The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed all shooting ranges at the Pigeon Hill Conservation Area in Buchanan County indefinitely.  

The Department says while the rest of the conservation area will remain open to the public, an investigation of the shooting ranges showed misuse which put public safety at risk forcing the closure.  

“Unfortunately, the actions of unsafe, irresponsible shooting range users created a situation that we could not allow to persist,” Justin McGuire, the Departments Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator says in a news release. 

Despite increased patrols and other security measures the practices the department has deemed unsafe have continued.  Photographs from the department showed firearm damage to restrooms as an example. 

“This decision was not made lightly," Department Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, “but it was the responsible course of action. Our first priority is the safety of the shooting range users and others in the area.” 

While the Pigeon Hill shooting ranges have been closed there are other areas available for target shooting, including the Elam Bend Conservation Area in Gentry County. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749591163344.jpeg" alt="Firearm damage to regulation signs at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is further evidence of unsafe range behavior. Rogue shots outside of the designated target area create an unsafe environment for the public/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Firearm damage to regulation signs at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is further evidence of unsafe range behavior. Rogue shots outside of the designated target area create an unsafe environment for the public/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed all shooting ranges at the Pigeon Hill Conservation Area in Buchanan County indefinitely. The Department says while the rest of the conservation area will remain open to the public, an investigation of the shooting ranges showed misuse which put public safety at risk forcing the closure. “Unfortunately, the actions of unsafe, irresponsible shooting range users created a situation that we could not allow to persist,” Justin McGuire, the Departments Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator says in a news release. Despite increased patrols and other security measures the practices the department has deemed unsafe have continued. Photographs from the department showed firearm damage to restrooms as an example. “This decision was not made lightly," Department Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, “but it was the responsible course of action. Our first priority is the safety of the shooting range users and others in the area.” While the Pigeon Hill shooting ranges have been closed there are other areas available for target shooting, including the Elam Bend Conservation Area in Gentry County. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749591227295.jpeg" alt="Firearm damage to a restroom building at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is one example of evidence of unsafe range behavior that led to the range closures. Firearms aimed anywhere besides the designated targets pose a serious threat to public safety./ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Firearm damage to a restroom building at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is one example of evidence of unsafe range behavior that led to the range closures. Firearms aimed anywhere besides the designated targets pose a serious threat to public safety./ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MO Department of Conservation closes Pigeon Hill shooting range indefinitely 

A special
legislative session called in Jefferson City to consider an incentive package
to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri could wrap up as early as
Wednesday.

St. Joseph state
Rep. Brenda Shields says the legislature understands the importance of the
Chiefs and the Royals.

“As well as the
Show Me Investment Act, which is the stadium bill, but the amateur sporting tax
credit, which is very important to St. Joseph and why we’ve been able to bring
so many great college tournaments and youth sports to St. Joseph is because of
that tax credit,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, there is something
in here very important for St. Joseph.” 

Shields calls
keeping the two professional sports teams in the state incredibly important.

“We know how
important the Chiefs and the Royals are, but they are truly an economic driver
as well as a job-creator for our state,” Shields says.

The Missouri
Senate approved the incentive package for the Chiefs and Royals last week after
Gov. Mike Kehoe amended his special session call to include broader tax relief
provisions.

Shields expects
the House to follow up the action by the Senate. Shields says the legislature
understands the importance of the two teams, adding that the numbers are
impressive:&nbsp; $28 million in annual tax
revenue and $572 million in economic activity.

“And the Royals we
know are looking for a new stadium and looking to build one,” Shields says. “And
if we’re able to keep them in Missouri and in Kansas City, labor alone will be $440
million is what we’re expecting and $1.28 billion will be their annual contribution
to the state.”

Shields adds she
believes the House will give its approval to a disaster assistance package
being pushed by Gov. Kehoe as well as a much scaled down capital improvement
package. Shields says the St. Joseph area legislative delegation was unable to
find an avenue to reinstate $7 million for the UMKC dental school on the Missouri
Western State University campus or $2.8 million to make improvements to the
Chiefs Training Camp at MWSU.

The special
legislation session in Jefferson City could conclude its business soon.

“I am sure there’ll
be lots of discussion on the House floor, but the House runs a little bit
different than the Senate. We run by different rules,” Shields points out. “I
anticipate that we’ll be able to finish up our work by the end of Wednesday.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749578364954.jpeg" alt="Rep Brenda Shields/Photo courtesy of Missouri House Communications" />
 <figcaption>Rep Brenda Shields/Photo courtesy of Missouri House Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special
legislative session called in Jefferson City to consider an incentive package
to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri could wrap up as early as
Wednesday.St. Joseph state
Rep. Brenda Shields says the legislature understands the importance of the
Chiefs and the Royals.“As well as the
Show Me Investment Act, which is the stadium bill, but the amateur sporting tax
credit, which is very important to St. Joseph and why we’ve been able to bring
so many great college tournaments and youth sports to St. Joseph is because of
that tax credit,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, there is something
in here very important for St. Joseph.” Shields calls
keeping the two professional sports teams in the state incredibly important.“We know how
important the Chiefs and the Royals are, but they are truly an economic driver
as well as a job-creator for our state,” Shields says.The Missouri
Senate approved the incentive package for the Chiefs and Royals last week after
Gov. Mike Kehoe amended his special session call to include broader tax relief
provisions.Shields expects
the House to follow up the action by the Senate. Shields says the legislature
understands the importance of the two teams, adding that the numbers are
impressive:&nbsp; $28 million in annual tax
revenue and $572 million in economic activity.“And the Royals we
know are looking for a new stadium and looking to build one,” Shields says. “And
if we’re able to keep them in Missouri and in Kansas City, labor alone will be $440
million is what we’re expecting and $1.28 billion will be their annual contribution
to the state.”Shields adds she
believes the House will give its approval to a disaster assistance package
being pushed by Gov. Kehoe as well as a much scaled down capital improvement
package. Shields says the St. Joseph area legislative delegation was unable to
find an avenue to reinstate $7 million for the UMKC dental school on the Missouri
Western State University campus or $2.8 million to make improvements to the
Chiefs Training Camp at MWSU.The special
legislation session in Jefferson City could conclude its business soon.“I am sure there’ll
be lots of discussion on the House floor, but the House runs a little bit
different than the Senate. We run by different rules,” Shields points out. “I
anticipate that we’ll be able to finish up our work by the end of Wednesday.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Rep. Shields expects special session to wrap up quickly; perhaps by Wednesday

It's the perfect time to take in a movie during the K Jo 105 point 5 Canned Film Festival at Regal Hollywood Cinemas. 

