A statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.

Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.

The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735529316.jpeg" alt="Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735662387.jpeg" alt="A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Pony Express statue to undergo cleaning, preservation

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to make a passing score on the U-S citizenship test a requirement for getting a high school diploma. 

The requirement would start for high school graduation in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed on a 38-to-seven vote. Key supporters say civics education is lagging and a better understanding of how government works could help end the partisan divided in the country. Critics say the real problem is that social studies classes have been devalued, and making students memorize answers to a test won't help them understand history, economics, and how government works. 

The bill must be passed by the House, too, before it goes to the governor -- who backs the requirement that students score at least 60 percent on the citizenship test in order to graduate.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to make a passing score on the U-S citizenship test a requirement for getting a high school diploma. The requirement would start for high school graduation in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed on a 38-to-seven vote. Key supporters say civics education is lagging and a better understanding of how government works could help end the partisan divided in the country. Critics say the real problem is that social studies classes have been devalued, and making students memorize answers to a test won't help them understand history, economics, and how government works. The bill must be passed by the House, too, before it goes to the governor -- who backs the requirement that students score at least 60 percent on the citizenship test in order to graduate.

Bill would make passing a civics test a requirement for high school graduation

Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk

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

A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;

The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.

“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”

The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.

Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.

State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”

“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.

The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”

Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”

The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.

“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.

The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.

Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.

The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.

State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.

“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.

He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.

Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”

“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.

Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744714181349.png" alt=" State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.

Missouri lawmakers approve bill targeting pending abortion lawsuit

Kansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;

Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.

Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.

Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Maryville's Serena Sundell drafted by WNBA's Seattle Storm

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.

Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.

While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.

“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.

He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.

Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.

“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.

The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.

“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”

Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.

“Kansans deserve better than what they got from their Legislature in 2025,” Sykes said. “Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues refused to join us in that effort. Republicans promised Kansans they would deliver&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;relief, but they failed to make good on that promise.”

Kansas voters were assured by sloganeering candidates during last year’s August primary and November general elections that nothing would stand in the way of meaningful property tax reform in 2025. Voters made it clear they thought property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks and, incredibly, some people on fixed incomes who worked all their lives to have a home of their own were being forced out.

As the legislative session began in January, another layer of political vows emerged about cutting property taxes.

“You expect us to put Kansans first, control the overreach of government and keep our promises — and that is exactly what we intend to do,” Masterson said. “That must begin with property tax relief and reform.”

When the dust settled in April, the Legislature barely scratched the surface on rolling back state property taxes. The governor signed Senate Bill 35, which used general state tax dollars to replace a 1.5-mill state property tax dedicated to government building projects. It was unanimously approved in the Senate and overwhelmingly endorsed in the House 96-26.

The Legislature passed a bill renewing the state’s 20-mill property tax, valued at about $875 million annually, to provide financial support to K-12 public schools. The Legislature could have earmarked state income or sales tax dollars to public schools and trimmed state property tax dedicated to that purpose.

Instead, the Republican-controlled House and Senate placed emphasis on income tax reform by voting to override Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 269. This so-called income-tax-trigger bill was designed to methodically drop individual and corporate income tax rates to 4%.

“I have proposed and supported tax cuts when they are implemented responsibly and benefit the people of Kansas, especially those who need it most,” Kelly said. “This bill ignores Kansas families at a time of rising costs and inflation in favor of hundreds of millions of dollars in giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”

The override vote on SB 269 was 87-37 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate. Instead of responding to Kansans’ demands for gradual reduction of property taxes, the Legislature in 2025 ended up dedicating future state revenue surpluses to gradually reducing income taxes.

The Senate did endorse a constitutional amendment that would have set a 3% cap on property taxes starting in 2027, but House GOP leaders said the necessary two-thirds majority to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603 before Kansas voters didn’t exist in the House.

Critics of the amendment had argued the limitation would cripple the ability of cities and counties to operate, because municipal government relied heavily on property and sales taxes. The state’s revenue stream includes income, sales and property taxes.

In January, the conservative Kansas Policy Institute highlighted for legislators an opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Wichita think tank. It showed 64% of participants were in favor of limits on annual increases in the appraised value of property rather than the current practice of annually resetting appraisals to fair market value.

The poll showed majority support for restraint of property taxes existed in urban and rural regions of the state, said Dave Trabert, a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute.

He said 70% of conservatives in the poll were supportive of steps to hold down property taxes, while 67% of moderates and 52% of liberals were on board. Eighteen percent were opposed and the same percentage was uncertain.

“Many homeowners have experienced double-digit property tax increases because local officials took advantage of valuation spikes,” Trabert said.

Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat often distant from KPI’s perspective on public policy issues, said it was folly to ignore will of the people.

