It's that time again as St. Joseph Restaurant Week is coming up later this month. 

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the always popular event is designed to help highlight restaurants at a time when business typically slows down 

"After the holidays, January and February are really hard months for them, and we know those local flavors and those local restaurants are so important to the identity and really that special niche that your community has, so we definitely like to highlight them and make sure that hey survive those couple of months where it’s just kind of rough for them, "Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

“Especially weather like this, you’re not getting out, you’re not eating out, and that’s tough for your local small businesses and restaurants.” 

Hawn says the event is also fun because it offers some new special menu items along with the normal restaurant menu 

"It gives the opportunity for that patron to go out, maybe try a restaurant they’ve never been to, or try a special menu, it’s kind of like having a secret menu, so it’s kind of fun to try something you don’t normally try at that restaurant,” Hawn explains.  “And it’s a really cool way for that restaurant to test a menu item, so maybe they’ve been wanting to look at a vegan option, and they don’t know if it’s going to go over well, it gives them the opportunity to try that.” 

Hawn encourages residents if they know of a restaurant they would like to see in the event to try pushing them to get involved. 

"Because it’s really a great way to get their name out,” Hawn says.  “It also doesn’t have to be every day of Restaurant Week, if they’re a location that’s only open a couple of days, that’s completely fine, it can be a special event, it can be just for the hours that they’re open, it doesn’t have to be during that whole week of Restaurant Week.” 

Restaurant week runs February 23rd through March 1st. You can find more information later this month at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675188642497.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt's that time again as St. Joseph Restaurant Week is coming up later this month. St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the always popular event is designed to help highlight restaurants at a time when business typically slows down "After the holidays, January and February are really hard months for them, and we know those local flavors and those local restaurants are so important to the identity and really that special niche that your community has, so we definitely like to highlight them and make sure that hey survive those couple of months where it’s just kind of rough for them, "Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. “Especially weather like this, you’re not getting out, you’re not eating out, and that’s tough for your local small businesses and restaurants.” Hawn says the event is also fun because it offers some new special menu items along with the normal restaurant menu "It gives the opportunity for that patron to go out, maybe try a restaurant they’ve never been to, or try a special menu, it’s kind of like having a secret menu, so it’s kind of fun to try something you don’t normally try at that restaurant,” Hawn explains. “And it’s a really cool way for that restaurant to test a menu item, so maybe they’ve been wanting to look at a vegan option, and they don’t know if it’s going to go over well, it gives them the opportunity to try that.” Hawn encourages residents if they know of a restaurant they would like to see in the event to try pushing them to get involved. "Because it’s really a great way to get their name out,” Hawn says. “It also doesn’t have to be every day of Restaurant Week, if they’re a location that’s only open a couple of days, that’s completely fine, it can be a special event, it can be just for the hours that they’re open, it doesn’t have to be during that whole week of Restaurant Week.” Restaurant week runs February 23rd through March 1st. You can find more information later this month at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/</a>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Restaurant Week later this month, restaurants encouraged to sign up now

By MATT PIKE<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6JJcKwIju7Q6fleRf6BOuT?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

Motorists traveling through Andrew County should prepare for minor delays. Route C was reduced to one lane on Feb. 4 at County Road 190 for utility work, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The project involves tree clearing for utilities conducted by Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, which is operating under a permit issued by MoDOT.&nbsp;

Crews will be active weekdays during daylight hours. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct alternating directions of traffic through the single open lane. This schedule is expected to remain in place through Feb. 13.

MoDOT officials urge all drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and be mindful of workers present on the roadway. All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731682320022.png" alt="road closed unsplash" />
 <figcaption>road closed unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHMotorists traveling through Andrew County should prepare for minor delays. Route C was reduced to one lane on Feb. 4 at County Road 190 for utility work, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.The project involves tree clearing for utilities conducted by Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, which is operating under a permit issued by MoDOT.&nbsp;Crews will be active weekdays during daylight hours. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct alternating directions of traffic through the single open lane. This schedule is expected to remain in place through Feb. 13.MoDOT officials urge all drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and be mindful of workers present on the roadway. All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

Lane closure scheduled for Route C in Andrew County

Legislation filed in the Missouri House seeks to ‘restore balance’ by limiting the amount of time students spend learning on electronic devices

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

Missouri lawmakers are moving to rein in elementary schools’ use of technology, debating legislation Wednesday that would cap students’ daily use of digital devices at 45 minutes.

“This bill is about restoring balance, common sense and childhood to Missouri classrooms,” said state Rep. Tricia Byrnes, a Republican from Wentzville. “Before we lose another generation of students to screens.”

The House Education Committee on Wednesday raised some concerns about identical bills filed by Byrnes and state Rep. Marlene Terry, a Democrat from Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly, who chairs the committee, said he thought the 45-minute requirement was “too prescriptive,” indicating that changes are likely.

“I don’t disagree that we need to address screen time,” he said. “How we do that is definitely something we have to discuss.”

Byrnes said she was willing to make edits, saying she and Terry “will work with you to get those laptops off those babies’ desks.”

As presented Wednesday, the bill would only impact kindergarten through fifth grade with a daily limit on digital instruction and a requirement that at least 70% of assignments be handwritten. It also seeks to bar schools from requiring students to bring laptops home and would mandate cursive writing instruction.

Byrnes described the legislation as a “responsible course correction,” saying schools have become too reliant on devices like iPads and laptops to provide instructional materials and assignments over the past decade.

Vanessa Whittle, an instructional technology specialist in the Waynesville School District speaking from her personal experiences, told the committee that she was a “vocal advocate” for initiatives to assign a laptop or iPad to each student 10 years ago.

While she still believes technology is beneficial in the classroom, she warns against giving students too much digital access before they are “developmentally ready.”

“Educators are seeing these trends nationwide: immediate distraction when devices are opened, difficulty disengaging from their screens, rising digital safety alerts tied to mental health and online behavior and the use of the school device as a personal device, both in and outside of school,” she said.

Whittle is one of many educators who are in favor of more hands-on learning. Otto Fajen, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri National Education Association, said teachers are worried about students’ attention spans and support the change.

But making the switch away from virtual instruction may be challenging, he said, noting that state learning standards and testing mandates influence schools’ decision to buy laptops for students.

“They need the flexibility to not have the state push them in this direction,” Fajen said. “They need to make the decision based on best practices and what their educators seek.”

State Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar and former middle-school teacher, said her area’s school districts had similar concerns about testing when she asked them about the bill.

“They agree that students K-5 should not have a screen in front of them,” she said. “But what was also very common was (saying) school districts should be able to do this on their own. And then the next thing was, ‘Are we changing state testing?’”

She pointed to the cost of supplying more physical books and moving away from some of the digital textbooks and reading materials currently available.

The bill includes exceptions for “special-education needs” and assistive technology, but some worried the bill’s language was too broad and would permit schools to switch some hands-on special education to instruction on a laptop.

Tracey Bloch, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation, said schools are increasingly turning to digital instruction and instead of hands-on support for students with disabilities.

