Northwest Missourian January 29, 2026

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN

PROVOST PURSUIT

NW narrows leadership search

RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter |@Raiea_Salerno

Northwest’s Office of the Provost is settling on three finalists to fill the vacant provost position after searching since November 2025.

The Office of the Provost held two public sessions for all candidates separately. Each had one for the stakeholders at 11 a.m. and one for students at 1:30 p.m. the day they presented.

Rose Marie Ward

The first candidate, Rose Marie Ward, is the special assistant to the provost for the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. She held her public sessions Jan. 12 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom.

Ward said her personal qualities for provost include being a people person, a learner at heart, a data enthusiast, a skilled communicator, being open to the unexpected and good at finding what inspires others.

“Whatever it is, make sure you’re doing something that sparks joy,” Ward said. “When you find something and it excites you, you want to go back and do a better job. That’s what excites me about being provost,

Issues

is that opportunity to find out about students, to find out what’s going on and just celebrate all the time.”

Ward has a Ph.D. and M.A. in experimental psychology from the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and a B.S. in psychology and communication from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

Prior to her role at UC, she served in administrative roles at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

When asked how she would help improve student enrollment at Northwest, Ward said she will look at student background and statistics and try to build connections with students.

“I looked at some of your (Northwest’s) enrollment trends,” Ward said. “‘Where did you guys go to high school? Are those high schools still sending students? Are we leveraging those connection points?’ Think about your peer group. Think about how you learn about things. Those are the channels we need to start leveraging, and that primary channel right now for college is relationships.”

Raymond Green

Dean of the College of Education and

in rural education shared during open forum

ANNA BAILEY

Editor | @AmBailey16

In the last 10 years, Missouri has consistently ranked as the 48th or 49th state to have the lowest amount of state funding going toward education.

The Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce held its first Power Hour of the year Jan. 26. This session focused on legislative issues impacting rural education. There were two overarching topics discussed: the impact of potential funding changes on local school districts and the diversion of funds from public schools to private and other school formats.

A panel of local school district leadership came together to discuss these

matters. The panel included LJ Hart and Company Vice President John Rinehart and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education State Supervisor Nancy Greely. South Nodaway R-IV School District Superintendent Dustin Skoglund moderated the session.

Skoglund said he appreciated the audience’s interest in important topics pertaining to education.

“School leaders are often encouraged to engage our communities, help stakeholders understand the potential impact of policy decisions and prepare stakeholders to participate meaningfully in the legislative session,” Skoglund said.

SEE EDUCATION | A4

Human Services at East Texas A&M University — in Hunt County, Texas — Raymond Green is the second candidate. His sessions were Jan. 20 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom.

Green has a Ph.D. and M.S. in social psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey and a B.A. in psychology from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.

Green said his personal qualities that would make him a successful provost are his student-centred strategic vision, integrity, collaboration skills, innovation and enrollment management.

He said as provost, he will strive to establish a solid definition of what academic freedom is. He said he will also remember the mission of the University in order to support students and faculty.

“These are interesting times,” Green said. “I know that we understand that we know who we are, we know our vision, we know what we do, and I think one of the things that people in the roles of president and provost need to do while we’re doing the day-to-day things is help get that story back out.”

New Evergy natural gas plant results in Route 71 renovations

With the upcoming construction of Evergy’s new natural gas plant in April, U.S. Route 71 near 340th St. will soon undergo changes to help improve overall safety.

An open forum was hosted Jan. 21 at the Maryville Public Safety building for community members to provide feedback on the proposed renovations.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is expecting an increase of 400 cars or more per day on the route this summer, once construction for the plant begins. This increase is due to the number of workers it will take to build the plant.

Part of the renovation plan includes adding a J-turn — an alternative merging method for divided highways. MoDOT will help with the highway renovations and has found this option to be much safer than alternative methods. Improved traffic flow and reduced collision numbers are expected for long-term results.

MoDOT Project Manager Timothy Miner spoke about why he thinks this method is superior for safety.

“Instead of drivers making maneuvers to where they are crossing the road — which leaves them open to right-angle crashes — with a J-turn, instead of crossing and leaving yourself open to a collision, you just do a right turn, accelerate and merge safely,” Miner said. The addition of J-turns on highways has resulted in a 40% deduction in crash frequency in Missouri, as well as a 74% decrease in fatal crashes, according to MoDOT.

The new J-turn is expected to slow down average arrival times for motorists. While the change could cause trips to be extended a few minutes, the intent is to decrease the potential of life-altering collisions.

A side-impact collision is one of the most severe collisions a driver can experience. It occurs when the driver is turning left and is hit from the right. About 43% of traffic incidents occur in intersections, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Northwest celebrates American anniversary

This year marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In celebration of this anniversary, a nonpartisan initiative titled America250 was created.

America250 was created by The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which is a group put together by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the celebration of the signing. The mission of America250 is to inspire all Americans to refl ect on the country’s past, renew its ideals of democracy and strengthen the love citizens have of this country, according to the America250 website. These goals will be met through educational and engaging programs.

Campuses across the U.S. are participating in this year-long initiative, including Northwest. History Professor and Nodaway County Historical Society President Elyssa Ford said a group of faculty came together last semester to plan how the University could participate. She said because they did not have an ample amount of planning time, the group had to get creative.

“We were thinking about both…’What can we do that is purposely designed for the 250?’ and what are some events on campus that are already happening, whether that’s people already slated to participate in those events…or that could be specifically invited because of potential connections to the 250th,” Ford said. “It (the planning) was this combination of both thinking about kind of new programming, and then also how to fold in and include existing programming.”

She said some events that could be adjusted to fit the anniversary are the Visiting Writers Series and the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery lectures and showcases. Another pre-existing activity this semester included in the program was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week.

A discussion led by Ford titled “Emancipation Day in Nodaway County” is just one activity from the week that fit the

theme. Anyone is encouraged to participate in the future activities that will be held for the anniversary.

