(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has passed bills to strengthen immigration and citizenship checks for voting, for getting an Iowa driver's license and for working in Iowa schools or in the public sector. 

Bills that passed unanimously would require all Iowa schools and the state licensing board for educators to verify school staff are legally authorized to work in the U.S. -- and the same clearance would be required for all newly-hired employees in state and local governments as well as for anyone who applies for a professional license issued by the state. Another bill that passed with wide bipartisan support would have the Iowa D-O-T check federal databases to verify someone's a citizen or legal resident before issuing a driver's license. 

Another piece of legislation that cleared the Senate on Tuesday calls on Iowa's secretary of state to verify registered voters in Iowa are U-S citizens. And the Senate unanimously passed another bill that would require passage of an English proficiency test before someone could get a commercial driver's license in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has passed bills to strengthen immigration and citizenship checks for voting, for getting an Iowa driver's license and for working in Iowa schools or in the public sector. Bills that passed unanimously would require all Iowa schools and the state licensing board for educators to verify school staff are legally authorized to work in the U.S. -- and the same clearance would be required for all newly-hired employees in state and local governments as well as for anyone who applies for a professional license issued by the state. Another bill that passed with wide bipartisan support would have the Iowa D-O-T check federal databases to verify someone's a citizen or legal resident before issuing a driver's license. Another piece of legislation that cleared the Senate on Tuesday calls on Iowa's secretary of state to verify registered voters in Iowa are U-S citizens. And the Senate unanimously passed another bill that would require passage of an English proficiency test before someone could get a commercial driver's license in Iowa.

Iowa Senate passes several immigration related bills

A 44-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a multi-state crime spree involving drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Walter Antwine Moore received his 180-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays following guilty pleas to drug distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The legal proceedings consolidated crimes committed across three different jurisdictions between late 2022 and early 2023.

The earliest incident occurred on December 6, 2022, at a casino in Quapaw, Oklahoma. After losing over $1,000 at a blackjack table, Moore became belligerent toward a dealer and made threats involving "yellow police tape and sirens." When Quapaw Marshals attempted a pat-down, Moore reached into his jacket and tried to flee. During a struggle with deputies, a baggie in Moore’s possession burst, scattering 913 blue fentanyl pills across the floor.

A month later, on January 7, 2023, police in St. Joseph, Missouri, responded to a convenience store report of a man stealing potato chips and attempting to sell drugs. Upon searching Moore’s vehicle, officers discovered:

The final confrontation took place on February 10, 2023, at a train station in Kansas City, Missouri. When interdiction detectives questioned Moore upon his arrival, he became confrontational and attempted to run. After being tackled by tactical officers, investigators recovered a cellophane-wrapped bundle nearby containing approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.

The case was a collaborative effort between the Western District of Missouri and the Northern District of Oklahoma. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service, and various regional drug task forces. Moore was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and Adam McConney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762464553171.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA 44-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a multi-state crime spree involving drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.Walter Antwine Moore received his 180-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays following guilty pleas to drug distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.The legal proceedings consolidated crimes committed across three different jurisdictions between late 2022 and early 2023.The earliest incident occurred on December 6, 2022, at a casino in Quapaw, Oklahoma. After losing over $1,000 at a blackjack table, Moore became belligerent toward a dealer and made threats involving "yellow police tape and sirens." When Quapaw Marshals attempted a pat-down, Moore reached into his jacket and tried to flee. During a struggle with deputies, a baggie in Moore’s possession burst, scattering 913 blue fentanyl pills across the floor.A month later, on January 7, 2023, police in St. Joseph, Missouri, responded to a convenience store report of a man stealing potato chips and attempting to sell drugs. Upon searching Moore’s vehicle, officers discovered:<ul>
 <li>284.8 grams of methamphetamine.</li><li>A loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.</li><li>Numerous clear plastic baggies used for distribution.</li>
 </ul>The final confrontation took place on February 10, 2023, at a train station in Kansas City, Missouri. When interdiction detectives questioned Moore upon his arrival, he became confrontational and attempted to run. After being tackled by tactical officers, investigators recovered a cellophane-wrapped bundle nearby containing approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.The case was a collaborative effort between the Western District of Missouri and the Northern District of Oklahoma. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service, and various regional drug task forces. Moore was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and Adam McConney.

Columbia man gets 15 years after St. Joe, Kansas City, Oklahoma drug busts

For a fifth consecutive year, spring enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has surpassed 7 ,000 students.  

University President Lance Tatum says it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at the university 

“Everyone is very focused on building enrollments and building sustainable enrollments,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, to see that there was success again this spring just reassures that we are on the right path.” 

Tatum says the culture developed at Northwest has made the university an attractive spot for students, due to focus on its students 

"I’m really proud of the way in which our staff and faculty have really kind of leveled up to make sure that students who arrive on campus get a great first start in the fall and then choose to continue with us through the spring and beyond,” Tatum says. 

Spring enrollment at Northwest was 7, 674 students.  Among that number there were 4,315 undergraduate students, which marks a 4% increase from the previous year.  

Tatum says there has been a more focused approach on growing that undergraduate population of students on campus in Maryville, by developing new strategies 

"We have invested heavily in our admissions recruiting processes, we’ve brought on new software platforms, we’ve expanded our creative, we’ve increased our exposure and frequency on our social media platforms really focusing on finding the right fit student for Northwest,” Tatum explains.  “And I think that’s really the secret that we’re really focused on, and that is not just quantity of numbers, but finding the right students in terms of Northwest satisfying what they’re trying to accomplish in their collegiate career.” 

With the positive enrollment this year, Northwest saw an 88% retention rate, as well as a 94% persistence rate which tracks students who complete their degree programs.  

Tatum says that 88% is good, but the goal is to be even higher 

"Our goal is to get above 90%, I would love for us to be somewhere in that 90 to 91% range,” Tatum says.  “I think that really shows that we’re recruiting students to Maryville and then they’re choosing to stay beyond that first semester.” 

Tatum is aware that the 90 to 91 percent is a stretch goal and that there are a number of factors that may cause students to leave college between the fall and spring 

"In some cases, students get here, it’s not the place they thought they were coming to for whatever reason, so they leave after their fall semester,” Tatum explains.  “You know there’s financial considerations that sometimes play into this, students miscalculate the amount of cost there is with attending a university, and so they can’t go beyond their first fall semester.” 

Tatum though believes to push the number up is the first step in building the full retention number, in terms of getting first from fall to spring, then your first to second year, and so on.  

