Nodaway County prepares to mail out 2025 tax bills

A few weeks behind schedule, Nodaway County is hoping to have 2025 tax bills in the mail this week or next.

Payment is due on Dec. 31 and according to County Treasurer Sally Duff, diligent residents and area snowbirds planning to leave town for he winter have been stopping by county offices to ask after their bills.

The county typically mails out bills in mid-to-late-October, but implementing Senate Bill 190, a property tax relief program for senior citizens taking effect this year, has caused a delay.

Missouri wildlife officials investigate spread of bird flu among waterfowl

The Missouri Department of Conservation is investigating a recent spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, among the state's waterfowl population.

Officials say the virus has been detected in wild birds such as geese, ducks and raptors across Missouri. The disease, which spreads among migrating birds traveling along North American flyways, can infect both wild and domestic poultry.

Fall colors begin to unfold across Missouri, though experts say vibrancy may be muted

Missouri's rolling hills are starting to shift into a kaleidoscope of autumn color, though experts say this year's display may be less vibrant than usual.

While fall foliage typically peaks later in October, nature doesn't always follow the calendar. University of Missouri Extension horticulturalist David Trinklein said its nearly impossible to predict how bright the leaves will be in any given year.

"Fall color is like Christmas morning," Trinklein said. "You don't know if you are going to get an orange or a lump coal in your stocking."

Bearcats head to NCAA Central Regional with eye toward championship meet

A berth in the NCAA National Championship meet is on the line this weekend in Joplin.

The Northwest Missouri State men's and women's cross country teams will make the trip after putting together a strong fall.

"I think we have all of the pieces there," Northwest cross country coach Wick Cunningham said on the weekly Coaches Show on KXCV-KRNW. "I think we're in really good fitness, were in great health, were in a great mental state. that being said, we still have to go out and execute on that day."