By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2RvMFjpOattuME22fNjHvH?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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4t6sVSlOzPq19yKsBgIsgb?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The board’s legislative priorities appear to support legislation creating public-school open enrollment, but members are split on what the policy means

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

The Missouri State Board of Education approved&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/consideration-adopt-2026-legislative-priorities" target="_blank">legislative priorities</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that signal support for “legislation on voluntary public school open enrollment.”&nbsp;

Board members during a Tuesday morning meeting expressed differing opinions on open enrollment,&nbsp; a policy that broadly speaking would allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts. After debating the issue, the board initially seemed poised to remove it from its priorities for the upcoming legislative session but ultimately agreed to wave it through and make edits at a later date.

Board President Mary Schrag said the intention is to give the board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education a “seat at the table” as lawmakers consider provisions that alter how open enrollment would be administered.

“We don’t have to take a stance on (open enrollment),” she said. “I do think we need to make sure that we stay as a player and are at the table.”

State lawmakers have filed open enrollment bills&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">for the past five years</a>, passing out of the House each time but coming to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/open-enrollment-bill-causes-schism-among-missouri-senate-republicans/">standstill in the Senate</a>. The proposal has evolved over the years, with changes like a cap on the number of students that may leave a district and who is responsible for the cost of transportation.

Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said if lawmakers move forward with open enrollment, she’d like the board to have a say in some of the details.

“(State lawmakers) continue to have conversations in the legislature about what is the best fit for Missouri and how do you create this opportunity for choice within the public system,” she said. “So, by having this board have an opinion that open enrollment is something we want to have a conversation about, it makes us relevant.”

She told state senators in a hearing about an unrelated issue last week that she “did not have a problem with” open enrollment as a concept.

“As a superintendent of schools, I can tell you that if a parent didn’t feel like that I met their needs, I want them to be able to go someplace,” she told the Senate Education Committee last Thursday.

Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said Tuesday that she had concerns that she would like to enumerate in a clearer policy position.

“I want to be supportive of our board, but I am concerned about harming small communities, and that isn’t reflected in this language,” she said.

Board member Mike Matousek, of Kansas City, indicated that he supported the idea of open enrollment but he felt like approving the legislative priorities was premature.

“There are key issues that we just need to talk about first to understand what it is we’re actually supporting here, and what are our priorities,” he said.

He was the lone vote in opposition to approving the document.

Schrag said many of the priorities, like a focus on early childhood literacy, have come up in numerous board conversations.

“As board members, we are learning and absorbing and digging in all the time through all of our conversations,” she said. “It doesn’t require a specific agenda item, in some cases, to come to an understanding of a position.”

The board has approved legislative priorities for four years, focusing on improving the programs offered by the state’s education department.

Other priorities approved Tuesday include a recommendation to fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools and the creation of a program to improve math instruction statewide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765366574720.png" alt="Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag and Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger lead a board meeting Sept. 17 at the Missouri Special Olympics building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag and Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger lead a board meeting Sept. 17 at the Missouri Special Olympics building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The board’s legislative priorities appear to support legislation creating public-school open enrollment, but members are split on what the policy means</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri State Board of Education approved&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/consideration-adopt-2026-legislative-priorities" target="_blank">legislative priorities</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that signal support for “legislation on voluntary public school open enrollment.”&nbsp;What this means, though, is unclear.Board members during a Tuesday morning meeting expressed differing opinions on open enrollment,&nbsp; a policy that broadly speaking would allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts. After debating the issue, the board initially seemed poised to remove it from its priorities for the upcoming legislative session but ultimately agreed to wave it through and make edits at a later date.Board President Mary Schrag said the intention is to give the board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education a “seat at the table” as lawmakers consider provisions that alter how open enrollment would be administered.“We don’t have to take a stance on (open enrollment),” she said. “I do think we need to make sure that we stay as a player and are at the table.”State lawmakers have filed open enrollment bills&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">for the past five years</a>, passing out of the House each time but coming to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/open-enrollment-bill-causes-schism-among-missouri-senate-republicans/">standstill in the Senate</a>. The proposal has evolved over the years, with changes like a cap on the number of students that may leave a district and who is responsible for the cost of transportation.Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said if lawmakers move forward with open enrollment, she’d like the board to have a say in some of the details.“(State lawmakers) continue to have conversations in the legislature about what is the best fit for Missouri and how do you create this opportunity for choice within the public system,” she said. “So, by having this board have an opinion that open enrollment is something we want to have a conversation about, it makes us relevant.”She told state senators in a hearing about an unrelated issue last week that she “did not have a problem with” open enrollment as a concept.“As a superintendent of schools, I can tell you that if a parent didn’t feel like that I met their needs, I want them to be able to go someplace,” she told the Senate Education Committee last Thursday.Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said Tuesday that she had concerns that she would like to enumerate in a clearer policy position.“I want to be supportive of our board, but I am concerned about harming small communities, and that isn’t reflected in this language,” she said.Board member Mike Matousek, of Kansas City, indicated that he supported the idea of open enrollment but he felt like approving the legislative priorities was premature.“There are key issues that we just need to talk about first to understand what it is we’re actually supporting here, and what are our priorities,” he said.He was the lone vote in opposition to approving the document.Schrag said many of the priorities, like a focus on early childhood literacy, have come up in numerous board conversations.“As board members, we are learning and absorbing and digging in all the time through all of our conversations,” she said. “It doesn’t require a specific agenda item, in some cases, to come to an understanding of a position.”The board has approved legislative priorities for four years, focusing on improving the programs offered by the state’s education department.Other priorities approved Tuesday include a recommendation to fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools and the creation of a program to improve math instruction statewide.

Public school open enrollment wins tentative support from Missouri education board

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage at a museum in Atchison.

On Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, 223 North Terrace Street in Atchison, after museum staff had arrived and found that an antique glass window on an exterior door with an estimated $350 had been broken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation followed that lead officers to arrest 21-year-old Bernard M. Rempe, 21, Atchison, on requested charges of criminal damage to property. He was issued a notice to appear in court.

