Waunita "Nita" Draut 1926-2026

Waunita “Nita” Findley Draut passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, at the age of 100. She was born on May 20, 1926, on a small farm near Allendale in Worth County, northwest Missouri, to Archie L. and Millie V. (Robbins) Findley.

Nita grew up in this close-knit community and graduated from Hatfield High School. After graduation, she and her parents spent two years working at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in Kansas, where she helped build bombs during World War II. After the war, the family returned to Missouri, and Nita enrolled at Gard Business College in St. Joseph, Missouri where she met her soon-to-be husband, Robert “Bob” Draut.  They married on November 16, 1946, just three months after meeting. Both worked in St. Joseph until a 1952 vacation to Phoenix, Arizona, sparked their love for warmer weather. Within a few months of returning home, they sold their house and moved west.

They eventually settled in the Los Angeles area, where they lived for more than 30 years. Both worked for Los Angeles County until retirement. Bob and Nita then moved to the San Diego area, settling in the Five Oaks community of Rancho Bernardo. They loved travel, antiquing and collecting treasures.

At age 70, Nita discovered a love for graphite drawing. She became a prolific creator of graphite drawings and exhibited her work at art shows including the Poway Art Show where she won an award.

After Bob’s passing in 2007, Nita continued living in their Rancho Bernardo home. In her recent years, she moved to Kansas City, living with family, before moving into assisted living.  While there, Nita’s positive, optimistic personality continued to shine and drew both residents and staff to her.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Nita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Draut; her parents, Archie and Millie (nee Robbins) Findley of Allendale, Missouri; her sister, Ernestine Findley Hass Bowden of San Diego; and her brother, Dr. William (Bill) Findley of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Sherri Hass Lewis of Kansas City, Missouri; Jacki Sue (Bob) Sellmansberger of Port St. Joseph, Florida; Jennifer (Jim) Sandberg of Daleville, Indiana; Bill (Cindy) Findley of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Ron (Kathy) Hass and Rick (Karen) Hass, both of Parkville, Missouri. She also leaves behind numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who live throughout the country.

There will be a small graveside service at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego at a time to be determined.

Renae Gladstone Paces Junior High Tigers Against Falcons; Jace Mullock, Boys Rally Falls Short; Jarrett Rush Lifts "B" Boys

Worth County's junior high girls survived a stiff challenge by St. Gregory's, breaking open a tight game in the second quarter to get a double-digit halftime lead. They subsequently pulled away to a 32-15 win over the Falcons behind Renae Gladstone's 13 points.

Molly Simmerman put the Falcons in front 2-0 before Renae Gladstone twice slashed to the rim and Jolee Hauber went coast to coast to make it 6-2. Free throws by Simmerman and a putback by Brielle Budden knotted it back up at 6, and the game was tied at 7 before four straight from Gwyn Healy put the Tigers back in front 11-7 after one.

The Falcons stayed in the game behind the play of Simmerman and by crashing the boards hard, to the tune of 19 offensive boards, keeping the ball on their end of the floor. But Worth County started pulling away in the second quarter. Gwyn Healy got an outlet to Renae Gladstone, who started a fast break and cashed in, drawing a foul. She missed but got her own rebound and converted a four-point play to put the Tigers in the driver's seat, up 15-7. Keylee Smith got on the board with a free throw, and Gwyn Healy hit two to make it 18-7 at halftime.

St. Gregory's started swarming, pressing, and trapping in the third, but Worth County bent but didn't break. Gwyn Healy inbounded one to Renae Gladstone, who cashed in at the free throw line twice. Healy drove and fed Jolee Hauber for a backdoor layup, while Hauber got loose in transition after Healy threw her another pass. The Falcons could only muster a baseline shot from Ryleigh Bostwick as the Tigers led 24-9 after three.

The Falcons finally made a run as Bostwick hit from the left wing and Austyn Quinlyn got a putback to make it 24-13. But Gwyn Healy responded with a drive and then cashed in at the free throw line twice after getting a steal. Renae Gladstone cashed in after a Hadley Downing steal to make it 30-13 and put the game out of reach; Downing provided valuable minutes off the bench to quash the rally after the Falcons had threatened to make things interesting.

