St. Joseph city
officials are advising residents they just might get a knock on the door from
inspectors checking for potential lead service lines.

The City of St.
Joseph reports contractors C.E. Bollmeier, M Con LLC, and John Jackson Plumbing
LLC, working on behalf of Missouri American Water, will visit more than 16,000 St.
Joseph homes and businesses to check for the potential lead service lines. It’s
all part of a federally required program

Missouri American
Water contractors will knock on doors to request a brief inspection of the
water service line where it enters the home or business. Letters will be sent
ahead of inspections. The city adds, though, because contractors go to the
property owner of record, renters might not receive a direct notice.

Anyone with
concerns may call Missouri American Water to verify that crews are legitimate
or email MOServiceLineGroup@amwater.com with inquiries. Contractors will not
force entry. If a resident is uncomfortable, they may request a return visit at
another time.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764786579955.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Missouri American Water" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Missouri American Water</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city
officials are advising residents they just might get a knock on the door from
inspectors checking for potential lead service lines.The City of St.
Joseph reports contractors C.E. Bollmeier, M Con LLC, and John Jackson Plumbing
LLC, working on behalf of Missouri American Water, will visit more than 16,000 St.
Joseph homes and businesses to check for the potential lead service lines. It’s
all part of a federally required programMissouri American
Water contractors will knock on doors to request a brief inspection of the
water service line where it enters the home or business. Letters will be sent
ahead of inspections. The city adds, though, because contractors go to the
property owner of record, renters might not receive a direct notice.Anyone with
concerns may call Missouri American Water to verify that crews are legitimate
or email MOServiceLineGroup@amwater.com with inquiries. Contractors will not
force entry. If a resident is uncomfortable, they may request a return visit at
another time.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph residents could get a visit from pipe inspectors

Gov. Mike Kehoe is
hopeful Missouri’s incentives for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals will
prove to be enough to keep the teams on the Missouri side of the state line.

The Chiefs
reportedly have asked Kansas to submit a proposal for a 65,000-seat domed
stadium on the Kansas side of the metro area, likely next to the Kansas
Speedway at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kehoe was asked
during a visit to St. Joseph if he’s worried that the Chiefs have asked for a proposal
from Kansas.

“Well, I have two
pieces of that answer,” Kehoe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “As Missouri governor, I hate that they’re
doing that. I mean, we want them to stay on the Missouri side. As a business
person, I understand that they have to have their options on the table. Even
though I don’t like it, as a business person I do understand that they’re
looking at what their options could be.”

Kehoe says he expects
state and local incentives to be enough to keep the Chiefs in a renovated
Arrowhead, the home of the Chiefs since 1972.

“I think our
proposal, our economic development proposal, is very good and I’m hoping that
Jackson County with the new leadership of Mr. LeVota, can put together a piece
of the puzzle that really helps us make sure the Chiefs stay where they belong
here in Missouri,” Kehoe says.

Jackson County
voters recalled Executive Frank White, who has been seen as a roadblock to
reaching a deal with both professional sports franchises. Kansas City attorney,
Phil LeVota, is serving as interim executive.

Kehoe says while
the Royals are a separate issue, he does believe state incentives will prove to
be enough to keep the team in Missouri. Kehoe expects the Royals to choose
either to relocate to downtown Kansas City or in Clay County.

“They’re obviously
looking at the Star Bond proposal that Kansas has on their side,” Kehoe says. “Again,
as a business person and finance people have told me, Star Bonds have a lot of
problems associated with them that I hope the ownership groups look at very
closely. Our offer for both of those teams, and in this case the Royals, doesn’t
care where they locate as long as it’s in Missouri.”

Jackson County
voters rejected a sales tax extension to pay for renovations to Arrowhead and help
finance a new downtown stadium for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers put together
an incentive package during a special legislative session in an effort to keep
the two teams on the Missouri side of the metroplex.

The ownership group
of the Kansas City Royals has sent out a survey to its fans asking for comments
on three possible locations for a new stadium:&nbsp;
downtown Kansas City, Clay County, or Overland Park, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764785437708.jpeg" alt="Arrowhead Stadium/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Arrowhead Stadium/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINGov. Mike Kehoe is
hopeful Missouri’s incentives for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals will
prove to be enough to keep the teams on the Missouri side of the state line.The Chiefs
reportedly have asked Kansas to submit a proposal for a 65,000-seat domed
stadium on the Kansas side of the metro area, likely next to the Kansas
Speedway at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas.Kehoe was asked
during a visit to St. Joseph if he’s worried that the Chiefs have asked for a proposal
from Kansas.“Well, I have two
pieces of that answer,” Kehoe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “As Missouri governor, I hate that they’re
doing that. I mean, we want them to stay on the Missouri side. As a business
person, I understand that they have to have their options on the table. Even
though I don’t like it, as a business person I do understand that they’re
looking at what their options could be.”Kehoe says he expects
state and local incentives to be enough to keep the Chiefs in a renovated
Arrowhead, the home of the Chiefs since 1972.“I think our
proposal, our economic development proposal, is very good and I’m hoping that
Jackson County with the new leadership of Mr. LeVota, can put together a piece
of the puzzle that really helps us make sure the Chiefs stay where they belong
here in Missouri,” Kehoe says.Jackson County
voters recalled Executive Frank White, who has been seen as a roadblock to
reaching a deal with both professional sports franchises. Kansas City attorney,
Phil LeVota, is serving as interim executive.Kehoe says while
the Royals are a separate issue, he does believe state incentives will prove to
be enough to keep the team in Missouri. Kehoe expects the Royals to choose
either to relocate to downtown Kansas City or in Clay County.“They’re obviously
looking at the Star Bond proposal that Kansas has on their side,” Kehoe says. “Again,
as a business person and finance people have told me, Star Bonds have a lot of
problems associated with them that I hope the ownership groups look at very
closely. Our offer for both of those teams, and in this case the Royals, doesn’t
care where they locate as long as it’s in Missouri.”Jackson County
voters rejected a sales tax extension to pay for renovations to Arrowhead and help
finance a new downtown stadium for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers put together
an incentive package during a special legislative session in an effort to keep
the two teams on the Missouri side of the metroplex.The ownership group
of the Kansas City Royals has sent out a survey to its fans asking for comments
on three possible locations for a new stadium:&nbsp;
downtown Kansas City, Clay County, or Overland Park, Kansas.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gov. Kehoe optimistic Chiefs and Royals will stay in Missouri

A junior at Northwest Missouri State University has received a $500 scholarship named in memory of a Savannah native.

