MSHSAA Oversight Bill Passes Legislature

By Brandon Lorenz, Missouri News Network

The House on Thursday passed and sent to the governor a bill that creates an oversight commission for appeals by high school athletes governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

SB 863, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, R-Holcomb, would “establish the ‘Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission,’ a board of directors appointed by the governor to hear appeals of certain decisions made by statewide activities associations.”

“MSHSAA is pleased with the outcome of Senate Bill 863,” the organization said in a news release. “This bill is a workable solution and a far cry from the extremely damaging bill that sat on the Senate floor in February and March.”

As originally introduced, the bill would have allowed the board to have broader oversight of the association, including appeals for all eligibility, all contests and contest producers or any rule changes.

The final version only addresses decisions to be made on appeals of athletic related decisions within football, baseball and other sports. When signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, the governmental body will have the final say on all athletic rulings.

“The voices of our member schools, coaches and directors associations, education partners, and many other Missourians were clearly heard, and that collective input helped shape a more favorable result,” MSHSAA said in its statement.

The board will be made up of five members, all appointed by the governor, with advice and consent of the Senate.

The bill got initial hearings in the Senate in February and was passed April 13. While in the House, bills need a “handler,” a representative that will help guide the bill through the House. Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston, was tasked with that responsibility for this bill.

“I hope this achieves where parents and students have another board, and that’s what it’s going to be. Another board where they can appeal their issues to, if they feel that they’ve been wronged by the MSHSAA board,” Cook said. “This is another option for them, that won’t cost them an arm or a leg. Right now, the other option is the court system.”

A similar bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Meirath, R-Excelsior Springs, and was tied into this bill string in March. Meirath’s bill would have created a “transfer board” that would have three members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, three members appointed by the president pro tem of the Senate and one member appointed by the governor.

“If (parents or athletes) are going to appeal, then they’re going to have to go all the way through what’s currently on the MSHSAA bylaws,” Meirath said. “Then it comes, if they choose, to the oversight committee. It has nothing to do with the organization within MSHSAA. It has everything to do with making sure there’s true oversight.”

Some confusion brewed on the House floor as Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, and Cook discussed the bill. In one part of the final version of the bill, there is a line that does not include the word “athletics.”

“When I read (this part) I do not see it specifically aimed at athletics,” Steinhoff said, “so it could apply to scholar bowl, it could apply to the music side of MSHSAA, it could apply to all of the things MSHSAA does.”

“I get the feeling that was not the intent of the bill because the name of the commission is ‘the athletics commission,’ so I’m wondering if we are intentionally allowing appeals to all the other parts of MSHSAA?” Steinhoff asked.

Cook did not directly answer the question, responding that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was going to be involved in the future of this bill and some of the decision making.

Once signed by Kehoe, this law will go into effect Aug. 28.

Resound Fest June 5th Through 7th

On June 5-6th, Resound Fest will return to Miracle Hills Ranch in Bethany, MO for its 16th year. The FREE Christian music festival promises a weekend full of uplifting music and a message of hope for all who attend.

Music at the festival kicks off on Friday, June 5th, at 6 p.m. and wraps up after the Community Worship Service on Sunday, June 7th at 9 a.m. On-site camping is also available, making Resound Fest the perfect affordable summer vacation for the whole family.

Resound Fest 2026 will feature: Micah Tyler, Seph Schlueter, Colton Dixon, Leanna Crawford, Megan Woods, Jet Trouble;  as well as: Joe & Beth Guerra, Break the Fall and Untitled Worship.

For the full festival lineup, including stage times, visit www.resoundfest.org.

Resound Fest is a family-friendly event with many activities for kids and adults such as swimming pool/waterslide, canoeing/paddle boats, children's games/activities, volleyball, basketball and more. There is a small charge for some of these activities. Activity passes can be purchased at the festival.

Thanks to support from local churches, businesses and individuals, admission to Resound Fest is completely free of charge.  To reserve your camping spot or for more information, visit www.resoundfest.org.

 

North Nodaway Alumni Banquet May 23rd

The North Nodaway Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm in the North Nodaway Gum. The Class of 1976 will be honored and the event will recognize the nation’s 250th anniversary. All alumni and friends are invited. Tours of the facilities are available on request.

Dinner tickets are $17 per person with alumni paying $2 in annual dues. Reservations and payments should be made payable to the North Nodaway Alumni Association.

Officers are Carmen Larabee (President), Darla Thompson (Vice-President), Joan Hemenway (Secretary), and Elaine Holste (Treasurer).

Reservations should be made by May 14th, 2026. When reserving, please provide your graduation name and current name, graduation year, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

To make reservations, contact Teresa DeMott (660) 582-1086, Sue Florea (660) 541-4108, Joyce Hennegin (660) 927-3682, or Elaine Holste (660) 562-7867. Mail reservation payments to Elaine Holste, Treasurer, PO Box 213, Hopkins, MO 64461.

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for May 6th, 2026

On April 29th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Kira Egly (20) of Diagonal alleging DWI and Minor Visibly Intoxicated.

On April 30th, Bennie Curtis (32) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to charges of Speeding, Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn and fined $180.50 plus costs.

On April 30th, Christian Slaughter (20) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn.

On April 30th, Jayson Herwehe (54) of Prairie City (IA) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to No Valid License (Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn, consecutive to his Daviess County case.

On April 30th, Cassandra Gathercole (49) of Rosendale was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn and fined $250 plus a $150 surcharge for Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). The defendant had been convicted by a Harrison County jury.

