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://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2014&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">supplemental spending bill</a>&nbsp;pushing total state appropriations for the fiscal year to almost $55 billion was the first legislation sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe in this year’s session when the Missouri House voted 137-13 for final passage.

The $3.1 billion spending package was pushed quickly through the General Assembly to speed distribution of $59.5 million of federal security funding for the FIFA World Cup matches this summer in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Lawmakers can cut items requested by the governor in a supplemental spending bill but they cannot add new items. Kehoe received most of the money he requested, but a few items were cut because of objections from lawmakers or political disputes of the Capitol.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/03/03/missouri-senate-axes-funds-for-attorney-generals-new-st-louis-offices/">state Senate cut</a>&nbsp;just under $15 million set aside to hire an “owners representative” for a proposed expansion of the state Capitol Building and $150,000 to send a Missouri delegation to Washington D.C. this summer for the Great American State Fair that is part of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The Senate also cut $972,000 to build out and furnish space for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/14/missouri-attorney-general-wants-1-million-to-furnish-new-st-louis-offices/">the attorney general’s office</a>&nbsp;at a new state building in Chesterfield.

The funding for the Capitol construction project will come back in the budget for the coming fiscal year, said state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Seneca who is chairman of the House Budget Committee.

The money comes from a fund holding $595 million for the project, money that could be transferred back to the general revenue fund to alleviate the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/29/missouri-auditor-warns-of-vanishing-state-general-revenue-surplus-as-spending-rises/">state’s cash crunch</a>.

“My understanding is they will have some difficult conversations about what that looks like,” Deaton said of the plans for capitol construction.

Some of the biggest individual items in the spending bill are:

Much of the bill is routine, seen every year, to make sure the state has enough money to keep major programs like Medicaid running for the remainder of the fiscal year, Deaton said.

“It is,” he said, “a very conventional supplemental.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772885247056.png" alt=" House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Seneca Republican, speaks during budget debate in 2025. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Seneca Republican, speaks during budget debate in 2025. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>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://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2014&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">supplemental spending bill</a>&nbsp;pushing total state appropriations for the fiscal year to almost $55 billion was the first legislation sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe in this year’s session when the Missouri House voted 137-13 for final passage.The $3.1 billion spending package was pushed quickly through the General Assembly to speed distribution of $59.5 million of federal security funding for the FIFA World Cup matches this summer in Kansas City.&nbsp;Lawmakers can cut items requested by the governor in a supplemental spending bill but they cannot add new items. Kehoe received most of the money he requested, but a few items were cut because of objections from lawmakers or political disputes of the Capitol.The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/03/03/missouri-senate-axes-funds-for-attorney-generals-new-st-louis-offices/">state Senate cut</a>&nbsp;just under $15 million set aside to hire an “owners representative” for a proposed expansion of the state Capitol Building and $150,000 to send a Missouri delegation to Washington D.C. this summer for the Great American State Fair that is part of the 250th anniversary of American independence.The Senate also cut $972,000 to build out and furnish space for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/14/missouri-attorney-general-wants-1-million-to-furnish-new-st-louis-offices/">the attorney general’s office</a>&nbsp;at a new state building in Chesterfield.The funding for the Capitol construction project will come back in the budget for the coming fiscal year, said state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Seneca who is chairman of the House Budget Committee.The money comes from a fund holding $595 million for the project, money that could be transferred back to the general revenue fund to alleviate the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/29/missouri-auditor-warns-of-vanishing-state-general-revenue-surplus-as-spending-rises/">state’s cash crunch</a>.“My understanding is they will have some difficult conversations about what that looks like,” Deaton said of the plans for capitol construction.Some of the biggest individual items in the spending bill are:<ul>
 <li>$1 billion for disaster recovery efforts in St. Louis and other locations for tornadoes and storms in 2025.</li><li>$635 million for the Department of Transportation road program.</li><li>$100 million of the $216 million Missouri received for the Rural Health Transformation Program.</li>
 </ul>Much of the bill is routine, seen every year, to make sure the state has enough money to keep major programs like Medicaid running for the remainder of the fiscal year, Deaton said.“It is,” he said, “a very conventional supplemental.”

Missouri House sends $3.2B supplemental spending bill to governor’s desk

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on child sex crimes.

On March 5,&nbsp;Alexander Holmes, 35 of Maryville, Missouri was booked into the Brown County jail on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and AggravatedIndecent Liberties with a Child, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The requested charges are based on the suspect being over 18 years of age and victim less than 14 years of age.&nbsp;&nbsp; This was determined after a lengthy investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's office and upon sending reports to the County Attorney for review, a warrant was&nbsp; issued&nbsp; for Holmes arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772814178150.png" alt="Holmes photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Holmes photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on child sex crimes.On March 5,&nbsp;Alexander Holmes, 35 of Maryville, Missouri was booked into the Brown County jail on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and AggravatedIndecent Liberties with a Child, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.The requested charges are based on the suspect being over 18 years of age and victim less than 14 years of age.&nbsp;&nbsp; This was determined after a lengthy investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's office and upon sending reports to the County Attorney for review, a warrant was&nbsp; issued&nbsp; for Holmes arrest.

Missouri man accused of violent child sex crimes

The Andrew County Sheriff’s Office has officially been notified by the Missouri Department of Public Safety that it has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. 

This honor marks the second consecutive year the office has been recognized, following its initial designation in 2025. The Blue Shield program serves as a formal recognition of Missouri communities that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in law enforcement resources, and fostering strong partnerships between officers and the citizens they serve.

Originally established by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, the program was designed to highlight local governments making significant strides in crime reduction. In its inaugural year, 201 communities across the state met the rigorous standards required for the designation. For 2026, the application process reopened on February 4, requiring previously honored communities to reapply and prove their continued alignment with the program’s public safety goals.

Governor Kehoe emphasized that the program’s success is rooted in the prioritization of law enforcement. Following the distribution of $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, the state is continuing this momentum by welcoming new participants and renewing the status of existing partners. Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, noted that the program has already facilitated the acquisition of essential equipment, including hundreds of body cameras, mobile data terminals, and ballistic vests, as well as dozens of new patrol vehicles and interoperable radios.