Typically, enrollment numbers drop in the spring semester, but Northwest has seen consistent numbers since 2022, when the university had a record of 8,817 students enrolled. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681826188311.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEFor a fifth consecutive year, spring enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has surpassed 7 ,000 students. University President Lance Tatum says it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at the university “Everyone is very focused on building enrollments and building sustainable enrollments,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, to see that there was success again this spring just reassures that we are on the right path.” Tatum says the culture developed at Northwest has made the university an attractive spot for students, due to focus on its students "I’m really proud of the way in which our staff and faculty have really kind of leveled up to make sure that students who arrive on campus get a great first start in the fall and then choose to continue with us through the spring and beyond,” Tatum says. Spring enrollment at Northwest was 7, 674 students. Among that number there were 4,315 undergraduate students, which marks a 4% increase from the previous year. Tatum says there has been a more focused approach on growing that undergraduate population of students on campus in Maryville, by developing new strategies "We have invested heavily in our admissions recruiting processes, we’ve brought on new software platforms, we’ve expanded our creative, we’ve increased our exposure and frequency on our social media platforms really focusing on finding the right fit student for Northwest,” Tatum explains. “And I think that’s really the secret that we’re really focused on, and that is not just quantity of numbers, but finding the right students in terms of Northwest satisfying what they’re trying to accomplish in their collegiate career.” With the positive enrollment this year, Northwest saw an 88% retention rate, as well as a 94% persistence rate which tracks students who complete their degree programs. Tatum says that 88% is good, but the goal is to be even higher "Our goal is to get above 90%, I would love for us to be somewhere in that 90 to 91% range,” Tatum says. “I think that really shows that we’re recruiting students to Maryville and then they’re choosing to stay beyond that first semester.” Tatum is aware that the 90 to 91 percent is a stretch goal and that there are a number of factors that may cause students to leave college between the fall and spring "In some cases, students get here, it’s not the place they thought they were coming to for whatever reason, so they leave after their fall semester,” Tatum explains. “You know there’s financial considerations that sometimes play into this, students miscalculate the amount of cost there is with attending a university, and so they can’t go beyond their first fall semester.” Tatum though believes to push the number up is the first step in building the full retention number, in terms of getting first from fall to spring, then your first to second year, and so on. Typically, enrollment numbers drop in the spring semester, but Northwest has seen consistent numbers since 2022, when the university had a record of 8,817 students enrolled. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NWMSU President Tatum thrilled by fifth straight year of positive spring enrollment

Filing opened Tuesday for candidates in Missouri, with eight congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and 163 seats in the Missouri House among the offices on the ballot

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">boundaries of the district he represents</a>.

Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, became a target when Missouri Republicans, acting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">urging of President Donald Trump</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">redrew the map</a>&nbsp;for the state’s eight congressional districts during a September special session.

Cleaver’s 5th District, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/12/missouri-senate-adjourns-early-after-passing-congressional-redistricting-map/">since 2022</a>&nbsp;has included almost all of Kansas City as well as portions of Clay and Jackson counties, now stretches east to Columbia through 14 additional counties. With the prospect of running in a district that now leans heavily Republican, four GOP candidates filed soon after Cleaver completed his paperwork.

Which voters will decide Cleaver’s fate — those in the district drawn last year, or the one that re-elected him in 2024 — is a question pending in state courts and local election authorities.

Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe is expected to rule soon on whether petitions filed for a referendum on the gerrymandered map mean it is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">not in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s election. And local election authorities are checking those petitions to see if there are<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">&nbsp;sufficient signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote.

“Normally, this would be an act of insanity for somebody to file for public office and not know where they’re serving if they should win,” Cleaver said. “But I have no idea what district I’m going to be in.”

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is telling congressional candidates that the districts drawn last year, which rearranged the boundaries of almost all of the state’s eight districts, are in effect.&nbsp;

“The new Missouri First map was passed by both the House and the Senate, signed by Governor Kehoe, and I’ve been very clear that the new Missouri first map is in effect today,” Hoskins said.

The four Republicans who filed before noon on Tuesday are Sean Smith, a Jackson County legislator who ran against Cleaver in 2024; Taylor Burks, a former Boone County Clerk who made an unsuccessful run&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/02/former-tv-anchorman-wins-gop-nomination-in-missouris-4th-congressional-district/">for the 4th Congressional District</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and dropped out after a short-lived run for 3rd District in 2024; Brett Hueffmeier, a Kansas City attorney; and Brad Patty, a retired Army mechanic from Fayette.

Smith took just under 35% of the vote in 2024 and he’s eager to run in the new district.

“It does what we see our competition on the other side do all over the country, and that is to maximize the opportunity in the United States Congress for our side,” Smith said.

Patty said the district is a miniature version of the state.

“This district is a good representation of Missouri. It’s going to have rural counties, and it also has city voters, so I think it is well-mixed,” he said.

Burks, a commander in the Navy Reserve, said in a news release that he’s ready for the challenge.

“Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve,” Burks said.

Cleaver said he is ready for the campaign regardless of its geography.

“My work ethic is not going to change, and neither will my commitment to the voters,” Cleaver said. “If I have to serve the people who live just outside of Columbia and Jefferson City, then I’ll do that.”

The 5th District contenders are among 368 candidates who finished the process at the Missouri secretary of state’s office on Tuesday, with dozens more expected in coming weeks to join the contests that this year include a statewide race for auditor, seven other congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and all 163 seats in the Missouri House.&nbsp;

The line of prospective candidates snaked through the third floor hallways of Hoskins’ Jefferson City office and his staff waived through five candidates at a time to file.

Candidate filing day is the most optimistic day of the election season, state Rep. Bill Harbison, a Republican from Arcadia, said as he waited in line. Everyone who runs believes they can win, he said.

Harbison is seeking his second term and said he’s excited about filing again.

“You’re still energized, you’ve been up for about four hours, and yeah, you’re ready to go,” Harbison said.

It is possible for anyone who files to win, said Hoskins, who won his first race, for a seat in the Missouri House, in 2008. He knocked on every door in the district, he said, and overcame a limited campaign budget.

“When I came through in 2008, I had no idea what I was doing as far as filing for office,” Hoskins said. “​I never knew in 2008 when I filed for state rep, that someday I would be secretary of state.”

Steve Baker of Raymore, a Republican who filed in the Missouri House’s 56th District, is challenging three-term incumbent state Rep. Michael Davis, a Republican from Belton.

When asked why, he did not state any specific reason he feels he can do better than Davis.

Baker said he is a retired Marine and needs to be active.

“I like challenges, and I ran out of challenges since I retired,” he said.

