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

Companies profiting from unregulated convenience store slot machines would have two years to pull their games off the market under a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill advanced Monday</a>&nbsp;in a Missouri House committee.

The bill — the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">years-long effort</a>&nbsp;by law enforcement and legislators to rein in the games — would create a state-run video lottery system to replace the current games. The two-year changeover is double the time allowed in the bill as it was introduced by Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon.

The original bill, Hardwick said, “may have been too aggressive in terms of getting purchase contracts and to propagate rules. So it seems like for now, we’re going to try a two-year transition period.”

Hardwick said he’s confident the bill will find support in the Missouri House. The committee’s 8-5 vote, however, with three Republicans joining two Democrats in opposition, shows support is shaky.

A similar bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">passed the House last year</a>&nbsp;with just one vote more than the 82 needed. It died in the Senate.&nbsp;

Under Hardwick’s revised bill, the Missouri Lottery would have authority to license video games for installation in retail locations across the state. The licensed machines would have to pay out at least 80% of the money wagered as prizes and about one-third of the profits would be dedicated to state education programs.

The bill would also impose a 3% tax on video lottery profits to aid local governments and would increase the fee casinos pay for each patron who enters the gaming floor from $2 to $4.

At a public hearing on Jan. 27, Hardwick and other supporters said the new games would generate up to $600 million annually for education. The increased casino boarding fee and other licensing fees would generate up to $55 million for state veterans programs.

If those estimates are correct, video lottery would be the most lucrative games yet for vendors and the state treasury.

The most recent expansion of gambling in Missouri, sports wagering, was approved by voters in November 2024. In December, the first month of operation,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">gamblers wagered $543 million</a>, won $437.7 million back and the state tax on profits generated $521,000.

For the entire fiscal year that ended June 30, gambling generated about $700 million for education programs, with $364 million from casino taxes and $337 million from the lottery.

The games currently available in convenience stores and other retail locations are called “no-chance games” because they have a function that allows a gambler to know the outcome of the next play before making a bet.&nbsp;

The games have thrived in large part due to the lobbying efforts of Torch Electronics, the largest vendor in the market. Torch lobbies lawmakers against video lottery and prosecutors against charging retailers with gambling crimes.&nbsp;

The company has also sued to block law enforcement efforts by state and local agencies.

The changes made Monday to Hardwick’s bill, while allowing a two-year transition, would explicitly ban Torch from converting its machines to legal video lottery terminals. The bill would also give local governments 120 days after the law takes effect to pass an ordinance against video lottery.

One provision removed would have created a new enforcement agency, the Missouri Gaming Bureau, to investigate illegal gambling. The job will remain with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Hardwick said.

Every change, he said, is designed to win more support for the bill.

“The bill we’re developing,” he said, “is a bill that the (House) thinks is fair.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770117705033.png" alt=" State Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, is sponsoring a bill to legalize video lottery terminals (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, is sponsoring a bill to legalize video lottery terminals (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Companies profiting from unregulated convenience store slot machines would have two years to pull their games off the market under a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill advanced Monday</a>&nbsp;in a Missouri House committee.The bill — the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">years-long effort</a>&nbsp;by law enforcement and legislators to rein in the games — would create a state-run video lottery system to replace the current games. The two-year changeover is double the time allowed in the bill as it was introduced by Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon.The original bill, Hardwick said, “may have been too aggressive in terms of getting purchase contracts and to propagate rules. So it seems like for now, we’re going to try a two-year transition period.”Hardwick said he’s confident the bill will find support in the Missouri House. The committee’s 8-5 vote, however, with three Republicans joining two Democrats in opposition, shows support is shaky.A similar bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">passed the House last year</a>&nbsp;with just one vote more than the 82 needed. It died in the Senate.&nbsp;Under Hardwick’s revised bill, the Missouri Lottery would have authority to license video games for installation in retail locations across the state. The licensed machines would have to pay out at least 80% of the money wagered as prizes and about one-third of the profits would be dedicated to state education programs.The bill would also impose a 3% tax on video lottery profits to aid local governments and would increase the fee casinos pay for each patron who enters the gaming floor from $2 to $4.At a public hearing on Jan. 27, Hardwick and other supporters said the new games would generate up to $600 million annually for education. The increased casino boarding fee and other licensing fees would generate up to $55 million for state veterans programs.If those estimates are correct, video lottery would be the most lucrative games yet for vendors and the state treasury.The most recent expansion of gambling in Missouri, sports wagering, was approved by voters in November 2024. In December, the first month of operation,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">gamblers wagered $543 million</a>, won $437.7 million back and the state tax on profits generated $521,000.For the entire fiscal year that ended June 30, gambling generated about $700 million for education programs, with $364 million from casino taxes and $337 million from the lottery.The games currently available in convenience stores and other retail locations are called “no-chance games” because they have a function that allows a gambler to know the outcome of the next play before making a bet.&nbsp;The games have thrived in large part due to the lobbying efforts of Torch Electronics, the largest vendor in the market. Torch lobbies lawmakers against video lottery and prosecutors against charging retailers with gambling crimes.&nbsp;The company has also sued to block law enforcement efforts by state and local agencies.The changes made Monday to Hardwick’s bill, while allowing a two-year transition, would explicitly ban Torch from converting its machines to legal video lottery terminals. The bill would also give local governments 120 days after the law takes effect to pass an ordinance against video lottery.One provision removed would have created a new enforcement agency, the Missouri Gaming Bureau, to investigate illegal gambling. The job will remain with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Hardwick said.Every change, he said, is designed to win more support for the bill.“The bill we’re developing,” he said, “is a bill that the (House) thinks is fair.”

Video lottery bill would allow 2 years to remove Missouri’s ‘gray market’ slot machines

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

Just after 2:30p.m. February 1,&nbsp;an officer on patrol observed 66-year-old Newton Colvin walking in the 600 block Santa Fe Street in the city of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The officer knew there to be an outstanding Municipal Court warrant for Colvin. Officers took Colvin into custody and subsequently found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Colvin is being held on the Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770040982129.png" alt="Colvin photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Colvin photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just after 2:30p.m. February 1,&nbsp;an officer on patrol observed 66-year-old Newton Colvin walking in the 600 block Santa Fe Street in the city of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The officer knew there to be an outstanding Municipal Court warrant for Colvin. Officers took Colvin into custody and subsequently found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.Colvin is being held on the Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Police: Man who skipped court was carrying meth during arrest

Twenty emerging and established leaders from across a 19-county region have been selected for the Leadership Northwest Missouri Class of 2026.

The program began its annual series with a two-day retreat on Jan. 21 and 22 at Conception Abbey. Designed to sharpen leadership skills and address regional challenges, the program brings together participants for monthly day-long sessions held at various locations throughout Northwest Missouri.

The program serves as a catalyst for regional progress, emphasizing the interdependence of neighboring communities. Organizers say the curriculum fosters a sense of regional ownership to ensure long-term success for Northwest Missouri.