“Our constituents are asking for property tax relief,” said Sawyer, who contended the income tax trigger law would prove to be an obstacle to property tax reform. “We go to a rachet so all of our money above inflation in the future goes to cutting the income tax.”

Some of the Senate’s most right-wing members were convinced the Legislature did a belly flop on property taxes in 2025.

Sen. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Havana, said it wasn’t enough the Legislature worked on income tax policy and ditched the 1.5-mill property tax for building construction.

“I think we could do better when it comes to&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reductions,” Peck said.

Finally, Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Legislature’s approach to property tax issues didn’t answer the public’s call for relief.

“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents on&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744653464396.png" alt=" Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.“Kansans deserve better than what they got from their Legislature in 2025,” Sykes said. “Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues refused to join us in that effort. Republicans promised Kansans they would deliver&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;relief, but they failed to make good on that promise.”<h2>‘Put Kansans first’</h2>Kansas voters were assured by sloganeering candidates during last year’s August primary and November general elections that nothing would stand in the way of meaningful property tax reform in 2025. Voters made it clear they thought property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks and, incredibly, some people on fixed incomes who worked all their lives to have a home of their own were being forced out.As the legislative session began in January, another layer of political vows emerged about cutting property taxes.“You expect us to put Kansans first, control the overreach of government and keep our promises — and that is exactly what we intend to do,” Masterson said. “That must begin with property tax relief and reform.”When the dust settled in April, the Legislature barely scratched the surface on rolling back state property taxes. The governor signed Senate Bill 35, which used general state tax dollars to replace a 1.5-mill state property tax dedicated to government building projects. It was unanimously approved in the Senate and overwhelmingly endorsed in the House 96-26.The Legislature passed a bill renewing the state’s 20-mill property tax, valued at about $875 million annually, to provide financial support to K-12 public schools. The Legislature could have earmarked state income or sales tax dollars to public schools and trimmed state property tax dedicated to that purpose.Instead, the Republican-controlled House and Senate placed emphasis on income tax reform by voting to override Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 269. This so-called income-tax-trigger bill was designed to methodically drop individual and corporate income tax rates to 4%.“I have proposed and supported tax cuts when they are implemented responsibly and benefit the people of Kansas, especially those who need it most,” Kelly said. “This bill ignores Kansas families at a time of rising costs and inflation in favor of hundreds of millions of dollars in giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”The override vote on SB 269 was 87-37 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate. Instead of responding to Kansans’ demands for gradual reduction of property taxes, the Legislature in 2025 ended up dedicating future state revenue surpluses to gradually reducing income taxes.The Senate did endorse a constitutional amendment that would have set a 3% cap on property taxes starting in 2027, but House GOP leaders said the necessary two-thirds majority to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603 before Kansas voters didn’t exist in the House.Critics of the amendment had argued the limitation would cripple the ability of cities and counties to operate, because municipal government relied heavily on property and sales taxes. The state’s revenue stream includes income, sales and property taxes.<h2>‘Very disappointed’</h2>In January, the conservative Kansas Policy Institute highlighted for legislators an opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Wichita think tank. It showed 64% of participants were in favor of limits on annual increases in the appraised value of property rather than the current practice of annually resetting appraisals to fair market value.The poll showed majority support for restraint of property taxes existed in urban and rural regions of the state, said Dave Trabert, a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute.He said 70% of conservatives in the poll were supportive of steps to hold down property taxes, while 67% of moderates and 52% of liberals were on board. Eighteen percent were opposed and the same percentage was uncertain.“Many homeowners have experienced double-digit property tax increases because local officials took advantage of valuation spikes,” Trabert said.Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat often distant from KPI’s perspective on public policy issues, said it was folly to ignore will of the people.“Our constituents are asking for property tax relief,” said Sawyer, who contended the income tax trigger law would prove to be an obstacle to property tax reform. “We go to a rachet so all of our money above inflation in the future goes to cutting the income tax.”Some of the Senate’s most right-wing members were convinced the Legislature did a belly flop on property taxes in 2025.Sen. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Havana, said it wasn’t enough the Legislature worked on income tax policy and ditched the 1.5-mill property tax for building construction.“I think we could do better when it comes to&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reductions,” Peck said.Finally, Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Legislature’s approach to property tax issues didn’t answer the public’s call for relief.“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents on&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.

GOP, Democrats blast Kan. Legislature for failure to meaningfully lower property taxes in 2025 session

(Radio Iowa) - A 53-year-old Carroll County paramedic has been suspended and is facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing a powerful pain medication while on duty. 

According to court records, Teresa Johnson of Manilla allegedly obtained fentanyl while working as a critical care paramedic for the Carroll County Ambulance Service. Johnson’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 21st at the Carroll County Courthouse. 

The Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Medical Trauma Services has suspended Johnson's paramedic license. According to board records, Johnson is accused of stealing a full vial of fentanyl and removing a portion of fentanyl from three other vials -- replacing the missing fentanyl with a saline solution.

(Radio Iowa) - A 53-year-old Carroll County paramedic has been suspended and is facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing a powerful pain medication while on duty. According to court records, Teresa Johnson of Manilla allegedly obtained fentanyl while working as a critical care paramedic for the Carroll County Ambulance Service. Johnson’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 21st at the Carroll County Courthouse. The Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Medical Trauma Services has suspended Johnson's paramedic license. According to board records, Johnson is accused of stealing a full vial of fentanyl and removing a portion of fentanyl from three other vials -- replacing the missing fentanyl with a saline solution.

Northwest Iowa Paramedic accused of stealing fentanyl

SHERMAN—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the victims of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Sherman County approximately 9 miles east of Goodland that occurred before 3:30p.m. March 14.

According to the Patrol the victims included 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina; 72-year-old Larry Smith of Sharon Springs; 57-year-old Manuel Alacron of Dodge City; 31-year-old Mario Juarez of Garden City; 24-year-old Baiel Sharshembiev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 48-year-old Carlos Arzate of Shattuck, Oklahoma; 61-year-old Stephane Purcell of Evansville Indiana and 60-year-old Giovanni Stephan of Troy Michigan.

A total of seventy-one&nbsp; vehicles were identified as being involved in the collision event, resulting in eight fatalities and forty-six injured who were transported to local hospitals. 

The patrol will complete multiple motor vehicle collision reports to document and separate the collisions that occurred within the event. Investigators believe the separate collisions occurred between the times of approximately 3:20pm - 3:35pm (CDT). Due to the extreme circumstances the exact sequence of events is is still under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744654081515.png" alt="Photo from the crash scene KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo from the crash scene KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the victims of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Sherman County approximately 9 miles east of Goodland that occurred before 3:30p.m. March 14.According to the Patrol the victims included 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina; 72-year-old Larry Smith of Sharon Springs; 57-year-old Manuel Alacron of Dodge City; 31-year-old Mario Juarez of Garden City; 24-year-old Baiel Sharshembiev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 48-year-old Carlos Arzate of Shattuck, Oklahoma; 61-year-old Stephane Purcell of Evansville Indiana and 60-year-old Giovanni Stephan of Troy Michigan.A total of seventy-one&nbsp; vehicles were identified as being involved in the collision event, resulting in eight fatalities and forty-six injured who were transported to local hospitals. The patrol will complete multiple motor vehicle collision reports to document and separate the collisions that occurred within the event. Investigators believe the separate collisions occurred between the times of approximately 3:20pm - 3:35pm (CDT). Due to the extreme circumstances the exact sequence of events is is still under investigation.&nbsp;

Patrol IDs 8 who died in Kansas dust storm crash

Farmer sentiment dropped during March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140. The Index saw a 15-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations to 144, and the Current Conditions Index fell five points to 132. The drop was influenced by falling crop prices since mid-February, along with the increasing uncertainty surrounding agricultural trade and farm policy. 

Keeping on with the trade theme, they asked producers which of the following policies or programs, between trade policy and interest rate policy, will be most important over the next five years, and there's been a shift since the election. 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy.  Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent. The Index indicates that producers still anticipate better financial performance this year than in 2024.

By NATHAN STUEDLESt. Joseph PostFarmer sentiment dropped during March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140. The Index saw a 15-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations to 144, and the Current Conditions Index fell five points to 132. The drop was influenced by falling crop prices since mid-February, along with the increasing uncertainty surrounding agricultural trade and farm policy. Keeping on with the trade theme, they asked producers which of the following policies or programs, between trade policy and interest rate policy, will be most important over the next five years, and there's been a shift since the election. 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy. Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent. The Index indicates that producers still anticipate better financial performance this year than in 2024.

Farmer sentiment dropped during March

USDA has warned its 100,000-plus employees that major staff cuts are coming, offices will be closed, and people will be forced to relocate if they want to keep their jobs. USDA employees have been given the option to quit with up to six months in pay if they choose to take it. Citing the president's executive order in February implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," the memo warned of more cuts to come. "While final plans are still under development, USDA aims to be transparent about what employees can expect."

 USDA plans to further reduce the size of the workforce and consolidate offices. That includes moving more people out of Washington, D.C., or the "National Capital Region," so staff can be "closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve."

