By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/67cEjUS3T9JZ8629dRvt2u?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 MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1oT2IHSajMfoaSYU2Z4UHA?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 

St. Joseph city officials have announced that as the Gene Field Road bridge remains closed with Missouri Department of Transportation crews evaluating the situation, new detours have been posted.&nbsp;

The bridge was struck on Monday by an oversize load traveling on Interstate 29, which runs beneath the structure. MoDOT crews are currently assessing the bridge’s condition and determining if repairs are necessary. The bridge will remain closed until MoDOT deems it safe to reopen.

Drivers traveling on the east side of the bridge are advised to travel east on Gene Field Road to Bishop Road, then go north to Cook Road to avoid Woodbine.&nbsp; Woodbine Road remains closed to general traffic daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the ongoing stabilization project. 

Local traffic will continue to have access throughout the duration of that work. The Woodbine project is expected to continue for about three more weeks, weather permitting.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials have announced that as the Gene Field Road bridge remains closed with Missouri Department of Transportation crews evaluating the situation, new detours have been posted.&nbsp;The bridge was struck on Monday by an oversize load traveling on Interstate 29, which runs beneath the structure. MoDOT crews are currently assessing the bridge’s condition and determining if repairs are necessary. The bridge will remain closed until MoDOT deems it safe to reopen.Drivers traveling on the east side of the bridge are advised to travel east on Gene Field Road to Bishop Road, then go north to Cook Road to avoid Woodbine.&nbsp; Woodbine Road remains closed to general traffic daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the ongoing stabilization project. Local traffic will continue to have access throughout the duration of that work. The Woodbine project is expected to continue for about three more weeks, weather permitting.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

New detours announced during Gene Field Bridge closure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced Thursday that all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Missouri will receive their full November benefits, following the passage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371" target="_blank">FY26 Appropriations Act</a>. , according to a media release from the agency.

President Donald J. Trump signed the act into law on November 12, which restored full federal funding for SNAP benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With federal funding back in place, our team is moving swiftly to issue full November benefits,” said&nbsp;Jess Bax, DSS Director. “We know how important this assistance is to Missouri households, especially after the uncertainty of recent weeks, and we thank the public for being patient with us as we navigated communicating effectively.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSS is taking immediate steps to ensure Missouri families receive their full November benefits as quickly as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSS is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) and the state’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendor to distribute funds to participating families.&nbsp;

For more information or updates about SNAP benefits in Missouri, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts" target="_blank">https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944916334.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced Thursday that all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Missouri will receive their full November benefits, following the passage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371" target="_blank">FY26 Appropriations Act</a>. , according to a media release from the agency.President Donald J. Trump signed the act into law on November 12, which restored full federal funding for SNAP benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With federal funding back in place, our team is moving swiftly to issue full November benefits,” said&nbsp;Jess Bax, DSS Director. “We know how important this assistance is to Missouri households, especially after the uncertainty of recent weeks, and we thank the public for being patient with us as we navigated communicating effectively.”&nbsp;&nbsp;DSS is taking immediate steps to ensure Missouri families receive their full November benefits as quickly as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>DSS will continue to distribute partial benefits until we complete the system updates to begin distributing full benefits. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Participants who already received a partial amount will receive the remainder as soon as possible. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Participants do not need to take any action to receive their benefits.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>DSS is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) and the state’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendor to distribute funds to participating families.&nbsp;For more information or updates about SNAP benefits in Missouri, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts" target="_blank">https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Full SNAP benefits returning for Missouri families following end of shutdown

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent attack in Brown County.

Just before 3:30p.m. November 10, Brown County dispatched a deputy to a local hospital to take a report from a victim of alleged battery, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; The deputy obtained suspect&nbsp; information from the victim while at the hospital and then alerted other Brown County deputies. 

A short time later, deputies encountered the suspect, Gerry Rilinger, 43 of Sabetha in Fairview, Kansas.&nbsp; When a deputy approached Rilinger for questioning, he became argumentative, defiant and initiated a scuffle which resulted in Rilinger's arrest.&nbsp; He was then&nbsp; transported to the Brown County jail.

He is being held on a $2 million dollar bond on requested charges of&nbsp; 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Misdemeanor Battery on Law Enforcement Officers, Felony Battery on a Corrections Officer, Felony Obstruction and Transport an Open Container.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763067344001.png" alt="Rilinger photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Rilinger photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent attack in Brown County.Just before 3:30p.m. November 10, Brown County dispatched a deputy to a local hospital to take a report from a victim of alleged battery, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; The deputy obtained suspect&nbsp; information from the victim while at the hospital and then alerted other Brown County deputies. A short time later, deputies encountered the suspect, Gerry Rilinger, 43 of Sabetha in Fairview, Kansas.&nbsp; When a deputy approached Rilinger for questioning, he became argumentative, defiant and initiated a scuffle which resulted in Rilinger's arrest.&nbsp; He was then&nbsp; transported to the Brown County jail.He is being held on a $2 million dollar bond on requested charges of&nbsp; 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Misdemeanor Battery on Law Enforcement Officers, Felony Battery on a Corrections Officer, Felony Obstruction and Transport an Open Container.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas attempted murder suspect captured

It's been a productive fall sports season at Missouri Western State University, and at least two programs have deep playoff aspirations.    

Athletic Director Andy Carter says MoWest Cross Country had the first ever national qualifier in program history.  Griffon women's soccer is also playing for a chance at the national tournament  

Carter says currently the Griffons are on the outside looking in, because conference tournament winners earn an automatic bid, meaning a higher seed, normally has a better chance, however  

“Since the top three seeds in our conference all lost in the first round of the conference tournament, we’re the highest seed remaining, there’s somebody in a low seed that would not have gotten into that regional tournament if we don’t win somebody’s going to get in and that could be at our demise,” Carter says on the KFEQmnunnity show.  “So, as I told our coach and our players, then it needs to be us, we need to go win the tournament and then earn our way into that tournament.” 

MoWest is the fourth seed in the MIAA tournament and will play Northeastern State today for a trip to the championship game at 3pm   

Volleyball also is on a roll at MoWest.  Carter says the momentum of the volleyball team is in large part thanks to the head coach Jessica Fey (Fi like Wi-Fi] just being able to get her team to play  

"It’s really hard for somebody who's better than the other team to really lose a whole match; they might lose a set and there might be times it doesn’t look good, but this thing plays out they’ve got to beat you three times,” Carter explains.  “And so the best teams just don’t get caught up in the emotion of a bad string of points or a bad set, and that’s what our team has shown is this tremendous resiliency.” 

Fey won her 100th career match on Friday against Central Missouri.  The Griffons are currently on an 11-match win streak.   

MoWest could claim its first MIAA crown since 2017 with matches tonight against Fort Hays State and tomorrow against Nebraska Kearney.  One win would guarantee at least a share of the title, winning both gives the title outright. 

