SHENANDOAH, Iowa _ Shenandoah Mayor Roger McQueen is seeking a second term in office.

McQueen made the official announcement Monday morning. He was first elected in November 2021, succeeding longtime mayor Dick Hunt, who retired after serving four terms.

Reflecting on his time in office, McQueen said the early part of his term involved learning the ins and outs of city government. Now, he wants to build on that experience to help Shenandoah continue moving forward.

McQueen will appear on the November general election ballot as he seeks to continue his leadership and work on current and future city projects.

SHENANDOAH, Iowa _ Shenandoah Mayor Roger McQueen is seeking a second term in office.McQueen made the official announcement Monday morning. He was first elected in November 2021, succeeding longtime mayor Dick Hunt, who retired after serving four terms.Reflecting on his time in office, McQueen said the early part of his term involved learning the ins and outs of city government. Now, he wants to build on that experience to help Shenandoah continue moving forward.McQueen will appear on the November general election ballot as he seeks to continue his leadership and work on current and future city projects.

Shenandoah Mayor Roger McQueen Announces Re-election Bid

Former KFEQ Ag Director Tom Brand has released a new book.  

'Welts on Your Butt a Calf Could Suck: Reflections on Faith, Family and a Farm Kids' Life is a book Brand has tried to write for some time, and says is full of many stories 

"Some people might call it a bathroom book because it's just short reads, but it's probably not what I envisioned 20 some years ago, I was thinking more of a memoir of things," Brand tells KFEQmunnity show host Brent Martin.  "Just some humorous stories I've learned through the years and maybe some travel adventures and that kind of thing, and some might call it a bit of a memoir." 

Brand says he had wanted to write a book for some time, but lost motivation, before rediscovering his joy for writing while doing articles for the Nodaway News Leader 

"I was probably a few months into it and someone said you ought to write a book," Brand says.  "Well, I've talked about writing a book for quite a while." 

Brand says this book though, was not the book he had originally set out to write 

"There's still a book in the works about my heart attack and the experiences surrounding that, that I'm going to say is a third to halfway written. That's been a bit of a heavier lift because that's more emotional than this has been," Brand explains. 

Brand says while writing the book, he accessed some memory rooms he hasn't visited for years 

"Some of those were a big smile on the face, like visiting family that I hadn't seen for a long time, others were an emotional tug at the heartstrings," Brand says.  "I will admit, there are some stories in here that I don't know that I could actually read out loud without choking up." 

The book is available to purchase on Amazon or on RichardsonPress.com.  Copies are also available at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748884094079.jpeg" alt="Welts_BookCover_TomBrand.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Welts_BookCover_TomBrand.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Former KFEQ Ag Director Tom Brand has released a new book. 'Welts on Your Butt a Calf Could Suck: Reflections on Faith, Family and a Farm Kids' Life is a book Brand has tried to write for some time, and says is full of many stories "Some people might call it a bathroom book because it's just short reads, but it's probably not what I envisioned 20 some years ago, I was thinking more of a memoir of things," Brand tells KFEQmunnity show host Brent Martin. "Just some humorous stories I've learned through the years and maybe some travel adventures and that kind of thing, and some might call it a bit of a memoir." Brand says he had wanted to write a book for some time, but lost motivation, before rediscovering his joy for writing while doing articles for the Nodaway News Leader "I was probably a few months into it and someone said you ought to write a book," Brand says. "Well, I've talked about writing a book for quite a while." Brand says this book though, was not the book he had originally set out to write "There's still a book in the works about my heart attack and the experiences surrounding that, that I'm going to say is a third to halfway written. That's been a bit of a heavier lift because that's more emotional than this has been," Brand explains. Brand says while writing the book, he accessed some memory rooms he hasn't visited for years "Some of those were a big smile on the face, like visiting family that I hadn't seen for a long time, others were an emotional tug at the heartstrings," Brand says. "I will admit, there are some stories in here that I don't know that I could actually read out loud without choking up." The book is available to purchase on Amazon or on RichardsonPress.com. Copies are also available at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former KFEQ Ag Director Tom Brand writes book about growing up on farm

Missouri lawmakers
return to Jefferson City today for a special legislative session, primarily to
consider an incentive package to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in
Missouri.

State Sen. Rusty
Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, says discussions continue as Gov. Mike
Kehoe attempts to gain the votes needed to approve the package.

“I do think that there’s
a path for this to end up on the governor’s desk and signed, but I certainly
don’t think all the negotiation is over yet,” Black says.

Kansas has an
offer on the table to lure both the Chiefs and the Royals across the state
line. Other cities, such as Nashville and Salt Lake City, are reputably
interested in luring the Royals away.

Black says
supporters must overcome objections that the issue only concerns western
Missouri.

“If you’re from
St. Louis, this is for Kansas City and we don’t care about that,” Black says. “And
we’ve got to get past some of that I believe if we’re going to get this piece
of legislation passed.”

Black says St.
Louis should actually be an example. He recalls driving by the former Edward Jones
Dome, now the Dome at America’s Center, and noticing it hasn’t spurred economic
development in downtown St. Louis since the Rams left.

Black views this as
an economic development issue.

“And sports teams
in my mind, professional sports teams in Rusty Black’s mind, they’re somewhat
like talking about a Ford plant closing down or a General Motors plant closing
down or, in St. Joe, all of the sudden Altec decides that they’re going to
leave, that has a lot more economic impact than inside their chain link fence.”

The governor also
wants lawmakers to consider a few capital improvement projects as well as tax
incentives for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage in the
recent storms.

Black says there
could be a possibility of reviving projects for St. Joseph, along with
improvements for North Central Missouri College and other northwest Missouri
interests in the original $500 million capital improvement package.

“At this point in
time, they’re not in there, but it’s not like that I’m not paying attention to
what’s going to move forward and if the opportunity comes, I’m probably going
to ask for those things to be included again,” Black says.

Another obstacle
to overcome in this special legislative session is the way the regular session
ended. The Missouri Senate adjourned abruptly and early with much acrimony
after Republicans used a parliamentary procedure to cut off debate and force
votes on two controversial issues.

Black says the
tensions haven’t been smoothed over, at least not yet.

“We’re going to
have to work through those and hope that we can find a path even though there’s
still hurt feelings,” Black says.

Lawmakers will
also consider authorizing tax breaks for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered
property damage during recent storms.

