Thursday, January 25, 2024
Volume 152, No. 4 - Princeton, MO 64673
FIND THIS INFORMATION AND MORE IN THIS WEEK’S PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH
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IN SPORTS - PRINCETON BOYS SECURE WIN OVER TRI_COUNTY
Marathon meeting for R-3 school board Meeting runs for almost 71/2 hours with two closed sessions held. One closed session ran almost 7 hours; open sessions lasted 27 minutes PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph
MERCER, Mo. The North Mercer County R-3 Board of Education met for nearly 71/2 hours last Thursday night (Jan. 18), with virtually all of that time spent behind closed doors. Two closed sessions were held, with the first session lasting nearly seven hours and extending past 1 a.m. Friday (Jan. 19). The evening began routinely enough at the usual 6 p.m. start time, and members took up the usual start-of-meeting items, such as approving past meeting minutes and the consent agenda. On this night, that agenda including paying January bills plus a December bill (for property insurance), and approving finance reports, the boys/girls basketball report, and reports on the after school, guidance, nurse and transportation programs. It was noted that the board had unanimously paid January bills via email on Jan. 8. The board then went into its first closed session at 6:07 p.m. under Subsections 3 and 6 of Section 610.021 RSMo, officially the Open Meetings Act but bet-
ter known as (and called) the Sunshine Law. Subsection 3 involves personnel matters (hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of individuals). Subsection 6 involves scholastic probation, expulsion or graduation of identifiable individuals, and includes records of test or examination scores. This session lasted 6 hours, 54 minutes, until 1:01 a.m. Monday. No action was taken during the marathon session, and no votes were taken. An open session followed, which lasted 20 minutes. During this time, the 2024-25 school calender was approved. It calls for classes to start Aug. 20 and end May 15, 2025. Parent-teacher conference days will be arranged with professional development activities in the morning, and conferences in the afternoon. No spring break is included in the calendar. Budget amendments were received and approved, and they sliced just over $6,000 off the anticipated end-of-year deficit. The deficit is now pegged at $29,396 at the end of the school year, which is June 30. Superintendent Wade Hall said the district will get about $49,000 from the MOQPK preschool grant. See Mercer school board, Page 8
Cainsville Homecoming royalty
September-November 2023 will go down on record as Earth’s warmest such period on record, a substantial leap - 0.70 F (0.39 C) - above the previous record from 2015, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The report uses historical climate data going back to 1850. NOAA says there is a 99% chance that 2023 will be the warmest year in 174 years of records. The average annual temperature in the lower 48 states was 54.43 F, making it the fifth-warmest year on record dating back to 1895, based on data from NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information. In a record-breaking year with many climate extremes across the globe, Missouri also experienced unusually warm and dry conditions in 2023, says Zack Leasor, UniverCOLUMBIA, Mo.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
A retirement celebration was held on Wednesday, January 17 at Farmers Bank in Mercer for Fran Fisher (second from right). Fisher retired from Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri after 34 years of dedicated service. Friends, family, coworkers and customers gathered to celebrate and wish her well. FBNM president and CEO David Tribble (from left(, FBNM team members Lori O’Reilly, Mitch Reger, Shayna Mulvania, and Emily McFee were on hand to help Fran Fisher celebrate her retirement last week.
2023 may have been Earth’s warmest year on record University of MO Extension
Junior Bree Vaughn (left) and senior Benecio Madrid were crowned as the royalty of Cainsville High School’s Homecoming on Friday night.
Fisher Ends 34-Year Term With Mercer Banking Institution
sity of Missouri Extension state climatologist. Missouri’s average temperature in December was 9.1 F above average. “This continues a streak of 14 consecutive months with above-normal average monthly temperatures in Missouri,” Leasor says. “Eleven counties in northern Missouri experienced their warmest December on record. The smallest county in the state, Worth County, in northwest Missouri, was warmest, with temperatures 11.5 F above average,” he says. The statewide average temperature for 2023 was 57.4 F, making 2023 the third-warmest year on record for Missouri going back to 1895 and 2.9 F above the 19012000 average, he says. The same data shows that Missouri’s annually averaged daily high temperatures were higher on average (+3.2 F) than daily low temperatures (+2.6 F). Howell and
Oregon counties in southern Missouri set the record for their warmest year on record, breaking records from 2012 and 2016, respectively, Leasor says. Missouri finished the year with 35.89 inches of precipitation, which is 4.61 inches below the state’s annual average. 2023 ranked as the 24th driest year on record. Excluding some of the wetter months of the year, the eight-month period of April to November was the seventh driest stretch on record, with the 2023 drought defining the state’s growing season. The only years with drier growing seasons include some of the most notable drought years in state history: 1901, 1953, 1980, 2012, 1976 and 1930. Thirteen counties ended 2023 with precipitation deficits exceeding 10 inches for the year. For more information on Missouri’s climate, go to http://climate. missouri.edu.
