In-Depth News, Information And Entertainment

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From school playground improvements and airport expansion to wastewater upgrades and higher highway speed limits, communities across Northwest Missouri are seeing changes. We’ll also cover rural concerns over a proposed data center, important absentee voting reminders, and felony charges against the Harrison County clerk.

Joke of the week— *Why did the computer get cold?

*The answer can be found at the end of this newsletter, continue reading to find out!

This Week's News

Worth County schools have installed a new playground surface for pre-kindergarten students using funding from a state scrap tire grant. The playground equipment, installed last year, was funded through donations from 100 Good Women of Worth County and United Electric Cooperative.

Rural landowners south of Maryville are raising concerns about Evergy’s Mullin Creek natural gas plant and a proposed nearby data center. Tony and Nina Wilmes worry about potential impacts on crops, livestock, water quality, and sewage. Cattle farmer Susie Strauch fears the data center could increase noise, light, and water pollution while lowering property values and disrupting rural life. Both landowners want more answers about how the developments could affect their farms and community.

Nodaway County Clerk Melinda Patton reminds Missouri voters that no-excuse absentee voting begins October 20, with October 21 the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail. She warns that election judges’ initials on ballots are required by law and do not invalidate them. Voters can update their registration information through the county clerk’s office or Missouri Secretary of State’s website. Voter ID cards are not accepted as identification at the polls.

Harrison County Clerk LeeAnn Miles has been arrested on felony charges accusing her of stealing nearly $159,000 from an elderly client whose finances she managed. A Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation found more than 600 transactions over six and a half years, including allegedly unauthorized transfers for personal expenses. Miles was assigned a $150,000 bond, with house arrest, GPS monitoring, and no contact with the victim required if released. She is running for re-election against independent candidate Chancel Crabtree.

Maryville will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new community hangar at Northwest Missouri Regional Airport on October 23 at 10:30 a.m. The project began in March 2023 and cost $835,774, funded primarily through federal grants. The city council recently approved an additional $125,362 in federal funding, with a local match of $6,598.

Rock Port residents are receiving city surveys about proposed wastewater system improvements. The results will help determine eligibility for state grants that could cover 25% to 33% of the cost to replace a wastewater lift station. Residents can return surveys using the prepaid envelope and contact the city’s utility office with questions.

MoDOT will raise the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph on 325 miles of rural interstate across Missouri, including sections of I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-55. Crews will update signs this fall, and drivers must follow posted limits until then. Officials will monitor safety and may lower limits if crash concerns arise.

Harvest Public Media

U.S. school cafeterias are struggling to provide nutritious meals as rising food and labor costs, reduced federal food assistance, and stricter regulations put pressure on their budgets. Food prices have increased about 30% since 2020, forcing some districts to cut staff and reduce food portions or menu options. The federal government reimburses schools up to $4.85 per free meal, but that amount must cover food, labor, equipment, and training. Changes to SNAP benefits have also caused fewer students to qualify automatically for free meals, making it harder for some schools to afford meal programs and creating additional paperwork for families. Many schools lack the equipment and kitchen facilities needed to meet these expectations. Overall, school nutrition leaders are concerned about the long-term sustainability of school meal programs. They argue that schools need more federal funding and better resources to continue providing students with healthy, affordable meals.

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Programming Highlights

Weekly Spoofhound Interview

It’s Senior Night at the Hound Pound! Maryville hosts Odessa in the first meeting between the teams since the 2024 playoffs. Head coach Matt Webb and senior RB/DB Caden Eighmy join us in studio looking ahead to the matchup. Listen at 7:48am on 90.5, 88.9 or the Bearcat Public Media app.

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Bearcat Coaches Show

Northwest Missouri State football picked up a gutsy one point win in Hays and Bearcat tennis is getting set to participate in the ITA Regional Tournament.

Midday Report

Daily headlines from KXCV-KRNW News for the Midwest Corners hosted by student anchors at Northwest Missouri State University. You can hear the Midday Report live at 11:50 AM on 90.5 & 88.9! A complete archival is available on kxcv.org.

Creepy Classics

With spooky season officially here, join musician and host Jake Armerding for the best creepy music from the concert stage, film, and opera. Tune in Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for a spooktastic evening! Keep the spooky vibes rolling into Saturday and enjoy the creepy music for Halloween at 6:00 p.m.

Public Radio Music Day 2026

Celebrate Public Radio Music Day this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. with Rhythm N Roots! Tune in for staff picks featuring favorite Americana, Bluegrass, Country, and Rock tracks. Discover the music we love and celebrate the sounds that bring us together!

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