DOT Offers Public Comment Period for Long Range Plans

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gather input from the public on the draft Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP) updates. Draft documents for both plans are available for public comment as part of the virtual public meeting through 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026. The meeting is available on MoDOT’s website at: https://www.modot.org/lrtp-sfrp/get-involved.

Participants may review the draft plans and provide comments to ensure that the goals and objectives, which will help determine the state’s 25-year transportation vision, are accurate and reflect the needs of citizens and stakeholders. Both plans have been shaped over the last year by extensive outreach and input with stakeholders and the public. These plans serve as roadmaps for the state’s transportation network, addressing the evolving needs of the system and setting priorities, and are a requirement for use of federal funds.

The current LRTP was approved in June 2018 and has been updated alongside the current SFRP, which was approved in May 2022. The new LRTP builds upon the goals outlined in the current plan – including making investments in infrastructure that keep travelers safe and spur economic growth, giving Missourians more transportation choices and reducing congestion on the current system – while determining the goals and direction of the next 25 years.

The SFRP serves as a comprehensive assessment of Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems and determines short-term and long-terms goals for improving the state’s freight and rail infrastructure. Updates to the SFRP include an analysis of the economic impact of Missouri’s public ports and passenger rail systems, an analysis of the truck parking system and the identification of critical supply chains that move the state’s economy.

Those without internet access are encouraged to call 573-751-6550 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to access information and ask questions during the development process.

All comments must be postmarked or received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026. The final plans will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for review and consideration later in 2026. More information about LRTP and SFRP plan updates can be found at: https://www.modot.org/lrtp-sfrp

Additional questions about the planning process for both plans can be addressed by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail at Transportation Planning, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Worth County Absentee Ballots for April 7th Election

I, Roberta Owens, County Clerk, wish to inform all registered voters that absentee ballots are available in the County Clerk's office for the 2026 April 7th Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

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1) Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include: name, address, mailing address if different, signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their social security number, party ballot.

2) Call the office for an absentee application.

3) Vote in person in the County Clerk's office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. along with identification pursuant to the new Voter ID Law : Government ID or Driver's License. Sign the provided statement and show a voter registration card, utility bill, or paycheck, etc.

4) Go to the County website at worthcountymo.us and print the absentee form, fill it out, then mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6th in the County Clerk's office.

The County Clerk's office will be open Saturday April 4th, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for absentee voters.

If you have any questions, contact Roberta Owens at 660-564-2219, submit a written request for an absentee ballot to: PO Box 450, MO 64456-0450, fax a request to 660-564-2432, or email cclerkwoco@grantcity.net.

 

I-229 Double Decker Demolition Tentatively Set for 2028-30

The Missouri Department of Transportation, working with consultants from Burns & McDonnell, has begun the next stage in the project planning process for the I-229 corridor and Double-Decker Bridge in downtown St. Joseph. In 2025, the I-229 Moving Forward Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the preferred alternative, which will remove the bridge and replace it with a four-lane roadway.

The I-229 project team will be working through the summer of 2026 to collect survey data, define right of way and environmental impacts, coordinate with the railroad, conduct stakeholder and public outreach, and begin conceptual design work. The team will also be working through the FHWA process to dedesignate I-229 as an interstate.

In the fall of 2026, MoDOT is expected to make a determination if the project will be constructed via the Design-Bid-Build or Design-Build process. Project design is anticipated to begin in 2027, with construction planned for 2028-2030.

More information regarding the project, including timeline and the preferred alternative, can be found on the updated project webpage at: https://www.modot.org/projects/stjoe229. 

 

Route 46 Bridge Project Delayed to March 11th

The Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge on Worth County Missouri Route 46 replacement project has been delayed until Wednesday, March 11. Contractors from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, planned to close the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge March 5, but have delayed the project due to the weather.

Traffic Impacts: The Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge on Route 46 will be closed from March 11 through May 2026. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.

As a part of this project, the West Fork Grand River Bridge replacement on Route W in Worth County was completed Feb. 12.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

When visiting modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by connecting with us on social media. 

 

Ruth Ellingson 1935-2025

Ruth Ellingson, 90, Maryville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

She was born June 5, 1935 in Hopkins, Missouri, to Kenneth and Beula (Pettit) James.

Ruth married Marvin Ellingson, who preceded her in death. 

She was a hairdresser for 48 years at the Parisian Beauty Salon, and was a longtime member of Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; step-son, Bryon Ellingson; and brother, Dean James.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Williams of Maryville,; step-son, Benedict Ellingson of St. Joseph; sister, Carolyn Ehredt of Maryville; grandchildren, Wendy Hutcherson, Dana Ellingson, and Brad Ellingson; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

     Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 9, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Taccoa Moyer Gets Three "Heart of a Mustang" Awards at North Nodaway Athletic Banquet

Taccoa Moyer got three "Heart of a Mustang" awards in girls basketball, cross country, and winter cheer at the North Nodaway Athletic Banquet Wednesday night. She was awarded for her hard work and dedication to the programs that she has participated in so far. 

