Thursday, November 2, 2023
Volume 151, No. 44 - Princeton, MO 64673
FIND THIS INFORMATION AND MORE IN THIS WEEK’S PRINCETON POST-TELEGRAPH
News ------- 2, 5-8 MC Commission 5 Telegrams ------- 7 Obituaries ------- 2 Christy’s Kitchen 6
75¢
NO SPORTS SECTION THIS WEEK! IT’LL RETURN NOV. 9 WITH SOFTBALL HONORS, TIGER FOOTBALL!
Spickard man held in plot to kill Amish children
Young hunter harvests third deer
PRESTON COLE Princeton Post-Telegraph
See Murder plot, Page 5
to 1309 East 28th Street, Apt. 32, Trenton, MO 64683.
• Due to a production error, an item submitted for publication did not appear in our Oct. 26 edition. It’s never too late to receive birthday cards, however, so ... Ruth Larason celebrated her 90th birthday on Monday, Oct. 30, and a card shower is underway to note the event. Cards may be sent
The Princeton PostTelegraph strives for accuracy and fairness in all of its news stories and photo captions. If you feel we have made an error, please contact us at 660-748-3266 or posttele@grm.net (email) to request a correction. If it is found we are in error, we will be happy to publish a correction or clarification.
& CLARIFICATIONS
Amos Slabaugh charged with buying .38 special, 56 rounds of ammunition so he could shoot, kill 11 kids TRENTON, Mo. A Spickard man remained in custody at mid-week while awaiting a bond appearance in an alleged murder plot in Grundy County. Amos Slabaugh of rural Spickard is being held without bond in the Grundy County Law Enforcement Center on 12 felony charges - 11 counts of Class B felony first-degree assault or attempt, and the unclassified felony armed criminal action. He is scheduled for a 9 a.m. bond appearance hearing on Monday, Nov. 7, before Grundy County Associate Circcuit Judge Carrie Lamm Clark. Clark has scheduled a criminal setting for 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14. During a hearing held Tuesday, Oct. 24, Slabaugh entered a plea of not guilty. He is being represented by a public defender. According to a probable cause statement filed by Grundy County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Ireland, Slabaugh told two witnesses on Sunday, Oct. 22 that he was going to break in to an Amish family’s home and murder them. He didn’t own a
CORRECTIONS
Mercer school to host Veterans Day program SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sawyer Martin, 10-year-old son of Dan Martin and Mindy Martin, shook off the elements (36 degrees and windy) on Sunday to harvest the third deer of his young hunting career, taking this 8-point buck on a 175-yard shot.
MCHD gives update on new COVID-19 vaccines LEXIE GUTSHALL Special to the Post-Telegraph PRINCETON The Mercer County Health Department is now offering updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. These updated vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Like previous COVID-19 vaccines, they are designed to protect against se-
MERCER COUNTY 4-DAY WEATHER
National Weather Service - Pleasant Hill/Kansas City, Mo. Time of forecast: 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30 Thursday, Nov. 2: Warming trend! Mostly sunny; 52/38 Friday, Nov. 3: Mostly sunny; 59/46 Saturday, Nov. 4: Partly sunny; 62/40 Sunday, Nov. 5: Partly sunny; 60 Forecasts reflect daytime high and overnight low temperatures. Weather forecasts change often. Check local radio, weather radio, or the NWS website (www.weather.gov) for the most recent updates.
vere illness, hospitalization, and death. They also help reduce the chance of long-term effects of COVID-19 illness, or “Long COVID.” The updated vaccines are expected to provide protection against variants of the virus that are currently making people sick. The number of updated vaccine doses an individual needs is based on their age and vaccination history. Children 6 months-4 years of age: If your child has not been vaccinated, it is recommended that they receive 2-3 doses of updated vaccine, depending on the manufacturer. If your child has previously been vaccinated, I recommended that they See New vaccines, Page 7
Special to the Post-Telegraph
There will be a Veterans Day program at the Mercer school on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in the main gym. All area veterans and their spouses/ significant others are welcome to attend. This year’s program will include patriotic music from the school music department, various works made/presented by students and recognition of veterans. Lunch will be served after the program. Veterans and MERCER
their guests are welcome to stay for lunch. Please contact event organizer Greg Frost at 660-382-4214 if you would like more information or plan to attend. “Letting us know if you plan to have lunch with us and how many of you there are helps our cooks plan the meal,” Frost said. “Regardless of when or where you served, in peace or war, for a short time or a long time, please come and be recognized for your service to our country.”
