No, Apple Did Not Turn On Remote Access with Latest Update

No, Apple did not turn on any setting in its iOS 27 update that allows anyone to remotely access your activity by default. This is the subject of a Facebook rumor making the rounds. Explicit, real-time permission is required for such access. Apple’s stated privacy policy states that no remote monitoring or remote control is allowed by default.

According to Apple Support, iOS allows screen sharing and remote assistance during active phone or FaceTime calls so a trusted person can troubleshoot problems. However, it requires explicit permission and can be ended instantly. Biometric access is automatically disabled during remote access.

CNET, a tech website, says that iOS 27 includes an off by default security check called Impersonation Risk Detection, which analyzes activity on-device to detect scam calls. 

If your iPhone is work-issued, the employer will have specific settings for your phone. These have nothing to do with personal iPhones. 

Check screen sharing and remote features to ensure that you are not in an active FaceTime or iPhone call sharing your screen. On Settings – Privacy & Security, review which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and local network. Go to Settings – General – VPN & Device Management. If no profile is installed, no organization or third party can access your phone. Go to Settings – [Your Name] and review all devices currently logged in to your Apple account. 

Get Caller ID and don't accept calls from someone you don't know or a number you don't recognize. Many people screen their calls and don't return calls if the calling party does not identify themselves and state their business. Many scammers impersonate legitimate companies and trick victims into giving remote access so they can empty their bank accounts

North Nodaway Honors and Awards

GOLD HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade – Skylar Pearson, William Wilmes.

Eighth Grade – Arianna Owens.

Freshmen – Cade Miller, Zoey Pearson, Gannon Stricker.

Sophomores – Eliza Clements, Luke Clements, Conner Pearson, Zoey Phillips.

Juniors – Laney Turner.

Seniors – Lily Blane, Wyatt Emery, Mya Hansen, Ridge Harger, Tequilla Miller, Keith Riedel.

SILVER HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade – Camden Butler, Brailynn Colebank, Oakley Marriott, Rollie Martin, Oliver Miller, Aiden Parman, Javery Partridge, Gunner Stricker.

Seventh Grade – Marin Alexander, Brysha Allen, Adyson Dailey, Lucus Hansen, Torrie Rader.

Eighth Grade – Braxton Dougherty, Jacobie Edington, Kamden Reynolds, Kayden Snuffer, Avary Volner, Ethan Wilmes.

Freshmen – Hudson Alexander, Sophee Clapp, Samuel Jenkins, Reed Martin, Trenton Roberts, Chandra Wyllie.

Sophomores – Jaycie Edington, Jacob Hughes, Jackson Keho, Hayden Marriott.

Juniors – Weston Alexander, Conner Reeves, Savannah Rucker, Pyper Smith.

Seniors – Monica Castillo, Ty Moyer.

BRONZE HONOR ROLL

Sixth Grade – Whytlee Ebrecht, Cash Roberts, Bridgett Steinman.

Seventh Grade – McClellan Clements, Isabella Graham, Zaylynn Luke, Landon Turner.

Eighth Grade – Brentley Marriott.

Freshmen – Dustie Rader, Ava Steinman, Tristen Wray.

Sophomores – Owen Coleman.

Juniors – Trynzlee Ebrecht, Lena Richards.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Sixth Grade – Camden Butler, Bridgett Steinman.

Seventh Grade – Landon Turner.

Eighth Grade – Braxton Dougherty, Brentley Marriott, Israel Torres.

Freshmen – Scarlett Brown, Zoey Pearson, Ava Steinman.

Sophomores – Conner Pearson, Zoey Phillips, Elijah Tatin.

Juniors – Laney Turner.

Seniors – Lily Blane, Ty Moyer.

OTHER AWARDS

Middle School Achievement Awards – Brailynn Colebank (6^th), Zaylynn Luke (7^th), Ethan Wilmes (8^th).

Middle School Leadership – Braxton Dougherty.

Middle School Citizenship – Aiden Parman.

High School Achievement – Zoey Pearson (9^th), Jackson Keho (10^th), Laney Turner (11^th), Ridge Harger (12^th).

