Theatre Northwest opens its spring season this month with a double feature of student-directed plays that explore the complexities of love, loss, and superheroes.

The productions, which are part of the Second Stage Repertory series, offer a distinctively live experience that student-director Korbin Horton believes cannot be replicated on screen.

“Seeing people move, talk and feel live is unlike anything you can experience watching a movie or a TV show,” Horton said. “At Theatre Northwest, we tell stories that are meaningful and entertaining for all audiences, whether you’ve seen countless plays or this is your first one.”

The season begins with “Treehouse,” written by Joe Musso and directed by Remington Carter, a junior speech and theatre education major. The play centers on 17-year-old Johnny, who claims to possess the mind of a 53-year-old while navigating the typical hurdles of adolescence and heartbreak.

Carter noted that the play’s core message—centered on what the protagonist calls "the eternal summer that shall not fade"—serves as a reminder to cherish the present.

“It’s important just to appreciate those things, find the meaning in your life and appreciate it while it’s still there,” Carter said.

Shifting gears from drama to comedy, the weekend continues with Adam Szymkowicz’s “Hearts Like Fists.” Directed by Horton, the superhero noir follows a group called the Crimestoppers as they attempt to foil the villainous Dr. X, who targets lovers with lethal poison.

Horton chose the play for its ability to mask deep, relatable themes with high-energy action.

“Behind all of the weird, silly, fun stuff that’s happening, there are actual, real themes and messages that people can apply to their everyday lives,” Horton said.

As part of the Second Stage Repertory, every aspect of these productions—from acting and directing to set design—is handled by students. For speech and theatre education majors, the experience is a graduation requirement that builds professional camaraderie.

“Having that opportunity allows you to build a connection with other peers,” Carter said. “That’s been super helpful in my time here at Northwest.”

Ticket Information:
Tickets for both shows are $7.00 and can be purchased online at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/theatre/">Northwest Fine Arts website</a> or at the box office one hour before curtain.

The Theatre Northwest season will conclude later this spring with “The Squirrels,” running April 9–12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759431291872.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHTheatre Northwest opens its spring season this month with a double feature of student-directed plays that explore the complexities of love, loss, and superheroes.The productions, which are part of the Second Stage Repertory series, offer a distinctively live experience that student-director Korbin Horton believes cannot be replicated on screen.“Seeing people move, talk and feel live is unlike anything you can experience watching a movie or a TV show,” Horton said. “At Theatre Northwest, we tell stories that are meaningful and entertaining for all audiences, whether you’ve seen countless plays or this is your first one.”The season begins with “Treehouse,” written by Joe Musso and directed by Remington Carter, a junior speech and theatre education major. The play centers on 17-year-old Johnny, who claims to possess the mind of a 53-year-old while navigating the typical hurdles of adolescence and heartbreak.Carter noted that the play’s core message—centered on what the protagonist calls "the eternal summer that shall not fade"—serves as a reminder to cherish the present.“It’s important just to appreciate those things, find the meaning in your life and appreciate it while it’s still there,” Carter said.<ul>
 <li>When: Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.</li><li>Where: Studio Theater, Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.</li>
 </ul>Shifting gears from drama to comedy, the weekend continues with Adam Szymkowicz’s “Hearts Like Fists.” Directed by Horton, the superhero noir follows a group called the Crimestoppers as they attempt to foil the villainous Dr. X, who targets lovers with lethal poison.Horton chose the play for its ability to mask deep, relatable themes with high-energy action.“Behind all of the weird, silly, fun stuff that’s happening, there are actual, real themes and messages that people can apply to their everyday lives,” Horton said.<ul>
 <li>When: Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.</li><li>Where: Studio Theater, Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.</li>
 </ul>As part of the Second Stage Repertory, every aspect of these productions—from acting and directing to set design—is handled by students. For speech and theatre education majors, the experience is a graduation requirement that builds professional camaraderie.“Having that opportunity allows you to build a connection with other peers,” Carter said. “That’s been super helpful in my time here at Northwest.”Ticket Information:
Tickets for both shows are $7.00 and can be purchased online at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/theatre/">Northwest Fine Arts website</a> or at the box office one hour before curtain.The Theatre Northwest season will conclude later this spring with “The Squirrels,” running April 9–12.

Student-led productions kick off spring season at Theatre Northwest

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa Senate subcommittee has advanced a bill supporters say would prevent abortion pills from being mailed into Iowa by requiring an in-person visit to an Iowa physician before abortion pills can be prescribed to Iowans. 

Pulse Life Advocates executive director Maggie DeWitte says the bill helps ensure the safety of women who are ingesting this drug. Medical groups say the bill requires doctors prescribing abortion pills to share inaccurate information about abortion reversal drugs. Dr. Teresa Fuller, who works at clinics in Perry and Dallas Center, says that forces her to lie to patients. 

Advocates for the bill say some medication abortions have been reversed and patients should be informed of all their options.

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa Senate subcommittee has advanced a bill supporters say would prevent abortion pills from being mailed into Iowa by requiring an in-person visit to an Iowa physician before abortion pills can be prescribed to Iowans. Pulse Life Advocates executive director Maggie DeWitte says the bill helps ensure the safety of women who are ingesting this drug. Medical groups say the bill requires doctors prescribing abortion pills to share inaccurate information about abortion reversal drugs. Dr. Teresa Fuller, who works at clinics in Perry and Dallas Center, says that forces her to lie to patients. Advocates for the bill say some medication abortions have been reversed and patients should be informed of all their options.

Bill targets abortion pills being mailed into Iowa

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford F150 driven by a 36-year-old Bethany man was northbound on Egret Avenue four miles east of Cainsville. The driver's vision was obstructed by the dust on the gravel road. The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a large tree and continued into a field.&nbsp;

North Missouri Ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford F150 driven by a 36-year-old Bethany man was northbound on Egret Avenue four miles east of Cainsville. The driver's vision was obstructed by the dust on the gravel road. The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck a large tree and continued into a field.&nbsp;North Missouri Ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after pickup strikes a large tree

TOPEKA, KS —&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1508%2FTravel-Health%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c4318bcb6-f601b292-46cf-49a3-85ba-85445102d085-000000/sTGs7rrfv0GwWPFNaZ_7XHyT4TSHQETWeZBp2zIaWEY=443">Travel &amp; Health webpage</a>&nbsp;to provide healthcare and public health partners with educational and clinical resources ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM. This highly anticipated event is expected to bring increased domestic and international travel to the Kansas City metro area.