Below are some comments from various participants:

"The retreat at the Abbey was powerful. Never did I imagine that connections and friendships could be formed in such a short time. The bond that our group formed in 2 days was amazing. This experience was just what I needed for a professional and personal reset. Can't wait to see where the rest of the class year takes us!" - Mindie Stovall, Carroll County

"The time I spent at the Leadership Northwest Missouri retreat at Conception Abbey was such a mental reset. I felt so empowered leaving the retreat, I met lots of people who I can now call friends after just two days. The retreat really got me out of my comfort zone, which I was not expecting but it was something I needed. I wanted to join LNWMO to become a better leader but not only will I be a better leader, I will become a better version of myself." - Ramsay Blair, Andrew County

“The time spent at the Leadership Northwest retreat was a positive and necessary visit to the Conception Abbey. The comradery, understanding and sharing with fellow classmates was eye opening and genuine. The setting at the Abbey gave a relaxed vibe that helped bring clarity and peace to the busy world that keeps us all running. It is a perfect way to kickstart this leadership course.” - Scott Sullins, Holt County

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Leadership Northwest Missouri retreat. I loved that we were welcomed on the same level regardless of where we were in our leadership journey. I left the experience with a restored energy for Northwest Missouri and 20+ new friends and colleagues." Kim Surprise, Nodaway County

The 2026 series will conclude with a graduation ceremony on July 16 in Jamesport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770055411178.png" alt="The 26th class of Leadership Northwest Missouri is shown during its recent opening retreat at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri." />
 <figcaption>The 26th class of Leadership Northwest Missouri is shown during its recent opening retreat at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri.</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHTwenty emerging and established leaders from across a 19-county region have been selected for the Leadership Northwest Missouri Class of 2026.The program began its annual series with a two-day retreat on Jan. 21 and 22 at Conception Abbey. Designed to sharpen leadership skills and address regional challenges, the program brings together participants for monthly day-long sessions held at various locations throughout Northwest Missouri.The 2026 class includes:<ul>
 <li>Andrew County: Ramsay Blair</li><li>Atchison County: Kim Brake, Keifer Nemyer, Summer Reeves</li><li>Buchanan County: Michael Evans, Matthew Stine, Latha Varghese</li><li>Caldwell County: Christa Horne</li><li>Carroll County: Mindy Kelly, Mindie Stovall</li><li>Daviess County: Kelly Hulett</li><li>Grundy County: Kimberly Meeker</li><li>Harrison County: Diane Williams</li><li>Holt County: Scott Sullins</li><li>Livingston County: Shelby Beetsma, Brett Oertwig</li><li>Nodaway County: Gabby Jandron, Cameron Mullock, Rachel Peter</li><li>Clinton, Gentry, Mercer and Worth Counties: Jeremy Glenn</li>
 </ul>The program serves as a catalyst for regional progress, emphasizing the interdependence of neighboring communities. Organizers say the curriculum fosters a sense of regional ownership to ensure long-term success for Northwest Missouri.Below are some comments from various participants:"The retreat at the Abbey was powerful. Never did I imagine that connections and friendships could be formed in such a short time. The bond that our group formed in 2 days was amazing. This experience was just what I needed for a professional and personal reset. Can't wait to see where the rest of the class year takes us!" - Mindie Stovall, Carroll County"The time I spent at the Leadership Northwest Missouri retreat at Conception Abbey was such a mental reset. I felt so empowered leaving the retreat, I met lots of people who I can now call friends after just two days. The retreat really got me out of my comfort zone, which I was not expecting but it was something I needed. I wanted to join LNWMO to become a better leader but not only will I be a better leader, I will become a better version of myself." - Ramsay Blair, Andrew County“The time spent at the Leadership Northwest retreat was a positive and necessary visit to the Conception Abbey. The comradery, understanding and sharing with fellow classmates was eye opening and genuine. The setting at the Abbey gave a relaxed vibe that helped bring clarity and peace to the busy world that keeps us all running. It is a perfect way to kickstart this leadership course.” - Scott Sullins, Holt County“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Leadership Northwest Missouri retreat. I loved that we were welcomed on the same level regardless of where we were in our leadership journey. I left the experience with a restored energy for Northwest Missouri and 20+ new friends and colleagues." Kim Surprise, Nodaway CountyThe 2026 series will conclude with a graduation ceremony on July 16 in Jamesport.

Leadership Northwest Missouri announces Class of 2026

Area residents can celebrate President's Day with creativity at inspireU with a hands-on Maker Faire designed for the whole family. 

This special event expands on the interactive play areas by including over ten extra activities and showcasing several local makers. Cowtown Donuts will be on-site selling fresh miniature donuts throughout the day.

The event is packed with engaging stations that cater to a wide variety of interests. Guests can test their engineering skills at Catapult Corner and the Electric Screwdriver Board, or dive into modern technology at the 3D Printing Pen Playground. For those who enjoy tactile crafts, there will be a Sewing Station, Heat Gun Shrink Art, and a custom Sticker-making station. You can also get your hands dirty at the Slime Bar in the Messy Room, explore Cardboard Construction using a Chomp Saw, or take on the Mystery Material Challenge.

Creators of all ages are welcome, though children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and children under one year old can join the fun for free. All special Maker Faire activities are included in your ticket purchase, and it is highly recommended registering in advance to save on admission. Online tickets are available for $20 per person, while tickets at the door will be $25.

Members of inspireU receive an exclusive discount on their admission, with tickets priced at $15 per person when purchased online or $20 at the door.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729116203362.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHArea residents can celebrate President's Day with creativity at inspireU with a hands-on Maker Faire designed for the whole family. This special event expands on the interactive play areas by including over ten extra activities and showcasing several local makers. Cowtown Donuts will be on-site selling fresh miniature donuts throughout the day.The event is packed with engaging stations that cater to a wide variety of interests. Guests can test their engineering skills at Catapult Corner and the Electric Screwdriver Board, or dive into modern technology at the 3D Printing Pen Playground. For those who enjoy tactile crafts, there will be a Sewing Station, Heat Gun Shrink Art, and a custom Sticker-making station. You can also get your hands dirty at the Slime Bar in the Messy Room, explore Cardboard Construction using a Chomp Saw, or take on the Mystery Material Challenge.Creators of all ages are welcome, though children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and children under one year old can join the fun for free. All special Maker Faire activities are included in your ticket purchase, and it is highly recommended registering in advance to save on admission. Online tickets are available for $20 per person, while tickets at the door will be $25.Members of inspireU receive an exclusive discount on their admission, with tickets priced at $15 per person when purchased online or $20 at the door.&nbsp;InspireU is located at 521 Felix Street.

Build, Create, and Play: Join the President’s Day Maker Faire at inspireU

Several from around northwest Missouri will be traveling to Jefferson City over the next two days as Great Northwest Days is happening once again.  

