ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Atchison.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday police arrested 35-year-old Sheldon M. Barton of Leavenworth in the 200 Block of North Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Sheldon M. Barton, 35, Leavenworth, was arrested on Wednesday in the 200 block North 2nd Street 

Barton is being held on requested charges of driving while revoked, driving in violation of required ignition interlock device, and no vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758808757526.png" alt="Barton photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Barton photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Atchison.Just before 9p.m. Wednesday police arrested 35-year-old Sheldon M. Barton of Leavenworth in the 200 Block of North Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Sheldon M. Barton, 35, Leavenworth, was arrested on Wednesday in the 200 block North 2nd Street Barton is being held on requested charges of driving while revoked, driving in violation of required ignition interlock device, and no vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man was driving without required ignition interlock device

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cameronsmith/">Cameron Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jackschouten/">Jack Schouten</a>

Members of a special House committee talked Tuesday through a multitude of potential solutions to relieve the tax burden facing Missourians.

“The committee’s goal is to find common sense reforms and solutions that will protect homeowners, promote economic stability and share capability,” said Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, chair of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.

The committee conducted six hearings in five separate cities across the state this past summer. In the 25 hours of testimony, they heard complaints from residents and local officials related to property tax evaluation and assessment.

Republican members of the committee agreed that there is no “one size fits all” option when it comes to deciding the allocation of taxation at the county level. Taylor noted that 72% of property taxes fund public schools.

In response, Rep. Del Taylor, D-St. Louis, said he wants the state to get involved because it is the buffer when local districts fall short on funding for schools in particular.

Multiple potential solutions were mentioned at the meeting.

Among the proposals was the committee chair’s idea of expanding the ability of districts to institute a sales tax instead of a property tax to fund public schools. Others raised concerns of possible double dipping under that model.

“I would be opposed to anything that allowed any level of governance to double collect taxes,” said Rep. Darin Chappell, R-Rogersville. “I would be absolutely opposed for the opportunity to exist for both methodologies to be active at the same time.”

The committee is faced with navigating 40-year-old bill language to deal with modern assessment and taxation issues. Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, laid out the term plainly: “We as legislators have failed to keep up with the times.”

Further complicating the potential for solutions is the Hancock Amendment, enacted in 1980 to limit the amount of money that can be extracted through taxation. A provision in the amendment states that property tax rates have to be adjusted to avoid windfall revenue increases as a result of rapid increases in values.

The amendment is one of the many challenges the committee faces. Members agreed that they had no appetite for attempting to change the Missouri Constitution by seeking to adjust the Hancock Amendment.

“The more I’ve been in this committee, the more I’ve felt that we have got a large sandbox we can play in when it comes to statute. Can we try to play in that sandbox and stay away from the constitution for now?” said Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia.

Both Steinhoff, and Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Savannah, said they felt that the discussion went well and that progress towards a potential bill was made. Both said they anticipate further meetings and discussions that could continue into the start of the legislative session in January.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/property-tax-committee-weighs-options-for-tax-relief/article_5c44f39f-b81a-4dc1-8490-0800381c3c46.html" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;was originally published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>&nbsp;and is republished with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756478196794.png" alt="&nbsp;Members of the House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform, chaired by state Rep. Tim Taylor, fifth from right, listen to testimony at a hearing Wednesday, Aug. 27 in Macon. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Members of the House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform, chaired by state Rep. Tim Taylor, fifth from right, listen to testimony at a hearing Wednesday, Aug. 27 in Macon. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cameronsmith/">Cameron Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jackschouten/">Jack Schouten</a>Members of a special House committee talked Tuesday through a multitude of potential solutions to relieve the tax burden facing Missourians.“The committee’s goal is to find common sense reforms and solutions that will protect homeowners, promote economic stability and share capability,” said Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, chair of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.The committee conducted six hearings in five separate cities across the state this past summer. In the 25 hours of testimony, they heard complaints from residents and local officials related to property tax evaluation and assessment.Republican members of the committee agreed that there is no “one size fits all” option when it comes to deciding the allocation of taxation at the county level. Taylor noted that 72% of property taxes fund public schools.In response, Rep. Del Taylor, D-St. Louis, said he wants the state to get involved because it is the buffer when local districts fall short on funding for schools in particular.Multiple potential solutions were mentioned at the meeting.Among the proposals was the committee chair’s idea of expanding the ability of districts to institute a sales tax instead of a property tax to fund public schools. Others raised concerns of possible double dipping under that model.“I would be opposed to anything that allowed any level of governance to double collect taxes,” said Rep. Darin Chappell, R-Rogersville. “I would be absolutely opposed for the opportunity to exist for both methodologies to be active at the same time.”The committee is faced with navigating 40-year-old bill language to deal with modern assessment and taxation issues. Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, laid out the term plainly: “We as legislators have failed to keep up with the times.”Further complicating the potential for solutions is the Hancock Amendment, enacted in 1980 to limit the amount of money that can be extracted through taxation. A provision in the amendment states that property tax rates have to be adjusted to avoid windfall revenue increases as a result of rapid increases in values.The amendment is one of the many challenges the committee faces. Members agreed that they had no appetite for attempting to change the Missouri Constitution by seeking to adjust the Hancock Amendment.“The more I’ve been in this committee, the more I’ve felt that we have got a large sandbox we can play in when it comes to statute. Can we try to play in that sandbox and stay away from the constitution for now?” said Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia.Both Steinhoff, and Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Savannah, said they felt that the discussion went well and that progress towards a potential bill was made. Both said they anticipate further meetings and discussions that could continue into the start of the legislative session in January.This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/property-tax-committee-weighs-options-for-tax-relief/article_5c44f39f-b81a-4dc1-8490-0800381c3c46.html" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;was originally published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>&nbsp;and is republished with permission.

Missouri House property tax committee weighs options for tax relief

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundai Kina driven by a 34-year-old Savannah man was northbound in the driving lane of Business 71 at CR 364 three miles south of Savannah.

The driver attempted to pass a 2012 Honda Civic driven by a 16-year-old Savannah girl as she slowed down to make a left turn.&nbsp; The Honda struck the Hyundai in the right front wheel well.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver of the Hyundai and a 58-year-old female passenger in the Honda to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundai Kina driven by a 34-year-old Savannah man was northbound in the driving lane of Business 71 at CR 364 three miles south of Savannah.The driver attempted to pass a 2012 Honda Civic driven by a 16-year-old Savannah girl as she slowed down to make a left turn.&nbsp; The Honda struck the Hyundai in the right front wheel well.Andrew County EMS transported the driver of the Hyundai and a 58-year-old female passenger in the Honda to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 injured after 2-vehicle Andrew County crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a home invasion burglary.

Just before 11:30a.m. on Tuesday police responded to a burglary in progress call at a residence in the 1500 block North 7th Street in Atchison, according to&nbsp; Police Chief Mike Wilson. A suspect identified as 50-year-old Jody Erickson, had allegedly forced entry into his 64-year old neighbor's residence.&nbsp; Erickson then allegedly&nbsp;threatened the victim with a knife.

 Officers arrived on the scene as Erickson was exiting the residence still holding onto the knife. Officers took him into custody after a brief struggle.

He is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal restraint and inference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758723170937.png" alt="Erickson-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Erickson-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a home invasion burglary.Just before 11:30a.m. on Tuesday police responded to a burglary in progress call at a residence in the 1500 block North 7th Street in Atchison, according to&nbsp; Police Chief Mike Wilson. A suspect identified as 50-year-old Jody Erickson, had allegedly forced entry into his 64-year old neighbor's residence.&nbsp; Erickson then allegedly&nbsp;threatened the victim with a knife. Officers arrived on the scene as Erickson was exiting the residence still holding onto the knife. Officers took him into custody after a brief struggle.He is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal restraint and inference with law enforcement.

