This Sunday night, we say goodbye to the old year, and greet the new. Here’s a look back at people and events of note in Clinton, Henry County and environs in 2023, in case you missed it the first time around.
January:
Daniel Peek, 14, is feted as a published author at Clinton Middle School. Daniel won the Flash Fiction contest sponsored by Stephen Kozan’s “ReadyAimWrite Kids” program for his book, “Wings of a Bird,” and signed copies at the book launch.
The Clinton Daily Democrat sells its historic building on Washington and moves into the former Bluebird Mercantile store front, 104 S. Main.
Max Jeys wheels out the Beer Bus at Primitive Olde Crow and Winery, featuring dozens of craft beer on tap.
February:
Amitria McNack is met with a parade when she returns to Clinton on Feb. 24 from Columbia, where she made CHS history by taking first place in the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s wrestling tournament in her weight class.
March:
Fancy, a Border Collie trained by Miles Bailey of Clinton, is named the Missouri Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year.
Gracie and her litter of puppies, born in a hay bale of the field of her deceased owner, are adopted by two generations of the same family.
Terry and Angie Carey open Frank’s Fish Shack next to their home on Hwy. 7 S., west of Tightwad. Terry fries up catfish, and Angie cooks sides they serve from a food trailer, named for Terry’s father, a Truman Lake fisherman.
April:
Ryan and Julie Summers attend a surprise party at Primitive Olde Crow and Winery on April 1, marking the 10th anniversary of opening their first pharmacy in Clinton. The couple now operate pharmacies in 13 locations.
Greg Shannon cuts a ribbon at the Katy Trailhead to officially open his new business, Katy Trail Tours and Shuttle service.
May:
Cruisin’ To Clinton holds its first Cruise Night of the season on the Clinton Square, organized by volunteers Matt Wray, Brent Winter and Marty Loyd.
Randy Shipman, Joe Hilty, Darren Huey and Ron Pack, with other Celebrate Recovery and First Baptist Church volunteers, start remodeling a former church on Ohio into the Men’s Discipleship Center, a residence home where former jail inmates can make a new start.
Linda Lampkin opens the Appleton City Carousel, which she bought from the carnival that operated it at the city fair for 11 years. Installed inside an octagonal building she had built on the Appleton’s City main street, the carousel has drawn riders from 12 states.
Dara Bigler attends a surprise party celebrating her 20 years as director of the Clinton branch of State Fair Community College.
July:
The Olde Glory Days Parade is not rained out.
Kim Henderson of Kim’s Cabins in Windsor is a keynote speaker at the opening of the Rock Island Trail State Park in Windsor.
Mayor Carla Moberly wields a knife in a pool-noodle cutting ceremony to reopen Clinton’s outdoor swimming pool in Artesian Park, which was closed for a facilities remodel and the addition of a new pool house.
Jane Marshall, the first female manager of a Walmart store, is feted as the guest of honor at her retirement party, held at the Clinton Walmart, where she started as a cashier in 1975. Jane’s career was featured as the lead story on the Walmart World website, and Walmart radio ran “shout-outs” to Jane all over the country on July 26.
August:
Jim Raysik is inducted into the 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame for his support of 4-H programs in Henry County for the past 35 years.
Carmen Rather and Jesse Frencken, who teamed up to offer pediatric therapy services in a small office in Clinton, expand the Pediatric Place into their entire 2nd Street building. A new Autism Center is rising in an adjacent space.
September:
Caroline Wagoner, president of the Clinton High School FFA, cuts a red ribbon to officially open the Cardinal Pride Farm and Education Facility on the CHS campus.
October:
Peggy Bowles, board members and staff of the Henry County Health Center host a grand opening for the center’s new building at 111 N. 3rd St.
The Clinton Fire Department hires Bayley Heider, making her the first female career firefighter with the department.
November:
Mayor Carla Moberly, Gregg Smith and Wallace White wield shovels to break ground for an airport terminal building at Clinton Regional Airport.
December:
A open house for the new Bourland Radiation Oncology Center, 501 E. Oakstar Dr., is held on Dec. 11.
