Opinion -- House Futures Caucus Seeks to Push AI Legislation in 2027

by the Missouri House Futures Caucus

The chair and members of the Future Caucus gathered at Lindenwood University in St. Charles City, MO to announce plans to introduce new legislation. The legislation will be introduced during the next session of the General Assembly and it will work to empower and protect Missouri communities as they engage the AI economy.

Additionally, the Future Caucus released the AI Community Evaluation Framework to help Missouri communities now as they work to find footing and advantage while assessing the AI economy and the infrastructure demand that comes with it.

“The legislation I have introduced to date, along with the framework we are releasing today, is designed to empower Missouri communities. I intend to continue supporting these efforts next year,” emphasized Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, chair of the Missouri House Future Caucus. “I fully support my city’s decision to prohibit hyperscale facilities. It is clear Missouri communities want assistance in evaluating for themselves how to engage the AI economy and that is exactly what we are doing with legislation and this framework to protect our resources and neighborhoods. It is my priority to help localities interface with AI companies and stakeholders from a position of strength.”

“Legislation generally lags far behind technology. As we grapple with uncertainty around the AI Revolution, we no longer have that luxury. We must place reasonable safeguards around Missouri’s natural resources and power grids to ensure they remain healthy and available today and in to the future,” explained Rep. Mike Costlow of St. Charles County.

“Safeguarding Missourians from disruptive AI is key to maximizing opportunities and benefits that can be part of the new AI economy. The legislation I introduced last session and plan to pursue in the next General Assembly works to protect Missourians from the risks of AI while allowing the AI economy to develop,” said Rep. Scott Miller of St. Charles County.

“There are benefits we can capture from the AI economy as long as the public interest is protected. There must be guardrails in place to ensure Missourians are insulated from resource depletion, harmful impacts, and increased costs. AI infrastructure can be organized in our state without passing costs onto Missouri communities. That effort begins and ends with empowering Missouri communities with resources that help localities better control their own destiny,” explained Rep. Kimberly Ann Collins of St. Louis City.

The AI Infrastructure Community Evaluation Framework (AICEF) has been assembled to take Missouri communities through a structure of considerations and inquiry important to engaging AI infrastructure developments. The AICEF can be downloaded at the below link.

AICF Link: https://www.lindenwood.edu/files/future-caucus/

Speaker of the House Jonathan Patterson formed the Future Caucus of the 103rd General Assembly and selected State Representative Colin Wellenkamp to chair. The newly formed Future Caucus is intended to seek out and determine issues and challenges persistently impacting the State of Missouri. The Caucus evaluates and intakes issues as they are developing in order to build additional policy-setting capacity for the House legislative process.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for August 19th, 2026

On August 10th, Judge Robert Rice ordered the extradition of Kristen Romesburg (31) of Maryville to Crawford County (KS) on a Probation Violation warrant. 

On August 10th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against David Kurtz (19) of Jamesport alleging Aggravated Fleeing (Felony) and Careless & Imprudent Driving. Defendant was released o his own recognizance. Defendant must serve house arrest except for work, medical, and court. Defendant must wear GPS and no driving. 

On August 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Johnathan Oliver (18) of Bethany alleging Assault (Felony) and Armed Criminal Action (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000 cash only. 

On August 11th, Charles Moore (78) of Cameron pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to DWI (Person Less than 17 in Vehicle). He was fined $350 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. 

On August 13th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Ryan Sample (45) of King City alleging DWI and Failure to Register. 

On August 13th, Damian Roush (23) of Worth pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of No Valid License. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Rebecca McGinley. He was fined $50.50 plus costs. Defendant must successfully complete SATOP. No alcohol, bars, or marijuana. 

On August 14th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Lewis Lamb (75) of Albany alleging that he was an owner of a vicious dog which bit another person, causing serious physical injury. Bond was set at $2,500, cash or corporate surety. 

On August 17th, Lisa Coots (41) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to two counts Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony). She was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. 

