Bentin Roberts, Wyatt Scadden Step Up as Tigers Bounce Back

The Tigers had some bad news after the Rock Port loss as they lost Caleb New for the year (knee) and for basketball as well. Cole Ruby was day to day and was held out for much of the game. But there was still football to be played, and Bentin Roberts stepped up and delivered some bone-crushing blocks to spring Tiger backs loose for scores. Wyatt Scadden got a lot more playing time, and he delivered, beating everyone down the field for some scores. Ryder Smyser made some key plays on defense as the Tigers beat South Holt 52-0 at halftime. But they will have to clean up the sloppy play from their first two games and learn how to play in the heat, as Princeton will come to town with Worth County circled on its calendar. They were giving Rock Port everything it could handle at halftime Friday, trailing only 34-27 at the half. Rock Port eventually pulled away for a 64-47 win. 

Things went from bad to worse for the Knights as the opening kickoff was barely scraped and Worth County had a short field to work with at the Knight 30. They only needed one play to take advantage as Jude Archer outran everyone to the house to make it 6-0 with 11:53 left in the first. Hayden Sanders rolled to his right and lofted it up to Bentin Roberts to make it 8-0.

After South Holt started on its own 24, Tayle Prussman picked up five for the Knights. But Hayden Sanders and Jordan Dannar combined on a tackle for loss, and a short pass to Kameron Noland left them two yards short of the first down. A false start derailed their efforts to go for it, and South Holt was forced to punt.

A great kick pinned the Tigers at their own 5, but Jude Archer picked up blocks from Ethan Lininger and Wyatt Scadden to get to the 27. Bo Collins caught a short pass and got a block from Bentin Roberts, picking up 13 yards to the 40. A jet sweep to Jordan Dannar picked up seven as he spun his way to the 33. Hayden Sanders got a block from Bentin Roberts, and that was all he needed to take it to the house with 8:28 left to make it 14-0.

Jordan Dannar and Hudson Cameron delivered a big hit to pin the Knights on their own 15. There was confusion on the sidelines, and the Tigers dodged a bullet as Jordan Dannar came out bleeding and Lance Runde ran out on the field at the last minute and tackled Prussman after a three-yard gain which could have been a lot worse. Dannar returned to the game. On the next play, Bo Collins had a big hit and forced a fumble, and Bentin Roberts pounced on it at the eight. Jude Archer got a block from Bentin Roberts and took it seven yards down to the one, and Hayden Sanders moved a pile into the end zone with seven minutes left in the first. Bo Collins made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone to put Worth County up 22-0.

Bentin Roberts buried his man at the 19 to pin South Holt deep again. With Dannar still on the sidelines, South Holt tried the same tight end isolation play that Rock Port had used to success last week, but Lance Runde went stride for stride with Will Jackson and batted it away from him at the last moment. Bo Collins dropped Prussman after a gain of one, and Prussman was tackled four yards short of the first down on a pass play to set up fourth down. Once again, South Holt moved as they were trying to go for it, and they were forced to punt.

The sloppy play that Coach Jon Adwell was harping on reared up as a block in the back wiped out a touchdown, and Worth County started on its own 28. A bad snap derailed the drive, and Worth County was forced to punt. South Holt had good field position at its own 35, and Hayden Sanders was cramping up in the heat and sat out the series. But Cole Ruby and Jude Archer stepped up to drop quarterback Coltyn Fansher. Fansher scrambled to the 36, but Jace Burns and Jordan Dannar stopped him there. Bentin Roberts jumped a pass and forced an incompletion. Lance Runde had his second pass breakup, and Worth County got the ball on downs at the Knight 36, with Hayden Sanders back at the helm.

Three carries by Bentin Roberts, Hayden Sanders, and Jude Archer got it to the 20, and then Hayden Sanders aired it out to Wyatt Scadden, who beat his man by five yards to the house with 54 seconds left in the first. Worth County overcame a false start as Wyatt Scadden once again beat his defender by five yards and gathered in a pass from Sanders to make it 30-0.