Starting today, and every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 6th, Regal will show two movies where the price of admission is just a non-perishable food item. The movies are geared toward children. 

General Manager of Regal Hollywood Theatre Mike Glore says this is done as a tie in with Second Harvest Food Bank 

"To try to help people out that can use the help and it's a side benefit because people can come in to watch these movies for just a canned food donation, a nonperishable food donation per person that comes in the door, and it helps fill the pantries of those people in need," Glore tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. 

$1 tickets can also be purchased in lieu of a food donation to see the movies, which will be donated to charity as well.  

Glore says the event is always well received 

"It's a double ended win in the fact that people who may not be able to afford a regular ticket can come out for next to nothing and watch a movie, and then what they're doing is also benefitting other people by bringing in those donations," Glore explains.  "So, everybody makes out and people stop by and buy their popcorn at our concession stand so we're good with that too." 

Glore says Mosaic will also be on hand during the event in the lobby, leading kids in some sort of healthy activity  

"Whether that may be talking to the kids about dietary, you know spin the wheel and tell me have you had this vegetable, or physical activities," Glore says.  "Sometimes they bring a set of, I believe it's pig lungs, and a doctor from Mosaic and they talk about respiratory and then of course our most popular week for activity is a bike blender." 

Glore says kids will ride on the bike blender and make some sort of fruit smoothie or salsa on the day, which is always fun.  

Sing 2 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish kick off the film festival today and tomorrow with showings at 11 am.  

A schedule of movies can be found by visiting Regal's website as well as K Jo's, Second Harvest's, and the K Jo Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749575398403.jpeg" alt="The K Jo 105.5 van sits at Regal Hollywood Theatres during the K Jo Canned Film Festival/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5" />
 <figcaption>The K Jo 105.5 van sits at Regal Hollywood Theatres during the K Jo Canned Film Festival/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Need a break from the summer heat? It's the perfect time to take in a movie during the K Jo 105 point 5 Canned Film Festival at Regal Hollywood Cinemas. Starting today, and every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 6th, Regal will show two movies where the price of admission is just a non-perishable food item. The movies are geared toward children. General Manager of Regal Hollywood Theatre Mike Glore says this is done as a tie in with Second Harvest Food Bank "To try to help people out that can use the help and it's a side benefit because people can come in to watch these movies for just a canned food donation, a nonperishable food donation per person that comes in the door, and it helps fill the pantries of those people in need," Glore tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. $1 tickets can also be purchased in lieu of a food donation to see the movies, which will be donated to charity as well. Glore says the event is always well received "It's a double ended win in the fact that people who may not be able to afford a regular ticket can come out for next to nothing and watch a movie, and then what they're doing is also benefitting other people by bringing in those donations," Glore explains. "So, everybody makes out and people stop by and buy their popcorn at our concession stand so we're good with that too." Glore says Mosaic will also be on hand during the event in the lobby, leading kids in some sort of healthy activity "Whether that may be talking to the kids about dietary, you know spin the wheel and tell me have you had this vegetable, or physical activities," Glore says. "Sometimes they bring a set of, I believe it's pig lungs, and a doctor from Mosaic and they talk about respiratory and then of course our most popular week for activity is a bike blender." Glore says kids will ride on the bike blender and make some sort of fruit smoothie or salsa on the day, which is always fun. Sing 2 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish kick off the film festival today and tomorrow with showings at 11 am. A schedule of movies can be found by visiting Regal's website as well as K Jo's, Second Harvest's, and the K Jo Facebook page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749575458520.jpeg" alt="The movie schedule for this years K Jo 105.5 Canned Film Festival.&nbsp; Movies will be shown at 11am each day, unless otherwise noted/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5" />
 <figcaption>The movie schedule for this years K Jo 105.5 Canned Film Festival.&nbsp; Movies will be shown at 11am each day, unless otherwise noted/ Photo courtesy of K Jo 105.5</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

K Jo Canned Film Festival to benefit Second Harvest

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post <div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6GyQA3pmRXdqltl9cMC3eb?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 style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2bGuqrc3BekwGA9jfwO7k1?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

Former KFEQ broadcaster, Bob Orf, says
his election to the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame surprised him.

Orf, the longtime voice of the Missouri
Western State University Griffons, says it surprises him to be in the 2025
class.

“I’m not sure I belong in there. I
thought maybe I’d be elected to a Hall of Shame, not a Hall of Fame,” Orf tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s great. It’s an honor to be sure. I look at some of
the people that are already in there and some of the people going in and, boy,
that brings back a lot of memories in many ways.”

Orf was among the nine individuals, one
Special Olympian, and one team to be elected to the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall
of Fame in 2025.

Though known as the Voice of the Griffons
for years, Orf did much more than broadcast Missouri Western State University
football and basketball.&nbsp; Orf, a huge fan
of boxing, served as a ring announcer for boxing matches held at the Civic
Arena and broadcast throughout the world.

“I was lucky enough to do two broadcasts
on NBC-TV, one on ESPN, and one on Madison Square Garden Sports,” Orf says. “And
those are live. They weren’t taped and shown at 2:30 in the morning or
something.”

Orf says he is pleased to be included in
the class that will also induct St. Joseph boxing legend, Rob Calloway. Orf sat
ringside for many big Calloway victories and was ring announcer for one
championship fight.

At one event at the Civic Arena, Orf got
a chance to meet famed boxing promoter, Don King. Though, when he went to the
Civic Arena offices to meet King, he was greeted by King’s body guard who gave
him specific instructions.

“Stay here and don’t move,” Orf recalls
the bodyguard telling him. “I’m not going to move and the guy turns away from
me and I notice he’s got shoulder holster with a pistol in it. He was his
bodyguard. Don King comes out smoking that cigar and said, ‘You did a great job.
You were really good.’”

