ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business and marketing strategies can participate in the University of Missouri Extension’s upcoming webinar series, “Growing Success: Marketing and Business Development for Small Farms.” Running throughout March, this evening series is designed to provide participants with practical tools and resources to enhance their businesses.

Supporting Entrepreneurs with Actionable Insights

“Farmers are experts in what they grow, but many struggle with the business side of their operations,” said Denice Ferguson, MU Extension Ag Business Specialist for Northwest Missouri. “These entrepreneurs are innovative, passionate, and eager to learn. They’re just short on time and need reliable, actionable information that they can immediately apply to their businesses.”

The series will feature four interactive sessions, each addressing critical aspects of farm business development:

Valuable USDA Support for Farm Entrepreneurs

Throughout the series, participants will also learn about resources available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which provides programs to support farm and food entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.

“The FSA offers a range of programs and resources to assist farm and food entrepreneurs as they start or grow their businesses,” said Ferguson. “We want participants to know how FSA can support their journey.”

For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars">http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars</a>.

This webinar series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency through project award number FSA23CPT0012862.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business and marketing strategies can participate in the University of Missouri Extension’s upcoming webinar series, “Growing Success: Marketing and Business Development for Small Farms.” Running throughout March, this evening series is designed to provide participants with practical tools and resources to enhance their businesses.Supporting Entrepreneurs with Actionable Insights“Farmers are experts in what they grow, but many struggle with the business side of their operations,” said Denice Ferguson, MU Extension Ag Business Specialist for Northwest Missouri. “These entrepreneurs are innovative, passionate, and eager to learn. They’re just short on time and need reliable, actionable information that they can immediately apply to their businesses.”The series will feature four interactive sessions, each addressing critical aspects of farm business development:<ul>
 <li>March 4 – "Cultivating Connections: Strategically Market Your Food and Farm Products"
Led by TaylorAnn Washburn, MU Extension Communications Strategist, this session will help participants craft targeted customer profiles, communicate their unique value, and utilize digital platforms to strengthen their marketing strategies.
</li><li>March 11 – "Will It Work? Assessing New Farm Products"
MU Extension Ag Business Specialist Katie Neuner will introduce online tools like AgSite and Intel for Ag to help attendees evaluate the viability of new products such as elderberries or pasture-raised pork.
</li><li>March 18 – "What Does It Cost My Farm to Sell in Different Markets?"
Dr. Mallory Rahe, MU Extension Ag Business Program Director, will guide participants through the Market Channel Cost Assessment Tool, helping them estimate marketing costs and determine the most profitable sales channels, including farmers markets, CSAs, and wholesale.
</li><li>March 25 – "Five Key Considerations as You Scale Your Business"
Denice Ferguson will lead an interactive session focused on assessing readiness for business growth, covering goal setting, financial capacity, labor needs, and operational efficiencies.
</li>
 </ul>Valuable USDA Support for Farm EntrepreneursThroughout the series, participants will also learn about resources available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which provides programs to support farm and food entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.“The FSA offers a range of programs and resources to assist farm and food entrepreneurs as they start or grow their businesses,” said Ferguson. “We want participants to know how FSA can support their journey.”For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars">http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars</a>.This webinar series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency through project award number FSA23CPT0012862.

Interactive Sessions to Enhance Marketing and Business Strategies for Small-Scale Producers

Road crews kept
busy pushing snow as two snow storms dumped more than five inches of snow on
the area.

Buchanan County
Western District Commissioner, Ron Hook, says there has to be at least three
inches of snow on the ground for him to send the snow plows out.

“But getting the
big trucks out with just a small amount of snow like that really damages our
roads and, really, it damages our plows. It’s just not good on it,” Hook
explains to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The heavier the snow, the
more snow, is better for it.”

Western District
snow plow drivers went out Monday, then resumed plowing Tuesday morning as did
crews for the City of St. Joseph and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
There could be some more snow fall, but little accumulation is expected,
according to the National Weather Service, which has forecast only flurries for
today.

As for the county,
Hook says his crews approach snow removal with a strategy to hit the most
populated areas first.

“The town of
Faucet, DeKalb, Rushville, Lewis and Clark Village. Obviously, the Air Guard is
one of our, the Western District’s, priorities, along with Maxwell Heights,”
Hook says. “We try to hit the heavily populated areas that we know people are
going to be in and out a lot more and more active.” 

Hook says he hears
praise and complaints from residents during snow storms.

“We hear from
both. We hear people calling in and thanking us for getting it done so early,”
Hooks says. “We hear complaints, too. That’s okay. That’s all part of the job
and we try to address those complaints as quick as possible.”

It will be a while
before we are done with all this.

The National
Weather Service has issued no less than three separate advisories. A Cold
Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight when it changes into an
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory. An Extreme Cold Weather Advisory is issued by
NWS when wind chills could approach 30-below. Tonight could see the harshest
temperature with a low of -13 expected.

