Sunday, May 17, 2026

Doris Willey 1933-2026

Doris Jean Marler Willey, known tenderly to all who loved her as "Jeanie," was next to the youngest child of Roy and Maude Marler of Grant City. She attended high school there, and it was at the Grant City skating rink that fate placed Gerold Willey in her path. Jean was charmed by his gift for skating on his back wheels, and from that evening forward, the two were inseparable. Jeanie and Gerold were married on July 8, 1951, and with quiet devotion she stood beside her military husband as they built a life together, including time served in Alaska.

In early 1952, the couple settled in Mt. Ayr and began the family that would become her greatest joy. In November 1953, Jeanie welcomed her first daughter, Stephany Kay, into the world, and then, to everyone's wonderful surprise, Kimberly Rae arrived just fourteen months later. As her daughters would say with full hearts, "Little did we know Kim and I hit the jackpot when it comes to our mother." She was, without question, one of the finest mothers a child could know, gifted in so many ways.

Jeanie gave generously of herself to her community. She was one of the best cooks anyone had ever known, and being in her presence was simply a delight. She was warm, caring, and steadying to all around her, keeping things running smoothly and keeping Gerold grounded. For many years she worked faithfully alongside him, Joyce Johnson, daughter Kim, and Carol Oxley at Gerold's PLBG. & HTG.

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a full and tender heart, and she took every opportunity to speak with them about the importance of leading a good life. Among her most treasured memories were the homemade ice cream and chocolate cake with fudge frosting she lovingly made for her family, the cherished time spent with her dear nieces Loucinda McCalla, Kathleen McCalla, and Lou McCalla and their families whom she loved as her very own, and the frequent visits with her nephew Bob Moore and his wife Janet, who held a special place in her heart.

Jeanie had five siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gerold, Francis McCalla, Ferne Marler, William (Bill) Marler, Bobbie, and Jerry Marler.

Those blessed to carry on her legacy are her daughters Stephany and Paul Fell of Pleasant Hill, and Kimberly and Bob Weehler of Mt. Ayr; grandchildren Brian Fell, Lydia and Brian Motis, Danyale and John Boardman, Sommer and Bill Jones, and Colton Weehler; and great-grandchildren Reece Boardman, Quinn Boardman, Zane Boardman, Ty Jones, Wynston Jones, Menah Fell, Simon Fell, Castle Motis, Roman Motis, and Silas Motis. She is also survived by other cherished relatives and a host of many good and true friends.

Memorials are to the First Christian Church and the Mount Ayr Fire Hall.

 

William "Bill" Byas 1949-2026

William “Bill” Byas was born August 20, 1949, in Santa Monica, California. He passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at his home in Maryville, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. 

Bill found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as taking drives/rides and exploring wherever the road might lead him-especially on his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. Woodworking, fishing, and barbecuing for the family were all things he found pleasure in doing. He treasured the peace and happiness those moments brought him. 

Bill was a Hydraulic Technician for 38 years, working most of those years for Berendsen Fluid Power (Eaton). Bill proudly served his country as a member of the Marine Corps—Vietnam Veteran-Semper Fi. Bill's life was marked by dedication and service.

Bill and his beloved wife, Laura Elswick-Byas, shared 18 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They shared a devotion, and commitment to one another.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Laura Elswick-Byas. His Cherished sons, Jason Byas, Jacob (Erica) Byas, and Joshua (Cheri) Byas. His Grandsons Dylan, Henry, and Samuel. His sister, Peggy (Frank Dee) Nelson. He was preceded in death by his wife Amy Rose Byas (2003), his parents William Melvin & Shirlee Dolores Byas and Mother-in-law Carolyn Elswick. 

Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, Bill’s love and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved. He had a favorite quote that he learned in the Marine Corp, but is from Winston S. Churchill, “Don’t stand when you can sit, Never sit down when you can lie down” -though in the Marines it got changed a little to Don’t sit without going to sleep. Bill, you can Rest in Peace now.

Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Maryville. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hann Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Andrewshannfuneralhome.com


Raymond Perkins 1955-2026

Raymond L. Perkins, 70, of Parnell, Missouri passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

He was born on November 27, 1955, in Muskegon, Michigan to Lyle and Joyce (Fitzpatrick) Perkins. He served in the United States Air Force and was a correctional officer at the Maryville Treatment Center. Raymond enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting guns.

