Editorial -- Unsatisfactory Answers by Sen. Black on School Funding

The February 26th issue of the Maryville Forum reported on a contentious hearing in St. Joseph between Senator Rusty Black and school principals regarding school funding. In that meeting, Sen. Black did not give satisfactory answers regarding the possible elimination of the Hold Harmless Clause.

The Missouri Hold Harmless Clause states that small schools in Missouri can never go below their aid levels in 2004-05 or 2005-06 based on district size. If the current foundation formula calculation produces a lower number than the 2004-05 levels for small districts with average daily attendance under 350, then the state discards it and pays the higher “hold harmless” amount instead.

Currently, Mr. Black chairs the Missouri Modernization Task Force, which is tasked with updating the Foundation Formula. One of the proposals being talked about is getting rid of the Hold Harmless Clause. But North Nodaway school superintendent Chris Turpin reported to the board at a board meeting that North Nodaway stood to lose over $700,000 a year if the change is implemented. This is more than the revenue generated by the wind farms west of Hopkins. Worth County Superintendent Chris Healy told the Express in an interview that Worth County stood to lose at least $300,000 a year if Hold Harmless is eliminated. Many schools in the area stand to lose even more.

Other changes proposed include raising the Adequacy Target from $7,000 to as high as $11,000. This area serves a high number of disadvantaged students and increases to account for them could offset getting rid of Hold Harmless, but how much is anybody’s guess.

Mr. Black complained at the meeting about the heat that he had received both from educators and from people on the street. But that is because we are not being given straight answers. If Mr. Turpin and Mr. Healy’s figures are wrong, then we want to know what the correct figures are, what is in these plans to offset the cuts from getting rid of Hold Harmless, and what schools can do to raise funds.  Currently, Worth County is in a better position than a lot of schools because a $1.25 levy, which is needed to offset getting rid of Hold Harmless, requires a simple majority to pass. But many schools would require a two-thirds majority to keep the doors open or avoid having to make ghastly cuts that would put children at risk. And Missouri voters already pay some of the highest shares of money as any state in the country.

In the story, Mr. Black told the Forum that he had been approached by certain people asking why some schools were still open with so few students. As a resident of Sheridan, whose school was closed in 1976 and consolidated with Worth County, I would submit that the cure is worse than the disease. Closing a school in a town like Sheridan guts the local economy, creates abandoned buildings, and drives people and businesses out of town. Community leaders tried to keep up maintenance of the school building in Sheridan and kept it open as a community center for many years. But finally, they no longer had the resources to do so, and the building was finally torn down last year. If getting rid of the Hold Harmless Clause guts school funding as badly as school administrators say it does, then what happened in Sheridan will replicate itself in many other towns much bigger than Sheridan.

 

 

Khloey Sperry Scores 1000th Point, Hailey McClure Shuts the Door on Princeton for District Title

Khloey Sperry scored her 1,000th career point and got 14 points and 19 rebounds against Princeton and Hailey McClure, normally a role player, made the two biggest free throws of her life to shut the door on Princeton as Gilman City won districts for the second time in a row with a 33-25 win Friday. The Hawks played Norborne in Maysville Monday at 6 pm in Sectionals.

The Hawks got off to a hot start as Hailey McClure hit two free throws, Alli Burke scored on a third-chance possession after the Hawks got an offensive glass, Khloey Sperry drove the high post and scored for her 1,000th career point, and Sperry went coast to coast to make it 8-4. Gracie Mitchell caught a carom and put it in to make it 8-6, but Alli Burke scored from inside after a pass from Khloey Sperry to make it 10-6.

But Burke, who had carried the Hawks in last year’s district finale, picked up three quick fouls and sat down, and Princeton promptly caught up as Mitchell scored from inside and Audrey Kelly scored a baseline shot to make it 10-10 after one.

The game was tied at 12 and 14 after both teams went scoreless for five minutes to start the second quarter, but Princeton then showed why they had improved so much. They were constantly swarming the offensive glass and getting extra possessions and playing a lot more physical. They had won eight out of their last nine to get to 20 wins, with all their wins involving holding their opponents to 34 points or less.

Aniston Power hit two free throws and Mikaylee Henke hit a 3-pointer to make it 19-14 before Tenley Griffith’s putback cut the Hawk deficit to 19-16.

