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

St. Joseph Restaurant Week, hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Joe Town Fun, is officially here. 

Chamber spokesperson Kristi Bailey says the week is designed to make residents want to get out and dine 

"We try to do it after the Super Bowl, after Valentines Day, in what can be a slow time for restaurants," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "To get people just that extra incentive to get out and try something new, either a new item on the menu or go to a place a consumer hasn't been before." 

26 area restaurants are participating in the weeklong event that runs through Sunday, the 23rd. 

Several fun events will be hosted at area restaurants during the week.  Bailey says along with fun events, there are also some giveaways the Chamber does on its social media pages 

"We give out $25 gift certificates all week long," Bailey explains.  "And we usually do it, like I put the first one out on Friday and it was for Geneo's just saying hey Restaurant Week starts next week, for your chance to win a $25 gift card to Geneo's tell me your favorite Italian food." 

Bailey says quite often during the event people will mention in these giveaways that there are restaurants they have never tried before and end up going to try during the week.  

Bailey says not only does the event encourage people to try something new, it allows restaurants to try out some new menu items 

"Maybe it's something that they've been wanting to mess around with but it's hard to get out of routines," Bailey says.  "And so, Restaurant Week is a fun time to try something new, so it gives them an opportunity to be creative and try something new out, so even if you're a fan favorite of a certain restaurant, you still might get a chance to try something you've never tried before." 

You can find a list of participating restaurants at <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">stjrestaurantweek.com</a>

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Restaurant Week, hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Joe Town Fun, is officially here. Chamber spokesperson Kristi Bailey says the week is designed to make residents want to get out and dine "We try to do it after the Super Bowl, after Valentines Day, in what can be a slow time for restaurants," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "To get people just that extra incentive to get out and try something new, either a new item on the menu or go to a place a consumer hasn't been before." 26 area restaurants are participating in the weeklong event that runs through Sunday, the 23rd. Several fun events will be hosted at area restaurants during the week. Bailey says along with fun events, there are also some giveaways the Chamber does on its social media pages "We give out $25 gift certificates all week long," Bailey explains. "And we usually do it, like I put the first one out on Friday and it was for Geneo's just saying hey Restaurant Week starts next week, for your chance to win a $25 gift card to Geneo's tell me your favorite Italian food." Bailey says quite often during the event people will mention in these giveaways that there are restaurants they have never tried before and end up going to try during the week. Bailey says not only does the event encourage people to try something new, it allows restaurants to try out some new menu items "Maybe it's something that they've been wanting to mess around with but it's hard to get out of routines," Bailey says. "And so, Restaurant Week is a fun time to try something new, so it gives them an opportunity to be creative and try something new out, so even if you're a fan favorite of a certain restaurant, you still might get a chance to try something you've never tried before." You can find a list of participating restaurants at <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">stjrestaurantweek.com</a>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Try something new during St. Joseph Restaurant Week

St. Joseph is
attempting to deal with a landfill that is filling up quickly with little room
to spare.

St. Joseph City
Manager Mike Schumacher says the city will have to address revenue soon,
because landfill rates haven’t gone up since 2004.

“I’m a pretty big
believer in the free market and capitalism,” Schumacher tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “At the end of the day, our landfill sells a product and a
service and that is for commercial, for-profit businesses to dispose of waste.
It’s an important component to the community. We most certainly want to support
our for-profit business. But at the same time, we need to make sure that we’re planning
for the future.”

Before planning
for the future, the city must deal with a present crisis.

The St. Joseph landfill
is made up of 14 cells. As each cell fills with trash, a new cell must open.
Cell 7 is nearly full. The city has asked permission from the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources to pile trash higher and place more around the
edges of the cell while it develops a new cell. DNR is considering the city’s
request.

Meanwhile, the
city has asked trash haulers to reduce their loads to the landfill by 30% this
month. A new, three-tiered rate structure begins next month. That rate increase
will likely not be enough. City officials plan to further review the rate
structure.

The St. Joseph
City Council has entered a $1.1 million contract with M-CON to develop Cell 8
as quickly as possible.

“There are still
capacity issues and if Mother Nature does not cooperate, there’s still going to
be challenges on the horizon,” according to Schumacher. “I want to make sure
everyone understands that; that we are building Cell 8, another cell inside the
landfill, at a less than ideal time of year. We didn’t have any choice. It was
time to move, so we moved.”

