By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3182025-e30bb9a/a-abrbse2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

A preliminary
report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board recommends a partial
ban on military helicopters into Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
in wake of the deadly crash with a commercial airline jet in January.

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves, the chair of the House Transportation Committee, says a
total ban of military helicopters into the Washington airport is out of the
question.

“We can’t shut
down those corridors. We need those corridors for the military to use,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Actually, what they’re training for is evacuation
of government buildings in case there is a problem or something like that.”

The recommendation
is from a <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20250311.aspx">NTSB preliminary report</a> into the deadly crash of an Army Black Hawk
helicopter with an American Airlines jet in January. The NTSB recommends
helicopter traffic be restricted when two specific runways are being used at
the D.C. airport.

Graves, a
Republican, says military helicopters need to be able to fly in an out of Reagan
National.

“But obviously
they need to stay within their lanes and they also need to stay at the assigned
altitude,” Graves says. “This was a colossal culmination of many mistakes that
just happened and culminated at exactly the wrong time and it resulted in an extraordinary
tragedy for a lot of families.” 

The NTSB says the
helicopter pilots were undergoing an annual test and might have been wearing
night-vision goggles when the crash occurred.

Graves says an
outright ban on military helicopter traffic in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t be
possible, because the military trains for times when it might have to respond
to emergencies at the nation’s capital.

“I’m not in favor
of shutting down those corridors, but they have to stay at their assigned altitude
and that was obviously one of the problems in this case,” according to Graves.

The crash January
29th killed everyone onboard the helicopter and the plane. The crash
left 67 dead, including 28 members of the figure skating community who had left
a competition in Wichita.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742293942839.jpeg" alt="Workers begin to clear the wreckage from the Potomac River in Washington, DC after a military helicopter and a commercial jet collided in late January/National Transportation Safety Board photo" />
 <figcaption>Workers begin to clear the wreckage from the Potomac River in Washington, DC after a military helicopter and a commercial jet collided in late January/National Transportation Safety Board photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA preliminary
report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board recommends a partial
ban on military helicopters into Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
in wake of the deadly crash with a commercial airline jet in January.Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves, the chair of the House Transportation Committee, says a
total ban of military helicopters into the Washington airport is out of the
question.“We can’t shut
down those corridors. We need those corridors for the military to use,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Actually, what they’re training for is evacuation
of government buildings in case there is a problem or something like that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742294115011.jpeg" alt="Wreckage being cleared from the Potomac River/NTSB photo" />
 <figcaption>Wreckage being cleared from the Potomac River/NTSB photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The recommendation
is from a <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20250311.aspx">NTSB preliminary report</a> into the deadly crash of an Army Black Hawk
helicopter with an American Airlines jet in January. The NTSB recommends
helicopter traffic be restricted when two specific runways are being used at
the D.C. airport.Graves, a
Republican, says military helicopters need to be able to fly in an out of Reagan
National.“But obviously
they need to stay within their lanes and they also need to stay at the assigned
altitude,” Graves says. “This was a colossal culmination of many mistakes that
just happened and culminated at exactly the wrong time and it resulted in an extraordinary
tragedy for a lot of families.” The NTSB says the
helicopter pilots were undergoing an annual test and might have been wearing
night-vision goggles when the crash occurred.Graves says an
outright ban on military helicopter traffic in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t be
possible, because the military trains for times when it might have to respond
to emergencies at the nation’s capital.“I’m not in favor
of shutting down those corridors, but they have to stay at their assigned altitude
and that was obviously one of the problems in this case,” according to Graves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742294157544.jpeg" alt="NTSB photo" />
 <figcaption>NTSB photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The crash January
29th killed everyone onboard the helicopter and the plane. The crash
left 67 dead, including 28 members of the figure skating community who had left
a competition in Wichita.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves says military helicopters must be able to fly in & out of DC

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.

On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart. 

The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.

 Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742227712683.png" alt="Metz phot Atchison County." />
 <figcaption>Metz phot Atchison County.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart. The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store. Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.

Kan. man accused of sex assault of shopper at big box store

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement are investigating a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after noon Monday in Atchison.

A 2018 Ford Focus driven by Phillip DiMaggio, 61, Ocoee Florida, was northbound on 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

The car was turning east onto Main Street and and was involved in a crash with a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Miles Ruch, 73, Craig, Missouri who northbound on 4th Street and was turning east onto Main Street. EMS responded to the scene and fortunately nobody was seriously injured or required hospitalization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242858090.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement are investigating a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after noon Monday in Atchison.A 2018 Ford Focus driven by Phillip DiMaggio, 61, Ocoee Florida, was northbound on 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The car was turning east onto Main Street and and was involved in a crash with a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Miles Ruch, 73, Craig, Missouri who northbound on 4th Street and was turning east onto Main Street. EMS responded to the scene and fortunately nobody was seriously injured or required hospitalization.

Driver avoids serious injury after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

A northeast Kansas
legislator says lawmakers in Topeka need to tackle a handful of issues this
legislative session.

State Rep. Allen
Reavis, a Republican from Atchison, says Kansans need property tax relief.

“Whether that
means recalculating how the appraisals are done; basically, make it more fair,
more consistent, and try to lower the tax burden as far as property tax,”
Reavis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s the number one issue everybody’s
been hearing.”

Reavis says the
best way to tackle the problem hasn’t been resolved, yet. It could be how
property is assessed or the legislature could look to cap property tax rates.

Reavis says Kansas
legislators likely will place some issues before the voters next year,
including a constitutional amendment to require someone has to be a U.S.
citizen to vote in Kansas.

Reavis says the
legislature also wants to place a check on state governmental agencies. Reavis
claims current state law gives the bureaucracy too much power to shape Kansas
policy.

“We’re one of only
11 states that don’t have legislative oversight on rules and regs,” according
to Reavis. “So, we have a lot of problems with legislation by regulation, where
the bureaucrats or these agencies are changing the rules or not quite following
the intent of the legislature. That’s another one of the amendments that we’re
going to have the voters vote on, where we have the authority to have
legislative oversight to make sure they’re doing it the right way.”