Renae Gladstone had 13 points for the Tigers. Gwyn Healy followed with 10. Jolee Hauber had 6, Hadley Downing 2, and Keylee Smith 1.

Daden Findley had 2 blocks and Jolee Hauber 1.

Jolee Hauber had 9 boards. Keylee Smith and Gwyn Healy had 6, Renae Gladstone 4, Gabbey Maudlin and Daden Findley 3, Hadley Downing 2, and Kyah Joslin and Addie Cadle 1.

Gwyn Healy had 5 assists. Gabbey Maudlin, Renae Gladstone, Hadley Downing, and Kinley Fletchall had 1.

Gwyn Healy had 9 tips. Jolee Hauber and Keylee Smith had 2, while Gabbey Maudlin, Kyah Joslin, Renae Gladstone, and Hadley Downing had 1.

Gwyn Healy and Jolee Hauber had 3 steals. Gabbey Maudlin and Hadley Downing had 2, and Renae Gladstone and Daden Findley had 1.

The "B" girls lost 10-2. Daden Findley had the lone tallies with two free throws. Kinley Fletchall and Daden Findley had 1 block each. Kyah Joslin and Hadley Downing had 2 boards, while Kinley Flecchall, Addie Cadle, and Ilene Combs had 1. Kinley Fletchall had 3 tips, while Hadley Downing had 1. Hadley Downing had 2 steals.

The boys were completely outplayed for three quarters by the Falcons, who were bigger and quicker. The Tigers fell behind by as much as 25-6 after three thanks to turning it over 16 times and giving up 17 offensive rebounds as the Falcons made the most of their extra possessions. Finally, Jace Mullock willed his squad back into contention as he scored seven straight to start the fourth quarter, and Peyton Stephenson cashed in with a free throw after getting a steal to make it 25-14 at the end.

Jace Mullock had 9 points. Max Hiatt and Luca Sagel each had 2, and Peyton Stephenson had 1.

Max Hiatt had 2 blocks. Luca Sagel, Mason Hern, and Chase Davidson had 1.

Jace Mullock had 12 boards. Max Hiatt had 8, Mason Hern 3, Chase Davidson 2, Luca Sagel 2, and Grayson Mullock 1.

Max Hiatt had 2 assists and Mason Hern 1.

Mason Hern had 8 tips. Max Hiatt had 6, Jace Mullock 4, Chase Davidson 2, and Luca Sagel and Peyton Stephenson 1.

Grayson Mullock and Max Hiatt had 5 steals. Jace Mullock had 4, Mason Hern 2, and Chase Davidson, Luca Sagel, Jarrett Rush, and Peyton Stephenson had 1.

In the nightcap, the "B" boys used a triple from Jarrett Rush with 11 seconds left to left themselves to a 6-4 win. Jarrett Rush and Peyton Stephenson had 3 points each. Case Downing and Coy Pickering had 2 boards, while Peyton Stephenson and Kade Adams had 1. Case Downing had 2 assists. Grayson Mullock, Coy Pickering, Kade Adams, and Case Downing had 1 tip each. Grayson Mullock and Kade Adams had 1 steal each.

 

Jude Archer Gets Three Picks, Rushes for 272 Yards in Tiger Win

Worth County survived and advanced against Princeton for the District Final as Jude Archer ran for 272 yards and added three picks. Princeton grounded Worth County's air attack, holding Brock Healy to 32 yards passing. But just like the State Championship game last year, Jude Archer willed the Tigers to victory, this time on both ends of the ball, as they won 50-32.

Their reward is to go on the road into the dragon's den, at North Shelby Saturday, November 21st at 1:00 pm. North Shelby is the top-ranked team in the state; they have not lost a game this year. They are putting up the kind of defensive numbers that Archie did a few years ago, when they won their first state title. They have six shutouts and have scored 50 or more points in all but one of their wins. They return almost everybody from last year's squad that Worth County beat 36-34 last year in Shelbyville.

The game started off well for Worth County. Princeton started off on their own 29, and a swing pass to Mitchell Walker carried eight as he got a block from Kash Holt to the 37. But Worth County held there as Jordan Dannar forced a hurry, Jude Archer blew up a jet sweep to Wyatt Maize, and an incomplete pass gave Worth County the ball back on downs. But Worth County could not do anything either as Gavin Tatum shot through unblocked to put Worth County behind the sticks, and Worth County gave it up on downs at the 31.