Schumacher says
the city needs to address the emergency situation it faces now, then move to
expand landfill capacity.

“It was a short
term, we need to move now and get Cell 8 going,” Schumacher says. “And then
there’s a longer-term business model, if you will, that the city, our
organization, is going to have to make some decisions and view that landfill as
an enterprise fund. It has to be self- sustainable. You have to have sufficient
funding for your employees, equipment, overall costs, and also planning for the
future.”

Schumacher wants
the city to immediately move to develop Cell 9 as soon as Cell 8 opens.

At-Large city
councilmember, Jeff Schomburg, acknowledges the city failed to address a
landfill nearing capacity in time.

“The city kind of
dropped the ball on that,” Schomburg tells Birr on an earlier appearance on the
KFEQ Hotline. “Maybe we should’ve been doing this emergency thing two years ago,
once we found out that, hey, we’re not going to get this thing up and running
in time.”

Schomburg says the
city needs to learn from its past mistakes on managing the landfill.

“Go back and say,
hey, what’d we do wrong here, what can we do in the future to not do this
again.”

The St. Joseph
landfill serves a four-county region, which includes Buchanan County, Andrew
County, Clinton County, and Daviess County. It can accept trash from other
counties as well. It is one of only 17 landfills in Missouri, all regulated by DNR.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph is
attempting to deal with a landfill that is filling up quickly with little room
to spare.St. Joseph City
Manager Mike Schumacher says the city will have to address revenue soon,
because landfill rates haven’t gone up since 2004.“I’m a pretty big
believer in the free market and capitalism,” Schumacher tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “At the end of the day, our landfill sells a product and a
service and that is for commercial, for-profit businesses to dispose of waste.
It’s an important component to the community. We most certainly want to support
our for-profit business. But at the same time, we need to make sure that we’re planning
for the future.”Before planning
for the future, the city must deal with a present crisis.The St. Joseph landfill
is made up of 14 cells. As each cell fills with trash, a new cell must open.
Cell 7 is nearly full. The city has asked permission from the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources to pile trash higher and place more around the
edges of the cell while it develops a new cell. DNR is considering the city’s
request.Meanwhile, the
city has asked trash haulers to reduce their loads to the landfill by 30% this
month. A new, three-tiered rate structure begins next month. That rate increase
will likely not be enough. City officials plan to further review the rate
structure.The St. Joseph
City Council has entered a $1.1 million contract with M-CON to develop Cell 8
as quickly as possible.“There are still
capacity issues and if Mother Nature does not cooperate, there’s still going to
be challenges on the horizon,” according to Schumacher. “I want to make sure
everyone understands that; that we are building Cell 8, another cell inside the
landfill, at a less than ideal time of year. We didn’t have any choice. It was
time to move, so we moved.”Schumacher says
the city needs to address the emergency situation it faces now, then move to
expand landfill capacity.“It was a short
term, we need to move now and get Cell 8 going,” Schumacher says. “And then
there’s a longer-term business model, if you will, that the city, our
organization, is going to have to make some decisions and view that landfill as
an enterprise fund. It has to be self- sustainable. You have to have sufficient
funding for your employees, equipment, overall costs, and also planning for the
future.”Schumacher wants
the city to immediately move to develop Cell 9 as soon as Cell 8 opens.At-Large city
councilmember, Jeff Schomburg, acknowledges the city failed to address a
landfill nearing capacity in time.“The city kind of
dropped the ball on that,” Schomburg tells Birr on an earlier appearance on the
KFEQ Hotline. “Maybe we should’ve been doing this emergency thing two years ago,
once we found out that, hey, we’re not going to get this thing up and running
in time.”Schomburg says the
city needs to learn from its past mistakes on managing the landfill.“Go back and say,
hey, what’d we do wrong here, what can we do in the future to not do this
again.”The St. Joseph
landfill serves a four-county region, which includes Buchanan County, Andrew
County, Clinton County, and Daviess County. It can accept trash from other
counties as well. It is one of only 17 landfills in Missouri, all regulated by DNR.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph dealing with immediate and future needs at its landfill

A Winter Weather
Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for the entire area,
one of several advisories issued by the Weather Service due to this bitterly
cold winter weather.