“I gave a talk on Emancipation Day, which was a celebration by African Americans that took place in Nodaway County from the 1870s into the 1930s,” Ford said. “That (the talk) was something I was already scheduled to give as a part of MLK week, but we thought it fit perfectly into the 250 because it’s about these ideas of independence and freedom and celebrating that.”

She said through the celebration of this anniversary, she believes the U.S. is not only reflecting on its origin, but also the ideals on which the country was built.

“Whether that’s rights or freedoms or liberties or celebrating or being American or becoming American; and then that can come out in a lot of different ways,” Ford said. “Another way where we see that in an event that already happened, but it’s still something people can access, is the current artist that is in the gallery on campus.”

Ford said there are plenty of other events that will soon be available to students, faculty and staff as the year con-

tinues. She said updates about the initiative are continually provided on the Northwest America250 webpage.

“The (Center for Engagement and Community Connection) has an employee reading group that’s focused on U.S. history, (reading) ‘A People’s History of the United States,’” Ford said. “We’ve got a few activities like that are specifically about looking at American history and, kind of, power and origins. We’ve been talking about how we can continue that with a different reading group focused on American identity or, basically, ‘How do you become American when you were just British?…How all of a sudden do you just put on a different hat of a different identity, and how do you create a country’s identity from scratch?’ so that, I think, will be fun to look forward to.”

Another faculty member who has helped plan this year-long celebration is Associate Professor of Political Science Kimberly Casey. She has personally contributed to the educational goal of this initiative.

Located on Northwest’s America250 webpage, under further reading, is an essay written by Casey. Published in September

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS

2025 for Choice Magazine, Casey wrote her essay, titled “The Declaration of Independence at 250: Foundations and Legacy.”

“I think if anyone is interested or curious about the Declaration of Independence — certainly you want to know the content — but within the content, there are so many ideas embedded in that understanding the perspectives of the people who are involved, either directly or indirectly, and it becomes very important,” Casey said. “If you go beyond just the surface-level of the declaration, and you really want to understand what it means and what it did, then you need to take a deeper dive.”

A full version of this story with a closer look at America250 is available online at NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

Construction projects eligible for Historic Preservation Fund Grants

For the first time in the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office’s six-decade history of giving out grant funds, it is offering the chance at grant funds for construction projects.

Since 1966, the Missouri SHPO has awarded grant funds to Certified Local Government communities in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act passed in 1966. This act, put into place during former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration, ensured 10% of the office’s funds be granted to CLGs.

Missouri SHPO’s Community Services Section Chief Andrew Dial said applicants for these grants range from a wide variety of entities.

“Cities, counties and nonprofits with a preservation mission are eligible for the grants,” Dial said. “We have 66 certified local governments, and usually about two-thirds of our grants go to

Certified Local Governments.”

This year, around $400,000 worth of grants are set to be disbursed between applicants, with most of the money going toward architectural surveys.

An architectural survey is the process of locating historic sites and determining if they are eligible for the National Register, according to Missouri State Parks. Dial said securing a spot on the National Register opens up many possibilities to CLGs.

“Usually, listing a property on the National Register makes it eligible for other funding opportunities, such as historic tax credits, and sometimes other grants from organizations who require a National Register listing.” Dial said.

Dial said with $400,000 of funding eligible, a thorough examination of all the applicants must be done to ensure the money is going to the right place.

The office is also expecting an increase in applicants this year since it will award construction project grants along with the ad-

ditional money. Applicants requesting funding for a construction project can ask for $100,000200,000 for their plans.

In years past, there has been an issue with applicants not meeting the grant’s eligibility requirements for various reasons. However, Dial said this year, with the construction project funds coming in, the number of feasible projects should increase.

“We usually receive about 20 viable projects (applications), and we fund between 10-15 of them,” Dial said. “In the past, we’ve never funded a construction project; this year, we have extra money available, so we will be funding one construction project.”

Dial said throughout his time overseeing the grant process, he has found two methods candidates can strengthen their submission.

“I recommend that everyone read the eligibility requirements very carefully to make sure the project aligns with the grant program,” Dial said.

Mozingo play area to undergo necessary upgrades

The Lions Shelter Playground at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park was built in 2002; however, the area has exceeded its expiration date. New equipment is expected to be installed at the park.

Mozingo Lake Recreation Park Director Jordyn Greenhaw said the current Lions Shelter Playground at the park has clear signs of wear and tear, with many structures now missing.

“There have been some pieces of equipment that we’ve had to remove just because of safety issues,” Greenhaw said. “It’s down to four or five different structures. It’s not very conducive for a large age range or very many children to be able to play on it at once.”

The Lions Shelter Playground was named for the Maryville Host Lions Club after a significant donation was made by it to help build the playground after Mozingo Lake Recreation Park’s opening in 1995.

Greenhaw said pieces of the playground have been falling from the structure, and one portion of the equipment had to be taken down over the summer in 2022 for safety.

She said the area around the Lions Shelter Playground is a venue where people often host reunions and barbecues, so

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she wanted to add to the location by renovating the playground.

“It’s important to be able to provide those outdoor experiences for a larger age range,” Greenhaw said. “I wanted to be able to make sure that we had a new playground, to be able to accommodate more children, and just be able to add to the atmosphere out there at Mozingo.”

Playground equipment updates should be done every 8-10 years, according to Miracle Recreation. With good care, playgrounds can last between 15-20 years.

Cunningham Recreation, an outdoor recreation solutions company, helped design the new playground. Playgrounds usually include a wide variety of structures that promote active play, and of-

ten have accessible features so children of all abilities can play together, according to Cunningham Recreation.

The total cost to renovate the playground will be $293,055.96, which includes the equipment, surfacing, and installation, according to Mozingo Lake Recreation Park’s budget. GameTime, a company that manufactures playground equipment under Cunningham Recreation, will pay $80,450 to help install the playground. The equipment itself will cost $200,613.07.