The event brings together citizens, business owners, government officials, and educators from all 18 counties to speak about the needs in northwest Missouri.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says during an evening event tomorrow, around 500 people will come together, each highlighting their respective county 

"They are really just showcasing, because we’ll have a ton of state senators, representatives, department directors like the Department of Economic Development, Director of Ag, they’ll all come to the event, it’s really a great way for us to highlight northwest Missouri in one room,” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And then we also join together on priorities for northwest Missouri.” 

Hawn says those priorities don't change drastically year to year with it taking time to tackle big issues 

“Workforce housing, housing is a huge deal in St. Joseph but it’s also a big deal in rural Missouri where you don’t have access to developers, or access to capital to do housing, the same struggles that we have here in St. Joseph and really we’re seeing across the country they tend to face rural America more,” Hawn explains.  “Infrastructure and broadband, for us to be successful in growing economic development int he rural communities you have to have infrastructure.”  

Hawn says other priorities include access to rural healthcare, childcare availability, and sustainable tax reform among others.  

Hawn says the event is huge because often lawmakers from around the St. Louis area will come through to learn about a part of the state they don't know much about 

Hawn says even though those lawmakers don't have voters in this area, it still helps many ways 

"I think for them, coming to learn about a part of the state they don’t understand is really helpful,” Hawn says.  “It’s one of the reasons we got the MTC grant, and when we got that really because of Brenda Shields, whose been a great representative for us, but we got it also because the folks understanding that northwest Missouri is important too, and that we tend to get overlooked on funding, whether it’s for entrepreneurs, for infrastructure, et cetera.” 

The grant from the Missouri Technology Corporation helped put together the Launch Pad in St. Joseph which officially opened earlier this month. 

Great Northwest Days runs tomorrow and Wednesday.  During the event tomorrow, Pat Dillon will receive the third Northwest Missouri Citizen of the Year Award at the Great Northwest Evening Reception. 

Dillon was named Chief Government &amp; Community Relations Officer at Mosaic Life Care in 2019 after serving as Vice President of Advocacy/Government Relations. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce &amp; Great Northwest Day committee and past chairman.  

Dillon has also been recognized as one of Ingram’s “50 People in Missouri You Should Know.” Pat and his wife, Nancy, have two adult children and two granddaughters. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

By MATT PIKESeveral from around northwest Missouri will be traveling to Jefferson City over the next two days as Great Northwest Days is happening once again. The event brings together citizens, business owners, government officials, and educators from all 18 counties to speak about the needs in northwest Missouri. St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says during an evening event tomorrow, around 500 people will come together, each highlighting their respective county "They are really just showcasing, because we’ll have a ton of state senators, representatives, department directors like the Department of Economic Development, Director of Ag, they’ll all come to the event, it’s really a great way for us to highlight northwest Missouri in one room,” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. “And then we also join together on priorities for northwest Missouri.” Hawn says those priorities don't change drastically year to year with it taking time to tackle big issues “Workforce housing, housing is a huge deal in St. Joseph but it’s also a big deal in rural Missouri where you don’t have access to developers, or access to capital to do housing, the same struggles that we have here in St. Joseph and really we’re seeing across the country they tend to face rural America more,” Hawn explains. “Infrastructure and broadband, for us to be successful in growing economic development int he rural communities you have to have infrastructure.” Hawn says other priorities include access to rural healthcare, childcare availability, and sustainable tax reform among others. Hawn says the event is huge because often lawmakers from around the St. Louis area will come through to learn about a part of the state they don't know much about Hawn says even though those lawmakers don't have voters in this area, it still helps many ways "I think for them, coming to learn about a part of the state they don’t understand is really helpful,” Hawn says. “It’s one of the reasons we got the MTC grant, and when we got that really because of Brenda Shields, whose been a great representative for us, but we got it also because the folks understanding that northwest Missouri is important too, and that we tend to get overlooked on funding, whether it’s for entrepreneurs, for infrastructure, et cetera.” The grant from the Missouri Technology Corporation helped put together the Launch Pad in St. Joseph which officially opened earlier this month. Great Northwest Days runs tomorrow and Wednesday. During the event tomorrow, Pat Dillon will receive the third Northwest Missouri Citizen of the Year Award at the Great Northwest Evening Reception. Dillon was named Chief Government &amp; Community Relations Officer at Mosaic Life Care in 2019 after serving as Vice President of Advocacy/Government Relations. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce &amp; Great Northwest Day committee and past chairman. Dillon has also been recognized as one of Ingram’s “50 People in Missouri You Should Know.” Pat and his wife, Nancy, have two adult children and two granddaughters. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Several county leaders travel to Jefferson City for Great Northwest Days

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced a one-day delay for the scheduled closure of the Route PP bridge over West Locust Creek in Sullivan County. Originally slated to close Monday, Feb. 2, the bridge is now scheduled to shut down to all traffic on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Located west of Milan, the bridge replacement is a component of the Northwest Bridge Bundle project. Contractors expect to complete the new structure and reopen the roadway by June 2026. During the construction period, motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to bypass the closure.

The existing West Locust Creek Bridge was built in 1955 and currently carries an average of 59 vehicles per day. Its replacement is part of a regional effort to modernize aging infrastructure. “The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project which will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri,” said MoDOT Project Manager Michael Marriott.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the design-build contract to the Capital – Horner &amp; Shifrin team in December 2023. This specific delivery method differs from traditional projects by pairing the design and construction phases under a single contract.

Under the design-build model, MoDOT establishes the primary project goals, budget, and schedule, while the contractor team executes the design and construction simultaneously. 

MoDOT says this approach is frequently utilized to accelerate project timelines and provide significant cost savings to taxpayers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755177251795.jpeg" alt="Road Closed" />
 <figcaption>Road Closed</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation has announced a one-day delay for the scheduled closure of the Route PP bridge over West Locust Creek in Sullivan County. Originally slated to close Monday, Feb. 2, the bridge is now scheduled to shut down to all traffic on Tuesday, Feb. 3.Located west of Milan, the bridge replacement is a component of the Northwest Bridge Bundle project. Contractors expect to complete the new structure and reopen the roadway by June 2026. During the construction period, motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to bypass the closure.The existing West Locust Creek Bridge was built in 1955 and currently carries an average of 59 vehicles per day. Its replacement is part of a regional effort to modernize aging infrastructure. “The Northwest Bridge Bundle is a Design-Build project which will replace or rehabilitate 31 poor-condition bridges in north central Missouri,” said MoDOT Project Manager Michael Marriott.The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the design-build contract to the Capital – Horner &amp; Shifrin team in December 2023. This specific delivery method differs from traditional projects by pairing the design and construction phases under a single contract.Under the design-build model, MoDOT establishes the primary project goals, budget, and schedule, while the contractor team executes the design and construction simultaneously. MoDOT says this approach is frequently utilized to accelerate project timelines and provide significant cost savings to taxpayers.

Sullivan County Route PP Bridge closure set for Tuesday

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Supreme Court rules a victim impact statement in Cerro Gordo County case was properly used to sentence a woman took money from her employer.