Some candidates in line were there to seek higher office. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, and state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, are trying to move to the state Senate in the 16th and 18th districts, respectively.&nbsp;

“You’ve probably seen the work ethic for our Senate for the last month or so, and and in prior years past, a lot of the stuff that we’ve been doing is frozen up because of a lack of moving things along over in the Senate,” Mayhew said. “So hopefully I can jump in there and help things move along.”

Lewis is running for the seat being given up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina. Lewis could seek a fourth term in the Missouri House but the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot for another four years, he noted.

“It was either now you’re going to run for Senate or in two years you’re not going to be able to continue to serve,” Lewis said.

Without a race for the U.S. Senate, the only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state auditor. Incumbent Republican State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking his second term and unseating him will be a big job for either of the two Democrats, Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles, who filed to run against him.

If the gerrymandered map stays in place, the 5th District contest is likely to be the focus of both national parties throughout the fall. And the final result for the 5th District will come in November, when Cleaver faces the survivor of the GOP primary.&nbsp;

The 5th District Republican primary won’t be the only congressional primary with intense competition. In the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis, former U.S.Rep. Cori Bush filed against U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell for a rematch of their 2024 Democratic primary.

In an interview Tuesday, Bush said she blames Bell for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/st-louis-waits-for-aid-as-fema-response-to-missouri-disasters-is-slowest-in-15-years/">slow federal response</a>&nbsp;after a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in May.

Bush, however, saved her harshest criticism for the Republican lawmakers who redrew the congressional map and want to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments by initiative.

“The one thing that pisses me off about that is that these same folks that feel like maybe people didn’t understand, maybe they didn’t didn’t know what they were voting on, but they are in the seat because of that same ballot, and they are not saying that the person didn’t know what they were doing they voted,” Bush said.

This year’s legislative contests will be a big test for Missouri Democrats. They are three seats short of breaking the GOP’s supermajority — two-thirds of all seats — in the Missouri House and two seats away in the Missouri Senate.

There are no incumbents running in 11 of the 17 Senate seats on the ballot, but only two, both GOP seats, are seen as competitive in November.

The 30th District in Springfield, held by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, and the 8th District in Jackson County, held by state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit — are seen as the most likely districts to flip.&nbsp;

In Springfield, the 30th District race pits state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat, against state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican. In the 8th District, House Speaker Jon Patterson will run in a GOP primary against former state Rep. Dan Stacy. The winner will face state Rep. Kerri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat.

But the primary could increase the number of new senators in January.

In the 20th District in Greene County, state Sen. Curtis Trent faces a well-funded primary challenge from Lori Rook, who came in third in the statewide primary for state treasurer in 2024. While Trent has $274,000 in his campaign account and another $500,000 in the 417 PAC, Rook opened her campaign with a $100,000 donation from her own funds.

Another southwest Missouri contest has elements of a rematch.

In the 32nd District, covering Jasper and Newton counties, Dr. Ellen Nichols filed in the Republican primary against state Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican.

Nichols, a neurosurgeon, is the wife of former state Sen. Bill White, who lost a 2022 primary to Carter.&nbsp;

Nichols began the race by putting $250,000 of her own money into her campaign account. Carter had $52,000 in her campaign account on Dec. 31 and a PAC associated with her campaign, Show Me Values, was holding $73,000.

The race is not a grudge match to repay Carter for the 2022 primary, Nichols said as she filed.

