THE LEADER THIRD FOR THE ‘BURG Thursday, March 16, 2023 • $1.00
MISSOURI CLASS 2 STATE BASKETBALL
Plattsburg Tigers defeat Hartville to finish 3rd in the state, finish 31-1
The Plattsburg Tigers basketball team bounced back from a tough loss in the Missouri Class 2 state semifinals to win the third-place game over Hartville, 59-48, on Saturday, March 11, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. For more on the Tigers at the 2023 Show-Me Showdown, turn to page A7 of this edition, and check back next week for The Leader’s commemorative special section. (Above) Plattsburg senior James Braddy (12) hoists the third-place trophy with his fellow seniors (left to right) Luke Schroeder (obscured), Jackson Lewis (35) and Alex Black (54) on Saturday in Springfield. jerry craft | special to the clinton county leader
LAW ENFORCEMENT
LATHROP SCHOOLS
Someone impersonating law officer in Clinton, Clay Co.
Andy McNeely hired as next principal at middle school by brett adkison leader editor
The Lathrop R-II School District didn’t need to look long or far for their next Lathrop Middle School principal. In fact, a familiar face will be headed back to the office next school year. Andy McNeely has been hired to be the LMS
principal for the 2023-2024 school year. McNeely, who currently serves as the assistant high school principal and athletic director, previously served as the LMS principal. The move comes at a crucial time. District officials have been working to cut approximately $500,000
THE LEADER Est. 1895
from the budget next school year in anticipation for a drop in funding. As part of that, Lathrop R-II looked to cut the assistant principal’s position at the high school. With current LMS principal John Goodin resigning to take a principal’s position in Kearney, McNeely became
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VOL. 128, NO. 20 Winner of 100+ awards from the Missouri press assoc.
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by brett adkison leader editor
Law enforcement officials are warning of an uptick in officer impersonation in the past week, including cases in both Clinton County and Clay County. In February, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department issued similar warnings.
INSIDE one section | 12 pages
Community........A3 Opinion..............A4 Legals.....A10, A11 Sports...............A7
“Covers Clinton County Like Dew!”
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department issued a release Friday, March 10, outlining a pair of cases that had happened that same day, one on 116 Highway and another on Interstate 35, and confirming that in neither case was law enforcement performing traffic stops in the areas. In response, the
department has increased its presence on roadways. One incident that morning saw what was described as a dark-colored Ford Explorer pulling out behind vehicles and speeding up to them, only to perform a U-turn and speed up to another vehicle. The depart||Continued on A2
Congratulations, East Buchanan!
Much ado about an Alley
Looking back at the East Buchanan girls basketball team’s historic season, which included hanging both KCI and district championship banners. || PAGE A8
The Plattsburg City Council discusses a logo for the new water tower, the addition of public bathrooms downtown, and the saga over the alley west of Main Street continues. || PAGE A2