The 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Challenge is returning to the St. Joseph Civic Arena this Sunday, March 1 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

The milestone event promises a flavor-packed day for the whole family, featuring sixty professional and amateur cooks battling for the prestigious title of Missouri State Chili Champion.

UCP Director, Teresa Gagliano, says, "We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is our only special event of the year."

The festivities kick off when doors open at 11:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music from The Michael Shaun Brown Band starting at noon, browse a diverse Vendor and Craft Fair, and place bids in a massive Silent Auction that runs until 3:30 p.m. The main event arrives at 2:00 p.m., when attendees can sample all 60 unique chili recipes for free. Gagliano says, "People can go booth to booth and try all the different chilis."

Beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds benefit UCP, supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Over the past 39 years, this challenge has raised more than $2.6 million for the cause, making this 40th anniversary a true community celebration.

Gagliano says the goal is to raise $150,000 at the chili challenge to help serve the greater St. Joseph area. UCP serves about 400 children and adults.

Don’t miss out on the fun, the flavor, and the chance to make a difference in Northwest Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710257124627.jpeg" alt="Civic Arena_side view" />
 <figcaption>Civic Arena_side view</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITH The 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Challenge is returning to the St. Joseph Civic Arena this Sunday, March 1 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).The milestone event promises a flavor-packed day for the whole family, featuring sixty professional and amateur cooks battling for the prestigious title of Missouri State Chili Champion.UCP Director, Teresa Gagliano, says, "We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is our only special event of the year."The festivities kick off when doors open at 11:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music from The Michael Shaun Brown Band starting at noon, browse a diverse Vendor and Craft Fair, and place bids in a massive Silent Auction that runs until 3:30 p.m. The main event arrives at 2:00 p.m., when attendees can sample all 60 unique chili recipes for free. Gagliano says, "People can go booth to booth and try all the different chilis."Beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds benefit UCP, supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Over the past 39 years, this challenge has raised more than $2.6 million for the cause, making this 40th anniversary a true community celebration.<ul>
 <li>When: Sunday, March 1, 2026</li><li>Where: St. Joseph Civic Arena</li><li>Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for kids (10 &amp; under)</li><li>Contact: Call Teresa at UCP (816-364-3836) for more info</li>
 </ul>Gagliano says the goal is to raise $150,000 at the chili challenge to help serve the greater St. Joseph area. UCP serves about 400 children and adults.Don’t miss out on the fun, the flavor, and the chance to make a difference in Northwest Missouri.

The Heart of America Chili Challenge returns to St. Joseph to benefit UCP

(Radio Iowa) - The governor's call to raise state taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products and impose a new tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products has narrowly failed in a Senate Committee. 

Governor Reynolds says Iowa continues to have one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country and a higher tax on these products could prompt some Iowans to quit smoking cigarettes or vaping. The bill considered in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee would have diverted the new sales taxes on vapes and consumable hemp products into a state fund that would be used next year to assist victims of human trafficking and plug a million dollars into Iowa's Double Up Food Bucks program that helps low income Iowans buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The bill wound up getting nine votes -- one short of the 10 necessary to win committee approval.

(Radio Iowa) - The governor's call to raise state taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products and impose a new tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products has narrowly failed in a Senate Committee. Governor Reynolds says Iowa continues to have one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country and a higher tax on these products could prompt some Iowans to quit smoking cigarettes or vaping. The bill considered in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee would have diverted the new sales taxes on vapes and consumable hemp products into a state fund that would be used next year to assist victims of human trafficking and plug a million dollars into Iowa's Double Up Food Bucks program that helps low income Iowans buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. The bill wound up getting nine votes -- one short of the 10 necessary to win committee approval.

Tax hike on tobacco, vaping products fails in Iowa Senate committee

Northwest Missouri State University, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will conduct a series of tornado drills this March. These exercises are designed to test the university’s indoor emergency operations and the Bearcat Alert texting system ahead of the spring severe weather season.

The primary drills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11. In the event that actual inclement weather occurs on those dates, a backup drill has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. University Police Chief Amanda Cullin emphasized that consistent practice is vital for ensuring the campus community can react effectively during a real emergency.

In addition to the drills, the University Police Department and Wellness Services will host the annual Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Held at the J.W. Jones Student Union’s east pavilion, the event offers students free burgers and hot dogs along with essential safety tips as they prepare for Spring Break.

The campus activities align with Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 2–6. This statewide initiative encourages residents to utilize resources like the "Storm Aware" website, which provides instructional videos on seeking shelter in various building types, from mobile homes to schools.

University officials remind students and staff that while Northwest tests its warning system every Wednesday at 11 a.m., any siren heard outside of that window should be treated as an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Detailed procedures are posted in every campus building and are available via the HazAdapt mobile app.

The university advises following specific protocols depending on the type of alert issued:

Safety experts warn against seeking shelter in large open spaces like gyms or cafeterias due to the risk of roof collapse. If caught driving, individuals should find a sturdy building or, in rural areas, seek cover in a roadside ditch while remaining alert for flash flooding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924740644.png" alt="Tornado" />
 <figcaption>Tornado</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorthwest Missouri State University, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will conduct a series of tornado drills this March. These exercises are designed to test the university’s indoor emergency operations and the Bearcat Alert texting system ahead of the spring severe weather season.The primary drills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11. In the event that actual inclement weather occurs on those dates, a backup drill has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. University Police Chief Amanda Cullin emphasized that consistent practice is vital for ensuring the campus community can react effectively during a real emergency.In addition to the drills, the University Police Department and Wellness Services will host the annual Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Held at the J.W. Jones Student Union’s east pavilion, the event offers students free burgers and hot dogs along with essential safety tips as they prepare for Spring Break.The campus activities align with Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 2–6. This statewide initiative encourages residents to utilize resources like the "Storm Aware" website, which provides instructional videos on seeking shelter in various building types, from mobile homes to schools.University officials remind students and staff that while Northwest tests its warning system every Wednesday at 11 a.m., any siren heard outside of that window should be treated as an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Detailed procedures are posted in every campus building and are available via the HazAdapt mobile app.The university advises following specific protocols depending on the type of alert issued:<ul>
 <li>Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Monitor local news or NOAA weather radio and review your transportation and shelter plans.</li><li>Tornado Warning: Immediate danger is present. Seek shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.</li>
 </ul>Safety experts warn against seeking shelter in large open spaces like gyms or cafeterias due to the risk of roof collapse. If caught driving, individuals should find a sturdy building or, in rural areas, seek cover in a roadside ditch while remaining alert for flash flooding.