 Malorie Hallock pleaded guilty to stealing 120-thousand dollars during a nine-month period when she worked at Studio 65 Tattoo in Clear Lake. She agreed to a plea deal for a deferred judgment and promised to gradually pay back the money. The owner of Studio 65 Tattoo made a lengthy victim-impact statement at Hallock’s sentencing saying the embezzlement almost ruined her life, and caused her to be hospitalized for depression. The owner said it was hard to accept that she would get off so easily after stealing so much. 

The judge said the impact statement was thoughtful and sentenced Hallock to an indefinite prison term not to exceed ten years. Hallock said the court abused its discretion in the sentencing, but the Supreme Court ruled the judge is not bound by a sentencing recommendation and properly considered the impact statement.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Supreme Court rules a victim impact statement in Cerro Gordo County case was properly used to sentence a woman took money from her employer. Malorie Hallock pleaded guilty to stealing 120-thousand dollars during a nine-month period when she worked at Studio 65 Tattoo in Clear Lake. She agreed to a plea deal for a deferred judgment and promised to gradually pay back the money. The owner of Studio 65 Tattoo made a lengthy victim-impact statement at Hallock’s sentencing saying the embezzlement almost ruined her life, and caused her to be hospitalized for depression. The owner said it was hard to accept that she would get off so easily after stealing so much. The judge said the impact statement was thoughtful and sentenced Hallock to an indefinite prison term not to exceed ten years. Hallock said the court abused its discretion in the sentencing, but the Supreme Court ruled the judge is not bound by a sentencing recommendation and properly considered the impact statement.

Iowa Supreme Court Rules Victim Impact Statement Has Impact

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. 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.

Interstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb. 7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. &nbsp;Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load.&nbsp;

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

I-29 – Lighting repair work southbound from Route 6 off ramp to the 47.6 mile marker, Feb. 7-9.

Route D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.

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 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for core drilling at the Tarkio River Bridge, Feb. 2, noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 3-5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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 K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge beginning Feb. 19 for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge beginning Feb. 2, 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 W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

MoDOT reminds drivers to work with crews by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

<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. 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.Buchanan CountyInterstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb. 7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. &nbsp;Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load.&nbsp;Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;I-29 – Lighting repair work southbound from Route 6 off ramp to the 47.6 mile marker, Feb. 7-9.Caldwell CountyRoute D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.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.Holt CountyRoute 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for core drilling at the Tarkio River Bridge, Feb. 2, noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 3-5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.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 beginning Feb. 19 for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge beginning Feb. 2, 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 W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.MoDOT reminds drivers to work with crews by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Planned Roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 2 - 8

A 33-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to four life terms in prison for a series of felony child sex abuse crimes committed over the span of a year.

Circuit Judge Terry White handed down the maximum possible sentence to Johnathan Edward Sears on four specific counts: one count of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sodomy involving a child under the age of 12.

The sentencing follows a jury trial in which Sears was found guilty of six felony charges in total. In addition to the rape and sodomy convictions, the jury found him guilty of second-degree child molestation.

The court ordered that the four life sentences be served concurrently. However, Sears will serve an additional 10 years in prison for the remaining felony counts.

The investigation into Sears began in early 2023, leading to his arrest in March. Prosecutors noted the case involved multiple victims, all of whom were under the age of 12 at the time of the abuse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770030944330.jpeg" alt="Sears=photo Buchannan County Sheriff's Dept" />
 <figcaption>Sears=photo Buchannan County Sheriff's Dept</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA 33-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to four life terms in prison for a series of felony child sex abuse crimes committed over the span of a year.Circuit Judge Terry White handed down the maximum possible sentence to Johnathan Edward Sears on four specific counts: one count of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sodomy involving a child under the age of 12.The sentencing follows a jury trial in which Sears was found guilty of six felony charges in total. In addition to the rape and sodomy convictions, the jury found him guilty of second-degree child molestation.The court ordered that the four life sentences be served concurrently. However, Sears will serve an additional 10 years in prison for the remaining felony counts.The investigation into Sears began in early 2023, leading to his arrest in March. Prosecutors noted the case involved multiple victims, all of whom were under the age of 12 at the time of the abuse.

St. Joseph man sentenced to four life terms for child sex abuse

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating an injury accident that occurred just after 12:30a.m. early Saturday in Atchison.

A 2019 Honda pickup driven by Joshua Hosier, 42, Atchison, was westbound on Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; A 2001 Toyota Highlander driven by Joshua Campbell, 18, Atchison, was southbound on 14th Street. The two vehicles collided at the&nbsp;intersection of 14th and Kansas Avenue. 

EMS arrived on the scene and examined and treated Campbell and a 21-year-old passenger for minor injuries but they were not transported. 

Hosier had fled the scene on foot but went to Police headquarters a short time later.&nbsp; EMS later transported him to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries that he sustained in the accident. 

Charges are pending against Hosier, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1769959094995.jpeg" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating an injury accident that occurred just after 12:30a.m. early Saturday in Atchison.A 2019 Honda pickup driven by Joshua Hosier, 42, Atchison, was westbound on Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; A 2001 Toyota Highlander driven by Joshua Campbell, 18, Atchison, was southbound on 14th Street. The two vehicles collided at the&nbsp;intersection of 14th and Kansas Avenue. EMS arrived on the scene and examined and treated Campbell and a 21-year-old passenger for minor injuries but they were not transported. Hosier had fled the scene on foot but went to Police headquarters a short time later.&nbsp; EMS later transported him to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries that he sustained in the accident. Charges are pending against Hosier, according to Wilson.

Kan. man hospitalized after running from 2 vehicle crash

After providing more than $100 million in free plays to lure customers, FanDuel and Draftkings, the sports books dominating the state market, paid no taxes

Missourians placed more than half-a-billion dollars in bets on sporting events in December but promotional offers offset the taxable profits, leaving less than $1 million to help problem gamblers and public education.

Voters narrowly approved sports betting in November 2024, with a majority of just&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">2,691 votes out of almost 3 million cast</a>. The first month’s wagering far&nbsp;<a href="https://sportshandle.com/missouri-sports-betting-could-see-up-to-370m-handle-in-first-month/" target="_blank">exceeded some estimates</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/12_Dec/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%201225.pdf" target="_blank">$543 million wagered</a>, more than 99% through online platforms.

The financial report, issued Friday by the Missouri Gaming Commission, showed the impact of provisions in the constitutional amendment allowing companies accepting bets to deduct the cost of promotional and other expenses.&nbsp;

The 16 licensed operators provided customers more than $125 million in free bets and other promotional benefits. As a result, most showed a negative result and deductions exceeded net revenue by $20 million.

The gaming commission received nearly $7.5 million from initial license fees paid for the 16 retail and online licenses. Two companies, DraftKings and Circa Sports, are online-only licenses, while the other 14 are either in casinos, at major sports venues or online platforms partnering with a major sports team.

