Editorial -- Heavy Handed Tactics by MSHSAA Deny Crae Coffey a State Medal

The State Track Meet, and other meets like it, should be a time that kids remember for the rest of their lives. Morgan Beagle, who won three state medals for Worth County in 2021, still remembers that time fondly. However, the heavy-handed tactics that certain MSHSAA officials use at these meets are ruining the fun for some.

South Harrison athlete Crae Coffey was a good kid who put in his time and effort into making Bulldog football better. His efforts, and that of others, led to the Bulldogs having a banner year in football. A state track medal would have been a nice feather in his cap.

Unfortunately, someone at the MSHSAA took it on themselves to play tinpot dictator. Crae and his coaches were specifically told by certain MSHSAA officials that as long as a thrower doesn’t touch their cell phone, they can stand by the coaches box and look at a video of themselves throwing. So naturally, Crae watched a video. For that, another MSHSAA official disqualified them. No warning whatsoever. Another kid was allowed on his phone and was not kicked out.

We and the South Harrison partisans were not the only ones who saw the injustice. Crae Coffey would have finished fourth had he not been disqualified. The kid who finished ahead of him came and found Crae and offered him his medal, which Crae declined.

We understand that some rules are necessary in order to ensure fairness in competition and protect the safety of athletes. But sometimes, like this case, the people in charge of making rules make them just for the sake of it.

And the rule itself against video recordings is bad. Even in an individual sport like track, technique is there for a reason, not only for the athlete to perform better, but to protect them from injury. ACL injuries can and do happen in track. We have enough trouble these days getting kids to come out for sports without making them choose between a sport that they love and their long-term health. If one kid is protected from a serious injury because they were able to fix their form, it would be worth it.

While we are not for a state takeover of MSHSAA or any other non-profit organization, this is the very sort of thing which gives them a bad name and which will add fuel to the fire for certain politicians who want to take them over. 

 

Gina McNeese Receives Distinguished Faculty Award

On Thursday, Gina McNeese was named a 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award recipient at Northwest Missouri State. She attended Sheridan High School and later Worth County. She served as a lifeguard at the Grant City Pool.

In 1983 and in 1994, Gina got degrees at Northwest. In 1994, she became the Physical Education teacher for Horace Mann and a Physical Education instructor for Northwest.

She has mentored and supervised scores of Physical Education students learning within the elementary environment at Horace Mann. From 1995 to 2018, she directed the Kip Kittens gymnastics program at Northwest.

 

Kandi Hughes Named to Missouri Writers Guild

On Thursday, Kandi Hughes was named to the Missouri Writers Guild. She has been a member of the local group in Maryville for a few years, but to be accepted at the state level, people have to meet certain requirements.

As listed on the Missouri Writers Guild’s website, Kandi’s career began during COVID-19, when she wanted to find a way to communicate with her father, who is hard of hearing. At the time, she was a bookkeeper for the Worth County School District. She now serves at the Worth County Partnership Library Librarian.

Ms. Hughes has now written and self-published four adult clean-suspense books, written and illustrated five children's books, two middle school books, and completed an artist journal which includes some short narratives from her rural friends and neighbors. Her website is kandihughesauthor.com.

 

Bill to Phase Out Income Tax to be on August Ballot

A bill to phase out the Missouri Income Tax over five years and replace it with higher sales taxes will appear on the August ballot, Fox 2 KC reported. The Missouri legislature would have the authority to increase sales and use taxes to make up for lost revenue. The reductions would be based on revenue growth. The legislature would have five years to decide which additional sales to tax without needing another vote of the people.

The Source, a student paper out of Washington University in St. Louis, reported on January 21st that experts fear that the burden of costs would shift disproportionately on lower-income people. The Missouri state income tax represents 60-70% of the general revenue fund. Currently, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not have state income taxes.

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a non-profit non-partisan tax policy organization, called the measure an “anti-affordability agenda.” They estimate that if approved, the measure would increase costs of people making between $49,000 and $78,000 a year by about $535 per year. For Missourians with even less income, between $24,000 and $49,000 per year, the costs would be $850 more per year. This is in addition to costs from skyrocketing gas costs and other costs due to the Iran War.

Fox 2 quotes the Tax Foundation as saying that income tax policies, although not the primary motivation, can play a role in attracting people to states. Texas, Florida, and Tennessee all ranked in the top five for net interstate migration, while high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey ranked near the bottom.

 

Opinion -- Governor Kehoe Announces $15 Billion Google Data Center in Montgomery County

By Governor Mike Kehoe’s Office

On Wednesday, at a community celebration in Montgomery County, Google announced a new $15 billion investment in building infrastructure in New Florence, Missouri. The historic investment is built on a commitment to responsibly increase local infrastructure capacity, expand energy affordability programs, and fund thousands of jobs in the region.