Greenhaw said she submitted a grant request to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to help pay around $99,636.69 for the playground; the grant has not yet been accepted. The LCIF provides grants

to its members to help strengthen communities and support humanitarian services, according to its website.

Greenhaw said the playground’s renovations started in 2022, but were preceded by other projects due to more pressing importance, including the Mozingo Visitors Center, which had its grand opening May 23, 2025. She said she hopes construction will begin soon if plans for funding go accordingly.

“We have a bunch of different projects going on right now,” Greenhaw said. “In particular, for this project, if we’re awarded the (LCIF) grant and we move forward, we’re hoping for install next fall or early spring of 2027.”

Public library shares information for Children’s Business Fair

STOLLEY

From wooden pens to portable balls of hand sanitizer, the Children’s Business Fair allows children to show off and market their own creative talents.

The annual Children’s Business Fair is an event organized by the Maryville Public Library that offers entrepreneurs and business owners ages 8 through high school the chance to sell their products to the greater public. The fair events and planning began with an informational meeting Jan. 22 and will conclude March 21, the day of the official fair.

The event first took place in 2017, brought to life by Elizabeth Argo, the youth services coordinator at the Maryville Public Library. Argo said the scope of the event and its meetings covers the basics of running a business.

“The Children’s Business Fair is meant to be a chance for kids to run their own business,” Argo said. “We let them come up with an idea and create a product or service, create a business plan, think about marketing, all of those kinds of things; and then they go to a one-day marketplace where they get to earn profits and compete for prizes.”

described various businesses she has seen over the years, varying from pens made from fallen wood, a shaved ice business and solid bars of sanitizer.

With the vast age range of participants, business ideas can have an even wider range. Argo

Some of the participating children are referred to as veteran entrepreneurs. This means they have been a part

of at least one previously hosted Children’s Business Fair. Argo said some businesses have stayed in the program for around five years. These businesses will follow the veteran entrepreneur track.

The library has updated the veteran and regular track to al-

low for more feedback and expectations. Argo said the firsttime participants focus on the basics of starting and running a business, whereas the veteran entrepreneur track focuses on innovation and growth.

“That’s one of the reasons that we wanted to do the veteran track

this year,” Argo said. “We want to see, ‘What are you improving every year?’ I want the people who are doing feedback for the kids during the business plan review sessions to be thinking about them as a viable, established business.”

One of the young veteran entrepreneurs, 11-year-old Carina Murray, is the owner of the business Heart-to-Heart. This year is Murray’s second year returning to the Children’s Business Fair; in her first year, she nearly sold out of all her products. Murray sells a wide range of arts and crafts such as magnets and portraits and will have a new line of comics releasing this year. Murray said the theme of her business is giving.

“I like to promote my products as gifts, because people can give them from one heart of a person to another,” Murray said. “I try to reach from heart-to-heart.”

Once participants have submitted their business plan and presented a pitch to parents and other participants, they are then allowed to participate in the market day event — the fair — where participants set up booths to promote and sell their products to the Maryville Community. They will also be judged based on their business presentation and their idea for the chance to win $100 and a certificate.

The market day will be March 21 at the First Baptist Church in Maryville.

CRIME LOG

for the week of Jan. 29

Maryville Department of Public Safety

Jan. 22

There was a summons issued to Taylor R. James 19, for possession of a fake ID on the 2300 block of South Main Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 500 block of East Seventh Street.

There was a summons issued to Hollyann M. Hill, 37, for driving while suspended on the 100 block of North Country Club Road.

Jan. 21

There was an accident between an unknown driver and Lauren L. Newham on the 200 block of North Main Street. There was a summons issued to Brandon J. Wilson, 45, for driving while revoked, failure to maintain financial responsibility and failure to register a motor vehicle on the 900 block of East Seventh Street.

Jan. 20

There was an accident between Thomas W. Gilliland, 53, and Kelsey A. Barcus 20, on North Walnut and West Third Street. Gilliland was charged with failure to yield.

Jan. 17

There was a summons issued to Aidan G. Oswald 19, for minor in possession, disorderly conduct and possession of a fake ID on the 100 block of West Fourth Street.

There was a summons issued to Aaron J. Sims, 19, for driving while intoxicated, minor in possession, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a fake ID, improper display of licence plates and speeding on the 600 block of South Dewey Street.

There is a warrant out for the arrest of Koda M. Morey, 21, for failure to appear in court.

Jan. 16

There was a summons issued to Lanie I. Cousatte, 21, for driving while intoxicated and excessive acceleration on the 200 block of East Third Street.

Jan. 15

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 300 block of West Fourth Street. There was a summons issued to Samantha L. Blackford, 37, for animal abuse and animal neglect on the 400 block of West Davison Square.

There was a summons issued to Marisa A. Mackey, 37, for driving while revoked on U.S. Highway 136 and Jet Road.

Jan. 13

There was a key fob recovered at Judah Park.

Jan. 12

There was an accident between James D. Graham, 22, and Robert W. Goff, 40, on East Third Street and North Vine Street. Graham was charged with failure to yield.

Jan. 11 There is an ongoing investigation for fraud on the 1600 block of North Grand Avenue.

Jan. 10

There were summonses issued to Paxton A. Prettyman, 18, and Parker L. Prettyman, 19, for possession of a fake ID on the 2300 block of South Main Street. There was an accident between an unknown driver and Dan Jackson on the 900 block of College Avenue. There was recovered property on the 1400 block of South Main Street.

Jan. 8 There is an ongoing investigation for forgery on the 200 block of South Prairie Street.

Jan. 6 There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 400 block of South Mulberry Street.

There was a person located on the 1400 block of North Dewey Street.

Jan. 5 There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 500 block of North Fillmore Street.