The net to the state was $521,200, or less than one-one-hundredth of 1% of the total wagered.

“The license-fee total reflects the fact that a majority of the licenses issued at launch are five-year licenses,” Mike Leara, executive director of the gaming commission, said in a news release. “These figures also reflect a market in its early stages, including the impact of significant promotional deductions that are customary during initial rollout.”

The commission anticipates using 9% of the licensing fees for administration, and the remainder will be transferred to the&nbsp;Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund. Most of that is a one-time infusion of money because the major licenses have a five-year life, Leara said in an interview with The Independent.

The result is encouraging despite the small total for tax revenue, Leara said. The structure of the constitutional amendment meant that small returns are likely during the opening months, he said.

“When we finally get through some of this early start up costs, we’ll see money,” he said.

The promotional offers will diminish and bettors will settle into patterns as the market matures, he said.

“In six months, we’re going to have a better gage of what to expect on the month to month basis, and I think that it will increase these numbers,” Leara said.

State Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel who chairs the House Budget Committee, called the revenue report “sad” and said it was what he expected from an initiative written by the online sports betting companies.

“We might as well have just made them tax free at this point,” Deaton said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/12/st-louis-cardinals-lead-missouris-major-teams-to-launch-initiative-on-sports-betting/">initiative campaign was launched</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers tried for several years, and failed, to write a bill authorizing sports wagering.&nbsp;

“In the General Assembly, we ought to look ourselves in the mirror,” he said. “It’s probably another example of something which we should have figured out and put a better framework in place.”

The tax on the net revenue of sports wagering platforms is 10%, less than half of the 21% tax on net receipts for the state’s 13 licensed casinos. During December, the casinos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/Casino_Gaming/rb_financials/FY26_FinReport/12_Dec/WEB1225.pdf" target="_blank">paid $36.2 million in taxes</a>&nbsp;on net winnings of $172.4 million.

Leara said he agreed that the low tax revenue is due to lawmakers failing to pass sports wagering legislation.

“This could have been much different,” Leara said. “The tax rate could have been higher and the deductions would have likely, absolutely, been less.”

Under the Missouri Constitution, most tax revenue from gambling is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(d)&amp;bid=31793&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">dedicated to public schools and higher education</a>. Casinos paid $363 million in taxes in the fiscal year that ended June 30 and the Missouri Lottery provided about $337 million.

The 2024 initiative campaign, organized by the state’s professional sports teams and paid for by DraftKings and FanDuel, two of the major online sports books, cost $43 million. An opposition campaign, financed by Caesars Entertainment, owners of three casinos in Missouri, spent $15 million.

During the campaign to pass sports wagering, voters were told it would be a windfall to education, allowing increased teacher pay and other benefits for public schools.&nbsp;

“It doesn’t necessarily match the commercials that got this passed, does it,” said state Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Black, who was a teacher before becoming a legislator, said in an interview with The Independent he is not sure when any of the promised benefits for education will be realized.

“Sports gaming will probably provide $100 million to education total, as long as I don’t die in the next 10 years,” Black said.

Only DraftKings, however, won one of the two licenses that went to online platforms that are not linked to one of the state’s casinos or major league sports teams.&nbsp;

DraftKings captured nearly 40% of the market, booking $195 million in bets but showing a negative net result after paying out $163 million in winnings and giving bettors $48.5 million in promotional and other benefits. DraftKings paid no tax and had $16 million in deductions carried over into January.&nbsp;

Circa Sports, the other “untethered” licensee, handled only $1.4 million in wagers and showed $1.3 million in deductions. Circa Sports paid $11,739 in tax.

FanDuel won a license from the Missouri Gaming Commission by partnering with St. Louis City, a Major League Soccer team. FanDuel booked $212 million in wagers but also showed a net negative result, with $166 million paid out in winnings and $53 million in deductions for promotional benefits. The company paid no tax and carries over $7 million in deductions to January.

The $543 million handle shows that the launch of sports betting in Missouri was successful, said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Sports Betting Alliance.

“We applaud the Missouri Gaming Commission for its hard work to ensure a smooth and successful launch,” Cardetti said in a prepared statement, “and we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Missourians who are impressed with the tools and resources available to help them monitor their play, protect their data and provide the security they feel in placing legal, regulated bets, while keeping their dollars in Missouri.”’

In a separate statement, Cardetti said the small return to the state was an expected result of the promotional deductions in the amendment.

“Like in most states, permanent, dedicated tax revenues for education will grow significantly over time after starting small in the initial months of a new sports betting program, due to investing in marketing efforts to migrate bettors out of illegal and unregulated settings toward state-licensed operators,” Cardetti said. “Missouri’s sports betting law anticipated this transition period and required millions in up front licensing fees, with nearly $7.5 million in fees already paid to the state.”

The fiscal estimates for the initiative showed revenue could be as little as nothing or as much as $28.9 million a year.

State Rep. Betsy Fogle, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said she expected more money, even with the heavy advertising of promotions to lure customers.

“I guess it’s not super surprising to me that we haven’t seen real dollars work their way into our revenue streams yet, and I would anticipate that those would increase as those promotionals have gone away,” she said.

In Kansas, where the tax and deduction allowances are similar to Missouri, operators paid taxes that were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/25/repub/kansas-legislators-look-for-bigger-payout-from-sportsbooks-with-contracts-set-to-expire/">less than 1% of $2.7 billion</a>&nbsp;in bets in the past fiscal year. Lawmakers in Kansas are considering whether to change the tax structure to capture more of the revenue. A similar move is much harder in Missouri because it would require another statewide vote to change the constitution.&nbsp;

“Because sports wagering was adopted through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, core elements such as the tax structure and allowable deductions cannot simply be adjusted by the General Assembly,” Black said in a statement.

Gambling alone cannot pay for public schools or higher education, Deaton said

“There’s no taxation structure in which that would ever be the case, or could be, unless we just were spending significantly less,” he said.

When education will see any money from sports wagering is uncertain. The amendment included a carve-out, setting aside the first $5 million in annual tax revenue for the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund.

Fogle, who said she voted for the amendment because she wanted to place bets, said she doubted during the campaign that education would see any significant benefits.

“I thought it was disingenuous,” Fogle said, “and I recommended people not vote for it because of the promises for education.”

