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Building tomorrow’s educational excellence While students enjoy their well-deserved summer break, USD 417 Morris County remains a hub of activity as staff and administrators work diligently to prepare for an exciting new school year ahead. Facility Improvements Underway Summer provides the perfect opportunity for major facility upgrades across the district. Maintenance crews are hard at work refreshing classrooms with fresh paint, updating flooring, and ensuring all systems are running at peak efficiency. Technology work continues over the summer in getting old devices removed from the rotation and new devices set up and ready to go, as well as other technology upgrades and repairs throughout the district.

The Farmers & Drovers Bank Team has been a powerhouse in the “C” age division of the Dickinson County Softball League this summer, racking up an impressive 85-12 scoring margin over their opponents. Leading the charge from the pitcher’s circle, Hayden Massie has faced 68 batters, striking out 45 while issuing just 9 walks. She’s surrendered a mere 3 runs and only 4 hits. She has demonstrated an outstanding display of control and dominance. The team’s early success is clearly reflected in their first six matchups, highlighted below as they currently hold a 6-0 undefeated record: Farmers & Drovers easily dispatched #2 Chapman on June 2 at Chapman, 18-0. They jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Cece Monihen doubled. Massie earned the win for the team. The starting pitcher surrendered one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out six and walking one. Alayna Craige tossed one inning of no-run ball in relief. The reliever allowed one hit, striking out one and walking one. Farmers & Drovers amassed nine hits in the game. Haisley Villalobos and Charlotte Switzer each collected two hits. C. Monihen, Izzy Monihen, Craige, Aubrey Talley and Azlynn Adams each tallied a hit. Short stop, Peyton Ryff, delivered an amazing catch to close out the game.

Holden Ziegler, a 2025 graduate of Council Grove Jr/Sr High School, will represent the West as an All-Star in Saturday’s game in Dodge City, wearing jersey number 58. He will join teammate Ace Monihen in the honor of being selected. We reported on Monihen selection in February. Standing 6’2” and weighing 290 pounds, Ziegler anchored the Braves’ defense as a lineman, helping lead the team to an 8-4 season and a berth in the state semifinals. During his senior year, he recorded 58 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.