MoWest football wraps up their season on Saturday against Central Oklahoma on Saturday, hoping to wrap up a disappointing season with one more win.  

Carter though, despite the current 3-7 record, he still believes this is one of the best coaching staffs he's worked with in his time as an AD 

"And they’re not all winning at the level we want to win at yet, but they’re people of high character, high integrity, we share the same values of what we want to see in the end result, and sometimes it just takes a little longer in some scenarios,” Carter says.  “I’ve seen things turned around in a year before, and I’ve things that take four years, so a full four years of recruiting, and it just depends.” 

Carter says when you decide to make a change, it has less to do with winning and losing, and more to do with things that the fans are not seeing off the field.  

MoWest and Central Oklahoma kickoff on Saturday at 2pm 

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostIt's been a productive fall sports season at Missouri Western State University, and at least two programs have deep playoff aspirations. Athletic Director Andy Carter says MoWest Cross Country had the first ever national qualifier in program history. Griffon women's soccer is also playing for a chance at the national tournament Carter says currently the Griffons are on the outside looking in, because conference tournament winners earn an automatic bid, meaning a higher seed, normally has a better chance, however “Since the top three seeds in our conference all lost in the first round of the conference tournament, we’re the highest seed remaining, there’s somebody in a low seed that would not have gotten into that regional tournament if we don’t win somebody’s going to get in and that could be at our demise,” Carter says on the KFEQmnunnity show. “So, as I told our coach and our players, then it needs to be us, we need to go win the tournament and then earn our way into that tournament.” MoWest is the fourth seed in the MIAA tournament and will play Northeastern State today for a trip to the championship game at 3pm Volleyball also is on a roll at MoWest. Carter says the momentum of the volleyball team is in large part thanks to the head coach Jessica Fey (Fi like Wi-Fi] just being able to get her team to play "It’s really hard for somebody who's better than the other team to really lose a whole match; they might lose a set and there might be times it doesn’t look good, but this thing plays out they’ve got to beat you three times,” Carter explains. “And so the best teams just don’t get caught up in the emotion of a bad string of points or a bad set, and that’s what our team has shown is this tremendous resiliency.” Fey won her 100th career match on Friday against Central Missouri. The Griffons are currently on an 11-match win streak. MoWest could claim its first MIAA crown since 2017 with matches tonight against Fort Hays State and tomorrow against Nebraska Kearney. One win would guarantee at least a share of the title, winning both gives the title outright. MoWest football wraps up their season on Saturday against Central Oklahoma on Saturday, hoping to wrap up a disappointing season with one more win. Carter though, despite the current 3-7 record, he still believes this is one of the best coaching staffs he's worked with in his time as an AD "And they’re not all winning at the level we want to win at yet, but they’re people of high character, high integrity, we share the same values of what we want to see in the end result, and sometimes it just takes a little longer in some scenarios,” Carter says. “I’ve seen things turned around in a year before, and I’ve things that take four years, so a full four years of recruiting, and it just depends.” Carter says when you decide to make a change, it has less to do with winning and losing, and more to do with things that the fans are not seeing off the field. MoWest and Central Oklahoma kickoff on Saturday at 2pm You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Productive fall sports season comes with successes and disappointments

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/robbiesequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Missouri, Maine and Vermont are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages

School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019, according to a new study.

The number of drivers has increased by 2,300, or 1.1%, since last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-has-improved-slightly-but-continues-to-stress-k-12-public-education/" target="_blank">according to the Economic Policy Institute</a>, a left-leaning research group. But there are still 21,200 fewer bus drivers than there were&nbsp;in 2019, a decline of 9.5%.

The researchers link the employment gain to higher wages: Average hourly wages are up 4.2% in the past year, the largest jump since the COVID-19 pandemic.

During and after the pandemic, many bus drivers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adpresearch.com/assets/the-missing-school-bus-drivers-a-look-at-employment-data-before-and-after-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank">retired</a>, left the workforce or in some cases, died. Districts across the country have had to scramble to find someone to take the wheel — be it substitute teachers, administrators or even parents.

The number of bus drivers decreased by 15% between September 2019 and September 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-remains-severe-without-job-quality-improvements-workers-children-and-parents-will-suffer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Economic Policy Institute. Private school bus contractors now account for 38% of the nation’s pupil transportation services, according to the National School Transportation Association.

Other school transportation options,&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/30/school-ride-hailing-services-may-be-nudging-aside-traditional-buses/" target="_blank">such as ride-hailing services</a>, have helped fill the gap in some places. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1811462116" target="_blank">roughly half</a>&nbsp;of all U.S. K–12 students rely on a school bus to get to school.

The report warns that school district budgets are tightening as federal pandemic relief funds&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-comes-next-now-that-pandemic-aid-for-education-has-ended/" target="_blank">have expired</a>, and notes that the Trump administration has delayed some federal K-12 funding in its bid to shrink and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/public-education-under-threat-4-trump-administration-actions-to-watch-in-the-2025-26-school-year/" target="_blank">eventually eliminate</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Education.

The report points to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fox23maine.com/newsletter-daily/maine-school-districts-still-struggling-to-find-bus-drivers-education-transportation-brunswick" target="_blank">Maine</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2025/09/22/some-st--louis-area-school-districts-still-struggle-to-hire--retain-bus-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcax.com/2025/09/23/pay-boosts-route-cuts-school-districts-deal-with-bus-driver-shortages/" target="_blank">Vermont</a>&nbsp;as states that are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages. It also notes that a dearth of drivers has a particularly pronounced&nbsp;effect on students with disabilities, and that not having enough drivers can lead to inconsistent bus schedules and routes, which contributes to absenteeism and missed school meals.

Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/11/12/national-school-bus-driver-shortage-persists-despite-recent-gains/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763047052915.png" alt=" Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City between morning and afternoon routes. School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019 (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)." />
 <figcaption> Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City between morning and afternoon routes. School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019 (Kevin Hardy/Stateline).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/robbiesequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a><h2>Missouri, Maine and Vermont are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages</h2>School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019, according to a new study.The number of drivers has increased by 2,300, or 1.1%, since last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-has-improved-slightly-but-continues-to-stress-k-12-public-education/" target="_blank">according to the Economic Policy Institute</a>, a left-leaning research group. But there are still 21,200 fewer bus drivers than there were&nbsp;in 2019, a decline of 9.5%.The researchers link the employment gain to higher wages: Average hourly wages are up 4.2% in the past year, the largest jump since the COVID-19 pandemic.During and after the pandemic, many bus drivers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adpresearch.com/assets/the-missing-school-bus-drivers-a-look-at-employment-data-before-and-after-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank">retired</a>, left the workforce or in some cases, died. Districts across the country have had to scramble to find someone to take the wheel — be it substitute teachers, administrators or even parents.The number of bus drivers decreased by 15% between September 2019 and September 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-remains-severe-without-job-quality-improvements-workers-children-and-parents-will-suffer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Economic Policy Institute. Private school bus contractors now account for 38% of the nation’s pupil transportation services, according to the National School Transportation Association.Other school transportation options,&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/30/school-ride-hailing-services-may-be-nudging-aside-traditional-buses/" target="_blank">such as ride-hailing services</a>, have helped fill the gap in some places. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1811462116" target="_blank">roughly half</a>&nbsp;of all U.S. K–12 students rely on a school bus to get to school.The report warns that school district budgets are tightening as federal pandemic relief funds&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-comes-next-now-that-pandemic-aid-for-education-has-ended/" target="_blank">have expired</a>, and notes that the Trump administration has delayed some federal K-12 funding in its bid to shrink and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/public-education-under-threat-4-trump-administration-actions-to-watch-in-the-2025-26-school-year/" target="_blank">eventually eliminate</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Education.The report points to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fox23maine.com/newsletter-daily/maine-school-districts-still-struggling-to-find-bus-drivers-education-transportation-brunswick" target="_blank">Maine</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2025/09/22/some-st--louis-area-school-districts-still-struggle-to-hire--retain-bus-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcax.com/2025/09/23/pay-boosts-route-cuts-school-districts-deal-with-bus-driver-shortages/" target="_blank">Vermont</a>&nbsp;as states that are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages. It also notes that a dearth of drivers has a particularly pronounced&nbsp;effect on students with disabilities, and that not having enough drivers can lead to inconsistent bus schedules and routes, which contributes to absenteeism and missed school meals.Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/11/12/national-school-bus-driver-shortage-persists-despite-recent-gains/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

National school bus driver shortage persists, despite recent gains

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6YjsUMm2wtBZmAwk0pSRWG?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7uKGnIFPXOkT4beAhh0VLe?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

You still have
time to apply for Leadership St. Joseph.

United Way of
Greater St. Joseph President, Kylee Strough, says applications will be accepted
through the end of the work day Friday.

“It is to develop
leaders within the community and also within their workplaces,” Strough tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s professional development, personal development,
and community development and knowledge.”

Leadership St.
Joseph began in 1982. It has graduated more than 1,000 participants.

Strough says the
United Way wants to keep the classes small, fewer than 30 people.

Stough says
Leadership St. Joseph is a rigorous program.

“It is a
tuition-based program. We’re looking for a commitment. There is a fee so that
we’re not using donor dollars to support the program,” Stough says. “But also,
we’re looking for a commitment beyond the fee of time.”

The year-long
program kicks off with a two-day retreat in early January. Then, participants
meet during business hours on the second Thursday of each month. The tuition is
$1,850.

Strough says many
businesses sponsor employees they consider ready for a promotion.

“And we want people
who are going to lean in at their business, into positions of responsibility
and authority, but are also going to share their expertise and talents with the
community,” says Stough. “Maybe they want to run for a position like Board of
Education. Maybe they want to serve on a board or on a committee or a panel and
this will give them some of the tools to be able to do that.”

Applications for
the 2026 class of Leadership St. Joseph will be taken until 5pm Friday.

Click <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/leadership-st.joseph">HERE</a> for details on Leadership St. Joseph.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostYou still have
time to apply for Leadership St. Joseph.United Way of
Greater St. Joseph President, Kylee Strough, says applications will be accepted
through the end of the work day Friday.“It is to develop
leaders within the community and also within their workplaces,” Strough tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s professional development, personal development,
and community development and knowledge.”Leadership St.
Joseph began in 1982. It has graduated more than 1,000 participants.Strough says the
United Way wants to keep the classes small, fewer than 30 people.Stough says
Leadership St. Joseph is a rigorous program.“It is a
tuition-based program. We’re looking for a commitment. There is a fee so that
we’re not using donor dollars to support the program,” Stough says. “But also,
we’re looking for a commitment beyond the fee of time.”The year-long
program kicks off with a two-day retreat in early January. Then, participants
meet during business hours on the second Thursday of each month. The tuition is
$1,850.Strough says many
businesses sponsor employees they consider ready for a promotion.“And we want people
who are going to lean in at their business, into positions of responsibility
and authority, but are also going to share their expertise and talents with the
community,” says Stough. “Maybe they want to run for a position like Board of
Education. Maybe they want to serve on a board or on a committee or a panel and
this will give them some of the tools to be able to do that.”Applications for
the 2026 class of Leadership St. Joseph will be taken until 5pm Friday.Click <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/leadership-st.joseph">HERE</a> for details on Leadership St. Joseph.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Time is running out to apply for Leadership St. Joseph

As petitioners gather signatures for a possible referendum, attorneys battled over the meaning of words that govern the redistricting process. One big dispute was over how to interpret words that are not in the Missouri Constitution

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 old cliche that “silence is golden” became “silence is confusing” on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court as attorneys argued over the power of Missouri lawmakers to gerrymander congressional maps in the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">middle of a decade</a>.&nbsp;

Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh must decide if language missing from the state Constitution’s directive on when and how to draw congressional district maps means lawmakers were allowed to redraw districts like they did in a September special session.&nbsp;

For those challenging the new map, the omission means lawmakers overstepped their authority.&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing the challengers, said drafters of the constitution adopted in 1945 knew what they were doing when they left out the power to revise districts at will.

“We think that language is pretty clear on its face,” Hatfield said.

If the constitutional convention had intended to prevent mid-decade redistricting, the delegates would have included a prohibition, Louis Capozzi, solicitor general in Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office, told the judge Wednesday.&nbsp;

Instead, he noted, they didn’t even discuss it.

“The General Assembly has the power to act unless the Missouri Constitution expressly takes a particular power away,” he said.

Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers into special session in September at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">insistence of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to give Republicans seven instead of six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.

The new Missouri map targets the Kansas-City based 5th District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, to flip to the Republican Party.

Trump wants to preserve and expand the GOP’s slim majority in Congress, where they have a 219-213 edge in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats have countered with gerrymandering plans in states they control, with California on Nov. 5&nbsp; approving a plan to deliver up to five seats to Democrats.

The Missouri Republican Party, which intervened in the case, argued that Limbaugh didn’t have the power to consider the challenge. The federal Constitution grants state legislatures exclusive power over the time, place and manner of congressional elections, Washington, D.C., attorney John Gore said, subject only to federal law.

“That means courts, including this court, do not have free reign to review and invalidate state legislative enactments on federal elections, including congressional redistricting plans,” Gore said.

At the end of Wednesday’s 45-minute trial, Limbaugh gave attorneys on both sides 10 days to file proposed judgments. No decision will be delivered until after those filings.