By BRENT MARTINMissouri lawmakers
return to Jefferson City today for a special legislative session, primarily to
consider an incentive package to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in
Missouri.State Sen. Rusty
Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, says discussions continue as Gov. Mike
Kehoe attempts to gain the votes needed to approve the package.“I do think that there’s
a path for this to end up on the governor’s desk and signed, but I certainly
don’t think all the negotiation is over yet,” Black says.Kansas has an
offer on the table to lure both the Chiefs and the Royals across the state
line. Other cities, such as Nashville and Salt Lake City, are reputably
interested in luring the Royals away.Black says
supporters must overcome objections that the issue only concerns western
Missouri.“If you’re from
St. Louis, this is for Kansas City and we don’t care about that,” Black says. “And
we’ve got to get past some of that I believe if we’re going to get this piece
of legislation passed.”Black says St.
Louis should actually be an example. He recalls driving by the former Edward Jones
Dome, now the Dome at America’s Center, and noticing it hasn’t spurred economic
development in downtown St. Louis since the Rams left.Black views this as
an economic development issue.“And sports teams
in my mind, professional sports teams in Rusty Black’s mind, they’re somewhat
like talking about a Ford plant closing down or a General Motors plant closing
down or, in St. Joe, all of the sudden Altec decides that they’re going to
leave, that has a lot more economic impact than inside their chain link fence.”The governor also
wants lawmakers to consider a few capital improvement projects as well as tax
incentives for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage in the
recent storms.Black says there
could be a possibility of reviving projects for St. Joseph, along with
improvements for North Central Missouri College and other northwest Missouri
interests in the original $500 million capital improvement package.“At this point in
time, they’re not in there, but it’s not like that I’m not paying attention to
what’s going to move forward and if the opportunity comes, I’m probably going
to ask for those things to be included again,” Black says.Another obstacle
to overcome in this special legislative session is the way the regular session
ended. The Missouri Senate adjourned abruptly and early with much acrimony
after Republicans used a parliamentary procedure to cut off debate and force
votes on two controversial issues.Black says the
tensions haven’t been smoothed over, at least not yet.“We’re going to
have to work through those and hope that we can find a path even though there’s
still hurt feelings,” Black says.Lawmakers will
also consider authorizing tax breaks for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered
property damage during recent storms.

Lawmakers return to Jefferson City to decide fate of Chiefs-Royals

CLARINDA, Iowa — A proposal to add a new parking lot and sidewalks at the Page County annex building will wait at least another week after county supervisors requested more clarity before moving forward.

At a regular meeting earlier this week, the Page County Board of Supervisors reviewed an updated plan for the parking and accessibility improvements at the facility located at 210 North 17th Street in Clarinda, which now houses the engineer’s office on its second floor.

Initial plans called for a parking lot on the building’s west side, but that idea was previously shelved due to steep architectural fees. Now, County Technician Nick Heuer says the revised plan incorporates handicap-accessible chairlifts already installed indoors, eliminating the need for external stairs or ramps. The new design would instead utilize the south entrance, with access via West Washington Street.

Heuer said the county received three bids for the project:

Heuer also noted that the county staff could handle the rock and dirt work to reduce costs, and that a sidewalk match grant through the City of Clarinda could cover half the cost of sidewalks running parallel to the streets.

Despite the detailed planning and cost-saving options, a motion to approve the low bid from Barnes and Son died for lack of a second. Supervisor Brian Rogers expressed interest in seeing a line-item breakdown and a clear acknowledgment from the contractor of the desired project specifications.

The board is expected to revisit the proposal at its next regular meeting.

CLARINDA, Iowa — A proposal to add a new parking lot and sidewalks at the Page County annex building will wait at least another week after county supervisors requested more clarity before moving forward.At a regular meeting earlier this week, the Page County Board of Supervisors reviewed an updated plan for the parking and accessibility improvements at the facility located at 210 North 17th Street in Clarinda, which now houses the engineer’s office on its second floor.Initial plans called for a parking lot on the building’s west side, but that idea was previously shelved due to steep architectural fees. Now, County Technician Nick Heuer says the revised plan incorporates handicap-accessible chairlifts already installed indoors, eliminating the need for external stairs or ramps. The new design would instead utilize the south entrance, with access via West Washington Street.The proposed plan includes:<ul>
 <li>A 4,800-square-foot parking lot paved with six-inch concrete.
</li><li>A six-foot-wide sidewalk connecting the parking lot to the street.
</li><li>Replacement of all sidewalks around the perimeter and public right-of-way, including six ADA-compliant crossing panels.
</li>
 </ul>Heuer said the county received three bids for the project:<ul>
 <li>Barnes and Son Concrete Professionals: ~$56,000 (lowest bid)
</li><li>Stickler's Concrete: ~$61,000
</li><li>Ten Point Construction: Just over $87,000
</li>
 </ul>Heuer also noted that the county staff could handle the rock and dirt work to reduce costs, and that a sidewalk match grant through the City of Clarinda could cover half the cost of sidewalks running parallel to the streets.Despite the detailed planning and cost-saving options, a motion to approve the low bid from Barnes and Son died for lack of a second. Supervisor Brian Rogers expressed interest in seeing a line-item breakdown and a clear acknowledgment from the contractor of the desired project specifications.The board is expected to revisit the proposal at its next regular meeting.

Page County Delays Action on Annex Parking Lot Proposal, Seeks More Details

MARYVILLE, Mo.&nbsp; — Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to dig into the world of agriculture this summer at Ag Camp, hosted by Northwest Missouri State University’s Agricultural Education on the Move program.

The free three-day camp will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 2 at the university’s Agricultural Learning Center (ALC).

Campers will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including a farm tour, games, and a local business showcase. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a goodie bag, and the chance to engage in interactive lessons about agriculture, food production, and sustainability.

Registration is open now through 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. To sign up, parents or guardians are asked to message Emma Brushwood on Facebook.

Ag Camp aims to educate and inspire the next generation about the importance of agriculture in everyday life, all while having fun in a supportive and engaging environment.

MARYVILLE, Mo.&nbsp; — Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to dig into the world of agriculture this summer at Ag Camp, hosted by Northwest Missouri State University’s Agricultural Education on the Move program.The free three-day camp will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 2 at the university’s Agricultural Learning Center (ALC).Campers will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including a farm tour, games, and a local business showcase. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a goodie bag, and the chance to engage in interactive lessons about agriculture, food production, and sustainability.Registration is open now through 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. To sign up, parents or guardians are asked to message Emma Brushwood on Facebook.Ag Camp aims to educate and inspire the next generation about the importance of agriculture in everyday life, all while having fun in a supportive and engaging environment.

Northwest Missouri State to Host Free Ag Camp for Kids This Summer

WILCOX, Mo.&nbsp; — One of northwest Missouri’s oldest congregations will mark a significant milestone this weekend as Wilcox United Methodist Church celebrates its 175th anniversary of ministry and service.

