ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by a 73-year-old Braddyville, Iowa, man was southbound on U.S. 71 three miles southwest of Bolckow.

The driver lost control the the vehicle with the front drivers side tire blew out.&nbsp; The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck and embankment and overturned in the median.&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by a 73-year-old Braddyville, Iowa, man was southbound on U.S. 71 three miles southwest of Bolckow.The driver lost control the the vehicle with the front drivers side tire blew out.&nbsp; The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck and embankment and overturned in the median.&nbsp;Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after semi overturns

Business groups lobbied heavily to overturn the measure passed by 58% of voters, arguing it would cost jobs. The bill also repeals annual inflation adjustments for the minimum wage, in effect since 2006.

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

Missouri workers who started accruing paid sick leave on May 1 will lose it Aug. 28&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">under legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Thursday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The new benefit, linked to an increase in the minimum wage passed with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">58% of the vote</a>&nbsp;in November, became a target for business lobbying interests. Republican allies in the General Assembly pushed it to Kehoe’s desk by invoking a rarely used state Senate rule&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">to shut down debate</a>&nbsp;over Democratic objections.

The action followed a pattern established over the past 15 years where conservative Republicans have used their majorities in the legislature to roll back or repeal measures that became law through initiatives pushed to the ballot by progressive groups.

The minimum wage initiative was a statutory change, meaning lawmakers could make any changes that would command a majority.&nbsp;

In a news release issued after he signed the bills, Kehoe said he was approving the bill to defend small businesses.

“Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work—families, job creators, and small business owners—by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates,” Kehoe said in the release.

Missouri House Democratic leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City denounced Kehoe’s decision to sign the bill as an attack on workers and voters.

“The governor’s action today demonstrates the absolute disdain Republicans have for working Missourians,” Aune said in a news release. “But in stripping workers of their legal right to earned sick leave, the governor and his allies have probably guaranteed this issue will be back on the ballot next year as a constitutional amendment that will place worker protections beyond their reach.”

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for the paid sick leave law, has filed a proposed constitutional amendment targeting the 2026 ballot.

The repeal doesn’t take effect immediately because Republicans were unable to muster the two-thirds majorities needed to pass an emergency clause even though the GOP holds more than two-thirds of the seats in each chamber. It goes into effect at the same time as other bills approved this year and signed by Kehoe.

The increased minimum wage, $13.75 an hour, took effect on Jan. 1. A second increase is set for Jan. 1, 2026, when it will increase to $15 an hour. The bill signed Thursday also repeals a provision, in effect since 2006, to adjust the minimum wage annually for inflation.

Organizers of the initiative that put the measure on the ballot set May 1 as the starting date for paid leave, available for personal illness or to stay home with a sick family member. The intent was to allow more time for businesses to adjust to the new rule than the short period between the election and the new year.

Workers at businesses with receipts greater than $500,000 a year are accruing at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.

The leave can be used currently, but the repeal makes it uncertain if accrued leave can be used after the law is repealed.

The battle over the leave provisions revolved around its economic effect, pitting business interests and their backers in the legislature against supporters of the law.&nbsp;

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in February, the sponsor, Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, suggested that employees can’t be trusted to use paid sick leave only for the reasons allowed by the law.

“Under the mandated sick leave, potential abuse is nearly impossible to address,” Gallick told the House Commerce Committee. “Employers cannot ask an employee why they were absent, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits for merely inquiring.”

In a news release Thursday,&nbsp;Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the mandated paid sick leave a “job killer.”

“Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth,” Corches said in the release.

At a May news conference, state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said that when Missouri workers are successful, businesses will succeed.

“The idea that providing workers with more protections is a business killer is wild,” she said. “…To try to make this seem like this is something that will kill business, that will keep businesses from opening, I think it’s absurd, and I think it’s quite disappointing, and I think it sends absolutely the wrong message.”

The action on sick leave is similar to a bill in 2011&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/" target="_blank">weakening provisions of a ballot measure from 2010</a>&nbsp;called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act,” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations and including action this year to overturn the abortion rights amendment approved in November.&nbsp;

The GOP’s willingness to overturn voter actions has led many initiative organizers to push their proposals as constitutional amendments, which require a statewide vote to repeal or revise. Amendments to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/09/missouri-voters-amend-state-constitution-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/">legalize marijuana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article244714972.html" target="_blank">expand Medicaid</a>&nbsp;coverage, revise the legislative redistricting process and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">protect abortion rights</a>&nbsp;have all been passed as constitutional amendments.