The case is one of six pending in various courts concerning the new map.&nbsp;

One case, filed by the Missouri NAACP, challenged the authority of Kehoe to call lawmakers into a special session for redistricting. Limbaugh ruled against the NAACP but an appeal is certain.

The next case to be heard will be a Thursday trial before Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green over an effort to force a referendum on the map. The trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/03/judges-illness-delays-hearing-on-referendum-to-overturn-missouris-gerrymandered-map/">postponed from Nov. 3</a>, will be over whether a referendum petitioning effort can begin before legislation has been signed by the governor.

A federal trail scheduled for Nov. 25 will test whether a state referendum on a redistricting plan violates the U.S. Constitution.

Two other cases, filed in Jackson County, contest various aspects of the gerrymandered map, including whether a Kansas City voting district was inadvertently placed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">into two separate districts</a>.&nbsp;

The constitutional directive on redistricting mandates that Missouri lawmakers revise district lines&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++45&amp;bid=31801&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">after census results</a>&nbsp;are delivered to the state. The provision mandates that the districts be as equal in population as possible and made up of compact, continuous territory.

The current district boundaries were set in 2022 after the 2020 census.

The provision creates an obligation to redistrict after a census and no obligation to do it at any other time, Capozzi said. But without an express prohibition, lawmakers are free to do so.

And, he added, the boundaries of congressional districts are a political question the courts should avoid.

“This court cannot wade into that political fight without an express warrant,” he said.

The case is more ordinary than Capozzi portrayed it, Hatfield said. He likened it to every other challenge to new legislation.

That means the courts must measure it against the prohibitions on legislative power, both expressly stated and interpreted. In the case of the silence on mid-decade congressional redistricting, he said, Limbaugh should look at the provisions governing how legislative districts are determined.

That provision&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++10&amp;bid=31748&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">allows districts</a>&nbsp;to be “altered from time to time as public convenience may require. The omission of that language is a conscious choice made by the drafters of the constitution, he said.

“The state’s view seems to say that you need a ‘thou shalt not’ sentence in here,” Hatfield said. “That’s never been the law in Missouri.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago " />
 <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>As petitioners gather signatures for a possible referendum, attorneys battled over the meaning of words that govern the redistricting process. One big dispute was over how to interpret words that are not in the Missouri Constitution</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 old cliche that “silence is golden” became “silence is confusing” on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court as attorneys argued over the power of Missouri lawmakers to gerrymander congressional maps in the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">middle of a decade</a>.&nbsp;Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh must decide if language missing from the state Constitution’s directive on when and how to draw congressional district maps means lawmakers were allowed to redraw districts like they did in a September special session.&nbsp;For those challenging the new map, the omission means lawmakers overstepped their authority.&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing the challengers, said drafters of the constitution adopted in 1945 knew what they were doing when they left out the power to revise districts at will.“We think that language is pretty clear on its face,” Hatfield said.If the constitutional convention had intended to prevent mid-decade redistricting, the delegates would have included a prohibition, Louis Capozzi, solicitor general in Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office, told the judge Wednesday.&nbsp;Instead, he noted, they didn’t even discuss it.“The General Assembly has the power to act unless the Missouri Constitution expressly takes a particular power away,” he said.Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers into special session in September at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">insistence of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to give Republicans seven instead of six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.The new Missouri map targets the Kansas-City based 5th District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, to flip to the Republican Party.Trump wants to preserve and expand the GOP’s slim majority in Congress, where they have a 219-213 edge in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats have countered with gerrymandering plans in states they control, with California on Nov. 5&nbsp; approving a plan to deliver up to five seats to Democrats.The Missouri Republican Party, which intervened in the case, argued that Limbaugh didn’t have the power to consider the challenge. The federal Constitution grants state legislatures exclusive power over the time, place and manner of congressional elections, Washington, D.C., attorney John Gore said, subject only to federal law.“That means courts, including this court, do not have free reign to review and invalidate state legislative enactments on federal elections, including congressional redistricting plans,” Gore said.At the end of Wednesday’s 45-minute trial, Limbaugh gave attorneys on both sides 10 days to file proposed judgments. No decision will be delivered until after those filings.The case is one of six pending in various courts concerning the new map.&nbsp;One case, filed by the Missouri NAACP, challenged the authority of Kehoe to call lawmakers into a special session for redistricting. Limbaugh ruled against the NAACP but an appeal is certain.The next case to be heard will be a Thursday trial before Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green over an effort to force a referendum on the map. The trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/03/judges-illness-delays-hearing-on-referendum-to-overturn-missouris-gerrymandered-map/">postponed from Nov. 3</a>, will be over whether a referendum petitioning effort can begin before legislation has been signed by the governor.A federal trail scheduled for Nov. 25 will test whether a state referendum on a redistricting plan violates the U.S. Constitution.Two other cases, filed in Jackson County, contest various aspects of the gerrymandered map, including whether a Kansas City voting district was inadvertently placed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">into two separate districts</a>.&nbsp;The constitutional directive on redistricting mandates that Missouri lawmakers revise district lines&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++45&amp;bid=31801&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">after census results</a>&nbsp;are delivered to the state. The provision mandates that the districts be as equal in population as possible and made up of compact, continuous territory.The current district boundaries were set in 2022 after the 2020 census.The provision creates an obligation to redistrict after a census and no obligation to do it at any other time, Capozzi said. But without an express prohibition, lawmakers are free to do so.And, he added, the boundaries of congressional districts are a political question the courts should avoid.“This court cannot wade into that political fight without an express warrant,” he said.The case is more ordinary than Capozzi portrayed it, Hatfield said. He likened it to every other challenge to new legislation.That means the courts must measure it against the prohibitions on legislative power, both expressly stated and interpreted. In the case of the silence on mid-decade congressional redistricting, he said, Limbaugh should look at the provisions governing how legislative districts are determined.That provision&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++10&amp;bid=31748&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">allows districts</a>&nbsp;to be “altered from time to time as public convenience may require. The omission of that language is a conscious choice made by the drafters of the constitution, he said.“The state’s view seems to say that you need a ‘thou shalt not’ sentence in here,” Hatfield said. “That’s never been the law in Missouri.”

Judge hears arguments over legality of gerrymandered Missouri congressional map

Tom Crouse of Gallatin is headed to the National Rodeo Finals for the first time in his career. 

Crouse, just 24 years old, sat number eight in the world in season winnings this year, clinching his spot in Las Vegas this December.  

Crouse has been calf roping his entire life, growing up on a farm involved with cattle and going to rodeos with his family, but says he's worked towards this the last several years 

"I’ve had my pro PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) card for this is my fourth year, so I’ve been working towards this for four years,” Crouse tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “But, getting ready to go, I’ve probably been seriously thinking about it since I was 14 or 15 years old, so about 10 years of trying to reach this goal.” 

