The North Central Missouri College campus will be closed next Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day.

The closing includes all buildings and offices at all sites and locations, and no classes will be held. The Ketcham Community Center will also be closed.&nbsp; NCMC and the Ketcham Center will reopen on Tuesday, January 20th for regular hours of business.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698079440232.jpeg" alt="North Central Missouri College / File Photo" />
 <figcaption>North Central Missouri College / File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe North Central Missouri College campus will be closed next Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day.The closing includes all buildings and offices at all sites and locations, and no classes will be held. The Ketcham Community Center will also be closed.&nbsp; NCMC and the Ketcham Center will reopen on Tuesday, January 20th for regular hours of business.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NCMC campuses closed next Monday to honor Martin Luther King Jr day

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 12 - 18.

Route F –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through early 2026.&nbsp;

Route D –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.&nbsp;

Route CC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 250 to County Road 260, Jan. 12, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Route W – Brush cutting from Route T to U.S. Route 65, Jan. 12-16, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the bridge over Weldon River, Jan. 12-13. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route A – Shoulder work/edge rut repair from U.S. Route 71 to the Holt County line, Jan. 12-16, 7am to 3 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane at various locations with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for shoulder work/ditching from Route N to Keystone Road, Jan. 12-13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching both directions from U.S. Route 71 to Route YY, Jan. 13-14.

U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching both directions from the Iowa State line to Route FF, Jan. 14-15.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.&nbsp;

U.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHHere is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 12 - 18.Atchison CountyRoute F –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.Buchanan CountyGene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.&nbsp;Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through early 2026.&nbsp;Caldwell CountyRoute D –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.&nbsp;Carroll CountyRoute CC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 250 to County Road 260, Jan. 12, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Route W – Brush cutting from Route T to U.S. Route 65, Jan. 12-16, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.Chariton CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Linn CountyRoute 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Mercer CountyRoute 136 – Bridge maintenance at the bridge over Weldon River, Jan. 12-13. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Nodaway CountyRoute A – Shoulder work/edge rut repair from U.S. Route 71 to the Holt County line, Jan. 12-16, 7am to 3 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane at various locations with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for shoulder work/ditching from Route N to Keystone Road, Jan. 12-13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching both directions from U.S. Route 71 to Route YY, Jan. 13-14.U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching both directions from the Iowa State line to Route FF, Jan. 14-15.Sullivan CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.&nbsp;Worth CountyU.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Jan. 12 - 18

The Missouri Department of Transportation, in partnership with Evergy, will host an open-house public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to discuss proposed improvements to the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street. 

The meeting will take place from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Maryville Public Safety training room, located at 101 N. Vine St.

The project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety in anticipation of a new natural gas plant being constructed south of Maryville. MoDOT officials recommend replacing the existing crossover at the intersection with J-turns. This design is intended to reduce crash points and accommodate the increased volume of traffic expected during the plant's construction.

J-turns improve safety by preventing motorists from having to cross multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic. Instead, drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the same direction as traffic, merge into the passing lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel.

The meeting will follow an open-house format with no formal presentation. Members of the public are invited to arrive at any time during the two-hour window to view project plans and speak directly with project leaders from MoDOT and Evergy.

Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts or concerns and may provide comments directly to staff or via written comment forms. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, MoDOT will continue to accept public comments through Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The project is currently scheduled to be made available for contractor bids as part of MoDOT’s April 2026 letting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592590683992.png" alt="modot logo" />
 <figcaption>modot logo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation, in partnership with Evergy, will host an open-house public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to discuss proposed improvements to the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street. The meeting will take place from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Maryville Public Safety training room, located at 101 N. Vine St.The project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety in anticipation of a new natural gas plant being constructed south of Maryville. MoDOT officials recommend replacing the existing crossover at the intersection with J-turns. This design is intended to reduce crash points and accommodate the increased volume of traffic expected during the plant's construction.J-turns improve safety by preventing motorists from having to cross multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic. Instead, drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the same direction as traffic, merge into the passing lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel.The meeting will follow an open-house format with no formal presentation. Members of the public are invited to arrive at any time during the two-hour window to view project plans and speak directly with project leaders from MoDOT and Evergy.Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts or concerns and may provide comments directly to staff or via written comment forms. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, MoDOT will continue to accept public comments through Wednesday, Feb. 4.The project is currently scheduled to be made available for contractor bids as part of MoDOT’s April 2026 letting.

MoDOT and Evergy to hold public meeting for U.S. 71 safety improvements near Maryville

Hundreds of people gathered in St. Joseph on Sunday afternoon for a peaceful protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a deadly shooting by ICE agents in Minnesota.

The protest was held at the intersection of Belt Hwy and Frederick Ave.

The event, organized by Persisterhood, called for accountability and questioned the use of force in the shooting. Protesters highlighted the diverse immigrant community in St. Joseph and expressed concerns about the political divide affecting people's perceptions of facts. 

Many attendees also participated in a vigil in Kansas City, emphasizing the need for solidarity and awareness of potential injustices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768225933727.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>Hundreds of people gathered in St. Joseph on Sunday afternoon for a peaceful protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a deadly shooting by ICE agents in Minnesota.The protest was held at the intersection of Belt Hwy and Frederick Ave.The event, organized by Persisterhood, called for accountability and questioned the use of force in the shooting. Protesters highlighted the diverse immigrant community in St. Joseph and expressed concerns about the political divide affecting people's perceptions of facts. Many attendees also participated in a vigil in Kansas City, emphasizing the need for solidarity and awareness of potential injustices.

Hundreds attend ICE protest in St. Joseph

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;The 2026 Iowa legislative session begins Monday morning at 10:00.

 Property taxes and property rights top the agenda for Republicans who hold 100 of the 150 seats in the Iowa House and Senate. After several years of stalemate, House Speaker Pat Grassley says it would be good to quickly resolve the debate over whether Summit Carbon Solutions should be allowed to seize some of the property along its proposed pipeline route. 

Democrats in the legislature say they're focused on affordability issues and any property tax bill should focus relief on Iowans who really need it, like older Iowans on fixed incomes.

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;The 2026 Iowa legislative session begins Monday morning at 10:00. Property taxes and property rights top the agenda for Republicans who hold 100 of the 150 seats in the Iowa House and Senate. After several years of stalemate, House Speaker Pat Grassley says it would be good to quickly resolve the debate over whether Summit Carbon Solutions should be allowed to seize some of the property along its proposed pipeline route. Democrats in the legislature say they're focused on affordability issues and any property tax bill should focus relief on Iowans who really need it, like older Iowans on fixed incomes.

2026 Iowa legislative session convenes at 10 a.m.

Secretary of State Paul Pate is calling on lawmakers to streamline the process for dissolving fraudulent business registrations, citing a need to protect residents from harassment.

