DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Subaru CrossTrek driven by a 53-year-old Lathrop man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville. The vehicle struck a deer in the road.

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported a 56-year-old passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Subaru CrossTrek driven by a 53-year-old Lathrop man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville. The vehicle struck a deer in the road.DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported a 56-year-old passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, deer crash

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/samanthajackson/">Samantha Jackson</a>

JEFFERSON CITY — The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.

Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2195&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 2195</a>, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.

Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.

Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.

Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.

“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/teen-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri Department of Transportation</a>, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.

The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.

Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.

“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.

Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.

“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.

Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.

“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.

Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/house-bill-would-bring-drivers-ed-courses-back-to-schools/article_2ca7bee2-f5c8-4c26-a78a-fb5d836ba097.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696689307756.jpg" alt="Image Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/samanthajackson/">Samantha Jackson</a>JEFFERSON CITY — The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2195&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 2195</a>, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/teen-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri Department of Transportation</a>, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/house-bill-would-bring-drivers-ed-courses-back-to-schools/article_2ca7bee2-f5c8-4c26-a78a-fb5d836ba097.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

House bill would bring driver’s ed courses back to Missouri schools

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

The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.

FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.

Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.

Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.

Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.

The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.

“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”

DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.

The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.

During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.

Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.

DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.

The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772283599792.png" alt=" A view of signage during DraftKings Missouri First Bet Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025 in St Louis (Fernando Leon/Getty Images for DraftKings)." />
 <figcaption> A view of signage during DraftKings Missouri First Bet Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025 in St Louis (Fernando Leon/Getty Images for DraftKings).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

FanDuel, DraftKings take Missouri profits nearly triple their cost for sports wagering campaign

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.

Elks Lodge #760-222 E. 3rd (2-27-26) Critical:

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis (2-27-26) No violations.

North Nodaway R-6 High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:

North Nodaway R-6 Elementary School-201 E. 6th, Pickering (2-26-26) Non-critical:

Baker &amp; Sons-811 S. Main (2-26-26) Non-critical:

M2V Highway Liquor-202 N. Highway 148, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:

Pagliai's Pizza-611 S. Main (2-24-26) Non-critical:

Subway #7325-524 N. Main (2-24-26) No violations.

Kawasaki Motors-28147 Bus. Hwy. 71 (2-24-26) Critical:

Hy-Vee Gas-1217 S. Main (2-11-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Dining-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Deli-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) No Violations.

Hy-Vee Bakery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Meats-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Grocery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Chinese-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:

Hy-Vee Starbucks-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-Critical:

Murphy USA #6539-1603 S. Main (2-9-26) Non-critical:

Inspectors noted there is no food preparation at this location.

Pizza Hut-732 S. Main (2-6-26) Non-critical:

Casey's #3430-1719 E. 1st (2-4-26) Critical:

The following are health inspections in Nodaway County. Inspections are released monthly.Note that COS means corrected on site.Elks Lodge #760-222 E. 3rd (2-27-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Food items stored in incorrect order. Discussed.</li><li>Spray wand at three-bay sink hangs below the rim of the sink.</li><li>No anti-siphon device on mop sink.</li><li>No anti-siphon device on hose bibs in kithcen.</li><li>Unlabeled spray bottles in bar area.</li>
 </ul>Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No handwashing signage in main kitchen and restroom.</li><li>Wooden door trim not sealed or painted, and no kick plates on cabinets.</li><li>Hole in the wall near POS system.</li><li>No food handler's training-Will schedule</li>
 </ul>St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School-315 S. Davis (2-27-26) No violations.North Nodaway R-6 High School-705 E. Barnard, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Many light covers with dead bugs or bug stains.</li><li>Discussed Food Handler Training.</li>
 </ul>North Nodaway R-6 Elementary School-201 E. 6th, Pickering (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No thermometer in large milk cooler.</li>
 </ul>Baker &amp; Sons-811 S. Main (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No thermometer in prep table (Trailer)</li><li>Holes in the wall by door handle and plumbing access to 3-bay sink</li>
 </ul>M2V Highway Liquor-202 N. Highway 148, Hopkins (2-26-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Utility/Mechanical room door-bottom hinge broken.</li><li>Wall behind mop sink in disrepair.</li><li>Trash can in restroom not covered.</li><li>Discussed Food Handler Training.</li>
 </ul>Pagliai's Pizza-611 S. Main (2-24-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Back of basement cabinet across from 3-bay sink in disrepair.</li><li>Peeling paint on outside walls of walk-in freezer.</li>
 </ul>Subway #7325-524 N. Main (2-24-26) No violations.Kawasaki Motors-28147 Bus. Hwy. 71 (2-24-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Pasta salad and cottage cheese at salad bar not held at 41° or lower. (44 and 45).</li><li>Discussed discoloring of red drink cups and tabletop ice machine cleaning.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Gas-1217 S. Main (2-11-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on walk-in cooler door and seven reach in doors.</li><li>Discussed fluorescent lights and cabinet door under hand sink.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Dining-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on 2-door True freezer.</li><li>Soda fountain needs to be cleaned.</li><li>Aluminum foil on non-food surfaces.</li><li>Wall moulding loose at dining room wall.</li><li>Flooring in dishroom and kitchen pitted and popped- Scheduled to be redone in March.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Deli-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) No Violations.Hy-Vee Bakery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bad door gasket on walk-in door.</li><li>Cardboard on shelves.</li><li>Flooring pitted.</li><li>Broken tile by fire extinguisher. </li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Meats-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Floor ridge where old case used to be collecting dirt and debris.</li><li>Moulding cracked and broken along back wall.</li><li>Ceiling tile missing.</li><li>Left faucet of 3-bay sink has constant drip.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Grocery-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Several bad door gaskets- beer cave and across from ice cream.</li><li>Excessive frost in ice cream cooler.</li><li>Particle board shelving no sealed or painted, with Red Bull spillage.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Chinese-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Bowl being used for a scoop in cornstarch bin.</li>
 </ul>Hy-Vee Starbucks-1217 S. Main (2-10-26) Non-Critical:<ul>
 <li>Torn door gasket on Delfield sandwich refrigerator.</li>
 </ul>Murphy USA #6539-1603 S. Main (2-9-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>No hot water in restroom hand sink.</li><li>Green totes of food items stored in restroom.</li><li>Shelves dirty.</li><li>Pre-packaged foods dirty.</li>
 </ul>Inspectors noted there is no food preparation at this location.Pizza Hut-732 S. Main (2-6-26) Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>Excessive frost in walk-in freezer.</li><li>Boxes of food items on floor of walk-in.</li><li>Several torn and worn booth seats. Not easily cleaned or sanitized.</li><li>Outside of ice maker is dirty.</li><li>Dirty ceilings-by HVAC vent in women's restroom and above sandwich and salad prep area.</li><li>Wall behind soda dispenser splattered with syrup.</li><li>Doorway edging/moulding broken going into dry storage room.</li><li>Floor under ice maker and dishwasher dirty.</li><li>Floor under and around fryer is dirty.</li><li>Broken light cover in Men's Room.</li>
 </ul>Casey's #3430-1719 E. 1st (2-4-26) Critical:<ul>
 <li>Open can of Red Bull sitting on top of shredded cheese container in walk-in cooler. Discussed proper place for employee drinks and proper containers.</li>
 </ul>Non-critical:<ul>
 <li>One reach-in cooler door has torn gasket.</li>
 </ul>