Crouse says the moment he found out he qualified was unbelievable  

"Where we’re from in the calf roping world, people don’t get here from northwest Missouri. That’s kind of more Texas and southern areas where rodeo is more popular than it is around here,” Crouse explains.  “And it was just unbelievable for me to qualify and win as much money as I did, and just totally blessed.” 

The National Rodeo Finals take place December 4th through the 13th in Las Vegas.  Crouse says  he's not going to take a single moment for granted 

"But when its time to rope I’m going to be ready to rope and I’m going to try to win as much as possible, so I’m going to be going at them and if it works it works and if it don’t it don’t,” Crouse says.  “But I’m going to take some chances and try it on, so a little bit of both.” 

The Gallatin Livestock Auction will have a kickoff party for Crouse this Sunday at 3pm to celebrate.

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/2025/11/1762969960889.jpeg" alt="Tom Crouse of Gallatin qualified to compete in the National Rodeo Finals next month for the first time in his career/ Photo courtesy of BTC Bank on Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Tom Crouse of Gallatin qualified to compete in the National Rodeo Finals next month for the first time in his career/ Photo courtesy of BTC Bank on Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostTom Crouse of Gallatin is headed to the National Rodeo Finals for the first time in his career. Crouse, just 24 years old, sat number eight in the world in season winnings this year, clinching his spot in Las Vegas this December. Crouse has been calf roping his entire life, growing up on a farm involved with cattle and going to rodeos with his family, but says he's worked towards this the last several years "I’ve had my pro PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) card for this is my fourth year, so I’ve been working towards this for four years,” Crouse tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But, getting ready to go, I’ve probably been seriously thinking about it since I was 14 or 15 years old, so about 10 years of trying to reach this goal.” Crouse says the moment he found out he qualified was unbelievable "Where we’re from in the calf roping world, people don’t get here from northwest Missouri. That’s kind of more Texas and southern areas where rodeo is more popular than it is around here,” Crouse explains. “And it was just unbelievable for me to qualify and win as much money as I did, and just totally blessed.” The National Rodeo Finals take place December 4th through the 13th in Las Vegas. Crouse says he's not going to take a single moment for granted "But when its time to rope I’m going to be ready to rope and I’m going to try to win as much as possible, so I’m going to be going at them and if it works it works and if it don’t it don’t,” Crouse says. “But I’m going to take some chances and try it on, so a little bit of both.” The Gallatin Livestock Auction will have a kickoff party for Crouse this Sunday at 3pm to celebrate.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=293&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F61569934799211%2Fvideos%2F697532049814598%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="293" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local rodeo standout heads to Vegas next month for National Finals

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/38yVWsLjN8n0rcpQYXbGoB?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 data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5oaZMWdAMocSidqq4vrZYj?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Compromise
legislation approved in the United States Senate to end the federal government
shutdown has the support of northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican.

“I’m going to
support the compromise that the Senate is sending over. I’m glad it’s finally
over. You know, in a shutdown like this, nobody wins.&nbsp; Republicans don’t win. Democrats don’t win. And
it’s extraordinarily frustrating,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And who
loses is the American public.”

Graves, though,
does have one concern about the House considering the Senate bill.

“We have the votes
in the House on the Republican side to pass it, but I think we’ll get, it will
be bipartisan, I really do,” Graves says. “The biggest problem to be quite
honest with you is everyone coming back and how the flight delays and the cancelations
are going to affect people being on the floor. That’s going to be a bigger problem
than anything else.”

Graves doesn’t
expect it to take long for the federal government to become fully operational
again once the legislature is signed.

“The government
will get up and running right away. It will take a little bit longer for our
flight service to get back to normal. The airlines have got to ramp back up
again,” Graves says. “I think it will be pretty much back to normal by the
holiday season, by Thanksgiving.”

Graves does expect
some Democrats to vote for the measure.

If the House
approves the measure, it would go to President Trump who has indicated he will
sign it.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCompromise
legislation approved in the United States Senate to end the federal government
shutdown has the support of northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican.“I’m going to
support the compromise that the Senate is sending over. I’m glad it’s finally
over. You know, in a shutdown like this, nobody wins.&nbsp; Republicans don’t win. Democrats don’t win. And
it’s extraordinarily frustrating,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And who
loses is the American public.”Graves, though,
does have one concern about the House considering the Senate bill.“We have the votes
in the House on the Republican side to pass it, but I think we’ll get, it will
be bipartisan, I really do,” Graves says. “The biggest problem to be quite
honest with you is everyone coming back and how the flight delays and the cancelations
are going to affect people being on the floor. That’s going to be a bigger problem
than anything else.”Graves doesn’t
expect it to take long for the federal government to become fully operational
again once the legislature is signed.“The government
will get up and running right away. It will take a little bit longer for our
flight service to get back to normal. The airlines have got to ramp back up
again,” Graves says. “I think it will be pretty much back to normal by the
holiday season, by Thanksgiving.”Graves does expect
some Democrats to vote for the measure.If the House
approves the measure, it would go to President Trump who has indicated he will
sign it.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Graves supports legislation that would reopen the federal government

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The northern lights were visible across northwest Missouri tonight, putting on a colorful display for skywatchers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthernLights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NorthernLights</a> <a href="https://t.co/v3y1gf9cOu">pic.twitter.com/v3y1gf9cOu</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop H (@MSHPTrooperH) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperH/status/1988453310014078980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Even the northern lights are excited for the big game against Pitt State as the sky shines green and red! 🟢⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsNorthwest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsNorthwest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gocats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gocats</a> <a href="https://t.co/pNnWEmD9MN">pic.twitter.com/pNnWEmD9MN</a>&mdash; Northwest Missouri State University (@NWMOSTATE) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWMOSTATE/status/1988451949419610617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Beautiful display: Northern lights show off across NW Missouri

More than 40,000 Missouri food establishments and stores are estimated to be impacted by federal regulations on hemp products

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

John Grady and his wife Kara opened up their hemp emporium in Rosebud on July 4 — and they say about 60% of their customers are veterans, like Grady, who are treating chronic pain or PTSD with intoxicating hemp products.

Last night, they watched the U.S. Senate vote to approve a spending package to end a record-breaking federal government shutdown. But what drew their attention was a provision tucked in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/agfy26conf.pdf" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would prohibit hemp products from having more than .4 milligrams of total THC per container. If the House approves it and the president signs it, the prohibition will go into effect in one year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The change, Grady said, will devastate his business.&nbsp;

“When this is done,” he said, “we’ll lose 52% of our revenue, meaning we won’t be able to stay in business.”&nbsp;

On Tuesday – a day they would normally be focused on honoring veterans – the couple said they didn’t have the energy.&nbsp;

“You’re sick to your stomach all day long,” said Kara Grady, “knowing your hard work is for not.”