Jan. 2 There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 1600 block of North Main Street.

Unregistered short-term rentals found in Maryville

DAKOTA OSWALT Managing Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

When looking at short-term rental options on popular travel sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo, around 60 options are shown in Maryville. However, City Manager Ryan Heiland said only 21 are registered.

After recent discussions about shortterm rental activity in the area, specifically during the previous Maryville City Council meeting, Heiland said he wanted to provide a greater understanding of the issue during the Jan. 26 meeting.

Maryville voters approved the transient guest tax in 2017, which Heiland said places an additional 5% tax on hotel and motel rooms, short-term rentals and temporary housing of the like.

“It does go toward funding the tourism department, as well as partnership with Northwest on the (Carl and Cheryl) Hughes Fieldhouse, so that’s where those funds are allocated since 2017,” Heiland said. “In 2019, we did approve the short-term rental ordinance, and so we’ve been working through that process over the past several years.”

Heiland said all short-term rentals are required to be registered, and some must operate under a special use permit if they are in a residential area.

tax was,” Heiland said. “When you look at the…owner side of the Airbnb contract, there’s language in there that makes it look like Airbnb is automatically collecting that (transient guest tax) — it is not.”

out of around 60 short-term rentals in Maryville are registered with the city.

However, Heiland said the existence of hidden short-term rentals has made it a challenge for the city to receive its proper taxes.

“Of the registered ones, we’ve also found out not all of them (short-term rental owners) understood what the transient guest

EDUCATION

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The featured speaker at this session was Duane Martin, attorney at EdCounsel School Attorneys. Martin presented information regarding state funding in Missouri schools.

“Many of you know that there are three funding streams for public school districts, federal, state and local,” Martin said. “When it comes to state, we’re among the very worst in the nation.”

MODOT

CONTINUED FROM A1

While residents may not see this intersection as a safety issue now, there are concerns being brought up about the surplus of vehicles traveling on the road.

Josh Moutray, a community member who lives in the middle of the project area and has voiced concern over the plant’s construction in the past, once again brought forth concerns about the project.

“As it stands right now, I wouldn’t consider it dangerous, but if you are going to add 400 or more cars to the intersection, I can see it being a problem,” Moutray said.

With construction set to begin in the early summer months, another concern from the community is that there will be traffic delays as soon as the project begins. However, MoDOT wants to assure all drivers

SEARCH CONTINUED FROM A1

Sarah Coakley

While the short-term rentals still collect the appropriate city sales tax and remit it to the city, Heiland said they are not obtaining the additional 5% tax.

Heiland said Maryville Assistant Finance Director Cheyenne Murphy has sent out 15 letters to the known short-term rental owners about this. Already, seven or eight are now aware of and paying the tax, and Heiland said some have offered some back pay.

“We’ve had a great response,” Heiland said. “A lot of these Airbnb owners, shortterm rental owners, are very compliant, and just like, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t realize that was the issue.”

Martin said Missouri shows 28.2% of state shares going toward public school funding. The amount of funds being spent per student in 2016 totaled $15.70 in Missouri.

“As we look at what we’re spending money in terms of per pupil expenditure in public school districts around the nation, we move up from that very, very bottom to about 31st in the nation in the amount that we spend,” Martin said.

Martin said Missouri has been

that they can expect little to no major delays.

For a long time, Route 71 has been primarily used by large vehicles like commercial transport trucks and farming equipment. Miner said farmers should feel assured that they will not be impacted by the changes.

The open forum appeared to be a success for all parties involved, with sights set for this project to go out for contractor bidding by April.

Both MoDOT and Evergy are hoping the community views these renovations positively so work can begin as soon as possible. Miner said he is excited for the construction to start, and he hopes the community will echo that confidence.

“I am hoping to hear that everyone loves it (the project),” Miner said. “We (the project organizers) are getting some comments, and I think that’s good; it can help us formulate if we need to make any changes.”

Sarah Coakley, provost and chief academic officer at Georgia Highlands College in Floyd County, Georgia, is the last finalist up for provost. Her sessions were Jan. 21 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. She began at Georgia Highlands College in 2013. She has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisi-

Additionally, Heiland said Airbnb has agreed to send out the city’s ordinance to all of its listed short-term rentals in Maryville. There is software the city can utilize to identify all short-term rentals within the community, but Heiland said that would cost about $8,000, and he said he’s hesitant about how necessary it would be. As of now, city staff will go through each travel site manually to keep track of each rental.

Councilwoman Erin Allen asked how including the additional 5% would work for some of those unregistered Airbnb properties. Murphy said, from her understanding, that Airbnb would give its hosts the option to add the tax to their listings. “It doesn’t have to come from your (hosts’) revenue, but it’s on the host to do that themselves,” Murphy said.

in the process of shifting its funding responsibility from the state to local outlets. In light of this adjustment, one program created is the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program.

This program provides the opportunity for low-income families and children with disabilities to access alternative educational services through scholarships, one example Martin shared was tuition for private schools.

Martin said in the last fiscal year, a $51 million voucher was

allocated to MOScholars by the state. However, he said, because a large portion of the resources provided by this program go into private school tuition funds, the state has, in turn, diverted public education funding into private schools.

“If we took that $50 million and said we, instead of allocating it to the MOScholars program, and we sent it to every school district in the state, what would it amount to per student?” Martin said. “By calculating that out, and the formula there, it’s $57 per kid.”

71 CONSTRUCTION GOALS

ana, and a B.A. in chemistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Coakley said she loves her job and the students at Georgia Highlands College, but wants new opportunities, especially since her daughter will soon start kindergarten.

Coakley spoke on student enrollment status, similarly to the other two candidates. She said this was also an issue at Georgia Highlands College, and she found that looking at student backgrounds and generational change can help understand enrollment numbers.