On August 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Barbara Wellington (61) of Maryville alleging Leaving the Scene. 

On August 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Jon Shell (55) of Maryville alleging DWI.

On August 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Brendan Brandkamp (31) of Smithville alleging Domestic Assault. 

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 August 19th, 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.

Fridays– Community Market, Memorial Park Shelter, Bethany. Fridays 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

Saturdays – Stanberry Community Farmers Market, 8 am to noon. Crafts, donuts, and more. Located six miles north of Stanberry on Highway B to AF. 4371 Highway AF. 

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

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS 

August 19th – Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, King City. Shows at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm. 

August 19th – North Harrison School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm. This will include the tax rate hearing.

August 19th – North Nodaway Tax Rate Hearing, 5:50 pm. Regular School Board Meeting 6:00 pm. 

August 19th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm. This will include the tax rate hearing. 

August 20th – North Nodaway District Wide Open House, 4:00 pm.

August 20th – Back to School Supper at NEN, hosted by the FFA, 5:00 pm. Mandatory incoming 6th grade and new 7th to 12th grade meeting, 5:00 pm. Open House 5:30 pm. School Board Meeting 7:00 pm. 

August 21st – Tiger Varsity Football Jamboree at Tarkio, 7:00 pm. 

August 22nd – Co-ed slow pitch softball tournament, 8:00 am, McFall City Park. 

August 22nd to 23rd – Albany Heritage Society Gun Show, 408 S. Birch Street, Albany, 10 am to 5 pm August 22nd. 8 am to 5 pm August 23rd.

August 22nd – Worth County Democratic Rally, 11 am to 4 pm, Old 169 Club. 

August 22nd – Fish Fry, Bake Sale, and Auction, Main Street Pattonsburg, 5:00 pm. Mixology will perform from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 

August 22nd – Walter Plant in concert at the Martinsville United Methodist Church, 6:00 pm. Ice cream afterwards.

August 22nd – Maryville Elks Lodge Membership Drive, 7 pm to 10 pm, North Vine Street between 2nd and 3rd Street. Bounce houses, Fire Department activities, Bingo, live music, street dance. 

August 23rd -- Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8:00 am to 12 noon. The Boys Basketball Team will be helping. 

August 23rd – Albany Heritage Society Car Show, 408 S. Birch Street, Albany. Registration 9 am to 11 am. Winners announced 3 pm. 

August 23rd -- A cake party will double as a fundraiser for the Roxy Theater in Hopkins. The party will be held Sunday, August 23rd at the North Nodaway Gym with doors opening at 2 pm. Cost is $20 per person with preregistration or $25 at the door. All proceeds will go to the Roxy. To enter or for more information, contact Deena Poynter (660) 541-1336, Kary Owens (660) 562-0460, or Judy Crane (660) 254-2427.

August 24th – First day of School at North Nodaway and Worth County. Early Dismissal. 

August 24th – Annual meeting of GRM Networks, 10 am, GRM corporate office, Princeton. 

August 24th – Elementary Open House, North Harrison, 5:00 pm. All-sports parent meeting at 6:30 pm. Sixth grade orientation at 7:00 pm. 

August 24th – Elementary Open House at Gilman City, 5:30 pm. 

August 24th – Sheridan City Council Tax Rate Hearing, 5:30 pm, Sheridan Community Building. 

August 25th – First day of School at NEN. 

August 25th – Second Harvest Food Pantry, 10:00 am, Eagleville City Hall. Free and open to the public regardless of income.

August 25th -- Chris Stigall, Republican candidate for 6th District Congressman, will be at the Grant City Golf Course Clubhouse at 5:30 pm.  

August 25th – North Harrison Softball Jamboree, 5:30 pm. 

August 26th – First day of School at Gilman City. Early dismissal. 

August 27th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

August 27th to 30th – Graham Street Fair, 5:00 pm each night.

August 28th – Novakonska with Chris Novak, Fogle Lake, Diagonal, 8:00 pm. 