AG’s office warns FB fans about ticket scams Special to the Post-Telegraph
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey warns Missouri football fans to be wary of any suspicious ticket offerings and to take steps to protect themselves as the 2023 football season advances. “I want to educate Missourians on potential ticket scams as we move further into football season,” said Bailey. “With ticket sales skyrocketing as our Missouri football teams continJEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
ue to impress, we want to ensure that consumers have the right tools at their disposal, which includes the Attorney General’s Office. We will pursue anyone who attempts to take advantage of Missourians who have saved their hard-earned money to attend a football game.” Bailey provides the following tips to be vigilant when buying tickets to football games: • Know your vendor - Make See FB ticket scams, Page 7
THE ONLY COMPLETE SOURCE FOR MERCER COUNTY NEWS AND SPORTS INFORMATION!
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2 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
DEATHS
Lt. Gen. “Gene” Santarelli Tuscon, Ariz.
Lt. Gen. Eugene “Gene” D. Santarelli, USAF (Ret.), 79, passed away September 21, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona. Gene is survived by his wife of 44 years, the former Kay Bright of Lineville, Iowa. Gene was born August 14,1944, in Canton, Ohio, to Oliver and Inez Santarelli. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Notre Dame. He was preceded in death by his late motherand father-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Lester Slayton, formerly of Lineville.
OBITUARIES
Melody Bartsch Princeton, Mo.
Melody Ann Bartsch, age 68, born on October 19, 1955, in Rushville, Ind., was a beacon of love and light to all who knew her. She passed peacefully in her home on Friday, October 20, 2023, outside of Princeton, Mo., on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Melody lived her life in a way that can be described with one word: Beautiful. Her loyalty and compassion were felt by everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in her community. Melody was a proud and dedicated employee at a local graphic packaging company in Des Moines, Iowa for over 40 years. More currently she worked at Casey’s in Princeton. She was an ardent lover of all things, birds and fishing, which brought her immense joy and peace. She was also a devout Christian woman who recently received her baptism and was a proud member of Mercer,
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Mo., Assembly of God Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. The same nature that defined her home life also made her a tremendous asset to her church community. Melody was a fan of baseball and football, cheering on the Kansas City Royals, Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Kansas City Chiefs, and Iowa Hawkeyes. She was a handywoman, frequently fixing things that broke around the house, a testament to her resourceful nature. Above all, spending time with her stepdaughter, Chris, mattered most to Melody. She was also an adoring wife to her late husband, LeRoy Bartsch, whose memory she kept alive by writing daily notes. Melody's compassionate nature and radiant love extended to everyone she met, and she was loved in return. Melody is survived by her mother, Barbara Snider; her siblings: Steve Snider of Wyandotte, Okla., Charlie Snider of Neosho, Mo., Martha Snider of Tucson, Ariz., Marjorie Woodruff of Neosho, Mo., Michelle Dalton of Anderson, Mo., and Mary Snider of Missouri. Also left to cherish Melody’s memory are her stepchildren; Brenda Jenkins of Eldora, Iowa, Chris Bartsch of Marshalltown, Iowa, Julie Hilfich of Mason City, Iowa, Kelly (Chris) Weis of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Bryan (Rose) Bartsch of Tim Bartsch of Eldora. Melody's memory will also live on though many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Bartsch; her father, John Snider Sr.; her brother, John Jr.; and her stepdaughter, Diane Stegen. Memorials in Melody’s honor may be directed toward that family. Melody’s funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 25 at Peterson Funeral Home in Carlisle, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to service. A light luncheon followed the service. Per Melody’s wishes, her body will be cremated. Her urn will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Adel, Iowa at a later date.
