ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in the 400 block South U.S.73 Highway in Atchison.

A 2003 Toyota Highlander driven by Gary Bewley, 72, Atchison, was exiting a parking lot on the east side of U.S. 73, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The Toyota and a northbound 2003 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Walter Pierce, 61, Atchison, collided.

EMS transported Bewley to Amberwell Hospital for examination.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759845735146.png" alt="Photos Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in the 400 block South U.S.73 Highway in Atchison.A 2003 Toyota Highlander driven by Gary Bewley, 72, Atchison, was exiting a parking lot on the east side of U.S. 73, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759845710596.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Toyota and a northbound 2003 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Walter Pierce, 61, Atchison, collided.EMS transported Bewley to Amberwell Hospital for examination.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Kan. man hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 GMC Sierra driven by a 57-year-old Waynesville man was southbound on Route EE eight miles north of New Hampton. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road into a creek. The vehicle struck an embankment and came to rest partially submerged.

Grand River EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Albany. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 GMC Sierra driven by a 57-year-old Waynesville man was southbound on Route EE eight miles north of New Hampton. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road into a creek. The vehicle struck an embankment and came to rest partially submerged.Grand River EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Albany. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missoui man injured after pickup crash into creek

MERER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2024 Can-am Commander driven by a 52-year-old Princeton man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC six miles east of Mount Moriah. The UTV traveled off the south side of the road and the driver overcorrected.. The vehicle returned to the road , crossed the center line and overturned.

Mercer County ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MERER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2024 Can-am Commander driven by a 52-year-old Princeton man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC six miles east of Mount Moriah. The UTV traveled off the south side of the road and the driver overcorrected.. The vehicle returned to the road , crossed the center line and overturned.Mercer County ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man hospitalized after UTV overturns

The fall season brings increased deer movement, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol wants drivers to be on the lookout.  

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says this time of year at any time of the day you can see deer along the roadway 

"Primarily early morning, and then as well at dusk, seems like to be the more prevalent times,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Hux says with harvest season happening deer are being pushed out of their habitats.  He says it is also the deer’s mating season which adds to their movement.  

Hux says if you come across a deer in the roadway, you should not try to swerve to avoid it 

"Cause what we see a lot of is people that swerve to miss a deer, then their vehicle travels off the roadway, they overcorrect, and it causes the vehicle to overturn,” Hux explains.  “So the crash turns into a serious crash when it could have been maybe a minor crash because they struck the deer.” 

Hux says instead, if you see a deer, you should be sure to decrease your speed and maintain a visual on the deer.  Hux also says if you can't get stopped, sometimes it's better to just hit the deer, rather than risk more serious injury.  

Hux says if you do hit a deer, you might not have to report it for insurance, but you should still contact the highway patrol 

"We also want to make sure that that deer carcass is not still in the roadway after someone hits a deer, because that becomes another hazard for other motorists, so we always lik to remove those from the roadway,” Hux says. “So, call us, even if you don’t need a report, call us, we can send a trooper out to respond to that area to make sure that there’s not a hazard of that carcass still being out in the roadway.” 

In 2024, there were 2,952 crashes with deer, with four deaths and 420 injuries reported according to the Highway Patrol. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

By MATT PIKEThe fall season brings increased deer movement, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol wants drivers to be on the lookout. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says this time of year at any time of the day you can see deer along the roadway "Primarily early morning, and then as well at dusk, seems like to be the more prevalent times,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hux says with harvest season happening deer are being pushed out of their habitats. He says it is also the deer’s mating season which adds to their movement. Hux says if you come across a deer in the roadway, you should not try to swerve to avoid it "Cause what we see a lot of is people that swerve to miss a deer, then their vehicle travels off the roadway, they overcorrect, and it causes the vehicle to overturn,” Hux explains. “So the crash turns into a serious crash when it could have been maybe a minor crash because they struck the deer.” Hux says instead, if you see a deer, you should be sure to decrease your speed and maintain a visual on the deer. Hux also says if you can't get stopped, sometimes it's better to just hit the deer, rather than risk more serious injury. Hux says if you do hit a deer, you might not have to report it for insurance, but you should still contact the highway patrol "We also want to make sure that that deer carcass is not still in the roadway after someone hits a deer, because that becomes another hazard for other motorists, so we always lik to remove those from the roadway,” Hux says. “So, call us, even if you don’t need a report, call us, we can send a trooper out to respond to that area to make sure that there’s not a hazard of that carcass still being out in the roadway.” In 2024, there were 2,952 crashes with deer, with four deaths and 420 injuries reported according to the Highway Patrol. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

MSHP says to look out for deer as fall season rolls around

The state’s request calls for SNAP restrictions and expanded incentives for healthy purchases, but nonprofit and industry leaders are concerned that nutritious food will remain out of reach for many

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

MOBERLY — Programs to help lower-income Missourians stretch their food benefits allow many families to put fresh produce on their tables, said Kara Bunten, director of the Randolph County Farmers Market, on Thursday, the last market of the year.

Families rely on these programs “to feed their family fresh fruits and vegetables at a reduced rate, so they’re not spending all the money off their cards,” Bunten said.