The Weather
Service warns travelers of slippery road conditions throughout northeast Kansas
and northwest Missouri as well as southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

The hazardous
conditions will impact the morning and even tonight’s commute.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol Troop H reports it answered 67 calls for service on Monday and early Tuesday,
responding to 18 crashes, two involving injuries as well as 24 stranded motorists.
The patrol along with the Missouri Department of Transportation cautions
motorists to be careful during this stretch of snow and bitter cold. Drivers
should slow down and use caution.

The latest road
conditions in Kansas can be obtained by calling 5-1-1. In Missouri, visited
<a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">traveler.modot.org</a>.

This article has been updated since first published.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Winter Weather
Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for the entire area,
one of several advisories issued by the Weather Service due to this bitterly
cold winter weather.The Weather
Service warns travelers of slippery road conditions throughout northeast Kansas
and northwest Missouri as well as southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa.The hazardous
conditions will impact the morning and even tonight’s commute.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol Troop H reports it answered 67 calls for service on Monday and early Tuesday,
responding to 18 crashes, two involving injuries as well as 24 stranded motorists.
The patrol along with the Missouri Department of Transportation cautions
motorists to be careful during this stretch of snow and bitter cold. Drivers
should slow down and use caution.The latest road
conditions in Kansas can be obtained by calling 5-1-1. In Missouri, visited
<a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">traveler.modot.org</a>.This article has been updated since first published.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Travel advisory issued during bitterly cold weather

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of winter weather cancelations.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of winter weather cancelations.

Winter weather cancelations

More than 100 homeless
residents have sought shelter from the bitter cold weather in St. Joseph.

The United Way of
Greater St. Joseph reports 94 men and 38 women have taken advantage of the Cold
Weather Shelter operated by Community Missions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739880089245.jpeg" alt="Cold Weather Shelter operated by Community Missions in downtown St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Cold Weather Shelter operated by Community Missions in downtown St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore than 100 homeless
residents have sought shelter from the bitter cold weather in St. Joseph.The United Way of
Greater St. Joseph reports 94 men and 38 women have taken advantage of the Cold
Weather Shelter operated by Community Missions.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph's Cold Weather Shelter has been active

Snow and bitterly
cold temperatures have combined to close schools and cause numerous
cancelations Tuesday.

St. Joseph public
and private schools are closed today.

The St. Joseph
School District has canceled classes with no AMI. St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Schools have canceled classes. Classes have been canceled for St. Joseph Christian
School. 

Savannah R3 has
closed its classes. It will hold an AMI day, virtual learning. Elementary students
should finish Snow Day Packet #5. Middle and high school students should check
Canvas for their assignments.

Missouri Western State University has closed its St. Joseph campus today.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations.

The National Weather
Service has issued several advisories during this harsh winter weather. A cold
weather advisory remains in effect for the entire Midland Empire until six o’clock
Wednesday evening. The Weather Service forecasts extremely cold temperatures
with wind chills dipping to as low as 25-below. NWS points out frostbite can
occur within 30 minutes of exposure in this type of weather.

An extreme Cold
Watch remains in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.

A Winter Weather
Advisory is in effect until midnight.

We won’t emerge
from these frigid temperatures until the end of the week. The National Weather
Service forecasts a high of 20 Friday with a high of 34 on Saturday,
increasingly warmer early next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739878023593.jpeg" alt="Missouri Dept. of Transportation photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Dept. of Transportation photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSnow and bitterly
cold temperatures have combined to close schools and cause numerous
cancelations Tuesday.St. Joseph public
and private schools are closed today.The St. Joseph
School District has canceled classes with no AMI. St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Schools have canceled classes. Classes have been canceled for St. Joseph Christian
School. Savannah R3 has
closed its classes. It will hold an AMI day, virtual learning. Elementary students
should finish Snow Day Packet #5. Middle and high school students should check
Canvas for their assignments.Riverside USD 114
is closed today.Missouri Western State University has closed its St. Joseph campus today.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations.The National Weather
Service has issued several advisories during this harsh winter weather. A cold
weather advisory remains in effect for the entire Midland Empire until six o’clock
Wednesday evening. The Weather Service forecasts extremely cold temperatures
with wind chills dipping to as low as 25-below. NWS points out frostbite can
occur within 30 minutes of exposure in this type of weather.An extreme Cold
Watch remains in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.A Winter Weather
Advisory is in effect until midnight.We won’t emerge
from these frigid temperatures until the end of the week. The National Weather
Service forecasts a high of 20 Friday with a high of 34 on Saturday,
increasingly warmer early next week.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bitter cold has greater St. Joseph area in its grip, causing cancelations

PLATTE COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Monday in Platte County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Buick LeSabre driven by an 80-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on Interstate 29 just north of Fair Township.