On April 30th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Sarah Christian (47) of Pattonsburg alleging two counts Domestic Assault (1 Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only. No contact with victim; no use of alcohol.

On May 1st, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Karen Smith (72) alleging Harassment.

On May 1st, KJAN reported that the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Coltin Hatfield (30) of Kellerton on 10 counts of Sex Offender Registry violations.

On May 1st, a Ravenwood man posted on Facebook that he had multiple sports autographed photos stolen out of a friend’s truck in St. Joseph while he was at work.

On May 2nd, the City of Blockton posted on its Facebook page that someone was doing donuts on a four-wheeler at the Blockton Cemetery.

On May 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a golf cart in Bethany on private property was being driven by a 14 year old when she attempted to drive down a steep hill. The vehicle overturned several times and came to rest upside down near a large brush pile. She and five passengers were all injured in the wreck, with two seriously injured and taken to Children’s Mercy.

On May 3rd, KJAN reported that Colton Bolles (33) of Mount Ayr was arrested by the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department on charges of Burglary (Felony) and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $6,000.

On May 4th, Ryan Eckstein (41) of Maryville pleaded guilty to two counts Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Corey Herron. Court retains jurisdiction for 120 days and the DOC will make recommendations regarding imprisonment or probation. The sentence is to be served concurrently with his Gentry County case.

On May 5th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Albert Force (38) of King City alleging two counts Domestic Assault (one Felony), Peace Disturbance, and Assault. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

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. 

 

Community Calendar for May 6th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation.

REPEATING EVENTS

Mondays (except holidays) – Worth County Commissioners meet at 9 am.

Fridays – Bedford Jam, United Christian Presbyterian Church, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Snacks and drinks available. Walk-ons are welcome. For information, call (712) 523-2282.

Every Second Wednesday – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition, 5:00 pm, Worth County Community Church.

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 6^th – Free sports physicals, North Nodaway School, 8:30 am. All athletes must have a physical on file with the school to play or practice in MSHSAA sanctioned sports.

May 6^th – Worth County Elementary Spring Concert, 6:00 pm, High School Gym.

May 7^th – North Harrison Senior Day. Seniors’ final walk starts at 8:30 am. Presentation of awards is 8:45 am.

May 7^th – Bedford Walk & Talk, 507 Central Avenue, Bedford, 5:00 pm. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Taylor County Public Health.

May 7^th – North Harrison Pre-K Graduation, 6:00 pm.

May 7^th – Gilman City Preschool Graduation, 6:30 pm.

May 8^th -- Worth County Elementary Track Day, 8:30 am.

May 8^th – Worth County Senior Center Potluck, 12 noon. Free will donation.

May 8^th – Gentry Opry. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Special guest singer and comedian Sadie. Concessions available.

May 8^th – North Nodaway Scholarship and Academic Banquet, 6:00 pm.

May 8^th – NEN Baccalaureate, Ravenwood United Methodist Church, 6:30 pm.

May 9^th – Household Hazardous Waste Collection, 8 am to noon, Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 East Halsey Street, Maryville. Free and open to residents of Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth Counties. Bring ID.

May 9^th – Second Saturday at the Nodaway County Historical Museum, 9 am to 11 am. Coffee, refreshments, and baked goods. Free and open to the public.

May 9^th – District Track Meet at Worth County, 9:30 am.

May 9^th – Free composting class, Northwest Missouri State, Dean Hubbard Center for Innovation Room 1202, 10:30 am to 12 noon. Sponsored by the Northwest Solid Waste District.

May 9^th – Downtown Maryville Spring into Fun, 12 noon to 5 pm. Main Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, Market Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, 3^rd Street from Vine to Buchanan, and 4^th Street from Vine to Buchanan will be closed from 9:30 am to 7 pm. “Thrill the Ville,” a motorcycle show, will be held from 11 am to 6 pm that day.

May 10^th – Worth County Graduation, 2 pm, Worth County Gym.

May 10^th – North Harrison Graduation, 2 pm, North Harrison Gym.

May 12^th – Northwest Missouri Roadway Safety Program, Maryville Public Safety Building, 6:30 pm. A 90-minute traffic safety program for teens and parents or guardians. Free and open to the public.

May 14^th – Worth County Elementary Awards Day, 8:30 am.

May 14^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

May 14^th – Worth County VFW, 5:00 pm, Worth County Senior Center.

May 14^th – Worth County Pre-K Graduation, 6:00 pm, Multipurpose Room.

May 15^th – Retirement card shower in honor of Karen Andrews, who is retiring after 20 years at Worth County. Send cards to 510 East Avenue, Grant City, MO, 64456. Please have all cards arrive by May 15^th.

May 15^th to 17^th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 33982 State Highway NN, Hopkins. May 15^th from 12 noon to 8 pm. May 16^th from 8 am to 8 pm. May 17^th from 9 am to 3 pm. Vendor space $15 by May 8^th, $20 afterwards. Electric hookups are $25 by May 8^th, $30 afterwards. Camper hookup $45 by May 8^th, $50 afterwards. Set up May 14^th after 6 pm or Friday after 8 am. For more information, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141.

May 16^th – Mother’s Day Brunch, Oak Pointe, Maryville, 10 am. Adults $12, kids $6.

May 17^th – Book fair at Louie G’s, 103 A South Main, Maryville, 12 noon to 3 pm. Free and open to the public.

May 17^th – Sheridan Express Cooperative Meeting, 5:00 pm, Sheridan Housing Laundry Room.