Those programs, currently supported with $2 million annually of state funds, could get more help under a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, waiver application filed last week with federal officials by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

But that same waiver could bar recipients from buying soft drinks, candy and ready-to-eat desserts. And those restrictions, critics say, could mean even fewer choices for consumers in areas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/07/missouri-bills-would-offer-incentives-for-grocery-stores-urban-farms-to-eliminate-food-deserts/">classified as food deserts</a>.&nbsp;

In addition to “headache and complications,”&nbsp;the proposed restrictions could increase stigma and “cause a lot more people to not want to use those benefits,” said Christine Woody, food security policy manager at Empower Missouri, a nonprofit that&nbsp;advocates on behalf of low-income residents.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">waiver,</a>&nbsp;with a projected implementation in October 2026, needs approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which operates the SNAP program.&nbsp;

The request was filed after Gov. Mike Kehoe issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Library/Reference/Orders/2025/25-30.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;Sunday calling on the department to run SNAP “in a manner that prioritizes healthy foods.” It comes as federal changes passed by Congress in July narrow eligibility to receive benefits and impose additional costs on the state to ensure that SNAP users meet stricter work requirements.&nbsp;

In August,&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/0825-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">667,531 Missourians</a>&nbsp;were receiving SNAP benefits, according to the Family Support Division. More than 41% of them were children.

This spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/ban-on-use-of-food-stamps-for-candy-soda-debated-by-missouri-lawmakers/">efforts</a>&nbsp;failed in the General Assembly to prohibit SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda with their benefits.

Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said in an email that “while no specific food items are being identified at this point in the process,” the restrictions proposed in the request reflect “initial language DSS plans to use to evaluate specific food items, upon USDA approval.”

Kehoe’s executive order also called on the department to “incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Missouri-produced meats and dairy products” with food assistance, without specifics.

Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, which will participate in the process to implement the waiver, said that wherever Missouri decides to draw the line between “what is healthy and what is not healthy,” the changes will cause “confusion” for SNAP users and retailers.&nbsp;

Shaul gave the example from Indiana, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/a-dozen-states-win-approval-to-restrict-soda-candy-for-snap-recipients/">12 states</a>&nbsp;that has secured USDA approval to restrict SNAP purchases. When Indiana’s waiver begins in January, Shaul said, Snickers bars will be excluded as candy, while&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/12/retailers-researchers-criticize-indiana-plan-to-exclude-soda-and-candy-from-snap/" target="_blank">Twix will not</a>, due to a definition in the state’s tax code.

“One would think, ‘It’s got peanuts in it, so it’s got to be the food,’” Shaul said of Snickers. “It’s absolutely the candy. The Twix is considered food because it has flour in it.”

The dilemma for SNAP users, Woody said, is knowing which foods are eligible and which are not.&nbsp;

“You bring a whole cart of groceries, and you put them on there,” she said, “and then they’re like, ‘You can’t have that,’ or ‘You can’t have that.’”

Shaul said that although retailers will bear the upfront cost of reconfiguring their systems to implement restrictions, some of the expense will be passed to shoppers, whether they use SNAP or not.

“There’s going to be administrative costs, there’s going to be training costs, and ultimately, in an industry that [has] normally a 1% margin, any cost is going to be felt at the end, at the consumer,” Shaul said. “We’ll do everything we can to minimize it, but there’s truly going to be issues.”

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City, questioned whether the request would help low-income Missourians to eat healthier.

“The issue with using a stick instead of a carrot when it comes to this approach of healthy eating is that we are doing nothing, nothing at all, to actually help get healthy food into the household of Missourians,” Nurrenbern said.

Kehoe’s executive order called on the state to incentivize SNAP users to buy healthy, locally produced food, but did not specify how the state should do this.

Kehoe called for the expansion of programs like&nbsp;<a href="https://doubleupheartland.org/" target="_blank">Double Up Food Bucks</a>, which allows SNAP users to double the fresh fruits and vegetables they bring home from select grocery stores and farmers markets.

Karissa Kary, president of the Missouri Farmers Market Association, said vendors would welcome more support for Double Up Food Bucks.

“The state stepping up to help support that further would be incredible, because it allows opportunities for both farmers and people on food assistance to get the freshest, most local food that is in the area,” Kary said.

But Kary said that although vendors would benefit from more incentives to buy fresh produce, they are wary of more state rules on top of impending changes to the program on the federal level. Bakers, for instance, will need “clarity” on what Missouri will count as a “prepared dessert.”

“It is very difficult for farmers markets to get the accreditation and everything they need to accept SNAP dollars,” Kary said. “So the fear of losing it or being fined for doing something inadvertently incorrect is really scary for a lot of small vendors…let alone the farmers they serve.”

Nurrenbern said many people on SNAP don’t have access to farmers markets and shopping choices are limited in many rural areas.&nbsp;