Nodaway County Health Inspections (February 2026)

Emery Sapp &amp; Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, has been contracted to replace the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge in Worth County Missouri Route 46.

 The bridge is scheduled to close beginning Thursday, March 5.

Traffic impacts include the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge on Route 46 will be closed from March 5 through May 2026. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.

As a part of the project, the West Fork Grand River Bridge replacement on Route W in Worth County was completed Feb. 12.

MoDOT reminds drivers to work with crews by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Emery Sapp &amp; Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, has been contracted to replace the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge in Worth County Missouri Route 46. The bridge is scheduled to close beginning Thursday, March 5.Traffic impacts include the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge on Route 46 will be closed from March 5 through May 2026. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.As a part of the project, the West Fork Grand River Bridge replacement on Route W in Worth County was completed Feb. 12.MoDOT reminds drivers to work with crews by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Worth County Route 46 bridge to close beginning March 5

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd annual Farm City Breakfast from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at Word of Life Church, 3902 NE Riverside Road. 

As one of the Chamber’s best-attended single-day events, the breakfast recognizes the essential role of farmers, producers, and the agribusiness sector in the local economy.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dan Meers, who recently retired after more than 35 years as "KC Wolf" for the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL’s longest-tenured mascot and a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, Meers has performed at over 10,000 events across 12 countries, including five Super Bowls. Beyond his career in professional sports, Meers is a highly regarded motivational speaker known for his infectious enthusiasm and optimism.

The event will also feature the presentation of the second annual Farm Family of the Year Award to the Scott Gann family. A multi-generational farming operation, the Ganns are being recognized for their commitment to the industry and the community. Scott Gann, a past chairman of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, also remains active in the region through his local construction company.

Proceeds from the breakfast support Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarships for area students pursuing agricultural degrees. Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, noted that the event serves as a vital networking hub for hundreds of producers and agribusiness professionals to discuss industry issues while funding the education of future leaders.

Tickets for the event are $12 per person, with registration available online at <a href="http://saintjoseph.com">saintjoseph.com</a>. The LifeLine Group serves as the presenting sponsor for this year's program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772198720378.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of St. Joe Chamber" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of St. Joe Chamber</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd annual Farm City Breakfast from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at Word of Life Church, 3902 NE Riverside Road. As one of the Chamber’s best-attended single-day events, the breakfast recognizes the essential role of farmers, producers, and the agribusiness sector in the local economy.This year’s keynote speaker is Dan Meers, who recently retired after more than 35 years as "KC Wolf" for the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL’s longest-tenured mascot and a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, Meers has performed at over 10,000 events across 12 countries, including five Super Bowls. Beyond his career in professional sports, Meers is a highly regarded motivational speaker known for his infectious enthusiasm and optimism.The event will also feature the presentation of the second annual Farm Family of the Year Award to the Scott Gann family. A multi-generational farming operation, the Ganns are being recognized for their commitment to the industry and the community. Scott Gann, a past chairman of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, also remains active in the region through his local construction company.Proceeds from the breakfast support Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarships for area students pursuing agricultural degrees. Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, noted that the event serves as a vital networking hub for hundreds of producers and agribusiness professionals to discuss industry issues while funding the education of future leaders.Tickets for the event are $12 per person, with registration available online at <a href="http://saintjoseph.com">saintjoseph.com</a>. The LifeLine Group serves as the presenting sponsor for this year's program.

St. Joseph Chamber to host 22nd Annual Farm City Breakfast featuring former KC Wolf Dan Meers

Despite unclear enforcement mechanisms for restrictions on transgender athletes, House lawmakers approved legislation to remove the law’s expiration date

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

The Missouri House passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201663" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;along party lines Thursday that would remove the expiration date on the state’s restrictions for transgender athletes.

In 2023, the General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that prevents transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity alongside a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Democrats in the Senate filibustered the bill, leading to a compromise that added a four-year expiration date.

