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TRENTON
THURS., OCT. 26, 2023
REPUBLICAN-TIMES Old Glory flying at Five Points
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BRIEFS Special Needs Halloween Dance
A Halloween dance for all individuals with special needs will be held Saturday, October 28 from 7-9 p.m. in the SUGG Room at the Ketcham Community Center. Music will be provided by Daniel Savage. A costume contest will be held with awards given for first and second place. Snacks will be provided. The dance is free and open to all individuals with special needs.
Mascots Pancake Breakfast
The Trenton Bulldog Mascots will be having a Fall/Halloween Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 28 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. in the commons area at Trenton High School. On the menu will be pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, milk, juice, coffee and water. Kids wearing a costume will receive a free treat! Free will donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the Trenton R-9 Mascots Team of THS and TMS.
TMU to Flush Lines
Trenton Municipal Utilities staff were to begin flushing the distribution system on Monday, October 23. Flushing is to continue for two weeks. Crews were to begin flushing in the area east of Highway 65 to the city limits. This is a semi-annual requirement of the water treatment process. This routine maintenance improves the quality of your drinking water. There may be some discolored water during the hours of flushing, which will be Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is recommended to run the water for a short period of time to make sure that the water is clear before doing laundry or waiting until after flushing hours. You may also experience low water pressure for periods of time. For any questions, contact the Water Treatment Plant at 660-359-3211.
Chamber Trick or Treat Night
The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will be hosting its annual community Trick or Treat Night on Monday, Oct. 30 at the Rock Barn. The 20th annual event will run from 6 to 7:30 pm. Over 35 businesses and organizations will be providing “tricks or treats” to those youth who will be taking part. Youth are encouraged to wear Halloween attire and adults are asked to accompany their children to the event. Those attending will be asked to line up at the gated area on the east side of the Rock Barn, with entrance being made through the north door inside the courtyard area. Each of the participating groups with a decorated table will have them judged, with monetary prizes going to the top three winners. For more information, persons may contact the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 660-359-4324 or by email at trentonchambermo@gmail.com.
GCHD Has COVID Vaccine
The Grundy County Health Department has received an additional shipment of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. GCHD is offering the Pfizer vaccine for all ages. COVID19 vaccine clinics are offered on Mondays. Please call 660-359-4196 for an appointment. The Grundy County Health Department also has flu vaccine for all ages, including the high dose vaccine, which is recommended for people age 65 and up. Flu shots clinics are scheduled on Fridays, with appointments being recommended but not required. Individuals should bring their Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance card for billing purposes. The Grundy County Health Department would like to remind residents that free at-home COVID-19 test kits are still available at the Health Department office, 1716 Lincoln Street in Trenton. Call 660-359-4196 to make an appointment for vaccination or to inquire about health department services.
“GOD BLESS AMERICA” 16 PAGES + 1 INSERT
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 8
39th Annual Missouri Day Festival The weather was beautiful as the 39th Annual Missouri Day Festival was held October 19-21 in Trenton. The festival kicked off on Thursday evening with a soup supper sponsored by the Trenton Area Ministerial Alliance and opening ceremonies held at First Baptist Church. The ceremonies began with the presentation of colors made by Boy Scout Troop #97. The “National Anthem” was sung by Anita Ewing. Dan Wilford gave the invocation. Barb Cox served as emcee for the evening. She mentioned that, according to the 1963 edition of Webster’s Dictionary, a pioneer is described as “one with a servant’s heart who goes before, preparing the way for others without seeking recognition”. Chris Hoffman served as the speaker for the evening. He spoke of the importance of the pioneers of Grundy County and Trenton. He read excerpts from several magazines and newspapers from the early- to mid1900s telling of the history of the Thompson house and how the people of Trenton came together to raise the money for the railroad to come through Trenton. He told the story of how Trenton Junior College was started in 1925. He spoke of the ways our community takes care of their families and serves each other on a daily basis. Jeanie Griffin announced the winners of the coloring contest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. She said they worked with the Trenton High School art department to design a coloring page that reflected the Missouri Day theme of “Honoring Our Grundy Pioneers” and coloring pages were sent to all elementary schools in Grundy County. Coloring
