01-03-14 Maryville Daily Forum

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Volume 104 • Number 2 • Friday, January 3, 2014 • PO Box 188 • 111 E. Jenkins • Maryville, MO

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City faces lengthy to-do list for 2014 By TONY BROWN News editor

Attempting to relieve traffic congestion

TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM

A $50,000 study aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian access along the South Main Street retail corridor is one of a lengthy list of planning initiatives and capital improvements on tap for the city of Maryville in 2014.

In a college town like Maryville, the Friday after New Year’s is, for many, an unofficial holiday as folks eke out one more weekend of winter break before heading back to the office. For many, but not for City Manager Greg McDanel, who was back at work this week prepping for the first City Council meeting of 2014 and reviewing plans for what promises to a very busy year. With two road reconstructions, the launch of a major marketing effort in connection with Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, and a slew of other projects, 2013 was a hectic 12 months at City Hall. McDanel said Thursday taxpayers can expect more of the same in 2014 as a number of major capital projects and administrative initiatives move forward. At the top of the city’s todo for the new year is construction of a $13 million sewage treatment plant just south of Highway 136 east of town. Excavation work at the site was completed in

the fall so that the soil would have time to settle before crews from David E. Ross Construction begin work. Mandated by increasingly stringent water quality requirements at both the state and federal levels, the city has until July 1, 2015, to bring the plant online in order to avoid punitive fines by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. A second major project scheduled to begin this spring is phase one of the Fourth Street streetscape initiative. McDanel said bids for the $1.4 million street-and-sidewalk overhaul should go out later this winter with work likely to begin in April. As now designed, work along Fourth Street between the courthouse square and Northwest Missouri State University is to include a paved pedestrian trail on the north side of the east/west street; new asphalt, curbs and gutters; a simplified “T” intersection at Dunn Street and the main entrance to campus; landscaping; and decorative signage promoting the Northwest brand. Of the total phase-one See CITY, Page 3

New Year’s Challenge

Center issues call to lose the flab in the new year By KEVIN BIRDSELL Staff Writer

“I’m going to get in shape this year,” “My new year’s resolution: getting the six-pack back,” “I want

Pumping iron

to run a marathon this year”. We’ve all heard it before. Everyone wants to dedicate the new year to getting healthy and losing those extra pounds. And once again in 2014, the

Maryville Community Center is offering to help folks make good on those resolutions to muscle up and trim down by encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a lasting commitment to phys-

KEVIN BIRDSELL/DAILY FORUM

Kermitt Posten uses a weight machine at the Maryville Community Center designed to strengthen the pectoral muscles. The center’s annual New Year’s Challenge, which encourages local residents to lose weight and get in shape, begins January 14. The challenge is sponsored by Maryville Parks & Recreation. (See additional photo – Page 3)

OFFICE NUMBER

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INSIDE

ical fitness. So break out the trainers and gym shorts and get ready for the newest edition of the center’s New Year’s Challenge, which begins January 14. “In the middle of January we will start what we call our New Year’s Challenge,” said Maryville Parks & Recreation Director Rod Auxier. “It’s a weight loss program where people form teams.” Both individuals and teams have until Jan 9 to sign up for the 12week challenge. Auxier said most people start to deviate from their resolution to eat right and exercise regularly after about six weeks, so stretching the challenge over three months — a quarter of a year — is intended to transform good intentions into daily habits. “The New Year’s Challenge is a 12-week program,” he said. “Our goal is if someone does something for 12 weeks, that usually becomes a habit, and hopefully they will stick with it. If someone is new to working out, that might be a good thing to try to join this year. It’s kind of a fun thing, and hopefully if people stick with it they’ll want to continue.” The Community Center offers multiple options and schedules for working out and has a broad range of facilities. There is an indoor track, a weight room, basketball courts and cardio equipment. If you’re looking to get in shape without the competitive aspect

Record....................... 2 Opinion..................... 4 Religion..................... 5

Community Life ..... 6 Sports.................... 7, 8 Comics...................... 9

of the New Year’s Challenge, the Community Center offers both personal trainers and classes that emphasize both fun and exercise in a group setting.

‘Our goal is if someone does something for 12 weeks, that usually becomes a habit, and hopefully they will stick with it.’ “We offer several different types of classes from step classes to kick boxing,” Auxier said. “We also have a vey large senior program. We have a schedule that we put out that lists about 30 classes per week.” A team of four personal trainers are available through the center, and each offers both individual and double sessions for those who want to train with a friend or spouse. Maryville Parks & Recreation also offers a number of leagues for people who want to to get involved in team sports. Memberships can be purchased on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, and rates vary depending on the type of pass is purchased. Options include individual, senior/veteran, teen and household. Other choices include track-only access and combo memberships.

OUTSIDE

Today High: 30° Low: -2°

RecoRd

Page 2

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– FRIDAY –

Locke, Stockton, Calif.; five grandchildren, Jonathan, Andre, Elijah, Eleona and Lanezza Locke; three brothers, Charles, Clarinda, Iowa, Michael, Des Moines, Iowa and Robert, Stockton, Calif. Mr. Carter has been cremated. No memorial services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of BramDanfelt Funeral Home, Maryville.

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Nodaway County Senior Center Pinochle Tournament 12:30 p.m. Widowed Persons Meeting, January 10, 11:30 a.m., Mandarin Living Free Narcotics Anonymous, Countryside Christian Church, 16th & Country Club Rd. 8 am. Never Alone Narcotics Anonymous, Wesley Foundation, 549 W. 4th St., 8pm. BJ American Legion Beef & Noodles every 2nd Friday, 5-7pm at the Methodist Church in BJ. No Meal in December. January will be Ham & Beans and Vegetable Beef Soup. Open Mic Nights every week; music, comedy, poetry drama @ The Rose Theater, Maryville; sign in 6:30 p.m., begin 7 p.m. $3 cover chg ADHD Support Group meets 6-8 p.m. third Friday in Hospitality Rm. @ St. Francis Hospital, info 660254-4369 AA meeting at 8PM weekly @ Conception Abbey

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660-562-2424 maryvilledailyforum.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM (USPS 332-360, ISSN 1058-0743) is published daily except Saturday and Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas by Maryville Daily Forum, 111 E. Jenkins, Maryville, MO 64468-0188. Periodicals postage paid at Maryville, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM, P.O. Box 188, Maryville, MO 644680188. Subscriptions within the 644 zip codes: $39.00 for 3 months; $59.00 for 6 months; $95.00 for a year. Subscriptions outside the 644 zip codes: $45.00 for 3 months; $79.00 for 6 months; and $139 for a year. All rates include applicable sales tax. If you don’t receive your paper please call 660-562-2424 before 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

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Community Events

Garage Doors & Openers • Auto Glass • Lockouts •

JEFFERY ALLEN CARTER 1962-2013

Friday, January 3, 2014

Deadline for the Record page is 4:00 p.m., one day prior to publication. All obituaries should be submitted to: rpiveral@maryvilledailyforum.com.

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Obituary Jeffery Allen Carter, 51, of Burlington Junction, Mo. passed from this life December 26, 2013. He was born on August 27, 1962 to Robert and Shirley (Ratcliff) Carter in Stockton, Calif. Mr. Carter was employed as a carpenter. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert. Survivors include his mother, Shirley Carter, Burlington Junction; daughter, Angel Carter

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Fish & Chicken Fry, January 4, Graham Lions Club, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Never Alone Narcotics Anonymous, Wesley Foundation, 549 W. 4th St., 12pm. Fish Fry 5-7 p.m. second Saturday of month @ Elmo Comm. Bldg. MS Support Group meets 10:30 a.m. on 2nd Saturday of the month in the Lietner Rm. of St. Gregory’s Church (except July & August) Over Eaters Anonymous meets 9 a.m. weekly in the St. Francis Hospitality Room, 2016 S. Main St.

– SUNDAY –

Pancake Breakfast, January 5, 8 a.m. to noon, Parnell American Legion Hall. Never Alone Narcotics Anonymous, Wesley Foundation, Tuesday 6pm. Northwest Opry 2 p.m. weekly @ Nodaway Co. Senior Center, 1210 E. 1st Maryville, MO. 10-Point Pitch Tournament 6 p.m. every third Sun­­ day in St. Columba Church Hall, Conception Jct AA meeting at 7PM

weekly @ Apple House in Clyde, MO Eagles - Forney & Paxson, 7 to 10 p.m.

– MONDAY –

Widowed Persons Meeting, January 27, 11:30 a.m., Applebees Life Beyond Breast Cancer Support Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month in the Hospitality Room at St. Francis Hospital Never Alone Narcotics Anonymous, Wesley Foundation, 549 W. 4th St., 6pm. Over Eaters Anonymous meets 5:30 p.m. weekly @ Franciscan Rm. of St. Francis Hospital SAFE: Stop Abuse for Everyone (men’s support), meets upon request noon1:30 p.m. & 5:15-6:45 p.m. weekly @ the Children & Family Center, 1220 E. 2nd St., Maryville; 562-2320 if you plan to attend Maryville Pride Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Mondays at Hy-Vee. Manna Kitchen 5 pm-6 pm, St. Gregory’s Catholic Church 333 S. Davis St, a free community meal open to all. AA at Wesley Center at Noon AA at Methodist Church Room 203 at 6:00 p.m. Al-Anon at Methodist Church Room 205 at 6:00pm.

– TUESDAY –

Eagles Bingo, 7 p.m. weekly, Hwy 71 South, Maryville Nodaway County Senior Center Tai Chi 5 to 6pm. Today’s Civic Women meets 6:30 p.m. every first Tuesday @ Maryville Public Library basement, 5629833, 582-4294 Living Free Narcotics Anonymous, Countryside Christian Church, 16th & Country Club Rd. 6pm. WINGS (women’s support-domestic violence & sexual assault), meets noon1:30 p.m. & 5:15-6:45 p.m. weekly @ the Children & Family Center, 1220 E. 2nd St., Maryville TOPS meets weekly 5:30 p.m. for weigh-ins, 6 p.m. meeting @ First Christian Church, Maryville Maryville Public Library

Board of Trustees meets the second Tuesday @ noon in the conference room Alzheimer’s Support meets @ 6 p.m. third Tuesday @ Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville

– WEDNESDAY –

Nodaway County Senior Center Dutch Luke & Friends, 11 am. Tai Chi 5 to 6pm. Dementia, Alzheimers support group 3rd Wednesday of each month. 6-7pm. Presbyterian Church, Maryville, MO. Jessica Loch, 816-261-2440. Tina Baker, Nodaway Nursing Home 660-562-2876. Never Alone Narcotics Anonymous, Wesley Foundation, 549 W. 4th St., 6pm. Community Meals First United Methodist, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., 1st/Main. St. Francis Retirees will meet, the first Wednesday of every month at 9am at the Nodaway County Senior Center. Breast Cancer Support Group meets @ noon every second Wednesday @ First Christian Church, Rm 106, Maryville AA meeting at 6 p.m. weekly @ Davison Square. AL-Anon meeting at 6 p.m. weekly @ Davison Square. Eagles Closed

– THURSDAY –

Nodaway County Senior Center Hand and Foot 9 a.m. Living Free Narcotics Anonymous, Countryside Christian Church, 16th & Country Club Rd. 6pm. Nodaway County Federated Republican Women meet 11:30 a.m. 1st Thursday of the month at Carson’s, Maryville Maryville Business & Professional Women’s Organization meets 6 p.m. every 4th Thursday @ First Christian Church, Maryville, 660-582-4959 or 582-4898 Diabetic Support Group Location changed to South Hills Medical Building, in the Front Lobby. Shepherd’s Kitchen offers a free supper from 5 to 6 p.m. weekly @ the First Presbyterian Church, Maryville

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Friday, January 3, 2014

News

Page 3

News from the Capitol

Lawmakers seek to dull Nixon’s budget-cut knife

KEVIN BIRDSELL/DAILY FORUM

Working on their fitness

A group of exercisers works out on elliptical machines in the cardio room at the Maryville Community Center.

