8.1.24 RT.qxp_Layout 1 7/31/24 9:13 AM Page 1
$1.25 ©Honeycutt Media, LLC
TRENTON
THURS., AUGUST 1, 2024
REPUBLICAN-TIMES “GOD BLESS AMERICA”
Old Glory flying at Five Points
republican-times.com
Voting Tuesday Missouri Governers Race A Three Way Rock Fight August 6 With seven days out Governor, Senator and U.S. elation that Kehoe’s camThe Missouri Primary Election is Tuesday, August 6 at 11- precinct locations in Grundy County and runs from 7 AM Tuesday until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening. Absentee balloting is available through the County Clerk’s Office through 4:30 PM on Monday, August 5. The clerk’s office is open Saturday, August 4 from 8:00 AM to Noon.
from Missouri primary voting August 6, the Republican race for Governor is a three-way rock fight with none of the three—Mike Kehoe (24%) Bill Eigel (19%) or Jay Ashcroft (18%) closing the gap on Undecided, currently sitting at 38%. A survey of polling around the country on statehouse races reveals that Missouri is perhaps the most undecided, ambivalent or whimsical state in the Union on pulling the trigger. Kehoe, the current Lieutenant Governor, highest money-raiser in the state and Jefferson City car dealer, surged past Jay Ashcroft, the current Secretary of State and son of former
Attorney General John Ashcroft, whose early name recognition advantage disintegrated as Kehoe surged in the spring and early summer, and flounders in third. Both Kehoe and Ashcroft have discussed ways to eliminate the personal income tax on Missouri voters, but Kehoe has suffered in recent days on Eigel and Ashcroft attacks for his support of a .23 cent gas tax hike in 2013, and support of the purchase of Smithfield Incorporated by Chinese interests in 2014, and 40,000 acres of Farm Land. Nicknames of “Tax Hike Mike” and “Kung Pao Kehoe” have gained traction, with the recent rev-
paign bus is being rented from a Smithfield lobbyist. One has to get their ride from somewhere, but voters aren’t impressed with that little chestnut of information. Kehoe was further tagged with a revelation that Alex Soros protege Tory Gates, the son of Bill Gates, had made a $75,000 campaign contribution to Kehoe’s campaign. To date, Senator Eigel seems to win the “Zingbot” award for the zingiest zingers, not surprising for the man considered to be the best orator in the Missouri State legislature. In the current Republican “insurgent” climate, Kehoe’s endorsement by [See RACE, Page 4]
A Conversation with City Councilman Glen Briggs Talking with City Councilman Glen Briggs is always a fascinating conversation, because the fourth term councilman, also director of Grundy County Emergency Management Agency, and custodian at the Grundy County Courthouse is literate on all subjects pertaining to “good government”, and has some great insights as that person who takes “civic involvement” beyond just voting and speaking out, but wading into the fray and getting his hands dirty. The Trenton City Council is an interesting mix of conservatives, progress/go get ‘em personalities and pragmatists. Briggs places himself in
the latter category. “I consider myself a nononsense, pragmatic person.”Briggs says.”I don’t like going down rabbit holes and wasting time.” ‘Tim (Meinecke) and Marvin (Humphreys) are the guys focused on whether or not we can legally do something.”Briggs said.”They ask a lot of questions, do their research, and are the accountability guys.” “Lou(Fisher) and Calvin(Brown) are all about accountability.”Briggs said.”They care about how dollars are spent and they really advocate for taxpayers and they keep their eye on that ball.” “Duane (Urich) and [See BRIGGS, Page 7]
The Primary
Voters go to the polls next Tuesday to sort out several contested Grundy County races, state offices contests for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and a contested national race for 6th District Congressional Representative. Copies of the ballot are available elsewhere within the Republican-Times. While the R-T won’t endorse individuals in any county or state race, we will
give you some things to consider. For Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General: 1—The Candidates position on sales and property tax relief for citizens. When you check their positions, push a little harder on google searches to ask: ? — If property or income taxes are abolished, how will the revenues lost to city and county governments be replaced? ?---If candidates do not support abolishment, do they have recommendations for adjusting property and income tax policy to make it fairer to citizens. 2—The candidates’ position on “gender affirming care” and LGBTQ rights. 3—Candidates position
12 PAGES
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 43
