LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.

Livingston County EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.Livingston County EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi crash on NW Missouri highway

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772463780952.png" alt="Crockett-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Crockett-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

Rosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. 

Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.

The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.

The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.

The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682010995484.jpeg" alt="Rosecrans Memorial Airport R" />
 <figcaption>Rosecrans Memorial Airport R</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHRosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

Pony Express STOL Returns to Rosecrans: Precision aviation competition set for May 30

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March Quiz

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa House has passed a bill with new state restrictions on farm implement companies -- so the owners of tractors and combines could repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on the equipment themselves. 

Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson, who's a farmer, goes even farther, suggesting it could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed. The Trump Administration recently announced that under its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the exhaust systems on diesel powered farm equipment may be disabled -- for repairs -- and manufacturers cannot justify limiting access to tools or software. 

The bill that cleared the Iowa House Monday would require manufacturers to provide free information and software to diagnose and fix diesel exhaust systems. And they'd have to sell both the tools and replacement parts to make the repairs at reduced prices.

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa House has passed a bill with new state restrictions on farm implement companies -- so the owners of tractors and combines could repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on the equipment themselves. Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson, who's a farmer, goes even farther, suggesting it could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed. The Trump Administration recently announced that under its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the exhaust systems on diesel powered farm equipment may be disabled -- for repairs -- and manufacturers cannot justify limiting access to tools or software. The bill that cleared the Iowa House Monday would require manufacturers to provide free information and software to diagnose and fix diesel exhaust systems. And they'd have to sell both the tools and replacement parts to make the repairs at reduced prices.

Iowa bill lets farmers disable diesel exhaust fluid systems in farm implements

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553222639.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.</h2>By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.<h2>What history suggests about pump prices</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.<h2>Gas prices could climb even higher</h2>Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

As Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging residents to use the time change as a vital reminder to audit their home safety equipment.

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move forward one hour. According to the State Fire Marshal’s secondary mission of public safety, this seasonal transition serves as the ideal window to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review family emergency exit strategies.

“Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by one-half,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “As we renovate our homes and children grow up, it’s important to make sure our plans are up to date—and make sure they include an outdoor meeting place.”

Statistics show that approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a period when most residents are asleep. Because fires can spread rapidly, working smoke alarms provide the early warning necessary for a safe evacuation.

The Fire Marshal’s office recommends that every family member, including children, identify at least two escape routes from every room in their residence.

In addition to fire hazards, officials emphasized the danger of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. To ensure year-round protection, the State Fire Marshal’s office issued the following maintenance guidelines:

The Fire Marshal also highlighted the growing national trend of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. Residents are advised to use only manufacturer-approved chargers and to avoid charging devices unattended, overnight, or near exits and combustible materials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769098883461.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHAs Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging residents to use the time change as a vital reminder to audit their home safety equipment.Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move forward one hour. According to the State Fire Marshal’s secondary mission of public safety, this seasonal transition serves as the ideal window to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review family emergency exit strategies.“Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by one-half,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “As we renovate our homes and children grow up, it’s important to make sure our plans are up to date—and make sure they include an outdoor meeting place.”Statistics show that approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a period when most residents are asleep. Because fires can spread rapidly, working smoke alarms provide the early warning necessary for a safe evacuation.The Fire Marshal’s office recommends that every family member, including children, identify at least two escape routes from every room in their residence.In addition to fire hazards, officials emphasized the danger of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. To ensure year-round protection, the State Fire Marshal’s office issued the following maintenance guidelines:Smoke Alarms<ul>
 <li>Installation: Place alarms on every level of the home and both inside and outside all sleeping areas.</li><li>Testing: Manually test all units once a month.</li><li>Replacement: Change batteries annually (unless using 10-year sealed units) and replace the entire device every 10 years.</li>
 </ul>Carbon Monoxide Alarms<ul>
 <li>Installation: Place units outside sleeping areas and near any fuel-burning appliances.</li><li>Testing: Test monthly and replace units every five to seven years based on manufacturer specifications.</li>
 </ul>The Fire Marshal also highlighted the growing national trend of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. Residents are advised to use only manufacturer-approved chargers and to avoid charging devices unattended, overnight, or near exits and combustible materials.