The Republican majority has responded by successfully pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">second revision</a>&nbsp;of redistricting and placing an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/lawsuit-challenges-ballot-language-for-proposed-missouri-abortion-ban/">abortion rights repeal</a>&nbsp;on the 2026 ballot. A court challenge to Medicaid expansion was rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/22/missouri-supreme-court-rules-voter-approved-medicaid-expansion-is-constitutional/">by the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752186209454.png" alt=" Don Looney, a leader with UAW Local 2250, speaks at a May rally protesting legislation to repeal mandatory paid sick leave for workers (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Don Looney, a leader with UAW Local 2250, speaks at a May rally protesting legislation to repeal mandatory paid sick leave for workers (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Business groups lobbied heavily to overturn the measure passed by 58% of voters, arguing it would cost jobs. The bill also repeals annual inflation adjustments for the minimum wage, in effect since 2006.</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri workers who started accruing paid sick leave on May 1 will lose it Aug. 28&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">under legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Thursday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.The new benefit, linked to an increase in the minimum wage passed with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">58% of the vote</a>&nbsp;in November, became a target for business lobbying interests. Republican allies in the General Assembly pushed it to Kehoe’s desk by invoking a rarely used state Senate rule&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">to shut down debate</a>&nbsp;over Democratic objections.The action followed a pattern established over the past 15 years where conservative Republicans have used their majorities in the legislature to roll back or repeal measures that became law through initiatives pushed to the ballot by progressive groups.The minimum wage initiative was a statutory change, meaning lawmakers could make any changes that would command a majority.&nbsp;In a news release issued after he signed the bills, Kehoe said he was approving the bill to defend small businesses.“Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work—families, job creators, and small business owners—by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates,” Kehoe said in the release.Missouri House Democratic leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City denounced Kehoe’s decision to sign the bill as an attack on workers and voters.“The governor’s action today demonstrates the absolute disdain Republicans have for working Missourians,” Aune said in a news release. “But in stripping workers of their legal right to earned sick leave, the governor and his allies have probably guaranteed this issue will be back on the ballot next year as a constitutional amendment that will place worker protections beyond their reach.”Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for the paid sick leave law, has filed a proposed constitutional amendment targeting the 2026 ballot.The repeal doesn’t take effect immediately because Republicans were unable to muster the two-thirds majorities needed to pass an emergency clause even though the GOP holds more than two-thirds of the seats in each chamber. It goes into effect at the same time as other bills approved this year and signed by Kehoe.The increased minimum wage, $13.75 an hour, took effect on Jan. 1. A second increase is set for Jan. 1, 2026, when it will increase to $15 an hour. The bill signed Thursday also repeals a provision, in effect since 2006, to adjust the minimum wage annually for inflation.Organizers of the initiative that put the measure on the ballot set May 1 as the starting date for paid leave, available for personal illness or to stay home with a sick family member. The intent was to allow more time for businesses to adjust to the new rule than the short period between the election and the new year.Workers at businesses with receipts greater than $500,000 a year are accruing at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.The leave can be used currently, but the repeal makes it uncertain if accrued leave can be used after the law is repealed.The battle over the leave provisions revolved around its economic effect, pitting business interests and their backers in the legislature against supporters of the law.&nbsp;During a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in February, the sponsor, Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, suggested that employees can’t be trusted to use paid sick leave only for the reasons allowed by the law.“Under the mandated sick leave, potential abuse is nearly impossible to address,” Gallick told the House Commerce Committee. “Employers cannot ask an employee why they were absent, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits for merely inquiring.”In a news release Thursday,&nbsp;Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the mandated paid sick leave a “job killer.”“Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth,” Corches said in the release.At a May news conference, state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said that when Missouri workers are successful, businesses will succeed.“The idea that providing workers with more protections is a business killer is wild,” she said. “…To try to make this seem like this is something that will kill business, that will keep businesses from opening, I think it’s absurd, and I think it’s quite disappointing, and I think it sends absolutely the wrong message.”The action on sick leave is similar to a bill in 2011&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/" target="_blank">weakening provisions of a ballot measure from 2010</a>&nbsp;called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act,” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations and including action this year to overturn the abortion rights amendment approved in November.&nbsp;The GOP’s willingness to overturn voter actions has led many initiative organizers to push their proposals as constitutional amendments, which require a statewide vote to repeal or revise. Amendments to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/09/missouri-voters-amend-state-constitution-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/">legalize marijuana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article244714972.html" target="_blank">expand Medicaid</a>&nbsp;coverage, revise the legislative redistricting process and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">protect abortion rights</a>&nbsp;have all been passed as constitutional amendments.The Republican majority has responded by successfully pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">second revision</a>&nbsp;of redistricting and placing an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/lawsuit-challenges-ballot-language-for-proposed-missouri-abortion-ban/">abortion rights repeal</a>&nbsp;on the 2026 ballot. A court challenge to Medicaid expansion was rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/22/missouri-supreme-court-rules-voter-approved-medicaid-expansion-is-constitutional/">by the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.

Missouri Governor signs bill repealing paid sick leave 

Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has signed into law a school safety measure that includes legislation
pushed by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields.

Shields, a
Republican, sponsored legislation in the Missouri House requiring school
districts to tighten security measures on their campuses.

“(It’s a) comprehensive
bill that’s going to allow our teachers and our students to feel safe and when
they feel safe, we know that quality learning happens,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Shields sponsored
<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R">House Bill 416</a><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R"></a>, which was incorporated into <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422">Senate Bill 68</a>, approved by the
legislature and now signed into law.

The legislation
requires school districts to adopt emergency operations plans and have annual
school security assessments. It establishes standards for anti-intruder door
locks in classrooms. Under its provisions, school districts must maintain Stop
the Bleed kits and train staff on their use.

One provision of
the bill has captured the most attention. It bans students from carrying their
cell phones during school hours.

“It’s really just
to encourage students to put their phones down and engage with other students
in the classroom,” Shields says. “When you talk to people that have already
implemented this, they said the difference is amazing what happens in school.”

Shields says school
cell phone bans have proven their worth in other states.

“Lunchrooms have
become very quiet places, because students are all on their phones,” Shields
says. “And when their phones are in their pockets, in their backpacks, not with
them they say the lunchrooms have returned to what we’re used to what
lunchrooms were with students engaging with each other. And I just truly
believe that for the mental health of everyone, people engaging with people
instead of through technology is probably better.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has signed into law a school safety measure that includes legislation
pushed by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields.Shields, a
Republican, sponsored legislation in the Missouri House requiring school
districts to tighten security measures on their campuses.“(It’s a) comprehensive
bill that’s going to allow our teachers and our students to feel safe and when
they feel safe, we know that quality learning happens,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Shields sponsored
<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R">House Bill 416</a><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R"></a>, which was incorporated into <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422">Senate Bill 68</a>, approved by the
legislature and now signed into law.The legislation
requires school districts to adopt emergency operations plans and have annual
school security assessments. It establishes standards for anti-intruder door
locks in classrooms. Under its provisions, school districts must maintain Stop
the Bleed kits and train staff on their use.One provision of
the bill has captured the most attention. It bans students from carrying their
cell phones during school hours.“It’s really just
to encourage students to put their phones down and engage with other students
in the classroom,” Shields says. “When you talk to people that have already
implemented this, they said the difference is amazing what happens in school.”Shields says school
cell phone bans have proven their worth in other states.“Lunchrooms have
become very quiet places, because students are all on their phones,” Shields
says. “And when their phones are in their pockets, in their backpacks, not with
them they say the lunchrooms have returned to what we’re used to what
lunchrooms were with students engaging with each other. And I just truly
believe that for the mental health of everyone, people engaging with people
instead of through technology is probably better.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gov. Kehoe signs into law public safety bill pushed by Rep. Shields

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4tc358iZXElFtWTFVhpxxi?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/4yFaHXOW2krOsLV8CePqWx?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 ceremony
at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church will recognize Vietnam War veterans and
officially thank them for their service during a very divisive time in United States
history.

St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, calls the Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony Monday morning the right thing to do.

“Many of our
veterans from the Vietnam era didn’t receive a thank you and they deserve a
thank you for their service,” Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

This isn’t just
for St. Joseph residents, but for veterans throughout the region.

The Association of
the United States Army, Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the Veterans Home in
Cameron are participating in the ceremony.

Schumacher says
this ceremony goes beyond the divisive politics at the time of the Vietnam War.