Kiara Schaub, of Savannah, Missouri, is currently studying agronomy with a focus on crop science.&nbsp;She is the daughter of Clint and Shelly Schaub.

The Matthew White Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to a continuing student at Northwest in an agriculture-related major. 

Information from the university says a scholarship of at least $500 is awarded with preference to graduates of Savannah High School, North Andrew High School in Rosendale and students from Missouri or Iowa.&nbsp;

Matthew White was a student at the university who completed his sophomore year as an agriculture business major when he died in an automobile crash in 2005. White's parents, Steve and Julie, of Savannah, established the scholarship in 2006. Both parents are alumni of Northwest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764781042921.jpeg" alt="KiaraSchaub - courtesy of NWMSU" />
 <figcaption>KiaraSchaub - courtesy of NWMSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA junior at Northwest Missouri State University has received a $500 scholarship named in memory of a Savannah native.Kiara Schaub, of Savannah, Missouri, is currently studying agronomy with a focus on crop science.&nbsp;She is the daughter of Clint and Shelly Schaub.The Matthew White Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to a continuing student at Northwest in an agriculture-related major. Information from the university says a scholarship of at least $500 is awarded with preference to graduates of Savannah High School, North Andrew High School in Rosendale and students from Missouri or Iowa.&nbsp;Matthew White was a student at the university who completed his sophomore year as an agriculture business major when he died in an automobile crash in 2005. White's parents, Steve and Julie, of Savannah, established the scholarship in 2006. Both parents are alumni of Northwest.

Northwest Missouri State University student receives scholarship in memory of Savannah native

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Durango driven by a 37-year-old Stewartsville woman was westbound on U.S. 36 at Kerns Road. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a guardrail, returned to the road, traveled off the road and struck the guardrail a second time.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Durango driven by a 37-year-old Stewartsville woman was westbound on U.S. 36 at Kerns Road. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a guardrail, returned to the road, traveled off the road and struck the guardrail a second time.A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized in St. Joe after SUV crash

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

Just after 2:40a.m. on Tuesday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.. During the stop the driver, 55-year-old Paul Surber, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs.

Police arrested Surber on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and dug paraphernalia and&nbsp;Possession of stimulant; Unlawful sell of prescription drug and Possession with intent to sell, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764687069856.png" alt="Surber photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Surber photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 2:40a.m. on Tuesday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.. During the stop the driver, 55-year-old Paul Surber, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs.Police arrested Surber on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and dug paraphernalia and&nbsp;Possession of stimulant; Unlawful sell of prescription drug and Possession with intent to sell, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of illegally selling prescription drugs

CLINTON COUNTY —Seven tractor-trailers and six passenger vehicles were involved in a pile-up on Interstate 35 in Clinton County Monday, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Patrol. There were no serious injuries reported.

The Patrol reminds drivers, "When inclement weather moves in, it’s crucial to adjust driving habits. Stay safe and buckle up."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764708483909.png" alt="Photo MSHP Troop H" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP Troop H</figcaption>
 </figure>CLINTON COUNTY —Seven tractor-trailers and six passenger vehicles were involved in a pile-up on Interstate 35 in Clinton County Monday, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Patrol. There were no serious injuries reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764708453623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Patrol reminds drivers, "When inclement weather moves in, it’s crucial to adjust driving habits. Stay safe and buckle up."

6 passenger vehicles, 7 semis involved in NW Missouri pile-up

The federal government shutdown threatened to cancel a longtime event, but with the government back to work, the annual Eagle Days event is still on.  

The 46th annual Eagle Days at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City is this weekend, bringing thousands to see real life eagles on the refuge. 

Refuge manager William Kutosky says people will see live eagles migrating with the migrating waterfowl on the refuge as they take the self-guided tour 

"We have biologists set up along the tour with stations and spotting scopes to bring you up close and personal with those wild eagles and watch them hunt or sit out on the ice or roost in the trees,” Kusosky says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Kutosky says the unique thing about Eagle Days though is on top of that, they also bring in World Bird Sanctuary, a program that shows off live eagles 

"So, you get to see these birds, these captive birds, up close and personal, you can take pictures with them,” Kutosky explains. 

Organizer Bruce Windsor says the eagle show not only helps people learn about the birds, but gives them a unique and special experience no matter their age 

"You are literally feet away from a 20-year-old bald eagle who is sitting on a perch looking at you, and it’s pretty special no matter what your age is, it’s just a great experience,” Windsor says. 

The show will present three different species of eagles for people to see and learn about, every hour Saturday and Sunday.   

Kutosky says the event is always well attended and is one that is loved by nearly everyone that attends 

"Our friend's group just randomly asked a lot of folks last year as they were coming through, coming by their booth, on how they heard about the event and I would say, I’m just shooting from the hip, but probably 75% of people said they come every year, so this is a repeat event,” Kutosky says.  “It’s one of those that I take my kids to every year, even though they’ve seen the live eagle show, they can’t wait to go back next year.” 

Eagle Days is free to attend and runs 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.   

