Several North Harrison FFA Teams Excel in Districts

Several North Harrison FFA teams excelled in districts recently.

The Forestry Team was first in districts and qualified for state. Lani Briggs was 1st, Jensen Davis 3rd, Jaxcynn Hansel 7th, and Kellan Craig 8th.

The Dairy Cattle Team was second in districts and qualified for state. Henry Frank was 1st and Cole Hartschen was 9th. Other team members were Baylor Hoffman and Lance Jacobs.

The Livestock Team was fourth and qualified for state. Hali Smith was 2nd. Other team members were Lani Briggs, Andrew Craig, and Jaxcynn Hansel.

The Meats team was fourth and qualified for state. Lela Hartschen was 3rd. Other team members were Dustin Hamilton, Bailee Barnhart, and Addison Milligan.

The Horses Team was fourth and qualified for state. Ryker Fortner was 4th. Other team members were Hali Smith, Wyatt Maize, and Devin Post.

The Agronomy Team was fourth and qualified for state. Members were Rylee Valenti, Alonna Milligan, Kyler Kimbrough, and Ethan Henson.

The Poultry Team was ninth and qualified for state. Team members were Jacoby Ballard, Creighton Graham, Mason Hicks, and Meric Hansel.

 

Dr. Ernesto Sirolli to Speak at NWMEF Celebration

More than twenty years after first visiting Northwest Missouri to introduce a new approach to economic development, internationally recognized expert Dr. Ernesto Sirolli will return to the region as the keynote speaker for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation’s (NWMEF) 20th Anniversary celebration.

Dr. Sirolli’s earlier visit to Maryville played a pivotal role in shaping what would become NWMEF. At that time, he introduced local leaders to the Enterprise Facilitation® model—an approach centered on listening to entrepreneurs, identifying their passions, and supporting them with the right resources. That foundation led directly to the creation of NWMEF in 2006.

Now, two decades later, Sirolli’s return represents a full-circle moment for the organization and the communities it serves.

“Bringing Ernesto back to Northwest Missouri is significant,” said Founding Board Member Jim Jacoby. “His work laid the foundation for everything we’ve built. The growth and impact of NWMEF over the past 20 years are the result of his original presentation and training.”

Dr. Sirolli is a globally respected leader in community-based economic development and the founder of the Enterprise Facilitation® approach, which has been implemented in communities around the world. His philosophy emphasizes that sustainable economic growth comes from within communities—by empowering local entrepreneurs rather than relying solely on external recruitment.

The 20th Anniversary celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners from across the region.

NWMEF has spent the past two decades carrying forward the principles introduced by Sirolli, providing free and confidential coaching to entrepreneurs across a six-county region. Through this work, the organization has helped launch new businesses, strengthen existing ones, and contribute to a more resilient rural economy.  NWMEF covers Andrew, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties.  For more information about the event or NWMEF’s services, please contact: Adam Summers 816-262-9400 or go to www.nwmef.org

 

Opinion -- Hawley Protests Decision to Award Grants to Planned Parenthood

By Senator Josh Hawley’s Office

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in response to the agency's decision to extend Biden-era Title X grants for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. This action comes despite promises Secretary Kennedy made to Senator Hawley in his 2025 confirmation hearing.

“I write to express my alarm at the recent decision to release another year of Title X grant funding to abortion providers. These grants, originally approved by the Biden Administration, will now directly subsidize organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform hundreds of thousands of abortions each year. I urge you to reverse course,” Senator Hawley wrote.  

He continued, “​During your confirmation hearing last January, I asked if you would reinstate the first Trump Administration’s rule preventing Title X funding for entities that perform abortions. To your credit, you answered unequivocally: “yes.” But to my knowledge, no rulemaking process appears to have yet begun. And taxpayer money continues to flow to abortion providers.”

Senator Hawley has previously introduced legislation to ban all federal tax dollars from flowing to Planned Parenthood.

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

I write to express my alarm at the recent decision to release another year of Title X grant funding to abortion providers. These grants, originally approved by the Biden Administration, will now directly subsidize organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform hundreds of thousands of abortions each year. I urge you to reverse course.