High School Leadership – Lily Blane.

High School Citizenship – Gannon Stricker.

High School Student of the Quarter – Weston Alexander.

Nodaway County Commission Minutes for October 27th, 2026

Convene: North District Commissioner Chris Burns called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on October 27, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office.  Attendance: Present: Burns and Scott Walk.  Also present: Melinda Patton, County Clerk. 

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes: Commissioner Walk made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  Walk made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 10/20/26.  Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  

Approved: Request for transfer of Sick Leave from one employee to another

Accounts Payable: Checks #88883-88893

Requisitions: Recorder to MTE for office supplies.

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

• Vehicle Sales Tax/Motor Fuel Tax reports

• Letter from Missouri Vocational Enterprises (MVE) regarding fees

Public Comment – Citizens shared that surveyors are still on properties, requested updated maps from the developer, questioned if any other communities have been able to stop data centers without planning and zoning, requested Advisory Committee updates, discussed various news stories, requested the Commissioners consider ordinances for the county, discussed the lights on the new Evergy plant and the Dark Skies Initiative, requested all parties (i.e./ City of Maryville, PWSD#1, County, NCED) hold a meeting. Commissioner Walk gave legislative updates, the Missouri Conservation Department has done an impact study that the Commissioners will get and review, five individuals have committed to the Advisory Committee with one more still deciding.  Josh McKim, Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED) discussed Great Northwest Day (February 3 and 4, 2027) and a survey request of the group that can be done by paper or online at:  https://bit.ly/4zE1DHL. The deadline for the survey is November 17, 2026.  Present:  Dustin Skoglund, Nina R. Wiederholt, Wanda Goodspeed, Irene Alexander, Rena Puckett, Tim Schafer, Scott Wilson, Mike Wilson, Cindy Roach, Kim Swyers, Amy Zeigler, Chiya Dawoudi, Susie Strauch, Donna Tompkins, Mike Hardy, McKim and Kim Mildward, NCED, Rex Wallace, Assessor, Lori Burns, Public Administrator and Sheriff Austin Hann.

Monroe Township – Les Linville, Operator for Monroe Township, called to discuss Road #846 for the new construction program.  

Building and Property Maintenance – Patton reported that Maryville Glass and Lock plans to hang the blinds in the third-floor conference room at the Administration Building. Reviewed estimates provided by Casady Commercial Services for sealing floors on the third-floor project and for window cleaning at the Courthouse. The estimate on floor sealing was approved.  Spoke with Coenen Electrical on lights for the third-floor project. Signed the Authorization to perform inspection on the Administration Building elevator with Elevator Safety Services, Inc. Reviewed the Fire Alarm Inspection Report and a quote from Tammy Drinkard, Systems Integrity Representative with Johnson Controls.

Closed Session – Burns made a motion to go into closed session at 11:08 per 610.021.1.  Walk seconded the motion.  Burns – Yes, Walk - Yes.  Motion carries.  Walk made a motion to go back to open session and break for lunch at 12:20. Burns seconded the motion.  Burns (Yes). Motion carries.  

Inspections – The Commission inspected Road #846 in Monroe Township.

2027 Insurance – Reviewed information on COBRA for health, dental and vision for 2027 as provided by Alan Fay, Higginbotham Insurance.  Opted to go with the lowest rate option of TASC.  Open enrollment has tentatively been set for November 17, 2026 with both a morning and an afternoon session scheduled.

Permitting – Responded to an email from Brian Harr, Permitting Specialist with PPB Enviro Solutions regarding a rebuild project for an Evergy distribution line in the county right-of-way along Orion Road in Jackson Township.

Adjournment – Walk made a motion to adjourn until 10/29/2026.  Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

GRC West Releases All-Conference Honors for Football

On Tuesday, October 27th, the GRC West released its all-conference team.

For Worth County, first team members were Jude Archer (RB, DB, and Return Specialist), Ryder Smyser (OL and DE), Bo Collins (TE and LB), and Ethan Lininger (DL) Bo Collins was unanimous for both Tight End and Linebacker. Ryker Smyser was unanimous for the Defensive End slot. Ethan Lininger was unanimous for Defensive Line. Jude Archer was unanimous for Return Specialist.