THE ONLY COMPLETE SOURCE FOR MERCER COUNTY NEWS & SPORTS
2 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CLASSIFIED/LEGAL ADS
INFORMATION
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HOW TO CONTACT US Princeton Post-Telegraph PO Box 286/704 West Main Princeton, MO 64673 Phone: 660-748-3266 Fax: 660-748-3267 Email: posttele@grm.net DEADLINES Al Display Ads (Ads with borders) All Classified Ads News & Photos: 10 a.m. Friday * - includes photos sent via email NOTE: Deadlines change for holiday printing schedules. Advance notice will be provided. PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! If an error is made in your ad, we will be happy to correct it. However, we are not responsible for errors that appear for more than one week.
WOOD’S GUN SHOP
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ALL garage sales (and similar sales) MUST be paid for in advance, unless you have an account that is in good standing.
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EDITOR’S NOTICES All real estate and/or houses, and all rental housing and/or property, advertised in the Princeton Post-Telegraph newspaper and the Courier shopper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowlingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. ––––––––––––––––––––––––
The receipt of news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases by the Princeton Post-Telegraph DOES NOT constitute an agreement to publish such news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases. All news, advertisements, letters to the editor, and/or press releases will be published at the discretion of the editor. At all times, the editor reserves the right to edit, amend, and/ or delete any and all information at will, with or without explanation. The limit of liability of the Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for advertising, legal and/or non-legal, not published. The Princeton Post-Telegraph takes no responsibility for the non-publishing of news, letters to the editor, and/or press releases. This notice also applies for advertisements for the Courier (shopper).
SERVICES I CAN HELP YOU STOP SMOKING!
Russell Jennings 706 Prichard Princeton, MO 660-748-4860 9-21-2023/9-12-20-24bPC
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Boyer Land Company LLC
Aaron Franklin, Sales Agent Princeton, MO 64673 660-748-6314 YOUR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! 1-5-2023ufnP+C
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5 Miles South of Ravanna 660-748-5795 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 1-5-2023-ufnP+C
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WANTED WANTED: Looking for deer hunting lease or to buy in Harrison, Mercer, Putnam or Worth County for 2024 season and beyond. Will pay top dollar, not an outfitter. Fully insured, references available. 1-715-495-3241. 1-25-4tbP+C
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NO HUNTING NOTICE - Hunting and trespassing with dog and/or gun, trapping or fishing on land owned or leased by the undersigned is strictly forbidden. You are hereby warned to keep off these properties. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
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No tresspassing for any reason on land that we own or lease. John & Linda Baughman. 9-28-23-52tpP+C
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No hunting or trespassing on any land owned by Bill and Peggy Heck. 9-15-22-52tbP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––
No hunting, fishing or trespassing on property owned, leased or rented by Joe and Victoria Ryan. 4-27-23-52tpP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––
Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Highland Farms land owned and operated by Dixie Berger, Joe Berger & Steve Berger. 5-19-22-52tpP+C
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Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting and drones on land owned and/ or rented by FRJ Family Farms, LLC and Roberta Zimmer. 3-23-23-52tpP+C
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Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on land owned by Barbara & LeRoy Hider. 10-10-24-52tpP+C
January 25, 2024
Obituaries… Dennis Lee DeMoss Princeton, MO: Dennis Lee DeMoss, 67, Princeton, MO passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at a Princeton, MO nursing home. He was born on August 13, 1956, in Dubuque, IA the son of Delbert Wesley and Frances Mary (Portzen) DeMoss. Dennis graduated from Princeton High School in 1974. He worked for DeMoss Brothers Sawmill from 1974 to 1990, Henley Implement in the late 90’s, and then for Mercer County Road and Bridge until he retired after 20 years of service. He enjoyed playing solitaire, hunting, fishing, and tinkering. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth DeMoss and sister, Shirley Bodisch.
