Nodaway County Commission Minutes for May 28th, 2026

Convene

Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on May 28, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office. Present: Walker, Chris Burns and Scott Walk.  Also present: Lorraine O’Donnell, part-time 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.)  Walk made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 5/26/26. Burns seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.) 

Approved: Invoice to Gray Oil, Advanced Auto Parts and ProServe. Liquor licenses for KKMG Business Services 2 LLC dba 420 Cigarettes Beer & Spirits; Elks Lodge #760.

Accounts Payable: N/A

Requisitions:  Road and Bridge to Allen Ready Concrete for bridge concrete.

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

Email from citizen on proposed data center

Advertisement from Bob Lakowski on Tank Shell Culverts

Public Comment – Josh McKim, Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED) discussed enrollment concerns at Northwest Missouri State University tied to the proposed data center. Mike Hardy questioned the Commissions specific role and decision making in relation to the proposed data center. Walker stated a county’s main role would be to control taxes. Burns explained to those present what research had been completed to date while Walk discussed that the land purchased was sold by private land owners to a private business.  Water consumption will rely on water provided by the City of Maryville. Susie Strauch stated she opposes the proposed data center and feel it will ruin the local environment. Strauch asked if the county had a moratorium in place yet. The Commissioners responded that they have consulted an attorney an do not have an answer as to the legality of this at this time. Jennifer Gillespie also opposes the proposed project and questioned how big it will be and will it grow over time. The Commission assured the group they are doing what they can legally.  Carter Strauch stated he appreciated the efforts the Commissioners are putting in and understood the legality of the proposed project. Chris Wallace stated a meeting with Governor Kehoe will include a short course on what AI data centers provide and what they need to operate. Wallace will share an email with the Commission. The Commission reiterated that Scale Microgrids is the developer of the project, not the end owner/operator. It is believed that they will sell the proposed data center, but there has been no information shared on who will purchase.  George Null questioned the Commission on tax abatements. No abatements have been requested nor granted at this time.

Clean Fill – Responded to an email from a local resident with questions about where to take clean fill items.  

State of Emergency Inspections – The Commission, along with Brian Engle, Road and Bridge Supervisor, inspected Route F, North of Road #616 for a line down, a tube issue on Road #626 in Polk Township; an abandoned trailer on Road #257 in Jackson Township; tube issues on Roads #188, #197 and #198 all in Independence Township.

Jackson Township – The Commissioners contacted Jeff Meyer, Jackson Township Trustee regarding concerns with an abandoned trailer on Road #257.

Polk Township – Took a call from a resident regarding a plugged tube on 220th Street in Polk Township. The Commission will inspect and make recommendations.

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

Nathan Willett – The Commission attended a meet and greet for Nathan Willett, candidate for U.S. Congress, District #6.

Closed Session – Burns made a motion to go into closed session at 2:30 p.m. per 610.021(3) RSMo. Walk seconded the motion. Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes). Motion carries. Also in attendance, Robin Clark, Deputy Clerk for Payroll.

(610.021. Closed meetings and closed records authorized when, exceptions. — Except to the extent disclosure is otherwise required by law, a public governmental body is authorized to close meetings, records and votes, to the extent they relate to the following: (3) Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded. However, any vote on a final decision, when taken by a public governmental body, to hire, fire, promote or discipline an employee of a public governmental body shall be made available with a record of how each member voted to the public within seventy-two hours of the close of the meeting where such action occurs; provided, however, that any employee so affected shall be entitled to prompt notice of such decision during the seventy-two-hour period before such decision is made available to the public. As used in this subdivision, the term "personal information" means information relating to the performance or merit of individual employees.)

Burns made a motion to go back to open session at 3:11. Walk seconded the motion.  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes). Motion carries.

Adjournment – Walk made a motion to commission adjourn until 6/2/2026. Burns seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes).

 

Sheridan to Apply for CDBG Grant to Remove Schoolhouse Debris

The Sheridan City Council, at their regular meeting Monday, started the process of applying for a CDBG grant to remove debris from the old schoolhouse as well as tear down some abandoned homes. They identified nine potential structures that could be removed. The removal of the structures needs to be signed off on by the owners, who must put up at least a $500 match. The city will document the blight along with their grant. 