Last but not least, Polly Mills, beloved member of Curtis and Shelley Mills’ family, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Dec. 5. According to the notice the Mills placed in the CDD, Polly, a senior pug, was adopted from Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor (CARE), who rescued her in July of 2022. Polly was preceded in death by three brothers, Sancho, Mr. Beefy and Cletus. Cremation services were provided by Over the Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Services.
“Her ashes are in an urn with her two brothers, Sancho, the chihuahua, and Mr. Beefy, the pug,” Shelley said.
The ashes will be buried with Shelley when she passes away, she said.
The concept of a pet “crossing the Rainbow Bridge” has become a solace to pet owners who have lost a best friend. An allusion to an ephemeral bridge in Norse mythology that spans the divide between this world and the next, “The Rainbow Bridge” is the title of an essay written by teenager Edna Clyne of Inverness, Scotland, after Major, her Labrador retriever, died. Edna envisioned a place where Major was waiting for her, to be reunited, and cross the bridge together.
As we step over the threshold between the old year and the new year, may we do so in a spirit of joy and love for all who cross our path in 2024.
The Changing of the Guard:
Hellos and Goodbyes
Coal Tire and Battery in Coal closed on Dec. 23, 2022, and McCoullough Tire opened in its location.
The Preaching Point held their final service on Dec. 31, 2022.
Daniel Dody completed his year as the 2022 president of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and Adam Cummings took the gavel as the 2023 president.
Taps sounded for Capt. Robert Richter, USMC (ret) of Clinton, who died at the age of 85 on Jan. 21, 2023. Richter was the founder of the Marine Corps Mustang Association for Marines like him who had served as an enlisted person and earned promotion to officer.
Randy Shipman retired as pastor of First Baptist Church in January 2023. Pat Findley became the new pastor.
Andy Bullock, long-time conservation agent for Henry County, retired. Drew Davis was hired as the new Missouri agent.
The irreplaceable Ann Drury, manager of the Aquatic Center since 2006, retired. Ann did not want any falderol when she left.
Tim Komer retired as Sports editor of the Clinton Daily Democrat. Owen Scoles, a student at CHS, was hired as the Sports Reporter of the CDD.
Roger House, pastor of Allen Street Baptist Church, retired. Justin Wright became the new pastor at Allen Street Baptist.
Joel Long took the controls from Wallace White as manager of the Clinton Regional Airport. Joel grew up in southwest Tennessee near Pickwick Lake, where he learned to fly.
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Family members gathered at sister Julie’s on Christmas Eve. Dinner went without a hitch and was followed by a gift exchange and Midnight Mass. I struggled to stay awake. Must have been too much …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
What was your favorite Christmas activity? Pajama night on Christmas Eve and opening presents. -Lynn Hannah Estes We had a celebration on Christmas Eve. -Briggs Lyon Playing …
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NAME: Jolie Riccitello BIRTHPLACE: KC, MO YEARS IN CLINTON: 5 FAMILY: Close by. THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CLINTON IS: Lake access and Katy Trail. OCCUPATION: Retired. …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce will close at 1pm on Friday, Dec. 22nd and reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 26th at 8am. We will have the same schedule Dec. 29th-Jan. 1st and reopen on Tuesday, …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Mary Ann Dietz, 85, of Sedalia, Missouri, died Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at E. W. Thompson Health & Rehabilitation in Sedalia. She was born August 29, 1938, in Windsor, Mo., the daughter of …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Shirley Jean Briggs passed away December 12, 2023. She was born October 2, 1932 to Leslie Henry and Novella Mae (Scott) Ringen in Sweet Springs, Missouri. She married Robert Lee Briggs on April 5, …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Calhoun Community Church Welcome to the Good News from Calhoun Community Church. Our church family gathers at 9:00 am for pre-church food and fellowship. We use this special time for visiting with …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
December 20, 2023 A reminder to Appleton City residents that taxes are due December 31. A penalty will be assessed for any late payments. Taxes are now payable to the County Collector at the …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Gary Cover Arraignments Sean Christopher Bumm, Exceeded Posted Speed Limit (20-25 Mph Over), Count 1 - Defendant Sentenced To Fine $155.50 Kenneth Randall Cummin, Property Damage, …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Praying In the New Year Someone, out there somewhere reading this column, will want to establish a daily prayer vigil with Jesus. You may even make a New Year’s resolution to do so. I would …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