A special anniversary worship service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the church, located at 22413 Galaxy Road in Wilcox. The community is invited to attend the celebration, which honors nearly two centuries of faith, perseverance, and dedication.

The church’s origins date back to 1850, when preaching services were first held in the home of Washington Griffith, about 1.5 miles from present-day Wilcox. Early records show that Griffith and several local families formed the original congregation, meeting in homes, schoolhouses, and even groves before the Civil War disrupted church activities.

Tensions during the war years made it dangerous to worship openly, especially for those affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. One presiding elder, Rev. Jesse Bird, was ordered to leave Missouri and cease preaching by military authorities.

After the war, the congregation reorganized and eventually moved to Wilcox following the town’s establishment in 1879. By 1891, the group had erected its first church building—a modest 28-by-48-foot frame structure—under the leadership of Rev. L.R. Loyal.

As the church grew, it was rebuilt in 1916 and again in 1970 following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous building. The current concrete and brick facility was completed in 1971 and continues to serve the congregation today under the leadership of Pastor Erin Mullins.

Over the decades, Wilcox United Methodist Church has adapted to changing times while staying rooted in tradition. It joined the broader Methodist Church merger in 1939, adopted the Lord’s Acre financial stewardship program in 1946, and celebrated its centennial in 1950 with a daylong event and basket dinner.

Throughout its 175-year history, the church has remained a cornerstone of the Wilcox community—offering worship, outreach, and fellowship for generations of local families.

Sunday’s anniversary service will reflect on that rich legacy and look ahead to the church’s future in faith.

For more information, contact Wilcox United Methodist Church

WILCOX, Mo.&nbsp; — One of northwest Missouri’s oldest congregations will mark a significant milestone this weekend as Wilcox United Methodist Church celebrates its 175th anniversary of ministry and service.A special anniversary worship service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the church, located at 22413 Galaxy Road in Wilcox. The community is invited to attend the celebration, which honors nearly two centuries of faith, perseverance, and dedication.The church’s origins date back to 1850, when preaching services were first held in the home of Washington Griffith, about 1.5 miles from present-day Wilcox. Early records show that Griffith and several local families formed the original congregation, meeting in homes, schoolhouses, and even groves before the Civil War disrupted church activities.Tensions during the war years made it dangerous to worship openly, especially for those affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. One presiding elder, Rev. Jesse Bird, was ordered to leave Missouri and cease preaching by military authorities.After the war, the congregation reorganized and eventually moved to Wilcox following the town’s establishment in 1879. By 1891, the group had erected its first church building—a modest 28-by-48-foot frame structure—under the leadership of Rev. L.R. Loyal.As the church grew, it was rebuilt in 1916 and again in 1970 following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous building. The current concrete and brick facility was completed in 1971 and continues to serve the congregation today under the leadership of Pastor Erin Mullins.Over the decades, Wilcox United Methodist Church has adapted to changing times while staying rooted in tradition. It joined the broader Methodist Church merger in 1939, adopted the Lord’s Acre financial stewardship program in 1946, and celebrated its centennial in 1950 with a daylong event and basket dinner.Throughout its 175-year history, the church has remained a cornerstone of the Wilcox community—offering worship, outreach, and fellowship for generations of local families.Sunday’s anniversary service will reflect on that rich legacy and look ahead to the church’s future in faith.For more information, contact Wilcox United Methodist Church

175 Years Celebration of Faith and Community at Wilcox United Methodist Church

RED OAK, Iowa — Stricter rules for wind turbine development are now in effect in Montgomery County, following a unanimous vote by the county board of supervisors Tuesday morning.

The board approved the first reading of an amendment to the county’s Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) ordinance, originally adopted in 2021. They then waived the second and third readings, meaning the new regulations will take effect upon publication.

The decision followed a public hearing in which a majority of residents spoke in favor of the amendment and voiced concerns about potential health, land use, and economic impacts from proposed wind projects, including MidAmerican Energy’s Silver Creek Wind Farm, which could include up to 68 turbines.

Barb Allen, representing the county’s planning and zoning commission, said the amendment targets three key concerns raised by residents: turbine proximity to homes, potential impacts on economic development, and conflicts with other land uses such as housing and agriculture.

Allen noted the county’s comprehensive plan, updated in 2025, establishes a two-mile buffer zone around incorporated cities to protect future growth and prevent land-use conflicts.

John Huff, associate project outreach manager for MidAmerican Energy, acknowledged the concerns and said the proposed Silver Creek project could generate about $33.8 million in revenue for the county over 40 years. While supporting the county’s right to set reasonable regulations, he expressed hope for a compromise.

Despite recognizing the potential loss of revenue, Supervisor Mike Olson supported the amendment, saying the public overwhelmingly opposed the wind projects.

Supervisors Mark Peterson and Bryant Amos echoed Olson’s concerns about wind energy’s viability. Amos added that the new ordinance reflects best practices other counties now wish they had adopted earlier.

Supervisor Chair Charla Schmid, while voting in favor, expressed support for wind development, calling it a good business decision. Supervisor Alex Burton questioned waiving the final readings, but Olson and Amos argued the public had ample time to weigh in.

The amended ordinance is expected to reshape the future of wind development in Montgomery County, as officials and developers continue to weigh economic benefits against public concern.

RED OAK, Iowa — Stricter rules for wind turbine development are now in effect in Montgomery County, following a unanimous vote by the county board of supervisors Tuesday morning.The board approved the first reading of an amendment to the county’s Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) ordinance, originally adopted in 2021. They then waived the second and third readings, meaning the new regulations will take effect upon publication.The decision followed a public hearing in which a majority of residents spoke in favor of the amendment and voiced concerns about potential health, land use, and economic impacts from proposed wind projects, including MidAmerican Energy’s Silver Creek Wind Farm, which could include up to 68 turbines.Barb Allen, representing the county’s planning and zoning commission, said the amendment targets three key concerns raised by residents: turbine proximity to homes, potential impacts on economic development, and conflicts with other land uses such as housing and agriculture.Allen noted the county’s comprehensive plan, updated in 2025, establishes a two-mile buffer zone around incorporated cities to protect future growth and prevent land-use conflicts.John Huff, associate project outreach manager for MidAmerican Energy, acknowledged the concerns and said the proposed Silver Creek project could generate about $33.8 million in revenue for the county over 40 years. While supporting the county’s right to set reasonable regulations, he expressed hope for a compromise.Despite recognizing the potential loss of revenue, Supervisor Mike Olson supported the amendment, saying the public overwhelmingly opposed the wind projects.Supervisors Mark Peterson and Bryant Amos echoed Olson’s concerns about wind energy’s viability. Amos added that the new ordinance reflects best practices other counties now wish they had adopted earlier.Supervisor Chair Charla Schmid, while voting in favor, expressed support for wind development, calling it a good business decision. Supervisor Alex Burton questioned waiving the final readings, but Olson and Amos argued the public had ample time to weigh in.The amended ordinance is expected to reshape the future of wind development in Montgomery County, as officials and developers continue to weigh economic benefits against public concern.