Under current Iowa law, all incorporated businesses must file registration paperwork with the secretary of state’s office. Pate told legislators that some bad actors use legitimate residential addresses to register dishonest companies. This often leads to unsuspecting homeowners being hounded by creditors and others searching for the business owners.

Pate characterized the existing administrative process for removing these fraudulent entities as "too cumbersome" and excessively slow. He is seeking legislative changes that would allow his office to act more quickly to shut down registrations tied to verified fraud or identity theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585854832578.jpeg" alt="fraud alert pixabay.jpg" />
 <figcaption>fraud alert pixabay.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSecretary of State Paul Pate is calling on lawmakers to streamline the process for dissolving fraudulent business registrations, citing a need to protect residents from harassment.Under current Iowa law, all incorporated businesses must file registration paperwork with the secretary of state’s office. Pate told legislators that some bad actors use legitimate residential addresses to register dishonest companies. This often leads to unsuspecting homeowners being hounded by creditors and others searching for the business owners.Pate characterized the existing administrative process for removing these fraudulent entities as "too cumbersome" and excessively slow. He is seeking legislative changes that would allow his office to act more quickly to shut down registrations tied to verified fraud or identity theft.

Iowa secretary of state seeks power to dissolve fraudulent businesses

The Office of Childhood submitted documentation of pending child care requests to access payments for the 53% of Missouri providers impacted by the federal delay

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri has submitted “detailed justification” required to access&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-waiting-on-25-7-million-payment-from-feds-to-reimburse-child-care-providers/">federal funding</a>&nbsp;owed to almost 2,000 child care providers across the state for services rendered in December, according to a Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/communications/missouri-submits-justification-federal-child-care-payments" target="_blank">press release</a>.

The Office of Childhood in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which found it could not access the funds earlier this week, had been unable to explain the delay to child care providers because it had not received communication from the federal government before Thursday evening.

“We know how important these payments are to providers, and this is our utmost priority,” said Office of Childhood Assistant Commissioner Deidre Anderson-Barbee in the press release.

The department submitted a “comprehensive breakdown” Friday morning to meet the requirements of a federal initiative called “Defend the Spend,” its spokesman told The Independent. Defend the Spend, a system created by the now-dissolved Department of Government Efficiency, requires recipients of federal funds to justify each transaction before they can receive payment.

Although the state office has submitted the required documentation, child care providers still don’t know when they can expect to receive payment.&nbsp;

Lisa Scheer, director of Baden Christian Child Care in St. Louis, told The Independent that the message from the state office brings little relief.

“It’s an answer, but it’s not an answer anyone wants to hear,” Scheer said. “To be honest, there’s not going to be an answer until they say, ‘We’re paying you.”

Scheer said her child care center relies heavily on the federal funds because each of the 45 children the center serves participates in the subsidy program. Families in Missouri must earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level to qualify.

“Our families really rely on our services for food, for safety,” Scheer said. “We provide area transportation and really just a safe haven for our neighborhood and community.”

U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill on Dec. 30 announced in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006152183863972241?s=20" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that all states would be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/02/repub/after-minnesota-fraud-allegations-hhs-orders-states-to-justify-child-care-spending/">required to justify their child care expenses</a>&nbsp;in order to access support from the federal Child Care and Development Fund.

On Monday the federal department froze child care payments to&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/media/press/2026/hhs-freezes-child-care-family-assistance-grants-five-states" target="_blank">five states</a>&nbsp;— all with Democrat-led governments.

The state’s Office of Childhood said Friday that the federal request for information about Missouri’s child care subsidy program indicates “Missouri child care funds have not been frozen.”

Before that communication, the cause of the delay wasn’t clear.&nbsp;

Casey Hanson, deputy director of Kids Win Missouri, told The Independent that the uncertainty has made the funding disruption more painful for child care providers who operate on very tight margins.

In a meeting of around 160 providers Wednesday, Hanson said, many were “frustrated and upset.”

Some providers who mostly serve families who receive subsidies “are at a point to be turning [those families] away, especially if they don’t have reserves, and a lot of small providers really don’t,” Hanson said.

Scheer, who was in the meeting, said she’s trying to delay costs where she can. She agreed with her husband that she won’t draw a paycheck until federal funding comes through.&nbsp; But she realizes her employees, who are mostly single women, can’t do that.

While Scheer said she is committed to keeping her doors open, she’s not sure how long the center would be able to operate without subsidy payments.

“It’s trying to make sure my employees’ needs are met so that they can still show up for children, so children’s needs are met, so that parents can still go to work and be parents for their children,” Scheer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768046524437.png" alt=" Barbara Swartz reads to children at Baden Christian Child Care in St. Louis last winter (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> Barbara Swartz reads to children at Baden Christian Child Care in St. Louis last winter (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Office of Childhood submitted documentation of pending child care requests to access payments for the 53% of Missouri providers impacted by the federal delay</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has submitted “detailed justification” required to access&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-waiting-on-25-7-million-payment-from-feds-to-reimburse-child-care-providers/">federal funding</a>&nbsp;owed to almost 2,000 child care providers across the state for services rendered in December, according to a Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/communications/missouri-submits-justification-federal-child-care-payments" target="_blank">press release</a>.The Office of Childhood in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which found it could not access the funds earlier this week, had been unable to explain the delay to child care providers because it had not received communication from the federal government before Thursday evening.“We know how important these payments are to providers, and this is our utmost priority,” said Office of Childhood Assistant Commissioner Deidre Anderson-Barbee in the press release.The department submitted a “comprehensive breakdown” Friday morning to meet the requirements of a federal initiative called “Defend the Spend,” its spokesman told The Independent. Defend the Spend, a system created by the now-dissolved Department of Government Efficiency, requires recipients of federal funds to justify each transaction before they can receive payment.Although the state office has submitted the required documentation, child care providers still don’t know when they can expect to receive payment.&nbsp;Lisa Scheer, director of Baden Christian Child Care in St. Louis, told The Independent that the message from the state office brings little relief.“It’s an answer, but it’s not an answer anyone wants to hear,” Scheer said. “To be honest, there’s not going to be an answer until they say, ‘We’re paying you.”Scheer said her child care center relies heavily on the federal funds because each of the 45 children the center serves participates in the subsidy program. Families in Missouri must earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level to qualify.“Our families really rely on our services for food, for safety,” Scheer said. “We provide area transportation and really just a safe haven for our neighborhood and community.”U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill on Dec. 30 announced in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006152183863972241?s=20" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that all states would be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/02/repub/after-minnesota-fraud-allegations-hhs-orders-states-to-justify-child-care-spending/">required to justify their child care expenses</a>&nbsp;in order to access support from the federal Child Care and Development Fund.On Monday the federal department froze child care payments to&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/media/press/2026/hhs-freezes-child-care-family-assistance-grants-five-states" target="_blank">five states</a>&nbsp;— all with Democrat-led governments.The state’s Office of Childhood said Friday that the federal request for information about Missouri’s child care subsidy program indicates “Missouri child care funds have not been frozen.”Before that communication, the cause of the delay wasn’t clear.&nbsp;Casey Hanson, deputy director of Kids Win Missouri, told The Independent that the uncertainty has made the funding disruption more painful for child care providers who operate on very tight margins.In a meeting of around 160 providers Wednesday, Hanson said, many were “frustrated and upset.”Some providers who mostly serve families who receive subsidies “are at a point to be turning [those families] away, especially if they don’t have reserves, and a lot of small providers really don’t,” Hanson said.Scheer, who was in the meeting, said she’s trying to delay costs where she can. She agreed with her husband that she won’t draw a paycheck until federal funding comes through.&nbsp; But she realizes her employees, who are mostly single women, can’t do that.While Scheer said she is committed to keeping her doors open, she’s not sure how long the center would be able to operate without subsidy payments.“It’s trying to make sure my employees’ needs are met so that they can still show up for children, so children’s needs are met, so that parents can still go to work and be parents for their children,” Scheer said.“It’s just a lot of unknown.”