She also talked about DEI during her ses-

sion. She said the importance of DEI shouldn’t be the wording, but how the faculty serves all of its students, regardless of personal views, and staff should treat students with respect. Coakley said policies may change in a few years, but that should not change how faculty support their students. She said in the end, the job for faculty is to give students an education so the students can attain good opportunities.

“No policy, no directive should change who we are at our core and how we support our students,” Coakley said.

Unfiltered exposure to violence is harmful

A shooting. Scroll. An ICE raid. Scroll. People fighting for their lives during war. Scroll Another shooting. Scroll Someone murdered in public. Scroll. The United States president threatening invasion. Scroll. Another shooting.

That is what many of our social media feeds look like — a never-ending screen of violence. It seems the more we see it, the less we care. It almost makes sense when there are more shootings in a year than there are days.

Everyone in the world is being desensitized to violence. Seeing violence at such a high rate and across so many media platforms has been linked with emotional desensitization, according to Psychology Today. Obviously, this is a problem.

We can’t let this happen. We can’t stop caring about the violence people are facing all around the world. Seeing violence on your social media feed shouldn’t be something you brush away; it should make you want something to change.

We need to bring back better censorship on social media platforms. It is unacceptable that we can log onto X, formerly known as Twitter, and see a full murder.

It is reported 40% of children ages 8-12 use social media, according to the National Library of Medicine. These children are being exposed to horrible events, and there are probably users even younger. Desensitization is starting younger and younger as the demographics on social media are getting more juvenile.

As a journalist, censorship is a touchy subject; however, no one needs to see such graphic violence outside of their own free will.

There is a fine line between wanting to get information out and sharing too much. As the editor-in-chief, there is serious consideration based on what to publish — visually — during a tragedy. I know my line I won’t cross, do you?

The rise in self-proclaimed journalists is a large part of this problem. Everyone wants to break news; however, this is causing misinformation to be spread and insensitive content to be published.

The political state of the world is scary, and we need to be able to recognize that. Violence can’t be just another thing that happens in a day. It needs to be scary; it needs to make us want to change something.

Desensitization isn’t something that just happens; it has harmful, lasting effects on people, especially adolescents. This can include a loss of empathy, physical reactivity and emotional reactivity, according to Sustain Recovery.

Everyone needs to take a step back from social media and realize what they are being shown is not OK, and we can’t keep pretending like it is. We can’t keep living in a world or country where children fearing for their lives is the norm.

As always, the change starts with us — the working people, those who aren’t politicians or billionaires keeping their social media companies interesting.

I know it doesn’t seem fair, but we can’t rely on policymakers to listen — when was the last time they really did?

THE STROLLER:

Your Bearcat is tired of winter drivers

The first snowflake hits Missouri’s pavement, and suddenly, everyone behind the wheel should’ve never passed their driver’s test. Some treat the snow like a funeral procession for their dignity — slow, cautious and full of regret. Others act like it’s the final lap in the Daytona 500, drifting through intersections like they’re filming a spinoff of “Fast & Furious” that nobody asked for. Almost no Missourians land in the middle, where traction and common sense are supposed to be.

Every winter, we learn the cold, hard truth — Missouri residents do not know how to drive in snow. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to witness another fender bender because someone didn’t realize you can’t slam on your brakes 15 feet from a stop sign. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, I can drive just fine in the snow,” confidence is not a substitute for friction. This isn’t Mario Kart, and your Toyota Corolla isn’t built for four inches of snow. Here’s a radical proposal…

maybe we learn how to drive in winter weather before we’re drifting sideways through an intersection with AAA and our insurance company on speed dial? Imagine a world where drivers brake sooner, don’t stomp on their gas like they are trying to summon the ghost of Ricky Bobby and accept that, yes, your Ford F-150 is still subject to the laws of ice. Even if you’ve watched “Baby Driver” and now think you’re a pro. Your turn signal still works, and leaving space between cars

doesn’t cost you anything. Next year, when the forecast shows snow and everyone insists they’ll be just fine, maybe take it as a sign to chill out. Leave earlier, slow down and pretend the person behind you might actually need room to stop — because they do. We all do. Winter isn’t new. We live in the Midwest. Yet, every driver acts like it’s the first time in history that snow has ever existed.

OUR VIEW:

Prejudiced double

standards

are a hindrance to students

Double standards exist, and we should all be aware of what they are and where they are found. Northwest is no stranger to encountering these unfair rules. The Editorial Board sees them on campus, though they are not always obvious. Everyone can do their part to recognize the reality of double standards and attempt to eliminate them.

We believe one area on campus where these are obviously seen is with Fraternity and Sorority Life. For the women on campus, in these organizations, they seem to have more rigorous bylaws and regulations to follow. At the same time, the fraternity men may have the same bylaws, yet they are not expected to follow them as strictly.

A specific example many students recently saw within the Northwest community was on Instagram. On the nonUniversity affiliated official barstool account, a new posting series was created called Bearcat Bachelor and Bachelorette. These posts consisted of images of multiple men and women on campus, uploaded as part of a competition with the goal of one winning. These posts were not to set students up on dates, but rather for fun. Each post featured a variety of students, many of whom are members of FSL. However, only the bachelor series fin-

YOUR VIEW:

What are some gender-based double standards you notice on campus?

ASPEN SYBERT Sophomore Biochemistry

ished. This is because, according to the account, several sororities messaged the account expressing that it is unacceptable to be represented this way.

The same reaction was not had for the men posted on this account.

We understand why they asked for the posts to be taken down, and it’s well within their rights as an organization to not want their members to be represented in that way; we just want the treatment to be equal.

Sports are largely known for fostering multiple examples. At Northwest, some of the women’s athletics teams do not have their own locker rooms, while the men not only have their own, but also have updated facilities. This does not make sense when — especially this season — some of the women’s teams are excelling past the men. Even if the men and women had the same record for both programs’ entire history, it is likely the men’s teams could still be favored.

