The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted an online presentation downplaying the border question days before teams must decide on Kansas stadium offer

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>

Kansas City regional business leaders don’t care whether the Chiefs or the Royals play in Missouri or Kansas as long as they don’t leave the metropolitan area.

That was the main message Wednesday for an online presentation featuring top executives from four organizations that have membership straddling the border. The presentation came just days before the teams face a deadline from Kansas on its proposal to build new stadiums for both teams.

“We get this question a lot,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Does the regional business and civic community have a preference for which side of the state line or which specific location the teams land? No. As long as the teams land within the KC region, we’re going to support their decision, full stop.”

The presentation focused on how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stadiums-Presentation-250625.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas City competes</a>&nbsp;with other metro areas. At no point during the debates in Kansas or Missouri over public financing for stadiums has either team said it was considering moving out of the region.&nbsp;

Such a move would require the concurrence of other team owners. No city or state other than Missouri and Kansas have made public overtures to the teams.&nbsp;

The sentiment that the state line was the smallest consideration for Kansas City businesses was echoed by the other participants, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the presentation, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation.

“The more that we can stand united as one KC, and understand that our competition are those other regions that want the assets we have or are competing to attract what we want to get as well, I think we’re going to be stronger and we’re going to win,” said Joe Reardon, CEO of the Kansas City chamber.

Missouri lawmakers this month approved a plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-ends-with-passage-kc-stadium-funding-disaster-aid/">finance up to 50%</a>&nbsp;of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, committing almost $1.5 billion in future tax revenue. The current facilities, Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, were opened in the early 1970s and almost all other stadiums built near that time are no longer in use, Reardon noted in the presentation.

Kansas, under a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/21/kansas-gov-kelly-signs-bill-to-poach-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-from-missouri/">plan approved last year</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Legislature, is offering to pay up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums if the teams cross the state border.

During the debates in both states, the focus was on winning&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/kansas-v-missouri-stadium-battle-shows-how-states-are-reigniting-border-wars/">the “border war”</a>.&nbsp;

For Missouri, the loss of either team would mean another major league team leaving the state. St. Louis lost the NFL’s Rams in 2015, the football Cardinals in 1987 and the NBA’s Hawks in 1968. Kansas City lost Major League Baseball’s Athletics in 1967 and the Kings NBA franchise in 1985.

Kansas City is the smallest market that has both an NFL team and a Major League Baseball team.

For Kansas, it would be the first time a team from the NFL or Major League Baseball called the state its home.

“Our competition is not in Missouri or Kansas, it’s outside the region,” Cowden said. “We need to keep them at bay at arm’s length. This is not, in our opinion, about a border war. It truly is about a border solution.”

The success of Kansas City sports teams, especially the Chiefs, has raised the national and international profile of the region, said Kathy Nelson of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation and Visit KC.

“They are opening doors to businesses like we never heard,” she said.

The Chiefs have played in five of the six most recent Super Bowls. The 2025 game had a national audience of 127 million and international audience&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/16875/super-bowl-viewership-vs-world-cup-final/" target="_blank">estimated at 62 million</a>. The romance between Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also boosted the city’s profile, she said.

The Royals made the playoffs last year for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. They have a more regional audience, she said, with 80% of game attendees living within 75 miles of downtown Kansas City.

“Nothing else puts us on a global stage like our sports teams,” Nelson said. “There’s nothing else like this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718763171046.png" alt=" A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption> A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted an online presentation downplaying the border question days before teams must decide on Kansas stadium offer</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>Kansas City regional business leaders don’t care whether the Chiefs or the Royals play in Missouri or Kansas as long as they don’t leave the metropolitan area.That was the main message Wednesday for an online presentation featuring top executives from four organizations that have membership straddling the border. The presentation came just days before the teams face a deadline from Kansas on its proposal to build new stadiums for both teams.“We get this question a lot,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Does the regional business and civic community have a preference for which side of the state line or which specific location the teams land? No. As long as the teams land within the KC region, we’re going to support their decision, full stop.”The presentation focused on how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stadiums-Presentation-250625.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas City competes</a>&nbsp;with other metro areas. At no point during the debates in Kansas or Missouri over public financing for stadiums has either team said it was considering moving out of the region.&nbsp;Such a move would require the concurrence of other team owners. No city or state other than Missouri and Kansas have made public overtures to the teams.&nbsp;The sentiment that the state line was the smallest consideration for Kansas City businesses was echoed by the other participants, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the presentation, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation.“The more that we can stand united as one KC, and understand that our competition are those other regions that want the assets we have or are competing to attract what we want to get as well, I think we’re going to be stronger and we’re going to win,” said Joe Reardon, CEO of the Kansas City chamber.Missouri lawmakers this month approved a plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-ends-with-passage-kc-stadium-funding-disaster-aid/">finance up to 50%</a>&nbsp;of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, committing almost $1.5 billion in future tax revenue. The current facilities, Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, were opened in the early 1970s and almost all other stadiums built near that time are no longer in use, Reardon noted in the presentation.Kansas, under a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/21/kansas-gov-kelly-signs-bill-to-poach-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-from-missouri/">plan approved last year</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Legislature, is offering to pay up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums if the teams cross the state border.During the debates in both states, the focus was on winning&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/kansas-v-missouri-stadium-battle-shows-how-states-are-reigniting-border-wars/">the “border war”</a>.&nbsp;For Missouri, the loss of either team would mean another major league team leaving the state. St. Louis lost the NFL’s Rams in 2015, the football Cardinals in 1987 and the NBA’s Hawks in 1968. Kansas City lost Major League Baseball’s Athletics in 1967 and the Kings NBA franchise in 1985.Kansas City is the smallest market that has both an NFL team and a Major League Baseball team.For Kansas, it would be the first time a team from the NFL or Major League Baseball called the state its home.“Our competition is not in Missouri or Kansas, it’s outside the region,” Cowden said. “We need to keep them at bay at arm’s length. This is not, in our opinion, about a border war. It truly is about a border solution.”The success of Kansas City sports teams, especially the Chiefs, has raised the national and international profile of the region, said Kathy Nelson of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation and Visit KC.“They are opening doors to businesses like we never heard,” she said.The Chiefs have played in five of the six most recent Super Bowls. The 2025 game had a national audience of 127 million and international audience&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/16875/super-bowl-viewership-vs-world-cup-final/" target="_blank">estimated at 62 million</a>. The romance between Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also boosted the city’s profile, she said.The Royals made the playoffs last year for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. They have a more regional audience, she said, with 80% of game attendees living within 75 miles of downtown Kansas City.“Nothing else puts us on a global stage like our sports teams,” Nelson said. “There’s nothing else like this.”

