JULY
• After an extensive search process, the Board of Directors selected Michael Stopka as the next Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging. Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Flaherty retired July 1, after 37 years with the agency.
• William Shuttleworth walked in support of veterans. Visit his blog and view his journey at vetsdontforgetvets.com. • As July heat made itself known, the staff and patrons of the Daviess County Library in Gallatin are extremely grateful for the gift of four new heating and cooling systems, courtesy of the late Janet Selby. • On July 5, Jamesport held its third ¬annual “fireworks spectacular” at the Jamesport City Park. Lake Viking’s annual Independence Day weekend featured one of the best fireworks displays in the region on July 6. • Mother Nature was tough on Daviess County the past few months, especially the last few weeks as there was extreme flooding in the Grand River bottoms. • Mandi Bird, County Executive Director at the Farm Service Agency in Gallatin, said her office had been working hard to get approval to implement various disaster related programs to assist landowners and producers. • The First Annual Friends of Gallatin Piccadilly Ladies Night Auction and Gala was held June 28 at the Red Barn in rural Gallatin. • Winston’s Jesse James Days was set for July 12-13 at the Winston City Park, presented by the Winston Historical Society. • The annual Daviess County Junior Livestock Show was set for July 11-13 at the fairgrounds located inside Dockery Park. • Williamson was a national finalist in Public Speaking when 21 Gallatin FBLA members traveled to San Antonio, TX, for the FBLA. • PBL National Leadership Conference (NLC) held June 28-July 2. • Gallatin FCCLA shined at National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA, with 3 gold awards, 2 silver. • The Missouri Department of Corrections was set for closure as the last of its inmates were relocated to other facilities. • A Pattonsburg man, Danny Daniel, 65, was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident that happened July 12, in Harrison County. • Morrell Legacy Real Estate LLC, located on Nickel Avenue a few miles northwest of Gallatin, sought an 80% reduction of its appraised price during a meeting of the Daviess County Board of Equalization held July 15, at the Daviess County courthouse; the request was denied. • The Daviess-DeKalb Regional jail agreed for a feasibility study to be done by Goldberg Group Architects. The feasibility study was to determine whether the jail proceeds with needed upgrades to the current facility or lays the groundwork for a new facility in the future. • The City of Gallatin received notification from Rapid Removal Disposal (RRD) that curbside recycling is no longer offered in Gallatin. • A former Winston teacher, Alfred Brian Sprouse, 50, was charged July 12 with four counts of child molestation fourth degree, an E felony. • The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the 2020-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which included five projects in Daviess County. • Some older adults in the area needed help getting to their non-emergency medical appointments. Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging looked for volunteers. • The City of Jameson invited everyone to celebrate the 128th Annual Jameson Picnic that was held Aug. 8-10 at the Jameson City Park, which was sponsored by the Jameson Lions Club. • The Jamesport Junior Livestock Show was scheduled for July 25-27 at the city park in Jamesport. • The Pattonsburg Multi-Purpose Center hosted a fundraiser on July 27. • For the second year, Gallatin Bright Futures held a Back to School Bazaar event to provide school supplies for many Gallatin students to help them be more prepared for the first day of school. • The 2019 North Central Missouri Fair got underway with a rodeo on July 26-27 at the fairground’s arena. • MU Extension held a Hops Field Day at the Bradford Ag Experiment Station near Columbia, Aug. 6. • Mark Allyn Kortz, 51, Bethany, was found guilty of burglary in the second degree and stealing in a two-day jury trial which convened in Daviess County Circuit Court on July 25.
• Governor Mike Parson announced July 30, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had agreed to the state’s request to provide federal assistance to local governments and nonprofits in 68 counties, including Daviess, recovering from flooding and severe storms between April 29 and July 5. • Daviess County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting Aug. 2, at the Spillman Event Center, 308 South Broadway, Jamesport.
• The sign above the Courter Theater is no more. The awning was taken off the theater building because the front of the building leaked and needed to be sealed, according to Amy McMahon, Gallatin Theater League (GTL) President.