“It is whatever [is] on those stalls that that single mom can make quickly before she heads out the door for second or third shift,” Nurrenbern said. “And God forbid she needs a Diet Coke so she can keep going to go to that third shift that starts at 11 p.m.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759773912729.jpeg" alt=" Becky Piquard, left, and her husband, Steve Piquard, of Clark, serve a customer Thursday at their stand for Just Ask Nature at the Randolph County Farmers Market in Moberly. (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Becky Piquard, left, and her husband, Steve Piquard, of Clark, serve a customer Thursday at their stand for Just Ask Nature at the Randolph County Farmers Market in Moberly. (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state’s request calls for SNAP restrictions and expanded incentives for healthy purchases, but nonprofit and industry leaders are concerned that nutritious food will remain out of reach for many</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>MOBERLY — Programs to help lower-income Missourians stretch their food benefits allow many families to put fresh produce on their tables, said Kara Bunten, director of the Randolph County Farmers Market, on Thursday, the last market of the year.Families rely on these programs “to feed their family fresh fruits and vegetables at a reduced rate, so they’re not spending all the money off their cards,” Bunten said.Those programs, currently supported with $2 million annually of state funds, could get more help under a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, waiver application filed last week with federal officials by the Missouri Department of Social Services.But that same waiver could bar recipients from buying soft drinks, candy and ready-to-eat desserts. And those restrictions, critics say, could mean even fewer choices for consumers in areas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/07/missouri-bills-would-offer-incentives-for-grocery-stores-urban-farms-to-eliminate-food-deserts/">classified as food deserts</a>.&nbsp;In addition to “headache and complications,”&nbsp;the proposed restrictions could increase stigma and “cause a lot more people to not want to use those benefits,” said Christine Woody, food security policy manager at Empower Missouri, a nonprofit that&nbsp;advocates on behalf of low-income residents.The&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">waiver,</a>&nbsp;with a projected implementation in October 2026, needs approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which operates the SNAP program.&nbsp;The request was filed after Gov. Mike Kehoe issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Library/Reference/Orders/2025/25-30.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;Sunday calling on the department to run SNAP “in a manner that prioritizes healthy foods.” It comes as federal changes passed by Congress in July narrow eligibility to receive benefits and impose additional costs on the state to ensure that SNAP users meet stricter work requirements.&nbsp;In August,&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/0825-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">667,531 Missourians</a>&nbsp;were receiving SNAP benefits, according to the Family Support Division. More than 41% of them were children.This spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/ban-on-use-of-food-stamps-for-candy-soda-debated-by-missouri-lawmakers/">efforts</a>&nbsp;failed in the General Assembly to prohibit SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda with their benefits.Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said in an email that “while no specific food items are being identified at this point in the process,” the restrictions proposed in the request reflect “initial language DSS plans to use to evaluate specific food items, upon USDA approval.”Kehoe’s executive order also called on the department to “incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Missouri-produced meats and dairy products” with food assistance, without specifics.<h2>Retailer bear upfront costs</h2>Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, which will participate in the process to implement the waiver, said that wherever Missouri decides to draw the line between “what is healthy and what is not healthy,” the changes will cause “confusion” for SNAP users and retailers.&nbsp;Shaul gave the example from Indiana, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/a-dozen-states-win-approval-to-restrict-soda-candy-for-snap-recipients/">12 states</a>&nbsp;that has secured USDA approval to restrict SNAP purchases. When Indiana’s waiver begins in January, Shaul said, Snickers bars will be excluded as candy, while&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/12/retailers-researchers-criticize-indiana-plan-to-exclude-soda-and-candy-from-snap/" target="_blank">Twix will not</a>, due to a definition in the state’s tax code.“One would think, ‘It’s got peanuts in it, so it’s got to be the food,’” Shaul said of Snickers. “It’s absolutely the candy. The Twix is considered food because it has flour in it.”The dilemma for SNAP users, Woody said, is knowing which foods are eligible and which are not.&nbsp;“You bring a whole cart of groceries, and you put them on there,” she said, “and then they’re like, ‘You can’t have that,’ or ‘You can’t have that.’”Shaul said that although retailers will bear the upfront cost of reconfiguring their systems to implement restrictions, some of the expense will be passed to shoppers, whether they use SNAP or not.“There’s going to be administrative costs, there’s going to be training costs, and ultimately, in an industry that [has] normally a 1% margin, any cost is going to be felt at the end, at the consumer,” Shaul said. “We’ll do everything we can to minimize it, but there’s truly going to be issues.”<h2>‘A stick instead of a carrot’</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759773870497.png" alt="Promotional material for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits, at the Randolph County Farmers Market in Moberly (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Promotional material for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits, at the Randolph County Farmers Market in Moberly (Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City, questioned whether the request would help low-income Missourians to eat healthier.“The issue with using a stick instead of a carrot when it comes to this approach of healthy eating is that we are doing nothing, nothing at all, to actually help get healthy food into the household of Missourians,” Nurrenbern said.Kehoe’s executive order called on the state to incentivize SNAP users to buy healthy, locally produced food, but did not specify how the state should do this.Kehoe called for the expansion of programs like&nbsp;<a href="https://doubleupheartland.org/" target="_blank">Double Up Food Bucks</a>, which allows SNAP users to double the fresh fruits and vegetables they bring home from select grocery stores and farmers markets.Karissa Kary, president of the Missouri Farmers Market Association, said vendors would welcome more support for Double Up Food Bucks.“The state stepping up to help support that further would be incredible, because it allows opportunities for both farmers and people on food assistance to get the freshest, most local food that is in the area,” Kary said.But Kary said that although vendors would benefit from more incentives to buy fresh produce, they are wary of more state rules on top of impending changes to the program on the federal level. Bakers, for instance, will need “clarity” on what Missouri will count as a “prepared dessert.”“It is very difficult for farmers markets to get the accreditation and everything they need to accept SNAP dollars,” Kary said. “So the fear of losing it or being fined for doing something inadvertently incorrect is really scary for a lot of small vendors…let alone the farmers they serve.”Nurrenbern said many people on SNAP don’t have access to farmers markets and shopping choices are limited in many rural areas.&nbsp;“It is whatever [is] on those stalls that that single mom can make quickly before she heads out the door for second or third shift,” Nurrenbern said. “And God forbid she needs a Diet Coke so she can keep going to go to that third shift that starts at 11 p.m.”