Every year since the law’s passage, lawmakers have filed bills seeking to scrap the sunset.

During Monday’s debate, House Democrats said that the provision gave lawmakers time to consider research on transgender athletes and determine whether restrictions were fair. That learning process, they argued, is not complete.

“Removing the sunset should only happen if we as a collective have undertaken a thorough review and study about the topic,” said state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “We have not discussed this topic as a collective.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson, said the expiration “was just a matter of capitulation.” Making the restrictions permanent, he argued, is necessary to “give female athletes a level playing field.”

Allowing transgender women to compete “undermines the fairness and opportunity” for women to succeed, he said.

Other House Republicans spoke about maintaining a competitive environment for women’s athletics, saying transgender women had an “advantage.”

“If we erode sex-based protections in athletics, we do not expand opportunities,” said state Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage. “We would collapse the very category that allowed generations of women to compete fairly.”

Prior to the law’s passage, regulations on transgender athletes were left to organizations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. MSHSAA’s policy allowed transgender athletes that have been taking hormone-suppression medication for at least one year to compete according to their gender identity, opening the door for 12 transgender athletes to try out for school athletics from 2012-2022.

State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary member, pointed out that more bills have been filed targeting transgender athletes than the number of transgender athletes in Missouri high school sports.

“That seems like an incredible misuse of time and taxpayer dollars to spend so many hours, every single year constantly attacking those 12 kids who tried to play recreational sports with their friends,” they said.

Thomas also worried about the law’s enforcement, saying “anyone deemed too masculine will be under investigation.”

The law gives authority to the state’s education and higher education departments to establish enforcement mechanisms, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/21/enforcement-unclear-as-missouri-approaches-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">neither created such rules</a>. A year after the law became effective, education department officials denied any responsibility,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/04/missouri-schools-lack-public-enforcement-policies-for-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">telling The Independent</a>&nbsp;that the department “is not involved in school athletics and activities.”

The legislation also gives students and their guardians the ability to sue if they are “deprived of an athletic opportunity” because of a transgender athlete in Missouri.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told lawmakers Monday that she didn’t intend to speak during the House’s debate of the bill. But thinking about how people might try to enforce the restrictions worried her.

The law may have an outsized effect on Black women, who Proudie says are too often “masculinized.”

“How do we enforce this when someone decides they don’t want to face an athletic team and says the players look a little too masculine,” she said, worrying that they might inflict “invasive tests” to determine an athlete’s sex.

Seitz did not comment on the prospect of athletes being subject to physical inspection, reiterating that the bill was only “removing the sunset” from a law currently in effect.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772190334588.png" alt=" The Missouri House on Thursday passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican, that would remove a sunset on the state's law barring transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity. He is showing speaking a March 2025 House debate (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> The Missouri House on Thursday passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican, that would remove a sunset on the state's law barring transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity. He is showing speaking a March 2025 House debate (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Despite unclear enforcement mechanisms for restrictions on transgender athletes, House lawmakers approved legislation to remove the law’s expiration date</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201663" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;along party lines Thursday that would remove the expiration date on the state’s restrictions for transgender athletes.In 2023, the General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that prevents transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity alongside a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Democrats in the Senate filibustered the bill, leading to a compromise that added a four-year expiration date.Every year since the law’s passage, lawmakers have filed bills seeking to scrap the sunset.During Monday’s debate, House Democrats said that the provision gave lawmakers time to consider research on transgender athletes and determine whether restrictions were fair. That learning process, they argued, is not complete.“Removing the sunset should only happen if we as a collective have undertaken a thorough review and study about the topic,” said state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “We have not discussed this topic as a collective.”The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson, said the expiration “was just a matter of capitulation.” Making the restrictions permanent, he argued, is necessary to “give female athletes a level playing field.”Allowing transgender women to compete “undermines the fairness and opportunity” for women to succeed, he said.Other House Republicans spoke about maintaining a competitive environment for women’s athletics, saying transgender women had an “advantage.”“If we erode sex-based protections in athletics, we do not expand opportunities,” said state Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage. “We would collapse the very category that allowed generations of women to compete fairly.”Prior to the law’s passage, regulations on transgender athletes were left to organizations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. MSHSAA’s policy allowed transgender athletes that have been taking hormone-suppression medication for at least one year to compete according to their gender identity, opening the door for 12 transgender athletes to try out for school athletics from 2012-2022.State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary member, pointed out that more bills have been filed targeting transgender athletes than the number of transgender athletes in Missouri high school sports.“That seems like an incredible misuse of time and taxpayer dollars to spend so many hours, every single year constantly attacking those 12 kids who tried to play recreational sports with their friends,” they said.Thomas also worried about the law’s enforcement, saying “anyone deemed too masculine will be under investigation.”The law gives authority to the state’s education and higher education departments to establish enforcement mechanisms, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/21/enforcement-unclear-as-missouri-approaches-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">neither created such rules</a>. A year after the law became effective, education department officials denied any responsibility,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/04/missouri-schools-lack-public-enforcement-policies-for-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">telling The Independent</a>&nbsp;that the department “is not involved in school athletics and activities.”The legislation also gives students and their guardians the ability to sue if they are “deprived of an athletic opportunity” because of a transgender athlete in Missouri.State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told lawmakers Monday that she didn’t intend to speak during the House’s debate of the bill. But thinking about how people might try to enforce the restrictions worried her.The law may have an outsized effect on Black women, who Proudie says are too often “masculinized.”“How do we enforce this when someone decides they don’t want to face an athletic team and says the players look a little too masculine,” she said, worrying that they might inflict “invasive tests” to determine an athlete’s sex.Seitz did not comment on the prospect of athletes being subject to physical inspection, reiterating that the bill was only “removing the sunset” from a law currently in effect.The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Bill to make transgender athlete ban permanent passes Missouri House

