Gough: Hannibal council run-off angst causes supporter to threaten lawsuit

Remember when a situation involving April Azotea’s sales tax license for her business was brought to the public’s attention during a Hannibal City Council candidate’s forum?

Muddy River News reported on that.

Now we have a run-off between Azotea and Tammy Riley for the 2nd Ward City Council seat scheduled for April 22. Muddy River News is attempting to do its due diligence on reporting information we also have received about Riley concerning her business practices. A follow-up story about both candidates’ financial histories is still in the fact-gathering stage.

While those calls were being made, Muddy River News received a phone call from Kathleen Haycraft, a supporter of Riley’s and also the mother of 1st Ward Councilmember Scott Haycraft.

The voice mail message she left is as follows:

When contacted Friday, Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Luke Bryant said he hasn’t communicated with Haycraft since January 2024. He also said he has never had a phone conversation with her, so that statement she made appears to be untrue.

Bryant did say he informed Riley of the inquiry MRN had made to his office, which is fair. Bryant referred Muddy River News to another attorney, since most of Riley’s financial and legal issues appear to be civil, not criminal, in nature.

Muddy River News will have a story about Riley’s legal situation once we have verified the information — just like we did with her opponent.

Azotea, the leading vote-getter by 17 votes over Riley and Earl Hughes in last week’s municipal election, would not comment on Riley’s situation.

“It’s a shame we just can’t focus on what’s important: Hannibal’s future,” Azotea said. “This mudslinging is disgusting.”

A voicemail was left with Ms. Haycraft on Friday. She is free to let anyone who wants listen to it, but it’s pretty boring. It lacked the vitriol and threatening tone hers had.