“Google’s historic investment in Montgomery County is a testament to Missouri’s growing reputation as a premier destination for innovation and next-generation technology,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Beyond the significant economic impact and job creation, Google has demonstrated a true commitment to strengthening the community through local partnerships, investments, grants, and support for area businesses. This project represents more than infrastructure - it’s an investment in Missouri families, communities, and long-term opportunity. We are proud to partner with companies like Google that are helping drive economic growth while making a meaningful difference in the communities they call home.”

“We look forward to expanding Google’s investments in Missouri and helping Missourians benefit from the next wave of American innovation,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. “To deliver the upside of technology, we are investing in workforce development and energy affordability, both directly and through our partnerships with local organizations. This commitment will provide thousands of Missourians with valuable technical and trade skills, while supporting energy affordability for residents in Montgomery County and across the state.”

“This project will deliver lasting economic benefits through new investment, support for local businesses, and meaningful community partnerships that help create opportunities for Missourians,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “Google’s commitment to community engagement, workforce development, and local initiatives demonstrates the type of corporate partnership that helps communities grow and prosper for generations to come.”

Creating Local Jobs and Supporting Economic Opportunity

Google data centers serve as powerful economic engines, with every direct position generating nearly nine additional roles locally - spanning specialized construction, HVAC repair, maintenance, and landscaping. This powerful multiplier effect is clear in Missouri, where the project will create thousands of construction jobs over the build period and hundreds of direct, long-term operational roles once the facility is up and running.

To help prepare Missourians for skilled job opportunities, Google is collaborating with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to support the Laborers and Contractors Training Center. This project will enable the center to train more than 2,300 construction laborers, including 1,500 apprentices, over the next two years.

These workforce development investments complement Google’s Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program in Kansas City that equips local talent with the entry-level skills needed for rewarding careers in construction and the trades. To date, nearly 130 Missourians have graduated from the program, with the majority now actively employed in related construction or trade roles. Also in Kansas City, the company is supporting a major new workforce development facility and expanding K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs to prepare students with the in-demand skills and digital capabilities needed for the future economy. 

To further root Google’s commitment to Missouri, Google is helping launch a first-of-its-kind mobile sensory and accessibility resource center at festivals, sporting events, schools, and community gatherings across Missouri to remove barriers to community participation.

Increasing Local Infrastructure Capacity and Expanding Energy Affordability 

In accordance with Missouri's consumer protections in Senate Bill 4, which Governor Kehoe signed into law in 2025, Google will continue to pay for 100% of the power the data center uses and any new infrastructure costs that are directly driven by its operations.

To date, Google has contracted to bring more than one gigawatt (GW) of new generation capacity to Missouri, and, through its partnership with Ameren, the company is supporting the development of more than 500 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity. Google also worked with Ameren and Evergy to bring the Capacity Commitment Framework (CCF) to Missouri, which ensures it and other large energy customers pay for their electricity and infrastructure needs, protect local ratepayers, and actively bolster the long-term resilience of the electrical grid.

To further address energy affordability, Google has also announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund to support programs that drive down monthly energy bills for Missouri households - focused on Montgomery, Clay, Platte, and other counties surrounding Google’s planned data centers in Kansas City and New Florence. 

One of the first fund recipients will be North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), which will undertake critical home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades in and around Montgomery County. Funding will also support the NECAC Weatherization Apprenticeship Program by expanding its capacity and providing new equipment and tools to repair crews.

Protecting Local Water Supply

Google is committed to responsibly managing water resources where it builds and operates data centers and ensuring its growth never comes at the expense of the communities it calls home. The Montgomery County data center will use advanced air-cooling technology, limiting water consumption to uses like kitchens. Google replenishes more freshwater than it consumes by supporting local watershed projects like the Missouri SWAN Smart Irrigation Initiative, which protects surface and groundwater supplies by helping participating farms optimize irrigation and reduce runoff.

What Others are Saying

“We are proud to welcome Google’s investment in our community,” said Ryan Poston, Montgomery County Presiding Commissioner. “This project represents a major step forward in economic development - driving job creation, expanding our tax base to help reduce property tax for local citizens, and creating resilient long-term growth for Montgomery County. It’s a clear example of what strong partnerships can accomplish.”

“Google’s major investment in Montgomery County reflects what’s possible through strong partnerships with local and state officials to support significant economic growth,” said Martin J. Lyons Jr., Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Ameren Corporation. “This is the largest economic development project in Ameren Missouri’s service territory, and our new large load rate structure is designed to ensure we continue to deliver safe, reliable electric service for all customers at the lowest cost possible, with robust protections and generational benefits for the communities we serve.”