Trim fat power bills with energy diet The new year has arrived, and while the holidays are now just a memory, the bills are not. That’s why January is the perfect time to do some “circuit training” and go on an energy diet. “We are always looking for ways to partner with our customers to help them save energy,” said Kim Winslow, Kansas City Power & Light’s director of energy solutions. “We want to provide our customers with simple steps they can take to reduce their energy consumption and save money.” With that in mind, KCP&L recently offered the following strategies for cutting the fat out your home’s energy diet:

A real money-saver

Dialing down your thermostat at night or during the day while away from home can trim between 5 and 15 percent off your energy bill. Purchasing a programmable thermostat, like the one shown above, can save even more.

· Save 5 to 15 percent each year on your heating bill by dialing your thermostat down 10-15 degrees for at least eight hours (at night or while the family is at work and school). Save even more by investing in a programmable thermostat that adjusts your furnace or heat pump automatically.

smart power strips. This one-time investment will stop computers and other electronics from using electricity after you’ve turned them off.

· Clean or replace your furnace filter at least once each quarter to keep your heating and cooling system at peak performance and your home’s air cleaner.

· Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or lower. For each 10-degree drop in temperature, this can save from 3-5 percent on your water-heating costs.

· Remember that the sun shines even when it’s cold outside, and you can use that energy to warm up your home. Open shades and drapes during the day to let in the sun’s radiant heat, and close them at sundown to reduce heat loss by up to 10 percent.

· If you have an older hot water heater, add an insulation blanket to reduce standby heat loss. Such blankets are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

· Lower passive energy use with

TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM

· Set your clothes washer on cold for most loads, and clean your clothes dryer vent annually for optimal per-

formance and fire safety. · Get rid of that old refrigerator in the basement or garage. Use an Energy Star calculator to see what it’s costing you and what you’ll save by removing it. · Replace burned-out light bulbs with LEDs. They cost more than compact fluorescent lamps, but they don’t contain mercury and they have a much longer life span. For more tips on how to reduce your energy usage this winter, go to: www.kcpl.com/about-kcpl/the-wirenewsletter/2013/december/energydiet.

City eyes lengthy to-do list Continued from Page 1 cost, McDanel said that $900,000 is coming from outside sources, including Missouri Department of Transportation grants and proceeds from the sale of tax credits through Nodaway County Economic Development. One funding source that won’t be available for work on Fourth Street is the city’s half-cent capital improvements sales tax, remaining revenues from which are being used to retire debt associated with street reconstructions and other projects. Beginning a campaign to convince voters to renew the tax, which will have brought in an estimated $10 million by the time it expires in September 2018, is another goal for City Hall this year. McDanel said if the tax stays in place it could be used to help fund major infrastructure improvements along the South Main Corridor that would improve traffic flow and ease pedestrian access. The City Council has allocated $50,000 in this year’s budget for a study of the South Main area that could form a template for such features as aligned entrances into retail parking lots, high-tech traffic signals, and new streets on either side of the corridor.

McDanel has said revamping South Main will cost several million dollars and take as long as a decade. But the time to begin planning, he said, is now. Probably the most noticeable city activity in coming months for most Maryville residents will be an expanded effort to cover existing streets with a fresh layer of asphalt. The municipal budget contains $374,00 for asphalt overlays in 2014, an effort that will include cityowned Oak Hill Cemetery on the north edge of town. In addition to the city’s paving plans, the Missouri Department of Transportation is to resurface East First Street between Main Street and Depot. Other local MoDOT projects in 2014 will include the Highway 72 bypass and an “L”-shaped stretch of road extending east along Route V from Munn Avenue then south down Main Street. Development of Maryville’s network of hiking/biking trails will also continue this year, with new sections planned along Seventh and Ninth streets between Davis Street and the university and along Munn Avenue between South Avenue and Victory Lane. Besides capital improvements, McDanel said other goals for the city include

continuing the search for a new corporate occupant at the now-closed Energizer battery plant, and implementation of joint alcohol enforcement strategy in conjunction with Northwest Missouri State University. This year’s budget provided an additional $10,000 to Nodaway County Economic Development earmarked for the Energizer plant recruiting effort. On the alcohol enforcement front, McDanel said ordinances have been drafted for council consideration that would create new rules regarding public

consumption, “nuisance” parties and cooperative enforcement duties shared by Maryville Public Safety and the Northwest Police Department. Finally, McDanel said he is exploring the possibility of creating a new incentive program that would encourage property owners to repair and maintain residential properties before they become blighted. Details have yet to be worked out, but McDanel said the program would fill a gap left when the state’s Home Repair Opportunity (HeRO) program was defunded.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Spending cuts by Gov. Jay Nixon, including the freeze of several hundred million dollars during his campaign to sustain the veto of a tax cut, is prompting Missouri lawmakers to contemplate a constitutional amendment targeting the governor’s budget power. Critics contend Nixon has gone too far, and Rep. Todd Richardson said he is working on a measure for the legislative session starting next week. Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said the budget freeze made the issue more pressing. “I think the governor has used more (budget) withhold authority than any governor in the history of the state,” he said. Richardson said he wants to preserve flexibility for chief executives to keep the budget balanced when revenues fall short or disasters strike, but also ensure governors cannot change lawmakers’ spending decisions without justification. The Missouri Constitution says the governor “may control the rate at which any appropriation is expended during the period of the appropriation by allotment or other means, and may reduce the expenditures of the state or any of its agencies below their appropriations whenever the actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates upon which the appropriations were based.” There seems to be general agreement among officials that the second portion lets the governor make cuts during a shortfall. Nixon has argued the authority to “control the rate” of spending also permits him to restrict spending when revenues are not falling short. Nixon froze $400 million for education, building projects and other government services when the current budget took effect July 1, while citing concerns legislators might override his veto of the tax cut. Missouri started the fiscal year with a cash balance of $450 million, and Republican lawmakers criticized the cuts as unjustified. The governor argued the tax cut would have punched a hole in the state’s budget and in September released $215 million after the veto override attempt was unsuccessful. He has made additional funds available and $134 million for capital improvements remains restricted. Nixon, a Democrat, said the budget powers are necessary tools and have been wielded by Republicans and Democrats. He said it is a “vital component” of the state’s fiscal discipline and that credit rating agencies specifically have cited it while giving Missouri its AAA-rating. “They should look at their responsibility, which is work with us to appropriate money where we can make a difference, and as that money comes in, then we’re very happy to spend it,” Nixon said.

STATE NEWS BRIEFS Area company expanding ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A St. Joseph company that makes corrugated boxes has announced a $12 million local expansion project that will result in the retention of 134 employees. St. Joseph Metro Chamber of Commerce spokesman Brad Lau says International Paper’s new capital investment in equipment will increase the facility’s efficiency and capacity. No new jobs are anticipated. International Paper’s corporate office has been evaluating its Missouri facilities as part of a national efficiency and downsizing review. The chamber, city and Buchanan County provided incentives for the company to retain its St. Joseph plant. Lau says the company intends to begin its five-year project this month.

Scholarship honors student COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Friends of a slain University of Missouri-Columbia student have raised more than $5,000 to See Briefs, Page 10

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Page 4

OpiniOn P.O. Box 188, Maryville, MO, 64468

ALTERNATIVE VIEWS Editor’s note: Alternative views will appear each Friday on the Daily Forum opinion page and consists of recently published editorials from other newspapers around the state.

Nixon releases funds for Capitol repairs Jefferson City News Tribune

Gov. Jay Nixon included a tacit message with his most recent release of additional state spending. Although the governor favors financing improvements to the Capitol and state parks, he remains cool to construction of a new state office building favored by lawmakers. On Christmas Eve, Nixon released another $40.1 million in state spending he previously had frozen. Readers will recall that Nixon had restricted $400 million in spending from the budget that takes effect July 1. The Democratic governor argued the withhold might be necessary to balance the budget if lawmakers failed to sustain his veto of an income tax cut favored by majority Republicans. The veto was sustained and Nixon subsequently has been releasing funds, including: $215 million for education; $2 million to design a new state mental health facility; $11 million for Fulton State Hospital; and, last week, the $40.1 million. The most recent total includes: $18 million for sealing and waterproofing the Capitol exterior; $7 million for repairs and maintenance at state facilities; $5 million for projects at state parks; and $10.1 million for dental, small business and literacy programs. “Sound fiscal management allows me to release these funds that can be put to use in several state programs and make long-term capital improvements,” the governor said. Limits on the release remain; still frozen is $134 million for other initiatives, including construction of a new state office building at the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) Redevelopment site. Although specifics remain vague, discussion has included moving the state transportation agency to the MSP site, clearing the building near the Capitol for legislative staff and freshman lawmakers now housed at the statehouse. The governor has been lukewarm to a new state office building since it was proposed by lawmakers in May. He said then the proposal “hasn’t changed my priorities, in the sense that the government needs to be behind the people.” We await further detail about the proposed new office building. We agree lawmakers are cramped in the Capitol; some mezzanine offices do not comply with ADA requirements. But government, like nature, abhors a vacuum; taxpayers must not finance sprawl that ultimately permits spacious, luxurious quarters for elected officials. In the meantime, we applaud Nixon’s release of money for needed work at the Capitol. We reiterate a point made in this forum in May that “the edifice, the artwork, the history and the symbolism” of our Capitol must not be allowed to deteriorate.

Redistricting holds hope for America’s middle St. Louis Post-Dispatch

This just in: The 113th Congress is possibly the worst ever. The gang that brought us the government shutdown and dozens of symbolic votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act has done less than almost any Congress ever. Only 58 bills from this Congress became law, and the majority were of the naming-a-post office variety. Polls showed Americans wanted background checks on guns. They wanted immigration reform. They wanted a budget. They wanted the health care law to get better, not be stuck in neutral. In 2013, the Gallup average for congressional approval is 14 percent, its lowest in history. It reached its nadir of 9 percent in November. How did this happen? One of the culprits behind congressional dysfunction is the way that most states draw the districts their politicians represent. It matters little that the majority of Americans want compromise if politicians run in politically safe enclaves where they answer only to the most rabidly conservative or liberal voters. This process has created capitols, in the states and in Washington, D.C., where there is very little incentive for Democrats and Republicans to find middle ground. Moderates and independents have lost a voice. There is hope, however, that the historic ineptitude of this Congress might be the tipping point. America’s great middle could rise up and take back some power. In Illinois, for instance, a group of political activists from the left and the right have combined to seek to put a redistricting amendment on the statewide ballot in 2014 to bring more fairness to how political boundaries are drawn. The idea is to reduce political influence in the reapportionment process. Elected officials would have to answer to all voters, not just a select few. Iowa has long had a much fairer way than most states of determining congressional and state legislative districts, including Missouri and Illinois. In Iowa, there is heavy reliance on demographics and so-called “communities of interest.” Incumbents often find themselves in primaries against each other after changes in the Census every 10 years. In most states, lawmakers in a back room cut deals to make sure that incumbents of both parties are protected, and whichever party is in power tries to tilt the political maps in its favor. Voters are striking back. California voters in 2008 passed a statewide proposition that put the task of redistricting in the hands of a nonpartisan commission of citizens. Several other states, including Illinois, are now considering similar proposals.

