’s gonna cost and we have no idea how we are going to pay for it,” said Breckenridge, holding the budget folder in his hands, “I have real qualms moving forward with anything until we find out where we are at with this building (city hall) and how we are going to pay for it.”
Breckenridge seemed to get frustrated with Rasmussen at times regarding the prospect of hiring an IT director with a six-figure salary when the city is facing mounting expenses. “How are we going to pay for it? Are we going forward with hiring an IT person? We voted on it before we had this new information,” said Breckenridge. “These are the issues we are going to have to look at or I am going to be a no vote on the budget.”
Rasmussen assured him there would be answers saying, “We will give you answers this week on how we are going to do that.”
With the fiscal year for the City of Cameron beginning on October 1, there is more sand in the bottom of the hourglass than the top, for sure.
Clinton County Sheriff’s Weekly Calls for Service
Friday, August 9
5:33 a.m.: Burglary in progress on NE Bacon Road in Cameron.
7:25 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
8:47 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
9:46 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
11:35 a.m.: Animal call on I-35 in Clinton County.
1:44 p.m.: Medical call on SW Karen Road in Trimble.
3:43 p.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.
4:09 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 116 Highway in Lathrop.
8:51 p.m.: Medical call on W. Frank Street in Edgerton.
10:47 p.m.: Medical call on SW F Highway in Trimble.
Saturday, August 10
12:23 a.m.: Animal call on 116 Highway in Clinton County.
9:06 a.m.: Domestic in progress on N. Port Arthur Road in Trimble.
3:07 p.m.: Vehicle crash on NE 341st Street in Cameron.
3:27 p.m.: Medical call on SE Shoshone Drive in Holt.
4:36 p.m.: Medical call on N. Main Street in Trimble.
5:15 p.m.: Medical call on Sherman Street in Turney.
10:30 p.m.: Medical call on Cleveland Street in Holt.
Sunday, August 11
12:56 a.m.: Disturbance in
progress on 169 Highway in Trimble.
5:54 a.m.: Suspicious activity in progress in Clinton County.
10:19 a.m.: Medical call on NE 264th Street in Lathrop.
11:21 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 69 Highway in Clinton County.
2:22 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on Barnesville in Clinton County.
5:07 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on 69 Highway in Clinton County.
5:13 p.m.: Harassment (not in progress) on NE 288th Street in Turney.
5:19 p.m.: Medical call on NE 264th Street in Lathrop.
5:48 p.m.: Animal call on SE Piute Drive in Lathrop.
6:09 p.m.: Animal call on SW Karen Road in Trimble.
8:37 p.m.: Domestic in progress on NE Crowley Corner in Turney.
Monday, August 12
1:08 a.m.: Medical call on SE Chuck Wagon in Lathrop.
6:47 a.m.: Medical call on SE Fredrick in Gower.
7:34 a.m.: Vehicle crash on 33 Highway in Holt.
8:26 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Lathrop.
1:10 p.m.: Vehicle crash on 169 Highway in Trimble.
2:48 p.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Trimble.
8:34 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on Latigo Street in Lathrop.
Tuesday, August 13
2:46 a.m.: Medical call on SW Crystal Lane in Trimble.
3:35 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle in progress on 169 Highway in Gower.
9:17 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on SW Smith Halferty in Clinton County.
9:38 a.m.: Animal call on SE 232nd Street in Lathrop.
10:02 a.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.
11:21 a.m.: Animal call on Concha Street in Lathrop.
1:50 p.m.: Stealing in progress on Apache in Lathrop.
2:40 p.m.: Stealing in progress on SE Meadow Drive in Lathrop.
3:54 p.m.: Animal call on Concha in Lathrop.
4:37 p.m.: Medical call on 169 Highway in Gower.
7:44 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on Sherman Street in Turney.
8:52 p.m.: Stealing in progress on 116 Highway in Lathrop.
9:10 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg.
Wednesday, August 14
3:25 a.m.: Medical call on Malden Creek Road in Agency.
3:31 a.m.: Medical call on Pine Street in Lathrop.
7:55 a.m.: Medical call on Redbird in Plattsburg.
9:11 a.m.: Stealing (not in progress) on SE Scott Road in Holt.
11:26 a.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
11:31 a.m.: Medical call on E. Clay Avenue in Plattsburg.
2:13 p.m.: Animal call on 169 Highway in Trimble.
2:42 p.m.: Suspicious activity in progress on Oak Street in Lathrop.
7:02 p.m.: Assault in progress on Y Highway in Clinton County.
7:05 p.m.: Medical call on Y Highway in Clinton County.
9:56 p.m.: Disturbance (not in progress) on E. Osage Street in Plattsburg.
Thursday, August 15
1:58 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.
2:54 a.m.: Medical call on SW Timberlake in Lathrop.
3:04 a.m.: Domestic in progress on PP Highway in Holt.
3:45 p.m.: Medical call on SE H Highway in Agency.
4:08 a.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Clinton County.
7:11 a.m.: Medical call on Clinton Street.
9:42 a.m.: Medical call on 69 Highway in Lawson.
1:52 p.m.: Animal call on County Line in Gower.
3:40 p.m.: Vehicle crash on I-35 in Holt.
4:30 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
7:25 p.m.: Medical call on SE Dykes in Holt. 10:57 p.m.: Medical call on 116 Highway in Plattsburg. 11:18 p.m.: Disturbance in progress on SE Old Barn Lane in Holt. 11:30 p.m.: Careless and imprudent driver on I-35 in Clinton County.
by jamey honeycutt leader publisher
OPINIONS
The times are changing, and so is the local license office
You know you’re growin’ older when... You feel like the morning after, and you haven’t been anywhere.
