Scott Andrews Files for Write-In Candidate for Worth County Clerk

Scott Andrews announced Monday on his Facebook page that he would be seeking the Worth County Clerk’s position as a write-in. He is a 1982 Worth County grad and is married to Kim (Craven) Andrews. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

He is opposed by Melissa Percell, who won the Republican nomination for the position and will be on the ballot. 

Mr. Andrews has worked for Sur-Gro Plant Foot in Plattsburg, Missouri Telephone Company in Gallatin, Commercial Lithographing Company in Kansas City (28 years), Whitetail Properties Real Estate, DRT Ammo, and Tracy Family Farms in Denver. 

He said in his post that he is a conservative candidate and says he is running on the following platform:

--Integrity; doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

--Accountability; being responsible to the people of Worth County and accountable for the decisions made in the Clerk’s office;

--Honesty; serving every citizen with openness, fairness, and respect;

--Hard Work; “Rolling up my sleeves and doing everything I can to serve our county well.”

“I love Worth County and the wonderful people who call it home. I believe our county deserves a Clerk who will work hard, keep his word, and always remember who he works for: the people of Worth County,” said Mr. Andrews in his Facebook post. 

Election Day is November 3rd. 

Local Election Results for August 4th, 2026

Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney

David Hershberger 2,865
Tina Deiter 989

Worth County Clerk
Melissa Percell 261
Brandon Allee 194

Chris Stigall is winning narrowly over Nathan Willett in the District 6 Congressional race. Phil Fox won the Missouri House District 2 race. Both Amendment 4 and Amendment 5 were trounced. Amendment 1, the Parks and Soil tax, won handily and will be in effect for another 10 years.

Brandon Allee Seeking to Follow Big Footsteps as County Clerk

Brandon Allee says that if elected as Worth County Clerk, he would have some big footsteps to follow. “Roberta Owens does things that people don’t realize she does,” Mr. Allee said. “I would have some big footsteps to follow.”

After Ms. Owens announced she would not seek reelection to the post, Mr. Allee said he was asked to run. He pledged no agenda, big ideas or easy answers, only to do what he is elected to do. His chief duties as County Clerk are keeping the minutes for the County Commission and overseeing the elections. But Mr. Allee said it all depended on the local election judges to keep the elections running smoothly. “I hope they all continue to serve regardless of which one of us wins,” he said.

Mr. Allee is running on the Republican ticket against Melissa Percell for the August 4th primary. The winner will become the next Worth County Clerk unless an Independent or write-in candidate emerges.

Mr. Allee is the son of Lisa (Allee) Reidlinger and Darwin Force. When he was in sixth grade, he went to live with his grandparents, the late Doy and Shirley Allee of Sheridan. “I’ve never wanted to leave Worth County since then,” he said.

Since he graduated from Worth County, he has worked at various jobs around the county, including for the county, Chris Fletchall, Steve Espey, and Sur-Gro. He has worked for the Road & Bridge crew and has worked as the gravel checker for the county. He has put the flag up at the Courthouse. He serves on the Sheridan Housing Board and the Isadora Cemetery Board.

Mr. Allee is married to Kayla and has one daughter, Payton, with another child on the way due in December. He lived in the former Doy & Shirley Allee residence after they passed away for a time, but recently moved into the former Viron Nelson residence east of Sheridan. He noted that the plaque with Mr. Nelson’s last business license from 1986  for his blacksmith shop was still on display in the shed, signed by Roberta Owens’ father, Bob Pierce.

 

Melissa Percell Promises Experience, Communication, Ideas as Worth County Clerk

Melissa (Behrens) Percell promised experience, communication, and ideas if she is elected the next Worth County Clerk. She is running on the Republican ticket to replace Roberta Owens, who did not seek reelection. She is opposed by Brandon Allee. The winner will serve as the next County Clerk unless an Independent candidate gets enough petition signatures or a write-in files. The voter registration deadline is July 8th, and the primary election is August 4th.

Percell is currently serving as the Denver City Clerk and runs a business, Nature’s Cure, in Denver. They are seeking to put up a new sign and organize a Tulip Festival. She is the daughter of Robin and Robin Behrens; she was born in Maryville and graduated from Worth County in 1998. Her daughters, McKenzie Percell and Megan (Percell) Parman, also graduated from Worth County. Her favorite teacher was Carolyn Jones, who taught typing and computer classes.

In an interview with the Express Friday, she said that she considered the County Clerk’s position the backbone of the county. As such, she said that she would focus on compliance, meeting with the public and getting ideas for making the county a better place, working with the commissioners, attracting new businesses and supporting the ones currently operating, and keeping the door open for everyone.

