Daily Premium Meats in St. Joseph will build a sizeable expansion, that will double its bacon production and bring more jobs to the city.  

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe applauds the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for understanding the mission of creating opportunities for Missourians 

"Whenever you have a Chamber that's that involved, that's that integrated into the community, you see good success like we have here with Daily's," Kehoe tells reporters following the groundbreaking.  "And we couldn't be happier with their $100 million expansion and the over 100 jobs they're adding to the area." 

Kehoe says a key to expansions like this, not just in St. Joseph, but around the state is continuing to develop the workforce to go towards it 

"Making sure that Daily's and Triumph and other people in the St. Joe area have access to great quality trained workforce." Kehoe explains.  "You have a great University here with us today in Missouri Western, so there's things they're working on as you know with the innovation center to make that happen." 

Daily's will construct another production bay on the east side of its manufacturing facility. Currently 2.5% of the nation’s bacon is manufactured in St. Joseph, Missouri. With the expansion, 5% of the nation’s bacon will be manufactured in St. Joseph.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747076932258.jpeg" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe spoke during a groundbreaking event for an expansion project at Daily's Premium Meats in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe spoke during a groundbreaking event for an expansion project at Daily's Premium Meats in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Daily Premium Meats in St. Joseph will build a sizeable expansion, that will double its bacon production and bring more jobs to the city. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe applauds the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for understanding the mission of creating opportunities for Missourians "Whenever you have a Chamber that's that involved, that's that integrated into the community, you see good success like we have here with Daily's," Kehoe tells reporters following the groundbreaking. "And we couldn't be happier with their $100 million expansion and the over 100 jobs they're adding to the area." Kehoe says a key to expansions like this, not just in St. Joseph, but around the state is continuing to develop the workforce to go towards it "Making sure that Daily's and Triumph and other people in the St. Joe area have access to great quality trained workforce." Kehoe explains. "You have a great University here with us today in Missouri Western, so there's things they're working on as you know with the innovation center to make that happen." Daily's will construct another production bay on the east side of its manufacturing facility. Currently 2.5% of the nation’s bacon is manufactured in St. Joseph, Missouri. With the expansion, 5% of the nation’s bacon will be manufactured in St. Joseph.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Daily's Premium Meats breaks ground on significant expansion project

The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year.  

Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing.  

Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce 

"Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics 

"They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says.  

The new program will be solely offered on campus.  Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus 

Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life 

"How do you use it and how do you use critical thinking tools to make sure that the information that you're getting is good?" Hooyman asks.  "So, what this degree will do is focus a lot on the analytical tools and deciphering information to make sure that the corporation is able to move forward using good data." 

Hooyman says the new program is huge because when you're basing decisions to determine people's future on data, you need to make sure the data you find is correct.  

In the spring semester, a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration will be offered to students.  Hooyman says this degree is incredibly important to help keep young leaders in the area 

"And help build the communities to make them stronger so we don't lose all of our youth to the cities," Hooyman explains.  "But they can also go work in large cities and things like that, public administration has been a high request area for many years, and we're excited to finally be able to launch it." 

The program will be available both online and on campus and is designed to increase readiness in areas such as accounting, economics, or media. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year. Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing. Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce "Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics "They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says. The new program will be solely offered on campus. Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life "How do you use it and how do you use critical thinking tools to make sure that the information that you're getting is good?" Hooyman asks. "So, what this degree will do is focus a lot on the analytical tools and deciphering information to make sure that the corporation is able to move forward using good data." Hooyman says the new program is huge because when you're basing decisions to determine people's future on data, you need to make sure the data you find is correct. In the spring semester, a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration will be offered to students. Hooyman says this degree is incredibly important to help keep young leaders in the area "And help build the communities to make them stronger so we don't lose all of our youth to the cities," Hooyman explains. "But they can also go work in large cities and things like that, public administration has been a high request area for many years, and we're excited to finally be able to launch it." The program will be available both online and on campus and is designed to increase readiness in areas such as accounting, economics, or media. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

NWMSU Board of Regents approves new programs to launch in new school year

While 2024 was a good year for tourism in Buchanan County, there was still one major problem area, the number of available hotels in St. Joseph.  

In fact, due to the low supply, hotel rates were almost $11 higher than in 2023.  Which in turn made occupancy drop nearly a full percentage point from year to year, and the total rooms booked dropped over 3,000. 

Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says often businesses bring up the lack of hotels when bringing in businesspeople, who might end up having to stay in Kansas City 

"If they stay down there, what are they going to do? They're going to get Starbucks in the morning down there, they're going to come in do their work here, they're going to leave early because they're like oh I've got a little bit of a drive back to my hotel, they drive down there, and they eat dinner down there," Mengle says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And so now we are losing dollars to a community down south of us that didn't earn it, that's our businesses that earned that business being here." 

Mengel says more hotels could be added on top of some recently developed hotels but doesn't feel like too many more are needed.  Mengel says ultimately the goal with this is just to bring more people into St. Joseph 

"So, there's that balance of if you have a lower occupancy but a lot of hotels, you can still have a lot of people, but if you have really high occupancy and not a lot of hotels. that can still be the same number of people," Mengle explains.  "So, it's that balance of what's the absolute most people we can get into town? What's that balance of hey we are an affordable price." 

Two hotels are being developed near Frederick Avenue, one at the site of the old Ramada Inn, with another on land next to Stoney Creek Inn.  One hotel was recently completed in the North Village Shoppes, while another is being developed.  Could there be room for more? 

Mengle says one obvious answer is a hotel downtown 

"So you're not getting that foot traffic of actual people walking to the restaurant, walking to the bar, walking to take their kids to the candy store, walking to the Civic Arena to see a sporting event, walking to the Missouri Theatre to see a show, walking to the Trail Theatre to see a show," Mengle says.  "We have so many cool things that people can't walk to, they've got to drive all the way across town, we've got to convince them to come all the way across town." 

