Harper Anderson 2011-2026

Harper Reece Anderson, 14, of King City, Missouri, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by her family.

Harper was born on August 30, 2011 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ryan and Mallory (Hutchcraft) Anderson. She grew up in King City and was a 8th grade student at King City R-1 School. She was very active in school, church, and community activities. She was an academic letter winner at the King City High School and a member of the King City FCCLA. She was active on the basketball and softball teams and was an exceptional athlete. She was also on the King City track team and was a record holder on the 110 meter hurdles.

Harper loved going on vacations, the swimming pool, being out in the sunshine, and enjoying a Mountain Dew. She was always smiling and had the most beautiful smile that would light up a room. But most of all, Harper loved her family and friends and being the big sister to Hallie and Nash.

Harper was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Jimmie and Jean Hutchcraft, Jim Black, Theresa Anderson, Ed Cloud, and Evelyn Barnes. She is survived by her father, Ryan Anderson; mother, Mallory Anderson and Tristan Myers; siblings, Hallie Anderson and Nash Myers; grandparents, Ray and Robin Veale, Preston and Julie Hutchcraft, Anthony and Beth Bish, Greg Anderson and Susan Anderson, and Jeff and Angie Myers; great grandparents, Margaret Black, Mel Anderson, Russ and Lois Ahrens, and Teresa Cloud; and extended family, Troy and Amber Hutchcraft, Isabela, Alex, Cannon, and Rhemy Hutchcraft, Jarrod and Hayley Hutchcraft, Brock, Blakely, Blaze, Henry, and Hudson Hutchcraft, Chris Anderson, Maddie Anderson, Corvette and Emily Way, Walker and Wyndham Way, Aaron Anderson, Daniel and Keri Bennett, Dayton Bennett, Josiah and Emily Glise, Landon Hanson and Jolleen Glise, and Tucker and Madi Myers.

A visitation was held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at King City R-1 School, 300 N. Grand, King City, MO 64463. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the school. Burial followed in the King City Cemetery. Memorials and contributions are suggested to the King City School in memorial of Harper Anderson. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

  

Letter to the Editor -- Bill to Eliminate Income Taxes is a Scam

It’s a tax scam, folks. The Missouri House passed HJR 173-174, a constitutional amendment swapping state income tax for expanded sales taxes. If passed in the Senate, voters will see this on the 2026 ballot. Sounds like a good idea to not pay income tax—right? NO, it’s a tax scam! “Let the people decide” is what the legislature wants. They choose to mislead voters. The loss of income tax revenues will create a $5 billion hole in Missouri’s budget, leading to $1.4 BILLION cuts to public education. An interactive map
identifying the loss of revenue to each of Missouri’s public schools is available at:
https://mobudget.org/schools-face-18-cut-under-tax-scheme/

Decreased state revenues will cut services to seniors, childcare, and infrastructure. When income tax supports almost 2/3 of the state’s general revenue budget, what else will replace revenue? SALES TAX ON EVERYTHING---on services such as haircuts, auto repairs, home repairs, rent, streaming services, EVERYTHING! The legislature would decide the additional services that will be taxed. Sales tax rates may
not increase, but sales taxes will be affixed to more goods and services. The Missouri Budget Project indicates that a household earning $65,000 annually would see an increase in tax expense of $585. Only the wealthiest Missourians with incomes of $300,000 or more would see a decrease in taxes. Eliminating the state income tax is a generational change and will be permanent.

Call Sen. Rusty Black at 573-751-1415 to vote NO on HJR 173-174. Remember: No income tax equals SALES TAX ON EVERYTHING.

Nancy Zeliff

Skidmore, MO

 

Two Candidates Introduce Themselves in District Two Missouri House Race

The abrupt decision by State Rep. Mazzie Christensen to drop out of the House District 2 race reopened the filing for the race. On Tuesday, April 7th, Casey Scott filed as a Democrat. Her biography is below.  After the Sheridan Express went to press, a Republican, Brandon Harvey, joined the race. His bio is below as well. On Thursday, another Republican, Phil Fox, filed for the seat. They are joined by Freddie Griffin (GOP) and Shelby Dreier (Libertarian), who had already filed.

Brandon Harvey, Phil Fox, and Freddie Griffin will face off in the GOP Primary in August. The winner will face Casey Scott (Democrat) and Shelby Dreier (Libertarian) in November.

The following two bios were provided by the candidates.

Casey Scott

Casey Scott of Trenton Missouri, officially announced her candidacy for State Representative in District 2, seeking the Democratic nomination in the November 2026 election.