Burke promptly picked up her fourth foul on Princeton’s first possession of the second half and Mary Jane Renfro’s free throw put them ahead 20-16. But somehow, down one player, they chipped away with Khloey Sperry hitting two free throws after the Hawks had missed a ton the last two games and Hailey McClure knocked one down from the high post to tie it at 20. Ainsley Cowan put Princeton ahead with a free throw and Gracie Mitchell put them ahead 24-21 with a transition basket before Sperry cut it to 24-22 after three.

Despite all the offensive boards collected by Princeton, they could not force Gilman City out of their zone or work the ball into the high post as cousins Avery Gregg and Gracie Mitchell were constantly wrestling in the high post and the Hawks had the short corner area blanketed as well. Finally, Khloey Sperry hit two free throws and Avery Gregg went coast to coast to put Gilman City ahead with 6:28 left. Aniston Power made one of two to cut it to 26-25, but free throws by Khloey Sperry and Avery Gregg put the Hawks up 28-25 with 2:37 left.

Alli Burke picked up her fifth foul, but Mary Jane Renfro missed both tries at the line with 1:43 left and in a scene reminiscent of the Claude Samson years at Northeast Nodaway, Gilman City went to its delay game, with Avery Gregg and Khloey Sperry, their two best free throw shooters, holding the ball for the next minute. Princeton elected not to foul until Sperry got stuck and had to hand it off to Hailey McClure with 43 seconds. Princeton immediately fouled her, but McClure, who had missed a ton of shots earlier in the game, promptly stepped up and hit both free throws to make it two possessions at 30-25.

As Princeton was trying to rush the ball up the floor, they lost the ball out of bounds with 41 seconds, and Gilman City took some more time off the clock until Princeton ran a trap at Avery Gregg and knocked the ball out of bounds with 28 seconds. With 26 seconds, they immediately fouled Avery Gregg and Gracie Mitchell fouled out as Gregg made one out of two.

On the second free throw, Khloey Sperry got a tieup and the possession arrow went to Gilman City. Tenley Griffith inbounded it to Sperry, who exploded to the rim to make it 33-25 with 25 seconds left. Princeton rushed it up the floor, but threw it away with 14 seconds left and Gilman City was able to run out the clock.

***

Alli Burke is a great-niece of Kevin Fletchall of Grant City. Kevin was in attendance Friday.

 

 

Pattonsburg Ousts Gilman City From Football Cooperative; Winston Added

Winston will join Pattonsburg as a member of its football cooperative, both schools announced Tuesday, February 24th, effective for the next football season. This means that Gilman City will not be a member of the football cooperative next year. North Harrison will remain a member of the Pattonsburg football cooperative. Under MSHSAA rules, only three schools can form a football cooperative. This move will also apply to junior high football.

In addition, effective for the upcoming 2025-26 season, Pattonsburg and Winston will form a baseball cooperative. The two schools will continue their junior high and high school softball cooperative, which has been in place for several years. Gilman City will compete separately in baseball, and Athletic Director and coach Tony Gregg has been working the phones the last two weeks seeking opponents. As of Friday evening, there were ten regular season games listed for the Hawks with another one in the process of being finalized. He said there were 16 students from both Gilman City and North Daviess who expressed interest.

Pattonsburg and Winston are currently considering the potential expansion of their cooperative to include band instruction, marching band, and pep band. A new committee will be formed with representatives from both the Pattonsburg and Winston cooperatives to evaluate their current cooperatives and explore future opportunities. 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for February 25th, 2026

On February 11th, Dillon Bennett (28) of Eagleville pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of No Valid Motorcycle License. He was fined $57.50 plus costs by Judge Jay Hemenway. On February 17th, Bennett pleaded guilty to a charge of Speeding (26+ mph over). He was sentenced to two days in jail by Judge Hemenway.

On February 17th, Michael Medsker (33) of Guilford pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI and Failure to Equip Car with Properly Equipped Bumpers. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice and fined $250 plus costs. Defendant must complete SATOP and the Midwest Victim Impact Program.

On February 17th, Shelly Curtis (43) of Jamesport pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court to Property Damage and was placed on two years probation by Judge Micha Lea Dixon. Defendant must make restitution of $134.50 and have no contact with the victim.