AUGUST
• A four-day jury trial for Sal Hernandez, well known owner of Mi Mexico restaurant in Gallatin, concluded Aug. 2 with a not guilty verdict on each of the four counts. • The Gallatin Police Department, Gallatin Fire Protection District, and the State of Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office investigated an arson that occurred Aug. 3 at 400 North Main in Gallatin. • Missouri Star Quilt Company, Inc. of Hamilton partnered with North Central Missouri College (NCMC) to create three apprentice training programs to enhance the skills of their workforce. • Peter Allen and Debbie Lutzky Allen of Parasol Puppets, Jamesport, were awarded a Citation of Excellence for their “Punch and Judy” puppet show from UNIMA-USA. • When something goes awry with utility service, Gallatin’s municipal work crews sometimes confront the unexpected — in great depth as a wastewater line in the 400 block of Park Street collapsed. • Plans for the 2019 Gallatin Chautauqua took shape, according to festival leader Kate Chrisman. • Five Jamesport residents were arrested on drug charges following search warrants executed at two Jamesport residences Aug. 12: Amber Clevenger, 39, Charlez Cameron, 34, Ashley Ross, 25, Dustin Kimberling, 37, and Kristopher Simpson, 38. • Charlene Caraway of Gallatin won the Jameson Picnic Baby show in 1937, and her great-grandsons Parker Michael Kreatz won first place in the 13-18 month category of the baby show, and Owen Michael Kreatz was Little Mister. • The opening of the brand-new Main Street Medical Pharmacy in Gallatin has been a long time coming. A complex trail of red tape and paperwork hindered the completion of insurance contracts, but Dr. Nicole Neal and Dr. Mackenzie Morrison believe the end is now in sight. • Frances Whitt turned 105, Aug. 28, and the public was invited to help her celebrate with 105 pieces of pie! • A Pattonsburg native, Rachel (Hopkins) Tozier, contributed to the success of Team USA during the 2019 Pam American Games in Lima, Peru. • The tax levy hearing for Senior Citizens Services was held Aug. 14. • Daviess County Associate Circuit Judge Daren Adkins issued a ruling Aug. 14, which released a Kansas City man, Ricky L. Kidd, who had been jailed for the past 23 years for a robbery and double murder that occurred in 1996. • Brian K. Marshall, 50, Pattonsburg, was sentenced Aug. 15, in federal court in Tulsa, OK, to 32 years in prison for shooting at an FBI SWAT team in northeast Oklahoma. • A 29-year-old Olathe, KS, man was arrested Aug. 13, after a 25-mile chase that began in Daviess County and ended in Harrison County. Stephan Anderson was taken into custody with the assistance of multiple agencies. • The Seventh-day Community Service Center in Gallatin added “Bill’s Barn” in honor of Bill Reed, who passed away this past February.
• University of Missouri Extension offered meetings on farm leases Sept. 24, at locations across the state, including one at the First Christian Church, 1501 Main Street, Gallatin.
• Two subjects were arrested Aug. 14, after the Daviess County K-9 drug dog alerted to the odor of a narcotic on their vehicle located on Lake Street in Lock Springs. Sye Iness, 24, Holts Summit, and Joscelynn Russell, 24, Fair Play, were arrested and transported to the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail. • Access II Independent Living Center, located in Gallatin, held a bass fishing tournament Sept. 8, at Indian Creek Lake, Poosey Conservation Area. • Lance and Beth Rains and family of Gallatin were among the families honored during the 61st annual Farm Family Day held Aug. 12, at the Missouri State Fair. • Farmers affected by flooding had until Aug. 30, to apply for help from USDA emergency assistance programs, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Heather Conrow. • Bright Futures Gallatin held its third annual breakfast from Sept. 6, at the Gallatin Lions Club Building.
SEPTEMBER
• The City of Gallatin discussed possible refinancing of its sewer bonds, and the sewer projects that could be funded through the savings if the city could refinance. City Administrator Lance Rains researched possible rates. • MU Extension presented a Missouri Farm Lease Program Sept. 24, in Gallatin at the First Christian Church, located at 1501 S. Main St. • The Daviess County Commissioners met with the Army Corps of Engineers Sept. 6, to discuss the Magill Bridge. The bridge was being threatened by the Grand River, which had been turbulent through this extremely wet year. • Storm Warn has been up for about five years. Most of the pictures were taken by Jerry Buzzard of Maysville while he was out and about, but a few were sent in by followers. • According to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, there had been many various types of scams which were affecting Daviess County residents. • In a one-day jury trial held Sept. 4, in Daviess County Circuit Court, Vincent Sturgeon, 28, of Gallatin was convicted of endangering welfare of a child first degree, D felony, and domestic assault fourth degree A misdemeanor. • On Sept. 9, officers responded to an emergency call from a location on Lake Viking Terrace, Altamont. Suzanne Wildman made the call, stating that her son, Bronson C. Wildman, 20, had stabbed her and their dog and that he was attempting to kick down a door at the residence. • While the 150-year milestone of the James Boys’ legend commanded attention during Gallatin’s fall festival, another anniversary of significance occurred. BTC Bank celebrated its 100th year in business with a community block party Sept. 19, on the Bethany business square. • Fourteen Missouri bridges in poor condition were one step closer to improvement, including two in Livingston County.