Police: Kan. man jailed for burglary at neighbor's home

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Taurus driven by a 56-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on the entrance lane to Interstate 29 from eastbound U.S. 36 in St. Joseph. The car rear-ended a 2025 Nissan Sentra driven by a 40-year-old St. Joseph man. The impact pushed the Nisan into the back of a 2007 Toyota Prius driven by a 37-year-old St. Joseph man.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver of the Nissan and a 30-year-old passenger in the&nbsp; Prius to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Taurus driven by a 56-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on the entrance lane to Interstate 29 from eastbound U.S. 36 in St. Joseph. The car rear-ended a 2025 Nissan Sentra driven by a 40-year-old St. Joseph man. The impact pushed the Nisan into the back of a 2007 Toyota Prius driven by a 37-year-old St. Joseph man.Buchanan County EMS transported the driver of the Nissan and a 30-year-old passenger in the&nbsp; Prius to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after 3-vehicle rear-end crash

‘Our opposition has proven to be very well-funded and very well-organized,’ a campaign advisor said of launching an anti-abortion campaign more than a year ahead of the election

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

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s political team is taking a lead role in the campaign to pass a constitutional amendment banning abortion, enlisting key advisors and tapping First Lady Claudia Kehoe as treasurer.

Claudia Kehoe is the only officer listed in organization filings at the Missouri Ethics Commission for&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?mecid=C253648#gsc.tab=0" target="_blank">Her Health, Her Future PAC,</a>&nbsp;created Sept. 9.

The campaign’s goal is to&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/2454H.05T.pdf" target="_blank">pass the measure</a>&nbsp;placed on the ballot by lawmakers, which would repeal the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=I++++36&amp;bid=54984&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">amendment passed in November</a>&nbsp;that restored abortion rights. The legislative proposal will appear on a 2026 statewide ballot as Amendment 3, the same name held by the previous abortion rights amendment.&nbsp;

“The Her Health, Her Future PAC was launched with one clear and unwavering mission,” said Mike Hafner, who was an advisor to Kehoe’s gubernatorial campaign and who is now a campaign advisor for the PAC. “To defend the dignity of human life and ensure Missourians have the knowledge and necessary tools to stand boldly for the unborn.”

In November 2024, Missourians voted by a slim margin to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/HCSHJR73-SignedCopy.pdf" target="_blank">The new proposed amendment</a>&nbsp;seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the governor’s office referred all comments to the PAC.

The governor and his wife have&nbsp;<a href="https://catholicmissourianonline.com/stories/pro-life-advocates-herald-the-missouri-miracle-during-this-years-midwest-march-for-life,3251" target="_blank">long opposed abortion.</a>&nbsp;But Claudia Kehoe’s involvement in the campaign is notable nonetheless.

“I don’t recall in my over 40 years as pro-life lobbyist a first lady taking such a prominent role for any ballot measures – let alone a pro-life one,” said Sam Lee, who helped campaign against the 2024 abortion rights amendment.

<a href="https://www.nga.org/governor-spouse/claudia-kehoe/" target="_blank">Claudia Kehoe</a>&nbsp;has the financial knowledge for her new role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration. She went on to work in banking in the St. Louis area.&nbsp;

Members of the anti-abortion movement hope that access to the governor’s bully pulpit will help propel early fundraising success.&nbsp;

“I know that with (Claudia Kehoe’s) fervor, her energy, her strength, her contacts, that things are going to be a lot different than they were the last time,” said Kathy Forck, with 40 Days for Life.&nbsp;

Last year, the campaign in support of the abortion rights amendment, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, raised more than $31.5 million, raking in large donations from organizations including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, as well as from liberal groups including the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the Fairness Project and Open Source Action Fund, all based out of Washington D.C.&nbsp;

Fundraising efforts among the anti-abortion movement last year were split among a handful of campaigns totaling less than $4 million in donations. A bulk of the fundraising was done in the final months before the election.

“Our opposition has proven to be very well-funded and very well-organized,” Hafner said. “This year our PAC is going to be very focused on early fundraising and organizing to make sure that spending disparity doesn’t exist at that level again.”&nbsp;

Opponents of the abortion ban formed a campaign committee in May. Called<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?mecid=C253512#gsc.tab=0" target="_blank">&nbsp;Stop The Ban</a>, it has taken over the website used by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom and has the same treasurer, Mike Pridmore. No one involved with the campaign offered a comment on Kehoe’s role in the opposing campaign.

Hafner said the Kehoes intend to involve every anti-abortion group in the state that’s interested in collaborating.&nbsp;

“Our work this cycle is laser-focused on informing, engaging and mobilizing Missourians early,” Hafner said, “to take action on one of the most consequential issues we will ever face in Missouri.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758712105122.png" alt=" Missouri's First Lady Claudia Kehoe looks out at the crowd assembled Jan. 13 for her husband's inauguration as governor (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri's First Lady Claudia Kehoe looks out at the crowd assembled Jan. 13 for her husband's inauguration as governor (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Our opposition has proven to be very well-funded and very well-organized,’ a campaign advisor said of launching an anti-abortion campaign more than a year ahead of the election</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s political team is taking a lead role in the campaign to pass a constitutional amendment banning abortion, enlisting key advisors and tapping First Lady Claudia Kehoe as treasurer.Claudia Kehoe is the only officer listed in organization filings at the Missouri Ethics Commission for&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?mecid=C253648#gsc.tab=0" target="_blank">Her Health, Her Future PAC,</a>&nbsp;created Sept. 9.The campaign’s goal is to&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/2454H.05T.pdf" target="_blank">pass the measure</a>&nbsp;placed on the ballot by lawmakers, which would repeal the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=I++++36&amp;bid=54984&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">amendment passed in November</a>&nbsp;that restored abortion rights. The legislative proposal will appear on a 2026 statewide ballot as Amendment 3, the same name held by the previous abortion rights amendment.&nbsp;“The Her Health, Her Future PAC was launched with one clear and unwavering mission,” said Mike Hafner, who was an advisor to Kehoe’s gubernatorial campaign and who is now a campaign advisor for the PAC. “To defend the dignity of human life and ensure Missourians have the knowledge and necessary tools to stand boldly for the unborn.”In November 2024, Missourians voted by a slim margin to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/HCSHJR73-SignedCopy.pdf" target="_blank">The new proposed amendment</a>&nbsp;seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the governor’s office referred all comments to the PAC.The governor and his wife have&nbsp;<a href="https://catholicmissourianonline.com/stories/pro-life-advocates-herald-the-missouri-miracle-during-this-years-midwest-march-for-life,3251" target="_blank">long opposed abortion.</a>&nbsp;But Claudia Kehoe’s involvement in the campaign is notable nonetheless.“I don’t recall in my over 40 years as pro-life lobbyist a first lady taking such a prominent role for any ballot measures – let alone a pro-life one,” said Sam Lee, who helped campaign against the 2024 abortion rights amendment.<a href="https://www.nga.org/governor-spouse/claudia-kehoe/" target="_blank">Claudia Kehoe</a>&nbsp;has the financial knowledge for her new role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration. She went on to work in banking in the St. Louis area.&nbsp;Members of the anti-abortion movement hope that access to the governor’s bully pulpit will help propel early fundraising success.&nbsp;“I know that with (Claudia Kehoe’s) fervor, her energy, her strength, her contacts, that things are going to be a lot different than they were the last time,” said Kathy Forck, with 40 Days for Life.&nbsp;Last year, the campaign in support of the abortion rights amendment, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, raised more than $31.5 million, raking in large donations from organizations including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, as well as from liberal groups including the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the Fairness Project and Open Source Action Fund, all based out of Washington D.C.&nbsp;Fundraising efforts among the anti-abortion movement last year were split among a handful of campaigns totaling less than $4 million in donations. A bulk of the fundraising was done in the final months before the election.“Our opposition has proven to be very well-funded and very well-organized,” Hafner said. “This year our PAC is going to be very focused on early fundraising and organizing to make sure that spending disparity doesn’t exist at that level again.”&nbsp;Opponents of the abortion ban formed a campaign committee in May. Called<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?mecid=C253512#gsc.tab=0" target="_blank">&nbsp;Stop The Ban</a>, it has taken over the website used by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom and has the same treasurer, Mike Pridmore. No one involved with the campaign offered a comment on Kehoe’s role in the opposing campaign.Hafner said the Kehoes intend to involve every anti-abortion group in the state that’s interested in collaborating.&nbsp;“Our work this cycle is laser-focused on informing, engaging and mobilizing Missourians early,” Hafner said, “to take action on one of the most consequential issues we will ever face in Missouri.”

