Gavin McGough

After two months, nearly a dozen meetings, and multiple reversals, the St Joseph School District Board of Education says it has committed on a vote to close Lafayette High School and convert the building to a middle school beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The vote will occur at their board meeting on Nov. 24, which has been the board’s self-imposed deadline to decide on a school consolidation plan as it faces a funding crisis.

The Respect MO Voters Campaign reported this weekend it has collected over 100,000 signatures since launching in September. Its goal is to collect 300,000 by the May 3 deadline to file a petition with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Rifle season for deer hunting in Missouri opened on Nov. 15. It comes during a seasonal transition that is bringing cooler weather, a changing landscape, and a great time to explore the outdoors. Alek Lanter, a recreational use specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation overseeing the Kansas City and Northwest Regions, spoke with KXCV’s Gavin McGough about hunting regulations, staying safe, and getting outside.

Benton High School in St. Joseph could permanently close as early as the 2026–2027 school year under a plan favored by the St. Joseph School District Board of Education.

Last month, the St. Joseph School District Board of Education unanimously adopted a grassroots plan to preserve all three of the city’s high schools, despite facing enrollment declines and a budget crisis. That plan is no longer.

A few weeks behind schedule, Nodaway County is hoping to have 2025 tax bills in the mail this week or next.

Following an interview process that wrapped up last week, the Maryville R-2 School District has selected Philip Pohren as its next superintendent.

Years of drought and economic factors caused many ranchers to shrink their operations, and the US cattle herd is at its smallest size in eight decades. As supply has contracted, consumer demand is holding steady, and both beef and cattle are getting top dollar. That is having impacts for ranchers here in Northwest Missouri, as they attempt to plan for the future.

A community-driven effort to preserve three high schools and seek cost-savings elsewhere is the latest plan to bring the embattled school system back to health.

The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents met on Oct. 24 with an agenda light on business but heavy with ceremony ahead of the university’s homecoming festivities.