LEADER CLINTON COUNT Y
Thurs., April 27, 2023 |
Plattsburg, Lathrop and Gower, Mo.
$1.00 | “Covers Clinton County Like Dew ”
LATHROP SCHOOLS
Elementary principal Chauncey Rardon resigns by brett adkison leader editor
For the first time in two decades, the Lathrop R-II School District will be hiring a new elementary principal. Lathrop Elementary School Principal Chauncey Rardon sub-
PLATTSBURG
Town hall draws a big crowd
mitted his letter of resignation last week, announcing his intention to become the next principal at Hawthorne Elementary in Kearney. “Over the course of 20 years, Mr. Rardon has been a calm but driving force at Lathrop Elementary School,” said Lathrop R-II
Superintendent Chris Fine. “From Professional Learning Communities and High Reliability Schools, to positive behavioral interventions and supports and response to intervention, Lathrop Elementary has always set the example for how to put student learning above
all else. One thing is certain – his leadership and experience will be difficult to replace.” Rardon is the third Lathrop administrator to leave the district ahead of the 2023-2024 school year; Superintendent Chris Fine ||Continued on A2
SPRING SPORTS
DEALING HEAT
Sewer system, city codes and more headline open meeting leader editor
||Continued on A2
During the monthly East Buchanan C-1 Board of Education meeting, the board recognized outgoing member Rodney Kenagy with a plaque and thanked him for his service over the past nine years. Superintendent Dr. John Newell said that Rodney, who previously served as the board president,
Plant sales, community events, benefit meals and so much more as community groups kick off spring calendars. || PAGE A5
Future of Open Enrollment Former Leader Publisher Steve Tinnen looks at open enrollment and how it could impact local school districts. || PAGE A4
Community........A3 Opinion..............A4 Legals...............A10 Sports...............A7
THE LEADER Est. 1895
The Plattsburg Tigers baseball team was at home at Perkins Park last Thursday, falling in a valiant effort against North Platte, 3-1. (Above) Despite the loss, Plattsburg pitcher Hunter Risch threw a gem Thursday, striking out five batters in a complete-game effort. More on page A7. brett adkison | the leader
Board sets levy request for new middle school leader reporter
April gets busy in Clinton Co.
Get a comprehensive look at what went on in law enforcement the previous week throughout Clinton County. || PAGE A3
EAST BUCHANAN
by jim bonebrake
One Section | 12 pages
Sheriff ’s Report
by brett adkison
Upwards of 50 residents turned out Monday, April 24, for a town hall meeting hosted by the City of Plattsburg at the Tinnen Event Center. Over the course of the night, residents and members of the city’s leadership discussed numerous topics, ranging from city codes to utility services, and everything in between. “It’s always good to get people involved and let them feel their voice is being heard, and I think we got a lot of that today,” said Plattsburg Mayor James Kennedy. The night started with a short city council meeting, during which Mayor Kennedy presented a proclamation celebrating the 2022 Plattsburg Tigers baseball team, which finished third in the Missouri Class 2 State Championships in June. The accomplishment came while the city was going through an administrative
INSIDE
had been an instrumental part of the board and assisted the district during Dr. Newell’s transition to superintendent, as well as helped guide the board through the current long-range plan for the district. After the vote to dissolve the previous board and the oath of office was sworn by newly-elected member Ryan Harper, the board elected Dean Walkup again as
president, Jessie Fisher as vice president, Beth Carr as secretary, and Ronetta Walkup as treasurer. Beth Gregory was elected as MSBA delegate and Andrea Wilson will serve as alternate. The CTA report expressed opposition to Senate Bill 4, currently being considered in Jefferson City. This bill would create a statewide database that would require a re-
view of curriculum to be taught in school districts. CTA believes this would eliminate local school districts from being able to determine the curriculum themselves. The board discussed the ballot language for the proposed levy increase to be voted on in August for the new middle school. There were three issues they had to set-
||Continued on A2
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VOL. 128, NO. 26