The car traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road and traveled southbound in the northbound lanes.&nbsp; A 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by a 44-year-old Topeka, Kansas man struck the car head-on.

EMS transported the Buick driver and a 72-year-old female passenger in the car to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; 

The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

PLATTE COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Monday in Platte County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Buick LeSabre driven by an 80-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on Interstate 29 just north of Fair Township.The car traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road and traveled southbound in the northbound lanes.&nbsp; A 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by a 44-year-old Topeka, Kansas man struck the car head-on.EMS transported the Buick driver and a 72-year-old female passenger in the car to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

2 from St. Joe injured after wrong-way crash with a semi

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

On Sunday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp; Chad M. Starling, 44, Atchison, in the 1300 Block of Santa Fe, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.

Starling is being held on a requested charges of domestic battery and on a Platte County Missouri warrant for probation violation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739807508766.png" alt="Starling photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Starling photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.On Sunday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp; Chad M. Starling, 44, Atchison, in the 1300 Block of Santa Fe, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.Starling is being held on a requested charges of domestic battery and on a Platte County Missouri warrant for probation violation.&nbsp;

Suspect wanted in Platte County jailed in Kansas

CLINTON COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old Chillicothe man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Cameron.

The driver lost control on the ice and snow covered road. The pickup crossed the median, entered the northbound lanes and struck a northbound 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 78-year-old Gatesville, Texas, woman.

Cameron ambulance transported the pickup driver and his 65-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. EMS transported the Jeep driver and her 85-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old Chillicothe man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Cameron.The driver lost control on the ice and snow covered road. The pickup crossed the median, entered the northbound lanes and struck a northbound 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 78-year-old Gatesville, Texas, woman.Cameron ambulance transported the pickup driver and his 65-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. EMS transported the Jeep driver and her 85-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

4 injured after pickup, jeep crash on snow covered road

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a college student for an alleged prank phone call.

Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a dormitory on the Benedictine College campus to investigate a report that someone was being chased with a knife, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The investigation that followed determined the report was false and that a student had made a prank call to a college staff person resulting in law enforcement response.

Police arrested 20-year-old Lydia C. Fontenot, 20, Southlake Texas, at 1020 North 2nd Street. She was jailed on a requested charge in connection with transmitting false information to request emergency service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739807980534.png" alt="Fontenot photo Atchison Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fontenot photo Atchison Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a college student for an alleged prank phone call.Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a dormitory on the Benedictine College campus to investigate a report that someone was being chased with a knife, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The investigation that followed determined the report was false and that a student had made a prank call to a college staff person resulting in law enforcement response.Police arrested 20-year-old Lydia C. Fontenot, 20, Southlake Texas, at 1020 North 2nd Street. She was jailed on a requested charge in connection with transmitting false information to request emergency service.&nbsp;

Student jailed for alleged prank phone call on Benedictine campus

New St. Joseph
City Manager, Mike Schumacher, saw opportunity in St. Joseph, luring him away
from a city administrator role in Lebanon, Missouri.

Schumacher has
moved from southwest Missouri to northwest Missouri, officially beginning his
duties at City Hall late last month. Schumacher says he wasn’t looking for a
job when the opening in St. Joseph came up.

“It’s ready to
move forward. It’s ready to launch,” Schumacher says of the city during his
first appearance with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “In conversations
with our elected officials and different people around the community when I was
doing my homework if you will, it was clear there was energy and opportunity.”

Schumacher says
the residents of St. Joseph are the customers for both the St. Joseph City
Council and the City of St. Joseph staff.

Schumacher says he
has observed energy and opportunity in St. Joseph.

“Where do you want
to go? What do you want to do? What do we want to be?” Schumacher says the city
needs to be asking the right questions. “And perhaps, most importantly, are we
asking our customers what they want to see? At the end of the day, the
residents of St. Joe are our customers. And if you view this as a private
business, through that lens, what (do) our customers want us to be working on?”

Schumacher says it
is vital for the city to listen to its customers, the city’s residents, if it
expects to move the community forward.

“What do they want
to see us work on? What do they feel we can do better on? Where are we falling
short? Where are we doing okay?” Schumacher asks. “Through that process you
hope to find this vision, this is what statistically our customers want to see.”