Casey Scott is a rural healthcare professional, community leader, and problem-solver who has built her career around one simple belief: where you live should not determine whether you can get the care you need.

Born and raised in Northwest Missouri, Casey understands both the strengths and the challenges of rural communities because she has lived them. After earning her Associate of Arts degree from North Central Missouri College, she completed her Radiologic Technology education at Hillyard Technical Center and went on to earn advanced certifications in Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Additionally pursuing a role as an MRI Safety Officer and obtaining further education in MRI safety.

Casey began her career working in rural hospitals across Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas, often serving facilities with limited resources but significant need. In these settings, she saw gaps in the healthcare system up close, especially for patients requiring specialized imaging.

While working as a Lead MRI Technologist at Harrison County Community Hospital, Casey identified a critical issue: patients with complex implant conditions were frequently unable to receive MRI scans locally due to safety concerns and limited resources. For many, that meant traveling long distances, delaying care, or going without it altogether.

Rather than accepting those barriers, Casey took action. She pursued advanced MRI safety training and certification, equipping her hospital to safely scan patients who had previously been turned away. Her work expanded access for patients who would otherwise have faced significant hardship simply to receive necessary imaging.

In her current role with ScanLab & ImagingU, she continues this mission, sharing a commitment to advancing MRI and CT education and helping revolutionize healthcare.

Casey has also held multiple leadership roles within the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists, including Parliamentarian, Secretary, Exhibits Chair, and Vice President, helping support professionals across the state.

Her work extends beyond healthcare. Casey has organized local fundraising efforts, including events supporting animal shelters and other community needs, and remains actively involved in strengthening the place she calls home.

As a mother of two daughters, Casey is deeply invested in the future of Missouri’s communities. She spends her free time outdoors with her children, hiking local state parks and teaching them resilience, responsibility, and care for the land.

Casey Scott is running to bring that same practical, solutions-focused approach to public service, strengthening rural healthcare, supporting working families, and ensuring communities like hers are seen, heard, and supported.

Brandon Harvey

Brandon Harvey, a lifelong Missourian and community leader, has announced his candidacy for Missouri State Representative in District 2, a Northwest Missouri district rooted in agriculture, small business, and strong local values.

Harvey, who has deep family ties in Missouri dating back to the early 1800’s, currently serves as a loan officer at Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri and is active in both civic and political organizations across the region. With a background in working with families, farmers, and small businesses, Harvey says he is ready to bring practical, conservative leadership to Jefferson City.

“I’m running to give my family and our area the best way of life,” Harvey said. “Growing up in Missouri, I know the impact of our rural businesses and schools. We need leadership that continues to put people first, not politics, rein in the spending in Jefferson City, and protect our rural way of life.”

A committed conservative, Harvey has been involved in the Grundy County Republican Committee and local grassroots efforts, including work surrounding Amendment 3. He also serves as treasurer of the Trenton Lions Club, reflecting his ongoing investment in the local community.

“I’ve spent my career working alongside the people who make our communities run,” Harvey said. “We need leadership that will stand up to massive data center expansion, protect our rural way of life, and defend the values our communities are built on.”

As a candidate, Harvey has made clear his priorities include protecting life, defending Second Amendment rights, supporting Missouri farmers, strengthening rural infrastructure, and protecting family farms from outside pressures such as data center expansion that do not benefit local communities.

“This campaign is about the people of District 2,” he said. “I will work hard, listen closely, and represent our district with integrity. I’m here to work for you, not the Jefferson City bureaucracy.”

Harvey and his wife, Katie, have been married for 13 years and are raising their three children in north Missouri. Katie is a fifth grade teacher at Pleasant View R-6. The family attends St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Trenton. When not working or on the campaign trail, Harvey enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and supporting his children’s activities.

 

Opinion -- Governor Kehoe Signs Three Bills

By Governor Mike Kehoe’s Office

On Tuesday, April 7th, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed three pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bill (SB) 888, and House Bills (HB) 1908 and 2273. 

SB 888, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer and Representative Brad Christ, modifies provisions relating to the criminal systems.

—Allows for record sharing to enhance the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to track cases and juvenile adjudication history. 

—Adds increased penalties for sexual criminal offenses.

—Supports sentencing reform efforts by streamlining processes and adding transparency in parole eligibility calculation.

