Amendment Would Limit Ability to Remove Sheriffs

An amendment on the Missouri ballot for Tuesday, November 3rd would limit the ability of people to remove an elected sheriff. 

The amendment is entitled the "Require Election of County Sheriffs Amendment;" however, Worth, Nodaway, Gentry, Harrison, and Daviess Counties, along with most counties in Missouri already elect their sheriffs. 

The main focus of the measure, which passed the legislature and was placed on the ballot, is to limit the ability of citizens to remove an elected sheriff.  Currently, under Section 106.230, any citizen can file an affidavit with the prosecutor seeking the removal of a county sheriff for causes that are specified in law. The county prosecutor can file their own affidavit. The Missouri Attorney General can file a quo warranto seeking the removal of a sheriff, or any other county officer. Such a petition would go before the circuit court, and a sheriff so removed can appeal the ruling directly to the Missouri Supreme Court.

If passed, the "Require Election of County Sheriffs" amendment would take away the ability of citizens or the local prosecutor to remove an elected sheriff, and only the Attorney General could file such an action in court. 

Causes that are specified for removal of a sheriff or other county officer include the following:

--Failure to perform duties.

--Being found guilty of any wilful, corrupt, or fraudulent violations or neglect of any official duty.

--Knowingly or willfully failing or refusing to perform any official act or duty which, by law, it is their duty to do or perform with the execution or enforcement of the criminal laws of this state. 

The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to prove by preponderance of the evidence that the respondents committed acts that warrant forfeiture of office. 

Rose James 1936-2026

Rose Marie (Johnston) James was born December 7, 1936, in Kansas City, KS and passed away at Mt. Ayr, IA on August 20, 2026, at the age of 89. She was the third child, and only daughter, born to George Wesley and Marjory Guthrie Johnston.

Rose grew up on the farm south of Mt. Ayr, and the family attended the Hickory Grove Church close to the farm, where Rose developed her lifelong devotion to God, sustained throughout her life by the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Rose and younger brother Allen walked three miles to and from the one room country schoolhouse, or rode double on their horse, Trixie. On her 5th birthday, Sunday December 7, 1941, her oldest brother, George, was in the navy and stationed at Pearl Harbor during the historic Japanese bombing but did not speak of it until years later to his grandchildren. She attended High School in Mt. Ayr, graduating in 1954, and because she had an interest in nursing as a possible career, she took Latin classes. She was also a member of the Sunshine Workers 4-H Club growing up and then a leader of that same club in the 1980’s. Her career plans were altered after meeting Bus (Oral) James.

Rose and Bus were married on June 14, 1954, in Cedar Falls, IA, where Rose’s mother Marjory was living as Marjory finished her education degree at the Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa). She married into a family of three girls –Ardith, Virginia and Judy James. They moved to California where Bus was employed as a Correctional Sergeant at the San Quentin Federal Prison. During their time in California, all four of their children were born: Dennis, Darrell, Susie and Kevin. During this time Rose also took several business classes at Modesto Junior College. The family enjoyed weekends on the Tuolumne River, fishing trips, and baseball games.

In November 1967, having purchased 80 acres of the original Olney family farm from her brothers Neil and Allen Johnston, Rose and Bus and the family moved to Iowa. Neil flew to California and drove the straight truck Bus purchased to help with the move and all the belongings were loaded into the truck and car, along with Rose, Bus, Neil, the four kids and the dog and cat. One year later, after completing an addition onto the farmhouse, which included an enclosed porch, laundry, and a lone bathroom, the plumber got the washer, toilet and sink faucets working on Christmas Eve 1968. Rose always said she never had a better Christmas present, as the outhouse had been used the entire first year.

The Johnston and James Farms operation rapidly expanded, with acreage added and a dairy established. Neil’s farm, with their parents George and Marjory, was located one mile south of Rose and Bus, with “Gramps 80” in between also belonging to the family. Their Grandmother Bertha Olney Johnston had been given this middle 80 from her parents George and Rachel Olney. Neil had also bought an 80 to the south of his place, and there was the James farm, three miles southwest. For several years beef cattle were driven between farms past the family church (Hickory Grove) before stock trailers became available. Over the years Johnston and James Farms raised sows and finished hogs, laying hens, beef cows and feeder calves, row crops, oats and wheat, and hay.