<h2>After providing more than $100 million in free plays to lure customers, FanDuel and Draftkings, the sports books dominating the state market, paid no taxes</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missourians placed more than half-a-billion dollars in bets on sporting events in December but promotional offers offset the taxable profits, leaving less than $1 million to help problem gamblers and public education.Voters narrowly approved sports betting in November 2024, with a majority of just&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">2,691 votes out of almost 3 million cast</a>. The first month’s wagering far&nbsp;<a href="https://sportshandle.com/missouri-sports-betting-could-see-up-to-370m-handle-in-first-month/" target="_blank">exceeded some estimates</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/12_Dec/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%201225.pdf" target="_blank">$543 million wagered</a>, more than 99% through online platforms.The financial report, issued Friday by the Missouri Gaming Commission, showed the impact of provisions in the constitutional amendment allowing companies accepting bets to deduct the cost of promotional and other expenses.&nbsp;The 16 licensed operators provided customers more than $125 million in free bets and other promotional benefits. As a result, most showed a negative result and deductions exceeded net revenue by $20 million.The gaming commission received nearly $7.5 million from initial license fees paid for the 16 retail and online licenses. Two companies, DraftKings and Circa Sports, are online-only licenses, while the other 14 are either in casinos, at major sports venues or online platforms partnering with a major sports team.The net to the state was $521,200, or less than one-one-hundredth of 1% of the total wagered.“The license-fee total reflects the fact that a majority of the licenses issued at launch are five-year licenses,” Mike Leara, executive director of the gaming commission, said in a news release. “These figures also reflect a market in its early stages, including the impact of significant promotional deductions that are customary during initial rollout.”The commission anticipates using 9% of the licensing fees for administration, and the remainder will be transferred to the&nbsp;Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund. Most of that is a one-time infusion of money because the major licenses have a five-year life, Leara said in an interview with The Independent.The result is encouraging despite the small total for tax revenue, Leara said. The structure of the constitutional amendment meant that small returns are likely during the opening months, he said.“When we finally get through some of this early start up costs, we’ll see money,” he said.The promotional offers will diminish and bettors will settle into patterns as the market matures, he said.“In six months, we’re going to have a better gage of what to expect on the month to month basis, and I think that it will increase these numbers,” Leara said.State Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel who chairs the House Budget Committee, called the revenue report “sad” and said it was what he expected from an initiative written by the online sports betting companies.“We might as well have just made them tax free at this point,” Deaton said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/12/st-louis-cardinals-lead-missouris-major-teams-to-launch-initiative-on-sports-betting/">initiative campaign was launched</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers tried for several years, and failed, to write a bill authorizing sports wagering.&nbsp;“In the General Assembly, we ought to look ourselves in the mirror,” he said. “It’s probably another example of something which we should have figured out and put a better framework in place.”The tax on the net revenue of sports wagering platforms is 10%, less than half of the 21% tax on net receipts for the state’s 13 licensed casinos. During December, the casinos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/Casino_Gaming/rb_financials/FY26_FinReport/12_Dec/WEB1225.pdf" target="_blank">paid $36.2 million in taxes</a>&nbsp;on net winnings of $172.4 million.Leara said he agreed that the low tax revenue is due to lawmakers failing to pass sports wagering legislation.“This could have been much different,” Leara said. “The tax rate could have been higher and the deductions would have likely, absolutely, been less.”Under the Missouri Constitution, most tax revenue from gambling is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(d)&amp;bid=31793&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">dedicated to public schools and higher education</a>. Casinos paid $363 million in taxes in the fiscal year that ended June 30 and the Missouri Lottery provided about $337 million.The 2024 initiative campaign, organized by the state’s professional sports teams and paid for by DraftKings and FanDuel, two of the major online sports books, cost $43 million. An opposition campaign, financed by Caesars Entertainment, owners of three casinos in Missouri, spent $15 million.During the campaign to pass sports wagering, voters were told it would be a windfall to education, allowing increased teacher pay and other benefits for public schools.&nbsp;“It doesn’t necessarily match the commercials that got this passed, does it,” said state Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.Black, who was a teacher before becoming a legislator, said in an interview with The Independent he is not sure when any of the promised benefits for education will be realized.“Sports gaming will probably provide $100 million to education total, as long as I don’t die in the next 10 years,” Black said.Only DraftKings, however, won one of the two licenses that went to online platforms that are not linked to one of the state’s casinos or major league sports teams.&nbsp;DraftKings captured nearly 40% of the market, booking $195 million in bets but showing a negative net result after paying out $163 million in winnings and giving bettors $48.5 million in promotional and other benefits. DraftKings paid no tax and had $16 million in deductions carried over into January.&nbsp;Circa Sports, the other “untethered” licensee, handled only $1.4 million in wagers and showed $1.3 million in deductions. Circa Sports paid $11,739 in tax.FanDuel won a license from the Missouri Gaming Commission by partnering with St. Louis City, a Major League Soccer team. FanDuel booked $212 million in wagers but also showed a net negative result, with $166 million paid out in winnings and $53 million in deductions for promotional benefits. The company paid no tax and carries over $7 million in deductions to January.The $543 million handle shows that the launch of sports betting in Missouri was successful, said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Sports Betting Alliance.“We applaud the Missouri Gaming Commission for its hard work to ensure a smooth and successful launch,” Cardetti said in a prepared statement, “and we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Missourians who are impressed with the tools and resources available to help them monitor their play, protect their data and provide the security they feel in placing legal, regulated bets, while keeping their dollars in Missouri.”’In a separate statement, Cardetti said the small return to the state was an expected result of the promotional deductions in the amendment.“Like in most states, permanent, dedicated tax revenues for education will grow significantly over time after starting small in the initial months of a new sports betting program, due to investing in marketing efforts to migrate bettors out of illegal and unregulated settings toward state-licensed operators,” Cardetti said. “Missouri’s sports betting law anticipated this transition period and required millions in up front licensing fees, with nearly $7.5 million in fees already paid to the state.”The fiscal estimates for the initiative showed revenue could be as little as nothing or as much as $28.9 million a year.State Rep. Betsy Fogle, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said she expected more money, even with the heavy advertising of promotions to lure customers.“I guess it’s not super surprising to me that we haven’t seen real dollars work their way into our revenue streams yet, and I would anticipate that those would increase as those promotionals have gone away,” she said.In Kansas, where the tax and deduction allowances are similar to Missouri, operators paid taxes that were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/25/repub/kansas-legislators-look-for-bigger-payout-from-sportsbooks-with-contracts-set-to-expire/">less than 1% of $2.7 billion</a>&nbsp;in bets in the past fiscal year. Lawmakers in Kansas are considering whether to change the tax structure to capture more of the revenue. A similar move is much harder in Missouri because it would require another statewide vote to change the constitution.&nbsp;“Because sports wagering was adopted through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, core elements such as the tax structure and allowable deductions cannot simply be adjusted by the General Assembly,” Black said in a statement.Gambling alone cannot pay for public schools or higher education, Deaton said“There’s no taxation structure in which that would ever be the case, or could be, unless we just were spending significantly less,” he said.When education will see any money from sports wagering is uncertain. The amendment included a carve-out, setting aside the first $5 million in annual tax revenue for the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund.Fogle, who said she voted for the amendment because she wanted to place bets, said she doubted during the campaign that education would see any significant benefits.“I thought it was disingenuous,” Fogle said, “and I recommended people not vote for it because of the promises for education.”

