Absentee voting opened earlier this week in Missouri for voters ahead of the April 8th election. 

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the no excuse absentee period opened on Tuesday 

"That's always two weeks prior to every election now, four weeks prior to that is you need to have an excuse to come in and vote," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what's happening now, we have no excuse, so anyone can come in and vote before election day." 

Baack-Garvey says during this time anyone can come in and vote, such as those that maybe have trouble getting out to the polls. 

"Somebody just has a hard time standing in line, like maybe they use a walker, they can come here to the office and vote in person, which is a quicker process, especially here with an April election, because the traffic is slower here at the courthouse," Baack-Garvey explains. 

Baack-Garvey says though, even with those voting absentee, she's not expecting a very high voter turnout come April 8th 

"It kind of frustrates me, because we have local elections here and that's what April is for, and we just don't see the turnout that you would normally see for a presidential election," Baack-Garvey says.  "So, I would expect. at the highest, 20% turnout come Tuesday the 8th." 

Absentee ballots can be cast anytime through April 7th at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Absentee voting opened earlier this week in Missouri for voters ahead of the April 8th election. Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the no excuse absentee period opened on Tuesday "That's always two weeks prior to every election now, four weeks prior to that is you need to have an excuse to come in and vote," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So that's what's happening now, we have no excuse, so anyone can come in and vote before election day." Baack-Garvey says during this time anyone can come in and vote, such as those that maybe have trouble getting out to the polls. "Somebody just has a hard time standing in line, like maybe they use a walker, they can come here to the office and vote in person, which is a quicker process, especially here with an April election, because the traffic is slower here at the courthouse," Baack-Garvey explains. Baack-Garvey says though, even with those voting absentee, she's not expecting a very high voter turnout come April 8th "It kind of frustrates me, because we have local elections here and that's what April is for, and we just don't see the turnout that you would normally see for a presidential election," Baack-Garvey says. "So, I would expect. at the highest, 20% turnout come Tuesday the 8th." Absentee ballots can be cast anytime through April 7th at the Buchanan County Courthouse.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

No excuse absentee voting open ahead of April 8th election

A group of St. Joseph residents will celebrate an artist central to the ornamentation of City Hall and the Missouri Theatre with a future exhibit at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Waylande Gregory came to St. Joseph in 1926 and designed ornaments for city hall out of a makeshift studio on Tenth and Frederick. Out of that studio he also designed ornaments for the Missouri Theatre.  

Centennial Committee Chair Lori McAlister says after leaving St. Joseph, Gregory went on to become one of the most prolific ceramic artists in the country. 

"And we had him here, so just by way of introduction to people of his work we thought those of us who had been collecting pieces would get them together and do just kind of a little show and tell, to get people excited," McAlister tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Friends of the Missouri Theatre founder Frank Polleck says they hope that by showing these pieces they can show people that Gregory was an artist 

"And not just somebody that came in and did some plaster work 100 years ago," Polleck explains.  "And so, we want people in St. Joseph, and everywhere, to realize what they have here and realize he is an artist, and this is not just a theatre venue it's really a museum of his work."

The works from Gregory that be on display at the Albrecht are part of a celebration of the centennial celebration of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.  

McAlister says there's excitement building around the centennial, and hopes this exhibit helps introduce people to how great an artist Gregory was

"And then I think that helps people understand why this building and City Hall are so special, and the fact that the city has maintained them, and we still have them is no small accomplishment" McAlister says.&nbsp; "So, we've got a lot to be proud of and excited about."&nbsp;

The locally collected pieces of Gregory will be on display at the Albrecht Kemper beginning in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another collection that will feature pieces on loan from the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State will come next year.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743091562634.jpeg" alt="Waylande Gregory (pictured) designed the ornamentation of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Works of his will be on display later this year, and also next year, as part of a celebration of the centennial of the two buildings/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Waylande Gregory (pictured) designed the ornamentation of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Works of his will be on display later this year, and also next year, as part of a celebration of the centennial of the two buildings/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A group of St. Joseph residents will celebrate an artist central to the ornamentation of City Hall and the Missouri Theatre with a future exhibit at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Waylande Gregory came to St. Joseph in 1926 and designed ornaments for city hall out of a makeshift studio on Tenth and Frederick. Out of that studio he also designed ornaments for the Missouri Theatre. Centennial Committee Chair Lori McAlister says after leaving St. Joseph, Gregory went on to become one of the most prolific ceramic artists in the country. "And we had him here, so just by way of introduction to people of his work we thought those of us who had been collecting pieces would get them together and do just kind of a little show and tell, to get people excited," McAlister tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Friends of the Missouri Theatre founder Frank Polleck says they hope that by showing these pieces they can show people that Gregory was an artist "And not just somebody that came in and did some plaster work 100 years ago," Polleck explains. "And so, we want people in St. Joseph, and everywhere, to realize what they have here and realize he is an artist, and this is not just a theatre venue it's really a museum of his work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092546025.jpeg" alt="Some of the works of Waylande Gregory that will be on display collected by St. Joseph residents/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Some of the works of Waylande Gregory that will be on display collected by St. Joseph residents/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The works from Gregory that be on display at the Albrecht are part of a celebration of the centennial celebration of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre. McAlister says there's excitement building around the centennial, and hopes this exhibit helps introduce people to how great an artist Gregory was"And then I think that helps people understand why this building and City Hall are so special, and the fact that the city has maintained them, and we still have them is no small accomplishment" McAlister says.&nbsp; "So, we've got a lot to be proud of and excited about."&nbsp;The locally collected pieces of Gregory will be on display at the Albrecht Kemper beginning in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another collection that will feature pieces on loan from the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State will come next year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092576858.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Works of artist who made City Hall and Missouri Theatre jewels to be on display

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3272025-e30oaf1/a-abrsd8i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-3272025-e30oadl/a-abrsd6t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

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

A Republican-led push to overturn the paid sick leave law adopted by Missouri voters last year was debated and approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, was passed by the House earlier this month and would gut Proposition A,&nbsp;a voter-approved law requiring most employers starting May 1 to provide paid sick time off for hundreds of thousands of qualifying workers.

Gallick called the law, which also increased the state’s minimum wage, a “one-two punch for Missouri businesses” that will increase the cost of goods and services and have an adverse impact on small businesses in rural parts of the state.&nbsp;

She&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">has said</a>&nbsp;workers will “abuse” the leave.

Gallick’s bill would also modify the minimum wage law by removing the requirement that it be indexed to inflation.

