BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

OVERLAND PARK — Weather enthusiasts across the Plains are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/02/04/oklahoma-house-advances-controversial-bill-giving-some-storm-chasers-emergency-vehicle-status/" target="_blank">a proposed Oklahoma bill</a>&nbsp;that they fear could empower some storm chasers over others.

Oklahoma Rep. Scott Fetgatter introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2426&amp;Session=2500" target="_blank">House Bill 2426</a>&nbsp;last month to create a special license that would allow personnel from legacy TV stations and weather researchers affiliated with specified universities operating around severe thunderstorms, to act as emergency responders in the immediate aftermath of a tornado.

The Oklahoma House Business Committee passed the bill on Feb. 4. If it becomes law, the measure would allow licensed storm chasers to affix flashing lights on their vehicles, giving them right-of-way through red lights and on closed roads. The storm tracker license would cost about $500 with a renewal fee of $250. In a statement, Fetgatter, a Republican from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, said the bill is still a work in progress.

WeatherNation meteorologist and storm chaser Erik Fox said he is actively trying to kill the bill because it could potentially create “some constitutional issues” from people simply watching the weather, although he understands the need for enhanced road safety measures as more people pursue storms.

“When I started chasing, I was lucky to see maybe five chasers on any storm,” Fox said. “Now it’s more like 20 to 30.”

Roughly 5,000 people across the country and internationally come to the Great Plains every year to chase storms. Alongside the growing number of chasers is the higher likelihood of them encountering damaged structures and injured people because of their proximity to a storm.

Nemaha County emergency management director and storm chaser Eddie Aldrine said anybody who wants to learn about storm chasing should also take a CPR class and “get to know your first aid kit.”

“Having the knowledge to save your life or someone else’s life is paramount because you may be the only help for miles around, due to the rural environments storm chasers normally operate in,” Aldrine said.

Aldrine taught a first aid class at the National Storm Chaser Summit, which took place Feb. 14-16 in Overland Park. Previous storm chaser conventions were held in Dallas, Denver, and Oklahoma City.

The event was originally called ChaserCon and was created in 2002 by storm chasers Tim Samaras and Roger Hill to provide an opportunity for weather enthusiasts to gather and share stories about their chases. Fox went to his first ChaserCon in 2008 and said he made some lifelong friends there.

Severe weather researcher Tim Samaras, along with his son, Paul, and their friend, Carl Young, were killed in 2013 by a 2.6-mile-wide multi-vortex tornado near El Reno, Oklahoma. Following their deaths, the convention morphed from a loosely organized social party with a couple of speakers into a professional education and networking-focused event with two days of presentations.

Fox is now president and founder of the chaser summit.

“I vowed when I took it over I was going to move it around to give everybody a chance to attend,” Fox said. “The Overland Park area has a very, very huge chaser contingent.”

This is the second year the summit has sold out of tickets, as interest in both severe weather and storm chasing continues to grow following the 2024 release of “Twisters,” a sequel to the 1996 Hollywood film “Twister,” which popularized storm chasing and studying tornadoes.

Kansans have other opportunities to learn more about severe weather this spring. National Weather Service meteorologists across the state are preparing for storm spotter talks, which are held annually in all 105 Kansas counties.

Spotter presentations began earlier in February in Labette and Neosho counties. Schedules for the spotter talks can be found on individual National Weather Service sites for<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/2025spottertalks" target="_blank">&nbsp;Dodge City</a>,<a href="https://www.weather.gov/gld/2025StormSpotterTrainingSchedule" target="_blank">&nbsp;Goodland</a>,<a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c82156f248964163b87ff425aad288d1" target="_blank">&nbsp;Topeka</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/spottertalks" target="_blank">&nbsp;Wichita</a>.

A virtual spotter training program is also offered through the NWS Topeka office. It will take place March 17. People interested in the virtual program<a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4811465527032641113" target="_blank">&nbsp;can register online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740152975847.png" alt=" Storm chasers watch rotating clouds hovering over in May 2024 in Gove and Ness counties in western Kansas. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Storm chasers watch rotating clouds hovering over in May 2024 in Gove and Ness counties in western Kansas. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>OVERLAND PARK — Weather enthusiasts across the Plains are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/02/04/oklahoma-house-advances-controversial-bill-giving-some-storm-chasers-emergency-vehicle-status/" target="_blank">a proposed Oklahoma bill</a>&nbsp;that they fear could empower some storm chasers over others.Oklahoma Rep. Scott Fetgatter introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2426&amp;Session=2500" target="_blank">House Bill 2426</a>&nbsp;last month to create a special license that would allow personnel from legacy TV stations and weather researchers affiliated with specified universities operating around severe thunderstorms, to act as emergency responders in the immediate aftermath of a tornado.The Oklahoma House Business Committee passed the bill on Feb. 4. If it becomes law, the measure would allow licensed storm chasers to affix flashing lights on their vehicles, giving them right-of-way through red lights and on closed roads. The storm tracker license would cost about $500 with a renewal fee of $250. In a statement, Fetgatter, a Republican from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, said the bill is still a work in progress.WeatherNation meteorologist and storm chaser Erik Fox said he is actively trying to kill the bill because it could potentially create “some constitutional issues” from people simply watching the weather, although he understands the need for enhanced road safety measures as more people pursue storms.“When I started chasing, I was lucky to see maybe five chasers on any storm,” Fox said. “Now it’s more like 20 to 30.”Roughly 5,000 people across the country and internationally come to the Great Plains every year to chase storms. Alongside the growing number of chasers is the higher likelihood of them encountering damaged structures and injured people because of their proximity to a storm.Nemaha County emergency management director and storm chaser Eddie Aldrine said anybody who wants to learn about storm chasing should also take a CPR class and “get to know your first aid kit.”“Having the knowledge to save your life or someone else’s life is paramount because you may be the only help for miles around, due to the rural environments storm chasers normally operate in,” Aldrine said.Aldrine taught a first aid class at the National Storm Chaser Summit, which took place Feb. 14-16 in Overland Park. Previous storm chaser conventions were held in Dallas, Denver, and Oklahoma City.The event was originally called ChaserCon and was created in 2002 by storm chasers Tim Samaras and Roger Hill to provide an opportunity for weather enthusiasts to gather and share stories about their chases. Fox went to his first ChaserCon in 2008 and said he made some lifelong friends there.Severe weather researcher Tim Samaras, along with his son, Paul, and their friend, Carl Young, were killed in 2013 by a 2.6-mile-wide multi-vortex tornado near El Reno, Oklahoma. Following their deaths, the convention morphed from a loosely organized social party with a couple of speakers into a professional education and networking-focused event with two days of presentations.Fox is now president and founder of the chaser summit.“I vowed when I took it over I was going to move it around to give everybody a chance to attend,” Fox said. “The Overland Park area has a very, very huge chaser contingent.”This is the second year the summit has sold out of tickets, as interest in both severe weather and storm chasing continues to grow following the 2024 release of “Twisters,” a sequel to the 1996 Hollywood film “Twister,” which popularized storm chasing and studying tornadoes.Kansans have other opportunities to learn more about severe weather this spring. National Weather Service meteorologists across the state are preparing for storm spotter talks, which are held annually in all 105 Kansas counties.Spotter presentations began earlier in February in Labette and Neosho counties. Schedules for the spotter talks can be found on individual National Weather Service sites for<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/2025spottertalks" target="_blank">&nbsp;Dodge City</a>,<a href="https://www.weather.gov/gld/2025StormSpotterTrainingSchedule" target="_blank">&nbsp;Goodland</a>,<a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c82156f248964163b87ff425aad288d1" target="_blank">&nbsp;Topeka</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/spottertalks" target="_blank">&nbsp;Wichita</a>.A virtual spotter training program is also offered through the NWS Topeka office. It will take place March 17. People interested in the virtual program<a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4811465527032641113" target="_blank">&nbsp;can register online</a>.