She has been licensed to practice insurance since 2005 and is licensed in 30 states. She has worked for various companies since leaving high school, helping them stay compliant with state and federal regulations.

Her whole family has had a background in social work. Her parents did foster care, and her sister, Jennifer, is a social worker for Truman Medical Center. At 19, Melissa got a job with the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office, where she was responsible for recordkeeping, compliance, and notifying people when their licenses were up for renewal. In Columbia, she was a manager for E&J Construction and Epple Construction, which did a lot of renovation work at Mizzou.

She worked for Ed Drummond in Kansas City for Drummond Financial Services, where she was responsible for payroll, securities reporting, and quarterly reporting for audits. She worked for Mass Mutual Financial, where she worked with brokers and gave quotes. She worked for Physicians Mutual of Kansas City where she was responsible for Medicare Supplemental Insurance. She was responsible for setting up the office, compliance, and training new agents. She has been a travel agent and a notary as well.

In 2016, Melissa moved back to Worth County, where she has lived ever since.

She said that the community needs more businesses in the county. “We used to have all kinds of things to do,” she said. “We need to do a better job of supporting the businesses we have and encouraging new ones to come in.” She pledged to continue the work that current Clerk Roberta Owens is doing to preserve the history of Worth County, including the new Historical Room in the Courthouse.

 

Brandon Allee, Melissa Percell File for Worth County Clerk

Brandon Allee and Melissa Percell have filed for the Worth County Clerk's position. They both filed as Republicans. All other Worth County incumbents have filed for reelection and will be unopposed barring a write-in campaign or a successful petition by an independent candidate. 

For the Missouri State Auditor's office, incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick (GOP) has filed for reelection. He will be opposed by Gerald Winstrand in the primary. Quentin Wilson and Gregory Upchurch have filed for the Democratic primary. Dustin Coffell has filed as a Libertarian.

Incumbent Sam Graves did not seek reelection in the 6th District Congressional race. On the Republican ticket Jim Ingram, Chris Stigall, Nathan Willett, Cody Oshel, and Nathaniel Schultz have filed. On the Democratic side Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine have filed. Andy Maidment has filed as a Libertarian.

In the State Senate District 12 election, Rusty Black has filed for reelection on the GOP side. He will be opposed by Judy McNeese on the Democratic side in the November election.

Incumbent Mazzie Christensen did not seek reelection for State Representative District #2. Freddie Griffin has filed as a Republican and will be opposed by Libertarian Shelby Dreier in the November election. In District 1, Jeff Farnan filed for reelection and is unopposed barring an Independent getting on the ballot or a write-in candidate filing. 

The primary election will be on August 4th and the general election will be on November 3rd, 2026. The last day to submit petitions to run as an Independent for the November election will be July 27th at 5:00 pm. The last day to declare as a write-in for the November election will be October 23rd at 5:00 pm. 

Roberta Owens Won’t Seek Reelection as Worth County Clerk

Worth County Clerk Roberta Owens told the Express Wednesday that she will not be seeking reelection as Worth County Clerk. She is retiring. She will serve out her term until January 1st.

Currently, there are no candidates who have filed for her seat. If nobody files, then Governor Mike Kehoe will appoint a replacement.

The following incumbents have filed for reelection:

Jana Findley (Circuit Clerk)

Joel Miller (Associate Circuit Judge)

Stephanie Hardy (Treasurer)

Jessica Davidson (Collector)

Amanda Gilland (Recorder)

Jubal Summers (Presiding Commissioner)

Janet Wake Larison (Prosecuting Attorney)

The filing deadline was March 31st.

 

Worth County Absentee Ballots for April 7th Election

I, Roberta Owens, County Clerk, wish to inform all registered voters that absentee ballots are available in the County Clerk's office for the 2026 April 7th Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

:
1) Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include: name, address, mailing address if different, signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their social security number, party ballot.

2) Call the office for an absentee application.

3) Vote in person in the County Clerk's office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. along with identification pursuant to the new Voter ID Law : Government ID or Driver's License. Sign the provided statement and show a voter registration card, utility bill, or paycheck, etc.

4) Go to the County website at worthcountymo.us and print the absentee form, fill it out, then mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6th in the County Clerk's office.

The County Clerk's office will be open Saturday April 4th, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for absentee voters.

If you have any questions, contact Roberta Owens at 660-564-2219, submit a written request for an absentee ballot to: PO Box 450, MO 64456-0450, fax a request to 660-564-2432, or email cclerkwoco@grantcity.net.