GENTRY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 28-year-old King City man was northbound on U.S. 169 at the King City city limits. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2011 GMC Sierra driven by a 26-year-old King City man, head-on.&nbsp;

EMS transported both drivers and a 56-year-old male passenger in the GMC pickup to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers and the passenger were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

GENTRY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 28-year-old King City man was northbound on U.S. 169 at the King City city limits. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2011 GMC Sierra driven by a 26-year-old King City man, head-on.&nbsp;EMS transported both drivers and a 56-year-old male passenger in the GMC pickup to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers and the passenger were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized in St. Joe after head-on pickup crash

Area residents are encouraged to practice safe weather procedures next week during during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Meteorologist Dan Holiday says this is the time of year to implement your plan of action during severe weather events. "It can be in the form of damaging winds or storms or tornados, really anything that could damage your home, vehicle or you. You should know where your safe place is going to be"

Holiday adds the Midwest often sees the most severe weather between late April into early June. "However, by the time we get to mid-March, there are weather ingredients that come together and we can see more significant weather patterns."

Missouri will hold a statewide tornado drill on March 4, with a suggested time of 11:00 a.m.

Sgt. Shane Hux, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H in St. Joseph, recommends keeping an eye on the weather, especially if you are driving. "The important thing to remember is that severe storms can form very quickly."

Hux says if a tornado is spotted, get into the nearest building as quickly as possible for shelter. Hux emphasizes that drivers should not take shelter under overpasses. "Overpasses are not safe during tornados. Get into a nearby building. However, if you're driving in rural areas and see a funnel cloud, take cover in the nearest ditch and cover your head, but watch for rapidly-rising water."

Hux notes some other tips to help prepare for severe weather:

1. Never attempt to drive through water on the road

2. If you become stuck in water, always move to higher ground if you can safely do so

4. Dial Star 55 to connect with the nearest Troop headquarters

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924740644.png" alt="Tornado" />
 <figcaption>Tornado</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHArea residents are encouraged to practice safe weather procedures next week during during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.Meteorologist Dan Holiday says this is the time of year to implement your plan of action during severe weather events. "It can be in the form of damaging winds or storms or tornados, really anything that could damage your home, vehicle or you. You should know where your safe place is going to be"Holiday adds the Midwest often sees the most severe weather between late April into early June. "However, by the time we get to mid-March, there are weather ingredients that come together and we can see more significant weather patterns."Missouri will hold a statewide tornado drill on March 4, with a suggested time of 11:00 a.m.Sgt. Shane Hux, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H in St. Joseph, recommends keeping an eye on the weather, especially if you are driving. "The important thing to remember is that severe storms can form very quickly."Hux says if a tornado is spotted, get into the nearest building as quickly as possible for shelter. Hux emphasizes that drivers should not take shelter under overpasses. "Overpasses are not safe during tornados. Get into a nearby building. However, if you're driving in rural areas and see a funnel cloud, take cover in the nearest ditch and cover your head, but watch for rapidly-rising water."Hux notes some other tips to help prepare for severe weather:1. Never attempt to drive through water on the road2. If you become stuck in water, always move to higher ground if you can safely do so3. Do not drive around road barriers4. Dial Star 55 to connect with the nearest Troop headquarters

Stay ahead of spring weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Week

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has passed bills to strengthen immigration and citizenship checks for voting, for getting an Iowa driver's license and for working in Iowa schools or in the public sector. 

Bills that passed unanimously would require all Iowa schools and the state licensing board for educators to verify school staff are legally authorized to work in the U.S. -- and the same clearance would be required for all newly-hired employees in state and local governments as well as for anyone who applies for a professional license issued by the state. Another bill that passed with wide bipartisan support would have the Iowa D-O-T check federal databases to verify someone's a citizen or legal resident before issuing a driver's license. 

Another piece of legislation that cleared the Senate on Tuesday calls on Iowa's secretary of state to verify registered voters in Iowa are U-S citizens. And the Senate unanimously passed another bill that would require passage of an English proficiency test before someone could get a commercial driver's license in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has passed bills to strengthen immigration and citizenship checks for voting, for getting an Iowa driver's license and for working in Iowa schools or in the public sector. Bills that passed unanimously would require all Iowa schools and the state licensing board for educators to verify school staff are legally authorized to work in the U.S. -- and the same clearance would be required for all newly-hired employees in state and local governments as well as for anyone who applies for a professional license issued by the state. Another bill that passed with wide bipartisan support would have the Iowa D-O-T check federal databases to verify someone's a citizen or legal resident before issuing a driver's license. Another piece of legislation that cleared the Senate on Tuesday calls on Iowa's secretary of state to verify registered voters in Iowa are U-S citizens. And the Senate unanimously passed another bill that would require passage of an English proficiency test before someone could get a commercial driver's license in Iowa.

Iowa Senate passes several immigration related bills

A 44-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a multi-state crime spree involving drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Walter Antwine Moore received his 180-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays following guilty pleas to drug distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The legal proceedings consolidated crimes committed across three different jurisdictions between late 2022 and early 2023.

The earliest incident occurred on December 6, 2022, at a casino in Quapaw, Oklahoma. After losing over $1,000 at a blackjack table, Moore became belligerent toward a dealer and made threats involving "yellow police tape and sirens." When Quapaw Marshals attempted a pat-down, Moore reached into his jacket and tried to flee. During a struggle with deputies, a baggie in Moore’s possession burst, scattering 913 blue fentanyl pills across the floor.