“Many families are having their children put in front of digital instruction for specialized minutes, and their parents are very unaware of how often it has happened until it’s too late,” she said. “Then we have to file for due process.”

Diane Dragan, a special education attorney, said a switch to online special education has spurred lawsuits costing school districts up to $150,000 to litigate.

“When schools remove teacher-led instruction from special education classrooms and instead log students into self-directed online learning programs, they do a profound disservice to our students,” she said.

No one spoke in opposition to the bill during the public hearing, and the committee adjourned without taking immediate action on the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770289629504.png" alt=" State Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R-Wentzville, presents a bill to the Missouri House Education Committee Wednesday that would limit use of technology in grades K-5 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R-Wentzville, presents a bill to the Missouri House Education Committee Wednesday that would limit use of technology in grades K-5 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation filed in the Missouri House seeks to ‘restore balance’ by limiting the amount of time students spend learning on electronic devices</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri lawmakers are moving to rein in elementary schools’ use of technology, debating legislation Wednesday that would cap students’ daily use of digital devices at 45 minutes.“This bill is about restoring balance, common sense and childhood to Missouri classrooms,” said state Rep. Tricia Byrnes, a Republican from Wentzville. “Before we lose another generation of students to screens.”The House Education Committee on Wednesday raised some concerns about identical bills filed by Byrnes and state Rep. Marlene Terry, a Democrat from Bellefontaine Neighbors.Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly, who chairs the committee, said he thought the 45-minute requirement was “too prescriptive,” indicating that changes are likely.“I don’t disagree that we need to address screen time,” he said. “How we do that is definitely something we have to discuss.”Byrnes said she was willing to make edits, saying she and Terry “will work with you to get those laptops off those babies’ desks.”As presented Wednesday, the bill would only impact kindergarten through fifth grade with a daily limit on digital instruction and a requirement that at least 70% of assignments be handwritten. It also seeks to bar schools from requiring students to bring laptops home and would mandate cursive writing instruction.Byrnes described the legislation as a “responsible course correction,” saying schools have become too reliant on devices like iPads and laptops to provide instructional materials and assignments over the past decade.Vanessa Whittle, an instructional technology specialist in the Waynesville School District speaking from her personal experiences, told the committee that she was a “vocal advocate” for initiatives to assign a laptop or iPad to each student 10 years ago.While she still believes technology is beneficial in the classroom, she warns against giving students too much digital access before they are “developmentally ready.”“Educators are seeing these trends nationwide: immediate distraction when devices are opened, difficulty disengaging from their screens, rising digital safety alerts tied to mental health and online behavior and the use of the school device as a personal device, both in and outside of school,” she said.Whittle is one of many educators who are in favor of more hands-on learning. Otto Fajen, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri National Education Association, said teachers are worried about students’ attention spans and support the change.But making the switch away from virtual instruction may be challenging, he said, noting that state learning standards and testing mandates influence schools’ decision to buy laptops for students.“They need the flexibility to not have the state push them in this direction,” Fajen said. “They need to make the decision based on best practices and what their educators seek.”State Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar and former middle-school teacher, said her area’s school districts had similar concerns about testing when she asked them about the bill.“They agree that students K-5 should not have a screen in front of them,” she said. “But what was also very common was (saying) school districts should be able to do this on their own. And then the next thing was, ‘Are we changing state testing?’”She pointed to the cost of supplying more physical books and moving away from some of the digital textbooks and reading materials currently available.The bill includes exceptions for “special-education needs” and assistive technology, but some worried the bill’s language was too broad and would permit schools to switch some hands-on special education to instruction on a laptop.Tracey Bloch, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation, said schools are increasingly turning to digital instruction and instead of hands-on support for students with disabilities.“Many families are having their children put in front of digital instruction for specialized minutes, and their parents are very unaware of how often it has happened until it’s too late,” she said. “Then we have to file for due process.”Diane Dragan, a special education attorney, said a switch to online special education has spurred lawsuits costing school districts up to $150,000 to litigate.“When schools remove teacher-led instruction from special education classrooms and instead log students into self-directed online learning programs, they do a profound disservice to our students,” she said.No one spoke in opposition to the bill during the public hearing, and the committee adjourned without taking immediate action on the bill.

Bill aims to cap Missouri elementary students’ daily screen time at 45 minutes

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

April ballots in 97 Missouri counties will include a question asking voters if they want to cap property tax bills. Whether the caps will take effect if approved remains an open question.

Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3796188" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;asking for a summary judgment that lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Plaintiffs%20Motion%20for%20Summary%20Judgement.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3760630" target="_blank">improperly enacted the caps</a>&nbsp;during a June special session. Limbaugh on Jan. 29&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order%20Denying%20Preliminary%20Injunction.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3791486" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;by counties that joined the case after it was filed seeking to block the April votes.

Limbaugh did not elaborate on his reasons for denying the motion for summary judgment or the preliminary injunction to block the votes.

The case will go to trial and a decision against the law would also invalidate the election results.

In the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-ends-with-passage-kc-stadium-funding-disaster-aid/">passed in June</a>&nbsp;to allow state subsidies for new professional sports stadiums, lawmakers included provisions that would set caps for some — but not all — property tax bills in the state.&nbsp;

In 75 counties, voters will be asked if they want to cap increases in property tax bills at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 counties, voters will be asked if they want to allow no year-to-year increases in their tax bills.

In the remaining 17 counties and the city of St. Louis, no cap was enacted.

The provisions include exemptions so taxes dedicated to debt payments, or new voter-approved tax rate increases, are added to the bills.

The tax base would be reset when a property changes hands.

The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/29/missouri-school-districts-challenge-law-offering-some-counties-property-tax-relief/">filed by two taxpayers</a>, six school districts and a fire district alleging the property tax caps are improperly passed special laws and violate constitutional provisions requiring uniformity in taxation.

Twenty-seven counties intervened in the lawsuit after it was filed, arguing that the cost of the election&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/26/judge-weighing-whether-to-allow-april-votes-on-new-missouri-property-tax-caps/">is an unfunded mandate</a>&nbsp;that violates the Missouri Constitution.

During arguments last week on the motion for summary judgment, attorney Jim Layton said the taxing districts were unable to find any rational basis for which counties have a 5% cap, which counties have a zero cap and which counties have no cap.

Lawmakers opted their counties into the legislation during a late-night floor session, deciding what level of relief they wanted for their area. Many of the state’s largest counties were excluded, leaving Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis out of the law.

The designations do not line up with studies by the state tax commission that determine whether local assessments reflect actual property values, Layton said. Among the counties with the biggest difference between actual and assessed values, he noted, some have a zero percent cap and others are 5% cap.

Taxpayers in those counties would see the biggest increase in tax bills if the assessments were increased to reflect actual values.

“What it shows is that there’s no pattern here,” Layton said.

Assistant Attorney General Sean McDowell, defended the law by arguing it does have a rational basis. The General Assembly wants property tax assessments to reflect actual values but doesn’t want taxpayers to be hit with giant increases in their bills.