 

Absentee Ballots Available for April 8th Election

Absentee ballots for the April 8th election are now available in the Worth County Clerk’s office. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

—Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include name, address, mailing address if different, signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

—Call the office for an absentee application.

—Vote in person in the County Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm along with identification pursuant to the Missouri Voter ID law. Bring government ID or a driver’s license or sign the affidavit and show a voter registration card, utility bill, or paycheck.

—Go to worthcountymo.us site, print the absentee form, fill it out, and mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 25th, 2025. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5 pm on Monday, April 7th in the County Clerk’s office.

The County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 5th from 8:30 am to 12 noon for absentee voters.

If you have questions, contact Roberta Owens (660) 564-2219 or submit a request to PO Box 450, Grant City, MO 64456 or fax a request to (660) 564-2432.

 

Worth County Absentee Voter Information for April 4th, 2023

Absentee ballots are now available for Worth County voters for the April 4th Municipal Election. Anyone needing to vote absentee because of illness or absence from the polls on Election Day may do one of the following:

–Submit a request in writing by mail or fax and include: Name, address, mailing address (if different), signature, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

–Call the office for an absentee application.

–Vote in person in the Worth County Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm along with identification pursuant to the new Voter ID Law: Government ID or Driver’s License or sign the provided statement and show one of the following: Voter registration card, utility bill, paycheck, etc.

–Go to the county website at worthcounty.us and print the absentee form, fill it out, then mail it in.

The final day to mail an absentee ballot to a voter is Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023. The final day to vote absentee in person is 5:00 pm on Monday, April 3rd in the Worth County Clerk’s office.

The County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 8:30 am to 12 noon for absentee voters.

If you have any questions, contact Roberta Owens (660) 564-2219 or submit a written request for an absentee ballot to Worth County Clerk, PO Box 450, Grant City, MO 64456 or fax a request to (660) 564-2432.

Audit Report for Worth County Released

On Tuesday, the Missouri State Auditor released its report for the County of Worth. The overall rating for the county was “Good.” The following findings were issued by the auditor’s office:

–The Prosecuting Attorney does not issue receipt slips for all money received. The Prosecuting Attorney’s spreadsheets sent to victims and defendants showing current restitution accounts receivable balances are not always accurate.

–The Recorder of Deeds has not established proper procedures for receipting and recording money received, and does not perform adequate bank reconciliations and does not prepare a monthly list of liabilities.

–A complete and accurate seized property evidence log has not been maintained and a physical inventory of seized property has not been performed since the Sheriff took office in January 2021.

–The County Collector, Recorder of Deeds, and Sheriff have not established adequate password controls to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to computers and data. The County Collector, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Recorder of Deeds, and Sheriff do not have security controls in place to lock computers after a specified number of incorrect login attempts.

–The county has not developed a records management and retention policy in compliance with the Missouri Secretary of State Records Services Division guidance, as approved by the Missouri Local Records Commission.

The following recommendations were made:

–The Auditor’s Office recommended the Prosecutor issue receipt slips for all money immediately on receipt and establish procedures to record account receivables accurately;

–The Recorder of Deeds issue receipt slips for all money received on receipt, maintain a log of copy money and reconcile it to the money transmitted to the County Treasurer, prepare adequate monthly bank reconciliations and lists of liabilities, and investigate and resolve any discrepancies.

–The Sheriff maintain a complete and accurate seized property evidence log, ensure a periodic inventory is conducted and reconciled, and investigate any differences;

–The Commission work with other county officials to require passwords for all computers and employees and require passwords to be periodically changed and require computers to have security controls in place to lock each computer after a specified number of incorrect login attempts;

–The County Commission work with other county officials to develop a written records management and retention policy.

Because counties are managed by several separately elected individuals, an audit finding made with respect to one office does not necessarily apply to another office. The overall rating of the county does not necessarily indicate the performance of any one elected official or county office.

Worth County Clerk Gets Recordkeeping Grant

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Local Records Division is pleased to announce 23 grants totaling $283,584. These awards include 17 Local Records Grant Program awards totaling $144,809 and 6 Electronic Records Grant Initiative grants worth $139,775. 

“My office is pleased to help local communities in our state with records preservation,” Secretary Ashcroft said. “It’s a good thing to save the past for future generations to see.”

Based on recommendations of the Missouri Historical Records Advisory Board, the Local Records Grants provide the recipient local governments with assistance for records management and preservation projects. The Electronic Records Grant Initiative grants are intended to assist local governments in establishing good electronic records management practices and to provide greater transparency by allowing greater public access to records online.