USDA has warned its 100,000-plus employees that major staff cuts are coming, offices will be closed, and people will be forced to relocate if they want to keep their jobs. USDA employees have been given the option to quit with up to six months in pay if they choose to take it. Citing the president's executive order in February implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," the memo warned of more cuts to come. "While final plans are still under development, USDA aims to be transparent about what employees can expect." USDA plans to further reduce the size of the workforce and consolidate offices. That includes moving more people out of Washington, D.C., or the "National Capital Region," so staff can be "closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve."-NAFB

USDA prepares for 'reduction in force'

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she was intending to seek a third term as governor, but in the past couple of months she’s been weighing whether she could keep giving 100 percent to the job if she were elected to serve until early 2031. 

Reynolds spoke with a handful of reporters during an event this weekend at the governor's mansion, a day after her surprise announcement that she wouldn't run for reelection in 2026. Reynolds said she's still emotional about the decision, because she loves what she's doing -- but decided it's time to step back and pass that baton to the next person. 

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at an Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event on Saturday night and told the crowd she will fight for Iowa -- but Bird didn't say whether she'll seek a second term as attorney general or run for governor in 2026.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she was intending to seek a third term as governor, but in the past couple of months she’s been weighing whether she could keep giving 100 percent to the job if she were elected to serve until early 2031. Reynolds spoke with a handful of reporters during an event this weekend at the governor's mansion, a day after her surprise announcement that she wouldn't run for reelection in 2026. Reynolds said she's still emotional about the decision, because she loves what she's doing -- but decided it's time to step back and pass that baton to the next person. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at an Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event on Saturday night and told the crowd she will fight for Iowa -- but Bird didn't say whether she'll seek a second term as attorney general or run for governor in 2026.

Governor Reynolds discusses her decision not to seek reelection

A budget framework
has been approved by Congress, though Republican leaders had to negotiate long
and hard to get the measure through the United States House.

Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, favors the bill, though it doesn’t aim to cut
federal spending as much as he would like. And Schmidt is quick to point out
this budget resolution only slows the growth of federal government spending. It
doesn’t cut it.

“The top line on
spending is what’s driving this,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “People
talk about the deficit. They talk about the accumulating debt. They talk about
tax revenues. But if you look at the graphs, what’s really driving this is that
spending has exploded over the last several generations, but especially about the
last five years, since the start of the pandemic.”

Schmidt, a
Republican, says Republican leaders, especially House Speaker Mike Johnson,
must walk a fine line to get the votes needed to pass the bill backed by
President Trump. Some say it goes too far. Some say it doesn’t go far enough.

Johnson had to
withdraw the measure for a time, because he lacked the votes to pass it. Once
it returned, it passed on a 216-214 vote.

The plan would
extend the 2017 federal tax cuts, increase spending for border security and
defense, while making a variety of cuts elsewhere in the budget. Approval just
moves the process forward. Detail needs to be added with other votes awaiting.

Schmidt says his
Republican colleagues must find the votes needed to slow the growth of federal
spending.

“The debate right
now, the fight right now is how much can we start to slow down the growth of
that spending line before we lose votes and we can’t pass anything,” according
to Schmidt.

Schmidt says he
would prefer to be more aggressive, but understands the delicate nature of
these discussions.

“The risk here is
that the balance isn’t struck and we wind up not accomplishing any of this,”
Schmidt says. “It’s a real risk.”

Schmidt says
spending has spiked since the pandemic. But Schmidt insists growth came before
the pandemic response, with passage of the Affordable Care Act that expanded
Medicaid well beyond its original intent.

“We have this
peculiar situation now where Washington is spending more of our tax money to
provide Medicaid coverage for people who able bodied and young, working age,
younger than 65, don’t have kids, than it is to provide the same medical
coverage for their neighbors down the street who are disabled, who are in a
nursing home, who do have young kids,” Schmidt says. “I think that’s been lost
in a lot of this discussion.”

