Nodaway County Commission Still Going Through Questions

Nodaway County Commissioners told people at the public comment portion of their regular meeting Thursday that they were continuing to work through issues and seeking answers regarding the proposed data center south of Maryville. Following the public comment portion of the meeting Tuesday, September 22nd, they spend 2 ½ hours in closed session with their attorney. Commissioner Scott Walk said that it was a slow process to get answers. “We send it to legal and they send it to Scale’s legal,” he said. Scale Microgrids is the developer for the proposed project. When they find an end user, they could either lease out the land they have an option to buy, or they could sell it outright. “We are pushing for answers. I hope to get you some by the town hall in Graham,” said Mr. Walk, referring to the upcoming town hall on the data center taking place there Tuesday, September 29th. Among other things, commissioners are getting examples of zoning which other counties across the state are using.

Commissioner Chris Burns said that while the proposed project is being split into two parts, with White Cloud Generating running the gas-powered turbines and a separate end user running the data center, White Cloud Generating would still be a private entity and cannot use eminent domain to acquire land. “Scale’s core business is energy production,” said Mr. Walk. 

Opponents of the data center present at the meeting were not satisfied with what they saw as the slow pace of answers. “Everything has been done in secret,” said Susie Strauch. “We found out when the DOT started talking about the J-turn.” Commissioner Walk said that when Scale’s representatives came in April and advised them that they were serious about building a data center, “We made it public.” The Maryville Forum, at the time, published a front-page story. In late 2025, representatives of an earlier developer came to introduce themselves to commissioners. That developer was subsequently bought out by Scale.

 Commissioner Walk said that as commissioners, they couldn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement because both conversations had happened in a meeting which is open to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Commissioner Burns said that the moratorium that commissioners passed could not stop a project that was already started. Scale has taken an option to buy 800-900 acres of land but has not exercised that option. 

Susie Strauch said that unlike the red carpet that is being rolled out for data centers, they had to jump through a lot of hoops when they wanted to build a lagoon on their property. “They’re taking a lot of land out of production that used to be used to grow corn,” she said.

Commissioner Walk said that the reason most projects don’t go for timber is that by law, they have to look out for endangered species such as certain species of bats. “When we do a bridge project, we can only clear out trees during certain times of the year,” said Mr. Walk. 

Masonic Lodge Building Moving More With Each Rain

Grant City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes told the City Council at their regular meeting Wednesday that the Masonic Lodge building was leaning more with each rain. The Northeast corner, which is right next to the housing unit next door, is trying to fall off. She reported that the asbestos has been removed from the building and that the DNR is satisfied with that. The CDBG board was having a meeting Thursday to decide on emergency grants.

Ms. Jeanes reported a violation of city ordinances regarding junk boats, junk cars, and mattresses for which the city had sent multiple letters of violation. There were also ATV and UTV’s using the trail, which is a violation of city ordinances. ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed on the trail. The city used to require a license for them.

The city and the Progress Organization are working on a park grant to add some new equipment next year.

Clerk Farrah Richey presented the 2026 insurance rates and proposed 2027 insurance rates. The council looked through the coverage and found two items the city no longer has. The proposed rate is $572 more than last year. The council will review the list to remove items that the city no longer has.

The city received a letter from Porter Trash stating that their residential pickup rate would increase by 25 cents per customer. The council decided not to pass on the increase to customers. The current rate the city charges customers is $23.50.

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center sent a proposed agreement for the city to sign stating the city would provide a generator in the event of a generator failure. The council responded that the city only has two generators; one goes to its lift station in the event of an emergency, and the other goes to City Hall. The council suggested they contact Emergency Management.

Clerk Farrah Richey reported that she had found Time Clock Wizard, which allows users to clock in and out for free. The current payroll system keeps track of comp time, vacation, and sick leave, but does not have a clock in/out option. The city will get a tablet for the barn for workers to clock in and out.

Ryan Fletchall reported that the old firehouse would need a new furnace. The council directed him to get quotes.

The city has a new testing service for lagoon samples so that Mr. Fletchall doesn’t have to drive to Maryville weekly to take samples.

There was a customer who has a water meter in a cellar that they plan to dig in. The council suggested the city remove part of the cellar where the meter is located and leave the rest up to the customer.

Tyson Troutwine reported digging ditches, mowing, patching potholes, and blading streets.

There were parking complaints about North Lyon Street near the fairgrounds. There is no room to drive, especially for someone hauling a trailer, when people park on both sides of the road during ballgames. The council didn’t see a need to put up no parking signs for short ball seasons.

The council approved building permits for the Worth County School and Tim & Traci Dillivan.

The city received a complaint that when the batting cage was finished at the ball diamond, when the school poured the concrete to replace what was taken out, it was not the same width as the rest of the walking trail. Clerk Farrah Richey will look to see what was agreed between the city and the school when the start of the trail was moved.