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764697697973.jpeg" alt="Eagles.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Eagles.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe federal government shutdown threatened to cancel a longtime event, but with the government back to work, the annual Eagle Days event is still on. The 46th annual Eagle Days at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City is this weekend, bringing thousands to see real life eagles on the refuge. Refuge manager William Kutosky says people will see live eagles migrating with the migrating waterfowl on the refuge as they take the self-guided tour "We have biologists set up along the tour with stations and spotting scopes to bring you up close and personal with those wild eagles and watch them hunt or sit out on the ice or roost in the trees,” Kusosky says on the KFEQmunnity show. Kutosky says the unique thing about Eagle Days though is on top of that, they also bring in World Bird Sanctuary, a program that shows off live eagles "So, you get to see these birds, these captive birds, up close and personal, you can take pictures with them,” Kutosky explains. Organizer Bruce Windsor says the eagle show not only helps people learn about the birds, but gives them a unique and special experience no matter their age "You are literally feet away from a 20-year-old bald eagle who is sitting on a perch looking at you, and it’s pretty special no matter what your age is, it’s just a great experience,” Windsor says. The show will present three different species of eagles for people to see and learn about, every hour Saturday and Sunday. Kutosky says the event is always well attended and is one that is loved by nearly everyone that attends "Our friend's group just randomly asked a lot of folks last year as they were coming through, coming by their booth, on how they heard about the event and I would say, I’m just shooting from the hip, but probably 75% of people said they come every year, so this is a repeat event,” Kutosky says. “It’s one of those that I take my kids to every year, even though they’ve seen the live eagle show, they can’t wait to go back next year.” Eagle Days is free to attend and runs 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

See live eagles this weekend at Loess Bluffs Wildlife Refuge during Eagle Days

A petition is
circulating to trigger a state audit of the St. Joseph School District.

State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick confirms a resident of the St. Joseph School District has
taken out a petition to gather the signatures needed to force a state audit.

“And, listen, so
the thing with these audits; we have a limited staff and there’s literally
thousands of political subdivisions in Missouri that we could potentially audit,”
Fitzgerald tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, our situation is that we have
to go where there’s the biggest red flags and the biggest concerns and conduct
those audits and that’s a judgment essentially on my part.”

Under Missouri
law, if enough qualified voters of a political subdivision request an audit,
the Missouri Auditor is required to conduct an audit of that subdivision. The St. Joseph
petitioner must gather at least 2,972 signatures from the registered voters of
the St. Joseph School District to meet the threshold needed to force a state
audit.

Fitzpatrick says
those circulating petitions to call for a state audit do not have to give their
reasons, but in this case, they cited some recent trends.

“In the case of
St. Joe, there are some concerns with the budget of the district and there are
some plans to downsize the staff at the school. It’s going to result in a reduction
in teaching and administrative positions,” Fitzpatrick says, “which largely
seems due to kind of a decline in enrollment. In my understanding, the school district
student population has recently dropped below 10,000.”

Some questions
about the budget have also surfaced with the school district disclosing that
its fund balance has dropped to around 10%, half the district goal of a 20%
reserve.

Fitzpatrick says
he understands the St. Joseph School District and the Board of Education are
working to trim the budget and bring the fund balance up.

“We’re trying to
give the board a little runway to go through the process of fixing their budget
and see if they can turn it around," Fitzpatrick says. “And if things progress
in a way that’s not acceptable and these signatures continue to be gathered, then
we’ll be in there auditing them.”

A recent audit
conducted by the Missouri School Board Association linked the St. Joseph School
District budget woes to its drop in attendance. Falling attendance has led to
falling state revenue.

The St. Joseph
School District has stated it hopes to slash $8 million from its budget over
the next two years, primarily by reducing staff through attrition.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA petition is
circulating to trigger a state audit of the St. Joseph School District.State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick confirms a resident of the St. Joseph School District has
taken out a petition to gather the signatures needed to force a state audit.“And, listen, so
the thing with these audits; we have a limited staff and there’s literally
thousands of political subdivisions in Missouri that we could potentially audit,”
Fitzgerald tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, our situation is that we have
to go where there’s the biggest red flags and the biggest concerns and conduct
those audits and that’s a judgment essentially on my part.”Under Missouri
law, if enough qualified voters of a political subdivision request an audit,
the Missouri Auditor is required to conduct an audit of that subdivision. The St. Joseph
petitioner must gather at least 2,972 signatures from the registered voters of
the St. Joseph School District to meet the threshold needed to force a state
audit.Fitzpatrick says
those circulating petitions to call for a state audit do not have to give their
reasons, but in this case, they cited some recent trends.“In the case of
St. Joe, there are some concerns with the budget of the district and there are
some plans to downsize the staff at the school. It’s going to result in a reduction
in teaching and administrative positions,” Fitzpatrick says, “which largely
seems due to kind of a decline in enrollment. In my understanding, the school district
student population has recently dropped below 10,000.”Some questions
about the budget have also surfaced with the school district disclosing that
its fund balance has dropped to around 10%, half the district goal of a 20%
reserve.Fitzpatrick says
he understands the St. Joseph School District and the Board of Education are
working to trim the budget and bring the fund balance up.“We’re trying to
give the board a little runway to go through the process of fixing their budget
and see if they can turn it around," Fitzpatrick says. “And if things progress
in a way that’s not acceptable and these signatures continue to be gathered, then
we’ll be in there auditing them.”A recent audit
conducted by the Missouri School Board Association linked the St. Joseph School
District budget woes to its drop in attendance. Falling attendance has led to
falling state revenue.The St. Joseph
School District has stated it hopes to slash $8 million from its budget over
the next two years, primarily by reducing staff through attrition.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Petition hopes to trigger audit of St. Joseph School District

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2EV6VyZb2h0OyumP7zqcaL?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/2nv7Ph5tN4UcuMR6gccAHK?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

Three people died,
82 suffered injuries in more than 300 traffic wrecks in Missouri during the
long Thanksgiving holiday counting period. Among those killed, a 44-year-old Union
woman who died in a rollover accident on I-29 in extreme northwest Missouri
Thanksgiving Day.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol has issued preliminary numbers for the longest holiday counting
period of the year, which started Wednesday evening and ended at midnight
Sunday.

State highway
patrol troopers worked 304 crashes during that period and made 87 drunk driving
arrests.

Last year, the
patrol reported 462 traffic crashes which resulted in six fatalities and 158
injuries.

This year, two fatalities
occurred on Thanksgiving Day, one in central Missouri that took the life of a
40-year-old Branson woman. The second on I-29 in Atchison County killed the
woman from Union who lost control of her car on I-29 a mile north of Watson.
The vehicle went into a skid, ran off the northbound lanes of the interstate,
overturned in the median, and came to rest in the southbound lanes.