President Trump
and other Republican leaders say Social Security and Medicare, the two biggest
programs run by the federal government, are off the table. The national debt,
now at $36 ½ trillion, has caused interest payments on the federal debt to move
into the third position in the federal budget. National defense is in fourth,
followed by Medicaid, a program of shared costs between the federal government
and the states.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA budget framework
has been approved by Congress, though Republican leaders had to negotiate long
and hard to get the measure through the United States House.Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, favors the bill, though it doesn’t aim to cut
federal spending as much as he would like. And Schmidt is quick to point out
this budget resolution only slows the growth of federal government spending. It
doesn’t cut it.“The top line on
spending is what’s driving this,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “People
talk about the deficit. They talk about the accumulating debt. They talk about
tax revenues. But if you look at the graphs, what’s really driving this is that
spending has exploded over the last several generations, but especially about the
last five years, since the start of the pandemic.”Schmidt, a
Republican, says Republican leaders, especially House Speaker Mike Johnson,
must walk a fine line to get the votes needed to pass the bill backed by
President Trump. Some say it goes too far. Some say it doesn’t go far enough.Johnson had to
withdraw the measure for a time, because he lacked the votes to pass it. Once
it returned, it passed on a 216-214 vote.The plan would
extend the 2017 federal tax cuts, increase spending for border security and
defense, while making a variety of cuts elsewhere in the budget. Approval just
moves the process forward. Detail needs to be added with other votes awaiting.Schmidt says his
Republican colleagues must find the votes needed to slow the growth of federal
spending.“The debate right
now, the fight right now is how much can we start to slow down the growth of
that spending line before we lose votes and we can’t pass anything,” according
to Schmidt.Schmidt says he
would prefer to be more aggressive, but understands the delicate nature of
these discussions.“The risk here is
that the balance isn’t struck and we wind up not accomplishing any of this,”
Schmidt says. “It’s a real risk.”Schmidt says
spending has spiked since the pandemic. But Schmidt insists growth came before
the pandemic response, with passage of the Affordable Care Act that expanded
Medicaid well beyond its original intent.“We have this
peculiar situation now where Washington is spending more of our tax money to
provide Medicaid coverage for people who able bodied and young, working age,
younger than 65, don’t have kids, than it is to provide the same medical
coverage for their neighbors down the street who are disabled, who are in a
nursing home, who do have young kids,” Schmidt says. “I think that’s been lost
in a lot of this discussion.”President Trump
and other Republican leaders say Social Security and Medicare, the two biggest
programs run by the federal government, are off the table. The national debt,
now at $36 ½ trillion, has caused interest payments on the federal debt to move
into the third position in the federal budget. National defense is in fourth,
followed by Medicaid, a program of shared costs between the federal government
and the states.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Congressman Schmidt says Congress must slow federal spending

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

Two years ago, Missouri regulators suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s THC concentrate was made with out-state cannabis

In Missouri’s massive marijuana recall two years ago, regulators pulled 62,000 products off the shelves that contained a THC concentrate the state deemed a “potential threat to health and safety.”&nbsp;

Last week, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation added another 6,000 products to that list that should have been pulled in 2023 because they were all made with an ingredient produced by the company at the heart of the recall, Robertsville-based Delta Extraction.

The new “threats” were found after the division was ordered in February by the state’s administrative hearing commission to release any Midwest Magic brand products from its 2023 recall list.&nbsp;During that review, the division discovered additional marijuana products containing a THC oil that Delta Extraction made using “unregulated cannabis,” the division stated in a Thursday press release.

“Regarding risks to the public, the department recalled these products for the same reason it issued the original, related recall: It identified a potential threat to health and safety,”&nbsp;said Amy Moore, the divisions director, in an email to The Independent.

However, there have been no adverse reactions reported for any of the product in the original or updated recall, she said.

“The initial recall was a large and complex endeavor requiring expert application of system functionality and program processes,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;“The department has made improvements in both areas since that time and continues to improve in ways that ensure future recalls can better identify all relevant product at initial issuance.”

Delta Extraction is a licensed cannabis manufacturing facility that specializes in making THC distillate, a highly potent and pure form of THC used for things like vape pens, infused pre-rolled joints and edibles. About 100 other manufacturers bought the distillate in question in spring 2023 and went on to make thousands of products.&nbsp;

In August 2023, the division suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23910265-conference-call-delta-extraction" target="_blank">marijuana or converted hemp</a>&nbsp;from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility.”&nbsp;

The state also issued the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">product recall</a>.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/missouri-rolls-back-part-of-its-cannabis-product-recall/">few months later</a>, the state&nbsp;rolled back its recall of nearly 15,000 Midwest Magic products and allowed them to return to the dispensary shelves.&nbsp;Though part owner of the Delta facility, Midwest Magic owners successfully argued that the brand didn’t use the distillate in its products.&nbsp;

A company called A Joint Operation owns the other 50% of Delta Extraction.

In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction lost its appeal&nbsp;</a>of its license suspension, but it was awarded a renewed search for Midwest Magic products on the recall list. The Thursday update released about 120 Midwest Magic products from dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. The update also allowed testing labs to release samples of several hundred recalled products so they can be destroyed.

Ted Maritz, co-owner of Midwest Magic, said the company had already written off the released items as a loss.

“I’m not going to ask any stores for payment or anything,” Maritz said. “Everyone’s gone through hell for this.”

While the ordered search had a small impact on Midwest Magic, it is having a big impact on some dispensaries and manufacturers carrying the 6,200 products.&nbsp;

The recall list actually represents product tags used by the state’s tracing system called Metrc. Each tag in dispensaries typically represents a case of 10 to 12 units. And Metrc tags for manufacturing facilities represent ingredients that could make thousands or millions of units.&nbsp;

One Kansas City manufacturer had almost 700 ingredients recalled Thursday.&nbsp;

Josh Corson, co-owner of A Joint Operation, said he had not yet heard about the updated recall, in a text message Friday to The Independent and could not immediately comment.