Missouri seeks federal waiver to ban candy, soda and desserts from SNAP purchases

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Honda 110F driven by an 11-year-old Blythesdale boy was northbound in a pasture along Route t and East 182nd Street one mile south of Blythesdale.

The dirt bike struck a small ditch and the driver was ejected. North Missouri EMS transported the boy to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Honda 110F driven by an 11-year-old Blythesdale boy was northbound in a pasture along Route t and East 182nd Street one mile south of Blythesdale.The dirt bike struck a small ditch and the driver was ejected. North Missouri EMS transported the boy to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

11-year-old Mo. boy injured in dirt bike accident

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was taken into custody after an accident that occurred just after 11:30p.m. Saturday in St. Joseph involving a patrol vehicle.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy 2500 driven by&nbsp; a 24-year-old Alec M.. Gray of St. Joseph was westbound on Howard Street in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at the stop sigh at 20th Street. The Chevy struck a southbound 2024 Dodge Durango Patrol vehicle driven by a 42-year-old St. Joseph man, according the MSHP.

Law enforcement arrested Gray on requested felony charges of resisting arrest, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, hit and run; operate a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner; for no auto insurance and on an Andrew County misdemeanor failure to appear warrant on an original charge involving a non-moving traffic violation.&nbsp; 

Medical cleared the driver of the Dodge Durango at the scene of the crash. The MSHP did not release the name of the Trooper.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759696265084.png" alt="Gray photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Gray photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was taken into custody after an accident that occurred just after 11:30p.m. Saturday in St. Joseph involving a patrol vehicle.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy 2500 driven by&nbsp; a 24-year-old Alec M.. Gray of St. Joseph was westbound on Howard Street in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at the stop sigh at 20th Street. The Chevy struck a southbound 2024 Dodge Durango Patrol vehicle driven by a 42-year-old St. Joseph man, according the MSHP.Law enforcement arrested Gray on requested felony charges of resisting arrest, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, hit and run; operate a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner; for no auto insurance and on an Andrew County misdemeanor failure to appear warrant on an original charge involving a non-moving traffic violation.&nbsp; Medical cleared the driver of the Dodge Durango at the scene of the crash. The MSHP did not release the name of the Trooper.

St. Joseph man jailed after crash with a patrol vehicle 

ANDREW COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lexus GX460 driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph man was westbound on Route E three miles east of Savannah. The SUV struck a deer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported a 47-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. Th edriver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lexus GX460 driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph man was westbound on Route E three miles east of Savannah. The SUV struck a deer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew County EMS transported a 47-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. Th edriver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph man injured after SUV strikes a deer

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating another scam.

In the midst of everything else, we now have a Border Patrol scam circulating our county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

 Residents are receiving calls from men with heavy foreign accents&nbsp; claiming to be Border Patrol Agents.&nbsp; They inform the residents&nbsp; that there is an active warrant for their arrest and a $500 bond must be posted over the phone or they will come to their home and arrest the resident immediately.&nbsp; 

According to those reporting the alleged crime,&nbsp; the callers are very rude, pushy and insistent that they must be paid or else. Caller ID's showed a restricted number. One person stated that they had never been in trouble in their&nbsp; life, and it alarmed them that they were threatened to be arrested.

Sheriff Merchant explained that this was a scare tactic that scammers use in order to extort money from honest, hard working people.

Merchant assured everyone that Border Patrol does not work this way and you will not be arrested. He advised anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, notify your local law enforcement at once.

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating another scam.In the midst of everything else, we now have a Border Patrol scam circulating our county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. Residents are receiving calls from men with heavy foreign accents&nbsp; claiming to be Border Patrol Agents.&nbsp; They inform the residents&nbsp; that there is an active warrant for their arrest and a $500 bond must be posted over the phone or they will come to their home and arrest the resident immediately.&nbsp; According to those reporting the alleged crime,&nbsp; the callers are very rude, pushy and insistent that they must be paid or else. Caller ID's showed a restricted number. One person stated that they had never been in trouble in their&nbsp; life, and it alarmed them that they were threatened to be arrested.Sheriff Merchant explained that this was a scare tactic that scammers use in order to extort money from honest, hard working people.Merchant assured everyone that Border Patrol does not work this way and you will not be arrested. He advised anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, notify your local law enforcement at once.

Sheriff reports alleged Border Patrol scam

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2025 Vitacci moped driven by a 45-year-old Plattsburg man was northbound on Town and Country Drive at Brandy Wine Court in Plattsburg. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2025 Vitacci moped driven by a 45-year-old Plattsburg man was northbound on Town and Country Drive at Brandy Wine Court in Plattsburg. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured in moped accident

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.

The portion revised under court order now reads:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>

Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.

The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.

Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.

Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”

This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.

Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756640213263.png" alt="Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins attends a Missouri Right to Life rally in March in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins attends a Missouri Right to Life rally in March in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.The portion revised under court order now reads:“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Repeal Article I, section 36, approved in 2024; allow abortions for medical&nbsp;emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;’</li>
 </ul>The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Guarantee women’s medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;&nbsp;</li><li>and Prohibit sex-change procedures for children?”</li>
 </ul>Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

Missouri secretary of state submits second attempt at abortion ban ballot language

CLINTON COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Honda CRV driven by a 59-year-old Jefferson City woman was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.&nbsp; The driver ran the stop sign. The Honda struck a southbound 2023 Ford Mustang driven by a 32-year-old Smithville woman. After impact the Mustang struck a northbound 2024 Chevy Traverse driven by a 61-year-old Kansas City, Missouri woman.

