St. Joseph police
are investigating a series of burglaries that targeted businesses downtown.

St. Joseph Police
Department spokesman, Sergeant Richard McGregory, says a business owner
contacted police late Sunday night after surveillance systems picked up a
break-in. Police rushed to the downtown, but were too late to catch anyone.

Businesses that
suffered loss were located in the 600 block of Felix and Edmund Streets.
McGregory says it appears the first break-in occurred late Sunday night with the
final one occurring in the early morning hours of Monday.

McGregory says the
police department welcomes any input from the public that could help in the
investigation.

“If they’ve seen anything,
if any businesses around there have any video surveillance or anything that
they can provide to us, we’re definitely open to utilize that,” McGregory tells
reporters during a news briefing.

You can call the
St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4701 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Hotline
at 816-238-TIPP with any information.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741635689421.jpeg" alt="Sgt. Richard McGregory speaks with reporters on the downtown St. Joseph break-ins/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Richard McGregory speaks with reporters on the downtown St. Joseph break-ins/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police
are investigating a series of burglaries that targeted businesses downtown.St. Joseph Police
Department spokesman, Sergeant Richard McGregory, says a business owner
contacted police late Sunday night after surveillance systems picked up a
break-in. Police rushed to the downtown, but were too late to catch anyone.Businesses that
suffered loss were located in the 600 block of Felix and Edmund Streets.
McGregory says it appears the first break-in occurred late Sunday night with the
final one occurring in the early morning hours of Monday.McGregory says the
police department welcomes any input from the public that could help in the
investigation.“If they’ve seen anything,
if any businesses around there have any video surveillance or anything that
they can provide to us, we’re definitely open to utilize that,” McGregory tells
reporters during a news briefing.You can call the
St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4701 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Hotline
at 816-238-TIPP with any information.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Thieves hit downtown St. Joseph businesses

Maryville School Superintendent
Logan Lightfoot has been placed on administrative leave, though the Maryville
R-II School District is not disclosing the reason for the action.

The Maryville
Forum reports Lightfoot was placed on administrative leave February 24th.
The Forum says School Board President Josh McKim would not answer questions about
the leave.

Assistant
Superintendent Philip Pohren will step in to the manage the day-to-day
operations of the district.

The Maryville
School Board declined to expand the contract of Lightfoot in January.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMaryville School Superintendent
Logan Lightfoot has been placed on administrative leave, though the Maryville
R-II School District is not disclosing the reason for the action.The Maryville
Forum reports Lightfoot was placed on administrative leave February 24th.
The Forum says School Board President Josh McKim would not answer questions about
the leave.Assistant
Superintendent Philip Pohren will step in to the manage the day-to-day
operations of the district.The Maryville
School Board declined to expand the contract of Lightfoot in January.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Maryville school district places superintendent on administrative leave

(Radio Iowa) - University of Iowa Health Care is among only three academic medical centers in the nation, and the first in the Midwest, to offer what promises to be groundbreaking treatment for people with major depression. 

Dr. Nick Trapp, a U-I psychiatry professor, says they're using a time-tested type of therapy called T-M-S along with several innovative new techniques. Trapp says the SAINT technology can pinpoint the best location to target in each patient’s brain for non-invasive electric fields, and the therapy can be condensed to five days of treatment instead of six weeks. 

Trapp says SAINT is being used in a limited number of patients who have major depression and who haven't responded to other therapies and medications. He says the early data shows up to 80-percent of patients experience remission of their symptoms.

(Radio Iowa) - University of Iowa Health Care is among only three academic medical centers in the nation, and the first in the Midwest, to offer what promises to be groundbreaking treatment for people with major depression. Dr. Nick Trapp, a U-I psychiatry professor, says they're using a time-tested type of therapy called T-M-S along with several innovative new techniques. Trapp says the SAINT technology can pinpoint the best location to target in each patient’s brain for non-invasive electric fields, and the therapy can be condensed to five days of treatment instead of six weeks. Trapp says SAINT is being used in a limited number of patients who have major depression and who haven't responded to other therapies and medications. He says the early data shows up to 80-percent of patients experience remission of their symptoms.

UIHC is first in the Midwest to offer game-changing treatment for major depression

A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  

Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. 

"Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." 

The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv 

Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out 

"We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains.  "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." 

Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering 

"We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says.  "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." 

The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694110305015.jpeg" alt="United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. "Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out "We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains. "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering "We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says. "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New volunteer opportunity coming to United Way of Greater St. Joseph

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output rose to its highest level in almost a month while inventories declined slightly during the week ending on February 28. Production rose to an average of 1.09 million barrels a day during the week. That’s up from 1.08 million barrels a day, on average, and the highest since the week ending January 31st.

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output rose to its highest level in almost a month while inventories declined slightly during the week ending on February 28. Production rose to an average of 1.09 million barrels a day during the week. That’s up from 1.08 million barrels a day, on average, and the highest since the week ending January 31st.

Ethanol production reaches highest level in a month

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, continues to be below average. February runoff in the Basin above Sioux City was one million acre-feet, 91 percent of the average. “Runoff in the reservoir system was slightly below average for February, and the conditions across most of the basin remain dry,” said John Remus of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Mountain snowpack improved in February but is still below average, while the Plains snowpack, which was already below average, has mostly melted.”

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, continues to be below average. February runoff in the Basin above Sioux City was one million acre-feet, 91 percent of the average. “Runoff in the reservoir system was slightly below average for February, and the conditions across most of the basin remain dry,” said John Remus of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Mountain snowpack improved in February but is still below average, while the Plains snowpack, which was already below average, has mostly melted.”

Flows increasing on Missouri River for navigation support

(Radio Iowa) - Surveys find 98-percent of all adult Iowans now own a cell phone, and while the technology has changed many aspects of our lives for the better, it's also sometimes good to take a break from it. 

Friday is what's known as the Global Day of Unplugging, as people are encouraged to leave their devices in a pocket or purse. Joel Burt, with U-S-Cellular in metro Des Moines, says the devices can do a lot great things, but they can also be a distraction. 

Burt says the day is designed to remind people to put down their phones and spend time with the people that mean the most to you.

(Radio Iowa) - Surveys find 98-percent of all adult Iowans now own a cell phone, and while the technology has changed many aspects of our lives for the better, it's also sometimes good to take a break from it. Friday is what's known as the Global Day of Unplugging, as people are encouraged to leave their devices in a pocket or purse. Joel Burt, with U-S-Cellular in metro Des Moines, says the devices can do a lot great things, but they can also be a distraction. Burt says the day is designed to remind people to put down their phones and spend time with the people that mean the most to you.

Iowans are urged to unplug from the distraction of technology

(Radio Iowa) - Authorities conducting a welfare check on a western Iowa woman encountered an armed suspect Thursday. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says deputies arriving at the scene in Harlan a little after 4:30-a.m. wound-up in a stand-off with 36-year-old David Plagmann, who authorities say was armed. The news release says when Plagmann made aggressive movements toward law enforcement, he was shot by a deputy, and despite lifesaving measures, died at the hospital. 

The body of 31-year-old Alexis Martin was found inside the home. The incident was described as isolated and there was no threat to the community.

(Radio Iowa) - Authorities conducting a welfare check on a western Iowa woman encountered an armed suspect Thursday. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says deputies arriving at the scene in Harlan a little after 4:30-a.m. wound-up in a stand-off with 36-year-old David Plagmann, who authorities say was armed. The news release says when Plagmann made aggressive movements toward law enforcement, he was shot by a deputy, and despite lifesaving measures, died at the hospital. The body of 31-year-old Alexis Martin was found inside the home. The incident was described as isolated and there was no threat to the community.

Western Iowa woman found dead, suspect killed during standoff

It appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.

After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.

Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.

“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.

The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.

Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.

“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”

Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.

“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”

The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741279441405.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph could be getting a new animal shelter, finally

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

One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go

Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.

Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;

One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;

The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.

“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;

The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;

It now heads to the House for consideration.

Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;

Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.

“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”

Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.

There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.

“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”

Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>

It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;

The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;

The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;

There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;

Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a>

Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;

Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.