August 29th – Stampede the Ville. Josh Meloy, Mac Hankins, and the Moonlighters, Downtown Maryville. Doors open at 6:00 pm. 

August 29th – Sidetracked Memorial Ride, Creston. 10 am registration, ride 11 am. After party afterwards at Sidetracked with Framing the Red. $10 per person.

August 29th – North Nodaway Class of 2030 will sponsor a 5K Run/Walk during the Hopkins Picnic. Registration will start at 7:00 am and the Run/Walk will start at 7:30 am at the intersection of 148 and JJ. 

August 29th – The Grant City Fire Department will be holding a night golf tournament with tee time at 4:30 pm. The first nine holes will be played during daylight, and the other nine will be played at night. Cost is $60 per team. Meal will be provided by the Grant City Christian Church ladies. All proceeds will go to the Grant City Fire Department. 

August 30th – Walter Plant in concert at Morris Chapel Community Church, 4:00 pm. On Route 69 between Eagleville and Bethany. 

August 30th – Sheridan Express Cooperative Board Meeting, 5:00 pm, Sheridan Villa Laundry Room. 

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

September 4th – No School at North Harrison. Northwest Missouri State Fair. Early dismissal at Gilman City. 

September 5th – 102 Valley Stateline Showdown Truck & Tractor Pull, Taylor County Fairgrounds, Bedford. Gates open at 4 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm. Adults $20, Kids 7-12 $10, six and under free. 

September 5th – “Exploring the Dark” Hike, Crowder State Park, Trenton, 9 pm to 10 pm. Free and open to the public. Guided tour of the park. Bring water and closed-toe shoes. 

September 6th – American Legion Breakfast, 8 am, Parnell Legion Hall. 

September 7th – No school or mail delivery. Labor Day. 

September 8th – Middle School/High School Grandparents Day at North Nodaway High School, 11 am. 

September 8th – Blockton City Council Meeting, 7:00 pm. 

September 9th – Tiger Golf will be hosting a home meet with Albany, Stanberry, and North Harrison at 4:00 pm. 

September 10th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

September 11th – Elementary Grandparents Day at Pickering, 11 am. 

September 12th – North Harrison Junior High Softball Tournament. 

September 12th – 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, and a VA specialist will be on site. Cost $20. To RSVP, contact Jeremy Baker (660) 254-5311. Shirts are available; to order, contact Jeremy Baker by August 12th. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988. 

September 12th – Meet the new dentist at Dr. Fallon Stiens’ office, Dr. Kylee Townsend, 1 pm to 3 pm, Stanberry Square. Light refreshments and giveaways. 

September 16th – North Harrison Elementary Title Night, 5:00 pm. 

September 16th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

September 16th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm. 

September 17th – Shamrock Softball (JH/V/JV) vs. North Andrew, 4:30 pm. Senior Night. 

September 17th – NEN School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm. 

September 18th to 19th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 12 noon to 6 pm September 18th; 8 am to 6 pm September 19th. Anything tradable welcome from homemade goods, antiques, tools, toys, clothes, livestock, vehicles, auto parts, crafts, food vendors, and more. Space: $15. Electric Hookups: $25. Camper: $45. After September 7th, add $5. If interested, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141. 

September 19th – Worth County Fall Carnival, Courthouse Square, Grant City. 

September 19th – Dusty Cowgirl 5th Anniversary Party, Grant City Square, 12 noon. This is a separate event from the Fall Carnival. 

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

September 20th – 3rd Annual Cody Lee Stiens Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, Nodaway County Senior Center, 8 am to 1 pm. Raffle and Silent Auction. Adults $15, children four and under free.

September 21st – No school at North Nodaway. Professional development. 

September 24th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

September 26th – North Harrison Softball Round Robin. 

September 27th – Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon. The Northeast Nodaway cheerleaders will be helping serve. 

September 28th – No school at NEN. Teacher in-service. 