State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated last year</a>&nbsp;that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations.&nbsp;

That estimate was part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ 2025 budget estimate to enforce former Gov. Mike Parson’s abandoned<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">&nbsp;2024 order that would have banned intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;in the state.

Hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm bill and naturally has very little THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana.&nbsp;

But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.

While marijuana products must be sold in dispensaries and be grown and manufactured in state-regulated facilities,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/with-missouri-regulations-in-flux-whats-the-difference-between-hemp-and-marijuana/">intoxicating hemp products are completely unregulated</a>&nbsp;by any governmental agency.&nbsp;

There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors. However, some stores and vendors in Missouri have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.

Missouri state Rep. Dave Himan, a Republican from O’Fallon, said he was planning on pre-filing legislation on Dec. 1 that would have established a licensing system to allow Missouri businesses to sell the low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles.&nbsp;

If the federal spending bill passes, his bill will reflect the .4 milligram limit of THC per package – and that also includes THC-A, which transforms into THC when heated.

“We are really kind of looking now to see what the federal government’s going to do,” he said, “and if we need to make adjustments in my bill to mirror what the federal government’s going to put in place.”

This will be Hinman’s second year — and Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">fourth year</a>&nbsp;– trying to regulate intoxicating hemp products. Previous attempts failed because the proposed bills, backed by the marijuana industry, would have banned the products.&nbsp;

Last year, several bills failed to advance because the hemp industry itself couldn’t agree on provisions for things including THC limits and licensing requirements.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://missourihemphoax.com/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;released last month by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, which represents the marijuana industry, tested&nbsp;55 intoxicating hemp products purchased from smoke shops and gas stations statewide. Results showed that nearly all of them were above the total THC limit that’s outlined in the pending federal spending bill.

While the debate in previous years has often been seen as a marijuana industry versus the hemp industry, both of those players have a growing common foe – the black-market marijuana products that are posing as certified hemp products, Hinman said.&nbsp;

“There are some great people out there that own mom-and-pop shops that really are doing the right thing,” Hinman said.&nbsp;

However, just last week, Hinman met with a group that brought in packages of about 40 different THC products purchased throughout the state that resemble Skittles, M&amp;M’s and chips that would easily be mistaken by children as regular products.&nbsp;

“That continues to proliferate throughout our state,” he said, “and it’s just getting worse and worse. So we’ve got to do something. And it’s actually not even hemp, it’s truly marijuana out there, and it’s really hurting the business.”

Eapen Thampy, a lobbyist who represents several hemp businesses, agreed that the “bad actors” have expanded and pose a threat to legitimate hemp businesses.

“We’re under attack from the marijuana industry that wants to protect their monopoly,” Thampy said, “and we’re under attack from bad actors who don’t care who they hurt to make a buck. We’re sort of the collateral damage in that picture.”

Thampy said the hemp industry is hopeful that Congress will take up the issue before the ban is implemented in a year, if the spending bill is approved. However, a Senate amendment to remove the language was defeated last night by a 76-24 vote, making the success of a separate bill unlikely.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump told reporters Monday that he supports the deal and the House could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762945513387.png" alt=" Slaphappy Hemp farm in Rosebud (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> Slaphappy Hemp farm in Rosebud (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 40,000 Missouri food establishments and stores are estimated to be impacted by federal regulations on hemp products</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>John Grady and his wife Kara opened up their hemp emporium in Rosebud on July 4 — and they say about 60% of their customers are veterans, like Grady, who are treating chronic pain or PTSD with intoxicating hemp products.Last night, they watched the U.S. Senate vote to approve a spending package to end a record-breaking federal government shutdown. But what drew their attention was a provision tucked in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/agfy26conf.pdf" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would prohibit hemp products from having more than .4 milligrams of total THC per container. If the House approves it and the president signs it, the prohibition will go into effect in one year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The change, Grady said, will devastate his business.&nbsp;“When this is done,” he said, “we’ll lose 52% of our revenue, meaning we won’t be able to stay in business.”&nbsp;On Tuesday – a day they would normally be focused on honoring veterans – the couple said they didn’t have the energy.&nbsp;“You’re sick to your stomach all day long,” said Kara Grady, “knowing your hard work is for not.”State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated last year</a>&nbsp;that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations.&nbsp;That estimate was part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ 2025 budget estimate to enforce former Gov. Mike Parson’s abandoned<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">&nbsp;2024 order that would have banned intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;in the state.Hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm bill and naturally has very little THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana.&nbsp;But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.While marijuana products must be sold in dispensaries and be grown and manufactured in state-regulated facilities,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/with-missouri-regulations-in-flux-whats-the-difference-between-hemp-and-marijuana/">intoxicating hemp products are completely unregulated</a>&nbsp;by any governmental agency.&nbsp;There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors. However, some stores and vendors in Missouri have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.Missouri state Rep. Dave Himan, a Republican from O’Fallon, said he was planning on pre-filing legislation on Dec. 1 that would have established a licensing system to allow Missouri businesses to sell the low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles.&nbsp;If the federal spending bill passes, his bill will reflect the .4 milligram limit of THC per package – and that also includes THC-A, which transforms into THC when heated.“We are really kind of looking now to see what the federal government’s going to do,” he said, “and if we need to make adjustments in my bill to mirror what the federal government’s going to put in place.”This will be Hinman’s second year — and Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">fourth year</a>&nbsp;– trying to regulate intoxicating hemp products. Previous attempts failed because the proposed bills, backed by the marijuana industry, would have banned the products.&nbsp;Last year, several bills failed to advance because the hemp industry itself couldn’t agree on provisions for things including THC limits and licensing requirements.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://missourihemphoax.com/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;released last month by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, which represents the marijuana industry, tested&nbsp;55 intoxicating hemp products purchased from smoke shops and gas stations statewide. Results showed that nearly all of them were above the total THC limit that’s outlined in the pending federal spending bill.While the debate in previous years has often been seen as a marijuana industry versus the hemp industry, both of those players have a growing common foe – the black-market marijuana products that are posing as certified hemp products, Hinman said.&nbsp;“There are some great people out there that own mom-and-pop shops that really are doing the right thing,” Hinman said.&nbsp;However, just last week, Hinman met with a group that brought in packages of about 40 different THC products purchased throughout the state that resemble Skittles, M&amp;M’s and chips that would easily be mistaken by children as regular products.&nbsp;“That continues to proliferate throughout our state,” he said, “and it’s just getting worse and worse. So we’ve got to do something. And it’s actually not even hemp, it’s truly marijuana out there, and it’s really hurting the business.”Eapen Thampy, a lobbyist who represents several hemp businesses, agreed that the “bad actors” have expanded and pose a threat to legitimate hemp businesses.“We’re under attack from the marijuana industry that wants to protect their monopoly,” Thampy said, “and we’re under attack from bad actors who don’t care who they hurt to make a buck. We’re sort of the collateral damage in that picture.”Thampy said the hemp industry is hopeful that Congress will take up the issue before the ban is implemented in a year, if the spending bill is approved. However, a Senate amendment to remove the language was defeated last night by a 76-24 vote, making the success of a separate bill unlikely.&nbsp;President Donald Trump told reporters Monday that he supports the deal and the House could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday.