Higher travel volumes and mass gatherings increase the potential for the spread of infectious diseases, including conditions rarely seen in Kansas. Healthcare providers are encouraged to routinely “Think Travel History” when evaluating patients.

“With the World Cup approaching, early recognition starts with asking about travel,”&nbsp;KDHE Deputy Secretary for Public Health Ashley Goss said.&nbsp;“This new webpage gives providers a central resource to quickly access guidance and stay prepared for travel-related disease risks.”

The new Travel &amp; Health webpage includes:

In the upcoming weeks, new resources will continue to be added. These will include additional training webinars, a clinical support dashboard which will allow clinicians to search for outbreaks and endemic diseases by country, and a Kansas specific dashboard which will track emergency department visits and wastewater surveillance data.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683988779686.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KS —&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1508%2FTravel-Health%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c4318bcb6-f601b292-46cf-49a3-85ba-85445102d085-000000/sTGs7rrfv0GwWPFNaZ_7XHyT4TSHQETWeZBp2zIaWEY=443">Travel &amp; Health webpage</a>&nbsp;to provide healthcare and public health partners with educational and clinical resources ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM. This highly anticipated event is expected to bring increased domestic and international travel to the Kansas City metro area.Higher travel volumes and mass gatherings increase the potential for the spread of infectious diseases, including conditions rarely seen in Kansas. Healthcare providers are encouraged to routinely “Think Travel History” when evaluating patients.“With the World Cup approaching, early recognition starts with asking about travel,”&nbsp;KDHE Deputy Secretary for Public Health Ashley Goss said.&nbsp;“This new webpage gives providers a central resource to quickly access guidance and stay prepared for travel-related disease risks.”The new Travel &amp; Health webpage includes:<ul>
 <li>Current travel health notices.</li><li>Disease-specific reporting and testing information.</li><li>Infection Prevention and Control resources for healthcare facilities.</li><li>Provider training webinars on domestic and international infectious diseases.</li>
 </ul>In the upcoming weeks, new resources will continue to be added. These will include additional training webinars, a clinical support dashboard which will allow clinicians to search for outbreaks and endemic diseases by country, and a Kansas specific dashboard which will track emergency department visits and wastewater surveillance data.

KDHE launches Travel & Health webpage ahead of FIFA World Cup 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770646350849.png" alt="Pahmahmie photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Pahmahmie photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged kidnapping, attempted murder

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Feb. 9 - 15.

Route C – Utility work at County Road 190, Feb. 4-13.

Interstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb.7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;

Route D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.

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 K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to NW Prairie View Road, Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route TT to Vow Avenue, Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement at 110th Street, Feb. 10, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

I-29 – Bridge maintenance southbound at the 86.6 mile marker, Feb. 9-13.

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 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.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through mid-February 2026.

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

<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 Missouri region for the week of Feb. 9 - 15.Andrew CountyRoute C – Utility work at County Road 190, Feb. 4-13.Buchanan CountyInterstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb.7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.&nbsp;Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;Caldwell CountyRoute D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.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.Clinton CountyRoute K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to NW Prairie View Road, Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Daviess CountyRoute BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route TT to Vow Avenue, Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement at 110th Street, Feb. 10, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Holt CountyI-29 – Bridge maintenance southbound at the 86.6 mile marker, Feb. 9-13.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.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.Worth CountyRoute W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through mid-February 2026.There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT says inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 9 - 15

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sawyerbess/">Sawyer Bess</a>

A bill that would lower the minimum wage for minors was pitched by its sponsor last week as a way to help small businesses and young workers.

The legislation would create a separate minimum wage for those under age 18 who are employed in Missouri. The new minimum wage rate for minors would be $12.30 per hour, down from the state rate of $15 per hour.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, is aiming to protect both small businesses and teen workers, as he has seen a decrease of teen employment in his district.

“Labor is often the single largest expense when wages rise too quickly,” Nicola said. “Owners are forced to make hard choices, reduce hours, raise prices, automate jobs like installing kiosks instead of having teens employed or stop hiring inexperienced workers altogether.”

Missouri’s minimum wage has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from $7.65 in 2016 to $15 in 2026.

Nicola said the bill takes into account that entry-level jobs are “fundamentally different” from adult employment and that Missouri’s wage laws should remain fair.

“These are entry level positions that require training, supervision, patience from employers,” Nicola said.

David Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association, and Dan Shaul, the executive state director for the Missouri Grocers Association and president of Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance spoke in support of the bill.

Those opposed said age discrimination should not be legislated in Missouri and that some families rely on teenagers’ wages.

A member of the public testified that, when he was a youth worker, his family depended on his paycheck after the death of his father. He found it insulting to say that lower wages would be in his best interest.

Jake Hummel, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, said the bill would be creating a two-tiered system. The lower wage would also make it harder for teens to afford the costs of living given they already face higher car insurance prices.

Hummel said that Missouri’s relatively high minimum wage attracts out-of-state employees.

“I’m kind of excited to hear that the citizens of Kansas are coming over for employment in the state of Missouri to pay taxes here in the state,” Hummel said. “And last I checked, we were trying to attract workers to Missouri, not do the opposite.”