It is important to recognize that women are not the only group subject to double standards; men also face them. An example that has had growing conversation is men’s mental health. The way our society was designed, men are typically overlooked while discussing mental health. While support is

“I feel that men with majors in education or humanities can be questioned about their masculinity, and women in STEM fields can be questioned about their competence.”

JIN FITZMAURICE Junior Digital Media: Visual Imaging

growing, double standards are still here. Similarly, men are expected to be braver and assumed to be able to take care of themselves. Walking alone at night is something most women are taught to take precautions against; when traveling late at night, women are always told to stay in a group. In the same scenario, a man may be expected to get to a destination without caution, when in reality, taking safety seriously is important for everyone, and gender does not stop dangerous situations. It is also important to look at areas where double standards affect everyone, not just one or the other. Let’s look at majors; if a student says they are studying education or nursing, what gender do you assume they are? If a student says they are studying engineering or sports media, do you assume they are male or female? While gender is the topic focused on in this editorial opinion, double standards affect other groups as well. A person’s sexuality, race and appearance are other characteristics that have polarizing double standards. They are not only active on campuses, these standards are likely to continue past college. Continuing to be aware of their presence can help minimize the effect of double standards — in all aspects of our lives.

“Coming from a leadership position, I’ve noticed that sometimes women tend to get talked over a bit more, and I’ve noticed that maybe you won’t be taken as seriously.”

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN

“The biggest double standard I’ve seen on campus is when it comes to dating or hookup culture. Women are (judged more) harshly in comparison to men, (for whom) it’s not frowned upon as much.”

UPCOMING GAMES

NW MBB

vs. Missouri Western

3:30 p.m. Jan. 31

Bearcat Arena vs. Central Oklahoma

7:30 p.m. Feb. 5

Bearcat Arena vs. Rogers State

3:30 p.m. Feb. 7

Bearcat Arena

NW WBB

vs. Missouri Western

1:30 p.m. Jan. 31

Bearcat Arena vs. Central Oklahoma

5:30 p.m. Feb. 5

Bearcat Arena vs. Rogers State

1:30 p.m. Feb. 7

Bearcat Arena

NW T&F

@ Washburn Open Jan. 30-31 Topeka, Kansas

MHS GBB

@ Mid-Buchanan

6 p.m. Feb. 2

Mid-Buchanan High School

@ Smithville

7 p.m. Feb. 5 Smithville, Missouri

MHS BBB

@ Mid-Buchanan

7:30 p.m. Feb. 2

Mid-Buchanan High School vs. Kearney

7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 William Jewell College

NW BASEBALL

@ Southwestern Oklahoma State Feb. 1-2 Weatherford, Oklahoma

Spoofhounds secure honorary win

OLIVIA WALLACE Sports Editor | @_oliviawallace_

A sea of red replaced the usual green and yellow in the Maryville High School gym Jan. 27, where the community came together to support Jacob Walter — little brother of girls basketball junior forward Claire Walter, sophomore Nathan Walter and former Spoofhound Matthew Walter — who is battling a heart condition.

Since girls basketball (13-3) head coach Del Morley started coaching, he has initiated a pregame prayer before each game, which is not required for the players, but in times of need has helped the players when they needed an extra boost.

“It’s a special…thing we do, that I’ve always done with my teams; I don’t require the kids to do it but they all participate,” Morley said. “We just say a little team prayer before every game, so since this has happened, that has been our main focus as a team, remembering not only Jacob (Walter) but the family. I think it’s special looking around the gym and seeing red — it’s weird, but it’s great to see.”

At the game, dubbed Jacob’s Journey Red Out Event, the Nodaway Valley High School Thunder’s head coach Tiffany McGinness wore a red glitter blazer and the cheer team wore red bows and special shirts. Signs hung outside the gym saying ‘One game at a time’ for Jacob Walter, with pens for fans to sign — the ’Hounds supported their own.

The support was apparent on the court, with each bucket the team made chasing the crowd to erupt in cheer. By halftime, the Spoofhounds had a 29-point lead, going into the break 40-11 against the Thunder.

With the wintry mix hitting the northwest Missouri area, the Spoofhounds had limited time to gear up for the back-to-back games this week. The team’s practice was canceled Jan. 23 due to no school, which Morley said left the team feeling unprepared.

No practices for two days went in the ’Hounds favor, though, where they took Pembroke Hill (6-8) Jan. 26, resulting in a 60-34 win — then turned around to face the Thunder at home.

“We really don’t change very much, we just pressure defense,” Morley said. “We like to be prepared and know if they have a special play. I like to run something like that, but otherwise we don’t do a lot of changing things. I’ve always believed (in) working on getting yourself better more than worrying about what the other team does.”

Coming out of halftime against the Thunder, Morley played the majority of the bench, which helped secure the win for the ’Hounds.

A standout for the team was freshman Brins-

lee Weldon, who scored two points for the team in the second half. Another player who stood tall for the Spoofhounds was sophomore guard Jade Price, who scored 16 points the whole 60 minutes of play.

The team has a few days off before their next match against the Mid-Buchanan High School Dragons (11-5) 6 p.m. Feb. 2 at Mid-Buchanan High School. The Spoof-

hounds previously took on the Dragons in St. Joseph at Civic Arena Dec. 20, 2025, and came out with a 53-51 win — Morley said he thinks the team can win again.

“We want to win the game,” Morley said. “We want to win it comfortably but we don’t want to destroy the other teams. I told them, ‘Every time you step on the board, you play hard.’”

MHS basketball snaps opponent’s win streak, honor Jacob’s Journey

CLAYTON CULP

Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

The Maryville Spoofhounds boys basketball team (13-4) snapped Nodaway Valley High School Thunder’s (17-3) 10game win streak with the 57-40 triumph during Jacob’s Journey Red Out Night Jan. 27. Before tipoff, the Maryville community pulled together to help bring awareness to and support Spoofhound sibling Jacob Walter and his efforts against heart disease.