* * * *
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus (535-475 BCE) is credited with saying, “The only constant in life is change.” He didn’t elaborate on how much we all dislike change, but as Heraclitus pointed out, it is and will be a constant.
Since 1993, the Plattsburg License Office has maintained Saturday hours of operation, beginning with every Saturday for decades, and then more recently reducing the Saturday hours of operation to the first and last Saturdays of the month. And you guessed it, change is coming.
From this time forward, the Plattsburg License Office will stop Saturday hours of operation.
This ending of Saturday hours is not something that we planned to do, nor had intended to do. However, the constant of “change” has raised its ugly head one more time.
Here is some history of how we got to this point in operating the Plattsburg License Office on Saturdays.
In 1993, Mel Carnahan became the first Democratelected governor since 1976. During this time, the State of Missouri had the arrangement that the governor determined who would be awarded the license offices in the state. Representative Bob Griffin, Cameron, was speaker of the house and was a good friend of my father, Skip Tinnen. He told Skip that if he wanted to operate the local license office it would be awarded to him by the governor.
In so many words, Bob told Skip that Republicans
need not apply—the office would go to a Democrat.
Skip accepted and he and I went to Jefferson City for three days training. Of course, Skip had decades worth of title training with his dad, H.O. Tinnen, operating a Ford Dealership in downtown Plattsburg. I had none, but the plan was for him and me to operate the license every Saturday. The reason was because as small, independent businesspeople, we believed in customer service—the working man/ woman can’t get there during the week.
We continued to operate with that “open every Saturday mode” despite Skip being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1995. We had the “next person step up” mode with others joining me. The Saturday routine continued even when Matt Blunt became governor. Mike Rinehart was named the agent, and he kept the office in the current location with Saturdays intact.
Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat, was elected after Blunt and decided to stop the patronage designation for license offices and implemented a bidding process to award them. Since 2009, we have continued to earn that award, and maintain those Saturday hours.
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we had to make some dramatic changes to our operation. We enclosed the breezeway where vehicles used to enter for repair. As a result, we now triage our customers in the Town Hall space next door, and they enter through the breezeway to complete their transactions.
Again, the Saturday hours were maintained until a few months ago when we changed them to the first and last Saturday of the month. This has been our mode of operation until now, as we will discontinue the Saturday hours.
There are some variables that have made this change essential.
• Recently, the Department of Revenue has mandated requirements which make it impossible to operate as we had in the past. The state does not have any support for us on Saturdays. Any issues must be solved during their regular business hours.
• The volume of business is becoming a problem. Our office is the only one operating on Saturdays. That means some of our customers drive an hour or more to complete their transactions. Our window of operation on Saturday is limited (8:30-noon), and the number of people coming to our office makes it impossible to complete all the transactions within our hours of operation.
There may be additional changes coming to our business model. We will continue to be a customer serviceorientated business. We just won’t be working on Saturdays.
* * * *
Trivia question: About how many Ford cars were made every day at the Ford factory in the 1920s? A. 60; B. 600; C. 6,000; D. 60,000 (locate answer nearby).
* * * *
A smile... So back in the day, around 1948, a businessman was driving through the country in his new Cadillac and ran across an old boy in a Model A sedan with a bad fuel pump. The businessman asked if he could help and the old boy asked for a tow to the next town. They decided he’d honk if there was any trouble. Well, the businessman turned on his radio and after a while got it up to a pretty good speed and flew by a gas station. Well, the gas station attendant called the sheriff and told him about a Cadillac
||Continued on A6
THIS MIGHT STING
An era of change will define future of Clinton County
by jamey honeycutt leader publisher
Clinton County is in the midst of a seismic change politically. That heightened turnover in city and county offices, blended with the end-times political climate of this country, has everyone a little on edge leading up to the General Election.
Comparing today with 60 years ago, Ronald Reagan once delivered a fantastic speech called “A Time for Choosing,” where he outlined America’s need to break out of the rut and be that shining city on a hill.
On a much smaller scale, Clinton County is at a similar crossroads with our leaders, our budgets and our infrastructure. And apparently the voters chose to change.
So far, we are changing sheriff with AJ Carrel, adding new commissioner Tyler Walock, elected a new Plattsburg mayor in David Jett, along with the addition of Alderman Richard Stanley.
Cameron’s political players haven’t changed much, but the city is having all sorts of growing pains. Stressed infrastructure, a downtown district with several condemned buildings and a city hall that, in the city manager’s own words, wasn’t properly inspected and allowed to leak until employees became sick from mold exposure. It is time for change, but predicting outcomes is far less certain.
The question remains: Why? Why do the voters’ want change?
Why did 57 percent of the county feel the need to change sheriff? What exactly was Sheriff Fish not delivering in the voters eyes? We will ask more questions of our new sheriff as he settles in.
Tyler Walock is another interesting change. He burst on the political scene a few years ago and we were impressed enough to hire
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
JAMEY HONEYCUTT LEADER PUBLISHER
him as a marketing consultant but he was destined to run for office. Apparently voters liked his younger perspective and fresh ideas. Or maybe Tyler just had a superior door-to-door campaign and remembered that you have to ask for the job. Either way, he earned the spot, and soon the fun begins.
Plattsburg and ‘the alley’ was a political drama that kept on giving, but a casualty of that saga was Mayor Kennedy in May. Did the three-man race draw votes from Kennedy, or was the die cast no matter what? With so much change, there is no telling where this new leadership core will take Plattsburg in the coming year.