Friday, January 3, 2014 Your opinion matters. Submit your Letter to the Editor to: pcobb@maryvilledailyforum.com. Letters must be signed and contain author’s phone number for verification. The Maryville Daily Forum will not publish letters addressed to third parties. The Forum reserves the right to edit correspondence for clarity and length, as well as content and accuracy.

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pcobb@maryvilledailyforum.com

A VIEW FROM THE COUNTRY

An all too typical year

The year 2013 will not end up a book like so many historic years chronicled recently, It still was a contentious year both by man and nature. While we have foregone major nation confrontation, lesser nations continued to provide major headaches for world peace and catastrophes for millions upon millions of everyday citizens in those states. The Associated Press has given us the results of their survey of professional news people looking for the “Top Ten Stories of 2013.” These are stories from a worldwide scope, though we know that the top story of year, not just sports story, was the glory of “title town USA”— Maryville. Enough chauvinism. The health care overhaul was given the top spot. It’s a complicated attempt to reform the overly expensive, underachieving health care system in America. It is too complex to avoid large birth pains but it didn’t help, of course, that Republicans threw every obstacle they could find in its path. Still, over 6 million people have signed up for coverage who have been without health care; and millions more can now do so conveniently by the next deadline, March 31. If you have ever had the horrors of health care costs you will understand the magnitude of this progress to the lives of America’s poorer people . Second on the list is the Boston Marathon bombings, a stand in for all the horrendous acts of senseless violence that plagued America last year. The character and impact of the new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, came in as the third most influential story. They note his “new openness, modesty, and tolerance” as the basis of his wide popu-

larity. Though recently Ken Langone, owner of The Home Depot, echoing several ultraconservatives, voiced opposition to the new Pope’s call for a fairer capitalism. They think Francis is socialist and “alienating the rich.” I might refer them to

Richard Fulton the Bible as a nice reference in this regards. Of course, the divided nature of Congress ranked high (4th). They passed fewer pieces of legislation (52) last year than any Congress since WW II. It’s being nice to them to just call them the “do nothing” congress. They really were the “no to anything Obama” congress. NSA spying is a continuing unfolding story (5th). Protecting our defensive capabilities is important, but how much freedom will it cost? Too much, if half of what we see from NSA probing is true. Freedom of individual choice in relationships takes the 6th spot as well by the spotlight given to Gay Marriage during 2013. Inspiration is tough to find on lists of the top stories of the year. The

negative always seems to stand out. The life story of Nelson Mandela upon the occasion of his death was the exception (along with the emergence of Pope Francis) this year. Seldom can we find a roll model that fits in every corner of the world. Disasters are listed 8th and 9th; one natural, one all too human produced. The Philippines Typhoon is the natural disaster, it was of heroic size. Syria provides the all too recurring story of human ignorance and self-centered destructiveness. Of course there were several natural disasters that could be used as major news of the year including our own East Coast storm. And there are all too many stories of humans treating humans badly on a large scale. Nigeria, Congo, continuing upheaval in the Middle East, continuing terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan plus all parts of the world, they all testify to the woeful fact that 2013 was not unusual in its stories of man being cruel to their fellows. What happens to the news is that it needs periodically to put a face to that cruelty, and thus a story catches the imagination and hearts by exposing evil in one man. Thus it is that the last story in the AP top ten deals with finding three women in Cleveland kept captured in an everyday neighborhood house and abused for years by one Ariel Castro. 2014 won’t fare any better, and hopefully any worse, than this past year. We can only hope that the top ten stories of this coming year will contain more positives than negatives –Dr. Richard Fulton is a Department of History, Humanities, Philosophy and Political Science professor at Northwest Missouri State University Emeritus and writes a weekly column for the Maryville Daily Forum.

LOCAL COLUMNIST

When in danger, remember to be Australian I’m worried about America, and not for the obvious reasons. The crumbling economy, the rise in violent crime and the fact that “Keeping up with the Kardashians” is starting its ninth season are minor in comparison. My concern is because we’ve gotten soft. Animals can sense this. Let’s look at the following headlines: “Guy Tosses Meat to Bear, Gets Mauled” (OK, soft and stupid). “Donkey Kills Texas Mayor.” “Newt Gingrich Bitten by Penguin.” It might sound like I made up that last one, but according to the Associated Press, while visiting the St. Louis Zoo in 2012, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich was bitten by a Magellanic penguin. Americans, more concerned with hair care products, the price of Botox and how to get a Merlot stain out of the carpet, have lost the killer instinct that made animals run screaming from people like Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemmingway. The cure? When confronted by any animal, just ask yourself this, what would an Australian do? Headline: “Shark Attack Victim Survived By Poking Animal In The Eye.” A Great White Shark tried to swallow Australian abalone diver Eric Nerhus, 41, in 2007. “I’ve never felt fear like it ’til I was inside those jaws, with those teeth getting dragged across my body,” Nerhus said on Channel Nine television network.

With his head and one arm starting to go down the shark’s throat, Nerhus jabbed out the shark’s eyes with his free hand and the shark let him go. Headline: “Woman, 94, Battles Rogue Kangaroo.”

Jason Offutt Ninety-four-year-old Phyllis Johnson hung the wash outside her home in the Australian Outback when an adult red kangaroo attacked her in 2011, according to Newser.com. The animal repeatedly kicked Johnson before the nonagenarian beat the snot out of it with a broom. Adult male red kangaroos can grow up to eight feet tall and weight 200 pounds. Headline: “Fisherman Fist-Fights Crocodile, Survives.” Yoann Galeran swam in the ocean outside an Australian yacht club when an eight-foot-crocodile attacked him in April 2013, according to The Na-

tional Post. “It went straight away to the top of my head and diving under the water he tried to do that spinning thing,” Galeran told The Post. When Galeran realized his head was in the croc’s mouth, he pulled back and started punching the reptile, which swam away. The kicker? Galeran is French. Australia even turns the French into fearless animal-punching machines. Here’s what happens in America. Headline: “Residents report attacks by squirrel.” People in the small town of Bennington, Vt., have been terrorized by a “rogue” gray squirrel. A man shoveling snow was attacked by this squirrel in 2011. “All of a sudden I felt something on my back and shoulders, scratching,” shoveler Kevin McDonald told The Bennington Banner. Although McDonald threw the squirrel off his back, it jumped back on twice, scratching and biting McDonald who ran inside his house to escape the rodent. The next day McDonald’s neighbor “battled” the squirrel with a metal pole and blanket, according to The Banner. The squirrel attacked at least three people. A squirrel. So, the next time you’re confronted with any angry animal, remember to stop, drop, and be Australian. Jason Offutt’s latest book, “Across a Corn-Swept Land: An epic beer run through the Upper Midwest,” is available at amazon.com.

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Religion Friday, January 3, 2014

P.O. Box 188, Maryville, MO, 64468

St. Gregory’s Catholic Church

333 S. Davis Saturday Mass 5 pm; Sunday Masses 8 & 10:30 am, 5:00 pm; Tuesday-Friday Masses 8 am; Reconciliation 4:15 - 4:45 pm Saturdays. Father Martin DeMeulenaere

The Bridge Church

1122 South Munn (directly behind WalGreens) Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Lead Pastor: Jason Hawk

Calvary Chapel

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 901 N. Main

24770 Interlude Rd. 9 am Family Worship; 11 am Adult Worship & Children’s Sunday School; 7 pm Wednesday Bible Study. Pastor JD Dirks

Sunday Worship and Sunday School 9 am

Temple Baptist Church 1604 N. Main

Church of Christ

Sixth and Vine Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:30 am & 6 pm; Bible Study 7 pm Wednesday. www.maryville­churchofchrist.com Pastor Cub Orcutt

Sunday Worship 10:45 am and 6 pm; Bible Study 7 pm Wednesday evening, Sunday School 9:30 am

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Sunday 4 pm

1721 S. Munn Sunday School and Primary 11:20 am; Priesthood and Relief Society 12:10 am; Sacrament 10 am

The Church at the Ville Maryville Community Center

– BARNARD –

Barnard Christian Church

Church of the Nazarene

1139 S. Munn Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:45 am; Teaching & Fellowship 6 pm.; Bible Study, Fellowship & Youth Extravaganza 6 pm Wednesday; www.maryvillenaz.org Rev. Laura Rand

Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth meeting – Wednesday evening; Wee-Worshipers & Junior Worshipers during church hours. Pastor Pat Sampson

Bethany Rural Christian Church Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:30 am

United Methodist Church

Community of Christ

Sunday School 9 am; Worship 10 am Pastor Dan Madinger

Countryside Christian Church

Worship 10:00 am; 6:00 pm Sundays; Ernest Vick speaks the first Sunday of each month.

415 W. First 10 am Sunday School; 11 am Worship.

Church of Christ

24899 Icon Road Early Worship 8:30am, Regular Worship 10:30am; Youth Group 5 pm; Junior Worship 10:30am. www.countryside-maryville.org

660-562-2424

First Baptist Church

121 E. Jenkins Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:45 am; Sunday Evening Bible Study 6:30 pm; Wednesday activities: AWANA (children’s program) 6 pm

First Christian Church (Disciples)

201 W. Third Sunday morning: Worship 8 and 10:25 am; Sunday School 9 am; Monday: All Stars Afterschool Program (grades pre-K-6th); Wednesdays: 5 pm Cherub Choir (grades K-3); 5:30 pm Vesper Choir (grades 4-8); 6 pm Praise Ringers (grade 9-adult); 6-7:30 pm Chi Rho Youth Group (grades 6-8) and JYF Youth Group (grades 3-5); 7 pm Chancel Choir (grades 9-adult); 7 pm Youth Dinner; 7:30-9 pm CYF Youth Group (grades 9-12); Thursdays: 8 pm DOCS (Disciples on Campus) Bible Study, Student Union Meeting Room C.

First Presbyterian Church

The Open Door Christian Center

Sunday morning service 10 am; Bible study 7 pm Wednesday; Pastor David Page, www.opendoorchristiancenter.org Pastor David Page

Sunday School 10 am; Worship 8:30 am Pastor Janis Tobias.

First Christian Church (Disciples)

Sunday School 9:15 am; Worship 10:30 am; Sunday Evening 6 pm Choir Practice; 7 pm Bible Study; CWF first Wednesday; Thursday after school Youth Group. Pastor Frank Chlastrak

First Baptist Church

Sunday School 10:00 - 10:45 am Worship Hrs. 11:00 - 12:00 Pastor Wesley Mayfield

– MAITLAND – Christian Church

Sunday School 9:15 am; Church 10 am; Children’s Church 10 am; Prayer 8:30 am & 6:30 pm; Sunday night worship 7 pm; Wednsday Youth Rally’s 7 pm; Tuesday-Saturday Prayer 7 pm; Monday-Friday Prayer 7 am Pastors Bill & Bob Gazaway

United Methodist

Primitive Baptist

Services 10:30 am; Route 136 East to Route E, then north 6 miles.

– PARNELL –

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church

Sunday School 9 am; Worship 10 am Pastor Sue Morvath

Worship 9:45 am, Don Ehlers/ Wesley Center Students

– PICKERING –

United Methodist Church

First Christian Church

Sunday School 10:40 am; Worship 9:40 am; Pastor Janis Tobias.

– CLEARMONT –

Terry Robison, Pastor; Worship 10 am; Family Day 2nd Sunday each month. Pastor Terry Robison

Pastor Josh Christy; Sunday School 9 am; Worship 9:45 am Pastor Josh Christy

Sunday Masses 7:30 and 10 am; Saturday Mass 6 pm; Weekday Mass 8 am; Reconciliation 5:15-5:45 pm Saturdays or any time by request.