But the centerpiece was the dairy, as from the beginning genetics were mapped and continually improved. The milk was picked up by Swiss Valley Farms, and Johnston and James Farms consistently was awarded production volume and quality awards. She was also especially proud of her home place – the Olney Farm qualifying as a Heritage Farm in 2026 signifying 150 years of continuous family ownership along with “Gramps 80” being a Century Farm and the James farm qualifying as a Century Farm in 2029.

Day in and day out, morning and night, Rose was in the dairy barn doing the milking, usually with Neil alongside and kids helping. She did other farm work and chores, in addition to keeping the household running, raising her family, and entertaining family guests including the older girls and their families – Ardith, Virginia, and Judy and their families and friends with summer barbeques. She always raised a huge garden canning tomatoes, green beans, jelly, pickles and freezing corn. Her grape jelly was a favorite, winning blue ribbons at the county fair. She also was a quilter, a skill that had been handed down through the generations. She made beautiful quilts all hand stitched for her family. A few she shared at various quilt shows which usually had a story attached. One in particular was made from blocks cut from feed sacks saved by her Grandmother Bertha, if one can remember those days.

Rose missed very few Kansas City Royals games, either on the radio in the barn or in later years on television. She was a Sunshine Workers 4-H club leader, taught Sunday school and played piano at Hickory Grove Church, was active on the county dairy board, volunteered as a cook at the Camp Wilderness Church Camp in southern Missouri for many years, and faithfully attended grandkid’s ballgames and other activities, and all family events as her schedule and health allowed. For many years she wrote the Hickory Grove news column for the Mount Ayr Record News. She would call the neighbors on Monday evenings and then write the column and drive it to town the next day, For the last 20 years she enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas but had to be home before spring calving season.

Rose loved to host family and friends, especially when beds and kitchen table were full of people. Visitors were always encouraged to stay longer, as not long after arriving, they’d be asked by Rose “Are you staying overnight?” Thanksgiving dinner at the farm was a family tradition year after year. Gatherings with grilled hamburgers, steak, and hot dogs were a summer highlight. No matter her workload, she always had time to spend with visitors. “Sit down and have a cup of coffee” was a saying heard often from Rose, and it was never optional! Dinner was a spread of home-cooking that could feed a threshing crew, and her apple pies for dessert being a special treat. She never avoided telling you exactly how she felt about your behavior or what she thought needed to be changed! Though tough and at times gruff, she always said that no member of her family would ever be homeless as long as she was alive, as there was always room at the farm. Rose will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by daughter Susie (James) Catanzareti (Joe) of Mt. Ayr, son Kevin James of Mt. Ayr, sister-in-law Sandra Johnston of Norwalk, grandchildren Joe (Lindsey) Catanzareti of Mount Ayr, and Jena (Corey) Shadden of Villisca, … great-grandchildren Adrian Joseph and Joslyn Catanzareti and Ila Shadden, and many nieces and nephews. Also, family members of her stepdaughters Ardith, Virginia, and Judy; Judy’s daughters Linda Hesse and Beth Hesse-Morgan and son Mathew Ramsey; Virginia’s son Clifford Arnold and wife (Kerry) and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents George Wesley and Marjory Guthrie Johnston, husband Oral “Bus” James, brothers George, Walter Neil, and Allen, sisters-in-law Jane Johnston and Irma Johnston, sons Dennis and Darrell James, nephew Darren Johnston, great-grandnephew Hunter Johnson and her three stepdaughters Ardith and daughters Sheila and Sharleen; Virginia and daughter Debbie, and Judy.

Services were held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in the Hickory Grove Cemetery, south of Mount Ayr. Memorials are to the Advent Christian Church Camp Wilderness.

Democratic Candidates Call for Healthcare Access, Full Public School Funding, and Transparency on Data Centers

Democratic candidates at the rally at the Old 169 Club Saturday called for access to healthcare, full funding for public schools, and transparency for data centers in various speeches by candidates. Jerry Forney entertained the group of around 50 people, who came and went throughout the afternoon. There were people from all over the area, including Gentry and Daviess Counties.

Judy McNeece, State Senate District 12

Ms. McNeece said that the main issue for her was public education, especially in rural schools. She pointed out that the Missouri Constitution specifically requires full funding of public schools. “They seem to find money for everything else,” she told the Express. She said that the state is creating even more red tape for local schools, which she says makes it even harder. “We need public funding for public schools,” she said. She opposes the MO Scholars program, which gives money to private schools. While teacher pay for the state has risen to a $40,000 minimum, Ms. McNeece said it still wasn’t enough.