Stay tuned and keep reading your Clinton County Leader. It’s right on the price and right on the money with zero fake news. Watch your mailbox each Friday for your free sample copy in the Green Hills Shopper made possible by the advertisers you see in these pages.
* * * *
If Steve Tinnen can be successful running multitopic columns in the newspaper, I am going to give it a whirl, too. The sincerest form of flattery is imitation you know...NEXT!
* * * *
Speaking of change, there was a refreshing change in Cameron related to the city hall fiasco. A politician actually called for across-the-board expense cuts to offset a looming def-
icit rather than just raise taxes, while another threatened to hold up the budget until real answers were delivered on repair costs to city hall. Now, don’t misunderstand, they discussed raising taxes, too, just not as the only way of bridging the gap. I was also impressed with how quickly they also looked to sell property as a way to right the ship. Kudos to John Feighert and John Breckenridge for at least recognizing that expenses were out of control and it was time to reign things in, but now the tough part begins.
I was worried that the can might be kicked down the road but perhaps this council might have accountability. We will see.
They could start regular maintenance, code enforcement and putting someone on the roof more than once every 12 years. Apparently there was a roof study done in 2011 by then-city manager Mark Gaugh, but there was no action taken according to current City Manager Steve Rasmussen until it resurfaced in the back of a file cabinet in city hall. Apparently that file cabinet was in the dry office.
* * * *
You know you’re old when... Almost everything hurts, and what doesn’t hurt no longer works. How to tell if you are old: Fall down; if people laugh, you are young; if they immediately show concern, you are old.
* * * *
Keep your gas tanks full, your cupboards stocked and your freezers on a backup generator. I hope we don’t witness any disruptions during this political silly season but if we do, it sure is a shame we all lost our firearms in that boating accident, huh?
Until next time, Clinton County, you have the right to know and we are here for you.
Comparing the Trump and Biden economies
Donald Trump recently bragged: “I gave Harris and Biden an economic miracle, and they quickly turned it into an economic nightmare.”
Much of America buys whatever Trump is selling, no matter how bogus it is. So let’s look at the numbers.
• Unemployment at the end of Trump’s term was at 6.3%. It was only 3.6% when he took office.
• Net job loss during his term was 2.9 million. Trump is
the only president in modern history to have a net loss of jobs on his watch.
• Economic growth declined during his term by 3.4 percent.
• National debt increased during his term by a projected $8.4 trillion over 10 years. Those are the numbers the Biden-Harris administration inherited from Donald Trump. Some miracle. Granted, a worldwide pandemic affected Trump’s final numbers. But indica-
tors for Trump’s miracle economy were flat or headed downward even before Covid.
Granted, too, inflation was low under Trump. But if you give Trump a pass for an economy wrecked by the pandemic, you also have to give Biden some leeway for the same reason. When Trump left office, for instance, gasoline prices were low but not because of anything Trump had done. They were low because the pan-
demic had slashed demand for gasoline, and oil prices plunged. When the economy picked up, so did energy consumption, and gasoline prices rose under Biden. In the same vein, price increases in housing and groceries can be tied at least in part to the residuals of the pandemic and the supply chain snarls that developed.
Biden’s economic record is far from perfect. But coming out of the pandemic, economists predicted a re-
THE CLINTON COUNTY LEADER
Publishers
Jamey & D’Anna Honeycutt
Becca Giesken General Manager
Brett Adkison...................................Editor
Becca Giesken............... Advertising Rep.
Jim Bonebrake............................Reporter Clint Dye....................................Reporter Connie Collins...........................Proofreader
Publisher Emeritus Steve Tinnen
cession. That didn’t happen. Instead we had a soft landing that featured huge job gains, a high GDP and a record high stock market.
Let’s also not forget that Trump inherited an economy from Barack Obama that already was humming. Obama had led an economic recovery out of the recession George W. Bush had left him.
Biden also inherited a mess from his predecessor. But Biden-Harris turned things around (at some significant
cost) and all indicators now are positive. Even inflation, which shot up to nine percent shortly after Biden became president, is now down to less than three percent. People are genuinely hurting from inflation. But under Biden-Harris, the economy is not the nightmare Trump painted. In fact, it’s much stronger than the “miracle” years of Trump/ Pence.
Jim Patrico Plattsburg, MO
DAVID RICE
Lois (Eames) Andrews
Lois Berniece (Eames) Andrews passed away on Wednesday, August 14, at the Oakridge Convalescence Center, Plattsburg, Missouri.
Lois was born on April 2, 1927, in Hammond, Missouri, to James and Martha Smith. She married Robert Evans Eames on March 18, 1949. They were blessed with three daughters. Robert preceded her in death on February 12, 1980. Lois married James L. Andrews, Polo, Missouri, on November 8, 1987. They relocated to Lathrop where they enjoyed their family life. James preceded her in death on June 27, 2021.
Lois leaves behind her three daughters: Martha (Gary) Martin, Lathrop, Marian (Clyde) Harris, Kansas City, and Susan Parman, Kansas City; six grandchildren, James Martin, Brad Martin, Jennifer Tomlinson, Megan Montgomery, Robert Parman, and Matthew Parman. She also had 13 great grandchildren. She often remarked how enjoyable it was for her to be able to watch the children play. She was preceded in death by three brothers and six sisters.