Montgomery County Supervisors Approve Stricter Wind Turbine Regulations

ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — Northwest Missouri State University alumni, students, employees and friends are invited to enjoy a summer night at the ballpark as part of the university’s annual Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs game.

The tradition continues Saturday, May 31, when the Mustangs take on the Nevada Griffons at Phil Welch Stadium, located at 2600 SW Parkway in St. Joseph. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Northwest alumni will be in the spotlight during the evening's festivities. Mike Johnson, a Northwest graduate and the university’s vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation Inc., will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Elizabeth Geier Cline, another alumna and the university’s alumni relations and communications specialist, will perform the national anthem.

Fans can also enjoy fireworks after the game, and children and families will have the chance to interact with Disney’s Stitch during an in-game promotional appearance.

The Northwest Alumni Association will provide free general admission tickets at the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must stop by the Northwest Alumni Association tent outside the stadium between 5 and 7 p.m. to claim their tickets and additional giveaway items. Advance reservations and ticket pickups are not available.

Additional ticket information is available at <a href="https://stjoemustangs.com/single-game-tickets">stjoemustangs.com/single-game-tickets</a>.

The St. Joseph Mustangs are a member of the M.I.N.K. Collegiate Baseball League, which includes eight summer teams from Missouri and Iowa. For more on the Mustangs, visit <a href="https://stjoemustangs.com">stjoemustangs.com</a>.

ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — Northwest Missouri State University alumni, students, employees and friends are invited to enjoy a summer night at the ballpark as part of the university’s annual Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs game.The tradition continues Saturday, May 31, when the Mustangs take on the Nevada Griffons at Phil Welch Stadium, located at 2600 SW Parkway in St. Joseph. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.Northwest alumni will be in the spotlight during the evening's festivities. Mike Johnson, a Northwest graduate and the university’s vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation Inc., will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Elizabeth Geier Cline, another alumna and the university’s alumni relations and communications specialist, will perform the national anthem.Fans can also enjoy fireworks after the game, and children and families will have the chance to interact with Disney’s Stitch during an in-game promotional appearance.The Northwest Alumni Association will provide free general admission tickets at the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must stop by the Northwest Alumni Association tent outside the stadium between 5 and 7 p.m. to claim their tickets and additional giveaway items. Advance reservations and ticket pickups are not available.Additional ticket information is available at <a href="https://stjoemustangs.com/single-game-tickets">stjoemustangs.com/single-game-tickets</a>.The St. Joseph Mustangs are a member of the M.I.N.K. Collegiate Baseball League, which includes eight summer teams from Missouri and Iowa. For more on the Mustangs, visit <a href="https://stjoemustangs.com">stjoemustangs.com</a>.

Northwest Missouri State Community Invited to Annual Northwest Night at Mustangs Game

CLARINDA, Iowa&nbsp; — Iowa Western Community College is inviting area farmers and landowners to learn how to better support monarch butterflies and other pollinators during an upcoming educational workshop.

The Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 4, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the College Depot, located at 923 E Washington Street in Clarinda. The event is free to attend, and includes a complimentary meal for those who register in advance.

The workshop is presented in partnership with Iowa Learning Farms, a program focused on conservation education, and will feature guest speaker Elizabeth Ripley, Conservation and Cover Crop Outreach Specialist with Iowa State University.

The workshop will cover best practices for creating and maintaining pollinator habitats, with a focus on monarch butterflies, whose populations have seen significant decline in recent decades.

Registration is required by May 28 and can be completed by calling (515) 294-5429 or emailing <a>ilf@iastate.edu</a>.

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.iowalearningfarms.org">Iowa Learning Farms’ website</a>.

CLARINDA, Iowa&nbsp; — Iowa Western Community College is inviting area farmers and landowners to learn how to better support monarch butterflies and other pollinators during an upcoming educational workshop.The Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 4, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the College Depot, located at 923 E Washington Street in Clarinda. The event is free to attend, and includes a complimentary meal for those who register in advance.The workshop is presented in partnership with Iowa Learning Farms, a program focused on conservation education, and will feature guest speaker Elizabeth Ripley, Conservation and Cover Crop Outreach Specialist with Iowa State University.The workshop will cover best practices for creating and maintaining pollinator habitats, with a focus on monarch butterflies, whose populations have seen significant decline in recent decades.Registration is required by May 28 and can be completed by calling (515) 294-5429 or emailing <a>ilf@iastate.edu</a>.For more information, visit <a href="https://www.iowalearningfarms.org">Iowa Learning Farms’ website</a>.

Iowa Western to Host Pollinator Workshop for Area Farmers

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dr. Will Parker about prostate cancer.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAd08G_LhAQ?si=ITpgQzlSamNnX43N" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dr. Will Parker about prostate cancer.

🎤 Foward Ever: Dr. Will Parker on prostate cancer

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 23-year-old Maryville man was southbound on MO 148 three miles south of Pickering.&nbsp;

The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck a mailbox, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, struck and embankment, became airborne and came to rest facing eastbound.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 23-year-old Maryville man was southbound on MO 148 three miles south of Pickering.&nbsp;The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck a mailbox, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, struck and embankment, became airborne and came to rest facing eastbound.A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. driver fell asleep before violent pickup accident

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>

Missourians receiving federal food assistance for low-income women and children will face fewer administrative hurdles to get benefits after the state this month modernized its system.

The Women, Infants and Children Program, known as WIC, for years required participants to&nbsp;physically visit an office to have their benefits loaded onto their cards — a requirement that sometimes hindered eligible Missourians from getting the food benefits at all.

But as of this month, the Department of Health and Senior Services has completed updates to allow participants to receive benefits remotely — transitioning to a system that has long been operated in nearly every other state.&nbsp;

WIC is a federal program providing supplemental food, nutrition education and referrals to health care to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk.&nbsp;

The new WIC card technology in Missouri in effect as of May 1 “will improve the participants’ benefit issuance and redemption experience,” said Lisa Cox, spokesperson for Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which operates the program. “So we anticipate that participants may remain enrolled in WIC for a longer time, which could increase participation.”