Schumacher says
the city cannot move on intuition and guessing. It must know what residents
want.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739809801357.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Manager Mike Schumacher/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Manager Mike Schumacher/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew St. Joseph
City Manager, Mike Schumacher, saw opportunity in St. Joseph, luring him away
from a city administrator role in Lebanon, Missouri.Schumacher has
moved from southwest Missouri to northwest Missouri, officially beginning his
duties at City Hall late last month. Schumacher says he wasn’t looking for a
job when the opening in St. Joseph came up.“It’s ready to
move forward. It’s ready to launch,” Schumacher says of the city during his
first appearance with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “In conversations
with our elected officials and different people around the community when I was
doing my homework if you will, it was clear there was energy and opportunity.”Schumacher says
the residents of St. Joseph are the customers for both the St. Joseph City
Council and the City of St. Joseph staff.Schumacher says he
has observed energy and opportunity in St. Joseph.“Where do you want
to go? What do you want to do? What do we want to be?” Schumacher says the city
needs to be asking the right questions. “And perhaps, most importantly, are we
asking our customers what they want to see? At the end of the day, the
residents of St. Joe are our customers. And if you view this as a private
business, through that lens, what (do) our customers want us to be working on?”Schumacher says it
is vital for the city to listen to its customers, the city’s residents, if it
expects to move the community forward.“What do they want
to see us work on? What do they feel we can do better on? Where are we falling
short? Where are we doing okay?” Schumacher asks. “Through that process you
hope to find this vision, this is what statistically our customers want to see.”Schumacher says
the city cannot move on intuition and guessing. It must know what residents
want.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New St. Joseph City Manager Schumacher says the city must ask the right questions

St. Joseph, MO –&nbsp;As marketing and media evolve at lightning speed, Eagle
Media&nbsp;is stepping up to help local businesses stay ahead. On March 11, the
company will host a free Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;at the Albrecht Kemper Museum
of Art, focusing on AI’s growing influence on search, SEO, and modern marketing
strategies.

“Marketing and media are moving so quickly,”
said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media. “I’m glad we can host
these free events to support our local business community. They’re informative,
and fun. I love hearing the growth strategies people are using.”

The session begins at 11 AM&nbsp;in the museum’s
lower-level theater, where attendees will gain insights from local business
leaders&nbsp;who have successfully adapted their digital marketing strategies.
A catered lunch will follow at 12 PM, providing a great opportunity to network
and discuss innovative approaches in today’s fast-changing marketing landscape.

Seats are limited, so early registration is
encouraged. For more details or to reserve your spot, Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/c2fae922-e85f-48d7-b81b-13dc71325700#//">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739543724297.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph, MO –&nbsp;As marketing and media evolve at lightning speed, Eagle
Media&nbsp;is stepping up to help local businesses stay ahead. On March 11, the
company will host a free Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;at the Albrecht Kemper Museum
of Art, focusing on AI’s growing influence on search, SEO, and modern marketing
strategies.“Marketing and media are moving so quickly,”
said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media. “I’m glad we can host
these free events to support our local business community. They’re informative,
and fun. I love hearing the growth strategies people are using.”The session begins at 11 AM&nbsp;in the museum’s
lower-level theater, where attendees will gain insights from local business
leaders&nbsp;who have successfully adapted their digital marketing strategies.
A catered lunch will follow at 12 PM, providing a great opportunity to network
and discuss innovative approaches in today’s fast-changing marketing landscape.Seats are limited, so early registration is
encouraged. For more details or to reserve your spot, Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/c2fae922-e85f-48d7-b81b-13dc71325700#//">HERE</a>.

Eagle Media Hosts Free Lunch & Learn on AI and Modern Marketing

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Maitland man was eastbound on Route A at Pumpkin Center. The driver failed to yield after stopping at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. A southbound 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 43-year-old Bernard woman struck the drivers side of the pickup.

Nodaway County EMS transported the driver and a passenger from the Ford to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The teen pickup driver was not injured.

The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Maitland man was eastbound on Route A at Pumpkin Center. The driver failed to yield after stopping at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. A southbound 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 43-year-old Bernard woman struck the drivers side of the pickup.Nodaway County EMS transported the driver and a passenger from the Ford to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The teen pickup driver was not injured.The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after SUV, pickup crash

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Impala driven by a 20-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on U.S. 71 at County Road 58 three miles north of Savannah.