Missouri First Lady tapped as treasurer for 2026 abortion ban campaign

North Central
Missouri College in Trenton celebrates throughout this year its 100th
anniversary.

North Central
President, Lenny Klaver, says the college has been on a growth spurt, pointing
in particular to its partnership with Missouri Western State University on the
Houlne Center for Convergent Technology on the St. Joseph campus.

“We took a risk to
do this and it is the first two-year, four-year partnership in the state where
we have combined on a facility to meet workforce needs,” Klaver tells
KFEQmmunity. “And I think when you consider that St. Joseph is the third
largest exporter in the state of manufactured goods and industry, if all things
go well, we’ll be continuing to ramp up as the years go forward.”

Based in Trenton,
North Central Missouri College serves a 17-county region of north-northwest
Missouri. It all began 100 years ago in the third floor of the Trenton High
School with only 57 students. Enrollment at North Central continues to inch
upward. This fall, NCMC saw a 2% increase in enrollment with a record number of
students enroll:&nbsp; 1,987.

Klaver says a
foray into the western part of its service area has helped North Central. The
college recently remodeled at old car dealership to open a branch in Savannah.

“It’s worked very
well. Our growth in Savannah has been tremendous. We’ve had great support from
the community,” according to Klaver. “We’ve continued to grow in enrollment,
overall, with a large part of that growth in Savannah.”

Klaver says the
key to growth over the years and growth in the future is a focus on the
individual student, what the college calls the uncommon attention it gives its
students.

“And that we meet
the needs in the terms of the technical and career areas, whether it’s
agriculture, industry, health care, nursing, etc.,” Klaver says. “We need to
keep our ear to the ground on what’s going on in the regional economy and we
need to continue to meet that in terms of the programs we offer and the quality
of the programs we offer.”

Klaver says it’s
all about staying current.

“We need to be
able to adapt on the fly. We need to be able to continue to offer quality; the
affordable, accessible opportunity for students to get a college education that
otherwise they may not have.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758649032741.jpeg" alt="As part of its centennial celebration, North Central Missouri College unearthed a time capsule buried during its 75th anniversary./Photo courtesy of NCMC" />
 <figcaption>As part of its centennial celebration, North Central Missouri College unearthed a time capsule buried during its 75th anniversary./Photo courtesy of NCMC</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorth Central
Missouri College in Trenton celebrates throughout this year its 100th
anniversary.North Central
President, Lenny Klaver, says the college has been on a growth spurt, pointing
in particular to its partnership with Missouri Western State University on the
Houlne Center for Convergent Technology on the St. Joseph campus.“We took a risk to
do this and it is the first two-year, four-year partnership in the state where
we have combined on a facility to meet workforce needs,” Klaver tells
KFEQmmunity. “And I think when you consider that St. Joseph is the third
largest exporter in the state of manufactured goods and industry, if all things
go well, we’ll be continuing to ramp up as the years go forward.”Based in Trenton,
North Central Missouri College serves a 17-county region of north-northwest
Missouri. It all began 100 years ago in the third floor of the Trenton High
School with only 57 students. Enrollment at North Central continues to inch
upward. This fall, NCMC saw a 2% increase in enrollment with a record number of
students enroll:&nbsp; 1,987.Klaver says a
foray into the western part of its service area has helped North Central. The
college recently remodeled at old car dealership to open a branch in Savannah.“It’s worked very
well. Our growth in Savannah has been tremendous. We’ve had great support from
the community,” according to Klaver. “We’ve continued to grow in enrollment,
overall, with a large part of that growth in Savannah.”Klaver says the
key to growth over the years and growth in the future is a focus on the
individual student, what the college calls the uncommon attention it gives its
students.“And that we meet
the needs in the terms of the technical and career areas, whether it’s
agriculture, industry, health care, nursing, etc.,” Klaver says. “We need to
keep our ear to the ground on what’s going on in the regional economy and we
need to continue to meet that in terms of the programs we offer and the quality
of the programs we offer.”Klaver says it’s
all about staying current.“We need to be
able to adapt on the fly. We need to be able to continue to offer quality; the
affordable, accessible opportunity for students to get a college education that
otherwise they may not have.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

North Central MO College celebrates 100 years, expansion & growing enrollment

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Kenworth semi driven by a 65-year-old Shawnee, Kansas man was eastbound on MO 116 at Interstate 35 in Lathrop. As the driver made a left turn into a private drive, the vehicle traveled into the path of a westbound 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 37-year-old Lathrop woman. The front of the semi struck the front of the Jeep.

Tri-County EMS transported the Jeep driver to Liberty Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Kenworth semi driven by a 65-year-old Shawnee, Kansas man was eastbound on MO 116 at Interstate 35 in Lathrop. As the driver made a left turn into a private drive, the vehicle traveled into the path of a westbound 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 37-year-old Lathrop woman. The front of the semi struck the front of the Jeep.Tri-County EMS transported the Jeep driver to Liberty Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after crash with a semi

It's officially the first day of autumn.  

Leaves on the trees will begin changing, and the Missouri Department of Conservation is predicting a promising season of fall colors in the northwest region of the state.   

In fact, Forester Timothy Wolfe says some leaves have already begun to change.  

"Your Sumacs and as well as Walnut trees they’ve somewhat started, but our harder woods, like Hickories and some of the Oak species, those are going to start a little later,” Wolfe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, we’ve started now, and I anticipate that we’ll probably be around that October 20th area is going to be our peak fall color based on the current conditions that we have.” 

 Wolfe with the Missouri Department of Conservation says the weather at the end of summer set the northwest region up for a promising bout of fall color 

"Increasing cooler temperatures there towards the end of August, which was wonderful, we had a hot spell for a hot minute and then it transitioned into those cooler nights and warmer days, which is exactly what we are looking for for that transitional change,” Wolfe explains. 

Wolfe says by the end of October it will be past the peak season of colors and things will start browning out after that, depending on the different variations of tree.    

Wolfe says there are some prime places to view the fall colors in the northwest region  

"You get down like on the river side, like 59 Highway or even like T Highway that goes down there along Amazonia and those areas, and even in St. Joseph southside like the Bluffwoods Conservation Area along those highways you’re going to see those hillsides, those hillsides are going to produce the good colors that we’re probably potentially getting to look for,” Wolfe says 

Wolfe says some of the best areas to view the fall colors can be driving along the Loess Bluffs system or walking into open areas such as the Mark Youngdahl Conservation area in St. Joseph.    