November 2, 2023
Sherri Cook
Princeton, Mo.
Sherri L. Cook,61, a resident of Princeton, Missouri died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at Resthaven Mortuary, north of Trenton, Mo. Burial will be in North Evans Cemetery, east of Spickard, Mo.
Family visitation will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 AM. at the mortuary. Memorials are asked to the Sherri Cook Memorial Fund and may be left with the mortuary. Ms. Cook was born June 12, 1962 the daughter of Louis Ravonne Mellott and Elizabeth Louise Stillwell at Springfield, Mo. Her survivors include four daughters, Johanna Powers and husband Morgan, Ponca City, Okla., Meghan Miler and husband Jaison, Burns, Kan., Lucytia Baldwin, Wichita, Kan., and Nichole Cook, Wichita, Kan.; two sons, James Baldwin and wife Andrea, state of Texas, and Christopher Cook and wife Elizabeth, Trenton; three sisters Isla Corrine and husband James, Princeton, Patricia Ann Mellott, state of Washington, Shir-
ley Kay Mellott, Springfield, Mo.; two brothers Lawrence Jackson Mellott and wife Ruth, El Dorado, Kan., and Jefffrey Craig Mellott, Mulvane, Kan.; 21 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and three adopted children Johnny Baldwin, Christina Johnson and Stephanie Barrentine. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Airreall Cook; one grandson; Eden Miler; and three nephews, Shawn Hertel, Benjamin Lyon and Craig Mellott.
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November 2, 2023
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Princeton Post-Telegraph • 3
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4 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • CLASSIFIED/LEGAL ADS
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MERCER COUNTY, MISSOURI Case No. 23AI-CC00006 TITLE TO REAL ESTATE INVOLVED LAH RANCH, LLC, Plaintiff v. ARLENE AGNES SMITH, deceased, LAVERNE RUMSEY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LAVERN RUMSEY, JAMES RUMSEY, JACQUELINE RILEY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JACQUELINE RILEY, ALL OF THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, DONEES, ALIENEES, LEGATEES, ADMINISTRATORS, EXECUTORS, GUARDIANS, MORTGAGEES, TRUSTEES, AND LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES OF ARLENE AGNES SMITH, DECEASED, and ALL OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS PETITION ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD ON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE THERETO, Defendants. NOTICE UPON ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION STATE OF MISSOURI ) ) ss. COUNTY OF MERCER ) TO THE FOLLOWING NAMED DEFENDANTS: (a) Arlene Agnes Smith, deceased; (b) Jacqueline Riley after diligent internet search and comprehensive Accurint people search, her whereabouts remain unknown; (c) Unknown spouse of Jacqueline Riley; (d) Unknown spouse of Laverne Rumsey; (e) All of the unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assigns donees, alienees, legatees, administrators, executors, guardians, mortgatgees, trustees, and legal representatives and all other persons, corporations, or successors claiming by, through, or under any one or more of the afore named defendants, and; (f) All other persons and entities unknown, claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real property described in Plaintiff’s Petition, adverse to Plaintiff’s ownership, or any cloud on Plaintiff’s title thereto. 1. There exists in Mercer County, Missouri, a parcell of real estate legally described as follow: THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 67 NORTH, RANGE 25 WEST OF THE FIFTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; AND THE WEST 33 ACRES AND 23 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 67 NORTH, RANGE 25 WEST OF THE FIFTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. 2. You are hereby notified that a Petition to Quiet Title has been commenced against you in the Circuit Court of Mercer County of Mercer County, Missouri, the object and gener-
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al nature of which is for a Judgment declaring Plaintiff is the fee simple absolute owner of the Property and that any interest of the Defendants, and each of them, and any other person or entity claiming an interest by and through them, including heirs of Arlene Agnes Smith, in and to the Property, if any, are junior and inferior to Plaintiff’s interests. 3. The name of the Court and the name of all parties to this civil action are listed in the caption of this notice. 4. The name and address of the attorney representing the Plaintiff is: Beverly M. Weber, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1500, Kansas City, Missouri 65108. 5. You are further notified that unless you file an answer or other pleading or otherwise appear and defend yourself against this action within 45 days after November 2, 2023 judgment by default will be taken against you. 6. The newspaper to be published in is The Princeton Post-Telegraph located at 704 West Main Street, Princeton, Missouri 64673. 7. The date of first publication is November 2, 2023. Tammy J. Crouse Circuit Clerk DATES OF PUBLICATION November 2, 2023 November 9, 2023 November 16, 2023 November 23, 2023
