hidden records and removeDate

It seems if we are expiring records with removeDate or using a "hidden" checkbox, the generated code to show a "no records found" or "check back later" type message will not show.

										<?php if (!$specialsRecords): ?>
											We are updating this page. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please check back for our latest special or give us a call for more information.
										<?php foreach ($locationsRecords as $record): ?>								
											<h4>Give us a call</h4>
											<p><?php echo htmlencode($record['phone']) ?></p>
											<h4>Hours</h4>
											<p><?php echo htmlencode($record['hours']) ?></p>
										<?php endforeach ?>
										<br/><br/>
										<?php endif ?>

would return as false and the check back message won't display, correct? I am keeping a lot of hidden records and expired records around to re-use later. Is there a way to consider those and show a message on the page for visitors? Otherwise, the page is blank.