Ona Sielaff 1944-2026

     Ona Marie Sielaff was born July 14, 1944 to Bert and Fidella Stickleman. She passed away on July 15, 2026 at the age of 82.

     In 1975 Ona was married to Mike Sielaff. To this union one daughter Michelle was born. Throughout Ona’s life she lived in Missouri, Iowa, Colorado and Tennessee. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was a registered nurse for over 30 years and she thoroughly enjoyed her work. She was an avid reader and football fan.

     Ona was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Betty Bennett. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Michelle of Smyrna, Tennessee, and family Jim Harrell, Tresa and Rob Thornhill, Cheri Nix of Grain Valley, Missouri and Ashlyn Nix of Blue Springs, Missouri.

     Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the Sheridan Christian Church in Sheridan, Missouri with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Isadora Cemetery, Grant City, Missouri. Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City.

Amendment 5 Could Cost King City $500,000

The Missouri Budget Project published an estimate showing that the King City School District stands to lose $500,493 in annual funding should Amendment 5 pass. This is in addition to funding that could be lost if Hold Harmless is done away with. This represents around 7% of King City’s annual budget for the year. Amendment 5 would abolish the State Income Tax and authorize the Legislature to raise sales taxes to offset the losses. The Legislature has not stated how, or if, they would replace these lost revenues.

 

Draft of Data Center Moratorium Released

A draft version of a data center moratorium was released to the public by the Nodaway County Commission at Thursday's meeting. The version in question is subject to revision and subject to a vote of the commissioners at a future meeting. If the moratorium were to pass, then any development agreement between the county and the data center developer would come afterwards.

The Commission is seeking to study the potential impacts of data centers on local infrastructure, particularly regarding the quantities of energy and water such facilities may consume, to ensure that such development does not negatively impact the availability or reliability of utilities for existing users.

The Commission is seeking to do further investigation and coordination with Evergy, the local utility in the area, to evaluate grid stability and identify any potential risks of localized power disruptions to critical residential, medical, and climate control systems.

The Commission is seeking to assess the potential light and ambient noise impacts of these facilities and to determine what specific community light and noise standards or setbacks may be necessary to preserve public health and the quiet enjoyment of adjacent properties.

The Commission is seeking to investigate how such development alters localized drainage patterns and storm water runoff and discharge in order to determine the appropriate scope of management controls necessary to prevent erosion, downstream flooding, or public health hazards related to water quality and discharge.

The Commission is seeking to evaluate whether and to what extent the unique operational characteristics of data centers, including light, noise, utility strain, storm water runoff, and discharge could impact adjacent property values or the surrounding area's economic viability so that any future regulations or agreements will appropriately safeguard the local tax base, protect property rights, and promote stable economic development.

The draft moratorium notes that Section 49.650 authorizes a county to adopt ordinances and resolution relating to its property, affairs, and local government for which no provision has been made in the constitution or laws of Missouri regarding nuisance abatement and stormwater control, excluding agricultural and horticultural property, the promotion of economic development for job creation purposes, and for emergency management when the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the county are jeopardized.

The draft moratorium finds that data center development may independently create impacts on public health, safety, utilities, noise, stormwater, drainage, discharge, and surrounding property that requires study during the moratorium period.

The stated purpose of the draft moratorium is to allow the County Commission time to do due dilligence concerning proposed data center development, including providing the public and any affected landowner with sufficient time to identify, review, discuss, and work through the issues presented by such development.

The County Commission states in the draft moratorium that it is willing and available to meet with residents, affected property owners, developers, utility providers, consultants, and other stakeholders to receive and review additional information and proposals, to evaluate legislative and regulatory options, to negotiate a potential development agreement, and to consider appropriate safeguards.

The draft moratorium seeks to give the County Commission time to evaluate Chapter 100 Bonds, which counties can issue in lieu of tax arrangements as a tool for promoting economic development.

The draft moratorium holds that Section 192.300 authorizes a county to make and promulgate orders, ordinances, rules, and regulations that will enhance public health and the prevention of infectuous, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases, including potential health impacts arising from noise, air emissions, and water quality degradation.