"Missouri must address the revolving door for repeat violent offenders—and that includes juveniles," said Governor Kehoe. "I would like to thank the members of the General Assembly for getting this priority legislation to my desk. This bill delivers for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the safety of our communities by giving our criminal justice system the authority to respond to serious juvenile and adult offenses and strengthening sentencing transparency. Together, we are continuing to build on our Safer Missouri public safety initiative."

HB 1908, sponsored by Representatives Cecelie Williams and Raychel Proudie and Senator Jill Carter, modifies provisions relating to the dissolution of marriage or legal separation and pregnancy status.

—Clarifies that pregnancy status shall not be used to prevent courts from granting divorce or legal separation.

"If we are serious about protecting life, we must also be serious about protecting vulnerable women and mothers," said Governor Kehoe. "House Bill 1908 ensures that pregnancy is never used as a barrier to prevent a woman from seeking a divorce in unsafe situations. I appreciate Representative Williams for her leadership and courage in sharing her story, and thank the General Assembly for its unanimous support of this important legislation." 

HB 2273, sponsored by Representative Ed Lewis and Senator Jill Carter, modifies and establishes provisions relating to the protection of children and vulnerable persons.

—Increases penalties for sex offenses involving minors.

—Modifies statute for penalties for sharing or threatening to share a photo of a sex act that have been created or altered using digital manipulation.

—Strengthens Missouri's efforts to combat child sex trafficking. 

"Missouri will not tolerate those who exploit or harm our most vulnerable—especially our children," said Governor Kehoe. "This bill strengthens Missouri law to keep pace with evolving threats, while protecting those most at risk. By signing this legislation into law we're sending a clear message: if you harm a child, you will face the consequences." 

Restrictions on Nonresident Deer Hunters Proposed

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking Missouri deer hunters and others for feedback on potential regulation changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri for nonresident deer hunting.

One regulation change under consideration for the 2026 deer season would reduce the nonresident antlered buck bag limit from two to one. Nonresident landowners would maintain an antlered buck bag limit of two.

A regulation change under consideration for the 2027 deer season includes requiring nonresident deer hunters to purchase a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit for $165 to be able to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in Missouri.

Beyond the 2027 deer season, MDC is considering establishing a draw for nonresidents to be able to hunt deer on public land or on public and private land.  

According to MDC, nonresident participation in Missouri’s deer season has increased considerably in recent years and some resident hunters have expressed concern about how it is impacting their hunts, particularly on public land.

According to MDC, there were approximately 20,000 nonresident deer hunters who hunted in Missouri 20 years ago. That number was about four percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters. By last year, that number had more than doubled to about 42,000 nonresident deer hunters in Missouri, accounting for about nine percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters.

People can leave public comments through April 20th at the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

 

 

Hopkins to Condemn Trailer

Rick Woldruff asked the Hopkins City Council at their regular meeting Monday if they would be willing to condemn and clean up the old trailer house at 200 South 1st Street. He says the house is unlivable due to falling in, a tree growing in the middle, and there is a horrible smell from the mold and trash. Multiple times, he said the owner had been asked if she would sell the trailer and the property it sits on, and that he was told she would get back with him and never did. The council voted to approve the process to condemn the trailer.

The council tabled a proposed trash contract from Porter Trash. Council members wanted to check on options in the area.

More discussion was held on delinquent customers. All accounts that are 10 months old and over have now had a lien placed on the property.

Discussion was held on the street bid. Chris Bird explained what he saw as the need for a double chip and seal on Third Street and Barnard Street, since they were long overdue. The council voted to have a single chip and seal on Barnard Street from Highway 148 to Ninth Street, and from Third Street from east Thompson Street to Barnard Street. If the cost comes in at under $76,000, the city will see which other streets need a chip and seal.

The city set new hours for Clerk Mary Smith. She is salaried at $16,000 per year. City Hall hours will be Mondays from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays from 8 am to 1 pm, and Thursdays from 8 am to 1 pm. City Hall will be open one Saturday a month, normally third Saturdays.

 

Route 169 Bridge Project Delayed to April 17th

The Middle Fork Grand River Bridge on U.S. Route 169 in Worth County, south of Grant City, was scheduled to narrow to one lane tomorrow, Friday, April 10, but has been delayed until Friday, April 17 due to contractor schedule changes. Capital Paving & Construction, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will be making repairs to the bridge approach following the recent bridge deck replacement project.

Traffic Impacts: Route 169 at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers, Friday, April 17, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about this project, visit: https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-169-route-b-and-route-m-bridge-rehabilitation-gentry-and-worth.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phones down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.

Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visiting www.modot.org/northwest.