Police believe the damage occurred sometime between midnight and 1:00a.m. on Saturday night. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765293134903.png" alt="Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage at a museum in Atchison.On Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, 223 North Terrace Street in Atchison, after museum staff had arrived and found that an antique glass window on an exterior door with an estimated $350 had been broken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation followed that lead officers to arrest 21-year-old Bernard M. Rempe, 21, Atchison, on requested charges of criminal damage to property. He was issued a notice to appear in court.Police believe the damage occurred sometime between midnight and 1:00a.m. on Saturday night. &nbsp;

Man accused of breaking an antique glass window at museum

Residents are encouraged to bundle up and light up their bikes for the Annual Holiday Park Ride on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

General manager at Horizon Cycling and board member of the St. Joseph Trail Alliance, Blake Hoppe, says the ride begins in Downtown St. Joseph. "We're going to meet at River Bluff Brewing, then do a ride around the parkway, up to Krug Park to see all the lights, take a ride down the Avenue, and end back at Riverbluff for some post ride festivites."

Pizza Tascio will be on-site serving food, and drinks will be available at River Bluff.

Hoppe says the ride is family friendly, but notes, "Make sure you bring headlights and taillights for your bike, and if you have kids, make sure they know the rules of the road and how to ride with traffic. We want everyone to be safe."

The annual Holiday Ride has been around for several years and Hoppe says this is a way for the group to give back to the community. "We're big on community involvement and getting people on bikes and staying engaged."

Wendesday night's weather outlook looks to be cold with temperatues forcast around 25 degrees, but Hoppe says he hopes a lot of people show up. "Last year we had about fifty participants. I'm looking for anywhere from 30 - 50 riders this year. As long as people are okay braving the cold, we'd love to see a good turnout."

The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. at River Bluff Brewing but participants are encouraged to show up about fifteen minutes early to get their bike gear ready. 

Hoppe says holiday themed costumes and Christmas lights attached to bikes are also encouraged.

The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Horizon Cycling and the St. Joseph Trail Alliance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669047640950.jpeg" alt="Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHResidents are encouraged to bundle up and light up their bikes for the Annual Holiday Park Ride on Wednesday, Dec. 10.General manager at Horizon Cycling and board member of the St. Joseph Trail Alliance, Blake Hoppe, says the ride begins in Downtown St. Joseph. "We're going to meet at River Bluff Brewing, then do a ride around the parkway, up to Krug Park to see all the lights, take a ride down the Avenue, and end back at Riverbluff for some post ride festivites."Pizza Tascio will be on-site serving food, and drinks will be available at River Bluff.Hoppe says the ride is family friendly, but notes, "Make sure you bring headlights and taillights for your bike, and if you have kids, make sure they know the rules of the road and how to ride with traffic. We want everyone to be safe."The annual Holiday Ride has been around for several years and Hoppe says this is a way for the group to give back to the community. "We're big on community involvement and getting people on bikes and staying engaged."Wendesday night's weather outlook looks to be cold with temperatues forcast around 25 degrees, but Hoppe says he hopes a lot of people show up. "Last year we had about fifty participants. I'm looking for anywhere from 30 - 50 riders this year. As long as people are okay braving the cold, we'd love to see a good turnout."The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. at River Bluff Brewing but participants are encouraged to show up about fifteen minutes early to get their bike gear ready. Hoppe says holiday themed costumes and Christmas lights attached to bikes are also encouraged.The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Horizon Cycling and the St. Joseph Trail Alliance.

Annual Holiday Park Bike Ride set for Wednesday night

The third annual Bill Snyder Classic brought a thrilling matchup to Civic Arena, ending in an upset win for the Kansas State women over the Ole Miss Rebels.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the crowd wasn't quite what he had hoped for, still about 1,600 people showed up despite the game being played on a Sunday, rather than the usual Saturday.   

Esely says the game next year though, which is already scheduled, will return to Saturday, stating that Sunday events in St. Joe are hard to plan for 

"In my experience in event management now 20 plus years, Sunday afternoons have always been a tough draw sporting event wise here,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “I think this time of year, certainly we didn’t go opposite the Chiefs timewise, but we were sensitive to that, we weren’t going to schedule during a Chiefs game, that’s probably not a good plan of attack here.” 

Esely says knowing Kansas State has options of where to play these non-conference matchups, the commission always treats this event like it’s the first one 

"We do make sure the hospitality is at a very high level for any event we host, let alone we host, because these are division one travel parties that have a high level of expectation,” Esely explains.  “And anywhere they go I feel like they are showered with some level of hospitality that we want to make sure the hospitality level is as good here as they get anywhere else, they go play at any other time across the country.” 

Even with three years in the books now of the event, Esely still feels like improvements can be made.  Esely says specifically there can be improvements in how they market the matchup coming to St. Joseph 

"Making sure that the publicity for this game is as it should be, we’re also sensitive to ticket prices as well,” Esely says.  “I think our tickets were priced as they should have been for an event like this, given we had a premium option, but we also had a $10 option to get in the door as well, but we certainly don’t want that to be a deterrent for anybody that wants to attend the game.” 

Esely says Kansas State will return to Civic Arena for a fourth Bill Snyder Classic but is not quite ready to announce the opponent.   

The announcement of the Wildcats opponent will hopefully be out around next spring. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765311477646.jpeg" alt="While the crowd wasn't what was hoped for, St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely still considers the third annual Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena a successful event/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>While the crowd wasn't what was hoped for, St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely still considers the third annual Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena a successful event/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe third annual Bill Snyder Classic brought a thrilling matchup to Civic Arena, ending in an upset win for the Kansas State women over the Ole Miss Rebels. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the crowd wasn't quite what he had hoped for, still about 1,600 people showed up despite the game being played on a Sunday, rather than the usual Saturday. Esely says the game next year though, which is already scheduled, will return to Saturday, stating that Sunday events in St. Joe are hard to plan for "In my experience in event management now 20 plus years, Sunday afternoons have always been a tough draw sporting event wise here,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think this time of year, certainly we didn’t go opposite the Chiefs timewise, but we were sensitive to that, we weren’t going to schedule during a Chiefs game, that’s probably not a good plan of attack here.” Esely says knowing Kansas State has options of where to play these non-conference matchups, the commission always treats this event like it’s the first one "We do make sure the hospitality is at a very high level for any event we host, let alone we host, because these are division one travel parties that have a high level of expectation,” Esely explains. “And anywhere they go I feel like they are showered with some level of hospitality that we want to make sure the hospitality level is as good here as they get anywhere else, they go play at any other time across the country.” Even with three years in the books now of the event, Esely still feels like improvements can be made. Esely says specifically there can be improvements in how they market the matchup coming to St. Joseph "Making sure that the publicity for this game is as it should be, we’re also sensitive to ticket prices as well,” Esely says. “I think our tickets were priced as they should have been for an event like this, given we had a premium option, but we also had a $10 option to get in the door as well, but we certainly don’t want that to be a deterrent for anybody that wants to attend the game.” Esely says Kansas State will return to Civic Arena for a fourth Bill Snyder Classic but is not quite ready to announce the opponent. The announcement of the Wildcats opponent will hopefully be out around next spring. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bill Snyder Classic a success, but improvements can still be made

City Hall is undergoing a bit of
renovation as it prepares for a big year.