South Holt got a good runback to its own 28, but a false start put them behind the sticks. Ryder Smyser timed the snap perfectly and shot through to drop Noland for a loss. A short pass was stopped after three yards as Ryder Smyser got a quarterback hurry and Hayden Sanders was there for the 1-on-1 tackle.

Once again, the sloppy play continued as a block in the back wiped out another long run, this time back to the Knight 30. A false start moved them back to the Knight 35, but once again, Wyatt Scadden beat his man by over five yards, taking a long pass from Hayden Sanders with 11:31 left in the half to make it 36-0.

Trenton Adwell and Dylan Smith combined to pin South Holt at its own 20. Bentin Roberts broke up a pass, then Prussman met Ryder Smyser for no gain. Fansher scrambled five yards to the 25, and South Holt elected to go for it. Hayden Sanders broke up a pass and the Tigers had the short field at the Knight 25. Brock Healy came in at quarterback, and the Tigers started subbing freely at that point. Healy threw a strike to Bentin Roberts and scrambled into the end zone for the extra points to make it 44-0 with 9:52 left in the second.

After South Holt was pinned at its own 21, Ethan Lininger and Jace Burns combined on a tackle for loss at the 20. Jude Archer’s man got inside of him, but he stuck with the play and broke it up. Hayden Sanders snuffed out a short pass to force a three and out. Jude Archer took the kick, and Worth County finally managed to avoid a penalty as he weaved his way to the Knight 26 after getting a block from Bentin Roberts. Brock Healy misfired on a pass that would have left Wyatt Scadden with another score, but Jude Archer got a block from Jordan Dannar to the 21. Brock Healy rolled out and threw a strike to Jordan Dannar, who crossed over with him and was in the clear for a score. Bentin Roberts took a handoff and Dylan Smith got a perfect seal block, holding up two defenders as Roberts cut back to score the extra points to make it 52-0 with 7:21 left in the half.

Jordan Dannar pinned the Knights at their own 20. There was a mixup on the defense as only seven players were out there, but Ryder Smyser shot past his blocker and threw his man for a loss. A pass interference gave the Knights a first down, but back to back sacks from Hudson Cameron and Ryder Smyser killed the drive, and South Holt was forced to punt. Once again, Worth County had a long punt return called back, and this time, a mixup on an exchange caused a fumble and Worth County was forced to punt. On the ensuing kick, Jakob Herbert stuck with the play and pinned the Knight back at their own 16. South Holt got a promising drive going as time was winding down, getting it to the Tiger 35. But Hudson Cameron came up with a pick, and Worth County knelt out the clock.

 

Nova Smith, Hailey McClure Have Big Nights as Hawks Win 20-2

Gilman City turned into road warriors again for the second straight night. The night after making a long trip to Plattsburg to collect a big win, they went on the road again to Linn County to collect another. They looked in control, up 7-2 going into the sixth, when they erupted for 13 runs to go home early 20-2. Emmery Smith made her varsity pitching debut, striking out two batters in one inning to finish the game. Nova Smith had a big night, going 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored, and two RBI. Hailey McClure had three hits, two doubles, a run scored, and four RBI. Tenley Griffith threw 67 pitches, 56 for strikes in getting the win.

Parker Crabtree started off the Hawk first with a walk. Alli Burke and Avery Chadwick singled to load the bases. Nova Smith grounded into a force at home, but Linn County threw the ball away trying to complete the double play, allowing Alli Burke and Avery Chadwick to score to make it 2-0.

Caitlynn Chalfant walked to start the Hawk second. She took second on a passed ball. Hailey McClure doubled to center to put Gilman City up 3-0.

Avery Chadwick singled to left to start the Hawk third; the ball got away, allowing her to take second. Nova Smith reached first on an error as Avery Chadwick scored from second. Kayleece Puls walked. Emmery Smith said down a sacrifice bunt to advance Nova Smith to third and Kayleece Puls to second. Caitlynn Chalfant reached first on an error, scoring Nova Smith to make it 5-0.