As you know, Congress has long intended to protect taxpayer monies from funding abortions. During the first Trump Administration, HHS finalized the “Protect Life Rule” in 2019, which required federal grant recipients to maintain clear physical and financial separation between Title X-funded projects and abortion services. It worked. Planned Parenthood voluntarily withdrew from the program rather than comply, and tens of millions of dollars in Title X funds were redirected to community health centers and other providers that offer family planning services without promoting abortion. In its zeal to pacify the abortion industry, the Biden Administration rescinded that rule. Your predecessor at HHS then gave unprecedented 5-year grants to abortion providers under the family planning grant program.

During your confirmation hearing last January, I asked if you would reinstate the first Trump Administration’s rule preventing Title X funding for entities that perform abortions. To your credit, you answered unequivocally: “yes.” But to my knowledge, no rulemaking process appears to have yet begun. And taxpayer money continues to flow to abortion providers.

So that Congress can conduct appropriate oversight, please provide written responses to the following questions by April 30, 2026. 

Please explain in detail what specific steps HHS has taken since your confirmation to initiate notice-and-comment rulemaking to reinstate the Protect Life Rule. Please provide a timeline for when a proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register.

What court orders, judgments, or consent decrees compel HHS to fund abortion providers, or otherwise represent the “significant legal challenges” cited by HHS spokespersons?

In California v. Azar, the en banc Ninth Circuit upheld the first Trump Administration’s Protect Life Rule. After the Fourth Circuit took a contrary position, the Supreme Court granted certiorari, but dismissed the petition after subsequent Biden Administration actions mooted the issue. What specific legal developments since that decision does HHS believe would impede successful reimplementation of a substantially similar rule?

HHS has indicated that the forthcoming FY2027 Title X Notice of Funding Opportunities will “prioritize life and promote the pro-family agenda.” How does HHS ensure, in practice, that Title X funds do not subsidize abortion operations at grantee organizations that co-locate abortion and family planning services in the same facilities, given that money is fungible and every federal dollar offsets other operational costs?

Sincerely,

Josh Hawley

United States Senator

 

March 2026 General Revenue Report for Missouri

State Budget Director Dan Haug announced Friday that net general revenue collections for March 2026 decreased 1.7 percent compared to those for March 2025, from $878.9 million last year to $864.3 million this year.

Net general revenue collections for 2026 fiscal year-to-date increased 0.7 percent compared to March 2025, from $9.18 billion last year to $9.25 billion this year.

GROSS COLLECTIONS BY TAX TYPE

Individual income tax collections

Increased 2.7 percent for the year, from $6.22 billion last year to $6.39 billion this year.

Increased 1.1 percent for the month.

Pass through entity tax collections

Decreased 21.0 percent for the year, from $447.6 million last year to $353.8 million this year.

Increased 22.4 percent for the month.

Sales and use tax collections

Increased 4.5 percent for the year, from $2.43 billion last year to $2.54 billion this year.

Increased 4.4 percent for the month.

Corporate income and corporate franchise tax collections

Decreased 22.1 percent for the year, from $577.54 million last year to $449.81 million this year.

Decreased 32.2 percent for the month.

All other collections

Increased 3.6 percent for the year, from $723.2 million last year to $749.5 million this year.

Increased 22.7 percent for the month.

Refunds

Increased 1.1 percent for the year, from $1.23 billion last year to $1.24 billion this year.

Increased 15.6 percent for the month.

The figures included in the monthly general revenue report represent a snapshot in time and can vary widely based on a multitude of factors.

 

Two More Abandoned Homes Come Down in Grant City

City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported at the Grant City Council Meeting in March that two more dilapidated homes were torn down.

There were two change orders for the sewer project. Two structures will be built around the blowers and UV lighting. A drainage tile will be put in so that runoff water does not get into the lagoon. The council voted to approve the change orders.

The city conducted a water rate study to see if the city was charging enough or too much. The study concluded that the wholesale rate was reasonable, but decreasing was not advised. The rate residential customers are paying needs to be reviewed and revised to avoid a budget deficit.