Missouri’s rate of WIC participation has long been below the national average, though it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/01/08/childrens-nutrition-program-revved-up-in-the-pandemic-faces-severe-cuts/" target="_blank">improved in recent years</a>. Some attributed Missouri’s administratively-challenging system to the low rate,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">especially during COVID,</a>&nbsp;when the state had to continue requiring in-person issuance.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/trends-in-wic-coverage-and-participation-0#Missouri" target="_blank">only 41% of eligible Missourians</a>&nbsp;were enrolled in WIC, and the national average was 54%. As of April, Cox said, there were 95,401 Missourians participating in WIC.&nbsp;

As of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">2022,</a>&nbsp;Missouri was one of just nine states which used a WIC system that required participants to bring their benefits cards to the local agency office when loading benefits — what’s called&nbsp; an “offline” system for reloading benefits.

Participants on the offline system dealt with transportation and socioeconomic barriers to accessing in-person benefits.\

“I have to request off work just to come load the card,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">one mother told The Independent.</a>

The modernization effort in effect this month allows the state to operate an “online” system capable of remotely and automatically reloading benefits.

Cox&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">previously said</a>&nbsp;the reason Missouri elected to operate an offline system was based on an analysis conducted roughly a decade ago.

In 2020, “it became apparent that an online system would be more user friendly,” Cox previously said, but “Missouri WIC was unable to change that decision mid-implementation.”

There are other advantages to the modernization, Cox said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MODHSS/bulletins/3deaf00" target="_blank">press release,</a>&nbsp;designed to make it easier for participants to track their benefits and for retailers to receive their reimbursement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747312488833.png" alt=" Bread at the Schnuck’s grocery story in Columbia marked as permitted to be purchased through Missouri’s WIC program, which provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Bread at the Schnuck’s grocery story in Columbia marked as permitted to be purchased through Missouri’s WIC program, which provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missourians receiving federal food assistance for low-income women and children will face fewer administrative hurdles to get benefits after the state this month modernized its system.The Women, Infants and Children Program, known as WIC, for years required participants to&nbsp;physically visit an office to have their benefits loaded onto their cards — a requirement that sometimes hindered eligible Missourians from getting the food benefits at all.But as of this month, the Department of Health and Senior Services has completed updates to allow participants to receive benefits remotely — transitioning to a system that has long been operated in nearly every other state.&nbsp;WIC is a federal program providing supplemental food, nutrition education and referrals to health care to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk.&nbsp;The new WIC card technology in Missouri in effect as of May 1 “will improve the participants’ benefit issuance and redemption experience,” said Lisa Cox, spokesperson for Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which operates the program. “So we anticipate that participants may remain enrolled in WIC for a longer time, which could increase participation.”Missouri’s rate of WIC participation has long been below the national average, though it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/01/08/childrens-nutrition-program-revved-up-in-the-pandemic-faces-severe-cuts/" target="_blank">improved in recent years</a>. Some attributed Missouri’s administratively-challenging system to the low rate,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">especially during COVID,</a>&nbsp;when the state had to continue requiring in-person issuance.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/trends-in-wic-coverage-and-participation-0#Missouri" target="_blank">only 41% of eligible Missourians</a>&nbsp;were enrolled in WIC, and the national average was 54%. As of April, Cox said, there were 95,401 Missourians participating in WIC.&nbsp;As of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">2022,</a>&nbsp;Missouri was one of just nine states which used a WIC system that required participants to bring their benefits cards to the local agency office when loading benefits — what’s called&nbsp; an “offline” system for reloading benefits.Participants on the offline system dealt with transportation and socioeconomic barriers to accessing in-person benefits.\“I have to request off work just to come load the card,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">one mother told The Independent.</a>The modernization effort in effect this month allows the state to operate an “online” system capable of remotely and automatically reloading benefits.Cox&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/10/missouri-participation-in-public-benefits-program-wic-fell-sharply-during-pandemic/">previously said</a>&nbsp;the reason Missouri elected to operate an offline system was based on an analysis conducted roughly a decade ago.In 2020, “it became apparent that an online system would be more user friendly,” Cox previously said, but “Missouri WIC was unable to change that decision mid-implementation.”There are other advantages to the modernization, Cox said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MODHSS/bulletins/3deaf00" target="_blank">press release,</a>&nbsp;designed to make it easier for participants to track their benefits and for retailers to receive their reimbursement.

Missouri upgrades system for public benefits program WIC to allow remote benefits loading

Democrats pledged that the motion to end debate, unused since 2020, will mean confrontation and the end of cooperation

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

Missouri Senate Republicans invoked a rarely used rule Wednesday to shut down a Democratic filibuster blocking a vote on a measure overturning the abortion rights amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">passed by voters in November</a>.

That action was immediately followed by another use of the rule, this time to get a bill passed repealing the paid sick leave law that was also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">approved by voters.</a>

The use of the rule — a procedural maneuver known as “calling the previous question,” or PQ — requires a signed motion from 10 members and forces an immediate vote on the bill under debate.

Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles, made the motion for a PQ on the abortion amendment shortly after 5 p.m. By 5:30 p.m., that bill, which must be approved by voters on a statewide ballot, had passed.

The sick leave repeal followed, and by 6 p.m. both bills were finished.

In the hour leading up to the vote, Democrats warned that Republicans were destroying months of good will and could expect no more cooperation this year and well into the future.

“Nothing will happen, nothing,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck. “The banner year that everybody had in this place? That is over with.”

Wednesday’s use of the previous question rule is the first time since 2020 when it was invoked and the first time since 2017 when it was used during a regular session. Used regularly in the Missouri House, it is used rarely in the Senate because the chamber has a tradition of unlimited debate and negotiations over difficult issues.

“What we’re doing today is a failure of the Senate,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Democrat from Columbia. “And when there’s a failure in the Senate, there needs to be a response, and that response can’t last forever, but that response has to happen, and it has to be painful, and has to make us all understand that when the Senate doesn’t function as a body, we all lose.”

Just as Republicans were moving to put an abortion ban on the ballot, protests erupted in the Senate gallery, with abortion-rights activists shouting down lawmakers. The gallery was briefly cleared, including the press, and the Senate continued with its work until it adjourned for the year a few hours later.

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Defiance Republican, said using the PQ is always a last resort. But it was his understanding that “goal posts were being moved” in negotiations by Democrats.&nbsp;

“I don’t know what transpired, but I do know that we hit a log jam,” he said, leaving the PQ as the only way forward to pass the sick leave repeal and abortion ban.&nbsp;

The proposed ban seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

Missourians could see the question on the November 2026 ballot, or as soon as this year if the governor chose to call a special election on the issue.&nbsp;

The proposed ban, if approved by a simple majority of voters, would&nbsp;reinstate several targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down as unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;by a Missouri judge.&nbsp;

It would also ban gender transition surgeries and prescribing medications for gender transition, including puberty blockers, for children younger than 18.