The Weather
Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwest, north-central and
west-central Missouri as well as extreme eastern Kansas.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRoad crews kept
busy pushing snow as two snow storms dumped more than five inches of snow on
the area.Buchanan County
Western District Commissioner, Ron Hook, says there has to be at least three
inches of snow on the ground for him to send the snow plows out.“But getting the
big trucks out with just a small amount of snow like that really damages our
roads and, really, it damages our plows. It’s just not good on it,” Hook
explains to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The heavier the snow, the
more snow, is better for it.”Western District
snow plow drivers went out Monday, then resumed plowing Tuesday morning as did
crews for the City of St. Joseph and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
There could be some more snow fall, but little accumulation is expected,
according to the National Weather Service, which has forecast only flurries for
today.As for the county,
Hook says his crews approach snow removal with a strategy to hit the most
populated areas first.“The town of
Faucet, DeKalb, Rushville, Lewis and Clark Village. Obviously, the Air Guard is
one of our, the Western District’s, priorities, along with Maxwell Heights,”
Hook says. “We try to hit the heavily populated areas that we know people are
going to be in and out a lot more and more active.” Hook says he hears
praise and complaints from residents during snow storms.“We hear from
both. We hear people calling in and thanking us for getting it done so early,”
Hooks says. “We hear complaints, too. That’s okay. That’s all part of the job
and we try to address those complaints as quick as possible.”It will be a while
before we are done with all this.The National
Weather Service has issued no less than three separate advisories. A Cold
Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight when it changes into an
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory. An Extreme Cold Weather Advisory is issued by
NWS when wind chills could approach 30-below. Tonight could see the harshest
temperature with a low of -13 expected.The Weather
Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwest, north-central and
west-central Missouri as well as extreme eastern Kansas.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Road crews attempting to keep area traffic moving

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds hasn't made an official announcement about a campaign in 2026, but she sounds like a candidate for reelection. 

During a news conference on Tuesday, Reynolds was asked about fellow Republican Brad Sherman, the Williamsburg pastor who announced on Monday that he'd challenge Reynolds in 2026. Reynolds told reporters she's proud of what she's been able to do as governor and she'll be running on her conserative record. 

Reynolds referred to Sherman as her opponent and added that he probably voted for the proposals she submitted to legislators over the past couple of years. Sherman served in the Iowa House in 2023 and 2024.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds hasn't made an official announcement about a campaign in 2026, but she sounds like a candidate for reelection. During a news conference on Tuesday, Reynolds was asked about fellow Republican Brad Sherman, the Williamsburg pastor who announced on Monday that he'd challenge Reynolds in 2026. Reynolds told reporters she's proud of what she's been able to do as governor and she'll be running on her conserative record. Reynolds referred to Sherman as her opponent and added that he probably voted for the proposals she submitted to legislators over the past couple of years. Sherman served in the Iowa House in 2023 and 2024.

Asked about GOP challenger, Iowa's governor says she'll run on her record in 2026

(Radio Iowa) - Flu cases across Iowa are still rising and it's prompting some hospitals to reinstate a policy from the pandemic era. 

The medical director for UnityPoint's emergency departments in Des Moines, Clint Hawthorne, says they've started requiring staff members to wear masks. Even if a patient doesn't have respiratory symptoms, Hawthorne says the staff is wearing masks. Iowa hospitals reported more than ten-percent of emergency room visits were for the flu in recent days, which is significantly higher than at this time last year. 

Officials say you should take care to wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. Dozens of Iowa schools are still reporting absence rates of at least ten percent due to illness.

(Radio Iowa) - Flu cases across Iowa are still rising and it's prompting some hospitals to reinstate a policy from the pandemic era. The medical director for UnityPoint's emergency departments in Des Moines, Clint Hawthorne, says they've started requiring staff members to wear masks. Even if a patient doesn't have respiratory symptoms, Hawthorne says the staff is wearing masks. Iowa hospitals reported more than ten-percent of emergency room visits were for the flu in recent days, which is significantly higher than at this time last year. Officials say you should take care to wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. Dozens of Iowa schools are still reporting absence rates of at least ten percent due to illness.

Some Iowa hospitals resort to mask mandates as flu cases increase

Eagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.

Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5)  has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.

The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostEagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5) has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

KYSJ bringing Cardinals baseball to St. Joseph this season

Another major snowstorm late Monday night into Tuesday morning made for hazardous driving conditions, leaving several drivers stranded. 

Seargent Shane Hux with Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says many drivers leaving the roadways, or getting into accidents, were due to drivers going too fast for the conditions

"Unfortunately we have this converstation everytime we have a storm like that, but yes driving too fast for the condition and just following people to closely," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in northwest Missouri’s Troop H responded to 36 calls for service Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning and another 22 later in the day Tuesday.

The patrol reports some injury accidents due to the conditions with no fatalities reported.

Troopers came to the aid of 40 stranded motorists of the first two days of this week.

After northwest Missouri was hit with another major snowstorm Monday evening into Tuesday morning, extreme cold conditions are hitting the area. 