Wyatt Maize picked up nine yards to the 40. Mitchell Walker met Ethan Lininger, who threw him for a loss back to the 38. But Princeton went to a bubble screen, a play they would lean on all night, and Mitchell Walker picked up 13 for a first down at the 29. A pass interference put it on the 14, and Wyatt Maize caught a pass with Jude Archer draped all over him at the 2. A holding put Princeton back to the 12, but then Wyatt Maize broke tackle after tackle into the end zone with 7:20 left to make it 6-0.

Hector Garcia pinned the Tigers at their own 15, forcing them to start with a long field. Cole Ruby met Mitchell Walker after a two-yard gain, but Hayden Sanders got a block from Lance Runde and picked up a first down at the 25. Cole Ruby picked up 14 more after getting a block from Jude Archer, and Hayden Sanders picked up four more after getting a block from Bo Collins. Cole Ruby picked up nine more to the 28 but came up limping. He came back but played a limited role offensively while playing most of the game on defense.

Jude Archer picked up seven to the 21, and two more to the 19, but a fumble put them back on the 22. Brock Healy tried to run for it on fourth and four but was tackled one yard short of the first down at the 19.

A screen pass to Kash Holt picked up five to the 24. Gage Fortner aired it out to Wyatt Maize to Worth County’s 24, and then Fortner took it himself the rest of the way to put Princeton up 12-0 with 2:52 left in the first.

After Princeton kicked it out of bounds twice, Worth County recovered a squib kick at the 35. Jude Archer picked up five yards, and a facemask put it on the 24. Archer picked up six more to the 18. But Kash Holt picked off Brock Healy, and Princeton had the ball back at the 16. A bubble screen to Mitchell Walker picked up four to the 20, and then Wyatt Maize accelerated for a first down to the 27. After a defender fell, a bubble screen to Maize picked up 23 more to the 27, and Princeton was threatening to make it a three-score game.

Gage Fortner dropped back to pass. Ethan Lininger got pressure on him, but he got it away, and Mitchell Walker caught it at the one, but caught it out of bounds. They ran the same draw play to Fortner that had worked before, but Bo Collins met him after a two-yard gain. A sweep to Mitchell Walker went nowhere, as Bo Collins was there again. Bentin Roberts broke up a pass to give Worth County the ball on downs at the 25.

Jude Archer got a block from Hayden Sanders and picked up four to the 29. Brock Healy scrambled for five yards to the 34, and then Hayden Sanders got loose on one of his quick hitters for 38 yards to Princeton’s 8. Jude Archer picked up four more after getting a block from Hayden Sanders, and Hayden Sanders got loose on a power sweep after getting blocks from Jude Archer and Lance Runde and took it to the house with 10:11 left in the second quarter to put Worth County on the board, down 12-6.

Wyatt Maize got one of his long runbacks, this time to the Tiger 30. He caught a short pass to the 27, and Mitchell Walker caught a short pass to the 26. A bubble screen to Maize only netted two, but with his final effort, Mitchell Walker netted a first down to the 20. Ethan Lininger hurried Gage Fortner into an incompletion, but a screen pass to Mitchell Walker netted 18 yards to the 2. Wyatt Maize caught a pass to get Princeton into the end zone with 7:18 left in the first half. A pick play for the two-point conversion left Kash Holt wide open to leave Princeton up 20-6.

At that point, Princeton was controlling the clock and the game, but after Hector Garcia again pinned the Tigers at the 15, Jude Archer gashed Princeton after bursting through a big hole to get Worth County right back in the game with 7:07 left in the half. Hayden Sanders got a block from Bo Collins to add the extra points to make it 20-14.

Princeton tried to lateral a squib kick to Mitchell Walker, but he was tackled at the 34. Ryder Smyser hurried Fortner into an incompletion, and Ethan Lininger forced another hurry to force Princeton to put. A good kick pinned Worth County at its own eight, but on third and six from the 12, Brock Healy threw a strike to Jude Archer for 15 yards to the 27. But a holding penalty wiped out another first down run, and a sack by Max Walker forced Worth County to punt. But a good kick pinned Princeton at its own 23, and on third and five, Ethan Lininger batted down a pass to force a punt.

