MSHSAA Oversight Bill Passes Legislature

By Brandon Lorenz, Missouri News Network

The House on Thursday passed and sent to the governor a bill that creates an oversight commission for appeals by high school athletes governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

SB 863, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, R-Holcomb, would “establish the ‘Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission,’ a board of directors appointed by the governor to hear appeals of certain decisions made by statewide activities associations.”

“MSHSAA is pleased with the outcome of Senate Bill 863,” the organization said in a news release. “This bill is a workable solution and a far cry from the extremely damaging bill that sat on the Senate floor in February and March.”

As originally introduced, the bill would have allowed the board to have broader oversight of the association, including appeals for all eligibility, all contests and contest producers or any rule changes.

The final version only addresses decisions to be made on appeals of athletic related decisions within football, baseball and other sports. When signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, the governmental body will have the final say on all athletic rulings.

“The voices of our member schools, coaches and directors associations, education partners, and many other Missourians were clearly heard, and that collective input helped shape a more favorable result,” MSHSAA said in its statement.

The board will be made up of five members, all appointed by the governor, with advice and consent of the Senate.

The bill got initial hearings in the Senate in February and was passed April 13. While in the House, bills need a “handler,” a representative that will help guide the bill through the House. Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston, was tasked with that responsibility for this bill.

“I hope this achieves where parents and students have another board, and that’s what it’s going to be. Another board where they can appeal their issues to, if they feel that they’ve been wronged by the MSHSAA board,” Cook said. “This is another option for them, that won’t cost them an arm or a leg. Right now, the other option is the court system.”

A similar bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Meirath, R-Excelsior Springs, and was tied into this bill string in March. Meirath’s bill would have created a “transfer board” that would have three members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, three members appointed by the president pro tem of the Senate and one member appointed by the governor.

“If (parents or athletes) are going to appeal, then they’re going to have to go all the way through what’s currently on the MSHSAA bylaws,” Meirath said. “Then it comes, if they choose, to the oversight committee. It has nothing to do with the organization within MSHSAA. It has everything to do with making sure there’s true oversight.”

Some confusion brewed on the House floor as Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, and Cook discussed the bill. In one part of the final version of the bill, there is a line that does not include the word “athletics.”

“When I read (this part) I do not see it specifically aimed at athletics,” Steinhoff said, “so it could apply to scholar bowl, it could apply to the music side of MSHSAA, it could apply to all of the things MSHSAA does.”

“I get the feeling that was not the intent of the bill because the name of the commission is ‘the athletics commission,’ so I’m wondering if we are intentionally allowing appeals to all the other parts of MSHSAA?” Steinhoff asked.

Cook did not directly answer the question, responding that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was going to be involved in the future of this bill and some of the decision making.

Once signed by Kehoe, this law will go into effect Aug. 28.

Resound Fest June 5th Through 7th

On June 5-6th, Resound Fest will return to Miracle Hills Ranch in Bethany, MO for its 16th year. The FREE Christian music festival promises a weekend full of uplifting music and a message of hope for all who attend.

Music at the festival kicks off on Friday, June 5th, at 6 p.m. and wraps up after the Community Worship Service on Sunday, June 7th at 9 a.m. On-site camping is also available, making Resound Fest the perfect affordable summer vacation for the whole family.

Resound Fest 2026 will feature: Micah Tyler, Seph Schlueter, Colton Dixon, Leanna Crawford, Megan Woods, Jet Trouble;  as well as: Joe & Beth Guerra, Break the Fall and Untitled Worship.

For the full festival lineup, including stage times, visit www.resoundfest.org.

Resound Fest is a family-friendly event with many activities for kids and adults such as swimming pool/waterslide, canoeing/paddle boats, children's games/activities, volleyball, basketball and more. There is a small charge for some of these activities. Activity passes can be purchased at the festival.

Thanks to support from local churches, businesses and individuals, admission to Resound Fest is completely free of charge.  To reserve your camping spot or for more information, visit www.resoundfest.org.

 

North Nodaway Alumni Banquet May 23rd

The North Nodaway Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm in the North Nodaway Gum. The Class of 1976 will be honored and the event will recognize the nation’s 250th anniversary. All alumni and friends are invited. Tours of the facilities are available on request.

Dinner tickets are $17 per person with alumni paying $2 in annual dues. Reservations and payments should be made payable to the North Nodaway Alumni Association.