“I certainly believe that I will be a better Senator than Jill Carter,” Nichols said. “We’ve lost a lot of ground in the sanctity of life over the last four years, and now we’re in a deep hole, and we’re going to have to dig our way out of that. And I lay that in the legislature, especially the Senate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104567685.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, filing for re-election Tuesday in the 5th Congressional District. The district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, filing for re-election Tuesday in the 5th Congressional District. The district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Filing opened Tuesday for candidates in Missouri, with eight congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and 163 seats in the Missouri House among the offices on the ballot</h2>U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">boundaries of the district he represents</a>.Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, became a target when Missouri Republicans, acting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">urging of President Donald Trump</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">redrew the map</a>&nbsp;for the state’s eight congressional districts during a September special session.Cleaver’s 5th District, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/12/missouri-senate-adjourns-early-after-passing-congressional-redistricting-map/">since 2022</a>&nbsp;has included almost all of Kansas City as well as portions of Clay and Jackson counties, now stretches east to Columbia through 14 additional counties. With the prospect of running in a district that now leans heavily Republican, four GOP candidates filed soon after Cleaver completed his paperwork.Which voters will decide Cleaver’s fate — those in the district drawn last year, or the one that re-elected him in 2024 — is a question pending in state courts and local election authorities.Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe is expected to rule soon on whether petitions filed for a referendum on the gerrymandered map mean it is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">not in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s election. And local election authorities are checking those petitions to see if there are<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">&nbsp;sufficient signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote.“Normally, this would be an act of insanity for somebody to file for public office and not know where they’re serving if they should win,” Cleaver said. “But I have no idea what district I’m going to be in.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104612602.png" alt="Bradley Patty, a Republican from Fayette, speaks to reporters after filing Tuesday, in the 5th Congressional District. he district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Bradley Patty, a Republican from Fayette, speaks to reporters after filing Tuesday, in the 5th Congressional District. he district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is telling congressional candidates that the districts drawn last year, which rearranged the boundaries of almost all of the state’s eight districts, are in effect.&nbsp;“The new Missouri First map was passed by both the House and the Senate, signed by Governor Kehoe, and I’ve been very clear that the new Missouri first map is in effect today,” Hoskins said.The four Republicans who filed before noon on Tuesday are Sean Smith, a Jackson County legislator who ran against Cleaver in 2024; Taylor Burks, a former Boone County Clerk who made an unsuccessful run&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/02/former-tv-anchorman-wins-gop-nomination-in-missouris-4th-congressional-district/">for the 4th Congressional District</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and dropped out after a short-lived run for 3rd District in 2024; Brett Hueffmeier, a Kansas City attorney; and Brad Patty, a retired Army mechanic from Fayette.Smith took just under 35% of the vote in 2024 and he’s eager to run in the new district.“It does what we see our competition on the other side do all over the country, and that is to maximize the opportunity in the United States Congress for our side,” Smith said.Patty said the district is a miniature version of the state.“This district is a good representation of Missouri. It’s going to have rural counties, and it also has city voters, so I think it is well-mixed,” he said.Burks, a commander in the Navy Reserve, said in a news release that he’s ready for the challenge.“Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve,” Burks said.Cleaver said he is ready for the campaign regardless of its geography.“My work ethic is not going to change, and neither will my commitment to the voters,” Cleaver said. “If I have to serve the people who live just outside of Columbia and Jefferson City, then I’ll do that.”<h2>Filing day scene</h2>The 5th District contenders are among 368 candidates who finished the process at the Missouri secretary of state’s office on Tuesday, with dozens more expected in coming weeks to join the contests that this year include a statewide race for auditor, seven other congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and all 163 seats in the Missouri House.&nbsp;The line of prospective candidates snaked through the third floor hallways of Hoskins’ Jefferson City office and his staff waived through five candidates at a time to file.Filing closes on March 31.Candidate filing day is the most optimistic day of the election season, state Rep. Bill Harbison, a Republican from Arcadia, said as he waited in line. Everyone who runs believes they can win, he said.Harbison is seeking his second term and said he’s excited about filing again.“You’re still energized, you’ve been up for about four hours, and yeah, you’re ready to go,” Harbison said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104654386.png" alt="Candidates line up Tuesday in the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to pay filing fees before signing up for spots on the August primary ballot (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Candidates line up Tuesday in the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to pay filing fees before signing up for spots on the August primary ballot (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>It is possible for anyone who files to win, said Hoskins, who won his first race, for a seat in the Missouri House, in 2008. He knocked on every door in the district, he said, and overcame a limited campaign budget.“When I came through in 2008, I had no idea what I was doing as far as filing for office,” Hoskins said. “​I never knew in 2008 when I filed for state rep, that someday I would be secretary of state.”Steve Baker of Raymore, a Republican who filed in the Missouri House’s 56th District, is challenging three-term incumbent state Rep. Michael Davis, a Republican from Belton.When asked why, he did not state any specific reason he feels he can do better than Davis.“I feel motivated to do it.”&nbsp;Baker said he is a retired Marine and needs to be active.“I like challenges, and I ran out of challenges since I retired,” he said.Some candidates in line were there to seek higher office. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, and state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, are trying to move to the state Senate in the 16th and 18th districts, respectively.&nbsp;“You’ve probably seen the work ethic for our Senate for the last month or so, and and in prior years past, a lot of the stuff that we’ve been doing is frozen up because of a lack of moving things along over in the Senate,” Mayhew said. “So hopefully I can jump in there and help things move along.”Lewis is running for the seat being given up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina. Lewis could seek a fourth term in the Missouri House but the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot for another four years, he noted.“It was either now you’re going to run for Senate or in two years you’re not going to be able to continue to serve,” Lewis said.<h2>Major races</h2>Without a race for the U.S. Senate, the only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state auditor. Incumbent Republican State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking his second term and unseating him will be a big job for either of the two Democrats, Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles, who filed to run against him.If the gerrymandered map stays in place, the 5th District contest is likely to be the focus of both national parties throughout the fall. And the final result for the 5th District will come in November, when Cleaver faces the survivor of the GOP primary.&nbsp;The 5th District Republican primary won’t be the only congressional primary with intense competition. In the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis, former U.S.Rep. Cori Bush filed against U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell for a rematch of their 2024 Democratic primary.In an interview Tuesday, Bush said she blames Bell for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/st-louis-waits-for-aid-as-fema-response-to-missouri-disasters-is-slowest-in-15-years/">slow federal response</a>&nbsp;after a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in May.Bush, however, saved her harshest criticism for the Republican lawmakers who redrew the congressional map and want to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments by initiative.“The one thing that pisses me off about that is that these same folks that feel like maybe people didn’t understand, maybe they didn’t didn’t know what they were voting on, but they are in the seat because of that same ballot, and they are not saying that the person didn’t know what they were doing they voted,” Bush said.This year’s legislative contests will be a big test for Missouri Democrats. They are three seats short of breaking the GOP’s supermajority — two-thirds of all seats — in the Missouri House and two seats away in the Missouri Senate.There are no incumbents running in 11 of the 17 Senate seats on the ballot, but only two, both GOP seats, are seen as competitive in November.The 30th District in Springfield, held by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, and the 8th District in Jackson County, held by state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit — are seen as the most likely districts to flip.&nbsp;In Springfield, the 30th District race pits state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat, against state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican. In the 8th District, House Speaker Jon Patterson will run in a GOP primary against former state Rep. Dan Stacy. The winner will face state Rep. Kerri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat.But the primary could increase the number of new senators in January.In the 20th District in Greene County, state Sen. Curtis Trent faces a well-funded primary challenge from Lori Rook, who came in third in the statewide primary for state treasurer in 2024. While Trent has $274,000 in his campaign account and another $500,000 in the 417 PAC, Rook opened her campaign with a $100,000 donation from her own funds.Another southwest Missouri contest has elements of a rematch.In the 32nd District, covering Jasper and Newton counties, Dr. Ellen Nichols filed in the Republican primary against state Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican.Nichols, a neurosurgeon, is the wife of former state Sen. Bill White, who lost a 2022 primary to Carter.&nbsp;Nichols began the race by putting $250,000 of her own money into her campaign account. Carter had $52,000 in her campaign account on Dec. 31 and a PAC associated with her campaign, Show Me Values, was holding $73,000.The race is not a grudge match to repay Carter for the 2022 primary, Nichols said as she filed.“I certainly believe that I will be a better Senator than Jill Carter,” Nichols said. “We’ve lost a lot of ground in the sanctity of life over the last four years, and now we’re in a deep hole, and we’re going to have to dig our way out of that. And I lay that in the legislature, especially the Senate.”

Emanuel Cleaver, four Republicans file for Missouri’s gerrymandered 5th District

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an allege violent crime.

On September 16, 2025 police investigated an incident that had occurred at 12:30a.m. at a residence in the 300 block North 5th in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 44 year old woman reported that she was at the residence visiting the suspect when he became angry and physically assaulted her. She later went to the hospital for examination of injuries at which time she notified police.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Donald E. Harvey III, of Atchison in the 1000 block Main Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated battery and a Leavenworth County warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772055989975.png" alt="Harvey-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Harvey-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an allege violent crime.On September 16, 2025 police investigated an incident that had occurred at 12:30a.m. at a residence in the 300 block North 5th in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 44 year old woman reported that she was at the residence visiting the suspect when he became angry and physically assaulted her. She later went to the hospital for examination of injuries at which time she notified police.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Donald E. Harvey III, of Atchison in the 1000 block Main Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated battery and a Leavenworth County warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of violent attack on a woman

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that would freeze undergraduate tuition at Iowa's three public universities for five years has been approved by the Iowa House -- on an 86-to-five vote. 

The tuition rate set for this fall at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa would be in place through July of 2031 if the bill becomes law. Representative Taylor Collins, a Republican from Mediapolis, says it would give students predictability and push the universities to cut costs. Democrats like Representative Adam Zabner of Iowa City have recently proposed freezing students' tuition, but they also argue the state support Iowa, Iowa State and U-N-I needs to increase. 