Mengle says when people spend most of their trip driving, the last thing they want to do is spend more time in the car finding something to do, so a downtown hotel would help allow people to walk from place to place. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post While 2024 was a good year for tourism in Buchanan County, there was still one major problem area, the number of available hotels in St. Joseph. In fact, due to the low supply, hotel rates were almost $11 higher than in 2023. Which in turn made occupancy drop nearly a full percentage point from year to year, and the total rooms booked dropped over 3,000. Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says often businesses bring up the lack of hotels when bringing in businesspeople, who might end up having to stay in Kansas City "If they stay down there, what are they going to do? They're going to get Starbucks in the morning down there, they're going to come in do their work here, they're going to leave early because they're like oh I've got a little bit of a drive back to my hotel, they drive down there, and they eat dinner down there," Mengle says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And so now we are losing dollars to a community down south of us that didn't earn it, that's our businesses that earned that business being here." Mengel says more hotels could be added on top of some recently developed hotels but doesn't feel like too many more are needed. Mengel says ultimately the goal with this is just to bring more people into St. Joseph "So, there's that balance of if you have a lower occupancy but a lot of hotels, you can still have a lot of people, but if you have really high occupancy and not a lot of hotels. that can still be the same number of people," Mengle explains. "So, it's that balance of what's the absolute most people we can get into town? What's that balance of hey we are an affordable price." Two hotels are being developed near Frederick Avenue, one at the site of the old Ramada Inn, with another on land next to Stoney Creek Inn. One hotel was recently completed in the North Village Shoppes, while another is being developed. Could there be room for more? Mengle says one obvious answer is a hotel downtown "So you're not getting that foot traffic of actual people walking to the restaurant, walking to the bar, walking to take their kids to the candy store, walking to the Civic Arena to see a sporting event, walking to the Missouri Theatre to see a show, walking to the Trail Theatre to see a show," Mengle says. "We have so many cool things that people can't walk to, they've got to drive all the way across town, we've got to convince them to come all the way across town." Mengle says when people spend most of their trip driving, the last thing they want to do is spend more time in the car finding something to do, so a downtown hotel would help allow people to walk from place to place. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Buchanan County sees good tourism numbers in 2024, but still lacks hotel space

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by a 66-year-old Lenox, Iowa man was eastbound on Jade Road one half mile north of Maryville and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2018 Dodge Durango driven by a 40-year-old Maryville woman.

The Dodge struck the front passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles struck the front drivers side of a 2007 Kia Spectra driven by a 70-year-old Hopkins man who was westbound on MO 148 and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71.

Nodaway County EMS transported the Missouri drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported the Iowa driver to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by a 66-year-old Lenox, Iowa man was eastbound on Jade Road one half mile north of Maryville and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2018 Dodge Durango driven by a 40-year-old Maryville woman.The Dodge struck the front passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles struck the front drivers side of a 2007 Kia Spectra driven by a 70-year-old Hopkins man who was westbound on MO 148 and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71.Nodaway County EMS transported the Missouri drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported the Iowa driver to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Nodaway County crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Albany man was southbound on Route DD. The driver failed to. yield at the stop sign at MO 6. The pickup struck an eastbound 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man.&nbsp;

EMS transported both drivers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Albany man was southbound on Route DD. The driver failed to. yield at the stop sign at MO 6. The pickup struck an eastbound 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man.&nbsp;EMS transported both drivers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Missouri men injured after pickup, car crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.

Just before 5p.m Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 16th and Santa Fe in the City of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

An eight year old boy was ridding his bicycle east on Santa Fe when a southbound vehicle on 16th Street failed to stop at the stop sign at 16th and Santa Fe and struck the bicycle in the intersection.

 The vehicle then fled the area without stopping. A private vehicle transported the eight-year old bicyclist to Amberwell Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released. Police continue to search for the driver of the vehicle which has been described as a smaller gray SUV, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.Just before 5p.m Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 16th and Santa Fe in the City of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An eight year old boy was ridding his bicycle east on Santa Fe when a southbound vehicle on 16th Street failed to stop at the stop sign at 16th and Santa Fe and struck the bicycle in the intersection. The vehicle then fled the area without stopping. A private vehicle transported the eight-year old bicyclist to Amberwell Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released. Police continue to search for the driver of the vehicle which has been described as a smaller gray SUV, according to Wilson.

8-year-old bicyclist injured after hit-and-run incident

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Atchison.

A 1997 Chevrolet pick up driven by Jeremiah Mullins, 20, Atchison, was southbound in the 1000 Block of Price Boulevard, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.

EMS transported Mullins to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. He was cited for no driver’s license, illegal tag and no proof of insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746992588512.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Atchison.A 1997 Chevrolet pick up driven by Jeremiah Mullins, 20, Atchison, was southbound in the 1000 Block of Price Boulevard, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.EMS transported Mullins to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. He was cited for no driver’s license, illegal tag and no proof of insurance.

Police: Kan. man with no driver's license injured in crash

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Chevy Malibu driven by a Carson B. Francis, 26, Stewartsville was eastbound on MO P at SW Thorton Road two miles west of Clarksdale.

The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the north side of the road, through a fence and struck a tree.&nbsp; The Patrol arrested him for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He was properly restrained at the time of the crash. DeKalb County EMS transported Francis to Mosaic Life Care for treatment of serious injuries.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.&nbsp; The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Chevy Malibu driven by a Carson B. Francis, 26, Stewartsville was eastbound on MO P at SW Thorton Road two miles west of Clarksdale.The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the north side of the road, through a fence and struck a tree.&nbsp; The Patrol arrested him for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He was properly restrained at the time of the crash. DeKalb County EMS transported Francis to Mosaic Life Care for treatment of serious injuries.

Missouri man accused of DWI after crash into a tree

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7jh5mnkRLLagVyKcGgVzR7?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 Week in Review

The legislation, which state Rep. Jim Murphy called ‘a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with,’ also expands tax credits for maternity homes and diaper banks and creates a ‘Zero-Cost Adoption Fund’

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>

A<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/senate-substitute-hb121.pdf?c=41032" target="_blank">&nbsp;bill</a>&nbsp;that would help fund the installation of rescue boxes for parents in crisis to anonymously relinquish newborns to the state is headed to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.

State Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis Republican and the sponsor of the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” called his legislation “a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with.”&nbsp;

That was nearly true. The bill faced no opposition until it reached the Senate, where state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, voted against it Wednesday when it passed 31 to 1. When the bill returned to the House for final approval on Thursday evening, it passed 136 to 1, with state Rep. Bryan Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve, as the lone dissenting vote.

The legislation was amended in the Senate where lawmakers tacked on an increased tax credit allowance for maternity homes from 70% to 100% and raised the ceiling from $50,000 to $100,000 per taxpayer per year. The Senate also extended the expiration date on the diaper bank tax credit to 2031.&nbsp;

The amended bill also establishes the “Zero-Cost Adoption Fund,” which would go toward helping Missourians pay for adoption costs, giving priority to those adopting children in foster care. The fund would be administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services and also provide financial support for community-based interventions to help prevent children from entering foster care.&nbsp;

“Any time we can make not only the adoption process smoother and more cost-efficient and also put supports in place to ensure that the adoption is successful, that’s an easy yes for me,”&nbsp; state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge, said Thursday.&nbsp;

But the “newborn safety incubators” remained the focus of the bill. These boxes are increasingly popular around the country, allowing parents to anonymously relinquish their infant to the state without criminal consequence for abandoning the child. Under state law, parents who relinquish their infants still have an opportunity to ask the state for custody of their child again in the future.