Orf also remembers when heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes, visited St. Joseph to be on hand when his brother, Mark, fought as the main event at the Civic Arena. Holmes entered the ring to wave to the crowd that night.

The 2025 class features NFL
players, a sports broadcaster, coaches, and a men's softball star among the
nine individuals chosen. One area team will also be enshrined, as well as a
Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. 

The 2025 Hall of Fame class
includes:&nbsp; 

Bob Boyles – Seven Time AAU
Powerlifting Champion/Personal Trainer 

Mike Habermehl – PGA Club
Professional/Instructor/MWSU Golf Coach 

Elijah Lee – Kansas State
Football/National Football League 

Chris Miljavac – Men’s Fastpitch
Softball Star 

Bob Orf – Radio Broadcasting
Personality/Voice of Missouri Western Athletics 

Justin Thornton – Multisport
Central High School Star/University of Kansas Football 

Adam Selkirk – Three-time Missouri
State High School Tennis Champion 

Don Tabor – Bishop LeBlond/Benton
High School Football Coaching Legend 

1977 Bishop LeBlond Boys
Basketball State Champions 

Chris Ringot – Special Olympics
Area Athlete of the Year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749568932219.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer KFEQ broadcaster, Bob Orf, says
his election to the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame surprised him.Orf, the longtime voice of the Missouri
Western State University Griffons, says it surprises him to be in the 2025
class.“I’m not sure I belong in there. I
thought maybe I’d be elected to a Hall of Shame, not a Hall of Fame,” Orf tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s great. It’s an honor to be sure. I look at some of
the people that are already in there and some of the people going in and, boy,
that brings back a lot of memories in many ways.”Orf was among the nine individuals, one
Special Olympian, and one team to be elected to the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall
of Fame in 2025.Though known as the Voice of the Griffons
for years, Orf did much more than broadcast Missouri Western State University
football and basketball.&nbsp; Orf, a huge fan
of boxing, served as a ring announcer for boxing matches held at the Civic
Arena and broadcast throughout the world.“I was lucky enough to do two broadcasts
on NBC-TV, one on ESPN, and one on Madison Square Garden Sports,” Orf says. “And
those are live. They weren’t taped and shown at 2:30 in the morning or
something.”Orf says he is pleased to be included in
the class that will also induct St. Joseph boxing legend, Rob Calloway. Orf sat
ringside for many big Calloway victories and was ring announcer for one
championship fight.At one event at the Civic Arena, Orf got
a chance to meet famed boxing promoter, Don King. Though, when he went to the
Civic Arena offices to meet King, he was greeted by King’s body guard who gave
him specific instructions.“Stay here and don’t move,” Orf recalls
the bodyguard telling him. “I’m not going to move and the guy turns away from
me and I notice he’s got shoulder holster with a pistol in it. He was his
bodyguard. Don King comes out smoking that cigar and said, ‘You did a great job.
You were really good.’”Orf also remembers when heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes, visited St. Joseph to be on hand when his brother, Mark, fought as the main event at the Civic Arena. Holmes entered the ring to wave to the crowd that night.The 2025 class features NFL
players, a sports broadcaster, coaches, and a men's softball star among the
nine individuals chosen. One area team will also be enshrined, as well as a
Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. The 2025 Hall of Fame class
includes:&nbsp; Bob Boyles – Seven Time AAU
Powerlifting Champion/Personal Trainer Rob Calloway – Local Boxing Legend
Mike Habermehl – PGA Club
Professional/Instructor/MWSU Golf Coach Elijah Lee – Kansas State
Football/National Football League Chris Miljavac – Men’s Fastpitch
Softball Star Bob Orf – Radio Broadcasting
Personality/Voice of Missouri Western Athletics Justin Thornton – Multisport
Central High School Star/University of Kansas Football Adam Selkirk – Three-time Missouri
State High School Tennis Champion Don Tabor – Bishop LeBlond/Benton
High School Football Coaching Legend 1977 Bishop LeBlond Boys
Basketball State Champions Chris Ringot – Special Olympics
Area Athlete of the Year<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0bVm0aFexvFrRtBRXHPwgm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bob Orf enters Hall of Fame not just as former Voice of the Griffons

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>

Missouri ranked in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a report released Monday — due in part to a high rate of child and teen deaths.&nbsp;

The annual<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2025-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">&nbsp;Kids Count Data Book</a>&nbsp;from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which used data from 2023, evaluated all states on four metrics of child well-being: health, economic well-being, education, and family and community.&nbsp;

Missouri ranked near the middle of states for overall child well-being, at 27th out of 50, weighed down by poor performance in health and education.

Missouri’s<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;rankings</a>&nbsp;in the four categories were:

“Children’s health remains an area of concern,” noted a&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-newsrelease-MO.pdf" target="_blank">press release Monday from Family and Community Trust</a>, the Missouri-based nonprofit partner to Kids Count.

Only nine states had higher rates of child and teen deaths in 2023 than Missouri, one of the factors considered in the health ranking. (Those were: Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alaska, Oklahoma and Montana.)

Missouri<a href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/firearm_deaths_children/MO" target="_blank">&nbsp;generally</a><a href="https://www.childrensdefense.org/tools-and-resources/the-state-of-americas-children/soac-gun-violence/" target="_blank">&nbsp;ranks</a>&nbsp;among the states with the highest rate of firearm deaths for kids. Firearms became the leading cause of kids’ deaths in the United States in<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2201761" target="_blank">&nbsp;2020</a>, surpassing car accidents.

While the national average in 2023 was 29 child and teen deaths per 100,000, that number was 37 deaths per 100,000 in Missouri.&nbsp;

The national average rose overall in 2023. The report notes that while covid deaths contributed to the increase, the rise was largely due to rising firearm deaths and drug overdoses, particularly among teens ages 15 to 19.

Also bringing Missouri’s health ranking down: Missouri’s rate of low-birth weight babies increased in 2023 from 2019 and is above the national average.