Missouri hemp businesses fear new federal THC limits will destroy the industry

Team owner Clark Hunt told reporters recently that he was still considering options on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas City Chiefs put out a request for proposals to design a new stadium on the Kansas side of the state line and are negotiating for land near the Kansas Speedway, according to two reports from Kansas City area talk show hosts.&nbsp;

Pete Mundo of KCMO talk radio&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmotalkradio.com/shows/mundo-in-the-morning-2/" target="_blank">broke the news</a>&nbsp;that the Chiefs contacted multiple firms regarding a new stadium to be built at Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. He said the news was confirmed by several sources.

Mundo stressed that the RFP didn’t mean the Chiefs had selected Kansas as the location for a new stadium and added that his “gut” said they would stay in Missouri.&nbsp;

On Monday, Kevin Kietzman said on his podcast that the Chiefs are in negotiations with NASCAR and the state of Kansas to acquire land just west of the Kansas Speedway. He said the Chiefs also may be building a hotel by the Hollywood Casino and creating an entertainment district.&nbsp;

“NASCAR owns a total of 880 acres of land at Village West, folks,” Kietzman said. “They only use 300 of them.”

Patrick Lowry, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce, said major development projects require confidentiality and the agency has no comment on negotiations regarding the stadium.&nbsp;

“Kansas Department of Commerce continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of crafting agreements to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas,” Lowry said.

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/" target="_blank">agreed to finance</a>&nbsp;up to 70% of the project, with a minimum $1 billion price tag, by issuing bonds to be repaid with sales tax collected in the STAR Bond district.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers hoping to convince the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to remain in the state have&nbsp;authorized bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

Clark Hunt, the Chiefs owner, recently told reporter that he and his family were still considering options in both Missouri and Kansas.

“I wouldn’t say we’re in limbo. Stadium projects move at their own pace,” Hunt said. “We’ve learned over the years that you can’t really force them to go faster, even if you want them to. And so it’s just important for us to keep working on both options.”

The possibility of moving the Chiefs stadium across the state line has both excited and concerned Kansas leaders. In Wyandotte County, where the Village West area is located, an economic development leader is hesitant to talk about what the stadium might bring to his county, although he’s positive that location would be a strong one for the Chiefs.&nbsp;

“I think that area is the No. 1 tourist destination in the state of Kansas,” said Greg Kindle, president of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council. “There’s infrastructure and highway infrastructure. We know there’s an ability to get people in and out of major sporting events, and if we can put a deal together that works for everybody, it’s a win-win.”

Much still needs to be assessed in terms of the economic development benefits for Wyandotte County.&nbsp;

“We’re still working through the economics of it,” Kindle said. “It has to be revenue development that works for the sports teams but also drives revenue into the community. On the front end, it’s super exciting to have a national sports team in your community because you get a lot of branding, you get more tourism, you get people who are excited about being near that environment.”

Kindle referred to the success of the Kansas Speedway and Sporting KC, both of which are in the area and hold numerous events all year.&nbsp;

“Tourism areas benefit,” he said. “New things have to be happening. This would be an interesting additional asset to the area that we hope would bring in additional hotels and restaurants and interest in that area.”

Kindle said the negotiations with the Chiefs are going on through state officials and Wyandotte has offered support as needed. He’s excited about the idea the team may come to his county, but he also wants to encourage everyone to think long-term.

“They’ve been in their current location for what, 50 or 60 years. We want to make sure that whatever happens here builds on what they’ve done and the success that they’ve had, but also that we ensure that we do, in fact, get that ancillary growth that goes with the project,” Kindle said.&nbsp;

J.C. Bradbury, an economist and professor at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, is releasing a book next year titled “This One Will be Different: False Promises and Fiscal Realities of Publicly Funded Stadiums.”&nbsp;

He said economic justifications for putting tax dollars behind stadium development don’t hold up.

Economists look at economic development differently than other professionals, who consider the process about increasing business activity in a community, Bradbury said.

“Economists use the term economic development to describe improving economic outcomes. And stadiums are absolutely not true economic development catalysts,” he said.

Bradbury said he has looked for studies that show there is an economic benefit to stadiums and hasn’t found one.

“If you went and called a doctor for a study on the dangers of smoking, you wouldn’t be able to find a doctor who would say smoking is good for you, right?” Bradbury said. “If you would ask economists about the economic benefits of stadiums, you probably couldn’t find an economist who would say that they’re beneficial. But no one wants to listen to economists on that.”

Multiple changes happen in communities when stadiums are built that lead people to believe the economy benefits, he said. Increased spending definitely happening around the stadium, but Bradbury said that spending is pulled from restaurants and stores not in the stadium’s entertainment sphere.&nbsp;

Other factors include being unable to track businesses that don’t open up in a stadium district, such as doctor’s offices and retail stores, because of traffic and people who don’t want to live near stadiums, he said.&nbsp;

“There’s actually some negative spillover effects that no one likes to talk about,” Bradbury said. He gave an example of an area in Atlanta that was near where stadiums were formerly located. For years, it was a “ghost town,” but after stadiums moved, it is now a thriving commercial district.

There are positives, including the novelty effect when the stadium first opens, Bradbury said.&nbsp;