Second team members were Brock Healy (QB), Cole Ruby (RB), Ethan Lininger (OL), Wyatt Scadden (TE), Hayden Sanders (All-Purpose Back), Jordan Dannar (LB), and Bentin Roberts (DB).

For Pattonsburg, Hudson Warner got Honorable Mention as a Wide Receiver.

For Princeton, first team members were Gage Fortner (QB), Wyatt Maize (WR and DB), and Mitchell Walker (LB). Wyatt Maize was unanimous as a Wide Receiver. 

Second team members were Mitchell Walker (RB), Judd Henke (WR), Hector Garcia (K), Kash Holt (LB), Beau Ussery (DB), and Ryker Fortner (DB)

Kash Holt (TE), Wyatt Maize (Return Specialist), Gavin Tatum (DL), and Max Walkup (DL) were Honorable Mention. 

Corn Grower Associations Call for Action to Address Rising Fertilizer Prices

by the Iowa Corn Growers Association

The Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Texas Corn Producers Association today sent a joint letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the Administration to support and advance a federal investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the fertilizer market.  

The letter thanked the Administration for its efforts to support farmers, including the recent diesel relief announcement, but explained that high fertilizer prices still outweigh the benefits of those actions and that persistent high fertilizer costs and a lack of meaningful market competition warrant enforcement action by federal regulators.  

Corn growers called on the Administration to support the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in pursuing well-grounded enforcement action to address market concentration and anticompetitive behavior in the fertilizer industry. Their request follows a December 2025 executive order directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FTC to investigate price fixing and anticompetitive behavior in the food supply chain, specifically calling attention to fertilizer markets.  

“Farmers are facing fertilizer costs that simply do not reflect a competitive marketplace,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association Steve Kuiper, who farms in Knoxville, Iowa. “When farmer relief programs are announced and fertilizer prices continue to climb, it raises serious questions about whether farmers are benefiting from a fair and functioning market. Corn farmers work hard to manage risk and control costs, but they need a transparent, competitive fertilizer market to stand a chance of being profitable. That’s why we’re urging the Administration to move forward with its investigation and ensure farmers have confidence that anticompetitive practices will be thoroughly examined.”  

The letter explains that Iowa farmers have seen ammonia price quotes rise by about $150 per ton shortly after the Administration’s diesel relief announcement, and that Ohio farmers have seen phosphate prices decrease to only $5 less per ton than last year, even after suspension of countervailing duties.  

The three organizations stressed that farmers need “more than another statement of concern,” but rather “meaningful enforcement action that starts to restore competition and shows farmers they are being heard.”

Opinion -- Trump Administration Announces $39.7 Million to Modernize Rural Healthcare

by the US Department of Health and Human Services

On Friday, the Trump Administration announced $39.7 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to modernize rural healthcare services and expand access to care across Missouri. This investment will support 26 rural healthcare providers as they renovate, reconfigure, equip, or repurpose existing facilities, to expand maternal health, behavioral health, diagnostic, outpatient, and chronic disease management services across Missouri.

This transformational funding will deliver new labor, delivery, and private triage rooms; expanded behavioral health services for older adults and people with substance use disorders; and upgraded diagnostic equipment, including MRI, mammography and ultrasound services. The funding will also expand primary care and increase the capacity of rural health clinics, helping   rural providers update existing facilities and capabilities to better match the healthcare needs of the communities they serve.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is expanding access to quality healthcare, regardless of a patient’s ZIP code, while equipping first responders with the lifesaving resources they need when every second counts. This funding will make critical investments to strengthen rural healthcare, expand access to lifesaving services, and bring modern technology to communities across Missouri.

Friday’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

Friday’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Missouri for fiscal year 2026.

Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include: 

--Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment, training, and retention strategies to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving rural communities.

--Strengthening rural facilities and access: Supporting partnerships, operational improvements, and care-delivery changes that help rural providers maintain essential services and improve access.