<a href="https://project-safe-haven-babybox.vercel.app/" target="_blank">Six&nbsp;of these safe boxes&nbsp;</a>have been installed around Missouri with four more on the way, all thanks to private donors, Murphy said. One child has been safely relinquished through this method, he said.&nbsp;

The first box was installed in August 2023 at the Mehlville Fire Protection District in south Saint Louis County. Exactly six months later, the box’s silent alarm went off. Inside the box,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2024-02-13/first-child-is-surrendered-to-mehlville-fire-stations-baby-box" target="_blank">first responders found an hours-old newborn.&nbsp;</a>

In early February, while testifying in support of the bill, Hendricks said he planned to attend the little girl’s 1st birthday later that month with her adoptive family.

“There is no reason in the world we live in that babies end up in dumpsters,” Hendricks told state representatives in February. “We can do better. But the funding is an issue.”&nbsp;

The fire chief said he receives at least three calls a month from other fire departments and law enforcement agencies interested in installing their own boxes. But in most cases, funding is a major barrier.&nbsp;

The cost of installing each box is roughly $20,000, Murphy said. This includes equipping the box with temperature controls, alarms to notify first responders the box has been activated and a feature that dials 911. Some are also outfitted with video cameras that show a live feed of the baby.&nbsp;

The current budget earmarks $250,000 for the program, which would put up to $10,000 toward each box, thus contributing to the installation of 25 more boxes in the next fiscal year.

Murphy told his colleagues that the interest in the boxes spans the state. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article303409891.html" target="_blank">Kansas City</a>, for example, one councilman is looking to install six boxes, he said.

During the House hearing on the bill, state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told Hendricks that she was texting the fire chiefs in Berkeley and Ferguson in north Saint Louis County about the technology.&nbsp;

“I want that box,” said Proudie, who suggested extending the relinquishment period to six or 12 months.

In 2002, Missouri passed a safe haven law that allowed mothers to surrender babies within the first weeks of their lives to staff at hospitals, fire departments, ambulance services, law enforcement agencies, maternity homes or pregnancy resource centers.

Since then, Murphy said, “many, many babies were still found in dumpsters and alleys<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/maries-county-newborn-baby-put-in-plastic-bag-by-teenage-mother-recovering-in-hospital" target="_blank">&nbsp;and places like that</a>,” adding: “The safe haven bill didn’t work as planned.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/infant-mortality/meetings/infant-abandonment-prevention.pdf" target="_blank">The National Safe Haven Alliance,</a>&nbsp;a nonprofit that advocates for “infant abandonment protection,” reports that in 2021, 73 infants were relinquished through Safe Haven laws around the country. That same year, the nonprofit reports, 31 babies were found abandoned in dangerous locations like dumpsters around the country. Of those 31 infants, 22 were found dead.&nbsp;

During Senate debate Wednesday,&nbsp;state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, expressed her support for the bill as she addressed Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who handled the legislation in the Senate, acknowledging both their roles as adoptive mothers.&nbsp;

“My son was placed in my arms at 13 days. I can’t imagine what his birth mom was going through during those days, but I am so grateful that after 13 days, she was able to place him in my arms,” Nurrenbern said. “That’s what we want for all birth parents in that situation, to recognize that there is a safe place for their baby.”

On Thursday, state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a St. Louis Democrat, accused&nbsp; Senate Republicans of hypocrisy for passing the baby box legislation then leading a filibuster the evening prior to kill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/republican-filibuster-blocks-missouri-bill-expanding-access-to-child-care/">legislation that would have created a child care tax credit</a>.

“These baby boxes are all well and good,” Walsh Moore said. “But if we invested in our families and our working families making sure that mothers are healthy and cared for and that children are safe in child care, then maybe people wouldn’t have to hand their children over to the government.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733419622838.jpeg" alt="Safe Haven Baby Box-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Safe Haven Baby Box-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation, which state Rep. Jim Murphy called ‘a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with,’ also expands tax credits for maternity homes and diaper banks and creates a ‘Zero-Cost Adoption Fund’</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>A<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/senate-substitute-hb121.pdf?c=41032" target="_blank">&nbsp;bill</a>&nbsp;that would help fund the installation of rescue boxes for parents in crisis to anonymously relinquish newborns to the state is headed to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.State Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis Republican and the sponsor of the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” called his legislation “a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with.”&nbsp;That was nearly true. The bill faced no opposition until it reached the Senate, where state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, voted against it Wednesday when it passed 31 to 1. When the bill returned to the House for final approval on Thursday evening, it passed 136 to 1, with state Rep. Bryan Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve, as the lone dissenting vote.The legislation was amended in the Senate where lawmakers tacked on an increased tax credit allowance for maternity homes from 70% to 100% and raised the ceiling from $50,000 to $100,000 per taxpayer per year. The Senate also extended the expiration date on the diaper bank tax credit to 2031.&nbsp;The amended bill also establishes the “Zero-Cost Adoption Fund,” which would go toward helping Missourians pay for adoption costs, giving priority to those adopting children in foster care. The fund would be administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services and also provide financial support for community-based interventions to help prevent children from entering foster care.&nbsp;“Any time we can make not only the adoption process smoother and more cost-efficient and also put supports in place to ensure that the adoption is successful, that’s an easy yes for me,”&nbsp; state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge, said Thursday.&nbsp;But the “newborn safety incubators” remained the focus of the bill. These boxes are increasingly popular around the country, allowing parents to anonymously relinquish their infant to the state without criminal consequence for abandoning the child. Under state law, parents who relinquish their infants still have an opportunity to ask the state for custody of their child again in the future.<a href="https://project-safe-haven-babybox.vercel.app/" target="_blank">Six&nbsp;of these safe boxes&nbsp;</a>have been installed around Missouri with four more on the way, all thanks to private donors, Murphy said. One child has been safely relinquished through this method, he said.&nbsp;The first box was installed in August 2023 at the Mehlville Fire Protection District in south Saint Louis County. Exactly six months later, the box’s silent alarm went off. Inside the box,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2024-02-13/first-child-is-surrendered-to-mehlville-fire-stations-baby-box" target="_blank">first responders found an hours-old newborn.&nbsp;</a>In early February, while testifying in support of the bill, Hendricks said he planned to attend the little girl’s 1st birthday later that month with her adoptive family.“There is no reason in the world we live in that babies end up in dumpsters,” Hendricks told state representatives in February. “We can do better. But the funding is an issue.”&nbsp;The fire chief said he receives at least three calls a month from other fire departments and law enforcement agencies interested in installing their own boxes. But in most cases, funding is a major barrier.&nbsp;The cost of installing each box is roughly $20,000, Murphy said. This includes equipping the box with temperature controls, alarms to notify first responders the box has been activated and a feature that dials 911. Some are also outfitted with video cameras that show a live feed of the baby.&nbsp;The current budget earmarks $250,000 for the program, which would put up to $10,000 toward each box, thus contributing to the installation of 25 more boxes in the next fiscal year.Murphy told his colleagues that the interest in the boxes spans the state. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article303409891.html" target="_blank">Kansas City</a>, for example, one councilman is looking to install six boxes, he said.During the House hearing on the bill, state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told Hendricks that she was texting the fire chiefs in Berkeley and Ferguson in north Saint Louis County about the technology.&nbsp;“I want that box,” said Proudie, who suggested extending the relinquishment period to six or 12 months.In 2002, Missouri passed a safe haven law that allowed mothers to surrender babies within the first weeks of their lives to staff at hospitals, fire departments, ambulance services, law enforcement agencies, maternity homes or pregnancy resource centers.Since then, Murphy said, “many, many babies were still found in dumpsters and alleys<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/maries-county-newborn-baby-put-in-plastic-bag-by-teenage-mother-recovering-in-hospital" target="_blank">&nbsp;and places like that</a>,” adding: “The safe haven bill didn’t work as planned.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/infant-mortality/meetings/infant-abandonment-prevention.pdf" target="_blank">The National Safe Haven Alliance,</a>&nbsp;a nonprofit that advocates for “infant abandonment protection,” reports that in 2021, 73 infants were relinquished through Safe Haven laws around the country. That same year, the nonprofit reports, 31 babies were found abandoned in dangerous locations like dumpsters around the country. Of those 31 infants, 22 were found dead.&nbsp;During Senate debate Wednesday,&nbsp;state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, expressed her support for the bill as she addressed Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who handled the legislation in the Senate, acknowledging both their roles as adoptive mothers.&nbsp;“My son was placed in my arms at 13 days. I can’t imagine what his birth mom was going through during those days, but I am so grateful that after 13 days, she was able to place him in my arms,” Nurrenbern said. “That’s what we want for all birth parents in that situation, to recognize that there is a safe place for their baby.”On Thursday, state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a St. Louis Democrat, accused&nbsp; Senate Republicans of hypocrisy for passing the baby box legislation then leading a filibuster the evening prior to kill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/republican-filibuster-blocks-missouri-bill-expanding-access-to-child-care/">legislation that would have created a child care tax credit</a>.“These baby boxes are all well and good,” Walsh Moore said. “But if we invested in our families and our working families making sure that mothers are healthy and cared for and that children are safe in child care, then maybe people wouldn’t have to hand their children over to the government.”&nbsp;