Ryan Fletchall is in the process of taking wastewater classes to recertify his current operator certification.

There were a few new small leaks in the water tower and Fletchall suggested getting a plan for a new water tower system sooner rather than later. The city will advertise for bids.

Riley Jones passed his water certification test.

Tyson Troutwine reported filling up the gas tanks at the city barn before the gas prices went up.

The city has been cleaning ditches and cutting shoulders.

The council voted to accept a bid from Whipp Sales & Service for a Kubota Skid Steer for $54,300 pending Tyson’s approval.

The council voted to accept a bid for Chip Seal from Approved Paving for $89,150 contingent on July 15th completion. If not completed by July 15th, the council reserves the right to cancel acceptance of the proposal.

Alderman Kevin Kobbe discussed having hydrant meters available to customers so they do not have to pay extra sewer fees on water used to water grass and gardens. Albany issued meters to customers and the city applies a discount to their bill when they are returned.

Alderman Lenny Campbell had an individual ask him about having a camper sewer cleanout. The council said that would be OK if there was a sewer main close enough.

The council approved building permits for Lenny Campbell and Shelby Hansen.

 

Brandon Allee, Melissa Percell File for Worth County Clerk

Brandon Allee and Melissa Percell have filed for the Worth County Clerk's position. They both filed as Republicans. All other Worth County incumbents have filed for reelection and will be unopposed barring a write-in campaign or a successful petition by an independent candidate. 

For the Missouri State Auditor's office, incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick (GOP) has filed for reelection. He will be opposed by Gerald Winstrand in the primary. Quentin Wilson and Gregory Upchurch have filed for the Democratic primary. Dustin Coffell has filed as a Libertarian.

Incumbent Sam Graves did not seek reelection in the 6th District Congressional race. On the Republican ticket Jim Ingram, Chris Stigall, Nathan Willett, Cody Oshel, and Nathaniel Schultz have filed. On the Democratic side Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine have filed. Andy Maidment has filed as a Libertarian.

In the State Senate District 12 election, Rusty Black has filed for reelection on the GOP side. He will be opposed by Judy McNeese on the Democratic side in the November election.

Incumbent Mazzie Christensen did not seek reelection for State Representative District #2. Freddie Griffin has filed as a Republican and will be opposed by Libertarian Shelby Dreier in the November election. In District 1, Jeff Farnan filed for reelection and is unopposed barring an Independent getting on the ballot or a write-in candidate filing. 

The primary election will be on August 4th and the general election will be on November 3rd, 2026. The last day to submit petitions to run as an Independent for the November election will be July 27th at 5:00 pm. The last day to declare as a write-in for the November election will be October 23rd at 5:00 pm. 

Community Calendar for April 8th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays (except holidays) – Worth County Commissioners meet at 9 am.

Fridays – Bedford Jam, United Christian Presbyterian Church, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Snacks and drinks available. Walk-ons are welcome. For information, call (712) 523-2282.

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 1^st to 6^th – No school at NEN. Spring Break.

April 1^st – Early dismissal at North Nodaway, Spring Break. No school at North Nodaway from April 2^nd through 6^th.

April 2^nd – Early dismissal at Worth County. No school at Worth County from April 3^rd through 6^th. Easter Break.

April 2^nd – Michael Orr, an educator with 30 years of experience in the classroom and administration, will discuss “Establishing a Foundation in a New Classroom” at the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom at 7 pm. Free and open to the public. He serves as the principal of Longview Farm Elementary School in Lee’s Summit and played football under legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder.

April 3^rd – Redding UMC Good Friday Bake Sale, Ringgold County Courthouse Lobby, 7:45 am.

April 4^th – Gilman City Dodge Ball Tournament, Gilman City School. Free will donation biscuits & gravy breakfast at 8:00 am. Dodgeball tournament 9:00 am. Eight person teams; $80 per team. Admission $3. Sponsored by the Gilman City Track Teams. A raffle will be held during the dodgeball tournament. There will be a $200 grand prize and two $100 winners. Cost is one ticket for $10 and three for $20. A pie auction and sports drink drive will be held following the tournament. Bring a pack of sports drinks and receive an entry for a gift basket worth over $100. There will be two silent auction baskets as well.