Spring Forward for Safety: State Fire Marshal urges Missourians to check alarms during time change

Having a rulebreaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, under proposed state rules.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri cannabis regulators want more power to penalize bad actors in the marijuana industry, according to drafts of&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">proposed rules</a>&nbsp;released last week.

The sweeping revisions to Division of Cannabis Regulation rules also aim to streamline the process for ownership changes, allow publicly traded companies to own cannabis licenses, and establish recall procedures of marijuana products containing unregulated THC.&nbsp;

The proposed guidelines would particularly clarify what happens when there are rule-breakers “exercising a controlling influence” over a facility, said Amy Moore, director of the division that oversees the marijuana program.

“What we are saying in the rule is if a year from now [if the rules are approved] we look at your ownership,” Moore said, “and we see you have someone exercising a controlling influence that you know has done these things, then that is a violation.”

Moore was speaking of the rules’ detailed list of offenses that include selling or distributing unregulated THC, committing theft or other criminal offenses on the job, fraudulently using an agent identification card, tampering with or falsifying video recordings, and refusing to cooperate with a department investigation.&nbsp;

Having a rule-breaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, according to the rules.

&nbsp;The changes address some of the challenges regulators have encountered with facilities, such as the cases of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction</a>&nbsp;manufacturing and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/07/the-six-year-saga-of-two-cannabis-facility-licenses/">Red Tractor</a>&nbsp;cultivation facilities.&nbsp;

Nearly a year after the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/16/cannabis-regulators-to-revoke-license-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-recall/">state stripped</a>&nbsp;Robertsville-based Delta Extraction of its license for adding unregulated THC to its products, regulators approved one of the company’s co-owners — AJO LLC — to take over a cultivation and manufacturing facility in Waynesville in May 2024.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/30/co-owners-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-marijuana-recall-got-greenlight-for-another-license/">told The Independent&nbsp;</a>last year that the rules currently do not prohibit individuals who have had a license revoked from acquiring another license.&nbsp;

The Kansas City owner of Red Tractor pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges for submitting fraudulent documents to cannabis regulators in 2021 to obtain a marijuana cultivation license. Without a felony conviction to make him ineligible, Waggoner retained the two cannabis manufacturing licenses held by his company.

The public can comment on the&nbsp;division’s<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">&nbsp;website</a>&nbsp;until March 10, and regulators will review them and decide whether to formally submit the rules to the Secretary of State’s Office.&nbsp;This is the second time the division has asked for public input on most of these rules, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/11/missouri-cannabis-regulators-rules-predatory-contracts/">first being in August</a>.

The most-interested parties, the cannabis business owners, are working on submitting feedback to the latest draft, said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.

When a cannabis facility wants to make a change in ownership that’s more than 50%, they have to fill out a business-change application and get pre-approval to do so.&nbsp;

That process can drag on anywhere from six months to a year, Moore said.

“It has proven, over time, to be so rare that we find a constitutional violation in these things,” Moore said. “It feels like we can do away with a business having to wait any amount of time for our pre-approval.”

Instead, every licensee will submit a report annually that outlines ownership percentage for each entity or individual. Licensees must still seek pre-approval if they’re adding a new owner or an individual who has 10% or more interest, or they’re fully transferring their licenses to another entity.&nbsp;

“I think it is going to be more efficient for us, and definitely more efficient for the businesses,” she said.

A state audit released last week found that the division took an average of 165 days to approve or deny business ownership change requests from submission to final action, based on data the auditor reviewed from 2020 through 2023.

The auditor urged the division to decrease the turnaround time, and Moore feels this will help do that.&nbsp;

“It also allows us to be reviewing more frequently for some and as frequently as you need to for the others,” she said.&nbsp; “I think it’ll be just more efficient government.”&nbsp;

The annual review requirement will also offer an opportunity for regulators to catch rule-breakers in ownership or management positions.

Another place of enforcement is with agent IDs. The rules would require these managers or decision makers to apply for an agent ID, when they previously didn’t need one if they weren’t working inside a facility. People who’ve committed certain offenses wouldn’t be eligible for an agent ID.

The change-business application is another place where regulators will be looking to enforce rules against bad actors. The list of 10 offenses gives applicants a clear idea of what might get an application denied, Moore said.