Buchanan County EMS transported the Mustang driver and a 13-year-old passenger in her vehicle to North Kansas City hospital. Tri-County Ambulance transported the Honda driver, the Chevy driver and a 63-year-old passenger in her SUV to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Honda CRV driven by a 59-year-old Jefferson City woman was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.&nbsp; The driver ran the stop sign. The Honda struck a southbound 2023 Ford Mustang driven by a 32-year-old Smithville woman. After impact the Mustang struck a northbound 2024 Chevy Traverse driven by a 61-year-old Kansas City, Missouri woman.Buchanan County EMS transported the Mustang driver and a 13-year-old passenger in her vehicle to North Kansas City hospital. Tri-County Ambulance transported the Honda driver, the Chevy driver and a 63-year-old passenger in her SUV to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

4 adults, 13-year-old hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash

State Senate Democratic Leader Doug Beck says Gov. Kehoe should not have authorized a deployment just hours before the federal shutdown

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

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s decision to deploy Missouri National Guard soldiers to support immigration enforcement “makes no sense” because they will not get paid until the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/30/repub/midnight-federal-shutdown-edges-closer-as-us-senate-fails-to-agree-on-spending-bills/">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;is resolved, the state Senate’s Democratic leader said Thursday.

On Tuesday, Kehoe announced that soldiers from the Guard would, on a volunteer basis, be assigned to provide administrative, clerical and logistical support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facilities in the state.

The shutdown started a few hours after Kehoe announced the deployment.

“Everybody knew that was coming, and to me that makes no sense,” Beck said.

Spokeswoman Gabby Picard said that there will be up to 15 soldiers on duty at any particular time until authorization ends on Sept. 30, 2026.&nbsp;

ICE continues to work while most of the government is shut down because the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/repub/breaking-us-house-passes-massive-tax-break-and-spending-cut-bill-sending-it-to-trump/">budget bill approved in July</a>&nbsp;funded the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/what-government-shutdown-2025-means-immigration-system/" target="_blank">with $29.9 billion for enforcement</a>&nbsp;and $5 billion for detention through September 2029.

When on federal deployment, members of the Guard are paid on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/2025ACPayDay/" target="_blank">same schedule</a>&nbsp;as active-duty personnel, with the next pay date being Oct. 15. No active duty military will receive pay until the shutdown is resolved.

The Tuesday news release said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved assigning Guard personnel to ICE facilities on July 25, allowing them to be paid from the federal treasury.&nbsp;

“The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts,” Kehoe said in a news release.

While all the soldiers taking on the duty are doing so as volunteers, they expected to get paid, Beck said.

“I’m sure, when they did this, they didn’t know that they’d be doing it possibly for free for a while,” Beck said. “I’m assuming they’ll be made whole at some point, but I’m sure they got bills just like everybody else.”

In response to Beck’s criticism, Picard said the decision to assist ICE wasn’t made hastily.

“Planning for this activation has been ongoing for weeks, and has nothing to do with the unfortunate political games of the Democrats in Washington that have caused a government shutdown,” Picard said.

The deployment has also drawn criticism from labor unions and the ACLU..

Lenny Jones, vice president and state director at the Service Employees International Union-Healthcare, said in a news release that the deployment is part of an increasingly authoritarian government.

“This is just another power grab used to silence and intimidate people who disagree with the administration’s anti-American policies,” Jones said.The ACLU said the deployment diverts resources from disaster recovery and other needs.

“National Guard troops should be reserved for genuine emergencies, not deployed to suit the president’s political whims,” Naureen Shah, director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU’s Equality Division, said in a news release.

The deployment should be unneeded because ICE has been hiring large numbers of new employees, Beck said.

“You tell me they can’t keep up with the paperwork?” Beck asked.

The standoff in Washington is over the health care subsidies for marketplace health plans that are ending under the budget reconciliation bill passed in July. Democrats are demanding they be restored, while Republicans insist the government must be reopened before they will negotiate.

Beck said he wants Democrats in Congress to hold their position.