Nicola rebutted by saying that the out-of-state minors would be working jobs that Missouri minors could instead have.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/bill-would-lower-minimum-wage-for-minors-in-missouri/article_b7a00aa6-da28-4a1c-b8cb-e2842dc84b1e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770645770907.png" alt="State Sen. Joe Nicola laughs during his introduction to the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Joe Nicola laughs during his introduction to the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sawyerbess/">Sawyer Bess</a>A bill that would lower the minimum wage for minors was pitched by its sponsor last week as a way to help small businesses and young workers.The legislation would create a separate minimum wage for those under age 18 who are employed in Missouri. The new minimum wage rate for minors would be $12.30 per hour, down from the state rate of $15 per hour.The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, is aiming to protect both small businesses and teen workers, as he has seen a decrease of teen employment in his district.“Labor is often the single largest expense when wages rise too quickly,” Nicola said. “Owners are forced to make hard choices, reduce hours, raise prices, automate jobs like installing kiosks instead of having teens employed or stop hiring inexperienced workers altogether.”Missouri’s minimum wage has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from $7.65 in 2016 to $15 in 2026.Nicola said the bill takes into account that entry-level jobs are “fundamentally different” from adult employment and that Missouri’s wage laws should remain fair.“These are entry level positions that require training, supervision, patience from employers,” Nicola said.David Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association, and Dan Shaul, the executive state director for the Missouri Grocers Association and president of Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance spoke in support of the bill.Those opposed said age discrimination should not be legislated in Missouri and that some families rely on teenagers’ wages.A member of the public testified that, when he was a youth worker, his family depended on his paycheck after the death of his father. He found it insulting to say that lower wages would be in his best interest.Jake Hummel, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, said the bill would be creating a two-tiered system. The lower wage would also make it harder for teens to afford the costs of living given they already face higher car insurance prices.Hummel said that Missouri’s relatively high minimum wage attracts out-of-state employees.“I’m kind of excited to hear that the citizens of Kansas are coming over for employment in the state of Missouri to pay taxes here in the state,” Hummel said. “And last I checked, we were trying to attract workers to Missouri, not do the opposite.”Nicola rebutted by saying that the out-of-state minors would be working jobs that Missouri minors could instead have.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/bill-would-lower-minimum-wage-for-minors-in-missouri/article_b7a00aa6-da28-4a1c-b8cb-e2842dc84b1e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Bill seeks to lower the minimum wage for minors in Missouri

Its the time of year to buy Girl Scout cookies and beginning this week, troops will have booths set up around the area.

Dr. Rochelle Parker, CEO for Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, says a booth will be set up Wednesday at Castle Bridge Event Center beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Then on Thursday and Friday, booths will be located at Hyvee in St. Joseph. And on Valentine's Day, a booth will be set up at Texas Roadhouse from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. "Its going to be a fun week, they will be everywhere.," says Parker.

If anyone is unable to shop at a booth, Girl Scouts offer online ordering. "Our next free shipping weekend is Feb 21 and 22. You have to buy a minimum of four packages to qualify for free shipping," says Parker.

The Girl Scout website can be <a href="https://www.gsksmo.org/">found here</a>.

Parker says, locally, Girl Scout troops set their own financial goals, with cookie sales being one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. "They're looking at costs to attend camp in the summer, trips they have planned, and membership dues."

Parker adds that a new cookie flavor is available this year. ""Its called an Exploremore, which is a rocky road inspired sandwich cookie. If you like rocky road ice cream, you'll like these cookies. It also makes a good crumble for desserts."

Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri covers 47 counties throughout the region from St. Joseph to Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477414488.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout logo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout logo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHIts the time of year to buy Girl Scout cookies and beginning this week, troops will have booths set up around the area.Dr. Rochelle Parker, CEO for Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, says a booth will be set up Wednesday at Castle Bridge Event Center beginning at 5:00 p.m. Then on Thursday and Friday, booths will be located at Hyvee in St. Joseph. And on Valentine's Day, a booth will be set up at Texas Roadhouse from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. "Its going to be a fun week, they will be everywhere.," says Parker.If anyone is unable to shop at a booth, Girl Scouts offer online ordering. "Our next free shipping weekend is Feb 21 and 22. You have to buy a minimum of four packages to qualify for free shipping," says Parker.The Girl Scout website can be <a href="https://www.gsksmo.org/">found here</a>.Parker says, locally, Girl Scout troops set their own financial goals, with cookie sales being one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. "They're looking at costs to attend camp in the summer, trips they have planned, and membership dues."Parker adds that a new cookie flavor is available this year. ""Its called an Exploremore, which is a rocky road inspired sandwich cookie. If you like rocky road ice cream, you'll like these cookies. It also makes a good crumble for desserts."Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri covers 47 counties throughout the region from St. Joseph to Topeka.

Support Girl Scouts at cookie booths this week

The joint investigation has roots in a civil jury finding that Torch Electronics, the biggest player in the market, pushed competitors out of locations by offering illegal games. The FBI, IRS and other federal agencies are reportedly involved&nbsp;

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 state and federal investigation of “illegal” slot machines is looking at how “billions” flow from Missourians to the companies that own the games, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told a legislative committee Thursday.

The state, at the request of federal investigators, joined the probe that has its roots in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/torch-lured-business-in-missouri-with-illegal-video-games-federal-jury-finds/">federal civil court case</a>&nbsp;where a jury found the games offered by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices, Hanaway said.

“We are investigating what the operators of (of the games) are doing, how their money is flowing, where they have locations, how many machines, so then we can go in with some enforcement action,” Hanaway said to the Missouri House Budget Committee.

Hanaway’s comments come as the House prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">debate a bill</a>&nbsp;to authorize the Missouri Lottery to license and tax similar machines known as video lottery terminals, or VLTs. The bill, with support and opposition that crosses party lines, survived a 6-5 vote Wednesday in the House Rules-Legislative Committee in part because one opponent was absent.

“Whatever you all do as a legislature to regulate them, then we’ll enforce that law,” Hanaway told the committee. “But right now it’s illegal, so I’m going to be going after them.”

The cooperative investigation began on an initiative from federal agencies, Hanaway said in response to questioning from state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the committee.

“They came in and said, ‘here’s what we’re doing. Are you doing anything?’,” Hanaway said. “We said ‘yes we are and we would love to work together.’ So now we’re working together.”

There is no accurate count of the number of games owned by Torch or other similar vendors in the state. Some estimates have ranged up to 25,000 machines.

Torch spokesman Gregg Keller said in a text that the company has not been contacted by state or federal investigators.

“But if we ever are, we will continue to do what we have always done: cooperate fully with law-enforcement and the Legislature to pass and enforce fair regulation for everyone in the industry,” Keller said. “Right now, we are focused on helping pass Rep. Hardwick and Sen. Bean’s VLT bill currently before the Legislature.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Missouri did not respond to an email about the investigation.

Games provided to retailers by Torch and its competitors are unregulated by the state, and no reports exist showing how much money is being spent on the games by consumers.&nbsp;

The state’s 13 casinos, which must report monthly totals for taxation, reported about $17 billion in bets at slot machines in each of the past three fiscal years, with just over 90% returned to players.

By law, slot machines in casinos must return at least 80% of the money bet as prizes. Casino profits are taxed at 21%, bringing in $364 million for public schools in the most recent fiscal year.

