STANTON, Iowa — Big changes are ahead for students and staff in the Stanton Community School District, as preparations continue for a switch to a four-day school week beginning this fall.

The 2025-26 school calendar, recently approved by the Stanton School Board, features classes Tuesday through Friday, with only four Mondays scheduled for instruction.

To meet instructional requirements, the district will extend the school day by approximately 35 minutes, with most of the additional time added to the end of the day. The adjusted calendar will actually include slightly more instructional time than previous years.

The new school year will begin August 25, and also includes one additional instructional week. While the change came late in the school planning cycle, the district is already seeing benefits when it comes to recruiting staff.

STANTON, Iowa — Big changes are ahead for students and staff in the Stanton Community School District, as preparations continue for a switch to a four-day school week beginning this fall.The 2025-26 school calendar, recently approved by the Stanton School Board, features classes Tuesday through Friday, with only four Mondays scheduled for instruction.To meet instructional requirements, the district will extend the school day by approximately 35 minutes, with most of the additional time added to the end of the day. The adjusted calendar will actually include slightly more instructional time than previous years.The new school year will begin August 25, and also includes one additional instructional week. While the change came late in the school planning cycle, the district is already seeing benefits when it comes to recruiting staff.

Stanton School District Prepares for Switch to Four-Day Week in 2025-26

SHENANDOAH, Iowa — A once-dilapidated home in Shenandoah is now fully renovated and on the market—thanks to three years of dedication by Shenandoah High School students, teachers, and community partners.

The house at 213 West Sheridan Avenue, which was purchased by the Shenandoah School District from the city in 2022 for just $1, served as a hands-on learning project for students in the high school's building trades program. The work was celebrated with an open house earlier this week.

Despite obstacles, the school received vital support from local businesses, volunteers, and city officials, who provided supplies, labor, and expertise.&nbsp;

The school district is accepting sealed bids for the property, with the goal of selling the home at the August Shenandoah School Board meeting.

SHENANDOAH, Iowa — A once-dilapidated home in Shenandoah is now fully renovated and on the market—thanks to three years of dedication by Shenandoah High School students, teachers, and community partners.The house at 213 West Sheridan Avenue, which was purchased by the Shenandoah School District from the city in 2022 for just $1, served as a hands-on learning project for students in the high school's building trades program. The work was celebrated with an open house earlier this week.Despite obstacles, the school received vital support from local businesses, volunteers, and city officials, who provided supplies, labor, and expertise.&nbsp;The school district is accepting sealed bids for the property, with the goal of selling the home at the August Shenandoah School Board meeting.

Shenandoah High Students Complete Rehab Project, Home Now Up for Sale

A graduate from Northwest Missouri State University and a news anchor at KQ2 in St. Joseph, Miss Kansas City Courtney Rowe, has been crowned as Miss Missouri 2025.&nbsp;

Rowe and 20 other women competed for the title Saturday night in Mexico.&nbsp; Her community service initiative is “The Purple Project” Raising Awareness, Saving Lives,” which advocates for victims of domestic violence. Rowe is a survivor of domestic violence.

As winner of the Miss Missouri competition, Rowe will receive a $14,000 scholarship and will go onto Orlando, Florida to compete for the Miss America crown in August.&nbsp; This year was the 55th consecutive year that the Miss Missouri competition was held in mid-Missouri’s Mexico.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750029992510.jpeg" alt="Miss Kansas City Courtney Rowe, a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and news anchor at KQ2, was crowned 2025 Miss Missouri/ Photo credit Matt Pilger, Missourinet" />
 <figcaption>Miss Kansas City Courtney Rowe, a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and news anchor at KQ2, was crowned 2025 Miss Missouri/ Photo credit Matt Pilger, Missourinet</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEA graduate from Northwest Missouri State University and a news anchor at KQ2 in St. Joseph, Miss Kansas City Courtney Rowe, has been crowned as Miss Missouri 2025.&nbsp;Rowe and 20 other women competed for the title Saturday night in Mexico.&nbsp; Her community service initiative is “The Purple Project” Raising Awareness, Saving Lives,” which advocates for victims of domestic violence. Rowe is a survivor of domestic violence.As winner of the Miss Missouri competition, Rowe will receive a $14,000 scholarship and will go onto Orlando, Florida to compete for the Miss America crown in August.&nbsp; This year was the 55th consecutive year that the Miss Missouri competition was held in mid-Missouri’s Mexico.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NWMSU graduate, St. Joseph news personality named Miss Missouri

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>

A $1.5 billion stadium funding plan aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri was signed into law Saturday afternoon by Gov. Mike Kehoe shortly before his trip to France on a trade mission.

Kehoe signed two other bills on Saturday: one providing $125 million in aid for communities hit by severe weather and another spending around $200 million on various construction projects across the state.

The bills were the product of a two week special legislative session called by Kehoe last month designed, primarily, to counter an offer by Kansas to fund up to 70% of the construction costs for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals if they moved across the state line. That deal expires at the end of the month.

Missouri’s counter offer would allocate state taxes collected from economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman to bond payments for renovations at Arrowhead and a new stadium for the Royals in Jackson or Clay counties.

The cost is estimated at close to $1.5 billion over 30 years.

Both teams have expressed interest in leaving Missouri when the lease on their current stadiums expire in 2030.

“We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait,” Kehoe said in an emailed statement announcing he signed the stadium funding deal.

The disaster relief provisions in the legislation address both the devastation of the May 16 tornado in St. Louis and the damages suffered by other Missourians in storms and flooding earlier in the year. The aid was required due to uncertainty about the federal response to the tornado.

Kehoe asked President Donald Trump for a federal disaster declaration for the tornado on May 25 and for April 29 storms in Scott on May 19. The president didn’t officially declare a disaster, opening the door for federal aid,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">until June 10</a>.