Lois was a member of the First Christian Church of Lathrop. She also had her own sewing business providing countless garments
for Lathrop and surrounding communities, as well as filling the closets for her three daughters. She was a self-taught seamstress/tailor known for her talent creating wedding dresses, cheerleading outfits, and sequined majorette uniforms for the Lathrop School District. Later in life, she acquired a love for oil painting. Many of her paintings are displayed in homes of friends and family as well as several churches.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lathrop First Christian Church in care of the funeral home. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Lathrop Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
Planting the seeds of our faith
By Pastor Kobey Puls Cameron United Methodist Church
A couple of years ago, a friend introduced me to habanada peppers. Habanadas are basically orange habanero peppers, but without the heat. They have a bright, fresh flavor, and made our salsa that year to be the best we have ever canned. This year, I decided to grow my own habanadas; but it has been a long process. I ordered the seeds in January. I started the seeds in March. They took a while to sprout, and then they grew very slowly. I planted them in May. And as I write this article, I see we have plants full of habanadas, but they are still green and not ready to be picked. Again, it has been a long process.
It reminds me of our walk with Jesus Christ and the work of grace that God does in our lives. When we first give our lives to Jesus Christ, there are some things that change instantly: habits we break, new habits formed, maybe we find peace or hope in our life situations. Some changes come quickly because they are front and center of our lives and we allow God to deal with them head on. But some things are more hidden; in fact they may be so hidden we don’t even realize they are there. By our faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit of God, comes and dwells within us (1 Corinthians 3:16), and begins/continues God’s holy work in our lives. As the hidden things
Music, preschool at Plattsburg FBC
• Redeemer’s Praise is a worship team based out of Springfield, Mo. They will be singing at First Baptist Church of Plattsburg on Sunday, August 25, at 9 a.m. The trio is composed of Todd and Kim Forman, along with Paula Buscho. Paula’s husband, Kyle, runs sound and drives the group to their destinations. Todd was the minister of music and youth at First Baptist in the early 1990s. Make plans to join Redeemer’s Praise on Sunday, August 25 at 9:00 9 a.m.
• First Baptist Preschool, located inside First Baptist Church at 501 W. Broadway, Plattsburg, is taking enrollments for the 20242025 school year. FBC Preschool offers a wellrounded program of development: social, academic, and Christian education. Enrollment forms can be found online at the church’s website or by stopping by the office at the church. For more information, call the preschool, 816-539-2885, or Whitney Bruto, 816577-2160.
come to light, we allow the Spirit to heal the brokenness that is deep within us; we allow the Spirit to change our understanding of the world we live in and our purpose within it (Romans 12:2); we allow the Spirit to awaken the characteristics of God that were embedded within us before we were even born (Genesis 1:27).
As the Spirit continues this work of grace, we see things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control become more evident in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
This is a process that takes time. Some things we are stubborn to let go of and some things we are not ready to let sprout up, but praise God for His patience
and perseverance for us.
The Apostle Paul says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works which God has already set in motion.” (Ephesians 2:10). God is diligently working to grow the love within us, to nurture the Godly attributes we were created to have, to see these “fruits” fully develop and ripen so we may bring a bright, fresh presence to the world we live in, for the name of Jesus Christ. So let us allow the Holy Spirit of God to begin or continue God’s work of grace within us that we may experience the fullness of God’s grace for us, and be the wonderful presence God desires. Amen.
Plattsburg Senior Center Menu
Thursday, August 22
Salmon loaf, creamed peas, corn, gelatin with pears, wheat bread.
Friday, August 23
Spaghetti with meat sauce, carrots, lettuce salad, mandarin oranges, garlic bread.
Monday, August 26
Shepherd’s pie with vegetables in the pie, corn, spinach, tropical fruit, wheat bread.
Tuesday, August 27
Baked chicken and rice,
creamed peas, broccoli, peaches, wheat bread.
Wednesday, August 28 Swiss steak, cauliflower, green beans, mandarin oranges, wheat bread.
Thursday, August 29
Ham salad on lettuce, copper penny salad, pickled beets, lime gelatin with cottage cheese and pineapple, wheat bread.
Friday, August 30
Hamburger on bun, potato wedges, baked beans, applesauce, relishes.
District sets its tax levy for the 2024-2025 tax year
The Lathrop R-II School District’s new tax rate structure will go into place for this year, though patrons won’t notice much change on their total tax bill.
The Lathrop R-II Board of Education approved the district’s tax rate during a special session meeting on Saturday, August 17. The overall tax rate was set at $5.3625 per $100 assessed valuation—the same as in
2023-2024. However, that’s now $4.62 per $100 for the district’s operational levy and $0.7425 per $100 for debt service.
This past April, district voters signed off on a move that decreased the debt levy by 23 cents and increased the operating levy by the same amount. With the new funding on the operating side, the district was able to increase teacher pay in an effort to attract and retain quality staff at a time when many area
districts are amping up efforts to compete in the teacher market.
When voters approved the funding for the sports complex at Lathrop High School in 2015, district officials committed to keeping the district’s debt service levy at $0.9725 per $100 assessed value—a promise upon which the district has been able to deliver.
The district’s overall assessed value saw a slight dip for this tax year, tum-
Football jamborees set for later this week
Local school districts returned to the classroom this week, and shortly behind them high school football teams will be back under the Friday night lights.
The football season gets its unofficial kick-off later this week when teams gather for their annual jamboree scrimmages.
bling from $85.75 million to $85.49 million.
In order to set the debt service levy at $0.7425 this year, the board had to clear the way during their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 12. The board approved a $200,000 prepayment plan on the district’s 2020 general obligation bonds. Without the payment, the district would have risked its debt service fund containing too much money, which would have forced the
Steve Tinnen,
district to lower the debt service rate, itself. The board also put the final touches on its budget for the new school year on Wednesday while also finalizing the actual figures for the 2023-2024 school year.