September 29th – Kidsight Vision Screening at NEN, 9 am to 11 am. For PK through 1st grade. 

September 30th – North Nodaway National Honor Society Inductions, 6:00 pm. 

October 3rd – 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 3rd – Big Brothers/Big Sisters Glow Walk/Run, 6:00 pm. The run will start at Mosaic in Maryville, follow the Safe Routes to School trail, through the Crestview Addition on South Munn, and return on the same route back to the hospital. 

October 4th – Legion Breakfast, Parnell Legion Hall, 8:00 am. 

October 10th – Maryville Fall into Fun, 12 noon to 6 pm. Market vendors, music, kids activities, and more. 

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

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

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

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

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

May 29th – North Nodaway Alumni Reunion, North Nodaway School, 5:30 pm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worth County Land Transfers for July 2026

July 1st – Book 212, Page 60; First Interstate Bank to Ann and Kory Nonneman; Deed of Release.

July 1st – Book 212, Page 61; Debra Bowers and Rodney Bowers to Matthew Faubion and Mandy Faubion Living Trust; Warranty Deed.

July 1st – Book 212, Page 62; Mandy Faubion and Matthew Faubion to City State Bank; Deed of Trust.

July 2nd – Book 212, Page 64; Joy Miller and Marshall Miller to Alissa Ridge and Dylan Miller; Beneficiary Deed.

July 6th – Book 212, Page 65; State Savings Bank to Welch Family Farms; Partial Release, Deed of Trust.

July 6th – Book 212, Page 66; Missouri Healthnet to Glenda Stephenson; Deed of Release.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 69; Winifred Burns to Ashleigh Johnson, Brandon Burns, Lezli Parman, Lonnie Burns, Matthew McGary, Nikki Vinzant, Renee Burns, Stephanie Burns, Stephen Burns, Tiffany Burns, Trey Burns, and Wesley Parman; Beneficiary Deed.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 70; Welch Family Farms to Dale Kimmons; Warranty Deed.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 71; Dale Kimmons to Welch Family Farms; Deed of Trust.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 72; Dale Kimmons to Welch Family Farms; Right of First Refusal.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 73; Dale Kimmons to McKenzie Meyer and Shaun Kimmons; Beneficiary Deed.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 74; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems to Halee Corbett and Todd Corbett; Deed of Release.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 75; Grant City Fabrication LLC to Cody Mullock and Tony Fletchall; Warranty Deed.

July 10th – Book 212, Page 76; Anthony Fletchall, Cody Mullock, Fawnla Fletchall, and Tonya Mullock to Bank Northwest; Deed of Trust. 

July 14th – Book 212, Page 77; USDA to Joann Rader; Deed of Release.

July 17th – Book 212, Page 78; Susan Schaffer to Jonathon Kiesler and Macie Kiesler; Warranty Deed.

July 20th – Book 212, Page 79; Wake Larison Rentals LLC to John Stephenson; Deed of Release.

July 22nd – Book 212, Page 80; Adrian Fletchall to Ameren Missouri Union Electric Company; Memorandums of Contract.

July 23rd – Book 212, Page 81; Robin Davidson and Scott Davidson to Amy Davidson and Andrew Davidson; Quit Claim Deed.

July 24th – Book 212, Page 82; David Brandt to Brandon and Kayla Allee; Warranty Deed.

July 24th – Book 212, Page 83; Steven & Joni Mullock Joint Revocable Trust to Andrew and Salena Mullock; Trustee’s Deed.

July 27th – Book 212, Page 84; Tena Figueroa to Robert Ross; Beneficiary Deed.

July 28th – Book 212, Page 86; Marcia Scott, Shelby Troutwine, Worth County Conservator to Shelly Troutwine, Sidney Troutwine, and Travis Troutwine; Deed of Conservator.

July 28th – Book 212, Page 87; Shelly Troutwine, Sidney Troutwine, and Travis Troutwine to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust.