Hux says the best way to avoid ending up stranded in these cold conditions, is to make sure your car is prepared

"Have good tires on your vehicles, that you have windshield washer fluid, good wiper blades, a good battery," Hux explains.  "So that's the first and foremost important thing to before you ever try to travel in these types of weather conditions."

Hux also advises to make sure you also have the inside of your car ready

"Blankets, extra warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves,  cell phone, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have your cell phone with you," Hux says.  "If you're on any type of medication and you're going for an extended trip, make sure you take that medication with you."

The National Weather Service reports bitter cold temperatures will keep their grip on the area through Thursday, at least. Tonight is expected to be the coldest with the low forecast to drop to -14.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAnother major snowstorm late Monday night into Tuesday morning made for hazardous driving conditions, leaving several drivers stranded. Seargent Shane Hux with Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says many drivers leaving the roadways, or getting into accidents, were due to drivers going too fast for the conditions"Unfortunately we have this converstation everytime we have a storm like that, but yes driving too fast for the condition and just following people to closely," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in northwest Missouri’s Troop H responded to 36 calls for service Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning and another 22 later in the day Tuesday.The patrol reports some injury accidents due to the conditions with no fatalities reported.Troopers came to the aid of 40 stranded motorists of the first two days of this week.After northwest Missouri was hit with another major snowstorm Monday evening into Tuesday morning, extreme cold conditions are hitting the area. Hux says the best way to avoid ending up stranded in these cold conditions, is to make sure your car is prepared"Have good tires on your vehicles, that you have windshield washer fluid, good wiper blades, a good battery," Hux explains. "So that's the first and foremost important thing to before you ever try to travel in these types of weather conditions."Hux also advises to make sure you also have the inside of your car ready"Blankets, extra warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, cell phone, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have your cell phone with you," Hux says. "If you're on any type of medication and you're going for an extended trip, make sure you take that medication with you."The National Weather Service reports bitter cold temperatures will keep their grip on the area through Thursday, at least. Tonight is expected to be the coldest with the low forecast to drop to -14.

Winter weather disrupts traffic MSHP urges caution

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.

The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.

A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.

The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;

It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.

“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.

“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”

Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.

“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;

He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.

“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”

Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.

Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.

Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.

“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.

“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”

Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.

House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.

“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.

In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”

“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;

When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;

More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.

During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;

Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739971301681.jpeg" alt=" Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.<h2>Over in the House</h2>Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.<h2>Senate’s efficiency bill</h2>In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

Medicaid expansion amendments offered by Democrats fail in Kansas Senate, House

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.

Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.

The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739902427601.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739904867718.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

KHP reminder: Seat belts save lives

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>

Opponents of the tax credit include homeschooling families and public educators

Missouri’s homeschool families and those enrolled in private schools could receive a tax credit for their educational expenses under legislation debated Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee.

The credit would be capped at the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>, a number determined by the per-pupil expenditure of the highest performing school districts in the state.&nbsp;

The credit would be administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is currently a tax-credit scholarship program overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office, called MOScholars, which provides a credit for donations to certain nonprofits that then disperse the money to families enrolling in private schools.&nbsp;

The proposals debated on Tuesday, in contrast, would allow families to directly get a refund for expenses related to educating their children.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville and one of the bill’s sponsors, compared the structure to the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/faq/taxation/business/motor-fuel.html" target="_blank">gas tax refund</a>, in which drivers can submit gas receipts to the state for reimbursement.

The tax credit program would be a path for families to escape underperforming schools, said state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance sponsoring a similar bill.

“For decades, Missouri dramatically increased education spending, yet student outcomes continue to decline,” he said. “More money has not solved the problem in the state of Missouri, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all system for educating our youth is failing to educate many of our children.”

While the state education budget is due for an increase in the hundreds of millions this year, the formula that funds public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/missouri-school-boards-request-commission-to-adjust-school-funding-formula-for-inflation/">has been relatively stagnant for over a decade</a>&nbsp;with inflation outpacing any increases.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, lawmakers and the State Board of Education have all called for an examination of the formula.

Schroer began considering a homeschool tax credit when he was a state representative after hearing from homeschooling families about other states’ policies.

“There are many individuals, whether it’s private school, homeschool or hybrid, who’ve indicated that they would like to at least recoup some of those expenses since they’re not utilizing the public school system,” he said.

Brattin said his office received “an influx of opposition,” referring to homeschooling families worried about alterations to the state’s homeschool protections. Home educators have opposed tax credits and other public programs in recent years, saying they are worried about governmental oversight.

Brattin said the idea that it would impose restrictions on homeschooling families is a “myth.”

“Nothing in this bill is a requirement. Nothing in this bill is a database. Nothing in this bill is a list to take away rights, freedoms and liberties of individuals,” he said. “In fact, this only bolsters that and gives the full capability and freedom and liberty for families that want different options.”

Despite his reassurance, the first person in opposition represented home educators.