For Andrew County, this designation translates into tangible benefits for both deputies and taxpayers. The 2025 grant funding allowed the Sheriff’s Office to outfit every deputy with new, advanced ballistic vests. This critical safety upgrade was completed at no cost to local residents, saving the community $49,346.30 in equipment expenses. The 2026 designation ensures that the county remains eligible for further grant funding for training and equipment, supported by Governor Kehoe’s recommended $10 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Eligibility for the Blue Shield designation is based on a community's proactive efforts in officer recruitment, substantial law enforcement funding, and active collaboration with community stakeholders. By meeting these criteria, the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating a secure environment. In addition to financial support, recognized communities are featured on the Department of Public Safety website and the Governor’s social media platforms to highlight their leadership in public safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611248292267.jpeg" alt="Andrew Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Andrew County Sheriff’s Office has officially been notified by the Missouri Department of Public Safety that it has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor marks the second consecutive year the office has been recognized, following its initial designation in 2025. The Blue Shield program serves as a formal recognition of Missouri communities that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in law enforcement resources, and fostering strong partnerships between officers and the citizens they serve.Originally established by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, the program was designed to highlight local governments making significant strides in crime reduction. In its inaugural year, 201 communities across the state met the rigorous standards required for the designation. For 2026, the application process reopened on February 4, requiring previously honored communities to reapply and prove their continued alignment with the program’s public safety goals.Governor Kehoe emphasized that the program’s success is rooted in the prioritization of law enforcement. Following the distribution of $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, the state is continuing this momentum by welcoming new participants and renewing the status of existing partners. Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, noted that the program has already facilitated the acquisition of essential equipment, including hundreds of body cameras, mobile data terminals, and ballistic vests, as well as dozens of new patrol vehicles and interoperable radios.For Andrew County, this designation translates into tangible benefits for both deputies and taxpayers. The 2025 grant funding allowed the Sheriff’s Office to outfit every deputy with new, advanced ballistic vests. This critical safety upgrade was completed at no cost to local residents, saving the community $49,346.30 in equipment expenses. The 2026 designation ensures that the county remains eligible for further grant funding for training and equipment, supported by Governor Kehoe’s recommended $10 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year.Eligibility for the Blue Shield designation is based on a community's proactive efforts in officer recruitment, substantial law enforcement funding, and active collaboration with community stakeholders. By meeting these criteria, the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating a secure environment. In addition to financial support, recognized communities are featured on the Department of Public Safety website and the Governor’s social media platforms to highlight their leadership in public safety.

Andrew Co. Sheriff’s Office secures 2026 Missouri Blue Shield Designation for second consecutive year

(Radio Iowa) - With the switch to Daylight Saving Time coming this weekend, some Iowans may be starting next week out sleepy from that lost hour of shut-eye. 

Triple-A Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner says a motor club study finds driving while drowsy can be dangerous, and even deadly. Ortner says drowsy drivers were involved in 18-percent of all traffic fatalities in recent years, accounting for nearly 30-thousand deaths nationwide. Ortner suggests Iowans try to get a nap on Sunday afternoon to help catch up on their sleep before Monday morning, especially if they have a lengthy commute. He says sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making mistakes that can lead to crashes. 

The Triple-A study finds those deprived of sleep by four or more hours have an impairment similar to those who are over the legal blood-alcohol limit.

(Radio Iowa) - With the switch to Daylight Saving Time coming this weekend, some Iowans may be starting next week out sleepy from that lost hour of shut-eye. Triple-A Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner says a motor club study finds driving while drowsy can be dangerous, and even deadly. Ortner says drowsy drivers were involved in 18-percent of all traffic fatalities in recent years, accounting for nearly 30-thousand deaths nationwide. Ortner suggests Iowans try to get a nap on Sunday afternoon to help catch up on their sleep before Monday morning, especially if they have a lengthy commute. He says sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making mistakes that can lead to crashes. The Triple-A study finds those deprived of sleep by four or more hours have an impairment similar to those who are over the legal blood-alcohol limit.

AAA-Iowa warns drowsy driving can be deadly after time change

The minimum levy has been $2.75 since 1993, districts must meet it to qualify for state school aid. The 63 districts at the minimum would have to roll back taxes as assessed values increase

A revised&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/16/missouri-property-tax-overhaul-bill-may-inadvertently-move-municipal-elections-to-november/">property tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;proposes to lower the minimum school levy — the lowest tax a district can impose and still qualify for state aid — by up to 20%, the first cut since Missouri law began mandating a minimum in 1988.

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2780&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;sent to the Missouri Senate on Thursday by the House, tax rates currently at the minimum levy of $2.75 per $100 assessed value would would have to roll back their tax rates as property values rise — but only until they hit the proposed new floor of $2.20 per $100.

The bill passed on a bipartisan 133-13 vote.

The bill seeks to control property tax bill increases by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/21/missouri-house-committee-eyes-plan-to-silo-property-classes-for-taxation/">“siloing” property classes</a>&nbsp;with separate rates for residential, commercial, agricultural and personal property. A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2668&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">separate bill</a>&nbsp;that would move all property tax elections to November in even numbered years is awaiting House debate.&nbsp;

The minimum levy is the lowest rate that can be charged by a school district and still receive state aid&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-school-funding-formula" target="_blank">through the foundation formula</a>. No district would be required to cut taxes immediately and no rollbacks that would have resulted from previous reassessment cycles would be imposed, the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, said during debate on Tuesday.

That will protect current revenue, Taylor said, while promising future relief. School districts currently at the minimum would be subject to the same rules governing other taxing districts, which must reduce rates to avoid a windfall of revenue when assessments increase faster than inflation,&nbsp;

“The schools would remain whole, even with the rollbacks, but they’re not receiving that,” Taylor said. “That has been my goal this whole time, is to allow those districts to lower that floor so that those districts, those folks in the districts, can get that Hancock provision rollback.”

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat and former teacher, had been skeptical of the provision lowering the minimum levy during committee debate and voted against the bill. Provisions protecting current revenue make it more palatable, she said.

The issue, she said, is how much should local taxpayers contribute to maintain state support.

“It was kind of that social contract of, you have a minimum levy set to this, and then you will be able to participate in the foundation formula,” Steinhoff said.

During debate Tuesday on the property tax bill, no House member knew why there is a minimum school levy at all.

“As far as I understand it, it’s because of the federal funding, the federal reimbursement” that districts receive, Taylor said. “And I’m going to be completely honest, I can’t go into the foundation formula with any knowledge.”