Avery Chadwick Has Big Night as Hawks Down Mercer

Gilman City broke a two-game skid as Avery Chadwick had a big night for the Hawks to get them back on track Thursday. She went 3 for 3 as Gilman City shut out Mercer 10-0. Previously, the Hawks saw a five-game winning streak snapped as North Harrison grabbed its first win of the season over them 10-6. After a week-long layoff due to rain, they played a forgettable 16-1 loss to undefeated Princeton. The Hawks have varied from game to game this year, but they turned around and showed up to play against Mercer, a team that had played them tough earlier this year.

Tenley Griffith only struck out three, but she threw 54 pitches, 38 of them for strikes. She had support in the field as the Hawks played errorless ball behind her.

Chadwick got a workout with her glove as well as her bat. She put away two fly balls in the first to turn back the Cardinals.

Kayleece Puls started the Hawk scoring in the second with a double to left field. Avery Chadwick singled to center to put Gilman City up 1-0. Emmery Smith singled to right field as Chadwick advanced to third. The ball got away to allow Smith to advance to second. Caitlynn Chalfant grounded out to score Chadwick to make it 2-0 as Smith advanced to third. The first four plays happened on four pitches. Tenley Griffith singled to center to plate Emmery Smith to make it 3-0. Hailey McClure jumped on the first pitch and hit a pop fly out of the reach of the shortstop as Tenley Griffith advanced to second. Alli Burke jumped on the first pitch and singled to left to score Griffith to make it 4-0 as McClure advanced to second. The approach of attacking early in the count continued to pay off as Nova Smith singled to center to score McClure to make it 5-0 after two.

Avery Chadwick singled to start the Hawk third. Emmery Smith hit it hard, but right at the center fielder. Caitlynn Chalfant struck out. But Kameron Mars singled to right and the ball got away as Chadwick advanced to third. Kameron Mars advanced on defensive indifference. Tenley Griffith reached second on a dropped pop fly as Mars and Chadwick, off on contact, scored to make it 7-0.

Mercer got traffic on the basepaths in the fourth as Taylor Whitaker, Zoe Fisher, and Khloe Ponjavick all singled to load the bases with nobody out. Lily Stark grounded to shortstop Kayleece Puls, who threw a strike home to Nova Smith to get a force out. Jalyn Cain hit a foul tip, held by catcher Nova Smith for the second out. Aubrey Bass grounded out to Puls to end the threat.

Alli Burke walked on four straight pitches to start the Hawk fourth. Nova Smith forced her at second, but Kayleece Puls walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second. The last batter the Cardinals wanted to see in Avery Chadwick came up, and she jumped on the first pitch and singled to center, scoring Smith to make it 8-0 as Kayleece Puls advanced to second.

With one out in the Hawk fifth, Tenley Griffith turned on the first pitch and reached first on a dropped fly ball. Hailey McClure forced her at second, but Alli Burke doubled to center to score Hailey McClure to make it 9-0. Nova Smith fouled the first pitch off, but turned on the second and doubled it to left to score Burke and the Hawks got to go home early.

 

Jayden Goble, Isabella Burger Go Deep as Panthers Break Skid

Pattonsburg hit a high-water mark early this month when they beat Albany 8-3, in a game in which they completely outplayed the Warriors on their field. But they had been in a tailspin ever since, mired in a four-game losing skid. They fell 13-0 to Princeton and then 7-1 to Ellyette Sobotka and the Maysville Wolverines. They couldn’t buy a run against King City, losing 5-0, having scored one run in their past three games. They hit the ball a little better against Stanberry, but fell 10-3 on Tuesday, September 22^nd. But pitted against Polo Thursday, the Panthers got home runs from Jayden Goble and Isabella Burger to get back on the winning track to secure a 9-1 win. Addie Iddings struck out nine Panther batters in the win while throwing 92 pitches for 62 strikes.

It looked like another long night for Pattonsburg. In Polo’s first, Khloe Lucassen doubled to center and advanced to third on Avery Qualman’s groundout. Jocelynn Withers singled her home to put Polo up 1-0.

Jayden Goble singled and stole second to start Pattonsburg’s first. She stole second, and Addie Iddings reached first on an error as Goble scored to tie it at 1-1.

The score remained tied until the third, when Isabella Burger broke the tie with a home run to center field to put Pattonsburg in front 2-1.

The game remained there until Polo got some traffic on the basepaths in the fifth. Kathryn Farmer singled and Willow Kelley walked. Pattonsburg had struggled defensively for the last two years, but it was a great defensive play that swung the momentum in their favor Thursday. Khloe Lucassen flied out to Carlie Pittsenbarger in left field, who threw a strike to second baseman Emsleigh McCrary to double off Farmer.

After having hit a home run earlier, Isabella Burger was intentionally walked to start Pattonsburg’s fifth. The move nearly paid off as Kaitlyn Estes fouled out, and Rosalynn Cameron grounded out, advancing Claire Christensen (running for Burger) to second. Vanessa Weigand got down in the count 0-2 but took the next four pitches for a walk to keep the inning alive. Emsleigh McCrary singled to score Claire Christensen to make it 3-1 as Weigand got to third. McCrary took second on the throw home. Carlie Pittsenberger reached first on an error as Vanessa Weigand scored and McCrary went to third. Cheyenne Miller hit a pop fly that dropped in as Emsleigh McCrary scored to make it 5-1 and Carlie Pittsenbarger advanced to second. Jayden Goble cleared the bases with a three-run shot to make it 8-1.