Other factors helped Missouri’s score. For one,&nbsp;Missouri has seen major improvements in children’s insurance coverage since the state implemented Medicaid expansion in 2021. The rate of uninsured kids fell from 7% in 2019 to 5% in 2023, which is now on par with the national average.

Nationally, Missouri saw<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/affordable-care-act-improvements-push-uninsured-rate-to-another-all-time-low-though-share-of#MO" target="_blank">&nbsp;among the sharpest declines in uninsured people</a>&nbsp;overall from 2019 to 2023 with the expansion of Medicaid.

Those gains<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/02/missouri-struggles-to-administer-safety-net-programs-congress-is-proposing-more-red-tape/">&nbsp;could be threatened</a>&nbsp;by Congress’ budget proposal to reduce Medicaid spending in part by imposing more barriers to care.

Teen births in the state have gone down, in line with national trends — though the state’s average is still above the national one.&nbsp;

The rate of overweight or obese kids has also improved in Missouri and is down to 31% of kids in 2023, on par with the national average.

The rate of kids in poverty declined to 14% in the state in 2023, below the 16% national average.&nbsp;

Missouri’s education ranking slipped in&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2024-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">recent</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2023-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">years</a>.

In 2023, 77% of Missouri eighth graders were not proficient at math, according to the report, which is nearly 10 percentage points worse than 2019 and is worse than the national average.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-newsrelease-MO.pdf" target="_blank">press release from Family and Community Trust&nbsp;</a>said the data show a “continuing need to invest in education in Missouri.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711728770058.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Missouri ranked in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a report released Monday — due in part to a high rate of child and teen deaths.&nbsp;The annual<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2025-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">&nbsp;Kids Count Data Book</a>&nbsp;from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which used data from 2023, evaluated all states on four metrics of child well-being: health, economic well-being, education, and family and community.&nbsp;Missouri ranked near the middle of states for overall child well-being, at 27th out of 50, weighed down by poor performance in health and education.Missouri’s<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;rankings</a>&nbsp;in the four categories were:<ul>
 <li>13th in economic well-being,</li><li>33rd in education,</li><li>35th in health</li><li>And 25th in family &amp; community.</li>
 </ul>“Children’s health remains an area of concern,” noted a&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-newsrelease-MO.pdf" target="_blank">press release Monday from Family and Community Trust</a>, the Missouri-based nonprofit partner to Kids Count.Only nine states had higher rates of child and teen deaths in 2023 than Missouri, one of the factors considered in the health ranking. (Those were: Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alaska, Oklahoma and Montana.)Missouri<a href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/firearm_deaths_children/MO" target="_blank">&nbsp;generally</a><a href="https://www.childrensdefense.org/tools-and-resources/the-state-of-americas-children/soac-gun-violence/" target="_blank">&nbsp;ranks</a>&nbsp;among the states with the highest rate of firearm deaths for kids. Firearms became the leading cause of kids’ deaths in the United States in<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2201761" target="_blank">&nbsp;2020</a>, surpassing car accidents.While the national average in 2023 was 29 child and teen deaths per 100,000, that number was 37 deaths per 100,000 in Missouri.&nbsp;The national average rose overall in 2023. The report notes that while covid deaths contributed to the increase, the rise was largely due to rising firearm deaths and drug overdoses, particularly among teens ages 15 to 19.Also bringing Missouri’s health ranking down: Missouri’s rate of low-birth weight babies increased in 2023 from 2019 and is above the national average.Other factors helped Missouri’s score. For one,&nbsp;Missouri has seen major improvements in children’s insurance coverage since the state implemented Medicaid expansion in 2021. The rate of uninsured kids fell from 7% in 2019 to 5% in 2023, which is now on par with the national average.Nationally, Missouri saw<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/affordable-care-act-improvements-push-uninsured-rate-to-another-all-time-low-though-share-of#MO" target="_blank">&nbsp;among the sharpest declines in uninsured people</a>&nbsp;overall from 2019 to 2023 with the expansion of Medicaid.Those gains<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/02/missouri-struggles-to-administer-safety-net-programs-congress-is-proposing-more-red-tape/">&nbsp;could be threatened</a>&nbsp;by Congress’ budget proposal to reduce Medicaid spending in part by imposing more barriers to care.Teen births in the state have gone down, in line with national trends — though the state’s average is still above the national one.&nbsp;The rate of overweight or obese kids has also improved in Missouri and is down to 31% of kids in 2023, on par with the national average.The rate of kids in poverty declined to 14% in the state in 2023, below the 16% national average.&nbsp;Missouri’s education ranking slipped in&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2024-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">recent</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2023-KCDB-profile-MO.pdf" target="_blank">years</a>.In 2023, 77% of Missouri eighth graders were not proficient at math, according to the report, which is nearly 10 percentage points worse than 2019 and is worse than the national average.The&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/databook/2025-KCDB-newsrelease-MO.pdf" target="_blank">press release from Family and Community Trust&nbsp;</a>said the data show a “continuing need to invest in education in Missouri.”

Missouri continues to lag behind most states in children’s health, report finds

It was gone, but now it's back, Missouri Western State University is reinstating track and field.  

Almost two weeks after saying the program would be discontinued, Missouri Western reversed that decision on Saturday, after receiving support for the program 

Athletic Director Andy Carter says there are still many conversations to have, so he gave no specifics to where that support came from, but Carter says they felt strongly they could go back to what they were doing 

"I mean other than the upheaval of the last 10 days, or whatever it's been, we're going back to what we were doing and going deep into conversations with people about how do we get this facility put in place as quickly as we can," Carter tells reporters.  

Carter says the original decision to discontinue the program had nothing to do with money for other programs 

"It was that we weren't able to provide a facility, which made their experience less than what we wanted to be, and we had tried that for three years and really got to a point where we didn't know where to go and did not want to bring in another class and make them promises that we couldn't keep," Carter explains. 

Carter says with this new information and new support they chose to pivot hard and fast to reinstate the program to help continue providing the best experience for student athletes. 

Part of that includes an actual facility for the program, which Carter says plans are not solid for quite yet.  

"We have enough information to be able to make this decision and then let's see, I mean proof will be in the pudding right as they say, whether we can get that done or not still remains to be seen," Carter says.  "But we feel like we have enough momentum and energy and support to pivot from the decision and get back into this game of seeing if we can get this done." 