The Missouri Department of Conservation also offers reports on its website to the conditions where some of the best fall colors are around the state. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

By MATT PIKEIt's officially the first day of autumn. Leaves on the trees will begin changing, and the Missouri Department of Conservation is predicting a promising season of fall colors in the northwest region of the state. In fact, Forester Timothy Wolfe says some leaves have already begun to change. "Your Sumacs and as well as Walnut trees they’ve somewhat started, but our harder woods, like Hickories and some of the Oak species, those are going to start a little later,” Wolfe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we’ve started now, and I anticipate that we’ll probably be around that October 20th area is going to be our peak fall color based on the current conditions that we have.” Wolfe with the Missouri Department of Conservation says the weather at the end of summer set the northwest region up for a promising bout of fall color "Increasing cooler temperatures there towards the end of August, which was wonderful, we had a hot spell for a hot minute and then it transitioned into those cooler nights and warmer days, which is exactly what we are looking for for that transitional change,” Wolfe explains. Wolfe says by the end of October it will be past the peak season of colors and things will start browning out after that, depending on the different variations of tree. Wolfe says there are some prime places to view the fall colors in the northwest region "You get down like on the river side, like 59 Highway or even like T Highway that goes down there along Amazonia and those areas, and even in St. Joseph southside like the Bluffwoods Conservation Area along those highways you’re going to see those hillsides, those hillsides are going to produce the good colors that we’re probably potentially getting to look for,” Wolfe says Wolfe says some of the best areas to view the fall colors can be driving along the Loess Bluffs system or walking into open areas such as the Mark Youngdahl Conservation area in St. Joseph. The Missouri Department of Conservation also offers reports on its website to the conditions where some of the best fall colors are around the state. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Let Conservation Dept. guide you to watching fall colors

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a juvenile for alleged criminal behavior in Atchison.&nbsp;

Just after 7p.m. Friday, police took an&nbsp;11-year-old boy into custody, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The boy is accused of criminal damage to a business window in the 500 block Commercial Street.

Police released the boy to a parent. Police releawed no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a juvenile for alleged criminal behavior in Atchison.&nbsp;Just after 7p.m. Friday, police took an&nbsp;11-year-old boy into custody, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The boy is accused of criminal damage to a business window in the 500 block Commercial Street.Police released the boy to a parent. Police releawed no additional details.

11-year-old accused of criminal damage in NE Kansas

Even as court cases seek to throw out the new redistricting plan approved in the special session, a referendum campaign to put it before voters is gaining momentum. At the same time, campaign committees are preparing to battle over the initiative process

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>

By mid-December, Missourians will know a lot more than they do now about the fate of the measures passed in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">this month’s special legislative session</a>.

By that time,&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III+++52(a)&amp;bid=31810&amp;hl=referendum%u2044&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">signatures are due</a>&nbsp;for the group seeking to force a referendum on the new congressional district map, intended to hand Republicans the 5th Congressional District. Missourians will also be voting at some point next year on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/04/as-few-as-5-of-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-gop-legislation/">new majority requirements</a>&nbsp;for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative, and by that time the political alignments and funding for the upcoming campaign will be clear.

Finally, before the end of the year at least some of the&nbsp;court challenges&nbsp;being heard in Cole and Jackson counties will likely be through the trial courts and in the hands of appeals court judges.

Richard von Glahn, a veteran of four initiative campaigns on minimum wage, is leading the effort to put the new congressional map on the ballot. If the campaign committee People NOT Politicians collects about 110,000 signatures by Dec. 11, the law revising the state’s eight congressional districts will not take effect until there is a statewide vote.

“In less than a week since this map was passed, we’ve had over 2,200 Missourians sign up to volunteer to gather signatures,” von Glahn said. “I’ve obviously been through this a couple times, but I’ve never seen the sort of groundswell we’re seeing now.”

The final verdict on the Legislature’s work will come next year, when voters would see the referendum, if successful, on a statewide ballot. The election would be held in November 2026 unless the General Assembly sets an earlier date.

That is also when voters will act on the measure targeting initiative petitions and perhaps a second proposal on initiatives, proposed by petition, to counter the one passed by lawmakers.

During the 10-day special session, Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">changed the rules</a>&nbsp;and shut down debate in the state Senate to pass the legislation. Now they must face the people, von Glahn said.

“It’s so clearly politicians not focusing on what Missourians want and need, but simply on what politicians want,” he said. “I think you’re going to see a huge outpouring of anger.”

Along with volunteer sign-ups, People NOT Politicians has raised $805,000 for the petition effort, including a $500,000 check from Global Impact Social Welfare Fund, a 501c4 nonprofit that is not required to disclose its donors.

“I feel very confident, and we’re going to turn in the signatures needed by December 11,” he said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR3&amp;year=2025&amp;code=S2" target="_blank">measure passed by lawmakers</a>&nbsp;to change majorities for initiative proposals will appear on a ballot as Amendment 4. It will go before voters in November 2026 unless Gov. Mike Kehoe sets an earlier election date.

There are two campaign committees ready to oppose it, one supporting it and another trying to get an alternative on the ballot.

It would change the way majorities are calculated for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition. Instead of just a statewide majority, initiative proposals would need both a statewide majority and a majority within each of the state’s eight congressional districts.

That would allow as&nbsp;few as 5.3% of voters to control the outcome. Recent&nbsp;<a href="https://boltsmag.org/missouri-amendment-on-ballot-initiatives/" target="_blank">election results show&nbsp;</a>that Missouri would not have legal marijuana, Medicaid coverage for working-age adults, sports betting or legal abortions if the proposed new standard were already in place.

The most powerful group, financially, working to defeat Amendment 4 is the Missouri Realtors, who in their internal blogging set themselves apart as a separate political party. They are building a campaign under the name Missourians for Fair Governance.

The Realtors have used the initiative process twice, in 2010 to prohibit&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++25&amp;bid=32062&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">sales tax on real estate</a>&nbsp;transfers and again in 2016 to prohibit&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++26&amp;bid=36205&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">sales tax on services</a>.

The initiative process safeguards industry and empowers voters to protect their rights, a recent post stated.&nbsp;

“Efforts to weaken it or limit it are bad policy,” the post read. “They threaten the balance between lawmakers and the people they serve, while limiting Missourians’ ability to directly shape laws and constitutional protections.”

There are 25,000 Realtors in Missouri and fundraising by the organization’s PAC shows their financial strength. In the second quarter, the PAC raised $395,000, with donations from 648 realtors or affiliated employees.

Sam Licklider, lobbyist for the Realtors, told legislators in his testimony that the entire network would be activated to work against the initiative changes.

“We have somewhere in the neighborhood of $8,317,000, so we are well-positioned to ensure our arguments reach the public,” Licklider said.

The other opposition committee, in formation, is the Will of the People Coalition. Denise Lieberman, director of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, said it will bring together all the groups opposed to Amendment 4.

“The fate of Missouri democracy is on the ballot next year,” Lieberman said.

The committee supporting passage of Amendment 4 is Protect MO Voters, led by Andy Bakker, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://libertyallianceusa.com/liberty-alliance-usa-announces-andy-bakker-as-executive-director/" target="_blank">Liberty Alliance USA</a>, one of many&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/10/nonprofit-near-kansas-city-seeks-to-become-epicenter-of-the-school-choice-movement/">not-for-profit political organizations</a>&nbsp;backed by the foundation established by the late St. Joseph business owner Stan Herzog.

The proposal on the ballot also bans foreign contributions to Missouri ballot campaigns, something prohibited in a law that took effect Aug. 28, and tightens rules for collecting signatures.

“We look forward to working with a broad coalition of Missourians who want to protect our initiative petition process from signature fraud and safeguard our constitution from foreign adversaries seeking to undermine it,” Bakker said in an email to The Independent.