The governor was expected to quickly sign the bills, which passed earlier this week, because he will be in Paris on Monday for his first international trade mission. During Kehoe’s absence, Lt. Gov. David Wasinger will serve as acting governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748263709817.png" alt="GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is pictured on Sat. Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is pictured on Sat. Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The 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>A $1.5 billion stadium funding plan aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri was signed into law Saturday afternoon by Gov. Mike Kehoe shortly before his trip to France on a trade mission.Kehoe signed two other bills on Saturday: one providing $125 million in aid for communities hit by severe weather and another spending around $200 million on various construction projects across the state.The bills were the product of a two week special legislative session called by Kehoe last month designed, primarily, to counter an offer by Kansas to fund up to 70% of the construction costs for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals if they moved across the state line. That deal expires at the end of the month.Missouri’s counter offer would allocate state taxes collected from economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman to bond payments for renovations at Arrowhead and a new stadium for the Royals in Jackson or Clay counties.The cost is estimated at close to $1.5 billion over 30 years.Both teams have expressed interest in leaving Missouri when the lease on their current stadiums expire in 2030.“We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait,” Kehoe said in an emailed statement announcing he signed the stadium funding deal.The disaster relief provisions in the legislation address both the devastation of the May 16 tornado in St. Louis and the damages suffered by other Missourians in storms and flooding earlier in the year. The aid was required due to uncertainty about the federal response to the tornado.Kehoe asked President Donald Trump for a federal disaster declaration for the tornado on May 25 and for April 29 storms in Scott on May 19. The president didn’t officially declare a disaster, opening the door for federal aid,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">until June 10</a>.The governor was expected to quickly sign the bills, which passed earlier this week, because he will be in Paris on Monday for his first international trade mission. During Kehoe’s absence, Lt. Gov. David Wasinger will serve as acting governor.

Missouri governor signs Kansas City stadium funding, St. Louis disaster aid

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Peterbilt semi driven by a 57-year-old Monticello, Arkansas man was northbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Eagleville. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Harrison County EMS transported the driver the Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Peterbilt semi driven by a 57-year-old Monticello, Arkansas man was northbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Eagleville. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Harrison County EMS transported the driver the Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by a 58-year-old Eagleville man was leaving a business parking lot northbound at Route N.

The. pickup pulled into the path of an eastbound 2005 Scion XB driven by a 66-year-old Eagleville woman.&nbsp; The pickup struck the front passenger side of the Scion.

EMS transported the woman driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. The pickup driver was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by a 58-year-old Eagleville man was leaving a business parking lot northbound at Route N.The. pickup pulled into the path of an eastbound 2005 Scion XB driven by a 66-year-old Eagleville woman.&nbsp; The pickup struck the front passenger side of the Scion.EMS transported the woman driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. The pickup driver was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after 2-vehicle crash

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The City of Maryville is set to upgrade its lake patrol equipment with the acquisition of a new patrol boat for Mozingo Lake Park.

At this week's city council meeting, members gave first-reading approval for the purchase of a 2025 model boat from Excel Boats, priced at approximately $55,000. The new watercraft will replace the city's aging patrol boat, which Police Chief Mike Stolte says has become unreliable, spending more time in repairs than in active use.

During the summer months, Maryville reassigns two officers to patrol Mozingo Lake and the surrounding area. The officers currently share use of an old patrol boat and jet skis, but both have become outdated, prompting the need for updated equipment.

The purchase will be funded through a designated Mozingo Patrol Fund, along with a $10,000 grant secured by the Maryville Police Department.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The City of Maryville is set to upgrade its lake patrol equipment with the acquisition of a new patrol boat for Mozingo Lake Park.At this week's city council meeting, members gave first-reading approval for the purchase of a 2025 model boat from Excel Boats, priced at approximately $55,000. The new watercraft will replace the city's aging patrol boat, which Police Chief Mike Stolte says has become unreliable, spending more time in repairs than in active use.During the summer months, Maryville reassigns two officers to patrol Mozingo Lake and the surrounding area. The officers currently share use of an old patrol boat and jet skis, but both have become outdated, prompting the need for updated equipment.The purchase will be funded through a designated Mozingo Patrol Fund, along with a $10,000 grant secured by the Maryville Police Department.

Maryville Moves Forward with Patrol Boat Purchase for Mozingo Lake

FALLS CITY, Neb.&nbsp; — The Falls City Board of Education approved a $168,851 project to resurface the track at Jug Brown Stadium during its regular meeting Monday night, giving a green light to long-anticipated improvements for student-athletes and community users.

Board members also voted to maintain the daily substitute teacher pay rate at $175 for the 2025–26 school year, unchanged from the previous year.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively informed the board that the Sixpence Board of Trustees approved a continuation grant for Falls City Public Schools totaling $425,856 for the next fiscal year. The grant amount represents a temporary reduction of $129,051 due to a delay in Child Care and Development Fund payments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Heckenlively noted that if additional funding becomes available, Sixpence may issue an amended award to District 56.

The board also received an update from Transportation Director Tyler Bek, who shared concerns over upcoming federal safety regulations that may prohibit the use of 11-passenger vans. Falls City currently uses these vans for daily student transport and extracurricular travel.

To remain compliant, the district may need to transition to small buses or minivans in the future. Bek reported that the district's eight rural bus routes logged a total of 91,318 miles during the last school year.

The board will continue monitoring transportation policy developments and evaluate vehicle needs to ensure student safety and regulatory compliance.

FALLS CITY, Neb.&nbsp; — The Falls City Board of Education approved a $168,851 project to resurface the track at Jug Brown Stadium during its regular meeting Monday night, giving a green light to long-anticipated improvements for student-athletes and community users.Board members also voted to maintain the daily substitute teacher pay rate at $175 for the 2025–26 school year, unchanged from the previous year.Superintendent Tim Heckenlively informed the board that the Sixpence Board of Trustees approved a continuation grant for Falls City Public Schools totaling $425,856 for the next fiscal year. The grant amount represents a temporary reduction of $129,051 due to a delay in Child Care and Development Fund payments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Heckenlively noted that if additional funding becomes available, Sixpence may issue an amended award to District 56.The board also received an update from Transportation Director Tyler Bek, who shared concerns over upcoming federal safety regulations that may prohibit the use of 11-passenger vans. Falls City currently uses these vans for daily student transport and extracurricular travel.To remain compliant, the district may need to transition to small buses or minivans in the future. Bek reported that the district's eight rural bus routes logged a total of 91,318 miles during the last school year.The board will continue monitoring transportation policy developments and evaluate vehicle needs to ensure student safety and regulatory compliance.