“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741365242348.png" alt=" State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go</h2>Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;It now heads to the House for consideration.Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;The Senate confirmed Bax on Thursday.Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”<h2>Placement issues</h2>Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;<h2>Children’s attorneys</h2>The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a><h2>Amendments</h2>Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;Those amendments include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">Increasing a tax credit</a>&nbsp;for donations to certain youth programs ;</li><li>Making&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">non-disclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse cases</a>&nbsp;void and not judicially enforceable;</li><li>Requiring law enforcement to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">enforce child custody and visitation orders</a>;</li><li>Changing the criminal offense of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">endangering the welfare of a child&nbsp;</a>in the first degree, by raising the age of a child from “under 17” to “under 18”;</li><li>Raising the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">marriage age</a>&nbsp;to 18, which was also passed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-once-again-overwhelmingly-approves-child-marriage-ban/">standalone bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday;</li><li>And requiring Children’s Division caseworkers to present&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">identification</a>&nbsp;of themselves when conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect, and<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">&nbsp;inform parents of their rights.</a></li>
 </ul>Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

Missouri Senate approves massive child welfare bill aimed at foster care system

The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030.  

With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium.  St. Joseph was one of those bids.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision 

"Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it still could be someday." 

Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City.  

Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City 

"I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says.  "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was."  

Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. 

Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space 

"I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says.  

Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way.  There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. 

Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph 

"I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions.  "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." 

Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030. With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium. St. Joseph was one of those bids. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision "Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it still could be someday." Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City. Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City "I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says. "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was." Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space "I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says. Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way. There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph "I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions. "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal-Esely-disappointed-for-St--Joseph-by-MIAA-decision-e2vrfce/a-abqnvuu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interiew-Brett-Esely-on-MIAA-decision-to-stay-in-KC-e2vrg4s/a-abqo0rn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Sports Director dissapointed for city by MIAA choice to stay in KC

Marriage would be banned for anyone under 18 under a law that advanced out of the Missouri Senate Thursday.&nbsp;

Under current Missouri law, anyone under 16 is prohibited from getting married. But 16 and 17 year olds can get married with parental consent to anyone under 21.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=449" target="_blank">bill, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Tracy McCreery</a>, would ban child marriage outright. State Sen. Rick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=3171482" target="_blank">Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, filed similar legislation</a>.&nbsp;

“The current marriage laws incentivize and legalize the trafficking of minors under the guise of marriage,” McCreery said Thursday.

The vote Thursday was 32 to 1. The only no vote was state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove.&nbsp;

In 2023, Moon garnered national attention when he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article274244525.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">said</a>: “Do you know any kids who have been married at age 12? I do. And guess what? They’re still married.”

There was no opposition voiced in the public hearing in January, or the Senate debates this week.&nbsp;

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Last year, the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-senate-gives-initial-approval-to-complete-ban-on-child-marriage/">cleared the Senate</a>&nbsp;in April with only Moon in opposition.&nbsp; It was stalled by a small group of Republican critics in a House committee, who said it would constitute government overreach and infringe on parental rights. After the bill finally passed out of that committee, when several of those critics were not present for the vote, it was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">never brought up in the House for a vote.&nbsp;</a>

“I’m&nbsp;honored to pick up where we left off last year and to get this legislation passed into law,” McCreery said during Monday’s Senate debate.

Those in favor of the ban argue child marriage is coercive and can transform into forced marriage, especially because children lack the legal rights of adulthood.&nbsp;

“This is not only a legislative imperative, but also a moral one,” McCreery said, pointing to data showing those married as children are at a higher risk of mental and physical health issues, isolation, poverty, and intimate partner abuse.

Others in favor at the public hearing in January included women who had been forced into marriage as children and advocates against domestic violence and child abuse. No one testified in opposition.

Until the legislature voted to raise the minimum marriage age to 16 in 2018, Missouri had among the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article204329774.html" target="_blank">lenient</a>&nbsp;child marriage laws in the nation — making it&nbsp; an especially popular state for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article204287484.html" target="_blank">15-year-olds</a>&nbsp;to travel to be married.

Despite the 2018 change, Missouri law still does not align with international human rights standards, which set the minimum age at 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article211345289.html" target="_blank">Activists argued at the time</a>&nbsp;Missouri’s new law would continue to leave 16 and 17-year-olds vulnerable to potential coercion.

Brattin said Monday during Senate debate that initially he’d been against the ban because he knew family members who’d been married young and had long, successful marriages.

