Purina has
celebrated 40 years in St. Joseph.

Purina opened its
St. Joseph factory in 1985. The company held a celebration in Hyde Park with
family activities, local food vendors, and live music. The celebration
highlighted 11 workers who have been with the company since the factory opened.

“We take immense
pride in our factory’s role within the community and in our associates’
dedication to delivering high-quality pet food and care products,” Angela
Broadrick, factory manager, stated. “This anniversary is a testament to our
team’s commitment and the lasting impact we’ve made in St. Joseph.”

The Purina St.
Joseph factory employs more than 300 people. It continues to grow and has a variety
of hourly and salaried positions currently available.

Nestlé Purina PetCare was founded in 1894 and makes pet food such
as Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies, and Tidy Cats. The company employs 11,000
workers in the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760553244150.jpeg" alt="Purina's 40th anniversary celebration at Hyde Park/Photo courtesy of Purina" />
 <figcaption>Purina's 40th anniversary celebration at Hyde Park/Photo courtesy of Purina</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostPurina has
celebrated 40 years in St. Joseph.Purina opened its
St. Joseph factory in 1985. The company held a celebration in Hyde Park with
family activities, local food vendors, and live music. The celebration
highlighted 11 workers who have been with the company since the factory opened.“We take immense
pride in our factory’s role within the community and in our associates’
dedication to delivering high-quality pet food and care products,” Angela
Broadrick, factory manager, stated. “This anniversary is a testament to our
team’s commitment and the lasting impact we’ve made in St. Joseph.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760553307559.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Purina" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Purina</figcaption>
 </figure>The Purina St.
Joseph factory employs more than 300 people. It continues to grow and has a variety
of hourly and salaried positions currently available.Nestlé Purina PetCare was founded in 1894 and makes pet food such
as Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies, and Tidy Cats. The company employs 11,000
workers in the United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760553384164.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Purina" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Purina</figcaption>
 </figure>

Purina celebrates 40 years in St. Joseph

The fifth annual zombie crawl benefitting the Friends of the Animal Shelter is this weekend in St. Joseph. 

Melanie Barnes with Friends says the annual event is a really fun way to get involved with Friends of the Animal Shelter 

"It’s just light and fluffy as far as if you like to dress up, you like Halloween, this year they put a nice spin on it, what is it they’re doing a zombies versus vampires' theme and something about bite right?” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show 

“Night of the bite,” Jennifer Kline with Friends interjects. 

“Night of the bite, and so kind of have a little bit of a theme within a theme there, which I love,” Barnes goes on. 

Barnes says the event starts at 5pm on Saturday 

"Show up at D&amp;G Pub House at 5’o clock and participate, now you do have to get tickets to participate because they need to know how many people there will be in the parade walking down Frederick because it does affect traffic,” Barnes says.  “There’s great giveaways, there’s a costume contest, there’s a raffle at the end, it’s a great way to support Friends of the Animal Shelter while getting out there, and not only that but there’s great drink specials, because let’s be honest it is a pub crawl.” 

All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Animal Shelter.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting the group’s website.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760549105104.jpeg" alt="The annual zombie crawl benefitting St. Joseph's Friends of the Animal Shelter is this weekend in downtown St. joseph/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Annual Zombie Crawl for FOTAS on Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The annual zombie crawl benefitting St. Joseph's Friends of the Animal Shelter is this weekend in downtown St. joseph/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Annual Zombie Crawl for FOTAS on Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe fifth annual zombie crawl benefitting the Friends of the Animal Shelter is this weekend in St. Joseph. Melanie Barnes with Friends says the annual event is a really fun way to get involved with Friends of the Animal Shelter "It’s just light and fluffy as far as if you like to dress up, you like Halloween, this year they put a nice spin on it, what is it they’re doing a zombies versus vampires' theme and something about bite right?” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show “Night of the bite,” Jennifer Kline with Friends interjects. “Night of the bite, and so kind of have a little bit of a theme within a theme there, which I love,” Barnes goes on. Barnes says the event starts at 5pm on Saturday "Show up at D&amp;G Pub House at 5’o clock and participate, now you do have to get tickets to participate because they need to know how many people there will be in the parade walking down Frederick because it does affect traffic,” Barnes says. “There’s great giveaways, there’s a costume contest, there’s a raffle at the end, it’s a great way to support Friends of the Animal Shelter while getting out there, and not only that but there’s great drink specials, because let’s be honest it is a pub crawl.” All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Animal Shelter. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the group’s website.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Annual St. Joseph Halloween pub crawl benefits Friends of the Animal Shelter

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0V4XdtAv6aYdnJOVjqipVq?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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5lDJ9tH4rcDtOEm2Er67o8?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 News

Arguments by former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey that abortion regulations do not cause ‘irreparable harm’ to patients is ‘disingenuous,’ an appeals court concluded

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

Abortion will remain available at Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=226097" target="_blank">the Western District Court of Appeals ruled</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, rejecting a request by the attorney general’s office to reinstate several restrictions on the procedure.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, former-Attorney General Andrew Bailey accused Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang of abusing her discretion when she issued a temporary injunction that struck down several “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP laws, as unconstitutional under the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in November.</a>

That injunction allowed Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis to start&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">offering procedural abortions for the first time in years.&nbsp;</a>

The attorney general’s office in its appeal argued the TRAP laws should be re-enacted in part because they were not causing a high enough degree of “irreparable harm.” The harm was only “minor” because Missourians looking to end a pregnancy could instead&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/24/2-year-anniversary-missouri-abortion-ban/">travel to Illinois or Kansas for an abortion,</a>&nbsp;the attorney general’s office wrote in court filings.&nbsp;

The appeals court unanimously rejected Bailey’s argument on Tuesday, calling it “disingenuous.”&nbsp;

“The irreparable harm flowing from a denial of abortion care within the confines of the Missouri (reproductive rights amendment) are unique because an abortion decision by an expectant mother ‘simply cannot be postponed, or it will be made by default with far-reaching consequences,’” wrote Judge Mark D. Pfeiffer, citing an earlier ruling by Zhang.

The appeals court also found no proof of Zhang abusing her discretion, noting that she applied “exhaustive consideration” to both sides’ arguments by conducting multiple hearings and sifting through hundreds of pages of written briefs over several months.&nbsp;

Plus, the appeals court noted, the bench trial on the matter is set for January, which is only a few months away. At that trial, Zhang will make a final ruling on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">the lawsuit filed last November&nbsp;</a>by the ACLU of Missouri and the two Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state.&nbsp;

Until then, the temporary injunction in place prevents the state from enforcing a handful of regulations, including requirements that patients have two visits at least seventy-two hours apart before having an abortion and that abortion clinics be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers.