“It gives everybody fair warning,” Moore said, “that before they get into business relationships and before they get into the application process, what may cause us to say, ‘No’.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698531124512.png" alt="&nbsp;The changes address some of the challenges regulators have encountered with facilities, such as the cases of the Delta Extraction manufacturing and Red Tractor cultivation facilities (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The changes address some of the challenges regulators have encountered with facilities, such as the cases of the Delta Extraction manufacturing and Red Tractor cultivation facilities (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Having a rulebreaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, under proposed state rules.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri cannabis regulators want more power to penalize bad actors in the marijuana industry, according to drafts of&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">proposed rules</a>&nbsp;released last week.The sweeping revisions to Division of Cannabis Regulation rules also aim to streamline the process for ownership changes, allow publicly traded companies to own cannabis licenses, and establish recall procedures of marijuana products containing unregulated THC.&nbsp;The proposed guidelines would particularly clarify what happens when there are rule-breakers “exercising a controlling influence” over a facility, said Amy Moore, director of the division that oversees the marijuana program.“What we are saying in the rule is if a year from now [if the rules are approved] we look at your ownership,” Moore said, “and we see you have someone exercising a controlling influence that you know has done these things, then that is a violation.”Moore was speaking of the rules’ detailed list of offenses that include selling or distributing unregulated THC, committing theft or other criminal offenses on the job, fraudulently using an agent identification card, tampering with or falsifying video recordings, and refusing to cooperate with a department investigation.&nbsp;Having a rule-breaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, according to the rules.&nbsp;The changes address some of the challenges regulators have encountered with facilities, such as the cases of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction</a>&nbsp;manufacturing and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/07/the-six-year-saga-of-two-cannabis-facility-licenses/">Red Tractor</a>&nbsp;cultivation facilities.&nbsp;Nearly a year after the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/16/cannabis-regulators-to-revoke-license-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-recall/">state stripped</a>&nbsp;Robertsville-based Delta Extraction of its license for adding unregulated THC to its products, regulators approved one of the company’s co-owners — AJO LLC — to take over a cultivation and manufacturing facility in Waynesville in May 2024.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/30/co-owners-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-marijuana-recall-got-greenlight-for-another-license/">told The Independent&nbsp;</a>last year that the rules currently do not prohibit individuals who have had a license revoked from acquiring another license.&nbsp;The Kansas City owner of Red Tractor pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges for submitting fraudulent documents to cannabis regulators in 2021 to obtain a marijuana cultivation license. Without a felony conviction to make him ineligible, Waggoner retained the two cannabis manufacturing licenses held by his company.The public can comment on the&nbsp;division’s<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">&nbsp;website</a>&nbsp;until March 10, and regulators will review them and decide whether to formally submit the rules to the Secretary of State’s Office.&nbsp;This is the second time the division has asked for public input on most of these rules, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/11/missouri-cannabis-regulators-rules-predatory-contracts/">first being in August</a>.The most-interested parties, the cannabis business owners, are working on submitting feedback to the latest draft, said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.<h2>Streamlining the process</h2>When a cannabis facility wants to make a change in ownership that’s more than 50%, they have to fill out a business-change application and get pre-approval to do so.&nbsp;That process can drag on anywhere from six months to a year, Moore said.“It has proven, over time, to be so rare that we find a constitutional violation in these things,” Moore said. “It feels like we can do away with a business having to wait any amount of time for our pre-approval.”Instead, every licensee will submit a report annually that outlines ownership percentage for each entity or individual. Licensees must still seek pre-approval if they’re adding a new owner or an individual who has 10% or more interest, or they’re fully transferring their licenses to another entity.&nbsp;“I think it is going to be more efficient for us, and definitely more efficient for the businesses,” she said.A state audit released last week found that the division took an average of 165 days to approve or deny business ownership change requests from submission to final action, based on data the auditor reviewed from 2020 through 2023.The auditor urged the division to decrease the turnaround time, and Moore feels this will help do that.&nbsp;“It also allows us to be reviewing more frequently for some and as frequently as you need to for the others,” she said.&nbsp; “I think it’ll be just more efficient government.”&nbsp;The annual review requirement will also offer an opportunity for regulators to catch rule-breakers in ownership or management positions.Another place of enforcement is with agent IDs. The rules would require these managers or decision makers to apply for an agent ID, when they previously didn’t need one if they weren’t working inside a facility. People who’ve committed certain offenses wouldn’t be eligible for an agent ID.The change-business application is another place where regulators will be looking to enforce rules against bad actors. The list of 10 offenses gives applicants a clear idea of what might get an application denied, Moore said.“It gives everybody fair warning,” Moore said, “that before they get into business relationships and before they get into the application process, what may cause us to say, ‘No’.”