Many, but not all, of the counties set at zero percent increase are small, rural counties, McDowell said, while those with a 5% cap are more populous areas where some growth in tax revenue is needed to offset increasing demand for government services.

Even the exceptions to the divisions fit in that rational basis, he said.

“It doesn’t have to be based on any empirical data or evidence,” McDowell said. “It can’t be, but it doesn’t have to be.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764511533908.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>April ballots in 97 Missouri counties will include a question asking voters if they want to cap property tax bills. Whether the caps will take effect if approved remains an open question.Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3796188" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;asking for a summary judgment that lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Plaintiffs%20Motion%20for%20Summary%20Judgement.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3760630" target="_blank">improperly enacted the caps</a>&nbsp;during a June special session. Limbaugh on Jan. 29&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order%20Denying%20Preliminary%20Injunction.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3791486" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;by counties that joined the case after it was filed seeking to block the April votes.Limbaugh did not elaborate on his reasons for denying the motion for summary judgment or the preliminary injunction to block the votes.The case will go to trial and a decision against the law would also invalidate the election results.In the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-ends-with-passage-kc-stadium-funding-disaster-aid/">passed in June</a>&nbsp;to allow state subsidies for new professional sports stadiums, lawmakers included provisions that would set caps for some — but not all — property tax bills in the state.&nbsp;In 75 counties, voters will be asked if they want to cap increases in property tax bills at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 counties, voters will be asked if they want to allow no year-to-year increases in their tax bills.In the remaining 17 counties and the city of St. Louis, no cap was enacted.The provisions include exemptions so taxes dedicated to debt payments, or new voter-approved tax rate increases, are added to the bills.The tax base would be reset when a property changes hands.The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/29/missouri-school-districts-challenge-law-offering-some-counties-property-tax-relief/">filed by two taxpayers</a>, six school districts and a fire district alleging the property tax caps are improperly passed special laws and violate constitutional provisions requiring uniformity in taxation.Twenty-seven counties intervened in the lawsuit after it was filed, arguing that the cost of the election&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/26/judge-weighing-whether-to-allow-april-votes-on-new-missouri-property-tax-caps/">is an unfunded mandate</a>&nbsp;that violates the Missouri Constitution.During arguments last week on the motion for summary judgment, attorney Jim Layton said the taxing districts were unable to find any rational basis for which counties have a 5% cap, which counties have a zero cap and which counties have no cap.Lawmakers opted their counties into the legislation during a late-night floor session, deciding what level of relief they wanted for their area. Many of the state’s largest counties were excluded, leaving Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis out of the law.The designations do not line up with studies by the state tax commission that determine whether local assessments reflect actual property values, Layton said. Among the counties with the biggest difference between actual and assessed values, he noted, some have a zero percent cap and others are 5% cap.Taxpayers in those counties would see the biggest increase in tax bills if the assessments were increased to reflect actual values.“What it shows is that there’s no pattern here,” Layton said.Assistant Attorney General Sean McDowell, defended the law by arguing it does have a rational basis. The General Assembly wants property tax assessments to reflect actual values but doesn’t want taxpayers to be hit with giant increases in their bills.Many, but not all, of the counties set at zero percent increase are small, rural counties, McDowell said, while those with a 5% cap are more populous areas where some growth in tax revenue is needed to offset increasing demand for government services.Even the exceptions to the divisions fit in that rational basis, he said.“It doesn’t have to be based on any empirical data or evidence,” McDowell said. “It can’t be, but it doesn’t have to be.”

Ruling allows April elections on Missouri property tax caps in 97 counties

While Missourians typically focus on shoveling snow in February, state emergency officials are urging residents to turn their attention toward a less predictable threat: the ground beneath their feet.

February marks Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, a period dedicated to preparing for "high-impact, low-frequency" seismic events.

"These types of natural disasters are unpredictable but carry the potential for catastrophic consequences," said Jim Remillard, director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). "They require training, planning, and building resilience across the emergency management, business, and transportation sectors."

The primary concern is the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri. In the winter of 1811-12, the zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. The tremors were so intense they destroyed buildings, rang church bells hundreds of miles away, and caused the Mississippi River to briefly flow backward.

The zone remains active today, averaging more than 200 small, imperceptible earthquakes annually. Experts estimate there is a 25% to 40% chance of a major earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.

Emergency officials recommend several immediate actions for residents, especially those in the state’s southeast corner:

State officials are also highlighting a significant decline in earthquake insurance coverage. According to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, coverage in the seven highest-risk counties has plummeted. In 2000, 60% of homes in those areas were covered; by 2024, that number dropped to 10%. Most standard homeowners policies do not include earthquake damage.

For more information, including interactive maps and safety videos, residents can visit the earthquake preparedness section of the <a href="https://sema.dps.mo.gov/">SEMA website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575313158185.png" alt="Earthquake" />
 <figcaption>Earthquake</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHWhile Missourians typically focus on shoveling snow in February, state emergency officials are urging residents to turn their attention toward a less predictable threat: the ground beneath their feet.February marks Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, a period dedicated to preparing for "high-impact, low-frequency" seismic events."These types of natural disasters are unpredictable but carry the potential for catastrophic consequences," said Jim Remillard, director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). "They require training, planning, and building resilience across the emergency management, business, and transportation sectors."The primary concern is the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri. In the winter of 1811-12, the zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. The tremors were so intense they destroyed buildings, rang church bells hundreds of miles away, and caused the Mississippi River to briefly flow backward.The zone remains active today, averaging more than 200 small, imperceptible earthquakes annually. Experts estimate there is a 25% to 40% chance of a major earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.Emergency officials recommend several immediate actions for residents, especially those in the state’s southeast corner:<ul>
 <li>Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On": In the event of shaking, get under a sturdy table or desk, drop to your knees, and protect your head. Falling debris remains the leading cause of injury in modern buildings.</li><li>Build an Emergency Kit: Kits should sustain a household for several days and include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first aid supplies, and blankets.</li><li>Secure the Home: Bolt bookcases to wall studs, install latches on cupboards, and secure water heaters to prevent gas leaks or fires. Move heavy objects to lower shelves.</li><li>Create a Communication Plan: Designate an out-of-area contact living at least 100 miles away to serve as a central check-in point for family members.</li>
 </ul>State officials are also highlighting a significant decline in earthquake insurance coverage. According to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, coverage in the seven highest-risk counties has plummeted. In 2000, 60% of homes in those areas were covered; by 2024, that number dropped to 10%. Most standard homeowners policies do not include earthquake damage.For more information, including interactive maps and safety videos, residents can visit the earthquake preparedness section of the <a href="https://sema.dps.mo.gov/">SEMA website</a>.

Missouri’s ‘Sleeping Giant’: Why February is the month to prepare for earthquakes

It may still be cold and frigid, even with temperatures set to warm up this weekend, but the St. Joseph Sports Commission is already looking ahead to September as registration is now open for the fourth annual St. Joseph Marathon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Marathon offers five different options, with the full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and a relay team.&nbsp; A virtual marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K is also offered for people to sign up for.

