A new initiate by the city of St. Joseph aims to lower crime and improve the appearance of the College Hill Park Area.   

A community safety fair will be held on Saturday, an initiative bringing several city departments together.  

City Manager Mike Schumacher says the initiative was planned by the St. Joseph Police Department in an area with higher crime numbers.  

“So they picked a particular neighborhood, partnered with the fire department, with our very generous business community donated 100 smoke detectors, and so police will be present to help out our residents and so will fire with free smoke detectors and they will actually put them up for you,” Schumacher says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Schumacher says there will also be dumpsters out during the event for people to get rid of unwanted items.  The city's public works department will be on hand to help people who may not be able to get items to the dumpsters.  

Schumacher says the city can do a lot of good when all the departments work together 

"For example, if the police department went out one day and then a couple of weeks later fire goes out to offer some of the great things they do, and then gosh  a couple weeks later codes, first of all no one wants to deal with the city multiple weekends in a row right?” Schumacher explains.  “But more importantly, when that customer is contacted at their house or they step outside, they can get a whole plethora of questions answered.” 

Schumacher says residents who have heard about the effort in that area have responded positively 

“Senior citizens that have an old refrigerator for example that’s just to heavy for them to do anything with, it really gives them all an opportunity to clean up their properties and get in compliance while also perhaps, if they need one, getting a smoke detector and finding out about different options the city offers to try to help them out,” Schumacher says. 

The event will run from noon to 4pm on Saturday.   

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA new initiate by the city of St. Joseph aims to lower crime and improve the appearance of the College Hill Park Area. A community safety fair will be held on Saturday, an initiative bringing several city departments together. City Manager Mike Schumacher says the initiative was planned by the St. Joseph Police Department in an area with higher crime numbers. “So they picked a particular neighborhood, partnered with the fire department, with our very generous business community donated 100 smoke detectors, and so police will be present to help out our residents and so will fire with free smoke detectors and they will actually put them up for you,” Schumacher says on the KFEQmunnity show. Schumacher says there will also be dumpsters out during the event for people to get rid of unwanted items. The city's public works department will be on hand to help people who may not be able to get items to the dumpsters. Schumacher says the city can do a lot of good when all the departments work together "For example, if the police department went out one day and then a couple of weeks later fire goes out to offer some of the great things they do, and then gosh a couple weeks later codes, first of all no one wants to deal with the city multiple weekends in a row right?” Schumacher explains. “But more importantly, when that customer is contacted at their house or they step outside, they can get a whole plethora of questions answered.” Schumacher says residents who have heard about the effort in that area have responded positively “Senior citizens that have an old refrigerator for example that’s just to heavy for them to do anything with, it really gives them all an opportunity to clean up their properties and get in compliance while also perhaps, if they need one, getting a smoke detector and finding out about different options the city offers to try to help them out,” Schumacher says. The event will run from noon to 4pm on Saturday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph city leaders collaborate to clean up city this weekend

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is preparing for another year of Shop St. Joe.  

President Natalie Hawn says now that fall is here, it means the event is just around the corner, with it beginning next month. 

“So, if you know your favorite merchant that you would like them to participate in Shop St. Joe this year for your chance to win $10,000, send them to the Chamber because we will kick that program off November 12th,” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Shop St. Joseph is open to all businesses that are interested in participating. Traditional businesses participate as well as restaurants and service providers. 

The annual event that happens around the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday's gives St. Joseph residents the chance to win $10,000, just for shopping locally.  

Chamber President Natalie Hawn says it's always an exciting time to give away that much money to residents 

"Now we have the second chance prizes as well as that small business prize of $2,500, so it’s a lot of ways to win and it’s always fun,” Hawn says. 

If you own a business or know of a business you would like to see participate, contact the Chamber to register. 

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is preparing for another year of Shop St. Joe. President Natalie Hawn says now that fall is here, it means the event is just around the corner, with it beginning next month. “So, if you know your favorite merchant that you would like them to participate in Shop St. Joe this year for your chance to win $10,000, send them to the Chamber because we will kick that program off November 12th,” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. Shop St. Joseph is open to all businesses that are interested in participating. Traditional businesses participate as well as restaurants and service providers. The annual event that happens around the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday's gives St. Joseph residents the chance to win $10,000, just for shopping locally. Chamber President Natalie Hawn says it's always an exciting time to give away that much money to residents "Now we have the second chance prizes as well as that small business prize of $2,500, so it’s a lot of ways to win and it’s always fun,” Hawn says. Shop St. Joseph is open to all businesses that are interested in participating. Traditional businesses participate as well as restaurants and service providers. If you own a business or know of a business you would like to see participate, contact the Chamber to register. Shop St. Joe will begin November 12th. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber preparing for another year of Shop St. Joseph

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5ymcPZLYEXeO1fNwvBodXM?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/1dFIG2Doyv4XNwKA5rBsjP?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

Rapidly rising home values are shifting the property tax burden to residences as slow growth in other real estate diminishes the effect of rollbacks under the Hancock Amendment

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

The most popular idea for controlling property tax bills, the chairman of a Missouri House committee said Monday, is to set a separate tax rate for each of four types of property subject to the annual adjustments required in the state Constitution.

Since June, the Missouri House&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/25/missouri-lawmakers-could-return-to-session-this-fall-to-debate-property-taxes/">Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform</a>&nbsp;has been&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/28/missouri-house-committee-urged-to-silo-property-into-separate-classes-for-taxes/">holding hearings</a>&nbsp;around the state and discussing legislation it could propose to quiet outrage over rapidly rising residential tax bills. One of the most popular ideas, said the chairman, Republican state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, is to “silo” the four types of property — agricultural, commercial, personal and residential — so increases in assessed value in one subclass are not diluted by stagnant values in another.

“If one spikes and the others don’t, it’s watered down, so (the rollback) doesn’t take effect,” Taylor said during a hearing Monday to discuss possible legislation. “So the goal is to get them in their own little category.”

Support for walling off the various classes of property is coming from officials, the public and the State Tax Commission, Taylor said to reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;

“Of all things that we discussed, not only is that coming from us, but from the people, and from the tax commission itself,” Taylor said. “That, in itself, can potentially fix a lot of issues that we’re seeing across the state.”’

The special committee was created in June after lawmakers passed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">a hastily crafted bill</a>&nbsp;to cap tax bills in 97 counties. It follows several years of public upset over rapidly increasing assessments intended to bring taxable values in line with market values.&nbsp;

The speed at which the bill was written and passed is something that Taylor said has to be fixed. In 75 counties, tax bills are not allowed to increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or by the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. The provision, Taylor said, was supposed to be whichever in less.