Falls City School Board Approves Track Resurfacing, Holds Substitute Pay, and Reviews Transportation Shifts

MOUND CITY, Mo. — The Holt County Commission has taken key steps toward enhancing public safety and law enforcement resources by signing off on documents to apply for Missouri Blue Shield Community designation and renegotiate its contract with Laptop Pitstop, the county’s provider of law enforcement computer systems and software.

If approved, the Blue Shield designation would allow Holt County to apply for state grants to purchase new equipment and provide officer training.

The Missouri Blue Shield Community Program, launched under Governor Mike Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative, recognizes cities and counties that demonstrate strong support for law enforcement and a clear commitment to public safety. Blue Shield status may also make counties more competitive when seeking future state funding.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety is expected to begin accepting grant applications for FY2026 in July. Holt County officials are optimistic the designation, if granted, will lead to important improvements for local law enforcement capabilities.

In addition to the Blue Shield efforts, commissioners approved a renegotiated agreement with Laptop Pitstop, which manages the county's law enforcement technology infrastructure, ensuring continued access to vital computer systems and software tools used by officers.

MOUND CITY, Mo. — The Holt County Commission has taken key steps toward enhancing public safety and law enforcement resources by signing off on documents to apply for Missouri Blue Shield Community designation and renegotiate its contract with Laptop Pitstop, the county’s provider of law enforcement computer systems and software.If approved, the Blue Shield designation would allow Holt County to apply for state grants to purchase new equipment and provide officer training.The Missouri Blue Shield Community Program, launched under Governor Mike Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative, recognizes cities and counties that demonstrate strong support for law enforcement and a clear commitment to public safety. Blue Shield status may also make counties more competitive when seeking future state funding.The Missouri Department of Public Safety is expected to begin accepting grant applications for FY2026 in July. Holt County officials are optimistic the designation, if granted, will lead to important improvements for local law enforcement capabilities.In addition to the Blue Shield efforts, commissioners approved a renegotiated agreement with Laptop Pitstop, which manages the county's law enforcement technology infrastructure, ensuring continued access to vital computer systems and software tools used by officers.

Holt County Pursues Missouri Blue Shield Designation, Renews Law Enforcement Tech Contract

MARYVILLE, Mo. — This year’s Nodaway County Fair will deliver three nights of live entertainment, each offering a unique performance for fairgoers to enjoy from July 10 through July 12.

The fun kicks off on Thursday, July 10, with a performance by Master Magician Keith Leff, who brings over 25 years of magical experience to the stage. Leff is a multiple-time winner of the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Close-Up Magician of the Year Contest and has earned top honors in both close-up and stage magic at the World Magic Expo. Also on Thursday, the Nodaway County Band will entertain the crowd with a variety of musical selections near the main stage.

On Friday, July 11, the spotlight shifts to The Casady Band, a local group known for their high-energy performances and acoustic sets. The band recently performed at the Mozingo Visitors Center Grand Opening and plays hits from legendary artists like Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and Toby Keith.

Closing out the fair on Saturday, July 12, is Arena Rock Giants, a Kansas City-based tribute band that brings the sound and spirit of classic rock to life. Their setlist includes crowd favorites from bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Van Halen, and more.

With something for everyone, the 2025 Nodaway County Fair promises a weekend of magic, music, and memories for the whole community.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — This year’s Nodaway County Fair will deliver three nights of live entertainment, each offering a unique performance for fairgoers to enjoy from July 10 through July 12.The fun kicks off on Thursday, July 10, with a performance by Master Magician Keith Leff, who brings over 25 years of magical experience to the stage. Leff is a multiple-time winner of the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Close-Up Magician of the Year Contest and has earned top honors in both close-up and stage magic at the World Magic Expo. Also on Thursday, the Nodaway County Band will entertain the crowd with a variety of musical selections near the main stage.On Friday, July 11, the spotlight shifts to The Casady Band, a local group known for their high-energy performances and acoustic sets. The band recently performed at the Mozingo Visitors Center Grand Opening and plays hits from legendary artists like Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and Toby Keith.Closing out the fair on Saturday, July 12, is Arena Rock Giants, a Kansas City-based tribute band that brings the sound and spirit of classic rock to life. Their setlist includes crowd favorites from bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Van Halen, and more.With something for everyone, the 2025 Nodaway County Fair promises a weekend of magic, music, and memories for the whole community.

Nodaway County Fair to Feature Diverse Lineup of Entertainment July 10–12

SIDNEY, Iowa — Fremont County officials have closed the 260th Street Bridge between Bluff Road and 225th Street following the discovery of severe structural damage during an inspection Thursday morning.

With no immediate alternate in close proximity, drivers are advised to follow the same detour currently posted for the Highway 2 repair project—which directs traffic south through Hamburg and back north on Interstate 29 to rejoin Highway 2.

There is currently no estimate for how long the bridge will remain closed, as crews assess the extent of the damage and evaluate available repair materials. Work with consultants is going on to explore the possibility of removing the deck as part of the repair strategy.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Fremont County Engineer’s Office at 712-374-2613.

SIDNEY, Iowa — Fremont County officials have closed the 260th Street Bridge between Bluff Road and 225th Street following the discovery of severe structural damage during an inspection Thursday morning.With no immediate alternate in close proximity, drivers are advised to follow the same detour currently posted for the Highway 2 repair project—which directs traffic south through Hamburg and back north on Interstate 29 to rejoin Highway 2.There is currently no estimate for how long the bridge will remain closed, as crews assess the extent of the damage and evaluate available repair materials. Work with consultants is going on to explore the possibility of removing the deck as part of the repair strategy.Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Fremont County Engineer’s Office at 712-374-2613.

Bridge Collapse Forces Closure Near Highway 2 in Fremont County

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 voted to set aside $1.5 billion of future tax revenue to finance stadium projects and provide $125 million of aid for communities hit by severe weather

The Missouri House closed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-governor-calls-special-session-for-kansas-city-stadiums-st-louis-disaster-funding/">the special legislative session</a>&nbsp;Wednesday with votes to finance&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/02/missouri-special-session-begins-with-lawmakers-split-on-stadium-funding-plan/">professional sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City and provide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">tornado relief for St. Louis</a>.

Three special session bills, already&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">approved in the state Senate</a>, are now in the hands of Gov. Mike Kehoe. He is expected to sign them quickly, putting the decision on whether to stay in Missouri in the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, who are also considering an offer from Kansas to cross the state line.

State Rep. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City handling the stadium bill, asked his colleagues to do what they would do to retain any large employer.