April 4^th – The Worth County Clerk’s office will be open from 8:30 am to 12 noon for absentee voters. Bring Voter ID.

April 4^th – Easter Egg Hunt, Hopkins Park, 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Hopkins Community Club.

April 4^th – Redding Easter Egg Hunt, Frontier Hall and Redding Park, 2:00 pm. For ages 12 and under.

April 4^th – Sheridan Christian Church Easter Story and Candy Hunt in Sheridan Park at 5:00 pm. Meal at 5:30 pm and special Easter Eve service at 6:30 pm.

April 4^th – Adult Easter Egg Contest at the Back 40 in Sheridan, 6:00 pm. Pick up map at the tavern. Prizes, gift certificates, tokens, and candy.

April 6^th – 102 DoNation meeting, 6:30 pm, Hopkins Christian Church. All are welcome. 

April 7^th – Municipal Election Day. Polls open at 6 am and close at 7 pm. Bring Voter ID.

April 7^th – North Nodaway Middle School Dance, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Pizza and pop will be provided by the North Nodaway Middle School Student Council. For North Nodaway students grades 6 through 8.

April 8^th – Darrin Adwell memorial blood drive, Northeast Nodaway School, 2 pm. The goal is to collect 36 units of blood. Darrin Adwell donated 36 units of blood during his lifetime.

April 8^th – Touch a Truck event, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, North Nodaway Elementary Parking Lot, Pickering. Volunteers with vehicles are needed for this event. Vehicles can include tractors, farm vehicles, derby cars, cars, trucks, and ATV’s. If interested, contact the school. Vehicles need to arrive at the Elementary Parking Lot by 5:15 pm.

April 9^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

April 9^th – Public Hearing for proposed bridge replacement project on Route 69 north of Eagleville at Zadie Branch. It will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Eagleville Community Center. Free and open to the public.

April 10^th – Pot Luck, Worth County Senior Center, 12 noon. Free will donation.

April 10^th – Jammin’ for Jesus, 7 pm, Ravenwood Christian Church. Contemporary praise songs, devotion, and snacks.

April 12^th – Fish Fry, Pickering Community Building, 11 am to 1 pm.

April 15^th – OATS Bus, Worth County to Maryville. Bus leaves the Senior Center at 9:00 am and returns around 2:30 pm. To make arrangements, call (816) 279-3131 or sign up at the Senior Center. Cost $2 each way or $4 roundtrip.

April 15^th – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition meeting, Worth County Fairgrounds Building, 5 pm.

April 15^th – North Harrison School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm.

April 15^th --- Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

April 16^th  and 17^th – Registration and screenings for Pre-K and Kindergarten at Worth County.

April 17^th to 18^th – Mammothon 2026, Mosaic Medical Center, Albany. Breast cancer screening. April 17^th from 8 am to 8 pm. April 18^th from 8 am to noon. Appointment required. Financial help available.

April 18^th – Worth County Cleanup Day. Dumpsters available at the Grant City Barn and the Sheridan Schoolhouse from 8 am to 12 noon.

April 18^th – Trade Days, Cainsville.

April 18^th – Spring Craft & Vendor Fair, 1407 N. Country Club Road #200, Maryville, 9 am to 2 pm.

April 18^th – The Blockton Booster Club will have their Fish Fry on Saturday, April 18^th, 2026. Serving starts at 5:30 pm at the Blockton Community Hall.

April 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. $10 minimum donation per person. Proceeds to fund scholarships.

April 20^th – Blood Drive, Worth County School, 12 noon to 4 pm. Sponsored by the Worth County FCCLA.

April 22^nd – Hopkins Historical Society cleanup day, 9:00 am.

April 22^nd – Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation 20^th Anniversary Celebration, Mozingo Event Center, 6 pm. Keynote Speaker: Ernesto Sirolli.

April 23^rd – Three-time US gold medalist Aly Raisman will visit Northwest. She will give lectures at 10 am and 7 pm at Bearcat Arena. Free and open to the public; tickets must be reserved by visiting the Northwest website.