St. Joseph’s City Hall turns 100 in two
years along with the Missouri Theater.

St. Joseph Assistant City Manager, Dawn
Lanning, says the city wants to celebrate in style.

“So, really, a lot of much needed
maintenance has gone into that area through using both ARPA and some CIP funds to
accomplish that,” Lanning tells KFEQmmunity. “Sidewalk repairs throughout. Some
of that historical limestone that’s on the patio, there was some replacement of
that.”

Congress authorized local allocations of
ARPA money to offset losses during the COVID-19 pandemic and to help stimulate
the economy. CIP, or Capital Improvements Program, funds come from a half-cent
sales tax approved by St. Joseph voters.

Lanning says the Pioneer Woman statue and
fountain have been removed, but will return. She says the fountain no longer
worked and needs to be replaced.

“The fountain itself, the water feature,
was broken. It was beyond repair. And some concern about there being a berm
there and some visibility,” Lanning says. “So, we’re going to flatten all that
out and then we are going to put another water feature back in that space with
some sitting area for the community to be able to enjoy.”

The pioneer woman statue has been stored
away for the winter. She will return in the spring once the project has been
completed.

Work is well underway to create a grand
staircase for Civic Center Park. Lampposts have been replaced to replicate the
original lampposts.

“Some of the interior work that’s going
on is they are doing some painting of the walls and just some maintenance on
the inside as well,” Lanning says. “City Hall’s a gorgeous building. If people
haven’t been in there, they definitely need to come visit it.”

Both City Hall and the Missouri Theater
will celebrate their centennial in 2027.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765300752350.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCity Hall is undergoing a bit of
renovation as it prepares for a big year.St. Joseph’s City Hall turns 100 in two
years along with the Missouri Theater.St. Joseph Assistant City Manager, Dawn
Lanning, says the city wants to celebrate in style.“So, really, a lot of much needed
maintenance has gone into that area through using both ARPA and some CIP funds to
accomplish that,” Lanning tells KFEQmmunity. “Sidewalk repairs throughout. Some
of that historical limestone that’s on the patio, there was some replacement of
that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765300732005.jpeg" alt="Reconstruction of the front berm, fountain, and statute are underway/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Reconstruction of the front berm, fountain, and statute are underway/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Congress authorized local allocations of
ARPA money to offset losses during the COVID-19 pandemic and to help stimulate
the economy. CIP, or Capital Improvements Program, funds come from a half-cent
sales tax approved by St. Joseph voters.Lanning says the Pioneer Woman statue and
fountain have been removed, but will return. She says the fountain no longer
worked and needs to be replaced.“The fountain itself, the water feature,
was broken. It was beyond repair. And some concern about there being a berm
there and some visibility,” Lanning says. “So, we’re going to flatten all that
out and then we are going to put another water feature back in that space with
some sitting area for the community to be able to enjoy.”The pioneer woman statue has been stored
away for the winter. She will return in the spring once the project has been
completed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765300880811.jpeg" alt="Construction of the grand staircase is nearing completion/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Construction of the grand staircase is nearing completion/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Work is well underway to create a grand
staircase for Civic Center Park. Lampposts have been replaced to replicate the
original lampposts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765300920732.jpeg" alt="New lampposts on the back porch of City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>New lampposts on the back porch of City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The inside is also getting a touchup.“Some of the interior work that’s going
on is they are doing some painting of the walls and just some maintenance on
the inside as well,” Lanning says. “City Hall’s a gorgeous building. If people
haven’t been in there, they definitely need to come visit it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765300971591.jpeg" alt="Painters put on a fresh coat of paint inside City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Painters put on a fresh coat of paint inside City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Both City Hall and the Missouri Theater
will celebrate their centennial in 2027.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765301054918.jpeg" alt="Painters are restoring the original color scheme on the ceilings of City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Painters are restoring the original color scheme on the ceilings of City Hall/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph City Hall spruces up for upcoming milestone

A person injured
in a St. Joseph fire has died.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports a person removed from a house fire in the early
morning hours of Friday has died.

Firefighters
responded to the fire around three o’clock Friday morning near the intersection
of Jamesport Street and Industrial Road. The person was taken to the hospital,
but later died of injuries from the fire.

Two firefighters
suffered injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports the two firefighters were treated and released.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA person injured
in a St. Joseph fire has died.The St. Joseph
Police Department reports a person removed from a house fire in the early
morning hours of Friday has died.Firefighters
responded to the fire around three o’clock Friday morning near the intersection
of Jamesport Street and Industrial Road. The person was taken to the hospital,
but later died of injuries from the fire.Two firefighters
suffered injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports the two firefighters were treated and released.The fire remains
under investigation.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Person dies of injuries from St. Joseph fire

The decision came just a few hours after a state trial over which signatures should be counted if petitions are delivered this week

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>

A federal judge Monday refused to back Missouri’s Republican leaders efforts to block a statewide vote on a gerrymandered&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">congressional district map</a>, dismissing a case filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone ruled he had no jurisdiction over the lawsuit brought on behalf of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the General Assembly claiming the U.S. Constitution&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/26/federal-ruling-on-missouri-gerrymandered-redistricting-plan-to-come-in-early-december/">bars state referendums</a>&nbsp;on Congressional district plans.

The decision came just a few hours after Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25AC-CC07128&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19" target="_blank">three-hour trial</a>&nbsp;over when a referendum petition drive can begin and which signatures should be counted when petitions are submitted.

Limbaugh did not issue a ruling Monday and gave attorneys until Wednesday afternoon to file proposed judgments.

The redistricting bill forced through in September by Republicans at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">insistence of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to take effect Thursday for use in the 2026 elections.

Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.&nbsp;

If referendum petitions with sufficient signatures are submitted, the map will take effect only if it is upheld in a statewide vote in November.

The issues in the now-dismissed federal case can all be decided in state court, wrote Bluestone, a recent Trump appointee. All Hoskins has to do, he said, is reject the petitions gathered by People Not Politicians, the campaign committee seeking the referendum.

The deadline for submitting signatures is Thursday.

“Fortunately for the state, Secretary Hoskins has a tool at his disposal that almost no other litigant could boast — the power to declare the petition unconstitutional himself,” Bluestone wrote.