The amendment also includes a severability clause. This could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;

If approved, the amendment would also require any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office was recently unsuccessful in convincing the courts to move an ongoing legal battle between the state and Planned Parenthood from Jackson County to Cole County.

The language that could appear on each ballot does not mention the amendment would ban abortions, a detail that’s been highly-criticized by Democrats as deceiving.&nbsp;

Democrats have also accused Republicans of including the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which is already illegal in Missouri, as a form of “ballot candy” — a ruse aimed at tricking voters to support a measure they might otherwise vote against.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schroer said removal of the transgender health care provisions was a deal breaker for conservative senators.&nbsp;

“We talked to a lot of our members,” he said, “and they said that issue needs to be included.”&nbsp;

Amendment 3 narrowly passed in November following a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/29/spending-on-missouri-ballot-measures-nears-100-million-as-campaign-enters-final-week/">multi-million dollar campaign</a>&nbsp;by abortion-rights advocates. A day later, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, challenging several of Missouri’s laws focused on abortion facilities and providers.

An amendment to alter the language so it directly states that it is repealing Amendment 3 was defeated just before the motion to cut off debate.

While many sitting Republicans have previously opposed abortion exceptions outside of those to save the mother’s life, many said the November election showed Missourians’ desire for a less stringent law.

<a href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2022-poll/-pdf/slu-poll-august-2022-crosstabs.pdf" target="_blank">Missourians overwhelmingly support abortion exceptions for survivors,&nbsp;</a>an August 2022 SLU/YouGov poll found. The polling was done several weeks after Missouri became the first state to enact a full abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Since Amendment 3 took effect, surgical abortions are being performed but medication abortions have not.

Three of the state’s several Planned Parenthood clinics have restarted surgical abortions for those up to 12 weeks gestation at clinics in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">Columbia</a>&nbsp;and St. Louis.&nbsp;

The clinics were authorized to begin the procedure again for the first time in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.

Medication abortion — the most common means of ending a pregnancy —&nbsp;remains inaccessible in Missouri after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/31/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-rape-incest/">&nbsp;the state health department rejected complication plans&nbsp;</a>submitted by the clinics outlining continued care for patients in the case they had any adverse effects from the medication.&nbsp;

If the bill is signed by the governor, the paid-sick leave benefits approved by voters that went&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/01/missouri-paid-sick-leave-law-now-in-effect-though-legislative-challenges-still-loom/">into effect on May 1</a>&nbsp;will be stripped away on Aug. 28.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;also removes the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation, which has been in place since 2007

The paid sick leave and minimum wage provisions passed with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">58% of the vote in November</a>&nbsp;as Proposition A, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessforafairminimumwage.org/statement/Missouri2024" target="_blank">over 500 business owners.&nbsp;</a>

“Workers are earning paid sick leave right now,” said state Sen. Patty Lewis, a Democrat from Kansas City, “and then it’s going to get taken away and they’re going to be fired up about it.”

GOP critics have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/26/missouri-bill-to-overturn-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-clears-senate-committee/">portrayed paid sick leave as a “job killer”</a>&nbsp;that would hurt small businesses. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, a Republican from Jefferson City, and Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton.&nbsp;

Senate Democrats have been in negotiations with Republicans over the last month to modify the bill, in what they’ve said is an effort to maintain the will of the voters in expanding paid sick leave rather than gut it entirely, as well as make it easier for businesses to comply.

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said senators have “worked tirelessly to figure out some kind of compromise.”&nbsp;

The Democrats spent two nights blocking a vote on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/17/missouri-democrats-filibuster-gop-effort-to-overturn-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave/">paid sick leave repeal earlier in the session</a>.

Under Proposition A, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year must provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.&nbsp;

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it’s a slap in the face to voters that will create “disgruntled employees” and cause “chaos” for businesses.

“Proposition A was passed so overwhelmingly, with so much support from Republican voters, it seemed that it would be so controversial in the legislature that Republican politicians would be more hesitant than they apparently are,” he said, “to overturn the will of their own voters, and cause them economic pain.”

The message lawmakers are sending is: “They don’t believe that you deserve economic security,” he added.&nbsp;

It could also cause backlash for the lawmakers from districts who supported the measure, he said.&nbsp;

“We’re going to make sure that workers don’t experience this as something that just happens to us without understanding these are decisions made by people, and workers have the ability to hold people accountable for those decisions,” he said.

Von Glahn said it’s not the end of the fight for paid sick leave, and advocates will consider putting it on the ballot again as a constitutional amendment, a move that would make it much harder for lawmakers to repeal.&nbsp;

“I’m confident,” he said, “this is a policy that Missourians want and we’re going to continue to fight for that through every means necessary.”&nbsp;

The debate Wednesday afternoon began about 12:30 p.m. and Democrats held the floor for much of the time. But near the start of the debate, state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee’s Summit Republican, aired his grievances with the leadership of Missouri Right to LIfe.

Cierpiot accused the organization, one of the most visible anti-abortion groups in the state, of focusing more on enforcing purity of thought and maintaining its influence within the GOP than writing laws acceptable to most Missourians.

Amendment 3 reinstated abortion rights lost in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. If Missouri Right to Life’s leaders had not demanded a ban with no exceptions for rape or incest, he said, Amendment 3 might have been defeated.

“Their leadership, Ms. (Susan) Klein, and Mr. (Dave) Plemmons and Mr. (Steve) Rupp have been much more interested in causing Republican brush fires over issues with much smaller or no impact on the huge effort for life,” Cierpiot said.&nbsp;

The problems with Missouri Right to Life was evident in the 2024 elections when it made single-candidate endorsements, freezing out candidates who had been ardent anti-abortion legislators. The organization endorsed then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in the Republican primary for governor, then refused to endorse Republican nominee Mike Kehoe for the general election.

Other Republicans who won without the endorsement of Missouri Right to Life joined in the criticism. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, said the law triggered by the 2022 abortion decision was negotiated in spite of Missouri Right to Life, not with its help.