Financial records obtained for the federal trial showed that Torch games pulled in $32 million from 2017 to 2023 at 20 locations, with about 100 machines. Torch split $11 million with retailers, leaving about 65% for prizes.

Hanaway said she does not have a moral objection to the games.&nbsp;

“My concern is that they are all going on in the state, unregulated, bringing in billions of dollars, and that we are going to, if we continue to allow them to just openly ignore the law and just sort of flagrantly believe that they can operate in these illegal circumstances, that we’re going to get real organized crime in the state,” Hanaway said.

For nearly 10 years, games the owners claim are legal have been installed in retail locations including bars, convenience stores and fraternal halls. Efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">prosecute the companies</a>&nbsp;that own the game have largely failed because local prosecutors refuse to file charges in most cases investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;

Hanaway said the FBI, the IRS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over financial matters are part of the investigation because of “money laundering and banking” questions.

Torch has used high-profile lobbyists, large political donations, contacts with prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">lawsuits against enforcement agencies</a>&nbsp;to protect its market. In 2023, Hanaway’s predecessor, Andrew Bailey, pulled out of defending the patrol in a lawsuit filed by Torch after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">accepting $14,000 in contributions</a>&nbsp;for his campaign and another $12,000 for his PAC from committees funded by Torch.

Last year,&nbsp; the company contributed just under $600,000 to seven political action committees controlled by its chief lobbyist, former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley. It contributed another $60,000 directly, with $25,000 to House Speaker Jon Patterson’s PAC supporting his bid for a seat in the state Senate, Missouri Alliance PAC, and $10,000 to State Treasurer Vivek Malek’s PAC, American Promise.

Committee members on Thursday wanted to know why local prosecutors have not been more active in fighting the machines.&nbsp;

“The owners of the (games) just came in with overwhelming force,” Hanaway said. “They brought in the best lawyers in the world and just put more resources on it than a local prosecutor could respond with.”

Only one felony prosecution has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/07/smashed-machines-put-emphatic-end-on-missouri-illegal-gambling-case/">resulted in a conviction</a>. There has been a misdemeanor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=20AB-CR03465&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT20#charges" target="_blank">possession of a gambling device case</a>&nbsp;pending in Franklin County against James McNutt, owner of the convenience store chain Midwest Petroleum, since November 2020.

In an interview with The Independent, Hanaway said her office has concurrent jurisdiction with county prosecutors on gambling laws, and can better withstand being “overwhelmed” by&nbsp; “very expensive lawyering.”

The delays are evidence of the lopsided fight, she said.

“If we have some combined resources in the (attorney general’s) office with the county prosecutors and maybe even the feds, it’s going to be a fairer fight,” Hanaway said.

In an interview, Fogle noted that her hometown, Springfield, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2025/10/08/judge-sides-with-springfield-in-torch-electronics-vlt-ban-lawsuit/86581506007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=pp&amp;gca-ds=override" target="_blank">banned Torch’s machines</a>&nbsp;and similar games as a public nuisance.&nbsp;

“There was a lot of information that I wouldn’t expect her to be able to share publicly if there are ongoing investigations, but I was pleased to see that she was in coordination with the federal government to crack down on these illegal machines,” Fogle said.

The games targeted by Hanaway are labeled as “no chance gaming” by the operators and have successfully eluded a definitive prosecution. The only felony conviction, in Platte County, was not appealed.

After years of being stymied by casino lobbyists and Torch’s political strength, video lottery proponents think this is the year for passage. The state will need billions in revenue if Republicans want to keep Gov. Mike Kehoe’s promise to eliminate the state income tax.

Replacing the untaxed and unregulated games with machines licensed by the state, with mandatory 80% payouts, would bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/fiscal/fispdf/6459H.03C.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $350 million in revenue</a>&nbsp;within two years, according to official estimates.

The bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, passed the last stop on the way to a floor debate, the Rules committee, only because the vice chairman, state Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, was absent.

In an interview, Mayhew said his presence would not have mattered because there were other members, who he would not name, willing to change their vote to get the bill through.&nbsp;

Mayhew and Hardwick are opponents in the GOP primary in the 16th Senate District in August.

“I hate the bill,” Mayhew said. “I hate everything about the bill. Now, in the past, I have supported VLTs, but it was always under the idea that the current things were going to go away.”

The two-year allowance before existing games could not operate is too long, he said.

A bill authorizing video lottery&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">narrowly passed the House</a>&nbsp;last year. Fogle, who said she will oppose the bill when it is up for debate, said the lobbying effort is intense and the divisions don’t follow party lines.

“There was a lot of strong arming going on (last year), and I would anticipate that to happen again this year,” Fogle said.

Last year’s bill died in the state Senate. If the House does pass it, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin said Thursday, it will get a chilly reception in the upper chamber.

The discussion about making illegal activities legal too often focuses on the financial benefits of taxation, O’Laughlin said.

“In the short time that I’ve been here, it just seems like we have talked about so many marijuana and gambling bills, and we’re going to tax those, and they’re going to pay for veterans and education and do all of these great things,” O’Laughlin said. “But no one talks about the societal cost of it and what it does to people and their families, and that’s kind of my concern.”