Storm chasers concerned about potential Oklahoma ‘tracker’ bill as chasing grows in popularity

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/eganward/">EGAN WARD</a>

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a motion to intervene in a class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods on Tuesday.

If granted, Bailey’s involvement will allow him access to confidential documents currently being withheld by Tyson Foods and key depositions taken by the prosecuting attorneys. Bailey aims to join the suit through permissive intervention, which will require the court to approve.

The case, which is being processed in New Madrid County, began when four farmers under contract with Tyson sued after the closure of a chicken processing plant in Dexter. The case, first filed in December 2023, alleges that Tyson breached the farmers’ contracts, leaving them with millions of dollars in debt.

The lawsuit also claims Tyson intentionally sold the plant to a noncompetitor, Cal-Maine Foods, in order to cut chicken supply and raise market prices.

An investigation by the Watchdog Writers Group, in partnership with Investigate Midwest, revealed that Tyson closely coordinated with Cal-Maine Foods in the sale of the Dexter plant, including attempts to prevent farmers from seeking legal remedies over the broken contracts.

The case has caught the attention of Missouri politicians. Following the November 2023 plant closure, Bailey sent a letter to Tyson CEO Donnie King, where he stated that it is “paramount that you do everything in your power to either keep the facilities open or sell to any interested party, including a competitor.”

In July 2024, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley sent a public letter to King, which claimed that the CEO deliberately misled him and others by assuring them that the company would sell to a noncompetitor. Three days later, Bailey announced on social platform X his intent to join as a party in the lawsuit.

Tyson has produced 1,325 documents during the lawsuit, of which all but three remain confidential. The plaintiff’s attorneys, Brandon Boulware and Russell Oliver, have argued that Tyson is concealing evidence to break the law.

If allowed to join the case, Bailey’s status as attorney general could put pressure on Tyson.

“We are grateful for the support from the state of Missouri,” Boulware said. “Tyson Foods owes them answers, especially its farmers.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-asks-to-join-class-action-lawsuit-against-tyson-foods/article_51df9bc4-efbf-11ef-b28c-9303a3e23abe.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718109201152.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/eganward/">EGAN WARD</a>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a motion to intervene in a class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods on Tuesday.If granted, Bailey’s involvement will allow him access to confidential documents currently being withheld by Tyson Foods and key depositions taken by the prosecuting attorneys. Bailey aims to join the suit through permissive intervention, which will require the court to approve.The case, which is being processed in New Madrid County, began when four farmers under contract with Tyson sued after the closure of a chicken processing plant in Dexter. The case, first filed in December 2023, alleges that Tyson breached the farmers’ contracts, leaving them with millions of dollars in debt.The lawsuit also claims Tyson intentionally sold the plant to a noncompetitor, Cal-Maine Foods, in order to cut chicken supply and raise market prices.An investigation by the Watchdog Writers Group, in partnership with Investigate Midwest, revealed that Tyson closely coordinated with Cal-Maine Foods in the sale of the Dexter plant, including attempts to prevent farmers from seeking legal remedies over the broken contracts.The case has caught the attention of Missouri politicians. Following the November 2023 plant closure, Bailey sent a letter to Tyson CEO Donnie King, where he stated that it is “paramount that you do everything in your power to either keep the facilities open or sell to any interested party, including a competitor.”In July 2024, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley sent a public letter to King, which claimed that the CEO deliberately misled him and others by assuring them that the company would sell to a noncompetitor. Three days later, Bailey announced on social platform X his intent to join as a party in the lawsuit.Tyson has produced 1,325 documents during the lawsuit, of which all but three remain confidential. The plaintiff’s attorneys, Brandon Boulware and Russell Oliver, have argued that Tyson is concealing evidence to break the law.If allowed to join the case, Bailey’s status as attorney general could put pressure on Tyson.“We are grateful for the support from the state of Missouri,” Boulware said. “Tyson Foods owes them answers, especially its farmers.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-asks-to-join-class-action-lawsuit-against-tyson-foods/article_51df9bc4-efbf-11ef-b28c-9303a3e23abe.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri AG seeks to join class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods

Significant updates to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act take effect on January 1, 2025, bringing changes that affect Private Pesticide Applicators who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). The Missouri Department of Agriculture has introduced new certification requirements and licensing regulations to ensure proper handling and application of pesticides.

Private Pesticide Certification is now classified under Category 20, with additional categories introduced:

For example, growers who apply grain fumigants will need Category 20 certification but must also obtain certification in Category 22 to purchase and apply grain fumigants legally.

Previously, Private Applicators could supervise employees using RUPs. Under the new regulations, this is no longer permitted. If a grower has employees mixing, loading, spraying, cleaning equipment, storing, or disposing of pesticide containers involving RUPs, those employees must now obtain a Category 20 Private Pesticide Certified License to continue those activities legally.

Certified Provisional Private Applicator License

A new Certified Provisional Private Applicator License has been introduced for individuals 16 or 17 years old who are immediate family members of a certified Private Applicator. Upon turning 18, these individuals will automatically become Private Pesticide Certified Applicators.

If a Private Pesticide License has not yet expired, the holder may continue using Restricted Use Pesticides until the expiration date. However, recertification under the new laws will be required upon expiration. Licenses will continue to be valid for five years.

Significant updates to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act take effect on January 1, 2025, bringing changes that affect Private Pesticide Applicators who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). The Missouri Department of Agriculture has introduced new certification requirements and licensing regulations to ensure proper handling and application of pesticides.New Certification CategoriesPrivate Pesticide Certification is now classified under Category 20, with additional categories introduced:<ul>
 <li>Category 21 – Soil Fumigation</li><li>Category 22 – Non-soil Fumigation</li><li>Category 23 – Aerial Application</li>
 </ul>For example, growers who apply grain fumigants will need Category 20 certification but must also obtain certification in Category 22 to purchase and apply grain fumigants legally.Supervision Rules Have ChangedPreviously, Private Applicators could supervise employees using RUPs. Under the new regulations, this is no longer permitted. If a grower has employees mixing, loading, spraying, cleaning equipment, storing, or disposing of pesticide containers involving RUPs, those employees must now obtain a Category 20 Private Pesticide Certified License to continue those activities legally.Certified Provisional Private Applicator LicenseA new Certified Provisional Private Applicator License has been introduced for individuals 16 or 17 years old who are immediate family members of a certified Private Applicator. Upon turning 18, these individuals will automatically become Private Pesticide Certified Applicators.License Expiration and RenewalIf a Private Pesticide License has not yet expired, the holder may continue using Restricted Use Pesticides until the expiration date. However, recertification under the new laws will be required upon expiration. Licenses will continue to be valid for five years.