Reavis expects the
legislature to place the issue on the ballot next year.

Another issue the
legislature might put to a public vote is how Supreme Court nominees are
selected. At present, a panel of attorneys chooses the nominee. Reavis says
that doesn’t work.

“We’re the only
state in the country that has a panel of attorneys pick who the attorney that’ s
going to become the state Supreme Court nominee is,” Reavis says, adding that
the legislature likely will put before voters a choice:&nbsp; either keep the current system to have
Supreme Court nominees elected by the public.

Reavis says the
Kansas legislative session is off to a much faster start this legislative
session. He credits a bipartisan team of legislative leaders which drafted a
state budget so lawmakers could begin budget work as soon as they arrived in
Topeka.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA northeast Kansas
legislator says lawmakers in Topeka need to tackle a handful of issues this
legislative session.State Rep. Allen
Reavis, a Republican from Atchison, says Kansans need property tax relief.“Whether that
means recalculating how the appraisals are done; basically, make it more fair,
more consistent, and try to lower the tax burden as far as property tax,”
Reavis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s the number one issue everybody’s
been hearing.”Reavis says the
best way to tackle the problem hasn’t been resolved, yet. It could be how
property is assessed or the legislature could look to cap property tax rates.Reavis says Kansas
legislators likely will place some issues before the voters next year,
including a constitutional amendment to require someone has to be a U.S.
citizen to vote in Kansas.Reavis says the
legislature also wants to place a check on state governmental agencies. Reavis
claims current state law gives the bureaucracy too much power to shape Kansas
policy.“We’re one of only
11 states that don’t have legislative oversight on rules and regs,” according
to Reavis. “So, we have a lot of problems with legislation by regulation, where
the bureaucrats or these agencies are changing the rules or not quite following
the intent of the legislature. That’s another one of the amendments that we’re
going to have the voters vote on, where we have the authority to have
legislative oversight to make sure they’re doing it the right way.”Reavis expects the
legislature to place the issue on the ballot next year.Another issue the
legislature might put to a public vote is how Supreme Court nominees are
selected. At present, a panel of attorneys chooses the nominee. Reavis says
that doesn’t work.“We’re the only
state in the country that has a panel of attorneys pick who the attorney that’ s
going to become the state Supreme Court nominee is,” Reavis says, adding that
the legislature likely will put before voters a choice:&nbsp; either keep the current system to have
Supreme Court nominees elected by the public.Reavis says the
Kansas legislative session is off to a much faster start this legislative
session. He credits a bipartisan team of legislative leaders which drafted a
state budget so lawmakers could begin budget work as soon as they arrived in
Topeka.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

NE Kansas lawmaker says property tax relief tops legislative priorities

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-317-e309msr/a-abr9p6j" 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-3172025-e309mqg/a-abr9p4a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News 

A 42-year-old St.
Joseph man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to
child molestation.

Ronald Heffley reached
the plea agreement in the case in which a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a
child in July of last year.

The St. Joseph
Police Department got a call from Children’s Mercy Hospital in September of
last year. The teenager gave birth in July. Genetic testing implicated Heffley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742223122037.jpeg" alt="Ronald Heffley/Buchanan County jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Heffley/Buchanan County jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 42-year-old St.
Joseph man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to
child molestation.Ronald Heffley reached
the plea agreement in the case in which a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a
child in July of last year.The St. Joseph
Police Department got a call from Children’s Mercy Hospital in September of
last year. The teenager gave birth in July. Genetic testing implicated Heffley.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man pleads guilty to child molestations, gets 15 years

A 48-year-old St.
Joseph woman has been found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in
the fatal crash on an I-229 exit off downtown St. Joseph last May.

Katherine Deweese drove
the wrong way onto I-229, leaving downtown St. Joseph, crashing into a
motorcycle ridden by 33-year-old Ryan Coffman.

The crash occurred
in the early morning hours of May 17th last year when Deweese, distracted
during an argument with her boyfriend, drove the wrong way on the Interstate 229
exit ramp, crashing into the motorcycle. Coffman, ejected from the motorcycle,
flew into the windshield of the SUV, suffering fatal injuries. He died hours
later at the hospital.

Buchanan County
Judge Dan Kellogg found Deweese guilty of involuntary manslaughter after an
eight-hour trial.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 48-year-old St.
Joseph woman has been found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in
the fatal crash on an I-229 exit off downtown St. Joseph last May.Katherine Deweese drove
the wrong way onto I-229, leaving downtown St. Joseph, crashing into a
motorcycle ridden by 33-year-old Ryan Coffman.The crash occurred
in the early morning hours of May 17th last year when Deweese, distracted
during an argument with her boyfriend, drove the wrong way on the Interstate 229
exit ramp, crashing into the motorcycle. Coffman, ejected from the motorcycle,
flew into the windshield of the SUV, suffering fatal injuries. He died hours
later at the hospital.Buchanan County
Judge Dan Kellogg found Deweese guilty of involuntary manslaughter after an
eight-hour trial.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in fatal I-229 crash

DEKALB COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Mercury Sable driven by a 61-year-old Weatherby woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.

The driver failed to yield at the stop sign, entered the intersection and struck an eastbound 2022 Kia Forte driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man. After impact the Mercury skidded off the road and overturned onto its top.&nbsp;

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Buchanan County ambulance transported a 42-year-old passenger in the Kia to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Mercury Sable driven by a 61-year-old Weatherby woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.The driver failed to yield at the stop sign, entered the intersection and struck an eastbound 2022 Kia Forte driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man. After impact the Mercury skidded off the road and overturned onto its top.&nbsp;DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Buchanan County ambulance transported a 42-year-old passenger in the Kia to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized in St. Joe after 2-vehicle crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Buick passenger vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Bethany woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Cameron.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It slid off the east side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Buick passenger vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Bethany woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Cameron.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It slid off the east side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after vehicle overturns

A young motorcycle rider has been killed after a collision with a car at a busy
intersection in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph
Police Department identifies the victim as 19-year-old Josue Ezequiel Turcio Ramirez.