“What’s really
important is that the people that served our country during that era and during
that time are welcomed home and receive a thank you for what they did and that’s
the real goal,” Schumacher says. “It’s a very apolitical conversation, so to
speak. It’s all about making sure they get a thank you.”

The City of St.
Joseph is partnering with veterans from Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas as well as
the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cameron, which has about 130 Vietnam War
veterans.

Schumacher says
the ceremony grows from federal legislation formally recognizing the
contributions of the veterans who served in the Vietnam War. President Barack
Obama signed into law the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
program in 2012.

The pin veterans
will receive Monday morning is an official pin from the federal government.

“Kind of backs
that legislation, where I think the government, the federal government, has
recognized that we could have done this better and it’s time to make it right," Schumacher says.

The Vietnam Era
Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Word of Life
Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph. Veterans who served from November 1st
of 1955 to May 15th of 1975 will be honored.

More than 55
veterans have registered. Advance registration is requested, but not required. You
can email Kaycee Garton at <a href="mailto:kgarton@stjosephmo.gov">kgarton@stjosephmo.gov</a>
or call 816-271-4680 to register. You can also go online at <a href="https://stjosephmo.gov/">stjosephmo.gov</a>.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special ceremony
at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church will recognize Vietnam War veterans and
officially thank them for their service during a very divisive time in United States
history.St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, calls the Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony Monday morning the right thing to do.“Many of our
veterans from the Vietnam era didn’t receive a thank you and they deserve a
thank you for their service,” Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.This isn’t just
for St. Joseph residents, but for veterans throughout the region.The Association of
the United States Army, Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the Veterans Home in
Cameron are participating in the ceremony.Schumacher says
this ceremony goes beyond the divisive politics at the time of the Vietnam War.“What’s really
important is that the people that served our country during that era and during
that time are welcomed home and receive a thank you for what they did and that’s
the real goal,” Schumacher says. “It’s a very apolitical conversation, so to
speak. It’s all about making sure they get a thank you.”The City of St.
Joseph is partnering with veterans from Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas as well as
the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cameron, which has about 130 Vietnam War
veterans.Schumacher says
the ceremony grows from federal legislation formally recognizing the
contributions of the veterans who served in the Vietnam War. President Barack
Obama signed into law the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
program in 2012.The pin veterans
will receive Monday morning is an official pin from the federal government.“Kind of backs
that legislation, where I think the government, the federal government, has
recognized that we could have done this better and it’s time to make it right," Schumacher says.The Vietnam Era
Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Word of Life
Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph. Veterans who served from November 1st
of 1955 to May 15th of 1975 will be honored.More than 55
veterans have registered. Advance registration is requested, but not required. You
can email Kaycee Garton at <a href="mailto:kgarton@stjosephmo.gov">kgarton@stjosephmo.gov</a>
or call 816-271-4680 to register. You can also go online at <a href="https://stjosephmo.gov/">stjosephmo.gov</a>.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph ceremony will honor and thank area Vietnam War veterans

MERCER COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by a 42-year-old Princeton, was southbound on Route U five miles west of Princeton. The motorcycle struck a deer, overturned and both occupants were ejected.

Mercer County ambulance transported the driver and a 39-year-old female passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital of Trenton. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MERCER COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by a 42-year-old Princeton, was southbound on Route U five miles west of Princeton. The motorcycle struck a deer, overturned and both occupants were ejected.Mercer County ambulance transported the driver and a 39-year-old female passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital of Trenton. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Two injured after motorcycle, deer crash

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 37-year-old Savannah man was southbound on Business 71 four miles south of Savannah.&nbsp; The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne, crossed a cross over, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; The vehicle came to rest in the median.

Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 37-year-old Savannah man was southbound on Business 71 four miles south of Savannah.&nbsp; The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne, crossed a cross over, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; The vehicle came to rest in the median.Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after violent rollover accident

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/repub/usda-chief-outlines-plan-to-block-china-from-u-s-farmland-ownership/?emci=a0a6edf5-6c5c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=f6f16413-a35c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/"></a>President Donald Trump’s administration will pursue a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as part of an effort to strengthen farm security, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday.

Appearing alongside other Cabinet officials, Republican governors and members of Congress at an event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., Rollins announced a department initiative to block “foreign countries of concern” from owning U.S. agriculture lands.

Rollins said officials will even try to revoke lands already owned by China-backed entities.

The administration will “take swift legislative and executive action to ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries,” she said.

The executive branch will also work with state and local officials “to do everything within our ability, including presidential authorities, to claw back what has already been purchased by China and other foreign adversaries.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the nation’s food supply was a national security issue on par with energy and water supplies.

The seven-part initiative, titled the National Farm Security Action Plan, is based on the idea that “farm security is national security,” according to a preamble to USDA’s written plan.

U.S. farmers dominate the global industry, the preamble said.

“Because that dominance is earned and not assured, it is critical we continuously adapt our approach to American agriculture security and elevate it to the top echelon of national security priorities,” the document read.

To protect U.S. farmland, the USDA, with help from the Justice Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and cooperative state and local governments, will seek to block investment by foreign adversaries and launch an online tool to help farmers report on potential unknown foreign ownership.

The administration will look for vulnerabilities in the agricultural supply chain and attempt to ensure crop and nutrition programs are not being used to fund terrorist or criminal activity, while cutting down on fraud and abuse. The plan instructs the administration to strengthen biosecurity measures.

The initiative also calls for making sure foreign governments cannot access USDA research grants or other department funding programs.

The USDA will continue to work with the national security establishment and law enforcement to protect the agriculture sector’s critical infrastructure, according to the plan.

After Republican Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Roger Marshall of Kansas at the event criticized the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an executive branch agency, for not having a spot for the Agriculture secretary, Rollins said she would be joining the panel as of Tuesday afternoon.

At the Tuesday event, speakers offered few specifics about the initiative but praised the administration for elevating the issue of foreign investment in farmland.

“A country has to be able to feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself to truly be free,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “We now have a president who understands it and is willing to do everything within his power to make sure the United States continues to be the greatest country on the face of the planet.”

“Our farmland is not just dirt, it is our national security, it is our economic future, it is our children’s heritage,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “And it is under threat, and the leaders here recognize that.”

Speakers emphasized what they called the threat of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland.

“Today, we tell China to get the hell out of American agriculture,” Marshall said.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his state had moved to ban Chinese equipment from telecommunications infrastructure and has worked to deny Chinese companies from owning farmland. He related a story of stonewalling Chinese-owned Syngenta, which sought a meeting with the governor.