Changes to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act (Impact Private Pesticide Applicators)

St. Joseph Police are asking residents to help fight crime by registering their household cameras into a database.  

Sergeant Jeremy Peters says the database registry will show officers where registered cameras are in the area of any active investigations and adds it's easy to register your home 

"Basically it's a few clicks on our web interface, you get to tell us if you like what your address is, where your cameras are, and what direction they face," Peters tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And in the event that we're canvassing neighborhoods in the early morning hours on a crime scene, we can already pull up a camera map and see what camera angles may be applicable to what we're looking into" 

Peters says when investigators go out to a crime scene, they look for these cameras that might have angles that could help in an investigation, but... 

"If we get this rolled out correctly and have enough cooperation, we can just pull up a map and already have all these locations figured out ahead of time," Peters explains.  "Have people's contact information ahead of time and we can just reach out and save a lot of time that way, we can also make it to where video can be shared with us via a link, and then we don't even have to physically go to somebody's location necessarily." 

Peters says it's NOT mandatory to register your camera, and says that if you are registered the police will NOT use it to access your camera 

"Just because you register with us does not mean that we can just pull up your cameras anytime we want," Peters says.  "This is just a name, address database so we can contact you if we need to, you're not giving us some kind of unfiltered access to your camera system or anything of that effect." 

If you are interested in registering, you can click <a href="https://polaris.cameraregistry.net/registry/stjosephmopolice">HERE</a>.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Police are asking residents to help fight crime by registering their household cameras into a database. Sergeant Jeremy Peters says the database registry will show officers where registered cameras are in the area of any active investigations and adds it's easy to register your home "Basically it's a few clicks on our web interface, you get to tell us if you like what your address is, where your cameras are, and what direction they face," Peters tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And in the event that we're canvassing neighborhoods in the early morning hours on a crime scene, we can already pull up a camera map and see what camera angles may be applicable to what we're looking into" Peters says when investigators go out to a crime scene, they look for these cameras that might have angles that could help in an investigation, but... "If we get this rolled out correctly and have enough cooperation, we can just pull up a map and already have all these locations figured out ahead of time," Peters explains. "Have people's contact information ahead of time and we can just reach out and save a lot of time that way, we can also make it to where video can be shared with us via a link, and then we don't even have to physically go to somebody's location necessarily." Peters says it's NOT mandatory to register your camera, and says that if you are registered the police will NOT use it to access your camera "Just because you register with us does not mean that we can just pull up your cameras anytime we want," Peters says. "This is just a name, address database so we can contact you if we need to, you're not giving us some kind of unfiltered access to your camera system or anything of that effect." If you are interested in registering, you can click <a href="https://polaris.cameraregistry.net/registry/stjosephmopolice">HERE</a>. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

SJPD requesting help from citizens with household cameras to keep community safe

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Aspiring gardeners can soon expand their knowledge through the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training program, offered at two locations along the U.S. 36 corridor this spring.

The sessions, running March 4 through April 17, will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at two locations:

The Extension Master Gardener program, established in Missouri in 1983, provides in-depth horticultural training for those looking to share their expertise with their communities. Participants will learn about soil health, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental and herbaceous plants, propagation, pest management, and environmental stewardship.

EMG volunteers support MU Extension by sharing research-based gardening information, answering questions, teaching through demonstration gardens, donating produce, and serving as community speakers. To earn certification, participants must complete 36 hours of training and contribute 30 hours of volunteer service.

For more information, visit extension.missouri.edu.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Aspiring gardeners can soon expand their knowledge through the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training program, offered at two locations along the U.S. 36 corridor this spring.The sessions, running March 4 through April 17, will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at two locations:<ul>
 <li>Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the MU Extension office in Buchanan County, St. Joseph</li><li>6 to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Cameron</li>
 </ul>The Extension Master Gardener program, established in Missouri in 1983, provides in-depth horticultural training for those looking to share their expertise with their communities. Participants will learn about soil health, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental and herbaceous plants, propagation, pest management, and environmental stewardship.EMG volunteers support MU Extension by sharing research-based gardening information, answering questions, teaching through demonstration gardens, donating produce, and serving as community speakers. To earn certification, participants must complete 36 hours of training and contribute 30 hours of volunteer service.Registration deadlines:<ul>
 <li>Cameron session: <a href="https://extension.missouri.edu/events/2025-extension-master-gardener-training-cameron-mo">Register here</a> by March 4</li><li>St. Joseph session: <a href="https://extension.missouri.edu/events/2025-master-gardener-training-buchanan-and-surrounding-counties">Register here</a> by March 4</li>
 </ul>For more information, visit extension.missouri.edu.

MU Extension to Offer Master Gardener Training in St. Joseph, Cameron

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.

The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740162497158.jpeg" alt="Try Hockey For Free.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Try Hockey For Free.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Try Hockey For FREE

Inspirations Dance Academy of Savannah recently won big at a
national competition held in Kansas City.

Inspirations Dance Academy Competition Team won the 2025
Platinum Power Award and Top Recreational Studio at Platinum National Dance
Competition held recently at Kansas City Music Hall.

Miss Mary's Garden earned a Platinum and First Place
Overall.

Miss Mary’s Garden features the entire team, Addison
Workman, Alexia Collings, Avery Davies, Billie Clardy, Charley Phillips,
Elizabeth Ingersoll, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Hayvin Irwin, Hope Zahnd,
Izzy Naber, Josie Combs, Kylie Madget, Marleigh Weichinger, Mercy Zahnd, Meredith
Weichinger, Miley Ward, Olivia Campbell, Payton Campbell, Piper Thompson, and
Zoie Beaman.

The routine, created by Mary Ingersoll and Raychel Baker, won
a Choreography Award. The judges also chose it for most entertaining routine of
the entire weekend, The Platinum Power Award.

The studio also won Top Recreational Studio.

The group won other awards at the competition as well.

Dreaming, a Large Group Jazz, featuring Addison Workman,
Billie Clardy, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Marleigh
Weichinger, Mercy Zahnd, Miley Ward, and Zoie Beaman, earned a Platinum,
Champion of the Category and First Place Overall.

Charley Phillips, Elizabeth Ingersoll, Josie Combs, Olivia
Campbell, Payton Campbell, and Piper Thompson, performed a Jazz Small Group,
Let It Grow, earning a Special Judges Award, “Super Stars”, and a High Gold.

Forgotten Stuffies, an Acro-Gymnastics Group featuring
Addison Workman, Avery Davies, Billie Clardy, Charley Phillips, Elizabeth
Ingersoll, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Hayvin Irwin, Hope Zahnd, Miley Ward,
Meredith Weichinger and Zoie Beaman, earned a Special Judges Award, “Creative
Concept”, and High Gold.

Grow As We Go, Lyrical Group, Alexia Collings, Avery Davies,
Billie Clardy, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Payton Campbell, Special Judges Award,
“Beauty and Grace”, High Gold.