Dennis is survived by his sons, Adam DeMoss and Cody DeMoss both of Princeton, MO and Tyson (Kristie) Miller, Lawson, MO; grandchildren, Taylor Renken, Kattarina Miller, Maggie Miller, Cal Miller, and Graycen DeMoss; great grandchildren, Bowen Renken and Charlotte Haney; brothers, Laverne and Duane DeMoss; sisters, Juanita Gansemer, Kay Shindelar, Darlene Carpenter, and Deb Stevens and several nieces and nephews. Dennis has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
Marijuana will be legal some day, because the many law students who now smoke pot will someday become congressmen and legalize it in order to protect themselves. - Lenny Bruce I think it’s about time we gave up religion and got back to God. Lenny Bruce SALES EVERY THURSDAY
MARKET PHONE: 641-784-3323 JASON ALLEN - 641-782-0790 JARED MILLER - 515-608-0953
Darrel Wayne West
Albany, MO: Darrel Wayne West, 86, Albany, MO passed away at his home on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born to Virgil and Audrey (McBride) West on July 3, 1937, in Stockton, MO. He was raised on a farm west of Stockton. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1955. After graduating he went into the army. Darrel was united in marriage to Ruby Gail Thomas in Stockton, MO on June 12, 1957. They had seven children. They were married for 40 years when Ruby passed away in 1997. He later married Gennell (Mallen) West on July 31, 1998. They were married for 24 years when she passed away in
2022. He enjoyed training horses and coon hunting. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Kermit West and a sister, Ardith Smutz. Darrel is survived by four daughters, Brenda Francis, Lineville, IA, Judy Miller (Boyd), Ravanna, MO, Lori Rogers (Jim), Canton, GA, and Terry Ellis (Kirk), Mercer, MO; three sons, Wayne West (Doris), Mercer, MO, Don West (Linda), Princeton, MO, and Ron West (Shirley), Mercer, MO; sister, Iris Spence, Independence, MO; brother, Denzil West, Stockton, MO; 20 grandchildren; 67 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were be held Wednesday, January 17 at Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Burial followed in Ravanna Cemetery, Ravanna, MO. Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com
TREADWELL CHIROPRACTIC Dr. David B. Treadwell, DC
801 East Main Princeton, MO 660-748-4015 Hours: Monday, Wednesday 9-12 & 2-5, & Friday, 9-12
MEDICARE APPROVED
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NO HUNTING OR TRESPASSING on any land owned by LAKE MARIE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. 7-28-23-52tpP+C
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No hunting or trespassing of any kind on land owned by Diane Houk and Jenny Bomgardner. 9-28-23-52tpP+C
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Absolutely NO TRESPASSING, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, mushroom and drones on land owned and/or rented by KRW5 Trust (Keith or RaeLynn Weaver). 10-5-23-52tbP+C
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No hunting, trespassing or fishing on property owned, leased or rented by Howard or Joe Don Pollard. 4-21-22-52tpP
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Absolutely no hunting or trespassing on Choate property at any time. 3-30-23-52tpP
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Absolutely no hunting with guns or dogs, fishing, or trespassing on land owned by Berndt Farm and Berndt Twin Lake Inc. 11-10-23-52tpP ––––––––––––––––––––––––
No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy and Donna Cox, and Robert and Tina Cox. 12-3-22-104tpP
Have an original item you’d like published in the Princeton Post-Telegraph? Send it to us by email: posttele@grm.net. Photos on a jpeg, please.
NEWS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 3
January 25, 2024
Shelter Insurance Makes Scholarship Available
Special to the Post-Telegraph
This spring, the Shelter Insurance Foundation will award a $1,500 scholarship to a graduate of Princeton High School and Mercer High School. Shelter agent Lynnette Allen sponsors and partially funds the scholarships. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders will select the local recipient. The committee will consider each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character, and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national original or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law. The name of the recipient will be announced at the end of the school year. The student may apply the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees or campus housing for any course of study beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation and leading to an academic degree at any college, university or trade school, whether public or private, that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. The foundation makes payment directly to the COLUMBIA, Mo.
school the recipient selects. Applications and additional information about the Shelter Foundation Scholarship will be available during January and should be completed and returned to the school official serving on the selection committee by March 31. For more information, interested seniors should contact their high school counselor or principal, or Shelter agent Allen.
Commission
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission. All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Jan. 8 • Minutes of the Jan. 2 meeting were approved. • Bills were approved for payment. • Assessor Dana Widner presented fees collected during December. • Commissioners received the December mileage log and motor equipment expense report from Deputy Randy Francis. • Circuit Clerk and Re-
Hall, Miller Recognized For Achievement at Graceland University’s
LAMONI, IA (01/19/2024)-- The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2023 fall term have been announced, and Amy Hall of Newtown, MO, has been named to the President’s List. Graceland University students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the President’s List. Congratulations, Amy! Graceland commends you on your academic success. The Graceland University President’s List students represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, reflecting Graceland’s commitment to a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience. Their achievements highlight the University’s dedication to providing a chal-
lenging and intellectually stimulating environment that nurtures the growth and development of future transformational leaders. The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2023 fall term have been announced, and Erica Miller of Princeton, MO, has been named to the honors list. Graceland University students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Congratulations, Erica! Graceland commends you on your academic success. For more information, visit www.graceland.edu and find Graceland University on Facebook and Twitter to follow additional student achievements.
Employment Opportunities Program Therapist Senior Life Solutions Full Time Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Full Time
corder Tammy Crouse presented the December uniform disbursement record, receipt and disbursement report, and list of land transfers. • Commissioners received the treasurer’s monthly balance sheet from Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore, verified by County Clerk Judy Hamilton. They also received the budgeted revenue and expense reports from Hamilton. • 911 Administrator Travis Marts spoke to commissioners about ongoing complaints (from the last five weeks). Multiple dispatchers reported to Marts and Sheriff Jose Lopez against the new deputy sheriff. Commissioner Cheston Easter called Lopez and asked him what is going to be done; Lopez said the deputy is to be terminated this week (week of this meeting). • Commissioners reviewed the 2024 budget. It was to be made available to the public on Jan. 12.