Breann (O'Riley) Simmons of the Northwest Missouri Regional Council went through the process with the city at the meeting. The city will dig out old existing ordinances and pass new ones where appropriate. There will be a public hearing at their next meeting for public comment. The city already has a nuisance ordinance.

There will be no parking on the east side of the road across from the Housing on property owned by Jerry and Valerie Rauch for the Rodeo. The city gave them permission to fence it off.

The city will send one letter of violation for sewer ditches and brush and another for unmowed grass and junk.

A tube washed out under the sewer crossing near Dan Barnett's and the late Bud Allee residence. The road is closed. The city is in the process of getting a new tube.

Kids put picnic tables up on top of the shelter house. They later came and took them back down.

Rodney Martin sprayed ditches for weeds around town.

Safer Roads Project Feedback Requested

The Northwest Missouri Regional Council is in the process of creating a comprehensive safety action plan for the five-county region that it serves. The goal is safer roads for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists of all ages.

They are soliciting public comments. To give feedback, visit the Northwest Missouri Regional Council website, place a pin on their map, and leave your feedback. You can leave feedback regarding walking, biking, driving, or rolling through communities. There is no limit to the number of pins you can leave.

The deadline for submitting public comments is June 18th.

 

MDC Proposes Permits for Camping, Firearms Shooting Ranges

The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing permits for camping at conservation areas and shooting at unstaffed firearms ranges.

There are 1,000 conservation areas around the state, with 320 offering camping. The MDC says the permits are necessary because of problems involving compliance issues, safety concerns, vandalism, illegal activities, and illegal stays. At its regular meeting Friday, the Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval of proposed changes.

MDC data shows camping-related violations and warnings for camping outside of designated areas have increased substantially over the last decade. In 2015, staff issued 2015 violations and two warnings. In 2024, staff issued 30 citations and 153 warnings. These numbers only represent individuals who could be identified and do not involve other violations such as littering, off-road vehicles, arrest warrants, drug arrests, and others.

Currently, campers do not need a permit, pay a fee, or register. The MDC says the lack of identification of campers creates a difficult job for agents and staff to regulate activities on camping areas or identifying campers.

If finalized, these rules would take effect March 2027. The rules are as follows:

—A low-cost ($5) five-day permit for all camping on conservation areas for up to ten people. This applies even if fewer days are used and/or fewer people are involved.

—Larger groups of more than 10 people would be required to have a Special Use Permit and camping permit.

—Each person would be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six annually.

—Personal property may not be left unattended longer than 24 hours at campsites or areas for camping purposes.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking public comments on this proposal from July 16th to August 14th at the Missouri Department of Conservation website. The commission will review information and give final consideration at the September 11th meeting.

The MDC is also proposing permits for use of unstaffed firearms shooting ranges. Range use has increased in recent years with more home/self-defense firearms practice and increasing use of modern sporting rifles. The MDC says the change is needed due to increased damage to shooting range signs, booths, and other infrastructure along with increased litter from spent shells, targets, and other items not being collected and properly disposed of. Existing age and disability exemptions would remain. The changes would not apply to partner ranges or their five staffed shooting ranges.

The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave initial approval to this change. The public comment period is from July 16th to August 14th at the MDC website. The Commission will consider final approval on September 11th. If approved, the changes will take effect February 28th, 2027.

Under the proposed rules, people wishing to use unstaffed shooting ranges would be required to have a small game permit. The MDC says that this change would help improve safety for users, visitors, neighbors, and protect infrastructure. To get a small game permit, users have to complete a certified hunter education program. Persons who already have a small game permit would not have to get another one.

 

 

 

From Plans to Progress -- The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

By Christy Pearce, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments

School is out for the summer, and that means teen drivers are hitting the road more often. With car crashes as the leading cause of death for teens, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why the 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day are often dubbed, “The 100 Deadliest Days.” In fact, teens are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash during the summer months than during the rest of the year.