I Feel the Earth Move, a Tap Group, featuring Grayson Wise,
Harper Werner, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Payton Campbell, and Piper Thompson
earned High Gold.

Miley Ward performed her Jazz solo, I Don't Like to Show
Off, earning a Platinum and Eighth Place Overall.

Izzy Naber, with her Musical Theatre solo, You Can't Stop
the Beat, earned a special Judges award, “Broadway Baby”, High Gold, and
Champion of the Category.&nbsp;

Harper Werner &amp; Kylie Madget, performed their Jazz duet,
I'll Be There For You, earning a Special Judges Award, “Dynamic Duo” and High
Gold.

Billie Clardy, Elizabeth Ingersoll, and Josie Combs,
performed a Jazz Trio, You Can Tell She's A Princess, earning a Special Judges
Award, “Princess Squad” and High Gold.

Alexia Collings &amp; Zoie Beaman, performed a Jazz Duo,
Take on the World, and earned a Platinum.&nbsp;

Piper Thompson's Tap Solo, Shake a Tailfeather, earned a
High Gold and Champion of Category.

Grayson Wise's Open Solo, Let's Go Crazy, earned High Gold
&amp; Champion of Category.&nbsp;

Additional Solo &amp; Duo results included:

Billie Clardy, B.E.A.T, Acro-Gymnastics, High Gold;

Harper Werner, Rock Star, Open, High Gold;

Kylie Madget, Ready or Not, Open, High Gold;

Avery Davies, Where the Wild Things Are, Open, Gold;

Elizabeth Ingersoll, I Got You, Acro-Gymnastics, High Gold;

Grayson Wise and Izzy Naber, Macarena, Tap, High Gold;

Avery Davies &amp; Miley Ward, That's My Girl, Open, High
Gold;

Alexia Collings, My Tears Ricochet, Lyrical, High
Gold.&nbsp;

“This was a tremendous start to our competition season,” Mary
Ingersoll, Owner of Inspirations Academy and Director of the Competition Team,
said in a written statement released by the Academy. "We are thrilled to
have them start so strong!”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740154524665.jpeg" alt="Inspirations Dance Academy photo" />
 <figcaption>Inspirations Dance Academy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostInspirations Dance Academy of Savannah recently won big at a
national competition held in Kansas City.Inspirations Dance Academy Competition Team won the 2025
Platinum Power Award and Top Recreational Studio at Platinum National Dance
Competition held recently at Kansas City Music Hall.Miss Mary's Garden earned a Platinum and First Place
Overall.Miss Mary’s Garden features the entire team, Addison
Workman, Alexia Collings, Avery Davies, Billie Clardy, Charley Phillips,
Elizabeth Ingersoll, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Hayvin Irwin, Hope Zahnd,
Izzy Naber, Josie Combs, Kylie Madget, Marleigh Weichinger, Mercy Zahnd, Meredith
Weichinger, Miley Ward, Olivia Campbell, Payton Campbell, Piper Thompson, and
Zoie Beaman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740156155404.jpeg" alt="Inspirations Dance Academy photo" />
 <figcaption>Inspirations Dance Academy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The routine, created by Mary Ingersoll and Raychel Baker, won
a Choreography Award. The judges also chose it for most entertaining routine of
the entire weekend, The Platinum Power Award.The studio also won Top Recreational Studio.The group won other awards at the competition as well.Dreaming, a Large Group Jazz, featuring Addison Workman,
Billie Clardy, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Marleigh
Weichinger, Mercy Zahnd, Miley Ward, and Zoie Beaman, earned a Platinum,
Champion of the Category and First Place Overall.Charley Phillips, Elizabeth Ingersoll, Josie Combs, Olivia
Campbell, Payton Campbell, and Piper Thompson, performed a Jazz Small Group,
Let It Grow, earning a Special Judges Award, “Super Stars”, and a High Gold.Forgotten Stuffies, an Acro-Gymnastics Group featuring
Addison Workman, Avery Davies, Billie Clardy, Charley Phillips, Elizabeth
Ingersoll, Grayson Wise, Harper Werner, Hayvin Irwin, Hope Zahnd, Miley Ward,
Meredith Weichinger and Zoie Beaman, earned a Special Judges Award, “Creative
Concept”, and High Gold.Grow As We Go, Lyrical Group, Alexia Collings, Avery Davies,
Billie Clardy, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Payton Campbell, Special Judges Award,
“Beauty and Grace”, High Gold.I Feel the Earth Move, a Tap Group, featuring Grayson Wise,
Harper Werner, Izzy Naber, Kylie Madget, Payton Campbell, and Piper Thompson
earned High Gold.Miley Ward performed her Jazz solo, I Don't Like to Show
Off, earning a Platinum and Eighth Place Overall.Izzy Naber, with her Musical Theatre solo, You Can't Stop
the Beat, earned a special Judges award, “Broadway Baby”, High Gold, and
Champion of the Category.&nbsp;Harper Werner &amp; Kylie Madget, performed their Jazz duet,
I'll Be There For You, earning a Special Judges Award, “Dynamic Duo” and High
Gold.Billie Clardy, Elizabeth Ingersoll, and Josie Combs,
performed a Jazz Trio, You Can Tell She's A Princess, earning a Special Judges
Award, “Princess Squad” and High Gold.Alexia Collings &amp; Zoie Beaman, performed a Jazz Duo,
Take on the World, and earned a Platinum.&nbsp;Piper Thompson's Tap Solo, Shake a Tailfeather, earned a
High Gold and Champion of Category.Grayson Wise's Open Solo, Let's Go Crazy, earned High Gold
&amp; Champion of Category.&nbsp;Additional Solo &amp; Duo results included:Billie Clardy, B.E.A.T, Acro-Gymnastics, High Gold;Harper Werner, Rock Star, Open, High Gold;Kylie Madget, Ready or Not, Open, High Gold;Avery Davies, Where the Wild Things Are, Open, Gold;Elizabeth Ingersoll, I Got You, Acro-Gymnastics, High Gold;Grayson Wise and Izzy Naber, Macarena, Tap, High Gold;Avery Davies &amp; Miley Ward, That's My Girl, Open, High
Gold;Alexia Collings, My Tears Ricochet, Lyrical, High
Gold.&nbsp;“This was a tremendous start to our competition season,” Mary
Ingersoll, Owner of Inspirations Academy and Director of the Competition Team,
said in a written statement released by the Academy. "We are thrilled to
have them start so strong!”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah dance team wins big at national competition in KC

The Cotillion for Achievement Ball will be held tomorrow at
the St. Joseph Country Club.

After dinner tomorrow evening, awards will be presented and
students will waltz with their parent or partner of choice. The Cotillion
participants are seniors attending high school in Andrew and Buchanan County. 

All 16 Cotillion participants will be honored at the ball.
Fourteen will receive&nbsp;$1,000 scholarships. The evening will culminate with
the Awards of Distinction being given to one female and one male student. The
Award of Distinction winners will each receive a $2,000 scholarship.