Feds demand Missouri justify child care expenses to receive delayed funding

The secretary of state’s attorney told a judge Friday that the original ballot summary is “inherently argumentative” and should be revised

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins admitted Friday that he wrote a ballot summary “likely to create prejudice” against a possible referendum on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional district map</a>.

Hoskins’ lawyer, Kathleen Hunker of the attorney general’s office, made the admission during a hearing in a court case challenging the ballot summary and said it would be revised in negotiations with sponsors of the referendum.

“On a further reflection of the ballot title, the secretary has come to believe that the language, though defensible, does come close enough to the line of being inherently argumentative and likely to create prejudice,” Hunker told Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe. “That means we can do better, and so we are going to withdraw our opposition to the plaintiff’s claim about how the language is inherently argumentative.”

A political action committee called People Not Politicians on Dec. 9 turned in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">more than 300,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote on the redistricting plan Republicans muscled through a September special session. The PAC objected to the ballot summary&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/06/referendum-backers-reject-ballot-title-for-vote-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">as soon as it became public</a>&nbsp;and filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20.&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, attorney for People Not Politicians, told Stumpe that Hoskins will have to admit more — that the language he wrote is insufficient and unfair — to meet the standards for revising the summary.

“Your honor can’t enter an order just because it’s close to the line,” Hatfield said. “We’re going to have to have a finding that it’s insufficient and unfair. And I’m asking them to agree to that, and if they don’t, then we need a trial.”

The case before Stumpe was scheduled for a trial next Friday. He set a new date, Feb. 9, in case there is no agreement on what the revised summary should say.

The ballot summary written by Hoskins asks if voters approve the law, “which repeals Missouri’s existing gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbent politicians, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more cities and counties intact, are more compact, and better reflects statewide voting patterns?”

People Not Politicians objects to the characterization of the reapportionment made in 2022 as a “gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbents” and the factual basis for saying it keeps more cities and counties intact. The bill itself is just a list of voting districts and counties assigned to each district and the summary Hoskins wrote cannot be found in its contents, the PACs court filings state.

The summary’s statement about statewide voting patterns also brought objections. Recent elections gave Republicans about 60% of the vote and Democrats about 40%. The new map would give Democrats 12.5% of the state delegation instead of one-quarter.

Republicans want the new congressional map to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">please President Donald Trump</a>, who demanded the changes as a means to protect the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Using the new map, Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City. Republicans currently hold six of the eight seats.

If People Not Politicians and Hoskins’ office can agree on the factual basis for changing the summary, it would end the case but not litigation over the special session and the congressional map.

There are at least eight other lawsuits, six in state court and two in federal court, directly or indirectly related to the actions of the legislature or People Not Politicians.

The most recently filed case challenges assertions by Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway that the map passed in September&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">took effect on Dec. 11</a>, 90 days after the end of the special session.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25AC-CC09120&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19#docket" target="_blank">that case</a>, filed by the ACLU of Missouri, the state is accusing People Not Politicians and Hatfield of encouraging a lawsuit the PAC could not bring on its own. It has subpoenaed Hatfield, People Not Politicians Director Richard von Glahn and the PAC for records the state believes will show the connection.

“The state believes that PNP, Von Glahn or their agents recruited (the ACLU plaintiffs) as proxies to bring this lawsuit,” Solicitor General Louis Capozzi wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Defendants%20Suggestions%20in%20Support%20of%20Motion%20to%20Dismiss.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3771307" target="_blank">one filing in the case</a>.

And the state is seeking sanctions against Hatfield in a federal case dismissed in early December that sought to block the petition drive entirely. In the federal filing, Capozzi argued that Hatfield admitted in federal court that the map would take effect even if signatures were submitted to force a vote.

“Yet during the following days, defendants and Mr. Hatfield personally have aggressively and repeatedly communicated the opposite position to the media, stating unambiguously that their mere act of submitting referendum signatures immediately froze (the redistricting law) and prevented it from going into effect,” Capozzi wrote.

In the Friday hearing before Stumpe, Hatfield noted that Capozzi is seeking sanctions and making accusations that he or People Not Politicians is sponsoring the case over when the map takes effect. The order from Stumpe directing Hoskins to revise the ballot summary needs to settle all legal issues in the case, he said.

“Mr. Capozzi sought sanctions against me in federal court, and he’s either confused about what happened in federal court, or he’s intentionally misrepresenting what happened in federal court,” Hatfield said. “I’m assuming he’s confused about what happened, and I don’t want any confusion here.”

There is also confusion over which of the more than 300,000 signatures will be checked to see if the referendum petition meets the threshold of approximately 110,000 signatures spread over six congressional districts.&nbsp;

In court, and in media statements, Hoskins and his attorneys have said only signature pages with at least one signature dated Oct. 14 or later will be checked. Hoskins approved the form of the petition on Oct. 13.

Of the 49,773 pages with signatures, 33,068 have been sent to local election authorities to verify whether the signatures are from registered voters. The rest, Hoskins’ office said Friday in a statement to The Independent, “having invalid dates were scanned, retained, and organized separately.”

Speaking on&nbsp;<a href="https://podnews.net/podcast/idvil/episodes" target="_blank">KMOX radio on Wednesday morning</a>, Hoskins repeated the statement that signatures aren’t being checked.

“We’re not counting those,” Hoskins said. “And, you know, unless a judge issues a court order and says, hey, yes, you must count these. But otherwise, we’ve set those aside. They should not count toward that referendum.“

But in statements to People Not Politicians, Chrissy Peters, Hoskins’ director of elections, said the pages retained in the secretary of state’s office are being checked for signature verification.

