A Fairfax man already facing serious charges is now accused of 17 additional counts of possession of child pornography and one count of second-degree child molestation.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Andrew Riley, James Ball was initially arrested on June 4 by deputies with assistance from the Cyber Crimes Task Force. At that time, Ball was charged with first-degree sodomy and possession of child pornography.

On June 18, Atchison County deputies amended the probable cause statement submitted to the Atchison County Attorney's Office, resulting in the filing of the new charges.

A Fairfax man already facing serious charges is now accused of 17 additional counts of possession of child pornography and one count of second-degree child molestation.According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Andrew Riley, James Ball was initially arrested on June 4 by deputies with assistance from the Cyber Crimes Task Force. At that time, Ball was charged with first-degree sodomy and possession of child pornography.On June 18, Atchison County deputies amended the probable cause statement submitted to the Atchison County Attorney's Office, resulting in the filing of the new charges.

Fairfax Man Faces Additional Child Pornography, Molestation Charges

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.

Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.

Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.

Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.

Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.

Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969497358.png" alt="Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC." />
 <figcaption>Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969734157.png" alt="Cushinberry photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cushinberry photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969800559.png" alt="Daniels photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Daniels photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969850282.png" alt="Bowen photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bowen photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969976133.png" alt="Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970116281.png" alt="Maxey photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Maxey photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970037950.png" alt="Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Seven arrested in NE Kansas drug investigation

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Questions about the constitutionality of a property tax cap included in the governor’s stadium funding plan earlier this month may draw Missouri lawmakers back into session later this year.

House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, on Monday formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and empowered it to study Missouri’s property tax system and recommend “solutions to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability for taxpayers and municipalities across the state.”

The committee’s formation comes on the heels of Patterson floating the idea of a special legislative session in September, when lawmakers are already required to consider whether to override gubernatorial vetoes.

“You go around to any of the counties… and they’re bringing up property taxes,” Patterson said earlier this month. “This is a huge problem. I would say it goes to crisis levels.”

Asked about the possibility of convening another special session focused on property taxes, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said he has been “in discussions on this issue and looks forward to reviewing the work of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.”

Property taxes are the main source of revenue for local governments, funding schools, public safety and other functions. Rising housing costs, coupled with property reassessments, have put the way the taxes are calculated under the microscope, with lawmakers looking to provide relief to taxpayers without bankrupting local governments.

The topic even emerged as part of discussion over the state’s public school funding formula. A state task force created to study Missouri’s education spending spent its latest hearing this week focused on how property taxes have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">contributed funding inequities</a>.

Kehoe called lawmakers back into session earlier this month to consider a $1.5 billion incentive package for professional sports stadiums in Kansas City, he agreed to allow an amendment requiring most counties to put a hard cap on increases in property tax bills.

In 75 counties, tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 others, no increase in the basic bill would be allowed.There are exceptions built in for newly voted levies and the additional value from improvements.

Many of the larger counties of the state, including Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis, were excluded altogether from the legislation.

The property tax amendment caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/09/missouri-freedom-caucus-royals-chiefs-stadium/">fissure among conservatives in the Missouri Senate</a>. Some supported the measure in an attempt to win tax relief concessions during the special session. Others decried it as an unconstitutional bait and switch designed to fool taxpayers, pointing to a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that property taxes be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”

Even Patterson, who voted in support of the bill that included stadium funding and the property tax cap, acknowledged questions about whether it could survive a constitutional challenge.

“One thing I don’t do is guess what is going to happen in our courts,” Patterson said. “I’ve heard from a lot of attorneys that say it absolutely is. I’ve heard from some that said that it isn’t. I do think it’s constitutional.”

The interim committee created by Patterson will hold seven hearings across the state this summer to gather input and explore legislative solutions. State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, will serve as chairman.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, will serve as the ranking minority member.

“Property taxes are one of the most common concerns we hear from Missourians,” Taylor said, “and it’s clear that our system needs a closer look.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750932735993.png" alt=" House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Questions about the constitutionality of a property tax cap included in the governor’s stadium funding plan earlier this month may draw Missouri lawmakers back into session later this year.House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, on Monday formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and empowered it to study Missouri’s property tax system and recommend “solutions to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability for taxpayers and municipalities across the state.”The committee’s formation comes on the heels of Patterson floating the idea of a special legislative session in September, when lawmakers are already required to consider whether to override gubernatorial vetoes.“You go around to any of the counties… and they’re bringing up property taxes,” Patterson said earlier this month. “This is a huge problem. I would say it goes to crisis levels.”Asked about the possibility of convening another special session focused on property taxes, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said he has been “in discussions on this issue and looks forward to reviewing the work of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.”Property taxes are the main source of revenue for local governments, funding schools, public safety and other functions. Rising housing costs, coupled with property reassessments, have put the way the taxes are calculated under the microscope, with lawmakers looking to provide relief to taxpayers without bankrupting local governments.The topic even emerged as part of discussion over the state’s public school funding formula. A state task force created to study Missouri’s education spending spent its latest hearing this week focused on how property taxes have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">contributed funding inequities</a>.Kehoe called lawmakers back into session earlier this month to consider a $1.5 billion incentive package for professional sports stadiums in Kansas City, he agreed to allow an amendment requiring most counties to put a hard cap on increases in property tax bills.In 75 counties, tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 others, no increase in the basic bill would be allowed.There are exceptions built in for newly voted levies and the additional value from improvements.Many of the larger counties of the state, including Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis, were excluded altogether from the legislation.The property tax amendment caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/09/missouri-freedom-caucus-royals-chiefs-stadium/">fissure among conservatives in the Missouri Senate</a>. Some supported the measure in an attempt to win tax relief concessions during the special session. Others decried it as an unconstitutional bait and switch designed to fool taxpayers, pointing to a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that property taxes be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”Even Patterson, who voted in support of the bill that included stadium funding and the property tax cap, acknowledged questions about whether it could survive a constitutional challenge.“One thing I don’t do is guess what is going to happen in our courts,” Patterson said. “I’ve heard from a lot of attorneys that say it absolutely is. I’ve heard from some that said that it isn’t. I do think it’s constitutional.”The interim committee created by Patterson will hold seven hearings across the state this summer to gather input and explore legislative solutions. State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, will serve as chairman.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, will serve as the ranking minority member.“Property taxes are one of the most common concerns we hear from Missourians,” Taylor said, “and it’s clear that our system needs a closer look.”

