Court Rules Group can Continue to Challenge Data Centers

By Missouri News Network

An advocacy group opposing data centers in Montgomery County can continue to pursue its claims that the county did not adequately involve or inform the community about the impact of the centers.

Google and Amazon are both building data centers that cover a total of 1,900 acres on opposite sides of Interstate 70 east of New Florence in Montgomery County.

In February, the advocacy group Preserve Montgomery County filed a lawsuit against the county and the Missouri Department of Economic Development in an effort to halt the Amazon data center. Attorneys for the county and the Department of Economic Development filed a motion to dismiss their lawsuit in March.

On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker denied the motion to dismiss most of the lawsuit. In his order, Walker determined that the advocacy group does have standing to assert its claims and can move forward with the case.

He did, however, dismiss the group’s claim that the Department of Economic Development failed to properly monitor and administer a grant agreement involving American Rescue Plan Act funds. He thus dismissed the department as a party in the lawsuit.

Walker took the matter under advisement in August after listening to arguments on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs argue that both the county and the state failed to post a proper public notice of the project or adequately provide information about water and electricity usage by the data centers. They also claim they weren’t fully apprised of the terms of the tax abatement.

Attorneys for the state and county countered that there is no factual evidence to support the claims.

No future hearings on the case have yet been scheduled.

Jerry Hiatt 1935-2026

Jerry Duane Hiatt was born October 15, 1935 in Grant City, Missouri to Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Pickering) Hiatt. He graduated from Grant City High School in 1953.  

On August 15, 1981 he was united in marriage to Wilma Susanne Hiatt.  Jerry had his own insurance agency for many years. He loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed the outdoors and birdwatching! He also enjoyed farming, playing golf, traveling, and watching his favorite sports teams play. He and Susanne were snowbirds, wintering in Texas over the last 27 years. He was a member of the Fairview Church in Gladstone Missouri and later attended Hoover Christian Church in Hoover, Missouri.  

Jerry passed away on September 22, 2026 in Liberty, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Bruce and Douglas Hiatt; brothers Burl Nelson Hiatt and Paul Bervin Hiatt; sister Wannita Jean Clutter.  Left to cherish his memory is his wife Susanne; son Phillip Hiatt of Lake Ozark; step-daughter Marsha (Myles) Perry of Platte City; sister Billie Fern Wake of Isadora; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  

Graveside service and burial will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Grant City Cemetery, Grant City, Missouri. Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City is in charge of arrangements. 

Weekly Area Road Work for September 30th, 2026

Harrison County

I-35 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to Route N near Eagleville through October 2026. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place. (Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons)

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 71 – Intersection improvement project at 340th Street through early November 2026. (Contractor: Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company, Inc.) https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-71-j-turn-installation-nodaway-county

U.S. Route 71 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to Route CC north of Maryville through September 2026. The road will be narrowed to one lane, and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place.

U.S. Route 46 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 59 to Nodaway River through late October. The road will be narrowed to one lane. with an 11-foot width restriction. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

U.S. Route 136 – Resurfacing project from I-29 to Route 71, east of the Burlington Junction. The road will be narrowed to one lane. with an 11-foot width restriction. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route E – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 136 through September 2026. The road will be narrowed to one lane, with a 10-foot width restriction in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route EE – Resurfacing project from Route NN to U.S. Route 136 through September 2026. The road will be narrowed to one lane, with a 10-foot width restriction in place. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.)

Route VV – CLOSED for a deck replacement project at the Platte River Bridge through December 2026. (Contractor: Louis-Company, LLC) https://www.modot.org/projects/route-vv-bridge-replacement-nodaway-county

Route 148 – Milling in various locations, Sept. 28-Oct. 2

Hayden Sanders Rushes for 137 Yards, Brock Healy Throws for 117, Tigers Beat Warriors 52-0

Hayden Sanders posted another career high in rushing yards, getting 137 yards on only five carries as Worth County thrived in the rain and the mud, getting a 52-0 halftime win over Albany for Homecoming. Brock Healy didn’t mind the rain and the mud, completing four of five passes for 117 yards.