May 18^th – Worth County Hazardous Mitigation Plan Kickoff Meeting, 5:30 pm, Grant City Golf Clubhouse. Free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact Kirk Klopper at solid@nwmorcog.org.

May 19^th – Law Enforcement Run for Special Olympics. The run portion starts on the west side of the Nodaway County Courthouse Square at 8:45 am and concludes at 10:00 am at the South Paws Veterinary Clinic parking lot. The walk portion starts at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park.

May 21^st – United Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting. Registration 4:30 pm. Business Meeting 7:00 pm. Missouri Western State University, Fulkerson Center, St. Joseph.

May 21^st – Pollinator Gardening class, Nodaway County Administration Center, Conference Room, Maryville, 5:00 pm. Gwen Funk of University Extension will give a presentation about gardening for pollinators and using native plants to create a beneficial landscape. Sponsored by the Maryville Public Library. To reserve, call (660) 582-5281. Free and open to the public; for ages 13 and up. Limited to 30 spots; registration required.

May 22^nd – John Mackey in concert at The Pub starting at 8:00 pm. Traditional Country, Folk, and Rock Music. Free and open to the public.

May 23rd – North Nodaway R-VI Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Nodaway High School gymnasium. The banquet will honor the Class of 1976 on its 50-year reunion and celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Cost is $17 per person plus $2 alumni dues. Reservations and payment are due by May 14. For reservations contact Teresa DeMott (660-582-1086), Sue Florea (660-541-4108), or Joyce Hennegin (660-927-3682), or mail reservations and payment to Elaine Holste, P.O. Box 213, Hopkins, MO 64461 (660-562-7867). When reserving, please provide your graduation name (and current name), graduation year, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

May 23^rd – Pattonsburg Alumni Banquet. Pattonsburg School Gym. Social hour 5:00 pm. Dinner 6:00 pm, followed by a program. Reservations due May 17^th. To reserve, contact Shane Searcy (515) 979-0732. Cost $25 per person with reservations. $28 per person without reservations.

May 24^th – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon, Community Building.

May 24^th – Tri-C Legion Post #464 will hold Memorial Day services at the following times and locations: St. Columba Cemetery, 9:30 am; Swinford Cemetery in Bedison, 10:00 am; Barnard Cemetery, 10:30 am; Weathermon Cemetery in Guilford, 10:50 am; Graves Cemetery in Guilford, 11:00 am; High Ridge Cemetery in Stanberry, 11:30 am; Mount Cavalry Cemetery in Stanberry, 11:40 am; Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ravenwood, 12:15 pm; Parnell Cemetery, 12:30 pm; Nodaway Memorial Gardens in Maryville, 1:15 pm; Oak Hill Cemetery in Maryville, 1:30 pm; Nodaway County Courthouse, 1:45 pm; St. Mary’s and Miriam Cemeteries in Maryville, 2:00 pm; St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Maryville, 2:15 pm.

May 24^th – Grant City Golf Course Memorial Day Weekend Golf Tournament, 1:00 pm.

May 27^th – Denver City Council Meeting, 9 am, 610 Mill Street.

May 28^th – Bearcat Football Camp, Hughes Fieldhouse, Northwest Missouri State, Maryville. Check-in 8:30 am. Camp 9:00 am to 11:30 am. For students entering grades 2-8. Cost $40 per child. To enter or for questions, contact jwillrich@nwmissouri.edu.

May 28^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

May 30^th – Missouri Eight Man Football All-Star Game, 11 am, Missouri Western State University.

May 30^th – Mud run at Clyde. Registration 10:00 am. Mud run starts 1 pm. Entry: $20 per class. Admission: $10. Kids 6-12 $5. Kids 5 and under free. Proceeds to the Ryan Pappert Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Midwest Mud Boggers.

June 1^st to 5^th – Worth County Partnership Library Summer Reading Camp, 9 am each morning. The theme is, “Red, White, and Read.” For grades PK through 6^th grade.

June 5^th to 6^th – Resound Fest, Miracle Hills Ranch, three miles south of Bethany. Free admission, community worship, and onsite camping.

June 5^th to 6^th – Hopkins Citywide Garage Sales.

June 6^th – Road to Laughs, The Pub, 7:00 pm. Comedy show featuring Ebony Star, Marlon Mac, Josh Reynolds, and Tyler Tha Comic. Cost $15; tickets available online at The Pub Facebook Page.

June 8^th to 11^th – NEN Kids Basketball Camp. 10 am to 11 am each morning. For boys and girls grades 2-5 for the 2026-27 school year. Cost $20/child; payment due first day of camp. The NEN Girls Basketball team will host.

June 10^th – Lunch & Learn Funeral Planning Seminar, 11:30 am, A&G Restaurant, Maryville. Sponsored by Bram Funeral Home. To register, call (660) 290-6643.

June 12^th – Adam Swanson in concert at Clarinda High School, 1 pm. He is a four-time World Champion Ragtime Piano Player. Tickets are $40 and available at the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum.

June 12^th – Dueling Piano Night, 8 pm, The Pub, Maryville. Requests welcome. Presale tickets $10 plus fees, $15 the day of the show. Limited to 100 tickets.

June 13^th – KSIB Tractor Ride, 8 am. Starting in Lenox, traveling to Clearfield, then having lunch at the Lake of Three Fires before returning to Lenox. Participants will vote for best in show.

June 13^th – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in concert at Clarinda High School, 5 pm. Sponsored by the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum.

June 14^th – Grant City Golf Course Club Tournament, 1:00 pm.