Note: Gregg Keller is not related to the author of this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569530951374.png" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The joint investigation has roots in a civil jury finding that Torch Electronics, the biggest player in the market, pushed competitors out of locations by offering illegal games. The FBI, IRS and other federal agencies are reportedly involved&nbsp;</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 state and federal investigation of “illegal” slot machines is looking at how “billions” flow from Missourians to the companies that own the games, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told a legislative committee Thursday.The state, at the request of federal investigators, joined the probe that has its roots in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/torch-lured-business-in-missouri-with-illegal-video-games-federal-jury-finds/">federal civil court case</a>&nbsp;where a jury found the games offered by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices, Hanaway said.“We are investigating what the operators of (of the games) are doing, how their money is flowing, where they have locations, how many machines, so then we can go in with some enforcement action,” Hanaway said to the Missouri House Budget Committee.Hanaway’s comments come as the House prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">debate a bill</a>&nbsp;to authorize the Missouri Lottery to license and tax similar machines known as video lottery terminals, or VLTs. The bill, with support and opposition that crosses party lines, survived a 6-5 vote Wednesday in the House Rules-Legislative Committee in part because one opponent was absent.“Whatever you all do as a legislature to regulate them, then we’ll enforce that law,” Hanaway told the committee. “But right now it’s illegal, so I’m going to be going after them.”The cooperative investigation began on an initiative from federal agencies, Hanaway said in response to questioning from state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the committee.“They came in and said, ‘here’s what we’re doing. Are you doing anything?’,” Hanaway said. “We said ‘yes we are and we would love to work together.’ So now we’re working together.”There is no accurate count of the number of games owned by Torch or other similar vendors in the state. Some estimates have ranged up to 25,000 machines.Torch spokesman Gregg Keller said in a text that the company has not been contacted by state or federal investigators.“But if we ever are, we will continue to do what we have always done: cooperate fully with law-enforcement and the Legislature to pass and enforce fair regulation for everyone in the industry,” Keller said. “Right now, we are focused on helping pass Rep. Hardwick and Sen. Bean’s VLT bill currently before the Legislature.”The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Missouri did not respond to an email about the investigation.Games provided to retailers by Torch and its competitors are unregulated by the state, and no reports exist showing how much money is being spent on the games by consumers.&nbsp;The state’s 13 casinos, which must report monthly totals for taxation, reported about $17 billion in bets at slot machines in each of the past three fiscal years, with just over 90% returned to players.By law, slot machines in casinos must return at least 80% of the money bet as prizes. Casino profits are taxed at 21%, bringing in $364 million for public schools in the most recent fiscal year.Financial records obtained for the federal trial showed that Torch games pulled in $32 million from 2017 to 2023 at 20 locations, with about 100 machines. Torch split $11 million with retailers, leaving about 65% for prizes.Hanaway said she does not have a moral objection to the games.&nbsp;“My concern is that they are all going on in the state, unregulated, bringing in billions of dollars, and that we are going to, if we continue to allow them to just openly ignore the law and just sort of flagrantly believe that they can operate in these illegal circumstances, that we’re going to get real organized crime in the state,” Hanaway said.For nearly 10 years, games the owners claim are legal have been installed in retail locations including bars, convenience stores and fraternal halls. Efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">prosecute the companies</a>&nbsp;that own the game have largely failed because local prosecutors refuse to file charges in most cases investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;Hanaway said the FBI, the IRS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over financial matters are part of the investigation because of “money laundering and banking” questions.Torch has used high-profile lobbyists, large political donations, contacts with prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">lawsuits against enforcement agencies</a>&nbsp;to protect its market. In 2023, Hanaway’s predecessor, Andrew Bailey, pulled out of defending the patrol in a lawsuit filed by Torch after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">accepting $14,000 in contributions</a>&nbsp;for his campaign and another $12,000 for his PAC from committees funded by Torch.Last year,&nbsp; the company contributed just under $600,000 to seven political action committees controlled by its chief lobbyist, former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley. It contributed another $60,000 directly, with $25,000 to House Speaker Jon Patterson’s PAC supporting his bid for a seat in the state Senate, Missouri Alliance PAC, and $10,000 to State Treasurer Vivek Malek’s PAC, American Promise.Committee members on Thursday wanted to know why local prosecutors have not been more active in fighting the machines.&nbsp;“The owners of the (games) just came in with overwhelming force,” Hanaway said. “They brought in the best lawyers in the world and just put more resources on it than a local prosecutor could respond with.”Only one felony prosecution has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/07/smashed-machines-put-emphatic-end-on-missouri-illegal-gambling-case/">resulted in a conviction</a>. There has been a misdemeanor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=20AB-CR03465&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT20#charges" target="_blank">possession of a gambling device case</a>&nbsp;pending in Franklin County against James McNutt, owner of the convenience store chain Midwest Petroleum, since November 2020.In an interview with The Independent, Hanaway said her office has concurrent jurisdiction with county prosecutors on gambling laws, and can better withstand being “overwhelmed” by&nbsp; “very expensive lawyering.”The delays are evidence of the lopsided fight, she said.“If we have some combined resources in the (attorney general’s) office with the county prosecutors and maybe even the feds, it’s going to be a fairer fight,” Hanaway said.In an interview, Fogle noted that her hometown, Springfield, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2025/10/08/judge-sides-with-springfield-in-torch-electronics-vlt-ban-lawsuit/86581506007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=pp&amp;gca-ds=override" target="_blank">banned Torch’s machines</a>&nbsp;and similar games as a public nuisance.&nbsp;“There was a lot of information that I wouldn’t expect her to be able to share publicly if there are ongoing investigations, but I was pleased to see that she was in coordination with the federal government to crack down on these illegal machines,” Fogle said.<h2>Video lottery</h2>The games targeted by Hanaway are labeled as “no chance gaming” by the operators and have successfully eluded a definitive prosecution. The only felony conviction, in Platte County, was not appealed.After years of being stymied by casino lobbyists and Torch’s political strength, video lottery proponents think this is the year for passage. The state will need billions in revenue if Republicans want to keep Gov. Mike Kehoe’s promise to eliminate the state income tax.Replacing the untaxed and unregulated games with machines licensed by the state, with mandatory 80% payouts, would bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/fiscal/fispdf/6459H.03C.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $350 million in revenue</a>&nbsp;within two years, according to official estimates.The bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, passed the last stop on the way to a floor debate, the Rules committee, only because the vice chairman, state Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, was absent.In an interview, Mayhew said his presence would not have mattered because there were other members, who he would not name, willing to change their vote to get the bill through.&nbsp;Mayhew and Hardwick are opponents in the GOP primary in the 16th Senate District in August.“I hate the bill,” Mayhew said. “I hate everything about the bill. Now, in the past, I have supported VLTs, but it was always under the idea that the current things were going to go away.”The two-year allowance before existing games could not operate is too long, he said.A bill authorizing video lottery&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">narrowly passed the House</a>&nbsp;last year. Fogle, who said she will oppose the bill when it is up for debate, said the lobbying effort is intense and the divisions don’t follow party lines.“There was a lot of strong arming going on (last year), and I would anticipate that to happen again this year,” Fogle said.Last year’s bill died in the state Senate. If the House does pass it, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin said Thursday, it will get a chilly reception in the upper chamber.The discussion about making illegal activities legal too often focuses on the financial benefits of taxation, O’Laughlin said.“In the short time that I’ve been here, it just seems like we have talked about so many marijuana and gambling bills, and we’re going to tax those, and they’re going to pay for veterans and education and do all of these great things,” O’Laughlin said. “But no one talks about the societal cost of it and what it does to people and their families, and that’s kind of my concern.”Note: Gregg Keller is not related to the author of this article.