The car rear-ended a 2019 Chevy Silverado pulling a gooseneck horse tailer driven by a 31-year-old Savannah man.&nbsp; Andrew County EMS transported the woman to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. The Savannah woman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; 

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Impala driven by a 20-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on U.S. 71 at County Road 58 three miles north of Savannah.The car rear-ended a 2019 Chevy Silverado pulling a gooseneck horse tailer driven by a 31-year-old Savannah man.&nbsp; Andrew County EMS transported the woman to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. The Savannah woman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after car rear-ends horse trailer

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by a 69-year-old Trenton man was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of Jamesport. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2008 Ford Focus head-on.&nbsp;

Community Ambulance District transported the 62-year-old Ford driver to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS transported the pickup driver to Truman Medical Center. The Ford driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by a 69-year-old Trenton man was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of Jamesport. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2008 Ford Focus head-on.&nbsp;Community Ambulance District transported the 62-year-old Ford driver to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS transported the pickup driver to Truman Medical Center. The Ford driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

2 Missouri men hospitalized after head-on crash

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner driven by a 58-year-old Hamburg, Iowa, man was northbound on U.S. 275 at Route CC. The vehicle began skidding on the snow covered road. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road, struck a fence, continued into a field and rolled onto its top.

EMS transported the driver and a 49-year-old female passenger to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg.&nbsp; They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner driven by a 58-year-old Hamburg, Iowa, man was northbound on U.S. 275 at Route CC. The vehicle began skidding on the snow covered road. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road, struck a fence, continued into a field and rolled onto its top.EMS transported the driver and a 49-year-old female passenger to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg.&nbsp; They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

2 injured after SUV slides off the road, overturns

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Toyota Tacoma driven by an 18-year-old Skidmore man was northbound on Route ZZ three miles north of Graham.

The pickup slid in the ice covered road on a curve.&nbsp; The driver lost&nbsp; control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the. MSHP.&nbsp; 

The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Toyota Tacoma driven by an 18-year-old Skidmore man was northbound on Route ZZ three miles north of Graham.The pickup slid in the ice covered road on a curve.&nbsp; The driver lost&nbsp; control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the. MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

Mo. teen hospitalized after pickup slides, overturns

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Amy France from Scott City Kansas. She is chairman of the National Sorghum Producers Association and testified before a U.S. Senate committee last week.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yjo5T4F0Z5Y?si=zvLRdXCigR7GItCb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Amy France from Scott City Kansas. She is chairman of the National Sorghum Producers Association and testified before a U.S. Senate committee last week.

Forward Ever: Amy France, chairman of National Sorghum Producers Association

Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training.  

Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. 

Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. 

"Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." 

Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts.  In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. 

Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.

Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them 

"It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."

Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot 

"We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains.  "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." 

A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds.  Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. 

While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739551856916.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training. Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. "Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts. In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them "It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739552096076.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot "We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains. "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds. Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interview-Noah-Cameron-ready-to-be-Royal-e2usjui/a-abphedc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FRIDAY JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Friday-Journal-Noah-Cameron-looks-to-continue-success-e2usk43/a-abphejm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph native on the brink of breaking into the major leagues

Democrats worry about impact on state services while Republicans promote the tax exemption as a boost to economic growth

BY:&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>

A bill to remove&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on profits from the sale of long-term investments passed the Missouri House Thursday on an almost pure party-line vote.

The bill, projected to cost the state treasury&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">$341 million in the first year</a>&nbsp;and $237 million in subsequent years, exempts money known as long-term capital gains, money earned on stocks, land or other assets held for a full year or longer. House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, the sponsor of the bill, said it is intended to help small business owners and others who sell assets as they approach retirement.

“These folks have worked their entire life and have counted on that to be their retirement,” said Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green. “And that’s and that’s who this is geared toward.”

The bill passed 100-48, with only state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, crossing party lines to support the legislation. Another Democrat, state Rep. Marlene Terry of St. Louis, voted present.

Democrats opposed the bill, said state Rep. Steve Butz of St. Louis, because it will make it harder for the state to sustain education and other services.

‘The message from the Republican side is, as just stated, ‘I’m just here to cut your taxes,’” Butz said. “What they don’t ever really address is either cutting services or they’re just going to rotate or shift the tax burden to another form of taxation.”

Gov. Mike Kehoe has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/24/gov-mike-kehoe-holds-to-tax-cut-pledge-as-he-forecasts-a-tighter-missouri-budget/">championed the cut</a>&nbsp;as the first step in eliminating the state income tax. An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">identical bill</a>&nbsp;is awaiting debate in the state Senate.