In a statement intended to clarify the confusion, Rachael Dunn, spokeswoman for Hoskins, said Friday that no signature checks are being made in Hoskins to determine if the petition has sufficient signatures to be placed on the ballot.&nbsp;

She said only signatures on pages sent to local election authorities will be counted.

“The secretary of state’s office is not,” Dunn wrote, “utilizing any lines reviewed on pages dated Oct. 13 and earlier for determination towards sufficiency.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759061969764.png" alt="Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The secretary of state’s attorney told a judge Friday that the original ballot summary is “inherently argumentative” and should be revised</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins admitted Friday that he wrote a ballot summary “likely to create prejudice” against a possible referendum on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional district map</a>.Hoskins’ lawyer, Kathleen Hunker of the attorney general’s office, made the admission during a hearing in a court case challenging the ballot summary and said it would be revised in negotiations with sponsors of the referendum.“On a further reflection of the ballot title, the secretary has come to believe that the language, though defensible, does come close enough to the line of being inherently argumentative and likely to create prejudice,” Hunker told Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe. “That means we can do better, and so we are going to withdraw our opposition to the plaintiff’s claim about how the language is inherently argumentative.”A political action committee called People Not Politicians on Dec. 9 turned in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">more than 300,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote on the redistricting plan Republicans muscled through a September special session. The PAC objected to the ballot summary&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/06/referendum-backers-reject-ballot-title-for-vote-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">as soon as it became public</a>&nbsp;and filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20.&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, attorney for People Not Politicians, told Stumpe that Hoskins will have to admit more — that the language he wrote is insufficient and unfair — to meet the standards for revising the summary.“Your honor can’t enter an order just because it’s close to the line,” Hatfield said. “We’re going to have to have a finding that it’s insufficient and unfair. And I’m asking them to agree to that, and if they don’t, then we need a trial.”The case before Stumpe was scheduled for a trial next Friday. He set a new date, Feb. 9, in case there is no agreement on what the revised summary should say.The ballot summary written by Hoskins asks if voters approve the law, “which repeals Missouri’s existing gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbent politicians, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more cities and counties intact, are more compact, and better reflects statewide voting patterns?”People Not Politicians objects to the characterization of the reapportionment made in 2022 as a “gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbents” and the factual basis for saying it keeps more cities and counties intact. The bill itself is just a list of voting districts and counties assigned to each district and the summary Hoskins wrote cannot be found in its contents, the PACs court filings state.The summary’s statement about statewide voting patterns also brought objections. Recent elections gave Republicans about 60% of the vote and Democrats about 40%. The new map would give Democrats 12.5% of the state delegation instead of one-quarter.Republicans want the new congressional map to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">please President Donald Trump</a>, who demanded the changes as a means to protect the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.Using the new map, Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City. Republicans currently hold six of the eight seats.If People Not Politicians and Hoskins’ office can agree on the factual basis for changing the summary, it would end the case but not litigation over the special session and the congressional map.There are at least eight other lawsuits, six in state court and two in federal court, directly or indirectly related to the actions of the legislature or People Not Politicians.The most recently filed case challenges assertions by Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway that the map passed in September&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">took effect on Dec. 11</a>, 90 days after the end of the special session.In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25AC-CC09120&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19#docket" target="_blank">that case</a>, filed by the ACLU of Missouri, the state is accusing People Not Politicians and Hatfield of encouraging a lawsuit the PAC could not bring on its own. It has subpoenaed Hatfield, People Not Politicians Director Richard von Glahn and the PAC for records the state believes will show the connection.“The state believes that PNP, Von Glahn or their agents recruited (the ACLU plaintiffs) as proxies to bring this lawsuit,” Solicitor General Louis Capozzi wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Defendants%20Suggestions%20in%20Support%20of%20Motion%20to%20Dismiss.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3771307" target="_blank">one filing in the case</a>.And the state is seeking sanctions against Hatfield in a federal case dismissed in early December that sought to block the petition drive entirely. In the federal filing, Capozzi argued that Hatfield admitted in federal court that the map would take effect even if signatures were submitted to force a vote.“Yet during the following days, defendants and Mr. Hatfield personally have aggressively and repeatedly communicated the opposite position to the media, stating unambiguously that their mere act of submitting referendum signatures immediately froze (the redistricting law) and prevented it from going into effect,” Capozzi wrote.In the Friday hearing before Stumpe, Hatfield noted that Capozzi is seeking sanctions and making accusations that he or People Not Politicians is sponsoring the case over when the map takes effect. The order from Stumpe directing Hoskins to revise the ballot summary needs to settle all legal issues in the case, he said.“Mr. Capozzi sought sanctions against me in federal court, and he’s either confused about what happened in federal court, or he’s intentionally misrepresenting what happened in federal court,” Hatfield said. “I’m assuming he’s confused about what happened, and I don’t want any confusion here.”There is also confusion over which of the more than 300,000 signatures will be checked to see if the referendum petition meets the threshold of approximately 110,000 signatures spread over six congressional districts.&nbsp;In court, and in media statements, Hoskins and his attorneys have said only signature pages with at least one signature dated Oct. 14 or later will be checked. Hoskins approved the form of the petition on Oct. 13.Of the 49,773 pages with signatures, 33,068 have been sent to local election authorities to verify whether the signatures are from registered voters. The rest, Hoskins’ office said Friday in a statement to The Independent, “having invalid dates were scanned, retained, and organized separately.”Speaking on&nbsp;<a href="https://podnews.net/podcast/idvil/episodes" target="_blank">KMOX radio on Wednesday morning</a>, Hoskins repeated the statement that signatures aren’t being checked.“We’re not counting those,” Hoskins said. “And, you know, unless a judge issues a court order and says, hey, yes, you must count these. But otherwise, we’ve set those aside. They should not count toward that referendum.“But in statements to People Not Politicians, Chrissy Peters, Hoskins’ director of elections, said the pages retained in the secretary of state’s office are being checked for signature verification.In a statement intended to clarify the confusion, Rachael Dunn, spokeswoman for Hoskins, said Friday that no signature checks are being made in Hoskins to determine if the petition has sufficient signatures to be placed on the ballot.&nbsp;She said only signatures on pages sent to local election authorities will be counted.“The secretary of state’s office is not,” Dunn wrote, “utilizing any lines reviewed on pages dated Oct. 13 and earlier for determination towards sufficiency.”

Denny Hoskins admits writing flawed ballot summary for Missouri gerrymandering referendum

The following is the complete, unedited report from the Andrew County Health Department for food-serving establishments. This report is collected quarterly.

