Hopkins City Council to Pursue Water Grant, Supports CBC Pursuit of Demolition Grant

The Hopkins City Council, at its regular meeting Monday, voted to pursue a water grant for its system and authorized Deena Poynter to do the leg work to pursue it. She gave a presentation to the council regarding water grants. There are three avenues that the city can go through. One is through the CDBG process; the city qualifies for its income guidelines. The second is through the EPA, which tends to focus on outdated water systems. The third is through USDA Rural Development. The city would first get a Preliminary Engineering Report, which costs $50,000; however, there are grant programs to cover that cost.

Council members gave verbal approval for the CBC to pursue a demolition grant for the city. The city had been denied two years ago, but the CBC has gathered more information about the process and how they can earn points and decided to try again.

Chris Bird reported that he is in the process of switching over to automatic water meter reading so that the city will not have to estimate water use. Previously, the city read meters every other month, which created problems when a leak spiked the water bill.

The council is in the process of looking for a solution to their trash issues. Previously, according to the June 1st minutes, Porter Trash notified the city that it was raising its rate to $20 per stop. Mr. Bird said that he would like to see the city get a grant to do its own trash and that the savings from trash costs could go to hiring another person. Councilman Shadoe Miller said that he is in the process of researching rates that other trash providers charge. The council voted to table it and use Porter Trash on a month by month basis.

The council voted to restart the process for condemning the trailer next to Rick’s Country Shoppe. Previously, the council had given the green light for it, but then a new council was elected, and it was put on the backburner. The council will hire a building inspector to condemn it.

The Regional Council is in the process of looking into possible funds for a new siren for the city. Currently, the city owns the siren, but the Fire Department sets it off. For many years, it had only been meant to be used as a pager for the Fire Department and for the 6 am, 12 noon, and 6 pm signal. Currently, it must be manually set off by a member of the Fire Department in the event of a tornado. Councilman David Smyser said that while a box to control the siren from the city would be cheaper, “If we can get a grant for a new siren, I’m all for it.”

Ken Pettlon of the Hopkins American Legion came to present the Legion’s plan to turn the area of the town across the street from the Roxy into a memorial park for veterans. The Legion is dying out, with few members left. The city voted to deed 22 feet of property to the Legion for the project. At a later date down the road, the Legion will deed the park back to the city when it is no longer able to maintain it. Mr. Bird noted that Maryville started getting a lot of grant money for its walking trails after they built their Freedom Rock.

Clerk Mary Smith reported that she had gotten a call from Smart XEO, a company interested in overhauling the city website. It can store ordinances and minutes at a cost of $2,400 for the first year and $1,200 a year for the next four. The city would be locked into a five-year contract, and the company could raise the price by up to 5% per year. If the city were to break its contract, the remaining balance would be due and payable immediately. The city voted to table the proposal until it could get references.

The city received a DNR complaint from a citizen, Jerry Coons, alleging that the city water is so dirty that it clogs his filter to the point where he sometimes has to replace it on a daily basis. He alleged that the city has repeatedly ignored his complaints. The DNR will conduct a routine drinking water inspection for the city.

The city is in the process of updating the office for both Clerk Mary Smith and for Chris Bird. The city voted to scrap the old metal desks and to dispose of the other old desks. The office will get new flooring.

Mayor Matt Wray caught three teens from Iowa red-handed dumping trash into the city dump at the ball diamond.

Tentative date for the Citywide Cleanup will be August 7th through 8th. If you have appliances that need to be hauled off, contact the city. The council voted to split the cost with the CBC.

Lorrie Schatz told the city that two of her neighbors’ dogs got out of their yard and attacked someone.

The council went into closed session following the regular meeting to discuss salaries.

The next meeting will be August 3rd at 7:00 pm.

 

 

 

Data Center Developer Still Tapping Land for Feasibility

Susie Strauch reported at the Nodaway County Commission meeting Thursday that people were still coming and tapping the land which would hold the proposed $6 billion data center to see if it was feasible to build a large building on it.

Ms. Strauch said she was still not happy over the fact that in the feasibility study commissioned by the Rural Water District, two of the plans involved crossing their land. “What else are we going to destroy,” she asked.

Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker said that no tax abatements were no the table yet, and that they would meet with the attorney that afternoon.

