Data Centers No Barrier to Agri-Ready Status

Nancy Zeliff, a visitor to one of the recent Nodaway County Commission meetings regarding data centers, raised the question of what a data center would do to the county’s Agri-Ready status. Erin Metzler, Communications Director for Missouri Farmers Care, which manages the Agri-Ready program, told the Express that Missouri Farmers Care does not have a policy that would cause a county with a data center to  be ineligible for the Agri-Ready Designated Status. The group furnished a flyer regarding Agri-Ready specifications.

The Agri-Ready program has been in existence since 2015. A county commission must apply to be designated as Argi-Ready; there is no cost to the county to participate.  Cooperation is voluntary and is not required by law. Missouri Farmers Care reviews county ordinances, policies, and statements of support to determine a county’s willingness to support agriculture. Nodaway County applied for and was given Agri-Ready status in 2021.

To receive Agri-Ready status, a county must:

—Attest willingness to promote agricultural stewardship, growth, and opportunity;

—Not have any health or zoning ordinances that discourage, limit, or restrict agricultural operations or ag processing facilities;

—Defer to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri DNR for all environmental permitting of agricultural operations;

—Not impose additional agricultural bonding, permit fees, or insurance requirements;

—Not apply definitions to agricultural operations more stringent than state laws or regulations;

—Allow land application of nutrients at agronomic rates based on data from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

—Allow the use of biotechnology crops and crop products in accordance with their federally labeled use.

Upon designation as an Agri-Ready County, Missouri Farmers Care provides counties with the Agri-Ready logo to use in promotional and informational materials and road signs announcing designation and publish and promote the list of such counties. Missouri Farmers Care members will use their extensive networks and available resources to promote, encourage, and equip business entities to expand, locate, and do business in Agri-Ready designated counties and bring agricultural education efforts and stewardship efforts to such counties.

 

 

Sherri’s Pharmacy Recognized by Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation

Recently, Sherri’s Pharmacy Services was recognized by Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation on its Facebook page. The citation read,

“When Sherri's Pharmacy Services opened in 2009, Sherri James returned to her hometown region with a vision to serve the community she knew and loved. Born and raised in Grant City, Sherri gained her education and professional experience before coming home to build a business that would make a lasting impact in Worth County and beyond.”

“Sherri’s Pharmacy Services has built its reputation on quality service and personal relationships. Patients are known by name, service is fast and friendly, and care goes beyond simply filling prescriptions. The pharmacy has helped restore convenient pharmacy access for local residents, reducing long drives and delays while bringing true pharmaceutical care back to the area.”

“Over the years, the business has continued to grow and adapt to remain profitable in the ever-changing healthcare industry. Sherri's Pharmacy Services was one of the first pharmacies in the area to participate in the 340b program with Northwest Medical Center, which brought significant savings to patients in the area.”

“Sherri has invested in community wellness through efforts such as Mission SLIMpossible, a health challenge that drew more than 50 participants. Sherri was able to hire another pharmacist and Worth County alumni, Alissa Ridge, who is certified to give vaccinations and is working on the accreditation process to provide Diabetes Education.”

“As NWMEF celebrates 20 years, we are proud to recognize businesses like Sherri’s Pharmacy Services that show what rural entrepreneurship can accomplish. Sherri’s decision to come home, serve others, and build something lasting is exactly the kind of story worth celebrating.”

Sherri is the daughter of Cathy and the late Duane (Comish) James.

 

 

Opinion -- Hawley, Warren Bill Would Prohibit PBM’s from Owning Pharmacies

By Senator Josh Hawley’s Office

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren reintroduced the Patients Before Monopolies Act to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies and driving up the costs of prescription drugs. Insurance companies and PBMs have taken advantage of the system, putting profits before patients. The reintroduction comes after Senator Hawley and Senator Warren recently introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act to address rampant consolidation in the healthcare industry that drives up prices, squashes competition, and hurts working people.

“Americans are paying more and more for healthcare while seeing less in return. PBMs are at the center of a broken system that rewards middlemen while driving up costs for patients and pushing out independent pharmacies,” said Senator Hawley. “Working Americans deserve better. This legislation is a major step toward restoring transparency and making healthcare more affordable for every American.”

“Our PBM Act is gaining momentum because people are realizing that you can’t lower health care costs without tackling corporate greed in the health care system,” said Senator Warren. “It’s time we finally rein in the health care middlemen that are jacking up drug costs and driving small pharmacies out of business.”