“At the end of the day, the Republicans control everything, all three branches of the government,” Beck said. “So the question you have to ask yourself is, why did they let it get to this point?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759282109511.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Senate Democratic Leader Doug Beck says Gov. Kehoe should not have authorized a deployment just hours before the federal shutdown</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Gov. Mike Kehoe’s decision to deploy Missouri National Guard soldiers to support immigration enforcement “makes no sense” because they will not get paid until the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/30/repub/midnight-federal-shutdown-edges-closer-as-us-senate-fails-to-agree-on-spending-bills/">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;is resolved, the state Senate’s Democratic leader said Thursday.On Tuesday, Kehoe announced that soldiers from the Guard would, on a volunteer basis, be assigned to provide administrative, clerical and logistical support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facilities in the state.The shutdown started a few hours after Kehoe announced the deployment.“Everybody knew that was coming, and to me that makes no sense,” Beck said.Spokeswoman Gabby Picard said that there will be up to 15 soldiers on duty at any particular time until authorization ends on Sept. 30, 2026.&nbsp;ICE continues to work while most of the government is shut down because the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/repub/breaking-us-house-passes-massive-tax-break-and-spending-cut-bill-sending-it-to-trump/">budget bill approved in July</a>&nbsp;funded the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/what-government-shutdown-2025-means-immigration-system/" target="_blank">with $29.9 billion for enforcement</a>&nbsp;and $5 billion for detention through September 2029.When on federal deployment, members of the Guard are paid on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/2025ACPayDay/" target="_blank">same schedule</a>&nbsp;as active-duty personnel, with the next pay date being Oct. 15. No active duty military will receive pay until the shutdown is resolved.The Tuesday news release said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved assigning Guard personnel to ICE facilities on July 25, allowing them to be paid from the federal treasury.&nbsp;“The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts,” Kehoe said in a news release.While all the soldiers taking on the duty are doing so as volunteers, they expected to get paid, Beck said.“I’m sure, when they did this, they didn’t know that they’d be doing it possibly for free for a while,” Beck said. “I’m assuming they’ll be made whole at some point, but I’m sure they got bills just like everybody else.”In response to Beck’s criticism, Picard said the decision to assist ICE wasn’t made hastily.“Planning for this activation has been ongoing for weeks, and has nothing to do with the unfortunate political games of the Democrats in Washington that have caused a government shutdown,” Picard said.The deployment has also drawn criticism from labor unions and the ACLU..Lenny Jones, vice president and state director at the Service Employees International Union-Healthcare, said in a news release that the deployment is part of an increasingly authoritarian government.“This is just another power grab used to silence and intimidate people who disagree with the administration’s anti-American policies,” Jones said.The ACLU said the deployment diverts resources from disaster recovery and other needs.“National Guard troops should be reserved for genuine emergencies, not deployed to suit the president’s political whims,” Naureen Shah, director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU’s Equality Division, said in a news release.The deployment should be unneeded because ICE has been hiring large numbers of new employees, Beck said.“You tell me they can’t keep up with the paperwork?” Beck asked.The standoff in Washington is over the health care subsidies for marketplace health plans that are ending under the budget reconciliation bill passed in July. Democrats are demanding they be restored, while Republicans insist the government must be reopened before they will negotiate.Beck said he wants Democrats in Congress to hold their position.“At the end of the day, the Republicans control everything, all three branches of the government,” Beck said. “So the question you have to ask yourself is, why did they let it get to this point?”

Missouri Guard troops assigned to duty with ICE working without pay during federal shutdown

For a fourth consecutive year, enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has grown.  

Enrollment increased slightly on the Maryville campus, with 8,747 students enrolled in the fall semester as of the annual census conducted just after the beginning of the semester.  

President Lance Tatum says he's proud of the people at Northwest focused on strategies that have produced positive outcomes in sustained enrollment growth 

“We have seen probably the most significant gains in our portfolio in the area of transfers, as well as keeping the students that we recruited in previous years,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “And so, just tickled to death that we continue to see sustainability in our growth and looking forward to the future.” 

Tatum says there was a decline in the number of graduate students, in large part thanks to a decline in the number of international students 

"The geopolitical activity that is occurring around the world as it related to visa attainment has certainly had an impact on our overall enrollment,” Tatum explains.  “We have spent the last two years being very focused on building capacity in that undergraduate segment.” 

Tatum points out where there was growth in enrollment was the number of transfer students, up 9%, and those students enrolled in dual credit course, up 14%. 

Tatum says though, despite the continued growth through the years, they cannot rest on their laurels 

"I think the movement that we see in the higher education industry is going to force us to be flexible, we have to be willing to pivot, when necessary, we have to be willing to invest, when necessary,” Tatum says.  “So, I don’t think that it’s business as usual, I think we’ll continue every year to sit down, figure out where our strengths are, figure out where our weaknesses are, and then look to build with opportunities that are presented to us.” 

Tatum says the university will continue to refine and adjust its strategy as needed to keep students on campus, knowing that enrollment numbers will fluctuate year to year. 

By MATT PIKEFor a fourth consecutive year, enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has grown. Enrollment increased slightly on the Maryville campus, with 8,747 students enrolled in the fall semester as of the annual census conducted just after the beginning of the semester. President Lance Tatum says he's proud of the people at Northwest focused on strategies that have produced positive outcomes in sustained enrollment growth “We have seen probably the most significant gains in our portfolio in the area of transfers, as well as keeping the students that we recruited in previous years,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, just tickled to death that we continue to see sustainability in our growth and looking forward to the future.” Tatum says there was a decline in the number of graduate students, in large part thanks to a decline in the number of international students "The geopolitical activity that is occurring around the world as it related to visa attainment has certainly had an impact on our overall enrollment,” Tatum explains. “We have spent the last two years being very focused on building capacity in that undergraduate segment.” Tatum points out where there was growth in enrollment was the number of transfer students, up 9%, and those students enrolled in dual credit course, up 14%. Tatum says though, despite the continued growth through the years, they cannot rest on their laurels "I think the movement that we see in the higher education industry is going to force us to be flexible, we have to be willing to pivot, when necessary, we have to be willing to invest, when necessary,” Tatum says. “So, I don’t think that it’s business as usual, I think we’ll continue every year to sit down, figure out where our strengths are, figure out where our weaknesses are, and then look to build with opportunities that are presented to us.” Tatum says the university will continue to refine and adjust its strategy as needed to keep students on campus, knowing that enrollment numbers will fluctuate year to year. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NWMSU sees another year of enrollment growth

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Buick LaCrosse driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man was westbound on U.S. 136 just west of CR 435 two miles west of Stanberry. The vehicle struck a deer.

Grand River ambulance transported the driver an an 18-year-old female passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer reports names of accident victims.