Northwest Missouri State University announces severe weather drills and safety events

A disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security.  

Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July.  

Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS 

“So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” 

Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day  

“And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains.  “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” 

Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota 

“We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says.  “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” 

The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. 

Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.

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

By MATT PIKEA disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security. Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July. Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS “So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day “And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains. “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota “We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says. “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kanas Congressman Schmidt hopes partial government shutdown ends 'sooner rather than later'

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the northwest region of Missouri for the week of Feb. 23 - March 1.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route EE, Feb. 27.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.

U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U –intersection improvement project through spring 2027.

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, Feb. 16 - March 8.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project Feb. 16 through early April.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, Feb. 24 - 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching from Route AB to Route FF, Feb. 25 - 26.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route NN to 180th Street, Feb. 26, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route 113, Feb. 27.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHHere is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the northwest region of Missouri for the week of Feb. 23 - March 1.There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.Atchison CountyRoute 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route EE, Feb. 27.Buchanan CountyGene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U –intersection improvement project through spring 2027.U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, Feb. 16 - March 8.<ul>
 <li>Traffic on Messanie Street will not be able to access the Belt Highway.&nbsp;</li><li>Traffic on the Belt Highway will not be able to access Messanie Street.&nbsp;</li><li>Traffic will be able to continue to use the Belt Highway in both directions.</li>
 </ul>Chariton CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Linn CountyRoute 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Livingston CountyRoute K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Mercer CountyRoute JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project Feb. 16 through early April.Nodaway CountyRoute EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, Feb. 24 - 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching from Route AB to Route FF, Feb. 25 - 26.Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route NN to 180th Street, Feb. 26, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route 113, Feb. 27.Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 23 - March 1

The security alert continues across Mexico. Missouri Congressman&nbsp; Mark Alford reminded Missourians his office is available to help.

"My team and I are horrified by the situation that has developed in Mexico. We stand ready to assist any Missourians who may be traveling in the impacted areas."

"Any U.S. Citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León have been advised by the <a href="https://x.com/StateDept">@StateDept</a> to shelter in place until notified otherwise. 

Americans abroad should follow this guidance and should monitor all official alerts from the U.S. Embassy and local authorities. 

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, U.S. citizens can contact the State Department: 

State Dept: <a href="https://t.co/bXJsSQe5rA" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov</a>

From MX: (55) 8526-2561

U.S.: 1-844-528-6611

Consular: 1-888-407-4747"

According to the alert from the U.S. State Deparatment, Broad areas, including the state of Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), the state of Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), the state of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), the state of Nayarit (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta), Sinaloa (including Mazatlán), and areas of the states of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de México, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. 

Event: Due to ongoing security operations and resulting road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens located in various locations across Mexico are advised to shelter in place. U.S. government personnel in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco), Cancún (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacán will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.

All U.S. government personnel at the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey have been instructed to remain within the Monterrey metropolitan area, and U.S. government personnel have been ordered not to travel to Mazatlán until Wednesday, February 25. Although no airports have been closed, road blockages have impacted airline operations, and the majority of domestic and international flights have been canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

All transportation services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended. Some businesses have suspended operations. Mexican authorities announced on the afternoon of February 22 that toll highway operations in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Tijuana, Querétaro, Veracruz, and Mazatlán will be temporarily restricted due to blockages affecting motorists. Actions to take: - Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary travel. - Avoid areas near police activity. - Check&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CAPUFE">@CAPUFE</a>&nbsp;on X for updates on road closures. - Monitor local media for updated information. - Follow the instructions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, call 911. - Keep family and friends informed of your location and well-being through phone calls, text messages, and social media.

The security alert continues across Mexico. Missouri Congressman&nbsp; Mark Alford reminded Missourians his office is available to help.On social media Alford wrote.&nbsp;"My team and I are horrified by the situation that has developed in Mexico. We stand ready to assist any Missourians who may be traveling in the impacted areas.""Any U.S. Citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León have been advised by the <a href="https://x.com/StateDept">@StateDept</a> to shelter in place until notified otherwise. 

Americans abroad should follow this guidance and should monitor all official alerts from the U.S. Embassy and local authorities. 

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, U.S. citizens can contact the State Department: 

State Dept: <a href="https://t.co/bXJsSQe5rA" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov</a>

From MX: (55) 8526-2561

U.S.: 1-844-528-6611

Consular: 1-888-407-4747"According to the alert from the U.S. State Deparatment, Broad areas, including the state of Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), the state of Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), the state of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), the state of Nayarit (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta), Sinaloa (including Mazatlán), and areas of the states of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de México, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. Event: Due to ongoing security operations and resulting road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens located in various locations across Mexico are advised to shelter in place. U.S. government personnel in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco), Cancún (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacán will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.All U.S. government personnel at the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey have been instructed to remain within the Monterrey metropolitan area, and U.S. government personnel have been ordered not to travel to Mazatlán until Wednesday, February 25. Although no airports have been closed, road blockages have impacted airline operations, and the majority of domestic and international flights have been canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.All transportation services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended. Some businesses have suspended operations. Mexican authorities announced on the afternoon of February 22 that toll highway operations in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Tijuana, Querétaro, Veracruz, and Mazatlán will be temporarily restricted due to blockages affecting motorists. Actions to take: - Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary travel. - Avoid areas near police activity. - Check&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CAPUFE">@CAPUFE</a>&nbsp;on X for updates on road closures. - Monitor local media for updated information. - Follow the instructions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, call 911. - Keep family and friends informed of your location and well-being through phone calls, text messages, and social media.

Cartel violence: Congressman's office assisting Missourians in Mexico

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old St. Joseph man was stopped in the crossover on westbound U.S. 36 at NE Nettleton Road four miles east of Hamilton. The driver started across the eastbound lanes and traveled into the path of a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 35-year-old Illinois man. The semi struck the pickup on the passenger side front fender.&nbsp;

Caldwell County EMS transported the pickup driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The semi driver was not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old St. Joseph man was stopped in the crossover on westbound U.S. 36 at NE Nettleton Road four miles east of Hamilton. The driver started across the eastbound lanes and traveled into the path of a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 35-year-old Illinois man. The semi struck the pickup on the passenger side front fender.&nbsp;Caldwell County EMS transported the pickup driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The semi driver was not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joe man injured in semi, pickup crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Subaru Forester driven by a 28-year-old Smithville man was eastbound on Route H three miles west of Gower. The SUV traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.

Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver and a 27-year-old passenger to Mosaic. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Subaru Forester driven by a 28-year-old Smithville man was eastbound on Route H three miles west of Gower. The SUV traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver and a 27-year-old passenger to Mosaic. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. men hospitalized after SUV overturns

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

A Republican judge in Cole County on Thursday ruled that the ballot summary must be rewritten for a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it much harder for Missourians to amend the constitution through citizen initiative petitions.

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ordered the first three bullet points of the summary voters will see on the ballot to be removed, saying they were misleading because they tout provisions already in state law — such as a ban on foreign campaign contributions and penalties for signature fraud.&nbsp;

It isn’t until the fourth bullet point that voters learn the proposal’s main purpose, which is to require constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters to obtain both a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. Currently, constitutional amendments only require a simple majority statewide.&nbsp;

Scott Charton, spokesman for Missourians for Fair Governance, the political arm of the organization that filed the lawsuit, the Missouri Association of Realtors, called the quick decision by Green to remove misleading “ballot candy” a total victory.

“We are grateful the court agreed with our arguments and is stripping the misleading, unfair and prejudicial ballot candy from this bad measure,” Charton said. “Missourians deserve clarity in what they are voting on, especially when they are being asked by lawmakers to give up their citizen initiative power, a constitutional right they reserved for themselves more than a century ago.”

Passed by lawmakers during a special session last fall convened to enact a gerrymandered congressional map, the proposed amendment would allow a small percentage of the state’s voters to defeat any citizen initiative petition.&nbsp;

During the 2024 general election, 311,915 votes were cast in the 1st District out of the state’s 2,960,266 votes. So 156,000 voters — or about 5.3% of the statewide vote — could prevent a measure from passing.

Only citizen-led initiative petitions would be affected. Amendments placed on the ballot by state lawmakers are not included in the change.&nbsp;

Missouri is one of 24 states that allows citizen initiative petitions. They can be used to either amend the constitution or change state law, though the path to successfully doing so is often arduous and expensive, requiring tens of thousands of signatures to even land on the ballot.&nbsp;

Through recent ballot measures, Missourians have legalized abortion and recreational use of marijuana and voted to increase the minimum wage and mandate paid-sick leave.&nbsp;

In 2024, the abortion-rights amendment passed with just shy of 52% of the vote with large support from the state’s urban, more-populated areas. Voters in all but eight of Missouri’s 115 counties opposed the amendment.

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A Republican judge in Cole County on Thursday ruled that the ballot summary must be rewritten for a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it much harder for Missourians to amend the constitution through citizen initiative petitions.Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ordered the first three bullet points of the summary voters will see on the ballot to be removed, saying they were misleading because they tout provisions already in state law — such as a ban on foreign campaign contributions and penalties for signature fraud.&nbsp;It isn’t until the fourth bullet point that voters learn the proposal’s main purpose, which is to require constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters to obtain both a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. Currently, constitutional amendments only require a simple majority statewide.&nbsp;Scott Charton, spokesman for Missourians for Fair Governance, the political arm of the organization that filed the lawsuit, the Missouri Association of Realtors, called the quick decision by Green to remove misleading “ballot candy” a total victory.“We are grateful the court agreed with our arguments and is stripping the misleading, unfair and prejudicial ballot candy from this bad measure,” Charton said. “Missourians deserve clarity in what they are voting on, especially when they are being asked by lawmakers to give up their citizen initiative power, a constitutional right they reserved for themselves more than a century ago.”Passed by lawmakers during a special session last fall convened to enact a gerrymandered congressional map, the proposed amendment would allow a small percentage of the state’s voters to defeat any citizen initiative petition.&nbsp;During the 2024 general election, 311,915 votes were cast in the 1st District out of the state’s 2,960,266 votes. So 156,000 voters — or about 5.3% of the statewide vote — could prevent a measure from passing.Only citizen-led initiative petitions would be affected. Amendments placed on the ballot by state lawmakers are not included in the change.&nbsp;Missouri is one of 24 states that allows citizen initiative petitions. They can be used to either amend the constitution or change state law, though the path to successfully doing so is often arduous and expensive, requiring tens of thousands of signatures to even land on the ballot.&nbsp;Through recent ballot measures, Missourians have legalized abortion and recreational use of marijuana and voted to increase the minimum wage and mandate paid-sick leave.&nbsp;In 2024, the abortion-rights amendment passed with just shy of 52% of the vote with large support from the state’s urban, more-populated areas. Voters in all but eight of Missouri’s 115 counties opposed the amendment.

Judge strips ‘ballot candy’ from plan to make it harder to amend Missouri Constitution 

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just afater 8a.m. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by an 80-year-old Harris woman was southbound on MO 146 approaching MO 6 two miles west of Trenton. The driver failed to stop at at the stop sign at the intersection. The Nissan struck the passenger side of a westbound 2013 Chrysler Town and Country driven by a 78-year-old Trenton man.

A private vehicle transported the van driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Nissan driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just afater 8a.m. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by an 80-year-old Harris woman was southbound on MO 146 approaching MO 6 two miles west of Trenton. The driver failed to stop at at the stop sign at the intersection. The Nissan struck the passenger side of a westbound 2013 Chrysler Town and Country driven by a 78-year-old Trenton man.A private vehicle transported the van driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Nissan driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after SUV, van crash

The Saint Joseph Symphony has announced its upcoming Women’s March concert, scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. 

The performance, hosted at the historic Missouri Theater, aims to celebrate the artistic achievements and creative voices of women in classical music. The program is designed to honor both the trailblazing composers of the past and the dynamic leaders shaping the industry today.

The repertoire features a diverse selection of orchestral works, including pieces by historic figures Louise Farrenc and Marianna Martines, as well as contemporary composers Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery. Sponsored by Dr. Helyn Strickland, the event highlights a legacy of resilience and brilliance. Executive Director Nancy Brunson emphasized the historical weight of the evening, noting that women’s voices were largely ignored in the concert hall until the last several decades.

“We are proud to present a program during Women’s History Month that uplifts lesser-known extraordinary composers and reflects our ongoing commitment to musical awareness, education, and artistic excellence,” Brunson said. She further noted that these specific works have never been performed on the Missouri Theater stage, making the event a significant milestone for the local arts community.

Beyond the music, the Symphony is using the month of March to recognize local women-owned businesses and community leaders. Through social media promotional partnerships and features on the history of St. Joseph, the organization seeks to empower women both on and off the stage. The Symphony also plans to highlight its own talented female principal musicians throughout the month to showcase the leadership currently present within the ensemble.