“I said, ‘I have no interest in having a meeting,’” he said. “‘Have no interest in you being in Nebraska. My suggestion would be to leave. My suggestion would be to get a different job.’”

The company later sold their assets in Nebraska, Pillen said.

Tuberville, who is running in the state’s gubernatorial race next year, appeared to say China owned 2.2 million acres of farmland in his state alone – a number that actually describes the acres of land owned by all foreign entities in the state. Chinese entities own no acres in Alabama, according to USDA data.

“China is a threat,” he said. “They’re not a threat. They are dominating us in almost everything that they do because we’ve sat back and the politicians have been counting their money instead of doing what’s right and helping this country stay in the front. We’ve got to be number one. We can’t be number two. We’ve got to fight back.

“They are coming into our country and buying our farmland. In my state of Alabama alone, they own 2.2 million acres of farmland. That’s right in Alabama. Foreign adversaries.”

Asked about the comment, Tuberville spokesperson Mallory Jaspers said he was referring not only to Chinese ownership but all foreign adversaries and indicated that he opposed any foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

“Sen. Tuberville believes American farmland should be owned by Americans,” she wrote in an email.

The most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/economic-policy-analysis/afida/annual-reports/foreign-holdings-us-agricultural-land-december-31-2023" target="_blank">recent year-end USDA report</a>&nbsp;on foreign investment, in 2023, showed Chinese-linked investors held about 276,000 acres of U.S. farmland nationwide.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-footprints-trends-in-u-s-agricultural-land-ownership" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the American Farm Bureau, an advocacy group, estimated Chinese investors accounted for only about .02% of all foreign owned U.S. agricultural land.

In addition to Lee, Huckabee Sanders and Pillen, who spoke outside of USDA, the Republican governors of Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota and Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Governors-Council_Letter-to-Secretary-Rollins.pdf" target="_blank">signed a Tuesday letter</a>&nbsp;to Rollins in support of the plan.

“As America First Governors, we firmly stand together in our unwavering support of President Donald J. Trump and his administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan,” they wrote. “This plan is a critical and decisive response to the invasion of our land, food system, and sovereignty by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752079873551.jpeg" alt="A farmer on a tractor sprays soybean crops. Photo by Westend61/Getty Images" />
 <figcaption>A farmer on a tractor sprays soybean crops. Photo by Westend61/Getty Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/repub/usda-chief-outlines-plan-to-block-china-from-u-s-farmland-ownership/?emci=a0a6edf5-6c5c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=f6f16413-a35c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/"></a>President Donald Trump’s administration will pursue a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as part of an effort to strengthen farm security, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday.Appearing alongside other Cabinet officials, Republican governors and members of Congress at an event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., Rollins announced a department initiative to block “foreign countries of concern” from owning U.S. agriculture lands.Rollins said officials will even try to revoke lands already owned by China-backed entities.The administration will “take swift legislative and executive action to ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries,” she said.The executive branch will also work with state and local officials “to do everything within our ability, including presidential authorities, to claw back what has already been purchased by China and other foreign adversaries.”Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the nation’s food supply was a national security issue on par with energy and water supplies.<h2>Plan details</h2>The seven-part initiative, titled the National Farm Security Action Plan, is based on the idea that “farm security is national security,” according to a preamble to USDA’s written plan.U.S. farmers dominate the global industry, the preamble said.“Because that dominance is earned and not assured, it is critical we continuously adapt our approach to American agriculture security and elevate it to the top echelon of national security priorities,” the document read.To protect U.S. farmland, the USDA, with help from the Justice Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and cooperative state and local governments, will seek to block investment by foreign adversaries and launch an online tool to help farmers report on potential unknown foreign ownership.The administration will look for vulnerabilities in the agricultural supply chain and attempt to ensure crop and nutrition programs are not being used to fund terrorist or criminal activity, while cutting down on fraud and abuse. The plan instructs the administration to strengthen biosecurity measures.The initiative also calls for making sure foreign governments cannot access USDA research grants or other department funding programs.The USDA will continue to work with the national security establishment and law enforcement to protect the agriculture sector’s critical infrastructure, according to the plan.After Republican Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Roger Marshall of Kansas at the event criticized the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an executive branch agency, for not having a spot for the Agriculture secretary, Rollins said she would be joining the panel as of Tuesday afternoon.<h2>Farmland security</h2>At the Tuesday event, speakers offered few specifics about the initiative but praised the administration for elevating the issue of foreign investment in farmland.“A country has to be able to feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself to truly be free,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “We now have a president who understands it and is willing to do everything within his power to make sure the United States continues to be the greatest country on the face of the planet.”“Our farmland is not just dirt, it is our national security, it is our economic future, it is our children’s heritage,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “And it is under threat, and the leaders here recognize that.”Speakers emphasized what they called the threat of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland.“Today, we tell China to get the hell out of American agriculture,” Marshall said.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his state had moved to ban Chinese equipment from telecommunications infrastructure and has worked to deny Chinese companies from owning farmland. He related a story of stonewalling Chinese-owned Syngenta, which sought a meeting with the governor.“I said, ‘I have no interest in having a meeting,’” he said. “‘Have no interest in you being in Nebraska. My suggestion would be to leave. My suggestion would be to get a different job.’”The company later sold their assets in Nebraska, Pillen said.<h2>Alabama and China</h2>Tuberville, who is running in the state’s gubernatorial race next year, appeared to say China owned 2.2 million acres of farmland in his state alone – a number that actually describes the acres of land owned by all foreign entities in the state. Chinese entities own no acres in Alabama, according to USDA data.“China is a threat,” he said. “They’re not a threat. They are dominating us in almost everything that they do because we’ve sat back and the politicians have been counting their money instead of doing what’s right and helping this country stay in the front. We’ve got to be number one. We can’t be number two. We’ve got to fight back.“They are coming into our country and buying our farmland. In my state of Alabama alone, they own 2.2 million acres of farmland. That’s right in Alabama. Foreign adversaries.”Asked about the comment, Tuberville spokesperson Mallory Jaspers said he was referring not only to Chinese ownership but all foreign adversaries and indicated that he opposed any foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.“Sen. Tuberville believes American farmland should be owned by Americans,” she wrote in an email.The most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/economic-policy-analysis/afida/annual-reports/foreign-holdings-us-agricultural-land-december-31-2023" target="_blank">recent year-end USDA report</a>&nbsp;on foreign investment, in 2023, showed Chinese-linked investors held about 276,000 acres of U.S. farmland nationwide.An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-footprints-trends-in-u-s-agricultural-land-ownership" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the American Farm Bureau, an advocacy group, estimated Chinese investors accounted for only about .02% of all foreign owned U.S. agricultural land.<h2>GOP governors back plan</h2>In addition to Lee, Huckabee Sanders and Pillen, who spoke outside of USDA, the Republican governors of Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota and Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Governors-Council_Letter-to-Secretary-Rollins.pdf" target="_blank">signed a Tuesday letter</a>&nbsp;to Rollins in support of the plan.“As America First Governors, we firmly stand together in our unwavering support of President Donald J. Trump and his administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan,” they wrote. “This plan is a critical and decisive response to the invasion of our land, food system, and sovereignty by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

USDA chief outlines plan to block China from U.S. farmland ownership

The InspireU Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph opened six months ago, and in that time have been blown away by the community support.  