Mom First

I may be a roadway safety presenter, but first and foremost, I’m a mom of teens. And I’ll admit, I probably think about the risks and quiet tragedies hidden along Missouri’s rural roads way more than the average person.

I have a 17-year-old with barely a year of driving experience under her belt and a son reaching permit age in January who is ready to jump in the driver’s seat. Some days, I find myself wondering why couldn’t he have been born in a nice, warm, snow and ice free month?

Ultimately, no matter when our kids were born, the goals of a parent don’t change. We just want our teens to stay safe, especially when they are behind the wheel.

Summer Sets the Stage for Increased Driving Risks

Summer increases freedom for teens, but it also increases the risks on the road:

—More driving: School’s out, so teens spend more time behind the wheel, often at night and with more passengers in their vehicles, even though drivers aged 16-18 holding their Graduated Driver’s License should have no more than one passenger under 19 who is not immediate family during their first six months and no more than three passengers under 19 until they get their first driver’s license.

—Higher crash risk: Teens are nearly three times more likely to crash per mile driven.

—Distraction: About 60% of teen crashes involve distractions like phones, food, or friends.

—Speed and fatigue: Later nights and busy schedules increase risky behaviors, and teens holding their GDL may not drive alone between 1 am and 5 am except to and from a school activity, job, or for an emergency, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older.

The good news? These risks are well-known and preventable.

Flipping the Script from “Deadliest” to “Safest”

Parents, caregivers, and educators play a role in flipping the script to help shape safer teen driving outcomes. Research consistently shows that teens involved in fewer risky behaviors and fewer crashes have parents who set clear rules, model safe driving, and talk openly about expectations. And remember, it is never too late to start the conversation.

For parents, it’s easy to feel like control slips through our fingers once our kiddos jump in the driver’s seat. But the truth is, influence doesn’t disappear, it changes.

Encouraging simple, consistent safe habits like these can make a measurable difference:

—Limiting passengers, especially during the first year of driving. Besides, it’s the law.

—Setting firm expectations around phone free and distraction free driving.

—Insisting on seat belt use for every trip for all vehicle occupants. Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%.

—Encouraging rest before driving and recognizing the dangers of drowsy driving.

—Making it clear that calling home for a ride is always safer than driving impaired or riding with someone who is.

This summer, “The 100 Deadliest Days” doesn’t have to be the end of the story. That’s why the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments Roadway Safety Team and organizations like the National Roadway Safety Foundation are reframing the conversation, challenging communities to turn these months into the 100 Safest Days.

The NRSF 100 Safest Days of Summer Pledge gives families a tangible way to start these conversations and to put shared expectations into writing, not as a punishment, but as a partnership. You can take the pledge at the NRSF website.

These next 100 days can be safe and we can really make a difference. Remember, it all starts with our influence.

 