Princeton shanked the kick, giving Worth County good field position at its own 35. A short pass to Bo Collins put it on the 40. Hayden Sanders picked up four more to the 36. On the next play, Jude Archer broke tackle after tackle and took it to the house with 1:06 left to put Worth County on the board. Hayden Sanders got a cutback run, and Worth County led 22-20 at the half.

At the start of the second half, Wyatt Scadden took a squib kick and ran it back all the way to Princeton’s 15. Jude Archer picked up five to the 10, and Hayden Sanders picked up four more to the six. Jude Archer got blocks from Hayden Sanders and Ryder Smyser and took it to the house with 10:49 left in the third to make it 28-20. Gavin Tatum denied Brock Healy to keep Princeton at a one-score deficit.

Jordan Dannar and Ryder Smyser combined on a sack to stop the next Princeton drive, but Worth County had a long run by Hayden Sanders called back to the 40 by a holding penalty, and another holding penalty forced them to punt. Princeton's next drive was derailed when a ball caromed off a Princeton player, and Jordan Dannar blew up a play. Finally, Worth County fumbled a pitch and Princeton took full advantage, as Gage Fortner aired it out, and Wyatt Maize laid out for it for Jude Archer draped all over him for a score to make it 28-26 with 3:04 left. But one of the Worth County players got a hand on it during the extra point try, and Mitchell Walker couldn't haul it in as Worth County's lead remained intact.

Jude Archer ran back the ensuing kick to Princeton’s 32, and for once, there were no penalties to call it back. For most of the first half, Mitchell Walker had been all over the field for Princeton, but starting with this drive, Worth County managed to get him blocked on most of their plays to spring their backs loose. Jude Archer picked up five yards to the 27, and then Hayden Sanders took a counter sweep to the 22 and a first down. Jude Archer broke tackle after tackle on the next play, and it took three Princeton defenders to bring him down at the 8. Hayden Sanders got a block from Jude Archer and took it down to the two, and Archer took it the rest of the way to score with 48 seconds left in the third. Jude Archer got a block from Hayden Sanders on the extra point try and converted a cutback to put Worth County up two scores at 36-26.

But then Wyatt Maize cheated up on the ensuing squib kick and got one of his many long runbacks, this time for a score with 39 seconds left in the third. Princeton tried a jet sweep with Judd Henke, but Hayden Sanders tackled him short of the goal line to keep Worth County's lead at 36-32.

Worth County got the ball back at its 24 and then gave it to Jude Archer six straight times from the 24 to Princeton's 27. But an illegal formation derailed the drive, and then Brock Healy got sacked trying to set up a screen pass, and Worth County was forced to punt.

Wyatt Scadden got off a good punt that pinned Princeton at the one. Princeton had a chance to march it down the field to take the lead, but Jude Archer jumped a route and got a pick to give the Tigers the ball right back at Princeton's 17. Cole Ruby picked up four to the 13, and then Jude Archer, who had been shaken up on the previous series, took it 13 yards to the house after getting a block from Bo Collins to make it 42-32 with 6:21 left in the game. Wyatt Maize batted down the extra point pass to keep the Princeton deficit at 10.

A pass interference call put Princeton in Worth County's territory at the 32, but Cole Ruby forced a hurry. Judd Henke laid out for a deep pass, but it was just out of his reach. A screen to Wyatt Maize picked up six to the 26, but a false start put it back on the 31. Princeton had to go for it down two scores. Gage Fortner came under a heavy rush from Bo Collins, somehow slipped out of his tackle, and Mitchell Walker came open coming out of the backfield in a heartstopping moment for the Tigers. But Fortner led him too far, and Worth County had held on downs.

Princeton forced a three and out and got the ball back at its own 31. But a bubble screen to Wyatt Maize only got four, and two incomplete passes set up fourth and six at the 35. Fortner threw a strike to Jude Archer. One of the other Worth County defensive backs laid out Mitchell Walker to spring him loose, and Hayden Sanders laid out the much bigger Hudson Wilson at the 25 to spring him loose again. Finally, Gage Fortner sacrificed his body to keep Archer from getting into the end zone, tackling him at the two, but he was done for the night. Archer and Walker were shaken up but were OK. Hayden Sanders took the Tush-Push, got blocks from Ryder Smyser and Wyatt Scadden, and took it to the house with 2:21 left in the game. Bo Collins, normally in the backfield as a blocker, took a counter for the extra points to put Worth County up three scores at 50-32.