That would trigger litigation over the main question, he wrote.

“A decision that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a redistricting referendum would moot the state’s federal constitutional claims, while a decision that it does clearly permit them would significantly narrow the issues,” Bluestone wrote. “Further, abstaining here would avoid federal interference in a referendum process created entirely by the Missouri Constitution and state law.”

The main question in the lawsuit heard Monday afternoon by Limbaugh is when a referendum petition drive can begin.

Attorney Chuck Hatfield, representing People Not Politicians, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++49&amp;bid=31807&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">Missouri Constitution’s clause</a>&nbsp;giving the people the “power to approve or reject by referendum any act of the general assembly” means signature gathering can begin as soon as lawmakers hold the final vote on a bill.&nbsp;

“We don’t need the governor’s signature on something to seek a referendum on it,” Hatfield said. “Nor do we need the secretary of state’s approval to gather signatures.”

Deputy Solicitor General William Seidleck, arguing for the state, said a referendum can only be held on a law. No bill, he said, even if passed by lawmakers, is a law until it is signed by the governor. And a law giving the secretary of state authority to approve or reject the form of a referendum petition, he said, means no signatures can be gathered until the approval is received.

“You can only have a referendum on an enacted law,” Seidleck said. “We submit that there’s no law without the governor’s signature.”

Marc Ellinger, who represents a campaign committee set up to defend the map, Put Missouri First, asked Limbaugh to throw the whole case out as premature. No signatures have been submitted, he said, so there’s no true controversy over which are being counted.

“They’re trying to get an answer on the validity of signatures before the statutory process is completed,” Ellinger said.

To force a referendum on a new law, petitioners must get signatures from 5% of voters in six of the state’s eight congressional districts. That is about 110,000 signatures.

People Not Politicians has enlisted more than 2,000 volunteers and gathered more than 300,000 signatures, including 12,000 last week, campaign Director Richard von Glahn said during a Monday morning conference call with the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.

“We are going to continue to fight to make sure every Missourian’s voice is heard,” von Glahn said to coalition members.

In the afternoon, von Glahn was in a Cole County courtroom while Chrissy Peters, state elections director since 2017, testified that unless a court order says otherwise, no signatures collected before Oct. 14 will be checked against voter registration rolls.

That is a key date because it’s the day Hoskins approved the form of the petition. In the lawsuit, People Not Politicians is arguing that signatures gathered after Sept. 15, when the petition form was submitted, should be checked.

Of the 300,000 signatures the campaign says it has collected, the outcome of Monday’s hearing would only impact an estimated 92,000 that were pre-emptively rejected by Hoskins.&nbsp;

Limbaugh has another decision pending that will impact whether or not the referendum occurs. He&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/12/judge-hears-arguments-over-legality-of-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">heard arguments Nov. 12</a>&nbsp;in a lawsuit brought by opponents of redistricting over the state Constitution’s directive on when and how to draw congressional district maps.&nbsp;

If Limbaugh rules lawmakers did not have power to redraw the districts between census reports, the law would not take effect.&nbsp;

The Missouri redistricting fight is part of a national debate over when states can redraw congressional district boundaries for partisan advantage.

Republicans hold a 220-213 edge in the U.S. House, with two vacant seats previously held by Democrats. Six states, including Missouri, have enacted new congressional maps this year in response to the push initiated when Texas redrew its district lines to flip five Democratic seats. The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/04/texas-redistricting-map-us-supreme-court-2026-midterms/" target="_blank">upheld the new Texas map</a>&nbsp;last week.

California countered and revised its maps to move five seats to the Democratic Party,

<a href="https://ncnewsline.com/2025/11/26/federal-court-allows-republican-led-north-carolina-redistricting-plan-to-proceed/" target="_blank">North Carolina’s new map</a>&nbsp;is intended to net one seat for Republicans, Ohio has passed a new map to&nbsp;<a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/31/ohio-redistricting-commission-unanimously-passes-congressional-map-further-gop-advantage/" target="_blank">add two GOP seats</a>&nbsp;and a nonpartisan redistricting commission in Utah revised that state’s four districts in a way&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/11/25/utah-redistricting-republican-lawmakers-appeal-to-utah-supreme-court/" target="_blank">likely to favor a Democratic candidate</a>&nbsp;in one.

Other redistricting efforts are underway. In Indiana, the legislature is&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/08/as-indiana-senate-begins-redistricting-turn-republicans-keep-mum/" target="_blank">meeting in special session</a>&nbsp;to help the GOP gain two seats. Democrats who took supermajorities in the Virginia legislature this year are considering whether to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2025-12-03/vadems-redistricting-gerrymandering-surovell-locke-spanberger-mcdougle" target="_blank">revise lines in that state</a>, where Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge in the delegation.

As the date for delivering signatures in Missouri approaches, attacks on the petitioners and von Glahn have intensified. Hanaway is demanding personnel records from Advanced Micro Targeting of Dallas, Texas, which is being paid to help with the signature campaign. And Advanced Micro Targeting is suing other political consulting firms, accusing them of paying large sums to sabotage the petition drive.

Donald Trump Jr. led the attacks on von Glahn on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1996275378969559140" target="_blank">social media</a>, calling him a “leftist nut job” who is “trying to STEAL a GOP house seat in Missouri through an unlawful referendum.”

Trump Jr. included a link to a website that called von Glahn a communist.

Denise Lieberman, executive director of the Missouri Voter Protection coalition, called the attacks “absolutely disgusting and inexcusable” during the conference call.

Von Glahn said the insults are generating a counter-reaction.