On healthcare. Ms. McNeece said that her ideal was universal healthcare. But right now, she said that Medicaid needs to be strengthened. As a woman with chronic pain, she noted that the state recently cut physical therapy as of July 1^st of this year. So now, she says that when she has too much pain, she must either go to the emergency room, get prescription pills, or deal with it. “We need everyone a chance to be pain free,” she said. Ms. McNeece noted that out of the 18 counties in her district, only four were not maternal care deserts. “If people want families, they have to travel all the time,” she said. “Women have to take off work.” While the Harrison County Hospital has been expanding, building a new building, she said that rural hospitals are dependent on Medicare and Medicaid and that rug could be pulled on them at any time. She noted that there are 12 that are in danger of closing in Missouri.

What makes the situation even worse, said Ms. McNeece, is a system that allows insurance companies to require preauthorization, a process that can take weeks or months, and work requirements that require a doctor’s note when it is already hard to make an appointment. “We need to stop putting big corporations first, and put people first,” said Ms. McNeece. “When we do that, more businesses will choose to come here.”

On data centers, Ms. McNeece said that there should be an open and transparent process regarding data centers, and that it should be up to a vote of the people. She said that independent studies should be done that are not paid for by the data centers that measure air, water, and noise quality. “We are getting too dependent on AI,” she said. “They say they will produce jobs, but the state only requires them to create 10 new jobs,” she said. While Missouri is getting more and more data centers, the Missouri State Auditor’s Office recently sent out an alarming news release saying that Missouri was going off a $2 billion fiscal cliff, and that the state would go broke by 2029 unless the legislature made drastic cuts. Ms. McNeece noted that a law passed in 2015 states that data centers don’t have to pay for anything inside their facilities. She said that they should have to pay their fair share of taxes like everyone else. She said she was skeptical of the water being self-contained in some of these facilities. “Water is a precious commodity,” she said.

Ms. McNeece was using a walker Saturday to get around. “I’m not young, but I’ve got a lot of determination,” she said. “I want voters to have a choice at the polls.” She said she was inspired by Jess Piper, who challenged someone to step forward to challenge Republican incumbent Rusty Black after it looked like he might run unopposed this cycle. “I know I’m going up against big money,” she said. “I take my donations from friends and neighbors, and I’m fine with that.”

Reid Gibson

Reid Gibson of Worth was the emcee for the event, which was organized by the Gentry County Women’s Democratic Club. It served as a fundraiser for the Democratic candidates. All of the proceeds went to the candidates. Barb Mahoney and Bridget Gibson are the co-chairs.

Mr. Gibson said he hoped to make this event like the Harkin Steak Fry of Iowa. It was held at a balloon field near Indianola (IA), and all the big players of the Democratic Party came. Bridget Gibson once shooks hands with Bill Clinton there, and singer Cheryl Crow once did a concert there that they got to go to. “You had to have tickets to get into that event, this is free,” said Mr. Gibson.

He said that the goal of the party was to fight for clean air, clean water, and hunting and fishing for everyone to enjoy. “This is a pretty neck of the woods, it looks like southern France or better,” said Mr. Gibson. He said that we were fortunate to have the quality of life that we do. “We have the freedom here to do what you want to do; farm what you want, raise livestock, fish, hunt. We have clean air, clean water, roads to drive, schools for our children, hospitals, and we’re not too far from three mega-cities as well as a university 35 miles out. Sure, we could use some new ideas.”

“We don’t want no data centers to come in and ruin our peace, suck up our resources, electricity, water, and mess up our environment for a couple of jobs for a dubious technology that at best will steal jobs from our children and future generations, increase government surveillance, and make handling our personal affairs more difficult,” said Mr. Gibson. “Sounds to me like a ploy that will make the technofascists richer and us poorer. We need our politicians to stand up and say no.” Instead, Mr. Gibson said, we needed more projects like Lettuce Dream, which produces lettuce locally. “Agricultural diversification would help,” said Mr. Gibson. “Small businesses. Make funding available. Grow blueberries, tobacco, ethanol.”

Turning to the recent primary election, Mr. Gibson said that Missouri is a conservative state in the classic sense. “We value our freedom, our constitution for the people of Missouri, and reject radical ideas like replacing state income tax with higher sales taxes and limiting our right to petition,” he said. “And I think that the primary elucidated that Governor Mike Kehoe and the Republican administration are out of touch with the people of Missouri. He wants to turn us into a new Texas. Well, I lived in Texas, and it sucks! WalletHub just rated Texas as the crappiest state in the nation; low homeownership rates, low percentage of college graduates, property taxes twice what they are in California, toll roads everywhere, they don’t believe in labor unions so wages are far lower than other states, their power grid is a mess.” By contrast, said Mr. Gibson, “We the people of Missouri voted to raise the minimum wage, and as a result, people are moving to Missouri to work.”