As an added incentive to sign up early and as a thank you for running in previous years, all previous St. Joseph Marathon runners can save 10% percent off their registration by entering the code EARLYBIRD2026 with their registration. The code is only valid until February 8th.&nbsp; You can register for the marathon by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHre8Gvwawi-6gnHjBkEHVmV3k38lJIcVqpod0SRa3WzjzT_D_5zLuaIvq_wS_aem_nPdwqTOXdyc-Pq3xinruIg">HERE</a>.

The St. Joseph Sports Commission is continuing to work on some additional incentives for the 2026 marathon, including enhancing the race swag for each participant.&nbsp; There are also hopes that remain to partner with another race around the region to form a series, which could create additional registration options.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726589691862.jpeg" alt="File Photo " />
 <figcaption>File Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt may still be cold and frigid, even with temperatures set to warm up this weekend, but the St. Joseph Sports Commission is already looking ahead to September as registration is now open for the fourth annual St. Joseph Marathon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The St. Joseph Marathon offers five different options, with the full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and a relay team.&nbsp; A virtual marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K is also offered for people to sign up for.As an added incentive to sign up early and as a thank you for running in previous years, all previous St. Joseph Marathon runners can save 10% percent off their registration by entering the code EARLYBIRD2026 with their registration. The code is only valid until February 8th.&nbsp; You can register for the marathon by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHre8Gvwawi-6gnHjBkEHVmV3k38lJIcVqpod0SRa3WzjzT_D_5zLuaIvq_wS_aem_nPdwqTOXdyc-Pq3xinruIg">HERE</a>.The St. Joseph Sports Commission is continuing to work on some additional incentives for the 2026 marathon, including enhancing the race swag for each participant.&nbsp; There are also hopes that remain to partner with another race around the region to form a series, which could create additional registration options.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Registration open for fourth St. Joseph Marathon

Big bubbles and big fun will be the theme during the Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend.

The show is open to all ages, filled with giant bubbles from two performers, Kirk Marsh and Jackie Weinstock.

Information on Circus of Bubbles website says Marsh brings years of clowning and comedy experience with him from Ringling Bros. circus where he trained and worked. Blossoming from there, he now performs his shows all over the world. He has played in over 55 countries and loves making people laugh everywhere he can. His love of bubbles brought him to where he is today. He is thankful for the journey he has taken and the people he has met from all of his journeys. He has helped Jack with the props and has designed many of the wands and apparatus you'll see in the show with 3D printed parts and his "interesting" brain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weinstock spent six months in China learning how to foot juggle from the masters of their craft. She brings that ancient knowledge to Circus of Bubbles. She also designed and built the set and the puppy puppet in the show.

There will be giant bubbles filling the stage, along with bubble creations and a bit of physical comedy thrown in.

Two shows will be held at the Rose Theatre in Maryville on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Tickets and more information can be found <a href="https://www.circusofbubbles.com/tour">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760456105736.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHBig bubbles and big fun will be the theme during the Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend.The show is open to all ages, filled with giant bubbles from two performers, Kirk Marsh and Jackie Weinstock.Information on Circus of Bubbles website says Marsh brings years of clowning and comedy experience with him from Ringling Bros. circus where he trained and worked. Blossoming from there, he now performs his shows all over the world. He has played in over 55 countries and loves making people laugh everywhere he can. His love of bubbles brought him to where he is today. He is thankful for the journey he has taken and the people he has met from all of his journeys. He has helped Jack with the props and has designed many of the wands and apparatus you'll see in the show with 3D printed parts and his "interesting" brain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Weinstock spent six months in China learning how to foot juggle from the masters of their craft. She brings that ancient knowledge to Circus of Bubbles. She also designed and built the set and the puppy puppet in the show.There will be giant bubbles filling the stage, along with bubble creations and a bit of physical comedy thrown in.Two shows will be held at the Rose Theatre in Maryville on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.Tickets and more information can be found <a href="https://www.circusofbubbles.com/tour">here</a>.

Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend

Authorities in Cameron, MO have released additional details about a structure fire that occurred Tuesday. Feb 3.

A massive structure fire destroyed multiple businesses and apartments in downtown Cameron prompting a coordinated response from seven regional fire departments in what officials described as likely the largest blaze the city has seen in two decades.

The Cameron Fire Department was dispatched at 2 p.m. to the 100 block of West 3rd Street. Responders arrived within two minutes, with fire crews on the scene by 2:04 p.m. to find several buildings engulfed.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency crews worked to evacuate residents and their pets from the affected apartments.

The scale of the fire required an extensive mutual aid response. Firefighting teams from St. Joseph, Central DeKalb, Union Star, Clarksdale, Stewartsville, Osborn, and the KAW Fire District joined Cameron crews to contain the flames and prevent further spread through the block.

"Incidents of this magnitude cannot be managed by one department alone," officials said in a statement, noting that the response highlighted the "critical importance of regional partnerships."

While firefighters battled the blaze, Cameron utility and street crews managed infrastructure needs, and local law enforcement agencies established perimeters and directed traffic. The American Red Cross is currently assisting those displaced by the fire.

Local businesses, including Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s, provided food, water, and supplies to first responders throughout the afternoon.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770229320139.png" alt="Photos St. Joseph Fire Department. Saint Joseph firefighters from Rescue 1, Quint 6, and 25 were dispatched to provide mutual aid to the Cameron Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos St. Joseph Fire Department. Saint Joseph firefighters from Rescue 1, Quint 6, and 25 were dispatched to provide mutual aid to the Cameron Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHAuthorities in Cameron, MO have released additional details about a structure fire that occurred Tuesday. Feb 3.A massive structure fire destroyed multiple businesses and apartments in downtown Cameron prompting a coordinated response from seven regional fire departments in what officials described as likely the largest blaze the city has seen in two decades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770229262888.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Cameron Fire Department was dispatched at 2 p.m. to the 100 block of West 3rd Street. Responders arrived within two minutes, with fire crews on the scene by 2:04 p.m. to find several buildings engulfed.No injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency crews worked to evacuate residents and their pets from the affected apartments.The scale of the fire required an extensive mutual aid response. Firefighting teams from St. Joseph, Central DeKalb, Union Star, Clarksdale, Stewartsville, Osborn, and the KAW Fire District joined Cameron crews to contain the flames and prevent further spread through the block."Incidents of this magnitude cannot be managed by one department alone," officials said in a statement, noting that the response highlighted the "critical importance of regional partnerships."While firefighters battled the blaze, Cameron utility and street crews managed infrastructure needs, and local law enforcement agencies established perimeters and directed traffic. The American Red Cross is currently assisting those displaced by the fire.Local businesses, including Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s, provided food, water, and supplies to first responders throughout the afternoon.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UPDATE: Seven departments battle largest Cameron structure fire in decades

The entire state of Missouri is in need of blood donors as the blood supply level has reached severely low levels of 35%. 

Executive Director of the American Red Cross northwest Missouri and Greater Kansas City chapter JoAnn Woody says its typical around this time to see donations low 

"It happens every year around the holidays, people get busy traveling, a lot of family plans, donating blood is about the last thing on their list, add to that flu season, just all the things,” Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “But the winter storm just made it even more pronounced, between people not being able to get to blood drives, between schools and businesses being closed and not being able to use their facilities for blood drives, it just compounded the issues completely.” 