Missouri AG: State and feds are investigating ‘illegal’ slot machines

Missouri lawmakers are debating the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state

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>

People who drink cannabis beverages – that often come in cans, like beer or hard seltzers – may be consuming less alcohol, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26877350-2026-cannabis-beverages/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from University of Buffalo.&nbsp;

More than 60% of the study’s participants who drank cannabis beverages said they had either reduced (61.5%) or stopped (1.1%) drinking alcohol as a result.

“We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use — people at parties or bars will likely have a drink in their hand, in this case a cannabis beverage rather than an alcoholic one,” said Daniel Kruger, a co-author and research associate professor in University of Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Kruger said the study, which was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs last month, is the first of its kind to focus on cannabis beverages and the potential for alcohol harm reduction.

And it comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/bills-banning-intoxicating-hemp-in-missouri-are-priority-lawmakers-say/">Missouri lawmakers debate</a>&nbsp;the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state but sit in a legal gray area, with proposals to rein them in or ban them altogether still unresolved.

&nbsp;“Several previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption by switching to cannabis,” he said.

Sales of these beverages are estimated to be about $1 billion nationwide – with 76% of that being hemp-derived THC beverages and 24% being products sold in marijuana dispensaries, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">report</a>&nbsp;from Whitney Economics last year.

About half of Kruger’s study participants were from New York, where intoxicating hemp beverages are prohibited — unlike in Missouri where people can order them in bars and restaurants.&nbsp;

More than 80% of the survey respondents who used cannabis beverages said they were more likely to buy their cannabis products from marijuana dispensaries.

Kruger acknowledged the results would likely be different among participants that live in states that haven’t banned intoxicating hemp beverages.

“In Missouri, we might even see a greater effect there than we did in New York,” he said.&nbsp;

Based on the survey results, the research team plans to further explore the effect of cannabis drinks over time and compare modes of cannabis consumption.

“Cannabis has been proposed as harm reduction for other drugs such as opioids but not talked about as often for legal substances such as alcohol,” said study first author Jessica Kruger, a clinical associate professor of community health and health behavior in UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Missouri lawmakers are debating legislation that would align the state with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">federal limits on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;set to go into effect in November.

The federal limit will prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, a provision that was included in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.&nbsp;

This would place a national ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, which typically contain 10 milligrams of THC or below. It wouldn’t impact marijuana-derived THC beverages sold in dispensaries.

Missouri 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.&nbsp;

Missouri senators debated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26Info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=313" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;this week to allow the continued sale of THC cannabis beverages, if Congress passes legislation allowing them. They are currently unregulated by any government agency in Missouri, and the bill aims to establish testing, labeling and licensing requirements.&nbsp;

“What we’re trying to do here is really tighten it up,” said Republican state Sen. Mike Henderson of Desloge, during a committee hearing Tuesday. “You got to be 21, and you got to be 21 to serve them.”

Henderson also said he wants to make sure companies aren’t advertising to children.&nbsp;

“We’ve got to stop that practice, where it looks like it’s some kind of candy or some kind of drink that would appeal to kids,” he said, “and we can’t have it being done that way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770517347042.png" alt=" Hemp-derived THC beverages like these seltzers at Randall’s Wine &amp; Spirits can be found at large liquor stores throughout Missouri (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Hemp-derived THC beverages like these seltzers at Randall’s Wine &amp; Spirits can be found at large liquor stores throughout Missouri (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri lawmakers are debating the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state</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>People who drink cannabis beverages – that often come in cans, like beer or hard seltzers – may be consuming less alcohol, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26877350-2026-cannabis-beverages/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from University of Buffalo.&nbsp;More than 60% of the study’s participants who drank cannabis beverages said they had either reduced (61.5%) or stopped (1.1%) drinking alcohol as a result.“We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use — people at parties or bars will likely have a drink in their hand, in this case a cannabis beverage rather than an alcoholic one,” said Daniel Kruger, a co-author and research associate professor in University of Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.Kruger said the study, which was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs last month, is the first of its kind to focus on cannabis beverages and the potential for alcohol harm reduction.And it comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/bills-banning-intoxicating-hemp-in-missouri-are-priority-lawmakers-say/">Missouri lawmakers debate</a>&nbsp;the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state but sit in a legal gray area, with proposals to rein them in or ban them altogether still unresolved.&nbsp;“Several previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption by switching to cannabis,” he said.Sales of these beverages are estimated to be about $1 billion nationwide – with 76% of that being hemp-derived THC beverages and 24% being products sold in marijuana dispensaries, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">report</a>&nbsp;from Whitney Economics last year.About half of Kruger’s study participants were from New York, where intoxicating hemp beverages are prohibited — unlike in Missouri where people can order them in bars and restaurants.&nbsp;More than 80% of the survey respondents who used cannabis beverages said they were more likely to buy their cannabis products from marijuana dispensaries.Kruger acknowledged the results would likely be different among participants that live in states that haven’t banned intoxicating hemp beverages.“In Missouri, we might even see a greater effect there than we did in New York,” he said.&nbsp;Based on the survey results, the research team plans to further explore the effect of cannabis drinks over time and compare modes of cannabis consumption.“Cannabis has been proposed as harm reduction for other drugs such as opioids but not talked about as often for legal substances such as alcohol,” said study first author Jessica Kruger, a clinical associate professor of community health and health behavior in UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.Missouri lawmakers are debating legislation that would align the state with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">federal limits on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;set to go into effect in November.The federal limit will prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, a provision that was included in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.&nbsp;This would place a national ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, which typically contain 10 milligrams of THC or below. It wouldn’t impact marijuana-derived THC beverages sold in dispensaries.Missouri 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.&nbsp;Missouri senators debated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26Info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=313" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;this week to allow the continued sale of THC cannabis beverages, if Congress passes legislation allowing them. They are currently unregulated by any government agency in Missouri, and the bill aims to establish testing, labeling and licensing requirements.&nbsp;“What we’re trying to do here is really tighten it up,” said Republican state Sen. Mike Henderson of Desloge, during a committee hearing Tuesday. “You got to be 21, and you got to be 21 to serve them.”Henderson also said he wants to make sure companies aren’t advertising to children.&nbsp;“We’ve got to stop that practice, where it looks like it’s some kind of candy or some kind of drink that would appeal to kids,” he said, “and we can’t have it being done that way.”