Spectators were encouraged to wear red, and both teams in warm ups had all-red colored shirts on. Fans were also signing a banner with words of encouragement for Jacob Walter. Head coach Matt Stoecklein said the crowd was awesome, and this was a great event.

“It was a show-up-and-support for Jacob Walter; his sister Claire Walter plays girls basketball, and his brother Nathan Walter plays boys basketball,” Stoecklein said. “It was wonderful and a huge crowd.”

The ’Hounds started off the game by winning the open tipoff and taking full control from there. Senior guard Colsen Freeman scored eight points with two three-pointers. After the first quarter, the Spoofhounds took a 21-12 lead.

The defense was the main show for the ’Hounds, allowing 40 points in the game, with the Thunder’s highest scoring quarter seeing 12 points. Blocks were all over the place for the Spoofhounds as junior guard Jackson Dredge secured one and senior Miles Poynter got himself two.

The team went into halftime 3721, looking to finish the second half strong. After both teams came back

out from their locker rooms, the Thunder had the ball and looked to cut into the deficit. Nodaway Valley found some success on the defensive side as Poynter picked up two fouls, putting him on the bench in foul trouble.

The Spoofhounds finished the game with efficient play on each side of the court. Dredge made five of his 15 points of the game in the fourth quarter. The Thunder managed to score eight points in the same quarter, giving the Spoofhounds a 57-40 win on Jacob’s Journey night. “Miles, one of our seniors, has done a good job of always reminding us that we need to play together, stay together and win together,” Stoecklein said.

It was a showup-and-support for Jacob Walter; his sister Claire Walter plays girls basketball, and his brother Nathan Walter plays boys basketball.”

MATT STOECKLEIN HEAD COACH

The ’Hounds are now riding an eight-game win streak, looking to extend it as they play their next game against the Braymer High School Bobcats (15-3) 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Braymer High School.

Northwest softball starts season, misses 2025 league tournament

After missing the 2025 MIAA Softball Championship Tournament, Northwest softball is ready to get back on the field.

The Bearcats finished their 2025 campaign, splitting a doubleheader with the Missouri Western State University Griffons April 26. Head coach Naomi Tellez said the team was not satisfied with how their season ended.

“Starting in the fall, we started off three steps ahead of where we used to, just because they were eager to get back and compete at a higher level,” Tellez said.

The ’Cats are looking to continue their three-year streak of 20-win seasons.

Sophomore catcher Kaylee Cords said while winning is important, improving the team’s game is the main focus.

“It’s also thinking about, ‘What steps did we take to get to that win? What can we do better, maybe even the next game?’” Cords said.

The Bearcats’ consistency will be essential as they bring a smaller pitching staff into this year than in previous seasons. Going from six pitchers to four changes the strategy for how to complete a game. Tellez said it will be different managing their arms and defensive strategies.

“From a pitch-calling standpoint, we have to be really efficient in, ‘How can we get people out the absolute quickest?’” Tellez said.

Along with pitching changes, seven seniors graduated after last season, creating gaps in the roster and leadership.

Senior outfielder Alexis Brown said she is looking to take a bigger role within the team her senior year.

“It’s my last year, so I want to be more of a leader, and I really just want to have fun and stay confident this season as a team,” Brown said.

Not all of the graduating seniors left the softball program completely, though. Former Bearcat softball player Lillie Filger rejoined the Northwest softball team in a different way after wrapping her senior year — as the assistant coach. Filger made it into the Northwest record books with the best Bearcat career batting average, a two-time secondteam All-MIAA and a 2024 MIAA Gold Glove recipient.

Cords said she doesn’t feel that taking a different role changes the team chemistry.

“I’m playing for this team and knowing that, no matter if I fail or succeed, these girls are always here to have my back,” Cords said. “I feel like that’s a big re-

liever, knowing when going in, I know that succeed or fail, these girls are still going to have my back at the end of the day.”

The Bearcats start their season Jan. 30 with a trip down to Mansfield, Texas, for the three-day, five-game Lone Star D2 Classic. Northwest starts the tournament with a Day 1 doubleheader; Game 1 set for 2:30 p.m. against the Drury University Panthers and Game 2 against the Lewis University Flyers beginning 4:45 p.m. The ’Cats continue Day 2 with their second doubleheader; Game 1 against the Oklahoma Baptist University Bison starting 10 a.m. and Game 2 against the St. Edward’s University Hilltoppers starting 12:15 p.m. Northwest finishes the road trip Day 3 against the University of Missouri-St. Louis Tritons, first pitch set for 1:30 p.m.

Bearcats compete at invite, prepare for MIAA

LEAH

The Northwest track and field teams attended the Rumble in the Jungle Invitational, hosted by Pittsburg State University, Jan. 23. Both squads placed inside the top five while collecting three event titles.

The Bearcat men’s team scored 41 points to finish fifth at the meet, while the women totaled 69 points to place fourth. Throws coach Tanner Berg said the team’s overall performance made a strong showing.

“As a whole, we did pretty well,” Berg said. “Coming right back from break and with about five weeks until conference, everybody is making really good strides.”

Senior long distance runner Kiki Witt highlighted the women’s side, showing a schoolrecord time of 9:37.39 in the 3,000-meter run. Sophomore long distance runner Olivia Bakker followed shortly behind in fifth place, recording a personal best 9:52.87 — the fourth fastest time in program history.

THROWER “

The whole atmosphere here is amazing. Everyone supports each other, everyone watches other events, and that energy really carries.” DEMARII WILLIAMS

SOPHOMORE

Both runners notched a provisional time, qualifying for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, held March 13-14 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

While the runners made an impact on the track, men’s track and field sophomore thrower Demarii Williams helped the ’Cats hold their ground in the field events. Williams placed fifth in the men’s shot-put.