Police say Ramirez
was riding south on the Belt Highway Thursday afternoon. A northbound
vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto Beck Road and the two collided. The
impact ejected Ramirez from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcycle
crashed into five other vehicles, four at the car dealership on the corner. The
driver of the car involved in the crash was not injured. St. Joseph police are
not releasing the driver’s identification at this time. The driver in the car
hit after the wreck was not injured, either.

The article has been updated to provide the correct identification of the victim. We regret the error.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young motorcycle rider has been killed after a collision with a car at a busy
intersection in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph
Police Department identifies the victim as 19-year-old Josue Ezequiel Turcio Ramirez.Police say Ramirez
was riding south on the Belt Highway Thursday afternoon. A northbound
vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto Beck Road and the two collided. The
impact ejected Ramirez from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.The motorcycle
crashed into five other vehicles, four at the car dealership on the corner. The
driver of the car involved in the crash was not injured. St. Joseph police are
not releasing the driver’s identification at this time. The driver in the car
hit after the wreck was not injured, either.The investigation
continues.The article has been updated to provide the correct identification of the victim. We regret the error.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Motorcycle rider killed in St. Joseph crash

A pedestrian was
struck and killed by a car late Thursday night in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 25-year-old Richard Henry of St. Joseph was pronounced dead at the
scene, the North Belt Highway near Green Hills Super Market.

The department says
Henry was walking westbound across the Belt shortly before 10:30 when a southbound
vehicle struck him. The department reports the driver is cooperating with the
investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA pedestrian was
struck and killed by a car late Thursday night in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 25-year-old Richard Henry of St. Joseph was pronounced dead at the
scene, the North Belt Highway near Green Hills Super Market.The department says
Henry was walking westbound across the Belt shortly before 10:30 when a southbound
vehicle struck him. The department reports the driver is cooperating with the
investigation.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Pedestrian killed when struck while crossing the Belt Highway

The measure overturning a 1976 initiative banning charges for construction work in progress on new power plants is the third bill approved by lawmakers this year

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

The Missouri House on Thursday voted to repeal a utility&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.

The bill that originated in the state Senate drew bipartisan support and opposition on the 96-44 vote, with 20 Democrats joining 76 Republicans to support it and 23 Republicans lining up with 21 Democrats to oppose it. Three Democratic members voted “present.”

With the vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;became the third measure to clear both chambers this session.

While the bill makes a variety of changes to utility law, the most controversial piece would give the Missouri Public Service Commission authority to allow customers to be charged for building new electric generating plants.

Known as a charge for Construction Work in Progress, or CWIP, it has been banned since 1976, when consumers were worried about the cost of nuclear power.

For backers of the bill, the question to be answered is whether Missouri will become the home to new electric generation plants. For opponents, the question is whether it will force power rates up faster than they would increase otherwise.

If Missouri utilities aren’t given the CWIP allowance, they will be forced to buy power in the interstate competitive market when demand peaks, state Rep. Josh Hurlbert, the bill’s handler, said during debate.

“If you truly care about the utility bills of your constituents, voting for this bill actually helps them, because it protects them from those massive prices at the other market,” Hurlbert said.

Opponents of the measure have argued it will add as much as $1,100 a year to residential utility bills. Arguments that the power will be cheaper with the bill than without it are hard to accept, said state Rep. Ray Reed, a Democrat from St. Louis County.

“Folks don’t care how bad it could have been,” Reed said. “They just see that eggs are $9 and that we voted for utility bills to go higher.”

The CWIP charge would be allowed for power plants that use natural gas to generate electricity. In another section, it would be allowed for new generating plants, including nuclear, that are part of an approved plan for meeting power demands.

Supporters have said it is unlikely it will be used for nuclear power because the plant would have to be completed by 2035, when the allowance for CWIP charges expires.

Passage of the CWIP repeal is the culmination of decades of work by utility companies. The last major effort came in 2009, as Ameren was seeking a license to build a new reactor at the Callaway nuclear plant.

Some of the Republican opponents to the measure objected to the heavy lobbying pressure for the bill. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, said there were “squadrons” of lobbyists “roaming our halls” but he hadn’t heard from any utility customers asking for the bill to be passed.&nbsp;

Instead, he noted, even his voters, who get their power from rural electric cooperatives, are worried about higher prices. Electric cooperatives are not regulated by the PSC.

“I’ve had no less than 25 emails from constituents who are concerned about this, and I’ve reassured them that they’re in coop, this doesn’t affect them,” Mayhew said. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t care about my friends and the Kansas City and the St Louis areas.”

State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said power from generating plants built in Missouri is more reliable than power from plants built elsewhere. Pollitt sponsored one of the House bills to repeal CWIP.

“It’s important that when we flip the switch, our lights come on,” Pollitt said. “In agriculture, it’s important that when we have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of grain and grain bins, that those dryers are going to work.”

Passage of the bill drew praise from business interests and scorn from environmentalists.

“Reliable, resilient and affordable energy is essential to retaining and attracting business to the state,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This legislation will help Missouri meet the growing demand for energy.”

The bill upsets the balanced utility ratemaking process that weighs consumer protection against utility profits, the Sierra Club said in a statement.