In 22 others, no increase in the tax bill would be allowed.There are exceptions built in for newly voted levies and the additional value from improvements.

Many of the larger counties of the state, including Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis, were excluded altogether from the legislation.

Taylor told the committee he intends to have a bill drafted with nearly a dozen ideas that have been raised in the hearings or come from legislation in past years. House Speaker Jon Patterson wants the bill to be ready when the next regular session opens in January, he said.

Along with walling off subclasses of property, ideas that will be in Taylor’s bill include:

Not every idea will be as popular as siloing property classes, Taylor said.

“It’s my responsibility to try to put something together,” he said. “And again, the speaker said, ‘I’d like a big, beautiful bill,’ so we’ll see what we can do.”

The committee’s ranking Democrat, state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia, also had a list of ideas she had crafted with input from other Democrats on the committee. Her list calls for homebuyers to file statements of the price of their new property — called a certificate of value — with assessors when homes change hands.

That idea did not make Taylor’s list. There are things Democrats on the committee would like to see but haven’t had a chance to discuss, Steinhoff added.

“There’s other things that we’re very interested in, but we don’t think we’ve really hashed out in committee a clear understanding of it,” she said.

The biggest portion of any property tax bill is the levy for local schools. At the same time the committee is studying property taxes, a separate commission — the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/missouri-governors-school-funding-task-force-assembles-slowly/">School Funding Modernization Task Force</a>&nbsp;— has been meeting to decide on how state support should supplement local tax revenue.

Part of Monday’s hearing was set aside to hear from state Sen. Rusty Black, a Chillicothe Republican who is chairing the school funding panel. He said his task force will be watching closely so its report, due in December 2026, is based on the tax base available at the time.

“The two decisions intertwine,” Black said. “Watching what comes out of here and what kind of things start to have some traction is going to be very important as the task force continues to meet, and possibly come up with a plan to give to the governor.”

The idea of siloing the types of property is growing in popularity because of the way taxes are adjusted after the biennial reassessment. Commercial and agricultural property taxes are tied to productivity and potential to produce income, while the values of homes and vehicles are tied to the price the property would bring in the market.Under the Missouri Constitution’s Hancock Amendment, when the value of property in a taxing district grows faster than inflation, rates are supposed to be reduced. But when one class of property is increasing faster than others, the effect is a smaller rollback than if the class of property had its own rate.

While the idea of siloing property classes is popular, there is little consensus among the committee’s 20 members on other changes that should be made, Taylor said.&nbsp;

“If you could get 20 people to all agree on any one thing,” Taylor said, “it would be a miracle.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761049988985.png" alt=" State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia, right, speaks during the Monday meeting of the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform. while the chairman, state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, far left, looks on (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia, right, speaks during the Monday meeting of the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform. while the chairman, state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, far left, looks on (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rapidly rising home values are shifting the property tax burden to residences as slow growth in other real estate diminishes the effect of rollbacks under the Hancock Amendment</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The most popular idea for controlling property tax bills, the chairman of a Missouri House committee said Monday, is to set a separate tax rate for each of four types of property subject to the annual adjustments required in the state Constitution.Since June, the Missouri House&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/25/missouri-lawmakers-could-return-to-session-this-fall-to-debate-property-taxes/">Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform</a>&nbsp;has been&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/28/missouri-house-committee-urged-to-silo-property-into-separate-classes-for-taxes/">holding hearings</a>&nbsp;around the state and discussing legislation it could propose to quiet outrage over rapidly rising residential tax bills. One of the most popular ideas, said the chairman, Republican state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, is to “silo” the four types of property — agricultural, commercial, personal and residential — so increases in assessed value in one subclass are not diluted by stagnant values in another.“If one spikes and the others don’t, it’s watered down, so (the rollback) doesn’t take effect,” Taylor said during a hearing Monday to discuss possible legislation. “So the goal is to get them in their own little category.”Support for walling off the various classes of property is coming from officials, the public and the State Tax Commission, Taylor said to reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;“Of all things that we discussed, not only is that coming from us, but from the people, and from the tax commission itself,” Taylor said. “That, in itself, can potentially fix a lot of issues that we’re seeing across the state.”’The special committee was created in June after lawmakers passed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">a hastily crafted bill</a>&nbsp;to cap tax bills in 97 counties. It follows several years of public upset over rapidly increasing assessments intended to bring taxable values in line with market values.&nbsp;The speed at which the bill was written and passed is something that Taylor said has to be fixed. In 75 counties, tax bills are not allowed to increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or by the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. The provision, Taylor said, was supposed to be whichever in less.In 22 others, no increase in the tax bill would be allowed.There are exceptions built in for newly voted levies and the additional value from improvements.Many of the larger counties of the state, including Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis, were excluded altogether from the legislation.Taylor told the committee he intends to have a bill drafted with nearly a dozen ideas that have been raised in the hearings or come from legislation in past years. House Speaker Jon Patterson wants the bill to be ready when the next regular session opens in January, he said.Along with walling off subclasses of property, ideas that will be in Taylor’s bill include:<ul>
 <li>Requiring all local tax elections to be on November ballots when turnout is highest.</li><li>Allowing local governments to enact additional sales taxes to replace or reduce property taxes.</li><li>Making debt levies subject to the Constitution’s rollback provisions.</li><li>Wording ballot descriptions so the impact of new or renewed tax levies is stated as the cost per $100,000 of assessed value instead of the cost per $100 of value, which is the current method.</li>
 </ul>Not every idea will be as popular as siloing property classes, Taylor said.“It’s my responsibility to try to put something together,” he said. “And again, the speaker said, ‘I’d like a big, beautiful bill,’ so we’ll see what we can do.”The committee’s ranking Democrat, state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia, also had a list of ideas she had crafted with input from other Democrats on the committee. Her list calls for homebuyers to file statements of the price of their new property — called a certificate of value — with assessors when homes change hands.That idea did not make Taylor’s list. There are things Democrats on the committee would like to see but haven’t had a chance to discuss, Steinhoff added.“There’s other things that we’re very interested in, but we don’t think we’ve really hashed out in committee a clear understanding of it,” she said.The biggest portion of any property tax bill is the levy for local schools. At the same time the committee is studying property taxes, a separate commission — the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/missouri-governors-school-funding-task-force-assembles-slowly/">School Funding Modernization Task Force</a>&nbsp;— has been meeting to decide on how state support should supplement local tax revenue.Part of Monday’s hearing was set aside to hear from state Sen. Rusty Black, a Chillicothe Republican who is chairing the school funding panel. He said his task force will be watching closely so its report, due in December 2026, is based on the tax base available at the time.“The two decisions intertwine,” Black said. “Watching what comes out of here and what kind of things start to have some traction is going to be very important as the task force continues to meet, and possibly come up with a plan to give to the governor.”The idea of siloing the types of property is growing in popularity because of the way taxes are adjusted after the biennial reassessment. Commercial and agricultural property taxes are tied to productivity and potential to produce income, while the values of homes and vehicles are tied to the price the property would bring in the market.Under the Missouri Constitution’s Hancock Amendment, when the value of property in a taxing district grows faster than inflation, rates are supposed to be reduced. But when one class of property is increasing faster than others, the effect is a smaller rollback than if the class of property had its own rate.While the idea of siloing property classes is popular, there is little consensus among the committee’s 20 members on other changes that should be made, Taylor said.&nbsp;“If you could get 20 people to all agree on any one thing,” Taylor said, “it would be a miracle.”