Missouri cannabis regulators target rule-breakers, delays in ownership approval

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Monday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram Transit van driven by a 23-year-old Lee's Summit woman was northbound on a private driver two miles west of Cameron. The van turned west onto old U.S. 36 and into the path of an eastbound 2008 Ram 2500 driven by a 40-year-old Kidder man. The pickup struck the van in the eastbound lane. After impact the pickup traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.&nbsp;

The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The van driver was not injured. The pikup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Monday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram Transit van driven by a 23-year-old Lee's Summit woman was northbound on a private driver two miles west of Cameron. The van turned west onto old U.S. 36 and into the path of an eastbound 2008 Ram 2500 driven by a 40-year-old Kidder man. The pickup struck the van in the eastbound lane. After impact the pickup traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.&nbsp;The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The van driver was not injured. The pikup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man killed after pickup, van crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;

On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.

On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772464087266.png" alt="Duran -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Duran -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

Kansas man caught with fentanyl gave police a fake name

Northwest Missouri State University will host a public forum to discuss the mechanics and impact of upcoming Missouri ballot initiatives at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.

The event, which is free and open to the community, will be held in the second-floor Living Room of the J.W. Jones Student Union.

As Missouri residents prepare for the upcoming midterm elections, the discussion aims to demystify the initiative process. Featured speakers include:

The presentation is co-sponsored by the Northwest Center for Policy and Civic Engagement and Respect Missouri Voters. Organizers say the primary goal is to provide students and local citizens with the tools to navigate complex ballot language and understand the legislative power held by voters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1567579590579.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State University logo" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State University logo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorthwest Missouri State University will host a public forum to discuss the mechanics and impact of upcoming Missouri ballot initiatives at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.The event, which is free and open to the community, will be held in the second-floor Living Room of the J.W. Jones Student Union.As Missouri residents prepare for the upcoming midterm elections, the discussion aims to demystify the initiative process. Featured speakers include:<ul>
 <li>Dr. Jessica Gracey: A Northwest associate professor of political science and civic engagement specialist.</li><li>Dr. Nancy Zeliff: A retired Northwest professor currently serving as the St. Joseph regional field and outreach director for Respect Missouri Voters.</li>
 </ul>The presentation is co-sponsored by the Northwest Center for Policy and Civic Engagement and Respect Missouri Voters. Organizers say the primary goal is to provide students and local citizens with the tools to navigate complex ballot language and understand the legislative power held by voters.

NWMSU to host public forum on Missouri ballot initiatives March 10

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa D-N-R will hold a series of listening session across the state starting Monday. The D-N-R's Pete Hildreth says they want to get input on proposed changes in hunting and fishing regulations.

He says it gives staff some feedback before formal proposals are submitted to the Natural Resource Commission. Hildreth says input from the from past meetings has led to significant regulation changes.

in the Canada goose seasons, raccoon hunting dates, and antlerless deer quotas. The first session is tonight at 6 at the Waverly Public Library. Hildreth says the complete schedule of meetings is available on the D-N-R's website.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa D-N-R will hold a series of listening session across the state starting Monday. The D-N-R's Pete Hildreth says they want to get input on proposed changes in hunting and fishing regulations.He says it gives staff some feedback before formal proposals are submitted to the Natural Resource Commission. Hildreth says input from the from past meetings has led to significant regulation changes.in the Canada goose seasons, raccoon hunting dates, and antlerless deer quotas. The first session is tonight at 6 at the Waverly Public Library. Hildreth says the complete schedule of meetings is available on the D-N-R's website.