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Buick LaCrosse driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man was westbound on U.S. 136 just west of CR 435 two miles west of Stanberry. The vehicle struck a deer.Grand River ambulance transported the driver an an 18-year-old female passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer reports names of accident victims.

Two hospitalized in St. Joe after car strikes a deer

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Transit van driven by a 48-year-old Woodland Park, New Jersey man was southbound on U.S. 65 at SE lilac Lane eight miles south of Trenton. The van crossed the center line and sideswiped a northbound 2008 Ford Focus driven by an 18-year-old Lathop man.

Grundy County ambulance transported the teen driver to Wright Memorial Hospital of Trenton. There were no other injuries. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Transit van driven by a 48-year-old Woodland Park, New Jersey man was southbound on U.S. 65 at SE lilac Lane eight miles south of Trenton. The van crossed the center line and sideswiped a northbound 2008 Ford Focus driven by an 18-year-old Lathop man.Grundy County ambulance transported the teen driver to Wright Memorial Hospital of Trenton. There were no other injuries. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after van sideswipes car

DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 9a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported an all- electric three wheeled VanderHall Santa Rosa driven by a 28-year-old Cameron man was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Cameron. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It began to skid, traveled off the south side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Cameron EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 9a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported an all- electric three wheeled VanderHall Santa Rosa driven by a 28-year-old Cameron man was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Cameron. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It began to skid, traveled off the south side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.Cameron EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies after ejected when electric vehicle overturns

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Freightliner semi driven by a 37-year-old Dawson, Iowa man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles north of Eagleville. The front driver's side tire blew. The semi traveled off the east side of the road, then traveled into the northbound lane and overturned.

North Missouri EMS transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Freightliner semi driven by a 37-year-old Dawson, Iowa man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles north of Eagleville. The front driver's side tire blew. The semi traveled off the east side of the road, then traveled into the northbound lane and overturned.North Missouri EMS transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

&nbsp;BROWN COUNTY —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the Brown County Sheriff's office took several reports from farmers who were concerned about suspicious vehicles lurking around their fields recently, according to a statement from Sheriff John Merchant.

 A dark colored SUV and a Maroon colored pickup have been reported pulling in to fields where harvest is taking place and when farmers notice this, the vehicles leave in a hurry.&nbsp; Another report of a lighter colored passenger car with Missouri plates was notice driving around the fields repeatedly. 

Most of this activity has been in the northern part of Brown County. Deputies and other law enforcement agencies have been notified of this and will be providing extra patrol, according to Merchant.

We are alerting farmers so they can take extra precautions when changing fields or leaving vehicles or equipment unattended or with keys left in the ignition. 

No theft have been reported , only suspicious activity. "Unfortunately, this time of year we have unscrupulous individuals who are always looking for an opportunity to steal from others instead of working an honest job," Merchant wrote. We are asking that if anyone notices anything suspicious or unusual to contact the Sheriff's Office at once at 785-742-7125 or 911 ifan emergency exists.

&nbsp;BROWN COUNTY —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the Brown County Sheriff's office took several reports from farmers who were concerned about suspicious vehicles lurking around their fields recently, according to a statement from Sheriff John Merchant. A dark colored SUV and a Maroon colored pickup have been reported pulling in to fields where harvest is taking place and when farmers notice this, the vehicles leave in a hurry.&nbsp; Another report of a lighter colored passenger car with Missouri plates was notice driving around the fields repeatedly. Most of this activity has been in the northern part of Brown County. Deputies and other law enforcement agencies have been notified of this and will be providing extra patrol, according to Merchant.We are alerting farmers so they can take extra precautions when changing fields or leaving vehicles or equipment unattended or with keys left in the ignition. No theft have been reported , only suspicious activity. "Unfortunately, this time of year we have unscrupulous individuals who are always looking for an opportunity to steal from others instead of working an honest job," Merchant wrote. We are asking that if anyone notices anything suspicious or unusual to contact the Sheriff's Office at once at 785-742-7125 or 911 ifan emergency exists.

Sheriff investigating suspicious activity near harvest fields

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>

Legislators upset that a bill they oppose becomes law don’t have a right to sue over it, attorneys defending the special session measure that provides&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-kansas-city-stadium-funding-st-louis-disaster-aid/">state support to professional sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;said in court on Tuesday.

“It’s not recognized in the state of Missouri that a legislator can come to the court simply because they don’t like a vote that was taken… the court system would be flooded,” Marc Ellinger, an attorney representing the Missouri General Assembly, argued in Cole County Circuit Court.

Ellinger was joined by assistant attorney general Sean McDowell in arguments seeking to dismiss the lawsuit filed in July by state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, and state Rep. Bryant Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve and conservative activist Ron Calzone.

Moon and the other plaintiffs want to throw out the entire legislative package, which includes tax credits for home repairs after natural disasters this year and property-tax restrictions for some counties.

The law, they say, goes beyond the bill’s original subject and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-legislators-file-lawsuit-claiming-stadium-funding-for-chiefs-royals-is-unconstitutional/">provides unconstitutional aid</a>&nbsp;to private interests. But if the state’s motion to dismiss is approved, they won’t get to argue these points in court.

Ellinger and McDowell argued the case can’t move forward, saying plaintiffs lack taxpayer standing and dismissing the idea of “legislative standing.”

“I don’t think there’s any standing for specific legislators to bring a case as the plaintiffs have,” McDowell said.