Asked about Chapter 100 bonds, Assessor Rex Wallace, who was at the meeting, explained how they work. A governmental entity like a county or city issues bonds, the developer buys the bonds itself so no public funds are at risk, the governmental entity owns the project and leases it back to the developer, and then the developer buys it back at a nominal amount at maturity. Like tax abatements, there have been no discussions regarding Chapter 100 bonds between the county and the developer.

“If you’re thinking of giving an abatement, what makes you think they’re going to implement an agreement,” asked Tim Schafer. “If one is coming here, it needs to be state of the art, not one that is going to consume all our water.”

Deseret News reported on a proposed 30 megawatt data center in Utah that would use helium cooling from a high-temperature nuclear microreactor and air-based closed loop cooling, requiring no water for cooling.

George Null talked about school funding and data centers. He said that the school funding situation in Missouri was even worse than commonly believed. “If you don’t do an abatement, that means you’re trusting South Nodaway to do the right thing with regards to the tax money they get.” He expressed the fear that if a moratorium was too long, Scale Microgrids might walk away. Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker said that if no abatement were done, the tax money would be distributed to South Nodaway and other taxing entities like it normally would.

Nina Wiederholt said that she feared water leakage from such a massive project. She noted that the proposed buildings and gas turbine were small compared to the size of the land, meaning there was a lot of room for expansion later. A conceptual rendering of the proposed data center on the White Cloud Acres site shows three larger buildings and two smaller buildings, with a gas generator.

Kim Mildward, Assistant Nodaway County Economic Developer, said that without a tax abatement, the county would have no say in the project. “We need a moratorium to get straight answers,” Scott Wilson said.  By state law, tax abatement agreement’s can’t go below 50%.

Possible consolidation of schools came up given that South Nodaway would have a huge windfall from the proposed data center. Dustin Skoglund, South Nodaway Superintendent, said that he had no authority to give funds away to other schools. All funds are spent according to state law and under a budget that is approved by the school board. Consolidation between two schools would require a vote of both school boards and then voters in both school districts.

Donna Tompkins said that she wanted to get the Nodaway County Commission, the Maryville City Council, and the Rural Water District Board in one room to answer everyone’s questions. “You don’t know what is being said at other meetings,” she pointed out. Commissioner Walker said he was open to that. “After we get the facts, I’m all for it,” he said.

Kim Swyers said that if the proposed data center clearcut all the vegetation, it would cause a massive erosion problem. “We have one of the few timbers left in the area,” added Susie Strauch.

Citing the argument by supporters that data centers would save local schools, Scott Wilson said that schools will consolidate whether data centers come or not.

J.R. Calkin, who lives next to the proposed data center, said that he had concerns about noise and health if the data center were to come. “We bought our place in 2011 to retire,” Mr. Calkin said. “There were no wind turbines or power line substations. How much is enough?” Jean Calkin said, “We wanted to live out in the country, not this. We came to live next to family, and now we’ll have to go different ways.”

 

 

Dedication Held for New Worth County War Memorial

A dedication was held Saturday evening to mark the new War Memorial in the Worth County Courtyard. The new display features new plaques with the names of every Worth County resident who ever served in conflicts of the US Armed Forces. The old one had been chipping away over the years. It is decorated with the American Flag as well as the flags of all six branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

A committee was formed of people after one member, Janice Borey, noticed that the paint from her father’s name, Earl Hardy, was chipping away from the old display and many others were as well. Mr. Hardy had fought in World War II. Donations were collected and a grant was obtained to replace the memorial. “They all deserve our gratitude,” said Ms. Borey. “They gave us the gift of freedom.”

Julia Wideman said that our nation was blessed because of God’s favor and all the heartache and sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made over the years. “These people swore an oath to defend our country from enemies both foreign and domestic,” said Ms. Wideman. She said that their courage ensured that we would be free and that we needed to continue to stand for truth in a post-truth world.

“There are those who would hold that we are not great,” said Ms. Wideman. “We were built on the Bible, on a system by the people and for the people, and to create a people who are self-governed,” she said. “As a result, we became prosperous like no other country. This is a radical concept found nowhere else.”

Turning to the World Cup, Ms. Wideman said that people from around the world were blown away by the generous hospitality shown by Americans and that they found our way of life amazing. “We have such an amazing country, why wouldn’t others find us exceptional,” she asked.

As a result of our freedoms, Ms. Wideman said that we have a “grave responsibility” to protect and defend our constitution by praying for our country, troops, and leaders as well as actively participating in our civic life.