Iowa DNR Holding Input Sessions On Hunting And Fishing Regulations

Herzog Contracting Corp., in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation, is scheduled to begin a resurfacing project on U.S. Route 136 starting Tuesday, March 10.

The project spans Atchison and Nodaway counties, covering the stretch of U.S. 136 from Interstate 29 in Rock Port to U.S. Route 71 east of Burlington Junction.

Motorists should expect significant traffic impacts through July 2026. U.S. Route 136 will be narrowed to one lane, with flaggers and a pilot car directing traffic through the work zone. Additionally, temporary traffic signals will be installed at the bridge over I-29 in Rock Port.

Safety measures will be strictly enforced within the project limits. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph, and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place for all vehicles.

Construction is scheduled to take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. A second phase of the project, which involves resurfacing U.S. Route 71 from the Iowa state line to Route CC north of Maryville, is expected to begin in late May 2026.

All work is weather-permitting and subject to change. MoDOT officials remind motorists to stay focused, slow down, and move over when driving through work zones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566589245645.jpeg" alt="Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT Northwest district" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT Northwest district</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHHerzog Contracting Corp., in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation, is scheduled to begin a resurfacing project on U.S. Route 136 starting Tuesday, March 10.The project spans Atchison and Nodaway counties, covering the stretch of U.S. 136 from Interstate 29 in Rock Port to U.S. Route 71 east of Burlington Junction.Motorists should expect significant traffic impacts through July 2026. U.S. Route 136 will be narrowed to one lane, with flaggers and a pilot car directing traffic through the work zone. Additionally, temporary traffic signals will be installed at the bridge over I-29 in Rock Port.Safety measures will be strictly enforced within the project limits. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph, and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place for all vehicles.Construction is scheduled to take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. A second phase of the project, which involves resurfacing U.S. Route 71 from the Iowa state line to Route CC north of Maryville, is expected to begin in late May 2026.All work is weather-permitting and subject to change. MoDOT officials remind motorists to stay focused, slow down, and move over when driving through work zones.

Atchison/Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 resurfacing project to begin March 10

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest region of Missouri for the week of March 2 - 8.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

U.S. Route 169 – Shoulder work from County Line Road to Route D, March 3-6.

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from Route M to the Nodaway County line, March 2-6.

I-29 – Pavement repair, northbound at the 110 mile marker, March 4-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.

U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U – Intersection improvement project through spring 2027.

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, through March 8.

U.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for an intersection improvement project at Southeast Riverside Terrace through mid-July 2026.

Route 759 – Shoulder work from Cedar Street to Lower Lake Road, March 2-6.

Route 10 – Pavement repair and resurfacing project from Route FF to Route C in Ray County, March 2-May 15. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Long Branch Bridge, northwest of Bucklin, beginning March 2-early May for a deck replacement project.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project through early April 2026.

Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through July 2026.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, March 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 205th Street to 210th Street, March 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 210th Street to 220th Street, March 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 220th Street to 230th Street, March 5-6, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

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

Route 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at Marlowe Branch Creek for a bridge replacement project through May 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHHere is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest region of Missouri for the week of March 2 - 8.There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.Andrew CountyU.S. Route 169 – Shoulder work from County Line Road to Route D, March 3-6.Atchison CountyU.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from Route M to the Nodaway County line, March 2-6.I-29 – Pavement repair, northbound at the 110 mile marker, March 4-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.Buchanan CountyGene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U – Intersection improvement project through spring 2027.U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, through March 8.<ul>
 <li>Traffic on Messanie Street will not be able to access the Belt Highway.&nbsp;</li><li>Traffic on the Belt Highway will not be able to access Messanie Street.&nbsp;</li><li>Traffic will be able to continue to use the Belt Highway in both directions.</li>
 </ul>U.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for an intersection improvement project at Southeast Riverside Terrace through mid-July 2026.Route 759 – Shoulder work from Cedar Street to Lower Lake Road, March 2-6.Carroll CountyRoute 10 – Pavement repair and resurfacing project from Route FF to Route C in Ray County, March 2-May 15. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.Chariton CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Linn CountyRoute 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Long Branch Bridge, northwest of Bucklin, beginning March 2-early May for a deck replacement project.Livingston CountyRoute K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Mercer CountyRoute JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project through early April 2026.Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through July 2026.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, March 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 205th Street to 210th Street, March 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 210th Street to 220th Street, March 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 220th Street to 230th Street, March 5-6, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.Worth CountyRoute 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at Marlowe Branch Creek for a bridge replacement project through May 2026.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, March 2 - 8