Missouri House committee eyes plan to silo property classes for taxation

WASHINGTON — The&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;is moving into its third week with&nbsp;no end in sight. Most members of the House of Representatives are finally back Washington after being out for over a month. Second District Kansas Congressman what he's doing after arriving back in the nation's capitol.

House Speaker Mike Johnson hinted he might call the House back into session if Senate passes bill to pay furloughed workers.&nbsp; That could happen this week.

WASHINGTON — The&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;is moving into its third week with&nbsp;no end in sight. Most members of the House of Representatives are finally back Washington after being out for over a month. Second District Kansas Congressman what he's doing after arriving back in the nation's capitol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Day 20 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SchumerShutdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SchumerShutdown</a>. <a href="https://t.co/iFUZTistPq">pic.twitter.com/iFUZTistPq</a>&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1980295827429179669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>House Speaker Mike Johnson hinted he might call the House back into session if Senate passes bill to pay furloughed workers.&nbsp; That could happen this week.

🎥Congressman Schmidt: Government shutdown very frustrating

Though food banks statewide said they have mostly made up shortfalls from canceled deliveries, some worry that coming changes to SNAP will leave Missourians hungrier

By:<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>

Missouri has lost nearly 1.6 million pounds of food aid since May due to sudden cuts to a federal program that buys food from U.S. farmers and sends it to food banks across the country.

That’s 146,400 pounds of cheese, 433,070 pounds of canned and frozen chicken, 1.2 million eggs, 38,250 gallons of milk, 120,000 pounds of pulled pork, 115,200 pounds of sliced turkey breast, 180,000 pounds of dried plums and 114,000 pounds of frozen pork chops.

The Trump administration in&nbsp;<a href="https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/following-the-usda-food-and-farm-funding/" target="_blank">late March</a>&nbsp;slashed $500 million that had already been allocated to food aid nationwide through The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP. That canceled 124 scheduled deliveries to Missouri food banks, according to data obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/trump-food-cuts/" target="_blank">ProPublica</a>&nbsp;and shared with The Independent.

Food banks across the state said they have largely made up shortfalls from the March cuts by increasing their food purchases. But some food bank leaders worry that hunger in Missouri will increase with the implementation of changes signed into law this summer to federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“Food banks are the safety net to the safety net,” said Leigh Anne Haun, executive director of Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the state’s six regional food banks. “When you talk about programs like SNAP…any time those start to get strained, or there’s holes in those nets, the food banks are the safety net underneath.”

They are also bracing for increased demand as the federal government shutdown wears on.&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Social Services&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;Monday that it won’t be able to issue November SNAP benefits until further notice after receiving official communication from USDA that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/17/repub/snap-benefits-on-pace-to-run-out-in-two-weeks-if-shutdown-persists/">funding will run out</a>.

Gov. Mike Kehoe said Monday that although his team is reviewing options to keep the program running, there is no existing state plan that would do so, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_06c840da-ccda-4aa5-9a95-9fb32f114be4.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Meredith Knopp, president and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, said any disruption the food bank experienced due to canceled deliveries was “minimal,” and that the tornado that hit St. Louis in May and the ongoing shutdown have affected the food bank more.

“Right now it’s just about educating and informing people where they can go for help, how they can get assistance temporarily until the government reopens,” Knopp said of the shutdown.

Knopp said purchases made by the USDA later in the year made up for canceled TEFAP deliveries. On Aug. 1, the USDA announced the purchase of<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/01/secretary-rollins-announces-local-food-purchases-communities-need" target="_blank">&nbsp;$230 million</a>&nbsp;in fish, dried cranberries, beans and apples for food banks nationwide.

The canceled shipments make up a relatively small portion of what Missouri food banks distribute each year. Missouri’s food banks dispensed 132.2 million pounds of food in 2023, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://mohungeratlas.org/report.php?c=29000&amp;m=FoodInsHHSt%7CFoodInsHungHHSt%7CPdFoodDist%7CPdFoodDistCap%7CPdFoodDistCapC&amp;y=2025" target="_blank">Missouri Hunger Atlas</a>, which is published by the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security at the University of Missouri.

But Jordan Browning, director of communications for Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield, said food banks still have to fill in gaps.

The first canceled shipments – over 100 orders of 2% milk headed for 30 states – were scheduled to arrive on May 14, records show. That day, Ozarks Food Harvest and the St. Louis Area Food Bank in Bridgeton were each slated to receive orders of more than 2,000 gallons of milk, according to the records.

At first, Browning said, he&nbsp;thought the deliveries might just be delayed, which had happened in the past.

The next missed delivery date in Missouri was May 31, when all six of the state’s regional food banks were scheduled to receive shipments, according to the records.&nbsp;

“They kept getting delayed further and further,” Browning said. “Pretty much until it finally came to an actual cancellation notice, we weren’t aware that we would have to make up a shortfall.”

Much of the food was high quality protein, the items that are priciest and hardest for food banks to source, food bank administrators said.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank received all the orders staff were told to expect, according to Heather Collier, donor relations and communications manager at the Sikeston-based food bank, though some were delayed.

But Collier said shipments can be canceled before the state notifies regional food banks that they should expect a delivery.&nbsp;

“Canceled loads, if they’re fully canceled, they’re usually happening before we’re even notified,” Collier said.

Collier said that although the food bank weathered the March cuts relatively easily, she expects coming changes to SNAP to increase the number of Missourians who don’t qualify for federal assistance but struggle to reliably access nutritious food.

The budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July cuts SNAP by $187 billion through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The bill also expands SNAP work requirements to include adults ages 55-64 and parents of children over 14.&nbsp;

In the Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s service area, according to Collier, 46.5% of people who are food insecure already do not qualify for SNAP.

“You’re meeting the definition of food insecurity, but not meeting the qualifications to receive assistance,” Collier said. “Food banks are going to have to make that up.”

Haun said community support will enable food banks to continue helping Missourians in need.

“It’s so important for people to connect with their local food bank now,” Haun said. “They need not just funds to allow them to address these gaps, but other types of donations and volunteering.”

Through the shutdown and any future challenges, Knopp was confident the food bank would continue to help.

“It might not always be smooth sailing,” Knopp said. “It might be clunky. But we’re here, and we will be here to support anyone who needs us.”

This story was updated at 3:50 p.m. to include an announcement from the Department of Social Services about SNAP benefits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761041719869.png" alt="Delivery trucks wait in the parking lot of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in Columbia, which serves 32 counties, on Oct. 17. (Steph Quinn | Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Delivery trucks wait in the parking lot of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in Columbia, which serves 32 counties, on Oct. 17. (Steph Quinn | Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Though food banks statewide said they have mostly made up shortfalls from canceled deliveries, some worry that coming changes to SNAP will leave Missourians hungrier</h2>By:<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>Missouri has lost nearly 1.6 million pounds of food aid since May due to sudden cuts to a federal program that buys food from U.S. farmers and sends it to food banks across the country.That’s 146,400 pounds of cheese, 433,070 pounds of canned and frozen chicken, 1.2 million eggs, 38,250 gallons of milk, 120,000 pounds of pulled pork, 115,200 pounds of sliced turkey breast, 180,000 pounds of dried plums and 114,000 pounds of frozen pork chops.The Trump administration in&nbsp;<a href="https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/following-the-usda-food-and-farm-funding/" target="_blank">late March</a>&nbsp;slashed $500 million that had already been allocated to food aid nationwide through The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP. That canceled 124 scheduled deliveries to Missouri food banks, according to data obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/trump-food-cuts/" target="_blank">ProPublica</a>&nbsp;and shared with The Independent.Food banks across the state said they have largely made up shortfalls from the March cuts by increasing their food purchases. But some food bank leaders worry that hunger in Missouri will increase with the implementation of changes signed into law this summer to federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.“Food banks are the safety net to the safety net,” said Leigh Anne Haun, executive director of Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the state’s six regional food banks. “When you talk about programs like SNAP…any time those start to get strained, or there’s holes in those nets, the food banks are the safety net underneath.”They are also bracing for increased demand as the federal government shutdown wears on.&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Social Services&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;Monday that it won’t be able to issue November SNAP benefits until further notice after receiving official communication from USDA that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/17/repub/snap-benefits-on-pace-to-run-out-in-two-weeks-if-shutdown-persists/">funding will run out</a>.Gov. Mike Kehoe said Monday that although his team is reviewing options to keep the program running, there is no existing state plan that would do so, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_06c840da-ccda-4aa5-9a95-9fb32f114be4.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Meredith Knopp, president and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, said any disruption the food bank experienced due to canceled deliveries was “minimal,” and that the tornado that hit St. Louis in May and the ongoing shutdown have affected the food bank more.“Right now it’s just about educating and informing people where they can go for help, how they can get assistance temporarily until the government reopens,” Knopp said of the shutdown.Knopp said purchases made by the USDA later in the year made up for canceled TEFAP deliveries. On Aug. 1, the USDA announced the purchase of<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/01/secretary-rollins-announces-local-food-purchases-communities-need" target="_blank">&nbsp;$230 million</a>&nbsp;in fish, dried cranberries, beans and apples for food banks nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761041689487.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The canceled shipments make up a relatively small portion of what Missouri food banks distribute each year. Missouri’s food banks dispensed 132.2 million pounds of food in 2023, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://mohungeratlas.org/report.php?c=29000&amp;m=FoodInsHHSt%7CFoodInsHungHHSt%7CPdFoodDist%7CPdFoodDistCap%7CPdFoodDistCapC&amp;y=2025" target="_blank">Missouri Hunger Atlas</a>, which is published by the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security at the University of Missouri.But Jordan Browning, director of communications for Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield, said food banks still have to fill in gaps.The first canceled shipments – over 100 orders of 2% milk headed for 30 states – were scheduled to arrive on May 14, records show. That day, Ozarks Food Harvest and the St. Louis Area Food Bank in Bridgeton were each slated to receive orders of more than 2,000 gallons of milk, according to the records.At first, Browning said, he&nbsp;thought the deliveries might just be delayed, which had happened in the past.The next missed delivery date in Missouri was May 31, when all six of the state’s regional food banks were scheduled to receive shipments, according to the records.&nbsp;“They kept getting delayed further and further,” Browning said. “Pretty much until it finally came to an actual cancellation notice, we weren’t aware that we would have to make up a shortfall.”Much of the food was high quality protein, the items that are priciest and hardest for food banks to source, food bank administrators said.The Southeast Missouri Food Bank received all the orders staff were told to expect, according to Heather Collier, donor relations and communications manager at the Sikeston-based food bank, though some were delayed.But Collier said shipments can be canceled before the state notifies regional food banks that they should expect a delivery.&nbsp;“Canceled loads, if they’re fully canceled, they’re usually happening before we’re even notified,” Collier said.Collier said that although the food bank weathered the March cuts relatively easily, she expects coming changes to SNAP to increase the number of Missourians who don’t qualify for federal assistance but struggle to reliably access nutritious food.The budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July cuts SNAP by $187 billion through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The bill also expands SNAP work requirements to include adults ages 55-64 and parents of children over 14.&nbsp;In the Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s service area, according to Collier, 46.5% of people who are food insecure already do not qualify for SNAP.“You’re meeting the definition of food insecurity, but not meeting the qualifications to receive assistance,” Collier said. “Food banks are going to have to make that up.”Haun said community support will enable food banks to continue helping Missourians in need.“It’s so important for people to connect with their local food bank now,” Haun said. “They need not just funds to allow them to address these gaps, but other types of donations and volunteering.”Through the shutdown and any future challenges, Knopp was confident the food bank would continue to help.“It might not always be smooth sailing,” Knopp said. “It might be clunky. But we’re here, and we will be here to support anyone who needs us.”This story was updated at 3:50 p.m. to include an announcement from the Department of Social Services about SNAP benefits.

Missouri lost 1.6 million pounds of federal food aid to Trump cuts this year

Missouri Department of Transportation has announced another round of ramp closures for I-229 in Saint Joseph for resurfacing.