The Cross Country team, coached by Nathan Schoonover, had two boys and five girls out, which allowed the girls to compete as a team and not just individually. Members were Draven Rader and Luke Clements for the boys and Casey Wray, Taccoa Moyer, Zoey Phillips, Eliza Clements, and Trynzlee Ebrecht for the girls. The girls managed to put a team on the fields despite three jugging cross country and volleyball. 

The Golden Shoe award went to Draven Rader for the boys and Casey Wray for the girls. The Most Improved went to Luke Clements, who went from running 22.50 on a two-mile course in junior high to 22.50 on a three-mile course at the high school level. The Heart of a Mustang award went to Taccoa Moyer, who Coach Schoonover said understood the meaning of sacrifice. All seven team members were members of the Academic All-State squad. 

The Volleyball team, coached by Jody Newman, is in her fourth year. Last year, they won the second most sets in school history. They had three players go over the 500+ dig mark and they found something positive to talk about after every game. 

Team members were Zoey Phillips, Eliza Clements, Savannah Rucker, Lily Blane, Lacy Riley, Taccoa Moyer, and Lainey Turner. The Most Improved was Savannah Rucker, who came out after not coming out the previous two years. The Newcomer of the Year award went to Eliza Clements, who was second on the team in service aces. The Defensive Player of the Year went to Lily Blane. She led the team in serve efficiency and service aces and was first team all 275. The Heart of a Mustang award went to Lacy Riley. She was the first in the gym during practices and the last out. She led the team in assists, was second in digs, and led in solo blocks. Making the Academic All-State squad were Lacy Riley, Addalea Barcus, Lily Blane, Lainey Turner, Eliza Clements, and Zoey Phillips. 

The Football Cheer squad was coached by Bethney Pedersen. Squad members were Zoey Phillips, Eliza Clements, Taccoa Moyer, Trynzlee Ebrecht, Pyper Smith, Lainey Turner, Monica Castillo, Mya Wray, Tequila Miller, and Lily Blane. Newcomer awards went to Zoey Phillips and Eliza Clements. Captain awards went to Tequila Miller and Lily Blane. The All-Star award went to Lainey Turner, who coach Pedersen said never complained and always showed up ready to go.

The Color Guard squad was coached by Emily Higgins. Squad members were Pyper Smith, Kaleah Edington, Lainey Turner, Savannah Rucker, Lena Richards, Aryanna Jimenez, and Jaycie Edington. Jaycie Edington and Lena Richards were the Newcomers of the Year. Savannah Rucker got the Most Dedicated award for having perfect attendance at practices. The Outstanding Performer award went to Lainey Turner. The Coaches Choice award went to Aryianna Jimenez, who went out of her way to step in and lead the squad when Coach Higgins unexpectedly had her baby early. 

The Basketball Cheer squad was coached by Ashley Marriott. Members were Pyper Smith, Taccoa Moyer, Savannah Rucker, Jaycie Edington, and Monica Castillo. The Most Improved award went to Jaycie Edington. The Most Enthusiastic award went to Pyper Smtih; Coach Marriott said she never had to tell Pyper to smile or show spirit. The Right-Hand Man award went to Savannah Rucker. The Mustang Proud award, her second of the night, went to Taccoa Moyer.

The Girls Basketball team, coached by Sami Jackson, consisted of Jackie Wray, Lacy Riley, Lily Blane, Taccoa Moyer, Trynzlee Ebrecht, Pyper Smith, Eliza Clements, and Zoey Phillips. Despite a rough season, Coach Jackson said they would always show up to practice ready to go each day. 

The Offensive Player of the Year went to Lily Blane, who battled through sickness and injury to average 9.6 points per game. Coach Jackson said that she would never come out of a game unless she made her. "We go as she goes," she said. For her efforts, Lily was named to the Second Team All-275 Squad. 

The Defensive Player of the Year award was a close call, but the award went to Jackie Wray. Coach Jackson said that her guards were much more aggressive on defense because they knew she would have their backs if they got beat. She said there was never a dull moment with Jackie Wray around; she said that this year, when she was chewed out, she would nod her head and say, "You're right, buddy!" 

The Most Improved award went to Eliza Clements. She had never shot threes before, but all of a sudden started shooting them. So coach Jackson had her practice on them, and towards the end of the year, she started making multiple triples. She also improved her assist totals as the season progressed. 

The Hustle Award went to Lacy Riley, who recovered the most 50/50 balls on the team.

The Heart of a Mustang award went to Taccoa Moyer. Coach Jackson said she always came to practice and did everything she was asked regardless of her playing time, and always with a smile. She said it said a lot about her character when three different coaches independently gave her the award. 