1602 S. Main St. (The Hangar) Sunday 10:30 am, Pastor Trevor Nashleanas

Wray Memorial United Methodist Church

Sunday Mass 8:30 am

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church

Living Hope Church

– HOPKINS –

– BURLINGTON JCT. –

St. Benedict’s Catholic Church

United Methodist Church

– CONCEPTION JCT. –

St. Columba Catholic Church

– ELMO –

Christian Church

120 S. Laura Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 8:15 and 10:40 am and 7 pm; Wednesday 6:00 meal for $1; 6:30-8 TeamKID (children all ages); Youth ACCESS (Jr. High & High School) and Adult Ulimate Living Studies. Pastor Paul McKim

United Methodist Church

Sunday School 10 am; Worship 11 am Pastor Dan Madinger

Saturday Evening Mass 6 pm; Sunday Mass 10 am; Daily Mass 7:30 am; Reconciliation 30 min­utes before Mass. Father Allan

Adult and Children’s Sunday School 8:45 am; Worship 9:30 am Pastor Connie Eighmy

Laura Street Baptist Church

Sunday School 10 am; Worship 11 am; Prayer Service 7:30 pm Wednesday.

– ORRSBURG –

102 N. Main Worship Service 9 am and 11:10 am; Sunday School 10:20 am, all ages. Wednesday Cool Kids - 6:30 pm Pastor Scott Moon 931 S. Main Sunday School/Bible Study 9 am; Worship Service 10 am 9:00 am on KNIM  radio 1580 AM. Pastor David Oddi

– GUILFORD –

Community of Christ

Sunday school 9:15 am; Sunday worship 10 am Pastor Allan Ferguson

Sunday: Breakfast Fellowship 9:15 am, Bible School 9:45 am, Worship Service 10:30 am; Wednesday: Bible Study 7:30 pm Pastor F. Stevens

First United Methodist Church

Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:30 am Pastor Randy Grimm

Worship Services 9 am Rev. Connie Ury

Christian Church

211 S. Main Sunday: Church School All Ages 9 am; Worship 10:30 am; Shepherd’s Kitchen 5 pm Thursday. www.maryvilepresbyterian.org Rev. Jonathan Mitchell

Union Church

– BOLCKOW – Christian Church

Sunday Worship 8:00 am; Bible Study Wednesday 7 pm. Pastor Ron Ford

United Methodist Church Sunday School 10 am; Worship 11 am Pastor Connie Eighmy

Christian Church (Disciples)

– RAVENWOOD – Christian Church

Worship 10:30 am and 6:30 pm, Sundays; Sunday School 9:30 am; Youth Group 6:30 pm Sundays; Bible Study 7:30 pm Wednesdays. Pastor Rick Clark

United Methodist Church

Sunday School 9:15 am; Worship 11 am Lay Speakers Tim Wall, Travis Dimmitt. Pastor Janis Tobias

– SKIDMORE – Skidmore Christian Church

Bible School 9:30 am; Sunday Worship 10:30 am and 7:30 pm Sunday School 9 am; Worship 10 am St. Oswald-in-the-Fields 11 am 2nd and 4th Sundays Rev. Don & Marjean Ehlers

– WILCOX –

Wilcox Methodist Church

– GAYNOR –

Sunday School 10:00 am; Worship 11:00 am

Temple Adath Joseph

– GRAHAM –

United Methodist Church

Page 5

www.maryvilledailyforum.com

From the Pulpit

New and Improved?

The New Year is a time when many of us make resolutions to exercise every day, lose 10 pounds, etc. The New Year is a time to start over and begin anew. Many of us start the process by making resolutions with the best of intentions. We even keep our promises to ourselves and do what we said we were going to do … at least until the end of January. By the middle of February, however, our resolve has long since faded and we are back to our old habits. This, at least, has been my experience. I wake up one morning in March and realize that I am back to my original weight (Ugh). The experience is similar to opening that box of laundry detergent with the words “New and Improved” splashed all over it. With great anticipation we pour the product into the washing machine and expectantly wait for the laundry miracles promised on the packaging. By the end of the spin cycle, we realize that “New and Improved” is code for “the same old thing.” What a disappointment. The writer of Ecclesiastes may have had similar experiences with resolutions and laundry detergent. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” The short little verse gives a wise perspective on our cycle of making resolutions and eventually failing to keep them. The writer continues for 12 chapters and explains that life is filled with nothing but hard work, vanity, and empty pleasures. While Ecclesiastes provides a perspective on the human side of life, many other passages of the Bible provide a perspective of the divine. A look at the biblical story reveals a God who loves us very much. The God at work in the biblical narrative is always at work doing something new. In fact, God is continually making us new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” By God’s grace, we are a new creation. By God’s grace we are made new each day. The newness of God’s creative activity spans from past to present to future. As children of God, we are a new creation, wherever we happen to be on life’s journey. Newness in God provides a great perspective on New Year resolutions. Whether we are able to exercise everyday or lose 10 pounds, Christ makes us a new creation. The new and improved laundry soap may still be the same old suds, the daily grind may still be drudgery (as noted in Ecclesiastes), and our efforts to improve ourselves may be less than fruitful, but in God our inner and spiritual lives are continually made new. From this perspective, the other things we prioritize at the New Year seem less important. In 2014, let’s celebrate our newness in God. Rev. Jonathan Mitchell First Presbyterian Church Maryville, Mo.

Skidmore United Methodist Church

Worship 11 am; Sunday School 10 am Rev. Norma Villagrana

Community Church

To place your information on the Religion page, contact the Maryville Daily Forum at (660) 562-2424. To advertise on the Religion page, contact Twyla Martin: tmartin@maryvilledailyforum.com or Kaity Holtman: kholtman@maryvilledailyforum.com

Nodaway County Church Directory – MARYVILLE –

– ST. JOSEPH –

17th and Felix Streets. Services vary. Contact Rabbi Debbie Stiel (816) 279-3179.

Sunday School 9 am, Worship 10:15 am Rev. Connie Ury

24707 Business Hwy 71 • Maryville, MO 64468 660-582-7408 • Hours: 8:30-5:00, M-F; 8:30-3:00 Sat.

Celebrating 50 Years in Business!

www.tristatefordlincoln.com 2017 S. Main, Maryville, MO 660-582-3677 or 888-559-3651

420 N. Market St.

Body Shop & Towing

Maryville, MO

660-582-3104

To Advertise on the Religion Page contact Kaity, Twyla, or Phil at 660-562-2424 or stop by the Daily Forum at 111 E. Jenkins, Maryville, MO.

Page 6

Friday, January 3, 2014

Community P.O. Box 188, Maryville, MO, 64468

Call (660) 562-2424 or e-mail: rpiveral@maryvilledailyforum.com to submit your family or club items for the Community page.

(660) 562-2424

rpiveral@maryvilledailyforum.com

Graham News

Betty Jonagan, far right, recently installed the 2014 officers for Nodaway County Area Retired School Employees (NCARSE). Pictured are Becky Hanna, assistant secretary; Marcia Cline, assistant treasurer; Kay Coleman, secretary; Sue Schenkel, vice-president; Linda Ferris, president, and Betty Jonagan, past president. NCARSE meets the first Thursday of months March through June and September through December at 9:00 at the Senior Center. All retired school employees are encouraged to attend. NCARSE is affiliated with the state MRTA organization whose motto is “To Serve, Not to be Served.”

Now is the time to subscribe to the all NEW

Maryville Daily Forum CALL: (660) 562-2424 for details!

Jan. 6 – No School Tues., Jan. 7 – Breakfast – Whole grain cereal, skim milk, bananas; Lunch – Chili con carne, crackers, raw vegetables, pears, skim milk; Snack – Peaches, skim milk Wed., Jan. 8 – Breakfast – English muffins, applesauce, skim milk; Lunch – Sliced turkey ham, whole grain bread, baked sweet potatoes, mandarin oranges, skim milk; Snack – Bean dip, tortilla chips Thurs., Jan. 9 – Breakfast – Hot creamy wheat, pineapple, skim milk; Lunch – Meat loaf, rye bread, green beans, apricots, skim milk; Snack – Whole grain cereal, skim milk Fri., Jan. 10 – Breakfast – Hot oatmeal, mixed fruit, skim milk; Lunch – Chicken pie, wheat bread, mixed vegetables, citrus sections, skim milk; Snack – Pears, skim milk MARYVILLE R-II SCHOOL Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Breakfast pizza, fruit, milk choices Tues., Jan. 7 – Oatmeal with topping bar, fruit, milk choices Wed., Jan. 8 – Homestyle sausage gravy over a fresh baked biscuit, fruit, milk choices Thurs., Jan. 9 – Pancake sausage stick, fruit, milk choices Fri., Jan. 10 – Fresh baked cinnamon roll, 100% fruit juice, milk choices EUGENE FIELD Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Cheeseburger, homestyle chicken stew over biscuit, or sub sandwich, mixed vegetables Tues., Jan. 7 – Orange chicken & whole grain rice, BBQ rib sandwich, or oriental salad breadsticks, steamed

carrots & fortune cookie Wed., Jan. 8 – Homestyle taquito grande, grilled chicken sandwich, or sub sandwich & baked tater tots Thurs., Jan. 9 – Hot dog, hot pepperoni sub, or fajita salad, baked beans & fresh baked sugar cookie Fri., Jan. 10 – Beef stroganoff breadstick, pizza, or combo sandwich & golden corn MARYVILLE MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Cheeseburger, homestyle chicken stew over biscuit, or sub sandwich & mixed vegetables Tues., Jan. 7 – Orange chicken & whole grain rice, BBQ rib sandwich, or oriental salad breadsticks, steamed carrots & fortune cookie Wed., Jan. 8 – Homestyle taquito grande, grilled chicken sandwich, or sub sandwich & baked tater tots Thurs., Jan. 9 – Beef stroganoff breadstick, pizza, or combo sandwich & golden corn Fri., Jan. 10 – Hot dog, hot pepperoni sub, or fajita salad, baked beans & fresh baked sugar cookie NODAWAY-HOLT Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Cereal variety or sausage patty, toast, juice Tues., Jan. 7 – Cereal variety or French toast, toast, juice Wed., Jan. 8 – Cereal variety or scrambled eggs, toast, juice Thurs., Jan. 9 – Cereal variety or strawberry yogurt, toast, juice Fri., Jan. 10 – Cereal variety, toast, juice NODAWAY HOLT ELEMENTARY Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Chicken chunks, broccoli spears, but-

tered rotini, applesauce Tues., Jan. 7 – Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, country gravy, green beans, pears Wed., Jan. 8 – Chicken Fajitas, nacho chips, buttered carrots, pineapple tidbits Thurs., Jan. 9 – Stromboli, corn, fruit cocktail Fri., Jan. 10 – Chili, crackers, veggie dippers, cinnamon buns, peaches NODAWAY HOLT HIGH SCHOOL Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Chef salad or chicken chunks, buttered rotini, broccoli spears, applesauce Tues., Jan. 7 – Chef salad or country fried steak, mashed potatoes, country gravy, green beans, bread & butter, pears Wed., Jan. 8 – Chef salad or chicken fajitas, nacho chips, butter carrots, pineapple chunks Thurs., Jan. 9 – Chef salad or Stromboli, corn, fruit cocktail Fri., Jan. 10 – Chef salad or chili, crackers, veggie dippers, cinnamon roll, peaches NORTH NODAWAY Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Pop tarts, 100% fruit juice Tues., Jan. 7 – Pancakes, syrup, 100% fruit juice Wed., Jan. 8 – Assorted cereals, donut holes, 100% fruit juice Thurs., Jan. 9 – Scrambled eggs, buttered toast, 100% fruit juice Fri., Jan. 10 – Sausage gravy, biscuits, 100% fruit juice NORTH NODAWAY ELEMENTARY Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Corndog, sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, green beans, leafy green salad, pea salad, pineapple, frozen dessert