A month later, on January 7, 2023, police in St. Joseph, Missouri, responded to a convenience store report of a man stealing potato chips and attempting to sell drugs. Upon searching Moore’s vehicle, officers discovered:

The final confrontation took place on February 10, 2023, at a train station in Kansas City, Missouri. When interdiction detectives questioned Moore upon his arrival, he became confrontational and attempted to run. After being tackled by tactical officers, investigators recovered a cellophane-wrapped bundle nearby containing approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.

The case was a collaborative effort between the Western District of Missouri and the Northern District of Oklahoma. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service, and various regional drug task forces. Moore was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and Adam McConney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762464553171.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA 44-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a multi-state crime spree involving drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.Walter Antwine Moore received his 180-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays following guilty pleas to drug distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.The legal proceedings consolidated crimes committed across three different jurisdictions between late 2022 and early 2023.The earliest incident occurred on December 6, 2022, at a casino in Quapaw, Oklahoma. After losing over $1,000 at a blackjack table, Moore became belligerent toward a dealer and made threats involving "yellow police tape and sirens." When Quapaw Marshals attempted a pat-down, Moore reached into his jacket and tried to flee. During a struggle with deputies, a baggie in Moore’s possession burst, scattering 913 blue fentanyl pills across the floor.A month later, on January 7, 2023, police in St. Joseph, Missouri, responded to a convenience store report of a man stealing potato chips and attempting to sell drugs. Upon searching Moore’s vehicle, officers discovered:<ul>
 <li>284.8 grams of methamphetamine.</li><li>A loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.</li><li>Numerous clear plastic baggies used for distribution.</li>
 </ul>The final confrontation took place on February 10, 2023, at a train station in Kansas City, Missouri. When interdiction detectives questioned Moore upon his arrival, he became confrontational and attempted to run. After being tackled by tactical officers, investigators recovered a cellophane-wrapped bundle nearby containing approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.The case was a collaborative effort between the Western District of Missouri and the Northern District of Oklahoma. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service, and various regional drug task forces. Moore was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and Adam McConney.

Columbia man gets 15 years after St. Joe, Kansas City, Oklahoma drug busts

For a fifth consecutive year, spring enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has surpassed 7 ,000 students.  

University President Lance Tatum says it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at the university 

“Everyone is very focused on building enrollments and building sustainable enrollments,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, to see that there was success again this spring just reassures that we are on the right path.” 

Tatum says the culture developed at Northwest has made the university an attractive spot for students, due to focus on its students 

"I’m really proud of the way in which our staff and faculty have really kind of leveled up to make sure that students who arrive on campus get a great first start in the fall and then choose to continue with us through the spring and beyond,” Tatum says. 

Spring enrollment at Northwest was 7, 674 students.  Among that number there were 4,315 undergraduate students, which marks a 4% increase from the previous year.  

Tatum says there has been a more focused approach on growing that undergraduate population of students on campus in Maryville, by developing new strategies 

"We have invested heavily in our admissions recruiting processes, we’ve brought on new software platforms, we’ve expanded our creative, we’ve increased our exposure and frequency on our social media platforms really focusing on finding the right fit student for Northwest,” Tatum explains.  “And I think that’s really the secret that we’re really focused on, and that is not just quantity of numbers, but finding the right students in terms of Northwest satisfying what they’re trying to accomplish in their collegiate career.” 

With the positive enrollment this year, Northwest saw an 88% retention rate, as well as a 94% persistence rate which tracks students who complete their degree programs.  

Tatum says that 88% is good, but the goal is to be even higher 

"Our goal is to get above 90%, I would love for us to be somewhere in that 90 to 91% range,” Tatum says.  “I think that really shows that we’re recruiting students to Maryville and then they’re choosing to stay beyond that first semester.” 

Tatum is aware that the 90 to 91 percent is a stretch goal and that there are a number of factors that may cause students to leave college between the fall and spring 

"In some cases, students get here, it’s not the place they thought they were coming to for whatever reason, so they leave after their fall semester,” Tatum explains.  “You know there’s financial considerations that sometimes play into this, students miscalculate the amount of cost there is with attending a university, and so they can’t go beyond their first fall semester.” 

Tatum though believes to push the number up is the first step in building the full retention number, in terms of getting first from fall to spring, then your first to second year, and so on.  

Typically, enrollment numbers drop in the spring semester, but Northwest has seen consistent numbers since 2022, when the university had a record of 8,817 students enrolled. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681826188311.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEFor a fifth consecutive year, spring enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has surpassed 7 ,000 students. University President Lance Tatum says it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at the university “Everyone is very focused on building enrollments and building sustainable enrollments,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, to see that there was success again this spring just reassures that we are on the right path.” Tatum says the culture developed at Northwest has made the university an attractive spot for students, due to focus on its students "I’m really proud of the way in which our staff and faculty have really kind of leveled up to make sure that students who arrive on campus get a great first start in the fall and then choose to continue with us through the spring and beyond,” Tatum says. Spring enrollment at Northwest was 7, 674 students. Among that number there were 4,315 undergraduate students, which marks a 4% increase from the previous year. Tatum says there has been a more focused approach on growing that undergraduate population of students on campus in Maryville, by developing new strategies "We have invested heavily in our admissions recruiting processes, we’ve brought on new software platforms, we’ve expanded our creative, we’ve increased our exposure and frequency on our social media platforms really focusing on finding the right fit student for Northwest,” Tatum explains. “And I think that’s really the secret that we’re really focused on, and that is not just quantity of numbers, but finding the right students in terms of Northwest satisfying what they’re trying to accomplish in their collegiate career.” With the positive enrollment this year, Northwest saw an 88% retention rate, as well as a 94% persistence rate which tracks students who complete their degree programs. Tatum says that 88% is good, but the goal is to be even higher "Our goal is to get above 90%, I would love for us to be somewhere in that 90 to 91% range,” Tatum says. “I think that really shows that we’re recruiting students to Maryville and then they’re choosing to stay beyond that first semester.” Tatum is aware that the 90 to 91 percent is a stretch goal and that there are a number of factors that may cause students to leave college between the fall and spring "In some cases, students get here, it’s not the place they thought they were coming to for whatever reason, so they leave after their fall semester,” Tatum explains. “You know there’s financial considerations that sometimes play into this, students miscalculate the amount of cost there is with attending a university, and so they can’t go beyond their first fall semester.” Tatum though believes to push the number up is the first step in building the full retention number, in terms of getting first from fall to spring, then your first to second year, and so on. Typically, enrollment numbers drop in the spring semester, but Northwest has seen consistent numbers since 2022, when the university had a record of 8,817 students enrolled. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NWMSU President Tatum thrilled by fifth straight year of positive spring enrollment