“That was really cool,” Williams said. “After just my third meet here, hitting a Top 10 mark shows what this program and our coaching staff can do.” Williams transferred to Northwest after competing for a year at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. Since the change, Berg said Williams has not only made progress in the throwing circle, but also in his personal life.

“I picked him up last year from State Fair (Community College) as a transfer, and he may not talk about his big changes made in his weight, going from losing almost 100 pounds off his body weight,” Berg said. Something that has been continuously highlighted by coaches and athletes this season is the community the teams have built. Whether it’s pushing each other mid-competition or spending time together outside of practice.

“The whole atmosphere here is amazing,” Williams said. “Everyone supports each other, everyone watches other events, and that energy really carries.” Berg said the focus in the coming weeks will remain on steady progress rather than added pressure as the Bearcats prepare for the MIAA Championships Feb. 27-March 1 in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Bearcats gear up to take down Griffons

KEATON SMITH

Sports Reporter | @keatonsmedia

Northwest men’s basketball (10-11, 3-7 MIAA) wants to keep its momentum against the Missouri Western State University Griffons (13-8, 5-5 MIAA) 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31, at Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats broke their five-game MIAA losing streak against the University of Central Missouri Mules (15-7, 6-4 MIAA) Jan. 23 after senior guard Royce Williams hit a last-second fadeaway shot to propel Northwest to a one-point lead. The ’Cats held on 8079 to snag their third MIAA victory of the season — and third of head coach Matt Keeley’s career at Northwest — after facing a 12-point deficit with eight minutes remaining.

Experience has put Williams in a

position where he said he is comfortable with the ball in his possession for the final shot of the game, even with the added pressure of multiple conference losses in a row.

“Coming off a really tough loss the game before, and being able to be put in a position where we could win late in the game, I definitely felt comfortable with the ball in my hands and putting the ball in the basket,” Williams said. “Either taking a shot or making the read, that position is where I’d like to be at being a senior guard.”

The Bearcats and the Griffons have already faced off once during the 2025-26 season, which marked the first MIAA game of the season for both schools. The game took place nearly two months ago, Dec. 2, at the Missouri Western State University Fieldhouse at Looney Complex in St. Joseph and result-

’Cats crave fuel, seek to snap losing streak

The Northwest Bearcat women’s basketball (10-10, 3-7 MIAA) team has spent the month of January looking for one thing — momentum.

After entering the season 11-3, the ’Cats have fallen in seven of eight of their last matches, most recently against the No. 4 in MIAA, the University of Central Missouri Jennies (14-5, 8-2 MIAA) Jan. 23. The team fell 77-59 to the Jennies.

Now, the Bearcats will return home, looking to reset against longtime rival the Missouri Western State University Griffons (6-13, 2-8 MIAA) 1:30 p.m. Jan. 31. Head coach Austin Meyer said he expects the team to continue developing.

“We’re playing all the top teams in the league twice, so even though we may not be seeing results consistently, I’m confident we’re getting better,” Meyer said.

Despite the recent skid, Meyer said the team showed offensive growth against the Jennies. The team shot 46% from the field after battling with efficiency in recent games. Northwest matched Central Missouri with 38-points in the paint.

“We have one of our better offensive games,” Meyer said. “We’ve been struggling the previous few games from just a shot-making and efficiency standpoint.”

The ’Cats’ identity has been rooted on the defensive end. The team ranks No. 3 in the MIAA and No. 52 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 58.1 points per game.

The Bearcats have held nine of their opponents under 60 points this season. Northwest needs to keep building on the defensive foundation that has kept them competitive throughout the slump.

“Our margin for error is really small,” Meyer said. “We’ve got to be really good defensively. A lot of times those are controllable things — are you getting back in transition, are you communicating?”

Northwest has scored heavily in the lane — 38 points against the Jennies alone — a strategy Meyer said will help create cleaner looks from beyond the arc.

Freshman guard Bailey Birmingham has been a central player to the team’s scoring, leading the conference in three-point percentage and second in the league in three-pointers made, at 46-of-124 on the season. Birmingham said although she is finding personal success, she is hoping the team will come out on the other side.

“We haven’t been overly pleased with all the outcomes,” Birmingham said. “(We’re) just trying to grow on the things we are doing well.”

The team’s youth has been a recurring theme this season, with sophomore guard Sadie Maas and Birmingham accounting for the bulk of playing time.

Saturday’s matchup also carries added weight as the Highway-71 rivalry game. The Bearcats defeated the Griffons 62-48 earlier this season, Dec. 2 in St. Joseph, snapping a seven-game losing streak in the series and setting the stage for a potential season-sweeping win.

ed in a 99-77 Griffon victory. Northwest had four players in that game with 10 or more points, and the team shot well at 49% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Turnovers and free-throw contrasts haunted the Bearcats against the Griffons. The Bearcats turned the ball over 18 times compared to the Griffons’ 12, and attempted 11 free throws compared to Western’s 29 shots at the charity stripe.

Western’s victory can also be attributed to two 20-plus point performances from Griffon senior guards Noah King and Ty Henry. King finished the game against Northwest with 25 points, and Henry with 23.

The Griffon offensive performance from not only the pair of guards, but the whole team, is something Keeley said the Bearcats will have to manage in the upcoming rematch.

“I think the thing that they (Griffons) do best is score it,” Keeley said. “They’re really comfortable playing in a lot of space and a lot of freedom where they have a lot of really good offensive players. They’re going to try and go out and put up a big number offensively, and so we’re going to have to battle them very intentionally with high competitiveness on the defensive side of it.”

Following the match against the Griffons, the Bearcats will face the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos (12-10, 5-5 MIAA) 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Bearcat Arena. Northwest’s first game of February will be the first and only of the season against Central Oklahoma, and only Keeley’s second encounter with the Bronchos after being out-paced 82-55 a season ago in Edmond, Oklahoma, Feb. 6, 2025.