The House approved a separate a bill Tuesday that would require at least 70 percent of the students admitted to the University of Iowa Nursing School be Iowa residents.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that would freeze undergraduate tuition at Iowa's three public universities for five years has been approved by the Iowa House -- on an 86-to-five vote. The tuition rate set for this fall at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa would be in place through July of 2031 if the bill becomes law. Representative Taylor Collins, a Republican from Mediapolis, says it would give students predictability and push the universities to cut costs. Democrats like Representative Adam Zabner of Iowa City have recently proposed freezing students' tuition, but they also argue the state support Iowa, Iowa State and U-N-I needs to increase. The House approved a separate a bill Tuesday that would require at least 70 percent of the students admitted to the University of Iowa Nursing School be Iowa residents.

Iowa House approves bills to freeze UI, ISU, UNI tuition, set student quotas for UI College of Nursing

Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas and Jimmy Panetta of California, who serve as co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, along with 57 other colleagues to introduce a formal resolution. 

This measure designates the week of February 21 - 28 as National FFA Week. Similar companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Todd Young of Indiana and Chris Coons of Delaware.

Representative Graves highlighted the personal impact the organization had on his development, noting that the leadership skills he gained during high school remain relevant in his current role. He praised the organization for its commitment to providing high-quality agricultural education and fostering personal growth for the next generation of leaders in the industry.

National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park described the commemorative week as an opportunity to showcase the collective influence of the organization across the country. He credited the success of the program to the dedication of agricultural teachers, alumni, and various partners who support the student members as they transition into roles as innovators and advocates for the agricultural sector.

The National FFA Organization operates as a congressionally chartered, school-based leadership group. It currently boasts a membership of more than 1,042,245 students across 9,400 local chapters. These chapters are active in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As a member of the Congressional FFA Caucus, which consists of more than 60 representatives, Graves and his colleagues work to raise the profile of agricultural education. The caucus focuses on building strong relationships between federal lawmakers and the future leaders of the American food and agriculture industries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596595340588.png" alt="Sam Graves" />
 <figcaption>Sam Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas and Jimmy Panetta of California, who serve as co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, along with 57 other colleagues to introduce a formal resolution. This measure designates the week of February 21 - 28 as National FFA Week. Similar companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Todd Young of Indiana and Chris Coons of Delaware.Representative Graves highlighted the personal impact the organization had on his development, noting that the leadership skills he gained during high school remain relevant in his current role. He praised the organization for its commitment to providing high-quality agricultural education and fostering personal growth for the next generation of leaders in the industry.National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park described the commemorative week as an opportunity to showcase the collective influence of the organization across the country. He credited the success of the program to the dedication of agricultural teachers, alumni, and various partners who support the student members as they transition into roles as innovators and advocates for the agricultural sector.The National FFA Organization operates as a congressionally chartered, school-based leadership group. It currently boasts a membership of more than 1,042,245 students across 9,400 local chapters. These chapters are active in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.As a member of the Congressional FFA Caucus, which consists of more than 60 representatives, Graves and his colleagues work to raise the profile of agricultural education. The caucus focuses on building strong relationships between federal lawmakers and the future leaders of the American food and agriculture industries.

Congressman Sam Graves leads bipartisan effort to designate National FFA Week

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by an 18-year-old Cameron man was westbound on U.S. 36 two and one half miles east of Osborn. The car traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, crossed the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck a tree, a fence and a ditch.

Cameron ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by an 18-year-old Cameron man was westbound on U.S. 36 two and one half miles east of Osborn. The car traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, crossed the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck a tree, a fence and a ditch.Cameron ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri teen injured after violent crash into a fence

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's public K-through-12 schools will get a two percent increase in general state support -- so that total state spending on each student will be over 81-hundred dollars next year. 

Republicans in the Iowa House approved the plan late last week and on Monday Senate Republicans voted to send it to the governor. The decision also means every state-funded Education Savings Account for a private school student will get over 81-hundred dollars for the next school year. 

Democrats like Senator Molly Donahue of Cedar Rapids say Republicans are opening the state's checkbook for private schools while telling Iowa's public schools to cut staff and consider consolidations.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's public K-through-12 schools will get a two percent increase in general state support -- so that total state spending on each student will be over 81-hundred dollars next year. Republicans in the Iowa House approved the plan late last week and on Monday Senate Republicans voted to send it to the governor. The decision also means every state-funded Education Savings Account for a private school student will get over 81-hundred dollars for the next school year. Democrats like Senator Molly Donahue of Cedar Rapids say Republicans are opening the state's checkbook for private schools while telling Iowa's public schools to cut staff and consider consolidations.

Iowa state funding for K-12 students to rise 2% next year

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation has officially released the 2026 - 2028 Official State Bicycle Map. 

This updated resource is designed to assist both local commuters and long-distance cyclists in navigating the state’s terrain safely, whether they are planning a brief neighborhood ride or an ambitious cross-state trek.

The new edition places a special emphasis on the U.S. Bicycle Route System and various Rail-Trails. According to KDOT Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer, these inclusions are intended to highlight the historic and unique landmarks found throughout Kansas. By showcasing these specific paths, KDOT hopes to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state’s diverse scenery while maintaining an active lifestyle.

To enhance rider safety, the map utilizes a color-coded system for state highways and county roads. This allows cyclists to easily identify traffic volumes and road conditions at a glance. Notable features include:

The publication also introduces Kansas Trails Inc., a new organization dedicated to making state trails more accessible and sustainable. The map provides contact details for the group, which focuses on providing the community connections and resources necessary to maintain the state’s trail infrastructure for all users.

Cyclists can obtain the 2026-2028 map and supplemental safety flyers free of charge. Materials are available for order through the KDOT website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap">www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap</a>. For personalized inquiries, the public can also call 785-296-5186.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771951097990.png" alt="Courtesy of KDOT" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationThe Kansas Department of Transportation has officially released the 2026 - 2028 Official State Bicycle Map. This updated resource is designed to assist both local commuters and long-distance cyclists in navigating the state’s terrain safely, whether they are planning a brief neighborhood ride or an ambitious cross-state trek.The new edition places a special emphasis on the U.S. Bicycle Route System and various Rail-Trails. According to KDOT Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer, these inclusions are intended to highlight the historic and unique landmarks found throughout Kansas. By showcasing these specific paths, KDOT hopes to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state’s diverse scenery while maintaining an active lifestyle.To enhance rider safety, the map utilizes a color-coded system for state highways and county roads. This allows cyclists to easily identify traffic volumes and road conditions at a glance. Notable features include:<ul>
 <li>Shoulder Data: Identification of paved shoulders wider than three feet.</li><li>Surface Details: Distinction between paved and unpaved county roads for those seeking to avoid highway traffic.</li><li>Vital Services: Locations of bike shops, rest areas, and hospitals providing 24-hour emergency care.</li><li>Recreation: Mapping of state parks, scenic byways, and legacy routes from previous "Biking Across Kansas" events.</li>
 </ul>The publication also introduces Kansas Trails Inc., a new organization dedicated to making state trails more accessible and sustainable. The map provides contact details for the group, which focuses on providing the community connections and resources necessary to maintain the state’s trail infrastructure for all users.Cyclists can obtain the 2026-2028 map and supplemental safety flyers free of charge. Materials are available for order through the KDOT website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap">www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap</a>. For personalized inquiries, the public can also call 785-296-5186.

