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TRENTON
THURS., APRIL 18, 2024
REPUBLICAN-TIMES “GOD BLESS AMERICA”
Old Glory flying at Five Points
republican-times.com
Grundy County 911 System Updates by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer The Republican-Times will print weekly updates on the progress of installation of the County 911 system, first reported in April 11 issue, and continue to do so until the project is completed. Good news on the issue came from the County Commissioners Meeting held Tuesday, April 16. To expedite completion of the project, the Commissioners are putting out Request for Proposals to complete the [See 911, Page 2]
Bulldogs Take Down Undefeated PC Midgets
Arrest Correction
Laredo Alumni Reunion
R-T Photo/Libby Endicott
On April 11, 2024 the Trenton Bulldogs defeated the 14-0 Putnam County Midgets on their home field. The game was tied at four runs each at the end of the sixth inning. Putnam County took the lead in the top of the seventh after a ball got past the Trenton defense at first. The Bulldogs came back in the bottom of the seventh when the Midget's defense made errors, allowing Coach David Shockley to guide his runners through the bases and win the game by one run (see the full story and pictures on page 16 of today’s Republican-Times).
(Part One of Two) by Mark McLaughlin R-T Staff Writer Trenton City government has been dealt two setbacks in the last three weeks that force Mayor Jackie Soptic, the City Council and economic development efforts to recalibrate their planning going forward. The City’s half-cent Economic Development sales tax failed by a ninevote margin (277-268) in the April 2 municipal election and the City Council voted down the Wage/Merit/Years of Pay Scale ordinance by a 6-2 vote in the last City Council meeting. In the first instance, the sales tax, the purpose of it was to “ensure resources are available for specific projects that aim to improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors, maintain public safety, maintain existing public facilities, and increase Trenton’s self -sufficiency.” (source: North Central Missouri Development Alliance).
The American Pickers are excited to return to Missouri! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout this area in June 2024. [See Pickers, Page 2]
Briefs... In the April 11 edition of the Republican-Times, it was erroneously reported that Matthew M. Krohn, Associate Circuit Court Judge, was arrested March 11. The paragraph should read: Zachary Randall Wilmes, 23, of Laredo, was arrested on March 11, 2024 on charges of Felony D Possession of a Controlled Substance, precipitating a probation violation. He was ordered held on a $25,000 cash only bond and assigned an April 11, 2024 court date. Our apologies to Judge Krohn, who was listed on the court document as the assigned judge in the case, NOT the Defendant.
City Dealing with Setbacks to Future Planning
“American Pickers” to Film in Missouri
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Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 33
The anticipated revenue for this proposition was a projected $400,000 annually. Mayor Jackie Soptic reflected on the initiative’s failure, and suggested any future effort would require more legwork to inform the public of the plan, and would also have to be directed towards voter turnout, which on this particular measure was just above 10 percent. “We faced a lack of public understanding.” Soptic said. “We need to do more education, site specific projects that the funds could assist with and just overall inform/educate more.” Soptic says that her plans are to reintroduce the measure to the council in the coming year. The nine-vote difference suggests that it isn’t an impossible hill to climb. City Administrator Ron Urton agreed with Soptic that highlighting specific projects would make a big difference. The Mayor and Urton did collect a
pair of wins in the last City Council Meeting, in obtaining approval for both the City and Trenton Municipal Utility budgets for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Council tied 4-4 on each vote for approval, with Soptic providing the tie-breaking vote in favor on each. Questions about whether budgeting included any potential revenues from an anticipated passage of the sales tax, Soptic said that it did not. “The budget reflected zero dollars from the potential ED revenue.” Soptic said. “The only thing that is jeopardized is funds for future proactive growth and development.” Urton added, “We are very conservative on our revenue projections and did not include any anticipated revenue based on a ballot issue passing. We we would not even consider budgeting revenue until the ballot issue passes and, even then, new revenues are not collected for six months after [See City, Page 2]
Laredo Alumni will hold their annual school reunion on Saturday, May 4 at the Laredo R-VII School. Doors will be open from 3-7 p.m. with a catered meal to be served at 5 p.m. Anyone who attended or worked at the school, past or present, is invited to attend. There is no charge for the meal and reservations are not necessary, but it is requested that anyone planning to attend please call Linda Urich at 660-654-3035, Marlene Engleman at 660359-7674, Kay Thomas at 573-219-1038 or Kathy Waits at 660-654-0799 so that proper preparations may be made.
Annual Grundy R-V Banquet
The 102nd Annual Galt Grundy R-V Banquet will be held Saturday, May 11 at the Grundy R-V High School gym in Galt. Doors open for registration at 5 p.m. with the meal to be served at 6 p.m. The meal will be catered by Big Bill’s of Hamilton. This year’s theme will be “Yesterday Once More”. Keepsake photographs will be taken from 5-7 p.m., with the program to start at 7. The Senior class of 2024 will be recognized, along with those whose graduating year ends in four or nine. They will have an opportunity to give their class response and memories. Trivia questions and “Name That Tune” will round out the evening. The cost of the meal is $23, with reservations to be made by calling the school at 660-673-6511, between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The first 125 reservations will be given a discount. All alumni, family, and friends are invited to attend.
Gov. Parson to Visit NCMC
Governor Mike Parson is scheduled to visit North Central Missouri College Main Campus in Trenton on Wednesday, April 24. During his visit, he will see the construction of the new Dr. Neil and Susanne Nuttall Student Center, visit with students and staff, and hold a public book signing event for his commemorative biography “No Turnin’ Back”. The public book signing will begin at 2:15 pm at Cross Hall first floor lobby located at 1324 Cedar in Trenton. The public is invited to attend the public book signing event.
New Exhibit at NCMC Dorris Rider Art Gallery A collection of paintings continues the 2023-2024 exhibition schedule in the Dorris Rider Art Gallery at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. “When the Marigold Met the Moon” by Jennifer Bricker-Pugh is now open and runs through Friday, May 17. Bright, bold colors, loose line work, and references to nature are the primary characteristics of Jennifer’s work. Her abstract paintings embody a playful yet thought-provoking quality that makes viewers want to know and see more. Jennifer said, “My color palette creates a synergy of soft and vi-
brant hues that allow viewers to escape into a brilliant world. Here, they can explore each piece and create their own narrative based on my imagery.” The title of each artwork also gives a hint at Jennifer’s mindset while creating individual paintings. “The titles are typically the first thing I think of after finishing a piece,” she said. “I like to think of my paintings as visual poetry and name them accordingly. It’s a really fun part of the process.” “I’ve been familiar with Jenny’s work for several years, and have always been impressed by her use of
color,” said Gallery Director Jim Norris. “Viewers will notice the influence of Abstract Expressionists such as Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, as well as Jean-Michel Basquiat. But those inspirations are just the starting point for a painting style that’s very much her own.” Jennifer resides in Overland Park, KS, and works out of her studio in Mission, KS. She is represented by Leopold Gallery and Cerbera Gallery and is an active member of the arts community in and around the Kansas City metro [See Exhibit, Page 2]
“The Gathering Moon” by Jennifer Bricker-Pugh