Current closures are scheduled as follows:

October 21-23, Southbound I-229...

October 22 &amp; 23, Northbound I-229...

All above closures will be during daylight hours, and are subject to possible weather delays.

By JIM FARISMissouri Department of Transportation has announced another round of ramp closures for I-229 in Saint Joseph for resurfacing.Current closures are scheduled as follows: October 21-23, Southbound I-229...<ol>
 <li>From 22nd Street</li><li>From Route 752, Mason Road</li><li>To Route A</li><li>To Southbound I-29</li><li>To Northbound I-29</li>
 </ol>October 22 &amp; 23, Northbound I-229...<ol>
 <li>To 22nd Street</li><li>To Route 752, Mason Road</li><li>From Route A</li><li>From Southbound I-29</li><li>From Northbound I-29</li>
 </ol>All above closures will be during daylight hours, and are subject to possible weather delays.

Ramp Closures for I-229 this week

Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt is hopeful a U.S. brokered peace deal to end the
Israeli-Hamas war will hold.

Schmidt, a
Republican, says it’s important that the United States work to implement the
agreement and ensure it is enforced. Schmidt says the reaction of Israel to
Hamas’ atrocities is understandable and justified.

“What Hamas did to
Israel two years ago on October 7th is beyond unconscionable. It was
called Israel’s 9/11 at the time and, in fact, it was,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “They slaughtered innocents. They took innocent people hostage.”

Hamas-led
militants killed more than 1,200 people during the attacks on a music festival
and other civilian activities that caught Israel off guard. The militants took
around 250 people hostage. Hostages who lived through the ordeal have been
released to Israel under a peace agreement forged by President Trump and his
administration working with Israel and Hamas. Israel has released some Palestinian
prisoners it had been holding.

Schmidt asserts
the country could not sit idly by after the attacks.

“There were 46
American citizens who were killed by Hamas on October 7th two years
ago,” Schmidt says. “Forty-six Americans were slaughtered. And, in addition to
that, other Americans were captured, taken to Gaza city and held hostage in the
tunnels, some of whom have subsequently died.”

Israel responded
by launching an all-out attack against Hamas.

Schmidt says he
has been challenged by constituents who insist America has no business getting
involved, but Schmidt defends the action.

“This is not just an
issue for Israel and the Middle East and Hamas. This is an American issue,
because our people were killed and taken hostage,” Schmidt says. “And I’m very
proud of our president f0r the engagement he’s given to try to bring this to an
end.”

Trump outlined a
20-point peace plan that has ended hostilities, at least for now. It has been
put to the test. Israel launched a series of attacks Sunday, claiming Hamas
fired on its troops, killing two Israeli soldiers. Israeli airstrikes have
reportedly killed nearly 30 in Gaza. Israel also halted aid shipments to Gaza.
Aid reportedly has resumed being distributed in Gaza.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760992403537.jpeg" alt="Photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt is hopeful a U.S. brokered peace deal to end the
Israeli-Hamas war will hold.Schmidt, a
Republican, says it’s important that the United States work to implement the
agreement and ensure it is enforced. Schmidt says the reaction of Israel to
Hamas’ atrocities is understandable and justified.“What Hamas did to
Israel two years ago on October 7th is beyond unconscionable. It was
called Israel’s 9/11 at the time and, in fact, it was,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “They slaughtered innocents. They took innocent people hostage.”Hamas-led
militants killed more than 1,200 people during the attacks on a music festival
and other civilian activities that caught Israel off guard. The militants took
around 250 people hostage. Hostages who lived through the ordeal have been
released to Israel under a peace agreement forged by President Trump and his
administration working with Israel and Hamas. Israel has released some Palestinian
prisoners it had been holding.Schmidt asserts
the country could not sit idly by after the attacks.“There were 46
American citizens who were killed by Hamas on October 7th two years
ago,” Schmidt says. “Forty-six Americans were slaughtered. And, in addition to
that, other Americans were captured, taken to Gaza city and held hostage in the
tunnels, some of whom have subsequently died.”Israel responded
by launching an all-out attack against Hamas.Schmidt says he
has been challenged by constituents who insist America has no business getting
involved, but Schmidt defends the action.“This is not just an
issue for Israel and the Middle East and Hamas. This is an American issue,
because our people were killed and taken hostage,” Schmidt says. “And I’m very
proud of our president f0r the engagement he’s given to try to bring this to an
end.”Trump outlined a
20-point peace plan that has ended hostilities, at least for now. It has been
put to the test. Israel launched a series of attacks Sunday, claiming Hamas
fired on its troops, killing two Israeli soldiers. Israeli airstrikes have
reportedly killed nearly 30 in Gaza. Israel also halted aid shipments to Gaza.
Aid reportedly has resumed being distributed in Gaza.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Congressman Schmidt hopes Israeli-Hamas peace deal holds

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins says the summary of a proposed initiative petition seeking to repeal stadium subsidies was a ‘first bite at the apple’ that can later be refined in the courts. Critics say that’s just a strategy to bog down and derail citizen-led campaigns

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

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is warning voters that a repeal of Missouri’s $1.5 billion stadium subsidy could mean the Chiefs pack their bags and move to Kansas.&nbsp;

And what about the Royals, the other team state lawmakers were hoping to convince to stay in Missouri when they created the subsidy program?&nbsp; Crickets.&nbsp;

A ballot summary prepared by Hoskins’ office for a pair of proposed initiative petitions seeking to repeal the stadium funding law declares that voter approval could “likely cause the Kansas City Chiefs to move their stadium from Missouri to Kansas.”

There is no mention of the Royals, an omission that sparked a flurry of questions — and criticism.&nbsp;

Does Hoskins have some reason to believe the Royals have already decided to leave the state or have no intention of using the stadium tax incentives?&nbsp;

Or, as critics allege, is Hoskins hoping to sink the measure by making predictions about the future plans of the Chiefs, who&nbsp;— unlike the Royals — have a statewide fanbase, three recent championships, and a star player in Patrick Mahomes who is the face of the sport?

The Secretary of State’s Office insists it has neither inside knowledge of the Royals’ intentions nor a desire to bias voters against the proposed repeal. In a statement, the office said it “does not have access to or knowledge of the private business decisions of any professional sports franchise,” and that the ballot summary must reflect the “clearest, most immediate potential consequence” of the law.