“We really need to, or should, look at these franchises, not just as entertainment,” Brown said. “They are entertaining, obviously, but it’s an incredibly big business.”

Opponents of the legislation said it improperly benefits wealthy team owners at the expense of other Missourians. They also contend the bill is unconstitutional.

“The middle class, everyday Missourian is expected to pay for this,” said state Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville. “We’ve been promising for years for some form of tax relief or tax adjustment or something to ease the burden on what they have, and this is exactly the opposite of what we promised them to come up here to do.”

The measure to finance new stadiums was the most controversial of the three bills, passing on a 90-58 vote, with 32 Democrats joining with 58 Republicans to provide the majority. There were 13 Democrats and 45 Republicans who voted against the bill.

To finance the stadium construction, the bill sets aside tax revenue generated by the teams and economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. Estimated at just under $1.5 billion over 30 years, the funding would pay for half the costs of improvements at Arrowhead and a new home for the Royals.

The Kansas offer would cover 70% of the construction costs for new stadiums, but it expires at the end of the month. The bill passed Wednesday requires financing from local governments, either in Jackson County, where the teams currently reside, or Clay County, which is trying to lure the Royals.

It is impossible to put a ballot measure before voters in the time remaining for the Kansas offer. House leaders from the Kansas City area had differing views on whether the teams should accept or reject Missouri’s offer now that it is a firm commitment but without knowing what voters will approve in the Kansas City region.

“I don’t know what the teams will do,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican. “They have their own plan. I think that’s very unlikely, but I’m just worried about the things I can control, and teams are on their own schedule and will act accordingly.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, said the teams should make a decision before June 30

“I would call on them to do so,” Aune said. “We bent over backwards here in the Missouri legislature to deliver them something by the end of their imposed deadline of June 30. And I would very much like for them to hold true to that deadline and let us know where they’re going before that.”

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vF4BdALzcghzkkop9ZNFJeGpLRBZqwWMgXUgTPF9f7ALK1DCmLS9wqQnoFFCFHeEl&amp;id=61552483836166" target="_blank">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;thanking the legislature but made no commitment.

“The passing of this legislation is an important piece of the overall effort,” Hunt said. “While there’s still work to be done, this legislation enables the Chiefs to continue exploring potential options to consider remaining in Missouri.”

Patterson and Aune also disagreed on whether the extra disaster aid and property tax controls Kehoe added to the special session agenda had made the difference between success and failure on the stadium bill.

Patterson said each bill was considered on its own merits and that the property tax provisions may have cost votes. The stadium legislation won 103 votes in the House in May but the bill died in the state Senate.

“I’d like to think that people took a look at both those things on their own,” Patterson said. “I don’t think anybody here voted for one thing just because of the other.”

The House voted down two amendments so the bill did not require another vote in the state Senate. Patterson said it would have failed the second time around.

“A second Senate vote on the (stadium bill) would have been impossible, just the political climate after that vote,” Patterson said. “So we were very mindful of that. I thought if it goes back, it’s not going to pass.”

Aune said the additional disaster aid was essential to securing Democratic votes.

“If he wanted to get this stadium done, which is an economic development opportunity for the state and a priority of our governor, it was necessary to make sure that he could shore up those votes by making folks happy in other ways,” Aune said.

During debate on the special session spending bill, the House fell silent as state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a St. Louis Democrat, described the devastation of her north St. Louis legislative district.

Collins was home on May 16 because the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/15/stadium-funding-gun-rights-law-among-casualties-of-missouri-senate-breakdown/">General Assembly adjourned early</a>&nbsp;instead of working to the final day allowed by the Missouri Constitution. She was in her car, preparing to attend a high school graduation when the tornado hit, she said.

“I watched a tornado rip through the middle of my house district,” Collins said. “I also watched it rip off my roof, and I watched the tornado rip off my neighbor’s roof. To this day, debris still sits in my front yard, and I’m a girl that has no insurance.”

Four of the five Missourians who died in the tornado lived in her district, Collins said.

The disaster relief provisions in the legislation address both the devastation of the May 16 tornado in St. Louis and the damages suffered by other Missourians in storms and flooding earlier in the year. They are:

The provisions were demanded before the Senate vote because of uncertainty about the federal response to the tornado. Kehoe asked President Donald Trump for a federal disaster declaration for the tornado on May 25 and for April 29 storms in Scott on May 19.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">approved both late Monday</a>, making federal aid for emergency housing and rebuilding available to individuals and providing money to reimburse the state and local governments for recovery costs.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson who is in her last term in the House, asked her colleagues to stand by St. Louis for the long-term.

“For those of us who will be termed-out next year,” Proudie said, “we need the rest of you who will be here five years later to continue to remember this day, to remember this time, to remember these last three weeks, to continue to pour help into these communities, into these people.”

The property tax cap in the stadium bill will be imposed in 97 counties. There would be 75 counties where basic tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year and 22 where no increase would be allowed.

The list excludes most of the largest counties of the state and many members opposed it because the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++3&amp;bid=32025&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">Missouri Constitution requires</a>&nbsp;property taxes to be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”

Another constitutional objection was raised that the bill improperly aids a private entity by giving state support to the Chiefs and Royals, in violation of a provision&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++38(a)&amp;bid=31785&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">added to the Constitution in 1875</a>.&nbsp;

“I haven’t heard an argument yet that this bill is going to be upheld,” said state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon. “I’ve only heard arguments that we should ignore the fact that it’s unconstitutional.”

The likelihood of the property tax provisions being blocked by the courts led at least one Democrat to vote for the bill. State Rep. Kathy Steinmetz of Columbia, speaking at a news conference after the vote, said she sees the cap as shifting the tax burden for schools to state taxpayers.