Food Code violations are broken down into two categories: priority (critical) and core (non-critical). Priority violations are crucial as they are more likely to result in food contamination, illness, or environmental health hazards. Some examples of priority violations include improper food storage temperatures, inadequate cooking, employee hygiene, contaminated equipment and improper chemical usage. On the other hand, core violations involve issues like clean floors, walls, and ceilings, open waste bins, uncovered light bulbs in food preparation areas, and lack of thermometers for temperature control monitoring.

Violations annotated (COS) means the issue was “Corrected on Site” before health inspection was completed.

Avenue City Grocery 18172 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Ice bagged on premise not labelled, dust and debris build up on ice baffle, store room freezer missing kick panel (equipment should be in good repair).

Avenue City R-9 Elementary 18069 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).

Brother’s Market Deli 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: Employees not washing hands between tasks (COS). Core: Dust and debris buildup on facility walls, floors, door seals and equipment, in use utensils not stored properly between uses, wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer.

Cabin Coffee Company 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Rags/paper towels used to line shelves in preparation area (contact surfaces should be smooth and cleanable).

Duncan Hills Golf Course 400 E Duncan Dr, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Accumulated crumbs and residue in kitchen and alternative refrigerators, food prepped and package on site not labelled or dated in storage freezer.

Subway 501A N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).

Prairie Specialties LLC 2777 State Route P King City, MO 64463. Routine 10.16.25. Violations: None.

Dollar General 19319 Co Rd 281, Helena, MO 64459. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Damaged facility wall in storage bay, dumpster lids open at time of inspection.

Pizza Hut 202 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Door guard for walk in fridge torn and in disrepair, dirty non-food contact surfaces including vent grates and high contact surfaces, customer lobby benches showing signs of distress.

Harry O’s 105 N 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.17.25. Violations: None.

Savannah R-3: Amazonia Elementary 845 6th St, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Hand sink used for purposes other than handwashing.

Savage Fitness 205 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Opening 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Carpet in drink preparation space (walls, floors and ceilings should be covered or made of none absorbent materials). Approved for opening.

VFW Post 12053 53 State Route K, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Unsealed wood used for shelving, cardboard/paper towels used to line counter tops (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials), thermometer missing from cold units (COS), trashcans dirty (attracts pest and can cause lingering odors), cups without handles being used as ingredient scoops, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.

Andrew County Senior Center 12737 State Hwy E, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Cardboard used to line shelf in walk in refrigerator. Approval provided for salad bar addition.

Jesse’s Last Stop #1 6101 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Buildup on outside of ice chutes, ice bagged on premises not labelled, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection, damaged cabinets and missing cabinetry, counter edges showing signs of distress (unsealed particle board apparent), rags used to line counter (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials).

Saint Joseph Country Club 50 Ridgeland Rd, Country Club, MO 64505. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Bowls without handles being used as ingredients scoops, no towels or hand dryer available at handwashing sink in dish room, single service items stored on floor in dry storage cellar, mop heads not stored properly between uses (COS), food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination in walk-in, missing ceiling tile in food preparation area (COS).

Community Hall 325 S Holt Fillmore, MO 64449. Routine 11.5.25. Violations: None.

Trex Mart #11 4177 59 Hwy, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.5.25. Priority: Asian lady beetle infestation on premise, pest control procedure in affect and presence minimized in food preparation areas. Core: Floor tiles in disrepair, mops not stored properly between uses, non-food contact surfaces not clean to sight and touch (high contact surfaces, accumulated ice in freezers, door tracks and clutter), dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.

Wild Horse Café 110 S 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Loose tobacco and tobacco products stored openly in food preparation space (COS). Core: Mops not stored properly between uses (COS), cloths/foil used to line food contact surfaces, personal items not stored separately from food storage.

Pizza Shoppe 410 Court St. Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Unlabeled chemical bottles (COS). Core: Mop sink in disrepair, wall damage in customer lobby, no sanitizer test strips on site.

China House 101 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: None. Core: Unlabeled food products, unsealed wood used as shelving in refrigerator.

El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Raw meats stored over ready-to-eat foods in reach in fridge and freezers, potentially hazardous cold foods in prep table not being held below 41 degrees. Core: Improper methods used to thaw meats, missing handwashing signage from front handwashing sink, handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing, ice scoop not stored properly between uses, food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination on prep table, unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room (building materials should be smooth, cleanable and nonabsorbent if they are a surface that can be exposed to splashes or spills).

El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Follow Up 11.25.25. Priority: None. Core: Improper thawing methods used to thaw meats (COS), handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing (COS), Ice scoops not stored properly between uses (COS), unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room.

Dollar General 1605 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Violations: None.

Dairy Queen 108 S Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Equipment in disrepair (handle broken on chest freezer).

Brother’s Market Grocery 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Water damaged ceiling tiles throughout store, build-up on beer cooler walls and around door seals in select spaces, broken door seals on walk-in freezer, towels used to line shelves in bakery.

Ivy Cottage 408 Court St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Violations: None.

Gambino’s Pizza 111 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Priority: Insufficient sanitizer from dish machine (COS). Core: Dirty non-food contact surfaces (inside of microwave in food prep areas), insufficient light in walk-in refrigerator.