“This bill will financially harm families and businesses,” said Jenn DeRose, Missouri senior organizer with the Sierra Club, “because increasing electric bills several years before a power plant begins producing power will drive up the price of everything, from eggs to electronics and beyond.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671461254643.png" alt="Photo by (Aaron Sanderford)" />
 <figcaption>Photo by (Aaron Sanderford)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The measure overturning a 1976 initiative banning charges for construction work in progress on new power plants is the third bill approved by lawmakers this year</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House on Thursday voted to repeal a utility&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.The bill that originated in the state Senate drew bipartisan support and opposition on the 96-44 vote, with 20 Democrats joining 76 Republicans to support it and 23 Republicans lining up with 21 Democrats to oppose it. Three Democratic members voted “present.”With the vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;became the third measure to clear both chambers this session.While the bill makes a variety of changes to utility law, the most controversial piece would give the Missouri Public Service Commission authority to allow customers to be charged for building new electric generating plants.Known as a charge for Construction Work in Progress, or CWIP, it has been banned since 1976, when consumers were worried about the cost of nuclear power.For backers of the bill, the question to be answered is whether Missouri will become the home to new electric generation plants. For opponents, the question is whether it will force power rates up faster than they would increase otherwise.If Missouri utilities aren’t given the CWIP allowance, they will be forced to buy power in the interstate competitive market when demand peaks, state Rep. Josh Hurlbert, the bill’s handler, said during debate.“If you truly care about the utility bills of your constituents, voting for this bill actually helps them, because it protects them from those massive prices at the other market,” Hurlbert said.Opponents of the measure have argued it will add as much as $1,100 a year to residential utility bills. Arguments that the power will be cheaper with the bill than without it are hard to accept, said state Rep. Ray Reed, a Democrat from St. Louis County.“Folks don’t care how bad it could have been,” Reed said. “They just see that eggs are $9 and that we voted for utility bills to go higher.”The CWIP charge would be allowed for power plants that use natural gas to generate electricity. In another section, it would be allowed for new generating plants, including nuclear, that are part of an approved plan for meeting power demands.Supporters have said it is unlikely it will be used for nuclear power because the plant would have to be completed by 2035, when the allowance for CWIP charges expires.Other provisions in the bill would:<ul>
 <li>Allow “future test year” rates. Currently, rates are set after the PSC examines the actual costs incurred to deliver service and determines if each expense was prudent and necessary. In a future test year scenario, the utility would outline what it expects to spend and the costs would be pre-approved by the PSC.</li><li>Require electric utilities to submit plans projecting demand for at least 16 years into the future and plans for meeting those demands. This is the section that allows CWIP for any form of generation approved in the resource plan.</li><li>Increase the assessment on utility revenue to fund the PSC and, for the first time, add an assessment to support the Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumer interests before the commission.</li><li>Change the shut-off rule for hot and cold weather. Instead of using 24-hour forecasts, the rule would use 72-hour forecasts, prohibiting shutoffs for non-payment in summer if the temperature is expected to exceed 95 and winter if it is forecast to go below 32 within that period.</li>
 </ul>Passage of the CWIP repeal is the culmination of decades of work by utility companies. The last major effort came in 2009, as Ameren was seeking a license to build a new reactor at the Callaway nuclear plant.Some of the Republican opponents to the measure objected to the heavy lobbying pressure for the bill. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, said there were “squadrons” of lobbyists “roaming our halls” but he hadn’t heard from any utility customers asking for the bill to be passed.&nbsp;Instead, he noted, even his voters, who get their power from rural electric cooperatives, are worried about higher prices. Electric cooperatives are not regulated by the PSC.“I’ve had no less than 25 emails from constituents who are concerned about this, and I’ve reassured them that they’re in coop, this doesn’t affect them,” Mayhew said. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t care about my friends and the Kansas City and the St Louis areas.”State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said power from generating plants built in Missouri is more reliable than power from plants built elsewhere. Pollitt sponsored one of the House bills to repeal CWIP.“It’s important that when we flip the switch, our lights come on,” Pollitt said. “In agriculture, it’s important that when we have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of grain and grain bins, that those dryers are going to work.”Passage of the bill drew praise from business interests and scorn from environmentalists.“Reliable, resilient and affordable energy is essential to retaining and attracting business to the state,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This legislation will help Missouri meet the growing demand for energy.”The bill upsets the balanced utility ratemaking process that weighs consumer protection against utility profits, the Sierra Club said in a statement.“This bill will financially harm families and businesses,” said Jenn DeRose, Missouri senior organizer with the Sierra Club, “because increasing electric bills several years before a power plant begins producing power will drive up the price of everything, from eggs to electronics and beyond.”

Bill repealing Missouri law limiting utility charges heads to Gov. Mike Kehoe

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by a 47-year-old Gallatin woman was northbound on 239th Street crossing MO 6 just west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 67-year-old Trenton woman struck the Ford on the driver side.

Community Ambulance District transported the Ford driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by a 47-year-old Gallatin woman was northbound on 239th Street crossing MO 6 just west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 67-year-old Trenton woman struck the Ford on the driver side.Community Ambulance District transported the Ford driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after pickups collide

Missouri Western State University will work with UMKC to bring a new dental clinic to St. Joseph.  

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the opportunity for the university to partner with the University of Missouri Kansas City is exciting, particularly after the work UMKC has accomplished with Mosaic Life Care on its medical school in St. Joseph 

"We started conversations maybe a year and a half ago, just hey what do you think about this idea? How could we do it? Where might we put it?" Kennedy tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And of course funding, it's a $12 million, so funding is going to be key, but I think the opportunity for Missouri Western to expand our footprint if you will into the healthcare area."  

Kennedy says the university works closely with Mosaic to expand in that area, and this provides another educational opportunity. 

Kennedy says the prospect of this program is exciting. And she's most excited about having a functioning dental clinic on campus. 

"That will be able to serve the community members as well as our employees, our students, and that's also so important because having those services available to the community at a clinic rate as such as what they're planning is going to be huge," Kennedy explains. 

Kennedy says it's been wonderful working with UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and is eager to get the program moving forward.  

Kennedy says a goal of the program, much like with the UMKC School of Medicine in St. Joseph, is to keep students in rural Missouri 

"To expand the dental services in both programs for the graduates so that htey stay in rural communities, so they stay and live in areas like St. Joseph," Kennedy says.  "For our students that are interested in going into a field, it certainly provides another opportunity for them to participate with UMKC and that program and then graduate as a dentist from that dental school." 