Among the entities awarded funds was the Worth County Clerk, who received $24,500 for equipment, software, and training. 

Worth County Commission Minutes for August 3rd

Presiding Commissioner Jubal Summers call the meeting to order at 9:04.

Commissioner Regan Nonneman made a motion to approve the minutes and agenda. Commissioner Tyler Paxson seconded.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Treasurer Linda Brown presented the weekly financial report, and bills. 

Commissioner Regan Nonneman made a motion to approve the bills. Commissioner Tyer Paxson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Commissioner Regan Nonneman call Wieland Hauling to check on the progress of Tax Rock. Adam informed him that they had 1700 tons of rock yet to haul. 

The commissioners discussed the CARES money that is available. The deadline is August 14th. 

Worth County EMD, Abby Hawk reported weekly increase of positive cases 12,488 to reach 51,840 cases statewide. The largest positive cases consist of 20-29 year olds. Second most effected age group are 30-39.  Weekly increase in deaths to 75 to reach 1,253 related deaths statewide.  Weekly increase of 3 for Worth County, total positive cases 8. The state of Missouri remains in Phase 2 Opening. 

Road and Bridge Foreman Jim Fletchall reported that they had installed the railroad car tube on CR 18. The project went well.

The commissioners discussed building a room in the old courtroom to provide a larger space for their meetings. Joe Hughes came in to share a quote as to what it would cost to build. 

Commissioner Regan Nonneman made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Tyler Paxson  seconded. All in favor, motion carried.  

Polling Places for Worth County Election on August 4th

Smith Township

Allendale Community Building- 2308 Washington Street, Allendale MO 64420

Allen Township

Denver School House-419 Main, Denver MO 64441

West Union/East Union Township

Sheridan Community Building-266 W. Jefferson Street, Sheridan MO 64486

Middlefork Township

Worth Baptist Church 306 Main St, Worth MO 64499

Greene Township

Gabbert House, 20596 Hwy U, Oxford MO 64475

East Fletchall/West Fletchall/East Union Township

Worth County Fairground-301 North Lyon Street, Grant City MO 64456

Ashcroft Details August 4th Voting Options

Last week, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft traveled the state to discuss election law changes brought about by SB 631, which created a COVID-related option to vote by absentee ballot and offers every registered voter an opportunity to vote by mail-in ballot with notarization. Missouri’s next election is the August 4 primary.

In-person voting remains a secure option to cast a ballot. “I want to assure Missouri voters that their local election authorities (LEAs) are taking many precautions to make voting in person safe and secure,” Ashcroft said. “My office has distributed $4.5 million in federal and state funds and provided them with sanitizer, floor distancing strips, face masks, face shields and other items to assist with creating a safe voting environment. Voting in person is the most secure way to cast a ballot.”

In-Person Voting

On the August 4 election, you may cast your ballot at your polling place. Curb-side voting is also available; call your local election official for details. Local election officials are preparing polling places to provide space between voters and poll workers, and providing other safeguards, like hand sanitizer, face masks and face shields for poll workers.

Sample ballots will be printed in next week’s Sheridan Express, and we will print polling locations.

Absentee Ballot Voting

Voting by absentee has been available for more than 30 years. Until recently, six excuses existed to obtain an absentee ballot, all but one of which require a notary.

– If you are incapacitated or confined due to illness, you are not required to have your ballot envelope notarized.

– If you are voting absentee due to any of the other reasons – religious beliefs or practice, working as an election worker, incarcerated but still eligible to vote, being absent from your election jurisdiction on election day or being a certified participant in an address confidentiality program – you are required to have your ballot envelope notarized.

SB 631 created another justification to vote by absentee ballot. The new, seventh option allows voters to be eligible if they have coronavirus or are at risk because they fall into any of the following categories: are age 65 or older; live in a long term care facility; have chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; have serious heart conditions; are immunocompromised; have diabetes; have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis; or have liver disease. Under this exemption, you are not required to have your ballot notarized.

Absentee ballots may be requested in person, by mail, facsimile or email. An in-person request may be made up until the day before the election and the ballot completed in the office of the election official; other methods of request must be made by July 22. To request an absentee ballot, contact the Worth County Clerk’s office.

Absentee ballots may be returned to the local election authority in person or by mail. Absentee ballots must be received in the election office by the close of the election, 7 p.m. on Aug. 4.

