Area residents gather again to protest possible data centers in Nodaway County

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) -- Area locals gathered at a popular corner in Maryville on Saturday to speak up yet again against a possible data center coming to Nodaway County.

Nodaway Says No is a grassroots organization made up of citizens from around the area who are concerned about the proposed data centers around the state. Protesters raised concerns about natural resource usage and land use with the proposals. Nodaway Says No volunteer Nancy Zeliff says this is not a partisan issue.

“This is not a political issue,” Zeliff said. “This is our life, our quality of life, our resources we are concerned about. And in most cases, we are not happy with the lack of transparency and actually lies that are shared with us.”

Scale Microgrid’s proposed center outside of Maryville is currently on a six-month moratorium, but Zeliff says two more developers have reached out to the county economic development office. Protester Deb Ballin says that her connection to Maryville is why she protests data centers.

“I remember things like the street dance and how the community members always welcomed us into the businesses and made us feel like we were part of the Maryville family,” Ballin said. “That's the atmosphere I would rather see for Maryville, instead of a huge data center that we aren't going to reap any benefits from.”

Zeliff says Nodaway Says No will have a candidate on the November ballot running for presiding county commissioner for Nodaway County, whose voice could sway opinions.

That individual is Scott Wilson, a lifelong Nodaway County resident with a background in working with water supplies, which has led to his concern with data centers.

Zeliff says informed voters are needed to make change.

“Our citizens need to pay attention, and you need to elect the officials that are following your policies, because that's when we can make a change.”

Nodaway Says No is active on various social media platforms, posting updates about data centers in the area. Zeliff says staying informed through local media is crucial to staying aware of what’s happening in the community.