Bailey previously&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-erred-in-asking-supreme-court-to-overturn-order-legalizing-abortion/">appealed Zhang’s decision to the Missouri Supreme Court</a>, which said the attorney general should have first appealed to the western district before taking his request to the state’s highest court.&nbsp;

The office, now run by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/09/catherine-hanaway-missouri-attorney-general-andrew-bailey/">Attorney General Catherine Hanaway,&nbsp;</a>can appeal Tuesday’s decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. A spokesperson for Hanaway did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Zhang is still considering a separate request from Planned Parenthood to overturn even more state regulations that Planned Parenthood argues are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/11/laws-regulations-medication-abortion-mifepristone-misoprostol-missouri/">preventing clinics from prescribing mifepristone and misoprostol</a>, which are used in medication abortions.&nbsp;

About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020" target="_blank">two-thirds of abortions nationally&nbsp;</a>are performed using medication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains based in the Kansas City area, accused the attorney general of being one of several examples of “disingenuous” state leadership. She pointed to an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-ballot-language-2026/">abortion ban proposed by the Republican legislature&nbsp;</a>that will appear on the November 2026 ballot, coupled with attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/04/as-few-as-5-of-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-gop-legislation/">make it more difficult to amend the constitution through citizen-led initiative petitions</a>, which is how the reproductive rights amendment ended up on the ballot.&nbsp;

“We will not stand by while extremist officials try to override the law and the will of the people,” Wales said in a statement Tuesday. “Missourians deserve better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760471576282.png" alt="A recovery room at the Planned Parenthood Great Plains office is pictured on June 21, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>A recovery room at the Planned Parenthood Great Plains office is pictured on June 21, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Arguments by former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey that abortion regulations do not cause ‘irreparable harm’ to patients is ‘disingenuous,’ an appeals court concluded</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Abortion will remain available at Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=226097" target="_blank">the Western District Court of Appeals ruled</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, rejecting a request by the attorney general’s office to reinstate several restrictions on the procedure.&nbsp;Earlier this year, former-Attorney General Andrew Bailey accused Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang of abusing her discretion when she issued a temporary injunction that struck down several “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP laws, as unconstitutional under the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in November.</a>That injunction allowed Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis to start&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">offering procedural abortions for the first time in years.&nbsp;</a>The attorney general’s office in its appeal argued the TRAP laws should be re-enacted in part because they were not causing a high enough degree of “irreparable harm.” The harm was only “minor” because Missourians looking to end a pregnancy could instead&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/24/2-year-anniversary-missouri-abortion-ban/">travel to Illinois or Kansas for an abortion,</a>&nbsp;the attorney general’s office wrote in court filings.&nbsp;The appeals court unanimously rejected Bailey’s argument on Tuesday, calling it “disingenuous.”&nbsp;“The irreparable harm flowing from a denial of abortion care within the confines of the Missouri (reproductive rights amendment) are unique because an abortion decision by an expectant mother ‘simply cannot be postponed, or it will be made by default with far-reaching consequences,’” wrote Judge Mark D. Pfeiffer, citing an earlier ruling by Zhang.The appeals court also found no proof of Zhang abusing her discretion, noting that she applied “exhaustive consideration” to both sides’ arguments by conducting multiple hearings and sifting through hundreds of pages of written briefs over several months.&nbsp;Plus, the appeals court noted, the bench trial on the matter is set for January, which is only a few months away. At that trial, Zhang will make a final ruling on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">the lawsuit filed last November&nbsp;</a>by the ACLU of Missouri and the two Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state.&nbsp;Until then, the temporary injunction in place prevents the state from enforcing a handful of regulations, including requirements that patients have two visits at least seventy-two hours apart before having an abortion and that abortion clinics be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers.Bailey previously&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-erred-in-asking-supreme-court-to-overturn-order-legalizing-abortion/">appealed Zhang’s decision to the Missouri Supreme Court</a>, which said the attorney general should have first appealed to the western district before taking his request to the state’s highest court.&nbsp;The office, now run by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/09/catherine-hanaway-missouri-attorney-general-andrew-bailey/">Attorney General Catherine Hanaway,&nbsp;</a>can appeal Tuesday’s decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. A spokesperson for Hanaway did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;Zhang is still considering a separate request from Planned Parenthood to overturn even more state regulations that Planned Parenthood argues are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/11/laws-regulations-medication-abortion-mifepristone-misoprostol-missouri/">preventing clinics from prescribing mifepristone and misoprostol</a>, which are used in medication abortions.&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020" target="_blank">two-thirds of abortions nationally&nbsp;</a>are performed using medication.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains based in the Kansas City area, accused the attorney general of being one of several examples of “disingenuous” state leadership. She pointed to an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-ballot-language-2026/">abortion ban proposed by the Republican legislature&nbsp;</a>that will appear on the November 2026 ballot, coupled with attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/04/as-few-as-5-of-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-gop-legislation/">make it more difficult to amend the constitution through citizen-led initiative petitions</a>, which is how the reproductive rights amendment ended up on the ballot.&nbsp;“We will not stand by while extremist officials try to override the law and the will of the people,” Wales said in a statement Tuesday. “Missourians deserve better.”

Missouri appeals court rules against AG, allows abortions to continue

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; an officer on patrol observed 51-year-old George Milson III of Atchison in the 1400 block Commercial Street and took him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. During the arrest Milson was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760368604785.png" alt="Milson photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Milson photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; an officer on patrol observed 51-year-old George Milson III of Atchison in the 1400 block Commercial Street and took him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. During the arrest Milson was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.&nbsp;

Police found meth, marijuana during Kan. man's arrest

An organization that promotes economic development in northwest Missouri is conducting a follow up survey to one it took five years ago. 

Maximize Northwest Missouri covers 18 counties across the northwest region of Missouri, and it wants to hear from residents once again. 

Director Christel Gollnick says the last survey was important because it showed why people wanted to live in northwest Missouri 

"Because the one thing that really got us concerned at the beginning of this effort, is that our population is declining, like many rural areas across America,” Gollnick says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “But our population has been declining over a century, and so what is the slow but long-term impact of that, and how can we help people really want to live here, stay here if they grew up here, return maybe if they grew up here.” 

Gollick says they learned that outside of jobs some of the biggest reasons people stay are family, social connections, and education opportunities. 

Gollnick says the goal of the follow-up survey is to get a five-year comparison and to see what might have changed 

"What we want to do with it, it will close soon, October 20th is the end of the survey we’ve kind of had it out over the summer and early fall here, so we’re really pushing here towards the end to get more responses because we just want to know are perceptions different now five years later than they were in 2020,” Gollnick explains. 

Gollnick says they also want to have the data on hand so that anyone that wants it can be provided for decision making purposes, such as local organizations, business leaders, or elected officials. 