“NECAC is very excited to partner with Google and have the opportunity to weatherize more homes and make them energy efficient,” said Carla Potts, Deputy Director of Housing Development Programs, North East Community Action Corporation. “Our core mission has always been to empower low-income families and strengthen our neighborhoods, and central to this is ensuring home energy costs are truly affordable. With this partnership, we are directly addressing the burden of high utility bills through vital home repairs and upgrades, while investing in our future workforce.”

“You can’t build the infrastructure of the future without investing in the workforce of today," said Brandon Flinn, Business Manager, Missouri-Kansas Laborers' District Council. “Google understands that meaningful community investment means supporting the local workers. This collaboration significantly expands our ability to recruit, train, and graduate the next generation of construction craft laborers. By aligning technical infrastructure projects with robust workforce programs, we are creating family-sustaining career opportunities that strengthen local communities, support working families, and fuel Missouri’s economy for generations to come.”

“For years, our community has worked strategically to prepare for transformational investment opportunities like this, and today that vision is becoming a reality,” said Brent Speight, Chairman, Greater Montgomery Economic Development Council. “Google’s decision to invest in a new data center here is a testament to the strength of our infrastructure, workforce, leadership, and long-term economic development planning. Beyond the immediate construction activity and high-quality jobs this project will create, the long-term tax revenues generated by this investment will provide meaningful support for our local schools, public services, and community priorities for decades to come. This project represents more than economic growth - it is an investment in the future of our residents, students, and region as a whole.”

“Google’s continued growth in Missouri reflects both the strength of our state and the company’s long-term commitment to the communities where it operates,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Across Missouri, Google has demonstrated that it is more than an industry leader - it is a strong corporate citizen that invests in local partnerships, workforce development, and community impact. This investment in Montgomery County represents another significant milestone for our state and reinforces Missouri’s position as a leading destination for technology and innovation.”

 

Catherine Auffert, Emily Bix Resign from North Nodaway

The North Nodaway School Board accepted the resignations of Catherine Auffert as Middle School/High School Special Ed teacher as well as the resignation of Emily Bix as the Middle School/High School Language Arts teacher. The board voted to employ Meghan Hersh as the new Middle School/High School Language Arts teacher for the upcoming school year. The board voted to hire Tina Coffelt as the Business Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. The board voted to employ Christina Turpin as the Middle School/High School Math teacher for the 2026-27 school year.

The board made some changes to the Extra Duty schedule and filled some vacancies. Reid Hart was named the Assistant Football coach and Junior High head coach for the Platte Valley football program under Dallas Giedd. Cody Jenkins returns to the bench as Junior High Boys Basketball coach. Mattie Rhoades will serve as Junior High Basketball Assistant. Haley Wilmes was named High School Track coach. Andrew Hunsucker was named Track Floater. Ashlie Marriott was named High School Football Cheer coach.

Troy Nally and Meghan Hersh were named Senior Class sponsors. Christina Turpin was named Junior Class sponsor. Meghan Hersh was named Yearbook sponsor. Andrew Hunsucker was named Elementary Scholar Bowl sponsor. Tina Coffelt was named FBLA sponsor. Meghan Hersh was named Curriculum/Instruction coordinator.

All other extra duty positions not mentioned remain the same.

The board voted to purchase two 2027 Blue Bird Vision 71 propane passenger buses with four cameras from Central States Bus for $144,189 and a propane filling station for up to $25,000.

The school received two bids for sidewalk renovations in front of the Pickering school. Asphalt Renovations submitted a bid for $14,000, while Bryson Allen submitted a bid for $10,800. The board voted to award the bid to Bryson Allen.

The board voted to renew the ACES agreement for the upcoming school year for a cost of $18,722.68.

The board voted to approve the Head Start screening agreement with the school for the upcoming school year.

The board approved the following work projects for summer:

—Teacher work orders;

—Floor scrubbing and cleaning at both schools;

—Refinish and repaint both gym floors;

—Mowing;

—Install epoxy floors in the bus barn office space and restroom;

—Install trim in the office and restroom of the bus barn;

—Install an air conditioning unit at the elementary;

—Landscaping at both schools;

—Painting rooms at both schools;

—Re-vinyl door name tags for new staff members;

—Replace ceiling tiles that are damaged;

—Enclose the door in the elementary kitchen for health department purposes;

—Upgrade the sink and counters in the locker rooms;

—Finish up Pickering sign installation;

—Help get buses inspected prior to school;

—Move room locations within the high school;

—Build a carport at the bus barn for vans, trailer, and the school car;

—Replace basement entry area of the elementary basement;

—Fencing at the elementary;

—Re-stain the fence at the elementary;

—Haul additional dirt to extend the parking lot by the commons;

—Tile downspouts of gutters at the elementary.