An 11-year-old O’Fallon
girl died in a crash in St. Charles County Friday.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the results are preliminary and subject to change.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThree people died,
82 suffered injuries in more than 300 traffic wrecks in Missouri during the
long Thanksgiving holiday counting period. Among those killed, a 44-year-old Union
woman who died in a rollover accident on I-29 in extreme northwest Missouri
Thanksgiving Day.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol has issued preliminary numbers for the longest holiday counting
period of the year, which started Wednesday evening and ended at midnight
Sunday.State highway
patrol troopers worked 304 crashes during that period and made 87 drunk driving
arrests.Last year, the
patrol reported 462 traffic crashes which resulted in six fatalities and 158
injuries.This year, two fatalities
occurred on Thanksgiving Day, one in central Missouri that took the life of a
40-year-old Branson woman. The second on I-29 in Atchison County killed the
woman from Union who lost control of her car on I-29 a mile north of Watson.
The vehicle went into a skid, ran off the northbound lanes of the interstate,
overturned in the median, and came to rest in the southbound lanes.An 11-year-old O’Fallon
girl died in a crash in St. Charles County Friday.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the results are preliminary and subject to change.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Three die in Thanksgiving travel in Missouri, including NW Missouri rollover

Click on the link for the winter weather cancelations:

<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Click on the link for the winter weather cancelations:<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Winter weather cancelations for today

ANDREW COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge 1500 driven by a 58-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 229 three miles north of St. Joseph. The vehicle skidded on the ice covered road, traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764674741116.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDREW COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge 1500 driven by a 58-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 229 three miles north of St. Joseph. The vehicle skidded on the ice covered road, traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph man injured after pickup overturns on icy road

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Savannah driven by a 28-year-old Pattonsburg man was northbound on Route Z eight miles south of Chillicothe.&nbsp; The van slid sideways, slid off the west side of the road and struck the driver side of a southbound 2010 Chevy Colorado driven by a 61-year-old Dawn man.

A private vehicle transported the pickup driver to Hedrick Medical Center. The van driver was not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Savannah driven by a 28-year-old Pattonsburg man was northbound on Route Z eight miles south of Chillicothe.&nbsp; The van slid sideways, slid off the west side of the road and struck the driver side of a southbound 2010 Chevy Colorado driven by a 61-year-old Dawn man.A private vehicle transported the pickup driver to Hedrick Medical Center. The van driver was not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after van, pickup crash in the snow

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by a 40-year-old Braymer man was northbound on Route D just north of Ludlow. The pickup began to skid on the snow covered road. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and struck a tree.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by a 40-year-old Braymer man was northbound on Route D just north of Ludlow. The pickup began to skid on the snow covered road. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and struck a tree.A private vehicle transported the driver to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after pickup slides in the snow into tree

Last month, team owners from around the MINK League gathered for their annual meetings in Kansas City to prepare for the upcoming season.  

St. Joseph Mustangs General Manager and Owner Ky Turner is also the President of the MINK League.  Turner says among topics discussed, there was some exciting news 

"I can tell you there has been a shift in teams, but I’m really excited about the future of the MINK and where it will go,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

While the Sedalia Bombers and Jefferson City Renegades dropped out of the league, the league did add the North Missouri Natty's out of Kirksville as one team.  

Turner says he feels like the league is headed in a positive direction. 

"And that’s just not 2026, but 2027, 2028, and beyond,” Turner says.  “Just with the people who are a part of the league and the direction it’s heading, I think it’s really going to be a good thing.” 

There will be an announcement at a later date of a second team being added to the league.  The league is also preparing for a special year. 

Turner says the 2026 season marks the 30th year of the MINK League, after a group including former St. Joseph Saints owner Lyndon Black, started the league 

"Here in St. Joe, the St. Joseph Saints, actually first year for the MINK was 1996 and if my math is correct, and I don’t have to do the math because someone else told me and notified me, this is the 30th year of the MINK league,” Turner explains.  “Which I think is pretty awesome for a league like this, because you look around and there’s all kinds of leagues that are either stopping or new ones, and here we are since ‘96.” 

Turner says that is a big testament to the vision Black saw back in 1996 for collegiate summer baseball.   

The MINK will have announcements throughout the season celebrating the anniversary.  Turner says the league will do special thingsroughout the season.  One of those being celebrating historic players who played in the MINK 

Turner says many forget about some who have played in the MINK, using former Mustang and Missouri Western baseball player Grant Fink as an example 

"Grant got drafted, I believe we were in the middle of a game, so we had dto go tell Grant, it was so much fun to be able to do this, he walked off the field after being drafted to take off cause he was drafted by Cleveland,” Turner says.  “So, that was 2013, 2014, and now here we are roughly 10 years later and you turn on the Major League Baseball playoffs, wait a second that’s Grant Fink on TV he’s now their hitting coach, so maybe he’s not playing but he’s involved in Major League Baseball there.” 

Turner says then there's the Clarinda A's who had 44 players from their franchise who have played professionally, one notable alumnus being St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