“I don’t know that I really care, frankly, that they didn’t endorse me,” Coleman said. “What I do care about is that they didn’t endorse Gov. Kehoe in the primary, and they didn’t endorse him in the general.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747267006529.png" alt=" Jaeda Roth and other protestors from Abortion Access Missouri unfurl “Stop the Ban” banners as the Missouri Senate passes a proposed constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Jaeda Roth and other protestors from Abortion Access Missouri unfurl “Stop the Ban” banners as the Missouri Senate passes a proposed constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democrats pledged that the motion to end debate, unused since 2020, will mean confrontation and the end of cooperation</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Senate Republicans invoked a rarely used rule Wednesday to shut down a Democratic filibuster blocking a vote on a measure overturning the abortion rights amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">passed by voters in November</a>.That action was immediately followed by another use of the rule, this time to get a bill passed repealing the paid sick leave law that was also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">approved by voters.</a>The use of the rule — a procedural maneuver known as “calling the previous question,” or PQ — requires a signed motion from 10 members and forces an immediate vote on the bill under debate.Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles, made the motion for a PQ on the abortion amendment shortly after 5 p.m. By 5:30 p.m., that bill, which must be approved by voters on a statewide ballot, had passed.The sick leave repeal followed, and by 6 p.m. both bills were finished.In the hour leading up to the vote, Democrats warned that Republicans were destroying months of good will and could expect no more cooperation this year and well into the future.“Nothing will happen, nothing,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck. “The banner year that everybody had in this place? That is over with.”Wednesday’s use of the previous question rule is the first time since 2020 when it was invoked and the first time since 2017 when it was used during a regular session. Used regularly in the Missouri House, it is used rarely in the Senate because the chamber has a tradition of unlimited debate and negotiations over difficult issues.“What we’re doing today is a failure of the Senate,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Democrat from Columbia. “And when there’s a failure in the Senate, there needs to be a response, and that response can’t last forever, but that response has to happen, and it has to be painful, and has to make us all understand that when the Senate doesn’t function as a body, we all lose.”Just as Republicans were moving to put an abortion ban on the ballot, protests erupted in the Senate gallery, with abortion-rights activists shouting down lawmakers. The gallery was briefly cleared, including the press, and the Senate continued with its work until it adjourned for the year a few hours later.State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Defiance Republican, said using the PQ is always a last resort. But it was his understanding that “goal posts were being moved” in negotiations by Democrats.&nbsp;“I don’t know what transpired, but I do know that we hit a log jam,” he said, leaving the PQ as the only way forward to pass the sick leave repeal and abortion ban.&nbsp;<h2>Abortion ban</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747266967562.png" alt=" Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck speaks about negotiations on a bill that seeks to establish a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck speaks about negotiations on a bill that seeks to establish a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The proposed ban seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;Missourians could see the question on the November 2026 ballot, or as soon as this year if the governor chose to call a special election on the issue.&nbsp;The proposed ban, if approved by a simple majority of voters, would&nbsp;reinstate several targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down as unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;by a Missouri judge.&nbsp;It would also ban gender transition surgeries and prescribing medications for gender transition, including puberty blockers, for children younger than 18.The amendment also includes a severability clause. This could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;If approved, the amendment would also require any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office was recently unsuccessful in convincing the courts to move an ongoing legal battle between the state and Planned Parenthood from Jackson County to Cole County.The language that could appear on each ballot does not mention the amendment would ban abortions, a detail that’s been highly-criticized by Democrats as deceiving.&nbsp;Democrats have also accused Republicans of including the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which is already illegal in Missouri, as a form of “ballot candy” — a ruse aimed at tricking voters to support a measure they might otherwise vote against.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schroer said removal of the transgender health care provisions was a deal breaker for conservative senators.&nbsp;“We talked to a lot of our members,” he said, “and they said that issue needs to be included.”&nbsp;Amendment 3 narrowly passed in November following a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/29/spending-on-missouri-ballot-measures-nears-100-million-as-campaign-enters-final-week/">multi-million dollar campaign</a>&nbsp;by abortion-rights advocates. A day later, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, challenging several of Missouri’s laws focused on abortion facilities and providers.An amendment to alter the language so it directly states that it is repealing Amendment 3 was defeated just before the motion to cut off debate.While many sitting Republicans have previously opposed abortion exceptions outside of those to save the mother’s life, many said the November election showed Missourians’ desire for a less stringent law.<a href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2022-poll/-pdf/slu-poll-august-2022-crosstabs.pdf" target="_blank">Missourians overwhelmingly support abortion exceptions for survivors,&nbsp;</a>an August 2022 SLU/YouGov poll found. The polling was done several weeks after Missouri became the first state to enact a full abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.Since Amendment 3 took effect, surgical abortions are being performed but medication abortions have not.Three of the state’s several Planned Parenthood clinics have restarted surgical abortions for those up to 12 weeks gestation at clinics in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">Columbia</a>&nbsp;and St. Louis.&nbsp;The clinics were authorized to begin the procedure again for the first time in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.Medication abortion — the most common means of ending a pregnancy —&nbsp;remains inaccessible in Missouri after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/31/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-rape-incest/">&nbsp;the state health department rejected complication plans&nbsp;</a>submitted by the clinics outlining continued care for patients in the case they had any adverse effects from the medication.&nbsp;<h2>Sick leave law</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747266935012.png" alt=" State Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, prepares for Senate Republicans to force a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, prepares for Senate Republicans to force a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>If the bill is signed by the governor, the paid-sick leave benefits approved by voters that went&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/01/missouri-paid-sick-leave-law-now-in-effect-though-legislative-challenges-still-loom/">into effect on May 1</a>&nbsp;will be stripped away on Aug. 28.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;also removes the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation, which has been in place since 2007The paid sick leave and minimum wage provisions passed with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">58% of the vote in November</a>&nbsp;as Proposition A, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessforafairminimumwage.org/statement/Missouri2024" target="_blank">over 500 business owners.&nbsp;</a>“Workers are earning paid sick leave right now,” said state Sen. Patty Lewis, a Democrat from Kansas City, “and then it’s going to get taken away and they’re going to be fired up about it.”GOP critics have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/26/missouri-bill-to-overturn-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-clears-senate-committee/">portrayed paid sick leave as a “job killer”</a>&nbsp;that would hurt small businesses. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, a Republican from Jefferson City, and Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton.&nbsp;Senate Democrats have been in negotiations with Republicans over the last month to modify the bill, in what they’ve said is an effort to maintain the will of the voters in expanding paid sick leave rather than gut it entirely, as well as make it easier for businesses to comply.State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said senators have “worked tirelessly to figure out some kind of compromise.”&nbsp;The Democrats spent two nights blocking a vote on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/17/missouri-democrats-filibuster-gop-effort-to-overturn-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave/">paid sick leave repeal earlier in the session</a>.Under Proposition A, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year must provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.&nbsp;Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it’s a slap in the face to voters that will create “disgruntled employees” and cause “chaos” for businesses.“Proposition A was passed so overwhelmingly, with so much support from Republican voters, it seemed that it would be so controversial in the legislature that Republican politicians would be more hesitant than they apparently are,” he said, “to overturn the will of their own voters, and cause them economic pain.”The message lawmakers are sending is: “They don’t believe that you deserve economic security,” he added.&nbsp;It could also cause backlash for the lawmakers from districts who supported the measure, he said.&nbsp;“We’re going to make sure that workers don’t experience this as something that just happens to us without understanding these are decisions made by people, and workers have the ability to hold people accountable for those decisions,” he said.Von Glahn said it’s not the end of the fight for paid sick leave, and advocates will consider putting it on the ballot again as a constitutional amendment, a move that would make it much harder for lawmakers to repeal.&nbsp;“I’m confident,” he said, “this is a policy that Missourians want and we’re going to continue to fight for that through every means necessary.”&nbsp;<h2>Republican fractures&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747266893046.png" alt=" Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit, speaks on the Senate floor on Feb. 10, 2021 (screenshot courtesy of Senate Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit, speaks on the Senate floor on Feb. 10, 2021 (screenshot courtesy of Senate Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>The debate Wednesday afternoon began about 12:30 p.m. and Democrats held the floor for much of the time. But near the start of the debate, state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee’s Summit Republican, aired his grievances with the leadership of Missouri Right to LIfe.Cierpiot accused the organization, one of the most visible anti-abortion groups in the state, of focusing more on enforcing purity of thought and maintaining its influence within the GOP than writing laws acceptable to most Missourians.Amendment 3 reinstated abortion rights lost in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. If Missouri Right to Life’s leaders had not demanded a ban with no exceptions for rape or incest, he said, Amendment 3 might have been defeated.“Their leadership, Ms. (Susan) Klein, and Mr. (Dave) Plemmons and Mr. (Steve) Rupp have been much more interested in causing Republican brush fires over issues with much smaller or no impact on the huge effort for life,” Cierpiot said.&nbsp;The problems with Missouri Right to Life was evident in the 2024 elections when it made single-candidate endorsements, freezing out candidates who had been ardent anti-abortion legislators. The organization endorsed then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in the Republican primary for governor, then refused to endorse Republican nominee Mike Kehoe for the general election.Other Republicans who won without the endorsement of Missouri Right to Life joined in the criticism. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, said the law triggered by the 2022 abortion decision was negotiated in spite of Missouri Right to Life, not with its help.“I don’t know that I really care, frankly, that they didn’t endorse me,” Coleman said. “What I do care about is that they didn’t endorse Gov. Kehoe in the primary, and they didn’t endorse him in the general.”