The female participants are: Sophia Jura, Central; Emma
Loehnig, Benton; Sophia Mattson, Lafayette; Raychel McCamy, Central; Elizabeth
Newell, East Buchanan; Cathy Nguyen, Lafayette; Andrea Simmons, Benton; and
Gracie Wilmes, North Andrew.

The male participants are: Zamuel Brushwood, East Buchanan;
Cy Carlson, St. Joseph Christian; Ivan Chatfield, Central; Jackson Cline, St.
Joseph Christian; Michael Higdon, Central; DeMare' Howard, Lafayette; Gage
Phroper, Benton; and Dalton Suman, Lafayette.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740155237114.jpeg" alt="Cotillion for Achievement photo" />
 <figcaption>Cotillion for Achievement photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe Cotillion for Achievement Ball will be held tomorrow at
the St. Joseph Country Club.After dinner tomorrow evening, awards will be presented and
students will waltz with their parent or partner of choice. The Cotillion
participants are seniors attending high school in Andrew and Buchanan County. All 16 Cotillion participants will be honored at the ball.
Fourteen will receive&nbsp;$1,000 scholarships. The evening will culminate with
the Awards of Distinction being given to one female and one male student. The
Award of Distinction winners will each receive a $2,000 scholarship.The female participants are: Sophia Jura, Central; Emma
Loehnig, Benton; Sophia Mattson, Lafayette; Raychel McCamy, Central; Elizabeth
Newell, East Buchanan; Cathy Nguyen, Lafayette; Andrea Simmons, Benton; and
Gracie Wilmes, North Andrew.The male participants are: Zamuel Brushwood, East Buchanan;
Cy Carlson, St. Joseph Christian; Ivan Chatfield, Central; Jackson Cline, St.
Joseph Christian; Michael Higdon, Central; DeMare' Howard, Lafayette; Gage
Phroper, Benton; and Dalton Suman, Lafayette.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Cotillion for Achievement Ball set for this weekend

Holladay
Distillery in Weston is taking a big step toward its future, building its first
rickhouse since the 1950s.

A rickhouse is a
seven-story structure that holds from 10-to-12,000 barrels of bourbon as they
age.

Holladay Vice
President of Sales, Patrick Fee, says Holladay is proud to make Real Missouri
Bourbon with whisky barrels made from Missouri wood.

“So all of our
wood has to be 100% Missouri grown and built wood. One hundred percent of the
corn has to be grown in Missouri and we’re lucky enough that we’ve got plenty
of great corn right around us. So, we keep everything from a very simple footprint
from farmers right up the road,” Fee tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, describing the
characteristics to qualify for Real Missouri Bourbon. “And then, of course, it must
be completely distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri as well.”

The Missouri
legislature create the criteria for Real Missouri Bourbon in 2019.

Holladay
Distillery of Weston is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River.
The Holladay brothers, Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay, had traveled from
Kentucky, following the path taken by Lewis and Clark, when they came upon a
pure limestone spring that they knew would be perfect for making bourbon.

Ben Holladay would
succeed in many business endeavors, including a stagecoach line from Missouri
to the West Coast that eventually would become the Wells Fargo Express. But it
is the distillery the brothers founded in 1856 that carries his name.

The distillery in
Weston has changed hands a few times over the years, likely best known in this
area as the old McCormick Distillery. The current owners bought the distillery
in 1993, making a variety of spirits. Whisky made a comeback in 2015. Holladay
Distillery was poised to take advantage, taking the strict steps necessary to
make true American bourbon.

Fee says the
demand for Ben Holladay Bourbon and its new Soft Red Wheat Bourbon has grown
enough for the distiller to invest in a new rickhouse, the fourth on the Weston
property. 

“And these
structures really are just giant wood structures that are wrapped in tin. They have
windows across the floors and across the rows. We open them, basically, going
into the spring and we shut them in the fall. And that is all that we do to do
any sort of climate control,” Fee says. “These are seven-floor structures that
we have here. They hold about 10-12,000 barrels.”

This isn’t a
complicated process. It is, though, a thorough process.

“Imagine a giant
structure filled with 10,000-plus barrels and they’re just rolled into place
and they sit until they’re ready,” Fee says.

It will take nine
months to construct the rickhouse. It will take at least six years to age the
bourdon. It is worth all the expense and the time, according to Fee.

“Without those
types of rickhouses you can still make bourbon,” Fee says. “You can throw it on
a pallet and throw in an old metal building somewhere. You can call it bourbon,
but the taste difference is drastic.”

Rickhouse A was
built between 1900 and 1905 with Rickhouse B built in the 1930s. The last rickhouse,
Rickhouse C, was built in the 1950s. Soon, Rickhouse D will take its place in
the rolling hills outside Weston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740082953283.jpeg" alt="A rickhouse at Holladay Distillery in Weston/Photo courtesy of Hollady Distillery" />
 <figcaption>A rickhouse at Holladay Distillery in Weston/Photo courtesy of Hollady Distillery</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHolladay
Distillery in Weston is taking a big step toward its future, building its first
rickhouse since the 1950s.A rickhouse is a
seven-story structure that holds from 10-to-12,000 barrels of bourbon as they
age.Holladay Vice
President of Sales, Patrick Fee, says Holladay is proud to make Real Missouri
Bourbon with whisky barrels made from Missouri wood.“So all of our
wood has to be 100% Missouri grown and built wood. One hundred percent of the
corn has to be grown in Missouri and we’re lucky enough that we’ve got plenty
of great corn right around us. So, we keep everything from a very simple footprint
from farmers right up the road,” Fee tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, describing the
characteristics to qualify for Real Missouri Bourbon. “And then, of course, it must
be completely distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri as well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740083036455.jpeg" alt="Holladay Distillery Rickhouse D Groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Holladay Distrillery" />
 <figcaption>Holladay Distillery Rickhouse D Groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Holladay Distrillery</figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri
legislature create the criteria for Real Missouri Bourbon in 2019.Holladay
Distillery of Weston is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River.
The Holladay brothers, Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay, had traveled from
Kentucky, following the path taken by Lewis and Clark, when they came upon a
pure limestone spring that they knew would be perfect for making bourbon.Ben Holladay would
succeed in many business endeavors, including a stagecoach line from Missouri
to the West Coast that eventually would become the Wells Fargo Express. But it
is the distillery the brothers founded in 1856 that carries his name.The distillery in
Weston has changed hands a few times over the years, likely best known in this
area as the old McCormick Distillery. The current owners bought the distillery
in 1993, making a variety of spirits. Whisky made a comeback in 2015. Holladay
Distillery was poised to take advantage, taking the strict steps necessary to
make true American bourbon.Fee says the
demand for Ben Holladay Bourbon and its new Soft Red Wheat Bourbon has grown
enough for the distiller to invest in a new rickhouse, the fourth on the Weston
property. “And these
structures really are just giant wood structures that are wrapped in tin. They have
windows across the floors and across the rows. We open them, basically, going
into the spring and we shut them in the fall. And that is all that we do to do
any sort of climate control,” Fee says. “These are seven-floor structures that
we have here. They hold about 10-12,000 barrels.”This isn’t a
complicated process. It is, though, a thorough process.“Imagine a giant
structure filled with 10,000-plus barrels and they’re just rolled into place
and they sit until they’re ready,” Fee says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740083091211.jpeg" alt="Barrels of bourbon age at a Holladay rickhouse/Photo courtesy of Holladay Distillery" />
 <figcaption>Barrels of bourbon age at a Holladay rickhouse/Photo courtesy of Holladay Distillery</figcaption>
 </figure>It will take nine
months to construct the rickhouse. It will take at least six years to age the
bourdon. It is worth all the expense and the time, according to Fee.“Without those
types of rickhouses you can still make bourbon,” Fee says. “You can throw it on
a pallet and throw in an old metal building somewhere. You can call it bourbon,
but the taste difference is drastic.”Rickhouse A was
built between 1900 and 1905 with Rickhouse B built in the 1930s. The last rickhouse,
Rickhouse C, was built in the 1950s. Soon, Rickhouse D will take its place in
the rolling hills outside Weston.<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Holliday-Distillery-building-new-rickhouse-e2v6j5l/a-abpttae" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Holladay Distillery makes a big investment in Weston and its future

Area residents
again are waking up to sub-zero weather.