The district carried $4.18 million into the 2023-2024 school year across all funds and received $13.805 million in revenues. Total expenditures were $13.89 million for a minor deficit of approximately $86,000. The
final balance across all funds was $4.1 million, including an operation reserve of $2.54 million.
Two elementary paraprofessionals—Julie Edwards and Mandi Wheeler— submitted their resignations to the district ahead of the school year, and those were received by the board during Wednesday’s meeting.
The Lathrop R-II School District returned to session this past Tuesday to open the 2024-2025 school year.
Continued from Page A4
Cameron football will host its annual jamboree on Friday, August 23, welcoming East Buchanan and Excelsior Springs.
This will be the first opportunity for fans to get eyes on the new-look East Buchanan Bulldogs, who went 39-3 the last three years with two conference titles, three district titles and
The first will be this Thursday when Lathrop hosts both North Platte and Trenton at Lathrop High School. It’ll be a suiting dress rehearsal, as the Mules will open the season at home the following week when they host Lexington on Friday, August 30. The Mules will be looking to improve on their 2-8 record from 2023.
two state championships.
The Bulldogs will start the year on the road, traveling to Kansas City to play Central on August 31, followed by their home opener against Savannah on September 6.
Meanwhile, Cameron football will hope to capitalize on their stellar end to the 2023 season, winning four of their last five to finish the season with a winning 6-5 record. After hosting the jamboree, the Dragons will start the year at home on August 30 with a game against Oak Grove.
In the eight-man ranks, the Plattsburg Tigers will take part in the Orrick jamboree on Friday, August 23. Plattsburg will have a bye in the first week of the year but will be in front of the home crowd on Friday, September 6, when they host Knox County.
told him about a Cadillac that passed his station doing about 80, 90 mph. The sheriff said, “So what?” to which the attendant replied, “Well there was a guy in a Model A right behind him honkin’ try to pass, you should pull him over. (Trivia Answer: C. In the 1920s, the Ford factory was producing approximately 6,000 cars every day. This indicates a high level of production and efficiency at the factory during that time. Ford’s newest assembly line, complete with its massive moving belts, was up and running in 1913. Ford pro-
duced 250,000 Model T automobiles that year. This was thirty times as many cars as Ford had produced a few years prior; it was also more cars than Oldsmobile and over eighty other competing automakers based primarily out of Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois had ever made. A decade later, Ford was producing 2 million Model Ts, which were nearly identical to the earlier models except for the price. Ford was able to take advantage of economies of scale through mass production. Consequently, the price of the Model T
dropped from over $800 to under $300).
* * * * Food for thought: “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist and business magnate. As the founder of the Ford Motor Company, he is credited as a pioneer in making automobiles affordable for middle-class Americans through the system that came to be known as Fordism.
MoDOT Director to Leave Post
JEFFERSON CITY –Mis-
souri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna has informed the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission he will be leaving the department. His last day at MoDOT will be September 20. “We thank Patrick for serving in his role the past eight and a half years. His leadership has revolutionized the way the department does business. His partnership with the Governor and General Assembly has increased Missouri’s transportation funding from a $1.7 billion STIP to an $14.6 billion STIP,” said Commission Chairman W. Dustin Boatwright. “Under his leadership, Missouri is at the forefront of asset management and critical transportation improvements for Missourians. The Commission has full confidence in the MoDOT team’s ability to execute the historic investment as we work through this leadership transition.”
“We’ve appreciated Pat-
rick’s innovative thinking, steady hand of leadership, and partnership throughout his tenure as MoDOT Director,” Governor Mike Parson said. “By working together, Missouri’s infrastructure improvement is on a solid foundation, and we have achieved unprecedented wins, including expanding I-70 to six lanes, the Focus on Bridges program, the new Rocheport and Buck O’Neil bridges, and huge investments in lettered roads across our state, among countless others. While Patrick will be greatly missed among our cabinet team, we wish him the absolute best. We are proud to have had his leadership in Missouri and know this new legacy of excellence will continue on at MoDOT.”
The Commission is prepared with a succession plan so there will be no gap in leadership to ensure MoDOT’s critical work continues. Effective end of day August 23, MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger will assume the duties of the di-
rector as interim director during this transition and search for a new director. Hassinger has worked for MoDOT for more than 40 years and has served in the role as Deputy Director and Chief Engineer for the last 11 years. The Commission intends to launch a national search for its new director following its monthly meeting in September.
“MoDOT has an existing team of leaders who consistently exceed expectations to deliver for Missourians, and we value each of them. The Commission will exercise due diligence by performing a national search open to both external and internal candidates, giving consideration to the extensive network of transportation professionals who are ready to compete and lead a world class organization...” said Boatwright. McKenna has accepted a position with the Eno Center for Transportation to begin in early October.
LATHROP
First case of corn stunt confirmed in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have confirmed the first case of corn stunt in Missouri. The disease, which is transmitted by an insect, was found in southwest Missouri.
Corn leafhopper is the insect capable of infecting corn with three pathogens that results in corn stunt disease. Corn stunt symptoms begin with yellowing or reddening of leaf tips, followed by growth of multiple small ears with loose or missing kernels, plant size reduction and deformed grain. Substantial yield losses can occur in affected areas.
“Corn stunt is not a common disease and not one that we anticipated in Missouri in 2024,” says MU Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Corn stunt substantially dropped yields in Argentina corn crops in 2024, she says.
MU Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg was recently alerted by farmers and agriculture professionals of symptoms resembling corn stunt in Christian, Stone, Lawrence and Barton counties in southwest Missouri.