Missouri Republicans shut down Senate debate to pass abortion ban, repeal sick leave law

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

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;passed by the state legislature Tuesday and on its way to the governor will require school districts to create a policy banning cell phone usage throughout the school day, including during breaks between classes and at lunch.

A majority of U.S. adults support cell phone bans during class time, or 68%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/10/14/most-americans-back-cellphone-bans-during-class-but-fewer-support-all-day-restrictions/" target="_blank">as recorded in a Pew Research Center poll</a>. But restricting mobile phone use for the entire school day is less popular, with 36% in support.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed the cell-phone-ban legislation with restrictions only during instructional time. She&nbsp;wanted to give school boards and charter schools the ability to decide whether or not to place further limitations on cell phones, she told The Independent.

Lawmakers decided to pursue the more restrictive policy, and Steinhoff believes students will see benefits academically and socially.

“The statistics really do hold that if we do the (full day), bell to bell, that’s going to have the biggest turnaround,” she said.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/2_19_2025.asp" target="_blank">the National Center for Education Statistics</a>, roughly 53% of school leaders believe that cell-phone usage has hurt students’ learning abilities. And 72% say it has negatively impacted mental health.

Many school districts have chosen to enact bans, and states around the country have been increasingly writing bans into law with restrictions passed in at least nine states and 10 states testing the policy in a pilot program since 2023.

Missouri’s full-day ban would be one of the more restrictive laws, but there are exceptions.

Students who need a mobile device to accommodate a disability are exempted, and cell phones would be allowed if there is a safety emergency at school.

The legislation also gives school districts and charter schools the ability to decide if teachers may allow students to use cell phones during class.

The bill does not require phones to be locked up. School boards will have to decide whether devices will be stowed in designated areas or allowed in students’ backpacks.

Districts will have to enact a policy during the 2025-2026 school year.

The legislation is part of a sweeping education package negotiated in the final weeks of the legislative session.

It began as a three-page bill prescribing reporting requirements for school safety incidents. Now, at 138 pages, it contains bipartisan legislation, with multiple provisions aimed at school safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747217604807.png" alt=" State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, speaks March 5 in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, speaks March 5 in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;passed by the state legislature Tuesday and on its way to the governor will require school districts to create a policy banning cell phone usage throughout the school day, including during breaks between classes and at lunch.A majority of U.S. adults support cell phone bans during class time, or 68%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/10/14/most-americans-back-cellphone-bans-during-class-but-fewer-support-all-day-restrictions/" target="_blank">as recorded in a Pew Research Center poll</a>. But restricting mobile phone use for the entire school day is less popular, with 36% in support.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed the cell-phone-ban legislation with restrictions only during instructional time. She&nbsp;wanted to give school boards and charter schools the ability to decide whether or not to place further limitations on cell phones, she told The Independent.Lawmakers decided to pursue the more restrictive policy, and Steinhoff believes students will see benefits academically and socially.“The statistics really do hold that if we do the (full day), bell to bell, that’s going to have the biggest turnaround,” she said.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/2_19_2025.asp" target="_blank">the National Center for Education Statistics</a>, roughly 53% of school leaders believe that cell-phone usage has hurt students’ learning abilities. And 72% say it has negatively impacted mental health.Many school districts have chosen to enact bans, and states around the country have been increasingly writing bans into law with restrictions passed in at least nine states and 10 states testing the policy in a pilot program since 2023.Missouri’s full-day ban would be one of the more restrictive laws, but there are exceptions.Students who need a mobile device to accommodate a disability are exempted, and cell phones would be allowed if there is a safety emergency at school.The legislation also gives school districts and charter schools the ability to decide if teachers may allow students to use cell phones during class.The bill does not require phones to be locked up. School boards will have to decide whether devices will be stowed in designated areas or allowed in students’ backpacks.Districts will have to enact a policy during the 2025-2026 school year.The legislation is part of a sweeping education package negotiated in the final weeks of the legislative session.It began as a three-page bill prescribing reporting requirements for school safety incidents. Now, at 138 pages, it contains bipartisan legislation, with multiple provisions aimed at school safety.

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