“These are meant to be sort of psychological warfare, to make me and my family feel isolated and feel threatened,” he said. “It has been a complete backfire. I have gotten more messages of love and support across this state and across the country this week that I could have possibly imagined.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago " />
 <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The decision came just a few hours after a state trial over which signatures should be counted if petitions are delivered this week</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>A federal judge Monday refused to back Missouri’s Republican leaders efforts to block a statewide vote on a gerrymandered&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">congressional district map</a>, dismissing a case filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone ruled he had no jurisdiction over the lawsuit brought on behalf of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the General Assembly claiming the U.S. Constitution&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/26/federal-ruling-on-missouri-gerrymandered-redistricting-plan-to-come-in-early-december/">bars state referendums</a>&nbsp;on Congressional district plans.The decision came just a few hours after Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25AC-CC07128&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT19" target="_blank">three-hour trial</a>&nbsp;over when a referendum petition drive can begin and which signatures should be counted when petitions are submitted.Limbaugh did not issue a ruling Monday and gave attorneys until Wednesday afternoon to file proposed judgments.The redistricting bill forced through in September by Republicans at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">insistence of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to take effect Thursday for use in the 2026 elections.Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.&nbsp;If referendum petitions with sufficient signatures are submitted, the map will take effect only if it is upheld in a statewide vote in November.The issues in the now-dismissed federal case can all be decided in state court, wrote Bluestone, a recent Trump appointee. All Hoskins has to do, he said, is reject the petitions gathered by People Not Politicians, the campaign committee seeking the referendum.The deadline for submitting signatures is Thursday.“Fortunately for the state, Secretary Hoskins has a tool at his disposal that almost no other litigant could boast — the power to declare the petition unconstitutional himself,” Bluestone wrote.That would trigger litigation over the main question, he wrote.“A decision that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a redistricting referendum would moot the state’s federal constitutional claims, while a decision that it does clearly permit them would significantly narrow the issues,” Bluestone wrote. “Further, abstaining here would avoid federal interference in a referendum process created entirely by the Missouri Constitution and state law.”<h2>State lawsuit over signatures</h2>The main question in the lawsuit heard Monday afternoon by Limbaugh is when a referendum petition drive can begin.Attorney Chuck Hatfield, representing People Not Politicians, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++49&amp;bid=31807&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">Missouri Constitution’s clause</a>&nbsp;giving the people the “power to approve or reject by referendum any act of the general assembly” means signature gathering can begin as soon as lawmakers hold the final vote on a bill.&nbsp;“We don’t need the governor’s signature on something to seek a referendum on it,” Hatfield said. “Nor do we need the secretary of state’s approval to gather signatures.”Deputy Solicitor General William Seidleck, arguing for the state, said a referendum can only be held on a law. No bill, he said, even if passed by lawmakers, is a law until it is signed by the governor. And a law giving the secretary of state authority to approve or reject the form of a referendum petition, he said, means no signatures can be gathered until the approval is received.“You can only have a referendum on an enacted law,” Seidleck said. “We submit that there’s no law without the governor’s signature.”Marc Ellinger, who represents a campaign committee set up to defend the map, Put Missouri First, asked Limbaugh to throw the whole case out as premature. No signatures have been submitted, he said, so there’s no true controversy over which are being counted.“They’re trying to get an answer on the validity of signatures before the statutory process is completed,” Ellinger said.To force a referendum on a new law, petitioners must get signatures from 5% of voters in six of the state’s eight congressional districts. That is about 110,000 signatures.People Not Politicians has enlisted more than 2,000 volunteers and gathered more than 300,000 signatures, including 12,000 last week, campaign Director Richard von Glahn said during a Monday morning conference call with the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.“We are going to continue to fight to make sure every Missourian’s voice is heard,” von Glahn said to coalition members.In the afternoon, von Glahn was in a Cole County courtroom while Chrissy Peters, state elections director since 2017, testified that unless a court order says otherwise, no signatures collected before Oct. 14 will be checked against voter registration rolls.That is a key date because it’s the day Hoskins approved the form of the petition. In the lawsuit, People Not Politicians is arguing that signatures gathered after Sept. 15, when the petition form was submitted, should be checked.Of the 300,000 signatures the campaign says it has collected, the outcome of Monday’s hearing would only impact an estimated 92,000 that were pre-emptively rejected by Hoskins.&nbsp;Limbaugh has another decision pending that will impact whether or not the referendum occurs. He&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/12/judge-hears-arguments-over-legality-of-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">heard arguments Nov. 12</a>&nbsp;in a lawsuit brought by opponents of redistricting over the state Constitution’s directive on when and how to draw congressional district maps.&nbsp;If Limbaugh rules lawmakers did not have power to redraw the districts between census reports, the law would not take effect.&nbsp;The Missouri redistricting fight is part of a national debate over when states can redraw congressional district boundaries for partisan advantage.Republicans hold a 220-213 edge in the U.S. House, with two vacant seats previously held by Democrats. Six states, including Missouri, have enacted new congressional maps this year in response to the push initiated when Texas redrew its district lines to flip five Democratic seats. The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/04/texas-redistricting-map-us-supreme-court-2026-midterms/" target="_blank">upheld the new Texas map</a>&nbsp;last week.California countered and revised its maps to move five seats to the Democratic Party,<a href="https://ncnewsline.com/2025/11/26/federal-court-allows-republican-led-north-carolina-redistricting-plan-to-proceed/" target="_blank">North Carolina’s new map</a>&nbsp;is intended to net one seat for Republicans, Ohio has passed a new map to&nbsp;<a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/31/ohio-redistricting-commission-unanimously-passes-congressional-map-further-gop-advantage/" target="_blank">add two GOP seats</a>&nbsp;and a nonpartisan redistricting commission in Utah revised that state’s four districts in a way&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/11/25/utah-redistricting-republican-lawmakers-appeal-to-utah-supreme-court/" target="_blank">likely to favor a Democratic candidate</a>&nbsp;in one.Other redistricting efforts are underway. In Indiana, the legislature is&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/08/as-indiana-senate-begins-redistricting-turn-republicans-keep-mum/" target="_blank">meeting in special session</a>&nbsp;to help the GOP gain two seats. Democrats who took supermajorities in the Virginia legislature this year are considering whether to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2025-12-03/vadems-redistricting-gerrymandering-surovell-locke-spanberger-mcdougle" target="_blank">revise lines in that state</a>, where Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge in the delegation.As the date for delivering signatures in Missouri approaches, attacks on the petitioners and von Glahn have intensified. Hanaway is demanding personnel records from Advanced Micro Targeting of Dallas, Texas, which is being paid to help with the signature campaign. And Advanced Micro Targeting is suing other political consulting firms, accusing them of paying large sums to sabotage the petition drive.Donald Trump Jr. led the attacks on von Glahn on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1996275378969559140" target="_blank">social media</a>, calling him a “leftist nut job” who is “trying to STEAL a GOP house seat in Missouri through an unlawful referendum.”Trump Jr. included a link to a website that called von Glahn a communist.Denise Lieberman, executive director of the Missouri Voter Protection coalition, called the attacks “absolutely disgusting and inexcusable” during the conference call.Von Glahn said the insults are generating a counter-reaction.“These are meant to be sort of psychological warfare, to make me and my family feel isolated and feel threatened,” he said. “It has been a complete backfire. I have gotten more messages of love and support across this state and across the country this week that I could have possibly imagined.”