Rotary Makes $5,000 Ball Field Donation With Grant PRINCETON The Princeton Rotary Club, dedicated to fostering community development, has played a pivotal role in the ongoing project to relocate and revitalize the local ball fields. Leveraging a generous matching grant from Rotary District 6040, the club proudly announces a donation exceeding $5,000 towards the cause. These funds were strategically allocated towards the acquisition of new playground equipment, enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of the newly relocated ball fields. The Princeton Rotary Club’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive space for community members is exemplified through this thoughtful contribution. What sets this initiative apart is not only the financial support but also the active involvement of Rotary Club members who continue to volunteer their time and expertise. Their dedication extends
beyond monetary contributions, as they actively engage in the hands-on efforts required to ensure the success of the new ball fields. “The Princeton Rotary Club is thrilled to be a part of this community-enhancing project,” said Rotary spokesperson Marcia Cox. “Our members are not only contributing funds but are also rolling up their sleeves to actively participate in making the new ball fields a resounding success.” This collaboration between the Princeton Rotary Club, Rotary District 6040, and the local community underscores the power of collective action in fostering positive change. As the project progresses, the Princeton Rotary Club remains committed to its mission of service and looks forward to witnessing the impact of the revitalized ball fields on the community.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Australian Kathleen Murray of Sandford, Tasmania says “now my back yard looks like a real-life Hungry [hungry] Hippo game. I also have an echidna [a spiny anteater] that helps, and
some chooks [chicken].” Kathleen is the proud winner of the first-ever World’s Ugliest Lawn competition. As she puts it, “I used to think the bandicoots [Australasian marsupial mammal] were wildlife of mass destruc-
tion invading my lawn, but now I see that they’ve actually liberated me from ever having to mow it again. I’m all for guiltfree weekends, especially since my ex-husband left with the lawnmower back in 2016.”
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FIELD REPS Justen Murphy: 641-217-1235 (Cell) Brian Mitchell: 515-360-1486 (Cell) Tim Rinehart: 660-425-0991 (Cell) Aaron McGee: 641-203-3043
**SPECIAL CATTLE SALES** Monday, January 29, 2024 Monday, February 5, 2024 Weigh Cows, 10 a.m - Breds, 12 p.m.
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4 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
Social Security Matters
by Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profi t arm of LEGAL NOTICE the Association of Mature American Citizens Ask Rusty – How and your net Social SeCan I Get Details about curity payment for 2024. My Social Security Pay- If that is the case, the best ment? way to get this detail is in Dear Rusty: How do I your personal “my Social find the actual breakdown Security” online account, of the Medicare insurance which provides all the that I have auto deducted information mentioned. and my actual Social Se- You can access your oncurity payment? I was just line account at www.ssa. looking at a video which gov/myaccount, and if explained the 3% Cost you don’t already have of Living Adjustment that online account set we will be receiving this up, you’ll need to first esyear, and it compared the tablish your online access current payout to the new credentials (instructions payout. There seems to be for how to do that will be a big difference in what I at that website). am getting and what they I’m not sure which said in the video. Cur- video you watched, but rently my Social Securi- “all retired workers” ty payments are $1,431. do not get $1,848 (or My Medicare insurance $1,938). Everyone’s Sois supposed to be $165, cial Security benefit is which means my total different, based on their Social Security is about lifetime earnings record $1,596. On the video it and the age at which they said all retired workers claimed benefits. The are getting $1,848 with numbers you heard in the the new increase to take video were likely average it to $1,938.00. There are Social Security payments, a couple hundred dollars not the actual amount you there that I seem to be should personally be remissing out on. Can you ceiving. Here’s how it help me understand that works: difference? Signed: Con• Your personal benefit fused Senior is based on your Primary Dear Confused Senior: Insurance Amount (PIA) What you’re asking for is which is the amount you an itemized breakout of get if you claim for your your gross Social Securi- benefits to start at your ty benefit, any deductions full retirement age (FRA), being taken therefrom which is somewhere be(e.g., your Medicare Part tween 66 and 67 dependB premium), the amount ing on the year you were of your COLA increase, born. Claim before your
January 25, 2024 FRA your benefit is permanently reduced; claim after your FRA it is higher. Your personal maximum benefit is achieved if you claim at age 70. • The Medicare Part B premium (for outpatient healthcare services) is automatically deducted from your Social Security payment. Although the standard 2023 Part B premium was $164.90, the standard 2024 Part B premium is $174.70. You may also have other things (e.g., income tax) withheld from your monthly Social Security payment. • The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024 is 3.2%. That means your gross Social Security benefit goes up by that percentage starting in 2024. But there was also a $9.80 increase in your Medicare Part B premium starting in 2024, which means that you won’t see all of the COLA increase in your Social Security payment. Since your Medicare premium is deducted from your Social Security, that Medicare increase will also be taken from your SS payment, so you
‘Tidy Mouse’
Eek! Do mice get a bum reputation? According to experts on the subject, mice “are fastidiously clean animals.” Rodney Holbrook of Builth Wells, Wales can attest to that; he noticed that “stuff” in
Neither snow nor rain
According to the Postal Service, on average mail in the U.S. is delivered in a day or three. But sometimes it can take a bit longer, particularly when the address is in-
complete. For example, a letter misaddressed to a family in DeKalb, Illinois in 1943 was finally delivered 80 years after it was posted. It took a dedicated post office employee
to track down the George family now living in Portland, OR. The postman lived up to the motto that promises “the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
won’t see the full 3.2% COLA increase in your 2024 Social Security payment. To see all of this detail for you personally, I suggest you access your online “my Social Security” account as described above. As an alternative, you can also call Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 and request a Benefit Verification Letter which will include all the information you seek about your Social Security payment. This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@ amacfoundation.org. his tool shed was being relocated each night in an orderly fashion. He planted a hidden camera and, sure enough, he caught what he calls a “tidy mouse” gathering nails, small tools, etcetera and neatly putting them in a small tray. The mouse usually works alone but sometimes has help from a “brother mouse.” As Wells put it to the BBC, “I don’t bother to tidy up now, I leave things out of the box and they put it back in its place by the morning.”