The bitter cold was
enough for the St. Joseph School District to cancel classes Friday. The
closing includes all schools, elementary, middle, and high schools along with Hillyard
Technical Center, Webster, Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early
Learning Centers.

This is an
Alternative Methods of Instruction – AMI – day, virtual learning for students.

Some after-school
activities might occur as planned. Contact the person in charge.

St. Joseph
District employees should refer to Scenario A of the district inclement weather
policy.

The Savannah R3
School District is in session. Buses are running on alternative routes today.

The National
Weather Service expects a high of 20 today with wind chills between -5 to 5
above. It will be clear overnight with a low of 9.

The bitter cold is
expected to end Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts a high
Saturday of 35. Sunday, the high is expected to reach 47.

On Monday, we
should see mostly sunny skies with a high of 57.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostArea residents
again are waking up to sub-zero weather.But a warming
trend begins this weekend.The bitter cold was
enough for the St. Joseph School District to cancel classes Friday. The
closing includes all schools, elementary, middle, and high schools along with Hillyard
Technical Center, Webster, Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early
Learning Centers.This is an
Alternative Methods of Instruction – AMI – day, virtual learning for students.Some after-school
activities might occur as planned. Contact the person in charge.St. Joseph
District employees should refer to Scenario A of the district inclement weather
policy.The Savannah R3
School District is in session. Buses are running on alternative routes today.The National
Weather Service expects a high of 20 today with wind chills between -5 to 5
above. It will be clear overnight with a low of 9.The bitter cold is
expected to end Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts a high
Saturday of 35. Sunday, the high is expected to reach 47.On Monday, we
should see mostly sunny skies with a high of 57.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations.

Bitter cold closes St. Joseph public schools; warming trend coming

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

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

Winter weather cancelations for Friday

The bill sponsor says businesses worry that employees will take advantage of Proposition A, which requires most employers to provide paid sick and family leave

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

Worries that “slackers” may take advantage of Missouri’s new law requiring most employers to give workers&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.603&amp;bid=54969" target="_blank">paid sick leave</a>&nbsp;isn’t a good enough reason to repeal it, a Democratic lawmaker said Wednesday.

In November, voters overwhelmingly approved an initiative petition called Proposition A that requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to use at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

During a House committee hearing Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Steve Butz of St. Louis challenged Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick to back up her argument that employees can’t be trusted to use paid sick leave only for the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.606&amp;bid=54970" target="_blank">reasons allowed by the law</a>.

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

Only workers employed under a fixed-term contract are exempt from Missouri’s at-will employment rules.

While the mandate created in Proposition A prohibits employers from firing workers who use the leave, Missouri law doesn’t require employers to give any reason for discharging a worker.

“My hunch is, if you’re a slacker, you’ve been calling in sick already, and this is an at-will state, and I’ve already fired you,” said Butz, who owns an insurance agency.

Proposition A also increased the state minimum wage. It was set at $13.75 on Jan. 1 and will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026. After that, it will be adjusted for inflation, as it has been since 2007.

Gallick is sponsoring a bill to repeal the paid leave law, delay the $15 minimum wage to 2028 and repeal the provision indexing it to inflation.

Gallick’s bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">as proposed</a>, would have delayed implementation of the paid leave provisions from May 1 to Jan. 1. During the hearing, she presented a substitute with all the provisions she wants to enact.

That change brought some questioning from fellow Republicans who wanted to know why she didn’t include all the things she wanted in the bill when it was filed.

“Was this House committee substitute your original intent?” asked Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker.

“Then why didn’t you just do that bill instead of this bill that changes a few dates?” Mayhew asked.

Gallick said she filed it to get it in line for a hearing, then listened to businesses in her district to determine what was most important to them.

“That is why I kind of had a kind of a vague bill in the beginning,” Gallick said.

Mayhew said he doesn’t oppose some of the changes but wasn’t pleased with the way it was delivered.

“I’ve never seen one to be this big of a difference between the filed bill and the House committee substitute,” Mayhew said.

Gallick’s bill is one of several being considered in the commerce committee that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-republicans-consider-delaying-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave/">alter the terms of Proposition A</a>. There are bills to exempt employers with 50 or fewer workers from the new minimum wage, to limit application of the new minimum wage to workers 21 and older and to repeal the inflation adjustment.

The campaign to pass Proposition A drew no large-scale opposition prior to the vote. But a court challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/09/business-groups-file-legal-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">filed in early December</a>&nbsp;by major business advocacy groups asks the Missouri Supreme Court to invalidate the vote. The court has set the case for arguments on March 12.

Many of the same groups involved with the lawsuit — Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association and others — are backing the bills to change Proposition A.

Ron Berry, a lobbyist for Jobs with Justice, said the challenges should have come earlier.&nbsp;

“When the petition is first certified for circulation, there’s an opportunity to challenge that ballot summary. That didn’t happen,” Berry said Wednesday. “When the petition signatures are turned in and the initiative is certified for the ballot, there’s an opportunity to challenge the signatures. That didn’t happen. None of these challenges started coming until after the voters approved this by 57%.”

Kara Corches, executive director of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses are worried about language&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.609&amp;bid=54971" target="_blank">barring employers</a>&nbsp;from attempting “to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right” to paid leave.

The language creates a potential liability that has employers worried about “trial attorneys getting rich off of their backs.”

The paid leave mandate opens the door for other requirements, she said.

“This is a very slippery slope,” Corches said. “Once we start on this, it’s minimum wages, it’s paid sick leave, what’s next? Is it the dress code in your workplace? Is it the days that you’re allowed to be closed?”

Committee Chairman David Casteel, a Republican from High Ridge, said he intends to work through the week to develop a bill that both businesses and advocates defending Proposition A can accept.