The 2026 season will begin at the end of May.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLast month, team owners from around the MINK League gathered for their annual meetings in Kansas City to prepare for the upcoming season. St. Joseph Mustangs General Manager and Owner Ky Turner is also the President of the MINK League. Turner says among topics discussed, there was some exciting news "I can tell you there has been a shift in teams, but I’m really excited about the future of the MINK and where it will go,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. While the Sedalia Bombers and Jefferson City Renegades dropped out of the league, the league did add the North Missouri Natty's out of Kirksville as one team. Turner says he feels like the league is headed in a positive direction. "And that’s just not 2026, but 2027, 2028, and beyond,” Turner says. “Just with the people who are a part of the league and the direction it’s heading, I think it’s really going to be a good thing.” There will be an announcement at a later date of a second team being added to the league. The league is also preparing for a special year. Turner says the 2026 season marks the 30th year of the MINK League, after a group including former St. Joseph Saints owner Lyndon Black, started the league "Here in St. Joe, the St. Joseph Saints, actually first year for the MINK was 1996 and if my math is correct, and I don’t have to do the math because someone else told me and notified me, this is the 30th year of the MINK league,” Turner explains. “Which I think is pretty awesome for a league like this, because you look around and there’s all kinds of leagues that are either stopping or new ones, and here we are since ‘96.” Turner says that is a big testament to the vision Black saw back in 1996 for collegiate summer baseball. The MINK will have announcements throughout the season celebrating the anniversary. Turner says the league will do special thingsroughout the season. One of those being celebrating historic players who played in the MINK Turner says many forget about some who have played in the MINK, using former Mustang and Missouri Western baseball player Grant Fink as an example "Grant got drafted, I believe we were in the middle of a game, so we had dto go tell Grant, it was so much fun to be able to do this, he walked off the field after being drafted to take off cause he was drafted by Cleveland,” Turner says. “So, that was 2013, 2014, and now here we are roughly 10 years later and you turn on the Major League Baseball playoffs, wait a second that’s Grant Fink on TV he’s now their hitting coach, so maybe he’s not playing but he’s involved in Major League Baseball there.” Turner says then there's the Clarinda A's who had 44 players from their franchise who have played professionally, one notable alumnus being St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.The 2026 season will begin at the end of May.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MINK League preparing for special season in 2026 with new faces

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7uU5vLlr38gIutpXc6Svgf?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 MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6YopBpMK3JTcQOiPBVbrKx?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph Police are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in which no one was harmed.

St. Joseph Police report that around 1:30 this&nbsp; morning officers received a call of shots fired in the 3200 block of south 36th street.  When officers responded they found signs of a gun being fired.  No one was harmed, but a building had been struck by the gunfire.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in which no one was harmed.St. Joseph Police report that around 1:30 this&nbsp; morning officers received a call of shots fired in the 3200 block of south 36th street. When officers responded they found signs of a gun being fired. No one was harmed, but a building had been struck by the gunfire.The investigation continues.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Police investigating early Monday morning shooting

Expected winter weather has caused the St. Joseph School District to call for the cancellation of classes today.  

While all classes are cancelled, it will be an alternative method of instruction, or AMI day.  Students will will have remote learning.  Some after school activities may still occur.

The Helen Davis School will also be closed on Monday.

The Maryville School District has also called off classes today due to icy roads and the expected snowfall.&nbsp; Both the East Buchanan and North Platte School Districts will also not be in session. The Mid-Buchanan School District and King City School Districts are also not in holding classes on Monday.

West Platte School District will have classes cancelled for Monday.&nbsp; Cameron and Chillicothe Schools will also have hold classes due to the winter weather Monday.

Stanberry and Union Star have cancelled classes for Monday.

The&nbsp;Kansas- Prairie Hills school district will still hold classes but will have a two hour delay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Andrew County Senior Center has also announced that it will be closed today due to the winter weather

This list is being updated as we see schools come in

By MATT PIKEExpected winter weather has caused the St. Joseph School District to call for the cancellation of classes today. While all classes are cancelled, it will be an alternative method of instruction, or AMI day. Students will will have remote learning. Some after school activities may still occur.The Helen Davis School will also be closed on Monday.The Maryville School District has also called off classes today due to icy roads and the expected snowfall.&nbsp; Both the East Buchanan and North Platte School Districts will also not be in session. The Mid-Buchanan School District and King City School Districts are also not in holding classes on Monday.West Platte School District will have classes cancelled for Monday.&nbsp; Cameron and Chillicothe Schools will also have hold classes due to the winter weather Monday.Stanberry and Union Star have cancelled classes for Monday.The&nbsp;Kansas- Prairie Hills school district will still hold classes but will have a two hour delay.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Andrew County Senior Center has also announced that it will be closed today due to the winter weatherThis list is being updated as we see schools come inYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Winter weather cancelling school around the area

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations after a knife attack.

Just before 9:30p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 900 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 An investigation at the scene determined the disturbance had occurred between two 18-year old men known to each other. During the disturbance Zayden Walker used a knife to threaten the 18-year-old victim. The victim was cut on the arm. 

The victim refused medical treatment at the scene. Police took Walker&nbsp; into custody and he remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; criminal restraint, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and consumption of alcohol by an underage person. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764550597711.png" alt="Walker photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations after a knife attack.Just before 9:30p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 900 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation at the scene determined the disturbance had occurred between two 18-year old men known to each other. During the disturbance Zayden Walker used a knife to threaten the 18-year-old victim. The victim was cut on the arm. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene. Police took Walker&nbsp; into custody and he remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; criminal restraint, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and consumption of alcohol by an underage person.

Kansas teen jailed for alleged knife fight

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Two drivers avoided serious injury after a crash that occurred just before 10a.m. Sunday in Atchison.

Police Chief MikeWilson reported a&nbsp;2004 Dodge Ram driven by Richard Dyer, 63, Atchison, was northbound on 10th Street at Main Street in Atchison. The pickup rear-ended&nbsp; of a 2009 Ford Focus driven by Jessica Stecker, 37, Atchison. EMS was on the scene and examined both drivers but no one was transported. Dyer was cited for following too close. Stecker was cited for no insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764550784027.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Two drivers avoided serious injury after a crash that occurred just before 10a.m. Sunday in Atchison.Police Chief MikeWilson reported a&nbsp;2004 Dodge Ram driven by Richard Dyer, 63, Atchison, was northbound on 10th Street at Main Street in Atchison. The pickup rear-ended&nbsp; of a 2009 Ford Focus driven by Jessica Stecker, 37, Atchison. EMS was on the scene and examined both drivers but no one was transported. Dyer was cited for following too close. Stecker was cited for no insurance.

Both drivers cited after NE Kansas rear-end crash

The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill to extend subsidies for federal marketplace plans, but the fate of the bill is uncertain

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

Until last year, Roberta Ross-Fisher had never been in a hospital except to visit friends and family.

The self-employed higher education consultant from Franklin County was so diligent about cleaning her teeth she had a gum graft several years ago to repair where she overbrushed.