Missouri or Kansas? Business leaders don’t care as long as Chiefs and Royals stay near KC

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.

Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.

Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.

Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.

Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.

Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969497358.png" alt="Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC." />
 <figcaption>Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969734157.png" alt="Cushinberry photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cushinberry photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969800559.png" alt="Daniels photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Daniels photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969850282.png" alt="Bowen photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bowen photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969976133.png" alt="Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970116281.png" alt="Maxey photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Maxey photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970037950.png" alt="Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Seven arrested in NE Kansas drug investigation

University of
Missouri curators toured the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph campus Wednesday
afternoon and held their public meeting at the St. Joseph Country Club today.

Officials with the
university also pledged their support for a dental school on the Missouri
Western State University campus despite legislators failing to approve a $7 million
appropriations for it.

University of
Missouri President, Mun Choi, tells reporters during a news conference there is
a reason the Board of Curators held its meeting in St. Joseph.

“St. Joseph is a
very important community in Missouri,” Choi tells reporters. “And we want to do
whatever is possible for the University of Missouri system to support the
economic, educational, and health care needs of this region.”

The University of
Missouri Boar of Curators toured the UMKC School of Medicine, St Joseph campus
Wednesday afternoon. The School of Medicine began within the walls of the
Mosaic Life Care campus. This fall, it will move into a new building, right
across the street from Mosaic. The Board of Curators held its meeting at the
St. Joseph Country Club.

An effort to
create a UMKC Dental School was dealt a blow this past legislative session. An
appropriation of $7 million was contained in the massive, $513 million capital
improvement package that seemed headed for approval. That is until the Missouri
House Budget Committee chair, Rep. Dirk Deaton of Noel, skipped over the bill,
refusing to let it come before the full chamber for a vote. The moved shocked
even majority Republicans, who weren’t tipped off to his intentions. It also
sparked anger in the Missouri Senate and set a sour tone to the end of the
session the legislature couldn’t shake.

Choi says the
dental school is a logical expansion of the UMKC footprint in St. Joseph.

“It’s exciting that
we’ve had our first graduates of the four-year medical school at this campus in
St. Joseph,” Choi says. “The goal is to expand that to 20 students per year
and, in addition, to bring the dental program as well as dental hygiene program
(to St. Joseph).”

Board of Curators
chair Todd Graves, a native of Tarkio, says there’s a reason the board leaves
Columbia to hold meetings in other parts of the state.

“We’re not the university
of people who live in Columbia, Missouri,” Graves says. “We’re the University
of Missouri and we’re bringing many, many programs and opportunities all across
the state and no one – as a native of this area I appreciate it – no one’s
benefited more than northwest Missouri. But certainly, other areas have
benefited a great deal as well.”

UMKC proposes establishing
the dental school on the Missouri Western campus. Students in the program would
serve their first two years on the Kansas City campus before moving to the St.
Joseph campus.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750963725556.jpeg" alt="University of Missouri President, Mun Choi, and Board of Curators chair, Todd Graves, speak to reporters during a news conference at the St. Joseph Country Club./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>University of Missouri President, Mun Choi, and Board of Curators chair, Todd Graves, speak to reporters during a news conference at the St. Joseph Country Club./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUniversity of
Missouri curators toured the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph campus Wednesday
afternoon and held their public meeting at the St. Joseph Country Club today.Officials with the
university also pledged their support for a dental school on the Missouri
Western State University campus despite legislators failing to approve a $7 million
appropriations for it.University of
Missouri President, Mun Choi, tells reporters during a news conference there is
a reason the Board of Curators held its meeting in St. Joseph.“St. Joseph is a
very important community in Missouri,” Choi tells reporters. “And we want to do
whatever is possible for the University of Missouri system to support the
economic, educational, and health care needs of this region.”The University of
Missouri Boar of Curators toured the UMKC School of Medicine, St Joseph campus
Wednesday afternoon. The School of Medicine began within the walls of the
Mosaic Life Care campus. This fall, it will move into a new building, right
across the street from Mosaic. The Board of Curators held its meeting at the
St. Joseph Country Club.An effort to
create a UMKC Dental School was dealt a blow this past legislative session. An
appropriation of $7 million was contained in the massive, $513 million capital
improvement package that seemed headed for approval. That is until the Missouri
House Budget Committee chair, Rep. Dirk Deaton of Noel, skipped over the bill,
refusing to let it come before the full chamber for a vote. The moved shocked
even majority Republicans, who weren’t tipped off to his intentions. It also
sparked anger in the Missouri Senate and set a sour tone to the end of the
session the legislature couldn’t shake.Choi says the
dental school is a logical expansion of the UMKC footprint in St. Joseph.“It’s exciting that
we’ve had our first graduates of the four-year medical school at this campus in
St. Joseph,” Choi says. “The goal is to expand that to 20 students per year
and, in addition, to bring the dental program as well as dental hygiene program
(to St. Joseph).”Board of Curators
chair Todd Graves, a native of Tarkio, says there’s a reason the board leaves
Columbia to hold meetings in other parts of the state.“We’re not the university
of people who live in Columbia, Missouri,” Graves says. “We’re the University
of Missouri and we’re bringing many, many programs and opportunities all across
the state and no one – as a native of this area I appreciate it – no one’s
benefited more than northwest Missouri. But certainly, other areas have
benefited a great deal as well.”UMKC proposes establishing
the dental school on the Missouri Western campus. Students in the program would
serve their first two years on the Kansas City campus before moving to the St.
Joseph campus.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

University of Missouri Curators meet in St. Joseph, support UMKC dental school here

St. Joseph School
Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, has wrapped up his time as superintendent with a
major issue unresolved.