Prior to 1988, there was no minimum local property tax levy for school districts.&nbsp;

The Missouri Constitution at the time allowed school districts to set the rate at $1.25 per $100 assessed value without a public vote but did not require it.

That constitutional limit without a vote became the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/221383/rec/78" target="_blank">floor for receiving state aid</a>&nbsp;because two things combined to convince lawmakers and then-Gov. John Ashcroft that it was needed — the enactment of the Hancock Amendment in 1980 and the passage of the 1-cent&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=144.701" target="_blank">Proposition C sales tax</a>&nbsp;in 1982.

The Hancock Amendment’s property tax provisions address how local governments should change rates when assessed values rise faster than inflation. It allows the taxing district to capture enough revenue to match inflation and requires rates to be lowered so there is not a windfall of revenue.

The sales tax revenue, which is distributed to schools on a per-pupil basis, had two purposes — half was earmarked as new funds for education, the other half was used to offset lower property tax rates.

By 1987, there were 86 districts below $1.25 per $100 assessed value. Three — two in Ripley County and one in Pulaski County — had no local levy at all, the state auditor’s 1988 annual report on property taxes shows.

The minimum levy was increased five years later as part of a major education bill that revised the school-aid formula. That formula promised each district it would receive funding equal to what its local levy would produce in the district with property wealth equal to 90% of the property value of the state’s wealthiest district.

The higher local voters set a levy, the more state aid the formula would provide.

“It was a levy-driven formula,” said Otto Fajen, lobbyist for the Missouri National Education Association. Fajen was a Senate staffer when the formula revision passed in 1993.

“It was the linchpin by which we addressed equity and adequacy,” Fajen said.

To protect the minimum levy, first state law, then the constitution, were changed to allow districts to remain at $2.75 regardless of how much of a rollback was required by the Hancock Amendment or Proposition C revenue.

The formula was changed again in 2005, but the minimum levy was retained. The local levy rate is no longer the basis for determining how much state aid a district receives.

“The formula doesn’t really care about equity, and so what I would describe as tax rate indifferent to a degree,” Fajen said. “That’s an historical artifact.There’s no current real relevance of that number.”

The state auditor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2026006" target="_blank">annual report</a>&nbsp;on property tax rates shows there were 63 school districts that levied the $2.75 minimum on all property in 2025, and three at that rate on at least one type of property in St. Louis County, where there are separate rates for residential, commercial, agricultural and personal property.

The provisions of the bill address only Hancock Amendment rollbacks, which districts charging above the minimum levy must make when needed.&nbsp;

Most districts have asked — and received — voter permission to waive their Proposition C rollbacks. The bill does not change that and does not require districts to include new Proposition C revenue as part of their rollback calculation.

That is important because Proposition C revenue has increased by about 40% in the past five years, from about $925 million in fiscal 2020 to $1.3 billion in the year that ended June 30.

Proposition C rollbacks are required in statute and lawmakers can write a bill excluding the new minimum from that provision, Taylor said in an interview with The Independent.

Hancock rollbacks are designed to maintain revenue and are part of the constitution, so the law must recognize that, he added.

Lawmakers are changing the minimum levy at the same time a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">new foundation formula is being crafted</a>&nbsp;by a task force appointed last year by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

During debate, Steinhoff said the interplay between legislation and the task force work is her biggest concern about the property tax bill.

“I am worried that we are going to do something that could totally upset the apple cart that’s being created in another very important task force,” she said.

Property tax increases are one of the biggest public concerns right now, Taylor said, and doing nothing is not an option.

“Until somebody starts it, it’s not going to get done,” Taylor said. “And our taxpayers are asking us to get something done.”

The bill passed Thursday was debated in the House two times. It won&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/">preliminary approval</a>&nbsp;in early February, but before it came up for a final vote, flaws in language on tax elections&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-sends-property-tax-overhaul-bill-back-to-committee/">forced a rewrite</a>, and the result was splitting off the election provisions to a separate bill.

The key provision that will provide relief to taxpayers, Taylor said during Tuesday’s debate, is the change that would require separate tax rates for the various types of property.

“It is truly the one thing that is going to bring some relief to our constituents back home, and even to us as individual taxpayers,” he said.

The legislature tried to require separate rates in legislation passed in 2002, but only St. Louis County and the city of Gladstone adopted the voluntary move. Taylor’s bill would make it mandatory in the remaining 113 counties and the city of St. Louis.

Because Hancock rollbacks look at total revenue from a tax levy, when assessed values in one type of property rise rapidly, it&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/30/diluting-the-rollback-missouris-tool-for-capping-property-tax-rates-gives-limited-relief/">shifts the burden</a>&nbsp;to those taxpayers.

“If one of them skyrockets, which we’ve seen, it can be watered down by the other subclasses who may have gone down or remain level, and that says that Hancock shouldn’t kick in,” Taylor said during debate.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Tax Commission has been pushing local assessors to increase appraised values to match market prices for residential and commercial property. At the same time, taxable value of farmland, set by the commission based on productive value, is below&nbsp;<a href="https://stc.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Ag-Land-History-1985-2026.pdf" target="_blank">what it was in 1985</a>&nbsp;and values for railroad, pipeline and utility property, also set by the commission, have lagged behind other property.

The additional taxes on residential property because of the shifting burden was one of the biggest concerns raised as Taylor’s committee studying property taxes toured the state last summer, said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County.

“In the last few years, as we saw residential assessments go up and the other assessments didn’t, it just piled more and more tax burden onto our residential property owners,” Murphy said. “And that was the biggest thing we heard as we traveled this state. The biggest concern we heard from taxpayers…”