New Kansas bicycle maps now available

Maryville City Manager Ryan Heiland proposed additional funds for the Mozingo Lake Recreation Park Bunker Renovation Project specifically to purchase more sod. 

This request became necessary because the original turf surrounding the work areas was worn down and damaged during the heavy construction process. By allocating these extra funds, the city aims to restore the landscape and ensure the course is in peak condition upon completion.

The Maryville City Council approved a contract with Viridity, LLC to carry out the renovations on the Sechrest 18 course. This project involves a comprehensive overhaul of the course's bunkers, including reshaping them for better playability and installing modernized drainage systems. To prevent future maintenance issues, the project utilizes angular sand, which stays in place better than rounded grains and helps prevent drainage clogs.

In addition to the work on Sechrest 18, the council approved a follow-up contract with Viridity, LLC to begin renovations on the Watson 9 course once the initial eighteen holes are finished. The city has arranged to cover the majority of these costs using Mozingo’s specific fund, ensuring the recreational improvements are financed through the park's own resources.

Maryville City Manager Ryan Heiland proposed additional funds for the Mozingo Lake Recreation Park Bunker Renovation Project specifically to purchase more sod. This request became necessary because the original turf surrounding the work areas was worn down and damaged during the heavy construction process. By allocating these extra funds, the city aims to restore the landscape and ensure the course is in peak condition upon completion.The Maryville City Council approved a contract with Viridity, LLC to carry out the renovations on the Sechrest 18 course. This project involves a comprehensive overhaul of the course's bunkers, including reshaping them for better playability and installing modernized drainage systems. To prevent future maintenance issues, the project utilizes angular sand, which stays in place better than rounded grains and helps prevent drainage clogs.In addition to the work on Sechrest 18, the council approved a follow-up contract with Viridity, LLC to begin renovations on the Watson 9 course once the initial eighteen holes are finished. The city has arranged to cover the majority of these costs using Mozingo’s specific fund, ensuring the recreational improvements are financed through the park's own resources.

Maryville City Council approves funding boost and contracts for Mozingo Lake Golf Course renovations

The total could stand as a record as lawmakers contemplate cuts in anticipation of a revenue downturn. One leading Republican is targeting safety net agencies for $500 million in general revenue cuts

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/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 Monday to spend state general revenue to serve people enrolled under the Medicaid expansion program&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/14/state-general-revenue-needed-for-first-time-to-fund-missouri-medicaid-expansion/">for the first time</a>&nbsp;since it was passed by voters in 2020.

The $76.7 million item is part of a $3.15 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2014&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">supplemental spending bill</a>&nbsp;that would push total appropriations for the year ending June 30 to $55 billion. That total may stand as a record for at least a few years — Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget for the coming year would spend $54.5 billion.

And just a few hours before the 130-11 vote to send the bill to the state Senate, a leading Republican on the House Budget Committee said he wants to cut $2 billion — including $500 million in general revenue — from three departments providing safety net services to millions of Missourians.

The extra general revenue spending approved Monday for what is called the adult expansion group — people ages 18 to 64 with limited incomes — is part of an overall appropriation of $521 million, mainly federal funds needed by June 30. The traditional Medicaid program of hospital, nursing and other medical care will receive an additional $535 million to finish the year.

Lawmakers appropriated about $15.1 billion, including just under $2 billion general revenue, for Medicaid during the 2025 session.

Other major items in the supplemental spending bill include:

The only item that drew much discussion during Monday’s debate was the money for MoDOT. It is included because lawmakers cut spending from the State Road Fund as part of an effort to wrest control of some department funding from the Highways and Transportation Commission.

State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, resents the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/26/missouri-appeals-court-backs-highways-commission-on-raises-for-state-road-workers/">Western District Missouri Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;decision that found the commission could spend money from the road fund even if lawmakers did not make an appropriation.

“Clearly, a part of this appropriation is unconstitutional,” Mayhew said. “In fact, I even have judges that agree with me on that particular fact.”

House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, said Mayhew’s interpretation was wrong and he had assurances from the commission that it would not spend more than lawmakers will approve.

The Constitution, Deaton said, doesn’t “preclude us from making appropriations, which we historically have always done, and we will do in this case as well.”

Despite the extra funding that cleared the House Monday, Missouri faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">contracting budget</a>&nbsp;because state revenues are expected to decline precipitously in the final months of the current fiscal year and an historically high general revenue surplus is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-surplus-peaking-at-8-billion-as-governor-prepares-to-act-on-state-budget/">slowly being exhausted</a>.

Kehoe’s budget proposal for the coming year anticipates the general revenue balance — which peaked at $5.8 billion in June 2023 — will be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">about $265 million</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2027.So far, the dire forecast that state general revenues will decline by 2.1% in the current year have yet to show up in daily receipts. Through Friday, revenues have increased 1.7% year-to-date.

State budget officials predict that refunds forced by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains exemption</a>&nbsp;will send daily revenue reports into negative territory starting next month.

To save general revenue, state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville said Monday afternoon he wants to cut $500 million in general revenue from the state health, mental health and social services departments.&nbsp;

Chappell, who chairs the budget subcommittee overseeing those departments, gave members until noon Tuesday to suggest places to cut.

Chappell estimated that the general revenue cuts would cost the state another $1.5 billion to $2 billion in federal funding. Overall, the proposal would reduce Kehoe’s proposed general revenue budget for the state’s health, mental health and social services departments by 9%.

Chappell said the cuts are a matter of simple math.

“When the money’s gone, the money’s gone,” he said.

State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, told The Independent the requested cuts would reduce Missourians’ quality of life.

“I don’t know how we cut the budget an additional $2.5 billion in a way that does not leave lasting impacts on the most vulnerable people in the state,” Fogle said.