The Graham and Maitland Methodist Churches had their Christmas Program on Sunday, December 15th. It was entitled “The Big, Big Story.” It was about a reporter (Maggie Fuhrman) and her cameraman (Dakota Leeper) trying to get a “Big Story.” Other children in the program were Kaitlynn Grasty, Sidney Leeper, Hannah Lane, Derrick Thornton, Nicole Albertson, Rebecca, Charlea, Gage, Isaac, & Kash Johnson, Paige & Clay Hanson, Alexis & Tanner Maurer, Rachel Wilmes, and John Fuhrman. The children sand “Away in a Manger” along with other songs, The congregation sang “Joy to the World” and “Sing for Joy” at the conclusion. The Program was arranged by Marcia Leeper and Jane Hanson. Jon and Nancy Holmes had a Christmas Eve supper and gift exchange. Present were Curtis, Amy, and Lexi Hargis, of Olathe, Kansas, Clay, Lisa, Jaida, and Jenna Cox, of St. Joseph, Curtis Holes and Katie Gillis, of Barnard. On Christmas Eve, Max and Lula Drydale went

to the Maitland home of Bob, Kittie, Jace, Mariah, Aubrey, Lilia, Haddassah, Ruth, and Corinna Gazaway. They had supper and a gift exchange. Roger and Rhonda Messner had Christmas Day dinner for Paul, Sydnie, & Jadin Messner, Jennifer and Kayelyn Knight, Josh Copeland, of Graham, Dana and Brooklyn Koehler, Tyler and Kydone Wandfluh, of Sacannah, Brett, Cami, Addison, and Brock Van Vactor, of Platte City. Christmas Eve guests of Anna Lea Lance were Sherilyn Lance and Rusty Roach, of Barnard, Harton, Becky, Jay Anna, MacKenzie, and Brett Lance, of North Kansas City, Todney, Suzy, Melanie, and Jared Ware, or Savannah. They had a gift exchange. They had been to the Phil Lance families for supper. Lewis and Nadine Smail, of Maryville, had Christmas Eve guests for supper and a gift exchange. They were Roger, Cindy, and Adam Peter, Randy, Becky, Shayli, and Ashlyn Mires, Tracy Smail and Juile Volmer, Donnie and Vicki Meyer, Crystal

Moore, Ben Blackford, all of Maryville, Velinda Brown, of Kansas City, and Michelle Brown, of Graham. Velina spent the night with Michelle. Christmas Day dinner guests of Rodney, Lynatte, Kay Lee and Dane Boston, of Savannah, were Velma, Jerry, and Anna Drydale, of Savannah, Mark and Greg Drydale, of Maryville, Leon Drydale, Eric, Kim, Sydney, Kaci, Tate and Sierina Billings, of Barnard, Velinda Brown, of Kansas City, and Michelle Brown, of Graham. Rodney’s mom has been their Christmas break guest. Donald and Rosalea Smith took a bus tour with the Nodaway Valley Bank ambassadors before Christmas. They went to the Smoky Mountains Christmas, Dollywood, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, Titanic Museum and Christmas Land. They also were in Pigeon Forge for the shows and lights. A Christmas Day brunch was held at Donald and Rosalea Smith’s for Floyd, Lindsey, Gage, Isaac, Charlea, & Kash Johnson.

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Tues., Jan. 7 – Pepperoni pizza, tuna salad sandwich, corn, leafy green salad, sunshine pasta salad, applesauce, cinnamon roll Wed., Jan. 8 – Soft shell taco, hot dog on bun, rice, potato apple bake, leafy green salad, aloha slaw, pears Thurs., Jan. 9 – Spicy chicken patty, fish strips, tater tots, peas, leafy green salad, peaches, potato salad Fri., Jan. 10 – BBQ rib on a bun, sandwiches, ranch spikerz, hot vegetable, leafy green salad, assorted salad, fruit fruit NORTH NODAWAY HIGH SCHOOL Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Corn dog, macaroni & cheese, peas, fruit Tues., Jan. 7 – Pizza, leafy green salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon roll Wed., Jan. 8 – Soft taco, carrots, peaches, pudding Thurs., Jan. 9 – Chicken patty on bun, tater tots, broccoli & cheese, pineapple Fri., Jan. 10 – BBQ rib on a bun, pretzels, corn, potato apple bake NE NODAWAY Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Breakfast pizza, fruit, milk choices Tues., Jan. 7 – Breakfast biscuit sandwich made with a fresh baked biscuit, fruit, milk choices Wed., Jan. 8 – Oatmeal with topping bar, fruit, milk choices Thurs., Jan. 9 – Pancake sausage stick, fruit, milk choices Fri., Jan. 10 – Fresh baked cinnamon roll, 100% fruit juice, milk choices NE NODAWAY Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Cheeseburger, homestyle chicken stew over biscuit, or sub sandwich

& mixed vegetables Tues., Jan. 7 – Orange chicken & whole grain rice, BBQ rib sandwich, or oriental salad & breadsticks steamed carrots & fortune cookie Wed., Jan. 8 – Homestyle taquito grande, grilled chicken sandwich, or sub sandwich & baked tater tots Thurs., Jan. 9 – Hot dog, hot pepperoni sub, or fajita salad, baked beans & fresh baked sugar cookie Fri., Jan. 10 – Beef stroganoff breadstick, pizza, or deli wrap & golden corn JEFFERSON Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Fruit, juice, and milk; Biscuit & gravy, sausage patty or breakfast sandwich, sausage pizza or grilled cheese Tues., Jan. 7 – Fruit, juice, and milk; Pancake/syrup, yogurt cup or breakfast sandwich, sausage pizza or grilled cheese Wed., Jan. 8 – Fruit, juice, and milk; Breakfast pizza or breakfast sandwich, sausage pizza or grilled cheese Thurs., Jan. 9 – Fruit, juice, and milk; French toast/syrup, sausage patty or breakfast sandwich, sausage pizza or grilled cheese Fri., Jan. 10 – Fruit, juice, and milk; Scrambled eggs, biscuit or breakfast sandwich, sausage pizza or grilled cheese JEFFERSON Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 – Hamburger/ bun, French fries, winter blend, pineapple, milk Tues., Jan. 7 – Country fried steak, mashed potatoes/ gravy, corn, rosy applesauce, milk Wed., Jan. 8 – Turkey & noodle, mashed potatoes, green beans, pears, milk Thurs., Jan. 9 – Chili cinna-

mon rolls, carrot stick, milk Fri., Jan. 10 – Rib sandwich or pepperoni pizza, carrot, mandarin oranges, milk SOUTH NODAWAY Breakfast Mon., Jan. 6 – Pancake stick, fruit choice, milk Tues., Jan. 7 – Biscuit, sausage gravy, fruit choice, milk Wed., Jan. 8 - French toast sticks, ham, fruit choice, milk Thurs., Jan. 9 – Breakfast burrito, fruit juice choice, milk Fri., Jan. 10 - Breakfast pizza, fruit choice, milk SOUTH NODAWAY Lunch Mon., Jan. 6 - Chicken nuggets, seasoned pasta, green beans, blueberry crisp, fruit choice, milk Tues., Jan. 7 - Burrito, toppings, corn, fruit choice, milk Wed., Jan. 8 - Chili, crackers, veggie tray, cinnamon roll, fruit choice, milk Thurs., Jan. 9 - Cheese pizza, tossed salad, toppings, peas, fruit choice, milk Fri., Jan. 10 - Hot ham & cheese, tater tots, carrots, fruit choice, milk N. C. SENIOR CENTER Mon., Jan. 6 – Sweet & sour chicken, rice, oriental blend, egg roll, pineapple Tues., Jan. 7 – Ham, egg & cheese biscuit, sandwich, hashbrown casserole, tomato juice, fruit jello Wed., Jan. 8 – Salisbury steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, banana bar Thurs., Jan. 9 – Taco salad, southwestern corn, apple juice, rice pudding Fri., Jan. 10 – Shepherd’s pie, oriental coleslaw, orange jello

Friday, January 3, 2014

Page 7

SportS P.O. Box 188, Maryville, MO, 64468

QUOTABLE “I’ve been to Super Bowl games where I sat in the stands. I mean, it’s fun, but not playing and playing in one, why can’t we do it? I’m here. We’re in the playoffs. It’s possible. Anything is possible.” -Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles

660-562-2424

jlawrence@maryvilledailyforum.com

2014 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Nodaway-Holt perfect so far

By STEVE HARTMAN Staff Writer

Editor’s note: The Daily Forum will be previewing every high school team in Nodaway County as the 2014 portion of the season approaches. This is another installment in the series, which will be published over the next several weeks. Nodaway-Holt’s Lady Trojans have completed the 2013 part of their basketball schedule, and by focusing on one game at a time, the squad has an unblemished 9-0 record and a Northwest Missouri tournament title under its belt moving into 2014. FILE PHOTO Head coach David Carroll and assistant coach Josh Petersen feature several returning players Nodaway-Holt senior guard Megan Rosenbohm leads her undefeated from a squad that finished 21-7 Lady Trojan squad into 2014. last season, including a 6-1 mark

Driving for two Off the Bench

tack. Macie Bohannon, Frankie Lemar, Jordan Long and Bailea Plummer add depth, which all successful teams need over the long basketball season. Carroll said he sees strong 275 Conference competition coming from Mound City, South Holt and North Nodaway. In their latest outing, Nodaway-Holt downed previously undefeated Meadville 53-48 at the North Central Missouri College Holiday Hoops Classic in Trenton, and they will face another stern challenge in their first game of the 2014 portion of their schedule, as they host an undefeated North Andrew squad Tuesday night at home. “We are taking one game at a time,” Carroll said. “If we can continue to do this, we should have a lot of success.”