Then, on May 5, 2024, she received a phone call. She had cancer in her lower jaw.

She took time off work and underwent surgery to remove the cancer and reconstruct her mandible with bone from her fibula. Now in remission, she gets CT scans and sees her oncologist every few months.

“That’s non-negotiable, whether I have insurance or whether I don’t,” Ross-Fisher said.

What is also non-negotiable is the premium she’ll pay to remain in a health insurance plan she purchases through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">the federal marketplace</a>. This year, it’s $295 per month. Next year, if Congress extends current subsidies, it will be $479.&nbsp;

And if the subsidies go away Jan. 1, the price will be $1,216 per month, a 312% increase.

It is enough to give her pause, despite needing cancer follow-up care. Ross-Fisher in 2026 will qualify for Medicare, the federal insurance program for older and disabled adults.

“I’ve been having conversations with my husband,” she said. “What do I do? I’m now a cancer patient. Do I risk going for six months without insurance?”

The conversation Ross-Fisher is having with her husband is the same one being held in thousands of households across Missouri.

The open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans opened Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 16. For some, the extra costs for 2026 will mean they go without coverage.&nbsp;

Others may look for alternatives, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/16/lawmakers-approve-bill-exempting-missouri-farm-bureau-health-plans-from-federal-rules/">Missouri Farm Bureau</a>&nbsp;health coverage that does not qualify as an insurance plan under federal definitions. Backers promised it would be cheaper when lawmakers passed the law this year, but no one interested in buying into the plan will know if they will truly save money until it launches Jan. 1.

And the uncertainty makes financial planning more difficult for medical providers.

Care for people on marketplace plans represents about 2% of the revenue for University of Missouri Health Care, said Greg Damron, chief financial officer for MU Health Care in Columbia.&nbsp;

“That doesn’t sound like a lot,” Damron said, “but if you think about it, when you’re trying to get to a 4% margin or something, 2% of your revenues is kind of a big deal.”&nbsp;

For 43 days, Democrats in the U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">used the filibuster</a>&nbsp;to keep the federal government shut down in an effort to preserve the enhanced subsidies enacted as a&nbsp;<a href="https://source.washu.edu/2025/11/missouris-health-coverage-is-shifting-fast-washu-analysis-finds/" target="_blank">COVID-19 emergency measure</a>&nbsp;in 2021.&nbsp;

Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the actual premiums paid by lower-income people purchasing individual health plans through the federal marketplace were capped as a share of their income. At the lowest end of the income scale, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-25-25.pdf" target="_blank">cap was 2.1%</a>, rising to 9.96% for people between three and four times the federal poverty level, or between&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">$46,950 and $62,600</a>&nbsp;for a single person.

The enhanced subsidies reduced those caps so people at the lowest end paid no out-of-pocket premiums and no person purchasing an individual plan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-23-29.pdf" target="_blank">paid more than 8.5%</a>&nbsp;of their income.

The enhanced subsidies expire Dec. 31. The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill extending the subsidies, but there’s no promise of a similar vote in the U.S. House and no indication President Donald Trump would sign it if passed.

One result of the enhanced subsidies was dramatic growth in the number of Missourians covered by ACA plans at the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-medicaid-enrollment-continues-decline-down-200000-since-last-june/">Medicaid enrollment declined</a>&nbsp;as eligibility reviews began following a freeze tied to the COVID-19 emergency.

In 83% of Missouri counties, an&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">analysis from Washington University</a>&nbsp;shows, new enrollments in marketplace plans exceeded the decline in Medicaid enrollment.

“The rapid growth in marketplace enrollment likely was influenced by enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), which were passed in 2021 and significantly lowered the out-of-pocket premiums recipients pay for the marketplace plans,” the analysis states.&nbsp;

There are more than&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">417,000 people in Missouri</a>&nbsp;covered by marketplace plans, up from 257,000 in 2023. Faced with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/31/missouri-health-premiums-to-rise-as-much-as-30-for-2026-amid-uncertainty-over-subsidies/">double-digit increases</a>&nbsp;in base premiums and the loss of enhanced subsidies, many may drop health insurance entirely.

“Without that premium support, the belief out there is that it’s largely going to hit younger, lower-income people,” Damron said. “They’re likely going to be the folks that also decide to opt out of insurance coverage altogether.”

Small businesses that provide health insurance are also facing tough choices — whether to pass more costs to employees or stop offering coverage altogether, said Brad Jones, Missouri lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The small group rates approved this fall by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance show&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.mo.gov/sites/insurance/files/2025-10/Public%20posting%20-%20Final%202026%20Rates.pdf" target="_blank">average increases of 10% to 19%</a>&nbsp;for 2026.

“For a business with seven or eight employees, it is like buying a suit off the rack,” Jones said. “They don’t have any negotiating power.”

For almost 40 years, the cost of health insurance has been No. 1 among the “10 most severe problems for small business owners” identified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/2024-Small-Business-Problems-Priorities.pdf" target="_blank">National Federation of Independent Businesses</a>.

Conducted every four years, the Small Business Problems and Priorities survey ranks 75 issues facing businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The cost of health insurance was cited as an issue by 41% of employers, more than 20 percentage points higher than the second problem on the list, the cost of inventory and supplies.

In 2000, the report shows, almost half of all small businesses offered health insurance, with an average annual cost of about $2,600 per employee. Now, with the average cost greater than $8,000 per employee, fewer than one in three small employers provide coverage.

“When premiums go up, there are hard decisions that have to be made,” Jones said. “Deductibles go up to keep costs down. There are a number of things businesses try to do and not drop it all together.”

The smallest businesses may not survive if owners decide to seek employment that provides health coverage, said Marie Murphree, executive director of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We might start seeing some of those go away,” said Murphree, who estimated that a fifth of the about 300 businesses in her chamber are individual entrepreneurs.

Higher premiums could be especially damaging in rural areas, Murphree said, where “we already see businesses who struggle to recruit people.”&nbsp;

“Now one of the recruitment tools that you have,” she said, “you really can no longer offer, because it’s out of your ability to afford it.”