“Was that people,” Taylor said as he finished Murphy’s sentence, “would be taxed out of their homes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772795491616.png" alt=" State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, speaks during Missouri House debate on Feb. 12 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, speaks during Missouri House debate on Feb. 12 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The minimum levy has been $2.75 since 1993, districts must meet it to qualify for state school aid. The 63 districts at the minimum would have to roll back taxes as assessed values increase</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 revised&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/16/missouri-property-tax-overhaul-bill-may-inadvertently-move-municipal-elections-to-november/">property tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;proposes to lower the minimum school levy — the lowest tax a district can impose and still qualify for state aid — by up to 20%, the first cut since Missouri law began mandating a minimum in 1988.Under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2780&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;sent to the Missouri Senate on Thursday by the House, tax rates currently at the minimum levy of $2.75 per $100 assessed value would would have to roll back their tax rates as property values rise — but only until they hit the proposed new floor of $2.20 per $100.The bill passed on a bipartisan 133-13 vote.The bill seeks to control property tax bill increases by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/21/missouri-house-committee-eyes-plan-to-silo-property-classes-for-taxation/">“siloing” property classes</a>&nbsp;with separate rates for residential, commercial, agricultural and personal property. A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2668&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">separate bill</a>&nbsp;that would move all property tax elections to November in even numbered years is awaiting House debate.&nbsp;The minimum levy is the lowest rate that can be charged by a school district and still receive state aid&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-school-funding-formula" target="_blank">through the foundation formula</a>. No district would be required to cut taxes immediately and no rollbacks that would have resulted from previous reassessment cycles would be imposed, the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Tim Taylor of Bunceton, said during debate on Tuesday.That will protect current revenue, Taylor said, while promising future relief. School districts currently at the minimum would be subject to the same rules governing other taxing districts, which must reduce rates to avoid a windfall of revenue when assessments increase faster than inflation,&nbsp;“The schools would remain whole, even with the rollbacks, but they’re not receiving that,” Taylor said. “That has been my goal this whole time, is to allow those districts to lower that floor so that those districts, those folks in the districts, can get that Hancock provision rollback.”State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat and former teacher, had been skeptical of the provision lowering the minimum levy during committee debate and voted against the bill. Provisions protecting current revenue make it more palatable, she said.The issue, she said, is how much should local taxpayers contribute to maintain state support.“It was kind of that social contract of, you have a minimum levy set to this, and then you will be able to participate in the foundation formula,” Steinhoff said.<h2>Minimum levy history</h2>During debate Tuesday on the property tax bill, no House member knew why there is a minimum school levy at all.“As far as I understand it, it’s because of the federal funding, the federal reimbursement” that districts receive, Taylor said. “And I’m going to be completely honest, I can’t go into the foundation formula with any knowledge.”Prior to 1988, there was no minimum local property tax levy for school districts.&nbsp;The Missouri Constitution at the time allowed school districts to set the rate at $1.25 per $100 assessed value without a public vote but did not require it.That constitutional limit without a vote became the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/221383/rec/78" target="_blank">floor for receiving state aid</a>&nbsp;because two things combined to convince lawmakers and then-Gov. John Ashcroft that it was needed — the enactment of the Hancock Amendment in 1980 and the passage of the 1-cent&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=144.701" target="_blank">Proposition C sales tax</a>&nbsp;in 1982.The Hancock Amendment’s property tax provisions address how local governments should change rates when assessed values rise faster than inflation. It allows the taxing district to capture enough revenue to match inflation and requires rates to be lowered so there is not a windfall of revenue.The sales tax revenue, which is distributed to schools on a per-pupil basis, had two purposes — half was earmarked as new funds for education, the other half was used to offset lower property tax rates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772795454300.png" alt="State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, speaks during House debate about how property tax affects local schools (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, speaks during House debate about how property tax affects local schools (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By 1987, there were 86 districts below $1.25 per $100 assessed value. Three — two in Ripley County and one in Pulaski County — had no local levy at all, the state auditor’s 1988 annual report on property taxes shows.The minimum levy was increased five years later as part of a major education bill that revised the school-aid formula. That formula promised each district it would receive funding equal to what its local levy would produce in the district with property wealth equal to 90% of the property value of the state’s wealthiest district.The higher local voters set a levy, the more state aid the formula would provide.“It was a levy-driven formula,” said Otto Fajen, lobbyist for the Missouri National Education Association. Fajen was a Senate staffer when the formula revision passed in 1993.“It was the linchpin by which we addressed equity and adequacy,” Fajen said.To protect the minimum levy, first state law, then the constitution, were changed to allow districts to remain at $2.75 regardless of how much of a rollback was required by the Hancock Amendment or Proposition C revenue.The formula was changed again in 2005, but the minimum levy was retained. The local levy rate is no longer the basis for determining how much state aid a district receives.“The formula doesn’t really care about equity, and so what I would describe as tax rate indifferent to a degree,” Fajen said. “That’s an historical artifact.There’s no current real relevance of that number.”The state auditor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2026006" target="_blank">annual report</a>&nbsp;on property tax rates shows there were 63 school districts that levied the $2.75 minimum on all property in 2025, and three at that rate on at least one type of property in St. Louis County, where there are separate rates for residential, commercial, agricultural and personal property.The provisions of the bill address only Hancock Amendment rollbacks, which districts charging above the minimum levy must make when needed.&nbsp;Most districts have asked — and received — voter permission to waive their Proposition C rollbacks. The bill does not change that and does not require districts to include new Proposition C revenue as part of their rollback calculation.That is important because Proposition C revenue has increased by about 40% in the past five years, from about $925 million in fiscal 2020 to $1.3 billion in the year that ended June 30.Proposition C rollbacks are required in statute and lawmakers can write a bill excluding the new minimum from that provision, Taylor said in an interview with The Independent.Hancock rollbacks are designed to maintain revenue and are part of the constitution, so the law must recognize that, he added.“The schools would remain whole, even with the rollbacks, but they’re not receiving that,” Taylor said. “That has been my goal this whole time, is to allow those districts to lower that floor so that those districts, those folks in the districts, can get that Hancock provision rollback.”Lawmakers are changing the minimum levy at the same time a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/23/missouri-school-funding-task-force-turns-its-attention-to-property-tax-inequities/">new foundation formula is being crafted</a>&nbsp;by a task force appointed last year by Gov. Mike Kehoe.During debate, Steinhoff said the interplay between legislation and the task force work is her biggest concern about the property tax bill.“I am worried that we are going to do something that could totally upset the apple cart that’s being created in another very important task force,” she said.Property tax increases are one of the biggest public concerns right now, Taylor said, and doing nothing is not an option.“Until somebody starts it, it’s not going to get done,” Taylor said. “And our taxpayers are asking us to get something done.”<h2>Revised bill</h2>The bill passed Thursday was debated in the House two times. It won&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/">preliminary approval</a>&nbsp;in early February, but before it came up for a final vote, flaws in language on tax elections&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-sends-property-tax-overhaul-bill-back-to-committee/">forced a rewrite</a>, and the result was splitting off the election provisions to a separate bill.The key provision that will provide relief to taxpayers, Taylor said during Tuesday’s debate, is the change that would require separate tax rates for the various types of property.“It is truly the one thing that is going to bring some relief to our constituents back home, and even to us as individual taxpayers,” he said.The legislature tried to require separate rates in legislation passed in 2002, but only St. Louis County and the city of Gladstone adopted the voluntary move. Taylor’s bill would make it mandatory in the remaining 113 counties and the city of St. Louis.Because Hancock rollbacks look at total revenue from a tax levy, when assessed values in one type of property rise rapidly, it&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/30/diluting-the-rollback-missouris-tool-for-capping-property-tax-rates-gives-limited-relief/">shifts the burden</a>&nbsp;to those taxpayers.“If one of them skyrockets, which we’ve seen, it can be watered down by the other subclasses who may have gone down or remain level, and that says that Hancock shouldn’t kick in,” Taylor said during debate.&nbsp;The Missouri State Tax Commission has been pushing local assessors to increase appraised values to match market prices for residential and commercial property. At the same time, taxable value of farmland, set by the commission based on productive value, is below&nbsp;<a href="https://stc.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Ag-Land-History-1985-2026.pdf" target="_blank">what it was in 1985</a>&nbsp;and values for railroad, pipeline and utility property, also set by the commission, have lagged behind other property.The additional taxes on residential property because of the shifting burden was one of the biggest concerns raised as Taylor’s committee studying property taxes toured the state last summer, said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County.“In the last few years, as we saw residential assessments go up and the other assessments didn’t, it just piled more and more tax burden onto our residential property owners,” Murphy said. “And that was the biggest thing we heard as we traveled this state. The biggest concern we heard from taxpayers…”“Was that people,” Taylor said as he finished Murphy’s sentence, “would be taxed out of their homes.”