The following is the complete, unedited report from the Andrew County Health Department for food-serving establishments. This report is collected quarterly.Food Code violations are broken down into two categories: priority (critical) and core (non-critical). Priority violations are crucial as they are more likely to result in food contamination, illness, or environmental health hazards. Some examples of priority violations include improper food storage temperatures, inadequate cooking, employee hygiene, contaminated equipment and improper chemical usage. On the other hand, core violations involve issues like clean floors, walls, and ceilings, open waste bins, uncovered light bulbs in food preparation areas, and lack of thermometers for temperature control monitoring.Violations annotated (COS) means the issue was “Corrected on Site” before health inspection was completed.Avenue City Grocery 18172 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Ice bagged on premise not labelled, dust and debris build up on ice baffle, store room freezer missing kick panel (equipment should be in good repair).Avenue City R-9 Elementary 18069 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).Brother’s Market Deli 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: Employees not washing hands between tasks (COS). Core: Dust and debris buildup on facility walls, floors, door seals and equipment, in use utensils not stored properly between uses, wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer.Cabin Coffee Company 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Rags/paper towels used to line shelves in preparation area (contact surfaces should be smooth and cleanable).Duncan Hills Golf Course 400 E Duncan Dr, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Accumulated crumbs and residue in kitchen and alternative refrigerators, food prepped and package on site not labelled or dated in storage freezer.Subway 501A N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).Prairie Specialties LLC 2777 State Route P King City, MO 64463. Routine 10.16.25. Violations: None.Dollar General 19319 Co Rd 281, Helena, MO 64459. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Damaged facility wall in storage bay, dumpster lids open at time of inspection.Pizza Hut 202 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Door guard for walk in fridge torn and in disrepair, dirty non-food contact surfaces including vent grates and high contact surfaces, customer lobby benches showing signs of distress.Harry O’s 105 N 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.17.25. Violations: None.Savannah R-3: Amazonia Elementary 845 6th St, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Hand sink used for purposes other than handwashing.Savage Fitness 205 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Opening 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Carpet in drink preparation space (walls, floors and ceilings should be covered or made of none absorbent materials). Approved for opening.VFW Post 12053 53 State Route K, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Unsealed wood used for shelving, cardboard/paper towels used to line counter tops (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials), thermometer missing from cold units (COS), trashcans dirty (attracts pest and can cause lingering odors), cups without handles being used as ingredient scoops, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.Andrew County Senior Center 12737 State Hwy E, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Cardboard used to line shelf in walk in refrigerator. Approval provided for salad bar addition.Jesse’s Last Stop #1 6101 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Buildup on outside of ice chutes, ice bagged on premises not labelled, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection, damaged cabinets and missing cabinetry, counter edges showing signs of distress (unsealed particle board apparent), rags used to line counter (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials).Saint Joseph Country Club 50 Ridgeland Rd, Country Club, MO 64505. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Bowls without handles being used as ingredients scoops, no towels or hand dryer available at handwashing sink in dish room, single service items stored on floor in dry storage cellar, mop heads not stored properly between uses (COS), food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination in walk-in, missing ceiling tile in food preparation area (COS).Community Hall 325 S Holt Fillmore, MO 64449. Routine 11.5.25. Violations: None.Trex Mart #11 4177 59 Hwy, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.5.25. Priority: Asian lady beetle infestation on premise, pest control procedure in affect and presence minimized in food preparation areas. Core: Floor tiles in disrepair, mops not stored properly between uses, non-food contact surfaces not clean to sight and touch (high contact surfaces, accumulated ice in freezers, door tracks and clutter), dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.Wild Horse Café 110 S 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Loose tobacco and tobacco products stored openly in food preparation space (COS). Core: Mops not stored properly between uses (COS), cloths/foil used to line food contact surfaces, personal items not stored separately from food storage.Pizza Shoppe 410 Court St. Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Unlabeled chemical bottles (COS). Core: Mop sink in disrepair, wall damage in customer lobby, no sanitizer test strips on site.China House 101 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: None. Core: Unlabeled food products, unsealed wood used as shelving in refrigerator.El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Raw meats stored over ready-to-eat foods in reach in fridge and freezers, potentially hazardous cold foods in prep table not being held below 41 degrees. Core: Improper methods used to thaw meats, missing handwashing signage from front handwashing sink, handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing, ice scoop not stored properly between uses, food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination on prep table, unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room (building materials should be smooth, cleanable and nonabsorbent if they are a surface that can be exposed to splashes or spills).El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Follow Up 11.25.25. Priority: None. Core: Improper thawing methods used to thaw meats (COS), handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing (COS), Ice scoops not stored properly between uses (COS), unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room.Dollar General 1605 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Violations: None.Dairy Queen 108 S Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Equipment in disrepair (handle broken on chest freezer).Brother’s Market Grocery 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Water damaged ceiling tiles throughout store, build-up on beer cooler walls and around door seals in select spaces, broken door seals on walk-in freezer, towels used to line shelves in bakery.Ivy Cottage 408 Court St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Violations: None.Gambino’s Pizza 111 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Priority: Insufficient sanitizer from dish machine (COS). Core: Dirty non-food contact surfaces (inside of microwave in food prep areas), insufficient light in walk-in refrigerator.

Andrew County Health Inspections (October-December 2025)

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.

Bearcat Lanes-1803 S. Main, Maryville (12-29-25) Noncritical:

City Star #3-623 S. Main, Maryville (12-22-25) Critical:

Nodaway County Senior Center-1210 E. First, Maryville (12-3-25)

Nopal Mexican Restaurant-2717 S. Main, Maryville (12-16-25)

North Nodaway R-VI Elementary School-2016 E. Sixth, Pickering (12-11-25)

North Nodaway R-VI High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (12-11-25)

Northeast Nodaway R-V School District-126 S High School Ave., Ravenwood (12-17-25)

South Nodaway R-IV-209 More House Road, Barnard (12-5-25)

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis, Maryville (12-4-25)

The Palms Bar &amp; Grill-424 N. Buchanan, Maryville (12-15-25)

Tuck Point Bar &amp; Grill-121 S. Main, Ravenwood (12-10-25)

West Nodaway R-I School District-17665 U.S. Hwy 136, Burlington Junction (12-16-25)

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.Note that COS means corrected on site.Bearcat Lanes-1803 S. Main, Maryville (12-29-25) Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Air fryer in bar area needs to be cleaned.</li>
 </ul>City Star #3-623 S. Main, Maryville (12-22-25) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Three-bay sink faucet: no spout hose attached, but no anti-siphon device</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Ice bagged on premises must have store name, address, and phone number.</li><li>Excessive frost in chest freezer</li><li>Missing and stained ceiling tiles in backroom</li><li>Restroom doors propped open</li><li>No covered trash can in women's restroom</li>
 </ul>Nodaway County Senior Center-1210 E. First, Maryville (12-3-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Dead bugs beside washer and dryer</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Torn door gaskets on left-hand door of two-door True freezer, four of the five Hussman cooler reach-in doors, left hand is worse than right on Superior two-door freezer.</li><li>Contact paper on a few shelves in good repair.</li>
 </ul>Nopal Mexican Restaurant-2717 S. Main, Maryville (12-16-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Dirty can opener in the back room by one-gallon storage, COS</li><li>Unlabeled spray bottles, COS</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Excessive frost in upright freezer</li><li>Small prep table has slightly torn gasket in upper corner</li><li>Walk-in cooler door doesn’t latch</li><li>Cardboard on floor by dish room</li><li>Bad threshold to walk-in cooler</li><li>Cover missing on trash can in women’s restroom</li><li>Discussed: padded benches and chairs, cracked and chipped tiles, proper cooking temps, product color</li>
 </ul>North Nodaway R-VI Elementary School-2016 E. Sixth, Pickering (12-11-25)Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Paper towel dispenser at hand sink not working, COS</li>
 </ul>North Nodaway R-VI High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (12-11-25)No violations.Northeast Nodaway R-V School District-126 S High School Ave., Ravenwood (12-17-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Dirty can opener, COS</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>No paper towels at hand sink, COS</li><li>Notes: Discussed date marking and sanitizers</li>
 </ul>South Nodaway R-IV-209 More House Road, Barnard (12-5-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Hot food not eld at 135°F or above: hamburger patties – 127°F in warmer</li><li>Cold food not held at 41°F ore below: Iced salad bar – Apple Sauce – 55°F, Pears – 50°F, Mandarin oranges – 67°F</li><li>Notes: Discussed time out of refrigerator, better icing</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Not all refrigeration units have thermometers.</li><li>Notes: New staff, discussed food handlers training, holding and prep times</li>
 </ul>St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis, Maryville (12-4-25)Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Back splash on two-bay sink needs to be re-caulked.</li><li>Notes: Discussed walk-in cooler floor.</li>
 </ul>The Palms Bar &amp; Grill-424 N. Buchanan, Maryville (12-15-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Bottle of ginger beer in the ice chest used for drinks at the bar, remove and replace ice</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>No paper towels at bar hand sink</li><li>Bar hand sink faucet dripping badly</li><li>Damaged flooring in walk-in cooler</li><li>Notes: Discussed thermometers</li>
 </ul>Tuck Point Bar &amp; Grill-121 S. Main, Ravenwood (12-10-25)Critical:<ul>
 <li>Mechanical dishwasher not dispensing sanitizer, service rep called</li>
 </ul>Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Excessive frost in Woods freezer</li><li>Door handle broken/missing on Kenmore upright</li><li>Vent hood needs to be cleaned</li><li>Walls by fryer and grill need to be cleaned</li>
 </ul>West Nodaway R-I School District-17665 U.S. Hwy 136, Burlington Junction (12-16-25)Noncritical:<ul>
 <li>Discussed ceiling tiles in back room, sewer smell</li>
 </ul>