--Advancing innovative care and payment models: Supporting new approaches to delivery and financing designed to improve quality, strengthen primary care, and support sustainable rural healthcare.

--Expanding community-based and preventive care: Investing in school-based care, mobile services, and other community strategies that improve prevention, address chronic disease, and expand access to care.

--Modernizing rural healthcare technology: Expanding remote care and data-driven tools to improve coordination and extend healthcare services to rural communities.

For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for October 28th, 2026

On October 13th, Joshua Sagehorn (25) of Kearney (NE) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Leaving the Scene. Defendant may not possess or consume any controlled substance. No driving unless lawfully licensed and insured. Defendant must complete 40 hours of community service, spend two days shock time in jail with credit for time served, and make restitution of $6,834.25 to the victim. 

On October 19th, Mylee Pfleiderer (21) of Grain Valley pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Hindering Prosecution (Felony). She was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron and assessed $334.50 in fines and costs. 

On October 20th, Vincent McIntyre (68) of Gallatin pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). He was fined $80.50 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. 

On October 20th, Quade Peery (32) of Jamesport pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Peace Disturbance. He was fined $200 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. 

On October 20th, Caden Ingraham (20) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Peace Disturbance. He was fined $200 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On October 20th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced a charge against Hanlie Venter (67) of South Africa alleging Unlawful Voting. The defendant, who was granted Lawful Permanent Residency, allegedly voted in the November 2024 Presidential election. Lawful Permanent Residents are not allowed to vote in federal, state, or local elections in Missouri. 

On October 20th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced that Jorge Mendez-Romero (47) of Guatemala pleaded guilty in Federal Court to a charge of Illegal Reentry. The defendant had allegedly reentered the US after having previously been deported. 

On October 21st, Jagger Vestal (24) of Stanberry pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Child Endangerment and Driving While Revoked. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail by Judge Rebecca McGinley, concurrent with another case.

On October 21st, Dylan Hart (33) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Obey Law Enforcement Officer. He was assessed $265.50 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On October 21st, Jean Dockery (75) of McFall pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Peace Disturbance. She was placed on one year probation by Judge Rebecca McFinley. Defendant must pay $115.50 in court costs. No contact with the victim. 

On October 21st, Brian Calvert (56) of Harrison (AR) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and No Headlights. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must pay $150 in fines and court costs and $300 to the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund. 

On October 21st, Diane Peterson (56) of Newtown (MO) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Driving While Using Communications Device (Accident, Over $5,000 Damages). She was fined $250 plus costs by Judge Jay Hemenway. 

On October 21st, Brandy Wells (21) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). She was fined $150 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On October 22nd, Jay Lee Thomas (44) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of No Valid License (Felony). He was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn. This is in addition to a sentence imposed in another Harrison County case. 

On October 23rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 37-year-old Graham woman was injured after her vehicle ran off the north side of Route A and struck a utility pole at around 6:30 am.

On October 23rd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Kenneth West (48) of St. Joseph alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Failure to Register Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

On October 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Catherine Fitzgerald (70) of Cainsville alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only, posted by the defendant. Defendant may not have contact with the victim or witnesses or be within 900 feet of them or their property. Defendant must be on house arrest. Defendant must wear GPS device. 

On October 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Brent Phelps-Sturgeon (18) of New Hampton alleging two counts Attempted Rape (Felony), Sexual Abuse (Felony), and Sodomy (Felony). Bond was set at $500,000, cash only. Defendant may have no contact with the victim or be within 900 feet of them or their residence. Defendant shall serve house arrest. Defendant may have no contact with minors. Defendant must wear GPS device. 

On October 27th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced that Dezhon Byrd (33) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Federal Court to a charge of Wire Fraud. The defendant allegedly submitted a $20,832 PPP loan on behalf of a retail business. The defendant allegedly falsely stated that the business had gross receipts of $100,000. 

On October 27th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced the jury convictions of two former members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club for alleged assaults against rival motorcycle gang members. Charles Smith Jr. (40) of Kansas City was convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. John Fisher (52) of Hannford (OK) was convicted of Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. 

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.