Missouri lawmakers could return to session this fall to debate property taxes

The Kansas City Chiefs announced that training camp will be back on the campus of Missouri Western State University for a 15th year this summer.  

Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says the relationship with the Chiefs has been great, but the existing agreement ended after last year's camp, and things have changed quite a bit since camp first came to the college 

"They were great to work with, they were really good, really attentive, and it just kind of picked up a little steam as we started looking at things a little differently, both sides," Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And I think this is a natural progression of what the future looks like, and I'm excited about it." 

Carter says since the camp announcement, he's heard a lot of excitement about the Chiefs coming back for another year.  

A failed capital improvement plan did cause some doubts about camp at Missouri Western.  

House Bill 19, which the House Budget Committee chair did not even bring to a vote, contained $2.8 million that Carter says would have helped to offset the cost of training camp 

Carter says it would have helped Missouri Western meet the needs of the Chiefs during Training Camp, without sacrificing the colleges mission of educating young people 

"It gave everybody a little bit of a pause, but we quickly got right back in and dug through and figured out some ways that we could make this happen, and I feel good about where we are," Carter explains.  "And we have the ability to continue to have dialogue with them about what the future looks like and I think it looks really good." 

The Chiefs and Missouri Western agreed on a multi-year extension to keep training camp in St. Joseph, starting with the camp this summer.  

Carter says it's especially exciting for him to have the Chiefs in town because it feels like the kickoff to the fall sports season on campus 

"To me fall on a college campus, that's where it's at, the energy level, the excitement level, all of that's there," Carter says.  "And our fall sports are going to be really, really good this year and I'm excited about getting into the school year and having all that happen." 

The Chiefs hold their first practice on July 22nd for season ticket members, and the first open to the general public on July 23rd.  The full team reports to St. Joseph July 20th. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE The Kansas City Chiefs announced that training camp will be back on the campus of Missouri Western State University for a 15th year this summer. Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says the relationship with the Chiefs has been great, but the existing agreement ended after last year's camp, and things have changed quite a bit since camp first came to the college "They were great to work with, they were really good, really attentive, and it just kind of picked up a little steam as we started looking at things a little differently, both sides," Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And I think this is a natural progression of what the future looks like, and I'm excited about it." Carter says since the camp announcement, he's heard a lot of excitement about the Chiefs coming back for another year. A failed capital improvement plan did cause some doubts about camp at Missouri Western. House Bill 19, which the House Budget Committee chair did not even bring to a vote, contained $2.8 million that Carter says would have helped to offset the cost of training camp Carter says it would have helped Missouri Western meet the needs of the Chiefs during Training Camp, without sacrificing the colleges mission of educating young people "It gave everybody a little bit of a pause, but we quickly got right back in and dug through and figured out some ways that we could make this happen, and I feel good about where we are," Carter explains. "And we have the ability to continue to have dialogue with them about what the future looks like and I think it looks really good." The Chiefs and Missouri Western agreed on a multi-year extension to keep training camp in St. Joseph, starting with the camp this summer. Carter says it's especially exciting for him to have the Chiefs in town because it feels like the kickoff to the fall sports season on campus "To me fall on a college campus, that's where it's at, the energy level, the excitement level, all of that's there," Carter says. "And our fall sports are going to be really, really good this year and I'm excited about getting into the school year and having all that happen." The Chiefs hold their first practice on July 22nd for season ticket members, and the first open to the general public on July 23rd. The full team reports to St. Joseph July 20th. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU AD Carter excited to see Chiefs return to campus

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Nodaway County continues to benefit from strong local support, most recently receiving a $1,750 donation from Southern Bank on June 9.

Pictured during the check presentation were Kimberly Ferrell and Community Bank President David Schmidt of Southern Bank, along with Lynette Harbin, executive director of BBBS. The funds will support mentoring programs for local youth.

In addition to Southern Bank's contribution, Evergy has also provided financial support to the organization in recent weeks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Nodaway County continues to benefit from strong local support, most recently receiving a $1,750 donation from Southern Bank on June 9.Pictured during the check presentation were Kimberly Ferrell and Community Bank President David Schmidt of Southern Bank, along with Lynette Harbin, executive director of BBBS. The funds will support mentoring programs for local youth.In addition to Southern Bank's contribution, Evergy has also provided financial support to the organization in recent weeks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Receives Donations from Southern Bank and Evergy

Fewer residents took part in this year’s Spring Citywide Cleanup, but city officials still call it a success.

At their regular meeting Tuesday night, the Shenandoah City Council unanimously approved Shenandoah Sanitation’s report for the event held May 15–17, authorizing payment of $20,514.32 in expenses.

According to Kelsey Bergeson, Shenandoah Sanitation's customer service representative, 668 vehicles came through this spring, down from 802 last year. She credited the decline in part to the company's monthly bulk pickup days, which she says are helping to distribute waste disposal throughout the year.

Bergeson also said the company’s recent route changes and updated postcards highlighting the bulk pickup option may help reduce the need for large-scale events in the future.

Mayor Roger McQueen echoed the sentiment, pointing to last fall’s smaller-scale event, which drew 322 vehicles, as part of a strategy to prevent residents from accumulating excessive junk between cleanups.

Breakdown of daily participation for the spring event:

Fewer residents took part in this year’s Spring Citywide Cleanup, but city officials still call it a success.At their regular meeting Tuesday night, the Shenandoah City Council unanimously approved Shenandoah Sanitation’s report for the event held May 15–17, authorizing payment of $20,514.32 in expenses.According to Kelsey Bergeson, Shenandoah Sanitation's customer service representative, 668 vehicles came through this spring, down from 802 last year. She credited the decline in part to the company's monthly bulk pickup days, which she says are helping to distribute waste disposal throughout the year.Bergeson also said the company’s recent route changes and updated postcards highlighting the bulk pickup option may help reduce the need for large-scale events in the future.Mayor Roger McQueen echoed the sentiment, pointing to last fall’s smaller-scale event, which drew 322 vehicles, as part of a strategy to prevent residents from accumulating excessive junk between cleanups.Breakdown of daily participation for the spring event:<ul>
 <li>Thursday: 189 vehicles
</li><li>Friday: 246 vehicles
</li><li>Saturday (4-hour window): 233 vehicles
</li>
 </ul><h2>Also at Tuesday’s Council Meeting:</h2><ul>
 <li>Three volunteer firefighters were approved: Madison Dickerson, Jonah Chandler, and Jack Campbell.
</li><li>The city’s water ordinance was amended to allow polyethylene pipes as an alternative to copper.
</li><li>The council approved fiscal year 2025 fund transfers to general, debt service, and capital improvement funds.
</li><li>An agreement with Morton Township for fire and emergency services was approved for a three-year term beginning July 1.
</li><li>A public benefit event permit was granted for KMA’s 100th anniversary celebration on September 27, including street closures on North Elm Street.
</li><li>The council ratified salaries and wages for all city employees for fiscal year 2026, as set in the approved budget and union agreements.</li>
 </ul>