Chappell told The Independent that he can’t say where he will recommend cuts until he collects feedback from committee members.&nbsp;

But he intends to restore Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/09/missouri-families-worry-proposed-80-7-million-cut-will-hobble-disability-care-programs/">$80.7 million proposed cut</a>&nbsp;from funding for disability care services as well as other cuts to substance use disorder services.

“I’m going to do my dead-level best,” Chappell said, “to make sure those are funded, but find that money elsewhere in the budget.”

<h2>The total could stand as a record as lawmakers contemplate cuts in anticipation of a revenue downturn. One leading Republican is targeting safety net agencies for $500 million in general revenue cuts</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/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 Monday to spend state general revenue to serve people enrolled under the Medicaid expansion program&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/14/state-general-revenue-needed-for-first-time-to-fund-missouri-medicaid-expansion/">for the first time</a>&nbsp;since it was passed by voters in 2020.The $76.7 million item is part of a $3.15 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2014&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">supplemental spending bill</a>&nbsp;that would push total appropriations for the year ending June 30 to $55 billion. That total may stand as a record for at least a few years — Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget for the coming year would spend $54.5 billion.And just a few hours before the 130-11 vote to send the bill to the state Senate, a leading Republican on the House Budget Committee said he wants to cut $2 billion — including $500 million in general revenue — from three departments providing safety net services to millions of Missourians.The extra general revenue spending approved Monday for what is called the adult expansion group — people ages 18 to 64 with limited incomes — is part of an overall appropriation of $521 million, mainly federal funds needed by June 30. The traditional Medicaid program of hospital, nursing and other medical care will receive an additional $535 million to finish the year.Lawmakers appropriated about $15.1 billion, including just under $2 billion general revenue, for Medicaid during the 2025 session.Other major items in the supplemental spending bill include:<ul>
 <li>$1 billion for disaster recovery efforts in St. Louis and other locations for tornadoes and storms in 2025.</li><li>$635 million for the Department of Transportation road program.</li><li>$100 million of the $216 million Missouri received for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/23/rural-health-transformation-program-targets-structural-barriers-across-missouri/">Rural Health Transformation Program</a>.</li><li>$59.5 million of federal security funding for the FIFA World Cup matches this summer in Kansas City.</li>
 </ul>The only item that drew much discussion during Monday’s debate was the money for MoDOT. It is included because lawmakers cut spending from the State Road Fund as part of an effort to wrest control of some department funding from the Highways and Transportation Commission.State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, resents the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/26/missouri-appeals-court-backs-highways-commission-on-raises-for-state-road-workers/">Western District Missouri Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;decision that found the commission could spend money from the road fund even if lawmakers did not make an appropriation.“Clearly, a part of this appropriation is unconstitutional,” Mayhew said. “In fact, I even have judges that agree with me on that particular fact.”House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, said Mayhew’s interpretation was wrong and he had assurances from the commission that it would not spend more than lawmakers will approve.The Constitution, Deaton said, doesn’t “preclude us from making appropriations, which we historically have always done, and we will do in this case as well.”<h2>Budget woes</h2>Despite the extra funding that cleared the House Monday, Missouri faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">contracting budget</a>&nbsp;because state revenues are expected to decline precipitously in the final months of the current fiscal year and an historically high general revenue surplus is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-surplus-peaking-at-8-billion-as-governor-prepares-to-act-on-state-budget/">slowly being exhausted</a>.Kehoe’s budget proposal for the coming year anticipates the general revenue balance — which peaked at $5.8 billion in June 2023 — will be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">about $265 million</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2027.So far, the dire forecast that state general revenues will decline by 2.1% in the current year have yet to show up in daily receipts. Through Friday, revenues have increased 1.7% year-to-date.State budget officials predict that refunds forced by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains exemption</a>&nbsp;will send daily revenue reports into negative territory starting next month.To save general revenue, state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville said Monday afternoon he wants to cut $500 million in general revenue from the state health, mental health and social services departments.&nbsp;Chappell, who chairs the budget subcommittee overseeing those departments, gave members until noon Tuesday to suggest places to cut.Chappell estimated that the general revenue cuts would cost the state another $1.5 billion to $2 billion in federal funding. Overall, the proposal would reduce Kehoe’s proposed general revenue budget for the state’s health, mental health and social services departments by 9%.Chappell said the cuts are a matter of simple math.“When the money’s gone, the money’s gone,” he said.State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, told The Independent the requested cuts would reduce Missourians’ quality of life.“I don’t know how we cut the budget an additional $2.5 billion in a way that does not leave lasting impacts on the most vulnerable people in the state,” Fogle said.Chappell told The Independent that he can’t say where he will recommend cuts until he collects feedback from committee members.&nbsp;But he intends to restore Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/09/missouri-families-worry-proposed-80-7-million-cut-will-hobble-disability-care-programs/">$80.7 million proposed cut</a>&nbsp;from funding for disability care services as well as other cuts to substance use disorder services.“I’m going to do my dead-level best,” Chappell said, “to make sure those are funded, but find that money elsewhere in the budget.”

Missouri House passes supplemental spending bill that pushes state budget to $55 billion

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by a 39-year-old St. Joseph woman was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route D in Avenue City.&nbsp; The driver attempted to make a west into a parking lot. The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2006 Chevy 1500 driven by a 69-year-old Helena man.&nbsp; The vehicle collided.&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported a 10-year-old male passenger in the SUV to Mosaic. There were no other injuries. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by a 39-year-old St. Joseph woman was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route D in Avenue City.&nbsp; The driver attempted to make a west into a parking lot. The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2006 Chevy 1500 driven by a 69-year-old Helena man.&nbsp; The vehicle collided.&nbsp;Andrew County EMS transported a 10-year-old male passenger in the SUV to Mosaic. There were no other injuries. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

10-year-old St. Joe boy injured after pickup, SUV crash

The 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Challenge is returning to the St. Joseph Civic Arena this Sunday, March 1 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

The milestone event promises a flavor-packed day for the whole family, featuring sixty professional and amateur cooks battling for the prestigious title of Missouri State Chili Champion.

UCP Director, Teresa Gagliano, says, "We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is our only special event of the year."

The festivities kick off when doors open at 11:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music from The Michael Shaun Brown Band starting at noon, browse a diverse Vendor and Craft Fair, and place bids in a massive Silent Auction that runs until 3:30 p.m. The main event arrives at 2:00 p.m., when attendees can sample all 60 unique chili recipes for free. Gagliano says, "People can go booth to booth and try all the different chilis."

Beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds benefit UCP, supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Over the past 39 years, this challenge has raised more than $2.6 million for the cause, making this 40th anniversary a true community celebration.