June 19^th to 20^th – Old Defiance Days and Sheridan Rodeo.

June 20^th – Mike Henggeler Father’s Day Memorial Baseball Tournament, Stanberry ball fields, 8 am. Entry $150 per team; limit six teams for two divisions. First division – ages 9U to 12U. Second division – ages 13U to 16U. $150 per team. To enter, contact titletownevents@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Henggeler family.

June 20^th – Harrison County Community Hospital ribbon cutting and open house for new building, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

June 21^st -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the Heart of America Tractor Club.

June 27^th – Rock the Ville, Maryville, 12 noon to 12 midnight.

June 27^th – Albany Rhythm & Roots Festival, 5 pm.

June 27^th – Jesse & The Medicine Men, Big Bend Bar & Grille, Sun Valley Lake, Ellston (IA), 7 pm.

July 3^rd – Worth County Tractor Cruise. The cruise will visit all five towns in Worth County. The cruise will start at the Worth County Fairgrounds, travel to Allendale, then the Denver Schoolhouse Museum. It will go to Worth and have lunch at the 169 Club, then proceed to Sheridan and return to the Fairgrounds.

July 3^rd – Fireworks show in Allendale at sunset.

July 4^th – Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast, 7:00 am.

July 4^th – Dedication of the Veterans Wall, Grant City Square, 11 am. The display will recognize all six branches of the US Armed Forces as well as the US and Missouri flags.

July 4^th – Grant City Golf Course Fourth of July Golf Tournament, 1:00 pm.

July 4^th – Grant City Fireworks Show at sunset.

July 8^th – Voter Registration Deadline for August 4^th Primary Election.

July 18^th – Benefit for Jacob Walter, former DOT maintenance barn, Barnard, 5:00 pm. Free will donation dinner, live auction, dancing. If you cannot be there but wish to donate, mail checks to Bank Northwest, 217 East Main, Stanberry, MO 64489. Make all checks payable to Pappi’s Palooza Benefit. All donations are tax deductible.

July 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 veterans programs.

July 25^th – Dueling Pianos, Big Time Entertainment, Roxy Theater, 7 pm to 9 pm.

July 27^th – Last day to submit petitions to run as an independent candidate for the November 3^rd election, 5:00 pm.

July 31^st – Mozingo Lake Golf Tournament, 11 am. Proceeds will benefit Cameron Veterans Home. Limited to 36 teams on a first come, first served basis. To register, contact Alison Dredge (816) 649-1622.

August 2^nd to 6^th – American Junior Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament, Mozingo Lake. A 54-hole championship for ages 12-19.

August 2^nd – Jerry Litton Legacy of Dreams. A special event being planned in Chillicothe at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center, 10780 Livingston County Road 235 in memory of the late congressman, who died in a plane crash 50 years ago. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 2:00 pm.

August 4^th – Primary Election Day for Missouri. Polls open 6:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.

August 6^th to 8^th – Fur Takers of America National Trapping & Homesteading Convention, Macon County Fairgrounds, Macon. Starting at 6:00 pm on August 6^th with a kickoff concert. Admission $20 for the weekend; veterans and kids 15 & under free. Campaign available at $20/night (primitive) or $40/night (full hookup). Meals available on-site.

August 16^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

August 29^th – Stampede the Ville.

September 3^rd to 7^th – Northwest Missouri State Fair, Bethany.

September 12^th – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition 5K Run/2K walk. Registration 7 am; run starts at 7:30 am and lasts until 12 noon. Free resources will be available from the VA. Cost $20. To RSVP, contact Jeremy Baker (660) 254-5311. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988.

September 20^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of the American Legion Post 464.

October 3^rd – Great Northwest Winefest, 1805 Nebraska Street, Mound City (Swimming Pool), 11:30 am. Proceeds will go to raise funds for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation.

October 13^th – Hopkins Historical Society Fall Meeting, 7:00 pm.

October 18^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 membership.

October 23^rd – Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the November 3^rd election, 5:00 pm.

November 3^rd – General election for Missouri. Polls open at 6 am and close at 7 pm.

November 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nodaway County Commission Minutes for April 30th, 2026

Convene

Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker called the meeting of the Nodaway County Commission to order at 8:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026 at the Commissioner’s Office. Present: Walker, Chris Burns and Scott Walk.  Also present: Melinda Patton, County Clerk.   

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes

Commissioner Burns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Walk seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)  Burns made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 4/28/26. Walk seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

Accounts Payable: N/A

Approved: N/A

Requisitions:  Sheriff to Missouri Sheriff’s Association for training; to Motorola Solutions, Inc. equipment.

Reviewed: The Commission reviewed the following information received by mail or email: 

Vehicle Sales Tax/Motor Fuel Tax reports

Data Center – Concerned citizens met with the Commission to discuss their concerns with the possibility of a data center being built in Nodaway County. Also present: Josh McKim and Kim Mildward, Nodaway County Economic Development, Rex Wallace, Assessor, Austin Hann, Sheriff and Sally Duff, Collector/Treasurer, Jesse Stark, Sheridan Express. The Commission then moved their meeting to the conference room to do a virtual meeting with Steve Etcher, MarksNelson, who is a consultant hired by South Nodaway R-IV School District. Also on the call was Dustin Skoglund, South Nodaway Superintendent.  Etcher discussed his experiences in negotiating with data centers.

Lunch Break – Walk made a motion to adjourn for lunch. Burns seconded the motion. All in favor.