Carter also points out that getting a new facility done could help revive the sprinting programs, which had already been discontinued at Western, by developing a track on campus. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749494356940.jpeg" alt="Andy Carter/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Andy Carter/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post It was gone, but now it's back, Missouri Western State University is reinstating track and field. Almost two weeks after saying the program would be discontinued, Missouri Western reversed that decision on Saturday, after receiving support for the program Athletic Director Andy Carter says there are still many conversations to have, so he gave no specifics to where that support came from, but Carter says they felt strongly they could go back to what they were doing "I mean other than the upheaval of the last 10 days, or whatever it's been, we're going back to what we were doing and going deep into conversations with people about how do we get this facility put in place as quickly as we can," Carter tells reporters. Carter says the original decision to discontinue the program had nothing to do with money for other programs "It was that we weren't able to provide a facility, which made their experience less than what we wanted to be, and we had tried that for three years and really got to a point where we didn't know where to go and did not want to bring in another class and make them promises that we couldn't keep," Carter explains. Carter says with this new information and new support they chose to pivot hard and fast to reinstate the program to help continue providing the best experience for student athletes. Part of that includes an actual facility for the program, which Carter says plans are not solid for quite yet. "We have enough information to be able to make this decision and then let's see, I mean proof will be in the pudding right as they say, whether we can get that done or not still remains to be seen," Carter says. "But we feel like we have enough momentum and energy and support to pivot from the decision and get back into this game of seeing if we can get this done." Carter also points out that getting a new facility done could help revive the sprinting programs, which had already been discontinued at Western, by developing a track on campus. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU reverses decision on track and field due to anonymous support

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves believes Congress will approve President Trump’s budget
bill, but he believes it will return to the House with changes.

The Senate is
considering the bill that passed by a single vote out of the House.

Graves, a
Republican, says the bill is too important for Congress not to pass.

“This is a good
thing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “This is cutting a lot of unneeded
spending, a lot of wasteful spending, and it’s cutting out the abuse. There’s
so much abuse when it comes to a lot of these federal programs. They need to be
looked at and looked at very carefully. But I think we’ll get it done.”

Graves expects
Senate Republicans to make changes to the bill approved by the House. The
Congressman believes a conference committee will have to resolved the
differences between the Senate and House. Graves says the Republican-controlled
Congress doesn’t have much negotiating room, because the House approved the
bill by only one vote. Though Graves says the one-vote margin is a bit
deceptive.

“There were two
votes that they were just simply gone and were out of the chamber,” Graves
explains. “So, there would have been two more votes, but that’s still a very
narrow margin, very narrow margin.”

Also, the very
public, high-profile spat between President Trump and former DOGE chair,
billionaire Elon Musk, has complicated matters in DC. Musk has been highly
critical of the bill, charging it will explode the debt. Some of Musk’s broadsides
on social media have taken a very personal tone against the president.

Graves isn’t sure
what to make of the disagreement which is being played out in public.

“Well, it’s a good
question,” Graves says with a chuckle. “I think it comes down to egos, too. Two
big egos in the room and they’re just pushing and shoving back and forth. I
think that’s what it really all comes down to.&nbsp;
But it is frustrating and it’s distracting more than anything else. But it’ll
eventually go away.”

Graves doesn’t
believe the dispute will derail the discussions.

“I really don’t
think so. I don’t think it will,” Graves says. “But it’s certainly a
distraction, though, to say the least.”

Graves does expect
the Senate and House to resolve their differences.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves believes Congress will approve President Trump’s budget
bill, but he believes it will return to the House with changes.The Senate is
considering the bill that passed by a single vote out of the House.Graves, a
Republican, says the bill is too important for Congress not to pass.“This is a good
thing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “This is cutting a lot of unneeded
spending, a lot of wasteful spending, and it’s cutting out the abuse. There’s
so much abuse when it comes to a lot of these federal programs. They need to be
looked at and looked at very carefully. But I think we’ll get it done.”Graves expects
Senate Republicans to make changes to the bill approved by the House. The
Congressman believes a conference committee will have to resolved the
differences between the Senate and House. Graves says the Republican-controlled
Congress doesn’t have much negotiating room, because the House approved the
bill by only one vote. Though Graves says the one-vote margin is a bit
deceptive.“There were two
votes that they were just simply gone and were out of the chamber,” Graves
explains. “So, there would have been two more votes, but that’s still a very
narrow margin, very narrow margin.”Also, the very
public, high-profile spat between President Trump and former DOGE chair,
billionaire Elon Musk, has complicated matters in DC. Musk has been highly
critical of the bill, charging it will explode the debt. Some of Musk’s broadsides
on social media have taken a very personal tone against the president.Graves isn’t sure
what to make of the disagreement which is being played out in public.“Well, it’s a good
question,” Graves says with a chuckle. “I think it comes down to egos, too. Two
big egos in the room and they’re just pushing and shoving back and forth. I
think that’s what it really all comes down to.&nbsp;
But it is frustrating and it’s distracting more than anything else. But it’ll
eventually go away.”Graves doesn’t
believe the dispute will derail the discussions.“I really don’t
think so. I don’t think it will,” Graves says. “But it’s certainly a
distraction, though, to say the least.”Graves does expect
the Senate and House to resolve their differences.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves believes Congress will reach deal; calls Trump-Musk spat a distraction

If you're still looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph might have the right idea for you.  

On Saturday June 21st, the museum will host a whisky tasting and hog roast, with a Wood Hats and Spirits Tasting and food provided by Spanky and Buckwheats.  

Madison McKinley with Albrecht Kemper says this isn’t just an event for fathers. 

"That's why we made it the weekend after father's day, so it could also be for a fun date night or hang out with the boys, just do something fun," McKinley says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "But if you are still looking for a Father's Day gift it's a great option." 

Executive Director Eric Fuson says they've been trying to think of some new things to do at the museum that people just can't do at home. 

"Something that's like oh I've always wanted to be a part of something like that but never knew anybody that would do it, so we thought well a whole hog roast would be kind of fun to give a whirl," Fuson explains.  "And between that and the whiskey tasting and being kind of able to be out on the back patio and see some artwork as well, it's just going to be a fun evening for sure." 