Gollnick says rarely are people asked questions that can really make a difference within their communities 

"The data that we’re collecting, the questions that we’re asking, it takes less than 10 minutes by the way, so it’s super easy to help out and participate and really know that your voice is actually going to be listened to," Gollnick says.  “It matters, every voice matters, and so I think that’s one reason why people, at least that’s what people tell me, who took the survey that “never take surveys” right.” 

Gollnick says Maximize Northwest Missouri wants to hear from residents about what is affecting communities in northwest Missouri.  

You can take the survey by clicking <a href="https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgSpb9WQnMwqmtU">HERE</a>.&nbsp; It must be completed before October 20th.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760460530967.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Maximize NWMO" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Maximize NWMO</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEAn organization that promotes economic development in northwest Missouri is conducting a follow up survey to one it took five years ago. Maximize Northwest Missouri covers 18 counties across the northwest region of Missouri, and it wants to hear from residents once again. Director Christel Gollnick says the last survey was important because it showed why people wanted to live in northwest Missouri "Because the one thing that really got us concerned at the beginning of this effort, is that our population is declining, like many rural areas across America,” Gollnick says on the KFEQmunnity show. “But our population has been declining over a century, and so what is the slow but long-term impact of that, and how can we help people really want to live here, stay here if they grew up here, return maybe if they grew up here.” Gollick says they learned that outside of jobs some of the biggest reasons people stay are family, social connections, and education opportunities. Gollnick says the goal of the follow-up survey is to get a five-year comparison and to see what might have changed "What we want to do with it, it will close soon, October 20th is the end of the survey we’ve kind of had it out over the summer and early fall here, so we’re really pushing here towards the end to get more responses because we just want to know are perceptions different now five years later than they were in 2020,” Gollnick explains. Gollnick says they also want to have the data on hand so that anyone that wants it can be provided for decision making purposes, such as local organizations, business leaders, or elected officials. Gollnick says rarely are people asked questions that can really make a difference within their communities "The data that we’re collecting, the questions that we’re asking, it takes less than 10 minutes by the way, so it’s super easy to help out and participate and really know that your voice is actually going to be listened to," Gollnick says. “It matters, every voice matters, and so I think that’s one reason why people, at least that’s what people tell me, who took the survey that “never take surveys” right.” Gollnick says Maximize Northwest Missouri wants to hear from residents about what is affecting communities in northwest Missouri. You can take the survey by clicking <a href="https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgSpb9WQnMwqmtU">HERE</a>.&nbsp; It must be completed before October 20th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760460371023.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Maximize NWMO" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Maximize NWMO</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Maximize NWMO seeks resident input, once again

A group of 16 is
reviewing the Missouri school funding formula, seeking to recommend an update
for the legislature to consider.

Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe appointed the <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-services/school-finance/missouri-school-funding-modernization-task-force-executive-order-25-14">Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force</a> and
selected state Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe as its chair.

Black says its
members, in its first three meetings, are already understanding the difficulty
of trying to bring property tax relief to Missourians while properly funding
public schools. Black says the task force must also have an understanding of
how changes might impact local governmental entities which rely on property tax
revenue to operate.

“I believe we’re
going to come up with one or two plans to go forward as long as we can have
some sense of being sure that that local taxing entity doesn’t get blown up
before our eyes,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Missouri’s public
school funding formula is 20 years old. Former state Sen. Charlie Shields, a
Republican from St. Joseph, devised the current formula in the 2005 legislative
session. It went into effect in the 2006-2007 school year.

Black says members
hope to retain portions of the formula that are forward thinking while updating
portions that are showing their age.

“Some states are
trying to get to something that looks somewhat like ours, similar to ours,” Black
says. “But does ours have some outdated stuff to it? It certainly does that as
well. And then Rusty Black, as chair of the committee letting the committee do their
work, they may come up with a completely different plan that I’ve not even
thought about.”

Missouri lawmakers
have been considering various proposals to ease the property tax burden on
Missouri homeowners. Those efforts are tempered by awareness that lowering
property taxes could negatively impact local governmental entities. Missouri has
around 2,500 local governments that rely on property tax revenue.

Black says as for
this the group, it has to consider easing the tax burden on property owners
while properly funding public schools. 

“I think our task
force has to be very thoughtful,” Black says. “Are we going to see big changes
in personal and real property taxes going forward or are there going to be some
things happen that keeps some consistency there without just blowing the place
up?”

Black says the
task force must walk a tightrope.

“How do we effect
change without creating crisis?”

The Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force is to provide a public school funding model in a final report to be delivered to Gov. Kehoe December 1, 2026.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459273888.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINA group of 16 is
reviewing the Missouri school funding formula, seeking to recommend an update
for the legislature to consider.Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe appointed the <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-services/school-finance/missouri-school-funding-modernization-task-force-executive-order-25-14">Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force</a> and
selected state Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe as its chair.Black says its
members, in its first three meetings, are already understanding the difficulty
of trying to bring property tax relief to Missourians while properly funding
public schools. Black says the task force must also have an understanding of
how changes might impact local governmental entities which rely on property tax
revenue to operate.“I believe we’re
going to come up with one or two plans to go forward as long as we can have
some sense of being sure that that local taxing entity doesn’t get blown up
before our eyes,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Missouri’s public
school funding formula is 20 years old. Former state Sen. Charlie Shields, a
Republican from St. Joseph, devised the current formula in the 2005 legislative
session. It went into effect in the 2006-2007 school year.Black says members
hope to retain portions of the formula that are forward thinking while updating
portions that are showing their age.“Some states are
trying to get to something that looks somewhat like ours, similar to ours,” Black
says. “But does ours have some outdated stuff to it? It certainly does that as
well. And then Rusty Black, as chair of the committee letting the committee do their
work, they may come up with a completely different plan that I’ve not even
thought about.”Missouri lawmakers
have been considering various proposals to ease the property tax burden on
Missouri homeowners. Those efforts are tempered by awareness that lowering
property taxes could negatively impact local governmental entities. Missouri has
around 2,500 local governments that rely on property tax revenue.Black says as for
this the group, it has to consider easing the tax burden on property owners
while properly funding public schools. “I think our task
force has to be very thoughtful,” Black says. “Are we going to see big changes
in personal and real property taxes going forward or are there going to be some
things happen that keeps some consistency there without just blowing the place
up?”Black says the
task force must walk a tightrope.“How do we effect
change without creating crisis?”The Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force is to provide a public school funding model in a final report to be delivered to Gov. Kehoe December 1, 2026.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Task force has tough task ahead in reviewing how Missouri funds schools

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4gqmC4MNPtJQtxoP1inxtH?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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

Seven Missouri Head Start centers are set to receive nearly $2 million in funding for upgrades and educational resources

Community gardens, educational programs and breastfeeding rooms are all part of Missouri’s plan to take advantage of one-time federal funding for Head Start programs.