Federal judge rejects Missouri AG’s push to block referendum on gerrymandered map

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

Just after 1a.m.&nbsp;Monday, an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver 34-year-old Megan McClain, was taken into custody on traffic charges and found to be in possession of controlled substances.

McClain was later booking into the county jail on requested charges of driving while suspended, no vehicle insurance, expired tag, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a prescription drugs, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765207836103.png" alt="Mclain photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Mclain photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 1a.m.&nbsp;Monday, an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver 34-year-old Megan McClain, was taken into custody on traffic charges and found to be in possession of controlled substances.McClain was later booking into the county jail on requested charges of driving while suspended, no vehicle insurance, expired tag, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a prescription drugs, according to Wilson.

Police: Kansas driver with an expired tag was transporting drugs

The Friends of Rolling Hills Library are hosting a cookbook fundraiser in time for the holidays.

"The Cake Lady and Friends" is a cookbook of 150 cake, pie, candy and cookie recipes from members of Friends of the Library, staff and volunteers, of course the namesake of the book, Barb Dalrymple, aka The Cake Lady.

Public Relations specialist with the library, Alan Stolfus, says, "Barb Dalrymple had worked at the library for several decades and her thing was making cakes every Monday and for people's birthdays."

Dalyrymple expressed enthuiasm for her work, saying, "Its just what I do. It makes me happy that someone else is happy. Most often they smile when they see me coming in with a cake."

Stolfus says the idea for the cookbook came about after Dalrymple published her 100th recipe in the 2025 winter newsletter.

The cookbooks are currently on sale at the Belt Branch and Savannah Branch, along with Books Revisted, which is the Friends' used book store. The cost is $12.

Stolfus says, "Friends of the Library uses the the funding to support the summer reading program and any other things the library may need."

Along with the fundraiser, the library is also in the process of moving to a new location on Riverside.

Stolfus says, "The outside of the new location on Riverside is pretty much done. All of the work going on right now is on the inside and its going very well."

Stolfus says the new branch won't open for another few months. "We're closing the Belt Branch in February. We'll be closed for about a month while we move over to the Riverside Branch."

Stolfus adds, "We'll take a month or so to get everything setup, worked out, and then have a grand opening in April."

Books Revisited is moving to Riverside, as well. "It will be the last thing we move over there," Stolfus says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765219054455.jpeg" alt="Rolling Hills Library Belt Branch" />
 <figcaption>Rolling Hills Library Belt Branch</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Friends of Rolling Hills Library are hosting a cookbook fundraiser in time for the holidays."The Cake Lady and Friends" is a cookbook of 150 cake, pie, candy and cookie recipes from members of Friends of the Library, staff and volunteers, of course the namesake of the book, Barb Dalrymple, aka The Cake Lady.Public Relations specialist with the library, Alan Stolfus, says, "Barb Dalrymple had worked at the library for several decades and her thing was making cakes every Monday and for people's birthdays."Dalyrymple expressed enthuiasm for her work, saying, "Its just what I do. It makes me happy that someone else is happy. Most often they smile when they see me coming in with a cake."Stolfus says the idea for the cookbook came about after Dalrymple published her 100th recipe in the 2025 winter newsletter.The cookbooks are currently on sale at the Belt Branch and Savannah Branch, along with Books Revisted, which is the Friends' used book store. The cost is $12.Stolfus says, "Friends of the Library uses the the funding to support the summer reading program and any other things the library may need."Along with the fundraiser, the library is also in the process of moving to a new location on Riverside.Stolfus says, "The outside of the new location on Riverside is pretty much done. All of the work going on right now is on the inside and its going very well."Stolfus says the new branch won't open for another few months. "We're closing the Belt Branch in February. We'll be closed for about a month while we move over to the Riverside Branch."Stolfus adds, "We'll take a month or so to get everything setup, worked out, and then have a grand opening in April."Books Revisited is moving to Riverside, as well. "It will be the last thing we move over there," Stolfus says.

The Friends of Rolling Hills Library hosting dessert cookbook fundraiser

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5gbgp1tXT37iUQjX0XBxFR?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/5aQ94IJREf99lwOzd3prJJ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Cameron Regional Medical Center Board of Directors recently voted to award five $1,000 scholarships to North Central Missouri College nursing students through the NCMC Foundation.

The scholarship program, which began in 2014, is awarded to sophomores in their second year of study in an NCMC nursing or health sciences program. Strong academic accomplishments are required, with preference given to residents of Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb or Harrison counties.

This year’s CRMC scholarship recipients are:

“The nursing and health sciences students at NCMC are extremely fortunate to have the continued partnership and support from CRMC,” commented Scholarship Coordinator Kristi Varner. “The NCMC Foundation thanks CRMC for their loyalty and support of NCMC students.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765205957115.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Cameron Regional Medical Center Board of Directors recently voted to award five $1,000 scholarships to North Central Missouri College nursing students through the NCMC Foundation.The scholarship program, which began in 2014, is awarded to sophomores in their second year of study in an NCMC nursing or health sciences program. Strong academic accomplishments are required, with preference given to residents of Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb or Harrison counties.This year’s CRMC scholarship recipients are:<ul>
 <li>Emma England of Clinton County (Trenton ADN)</li><li>Aaron Holt of Harrison County (Online ADN)</li><li>Paige Lang of Daviess County (Trenton ADN)</li><li>Kaitlyn Morgan of Clinton County (Online ADN)</li><li>Lena Phillips of Daviess County (Trenton ADN)</li>
 </ul>“The nursing and health sciences students at NCMC are extremely fortunate to have the continued partnership and support from CRMC,” commented Scholarship Coordinator Kristi Varner. “The NCMC Foundation thanks CRMC for their loyalty and support of NCMC students.”

CRMC Invests in Five NCMC Future Nurses

ATCHISON COUNTY Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Sunday in Atchison.

At 11:45AM on Sunday officers responded to a one vehicle injury accident in the 1700 block South 6th Street.&nbsp; A 2014 Ford Escape driven by Malori Hall, 17, Atchison, was northbound in the 1700 Block of South 6th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The SUV left the roadway and struck a tree on the east side of the road.

EMS transported Hall and a 46 year old passenger to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765149786457.jpeg" alt="Photo Atchison police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Sunday in Atchison.At 11:45AM on Sunday officers responded to a one vehicle injury accident in the 1700 block South 6th Street.&nbsp; A 2014 Ford Escape driven by Malori Hall, 17, Atchison, was northbound in the 1700 Block of South 6th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The SUV left the roadway and struck a tree on the east side of the road.EMS transported Hall and a 46 year old passenger to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Teen, passenger hospitalized after SUV crash into a tree

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Saturday in Atchison.

