Ex-Reporter starts online newspaper in Worth County
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 17, 2026
This will not be the format of the other articles I intend to publish on this website, but being the first edition, I figured that called for you, whoever you are, to hear from me directly. My name is Riley Drury, and until February of 2026, I was a reporter for the Times Tribune, Worth County’s local newspaper.
The paper, which at the time was owned by and printed in conjunction with the Maryville Forum, has since gone out of business, leaving me without a job and Grant City without a paper specifically catered to them. I intend to change that. Hence, ‘The Worth County Word’!
Please don’t misunderstand me. I have no intentions of disrespecting the publications that are already in existence in the area. We all had no issue co-existing when the Times Tribune was still in print, and it is my hope that we will have no such problems now. What this truly comes down to is this; selfishly, I miss being a part of my community. I miss knowing what was going on in the town and the county, I miss writing articles and shedding light on events and people that deserve to be recognized!
I missed having the opportunity to inform you, the people of Worth County, of what is happening in your community. You, and anyone else who might be interested! *Cough* *Cough* I’m looking at you, Papaw.
So, if you’re reading this, you may be wondering, ‘what is this newspaper going to be’? Well, I’ll tell you. The long answer is that the Worth County Word is going to be an online-only newspaper covering the events and situations that were previously covered by the Times Tribune. The short answer…whatever you want it to be! The purpose of this newspaper is to bring the community together, inform friends and family on what’s going on, and to connect us to each other, and the things happening in our streets! So do you have a story that you think someone might find interesting? Did you take an absolutely adorable photo during the Elementary Christmas concert that other parents might want to see? Send it to me!
You may be wondering where the catch comes in. The last newspaper was available on a subscription basis, so when do I pull out my credit card and shell out forty bucks a month? Well…you don’t.
My intention, at least at this point in time, is not to sell subscriptions, but to sell ads. I want to give local businesses a chance to purchase advertisements, created by me, to be featured on the Worth County Word website and social media pages. And since its online only, and I have no printing costs, mailing costs, other employees, or overhead of any kind, you can visit the website at no cost to you!
Articles will be posted on an as-written basis. As soon as an event happens, and I have time to write up the article and process the photos, the article will then be uploaded to this website, and and some of them will be shared to social media. Please go follow ‘The Worth County Word’ on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! Did you miss the day it was uploaded? No worries! Every upload will be saved under the date it was published on the archives page!
I hope this website, and the news we share, is as helpful, uplifting, and enlightening to you as it will be to me, and I hope you will all continue to help me ‘spread the word’, even if I am operating in a less official capacity. I can’t wait to see what Worth County has to offer. Until next time!
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City Seeks Emergency Demolition Grant for Masons Building
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 17, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - A public hearing was held prior to the June Board of Aldermen meeting in order to perform a needs assessment of Grant City, in the hopes of procuring an emergency demolition grant for the dilapidated building on South Main Street.
The earliest photos of the building, as collected by Lizzie Jeans and Roberta Owens, show that the building has existed in Grant City since the 1900s. The property has gone through several owners and iterations over the years, and was divided into two separate buildings sometime during or before the 1940s. According to Jeanes, the deed of the building cites the addition of a brick parting wall while the roof of both buildings remains connected. In reality, a wooden parting wall was built instead, meaning the building cannot be taken down without also taking down the adjoining building; The adjoining building currently houses an apartment.
The most concerning of the information shared during the meeting was that of the precautions that must be taken by residents of the apartment buildings on either side of the property. According to Jeanes, the property owners have been notified to inform their residents that on nights where it is raining, it is unsafe to sleep near the outside wall of the building, as water is more likely to cause the building to fall than wind damage.
The building poses a significant risk to Grant City residents, and has been surrounded by safety barriers for some time. While the building is prepped and ready for demolition as soon as the ok is given, the project is still going to cost about $405,000; an amount estimated from the one and only bid received for the property. Only one contractor agreed to take on the project.
Residents are advised to steer clear of the building if at all possible, especially children who live and play in the surrounding area.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
The abandoned buildings are an issue that the board of Aldermen have been dealing with for a long time. I have sat through countless meetings and watched as city employees, specifically Lizzie Jeanes, have sought out every possible solution to combat this problem. There have been obstacles; lots of government hoops and red tape to jump through that has stopped an easy solution from being found. But Lizzie Jeanes and the Board of Aldermen are, and continue to be, highly concerned about this issue. I commend them on their hard work in this area, and hope to see the situation dealt with soon, before any one is injured.