The draft moratorium then turns to the question of zoning, which it notes that Nodaway County voters could adopt should the County Commission determine that it is unable to meet the regulatory needs of the county through less stringent means. Zoning, either for the entire county, or for White Cloud Township, where the proposed data center is located, must be passed by a vote of the people and then the county would appoint a zoning and planning commission to pass zoning regulations. It would take around two years for such a board to pass zoning regulations.

The proposed moratorium would, if adopted, run for a total of six months from the date of adoption. It will automatically terminate at the expiration of the moratorium period unless the Commission terminates it at an earlier date or extends it by further order for a period not to exceed sixth months.

Any construction, establishment, commencement of new operations, or expansion of a data center or any supporting facility would be in violation and subject to enforcement, including injunctive relief, cease and desist orders, recovery of the county's costs, and any other remedies available at law or in equity. It shall not apply to any data center or any supporting facility that is in existence as of the date of adoption of the proposed moratorium or for which the developer has physically commenced on-site construction activities such as foundation work, vertical construction, or installation of permanent infrastructure prior to the date of adoption. Site grading or preparation shall not constitute commencement of construction for purposes of this exemption.

The order shall not apply to core utility operations or regulated activities of any utility such as the construction of the new power substation next to the proposed data center or any other operations by United Electric or Evergy, the two main utility providers in Nodaway County. The order shall only apply in unincorporated sections of Nodaway County.

Susie Strauch reported at the meeting that there were job openings on indeed.com for data center employment and that New York had gotten them stopped in their state. She said they had been sound testing at the proposed location. At the June meeting, one of the flyers promised that the noise level emitted by the facility would be less than 50 decibels.

Jennifer Gillespie said that, “Nobody wants to get sick. Why are we being sacrificed for this? Our homes, peace, property values are being lost. We should have listened to Erin Brockovich. Didn’t we learn? This is globalization, and this is about global elites wanting to take our land. Don’t let us be the sacrifice.”

Commissioner Chris Burns pledged at the meeting not to volunteer an abatement. “We don’t have any firm numbers,” added Commissioner Scott Walk.

Ms. Gillespie said that everything she’s heard from them has been, in her words, “a marketing tool.” “It’s not hard to see,” said Ms. Gillespie, who owns a business. “We moved here 18 years ago and I don’t get why you would give them any kind of abatement. Make them pay. It makes no sense that all the small businesses pay and they don’t. It’s only fair.” She said that if the county opens up the door, others would follow. “Just open up the door and make us look like suckers,” she said.

Allee Armitage, an attorney for Scale Microgrids, which is developing the proposed data center, came to introduce herself to the commissioners.

 

Josh Smith Begins Duties as NH Superintendent

Josh Smith began his duties as North Harrison Superintendent this month. He presented district monthly financial and budget updates, announced awarding of the Missouri Quality Pre-Kindergarten grant, and provided information on state-level updates currently impacting education.

The school is doing summer maintenance, including a parking lot/drainage project, roof repairs, HVAC maintenance, and other projects.

The board approved part-time monthly rates for the Early Childhood Center Daycare.

The next board meeting will be August 19th at 5:30 pm. This will include the Tax Rate Hearing.

 

Worth County to Get New Digital Scoreboard for Gym

The Worth County School will be getting a new gym scoreboard and a video display. 75% of the project cost will be funded by grant money. They project will allow Digital Media students to do live production, video, and graphics.

The board approved participation in the Teacher Salary Baseline Grant. The District will receive $115,000 to help pay the $40,000 minimum teacher salary and the $47,000 minimum for teachers with a master’s degree and 10 years experience.

The board approved roof maintenance and repair bids from CCR Roofing, asphalt maintenance from Approved Paving, and concrete work from Ideal Concrete Construction.

Construction is in progress on a new storage shed south of the gym. The old one was over 50 years old.

The district had 93.4% of students attend 90% or more in 2025-26.

The board offered Aubrey Huntsman a paraprofessional position for the 2026-27 school year.

The next regular meeting date will be August 19th at 6:00 pm. This will also include the tax rate hearing.