David Klarich, a lobbyist for the homeschooling group Family Covenant Ministries, said Missouri has “the best home education statute in the United States.” He asked for the bill to only apply to a separate category of home educators created last year in a large education package.

“Those parents who want to participate in public schools or take public dollars may then do so, and there would be no concern about governmental intrusion because then those parents and students go wide-eyed into the governmental system and they can still participate,” Klarich said.

He feared there would be “strings attached,” leading to curriculum oversight.

State Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, said he is “not seeing where the strings are attached.”

Public education groups also had concerns.

Otto Fajen, lobbyist for teachers’ union Missouri National Education Association, told committee members that the legislation could further restrict the amount of the state’s general revenue available for public education.

“(This bill) is on its own, without connecting with what’s going on with the (public school funding) formula, what’s going on with minimum salaries, and kicks in quickly to offer this tax benefit for supporting educational expenditures and significantly affects state general revenues,” he said.

A large education package passed a year ago has raised teacher salaries statewide with the help of general revenue and created a funding obligation of $200 million this year with all its provisions.

Kehoe has also indicated he will push to eliminate the state’s income tax. If the governor’s plan succeeds, Fajen said, there will be no money available for the rebate.

“It creates a lot of problems that you all will have to deal with through the budgeting process,” he said, “and that schools will have to deal with going forward.”&nbsp;

The committee, which is chaired by Brattin, did not take action on the legislation Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739911159776.png" alt="State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s inauguration ceremony (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s inauguration ceremony (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>Opponents of the tax credit include homeschooling families and public educators</h2>Missouri’s homeschool families and those enrolled in private schools could receive a tax credit for their educational expenses under legislation debated Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee.The credit would be capped at the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>, a number determined by the per-pupil expenditure of the highest performing school districts in the state.&nbsp;Currently, that amount is $7,145.The credit would be administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is currently a tax-credit scholarship program overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office, called MOScholars, which provides a credit for donations to certain nonprofits that then disperse the money to families enrolling in private schools.&nbsp;The proposals debated on Tuesday, in contrast, would allow families to directly get a refund for expenses related to educating their children.State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville and one of the bill’s sponsors, compared the structure to the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/faq/taxation/business/motor-fuel.html" target="_blank">gas tax refund</a>, in which drivers can submit gas receipts to the state for reimbursement.The tax credit program would be a path for families to escape underperforming schools, said state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance sponsoring a similar bill.“For decades, Missouri dramatically increased education spending, yet student outcomes continue to decline,” he said. “More money has not solved the problem in the state of Missouri, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all system for educating our youth is failing to educate many of our children.”While the state education budget is due for an increase in the hundreds of millions this year, the formula that funds public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/missouri-school-boards-request-commission-to-adjust-school-funding-formula-for-inflation/">has been relatively stagnant for over a decade</a>&nbsp;with inflation outpacing any increases.Gov. Mike Kehoe, lawmakers and the State Board of Education have all called for an examination of the formula.Schroer began considering a homeschool tax credit when he was a state representative after hearing from homeschooling families about other states’ policies.“There are many individuals, whether it’s private school, homeschool or hybrid, who’ve indicated that they would like to at least recoup some of those expenses since they’re not utilizing the public school system,” he said.Brattin said his office received “an influx of opposition,” referring to homeschooling families worried about alterations to the state’s homeschool protections. Home educators have opposed tax credits and other public programs in recent years, saying they are worried about governmental oversight.Brattin said the idea that it would impose restrictions on homeschooling families is a “myth.”“Nothing in this bill is a requirement. Nothing in this bill is a database. Nothing in this bill is a list to take away rights, freedoms and liberties of individuals,” he said. “In fact, this only bolsters that and gives the full capability and freedom and liberty for families that want different options.”Despite his reassurance, the first person in opposition represented home educators.David Klarich, a lobbyist for the homeschooling group Family Covenant Ministries, said Missouri has “the best home education statute in the United States.” He asked for the bill to only apply to a separate category of home educators created last year in a large education package.“Those parents who want to participate in public schools or take public dollars may then do so, and there would be no concern about governmental intrusion because then those parents and students go wide-eyed into the governmental system and they can still participate,” Klarich said.He feared there would be “strings attached,” leading to curriculum oversight.State Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, said he is “not seeing where the strings are attached.”Public education groups also had concerns.Otto Fajen, lobbyist for teachers’ union Missouri National Education Association, told committee members that the legislation could further restrict the amount of the state’s general revenue available for public education.“(This bill) is on its own, without connecting with what’s going on with the (public school funding) formula, what’s going on with minimum salaries, and kicks in quickly to offer this tax benefit for supporting educational expenditures and significantly affects state general revenues,” he said.A large education package passed a year ago has raised teacher salaries statewide with the help of general revenue and created a funding obligation of $200 million this year with all its provisions.Kehoe has also indicated he will push to eliminate the state’s income tax. If the governor’s plan succeeds, Fajen said, there will be no money available for the rebate.“It creates a lot of problems that you all will have to deal with through the budgeting process,” he said, “and that schools will have to deal with going forward.”&nbsp;The committee, which is chaired by Brattin, did not take action on the legislation Tuesday.