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City Council Notes:
In addition to the emergency Community Development Block Grant, the city is also applying for another grant, which will provide funds to tear down six houses, as well as the VFW building on the square.
Chip Seal has been completed on city roads, the board of Aldermen voted that another load of cold mix be purchased.
Tyson Troutwine proposed a potential plan to be added to a bond ballot at a later date. He proposed applying for a grant that the city previously applied for in 2016, which paid for hot mix treatments on city streets. Many of the potholes the city repairs are the same ones over and over again, and Troutwine believes some sort of maintenance plan will help to provide a more long term solution. The city agreed to check on water and sewer lines first, to ensure the repairs would not have to be ripped up later due to necessary water/sewer line replacements.
There is a leak in the water tower, about 50-60 feet off the ground. City employees have been trying to find a solution to the leak, and have found a company who is equipped to make the repairs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Orilla's Way Hosts Freedom Chain Day!
by RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 18, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - Orilla's Way Assisted Living hosted local children on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 AM to create a freedom chain; an American flag made from paper chain links, in order to decorate the facility for the fourth of July, also known as the 250th Birthday of the United States of America.
Local children and parents alike came together to help the residents with the crafting process, and were rewarded for their efforts via outdoor play time and popsicles, which participants of all ages enjoyed.
The flag now sits on the wall in the entrance of the facility, ensuring that the local residents can enjoy a patriotic view upon entering the building.
This is just one of many events that are taking place locally in order to celebrate the 250th anniversary, as many local organizations are coming together to host themed events.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
Since before the Times Tribune shut down, I have observed that Orilla's Way is going out of their way to host local events, specifically events centered around getting local children to spend time with their residents. I personally think this is an incredible undertaking, and love to see different generations of our community coming together and interacting with one another. Keep up the good work, Orilla's Team!
Other 250th Birthday Events:
There is a Worth County Scavenger Hunt being held on July 1-3, where participants can follow clues all around Worth County! There is a limit to four people per team, and the clues will be spread out over four days. Be sure to post your findings on social media!
There will be a free swim at the Grant City Pool on the 4th of July from 1-4 PM. Head in to enjoy the facilities!
The Worth County MFA will be hosted a 'Patriotic Rubber Ducky Find' at the Grant City Park on July 4th, taking place from 6:30 TO 8:00 pm. Kids can bring in up to two ducks to exchange for prizes.
While not overtly Fourth of July themed, Old Defiance Days begins tomorrow, June 19, with the Rodeo in Sheridan, starting with Mutton Busting at 6:00 PM. The activities will continue into Saturday the 20th, starting as early as 7 AM with the Sheridan Fire Department Breakfast.
Also on Saturday, June 20th, the Grant City Baptist Church is hosting a car show in the church parking lot, with registration starting at 10:00 AM. There will be awards given out and a food truck, My-Ty's Snack Shack, will be selling food.
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By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 19, 2026
On Friday, June 19, Little League Summer Ball conlcuded the league season with a championship game between Worth County Black against the Stanberry Bulldogs. The game concluded the final tournament of the summer season, as well as the season itself.
The score was 6 to 3, Bulldogs in the second inning with Stanberry at bat. This was thirty minutes into the hour time limit.
The tide of the game changed during the second Worth County at-bat, when Jaxon Cain, Ian Mullock, and Kade Adams all earned walks, leading to bases loaded. All it took was one hit from Kellan Dannar to allow Cain and Mullock to run into home, putting the socre at 5-7 Bulldogs.
It was during the third and final inning that the team managed a comeback, concluding the game with a store of 8-7 in favor of the Tigers, taking the championship and ending the season in style. The boys were all smiles as they collected their championship medals, and Coach Jason Dannar could be heard congratulating his team on their successful season.
"You never gave up." He said, and after a close game that came down the wire, it seems that has been proven to be true.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
When I was previously employed by the Times Tribune, the Maryville Forum had a sports journalist that would cover local sporting events. This means that I have never covered a sporting event before, nor am I sports person. Can I do it? I guess we'll all find out together.