In association with the event, a new exhibit will also open, “The Cabinet of Natural History- America's First Colored Lithographic project 1830-1833 will open the same day 

Fuson says the exhibit is a collection of printed pieces drawn on a stone, and many of these pieces are of the wildlife of the United States 

"These guys they were trying to kind of say hey here's what out there, here's what's going on, but some of the artists were still back in base basically, and they would bring back some of the animals or some sketches of them and things and they would have to go from there," Fuson says.  "So, you'll see some things that you kind of think that looks a little funky, it's not quite exactly as natural as I'd like to see." 

The exhibit will run from June 21st through September 14th.   

The whiskey tasting and hog roast will run from 6 to 8pm on June 21st.  Tickets are $50 a person and can be purchased by visiting the Albrecht's website or contacting the museum. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKE If you're still looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph might have the right idea for you. On Saturday June 21st, the museum will host a whisky tasting and hog roast, with a Wood Hats and Spirits Tasting and food provided by Spanky and Buckwheats. Madison McKinley with Albrecht Kemper says this isn’t just an event for fathers. "That's why we made it the weekend after father's day, so it could also be for a fun date night or hang out with the boys, just do something fun," McKinley says on the KFEQmunnity show. "But if you are still looking for a Father's Day gift it's a great option." Executive Director Eric Fuson says they've been trying to think of some new things to do at the museum that people just can't do at home. "Something that's like oh I've always wanted to be a part of something like that but never knew anybody that would do it, so we thought well a whole hog roast would be kind of fun to give a whirl," Fuson explains. "And between that and the whiskey tasting and being kind of able to be out on the back patio and see some artwork as well, it's just going to be a fun evening for sure." In association with the event, a new exhibit will also open, “The Cabinet of Natural History- America's First Colored Lithographic project 1830-1833 will open the same day Fuson says the exhibit is a collection of printed pieces drawn on a stone, and many of these pieces are of the wildlife of the United States "These guys they were trying to kind of say hey here's what out there, here's what's going on, but some of the artists were still back in base basically, and they would bring back some of the animals or some sketches of them and things and they would have to go from there," Fuson says. "So, you'll see some things that you kind of think that looks a little funky, it's not quite exactly as natural as I'd like to see." The exhibit will run from June 21st through September 14th. The whiskey tasting and hog roast will run from 6 to 8pm on June 21st. Tickets are $50 a person and can be purchased by visiting the Albrecht's website or contacting the museum. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Albrecht Kemper offering unique Father's Day gift

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/69CoO6pBXlzyt4xkAzVd0K?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/7mbpqzNoDZmoYEI2xTLQjm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Missouri lawmakers identify retired educators as a measure to address the state’s teacher shortage

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

Missouri lawmakers have extended a rule allowing retired teachers to serve as substitutes without losing their retirement allowance. This measure is part of efforts to fill classrooms during a statewide teacher shortage.

The state legislature first took notice of the issue in 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic chiseled away at the teacher workforce. They&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/19/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb681.pdf?c=24553" target="_blank">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that, among other provisions, encouraged retirees to become substitutes and set an expiration date of June 2025.

In May, lawmakers voted to extend the sunset to 2030 as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb68.pdf?c=19218" target="_blank">bipartisan education package</a>&nbsp;currently awaiting the governor’s signature.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and chair of the House Education Committee, was part of the effort to pass the legislation in 2022.

“It is definitely something that needed to happen,” he told The Independent. “And really needed, this year, to be revisited.”

Lewis credits state Rep. Stephanie Boykin, a Democrat from Hazelwood, for bringing the issue to his attention. Boykin was one of a handful of lawmakers who filed a bill to extend the law’s sunset, and she got the legislation added onto a large Senate bill during committee work.

“It is a win for that retired teacher that doesn’t have to be concerned about being penalized or having to come out of retirement,” she told The Independent. “And, of course, it is a big win for our students to have a teacher with knowledge and with an educational background.”

This provision is different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=169.331&amp;bid=54133&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statute allowing retirees to work full-time</a>. Since 2003, retired teachers have been able to return full-time for two years, which lawmakers increased to four years in 2023.

Missouri has been loosening requirements for substitute teachers while it struggles to find educators,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-lowers-certification-requirements-for-substitute-teachers/article_ee7c9f00-32bf-11ed-9ea6-37eb7d6891e8.html" target="_blank">reducing the amount of college credit required</a>&nbsp;to be certified as a substitute and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/education/2021-10-28/substitute-teachers-are-in-short-supply-missouri-hopes-its-found-a-solution" target="_blank">providing an alternative certification course online</a>.

Many of these efforts emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the shortage remains today. At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, there were over 12,000 vacant teacher spots of which 9% went unfilled and 12% were filled by teachers without the proper certification,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/educator-vacancy-report-january-2025" target="_blank">according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.

But veteran teachers are stepping up. In the 2023-24 school year, 4,500 retired educators served as substitutes, according to data from the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri.

The average monthly benefit for retirees in the Public School Retirement System is around $3,800 a month. With most substitute gigs&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">paying $101-$125 a day</a>, retirees would lose money to come out of retirement to substitute.

Without the law securing retirement allowances, Lewis says there would be widespread vacancies.

“There would be open positions that would not get filled around the state,” he said. “Many of them we would have completely unqualified people in those positions, when you have perfectly qualified people who might be a little bit older but have tons of experience.”

Over two-thirds of Missouri substitute roles were filled by those ages 50 and older in 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">according to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education survey</a>.

“It makes a difference when you have that experience there, versus someone that might like children but they are just looking for a job and they don’t mind being there,” Boykin said. “But nothing can take the place of an experienced teacher.”

Boykin understood the benefits of having retirees back in the classroom, she said, as a former educator of nine years.