Filing opened Tuesday for candidates in Missouri, with eight congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and 163 seats in the Missouri House among the offices on the ballot

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">boundaries of the district he represents</a>.

Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, became a target when Missouri Republicans, acting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">urging of President Donald Trump</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">redrew the map</a>&nbsp;for the state’s eight congressional districts during a September special session.

Cleaver’s 5th District, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/12/missouri-senate-adjourns-early-after-passing-congressional-redistricting-map/">since 2022</a>&nbsp;has included almost all of Kansas City as well as portions of Clay and Jackson counties, now stretches east to Columbia through 14 additional counties. With the prospect of running in a district that now leans heavily Republican, four GOP candidates filed soon after Cleaver completed his paperwork.

Which voters will decide Cleaver’s fate — those in the district drawn last year, or the one that re-elected him in 2024 — is a question pending in state courts and local election authorities.

Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe is expected to rule soon on whether petitions filed for a referendum on the gerrymandered map mean it is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">not in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s election. And local election authorities are checking those petitions to see if there are<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">&nbsp;sufficient signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote.

“Normally, this would be an act of insanity for somebody to file for public office and not know where they’re serving if they should win,” Cleaver said. “But I have no idea what district I’m going to be in.”

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is telling congressional candidates that the districts drawn last year, which rearranged the boundaries of almost all of the state’s eight districts, are in effect.&nbsp;

“The new Missouri First map was passed by both the House and the Senate, signed by Governor Kehoe, and I’ve been very clear that the new Missouri first map is in effect today,” Hoskins said.

The four Republicans who filed before noon on Tuesday are Sean Smith, a Jackson County legislator who ran against Cleaver in 2024; Taylor Burks, a former Boone County Clerk who made an unsuccessful run&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/02/former-tv-anchorman-wins-gop-nomination-in-missouris-4th-congressional-district/">for the 4th Congressional District</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and dropped out after a short-lived run for 3rd District in 2024; Brett Hueffmeier, a Kansas City attorney; and Brad Patty, a retired Army mechanic from Fayette.

Smith took just under 35% of the vote in 2024 and he’s eager to run in the new district.

“It does what we see our competition on the other side do all over the country, and that is to maximize the opportunity in the United States Congress for our side,” Smith said.

Patty said the district is a miniature version of the state.

“This district is a good representation of Missouri. It’s going to have rural counties, and it also has city voters, so I think it is well-mixed,” he said.

Burks, a commander in the Navy Reserve, said in a news release that he’s ready for the challenge.

“Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve,” Burks said.

Cleaver said he is ready for the campaign regardless of its geography.

“My work ethic is not going to change, and neither will my commitment to the voters,” Cleaver said. “If I have to serve the people who live just outside of Columbia and Jefferson City, then I’ll do that.”

The 5th District contenders are among 368 candidates who finished the process at the Missouri secretary of state’s office on Tuesday, with dozens more expected in coming weeks to join the contests that this year include a statewide race for auditor, seven other congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and all 163 seats in the Missouri House.&nbsp;

The line of prospective candidates snaked through the third floor hallways of Hoskins’ Jefferson City office and his staff waived through five candidates at a time to file.

Candidate filing day is the most optimistic day of the election season, state Rep. Bill Harbison, a Republican from Arcadia, said as he waited in line. Everyone who runs believes they can win, he said.

Harbison is seeking his second term and said he’s excited about filing again.

“You’re still energized, you’ve been up for about four hours, and yeah, you’re ready to go,” Harbison said.

It is possible for anyone who files to win, said Hoskins, who won his first race, for a seat in the Missouri House, in 2008. He knocked on every door in the district, he said, and overcame a limited campaign budget.

“When I came through in 2008, I had no idea what I was doing as far as filing for office,” Hoskins said. “​I never knew in 2008 when I filed for state rep, that someday I would be secretary of state.”

Steve Baker of Raymore, a Republican who filed in the Missouri House’s 56th District, is challenging three-term incumbent state Rep. Michael Davis, a Republican from Belton.

When asked why, he did not state any specific reason he feels he can do better than Davis.

Baker said he is a retired Marine and needs to be active.

“I like challenges, and I ran out of challenges since I retired,” he said.

Some candidates in line were there to seek higher office. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, and state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, are trying to move to the state Senate in the 16th and 18th districts, respectively.&nbsp;

“You’ve probably seen the work ethic for our Senate for the last month or so, and and in prior years past, a lot of the stuff that we’ve been doing is frozen up because of a lack of moving things along over in the Senate,” Mayhew said. “So hopefully I can jump in there and help things move along.”