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LEGAL NOTICE TRUSTEE’S SALE IN RE: Linda Johnson, a single woman Trustee’s Sale: For default in payment of debt and performance of obligation secured by Deed of Trust executed by Linda Johnson, a single woman dated August 8, 2003 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Mercer County, Missouri in Book 242, Page 666 the undersigned Successor Trustee, at the request of the legal holder of said Note will on Monday, November 13, 2023 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., (at the specific time of 4:55 PM), at the North Front Door of the Court House, City of Princeton, County of Mercer, State of Missouri, sell at public vendue to the highest bidder for cash the following described real estate, described in said Deed of Trust, and situated in Mercer County, State of Missouri, to wit: THE WEST HALF OF LOT 2 OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (ALSO DESCRIBED AS THE NORTHWEST FOURTH OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER) OF SECTION FIVE (5), TOWNSHIP SIXTY-THREE (63) NORTH, RANGE TWENTY-FIVE (25) WEST to satisfy said debt and cost. MILLSAP & SINGER, P.C., Successor Trustee 612 Spirit Drive St. Louis, MO 63005 (636) 537-0110 File No: 216529.111323.434716 FC NOTICE Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15
U.S.C. §1692c(b), no information concerning the collection of this debt may be given without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction. The debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. PUBLISH ON: October 19, 2023 10/26/2023 11/02/2023 11/09/2023
INFORMATION 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.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE 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. ––––––––––––––––––––––––
EDITOR’S NOTICE 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). ––––––––––––––––––––––––
November 2, 2023
SERVICES
GUNS & AMMO
I CAN HELP YOU STOP SMOKING!
WOOD’S GUN SHOP
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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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
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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. 11-10-22-52tpP ––––––––––––––––––––––––
No hunting or trespassing on Cox family property - Andy and Donna Cox, and Robert and Tina Cox. 12-3-20-104tpP ––––––––––––––––––––––––
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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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HELP WANTED
Needing someone to hook up my new computer. I live in Princeton. Call Jo at 660373-9597. 10-26-2tbP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––
EMPLOYMENT
Labor Help - $150-$200 a day dependent on experience. Waterproofing experience is the higher-end compensation. Not afraid of heights or ladders. If this is what you are looking for, please contact 321-5224043 for further review. 11-2bPC
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GARAGE SALES ETC. 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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Garage Sale - Nov. 3 & 4. Friday 12-6, Saturday 8-3. 4th house north of Snappy’s on Hwy. 65. Power recliner, household items, Christmas items, misc. McComas & Yungeberg. 11-2bP+C
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FOR SALE
For Sale - 50 big round bales of grass hay. 91 bales CRP hay. Call 660-292-0139 or 660-793-3122. 11-2-2tbP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––
For Sale - Gas log splitter and 3 point log splitter. Call 660-292-0139 or 660-7933122. 11-2-2tbP+C ––––––––––––––––––––––––
Rubber duckies The citizens of Belfast, Maine are scratching their heads for a third year in a row. This time of the year, in 2021, a lone “giant” plastic duck made its first appearance in Belfast harbor; the word, “Joy,” was written on its chest. The Joy duck and a second inflatable duck showed up last year; the second duck bore the words “Greater Joy” on its chest. This year a third giant ducky joined the clan; it bore the words, “Greatest Joy.” Anybody know who’s responsible for these joyous rubber duckies? Ignobility? The Ig Nobel Prize is not to be confused the Nobel Prize; it is an “ignoble” award that’s been around for more than three decades. Its purpose is to “celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative and spur people's interest in science, medicine, and technology.” Its focus is to “first make people laugh, then make them think.” For example, this year’s Chemistry and Geology Prize