The name chosen for Bakker’s committee is almost identical to the social media handle and hashtag identifier for Lieberman’s group. She said she expects a lot of traffic to her sites because of the similarity and welcomes the chance to get the opposition message out.

“So if you look up Protect Mo Voters, you’re going to get to the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, which is working to protect the citizens in this process,” she said.

Bakker, however, said the committee is just adopting the name for the amendment included in the legislation.

“Any confusion is being caused by liberals who oppose these common-sense reforms,” Bakker said.

The measure that will be Amendment 4 goes further in giving a small portion of the state a veto over the whole than proposals in previous years. A measure debated up to the final days of the 2024 session would have required a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/">majority in five of the eight districts</a>.

James Harris, a long-time Republican consultant and lobbyist, backed the 2024 proposal and this year’s measure for clients FGA Action and State Shield. He said the argument that will work best is one highlighting portions of initiative proposals that were not well known at the time of passage.

“Citizens will likely support this ballot measure because it will make common sense to them,” Harris said. “I have sat through focus groups, and when you tell them a little more about what they voted on, they are irritated by what they learn.”

The initiative proposal that would counter the legislative amendment is being circulated by a committee called Respect MO Voters. Instead of making it harder to pass an initiative, it would make it&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TCL9r8GR9If-PvIWidIjV4TTcRCu2Oe/view" target="_blank">harder for lawmakers to change one</a>&nbsp;after it passes.

Last year, voters approved an initiative that increased the minimum wage and required employers to provide paid sick leave. Republicans in the state Senate shut off debate to pass a bill&nbsp;repealing the paid sick leave&nbsp;and a provision adjusting the minimum wage for inflation that had been law since 2006.

Under the Respect MO Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TCL9r8GR9If-PvIWidIjV4TTcRCu2Oe/view" target="_blank">proposal</a>, passage of a bill changing anything in a successful initiative would require support from 80% of lawmakers in both chambers and be subject to another statewide vote.

The Republican plan to increase the majority requirement found no support at the 25 town halls the campaign has conducted, campaign director Benjamin Singer said.

“What we kept hearing from people across the political spectrum at these town halls and listening sessions was that they wanted it to be as difficult as possible for politicians to repeal or change what the people decided,” Singer said.

The campaign is operating on a small budget, raising only about $280,000 so far. It is relying heavily on volunteers to circulate petitions, Singer said.

The similarity of names in the coming campaign may confuse voters, von Glahn said, but the issues should not.

“It doesn’t actually matter what political party you come from, Missouri voters like having power themselves. They want things that encourage accountability back to our needs and desires,” he said. “I’m not worried about people being confused by the different things, because a lot of it is actually from the same framework of a power grab by politicians.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758539848101.png" alt=" Boone County residents line up to vote in October 2024 at the Boone County Government Center in Columbia (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Boone County residents line up to vote in October 2024 at the Boone County Government Center in Columbia (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Even as court cases seek to throw out the new redistricting plan approved in the special session, a referendum campaign to put it before voters is gaining momentum. At the same time, campaign committees are preparing to battle over the initiative process</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>By mid-December, Missourians will know a lot more than they do now about the fate of the measures passed in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">this month’s special legislative session</a>.By that time,&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III+++52(a)&amp;bid=31810&amp;hl=referendum%u2044&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">signatures are due</a>&nbsp;for the group seeking to force a referendum on the new congressional district map, intended to hand Republicans the 5th Congressional District. Missourians will also be voting at some point next year on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/04/as-few-as-5-of-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-gop-legislation/">new majority requirements</a>&nbsp;for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative, and by that time the political alignments and funding for the upcoming campaign will be clear.Finally, before the end of the year at least some of the&nbsp;court challenges&nbsp;being heard in Cole and Jackson counties will likely be through the trial courts and in the hands of appeals court judges.Richard von Glahn, a veteran of four initiative campaigns on minimum wage, is leading the effort to put the new congressional map on the ballot. If the campaign committee People NOT Politicians collects about 110,000 signatures by Dec. 11, the law revising the state’s eight congressional districts will not take effect until there is a statewide vote.“In less than a week since this map was passed, we’ve had over 2,200 Missourians sign up to volunteer to gather signatures,” von Glahn said. “I’ve obviously been through this a couple times, but I’ve never seen the sort of groundswell we’re seeing now.”The final verdict on the Legislature’s work will come next year, when voters would see the referendum, if successful, on a statewide ballot. The election would be held in November 2026 unless the General Assembly sets an earlier date.That is also when voters will act on the measure targeting initiative petitions and perhaps a second proposal on initiatives, proposed by petition, to counter the one passed by lawmakers.During the 10-day special session, Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">changed the rules</a>&nbsp;and shut down debate in the state Senate to pass the legislation. Now they must face the people, von Glahn said.“It’s so clearly politicians not focusing on what Missourians want and need, but simply on what politicians want,” he said. “I think you’re going to see a huge outpouring of anger.”Along with volunteer sign-ups, People NOT Politicians has raised $805,000 for the petition effort, including a $500,000 check from Global Impact Social Welfare Fund, a 501c4 nonprofit that is not required to disclose its donors.“I feel very confident, and we’re going to turn in the signatures needed by December 11,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758539820735.png" alt="Protesters filled the Missouri Capitol rotunda Sept. 10 in opposition to the gerrymandered congressional district map awaiting Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Protesters filled the Missouri Capitol rotunda Sept. 10 in opposition to the gerrymandered congressional district map awaiting Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Initiatives campaign</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR3&amp;year=2025&amp;code=S2" target="_blank">measure passed by lawmakers</a>&nbsp;to change majorities for initiative proposals will appear on a ballot as Amendment 4. It will go before voters in November 2026 unless Gov. Mike Kehoe sets an earlier election date.There are two campaign committees ready to oppose it, one supporting it and another trying to get an alternative on the ballot.It would change the way majorities are calculated for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition. Instead of just a statewide majority, initiative proposals would need both a statewide majority and a majority within each of the state’s eight congressional districts.That would allow as&nbsp;few as 5.3% of voters to control the outcome. Recent&nbsp;<a href="https://boltsmag.org/missouri-amendment-on-ballot-initiatives/" target="_blank">election results show&nbsp;</a>that Missouri would not have legal marijuana, Medicaid coverage for working-age adults, sports betting or legal abortions if the proposed new standard were already in place.The most powerful group, financially, working to defeat Amendment 4 is the Missouri Realtors, who in their internal blogging set themselves apart as a separate political party. They are building a campaign under the name Missourians for Fair Governance.The Realtors have used the initiative process twice, in 2010 to prohibit&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++25&amp;bid=32062&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">sales tax on real estate</a>&nbsp;transfers and again in 2016 to prohibit&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++26&amp;bid=36205&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">sales tax on services</a>.The initiative process safeguards industry and empowers voters to protect their rights, a recent post stated.&nbsp;“Efforts to weaken it or limit it are bad policy,” the post read. “They threaten the balance between lawmakers and the people they serve, while limiting Missourians’ ability to directly shape laws and constitutional protections.”There are 25,000 Realtors in Missouri and fundraising by the organization’s PAC shows their financial strength. In the second quarter, the PAC raised $395,000, with donations from 648 realtors or affiliated employees.Sam Licklider, lobbyist for the Realtors, told legislators in his testimony that the entire network would be activated to work against the initiative changes.“We have somewhere in the neighborhood of $8,317,000, so we are well-positioned to ensure our arguments reach the public,” Licklider said.The other opposition committee, in formation, is the Will of the People Coalition. Denise Lieberman, director of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, said it will bring together all the groups opposed to Amendment 4.“The fate of Missouri democracy is on the ballot next year,” Lieberman said.The committee supporting passage of Amendment 4 is Protect MO Voters, led by Andy Bakker, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://libertyallianceusa.com/liberty-alliance-usa-announces-andy-bakker-as-executive-director/" target="_blank">Liberty Alliance USA</a>, one of many&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/10/nonprofit-near-kansas-city-seeks-to-become-epicenter-of-the-school-choice-movement/">not-for-profit political organizations</a>&nbsp;backed by the foundation established by the late St. Joseph business owner Stan Herzog.The proposal on the ballot also bans foreign contributions to Missouri ballot campaigns, something prohibited in a law that took effect Aug. 28, and tightens rules for collecting signatures.“We look forward to working with a broad coalition of Missourians who want to protect our initiative petition process from signature fraud and safeguard our constitution from foreign adversaries seeking to undermine it,” Bakker said in an email to The Independent.The name chosen for Bakker’s committee is almost identical to the social media handle and hashtag identifier for Lieberman’s group. She said she expects a lot of traffic to her sites because of the similarity and welcomes the chance to get the opposition message out.“So if you look up Protect Mo Voters, you’re going to get to the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, which is working to protect the citizens in this process,” she said.Bakker, however, said the committee is just adopting the name for the amendment included in the legislation.“Any confusion is being caused by liberals who oppose these common-sense reforms,” Bakker said.The measure that will be Amendment 4 goes further in giving a small portion of the state a veto over the whole than proposals in previous years. A measure debated up to the final days of the 2024 session would have required a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/">majority in five of the eight districts</a>.James Harris, a long-time Republican consultant and lobbyist, backed the 2024 proposal and this year’s measure for clients FGA Action and State Shield. He said the argument that will work best is one highlighting portions of initiative proposals that were not well known at the time of passage.“Citizens will likely support this ballot measure because it will make common sense to them,” Harris said. “I have sat through focus groups, and when you tell them a little more about what they voted on, they are irritated by what they learn.”The initiative proposal that would counter the legislative amendment is being circulated by a committee called Respect MO Voters. Instead of making it harder to pass an initiative, it would make it&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TCL9r8GR9If-PvIWidIjV4TTcRCu2Oe/view" target="_blank">harder for lawmakers to change one</a>&nbsp;after it passes.Last year, voters approved an initiative that increased the minimum wage and required employers to provide paid sick leave. Republicans in the state Senate shut off debate to pass a bill&nbsp;repealing the paid sick leave&nbsp;and a provision adjusting the minimum wage for inflation that had been law since 2006.Under the Respect MO Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TCL9r8GR9If-PvIWidIjV4TTcRCu2Oe/view" target="_blank">proposal</a>, passage of a bill changing anything in a successful initiative would require support from 80% of lawmakers in both chambers and be subject to another statewide vote.The Republican plan to increase the majority requirement found no support at the 25 town halls the campaign has conducted, campaign director Benjamin Singer said.“What we kept hearing from people across the political spectrum at these town halls and listening sessions was that they wanted it to be as difficult as possible for politicians to repeal or change what the people decided,” Singer said.The campaign is operating on a small budget, raising only about $280,000 so far. It is relying heavily on volunteers to circulate petitions, Singer said.The similarity of names in the coming campaign may confuse voters, von Glahn said, but the issues should not.“It doesn’t actually matter what political party you come from, Missouri voters like having power themselves. They want things that encourage accountability back to our needs and desires,” he said. “I’m not worried about people being confused by the different things, because a lot of it is actually from the same framework of a power grab by politicians.”