Building Maintenance – Discussed the quote for the curtain wall portion of the third-floor project. Jeff Smith, Smith Contracting, LLC was called to come in to discuss.  

Board of Equalization (BOE) – Assessor Rex Wallace set dates for the Board of Equalization process. June 23, 25 and possibly the 30th were set for the process.

Employee Appreciation – The Employee Appreciation luncheon has been set for December 10, 2026 at noon.

BRO-R075(65) Bridge – Reviewed and signed the reimbursement request #11 for $2,622.85.

Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Austin Hann discussed future budgetary concerns and potential budgetary sources.  

NWMO Regional Council of Governments – Discussed an email from Amy Dowis, Associate Director at NWMO Regional Council of Government, regarding funding for a Driver’s Education Program.  The Commission declined to commit General Revenue funds.

Snyder and Associates – A survey was presented to Larry Jacobson, Snyder and Associates on construction progress reporting for BRO-R074(65) Bridge.

Noxious Weed – A landowner stopped in to further discuss noxious weeds within the county. 

Adjournment – Walk made a motion to commission adjourn until 5/5/2026. Burns seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote:  Walker (Yes); Burns (Yes); Walk (Yes.)

Hopkins City Council Reorganizes

The Hopkins City Council reorganized Monday at its regular council meeting Monday. The election results from April 7th were certified. David Smyser received 33 votes as alderman. Allen Coleman received 27, Allan Thompson 16, and Rick Gladman 20. There were two seats open, meaning that David Smyser and Allen Coleman were elected. The General Tax Levy passed with 39 yes votes and 11 no votes. Mr. Smyser and Mr. Coleman were sworn in.

Shadoe Miller was named the new Council President. The following members were named to different boards:

Finance Board — Shadow Miller and David Smyser;

Street Board — Shadoe Miller and Roberta Boyd;

City Representative to Cemetery Board — Roberta Boyd, Allen Coleman.

Water and Sewer Board — David Smyser and Allen Coleman.

Chris Bird explained in-depth to the board the need for the double chip and seal on the wide streets in town and the downside if the board approves a single chip and seal. Third Street from East Thompson to East Barnard and East Barnard from 148 to North Fifth Street have not been done for 10 or more years. The council voted to take off Third Street from Thompson to McPherson and accept the bid from Mid-America Road Builders, bringing the cost from $76,033.72 to $69,253.72.

The council voted to redo the curb on a portion of South Third Street, not to exceed $2,000.

Councilman Shadoe Miller contacted two trash companies in the area and is waiting to hear back from them to see if they would give a quote for trash pickup for the whole town. Clerk Mary Smith has reached out to Jerri Dearmont at the Regional Council to check into a grant for a trash truck for the city to pick up trash instead of contracting it out. The bid was tabled until next month.

Heather Montenguise from the Northwest Missouri Regional Council came to talk about a street project survey from around the county. The goal is to make streets safe in rural small towns that might not be able to afford some projects to improve their streets and walking areas.

The council voted to renew liquor licenses for Rick’s Country Shoppe and M&M Pub & Grub.

Clerk Mary Smith is in the process of filling out the lead and copper survey and returning it to the EPA.

Chris Bird is looking into a chemical to help flushing the filters since the water plant is struggling to keep up with water usage. Currently, the plant is running 80,000 gallons per day. It was made for up to 100,000 gallons per day.

Mayor Matt Wray reported that the sprinkler was being turned on at the ball field with nobody around. Chris Bird started that previously, multiple water hydrants had been turned on and left running. Chris is going to padlock the ones he can so they do not get turned on when not needed.

Clerk Mary Smith got a call from a water customer that would like to disconnect from Hopkins and hook up to Rural Water. Maryville Rural Water needs a letter of release from the city. Mary will draft a letter of release to the customer along with guidelines if the property should want to reconnect to Hopkins in the future.

Jace Burns Pitches Complete Game Win, Magic Number for Bluejay Winning Season is One

After a rocky start, Northeast Nodaway is closing in on their first winning season since 2022. They came to the threshold Monday with a 14-2 win over Stanberry. Jace Burns pitched a complete game, Brock Healy bashed three hits, Jordan Dannar and Brady O'Connell added two more, and the Bluejays swiped nine bases without getting caught.

Northeast started off strong as Jordan Dannar beat out an infield hit and stole second. Lance Runde singled to right and Dannar scored on the play as Runde took second on the unsuccessful throw home to make it 1-0. Lance Runde stole third. Jace Burns walked. Brock Healy beat out Northeast's second infield hit as Runde scored to make it 2-0 and Burns took third. Wyatt Scadden walked to load the bases. An errant pickoff throw got away, and Jace Burns scored to make it 3-0. Brock Healy took third and Wyatt Scadden took second on a passed ball. Liam Cordell hit a pop fly that dropped in no-man's land before the second baseman could get to it for the Bluejays' third infield hit as Wyatt Scadden and Brock Healy both scored to make it 5-0. Liam Cordell stole second and Brady O'Connell hit a line drive dropped by the shortstop. Cordell, off with the crack of the bat with two outs, scored on the play to make it 6-0.

Stanberry threatened in the bottom of the first. Sam Simbro walked and Vincent Smithson reached on an error to put runners on first and second. They took second and third on a passed ball. But Burns struck out Kenyon Affuso looking on a 3-2 pitch and got Quinn Jenson to ground out to end the inning.