Seven Missouri Head Start kitchens are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the office’s efforts to promote healthy eating and nutritious foods.

The funding comes as part of a push from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose office&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5534412/rfk-maha-report-childrens-health" target="_blank">rolled out&nbsp;</a>the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” in early September. HHS said in a press release that $61 million in funding will assist more than 100,000 children and families across the country.

In Missouri, it will pay for kitchen upgrades, community gardens, bulk cooking lessons and more.

How Head Start programs are taking on nutrition education&nbsp;

July&nbsp;<a href="https://foodsecurity.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Missouri-Hunger-Atlas-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security at the University of Missouri found that between 2021 and 2023, an average of 12.7% of Missouri homes experienced food insecurity, a 10% increase compared to the period between 2018 and 2020.

That equates to nearly 780,000 Missourians. Of those, about 356,000 are experiencing very low food security, where eating habits are interrupted.

For many children, a meal at Head Start schools will be the most nutritious they get all day, 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/SNACS_Report/" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows.

Lunches provided in Head Start centers provided more than the benchmark levels for vegetables, grains, bread, dairy and protein foods, while breakfasts exceeded benchmark levels for fruit, grains and dairy.

On days when children were in child care programs, meals and snacks contributed to 40% of calories a child consumed that day. And in Missouri, Head Start kitchens play a crucial role in addressing increasing food insecurity rates. In April, the federal government closed five of the 10 regional Head Start offices and fired staff, although legal challenges are&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5420965-trump-administration-cuts-head-start/" target="_blank">underway</a>.

For nutrition coordinators across the state’s Head Start programs, the funding presented a rare opportunity for essential upgrades. Many Head Start kitchens use commercial kitchen equipment, which can cost thousands of dollars to upgrade or replace.

“The majority of our money does go directly to providing the services for the children,” said Kayla Marmaud, the community relations director for the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. “When you have funding that goes for the children in your care directly, some of the other things are put on the back burner.”

HHS required that half of the overall funding be used for materials, supplies and equipment for farm-to-table strategies, cooking demonstrations and appliance upgrades. Another quarter of the funding goes toward food service upgrades and sourcing local nutritious foods, while the remainder of the money will contribute to education, workshops and community events.

In Springfield, Head Start staff kept a running list of upgrades that were needed. When the funding was announced, they were able to check that list and pick top priorities.

“We selected the things that we felt like were the most pressing issues, or the ones that could give us the biggest bang for our buck, knowing that this is a one-time and not continuing project,” said Kimberly Shinn-Brown, the Head Start program director at Ozarks Area Community Action in Springfield.

They plan to make food service upgrades, as well as a slew of upgrades to their Head Start locations that have residential-style kitchens. Part of that means making the kitchens easier to use and work in for their staff, Shinn-Brown said.

Ozarks Area Community Action and others are also pursuing educational programs to help benefit their families. In Springfield, they requested money to bring on a new nutrition education program aimed at Gen Z families. The program sends out tidbits of information over text, so families can more easily incorporate nutrition education into their lives.

“They don’t want to talk to someone on the phone, and they don’t necessarily want to have a face-to-face meeting with you,” Shinn-Brown said. “But they do tend to be responsive if you text them.”

“It doesn’t matter how great your resources are if people won’t use them,” she said. “So we wanted to look at how our parents are accessing information, and what are their preferences?”

Daphne Graham, the health and nutrition coordinator at Ozark Action in West Plains, Missouri, knew the organization would have five new Early Head Start centers opening this fall, and requested funds to help with breastfeeding rooms for their families in those new centers.

They also are expanding meal options for parents of kids enrolled in Head Start to help showcase some of the cooking and exposure to different foods their kids get at school. The organization also plans to purchase more than 40 vacuum seal kits to give away to families across their 22 Head Start classrooms, with plans to help families learn more about batch cooking and preservation.

“Our demographic is very low-income … families that are sometimes just barely getting by as it is, and maybe education is not something they enjoy,” said Graham. “They don’t want to sit and listen to a lecture, but they would take in so much more in-person, so that’s where our education is going.”

In St. Joseph, they are applying those same principles to build community gardens at some of their Head Start schools and to create a new demonstration kitchen that will bring families closer to food.

“With the cost of food increasing, our resources sometimes tend to be more limited,” said Marmaud. “We wanted to be able to provide an opportunity that we could have community partners come in and be able to teach people how to get the most out of their resources.”

That sort of hands-on learning is shown to increase uptake of nutritious foods, said Lauren Landfried, a dietitian and associate professor in the St. Louis University Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Getting kids exposure early is hugely impactful for their future health,” Landfried said. “If the kids are able to be a part of any of this, they’re more likely to consume the food. They’re more likely to have that positive relationship to expose others, too.”

What is needed to create more nutritious meals for Head Start? &nbsp;

Although the one-time funding was a welcome start to the winter months, critics argue that the funding does not go far enough in the face of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its sister program, SNAP-Ed, which provides nutrition education and other programs that address food insecurity.

“Any funding that goes to enhance nutrition education should be applauded and celebrated,” said Clarissa Hayes, the deputy director of child nutrition programs and policy at the Food Research and Action Center. “But at the end of the day, we know that this funding is not enough and it’s really putting a Band-Aid on the issue.”

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/17/medicaid-snap-benefits-missouri-kansas-big-beautiful-bill/" target="_blank">new requirements</a>&nbsp;for SNAP, most individuals will be required to show proof of 80 hours of work, caregiving, schooling or volunteering to receive benefits. In Missouri, that could equate to about 150,000 people losing food assistance benefits.

And under a new waiver request from Gov. Mike Kehoe, the food items SNAP pays for are set to change. The changes would bar SNAP recipients from buying soda and candy, similar to recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/09/kansas-close-to-banning-soda-and-candy-purchases-with-food-stamps/" target="_blank">changes made in Kansas</a>.

“The problem is not everybody knows how to cook,” Landfried said. “The assumption is that the people know what to do with the food that they are prescribed, which is not the case. In my experience, I had to do a lot of education on how to cook.”

Both Landfried and Hayes see the reliance on other assistance like food banks increasing while families try to stretch their spending on food.

Ultimately, these one-time dollars won’t do much to address the food insecurity issues rising across Missouri, Hayes said.