The evening is intended to be an immersive experience, beginning with a pre-concert wine reception when doors open at 6:00 p.m. Brunson expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering, stating, “The Women’s March concert is both a musical celebration and a meaningful statement.” She added that the organization is particularly hoping the women of St. Joseph will join in what she describes as an unforgettable celebration of music and leadership.

Tickets are currently available through the <a href="https://saintjosephsymphony.org/concerts/purchase-tickets.html#/seatingchart-tickets">Saint Joseph Symphony website</a> or by contacting the box office during weekday hours. Because the concert is expected to be a popular draw for the community, organizers are encouraging supporters to secure their seats early.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771609578077.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of St. Joseph Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of St. Joseph Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Saint Joseph Symphony has announced its upcoming Women’s March concert, scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. The performance, hosted at the historic Missouri Theater, aims to celebrate the artistic achievements and creative voices of women in classical music. The program is designed to honor both the trailblazing composers of the past and the dynamic leaders shaping the industry today.The repertoire features a diverse selection of orchestral works, including pieces by historic figures Louise Farrenc and Marianna Martines, as well as contemporary composers Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery. Sponsored by Dr. Helyn Strickland, the event highlights a legacy of resilience and brilliance. Executive Director Nancy Brunson emphasized the historical weight of the evening, noting that women’s voices were largely ignored in the concert hall until the last several decades.“We are proud to present a program during Women’s History Month that uplifts lesser-known extraordinary composers and reflects our ongoing commitment to musical awareness, education, and artistic excellence,” Brunson said. She further noted that these specific works have never been performed on the Missouri Theater stage, making the event a significant milestone for the local arts community.Beyond the music, the Symphony is using the month of March to recognize local women-owned businesses and community leaders. Through social media promotional partnerships and features on the history of St. Joseph, the organization seeks to empower women both on and off the stage. The Symphony also plans to highlight its own talented female principal musicians throughout the month to showcase the leadership currently present within the ensemble.The evening is intended to be an immersive experience, beginning with a pre-concert wine reception when doors open at 6:00 p.m. Brunson expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering, stating, “The Women’s March concert is both a musical celebration and a meaningful statement.” She added that the organization is particularly hoping the women of St. Joseph will join in what she describes as an unforgettable celebration of music and leadership.Tickets are currently available through the <a href="https://saintjosephsymphony.org/concerts/purchase-tickets.html#/seatingchart-tickets">Saint Joseph Symphony website</a> or by contacting the box office during weekday hours. Because the concert is expected to be a popular draw for the community, organizers are encouraging supporters to secure their seats early.

Saint Joseph Symphony announces upcoming Women’s March Concert

The college basketball tournament can make you a winner! Make your picks for the chance to win $200 (local grand prize). Even if your bracket becomes busted you have 2 more chances to play and you could win $100 or $50 (local grand prizes).

The college basketball tournament can make you a winner! Make your picks for the chance to win $200 (local grand prize). Even if your bracket becomes busted you have 2 more chances to play and you could win $100 or $50 (local grand prizes).<div><script>
 window.AptivadaAsyncInit = function(){
 var sdk = window.Aptivada.init({
 campaignId: 1849763,
 campaignType: "sport"
 })
 }
</script>
<script async src="https://xp.audience.io/sdk-legacy.js"></script>
<div class="aptivada-campaign"></div></div>

Double Bonus Bracket

The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to Hoy Excavating, LLC for an intersection improvement project on U.S. Route 169 at Riverside Terrace, located south of St. Joseph. 

Work is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2.

The project aims to improve sight distance and safety by shifting the U.S. Route 169 roadway slightly north between Summerhill Drive and Southeast Riverside Terrace. Additionally, crews will realign both the north and south entrances of Southeast Riverside Terrace at the Route 169 intersection.

To accommodate the construction, Route 169 will be closed to all traffic between Route AC and Southeast 70th Street.

Motorists will be directed to follow a signed detour route using:

Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time and exercise caution when traveling through the area. MoDOT says inclement weather could delay the project.&nbsp;

All work is expected to be completed by December 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566589245645.jpeg" alt="Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT Northwest district" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT Northwest district</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to Hoy Excavating, LLC for an intersection improvement project on U.S. Route 169 at Riverside Terrace, located south of St. Joseph. Work is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2.The project aims to improve sight distance and safety by shifting the U.S. Route 169 roadway slightly north between Summerhill Drive and Southeast Riverside Terrace. Additionally, crews will realign both the north and south entrances of Southeast Riverside Terrace at the Route 169 intersection.To accommodate the construction, Route 169 will be closed to all traffic between Route AC and Southeast 70th Street.Motorists will be directed to follow a signed detour route using:<ul>
 <li>Missouri Route 31</li><li>U.S. Route 36</li><li>Interstate 29</li>
 </ul>Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time and exercise caution when traveling through the area. MoDOT says inclement weather could delay the project.&nbsp;All work is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Route 169 Intersection improvements near St. Joseph begin March 2

If Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, the bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2641&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would ban all intoxicating hemp products — things like THC seltzers or hemp-derived THC edibles currently sold at gas stations and smoke shops — beginning in November.

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/23/new-federal-regulations-complicate-missouri-debate-over-intoxicating-hemp/">&nbsp;limits</a>&nbsp;included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.

Even if Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, Hinman’s bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries. And if Congress chooses to delay the ban for a couple years, Missouri would still ban all products, except for intoxicating beverages.&nbsp;

With a 109-34 vote, the bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re not pioneering anything new here,” Hinman said during debate on his bill Thursday. “What Missouri is doing…is simply aligning our state statutes with the federal action so our law enforcement, the highway patrol, local prosecutors and the attorney general’s office can work in tandem with our federal partners. No gaps, no loopholes.”

Republican State Rep. Matthew Overcast of Ava spoke against the bill, particularly a provision stating intoxicating hemp products “shall be considered marijuana” and be regulated the same.&nbsp;

This would essentially ban nearly all intoxicating hemp products currently sold in the state because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown elsewhere. It would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, which can only sell product grown within Missouri licensed cultivation facilities.&nbsp;

Overcast argued that Missouri’s constitution already defines what marijuana is, and only voters can change that definition — not lawmakers. And while proponents say the changes are needed to protect children from accessing these products, Overcast said, the reality is the bill will only protect the marijuana industry from competition.&nbsp;

“We cannot rewrite voter adopted language by statute simply because certain market participants prefer less competition,” Overcast said. “If protecting children was truly the goal, we know what works: age restrictions, standards, clear labeling, packaging safeguards, responsible retail rules.”