Bill funding newborn rescue boxes heads to Missouri governor

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Dodge Dakota driven by a 27-year-old Savannah man was northbound on U.S. 169 near Brookwood Way one and one half miles north of St. Joseph.

The driver was distracted by a hand held device and the pickup rear-ended a 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by a 40-year-old Savannah woman who was waiting to west.

Andrew County EMS transported Toyota driver to Mosaic. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Dodge Dakota driven by a 27-year-old Savannah man was northbound on U.S. 169 near Brookwood Way one and one half miles north of St. Joseph.The driver was distracted by a hand held device and the pickup rear-ended a 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by a 40-year-old Savannah woman who was waiting to west.Andrew County EMS transported Toyota driver to Mosaic. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman injured after crash due to distracted driver

A longtime program designed to educate youth about aviation and teach STEM activities will offer flights this weekend at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.  

The Young Eagles program will offer flights to kids between eight and 17 years old, to show off the planes, and maybe get some kids interested in aviation.  

Volunteer Pilot with Young Eagles Lute Atieh says on the day pilots will take kids up in the air for what he likes to call a 'lap around the block'  

"We take off from the airport, we head east out to Riverside and then we, well depending on what direction the wind is we turn north or south, and we come back towards the airport and land," Atieh tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "It's a great experience, I've seen several kids come back year after year." 

Atieh says nationwide Young Eagles, whose sole mission is to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. has given 2.5 million flights to kids 

"If you think about that and the impact it has, I mean these kids between the ages of eight and 17 by the time they're in their late 20's or early 30's, some of them are potentially flying commercial aircraft," Atieh explains.  "So, it's just a really great experience, not just flying but also producing aviation mechanics and other aviation related careers, but there's just no other program like it." 

Atieh says locally he's seen kids that have gone through the program later in their lives in flight training, becoming pilots, or in other aviation fields as well.  

Atieh says not only will kids on the day learn about flight, but they will even be able to learn more at home 

"Every person that flies gets access to this online portal that gives you sort of free ground school as part of this experience," Atieh says.  "So, you can go on the internet, watch a ton of videos, and learn more about flight." 

Atieh says on the day pilots take about 50 to 70 kids up into the air, depending on how many pilots are available, but sadly sometimes to not get to everyone that comes.  

The flights will be offered tomorrow from 8am to 12pm at Rosecrans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746726953412.jpeg" alt="Youth fly free this weekend during the Young Eagles program at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/ Photo courtesy of Lute Atieh" />
 <figcaption>Youth fly free this weekend during the Young Eagles program at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/ Photo courtesy of Lute Atieh</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A longtime program designed to educate youth about aviation and teach STEM activities will offer flights this weekend at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The Young Eagles program will offer flights to kids between eight and 17 years old, to show off the planes, and maybe get some kids interested in aviation. Volunteer Pilot with Young Eagles Lute Atieh says on the day pilots will take kids up in the air for what he likes to call a 'lap around the block' "We take off from the airport, we head east out to Riverside and then we, well depending on what direction the wind is we turn north or south, and we come back towards the airport and land," Atieh tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "It's a great experience, I've seen several kids come back year after year." Atieh says nationwide Young Eagles, whose sole mission is to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. has given 2.5 million flights to kids "If you think about that and the impact it has, I mean these kids between the ages of eight and 17 by the time they're in their late 20's or early 30's, some of them are potentially flying commercial aircraft," Atieh explains. "So, it's just a really great experience, not just flying but also producing aviation mechanics and other aviation related careers, but there's just no other program like it." Atieh says locally he's seen kids that have gone through the program later in their lives in flight training, becoming pilots, or in other aviation fields as well. Atieh says not only will kids on the day learn about flight, but they will even be able to learn more at home "Every person that flies gets access to this online portal that gives you sort of free ground school as part of this experience," Atieh says. "So, you can go on the internet, watch a ton of videos, and learn more about flight." Atieh says on the day pilots take about 50 to 70 kids up into the air, depending on how many pilots are available, but sadly sometimes to not get to everyone that comes. The flights will be offered tomorrow from 8am to 12pm at Rosecrans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746727030954.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Lute Atieh" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Lute Atieh</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Kids fly free with volunteer pilots this weekend to spark love of aviation

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jessica&nbsp;Prieto Rodriguez, 26, Tampa, Florida, was eastbound on 270th one half mile east of Sabetha.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the road into a ditch and rolled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Rodriguez to the hospital in Sabetha. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jessica&nbsp;Prieto Rodriguez, 26, Tampa, Florida, was eastbound on 270th one half mile east of Sabetha.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the road into a ditch and rolled.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Rodriguez to the hospital in Sabetha. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after SUV rollover accident

On this repeat episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with NASA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover/biography" target="_blank">Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;who will pilot NASA's mission to fly by the moon in 2026.