Cannabis drinks may cut alcohol consumption, study finds, as Missouri weighs hemp THC rules

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F350 driven by a 61-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Emma Road three miles northwest of Osborn. The pickup traveled off thee north side of the road, struck a ditch, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and came to rest on the south side of the road.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F350 driven by a 61-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Emma Road three miles northwest of Osborn. The pickup traveled off thee north side of the road, struck a ditch, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and came to rest on the south side of the road.DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup accident

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 64-year-old Mound City woman was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles north of Country Club. The SUV rear-ended a 1998 Ford Mustang that broke down and partially blocking the passing lane of I-29. After impact the SUV traveled off the west side of the road and struck a guard rail.

Andrew County EMS transported a 56-year-old passenger from SUV to Mosaic Life Care. She had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 64-year-old Mound City woman was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles north of Country Club. The SUV rear-ended a 1998 Ford Mustang that broke down and partially blocking the passing lane of I-29. After impact the SUV traveled off the west side of the road and struck a guard rail.Andrew County EMS transported a 56-year-old passenger from SUV to Mosaic Life Care. She had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after I-29 rear-end crash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, Feb. 12, in observance of President Lincoln's Birthday.

Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President Washington's Birthday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756140209330.png" alt="MSHP" />
 <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:Thursday, Feb. 12, in observance of President Lincoln's Birthday.Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President Washington's Birthday.

MSHP Driver Exam stations to close for February holidays

(Radio Iowa) - With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Iowans might be willing to wager on the outcome to make it a little more interesting. 

While five dollars between friends is likely harmless, the temptation to go bigger is strong for some, and that could be a sign of a larger problem. Chris Sekorski, a substance use counselor at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says gambling on pro sports has never been easier -- or more hazardous. You used to have to go to a casino or Las Vegas, he says, but with the rapid proliferation of sports betting apps for smartphones, now it's in the palm of your hand. 

A study done in 2021 for the Iowa Department of Public Health found more than 18-thousand adult Iowans met the criteria for having a gambling disorder. Help is available in Iowa by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.

(Radio Iowa) - With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Iowans might be willing to wager on the outcome to make it a little more interesting. While five dollars between friends is likely harmless, the temptation to go bigger is strong for some, and that could be a sign of a larger problem. Chris Sekorski, a substance use counselor at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says gambling on pro sports has never been easier -- or more hazardous. You used to have to go to a casino or Las Vegas, he says, but with the rapid proliferation of sports betting apps for smartphones, now it's in the palm of your hand. A study done in 2021 for the Iowa Department of Public Health found more than 18-thousand adult Iowans met the criteria for having a gambling disorder. Help is available in Iowa by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Betting on the big game is no game for thousands of Iowans

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has introduced the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, a legislative effort to shield small business owners from exploitative legal tactics. 

Information from Graves's website says the bill is designed to give entrepreneurs a fair opportunity to make their websites accessible to Americans with disabilities, rather than being forced into costly "sue-and-settle" schemes that often prioritize financial gain over actual accessibility improvements.

The legislation addresses a growing trend where small businesses in North Missouri and across the country are targeted with "copy-and-paste" demand letters. These letters claim website non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and typically demand immediate cash settlements. Rather than encouraging a fix, trial attorneys often use the threat of years of expensive litigation to pressure "mom-and-pop" shops into paying out, even if the business was unaware of the technical requirements.

Rep. Graves emphasized that small businesses should not be forced to choose between paying for a legal defense and paying their employees. “Small businesses should not be targeted and exploited for a quick cash grab. They should not have to choose between paying a lawyer or paying their employees,” Graves stated. “These lawsuits are not about helping or ensuring access for customers, they are about making money off hardworking business owners. This bill gives small businesses much-needed protection.”

Under the proposed changes to the ADA, a civil lawsuit regarding website compliance cannot be filed until the owner or operator is officially notified of the specific issues. Once notified, the business is granted a 180-day window to bring the website into compliance. By allowing small business owners a chance to make things right, this legislation seeks to protect Main Street America while strengthening the ADA by ensuring more websites are actually accessible to Americans with disabilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761229306754.png" alt="Graves" />
 <figcaption>Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has introduced the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, a legislative effort to shield small business owners from exploitative legal tactics. Information from Graves's website says the bill is designed to give entrepreneurs a fair opportunity to make their websites accessible to Americans with disabilities, rather than being forced into costly "sue-and-settle" schemes that often prioritize financial gain over actual accessibility improvements.The legislation addresses a growing trend where small businesses in North Missouri and across the country are targeted with "copy-and-paste" demand letters. These letters claim website non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and typically demand immediate cash settlements. Rather than encouraging a fix, trial attorneys often use the threat of years of expensive litigation to pressure "mom-and-pop" shops into paying out, even if the business was unaware of the technical requirements.Rep. Graves emphasized that small businesses should not be forced to choose between paying for a legal defense and paying their employees. “Small businesses should not be targeted and exploited for a quick cash grab. They should not have to choose between paying a lawyer or paying their employees,” Graves stated. “These lawsuits are not about helping or ensuring access for customers, they are about making money off hardworking business owners. This bill gives small businesses much-needed protection.”Under the proposed changes to the ADA, a civil lawsuit regarding website compliance cannot be filed until the owner or operator is officially notified of the specific issues. Once notified, the business is granted a 180-day window to bring the website into compliance. By allowing small business owners a chance to make things right, this legislation seeks to protect Main Street America while strengthening the ADA by ensuring more websites are actually accessible to Americans with disabilities.

Graves introduces legislation to protect small businesses from predatory ADA website lawsuits

A Buchanan County jury convicted a Kansas man Thursday of first-degree child molestation for an assault involving an eight year-old girl nearly 25 years ago.

Robert Haskin was found guilty of the 2001 incident following a trial in which prosecutors alleged he inappropriately touched the child while babysitting her. Although the abuse occurred decades ago, the victim’s repeated statements to various individuals over the years eventually led to formal charges being filed in 2024.

Haskin, who maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody following the verdict. He is scheduled to appear before a judge for sentencing on March 27.

