April 12, 2024 | Vol. 3 Iss. 12
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Slice of life in JA City
MORGAN COUNTY NEWS
Fifth graders take on jobs, learn how to manage money. page 9
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NEWS BREAK Ukrainian president offers chilling prediction
As the next aid package still sits in debate in the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reached out to encourage lawmakers to pass the bill, which would grant much-needed funding in his country’s efforts to expel Russian forces from their borders. In his message, Zelenskyy stated that the stakes are much higher than many might think, and despite his comments to the contrary, Putin, said Zelenskyy, won’t stop at Ukraine. He also stated that, without US aid, Ukraine would lose the war, effectively opening the door for Putin to expand further west. According to Zelenskyy, a loss on the part of Ukraine would mean the beginning of a third World War.
ECLIPSE FILLS THE SKY OVER MORGAN A partial eclipse created an amazing view in the skies over Morgan and the rest of the state on Monday. The natural phenomenon appeared as a total eclipse in other parts of the country.
Photo by Chad Hawkes
Morgan County ranks second nationally for surprising statistic By Linda Petersen
M
organ County has one of the lowest poverty rates in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Morgan, which has 3,506 households, was only beaten out for the lowest poverty rate by Borden County, Texas (1.6 percent); Morgan County’s rate was 1.7 percent followed by Sterling County, Texas (1.8 percent). On the other end of the scale, poverty rates are highest in South Dakota where three counties have
the highest rates in the nation: Oglala Lakota County (55.8 percent), Todd County (52.2 percent), and Mellette County (49.1 percent) Overall the U.S. national poverty rate declined significantly to 12.5 percent during the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. Poverty rates decreased in more than one-third (1,042) of all 3,144 U.S. counties. Poverty is measured in the United States by comparing a person's or family's income to a minimum amount of in-
POVERTY RATES on page 3
The beloved superhero, Superman was introduced to the world with the iconic 1938 comic depicting the hero lifting a 1937 DeSoto over his head. That first edition of Action Comics, of which only an estimated 100 copies exist, sold for 10 cents in 1938, but, has since appreciated in value significantly. Recently, a copy of Action Comics 1 sold at auction for a world record-setting $6 million. Associated Press quoted heritage auctions saying that the comic is “the most important comic ever published.” The previous world record for a comic sale at auction was another Superman comic, which sold for $5.3 million.
Parents of school shooter sentenced
THIS MAP SHOWS poverty rates across the nation.
Courtesy image/American Community Survey
Mountain Green Musical Theatre presents ‘Lion King Jr.’
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ith 140 middle school aged kids and over 430 animal costumes, Morgan High School stage came alive as kids from Mountain Green Theatre entertained sold out crowds, March 18,19,20,21. Five years ago, director Melinda Taylor, founder of Mountain Green Musical Theatre brought musical theatre to Mountain Green Middle School with “Lion King Jr.” However, they were unable to finish the run of the show until the next school year, due to the COVID pandemic. When they did perform it was in Taylor’s driveway. After performing three more shows over three years, Taylor decided she wanted to give “Lion King Jr.” another shot. This time she would be able to perform it on a stage with better lights and sound and for a larger audience. After many hours of rehearsal, costume making and set building, Mountain Green Musical Theatre gave a stellar performance. Mountain Green Musical Theatre will present Annie Jr. fall of 2024 and High School Musical Jr. Spring 2025. More photos on page 4.
First edition Superman comic sells for millions
In a landmark case that many expect will set a precedent for the future, Jennifer and James Crumbley, the parents of school shooter, Ethan Crumbley were each sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. The trial in which they were sentenced brought to light the many signs that prosecutors felt were ignored by the parents of the 15-year-old and the precautions that were not taken like failing to lock up the firearm used in the shooting, and purchasing a handgun for the child in the first place, despite signs of fragile mental health. Ethan Crumbley shot and killed four classmates, and wounded seven others on Nov. 30, 2021, and is currently serving a life sentence.
Developments in Gaza
Sunday marks six months since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which killed about 1,200 people. Since then, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has left more than 33,000 dead and triggered a humanitarian crisis. Israel says it has withdrawn its forces from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, but that a “significant” force remains elsewhere in the strip. Israel announced that it would attend negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Cairo. A Hamas delegation is also taking part. Ahead of the talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no truce without the release of hostages. In further developments, new details have emerged about Thursday’s phone call between US President Joe Biden and Netanyahu. A source told CNN that Biden demanded Netanyahu do more to allow in aid. REAGAN PABST (ADULT NALA) and Brady Anderson (Adult Simba) sing “Can you Feel the Love Tonight?”
Photo courtesy of Kelsey Hadley