Missouri voters likely to deliver final verdict on congressional map, initiative changes

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Buick Ranier driven by&nbsp; Ercilia&nbsp;McNett, 58, Sabetha, was eastbound on Kansas 246 just east of Bittersweet Road. The SUV traveled off the road to the south The driver overcorrected to the left and then to the right. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It entered the south ditch and rolled onto its top in a milo field.

EMS transported&nbsp;McNett to the Sabetha Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Buick Ranier driven by&nbsp; Ercilia&nbsp;McNett, 58, Sabetha, was eastbound on Kansas 246 just east of Bittersweet Road. The SUV traveled off the road to the south The driver overcorrected to the left and then to the right. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It entered the south ditch and rolled onto its top in a milo field.EMS transported&nbsp;McNett to the Sabetha Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after SUV rolls into a milo field

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Polaris Ranger driven by a 23-year-old Winston man was westbound on Major Avenue eleven miles northeast of Weatherby. The UTV traveled off the road, overturned and the driver and a 22-year-old male passenger were ejected.

A private vehicle transported both to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Polaris Ranger driven by a 23-year-old Winston man was westbound on Major Avenue eleven miles northeast of Weatherby. The UTV traveled off the road, overturned and the driver and a 22-year-old male passenger were ejected.A private vehicle transported both to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Missouri men injured after UTV accident

An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.

The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.

An Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.

The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.

Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.

Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758377370178.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.---------------------By BRENT MARTINAn Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Amber Alert canceled; two 12-year-old Rock Port girls are safe

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Just before noon on Saturday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol canceled the Amber Alert. Emily Harrington and Emma Hale were safely recovered in Indiana.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert early Saturday for missing 12-year-old&nbsp; Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale.

They were last seen with a man named Alec or Alex and abducted just after 10:30p.m. Friday in the 600 Block of South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, Missouri.&nbsp;

The patrol indicated the suspect, identified as a white male, may be from California. The girls were seen with him at a football game at Rock Port High School.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758368153102.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Just before noon on Saturday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol canceled the Amber Alert. Emily Harrington and Emma Hale were safely recovered in Indiana.----------ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert early Saturday for missing 12-year-old&nbsp; Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale.They were last seen with a man named Alec or Alex and abducted just after 10:30p.m. Friday in the 600 Block of South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, Missouri.&nbsp;The patrol indicated the suspect, identified as a white male, may be from California. The girls were seen with him at a football game at Rock Port High School.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday.

MSHP: Amber Alert canceled; two 12-year-old girls are safe

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in&nbsp; Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Weston Witt, 29, Falls City, Nebraska, was eastbound on 192nd Road. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 75.&nbsp; The Ford struck the trailer on a southbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Steven&nbsp;Bostick, 74, Lubbock, Texas. After impact the Ford came to rest in the ditch.

EMS transported Witt to&nbsp;Sabetha Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in&nbsp; Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Weston Witt, 29, Falls City, Nebraska, was eastbound on 192nd Road. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 75.&nbsp; The Ford struck the trailer on a southbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Steven&nbsp;Bostick, 74, Lubbock, Texas. After impact the Ford came to rest in the ditch.EMS transported Witt to&nbsp;Sabetha Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver injured after car, semi crash

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ford F750 driven by a 56-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man was eastbound on Route T just north of Amazonia. the driver driver lost control of the vehicle. The truck traveled off the south side of the road. The driver overcorrected. The truck returned to the road, crossed the center of the road, traveled off the north side of the road and overturned onto its top.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ford F750 driven by a 56-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man was eastbound on Route T just north of Amazonia. the driver driver lost control of the vehicle. The truck traveled off the south side of the road. The driver overcorrected. The truck returned to the road, crossed the center of the road, traveled off the north side of the road and overturned onto its top.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after truck overturns

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged domestic incident and have made an arrest.

Just after 8a.m. September 11, the Brown County Sheriff's office&nbsp;received a 911 call of adisturbance near Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

&nbsp; Upon completion of the investigation by deputies, 46-year-old Jeremy Huddleston of Hamlin was arrested on a requested charge of Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758311383895.png" alt="Huddleston photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Huddleston photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged domestic incident and have made an arrest.Just after 8a.m. September 11, the Brown County Sheriff's office&nbsp;received a 911 call of adisturbance near Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; Upon completion of the investigation by deputies, 46-year-old Jeremy Huddleston of Hamlin was arrested on a requested charge of Domestic Battery.