A Buchanan County jury convicted a Kansas man Thursday of first-degree child molestation for an assault involving an eight year-old girl nearly 25 years ago.Robert Haskin was found guilty of the 2001 incident following a trial in which prosecutors alleged he inappropriately touched the child while babysitting her. Although the abuse occurred decades ago, the victim’s repeated statements to various individuals over the years eventually led to formal charges being filed in 2024.Haskin, who maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody following the verdict. He is scheduled to appear before a judge for sentencing on March 27.

Kansas man convicted of 2001 child molestation in Buchanan County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has issued a public warning following a significant rise in cryptocurrency fraud cases across the state. 

Investigators report that these sophisticated scams frequently target older adults, often leading to devastating financial losses.

Criminals are leveraging a wide array of digital platforms—including social media, dating sites, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and traditional phone calls—to manipulate victims. According to the Patrol, many of these schemes involve long-term "grooming" where the bad actor builds a foundation of mutual trust before ever requesting funds. Once trust is established, victims are coerced into sending Bitcoin or other virtual currencies under the guise of urgent legal issues or "guaranteed" investment returns.

Law enforcement highlights several common warning signs that indicate a potential scam:

The Patrol emphasizes that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency. To stay safe, the public is encouraged to use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts, keep devices updated with strong passwords, and always verify the legitimacy of a website before logging in. If someone asks you to withdraw cash to use a Bitcoin kiosk, investigators urge you to pause and read the fraud warnings displayed on the machine.

If you believe you have been targeted, time is of the essence. Reporting scams immediately to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol increases the slim window of opportunity for asset recovery and prosecution. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to discuss these tactics with older adults to foster awareness.

Individuals who suspect they have been victimized can also contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756140209330.png" alt="MSHP" />
 <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has issued a public warning following a significant rise in cryptocurrency fraud cases across the state. Investigators report that these sophisticated scams frequently target older adults, often leading to devastating financial losses.Criminals are leveraging a wide array of digital platforms—including social media, dating sites, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and traditional phone calls—to manipulate victims. According to the Patrol, many of these schemes involve long-term "grooming" where the bad actor builds a foundation of mutual trust before ever requesting funds. Once trust is established, victims are coerced into sending Bitcoin or other virtual currencies under the guise of urgent legal issues or "guaranteed" investment returns.Law enforcement highlights several common warning signs that indicate a potential scam:<ul>
 <li>Extreme Urgency: Pressure to act immediately to avoid arrest or financial ruin.</li><li>Specific Payment Methods: Requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or deposits into Bitcoin kiosks.</li><li>Unsolicited Contact: Random outreach from individuals claiming to be with government agencies, tech support, or investment firms.</li><li>Secrecy: Instructions to hide the transaction from family members, friends, or bank employees.</li>
 </ul>The Patrol emphasizes that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency. To stay safe, the public is encouraged to use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts, keep devices updated with strong passwords, and always verify the legitimacy of a website before logging in. If someone asks you to withdraw cash to use a Bitcoin kiosk, investigators urge you to pause and read the fraud warnings displayed on the machine.If you believe you have been targeted, time is of the essence. Reporting scams immediately to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol increases the slim window of opportunity for asset recovery and prosecution. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to discuss these tactics with older adults to foster awareness.Individuals who suspect they have been victimized can also contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Missouri State Highway Patrol warns of rising crypto scams

Super Bowl LX on Sunday won't have the Kansas City Chiefs, but it will still have some local flare.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770331368876.jpeg" alt="Jalen Sundell lines up at center against the Carolina Panthers.&nbsp; Sundell, a native of Maryville, is set to take football' biggest stage on Sunday in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots as the starting center for the Seattle Seahawks/ Photo courtesy of X" />
 <figcaption>Jalen Sundell lines up at center against the Carolina Panthers.&nbsp; Sundell, a native of Maryville, is set to take football' biggest stage on Sunday in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots as the starting center for the Seattle Seahawks/ Photo courtesy of X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESuper Bowl LX on Sunday won't have the Kansas City Chiefs, but it will still have some local flare. Seattle Seahawks starting center Jalen Sundell has gone from undrafted to starting on the biggest stage in the National Football League. A native of Maryville, the former Spoofhound earned the starting job this season and has helped lead one of the NFL's most high-powered offenses into the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. "It’s made my job really easy I feel like, sometimes I barely touch anybody and we’ve scored a touchdown it feels like sometimes,” Sundell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So yeah, it’s been super fun and the guys have been awesome, we’ve been a really close team this year.” Sundell says through this season he's seen a lot of support from the Maryville community "A million texts after games and my mom sent me a picture of a sign in our neighborhood,” Sudell says. “Yeah, there’s been a bunch of support, and it’s been great to represent Maryville that way.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770331469635.jpeg" alt="Jalen Sundell and Maryville head coach Matt Webb/ Photo courtesy of Amy Claxton Webb" />
 <figcaption>Jalen Sundell and Maryville head coach Matt Webb/ Photo courtesy of Amy Claxton Webb</figcaption>
 </figure>Maryville Spoofhounds head coach Matt Webb, who coached Sundell in high school, says while many around the region may not be as excited for the Super Bowl without the presence of the Chiefs "Well Maryville is pumped,” Webb explains. “I mean we are excited for the Super Bowl this year, probably more so than when the Kansas City Chiefs are in it just because we’ve got one of our own that’s going to be on the big stage, so yeah a lot of support, a lot of encouragement.” Sundell has won a championship at every level he's been at; the Seahawks have not won a Super Bowl since 2013. It's also the organization's first appearance in the big game since 2014.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770331508243.jpeg" alt="Jalen Sundell and Maryville head coach Matt Webb/ Photo courtesy of Amy Claxton Webb&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jalen Sundell and Maryville head coach Matt Webb/ Photo courtesy of Amy Claxton Webb&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>While Sundell knows there's excitement for this game, he says he tries not to let himself get to focused on the big picture of the Super Bowl "As far as like what it means and the weight behind the game, I just try to focus on one day at a time and focusing on what’s right in front of you,” Sundell says. “And then after the season we’ll look back and really look at what we’ve been done and been able to do and how far I’ve really come.” The Seahawks face the New England Patriots, two teams that faced the longest shot odds to be in the Super Bowl in the preseason. Kickoff is at 5:30 Sunday on NBC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770332549931.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks</figcaption>
 </figure>JOURNAL<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0O9jnaGa0NxAM0BnnQjIU2?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

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