As far as the baseball game is concerned, I won't lie that I have no idea how the rest of the season went, as I just started reporting again two days ago, but from where I was sitting, the Worth County Black team is a group of hard-working kids who have bright futures ahead of them. I look forward to seeing where future seasons end up.
In the meantime, bare with me as I attempt to navigate this new medium.
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By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 20, 2026
SHERIDAN, Mo. - On Saturday, June 20, as part of the Old Defiance Days festivities in Sheridan, the Sheridan Christian Church sponsored a visit from Matt Miles and the Creation Truth Foundation from Noble, Oklahoma who brought their travelling Earth History museum. According to Miles, he beleives their display is the largest travelling collection in the United States, if not the world, though there is one in Australia that might give them a run for their money.
Miles brought many fossils to set up throughout the Christian church, ranging from fossilized eggs to entire dinosaur skeletons, almost all of which are Research Replica, meaning they are all a perfect recreation of the real fossils as they were discovered.
"We travel around, we travel to churches just sharing the truth of Genesis, and more specifically how the Lord made dinosaurs, answer the question about dinosaurs from the Bible," Miles said, "Which I never had when I was a kid, so when I met Dr. Sharp, our founder of our ministry, back in 2001, it was eye opening to me."
Miles, who was a youth pastor for 14 years, has now been working with Creation Truth for 20 where he can give kids, and potentially even adults, the opportunity to see things they may have never seen before.
One such fossil, who is a part of the Creation Truth collection is the skull replica of Stan the Tyrannosaurs Rex. Stan, named after the amateur paleontologist that unearthed him, is one of the best quality T-Rex skulls that has been discovered, and belonged to the second largest T-Rex that has been discovered. His Research Replica sat on the stage in the Sheridan Christian Church sanctuary.
His original fossil material was sold for 32.1 million dollars, and is now displayed in Abu Dhabi.
According to Miles, the replicas are not made to travel as much as the museum does, but they've learned how to transport them and make sure they stay in good shape for the displays.
"My favorite part is teaching the word of God, and allowing people to understand that when they wrote it, it was so we could read it. It doesn't take a scholar...He wrote it so everyone could read it and understand history. Dinosaurs are history."
Creation Truth and Matt Miles have had a standing relationship by way of Densie Rowan and her family, who attend Sheridan Christian Church. According to Rowan, her kids met Miles while he was presenting at their Church camp, and have since maintained a relationship with him, which included their entire family being part of a two-year course in which they study the first eleven books of the Bible.
The open house wasn't the end of SCC's collaboration with Creation Truth, as they are holding a Vacation Bible School program on July 12-15, in accordance with the theme, 'Our Lost World', which will bring in some more of the elements featured in the open house.
"Our theme and our decorating and things like that are just going to be more about our creation, and everything that God created." Rowan explained.
Tonight at 6:00 at the Sheridan Christian Church, Miles will be discussing 'Dinosaurs in History', and tomorrow night at the same time, he will be giving a talk titled 'The Good News of Dinosaurs', which will discuss all recent discoveries involving them.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
I had the privilege of attending the open house, and sitting down to chat with Matt Miles, and it was a fascinating experience. I personally appreciate the Christian Church for putting in the effort to bring this exhibit to Worth County, and if you are curious about Dinosaurs or interested in the Bible and creation, you should absolutely go check it out while its in town. It seems to me that Matt Miles is a passionate individual with a lot of knowledge on the subject.
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by RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 19,2026
SHERIDAN, Mo. - On June 19-21, 2026, Sheridan Old Defiance Days was once again held at the Sheridan Public Park. The usual events took place, such as the annual parade, the Double E Box Auction, and the baby show. But organizers of the event also attempted to shake things up this year, by adding events like Yard Yahtzee, The super farmer contest and much more.
The parade this year consisted of a wide display of local businesses, local kids, and even local livestock. It kicked off at 10:30 with the presentation of colors, this year including a special 250th birthday flag for the United States. Local fire trucks, ambulance, and city employees also participated in the festivities.
Inflatables were available to the kids all day, and as this is going up, the fun isn't over yet! In addition to the presentation at the Sheridan Christian church at 6:00, the Rodeo will begin at the same time, starting with Mutton Busting, while the main Rodeo begins at 7:30.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
This might be the third or fourth year I've covered Old Definace Days, and I still remember helping out with the FFA Pedal Pull when I was in High School. No matter how long it has been, my opinion on this event is still the same. The people who organize this every year, without fail are incredible. They are always trying to think of new, fun things to do to keep things interesting, and things seem to run so smoothly, with everything scheduled out. If you enjoy these local events like I do, please take the time to show your appreciation for the people that make it happen. It wouldn't be nearly as fun without them holding the reins.