JANUARY SAVINGS at SNYDER’S in HUMESTON 50 % OFF All Winter Tops for Gals
MORGAN TOWNSHIP FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1-1-2023 TO 12-31-2023 ALL MONIES HELD IN BANK FOR TOWNSHIP, JANUARY 1, 2023 $ 194,356.53 TOTAL MONIES RECEIVED 149,926.66 YEAR END TOTAL EXPENSES 98,847.59 BALANCE ON HAND AND HELD IN BANK ON DECEMBER 31, 2023 95,435.60 INVESTMENTS HELD BY TOWNSHIP DECEMBER 31, 2023 150,000.00 TOTAL $ 245,435.60 I hereby certify that the above is a true and accurate report of the finances of above township for the year 2023, in accordance with MO86–231.290, this 16th day of January 2024. TAMIE MILLER, TOWNSHIP CLERK
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Eastin Graduates Summa Cum Laude From Truman Truman State University has released the names of students who graduated at the conclusion of the fall semester. Morgan Eastin, Mercer, graduated Summa Cum Laude (grade point average of 3.9 or better). Truman conducted commencement ceremonies Dec. 16 at Pershing Arena. A recording of the ceremony is available at truman.edu/registrar/commencement/ commencement-video. A
photo gallery can also be found at photos.truman. edu. Founded in 1867, Truman is Missouri’s public liberal arts and sciences university. U.S. News & World Report has rated Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest region for 27 consecutive years, and Washington Monthly ranked Truman as the No. 7 master’s university in the nation.
SPORTS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 5
January 25, 2024
Mercer teams, Princeton girls take road wins MERCER GIRLS
PRINCETON GIRLS
PRINCETON BOYS
MERCER BOYS
Cardinals continue Tigers stay in race, WoCo rally hands Gilman dominance WoCo still winless Tigers GRCW loss
Mercer captures second HDC win
Mercer is 26-1 since 2010 over Hawks after last week’s victory
Princeton uses big early offensive surge, keeps lead throughout game
Loss breaks 3-way tie for lead as WoCo rallies from 7 down late
Gilman City can’t stop Cardinals’ Meinecke, who gets loose for 36
PRESTON COLE
PRESTON COLE
PRESTON COLE
PRESTON COLE
Princeton Post-Telegraph
Princeton Post-Telegraph
Princeton Post-Telegraph
Princeton Post-Telegraph
themselves in the Grand River Conference West race, they downed winless Worth County 70-44 last Tuesday night (Jan. 16). The Tigers (11-4, 4-1 GRCW) got points from all five starters during a 14-0 first-quarter that gave them the lead for good. The run turned an early 6-2 deficit into a 16-6 lead, and they never lost the lead. Leading 18-11 after the first quarter, six Tigers scored during the second (Addilyn Henke led with 7) and the Tigers outscored Worth County 17-10 for a solid 35-21 halftime lead. Princeton expanded the lead with a 21-point third period, led by 10 points from Grace Kelly, as the Tigers again had multiple players - 5, in this case contribute offensively. The Tigers built their lead to 25 points and coasted home. Addilyn Henke led all scorers with 25 points, and Grace Kelly added 14 for Princeton, which saw seven of its eight players score. Other scoring: Macey Lewis 9, Gracie Allnutt 8, Mikaylee Henke 6, Audrey Kelly 6, Randa Shahan 2. The Tigers are the #1 seed in this week’s Gilman City Tournament.
day night’s (Jan. 16) game, there was a 3-way tie at the top of the Grand River Conference West standings - Princeton, Worth County and St. Joseph Christian, all at 4-0. Worth County broke the tie, outscoring Princeton 20-11 in the fourth quarter for a 57-51 win. Princeton (12-3, 4-1 GRCW) led 12-8 after the first quarter, but Worth County (10-1, 5-0) claimed the second period 18-13 for a 26-25 halftime lead. The Tigers edged back in front in the third period, using a 15-11 spurt to take a 4037 margin. The Tigers kept the lead for much of the fourth quarter, and led 49-42 with just under 5 minutes but Worth County rallied behind three 3-point goals from Caleb New and 7 points from Tyler New as they outscored Princeton 15-2 down the stretch to get the win. All told, Worth County outscored Princeton 20-11 in the fourth quarter. Talan Holt led Princeton with 23 points. Other scoring: Kelby Thomas 4, Clay Evans 9, Kash Holt 2, Lincoln Berndt 4, Noel Schreffler 9, Princeton is the #1 seed in this week’s Gilman City Tournament.