On February 17th, Sharif Brown (31) of St. Clair (MI) pleaded guilty in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court of Tampering with Motor Vehicle. He was sentenced to five days in jail by Judge Micha Lea Dixon with credit for time served.

On February 18th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Rithesh Samala (21) of Maryville alleging Making False Report, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Valid License. Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant presented officers with his roommate’s ID.

On February 18th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Steven Siegel (59) of Pattonsburg alleging Rape (Felony), four counts Sodomy (Felony), and Burglary (Felony). Bond was denied.

On February 18th, Timothy Wilmes (34) of Shawnee Mission (KS) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Speeding (20-25 mph over). He was fined $250 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On February 19th, Judge Matthew Krohn found Kendra Nupp (34) of Ridgeway violated terms of her probation. She was continued on probation with the additional condition that she successfully complete the Missouri Department of Corrections 120-day treatment program. The defendant was on probation on a charge of Hindering Prosecution (Felony).

On February 19th, Delisa Ely (42) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to charges of Leaving the Scene (Felony), No Insurance, No Brakes, and two counts Distribution of Controlled Substance in Protected Location. She was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Danial Liess (31) of Clearmont alleging Negligently Burning.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Michael McNish (37) of Maryville alleging Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Frank Cates (40) of Council Bluffs (IA) alleging Speeding (37 mph/20 mph zone) and Driving While Revoked (Felony). Bond was set at $500, cash only.  On February 23rd, Cates was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Circuit Judge Corey Herron issued an arrest warrant for Kenneth Turner (31) of Skidmore following receipt of a violation report. Bond was denied. The defendant is on probation for two counts Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Stefan Loewe (23) of St. Joseph alleging DWI.

On February 20th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Ozzie Rodriguez (32) of Maryville alleging Harassment and Receiving Stolen Property.

On February 23rd, Daviess County Associate Circuit Judge Micha Lea Dixon issued an arrest warrant for Keith Coffin (45) of Channelview (TX) alleging that he failed to abide by a court order. Bond was set at $710, cash only. The defendant had pled guilty to charges of DWI, No Valid License, Speeding (26+ mph over), and No Insurance.

On February 23rd, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Daniel Froman (81) of Cameron alleging Sex Offender Present in School Building.

On February 23rd, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Jimmy Loucks (42) of Gallatin alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On February 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Kemper Clary (21) of Troy (KS) alleging DWI and Speeding (78 mph).

On February 24th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyan Elder (45) of Maryville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant stole $152 worth of merchandise from the Maryville Wal-Mart after she had been given a lifetime ban.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

 

Community Calendar for February 25th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation.

February 25^th – Gilman City vs. North Harrison District Girls Basketball Semifinal, 6:00 pm, Pattonsburg.

February 26^th – Nodaway County Government Day, 8 am.

February 26^th – Buffy Coleman Basketball Show Assembly at Pattonsburg, 9 am. For grades K-12.

February 26^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

February 27^th – Justin Rush retirement party, Sheridan Community Building, 5 pm. Cake, cupcakes, cookies, tea, and punch will be served.

February 27^th – District Girls Basketball Final, North Harrison or Gilman City vs. Princeton or Mercer, 6:00 pm, Pattonsburg.

February 28^th – Biscuits & Gravy breakfast, Worth County Senior Center, 7 am to 9 am.

February 28^th – Heart and Sole Health and Fitness Fair, Carl & Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, Maryville, 8 am to 12 noon. Sponsored by Mosaic Medical Center.

February 28^th – Active Shooter Training for Churches, Stanberry Baptist Church, 9 am to 5 pm. Covers all aspects of active shooter situations. Cost is $97. To register, visit www.phhtraining.com.

February 28^th – Bingo, 7 pm, The Dusty Cowgirl, Grant City.

March 1^st – Parnell Legion Breakfast, 8 am, Legion Hall.

March 2^nd – Spring sports practices may begin for MSHSAA sports.

March 2^nd – Junior High Tiger and Shamrock Scholar Bowl at King City, 4 pm.

March 2^nd – Pattonsburg JH Scholar Bowl at St. Joseph Christian, 4 pm.  