Missouri Senators propose tax credit for homeschool and private school families

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>

A bill prohibiting Missouri agencies from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives was given initial House approval Monday evening.

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, argued that DEI goals do not lead to decreased bias and questioned their success.

The state House can pass the bill with one more vote, sending it to the Senate.

If enacted, funds spent by state departments could not be used for DEI initiatives. These initiatives include collective guilt ideologies, intersectional or divisive identity activism and promotion of preferential treatment; this is the idea that group disparities are solely due to oppression.

Democrats argued that the wording on the bill could be interpreted so that any single one of those descriptions could be used to defund any program.

The bill creates an exception that the agencies would not be prohibited from following federal laws or complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also makes it illegal for state agencies to require or incentivize DEI programs as a requirement for earning a state contract.

The bill was given approval on a voice vote after a party line 100-49 vote ended more than two hours of impassioned speeches by Democrats. Speakers raised concerns about who is at an advantage or disadvantage from such legislation.

Additional talking points included systemic racism, the gender pay gap, pink taxes, disabilities and merit-based hiring. The price of eggs was brought up multiple times to argue that this legislation doesn’t improve the welfare of Missourians.

Unintended consequences were discussed, such as retaliation against accreditation of university medical programs and law enforcement agencies. These are often required to have such programs be accredited.

A 2024 Missourian review of state agency budget requests, which includes every line item of spending a department seeks, found the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion” practically nonexistent among state agencies.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-moves-forward-on-banning-state-dei-programs/article_33526f12-ed88-11ef-b619-b753e3d71c50.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>A bill prohibiting Missouri agencies from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives was given initial House approval Monday evening.The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, argued that DEI goals do not lead to decreased bias and questioned their success.The state House can pass the bill with one more vote, sending it to the Senate.If enacted, funds spent by state departments could not be used for DEI initiatives. These initiatives include collective guilt ideologies, intersectional or divisive identity activism and promotion of preferential treatment; this is the idea that group disparities are solely due to oppression.Democrats argued that the wording on the bill could be interpreted so that any single one of those descriptions could be used to defund any program.The bill creates an exception that the agencies would not be prohibited from following federal laws or complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also makes it illegal for state agencies to require or incentivize DEI programs as a requirement for earning a state contract.The bill was given approval on a voice vote after a party line 100-49 vote ended more than two hours of impassioned speeches by Democrats. Speakers raised concerns about who is at an advantage or disadvantage from such legislation.Additional talking points included systemic racism, the gender pay gap, pink taxes, disabilities and merit-based hiring. The price of eggs was brought up multiple times to argue that this legislation doesn’t improve the welfare of Missourians.Unintended consequences were discussed, such as retaliation against accreditation of university medical programs and law enforcement agencies. These are often required to have such programs be accredited.A 2024 Missourian review of state agency budget requests, which includes every line item of spending a department seeks, found the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion” practically nonexistent among state agencies.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-moves-forward-on-banning-state-dei-programs/article_33526f12-ed88-11ef-b619-b753e3d71c50.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

Missouri House moves forward on banning state DEI programs

The D-N-R building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds known for its large tanks displaying the various fish species from across the state is getting a new interactive display. D-N-R spokesperson Tammie Krausman says the new feature is called the Conservation Discovery Area.

The inside feature will also have a tower designed into it that's modeled after the one at Pilot Knobb State Park. Krausman says another feature will be an in-floor river.

They had various outdoor displays in the 100 years the building has been on the fairgrounds, and an archery area has been one of the more recent popular attractions. Krausman says the new feature will fit in well with what they have now.

Krausman says it's hard to nail down exactly how many visitors the D-N-R building gets during the entire run of the State Fair.

&nbsp;The Natural Resource Commission approved the project at its monthly meeting and Krausman says they hope to have it done sometime in July.

&nbsp;The N-R-C approved a contract with Austincrete of Newton for nearly 125-thousand dollars to build the display. Krausman says the money comes from a 500-thousand dollar special legislative appropriation that was made to fund the update at the D-N-R building.

The D-N-R building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds known for its large tanks displaying the various fish species from across the state is getting a new interactive display. D-N-R spokesperson Tammie Krausman says the new feature is called the Conservation Discovery Area.The inside feature will also have a tower designed into it that's modeled after the one at Pilot Knobb State Park. Krausman says another feature will be an in-floor river.They had various outdoor displays in the 100 years the building has been on the fairgrounds, and an archery area has been one of the more recent popular attractions. Krausman says the new feature will fit in well with what they have now.Krausman says it's hard to nail down exactly how many visitors the D-N-R building gets during the entire run of the State Fair.&nbsp;The Natural Resource Commission approved the project at its monthly meeting and Krausman says they hope to have it done sometime in July.&nbsp;The N-R-C approved a contract with Austincrete of Newton for nearly 125-thousand dollars to build the display. Krausman says the money comes from a 500-thousand dollar special legislative appropriation that was made to fund the update at the D-N-R building.-Radio Iowa

New feature planned for DNR building at Iowa State Fair

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to spread, University of Missouri Extension veterinarians urge strict biosecurity operations.&nbsp;

Measures include restricting the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Avian influenza has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties thus far affecting commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry counties.