The bill was passed out of committee Wednesday on a 5 to 2 vote party-line immediately following a contentious public hearing, with Democrats opposing.&nbsp;

The committee chair, state Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield, said that although usually there is at least one week between the public hearing and committee vote, it’s “extremely clear…there is not really an opportunity for further deliberation by the committee” and that pushing the bill forward immediately would allow “robust debate and consideration” by the full Senate.&nbsp;

If approved by the Senate without changes, the bill would go to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has voiced support for the proposal. There is no emergency clause, so it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law goes into effect.&nbsp;

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it was modeled on paid sick leave policies in 18 other states. The initiative petition passed in rural, suburban and urban counties across the state and received 58% of the vote statewide.

“Opponents made their argument, we made our argument and the voters spoke,” Von Glahn said.

Gallick’s bill is “refutation of the public will,” he added. “It will make Missouri workers more likely to have to go to work while sick, jeopardizing their own health, the health of their coworkers and of Missouri workplaces.”&nbsp;

Many of the same industry groups who are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">challenging Proposition A in the state Supreme Court&nbsp;</a>testified in support of the bill Wednesday.

Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the law, especially paid sick leave, a “job killer.”

“We believe that this one size fits all approach to paid sick leave is unworkable,” Corches said.

Buddy Lahl, from the Missouri Restaurant Association, called the requirements on businesses “extremely cumbersome” and said the law is a “slippery slope” for what businesses will be required to provide.

“Fixing Proposition A is not even an option, fixing the sick pay. It just needs to be eliminated. It’s just too erroneous. And I only listed some of the bigger issues. Every line in there is a problem for a small business,” Lahl said.

When Lahl said the only fix is to eliminate the law, state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, responded: “That’s not happening, The only path you have is to maybe make some small changes.”

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said restaurant workers without sick time who go to work because they need a paycheck for public health.

Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners. It guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15. The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes.&nbsp;

Under the law, beginning May 1, the law requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours. The law also gradually increases the minimum wage.

Under Gallick’s bill, the minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter — a policy that has been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">&nbsp;in place since 2007</a>. The sick leave provisions would be repealed entirely.

Because the measure changed state law and not the constitution, the legislature can modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people.

The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;out of the House&nbsp;on a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;of 96 to 51 earlier this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743071838478.png" alt=" State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in March during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in March during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Republican-led push to overturn the paid sick leave law adopted by Missouri voters last year was debated and approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, was passed by the House earlier this month and would gut Proposition A,&nbsp;a voter-approved law requiring most employers starting May 1 to provide paid sick time off for hundreds of thousands of qualifying workers.Gallick called the law, which also increased the state’s minimum wage, a “one-two punch for Missouri businesses” that will increase the cost of goods and services and have an adverse impact on small businesses in rural parts of the state.&nbsp;She&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">has said</a>&nbsp;workers will “abuse” the leave.Gallick’s bill would also modify the minimum wage law by removing the requirement that it be indexed to inflation.The bill was passed out of committee Wednesday on a 5 to 2 vote party-line immediately following a contentious public hearing, with Democrats opposing.&nbsp;The committee chair, state Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield, said that although usually there is at least one week between the public hearing and committee vote, it’s “extremely clear…there is not really an opportunity for further deliberation by the committee” and that pushing the bill forward immediately would allow “robust debate and consideration” by the full Senate.&nbsp;If approved by the Senate without changes, the bill would go to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has voiced support for the proposal. There is no emergency clause, so it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law goes into effect.&nbsp;Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it was modeled on paid sick leave policies in 18 other states. The initiative petition passed in rural, suburban and urban counties across the state and received 58% of the vote statewide.“Opponents made their argument, we made our argument and the voters spoke,” Von Glahn said.Gallick’s bill is “refutation of the public will,” he added. “It will make Missouri workers more likely to have to go to work while sick, jeopardizing their own health, the health of their coworkers and of Missouri workplaces.”&nbsp;Many of the same industry groups who are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">challenging Proposition A in the state Supreme Court&nbsp;</a>testified in support of the bill Wednesday.Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the law, especially paid sick leave, a “job killer.”“We believe that this one size fits all approach to paid sick leave is unworkable,” Corches said.Buddy Lahl, from the Missouri Restaurant Association, called the requirements on businesses “extremely cumbersome” and said the law is a “slippery slope” for what businesses will be required to provide.“Fixing Proposition A is not even an option, fixing the sick pay. It just needs to be eliminated. It’s just too erroneous. And I only listed some of the bigger issues. Every line in there is a problem for a small business,” Lahl said.When Lahl said the only fix is to eliminate the law, state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, responded: “That’s not happening, The only path you have is to maybe make some small changes.”State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said restaurant workers without sick time who go to work because they need a paycheck for public health.Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners. It guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15. The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes.&nbsp;Under the law, beginning May 1, the law requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours. The law also gradually increases the minimum wage.Under Gallick’s bill, the minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter — a policy that has been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">&nbsp;in place since 2007</a>. The sick leave provisions would be repealed entirely.Because the measure changed state law and not the constitution, the legislature can modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people.The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;out of the House&nbsp;on a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;of 96 to 51 earlier this month.

Missouri bill to overturn voter-approved paid sick leave clears Senate committee

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy at an apartment complex in Leavenworth.

Just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a medical call just at Woodland Village apartments 2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Leavenworth Police Department Major Dan Nicodemus.

First responders found the child who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working to determine how the boy died.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest, the name of the child or additional details.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy at an apartment complex in Leavenworth.Just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a medical call just at Woodland Village apartments 2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Leavenworth Police Department Major Dan Nicodemus.First responders found the child who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working to determine how the boy died.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest, the name of the child or additional details.

Police investigate death of 3-year-old boy

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on violent allegations.

On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Landon C. Adams and 20-year-old&nbsp;Sarah R. Beckes both of Atchison in&nbsp;&nbsp;the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Taken to County Jail.

Adams is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charge of domestic battery.

Beckes is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd time in 5 years, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997265201.png" alt="Adams-phogo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams-phogo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on violent allegations.On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Landon C. Adams and 20-year-old&nbsp;Sarah R. Beckes both of Atchison in&nbsp;&nbsp;the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997235670.png" alt="Beckes-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Beckes-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Adams is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charge of domestic battery.Beckes is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd time in 5 years, according to online jail records.

Two jailed for alleged domestic battery at Kansas home

Kansas lawmakers
are taking a few approaches to lowering property taxes.