“And it was difficult to kind of come to the realization that that’s not where we’re at any longer, that yesterday was yesterday, and this is today,” Brattin said. “…I’ve come around completely, so much so that I’ve even sponsored the parallel bill that you have.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741350417008.png" alt="State Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat from Olivette, prepares to introduce a bill (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat from Olivette, prepares to introduce a bill (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Marriage would be banned for anyone under 18 under a law that advanced out of the Missouri Senate Thursday.&nbsp;Under current Missouri law, anyone under 16 is prohibited from getting married. But 16 and 17 year olds can get married with parental consent to anyone under 21.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=449" target="_blank">bill, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Tracy McCreery</a>, would ban child marriage outright. State Sen. Rick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=3171482" target="_blank">Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, filed similar legislation</a>.&nbsp;“The current marriage laws incentivize and legalize the trafficking of minors under the guise of marriage,” McCreery said Thursday.The vote Thursday was 32 to 1. The only no vote was state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove.&nbsp;In 2023, Moon garnered national attention when he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article274244525.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">said</a>: “Do you know any kids who have been married at age 12? I do. And guess what? They’re still married.”There was no opposition voiced in the public hearing in January, or the Senate debates this week.&nbsp;The bill now heads to the House for consideration.Last year, the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-senate-gives-initial-approval-to-complete-ban-on-child-marriage/">cleared the Senate</a>&nbsp;in April with only Moon in opposition.&nbsp; It was stalled by a small group of Republican critics in a House committee, who said it would constitute government overreach and infringe on parental rights. After the bill finally passed out of that committee, when several of those critics were not present for the vote, it was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">never brought up in the House for a vote.&nbsp;</a>“I’m&nbsp;honored to pick up where we left off last year and to get this legislation passed into law,” McCreery said during Monday’s Senate debate.Those in favor of the ban argue child marriage is coercive and can transform into forced marriage, especially because children lack the legal rights of adulthood.&nbsp;“This is not only a legislative imperative, but also a moral one,” McCreery said, pointing to data showing those married as children are at a higher risk of mental and physical health issues, isolation, poverty, and intimate partner abuse.Others in favor at the public hearing in January included women who had been forced into marriage as children and advocates against domestic violence and child abuse. No one testified in opposition.Until the legislature voted to raise the minimum marriage age to 16 in 2018, Missouri had among the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article204329774.html" target="_blank">lenient</a>&nbsp;child marriage laws in the nation — making it&nbsp; an especially popular state for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article204287484.html" target="_blank">15-year-olds</a>&nbsp;to travel to be married.Despite the 2018 change, Missouri law still does not align with international human rights standards, which set the minimum age at 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article211345289.html" target="_blank">Activists argued at the time</a>&nbsp;Missouri’s new law would continue to leave 16 and 17-year-olds vulnerable to potential coercion.Brattin said Monday during Senate debate that initially he’d been against the ban because he knew family members who’d been married young and had long, successful marriages.“And it was difficult to kind of come to the realization that that’s not where we’re at any longer, that yesterday was yesterday, and this is today,” Brattin said. “…I’ve come around completely, so much so that I’ve even sponsored the parallel bill that you have.”&nbsp;

Missouri Senate once again overwhelmingly approves child marriage ban

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed robbery and have a teen in custody.

Just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree, Jr. of Topeka, in the 6000 block of SW 10th Street in Topeka, according to a media release from the RCPD.

Tyree was taken into custody on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and criminal use of weapons.

Following his arrest, Tyree was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. Tyree was confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed robbery and have a teen in custody.Just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree, Jr. of Topeka, in the 6000 block of SW 10th Street in Topeka, according to a media release from the RCPD.Tyree was taken into custody on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and criminal use of weapons.Following his arrest, Tyree was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. Tyree was confined at the time of this report.

Police arrest 17-year-old for Kansas armed robbery

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.

Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.

“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”

As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .

“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”

Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.

Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270880251.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves:  President Trump is setting out bold vision for America

(Radio Iowa) - The leader of an Iowa L-G-B-T-Q rights nonprofit says some people and families, especially ones with transgender members, will probably move out of Iowa because of legislation removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. 

Max Mowitz, executive director of OneIowa, says to people who are leaving, they should know that "there are a lot of folks fighting behind you to try to make the state better." To those who cannot leave, Mowitz says "We're going to be right here alongside you," adding, "We're not going to give up on Iowa.” 

Mowitz says anyone impacted by the legislation should contact OneIowa for resources. The bill was signed into law last Friday and takes effect July 1st.