Jace Burns and Brock Healy singled. Wyatt Scadden and Bentin Roberts walked to force in Dale Deardorff (running for Burns) to make it 7-0. The recent improvement of the Bluejays can be linked to the improvement of Brady O'Connell, who has been raking the ball recently and has become a reliable bat in the lower part of the order. Brady singled to center to score Brock Healy. Wyatt Scadden came around to score from second and was safe as O'Connell took second and Bentin Roberts took third to make it 9-0. Jordan Dannar was plunked to load the bases. Bentin Roberts came home on a balk to make it 10-0. 

Reece Gray was plunked to start the third, the second Bluejay to be plunked after they were plunked seven times in the Platte Valley game. Reece Gray stole second and Jace Burns grounded out to advance him to third. Brock Healy grounded out to score Gray to make it 11-0. 

Sam Simbro walked with one out in the Stanberry third. Vincent Smithson forced him at second. Trying to make something happen and get his team back into the game, he stole second and then tried to steal third, only for catcher Brady O'Connell to gun him down to end the threat.

With one out in the Bluejay fourth, Liam Cordell walked and Brady O'Connell got his second hit, crushing a double to right as Liam Cordell scored to make it 12-0. Jordan Dannar grounded out to advance O'Connell to third. Lance Runde reached on an error as Xander Bodle (running for O'Connell) scored to make it 13-0. Lance Runde stole second. Reece Gray doubled to left to score Runde to make it 14-0.

Stanberry threatened to keep the game going in the fifth as Konnor Keough reached on an error. He took second on a passed ball. But backup catcher Gaige Bodle picked him off second for the first out. Lucian Simmerman grounded out for the second out. Brant Jenson singled and Sam Simbro walked. Vincent Smithson doubled to left to score Jenson and Simbro to make it 14-2. But Jace Burns had enough gas in the tank to freeze Kenyon Affuso looking for the final out, and Northeast got to go home early. 

Ryker Fortner Bashes Three Hits Against North Andrew; Shamrocks Set Up GRC West Showdown With King City

Ryker Fortner bashed three hits against North Andrew Monday and North Harrison kept right on winning with an 11-1 win over North Andrew. With the win, they have won their sixth straight game, their longest winning streak since the 2021 season. With the Hamilton game scheduled for Wednesday being canceled, North Harrison has one more game to play at King City Friday at 5:00 pm. The game is for all the marbles in the GRC West. If North Harrison wins, they clinch a share of their first-ever GRC West title in any sport. If they lose, King City will win the GRC West title outright. All other teams have two or more losses and are mathematically eliminated. 

North Andrew got some good swings against the Shamrocks early, but Sylas Miller's fly ball was right at center fielder Wyatt Maize in the first. Troy Madison singled with two outs, but Tate Richardson struck out Tyson Wilmes to end the inning.

With the ball dying on the warning track despite the wind blowing out to right center and Cardinal center fielder Jacob Hill snagging everything in sight, North Harrison was still able to chip away throughout the game. Tate Richardson walked and stole second and third. Gage Fortner flied out and Tate Richardson tagged and scored. Andrew Craig got the first of his two hits and Dustin Hamilton singled him to second. They took second and third on a wild pitch and Wyatt Maize beat out an infield hit to score Andrew Craig to make it 2-0.

Hill reached first on an error as the ball rolled under shortstop Gage Fortner's legs with one out in the Cardinal third. Hill stole second and advanced to third on a balk. Sylas Miller flied out to score Hill to cut the Shamrock lead to 2-1.

Ryker Fortner singled to right and stole second and third. Gage Fortner beat out an infield hit as Ryker scored to make it 3-1. It was North Harrison's third infield hit. An errant pickoff throw put Gage Fortner on second, and he stole third. Andrew Craig reached on an error as Fortner scored to make it 4-1. Andrew Craig took second on a wild pitch. Dustin Hamilton grounded out to advance Craig to third. Wyatt Maize reached on an error as Andrew Craig scored to make it 5-1.

Tate Richardson reached on a dropped fly ball to start the Shamrock fourth. He stole second and Ryker Fortner crushed a double that sliced away from Hill in in right center and even he couldn't get to it. The cutoff throw got away as Tate Richardson, who was scrambling back to the bag thinking it would be caught, managed to score to make it 6-1. Then, Ryker Fortner scrambled to third safely as nobody was covering the bag. Andrew Craig was out at first on a dropped third strike, but Ryker Fortner scored on the play to make it 7-1.

Wyatt Maize and Kellan Craig walked to start the Shamrock fifth. Landon Johnson laid down a bunt and reached on an error as Wyatt Maize scored to make it 8-1. Kyler Kimbrough grounded out, but Kellan Craig scored to make it 9-1. Ryker Fortner beat out an infield hit, the fourth one for the Shamrocks, as Landon Johnson scored. Ryker Fortner took second and third on wild pitches. Andrew Craig singled to left to end the game early.

The junior varsity game was a practice game as North Andrew had no pitchers available and North Harrison had Cole Hartschen pitch for them. Hartschen showed a lot of promise in the game, showing a devastating pickoff move to second and picking off two runners. Meric Hansel, after a rough start, pounded the plate for the Shamrocks. Lucian Sweeney made a nice catch out in center field. 

After the game, the team honored their four seniors, Dustin Hamilton, Andrew Craig, Kyler Kimbrough, and Kayson Sims as they ran around the bases, got high-fives from coaches and teammates, and slid into home one last time. 