Shenandoah Spring Cleanup Declared a Success Despite Lower Turnout

The Maryville Writers Guild invites local writers and history enthusiasts to its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at the Nodaway County Historical Society Museum, located at 110 North Walnut Street in Maryville.

This month’s meeting will include a guided tour of the museum and an introduction to the research resources available to the public. Guild members and visitors will have a chance to explore historical documents, photographs, and archives that may serve as inspiration or supporting material for writing projects.

The Maryville Writers Guild invites local writers and history enthusiasts to its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at the Nodaway County Historical Society Museum, located at 110 North Walnut Street in Maryville.This month’s meeting will include a guided tour of the museum and an introduction to the research resources available to the public. Guild members and visitors will have a chance to explore historical documents, photographs, and archives that may serve as inspiration or supporting material for writing projects.

Maryville Writers Guild to Explore Local History Resources at Upcoming Meeting

Despite recent heavy rainfall, progress is ongoing at the construction site of the new Page County law enforcement center, located on the south end of Clarinda. The facility will house the county's new jail, sheriff’s office, and dispatch center.

During the Page County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Jeff Curtis of The Samuels Group updated the board on the project status. While wet weather has slowed some concrete work, Curtis reported that masonry work has begun, particularly the interior weight-bearing wall in the dispatch area. Preparations are also underway for roof installation, with Northwest Steel Erection mobilizing last week to begin setting up bracing components on site.

Rainfall has prompted implementation of the project’s stormwater pollution prevention plan, which includes reinstalling straw waddles, clearing silt buildup, and using vegetation to prevent erosion.

In addition to construction, Curtis noted that Page County jail staff, led by Chief Jailer Tony Shackelford, will soon begin coordinating the keying process for facility doors and cells. However, progress on precast placement is awaiting final permit approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although no issues are anticipated, construction teams must hold off on crane and delivery scheduling until the permit is granted.

Interior work is also progressing, with ongoing efforts to build the control room for jail management. Though rain may delay a planned concrete pour this week, crews hope to complete it by the weekend.

In other action, the Board of Supervisors accepted a fuel bid for FY 2026 from Agriland, Inc. and approved an amendment to the five-year road program to include the Redwood Avenue bridge over the Neele Branch. That project is expected to receive funding from a Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grant.

Despite recent heavy rainfall, progress is ongoing at the construction site of the new Page County law enforcement center, located on the south end of Clarinda. The facility will house the county's new jail, sheriff’s office, and dispatch center.During the Page County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Jeff Curtis of The Samuels Group updated the board on the project status. While wet weather has slowed some concrete work, Curtis reported that masonry work has begun, particularly the interior weight-bearing wall in the dispatch area. Preparations are also underway for roof installation, with Northwest Steel Erection mobilizing last week to begin setting up bracing components on site.Rainfall has prompted implementation of the project’s stormwater pollution prevention plan, which includes reinstalling straw waddles, clearing silt buildup, and using vegetation to prevent erosion.In addition to construction, Curtis noted that Page County jail staff, led by Chief Jailer Tony Shackelford, will soon begin coordinating the keying process for facility doors and cells. However, progress on precast placement is awaiting final permit approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although no issues are anticipated, construction teams must hold off on crane and delivery scheduling until the permit is granted.Interior work is also progressing, with ongoing efforts to build the control room for jail management. Though rain may delay a planned concrete pour this week, crews hope to complete it by the weekend.In other action, the Board of Supervisors accepted a fuel bid for FY 2026 from Agriland, Inc. and approved an amendment to the five-year road program to include the Redwood Avenue bridge over the Neele Branch. That project is expected to receive funding from a Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grant.

Progress Continues on New Page County Jail Despite Rain Delays

The Hopkins Food Pantry will be open to serve the community on Thursday, June 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. The pantry is located at 102 South Fifth Street in Hopkins.

The pantry provides food assistance to individuals and families in need and is a resource supported by local volunteers and donors.

The Hopkins Food Pantry will be open to serve the community on Thursday, June 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. The pantry is located at 102 South Fifth Street in Hopkins.The pantry provides food assistance to individuals and families in need and is a resource supported by local volunteers and donors.

Hopkins Food Pantry to Open June 26

The Falls City Council held a special session Monday night, approving two key measures that will impact local business and infrastructure.

The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit requested by Isaac Knight to operate a firearms and ammunition sales business at 1801 Stone Street. The business, named Paladin Firearms and Gunsmithing, will occupy the space following the city’s public hearing, where no objections were raised.

In other business, the council approved the purchase of a new wastewater lift station pump from Allied Systems of Des Moines, Iowa, at a cost of $17,550. The new pump will replace a 40-year-old unit serving the northern portion of Falls City, including residential areas, the hospital, and two nursing homes.

City officials noted the existing pump is severely worn and in need of immediate replacement to ensure continued, reliable service.

The Falls City Council held a special session Monday night, approving two key measures that will impact local business and infrastructure.The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit requested by Isaac Knight to operate a firearms and ammunition sales business at 1801 Stone Street. The business, named Paladin Firearms and Gunsmithing, will occupy the space following the city’s public hearing, where no objections were raised.In other business, the council approved the purchase of a new wastewater lift station pump from Allied Systems of Des Moines, Iowa, at a cost of $17,550. The new pump will replace a 40-year-old unit serving the northern portion of Falls City, including residential areas, the hospital, and two nursing homes.City officials noted the existing pump is severely worn and in need of immediate replacement to ensure continued, reliable service.

Falls City Council Approves Firearms Business, Wastewater Equipment Purchase

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.

Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.

“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”

Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.

“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”

Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.

Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.

“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”

A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Congressman Graves backs Trump action against Iran

&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

The formula that funds public schools in the state relies on outdated assumptions of local aid, education officials say

A group tasked by the governor with reworking Missouri’s formula for funding public schools narrowed in on property tax revenue Monday, discussing how the 20-year-old formula creates inequities with an outdated assumption of local aid.

In the second meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, education officials led a conversation on property taxes.

The problem stems from a figure frozen in time, said Kari Monsees, deputy commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The formula subtracts assumed local aid based on 2005 property values and applies the same tax rate statewide even though districts vary widely on levies.

“The longer we go on, the further we get from the actual values on our assumptions and the more problematic it is for what we’re trying to do here,” Monsees said.

Since the creation of the current formula in 2005, property values have fluctuated with variation across districts.

“There’s been a lot of changes in property values since 2005,” said David Wood, a former state representative and policy analyst for the Missouri State Tax Commission. “If you try to jump to current numbers… it’s going to be extremely expensive.”

But increasing the cost to the state’s general revenue is not an option.

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order, which convened the work group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025/eo14" target="_blank">calls for funding outcomes</a>&nbsp;“at a level consistent with what is provided for in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget.” This amount is $300 million under the current budget passed by state lawmakers and awaiting the governor’s signature.

Missouri is seventh in the nation for reliance on property tax revenue for funding public schools, with 47% of funds coming from local taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cma/public-school-revenue" target="_blank">according to the National Center for Education Statistics</a>. Missouri has the lowest portion of state aid in its public-school funding, at 30% of school revenues.

The state’s reliance on local funding combined with its outdated figures for property taxes has created a system of winners and losers, with communities with growing property values and higher levies accumulating more funds on a per-pupil basis than their counterparts.

If the assessments 20 years ago were accurate and change was uniform across districts, there&nbsp; would be “less of a concern,” Monsees said.

“But that’s not the reality,”&nbsp; he said. “The reality is those reassessment rates and value changes have been significantly different across the state.”

The median home value in districts varies wildly, ranging from $44,500 to $613,300, according to a 2019 review Monsees presented.

The formula assumes a local levy of $3.43 per $100 of assessed value, dubbed the “performance levy.” But districts’ levies vary from $2.75 to almost $6.50 per $100.

He shared examples of districts in the 90th and 10th percentiles, showing some districts have double the operating funds on a per-pupil basis.

Worsening the gaps between districts is a “hold-harmless provision” in the foundation formula, which keeps funding levels stable for districts that would’ve seen a dip in revenue when the formula was established. There are 200 hold-harmless districts, with districts under 350 students keeping total state aid flat and those over 350 getting the same amount per student.

Missouri has had hold-harmless provisions through multiple iterations of the school funding formula, and Monsees said there’s a reason for that. The formula has to be approved by the state legislature, and lawmakers whose districts are losing funds are likely to vote against any changes.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/mo-funding-formula-alignedbellwether" target="_blank">study of the formula commissioned by education nonprofit Aligned</a>&nbsp;estimates that hold-harmless provisions cost the state $150 million annually. The study recommends that any new formula institute a “temporary hold-harmless provision with a five-year phase out.”

The study is one of three being reviewed by task force members. All three recommended changes in multiple areas to the formula, such as increasing multipliers used to increase funding for special education and measuring student count by enrollment rather than attendance.

The work group is anticipated to meet over the next year and deliver plans to the governor by December 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750760626858.png" alt=" State Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, chairs the first meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force earlier this month (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, chairs the first meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force earlier this month (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The formula that funds public schools in the state relies on outdated assumptions of local aid, education officials say</h2>A group tasked by the governor with reworking Missouri’s formula for funding public schools narrowed in on property tax revenue Monday, discussing how the 20-year-old formula creates inequities with an outdated assumption of local aid.In the second meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, education officials led a conversation on property taxes.The problem stems from a figure frozen in time, said Kari Monsees, deputy commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The formula subtracts assumed local aid based on 2005 property values and applies the same tax rate statewide even though districts vary widely on levies.“The longer we go on, the further we get from the actual values on our assumptions and the more problematic it is for what we’re trying to do here,” Monsees said.Since the creation of the current formula in 2005, property values have fluctuated with variation across districts.“There’s been a lot of changes in property values since 2005,” said David Wood, a former state representative and policy analyst for the Missouri State Tax Commission. “If you try to jump to current numbers… it’s going to be extremely expensive.”But increasing the cost to the state’s general revenue is not an option.Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order, which convened the work group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025/eo14" target="_blank">calls for funding outcomes</a>&nbsp;“at a level consistent with what is provided for in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget.” This amount is $300 million under the current budget passed by state lawmakers and awaiting the governor’s signature.Missouri is seventh in the nation for reliance on property tax revenue for funding public schools, with 47% of funds coming from local taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cma/public-school-revenue" target="_blank">according to the National Center for Education Statistics</a>. Missouri has the lowest portion of state aid in its public-school funding, at 30% of school revenues.The state’s reliance on local funding combined with its outdated figures for property taxes has created a system of winners and losers, with communities with growing property values and higher levies accumulating more funds on a per-pupil basis than their counterparts.If the assessments 20 years ago were accurate and change was uniform across districts, there&nbsp; would be “less of a concern,” Monsees said.“But that’s not the reality,”&nbsp; he said. “The reality is those reassessment rates and value changes have been significantly different across the state.”The median home value in districts varies wildly, ranging from $44,500 to $613,300, according to a 2019 review Monsees presented.The formula assumes a local levy of $3.43 per $100 of assessed value, dubbed the “performance levy.” But districts’ levies vary from $2.75 to almost $6.50 per $100.He shared examples of districts in the 90th and 10th percentiles, showing some districts have double the operating funds on a per-pupil basis.Worsening the gaps between districts is a “hold-harmless provision” in the foundation formula, which keeps funding levels stable for districts that would’ve seen a dip in revenue when the formula was established. There are 200 hold-harmless districts, with districts under 350 students keeping total state aid flat and those over 350 getting the same amount per student.Missouri has had hold-harmless provisions through multiple iterations of the school funding formula, and Monsees said there’s a reason for that. The formula has to be approved by the state legislature, and lawmakers whose districts are losing funds are likely to vote against any changes.A&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/mo-funding-formula-alignedbellwether" target="_blank">study of the formula commissioned by education nonprofit Aligned</a>&nbsp;estimates that hold-harmless provisions cost the state $150 million annually. The study recommends that any new formula institute a “temporary hold-harmless provision with a five-year phase out.”The study is one of three being reviewed by task force members. All three recommended changes in multiple areas to the formula, such as increasing multipliers used to increase funding for special education and measuring student count by enrollment rather than attendance.The work group is anticipated to meet over the next year and deliver plans to the governor by December 2026.