Hinman said he believes Missouri lawmakers have the authority to make this change.&nbsp;

“The [Missouri] Constitution defines marijuana broadly as anything from the cannabis plant except for industrial hemp,” Hinman said. “Hemp-derived cannabinoid products are not industrial hemp. They are intoxicating.”

Overcast also argued the bill doesn’t allow Missouri to continue to align with federal guidelines. If Congress passed legislation allowing states to sell intoxicating hemp products outside of marijuana dispensaries, Overcast said Missouri businesses would not be able to because Hinman’s bill only allows them to be sold within what he called the “marijuana monopoly.”

“That is not public safety, that is not safety policy,” he said. “This is picking winners and losers.”&nbsp;

State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">increased in popularity</a>&nbsp;at liquor stores and bars.&nbsp;

Hinman’s legislation is one of the first bills to get House approval this year. He previously told The Independent the legislation was a priority for the state’s leadership, including the governor, attorney general and House speaker.

This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/intoxicating-hemp-regulations-stall-in-missouri-senate-after-7-hour-filibuster/">previous debates ending in stalemates</a>.&nbsp;

Hinman told The Independent Thursday afternoon that he considers himself to be “pro small business,” and this wasn’t the bill he was hoping to pass this year – but it aligns the state with the upcoming federal restrictions.&nbsp;

“All of last year and up until before this federal decision was made, I was pushing to keep drinks and low-dose gummies available for those small businesses to sell,” he said.&nbsp;

For 10 months last year, he said he tried to bring hemp business owners together to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/14/lawmakers-vote-down-a-second-bill-to-regulate-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri/">propose a regulatory framework</a>&nbsp;outside of the marijuana rules.&nbsp;

“And they could not come to a conclusion on what would be acceptable,” Hinman said.&nbsp;

Restricting the products to only be sold in cannabis dispensaries was also not his preference, he said, but it’s the regulatory framework the state already has in place.&nbsp;

His original language stated Missouri would delay its ban if the federal government did, but he said that would unintentionally leave the products unregulated in the state indefinitely.&nbsp;

“And then we’re back to trying to create a regulatory framework for hemp products,” he said. “The attorney general was not happy because she wants something accomplished. And of course, the police do…their hands are tied with continuing with an unregulated market.”

If Congress decided to allow low-dose THC hemp products to be sold outside dispensaries, he said Missouri would have to come back and pass legislation allowing that.

Republican state Rep. Jeff Myers of Warrenton&nbsp;spoke in favor of closing loopholes that were opened when Congress legalized hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“All we’re saying is the federal government went back and addressed a loophole that got exploited,” he said. “We’re closing that back up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771586319827.png" alt=" State Rep. Dave Hinman, a Republican from O’Fallon, speaks during Missouri House debate during the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Dave Hinman, a Republican from O’Fallon, speaks during Missouri House debate during the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>If Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, the bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2641&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would ban all intoxicating hemp products — things like THC seltzers or hemp-derived THC edibles currently sold at gas stations and smoke shops — beginning in November.The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/23/new-federal-regulations-complicate-missouri-debate-over-intoxicating-hemp/">&nbsp;limits</a>&nbsp;included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.Even if Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, Hinman’s bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries. And if Congress chooses to delay the ban for a couple years, Missouri would still ban all products, except for intoxicating beverages.&nbsp;With a 109-34 vote, the bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration.&nbsp;“We’re not pioneering anything new here,” Hinman said during debate on his bill Thursday. “What Missouri is doing…is simply aligning our state statutes with the federal action so our law enforcement, the highway patrol, local prosecutors and the attorney general’s office can work in tandem with our federal partners. No gaps, no loopholes.”Republican State Rep. Matthew Overcast of Ava spoke against the bill, particularly a provision stating intoxicating hemp products “shall be considered marijuana” and be regulated the same.&nbsp;This would essentially ban nearly all intoxicating hemp products currently sold in the state because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown elsewhere. It would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, which can only sell product grown within Missouri licensed cultivation facilities.&nbsp;Overcast argued that Missouri’s constitution already defines what marijuana is, and only voters can change that definition — not lawmakers. And while proponents say the changes are needed to protect children from accessing these products, Overcast said, the reality is the bill will only protect the marijuana industry from competition.&nbsp;“We cannot rewrite voter adopted language by statute simply because certain market participants prefer less competition,” Overcast said. “If protecting children was truly the goal, we know what works: age restrictions, standards, clear labeling, packaging safeguards, responsible retail rules.”Hinman said he believes Missouri lawmakers have the authority to make this change.&nbsp;“The [Missouri] Constitution defines marijuana broadly as anything from the cannabis plant except for industrial hemp,” Hinman said. “Hemp-derived cannabinoid products are not industrial hemp. They are intoxicating.”Overcast also argued the bill doesn’t allow Missouri to continue to align with federal guidelines. If Congress passed legislation allowing states to sell intoxicating hemp products outside of marijuana dispensaries, Overcast said Missouri businesses would not be able to because Hinman’s bill only allows them to be sold within what he called the “marijuana monopoly.”“That is not public safety, that is not safety policy,” he said. “This is picking winners and losers.”&nbsp;State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">increased in popularity</a>&nbsp;at liquor stores and bars.&nbsp;Hinman’s legislation is one of the first bills to get House approval this year. He previously told The Independent the legislation was a priority for the state’s leadership, including the governor, attorney general and House speaker.This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/intoxicating-hemp-regulations-stall-in-missouri-senate-after-7-hour-filibuster/">previous debates ending in stalemates</a>.&nbsp;Hinman told The Independent Thursday afternoon that he considers himself to be “pro small business,” and this wasn’t the bill he was hoping to pass this year – but it aligns the state with the upcoming federal restrictions.&nbsp;“All of last year and up until before this federal decision was made, I was pushing to keep drinks and low-dose gummies available for those small businesses to sell,” he said.&nbsp;For 10 months last year, he said he tried to bring hemp business owners together to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/14/lawmakers-vote-down-a-second-bill-to-regulate-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri/">propose a regulatory framework</a>&nbsp;outside of the marijuana rules.&nbsp;“And they could not come to a conclusion on what would be acceptable,” Hinman said.&nbsp;Restricting the products to only be sold in cannabis dispensaries was also not his preference, he said, but it’s the regulatory framework the state already has in place.&nbsp;His original language stated Missouri would delay its ban if the federal government did, but he said that would unintentionally leave the products unregulated in the state indefinitely.&nbsp;“And then we’re back to trying to create a regulatory framework for hemp products,” he said. “The attorney general was not happy because she wants something accomplished. And of course, the police do…their hands are tied with continuing with an unregulated market.”If Congress decided to allow low-dose THC hemp products to be sold outside dispensaries, he said Missouri would have to come back and pass legislation allowing that.Republican state Rep. Jeff Myers of Warrenton&nbsp;spoke in favor of closing loopholes that were opened when Congress legalized hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;“All we’re saying is the federal government went back and addressed a loophole that got exploited,” he said. “We’re closing that back up.”