Lewis is running for the seat being given up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina. Lewis could seek a fourth term in the Missouri House but the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot for another four years, he noted.

“It was either now you’re going to run for Senate or in two years you’re not going to be able to continue to serve,” Lewis said.

Without a race for the U.S. Senate, the only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state auditor. Incumbent Republican State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking his second term and unseating him will be a big job for either of the two Democrats, Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles, who filed to run against him.

If the gerrymandered map stays in place, the 5th District contest is likely to be the focus of both national parties throughout the fall. And the final result for the 5th District will come in November, when Cleaver faces the survivor of the GOP primary.&nbsp;

The 5th District Republican primary won’t be the only congressional primary with intense competition. In the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis, former U.S.Rep. Cori Bush filed against U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell for a rematch of their 2024 Democratic primary.

In an interview Tuesday, Bush said she blames Bell for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/st-louis-waits-for-aid-as-fema-response-to-missouri-disasters-is-slowest-in-15-years/">slow federal response</a>&nbsp;after a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in May.

Bush, however, saved her harshest criticism for the Republican lawmakers who redrew the congressional map and want to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments by initiative.

“The one thing that pisses me off about that is that these same folks that feel like maybe people didn’t understand, maybe they didn’t didn’t know what they were voting on, but they are in the seat because of that same ballot, and they are not saying that the person didn’t know what they were doing they voted,” Bush said.

This year’s legislative contests will be a big test for Missouri Democrats. They are three seats short of breaking the GOP’s supermajority — two-thirds of all seats — in the Missouri House and two seats away in the Missouri Senate.

There are no incumbents running in 11 of the 17 Senate seats on the ballot, but only two, both GOP seats, are seen as competitive in November.

The 30th District in Springfield, held by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, and the 8th District in Jackson County, held by state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit — are seen as the most likely districts to flip.&nbsp;

In Springfield, the 30th District race pits state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat, against state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican. In the 8th District, House Speaker Jon Patterson will run in a GOP primary against former state Rep. Dan Stacy. The winner will face state Rep. Kerri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat.

But the primary could increase the number of new senators in January.

In the 20th District in Greene County, state Sen. Curtis Trent faces a well-funded primary challenge from Lori Rook, who came in third in the statewide primary for state treasurer in 2024. While Trent has $274,000 in his campaign account and another $500,000 in the 417 PAC, Rook opened her campaign with a $100,000 donation from her own funds.

Another southwest Missouri contest has elements of a rematch.

In the 32nd District, covering Jasper and Newton counties, Dr. Ellen Nichols filed in the Republican primary against state Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican.

Nichols, a neurosurgeon, is the wife of former state Sen. Bill White, who lost a 2022 primary to Carter.&nbsp;