“It’s not enough,” she said. “It’s very hypocritical in light of all of the other cuts that this administration has made to the nutrition safety net.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/08/new-funding-missouri-head-start-rfk-jr-hhs/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</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/2025/10/1760380700179.png" alt=" In Missouri, it will pay for kitchen upgrades, community gardens, bulk cooking lessons and more (Meg Cunningham/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption> In Missouri, it will pay for kitchen upgrades, community gardens, bulk cooking lessons and more (Meg Cunningham/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a><h2>Seven Missouri Head Start centers are set to receive nearly $2 million in funding for upgrades and educational resources</h2>Community gardens, educational programs and breastfeeding rooms are all part of Missouri’s plan to take advantage of one-time federal funding for Head Start programs.Seven Missouri Head Start kitchens are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the office’s efforts to promote healthy eating and nutritious foods.The funding comes as part of a push from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose office&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5534412/rfk-maha-report-childrens-health" target="_blank">rolled out&nbsp;</a>the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” in early September. HHS said in a press release that $61 million in funding will assist more than 100,000 children and families across the country.In Missouri, it will pay for kitchen upgrades, community gardens, bulk cooking lessons and more.<h2>How Head Start programs are taking on nutrition education&nbsp;</h2>July&nbsp;<a href="https://foodsecurity.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Missouri-Hunger-Atlas-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security at the University of Missouri found that between 2021 and 2023, an average of 12.7% of Missouri homes experienced food insecurity, a 10% increase compared to the period between 2018 and 2020.That equates to nearly 780,000 Missourians. Of those, about 356,000 are experiencing very low food security, where eating habits are interrupted.For many children, a meal at Head Start schools will be the most nutritious they get all day, 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/SNACS_Report/" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows.Lunches provided in Head Start centers provided more than the benchmark levels for vegetables, grains, bread, dairy and protein foods, while breakfasts exceeded benchmark levels for fruit, grains and dairy.On days when children were in child care programs, meals and snacks contributed to 40% of calories a child consumed that day. And in Missouri, Head Start kitchens play a crucial role in addressing increasing food insecurity rates. In April, the federal government closed five of the 10 regional Head Start offices and fired staff, although legal challenges are&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5420965-trump-administration-cuts-head-start/" target="_blank">underway</a>.For nutrition coordinators across the state’s Head Start programs, the funding presented a rare opportunity for essential upgrades. Many Head Start kitchens use commercial kitchen equipment, which can cost thousands of dollars to upgrade or replace.“The majority of our money does go directly to providing the services for the children,” said Kayla Marmaud, the community relations director for the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. “When you have funding that goes for the children in your care directly, some of the other things are put on the back burner.”HHS required that half of the overall funding be used for materials, supplies and equipment for farm-to-table strategies, cooking demonstrations and appliance upgrades. Another quarter of the funding goes toward food service upgrades and sourcing local nutritious foods, while the remainder of the money will contribute to education, workshops and community events.In Springfield, Head Start staff kept a running list of upgrades that were needed. When the funding was announced, they were able to check that list and pick top priorities.“We selected the things that we felt like were the most pressing issues, or the ones that could give us the biggest bang for our buck, knowing that this is a one-time and not continuing project,” said Kimberly Shinn-Brown, the Head Start program director at Ozarks Area Community Action in Springfield.They plan to make food service upgrades, as well as a slew of upgrades to their Head Start locations that have residential-style kitchens. Part of that means making the kitchens easier to use and work in for their staff, Shinn-Brown said.Ozarks Area Community Action and others are also pursuing educational programs to help benefit their families. In Springfield, they requested money to bring on a new nutrition education program aimed at Gen Z families. The program sends out tidbits of information over text, so families can more easily incorporate nutrition education into their lives.“They don’t want to talk to someone on the phone, and they don’t necessarily want to have a face-to-face meeting with you,” Shinn-Brown said. “But they do tend to be responsive if you text them.”“It doesn’t matter how great your resources are if people won’t use them,” she said. “So we wanted to look at how our parents are accessing information, and what are their preferences?”Daphne Graham, the health and nutrition coordinator at Ozark Action in West Plains, Missouri, knew the organization would have five new Early Head Start centers opening this fall, and requested funds to help with breastfeeding rooms for their families in those new centers.They also are expanding meal options for parents of kids enrolled in Head Start to help showcase some of the cooking and exposure to different foods their kids get at school. The organization also plans to purchase more than 40 vacuum seal kits to give away to families across their 22 Head Start classrooms, with plans to help families learn more about batch cooking and preservation.“Our demographic is very low-income … families that are sometimes just barely getting by as it is, and maybe education is not something they enjoy,” said Graham. “They don’t want to sit and listen to a lecture, but they would take in so much more in-person, so that’s where our education is going.”In St. Joseph, they are applying those same principles to build community gardens at some of their Head Start schools and to create a new demonstration kitchen that will bring families closer to food.“With the cost of food increasing, our resources sometimes tend to be more limited,” said Marmaud. “We wanted to be able to provide an opportunity that we could have community partners come in and be able to teach people how to get the most out of their resources.”That sort of hands-on learning is shown to increase uptake of nutritious foods, said Lauren Landfried, a dietitian and associate professor in the St. Louis University Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.“Getting kids exposure early is hugely impactful for their future health,” Landfried said. “If the kids are able to be a part of any of this, they’re more likely to consume the food. They’re more likely to have that positive relationship to expose others, too.”<h2>What is needed to create more nutritious meals for Head Start? &nbsp;</h2>Although the one-time funding was a welcome start to the winter months, critics argue that the funding does not go far enough in the face of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its sister program, SNAP-Ed, which provides nutrition education and other programs that address food insecurity.“Any funding that goes to enhance nutrition education should be applauded and celebrated,” said Clarissa Hayes, the deputy director of child nutrition programs and policy at the Food Research and Action Center. “But at the end of the day, we know that this funding is not enough and it’s really putting a Band-Aid on the issue.”Under&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/17/medicaid-snap-benefits-missouri-kansas-big-beautiful-bill/" target="_blank">new requirements</a>&nbsp;for SNAP, most individuals will be required to show proof of 80 hours of work, caregiving, schooling or volunteering to receive benefits. In Missouri, that could equate to about 150,000 people losing food assistance benefits.And under a new waiver request from Gov. Mike Kehoe, the food items SNAP pays for are set to change. The changes would bar SNAP recipients from buying soda and candy, similar to recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/09/kansas-close-to-banning-soda-and-candy-purchases-with-food-stamps/" target="_blank">changes made in Kansas</a>.“The problem is not everybody knows how to cook,” Landfried said. “The assumption is that the people know what to do with the food that they are prescribed, which is not the case. In my experience, I had to do a lot of education on how to cook.”Both Landfried and Hayes see the reliance on other assistance like food banks increasing while families try to stretch their spending on food.Ultimately, these one-time dollars won’t do much to address the food insecurity issues rising across Missouri, Hayes said.“It’s not enough,” she said. “It’s very hypocritical in light of all of the other cuts that this administration has made to the nutrition safety net.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/08/new-funding-missouri-head-start-rfk-jr-hhs/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</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>.