Missouri House moves to cut minimum school levy in property tax overhaul

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m. Wednesday.an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Taurus for a traffic violation in the 700 block North 11th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The driver, 48-year-old William Gehring of Kansas City, Missouri, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and was transporting an open container.

Police arrested him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, transporting an open container, and illegal use of vehicle tag.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772721615577.png" alt="Gehring photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gehring photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Wednesday.an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Taurus for a traffic violation in the 700 block North 11th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 48-year-old William Gehring of Kansas City, Missouri, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and was transporting an open container.Police arrested him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, transporting an open container, and illegal use of vehicle tag.&nbsp;

Mo. man was transporting cocaine in Kansas, had illegal car tag

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by a 17-year-old Bethany boy was southbound on 250 Avenue two miles south of Bethany. The car began to skid. It crossed the center of the road, traveled off the east side of the road, struck a ditch and rolled onto its top.

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

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by a 17-year-old Bethany boy was southbound on 250 Avenue two miles south of Bethany. The car began to skid. It crossed the center of the road, traveled off the east side of the road, struck a ditch and rolled onto its top.A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. teen hospitalized after rollover accident

Six Flags announced a big change this week, selling seven different theme parks, including Kansas City's Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis.

In a press release on its website touting "a new chapter," the entertainment company announced it has entered into a sales agreement with EPR Properties for seven parks:

The list of theme parks includes Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis, along with&nbsp;Michigan’s Adventure in Grand Rapids, Michigan,&nbsp;Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec, and&nbsp;Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The company said this was part of a "thoughtful decision about where we focus our energy," adding that this allows the company to focus on "parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion, and elevated guest experiences."

The sale, valued at $342 million, is EPR's largest acquisition since 2017.&nbsp; The company has also acquired the use of the Six Flags brand through 2026, meaning very little will change at Worlds of Fun and the other properties to begin with.&nbsp;&nbsp;Six Flags said the included parks will still maintain their regular operating schedules and all season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season, including the multipark pass privileges.

For Dining Pass, Fast Lane, Photo Pass and Drink Plans, Six Flags is still working through the particulars, but said, "To ensure you are receiving fair value for your dining plan purchase, we are providing you with a $10 credit to be used in F&amp;B at your home park this season."

EPR will retain the Six Flags branding rights to all of the parks through the end of 2026, so no name change will be coming to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun yet, but changes are expected in 2027.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772740939052.jpeg" alt="Worlds of Fun/ Photo courtesy of Worlds of Fun Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Worlds of Fun/ Photo courtesy of Worlds of Fun Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESix Flags announced a big change this week, selling seven different theme parks, including Kansas City's Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis.In a press release on its website touting "a new chapter," the entertainment company announced it has entered into a sales agreement with EPR Properties for seven parks:The list of theme parks includes Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis, along with&nbsp;Michigan’s Adventure in Grand Rapids, Michigan,&nbsp;Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec, and&nbsp;Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota.The company said this was part of a "thoughtful decision about where we focus our energy," adding that this allows the company to focus on "parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion, and elevated guest experiences."The sale, valued at $342 million, is EPR's largest acquisition since 2017.&nbsp; The company has also acquired the use of the Six Flags brand through 2026, meaning very little will change at Worlds of Fun and the other properties to begin with.&nbsp;&nbsp;Six Flags said the included parks will still maintain their regular operating schedules and all season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season, including the multipark pass privileges.For Dining Pass, Fast Lane, Photo Pass and Drink Plans, Six Flags is still working through the particulars, but said, "To ensure you are receiving fair value for your dining plan purchase, we are providing you with a $10 credit to be used in F&amp;B at your home park this season."EPR will retain the Six Flags branding rights to all of the parks through the end of 2026, so no name change will be coming to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun yet, but changes are expected in 2027.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Six Flags changes include sale of Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun as well as Six Flags St. Louis

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has voted to toughen Iowa's law on habitual offenders and set a minimum 20-year prison sentence for people convicted of several serious crimes. 

Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, says the bill will close the revolving prison door for repeat offenders and make Iowa communities safer because it would be a mandatory sentence of at least two decades, since there would be no possibility for parole under the new system. Multiple convictions for theft, harassment or possession of a controlled substance would not be considered when a court decides whether someone should be sentenced to 20 years as a habitual offender. 

The clock for counting felony and aggravated misdemeanor convictions that would lead to getting a 20 year sentence wouldn't start until the bill becomes law. Critics of the bill say states that passed similar laws in the 1990s saw dramatic increases in prison costs without a long-term drop in crime.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has voted to toughen Iowa's law on habitual offenders and set a minimum 20-year prison sentence for people convicted of several serious crimes. Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, says the bill will close the revolving prison door for repeat offenders and make Iowa communities safer because it would be a mandatory sentence of at least two decades, since there would be no possibility for parole under the new system. Multiple convictions for theft, harassment or possession of a controlled substance would not be considered when a court decides whether someone should be sentenced to 20 years as a habitual offender. The clock for counting felony and aggravated misdemeanor convictions that would lead to getting a 20 year sentence wouldn't start until the bill becomes law. Critics of the bill say states that passed similar laws in the 1990s saw dramatic increases in prison costs without a long-term drop in crime.