Edgar came to St.
Joseph in 2018 and became superintendent in 2022.

He says the St.
Joseph School District and Board of Education must decipher why St. Joseph
voters rejected the $157 million bond issue in April.

“I’m hopeful that
the community will come forward and help us understand what they want, because
I don’t know if people are opposed to two buildings from a high school
standpoint or if they were just opposed to the tax that comes with a new high
school,” Edgar says during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “And so that’s really
what you have to identify. We did the community survey and it came back and it
was split. It was 50-50.”

Edgar says the
district eventually needs to trim the number of elementary schools from 13 to
11 and likely should reduce middle schools from four to three. He says a lack
of staff drives the decision to go to two high schools.

Edgar adds the
number of high schools isn’t the issue.

“It’s not about
two high schools,” Edgar says. “It’s about a systemic change pre-K through 12
and that’s what people have to understand. We have a broken middle school
model. We have too many elementary schools. I mean we had 1700 open seats at
one time in those buildings.”

Two St. Joseph
middle schools teach sixth through eighth grade, two teach seventh and eighth.

Edgar says,
eventually, the community and the Board of Education must come to an agreement
with a school realignment.

“But,
unfortunately, the two high school model drives everything if you want to fix
the boundaries and you want to do all that stuff at once,” according to Edgar.
“That’s why I’m saying its pre-K through 12. You have to fix it all at once.”

Edgar came to St.
Joseph in 2018 when then-Superintendent Doug Van Zyl hired him as Assistant
Superintendent for Finance. Edgar had served as Marcelline Superintendent for
11 years prior to coming to St. Joseph.

Edgar experienced
highs and lows during his time as superintendent. Among the high points, three
successive victories at the polls with more than 70% of St. Joseph voters approving
an extension of the tax levy in August of 2022, more than 65% approving a $20
million bond levy in April of 2024, and a 63% majority of voters authorizing
the waiving of Proposition C money to raise the levy for teacher salaries in
August of 2024.

A proposal by
Edgar to adopt a four-day school week failed by one vote during a Board of
Education meeting in early 2024. Edgar sought it as a morale boost for existing
teachers and as a potential recruiting tool for new teachers. Then, voters
rejected the $157 million bond issue this past April.

One low point
during his tenure does stand out for Edgar.

“Personal,
bringing negative attention to the St. Joseph School District when I was
arrested for DUI. That’s obviously something that was; it was hard, but there
was a lot of support out there,” Edgar says. “For that I appreciate the people
that did back me, because it was a mistake and that shouldn’t have been made.”

Edgar was found
guilty of misdemeanor drunk driving in 2023. The St. Joseph Board of Education
voted to retain Edgar as superintendent.

Under Edgar’s
leadership, the St. Joseph Board of Education engaged the public in its Vision
Forward campaign which resulted in the Long Range Plan for the district
approved by the school board.

This is the first
of two parts with Edgar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750958894040.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, appears on KFEQmmunity on his last day with the St. Joseph School District./Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, appears on KFEQmmunity on his last day with the St. Joseph School District./Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe first of two parts.St. Joseph School
Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, has wrapped up his time as superintendent with a
major issue unresolved.Edgar came to St.
Joseph in 2018 and became superintendent in 2022.He says the St.
Joseph School District and Board of Education must decipher why St. Joseph
voters rejected the $157 million bond issue in April.“I’m hopeful that
the community will come forward and help us understand what they want, because
I don’t know if people are opposed to two buildings from a high school
standpoint or if they were just opposed to the tax that comes with a new high
school,” Edgar says during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “And so that’s really
what you have to identify. We did the community survey and it came back and it
was split. It was 50-50.”Edgar says the
district eventually needs to trim the number of elementary schools from 13 to
11 and likely should reduce middle schools from four to three. He says a lack
of staff drives the decision to go to two high schools.Edgar adds the
number of high schools isn’t the issue.“It’s not about
two high schools,” Edgar says. “It’s about a systemic change pre-K through 12
and that’s what people have to understand. We have a broken middle school
model. We have too many elementary schools. I mean we had 1700 open seats at
one time in those buildings.”Two St. Joseph
middle schools teach sixth through eighth grade, two teach seventh and eighth.Edgar says,
eventually, the community and the Board of Education must come to an agreement
with a school realignment.“But,
unfortunately, the two high school model drives everything if you want to fix
the boundaries and you want to do all that stuff at once,” according to Edgar.
“That’s why I’m saying its pre-K through 12. You have to fix it all at once.”Edgar came to St.
Joseph in 2018 when then-Superintendent Doug Van Zyl hired him as Assistant
Superintendent for Finance. Edgar had served as Marcelline Superintendent for
11 years prior to coming to St. Joseph.Edgar experienced
highs and lows during his time as superintendent. Among the high points, three
successive victories at the polls with more than 70% of St. Joseph voters approving
an extension of the tax levy in August of 2022, more than 65% approving a $20
million bond levy in April of 2024, and a 63% majority of voters authorizing
the waiving of Proposition C money to raise the levy for teacher salaries in
August of 2024.A proposal by
Edgar to adopt a four-day school week failed by one vote during a Board of
Education meeting in early 2024. Edgar sought it as a morale boost for existing
teachers and as a potential recruiting tool for new teachers. Then, voters
rejected the $157 million bond issue this past April.One low point
during his tenure does stand out for Edgar.“Personal,
bringing negative attention to the St. Joseph School District when I was
arrested for DUI. That’s obviously something that was; it was hard, but there
was a lot of support out there,” Edgar says. “For that I appreciate the people
that did back me, because it was a mistake and that shouldn’t have been made.”Edgar was found
guilty of misdemeanor drunk driving in 2023. The St. Joseph Board of Education
voted to retain Edgar as superintendent.Under Edgar’s
leadership, the St. Joseph Board of Education engaged the public in its Vision
Forward campaign which resulted in the Long Range Plan for the district
approved by the school board.This is the first
of two parts with Edgar.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Supt. Edgar looks back as he leaves St. Joseph - The 1st of 2 parts

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0xRrwYpBW8BOxOr125bIUM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4NGIadJ4lr8iehpXQxDrQR?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

During lunch today, if you eat at McDonalds, you can meet some players and coaches from the St. Joseph Mustangs and also benefit the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  

The Essig Family Mcdonalds and the Mustangs are partnering with the United Way at the north belt McDonalds today from 11am to 2pm.  