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by RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
June 20, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - On Saturday, June 20, the Grant City Baptist Church hosted a car show in the parking lot of the church. The show was organized Rod Peirce, who restores cars and has many friends and connections in the vintage car community.
In the end, 27 cars participated in the show, with parking ranging from the parking lot itself to the front lawn of the church. My-Ty's Snack Shack, a food truck out of Gallatain, MO was available, as well as baked goods from Redding Country Store. Nine Trophies were given out by guest judges, who chose their favorite cars.
(This story includes a message from our sponsors.)
ORILLA’S WAY/SMALL TOWN BOUNCE CO. HOSTS MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
July 21, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - On Sunday, July 19, Orilla’s Way and Small Town Bounce Co., both operated by Elaina Welch, hosted a movie night in the park. The event saw an inflatable movie screen set up in the Grant City Park, and a projector playing the film ‘Hoppers’. Families brought lawn chairs, picnic blankets, etc. and made themselves comfortable to watch the film, while vendors sold movie snacks from the shelter house. There was a lemonade stand, popcorn, and DeeDee’s Dirty Sodas had drinks for sale for movie go-ers to enjoy.
The event was held as a trial run following a practice event held in a home. The event was originally scheduled for 7 PM but was moved back to ensure it would be dark enough. Small Town Bounce Co. also provided a bounce house for the kids to enjoy prior to the beginning of the movie.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
I thought this was an incredible event! I always look forward to it when anyone schedules any kind of recreational event in town, its a great opportunity for community members to get together and enjoy each other! Keep up the good work!
(Orilla’s Way is an official sponsor of the Worth County Word.)
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WORTH COUNTY MEETS CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE NATHAN WILLETT
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
July 21, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - Grant City played host to Nathan Willett, a conservative Congressional candidate at the Grant City Golf House on Monday, July 20. The candidate reached out to local citizens to schedule a meet-and-greet, in which he could meet voters and discuss his campaign. Mayor Debbie Roach, acting as a privste citizen and not in her official capacity as Mayor, was particularly involved in the organization of the event, citing that she would support any candidate that wants to come to Grant City, whether she personally supports them or not. She feels it is important to get the message out there to politicians that “Worth County is still here.”
The crux of Willett’s campaign, as described by the slogans on his promotional reading material, is to ‘Teach DC a lesson’ and to make it clear that he isn’t ‘running to join the system but is running to end it’. Willett is a Math teacher from Kansas City, and has done work in several other political areas on a local level, such as standing up against defunding the police, forming a transparency task force to uphold accountability for AI data centers, and supporting local farmers. Willett explained he is supported by several agricultural groups, such as the Missouri Cattlemen’s association and the Missouri Farmers association.
“We need a proven conservative who works for the people, not the establishment.” Willett said.
Willett also shared his opinions regarding the department of education, and how he feels that it needs to be slimmed down, while special education initiatives need to be protected.
“Public schools are the backbone of communities,” Willett said, citing that he wants to hold public schools accountable, not just by pointing out what they’re doing wrong, but also by shedding light on the things they’re doing right.
“Whenever you just focus on the bad things, you spiral downward.” He said.
Nathan Willett is running for Congress in the election being held on August 4th.
(The Worth County Word is not in support or affiliated with any political candidate.)
CORRECTION: The Nathan Willett meet and greet was not organized by the city, and Debbie Roach’s involvement with the event was as a private citizen and not in her capacity as mayor. This has been corrected in the official story, in addition to being posted here. The Worth County Word apologizes for the incorrect information.
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WORTH COUNTY COMMUNITY BAND IS REBORN
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
July 27, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - Sunday, July 27 saw the inaugural performance of the brand new Worth County Community Band held at the Grant City Park. The band consisted of members of all ages, including four band directors, retired and active, from schools in the surrounding areas. These band directors, consisting of current Worth County R-III director Caleb Smith, Retired Worth County Band Director Julie Capps, Mount Ayr Band Director Giovanni Walker, and William Harding, Northeast Nodaway Band Director. Each of them took turns conducting a piece for the band, as well as playing in it.