Upgrades coming to Missouri’s Head Start nutrition programs after new federal funding

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations and have him in custody for the second time in just over a month.

Just before 8:30p.m. Saturday an officer on patrol observed 54-year-old Dwight Downing in the 600 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The officer took&nbsp;him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. During the arrest Downing was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

In August,&nbsp; police conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block U.S.59 in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Downing, was arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court. During his arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754320137120.png" alt="Downing photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Downing photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations and have him in custody for the second time in just over a month.Just before 8:30p.m. Saturday an officer on patrol observed 54-year-old Dwight Downing in the 600 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The officer took&nbsp;him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. During the arrest Downing was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.In August,&nbsp; police conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block U.S.59 in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Downing, was arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court. During his arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man accused again of skipping court, drug possession

St. Joseph has been honored with an award from the Missouri Division of Tourism.  

Specifically, Christian Mengel with the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau has been honored. Mengel received the Film Industry Champion Award.  

Mengel says this award was never on the bingo card of life, and it makes him reflect on his career since returning to St. Joseph after stints in Kansas City and Oregon. 

"When I was a student at Missouri Western like trying to make student film projects and not knowing where my career would lead, I’d have never thought that something like this would be on the table,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, to think that I guess I’m in a position to move that can actually move the needle a little bit on the industry is just a really big honor, it feels like it’s naturally a really big responsibility too.” 

Mengel feels he doesn't want to let filmmakers in the community down, or people that don't want to move to Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago and still work in the industry.  

Mengel says it's humbling to receive the award, but it's all about the local businesses who participated and helped  

“I mean we have residents in St. Joseph that opened up their homes, and they were like they can film here, and if it wasn’t for people like that these projects wouldn’t have happened,” Mengel explains.  “And this would have never been in the running let alone be awarded something like that, so it really is a humbling thing.” 

Mengel says looking at all the winners it really is humbling considering some of the bigger cities in the state represented 

"Winners were from Kansas City, St. Louis, the Missouri Department of Travel was in there for the Missouri River Runner, so there’s big players in there,” Mengel says.  “So, for us to get mentioned, it’s really cool for a community like us to get to share something like that, nothing against the major metros but it’s a nice win for the little guys.” 

Mengel says especially with the way the Film Tax Credit is written to help smaller communities more than the major metro cities like Kansas City and St. Louis.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760377887464.jpeg" alt="Christian Mengel and the team from the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau pose after Mengel was awarded with the Film Industry Champion award from the Missouri Division of Tourisim/ Photo courtesy of Christian Mengel" />
 <figcaption>Christian Mengel and the team from the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau pose after Mengel was awarded with the Film Industry Champion award from the Missouri Division of Tourisim/ Photo courtesy of Christian Mengel</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has been honored with an award from the Missouri Division of Tourism. Specifically, Christian Mengel with the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau has been honored. Mengel received the Film Industry Champion Award. Mengel says this award was never on the bingo card of life, and it makes him reflect on his career since returning to St. Joseph after stints in Kansas City and Oregon. "When I was a student at Missouri Western like trying to make student film projects and not knowing where my career would lead, I’d have never thought that something like this would be on the table,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, to think that I guess I’m in a position to move that can actually move the needle a little bit on the industry is just a really big honor, it feels like it’s naturally a really big responsibility too.” Mengel feels he doesn't want to let filmmakers in the community down, or people that don't want to move to Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago and still work in the industry. Mengel says it's humbling to receive the award, but it's all about the local businesses who participated and helped “I mean we have residents in St. Joseph that opened up their homes, and they were like they can film here, and if it wasn’t for people like that these projects wouldn’t have happened,” Mengel explains. “And this would have never been in the running let alone be awarded something like that, so it really is a humbling thing.” Mengel says looking at all the winners it really is humbling considering some of the bigger cities in the state represented "Winners were from Kansas City, St. Louis, the Missouri Department of Travel was in there for the Missouri River Runner, so there’s big players in there,” Mengel says. “So, for us to get mentioned, it’s really cool for a community like us to get to share something like that, nothing against the major metros but it’s a nice win for the little guys.” Mengel says especially with the way the Film Tax Credit is written to help smaller communities more than the major metro cities like Kansas City and St. Louis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760382071120.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Christian Mengel" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Christian Mengel</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Film production puts St. Joseph in spotlight

Today is Columbus
Day, a federal holiday. Congress returns to debate tomorrow to see if agreement
can be reached to re-open the federal government.

Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt, a Republican, says the stance of the top Democrat in
the House to reject a proposed one-year extension of Affordable Care Act
subsidies complicated things.

“Well, I think it’s
a mistake and this apparent decision to ramp up rather than toning down the conflict
I think is unhelpful,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Democrats have
held out and held up efforts to reopen government, stating they want Republican
concessions on health care. Top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries of New York,
called laughable the proposal to extend subsidies for one year.

Schmidt says
Democrats have taken a different tact after agreeing to legislation that would
give budget negotiators an extra seven weeks to finalize budget bills.

“So we did exactly
what Hakeem and others wanted, we thought, they said, and then things melted
down when (the) minority party in the Senate said heck no, we’re not doing that,”
Schmidt says “And now, leader Jefferies has sort of upped the rhetoric and upped
the ante and turned it into more of an all or nothing fight.”

Schmidt says the
issue is in the hands of the Senate where Republicans will have to secure
enough Democratic votes to meet a 60-vote threshold to pass legislation.

Schmidt asserts great
progress was underway in approving the 12 bills that make up the federal budget
and would like to get back to that work.

“I at least and I
think most of my colleagues would like to get passed this so-called shutdown
fight, which appears to me to be all a political fight, and back to the policy
discussions,” Schmidt says. “And I hope that this doesn’t taint the well for
continuing collaboration going forward.”

Some Republicans
seem to be considering the idea of extending the ACA credits.

Schmidt opposes
extending the credits, but.