The Patients Before Monopolies Act would: 

—Prohibit a parent company of a PBM or an insurer from owning a pharmacy business;

—Require that a parent company in violation of the PBM Act divest its pharmacy business within one year of the bill’s enactment;

—Create automatic penalties if a company fails to divest in a timely manner, including disgorgement of profits and forced sales of assets in the event of noncompliance;

—Enable the FTC, Department of Health and Human Services, Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, and state attorneys general to bring lawsuits requiring violators of the PBM Act to divest their pharmacy business and disgorge any revenue received during the period of such violation;

—Enable private parties, including independent pharmacists, to bring lawsuits against violators of the bill, and secure treble damages in successful lawsuits;

—Direct the FTC to distribute any revenue raised by penalties to harmed communities, including consumers overcharged at vertically integrated pharmacies; 

—Allow the FTC and DOJ to review and block future actions that would recreate the anticompetitive conditions addressed by the bill or harm the public interest.

Additionally, Senator Hawley recently announced his "No Taxes on Healthcare" proposal to provide relief for American families from out-of-control medical costs that have skyrocketed in recent years. He has also fought for rural hospital funding, securing an additional $1B in funding for Missouri’s rural hospitals.

 

Nodaway County Commission Minutes for May 12th, 2026

Convene

Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office. Present: Walker, Chris Burns and Scott Walk. Also present: Melinda Patton, County Clerk.

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes

Commissioner Burns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.) Walk made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 5/7/26 with a change to the road name on BRO-R074(001) Bridge. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.) Burns made a motion to approve closed session commission minutes dated 3/3/26. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

Accounts Payable: Liquor License for Dollar General #1227 and #24586; Walmart Supercenter #801. Invoice to Snyder and Associates on BRO-R074(064); invoice to Marilyn Jenkins, Consultant for ARPA reporting.

Approved: Checks #87983-88010

Requisitions: N/A

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

Emergency Planner – email with next meeting date of 5-13-2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Sales Tax, Use Tax, Road and Bridge Special Sales Tax, Use Tax reports

County Emergency Services 911 Sales Tax, Use Tax reports

Annual Training Certificate for Jeff Hall, Coroner

Public Service Commission for Evergy

CART Roads – Signed the contract for Darrell Poff for hauling. Walker reported that Jubal Summers, Worth County Commissioner, questioned an intersection and signage at Orion and 250th. Met with Tanley Bebout, Accounts Payable Deputy Clerk regarding invoices that are coming in for CART Rock roads. Placed a call to Bill Emery, Emery Hauling for clarification on invoices.

Proposed Data Center – Concerned citizens met with the Commission to discuss their concerns with a proposed data center being built in Nodaway County. Nancy Zeliff shared an audio file of what a data center sounds like 24/7, but could not identify which data center it was or when the video was shot. Zeliff informed the Commission of an upcoming meeting: What you need to know – AI Data Centers in your Community. She shared her concerns regarding tax incentives and abatements and questioned if a moratorium was being considered. Mary (Susie) Strauch shared pictures of someone drilling for core samples near her home and asked for information on the project. Strauch is concerned with potential well water issues, land values and potential health related issues. Barb Thacker shared her concerns with lights and shared calls she has made to other counties and data center facilities. Also present: Josh McKim and Kim Mildward, NCED, Jesse Stark, Sheridan Express and Sally Duff, Collector/Treasurer. Jim Farnan, Grant Township Trustee stopped in later in the morning to discuss the project.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) – Matthew Stine met with the Commissioners to discuss projects in Nodaway County slated for summer/fall of 2026. Stine discussed the resurfacing project for US-136 and US-71, the bridge replacement at Route VV and the intersection improvement at US-71 and 340th Street. Also present: McKim, Mildward and Stark.

Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED) – McKim discussed a potential grant they are working on for a housing program and if things go forward, he will be requesting a letter of support on the project. Also present: Stark.

Polk Township – Spoke with John Schenkel, Polk Township Trustee, regarding bids shared on Ivory Road paving. Per Schenkel, Polk Township will maintain the road after it is paved, unless the City of Maryville takes it over. The overlay will have a 20–25-year life span. The Commission requested Polk Township send a request for assistance for the county to consider.

Hughes Township – Alan Rowlett, Hughes Township Board Member stopped in to discuss new construction Road #781. The Commission plans to go inspect the road for Notice to Proceed. Rowlett discussed concerns they have with access roads in the windfarm footprint. A meeting was set up for Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. between Hughes Township officials and Enel representative(s).

BRO-R074(004) Bridge –The Commission reviewed and signed Reimbursement request No 7.

Building Maintenance – Andy Macias, Snyder and Associates contacted the Commission to follow up on the third-floor curtain wall project. A call was put in to Jeff Smith, Smith Contracting, LLC regarding information on the curtain wall.

Proposed Data Center –County attorney Travis Elliott, Ellis, Ellis, Hammond and Johnson, P.C. was contacted to discuss moratorium processes. Elliott stated these are useful if they have a designated purpose and not just used to stall a project, which could bring legal consequences. Elliott stated this could be discussed further in Closed Session as it would fall under 610.021.1 RSMo for Litigation. Also present: Stark

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

Inspections – The Commission inspected and approved Road #418 in Independence Township for one mile under new construction road rock and Road #781 in Hughes Township for one mile under new construction road rock. Angie Cordell, Deputy Clerk sent the Proceed Orders. Spoke with Jeff Blackford, Hopkins Township Trustee regarding Road #124. Also made a call to Brett Cline with Tenaska on same road.