Rob Gilligan, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said the “vast majority” of the chamber’s 800 members have 50 employees or less. While he said they’d like to offer insurance to employees, the cost can be “prohibitive” with fewer staff to share costs.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers an insurance plan to businesses with fewer than 50 employees allowing them to pool together to share risk and ideally get more competitive rates.

Gilligan said that while some small business owners have expressed that they will be looking at higher deductible plans in anticipation of much higher premiums this year, they’ve already had to adapt to rising insurance costs in recent years.

“You just know that the cost of health is one of those things that’s going to continue to rise,” said Gilligan, whose chamber offers insurance to its employees. “We just have to kind of know that every year we’re going to look at that as something that we need to plan for and adapt to.”

The Affordable Care Act mandates that every plan offered by an employer and every plan on the health care marketplace provide minimum essential coverage. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/essential-health-benefits/" target="_blank">10 essential benefits</a>&nbsp;range from hospitalization and office visits to maternity care, mental health treatments and preventive tests.

This year, legislators passed a law allowing the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer coverage that does not include all 10 benefits.&nbsp;

Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents said, are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy an individual plan on the marketplace or make too much money to qualify for subsidies.

Members will be able to start buying plans on Jan. 2, with coverage set to begin Feb. 1, said Garrett Hawkins, president of the Farm Bureau. The website will be available starting Dec. 1, he said.

That will leave only about 15 days remaining in the open enrollment period for prospective purchasers to decide if they will sign up with the Farm Bureau, buy a marketplace plan or go without coverage.

Because prospective purchasers will choose from a menu of services, the price for each plan must be individually quoted, Hawkins said.

“We’re working feverishly to get the plan up and running,” Hawkins said, “but we’re just not quite there yet.”&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which partners with for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members.&nbsp;

To buy Farm Bureau health coverage, a person has to be a member for 30 days. Anyone can join — the fee is $30 per year.

So far, Hawkins said, the new coverage does not seem to be driving an increase in membership. There are several hundred members who have indicated they are interested in getting a quote, he said.

Once the plan starts accepting applications, Hawkins said, there will be no “open enrollment” period. The coverage will be available for purchase at any time.

Hawkins has big ambitions for the coverage. Affordable health coverage can mean more people will stay in farming and pass their land on to a new generation.