Woody says the winter storms made it harder to get to blood drives but also forced around seven to be canceled around the Kansas City area. 

"Now if you figure each blood drive might have the ability to bring in about 15 to 25 blood donors, that’s 15 to 25 per drive, and if you lose seven drives you’re looking at close to 100 units of blood that went uncollected,” Woody explains  “So that’s 100, potentially lives, that were put maybe at risk somewhere down the road because blood supply may have been less or may not have been as readily available.”  

Woody says already people are beginning to recognize the need for blood and are getting back out and donating as February begins 

“Our team here at the Red Cross has been extremely aggressive in connecting with other businesses, connecting with other organizations, and doing what we can to shift people to other blood drives, maybe a blood drive in this part of the city was canceled but another one was able to stay, so trying to see if people can go to that blood drive instead ” Woody says.  “Or trying to bring on new potential blood drive hosts, so that we can maybe mitigate some of that, and they’ve been very successful so far.” 

All types of blood are needed, but the most requested are O negative and positive, as well as A and B negative.  

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760643494450.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe entire state of Missouri is in need of blood donors as the blood supply level has reached severely low levels of 35%. Executive Director of the American Red Cross northwest Missouri and Greater Kansas City chapter JoAnn Woody says its typical around this time to see donations low "It happens every year around the holidays, people get busy traveling, a lot of family plans, donating blood is about the last thing on their list, add to that flu season, just all the things,” Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But the winter storm just made it even more pronounced, between people not being able to get to blood drives, between schools and businesses being closed and not being able to use their facilities for blood drives, it just compounded the issues completely.” Woody says the winter storms made it harder to get to blood drives but also forced around seven to be canceled around the Kansas City area. "Now if you figure each blood drive might have the ability to bring in about 15 to 25 blood donors, that’s 15 to 25 per drive, and if you lose seven drives you’re looking at close to 100 units of blood that went uncollected,” Woody explains “So that’s 100, potentially lives, that were put maybe at risk somewhere down the road because blood supply may have been less or may not have been as readily available.” Woody says already people are beginning to recognize the need for blood and are getting back out and donating as February begins “Our team here at the Red Cross has been extremely aggressive in connecting with other businesses, connecting with other organizations, and doing what we can to shift people to other blood drives, maybe a blood drive in this part of the city was canceled but another one was able to stay, so trying to see if people can go to that blood drive instead ” Woody says. “Or trying to bring on new potential blood drive hosts, so that we can maybe mitigate some of that, and they’ve been very successful so far.” All types of blood are needed, but the most requested are O negative and positive, as well as A and B negative. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Blood donors needed as Missouri blood supply dips to severly low levels

The Joseph Company will host one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college athletics in St. Joseph next week at Word of Life Church to speak to local leaders. 

Anson Dorrance the longtime head coach of North Carolina Women's Soccer will speak as part of the 3D Institute on February 10th.  Dorrance led the Tar Heels program for more than four decades, leading his teams to 22 NCAA Division I national championships, the most by any head coach in any NCAA Division I team sport. 

While his record is unmatched, his broader influence comes from the way he shaped standards, accountability, and sustained excellence within his teams.

“This is a rare opportunity to learn in person from a coach whose influence reaches far beyond soccer,” said Wes Simmons, President and CEO of 3D Institute and Founder of The Joseph Company Initiative in a news release. “Coach Dorrance’s perspective on competition, culture, and daily habits translates to any environment where people are being coached or led.”

In addition to coaching legendary players such as Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, Dorrance is widely respected for his belief that competition, when designed well, is a powerful developmental tool. His ideas continue to shape how leaders think about performance, confidence, and long-term growth across sport, education, business, and community life.

The February 10 event will also serve as the kickoff to the Spring session of the 3D Master’s Class, part of the broader initiative known as Becoming St. Joseph: The City of Coaches, which seeks to equip leaders across all sectors of the community to coach and lead with clarity and purpose.

The event will take place from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Event Center at Word of Life Church. The event is free and open to the public, with advance RSVP requested. More information and event registration are available at <a href="http://www.thejosephcompany.com">www.thejosephcompany.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744201022702.jpeg" alt="Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field, also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field during a presentation at Word of Life Church.&nbsp; The Joseph Company this month will host Adam Dorrance at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field, also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field during a presentation at Word of Life Church.&nbsp; The Joseph Company this month will host Adam Dorrance at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Joseph Company will host one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college athletics in St. Joseph next week at Word of Life Church to speak to local leaders. Anson Dorrance the longtime head coach of North Carolina Women's Soccer will speak as part of the 3D Institute on February 10th. Dorrance led the Tar Heels program for more than four decades, leading his teams to 22 NCAA Division I national championships, the most by any head coach in any NCAA Division I team sport. While his record is unmatched, his broader influence comes from the way he shaped standards, accountability, and sustained excellence within his teams.“This is a rare opportunity to learn in person from a coach whose influence reaches far beyond soccer,” said Wes Simmons, President and CEO of 3D Institute and Founder of The Joseph Company Initiative in a news release. “Coach Dorrance’s perspective on competition, culture, and daily habits translates to any environment where people are being coached or led.”In addition to coaching legendary players such as Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, Dorrance is widely respected for his belief that competition, when designed well, is a powerful developmental tool. His ideas continue to shape how leaders think about performance, confidence, and long-term growth across sport, education, business, and community life.The February 10 event will also serve as the kickoff to the Spring session of the 3D Master’s Class, part of the broader initiative known as Becoming St. Joseph: The City of Coaches, which seeks to equip leaders across all sectors of the community to coach and lead with clarity and purpose.The event will take place from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Event Center at Word of Life Church. The event is free and open to the public, with advance RSVP requested. More information and event registration are available at <a href="http://www.thejosephcompany.com">www.thejosephcompany.com</a>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Joseph Company welcomes legendary college soccer coach to speak to local leaders

The St. Joseph Police Department says at this time, there are several active warrants in the St. Joseph Municipal Court system. 

Issued warrants can range from an unpaid parking ticket to code violations. You can view the most current active warrant <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17458/Active-Warrants-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPwL-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJanNHZDFXaE9MSmhGbkZuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuLATUL4iLoB0euaPUDFdQwyVUk2dtXupNJfJrwmsaaOrJJOC0vTr1VeDa86_aem_B2Nn676kbxY-s3OwDKuwqg">list at this link</a>.

For questions or more information, call the Municipal Court office directly at 271-4686.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566580104802.png" alt="sjpd patrol car st joseph police department" />
 <figcaption>sjpd patrol car st joseph police department</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Joseph Police Department says at this time, there are several active warrants in the St. Joseph Municipal Court system. Issued warrants can range from an unpaid parking ticket to code violations. You can view the most current active warrant <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17458/Active-Warrants-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPwL-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJanNHZDFXaE9MSmhGbkZuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuLATUL4iLoB0euaPUDFdQwyVUk2dtXupNJfJrwmsaaOrJJOC0vTr1VeDa86_aem_B2Nn676kbxY-s3OwDKuwqg">list at this link</a>.For questions or more information, call the Municipal Court office directly at 271-4686.