(Radio Iowa) - The leader of an Iowa L-G-B-T-Q rights nonprofit says some people and families, especially ones with transgender members, will probably move out of Iowa because of legislation removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Max Mowitz, executive director of OneIowa, says to people who are leaving, they should know that "there are a lot of folks fighting behind you to try to make the state better." To those who cannot leave, Mowitz says "We're going to be right here alongside you," adding, "We're not going to give up on Iowa.” Mowitz says anyone impacted by the legislation should contact OneIowa for resources. The bill was signed into law last Friday and takes effect July 1st.

New Iowa law may prompt LGBTQ people and families to leave the state

(Radio Iowa) - Refugee resettlement agencies in Iowa are nearly out of funding after the Trump administration stopped providing money to support new arrivals. 

The U-S Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Des Moines started the year with around 35 staff members. By Friday, six will remain. Wellness program manager Leslie Olson says they haven’t been paid by the federal government since November, including money for services not affected by an executive order to stop resettlement work.

Lutheran Services of Iowa has not been reimbursed for any federal expenses since December. Nicholas Wuertz, L-S-I's director of refugee services, says they're waiting for one-and-a-half million dollars in reimbursements. Without the money, Wuertz says homelessness for these new families will be a reality in a few weeks.

(Radio Iowa) - Refugee resettlement agencies in Iowa are nearly out of funding after the Trump administration stopped providing money to support new arrivals. The U-S Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Des Moines started the year with around 35 staff members. By Friday, six will remain. Wellness program manager Leslie Olson says they haven’t been paid by the federal government since November, including money for services not affected by an executive order to stop resettlement work.Lutheran Services of Iowa has not been reimbursed for any federal expenses since December. Nicholas Wuertz, L-S-I's director of refugee services, says they're waiting for one-and-a-half million dollars in reimbursements. Without the money, Wuertz says homelessness for these new families will be a reality in a few weeks.

Iowa refugees may face homelessness with federal aid halted

Former Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, and current Jacksonville Jaguars, center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement from the NFL.&nbsp;

Morse is a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending four seasons in Kansas City, Morse played in Buffalo from 2019 to 2023 and spent the 2024 season in Jacksonville after signing with the team last offseason.

Morse was a Pro Bowler during the 2022 season with Buffalo.

Last season with the Jaguars, Morse provided a stabilizing presence along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection, allowing only three sacks and two quarterback hits in 634 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741276860194.jpeg" alt="Mitch Morse" />
 <figcaption>Mitch Morse</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFormer Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, and current Jacksonville Jaguars, center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement from the NFL.&nbsp;Morse is a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending four seasons in Kansas City, Morse played in Buffalo from 2019 to 2023 and spent the 2024 season in Jacksonville after signing with the team last offseason.Morse was a Pro Bowler during the 2022 season with Buffalo.Last season with the Jaguars, Morse provided a stabilizing presence along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection, allowing only three sacks and two quarterback hits in 634 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/mithenmor60?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mithenmor60</a> is calling it a career 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DUUUVAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DUUUVAL</a>&mdash; Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1897669697510027630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Chiefs, Tigers OL Mitch Morse announces retirement

State Sen. Mike Moon stepped down from a legislative committee because his opposition to rape and incest exceptions would have blocked the bill’s passage

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A proposed constitutional amendment reinstating Missouri’s abortion ban cleared a Senate committee Wednesday after a GOP lawmaker who opposes the inclusion of rape and incest exceptions asked to be removed from the panel to avoid sinking the bill’s chances.&nbsp;

Sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">the proposed amendment&nbsp;</a>would ban abortion but allow exceptions up to 12 weeks gestation for survivors of rape and incest who first reported the assault to police.

Last week, state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said he opposed any legislation that would leave the door open for abortions not medically necessary during an emergency. Specifically, he pointed to the rape and incest exceptions as unacceptable.&nbsp;

The bill was assigned to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, where Republicans hold four of the panel’s six seats. If Moon voted against the measure, it would die on a 3-3 tie.&nbsp;

Moon sent a letter to Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin on Tuesday requesting his removal from the committee, saying that while he understands the need to respond to the legalization of abortion last November, he “cannot support the creation of a subhuman group.”

“Republicans, and some Democrats, profess to be ‘protectors’ of life. I claim to be one of them,” he continued. “Because of this, I cannot support an effort which does not recognize all life as precious and worth saving and protecting.”