Bob Hull and members of VFW Post 3123 raised the American Flag. The service flags of the six branches of the US Armed Forces were raised, with veterans from each branch raising them when possible. Jack Cottrell raised the flag of the US Army. Ron Richards raised the flag of the Marines. Paul Myers raised the flag of the Navy. Kenny Mullock raised the flag of the Air Force.

 

Jack Cottrell, Margaret Bishop are Oldest People at Allendale 4th of July

Around 800 people were at the 2026 version of the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast Saturday as a threatened rain did not materialize. The balloon rides that were promised were canceled due to forecasted weather Friday night, but that did not materialize either, as it all missed the area to the north, hitting Iowa instead.

Jack Cottrell of Grant City was the oldest man as he was still everywhere at 96 years young. Margaret Bishop of Mount Ayr was the oldest woman at 95. Roeh Miller, at four weeks old, was the youngest girl; she is the daughter of Dylan and Chelsea Miller of Allendale. Indiana Wall, son of Lincoln and Molli Wall of Blockton, was the youngest boy. Joe Olney of Abbeville (LA) was the farthest away, coming from 950 miles away.

Paul Myers, whose brother was killed in Vietnam, raised the flag. He and other veterans were recognized, including, but not limited to Roger Knight, Dick Snethen, Jim Coulson (long-time Sheridan mail carrier), Jack Cottrell, Lee Mincy, Bill Tracy, Kyle Dignan, Ron Richards, Will Brown, and Charles Kreitlow.

Some political candidates spoke. Casey Scott, Democratic candidate for Second District House Representative, said she wanted to be a voice for working mothers in the legislature who work 2-3 jobs as well as try to raise kids. She wanted to see full funding for public schools and to reverse what she called the broken promises of the state, which she says underfunds the school drastically in violation of the Missouri Constitution.

Ms. Scott said she also wanted to be an advocate for healthcare; she said that too many people were being forced to make choices between finances and medical care, delaying care until a medical emergency such as a terminal cancer that spread throughout the body or some other terminal illness.

She said that many people lost their jobs due to inadequate healthcare and that many veterans were struggling to access the system in order to get benefits they were entitled to. She said there were groups that were more than willing to help veterans, but they were all running on shoestring budgets and could not replace a fully functional veterans healthcare system. “People keep telling me it’s time for a change,” she said.

Melissa Percell, Republican candidate for Worth County Clerk, said that if elected, she would put her 20 years of experience to work for the county and promised transparency to the people.

Brandon Allee, Republican candidate for Worth County Clerk, said that he was asked to run following the retirement of Roberta Owens and that it would be hard to fill her footsteps, but that if elected, he would work hard for the people of Worth County.

Brandon Harvey, Republican candidate for House District 2, said that his background in banking, ag, and commercial business qualified him to be the next state representative. He pledged to fully fund rural schools and to work for good roads and bridges and adequate water supply.

 

 

Donald Moore 1935-2026

Donald Eugene Moore, age 91, Clark, Wyoming, formerly of Denver, Missouri, died Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Powell Valley Health Care, Powell, Wyoming.

Donald was born March 13, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was the son of the late Howard F. and Inez Lora (Wood) Moore.

He was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Cavaunaugh.  She preceded him in death in 2021.

He attended high school in Grant City with the class of 1953.

On September 8, 1953, Donald joined the United States Navy.  He served his country four years on the USS Hornet (CVA 12), and Essex class aircraft carrier. Donald held the rank of Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 1^st Class. He was honorably discharged from active-duty June 16, 1957, but remained in the Navy Reserve until 1961.

When returning to civilian life Donald, having coordinated all forms of naval aviation, transitioned right into his job as an air traffic controller.  His training in the navy had skilled him in working in control towers, radar facilities and on aircraft carriers.  During the 1980’s he worked privately for various contract towers.  He spent many years at airports in St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City.

Donald also was a lock smith for over 20 years, most recently for Bill’s Lock and Key, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Donald was also preceded in death by a son Chris Moore who died in 2021.

His survivors include his daughter Marian Moore, Clark, Wyoming and son Mark Moore, Portland, Oregon, one granddaughter Megan and 4 great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services for Donald will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Prairie Chapel Cemetery near Denver, Missouri.  There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Arrangements: Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri

andrewshannfuneralhome.com

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for July 1st, 2026

On June 24th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Amber Johnson (48) of Cainsville alleging Trafficking Drugs (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On June 24th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Casey George (47) of St. Joseph alleging Violation of Protection Order (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 cash only.