Gagliano says the goal is to raise $150,000 at the chili challenge to help serve the greater St. Joseph area. UCP serves about 400 children and adults.

Don’t miss out on the fun, the flavor, and the chance to make a difference in Northwest Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710257124627.jpeg" alt="Civic Arena_side view" />
 <figcaption>Civic Arena_side view</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITH The 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Challenge is returning to the St. Joseph Civic Arena this Sunday, March 1 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).The milestone event promises a flavor-packed day for the whole family, featuring sixty professional and amateur cooks battling for the prestigious title of Missouri State Chili Champion.UCP Director, Teresa Gagliano, says, "We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is our only special event of the year."The festivities kick off when doors open at 11:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music from The Michael Shaun Brown Band starting at noon, browse a diverse Vendor and Craft Fair, and place bids in a massive Silent Auction that runs until 3:30 p.m. The main event arrives at 2:00 p.m., when attendees can sample all 60 unique chili recipes for free. Gagliano says, "People can go booth to booth and try all the different chilis."Beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds benefit UCP, supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Over the past 39 years, this challenge has raised more than $2.6 million for the cause, making this 40th anniversary a true community celebration.<ul>
 <li>When: Sunday, March 1, 2026</li><li>Where: St. Joseph Civic Arena</li><li>Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for kids (10 &amp; under)</li><li>Contact: Call Teresa at UCP (816-364-3836) for more info</li>
 </ul>Gagliano says the goal is to raise $150,000 at the chili challenge to help serve the greater St. Joseph area. UCP serves about 400 children and adults.Don’t miss out on the fun, the flavor, and the chance to make a difference in Northwest Missouri.

The Heart of America Chili Challenge returns to St. Joseph to benefit UCP

(Radio Iowa) - The governor's call to raise state taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products and impose a new tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products has narrowly failed in a Senate Committee. 

Governor Reynolds says Iowa continues to have one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country and a higher tax on these products could prompt some Iowans to quit smoking cigarettes or vaping. The bill considered in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee would have diverted the new sales taxes on vapes and consumable hemp products into a state fund that would be used next year to assist victims of human trafficking and plug a million dollars into Iowa's Double Up Food Bucks program that helps low income Iowans buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The bill wound up getting nine votes -- one short of the 10 necessary to win committee approval.

(Radio Iowa) - The governor's call to raise state taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products and impose a new tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products has narrowly failed in a Senate Committee. Governor Reynolds says Iowa continues to have one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country and a higher tax on these products could prompt some Iowans to quit smoking cigarettes or vaping. The bill considered in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee would have diverted the new sales taxes on vapes and consumable hemp products into a state fund that would be used next year to assist victims of human trafficking and plug a million dollars into Iowa's Double Up Food Bucks program that helps low income Iowans buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. The bill wound up getting nine votes -- one short of the 10 necessary to win committee approval.

Tax hike on tobacco, vaping products fails in Iowa Senate committee

Northwest Missouri State University, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will conduct a series of tornado drills this March. These exercises are designed to test the university’s indoor emergency operations and the Bearcat Alert texting system ahead of the spring severe weather season.

The primary drills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11. In the event that actual inclement weather occurs on those dates, a backup drill has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. University Police Chief Amanda Cullin emphasized that consistent practice is vital for ensuring the campus community can react effectively during a real emergency.

In addition to the drills, the University Police Department and Wellness Services will host the annual Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Held at the J.W. Jones Student Union’s east pavilion, the event offers students free burgers and hot dogs along with essential safety tips as they prepare for Spring Break.

The campus activities align with Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 2–6. This statewide initiative encourages residents to utilize resources like the "Storm Aware" website, which provides instructional videos on seeking shelter in various building types, from mobile homes to schools.

University officials remind students and staff that while Northwest tests its warning system every Wednesday at 11 a.m., any siren heard outside of that window should be treated as an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Detailed procedures are posted in every campus building and are available via the HazAdapt mobile app.

The university advises following specific protocols depending on the type of alert issued:

Safety experts warn against seeking shelter in large open spaces like gyms or cafeterias due to the risk of roof collapse. If caught driving, individuals should find a sturdy building or, in rural areas, seek cover in a roadside ditch while remaining alert for flash flooding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924740644.png" alt="Tornado" />
 <figcaption>Tornado</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorthwest Missouri State University, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will conduct a series of tornado drills this March. These exercises are designed to test the university’s indoor emergency operations and the Bearcat Alert texting system ahead of the spring severe weather season.The primary drills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11. In the event that actual inclement weather occurs on those dates, a backup drill has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. University Police Chief Amanda Cullin emphasized that consistent practice is vital for ensuring the campus community can react effectively during a real emergency.In addition to the drills, the University Police Department and Wellness Services will host the annual Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Held at the J.W. Jones Student Union’s east pavilion, the event offers students free burgers and hot dogs along with essential safety tips as they prepare for Spring Break.The campus activities align with Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 2–6. This statewide initiative encourages residents to utilize resources like the "Storm Aware" website, which provides instructional videos on seeking shelter in various building types, from mobile homes to schools.University officials remind students and staff that while Northwest tests its warning system every Wednesday at 11 a.m., any siren heard outside of that window should be treated as an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Detailed procedures are posted in every campus building and are available via the HazAdapt mobile app.The university advises following specific protocols depending on the type of alert issued:<ul>
 <li>Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Monitor local news or NOAA weather radio and review your transportation and shelter plans.</li><li>Tornado Warning: Immediate danger is present. Seek shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.</li>
 </ul>Safety experts warn against seeking shelter in large open spaces like gyms or cafeterias due to the risk of roof collapse. If caught driving, individuals should find a sturdy building or, in rural areas, seek cover in a roadside ditch while remaining alert for flash flooding.

Northwest Missouri State University announces severe weather drills and safety events

A disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security.  

Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July.  

Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS 

“So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” 

Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day  

“And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains.  “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” 

Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota 

“We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says.  “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” 

The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. 

Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By MATT PIKEA disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security. Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July. Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS “So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day “And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains. “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota “We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says. “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kanas Congressman Schmidt hopes partial government shutdown ends 'sooner rather than later'

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 Feb. 23 - March 1.

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.

Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route EE, Feb. 27.

<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 Feb. 23 - March 1.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.Atchison CountyRoute 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route EE, Feb. 27.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, Feb. 16 - 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>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.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 Feb. 16 through early April.Nodaway CountyRoute EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, Feb. 24 - 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching from Route AB to Route FF, Feb. 25 - 26.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route NN to 180th Street, Feb. 26, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route 113, Feb. 27.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.

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