President Trump announce on Friday afternoon that he will be declassifying all records related to Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer from Kansas who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe in July of 1937.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681316394958.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>President Trump announce on Friday afternoon that he will be declassifying all records related to Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer from Kansas who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe in July of 1937.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vPvcxC8Fbu">pic.twitter.com/vPvcxC8Fbu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971677105181073715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump will declassify all gov't records on Amelia Earhart

Several new public safety laws went into effect at the end of last month in Missouri.  

Two updated statutes, designed to protect children, increase the age of the victim of enticement of a child from younger than 15 years old to younger than 17 years old.  

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol says lowering the ages widens the number of victims. 

"You know whenever it comes to internet crimes, sex trafficking, which is always great that you encompass more children in those statutes,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Hux says one other update is to the sexual trafficking of a child first degree statute, which increases the age of the victim from under the age of 12 to under the age of 14. 

 Hux says increasing the ages protects more juveniles. 

"Before, if someone was 16 years of age they would have not fallen under that specific charge of enticement of a child, because the statute said less than 15,” Hux explains.  “So now it encompasses all 15- and 16-year-olds on that specific charge.” 

Hux says an important part of the updated statute is the charges against those convicted 

"Five to 30 years within the Department of Corrections if found guilty, but a minimum of five years without parole,” Hux says.  “So, it’s not like someone is going to be sentence to five years and then be out in a year and a half, they have to do a minimum of five years.” 

Also increased was the age of victims of child sexual trafficking from under the age of 12 to under the age of 14. The potential prison sentence has also been increased; a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

By MATT PIKESeveral new public safety laws went into effect at the end of last month in Missouri. Two updated statutes, designed to protect children, increase the age of the victim of enticement of a child from younger than 15 years old to younger than 17 years old. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol says lowering the ages widens the number of victims. "You know whenever it comes to internet crimes, sex trafficking, which is always great that you encompass more children in those statutes,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hux says one other update is to the sexual trafficking of a child first degree statute, which increases the age of the victim from under the age of 12 to under the age of 14. Hux says increasing the ages protects more juveniles. "Before, if someone was 16 years of age they would have not fallen under that specific charge of enticement of a child, because the statute said less than 15,” Hux explains. “So now it encompasses all 15- and 16-year-olds on that specific charge.” Hux says an important part of the updated statute is the charges against those convicted "Five to 30 years within the Department of Corrections if found guilty, but a minimum of five years without parole,” Hux says. “So, it’s not like someone is going to be sentence to five years and then be out in a year and a half, they have to do a minimum of five years.” Also increased was the age of victims of child sexual trafficking from under the age of 12 to under the age of 14. The potential prison sentence has also been increased; a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

New state laws to protect children are now in effect

PLATTE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2023 Can-am defender 6x6 driven by a 50-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was southbound, spraying the embankment on the ramp from Cookingham Drive to Southbound Interstate 29. The embankment gave way and the UTV rolled.&nbsp;

Kansas City Fire Department transported to the driver to St. Luke's North. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

PLATTE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2023 Can-am defender 6x6 driven by a 50-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was southbound, spraying the embankment on the ramp from Cookingham Drive to Southbound Interstate 29. The embankment gave way and the UTV rolled.&nbsp;Kansas City Fire Department transported to the driver to St. Luke's North. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man spraying embankment injured when UTV overturns

Runners hit the streets this weekend for the third annual St. Joseph Marathon.  

Several hundreds have already registered to take on the course along the St. Joseph parkway system on Saturday, beginning at 7am with the full and half marathons.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says there are some runners looking to run a unique event in each state, and study the courses  

"And I think if you’re a runner at all, and you study this course here in St. Joe, the one thing that you’ll note is this is a challenging course, meaning it is not flat,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And I think people look at me like yeah St. Joseph is not flat, and this course certainly is not, but you have runners that are looking for that too.” 

 Esely says the route encompasses landmarks of the city, including the nation’s first recognized parkway system 

"It’s historic, it’s beautiful, ironically enough from start to finish, and you could never drive it this way just because of how it lays out, but that parkway system is actually 26 miles,” Esely explains.  “But, from a start finish line standpoint it’s not that easy to create that, but our race route encompasses roughly about 18 unique miles of that parkway system.” 

Esely says the race both starts and finishes at Civic Center Park, behind City Hall with the route working its way onto the parkway.  

 Esely says if you aren't running, and you aren't volunteering, there is another way you can participate if you live along the race route 

"Come outside in your front yard, make some signs, cheer, play some music, you know it’s a Saturday morning so for a lot of people that’s a laid-back time,” Esely says.  “And think about it, how often do you have runners running on streets formally run by your house?  Probably not very often, only one time of year here, and we really have had a lot of people that embrace that.” 

The marathon features a full and half marathon, as well as a 5k and a 10k.  The full and half marathon begins at 7am with the others starting at 7:30.  

Registration for the marathon is open through tomorrow (Fri.) evening.  There is no race day registration.

By MATT PIKERunners hit the streets this weekend for the third annual St. Joseph Marathon. Several hundreds have already registered to take on the course along the St. Joseph parkway system on Saturday, beginning at 7am with the full and half marathons. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says there are some runners looking to run a unique event in each state, and study the courses "And I think if you’re a runner at all, and you study this course here in St. Joe, the one thing that you’ll note is this is a challenging course, meaning it is not flat,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. “And I think people look at me like yeah St. Joseph is not flat, and this course certainly is not, but you have runners that are looking for that too.” Esely says the route encompasses landmarks of the city, including the nation’s first recognized parkway system "It’s historic, it’s beautiful, ironically enough from start to finish, and you could never drive it this way just because of how it lays out, but that parkway system is actually 26 miles,” Esely explains. “But, from a start finish line standpoint it’s not that easy to create that, but our race route encompasses roughly about 18 unique miles of that parkway system.” Esely says the race both starts and finishes at Civic Center Park, behind City Hall with the route working its way onto the parkway. Esely says if you aren't running, and you aren't volunteering, there is another way you can participate if you live along the race route "Come outside in your front yard, make some signs, cheer, play some music, you know it’s a Saturday morning so for a lot of people that’s a laid-back time,” Esely says. “And think about it, how often do you have runners running on streets formally run by your house? Probably not very often, only one time of year here, and we really have had a lot of people that embrace that.” The marathon features a full and half marathon, as well as a 5k and a 10k. The full and half marathon begins at 7am with the others starting at 7:30. Registration for the marathon is open through tomorrow (Fri.) evening. There is no race day registration.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

On your mark, get set, go!  St. Joseph Marathon is this weekend

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. 

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.

Local