2014 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Fixing football’s BCS problem with ease I was sitting in my apartment watching the Fiesta Bowl when my roommate started asking questions about the bowl games. “How do you get into a bowl game?” “How many bowl games are there?” “Do they mean anything?” When trying to answer these questions for him I came to a realization… I hate the bowl games. I hate the obscure sponsors of the bowl games. I hate what the bowls stand for. And most of all, I hate that there isn’t a good playoff system. At that statement, I’ll get whistle blowers saying “But wait! There’s a playoff system in place for next year!” No. No, there’s not. There’s a championship with a play-in game (aka the SEC championship game). It’s awful. Kevin Birdsell It doesn’t solve anything Staff Writer that people are complaining about. It will keep some people quiet for a few years. After it running well for a year or two, some team will miss one of the “playoff” games and the world will again go crazy in anger because their team went undefeated, but a one-win SEC team made it into the playoff instead. Then the debate will start… again… and nobody will be happy… again. Not to say that people are happy now. Now people are satisfied. They wanted a whole buffet, but instead got half an appetizer. They aren’t as hungry anymore, but there hunger isn’t satisfied at all. The system is corrupted in the same kind of fashion that our country is corrupted, which is a tangent I refuse to get on, so don’t tempt me. The bowls are centered around the money. All money. All the time. That’s why the bowls will never leave us. In a perfect world, the Division I football people would have a sit down talk with the Division II football people and say “Hey guys… show us your ways.” Then they would divide up the football landscape into regions and have the beginnings of a good playoff system. Here’s my perfect playoff system. It’s simple. Take the AP or Coach’s top eight teams. Then take those top eight teams and make a playoff. That’s it and that’s all. Simple, easy (and it would’ve gotten Mizzou into the playoff, rather than being sent off to the non-BCS AT&T Cotton Bowl). And if you really want, give each game a different, silly corporate sponsor. Have the “All-State Sugar Bowl First Round Playoff Game,” or the “Chick-fil-A Semifinal Playoff Bowl.” That way the NCAA can still get its money for selling the rights to its bowl games and we, the people, can get a decent playoff system. The biggest problem with this system going into place for the 2014-15 season is that the BCS still runs the joint. They are really the ones that are screwing up the system. They are the ones that benefit most from the bowls, they get the most money so they aren’t in any hurry to change up the system. After putting it in writing, I guess I don’t really hate bowl games. They’re postseason football, which means football lasts longer, which makes me happy. So, no, I don’t hate bowls. I hate the BCS. The BCS is greedy and it wants its money. It keeps us from following the Cinderella Florida Gulf Coast-type teams of March Madness. This gets us closer.

in the 275 Conference, which was good enough for a co-championship. “Right now, we are playing well and having fun,” Carroll said. Senior guard Megan Rosenbohm leads the Lady Trojan offensive attack, as she averages more than 24 points per game. In addition, she averages 10 rebounds, six assists and eight steals per game. While those numbers are impressive, the Lady Trojans are far from a onewoman team. Kalli Devers chips in 13 points per game, while teammates Jaylee Holmes (seven points per game) and Darci Gallagher (five points per game) give the Lady Trojans multiple scoring threats. Bailee Lance averages five rebounds per game, helping fuel the Lady Trojans’ transition at-

FILE PHOTO

Pull-up jumper

Nodaway-Holt guard Nick Patterson leads the Trojans in scoring so far this season, and head coach Terry Petersen said he is looking for more consistency from his team in 2014.

Trojans searching for consistency By STEVE HARTMAN Staff Writer

Editor’s note: The Daily Forum will be previewing every high school team in Nodaway County as the 2014 portion of the season approaches. This is another installment in the series, which will be published over the next several weeks. Sporting a 4-5 mark through the 2013 portion of their basketball season, the Nodaway-Holt Trojans seek to get healthy and find consistency shooting and handling the basketball during the 2014 portion of their schedule. Head coach Terry Petersen and assistant Kevin Dobson welcomed back several key returnees from a

squad that went 18-9 in 2012-13, including a 5-2 mark in the 275 Conference, which was good for second place. Despite capturing a Northwest Missouri tournament crown, the Trojans have been plagued by poor shooting and shaky ball handling so far this season. “We can be a good team if we take care of the basketball and start hitting free throws and open shots,” Petersen said. “We need to continue to develop our mental toughness, as well.” Early season injuries have slowed Nodaway-Holt’s development as a team, as starters Nick Patterson and Ryan Ginther have both missed significant parts of the early-season schedule. Patterson joins Devin Albertson, Jackson Beattie and Cody Schnieder-

meyer as frontcourt returners for the Trojans, while Ginther joins Brice Shamberger, Zach Callow and Brody Day as backcourt returnees. Patterson and Beattie lead the Trojans in scoring so far this season, averaging 11.5 and 10 points per game, respectively, while Albertson and Beattie each average more than six rebounds per contest. Petersen sees Mound City and Rock Port as strong 275 Conference contenders, but thought his team would compete for the title. “I thought we would challenge for the conference title, but poor shooting and turnovers have plagued us so far,” he said. Nodaway-Holt will get the 2014 portion of its schedule underway Tuesday evening, with a home date against North Andrew.

Page 8

Sports

PRO FOOTBALL Kansas City Chiefs’ Bowe cleared to play; Fisher hurts groin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe was cleared to play in Saturday’s wildcard playoff game against Indianapolis after sustaining a concussion, though the status of linebacker Tamba Hali and right tackle Eric Fisher remains uncertain. Fisher hurt his groin near the end of Tuesday’s practice, while Hali has been dealing with some swelling in his knee. Bowe sustained his concussion in a loss to the Colts two weeks ago at Arrowhead Stadium. He was hit in the neck area late in the game by LaRon Landry, and even though he finished the game and attended a practice the next week, Bowe said he never quite felt right. He was diagnosed with a concussion and sat out last week’s overtime loss at San Diego, when the Chiefs — assured of their playoff seed — chose to rest many of their starters.

Chiefs put LB Johnson on IR

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed linebacker James-Michael Johnson on injured reserve with a sprained ankle Tuesday and signed linebacker Robert James as they began preparing for the playoffs. The Chiefs visit Indianapolis on Saturday. Johnson was hurt in last week’s overtime loss to San Diego, when he received extended playing time as the Chiefs rested most of their starters. He made five tackles and has his first sack. Johnson had played primarily on special teams this season. He was a fifth-round pick of Atlanta in the 2008 draft.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Missouri, Oklahoma St. renew rivalry in Cotton Bowl

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Missouri head football coach Gary Pinkel is constantly asked to compare the SEC and the Big 12, the league his No. 9 Tigers left two years ago. SEC East champion Missouri (11-2) will face Big 12 foe Oklahoma State (10-2) in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night. Pinkel says both leagues have great teams, but the SEC has more. He pointed out Thursday that there are 14 teams in the SEC. The Big 12 has 10. The SEC has won nine of the last 10 Cotton Bowls against Big 12 teams. The Big 12 team to win was Missouri six years ago. No. 13 Oklahoma State missed out on the Big 12 title and a BCS game with a loss to Oklahoma in its last game.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Chiefs vets have been through highs, lows By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There are only seven players left on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster who’ve been with the team since the 2008 season, and enjoyed scant few highs and unimaginable lows. In that time span, there have been four coaching changes. There have been two seasons in which the Chiefs went 2-14, matching the franchise mark for futility. There was a murdersuicide involving a teammate and a fan revolt that came to symbolize a lost season a year ago. Yet for Jamaal Charles, Brandon Flowers and the rest of those hardy souls, all those years of disappointment have been worth it now that Kansas City is back in the playoffs. “The last couple years, we’ve been through all kinds of situations, losing seasons, tragedy. It opens your eyes a lot,” said Charles, the Chiefs’ Pro Bowl running back. “You see so many people work hard. We deserve this. We’ve wanted this and now we’re here.” As the Chiefs prepare to visit Indianapolis for a wild-card showdown Saturday, there’s an unmistakable bond that seems to unite the longest-tenured players in the organization. Linebacker Derrick Johnson and punter Dustin Colquitt were drafted in the same class in 2005, so they’re actu-

ally on their fifth coach: Dick Vermeil, Herm Edwards, Todd Haley, Romeo Crennel and now Andy Reid, who has guided Kansas City to an 11-5 record in his first season in charge. Linebacker Tamba Hali is the only player left from the 2006 class, which means three players still remember the sting of losing a wild-card playoff game at Indianapolis that season. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is the only player left from the 2007 draft, so in a span of six seasons, those four players put together a record of 29-67. But things started to turn around when Flowers, Charles and left tackle Branden Albert were drafted in 2008. They went 2-14 their first season and 4-12 the next, but wound up going 10-6 and losing a wild-card playoff game to Baltimore after the 2010 season. At that point, those three figured only good days lay ahead. “Every day that goes by we have to cherish because next year could be totally different. I experienced that,” said Flowers, the Chiefs’ Pro Bowl cornerback. “I went to the playoffs a couple years ago, thought we had a young team and we’d be there every year.” Indeed, the Chiefs slipped to 7-9 the following year, when dysfunction in the front office resulted in a mid-season coaching change. Haley was fired and Crennel took over on an interim basis, and the first signs of cracks began developing within the organization.

They blossomed into massive fissures last season, when Kansas City won just twice. Along the way, fans started to show up to Arrowhead Stadium wearing paper bags over their heads — those who still bothered to show up, at least. When those seven veterans stepped on the field late last season, they gazed skyward to see airplanes towing banners paid for by fans pleading for thengeneral manager Scott Pioli to be fired. They got their wish in January. Crennel and Pioli were both shown the door and Reid was hired along with new general manager John Dorsey. They set about overhauling the roster, but perhaps more importantly, they completely altered the psyche of the team. No longer downtrodden, the Chiefs suddenly believed they could win. The result was a 9-0 start, a winning record and a playoff berth. Charles said the goal is to do more than get wins. The Chiefs haven’t won a playoff game since 1993, so that would be a good place to start. But for the guys who have been around the longest, the only thing that seems to matter now is getting all the way to the Super Bowl. “I’ve been to Super Bowl games where I sat in the stands,” Charles said. “I mean, it’s fun, but not playing and playing in one, why can’t we do it? I’m here. We’re in the playoffs. It’s possible. Anything is possible.”

Mother of Belcher sues Chiefs for wrongful death By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The mother of former Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the team Tuesday after exhuming his body so that his brain could be examined for evidence of a degenerative condition linked to repeated concussions. The lawsuit, filed by Cheryl Shepherd in Jackson County (Mo.) circuit court, alleges Belcher was subjected to “repetitive head trauma,” and that

the Chiefs failed to provide adequate medical care before Belcher killed his girlfriend and then committed suicide last December. Shepherd is seeking a jury trial and judgment “in excess of $15,000 for actual damages, punitive damages, and/ or aggravating circumstances, for the cost of this action and for such relief as the court deems fair and reasonable.” Belcher’s body was exhumed at a cemetery in Bay Shore, N.Y., at his family’s request earlier this month so that his brain could be studied for chronic traumatic encephalopathy,

a degenerative neurological condition. CTE has been linked to multiple concussions and includes symptoms such as memory problems, behavioral changes and eventually dementia. Shepherd’s lawsuit claims the Chiefs failed to warn her son of the short-term and long-term risks of concussions; failed to identify and remove Belcher from practice or games after sustaining head trauma; failed to educate Belcher about concussions; failed to monitor or treat Belcher for neurological dysfunction and failed to provide appropriate counseling.

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Friday, January 3, 2014 ALLEY OOP®

Comics

BY DAVE GRAUE AND JACK BENDER

FRANK AND ERNEST®

ARLO & JANIS®

BY JIMMY JOHNSON

BIG NATE®

BY LINCOLN PEIRCE MONTY®

THE BORN LOSER®

THATABABY®

BY BILL SCHORR

BY JIM MEDDICK

BY CHIP SANSOM SOUP TO NUTZ®

BY PAUL TRAP

BY RICK STROMOSKI

ASTRO-GRAPH

Success can be yours if you’re willing to go the distance. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. Devote your energy to your own pursuits, and plan carefully. Stay focused. Your courage and integrity will be admired. Do whatever is necessary. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Today will be busy and demanding. Stay focused on what needs to be done. It’s best to try to compromise in order to keep the peace. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -Don’t be deceived by rumors; someone may be trying to manipulate you. Use your own judgment and avoid risk-takers. Don’t make any promises without getting all of the facts first. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Take some time to be alone. Leave your work for tomorrow. This is a good day to muse about the past and the future. You’ll feel better prepared to make changes after you’ve had a break. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Keep pace with the go-getters. You are too busy to make time for people with no direction. Do what’s best for you and make friends with those who inspire you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- It’s a good day to find ways to pick up new skills and knowledge. You’ll get ahead if you continue to solidify your assets. Seek out stimulation. Don’t settle for dull conversation. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Get a checkup if you have been having

CROSSWORD

BRIDGE BY PHILLIP ALDER

SUDOKU Difficulty: 5 (of 5)

Try to paint the wrong picture

Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

©2014 JFS/KF DIST. BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK FOR UFS