Kaitlyn Estes reached first in Pattonsburg’s sixth on an error. Emsleigh McCrary went after the first pitch and doubled to right. Estes was off on contact with two out and scored from first to make it 9-1.

Sharon Andrews 1944-2026

Sharon Kay Gridley Andrews, age 82, Kansas City, MO, formerly of Grant City, MO, died Tuesday, Sept. 22 at McCrite Plaza in Kansas City where she was a resident. 

Sharon was born January 11, 1944 in Creston, IA. She was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Dorothy (Vetter) Gridley. 

Sharon grew up on a farm near Villisca, IA and attended a one room schoolhouse until 5th grade. She then attended school in Villisca, where she graduated in the class of 1961. Sharon attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, where she met the love of her life, Eddie Andrews. After one year at Northwest, Sharon moved to Des Moines, IA for one year and graduated from the American School of Beauty in 1963 . Eddie and Sharon were married in 1963 in Villisca, IA then settled in Grant City, MO. To this union three children were born; Jodi, Todd and a son who died in infancy. 

Sharon was very active in her community where she worked as a hairdresser for a few years. She was a member of P.E.O., the Worth County PTA, Eastern Star, and the Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was the biggest fan at all of her children’s events and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, dinner rolls and “track meet sandwiches”. Sharon was a friend and helper to everyone. 

Eddie and Sharon were the owners of Andrews Funeral Home and Andrews Hardware and Furniture in Grant City. Sharon was busy at both businesses as clerk, bookkeeper and funeral director. They closed the hardware and furniture store but continued to operate the funeral home until moving to Kansas City in 2015 to be closer to their children. 

Sharon enjoyed quilting, gardening, and baking, but her main love was for her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a special bond with each of them and completely cleared her calendar when they would visit so she could spend all of her time with them.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Eddie, her parents, and an infant son. 

Sharon is survived by her children, Jodi (Brent) Ravenscraft, Todd (Amy) Andrews, grandchildren Jamie Ravenscraft, Luke (Dannie) Ravenscraft, Mara Andrews and Grant Andrews, great-grandchildren Colby and Nora Ravenscraft, brother Alan Gridley, brothers and sisters in law John C & Jo Andrews, Tom & Diane Snow and Dave & Betty Merriman, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

 Sharon’s body has been cremated under the care of Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City. A Celebration of Life for Sharon will be held at 2 PM, October 30, 2026 at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 PM prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Grant City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Possible Center in Grant City.

 Arrangements: andrewshannfuneralhome.com

Marcia Henry 1932-2026

Marcia Marie (Sitter) Henry passed away on September 18, 2026, at the age of 93 years, 9 months, and 11 days.

Marcia was born in Sheridan, Missouri, to Charlie and Thelma Nelson. She spent her childhood getting into mischief with her older brothers while also helping care for her younger siblings. They gave her the nickname “Sitter” because her younger siblings couldn’t say sister, and the nickname stuck. Family was always an important part of Marcia’s life.

On January 7, 1949, Marcia married Calvin Henry. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, hard work, and service to others. Marcia and Calvin moved to Colorado, where they raised their family.

Marcia earned her LPN license and worked at Loveland Hospital and in nursing homes, beginning a lifelong career of caring for others. She and Calvin also opened Rainbow Arts and Crafts, sharing their creativity with their community.

Later, Marcia and Calvin returned to Missouri to be closer to family. Marcia continued her education and earned her RN license. She also taught many years of nurse’s aide classes. Her love of helping people extended beyond nursing, as she opened Corner Café and Healthy U in Grant City, Missouri. It was through these business endeavors that she met her dear friend, Glenda, who became a cherished part of her life.

Marcia also co-founded Lakeview Assisted Living in King City, Missouri. Throughout her years as a nurse and caregiver, Marcia had a special kindness in her heart and a natural gift for taking care of others. Her compassion touched many lives, both professionally and personally.

Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Calvin; her sons, Calvin Jr., Michael, and Jeffrey; her daughters, Laurie and Jennifer; and her grandson, Nathan.

She is survived by her daughters, Shelly Windham (Larry) and Cindy Cline (Randy); daughters-in-law, Debbie Henry, Deanna Henry, and Vivian Henry; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends who will remember her with love.

Marcia chose to donate her body to science, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others and allowing others to learn. Even in death, she found a way to make a difference.

Marcia will be remembered for her loving heart and caring spirit. Her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Visitation will be from noon until service time. Inurnment will be at a later date.

HHS Announces $45 Million to Upgrade Rural Missouri Hospitals

The US Department of Health & Human Services announced Tuesday $45 million to upgrade rural Missouri hospitals. This money will support hospital infrastructure improvements, expand behavior and maternal healthcare access, and strengthen the rural emergency medical services workforce.

The announcement includes $35 million to support 20 rural hospital projects covering facility improvements, building system upgrades, purchasing new diagnostic equipment, and renovating critical care and treatment spaces.