Missouri sports betting tops $543M in first month but deductions leave state with only $521K

Two petitions pertaining to Missouri’s public education system won appeals in cases that began with ‘misleading’ ballot titles

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

Missouri’s Western District Court of Appeals unanimously tossed out part of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’s ballot language on Thursday for an initiative petition that would bar state funding of private education.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=510766" target="_blank">decision</a>, written by Judge Douglas Thomson, says that Hoskins’s summary statement was “misleading” because of a bullet point that says the petition would “eliminate existing programs that provide direct aid to students with special education needs.” The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Ex.%20A%20-%202026-071%201.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3650864" target="_blank">petition</a>, filed by attorney Duane Martin with public education law firm EdCounsel, expressly allows public aid to private entities to educate students with disabilities.

“The failure to account for the disability exception in bullet point two — and instead state that special education programs would be eliminated — is insufficient and unfair,” Thomson wrote.

Hoskins, presumably, was referring to the state’s voucher program, MOScholars. The program pays for school tuition for students with and without disabilities, though those who need learning accommodations receive priority and an increased scholarship amount.

The petition seeks to dramatically restrict MOScholars by barring the state from funding scholarships for nondisabled students. Martin told The Independent in August that he views state funding of private school vouchers as a threat to public education.

“We’re watching the statewide elected officials from Missouri slowly dismantle public schools, this public school system that Missourians have built,” he said.

The court revised the ballot language to say the petition would “eliminate certain expenditures that provide direct or indirect aid to students for their educational needs by prohibiting the use of public funds for educational services provided by nonpublic schools, except for services provided to disabled students.”

The decision comes a week after the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/23/missouri-supreme-court-strikes-down-law-on-ballot-title-cases-special-appeal-power-for-ag/">tossed out a law</a>&nbsp;passed last year that would have allowed Hoskins to rewrite ballot titles three times before a judge could remedy the language.

The Secretary of State’s Office declined to comment, saying it “does not comment on active litigation.”

A second pro-public-education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20A.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3646146" target="_blank">petition</a>&nbsp;is making its way through the courts, securing a win Thursday over a parent and voucher advocate who sought to intervene in the case.

The Missouri Right to Education Initiative seeks to label education a fundamental right in the State Constitution, charging the government with “maintaining adequate, thorough and uniform high quality free public schools.”

Spencer Toder, who filed the petition, told The Independent that the initiative is not aimed at changing MOScholars.

“Our intent is not to get involved in the voucher dialog,” he said in August. “It is to ensure that no matter if vouchers exist, it doesn’t come at the expense of public school students’ quality of education.”

But the ballot language from Hoskins’s office said the petition would eliminate the voucher program. Toder challenged the summary in Cole County Circuit Court, where Judge Chris Limbaugh ordered Hoskins to rewrite part of the summary twice.

In that case, Becki Uccello intervened as a mother of a disabled student who receives MOScholars funds and an advocate with the American Federation for Children, which pushes for vouchers and similar programs nationwide. She sought to defend Hoskins’s original summary statement.

The initiative, if approved by voters, would be used in court to challenge the voucher program, her attorneys wrote in an appeal of Limbaugh’s decision.

But Uccello had no right to appeal, Toder’s attorney, Heidi Vollet, argued.

The Western District Court of Appeals threw out Uccello’s arguments, saying she lacked standing to defend the Secretary of State’s ballot language.

Private parties only have a right to challenge ballot titles, not defend them, the court said in a unanimous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=510768" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;written by Judge Gary Witt.

“Since Uccello’s grounds for intervention were to advocate for the same language that was proposed by the secretary initially, and which the secretary was defending on the same grounds, she has not established that she has any defense beyond the secretary, as party defendant,” wrote Witt.

Alix Cossette, an attorney with Stinson LLP who represented Uccello, told The Independent that Thursday’s decision carries ramifications for future ballot title cases.

“This is going to affect how people challenge or defend the secretary’s language,” she said. “If you want to defend what the secretary is doing, you are going to have to let the secretary just do that.”

In a footnote, Witt clarifies that individuals can intervene on ballot title cases when they oppose the secretary’s proposed language, writing: “The rule cannot be that if a petitioner friendly to the secretary’s summary files a specious challenge, a citizen with legitimate complaints as to the fairness and sufficiency of the proposed ballot summary cannot intervene to raise those legitimate challenges.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760837142430.png" alt="Sue Gibson, a volunteer with Respect Missouri Voters, collects signatures during the No Kings demonstration at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Saturday. Respect Missouri Voters is the intiative petition campaign for a constitutional amendment that would make it harder for the General Assembly to overturn citizen-led ballot measures (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sue Gibson, a volunteer with Respect Missouri Voters, collects signatures during the No Kings demonstration at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Saturday. Respect Missouri Voters is the intiative petition campaign for a constitutional amendment that would make it harder for the General Assembly to overturn citizen-led ballot measures (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two petitions pertaining to Missouri’s public education system won appeals in cases that began with ‘misleading’ ballot titles</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s Western District Court of Appeals unanimously tossed out part of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’s ballot language on Thursday for an initiative petition that would bar state funding of private education.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=510766" target="_blank">decision</a>, written by Judge Douglas Thomson, says that Hoskins’s summary statement was “misleading” because of a bullet point that says the petition would “eliminate existing programs that provide direct aid to students with special education needs.” The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Ex.%20A%20-%202026-071%201.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3650864" target="_blank">petition</a>, filed by attorney Duane Martin with public education law firm EdCounsel, expressly allows public aid to private entities to educate students with disabilities.“The failure to account for the disability exception in bullet point two — and instead state that special education programs would be eliminated — is insufficient and unfair,” Thomson wrote.Hoskins, presumably, was referring to the state’s voucher program, MOScholars. The program pays for school tuition for students with and without disabilities, though those who need learning accommodations receive priority and an increased scholarship amount.The petition seeks to dramatically restrict MOScholars by barring the state from funding scholarships for nondisabled students. Martin told The Independent in August that he views state funding of private school vouchers as a threat to public education.“We’re watching the statewide elected officials from Missouri slowly dismantle public schools, this public school system that Missourians have built,” he said.The court revised the ballot language to say the petition would “eliminate certain expenditures that provide direct or indirect aid to students for their educational needs by prohibiting the use of public funds for educational services provided by nonpublic schools, except for services provided to disabled students.”The decision comes a week after the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/23/missouri-supreme-court-strikes-down-law-on-ballot-title-cases-special-appeal-power-for-ag/">tossed out a law</a>&nbsp;passed last year that would have allowed Hoskins to rewrite ballot titles three times before a judge could remedy the language.The Secretary of State’s Office declined to comment, saying it “does not comment on active litigation.”<h2>Missouri Right to Education Initiative</h2>A second pro-public-education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20A.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3646146" target="_blank">petition</a>&nbsp;is making its way through the courts, securing a win Thursday over a parent and voucher advocate who sought to intervene in the case.The Missouri Right to Education Initiative seeks to label education a fundamental right in the State Constitution, charging the government with “maintaining adequate, thorough and uniform high quality free public schools.”Spencer Toder, who filed the petition, told The Independent that the initiative is not aimed at changing MOScholars.“Our intent is not to get involved in the voucher dialog,” he said in August. “It is to ensure that no matter if vouchers exist, it doesn’t come at the expense of public school students’ quality of education.”But the ballot language from Hoskins’s office said the petition would eliminate the voucher program. Toder challenged the summary in Cole County Circuit Court, where Judge Chris Limbaugh ordered Hoskins to rewrite part of the summary twice.In that case, Becki Uccello intervened as a mother of a disabled student who receives MOScholars funds and an advocate with the American Federation for Children, which pushes for vouchers and similar programs nationwide. She sought to defend Hoskins’s original summary statement.The initiative, if approved by voters, would be used in court to challenge the voucher program, her attorneys wrote in an appeal of Limbaugh’s decision.But Uccello had no right to appeal, Toder’s attorney, Heidi Vollet, argued.The Western District Court of Appeals threw out Uccello’s arguments, saying she lacked standing to defend the Secretary of State’s ballot language.Private parties only have a right to challenge ballot titles, not defend them, the court said in a unanimous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=510768" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;written by Judge Gary Witt.“Since Uccello’s grounds for intervention were to advocate for the same language that was proposed by the secretary initially, and which the secretary was defending on the same grounds, she has not established that she has any defense beyond the secretary, as party defendant,” wrote Witt.Alix Cossette, an attorney with Stinson LLP who represented Uccello, told The Independent that Thursday’s decision carries ramifications for future ballot title cases.“This is going to affect how people challenge or defend the secretary’s language,” she said. “If you want to defend what the secretary is doing, you are going to have to let the secretary just do that.”In a footnote, Witt clarifies that individuals can intervene on ballot title cases when they oppose the secretary’s proposed language, writing: “The rule cannot be that if a petitioner friendly to the secretary’s summary files a specious challenge, a citizen with legitimate complaints as to the fairness and sufficiency of the proposed ballot summary cannot intervene to raise those legitimate challenges.”