Work must be done before it becomes a reality. UMKC proposes a $12 million renovation of space at Missouri Western. It needs approval for the program and needs to raise the money.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Western State University will work with UMKC to bring a new dental clinic to St. Joseph. Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the opportunity for the university to partner with the University of Missouri Kansas City is exciting, particularly after the work UMKC has accomplished with Mosaic Life Care on its medical school in St. Joseph "We started conversations maybe a year and a half ago, just hey what do you think about this idea? How could we do it? Where might we put it?" Kennedy tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And of course funding, it's a $12 million, so funding is going to be key, but I think the opportunity for Missouri Western to expand our footprint if you will into the healthcare area." Kennedy says the university works closely with Mosaic to expand in that area, and this provides another educational opportunity. Kennedy says the prospect of this program is exciting. And she's most excited about having a functioning dental clinic on campus. "That will be able to serve the community members as well as our employees, our students, and that's also so important because having those services available to the community at a clinic rate as such as what they're planning is going to be huge," Kennedy explains. Kennedy says it's been wonderful working with UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and is eager to get the program moving forward. Kennedy says a goal of the program, much like with the UMKC School of Medicine in St. Joseph, is to keep students in rural Missouri "To expand the dental services in both programs for the graduates so that htey stay in rural communities, so they stay and live in areas like St. Joseph," Kennedy says. "For our students that are interested in going into a field, it certainly provides another opportunity for them to participate with UMKC and that program and then graduate as a dentist from that dental school." Work must be done before it becomes a reality. UMKC proposes a $12 million renovation of space at Missouri Western. It needs approval for the program and needs to raise the money.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU President Kennedy excited about UMKC dental clinic

A new scam call using the name of the St. Joseph Police Department and its officers is going around the city.  

Sergeant Richard McGregory says the department has received reports of people receiving voicemails from con artists claiming to be with the department, and one resident who actually spoke with the person 

"Saying that they're from the police department and giving officers names, not really asking for anything specifically," McGregory tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And then the only one I've heard of that actually spoke with someone, they said the officer was asking who all lives in the home." 

McGregory says the St. Joseph Police department will never call you 

"Personally, over the phone or demanding any money or paying in or threatening you with jail time, things of that nature, letting you know you have warrants, that's just not how we operate," McGregory explains. 

McGregory says if you receive one of these calls, it's best to just hang up 

"After you hang up if you want to give us a call at our non-emergency number just to let us know, and then that way we can kind of keep a tally on how many calls are coming in, we probably won't necessarily take a report on it or anything," McGregory says.  "Just kind of get a tally and say hey this is kind of still going on, do we need to take more steps, do we need to try to do something different." 

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you can contact (816)271-4777.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new scam call using the name of the St. Joseph Police Department and its officers is going around the city. Sergeant Richard McGregory says the department has received reports of people receiving voicemails from con artists claiming to be with the department, and one resident who actually spoke with the person "Saying that they're from the police department and giving officers names, not really asking for anything specifically," McGregory tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then the only one I've heard of that actually spoke with someone, they said the officer was asking who all lives in the home." McGregory says the St. Joseph Police department will never call you "Personally, over the phone or demanding any money or paying in or threatening you with jail time, things of that nature, letting you know you have warrants, that's just not how we operate," McGregory explains. McGregory says if you receive one of these calls, it's best to just hang up "After you hang up if you want to give us a call at our non-emergency number just to let us know, and then that way we can kind of keep a tally on how many calls are coming in, we probably won't necessarily take a report on it or anything," McGregory says. "Just kind of get a tally and say hey this is kind of still going on, do we need to take more steps, do we need to try to do something different." If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you can contact (816)271-4777.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Police warn of new caller scam

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3132025-e304e5r/a-abr36ui" 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-3132025-e304dvu/a-abr36nq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam, a major fundraiser for the group, has been scheduled for
late August.

Leadership Northwest
Missouri has announced it will hold the concert at Black Silo Winery in Trenton
August 30th, coinciding with Trenton's Alumni weekend celebration.
This is the fifth consecutive year the music jam will be held at Black Silo. It
is presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center.

Proceeds from the
concern will not just benefit Leadership Northwest Missouri, but also will
provide scholarships. Leadership Northwest Missouri will offer two $1,000 scholarships
to high school seniors, one to the hosting county, Grundy County, and one to a
student from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region.

The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam has raised more than $45,000 over the past four years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741883271848.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe Leadership
Northwest Music Jam, a major fundraiser for the group, has been scheduled for
late August.Leadership Northwest
Missouri has announced it will hold the concert at Black Silo Winery in Trenton
August 30th, coinciding with Trenton's Alumni weekend celebration.
This is the fifth consecutive year the music jam will be held at Black Silo. It
is presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center.Proceeds from the
concern will not just benefit Leadership Northwest Missouri, but also will
provide scholarships. Leadership Northwest Missouri will offer two $1,000 scholarships
to high school seniors, one to the hosting county, Grundy County, and one to a
student from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region.The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam has raised more than $45,000 over the past four years.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Leadership Northwest Music Jam set for August in Trenton

An agri-business company
plans to build a 160,000 square foot facility in south St. Joseph, investing
$22 million in the community.

The St. Joseph
Chamber of Commerce has announced Nortian Foodtech will acquire a 24-acre tract
of heavy industrial land owned by the City of St. Joseph. The new production
facility will be located at 2202 Alabama St. in the Stockyards Industrial Park.

Nortian converts
by-products from the meat industry—materials that are often discarded—into
high-quality food-grade protein, according to the Chamber. The company expects
to hire nearly 140 workers by the end of five years of operations.

“We are proud
Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” Gov.
Mike Kehoe said in a written statement released by the St. Joseph Chamber. “The
company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong
manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”

The company is
taking advantage of the incentives offered by the Chapter 100 program, Missouri
Works, the Buchanan County Economic Development Forgivable Loan program. It
also will receive breaks on its utility bills from Evergy, Spire Gas, and
Missouri American Water Company.

Talks began with
the company last summer.

“We are very
pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S.
location,” St. Joseph President Natalie Hawn said in a written statement. “Nortian
Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry.
We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and
invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”

Andre Albuquerque,
Founder and CEO of Nortian, also issued a written statement: “St. Joseph is the
ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility. This investment
strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients
through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state
partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the
region."