He concluded, “That’s why we are endorsing these candidates. This is the party, and these are the candidates who will fight to protect our way of life here, they will fight to preserve your freedoms, your rights, public schools, public roads, and not back radical ideas that seek to line the pockets of the politicians working for the ultra-wealthy. And keep the government out of your bedroom and doctor’s office.”

Josh Smead, 6^th District, US Congress

Josh Smead is the Democratic nominee for the 6^th District congressional race, which has gotten more money than at any time in two decades. He told the Express that it was a lot more dangerous to live in Northern Missouri because of what he saw as lack of access to healthcare and affordable housing. He said that he supported fully funding education at both the national and state levels and would support a national ban on the funding of religious schools. He said he supported more investments in infrastructure.

On Iran, he said that President Donald Trump’s policy was so bad that it made George Bush II, who led the country into the conflicts into Iraq and Afghanistan, look like a genius. He said that it was a national embarrassment that the President had to sneak out of Turkey following a NATO conference in a truck and noted that the US already had a deal in place with Iran to keep them from acquiring a nuclear weapon before President Trump tore it up during his first term. “It has only emboldened our enemies,” he said.

On data centers, Mr. Smead said that he supported more transparency on data center development. As an architect, he noted that there were no codes for data centers and said that our rural areas were not equipped for such massive developments. He said that the problems that data centers pose are solvable, but that standards had to be in place for them to follow.

He compared his opponent, Chris Stigall, to Sam Graves 2.0, overseeing the destruction of Northwest Missouri.

Casey Scott, Candidate for 2^nd District Missouri House

Casey Scott spoke briefly to the Express before the speeches started. She said that as a single mother, access to healthcare, especially maternal care, was the main issue. She said that she was fortunate to have that when she had her two daughters, who were with her at the rally, but that many other people don’t have it. She spoke from first-hand experience, having been in healthcare for 15 years.

Josh Smead

Mr. Smead got up and spoke to the audience. He said that as a father of four, he decided that if he wanted to see change, he couldn’t wait until someone else stepped up. “These issues are not going to wait,” he said. He said that the upcoming November election was important because an abortion ban is on the ballot two years after Missouri voters enshrined the right to choose in the state constitution. In addition, the measure bans transgender surgery before one is 18.

He said that the choice is clear. While he supports bodily autonomy, he said Sam Graves was pushing Congress for a federal abortion ban. “My daughter has less rights than people did 30-40 years ago,” said Mr. Smead. In addition, he said he would support an amendment to end big money in politics.

Mr. Smead noted that he had raised the most money in the district since 2008 and that the most Democrats had voted in the recent primary since 2004. “We’re slowly growing at the grassroots level,” said Mr. Smead. He promised to be a uniter and not a divider. “I don’t believe in rural versus urban,” said Mr. Smead. “People all over the district are worried about access to healthcare. It’s gotten a lot more dangerous to have a baby. I’ve spoken to people who have driven 100 mph to get to the hospital because of an emergency.” He noted that he spoke with people who have had to drive one hour for routine prenatal appointments. “That is unacceptable,” he said.

He said he would fight for the working class. “Many people don’t see homeownership as a realistic possibility,” he said. Turning to infrastructure, he said, “Sam Graves is the chair of the House Infrastructure Committee, but you can’t tell it by driving over these roads.” And he said that for all the talk about high-speed internet and 5G coming to the area, there were too many dead spots. “People are trapped in bureaucracy with no solutions,” he said.

Mr. Smead said that his opponent, Chris Stigall, was Sam Graves’ hand-picked successor and he had already spent over $1 million on ads and TV. “A lot of his money comes from out of state,” he said. “And he’s not going to question the $2 billion spent on Iran.”

Turning to school funding, Mr. Smead said that private schools have no school boards that answer the people who elect them.

Returning to Iran, Mr. Smead said that President Trump’s policies have only emboldened Iran, who will only get worse and worse, and that we have already spent $8 trillion in wars in the Middle East. “Graves supported Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said. “We can’t afford to surrender to the MAGA interests who are destroying Rural Missouri.”