Officers are Carmen Larabee (President), Darla Thompson (Vice-President), Joan Hemenway (Secretary), and Elaine Holste (Treasurer).

Reservations should be made by May 14th, 2026. When reserving, please provide your graduation name and current name, graduation year, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

To make reservations, contact Teresa DeMott (660) 582-1086, Sue Florea (660) 541-4108, Joyce Hennegin (660) 927-3682, or Elaine Holste (660) 562-7867. Mail reservation payments to Elaine Holste, Treasurer, PO Box 213, Hopkins, MO 64461.

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for May 6th, 2026

On April 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Kira Egly (20) of Diagonal alleging DWI and Minor Visibly Intoxicated.

On April 30th, Bennie Curtis (32) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to charges of Speeding, Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn and fined $180.50 plus costs.

On April 30th, Christian Slaughter (20) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn.

On April 30th, Jayson Herwehe (54) of Prairie City (IA) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to No Valid License (Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn, consecutive to his Daviess County case.

On April 30th, Cassandra Gathercole (49) of Rosendale was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn and fined $250 plus a $150 surcharge for Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). The defendant had been convicted by a Harrison County jury.

On April 30th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Sarah Christian (47) of Pattonsburg alleging two counts Domestic Assault (1 Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only. No contact with victim; no use of alcohol.

On May 1st, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Karen Smith (72) alleging Harassment.

On May 1st, KJAN reported that the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Coltin Hatfield (30) of Kellerton on 10 counts of Sex Offender Registry violations.

On May 1st, a Ravenwood man posted on Facebook that he had multiple sports autographed photos stolen out of a friend’s truck in St. Joseph while he was at work.

On May 2nd, the City of Blockton posted on its Facebook page that someone was doing donuts on a four-wheeler at the Blockton Cemetery.

On May 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a golf cart in Bethany on private property was being driven by a 14 year old when she attempted to drive down a steep hill. The vehicle overturned several times and came to rest upside down near a large brush pile. She and five passengers were all injured in the wreck, with two seriously injured and taken to Children’s Mercy.

On May 3rd, KJAN reported that Colton Bolles (33) of Mount Ayr was arrested by the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department on charges of Burglary (Felony) and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $6,000.

On May 4th, Ryan Eckstein (41) of Maryville pleaded guilty to two counts Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Corey Herron. Court retains jurisdiction for 120 days and the DOC will make recommendations regarding imprisonment or probation. The sentence is to be served concurrently with his Gentry County case.

On May 5th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Albert Force (38) of King City alleging two counts Domestic Assault (one Felony), Peace Disturbance, and Assault. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

 

Community Calendar for May 6th, 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.

REPEATING 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.

Every Second Wednesday – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition, 5:00 pm, Worth County Community Church.

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 6^th – Free sports physicals, North Nodaway School, 8:30 am. All athletes must have a physical on file with the school to play or practice in MSHSAA sanctioned sports.

May 6^th – Worth County Elementary Spring Concert, 6:00 pm, High School Gym.

May 7^th – North Harrison Senior Day. Seniors’ final walk starts at 8:30 am. Presentation of awards is 8:45 am.

May 7^th – Bedford Walk & Talk, 507 Central Avenue, Bedford, 5:00 pm. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Taylor County Public Health.

May 7^th – North Harrison Pre-K Graduation, 6:00 pm.

May 7^th – Gilman City Preschool Graduation, 6:30 pm.

May 8^th -- Worth County Elementary Track Day, 8:30 am.

May 8^th – Worth County Senior Center Potluck, 12 noon. Free will donation.

May 8^th – Gentry Opry. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Special guest singer and comedian Sadie. Concessions available.

May 8^th – North Nodaway Scholarship and Academic Banquet, 6:00 pm.

May 8^th – NEN Baccalaureate, Ravenwood United Methodist Church, 6:30 pm.

May 9^th – Household Hazardous Waste Collection, 8 am to noon, Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 East Halsey Street, Maryville. Free and open to residents of Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth Counties. Bring ID.

May 9^th – Second Saturday at the Nodaway County Historical Museum, 9 am to 11 am. Coffee, refreshments, and baked goods. Free and open to the public.

May 9^th – District Track Meet at Worth County, 9:30 am.

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. “Thrill the Ville,” a motorcycle show, will be held from 11 am to 6 pm that day.