“We want to remove any barriers from experienced teachers filling that gap,” she said. “And that is what this bill does.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749466495130.png" alt="State Rep. Stephanie Boykin, D-Hazelwood, speaks on the Missouri House floor during the final week of the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Stephanie Boykin, D-Hazelwood, speaks on the Missouri House floor during the final week of the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri lawmakers identify retired educators as a measure to address the state’s teacher shortage</h2>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri lawmakers have extended a rule allowing retired teachers to serve as substitutes without losing their retirement allowance. This measure is part of efforts to fill classrooms during a statewide teacher shortage.The state legislature first took notice of the issue in 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic chiseled away at the teacher workforce. They&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/19/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb681.pdf?c=24553" target="_blank">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that, among other provisions, encouraged retirees to become substitutes and set an expiration date of June 2025.In May, lawmakers voted to extend the sunset to 2030 as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb68.pdf?c=19218" target="_blank">bipartisan education package</a>&nbsp;currently awaiting the governor’s signature.State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and chair of the House Education Committee, was part of the effort to pass the legislation in 2022.“It is definitely something that needed to happen,” he told The Independent. “And really needed, this year, to be revisited.”Lewis credits state Rep. Stephanie Boykin, a Democrat from Hazelwood, for bringing the issue to his attention. Boykin was one of a handful of lawmakers who filed a bill to extend the law’s sunset, and she got the legislation added onto a large Senate bill during committee work.“It is a win for that retired teacher that doesn’t have to be concerned about being penalized or having to come out of retirement,” she told The Independent. “And, of course, it is a big win for our students to have a teacher with knowledge and with an educational background.”This provision is different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=169.331&amp;bid=54133&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statute allowing retirees to work full-time</a>. Since 2003, retired teachers have been able to return full-time for two years, which lawmakers increased to four years in 2023.Missouri has been loosening requirements for substitute teachers while it struggles to find educators,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-lowers-certification-requirements-for-substitute-teachers/article_ee7c9f00-32bf-11ed-9ea6-37eb7d6891e8.html" target="_blank">reducing the amount of college credit required</a>&nbsp;to be certified as a substitute and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/education/2021-10-28/substitute-teachers-are-in-short-supply-missouri-hopes-its-found-a-solution" target="_blank">providing an alternative certification course online</a>.Many of these efforts emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the shortage remains today. At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, there were over 12,000 vacant teacher spots of which 9% went unfilled and 12% were filled by teachers without the proper certification,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/educator-vacancy-report-january-2025" target="_blank">according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.But veteran teachers are stepping up. In the 2023-24 school year, 4,500 retired educators served as substitutes, according to data from the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri.The average monthly benefit for retirees in the Public School Retirement System is around $3,800 a month. With most substitute gigs&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">paying $101-$125 a day</a>, retirees would lose money to come out of retirement to substitute.Without the law securing retirement allowances, Lewis says there would be widespread vacancies.“There would be open positions that would not get filled around the state,” he said. “Many of them we would have completely unqualified people in those positions, when you have perfectly qualified people who might be a little bit older but have tons of experience.”Over two-thirds of Missouri substitute roles were filled by those ages 50 and older in 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">according to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education survey</a>.“It makes a difference when you have that experience there, versus someone that might like children but they are just looking for a job and they don’t mind being there,” Boykin said. “But nothing can take the place of an experienced teacher.”Boykin understood the benefits of having retirees back in the classroom, she said, as a former educator of nine years.“We want to remove any barriers from experienced teachers filling that gap,” she said. “And that is what this bill does.”

Retired educators to continue substitute teaching in Missouri without losing benefits

St. Joseph police have released the identity of the man who jumped from the Riverside Road bridge onto Highway 36 last Sunday night.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports 51-year-old Jerry Ritter was pronounced death at the scene.

In an earlier report, St. Joseph police stated the man jumped from the bridge at approximately 9:45pm Sunday, June 1st. Police report Missouri Department of Transportation employees were working on the bridge at the time.

According to police, the Medical Examiners' Office is awaiting autopsy results on this case.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police have released the identity of the man who jumped from the Riverside Road bridge onto Highway 36 last Sunday night.The St. Joseph Police Department reports 51-year-old Jerry Ritter was pronounced death at the scene.In an earlier report, St. Joseph police stated the man jumped from the bridge at approximately 9:45pm Sunday, June 1st. Police report Missouri Department of Transportation employees were working on the bridge at the time.According to police, the Medical Examiners' Office is awaiting autopsy results on this case.&nbsp;You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph police identify victim in fatal fall

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.

A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. couple injured after rear-end crash

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.

Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. teens hospitalized after Jeep strikes animal, rolls

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.

Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;

 Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228407077.png" alt="Carter photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228376073.png" alt="McKinney Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>McKinney Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228441083.png" alt="Doyle photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Doyle photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

Sheriff found meth, marijuana and small children at Kansas home

Just over one week after the Missouri Western State University announced it would discontinue the men's and women's track and field programs, it was announced today the program would be reinstated effective immediately.

The University announced that due to "overwhelming" community support the program would be reinstated.&nbsp; Following the discontinuation of the program, there was much outcry to the University from both the public and students.&nbsp;

"Given the dedication of our student athletes and their success in competition and in the classroom, it was a difficult decision to make," said President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a news release from the University. "I appreciate the supporters who have stepped up to help us create a plan to support the team in the future." 

"This is a great day!" said Athletic Director Andy Carter. "I am grateful that people want to ensure we can provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for Griffon Track and Field."

"The Missouri Western Board of Governors is eager to work with Griffon Track &amp; Field supporters to build the future of this program," said Chair of the Missouri Western Board of Governors Lee Tieman. "It's always a good day when you can do something to directly help our students."

More details will be announced at a later date.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostJust over one week after the Missouri Western State University announced it would discontinue the men's and women's track and field programs, it was announced today the program would be reinstated effective immediately.The University announced that due to "overwhelming" community support the program would be reinstated.&nbsp; Following the discontinuation of the program, there was much outcry to the University from both the public and students.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reinstated! 🖤💛 Due to “overwhelming” support, MWSU will restore Track &amp; Field, effective immediately. 📰 - <a href="https://t.co/cUS5oQvkm9">https://t.co/cUS5oQvkm9</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OurCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OurCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/8LNNpyKCmu">pic.twitter.com/8LNNpyKCmu</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1931437151473791258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Given the dedication of our student athletes and their success in competition and in the classroom, it was a difficult decision to make," said President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a news release from the University. "I appreciate the supporters who have stepped up to help us create a plan to support the team in the future." "This is a great day!" said Athletic Director Andy Carter. "I am grateful that people want to ensure we can provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for Griffon Track and Field.""The Missouri Western Board of Governors is eager to work with Griffon Track &amp; Field supporters to build the future of this program," said Chair of the Missouri Western Board of Governors Lee Tieman. "It's always a good day when you can do something to directly help our students."More details will be announced at a later date.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU reinstating track and field program after community support

A major step
toward reviving Lake Contrary will be taken next week.