O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, granted Moon’s request. State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, replaced Moon on the committee and the bill was approved Wednesday morning on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

It now heads to the full Senate for debate.&nbsp;

Schnelting on Wednesday said while he agrees with Moon that those conceived in rape are “just as valuable as any other human being,” he believes a ban with an exception for survivors has the best chance of winning at the ballot box.&nbsp;

“So my goal is to maximize human life as much as I possibly can, working pragmatically within that framework,” he said.&nbsp;

Moon could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday, but Schnelting said he believes his colleague stepped down from the committee of his own accord.

“(Moon) gave me his word that he wouldn’t kill the bill,” Schnelting said. “But at the same time he didn’t want to vote for something with exceptions.”&nbsp;

Moon has remained a staunch opponent of any abortion exceptions and has filed legislation to impose criminal penalties on women who end their pregnancies. Last year, he also opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">Democrats’ attempted to introduce rape and incest exceptions</a>&nbsp;into what was then a near-total ban on the procedure.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=512" target="_blank">Another proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;approved by the Senate committee on Wednesday was sponsored by Moon that would define a “person” as “every human being with a unique DNA code regardless of age, including every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth.”

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">Legislation similar to Schnelting’s — filed in the House&nbsp;</a>by GOP state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield — is still&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">awaiting a vote in the House Children and Families committee.&nbsp;</a>Both Schnelting and Stinnett’s bills would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy.

Schnelting said he doesn’t know how Moon plans to vote once the bill reaches the Senate floor, but noted that the revised legislation that was passed out of committee Wednesday included a severability clause that was suggested by Moon.&nbsp;

The clause could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;

During a press conference last week, Moon said he was open to any abortion bans going before voters.&nbsp;

“There are some other measures that are out there, and I’m hoping that all of them can make it,” Moon said. “So the voters can decide on either one, two or all the ones that are put before them.”

While the GOP-led legislature continues to prioritize abortion access, Planned Parenthood started offering procedural abortions for the first in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.&nbsp;

If any of the proposed amendments banning abortion make it to the ballot and are approved by a simple majority of voters, the new law would be in direct conflict with an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">amendment narrowly approved&nbsp;</a>in November that protects the right to reproductive health care, including abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;