July 29th – Book 212, Page 88; Robin Davidson and Scott Davidson to Kaitlyn Miller and Matthew Miller; Quit Claim Deed.

July 31st – Book 212, Page 89; Charlotte McClaim to Kimberly Abel, Quit Claim Deed.

Marriage Licenses:

Cody Blankenship and Marissa Escobar.

Jordan Harding and Leah Pedersen.

Thomas Davidson and Jamie DeGase.

White Cloud Township Puts Zoning Measure on November Ballot

White Cloud Township will run a ballot measure implementing zoning for the township on the November ballot. Nodaway County Clerk Melinda Patton confirmed they had submitted the paperwork with the ballot language and Tim Lance of the Township confirmed to the Express that they had passed the measure at the Nodaway County Commission Meeting Tuesday. “People don’t like being surprised like this,” he said. The tentative plan is to zone all of the township as agricultural, with any variances to be granted by the township or a zoning board to be appointed for that purpose. “What are we going to eat, concrete,” asked Mr. Lance. “We’ve got to do what’s best for the future. We all drive by St. Joseph and Kansas City, and there are acres and acres of dilapidated buildings there. Why don’t they buy those up and build there? My answer is because of zoning. They go and they look for places that don’t have zoning. They should not be allowed to go behind peoples’ backs.”

Asked about reports of two smaller data centers seeking to locate in the county, Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker said that as of that morning, they had not contacted the commissioners. 

Asked about the J-turn that is going in near where the proposed data center is located, Commissioner Chris Burns said the DOT is not taking it out after all the construction is complete. “They’re putting them in across the state,” he said.

Jeff From told the commissioners that he had submitted a memorandum of actions the developer needed to do. Commissioner Walker said they would go through the list.

Commissioner Walker said that 10-12 people had come forward volunteering to be on a countywide zoning board if the commissioners put it on the ballot and it passed. 

Representative Jeff Farnan, who was at the meeting, said there was nothing he could do to stop the current proposed project, and that the commissioners were doing all they could possibly do. But he said he was writing up a bill for next year’s legislative session requiring greater transparency for future data centers seeking to locate in Missouri.

Commissioner Burns said that they had submitted a list of 15 questions that they wanted answered by Scale Microgrids, the developer of the proposed data center. The commissioners submitted the questions to the attorney, who will relay the questions to their attorney. Some of the questions involve where the water source was going to come from, water consumption, training for local emergency services in the event of a fire, and how and where chemicals to put out a lithium fire would be stored. “Some of the answers they don’t know yet,” said Commissioner Scott Walk.

Jeff From said that the biggest issue was the generator side of the project. White Cloud Generating is applying for a permit to operate 12 gas-powered turbines, which would sell power to the grid, and then the data center would buy it back. “You can’t consider these projects in isolation; you have to consider the whole project,” he said. Commissioner Burns said that since there were two businesses, they had to apply for two separate permits. White Cloud Generating will operate the generators under the proposed plan, while White Cloud Acres will operate the data center. 

Scott Wilson said that the facilities such as the one being proposed will become obsolete in a few years. “There’s already ways of running data centers that don’t involve the use of water,” he said. The risk is that the facility will close early and that any Chapter 100 loans involved will go unpaid and that there will be a big empty building south of Maryville. “This is a huge problem that you’re going to have to take seriously,” said Mr. Wilson. Commissioner Walker pledged to give out any information that they obtain. “We can extend the moratorium if we need to. It depends on if they answer our questions.” 

Soybean Yield Predictions Drop for Northern Missouri

Predicted soybean yields across Missouri have taken a downward turn in recent weeks, according to the latest University of Missouri Extension Soybean Growth and Yield Report.

Until the last report, 2026 predictions were uneventful, but the recent heat wave changed that. With prolonged heat expected to persist for a few more weeks, projected yields could decline even further, says MU Extension soybean farming systems specialist Andres Reis, who compiles the report.