Director Katherine Patterson Paronto says the museum has seen 49,663 visitors through its doors, which she says is phenomenal 

"We did all our calculations based on 60,000 people coming through the doors a year," Patterson Paronto tells the KFEQmunnity.  "And so, we're almost at 50,000, which means we've just been doing way better than we expected, the response has been fabulous." 

Patterson Paronto says many of those visitors are members who bring in their children sometimes once or twice a week.  

And Patterson Paronto says there is one consistent thing they have seen from the parents bringing their children in  

"One of the things that we noticed as a staff is we don't see a lot of people on their phones, they're really playing together," Patterson Paronto explains.  "And we've got lots of great experiences where the adult can sit down and relax and the kid can play with them and both of them are just getting this wonderful experience together and growing and connecting." 

Patterson Paronto has worked in other museums and says one thing that makes this one great is the community support, but also says it's unique because it can't really be anywhere else 

"It's very, very much St. Joe and the region, and that really sets it apart from a lot of other discovery centers," Patterson Paronto says. 

And there's another aspect to the discovery center that sets it apart she adds 

"Not only are we talking about high quality play for families to connect and enjoy each other's company and grow, but also we have health related goals," Patterson Paronto points out.  

InspireU is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from noon to 5pm.  You can find more information on tickets on their website.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The InspireU Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph opened six months ago, and in that time have been blown away by the community support. Director Katherine Patterson Paronto says the museum has seen 49,663 visitors through its doors, which she says is phenomenal "We did all our calculations based on 60,000 people coming through the doors a year," Patterson Paronto tells the KFEQmunnity. "And so, we're almost at 50,000, which means we've just been doing way better than we expected, the response has been fabulous." Patterson Paronto says many of those visitors are members who bring in their children sometimes once or twice a week. And Patterson Paronto says there is one consistent thing they have seen from the parents bringing their children in "One of the things that we noticed as a staff is we don't see a lot of people on their phones, they're really playing together," Patterson Paronto explains. "And we've got lots of great experiences where the adult can sit down and relax and the kid can play with them and both of them are just getting this wonderful experience together and growing and connecting." Patterson Paronto has worked in other museums and says one thing that makes this one great is the community support, but also says it's unique because it can't really be anywhere else "It's very, very much St. Joe and the region, and that really sets it apart from a lot of other discovery centers," Patterson Paronto says. And there's another aspect to the discovery center that sets it apart she adds "Not only are we talking about high quality play for families to connect and enjoy each other's company and grow, but also we have health related goals," Patterson Paronto points out. InspireU is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from noon to 5pm. You can find more information on tickets on their website.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

InspireU Discovery Center seeing great success in first six months

The legislation would also ban child marriage and void non-disclosure agreements in child sex abuse cases

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

After Aug. 28, Missouri will end the state’s longstanding practice of seizing foster children’s Social Security benefits to cover the cost of foster care.

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB737&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">signed a bill</a>&nbsp;that would also ban child marriage and stop child sex abusers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence their victims. The bill was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, and handled by Republican state Sen. Jamie Burger of Benton&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-banning-state-from-seizing-foster-kids-benefits-clears-missouri-senate/">in the upper chamber</a>.

Missouri’s child welfare agency takes millions of dollars each year in foster children’s benefits and uses the money to help pay for foster care. In fiscal year 2024, the Children’s Division spent more than $10.6 million recovered from children’s benefits. Over 1,200 foster kids were receiving benefits in Missouri of late last year, or just over 10% of all kids in care.

As a result, kids who are orphaned or have disabilities are responsible for paying toward the cost of their care in state custody.&nbsp;

The bill would ban the state from using those benefits to pay itself back for routine foster care expenses. Instead, the division could use the funds for the child’s “unmet needs” beyond what the division is obligated to pay, such as housing as the child prepares to age out of foster care.

The effort to ban the practice won bipartisan support during the 2024 session and was on the verge of passing. But it&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/23/lawmakers-adjourn-without-banning-state-from-seizing-benefits-from-missouri-foster-kids/">died when GOP infighting</a>&nbsp;forced the state Senate to adjourn early.&nbsp;

The foster benefits ban was the starting point for the bill, with other provisions, including the ban on child marriage added when it reached the state Senate.&nbsp;

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4958086" target="_blank">provisions</a>&nbsp;include:

Under current Missouri law, anyone under 16 is prohibited from getting married. But 16 and 17 year olds can get married with parental consent to anyone under 21.&nbsp;

Under the new law, which goes into effect Aug. 28, marriage for anyone under age 18 will be illegal.&nbsp;

The bill garnered bipartisan support, but an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/sweeping-missouri-child-welfare-bill-including-child-marriage-ban-heads-to-governors-desk/">outspoken group of Republican lawmakers&nbsp;</a>condemned the child marriage ban — saying they knew couples who were married as teens and are still together and warning that more teens would get abortions if they couldn’t marry.

“There are legitimate reasons for people 16, 17 to become married,” state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Savannah Republican, said during an April House debate. “A pregnancy could be a legitimate reason to become married, for one thing.”&nbsp;

Last year, the bill stalled due to GOP critics.

In 2023 Republican state Sen. Mike Moon’s opposition to the child marriage ban garnered national attention when he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article274244525.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">said</a>: “Do you know any kids who have been married at age 12? I do. And guess what? They’re still married.”