“This is a private business that largely benefits the owners of the team. It’s generating hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars,” Bradbury said. “Athletes are paid millions of dollars of salaries. These organizations exist as economic entities because they’re profitable. There’s zero justification for taxpayers putting a dime for professional sports stadiums, but we just sort of got in the habit of doing that, and now I’m hoping to try to break this habit.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/chiefs-weigh-stadium-in-kansas-but-economist-doubts-economic-gains/" target="_blank">Kansas Reflector</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748263709817.png" alt="&nbsp;GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Team owner Clark Hunt told reporters recently that he was still considering options on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas City Chiefs put out a request for proposals to design a new stadium on the Kansas side of the state line and are negotiating for land near the Kansas Speedway, according to two reports from Kansas City area talk show hosts.&nbsp;Pete Mundo of KCMO talk radio&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmotalkradio.com/shows/mundo-in-the-morning-2/" target="_blank">broke the news</a>&nbsp;that the Chiefs contacted multiple firms regarding a new stadium to be built at Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. He said the news was confirmed by several sources.Mundo stressed that the RFP didn’t mean the Chiefs had selected Kansas as the location for a new stadium and added that his “gut” said they would stay in Missouri.&nbsp;On Monday, Kevin Kietzman said on his podcast that the Chiefs are in negotiations with NASCAR and the state of Kansas to acquire land just west of the Kansas Speedway. He said the Chiefs also may be building a hotel by the Hollywood Casino and creating an entertainment district.&nbsp;“NASCAR owns a total of 880 acres of land at Village West, folks,” Kietzman said. “They only use 300 of them.”Patrick Lowry, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce, said major development projects require confidentiality and the agency has no comment on negotiations regarding the stadium.&nbsp;“Kansas Department of Commerce continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of crafting agreements to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas,” Lowry said.The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/" target="_blank">agreed to finance</a>&nbsp;up to 70% of the project, with a minimum $1 billion price tag, by issuing bonds to be repaid with sales tax collected in the STAR Bond district.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers hoping to convince the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to remain in the state have&nbsp;authorized bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.Clark Hunt, the Chiefs owner, recently told reporter that he and his family were still considering options in both Missouri and Kansas.“I wouldn’t say we’re in limbo. Stadium projects move at their own pace,” Hunt said. “We’ve learned over the years that you can’t really force them to go faster, even if you want them to. And so it’s just important for us to keep working on both options.”<h2>Wyandotte opportunity</h2>The possibility of moving the Chiefs stadium across the state line has both excited and concerned Kansas leaders. In Wyandotte County, where the Village West area is located, an economic development leader is hesitant to talk about what the stadium might bring to his county, although he’s positive that location would be a strong one for the Chiefs.&nbsp;“I think that area is the No. 1 tourist destination in the state of Kansas,” said Greg Kindle, president of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council. “There’s infrastructure and highway infrastructure. We know there’s an ability to get people in and out of major sporting events, and if we can put a deal together that works for everybody, it’s a win-win.”Much still needs to be assessed in terms of the economic development benefits for Wyandotte County.&nbsp;“We’re still working through the economics of it,” Kindle said. “It has to be revenue development that works for the sports teams but also drives revenue into the community. On the front end, it’s super exciting to have a national sports team in your community because you get a lot of branding, you get more tourism, you get people who are excited about being near that environment.”Kindle referred to the success of the Kansas Speedway and Sporting KC, both of which are in the area and hold numerous events all year.&nbsp;“Tourism areas benefit,” he said. “New things have to be happening. This would be an interesting additional asset to the area that we hope would bring in additional hotels and restaurants and interest in that area.”Kindle said the negotiations with the Chiefs are going on through state officials and Wyandotte has offered support as needed. He’s excited about the idea the team may come to his county, but he also wants to encourage everyone to think long-term.“They’ve been in their current location for what, 50 or 60 years. We want to make sure that whatever happens here builds on what they’ve done and the success that they’ve had, but also that we ensure that we do, in fact, get that ancillary growth that goes with the project,” Kindle said.&nbsp;<h2>Stadium investments</h2>J.C. Bradbury, an economist and professor at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, is releasing a book next year titled “This One Will be Different: False Promises and Fiscal Realities of Publicly Funded Stadiums.”&nbsp;He said economic justifications for putting tax dollars behind stadium development don’t hold up.Economists look at economic development differently than other professionals, who consider the process about increasing business activity in a community, Bradbury said.“Economists use the term economic development to describe improving economic outcomes. And stadiums are absolutely not true economic development catalysts,” he said.Bradbury said he has looked for studies that show there is an economic benefit to stadiums and hasn’t found one.“If you went and called a doctor for a study on the dangers of smoking, you wouldn’t be able to find a doctor who would say smoking is good for you, right?” Bradbury said. “If you would ask economists about the economic benefits of stadiums, you probably couldn’t find an economist who would say that they’re beneficial. But no one wants to listen to economists on that.”Multiple changes happen in communities when stadiums are built that lead people to believe the economy benefits, he said. Increased spending definitely happening around the stadium, but Bradbury said that spending is pulled from restaurants and stores not in the stadium’s entertainment sphere.&nbsp;Other factors include being unable to track businesses that don’t open up in a stadium district, such as doctor’s offices and retail stores, because of traffic and people who don’t want to live near stadiums, he said.&nbsp;“There’s actually some negative spillover effects that no one likes to talk about,” Bradbury said. He gave an example of an area in Atlanta that was near where stadiums were formerly located. For years, it was a “ghost town,” but after stadiums moved, it is now a thriving commercial district.There are positives, including the novelty effect when the stadium first opens, Bradbury said.&nbsp;“This is a private business that largely benefits the owners of the team. It’s generating hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars,” Bradbury said. “Athletes are paid millions of dollars of salaries. These organizations exist as economic entities because they’re profitable. There’s zero justification for taxpayers putting a dime for professional sports stadiums, but we just sort of got in the habit of doing that, and now I’m hoping to try to break this habit.”This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/chiefs-weigh-stadium-in-kansas-but-economist-doubts-economic-gains/" target="_blank">Kansas Reflector</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Chiefs reportedly put out request for proposals for a new stadium in Kansas

St. Joseph
residents honored area veterans today during the Veterans Day Parade through
downtown St. Joseph.

Lt. Colonel David
Jones, Jr, who directs the St. Joseph School District ROTC program, says high
school cadets showed up to participate.

“This is a long-time
standing tradition here in St. Joe,” Jones tells KFEQmmunity. “Three hundred
cadets from three high schools unite to come together; Central High School,
Lafayette, and Benton High School are here to march.”&nbsp; 

Chair of the St.
Joseph Joint Military Committee, Paul Gatewood, says it means a lot to area
veterans that the high school students show up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762892458359.jpeg" alt="Milt Toratti/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Milt Toratti/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph
residents honored area veterans today during the Veterans Day Parade through
downtown St. Joseph.Lt. Colonel David
Jones, Jr, who directs the St. Joseph School District ROTC program, says high
school cadets showed up to participate.“This is a long-time
standing tradition here in St. Joe,” Jones tells KFEQmmunity. “Three hundred
cadets from three high schools unite to come together; Central High School,
Lafayette, and Benton High School are here to march.”&nbsp; Chair of the St.
Joseph Joint Military Committee, Paul Gatewood, says it means a lot to area
veterans that the high school students show up.“It is more about
these kids. And them honoring us as veterans is just awesome,” Gatewood says
during a call to KFEQmmunity. “If it wasn’t for the kids, we wouldn’t have
hardly any parade. We love these kids, a lot of our future military personnel.”Gatewood, who
organized the parade, says as a veteran he attempts to look outward at the
service provided by his fellow veterans.“You look at the
other veterans and give them respect,” Gatewood says. “So, to me, Veterans Day is
all about showing respect to our veterans and what they’ve done for our
country.”The parade had a special
Grand Marshall. Milt Toratti, who has helped so many area veterans tell their
stories, received the honor this year.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