Declining soil moisture reserves and drought concerns have created a challenging environment across large parts of Missouri’s soybean-growing regions. The hardest-hit area the northern Missouri, where Reis sees the biggest predicted yield decreases across all planting dates and maturity groups.

With high temperatures, there is increased crop water demand and accelerated soil moisture depletion at a time when soybeans are entering critical reproductive stages.

“Drought stress is now a concern across much of the state as later April- and May-planted soybeans move through key yield-defining stages,” says Reis.

The impact of hot, dry weather depends largely on soybean growth stage. MG 4 soybeans planted in April in central and southwestern Missouri are still maintaining above-average yield potential.

As late-planted soybeans move through reproductive growth, the declining availability of water in the soil may have a greater impact on pod retention and seed fill. Extended drought during seed fill can lead to smaller seeds, lower test weights and reduced yield potential.

Final Hazardous Mitigation Meeting Held for Worth County

The third and final Hazardous Mitigation Meeting for Worth County was held in Sheridan Monday to iron out details of the Hazardous Mitigation Plan that has to be submitted every five years to the state and to FEMA. Submission of this plan is required for jurisdictions to get federal disaster funding. Worth County has had 10 storm disaster declarations since 1990 with between $15 million and $35 million in crop damage claims filed. The county has had nine disaster declarations since 1965 for extreme weather, five since 1965 for winter storms, and four for tornado damage. Worth County has had six confirmed tornadoes since 2000, surprisingly low. The most severe was an EF2 event in 2001. The most severe is an EF 5. A few years ago, Worth County was on the southern edge of a massive derecho that passed through Iowa and caused over $1 billion in damages. 

The last update to the plan was in March 2022. It was conducted via zoom, with the whole country just emerging from COVID-19. Each jurisdiction will review and adopt the revised plan, provide data, and develop action items. These can be carried over from the last cycle. 

As part of the new plan, a public survey was conducted, with 153 responses. Disasters identified as concerns included thunderstorms, extreme winter weather, and drought. Disasters identified as having the most potential impact for the county included tornadoes, drought, extreme temperatures, and extreme winter weather. The county and the whole region experienced a massive ice storm in 2009 that knocked out power for a few days. 

Solutions that a majority of respondents were in favor of were the creation of tornado-safe rooms, retrofitting existing shelters, stopping soil erosion, flood mitigation, electrical retrofitting, and retrofitting from wind damage. There used to be a tornado shelter at the Sheridan Housing many years ago, but it has been dug in. The county conducts regular testing of storm sirens; there was one conducted earlier this month. 

Goals identified in the event of a disaster included preserving human life, safety, and health, continuing essential services, protecting property, and returning to normal. 

Continuing action items include educating and notifying the public, reviewing and incorporating flood insurance maps, identifying structures, people, facilities, and infrastructure at risk, implementing emergency communications, obtaining backup power generators, and building infrastructure to mitigate flooding. 

There are 64 dams in the county, including three that are critical, including the one just northeast of the Sheridan Housing. 

Worth County is in a low-risk area for earthquakes. Occasionally, people will feel small tremors when an earthquake occurs hundreds of miles away, and animals will become agitated. 

It is up to local water districts to implement conservation measures in the event of an extreme drought. Any jurisdiction can pass a burn ban provided that they notify the State Fire Marshal’s office. Jurisdictions do not require advance approval to do so. The county has occasionally passed burn bans in the past during extreme droughts or situations where there was a high risk of wildfires. 

The risk of wildfires is rare in both the county and the state, but not non-zero. Around 25-30 years ago, there was a wildfire west of Sheridan that nearly got to the Housing; it took a massive effort by emergency responders to stop the fire. 

Local jurisdictions have one week to turn in action items for the new Hazardous Mitigation Plan. After that, a public comment period will be held for the draft plan. Following the public comment period, a final draft plan will be adopted by all the jurisdictions, and it will be submitted to the state, and then FEMA.