AARP Says Amendment 5 Disproportionately Harms Seniors

The AARP has come out against Amendment 5, which it says would disproportionately harm senior citizens, especially adults on fixed incomes.

Amendment 5 would eliminate the Missouri Income Tax and replace it with a state sales tax. The measure would give legislators a blank check for the next five years to raise sales taxes, expand them to services such as auto repairs, or both.

The AARP notes that most retirees already receive significant tax relief. Social Security benefits are already exempt from the Missouri Income tax, and most public pension income is up to the Social Security maximum.

If the sales tax increases do not meet the shortfall from eliminating the state income tax, the AARP says it could result in cuts to home and community based services, public transportation, long-term care support, and independent living programs.

Election Day is August 4th.

 

Grant City Fire Department to Hold Golf Tournament

The Grant City Fire Department will hold a day/night golf tournament on Saturday, August 29th. Nine holes will be played during daylight starting at 4:30 pm and the other nine will be played at night. It is open to the public. The Grant City Christian Church ladies will be providing a meal. Raffle tickets for some Milwaukee tools will be sold. Cost is $60 per team. No balls will be provided; bring your own. All proceeds will support the Grant City Fire Department.

 

North Nodaway PTO Selling Knockoff Bags

The North Nodaway PTO is selling knockoff bags for $50 each. They will be in at the end of August. If interested, contact any PTO member. Committee members are Sara Coleman, Stan & Lindsey Alexander, Ashlie Marriott, and Ashley Turner.

The PTO provides the following for the school district and more:

—Purchase most school supplies for students at both schools;

—Field trips;

—Treats for Teacher Appreciation Week;

—Help with Adopt a Teacher at Christmas time.

 

Robert Schmitz 1934-2026

Robert Joseph Schmitz, 92, of St. Joseph, Missouri formerly of Parnell, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Field Pointe in St. Joseph.

Robert was born on July 16, 1934, in Parnell, Missouri to Glenn and Beatrice (Lager) Schmitz. He was a 1952 graduate of Parnell High School. He served in the United States Army from 1954 until 1962. Robert was a lifelong farmer, later working for Maryville Lumber Company until he retired. Robert served on the Northeast Nodaway School Board for 21 years, St. Joseph Catholic Church Council and was a member of the Parnell Lions Club.

He married Joanne Pitzenberger on November 10, 1956, in Parnell, Missouri. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include their children, Roger (Julia) Schmitz, Charles (Kimberly) Schmitz, Brian (Diana) Schmitz, John (Jane) Schmitz, Regina (Jonathan) Keyes and Angela Bennett; daughter-in-law, Carla Schmitz; sisters, Monica Patton and Mary Margaret VanErt and brother, James Schmitz; seventeen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Marvin Schmitz.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am Saturday, July 25th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parnell under the care of Price Funeral Home. Rosary 5pm Friday, July 24th at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 7pm. In memory of Robert, his family suggests memorials to the St. Joseph Cemetery Association, Rose Hill Cemetery Association or St. Judes Children’s Hospital. 

 

Maurice Riley 1940-2026

Maurice Riley, 86, of Hopkins, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.

Maurice was born on January 1, 1940, in Hopkins, Missouri to Frank O. and Laverta E. (Gray) Riley. He was a 1957 graduate of Hopkins High School. He worked for Turner Farms and was a truck driver for Turner Construction. He also owned and operated Wilson Grocery Store in Hopkins for many years.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Hopkins, Masonic Lodge, former president of the Hopkins Housing Board, Hopkins Community Club and the Lions Club.

Maurice married Donna L. Kreps on April 19, 1959, in Hopkins, Missouri. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2022. He was also preceded by his parents, daughter, Lisa Willey, son, Aaron Riley, son-in-law, Ismael Torres-Vega and grandson, Phillip Landess.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Torres; grandchildren, Jenni (Jeremiah) Snyder, Ashlee (Vincent) Sturgeon, Chelsey (Luke) Vinzant, Garrett Torres, Wade Torres and Maggie Riley; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Amanda) Snyder, Ryver Wolf, Havyn Wolf, Dakota Wolf, Daniel Sturgeon, Hayleigh, Bryson, Gabby, Jeramiah, Serenity and Brendyn; great-great-grandchildren, Radien, Cherokee and Donna, Braxton and Logan; two brothers, Larry (Barb) Riley and Frank (Diane) Riley.

Mr. Riley has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be held at 11am Monday, July 27th at the First Christian Church of Hopkins. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In Memory of Maurice, the family suggests memorials to the North Nodaway School District.

 

Maryville Woman Shares Story About Maurice Riley

I've been reading a lot of stories about Maurice Riley. I have a Maurice story too. In the late 80's, two 20 something kids settled in to a big farmhouse in Hopkins. I loved that house but it was alot for us at that time. The economy was absolute crap. Scott was driving for Ben Wynn, I was working for Dr. Havaldar. To say that we were dirt poor wouldn't be a lie. We were stretching every penny. Leveraging everything I could just to make it from one Friday to another. I was pregnant and we had our first son. Who was followed shortly by his brother. 4 mouths to feed in a short time. Thank god Gray’s gave us a charge account for gas and Maurice kept us fed. We had food in the house because he took a chance on us and extended credit. We ate a lot of ring bologna .. and his generosity kept the milk flowing when the boys got older. I often look back and have thought of him and how immensely grateful I was for what he did for us. I always tried to keep the bill paid down. Eventually, Scott took a job that moved us temporarily to Redding California. This was about 1992. When we left I remember us having a $250 grocery tab. That was a lot of money then but I sent him payments through the mail and eventually paid our bill off. He never once said to me that our bill was getting high. I don't remember how long it took me to pay him off. Thank god for people like Maurice Riley.

I will never forget his kindness and generosity during one of the toughest times of my life.

 

Holly Cronk

Maryville, MO

As posted on Facebook

 

North Nodaway Class of 2030 to Sponsor 5K Run/Walk August 29th

The North Nodaway Class of 2030 will sponsor a 5K run during the Hopkins Picnic on Saturday, August 29th. Registration will be from 7:00 am to 7:25 am that morning. The event will start at 7:30 am at the intersection of JJ and 148 in Hopkins. To register, contact any member of the Class of 2030.