A 2004 Chrysler van driven by Jeanie McHaley, 53, Atchison, was westbound in the 800 Block of U.S. 59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 2011 Chevy Traverse driven by Lawrence Miller, Jr. 54, Huron rear-ended the van as McHaley was turning left turn into a parking lot.&nbsp;

After impact the van struck a tree on the south side of the highway. EMS treated McHaley at the scene and she was subsequently transported by private vehicle to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. Miller was not injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765149177737.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Saturday in Atchison.A 2004 Chrysler van driven by Jeanie McHaley, 53, Atchison, was westbound in the 800 Block of U.S. 59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 2011 Chevy Traverse driven by Lawrence Miller, Jr. 54, Huron rear-ended the van as McHaley was turning left turn into a parking lot.&nbsp;After impact the van struck a tree on the south side of the highway. EMS treated McHaley at the scene and she was subsequently transported by private vehicle to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. Miller was not injured.

Kansas woman injured after rear-end crash pushed van into a tree

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Sunday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Pontiac G6 driven by a 16-year-old Tarkio girl was northbound on U.S. 59 one half mile north of Craig. The car traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the car skidded down an embankment and rolled into a field.

Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old female. passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Sunday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Pontiac G6 driven by a 16-year-old Tarkio girl was northbound on U.S. 59 one half mile north of Craig. The car traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the car skidded down an embankment and rolled into a field.Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old female. passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Missouri 16-year-olds injured after car rolls into a field

Law enforcement are asking for help to locate a suspect charged with sexual crimes against minors in four counties in Missouri, according to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Steven Andrew Bowman, Clinton, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on multiple felony charges in Missouri, including sexual assault — sodomy, seven counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of statutory rape.

Bowman is described as 5-foot- 10 with black hair, brown eyes and weighs 250 pounds. Bowman has likely attempted to change his appearance, and may have gained or lost weight, changed his hair style or length and may have grown or shaved his facial hair.&nbsp;

There is a cash award for information leading to Bowman's arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal's or local law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765111793351.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Law enforcement are asking for help to locate a suspect charged with sexual crimes against minors in four counties in Missouri, according to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service.Steven Andrew Bowman, Clinton, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on multiple felony charges in Missouri, including sexual assault — sodomy, seven counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of statutory rape.Bowman is described as 5-foot- 10 with black hair, brown eyes and weighs 250 pounds. Bowman has likely attempted to change his appearance, and may have gained or lost weight, changed his hair style or length and may have grown or shaved his facial hair.&nbsp;There is a cash award for information leading to Bowman's arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal's or local law enforcement.

Reward for information leading to arrest of Mo. child sex  crime suspect

KANSAS CITY – A Hammond, Indiana., man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in Daviess County, Missouri.

Nickolas J Burch, 36, was charged and had his initial appearance this week in a two-count criminal complaint, according to the United State's Attorney. Burch was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2025, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper was conducting routine patrol on I-35 northbound in Daviess County. He observed a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) overtaking his vehicle from the rear at 103 miles per hour. After the MSHP Trooper attempted to stop the SUV, it attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, ultimately reaching 128 miles per hour before crashing into a field.

Immediately after the crash the driver, later identified as Burch, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, carrying a red duffle bag over his shoulder.&nbsp; After a foot pursuit and resistance by Burch, law enforcement was ultimately able to take Burch into custody.

A red duffle bag was recovered from the field, which was dropped by Burch during the pursuit. and searched. Law enforcement located $205,950 in United States Currency.

A second duffel bag was in the second row of the SUV which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine and 18 pounds of marijuana.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765029844657.png" alt="Burch photo&nbsp;Daviess-DeKalb Co." />
 <figcaption>Burch photo&nbsp;Daviess-DeKalb Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Hammond, Indiana., man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in Daviess County, Missouri.Nickolas J Burch, 36, was charged and had his initial appearance this week in a two-count criminal complaint, according to the United State's Attorney. Burch was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2025, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper was conducting routine patrol on I-35 northbound in Daviess County. He observed a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) overtaking his vehicle from the rear at 103 miles per hour. After the MSHP Trooper attempted to stop the SUV, it attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, ultimately reaching 128 miles per hour before crashing into a field.Immediately after the crash the driver, later identified as Burch, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, carrying a red duffle bag over his shoulder.&nbsp; After a foot pursuit and resistance by Burch, law enforcement was ultimately able to take Burch into custody.A red duffle bag was recovered from the field, which was dropped by Burch during the pursuit. and searched. Law enforcement located $205,950 in United States Currency.A second duffel bag was in the second row of the SUV which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine and 18 pounds of marijuana.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

128 mph chase: Alleged drug dealer caught with cocaine and $200k in cash

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4x7s93B8w3hmYq6TaM1d9v?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

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hard</a>y

The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.

Though the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not increased since 2009, many state and local governments continue to increase minimums through legislation or scheduled increases tied to inflation.&nbsp;

An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelp.org/insights-research/raises-from-coast-to-coast-in-2026/" target="_blank">annual report&nbsp;</a>from the National Employment Law Project, a nonprofit advocating for workers’ rights, found that 88 jurisdictions will raise their minimum wages by the end of 2026.

In January, Nebraska’s minimum wage will increase from $13.50 to $15 per hour, while Rhode Island will see an increase from $15 to $16 per hour.

All workers in Denver will see the minimum wage increase from $18.81 to $19.29 in January and the minimum in Flagstaff, Arizona, will increase from $17.85 to $18.35 per hour.&nbsp;

The increases come as rising costs of housing, food and utilities are pinching more workers across the country, said Yannet Lathrop, senior researcher and policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project who authored the report. Those costs are particularly challenging for lower-income workers, who are most likely to be affected by minimum wage changes.

“They are really struggling right now,” she said. “These wages basically mitigate the effects of inflation, the effects of the rising cost of living, and the difficulties so many people are having paying for basics, for food, for housing, for medicine — just the basics of life.”

Lathrop said research increasingly finds that higher wages improve educational outcomes, mental and physical health.

“Things that are going to benefit not just the workers, but also the communities and society as a whole,” she said. “I think that’s an important thing to keep in mind.”