contest winners included: Pre-School - Preston Kasinger, Grundy R-V, first; Kate Shiflett, Grundy R-V, second; and Lillie May, Grundy R-V, third. Kindergarten - Sophia Hudson, Laredo R-VII, first; Jack Hainey, Rissler Elementary, second; and Aubree Bake, Rissler Elementary, third. First Grade - Addison Gott, Rissler Elementary, first; AJ Neighbors, Rissler Elementary, second; and Evan Dixon, Rissler Elementary, third. Second Grade - Sam Harris, Rissler Elementary, first; Sutton Buenemann, Rissler Elementary, second; and Liam Busick, Rissler Elementary, third. Third Grade - Nora Guthrie, Rissler Elementary, first; Addi Sinklear, Grundy R-V, second; and Paisley Tubbs, Rissler Elementary, third. Fourth Grade - Tucker Lentz, Grundy R-V, first; Lizzy Harris, Rissler Elementary, second; and Ella Ishmael, Rissler Elementary, third. Winners of the yard decorating contest were announced by Sue Huffstutter and sponsored by Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri. In the business category, first place went to EverCare Pharmacy at 1903 E. 9th St. and second place went to Trenton Abstract at 910 Main. Residential yard decorating contest winners were the home of Mike and Naomi Starkebaum at 3945 Little Woods Dr. in first place and second place went to the home of Glenda Lovell at 1805 Madison. Window/entry decorating contest winners were announced by Bonita Price and were sponsored by Southern Bank. First place went to Preceptor Nu who decorated the entry way of Southern Bank. Second place went
Barb Cox
Chris Hoffman
to The Space, which was decorated by Tracy Utley. The Trenton High School Music Department, under the direction of Tyler Busick, provided musical entertainment. Laurie Bonta served as the [See Festival, Page 2]
Recycling Bid Fails to Pass on Council Vote The Trenton City Council met in open session on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. In attendance were Mayor Jackie Soptic; council members William Fisher, Glenn Briggs, Calvin Brown, Marvin Humphreys, Timothy Meinecke, David Mlika, Duane Urich and John Dolan; City Attorney Tara Walker; City Administrator/Utilities Director Ron Urton; Police Chief Rex Ross; and City Clerk Cindy Simpson. The minutes from the September 25, 2023 meeting were approved by the council, as were the payment of all duly obligated bills. Members of the council moved on to reports from around the city. Council
member Briggs recommended the hiring of Laura Andal to fill a police officer position when she graduates in December. There was a motion and it was approved to hire her if she passes her class in December. The meeting then moved on to public comment regarding the recycling bids. Carole Hobbs, a representative from Hope Haven, was present to bring more information regarding the recycling program. Several options were presented but it was still asked that there be more information regarding recycling. There was a motion to accept the bid from Hope Haven but failed to pass on a 3-5 vote, with Dolan, Briggs and Brown voting
yes, but Humphreys, Meinecke, Mlika, Urich and Fisher voting no. The council then moved on to new bill additions. Bill No. 51 stated an ordinance of the city of Trenton approving an agreement by and between the City of Trenton and Anixter Power Solutions for 3-phase field testing. The bill duly passed. Bill No. 52 , which stated an ordinance with the city approving a contract by and between the city and Smico contracting group for River pump station improvements, was also duly passed. The meeting then moved on to new business. City Attorney Walker, who has been the city attorney/prosecutor since
2008, would like to focus on her practice. She provided the council with two Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the positions. It was approved to send out the RFQs as the council decided that the attorney just needs to attend council meetings as needed. There was discussion regarding putting in two handicap parking spaces on 10th Street south of the Elks lodge. Councilmember Brown suggested that they do three if there was space and a motion was made and carried to do so. [See Council, Page 2]