Princeton, with Mitchell Walker at quarterback, had one last gasp after a late hit put the ball at Worth County's 34. But Jude Archer picked off a long pass at Worth County’s eight for his third pick of the quarter, and Worth County had claimed the District Title.

Anna Cross 1922-2026

Anna Elizabeth Cross, Maryville, Missouri passed away October 23, 2026, at the age of 103 years. She was a lifelong resident of Hopkins, Missouri, until moving to the Homestead Retirement Community of Maryville in 1999.

Anna was born November 13, 1922, in Hopkins. The daughter of John “Jack” Henry and Ellen (Ford) Campbell. She experienced the virtues of work and the joy of country living while growing up on the family farm. She received her education at Mt. Vernon Rural School, Hopkins High School, and Northwest Missouri State Teachers College.

Anna and Russell L. Cross, high school sweethearts, were united in marriage on December 31, 1941, just before he was drafted by the United States Army during World War II. Anna was able to accompany Russell to various stations during his three plus years of training and service as a dental technician for the Army. The couple became the proud parents of two daughters, Sharon Maria and Mary Ann. They observed their 62nd wedding anniversary prior to Russell’s death on May 27, 2004. Anna and Russell were editors and publishers of The Hopkins Journal for 20 years. During their time as editors of The Hopkins Journal, it was one of two newspapers in the nation to receive the American Legion Auxiliary Golden Press award. Chosen by the Missouri Press Association, this weekly newspaper received the Honorable Mention Award at Missouri Press Day. Anna firmly believed that the local newspaper was the glue that holds a community together. After selling the weekly newspaper, they continued in the commercial printing business, known as Cross Printing, until retiring in December of 1997.

Anna was a founding member and historian of the Hopkins Historical Society, having joined her husband in spearheading the organization of the Society in March of 1998. Following their retirement, they gifted the Journal building and its contents, including newspaper files dating back to over 100+ years to the organization. The building became the home of the Hopkins Historical Society Museum, where Anna continued her role as historian and kept obituary files updated for the benefit of genealogists.

Interested in preserving the history of Hopkins, Anna and Russell researched and compiled the Hopkins Cemetery book, with burial records dating from 1850 through 1998. Ten years later, following Russell’s passing, Anna completed a supplement to the Cemetery book to further ensure all records were as current as possible. In observance of Hopkins’ first 100 years, the couple served as co-chairs of the Hopkins Centennial history book, researching, writing, and compiling articles and photos to chronicle the course of events. Their third and final book “A Time Capsule of Hopkins History” was published in 2002, for which they received the Governor’s Humanities Award for Excellence in Community Heritage. The award was presented to Anna and Russell at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City that same year.

She was a member of and attended the First United Methodist Church of Maryville. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women while living in Hopkins and continued her interest in the women’s organization at the Maryville church.

Anna was an active member of Chapter K, P.E.O. for 77 years – having served as President, Journalist, and other offices throughout her membership. She was Historian of the Missouri State Chapter, P.E.O. from 1984-1985. Anna was a member of the Board of Directors at Homestead for eight years, serving as Secretary and as Treasurer. For several years she went to Parkdale Manor weekly to play Bridge with elderly residents, who were grateful to have visitors join them around the gaming table. Another source of joy for Anna was assisting with the Ministry Center food pantry, sharing their food supplies with those less fortunate.

On the lighter side, Anna enjoyed playing cards with friends at Homestead. She participated in all the activities and even served on the Board of Directors for eight years.

Traveling occasionally was a highlight of Anna’s retirement years. She most especially enjoyed traveling abroad, of which her favorite destination was Northern Ireland from whence her paternal grandparents came in 1872. She had a strong affinity for her Irish heritage and found that visiting cousins “across the pond” on the Emerald Isle was sheer joy.

Her busy, happy, and fulfilled life was enhanced by her loving and caring family – always a priority in her daily living. Time spent with them could not be measured by days or hours, but by the quality of their time together.