Over the last two years, several companies have opted to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/companies-can-now-work-with-state-to-destroy-recalled-missouri-marijuana-products/">destroy the products</a>&nbsp;to make more room in their storage areas.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division, said&nbsp;there was a slight increase for destruction requests since February through April, following the commission’s decision and totaling about 200 requests. However the division is “unable to identify whether these requests are specific to the February decision,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The units remaining on hold for the Delta Extraction recall, which have not been destroyed, total nearly 157,000 items. That includes 4,000 THC concentrate items that equal 378,000 grams of oil, along with about 13,000 grams of marijuana flower. It also includes 18,000 infused edibles, more than 40,000 pre-rolled joints and 90,000 vape cartridges.&nbsp;

In Delta’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/07/three-day-hearing-reveals-behind-the-scenes-details-of-missouri-marijuana-recall/">appeal</a>, the company argued the process it used to make the distillate was safe and legal.&nbsp;

Delta Extraction admitted to importing<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">&nbsp;a large amount of THC-A</a>&nbsp;— a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated — purportedly extracted from hemp plants. The company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/04/hearing-on-recall-of-60000-missouri-marijuana-products-set-to-begin/">contractor</a>&nbsp;would mix it with a smaller amount of THC-A extracted from Missouri-regulated marijuana.&nbsp;

Delta argued the hemp-derived THC-A should fall under the same rules as added ingredients, like flavors or the non-intoxicating cannabis compound CBD, because hemp is not a federally controlled substance like marijuana. It was taken off the federal controlled substance list in the 2018 farm bill.

But Carole Iles of Missouri’s administrative hearing commission, wrote in her 137-page ruling that THC-A becomes intoxicating through the exact same process no matter if it’s extracted from hemp or marijuana, so the state is correct in regulating the THC the same as marijuana.&nbsp;

That means it must be grown and manufactured in licensed Missouri facilities, Iles concluded, and tracked from the time the seed goes into the soil in the Metrc system.

“THC originating from other sources,” she wrote, “is prohibited.”&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, former attorney for Delta Extraction, said licensed facilities have the ability to challenge these new recalls of the products on their shelves.&nbsp;