Besides, Hoskins’ office said, the current version of the summary is just the “first bite at the apple.” A recently approved state law gives the secretary of state up to three times to get the ballot language right — if proponents are upset enough about the first version to take the issue to court.&nbsp;

Brad Ketcher, a lawyer working with the group behind the ballot measure to repeal the subsidy, believes that’s the point. Writing an unfair ballot summary forces backers of initiative petitions to invest the time and money into legal challenges that could otherwise be dedicated to gathering signatures or engaging with voters.&nbsp;

“Hoskins is all but admitting,” Ketcher said, “that he drafted flawed language with an eye toward slowing the measure.”

Over the last month, Hoskins has found himself at the center of the political storm, facing criticism — and lawsuits — over his office’s role in the initiative petition and referendum process.&nbsp;

Hoskins has used his authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/16/lawsuit-threat-of-criminal-charges-part-of-gop-effort-to-block-vote-on-missouri-map/">pre-emptively reject 100,000 signatures for a proposed referendum</a>&nbsp;on Missouri’s new congressional map. He’s also come under fire for crafting what critics call “<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuits-challenge-deceptive-summaries-for-missouri-public-education-ballot-measures/">deceptive and prejudicial</a>” summary statements for two public‐education related constitutional amendments.&nbsp;

He was tasked with rewriting the ballot language for a proposal to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban after a Cole County judge determined the initial wording by lawmakers failed to alert voters that the amendment would ban most abortions.&nbsp;

But his initial draft was rejected when the judge determined it was “insufficient and unfair.” Hoskins got the judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-ballot-language-2026/">sign off on the summary</a>&nbsp;on his next attempt.&nbsp;

Sean Nicholson, a longtime progressive activist in Missouri, filed a lawsuit earlier this year asking a judge to strike down a new law that says any ballot language deemed insufficient or unfair by a court must be sent back to the secretary of state up to three times for revision. If, after three attempts, the courts still find the language unacceptable, a judge is then allowed to rewrite it themselves.

Nicholson said Hoskins’ behavior is exactly why the law is so dangerous and should be overturned.

“Denny Hoskins is required to write fair and impartial language,” Nicholson said. “But instead, he is reinforcing all the concerns people had when the legislature passed the law, that a bad-faith politician could use it to waste the people’s time and resources.”&nbsp;

As for the Chiefs and Royals, their future — in Missouri or Kansas — remains unresolved.&nbsp;

“We have heard nothing to indicate that the Royals have decided to leave the State of Missouri,” said Gabby Picard, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, whose office plays no role in the intuitive petition process, when asked about the team’s omission from the ballot summary.

“In fact,” Picard said, “Gov. Kehoe and his team remain in frequent communication with the Royals and the Chiefs to ensure that both teams stay in Missouri — where they belong.”

The teams have expressed interest in leaving Missouri when the lease on their current stadiums in Jackson County expire in 2030. Kansas lawmakers put a deal on the table that would use state incentives to pay for up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums.

The Missouri plan would allocate state taxes collected from economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums to bond payments for renovations at Arrowhead and a new stadium for the Royals in Jackson or Clay counties. The cost is estimated at close to $1.5 billion over 30 years.

A pair of Republican lawmakers<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-general-assembly-seek-to-dismiss-lawsuit-against-stadium-funding-bill/">&nbsp;filed a lawsuit hoping to get the entire package thrown out</a>, arguing it violates the constitution by including multiple provisions and aid to private interests.&nbsp;

The initiative petitions aiming to repeal the stadium subsidy seek to direct any money saved toward preventing cuts to Medicaid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_59f065f3-1e50-44a6-81ac-630fb5acd698.html" target="_blank">that could result from legislation passed this summer by Congress</a>.&nbsp;

Hoskins, Ketcher alleges, “has chosen to protect billions for billionaire sports team owners at the expense of everyday Missourians and their health care.”&nbsp;

For his part, Hoskins defended his work — and his team loyalties.&nbsp;