Missouri school funding task force turns its attention to property tax inequities

Emotions nearly
overwhelmed Courtney Rowe before hearing that she had won the title of Miss
Missouri.

The KQ2 anchor,
competing as Miss Kansas City, will now compete in the Miss America pageant.

Rowe says emotions
run through the entire week of competition at the Missouri Military Academy in
Mexico.

“Honestly, the
heart palpitations really are there throughout the entire week, but especially when
they announced that top five,” Rowe says during a visit to KFEQmmunity. “You
never really know how the turn out is going to be until you get to that top
five. Like, wow, okay, I’m a contender in this.”

“I just remember
hearing them announce the runner-up’s name, which meant that I was Miss Missouri,”
Rowe says. “I think I blacked out when I was on stage.”

Rowe says the
heart palpitations are real.

“Throughout every
day of that week I just tried to remind myself you could be Miss Missouri; you
could walk away from this as Miss Missouri,” Rowe says. “I spent nine months
before the competition as Miss Kansas City and every appearance I did, every volunteer
hour I put in, I really tried to emulate what I would think Miss Missouri would
do. I really tried to change my mindset and go into the week as Miss Missouri.”

The win was an
accumulation of five years of competing, which first began as Miss Mozingo
Lake, a nod to Rowe’s days as a Northwest Missouri State University student in
Maryville. Rowe competed this year as Miss Kansas City, representing her
hometown. Rowe has learned a lot over the five years of competition, a lot
about what it takes to compete and a lot about herself.

“It takes a lot of
mental strength,” Rowe says. “You have to know your limits and you also have to
be willing to push yourself to do things and try things that might make you a
little uncomfortable.”

The biggest thing Rowe learned about herself during the week of competition was that she actually
was capable of being crowned Miss Missouri. And Rowe says she felt the support
from her community throughout the entire week in Mexico.

“That was one of
the biggest surprises to myself, feeling the love from my community of course
here in St. Joseph and the girls that I competed with has really made it all
worth it.”

Now, Rowe competes
in the Miss America pageant which will be held in September.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750691929415.jpeg" alt="Miss Missouri Courtney Rowe/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Miss Missouri Courtney Rowe/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINEmotions nearly
overwhelmed Courtney Rowe before hearing that she had won the title of Miss
Missouri.The KQ2 anchor,
competing as Miss Kansas City, will now compete in the Miss America pageant.Rowe says emotions
run through the entire week of competition at the Missouri Military Academy in
Mexico.“Honestly, the
heart palpitations really are there throughout the entire week, but especially when
they announced that top five,” Rowe says during a visit to KFEQmmunity. “You
never really know how the turn out is going to be until you get to that top
five. Like, wow, okay, I’m a contender in this.”Not just a
contender, but the winner.“I just remember
hearing them announce the runner-up’s name, which meant that I was Miss Missouri,”
Rowe says. “I think I blacked out when I was on stage.”Rowe says the
heart palpitations are real.“Throughout every
day of that week I just tried to remind myself you could be Miss Missouri; you
could walk away from this as Miss Missouri,” Rowe says. “I spent nine months
before the competition as Miss Kansas City and every appearance I did, every volunteer
hour I put in, I really tried to emulate what I would think Miss Missouri would
do. I really tried to change my mindset and go into the week as Miss Missouri.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750691979164.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The win was an
accumulation of five years of competing, which first began as Miss Mozingo
Lake, a nod to Rowe’s days as a Northwest Missouri State University student in
Maryville. Rowe competed this year as Miss Kansas City, representing her
hometown. Rowe has learned a lot over the five years of competition, a lot
about what it takes to compete and a lot about herself.“It takes a lot of
mental strength,” Rowe says. “You have to know your limits and you also have to
be willing to push yourself to do things and try things that might make you a
little uncomfortable.”The biggest thing Rowe learned about herself during the week of competition was that she actually
was capable of being crowned Miss Missouri. And Rowe says she felt the support
from her community throughout the entire week in Mexico.“That was one of
the biggest surprises to myself, feeling the love from my community of course
here in St. Joseph and the girls that I competed with has really made it all
worth it.”Now, Rowe competes
in the Miss America pageant which will be held in September.<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3WraZo3DTS1zLZ5A1TVPyF?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ.

Miss Missouri, Courtney Rowe, says emotions run through entire competition

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Sunday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp; reported a 1997 Buick LeSabre driven by a 57-year-old Lathrop woman was southbound on MO 33 just south of SE Hilltop Road two miles north of Holt.

The car traveled off the road to avoid a northbound vehicle that had traveled into the path of the Buick.&nbsp; The Buick struck a road reflector sign and a concrete culvert.

A private vehicle transported the driver and a 7-year-old female passenger to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Sunday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp; reported a 1997 Buick LeSabre driven by a 57-year-old Lathrop woman was southbound on MO 33 just south of SE Hilltop Road two miles north of Holt.The car traveled off the road to avoid a northbound vehicle that had traveled into the path of the Buick.&nbsp; The Buick struck a road reflector sign and a concrete culvert.A private vehicle transported the driver and a 7-year-old female passenger to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, 7-year-old injured after car strikes  culvert

The General Assembly hopes to help students in popular degree fields graduate sooner

Missouri students majoring in business, biology, elementary education, psychology and nursing may soon be able to transfer more college credits between the state’s public universities.

State lawmakers negotiated a plan to make 60-credit-hour blocks in five degree programs universally transferable among public universities and community colleges in Missouri as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=106" target="_blank">a bill awaiting the governor’s signature or veto</a>. The change is set to kick in by the 2028-29 school year.

The legislation’s original sponsor, Republican&nbsp; state Rep. Cameron Parker of Campbell, has advocated for the bill for two years in hopes it can reduce the number of classes transfer students have to repeat.

“If you go to a community college in southeast Missouri and you transfer to a four year school in northwest Missouri, we want it to be a seamless transition across the state,” she told The Independent. “So if you go to any community college, you will know what any of the four-year schools are going to take.”