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn agri-business company
plans to build a 160,000 square foot facility in south St. Joseph, investing
$22 million in the community.The St. Joseph
Chamber of Commerce has announced Nortian Foodtech will acquire a 24-acre tract
of heavy industrial land owned by the City of St. Joseph. The new production
facility will be located at 2202 Alabama St. in the Stockyards Industrial Park.Nortian converts
by-products from the meat industry—materials that are often discarded—into
high-quality food-grade protein, according to the Chamber. The company expects
to hire nearly 140 workers by the end of five years of operations.“We are proud
Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” Gov.
Mike Kehoe said in a written statement released by the St. Joseph Chamber. “The
company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong
manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”The company is
taking advantage of the incentives offered by the Chapter 100 program, Missouri
Works, the Buchanan County Economic Development Forgivable Loan program. It
also will receive breaks on its utility bills from Evergy, Spire Gas, and
Missouri American Water Company.Talks began with
the company last summer.“We are very
pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S.
location,” St. Joseph President Natalie Hawn said in a written statement. “Nortian
Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry.
We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and
invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”Andre Albuquerque,
Founder and CEO of Nortian, also issued a written statement: “St. Joseph is the
ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility. This investment
strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients
through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state
partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the
region."You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Agri-business coming to south St. Joseph

The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit targeting the voter-approved measures

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>

Months after Missouri voters&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">overwhelmingly approved a minimum wage increase and paid sick leave</a>&nbsp;requirements, the new laws face challenges this week in court and the state legislature.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court Court heard arguments in a lawsuit seeking to strike down Proposition A, which guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15.&nbsp;

A day earlier, the Missouri House gave initial approval to a bill repealing the sick leave law and modifying the minimum wage.&nbsp;

“This is a one-two punch to businesses, and it creates a one size fits all approach,” said Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, who is sponsoring the legislation targeting the paid sick leave law.&nbsp;

A coalition of business groups and individuals argued Wednesday morning to the Missouri Supreme Court that the minimum wage and paid sick leave laws should be thrown out for violating constitutional rules on ballot initiatives.

“Both on the statutory side and the constitutional side, voters were misled,” Marc Ellinger, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told the court. “The constitution was not complied with.”

The lawsuit,<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/09/business-groups-file-legal-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">&nbsp;filed late last year</a>, argues the election results should be overturned because of several alleged constitutional violations, including violations of the state constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++50&amp;bid=31808&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">single-subject requirement&nbsp;</a>and a lack of a clear title.&nbsp;

It also contends that sick time and minimum wage are distinct issues that violate the single-subject rule, which should result in the election outcome being invalidated. It requests a new election be held, alleging the ballot title, which includes a summary of the proposition and its potential cost to the state, was misleading.&nbsp;

“This case is an example of where all of those procedures have been ignored,” Ellinger said.

A lawyer for Missouri Jobs with Justice, which led the campaign in support of Proposition A, said the court should uphold the law if at all possible, since voters approved it.

“The challengers ask you to overturn the will of the voters who exercised their fundamental right of the initiative,” said attorney Loretta Haggard, “based on technical issues that were not raised before the election.”

The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes. Haggard and other attorneys representing the responding parties wrote in a recent filing that the plaintiffs are asking the court “to tell these voters that their votes do not matter, and the court, not the people, will decide whether Proposition A should stay in effect,” calling it an “extraordinary request.”&nbsp;

Andrew Crane, an assistant attorney general representing the Secretary of State on Wednesday, defended the single subject of employee compensation, saying sick leave and pay “logically relate together…&nbsp;these are the kind things that employees and lawyers consider in any hiring decision.”&nbsp;

Robert Tillman, representing the auditor’s office, defended the fiscal note summary and said the plaintiffs didn’t prove any alleged irregularities that would have impacted the election.

“Even if contestants could establish election irregularities, they must then demonstrate that such irregularity sufficiently cast doubt for the entire election, to justify a new election.” Tillman said. “…As you can see from the record, contestants have offered no such evidence.”

The judges asked a few questions about whether they have jurisdiction to review the case, or whether a lower court would be the more appropriate venue.

Prop A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with 58% of the vote and had the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=45428" target="_blank">group of businesses filed</a>&nbsp;a friend-of-the-court brief in this case defending the proposition.&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.&nbsp;

On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">a bill in Missouri’s House</a>&nbsp;to overturn the sick leave provisions and modify the minimum wage provisions was given initial approval. It needs to be approved one more time in the House before heading to the Senate for consideration.

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.

Gallick’s bill would repeal the paid sick leave provisions approved by voters.

It would also modify the minimum wage increase by no longer indexing it to inflation, 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 minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter.&nbsp;

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

In states that have adopted sick leave mandates, employees take, on average, two more sick days a year than prior to the law going into effect, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w26832/w26832.pdf" target="_blank">National Bureau of Economic Research report</a>&nbsp;found.

<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/paid-sick-leave-2023/" target="_blank">Studies</a>&nbsp;have found that offering paid sick time can increase workers’ productivity and reduce illness, and generally adds little or nothing to business expenses.

Republican state Rep. Scott Miller from St. Charles said “just because 57% of the people that voted that day, voted in favor of something, that doesn’t make it right. “They’re taking away the choice of businesses to engage in free market.”

Businesses are not equipped to handle the additional expenses from the proposition, said Republican state Rep. Jeff Vernetti of from Camdenton.

“I know that the will of the people will be brought up several times in this and I think that we’ve also got to represent the 87 counties that did not vote for this,” Vernetti said. “I think it’s our duty to respect the will of the people, but also at the same time, safeguard the long term prosperity of Missouri.”

Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City, pointed out that Prop A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-missouri-proposition-a-raise-minimum-wage.html" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;in rural counties as well, including Clark, Adair, Mississippi and Henry.

“This isn’t a situation where Proposition A just passed in the cities,” he said, “this was a broad acceptance percentage wise.”&nbsp;

Lawmakers are wrong to treat voters as having been oblivious to what they were voting on, said state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit.