 To slow the spread, the state has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones. The USDA reports that there have been 18 affected commercial flocks and one affected backyard flock in Missouri, which has resulted in the depopulation of over 2-point-8-million birds in the state over the past 30 days.

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to spread, University of Missouri Extension veterinarians urge strict biosecurity operations.&nbsp;Measures include restricting the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Avian influenza has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties thus far affecting commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry counties. To slow the spread, the state has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones. The USDA reports that there have been 18 affected commercial flocks and one affected backyard flock in Missouri, which has resulted in the depopulation of over 2-point-8-million birds in the state over the past 30 days.-Missourinet

MU Extension urges biosecurity in poultry flocks

Governor Mike Kehoe has big plans for Missouri’s agriculture industry.

 Kehoe, a first-generation farmer, wants to borrow $55 million for new livestock buildings at the Missouri State Fair. 

Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn is excited to see the big investment.

&nbsp;“In the last couple of years, we received funding to build the new arena at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. It’s going to be 150,000 square foot in size. It’s really going to allow the Missouri State Fair to be used year-round not only for the two weeks during the fair, but for the other 50 weeks for larger events.”

It’s part of Kehoe’s proposed $53.7 billion budget for the state that lawmakers are currently working on. Kehoe’s administration says that the state fair bonding will be paid back over time by some of the revenues the buildings would generate.

&nbsp;Chinn says it would address a challenge regarding where people will stall their animals for big shows like rodeos.

“One will be a multiuse livestock barn that will have stalls in it and the other will be really focused more towards larger animals, your cattle and your horses. Each of the facilities should hold around 500 stalls. So, that will really make Missouri competitive in trying to host some of those national shows.”

The funds would be paid back over time by a portion of the revenues generated by these buildings.

Misouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations. Kehoe wants to spend over $330,000 to expand the state’s inspection program as part of next year’s state budget. 

Chinn tells Missourinet that meat and poultry is an important part of the state’s economy.

“Currently, we have businesses that would like to go under state inspection, but we don’t have enough team members to help support their business. So, we are prohibiting commerce from being able to take place. So, he’s putting that money in the budget to allow us to help support this growing sector of our economy.”

Missouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations.

Governor Mike Kehoe has big plans for Missouri’s agriculture industry. Kehoe, a first-generation farmer, wants to borrow $55 million for new livestock buildings at the Missouri State Fair. Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn is excited to see the big investment.&nbsp;“In the last couple of years, we received funding to build the new arena at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. It’s going to be 150,000 square foot in size. It’s really going to allow the Missouri State Fair to be used year-round not only for the two weeks during the fair, but for the other 50 weeks for larger events.”It’s part of Kehoe’s proposed $53.7 billion budget for the state that lawmakers are currently working on. Kehoe’s administration says that the state fair bonding will be paid back over time by some of the revenues the buildings would generate.&nbsp;Chinn says it would address a challenge regarding where people will stall their animals for big shows like rodeos.“One will be a multiuse livestock barn that will have stalls in it and the other will be really focused more towards larger animals, your cattle and your horses. Each of the facilities should hold around 500 stalls. So, that will really make Missouri competitive in trying to host some of those national shows.”The funds would be paid back over time by a portion of the revenues generated by these buildings.Misouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations. Kehoe wants to spend over $330,000 to expand the state’s inspection program as part of next year’s state budget. Chinn tells Missourinet that meat and poultry is an important part of the state’s economy.“Currently, we have businesses that would like to go under state inspection, but we don’t have enough team members to help support their business. So, we are prohibiting commerce from being able to take place. So, he’s putting that money in the budget to allow us to help support this growing sector of our economy.”Missouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations.-Missourinet

Missouri’s Ag director praises Kehoe’s proposed agriculture investment in budget requests

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's obscenity law doesn't apply to public libraries and educational institutions. 

A subcommittee in the Iowa House has approved a bill to repeal that exemption. During a hearing at the Capitol, a supporter of the repeal threw books on the table as a critic of the bill testified. Keenan Crow of the L-G-B-T-Q advocacy group One Iowa, says there's nothing in libraries that would meet the legal definition of obscene and the bill would allow people to file frivolous lawsuits. Iowa's obscenity law doesn't apply to public libraries and educational institutions. 