State Sen. Craig
Bowser, a freshman Republican from Holton, says he has a few priorities this
legislative session, but one stands out.

“Number one on the
top of that list and the number one issue that I heard while campaigning was we’ve
really got to have property tax reform here in Kansas,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Bowser says he hasn’t
just heard the refrain from campaigning. He has heard complaints from others
throughout the state since joining the legislature in January.

“I talked to a gentleman
in another part of the state. His property taxes, three years in a row, they
went up 15% one year, 15% the next year, and 8% the next year. So, in a three-year
period, he had a 38% property tax increase in a three-year period,” according
to Bowser. “That’s just unacceptable, especially if you’re an elderly citizen,
an older citizen on a fixed income. That’s just not doable.”

Three main ideas
have emerged in Topeka this legislative session. One would exempt personal
all-terrain-vehicles, watercrafts, and personal trailers from the state
personal property tax. Another would remove the one-and-a-half mill property
tax used to fund college campus maintenance. A third would cap increases to the
property tax rate by tying it to the rate of inflation.

Bowser says the
issue goes beyond simply providing tax relief to Kansas citizens. He says the
legislature must do something to stimulate the Kansas economy.

“We’ve got to make
our state more competitive,” Bowser says. “Our state’s really been in sort of
an economic stagnation here for decades now. I really want to take a look at
how we can simplify our tax code.”

Yet, the main
reason to tackle property tax relief is the importance Kansas residents place
on the issue, according to Bowser.

“We heard the voters
and we’re taking action to do some property tax reform here in the state.”

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas lawmakers
are taking a few approaches to lowering property taxes.State Sen. Craig
Bowser, a freshman Republican from Holton, says he has a few priorities this
legislative session, but one stands out.“Number one on the
top of that list and the number one issue that I heard while campaigning was we’ve
really got to have property tax reform here in Kansas,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Bowser says he hasn’t
just heard the refrain from campaigning. He has heard complaints from others
throughout the state since joining the legislature in January.“I talked to a gentleman
in another part of the state. His property taxes, three years in a row, they
went up 15% one year, 15% the next year, and 8% the next year. So, in a three-year
period, he had a 38% property tax increase in a three-year period,” according
to Bowser. “That’s just unacceptable, especially if you’re an elderly citizen,
an older citizen on a fixed income. That’s just not doable.”Three main ideas
have emerged in Topeka this legislative session. One would exempt personal
all-terrain-vehicles, watercrafts, and personal trailers from the state
personal property tax. Another would remove the one-and-a-half mill property
tax used to fund college campus maintenance. A third would cap increases to the
property tax rate by tying it to the rate of inflation.Bowser says the
issue goes beyond simply providing tax relief to Kansas citizens. He says the
legislature must do something to stimulate the Kansas economy.“We’ve got to make
our state more competitive,” Bowser says. “Our state’s really been in sort of
an economic stagnation here for decades now. I really want to take a look at
how we can simplify our tax code.”Yet, the main
reason to tackle property tax relief is the importance Kansas residents place
on the issue, according to Bowser.“We heard the voters
and we’re taking action to do some property tax reform here in the state.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Bowser:  property tax reform #1 issue in Kansas legislature

A recently completed study between the city of St. Joseph and the Chamber of Commerce has discovered a shortage of middle-class housing in St. Joseph.  

Chamber President Natalie Hawn says the study found a shortage of around 3-thousand homes 

"We have a pretty good supply of low-income housing, because those are given tax incentives, and we have a pretty good supply of higher end executive housing," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "But that missing middle is, as we would have guessed based on employer's feedback, is kind of where the gap is." 

Hawn says there are some tools that can be used to work on this, such as improvements around the city 

"We could do infill housing, revitalization, and we know have over 1,000 vacant buildings, whether those are housing or commercial, so we know that there are some tools in the toolbox that we can use to try to address some of those," Hawn explains.  "The city has been great about putting together a plan that they're going to take to city council in a work session in April." 

Hawn says it's not a problem that can be solved overnight and will take some time 

"Because it's really been something that we've been working on with the business community, with community leaders' hand in hand, and it's been great because we've been able to truly come up a couple different solutions that will be good wins," Hawn says. 

Hawn says there are also some initiatives happening at the state level that could help move towards aiding the housing problem in St. Joseph. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A recently completed study between the city of St. Joseph and the Chamber of Commerce has discovered a shortage of middle-class housing in St. Joseph. Chamber President Natalie Hawn says the study found a shortage of around 3-thousand homes "We have a pretty good supply of low-income housing, because those are given tax incentives, and we have a pretty good supply of higher end executive housing," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But that missing middle is, as we would have guessed based on employer's feedback, is kind of where the gap is." Hawn says there are some tools that can be used to work on this, such as improvements around the city "We could do infill housing, revitalization, and we know have over 1,000 vacant buildings, whether those are housing or commercial, so we know that there are some tools in the toolbox that we can use to try to address some of those," Hawn explains. "The city has been great about putting together a plan that they're going to take to city council in a work session in April." Hawn says it's not a problem that can be solved overnight and will take some time "Because it's really been something that we've been working on with the business community, with community leaders' hand in hand, and it's been great because we've been able to truly come up a couple different solutions that will be good wins," Hawn says. Hawn says there are also some initiatives happening at the state level that could help move towards aiding the housing problem in St. Joseph. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Study says St. Joseph housing shortage hurts economic growth

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3262025-e30mpvs/a-abrqf1a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-3262025-e30mpuf/a-abrqevc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

House Democrat accuses GOP leadership of trying to avoid gun-control debate

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>

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">School safety legislation</a>&nbsp;that requires school districts create a policy governing cell phone use by students won initial approval Monday afternoon in the Missouri House.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, called the bill a “comprehensive approach to school safety.”

It includes provisions to equip schools with bleeding-control kits, require intruder-response training and develop emergency response plans. Public schools would be required to use bullet-proof window film and anti-intruder locks in new construction by 2029.

“School safety is much more than hardening the exterior of a building but having a safe environment for learning,” Shields said during House debate. “We know that teaching and learning does not occur if a student doesn’t feel safe.”

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, added an amendment that would encourage schools to bar cell-phone use. Schools would be able to craft the policy to their preferences. But at a minimum, those policies must ban cell phones during instructional time.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, was one of three representatives to file a bill on cell phones in schools. She said safety threats can come from within the walls of the school.