Nova Smith singled to start the Hawk fifth. Kameron Mars (running for Smith) stole second. Kayleece Puls grounded out, advancing Mars to third. Emmery Smith singled to left to score Mars to make it 6-0. Caitlynn Chalfant walked. Hailey McClure doubled to center to plate Emmery Smith to make it 7-0.

Linn County took advantage of an error to get two runs back to make it 7-2 after five.

Avery Chadwick reached second on a pop fly that was dropped. Nova Smith singled her to third. Kayleece Puls singled to left, scoring Chadwick to make it 8-2. Chadwick was safe on the throw home as Puls took second and Smith third. Emmery Smith and Caitlynn Chalfant walked, forcing in Nova Smith to make it 9-2. Hailey McClure singled to center as Emmery Smith and Kayleece Puls scored to make it 11-2. Tenley Griffith walked. Caitlynn Chalfant scored on a passed ball to make it 12-2. Parker Crabtree beat out an infield hit to score McClure to make it 13-2. Alli Burke walked. Tenley Griffith scored on a passed ball, putting Crabtree at third. Avery Chadwick reached on a dropped fly ball as Parker Crabtree scored to make it 15-2. Nova Smith doubled to score Alli Burke and Avery Chadwick to make it 17-2. Kayleece Puls and Emmery Smith singled to score Nova Smith to make it 18-2. Caitlynn Chalfant reached on an error to score Kayleece Puls to make it 19-2. Hailey McClure reached on a dropped pop fly and Tenley Griffith walked, forcing in Emmery Smith to make it 20-2.

Izzy Burger Drives in Three as Pattonsburg Stuns Albany

Pattonsburg was in a three-game winning streak, but they had played a game which was forgettable for both sides against North Harrison as the Panthers made 18 errors, the Shamrocks made 15, and Pattonsburg rallied to get a 22-17 win Tuesday, September 1st. Albany was the two-time defending GRC West champion and had no reason to expect otherwise this year. But they went into a tailspin following the Albany Tournament and dropped their next two, to Stanberry and South Harrison. The game was reminiscent of the Pattonsburg football team three years ago, who came into Albany at 1-6 and hung 92 points on the Warriors to get the win. They beat them a second time 50-0 to show it was no accident.

The Panthers got hits up and down the lineup as they cut down on their errors to three and completely outplayed Albany on their way to their fourth straight win. Isabella Burger had three hits and three RBI’s to carry the team. Addie Iddings, who somehow made it through the whole North Harrison donnybrook without walking a single batter out of the 44 she faced that game, once again did not walk a batter in the win.

Albany drew first blood when Karsley Booher reached second on an error. She took third on a wild pitch. Jayden Mitchell beat out an infield hit to score her and put Albany up 1-0.

Pattonsburg got the run back when Carly Pittsenbarger beat out a pop fly that dropped in behind second. Cheyanne Miller singled to center, and the ball got away, putting runners on second and third. Addie Iddings singled to right field to score Pittsenbarger, and Isabella Burger grounded out to score Miller to put Pattonsburg in front 2-1.

Albany got the run right back in its half of the third when Izzy Manville hit a shot into the left field corner and circled the bases to tie it at 2-2.

With one out in the Pattonsburg fourth, Vanessa Weigand shot a single between third and short. With two strikes on her, Emsleigh McCrary shot a single up the middle to put runners on first and second. Carly Pittsenbarger laid down a perfect bunt and beat it out to load the bases. Jayden Goble, with two strikes on her, singled, lofting it over second base to put Pattonsburg back in front 3-2.

Albany tied it up once again in the fifth when Ava Epperly beat out an infield hit. She stole second and the throw got away, putting her on third. Marly Hansel flied out to score her to make it 3-3.