“They probably should,” Hatfield said. “Because DCR has had such difficulty figuring out which products should be recalled, no licensee can be sure which products it can sell.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712141630999.png" alt="&nbsp;In August 2023, the state suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “marijuana or converted hemp from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility" (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;In August 2023, the state suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “marijuana or converted hemp from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility" (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Two years ago, Missouri regulators suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s THC concentrate was made with out-state cannabis</h2>In Missouri’s massive marijuana recall two years ago, regulators pulled 62,000 products off the shelves that contained a THC concentrate the state deemed a “potential threat to health and safety.”&nbsp;Last week, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation added another 6,000 products to that list that should have been pulled in 2023 because they were all made with an ingredient produced by the company at the heart of the recall, Robertsville-based Delta Extraction.The new “threats” were found after the division was ordered in February by the state’s administrative hearing commission to release any Midwest Magic brand products from its 2023 recall list.&nbsp;During that review, the division discovered additional marijuana products containing a THC oil that Delta Extraction made using “unregulated cannabis,” the division stated in a Thursday press release.“Regarding risks to the public, the department recalled these products for the same reason it issued the original, related recall: It identified a potential threat to health and safety,”&nbsp;said Amy Moore, the divisions director, in an email to The Independent.However, there have been no adverse reactions reported for any of the product in the original or updated recall, she said.“The initial recall was a large and complex endeavor requiring expert application of system functionality and program processes,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;“The department has made improvements in both areas since that time and continues to improve in ways that ensure future recalls can better identify all relevant product at initial issuance.”Delta Extraction is a licensed cannabis manufacturing facility that specializes in making THC distillate, a highly potent and pure form of THC used for things like vape pens, infused pre-rolled joints and edibles. About 100 other manufacturers bought the distillate in question in spring 2023 and went on to make thousands of products.&nbsp;In August 2023, the division suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23910265-conference-call-delta-extraction" target="_blank">marijuana or converted hemp</a>&nbsp;from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility.”&nbsp;The state also issued the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">product recall</a>.A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/missouri-rolls-back-part-of-its-cannabis-product-recall/">few months later</a>, the state&nbsp;rolled back its recall of nearly 15,000 Midwest Magic products and allowed them to return to the dispensary shelves.&nbsp;Though part owner of the Delta facility, Midwest Magic owners successfully argued that the brand didn’t use the distillate in its products.&nbsp;A company called A Joint Operation owns the other 50% of Delta Extraction.In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction lost its appeal&nbsp;</a>of its license suspension, but it was awarded a renewed search for Midwest Magic products on the recall list. The Thursday update released about 120 Midwest Magic products from dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. The update also allowed testing labs to release samples of several hundred recalled products so they can be destroyed.Ted Maritz, co-owner of Midwest Magic, said the company had already written off the released items as a loss.“I’m not going to ask any stores for payment or anything,” Maritz said. “Everyone’s gone through hell for this.”While the ordered search had a small impact on Midwest Magic, it is having a big impact on some dispensaries and manufacturers carrying the 6,200 products.&nbsp;The recall list actually represents product tags used by the state’s tracing system called Metrc. Each tag in dispensaries typically represents a case of 10 to 12 units. And Metrc tags for manufacturing facilities represent ingredients that could make thousands or millions of units.&nbsp;One Kansas City manufacturer had almost 700 ingredients recalled Thursday.&nbsp;Josh Corson, co-owner of A Joint Operation, said he had not yet heard about the updated recall, in a text message Friday to The Independent and could not immediately comment.Over the last two years, several companies have opted to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/companies-can-now-work-with-state-to-destroy-recalled-missouri-marijuana-products/">destroy the products</a>&nbsp;to make more room in their storage areas.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division, said&nbsp;there was a slight increase for destruction requests since February through April, following the commission’s decision and totaling about 200 requests. However the division is “unable to identify whether these requests are specific to the February decision,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The units remaining on hold for the Delta Extraction recall, which have not been destroyed, total nearly 157,000 items. That includes 4,000 THC concentrate items that equal 378,000 grams of oil, along with about 13,000 grams of marijuana flower. It also includes 18,000 infused edibles, more than 40,000 pre-rolled joints and 90,000 vape cartridges.&nbsp;In Delta’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/07/three-day-hearing-reveals-behind-the-scenes-details-of-missouri-marijuana-recall/">appeal</a>, the company argued the process it used to make the distillate was safe and legal.&nbsp;Delta Extraction admitted to importing<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">&nbsp;a large amount of THC-A</a>&nbsp;— a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated — purportedly extracted from hemp plants. The company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/04/hearing-on-recall-of-60000-missouri-marijuana-products-set-to-begin/">contractor</a>&nbsp;would mix it with a smaller amount of THC-A extracted from Missouri-regulated marijuana.&nbsp;Delta argued the hemp-derived THC-A should fall under the same rules as added ingredients, like flavors or the non-intoxicating cannabis compound CBD, because hemp is not a federally controlled substance like marijuana. It was taken off the federal controlled substance list in the 2018 farm bill.But Carole Iles of Missouri’s administrative hearing commission, wrote in her 137-page ruling that THC-A becomes intoxicating through the exact same process no matter if it’s extracted from hemp or marijuana, so the state is correct in regulating the THC the same as marijuana.&nbsp;That means it must be grown and manufactured in licensed Missouri facilities, Iles concluded, and tracked from the time the seed goes into the soil in the Metrc system.“THC originating from other sources,” she wrote, “is prohibited.”&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, former attorney for Delta Extraction, said licensed facilities have the ability to challenge these new recalls of the products on their shelves.&nbsp;“They probably should,” Hatfield said. “Because DCR has had such difficulty figuring out which products should be recalled, no licensee can be sure which products it can sell.”&nbsp;

Missouri cannabis regulators find another 6,000 products that should have been recalled in 2023

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

The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.

The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.

Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.

<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full notice

An April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.

The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.

“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.

In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.

“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”

The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.

The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.

“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.

The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.

President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.

In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.

The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.

DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743709447177.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full noticeAn April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”<h2>Court battle</h2>The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.The underlying lawsuit remains ongoing.The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.<h2>Trump and DEI</h2>President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.

Deadline extended for schools to meet anti-DEI order or lose funds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.

In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744585150152.png" alt="Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

Mo. man who fled to Mexico, faked his own death is going to prison

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has been alerted of a scam impacting incarcerated individuals and their families where callers are identifying themselves as FBOP employees to secure money for community placement services. 

The FBOP will not contact individuals to request personal information or money. Also, there appear to be other scams affecting incarcerated individuals and their families. Specifically, callers are identifying as “Federal Bureau of Prisons Reentry Division Services” to gain personal information or money for early release and/or community placement services.