Taxpayer standing requires a direct expenditure and because the bill operates through tax credits and is “subject to appropriation,” there is no direct cost to the taxpayer, he argued.

Attorney Bevis Schock, who is representing the law’s challengers, said there are up-front costs to the bill such as an estimated $10,000 expense to create the tax-credit application.

“If these plaintiffs have no standing and we throw this case in the trash, we might as well pitch the constitution in there with it,” he wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Memo%20in%20Opposition%20to%20Defendants%20Motion%20to%20Dismiss.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3667593" target="_blank">in a pre-hearing filing</a>.

The purpose of the lawsuit, Schock said in court on Tuesday, is to challenge bills with multiple subjects.

“The problem is.. the voter can’t tell what item the legislator is for or against,” he said. “That is why we are bringing the case.”

If they lose in circuit court, Schock said, he will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748263709817.png" alt="GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is pictured on Sat. Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is pictured on Sat. Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Legislators upset that a bill they oppose becomes law don’t have a right to sue over it, attorneys defending the special session measure that provides&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-kansas-city-stadium-funding-st-louis-disaster-aid/">state support to professional sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;said in court on Tuesday.“It’s not recognized in the state of Missouri that a legislator can come to the court simply because they don’t like a vote that was taken… the court system would be flooded,” Marc Ellinger, an attorney representing the Missouri General Assembly, argued in Cole County Circuit Court.Ellinger was joined by assistant attorney general Sean McDowell in arguments seeking to dismiss the lawsuit filed in July by state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, and state Rep. Bryant Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve and conservative activist Ron Calzone.Moon and the other plaintiffs want to throw out the entire legislative package, which includes tax credits for home repairs after natural disasters this year and property-tax restrictions for some counties.The law, they say, goes beyond the bill’s original subject and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-legislators-file-lawsuit-claiming-stadium-funding-for-chiefs-royals-is-unconstitutional/">provides unconstitutional aid</a>&nbsp;to private interests. But if the state’s motion to dismiss is approved, they won’t get to argue these points in court.Ellinger and McDowell argued the case can’t move forward, saying plaintiffs lack taxpayer standing and dismissing the idea of “legislative standing.”“I don’t think there’s any standing for specific legislators to bring a case as the plaintiffs have,” McDowell said.Taxpayer standing requires a direct expenditure and because the bill operates through tax credits and is “subject to appropriation,” there is no direct cost to the taxpayer, he argued.Attorney Bevis Schock, who is representing the law’s challengers, said there are up-front costs to the bill such as an estimated $10,000 expense to create the tax-credit application.“If these plaintiffs have no standing and we throw this case in the trash, we might as well pitch the constitution in there with it,” he wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Memo%20in%20Opposition%20to%20Defendants%20Motion%20to%20Dismiss.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3667593" target="_blank">in a pre-hearing filing</a>.The purpose of the lawsuit, Schock said in court on Tuesday, is to challenge bills with multiple subjects.“The problem is.. the voter can’t tell what item the legislator is for or against,” he said. “That is why we are bringing the case.”If they lose in circuit court, Schock said, he will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Missouri AG, General Assembly seek to dismiss lawsuit against stadium funding bill

Jefferson City&nbsp;—&nbsp;Governor Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday that he has authorized the Missouri National Guard (MONG) to assist with administrative, clerical, and logistical duties at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facilities within the State of Missouri, according to a media release from the governor's office.

 This decision comes in response to a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Department of War (DOW) to ensure the resources and personnel needed to effectively enforce immigration laws and maintain operational control of the border.

Missouri National Guard service members will provide support starting October 1, 2025, by assisting with tasks such as data entry, case management, and logistical support, enabling ICE personnel to focus on core enforcement and security functions. MONG personnel who have been assigned to this mission were selected on a volunteer basis.

“Public safety, keeping Missourians safe, and upholding the rule of law is our administration's top priority,” said&nbsp;Governor Kehoe. “The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts. Missouri is proud to join in the Trump administration's efforts to keep our state and nation secure.”

On July 25, 2025, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the duty status of DOW military personnel providing support at ICE processing facilities allowing for Title 32 duty status, which is a federally funded status under authority of the Governor. The Missouri National Guard regularly works alongside local, state, and federal agencies in support roles to ensure the safety and security of communities.

Military personnel are authorized to be on duty for this mission through September 30, 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759282109511.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Jefferson City&nbsp;—&nbsp;Governor Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday that he has authorized the Missouri National Guard (MONG) to assist with administrative, clerical, and logistical duties at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facilities within the State of Missouri, according to a media release from the governor's office. This decision comes in response to a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Department of War (DOW) to ensure the resources and personnel needed to effectively enforce immigration laws and maintain operational control of the border.Missouri National Guard service members will provide support starting October 1, 2025, by assisting with tasks such as data entry, case management, and logistical support, enabling ICE personnel to focus on core enforcement and security functions. MONG personnel who have been assigned to this mission were selected on a volunteer basis.“Public safety, keeping Missourians safe, and upholding the rule of law is our administration's top priority,” said&nbsp;Governor Kehoe. “The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts. Missouri is proud to join in the Trump administration's efforts to keep our state and nation secure.”On July 25, 2025, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the duty status of DOW military personnel providing support at ICE processing facilities allowing for Title 32 duty status, which is a federally funded status under authority of the Governor. The Missouri National Guard regularly works alongside local, state, and federal agencies in support roles to ensure the safety and security of communities.Military personnel are authorized to be on duty for this mission through September 30, 2026.

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