Missouri is sitting on a large general revenue surplus but current revenues are falling. Through Tuesday, general revenue collections for the year are down more than 2% and if the trend continues the state will receive about $300 million less than in the fiscal year that ended June. 30.

At the same time, demands for general revenue are growing. Kehoe’s supplemental budget to finish the current fiscal year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/30/missouri-supplemental-budget-shows-shortfall-in-medicaid-education-funding/">sets aside $142 million</a>&nbsp;to replace a shortfall in lottery and casino revenues in public schools. And the budget for the coming year increases general revenue allocations to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/12/budget-battle-brewing-over-gov-mike-kehoes-school-funding-proposal/">Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>&nbsp;by more than $400 million, with public school backers clamoring for an additional $300 million to fully fund the state foundation formula.

During Thursday’s debate, Perkins said states that already exempt capital gains – Texas, Tennessee and Florida — have economies growing faster than Missouri. A cut would attract new business to the state, he said.

Those other states have higher taxes than Missouri in several areas, Butz said after the vote. He reminded colleagues during debate that if the state cuts taxes too much to sustain services demanded by voters, it will be hard to restore them. Any tax increase above about $100 million requires a statewide vote.

“If we make a mistake here, there’s no going back,” Butz said during the floor debate.

Since the enactment of a 2014 tax bill, the top income tax rate has fallen from 6% to 4.7%, with two additional cuts of 0.1 percentage point already part of state law. Those cuts will take place when the state sees year-over-year general revenue growth of $200 million.

In the intervening years, the Republican-dominated legislature has also eliminated the income tax on Social Security benefits and cut the top corporate tax rate.

The impact of the state capital gains exemption could be lessened if Congress accepts the proposal pushed by President Donald Trump to eliminate what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tax-taxes-carried-interest-loophole-hedge-funds/" target="_blank">the carried-interest exemption</a>. That allows investment fund managers to pay the federal capital gains rate, which is<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409" target="_blank">&nbsp;lower than the general tax rate</a>&nbsp;under the federal income tax.

“The whole concept of capital gains tax elimination is so that we can grow the economy, so we can get those high paying jobs to Missouri and businesses can reinvest,” said state Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County.

Democrats, however, see the cut as part of a political tax policy that doesn’t meet state needs.

“Their tax policies,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, “seem to be far more about the message it sends to voters than actually saving the average Missourian money.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739531729389.png" alt=" State Rep. Chad Perkins speaking during House debate on March 1, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Chad Perkins speaking during House debate on March 1, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democrats worry about impact on state services while Republicans promote the tax exemption as a boost to economic growth</h2>BY:&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>A bill to remove&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on profits from the sale of long-term investments passed the Missouri House Thursday on an almost pure party-line vote.The bill, projected to cost the state treasury&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">$341 million in the first year</a>&nbsp;and $237 million in subsequent years, exempts money known as long-term capital gains, money earned on stocks, land or other assets held for a full year or longer. House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, the sponsor of the bill, said it is intended to help small business owners and others who sell assets as they approach retirement.“These folks have worked their entire life and have counted on that to be their retirement,” said Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green. “And that’s and that’s who this is geared toward.”The bill passed 100-48, with only state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, crossing party lines to support the legislation. Another Democrat, state Rep. Marlene Terry of St. Louis, voted present.Democrats opposed the bill, said state Rep. Steve Butz of St. Louis, because it will make it harder for the state to sustain education and other services.‘The message from the Republican side is, as just stated, ‘I’m just here to cut your taxes,’” Butz said. “What they don’t ever really address is either cutting services or they’re just going to rotate or shift the tax burden to another form of taxation.”Gov. Mike Kehoe has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/24/gov-mike-kehoe-holds-to-tax-cut-pledge-as-he-forecasts-a-tighter-missouri-budget/">championed the cut</a>&nbsp;as the first step in eliminating the state income tax. An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">identical bill</a>&nbsp;is awaiting debate in the state Senate.Missouri is sitting on a large general revenue surplus but current revenues are falling. Through Tuesday, general revenue collections for the year are down more than 2% and if the trend continues the state will receive about $300 million less than in the fiscal year that ended June. 30.At the same time, demands for general revenue are growing. Kehoe’s supplemental budget to finish the current fiscal year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/30/missouri-supplemental-budget-shows-shortfall-in-medicaid-education-funding/">sets aside $142 million</a>&nbsp;to replace a shortfall in lottery and casino revenues in public schools. And the budget for the coming year increases general revenue allocations to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/12/budget-battle-brewing-over-gov-mike-kehoes-school-funding-proposal/">Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>&nbsp;by more than $400 million, with public school backers clamoring for an additional $300 million to fully fund the state foundation formula.During Thursday’s debate, Perkins said states that already exempt capital gains – Texas, Tennessee and Florida — have economies growing faster than Missouri. A cut would attract new business to the state, he said.Those other states have higher taxes than Missouri in several areas, Butz said after the vote. He reminded colleagues during debate that if the state cuts taxes too much to sustain services demanded by voters, it will be hard to restore them. Any tax increase above about $100 million requires a statewide vote.“If we make a mistake here, there’s no going back,” Butz said during the floor debate.Since the enactment of a 2014 tax bill, the top income tax rate has fallen from 6% to 4.7%, with two additional cuts of 0.1 percentage point already part of state law. Those cuts will take place when the state sees year-over-year general revenue growth of $200 million.In the intervening years, the Republican-dominated legislature has also eliminated the income tax on Social Security benefits and cut the top corporate tax rate.The impact of the state capital gains exemption could be lessened if Congress accepts the proposal pushed by President Donald Trump to eliminate what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tax-taxes-carried-interest-loophole-hedge-funds/" target="_blank">the carried-interest exemption</a>. That allows investment fund managers to pay the federal capital gains rate, which is<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409" target="_blank">&nbsp;lower than the general tax rate</a>&nbsp;under the federal income tax.“The whole concept of capital gains tax elimination is so that we can grow the economy, so we can get those high paying jobs to Missouri and businesses can reinvest,” said state Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County.Democrats, however, see the cut as part of a political tax policy that doesn’t meet state needs.“Their tax policies,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, “seem to be far more about the message it sends to voters than actually saving the average Missourian money.”