Nodaway County Health Inspections (December 2025)

Influenza cases are on the rise across the country, including Northwest Missouri.

Nearly 9,000 new influenza cases were reported statewide during the last week of 2025. Kansas also saw a rise in cases at the end of the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported "very high" flu-like activity levels in 30 states, prompting a reminder to take preventive measures.

Clinic supervisor with the St. Joseph Health Department, Kristi Billings, says for the last count in December, there were 568 cases of flu in the area. "We're still getting daily numbers from the end of December, so that number will probably rise from this point forward."

Billings says there are several precautions to take in order to combat the flu. "If you're sick, stay home. Distance yourself from other sick people. Wash your hands thoroughly, and get the flu vaccine to minimize or prevent symptoms."

Nearly 40% of Missouri adults have received their annual flu vaccine, but only about 35% of children age six months - 17 years old have received theirs.

Flu shots are available at the St. Joseph Health Department, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The health department is located at&nbsp;904 S. 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767660552159.png" alt="Most recent flu map from the CDC" />
 <figcaption>Most recent flu map from the CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHInfluenza cases are on the rise across the country, including Northwest Missouri.Nearly 9,000 new influenza cases were reported statewide during the last week of 2025. Kansas also saw a rise in cases at the end of the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported "very high" flu-like activity levels in 30 states, prompting a reminder to take preventive measures.Clinic supervisor with the St. Joseph Health Department, Kristi Billings, says for the last count in December, there were 568 cases of flu in the area. "We're still getting daily numbers from the end of December, so that number will probably rise from this point forward."Billings says there are several precautions to take in order to combat the flu. "If you're sick, stay home. Distance yourself from other sick people. Wash your hands thoroughly, and get the flu vaccine to minimize or prevent symptoms."Nearly 40% of Missouri adults have received their annual flu vaccine, but only about 35% of children age six months - 17 years old have received theirs.Flu shots are available at the St. Joseph Health Department, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The health department is located at&nbsp;904 S. 10th Street.

Flu cases are on the rise; area residents encouraged to take precautions

(Radio Iowa) - Senior citizens in Iowa are in line for a new tax break. 

Stacy Engle, a spokeswoman for the Internal Revenue Service, says Iowans who are 65 years old and older can claim an extra deduction this year -- and each year through 2028. The new bonus is in addition to the normal senior standard deduction, bringing eligible individuals another six-thousand dollars, and for a married couple, if both over 65, an additional 12-thousand dollars. 

The new deduction was part of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that passed Congress in July.

(Radio Iowa) - Senior citizens in Iowa are in line for a new tax break. Stacy Engle, a spokeswoman for the Internal Revenue Service, says Iowans who are 65 years old and older can claim an extra deduction this year -- and each year through 2028. The new bonus is in addition to the normal senior standard deduction, bringing eligible individuals another six-thousand dollars, and for a married couple, if both over 65, an additional 12-thousand dollars. The new deduction was part of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that passed Congress in July.

IRS: Many Iowa seniors will get an extra tax deduction this season

State Rep. Jeremy Dean should be ordered to stay 50 feet away from the recipient and be denied committee assignments during this year’s session, the Ethics Committee report recommends

The Missouri House should order a Democratic lawmaker who sent a “vulgar and sexual” message to a colleague&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-democrat-faces-ethics-inquiry-loses-committee-seats-over-obscene-text/">during the September special session</a>&nbsp;to stay at least 50 feet away from her, the Ethics Committee recommended Wednesday.

The committee, with a unanimous vote of its five Republican and five Democratic members during&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/29/missouri-house-ethics-hearing-focuses-on-obscene-text-sent-by-democratic-lawmaker/">an Oct. 29 hearing</a>, also recommended that state Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield, lose his committee seats, undergo sexual harassment prevention training and have his seat on the House floor and his parking spot moved.

The committee’s report and recommendations were made public for the first time after they were published Wednesday in the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/jrnpdf/jrn001.pdf" target="_blank">journal for the opening day</a>&nbsp;of this year’s session.&nbsp;

Ethics Committee Chairman Lane Roberts, a Republican from Joplin, said the recommended punishment is in line with punishments recommended during past actions of the committee. The ethics committee can recommend a range of punishments, including censure and expulsion from the House.

“Our goal here is to make sure that what we do is balanced, and part of that balance is looking back through our history, how we handled such things in the past,” Roberts said.

Dean was given 15 days to object to the sanctions and did not.

In an interview with The Independent, Dean said he did not object because he accepts that the texts were inappropriate. But he added that he thinks the ethics complaint was motivated by politics.

“It seems more to me that the Republicans saw this as an opportunity to bash a Democrat in the news while they knew that they were continuing to get bad press and losing elections across the country,” Dean said. “And so this is an opportunity for them to continue to try and hold on to the state of Missouri when they know things are going downhill for them.”

On Sept. 4, while Dean was engaged in a sit-in on the House floor, he sent a text message to state Reps. Cecelie Wiliams, a Republican from Dittmer, while she was participating in a hearing of the House Elections Committee.

Lawmakers were in special session in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">call from President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts to make it likely a Republican could win the 5th District seat held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat.

At the time of the text, the Elections Committee was taking testimony on a proposal to change how majorities are counted for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.

In the text, Dean included a description of an oral sex act with the president and questioned how Republicans could talk while engaged in it. The text message became public when a screenshot of it was shared on social media by former Republican state Rep. Adam Schwadron.

Dean was watching the committee meeting on an online livestream and sent another text after seeing Williams’ reaction, the report states. The report does not describe the content of the second message.