“They’re ending up paying more,” she said, “so that we can help the school districts that are not putting forth that local tax effort.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749680219632.png" alt=" State Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City, speaks Wednesday in favor of the bill he handled that would finance new or improved professional sports stadiums in Kansas City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City, speaks Wednesday in favor of the bill he handled that would finance new or improved professional sports stadiums in Kansas City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>The Missouri House voted to set aside $1.5 billion of future tax revenue to finance stadium projects and provide $125 million of aid for communities hit by severe weather</h2>The Missouri House closed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-governor-calls-special-session-for-kansas-city-stadiums-st-louis-disaster-funding/">the special legislative session</a>&nbsp;Wednesday with votes to finance&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/02/missouri-special-session-begins-with-lawmakers-split-on-stadium-funding-plan/">professional sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City and provide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">tornado relief for St. Louis</a>.Three special session bills, already&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">approved in the state Senate</a>, are now in the hands of Gov. Mike Kehoe. He is expected to sign them quickly, putting the decision on whether to stay in Missouri in the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, who are also considering an offer from Kansas to cross the state line.State Rep. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City handling the stadium bill, asked his colleagues to do what they would do to retain any large employer.“We really need to, or should, look at these franchises, not just as entertainment,” Brown said. “They are entertaining, obviously, but it’s an incredibly big business.”Opponents of the legislation said it improperly benefits wealthy team owners at the expense of other Missourians. They also contend the bill is unconstitutional.“The middle class, everyday Missourian is expected to pay for this,” said state Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville. “We’ve been promising for years for some form of tax relief or tax adjustment or something to ease the burden on what they have, and this is exactly the opposite of what we promised them to come up here to do.”The measure to finance new stadiums was the most controversial of the three bills, passing on a 90-58 vote, with 32 Democrats joining with 58 Republicans to provide the majority. There were 13 Democrats and 45 Republicans who voted against the bill.To finance the stadium construction, the bill sets aside tax revenue generated by the teams and economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. Estimated at just under $1.5 billion over 30 years, the funding would pay for half the costs of improvements at Arrowhead and a new home for the Royals.The Kansas offer would cover 70% of the construction costs for new stadiums, but it expires at the end of the month. The bill passed Wednesday requires financing from local governments, either in Jackson County, where the teams currently reside, or Clay County, which is trying to lure the Royals.It is impossible to put a ballot measure before voters in the time remaining for the Kansas offer. House leaders from the Kansas City area had differing views on whether the teams should accept or reject Missouri’s offer now that it is a firm commitment but without knowing what voters will approve in the Kansas City region.“I don’t know what the teams will do,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican. “They have their own plan. I think that’s very unlikely, but I’m just worried about the things I can control, and teams are on their own schedule and will act accordingly.”House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, said the teams should make a decision before June 30“I would call on them to do so,” Aune said. “We bent over backwards here in the Missouri legislature to deliver them something by the end of their imposed deadline of June 30. And I would very much like for them to hold true to that deadline and let us know where they’re going before that.”Chiefs owner Clark Hunt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vF4BdALzcghzkkop9ZNFJeGpLRBZqwWMgXUgTPF9f7ALK1DCmLS9wqQnoFFCFHeEl&amp;id=61552483836166" target="_blank">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;thanking the legislature but made no commitment.“The passing of this legislation is an important piece of the overall effort,” Hunt said. “While there’s still work to be done, this legislation enables the Chiefs to continue exploring potential options to consider remaining in Missouri.”Patterson and Aune also disagreed on whether the extra disaster aid and property tax controls Kehoe added to the special session agenda had made the difference between success and failure on the stadium bill.Patterson said each bill was considered on its own merits and that the property tax provisions may have cost votes. The stadium legislation won 103 votes in the House in May but the bill died in the state Senate.“I’d like to think that people took a look at both those things on their own,” Patterson said. “I don’t think anybody here voted for one thing just because of the other.”The House voted down two amendments so the bill did not require another vote in the state Senate. Patterson said it would have failed the second time around.“A second Senate vote on the (stadium bill) would have been impossible, just the political climate after that vote,” Patterson said. “So we were very mindful of that. I thought if it goes back, it’s not going to pass.”Aune said the additional disaster aid was essential to securing Democratic votes.“If he wanted to get this stadium done, which is an economic development opportunity for the state and a priority of our governor, it was necessary to make sure that he could shore up those votes by making folks happy in other ways,” Aune said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749680176449.png" alt=" State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis, speaks Wednesday on the devastation her district has suffered after a tornado hit the area on May 16 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis, speaks Wednesday on the devastation her district has suffered after a tornado hit the area on May 16 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Disaster relief</h2>During debate on the special session spending bill, the House fell silent as state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a St. Louis Democrat, described the devastation of her north St. Louis legislative district.Collins was home on May 16 because the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/15/stadium-funding-gun-rights-law-among-casualties-of-missouri-senate-breakdown/">General Assembly adjourned early</a>&nbsp;instead of working to the final day allowed by the Missouri Constitution. She was in her car, preparing to attend a high school graduation when the tornado hit, she said.“I watched a tornado rip through the middle of my house district,” Collins said. “I also watched it rip off my roof, and I watched the tornado rip off my neighbor’s roof. To this day, debris still sits in my front yard, and I’m a girl that has no insurance.”Four of the five Missourians who died in the tornado lived in her district, Collins said.The disaster relief provisions in the legislation address both the devastation of the May 16 tornado in St. Louis and the damages suffered by other Missourians in storms and flooding earlier in the year. They are:<ul>
 <li>$100 million in the spending bill for storm recovery in the city of St. Louis;</li><li>$25 million for home repairs and other housing needs through programs of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, available in any county included in a request for federal disaster aid;</li><li>A tax credit worth up to $5,000 for insurance deductibles paid for residential damage in an area included in a request for federal disaster aid. The legislation would allow $90 million in claims this year and $45 million per year for future years.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The provisions were demanded before the Senate vote because of uncertainty about the federal response to the tornado. Kehoe asked President Donald Trump for a federal disaster declaration for the tornado on May 25 and for April 29 storms in Scott on May 19.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trump-allows-fema-aid-for-st-louis-tornado-recovery/">approved both late Monday</a>, making federal aid for emergency housing and rebuilding available to individuals and providing money to reimburse the state and local governments for recovery costs.State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson who is in her last term in the House, asked her colleagues to stand by St. Louis for the long-term.“For those of us who will be termed-out next year,” Proudie said, “we need the rest of you who will be here five years later to continue to remember this day, to remember this time, to remember these last three weeks, to continue to pour help into these communities, into these people.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749680145631.png" alt=" State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, speaks on the House floor Wednesday about how property tax provisions in the stadium funding bill affects local schools (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, speaks on the House floor Wednesday about how property tax provisions in the stadium funding bill affects local schools (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Constitutional questions</h2>The property tax cap in the stadium bill will be imposed in 97 counties. There would be 75 counties where basic tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year and 22 where no increase would be allowed.The list excludes most of the largest counties of the state and many members opposed it because the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++3&amp;bid=32025&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">Missouri Constitution requires</a>&nbsp;property taxes to be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”Another constitutional objection was raised that the bill improperly aids a private entity by giving state support to the Chiefs and Royals, in violation of a provision&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++38(a)&amp;bid=31785&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">added to the Constitution in 1875</a>.&nbsp;“I haven’t heard an argument yet that this bill is going to be upheld,” said state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon. “I’ve only heard arguments that we should ignore the fact that it’s unconstitutional.”The likelihood of the property tax provisions being blocked by the courts led at least one Democrat to vote for the bill. State Rep. Kathy Steinmetz of Columbia, speaking at a news conference after the vote, said she sees the cap as shifting the tax burden for schools to state taxpayers.“They’re ending up paying more,” she said, “so that we can help the school districts that are not putting forth that local tax effort.”