 

No, the Today Show Did Not Take Christ Out of an Interview With a Navy Seal Widow

No, the Today Show did not edit out a Navy Seal widow’s reference to her late husband’s love of Christ, as a false Facebook and email rumor claimed. The Today Show interviewed the family of Navy Seal Aaron Vaughn, killed in August 2011 in Afghanistan. Two fact checkers, Snopes and the Florida Times-Union, reviewed the full transcript of the interview. The widow’s statement about her husband’s love of Christ appeared exactly as aired, as were additional religious references.

The interview took place on August 8th, 2011 and consisted of Kimberly Vaughn, Aaron’s widow, and Mr. Vaughn’s parents, Billy and Karen. It aired two days after Aaron Vaughn’s death.

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for July 15th, 2026

On July 6th, Eric Rattanavong (26) of Kansas City (KS) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to charges of Aggravated Fleeing (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). He was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Corey Herron.

On July 7th, Barbara Noble (89) of Springfield pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). She was fined $80.50 plus costs by Judge Micha Lea Dixon.

On July 7th, Brian Glanden (47) of Gallatin pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to two counts Violation of Protection Order. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. Defendant must stay at Healing House. Defendant may not enter Daviess County except with approval of the court.

On July 7th, Brittany Curtis (35) of Gilman City pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Harassment. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. No abusive contact with the victim.

On July 7th, Dustin Sperry (44) of Pattonsburg pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Stalking. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Drew Davis.

On July 7th, Dustin Bethards (21) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Animal Abandonment. He was fined $400 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On July 7th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Niki Hancock (45) of King City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On July 7th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Lucio Cuevas (39) of Bethany alleging Speeding (97 mph) and Driving While Revoked.

On July 7th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Caden Achterberg (20) of Albany alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving, Minor In Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On July 8th, Crystal Tanner (43) of Lock Springs (MO) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was fined $300 plus costs by Judge Daren Adkins.

On July 8th, Ashley Casaretto (39) of Lock Springs (MO) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance. She was sentenced to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Adkins.

On July 8th, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that two deer had been poached near the New City Lake near Bethany. To report poaching, contact the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 392-1111. It is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

On July 8th, Judge Daren Adkins revoked the probation of Christopher Thomas (24) of New Hampton in Daviess County Circuit Court following receipt of a violation report and hearing and sentenced him to six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. He was on probation for Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On July 8th, Eric Tolen (47) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). He was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Adkins, consecutive to all other sentences.

On July 8th, Jonathon Tune (27) of Cabool (MO) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to two counts Passing Bad Check (Felony). He was sentenced to six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Daren Adkins.

On July 8th, James Keller (43) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to Harassment (Felony) and Violation of Protection Order. He was placed on five years probation by Judge Daren Adkins. Defendant may not enter Daviess County or have contact with the victim or their child.

On July 8th, Shirley Nibarger (32) of Weston pleaded guilty in Daviess County Circuit Court to a charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Daren Adkins.

On July 9th, Judge Corey Herron revoked the probation of Logan Evans (35) of Stanberry and sentenced him to the 120 day institutional treatment program in the Missouri Department of Corrections following a violation report and hearing. The defendant had been on probation for No Valid License (Felony).

On July 9th, Trevor Alexander (35) of King City pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), and Driving While Revoked. He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant must serve 30 days shock time in jail, to be served on weekends, and enter and successfully complete substance abuse treatment.

On July 9th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Lincoln Moore (23) of Grant City alleging DWI (Prior), Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and No Insurance.

On July 9th, Tony Korinsko Davis (37) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to two years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, concurrent with his Buchanan County sentences.

On July 9th, Nicholas Mercer (37) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to a charge of Driving While Revoked (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant must enter and successfully complete the 4th Circuit Alternative Court Program.

On July 10th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Conner Monteer (28) of Jamesport alleging Harassment (Felony), Domestic Assault (Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Property Damage. Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On July 10th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Chelise Moore (24) of Maryville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $20,000, cash or corporate surety.

On July 10th, Livingston County Prosecutor Brian Keedy filed charges against Cheyenne Haidsiak (38) of Marceline alleging Stealing (Felony). An affidavit from the Chillicothe Police Department alleges the defendant took $1,040 from the cash registers while employed by Hy-Vee.

On July 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 73 year old Clearmont man was injured after he ran off Route 71 three miles south of Clearmont, struck a DOT sign, went airborne, and overturned.

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.