Early symptoms–red and yellow discoloration of corn leaves and plants and premature drying from the top of the stalk down–were present.
“Corn leafhoppers were
quite apparent in the field at the same time the leaf symptoms were observed. There is concern that many of the kernels from the affected plants may not make it into the combine grain tank due to low test weight,” says Schnakenberg.
He and other agriculture professionals submitted field samples from that region to MU Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic director Peng Tian, who confirmed the disease using laboratory techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing.
Infected plants may grow only to 5 feet–about half of their normal height.
Leaves may appear shiny because the leafhoppers excrete honeydew as they feed. The honeydew can lead to black sooty mold, which impedes photosynthetic processes and negatively impacts plant health. The pathogens are not fungi; therefore, fungicides will not work, Bish says. Management will focus on the insect.
Corn leafhoppers are light tan or yellow in color and about 1/8 inch long, says MU Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The characteristic that distinguishes them from other leafhoppers is two dark spots located between the eyes of adult insects. These dark spots are visible
MDC
using 10X hand lens. The nymphs are green to tan in color and have no wings. They move rapidly within and among corn fields and fly or jump away when disturbed. They can be found in shaded areas of corn, resting and feeding in the whorl of young plants and hidden on the underside of leaves.
Corn leafhoppers impact corn health and yield in two ways: 1) by feeding on leaves by sucking plant sap and 2) transmission of pathogens that cause corn stunt.
waterfowlmanagedreserva-
tions open Sept. 1
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that the preseason reservation period for managed waterfowl hunts this season will run Sept. 1-18 with results posted Oct. 1. The in-season weekly drawings will take place on Monday afternoons with a seven-day application period that opens the Tuesday before and closes the Monday of the draw at 3 p.m.
Missouri residents and qualifying non-residents, such as students from out of state or members of the military stationed in Missouri, can apply online for a reservation to guarantee them an opportunity to hunt on a specific day on a specific area. Residents and nonresidents without a reservation can also arrive at a managed waterfowl hunting area the morning they wish to hunt and wait in the “poor line” for the possibility of getting a hunting spot.
Applicants for waterfowl reservations must have their required permits to ap-
ply, and their Federal Duck Stamp to hunt.
MDC offers managed waterfowl hunting on more than a dozen conservation areas specially managed with a focus on wetlands. Hunters can apply for a reservation or participate in a daily morning drawing for opportunities to hunt at these areas. MDC also offers waterfowl hunting on other conservation areas. In addition to MDC areas, Missouri offers waterfowl hunting opportunities at numerous other public and private locations around the state.
For this fall, the MDC waterfowl reservation system will offer 50 percent of daily hunting positions for the managed-hunt areas through online reservations. Of the 50 percent of spots through online reservations, half will be for pre-season applications and half will be allocated during a weekly in-season application period. The remaining 50 percent of spots will be held for hunters who participate in the daily, morning “poor line” draw-
ing.
Successful pre-season and in-season reservation applicants will be notified after their respective draws via email or text message with their hunt date and location. Hunters will be notified of their pill number after the inseason drawing for the week of their reservation. “Pills” designate the order hunting parties select their hunting locations on the morning of the hunt. The lower the pill number, the sooner hunting parties get to select their hunting location.
Residents and nonresidents can hunt with a reservation holder and hunting parties are limited to a maximum of four people.
Hunters with disabilities can apply to use ADA hunting blinds through the online reservation system during the same timeframe as the pre-season application period. ADA blinds that are not selected and allocated during the pre-season drawing will be placed in the weekly inseason draws.
Stockpiling Tall Fescue
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – Start stockpiling tall fescue in mid-August for healthier, more profitable cattle, says University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy Rusty Lee.
Stockpiling fescue extends the grazing season and reduces the need to feed hay. “Winter feed costs are the cattle producer’s biggest single expense,” says Lee. The best way to reduce that expense is to let cattle graze longer and feed hay for a
shorter time.
Fescue is Missouri’s No. 1 forage. Producers favor it because of its persistence, resistance to insects and disease, and long growing season. Once growth slows in mid-October, feed value is maintained due to its waxy cuticles, which protect the leaves from weathering.
Stockpiling focuses on managing new growth of fescue plants, Lee says. Its benefits include reduced labor, lower costs and less
time. Compared to other stockpiled forages, tall fescue maintains more high crude protein and energy. Regrowth also is high in carbohydrates and least toxic in late winter.
Lee’s recipe for successful stockpiling includes starting with 3-6 inches of leaf in pastures in August. Producers should remove cattle from pastures in midAugust and then topdress 40-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
Corn leafhoppers reproduce only in corn and its relatives. Oklahoma State University reports that corn leafhopper has been associated with maize since its domestication around 9,000 years ago. Tian continues collaborating with Oklahoma State University entomologists who recently confirmed the state’s first case of corn leafhoppers this season as well.
Corn leafhoppers move northward by wind-aided movement from Mexico, where corn is in continuous production all year round.
Adult corn leafhoppers are known to overwinter in grasses such as wheat, alfalfa, Johnson grass, sorghum, sugar cane, soybean, millet, and gamma grass but they reproduce only on corn.
It is commonly thought that these leafhoppers cannot survive Missouri winters. However, Valmorbida and Schnakenberg plan to continue monitoring for corn leafhopper in southwest Missouri throughout the winter.
Cultural control practices include early planting, crop rotation and control of
volunteer plants that could serve as a place where the insect can overwinter. There are other stresses that can cause corn to become yellow and red late in the season, Bish cautions. Look for additional signs such as presence of leafhoppers and the honeydew. The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic can help diagnose suspect samples for a small fee. Ideally samples will include stalks and leaves. Go to https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/plantdiagnostic-clinic for more information.