Mail-in Voting

SB 631 created a mail-in ballot option available to all registered voters. This is a temporary option available in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Any registered voter may request a mail-in ballot in person or by mail. Requests must be made by July 22. A dual absentee/mail-in application may be found here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri//2020FillableBallotApplication.pdf or contact the Worth County Clerk’s office.

The ballot envelope, per state law, must be notarized. Additionally, state law requires mail-in ballots to be delivered to the local election authority by U.S. mail only. Ballots must be received in the local election authority’s office by the close of the election, 7 p.m. on Aug. 4.

Notary Required

Several voting options require a ballot envelope to be notarized. A Notary Public provides this service. Notarization helps to assure that the person who requested the ballot is the same person who is submitting it.

State law forbids notaries from charging a fee to notarize an absentee ballot. However, SB 631 did not forbid notaries from charging to notarize a mail-in ballot. As a result, the Secretary of State’s office is compiling a list of organizations and individuals who are volunteering to provide both services free of charge.

The Missouri Secretary of State website has a list of volunteer notaries on its website.

Presidential Primary Vote March 10th

Worth County and the rest of the state will hold the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 10th. This will be the week after Super Tuesday. Polls will open at 6 am and close at 7 pm. The following will be the polling locations for this election:

Smith Township
Allendale Community Building- 2308 Washington Street, Allendale MO 64420

Allen Township
Denver School House-419 Main, Denver MO 64441

West Union/East Union Township
Sheridan Community Building-266 W. Jefferson Street, Sheridan MO 64486

Middlefork Township
Worth Baptist Church 306 Main St, Worth MO 64499

Greene Township
Gabbert House, 20596 Hwy U, Oxford MO 64475

East Fletchall/West Fletchall/East Union Township
Worth County Fairground-301 North Lyon Street, Grant City MO 64456

The following Democrats have dropped out of the race: Cory Booker, Andrew Yang, Deval Patrick, John Delaney, Julian Castro, Marianne Williamson, Michael Bennet, Tom Steyer, Amy Klobuchar,  and Pete Buttigieg. Joe Walsh has dropped out of the Republican side of the race. They will still appear on Tuesday’s ballot.

Clerk to Move Fletchall Precinct Line

Presiding Commissioner Findley called the meeting to order at 9:03 am.

1. Commissioner Rob Ruckman made a motion to approve the amended minute. Clerk Owens changed the word dozer to the word grader in Jim Fletchall report. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
2. Commissioner Rob Ruckman reported the gas prices from MFA as gas $2.999 and diesel $3.629
3. Treasurer Linda Brown presented the Weekly Balance Sheet.
4. Lee Dumke came to discuss his brush letter. Commissioners agreed to let him do one area now; from the barn to the existing clean area, then do the next area in October.
5. Rick Ridge, James Ridge, and Max Garrett came to discuss CR 35/Elk Avenue. The commissioners explained the emergency rock program to them.
6. Road and Bridge Supervisor Jim Fletchall report:
· The road crew got the bridge out and tube in on CR 249/150th road.
· Fletchall called about getting an appraisal on the grader, he was told that the best way is to take the highest price and the lowest price on Machine Trader and average them together to get a price.
· Fletchall called Tom Weller from Great Bend Kansas about loader buckets. They have some in the $300.-$500. price range.
7. Rip, from Metal Culverts stopped by to discus tube needs for the county.
8. Commissioner Rob Ruckman made a motion to adjourn at 11:35 pm. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Presiding Commissioner Ted Findley opened the afternoon session of the meeting at 1:45.
9. The commissioners looked over the budget and discussed a new county barn with Jim Fletchall.
10. Clerk Roberta Owens presented a proposal to move the precinct line between East and West Fletchall to remove the jog that was put in place back when the Firehouse was used as a polling place. The line now runs down Main Street to 3rd street, and then goes west two blocks, south one block, and then east two blocks to reconnect to Main Street. There are no voters in the area that it will affect. The State no longer requires the polling place be on a line between the two areas. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert made a motion to move the district line so that it comes straight down Main Street. Commissioner Rob Ruckman seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk Owens will check with the County Attorney to see what else needs to be done to complete the project.
11. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert made a motion to adjourn at 5:00 pm. Commissioner Rob Ruckman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Letter to the Editor -- Beautifying the Courtyard

I just wanted to express my appreciation to County Clerk Roberta Owens and friends for their efforts to till, shape and re-seed the court house grounds and trim bushes in preparation for the dedication of the Gazebo in memory of Presiding Commissoner Kevin Austin.

Sincerely,
Bill Mozingo