Inflation has significantly eroded the buying power of the federal minimum wage since 2009.&nbsp;

Advocates say raising the wage floor helps low-wage workers cover the rising cost of essentials and boosts the economy by putting more money into the pockets of people who are likely to spend it. But many employers, especially small businesses, argue that raising the minimum wage forces them to cut workers or raise prices.

In Rhode Island, lawmakers this year proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H5029.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would raise the minimum wage $1 per year, culminating with a $20 per hour minimum in 2030. But&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/05/minimum-wage-hike-bills-draw-maximum-crowds-to-r-i-state-house/" target="_blank">backlash</a>&nbsp;from business groups and economic uncertainty led the Democratic sponsor to successfully push for a “more measured approach” that includes hikes for the next two years rather than five, reaching a $17 hourly minimum by 2027.

That compromise didn’t persuade Republican opponents, who said even the more modest minimum wage change will force layoffs and consumer price hikes.&nbsp;

“The real minimum wage is $0,” said state House Minority Whip David Place, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/13/r-i-general-assembly-backs-hourly-minimum-wage-hike-to-16-in-2026-then-17-in-2027/" target="_blank">Rhode Island Current.</a>&nbsp;“That’s what they make when they get fired because business can’t afford to keep them.”

The minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25 in 20 states, according to the National Employment Law Project. Those are primarily conservative-led states including Alabama, Iowa, Texas and Wyoming.&nbsp;

Last year, Missouri voters&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/" target="_blank">approved</a>&nbsp;a ballot measure ensuring paid sick leave and boosting the minimum wage to $15 per hour, with future increases tied to inflation.&nbsp;

But Republican lawmakers took aim at the changes in Jefferson City this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a move Democrats called “absolute disdain” for workers, GOP lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/10/missouri-gov-kehoe-signs-bill-repealing-paid-sick-leave/" target="_blank">passed a bill&nbsp;</a>repealing the paid sick leave provision and nixing the annual minimum wage increases tied to inflation. Missouri’s current $13.75 minimum wage will still rise to $15 next month but is no longer subject to future increases.

“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,” Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a July statement when he signed the bill into law.&nbsp;

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/12/03/dozens-of-cities-states-hiking-minimum-wages-in-2026-amid-federal-inaction/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869731847.png" alt="Kansas City resident Kaamilya Hobbs expected to earn at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave. But Missouri&nbsp; Republican lawmakers took aim at the increase in minimum wage voters approved (Courtesy of the Missouri Workers Center)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City resident Kaamilya Hobbs expected to earn at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave. But Missouri&nbsp; Republican lawmakers took aim at the increase in minimum wage voters approved (Courtesy of the Missouri Workers Center).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hard</a>yThe minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.Though the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not increased since 2009, many state and local governments continue to increase minimums through legislation or scheduled increases tied to inflation.&nbsp;An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelp.org/insights-research/raises-from-coast-to-coast-in-2026/" target="_blank">annual report&nbsp;</a>from the National Employment Law Project, a nonprofit advocating for workers’ rights, found that 88 jurisdictions will raise their minimum wages by the end of 2026.In January, Nebraska’s minimum wage will increase from $13.50 to $15 per hour, while Rhode Island will see an increase from $15 to $16 per hour.All workers in Denver will see the minimum wage increase from $18.81 to $19.29 in January and the minimum in Flagstaff, Arizona, will increase from $17.85 to $18.35 per hour.&nbsp;The increases come as rising costs of housing, food and utilities are pinching more workers across the country, said Yannet Lathrop, senior researcher and policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project who authored the report. Those costs are particularly challenging for lower-income workers, who are most likely to be affected by minimum wage changes.“They are really struggling right now,” she said. “These wages basically mitigate the effects of inflation, the effects of the rising cost of living, and the difficulties so many people are having paying for basics, for food, for housing, for medicine — just the basics of life.”Lathrop said research increasingly finds that higher wages improve educational outcomes, mental and physical health.“Things that are going to benefit not just the workers, but also the communities and society as a whole,” she said. “I think that’s an important thing to keep in mind.”Inflation has significantly eroded the buying power of the federal minimum wage since 2009.&nbsp;Advocates say raising the wage floor helps low-wage workers cover the rising cost of essentials and boosts the economy by putting more money into the pockets of people who are likely to spend it. But many employers, especially small businesses, argue that raising the minimum wage forces them to cut workers or raise prices.In Rhode Island, lawmakers this year proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H5029.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would raise the minimum wage $1 per year, culminating with a $20 per hour minimum in 2030. But&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/05/minimum-wage-hike-bills-draw-maximum-crowds-to-r-i-state-house/" target="_blank">backlash</a>&nbsp;from business groups and economic uncertainty led the Democratic sponsor to successfully push for a “more measured approach” that includes hikes for the next two years rather than five, reaching a $17 hourly minimum by 2027.That compromise didn’t persuade Republican opponents, who said even the more modest minimum wage change will force layoffs and consumer price hikes.&nbsp;“The real minimum wage is $0,” said state House Minority Whip David Place, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/13/r-i-general-assembly-backs-hourly-minimum-wage-hike-to-16-in-2026-then-17-in-2027/" target="_blank">Rhode Island Current.</a>&nbsp;“That’s what they make when they get fired because business can’t afford to keep them.”The minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25 in 20 states, according to the National Employment Law Project. Those are primarily conservative-led states including Alabama, Iowa, Texas and Wyoming.&nbsp;Last year, Missouri voters&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/" target="_blank">approved</a>&nbsp;a ballot measure ensuring paid sick leave and boosting the minimum wage to $15 per hour, with future increases tied to inflation.&nbsp;But Republican lawmakers took aim at the changes in Jefferson City this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a move Democrats called “absolute disdain” for workers, GOP lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/10/missouri-gov-kehoe-signs-bill-repealing-paid-sick-leave/" target="_blank">passed a bill&nbsp;</a>repealing the paid sick leave provision and nixing the annual minimum wage increases tied to inflation. Missouri’s current $13.75 minimum wage will still rise to $15 next month but is no longer subject to future increases.“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,” Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a July statement when he signed the bill into law.&nbsp;Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/12/03/dozens-of-cities-states-hiking-minimum-wages-in-2026-amid-federal-inaction/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Dozens of cities, states hiking minimum wages in 2026 amid federal inaction

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by a 27-year-old Hamilton man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route J two miles south of Kidder. The car struck front drivers side of a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by a 53-year-old Shawnee, Kansas man who was stopped in the westbound lane of the highway facing south.Caldwell County EMS transported both drivers to Liberty Hospital. The Chevy driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. he Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

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