Nichols began the race by putting $250,000 of her own money into her campaign account. Carter had $52,000 in her campaign account on Dec. 31 and a PAC associated with her campaign, Show Me Values, was holding $73,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104567685.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, filing for re-election Tuesday in the 5th Congressional District. The district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, filing for re-election Tuesday in the 5th Congressional District. The district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Filing opened Tuesday for candidates in Missouri, with eight congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and 163 seats in the Missouri House among the offices on the ballot</h2>U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">boundaries of the district he represents</a>.Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, became a target when Missouri Republicans, acting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">urging of President Donald Trump</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">redrew the map</a>&nbsp;for the state’s eight congressional districts during a September special session.Cleaver’s 5th District, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/12/missouri-senate-adjourns-early-after-passing-congressional-redistricting-map/">since 2022</a>&nbsp;has included almost all of Kansas City as well as portions of Clay and Jackson counties, now stretches east to Columbia through 14 additional counties. With the prospect of running in a district that now leans heavily Republican, four GOP candidates filed soon after Cleaver completed his paperwork.Which voters will decide Cleaver’s fate — those in the district drawn last year, or the one that re-elected him in 2024 — is a question pending in state courts and local election authorities.Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe is expected to rule soon on whether petitions filed for a referendum on the gerrymandered map mean it is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">not in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s election. And local election authorities are checking those petitions to see if there are<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">&nbsp;sufficient signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote.“Normally, this would be an act of insanity for somebody to file for public office and not know where they’re serving if they should win,” Cleaver said. “But I have no idea what district I’m going to be in.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104612602.png" alt="Bradley Patty, a Republican from Fayette, speaks to reporters after filing Tuesday, in the 5th Congressional District. he district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Bradley Patty, a Republican from Fayette, speaks to reporters after filing Tuesday, in the 5th Congressional District. he district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is telling congressional candidates that the districts drawn last year, which rearranged the boundaries of almost all of the state’s eight districts, are in effect.&nbsp;“The new Missouri First map was passed by both the House and the Senate, signed by Governor Kehoe, and I’ve been very clear that the new Missouri first map is in effect today,” Hoskins said.The four Republicans who filed before noon on Tuesday are Sean Smith, a Jackson County legislator who ran against Cleaver in 2024; Taylor Burks, a former Boone County Clerk who made an unsuccessful run&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/02/former-tv-anchorman-wins-gop-nomination-in-missouris-4th-congressional-district/">for the 4th Congressional District</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and dropped out after a short-lived run for 3rd District in 2024; Brett Hueffmeier, a Kansas City attorney; and Brad Patty, a retired Army mechanic from Fayette.Smith took just under 35% of the vote in 2024 and he’s eager to run in the new district.“It does what we see our competition on the other side do all over the country, and that is to maximize the opportunity in the United States Congress for our side,” Smith said.Patty said the district is a miniature version of the state.“This district is a good representation of Missouri. It’s going to have rural counties, and it also has city voters, so I think it is well-mixed,” he said.Burks, a commander in the Navy Reserve, said in a news release that he’s ready for the challenge.“Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve,” Burks said.Cleaver said he is ready for the campaign regardless of its geography.“My work ethic is not going to change, and neither will my commitment to the voters,” Cleaver said. “If I have to serve the people who live just outside of Columbia and Jefferson City, then I’ll do that.”<h2>Filing day scene</h2>The 5th District contenders are among 368 candidates who finished the process at the Missouri secretary of state’s office on Tuesday, with dozens more expected in coming weeks to join the contests that this year include a statewide race for auditor, seven other congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and all 163 seats in the Missouri House.&nbsp;The line of prospective candidates snaked through the third floor hallways of Hoskins’ Jefferson City office and his staff waived through five candidates at a time to file.Filing closes on March 31.Candidate filing day is the most optimistic day of the election season, state Rep. Bill Harbison, a Republican from Arcadia, said as he waited in line. Everyone who runs believes they can win, he said.Harbison is seeking his second term and said he’s excited about filing again.“You’re still energized, you’ve been up for about four hours, and yeah, you’re ready to go,” Harbison said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772104654386.png" alt="Candidates line up Tuesday in the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to pay filing fees before signing up for spots on the August primary ballot (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Candidates line up Tuesday in the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to pay filing fees before signing up for spots on the August primary ballot (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>It is possible for anyone who files to win, said Hoskins, who won his first race, for a seat in the Missouri House, in 2008. He knocked on every door in the district, he said, and overcame a limited campaign budget.“When I came through in 2008, I had no idea what I was doing as far as filing for office,” Hoskins said. “​I never knew in 2008 when I filed for state rep, that someday I would be secretary of state.”Steve Baker of Raymore, a Republican who filed in the Missouri House’s 56th District, is challenging three-term incumbent state Rep. Michael Davis, a Republican from Belton.When asked why, he did not state any specific reason he feels he can do better than Davis.“I feel motivated to do it.”&nbsp;Baker said he is a retired Marine and needs to be active.“I like challenges, and I ran out of challenges since I retired,” he said.Some candidates in line were there to seek higher office. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, and state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, are trying to move to the state Senate in the 16th and 18th districts, respectively.&nbsp;“You’ve probably seen the work ethic for our Senate for the last month or so, and and in prior years past, a lot of the stuff that we’ve been doing is frozen up because of a lack of moving things along over in the Senate,” Mayhew said. “So hopefully I can jump in there and help things move along.”Lewis is running for the seat being given up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina. Lewis could seek a fourth term in the Missouri House but the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot for another four years, he noted.“It was either now you’re going to run for Senate or in two years you’re not going to be able to continue to serve,” Lewis said.<h2>Major races</h2>Without a race for the U.S. Senate, the only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state auditor. Incumbent Republican State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking his second term and unseating him will be a big job for either of the two Democrats, Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles, who filed to run against him.If the gerrymandered map stays in place, the 5th District contest is likely to be the focus of both national parties throughout the fall. And the final result for the 5th District will come in November, when Cleaver faces the survivor of the GOP primary.&nbsp;The 5th District Republican primary won’t be the only congressional primary with intense competition. In the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis, former U.S.Rep. Cori Bush filed against U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell for a rematch of their 2024 Democratic primary.In an interview Tuesday, Bush said she blames Bell for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/st-louis-waits-for-aid-as-fema-response-to-missouri-disasters-is-slowest-in-15-years/">slow federal response</a>&nbsp;after a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in May.Bush, however, saved her harshest criticism for the Republican lawmakers who redrew the congressional map and want to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments by initiative.“The one thing that pisses me off about that is that these same folks that feel like maybe people didn’t understand, maybe they didn’t didn’t know what they were voting on, but they are in the seat because of that same ballot, and they are not saying that the person didn’t know what they were doing they voted,” Bush said.This year’s legislative contests will be a big test for Missouri Democrats. They are three seats short of breaking the GOP’s supermajority — two-thirds of all seats — in the Missouri House and two seats away in the Missouri Senate.There are no incumbents running in 11 of the 17 Senate seats on the ballot, but only two, both GOP seats, are seen as competitive in November.The 30th District in Springfield, held by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, and the 8th District in Jackson County, held by state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit — are seen as the most likely districts to flip.&nbsp;In Springfield, the 30th District race pits state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat, against state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican. In the 8th District, House Speaker Jon Patterson will run in a GOP primary against former state Rep. Dan Stacy. The winner will face state Rep. Kerri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat.But the primary could increase the number of new senators in January.In the 20th District in Greene County, state Sen. Curtis Trent faces a well-funded primary challenge from Lori Rook, who came in third in the statewide primary for state treasurer in 2024. While Trent has $274,000 in his campaign account and another $500,000 in the 417 PAC, Rook opened her campaign with a $100,000 donation from her own funds.Another southwest Missouri contest has elements of a rematch.In the 32nd District, covering Jasper and Newton counties, Dr. Ellen Nichols filed in the Republican primary against state Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican.Nichols, a neurosurgeon, is the wife of former state Sen. Bill White, who lost a 2022 primary to Carter.&nbsp;Nichols began the race by putting $250,000 of her own money into her campaign account. Carter had $52,000 in her campaign account on Dec. 31 and a PAC associated with her campaign, Show Me Values, was holding $73,000.The race is not a grudge match to repay Carter for the 2022 primary, Nichols said as she filed.“I certainly believe that I will be a better Senator than Jill Carter,” Nichols said. “We’ve lost a lot of ground in the sanctity of life over the last four years, and now we’re in a deep hole, and we’re going to have to dig our way out of that. And I lay that in the legislature, especially the Senate.”

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