Williams “was shocked by these messages, which were unprofessional and disruptive to the legislative process,” the report states.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, removed Dean from his committee assignments and has not placed him on any committees for this year’s session.

Both Dean and Williams testified during the Oct. 29 hearing and Dean admitted sending the text, the report states.

Dean “stated that he recognized that the messages were inappropriate and unprofessional, and that he regretted sending them,” the report states. Dean “denied any intent to disrupt the legislative process, intimidate (Williams), or improperly influence her participation in the committee hearing.”

The Ethics Committee is the only House committee with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats and a minority member vice chairman. The 10 members all approved the sanctions.

The committee’s unanimous vote shows members thought “the conduct was significantly egregious and that we needed to address it,” Roberts said. “Very serious consequences needed to be commensurate with the conduct, but again, it needed to be balanced with what we’ve historically done, so that we’re not guilty of treating one person differently than another.”

In the interview with The Independent, Dean said he sent the text to Williams because he thought he could joke with her. The are both serving their first terms in the House.

“Since the freshman bus tour, Rep. Williams and I had what I would consider a very good working friendship, and I obviously crossed the line with that text message,” he said. “I totally accept that.”

The biggest lesson learned is “that you’ve got to watch your back,” Dean said. “There are people in this city that you think are your friends, people that you can joke around with, but at the end of the day, a lot of people are here for their own political gain.”

<h2>State Rep. Jeremy Dean should be ordered to stay 50 feet away from the recipient and be denied committee assignments during this year’s session, the Ethics Committee report recommends</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House should order a Democratic lawmaker who sent a “vulgar and sexual” message to a colleague&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-democrat-faces-ethics-inquiry-loses-committee-seats-over-obscene-text/">during the September special session</a>&nbsp;to stay at least 50 feet away from her, the Ethics Committee recommended Wednesday.The committee, with a unanimous vote of its five Republican and five Democratic members during&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/29/missouri-house-ethics-hearing-focuses-on-obscene-text-sent-by-democratic-lawmaker/">an Oct. 29 hearing</a>, also recommended that state Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield, lose his committee seats, undergo sexual harassment prevention training and have his seat on the House floor and his parking spot moved.The committee’s report and recommendations were made public for the first time after they were published Wednesday in the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/jrnpdf/jrn001.pdf" target="_blank">journal for the opening day</a>&nbsp;of this year’s session.&nbsp;Ethics Committee Chairman Lane Roberts, a Republican from Joplin, said the recommended punishment is in line with punishments recommended during past actions of the committee. The ethics committee can recommend a range of punishments, including censure and expulsion from the House.“Our goal here is to make sure that what we do is balanced, and part of that balance is looking back through our history, how we handled such things in the past,” Roberts said.Dean was given 15 days to object to the sanctions and did not.In an interview with The Independent, Dean said he did not object because he accepts that the texts were inappropriate. But he added that he thinks the ethics complaint was motivated by politics.“It seems more to me that the Republicans saw this as an opportunity to bash a Democrat in the news while they knew that they were continuing to get bad press and losing elections across the country,” Dean said. “And so this is an opportunity for them to continue to try and hold on to the state of Missouri when they know things are going downhill for them.”On Sept. 4, while Dean was engaged in a sit-in on the House floor, he sent a text message to state Reps. Cecelie Wiliams, a Republican from Dittmer, while she was participating in a hearing of the House Elections Committee.Lawmakers were in special session in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">call from President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts to make it likely a Republican could win the 5th District seat held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat.At the time of the text, the Elections Committee was taking testimony on a proposal to change how majorities are counted for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.In the text, Dean included a description of an oral sex act with the president and questioned how Republicans could talk while engaged in it. The text message became public when a screenshot of it was shared on social media by former Republican state Rep. Adam Schwadron.Dean was watching the committee meeting on an online livestream and sent another text after seeing Williams’ reaction, the report states. The report does not describe the content of the second message.Williams “was shocked by these messages, which were unprofessional and disruptive to the legislative process,” the report states.House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, removed Dean from his committee assignments and has not placed him on any committees for this year’s session.Both Dean and Williams testified during the Oct. 29 hearing and Dean admitted sending the text, the report states.Dean “stated that he recognized that the messages were inappropriate and unprofessional, and that he regretted sending them,” the report states. Dean “denied any intent to disrupt the legislative process, intimidate (Williams), or improperly influence her participation in the committee hearing.”The Ethics Committee is the only House committee with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats and a minority member vice chairman. The 10 members all approved the sanctions.The committee’s unanimous vote shows members thought “the conduct was significantly egregious and that we needed to address it,” Roberts said. “Very serious consequences needed to be commensurate with the conduct, but again, it needed to be balanced with what we’ve historically done, so that we’re not guilty of treating one person differently than another.”In the interview with The Independent, Dean said he sent the text to Williams because he thought he could joke with her. The are both serving their first terms in the House.“Since the freshman bus tour, Rep. Williams and I had what I would consider a very good working friendship, and I obviously crossed the line with that text message,” he said. “I totally accept that.”The biggest lesson learned is “that you’ve got to watch your back,” Dean said. “There are people in this city that you think are your friends, people that you can joke around with, but at the end of the day, a lot of people are here for their own political gain.”

Bipartisan Mo. House ethics panel seeks sanctions for obscene text sent by Democrat

 The veteran Republican leading tax efforts in the Iowa Senate says it is time to stop "putting band-aids" on the state’s property tax system and pursue a permanent overhaul.

State Sen. Dan Dawson, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the 2026 legislative session beginning Monday offers a rare opportunity for wholesale changes. 

Dawson’s comments come as Gov. Kim Reynolds prepares to release her own reform proposal, likely during her annual condition of the state address next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764608476480.jpg" alt="coins, currency, investment, insurance, cash, banking, financial, business, money, success, save money concept, save money, savings, stack of money, investment concept, commerce, money background, pen, biro, ballpoint, finance, office, economy, tax, investment, insurance, insurance, insurance, money, money, money, money, money, money background, finance, economy, tax, tax, tax" />
 <figcaption>coins, currency, investment, insurance, cash, banking, financial, business, money, success, save money concept, save money, savings, stack of money, investment concept, commerce, money background, pen, biro, ballpoint, finance, office, economy, tax, investment, insurance, insurance, insurance, money, money, money, money, money, money background, finance, economy, tax, tax, tax</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITH The veteran Republican leading tax efforts in the Iowa Senate says it is time to stop "putting band-aids" on the state’s property tax system and pursue a permanent overhaul.State Sen. Dan Dawson, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the 2026 legislative session beginning Monday offers a rare opportunity for wholesale changes. Dawson’s comments come as Gov. Kim Reynolds prepares to release her own reform proposal, likely during her annual condition of the state address next week.

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