Missouri special session ends with passage of KC stadium funding, disaster aid

The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed all shooting ranges at the Pigeon Hill Conservation Area in Buchanan County indefinitely.  

The Department says while the rest of the conservation area will remain open to the public, an investigation of the shooting ranges showed misuse which put public safety at risk forcing the closure.  

“Unfortunately, the actions of unsafe, irresponsible shooting range users created a situation that we could not allow to persist,” Justin McGuire, the Departments Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator says in a news release. 

Despite increased patrols and other security measures the practices the department has deemed unsafe have continued.  Photographs from the department showed firearm damage to restrooms as an example. 

“This decision was not made lightly," Department Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, “but it was the responsible course of action. Our first priority is the safety of the shooting range users and others in the area.” 

While the Pigeon Hill shooting ranges have been closed there are other areas available for target shooting, including the Elam Bend Conservation Area in Gentry County. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749591163344.jpeg" alt="Firearm damage to regulation signs at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is further evidence of unsafe range behavior. Rogue shots outside of the designated target area create an unsafe environment for the public/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Firearm damage to regulation signs at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is further evidence of unsafe range behavior. Rogue shots outside of the designated target area create an unsafe environment for the public/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed all shooting ranges at the Pigeon Hill Conservation Area in Buchanan County indefinitely. The Department says while the rest of the conservation area will remain open to the public, an investigation of the shooting ranges showed misuse which put public safety at risk forcing the closure. “Unfortunately, the actions of unsafe, irresponsible shooting range users created a situation that we could not allow to persist,” Justin McGuire, the Departments Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator says in a news release. Despite increased patrols and other security measures the practices the department has deemed unsafe have continued. Photographs from the department showed firearm damage to restrooms as an example. “This decision was not made lightly," Department Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, “but it was the responsible course of action. Our first priority is the safety of the shooting range users and others in the area.” While the Pigeon Hill shooting ranges have been closed there are other areas available for target shooting, including the Elam Bend Conservation Area in Gentry County. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749591227295.jpeg" alt="Firearm damage to a restroom building at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is one example of evidence of unsafe range behavior that led to the range closures. Firearms aimed anywhere besides the designated targets pose a serious threat to public safety./ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Firearm damage to a restroom building at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is one example of evidence of unsafe range behavior that led to the range closures. Firearms aimed anywhere besides the designated targets pose a serious threat to public safety./ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MO Department of Conservation closes Pigeon Hill shooting range indefinitely 

It's the perfect time to take in a movie during the K Jo 105 point 5 Canned Film Festival at Regal Hollywood Cinemas. 

Starting today, and every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 6th, Regal will show two movies where the price of admission is just a non-perishable food item. The movies are geared toward children. 

General Manager of Regal Hollywood Theatre Mike Glore says this is done as a tie in with Second Harvest Food Bank 

"To try to help people out that can use the help and it's a side benefit because people can come in to watch these movies for just a canned food donation, a nonperishable food donation per person that comes in the door, and it helps fill the pantries of those people in need," Glore tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. 

$1 tickets can also be purchased in lieu of a food donation to see the movies, which will be donated to charity as well.  

Glore says the event is always well received 

"It's a double ended win in the fact that people who may not be able to afford a regular ticket can come out for next to nothing and watch a movie, and then what they're doing is also benefitting other people by bringing in those donations," Glore explains.  "So, everybody makes out and people stop by and buy their popcorn at our concession stand so we're good with that too." 

Glore says Mosaic will also be on hand during the event in the lobby, leading kids in some sort of healthy activity  

"Whether that may be talking to the kids about dietary, you know spin the wheel and tell me have you had this vegetable, or physical activities," Glore says.  "Sometimes they bring a set of, I believe it's pig lungs, and a doctor from Mosaic and they talk about respiratory and then of course our most popular week for activity is a bike blender." 

Glore says kids will ride on the bike blender and make some sort of fruit smoothie or salsa on the day, which is always fun.  

Sing 2 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish kick off the film festival today and tomorrow with showings at 11 am.  

A schedule of movies can be found by visiting Regal's website as well as K Jo's, Second Harvest's, and the K Jo Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749575398403.jpeg" alt="The K Jo 105.5 van sits at Regal Hollywood Theatres during the K Jo Canned Film Festival/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5" />
 <figcaption>The K Jo 105.5 van sits at Regal Hollywood Theatres during the K Jo Canned Film Festival/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Need a break from the summer heat? It's the perfect time to take in a movie during the K Jo 105 point 5 Canned Film Festival at Regal Hollywood Cinemas. Starting today, and every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 6th, Regal will show two movies where the price of admission is just a non-perishable food item. The movies are geared toward children. General Manager of Regal Hollywood Theatre Mike Glore says this is done as a tie in with Second Harvest Food Bank "To try to help people out that can use the help and it's a side benefit because people can come in to watch these movies for just a canned food donation, a nonperishable food donation per person that comes in the door, and it helps fill the pantries of those people in need," Glore tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. $1 tickets can also be purchased in lieu of a food donation to see the movies, which will be donated to charity as well. Glore says the event is always well received "It's a double ended win in the fact that people who may not be able to afford a regular ticket can come out for next to nothing and watch a movie, and then what they're doing is also benefitting other people by bringing in those donations," Glore explains. "So, everybody makes out and people stop by and buy their popcorn at our concession stand so we're good with that too." Glore says Mosaic will also be on hand during the event in the lobby, leading kids in some sort of healthy activity "Whether that may be talking to the kids about dietary, you know spin the wheel and tell me have you had this vegetable, or physical activities," Glore says. "Sometimes they bring a set of, I believe it's pig lungs, and a doctor from Mosaic and they talk about respiratory and then of course our most popular week for activity is a bike blender." Glore says kids will ride on the bike blender and make some sort of fruit smoothie or salsa on the day, which is always fun. Sing 2 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish kick off the film festival today and tomorrow with showings at 11 am. A schedule of movies can be found by visiting Regal's website as well as K Jo's, Second Harvest's, and the K Jo Facebook page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749575458520.jpeg" alt="The movie schedule for this years K Jo 105.5 Canned Film Festival.&nbsp; Movies will be shown at 11am each day, unless otherwise noted/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5" />
 <figcaption>The movie schedule for this years K Jo 105.5 Canned Film Festival.&nbsp; Movies will be shown at 11am each day, unless otherwise noted/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