Emsleigh McCrary shot a single just under the pitcher’s glove to start the Pattonsburg sixth. Carly Pittsenbarger lofted a perfect bunt over the hard-charging first baseman’s head, but Warrior pitcher Makena Moffat snagged it and reached first in time as McCrary took second. Cheyenne Miller grounded out in front of the plate to advance her to third. Jayden Goble singled to left to make it 4-3 and stole second. Addie Iddings tripled over the right fielder’s head and all the way to the wall as Goble scored to make it 5-3. Izzy Burger doubled to right to score Iddings to make it 6-3.

Pattonsburg had trouble protecting the lead against Stanberry in the tournament, and Albany threatened to follow suit in its half of the sixth when Jayden Hillyard reached on a bobble. Makenna Moffat flied out to Rosalynn Cameron in center, but Whitney Sterkis beat out an infield hit. But Hillyard tried to go first to third on the play, and first baseman Kaitlyn Estes threw a strike to Isabella Burger at third to erase her off the basepaths and kill the rally.

Emsleigh McCrary fought back from an 0-2 count to draw a walk in the Panther seventh. Carly Pittsenbarger reached on an error when she laid down a bunt, and the throw was in the dirt. Another error scored McCrary to make it 7-3. Jayden Goble was plunked to load the bases, and Izzy Burger singled to right to score Kiara Tucker (running for Pittsenbarger) to make it 8-3.

Three outstanding defensive plays kept Albany off the board in the final inning. Jayden Mitchell hit what appeared to be a drive for extra bases, but Vanessa Weigand ran it down in right field for the first out. Ava Epperly hit a carom off Addie Iddings’ glove, but Emsleigh McCrary, showing a lot of range at second, ran it down and threw her out. Viola Smith hit a carbon copy that McCrary snagged again for the third out.

Data Center Generator Marking Off Utility Lines at Work Site

Susie Strauch reported at the Nodaway County Commission Meeting Thursday that Grand River Mutual, the phone provider for the area, was marking off utility lines for White Cloud Generating, which is building the gas-powered generators that would sell power to Evergy, most of which would be bought by White Cloud Acres. 

Ms. Strauch also talked about the J-turn intersection at Arkoe. She said that she had gotten hold of Matthew Stein of the DOT. She said she had asked Mr. Stein about reducing the speed limit for the construction zone and was told that it was the contractor’s problem. Commissioner Chris Burns said that the DOT had told him that signage to reduce the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph had been ordered. The project started on August 10th, so the signs have been in transit for three weeks if they were ordered at the start of the project. “The DOT is paying for the project, so that is a pass-off,” said Commissioner Scott Walk.

Mike Wilson said that it was now six weeks into the moratorium on data center construction, and that nobody was getting any new answers. Commissioner Burns said that he had submitted 15-20 questions to the developer, the county’s attorney, and the developer’s attorney reflecting everyone’s concerns. He said that they didn’t know how much the water usage would be, because they didn’t know where their water was going to come from. “We can extend the moratorium if we don’t get answers,” said Commissioner Burns. 

Commissioner Walk said that they were doing what they were doing to protect the county. He said they are looking at an independent consultant knowledgeable about data centers to help them collect information and help them to make decisions.

Commissioner Burns said that most of the discussions Tuesday with the attorney focused on the steps they can and can’t take with regard to the data center. Discussions also focused on the development agreement and permitting. Commissioner Walk said that the DNR is doing a study on the impacts that data centers would have that would come out in November.

Mr. Burns said that Benton County passed a moratorium on data center development and was hit with a lawsuit, so they had to do their due diligence during the moratorium period.

Amy Zeigler of United Electric said that if a data center needed power, they would have to provide it even if there was a moratorium in place. She said they would have to own the land in order to purchase power. The data center developer has taken out options to buy 800-900 acres, but has not exercised that option as of Thursday afternoon. The proposed facility would be serviced by Evergy.