The Buchanan
County Commission has authorized the use of a specialized aquatic herbicide to
get rid of the weeds which have overtaken the lake located just outside St.
Joseph.

Western District
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the vegetation must be removed before the silt
that has settled on the lake can be removed.

“Spray it – the
whole 320 acres of lake – kill it all off and hopefully have a clear lake
bottom to where we can go ahead and do our test plots with the Corps of
Engineers and begin dredging,” Hook says.

Spraying will take
place Monday and Tuesday. A helicopter will be used in the spaying. Area
residents have been notified.

Hook says the
county still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can
dredge the lake. Hook says the Corps wants the county to test a plot before it authorizes
dredging.

Dredging will take
three years at an estimated cost of $6-to-8 million.

Hook says the
county commission isn’t interested in restoring Lake Contrary to its glory
days.

“We’re not trying
to put it back to that,” according to Hook. “We just want it back to where
people can go down locally fish, run a jet ski, do some skiing with a boat,
pontoon around, swim at the beach; just normal, recreational fun.”

Hook says
restoring Lake Contrary will bring back a recreational lake, but also benefit
efforts to reduce Missouri River flooding.

“It’s not only
just for recreation,” Hook says. “It’s for water management and river
management and the protection for the levees.”

DNR has installed
34 relief wells at Lake Contrary to ease pressure on the Missouri River levees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749227664877.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA major step
toward reviving Lake Contrary will be taken next week.The Buchanan
County Commission has authorized the use of a specialized aquatic herbicide to
get rid of the weeds which have overtaken the lake located just outside St.
Joseph.Western District
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the vegetation must be removed before the silt
that has settled on the lake can be removed.“Spray it – the
whole 320 acres of lake – kill it all off and hopefully have a clear lake
bottom to where we can go ahead and do our test plots with the Corps of
Engineers and begin dredging,” Hook says.Spraying will take
place Monday and Tuesday. A helicopter will be used in the spaying. Area
residents have been notified.Hook says the
county still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can
dredge the lake. Hook says the Corps wants the county to test a plot before it authorizes
dredging.Dredging will take
three years at an estimated cost of $6-to-8 million.Hook says the
county commission isn’t interested in restoring Lake Contrary to its glory
days.“We’re not trying
to put it back to that,” according to Hook. “We just want it back to where
people can go down locally fish, run a jet ski, do some skiing with a boat,
pontoon around, swim at the beach; just normal, recreational fun.”Hook says
restoring Lake Contrary will bring back a recreational lake, but also benefit
efforts to reduce Missouri River flooding.“It’s not only
just for recreation,” Hook says. “It’s for water management and river
management and the protection for the levees.”DNR has installed
34 relief wells at Lake Contrary to ease pressure on the Missouri River levees.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

1st step toward reviving Lake Contrary begins next week

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/78TtvrWyW8BN5Un8IJy3GI?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

Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749255074364.png" alt=" Most eligible kids will receive the benefits automatically and won’t need to apply, but those who do need to apply must do so by Aug. 31 (USDA photo)." />
 <figcaption> Most eligible kids will receive the benefits automatically and won’t need to apply, but those who do need to apply must do so by Aug. 31 (USDA photo).</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer.&nbsp;The first batch of Missouri’s summer food benefits for children was issued on Thursday night, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services told The Independent Friday. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to buy groceries.The program is designed to help low-income families pay for food during summer months. States pay 50% of the administrative costs and the federal government pays 100% of the benefits.&nbsp;It’s part of a permanent federal program in its&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">second year of existence</a>&nbsp;called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or SUN Bucks. The program aims to help kids who receive subsidized school meals avoid a summer drop-off in nutrition.The state in years past has struggled to get the benefits out to cover the summer months.&nbsp;Last year&nbsp;they didn’t begin going out&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">until September,</a>&nbsp;due to technical issues, the state said at the time.&nbsp;Food security advocates in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/02/missouri-opts-into-summer-ebt-federal-food-benefits-program/">were relieved when Missouri opted into the program</a>&nbsp;after weighing factors like technology issues and staffing.There were&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/04/summer-ebt-will-help-feed-estimated-165000-west-virginia-children-this-year/" target="_blank">11 Republican-led states that opted not to offer the program this year,</a>&nbsp;and a 12th, Oklahoma, will offer it only to tribal nations.&nbsp;Most eligible families in Missouri will receive the benefits automatically.&nbsp;The following groups of kids are&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">automatically eligible, and their families will not need to apply for benefits:&nbsp;</a><ul>
 <li>Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year,</li><li>Households already enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or temporary assistance,</li><li>And children between ages 7 and 17 in foster care, who are experiencing homelessness or are migrants.</li>
 </ul>Those benefits will be issued on an existing card if the family is enrolled in SNAP benefits or temporary assistance, or on a new mailed card if they are not. Families who need a new EBT card can request one<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">&nbsp;by phone or the ebtEDGE mobile app.</a>Families who are not automatically eligible must&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">submit an application online by Aug. 31.</a>&nbsp;The state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">eligibility navigator</a>&nbsp;will tell families whether they must apply.Benefits&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">will expire</a>&nbsp;122 days after they are issued, regardless of usage, so families must act quickly once the benefits are distributed. They should also keep the cards for next summer’s program, the state’s website advises.An estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25965661-missouri-fy-2025-mo-s-ebt-pom-approval-letter-signed-41625/" target="_blank">475,000 Missouri kids could receive the benefits,</a>&nbsp;according to a letter to the state from the federal Food and Nutrition Service earlier this year.