The bill also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/22/missouri-bill-to-void-ndas-in-child-sex-abuse-cases-approved-by-house/">voids nondisclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;cases and expands access to legal counsel for families in child abuse and neglect cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752081620289.png" alt=" Rep. Melissa Schmidt, R-Eldridge, speaks on the House floor in February about her foster benefits bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Melissa Schmidt, R-Eldridge, speaks on the House floor in February about her foster benefits bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation would also ban child marriage and void non-disclosure agreements in child sex abuse cases</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>After Aug. 28, Missouri will end the state’s longstanding practice of seizing foster children’s Social Security benefits to cover the cost of foster care.Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB737&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">signed a bill</a>&nbsp;that would also ban child marriage and stop child sex abusers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence their victims. The bill was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, and handled by Republican state Sen. Jamie Burger of Benton&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-banning-state-from-seizing-foster-kids-benefits-clears-missouri-senate/">in the upper chamber</a>.Missouri’s child welfare agency takes millions of dollars each year in foster children’s benefits and uses the money to help pay for foster care. In fiscal year 2024, the Children’s Division spent more than $10.6 million recovered from children’s benefits. Over 1,200 foster kids were receiving benefits in Missouri of late last year, or just over 10% of all kids in care.As a result, kids who are orphaned or have disabilities are responsible for paying toward the cost of their care in state custody.&nbsp;The bill would ban the state from using those benefits to pay itself back for routine foster care expenses. Instead, the division could use the funds for the child’s “unmet needs” beyond what the division is obligated to pay, such as housing as the child prepares to age out of foster care.The effort to ban the practice won bipartisan support during the 2024 session and was on the verge of passing. But it&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/23/lawmakers-adjourn-without-banning-state-from-seizing-benefits-from-missouri-foster-kids/">died when GOP infighting</a>&nbsp;forced the state Senate to adjourn early.&nbsp;The foster benefits ban was the starting point for the bill, with other provisions, including the ban on child marriage added when it reached the state Senate.&nbsp;Other&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4958086" target="_blank">provisions</a>&nbsp;include:<ul>
 <li>Increasing a tax credit for donations to certain youth programs.</li><li>Stating that the state Children’s Division cannot hold itself harmless in contracts with private service providers when there are issues resulting from the state’s negligence.</li><li>Requiring Children’s Division caseworkers to present identification of themselves when conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect, and inform parents of their rights.</li><li>Requiring the Children’s Division to take into consideration the religion of the foster child when determining placement, in order to ensure children are in households of a similar religion to their families’ when practicable.</li>
 </ul><h2>Child marriage ban</h2>Under current Missouri law, anyone under 16 is prohibited from getting married. But 16 and 17 year olds can get married with parental consent to anyone under 21.&nbsp;Under the new law, which goes into effect Aug. 28, marriage for anyone under age 18 will be illegal.&nbsp;The bill garnered bipartisan support, but an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/sweeping-missouri-child-welfare-bill-including-child-marriage-ban-heads-to-governors-desk/">outspoken group of Republican lawmakers&nbsp;</a>condemned the child marriage ban — saying they knew couples who were married as teens and are still together and warning that more teens would get abortions if they couldn’t marry.“There are legitimate reasons for people 16, 17 to become married,” state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Savannah Republican, said during an April House debate. “A pregnancy could be a legitimate reason to become married, for one thing.”&nbsp;Last year, the bill stalled due to GOP critics.In 2023 Republican state Sen. Mike Moon’s opposition to the child marriage ban garnered national attention when he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article274244525.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">said</a>: “Do you know any kids who have been married at age 12? I do. And guess what? They’re still married.”The bill also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/22/missouri-bill-to-void-ndas-in-child-sex-abuse-cases-approved-by-house/">voids nondisclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;cases and expands access to legal counsel for families in child abuse and neglect cases.

Missouri governor signs bill banning state from seizing foster kids’ benefits

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4Ezr5fxd9aKWE5UiOlvnfk?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 style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7dHcdQSdr3xsEANUsW9cPT?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph
firefighters responded to a house fire at South 19th and Olive early
Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters were
able to contain the fire, but unable to save a dog inside the house.

No other injuries
were reported. The investigation into the fire continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph
firefighters responded to a house fire at South 19th and Olive early
Tuesday afternoon.Firefighters were
able to contain the fire, but unable to save a dog inside the house.No other injuries
were reported. The investigation into the fire continues.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph firefighters battle blaze; dog found dead in structure

Now, St. Joseph city officials and
councilmembers work to act on them.

St. Joseph city councilmembers and
officials have much to digest as they pore over results from a city-wide
survey.

City Manager, Mike Schumacher, says the
top concern of citizens returning the survey is code enforcement, which grows
from concern about the city’s appearance.

“People who choose to own a property and
not maintain is really impacting the livability,” Schumacher says during an appearance
on KFEQmmunity. “They’re impacting the property values of those around them.
They’re adding to blight.”

Schumacher says responsibility comes with
property ownership and the city plans to help residents understand their
responsibility.

“We want to educate them so they
understand, hey, this is what the code says,” Schumacher says. “This is what we
need to do. And, if they so choose, then we’ll be forced to hold them
accountable. That’s the path we’re going to take.”

Schumacher says the city received more than
600 responses from the 4,000 mailers sent to residents. He says that is a
strong response that is statistically relevant, representing all areas of the
city.

While code enforcement came out as the
top concern, law enforcement and crime came in second, with communication third.

Schumacher says the St. Joseph Police
Department is filling its vacancies which should help address a concern about
crime. The city manager says the city is working to improve its communication
with residents.

“We need to work on our branding, our
consistency, and messaging,” according to Schumacher. “And we need to be
strategic on what we put out there and make sure it’s always, 100% accurate and
make sure that the community sees that we are completely transparent.”

City councilmember, Marty Novak, isn’t
surprised that code enforcement is a big concern, saying the city cannot have
selective code enforcement.

“There are a lot of things we’re trying
to do to try to move that needle and really try to make St. Joseph better and
to grow St. Joseph,” Novak says during a separate appearance on KFEQmmunity.

Novak says the city council will
seriously consider the comments from the survey.

“I can see where the citizens were coming
from with all the results,” Novak says. “Again, I take it as a barometer. This
is our benchmark here. Now we can see where we can go, moving that up or down
as we move forward.”