Among her survivors: daughter Dr. Mary Ann Cross (Glenn Sattell), Long Beach, Mississippi; Four Grandchildren, Aaron Shipley (Shelby), Farmersville, Texas; Tim Shipley (Nancy), Maryville, Missouri; Anna Katharine “Katie” Grippin (Daniel), Weaverville, North Carolina; Jack Mellard (Alison), Bedias, Texas; Four Great-Grandchildren: Renner Shipley, Nolan Shipley, Evve Shipley, and Russell Mellard. Three Step-Grandchildren:  Ronald Bonnett (Deborah), Omaha, Nebraska; Chad Bonnett (Suzi), Bellevue, Nebraska; Heather Carter (Jeff), Urbandale, Iowa. Eight Step-Great-Grandchildren. Sister-in-law, Betty Lou Lee (Everett), Bedford, Iowa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to Anna’s parents and her husband, Russell, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon (Cross) Bonnett and son-in-law, Ronald D. Bonnett; Sister Agnes (Campbell) Mendenhall and brother-in-law Olaf Mendenhall; sister Kathryn (Campbell) Schaefer; Numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorial Service was 1:00 P.M., Monday, November 2, 2026, First United Methodist Church, Maryville.

The family received friends at a reception immediately following the service. There is no scheduled open visitation.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date, Hopkins Cemetery.

Memorials: Hopkins Historical Society, Hopkins Cemetery Association, or First United Methodist Church, Maryville.

Arrangements: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, Missouri.

www.minterfuneralchapels.com

Zoey Briner Wins Patriot's Pen Essay; Alivia Moyer Wins "Voice of Democracy; Brad Maudlin Wins Public Servant of the Year

Zoey Briner won the Patriot's Pen essay contest at the Worth County Veterans Day Celebration Wednesday, while Alivia Moyer won the VFW Voice of Democracy essay. Brad Maudlin won the Public Servant of the Year award. They were honored by Worth County VFW Post 3123.

Bob Hull of the VFW honored Zoey Briner. She responded to the prompt, "Letter to the Veterans." In it, she talked about how they all went through big challenges, how all of them are part of the reason why we are free, and that they were willing to serve even when it meant leaving everyone behind. Briner wrote that it was easy to walk down the streets without stopping and thinking about what made it possible. "We will remember the struggles you went through," she concluded.

Alivia Moyer, in her Voice of Democracy essay, wrote about her conversation with a Navy veteran. He told her that many people returned from Vietnam in secret due to fear of repercussions. Many were called killers, and many witnessed horrible things during their time there. "They were treated so poorly, yet they are still grounded in love, kindness, and respect," she wrote. She wrote that we can have different beliefs in this country, yet we can still shake hands.

Jeremy Baker of the VFW honored Highway Patrolman Brad Maudlin as the Public Servant of the Year.

High School Principal Carl Parman honored past and current veterans in attendance. Among those honored were:

--Jerry Cook, World War II veteran who served in Okinawa;

--Doris Monday, whose late husband served in World War II and who recently turned 107;

--Jack Cottrell, who served in the Korean Conflict;

--Jeff Ruckman, who came from San Antonio, and who served in the Air Force.

Students made a victory tunnel to honor all past and present service members. 

Principal Amber Hawk welcomed the crowd. The VFW did the Presentation of the Colors. The High School Band and the Elementary did the Opening Cadence and the Star Spangled Banner. The Kindergarten led the Pledge. The new singing group, the Worth County Youth Singers, sang, "My America." The Color Guard performed a patriotic routine. 

Kyle Dignan narrated a skit in which students dressed in military uniforms from different eras from the Revolutionary War to the present made contributions to the Tree of Liberty.

Following the playing of "TAPS," Superintendent Chris Healy made closing remarks, and the VFW retired the colors.

Opinion -- Bill Would Make Eminent Domain by Utilities More Difficult

by Senator Josh Hawley's Office

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced four amendments to the Senate's permitting and transmission bill to better protect farmers in Missouri and across the country. Senator Hawley's amendments would add new rights and protections for farmers, ranchers, and landowners from eminent domain takings of their land for electric transmission projects.

For years, Senator Hawley has advocated for landowners against disruptive transmission lines on agricultural land in Missouri, including by successfully securing the cancellation of a $5 billion federal loan for the Grain Belt Express project last year.