The Class 1 8thranked Mercer girls dominated the final three quarters and continued their dominance in the series, as they downed Gilman City 66-36 in HDC Conference play last Tuesday night (Jan. 17). The Cardinals (12-1, 2-0 HDC) allowed just 9 points in each quarter, and after a slow first quarter (11 points) picked up the offense and steadily pulled away the rest of the game. A 19-9 second quarter spurt (9 points by Maddi Fisher, 8 by Ashlynn Brown) put Mercer up 30-18 at halftime. Emma Shipley and Fisher each scored 8 points in the third; Mercer outscored the Hawks 20-9 to increase the lead to 50-27. The Cardinals took the fourth stanza 16-9. Fisher was the only player to score in double figures, hitting for 33 points. Other scoring: Gracie Rogers 5, Brown 8, Shipley 9 (plus 6 assists and 6 steals), Breanna Houk 5, Bailey Houk 6. The Cardinals forced 20 turnovers, 16 of them on steals. Since 2010, Mercer is 26-1 against Gilman City. (MSHSAA research) The Cardinals are the #2 seed in this week’s Meadville Tournament. Reigning Class 1 state champion and currently No. 1-ranked Meadville is the #1 seed. GILMAN CITY, Mo.
GRANT CITY, Mo. Princeton’s girls kept
GRANT CITY, Mo. Going into last Tues-
GILMAN CITY, Mo. Mercer’s boys haven’t enjoyed a winning season for a few years now, but halfway through the 2023-24 campaign the Cardinals are looking to break that trend. And, they’re unbeaten in HDC Conference play too. The Cardinals outgunned Gilman City in each quarter last Wednesday night (Jan. 17) and gained a 62-46 league win. Mercer (8-5, 2-0 HDC) led 13-11 after the first quarter as four Cardinals scored.. Meinecke (11 points) and Wes Hashman (7) combined for all of the Cardinals’ scoring in the second quarter as Mercer controlled the frame 18-15 for a 31-26 halftime lead. The Cardinals took the third quarter 13-9 to go up 44-35, and pulled away with an 18-11 fourth. Meinecke led the field with 36 points, and Wes Hashman added 10. Other scoring: Kobe Hill 3, Jayce Davis 4, Navari Payton 6, Brendon Wolfe 6. Camden Griffith (21 points) and Landon Preston (15) did their part to keep Gilman close - Griffith had 19 over the first three quarters, and Preston got 12 in the second half - but Mercer had more players contribute. Mercer is the #4 seed in this week’s Meadville tournament.
6 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
January 25, 2024
Cainsville
MELANIE CHANEY
Five choir members represented Princeton High School at the Four-State Honor Choir on Thursday, Jan. 18, hosted at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. They are pictured here with the conductor/clinician/ composer, Sylvester Otieno from Kenya (third from left). They spent the day learning music that he wrote, then performed a public concert along with the NWMSU Tower Choir that evening. Through the course of the day, he also taught the group about Kenyan culture and musical traditions, as well as the meaning of the Swahili lyrics in the songs they were singing. From left: freshman Katie Bauer, senior La’Kalynn Galloway, Sylvester Otieno, sophomore Kaylynn Whipple, freshman Hailee Hein and junior Seth SUBMITTED PHOTO Weathington.
Lucas Roe Pottorff ,son of Dylan and Takaya and little brother of Colby Pottorff of Cainsville, was born Dec. 18 in Des Moines. He is sure a cutie and he is doing great. A surprise birthday party was held for Brenda Vaughn at the Community Building on Jan. 20. Good times, good friends. The Gilman City Basketball Tournament is this week (Jan. 22-27). Homecoming 2024 royalty were Benecio Madrid, king and Bree Vaughn, queen The Cainsville 5th-8th grade Spelling Bee is Feb. 1 at 1pm. I believe the weather has kept a lot of people at home and not much going on around here. Please send me some news or give me a call!!