Parker chose the five degree programs in the bill because they were the most popular for community-college students. She sees the potential for colleges to extend similar agreements to other fields but understands the process is “daunting” for universities.

Four-year institutions have been the only pushback on the legislation — which garnered near unanimous approval from the Missouri House.

Paul Wagner, executive director of the Council on Public Higher Education, told a House committee in February that he wished the bill would allow for colleges to keep existing agreements for the five degrees intact. Wagner’s group represents Missouri’s public universities outside of the University of Missouri system.

“We still have some concerns that it is going to be throwing out the good in hopes that whatever the new thing is might be better,” Wagner told The Independent in an interview Wednesday.

But Brian Millner, president of the Missouri Community College Association, said in the House hearing that the current system is not working for students.

“Our transfer and articulation system is built on a house of cards of literally thousands of articulation agreements between a community college and a university for a particular program replicated over and over and over again,” he said. “We can do better for our students.”

Navigating these articulation agreements can be challenging, Millner said, and it increasingly hurts students who do not have a clear idea of which four-year college they will transfer to.

The issue expands beyond students and impacts Missouri taxpayers, Parker said, since many Missouri students use the state-funded&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/a-plus" target="_blank">A+ Scholarship Program</a>&nbsp;to pay for community college. The A+ program pays for students to take 12 to 18 credit hours at a community college each semester for up to two years.

“If kids are taking 60 hours and then they’re transferring only 42, it is not fair to the kids. It is not fair to their parents, and it is not fair to the taxpayers paying for the A+ Program,” Parker said.

Since the 2018-19 school year, Missouri public universities have collaborated on a 42-credit-hour block of general education requirements,&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/higher-education/academic-affairs/core-42" target="_blank">dubbed the CORE 42</a>, thanks to a law passed by the General Assembly.

There were “fits” at the beginning of the program, Wagner said, but “implementation has worked really well.”

Parker’s legislation would expand the existing program, adding 18 more universally transferable credit hours for the five degree programs. Mirroring the implementation CORE 42,&nbsp; a coordinating board of stakeholders will oversee the course-equivalency block.

As part of negotiations with universities, Parker edited the legislation to call for an equal number of representatives from community colleges and four-year institutions on the board. Her original bill called for one member per school.

The change, she said, helped tamp down some concerns and advance the bill this year.

“When everybody started coming to the table and sitting down and making these big fixes that helped everybody across the board, then I became pretty hopeful (that the bill would pass),” she said.

Gov. Mike Kehoe has until July 15 to sign or veto bills passed this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750513055513.png" alt="State Rep. Cameron Parker, a Republican from Campbell, presents a bill in the Missouri House in February (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Cameron Parker, a Republican from Campbell, presents a bill in the Missouri House in February (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The General Assembly hopes to help students in popular degree fields graduate sooner</h2>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri students majoring in business, biology, elementary education, psychology and nursing may soon be able to transfer more college credits between the state’s public universities.State lawmakers negotiated a plan to make 60-credit-hour blocks in five degree programs universally transferable among public universities and community colleges in Missouri as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=106" target="_blank">a bill awaiting the governor’s signature or veto</a>. The change is set to kick in by the 2028-29 school year.The legislation’s original sponsor, Republican&nbsp; state Rep. Cameron Parker of Campbell, has advocated for the bill for two years in hopes it can reduce the number of classes transfer students have to repeat.“If you go to a community college in southeast Missouri and you transfer to a four year school in northwest Missouri, we want it to be a seamless transition across the state,” she told The Independent. “So if you go to any community college, you will know what any of the four-year schools are going to take.”Parker chose the five degree programs in the bill because they were the most popular for community-college students. She sees the potential for colleges to extend similar agreements to other fields but understands the process is “daunting” for universities.Four-year institutions have been the only pushback on the legislation — which garnered near unanimous approval from the Missouri House.Paul Wagner, executive director of the Council on Public Higher Education, told a House committee in February that he wished the bill would allow for colleges to keep existing agreements for the five degrees intact. Wagner’s group represents Missouri’s public universities outside of the University of Missouri system.“We still have some concerns that it is going to be throwing out the good in hopes that whatever the new thing is might be better,” Wagner told The Independent in an interview Wednesday.But Brian Millner, president of the Missouri Community College Association, said in the House hearing that the current system is not working for students.“Our transfer and articulation system is built on a house of cards of literally thousands of articulation agreements between a community college and a university for a particular program replicated over and over and over again,” he said. “We can do better for our students.”Navigating these articulation agreements can be challenging, Millner said, and it increasingly hurts students who do not have a clear idea of which four-year college they will transfer to.GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.SUBSCRIBEThe issue expands beyond students and impacts Missouri taxpayers, Parker said, since many Missouri students use the state-funded&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/a-plus" target="_blank">A+ Scholarship Program</a>&nbsp;to pay for community college. The A+ program pays for students to take 12 to 18 credit hours at a community college each semester for up to two years.“If kids are taking 60 hours and then they’re transferring only 42, it is not fair to the kids. It is not fair to their parents, and it is not fair to the taxpayers paying for the A+ Program,” Parker said.Since the 2018-19 school year, Missouri public universities have collaborated on a 42-credit-hour block of general education requirements,&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/higher-education/academic-affairs/core-42" target="_blank">dubbed the CORE 42</a>, thanks to a law passed by the General Assembly.There were “fits” at the beginning of the program, Wagner said, but “implementation has worked really well.”Parker’s legislation would expand the existing program, adding 18 more universally transferable credit hours for the five degree programs. Mirroring the implementation CORE 42,&nbsp; a coordinating board of stakeholders will oversee the course-equivalency block.As part of negotiations with universities, Parker edited the legislation to call for an equal number of representatives from community colleges and four-year institutions on the board. Her original bill called for one member per school.The change, she said, helped tamp down some concerns and advance the bill this year.“When everybody started coming to the table and sitting down and making these big fixes that helped everybody across the board, then I became pretty hopeful (that the bill would pass),” she said.Gov. Mike Kehoe has until July 15 to sign or veto bills passed this year.

Missouri lawmakers push state colleges to create 60-credit-hour transferable degree programs

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with James Bowden on the new Kernza wheat variety that was developed in Kansas.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4QTsxCp1QbE?si=RGRJXWET7f5HPrA6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with James Bowden on the new Kernza wheat variety that was developed in Kansas.