It also includes $6.4 million to connect rural providers with behavioral health and perinatal specialists, including rapid psychiatric consultations, often within 30 minutes, for children and families, along with referral services, provider training, and additional support for pregnant and postpartum patients.

It also includes $4.2 million to grow Missouri's EMS workforce. The HHS announced that 437 individuals will begin funded EMT and paramedic training and incentives for rural agencies to hire and retain certified staff.

Nodaway County Looking at Road Use Agreement with Data Center

Nodaway County Commissioner Chris Burns told people at the regular commission meeting Tuesday that the county was working on a road use agreement as well as a community development agreement with Scale Microgrids. While it would not apply to state-owned roads, it would apply to gravel roads that the county and the township maintain. Commissioner Burns said that the developer had started working on a few of the answers to the questions the commissioners had about the proposed project, but that other answers will not be known until the project is turned over to the end user.

Nina Wiederholt asked about preliminary work and how it would be affected by the county moratorium. Commissioner Burns said that they could grade the land, but that they could not build anything upright or build any utilities. Commissioner Scott Walk added that they could not clean out any vegetation unless they owned the land. Scale Microgrids has taken out an option to buy the land in question south of Maryville, but as of Tuesday morning, they had not exercised their option to do so. They have five years to exercise their option.

Irene Alexander talked about a situation in Cheyenne (WY) that she learned about from a friend. On July 2nd, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reported that the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities had identified Goat Systems LLC, a contractor working on a data center there, as the source of a discharge that introduced Cupriavidus Gilardii, a bacteria that infects people who are sick or who have weakened immune systems. That story was subsequently picked up by the Guardian. It affected the ability of farmers to irrigate their crops and the ability of golf courses to water their grass. The city suspended Cheyenne's water irrigation program temporarily, permanently terminated Meta's discharge privileges, and adopted a new policy prohibiting wastewater discharges from data centers using closed-loop systems. Meta is the end user of the project in question.

Asked about erosion control, Commissioner Walk said the proposed facility would have to have an erosion management plan under DNR rules.

Economic Developer Josh McKim said that he had not heard any more from any other data centers, including the two that had expressed interest in Nodaway County in addition to the proposed facility south of Maryville.

Amy Ziegler of United Electric said that they get reached out to from time to time, but nothing has proceeded beyond that. She said that they did not have the capacity anywhere on their system to support a 600-megawatt gas turbine system like the proposed White Cloud Generating facility that would sell energy to the grid for the purpose of powering a data center. The proposed data center is on the Evergy grid and located right next to the Evergy power station that is being built there. The Evergy station, the proposed White Cloud Generating facility, and the proposed data center are three separate entities.

Commissioner Chris Burns reported that seven people had expressed interest to him in serving on a zoning board for Nodaway County. Others may have reached out to one of the other two commissioners.

Two participants from the Missouri Journalism Conference, one from Virginia and one from New York, were present at the meeting. The Conference is marking its 75th anniversary. Every year, they select a different city in the state to focus on, and they are focusing on Maryville this year. It started out in 1951 as part of the University of Missouri, but it has become its own entity and has taken on a life of its own. Participants each write an original story about Maryville and must stay within the city limits.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for September 23rd, 2026

On September 14th, Marco Harris (29) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony), and Possession of Firearm and Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Corey Herron. 

On September 14th, Tyan Elder (45) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Burglary (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant may not enter any Wal-Mart. 

On September 14th, Skylar Hamilton pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Forgery (Felony). He was placed on five years’ probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant must make restitution to two different victims of $5,030. Defendant must serve 60 days shock time with work release granted if approved by the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department. Costs to be paid prior to discharge from probation. 

On September 14th, Jeff VanGundy (55) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. 

On September 15th, Matthew Pottorff (36) of Gallatin pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Harassment. He was placed on two years’ probation by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. Defendant may have no contact with the victim except via My Family Wizard regarding their child. 

On September 15th, Ronnie Stevens (36) of Maysville pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing. He was sentenced to 25 days in jail by Judge Micha Lea Dixon with credit for 25 days served. 

On September 15th, Nodaway County Circuit Judge Corey Herron revoked the probation of Brian Clapp (42) of Butler (MO) and sentenced him to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, to be served concurrently with cases from Cass County and Cooper County. The defendant was on probation in Nodaway County on a charge of Stealing (Felony). 

On September 15th, Kyle Potts (42) of Rosendale pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Violation of Protection Order. He was placed to two years’ probation by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. Defendant may have no contact with the victim. 

On September 15th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 43-year-old Darlington man was killed following a two-vehicle crash. The Patrol says the vehicle driven by the Darlington man traveled into the path of a Ford F-250 on Route 190 near Jamesport and was struck by the pickup. The pickup driver, a 77-year-old Gilman City man, and a passenger, a 75-year-old Gilman City woman, were seriously injured and were lifeflighted to North Kansas City.

On September 15th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that James Lyon (80) of Independence pleaded guilty in federal court to fraudulently obtaining $124,262 in disability payments from the VA. The defendant allegedly lied about his military service, including falsely claiming he had earned various combat decorations while serving in Vietnam and that he had been diagnosed with ALS. In fact, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office alleges, the defendant refused Marine Corps training in 1966 as a Conscientious Objector. 