Missouri Veterans Commission Awarded Federal Grant to Boost Nursing Pay, Retain and Recruit Critical Care Positions JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) has been awarded a federal grant to help bolster employment at the state’s seven Veterans Homes. For the second year in a row, MVC has been awarded the Assistance for Hiring and Retaining Nurses at State Homes grant through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The grant allows for a one-time differential of $780 to be paid to full-time registered nurses (RN), senior licensed practical nurses (Senior LPN), licensed practical nurses (LPN), senior support care assistants and support care assistants currently employed at Veterans Homes. The grant also allows the $780 differential to be paid to candidates hired into full-time RN, senior LPN, LPN, senior support care assistant, and support care assistant classifications between December 16, 2023, and July 1, 2024. “We are very pleased to receive this grant that provides a significant one-time boost in pay for critical nursing positions for a second year,” said Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Col. (Ret.) Paul Kirchhoff. “These MVC team members provide direct care to the Veterans in our Homes on a daily basis. We are proud to be able to offer this grant and broaden its scope to offer it to more direct care positions and folks hired into these positions through July 1, 2024. Our MVC position openings are listed at mocareers. mo.gov/dps/mvc/apply.” The Missouri Veterans Commission worked
closely with the Missouri Office of Administration to seek approval for the differential and applied for the grant in September 2023. When MVC was awarded the grant in 2023) only senior support care assistants and support care assistants were eligible for the payment. During fiscal year 2023, MVC had a 53% vacancy rate for support care assistants, 18% for senior support care assistants, 13% for LPNs, and 24% for RNs. MVC is hopeful the one-time differential provided by the federal grant will help continue to retain existing staff and help recruit new nursing staff to reduce shortages. In addition to the one-time differential, MVC offers a paid certified nursing assistant (CNA) training course. The training allows individuals interested in a healthcare career the opportunity to earn a paycheck while attaining their CNA certification at no cost. Individuals interested in employment with MVC can find opportunities at mocareers.mo.gov/ dps/mvc/apply. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven state Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans, seamlessly integrated with the Veteran community, emphasizing a culture of transparency and excellence. For more information about Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-7513779 or visit mvc.dps. mo.gov.
WASHINGTON -U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske calling out the agency for undermining national security by allowing illegal immigrants to board commercial flights without valid photo identification. “If this report is accurate, this is outrageous,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Millions of Americans are subject to the TSA screening process, which is often a burdensome, long inconvenience—and
which includes photo identification. But every day, Americans take on this burden to increase the safety of their fellow passengers.” He continued, “Therefore, it makes no sense to give special privileges to illegal immigrants, who should not even be allowed in the United States in the first place, let alone allowed to board U.S. aircraft. This is symbolic of the Biden Administration’s prioritization of open border policies over Americans’ safety.”
Hawley Demands Answers from TSA After Agency Green-lights Illegal Immigrants to Fly Without Valid Photo ID
NEWS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 7
January 25, 2024
MOFB Focuses on Policy Priorities Despite Pessimism State legislators from across Missouri descended upon the state Capitol last Wednesday to kick
off the 2024 state legislative session. From now through May 17, these elected leaders will de-
bate and deliberate bills and topics important to them and their constituents. The hope each and
every year is for priority issues to be passed by the General Assembly and ultimately land on the
Governor’s desk for his signature. However, many who work in the Capitol believe this upcoming legislative session could be one of the most unproductive sessions to date. There are various reasons cited for the cynical outlook, but the main cause is the simple fact that 2024 features statewide elections with several open seats. Later this year, candidates will vie for multiple statewide offices, including the office of Governor, along with a multitude of state senate and representative seats. Many current office holders are campaigning for these positions, which most predict will lead to a dysfunctional dynamic that features tension between legislators who are competing against each other outside the Capitol walls. This exasperating situation is where policy meets politics. While real-world issues face Missouri’s citizens, especially our farmers and ranchers, the unfortunate truth is politics and the next potential office sometimes takes precedence over working on core concerns. Despite the pessimism, Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) holds true to our values and continues to have vital policy discussions. MOFB is known for its rigorous policy development process. Our members come together every year to craft policy positions on matters important to the agriculture industry and the rural way of life. When members take a stance, we go to work to bring that policy to fruition through legislative and regulatory processes. Politics is an inescapable aspect of these legitimate policy discussions. However, election-year politics never deter us from having hard conversations regarding the concerns of the countryside. One of those conversations involves health care. Top of mind this session will be a discussion about health plans sponsored by MOFB. During the last legislative session, we worked with Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Kurtis Gregory to address one of the biggest challenges facing farmers, ranchers and sole-proprietors: accessing affordable and effective health coverage. This year, we pick up where we left off. We know some people are un-
insured or underinsured due to limited individual marketplace options and skyrocketing costs. This legislation provides another coverage option for Missourians. Eight other states have passed legislation enabling their respective state Farm Bureaus to take care of their members in this regard, and Missouri needs to be the ninth. Another top-of-mind topic for our organization is protecting private property rights. There is nothing more fundamental to owning and operating a farm than property rights, but those rights are constantly under threat. A significant concern today pertains to new utility-related projects, and MOFB is supporting several legislative changes to help address landowner concerns. One bill would require major electrical utility projects in Missouri, namely high-voltage electrical transmission lines, to receive approval from the General Assembly in addition to obtaining a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity from the Public Service Commission (PSC). Many of these projects are driven by federal green-energy incentives and are not solely for grid reliability. Given the impact these projects have on landowners across the state and the potential increased cost to rate-payers, it should be the responsibility of both the Missouri legislature and the PSC to determine if a project is necessary. Another bill we are pushing for would close a statutory loophole that allows for the misuse of eminent domain authority for solar and wind energy projects. Policy and politics will always go hand-in-hand, but during this election cycle, MOFB calls upon the legislature to not lose sight of the reason they are in the Capitol. They must continue to make progress on the matters important to Missourians. Author Ben Travlos is the director of State and Local Legislative Affairs for Missouri Farm Bureau. Missouri Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization with a presence in every county throughout the state. Learn more on our website or follow @MissouriFarmBureau on Facebook, @MOFarmBureau on Twitter/X or @MOFarmBureau on Instagram.