Chris Campbell of Ames says taxpayers shouldn't be forced to pay for one of the books he saw in his public library. Campbell say if someone wants to read that kind of a book, they're free to buy it themselves.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's obscenity law doesn't apply to public libraries and educational institutions. A subcommittee in the Iowa House has approved a bill to repeal that exemption. During a hearing at the Capitol, a supporter of the repeal threw books on the table as a critic of the bill testified. Keenan Crow of the L-G-B-T-Q advocacy group One Iowa, says there's nothing in libraries that would meet the legal definition of obscene and the bill would allow people to file frivolous lawsuits. Iowa's obscenity law doesn't apply to public libraries and educational institutions. Chris Campbell of Ames says taxpayers shouldn't be forced to pay for one of the books he saw in his public library. Campbell say if someone wants to read that kind of a book, they're free to buy it themselves.

Bill would repeal obscenity exemption for libraries, schools

Lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered at Planned Parenthood clinics around the state just days after abortion services returned to Missouri

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

Fifty years of anti-abortion laws in Missouri have been struck down as unconstitutional over the last two months, culminating Friday with a Jackson County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">blocking clinic licensing requirements.</a>

Three days later, Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered outside Planned Parenthood locations across the state to say they have no intention of retreating.&nbsp;

“I’m here to tell you the Missouri supermajority of Republicans will not stand for this,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and one of the architects of the legislation that made Missouri the first state to outlaw abortion in June 2022 after Roe v. Wade was overturned.&nbsp;

“There will be another option to vote,” she predicted Monday, “so that people understand this is not going to continue in the state of Missouri.”

Coleman said&nbsp;Attorney General Andrew Bailey is expected to appeal Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang’s decision, though none was filed as of Monday afternoon. A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

In the meantime, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City on Saturday performed the first elective abortion since voters overturned Missouri’s abortion ban by passing Amendment 3 in November.&nbsp;

Missouri Republicans have filed three dozen bills seeking to either repeal or rein in Amendment 3. So far, the House has prioritized a proposed constitutional amendment that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">reinstate an abortion ban but create exceptions for survivors of rape and incest,&nbsp;</a>as long as they report the crime to police.

Senate Democrats have threatened to filibuster any effort to overturn the voter-approved amendment legalizing abortion.&nbsp;

In addition to GOP lawmakers seeking to put abortion back on the statewide ballot, Coleman said a group of attorneys is separately working on a citizen-led initiative petition “in case the legislature doesn’t get that through.”&nbsp;

Zhang’s Friday ruling blocked the state’s licensing requirement for abortion clinics that providers said had prevented them from restoring access to the procedure following Amendment 3’s passage.&nbsp;

Zhang called the licensing requirement “discriminatory” because “it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated health care, including miscarriage care.”

During a hearing last month, Zhang asked Planned Parenthood’s attorneys how clinics would be regulated if the licensing requirements in place through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, said that like other outpatient practices, the facility would not require a license, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">providers would need to meet their own professional licensing requirements</a>&nbsp;through the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.

Republicans and anti-abortion advocates argued Monday that the license requirements — along with a spate of other regulations Zhang previously blocked in response to Amendment 3 — ensured the safety of women and babies.&nbsp;

“We are going to spend every second and every dollar and every resource to make sure that Missourians understand what is happening,” Coleman said. “There are no health and safety regulations.”

On Monday afternoon, three people held signs vigil outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City where two days earlier a patient underwent a surgical abortion — the first performed in Missouri since 2022.

“It’s a sad day today because abortion has resumed in Missouri,” said the&nbsp;Rev. James V. Johnston Jr., bishop of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph</a>, as he stood outside in sub-freezing temperatures, wearing a March for Life stocking cap. “My hope is that our lawmakers will see this as a matter of justice.”&nbsp;

Several yards down the sidewalk, two clinic escorts bundled in thick layers beneath their bright vests stood at the entrance to the parking lot. They held colorful umbrellas, offered to patients as a way to cover their faces and their identities from any passers-by.

A similar scene played out 245 miles to the east at the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis’ Central West End.

“This is the real agenda of Planned Parenthood, to put the destruction of human life over the safety and well being of women,” Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, told reporters as about half a dozen anti-abortion protesters stood behind him. “They are not fighting for women. They are fighting to remove every possible check on their harmful, deadly Business.”&nbsp;

Westbrook said Monday kicked off a 6-day “intense prayer and fasting vigil” outside the St. Louis clinic. Coalition Life also restarted its sidewalk counseling efforts, partnering with Women’s Care Connect, a pregnancy resource center in Maryland Heights that he said also provides “abortion pill reversal.”

Neither surgical nor medication abortions have begun again at the St. Louis location, Nick Dunne, with Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said Monday.