Raymond is survived by his mother, Joyce Boyles; his children, Jeremy Perkins, Christina Perkins and Franceska Perkins; his grandson, Derek Perkins and two brothers, Wesley Perkins and Robert Perkins.

He was preceded in death by his father, brother, Roger Perkins and sister, Linda Pierce.

Mr. Perkins has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. 

 

Sheridan Birthdays and Anniversaries for June 2026

June Birthdays

1 — Eldon Thomas, Mick Moyer, Cannon Morrow; 2 — Stanley Runyan, Steve Runyan, Wyatt Rush; 3 — Stacey Berg, Mark Young, Adella LuAnn Davidson; 6 — Kevin Auten, Jay Hart; 7 — Jaxon Richard Cain, Harley Georgia Runde, Molly Ann Gibson; 8 — Saige Jay Holmes, Barbara Roush; 9 — Ryan Hontz; 10 — Cammi (Hansen) Faustlin; 12 — Clint Rowen, Terry Runde, Mary Young, Jerry Drake; 13 — Kylie Jade Van Hulten, Amanda Welsh; 13 — Edward Oliver Stephenson, Michael Jordan Thompson, Jayme Johnston; 15 — Jonathan Riley; 16 — Dee Wake, Wendell Dokken; 17 — Peyton John Stephenson, Timothy Martin; 18 — Glenda Wyer-Nelson; 19 — Brandon Brand, Wade Rush, Austin Thummel, Melody (Rush) Hawk; 20 — Heather Rowe, Carlene (Young) Netteburg, Rick Titus; 21 == Chuck Zook; 22 — Tess Lane, Mark Rush, Dale Parman; 24 — Kallie Jo Parman, Tyler Garrett; 25 — Wade Torres, Denny Shimer; Tyler Paxson, Kristie Hinshaw; 26 — Pete Welsh, Westyn David Henggeler; 27 — Natasha Steinman, Linda Hibbs, Stephanie Morrow, Cassie Titus; 28 — Wrenley Fern Rush, Garland Owens; 30 — Jill Troutwine, Wyatt Langford, Nanci Drury, Ernie Owens.

June Anniversaries

5 — Mandy Lynn & Rick Hontz; 7 — Sharon & Tyler Paxson, Gina & Tim Wall; 8 — Jean & Jonathan Adwell; 11 — Rebecca & Chase Thummel; 12 — Karl & Virginia Coleman; 14 — Kay & Huey Rowen, Haley (Hunt) and Levi Boulting; 17 — Elizabeth & Travis Dimmitt; 18 — Genee & Charlie Haun; 19 — Sarah (Wyer) & Dan Coleman; 23 — Candace (Constant) & Rodney Martin, Anna (Cornewell) & Trent Gabriel; 28 — Victoria & Brook Montemayer; 30 — Megan (Percell) & Wade Parman

 

Nodaway County Commission Agenda for May 19th at 8:00 am.

NODAWAY COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA

POSTED: May 17, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Meeting Date & Time

May 19, 2026

8:00 a.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSION WILL CONDUCT A MEETING ON THE ABOVE DATE IN THE COMMISSIONERS ROOM OF THE NODAWAY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. NORMAL HOURS OF SAID MEETINGS WILL BE FROM 8:00 A.M. UNTIL NOON. THE AFTERNOONS OF SAID MEETINGS COULD BE SPENT CONDUCTING COUNTY BUSINESS BUT NOT LIMITED TO CHECKING ROADS, BRIDGES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF MEETING WITH OTHER COUNTIES. APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE CLERK’S OFFICE IF FOR ANY REASON SOMEONE CANNOT MEET DURING THESE TIMES. THE NUMBER TO THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS LISTED BELOW. THIS BUSINESS AS WELL AS ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. Call to order

2. Approval of agenda, minutes and/or additions and corrections

3. 8:30 to 9:30 Public Comments (please review note below)

4. Old Business

    A. Road and Bridge updates

    B. Road Use Agreement submitted by Kiewit Power Constructors Co.

    C. Other Business

5. New Business

    A. A/P approval

    B. 9:30 – (leave time) Inspect BRO-R074(65) Bridge in Grant Township

C. 12:00 – 1:00 – Adjourn for Lunch

D. 3:00 -- Adjourn

NOTES:

If you require any accommodations (E.G. interpreter, large print, reader, help with accessibility into the building, etc.) in order to attend this meeting, please notify MELINDA PATTON 660-582-2251,no later than 3:00 P.M. the day BEFORE the meeting.