“The part that irks me is that you guys repeatedly call your constituents dumb,” Ingle said. “You say that they’re too stupid to understand what they voted for. I mean, you don’t use those words, but they hear you loud and clear, and they continue to vote for these policies.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686689481146.png" alt=" The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit targeting the voter-approved measures</h2>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>Months after Missouri voters&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">overwhelmingly approved a minimum wage increase and paid sick leave</a>&nbsp;requirements, the new laws face challenges this week in court and the state legislature.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court Court heard arguments in a lawsuit seeking to strike down Proposition A, which guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15.&nbsp;A day earlier, the Missouri House gave initial approval to a bill repealing the sick leave law and modifying the minimum wage.&nbsp;“This is a one-two punch to businesses, and it creates a one size fits all approach,” said Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, who is sponsoring the legislation targeting the paid sick leave law.&nbsp;A coalition of business groups and individuals argued Wednesday morning to the Missouri Supreme Court that the minimum wage and paid sick leave laws should be thrown out for violating constitutional rules on ballot initiatives.“Both on the statutory side and the constitutional side, voters were misled,” Marc Ellinger, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told the court. “The constitution was not complied with.”The lawsuit,<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/09/business-groups-file-legal-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">&nbsp;filed late last year</a>, argues the election results should be overturned because of several alleged constitutional violations, including violations of the state constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++50&amp;bid=31808&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">single-subject requirement&nbsp;</a>and a lack of a clear title.&nbsp;It also contends that sick time and minimum wage are distinct issues that violate the single-subject rule, which should result in the election outcome being invalidated. It requests a new election be held, alleging the ballot title, which includes a summary of the proposition and its potential cost to the state, was misleading.&nbsp;“This case is an example of where all of those procedures have been ignored,” Ellinger said.A lawyer for Missouri Jobs with Justice, which led the campaign in support of Proposition A, said the court should uphold the law if at all possible, since voters approved it.“The challengers ask you to overturn the will of the voters who exercised their fundamental right of the initiative,” said attorney Loretta Haggard, “based on technical issues that were not raised before the election.”The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes. Haggard and other attorneys representing the responding parties wrote in a recent filing that the plaintiffs are asking the court “to tell these voters that their votes do not matter, and the court, not the people, will decide whether Proposition A should stay in effect,” calling it an “extraordinary request.”&nbsp;Andrew Crane, an assistant attorney general representing the Secretary of State on Wednesday, defended the single subject of employee compensation, saying sick leave and pay “logically relate together…&nbsp;these are the kind things that employees and lawyers consider in any hiring decision.”&nbsp;Robert Tillman, representing the auditor’s office, defended the fiscal note summary and said the plaintiffs didn’t prove any alleged irregularities that would have impacted the election.“Even if contestants could establish election irregularities, they must then demonstrate that such irregularity sufficiently cast doubt for the entire election, to justify a new election.” Tillman said. “…As you can see from the record, contestants have offered no such evidence.”The judges asked a few questions about whether they have jurisdiction to review the case, or whether a lower court would be the more appropriate venue.Prop A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with 58% of the vote and had the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=45428" target="_blank">group of businesses filed</a>&nbsp;a friend-of-the-court brief in this case defending the proposition.&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.&nbsp;<h2>Legislature</h2>On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">a bill in Missouri’s House</a>&nbsp;to overturn the sick leave provisions and modify the minimum wage provisions was given initial approval. It needs to be approved one more time in the House before heading to the Senate for consideration.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.Gallick’s bill would repeal the paid sick leave provisions approved by voters.It would also modify the minimum wage increase by no longer indexing it to inflation, 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 minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter.&nbsp;Gallick has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">argued</a>&nbsp;employees will “abuse” the sick leave.In states that have adopted sick leave mandates, employees take, on average, two more sick days a year than prior to the law going into effect, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w26832/w26832.pdf" target="_blank">National Bureau of Economic Research report</a>&nbsp;found.<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/paid-sick-leave-2023/" target="_blank">Studies</a>&nbsp;have found that offering paid sick time can increase workers’ productivity and reduce illness, and generally adds little or nothing to business expenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741862216947.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Republican state Rep. Scott Miller from St. Charles said “just because 57% of the people that voted that day, voted in favor of something, that doesn’t make it right. “They’re taking away the choice of businesses to engage in free market.”Businesses are not equipped to handle the additional expenses from the proposition, said Republican state Rep. Jeff Vernetti of from Camdenton.“I know that the will of the people will be brought up several times in this and I think that we’ve also got to represent the 87 counties that did not vote for this,” Vernetti said. “I think it’s our duty to respect the will of the people, but also at the same time, safeguard the long term prosperity of Missouri.”Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City, pointed out that Prop A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-missouri-proposition-a-raise-minimum-wage.html" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;in rural counties as well, including Clark, Adair, Mississippi and Henry.“This isn’t a situation where Proposition A just passed in the cities,” he said, “this was a broad acceptance percentage wise.”&nbsp;Lawmakers are wrong to treat voters as having been oblivious to what they were voting on, said state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit.“The part that irks me is that you guys repeatedly call your constituents dumb,” Ingle said. “You say that they’re too stupid to understand what they voted for. I mean, you don’t use those words, but they hear you loud and clear, and they continue to vote for these policies.”

Lawmakers, business groups push rollback of Mo. minimum wage hike, sick leave law

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman&nbsp; in connection with two instances of criminal tresspass.

On Wednesday, police arrested 44-year-old Angel R. Moorshead of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft and criminal trespass that occurred at Massasoit Apartments, 221 North 3rd, on February 2, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She is also accused of a similar crime at Stop and Go, 405 U.S.59, on February 19.&nbsp;

She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741785692022.png" alt="Moorshead-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Moorshead-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman&nbsp; in connection with two instances of criminal tresspass.On Wednesday, police arrested 44-year-old Angel R. Moorshead of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft and criminal trespass that occurred at Massasoit Apartments, 221 North 3rd, on February 2, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She is also accused of a similar crime at Stop and Go, 405 U.S.59, on February 19.&nbsp;She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. woman jailed for 2 instances of criminal trespass

Six candidates for
the St. Joseph School Board answered a variety of questions during a candidate
forum Wednesday morning sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and
broadcast live on KFEQ and streamed on St. Joseph Post.