“This is going to help our students be able to focus on instruction and not let things get in the way that have to do with dangerous situations in our school,” she said. “When we talk about cyber bullying and sexting, all of that really has an impact on the school itself and can lead to dangerous physical alterations as well.”

Others worried that restricting cell phones would hinder security.

State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, said access to cell phones can help students report school shootings quickly.

“We have had students actually contact the police and be on the phone with them during the event, providing invaluable intelligence as to where the shots are occurring, where the bad guy is,” Sparks said.

Another sponsor of a cell-phone bill, Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, said schools can decide whether phones can be in students’ possession or not, so long as the devices aren’t a distraction.

“This is not the legislature making the rule. This is strictly the actual districts making those rules,” he said.

Another&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/1498H01.04H.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a>&nbsp;added to the bill would require schools to create a cardiac response plan.

Three amendments were filed but not discussed. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, said in an inquiry with another Democrat that he wanted to offer an amendment to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms to teenagers, but he was not called upon during Monday’s debate.

“I filed an amendment, and they will not call on me because they don’t want to have the conversation. Let’s have the conversation about this,” Smith said.

State Rep. Bill Owen, a Republican from Springfield, said to leave “the rhetoric out of it.”

“Accidents happen in shop classes. Accidents happen everywhere in that building where (bleeding-control kits) would be necessary. It doesn’t take a gun to do so,” he said. “I’m going to say that the legislation isn’t about guns. It’s about taking care of the safety of our children.”

The bill needs to be approved one more time in the House before it heads to the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742985564468.png" alt=" Rep. Brenda Shields. a St. Joseph Republican, speaks during debate in the Missouri House during the 2021 legislative session. On Monday, the House gave initial approval to her school safety bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Brenda Shields. a St. Joseph Republican, speaks during debate in the Missouri House during the 2021 legislative session. On Monday, the House gave initial approval to her school safety bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House Democrat accuses GOP leadership of trying to avoid gun-control debate</h2>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><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">School safety legislation</a>&nbsp;that requires school districts create a policy governing cell phone use by students won initial approval Monday afternoon in the Missouri House.The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, called the bill a “comprehensive approach to school safety.”It includes provisions to equip schools with bleeding-control kits, require intruder-response training and develop emergency response plans. Public schools would be required to use bullet-proof window film and anti-intruder locks in new construction by 2029.“School safety is much more than hardening the exterior of a building but having a safe environment for learning,” Shields said during House debate. “We know that teaching and learning does not occur if a student doesn’t feel safe.”State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, added an amendment that would encourage schools to bar cell-phone use. Schools would be able to craft the policy to their preferences. But at a minimum, those policies must ban cell phones during instructional time.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, was one of three representatives to file a bill on cell phones in schools. She said safety threats can come from within the walls of the school.“This is going to help our students be able to focus on instruction and not let things get in the way that have to do with dangerous situations in our school,” she said. “When we talk about cyber bullying and sexting, all of that really has an impact on the school itself and can lead to dangerous physical alterations as well.”Others worried that restricting cell phones would hinder security.State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, said access to cell phones can help students report school shootings quickly.“We have had students actually contact the police and be on the phone with them during the event, providing invaluable intelligence as to where the shots are occurring, where the bad guy is,” Sparks said.Another sponsor of a cell-phone bill, Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, said schools can decide whether phones can be in students’ possession or not, so long as the devices aren’t a distraction.“This is not the legislature making the rule. This is strictly the actual districts making those rules,” he said.Another&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/1498H01.04H.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a>&nbsp;added to the bill would require schools to create a cardiac response plan.Three amendments were filed but not discussed. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, said in an inquiry with another Democrat that he wanted to offer an amendment to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms to teenagers, but he was not called upon during Monday’s debate.“I filed an amendment, and they will not call on me because they don’t want to have the conversation. Let’s have the conversation about this,” Smith said.State Rep. Bill Owen, a Republican from Springfield, said to leave “the rhetoric out of it.”“Accidents happen in shop classes. Accidents happen everywhere in that building where (bleeding-control kits) would be necessary. It doesn’t take a gun to do so,” he said. “I’m going to say that the legislation isn’t about guns. It’s about taking care of the safety of our children.”The bill needs to be approved one more time in the House before it heads to the Senate.

School safety bill advances in Missouri House with restrictions on cell phone use

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves calls talks toward a cease fire in the Ukrainian war
“very delicate negotiations.”

Graves, a
Republican, says he is cautiously optimistic discussions with Russian President
Vladimir Putin will bear fruit.

“I can’t predict
how it’s going to come out,” Graves tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “I know
the president’s pushing very hard and is making some great strides in terms of
trying to get both sides to compromise, I guess you might say. Is Zelensky going
to have to give up some territory, cede that to Russia?&nbsp; That’s a possibility. Is Russia going to back
out what they have taken?”

Russia invaded
Ukraine in February of 2022. What some thought would be a short conflict has
turned into a slog; a grinding war that has cost countless lives as well as
staggering destruction in Ukraine.

Negotiations, led
by the Trump administration, are ongoing in Saudia Arabia. The U.S. has been
pushing for a broad ceasefire by about the middle of next month. It appears,
though, that there is a wide gap between Russia and Ukraine.

Graves says both
sides must give some if the fighting is to cease. Graves is uncertain whether
Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to concede territory Russia has
taken since attacking Ukraine three years ago, though Graves says the war
hasn’t gone the way Russia envisioned.

“Putin went into
this thing thinking that it was going to be over with in a week,” Graves says. “And
he has lost a tremendous amount of resources in this process. He’s lost 23
ships in the Black Sea.”

Graves insists the
United States has a vested interest in ending the war in Ukraine. The
Congressman worries the conflict will broaden and is wary of the ultimate aim
of Putin.

“I would rather
fight him in Ukraine and let the Ukrainians prosecute the war, rather than the
United States having to get into it if he moves into the Balkans,” Graves says.
“If he moves into Lithuania or Estonia or Lativa or Poland, for that matter, we’re
in it.”