On this repeat episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with NASA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover/biography" target="_blank">Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;who will pilot NASA's mission to fly by the moon in 2026.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BsB43T6P6Ns?si=YhteHw1CYZmbkFdE&amp;start=2" 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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680538101123.png" alt="Official crew portrait for Artemis II, from left: NASA Astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen." />
 <figcaption>Official crew portrait for Artemis II, from left: NASA Astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎤 Forward Ever: NASA Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.

While it's been a problem for some time now, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says a growing problem has been people sneaking drugs into jail. 

Puett reports that just this week alone his office found three people smuggling drugs into jail inside their bodies.  Puett hopes people might understand one thing after this. 

"We want to send a very clear message to people that this is not acceptable, this is not allowed, it's multiple felony crimes, and we're not going to tolerate it," Puett says on the KFEQmunnity show.

Puett reports people smuggling drugs into jail inside their bodies.  Puett says advancements in technology have helped in discovering these attempts

"Before this body scanner and this technology, we weren't able to see what somebody might have inside them," Puett explains.  "And believe it or not, people do all kinds of crazy stuff and put all kinds of crazy things in their body, weapons, narcotics, the whole nine yards."

Puett says keeping drugs out of the jails is important because of the dangers they present to inmates and his staff

"It's a complex situation and the more we add to or compound that with things like fentanyl or methamphetamine or heroine or anything, it makes the problem grow exponentially," Puett says.

Seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills were made.  Charges have been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on all individuals involved, including other inmates in the jail.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWhile it's been a problem for some time now, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says a growing problem has been people sneaking drugs into jail. Puett reports that just this week alone his office found three people smuggling drugs into jail inside their bodies. Puett hopes people might understand one thing after this. "We want to send a very clear message to people that this is not acceptable, this is not allowed, it's multiple felony crimes, and we're not going to tolerate it," Puett says on the KFEQmunnity show.Puett reports people smuggling drugs into jail inside their bodies. Puett says advancements in technology have helped in discovering these attempts"Before this body scanner and this technology, we weren't able to see what somebody might have inside them," Puett explains. "And believe it or not, people do all kinds of crazy stuff and put all kinds of crazy things in their body, weapons, narcotics, the whole nine yards."Puett says keeping drugs out of the jails is important because of the dangers they present to inmates and his staff"It's a complex situation and the more we add to or compound that with things like fentanyl or methamphetamine or heroine or anything, it makes the problem grow exponentially," Puett says.Seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills were made. Charges have been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on all individuals involved, including other inmates in the jail.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sheriff Puett sends message to not bring drugs to jail as problem grows

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3kNq60pp32BQRkaPIeCSr0?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 MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1tD8KGFuk7fBfAg5OfZmvR?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

A special Mother’s Day Brunch is planned
for Saturday by the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph. 

Executive Director, Eric Fuson, will be
preparing savory and sweet crepes to go with iced tea, coffee, and juice.

“So, you will be able to have a nice, savory
one to begin with and top it off with a sweet one or two,” Fuson tells
KFEQmmunity. “We’ll have a cash bar which will have mimosas, Bloody Marys,
signature mocktails, you name it.”

The Mother’s Day Brunch and Blooms also
allows guests to tap into their creative side with a hands-on paper flower
making activity. The Mother’s Day celebration begins at 10am and runs until one
Saturday afternoon. It costs $35 per ticket.

And while a special Mother’s Day Brunch is
planned for Saturday, Albrecht Kemper hasn’t forgotten the fathers.

Fuson says the art museum will celebrate
Father’s Day as well with a Whisky Tasting and Hog Roast on June 21st.

“It’s $50 a ticket, but we’ll be doing a
whole hog roast. We have whisky tasting,” Fuson says. “And I believe we’ll have
some cigars for enjoyment out on the patio, out back.”

A special exhibit begins Friday at Albrecht
Kemper, an exhibit celebrating nature.

“Our Very Nature” by Rachelle Gardner-Roe
of Kansas City blends fiber, sculpture, painting, and poetry influenced by the
artist’s practice of meditation.

Fuson says art such as this calls on you
to step back, break away from your hectic pace, and take in the beauty around us,
something he has observed when interacting with those who come to the museum.

“They kind of say, you know, I don’t know
why I don’t take more time to do this. Why don’t I take a minute to just stop
by, even if it’s only for a few minutes, to just stop in and look around? They
always say it’s just so calming here. It’s beautiful. I always see something I
haven’t seen before,” Fuson says. “It’s just that respite from your normal workload
and life going on that you give to yourself a little bit.”

The Rachelle Gardner-Roe “Over Very
Nature” opening reception begins a four o’clock Friday afternoon and runs until
seven that evening. It is free and open to the public.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special Mother’s Day Brunch is planned
for Saturday by the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph. Executive Director, Eric Fuson, will be
preparing savory and sweet crepes to go with iced tea, coffee, and juice.“So, you will be able to have a nice, savory
one to begin with and top it off with a sweet one or two,” Fuson tells
KFEQmmunity. “We’ll have a cash bar which will have mimosas, Bloody Marys,
signature mocktails, you name it.”The Mother’s Day Brunch and Blooms also
allows guests to tap into their creative side with a hands-on paper flower
making activity. The Mother’s Day celebration begins at 10am and runs until one
Saturday afternoon. It costs $35 per ticket.And while a special Mother’s Day Brunch is
planned for Saturday, Albrecht Kemper hasn’t forgotten the fathers.Fuson says the art museum will celebrate
Father’s Day as well with a Whisky Tasting and Hog Roast on June 21st.“It’s $50 a ticket, but we’ll be doing a
whole hog roast. We have whisky tasting,” Fuson says. “And I believe we’ll have
some cigars for enjoyment out on the patio, out back.”A special exhibit begins Friday at Albrecht
Kemper, an exhibit celebrating nature.“Our Very Nature” by Rachelle Gardner-Roe
of Kansas City blends fiber, sculpture, painting, and poetry influenced by the
artist’s practice of meditation.Fuson says art such as this calls on you
to step back, break away from your hectic pace, and take in the beauty around us,
something he has observed when interacting with those who come to the museum.“They kind of say, you know, I don’t know
why I don’t take more time to do this. Why don’t I take a minute to just stop
by, even if it’s only for a few minutes, to just stop in and look around? They
always say it’s just so calming here. It’s beautiful. I always see something I
haven’t seen before,” Fuson says. “It’s just that respite from your normal workload
and life going on that you give to yourself a little bit.”The Rachelle Gardner-Roe “Over Very
Nature” opening reception begins a four o’clock Friday afternoon and runs until
seven that evening. It is free and open to the public.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Albrecht Kemper opens a new exhibit, celebrates Mother's Day & doesn't forget fathers...