K Jo Canned Film Festival to benefit Second Harvest

If you're still looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph might have the right idea for you.  

On Saturday June 21st, the museum will host a whisky tasting and hog roast, with a Wood Hats and Spirits Tasting and food provided by Spanky and Buckwheats.  

Madison McKinley with Albrecht Kemper says this isn’t just an event for fathers. 

"That's why we made it the weekend after father's day, so it could also be for a fun date night or hang out with the boys, just do something fun," McKinley says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "But if you are still looking for a Father's Day gift it's a great option." 

Executive Director Eric Fuson says they've been trying to think of some new things to do at the museum that people just can't do at home. 

"Something that's like oh I've always wanted to be a part of something like that but never knew anybody that would do it, so we thought well a whole hog roast would be kind of fun to give a whirl," Fuson explains.  "And between that and the whiskey tasting and being kind of able to be out on the back patio and see some artwork as well, it's just going to be a fun evening for sure." 

In association with the event, a new exhibit will also open, “The Cabinet of Natural History- America's First Colored Lithographic project 1830-1833 will open the same day 

Fuson says the exhibit is a collection of printed pieces drawn on a stone, and many of these pieces are of the wildlife of the United States 

"These guys they were trying to kind of say hey here's what out there, here's what's going on, but some of the artists were still back in base basically, and they would bring back some of the animals or some sketches of them and things and they would have to go from there," Fuson says.  "So, you'll see some things that you kind of think that looks a little funky, it's not quite exactly as natural as I'd like to see." 

The exhibit will run from June 21st through September 14th.   

The whiskey tasting and hog roast will run from 6 to 8pm on June 21st.  Tickets are $50 a person and can be purchased by visiting the Albrecht's website or contacting the museum. 

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

By MATT PIKE If you're still looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph might have the right idea for you. On Saturday June 21st, the museum will host a whisky tasting and hog roast, with a Wood Hats and Spirits Tasting and food provided by Spanky and Buckwheats. Madison McKinley with Albrecht Kemper says this isn’t just an event for fathers. "That's why we made it the weekend after father's day, so it could also be for a fun date night or hang out with the boys, just do something fun," McKinley says on the KFEQmunnity show. "But if you are still looking for a Father's Day gift it's a great option." Executive Director Eric Fuson says they've been trying to think of some new things to do at the museum that people just can't do at home. "Something that's like oh I've always wanted to be a part of something like that but never knew anybody that would do it, so we thought well a whole hog roast would be kind of fun to give a whirl," Fuson explains. "And between that and the whiskey tasting and being kind of able to be out on the back patio and see some artwork as well, it's just going to be a fun evening for sure." In association with the event, a new exhibit will also open, “The Cabinet of Natural History- America's First Colored Lithographic project 1830-1833 will open the same day Fuson says the exhibit is a collection of printed pieces drawn on a stone, and many of these pieces are of the wildlife of the United States "These guys they were trying to kind of say hey here's what out there, here's what's going on, but some of the artists were still back in base basically, and they would bring back some of the animals or some sketches of them and things and they would have to go from there," Fuson says. "So, you'll see some things that you kind of think that looks a little funky, it's not quite exactly as natural as I'd like to see." The exhibit will run from June 21st through September 14th. The whiskey tasting and hog roast will run from 6 to 8pm on June 21st. Tickets are $50 a person and can be purchased by visiting the Albrecht's website or contacting the museum. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Albrecht Kemper offering unique Father's Day gift

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.

A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. couple injured after rear-end crash

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.

Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, 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. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. teens hospitalized after Jeep strikes animal, rolls

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.

Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;

 Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228407077.png" alt="Carter photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228376073.png" alt="McKinney Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>McKinney Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228441083.png" alt="Doyle photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Doyle photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

Sheriff found meth, marijuana and small children at Kansas home

The St. Joseph Mustangs scored another big win in MINK league play to stay undefeated in league play, beating the Chillicothe Mudcats 11-4 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday evening.&nbsp;

The Mustangs started off in dominant fashion too, shutting out the Mudcats through the first five innings.&nbsp; St. Joseph got on the board in the first inning thanks to Benton alum Chris Coy singling into left field, driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Dom Felix for a quick 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Things broke open in the fourth inning as the Mustangs put up four runs, the biggest coming on the first home run of the season in St. Joseph, courtesy of Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith, a solo shot to left field.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Darius Freeman later in the inning extended the lead more, driving in&nbsp;Tyler Gundelfinger, before Felix singled to left to bring home Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little, pushing the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;

Three more runs scored in the fifth inning, first with Little driving in Griffith on an RBI single.&nbsp; Little later scored on a single from Freeman, which also drove in Miller and gave St. Joseph a 9-0 lead at the end of five innings.&nbsp;

Chillicothe found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning with a three run frame, hitting the second home run of the game as&nbsp;Luke DeWitt, who also pitched two innings of relief for the Mudcats, hit a two run home run, scoring&nbsp;John Spoto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordi Ventura came across home later in the inning on a groundout by&nbsp;Ethan Murakoshi, cutting the Mustangs lead to 9-3.&nbsp;

But St. Joseph never wavered, adding the final two runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Freeman's sacrifice fly scored Miller, for Freeman's fourth RBI of the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning Felix doubled to drive in Luikart for the final Mustangs run.&nbsp; Over the last two games, Freeman has now driven in nine runs, after driving in five on Thursday against Jefferson City.