PREVIOUS SOLUTION

BY THAVES

THE GRIZWELLS ®

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2014 by Bernice Bede Osol

1-3-14

Page 9

One of the arts of defense is painting the wrong picture of a deal for declarer. He thinks the cards lie one way when they actually lie differ-

health concerns. This is not the day to let things slide. Follow through with your goals to give yourself a greater sense of purpose. Make time to rejuvenate. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may want to check up on someone. Your intervention may not be welcome, but it will be helpful. Deep conversations will lead to new ideas that will be useful in the future. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Maintain a skeptical attitude. Insincerity from your acquaintances is likely to lead you astray. You’d do better to focus on your professional life instead of personal concerns if you wish to make headway. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- It’s time to take care of unfinished business. Let go of projects that have no legs, and instead focus on those with promise. Your decisions will give you momentum. Allow your ambition to grow. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- To avoid conflict, you should maintain an impartial point of view. If you are critical, you will meet with resistance. Let others do as they may. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Close listening will be beneficial. Your observations will provide insights that will change your path. If you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you’ll feel fortunate. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -It’s time to enjoy friends and thoughtprovoking entertainment. Consider a change of residence. Keep your eyes and ears open to new possibilities.

ently. The International Bridge Press Association Gidwani Family Trust Defense of the Year award was won by Fredrik Nystrom from Sweden. The journalist prize went to Micke Melander from Sweden. The deal occurred during the 2012 World Mind Sports Games (formerly World Team Olympiad) final in Lille, France. (These were held too late to be considered for that year’s awards.) A natural auction led to South’s playing in four hearts. West led his third-highest club. The contract did not look too testing. South, expecting to lose at most two hearts and one diamond, won with dummy’s club ace (East dropped the queen, promising the jack as well) and played a trump to his king. West took his ace and returned a low club. Declarer ruffed away East’s jack and continued with the heart jack. What did Nystrom (East) do after winning with his queen? South, Cezary Balicki

from Poland, the world’s 14th-ranked player, needed to get to his hand to draw East’s last trump. We can see that he could have done that in diamonds. However, East cashed his diamond ace, then led his spade nine. To declarer, it looked as though East had begun with a singleton diamond ace. South, thinking that he had to enter his hand by ruffing the third round of spades, won with dummy’s spade queen and tried to cash the spade ace. East’s ruff was a considerable shock.

Page 10

News

Friday, January 3, 2014

STATE NEWS BRIEFS Continued from Page 3 help his family and create a scholarship fund. Part of the money has gone to the family of 21-year-old Jarrett Mosby for immediate expenses. The rest will establish an ongoing college fund that will benefit Mosby’s 6-year-old son, Jarrett Mosby Jr., and later help other African-American men attend college. Mosby, of Collinsville, Ill., found shot to death Dec. 23 in a car in the village of Madison, Ill. He was five months from graduating as a business major and was in the area during the university’s winter break to visit his son. A 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody Monday and charged with first-degree murder.

Donor provides $1 million

Promoting exercise

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION

MU Extension nutrition specialist Lynda Zimmerman coaches Randal Schraer, a participant in a fitness program for developmentally disabled adults in Callaway County. The 10-week program promotes both exercise and social skills.

Strength-training program provides benefits to developmentally disabled By LINDA GEIST

MU Extension writer

FULTON, Mo. – Many adults with developmental disabilities face physical challenges as well. Which is why organizers are seeing a lot of value — not to mention results — in a strength-training program offered through University of Missouri Extension in Callaway County. Nutrition specialist Lynda Zimmerman has adapted Extension’s popular Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program to meet the needs of area residents coping with cognitive disabilities, and she hopes to take the program statewide in the near future. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of middle-aged and older adults through a safe, structured strengthtraining program. The 10-week course is modeled on a similar program developed by researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science at Tufts University.

Julia Kaufmann, executive director of Callaway County Special Services, contacted Zimmerman after learning about an upcoming Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class. She thought the 12 participants of Callaway County Special Services’ adult day program would benefit. Zimmerman agreed and worked to adapt the offering to the group’s special needs. According to a 2010 report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of adults with disabilities engage in no leisure-time physical activities. Zimmerman said the class helps participants strengthen muscles and improve balance. More importantly, it provides opportunities for social interaction. Kaufmann said participants look forward to the weekly sessions and have noticeably better attitudes and self-esteem after attending class. “I have seen such tremendous growth in these individuals,” she said.

“I have seen how they truly love to be here. They come in very excited.” Sessions start with simple warmup exercises, followed by a series of repetitive motions using resistance bands and leg weights. After each set, members exchange high-fives with Zimmerman and their personal assistants. “Give yourself another big hug,” Zimmerman cries out after each exercise. “The partnership between MU Extension and Callaway County Special Services Adult Enrichment program is a very valuable partnership,” said Kaufmann. “I was pleased to see the program is research-based and offers a quality level of programming. “This kind of program is important because it broadens the scope of what is offered to them. We are always looking for opportunities.” For more information about MU Extension’s Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program, go to www.missourifamilies.org/sssh.

Lawsuit seeks to encourage Governor Nixon to set elections DAVID A. LIEB

Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ten Missouri residents filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to compel Gov. Jay Nixon to call special elections to fill four vacant legislative seats, including one that already has been empty for more than a half a year. The lawsuit claims Nixon is shirking his duties by not setting special elections and that residents in the districts will be deprived of representation during the 2014 legislative session if the governor does not act soon. Nixon spokesman Scott Holste declined to comment Thursday about the lawsuit, which was filed in the capital’s home of Cole County. The lead plaintiff is Pamela Grow, the chairwoman of the 120th Legislative District Republican Committee, who visited the Capitol in November to deliver a letter pleading with the Democratic governor to set a special

election. The 120th House District has been vacant since June, when Republican Rep. Jason Smith, of Salem, won a special election to Congress. The other three seats became vacant in December, when: — Democratic Rep. Steve Webb, of Florissant, resigned from the 67th House District while facing criminal charges. — Republican Rep. Dennis Fowler, of Advance, resigned from the 151st House District after being appointed by Nixon to the state parole board. — Democratic Sen. Ryan McKenna, of Crystal City, resigned from the 22nd Senate District after being appointed by Nixon as the state labor department director. As a result of the vacancies, House Republicans will hold a 108-52 majority over Democrats when the legislative session starts next Wednesday. That will leave Republicans one seat shy of the two-thirds majority need-

ed to override gubernatorial vetoes. Senate Republicans will have a 24-9 majority over Democrats with one vacancy. The Missouri Constitution gives the governor the power to set special elections to fill vacant legislative seats. The lawsuit cites a state law that says the governor “shall, without delay, issue a writ of election” to fill vacant legislative seats. Nixon has not said whether he intends to set special elections or allow the vacancies to continue through the November general election. The lawsuit suggests Nixon could set special elections to coincide with April 8 municipal elections, which could save costs. To meet candidate filing deadlines, Nixon would have to issue election proclamations by Jan. 17, the lawsuit says. An April election would allow the winners to take office for the final weeks of the legislative session that ends May 16.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s most prolific political financier has made more than $1 million in year-end donations to some of his favorite causes. Online state campaign finance reports show that retired investment firm executive Rex Sinquefield gave $750,000 to Teachgreat.org, $245,000 to Grow Missouri and $25,000 to Missourians for Excellence in Government during the final weeks of December. Teachgreat.org is backing a potential ballot initiative that would end tenure protections for public school teachers and instead make their employment contingent on student achievement. Grow Missouri is backing a potential ballot initiative that would cut Missouri’s income tax rates. Missourians for Excellence in Government is a political action committee that has funded candidates, most notably St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay.

Mayor allegedly shoplifts CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A small-town Missouri mayor has been charged with misdemeanor shoplifting from a Walmart in Cape Girardeau. Jonathan McNeely, the mayor of Morley, was cited at 7 p.m. Saturday after store security told police McNeely concealed several hunting and fishing items in a shopping cart with a coat before leaving the store without paying for them. McNeely’s attorney, Bryan Greaser, issued a statement Monday afternoon saying McNeely was cooperating with authorities and hopes to resolve the matter soon. The 28-year-old was elected mayor of the Scott County town of about 700 in April 2012 after previously serving on the board of aldermen.

Ag industries outlook ‘soft’ OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A monthly economic report suggests supply managers surveyed in nine Midwestern and Plains states are optimistic about the regional economy over the next six months. The confidence index for the Mid-America Business Conditions Index jumped to 66.5 last month from 57.2 in November. However, the overall index rose just 2 points, to 53.2 from 51.2 in November. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says businesses tied to agriculture continue to report softer economic conditions.

Suspect charged in westcentral Missouri killing WARSAW, Mo. (AP) — A 68-year-old man has been charged in the shooting death of another man at a rural home in west-central Missouri. Benton County prosecutors on Thursday charged Randall Rollins with second-degree murder in the death of 23-yearold Brandon Shute, of Cole Camp. The shooting occurred early Wednesday at the older man’s home in Lincoln. Rollins did not have a lawyer Thursday, and does not have a listed phone number. A sheriff’s deputy wrote in court documents that Shute’s wife called saying her husband had been shot. The wife said Shute had tried to choke her while she was sleeping, and that she heard a gunshot from the doorway.

KC man charged with robbing Brookside bank KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 58-year-old Kansas City man is charged in federal court with robbing a bank in the city’s Brookside neighborhood. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas City says Casey M. Widman was charged Tuesday with the Dec. 30 robbery of a Bank Midwest branch. Prosecutors say Widman went into the bank around 1:45 p.m., showed a teller a black pistol and said he wanted to make a withdrawal. He is accused of stealing $838. A witness told police he saw a car parked near the bank for about 15 minutes, then leave immediately after the robbery. An officer saw a vehicle matching the witness’s description and took three occupants into custody.

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Opportunity to put your talents to work!! Custodial Position Come and join an industry leader with over 50 years of history and a bright future. Nucor-LMP, Inc., a division of the nation’s largest steel and steel products manufacturer and largest recycler is seeking qualified applicants for a Custodian in Maryville, Missouri. The position involves floor maintenance, locker and restrooms, break room cleaning, office upkeep and various other responsibilities. Potential candidate should possess self-motivation, responsibility and organizational skills. If you possess several of these talents and are interested in learning more about Nucor-LMP, register at http://www.nucor.com/opportunity and enter access code NLMPC. Individuals who register should be prepared to complete a brief questionnaire. The registration period ends January 15, 1014. Responses to the questionnaire will determine who receives further information on the application process. Nucor-LMP, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes. No phone calls please. Nucor is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and provides a drug-free environment.

AMERICAN WALNUT buying standing walnut timber. 25 or more. Call 816232-6781 in St. Joseph for more details. 249-tfn

Help Wanted SEMI DRIVER Dedicated run based out of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Must have a good mvr and a verifiable work history. Call Rick at 888-739-5220 ext 2. 249-5 DRIVERS: LOCAL, regional, OTR. Great pay and home time. Health, vision, vacation! CDL-A, 2+ yrs. exp. Hazmat, tanker endorsements. Call Andy, 800232-0170 x: 9229. 249-5 DRIVERS: FLATBED. Newer equipment W/APU, new pay increase w/consistent miles. Great benefit package. Extra stop pay. Consistent home time. CDL-A, 25 yoa and 2 years recent OTR exp. 855-2195996. 253-10 FULL TIME Help wanted: Sprayer operator. Benefits avaialbe. Call 712-5232201 to apply. 252-10 WANTED: 29 people to work from home. Make an extra $500-$1500 part-time, $5,000-$8,000 full-time. www.mlwhomebiz.com 252-5

Start your day with a cup of coffee and The Maryville Daily Forum! Call 562-2424 to subscribe today!