• Charlie Zitnik with D.A. Davidson, a financial services company, provided the refinancing details of the sewer bonds during the Sept. 9, meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen. The bond amount to be refinanced through Bank Midwest (NBH Bank) was $1,573,400 at a rate of 3.1003% with a final maturity date of July 1, 2039. Refinancing would result in a savings of $174,000 for the city. • The Kickin’ Cancer with Kindness committee invited everyone to its annual BBQ block party on Sept. 28. • Gallatin Theater League made its return to the Gallatin Chautauqua this year with “Double Take at Beatrice’s Boardin’ House.” • Gallatin Fire Protection District was dispatched to Highway HH for a truck on fire Sept. 23, with Engine 101 and Daviess County EMS responding.
OCTOBER
• Charges against David Byrns, the former CEO of Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, and further proceedings will be held in the Middle District of Florida. • Gabriel and Zayden Hacking completed two different Eagle Scout projects. • A lack of space and parking, and Mother Nature’s mood swings prompted B&S Equipment Auctions to seek a new and more accommodating location for their business. • A group of friends on a fishing trip on the Missouri River ended up catching more than expected when they saved two men Sept. 21, near Cooper’s Landing. The group of rescuers included two 2003 Gallatin High School graduates, Will Jarboe and Justin Baker. • The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offered several options for hunters to obtain the hunter education certification required for firearms hunting. • A winding road uphill and down through autumn foliage and a chance to hobnob with Smokey Bear awaited those who visited the 33rd annual fall driving tour at the Poosey Conservation Area. • The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) encouraged deer hunters around the state to share their harvests through the state’s Share the Harvest program. • Access II Independent Living Center worked with a local contractor to finalize plans for a Community Wellness Center. • The Investigation Discovery (ID) channel premiered a 6-episode series called “Murder in Amish Country.” The subject of the first episode which aired Oct. 4, “Twisted Confession,” was the murder by poison of Anna Borntreger in Harrison County, MO. Horrific details about the murder were presented during the documentary. • A course in Mental Health First Aid was offered at the Gallatin First Christian Church Nov. 9. • Cameron Regional Medical Center sponsored its 17th Annual Health Fair Oct. 19. • The hometown festival was a “boo-tiful” thing when Gallatin hosted its 4th Annual Scare-on-the-Square Oct. 26.
• Northwest Missouri Steam & Gas Engine Association Fall Festival was set for Oct. 18-19, at Hamilton. • A brief outage at Daviess County Central Oct. 20, was caused by a backup equipment failure. • More than $1 million in grants were awarded to schools in the Western District of Missouri to bolster school security – including funding to educate and train students and faculty, and to support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident. • An updated city brush pickup policy was approved during the Oct. 15 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen. • Just moments after Gallatin defeated Putnam County, players and fans gathered around GHS Football Coach Patrick Treece as they watched a cell phone feed of the final moments of the Princeton-South Harrison game. • The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri established a fund to provide disaster relief particularly for flood victims in Northwest Missouri. • The Gallatin Men’s Club, a nonprofit community organization, donated $2,000 toward the Kickin’ Cancer with Kindness event. • Celebrating 150 years of women helping women achieve their highest aspirations, area P.E.O. chapter members gathered Oct. 21, at the United Methodist Church in Bethany to hear about the recent International Convention of the P.E.O. organization. • The Peers Foundation presented an Augmented Reality Distracted Driving Education Simulator (ARDDES) to Gallatin High School students on Oct. 29, in the ag shop. • Practices for “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical” were well underway. • Local and area residents had the opportunity to be a part of Missouri history when the “Paint for a Cause” art project came to Trenton as a part of the Missouri Day Festival in October.