was presented to a researcher who delved in the reasons “why many scientists like to lick rocks.” The Literature Prize went to a team that probed into “the sensations people feel when they repeat a single word many, many, many, many, many, many, many times.” Teethpaste story There are some would-be collectors who choose to focus on rare coins or trading cards. And then there is Dr. Val Kolpakov in Alpharetta, Ga. He’s a dentist and so, naturally, he decided to start collecting tubes of toothpaste. His amazing collection of 2,037 toothpastes from all over the world earned him a Guinness World Record recently. His collection includes toothpastes with the flavors of rye, scotch, bourbon and, for those who might need a little jolt to wake up in the morning, he found toothpastes with the flavor of Japanese horseradish, better known as Wasabi. An abundance of ‘twin-dergarteners’ “While the first day of kindergarten can sometimes be anxiety-inducing for young children, having a built-in buddy along on the first day of school is one of the benefits for these incoming twin-dergarteners,” says the Colonial School District in Montgomery County, Pa. The district made the remark in announcing that 17 sets of twins were starting kindergarten in the 2023-24 school year. As one kindergarten teacher in area put it: “I have been a kindergarten teacher for 20 years. Usually, there’s maybe a couple sets of twins, if that.” A lot of bull Fred Balawender’s daughter, Laurie, is proud of her dad and of his rather large pet, a 13-year-old bull that has grown to 6 feet, 1 inch in height, who goes by the name, Tommy, and who made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. As she put it to the Guinness judges, since the day Tommy joined the family when he was one day old, "he just kept on growing and growing. He and my dad always had a special connection, and he became a really large, well-loved pet right away." To be precise, Tommy is a purebred Brown Swiss steer.
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NEWS • Princeton Post-Telegraph • 5
November 2, 2023
COMMISSION
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION
Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission. All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Oct. 23 • Minutes of the Oct. 10 meeting were approved. • Bills were approved and paid. • Commissioners and County Clerk Judy Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Collector/Treasurer Susan Moore to pay the following: Requests from the Recreation Tax Board, a total of $29,519.58: * $10,000 to the Stacy Center for operating expenses; * to the Princeton Chamber of Commerce - $939.69 for a Christmas event, $1,427.46 for the Miss Calamity Jane Pageant, and $5,168.17 for miscellaneous expenses, porta potties and trash cans; and * $11,987.26 to the city of Mercer for park benches and tables. Other requests * $1,950 to Software Finesse for backup support (money taken from Recorder’s Special Fund #06); * $84.09 to Dish Network for TV in the Sheriff’s Office and jail (money taken from Sheriff’s Special Fund #32); and * $6,000 to Tyler Technologies for annual fees (money taken from TMF Fund #34). • Presiding Commissioner Jerry Allen signed Progress Invoice #7 for BRO-B065 (42) Bridge #01300281 (Badger Street) in the amount of $1,220.05, Progress Invoice #4 for Bridge 25300041 BRO-B06 (41)5 in the amount of $9,540.50, and Progress Invoice #5 for Bridge 25200071 BRO-B065 (40) in the amount of $4,003.37, all to Howe Company LLC for engineering services. • Commissioners approved a liquor license for Tigres Restaurant for retail liquor by the drink resort (temporary) and Sunday drink. • Commissioners approved a request by Medicine Township Trustee Linda Hague to appoint Bob Adams as a board member and Tina Adams as clerk. • Commissioners approved a request from the Mercer County Library Board of Trustees to reappoint Peggy Johnson to another four-year term to the board. • Commissioners approved a request from the Mercer County Recreation Tax Board to reappoint Becky Neighbors to another four-year term to the board, effective Dec. 1. Donna Lutzen’s term also expires Dec. 1, and the board is looking for a replacement. • Circuit Judge Steven Hudson and Kelli Girdner spoke to commissioners.
Coffman named NCMC Outstanding Student Special to the Post-Telegraph
Kyla Coffman from Princeton has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Student for October. Coffman, a Missouri A+ scholarship student, is studying agriculture business and equine management and plans to graduate in May. After graduating with her associate’s degree and certificate from NCMC, she intends to transfer to Graceland University to continue to study agriculture business. Along with being a fulltime student at NCMC, Coffman works on a farm. Her favorite class has been animal science with instructor Rustin Jumps. “I enjoy how my ag classes are handson learning,” she said. TRENTON, Mo.