Sheriff: Investigation led to Kan. man's arrest for alleged violent crime

CLINTON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Lawson girl was southbound on U.S. 69 three miles north of Lawson. The SUV struck a northbound 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 28-year-old Lawson man who was attempting to turn left onto Route PP.

EMS transported the teen driver and a 15-year-old female passenger to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Lawson FIre transported another 15-year-old female passenger in the Ford to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; The pickup driver was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Lawson girl was southbound on U.S. 69 three miles north of Lawson. The SUV struck a northbound 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 28-year-old Lawson man who was attempting to turn left onto Route PP.EMS transported the teen driver and a 15-year-old female passenger to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Lawson FIre transported another 15-year-old female passenger in the Ford to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; The pickup driver was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 Mo. teens hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash

CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kenworth semi driven by a 54-year-old Deepwater man was northbound on Interstate 49 just south of MO 2. The semi rear-ended a 2001 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 56-year-old Harrisonville woman who was stopped in traffic. The impact the Toyota rear-ended a 2025 Kenworth semi driven by a 51-year-old Independence man who was also stopped in traffic.&nbsp; 

The Harrisonville woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The other drivers were not injured. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Cass County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kenworth semi driven by a 54-year-old Deepwater man was northbound on Interstate 49 just south of MO 2. The semi rear-ended a 2001 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 56-year-old Harrisonville woman who was stopped in traffic. The impact the Toyota rear-ended a 2025 Kenworth semi driven by a 51-year-old Independence man who was also stopped in traffic.&nbsp; The Harrisonville woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The other drivers were not injured. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman killed in 3-vehicle crash

Health insurance premiums are expected to jump in 2026, and many businesses say they’ll be forced to pass some of the increase on to employees

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">Suzanne King</a>

Tania Hewett-Mader, who owns Alma Mader Brewing with her husband, believes providing health benefits to her employees is the right thing to do.

“That’s part of our values — taking good care of our people,” she said. “Not only for their sake, but to be competitive in the market.”

But two years ago, after the company had offered traditional insurance coverage for a couple of years, premiums were going to become unaffordable. The Kansas City small business, which only has five employees — including Hewett-Mader and her husband — had to find a different option.