The first elective abortion to take place in Missouri since 2022 happened in mid-February at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City. On Monday, four more abortions took place, this time at the clinic in Columbia, which hadn’t performed the procedure since 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741261920673.png" alt="State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, stepped down from the Families, Seniors and Health Committee, saying he didn't want to vote on a bill that included rape exceptions for survivors (photo by Madeline Carter)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, stepped down from the Families, Seniors and Health Committee, saying he didn't want to vote on a bill that included rape exceptions for survivors (photo by Madeline Carter).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Sen. Mike Moon stepped down from a legislative committee because his opposition to rape and incest exceptions would have blocked the bill’s passage</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a> A proposed constitutional amendment reinstating Missouri’s abortion ban cleared a Senate committee Wednesday after a GOP lawmaker who opposes the inclusion of rape and incest exceptions asked to be removed from the panel to avoid sinking the bill’s chances.&nbsp;Sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">the proposed amendment&nbsp;</a>would ban abortion but allow exceptions up to 12 weeks gestation for survivors of rape and incest who first reported the assault to police.Last week, state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said he opposed any legislation that would leave the door open for abortions not medically necessary during an emergency. Specifically, he pointed to the rape and incest exceptions as unacceptable.&nbsp;The bill was assigned to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, where Republicans hold four of the panel’s six seats. If Moon voted against the measure, it would die on a 3-3 tie.&nbsp;Moon sent a letter to Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin on Tuesday requesting his removal from the committee, saying that while he understands the need to respond to the legalization of abortion last November, he “cannot support the creation of a subhuman group.”“Republicans, and some Democrats, profess to be ‘protectors’ of life. I claim to be one of them,” he continued. “Because of this, I cannot support an effort which does not recognize all life as precious and worth saving and protecting.”O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, granted Moon’s request. State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, replaced Moon on the committee and the bill was approved Wednesday morning on a party-line vote.&nbsp;It now heads to the full Senate for debate.&nbsp;Schnelting on Wednesday said while he agrees with Moon that those conceived in rape are “just as valuable as any other human being,” he believes a ban with an exception for survivors has the best chance of winning at the ballot box.&nbsp;“So my goal is to maximize human life as much as I possibly can, working pragmatically within that framework,” he said.&nbsp;Moon could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday, but Schnelting said he believes his colleague stepped down from the committee of his own accord.“(Moon) gave me his word that he wouldn’t kill the bill,” Schnelting said. “But at the same time he didn’t want to vote for something with exceptions.”&nbsp;Moon has remained a staunch opponent of any abortion exceptions and has filed legislation to impose criminal penalties on women who end their pregnancies. Last year, he also opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">Democrats’ attempted to introduce rape and incest exceptions</a>&nbsp;into what was then a near-total ban on the procedure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=512" target="_blank">Another proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;approved by the Senate committee on Wednesday was sponsored by Moon that would define a “person” as “every human being with a unique DNA code regardless of age, including every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth.”<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">Legislation similar to Schnelting’s — filed in the House&nbsp;</a>by GOP state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield — is still&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">awaiting a vote in the House Children and Families committee.&nbsp;</a>Both Schnelting and Stinnett’s bills would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy.Schnelting said he doesn’t know how Moon plans to vote once the bill reaches the Senate floor, but noted that the revised legislation that was passed out of committee Wednesday included a severability clause that was suggested by Moon.&nbsp;The clause could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;During a press conference last week, Moon said he was open to any abortion bans going before voters.&nbsp;“There are some other measures that are out there, and I’m hoping that all of them can make it,” Moon said. “So the voters can decide on either one, two or all the ones that are put before them.”While the GOP-led legislature continues to prioritize abortion access, Planned Parenthood started offering procedural abortions for the first in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.&nbsp;If any of the proposed amendments banning abortion make it to the ballot and are approved by a simple majority of voters, the new law would be in direct conflict with an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">amendment narrowly approved&nbsp;</a>in November that protects the right to reproductive health care, including abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;The first elective abortion to take place in Missouri since 2022 happened in mid-February at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City. On Monday, four more abortions took place, this time at the clinic in Columbia, which hadn’t performed the procedure since 2018.

Abortion ban advances in Missouri Senate after GOP critic of rape exception quits committee

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that would have required local police to partner with federal immigration enforcement activities has been tabled and likely won't be revived during the 2025 legislative session.

 Iowa House Judiciary Committee Chair Steven Holt of Denison says he decided not to advance the bill because of concerns that local police and sheriff's departments might not have the manpower to assist and that would impact other aspects of public safety. Immigrant rights advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would lead to racial profiling and undermine police relationships with immigrant communities. 

Holt hopes to advance a different immigration-related bill. It would say Iowa law enforcement officers could be charged with a felony if they refuse to cooperate and let Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest people being released from jail.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that would have required local police to partner with federal immigration enforcement activities has been tabled and likely won't be revived during the 2025 legislative session. Iowa House Judiciary Committee Chair Steven Holt of Denison says he decided not to advance the bill because of concerns that local police and sheriff's departments might not have the manpower to assist and that would impact other aspects of public safety. Immigrant rights advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would lead to racial profiling and undermine police relationships with immigrant communities. Holt hopes to advance a different immigration-related bill. It would say Iowa law enforcement officers could be charged with a felony if they refuse to cooperate and let Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest people being released from jail.

Bill requiring local police to work with ICE tabled

The bill’s sponsor says it was inspired by a lawsuit filed by a transgender student against the Blue Springs School District

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 Republican push to bar transgender Missourians from changing the sex on their birth certificates was briefly debated Wednesday morning by a state Senate committee.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, said birth certificates reflect “facts on the day you were born” and should be unchangeable except in cases of sex development disorders.

Cierpiot filed the same bill in 2023, but it was never debated by the full Senate. He did not file the bill last year.

The bill was inspired, he said, by a lawsuit in his district where a transgender student sued the Blue Springs School District in 2015 after being barred from locker rooms and multi-stall bathrooms. A jury<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/missouri-appeals-court-sides-with-transgender-student-in-4-million-discrimination-case/">&nbsp;awarded the student $4 million</a>, but the case was appealed and is currently<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/11/missouri-supreme-court-hears-case-on-transgender-students-use-of-school-bathrooms/">&nbsp;awaiting a Missouri Supreme Court opinion</a>.