“My favorite thing about NCMC is the instructors. They are great and are flexible to work with.” When asked why she chose NCMC, Coffman said, “NCMC is close to home and an affordable choice for my education. It’s been a great stepping stone for where I want to be. NCMC has opened doors, helped me decide what I want to do as a career, and exposed me to opportunities.” Each month, a student is nominated by a faculty or staff member to be featured as an Outstanding Student based on their dedication to educational success, attitude toward learning, and hard work in their field and activities.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Kyla Coffman, NCMC’s Outstanding Student for October.
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Murder plot From Page 1 gun at that point, but purchased a .38 special revolver and 56 rounds of ammunition for $450 at a Spickard residence at around 12 noon. Later, Ireland said he met Slabaugh walking south on NW 12th Street near Spickard, about a mile from the two witnesses’ residence. Ireland found the loaded gun from Slabaugh’s left front coat pocket, and removed it. In his probable cause statement, Ireland stated that during a recorded interview after waiving his rights, Slabaugh con-
fessed that he attempted to find 11 Amish children to shoot and kill with the .38 special. He also said he stopped at one residence to try and kill their children, but no one was home. Slabaugh was on mental health medication, was a patient at North Missouri Mental Health Center, and has what was described as an “extensive” mental history. Ireland noted that Slabaugh had previously tried to burn down and harm his brother’s property, but the brother did not want to press charges.
It was no tall tale Greg Potter was fishing off the coast of Waihau Bay in New Zealand when a shark rocked his pedal boat. But the shark was not assaulting Potter; it was chasing a seal. In the aftermath of the encounter, he told reporters: “When the seal hid under the kayak, the shark came crashing up from underneath and smashed into the bottom of the kayak. Then they did another few laps around the kayak, and then a second time, the shark again smashed the underside of the kayak.” It was no silly fish story. Potter recorded the encounter.
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6 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
ORGANIZATIONS Ragan-Hickman
Ragan-Hickman American Legion Post 477 and Auxiliary held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 23 at the Ragan-Hickman Mercer American Legion Hall and Community Center. Members present were Paula Hayes, Betty Bagley, Jim and Roberta Searcy, Ronald Hoover, Donna Gibson, Kristina Bagley, Stacy Bagley, Sandy Hull, Robert Wilson, LeRoy Mayes, Roland Drabek, Harold and Rosemary Beverage, Sally Reighard, David Asher, Gary Eastin and Greg Frost, and three guests. The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Legion Hall/ Community Center.
CAINSVILLE
MELANIE CHANEY
Five members of the Cainsville graduating class of 1979 enjoyed lunch at the cafe in Cainsville on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Those attending were Barb (Frisbie) Wilkinson from Horse Cave, Ky.; Kay (McLain) Thomas, Bethany, and Teresa (Ross) Doty, Dixie (McLain) Waddle and Becky (Evans) Sobotka, all from Cainsville. Several members of the graduating class of 1959 from Cainsville met at Bethany on Tuesday, Oct. 24 for lunch for visiting and picture taking. Those attending were
November 2, 2023
Alva Mitchell and wife Mary from Bowie, Md., Sod and Joanne (Graham) Johnson, Princeton; Connie (Ross) Willis and husband Orville; Sharon (Ellsworth) Skroh and her husband Gene; Rachel (Pontius) Wooden, Bethany; Carol (Hydorn) Buntin and husband Vic from Mt. Moriah; Lila (Ross) McLain, and Roberta (Meinecke) Willis and daughter Cheryl Hamilton. The elementary took a trip to Papa Charlie’s Pumpkin Patch on Monday, Oct. 30. Thankd to our PTO for covering the cost. Junior high basketball schedule: Thursday, Nov. 2 - at North Harrison vs. Princeton, 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 3 - at Albany, 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 6-10 - Mercer Tournament. Some of the Cainsville FFA chapter are heading to Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 1-4 for the national convention. Any news for next week is greatly appreciated, hope to hear from you all!