Casey Scott

Casey Scott stepped up to the microphone next and talked about her 2^nd District Missouri House campaign. “I know people who put off healthcare all the time because they can’t afford it,” she said. Ms. Scott said that as a person with 15 years of experience in the field, it has gotten to the point where “we cannot deliver a baby.” She noted that hospitals were ending maternity care right and left due to abortion bans and OB-GYN’s were afraid of practicing for fear of repercussions. She said she knew of one woman who had a fetus whose brain did not develop and had to carry it to term.

She said that people were afraid of seeing their savings disappear due to a medical emergency. She said she talked to someone who had a busted water heater and couldn’t afford to replace it. She had recently canvassed Worth County and that people were receptive. She said her goal was to go door to door as much as possible.

Judy McNeece

Judy McNeece got up and spoke next. She talked about how she was playing with her grandson when she fell backwards and injured her back. Occasionally, she says she now must go to the doctor to get her back set again. She said that she was speaking on healthcare as a participant in the system.

“The state needs to do better for all of us,” she said.

On public education, she said that she was against private school vouchers. “That means you’re paying for someone else’s education,” she said. In the meantime, she said, small schools were closing, which leads to communities shutting down. “When kids have to travel to school, businesses close,” she said. She said it doesn’t matter how small a school is, if the people wanted it open, it should stay open. On the other hand, she said if schools are fully funded, people will want to move there.

If elected, Ms. McNeece said she would seek to repeal the capital gains tax eliminations which she said led to less school funding. “25% of it went to public schools,” she said. She opposed tax breaks for the rich. “Good for them,” she said, “But it doesn’t help the rest of us.”

She said her campaign was open to input and ideas. As a banker and loan officer, she said that she knew how to listen to people. “If there was a way we could make it happen, we did,” she said.

Casey Scott

After Ms. McNeece finished her speech, Ms. Scott came back to the microphone with more things to say. “For eight years, I drove from Trenton to Gallatin and Bethany to drop off my kids, because I couldn’t find childcare any closer,” she said. She noted that in Grundy County, there was a big data center fight as there is no zoning there. She encouraged people to reach out to their city council people and county commissioners about looking into zoning. “They could very well come to your neighborhood,” she said. “I’ve seen situations where they make you upgrade your system and then not come in.”

Alisha Dodd

Ms. Dodd is running for Gentry County Collector and Treasurer. She pledged to do all she could to save money for the county and make sure tax dollars went to where they were supposed to go.

Tracey Steele

Mr. Steele, a Worth County grad, is running for House District 12 in Parkville, in a district just north of Kansas City. The DLCC ranked his race as one of the top-tier races for breaking the GOP supermajority in Missouri. In the previous race, the Democrat lost narrowly and the seat is in Republican control. But Mr. Steele said he has had people come up to him and tell him they’ve voted Republican all their life, but they were fed up and angry and not voting for them again.

He said that education was just as big of an issue in the suburbs as it was in the rural areas. He noted that Missouri is 49^th out of 50 in school funding. “We don’t treat our kids like they priority they need to be,” said Mr. Steele to the Express. “The state should pay its share so we don’t have to.”

The problem, said Mr. Steele, is that the people in charge have been cutting taxes, which leads to less funding for schools, roads, and healthcare. “They don’t care because they are driven by their rich donors, not seeking to make our lives easier,” he said.

He said that any data center development has to be done responsibly. He said that the current wave of development was a matter of big corporations taking advantage of tax breaks. “And then the people don’t see the benefit,” said Mr. Steele. “We can’t let these big corporations come here in secret and then threaten to go somewhere else if they don’t get breaks. The people don’t deserve this.”

Mr. Steele said he was not against all development. “I’m pro-labor. I want to see opportunities for good-paying jobs. But it all has to be done responsibly.”

He said he was a Democrat because he wanted to do what was best for the people if elected. “The Republicans enact policies that are forced on them by their billionaire donors, and people are tired of it,” he said, citing the massive rejection of the elimination of the income tax and restrictions on initiative petitions in the state. “They don’t just appear on the ballot. They were put there by the people who are in charge.” The Republicans have had a 14-year supermajority in the legislature and have controlled most of the state offices since 2016. “If we can elect people like Casey Scott, Judy McNeece, myself, and Josh Smead, we can start to bring common sense back to the government,” said Mr. Steele.