St. Joseph voters
will elect two to the Board of Education April 8th.

A long-range plan
devised by the St. Joseph School District got the backing of nearly all
candidates for the school board, but not all.

Candidate Jennifer
Kerns said the St. Joseph School District needs to change.

“We definitely
need the change and we all know that,” Kerns told those gathered at the Stoney
Creek Hotel as well as the broadcast and streaming audience. “Our school
district needs an uplift, a facelift, I would say. Whatever’s going to move
this district forward is what I support.”

The St. Joseph
School District devised and the Board of Education approved a long-range plan
spanning five years, 2024 – 2029.

Candidate Brian
Kirk said he’s glad the district has devised a long-range plan, because he
doesn’t want to see the district look backwards.

“Why can’t we just
keep the school district the way it was 30 years ago when I loved it so much? And
I understand that, too. But I think a strength of our district is we do have
leadership that said we need to be looking forward,” Kirk stated. “We need to educate
students we have today, not just focus on what we were doing 30 years ago.”

Incumbent school
board member, Kim Miller, said the long-range plan approved by the school board
can be tweaked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741791345446.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum at Stoney Creek Hotel/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum at Stoney Creek Hotel/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSix candidates for
the St. Joseph School Board answered a variety of questions during a candidate
forum Wednesday morning sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and
broadcast live on KFEQ and streamed on St. Joseph Post.St. Joseph voters
will elect two to the Board of Education April 8th.A long-range plan
devised by the St. Joseph School District got the backing of nearly all
candidates for the school board, but not all.Candidate Jennifer
Kerns said the St. Joseph School District needs to change.“We definitely
need the change and we all know that,” Kerns told those gathered at the Stoney
Creek Hotel as well as the broadcast and streaming audience. “Our school
district needs an uplift, a facelift, I would say. Whatever’s going to move
this district forward is what I support.”The St. Joseph
School District devised and the Board of Education approved a long-range plan
spanning five years, 2024 – 2029.Candidate Brian
Kirk said he’s glad the district has devised a long-range plan, because he
doesn’t want to see the district look backwards.“Why can’t we just
keep the school district the way it was 30 years ago when I loved it so much? And
I understand that, too. But I think a strength of our district is we do have
leadership that said we need to be looking forward,” Kirk stated. “We need to educate
students we have today, not just focus on what we were doing 30 years ago.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741812724341.jpeg" alt="(From R to L) Cassandra Veale,&nbsp;Kenneth Reeder, James Mrkvicka, and host Brent Martin/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>(From R to L) Cassandra Veale,&nbsp;Kenneth Reeder, James Mrkvicka, and host Brent Martin/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Incumbent school
board member, Kim Miller, said the long-range plan approved by the school board
can be tweaked.“Not everything
has been set in stone,” according to Miller. “Not everything has been decided.
But it gives community opportunity to input, if there are things that they
would like to see happen as that long-range plan moves along.”As part of that
long-range plan, the St. Joseph School District has placed a $157 million bond
issue on the ballot April 8th that would pay to build a new high
school, moving the district from a three high school model to two high schools.
The bond issue would raise the school levy by 60 cents.Candidate James
Mrkvicka said he is worried some St. Joseph residents cannot afford the
increased levy needed to build a new high school.“That’s my hesitation
with the additional tax,” Mrkvicka said. “I think there’s a good way forward,
but maybe we should look for revisions.”Former school
board member, Kenneth Reeder, flatly rejects the long-range plan.“This plan is
misguided, not the correct plan,” Reeder said. “We only need to build one new
high school. It needs to be on the east side of 29, about 18-Hundred people.
Benton and Lafayette; leave them alone. All your opposition goes away then.”Yet, candidate
Cassandra Veale supports the plan, saying the current structure provides unequal opportunities to students.“I think we all
know that communities that have thriving public education are thriving
communities and I think that that’s an important piece to move St. Joseph
forward,” Veale said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741812902196.jpeg" alt="(From L to R)&nbsp;Jennifer Kerns,&nbsp;Brian Kirk,&nbsp;Kim Miller, and host Brent Martin/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>(From L to R)&nbsp;Jennifer Kerns,&nbsp;Brian Kirk,&nbsp;Kim Miller, and host Brent Martin/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The candidates
answered questions on the structure of the school district, including the
preferred formula for middle schools, teacher compensation, and how to help
parents better prepare their children for school.On the academic
progress of students, Veale said the district is moving in the right direction.“I think one thing
that we need to do is constantly continue to look at the data, look at where
kids are at on their benchmarks, look at what we’re doing and what’s working
correctly and what could use a little bit more support,” Veale said.Reeder advocated for
more classroom time.“That’s what’s going
to help the most, more classroom time, more classroom time in front of that
teacher, more classroom time to learn,” according to Reeder.Mrkvicka said the
district must to get families involved.“I know that the
scores are trending upward and that’s a great thing, but without family
engagement I think there’s going to be some real challenges,” Mrkvicka stated.Miller referred to
the district plan to improve academic performance, stating that it is working.“So that has to do
with attendance, it has to do with family walking along side those students for
their success, as the administration and teachers work on those issues that
will encourage that success,” according to Miller.Kirk said a focus on
early childhood education would improve academics.“If we could have
more children involved in early childhood education that means they’re being
socialized at a much earlier age as to what it means to be in a school
environment to be learning with other kids,” Kirk said.And Kerns said it
truly does take a village to raise a child.“It does. It takes
a village to raise kids,” Kerns said. “Even in the classroom, when I see two different
facilities, one that does encourage family engagement and one that doesn’t, you
always see the one that encourages the family to be involved, they succeed much
better. The kid’s education and academics are better as well.”School board
member, Isaura Garcia, chose not to run for re-election.FULL FORUM<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-School-Board-Candidate-forum-e302ku3/a-abr0usr" 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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