On September 15th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that John Weaver (44) of Licking (MO) pleaded guilty in federal court to using a minor to produce child pornography, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of Firearm. 

On September 15th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported the indictment of Gregory Porter (57) of Mountain View (MO) alleging that he possessed at least 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment also alleges that the defendant possessed an additional 33 firearms after he had been convicted of a felony. 

On September 16th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that the Federal Government had been cleared of wrongdoing in Richardson vs. United States, a wrongful death lawsuit filed following a use of force incident in Springfield. The verdict was handed down by Federal Judge Roseann Ketchmark following a three-day bench trial in April. On November 2nd, 2020, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office alleges that Drug Enforcement Administration agents were conducting surveillance at an apartment complex in Springfield when officers confronted Caleb Slay. During a struggle between the officers and the decedent, one of the officers believed that Mr. Slay was reaching for a handgun and shot and killed him. The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove that the DEA agent used unreasonable force and that use-of-force decisions must be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene making split-second judgements. 

On September 16th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Van Callahan Jr. (46) of Kansas City (KS) was convicted of Stealing a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Vehicle, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime. The defendant allegedly assaulted an individual at a bus stop in Kansas City and stole a firearm from the victim. An off-duty officer observed the assault and attempted to intervene. The defendant allegedly pointed the firearm at the officer and stole their vehicle. The vehicle was located in Kansas City (KS), and the defendant allegedly wrecked the vehicle into a house and fled on foot before he was arrested. 

On September 16th, Judge Rebecca Spencer revoked the probation of Jerrod Naze (25) of Grant City in Buchanan County Associate Circuit Court and ordered him to serve 12 months in the Buchanan County Jail, to run concurrent with a Nodaway County case. The defendant had been on probation for Violation of Protection Order. The Court will stay execution of sentence until November 2nd, when he is to be taken into custody in Nodaway County. 

On September 16th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported the conviction of Amador Salinas-Rodriguez (47) of Mexico for Illegal Reentry. On August 1st, 1999, the defendant allegedly entered the US at a border crossing in Arizona using someone else’s border crossing card. He was subsequently arrested and deported. In February 2025 and February 2026, the defendant was again found in the US, this time in Columbia (MO), without the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the US. The defendant was convicted following a jury trial. 

On September 17th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported the indictments of Alyshia Smith (33) of Kansas City and Michelle Green (36) of Grandview (MO) alleging COVID-19 fraud. The defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent loan applications for PPP loans totaling $55,312, which were then forgiven by the Small Business Administration. 

On September 17th, I-29 between Mound City and Oregon was closed both northbound and southbound due to a vehicle crash involving hazardous materials for several hours. Traffic was redirected onto Route 59. Both lanes were reopened that evening. 

On September 18th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 78-year-old Denver woman sustained moderate injuries on Route C near Albany when her vehicle veered off the west side of the roadway, overturned, and struck a tree. 

On September 18th, the fire alarm at the Worth County School went off at around 2:00 pm. It was a planned fire drill. Most schools typically conduct safety drills at the start of each new school year. 

On September 18th, Tracy Begley (50) of Princeton pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to three counts of Animal Abandonment. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must make $300 payment to the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund. Defendant must write one page handwritten letter imagining what it would be like to die of starvation. 

On September 21st, KSIB Radio reported that the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Charles Giles (44) of Kellerton on charges of Third Degree Theft Against an Older Individual (Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, three counts Fifth Degree Theft Against an Older Individual, Tampering with Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $13,600, cash only. 

On September 21st, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer had someone stopped near the Tuck Point Bar & Grill on Route 46 in Ravenwood just before 5:00 pm. 

On September 21st, WHO-TV reported that Homecoming activities were canceled as well as an upcoming football game were cancelled at Oskaloosa (IA) followed by numerous allegations of misconduct, including vandalism and racial slurs. Subsequently, more than 80 students came forward with their involvement in these activities. 

On September 21st, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Megan Morales (33) of Tulsa (OK) alleging DWI and Speeding (76 mph). Bond was set at $1,000, cash only. 

On September 21st, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Joshua Fletcher (31) of McFall alleging DWI (Felony), No Valid License (Felony), and No Plates. Bond was set at $50,000, cash only. 

On September 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Dylan Kelley (30) of St. Joseph alleging Stealing (Felony), Burglary (Felony), Driving While Revoked (Felony), and Resisting Arrest (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant, after multiple shoplifting and stealing incidents at the Maryville Wal-Mart during September, led officers on a chase south of Maryville on September 14th with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Bond was denied.

On September 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Scott Alkire (69) of Barnard alleging Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony), Unlawful Use of Weapon (Felony), and Assault. Bond was denied.

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 September 23rd, 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.

Every 1^st & 3^rd Tuesday – Grant City Lions Club, Allendale Community Building, 7 pm.

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.

Fridays– Community Market, Memorial Park Shelter, Bethany. Fridays 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Saturdays – Stanberry Community Farmers Market, 8 am to noon. Crafts, donuts, and more. Located six miles north of Stanberry on Highway B to AF. 4371 Highway AF.