on trans men participating in women’s sports 4—Candidates position on sexually explicit books in school, children’s and public libraries. 5—Candidates position on foreign ownership of Missouri farm land — Position on forcing divestiture of property owned by foreign countries, especially China. 6—Candidates' position on abortion rights. 7—Candidates position on illegal immigration and steps to mitigate, or promulgate the process in Missouri. For Secretary of State: 1—Positions on free and fair elections—Use of voting machines vs. hand ballots. 2—Candidates position
on sexually explicit books in school, children’s and public libraries. For State Treasurer: 1—Candidates position on foreign ownership of Missouri farm land — Position on forcing divestiture of property owned by foreign countries, especially China. For 6th District Congressional Race 1—Position on abortion rights 2—Position of support/withdrawal of support for funding to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan 3—Are economic positions “America First”, “Traditional” or “Globalist”? For Grundy County Commissioner [See PRIMARY, Page 7]
NCMC Board of Trusteees Approve Hire of Assistant Softball Coach and Set Levy Hearing The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees met in regular session on July 23, 2024. During the meeting, Trustees heard communication reports and took action on Head Start items, bids/purchases, set the annual levy hearing, and declared surplus property and approved personnel items. In communication reports Trustees heard from new employees and new to their role employees. Tocarra Williams, TRIO Director, introduced her plans for her new position and provided an update on SSS and Upward Bound. Tara Hoffman, SAIL Program Director, introduced herself to the board and provided information on the SAIL program. Dr. Clarence Green, Dean/Director of the Savannah Campus, introduced himself to the board and provided an update on the campus. In other communication reports, Jenny Lewis, Head Start Director, provided information on recent Head Start health screenings, Early Head Start, homebased, and projected enrollment. Dr. Kristen Alley, Vice President of Student Affairs, provided information on attestation forms
and Title IX new regulations changes and compliance. Jennifer Triplett, Chief Information Officer, provided information on the OneCard system upgrade, a WAN circuit upgrade, a summer 2024 refresh advancement, and a PowerCampus feature enhancement. Dr. Lenny Klaver, President, praised new administrative hires and discussed a recent visit with Northwest Missouri State University President. He also discussed the upcoming convocation and in-service, a cabinet and deans retreat, workforce compendium, CTAC progress, the USDA building in Savannah, a recent MDHEWD commissioner’s advisory group, performance funding, enrollment, and Savannah Site visits. In business items, Trustees approved several Head Start items, including the training/technical plan, wage comparability study, and supplemental one-time funding application. Trustees approved the purchase of athletic insurance through Dissinger Reed and the replacement of the Hoffman Hall roof with Ward Roofing. Trustees set the annual levy hearing for [See NCMC , Page 6]
Grundy County R-V School Board Preps for 24-25 School Year The regular meeting of the Grundy R-V Board of Education meeting was held at 6:00 Wednesday evening at the High school. In Old Business, the Board heard a report on maintenance and improvement projects for the elementary and high school buildings, a report on the District’s investment plan(without taking action) and the Board also approved participation in the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant program for the 2024-25 school year. The Board discussed providing a stipend for staff members whose base salaries are above the $40,000 level. No action was taken. In New Business, the Board approved the district participation in the federal school lunch program for the 2024-25 school year. Prices were set for lunch and breakfasts. 2024-25 prices High School Lunch: $3.00 Elementary Lunch: $2.00 Adults: $3.00
High School Breakfast: $1.50 Elementary Breakfast: $1.40 Adults: $1.70 The Board discussed the addition of a weight training program for students. The administration was directed to gather more information and report back at the next meeting. The annual tax rate hearing for the district will be held at 6:00 pm on August 15, followed by the regular August meeting. Reports were presented by the elementary principal, and approved minor changes to the high school [See R-V, Page 6]
Check out the Farmer’s Market at Sesquicentennial Park Saturday morning from 8 - 12.