Missouri House passes legislation banning intoxicating hemp products

(Radio Iowa) - Zach Lahn - a Republican running for Iowa governor -- is raising concerns about the construction of data centers and he's suggesting new tax zones for the facilities. 

Lahn says he'd raise property tax rates five fold on the land for data centers and use the proceeds to lower property taxes for people who live nearby. Lahn describes the current construction of two data centers near Cedar Rapids as a troubling sight where the topsoil has been ripped off 14-hundred acres of farmland for buildings that look like a military installation. 

The data centers for Google and Q-T-S are being built in southwest Cedar Rapids. The City of Cedar Rapids has approved property tax rebates to Q-T-S worth more than half a billion over 20 years. Lahn says that's unacceptable, since the company has only pledged to create 30 full-time jobs once the facilities are operating.

(Radio Iowa) - Zach Lahn - a Republican running for Iowa governor -- is raising concerns about the construction of data centers and he's suggesting new tax zones for the facilities. Lahn says he'd raise property tax rates five fold on the land for data centers and use the proceeds to lower property taxes for people who live nearby. Lahn describes the current construction of two data centers near Cedar Rapids as a troubling sight where the topsoil has been ripped off 14-hundred acres of farmland for buildings that look like a military installation. The data centers for Google and Q-T-S are being built in southwest Cedar Rapids. The City of Cedar Rapids has approved property tax rebates to Q-T-S worth more than half a billion over 20 years. Lahn says that's unacceptable, since the company has only pledged to create 30 full-time jobs once the facilities are operating.

Lahn says as Iowa's governor he'd change policies on data centers

Legislation creating a state-run video lottery system to replace and regulate “gray market” slot machines that have proliferated for years in gas stations, bars and fraternal halls across the state narrowly cleared the Missouri House Wednesday, winning passage by just one vote.&nbsp;

The bill, which now heads to the Missouri Senate for consideration, is the culmination of years of efforts by lawmakers to rein in the burgeoning industry that has operated in a legal gray area of state law.&nbsp;

Under the legislation, the Missouri Lottery would have authority to license video games for installation in retail locations across the state. The licensed machines would have to pay out at least 80% of the money wagered as prizes and about one-third of the profits would be dedicated to state education programs.

The bill would also impose a 3% tax on video lottery profits to aid local governments and would increase the fee casinos pay for each patron who enters the gaming floor from $2 to $4. On Monday, the House adopted several amendments to the bill, including one adding an&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/amendpdf/6459H03.18H.pdf" target="_blank">annual $250 fee per machine</a>&nbsp;to go towards disability services.&nbsp;

Companies profiting from unregulated convenience store slot machines would have one year to pull their games off the market.&nbsp;

“I think this is the right thing to do for our state,” said state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon sponsoring the legislation.

Supporters pitched the bill as a trade: tighter rules, centralized oversight and tax revenue in exchange for a phased removal of the unregulated machines. And the bill gives local governments the authority to ban the games from their communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Opponents warned it would legitimize companies that have profited in the shadows and further expand gambling into everyday retail spaces — even as courts and law enforcement have moved to declare many of the existing games illegal outside casinos.

“Why are we changing our laws to help an industry that thumbed their nose at the State of Missouri?” said state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah.

But even those who don’t agree with the expansion of gambling in the state said Wednesday that the legislation is likely needed.&nbsp;

“I hate these machines with a passion. I don’t like what they do to our communities,” said state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville, adding: “But I don’t want them to continue to be gray, which is a misnomer. They’re illegal. But most prosecutors have been unable or unwilling to prosecute the illegal machines.”

If these games are going to exist, Chappel said, they should be regulated and taxed.&nbsp;

Last week, in a civil lawsuit, a federal judge declared slot machines operated by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices under state law. And Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed lawsuits against retail shops in Dunklin County alleging the businesses were operating illegal gambling machines on their premises.

Hardwick said his bill would enhance the attorney general’s efforts to go after illegal gambling by clarifying Missouri law and giving Hanaway’s office criminal jurisdiction to go after violators.&nbsp;

The bill’s chances in the Senate remain unclear. On Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, questioned the need for the legislation.

“The federal courts have issued a decision that the machines are illegal,” she wrote. “Why are we not just clearing them out?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771498927519.png" alt=" State Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, speaks March 25, 2025, in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, speaks March 25, 2025, in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Legislation creating a state-run video lottery system to replace and regulate “gray market” slot machines that have proliferated for years in gas stations, bars and fraternal halls across the state narrowly cleared the Missouri House Wednesday, winning passage by just one vote.&nbsp;The bill, which now heads to the Missouri Senate for consideration, is the culmination of years of efforts by lawmakers to rein in the burgeoning industry that has operated in a legal gray area of state law.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771347331662.png" alt=" Two “no-chance” gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Two “no-chance” gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Under the legislation, the Missouri Lottery would have authority to license video games for installation in retail locations across the state. The licensed machines would have to pay out at least 80% of the money wagered as prizes and about one-third of the profits would be dedicated to state education programs.The bill would also impose a 3% tax on video lottery profits to aid local governments and would increase the fee casinos pay for each patron who enters the gaming floor from $2 to $4. On Monday, the House adopted several amendments to the bill, including one adding an&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/amendpdf/6459H03.18H.pdf" target="_blank">annual $250 fee per machine</a>&nbsp;to go towards disability services.&nbsp;Companies profiting from unregulated convenience store slot machines would have one year to pull their games off the market.&nbsp;“I think this is the right thing to do for our state,” said state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon sponsoring the legislation.Supporters pitched the bill as a trade: tighter rules, centralized oversight and tax revenue in exchange for a phased removal of the unregulated machines. And the bill gives local governments the authority to ban the games from their communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opponents warned it would legitimize companies that have profited in the shadows and further expand gambling into everyday retail spaces — even as courts and law enforcement have moved to declare many of the existing games illegal outside casinos.“Why are we changing our laws to help an industry that thumbed their nose at the State of Missouri?” said state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah.But even those who don’t agree with the expansion of gambling in the state said Wednesday that the legislation is likely needed.&nbsp;“I hate these machines with a passion. I don’t like what they do to our communities,” said state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville, adding: “But I don’t want them to continue to be gray, which is a misnomer. They’re illegal. But most prosecutors have been unable or unwilling to prosecute the illegal machines.”If these games are going to exist, Chappel said, they should be regulated and taxed.&nbsp;Last week, in a civil lawsuit, a federal judge declared slot machines operated by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices under state law. And Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed lawsuits against retail shops in Dunklin County alleging the businesses were operating illegal gambling machines on their premises.Hardwick said his bill would enhance the attorney general’s efforts to go after illegal gambling by clarifying Missouri law and giving Hanaway’s office criminal jurisdiction to go after violators.&nbsp;The bill’s chances in the Senate remain unclear. On Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, questioned the need for the legislation.“The federal courts have issued a decision that the machines are illegal,” she wrote. “Why are we not just clearing them out?”