The performance took place at 7:30, and entertained community members with pieces such as the Bellafonte Overture, Pastel Sunset, Lost Lady Found, and the John Williams Great Movie Adventure, featuring themes from Star Wars, ET, and Jurassic Park. The latter acted as the finale piece; a fitting choice seeing as the new Sunday night activity Movies in the Park was about to take place following the concert.
The group began rehearsals over the summer at Worth County R-III, and will hopefully reconvene again next year.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
I had the opportunity to attend a rehearsal of the community band, as well as watch the performance, and I was beyond impressed with the entire set-up. Watching the local band directors switch off between conducting and playing was a truly fascinating experience, and their talent, along with that of the other musicians, was clear from the get-go. I hope this group continues next Summer!
SUBMITTED BY FIRST INTERSTATE BANK
August 6, 2026
First Interstate and FHLB awarded $12,000 in grants to Mission Possible Center. First Interstate employees surprised the staff at the Mission Possible center on Thursday, August 6 with a large check. Attached is a press release with more information and a photo of the check presentation:
Left to Right Back: Rebecca Summers (FIB), Patricia Ray (MPC), Barbara Findley (MPC), Kelley Ross (MPC), Anita McClellan (MPC), Sharon Dowis (FIB), Marti Myers (MPC).
Left to Right Front: Mary Kay Hunt (MPC), Haley Ridge (FIB), Debbie Sherer (MPC), Kandra Powell (FIB), Kate Larsen (FIB)
First Interstate and FHLB Announce $12,000 in Grants
to Mission Possible Center
GRANT CITY, Mo.— July 20, 2026 — First Interstate and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) proudly announce $12,000 in combined support for Mission
Possible Center. This total includes First Interstate’s $3,000 contribution, matched three times by FHLB Des Moines’ Member Impact Fund.
Mission Possible Center is a nonprofit organization that serves local residents through its thrift store and food pantry programs. While the thrift store provides affordable clothing and household items to community members, the organization's food pantry has become an increasingly important resource for families and individuals facing food insecurity during challenging economic times. As demand continues to grow, Mission Possible is working to
ensure its clients have access to nutritious food that supports long-term health and well-being.
One of the organization's greatest needs is protein, which is often among the most difficult and expensive food items to secure and distribute. By the end of 2025, Mission Possible's food
pantry was serving individuals equal to more than 5% of the county's population, highlighting both the need for services and the trust the community places in the organization.
“We’re proud to partner with FHLB Des Moines to turn our giving into over $12,000 in support. Organizations like Mission Possible Center are what strengthen the communities we call home,” said Haley Ridge, Community Branch Manager.
How the Match Works
The Member Impact Fund, launched in 2023, is a matching grant program designed to amplify charitable giving by FHLB Des Moines member institutions. In its latest round, FHLB Des
Moines announced it awarded more than $19.4 million to member financial institutions, with funds distributed alongside member contributions to more than 950 eligible not‑for‑profit and
government organizations across its district.
“The Member Impact Fund match helps us stretch each dollar further so local organizations can keep doing the work that matters most for our neighbors,” said Amberly Pahut, First Interstate’s
Director of Community Responsibility.
First Interstate’s contribution is part of its longstanding philanthropic support to local community organizations throughout its footprint. These funds aid valuable initiatives, from
improving workforce development to boosting early childhood education and mitigating poverty. More information on First Interstate’s philanthropic efforts can be found in
our Community Scorecard.
About First Interstate
First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana, delivering best-in-
class banking and Wealth Management services across Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. With nearly 300 offices, First Interstate enhances the communities it serves through an innovative corporate philanthropy program, which includes donating a portion of Company profits, matching employees’ personal financial contributions, and donating $10 per hour for volunteer efforts
made at qualifying organizations.
To learn more, please visit www.firstinterstate.com.
About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-
owned cooperative. They work together with over 1,200 member financial institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des
Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and
community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.
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Area Coaches and Officials Pray Over Upcoming Season
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 10, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - Area coaches, sports officials, and ministers met by the Worth County R-III Football Field on Friday, August 7 to pray over the upcoming sports season. The event, organized by Worth County Football Coach John Adwell and Albany Pastor Jared Hamilton, was intended to remind these men of the role they play in the lives of the youth they serve.