Individuals who are contacted by persons purporting to be employees of the FBOP requesting money and/or compensation should report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission online <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">by clicking here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712245575011.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has been alerted of a scam impacting incarcerated individuals and their families where callers are identifying themselves as FBOP employees to secure money for community placement services. The FBOP will not contact individuals to request personal information or money. Also, there appear to be other scams affecting incarcerated individuals and their families. Specifically, callers are identifying as “Federal Bureau of Prisons Reentry Division Services” to gain personal information or money for early release and/or community placement services.Individuals who are contacted by persons purporting to be employees of the FBOP requesting money and/or compensation should report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission online <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">by clicking here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

Federal Bureau of Prisons alerts public to a scam

A delegation from the greater St. Joseph
area has returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. in which members lobbied for
various interests in the region.

St. Joseph Deputy Mayor, Randy Schultz,
says a big push was lobbying for new cargo planes for the Air National Guard
139th Airlift Wing. Schultz points out the base at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport trains pilots from throughout the country and around the world
at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, using the new “J” model
C-130s.

“We train everybody in the world how to
fly the C-130s and the J models. We don’t have the J models, yet. So, that’s
why we’re out there pushing pretty hard for the last three years,” Schultz says
during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “That does two things. That keeps our base
modernized, but then it also gives our base longevity to stay.”

The 139th generates up to $220
million in economic activity for the greater St. Joseph area.

Schultz says the delegation didn’t
receive any promises, but did get some positive signs when it met with the leader
of the Air National Guard. Schultz says the head of the Air Guard does notice
the region speaks with a unified voice.

“He sees us coming and he’s always amazed
how we all are one unit, one group, one voice.” 

Along with area political and business
leaders, the delegation includes education officials representing the St.
Joseph School District and Missouri Western State University along with North
Central Missouri College in Trenton.

Education and transportation are big
points of interest, according to Schultz.

“They’re all out there, too. Lobbying (for)
things they can help us with,” Schultz says. &nbsp;“It’s either infrastructure, money, things
like that.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA delegation from the greater St. Joseph
area has returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. in which members lobbied for
various interests in the region.St. Joseph Deputy Mayor, Randy Schultz,
says a big push was lobbying for new cargo planes for the Air National Guard
139th Airlift Wing. Schultz points out the base at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport trains pilots from throughout the country and around the world
at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, using the new “J” model
C-130s.“We train everybody in the world how to
fly the C-130s and the J models. We don’t have the J models, yet. So, that’s
why we’re out there pushing pretty hard for the last three years,” Schultz says
during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “That does two things. That keeps our base
modernized, but then it also gives our base longevity to stay.”The 139th generates up to $220
million in economic activity for the greater St. Joseph area.Schultz says the delegation didn’t
receive any promises, but did get some positive signs when it met with the leader
of the Air National Guard. Schultz says the head of the Air Guard does notice
the region speaks with a unified voice.“He sees us coming and he’s always amazed
how we all are one unit, one group, one voice.” Along with area political and business
leaders, the delegation includes education officials representing the St.
Joseph School District and Missouri Western State University along with North
Central Missouri College in Trenton.Education and transportation are big
points of interest, according to Schultz.“They’re all out there, too. Lobbying (for)
things they can help us with,” Schultz says. &nbsp;“It’s either infrastructure, money, things
like that.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph delegation returns after lobbying in Washington, D.C.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday in a social media post she will not seek reelection. The governor says the decision came after a lot of thought, prayer and conversations with her family.

The governor says she's ready to support her family through the next stage of life, especially her 11 grandchildren. Reynolds says she will not slow up in the final 21 months of her term. 

The 65-year-old Reynolds became Governor in 2017 when Terry Branstad stepped down to become the Ambassador to China. She won a full term in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday in a social media post she will not seek reelection. The governor says the decision came after a lot of thought, prayer and conversations with her family.The governor says she's ready to support her family through the next stage of life, especially her 11 grandchildren. Reynolds says she will not slow up in the final 21 months of her term. The 65-year-old Reynolds became Governor in 2017 when Terry Branstad stepped down to become the Ambassador to China. She won a full term in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

Governor Not Seeking Reelection

(Radio Iowa) - The latest Drought Monitor report shows improvement in most areas of the state thanks to above-normal precipitation in March. 

The D-N-R's Jessica Reese McIntyre northwest Iowa in particular had areas of severe drought that have now disappeared after the rains. The eastern side of the state has the largest area of drought as she says northeast Iowa did not see a whole lot of improvement. 

(Radio Iowa) - The latest Drought Monitor report shows improvement in most areas of the state thanks to above-normal precipitation in March. The D-N-R's Jessica Reese McIntyre northwest Iowa in particular had areas of severe drought that have now disappeared after the rains. The eastern side of the state has the largest area of drought as she says northeast Iowa did not see a whole lot of improvement. Much of that area is still in the D-1 moderate drought classification. McIntyre says that overall we are in a significantly better position than we were this time last year, as far as drought is concerned. She says we didn't bust out of the record drought until the end of May, early June last year.

Kbct