“I think there’s probably
support for doing something with the ACA credits,” Schmidt says. “My own view
has long been that they’re bad public policy, but they’re bad public policy that
people have come to rely upon. And so, just abruptly ending them is probably
not the best option. Rather, some reforms and maybe a phase out over time makes
a lot more sense.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostToday is Columbus
Day, a federal holiday. Congress returns to debate tomorrow to see if agreement
can be reached to re-open the federal government.Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt, a Republican, says the stance of the top Democrat in
the House to reject a proposed one-year extension of Affordable Care Act
subsidies complicated things.“Well, I think it’s
a mistake and this apparent decision to ramp up rather than toning down the conflict
I think is unhelpful,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Democrats have
held out and held up efforts to reopen government, stating they want Republican
concessions on health care. Top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries of New York,
called laughable the proposal to extend subsidies for one year.Schmidt says
Democrats have taken a different tact after agreeing to legislation that would
give budget negotiators an extra seven weeks to finalize budget bills.“So we did exactly
what Hakeem and others wanted, we thought, they said, and then things melted
down when (the) minority party in the Senate said heck no, we’re not doing that,”
Schmidt says “And now, leader Jefferies has sort of upped the rhetoric and upped
the ante and turned it into more of an all or nothing fight.”Schmidt says the
issue is in the hands of the Senate where Republicans will have to secure
enough Democratic votes to meet a 60-vote threshold to pass legislation.Schmidt asserts great
progress was underway in approving the 12 bills that make up the federal budget
and would like to get back to that work.“I at least and I
think most of my colleagues would like to get passed this so-called shutdown
fight, which appears to me to be all a political fight, and back to the policy
discussions,” Schmidt says. “And I hope that this doesn’t taint the well for
continuing collaboration going forward.”Some Republicans
seem to be considering the idea of extending the ACA credits.Schmidt opposes
extending the credits, but.“I think there’s probably
support for doing something with the ACA credits,” Schmidt says. “My own view
has long been that they’re bad public policy, but they’re bad public policy that
people have come to rely upon. And so, just abruptly ending them is probably
not the best option. Rather, some reforms and maybe a phase out over time makes
a lot more sense.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

After holiday, Congress will return still trying to reopen government

In the first month of direct state aid for Missouri’s K-12 scholarship program, 98% of funds went to religious institutions

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

State funding of private-school vouchers is primarily being used for students attending religious institutions, with nearly 98% of funding going toward Catholic, Christian, Jewish and Islamic schools.

This year, state lawmakers passed a budget that included a request from Gov. Mike Kehoe to supply the state-run K-12 scholarship program, MOScholars, with $50 million of general revenue. Previously, the impact to the state’s bottom line was indirect, with 100% tax-deductible donations fueling the program.

Donations are still part of MOScholars’ funding, but the state appropriation has more than doubled the number of scholarships available.

During the 2024-25 school year, MOScholars awarded $15.2 million in scholarships.

In August alone, the State Treasurer’s Office received invoices for scholarships totaling $15.6 million, according to documents obtained by The Independent under Missouri’s open records laws.

The invoice process is unique to the direct state funding of the program. The nonprofits that administer scholarships, called educational assistance organizations, were the sole keepers of scholarship funds. But now, the State Treasurer’s Office holds scholarship money derived from general revenue in an account previously only used for program marketing and administration.

The invoices contained data on which schools MOScholars students are attending and the scholarship amount.

Of the 2,329 scholarships awarded in August, only 59 went to students in nonreligious schools.

This number did not surprise Democratic lawmakers, who for years have warned that state revenue was going to be siphoned into religious schools.

“We are simply subsidizing, with tax dollars, parents who would already choose to send their kids to a private school,” state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, told The Independent. “And now we are using public dollars to pay for schools that are not transparent whatsoever in choosing who to educate and who not.”

Some schools have been criticized for admission requirements that push a moral standard.

Christian Fellowship School in Columbia, which received scholarships for 63 MOScholars students in August, requires “at least one parent of enrolled students professes faith in Christ and agrees with the admission policies and the philosophy and doctrinal statements of the school,” according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F-pfYc2664C0toFkKlJqr36C50f1Dh2D7ZZrsa4CTjo/edit?tab=t.0" target="_blank">handbook</a>.&nbsp;

These statements include disapproval of homosexuality.

“The school reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission of an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student,” the handbook continues.

With around 430 K-12 students enrolled at Christian Fellowship School, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&amp;SchoolName=christian+fellowship+school&amp;NumOfStudentsRange=more&amp;IncGrade=-1&amp;LoGrade=-1&amp;HiGrade=-1&amp;ID=A9103769" target="_blank">National Center for Educational Statistics survey data</a>, MOScholars makes up a sizable portion of its funding. But it is not the only school with a large number of scholarship recipients.

Torah Prep School in St. Louis had 229 K-12 students during the 2023-24 school year. And in August, 197 MOScholars students received funding to attend the school. Torah Prep did not respond to a request for comment.

The high number of students attending religious schools with MOScholars funding is somewhat incidental, somewhat by design.

The MOScholars program allows its six educational assistance organizations to choose what scholarships they are willing to support.&nbsp;

Religious organizations stepped into the role to help connect congregants with affiliated schools. Only two of the six educational assistance organizations partner with schools unaffiliated with religion.

The Catholic dioceses of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Springfield-Cape Girardeau run the educational assistance organization Bright Futures Fund, which administered nearly half of the scholarships awarded in August.

The educational assistance organization Agudath Israel of Missouri focuses on Jewish education, partnering with four Jewish day schools.

The organization’s director Hillel Anton told The Independent that students are attracted to the program for more than just religious reasons.

“(Parents’) first and foremost concern is where their child is going to be able to be in the best learning environment,” Anton said. “And you may have a faith-based school that is fantastic and is able to provide that.”

State-funded scholarships administered in August, by location

This data was compiled from MOScholars invoices issued in August — the first month that scholarships were administered through a state appropriation. During August, over 2000 students received funding through the program.

The demand for the program has long&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">exceeded funding availability</a>. Going into August, organizations had waitlists of students eligible for a scholarship but without funding secured.

Agudath Israel of Missouri couldn’t guarantee scholarships for all of the returning students, Anton said, until the state funding was official.

“Because a lot of the funding is done towards the end of the year… we had everyone on a wait list,” he said. “Because we didn’t know necessarily how much funding we were going to have, we weren’t awarding anyone (the funding).”

Because the program was previously powered by 100% tax-deductible donations, the majority of funds poured in around December. But families need the money months sooner, with tuition due at the start of the school year.

Some educational assistance organizations prefunded scholarships, dipping into their savings to front expenses in the fall. Others had schools that would accept students and wait for payment.

The funding from the state, though, has resolved the backlog and allowed organizations to give scholarships to everyone on their wait list.

“Everyone who qualified for a scholarship this year received one,” Ashlie Hand, Bright Futures Fund’s director of communications, told The Independent.

Bright Futures Fund nearly doubled the number of students it serves, from 1,050 to 1,909.

Agudath Israel of Missouri is growing, too. The new funding helped the organization expand from 175 scholarships last year to 277 this year.

Some expect the state funding to continue next year to support this year’s windfall of scholarships. State Treasurer Vivek Malek&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/new-funding-for-private-school-vouchers-will-set-precedent-for-future-missouri-budgets/">told The Independent in May</a>&nbsp;that if donations fall short, he will request state funds to support the new students through graduation.