The Commission will allow public participation and will allow 3 minutes for patrons to speak but the time may not be yielded to another patron. The Commission may end time or extend time as they see fit. Please be respectful, patient of the ideas and comment of the other participants. Profanity and derogatory comments are not acceptable. The Commission may go into EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss legal matters authorized by RSMO 610.021 and in compliance with RSMO 610.022.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Data Centers No Barrier to Agri-Ready Status

Nancy Zeliff, a visitor to one of the recent Nodaway County Commission meetings regarding data centers, raised the question of what a data center would do to the county’s Agri-Ready status. Erin Metzler, Communications Director for Missouri Farmers Care, which manages the Agri-Ready program, told the Express that Missouri Farmers Care does not have a policy that would cause a county with a data center to  be ineligible for the Agri-Ready Designated Status. The group furnished a flyer regarding Agri-Ready specifications.

The Agri-Ready program has been in existence since 2015. A county commission must apply to be designated as Argi-Ready; there is no cost to the county to participate.  Cooperation is voluntary and is not required by law. Missouri Farmers Care reviews county ordinances, policies, and statements of support to determine a county’s willingness to support agriculture. Nodaway County applied for and was given Agri-Ready status in 2021.

To receive Agri-Ready status, a county must:

—Attest willingness to promote agricultural stewardship, growth, and opportunity;

—Not have any health or zoning ordinances that discourage, limit, or restrict agricultural operations or ag processing facilities;

—Defer to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri DNR for all environmental permitting of agricultural operations;

—Not impose additional agricultural bonding, permit fees, or insurance requirements;

—Not apply definitions to agricultural operations more stringent than state laws or regulations;

—Allow land application of nutrients at agronomic rates based on data from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

—Allow the use of biotechnology crops and crop products in accordance with their federally labeled use.

Upon designation as an Agri-Ready County, Missouri Farmers Care provides counties with the Agri-Ready logo to use in promotional and informational materials and road signs announcing designation and publish and promote the list of such counties. Missouri Farmers Care members will use their extensive networks and available resources to promote, encourage, and equip business entities to expand, locate, and do business in Agri-Ready designated counties and bring agricultural education efforts and stewardship efforts to such counties.

 

 

Sherri’s Pharmacy Recognized by Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation

Recently, Sherri’s Pharmacy Services was recognized by Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation on its Facebook page. The citation read,

“When Sherri's Pharmacy Services opened in 2009, Sherri James returned to her hometown region with a vision to serve the community she knew and loved. Born and raised in Grant City, Sherri gained her education and professional experience before coming home to build a business that would make a lasting impact in Worth County and beyond.”

“Sherri’s Pharmacy Services has built its reputation on quality service and personal relationships. Patients are known by name, service is fast and friendly, and care goes beyond simply filling prescriptions. The pharmacy has helped restore convenient pharmacy access for local residents, reducing long drives and delays while bringing true pharmaceutical care back to the area.”

“Over the years, the business has continued to grow and adapt to remain profitable in the ever-changing healthcare industry. Sherri's Pharmacy Services was one of the first pharmacies in the area to participate in the 340b program with Northwest Medical Center, which brought significant savings to patients in the area.”

“Sherri has invested in community wellness through efforts such as Mission SLIMpossible, a health challenge that drew more than 50 participants. Sherri was able to hire another pharmacist and Worth County alumni, Alissa Ridge, who is certified to give vaccinations and is working on the accreditation process to provide Diabetes Education.”

“As NWMEF celebrates 20 years, we are proud to recognize businesses like Sherri’s Pharmacy Services that show what rural entrepreneurship can accomplish. Sherri’s decision to come home, serve others, and build something lasting is exactly the kind of story worth celebrating.”

Sherri is the daughter of Cathy and the late Duane (Comish) James.