Missouri House votes on party lines to eliminate income tax on capital gains

Missouri sheriffs are asking the state
legislature to address a limited number of priorities, including tightening
Missouri sentencing laws.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says
the Missouri Sheriffs Association has been pushing for years Truth in
Sentencing laws, now sometimes called Clarity in Sentencing.

“The fact of the matter is that we have a
variety of rules that allows convicted criminals to be released really, really
early,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have been
arguing for a really long time that they need to serve more of their sentence,
according to what the judge sentenced them to.”

This has been a frustrating issue for
Puett, who has complained about sentencing for years. He says there is a simple
reason for that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739556113508.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri sheriffs are asking the state
legislature to address a limited number of priorities, including tightening
Missouri sentencing laws.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says
the Missouri Sheriffs Association has been pushing for years Truth in
Sentencing laws, now sometimes called Clarity in Sentencing.“The fact of the matter is that we have a
variety of rules that allows convicted criminals to be released really, really
early,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have been
arguing for a really long time that they need to serve more of their sentence,
according to what the judge sentenced them to.”This has been a frustrating issue for
Puett, who has complained about sentencing for years. He says there is a simple
reason for that.“It’s disheartening, especially when
victims call you and they say, hey, I thought that the person who victimized me
got sentenced to prison and I just saw them at Walmart,” Puett says.Puett says there is just too much slack
in the sentences handed down by a judge and the time served.“On non-violent felonies right now, they
are giving them 30 days on a year,” according to Puett. “So, you’re doing one
month for one year and that’s just not acceptable.”The association advocates non-violent
offenders be required to serve at least 75% of their sentence with violent
offenders required to serve at least 85%.Another priority of the association is
fixing what the voters declined to fix. Voters rejected Amendment 6 in
November, an attempt to shore up the retirement fund for Missouri sheriffs.Puett says after the courts rejected the
funding mechanism for sheriff pensions and the voters rejected the proposed
fix, it undermines the incentive to become a county sheriff.“If there is no retirement, there are no
resources and all those things, why in the world would anybody step up and say,
hey, I’m willing to take this position?” Puett asks. “Why would I subject
myself to all the things that go along with it and then, in the end, there’s no
retirement for me to live into my golden years?”The courts rejected a funding mechanism
in place for years, removing a vital resource to finance the retirement fund
for Missouri sheriffs.The association also
wants the office of county sheriff to become a constitutional office.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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