United Way's Lauren Catron says the partnership has been a great one that's lasted the past several years. 

"We're doing it again this year, we're going to be at the McDonalds on the north belt at 601 North Belt Highway and the McDonalds at 3504 North Belt Highway," Catron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And a portion of the food and drink sales will be donated to United Way's 2025 campaign for this year.  

Catron says this event is a sort of precursor to the kickoff of the 2025 campaign in September, helping build excitement in an already supportive community 

"United Way's annual campaign funds vital programs in our community, everything from youth mentorship and housing stability to community health and education, and we just really appreciate the community coming out," Catron explains.  "It's just really building that excitement for the 2025 campaign kickoff." 

During that time, players and coaches from the Mustangs will be meeting fans, signing autographs and taking photos.  

Catron says there is a lot of excitement around the Mustangs right now 

"Just having an opportunity for the community to come out and meet the players, meet the coaches, eat some great food, and then also be able to kind of give back to their community too," Catron says. "It's just really an exciting event that we're excited to be a part of." 

Players and coaches will be at both locations during the time of the event. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750889272219.jpeg" alt="Lafayette alum and Mustangs player Brayden Luikart serves from the drive thru during an event benefiting the United Way of Greater St. Joseph in 2023.&nbsp; The Mustangs and the Essig Family McDonalds are teaming up again today to benefit United Way, with a portion of sales going to the 2025 United Way campaign/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Lafayette alum and Mustangs player Brayden Luikart serves from the drive thru during an event benefiting the United Way of Greater St. Joseph in 2023.&nbsp; The Mustangs and the Essig Family McDonalds are teaming up again today to benefit United Way, with a portion of sales going to the 2025 United Way campaign/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post During lunch today, if you eat at McDonalds, you can meet some players and coaches from the St. Joseph Mustangs and also benefit the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. The Essig Family Mcdonalds and the Mustangs are partnering with the United Way at the north belt McDonalds today from 11am to 2pm. United Way's Lauren Catron says the partnership has been a great one that's lasted the past several years. "We're doing it again this year, we're going to be at the McDonalds on the north belt at 601 North Belt Highway and the McDonalds at 3504 North Belt Highway," Catron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And a portion of the food and drink sales will be donated to United Way's 2025 campaign for this year. Catron says this event is a sort of precursor to the kickoff of the 2025 campaign in September, helping build excitement in an already supportive community "United Way's annual campaign funds vital programs in our community, everything from youth mentorship and housing stability to community health and education, and we just really appreciate the community coming out," Catron explains. "It's just really building that excitement for the 2025 campaign kickoff." During that time, players and coaches from the Mustangs will be meeting fans, signing autographs and taking photos. Catron says there is a lot of excitement around the Mustangs right now "Just having an opportunity for the community to come out and meet the players, meet the coaches, eat some great food, and then also be able to kind of give back to their community too," Catron says. "It's just really an exciting event that we're excited to be a part of." Players and coaches will be at both locations during the time of the event. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

McDonalds and Mustangs team up to benefit United Way of Greater St. Joseph

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>

Questions about the constitutionality of a property tax cap included in the governor’s stadium funding plan earlier this month may draw Missouri lawmakers back into session later this year.

House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, on Monday formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and empowered it to study Missouri’s property tax system and recommend “solutions to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability for taxpayers and municipalities across the state.”

The committee’s formation comes on the heels of Patterson floating the idea of a special legislative session in September, when lawmakers are already required to consider whether to override gubernatorial vetoes.

“You go around to any of the counties… and they’re bringing up property taxes,” Patterson said earlier this month. “This is a huge problem. I would say it goes to crisis levels.”

Asked about the possibility of convening another special session focused on property taxes, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said he has been “in discussions on this issue and looks forward to reviewing the work of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.”

Property taxes are the main source of revenue for local governments, funding schools, public safety and other functions. Rising housing costs, coupled with property reassessments, have put the way the taxes are calculated under the microscope, with lawmakers looking to provide relief to taxpayers without bankrupting local governments.

The topic even emerged as part of discussion over the state’s public school funding formula. A state task force created to study Missouri’s education spending spent its latest hearing this week focused on how property taxes have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">contributed funding inequities</a>.

Kehoe called lawmakers back into session earlier this month to consider a $1.5 billion incentive package for professional sports stadiums in Kansas City, he agreed to allow an amendment requiring most counties to put a hard cap on increases in property tax bills.

In 75 counties, tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 others, no increase in the basic 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.

The property tax amendment caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/09/missouri-freedom-caucus-royals-chiefs-stadium/">fissure among conservatives in the Missouri Senate</a>. Some supported the measure in an attempt to win tax relief concessions during the special session. Others decried it as an unconstitutional bait and switch designed to fool taxpayers, pointing to a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that property taxes be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”

Even Patterson, who voted in support of the bill that included stadium funding and the property tax cap, acknowledged questions about whether it could survive a constitutional challenge.

“One thing I don’t do is guess what is going to happen in our courts,” Patterson said. “I’ve heard from a lot of attorneys that say it absolutely is. I’ve heard from some that said that it isn’t. I do think it’s constitutional.”

The interim committee created by Patterson will hold seven hearings across the state this summer to gather input and explore legislative solutions. State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, will serve as chairman.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, will serve as the ranking minority member.