The United States
has obligations to those countries through the alliance with NATO.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922366254.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves calls talks toward a cease fire in the Ukrainian war
“very delicate negotiations.”Graves, a
Republican, says he is cautiously optimistic discussions with Russian President
Vladimir Putin will bear fruit.“I can’t predict
how it’s going to come out,” Graves tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “I know
the president’s pushing very hard and is making some great strides in terms of
trying to get both sides to compromise, I guess you might say. Is Zelensky going
to have to give up some territory, cede that to Russia?&nbsp; That’s a possibility. Is Russia going to back
out what they have taken?”Russia invaded
Ukraine in February of 2022. What some thought would be a short conflict has
turned into a slog; a grinding war that has cost countless lives as well as
staggering destruction in Ukraine.Negotiations, led
by the Trump administration, are ongoing in Saudia Arabia. The U.S. has been
pushing for a broad ceasefire by about the middle of next month. It appears,
though, that there is a wide gap between Russia and Ukraine.Graves says both
sides must give some if the fighting is to cease. Graves is uncertain whether
Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to concede territory Russia has
taken since attacking Ukraine three years ago, though Graves says the war
hasn’t gone the way Russia envisioned.“Putin went into
this thing thinking that it was going to be over with in a week,” Graves says. “And
he has lost a tremendous amount of resources in this process. He’s lost 23
ships in the Black Sea.”Graves insists the
United States has a vested interest in ending the war in Ukraine. The
Congressman worries the conflict will broaden and is wary of the ultimate aim
of Putin.“I would rather
fight him in Ukraine and let the Ukrainians prosecute the war, rather than the
United States having to get into it if he moves into the Balkans,” Graves says.
“If he moves into Lithuania or Estonia or Lativa or Poland, for that matter, we’re
in it.”The United States
has obligations to those countries through the alliance with NATO.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves says talks for cease fire in Ukrainian war are delicate

A project designed to help keep the St. Joseph city landfill up and running is progressing quickly with the construction of cell eight.  

City Manager Mike Schumacher says the construction being done by M-Con on the cell is about 77% complete 

"We'll be moving to the next phase of that soon which involves clay and sand, piping, all the things that go into building a landfill and then ultimately a liner and we'll be good to go," Schumacher tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Schumacher says while he's grateful of the D-N-R for approving more space, it does not mean the city can become complacent.  

"The issue still exists, but all of us are working in partnership," Schumacher explains.  "Whether it's M-Con, Darkota out there with his crews are just doing a bang-up job helping M-Con and making the most of all available space, and then the state of Missouri with D-N-R has been incredibly helpful." 

Wanting to avoid any future problems, Schumacher says he's already put people to work on the development of cell nine 

"While we expect Cell 8, hopefully, to last several years, I've already asked the crews to begin work on Cell 9, so we can work on that as time permits," Schumacher says. 

Schumacher says the landfill is currently well staffed and says the city will not rest and wants to see cell nine excavated 

"We will not do the sand and clay and liner all that kind of good stuff yet, but we'll at least have the hole dug, so we'll be good to go on that," Schumacher says. 

Schumacher says that cell eight should get done in time but hesitates to give a definitive date of completion.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A project designed to help keep the St. Joseph city landfill up and running is progressing quickly with the construction of cell eight. City Manager Mike Schumacher says the construction being done by M-Con on the cell is about 77% complete "We'll be moving to the next phase of that soon which involves clay and sand, piping, all the things that go into building a landfill and then ultimately a liner and we'll be good to go," Schumacher tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Schumacher says while he's grateful of the D-N-R for approving more space, it does not mean the city can become complacent. "The issue still exists, but all of us are working in partnership," Schumacher explains. "Whether it's M-Con, Darkota out there with his crews are just doing a bang-up job helping M-Con and making the most of all available space, and then the state of Missouri with D-N-R has been incredibly helpful." Wanting to avoid any future problems, Schumacher says he's already put people to work on the development of cell nine "While we expect Cell 8, hopefully, to last several years, I've already asked the crews to begin work on Cell 9, so we can work on that as time permits," Schumacher says. Schumacher says the landfill is currently well staffed and says the city will not rest and wants to see cell nine excavated "We will not do the sand and clay and liner all that kind of good stuff yet, but we'll at least have the hole dug, so we'll be good to go on that," Schumacher says. Schumacher says that cell eight should get done in time but hesitates to give a definitive date of completion.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Landfill expansion moving forward

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3252025-e30l320/a-abro9i4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-325-2025-e30l301/a-abro9em" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Missouri home educators have pushed for their children to be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools for over a decade. This year, they have their best chance yet

A bill that would require public schools to offer extracurricular activities to local homeschooled students is gaining traction after more than a decade of consideration by Missouri lawmakers.

High school senior Lydia Meredith, whose family annually drives from Joplin to testify in favor of the bill, told the Senate Education Committee in February it was her fourth time&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/26/missouri-lawmakers-renew-push-to-open-public-school-sports-to-homeschool-students/">asking for them to pass the legislation</a>.

Meredith was part of a competitive swimming team growing up and enjoyed racing with her friends. But when they reached high school, her friends joined the team at their public school. Meredith, who is homeschooled, was left behind.

“Before me came other Missouri students asking to be given the same opportunity to play for local sports teams, to join band or join a local debate team,” she said. “Every year this bill is not passed is another year the Missouri Legislature is complicit in denying key educational experiences for students.”

She said it was time for senators “to see this bill through to the end.”

For years, legislation seeking to give homeschooled students access to activities in public schools has been filed in Missouri. Most legislative sessions, the bill is passed by a committee but surpassed by other education priorities and never makes it to discussion by either legislative chamber.

The proposal was&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1347&amp;year=2014&amp;code=R" target="_blank">first offered in 2014</a>, under then-Rep. Elijah Haahr, a Springfield Republican and homeschooled student who later became Missouri House speaker. The legislation didn’t make it to the House or Senate floor until 2021. The chamber gave its initial approval to the bill but never passed it to the Senate.

In 2023, the bill had its longest run, making it into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=419482" target="_blank">a larger education package</a>&nbsp;that passed the Senate with only two opposed and clearing a House committee late in session.

This year, the Senate in February unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Ben Brown of Washington, and House leadership referred the bill to its education committee over legislative spring break. This is the fastest the legislation has passed its originating chamber.

The bill has also garnered approval by former critics.&nbsp;

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, voted against the legislation in prior years but said during the Senate debate that she had changed her mind after hearing from homeschooling families.

“I really see the benefit of having students, and the more the merrier, be able to participate in activities,” she said.

Nurrenbern previously worried that public school and homeschool students could be held to different standards and access the same privileges.

A school counselor had those concerns in the committee hearing. Other opposition came from a homeschooling group called Family Covenant Ministries, which has concerns about applying the state’s homeschooling law to public activities.