Missouri House narrowly passes bill to regulate gray-market slot machines

Northwest Missouri State University continues to see steady enrollment numbers this spring, bolstered by a significant rise in undergraduate students and strong retention figures, according to recently released census data.

The university’s total spring enrollment reached 7,674 students. This figure includes 4,315 undergraduates, marking a 4% increase in that demographic compared to the previous year. While spring totals are traditionally lower than fall numbers, Northwest has consistently surpassed the 7,000-student threshold since 2022, following a record high of 8,817 students in 2024.

Student retention remains a high point for the institution, with a fall-to-spring retention rate of 88%. The university also reported a 94% persistence rate, which tracks students who either remain enrolled or have successfully completed their degree programs.

“The entire Northwest campus community is focused on recruiting, enrolling, retaining and graduating students,” said Dr. Allison Hoffmann, associate provost of enrollment management and student success. Hoffmann noted that the university is particularly pleased with the undergraduate growth and the marginal increases in retention and persistence.

The university’s geographic footprint remains largely regional, with 5,183 students originating from Missouri. However, the student body includes domestic representatives from 49 states—with strong draws from Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas—and international students from 46 different countries.

International students account for 3% of the total population. The university reported that the majority of its international enrollment comes from India, France, and Nepal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681826188311.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State University" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorthwest Missouri State University continues to see steady enrollment numbers this spring, bolstered by a significant rise in undergraduate students and strong retention figures, according to recently released census data.The university’s total spring enrollment reached 7,674 students. This figure includes 4,315 undergraduates, marking a 4% increase in that demographic compared to the previous year. While spring totals are traditionally lower than fall numbers, Northwest has consistently surpassed the 7,000-student threshold since 2022, following a record high of 8,817 students in 2024.Student retention remains a high point for the institution, with a fall-to-spring retention rate of 88%. The university also reported a 94% persistence rate, which tracks students who either remain enrolled or have successfully completed their degree programs.“The entire Northwest campus community is focused on recruiting, enrolling, retaining and graduating students,” said Dr. Allison Hoffmann, associate provost of enrollment management and student success. Hoffmann noted that the university is particularly pleased with the undergraduate growth and the marginal increases in retention and persistence.The university’s geographic footprint remains largely regional, with 5,183 students originating from Missouri. However, the student body includes domestic representatives from 49 states—with strong draws from Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas—and international students from 46 different countries.International students account for 3% of the total population. The university reported that the majority of its international enrollment comes from India, France, and Nepal.

Spring enrollment at Northwest crosses 7,000 mark for fifth consecutive year

The Western Farm Show will take place in Kansas City this week at the American Royal Complex.

This is the 64th annual Western Farm Show, which is the Midwest’s largest indoor agricultural event. The show features over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in farm equipment, technology, and a wide array of agricultural products and services across more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space.&nbsp;

A highlight of the event is the Women’s Event, themed “Empower, Connect, Thrive!” This gathering aims to inspire and connect women in agriculture, offering insights and strategies to enhance their impact in the industry. 

The Western Farm Show also hosts educational seminars, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities, making it a unique experience for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture enthusiasts.&nbsp;

FFA Day is another significant feature, attracting over 4,500 students from Missouri and Kansas who participate in seminars, competitions, and explore career opportunities in agriculture. 

Overall, the Western Farm Show serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing agricultural advancements, fostering community engagement, and providing educational resources to support the growth and development of the farming and ranching sectors in the Midwest.

Tickets are $10 daily for adults. Children age 12 and under get in free.&nbsp;

The American Royal Complex is located at&nbsp;1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO. 680 KFEQ will have a booth on site.

Find more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westernfarmshow.com/">westernfarmshow.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581970103215.jpeg" alt="Western Farm Show equipment" />
 <figcaption>Western Farm Show equipment</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Western Farm Show will take place in Kansas City this week at the American Royal Complex.This is the 64th annual Western Farm Show, which is the Midwest’s largest indoor agricultural event. The show features over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in farm equipment, technology, and a wide array of agricultural products and services across more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space.&nbsp;A highlight of the event is the Women’s Event, themed “Empower, Connect, Thrive!” This gathering aims to inspire and connect women in agriculture, offering insights and strategies to enhance their impact in the industry. The Western Farm Show also hosts educational seminars, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities, making it a unique experience for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture enthusiasts.&nbsp;FFA Day is another significant feature, attracting over 4,500 students from Missouri and Kansas who participate in seminars, competitions, and explore career opportunities in agriculture. Overall, the Western Farm Show serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing agricultural advancements, fostering community engagement, and providing educational resources to support the growth and development of the farming and ranching sectors in the Midwest.Tickets are $10 daily for adults. Children age 12 and under get in free.&nbsp;The American Royal Complex is located at&nbsp;1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO. 680 KFEQ will have a booth on site.The Western Farm Show will take place:<ul>
 <li>Thursday, Feb 19:&nbsp;9 a.m. - 5 p.m.</li><li>Friday, Feb 20:&nbsp;9 a.m. - 5 p.m.</li><li>Saturday, Feb 21:&nbsp;9 a.m. - 4 p.m</li>
 </ul>Find more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westernfarmshow.com/">westernfarmshow.com</a>.

Western Farm Show in KC begins Thursday

The intent, the sponsor says, is to move property tax questions to higher turnout elections. As written, it could also put school board and city council races on ballots with partisan candidates

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

A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/11/missouri-house-moves-ahead-on-bill-to-silo-property-tax-rates-move-tax-elections-to-november/">property tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;moving through the Missouri House includes provisions that would potentially push all elections to August and November. The bill’s sponsor, however, said that’s not his intent and will make any changes necessary to prevent it.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&amp;bill=HB2780&amp;code=R%20&amp;cal=1" target="_blank">measure</a>&nbsp;that would require taxing districts to set separate rates for each type of property also requires all property tax elections to be on an August or November ballot. But the language that would accomplish the change in election dates, critics warn, is far broader than necessary.