“I don’t know if there’s been a time when the influence of godly men on young men has been more important.” Hamilton said.
Hamilton delivered a short message over 2 Kings 17, and then the men took the time to circle up and pray over the season, the players they’ll be working with, and their role as positive role models in the lives of their students.
“The influence that you guys have spans generations,” Hamilton said, “The impact you will have on these men’s lives will not be forgotten in their lifetime.”
The upcoming sports season officially begins Monday, August 10, as High School Fall sports practices begin at Worth County. The first game will be held on August 21 as part of the annual Varsity Football Jamboree, this year being held in Tarkio. The school year begins on August 24.
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Seniors Paint the Parking Lot
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 11, 2026
(This story contains a message from our sponsors.)
GRANT CITY, Mo.- On August 11, the class of 2027 gathered in the south parking lot at Worth County R-III to participate in the first ever Senior Parking Spot Painting Day.
Senior Parking Spots are a tradition in high schools throughout the US, and this is the first time Worth County has participated. Seniors were given the option to pay 50 dollars for a designated parking spot they'll have throughout the year, with $25 of that fee to be returned to them if they paint over it at the end of the year.
Student designs and paint had to be approved ahead of time by Worth County R-III staff, and Carl Paarman, the new High School Principal could be seen overseeing the painting in the morning hours.
Parents, siblings and friends gathered in the parking lot between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to help the students with their spaces, resulting in a colorful lineup that will decorate the parking lot for the duration of the 26-27 school year.
Drury's Deductions
These are the personal opinions of Riley Drury, and are based on what she has seen and experienced. These opinions are not meant to be taken as fact.
As Worth County Alumni myself, and someone who has seen the senior Parking Spot trend on social media throughout the years, I love this idea. Not only is it an opportunity to showcase some of the great creativity our students have to offer, Senior Year can be a stressful time, and I think giving the students something fun to commemorate the milestone isn't just good, it's necessary.
A special shout out to all the parents, siblings, and friends who endured the heat to make this happen!
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A Few Good Women Donates to Grant City Pool
RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 14, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - On Thursday, August 13, All Good Women of Worth County made a $4,500 donation to the Grant City Public Pool to aid with the purchase of a water slide. The check was delivered just before the Wristband night fundraiser, hosted by Small Town Bounce Co.
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(This Story Contains a message from our sponsors.)
Small Town Bounce Co. Hosts Waterslide Fundraiser
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 14, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - On Thursday, August 13, Small Town Bounce Co. hosted a wristband night fundraiser at the Grant City Park, in order to raise money to build a water slide at the Grant City Public pool. Small Town Bounce Co. is a small business owned and operated by Elaina Welch. They have been renting out bounce houses and water slides, as well as hosting the new event of Sunday night movies in the park.
The event, Wristband night as it was called, had three different inflatables for the kids to enjoy, as well as a variety of food options. The food trucks Cruzin’ Cafe and El Napal were in attendance, as well as The Rusty Bucket homemade ice cream.
The final total of money raised has yet to be released by Small Town Bounce Co.
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MU Extension Hosts 4-H Pool Party
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 13, 2026
GRANT CITY, Mo. - 4-H and MU Extension hosted a pool party for all youth on Wednesday, August 12. MU Extension employees attended with reading material regarding 4-H, while students and their parents could enjoy the pool, as well as the concession stand. Students 9 and Under were required to have adult supervision, or the supervision of a sibling if they were at least 16 years old. The pool party was held from 6:00-8:00 PM.
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Allendale Rodeo Rides Again
By RILEY DRURY
The Worth County Word
August 17, 2026
ALLENDALE, Mo. - The 34th annual Allendale Rodeo was held on Friday and Saturday, August 14 and 15. The Rodeo hosted the usual events; Bucking horses, Steer wrestling, Barrel Racing, Cattle Roping, and so much more, all while also being entertained by the Rodeo Clowning talents of ‘’Tator Tot”, who drove down from Arkansas to help MC the event.
The Rodeo also had several vendors in attendance, such as the Grant City Christian Church Dirty Soda fundraiser, which also ran a Rodeo t-shirt sale.
There were also two Rodeo Queens in attendance; Miss Rodea of Ringgold County, and Miss Leon Rodeo.
(This story contains a message from our sponsors.)