“Property taxes are one of the most common concerns we hear from Missourians,” Taylor said, “and it’s clear that our system needs a closer look.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750932735993.png" alt=" House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Questions about the constitutionality of a property tax cap included in the governor’s stadium funding plan earlier this month may draw Missouri lawmakers back into session later this year.House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, on Monday formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and empowered it to study Missouri’s property tax system and recommend “solutions to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability for taxpayers and municipalities across the state.”The committee’s formation comes on the heels of Patterson floating the idea of a special legislative session in September, when lawmakers are already required to consider whether to override gubernatorial vetoes.“You go around to any of the counties… and they’re bringing up property taxes,” Patterson said earlier this month. “This is a huge problem. I would say it goes to crisis levels.”Asked about the possibility of convening another special session focused on property taxes, a spokeswoman for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said he has been “in discussions on this issue and looks forward to reviewing the work of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.”Property taxes are the main source of revenue for local governments, funding schools, public safety and other functions. Rising housing costs, coupled with property reassessments, have put the way the taxes are calculated under the microscope, with lawmakers looking to provide relief to taxpayers without bankrupting local governments.The topic even emerged as part of discussion over the state’s public school funding formula. A state task force created to study Missouri’s education spending spent its latest hearing this week focused on how property taxes have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">contributed funding inequities</a>.Kehoe called lawmakers back into session earlier this month to consider a $1.5 billion incentive package for professional sports stadiums in Kansas City, he agreed to allow an amendment requiring most counties to put a hard cap on increases in property tax bills.In 75 counties, tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year from a base amount, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 others, no increase in the basic 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.The property tax amendment caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/09/missouri-freedom-caucus-royals-chiefs-stadium/">fissure among conservatives in the Missouri Senate</a>. Some supported the measure in an attempt to win tax relief concessions during the special session. Others decried it as an unconstitutional bait and switch designed to fool taxpayers, pointing to a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that property taxes be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.”Even Patterson, who voted in support of the bill that included stadium funding and the property tax cap, acknowledged questions about whether it could survive a constitutional challenge.“One thing I don’t do is guess what is going to happen in our courts,” Patterson said. “I’ve heard from a lot of attorneys that say it absolutely is. I’ve heard from some that said that it isn’t. I do think it’s constitutional.”The interim committee created by Patterson will hold seven hearings across the state this summer to gather input and explore legislative solutions. State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, will serve as chairman.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, will serve as the ranking minority member.“Property taxes are one of the most common concerns we hear from Missourians,” Taylor said, “and it’s clear that our system needs a closer look.”

Missouri lawmakers could return to session this fall to debate property taxes

The Kansas City Chiefs announced that training camp will be back on the campus of Missouri Western State University for a 15th year this summer.  

Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says the relationship with the Chiefs has been great, but the existing agreement ended after last year's camp, and things have changed quite a bit since camp first came to the college 

"They were great to work with, they were really good, really attentive, and it just kind of picked up a little steam as we started looking at things a little differently, both sides," Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And I think this is a natural progression of what the future looks like, and I'm excited about it." 

Carter says since the camp announcement, he's heard a lot of excitement about the Chiefs coming back for another year.  

A failed capital improvement plan did cause some doubts about camp at Missouri Western.  

House Bill 19, which the House Budget Committee chair did not even bring to a vote, contained $2.8 million that Carter says would have helped to offset the cost of training camp 

Carter says it would have helped Missouri Western meet the needs of the Chiefs during Training Camp, without sacrificing the colleges mission of educating young people 

"It gave everybody a little bit of a pause, but we quickly got right back in and dug through and figured out some ways that we could make this happen, and I feel good about where we are," Carter explains.  "And we have the ability to continue to have dialogue with them about what the future looks like and I think it looks really good." 

The Chiefs and Missouri Western agreed on a multi-year extension to keep training camp in St. Joseph, starting with the camp this summer.  

Carter says it's especially exciting for him to have the Chiefs in town because it feels like the kickoff to the fall sports season on campus 

"To me fall on a college campus, that's where it's at, the energy level, the excitement level, all of that's there," Carter says.  "And our fall sports are going to be really, really good this year and I'm excited about getting into the school year and having all that happen." 

The Chiefs hold their first practice on July 22nd for season ticket members, and the first open to the general public on July 23rd.  The full team reports to St. Joseph July 20th. 

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

By MATT PIKE The Kansas City Chiefs announced that training camp will be back on the campus of Missouri Western State University for a 15th year this summer. Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter says the relationship with the Chiefs has been great, but the existing agreement ended after last year's camp, and things have changed quite a bit since camp first came to the college "They were great to work with, they were really good, really attentive, and it just kind of picked up a little steam as we started looking at things a little differently, both sides," Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And I think this is a natural progression of what the future looks like, and I'm excited about it." Carter says since the camp announcement, he's heard a lot of excitement about the Chiefs coming back for another year. A failed capital improvement plan did cause some doubts about camp at Missouri Western. House Bill 19, which the House Budget Committee chair did not even bring to a vote, contained $2.8 million that Carter says would have helped to offset the cost of training camp Carter says it would have helped Missouri Western meet the needs of the Chiefs during Training Camp, without sacrificing the colleges mission of educating young people "It gave everybody a little bit of a pause, but we quickly got right back in and dug through and figured out some ways that we could make this happen, and I feel good about where we are," Carter explains. "And we have the ability to continue to have dialogue with them about what the future looks like and I think it looks really good." The Chiefs and Missouri Western agreed on a multi-year extension to keep training camp in St. Joseph, starting with the camp this summer. Carter says it's especially exciting for him to have the Chiefs in town because it feels like the kickoff to the fall sports season on campus "To me fall on a college campus, that's where it's at, the energy level, the excitement level, all of that's there," Carter says. "And our fall sports are going to be really, really good this year and I'm excited about getting into the school year and having all that happen." The Chiefs hold their first practice on July 22nd for season ticket members, and the first open to the general public on July 23rd. The full team reports to St. Joseph July 20th. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU AD Carter excited to see Chiefs return to campus

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2yAmzfMN0tv1Pvdw7l9GMb?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/20tpWwSFgFG87PHrq4uFVE?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.

Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.

“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”

Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.

“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”

Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.

Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.

“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”

A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Congressman Graves backs Trump action against Iran

HARRISON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by an 18-year-old West Des Moines, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 84.&nbsp; The jeep traveled off the west side of the road into the median. The driver overcorrected. The vehicle skidded across the northbound lanes and rolled.