HARRISON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured and later arrested after an accident just after 8p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Stephan D. Elliot, 48,&nbsp; Trenton, was eastbound at a high rate of speed on MO 146 five miles east of Gilman City.&nbsp; The driver failed to negotiate a curve and overcorrected. The pickup crossed the center of the road, traveled off the north side of the road and rolled onto its roof.

EMS transported to Elliot to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was arrested on requested charges of felony driving while revoked or suspended, operating vehicle in careless, imprudent manner, for no insurance and not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured and later arrested after an accident just after 8p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Stephan D. Elliot, 48,&nbsp; Trenton, was eastbound at a high rate of speed on MO 146 five miles east of Gilman City.&nbsp; The driver failed to negotiate a curve and overcorrected. The pickup crossed the center of the road, traveled off the north side of the road and rolled onto its roof.EMS transported to Elliot to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was arrested on requested charges of felony driving while revoked or suspended, operating vehicle in careless, imprudent manner, for no insurance and not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man arrested after pickup rollover accident

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by a 37-year-old Brokefield woman was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Grand River Bridge three miles west of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The vehicle slid on the road and struck a guardrail.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by a 37-year-old Brokefield woman was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Grand River Bridge three miles west of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The vehicle slid on the road and struck a guardrail.&nbsp;EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes a guardrail

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Subaru CrossTrek driven by a 53-year-old Lathrop man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville. The vehicle struck a deer in the road.

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported a 56-year-old passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Subaru CrossTrek driven by a 53-year-old Lathrop man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville. The vehicle struck a deer in the road.DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported a 56-year-old passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, deer crash

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/samanthajackson/">Samantha Jackson</a>

JEFFERSON CITY — The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.

Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2195&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 2195</a>, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.

Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.

Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.

Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.

“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/teen-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri Department of Transportation</a>, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.

The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.

Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.

“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.

Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.

“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.

Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.

“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.

Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/house-bill-would-bring-drivers-ed-courses-back-to-schools/article_2ca7bee2-f5c8-4c26-a78a-fb5d836ba097.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696689307756.jpg" alt="Image Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/samanthajackson/">Samantha Jackson</a>JEFFERSON CITY — The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2195&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 2195</a>, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/teen-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri Department of Transportation</a>, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/house-bill-would-bring-drivers-ed-courses-back-to-schools/article_2ca7bee2-f5c8-4c26-a78a-fb5d836ba097.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

House bill would bring driver’s ed courses back to Missouri schools

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

The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.

FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.

Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.

Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.

Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.

The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.

“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”

DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.

The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.

During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.

Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.

DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.

The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772283599792.png" alt=" A view of signage during DraftKings Missouri First Bet Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025 in St Louis (Fernando Leon/Getty Images for DraftKings)." />
 <figcaption> A view of signage during DraftKings Missouri First Bet Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025 in St Louis (Fernando Leon/Getty Images for DraftKings).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

FanDuel, DraftKings take Missouri profits nearly triple their cost for sports wagering campaign

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

Elks Lodge #760-222 E. 3rd (2-27-26) Critical:

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis (2-27-26) No violations.

North Nodaway R-6 High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:

North Nodaway R-6 Elementary School-201 E. 6th, Pickering (2-26-26) Non-critical:

Baker &amp; Sons-811 S. Main (2-26-26) Non-critical:

M2V Highway Liquor-202 N. Highway 148, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:

Pagliai's Pizza-611 S. Main (2-24-26) Non-critical:

Subway #7325-524 N. Main (2-24-26) No violations.

Kawasaki Motors-28147 Bus. Hwy. 71 (2-24-26) Critical:

Hy-Vee Gas-1217 S. Main (2-11-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Dining-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Deli-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) No Violations.