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Call Rita at 660-562-2424 or e-mail rpiveral@maryvilledailyforum.com to place your classified ad. All classified ads run five times in the Daily Forum and once in The Post -- 25 words or less for $20. rpiveral@maryvilledailyforum.com Notice of Offices for Which Candidates are to be Nominated at the August 5, 2014 Primary Election NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to persons wishing to file a declaration of candidacy to appear as a candidate for nomination at the primary election that filing will open on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. & will continue until Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Filing for the following offices will take place in the office of the Honorable Jason Kander, Missouri Secretary of State, in the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center at 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City, Missouri: State Auditor Representatives in Congress for each Congressional District (8) State Senator for Twelfth District Members of the House of Representatives in each Legislative District (163) FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that filing for the following offices will take place in the office of Beth Walker, Nodaway County Clerk, in the Administration Center located at 403 N. Market Street in Maryville, Missouri. Filing will take place by random drawing. A notarized Candidate’s Affidavit of Tax Payments (Form 5120) must be presented at time of filing along with filing fee. Associate Circuit Judge Presiding Commissioner of the County Commission County Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Recorder of Deeds Prosecuting Attorney Declarations of candidacy may be filed for the following political officers who are to be elected at the Primary Election: Township or Ward Committeeman Township or Ward Committeewoman In addition, such offices as become vacant by expiration of term, by death or resignation of incumbent or vacant for any cause, and which under the law, should be filled at the general election to be held November 4, 2014. Notice of Voter Registration Accessibility FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that at least one-half of the sites provided for voter registration shall be accessible to handicapped persons (RSMo 115.140). In addition, a disabled or elderly citizen may register to vote by alternative means including registration by mail and curbside registration. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION AND VOTING: Persons may contact your local election authority by telephone at 660-582-2251 or by mail at 403 N Market, Maryville, MO 64468. The Missouri Secretary of State’s office provides a toll free number for persons with hearing impairments who have access to a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). TDD users may call 800-669-8683 to obtain information on voter registration, polling place location and accessibility, absentee balloting, and other election-related services available in their local jurisdictions and from the State of Missouri. CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION OFFICIALS Given under my hand and official seal at the Capitol in the City of Jefferson, State of Missouri, this 12th day of December, A.D., 2013. Jason Kander Secretary of State I, Beth Walker, County Clerk within & for the county of Nodaway, do hereby certify that the above & foregoing is a true & correct list as certified to me by JASON KANDER, Secretary of State, State of Missouri, of the offices for which candidates are to be nominated or elected at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held August 5, 2014.

Fairview Express, LLC, is currently seeking Drivers for these positions: ➣ Weekend shag driver for our Fairview, KS, location ➣ Local delivery driver for nights & weekends ➣ Local driver for moving livestock trailers to and from St. Joseph, MO ➣ Livestock driver ➣ OTR Drivers Benefits Include: • Hiring Bonus • Safety Bonus • Competitive Pay • Health Insurance • Paid Vacation • IRA • Cell Phone Allowance • Quality, late model Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks and Wilson Trailers Class A CDL and 2 years of verifiable experience required.

Fairview Express, LLC, part of a diversified agricultural entity specifically known for respecting its employees, offers a unique opportunity to be part of a solid company with steady growth. Apply in person at our corporate office, located at 604 Nemaha, Seneca, KS, or contact us by phone at 800-222-1619 or by email at hr@fairviewmills.com.

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maryvilledailyforum.com

Friday, January 3, 2014

The Back Page (660) 562-2424

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Utility pushes for more solar

KEVIN BIRDSELL/DAILY FORUM

No thanks

Lillian Carter recently said “no-thanks” to a mailed solicitation promising to pay her $1.5 million in exchange for $5,800 in “shipping” and “attorney fees.” Carole Couts of Bank Midwest said her bank hears several times a month from customers who have been asked to cash checks in connection with similar schemes.

Mail scammers target local seniors STAFF REPORT

MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM

Maryville resident Lillian Carter, 87, is nobody’s fool. But some unscrupulous con artist had hoped she would prove just exactly that. Like hundreds of thousands of seniors nationwide, Carter recently became a mark in an attempted mail fraud scam that sought to bilk her out out of nearly $6,000. On New Year’s Eve, Carter received a letter in the mail. The envelope also contained a $5,800 check made out in her name from the “Publishing Clearing House, Reader Digest, Mega Million and Multi-State Lottery Association.” All she had to do, “Chief Financial Officer Erica D. Burns” explained, was cash the check and send the money, in large bills, back to “Team of Mega Million.” Those wonderful Mega Million folks would then use that cash to pay the “insurance, handling, shipping and attorney fees” required in order to send Carter a cool $1.5 million, which would be hers to keep. Smelling a very large rat, Carter took the check to her bank and had a stop-payment order placed on it. Then she called the Daily Forum because she wanted others to know about the scam — an increasingly common form of mail fraud that frequently tar-

gets the elderly. Carter also called the phone number on the letter, and someone actually picked up. That wasn’t the case for a Daily Forum reporter who tried the same number and heard only a recorded message stating that the line’s mailbox was full. “They wanted me to call this one person between 9 and 9:30 in the morning,” Carter said. “When I did, they said I was to withdraw $5800 from the bank in big bills. Then I was to FedEx it to them for early morning delivery. “I asked them why I had to send them $5800, and they gave me their song and dance. I told them there had been a lot of scams going around. … I said ‘don’t hold your breath waiting for me to send money, cause it’s not gonna happen.’” Carole Couts of Bank Midwest in Maryville said recipients of such bogus offers turn up at the bank several times a month. She said bank personnel are trained to inquire closely about the circumstances under which the checks were tendered, and to explain to customers the risks involved when such checks are deposited or cashed. Just because a check is bogus, Couts said, doesn’t mean the depositor isn’t responsible when it comes back marked “insufficient funds.” “We ask if they were expecting this

check,” Couts said. “When they say no, we try to explain to them what the consequences are. We coach our staff about this on almost a daily basis. We train them to ask questions. We never want to see anybody taken advantage of.” Though many intended victims of check scams are elderly, Couts said that’s not necessarily the case. She said bogus letters making outrageous financial claims go out to people of all ages in all walks of life. And once you’re on a scammers list, she said, expect to receive additional offers promising instant wealth in return for a measly several thousand dollars. In addition to ignoring such requests, Couts said recipients shouldn’t hesitate to report them to Maryville Public Safety. It’s doubtful such reports will lead to an arrest, but they do help law enforcement officers catalog patterns and techniques that can eventually be used to bring scammers to justice. Like other intended victims, this isn’t Carter’s first exposure to attempted mail fraud. “I got another one here a while back,” she said. “They wanted me to call a man, and I told him I had received a check. Then I told him I took it up to the prosecuting attorney, and when I said ‘prosecuting attorney’ he hung up the phone.”

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Columbia’s Water and Light Department is proposing a new program that would increase the city’s investment in solar power and encourage residents and businesses to use the alternative energy source. At the end of 2012, solar energy made up two-hundredths of 1 percent of the city’s renewable energy portfolio, which involves about 8 percent of all of the city’s energy sources. Although December numbers for 2013 aren’t yet available, renewables continue to be about 8 percent of Columbia’s energy portfolio, said Connie Kacprowicz, spokeswoman for the Water and Light Department. The department has proposed spending $500,000 this fiscal year on a solar program that would allow customers who can’t install panels on their own properties to invest in solar from a centralized array and get a credit on their utility bills. The department also has proposed that the city spend $200,000 on city-owned solar power in the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Kacprowicz said that amount would pay for the installation of 100 kilowatts of solar. The city hasn’t installed a solar panel on any of its property since November 2012. But interest in solar is growing, with eight Columbia residents and businesses installing solar arrays in fiscal 2013, which ended Sept. 30, Kacprowicz said. From fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2012, seven customers installed solar arrays. In a letter issued to the Columbia City Council earlier this month, the Water and Light Advisory Board suggested the city install 100 kilowatts of solar capacity each year. It urged the city to move quickly to take advantage of federal tax credit programs that allow businesses and homeowners to claim up to 30 percent of their expenditures on solar, wind and geothermal systems. The credits are scheduled to expire or be reduced significantly by 2017. Hank Ottinger, a member of the advisory board, said even if the city can’t meet all goals for solar power, it would at least increase its use. “If we fall a little short, so be it,” Ottinger said. “But I think anyone who takes an objective, broad look at solar will see it’s growing exponentially.”

Robber wants to go back to penitentiary ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A St. Joseph man told a judge he intended to get caught and go to prison when he tried to rob a convenience store but the clerk wouldn’t cooperate and refused to open the cash register. Roy Murphy, 43, was ready to plead guilty earlier this week to second-degree attempted robbery — a charge that would have sent him back to prison for up to seven years. But Circuit Judge Patrick Robb said attempted robbery requires threatening physical force, and simply asking for money from the cash register wasn’t enough. “The one thing everybody agrees is he didn’t threaten anybody,” Robb said at the hearing. Murphy walked into the store Nov. 22 and asked the clerk to open the register, but she refused. He had a camouflage ski mask with him but was not wearing it. After the clerk refused to give him money, Murphy asked her if putting the mask on would help, but it didn’t. So he told her to call the police and fled. He was picked up a few blocks away. Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday argued that entering the store and asking for money is a substantial threat, but Robb said he thought a conviction would be overturned on appeal. Holliday agreed to file an amended charge of felony attempting to take property appropriated from a victim.

St. Louis seniors belly up at 35-and-over lounge ST. LOUIS (AP) — Look around the Zodiac Lounge in north St. Louis and chances are you won’t see any 20-somethings. The bar, situated between an environmental Superfund site and an Aldi supermarket, seeks a decidedly older clientele. And it makes no bones about it. A sign on the front door requests that customers be at least 35 years old. Manager Nathaniel Chunn, 69, says he put up the age-limit sign about five years ago. He says he wanted to, as he put it, “maintain the integrity” of the lounge. Those who run the bar say the average age of patrons is about 70, mostly people who prefer to sit and talk about the past. Rosemary Turner, 75, bought

the Zodiac in the 1980s, and can often be found during the day sitting near the end of the 26-footlong bar, sipping a glass of water. She doesn’t drink alcohol. “After 30 years, I am still here, trying to get rich,” joked Turner, wearing black onyx earrings and a zebra-print sweater. Treating people right has helped the Zodiac stay open, Turner said. Her reward has been a core group of customers. Postal worker Ennis Hinton, 62, showed off his scar from heart surgery. Bar staff greeted him and his healthy recovery with hugs and handshakes. Hinton said he liked the relaxed environment and people. “Plus,” he said, “we don’t need a metal detector.”

St. Louis police report just one disturbance call at the address in the past two years, and that incident wasn’t enough to generate an official report. This despite the fact that the bar sits in a high-crime area. Ness Sandoval, an urban sociologist and demographer at Saint Louis University, said bars in distressed neighborhoods in New York and Washington, D.C., have also increased minimum drinking ages. “The functions of social controls are broken, so now it belongs to individuals to try to impose it by themselves,” he said. “People are trying to do something. It may be small, but they are trying to address drinking among people and how it impacts safety in public.”

Kenya Frye, 41, was at the Zodiac recently with friends. “In a younger crowd, there’s too

much fighting,” Frye said. “We’d rather go where it’s older. It’s a different atmosphere.”

CLARIFICATION In a story appearing in Thursday’s Daily Forum about the fatal shooting of Mickey Lobdell in northern Nodaway County, Brenda Schrodt, who lives at the house where Lobdell was shot, was quoted as saying she had received threats from “Mickey’s family.” Schrodt said Thursday she wished to clarify that the threats had come from friends of the slain man and not family members.