NTA ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old female passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. An 18-year-old male passenger refused treatment of a minor injury. The 16-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by an 18-year-old West Des Moines, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 84.&nbsp; The jeep traveled off the west side of the road into the median. The driver overcorrected. The vehicle skidded across the northbound lanes and rolled.NTA ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old female passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. An 18-year-old male passenger refused treatment of a minor injury. The 16-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 teens injured after pickup rollover accident

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating cruelty to animals in Livingston County.&nbsp;

On Sunday or Monday, someone abandoned eight 9-day-old puppies inside a suitcase with a handwritten note, dumping them behind a trash can at Clay Street Park, according to a social media report from the Chillicothe Animal Control.

"The heat was unforgiving — with temperatures reaching 93° and a “feels like” of 99° — putting these tiny, helpless puppies in extreme danger."

The shelter is asking for the public’s help. If you saw anything suspicious or have any information about who may have done this, please contact the Chillicothe Police Department at 660-646-2121.

"These puppies deserved compassion, not cruelty. Let’s help bring justice to them"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750845669523.png" alt="Photo Chillicothe Animal Control" />
 <figcaption>Photo Chillicothe Animal Control</figcaption>
 </figure>LIVINGSTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating cruelty to animals in Livingston County.&nbsp;On Sunday or Monday, someone abandoned eight 9-day-old puppies inside a suitcase with a handwritten note, dumping them behind a trash can at Clay Street Park, according to a social media report from the Chillicothe Animal Control."The heat was unforgiving — with temperatures reaching 93° and a “feels like” of 99° — putting these tiny, helpless puppies in extreme danger."The shelter is asking for the public’s help. If you saw anything suspicious or have any information about who may have done this, please contact the Chillicothe Police Department at 660-646-2121."These puppies deserved compassion, not cruelty. Let’s help bring justice to them"

Puppies in suitcase dumped in park in 93-degree heat

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 25-year-old Tarkio man was eastbound on U.S. 136 eight miles west of Burlington Junction. The driver lost control on the vehicle in heavy rain. The pickup traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and traveled into a bean field.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Fairfax Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 25-year-old Tarkio man was eastbound on U.S. 136 eight miles west of Burlington Junction. The driver lost control on the vehicle in heavy rain. The pickup traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and traveled into a bean field.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Fairfax Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after pickup crash in heavy rain

A St. Joseph man has been charged in connection with a shooting threat that led to a lockdown at William Jewell College in Liberty on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

Liberty Police say that on Tuesday, 25 year old&nbsp;Jacob A. Raczkowski of St. Joseph, a former student at William Jewell, was charged in Clay County with first degree terroistic threat.&nbsp;Raczkowski remains in custody in Lafayette County, Missouri, on additional charges of eluding police.

Police say on Saturday, the department received a call from someone just before 10pm claiming they were on the William Jewell campus and planned to “start shooting."&nbsp; Authorities determined the caller was not on campus but were able to identify the suspect as a former student.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper noticed Raczkowski’s Jeep Cherokee on Sunday and attempted to make a traffic stop, according to court documents.&nbsp; Raczkowski allegedly began “angrily” yelling at the trooper before speeding off.&nbsp; A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds “well in excess” of 100 mph, the trooper said in court documents.

After the chase continued on multiple roads through Saline County, one of the Jeep’s tires popped, leading Raczkowski to allegedly flee on foot.&nbsp; Authorities conducted an extensive search using aircraft and law enforcement K-9s, but could not find him.&nbsp; A second search was set up Monday, and Raczkowski was eventually taken into custody.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750802840981.jpeg" alt="Jacob Raczkowski/ Photo courtesy of Liberty, Missouri Police Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Raczkowski/ Photo courtesy of Liberty, Missouri Police Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man has been charged in connection with a shooting threat that led to a lockdown at William Jewell College in Liberty on Sunday evening.&nbsp;Liberty Police say that on Tuesday, 25 year old&nbsp;Jacob A. Raczkowski of St. Joseph, a former student at William Jewell, was charged in Clay County with first degree terroistic threat.&nbsp;Raczkowski remains in custody in Lafayette County, Missouri, on additional charges of eluding police.Police say on Saturday, the department received a call from someone just before 10pm claiming they were on the William Jewell campus and planned to “start shooting."&nbsp; Authorities determined the caller was not on campus but were able to identify the suspect as a former student.A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper noticed Raczkowski’s Jeep Cherokee on Sunday and attempted to make a traffic stop, according to court documents.&nbsp; Raczkowski allegedly began “angrily” yelling at the trooper before speeding off.&nbsp; A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds “well in excess” of 100 mph, the trooper said in court documents.After the chase continued on multiple roads through Saline County, one of the Jeep’s tires popped, leading Raczkowski to allegedly flee on foot.&nbsp; Authorities conducted an extensive search using aircraft and law enforcement K-9s, but could not find him.&nbsp; A second search was set up Monday, and Raczkowski was eventually taken into custody.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph man charged in shooting threat to William Jewell College

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0bII1WJscwAsvCuZk2VgjF?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/70FNLY0el5crtTDgn78ycq?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

A huge capital
improvement package died in the last days of the regular Missouri legislative
session and lawmakers failed to revive it in the special session.

Still, the
projects St. Joseph counted on could still be resurrected.

That, according to
St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields, who pushed for $7 million to establish a
UMKC dental school on the Missouri Western campus and $2.8 million to make
improvements to the Chiefs Training Camp.

“And I don’t think
those issues are dead,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think that they
will come back. We will continue to raise money on the private side for the
dental school, because the $7 million never was going to pay for it all. So, we
will continue our fundraising drive on the private sector. And we still might
be able to swing some money, somehow, to Missouri Western for the Chiefs
Training Camp or for the dental school.” 

Those expenditures
as well as money for Mosaic to expand ER service to treat mental health and to
repair the roof at the Pony Express Museum got the ax when the House Budget
Committee chair refused to allow the full House to vote on a $513 million
capital improvement package.

Though the
projects failed during the legislative session, Shields says she keeps beating
the drum for them.

“Trust me, I am in
the governor’s ear about these projects all the time and he is learning about
every other day the importance of these to our community,” Shields says.