Murakoshi singled to left field in the eighth inning for the Mudcats, driving in&nbsp;Aiden Baerenklau for the final run of the game.

Aron Harrington got the win for the Mustangs, pitching five shutout innings, striking out six and giving up two hits while walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Felix was 3-for-4 with three RBI's and a walk.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-2 with the home run and two walks, he also stole two bases in the win.&nbsp; Freeman was 1-for-4 with the four RBI's.&nbsp;

The Mustangs have one more home game tomorrow, before they hit the road for the first time on Tuesday.&nbsp; It will be the annual matchup between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Mustangs alumni on Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749274391176.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit the first Mustangs home run of the year in an 11-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats. Griffith was 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks in the win/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit the first Mustangs home run of the year in an 11-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats. Griffith was 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks in the win/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs scored another big win in MINK league play to stay undefeated in league play, beating the Chillicothe Mudcats 11-4 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday evening.&nbsp;The Mustangs started off in dominant fashion too, shutting out the Mudcats through the first five innings.&nbsp; St. Joseph got on the board in the first inning thanks to Benton alum Chris Coy singling into left field, driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Dom Felix for a quick 2-0 lead.&nbsp;Things broke open in the fourth inning as the Mustangs put up four runs, the biggest coming on the first home run of the season in St. Joseph, courtesy of Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith, a solo shot to left field.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Darius Freeman later in the inning extended the lead more, driving in&nbsp;Tyler Gundelfinger, before Felix singled to left to bring home Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little, pushing the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Going, going, gone! Parker Griffith hits the Mustangs first home run of the year in the bottom of the fourth! <a href="https://t.co/btwTY9ejYB">pic.twitter.com/btwTY9ejYB</a>&mdash; StJoeMustangs (@theSJmustangs) <a href="https://twitter.com/theSJmustangs/status/1931163015149461571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Three more runs scored in the fifth inning, first with Little driving in Griffith on an RBI single.&nbsp; Little later scored on a single from Freeman, which also drove in Miller and gave St. Joseph a 9-0 lead at the end of five innings.&nbsp;Chillicothe found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning with a three run frame, hitting the second home run of the game as&nbsp;Luke DeWitt, who also pitched two innings of relief for the Mudcats, hit a two run home run, scoring&nbsp;John Spoto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordi Ventura came across home later in the inning on a groundout by&nbsp;Ethan Murakoshi, cutting the Mustangs lead to 9-3.&nbsp;But St. Joseph never wavered, adding the final two runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Freeman's sacrifice fly scored Miller, for Freeman's fourth RBI of the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning Felix doubled to drive in Luikart for the final Mustangs run.&nbsp; Over the last two games, Freeman has now driven in nine runs, after driving in five on Thursday against Jefferson City.Murakoshi singled to left field in the eighth inning for the Mudcats, driving in&nbsp;Aiden Baerenklau for the final run of the game.Aron Harrington got the win for the Mustangs, pitching five shutout innings, striking out six and giving up two hits while walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Felix was 3-for-4 with three RBI's and a walk.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-2 with the home run and two walks, he also stole two bases in the win.&nbsp; Freeman was 1-for-4 with the four RBI's.&nbsp;The Mustangs have one more home game tomorrow, before they hit the road for the first time on Tuesday.&nbsp; It will be the annual matchup between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Mustangs alumni on Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another big win as Mustangs top Chillicothe 11-4

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Machs Van driven by a 32-year-old Maryville man was northbound on MO 148 three miles north of Maryville.

The Van rear-ended a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old Pickering man who was stopped in traffic attempting to turn west onto County Road 220.

Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Machs Van driven by a 32-year-old Maryville man was northbound on MO 148 three miles north of Maryville.The Van rear-ended a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old Pickering man who was stopped in traffic attempting to turn west onto County Road 220.Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. men hospitalized after rear-end crash

The annual art fair at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph is coming up tomorrow. 

Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event will be out on the lawn of the museum throughout the day tomorrow 

"We've got about 17 artists that are going to be out with all their wears and their creations," Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And then we have bands all day, about every hour we've got another band coming on, so we've got a lot of great local talent and a band from Kansas City as well."  

Fuson says the types of music people will hear is a wide variety 

"We kind of do a little bit of everything so, we're going to start off with the Renaissance Brass guys, there's a group from right here in town, some of them are Missouri Western professors and former professors, and they just get together and play," Fuson explains.  "So, they're going to start off with some Renaissance music and then move into some Beatles, all on brass instruments, which is actually amazing and sounds fantastic out there on the patio." 

The first act will take the stage at 10am with performances running until 7pm. Food trucks, like Kona Ice, will also be on hand 

Fuson says artist vendors will also be on hand, with many of them being from around the St. Joseph and Kansas City area.  

"They really are kind of the heart and soul of the art community around (the area), they all create their own work," Fuson says.  "It's a jury thing so we really kind of look and see whose making good stuff, so there's really good things to choose from." 

The event runs from 10am until 8pm tomorrow.  It is free to attend. 

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

By MATT PIKE The annual art fair at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph is coming up tomorrow. Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event will be out on the lawn of the museum throughout the day tomorrow "We've got about 17 artists that are going to be out with all their wears and their creations," Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And then we have bands all day, about every hour we've got another band coming on, so we've got a lot of great local talent and a band from Kansas City as well." Fuson says the types of music people will hear is a wide variety "We kind of do a little bit of everything so, we're going to start off with the Renaissance Brass guys, there's a group from right here in town, some of them are Missouri Western professors and former professors, and they just get together and play," Fuson explains. "So, they're going to start off with some Renaissance music and then move into some Beatles, all on brass instruments, which is actually amazing and sounds fantastic out there on the patio." The first act will take the stage at 10am with performances running until 7pm. Food trucks, like Kona Ice, will also be on hand Fuson says artist vendors will also be on hand, with many of them being from around the St. Joseph and Kansas City area. "They really are kind of the heart and soul of the art community around (the area), they all create their own work," Fuson says. "It's a jury thing so we really kind of look and see whose making good stuff, so there's really good things to choose from." The event runs from 10am until 8pm tomorrow. It is free to attend. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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