Hy-Vee Bakery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Meats-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.Note that COS means corrected on site.Elks Lodge #760-222 E. 3rd (2-27-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Food items stored in incorrect order. Discussed.</li><li>Spray wand at three-bay sink hangs below the rim of the sink.</li><li>No anti-siphon device on mop sink.</li><li>No anti-siphon device on hose bibs in kithcen.</li><li>Unlabeled spray bottles in bar area.</li>
 </ul>Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No handwashing signage in main kitchen and restroom.</li><li>Wooden door trim not sealed or painted, and no kick plates on cabinets.</li><li>Hole in the wall near POS system.</li><li>No food handler's training-Will schedule</li>
 </ul>St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis (2-27-26) No violations.North Nodaway R-6 High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Many light covers with dead bugs or bug stains.</li><li>Discussed Food Handler Training.</li>
 </ul>North Nodaway R-6 Elementary School-201 E. 6th, Pickering (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No thermometer in large milk cooler.</li>
 </ul>Baker &amp; Sons-811 S. Main (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No thermometer in prep table (Trailer)</li><li>Holes in the wall by door handle and plumbing access to 3-bay sink</li>
 </ul>M2V Highway Liquor-202 N. Highway 148, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Utility/Mechanical room door-bottom hinge broken.</li><li>Wall behind mop sink in disrepair.</li><li>Trash can in restroom not covered.</li><li>Discussed Food Handler Training.</li>
 </ul>Pagliai's Pizza-611 S. Main (2-24-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Back of basement cabinet across from 3-bay sink in disrepair.</li><li>Peeling paint on outside walls of walk-in freezer.</li>
 </ul>Subway #7325-524 N. Main (2-24-26) No violations.Kawasaki Motors-28147 Bus. Hwy. 71 (2-24-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Pasta salad and cottage cheese at salad bar not held at 41° or lower. (44 and 45).</li><li>Discussed discoloring of red drink cups and tabletop ice machine cleaning.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Gas-1217 S. Main (2-11-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on walk-in cooler door and seven reach in doors.</li><li>Discussed fluorescent lights and cabinet door under hand sink.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Dining-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on 2-door True freezer.</li><li>Soda fountain needs to be cleaned.</li><li>Aluminum foil on non-food surfaces.</li><li>Wall moulding loose at dining room wall.</li><li>Flooring in dishroom and kitchen pitted and popped- Scheduled to be redone in March.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Deli-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) No Violations.Hy-Vee Bakery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on walk-in door.</li><li>Cardboard on shelves.</li><li>Flooring pitted.</li><li>Broken tile by fire extinguisher. </li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Meats-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Floor ridge where old case used to be collecting dirt and debris.</li><li>Moulding cracked and broken along back wall.</li><li>Ceiling tile missing.</li><li>Left faucet of 3-bay sink has constant drip.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Grocery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Several bad door gaskets- beer cave and across from ice cream.</li><li>Excessive frost in ice cream cooler.</li><li>Particle board shelving no sealed or painted, with Red Bull spillage.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Chinese-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bowl being used for a scoop in cornstarch bin.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Starbucks-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Torn door gasket on Delfield sandwich refrigerator.</li>
 </ul>Murphy USA #6539-1603 S. Main (2-9-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No hot water in restroom hand sink.</li><li>Green totes of food items stored in restroom.</li><li>Shelves dirty.</li><li>Pre-packaged foods dirty.</li>
 </ul>Inspectors noted there is no food preparation at this location.Pizza Hut-732 S. Main (2-6-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Excessive frost in walk-in freezer.</li><li>Boxes of food items on floor of walk-in.</li><li>Several torn and worn booth seats. Not easily cleaned or sanitized.</li><li>Outside of ice maker is dirty.</li><li>Dirty ceilings-by HVAC vent in women's restroom and above sandwich and salad prep area.</li><li>Wall behind soda dispenser splattered with syrup.</li><li>Doorway edging/moulding broken going into dry storage room.</li><li>Floor under ice maker and dishwasher dirty.</li><li>Floor under and around fryer is dirty.</li><li>Broken light cover in Men's Room.</li>
 </ul>Casey's #3430-1719 E. 1st (2-4-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Open can of Red Bull sitting on top of shredded cheese container in walk-in cooler. Discussed proper place for employee drinks and proper containers.</li>
 </ul>Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>One reach-in cooler door has torn gasket.</li>
 </ul>

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