8 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
Joe’s Bits n Pieces
Joe Koenen, Univ. Extension, retired 1099 FORMS DEADLINE I have discussed information returns for years now but will give you one last reminder. If you pay someone that is not your
employee over $600 in a tax year, you must send them and the IRS a 1099 form by or before January 31. There are many that fit this category including 1099NEC and
January 25, 2024 1099MISC, W-2’s and W-3’s and other noncommon forms like 1099INT. Starting in 2024, the IRS has said if you have 10 or more of these forms to complete, you must set up an online account and do them online. If you have any specific questions relate to these, please feel
free to contact my cell phone at (660) 626-6923 and I can try and help. Remember the difference between an employee (W-2) and an independent contractor (1099) is generally an independent contractor is the contractor is paid on a per job basis and has their own
tools and work on a nontime basis. Examples are planting, combining, haying and many others. If you pay an employee over $250, you must provide them a W-2. REMINDERS Your county extension office should have tree order forms from the
Missouri Department of Conservation now as well as the Putnam County SWCD office. They are “first come, first served” so do not delay to get them if you are interested. THOUGHT: “We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are”!
MoDOT worker hurt in snowy wreck on E Princeton Post-Telegraph
PRINCETON, Mo. A MoDOT employee was injured when the truck he was driving went off a Mercer County lettered Route last Friday morning (Jan. 19). An online report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Charles Tucker, 53, was driving a 2020 Yellow Western Star 4700 east on Mercer County Route E at about 1:30 a.m. Friday, and reportedly drove too close to the edge of the snow-covered road. The truck went off the south side of the pavement, overturned and came to rest on its top, facing northeast.
MERCER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Highway Patrol report said Tucker suffered minor injuries during the wreck, noting that he was using a safety device. Mercer County Ambulance District personnell took Tucker to Harrison County Comunity Hospital in Bethany for treatment. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Highway Patrol at the scene of the wreck, 2.5 miles southeast of Princeton.
Mercer school board From Page 1 Hall presented a potential parent/spectator expection policy, and said it would need some changes. He wants to work on it and implement it during the 2024-25 school year. He also said he’s still working on getting someone to remove the foundation of an old house that was moved off school property in November. He added that GRM Networks installed new phones during the Christmas break, and that after lead testing the district meets all state requirements. The board went into a second closed session at 1:21 a.m. under 610.021(3). The group came out of the session at 1:32 and said it had gone over Hall’s evaluation with him during a closed session. Any discussion about possible contract changes will take place during the February meeting. Hall is in the first year of a two-year contract as superintendent. Editor’s Note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by district bookkeeper Jennifer Lynn Wilson.
MERCER COUNTY 4-DAY WEATHER
National Weather Service, Pleasant Hill/Kansas City, Time of forecast: Sunday, Jan. 21, 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25: Early a.m. rain; 37/33 Friday, Jan. 26: Mostly cloudy; 38/31 Saturday, Jan. 27: Mostly cloudy; 37/29 Sunday, Jan. 28: Partly sunny; 38 Forecasts reflect daytime high, followed by overnight low. Weather forecasts change often. Check local radio, weather radio, or the NWS website (www.weather.gov) for updates.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND INFORMATION Annual Subscription Rates: $29 to Princeton, Mo., and Mercer, Mo., addresses; $31 to adjoining Missouri counties; $34 elsewhere. Single Copy: $1. Prices include tax. Subscriptions are due in March. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Princeton Post-Telegraph; PO Box 286; Princeton, MO 64673-0286. PHONE: 660-748-3266. FAX: 660-748-3267. EMAIL: posttele@grm.net.
PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH STAFF PRESTON COLE - Editor, Sports Editor, Chief Photographer CHRISTY McCRACKEN - Office/Circulation Manager, Proofreader, Ad Sales TERRI ANN KELLY - Sports Photography Assistant The Princeton Post-Telegraph is published weekly at 704 West Main; Princeton, MO. Periodicals postage paid at Princeton, MO 64673-USP 439-960. The Post-Telegraph is a member of the Missouri Press Association.