Novak says Schumacher and his staff have
compiled a 24-page document on how best to implement the survey’s findings.
Department heads will address the city council during its meetings on how each
department plans to act on the survey results.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe survey results are in.Now, St. Joseph city officials and
councilmembers work to act on them.St. Joseph city councilmembers and
officials have much to digest as they pore over results from a city-wide
survey.City Manager, Mike Schumacher, says the
top concern of citizens returning the survey is code enforcement, which grows
from concern about the city’s appearance.“People who choose to own a property and
not maintain is really impacting the livability,” Schumacher says during an appearance
on KFEQmmunity. “They’re impacting the property values of those around them.
They’re adding to blight.”Schumacher says responsibility comes with
property ownership and the city plans to help residents understand their
responsibility.“We want to educate them so they
understand, hey, this is what the code says,” Schumacher says. “This is what we
need to do. And, if they so choose, then we’ll be forced to hold them
accountable. That’s the path we’re going to take.”Schumacher says the city received more than
600 responses from the 4,000 mailers sent to residents. He says that is a
strong response that is statistically relevant, representing all areas of the
city.While code enforcement came out as the
top concern, law enforcement and crime came in second, with communication third.Schumacher says the St. Joseph Police
Department is filling its vacancies which should help address a concern about
crime. The city manager says the city is working to improve its communication
with residents.“We need to work on our branding, our
consistency, and messaging,” according to Schumacher. “And we need to be
strategic on what we put out there and make sure it’s always, 100% accurate and
make sure that the community sees that we are completely transparent.”City councilmember, Marty Novak, isn’t
surprised that code enforcement is a big concern, saying the city cannot have
selective code enforcement.“There are a lot of things we’re trying
to do to try to move that needle and really try to make St. Joseph better and
to grow St. Joseph,” Novak says during a separate appearance on KFEQmmunity.Novak says the city council will
seriously consider the comments from the survey.“I can see where the citizens were coming
from with all the results,” Novak says. “Again, I take it as a barometer. This
is our benchmark here. Now we can see where we can go, moving that up or down
as we move forward.”Novak says Schumacher and his staff have
compiled a 24-page document on how best to implement the survey’s findings.
Department heads will address the city council during its meetings on how each
department plans to act on the survey results.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph works to implement results from citizen surveys

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F350 driven by a 76-year-old Spokane, Washington man was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 29 just south of U.S. 59/71 exit.&nbsp; The driver put the pickup in drive. 

It bolted forward and struck&nbsp; a 72-year-old a Cusick, Washington man who was outside the vehicle.&nbsp; The pickup then traveled off the west side of the road, struck a traffic sign and came to rest in the ditch.

Andrew County EMS transported the pedestrian to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F350 driven by a 76-year-old Spokane, Washington man was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 29 just south of U.S. 59/71 exit.&nbsp; The driver put the pickup in drive. It bolted forward and struck&nbsp; a 72-year-old a Cusick, Washington man who was outside the vehicle.&nbsp; The pickup then traveled off the west side of the road, struck a traffic sign and came to rest in the ditch.Andrew County EMS transported the pedestrian to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Pickup bolted, struck man outside vehicle in Andrew County

Firefighters responded
to an apartment fire in eastern St. Joseph very early Tuesday morning.

The fire at the
Meadows Apartments on South Leonard Road forced occupants to flee the
structure shortly before four o'clock Tuesday morning. The fire spread to the roof of the complex and rendered six apartments
uninhabitable. The local Red Cross chapter has responded.

The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under
investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751998289321.jpeg" alt="Fire damaged apartments in the Meadow Apartments complex in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Fire damaged apartments in the Meadow Apartments complex in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFirefighters responded
to an apartment fire in eastern St. Joseph very early Tuesday morning.The fire at the
Meadows Apartments on South Leonard Road forced occupants to flee the
structure shortly before four o'clock Tuesday morning. The fire spread to the roof of the complex and rendered six apartments
uninhabitable. The local Red Cross chapter has responded.The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under
investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751998352182.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Firefighters respond to St. Joseph apartment complex fire

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hopes to help young professionals expand their network, build friendships, and get more involved in the community with new events.  

Kristi Bailey with the Chamber says the new young professionals' events are designed for people in the business community between 20 and 40 years old 

"There's networking opportunities, but also educational opportunities," Bailey tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin.  "We had a group like this in the past that was very popular, but it kind of just was dwindling and then COVID happened and that really just kind of killed it, so we thought it's definitely time to bring it back, some of our larger employers think that it would be a benefit." 

Bailey says if the community wants to keep young people working and living here, it's important to provide opportunities for them 

"This is the Chambers way of trying to help that, so we're publicizing it with our larger employers so they know, hey let your employees know about this, these events are going on, we want to help you keep these employees here so they know St. Joseph is a great place to live while they work for you," Bailey explains. 

Bailey says networking is an important factor for these professionals the event caters too, because networking helps keep the person top of mind 

"Like oh yeah I know Kristi, she can help me this or that, and just in my private life the people I meet through the Chamber, I do use them, like oh I need this dry cleaned I'm going to call Tanya because I know her through the Chamber and I've met her at a Lunch and Learn, or whatever the case may be," Bailey says. 

Events will be held once a month through December, with the first coming on July 16th at the Parkway Distillery from 6 to 7:30pm.  Most events will be free to attend. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hopes to help young professionals expand their network, build friendships, and get more involved in the community with new events. Kristi Bailey with the Chamber says the new young professionals' events are designed for people in the business community between 20 and 40 years old "There's networking opportunities, but also educational opportunities," Bailey tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. "We had a group like this in the past that was very popular, but it kind of just was dwindling and then COVID happened and that really just kind of killed it, so we thought it's definitely time to bring it back, some of our larger employers think that it would be a benefit." Bailey says if the community wants to keep young people working and living here, it's important to provide opportunities for them "This is the Chambers way of trying to help that, so we're publicizing it with our larger employers so they know, hey let your employees know about this, these events are going on, we want to help you keep these employees here so they know St. Joseph is a great place to live while they work for you," Bailey explains. Bailey says networking is an important factor for these professionals the event caters too, because networking helps keep the person top of mind "Like oh yeah I know Kristi, she can help me this or that, and just in my private life the people I meet through the Chamber, I do use them, like oh I need this dry cleaned I'm going to call Tanya because I know her through the Chamber and I've met her at a Lunch and Learn, or whatever the case may be," Bailey says. Events will be held once a month through December, with the first coming on July 16th at the Parkway Distillery from 6 to 7:30pm. Most events will be free to attend. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber getting young professionals involved in community

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0UtWqwDuO76aqfvk8kqjym?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 style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4LYdadZX9UlQYT0IRuV9L1?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KANSAS CITY —The celebration of July 4th has led to an alarming number of deaths and injuries in fires and explosions in Missouri that investigations show appear to be related to fireworks, according to a statement from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The State Division of Fire Safety is currently investigating five fires in which fireworks are suspected and in which three people have died. There have also been multiple serious injuries.