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

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 23^rd – Second Harvest Food Pantry, Pattonsburg City Hall, 10:00 am. Free and open to the public regardless of income.

September 24^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

September 25^th – Worth County Homecoming Parade, 1:15 pm.

September 25^th – Gentry Opry. Doors open 5:00 pm. Concert begins at 7:30 pm. With special guest Josh Daniels.

September 25^th – Johnny & Gale Rowlett at Highway 13 Christian Church, Bethany, 6:30 pm.

September 25^th – Homecoming game, Worth County vs. Albany, 7:00 pm.

September 26^th – North Harrison Softball Round Robin, 9:00 am.

September 26^th – Big Ed’s Classic Cruise & Antique Car Show, Ravenwood. Cars arrive at 12 noon. Meal at 1:00 pm. Vintage cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles.

September 26^th – Evanell Havner 90^th birthday party, 2 pm to 4 pm, Worth County Community Church.

September 26^th – North Harrison FFA BBQ, 5:30 pm.

September 27^th – Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon. The Northeast Nodaway cheerleaders will be helping serve.

September 27^th – Parnell United Methodist Church Fish Fry, 11 am to 1:30 pm. Free will donation.  White pollock fish, deep fried chicken, baked potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, corn, green beans, hot rolls, desserts, and drinks. Take-out meals available. Church basement now handicapped-accessible.

September 27^th – Hopkins Community Club Beef & Noodle Dinner, 11 am to 1 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

September 27^th – Sheridan Express Cooperative Meeting, 5:00 pm, Sheridan Housing Laundry Room.

September 28^th – No school at NEN. Teacher in-service.

September 29^th – Kidsight Vision Screening at NEN, 9 am to 11 am. For PK through 1^st grade.

September 29^th – Healthy Aging Event, 10 am to 2 pm, Bethany Community Gym. 13+ vendors present. Local resources will be available. Sponsored by the Harrison County Health Department.

September 29^th – Data Center Informational Meeting, Graham Community Building, 6:30 pm. Topics: White Cloud Acres Data Center Project, White Cloud Generating LLC Project, Proposed White Cloud Township Zoning ballot measure. Cookies and beverages are provided. Free and open to the public.

September 30^th – North Nodaway National Honor Society Inductions, 6:00 pm.

October 1^st – Fall FFA Contest at Maryville.

October 1^st – Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic, North Nodaway Elementary, 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm. Bring insurance card or $20.

October 2^nd – Learn about managing forests and woodlands with the Missouri Department of Conservation at Hundley-Whaley in Albany from noon to 4 pm. Space is limited and registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220528.

October 3^rd – No school at North Harrison. Teacher in-service.

October 3^rd – Band Jamboree at Clarinda.

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 3^rd – Open House, Snodderly Lumber Co., Clearmont, 1 pm to 5 pm.

October 3^rd – Big Brothers/Big Sisters Glow Walk/Run, 6:00 pm. The run will start at Mosaic in Maryville, follow the Safe Routes to School trail, through the Crestview Addition on South Munn, and return on the same route back to the hospital.

October 4^th – Legion Breakfast, Parnell Legion Hall, 8:00 am.

October 4^th – Pattonsburg Car Show. Registration 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Awards at 3:00 pm. Music, food, and vendors. $15 per car entry.

October 4^th – Celebration of Life for Trevin Wyllie, 2 pm, Mozingo Event Center.

October 5^th – No school at North Harrison. Professional Development.

October 6^th – First Fluoride Treatment for NEN Elementary Students, 8:30 am.

October 6^th – Kids Sight Screening at North Nodaway at both Hopkins and Pickering, 8:30 am.

October 7^th – Final day to register to vote for the November 3^rd election.

October 8^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

October 8^th – Shamrock Softball vs. Putnam County, 5:30 pm. Pink Out Night.

October 8^th – Bluejay Softball (V/JV) vs. King City, 5:30 pm. Senior Night.

October 8^th – Mustang Volleyball vs. Mound City, 5:30 pm. Senior Night.

October 8^th – Hawk Softball vs. Meadville, 5:30 pm. Senior Night.

October 9^th – Pot Luck, 12 noon, Worth County Senior Center.

October 10^th – Maryville Fall into Fun, 12 noon to 6 pm. Market vendors, music, kids activities, and more.

October 10^th – Grant City Lions Club Corn Maze, Allendale, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Play in the park, enjoy hot dogs, ride a way wagon, tackle the corn maze, and find the “Candy Lion.” “Littles” 3 & under free. All others $5. Food is extra.

October 10^th – Sheridan Halloween Lock-in, Sheridan Community Building, 6 pm. Please come pick up your child on October 11^th at 6:00 am. Your child does not have to stay all night if they don’t want to. For grades K-8. Pre-K can come, but parents should come get them after the activities. Costume contest, coloring pages, cookie decorating, face painting, movies, board games, pony rides, and more. Pizza, popcorn, and brownies along with drinks.