Home educators in Missouri have been split over the years about bills that would expand opportunities for homeschoolers but connect them closer to state government. Some say it could open them up for more state oversight of homeschoolers, of which Missouri has very little.

In a large education package passed last year, lawmakers created a new category of homeschool called family-paced education. This group would be able to take advantage of the state’s education tax-credit program while allowing those wary of governmental intrusion to have separation in state law.

David Klarich, a lobbyist for Family Covenant Ministries, said Brown’s bill should only apply to family-paced education.

Another homeschooling organization, Families for Home Education, spoke in favor of the bill — not because of the extracurricular activities but for a provision that often evades discussion.

The bill seeks to remove a part of state law that describes a declaration of intent to homeschool. The declaration is optional and is intended to reduce truancy investigations.

Kim Quon, a director for Families for Home Education, said the law has had “the opposite effect.” Some families who have sent a letter of their intent to homeschool have reported the district did not remove their children from enrollment records.

“It has spurred many unnecessary discussions and investigations,” she said.

The organization has otherwise taken a neutral stance on the bill’s provisions on student athletes,<a href="https://fhe-mo.org/capitolreport" target="_blank">&nbsp;according to its website</a>.

The bill is one of 28 awaiting a hearing by the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee, of which only two are Senate bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742899245498.png" alt=" Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, speaks on the Missouri Senate floor. For the second year, Brown has sponsored a bill seeking to give homeschoolers access to public school activities (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, speaks on the Missouri Senate floor. For the second year, Brown has sponsored a bill seeking to give homeschoolers access to public school activities (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Missouri home educators have pushed for their children to be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools for over a decade. This year, they have their best chance yet</h2>A bill that would require public schools to offer extracurricular activities to local homeschooled students is gaining traction after more than a decade of consideration by Missouri lawmakers.High school senior Lydia Meredith, whose family annually drives from Joplin to testify in favor of the bill, told the Senate Education Committee in February it was her fourth time&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/26/missouri-lawmakers-renew-push-to-open-public-school-sports-to-homeschool-students/">asking for them to pass the legislation</a>.Meredith was part of a competitive swimming team growing up and enjoyed racing with her friends. But when they reached high school, her friends joined the team at their public school. Meredith, who is homeschooled, was left behind.“Before me came other Missouri students asking to be given the same opportunity to play for local sports teams, to join band or join a local debate team,” she said. “Every year this bill is not passed is another year the Missouri Legislature is complicit in denying key educational experiences for students.”She said it was time for senators “to see this bill through to the end.”For years, legislation seeking to give homeschooled students access to activities in public schools has been filed in Missouri. Most legislative sessions, the bill is passed by a committee but surpassed by other education priorities and never makes it to discussion by either legislative chamber.The proposal was&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1347&amp;year=2014&amp;code=R" target="_blank">first offered in 2014</a>, under then-Rep. Elijah Haahr, a Springfield Republican and homeschooled student who later became Missouri House speaker. The legislation didn’t make it to the House or Senate floor until 2021. The chamber gave its initial approval to the bill but never passed it to the Senate.In 2023, the bill had its longest run, making it into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=419482" target="_blank">a larger education package</a>&nbsp;that passed the Senate with only two opposed and clearing a House committee late in session.This year, the Senate in February unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Ben Brown of Washington, and House leadership referred the bill to its education committee over legislative spring break. This is the fastest the legislation has passed its originating chamber.The bill has also garnered approval by former critics.&nbsp;State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, voted against the legislation in prior years but said during the Senate debate that she had changed her mind after hearing from homeschooling families.“I really see the benefit of having students, and the more the merrier, be able to participate in activities,” she said.Nurrenbern previously worried that public school and homeschool students could be held to different standards and access the same privileges.A school counselor had those concerns in the committee hearing. Other opposition came from a homeschooling group called Family Covenant Ministries, which has concerns about applying the state’s homeschooling law to public activities.Home educators in Missouri have been split over the years about bills that would expand opportunities for homeschoolers but connect them closer to state government. Some say it could open them up for more state oversight of homeschoolers, of which Missouri has very little.In a large education package passed last year, lawmakers created a new category of homeschool called family-paced education. This group would be able to take advantage of the state’s education tax-credit program while allowing those wary of governmental intrusion to have separation in state law.David Klarich, a lobbyist for Family Covenant Ministries, said Brown’s bill should only apply to family-paced education.Another homeschooling organization, Families for Home Education, spoke in favor of the bill — not because of the extracurricular activities but for a provision that often evades discussion.The bill seeks to remove a part of state law that describes a declaration of intent to homeschool. The declaration is optional and is intended to reduce truancy investigations.Kim Quon, a director for Families for Home Education, said the law has had “the opposite effect.” Some families who have sent a letter of their intent to homeschool have reported the district did not remove their children from enrollment records.“It has spurred many unnecessary discussions and investigations,” she said.The organization has otherwise taken a neutral stance on the bill’s provisions on student athletes,<a href="https://fhe-mo.org/capitolreport" target="_blank">&nbsp;according to its website</a>.The bill is one of 28 awaiting a hearing by the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee, of which only two are Senate bills.

Support grows for homeschooled athletes bill in 12th year in Missouri legislature

The longest serving President of Northwest Missouri State University Dean L. Hubbard has died.&nbsp;

Hubbard served as President of the University from 1984 to 2009.&nbsp; The University announced it learned Hubbard died Sunday evening at his Kansas City home at the age of 85 after a battle with a kidney disease.

In honor of Hubbard, Northwest President Lance Tatum has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff on the University’s campus on Tuesday, March 25, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, April 4.

“Jill and I extend our deepest sympathy to Aleta and the Hubbard family on the passing of Dr. Dean Hubbard, Northwest’s ninth president,” Tatum said in a news release from the university. “His 25 years of dedicated service to this institution were extraordinary, and his contributions to Northwest set the foundation for many of today’s accomplishments.

“Dr. Hubbard’s influence is woven into the very fabric of Northwest. His dedication, innovation and passion for education will always be remembered. Today, we mourn his loss, but we also celebrate a life devoted to making Northwest better for all who pass through its doors.”

During his quarter-century leading Northwest, Hubbard oversaw unprecedented growth, success and recognition for the institution.  

Under Hubbard’s leadership, Northwest gained national recognition for its “Culture of Quality,” an initiative designed to foster continuous improvement in all aspects of the University’s operations. Northwest received the Missouri Quality Award four times – in 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2008 – making it the only educational institution to accomplish the feat.

