Latest news with #GovernorKehoe
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Traffic delays expected in Monett as resurfacing project begins
MONETT, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Transportation is warning Monett drivers to expect traffic delays on Central Avenue and Cleveland Avenue through the end of June. Traffic delays expected in Monett as resurfacing project begins Camp Barnabas reopens post-storm; campers thrilled to return Missouri man gets life in prison for 2023 stabbing death Governor Kehoe requests federal disaster aid for six Missouri counties Body of 14-year-old boy recovered from Table Rock Lake Crews will begin the $1.1 million resurfacing project on Monday. They'll be removing the current pavement and replacing it with a new surface, as well as adding permanent striping and rumble strips. Traffic will be reduced to one lane wherever crews are working, and MoDOT says drivers should wait for a pilot vehicle before entering the work zones. The first work zone is along Missouri Highway 37, Central Avenue south to US Route 60. Crews will work overnight, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with all lanes open in the daytime. The second work zone is along Business 60, Cleveland Avenue, until its intersection with US 60. Work will be done during daylight hours, with all lanes open at night. MoDOT expects the project to be done by July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leaders address ordinance preventing storm victims from getting insurance claim payouts
ST. LOUIS – For nearly two decades, Cheryl Walker's family has owned and rented out the middle unit of this row house in The Ville neighborhood. 'My tenant calls and says, 'Mrs. Walker, it's bad,' Walker said. The May 16 tornado damaged but didn't destroy Cheryl's property. She said she spoke with her insurance company, filed a claim and planned on using the payout for repairs. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'But I have to let you know, you won't get all of it. The city is going to take 25%. They told us we have to send it to them. And I said, 'What?' That's not fair. That's my money,' Walker explained. Cheryl's claims adjuster was referencing state statute and a complimentary city ordinance adopted in the 90s. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer explained its traditional use in a news conference this week. 'When an insurance company pays out to a property owner, the city holds 25% of that insurance payout in escrow. These laws have been very effective at essentially protecting the community from property owners who walk away from totaled properties, leaving the community to deal with the rubble,' Spencer said. But when it comes to the way this ordinance would be applied to storm-related insurance claims, Spencer acknowledges that homeowners with property damage could be further victimized by not being able to receive the full amount they're paid out. Donate here: Help support St. Louis storm victims Governor Kehoe's Office and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance shared a joint statement with FOX 2 regarding the matter: 'Director Nelson has advised the City of St. Louis to consider waiving the holdback on all owner-occupied residential property and keep it in place for rentals and commercial properties. If the City chooses to do so, DCI will work with insurance companies to ensure that these funds are available to residents working to recover and rebuild.' While it's still unclear exactly how the city of St. Louis will handle it, Walker believes there's a simple answer. 'My city, which takes my taxes on all the properties I've owned because I've decided to live, work, play, build the city of St. Louis. And you're the one hurting me,' Walker said. 'You're the one hurting me. Give it to me. It's mine. You can waive it. It's a disaster. I'm your constituent. How about that?' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prop A repeal awaiting Governor's signature; how it impacts Missourians
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph residents are bracing for potential changes as Missouri moves towards repealing Proposition A. The Proposition, a voter-approved initiative, would have gradually increased the minimum wage and paid sick leave statewide. Passed by 58% of voters in November 2024, Proposition A promised to raise Missouri's minimum wage to $13.75 in 2025 and $15 in 2026, with future increases tied to inflation. It also required employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, House Bill 567, passed by the Missouri General Assembly on Wednesday, aims to eliminate the sick leave requirement and remove future wage adjustments after 2026. The bill is now awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe's signature. St. Joseph resident, Dakota Allen, said this move from the government doesn't give him much confidence in the current democracy, and that Missourians should stand up to any party that violates voter rights. It's just kind of one of those things that no matter who's in power when they're looking to abuse their power and overturn the will of the people, it's time for us to step up and make sure that they can never do it again," Allen said. Allen said if this repeal is signed by Governor Kehoe, it will be painful for businesses that are looking to attract employees to the state, especially those in higher professions. "We're going to see this all across the board, there's not going to be those guarantees that make our state appealing for employees, and it's just going to become more and more difficult," Allen said. Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Missouri said in an initial repeals conversation to the legislation in April of 2025, that the language in Proposition A was not made clear enough on the ballot. "When voters saw Prop A on the ballot, they were only given a small summary, but behind the summary was eight pages of statutes," Bernskoetter said. "It creates a one-size-fits-all for all businesses to follow and businesses should be able to tailor their workplace policies to meet the needs of their customers and employees." Opponents argue, combining minimum wage increases with paid sick leave mandates in a single ballot measure violates Missouri's constitutional requirement that initiatives address only one subject. In addition, claiming misleading ballot language, particularly regarding the fiscal impact and the scope of exemptions. Sparking backlash from Missourians everywhere, "SAVE OUR SAY rallies will be held across the state on Saturday, May 17, in St. Joseph, Farmington, Blue Springs, St. Louis and many other cities. If signed into law, the repeal will go into effect on August 28, 2025. Until then, businesses must comply with the sick leave requirements and wage timeline outlined in Proposition A.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Aftermath of St. Louis storms: 5 killed, dozens injured, curfew extended
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis is reeling in the aftermath of a devastating tornado that ripped through the region Friday, leaving at least five people dead and nearly 40 injured. The city remains under a state of emergency as recovery efforts intensify. A citywide curfew is in effect for districts 5 and 6 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday, following the same curfew order on Friday. Mayor Cara Spencer spoke at a press conference Saturday morning, describing the storm's impact as truly tremendous. Four fatalities confirmed from Friday's St. Louis storms 'The devastation is truly heartbreaking and let's not forget people have lost their lives,' said Spencer. 'We are continuing to make sure we are identifying all of those that are injured in addition to the massive amount of property damage that has taken its toll.' More than 5,000 buildings across the metro area are damaged, with neighborhoods in Clayton, the Central West End, and North City among the hardest hit. Emergency crews are clearing debris-clogged roads, restoring traffic signals, and securing downed power lines. Local leaders are organizing a coordinated donation effort, with details expected soon on how residents can contribute. State and federal agencies are stepping in to support recovery. FEMA is on standby, and Governor Mike Kehoe's office is in contact with the White House about a potential new emergency declaration. 'We're putting all hands on deck to make sure that we can assist the city and local authorities as much as possible,' said Kehoe. 'Our first responders, both fire and police, have been incredible heroes in this moment and this is when you really see the goodness of Missouri.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The St. Louis Fire Department has already searched more than 4,000 homes. Crews are also coordinating with utility companies to help restore power to an estimated 90,000 homes still in the dark. City officials are urging residents to stay safe, follow curfew guidelines, and check on neighbors as recovery continues in the days ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.