Two members of the Class of 1976, Gary Hann and Dennis Adams, called the coin toss successfully. Worth County elected to defer until the second half and pin Albany deep in their own territory as Xander Bodle pinned the Warriors deep in their own territory, kicking it into the end zone. The first play was a bad snap, and the Warriors had to fall on it at their own 2. Hayden Sanders broke up a pass, and an illegal shift pinned Albany at its own one. Finally, Bentin Roberts and Hayden Sanders drove Elliot Mercer into the end zone for a safety to put the Tigers up 2-0.

But the Warriors got a golden opportunity when they recovered an onsides kick at their own 28. Albany has frequently used that play to their advantage during the Doug Fountain era. Given the new lease on life, Elliot Mercer ripped off eight yards and Zayden Palmer converted a third and two to the 39. Palmer and Mercer picked up seven more to set up fourth and three at Worth County’s 32. But with Palmer trying to break the edge, Cole Ruby splashed him down into a big mud puddle at the 35 to force a turnover on downs. Albany was ready for Cole Ruby trying to get the edge, but then Sanders burst up the middle for his first score, a 45-yard dash, to make it 8-0 with 7:08 left.

Albany was set behind the sticks with an illegal formation, and they were forced to punt. Albany stood up Jude Archer up for no gain, only for the Galloping Ghost, Hayden Sanders, to break loose again. He took a counter play 42 yards down to the Warrior 8. Brock Healy threw a strike to Bo Collins for the rest of the way with 4:30 left. Jude Archer took a quick pitch and got a block from Cole Ruby to give Worth County a 16-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for Worth County to get the ball back as Hayden Sanders knocked the ball loose from Mercer and Ethan Lininger recovered it at Albany’s 25. Brock Healy threw a strike to Jude Archer, who caught it just short of the goal line. But he muscled his way into the end zone. Cole Ruby took a quick pitch for the extra point try, got blocks from Jude Archer and Wyatt Scadden, and got in to make it 24-0.

Ethan Lininger caught Palmer in the backfield for a loss to set up fourth and seven at Albany’s 18. The Warriors elected to go for it, but Bentin Roberts picked it off. In what was a rare accomplishment for the Tigers, Bentin got a long return to the Warrior 14, and it didn’t get called back by a penalty. Hayden Sanders threw a short pass to Bo Collins on third and ten, and his catch and run gave Worth County a first down at the four. Worth County failed to convert it as Hayden Sanders missed a wide-open Wyatt Scadden and Albany took over on downs at the four.

The Warriors got out of the hole thanks to a 13-yard dash by Mercer, but on fourth and one at the 24, Bo Collins and Ethan Lininger combined to stop him there and give Worth County another short field. This time, they overcame a false start as Brock Healy threw a strike to Jude Archer from 29 yards out to make it 30-0.

Jude Archer picked off a Warrior pass to set up Worth County at Albany’s 37. Once again, the Galloping Ghost struck again as Hayden Sanders started up the middle, bounced outside, and to the house with 7:09 left in the second quarter to make it 36-0.

Albany was behind the sticks again as four different Tigers dropped Mercer for a loss back to the 20. They got a break when Worth County was flagged for defensive holding, giving the Warriors a first down at their own 34. But two plays later, a botched handoff was pounced on by Bo Collins for Albany’s fourth turnover. Worth County had a short field to work with at Albany’s 26, and they only needed two plays to convert. Brock Healy scrambled for 12 yards on the first play to Albany’s 14. The next play was covered in a sea of traffic when Hayden Sanders suddenly burst out of the scrum and down the left sideline to score. Cole Ruby got a block from Bo Collins and cut back to add the extra points to put Worth County up 44-0 with 3:38 left.

Albany got its most promising drive going during its next series. Carter Dannar converted a third and one for a first down to Albany’s 37. Grayson Miller caught a short pass for another on third and five to Worth County’s 29. Albany was trying to run down the clock, score, and leave Worth County with as little time as possible to strike back. But when Worth County tackled Carter Dannar at their own 25 with ten seconds left, it turned out to be enough. Brock Healy scrambled eight yards and got out of bounds with 3.3 seconds left. Healy then threw a strike to Jude Archer at Albany’s 30. He ran through some Warrior defenders and accelerated into the end zone as time expired. Cole Ruby added the extra points after getting a block from Jude Archer and cutting back.