Iowa bill sets mandatory 20-year sentence for repeat offenders

On a party-line vote, a Missouri House committee approved the bill putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow expanded sales tax to supplant income tax

The proposal to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/28/missouri-gop-backs-income-tax-repeal-as-critics-warn-sales-taxes-hit-poor-hardest/">eliminate the state income tax</a>&nbsp;is moving to the Missouri House floor following a party-line committee vote Wednesday.

The 7-3 vote on Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s top priority followed a heated discussion where Democrats on the House Commerce Committee accused Republicans of steering the state into a fiscally dangerous future.

“You don’t turn an economy around on a dime,” said state Rep. Steve Butz, a St. Louis Democrat. “If there is a mistake made, either by the public or by this legislature — and surely we have enough examples of the legislature making plenty of mistakes — we’re not going to be able to react quickly enough to offset that.”

Republicans, in response, said Missouri is losing out to states like Tennessee and Florida that have no income tax. Eliminating the tax would put each taxpayer in charge of whether they want to spend their money on taxable goods and services or use it elsewhere, they said.

“We can see what’s happened to other states,” said state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson. “It’s affected them in a very positive manner. People are staying. The states are being built and rebuilt. Industries are coming in, and we want to have a piece of that pie.”

As originally filed, the proposed constitutional amendment would ask voters to give lawmakers broad authority to set up a new expanded sales tax system and use the revenue to reduce and then eliminate the state income tax. The committee passed a revised version Wednesday morning that sets revenue growth goals for reducing the top income rate, which is currently 4.7%.

For each additional $20 million in revenue over the base year of fiscal year 2025, the top rate would be cut by 0.01 percentage points, with a cap of a 1.6 percentage point reduction in the top rate in any given year.

To achieve the maximum reduction in a single year, revenue would have to grow by $3.2 billion from the expanded sales tax base.

The tax would be eliminated when those reductions combine to lower the top rate to 1.4%.

Missouri’s personal income tax is almost flat, with the top rate applying to taxable incomes greater than $9,436. There are significant exemptions from the tax, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/missouri-will-exempt-social-security-public-pension-payments-from-state-income-taxes/">all Social Security payments</a>, a share of retirement income and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains</a>, which are the profits from the sale of property or other assets.

The income tax generated about 65% of the state’s annual general revenue receipts in fiscal year 2025, which were $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30.&nbsp;

The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, would go on the ballot in August or November. It would give lawmakers three years to expand the sales tax to “all goods and services” and eliminate exemptions to raise enough revenue to replace the income tax without having to seek another statewide vote.&nbsp;

The current state sales tax is 3% for general revenue, plus 1.225% earmarked for public schools, conservation, state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes add to the 4.225% total, and there are more than 50 locations in the state where the total sales tax is 11% or higher.

Matching the current revenue from the individual income tax without expanding the transactions that are taxed would require raising the state sales tax to nearly 13%.

The proposal would allow sales tax on motor fuel for the first time. It would also exempt revenue from sales tax on fuel from a constitutional provision&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/23/new-missouri-income-tax-cut-plan-would-allow-first-ever-sales-tax-on-gas-and-diesel/">dedicating all taxes</a>&nbsp;on gasoline and diesel to highway needs.

Missourians will reject the plan, Democrats said during committee debate.

“They’re already worried about the current budget and the cost of living,” state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “They’re concerned about essential programs that are being cut now. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/27/missouri-lawmakers-explore-options-to-restore-disability-services-funding/">building has been full</a>&nbsp;of people the last couple of weeks worrying about this. No one is asking for the elimination of state income tax.”

Republicans responded by saying the proposal will test what voters want and make the legislature conform to that.

“This really does nothing but go to the voters and say, ‘Do you want to change the system and try a new approach’,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the proposal.&nbsp;

And there are plenty of people, he said, asking to eliminate the income tax.

“A lot of times they ask with their feet,” Patterson said. “They move, they go to different places. They might not ask, but they’ve told us what their answers are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772719728343.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee's Summit, presenting his proposal for a statewide vote on eliminating the income tax during a January hearing of the House Commerce Committee (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee's Summit, presenting his proposal for a statewide vote on eliminating the income tax during a January hearing of the House Commerce Committee (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>On a party-line vote, a Missouri House committee approved the bill putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow expanded sales tax to supplant income tax</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>The proposal to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/28/missouri-gop-backs-income-tax-repeal-as-critics-warn-sales-taxes-hit-poor-hardest/">eliminate the state income tax</a>&nbsp;is moving to the Missouri House floor following a party-line committee vote Wednesday.The 7-3 vote on Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s top priority followed a heated discussion where Democrats on the House Commerce Committee accused Republicans of steering the state into a fiscally dangerous future.“You don’t turn an economy around on a dime,” said state Rep. Steve Butz, a St. Louis Democrat. “If there is a mistake made, either by the public or by this legislature — and surely we have enough examples of the legislature making plenty of mistakes — we’re not going to be able to react quickly enough to offset that.”Republicans, in response, said Missouri is losing out to states like Tennessee and Florida that have no income tax. Eliminating the tax would put each taxpayer in charge of whether they want to spend their money on taxable goods and services or use it elsewhere, they said.“We can see what’s happened to other states,” said state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson. “It’s affected them in a very positive manner. People are staying. The states are being built and rebuilt. Industries are coming in, and we want to have a piece of that pie.”As originally filed, the proposed constitutional amendment would ask voters to give lawmakers broad authority to set up a new expanded sales tax system and use the revenue to reduce and then eliminate the state income tax. The committee passed a revised version Wednesday morning that sets revenue growth goals for reducing the top income rate, which is currently 4.7%.For each additional $20 million in revenue over the base year of fiscal year 2025, the top rate would be cut by 0.01 percentage points, with a cap of a 1.6 percentage point reduction in the top rate in any given year.To achieve the maximum reduction in a single year, revenue would have to grow by $3.2 billion from the expanded sales tax base.The tax would be eliminated when those reductions combine to lower the top rate to 1.4%.Missouri’s personal income tax is almost flat, with the top rate applying to taxable incomes greater than $9,436. There are significant exemptions from the tax, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/missouri-will-exempt-social-security-public-pension-payments-from-state-income-taxes/">all Social Security payments</a>, a share of retirement income and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains</a>, which are the profits from the sale of property or other assets.The income tax generated about 65% of the state’s annual general revenue receipts in fiscal year 2025, which were $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30.&nbsp;The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, would go on the ballot in August or November. It would give lawmakers three years to expand the sales tax to “all goods and services” and eliminate exemptions to raise enough revenue to replace the income tax without having to seek another statewide vote.&nbsp;The current state sales tax is 3% for general revenue, plus 1.225% earmarked for public schools, conservation, state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes add to the 4.225% total, and there are more than 50 locations in the state where the total sales tax is 11% or higher.Matching the current revenue from the individual income tax without expanding the transactions that are taxed would require raising the state sales tax to nearly 13%.The proposal would allow sales tax on motor fuel for the first time. It would also exempt revenue from sales tax on fuel from a constitutional provision&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/23/new-missouri-income-tax-cut-plan-would-allow-first-ever-sales-tax-on-gas-and-diesel/">dedicating all taxes</a>&nbsp;on gasoline and diesel to highway needs.Missourians will reject the plan, Democrats said during committee debate.“They’re already worried about the current budget and the cost of living,” state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “They’re concerned about essential programs that are being cut now. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/27/missouri-lawmakers-explore-options-to-restore-disability-services-funding/">building has been full</a>&nbsp;of people the last couple of weeks worrying about this. No one is asking for the elimination of state income tax.”Republicans responded by saying the proposal will test what voters want and make the legislature conform to that.“This really does nothing but go to the voters and say, ‘Do you want to change the system and try a new approach’,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the proposal.&nbsp;And there are plenty of people, he said, asking to eliminate the income tax.“A lot of times they ask with their feet,” Patterson said. “They move, they go to different places. They might not ask, but they’ve told us what their answers are.”