 

 

 

 

  

Grant City Building Owner Refuses to Sign Off on Demolition Grant

The City of Grant City is seeking to demolish the Masonic Lodge building on the Grant City Square, but they found out that the building is attached to the adjacent building on the southeast corner of the Square. The owners of the building in question, Rick and Cindy Frese, at a condemnation hearing Wednesday at the Grant City Council Meeting, refused to sign off on demolishing their building, saying that it still could be salvaged.

The hearing in question was a show cause hearing for the owners to show why the building should not be demolished. The city was represented in the proceeding by attorney Taryn Henry. 

Ms. Henry called City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes as a witness. Ms. Jeanes showed Exhibit C, showing the front of the building. It consisted of pictures taken over a three month period showing that a crack in the front of the building is getting bigger. Exhibit D showed the back of the building showing the anchors holding the building and the part of the building that has already collapsed. 

Ms. Henry then proceeded to show Exhibit A, the city’s code on dangerous buildings; Exhibit B, the condemnation and demolition order of 318 South Main Street in Grant City filed November 3rd, 2023, and Exhibit E, the building inspection of 320 South Main dated May 27th, 2026. Ms. Jeanes testified that Exhibit A was the current city code on dangerous buildings. 

Ms. Jeanes quoted from the May 27th, 2026 report on the buildings which stated, “This building has been considered previously as two separate buildings with a shared center wall. This building is a single building, and the two property spaces are only separated by a wood-framed bearing wall, not a masonry wall.” The report continued, “Demolition and reconstruction costs are expected to be far greater than the land and building values. Norton and Schmidt Engineers recommends obtaining three competitive bids for cost comparison. She testified that there has been discussion, but there has been no solution, that the building is a danger to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community, and that the city should condemn the other half of the building that has already been condemned so it can be demolished before it hurts someone.

Residents of the housing unit adjacent to the building in question have expressed concern over the past few years that the building in question could collapse and hurt someone and/or render the unit unlivable. Recently, the back end of the Masonic Lodge building collapsed, prompting the city to accelerate proceedings to get it demolished.

Mr. Frese said that his building was in good condition, that it was possible to save, that he felt he deserved compensation for his side of the building, and that he did not give consent to demolish his side of the building. He said that it was not his job to get competitive bids to cut the beams and shore up the wall; it was the job of the contractor. “No,” responded Mayor Debbie Roach, “The contractor will demolish the Masonic Lodge building only; it is an emergency demolition grant.” 

They then clashed over the assessed valuation of the building. Mr. Frese said the building was assessed at $36,000; Ms. Jeanes said that it was assessed at $32,120. “No,” said Mr. Frese, “It has to be more than that; the land and building are worth much more than that.” “That is the assessed valuation from the assessor’s office,” said Ms. Jeanes. 

Mayor Roach said, “The city is not responsible for any compensation. We are just trying to get a grant to remove the danger. Are you willing to pay the costs out of pocket it will take to clean up the building after it falls because you didn’t sign off on the demolition?” “I’ve been advised not to discuss,” responded Mr. Frese. “So if we wipe our hands clean of this, and the building collapses, could anyone who is injured, or the property owner of the apartments next door sue Rick?” Mayor Roach asked Ms. Henry. “Absolutely,” responded Ms. Henry.

The council voted to allow Mr. Frese to obtain a lawyer and reconvene on August 26th at 6:00 pm to proceed further.

Lizzie Jeanes reported that the CBDG demolition grant has been submitted and that the council should hear something by September. She reported that the Masonic Lodge building is moving more and more with each rain they get. She reported that after one recent rain, the northwest corner, which is adjacent to the housing, is trying to fall off. She reported that the asbestos has been removed from the building, and the DNR is satisfied with that. The emergency grant has not been submitted.

Ms. Jeanes reported getting compliance from most letters of violation that the city had sent out last month. The city mowed two properties that were in violation of weed ordinances. 

The council left the property tax rates unchanged for the upcoming tax year.

Ryan Fletchall presented three bids for smoke testing machines. DSG bid $2,455. Core & Main bid $2,621.95. Hurco bid $3,399.00. The council voted to purchase the smoke tester from DSG with some liquid smoke; the amount of which will be determined by shelf life. 

The City put in tubes at the ball field, fixed a leak at 8th & Francis, and fixed the main that runs between the Richey and Hall properties. The city put in a new drain at the new shelter house.

Tyson Troutwine reported that the tubes at the ball field were almost done; they have a lot of dirt to haul in, but the city part of the project is almost completed. The city will be cutting brush and mowing right of ways.

The council approved a building permit for Dalton Miller.

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.