Senator Hawley's amendments for consideration: 

Amendment #1: This amendment would create a new statutory federal floor of 150% of fair market value for “just compensation” to landowners when their land is taken through eminent domain—while allowing individual states to set even higher compensation rates.

Amendment #2:  This amendment would extend the time allowed for a state’s consideration of an application for a transmission line from one year to two years before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may exercise its backstop siting authority to issue a permit. This would give states and landowners more time to consider and debate these projects.  

Amendment #3: This amendment would provide FERC the discretion to not exercise its backstop siting authority, even if all statutory conditions are met. Under existing law, FERC is required to exercise its backstop siting authority when all conditions are met.

Amendment #4: This amendment would substantially increase the minimum voltage threshold, from 230 kVs to 765 kVs, for FERC to exercise eminent domain over private property for transmission line projects. This change would carve out from FERC’s siting authority many common transmission line projects.

Nodaway County Commission Minutes for November 10th, 2026

Convene: Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office.  Attendance: Present: Walker, Chris Burns and Scott Walk.  Also present: Melinda Patton, County Clerk. 

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes: Commissioner Walk made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  Walk made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 11/5/26.  Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  

Approved: N/A

Accounts Payable: Checks #88923-89044

Requisitions: Commission to MTE for Sonicwall (Emergency Purchase due to expiration) for Administration Building and Sheriff/Court System; Road and Bridge to C. Swinford and M. Trimble for uniform reimbursement.

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

• Emergency Manager Planning Team minutes

Public Comment – Citizens met during public comment time. Jeff From shared that they are preparing a notice of their concerns, to share with the developers.  From stated they will share this with the Commissioners when it is signed and ready. Kim Swyers stated she heard of developers checking out land northwest of Maryville and in the Industrial Park area, but neither the Commission nor NCED had been approached by anyone from another company, no official tours. Donna Tompkins raised the question on ordinances, but it was shared again that a development agreement would address the same things an ordinance would. Tompkins also discussed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) information on a tentative public hearing on December 8th on the Evergy Mullin Creek project. A written request was sent to DNR for the Environmental Study that has already been completed. Present: Jeff From, Bruce Skoglund, Susie Strough, Donna Tompkins, Amy Ziegler, Wanda Goodspeed, Rena Puckett, Kim Swyers, Chiya Dawoudi, Josh McKim and Kim Mildward, NCED, Rex Wallace, Assessor and Austin Hann, Sheriff

CART Rock – Spoke with Independence Township Trustee, Steve Brown, on CART roads in the township.  Returned a call to a citizen of White Cloud regarding Road #938 conditions.

BRO Bridges –Reviewed and signed Reimbursement Request #14 BRO-R074(001) and Reimbursement Request #14 on BRO-R074(002). Spoke with Aaron McVicker, McClure Engineering, regarding BRO-R074(001) landowner paperwork on right-of-way.  

Building and Property Maintenance – Spoke with Johnson Controls regarding fire alarm inspection deficiencies. Discussed concerns with the generator with Sheriff Hann. Sheriff Hann also shared the sale of a 2017 Ford Explorer to Andrew County Sheriff’s Department. Elevator inspection paperwork was reviewed.

Inspections – The Commission, along with Brian Engle, Road and Bridge Supervisor, inspected Road #938 in White Cloud Township and Roads #1035 and #1036 in Washington Township.

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

Closed Session – Burns made a motion to go into closed session at 1:04 per 610.021 (2) - Purchase or sale of real estate. Walk seconded the motion.  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes).  Motion carries. 

Leasing, purchase or sale of real estate by a public governmental body where public knowledge of the transaction might adversely affect the legal consideration therefor. However, any minutes, vote or public record approving a contract relating to the leasing, purchase or sale of real estate by a public governmental body shall be made public upon execution of the lease, purchase or sale of the real estate;

Walk made a motion to go back to open session at 1:38. Burns seconded the motion.  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes).  Motion carries.  A follow up meeting will be held on November 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

State of Emergency – Walk gave an update of his follow-up meeting with Marquis Battle, Emergency Management Specialist, Region 7, Recovery Division via TEAMS.  A call was put in to Nodaway Contracting for a quote on a dirt haul to assist in completing the reporting.  Another follow-up call has been set for November 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Adjournment – Walk made a motion to adjourn until 11/12/2026.  Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)