🎤 Forward Ever: James Bowden on new wheat variety

Only three states had a higher rate of nursing home residents on antipsychotic drugs

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri has among the highest rates of antipsychotic drug use in nursing home residents, contributing to the state’s health care system ranking near the bottom nationally in a report released Wednesday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/jun/2025-scorecard-state-health-system-performance" target="_blank">report, published by The Commonwealth Fund,</a>&nbsp;a private foundation focused on health care issues, used data from 2023 to measure every state’s health care access, quality and outcomes across six dimensions.&nbsp;

Around 15% of nursing home residents nationally are administered antipsychotic drugs, according to the Commonwealth Fund study.&nbsp;In Missouri, that figure was just over 21%.&nbsp;Only Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota had higher rates.&nbsp;

The data, collected by the federal government, excludes residents with schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome or Huntington’s disease — conditions for which antipsychotics are generally considered medically necessary.

Studies have found antipsychotic drugs are often administered to residents of nursing homes&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats-waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-waysandmeans.house.gov/files/documents/WMD%20Nursing%20Home%20Report_Final.pdf" target="_blank">without medical necessity, posing medical risks and side effects.</a>&nbsp;They’ve also been used for residents with dementia, other cognitive impairments, or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/april/understaffing-nursing-homes-antipsychotics.html" target="_blank">behavioral issues</a>&nbsp;to help control their behavior or sedate them&nbsp;<a href="https://medicareadvocacy.org/stop-drugging-nursing-home-residents-without-their-written-consent/" target="_blank">without their consent.</a>&nbsp;

Research has found a link between&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/missouri-advocates-decry-nursing-home-staffing-shortages-which-rank-among-worst-in-nation/">low nursing home staffing levels</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcknights.com/news/antipsychotic-prescribing-higher-at-nursing-homes-in-disadvantaged-areas-study/" target="_blank">higher rates of antipsychotic drug use.&nbsp;</a>

The Commonwealth Fund’s findings echo a report last year from the U.S. Department of Justice that found&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/20/missouri-is-breaking-federal-law-by-housing-mentally-ill-in-nursing-homes-doj-finds/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20June%2020,a%20scathing%20report%20published%20Tuesday.">Missouri in violation of federal disability law</a>&nbsp;for unnecessarily institutionalizing thousands of adults with mental illness in nursing homes when they would be better off in a less-restrictive environment.&nbsp;

Missouri is an outlier nationally in placing people with mental health needs in nursing homes.

The state is still in settlement negotiations with the DOJ over its findings, a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Mental Health told The Independent. Missouri officials are working with the DOJ to come up with a plan to fix the violations identified in the report. If they can’t reach a resolution, the DOJ could file a lawsuit.

Beyond issues in Missouri nursing homes, the state’s health care system overall ranked&nbsp;43rd out of the 50 states plus D.C. in the Commonwealth Fund report.&nbsp;While the state has seen improvements in areas like the adult insured population over the years since Medicaid eligibility was expanded, other metrics, like premature deaths from preventable causes, have gotten worse.&nbsp;

Sara Collins, author of Wednesday’s report&nbsp;and Commonwealth Fund Senior Scholar and Vice President for Health Care Coverage and Access,&nbsp;said in a press briefing that the report “continues to reveal vast geographic variation in Americans’ coverage and access to care, health outcomes and people’s ability to live a long and healthy life.”

Congress is debating a budget bill that could cut millions nationally from Medicaid.

“Federal policy changes, both underway and proposed, threaten to reverse the improvements achieved by states, exacerbate areas of slippage,” Collins added, “and deepen geographic income and racial and ethnic disparities and health outcomes.”&nbsp;

Missouri’s uninsured rate improved between 2019 and 2023, as was the case nationally: The adult uninsured rate fell from 14% to 11% in Missouri, and kids’ uninsured rate fell from 7% to 5%. Both are now on par with the national average. Missouri implemented Medicaid expansion in 2021. The rate of adults going without care because of cost also declined.

But on the access and affordability category overall, Missouri ranked 36th, with a higher-than-average share of people with medical debt in collections and rate of those with high out-of-pocket medical costs relative to their income.

Missouri especially struggled in the “avoidable use and cost” category, with only West Virginia ranking worse. That includes low primary care spending, high rates of preventable hospitalizations and avoidable ER visits.&nbsp;

More children in Missouri lack preventative care than the national average. Thirty-five percent of Missouri children lacked medical and dental preventative care from 2022 to 2023. The national average was 32%.&nbsp;

Children also had trouble accessing mental health care in Missouri, with 24% of kids not receiving&nbsp; mental health care as needed, while the national average was 20%.&nbsp;

Missouri was better than average in a handful of categories. For one, the state had fewer adults with substance use disorder who lacked treatment. Nationally, 77% of those adults lack treatment, but in Missouri that number is 73%, or 11th best in the country.&nbsp;

The infant mortality rate got slightly worse from 2019 to 2023 and ranked 39th in the country.

“Threatened access to reproductive and maternal health care may further worsen infant mortality and sharpen current disparities between states,” the report noted, nationally. Missouri banned abortion until late last year, when it was legalized by initiative petition.

The rate of premature deaths from preventable causes got worse during the same period, and Missouri ranked 43rd in the country.

Additionally, more adults smoke in Missouri than the national average — 15% in Missouri versus 11%, or the 44th ranking.&nbsp;

Missouri had lower-than-average alcohol deaths.&nbsp;

47th on income disparity and 31st on racial equity&nbsp;

Missouri ranked among the worst states — 47th — for disparities in health care based on income. Low-income Missourians are far more likely to report fair or poor health than higher earners, and far more likely to have lost several teeth and/or be obese.

