LEADER CLINTON COUNT Y
Thurs., January 26, 2023 |
INSIDE
one section | 16 pages
County Finishes 2022 Strong Clinton County continues to build its reserves, ARPA funds could allow the county to update its aging courthouse. || PAGE A2
Winter Sports Lathrop wrestling impresses at home meet, Plattsburg basketball stays perfect, Avery Clay signs with Park Univ. || PAGE A9-A11
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Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo.
| “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”
PLATTSBURG SCHOOLS
Board approves move to eight-man football Low participation numbers force historic change
by brett adkison leader editor
Facing a decrease in enrollment and program participation, the Plattsburg High School football team will be moving to eightman competition starting next fall. The Clinton County R-III Board of Education voted on the
move unanimously on Wednesday, January 18, at Clinton County Middle School. The program will compete in the eight-man division in 2023, 2024 and 2025, with hopes of rebuilding the program and returning to 11-man football in 2026. Plattsburg could possibly re-
main in the 11-man division if the building’s enrollment surpasses the eight-man limit as set by the Missouri High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The MSHSAA enrollment figure includes three of the four grades at the high school and the cap is set at 150 students. Plattsburg is project-
ed an enrollment number of 142 next year, meaning a rush in new student enrollments could bump them past the 150 mark. If the program does move to eight-man, it’s expected that Plattsburg will remain a non-football member of the KCI Confer||Continued on A2
SCHOOLS
CROWNING ROYALTY
Lathrop to decide on street sales tax The Lathrop City Council has approved a street improvement sales tax for the April ballot. || PAGE A5
Community........A3 Opinion..............A4 Legals.......A13-A15 Sports...............A9
THE LEADER Est. 1895
Congratulations to East Buchanan senior Gracie Kelsey and Jack Archdekin, who were crowned the 2023 East Buchanan Courtwarming Queen and King on Friday, January 20, during the basketball games at EBHS in Gower. photo courtesy of east buchanan school district
Congratulations to Lathrop seniors Brendan Fine and Avery Clay, who were crowned 2023 Courtwarming King and Queen on Friday, January 20, during the basketball games against Mid-Buchanan at Lathrop High School. brett adkison | the clinton county leader
EXTENSION
Winner of 100+ awards from the Missouri press assoc.
Debbie Davis to retire after 20 years of service by brett adkison leader editor
Honeycutt Media 102 e. Maple St. Plattsburg, Mo., 64477 (UPS 435580000) 816.539.2111 email: leader@clintoncountyleader.com
VOL. 128, NO. 13
Debbie Davis stood at the Clinton County Youth Building outside of Plattsburg on Friday and thumbed through a box packed with notes and letters of appreciation. Another held her annual planners, each chronicling countless 4-H and Extension meetings, programs, camps and events. “This is why we do this,” Davis said. “It’s the kids. It’s the faces. They’re great families. They’re committed to the
principle’s of 4H, which sets some pretty high standards in life. That’s the other piece of what I appreciate.” Davis’s official position is Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development. It’s a role that has evolved and expanded throughout her two decades of service, but no matter the title, she’s been at the heart of Clinton County’s 4-H and Extension efforts. At the end of this month, Davis will retire from the University of Missouri Extension.
There will be a retirement reception for her on Friday, February 3, at the Community Courtyard in Plattsburg. It will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cards can also be sent to the Extension office at P.O. Box 294, in Plattsburg. Davis grew up as the only child of a farmer in Caldwell County, attending Hamilton and Kidder schools. She went to the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, majoring in home economics and ||Continued on A6