“My goal is that this helps bring young people home to the farm,” Hawkins said. “My hope is it will allow a spouse to return home to the farm who is working off the farm solely to get benefits for the family.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764511533908.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill to extend subsidies for federal marketplace plans, but the fate of the bill is uncertain</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Until last year, Roberta Ross-Fisher had never been in a hospital except to visit friends and family.The self-employed higher education consultant from Franklin County was so diligent about cleaning her teeth she had a gum graft several years ago to repair where she overbrushed.Then, on May 5, 2024, she received a phone call. She had cancer in her lower jaw.She took time off work and underwent surgery to remove the cancer and reconstruct her mandible with bone from her fibula. Now in remission, she gets CT scans and sees her oncologist every few months.“That’s non-negotiable, whether I have insurance or whether I don’t,” Ross-Fisher said.What is also non-negotiable is the premium she’ll pay to remain in a health insurance plan she purchases through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">the federal marketplace</a>. This year, it’s $295 per month. Next year, if Congress extends current subsidies, it will be $479.&nbsp;And if the subsidies go away Jan. 1, the price will be $1,216 per month, a 312% increase.It is enough to give her pause, despite needing cancer follow-up care. Ross-Fisher in 2026 will qualify for Medicare, the federal insurance program for older and disabled adults.“I’ve been having conversations with my husband,” she said. “What do I do? I’m now a cancer patient. Do I risk going for six months without insurance?”The conversation Ross-Fisher is having with her husband is the same one being held in thousands of households across Missouri.The open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans opened Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 16. For some, the extra costs for 2026 will mean they go without coverage.&nbsp;Others may look for alternatives, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/16/lawmakers-approve-bill-exempting-missouri-farm-bureau-health-plans-from-federal-rules/">Missouri Farm Bureau</a>&nbsp;health coverage that does not qualify as an insurance plan under federal definitions. Backers promised it would be cheaper when lawmakers passed the law this year, but no one interested in buying into the plan will know if they will truly save money until it launches Jan. 1.And the uncertainty makes financial planning more difficult for medical providers.Care for people on marketplace plans represents about 2% of the revenue for University of Missouri Health Care, said Greg Damron, chief financial officer for MU Health Care in Columbia.&nbsp;“That doesn’t sound like a lot,” Damron said, “but if you think about it, when you’re trying to get to a 4% margin or something, 2% of your revenues is kind of a big deal.”&nbsp;<h2>Enhanced subsidies</h2>For 43 days, Democrats in the U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">used the filibuster</a>&nbsp;to keep the federal government shut down in an effort to preserve the enhanced subsidies enacted as a&nbsp;<a href="https://source.washu.edu/2025/11/missouris-health-coverage-is-shifting-fast-washu-analysis-finds/" target="_blank">COVID-19 emergency measure</a>&nbsp;in 2021.&nbsp;Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the actual premiums paid by lower-income people purchasing individual health plans through the federal marketplace were capped as a share of their income. At the lowest end of the income scale, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-25-25.pdf" target="_blank">cap was 2.1%</a>, rising to 9.96% for people between three and four times the federal poverty level, or between&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">$46,950 and $62,600</a>&nbsp;for a single person.The enhanced subsidies reduced those caps so people at the lowest end paid no out-of-pocket premiums and no person purchasing an individual plan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-23-29.pdf" target="_blank">paid more than 8.5%</a>&nbsp;of their income.The enhanced subsidies expire Dec. 31. The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill extending the subsidies, but there’s no promise of a similar vote in the U.S. House and no indication President Donald Trump would sign it if passed.One result of the enhanced subsidies was dramatic growth in the number of Missourians covered by ACA plans at the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-medicaid-enrollment-continues-decline-down-200000-since-last-june/">Medicaid enrollment declined</a>&nbsp;as eligibility reviews began following a freeze tied to the COVID-19 emergency.In 83% of Missouri counties, an&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">analysis from Washington University</a>&nbsp;shows, new enrollments in marketplace plans exceeded the decline in Medicaid enrollment.“The rapid growth in marketplace enrollment likely was influenced by enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), which were passed in 2021 and significantly lowered the out-of-pocket premiums recipients pay for the marketplace plans,” the analysis states.&nbsp;There are more than&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">417,000 people in Missouri</a>&nbsp;covered by marketplace plans, up from 257,000 in 2023. Faced with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/31/missouri-health-premiums-to-rise-as-much-as-30-for-2026-amid-uncertainty-over-subsidies/">double-digit increases</a>&nbsp;in base premiums and the loss of enhanced subsidies, many may drop health insurance entirely.“Without that premium support, the belief out there is that it’s largely going to hit younger, lower-income people,” Damron said. “They’re likely going to be the folks that also decide to opt out of insurance coverage altogether.”<h2>Small business worries</h2>Small businesses that provide health insurance are also facing tough choices — whether to pass more costs to employees or stop offering coverage altogether, said Brad Jones, Missouri lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.The small group rates approved this fall by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance show&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.mo.gov/sites/insurance/files/2025-10/Public%20posting%20-%20Final%202026%20Rates.pdf" target="_blank">average increases of 10% to 19%</a>&nbsp;for 2026.“For a business with seven or eight employees, it is like buying a suit off the rack,” Jones said. “They don’t have any negotiating power.”For almost 40 years, the cost of health insurance has been No. 1 among the “10 most severe problems for small business owners” identified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/2024-Small-Business-Problems-Priorities.pdf" target="_blank">National Federation of Independent Businesses</a>.Conducted every four years, the Small Business Problems and Priorities survey ranks 75 issues facing businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The cost of health insurance was cited as an issue by 41% of employers, more than 20 percentage points higher than the second problem on the list, the cost of inventory and supplies.In 2000, the report shows, almost half of all small businesses offered health insurance, with an average annual cost of about $2,600 per employee. Now, with the average cost greater than $8,000 per employee, fewer than one in three small employers provide coverage.“When premiums go up, there are hard decisions that have to be made,” Jones said. “Deductibles go up to keep costs down. There are a number of things businesses try to do and not drop it all together.”The smallest businesses may not survive if owners decide to seek employment that provides health coverage, said Marie Murphree, executive director of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.“We might start seeing some of those go away,” said Murphree, who estimated that a fifth of the about 300 businesses in her chamber are individual entrepreneurs.Higher premiums could be especially damaging in rural areas, Murphree said, where “we already see businesses who struggle to recruit people.”&nbsp;“Now one of the recruitment tools that you have,” she said, “you really can no longer offer, because it’s out of your ability to afford it.”Rob Gilligan, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said the “vast majority” of the chamber’s 800 members have 50 employees or less. While he said they’d like to offer insurance to employees, the cost can be “prohibitive” with fewer staff to share costs.The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers an insurance plan to businesses with fewer than 50 employees allowing them to pool together to share risk and ideally get more competitive rates.Gilligan said that while some small business owners have expressed that they will be looking at higher deductible plans in anticipation of much higher premiums this year, they’ve already had to adapt to rising insurance costs in recent years.“You just know that the cost of health is one of those things that’s going to continue to rise,” said Gilligan, whose chamber offers insurance to its employees. “We just have to kind of know that every year we’re going to look at that as something that we need to plan for and adapt to.”<h2>Farm Bureau alternative</h2>The Affordable Care Act mandates that every plan offered by an employer and every plan on the health care marketplace provide minimum essential coverage. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/essential-health-benefits/" target="_blank">10 essential benefits</a>&nbsp;range from hospitalization and office visits to maternity care, mental health treatments and preventive tests.This year, legislators passed a law allowing the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer coverage that does not include all 10 benefits.&nbsp;Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents said, are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy an individual plan on the marketplace or make too much money to qualify for subsidies.Members will be able to start buying plans on Jan. 2, with coverage set to begin Feb. 1, said Garrett Hawkins, president of the Farm Bureau. The website will be available starting Dec. 1, he said.That will leave only about 15 days remaining in the open enrollment period for prospective purchasers to decide if they will sign up with the Farm Bureau, buy a marketplace plan or go without coverage.Because prospective purchasers will choose from a menu of services, the price for each plan must be individually quoted, Hawkins said.“We’re working feverishly to get the plan up and running,” Hawkins said, “but we’re just not quite there yet.”&nbsp;The Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which partners with for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members.&nbsp;To buy Farm Bureau health coverage, a person has to be a member for 30 days. Anyone can join — the fee is $30 per year.So far, Hawkins said, the new coverage does not seem to be driving an increase in membership. There are several hundred members who have indicated they are interested in getting a quote, he said.Once the plan starts accepting applications, Hawkins said, there will be no “open enrollment” period. The coverage will be available for purchase at any time.Hawkins has big ambitions for the coverage. Affordable health coverage can mean more people will stay in farming and pass their land on to a new generation.“My goal is that this helps bring young people home to the farm,” Hawkins said. “My hope is it will allow a spouse to return home to the farm who is working off the farm solely to get benefits for the family.”<h2>A tough choice</h2>Ross-Fisher said the insurance plan she purchased on the federal marketplace established by the 2010 Affordable Care Act was a “godsend” during her cancer treatment.&nbsp;And when her business suffered during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the enhanced premium tax credits passed by Congress in 2021 had kept insurance coverage within reach for her and her husband and allowed her to keep working for herself.With those tax credits set to expire, Ross-Fisher is again considering giving up her business for a job with benefits.Most people turning 65 are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/who-is-eligible-for-medicare/index.html" target="_blank">eligible for Medicare</a>, which has its own premiums for the various coverages offered. For Ross-Fisher, the nearness of her 65th birthday in 2026 makes it tempting to drop coverage.And before her cancer, she said, she would have chanced those six months.&nbsp;Now she’s leaning toward seeking full-time work.“That would mean the end of my consulting business, which I dearly love,” she wrote in an email, “but under the circumstances I think it would be the most financially prudent thing to do.”

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