“It is just rife with drafting errors,” said Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon. “This is what concerns me.”

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.121&amp;bid=5978&amp;hl=" target="_blank">current law</a>, partisan primary and general elections are held in August and November of even numbered years. The first Tuesday after the first Monday of April every year is set aside as the general municipal election day, when mostly non-partisan local offices are filled and measures such as tax and bond elections are held.

The bill given first-round approval last week, however, states that all primaries “for local, state and national offices” would be in August and “all general elections for local, state and national offices and issues” would be in November.

“I don’t see how they are reading that April is not gone,” Lennon said.

The 165-page bill sponsored by state Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, moved forward on a voice vote and is scheduled for a committee hearing Monday afternoon on its fiscal impact. If the bill is approved in the committee, Taylor said he expects a final House vote later in the afternoon.

In an interview Friday with The Independent, Taylor said he only wants to move property tax elections from April to November.

“The intent is absolutely not to move all elections from April,” Taylor said.

The benefit of moving property tax elections to November is the greater voter turnout, Taylor said. There were 160 property tax ballot proposals before voters in 2024 from 2,811 taxing districts, Taylor said.

<h2>The intent, the sponsor says, is to move property tax questions to higher turnout elections. As written, it could also put school board and city council races on ballots with partisan candidates</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/11/missouri-house-moves-ahead-on-bill-to-silo-property-tax-rates-move-tax-elections-to-november/">property tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;moving through the Missouri House includes provisions that would potentially push all elections to August and November. The bill’s sponsor, however, said that’s not his intent and will make any changes necessary to prevent it.The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&amp;bill=HB2780&amp;code=R%20&amp;cal=1" target="_blank">measure</a>&nbsp;that would require taxing districts to set separate rates for each type of property also requires all property tax elections to be on an August or November ballot. But the language that would accomplish the change in election dates, critics warn, is far broader than necessary.“It is just rife with drafting errors,” said Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon. “This is what concerns me.”Under&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.121&amp;bid=5978&amp;hl=" target="_blank">current law</a>, partisan primary and general elections are held in August and November of even numbered years. The first Tuesday after the first Monday of April every year is set aside as the general municipal election day, when mostly non-partisan local offices are filled and measures such as tax and bond elections are held.The bill given first-round approval last week, however, states that all primaries “for local, state and national offices” would be in August and “all general elections for local, state and national offices and issues” would be in November.“I don’t see how they are reading that April is not gone,” Lennon said.The 165-page bill sponsored by state Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, moved forward on a voice vote and is scheduled for a committee hearing Monday afternoon on its fiscal impact. If the bill is approved in the committee, Taylor said he expects a final House vote later in the afternoon.In an interview Friday with The Independent, Taylor said he only wants to move property tax elections from April to November.“The intent is absolutely not to move all elections from April,” Taylor said.The benefit of moving property tax elections to November is the greater voter turnout, Taylor said. There were 160 property tax ballot proposals before voters in 2024 from 2,811 taxing districts, Taylor said.“It does not seem insurmountable to move that to November,” he said.Lennon’s concerns echo those of state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Republican from Carrollton who was Carroll County Clerk for nearly 24 years. During debate, McGaugh said she was certain the bill, if passed unchanged, would end April elections.The November ballot would become longer, she said, and major national and statewide races and issues in November elections would make it more difficult to educate voters on local questions and candidates.“If you shift all elections to November, your ballot is going to be so long that voter fatigue is an issue, and the very taxes that you may want to have passed or failed are going to get lost in all the issues before it or behind it,” McGaugh said.Taylor said he’s not convinced voters will tire before they get to local issues and leave the ballot for those issues blank.“I am not going to insinuate they don’t have the stamina and the strength and the fortitude to read the whole ballot,” Taylor said.In Boone County, turnout in the past five April elections ranged from 14% to 25% of registered voters. Approximately 70% of voters cast ballots in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, while 50% came to the polls for the 2022 off-year election.The money spent to energize voters for a November election is one reason turnout is so high, Lennon said.Local governments trying to get voters’ attention would have to “break through the noise” of a November election where candidates and issue campaigns are spending millions, Lennon said.Local taxing districts can distribute material describing how money from a tax levy would be used but are barred by state law from using that material to advocate for a favorable vote. Organized spending for a local ballot measure is often less than $10,000.“Which, again, is why we see lower turnout in April, because that amount of money is not being spent on issues in the April elections,” Lennon said.There would be some cost savings associated with moving all elections from April to November, Lennon said. It would reduce outlays to rent locations for polling stations and payroll for election judges, she said.But the savings, she said, would come at the cost of potentially using two-page ballots. The equipment she uses can accommodate a ballot of up to 19 inches long, she said.&nbsp;The November 2024 ballot was 17 inches long and covered two sides of the paper, she said.Two-page ballots bring extra challenges for verifying results, Lennon said.“Reconciliation of the number of voters who check in to the number of ballots received gets really difficult,” Lennon said. “It is after the fact difficult to match up if voters choose not to cast both ballots.”The changes Taylor wants to enact for property tax elections is not limited to the date when votes are cast. The ballot would also include an estimate of how much a proposed tax would cost property owners for every $100,000 of the base value used for assessments.&nbsp;And every ballot question would state the percentage increase in taxes from an increased levy, the reason the taxing district needs the money and the length of time the tax would be in place.The uncertainty about the way the bill is drafted is not enough to back up and revise it, Taylor said.The election provision will be studied, Taylor said, and if necessary, he would recommend changes as the bill is revised in the state Senate. It’s already too late for the bill to be revised any further in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;He wants to work with local election authorities to refine the bill, he said.“I want to make this right,” Taylor said. “This bill is just getting off the ground and there is going to be a lot of massaging along the way.”The tax bill was moved too quickly, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, said last week at a news conference. Most of the time used during debate was on an amendment that standardized the ballot questions for property tax measures. Other important issues in the bill were not discussed, she said.“Democrats are on board with providing Missourians much needed property tax relief, but details matter, and we barely scratched the surface of how this bill impacts local governments and their ability to serve residents,” Aune said.To move to the Senate, the bill needs 82 votes. The bill has supporters and critics in both parties, Taylor said.His appeal to colleagues will be to keep the bill moving, Taylor said. The bill is certain to be revised in the Senate, and if it clears that chamber the House will have another vote later.“My job is to convince them this process is far from over,” Taylor said, “and we are going to have ample opportunity to get something across the finish line.”