Republicans push forward with proposal to replace Missouri income tax with sales tax

 United Way of Greater St. Joseph is seeking community volunteers to help determine how local donor dollars will be invested in 2027.

The annual allocations process serves as the organization’s primary method for evaluating partner agencies and ensuring financial accountability. Volunteers are tasked with examining agency operations, programs, and finances to provide funding recommendations to the United Way Community Investment Council and Board of Directors.

Participants help ensure that community contributions achieve a measurable impact in three key areas: education, health, and financial stability. In 2025, more than 160 residents from diverse professional and personal backgrounds participated in the process. Organizers note that serving on a subcommittee offers a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at how local nonprofits operate and provides a direct voice in community investment.

Volunteers are assigned to subcommittees, each responsible for reviewing two to three partner agencies. The commitment involves:

Those interested in volunteering for the 2026 cycle should contact Jodi Flurry at United Way of Greater St. Joseph:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762972481032.jpeg" alt="United Way of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>United Way of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITH United Way of Greater St. Joseph is seeking community volunteers to help determine how local donor dollars will be invested in 2027.The annual allocations process serves as the organization’s primary method for evaluating partner agencies and ensuring financial accountability. Volunteers are tasked with examining agency operations, programs, and finances to provide funding recommendations to the United Way Community Investment Council and Board of Directors.Participants help ensure that community contributions achieve a measurable impact in three key areas: education, health, and financial stability. In 2025, more than 160 residents from diverse professional and personal backgrounds participated in the process. Organizers note that serving on a subcommittee offers a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at how local nonprofits operate and provides a direct voice in community investment.Volunteers are assigned to subcommittees, each responsible for reviewing two to three partner agencies. The commitment involves:<ul>
 <li>Duration: Approximately 10–15 hours total over two months (April and May).</li><li>Meetings: Five to six meetings per subcommittee.</li><li>Flexibility: Options are available for both daytime and evening meeting schedules.</li>
 </ul>Those interested in volunteering for the 2026 cycle should contact Jodi Flurry at United Way of Greater St. Joseph:<ul>
 <li>Phone: 816-364-2381</li><li>Email: jodi.flurry@stjosephunitedway.org</li><li>Online: <a target="_blank" href="https://stjosephunitedway.org">stjosephunitedway.org</a></li>
 </ul>

Call for volunteers: United Way annual allocations process

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by a 28-year-old Cleveland, Tennessee, man was southbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Pattonsburg. The semi travened into the median and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road and overturned partially blocking the driving line.

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

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by a 28-year-old Cleveland, Tennessee, man was southbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Pattonsburg. The semi travened into the median and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road and overturned partially blocking the driving line.North Missouri EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

(Radio Iowa) - House Republicans have created their own "Make America Healthy Again" agenda and their bill calls for new standards for school lunches, limits on access to digital devices in early elementary grades and a continuation of the state policy that bars food stamps from being used to buy things like candy and pop. 

If the bill becomes law, Iowa students would have to take the Presidential Fitness Test and Iowa schools would have to ensure students in kindergarten through fifth grades have 120 minutes of physical activity each week. High school students would be required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity. Another section of the bill would limit digital instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms to 60 minutes a day. 

The bill has some elements of the governor's MAHA bill, including a move that could give Iowans over-the-counter access to ivermectin if a pharmacist agrees to sell it without a prescription.

(Radio Iowa) - House Republicans have created their own "Make America Healthy Again" agenda and their bill calls for new standards for school lunches, limits on access to digital devices in early elementary grades and a continuation of the state policy that bars food stamps from being used to buy things like candy and pop. If the bill becomes law, Iowa students would have to take the Presidential Fitness Test and Iowa schools would have to ensure students in kindergarten through fifth grades have 120 minutes of physical activity each week. High school students would be required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity. Another section of the bill would limit digital instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms to 60 minutes a day. The bill has some elements of the governor's MAHA bill, including a move that could give Iowans over-the-counter access to ivermectin if a pharmacist agrees to sell it without a prescription.

Iowa House GOP's MAHA bill includes several school-related policies

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is calling on volunteers to help pack 900 meal kits this month to combat food insecurity across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

As part of its "Caring Connection" initiative, the organization will host three hands-on sessions at its headquarters located at 118 South 5th Street. The events are designed to be flexible, welcoming volunteers of all ages—including individuals, families, and corporate groups—to assist with sorting and packing.