Commissioner Burns said that the data center developer was close to announcing an end user for the project. “They all generally do it that way,” he said. 

On zoning, Commissioner Burns said that the commission found out that they can appoint a zoning board before the election as long as it was advisory. He said planning and zoning would not stop current construction, but any potential expansion of the facility would have to comply with any zoning regulations that are adopted. 

Asked a question about the other two data center developers who had inquired about Nodaway County, Commissioner Walker said he had not heard anything new from or about them.

Construction and number of employees was discussed. Commissioner Burns said that the developer has always said they would have 100-130 permanent employees. Commissioner Walker said it would be an estimated 4-5 year build. “They typically build one unit at a time,” said Commissioner Burns, who noted that the plan is for four buildings to house the electronics for the center along with other outbuildings. 

Susie Strauch said that she had talked to people about the data center, and many are against it, but they assume it can be put up for a vote. “They don’t understand it won’t come up for a vote,” she said. If the data center developer exercises its option to buy the 800-900 acres in question, it would be a private land transaction. Details would be public knowledge like any other land transaction and would be available at the Recorder of Deeds.

Jeff From brought up the impact the proposed project would have on roads and bridges. “The Evergy project is already having an impact,” said Mr. From, referring to the substation project that is being built in the same area. “Rock quarries are already out of rock,” he said. Susie Strauch said that people are already using Jet Road to get around the construction. 

Scott Wilson said that the elevation of Bolckow was similar to the elevation at the proposed facility, so any draining of the 102 would affect Bolckow downstream. He said that the depth of the wells they had were just 37 feet, which is shallow. “We don’t have the money to spend to dig new ones,” Mr. Wilson said. He noted that they had spent their ARPA money to buy a generator, which turned in useful during a recent 12-15 hour power outage; the city was still able to pump water. 

The commissioners received a response from Dan Scheffler, Vice President of Development for Data Centers at Scale Microgrids, which is developing the proposed facility south of Maryville, regarding water usage. Mr. Scheffler said that the Rural Water District would have authority to determine service parameters based on its system capabilities, existing customer needs, and overall system requirements. White Cloud Generation is requesting service of up to 500 gallons per minute, which would establish the maximum flow rate for the facility. Anticipated average demand for water would be 100 gallons per minute over the course of a year. The additional capacity for up to the 500 gallon per minute limit would primarily accommodate periodic operational needs such as filling the system, rather than represent the facility’s typical or sustained water demand. Final service parameters would be established in coordination with the Rural Water District. 

Mr. Scheffler, in his email, said that any capital improvements required to serve the project would be the financial responsibility of White Cloud Generating. The costs would be borne by the project and would not be passed on to the Rural Water District’s existing customers or local constituents. 

Commissioner Burns said that any development agreement would mean no digging of wells, drawing water from the 102, or dumping it in the 102. That did not sway some opponents of the project. “Your lawyer is not going to beat one who is hired by billionaires,” said Donna Tompkins.

Asked about where the proposal to have one law firm represent the City of Maryville, the Rural Water District, and the County went, Commissioner Burns said that there were too many factors at work for one lawyer to represent all three entities. “More should have been done back then,” said Ms. Tompkins. Commissioner Walk said all three entities had different agendas, so it wasn’t practical. 

Talking about the duties of a consultant, Commissioner Walker said the duties of such a position would involve working five days a week and reporting on what they found back to the commission. “We want someone who is independent,” Commissioner Walker said. “Property is going up for sale because of this,” said Tompkins. Commissioner Burns said they didn’t have to sign anything. While there was only so much they could do, “If they don’t meet DNR or EPA health standards, we’re not signing anything,” he said. 

Allan Thompson 1949-2026

Allan Edwin Thompson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away tragically on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on April 15th, 1949, in Maryville, Missouri, Allan was a cherished resident of Hopkins, MO, where he spent his life surrounded by family and friends.