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>

The House and Senate conference committees wrapped up two days of talks Thursday afternoon, finalizing a $53.5B budget for the coming fiscal year

After a sharp, brief fight in which Democrats were outnumbered by majority Republicans, Missouri legislative budget negotiators agreed Thursday to spend $50 million to expand the MOScholars program that helps pay tuition at private and parochial schools.

The general revenue support would be the first time state tax dollars have been appropriated directly to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">program begun in 2021</a>. The line item, a major part of Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">Gov. Mike Kehoe’s budget proposal</a>, found favor in the Missouri House but was rejected by the state Senate when it passed spending bills last week.

The item was one of the last to be reached as budget negotiators worked through 13 spending bills paying for state operations in the coming year. All 13 bills, as well as three capital improvements bills awaiting a vote in the state Senate, must be passed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">6 p.m. Friday constitutional deadline</a>.

Official figures were not yet available, but tracking by The Independent shows lawmakers intend to spend $53.5 billion in the coming fiscal year.

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, said she objects to providing tax money for the tuition program because the state doesn’t prevent parents from using the scholarships to send their children to schools that are selective for academic achievement or religious beliefs.

“This is fiscally irresponsible, and quite frankly I think it’s shameful to put $50 million into funds that can directly discriminate against the students they are supposed to be serving,” she said.

The program provides stipends equal to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">State Adequacy Target</a>, the figure that drives how much money is needed for the school foundation formula, the basic aid program for public schools. Families with incomes 300% of the federal poverty guideline or less — $173,000 a year for a family of four — can apply for the aid.

Republicans argue the direct appropriation is legal and needed to expand access to the program, which was set up to be funded by donations secured by tax credits for donors.&nbsp;

“This was one that was very important to the House and we passed it out very strongly,” said House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.

The budget negotiating committees are 10 members, five from each chamber made up of three Republicans and two Democrats. State Rep. Marlene Terry, a St. Louis Democrat, appointed to the negotiation committee over objections of other Democrats because of her support for school choice bills, backed Republicans on the MoScholars funding.

“I believe in education and a good education for all children, whether it be private schools, charter schools, public schools,” Terry said. “We want our children to get the best education that they can, and we want to give them the help to get it.”

All of the differences, large and small, were reconciled over two days of public budget negotiations. Several big decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/08/lawmakers-negotiating-missouri-budget-add-300m-to-public-schools-spending/">were made Wednesday,</a>&nbsp;including agreement to increase school funding through the foundation formula by $300 million, spend $107 million more on child care supports and to use Kehoe’s pay raise plan that rewards longevity in state employment.

The budget overall calls for spending about $210 million less than Kehoe recommended, approximately $1.9 billion more than the House version and $237 million more than the Senate voted for when it passed the budget last week.

The legislative budget calls for spending $16.2 billion of general revenue, money mainly from income and sales taxes. That is $200 million more than Kehoe proposed, $1 billion more than the House spending plan and about $391 million less general revenue than in the Senate budget.

The final budget finds savings over the Senate plan in large part by tapping a pool of almost $500 million in banked federal funds to underwrite the Medicaid program.

The Thursday meeting focused on funding for health, social services and state official and judicial budgets. Some of the decisions finalized Thursday would:

Hoskins had supporters on the negotiating committee but not enough to change the decision. State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, asked for five of the positions to be restored. And state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville, also backed Hoskins.

“I don’t mean to belabor what appears to be a dead horse, but I would like to ask us to consider that the new secretary of state may need some time to be able to level out what he actually does need, and maybe a little bit of grace might be appropriate,” Chappell said.

Despite the plea, Deaton made the cut stick.

“This wasn’t a House position, but our Senate colleagues are pretty impassioned here,” Deaton said.

After the meeting concluded, Hough said he is not concerned that the budget spends more general revenue than either Kehoe or the House included. The budget grows through the process, he said, as lawmakers seek help for community projects.