Wednesday, Nov. 8: BBQ rib sandwich or fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, fresh broccoli and cauliflower. Thursday, Nov. 9: meat loaf or chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, hot roll. Friday, Nov. 10: chicken sandwich or pizza, potato chips, baby carrots, dessert. MERCER
Breakfast is served with orange juice and white or chocolate milk. Cereal is an optional entree.
Mondays: egg entree. Tuesdays: cereal, toast. Wednesdays: breakfast roll. Thursdays: sausage, pancakes. Fridays: biscuits, gravy.
Lunch is served with milk. A salad bar and fruits and vegetables are available every day, except where noted. Students in grades PK-6 will have the choice of option A
or a chef salad. Students in grades 7-12 will have the choice of either option or a chef salad.
Monday, Nov. 6: a) sloppy joe; b) taco salad; California blend vegetables. Tuesday, Nov. 7: a) shrimp; b) hamburger; chips. Wednesday, Nov. 8: a) pizza dunkers; b) ham sandwich; peas. Thursday, Nov. 9: a) roast beef; b) pork loin; mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll, desserts. Grades PK-3 get sack lunches. Friday, Nov. 10: no school.
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SCHOOL FOOD
All menus subject to change.
PRINCETON
Breakfast is available to all students. It is served with a choice of 1% white milk or skim chocolate milk. Cereal is available as an option every day except where noted. Fruit and juice are available every day. Nutri-grain bars are available on select days.
Monday, Nov. 6: bacon breakfast sandwich. Tuesday, Nov. 7: pancakes, sausage pat-
ty. Wednesday, Nov. 8: breakfast pizza. Thursday, Nov. 9: honey bun, yogurt. Friday, Nov. 10: biscuits, sausage gravy. Lunch is served with the choice of 1% fat-free white milk or fat-free chocolate milk. Students in grades K-5 have the choice of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or the menu entree. Students in
grades 6-12 have the option of a chef salad or the entree every day unless noted. All bakery items are whole wheat or whole grain. Fruit is served with lunch.
Monday, Nov. 6: chicken nuggets or breaded ravioli, tater tots, mixed vegetables. Tuesday, Nov. 7: sweet and sour chicken or grilled chicken patty, egg roll, brown rice.
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November 2, 2023 • NEWS
Princeton Post-Telegraph • 7
MDC: 12 black bears taken during third season JOE JEREK Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the state’s third bear-hunting season, Oct. 16–25. More than 5,370 hunters applied during May for 400 permits for the season with the maximum total harvest being 40 bears. Of the 400 hunters selected through a random drawing of all applicants, 342 hunters purchased permits for the season. Bear hunting in Missouri is lim-
ited to Missouri residents and restricted to three designated areas of southern Missouri called Bear Management Zones (BMZ). Each permit issued is for a specific BMZ and hunting is limited to public or private property within the BMZ. Nine bears were harvested in BMZ 1 out of a maximum of 20 with 173 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. Three bears were harvested in BMZ 2 out of a maximum of 15 with 125 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. No bears were harvested in BMZ 3 out of a maximum of 5 with 44 hunters purchasing permits to
hunt the zone. All bears were harvested using firearms methods. Of the 12 bears harvested, three were boars (males) and nine were sows (female). “We had another successful black bear hunting season this year and saw bears harvested in four new counties where bears had not been previously harvested,” said MDC Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock. “Conditions this season couldn’t have been much better for hunters, and we look forward to hearing from hunters about their experiences through our annual post-season survey.”