To accommodate different schedules, the United Way has set the following dates:

“These hands-on sessions offer a simple but powerful way for people to make an immediate difference,” said Kylee Strough, President of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. “Each kit assembled represents a person or family who will have access to a nutritious meal.”

The meal kits will be distributed through a network of partner agencies, schools, and local organizations. This effort is supported by funding provided last November by Mosaic Life Care and the Mosaic Life Care Foundation.

The Caring Connection Crew launched last spring as a pilot program and has since expanded, focusing on creating accessible, high-impact service opportunities that address the community's most pressing needs.

Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure adequate supplies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762972481032.jpeg" alt="United Way of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>United Way of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe United Way of Greater St. Joseph is calling on volunteers to help pack 900 meal kits this month to combat food insecurity across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.As part of its "Caring Connection" initiative, the organization will host three hands-on sessions at its headquarters located at 118 South 5th Street. The events are designed to be flexible, welcoming volunteers of all ages—including individuals, families, and corporate groups—to assist with sorting and packing.To accommodate different schedules, the United Way has set the following dates:<ul>
 <li>Wednesday, March 11: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.</li><li>Saturday, March 14: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.</li><li>Wednesday, March 18: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.</li>
 </ul>“These hands-on sessions offer a simple but powerful way for people to make an immediate difference,” said Kylee Strough, President of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. “Each kit assembled represents a person or family who will have access to a nutritious meal.”The meal kits will be distributed through a network of partner agencies, schools, and local organizations. This effort is supported by funding provided last November by Mosaic Life Care and the Mosaic Life Care Foundation.The Caring Connection Crew launched last spring as a pilot program and has since expanded, focusing on creating accessible, high-impact service opportunities that address the community's most pressing needs.Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure adequate supplies.<ul>
 <li>Online: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.stjosephunitedway.org/caring-connection">www.stjosephunitedway.org/caring-connection</a></li><li>Phone: 816-364-2381</li>
 </ul>

United Way to pack 900 meal kits for local families this month

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.

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

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.Livingston County EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi crash on NW Missouri highway

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772463780952.png" alt="Crockett-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Crockett-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

Rosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. 

Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.

The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.

The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.

The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682010995484.jpeg" alt="Rosecrans Memorial Airport R" />
 <figcaption>Rosecrans Memorial Airport R</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHRosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

Pony Express STOL Returns to Rosecrans: Precision aviation competition set for May 30

It's Tournament Time! With the big tournament going on this month. We are putting your knowledge of college basketball to the test. Take this months quiz and you could win $50 at the end of the month!

It's Tournament Time! With the big tournament going on this month. We are putting your knowledge of college basketball to the test. Take this months quiz and you could win $50 at the end of the month!<div><div>

<script> window.AptivadaAsyncInit = function(){ var sdk = window.Aptivada.init({ campaignId: 1757176, campaignType: "contest" }) } </script> <script async src="https://xp.audience.io/sdk-legacy.js"></script>
<div class="aptivada-campaign"></div>
</div></div>

March Quiz

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa House has passed a bill with new state restrictions on farm implement companies -- so the owners of tractors and combines could repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on the equipment themselves. 

Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson, who's a farmer, goes even farther, suggesting it could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed. The Trump Administration recently announced that under its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the exhaust systems on diesel powered farm equipment may be disabled -- for repairs -- and manufacturers cannot justify limiting access to tools or software. 

The bill that cleared the Iowa House Monday would require manufacturers to provide free information and software to diagnose and fix diesel exhaust systems. And they'd have to sell both the tools and replacement parts to make the repairs at reduced prices.

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa House has passed a bill with new state restrictions on farm implement companies -- so the owners of tractors and combines could repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on the equipment themselves. Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson, who's a farmer, goes even farther, suggesting it could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed. The Trump Administration recently announced that under its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the exhaust systems on diesel powered farm equipment may be disabled -- for repairs -- and manufacturers cannot justify limiting access to tools or software. The bill that cleared the Iowa House Monday would require manufacturers to provide free information and software to diagnose and fix diesel exhaust systems. And they'd have to sell both the tools and replacement parts to make the repairs at reduced prices.

Iowa bill lets farmers disable diesel exhaust fluid systems in farm implements

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553222639.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.</h2>By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.<h2>What history suggests about pump prices</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.<h2>Gas prices could climb even higher</h2>Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

As Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging residents to use the time change as a vital reminder to audit their home safety equipment.

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move forward one hour. According to the State Fire Marshal’s secondary mission of public safety, this seasonal transition serves as the ideal window to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review family emergency exit strategies.

“Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by one-half,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “As we renovate our homes and children grow up, it’s important to make sure our plans are up to date—and make sure they include an outdoor meeting place.”

Statistics show that approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a period when most residents are asleep. Because fires can spread rapidly, working smoke alarms provide the early warning necessary for a safe evacuation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769098883461.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHAs Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging residents to use the time change as a vital reminder to audit their home safety equipment.Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move forward one hour. According to the State Fire Marshal’s secondary mission of public safety, this seasonal transition serves as the ideal window to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review family emergency exit strategies.“Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by one-half,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “As we renovate our homes and children grow up, it’s important to make sure our plans are up to date—and make sure they include an outdoor meeting place.”Statistics show that approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a period when most residents are asleep. Because fires can spread rapidly, working smoke alarms provide the early warning necessary for a safe evacuation.The Fire Marshal’s office recommends that every family member, including children, identify at least two escape routes from every room in their residence.In addition to fire hazards, officials emphasized the danger of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. To ensure year-round protection, the State Fire Marshal’s office issued the following maintenance guidelines:Smoke Alarms<ul>
 <li>Installation: Place alarms on every level of the home and both inside and outside all sleeping areas.</li><li>Testing: Manually test all units once a month.</li><li>Replacement: Change batteries annually (unless using 10-year sealed units) and replace the entire device every 10 years.</li>
 </ul>Carbon Monoxide Alarms<ul>
 <li>Installation: Place units outside sleeping areas and near any fuel-burning appliances.</li><li>Testing: Test monthly and replace units every five to seven years based on manufacturer specifications.</li>
 </ul>The Fire Marshal also highlighted the growing national trend of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. Residents are advised to use only manufacturer-approved chargers and to avoid charging devices unattended, overnight, or near exits and combustible materials.