Missouri appeals court rejects Secretary of State’s ballot language on private school funding ban

Savannah is a contender for the Missouri Humanities’ "Small Town Showcase," a program highlighting local history and culture through podcasts and short films.

In recognition of the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026, the population limit for applicant towns has been increased to 25,000.

Savannah is one of 16 Missouri towns up for consideration.

Organizers are discussing potential expansions or modifications to the showcase format, though the series is expected to maintain its current structure and production flow.

The public can vote on the current nominees and listen to stories from previously featured towns at <a href="https://mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase/">mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768245306368.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSavannah is a contender for the Missouri Humanities’ "Small Town Showcase," a program highlighting local history and culture through podcasts and short films.In recognition of the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026, the population limit for applicant towns has been increased to 25,000.Savannah is one of 16 Missouri towns up for consideration.Organizers are discussing potential expansions or modifications to the showcase format, though the series is expected to maintain its current structure and production flow.The public can vote on the current nominees and listen to stories from previously featured towns at <a href="https://mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase/">mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase.</a>

Savannah competes for spot in Missouri Humanities’ Small Town Showcase

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

Maryville High School-1429 S. Munn (1-30-26) Follow-up: No recommendations.

Maryville Middle School-525 W. South Hills Drive (1-30-26) Follow-up: No recommendations.

Casey's #2169-1520 N. Main (1-29-26) Non-Critical:

Daylight Donuts-624 S. Main (1-29-26) Critical:

Casey's #3786-1925 S. Main (1-28-26) Non-Critical:

BreakTime-1517 E 1st (1-28-26) No Recommendations.

Eugene Field Elementary-418 E. 2nd (1-28-26) Critical:

Maryville High School-1429 S. Munn (1-27-26) Critical:

Maryville Middle School-525 W. South Hills Drive (1-27-26) Critical:

Señor Burrito-121 S. Main (1-23-26) Non-Critical:

Simply Siam-314 N. Main (1-22-26) Critical:

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.Note that COS means corrected on site.Maryville High School-1429 S. Munn (1-30-26) Follow-up: No recommendations.Maryville Middle School-525 W. South Hills Drive (1-30-26) Follow-up: No recommendations.Casey's #2169-1520 N. Main (1-29-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Dumpsters overflowing, lids unable to close.</li>
 </ul>Daylight Donuts-624 S. Main (1-29-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Kolaches, burritos, &amp; sausage sandwiches left in display case too long.</li>
 </ul>Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Wooden backsplash needs to be sealed or painted.</li><li>Restroom trash can needs to have a lid.</li>
 </ul>Casey's #3786-1925 S. Main (1-28-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Fly strip over dough area- okay to use elsewhere.</li>
 </ul>BreakTime-1517 E 1st (1-28-26) No Recommendations.Eugene Field Elementary-418 E. 2nd (1-28-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Open milk coolers not holding milk at 41° or below while open. Limit open time.</li>
 </ul>Maryville High School-1429 S. Munn (1-27-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Teacher's salad bar-some items not held at 41° or lower.</li>
 </ul>Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Boxes of food on floor in walk-in freezer.</li><li>Microwave Dirty- COS.</li>
 </ul>Maryville Middle School-525 W. South Hills Drive (1-27-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Hot food not held at 135° or more.</li><li>Cold food not held at 41° or below.</li>
 </ul>Señor Burrito-121 S. Main (1-23-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gaskets in service line, prep table.</li><li>Aluminum foil lining several kitchen shelves.</li><li>Peeling paint on wall outside men's room.</li><li>Ceiling dusty above 3-door refrigerator and freezer.</li><li>South-side exit door-bad gasket, poor seal.</li>
 </ul>Simply Siam-314 N. Main (1-22-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Unlabeled spray bottles.</li>
 </ul>Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Flooring in disrepair throughout, extra attention needed to cleaning along edges and under equipment.</li>
 </ul>Plot Twist Cafe-215 W. 5th (1-20-26) Notes:<ul>
 <li>Needs hand washing signage. </li><li>No thermometer in refrigerator.</li><li>Ice maker not yet installed</li><li>Drainage discussed.</li>
 </ul>Jefferson C-123-37614 US Hwy 136, Conception Junction (1-16-26) No Recommendations.Dairy Queen-1912 S. Main (1-15-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Food &amp; food items stored on floors- spoons and pineapple topping in storeroom, Chicken tenders and lemonade in walk-in freezer.</li><li>Excessive frost in freezer by grill.</li><li>Vent hood needs cleaning.</li><li>Odors in women's room.</li>
 </ul>Nodaway-Holt R-7-318 S. Taylor, Graham (1-14-26) No recommendations.Kentucky Fried Chicken-1622 S. Main (1-6-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Front counter- peeling contact paper.</li><li>Microwaves need cleaning.</li>
 </ul>A&amp;G Restaurant-208 N. Main (1-5-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Some ingredient tubs labels worn-off.</li><li>General cleaning needed on walls, around legs of equipment.</li>
 </ul>

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