Reminder: Check to see if you have a warrant in St. Joseph

A multi-structure fire in Cameron is under investigation after several buildings, including apartments, were destroyed.

The fire occurred on West Third Street next to McKorckles around 2 p.m. on February 3. Firefighters from seven agencies, including St. Joseph Rescue 1, along with Quint 6 and 25, battled the blaze until after 8:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770229320139.png" alt="Photos St. Joseph Fire Department.&nbsp;Saint Joseph firefighters from Rescue 1, Quint 6, and 25 were dispatched to provide mutual aid to the Cameron Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos St. Joseph Fire Department.&nbsp;Saint Joseph firefighters from Rescue 1, Quint 6, and 25 were dispatched to provide mutual aid to the Cameron Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA multi-structure fire in Cameron is under investigation after several buildings, including apartments, were destroyed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770229262888.png" alt="Photo St. Joseph Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Joseph Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire occurred on West Third Street next to McKorckles around 2 p.m. on February 3. Firefighters from seven agencies, including St. Joseph Rescue 1, along with Quint 6 and 25, battled the blaze until after 8:30 p.m.No injuries were reported.

Multi-structure fire under investigation in Cameron

By MATT PIKE<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7HolpxBDWB509EQyoUcrF6?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Krug Park will be closed to traffic Wednesday, Feb. 4 due to tree trimming over the roadway. 

According to a post on the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the project is scheduled to only take one day to complete. Additionally, the building at Noyes Tennis courts is closed to visitors due to broken water pipes and water damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736882881381.jpeg" alt="Krug Park_lagoon" />
 <figcaption>Krug Park_lagoon</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHKrug Park will be closed to traffic Wednesday, Feb. 4 due to tree trimming over the roadway. According to a post on the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the project is scheduled to only take one day to complete. Additionally, the building at Noyes Tennis courts is closed to visitors due to broken water pipes and water damage.

Krug Park closed to traffic Wednesday

The latest data show enrollment fell about 12% in Missouri and 3.5% in Kansas for 2026. But experts say that doesn’t tell the full story

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>

As small-business owners, Sonya Andrews and her husband are used to uncertainty.

Sonya runs a business offering graphic and web design services, while her husband is a commercial photographer. They also own a studio in Kansas City’s West Bottoms and have one employee who works remotely from Florida.

Every month is different for them when it comes to business. But this year, they’re feeling more pressure, thanks to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits available for Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Andrews and her husband also have a daughter with autism and need higher levels of coverage. Previously, they carried Aetna insurance through the marketplace, but Aetna is no longer an option for them. For 2026, as their daughter gets older and with enhanced subsidies expiring, they made the tough decision to downgrade their&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/11/10/aca-premiums-set-to-soar-out-of-reach-for-many-kansas-citians/" target="_blank">ACA coverage</a>&nbsp;rather than pay a much higher premium.

But arriving at that decision wasn’t easy. Sonya spent weeks researching and comparing plans with marketplace navigators and her husband. They’re planning to closely monitor their income to make sure they don’t make too much and lose their subsidies entirely, adding more pressure to the realities of owning a small business.

“I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to make this decision,” Andrews said. “You’re making choices like, ‘Well, we’re in our mid-40s. Our daughter is young and has already had most of the expensive things done. Can we roll the dice for a few years?’”

But, unlike Andrews, tens of thousands of Missourians have opted out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace altogether after the enhanced subsidies expired.

Enhanced subsidies came into Obamacare in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, in an effort to ease the cost of the Affordable Care Act for Americans. The enhanced subsidies were extended again through the end of 2025, but were allowed to expire ahead of open enrollment in 2026.

Without the enhanced subsidies, which offered tax credits to Americans enrolled in Obamacare, people were told they could expect an average 114% increase in their premium costs for 2026.

For someone with a household income of $55,000 (about 351% of the federal poverty line), premium costs shot up nearly $1,500 annually heading into 2026, KFF estimates.

Experts like the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans would move away from Obamacare in 2026 as a result.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/quick-take/aca-signups-are-down-but-still-an-incomplete-picture/" target="_blank">Nationwide</a>, enrollment so far has dropped by about 1.2 million people.

In Missouri, nearly 51,000 people dropped off the Affordable Care Act rolls from January 2025 through the end of the 2026 open enrollment period, the latest data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show. Nearly 366,000 people enrolled this year, compared to 417,000 enrollees in January 2025.

Kansas had a smaller drop. Nearly 193,000 people enrolled, compared to about 200,000 who were enrolled in January of last year, the data show.

More people are enrolled in both states than in 2024, data shows.

Still, in Missouri, 50,000 people potentially without insurance is a large number when the state’s uninsured population is already around 457,000, said Timothy McBride, a health care economist and professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

“That’s over a 10% increase in that number,” McBride said.

Plus, McBride said, the numbers don’t reflect those who may have downgraded their plans to lower premiums, like the Andrews family did, or those who may disenroll or let their plans lapse by not paying their now-higher premiums.

Data&nbsp;<a href="https://chir.georgetown.edu/clues-in-state-data-suggest-declines-in-early-marketplace-enrollment-data-may-be-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/" target="_blank">compiled</a>&nbsp;by Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms found that several state-based marketplaces were reporting that Americans were canceling their plans at higher rates than in the past. In Idaho and Pennsylvania, disenrollments have so far quadrupled compared to last year, with more people citing affordability concerns.

In December, Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace reported that only 77% of enrollees had paid their initial premium for the year, compared to 88% the year before.

Without data from the federal government on what plans people chose, it’s too early to say what the impact of more bronze than silver plans will be, McBride said.

But people are generally choosing to trade lower premiums for higher deductibles, based on what Kevin Wehner, a marketplace navigator at Missouri Connections for Health, saw throughout the open enrollment period.

“The silver plan premiums were just out of reach for a lot of people,” Wehner said. “They ended up switching to bronze or gold plans.”

Others opted for the higher monthly premiums — up to&nbsp; $1,000 in some cases — or chose to become part of a health-sharing community, where a group of people all pay into a shared pot to split the cost of care.

It’s a consideration Craig Heimericks and his husband have had for years, amid rising health care costs. The pair co-own rental properties around Rolla, Missouri, and the variable costs of the business constantly keep them on their toes, especially when it comes to health insurance.

“My husband and I had a plan on the exchange last year. It was great coverage, but was getting more and more expensive every year, to the point where we had been discussing ways to drop coverage and self insure,” Heimericks said in an email.

“But as a business owner, the risk is just too high that one big medical event would bankrupt everything we’ve worked for the last 20 years. Honestly, sometimes it feels like we’re being held hostage by the health care industry as a whole, and there doesn’t seem to be a way out,” he said.

Heimericks ended up downgrading his plan for 2026, with deductibles just under $5,000 per person and their maximum out-of-pocket costs capped at $20,300. Still, Heimericks and his husband are planning on over $1,655 a month in premiums, and they don’t yet have a grasp on what the cost of their prescriptions will be under their new plan.