On June 24th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Sarah Service (33) of Bethany alleging Animal Abandonment. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On June 24th, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that Harrison County will have to return $926,061.01 in sales taxes it collected from two Eagleville marijuana dispensaries, Good Day Farms and Lifted Dispensary. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that counties can’t collect a 3% tax if cities already have the 3% tax. Eagleville has adopted such a tax and is collecting revenues. The county had put the money in a separate account and had not budgeted it.

On June 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Keith Shafer (62) of Grant City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On June 25th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Judd Roberts (20) of King City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving, DWI (Prior), and Minor Visibly Intoxicated.

On June 26th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Dagon Cooper (26) of Grant City alleging Harassment (Felony), two counts Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Domestic Assault, Failure to Equip Car with Two Headlamps, No Insurance, No Plates, and No Rear License Lamp. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety, posted by the defendant.

On June 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Cody Wilson (39) of Bethany alleging Peace Disturbance. Bond was set at $1,000.

On June 26th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Dean Talbott (69) of Altamont alleging Child Molestation (Felony) and three counts Sexual Abuse (Felony). Bond was denied.

On June 27th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Bradley Burton (41) of Gentry alleging No Valid Motorcycle License (Felony), and Failure to Comply with Ignition Interlock Requirements.

On June 28th, someone abandoned a car at the intersection of School Bus Road and East Avenue in Grant City.

On June 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Mark Larkin (41) of Talmage (NE) alleging Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On June 29th, Nodaway County Associate Circuit Judge Robert Rice ordered the extradition of Victoria Templeton (37) of Oelwein (IA) to Mason County (IL) to face a charge of Financial Exploitation of Elderly Person.

On June 29th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Martin Hinojosa (50) of Maryville alleging two counts Failure to Register as Sex Offender. Bond was denied.

On June 29th, Nodaway County Associate Circuit Judge Robert Rice ordered the extradition of Jesse Maliere (29) of Slitell (LA) to New Orleans to face nine counts of Aggravated Arson.

On June 29th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 60-year-old Ravenwood man was headed northbound on Route B five miles north of Stanberry on his motorcycle when he crossed over the center line, drove off the west side, and overturned several times, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was killed in the wreck.

On June 30th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Kristen Hardin (59) of St. Joseph alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), Failure to Register, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On June 30th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Leslie Jennings (24) of Mercer alleging Property Damage (Felony) and DWI. Bond was set at $3,000, cash only

On June 30th, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the 14th Amendment upheld Birthright Citizenship. The ruling overturns an executive order by President Donald Trump that held that the 14th Amendment did not protect children of non-citizens born in the United States.

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.

Larry "Gene" King 1939-2026

Larry Gene King, 86, of Grant City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph.

Gene was born on July 15, 1939, in Redding, Iowa, to Helen Ruth (Henry) King and James Leander King. He graduated from Grant City High School and carried throughout his life the small-town values of hard work, kindness, and helping others.

On December 6, 1959, Gene married the love of his life, Beverly Ann McKim. Together they built a life rooted in love, dedication, and family. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised two sons, Stephen and Jerry, and created a legacy that continues through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In the early years of their marriage, Gene and Beverly lived in Colorado and Oregon before returning to Grant City in the late 1960s. After returning home, Gene began a career with the Missouri Department of Transportation, where he worked for 30 years. Known for his strong work ethic and dependability, Gene took pride in providing for his family and serving his community.

Gene was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a hand. Family and friends could always count on him when something needed repaired, a problem needed solved, or simply when a helping hand was needed. In his younger years, he enjoyed working with horses, wagons and spent countless hours caring for the family farm. He found satisfaction in honest work and took great pride in keeping busy. More than anything, Gene will be remembered for his generosity, quiet strength, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Beverly; his brother, Dale King; and his sister, Rita Ray King.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his sons, Stephen King and Jerry (Stacey) King of St. Joseph; grandchildren Chad (Rachael) McElvain of Maryville, Amber King of St. Joseph, Laura King of Grant City, Colby (Hunter) Bradford, and Cade Bradford of St. Joseph; and great-grandchildren Carleigh, Brennan, and Mylee McElvain, Milleigha and Cason King, Liam and Quinn Bradford and Jennifer King (mother of Chad, Amber and Laura) of Grant City, MO.

Though Gene's life was marked by hard work and dedication, his greatest accomplishment was the love he shared with his family and the example he set for those around him. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and selflessness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, with visitation one hour prior from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Grant City Cemetery.