“It has never been my intent to overturn the will of the people,” Casteel said. “I just want to create a product that will be agreeable and compromised by both the employee and the employer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740137088339.png" alt="State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in April during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in April during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill sponsor says businesses worry that employees will take advantage of Proposition A, which requires most employers to provide paid sick and family leave</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Worries that “slackers” may take advantage of Missouri’s new law requiring most employers to give workers&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.603&amp;bid=54969" target="_blank">paid sick leave</a>&nbsp;isn’t a good enough reason to repeal it, a Democratic lawmaker said Wednesday.In November, voters overwhelmingly approved an initiative petition called Proposition A that requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to use at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.During a House committee hearing Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Steve Butz of St. Louis challenged Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick to back up her argument that employees can’t be trusted to use paid sick leave only for the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.606&amp;bid=54970" target="_blank">reasons allowed by the law</a>.“Under the mandated sick leave, potential abuse is nearly impossible to address,” Gallick, a Republican from Belton, told the House Commerce Committee. “Employers cannot ask an employee why they were absent, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits for merely inquiring.”Only workers employed under a fixed-term contract are exempt from Missouri’s at-will employment rules.While the mandate created in Proposition A prohibits employers from firing workers who use the leave, Missouri law doesn’t require employers to give any reason for discharging a worker.“My hunch is, if you’re a slacker, you’ve been calling in sick already, and this is an at-will state, and I’ve already fired you,” said Butz, who owns an insurance agency.Proposition A also increased the state minimum wage. It was set at $13.75 on Jan. 1 and will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026. After that, it will be adjusted for inflation, as it has been since 2007.Gallick is sponsoring a bill to repeal the paid leave law, delay the $15 minimum wage to 2028 and repeal the provision indexing it to inflation.Gallick’s bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">as proposed</a>, would have delayed implementation of the paid leave provisions from May 1 to Jan. 1. During the hearing, she presented a substitute with all the provisions she wants to enact.That change brought some questioning from fellow Republicans who wanted to know why she didn’t include all the things she wanted in the bill when it was filed.“Was this House committee substitute your original intent?” asked Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker.“Yes,” Gallick replied.“Then why didn’t you just do that bill instead of this bill that changes a few dates?” Mayhew asked.Gallick said she filed it to get it in line for a hearing, then listened to businesses in her district to determine what was most important to them.“That is why I kind of had a kind of a vague bill in the beginning,” Gallick said.Mayhew said he doesn’t oppose some of the changes but wasn’t pleased with the way it was delivered.“I’ve never seen one to be this big of a difference between the filed bill and the House committee substitute,” Mayhew said.Gallick’s bill is one of several being considered in the commerce committee that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-republicans-consider-delaying-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave/">alter the terms of Proposition A</a>. There are bills to exempt employers with 50 or fewer workers from the new minimum wage, to limit application of the new minimum wage to workers 21 and older and to repeal the inflation adjustment.The campaign to pass Proposition A drew no large-scale opposition prior to the vote. But a court challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/09/business-groups-file-legal-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">filed in early December</a>&nbsp;by major business advocacy groups asks the Missouri Supreme Court to invalidate the vote. The court has set the case for arguments on March 12.Many of the same groups involved with the lawsuit — Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association and others — are backing the bills to change Proposition A.Ron Berry, a lobbyist for Jobs with Justice, said the challenges should have come earlier.&nbsp;“When the petition is first certified for circulation, there’s an opportunity to challenge that ballot summary. That didn’t happen,” Berry said Wednesday. “When the petition signatures are turned in and the initiative is certified for the ballot, there’s an opportunity to challenge the signatures. That didn’t happen. None of these challenges started coming until after the voters approved this by 57%.”Kara Corches, executive director of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses are worried about language&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.609&amp;bid=54971" target="_blank">barring employers</a>&nbsp;from attempting “to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right” to paid leave.The language creates a potential liability that has employers worried about “trial attorneys getting rich off of their backs.”The paid leave mandate opens the door for other requirements, she said.“This is a very slippery slope,” Corches said. “Once we start on this, it’s minimum wages, it’s paid sick leave, what’s next? Is it the dress code in your workplace? Is it the days that you’re allowed to be closed?”Committee Chairman David Casteel, a Republican from High Ridge, said he intends to work through the week to develop a bill that both businesses and advocates defending Proposition A can accept.“It has never been my intent to overturn the will of the people,” Casteel said. “I just want to create a product that will be agreeable and compromised by both the employee and the employer.”

New paid sick leave requirement targeted by Missouri Republicans

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by a 67-year-old Lathrop man was westbound on Cannon Ball Road at Mohawk Drive five miles south of Lathrop.

The driver attempted to stop at the stop sign. The car slid through the intersection. Holt Fire and EMS transported a 58-year-old femile passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not injured.&nbsp; The injured passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by a 67-year-old Lathrop man was westbound on Cannon Ball Road at Mohawk Drive five miles south of Lathrop.The driver attempted to stop at the stop sign. The car slid through the intersection. Holt Fire and EMS transported a 58-year-old femile passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not injured.&nbsp; The injured passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

Mo. woman injured after car slides through icy intersection

As below freezing temperatures and snow strike the area, the St. Joseph Police Department is urging drivers to be cautious as they get out to travel. 

Commander Dan Sweiger says before you get out to drive to make sure you take some pre-travel precautions

"Make sure you clear your vehicle off, get all the snow and stuff off so you've got good visibility," Sweiger tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "Plan to leave just a little bit earlier because you know you're going to be driving a little slower, you should be thinking about driving a little slower, maybe even think about the route you want to take, your normal route might not be the best route, if you know that there's some good steep grades or something like that and you can avoid that it might save you some trouble in the long run."

Sweiger says as you travel be sure to slow down and be aware of your surroundings

"Keep your distance from the vehicle ahead of you, a little further apart, try to avoid sudden lane changes, simple things like that," Sweiger explains.  "Anything that's going to offset the momentum of that car when you're on slick roads can lead to a crash of some sort, so just think about that."

Sweiger reminds drivers that even if you have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, that doesn't change the amount of time it takes to slow down while driving.

"Just think about that, so if you need to start slowing a little quicker, that way you're able to stop and not have some type of rear end accident or something like that," Sweiger says. 

Sweiger says it is wise to keep an extra coat or blanket in your car when the temperature drops so low. 

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAs below freezing temperatures and snow strike the area, the St. Joseph Police Department is urging drivers to be cautious as they get out to travel. Commander Dan Sweiger says before you get out to drive to make sure you take some pre-travel precautions"Make sure you clear your vehicle off, get all the snow and stuff off so you've got good visibility," Sweiger tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Plan to leave just a little bit earlier because you know you're going to be driving a little slower, you should be thinking about driving a little slower, maybe even think about the route you want to take, your normal route might not be the best route, if you know that there's some good steep grades or something like that and you can avoid that it might save you some trouble in the long run."Sweiger says as you travel be sure to slow down and be aware of your surroundings"Keep your distance from the vehicle ahead of you, a little further apart, try to avoid sudden lane changes, simple things like that," Sweiger explains. "Anything that's going to offset the momentum of that car when you're on slick roads can lead to a crash of some sort, so just think about that."Sweiger reminds drivers that even if you have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, that doesn't change the amount of time it takes to slow down while driving."Just think about that, so if you need to start slowing a little quicker, that way you're able to stop and not have some type of rear end accident or something like that," Sweiger says. Sweiger says it is wise to keep an extra coat or blanket in your car when the temperature drops so low. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Police urge drivers to be careful during this bitter cold

We remain in an
extreme cold weather advisory through noon Thursday.