Hubbard was internationally recognized for his work in the field of total quality management. He served as a member of the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award as well as the Excellence in Missouri Foundation Board of Directors. He received the Missouri Governor’s Quality Leadership Award in 1998.

During the 1980s, Hubbard was instrumental in making Northwest the first comprehensive “electronic campus” in the United States. With the flip of a ceremonial switch in the fall of 1987, Northwest became the first public institution in the nation with networked computers in each residence hall room and faculty office. The initiative remains a hallmark of Northwest, which now provides fully loaded notebook computers and technical support to all enrolled students.

A first-generation college graduate, Hubbard also dedicated himself to making higher education affordable for individuals lacking the financial means to continue their education. He envisioned Northwest’s American Dream Grant as a needs-based program that provided tuition, room and board, books and the use of a computer to lower-income students during their first two years. That innovative program to help eliminate financial barriers for students continues today as the Northwest Promise.

Other initiatives rooted in Hubbard’s presidency and its focus on affordability and economic opportunity included Northwest’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The facility, completed in 2009 as a research center and high-tech business incubator, was renamed in Hubbard’s honor in 2014 and today, as the Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation, serves as the home of the School of Agricultural Sciences while maintaining its stake as a research center that also supports the Department of Natural Sciences.

Hubbard also supported the expansion of Northwest’s pioneering alternative fuels program, which converted recycled cardboard, paper and agricultural waste into energy that was used to heat and cool the campus. The University estimated that it saved more than $12 million compared to the cost of natural gas during the two decades prior to Hubbard’s retirement from Northwest on July 31, 2009.

Significant renovations and expansions of University facilities also occurred during Hubbard’s presidency, including Roberta Hall, Lamkin Activity Center, Colden Hall, the J.W. Jones Student Union, South Complex and the construction of Hudson and Perrin residence halls. Additionally, the Northwest campus was designated by the state legislature as the Missouri Arboretum in 1993, and the Joyce and Harvey International Flag Plaza – a showcase of Northwest’s global enrollment but also a vision seeded in Hubbard’s affinity for multinational relationships – was dedicated during the fall of 1998.

Among other milestones during Hubbard’s tenure, the Bearcat football team won the school’s first national championship in 1998 and Northwest’s enrollment eclipsed 7,000 students for the first time in 2008.

An educator with broad international experience, Hubbard lived in Seoul, Korea, from 1966 to 1971 and helped develop language programs in six countries. In addition to extensive work in Asia, he served as a consultant to educational institutions in Europe and Central America and was a member of the board of the Alliance of Universities for Democracy.

Prior to coming to Northwest, he was president of Union College, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon retiring from Northwest, he served as the president of St. Luke's College of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri.

He held a Ph.D. from Stanford University, a degree in Korean language from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Hubbard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aleta; daughter Melody Messner (Andrew Morse), son D. Paul J. (Barbara) Hubbard and daughter Joy Crimmins; and grandchildren Charlie (Nhi) Lowe, Jake Hubbard, Taylor Crimmins, Alexa Crimmins, Calum (Jocelyn) Hubbard and Aiden Crimmins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742850179738.jpeg" alt="Dean L. Hubbard/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University" />
 <figcaption>Dean L. Hubbard/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe longest serving President of Northwest Missouri State University Dean L. Hubbard has died.&nbsp;Hubbard served as President of the University from 1984 to 2009.&nbsp; The University announced it learned Hubbard died Sunday evening at his Kansas City home at the age of 85 after a battle with a kidney disease.In honor of Hubbard, Northwest President Lance Tatum has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff on the University’s campus on Tuesday, March 25, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, April 4.“Jill and I extend our deepest sympathy to Aleta and the Hubbard family on the passing of Dr. Dean Hubbard, Northwest’s ninth president,” Tatum said in a news release from the university. “His 25 years of dedicated service to this institution were extraordinary, and his contributions to Northwest set the foundation for many of today’s accomplishments.“Dr. Hubbard’s influence is woven into the very fabric of Northwest. His dedication, innovation and passion for education will always be remembered. Today, we mourn his loss, but we also celebrate a life devoted to making Northwest better for all who pass through its doors.”During his quarter-century leading Northwest, Hubbard oversaw unprecedented growth, success and recognition for the institution. Under Hubbard’s leadership, Northwest gained national recognition for its “Culture of Quality,” an initiative designed to foster continuous improvement in all aspects of the University’s operations. Northwest received the Missouri Quality Award four times – in 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2008 – making it the only educational institution to accomplish the feat.Hubbard was internationally recognized for his work in the field of total quality management. He served as a member of the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award as well as the Excellence in Missouri Foundation Board of Directors. He received the Missouri Governor’s Quality Leadership Award in 1998.During the 1980s, Hubbard was instrumental in making Northwest the first comprehensive “electronic campus” in the United States. With the flip of a ceremonial switch in the fall of 1987, Northwest became the first public institution in the nation with networked computers in each residence hall room and faculty office. The initiative remains a hallmark of Northwest, which now provides fully loaded notebook computers and technical support to all enrolled students.A first-generation college graduate, Hubbard also dedicated himself to making higher education affordable for individuals lacking the financial means to continue their education. He envisioned Northwest’s American Dream Grant as a needs-based program that provided tuition, room and board, books and the use of a computer to lower-income students during their first two years. That innovative program to help eliminate financial barriers for students continues today as the Northwest Promise.Other initiatives rooted in Hubbard’s presidency and its focus on affordability and economic opportunity included Northwest’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The facility, completed in 2009 as a research center and high-tech business incubator, was renamed in Hubbard’s honor in 2014 and today, as the Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation, serves as the home of the School of Agricultural Sciences while maintaining its stake as a research center that also supports the Department of Natural Sciences.Hubbard also supported the expansion of Northwest’s pioneering alternative fuels program, which converted recycled cardboard, paper and agricultural waste into energy that was used to heat and cool the campus. The University estimated that it saved more than $12 million compared to the cost of natural gas during the two decades prior to Hubbard’s retirement from Northwest on July 31, 2009.Significant renovations and expansions of University facilities also occurred during Hubbard’s presidency, including Roberta Hall, Lamkin Activity Center, Colden Hall, the J.W. Jones Student Union, South Complex and the construction of Hudson and Perrin residence halls. Additionally, the Northwest campus was designated by the state legislature as the Missouri Arboretum in 1993, and the Joyce and Harvey International Flag Plaza – a showcase of Northwest’s global enrollment but also a vision seeded in Hubbard’s affinity for multinational relationships – was dedicated during the fall of 1998.Among other milestones during Hubbard’s tenure, the Bearcat football team won the school’s first national championship in 1998 and Northwest’s enrollment eclipsed 7,000 students for the first time in 2008.An educator with broad international experience, Hubbard lived in Seoul, Korea, from 1966 to 1971 and helped develop language programs in six countries. In addition to extensive work in Asia, he served as a consultant to educational institutions in Europe and Central America and was a member of the board of the Alliance of Universities for Democracy.Prior to coming to Northwest, he was president of Union College, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon retiring from Northwest, he served as the president of St. Luke's College of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri.He held a Ph.D. from Stanford University, a degree in Korean language from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.Hubbard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aleta; daughter Melody Messner (Andrew Morse), son D. Paul J. (Barbara) Hubbard and daughter Joy Crimmins; and grandchildren Charlie (Nhi) Lowe, Jake Hubbard, Taylor Crimmins, Alexa Crimmins, Calum (Jocelyn) Hubbard and Aiden Crimmins.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former NWMSU President Dean Hubbard dies, remembered for impact