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 Aug. 19-25.
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.
Andrew County
U.S. Route 71 – Resurfacing project on portions of north and southbound lanes from Route V south of Maryville to U.S. Route 59 north of Savannah, through September 2024. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).
U.S. Route 169 – Resurfacing project from intersection of Missouri Route 31 (DeKalb County) to Interstate 29 (Buchanan County), through September 2024. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).
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) www.modot.org/missouriroute-111-missouri-route-46-androute-yy-bridge-replacementatchison-and-gentry.
Route C – Shoulder work from Route M to Route O in Westboro, Aug. 19.
U.S. Route 59 – Pothole patching from the Iowa State line to the Holt County line, Aug. 19-23.
Buchanan County Cook Road Bridge – CLOSED for a bridge rehabilitation project over I-29 in St. Joseph through October 2024. (Contractor: Clarkson Construction Company) https://www. modot.org/interstate-29-bridgerehabilitation-buchanan.
U.S. Route 169 – Resurfacing project from intersection of Missouri Route 31 (DeKalb County) to Interstate 29 (Buchanan County), through September 2024.
(Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).
U.S. Route 36 – RAMP CLOSED for pothole patching at the westbound off ramp to Route 759 (Stockyards Express Way), Aug. 21, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Route P – Pothole patching from the Buchanan County line to Route 31, Aug. 19-20.
Caldwell County
Route D – CLOSED until further notice at the Shoal Creek Bridge due to deck deterioration. This bridge is currently scheduled for the January 2025 contractor letting through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
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 mid-September 2024. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.). https://www. modot.org/13-pavement-resurfacing-caldwell-and-daviess.
Carroll County
Route M – CLOSED at the Grand River bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through Oct. 1, 2024.
(Contractor: Hardy Construction, LLC) Route M Bridge Rehabilita-
tion in Carroll and Chariton | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).
Route CC – CLOSED beginning at the Little Wakenda Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through October. (Capital-Horner & Shifrin). *1
U.S. Route 65 – Milling from the Livingston County line to the town of Waverly, Aug. 19-22.
Chariton County
Route F – CLOSED at the Palmer Creek Bridge west of Keytesville for a bridge rehabilitation project through September. (CapitalHorner & Shifrin). *1
Route JJ – CLOSED at the Slater Branch Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through October. (Capital-Horner & 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 through October. (Contractor: Hardy Construction, LLC)
Route M Bridge Rehabilitation in Carroll and Chariton | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).
Route 5 – Guardrail improvements under the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge west of Salisbury through September (Contractor: Capital Paving and Construction, LLC).
Route J – Pavement repairs from U.S. Route 24 to the end of state maintenance, Aug. 19-20.
Route ZZ – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Morton Road to Pendan Chappel Road, Aug. 20, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Route Z – Pavement repairs from Route M to the end of state maintenance, Aug. 20-21.
Route M – Pavement repairs from Porche Prairie Avenue to Kiawa Avenue, Aug. 21.
Route 11 – Pavement repairs from Route M to Route C, Aug. 21-23.
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-h-bridge-replacement-clinton.
I-35 – Concrete repair project from Missouri Route 116 to 1 mile north of Shoal Creek (just north of U.S. Route 69 intersection), through December. (Contractor: Phillips Hardy, Inc.).
DeKalb County
U.S. Route 169 – Resurfacing project from intersection of Missouri Route 31 (DeKalb County) to Interstate 29 (Buchanan County), through August 2024 (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).
Route O – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route 33 to Maple Road, Aug. 19, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
U.S. Route 36 – Culvert replacement eastbound just east of Bob Griffin Road, Aug. 19-20. An overnight lane closure will be in place.
U.S. Route 36 – Culvert replacement westbound just east of Bob Griffin Road, Aug. 20-21. An overnight lane closure will be in place.
U.S. Route 36 – Culvert replacement westbound at U.S. Route 69, Aug. 21-22. An overnight lane closure will be in place.
U.S. Route 36 – Culvert replacement eastbound at Reservoir Road, Aug. 22-23. An overnight lane closure will be in place.
Gentry County
Route B – CLOSED for a scrub seal project from U.S. Route 136 to Route O, Aug. 20, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holt County
Route 111 – Bridge maintenance at the Tarkio River Bridge, Aug. 1922. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane.
Route N – CLOSED for shoulder/ roadside work from U.S. Route 59 to Weightman Road in Mound City, Aug. 19-23, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
I-29 – Core drilling northbound from mile marker 97.6 to mile marker 98.6, Aug. 20.
Linn County Route 129 – Resurfacing project, Aug. 16-23. The road will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC). *2
Route ZZ – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route WW to Morton Road, Aug. 19, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Livingston County Route CC – CLOSED beginning August 12 at the Leeper Creek Bridge southeast of Chillicothe for a bridge rehabilitation project through November. (CapitalHorner & Shifrin). *1
U.S. Route 36 – Smoothing new concrete surface under the U.S. Route 65 and Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge in Chillicothe, Aug. 19-20. The road will be narrowed to one lane in both directions and a 16-foot width restriction will be in place (Contractor: Magruder Paving, LLC).