Shields says
private fundraising is ongoing to bring the UMKC dental school to St. Joseph.

“I think that UMKC
is committed to providing a dental school in St. Joseph so that they can
provide dental care to all of north Missouri,” Shields says.

Shields expects
the issue to come before the legislature again, especially since UMKC has had
success establishing a medical school at Mosaic.

“We are training
the future rural doctors, not only for Missouri but for the United States,” according
to Shields. “That is the real dream with this dental school as well is that we
would be training for future rural dentists for not only Missouri, but we would
be the premiere location for rural dentists across the nation.”

A ribbon cutting
for the medical schools, built across from Mosaic Life Care, is planned soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750706775218.jpeg" alt="UMKC School of Dentistry (KC campus)/Photo courtesy of UMKC" />
 <figcaption>UMKC School of Dentistry (KC campus)/Photo courtesy of UMKC</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA huge capital
improvement package died in the last days of the regular Missouri legislative
session and lawmakers failed to revive it in the special session.Still, the
projects St. Joseph counted on could still be resurrected.That, according to
St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields, who pushed for $7 million to establish a
UMKC dental school on the Missouri Western campus and $2.8 million to make
improvements to the Chiefs Training Camp.“And I don’t think
those issues are dead,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think that they
will come back. We will continue to raise money on the private side for the
dental school, because the $7 million never was going to pay for it all. So, we
will continue our fundraising drive on the private sector. And we still might
be able to swing some money, somehow, to Missouri Western for the Chiefs
Training Camp or for the dental school.” Those expenditures
as well as money for Mosaic to expand ER service to treat mental health and to
repair the roof at the Pony Express Museum got the ax when the House Budget
Committee chair refused to allow the full House to vote on a $513 million
capital improvement package.Though the
projects failed during the legislative session, Shields says she keeps beating
the drum for them.“Trust me, I am in
the governor’s ear about these projects all the time and he is learning about
every other day the importance of these to our community,” Shields says.Shields says
private fundraising is ongoing to bring the UMKC dental school to St. Joseph.“I think that UMKC
is committed to providing a dental school in St. Joseph so that they can
provide dental care to all of north Missouri,” Shields says.Shields expects
the issue to come before the legislature again, especially since UMKC has had
success establishing a medical school at Mosaic.“We are training
the future rural doctors, not only for Missouri but for the United States,” according
to Shields. “That is the real dream with this dental school as well is that we
would be training for future rural dentists for not only Missouri, but we would
be the premiere location for rural dentists across the nation.”A ribbon cutting
for the medical schools, built across from Mosaic Life Care, is planned soon.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Rep. Shields says UMKC still plans on St. Joseph dental school

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

The formula that funds public schools in the state relies on outdated assumptions of local aid, education officials say

A group tasked by the governor with reworking Missouri’s formula for funding public schools narrowed in on property tax revenue Monday, discussing how the 20-year-old formula creates inequities with an outdated assumption of local aid.

In the second meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, education officials led a conversation on property taxes.

The problem stems from a figure frozen in time, said Kari Monsees, deputy commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The formula subtracts assumed local aid based on 2005 property values and applies the same tax rate statewide even though districts vary widely on levies.

“The longer we go on, the further we get from the actual values on our assumptions and the more problematic it is for what we’re trying to do here,” Monsees said.

Since the creation of the current formula in 2005, property values have fluctuated with variation across districts.

“There’s been a lot of changes in property values since 2005,” said David Wood, a former state representative and policy analyst for the Missouri State Tax Commission. “If you try to jump to current numbers… it’s going to be extremely expensive.”

But increasing the cost to the state’s general revenue is not an option.

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order, which convened the work group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025/eo14" target="_blank">calls for funding outcomes</a>&nbsp;“at a level consistent with what is provided for in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget.” This amount is $300 million under the current budget passed by state lawmakers and awaiting the governor’s signature.

Missouri is seventh in the nation for reliance on property tax revenue for funding public schools, with 47% of funds coming from local taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cma/public-school-revenue" target="_blank">according to the National Center for Education Statistics</a>. Missouri has the lowest portion of state aid in its public-school funding, at 30% of school revenues.

The state’s reliance on local funding combined with its outdated figures for property taxes has created a system of winners and losers, with communities with growing property values and higher levies accumulating more funds on a per-pupil basis than their counterparts.

If the assessments 20 years ago were accurate and change was uniform across districts, there&nbsp; would be “less of a concern,” Monsees said.

“But that’s not the reality,”&nbsp; he said. “The reality is those reassessment rates and value changes have been significantly different across the state.”

The median home value in districts varies wildly, ranging from $44,500 to $613,300, according to a 2019 review Monsees presented.

The formula assumes a local levy of $3.43 per $100 of assessed value, dubbed the “performance levy.” But districts’ levies vary from $2.75 to almost $6.50 per $100.

He shared examples of districts in the 90th and 10th percentiles, showing some districts have double the operating funds on a per-pupil basis.

Worsening the gaps between districts is a “hold-harmless provision” in the foundation formula, which keeps funding levels stable for districts that would’ve seen a dip in revenue when the formula was established. There are 200 hold-harmless districts, with districts under 350 students keeping total state aid flat and those over 350 getting the same amount per student.

Missouri has had hold-harmless provisions through multiple iterations of the school funding formula, and Monsees said there’s a reason for that. The formula has to be approved by the state legislature, and lawmakers whose districts are losing funds are likely to vote against any changes.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/mo-funding-formula-alignedbellwether" target="_blank">study of the formula commissioned by education nonprofit Aligned</a>&nbsp;estimates that hold-harmless provisions cost the state $150 million annually. The study recommends that any new formula institute a “temporary hold-harmless provision with a five-year phase out.”

The study is one of three being reviewed by task force members. All three recommended changes in multiple areas to the formula, such as increasing multipliers used to increase funding for special education and measuring student count by enrollment rather than attendance.