NOVEMBER
• Teresa Faulkner, Bethany, is the new postmaster at the Gallatin Post Office. Teresa officially began in Gallatin on Oct. 12. • Christine Hardin is the new administrator at the Pattonsburg Multi-Purpose Center. • The Local Emergency Planning Committee discussed the purchase of a drone with Chemical Emergency Preparedness Funds (CEPF) at its quarterly meeting Nov. 6. • Gallatin Fire Protection District was dispatched to 700 South Cedar for a reported structure fire Nov. 2 • Members of Gallatin’s National Honor Society (NHS) assisted Christmas Around the Square co-chairman Cyd Terry in pruning and then decorating the spruce tree on the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn.
• Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) showed that young hunters ages 6-15 harvested 18,158 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2019 deer hunting season Nov. 2-3. • A Gilman City woman was seriously injured in an accident and later arrested for driving while intoxicated and other offenses. • Gallatin area businesses were surveyed by the City of Gallatin to determine whether there’s any interest in a series of business presentations to “jump start” entrepreneurship or to build tourism. • Before the snow earlier this week, farmers had some dry days for harvest, and they took advantage with combines and trucks rumbling all night in some fields. • Ayden Wayne of Gallatin was called to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. • Gallatin Theater League castaways worked hard on Gilligan’s Island — singing, dancing, and learning lines. • Shearwoods Fabric, Notions and More opened in Jamesport at 204 South Broadway. A grand opening was held Nov. 29-30 at the new location. The new owners of the business are Joe and Joyce Flanders. • Work started on the phase two renovations of the Missouri Quilt Museum. The museum is located in the 100-year-old former Hamilton High School. Phase two renovations will include the building’s gymnasium and lower level. • USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri released a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement recently for the Little Otter Creek Watershed Plan. • Milbourn, a roofing contractor located in Independence, provided a new bid for the roof replacement on Gallatin’s electric power plant, but the amount of the bid didn’t change from last year at $108,928.
DECEMBER
• About 15-20 people showed up on the lawn of the Daviess County Courthouse on Dec. 3, to protest the arrest of Jamie Wilson. • A lot of people were made sad on Dec. 3, when a construction crew began tearing down the old Elbert’s Skating Rink. • Stephen Cord, a frequent volunteer at the Daviess County Library, has graciously offered to assist patrons with all thing’s computer and math. • The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encouraged experienced birders to become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 120th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. • Wendy Cannell became an Infection Preventionist (IP) Board Certified in October of this year. She is a registered nurse at Redwood of Cameron Nursing and Rehab facility.
• Discussion regarding how to correct a clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant continued at the meeting of the City of Gallatin held Dec. 9. • Larry Belshe retired from the Farm Service Agency County Committee after serving the producers of Daviess County for 24 years. • The total number of influenza cases in Missouri surpassed the 1,500 mark, and the state has received three reports of influenza-associated deaths this season. • The Daviess County Election Authority notified all registered voters in Jefferson and Colfax Townships that, effective immediately, the Winston polling location has been merged with the Altamont location. • Homes and businesses in Gallatin were encouraged to decorate with Christmas lights and win a $75 credit on their January 2020 utility bill! • To support their fellow classmate, Officer Jasmine Diab, after she was injured in the line of duty, the Criminal Justice Club at North Central Missouri College started collecting donations for her education expenses. • The Gallatin community was saddened upon learning about the death of longtime community leader and former state representative Phil Tate. He was 73. • Janet McMahon retired Dec. 31, after 23 years as office manager at the Daviess County Health Department. • A Missouri appeals court Dec. 17, gave approval to the state’s portion of a controversial wind power transmission line that would provide energy from the Midwest to a power grid for eastern states. • The Daviess County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) and MU Extension hosted a joint meeting to explain crop provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. • Gallatin’s City Administrator Lance Rains was in contact with Allstate Consultants, the sewer plant engineers with which the city has an engineering agreement. • The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) issued 60 licenses for medical marijuana cultivation facilities. • Sophomores and juniors from area high schools had the opportunity to win all-expense paid trips this summer. • Robert “Skeeter” Mazur recently accepted the position of 43rd Judicial Circuit Court Marshal and was sworn into office Dec. 30 by Judge Daren Adkins at the Daviess County Courthouse. • Christmas around the Square was magical this year — in more ways than one. Through the generosity of area businesses and individuals, there was a long list of prizes which were given away during the festivities in Gallatin. New this year was a magic show by David Sandy.