May 10^th – Worth County Graduation, 2 pm, Worth County Gym.

May 10^th – North Harrison Graduation, 2 pm, North Harrison Gym.

May 12^th – Northwest Missouri Roadway Safety Program, Maryville Public Safety Building, 6:30 pm. A 90-minute traffic safety program for teens and parents or guardians. Free and open to the public.

May 14^th – Worth County Elementary Awards Day, 8:30 am.

May 14^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

May 14^th – Worth County VFW, 5:00 pm, Worth County Senior Center.

May 14^th – Worth County Pre-K Graduation, 6:00 pm, Multipurpose Room.

May 15^th – Retirement card shower in honor of Karen Andrews, who is retiring after 20 years at Worth County. Send cards to 510 East Avenue, Grant City, MO, 64456. Please have all cards arrive by May 15^th.

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 16^th – Mother’s Day Brunch, Oak Pointe, Maryville, 10 am. Adults $12, kids $6.

May 17^th – Book fair at Louie G’s, 103 A South Main, Maryville, 12 noon to 3 pm. Free and open to the public.

May 17^th – Sheridan Express Cooperative Meeting, 5:00 pm, Sheridan Housing Laundry Room.

May 18^th – Worth County Hazardous Mitigation Plan Kickoff Meeting, 5:30 pm, Grant City Golf Clubhouse. Free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact Kirk Klopper at solid@nwmorcog.org.

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 21^st – United Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting. Registration 4:30 pm. Business Meeting 7:00 pm. Missouri Western State University, Fulkerson Center, St. Joseph.

May 21^st – Pollinator Gardening class, Nodaway County Administration Center, Conference Room, Maryville, 5:00 pm. Gwen Funk of University Extension will give a presentation about gardening for pollinators and using native plants to create a beneficial landscape. Sponsored by the Maryville Public Library. To reserve, call (660) 582-5281. Free and open to the public; for ages 13 and up. Limited to 30 spots; registration required.

May 22^nd – John Mackey in concert at The Pub starting at 8:00 pm. Traditional Country, Folk, and Rock Music. Free and open to the public.

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 23^rd – Pattonsburg Alumni Banquet. Pattonsburg School Gym. Social hour 5:00 pm. Dinner 6:00 pm, followed by a program. Reservations due May 17^th. To reserve, contact Shane Searcy (515) 979-0732. Cost $25 per person with reservations. $28 per person without reservations.

May 24^th – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon, Community Building.

May 24^th – Tri-C Legion Post #464 will hold Memorial Day services at the following times and locations: St. Columba Cemetery, 9:30 am; Swinford Cemetery in Bedison, 10:00 am; Barnard Cemetery, 10:30 am; Weathermon Cemetery in Guilford, 10:50 am; Graves Cemetery in Guilford, 11:00 am; High Ridge Cemetery in Stanberry, 11:30 am; Mount Cavalry Cemetery in Stanberry, 11:40 am; Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ravenwood, 12:15 pm; Parnell Cemetery, 12:30 pm; Nodaway Memorial Gardens in Maryville, 1:15 pm; Oak Hill Cemetery in Maryville, 1:30 pm; Nodaway County Courthouse, 1:45 pm; St. Mary’s and Miriam Cemeteries in Maryville, 2:00 pm; St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Maryville, 2:15 pm.

May 24^th – Grant City Golf Course Memorial Day Weekend Golf Tournament, 1:00 pm.

May 27^th – Denver City Council Meeting, 9 am, 610 Mill Street.

May 28^th – Bearcat Football Camp, Hughes Fieldhouse, Northwest Missouri State, Maryville. Check-in 8:30 am. Camp 9:00 am to 11:30 am. For students entering grades 2-8. Cost $40 per child. To enter or for questions, contact jwillrich@nwmissouri.edu.

May 28^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

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 5^th to 6^th – Hopkins Citywide Garage Sales.

June 6^th – Road to Laughs, The Pub, 7:00 pm. Comedy show featuring Ebony Star, Marlon Mac, Josh Reynolds, and Tyler Tha Comic. Cost $15; tickets available online at The Pub Facebook Page.

June 8^th to 11^th – NEN Kids Basketball Camp. 10 am to 11 am each morning. For boys and girls grades 2-5 for the 2026-27 school year. Cost $20/child; payment due first day of camp. The NEN Girls Basketball team will host.