March 2^nd – Pattonsburg Parents as Teachers March Group Connection. For ages birth through 5. Dr. Seuss Birthday Party, 4 pm to 5 pm at the Pattonsburg School. Each family will get a free Dr. Seuss book to take home. There will be crafts, games, and other activities.

March 3^rd – Gilman City JH Scholar Bowl at North Daviess, 5 pm.

March 3^rd – Worth County Title I Parent Meeting, 5:30 pm.

March 3^rd – North Nodaway Elementary Literacy Showcase, 5:30 pm. For grades 3-5.

March 4^th – Willford STEM Event, The Venue, Bethany, 8 am.

March 4^th – North Nodaway Athletic Banquet, 5:30 pm.  

March 6^th – Fish Fry Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Free will donation. To go orders are available; call (660) 582-7072. Fish, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, lettuce salad, rolls, and desserts.

March 6^th to 8^th – Worth County High School Play, The Addams Family. Dinner at 6 pm on March 6^th and 7^th. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Admission $5 for the play. March 6^th & 7^th at 7 pm, March 8^th at 2 pm.

March 8^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the American Cancer Society, Mosaic Hospice of Northwest Missouri, and 3 Oaks Hospice. $10 minimum donation per person. Children 6 and under are free.

March 11^th – North Nodaway Academic Showcase, 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm.

March 12^th – North Nodaway Parent/Teacher Conferences 1 pm.

March 12^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

March 13^th – North Nodaway High School Third Quarter Awards Assembly, 11am.

March 14^th – Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 East Halsey Street, Maryville, 8 am to 12 noon. Free and open to residents of Worth, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, and Nodaway Counties. No commercial or business waste. Examples include household chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, brake fluid, transmission fluids, batteries, waxes, compact fluorescent light bulbs and rubes, antifreeze, oil-based paint, and varnish. No latex paint accepted. Keep materials in the original container. Do not mix waste together.

March 14^th – Worth County Alumni Tournament, 9:30 am. $75/team. Men’s format will be 5x5 with a round robin and then a championship game. Must have at least three Worth County former students/athletes, past or present staff, or parent of a Worth County student or alumnus on the court. Women’s format will be open to all ladies. $5 per player. Format will depend on participation. Proceeds will go towards the weight room.

March 14^th – 39^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 300 Block of North Market Street, Maryville, 3:17 pm. The 300 Block of North Market Street will be closed from 1 pm to 5 pm.

March 20^th – Hopkins Fire Department Fish Fry Fundraiser, Hopkins Community Building, 5 pm. Free will donation. Fish, chicken strips, French fries, hush puppies, beans, cole slaw, desserts.

March 21st — Hopkins CBC Bingo, 6:30 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 22^nd – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon.

March 22^nd – Hopkins Beef & Noodle Dinner, 11 am to 1 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 23^rd – North Nodaway will be hosting an FFA contest.  

March 25^th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

March 26^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

March 28^th – Parnell Fire Department Hog Roast, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Parnell Firehouse. Roasted hog, cheesy taters, salads, dessert, and beverages. Free will donation.

April 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to fund scholarships.

April 22^nd – Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation 20^th Anniversary Celebration, Mozingo Event Center, 6 pm. Keynote Speaker: Ernesto Sirolli.

May 9^th – Downtown Maryville Spring into Fun, 12 noon to 5 pm. Main Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, Market Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, 3^rd Street from Vine to Buchanan, and 4^th Street from Vine to Buchanan will be closed from 9:30 am to 7 pm.

May 15^th to 17^th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 33982 State Highway NN, Hopkins. May 15^th from 12 noon to 8 pm. May 16^th from 8 am to 8 pm. May 17^th from 9 am to 3 pm. Vendor space $15 by May 8^th, $20 afterwards. Electric hookups are $25 by May 8^th, $30 afterwards. Camper hookup $45 by May 8^th, $50 afterwards. Set up May 14^th after 6 pm or Friday after 8 am. For more information, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141.

May 23rd – North Nodaway R-VI Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Nodaway High School gymnasium. The banquet will honor the Class of 1976 on its 50-year reunion and recognize the 250th birthday of the United States. Cost is $17 per person plus $2 alumni dues. Reservations and payment are due by May 14. For reservations, contact Teresa DeMott (660-582-1086), Sue Florea (660-541-4108), or Joyce Hennegin (660-927-3682).