Worth County Land Transfers for May 2026

May 6th -- Book 212, Page 3; Larry Kimble & Mary Ellen Kimble Revocable Trust to Public Water Supply; Easement.
May 6th -- Book 212, Page 4; Jessica Brown to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 6th -- Book 212, Page 6; Spicer Family Irrevocable Grantors Trust to Double BB Farms; Warranty Deed.
May 6th -- Book 212, Page 7; Midland Surveying to Elizabeth Runde; Survey.
May 7th -- Book 212, Page 9; Kayla Troutwine, Shelly Troutwine, Tiffany Troutwine, Travis Troutwine to Anibal Enriquez and Epifania Garcia; Quit Claim Deed. 
May 11th -- Book 212, Page 11; FCS Financial to Kenny Runde and Teresa Runde; Deed of Release.
May 13th -- Book 212, Page 14; Terry & Haley Sheddrick Revocable Living Trust Agreement to First Interstate Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 13th -- Book 212, Page 16; PBR Farms to Terry & Haley Sheddrick Revocable Living Trust Agreement; Warranty Deed.
May 13th -- Book 212, Page 17; Grand Oak Ranch to Arvest Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 14th -- Book 212, Page 18; Ian Overland and Sally Overland to Home State Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 18th -- Book 212, Page 20; Hunt Family Trust to Diane Dannar and Jason Dannar; Trustee's Deed.
May 18th -- Book 212, Page 21; Diane Dannar and Jason Dannar to Verimore Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 19th -- Book 212, Page 23; Randy Allen, Rebecca Allen, Roger Allen, and Rosemary Allen to Kendall Miller and Seth Brown; Warranty Deed.
May 19th -- Book 212, Page 24; Kendall Miller and Seth Brown to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems; Deed of Trust.
May 20th -- Book 212, Page 25; Jerry & Valerie Rauch to Jacob Hardy, Jillian Hardy, and Stephanie Hardy; Beneficiary Deed.
May 20th -- Book 212, Page 26; Estate of Lloyd Herbert Petty to Alanthus Tedford and Cynthia Jennings; Final Settlement. 
May 26th -- Book 212, Page 27; Home State Bank to Ian Overland and Sally Overland; Deed of Release.
May 26th -- Book 212, Page 28; Tresha Petty to First Interstate Bank; Deed of Trust.
May 27th -- Book 212, Page 29; Connections Bank to Donnie McClellan; Deed of Release.
May 28th -- Book 212, Page 30; Steve Massop to Cynthia Massop and Steve Massop; Quit Claim Deed.
May 29th -- Book 212, Page 31; Ayvonne Morin, Don Morin, Mark Rader, and Rhonda Gresham to Dino Galanakis; Warranty Deed.
May 29th -- Book 212, Page 32; Halee Corbett & Todd Corbett to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems; Deed of Trust.

Marriage Licenses:
Jacob Caddenhead & Sadie Dye
Rick Frese & Cindy Burns
Dustin Rowen & Kendra Stover
Grant Cameron and Halle Morgan

Preliminary Price Tag for Worth County Storms at $830,000

Emergency Management Director Abby Hawk reported that the preliminary price tag for the recent storm damage was around $830,000 for the county. There were 26.8 miles of roads where the water was washed off. Most of it was from north of a line from Allendale to Worth. There were 12 tubes and six culverts washed out. One road had a gully in it. Many people responded to Ms. Hawk's request for pictures of damage. 

The danger for this cycle is that FEMA might view some of the damage as deferred maintenance. The county found out they were behind other counties in putting up rock per mile. Currently, the county puts 60 tons of gravel per mile on its roads via tax rock. Nodaway County puts up 78-100 tons per mile. Gentry and Atchison put up 100 tons per mile. 

The surrounding counties are able to put more rock on their roads because they are more populous and collect more revenue. Also, the local rock quarry charges Nodaway County $3 a ton per mile less than it charges other counties. 

Damage estimates include $600,000 for lost rock, $40,000 to replace the culverts, and $10,000 for field dirt. Ms. Hawk and Road & Bridge Foreman Jim Fletchall went around the county to document storm damage for two days. Commissioners spent most of the meeting coming up with funds to begin the repair work so that FEMA can reimburse them. It typically takes FEMA a year to pay after a disaster is declared. 

There is $239,685 from reimbursement machine expense from a 2023 disaster sitting in a money market account that can be used. The county takes in around $160,000 from a voter-approved tax rock measure and puts up another $175,000. The extra labor is covered under the current budget. The county came up with $100,000 in three different accounts that can be used to replace the tubes. The next step is for the county road & bridge crew to get started on the repair work. In order to receive disaster relief funds, counties have to commit to spending the resources and then get reimbursed. Other potential areas of damage will be looked at.

Workers are putting up new windows and painting the interior walls for the Courthouse. A bucket truck was replacing the old windows with new ones for the attic. The old ones were put up in the 1980's. They were rotting, falling out, and difficult to open and close. They were leaking and blowing in a lot of outside air. 

Adam Summers came in to announce that he is resigning from Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation to devote more time to his business.

The county agreed to write a letter of support for USDA grant opportunities with NWMEF.

Mr. Fletchall reported that they were waiting on a part for the Kenworth for the exhaust. The white truck was in the repair shop with hydraulic issues. 

The Rim Rock Trail road is closed for a new bridge, and Old 169 is scheduled to be closed this week for another bridge replacement.

The Commission went into closed session under Missouri Statute 610.022 to discuss personnel issues.