“A lot of members from the House and a lot of a lot of interested parties all over the state come banging on the Senate,” Hough said. “They say, ‘why would you leave $2 billion in the bank when we have investments that we’d like to see in our communities?’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746787756639.png" alt=" Missouri Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, discusses a budget item Thursday with House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton during negotiations over spending differences in the fiscal 2026 budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, discusses a budget item Thursday with House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton during negotiations over spending differences in the fiscal 2026 budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>The House and Senate conference committees wrapped up two days of talks Thursday afternoon, finalizing a $53.5B budget for the coming fiscal year</h2>After a sharp, brief fight in which Democrats were outnumbered by majority Republicans, Missouri legislative budget negotiators agreed Thursday to spend $50 million to expand the MOScholars program that helps pay tuition at private and parochial schools.The general revenue support would be the first time state tax dollars have been appropriated directly to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">program begun in 2021</a>. The line item, a major part of Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">Gov. Mike Kehoe’s budget proposal</a>, found favor in the Missouri House but was rejected by the state Senate when it passed spending bills last week.The item was one of the last to be reached as budget negotiators worked through 13 spending bills paying for state operations in the coming year. All 13 bills, as well as three capital improvements bills awaiting a vote in the state Senate, must be passed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">6 p.m. Friday constitutional deadline</a>.Official figures were not yet available, but tracking by The Independent shows lawmakers intend to spend $53.5 billion in the coming fiscal year.State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, said she objects to providing tax money for the tuition program because the state doesn’t prevent parents from using the scholarships to send their children to schools that are selective for academic achievement or religious beliefs.“This is fiscally irresponsible, and quite frankly I think it’s shameful to put $50 million into funds that can directly discriminate against the students they are supposed to be serving,” she said.The program provides stipends equal to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">State Adequacy Target</a>, the figure that drives how much money is needed for the school foundation formula, the basic aid program for public schools. Families with incomes 300% of the federal poverty guideline or less — $173,000 a year for a family of four — can apply for the aid.Republicans argue the direct appropriation is legal and needed to expand access to the program, which was set up to be funded by donations secured by tax credits for donors.&nbsp;“This was one that was very important to the House and we passed it out very strongly,” said House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.The budget negotiating committees are 10 members, five from each chamber made up of three Republicans and two Democrats. State Rep. Marlene Terry, a St. Louis Democrat, appointed to the negotiation committee over objections of other Democrats because of her support for school choice bills, backed Republicans on the MoScholars funding.“I believe in education and a good education for all children, whether it be private schools, charter schools, public schools,” Terry said. “We want our children to get the best education that they can, and we want to give them the help to get it.”All of the differences, large and small, were reconciled over two days of public budget negotiations. Several big decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/08/lawmakers-negotiating-missouri-budget-add-300m-to-public-schools-spending/">were made Wednesday,</a>&nbsp;including agreement to increase school funding through the foundation formula by $300 million, spend $107 million more on child care supports and to use Kehoe’s pay raise plan that rewards longevity in state employment.The budget overall calls for spending about $210 million less than Kehoe recommended, approximately $1.9 billion more than the House version and $237 million more than the Senate voted for when it passed the budget last week.The legislative budget calls for spending $16.2 billion of general revenue, money mainly from income and sales taxes. That is $200 million more than Kehoe proposed, $1 billion more than the House spending plan and about $391 million less general revenue than in the Senate budget.The final budget finds savings over the Senate plan in large part by tapping a pool of almost $500 million in banked federal funds to underwrite the Medicaid program.The Thursday meeting focused on funding for health, social services and state official and judicial budgets. Some of the decisions finalized Thursday would:<ul>
 <li>Set aside almost $93 million to pay off a judgment against the state for damages claimed by a vendor who worked on the state’s computerized Medicaid enrollment system. A $23 million judgment&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/cost-balloons-for-missouri-taxpayers-in-medicaid-contract-dispute/">grew to more than $50 million</a>&nbsp;as the state appealed and interest accrued. The appropriation includes both state and federal funds to allow flexibility in the way the judgment is paid.</li><li>Allow more than 300 near earmarked projects — items sought by lawmakers for their district or lobbyists seeking money for clients — with a general revenue cost of $600 million and an overall cost of $750 million.&nbsp;</li><li>Cut 25 open employee slots from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ budget and one from the budget of Lt. Gov. David Wasinger. The cuts were initiated in the Senate, where Hoskins served eight years and sought repeatedly to cut unfilled jobs, while Wasinger won his job after defeating Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough in a primary last year.</li>
 </ul>Hoskins had supporters on the negotiating committee but not enough to change the decision. State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, asked for five of the positions to be restored. And state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville, also backed Hoskins.“I don’t mean to belabor what appears to be a dead horse, but I would like to ask us to consider that the new secretary of state may need some time to be able to level out what he actually does need, and maybe a little bit of grace might be appropriate,” Chappell said.Despite the plea, Deaton made the cut stick.“This wasn’t a House position, but our Senate colleagues are pretty impassioned here,” Deaton said.After the meeting concluded, Hough said he is not concerned that the budget spends more general revenue than either Kehoe or the House included. The budget grows through the process, he said, as lawmakers seek help for community projects.“A lot of members from the House and a lot of a lot of interested parties all over the state come banging on the Senate,” Hough said. “They say, ‘why would you leave $2 billion in the bank when we have investments that we’d like to see in our communities?’”

Missouri budget negotiators agree to spend $50 million on private school scholarship program

In a three-hour session, negotiators added millions more in general revenue across eight spending bills The negotiations conclude Thursday with final votes scheduled for Friday.

Missouri’s public schools would be fully funded and a policy some blame for undermining a child care subsidy program would be fixed, legislative budget negotiators decided Wednesday night as they worked through eight of the 13 spending bills for state operations in the coming year.

Over about three hours, the conference committees of five lawmakers from both the House and Senate resolved differences between the spending bills, more often than not by selecting the option that spent more money.

Tracking by The Independent shows the eight bills completed Wednesday would spend $450 million more general revenue than Gov. Mike Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">January budget proposal</a>, $636 million more than the House version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">approved in April</a>&nbsp;and $118 million more than the version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">approved in the Senate last week</a>.

The committees will reconvene Thursday to finalize spending decisions on five more bills, with the full House and Senate scheduled to vote Friday in advance of the constitutional deadline.

The differences that must be resolved are between the $49.4 billion plan for day-to-day operations approved in the Senate and the $47.9 billion plan approved in the House.

The education budget that will go to the chambers for final approval includes $4 billion for the public school foundation formula, including a $297 million increase that Kehoe opposed. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education budget will also include $107 million Kehoe recommended to revamp how child care providers are paid, basing it on enrollment instead of attendance.

House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, tried to defend the decision to back Kehoe’s view that the money shouldn’t be spent. But he was outnumbered, with Democratic House members joining unanimous backing from senators for Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough’s position that state law required the money to be appropriated.

“This is the most important thing we’re going to do today, and this is a statutory minimum that we have in a commitment that we’ve made to our kids back home,” state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said as she advocated for the foundation formula increase.

As he agreed to the increase, Deaton looked forward to the commission Kehoe created to consider changes to the formula.

“I do hope, when you look at the formula, if we have an opportunity to rewrite it, that we won’t let unelected bureaucrats make a $300 million call or something similar to future general assemblies,” Deaton said.

Along with the two big items in the education department, the conference committees:

The budget negotiators began working about 8:30 p.m., about 12 hours later than the scheduled start.

The day began with tensions between Deaton and Hough. As Hough was wrapping up a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee two rooms away, Deaton was announcing that because Hough was absent, the conference meetings would begin at 10 p.m.

Deaton said he was kept waiting six hours Monday before Hough met with him. They worked for about seven hours to resolve issues that they could present to the conference committees, then for 15 minutes on Tuesday.

He said he was not informed of Hough’s intent to be ready to work in the afternoon after a recess of the committee for short floor sessions.

“I’ve not heard anything since yesterday at 1 o’clock,” Deaton said.

Hough said he worked with Senate leadership to plan time for the conference meeting. He thought it was communicated to the House.&nbsp;

“It was stated by me on multiple occasions that my intention was to get together this afternoon after a few hours of floor time,” Hough said.

Hough tried to get the conference committees together about 3 p.m., after both chambers had adjourned for the day, but Deaton was not willing and did not appear.

The budget negotiations, when they finally began, went relatively quickly and without rancor. Deaton and Hough took turns reading through the budget lines and stating the intent to take the House or Senate position, or a compromise number in between.