In 2025, they paid about $1,630 a month, but had lower deductibles and caps on out-of-pocket costs.

“The big difference was people who would normally qualify for the cost-sharing reduction would enroll in the silver plan in previous years,” Wehner said. “Hardly anyone did that this year.”

So far, California’s state-based marketplace is seeing more people enroll in bronze plans, at 37% in 2026 compared to 23% in 2025. Other states like Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island are reporting a higher share of customers switching to bronze plans for 2026, the Georgetown data shows.

What the data doesn’t show, McBride said, was the higher deductible cost that those in Missouri and Kansas will take on.

People may have a costly health event and not expect to have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs before meeting their deductible, McBride said, which ultimately can pass the cost onto other health care customers.

“One of the things we saw early on, because the premiums were so low for bronze plans … younger people, especially healthy people, would pick that plan and have a $7,000 or $8,000 deductible,” McBride said. “They’d get bad luck … and then they’d show up to the hospital and get a bill for $8,000 and they’d be like, ‘Wait a minute, I thought I had Obamacare.’”

Ultimately, many aren’t prepared to take on that higher cost and end up unable to pay their bills, McBride said, and that is then passed onto the consumer.

“The hospital or health system can try to get the money from them but usually can only get a fraction of it,” McBride said. “Then the hospital just has to bury that cost, or shift it to the rest of us. It has a short or long-term effect on someone’s health status, and it also ends up rippling to all the rest of us.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/02/02/affordable-care-act-enrollment-missouri-kansas-2026-enhanced-subsidies/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770204169677.png" alt=" Tens of thousands of Missourians and Kansans opted out out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace altogether after the enhanced subsidies expired (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption> Tens of thousands of Missourians and Kansans opted out out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace altogether after the enhanced subsidies expired (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The latest data show enrollment fell about 12% in Missouri and 3.5% in Kansas for 2026. But experts say that doesn’t tell the full story</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>As small-business owners, Sonya Andrews and her husband are used to uncertainty.Sonya runs a business offering graphic and web design services, while her husband is a commercial photographer. They also own a studio in Kansas City’s West Bottoms and have one employee who works remotely from Florida.Every month is different for them when it comes to business. But this year, they’re feeling more pressure, thanks to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits available for Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.Andrews and her husband also have a daughter with autism and need higher levels of coverage. Previously, they carried Aetna insurance through the marketplace, but Aetna is no longer an option for them. For 2026, as their daughter gets older and with enhanced subsidies expiring, they made the tough decision to downgrade their&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/11/10/aca-premiums-set-to-soar-out-of-reach-for-many-kansas-citians/" target="_blank">ACA coverage</a>&nbsp;rather than pay a much higher premium.But arriving at that decision wasn’t easy. Sonya spent weeks researching and comparing plans with marketplace navigators and her husband. They’re planning to closely monitor their income to make sure they don’t make too much and lose their subsidies entirely, adding more pressure to the realities of owning a small business.“I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to make this decision,” Andrews said. “You’re making choices like, ‘Well, we’re in our mid-40s. Our daughter is young and has already had most of the expensive things done. Can we roll the dice for a few years?’”But, unlike Andrews, tens of thousands of Missourians have opted out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace altogether after the enhanced subsidies expired.<h2>Significant drops in enrollment&nbsp;</h2>Enhanced subsidies came into Obamacare in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, in an effort to ease the cost of the Affordable Care Act for Americans. The enhanced subsidies were extended again through the end of 2025, but were allowed to expire ahead of open enrollment in 2026.Without the enhanced subsidies, which offered tax credits to Americans enrolled in Obamacare, people were told they could expect an average 114% increase in their premium costs for 2026.For someone with a household income of $55,000 (about 351% of the federal poverty line), premium costs shot up nearly $1,500 annually heading into 2026, KFF estimates.Experts like the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans would move away from Obamacare in 2026 as a result.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/quick-take/aca-signups-are-down-but-still-an-incomplete-picture/" target="_blank">Nationwide</a>, enrollment so far has dropped by about 1.2 million people.In Missouri, nearly 51,000 people dropped off the Affordable Care Act rolls from January 2025 through the end of the 2026 open enrollment period, the latest data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show. Nearly 366,000 people enrolled this year, compared to 417,000 enrollees in January 2025.Kansas had a smaller drop. Nearly 193,000 people enrolled, compared to about 200,000 who were enrolled in January of last year, the data show.More people are enrolled in both states than in 2024, data shows.Still, in Missouri, 50,000 people potentially without insurance is a large number when the state’s uninsured population is already around 457,000, said Timothy McBride, a health care economist and professor at Washington University in St. Louis.“That’s over a 10% increase in that number,” McBride said.Plus, McBride said, the numbers don’t reflect those who may have downgraded their plans to lower premiums, like the Andrews family did, or those who may disenroll or let their plans lapse by not paying their now-higher premiums.Data&nbsp;<a href="https://chir.georgetown.edu/clues-in-state-data-suggest-declines-in-early-marketplace-enrollment-data-may-be-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/" target="_blank">compiled</a>&nbsp;by Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms found that several state-based marketplaces were reporting that Americans were canceling their plans at higher rates than in the past. In Idaho and Pennsylvania, disenrollments have so far quadrupled compared to last year, with more people citing affordability concerns.In December, Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace reported that only 77% of enrollees had paid their initial premium for the year, compared to 88% the year before.<h2>The impact of lower-coverage plans</h2>Without data from the federal government on what plans people chose, it’s too early to say what the impact of more bronze than silver plans will be, McBride said.But people are generally choosing to trade lower premiums for higher deductibles, based on what Kevin Wehner, a marketplace navigator at Missouri Connections for Health, saw throughout the open enrollment period.“The silver plan premiums were just out of reach for a lot of people,” Wehner said. “They ended up switching to bronze or gold plans.”Others opted for the higher monthly premiums — up to&nbsp; $1,000 in some cases — or chose to become part of a health-sharing community, where a group of people all pay into a shared pot to split the cost of care.It’s a consideration Craig Heimericks and his husband have had for years, amid rising health care costs. The pair co-own rental properties around Rolla, Missouri, and the variable costs of the business constantly keep them on their toes, especially when it comes to health insurance.“My husband and I had a plan on the exchange last year. It was great coverage, but was getting more and more expensive every year, to the point where we had been discussing ways to drop coverage and self insure,” Heimericks said in an email.“But as a business owner, the risk is just too high that one big medical event would bankrupt everything we’ve worked for the last 20 years. Honestly, sometimes it feels like we’re being held hostage by the health care industry as a whole, and there doesn’t seem to be a way out,” he said.Heimericks ended up downgrading his plan for 2026, with deductibles just under $5,000 per person and their maximum out-of-pocket costs capped at $20,300. Still, Heimericks and his husband are planning on over $1,655 a month in premiums, and they don’t yet have a grasp on what the cost of their prescriptions will be under their new plan.In 2025, they paid about $1,630 a month, but had lower deductibles and caps on out-of-pocket costs.“The big difference was people who would normally qualify for the cost-sharing reduction would enroll in the silver plan in previous years,” Wehner said. “Hardly anyone did that this year.”So far, California’s state-based marketplace is seeing more people enroll in bronze plans, at 37% in 2026 compared to 23% in 2025. Other states like Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island are reporting a higher share of customers switching to bronze plans for 2026, the Georgetown data shows.What the data doesn’t show, McBride said, was the higher deductible cost that those in Missouri and Kansas will take on.People may have a costly health event and not expect to have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs before meeting their deductible, McBride said, which ultimately can pass the cost onto other health care customers.“One of the things we saw early on, because the premiums were so low for bronze plans … younger people, especially healthy people, would pick that plan and have a $7,000 or $8,000 deductible,” McBride said. “They’d get bad luck … and then they’d show up to the hospital and get a bill for $8,000 and they’d be like, ‘Wait a minute, I thought I had Obamacare.’”Ultimately, many aren’t prepared to take on that higher cost and end up unable to pay their bills, McBride said, and that is then passed onto the consumer.“The hospital or health system can try to get the money from them but usually can only get a fraction of it,” McBride said. “Then the hospital just has to bury that cost, or shift it to the rest of us. It has a short or long-term effect on someone’s health status, and it also ends up rippling to all the rest of us.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/02/02/affordable-care-act-enrollment-missouri-kansas-2026-enhanced-subsidies/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