FB ticket scams From Page 1
New vaccines From Page 1
sure you are buying your tickets from a trustworthy website, especially before you provide any personal financial information. • Do your research - If you are unfamiliar with a particular ticket seller, research the seller on the Attorney General’s or Better Business Bureau’s website for any complaints. • Use a credit card - If you purchase tickets online, especially through an online auction site, it is recommended that you complete your transaction with a credit card. Purchasing tickets with a credit card often provides you with protections that you would not otherwise have if you purchase the tickets using cash, check, debit card, or apps like Cash App or Venmo. • Shop on secured sites - Always double check your URL before purchasing tickets online. If a website’s address begins with “https”, the “s” will not appear in the web address until you access the order page of the site, where you will be asked to enter your personal information. Secure websites should also display a closed lock graphic in the browser, generally located to the left of the URL in the address bar. • Inspect your tickets - Physically inspect your tickets to reduce your risk of being turned away at the venue. Check the date, time and location listed on the tickets to ensure that this information matches the accurate event details. Also review the listed seating assignments. • Remember - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bailey encourages Missourians with complaints regarding a potential ticket scam to contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
receive 1-2 doses of updated vaccine, depending on the manufacturer and number of previous vaccine doses. People 5 years of age and older: Regardless of your previous vaccination status, it is recommended that you receive 1 dose of updated vaccine. If you were previously vaccinated, you may receive an updated vaccine at least 8 weeks after any previous COVID-19 vaccination. Immunocompromised persons: Those who are immunocompromised may be administered additional doses at the discretion of their healthcare provider based on individual patient circumstances. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 should wait until their symptoms have resolved before
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getting vaccinated. Updated COVID-19 vaccines may be administered at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu shot. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people of childbearing age, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant. People with underlying medical conditions who have no contraindications may receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call 660-748-3630. Lexie Gutshall is the immunization coordinator, public health environmental specialist and Safe Kids Northwest Missouri coordinator for the Mercer County Health Department.
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8 • Princeton Post-Telegraph • NEWS
November 2, 2023
Eads tabbed as WMH’s Employee of Quarter Special to the Post-Telegraph
TRENTON Jena Eads, a registered
nurse III in the Wright Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, was honored as the hospital's Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2023. Catherine Hamilton, interim administrator at WMH, presented the award to Eads at a ceremony held in her honor. The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes an employee who provides exemplary service,
going beyond the call of duty to support fellow employees or to comfort or assist patients and their families. In her nomination form, Eads’s co-workers said, “Jena is a dedicated nurse who is always willing to pick up extra shifts to support scheduling needs at both Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center. She is a team player and a huge help to patients and her co-workers. She is always
striving to better herself by furthering her education and serving as a mentor to her teammates. Jena shows dedication to her patients with timely care and kindness.” In recognition of the award, Eads received an Employee of the Quarter certificate, the parking space of her choice for three months, her photo posted in the hospital, her name engraved on a plaque displayed in the hospital, and recognition in local media.
Young deer hunters harvest over 11K deer JOE JEREK Special to the Post-Telegraph
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 11,118 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2023 deer hunting season, Oct. 28 and 29. Top counties were Franklin with 258 deer harvested, Osage with 224, and Texas with 209. Of the deer harvested, 6,857 were antlered bucks, 3,410 were does, and 851 were button bucks. Mercer County youth hunters took 66 deer, including Sawyer Martin of rural Mercer (see Page 1). Get more harvest information on the 2023 early youth portion at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_ table/. Youth hunters harvested 13,877 during last year’s early youth portion. Get more information on past seasons at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/ deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries. “Although the rain this past weekend was desperately needed given how dry it’s been this year throughout much of the state, it did put a damper on the early youth portion,” said MDC’s Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. Isabelle noted that the below average temperatures were conducive to good deer movement, but the combination of cooler temperatures and rainy conditions that persisted throughout much of the weekend likely reduced the amount of time many young hunters were able to spend afield. Archery deer hunting continues through Nov. 10 and resumes Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2024. The November portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 11-21 followed by the CWD portion, which is open in CWD Management Zone counties, Nov. 22-26. The late youth portion runs Nov. 24-26. The late antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 2-10 in open counties and the alternative methods portion will occur Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2024. Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
Jena Eads (left) receives the Wright Memorial Hospital Employee of the Quarter Award for third quarter 2023 from Catherine Hamilton, interim administrator.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Young hunters harvested 11,118 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2023 deer hunting season, Oct. 28-29. With patience and guidance from his dad, Keever Schaning, age 6, harvested his first deer on his grandparent’s farm in Owensville on Sunday.
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