Ryker Fortner No-Hits Panthers; Dustin Hamilton Guns Down Two Stealing Against Albany

The North Harrison juggernaut rolled on as they picked up wins over Pattonsburg and Albany last week. The Albany win clinched them their first winning season since 2021, and it was their first win on the field over the Warriors since 2021. The Shamrocks picked up a forfeit win over Albany in 2023 (pitch count violation). The win over Albany knocked them out of contention for the GRC West title and kept the Shamrocks’ hopes alive, as they have one conference loss and King City has none. Everyone else has two or more.

Against Pattonsburg, Ryker Fortner threw a no-hitter through five innings as the Shamrocks got a 10-0 win. Fortner struck out 10 and the Shamrocks stole six bases. It was death by a thousand cuts in both games as the Shamrocks scored 22 runs in their two wins without the benefit of an extra base hit.

Tate Richardson started off the Shamrocks in the first inning by beating out an infield hit and took second on a wild pitch. He stole third and Ryker Fortner grounded out to score him and make it 1-0. Gage Fortner restarted the Shamrocks as he reached on an error. He took second and third on defensive indifference. Andrew Craig reached on an error and Gage Fortner scored to make it 2-0.

Kayson Sims walked to start the Shamrock second and he stole second. Kyler Kimbrough singled to center as Sims took third. Kimbrough advanced to second on defensive indifference. Kayson Sims scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-0 and Kimbrough took third on the play. Tate Richardson beat out an infield hit as Kimbrough scored to make it 4-0. Tate Richardson stole second and took third on a wild pitch. Ryker Fortner singled to right to score Richardson to make it 5-0.

Ryker Fortner stole second and took third on a wild pitch. Gage Fortner reached on an error as Ryker held up. Gage Fortner advanced to second on defensive indifference. Ryker Fortner stole home to make it 6-0. Gage Fortner took third on defensive indifference. Dustin Hamilton singled to right to score Gage Fortner to make it 7-0.

Catcher Dustin Hamilton gunned down Zayden Wollam stealing to end a Pattonsburg threat in the third.

Landon Johnson singled to right and took second on a wild pitch. Kyler Kimbrough walked. They took second and third on a wild pitch. Tate Richardson walked. Ryker Fortner singled to left to score Landon Johnson. Pattonsburg tried to gun down Kyler Kimbrough at the plate, but he was safe as Fortner took second and Tate Richardson took third. Gage Fortner grounded out to score Richardson to make it 10-0.

In the Albany game, North Harrison scored in every inning before ending with a flurry in the fifth and going home early with a 12-2 win. The jamboree game was a 4-4 tie between the two teams, but this one was death by 1,000 cuts as the Shamrocks got 12 singled and took advantage of some walks and errors.

The trouble for Albany started in the first inning as Barrett Worrell walked, only for Dustin Hamilton to cut him down stealing.

Tate Richardson walked to start the first and Ryker Fortner singled him to second. Gage Fortner walked to load the bases. Andrew Craig grounded into a force at third as Tate Richardson scored to make it 1-0. Dustin Hamilton reached on an error to load the bases again. Kellan Craig singled to right to score Gage Fortner. Andrew Craig came around to score as well and was safe to make it 3-0.

Tate Richardson reached on an error and Ryker Fortner singled him to second. Tate Richardson advanced to third on an error. Tate Richardson held up on Gage Fortner’s grounder that forced Ryker at second, but North Harrison pulled off a successful double steal of second and home to make it 4-0.

Dustin Hamilton singled on a line drive to center to start the fourth. Landon Johnson singled him to third. Kyler Kimbrough singled to left to make it 5-0.

Meanwhile, Albany was getting traffic, but could do nothing with it. Jay Anthony singled to left and Carter Dannar singled to put runners on first and second to start the fourth. Landon Hawkins struck out looking, John Rigney forced Anthony at third, and Kaiden Smith grounded out to end the threat.

Ryker Fortner reached on an error and Gage Fortner singled him to second. Andrew Craig singled to right and Ryker Fortner scored to make it 6-0 in the fourth.

With one out in the Warrior fifth, Daulton Worrell reached on an error, only for Dustin Hamilton to gun him down stealing. That turned what would have been a big inning into a two-run rally that kept the Shamrocks in control.

Barrett Worrell walked to keep the Warriors chances alive and Shae Miller singled him to third. Jay Anthony singled him home as Miller took second to make it 6-1. Carter Dannar singled to load the bases, getting his third hit Landon Hawkins reached on an error as Shae Miller scored to make it 6-2. The bases were loaded and the tying run was at the plate, and North Harrison’s ballpark has yielded a lot of home runs over the years. But John Rigney grounded into a force at third and the Shamrock lead was intact.

North Harrison made sure Albany would not get another chance. Wyatt Maize worked a 3-2 count and then beat out an infield hit. Kyler Kimbrough reached on an error as Maize took second. Tate Richardson walked to load the bases and Maize scored on a wild pitch to make it 7-2. Ryker Fortner walked and Gage Fortner singled to left to score Kyler Kimbrough and make it 8-2. Andrew Craig grounded out to first as Tate Richardson scored to make it 9-2. Dustin Hamilton beat out an infield hit as Ryker Fortner scored to make it 10-2. Gage Fortner scored on an error to make it 11-2 and Kellan Craig flied out to score Dustin Hamilton to end the game early. 

Bluejay Baseball Takes Two of Three, Beats Platte Valley for First Time Since 2019

Northeast Nodaway’s baseball team won two out of three last weekend to get their seventh win of the season. 

They first beat winless North Nodaway 17-1 Tuesday, April 28th. It looked like they might not get that game in, but the rain held off enough to keep the North Nodaway field playable.