Nodaway County Commission Still Going Through Questions

Nodaway County Commissioners told people at the public comment portion of their regular meeting Thursday that they were continuing to work through issues and seeking answers regarding the proposed data center south of Maryville. Following the public comment portion of the meeting Tuesday, September 22nd, they spend 2 ½ hours in closed session with their attorney. Commissioner Scott Walk said that it was a slow process to get answers. “We send it to legal and they send it to Scale’s legal,” he said. Scale Microgrids is the developer for the proposed project. When they find an end user, they could either lease out the land they have an option to buy, or they could sell it outright. “We are pushing for answers. I hope to get you some by the town hall in Graham,” said Mr. Walk, referring to the upcoming town hall on the data center taking place there Tuesday, September 29th. Among other things, commissioners are getting examples of zoning which other counties across the state are using.

Commissioner Chris Burns said that while the proposed project is being split into two parts, with White Cloud Generating running the gas-powered turbines and a separate end user running the data center, White Cloud Generating would still be a private entity and cannot use eminent domain to acquire land. “Scale’s core business is energy production,” said Mr. Walk. 

Opponents of the data center present at the meeting were not satisfied with what they saw as the slow pace of answers. “Everything has been done in secret,” said Susie Strauch. “We found out when the DOT started talking about the J-turn.” Commissioner Walk said that when Scale’s representatives came in April and advised them that they were serious about building a data center, “We made it public.” The Maryville Forum, at the time, published a front-page story. In late 2025, representatives of an earlier developer came to introduce themselves to commissioners. That developer was subsequently bought out by Scale.

 Commissioner Walk said that as commissioners, they couldn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement because both conversations had happened in a meeting which is open to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Commissioner Burns said that the moratorium that commissioners passed could not stop a project that was already started. Scale has taken an option to buy 800-900 acres of land but has not exercised that option. 

Susie Strauch said that unlike the red carpet that is being rolled out for data centers, they had to jump through a lot of hoops when they wanted to build a lagoon on their property. “They’re taking a lot of land out of production that used to be used to grow corn,” she said.

Commissioner Walk said that the reason most projects don’t go for timber is that by law, they have to look out for endangered species such as certain species of bats. “When we do a bridge project, we can only clear out trees during certain times of the year,” said Mr. Walk. 

Masonic Lodge Building Moving More With Each Rain

Grant City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes told the City Council at their regular meeting Wednesday that the Masonic Lodge building was leaning more with each rain. The Northeast corner, which is right next to the housing unit next door, is trying to fall off. She reported that the asbestos has been removed from the building and that the DNR is satisfied with that. The CDBG board was having a meeting Thursday to decide on emergency grants.

Ms. Jeanes reported a violation of city ordinances regarding junk boats, junk cars, and mattresses for which the city had sent multiple letters of violation. There were also ATV and UTV’s using the trail, which is a violation of city ordinances. ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed on the trail. The city used to require a license for them.

The city and the Progress Organization are working on a park grant to add some new equipment next year.

Clerk Farrah Richey presented the 2026 insurance rates and proposed 2027 insurance rates. The council looked through the coverage and found two items the city no longer has. The proposed rate is $572 more than last year. The council will review the list to remove items that the city no longer has.

The city received a letter from Porter Trash stating that their residential pickup rate would increase by 25 cents per customer. The council decided not to pass on the increase to customers. The current rate the city charges customers is $23.50.

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center sent a proposed agreement for the city to sign stating the city would provide a generator in the event of a generator failure. The council responded that the city only has two generators; one goes to its lift station in the event of an emergency, and the other goes to City Hall. The council suggested they contact Emergency Management.

Clerk Farrah Richey reported that she had found Time Clock Wizard, which allows users to clock in and out for free. The current payroll system keeps track of comp time, vacation, and sick leave, but does not have a clock in/out option. The city will get a tablet for the barn for workers to clock in and out.