June 10^th – Lunch & Learn Funeral Planning Seminar, 11:30 am, A&G Restaurant, Maryville. Sponsored by Bram Funeral Home. To register, call (660) 290-6643.

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 12^th – Dueling Piano Night, 8 pm, The Pub, Maryville. Requests welcome. Presale tickets $10 plus fees, $15 the day of the show. Limited to 100 tickets.

June 13^th – KSIB Tractor Ride, 8 am. Starting in Lenox, traveling to Clearfield, then having lunch at the Lake of Three Fires before returning to Lenox. Participants will vote for best in show.

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

June 14^th – Grant City Golf Course Club Tournament, 1:00 pm.

June 19^th to 20^th – Old Defiance Days and Sheridan Rodeo.

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 20^th – Harrison County Community Hospital ribbon cutting and open house for new building, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

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 – Rock the Ville, Maryville, 12 noon to 12 midnight.

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

June 27^th – Jesse & The Medicine Men, Big Bend Bar & Grille, Sun Valley Lake, Ellston (IA), 7 pm.

July 3^rd – Worth County Tractor Cruise. The cruise will visit all five towns in Worth County. The cruise will start at the Worth County Fairgrounds, travel to Allendale, then the Denver Schoolhouse Museum. It will go to Worth and have lunch at the 169 Club, then proceed to Sheridan and return to the Fairgrounds.

July 3^rd – Fireworks show in Allendale at sunset.

July 4^th – Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast, 7:00 am.

July 4^th – Dedication of the Veterans Wall, Grant City Square, 11 am. The display will recognize all six branches of the US Armed Forces as well as the US and Missouri flags.

July 4^th – Grant City Golf Course Fourth of July Golf Tournament, 1:00 pm.

July 4^th – Grant City Fireworks Show at sunset.

July 8^th – Voter Registration Deadline for August 4^th Primary Election.

July 18^th – Benefit for Jacob Walter, former DOT maintenance barn, Barnard, 5:00 pm. Free will donation dinner, live auction, dancing. If you cannot be there but wish to donate, mail checks to Bank Northwest, 217 East Main, Stanberry, MO 64489. Make all checks payable to Pappi’s Palooza Benefit. All donations are tax deductible.

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

July 25^th – Dueling Pianos, Big Time Entertainment, Roxy Theater, 7 pm to 9 pm.

July 27^th – Last day to submit petitions to run as an independent candidate for the November 3^rd election, 5:00 pm.

July 31^st – Mozingo Lake Golf Tournament, 11 am. Proceeds will benefit Cameron Veterans Home. Limited to 36 teams on a first come, first served basis. To register, contact Alison Dredge (816) 649-1622.

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 4^th – Primary Election Day for Missouri. Polls open 6:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.

August 6^th to 8^th – Fur Takers of America National Trapping & Homesteading Convention, Macon County Fairgrounds, Macon. Starting at 6:00 pm on August 6^th with a kickoff concert. Admission $20 for the weekend; veterans and kids 15 & under free. Campaign available at $20/night (primitive) or $40/night (full hookup). Meals available on-site.

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

August 29^th – Stampede the Ville.

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

September 12^th – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition 5K Run/2K walk. Registration 7 am; run starts at 7:30 am and lasts until 12 noon. Free resources will be available from the VA. Cost $20. To RSVP, contact Jeremy Baker (660) 254-5311. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988.

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 3^rd – Great Northwest Winefest, 1805 Nebraska Street, Mound City (Swimming Pool), 11:30 am. Proceeds will go to raise funds for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation.

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.

October 23^rd – Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the November 3^rd election, 5:00 pm.

November 3^rd – General election for Missouri. Polls open at 6 am and close at 7 pm.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nodaway County Commission Minutes for April 30th, 2026

Convene

Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office. Present: Walker, Chris Burns and Scott Walk.  Also present: Melinda Patton, County Clerk.   

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes

Commissioner Burns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Walk seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  Burns made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 4/28/26. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

Accounts Payable: N/A

Approved: N/A

Requisitions:  Sheriff to Missouri Sheriff’s Association for training; to Motorola Solutions, Inc. equipment.