June 5^th to 6^th – Resound Fest, Miracle Hills Ranch, three miles south of Bethany. Free admission, community worship, and onsite camping.

June 20^th – Mike Henggeler Father’s Day Memorial Baseball Tournament, Stanberry ball fields, 8 am. Entry $150 per team; limit six teams for two divisions. First division – ages 9U to 12U. Second division – ages 13U to 16U. $150 per team. To enter, contact titletownevents@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Henggeler family.

June 21^st -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the Heart of America Tractor Club.

July 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 veterans programs.

August 2^nd to 6^th – American Junior Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament, Mozingo Lake. A 54-hole championship for ages 12-19.

August 16^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

September 20^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of the American Legion Post 464.

October 18^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 membership.

November 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lady Panthers Put Up Gallant Fight, but Fall to Cards

Pattonsburg dug itself into an 18-7 hole against Mercer that it could not get out of Monday during districts. They made several comeback tries, but fell in the end to the Cardinals 47-32.

The Panthers ended their season after having won 10 games, an improvement of two over last year. Mired in a long losing streak of seven games, they broke out of it in their last two games of the year, beating OSHS 32-27 and North Nodaway 44-19. They came a long ways despite graduating shot-blocking phenom Kinsley Johnson and current NCMC track athlete Katelyn Jones, who tore her ACL against Gilman City last year, but who is back this year for the Pirates.

Five different Cards got into the scoring column in the first quarter, led by Zoe Fisher with seven. They were rebounding at will, getting the ball inside at will, and Pattonsburg was doing too much hacking and fouling on defense. Mercer scored seven of its 18 points from the free throw line.

Pattonsburg tried to make a stand in the second quarter as Cheyenne Miller hit two free throws to start the period, but then a costly foul sent leading rebounder Jayden Goble to the bench with three fouls. Without their leading rebounder, the bottom threatened to drop out as the Cardinals pulled away to a 27-11 halftime lead.

Kavinly Bumgarner resurrected Pattonsburg’s chances in the third quarter, hitting back to back jacks to make it 29-17. Cheyenne Miller became the slasher/scorer that coach Lee Warford always thought she could become, attacking the rim time and time again. Carly Pittsenbarger, who had shown steady improvement in the post all year, suddenly discovered a 3-point shot after Mercer once again threatened to pull away.

With Goble once again on the bench with four fouls, Annabelle Gardner stepped up on the defensive end, grabbing rebounds for the Panthers, but the Cards proved difficult to guard with all five people on the floor a threat to score. They pulled away to a 42-24 lead after three and extended it to 45-26 on Kylie Holt’s free throw early in the fourth.

Annabelle Gardner got a steal, threw it to Carlie Pittsenbarger, who fed Miller for a finish, Jayden Goble came back and took her second charge on defense, and Gardner posted up and scored to make it 45-30, but Pattonsburg could get no closer.

The Panthers graduate Gardner, a defensive stopper and rebounding force as well as Bumgarner, who turned into a three-point threat late in the season and showed some newfound aggression on defense to throw a wrench into Mercer’s offense. They will return Addie Iddings, who can light up the scoreboard in a hurry, rebounding machine Jayden Goble, who showed a newfound willingness to attack the basket, Cheyenne Miller, who is rapidly becoming a scoring threat and ballhandling presence, and Carlie Pittsenbarger, who provides some size and who showed steady improvement in the post.

Cheyenne Miller had 13 points for the Panthers. Carlie Pittsenbarger had 7, Kavinly Bumgarner 6, Jayden Goble 4, and Annabelle Gardner 2.

 

Bills in the Missouri Legislature for February 25th, 2026

House

HB 1682 — Requires equal protection and justice under the law “from the beginning of biological development” for unborn fetuses. Also SB 951.

HB 1817 — Requires public assistance programs to report data, including the total number of households enrolled, the total number of people served, the average benefit in dollars received, and the number of households that became ineligible to receive benefits. Applies to cities, villages, towns, and counties with more than 1,000 residents.

HB 2170 — Requires children under 3 years of age to be secured in a rear-facing child restraint. Violation would result in a fine of not more than $50 plus costs.