Ryan Fletchall reported that the old firehouse would need a new furnace. The council directed him to get quotes.

The city has a new testing service for lagoon samples so that Mr. Fletchall doesn’t have to drive to Maryville weekly to take samples.

There was a customer who has a water meter in a cellar that they plan to dig in. The council suggested the city remove part of the cellar where the meter is located and leave the rest up to the customer.

Tyson Troutwine reported digging ditches, mowing, patching potholes, and blading streets.

There were parking complaints about North Lyon Street near the fairgrounds. There is no room to drive, especially for someone hauling a trailer, when people park on both sides of the road during ballgames. The council didn’t see a need to put up no parking signs for short ball seasons.

The council approved building permits for the Worth County School and Tim & Traci Dillivan.

The city received a complaint that when the batting cage was finished at the ball diamond, when the school poured the concrete to replace what was taken out, it was not the same width as the rest of the walking trail. Clerk Farrah Richey will look to see what was agreed between the city and the school when the start of the trail was moved.

Avery Chadwick Has Big Night as Hawks Down Mercer

Gilman City broke a two-game skid as Avery Chadwick had a big night for the Hawks to get them back on track Thursday. She went 3 for 3 as Gilman City shut out Mercer 10-0. Previously, the Hawks saw a five-game winning streak snapped as North Harrison grabbed its first win of the season over them 10-6. After a week-long layoff due to rain, they played a forgettable 16-1 loss to undefeated Princeton. The Hawks have varied from game to game this year, but they turned around and showed up to play against Mercer, a team that had played them tough earlier this year.

Tenley Griffith only struck out three, but she threw 54 pitches, 38 of them for strikes. She had support in the field as the Hawks played errorless ball behind her.

Chadwick got a workout with her glove as well as her bat. She put away two fly balls in the first to turn back the Cardinals.

Kayleece Puls started the Hawk scoring in the second with a double to left field. Avery Chadwick singled to center to put Gilman City up 1-0. Emmery Smith singled to right field as Chadwick advanced to third. The ball got away to allow Smith to advance to second. Caitlynn Chalfant grounded out to score Chadwick to make it 2-0 as Smith advanced to third. The first four plays happened on four pitches. Tenley Griffith singled to center to plate Emmery Smith to make it 3-0. Hailey McClure jumped on the first pitch and hit a pop fly out of the reach of the shortstop as Tenley Griffith advanced to second. Alli Burke jumped on the first pitch and singled to left to score Griffith to make it 4-0 as McClure advanced to second. The approach of attacking early in the count continued to pay off as Nova Smith singled to center to score McClure to make it 5-0 after two.

Avery Chadwick singled to start the Hawk third. Emmery Smith hit it hard, but right at the center fielder. Caitlynn Chalfant struck out. But Kameron Mars singled to right and the ball got away as Chadwick advanced to third. Kameron Mars advanced on defensive indifference. Tenley Griffith reached second on a dropped pop fly as Mars and Chadwick, off on contact, scored to make it 7-0.

Mercer got traffic on the basepaths in the fourth as Taylor Whitaker, Zoe Fisher, and Khloe Ponjavick all singled to load the bases with nobody out. Lily Stark grounded to shortstop Kayleece Puls, who threw a strike home to Nova Smith to get a force out. Jalyn Cain hit a foul tip, held by catcher Nova Smith for the second out. Aubrey Bass grounded out to Puls to end the threat.

Alli Burke walked on four straight pitches to start the Hawk fourth. Nova Smith forced her at second, but Kayleece Puls walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second. The last batter the Cardinals wanted to see in Avery Chadwick came up, and she jumped on the first pitch and singled to center, scoring Smith to make it 8-0 as Kayleece Puls advanced to second.

With one out in the Hawk fifth, Tenley Griffith turned on the first pitch and reached first on a dropped fly ball. Hailey McClure forced her at second, but Alli Burke doubled to center to score Hailey McClure to make it 9-0. Nova Smith fouled the first pitch off, but turned on the second and doubled it to left to score Burke and the Hawks got to go home early.