As ACA subsidies expire, thousands of Missourians drop coverage or downgrade plans

Incumbent Mayor John Josendale and Larry Miller were chosen by Buchanan County voters as the two that will run for St. Joseph Mayor in April's election.&nbsp;

The Buchanan County Clerk's office reports 10.5% of county registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's single issue primary with all 15 precincts reporting.

Josendale received 1,839 votes, or 40.4% of the votes, while Miller received 1,170, or 25.7%.&nbsp; Jonathan McClain just narrowly trailed Miller with 1,120 votes, or 24.6%, while Kenneth Reeder received 418 votes, or 9%.

Josendale and Miller will now advance to the General Municipal Election on April 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday's election results also show a notable decrease in voter participation compared with the last municipal primary in St. Joseph in 2022, which did have more issues on the ballot, with 24.5% turning out to the polls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769635305807.jpeg" alt="John Josendale (far left) and Larry Miller (right) were voted as the final two to run for St. Joseph Mayor in Tuesday's Buchanan County Primary Election/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John Josendale (far left) and Larry Miller (right) were voted as the final two to run for St. Joseph Mayor in Tuesday's Buchanan County Primary Election/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIncumbent Mayor John Josendale and Larry Miller were chosen by Buchanan County voters as the two that will run for St. Joseph Mayor in April's election.&nbsp;The Buchanan County Clerk's office reports 10.5% of county registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's single issue primary with all 15 precincts reporting.Josendale received 1,839 votes, or 40.4% of the votes, while Miller received 1,170, or 25.7%.&nbsp; Jonathan McClain just narrowly trailed Miller with 1,120 votes, or 24.6%, while Kenneth Reeder received 418 votes, or 9%.Josendale and Miller will now advance to the General Municipal Election on April 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday's election results also show a notable decrease in voter participation compared with the last municipal primary in St. Joseph in 2022, which did have more issues on the ballot, with 24.5% turning out to the polls.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Josendale, Miller voted as final two to run for St. Joseph Mayor

The St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter are gearing up for one of their largest fundraisers of the year next weekend.  

Melanie Barnes with Friends says Raise Your Paws for the Cause is the second longest running fundraiser for the organization, and is the second largest event hosted by the organization 

"From a gathering and planning perspective it is one of the top three fundraisers that we do as well, so it is up there on a pretty significant fundraising opportunity for us,” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “It’s a well-organized event, it is meant to be open for everyone, so from a cost perspective or from an involvement perspective, we want anyone who wants to be able to come and support the animal shelter we want them to be able to do that.” 

Barnes says the event is a dinner and an auction, but this year the organization is offering something different 

“You can buy both the dinner and the auction and that is for $65, or if you don’t want to go for the dinner and you just want to go for the auction to spend money and raise money for pets, or if you like that competitive spirit of raising the paddle or bidding on things, getting into that competition and winning items, you can go for just the auction at $20 a piece,” Barnes explains. 

“So, there’s two options this year, I think it will hopefully be a good way for many, many more people to get involved.” 

The event will be held on February 14th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center from 6 to 9 pm.   

Barnes says all the money raised during the event goes to help with the efforts that Friends of the Animal Shelter provides 

"Money goes directly towards medical fees, enrichment items, things purchased for the shelter down there, as well as adoption fees,” Barnes says.  “I’ve preached enough that anytime we run those adoption fees, the Friends of the Animal Shelter is making up that monetary difference for the Animal Control essentially, the city does not just reduce adoption fees.” 

You can visit Friend of the Animal Shelters website by clicking <a href="https://petforu.com/">HERE</a> and going to the events tab.

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter are gearing up for one of their largest fundraisers of the year next weekend. Melanie Barnes with Friends says Raise Your Paws for the Cause is the second longest running fundraiser for the organization, and is the second largest event hosted by the organization "From a gathering and planning perspective it is one of the top three fundraisers that we do as well, so it is up there on a pretty significant fundraising opportunity for us,” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show. “It’s a well-organized event, it is meant to be open for everyone, so from a cost perspective or from an involvement perspective, we want anyone who wants to be able to come and support the animal shelter we want them to be able to do that.” Barnes says the event is a dinner and an auction, but this year the organization is offering something different “You can buy both the dinner and the auction and that is for $65, or if you don’t want to go for the dinner and you just want to go for the auction to spend money and raise money for pets, or if you like that competitive spirit of raising the paddle or bidding on things, getting into that competition and winning items, you can go for just the auction at $20 a piece,” Barnes explains. “So, there’s two options this year, I think it will hopefully be a good way for many, many more people to get involved.” The event will be held on February 14th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center from 6 to 9 pm. Barnes says all the money raised during the event goes to help with the efforts that Friends of the Animal Shelter provides "Money goes directly towards medical fees, enrichment items, things purchased for the shelter down there, as well as adoption fees,” Barnes says. “I’ve preached enough that anytime we run those adoption fees, the Friends of the Animal Shelter is making up that monetary difference for the Animal Control essentially, the city does not just reduce adoption fees.” You can visit Friend of the Animal Shelters website by clicking <a href="https://petforu.com/">HERE</a> and going to the events tab.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Raise your paw for the cause to raise money to aid the St. Joseph Animal Shelter

You could score $50,000 with your perfect score prediction for the big game on Sunday! The great thing it doesn't cost you anything like betting on the game would. Good Luck!&nbsp;

You could score $50,000 with your perfect score prediction for the big game on Sunday! The great thing it doesn't cost you anything like betting on the game would. Good Luck!&nbsp;<div><a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/315/2026/02/03124648/big-game-rules-2026-pdf.pdf">Rules</a>
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