“Secretary Hoskins applauds the Royals on a hard-fought season and, like many Missourians, is cheering on the Chiefs this football season,” his office said in a statement. “Regardless of team colors, the goal remains the same: ensuring Missouri voters have the facts they need to make an informed decision at the ballot box.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759061969764.png" alt="Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp; -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp; -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins says the summary of a proposed initiative petition seeking to repeal stadium subsidies was a ‘first bite at the apple’ that can later be refined in the courts. Critics say that’s just a strategy to bog down and derail citizen-led campaigns</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is warning voters that a repeal of Missouri’s $1.5 billion stadium subsidy could mean the Chiefs pack their bags and move to Kansas.&nbsp;And what about the Royals, the other team state lawmakers were hoping to convince to stay in Missouri when they created the subsidy program?&nbsp; Crickets.&nbsp;A ballot summary prepared by Hoskins’ office for a pair of proposed initiative petitions seeking to repeal the stadium funding law declares that voter approval could “likely cause the Kansas City Chiefs to move their stadium from Missouri to Kansas.”There is no mention of the Royals, an omission that sparked a flurry of questions — and criticism.&nbsp;Does Hoskins have some reason to believe the Royals have already decided to leave the state or have no intention of using the stadium tax incentives?&nbsp;Or, as critics allege, is Hoskins hoping to sink the measure by making predictions about the future plans of the Chiefs, who&nbsp;— unlike the Royals — have a statewide fanbase, three recent championships, and a star player in Patrick Mahomes who is the face of the sport?The Secretary of State’s Office insists it has neither inside knowledge of the Royals’ intentions nor a desire to bias voters against the proposed repeal. In a statement, the office said it “does not have access to or knowledge of the private business decisions of any professional sports franchise,” and that the ballot summary must reflect the “clearest, most immediate potential consequence” of the law.Besides, Hoskins’ office said, the current version of the summary is just the “first bite at the apple.” A recently approved state law gives the secretary of state up to three times to get the ballot language right — if proponents are upset enough about the first version to take the issue to court.&nbsp;Brad Ketcher, a lawyer working with the group behind the ballot measure to repeal the subsidy, believes that’s the point. Writing an unfair ballot summary forces backers of initiative petitions to invest the time and money into legal challenges that could otherwise be dedicated to gathering signatures or engaging with voters.&nbsp;“Hoskins is all but admitting,” Ketcher said, “that he drafted flawed language with an eye toward slowing the measure.”Over the last month, Hoskins has found himself at the center of the political storm, facing criticism — and lawsuits — over his office’s role in the initiative petition and referendum process.&nbsp;Hoskins has used his authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/16/lawsuit-threat-of-criminal-charges-part-of-gop-effort-to-block-vote-on-missouri-map/">pre-emptively reject 100,000 signatures for a proposed referendum</a>&nbsp;on Missouri’s new congressional map. He’s also come under fire for crafting what critics call “<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuits-challenge-deceptive-summaries-for-missouri-public-education-ballot-measures/">deceptive and prejudicial</a>” summary statements for two public‐education related constitutional amendments.&nbsp;He was tasked with rewriting the ballot language for a proposal to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban after a Cole County judge determined the initial wording by lawmakers failed to alert voters that the amendment would ban most abortions.&nbsp;But his initial draft was rejected when the judge determined it was “insufficient and unfair.” Hoskins got the judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-ballot-language-2026/">sign off on the summary</a>&nbsp;on his next attempt.&nbsp;Sean Nicholson, a longtime progressive activist in Missouri, filed a lawsuit earlier this year asking a judge to strike down a new law that says any ballot language deemed insufficient or unfair by a court must be sent back to the secretary of state up to three times for revision. If, after three attempts, the courts still find the language unacceptable, a judge is then allowed to rewrite it themselves.Nicholson said Hoskins’ behavior is exactly why the law is so dangerous and should be overturned.“Denny Hoskins is required to write fair and impartial language,” Nicholson said. “But instead, he is reinforcing all the concerns people had when the legislature passed the law, that a bad-faith politician could use it to waste the people’s time and resources.”&nbsp;As for the Chiefs and Royals, their future — in Missouri or Kansas — remains unresolved.&nbsp;“We have heard nothing to indicate that the Royals have decided to leave the State of Missouri,” said Gabby Picard, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, whose office plays no role in the intuitive petition process, when asked about the team’s omission from the ballot summary.“In fact,” Picard said, “Gov. Kehoe and his team remain in frequent communication with the Royals and the Chiefs to ensure that both teams stay in Missouri — where they belong.”The teams have expressed interest in leaving Missouri when the lease on their current stadiums in Jackson County expire in 2030. Kansas lawmakers put a deal on the table that would use state incentives to pay for up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums.The Missouri plan would allocate state taxes collected from economic activity at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums to bond payments for renovations at Arrowhead and a new stadium for the Royals in Jackson or Clay counties. The cost is estimated at close to $1.5 billion over 30 years.A pair of Republican lawmakers<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-general-assembly-seek-to-dismiss-lawsuit-against-stadium-funding-bill/">&nbsp;filed a lawsuit hoping to get the entire package thrown out</a>, arguing it violates the constitution by including multiple provisions and aid to private interests.&nbsp;The initiative petitions aiming to repeal the stadium subsidy seek to direct any money saved toward preventing cuts to Medicaid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_59f065f3-1e50-44a6-81ac-630fb5acd698.html" target="_blank">that could result from legislation passed this summer by Congress</a>.&nbsp;Hoskins, Ketcher alleges, “has chosen to protect billions for billionaire sports team owners at the expense of everyday Missourians and their health care.”&nbsp;For his part, Hoskins defended his work — and his team loyalties.&nbsp;“Secretary Hoskins applauds the Royals on a hard-fought season and, like many Missourians, is cheering on the Chiefs this football season,” his office said in a statement. “Regardless of team colors, the goal remains the same: ensuring Missouri voters have the facts they need to make an informed decision at the ballot box.”

Chiefs in, Royals out: Missouri secretary of state once again catches flak over ballot summary

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just befoe 9a.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 68-year-old Gallatin man was westbound on Grand Street just east of Green Street in Gallatin.

The SUV's windshield was fogged over obstruction the driver's view.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into a hole in the ground that was marked by orange fencing and cones.

Daviess County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, at the time ofthe accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just befoe 9a.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 68-year-old Gallatin man was westbound on Grand Street just east of Green Street in Gallatin.The SUV's windshield was fogged over obstruction the driver's view.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled into a hole in the ground that was marked by orange fencing and cones.Daviess County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, at the time ofthe accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after SUV traveled into a hole marked by cones

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by a 58-year-old Smithville man was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of Center Road four miles east of Cameron. The pickup rear-ended&nbsp;a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by a 50-year-old Hamilton man.

&nbsp;After impact the F150 continued west in the driving lane and struck the drivers side rear wheel of&nbsp;a 2009 Case IH combine driven by a 53-year-old Hamilton man.&nbsp; The pickup then began to slide and roll. The driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. 

Caldwell County ambulance transported an 8-year-old male passenger in the pickup to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported. The occupants of the Ford were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by a 58-year-old Smithville man was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of Center Road four miles east of Cameron. The pickup rear-ended&nbsp;a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by a 50-year-old Hamilton man.&nbsp;After impact the F150 continued west in the driving lane and struck the drivers side rear wheel of&nbsp;a 2009 Case IH combine driven by a 53-year-old Hamilton man.&nbsp; The pickup then began to slide and roll. The driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Caldwell County ambulance transported an 8-year-old male passenger in the pickup to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported. The occupants of the Ford were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man dead, 8-year-old injured after crash involving trucks, combine

DEKALB COUNTY —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner Straight Truck driven by a 42-year-old Wichita man was southbound on MO 33 one mile north of Osborn. The driver attempted to travel through the intersection at U.S. 36 and continue southbound on Route M. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2018 School bus driven by a 64-year-old Burlington Junction woman.

The bus struck the rear passenger side of the truck. Three girls on the bus were transported for treatment of minor injuries.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph and a 16-year-old Maryville girl to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported a 17-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were both properly restrained and not injured according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner Straight Truck driven by a 42-year-old Wichita man was southbound on MO 33 one mile north of Osborn. The driver attempted to travel through the intersection at U.S. 36 and continue southbound on Route M. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2018 School bus driven by a 64-year-old Burlington Junction woman.The bus struck the rear passenger side of the truck. Three girls on the bus were transported for treatment of minor injuries.A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph and a 16-year-old Maryville girl to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported a 17-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were both properly restrained and not injured according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 Mo. girls injured after truck, school bus accident

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Hyundia Elantra driven by a 23-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 59 at Business Loop 29 in Country Cub. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. The car crossed both north and southbound lanes of Business Loop 29, traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and several trees. The car came to rest on a fence

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.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Hyundia Elantra driven by a 23-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 59 at Business Loop 29 in Country Cub. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. The car crossed both north and southbound lanes of Business Loop 29, traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and several trees. The car came to rest on a fenceAndrew 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. Joe man injured after car strikes trees and came to rest on a fence

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3GfubBjabCnckAMCdX0BD3?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Week in Review

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Holt County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Avalon driven by a 29-year-old Pittsburg, Kansas, woman was turning south onto U.S. 59 from Route B five miles south of Oregon. The driver failed to yield to a 2010 Chevy Avalanche driven by a 61-year-old Oregon man. The Chevy struck the front passenger side of the Toyota

Atchison Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. They were both properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Holt County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Avalon driven by a 29-year-old Pittsburg, Kansas, woman was turning south onto U.S. 59 from Route B five miles south of Oregon. The driver failed to yield to a 2010 Chevy Avalanche driven by a 61-year-old Oregon man. The Chevy struck the front passenger side of the ToyotaAtchison Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. They were both properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after pickup, car crash

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 51-year-old Braymer woman was northbound on Route A five miles north of Braymer.&nbsp;The driver attempted to maneuver around a deer in the road. The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road and struck a barbed wire fence.

Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 51-year-old Braymer woman was northbound on Route A five miles north of Braymer.&nbsp;The driver attempted to maneuver around a deer in the road. The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road and struck a barbed wire fence.Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after Jeep strikes a barbed wire fence

Halloween brings the annual Witches Tea to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event is one of the best costumed events that he has ever been to 

"Cause it's easy to, if you if you just want to come put a witches hat on, done, you're good to go, so you can pop in out of work at lunchtime, cause the first ones at noon for lunch and then we’ll have a dinner at 6:30,” Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “But we do have a lot of people that pop in for the lunch over there, lunch hour, throw on their hat and their good to go, but some of them go full out.” 

Fuson says the event has been one of the more popular events since the museum took it over 

"It generally sells out, especially the lunch goes pretty quick, so that’s why we’re kind of talking about it now, if you really have been saying I should go, I’ve been meaning to do that, get your reservations in soon because it does fill every time,” Fuson says.  “We get about 100, 120, something like that for each one, so it is really, really a good time.” 

Marketing and Communications Manager Madison McKinley says people shouldn't be turned off by the name of the event  

“It’s fun to just come and hang out with your friends or your family, get in costume, there are specialty drinks from our bar,” McKinley explains.  “We have a little boutique shopping that will be going on, we always have little pop-up vendors that are selling witchy trinkets and jewelry and plants, stuff like that, and then we have psychic readings.” 

The lunch will be at noon with the dinner at 6:30pm at the museum.  Tickets can be purchased while available on the Albrecht Kempers website. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760719051278.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostHalloween brings the annual Witches Tea to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event is one of the best costumed events that he has ever been to "Cause it's easy to, if you if you just want to come put a witches hat on, done, you're good to go, so you can pop in out of work at lunchtime, cause the first ones at noon for lunch and then we’ll have a dinner at 6:30,” Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show. “But we do have a lot of people that pop in for the lunch over there, lunch hour, throw on their hat and their good to go, but some of them go full out.” Fuson says the event has been one of the more popular events since the museum took it over "It generally sells out, especially the lunch goes pretty quick, so that’s why we’re kind of talking about it now, if you really have been saying I should go, I’ve been meaning to do that, get your reservations in soon because it does fill every time,” Fuson says. “We get about 100, 120, something like that for each one, so it is really, really a good time.” Marketing and Communications Manager Madison McKinley says people shouldn't be turned off by the name of the event “It’s fun to just come and hang out with your friends or your family, get in costume, there are specialty drinks from our bar,” McKinley explains. “We have a little boutique shopping that will be going on, we always have little pop-up vendors that are selling witchy trinkets and jewelry and plants, stuff like that, and then we have psychic readings.” The lunch will be at noon with the dinner at 6:30pm at the museum. Tickets can be purchased while available on the Albrecht Kempers website. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anuual Witches Tea celebrates the Halloween season at Albrecht Kemper

Buchanan County Sheriff, Bill Puett, says
his jail has seen a big increase in the number of mentally ill inmates
incarcerated in St. Joseph.

Puett says it’s not a local problem,
either. It is a problem faced statewide.

Puett says his jail is not equipped to
handle mentally ill inmates. Puett points to one example of an inmate housed in
the Buchanan County jail far longer than he should be.

“He has been with us 11 months,” Puett
tells KFEQmmunity. “And so, this is not like two weeks. We see 10, 12, 16
months sometimes before we can get them to the Department of Mental Health and
that’s just not good.”

Puett recently testified before a
Missouri House committee on the problem, telling lawmakers it is a serious
issue for his jail, but even more of a burden from rural jails.

The Buchanan County jail houses around
200 inmates at any one time with between 10-and-20% of those inmates ruled by
the courts as incompetent to stand trial.

Puett says his jail is ill equipped to
handle such inmates.

“I don’t need staff assaulted. I don’t
need the jail torn up. I don’t need all these things, because we have
individuals that should be in the Department of Mental Health,” Puett says.

The problem, according to Puett, is the
Department of Mental Health doesn’t have enough bed space, leading to mentally
ill inmates staying in his jail too long.

Puett says his jail isn’t equipped to
handle mentally ill inmates.

“Lots of problems with individuals who
are not getting treatment, who are not getting their medication,” Puett says.
“Individuals might be a lot better off and a lot more easily dealt with if they
were able to have treatment and medication. So, being incarcerated without that
makes some of them very violent.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760717754741.jpeg" alt="Law Enforcement Center/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Law Enforcement Center/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Sheriff, Bill Puett, says
his jail has seen a big increase in the number of mentally ill inmates
incarcerated in St. Joseph.Puett says it’s not a local problem,
either. It is a problem faced statewide.Puett says his jail is not equipped to
handle mentally ill inmates. Puett points to one example of an inmate housed in
the Buchanan County jail far longer than he should be.“He has been with us 11 months,” Puett
tells KFEQmmunity. “And so, this is not like two weeks. We see 10, 12, 16
months sometimes before we can get them to the Department of Mental Health and
that’s just not good.”Puett recently testified before a
Missouri House committee on the problem, telling lawmakers it is a serious
issue for his jail, but even more of a burden from rural jails.The Buchanan County jail houses around
200 inmates at any one time with between 10-and-20% of those inmates ruled by
the courts as incompetent to stand trial.Puett says his jail is ill equipped to
handle such inmates.“I don’t need staff assaulted. I don’t
need the jail torn up. I don’t need all these things, because we have
individuals that should be in the Department of Mental Health,” Puett says.The problem, according to Puett, is the
Department of Mental Health doesn’t have enough bed space, leading to mentally
ill inmates staying in his jail too long.Puett says his jail isn’t equipped to
handle mentally ill inmates.“Lots of problems with individuals who
are not getting treatment, who are not getting their medication,” Puett says.
“Individuals might be a lot better off and a lot more easily dealt with if they
were able to have treatment and medication. So, being incarcerated without that
makes some of them very violent.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

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