Allan was a graduate of North Nodaway High School and dedicated many years of his life working as a laborer at Energizer in Maryville, Missouri. His commitment to his work was matched by his dedication to his community. Allan was a past member of the Lions Club, Hopkins Community Betterment, City Council, and the Hopkins Historical Society, where he contributed to the betterment and preservation of his beloved town.

A man of many passions, Allan found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He always loved his Canadian fishing trips, was a hunter and bird-watching enthusiast, often spending hours observing the beauty of nature. Allan took great pride in his garden and enjoyed raising cattle, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Known for his generosity, he was always willing to mow not only his own yard but also those of neighbors in need. Allan had a sweet tooth for his granddaughter's dessert creations, which he sampled with delight.

Allan's gentle and compassionate nature was evident in his relationships with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Anna Mae Thompson, of the home; his son, Jason Thompson, and Andrea Murphy, of Hopkins, MO; his brothers, Norman (Gloria) Thompson of Red Oak, IA, and Paul Eugene Thompson of Dunnellian, FL; and his sister-in-law, Vicki Riley of Hopkins, MO. Allan was a proud grandfather to Madison (Connor) Geib and Ashley (Coltin) Smith, and a loving great-grandfather to Siler Shawn Smith and Davis Allan Smith. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Franklin Thompson and Dorothy Helen Thompson, his sister-in-law, Debbie Dunn, and his brother-in-law, Gareld Riley.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, MO, on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service to celebrate Allan's life will be held at the same location on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at 10:00 am. Allan has been cremated and will be put to rest following the service at Hopkins Cemetery in Hopkins, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bram Funeral Home. Allan Edwin Thompson will be remembered for his loving spirit, his dedication to his community, and the warmth he brought into the lives of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

Tenley Griffith Tosses No-Hitter, Alli Burke Homers in 19-1 Hawk Win

After a disappointing tournament in Albany to start the season, Gilman City unloaded on Plattsburg 19-1 Wednesday to get back on the winning track. Tenley Griffith had a no-hitter, while Alli Burke had three hits and went deep for the Hawks. Gilman City had 18 hits and nine different Hawks had hits. Plattsburg has had a solid team for many years, but they have fallen on hard times this year.

Tenley Griffith doubled to start the game and stole third, getting the first of three steals for the night. Alli Burke hit a home run to left field, and the floodgates opened for the Hawks.

Avery Chadwick singled to left and the ball got away, allowing her to advance to second. Chadwick took third on a wild pitch. Parker Crabtree hit a pop fly that dropped in for a base hit as Chadwick scored to make it 3-0. Parker took second on a wild pitch and third on Kayleece Puls’ grounder. Emmery Smith walked. Caitlynn Chalfant singled in Parker Crabtree to make it 4-0 as Smith took second.

Kameron Mars made a catch in the field for the Hawks to keep Plattsburg off the basepaths.

Tenley Griffith doubled to center to start the Hawk second. Griffith stole third and Alli Burke singled her home to make it 5-0. Parker Crabtree beat out an infield hit to put Burke on second. Kayleece Puls doubled to left to score Burke to make it 6-0 and put Crabtree on third. Emmery Smith walked for the second time. Parker Crabtree scored on a passed ball as Kayleece Puls took third and Emmery Smith took second. Caitlynn Chalfant singled to right to score Smith and Puls to make it 9-0. Hailey McClure and Tenley Griffith singled to load the bases. Nova Smith walked to force in a run to make it 10-0. Hailey McClure scored on a wild pitch to make it 11-0 as Tenley Griffith took third. Alli Burke walked. Avery Chadwick hit a shot off the pitcher’s glove and everyone was safe as Tenley Griffith scored to make it 12-0.

Elizabeth Love reached on an error and stole second. Juliet Brandon had an apparent single to right as Love crossed home for the first run to make it 12-1. But Hailey McClure showed off her rocket launcher arm, nailing Brandon at first to preserve the no-hitter.