“This,” Coleman said, “Is not a fight that ends ever.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739878800802.png" alt="Chelsea Voboril, Bishop James Johnson Jr. and Deborah Sheppard stand outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City on Monday to protest a ruling that allowed abortions to begin again in Missouri. Two days prior, the first surgical abortion in the state since Roe v. Wade was overturned was performed inside the clinic (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Chelsea Voboril, Bishop James Johnson Jr. and Deborah Sheppard stand outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City on Monday to protest a ruling that allowed abortions to begin again in Missouri. Two days prior, the first surgical abortion in the state since Roe v. Wade was overturned was performed inside the clinic (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered at Planned Parenthood clinics around the state just days after abortion services returned to Missouri</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Fifty years of anti-abortion laws in Missouri have been struck down as unconstitutional over the last two months, culminating Friday with a Jackson County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">blocking clinic licensing requirements.</a>Three days later, Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered outside Planned Parenthood locations across the state to say they have no intention of retreating.&nbsp;“I’m here to tell you the Missouri supermajority of Republicans will not stand for this,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and one of the architects of the legislation that made Missouri the first state to outlaw abortion in June 2022 after Roe v. Wade was overturned.&nbsp;“There will be another option to vote,” she predicted Monday, “so that people understand this is not going to continue in the state of Missouri.”Coleman said&nbsp;Attorney General Andrew Bailey is expected to appeal Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang’s decision, though none was filed as of Monday afternoon. A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office did not respond to a request for comment.In the meantime, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City on Saturday performed the first elective abortion since voters overturned Missouri’s abortion ban by passing Amendment 3 in November.&nbsp;Missouri Republicans have filed three dozen bills seeking to either repeal or rein in Amendment 3. So far, the House has prioritized a proposed constitutional amendment that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">reinstate an abortion ban but create exceptions for survivors of rape and incest,&nbsp;</a>as long as they report the crime to police.Senate Democrats have threatened to filibuster any effort to overturn the voter-approved amendment legalizing abortion.&nbsp;In addition to GOP lawmakers seeking to put abortion back on the statewide ballot, Coleman said a group of attorneys is separately working on a citizen-led initiative petition “in case the legislature doesn’t get that through.”&nbsp;Zhang’s Friday ruling blocked the state’s licensing requirement for abortion clinics that providers said had prevented them from restoring access to the procedure following Amendment 3’s passage.&nbsp;Zhang called the licensing requirement “discriminatory” because “it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated health care, including miscarriage care.”During a hearing last month, Zhang asked Planned Parenthood’s attorneys how clinics would be regulated if the licensing requirements in place through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, said that like other outpatient practices, the facility would not require a license, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">providers would need to meet their own professional licensing requirements</a>&nbsp;through the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.Republicans and anti-abortion advocates argued Monday that the license requirements — along with a spate of other regulations Zhang previously blocked in response to Amendment 3 — ensured the safety of women and babies.&nbsp;“We are going to spend every second and every dollar and every resource to make sure that Missourians understand what is happening,” Coleman said. “There are no health and safety regulations.”On Monday afternoon, three people held signs vigil outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City where two days earlier a patient underwent a surgical abortion — the first performed in Missouri since 2022.“It’s a sad day today because abortion has resumed in Missouri,” said the&nbsp;Rev. James V. Johnston Jr., bishop of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph</a>, as he stood outside in sub-freezing temperatures, wearing a March for Life stocking cap. “My hope is that our lawmakers will see this as a matter of justice.”&nbsp;Several yards down the sidewalk, two clinic escorts bundled in thick layers beneath their bright vests stood at the entrance to the parking lot. They held colorful umbrellas, offered to patients as a way to cover their faces and their identities from any passers-by.A similar scene played out 245 miles to the east at the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis’ Central West End.“This is the real agenda of Planned Parenthood, to put the destruction of human life over the safety and well being of women,” Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, told reporters as about half a dozen anti-abortion protesters stood behind him. “They are not fighting for women. They are fighting to remove every possible check on their harmful, deadly Business.”&nbsp;Westbrook said Monday kicked off a 6-day “intense prayer and fasting vigil” outside the St. Louis clinic. Coalition Life also restarted its sidewalk counseling efforts, partnering with Women’s Care Connect, a pregnancy resource center in Maryland Heights that he said also provides “abortion pill reversal.”Neither surgical nor medication abortions have begun again at the St. Louis location, Nick Dunne, with Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said Monday.“This,” Coleman said, “Is not a fight that ends ever.”&nbsp;

Republicans vow action after ruling allows abortion to resume in Missouri

KANSAS CITY– Employees with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service are among three defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing and cashing a U.S. Treasury check, according to the United State's Attorney.

KANSAS CITY– Employees with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service are among three defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing and cashing a U.S. Treasury check, according to the United State's Attorney.Sierra S. McCall, 31, of Independence, Mo., Jalen Koonce, 31, of Raytown, Mo., and Julian A. King, 31, address unknown, were charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Feb. 6. The indictment was unsealed and made public following Koonce’s arrest and initial court appearance on Friday, Feb. 7.McCall is employed by the IRS as a customer contact representative. Koonce is employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the sorting facility where government checks are processed.The federal indictment charges McCall, Koonce, and King together in one count of the theft of government property. The indictment alleges they aided and abetted each other to steal and cash a $72,236 U.S. Treasury check on Aug. 9, 2023.The indictment also charges Koonce and King each with one count of money laundering related to financial transactions on Aug. 9, 2023, that involved the proceeds of the theft of government property.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.

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