The school is in the process of getting bids for Chrome books that need to be updated, the carport at the bus barn, the basement entry at the elementary, and additional rock for the elementary parking lot. These bids are subject to board approval at a subsequent meeting.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that MAP testing saw 24 out of 45 students earn the effort reward party. The PAT Touch-a-Truck event attracted six families. The Dribblers Club celebrated the end of their season with a lunch at Pizza Ranch May 5th. A spring concert and art show was held May 6th. The school participated in National Walk to School Day May 6th. Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated May 4th through 8th. The kindergarten through 2nd grades did a field trip to the Remington Nature Center and the park May 8th.

High School Principal Cody Jenkins reported that the seniors went on their senior trip to Branson. Testing and finals were held. 22 students received the Middle School Incentive award for the fourth quarter, and 19 received the High School Incentive award.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the school is working on a water issue at the elementary in two spots. They need additional guttering over the art and music rooms to run off excess water. There is a leak over the third-grade room.

Progress continues on the Pickering sign project. The LED sign has been delivered, and they are building the remaining portion.  Programming manuals have been sent so that people can put up messages.

The school is in the process of putting together CSIP posters to share with patrons on completion. Next year will be the Food Service Review for the school. The Fine Arts programs went well at the school.

 

Worth County Hires Trisha Ross as Teacher, Angie Lamb as Bus Driver

The Worth County School Board, at their regular board meeting, hired Trisha Ross as an additional second grade teacher and Angie Lamb as a route bus driver for the upcoming school year.

The next meeting date will be June 17th at 7:30 am.

The board approved a contract with ACES for the upcoming school year.

The board approved participation in the Federal Meal Program and set prices for the upcoming school year. For breakfast, elementary is $2.10. High school is $2.30. Adult is $2.60. Reduced price meals are 30 cents.

For lunch, prices will be $2.95 for elementary, $3.25 for high school, $4 for adults, and 40 cents for reduced price.

The state evaluated the school based on the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan that the school is required to do every few years. The school got all 42 points out of 42 points possible from the state.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported that credit recovery for seventh through twelfth grades will run through June 1st.

For the final month of the class attendance challenge, the winners were the seventh grade with a score of 96.55%. The runner-up was the juniors and third place went to the eighth grade. Students volunteered at the Mobile Food Pantry on May 4th, The Junior High and High School Spring Concert was May 6th. Athletic Awards night and Senior Awards night was May 7th. Worth County hosted a district track meet on May 10th. Academic awards were recognized on May 15th.

Elementary Principal Amber Hawk reported on end of year activities for her building. Elementary students who made the honor roll for any one quarter got to attend a skating party. A career day and third graders got to rotate through different stations and learn about different professions.

The elementary students got to go on field trips. Pre-K and K went to St. Joseph to Inspire U. First through third graders went to Remington Nature Canter and Bodie Ice Rink. Fourth through sixth graders went to the Belt Entertainment in St. Joseph.

A MAP testing was held for third through sixth graders with a kickoff party held April 22nd and testing taking place from April 23rd through May 6th. A MAP incentive party was held May 11th. All students who showed great effort during MAP testing got to play outside games and have slushies.

Local law enforcement had a pizza party with the top five fundraisers for the Heart Hero challenge. All students who raised $25 or more got to attend a skating party with local law enforcement April 27th. Fifth graders got to attend a Fishing Day at the Seat Farm east of Denver. An elementary spring concert was held on May 6th.

Four new records from the Elementary Track Meet were announced. First grader Savanna Hill broke the 100 record with a time of 17.76 and the Long Jump record with a jump of 8’1”. Addison Cass broke the fifth grade record in the 800 with a time of 3:14.12. It was discovered that Kinley Fletchall broke the sixth grade record for the 800 last year with a time of 3:07.15.

Students got to move up to the next grade and learn expectations for the next year.

A Teacher Appreciation Week was held and teachers were treated to a food truck one day.  The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently conducted an inspection of Worth County’s school buses. All buses passed inspection.

The board approved participation in the Missouri Career Advising Initiative and appointed Cree Beverlin as the rootEd advisor. The board approved a proposal by the seniors to paint individual parking spots. The board approved participation in Make48, a grant-funded STEM innovation program for high school students.

The board voted to continue sixth grade eligibility for junior high softball, basketball, and track.