THE LEADER
Proudly serving Clinton County, Missouri, for more than 125 years
“because the people must know”
Got news? We wanna hear it! Send your news to Leader@ ClintonCountyLeader.com
NOTICE
The Trimble Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting on August 27Th, 2024 at the Trimble Community Center located at 101 S. Fourth Street at 7:00 pm. Avery and Marion Stalford have requested a special use permit to pasture 3 cows and possibly calves on their property located at 401 Howard Rd with the possible addition of goats and chickens in the future. This meeting is opened to the public. Melanie Cherven, City Clerk
(8/8, 8/15/2024)
(Editor’s Note: Public Notice advertising plays a unique role both in American history and in the process by which this country’s democracy is preserved. Its one premise is that people must be informed if they are to govern themselves competently. Public Notice advertising first came into being with the Congress of 1792. That body, recognizing its responsibility to the people, required the Postmaster General to advertise for bids for the construction of new post offices. From that inauspicious beginning to the complex publication requirements in federal, state and local laws today, government officials have come more and more to understand their obligations to inform the public through Public Notice advertising. Newspapers over the years have been the vehicle by which these obligations have been fulfilled. They will continue to be as long as the public demands that it be informed frequently and by the best means possible.) Are you a Real Estate Agent, Broker or office looking to develop a relationship with someone who can help provide soft décor items for staging homes? Bannad Studios Custom Pillows, Cushions, Covers, bedding & Drapes. Call us today. 816-724-0694 If no answer, we're in the workroom or with customers. Please leave message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you!
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
NOTICE
A public hearing will be held August 29, 2024, 6:00 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office, 100 S. Y Highway, Plattsburg, to establish the 2025 certified tax rate for the Extension District.
The purpose of the tax rate is necessary to generate sufficient revenue to fund extension programming in the district, which includes annual funding for the costs of personnel and the acquisition, supply and maintenance of the Council’s property, work, and equipment. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Connie Tharp, Treasurer.
(8/15, 8/22//2024)
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 location. 816-2889060.
For Rent FOR RENT Hale, Mo. One 2 bed apt, one 1 bed apt, 1 studio. NO PETS First month rent & dep req. appliances & utilities furnished. Background check req, 660-645-2269 FOR RENT Hale, Mo. One 2 bed apt, one 1 bed apt, 1 studio. NO PETS First month rent & dep req. appliances & utilities furnished. Background check req, 660-645-2269
Wanted North Central Missouri College is seeking a part-time Library Assistant. Interested applicants should visit www.ncmissouri.edu/j obs for more information and how to apply or call 660-3576203. NCMC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
For Sale
Registered Jack Russells 816-807-0382
For Sale 2021 Polaris Ranger XP1000. AirHeat wipers. Electric windows, winch, back up mirror, side mirrors, dump bed. Call 660359-7643
Bannad Studios Custom Soft Décor. Pillows, Cushions & Covers. In Any Size. Any shape.
We will use your fabric or ours. Designer and discount fabrics available. Indoor and outdoor Cushions, pillows, bedding, etc. Call today for your quote. 816724-0694 If no answer, we're in the workroom. Please leave a message.
Pond building supplies. Roll plastic pipe, 100 lb. & 160 lb. PSI. Pond shut-off & stock tank valves, hydrants. Tren-
ton Hardware, 901 Main, Trenton, 660359-3660.
HELTON INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Williams Shopping Center, Trenton, MO. New To Medicare or Want To Compare Pricing ... Call Brian McDaniel 816289-1935 or Leah Helton 660-359-3806 or 660-635-0537 "Our Quality Of Service Is What Makes Us Different"
Shelter Insurance –Cale Gondringer 1601 E 9th St., Suite D. 660359-4100. LIFE * HOME * AUTO * FARM * BUSINESS. We’re your shield. We’re your shelter.ShelterInsurance.com
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!
Help Wanted Sunnyview Nursing Home has job openings available for the following positions: RN, LPN, CNA, Dietary and Level I Medication Aide. Please fill out a job application at 1311 East 28th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. E.O.E.
Notices THE PEOPLE’S CO-OP 1736 East 9th St. 3593313. Premium Diesel, Gas, 10% Ethanol –CENEX. 83 years of
service & experience. MR. TIRE – Dean, Hankook, Cooper tires.
Replacement Parts; Accessories; Chemicals; Tool & equipment. www.tlautosupply.com
Services
*SEAMLESS 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, 359-3888.
Carquest Auto Parts T & L Auto Supply, Inc., 1823 East 9th, Trenton, 359-2268. tlautosupply.com MondayFriday, 7-5, Saturday, 7:30-12. Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800-425-0976 or 485-6611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.
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.
JAMESPORT LUMBER Full Service Lumberyard. We also sell Trusses/ metal/rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department - Gift Certificates and Delivery Available - Free Estimates 32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport 660-6846404
JAMESPORT BUILDERS, 660-6846931, 32137 State Hwy 6, Jamesport. POLE BARNS - GARAGES, Spray foam insulation.
BUY - SELL - TRADEBIG NASTY'S GUNS & AMMO - Stop in and see us at our New Location - 1515 E. 9th Street, Trenton, MO. Nathan Rorebeck, 660635-0469, www.bignastys.com
Mid-States Services is now offering: Fiber Optic installs in rural Trenton! Mid-States will STILL WAIVE the $150 installation free for those who sign up NOW! Sign up TODAY by calling 660-3592045
Plattsburg students return to Ellis Elementary
Cameron Back to School
Students in the Clinton County R-III School District were back in class on Tuesday, including elementary students at Ellis (pictured above and right), as the summer break for 2024 officially came to an end. East Buchanan, Lathrop and Cameron each also returned to the classroom this week.
There was some back to school fun in Cameron earlier this week, as Kay Leeper (left) and Laure Tunks (right) dressed up for the amusement of students as they returned to session. jamey honeycutt | the clinton county leader