Missouri had slightly worse racial disparities in medical care than the national average.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749001441976.png" alt="Google image" />
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 </figure><h2>Only three states had a higher rate of nursing home residents on antipsychotic drugs</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has among the highest rates of antipsychotic drug use in nursing home residents, contributing to the state’s health care system ranking near the bottom nationally in a report released Wednesday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/jun/2025-scorecard-state-health-system-performance" target="_blank">report, published by The Commonwealth Fund,</a>&nbsp;a private foundation focused on health care issues, used data from 2023 to measure every state’s health care access, quality and outcomes across six dimensions.&nbsp;Around 15% of nursing home residents nationally are administered antipsychotic drugs, according to the Commonwealth Fund study.&nbsp;In Missouri, that figure was just over 21%.&nbsp;Only Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota had higher rates.&nbsp;The data, collected by the federal government, excludes residents with schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome or Huntington’s disease — conditions for which antipsychotics are generally considered medically necessary.Studies have found antipsychotic drugs are often administered to residents of nursing homes&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats-waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-waysandmeans.house.gov/files/documents/WMD%20Nursing%20Home%20Report_Final.pdf" target="_blank">without medical necessity, posing medical risks and side effects.</a>&nbsp;They’ve also been used for residents with dementia, other cognitive impairments, or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/april/understaffing-nursing-homes-antipsychotics.html" target="_blank">behavioral issues</a>&nbsp;to help control their behavior or sedate them&nbsp;<a href="https://medicareadvocacy.org/stop-drugging-nursing-home-residents-without-their-written-consent/" target="_blank">without their consent.</a>&nbsp;Research has found a link between&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/missouri-advocates-decry-nursing-home-staffing-shortages-which-rank-among-worst-in-nation/">low nursing home staffing levels</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcknights.com/news/antipsychotic-prescribing-higher-at-nursing-homes-in-disadvantaged-areas-study/" target="_blank">higher rates of antipsychotic drug use.&nbsp;</a>The Commonwealth Fund’s findings echo a report last year from the U.S. Department of Justice that found&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/20/missouri-is-breaking-federal-law-by-housing-mentally-ill-in-nursing-homes-doj-finds/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20June%2020,a%20scathing%20report%20published%20Tuesday.">Missouri in violation of federal disability law</a>&nbsp;for unnecessarily institutionalizing thousands of adults with mental illness in nursing homes when they would be better off in a less-restrictive environment.&nbsp;Missouri is an outlier nationally in placing people with mental health needs in nursing homes.The state is still in settlement negotiations with the DOJ over its findings, a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Mental Health told The Independent. Missouri officials are working with the DOJ to come up with a plan to fix the violations identified in the report. If they can’t reach a resolution, the DOJ could file a lawsuit.Beyond issues in Missouri nursing homes, the state’s health care system overall ranked&nbsp;43rd out of the 50 states plus D.C. in the Commonwealth Fund report.&nbsp;While the state has seen improvements in areas like the adult insured population over the years since Medicaid eligibility was expanded, other metrics, like premature deaths from preventable causes, have gotten worse.&nbsp;Sara Collins, author of Wednesday’s report&nbsp;and Commonwealth Fund Senior Scholar and Vice President for Health Care Coverage and Access,&nbsp;said in a press briefing that the report “continues to reveal vast geographic variation in Americans’ coverage and access to care, health outcomes and people’s ability to live a long and healthy life.”Congress is debating a budget bill that could cut millions nationally from Medicaid.“Federal policy changes, both underway and proposed, threaten to reverse the improvements achieved by states, exacerbate areas of slippage,” Collins added, “and deepen geographic income and racial and ethnic disparities and health outcomes.”&nbsp;<h2>36th on access and affordability</h2>Missouri’s uninsured rate improved between 2019 and 2023, as was the case nationally: The adult uninsured rate fell from 14% to 11% in Missouri, and kids’ uninsured rate fell from 7% to 5%. Both are now on par with the national average. Missouri implemented Medicaid expansion in 2021. The rate of adults going without care because of cost also declined.But on the access and affordability category overall, Missouri ranked 36th, with a higher-than-average share of people with medical debt in collections and rate of those with high out-of-pocket medical costs relative to their income.<h2>50th on avoidable hospital use and cost</h2>Missouri especially struggled in the “avoidable use and cost” category, with only West Virginia ranking worse. That includes low primary care spending, high rates of preventable hospitalizations and avoidable ER visits.&nbsp;<h2>40th on prevention and treatment</h2>More children in Missouri lack preventative care than the national average. Thirty-five percent of Missouri children lacked medical and dental preventative care from 2022 to 2023. The national average was 32%.&nbsp;Children also had trouble accessing mental health care in Missouri, with 24% of kids not receiving&nbsp; mental health care as needed, while the national average was 20%.&nbsp;Missouri was better than average in a handful of categories. For one, the state had fewer adults with substance use disorder who lacked treatment. Nationally, 77% of those adults lack treatment, but in Missouri that number is 73%, or 11th best in the country.&nbsp;<h2>40th on healthy lives</h2>The infant mortality rate got slightly worse from 2019 to 2023 and ranked 39th in the country.“Threatened access to reproductive and maternal health care may further worsen infant mortality and sharpen current disparities between states,” the report noted, nationally. Missouri banned abortion until late last year, when it was legalized by initiative petition.The rate of premature deaths from preventable causes got worse during the same period, and Missouri ranked 43rd in the country.Additionally, more adults smoke in Missouri than the national average — 15% in Missouri versus 11%, or the 44th ranking.&nbsp;Missouri had lower-than-average alcohol deaths.&nbsp;<h2>47th on income disparity and 31st on racial equity&nbsp;</h2>Missouri ranked among the worst states — 47th — for disparities in health care based on income. Low-income Missourians are far more likely to report fair or poor health than higher earners, and far more likely to have lost several teeth and/or be obese.Missouri had slightly worse racial disparities in medical care than the national average.

Missouri’s health system among worst-performing in the country, report finds

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. — Motorists in Nodaway County should prepare for lane closures and possible delays as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) begins a resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 136 starting Monday, June 10.

The work, led by Herzog Contracting Corporation, will take place in two-mile segments from Route 46 near Ravenwood to Route J near Conception. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during active construction hours, with a pilot car guiding vehicles through the zone.

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. — Motorists in Nodaway County should prepare for lane closures and possible delays as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) begins a resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 136 starting Monday, June 10.The work, led by Herzog Contracting Corporation, will take place in two-mile segments from Route 46 near Ravenwood to Route J near Conception. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during active construction hours, with a pilot car guiding vehicles through the zone.Crews will be working Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, with the project expected to wrap up by the end of July, weather permitting.MoDOT encourages drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, and use caution in the work zone. For the latest updates on road work and traffic conditions, visit <a href="http://traveler.modot.org">traveler.modot.org</a>.