HB 2189 — Allows car owners to register their vehicles for up to five years. Only cars six years old or newer would be eligible. Owners must still have a paid personal property tax receipt or a certificate that no taxes are due, proof of insurance, and proof of inspection. There would be no discount for a five-year registration. (Rep. Bob Bromley)

HB 2206 — Requires scrap and auto dealers to keep more records of catalytic converter purchases, including the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number of the source. Expands Missouri’s existing salvage dealer license requirements to those trading detached catalytic converters, placing them under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Revenue. Requires photographic documentation of sales, including pictures of sellers, products, and source vehicles. If passed, it will be a Class E Felony to possess with intent to sell a catalytic converter known to be stolen.

HB 2641 — Makes intoxicating Hemp products illegal. (Rep. Dave Hinman). Passed the Missouri House 109-34.

HB 2761 — Eliminates all solid waste districts in Missouri. Also Senate Bill 1586.

HB 2780 — Changes how property taxes are calculated and when property tax measures are voted on. Would have changed when voters approve property tax levies from April to November.

HB 2819 — Allows vendors to round down cash transactions ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 and round up cash transactions ending in 2, 4, 8, or 9. (Rep. Brenda Shields). Also being considered under SB 1620.

HB 2989 — Legalizes and regulates gaming machines. Establishes a centralized regulatory, licensing, and taxing system for such machines. Passed the House 83-66 and moves to the Senator for further consideration. Gives local municipalities more control over the level of enforcement and allows them to ban the machines. A tax on the revenue from such machines would go to elementary, secondary, and higher education schools. Machines currently in operation would be allowed to operate through August 2027 if owners submit the machines’ full financial, installation, and maintenance records to the Lottery Commission and Attorney General for review.

HB 3146 — Increases the number of words a summary statement in a ballot measure can contain from 50 to 100. Grants the Secretary of State the ability to rewrite summary statements three times before a judge could rewrite the bill. Currently, if a court finds that a ballot summary does not accurately represent the measure, it is up to the judge to rewrite the language.

HB 3170 — Removes the restrictions on the purchase of hospitals in 25 rural counties. Would allow MU Health Care to purchase health care facilities in counties surrounding Columbia.

HJR 3 -- On Friday, a judge struck three bullet points from the ballot summary for this measure, which would make it more difficult for Missouri voters to approve changes to the Constitution. Currently, citizen-initiated constitutional amendments require a simply majority. If approved, constitutional amendments must pass in all eight congressional districts. The judge ruled that the bullet points constituted "eye candy," which distracted from the true purpose of the measure. Subject to voter approval. Governor Mike Kehoe has not set an election date for this measure.

HJR 104, 122, and 149 — Removes the eight-year term limit for each legislative chamber, but keeps the 16 year cap for both chambers. Prohibits representatives from serving as Speaker of the House for more than six years and senators from serving as President Pro Tem for more than eight. Would take effect in 2030. Subject to voter approval.

HJR 109 — The Fetal Personhood Amendment. If passed by the legislature and the Missouri voters, would clarify that personhood starts at conception. Overturns the voter-approved amendment legalizing abortion in Missouri. Also SJR 72.

HJR 154 — The Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements Bill. Passed the House 101-46. Subject to approval by the Senate and then voters.

Senate

SB 919 — Caps property tax assessment increases at 15% and limits growth of homeowners’ taxes.  Does not apply to new additions or expansions to property or voter-approved levies. (Sen. Joe Nicola)

SB 1070 — Allows “certified bounty hunters” to detain undocumented immigrants. If such an arrest were made, punishment could be life imprisonment or transfer to ICE custody.

SB 1238 — Public and charter school teachers would be required to provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history. Provides a list of 19 events and figures that would become a part of required teaching in American History classes.

Governor Mike Kehoe

On Thursday, Governor Mike Kehoe will proclaim National FFA Week in Missouri.

Iowa

HF 2117 -- Would provide funding to retrofit up to 100 existing private wells with groundwater monitoring equipment.

HF 2447 -- Requires data centers to submit regular reports on their water and energy use and to not pass their water/energy usage costs onto other customers.

HF 2527 -- Would limit the ability to sue Big Ag for greenhouse gas emissions.