Northwest Missouri
and northeast Kansas can expect wind chills as low as 28 below freezing. When
it is this cold, frostbite on exposed skin can occur within 30 minutes.

The St. Joseph
School District has called off classes today. It is an AMI day, virtual
learning, for students. Employees should follow Scenario A.

The Savannah R3
School District is closed today. School officials say if weather permits and
the district is able to have school on Friday, buses will run on
alternative routes.

Riverside USD 114
plans a tw0-hour delayed start today with no preschool and no breakfast. The
northeast Kansas district will run buses on alternative routes on the paved
roads.

Northwest Missouri
State University has closed its Maryville campus today.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of cancelations.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe remain in an
extreme cold weather advisory through noon Thursday.Northwest Missouri
and northeast Kansas can expect wind chills as low as 28 below freezing. When
it is this cold, frostbite on exposed skin can occur within 30 minutes.The St. Joseph
School District has called off classes today. It is an AMI day, virtual
learning, for students. Employees should follow Scenario A.The Savannah R3
School District is closed today. School officials say if weather permits and
the district is able to have school on Friday, buses will run on
alternative routes.Riverside USD 114
plans a tw0-hour delayed start today with no preschool and no breakfast. The
northeast Kansas district will run buses on alternative routes on the paved
roads.Northwest Missouri
State University has closed its Maryville campus today.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of cancelations.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bitter cold continues; St. Joseph schools, others remain closed

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of cancelations.

Winter weather cancelations for Thursday

The two proposals were approved Wednesday in committee by Republicans over the objections of Democrats

A plan to make Missouri dependent on sales tax for general revenue by eliminating the income tax is heading to the state Senate for debate after a party-line committee vote on Wednesday.

Two proposals — one to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=329" target="_blank">change the state income tax</a>&nbsp;to a flat tax of 4% and another a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SJR31.pdf" target="_blank">transition to sales taxes</a>&nbsp;for revenue — make up the package intended to keep Republicans’ campaign promise to eliminate the state income tax.

If the constitutional amendment passes, it would put the income tax on the path to elimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740050036131.png" alt="Sen. Ben Brown, a Washington Republican, is sponsor of a proposal to eliminate the income tax. He is shown in January 2024 on the Senate floor (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Ben Brown, a Washington Republican, is sponsor of a proposal to eliminate the income tax. He is shown in January 2024 on the Senate floor (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The two proposals were approved Wednesday in committee by Republicans over the objections of Democrats</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A plan to make Missouri dependent on sales tax for general revenue by eliminating the income tax is heading to the state Senate for debate after a party-line committee vote on Wednesday.Two proposals — one to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=329" target="_blank">change the state income tax</a>&nbsp;to a flat tax of 4% and another a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SJR31.pdf" target="_blank">transition to sales taxes</a>&nbsp;for revenue — make up the package intended to keep Republicans’ campaign promise to eliminate the state income tax.If the constitutional amendment passes, it would put the income tax on the path to elimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1283S.02I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note for the flat-tax bill</a>&nbsp;forecasts an immediate reduction in state revenues of about $661 million and projects it will be 2067 or later before the income tax disappears.The two proposals were each approved Wednesday on a 5-2 vote in the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, with all Republicans in support and Democrats opposed.Democratic state Sen. Barbara Washington of Kansas City said she’s worried about the impact of the immediate tax cut.“I don’t see a clear plan as to how we make this money up,” Washington said.The income tax is a tax on productivity, and shifting taxes to other areas will help the economy, said Republican state Sen. Ben Brown of Washington, chairman of the committee and sponsor of the two bills.“That has a more negative impact in our society than taxes in other areas,” Brown said of the income tax.The top marginal rate for Missouri’s income tax has declined from 6% in 2015 to 4.7% this year under a design to slowly cut it as revenue increases that began with legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/politics/2014/05/06/missouri-house-follows-senate-to/21722550007/" target="_blank">passed in 2014</a>.Two future tax cuts, to a 4.5% rate, are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">already in state law</a>&nbsp;and will take effect if general revenue growth hits targets.Income tax remains the single largest portion of state general revenue, with the individual income tax contributing 65% and the corporate income tax about 7% of the $13.4 billion received in fiscal 2024.The tax cut bill passed in 2014 also began indexing state tax brackets, which had not been changed since the 1930s, for inflation. The top tax rate applies to taxable income of more than $8,900, which is about $23,500 in total income when the standard deduction is included.The tie between the two measures takes effect after the switch to a flat tax and a statewide vote.The constitutional proposal, intended to be on a ballot by November 2026, would create a mechanism for limiting the growth in state spending and directing revenue in excess of the cap to a special fund dedicated to income tax reduction.When the special fund holds at least $120 million, the state income tax rate would be cut by one-tenth of a percentage point. In years when the reduction is authorized, every additional $60 million in the fund would add a rate cut of one-twentieth of a percentage point.If both conditions were met for the first reduction, the rate would fall from 4% to 3.85%.While every Republican on the committee voted for the measures, at least one showed he’s nervous about the key revenue-raising portion of the proposal — an expanded sales tax.State Sen. Kurtis Gregory of Marshall said he couldn’t go along with any proposal that repealed sales tax exemptions enjoyed by farmers. Farmers don’t pay sales tax on fertilizer, fuel for farm vehicles and a host of other products.“I don’t know where that sales tax rate is going to end up, but I’m just instantly looking at some of this and folks are going to be seeing a $50 to maybe $60 an acre increase in cost of production of row crops,” Gregory said.The constitutional amendment does not directly repeal any sales tax exemption, Brown said.“I don’t see anything that would be impacted one way or another by this bill,” he said.It does repeal a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++26&amp;bid=36205&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">2016 initiative</a>, placed on the ballot by Missouri Realtors, that barred lawmakers from imposing sales tax on any market transaction “that was not subject to sales, use or similar transaction-based tax on January 1, 2015.”Along with preventing any effort to tax services such as mechanic’s labor or tax accounting, the amendment protected from repeal exemptions to the sales tax on tangible goods in law at the time, such as prescription drugs and the general revenue portion of sales tax on groceries.Retail sales in Missouri are taxed at 4.225% for state purposes — 3% for general revenue, 1% for public schools, 0.125% for the Department of Conservation and 0.1% for state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes are in addition to the state tax and push the total rate in some areas above 10%.Brown’s proposal would allow a state tax of up to 4% — 3.775% for general revenue and schools plus the conservation and parks taxes. The tax would be applied to “all sellers for the privilege of selling tangible personal property or rendering taxable services at retail in this state” and take effect with the signing of a bill expanding sales tax to items exempted prior to Jan. 1, 2015.The constitutional amendment does target one service with a special, higher tax. Lobbying firms would be required to pay a 6% sales tax on top of the general sales tax of up to 4%.Missouri Realtors, who have shown substantial financial strength in campaigns, will oppose any effort to weaken the provisions added to the constitution in 2016, said Bobbi Howe, president of the Realtors“Adding new taxes to services Missourians use every day,” Howe said, “is not sound policy and it unfairly impacts those least able to pay.”