On March 8, 1950, the Clinton High School basketball team traveled to the University of Missouri in Columbia to compete in the Missouri State Class A tournament. The next day, the Cardinals defeated …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Clinton City Council met in open session December 19; councilman Daniel Wilson was absent. Following roll call and the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
A new year and with my husband Mike’s passing, new changes to my grocery shopping habits. However, there are a lot of meal prep ideas which don’t change since they are applicable to many …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2024 with a …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
A RIBBON CUTTING was hosted by Benton County Economic Development on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the new home of Asianfy Bistro located at 14261 Hwy 7 in Warsaw, just a jaunt past the Mile Long …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Lincoln received some good news and some bad news this past week as injury woes continue to plague the Cardinals sophomore class. The good news was that Riley Sanders returned to action for the …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Another slow start and an especially dismal second period spelled doom for the Warsaw Ladycats when they traveled to Kansas City last Thursday to face Stover in one of many games on the girl's side …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
With Lucas Oil Speedway recently completing its 2024 tentative schedule, the speedway still has several openings for marketing opportunities in various ways throughout the season. Included are …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Lavon L. Williams, age 97, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023 at her home. She was born on November 1, 1926 in Benton County, Missouri to Albert and Roseltha Summers …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Hopewell Baptist Church Luke 2:1-20 sets the scene; Caesar orders a census, and everyone leaves for their hometown to be counted. Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register with Mary, …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The list of top names for babies born at Bothwell Regional Health Center in 2023 includes a selection of unique and timeless names. Seven girl and 14 boy names hold the title of most popular compiled …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Bothwell Regional Health Center has named Marvin Smoot as its Vice President of Clinic Operations. In this role, Smoot is responsible for the leadership, strategy, operational support and …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
NAME: Dyann Kobelt BIRTHPLACE: Shreveport, LA YEARS IN BENTON COUNTY: 4 years FAMILY: Husband, Richard; Son, Richard Jr; Daughter, Amber THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN BENTON …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The weather has been pretty nice the last week with the exception of rain but this area needed moisture so there wasn't complaints. When watching Agriculture (RFD) channel on Dish it has been showing …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Mark your calendar for “Dining at the Lodge.” -January 5, Steak Night/Prime Rib (weather permitting) 6:00 PM-7:30 PM, Cost $14.00-$19.00, RSVP by January 2. -January 10, Tenderloin …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
What word(s) best describes your 2023? New adventures. -Danny Morrison Healing, peace, love. -Emily Felix Grandma. I became a grandma in 2023. -Fawn Fajen
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Family members gathered at sister Julie’s on Christmas Eve. Dinner went without a hitch and was followed by a gift exchange and Midnight Mass. I struggled to stay awake. Must have been too much …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Who knows where the time goes? We’ve reached the end of another year, so it’s appropriate to reflect on the nature of time and how it affects us. And time certainly is a key element in …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Jim Hansen Assessor Benton County, Missouri December 19, 2023 Jim Hansen, Benton County Assessor, will mail approximately 12,000 personal property lists to Benton County residents shortly …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Sheriff’s Report 12/18/2023-12/24/23 Misty Jean Card of Warsaw, Mo was arrested on 12-20-23 on a Benton County warrant for Receiving Stolen Property, bond is set $20,000 surety only. …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
As the year 2023 comes to an end, we at the Benton County Enterprise flipped back through the pages of newspapers this year to look at it's top stories. As 2023 began, Chuck Allcorn of Hawthorn …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
According to www.bing.com holiday waste increases by 25 percent during the holiday season. The biggest sources of waste are wrapping paper, returned gifts, food, greeting cards, decorations, and …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
An NBA player, a National Football League Super Bowl lineman, a Major League Baseball pitcher AND the 1988-95 Warsaw Wildcats football program will headline the Class of 2024 of the Missouri Sports …
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
In new business Thursday eve, Cole Camp's Board of Aldermen adopted a 2024 budget of about $1,964,000, up about 12% from 2023 due to inflation. The budget included merit-based salary increases for …