Reviewed: The Commission reviewed the following information received by mail or email: 

Vehicle Sales Tax/Motor Fuel Tax reports

Data Center – Concerned citizens met with the Commission to discuss their concerns with the possibility of a data center being built in Nodaway County. Also present: Josh McKim and Kim Mildward, Nodaway County Economic Development, Rex Wallace, Assessor, Austin Hann, Sheriff and Sally Duff, Collector/Treasurer, Jesse Stark, Sheridan Express. The Commission then moved their meeting to the conference room to do a virtual meeting with Steve Etcher, MarksNelson, who is a consultant hired by South Nodaway R-IV School District. Also on the call was Dustin Skoglund, South Nodaway Superintendent.  Etcher discussed his experiences in negotiating with data centers.

Lunch Break – Walk made a motion to adjourn for lunch. Burns seconded the motion. All in favor.

Building Maintenance – Discussed the quote for the curtain wall portion of the third-floor project. Jeff Smith, Smith Contracting, LLC was called to come in to discuss.  

Board of Equalization (BOE) – Assessor Rex Wallace set dates for the Board of Equalization process. June 23, 25 and possibly the 30th were set for the process.

Employee Appreciation – The Employee Appreciation luncheon has been set for December 10, 2026 at noon.

BRO-R075(65) Bridge – Reviewed and signed the reimbursement request #11 for $2,622.85.

Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Austin Hann discussed future budgetary concerns and potential budgetary sources.  

NWMO Regional Council of Governments – Discussed an email from Amy Dowis, Associate Director at NWMO Regional Council of Government, regarding funding for a Driver’s Education Program.  The Commission declined to commit General Revenue funds.

Snyder and Associates – A survey was presented to Larry Jacobson, Snyder and Associates on construction progress reporting for BRO-R074(65) Bridge.

Noxious Weed – A landowner stopped in to further discuss noxious weeds within the county. 

Adjournment – Walk made a motion to commission adjourn until 5/5/2026. Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote:  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

Hopkins City Council Reorganizes

The Hopkins City Council reorganized Monday at its regular council meeting Monday. The election results from April 7th were certified. David Smyser received 33 votes as alderman. Allen Coleman received 27, Allan Thompson 16, and Rick Gladman 20. There were two seats open, meaning that David Smyser and Allen Coleman were elected. The General Tax Levy passed with 39 yes votes and 11 no votes. Mr. Smyser and Mr. Coleman were sworn in.

Shadoe Miller was named the new Council President. The following members were named to different boards:

Finance Board — Shadow Miller and David Smyser;

Street Board — Shadoe Miller and Roberta Boyd;

City Representative to Cemetery Board — Roberta Boyd, Allen Coleman.

Water and Sewer Board — David Smyser and Allen Coleman.

Chris Bird explained in-depth to the board the need for the double chip and seal on the wide streets in town and the downside if the board approves a single chip and seal. Third Street from East Thompson to East Barnard and East Barnard from 148 to North Fifth Street have not been done for 10 or more years. The council voted to take off Third Street from Thompson to McPherson and accept the bid from Mid-America Road Builders, bringing the cost from $76,033.72 to $69,253.72.

The council voted to redo the curb on a portion of South Third Street, not to exceed $2,000.

Councilman Shadoe Miller contacted two trash companies in the area and is waiting to hear back from them to see if they would give a quote for trash pickup for the whole town. Clerk Mary Smith has reached out to Jerri Dearmont at the Regional Council to check into a grant for a trash truck for the city to pick up trash instead of contracting it out. The bid was tabled until next month.

Heather Montenguise from the Northwest Missouri Regional Council came to talk about a street project survey from around the county. The goal is to make streets safe in rural small towns that might not be able to afford some projects to improve their streets and walking areas.

The council voted to renew liquor licenses for Rick’s Country Shoppe and M&M Pub & Grub.

Clerk Mary Smith is in the process of filling out the lead and copper survey and returning it to the EPA.

Chris Bird is looking into a chemical to help flushing the filters since the water plant is struggling to keep up with water usage. Currently, the plant is running 80,000 gallons per day. It was made for up to 100,000 gallons per day.

Mayor Matt Wray reported that the sprinkler was being turned on at the ball field with nobody around. Chris Bird started that previously, multiple water hydrants had been turned on and left running. Chris is going to padlock the ones he can so they do not get turned on when not needed.

Clerk Mary Smith got a call from a water customer that would like to disconnect from Hopkins and hook up to Rural Water. Maryville Rural Water needs a letter of release from the city. Mary will draft a letter of release to the customer along with guidelines if the property should want to reconnect to Hopkins in the future.