“We had to make a decision at that point,” Hewett-Mader said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758192001408.png" alt="Tania Hewett-Mader, who owns Alma Mader Brewing on Southwest Boulevard with her husband, is familiar with the stress of rising health insurance premiums many businesses are facing (Suzanne King/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption>Tania Hewett-Mader, who owns Alma Mader Brewing on Southwest Boulevard with her husband, is familiar with the stress of rising health insurance premiums many businesses are facing (Suzanne King/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Health insurance premiums are expected to jump in 2026, and many businesses say they’ll be forced to pass some of the increase on to employees</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">Suzanne King</a>Tania Hewett-Mader, who owns Alma Mader Brewing with her husband, believes providing health benefits to her employees is the right thing to do.“That’s part of our values — taking good care of our people,” she said. “Not only for their sake, but to be competitive in the market.”But two years ago, after the company had offered traditional insurance coverage for a couple of years, premiums were going to become unaffordable. The Kansas City small business, which only has five employees — including Hewett-Mader and her husband — had to find a different option.“We had to make a decision at that point,” Hewett-Mader said.It’s a familiar story for business owners. Large and small businesses alike have been scrambling to absorb rising insurance costs for years, and the 2026 increases are promising to be even worse.<h2>Missouri proposed rate filings for 2026</h2>Rates proposed for the state’s small-group market in the single risk pool<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758191906541.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>According to Mercer, the global consulting firm, benefit costs per employee for large firms are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/us-health-news/employers-prepare-for-the-highest-health-benefit-cost-increase-in-15-years/" target="_blank">expected to increase</a>&nbsp;an average 6.5% in 2026, the largest jump in 15 years. And that’s only if businesses take “cost-reduction measures.” If they don’t, Mercer said, plan costs would go up almost 9% on average.For small groups — businesses with fewer than 50 employees — the increases could be far steeper.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.mo.gov/health-insurance/health-insurance-rate-filings-2026-plan-year" target="_blank">has requested</a>&nbsp;an average increase next year of 19% for its small-group plans that are regulated by the state of Missouri. Other insurers in the state’s small-group market have requested rate increases of 10% to 13%.Rick Welsch, an insurance broker in Fairway, said he has already broken the news to clients that rates will be going up “dramatically.” And other insurance brokers in the area said they’re seeing a similar trend.“I was a little blown away,” Welsch said.<h2>Business owners ‘hope it’s not awful’</h2>Now business owners may be left deciding how to absorb significant cost increases.For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.almamaderbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Alma Mader Brewing</a>, the answer to continuing health benefits was to switch from a traditional insurance plan to a self-funded plan. That means the business pays into a pool of money that covers claims.The change came with more paperwork and bigger copays for employees. The business also takes on more risk. If claims are higher one year, premiums will increase the next to compensate, which makes Hewett-Mader nervous.She found out that next year the business will see a 13% jump because claims this year ran higher. But even that rate is doable, unlike the traditional coverage, so employees will keep their health insurance.“‘It would be really hard to offer it and take it away,” she said.Karen Crnkovich, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dmcserviceinc.com/" target="_blank">DMC Service Inc.</a>, a commercial heating and cooling company in Olathe, said she spends hours every year trying to find a plan her company can afford that still provides good coverage for the 23 employees who are insured.“We hold our breath and cross our fingers and hope it’s not awful,” she said.Last year she saved $20,000 by moving to an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement, known as an ICHRA plan. That gave employees a tax-free allowance to buy an individual plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. But the model proved to be “too burdensome.” That and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/" target="_blank">expected increases</a>&nbsp;in the cost of marketplace plans next year made Crnkovich rethink that switch. She’s moving back to a self-funded plan.“Every year we’ve got to look at it,” she said.Employers face a lot of pressure trying to maintain benefits when costs continue to rise, business owners said.“It’s kind of like, ‘How can you provide all the benefits and still be above water?’” said Ariel Johnston, who owns&nbsp;<a href="https://thetastybalance.com/" target="_blank">The Tasty Balance</a>, a dietitian practice with offices in Prairie Village and St. Louis.Johnston said the rates for her nine-person company will stay flat next year, but many employers won’t be so lucky.Businesses confronting surging premiums may look for cost-saving options like adopting a self-funded model, like Alma Mader did. They may offer plans with narrower networks of doctors and hospitals in an effort to steer people to less-expensive providers, or force employees to pay more for going to a doctor not on a plan’s preferred list. Employers might also choose plans that limit what drugs are covered.In addition, there is growing recognition that health plans that emphasize preventive care and behavioral health care will pay off in a healthier workforce and, eventually, lower premium costs. Johnston said many people don’t realize that dietitian services, like the ones her business offers, are fully covered by most insurance plans.But to cover bigger premiums next year, many employers will also likely ask employees to pay more for their insurance.Almost 60% of large employers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mercer.com/assets/us/en_us/shared-assets/local/attachments/pdf-2025-us-survey-on-health-and-benefit-strategies-for-2026.pdf" target="_blank">Mercer surveyed</a>&nbsp;said they would make cost-cutting changes, which generally means choosing plans with higher deductibles and bigger copays next year, adding to employees’ out-of-pocket costs.<h2>Who will pay?</h2>KFF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/" target="_blank">research found</a>&nbsp;that nearly half of adults are already struggling to afford health care, more than one in three report skipping or postponing care and almost one in four said they have medical or dental bills that are past due that they can’t pay.One in five people surveyed by KFF said they are paying off debt to a provider, 17% owe a bank or collection agency, 17% have put medical bills on a credit card and 10% said they owe family members.Additional health insurance increases would compound the problem, consumer advocates said, and add strain when people are already dealing with increased prices for other basic needs.“We see rising utility rates and rent going up and now health care,” said Mary Shannon of the&nbsp;<a href="https://moconsumers.org/" target="_blank">Consumers Council of Missouri</a>. “It reflects a broader trend of consumer costs increasing.”Frank Lenk, an economist with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marc.org/" target="_blank">Mid-America Regional Council</a>, said that there will be economic consequences of rising medical costs. When people have to spend more on health care, already a sizable chunk of most household budgets, they’ll have less money to spend on other things, like local stores and restaurants.“It will be happening when belts already seem to be tightening and the economy seems to be slowing down,” Lenk said.The changes could also have longer-term consequences, he said. When people have to pay more for the doctor or to fill a prescription, they may be less likely to seek care, which could lead to a less healthy workforce.“Businesses may save money on the one hand,” Lenk said, “but they may see loss of productivity on the other. It comes down to — there’s no free lunch.”Employer-sponsored health insurance is the primary source of health coverage in this country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758191942692.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 92% of people had health insurance for at least part of the year during 2024. Employment-based insurance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/p60-288.html#:~:text=Highlights,decreased%20for%20both%20age%20groups." target="_blank">covered 53.8% of that population</a>, down from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/long-term-trends-in-employer-based-coverage/#Percent%20of%20Nonelderly%20Population%20Enrolled%20in%20Employer-Sponsored%20Coverage,%201998-2018" target="_blank">almost 67%</a>&nbsp;in 1998. Medicare covered 19.1%, Medicaid covered 17.6%, and 10.7% of people were covered by plans they purchased directly, including through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.Insurance premiums on employer plans have been trending up for years. The national average annual premium per employee enrolled in an employer-based plan was $5,963 in 2015, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/state-indicator/single-coverage/?activeTab=graph&amp;currentTimeframe=0&amp;startTimeframe=9&amp;selectedDistributions=total-annual-premium&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22wrapups%22:%7B%22united-states%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank">jumped</a>&nbsp;to $8.486 in 2024. In the same period Missouri’s average rates went from $5,726 to $8,552, and Kansas’ went from $5,558 to $7,874.During that time, employers picked up between 75% and 79% of that premium cost. But employee costs still increased, both because the overall premium went up and because out-of-pocket costs climbed.<h2>Why is insurance going up?</h2>Insurance companies give many reasons for increasing premiums. But the two main factors are the price of health care is going up and more people are using their health benefits, which means insurance companies have to pay more.Medical costs are set to grow 8.5% in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/assets/pwc-behind-the-numbers-2026.pdf" target="_blank">according to a study</a>&nbsp;by the consulting firm PwC, also known as PricewaterhouseCoopers. That’s the same rate as the last two years, but substantially greater than 2022 when the growth rate was 5.5%.That slower growth reflected lower medical use during the pandemic, which is also one of the factors driving increased costs now, analysts said.During the COVID pandemic, people put off doctor visits and routine care. That meant fewer claims being sent to insurance companies. It also caused a backlog of medical visits and procedures and led to growth in serious conditions that are more expensive to treat.More expensive drugs are also adding to insurers’ costs. PwC said drug spending grew by $50 billion to $487 billion in 2024. GLP-1s, drugs that regulate blood sugar and help people lose weight, were a significant driver of the increase, leading some insurance companies to look at reining in who can get coverage for the drugs and for what conditions.Insurers are also having to pay hospitals and doctors more, another reason for increased premiums. Analysts said several factors have caused that:<ul>
 <li>Labor shortages in the medical field have forced hospitals and physician practices to pay higher salaries.</li><li>Artificial intelligence, which is helping providers bill for services more efficiently, has prompted providers to track, and bill for, more services.</li><li>And hospital system mergers, along with other provider consolidation, have helped providers negotiate higher reimbursement rates from insurers.</li>
 </ul>But one of the biggest reasons insurers may see higher costs starting in 2026 involves policy decisions coming out of the Trump administration, said Sara R. Collins, a senior scholar who studies health care for the Commonwealth Fund.“We’re on the brink of some major changes,” she said.Congress has&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/09/kansas-city-missouri-medicaid-trump-budget/" target="_blank">cut about $1 trillion</a>&nbsp;from federal Medicaid spending and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/" target="_blank">made changes</a>&nbsp;to the Affordable Care Act marketplace, and is expected to allow enhanced tax credits to expire at the end of the year. Those tax credits help more than 90% of participants afford coverage and have helped marketplace enrollment to double since 2021.All told, those policy changes are expected to result in 17 million people becoming uninsured, which will lead to more people needing free care. And that will drive higher costs for everyone else.Beyond that, Collins said, President Donald Trump’s tariffs could lead to higher drug costs, which will also increase insurance costs.All the federal policy changes “will reverberate through the rest of the insurance system,” Collins said. “Those are potential cost drivers on the hospital side and on the provider side.”<h2>Trend toward self-funded insurance</h2>Health industry analysts said the rising costs are driving changes in the insurance marketplace, which could also contribute to higher premiums.Derek Skoog, a health care actuary with PwC, said businesses facing big premium spikes are increasingly moving to self-funded insurance models.This means that rather than paying an insurance company a monthly fee to cover all employee health claims, they set aside a pool of money and pay those claims themselves. If the business has employees who are young, healthy and low-risk, it may be a good bet that paying claims outright will cost less than paying an insurance premium.The increased number of companies shifting to this self-funded model has been quietly diluting the risk pool for traditional insurance plans, known as fully insured plans, Skoog said. That means fewer premium dollars to cover the actual cost of claims. And potentially more expensive patients to cover.Skoog said industry analysts had been wondering when that shift to self-funded plans would catch up to the fully insured segment of the market. And it seems to be happening. His firm’s analysis found that underwriting margins in the fully insured segment — basically an insurance company’s profits once claims have been paid — dropped to zero this year.And that could also be a factor pushing insurance companies to raise rates in 2026, he said.“The billion-dollar question here is,” Skoog said, “does that then further accelerate … the conversion from fully insured to self-funded?”He called it a “pretty big concern” if healthier-than-average groups continue to leave the fully insured market.“The long-term viability of that fully insured group segment, if it starts to run away, that can become a real challenge,” Skoog said.<a href="https://centivo.com/" target="_blank">Centivo</a>, a New York-based company just entering the Kansas City market, is betting that more companies will take the leap to self-funded insurance as premiums for traditional plans climb.The firm administers self-funded plans for businesses, which includes making deals with hospitals and doctors’ practices to get fixed rates for services. Centivo also works with “transparent pharmacy benefit managers” in an effort to lower the cost of medicine. And the company emphasizes preventive care.Every Centivo patient is required to have a primary care physician and they pay nothing out of pocket for primary care services as long as they’re in the company’s network. The idea is that treating health problems earlier will help avoid serious issues and keep care costs down for the employers paying the bills.“If you give them access to care,” said Ryan Moore, Centivo’s chief revenue officer, “all the data … show you’re going to have a lower cost of care in the long run.”But that model might not hold up over time, said Collins of the Commonwealth Fund.“Those employers that self-fund end up, as their workforce ages or they have workers who develop health problems, (needing) to come back into the fully insured market,” Collins said.And that adds to the problem of care costing more and premiums going up, she said.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/09/16/kansas-city-workers-can-bet-on-paying-more-for-health-insurance-next-year/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.<figure>
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