Adjournment – Burns made a motion to commission adjourn until 5/14/2026. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes).

Community Service, Life Skills Day Held at North Harrison

On Tuesday, May 12th, North Harrison sixth through 11th graders spent the morning giving back to their community by doing various service projects around town. Projects included picking up bags of trash, helping at the local cemetery, washing the fence at City Hall Park, and other projects.

That afternoon, people from the community came into the school to teach students above life skills. Helping were:

Hilary Castleberry—Harrison County Community Hospital—applying for jobs

Lisa Smith—healthy skin care

Vickie Eastin—Verimore Bank—importance of a savings account

Kaden Bremer—BTC Bank—how to apply for a loan from the bank

Rhonda Taylor—Little Clara’s Garden—how to make a flower arrangement and tie a bow

Victor Rivera—how to be an umpire

Bill and Jenn Hill—Border Buck Outfitters—how to measure deer antlers

Isaac Norsic—Grand Plains Insurance—important info about auto insurance

Tara Milligan—Static Envy—hair braiding

Kaylie Walker—Harrison County Health Department—CPR

 

North Harrison Scholarships for 2026

The following North Harrison students received scholarships for 2026:

Quincy Akins, Andi Nail, Stella Rinehart, Lela Hartschen, Ciera Hilburn, Kyler Kimbrough, and Annabelle Owens, $500 each from the North Harrison Alumni Association.

Stella Rinehart, $500 from the Sara Campbell Memorial.

Andi Nail, $500 from the Cameron Regional Medical Center.

Lela Hartschen, $1,000 from the Harrison County Cattlemen’s Association.

Lela Hartschen, $500 from the North Harrison Class of 1976.

Lela Hartschen and Kyler Kimbrough, $750 each from the Harrison County Farm Bureau.

Lela Hartschen, Kyler Kimbrough, Andrew Craig, Ethan Henson, Dustin Hamilton, and Stella Rinehart, $500 each from the North Harrison FFA Booster Club.

Kyler Kimbrough, $500 from the Grassroots Ag Literacy Organization.

Lela Hartschen, $2,000 from GRM Networks.

Andi Nail and Stella Rinehart, $500 each from Hallowed Grounds Outdoors.

Kyler Kimbrough and Lela Hartschen, $250 from the Northwest Missouri State Fair Foundation.

Andi Nail and Lela Hartschen, $1,000 each from the Royce Edgar Smith Memorial.

Kyler Kimbrough and Lela Hartschen, $1,000 each from the Howard and Leah Trullinger Memorial.

Andi Nail, $1,000 from the Kenneth and Rosemary Williford Foundation.

Stella Rinehart, $1,000 from the Martha Fouts Wollums Memorial. Ms. Wollums was a teacher at North Harrison from 1967-1976.

Kyler Kimbrough and Lela Hartschen, $500 each from the Wyant Family Ag Leadership Award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josh Smith Closes Out 16 Years of Service to Worth County

On Friday, Principal Josh Smith closed out 16 years of service to Worth County. He started off as an Ag teacher and FFA sponsor. He helped coach football, coached the junior high girls basketball team, and track. He became the Athletic Director and rose to become Principal. He had a passion for curriculum development, always showing off the work that Worth County students were doing in school.

He graduated from North Harrison, where he joined the 1,000 point club. While coaching at Worth County, he was always chill along the sideline when coaching basketball, but always got worked up when playing his alma mater, always wanting to beat his old school.

While he taught and coached at Worth County, his children went to North Harrison. His daughter, Hali, wore a sweatshirt in junior high that said, “Torn between two hearts,” with a Worth County and a North Harrison logo on it. His son, Kade, idolized his dad and wore his Worth County football gear to school at North Harrison even though the Shamrocks were playing football with Pattonsburg at the time. And Hali would tag along with her dad to Worth County games every once in a while when she was done with practices.

The 2017 District Championship game between Worth County’s girls saw the family caught in the middle, with Josh working for Worth County and his wife, Kara, working for North Harrison. “We cheer for whoever signs our paychecks,” said Mr. Smith at the time. Josh sat on the Worth County side and Kara sat on the North Harrison side.

“Throughout his time here, Josh has worn many hats and impacted countless students along the way. He began his journey as an Ag teacher and FFA sponsor, helping students develop leadership skills, work ethic, and a passion for agriculture. Over the years, he also dedicated his time to coaching football, basketball, and track, investing in student-athletes both on and off the field. He later served as Athletic Director and ultimately finished his Tiger career as our principal.”

“No matter the role, Mr. Smith led with dedication, care, and a commitment to our students and school community. His influence and leadership have helped shape Worth County for the better, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” said the school’s Facebook page Friday.