Kayleece Puls singled to left. Emmery Smith singled to center, and the ball got away, putting Puls on third and Smith on second. Caitlynn Chalfant reached on a dropped fly as Puls scored to make it 13-1 and Smith took third. Emily Chalfant walked to load the bases. Tenley Griffith singled to right to score Smith to make it 14-1. Nova Smith singled to center to score Emily Chalfant and Caitlynn Chalfant to make it 16-1. Alli Burke singled to left to score Griffith and put Nova Smith on third. Avery Chadwick reached second on a dropped fly ball. Nova Smith scored and Alli Burke took third. Parker Crabtree grounded out to score Burke to make it 19-1. Tenley Griffith shut down Plattsburg in the bottom of the third, and Gilman City got to go home early.

Questions Raised About Data Center Water Capacity

Scott Wilson asked the Nodaway County Commissioners at their regular meeting Tuesday about flow capacity for the Evergy generation facility. At the Rural Water District meeting last month, Evergy had requested a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute, which equates to 216,000 gallons per day. “This is a question for the developers,” said Mr. Wilson. “Will this flow rate support the White Cloud Generation LLC? If not, what is needed, and what is the reasoning for the difference in flow rate required?” The White Cloud Generation permit application is calling for 600 megawatts of generation, while the Evergy substation is planned for 880 megawatts. This means that the White Cloud Generation turbines would generate around 68.18% of the generation that Evergy would have. Mr. Wilson said that at 70% water usage, that would equate to 151,200 gallons of water per day, or 105 gallons per minute. “I’m calling on you to ask the developer one simple question. I want an answer by next week, or if they’re unable to answer, then why not?”

Susie Strauch reported that GRM had marked its lines in the area, suggesting that more work is being planned for the area.

Commissioner Chris Burns said that the county had not yet retained a consultant, and that they were planning to talk to one. The commission went into closed session Tuesday to talk to the lawyer. Commissioner Bill Walker promised to have more answers by Thursday. 

Ms. Strauch once again brought up the J-turn at 71 and the Arkoe road. “It’s ridiculous how many near-misses there are there,” she said. “It’s way out of our hands,” said Commissioner Walker. Commissioner Burns agreed to call the area engineer. “It’s amazing nobody’s gotten killed yet,” said Ms. Strauch. “When those grain trucks start running shortly, they can’t just stop.”

Regarding zoning, Commissioner Scott Walk said that the next step was to meet with their lawyer. Commissioner Burns said he would get information from similar-sized counties in the state that have zoning. He said that they had gotten a 144-page zoning draft from the attorney.

Assessor Rex Wallace talked about the risks of zoning. “The first time someone builds something without a permit, it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen,” said Mr. Wallace. “To know what people are building is great for my office, but it could come back to bite.” Another question was on enforcement. He noted that when Polk Township had zoning, the Prosecutor’s Office did not want to get involved and that the zoning enforcer eventually quit, since it was an unpaid position. Polk Township’s regulations had been extensive and had covered things like dog houses and chicken houses. 

Mr. Wallace said that if they were going to use county resources, data centers needed to pay their full share of taxes like everyone else. “And why don’t they put it on unproductive land,” asked Ms. Strauch. 

Asked about any land transfers, Mr. Wallace said he had seen a lot of leases recently, but not any land transfers that raised flags. 

Mr. Wallace noted that most of Nodaway County is under an Enhanced Enterprise Zone, which gives tax breaks to businesses that locate there. It covers all the county except for the West Nodaway School District. He said that a board could add data centers to restricted categories, which would require them to pay their full share of taxes. The proposed data center in question is located in the South Nodaway School District. Worth County also has an Enhanced Enterprise Zone covering most of the county, but the board overseeing it has been dormant for 15 years.

Amy Ziegler of United Electric, asked about electric rates going up, said that it has nothing to do with data centers. “We raise our rates when our provider raises theirs,” she said. Maryville has been raising its water rates due to building a massive treatment facility to address taste and odor issues in the water system and to replace an outdated system.