With one out in the Bluejay first, Lance Runde walked and stole second. Brock Healy grounded out to advance him to third. Jace Burns walked. Burns stole second. Wyatt Scadden singled to score both runs to make it 2-0.

North Nodaway got a run back in its half of the first when Blaine Clements walked and Brady O’Connell walked the next three batters to force in a run to make it 2-1. But O’Connell settled down to strike out nine in his first varsity pitching debut. Gaige Bodle handled the catching duties with O’Connell on the mound.

Liam Cordell walked on a close 3-2 pitch, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. Brady O’Connell was plunked. Xander Bodle (running for O’Connell) stole second. Reece Gray was plunked to load the bases. Lance Runde grounded out to Ridge Clements at second for the second out as Liam Cordell scored and everybody else advanced. 

But then all hell broke loose for the Mustangs as the Bluejays would get nine runs with two outs. It started with a bad-hop single from Brock Healy as Xander Bodle scored and Reece Gray came around third. North Nodaway tried to throw out Gray at the plate, but the ball got away as Healy took second. 

Brock Healy stole second and then Jace Burns singled to right to score Healy to make it 6-1. Wyatt Scadden reached on what was ruled a drop despite some chirping from the Mustang side as Burns took second. Bentin Roberts got the benefit of a close 3-2 call and walked to load the bases. Liam Cordell singled to score Wyatt Scadden and Jace Burns to make it 8-1 as Bentin Roberts took third.

Liam Cordell stole second and Brady O’Connell singled to right to score Liam Cordell and Bentin Roberts to make it 10-1. Gaige Bodle singled to center as Dale Deardorff (running for O’Connell) took third. Reece Gray walked to load the bases. Lance Runde singled to center as Gaige Bodle and Dale Deardorff scored to make it 12-1. Lance Runde stole second and Brock Healy singled to center to score Lance Runde and Reece Gray to make it 14-1.

With one out in the Bluejay third, Bentin Roberts doubled to left. Liam Cordell grounded out to third baseman Marek Stevens as Bentin Roberts took third. Brady O’Connell beat out an infield hit as Bentin Roberts scored to make it 15-1.

North Nodaway started getting better swings off O’Connell in the third, but Stetsyn Brown hit one in the right-center field gap, only to slip coming around first and Liam Cordell cut him down to kill the rally.

Reece Gray led off with a double to start the Bluejay fourth. Lance Runde singled to left to score him to make it 16-1. Brock Healy was plunked to put runners on first and second. Jace Burns grounded out to first baseman Blaine Clements as Runde took third and Brock Healy took second. Wyatt Scadden flied out to center fielder Laythen Ebrecht as Lance Runde scored to make it 17-1.

Brady O’Connell got stronger as the game progressed and struck out the side to end the game.

Against Platte Valley, Northeast Nodaway got a win over them for the first time since the 2019 season, when they beat them 16-1 in bitterly cold and wet conditions at the old Bluejay field. Slumps have a way of dying hard, but the Bluejays broke open a tight game in the fifth and the sixth innings Thursday to get the 10-2 win.

Reece Gray got three hits for the Bluejays in the win. The Bluejays got Jordan Dannar back from a hip pointer. Brock Healy went deep into the game, pitching six innings, before Liam Cordell finished the game.

Gray led off the game with a single and stole second and third. Jace Burns singled to center to score him to put the Bluejays in front 1-0.

The score remained at 1-0 until Leo Marriott led off the Platte Valley third with a base hit. He advanced to second on a balk. Ryan Langford grounded out to Lance Runde at third as Leo Marriott took third. Koleby Staples singled to center to score Marriott to tie it at 1-1. Lance Runde made a catch at third and Liam Cordell made one at second to limit further damage.

With two outs in the Bluejay fourth, Reece Gray beat out an infield hit to short to keep the inning going. Lance Runde walked. Brock Healy singled him home to make it 2-1.

Wyatt Scadden walked to lead the Bluejay fifth. Three straight hit batters forced in a run and opened the floodgates, making it 3-1. Lance Runde doubled in Liam Cordell and Brady O’Connell to make it 5-1.

Platte Valley threatened to get some runs back in its half of the fifth, but Brock Healy picked Grady Gockel off third to end the threat.

With one out in the sixth, Jace Burns singled to right. Wyatt Scadden walked, and Jordan Dannar was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Liam Cordell singled to score Burns to make it 6-1. Gaige Bodle was plunked, the fifth Bluejay to be hit, and Wyatt Scadden scored to make it 7-1. Reece Gray doubled to score Jordan Dannar and Liam Cordell to make it 9-1. Lance Runde was hit, the seventh Bluejay to be hit, and Gaige Bodle came home on a balk to make it 10-1. 

Platte Valley got one back in the sixth when Emalee Langford grounded into a force at second, scoring Ezra Morriss to make it 10-2.

The game was Northeast’s fourth straight win, their first four game winning streak since the 2022 season when they won their first 12 games. They tried to keep the momentum going against perennial powerhouse Plattsburg and jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second when Brady O’Connell singled home Brock Healy. An error let in a Plattsburg run in the fourth, but a home and third double play by the Bluejays kept it tied at 1-1. Gaige Bodle singled home Wyatt Scadden in the Bluejay fourth to put the Bluejays up 2-1, but then the bottom dropped out for the rest of the game as 12 walks proved to be too much for the Bluejays to handle, and Plattsburg pulled away to an 11-2 win.