October 11^th – St. Joseph Catholic Church Fall Dinner, 11 am, church basement. Free will donation.

October 11^th – Open House, 2 pm to 4 pm, Crossroads Church, Grant City. Len and Rita Green will be celebrating 40 years at the church.

October 12^th – No mail delivery. Columbus Day.

October 12^th – No school at Worth County or North Nodaway. Professional Development.

October 12^th – GRM Networks 75^th Anniversary Open House, 11 am to 2 pm. Food, giveaways, door prizes.

October 12^th – Hawk Softball vs. Gallatin, 5:00 pm. Senior Night.

October 13^th – Kidsight vision screening at North Harrison, 9:00 am. For grades PK through 6^th grade.

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

October 15^th – NEN School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm.

October 15^th – Tiger Football vs. Pattonsburg, 7:00 pm. Senior Night.

October 16^th – Early Dismissal at Gilman City. End of Quarter.

October 16^th – Special Olympics, 10 am, NEN.

October 17^th – Missouri Days Marching Band Festival at Trenton.

October 17^th – Halloween in the Park Trunk or Treat & Movie Night, Grant City Pool Park. Trick or Treating 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Movie starts at 7:00 pm. If you would like to have a trunk and hand out candy, call (660) 254-3898. Sponsored by Small Town Bounce Co., the Worth County Word, and the City of Grant City.

October 17^th – Gilman City Barnwarming, 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 18^th -- Grant City Lions Club Corn Maze, Allendale, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Play in the park, enjoy hot dogs, ride a way wagon, tackle the corn maze, and find the “Candy Lion.” “Littles” 3 & under free. All others $5. Food is extra.

October 21^st – North Harrison School Board Meeting.

October 21^st – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

October 21^st – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

October 22^nd – No school at NEN or North Harrison. Parent/Teacher Conferences.

October 22^nd – Early dismissal at Worth County and Gilman City. Parent/Teacher Conferences.

October 22^nd -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

October 23^rd – No school at NEN, Gilman City, North Harrison, or Worth County. End of Quarter.

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

October 24^th – Halloween Costume 5K and Kids Trick or Treat, 2811 Yellowstone Avenue, Blockton, 3 pm. Sponsored by the Taylor County Conservation Board.

October 24^th – Haunted corn maze, Allendale. “Littles” from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. “Spooks” from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. $5 per person. 3 and under are free. Sponsored by the Grant City Lions Club.

October 25^th – Ravenwood Community Breakfast, 8:00 am to 12 noon. The Girls Softball Team will be helping.

October 29^th – Early dismissal at North Nodaway. Parent/Teacher Conferences.

October 30^th – No school at North Nodaway. End of quarter.

October 31^st – Northwest Missouri State Homecoming Parade.

November 1^st – Legion Breakfast, Parnell Legion Hall, 8:00 am.

November 2^nd – No school at North Nodaway. Professional Development.

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

November 5^th – NEN School and Community Health Fair in the commons area, 4:30 pm. Bluejay JH Basketball vs. Worth County, 5:30 pm.

November 9^th – 275 Conference Band Day at Northwest Missouri State.

November 9^th – No school at Worth County. Professional Development.

November 11^th – No mail delivery. Veterans Day.

November 11^th – Worth County Veterans Day Program, 2 pm.

November 13^th – Early dismissal at Gilman City. Professional Development.

November 13^th – North Nodaway Veterans Day Assembly, 9:00 am.

November 13^th – Pot Luck, Worth County Senior Center, 12 noon. Free will donation.

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

November 18^th – North Harrison School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm.

November 18^th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

November 18^th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

November 24^th – Early dismissal at North Nodaway and Gilman City, Thanksgiving.

November 25^th to 29^th – All schools dismiss for Thanksgiving Break. School will resume on November 30^th.

November 26^th – Thanksgiving. No school or mail delivery.

December 6^th – Legion Breakfast, Parnell Legion Hall, 8:00 am.

May 29^th – North Nodaway Alumni Reunion, North Nodaway School, 5:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nodaway County Rural Water District Proposes Rate Hike

The Nodaway County Rural Water District, at its meeting on Monday, put several different options on the table for raising water rates to customers. The Maryville City Council recently approved a rate hike of 50% across the board for 2027. This will mean $615,000 in increased costs for the Rural Water Districts, without factoring in any other price hikes or extra labor should the data center project south of Maryville move forward.

Options for raising the rates included a $3 across the board increase for everyone to a gradated increase which would hit bigger customers such as Sheridan harder. Currently, the Rural Water District charges a $35 rate for a minimum of 1,000 gallons of use. The risk of increasing the minimum water rate is that it would create hardship for customers on fixed incomes. Many of the options presented included leaving the minimum rate as it is.

On the other end, targeting bigger customers with higher rate increases could also affect people on fixed incomes. Barnard has one of the highest rates in the area, charging a minimum of $120 a month for water and sewer. Other cities purchasing their water from the Rural Water District would also have to pass costs on to their customers.

The board took no action on the rate hike at Monday's meeting. It will be on October's agenda as an action item. The district has been seeking water from other sources to reduce costs.