“Tragically, we have seen more fires, explosions, injuries and deaths this July 4th holiday that appear to be related to fireworks than any other Independence Day holiday in recent memory,”&nbsp;State Fire Marshal Tim Bean&nbsp;said. “Many Missourians still have fireworks that they intend to use even after July 4th. I urge everyone to be extremely cautious and responsible if they intend to use consumer fireworks, and to never attempt to make their own fireworks, which is extremely dangerous. Many people fail to understand the risk involved in fireworks because they can be purchased at retail stores and stands. The flash powder in fireworks is highly sensitive to a variety of ignition sources, including static electricity, friction and heat. They must be handled with extreme care.”

DFS is currently involved in these investigations in which fireworks appear to be involved:

July 3 – Joplin:&nbsp;A shed exploded on the afternoon of July 3 on the property of a home at 2501 S. Virginia Avenue, killing a 47-year-old man. A juvenile female sustained serious injuries. The DFS investigation has not ruled out fireworks as the cause of the explosion. (Assisting Joplin Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Buckner (Jackson County): Early on the morning of July 4, the Independence Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence at 1101 North Lake City Valley Road that has killed two people. A 13-year-old girl died in the fire. A second person later succumbed to his injuries. At least one other remains hospitalized. The DFS investigation showed the fire originated on the residence’s covered back deck. Consumer-grade fireworks being used the night before could not be eliminated as the cause of the fire. (Assisting Independence Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Hannibal:&nbsp;At about 2 p.m. on July 4, the Hannibal Fire Department responded to a fire&nbsp; at 923 Center Street, which caused heavy fire and smoke damage to the structure’s four units. The DFS investigation found that an individual had been shooting off consumer-grade fireworks in the backyard and one ignited a fire in the structure, which quickly spread. (Assisting Hannibal Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Sibley (Jackson County):&nbsp;At about 4:30 p.m. on July 4, there was an explosion in the garage of the house at 30500 Hunter Road that quickly spread throughout the residence and left three people with serious burns that required hospitalization. DFS has not been able to eliminate a large quantity of consumer-grad fireworks as being the cause of the explosion and fire. (Assisting Fort Osage Fire Protection District in investigation.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

July 4 – Leadwood (St. Francois County):&nbsp;An explosion occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on July 4 at 535 Birch Street during a large private fireworks display put on by a resident that was being viewed by people across the street in Leadwood City Park. Six people were reportedly injured, including an elderly woman who was transported with a serious injury. (Assisting Leadwood Fire Protection District in investigation.)

The circumstances of these cases vary widely, and all remain under investigation. Fire Marshal Bean urges those who choose to use consumer fireworks to remember these vitally important safety measures:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751971847693.png" alt="Fatal fire on July 4 in rural Jackson County, Mo. -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Fatal fire on July 4 in rural Jackson County, Mo. -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The celebration of July 4th has led to an alarming number of deaths and injuries in fires and explosions in Missouri that investigations show appear to be related to fireworks, according to a statement from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.The State Division of Fire Safety is currently investigating five fires in which fireworks are suspected and in which three people have died. There have also been multiple serious injuries.“Tragically, we have seen more fires, explosions, injuries and deaths this July 4th holiday that appear to be related to fireworks than any other Independence Day holiday in recent memory,”&nbsp;State Fire Marshal Tim Bean&nbsp;said. “Many Missourians still have fireworks that they intend to use even after July 4th. I urge everyone to be extremely cautious and responsible if they intend to use consumer fireworks, and to never attempt to make their own fireworks, which is extremely dangerous. Many people fail to understand the risk involved in fireworks because they can be purchased at retail stores and stands. The flash powder in fireworks is highly sensitive to a variety of ignition sources, including static electricity, friction and heat. They must be handled with extreme care.”DFS is currently involved in these investigations in which fireworks appear to be involved:July 3 – Joplin:&nbsp;A shed exploded on the afternoon of July 3 on the property of a home at 2501 S. Virginia Avenue, killing a 47-year-old man. A juvenile female sustained serious injuries. The DFS investigation has not ruled out fireworks as the cause of the explosion. (Assisting Joplin Fire Department in investigation.)July 4 – Buckner (Jackson County): Early on the morning of July 4, the Independence Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence at 1101 North Lake City Valley Road that has killed two people. A 13-year-old girl died in the fire. A second person later succumbed to his injuries. At least one other remains hospitalized. The DFS investigation showed the fire originated on the residence’s covered back deck. Consumer-grade fireworks being used the night before could not be eliminated as the cause of the fire. (Assisting Independence Fire Department in investigation.)July 4 – Hannibal:&nbsp;At about 2 p.m. on July 4, the Hannibal Fire Department responded to a fire&nbsp; at 923 Center Street, which caused heavy fire and smoke damage to the structure’s four units. The DFS investigation found that an individual had been shooting off consumer-grade fireworks in the backyard and one ignited a fire in the structure, which quickly spread. (Assisting Hannibal Fire Department in investigation.)July 4 – Sibley (Jackson County):&nbsp;At about 4:30 p.m. on July 4, there was an explosion in the garage of the house at 30500 Hunter Road that quickly spread throughout the residence and left three people with serious burns that required hospitalization. DFS has not been able to eliminate a large quantity of consumer-grad fireworks as being the cause of the explosion and fire. (Assisting Fort Osage Fire Protection District in investigation.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;July 4 – Leadwood (St. Francois County):&nbsp;An explosion occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on July 4 at 535 Birch Street during a large private fireworks display put on by a resident that was being viewed by people across the street in Leadwood City Park. Six people were reportedly injured, including an elderly woman who was transported with a serious injury. (Assisting Leadwood Fire Protection District in investigation.)The circumstances of these cases vary widely, and all remain under investigation. Fire Marshal Bean urges those who choose to use consumer fireworks to remember these vitally important safety measures:<ul>
 <li>Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer and never attempt to make or combine fireworks;</li><li>Only use fireworks in open spaces, never near structures;</li><li>Always have water nearby and dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can;</li><li>Never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned;</li><li>Never have any part of your body over fireworks;</li><li>Keep young children away from fireworks;</li><li>Never throw or point fireworks at other people;</li><li>Never carry fireworks in your pocket;</li><li>Never light fireworks indoors;</li><li>Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol;</li><li>Store fireworks in a cool, dry place;</li><li>Don't save fireworks from season to season.</li>
 </ul>