The work group is anticipated to meet over the next year and deliver plans to the governor by December 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750760626858.png" alt=" State Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, chairs the first meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force earlier this month (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, chairs the first meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force earlier this month (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The formula that funds public schools in the state relies on outdated assumptions of local aid, education officials say</h2>A group tasked by the governor with reworking Missouri’s formula for funding public schools narrowed in on property tax revenue Monday, discussing how the 20-year-old formula creates inequities with an outdated assumption of local aid.In the second meeting of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, education officials led a conversation on property taxes.The problem stems from a figure frozen in time, said Kari Monsees, deputy commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The formula subtracts assumed local aid based on 2005 property values and applies the same tax rate statewide even though districts vary widely on levies.“The longer we go on, the further we get from the actual values on our assumptions and the more problematic it is for what we’re trying to do here,” Monsees said.Since the creation of the current formula in 2005, property values have fluctuated with variation across districts.“There’s been a lot of changes in property values since 2005,” said David Wood, a former state representative and policy analyst for the Missouri State Tax Commission. “If you try to jump to current numbers… it’s going to be extremely expensive.”But increasing the cost to the state’s general revenue is not an option.Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order, which convened the work group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025/eo14" target="_blank">calls for funding outcomes</a>&nbsp;“at a level consistent with what is provided for in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget.” This amount is $300 million under the current budget passed by state lawmakers and awaiting the governor’s signature.Missouri is seventh in the nation for reliance on property tax revenue for funding public schools, with 47% of funds coming from local taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cma/public-school-revenue" target="_blank">according to the National Center for Education Statistics</a>. Missouri has the lowest portion of state aid in its public-school funding, at 30% of school revenues.The state’s reliance on local funding combined with its outdated figures for property taxes has created a system of winners and losers, with communities with growing property values and higher levies accumulating more funds on a per-pupil basis than their counterparts.If the assessments 20 years ago were accurate and change was uniform across districts, there&nbsp; would be “less of a concern,” Monsees said.“But that’s not the reality,”&nbsp; he said. “The reality is those reassessment rates and value changes have been significantly different across the state.”The median home value in districts varies wildly, ranging from $44,500 to $613,300, according to a 2019 review Monsees presented.The formula assumes a local levy of $3.43 per $100 of assessed value, dubbed the “performance levy.” But districts’ levies vary from $2.75 to almost $6.50 per $100.He shared examples of districts in the 90th and 10th percentiles, showing some districts have double the operating funds on a per-pupil basis.Worsening the gaps between districts is a “hold-harmless provision” in the foundation formula, which keeps funding levels stable for districts that would’ve seen a dip in revenue when the formula was established. There are 200 hold-harmless districts, with districts under 350 students keeping total state aid flat and those over 350 getting the same amount per student.Missouri has had hold-harmless provisions through multiple iterations of the school funding formula, and Monsees said there’s a reason for that. The formula has to be approved by the state legislature, and lawmakers whose districts are losing funds are likely to vote against any changes.A&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/mo-funding-formula-alignedbellwether" target="_blank">study of the formula commissioned by education nonprofit Aligned</a>&nbsp;estimates that hold-harmless provisions cost the state $150 million annually. The study recommends that any new formula institute a “temporary hold-harmless provision with a five-year phase out.”The study is one of three being reviewed by task force members. All three recommended changes in multiple areas to the formula, such as increasing multipliers used to increase funding for special education and measuring student count by enrollment rather than attendance.The work group is anticipated to meet over the next year and deliver plans to the governor by December 2026.

Missouri school funding task force turns its attention to property tax inequities

Emotions nearly
overwhelmed Courtney Rowe before hearing that she had won the title of Miss
Missouri.

The KQ2 anchor,
competing as Miss Kansas City, will now compete in the Miss America pageant.

Rowe says emotions
run through the entire week of competition at the Missouri Military Academy in
Mexico.

“Honestly, the
heart palpitations really are there throughout the entire week, but especially when
they announced that top five,” Rowe says during a visit to KFEQmmunity. “You
never really know how the turn out is going to be until you get to that top
five. Like, wow, okay, I’m a contender in this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750691929415.jpeg" alt="Miss Missouri Courtney Rowe/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Miss Missouri Courtney Rowe/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINEmotions nearly
overwhelmed Courtney Rowe before hearing that she had won the title of Miss
Missouri.The KQ2 anchor,
competing as Miss Kansas City, will now compete in the Miss America pageant.Rowe says emotions
run through the entire week of competition at the Missouri Military Academy in
Mexico.“Honestly, the
heart palpitations really are there throughout the entire week, but especially when
they announced that top five,” Rowe says during a visit to KFEQmmunity. “You
never really know how the turn out is going to be until you get to that top
five. Like, wow, okay, I’m a contender in this.”Not just a
contender, but the winner.“I just remember
hearing them announce the runner-up’s name, which meant that I was Miss Missouri,”
Rowe says. “I think I blacked out when I was on stage.”Rowe says the
heart palpitations are real.“Throughout every
day of that week I just tried to remind myself you could be Miss Missouri; you
could walk away from this as Miss Missouri,” Rowe says. “I spent nine months
before the competition as Miss Kansas City and every appearance I did, every volunteer
hour I put in, I really tried to emulate what I would think Miss Missouri would
do. I really tried to change my mindset and go into the week as Miss Missouri.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750691979164.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The win was an
accumulation of five years of competing, which first began as Miss Mozingo
Lake, a nod to Rowe’s days as a Northwest Missouri State University student in
Maryville. Rowe competed this year as Miss Kansas City, representing her
hometown. Rowe has learned a lot over the five years of competition, a lot
about what it takes to compete and a lot about herself.“It takes a lot of
mental strength,” Rowe says. “You have to know your limits and you also have to
be willing to push yourself to do things and try things that might make you a
little uncomfortable.”The biggest thing Rowe learned about herself during the week of competition was that she actually
was capable of being crowned Miss Missouri. And Rowe says she felt the support
from her community throughout the entire week in Mexico.“That was one of
the biggest surprises to myself, feeling the love from my community of course
here in St. Joseph and the girls that I competed with has really made it all
worth it.”Now, Rowe competes
in the Miss America pageant which will be held in September.<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3WraZo3DTS1zLZ5A1TVPyF?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ.

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