“The reason this (bill) is needed is because some courts are making decisions partly because of modified birth certificates,” Cierpiot said.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mentioned that some transgender Missourians have changed their gender marker on their driver’s license. The Department of Revenue<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">&nbsp;recently rescinded that policy after pressure from lawmakers</a>.

Cierpiot said he was less worried about driver’s licenses.

“A birth certificate is a historic document,” he said. “If someone wants to change things later in life, this is quiet on that.”

A Senate committee room was full of people waiting to testify on the bill, but the public hearing was cut short after 30 minutes with three speaking in favor and four able to speak in opposition before the committee chair moved to the next bill.

Sharon Dunski Vermont, a pediatrician from the St. Louis area, told committee members that the bill is dangerous for transgender people.

“People have been attacked, bullied and even killed because their documents don’t reflect who they see themselves to be,” she said.

Brattin asked Vermont about the Washington University Transgender Center, which was the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">&nbsp;subject of a whistleblower’s affidavit in 2023</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">&nbsp;closed</a>&nbsp;after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">&nbsp;state law made gender-affirming care illegal</a>&nbsp;for minors.

Brattin criticized the center, calling treatments “detrimental to (children’s) health.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741205823256.png" alt=" State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee's Summit Republican, stands at his desk in the Missouri Senate chamber. Cierpiot filed legislation this year seeking to bar transgender Missourians from changing their sex on their birth certificates (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee's Summit Republican, stands at his desk in the Missouri Senate chamber. Cierpiot filed legislation this year seeking to bar transgender Missourians from changing their sex on their birth certificates (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill’s sponsor says it was inspired by a lawsuit filed by a transgender student against the Blue Springs School District</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 Republican push to bar transgender Missourians from changing the sex on their birth certificates was briefly debated Wednesday morning by a state Senate committee.The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, said birth certificates reflect “facts on the day you were born” and should be unchangeable except in cases of sex development disorders.Cierpiot filed the same bill in 2023, but it was never debated by the full Senate. He did not file the bill last year.The bill was inspired, he said, by a lawsuit in his district where a transgender student sued the Blue Springs School District in 2015 after being barred from locker rooms and multi-stall bathrooms. A jury<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/missouri-appeals-court-sides-with-transgender-student-in-4-million-discrimination-case/">&nbsp;awarded the student $4 million</a>, but the case was appealed and is currently<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/11/missouri-supreme-court-hears-case-on-transgender-students-use-of-school-bathrooms/">&nbsp;awaiting a Missouri Supreme Court opinion</a>.“The reason this (bill) is needed is because some courts are making decisions partly because of modified birth certificates,” Cierpiot said.State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mentioned that some transgender Missourians have changed their gender marker on their driver’s license. The Department of Revenue<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">&nbsp;recently rescinded that policy after pressure from lawmakers</a>.Cierpiot said he was less worried about driver’s licenses.“A birth certificate is a historic document,” he said. “If someone wants to change things later in life, this is quiet on that.”A Senate committee room was full of people waiting to testify on the bill, but the public hearing was cut short after 30 minutes with three speaking in favor and four able to speak in opposition before the committee chair moved to the next bill.Sharon Dunski Vermont, a pediatrician from the St. Louis area, told committee members that the bill is dangerous for transgender people.“People have been attacked, bullied and even killed because their documents don’t reflect who they see themselves to be,” she said.Brattin asked Vermont about the Washington University Transgender Center, which was the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">&nbsp;subject of a whistleblower’s affidavit in 2023</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">&nbsp;closed</a>&nbsp;after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">&nbsp;state law made gender-affirming care illegal</a>&nbsp;for minors.Brattin criticized the center, calling treatments “detrimental to (children’s) health.”Dunski Vermont, who worked there, said the allegations were untrue.“I don’t tell you how to be a senator, and I would appreciate if you don’t tell me how to be a doctor,” she said, as Brattin interrupted.Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said he has assisted people changing their birth certificates as part of his work.He called birth certificates “living documents,” instead of historic.“It is common sense that birth records should reflect your lived reality,” he said.Few judges are willing to issue court orders to change birth certificates, Rose said, and it has grown more difficult in the past three years.The committee did not take action on the bill Wednesday.

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