Members interrupted often, usually to challenge a decision about an item among the 166 new earmarked items for programs or projects added to the eight bills. Only 12 added at some point didn’t make the final cut.

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, spoke up in favor of one threatened with a cut, $50,000 for Global One Urban Farming in Kansas City.

“This really helps the children in that community with growing food,” Washington said. “It is only $50,000. It’s so little. I know I ask for a lot, but I don’t ask for a lot of money.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746727790775.png" alt=" A screenshot from the livestream of the House-Senate budget conference committee meeting Wednesday night. Members began work about 8:30 p.m. and settled their differences on eight spending bills at 11:30 p.m. (Screenshot from livestream video via Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> A screenshot from the livestream of the House-Senate budget conference committee meeting Wednesday night. Members began work about 8:30 p.m. and settled their differences on eight spending bills at 11:30 p.m. (Screenshot from livestream video via Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In a three-hour session, negotiators added millions more in general revenue across eight spending bills The negotiations conclude Thursday with final votes scheduled for Friday.</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>Missouri’s public schools would be fully funded and a policy some blame for undermining a child care subsidy program would be fixed, legislative budget negotiators decided Wednesday night as they worked through eight of the 13 spending bills for state operations in the coming year.Over about three hours, the conference committees of five lawmakers from both the House and Senate resolved differences between the spending bills, more often than not by selecting the option that spent more money.Tracking by The Independent shows the eight bills completed Wednesday would spend $450 million more general revenue than Gov. Mike Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">January budget proposal</a>, $636 million more than the House version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">approved in April</a>&nbsp;and $118 million more than the version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">approved in the Senate last week</a>.The committees will reconvene Thursday to finalize spending decisions on five more bills, with the full House and Senate scheduled to vote Friday in advance of the constitutional deadline.The differences that must be resolved are between the $49.4 billion plan for day-to-day operations approved in the Senate and the $47.9 billion plan approved in the House.The education budget that will go to the chambers for final approval includes $4 billion for the public school foundation formula, including a $297 million increase that Kehoe opposed. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education budget will also include $107 million Kehoe recommended to revamp how child care providers are paid, basing it on enrollment instead of attendance.House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, tried to defend the decision to back Kehoe’s view that the money shouldn’t be spent. But he was outnumbered, with Democratic House members joining unanimous backing from senators for Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough’s position that state law required the money to be appropriated.“This is the most important thing we’re going to do today, and this is a statutory minimum that we have in a commitment that we’ve made to our kids back home,” state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said as she advocated for the foundation formula increase.As he agreed to the increase, Deaton looked forward to the commission Kehoe created to consider changes to the formula.“I do hope, when you look at the formula, if we have an opportunity to rewrite it, that we won’t let unelected bureaucrats make a $300 million call or something similar to future general assemblies,” Deaton said.Along with the two big items in the education department, the conference committees:<ul>
 <li>Adopted Kehoe’s pay plan proposal for state employee raises, which will reward longevity. State workers will get a 1% raise for every two years of state employment, capped at 10% for 20 years.</li><li>Agreed to increase the base budgets for all state colleges and universities by 3%, which was the amount approved in the Senate. The House had adopted Kehoe’s recommendation for a 1.5% boost and added $27.1 million for campus maintenance needs, which was cut by the negotiators.</li><li>Removed language directing the Missouri Lottery to begin a three-year pilot program for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/06/push-to-allow-online-lottery-ticket-sales-in-missouri-adds-new-issue-to-budget-talks/">lottery courier services</a>.</li>
 </ul>The budget negotiators began working about 8:30 p.m., about 12 hours later than the scheduled start.The day began with tensions between Deaton and Hough. As Hough was wrapping up a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee two rooms away, Deaton was announcing that because Hough was absent, the conference meetings would begin at 10 p.m.Deaton said he was kept waiting six hours Monday before Hough met with him. They worked for about seven hours to resolve issues that they could present to the conference committees, then for 15 minutes on Tuesday.He said he was not informed of Hough’s intent to be ready to work in the afternoon after a recess of the committee for short floor sessions.“I’ve not heard anything since yesterday at 1 o’clock,” Deaton said.Hough said he worked with Senate leadership to plan time for the conference meeting. He thought it was communicated to the House.&nbsp;“It was stated by me on multiple occasions that my intention was to get together this afternoon after a few hours of floor time,” Hough said.Hough tried to get the conference committees together about 3 p.m., after both chambers had adjourned for the day, but Deaton was not willing and did not appear.The budget negotiations, when they finally began, went relatively quickly and without rancor. Deaton and Hough took turns reading through the budget lines and stating the intent to take the House or Senate position, or a compromise number in between.Members interrupted often, usually to challenge a decision about an item among the 166 new earmarked items for programs or projects added to the eight bills. Only 12 added at some point didn’t make the final cut.State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, spoke up in favor of one threatened with a cut, $50,000 for Global One Urban Farming in Kansas City.“This really helps the children in that community with growing food,” Washington said. “It is only $50,000. It’s so little. I know I ask for a lot, but I don’t ask for a lot of money.”Instead of being cut, the organization will receive $25,000.Hough and Deaton both got the earmarks most identified with them in the budget. Deaton cut $8 million to restore a historic footbridge in Springfield and Hough cut $19 million to buy land for a state park in McDonald County.Unsurprisingly, both made it into the budget.State Sen. Brian Williams, a University City Democrat, questioned Deaton on the decision to cut $500,000 slated for an urgent care program for veterans in Kansas City. It was one of three earmarked items for veterans alongside $1 million for temporary housing for veterans in St. Louis and $1 million for a veterans housing program in Columbia.Williams said one consideration for earmarked appropriations of general revenue should be where the money is generated in taxes. Kansas City and St. Louis need to be treated fairly as the richest areas of the state, he said.“Jackson County makes up a significant amount of the economy in our state, we need to ensure that our budget reflects that,” Williams said.Deaton said one factor in the decision was the amount being dedicated to veterans programs and the limited nature of state funds.“There’s the give and the take, there’s money in, money out,” Deaton said. “We can’t do everything, unfortunately and be all things for all people at all times. We’re doing a lot for veterans in this budget.”The final budget will have $500,000 for the Kansas City urgent care program and $500,000 for the St. Louis temporary housing program.No one challenged Hough or Deaton when they said they were approving earmarked spending that was in or near their districts. Fogle, however, challenged Hough when he cut $4 million from an economic development organization called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.innovatesomo.org/about-us" target="_blank">Innovate SOMO</a>.&nbsp;“I know you feel like you gotta give a little bit, but I would rather not give with our community,” Fogle said.“I think,” Hough replied, “our community is fairly well served in this legislature.”

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