April 23^rd -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

April 26^th – Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon.

April 26^th – Hopkins Beef & Noodle Dinner, 11 am to 1 pm.

April 28^th – Blood Drive, 2 pm to 6 pm, North Harrison School Cafeteria. Sponsored by the North Harrison FBLA.

May 2^nd – Free composting class, Hundley Whaley Center, Albany, 10:30 am to 12 noon. Sponsored by the Northwest Solid Waste District.

May 9^th – Free composting class, Northwest Missouri State, Dean Hubbard Center for Innovation Room 1202, 10:30 am to 12 noon. Sponsored by the Northwest Solid Waste District.

May 9^th – Downtown Maryville Spring into Fun, 12 noon to 5 pm. Main Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, Market Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, 3^rd Street from Vine to Buchanan, and 4^th Street from Vine to Buchanan will be closed from 9:30 am to 7 pm.

May 15^th to 17^th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 33982 State Highway NN, Hopkins. May 15^th from 12 noon to 8 pm. May 16^th from 8 am to 8 pm. May 17^th from 9 am to 3 pm. Vendor space $15 by May 8^th, $20 afterwards. Electric hookups are $25 by May 8^th, $30 afterwards. Camper hookup $45 by May 8^th, $50 afterwards. Set up May 14^th after 6 pm or Friday after 8 am. For more information, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141.

May 19^th – Law Enforcement Run for Special Olympics. The run portion starts on the west side of the Nodaway County Courthouse Square at 8:45 am and concludes at 10:00 am at the South Paws Veterinary Clinic parking lot. The walk portion starts at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park.

May 23rd – North Nodaway R-VI Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Nodaway High School gymnasium. The banquet will honor the Class of 1976 on its 50-year reunion and celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Cost is $17 per person plus $2 alumni dues. Reservations and payment are due by May 14. For reservations contact Teresa DeMott (660-582-1086), Sue Florea (660-541-4108), or Joyce Hennegin (660-927-3682), or mail reservations and payment to Elaine Holste, P.O. Box 213, Hopkins, MO 64461 (660-562-7867). When reserving, please provide your graduation name (and current name), graduation year, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

May 30^th – Missouri Eight Man Football All-Star Game, 11 am, Missouri Western State University.

May 30^th – Mud run at Clyde. Registration 10:00 am. Mud run starts 1 pm. Entry: $20 per class. Admission: $10. Kids 6-12 $5. Kids 5 and under free. Proceeds to the Ryan Pappert Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Midwest Mud Boggers.

June 1^st to 5^th – Worth County Partnership Library Summer Reading Camp, 9 am each morning. The theme is, “Red, White, and Read.” For grades PK through 6^th grade.

June 5^th to 6^th – Resound Fest, Miracle Hills Ranch, three miles south of Bethany. Free admission, community worship, and onsite camping.

June 12^th – Adam Swanson in concert at Clarinda High School, 1 pm. He is a four-time World Champion Ragtime Piano Player. Tickets are $40 and available at the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum.

June 13^th – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in concert at Clarinda High School, 5 pm. Sponsored by the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum.

June 20^th – Mike Henggeler Father’s Day Memorial Baseball Tournament, Stanberry ball fields, 8 am. Entry $150 per team; limit six teams for two divisions. First division – ages 9U to 12U. Second division – ages 13U to 16U. $150 per team. To enter, contact titletownevents@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Henggeler family.

June 21^st -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the Heart of America Tractor Club.

June 27^th – Albany Rhythm & Roots Festival, 5 pm.

July 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 veterans programs.

August 2^nd to 6^th – American Junior Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament, Mozingo Lake. A 54-hole championship for ages 12-19.

August 2^nd – Jerry Litton Legacy of Dreams. A special event being planned in Chillicothe at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center, 10780 Livingston County Road 235 in memory of the late congressman, who died in a plane crash 50 years ago. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 2:00 pm.

August 16^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

September 3^rd to 7^th – Northwest Missouri State Fair, Bethany.

September 20^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of the American Legion Post 464.

October 13^th – Hopkins Historical Society Fall Meeting, 7:00 pm.

October 18^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 membership.

November 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.