The Boys Basketball team was led by Coach Jake Hoy. They only won seven games, but Coach Hoy said that didn't reflect how hard they worked every practice and every game. It started with a freshman, Owen Coleman, who would show up for practice at 5:30 am for a 6 am practice. After the second practice, the rest of the squad followed his lead. There were plenty of other stories to share about this year's squad:

--Little-used Draven Rader coming off the bench against North Harrison and immediately grabbing three defensive boards in a row;

--Hayden Marriott coming off the bench and providing a spark in the first DeKalb win;

--Kaeden Nave going toe to toe with Ian Saunders, one of the top guards in the area;

--Weston Alexander spinning, doing a drop step, and finishing in a junior varsity game against North Andrew;

--Robbie Forney coming off the bench to spark the Mustangs against East Harrison;

--Blaine Clements relentlessly crashing the boards in the Stanberry game. He was missed when he reinjured his hernia down the stretch.

--Marek Stevens setting a new school record with seven triples in the win over Tri-County. 

--Jackson Keho losing the ball while driving against Union Star in the Gilman City Tournament, recovering it, passing out to a teammate, who missed the shot. But Ridge Clements came charging in from half-court, grabbed the board, and put it in at the third quarter buzzer to turn the game around in a game that had all the intensity of a district or sectional contest instead of two teams desperate for a win. 

--Jordan DeLeon sweating off five pounds every night jockeying for position in the post, running the floor, and saving teammates turnovers by chasing after errant passes.

The Heart of a Mustang award went to Kaeden Nave, who always showed up ready to go and always tried to make himself better each practice and each game. The Defensive Player of the Year was Blaine Clements, who was all over the floor on defense and was a shot-blocking presence. The Offensive Player of the Year was Jordan DeLeon, who occupied defenses and freed up everyone else. 

The Senior Dedication award went to eight different Mustangs who stuck with a sport or activity for all four years. Eight Mustangs got that award, the most since it was instituted a few years ago. They were Casey Wray (Cross-Country), Jackie Wray (Basketball), Lacy Riley (Volleyball, Basketball), Kaeden Nave (Basketball), Jordan DeLeon (Basketball), Ariyanna Jimenez (Flags), Trevyn Wyllie (Basketball), and Blaine Clements (Football, Basketball).

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for March 4th, 2026

On February 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Michael Frisbie (40) of Cainsville alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony). On February 22nd, Prosecutor Wulff filed an amended complaint with additional charges of Aggravated Fleeing (Felony), Burglary (Felony), Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), and Property Damage (Felony). Bond was denied. In addition, as of February 27th, the defendant faces additional charges in Mercer County alleging Aggravated Fleeing (Felony), Assault (Felony), two counts Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Felony), and Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond in these cases was denied as well. During a police chase involving the defendant, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that Harrison County Sheriff Trevor Place suffered serious injuries when he lost control of his vehicle.

On February 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jacob Moen (25) of King City alleging DWI.

On February 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Richard Brooke (41) of Maryville alleging Harassment (Felony), Stalking, and Speeding. Bond was set at $5,000 cash or corporate surety posted by the defendant. Defendant may have no contact with the victim or be within 900 feet of their place of employment. Defendant must wear GPS monitoring. Defendant will be under house arrest and cannot leave except for court, verified employment, or to meet with counsel.

On February 25th, KTTN reported that ICE agents came to Milan, stopped several vehicles within city limits, including one near the Smithfield plant, and arrested three individuals. The Highway Patrol provided backup during a traffic stop after one occupant was allegedly non-combative.

On February 25th, Christopher Lynn (53) of Olathe (KS) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Sexual Misconduct, Peace Disturbance, and Property Damage. He was placed on two years' probation by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On February 25th, Brett Penrose (34) of Racine (WI) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on two years' probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must pay $300 to the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, complete SATOP, and complete 180 hours community service.

On February 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two King City residents were seriously injured following a head-on collision on Route 169 near the King City limits.

On February 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Buddy Furgeson (54) of Maryville alleging Distribution of Controlled Substance in Protected Location (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On February 28th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Crystal Tanner (43) of Lock Springs (MO) and Ashley Casaretto (39) of Lock Springs (MO) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond for both was set at $5,000 cash only. Defendants must wear a drug patch and have no contact with each other.

On March 1st, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Jamie Jones (55) of Gallatin alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Unlawful Entry into Vehicle (Felony). An affidavit from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant stole a small safe containing approximately $3,000 to $5,000 worth of collectible coins/money, jewelry, 1/8-ounce gold bar, foreign currency, ½ ounce of marijuana, bucket of miscellaneous batteries and an air BB pistol from his neighbor. Bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Defendant may have no contact with the victim.

On March 2nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Amanda Dehart (45) of Albany alleging Leaving the Scene (Felony) and No Valid License.

On March 2nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Joseph Steinhauser (62) of Atlanta (GA) alleging Leaving the Scene and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On March 3rd, Alexander Holmes (36) of Maryville was arrested in Nodaway County on a Brown County (KS) warrant for Statutory Rape (Felony).

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.