Brock Pfost reported that people from the Rural Water District, the City of Maryville, and two Maryville council members met to discuss the city providing wastewater to the data center should it come. They are seeking formal numbers and parameters regarding usage.

Wyatt Maize Returns Kickoff for Score to Spark Princeton to Easy Win

Wyatt Maize ran back the opening kickoff 70 yards for a score, and Princeton had little trouble putting away Pattonsburg 58-0 Friday for their Homecoming game. Hector Garcia kicked the extra point, and the rest of the game belonged to Princeton.

A long year for Pattonsburg just got even longer during Friday night's battle. Princeton's Gavin Tatum caught one of the Panther backs in the end zone for a safety early in the game, and the Pattonsburg player had to be taken off on a stretcher. Another Panther player was taken off the field with an injury later in the game, and they were already shorthanded, with two players dressed in street clothes.

They showed little resemblance to the Panther teams of the past, which would light up the scoreboard like an arcade game win or lose, and live and die by the passing game. They attempted 5 passes and 29 runs in Friday's game, reversing stats from the last several years.

With Wyatt Maize and Gavin Tatum getting straight tackles for losses from the 21 to the 12, Pattonsburg lined up to punt. They tried a fake punt, but it was snuffed out, and Ryker Fortner tackled Michael Warner at the 20 to give Princeton a short field to work with. A few plays later, Gage Fortner bobbled a snap but took a busted play to the house with 8:36 left in the first to make it 14-0 after Garcia's extra point. With 8:27 left, the safety in question followed to make it 16-0.

After a lengthy delay, Pattonsburg tried a squib kick, but it was covered by Princeton at the Panther 34, and they had another short field to work with. Wyatt Maize burst up the middle 24 yards to the 10. A block in the back penalty and an incompletion made it second and goal at the 20, but Kash Holt's pass in the middle of the field put it at the 8, and Mitchell Walker took a screen pass to the house with 7:39 left in the first to make it 23-0 after Garcia's extra point.

Andrew Fordyce, who lived rent-free in the Pattonsburg backfield all night, forced a quarterback hurry on the next series and Ryker Fortner picked off Warner and took it back to the Pattonsburg one. The play was called back to the Pattonsburg 37 due to a block in the back, but it didn't matter as Gage Fortner aired it out to Judd Henke for six. Hector Garcia added the extra point to make it 30-0 with 6:40 left in the first.

Pattonsburg got their most promising drive going as Michael Warner scrambled for 14 yards for a first down, and Porter Simmons caught a short pass for seven yards to Princeton’s 35. But one of many false start penalties for Pattonsburg derailed the drive, and Dynten Hale, who had never played football and who was out for the first time this year, recorded a sack. A late hit gave Pattonsburg new life at the Princeton 31, but a diving pick by Ryker Fortner killed the drive. Two plays later, Mitchell Walker took a sweep down the left side and cut back down the right side and into the clear for a score with 2:49 left in the first to make it 37-0 after Garcia's kick.

To show the kind of year Pattonsburg has been having, just as it looked like they were finally turning the corner on the next drive, getting some good runs with Porter Simmons to the 40, their biggest lineman, Remington White, got injured at the end of the quarter. Ryker Fortner and Reed Mitchell combined to blow up a fourth and one, and Princeton had the ball at Pattonsburg’s 35.

Mitchell Walker spun his way to the Panther five, but Pattonsburg made a stand as Evan Mason and Kaos Sweiger blew up a running play back to the nine. Gage Fortner made a rare miscue as his knee hit the ground as he was handling a snap. But he atoned for it by throwing a pass to Kash Holt, and Hector Garcia added the extra point to make it 44-0 with 10:45 left in the second.

Princeton began subbing freely to start the second, but they still pulled away. After they forced a three and out, Reed Michell fielded a short kick in Pattonsburg territory. He had one of the hardest hits all night, shoving his own man out of the way as he took it to the house. Hector Garcia added the extra point to make it 51-0.

They got their final score late in the first half when Michael Parsons pounced on a muffed punt at Pattonsburg’s 11. Two plays later, Reed Mitchell got a block from Scotty Briggs and took it to the house to make it 58-0 after Garcia's extra point kick.

Anna Mae Parker 1951-2026

Anna Mae Parker, 75, of Parnell, Missouri passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Anna Mae was born on February 10, 1951, in Hopkins, Missouri to Charles and Opal (Adams) Auten. She attended Northeast Nodaway High School. She worked for K.T. Bar & Grill in Parnell. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Parnell and enjoyed sewing, making blankets, reading, flowers, playing games on her iPad and spending time with grandkids.

She married Robert E. “Bob” Parker on December 27, 1976, in Hopkins, Missouri. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include their children, Annetta (Kevin) Owens, Bobby (Angela) Parker, and stepdaughter Racheal Healy/Parker. Grandchildren, Megan (Taylor) Wallace, Adam Ebrecht, Amber Ebrecht, Justin (Kim) Parker and Kristin Chitty. One great grandchild, Weston Parker.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings (6 brothers and 8 sisters).

The body has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Anna Mae, her family suggests memorials to the United Methodist Church of Parnell.