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760357050374.png" alt=" Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and School in Jefferson City, as pictured Sept. 20, 2024, received scholarships for 22 students this August through the MOScholars program. MOScholars, which provides private school vouchers, expanded this fall with an infusion of state funds (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and School in Jefferson City, as pictured Sept. 20, 2024, received scholarships for 22 students this August through the MOScholars program. MOScholars, which provides private school vouchers, expanded this fall with an infusion of state funds (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In the first month of direct state aid for Missouri’s K-12 scholarship program, 98% of funds went to religious institutions</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hansha</a>w <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>State funding of private-school vouchers is primarily being used for students attending religious institutions, with nearly 98% of funding going toward Catholic, Christian, Jewish and Islamic schools.This year, state lawmakers passed a budget that included a request from Gov. Mike Kehoe to supply the state-run K-12 scholarship program, MOScholars, with $50 million of general revenue. Previously, the impact to the state’s bottom line was indirect, with 100% tax-deductible donations fueling the program.Donations are still part of MOScholars’ funding, but the state appropriation has more than doubled the number of scholarships available.During the 2024-25 school year, MOScholars awarded $15.2 million in scholarships.In August alone, the State Treasurer’s Office received invoices for scholarships totaling $15.6 million, according to documents obtained by The Independent under Missouri’s open records laws.The invoice process is unique to the direct state funding of the program. The nonprofits that administer scholarships, called educational assistance organizations, were the sole keepers of scholarship funds. But now, the State Treasurer’s Office holds scholarship money derived from general revenue in an account previously only used for program marketing and administration.The invoices contained data on which schools MOScholars students are attending and the scholarship amount.Of the 2,329 scholarships awarded in August, only 59 went to students in nonreligious schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760356915792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This number did not surprise Democratic lawmakers, who for years have warned that state revenue was going to be siphoned into religious schools.“We are simply subsidizing, with tax dollars, parents who would already choose to send their kids to a private school,” state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, told The Independent. “And now we are using public dollars to pay for schools that are not transparent whatsoever in choosing who to educate and who not.”Some schools have been criticized for admission requirements that push a moral standard.Christian Fellowship School in Columbia, which received scholarships for 63 MOScholars students in August, requires “at least one parent of enrolled students professes faith in Christ and agrees with the admission policies and the philosophy and doctrinal statements of the school,” according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F-pfYc2664C0toFkKlJqr36C50f1Dh2D7ZZrsa4CTjo/edit?tab=t.0" target="_blank">handbook</a>.&nbsp;These statements include disapproval of homosexuality.“The school reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission of an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student,” the handbook continues.With around 430 K-12 students enrolled at Christian Fellowship School, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&amp;SchoolName=christian+fellowship+school&amp;NumOfStudentsRange=more&amp;IncGrade=-1&amp;LoGrade=-1&amp;HiGrade=-1&amp;ID=A9103769" target="_blank">National Center for Educational Statistics survey data</a>, MOScholars makes up a sizable portion of its funding. But it is not the only school with a large number of scholarship recipients.Torah Prep School in St. Louis had 229 K-12 students during the 2023-24 school year. And in August, 197 MOScholars students received funding to attend the school. Torah Prep did not respond to a request for comment.The high number of students attending religious schools with MOScholars funding is somewhat incidental, somewhat by design.The MOScholars program allows its six educational assistance organizations to choose what scholarships they are willing to support.&nbsp;Religious organizations stepped into the role to help connect congregants with affiliated schools. Only two of the six educational assistance organizations partner with schools unaffiliated with religion.The Catholic dioceses of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Springfield-Cape Girardeau run the educational assistance organization Bright Futures Fund, which administered nearly half of the scholarships awarded in August.The educational assistance organization Agudath Israel of Missouri focuses on Jewish education, partnering with four Jewish day schools.The organization’s director Hillel Anton told The Independent that students are attracted to the program for more than just religious reasons.“(Parents’) first and foremost concern is where their child is going to be able to be in the best learning environment,” Anton said. “And you may have a faith-based school that is fantastic and is able to provide that.”<h2>State-funded scholarships administered in August, by location</h2>This data was compiled from MOScholars invoices issued in August — the first month that scholarships were administered through a state appropriation. During August, over 2000 students received funding through the program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760356993957.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The demand for the program has long&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">exceeded funding availability</a>. Going into August, organizations had waitlists of students eligible for a scholarship but without funding secured.Agudath Israel of Missouri couldn’t guarantee scholarships for all of the returning students, Anton said, until the state funding was official.“Because a lot of the funding is done towards the end of the year… we had everyone on a wait list,” he said. “Because we didn’t know necessarily how much funding we were going to have, we weren’t awarding anyone (the funding).”Because the program was previously powered by 100% tax-deductible donations, the majority of funds poured in around December. But families need the money months sooner, with tuition due at the start of the school year.Some educational assistance organizations prefunded scholarships, dipping into their savings to front expenses in the fall. Others had schools that would accept students and wait for payment.The funding from the state, though, has resolved the backlog and allowed organizations to give scholarships to everyone on their wait list.“Everyone who qualified for a scholarship this year received one,” Ashlie Hand, Bright Futures Fund’s director of communications, told The Independent.Bright Futures Fund nearly doubled the number of students it serves, from 1,050 to 1,909.Agudath Israel of Missouri is growing, too. The new funding helped the organization expand from 175 scholarships last year to 277 this year.Some expect the state funding to continue next year to support this year’s windfall of scholarships. State Treasurer Vivek Malek&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/new-funding-for-private-school-vouchers-will-set-precedent-for-future-missouri-budgets/">told The Independent in May</a>&nbsp;that if donations fall short, he will request state funds to support the new students through graduation.The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this report.

Nearly all state funding for Missouri school vouchers used for religious schools

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Nissan Rogue driven by a 72-year-old Maryville man was northbound on U.S. 71 just north of Route A. The Nissan rear-ended a 2000 Kenworth Conventional.

Nodaway County ambulance transported the Nissan driver to Mosaic in Maryville. The 77-year-old semi driver from Maitland was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Nissan Rogue driven by a 72-year-old Maryville man was northbound on U.S. 71 just north of Route A. The Nissan rear-ended a 2000 Kenworth Conventional.Nodaway County ambulance transported the Nissan driver to Mosaic in Maryville. The 77-year-old semi driver from Maitland was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after rear-end crash

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by a 46-year-old Montgomery Village man was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles west of Osborn. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the south side of the road, returned to the road a second time and overturned.

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by a 46-year-old Montgomery Village man was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles west of Osborn. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the south side of the road, returned to the road a second time and overturned.DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man hospitalized after semi overturns

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 49-year-old Ankeny, Iowa man was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Pattonsburg. The vehicle crossed the median into southbound traffic, traveled off the west side of the road into trees and came to rest ot its wheels.Daviess County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

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