One year after the hiring of women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus, Missouri Western State University will be searching for her replacement after Feldhaus announced her resignation.&nbsp;

After one season leading the Griffons, Feldhaus will depart to head back to her home state of Kentucky, to coach Division I Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.&nbsp; Feldhaus led the Griffons to a 20-10 overall record, a third-place finish in the MIAA and an NCAA Tournament berth during the this past season.

"I want to express my deepest (gratitude) to (Athletic Director) Andy Carter for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western program," Feldhaus said in a news release from the University. "His support, guidance and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my time here. While I am excited for this new chapter to return to my home state, I will always cherish my time as a Griffon. I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned here as a first-time head coach into the next chapter of my career."

"Ashton is a winner," Athletic Director Andy Carter said. "I appreciate her aggressive offensive style and the energy she brought every day. She has a bright future in coaching and wish her all our best in her new position."

"Her first-year success is a brief but memorable chapter in our program's storied history.&nbsp; But now we turn the page and we are excited for the next chapter. The basketball marketplace for high-quality coaches is moving extremely fast. We will match the velocity of change and do the work to hire another winner to our women's basketball program."

Missouri Western will have an announcement regarding its next head women's basketball coach in the next seven to 10 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741579772732.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Ashton Feldhaus announced her resignation from the university on Monday.&nbsp; She will go on to become the new head coach at Morehead State" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Ashton Feldhaus announced her resignation from the university on Monday.&nbsp; She will go on to become the new head coach at Morehead State</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOne year after the hiring of women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus, Missouri Western State University will be searching for her replacement after Feldhaus announced her resignation.&nbsp;After one season leading the Griffons, Feldhaus will depart to head back to her home state of Kentucky, to coach Division I Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.&nbsp; Feldhaus led the Griffons to a 20-10 overall record, a third-place finish in the MIAA and an NCAA Tournament berth during the this past season."I want to express my deepest (gratitude) to (Athletic Director) Andy Carter for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western program," Feldhaus said in a news release from the University. "His support, guidance and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my time here. While I am excited for this new chapter to return to my home state, I will always cherish my time as a Griffon. I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned here as a first-time head coach into the next chapter of my career.""Ashton is a winner," Athletic Director Andy Carter said. "I appreciate her aggressive offensive style and the energy she brought every day. She has a bright future in coaching and wish her all our best in her new position.""Her first-year success is a brief but memorable chapter in our program's storied history.&nbsp; But now we turn the page and we are excited for the next chapter. The basketball marketplace for high-quality coaches is moving extremely fast. We will match the velocity of change and do the work to hire another winner to our women's basketball program."Missouri Western will have an announcement regarding its next head women's basketball coach in the next seven to 10 days.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus announces resignation

A veteran of the
Atchison County Clerk’s Office has been appointed Atchison County Treasurer.

Gov. Mike Kehoe
has appointed Tasha Zach of Rock Port, who had been filling the vacancy in the
Treasurer’s Office since appointed by the Atchison County Commission in
December of last year.

Zach previously
served as an accounts payable deputy and the election deputy in the Atchison
County Clerk's Office for more than nine years.

Zach holds an
Office Information Systems Technology certificate from Iowa Western Community
College.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA veteran of the
Atchison County Clerk’s Office has been appointed Atchison County Treasurer.Gov. Mike Kehoe
has appointed Tasha Zach of Rock Port, who had been filling the vacancy in the
Treasurer’s Office since appointed by the Atchison County Commission in
December of last year.Zach previously
served as an accounts payable deputy and the election deputy in the Atchison
County Clerk's Office for more than nine years.Zach holds an
Office Information Systems Technology certificate from Iowa Western Community
College.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Zach, an Atchison County Courthouse veteran, appointed Treasurer

KFEQ Hotline host
Barry Birr wraps up his last week on the air this week and received a surprise
guest Monday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742839421764.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves paid a surprise visit to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline Monday/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves paid a surprise visit to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline Monday/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKFEQ Hotline host
Barry Birr wraps up his last week on the air this week and received a surprise
guest Monday morning.“Congressman Sam
Graves is here,” Birr stated when Graves entered the KFEQ studio unannounced and
sat down in the guest chair. “Thank you for coming in.”“Yeah, sure,”
Graves replied to the astonished Birr.“I’m not sure why
you’re here, but – you weren’t on my schedule – but I’m sure glad to see you.”“Well, Barry, so
since you’re retiring, I decided to do a Congressional record, read something
into the Congressional record in the U.S. House of Representatives, that commemorated
your time here at KFEQ and all the work that you’ve done over the years,” with
that, Graves presented Birr with an official copy of the remarks he made on the
House floor.Graves said he
wanted to honor Birr’s 41 years at KFEQ and nearly 33 as host of the KFEQ
Hotline.“That’s just
something to say thank you for the work that you’ve done and everything you’ve
done for KFEQ and the whole region,” Graves told Birr.Birr recently
announced his retirement.Birr came to KFEQ
as news director in 1984. He created the KFEQ Hotline in 1992. Birr retires
after the Hotline on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742839558529.jpeg" alt="Host Barry Birr talks with Congressman Graves on the KFEQ Hotline Monday/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Host Barry Birr talks with Congressman Graves on the KFEQ Hotline Monday/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Congressman-Sam-Graves-surprises-Barry-Birr-e30jq90/a-abrmllo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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