News from the South - Missouri News Feed
GOP legislator pushes tax hike on Missouri farmland used for renewable energy
GOP legislator pushes tax hike on Missouri farmland used for renewable energy
by Jana Rose Schleis, Missouri Independent
February 14, 2025
A Republican lawmaker is proposing to raise taxes on Missouri farmers who participate in wind or solar energy projects.
As utilities and energy developers increase solar and wind power, people in rural areas across the nation have been offered opportunities to lease their land to house a wind turbine or a field of solar panels.
A bill proposed by Rep. Danny Busick, a Newtown Republican, would change the tax rate for agricultural land that is leased for solar or wind energy generation by reassessing it as commercial property.
Busick’s district covers Kirksville and north central Missouri. His bill would nearly triple the assessment rate for agricultural land that hosts energy infrastructure.
“It is a tax increase,” Busick said, “but I think it is designed to try to be fair to the players in this game.”
According to the legislative research division, agricultural land is currently assessed at 12% of its value. Utility, industrial and commercial land is assessed at 32%. These baseline figures are then multiplied by the local county tax rate to determine a property tax bill.
In a hearing this week, Busick said farmers who participate in renewable energy projects shouldn’t be charged as if their land is only for agriculture.
“My purpose is not to attack farmers,” he said, “but when you repurpose your land for another purpose outside of agriculture, I think you should pay your fair share in that sense.”
Busick said the bill would exclude land where corn or soybeans is cultivated for biofuel production.
Scott Swain represents the Clean Grid Alliance, an advocacy group, and spoke in opposition to the bill. He said large-scale wind and solar power plants are an essential part of the state’s future energy generation.
“They’re putting a lot of money into communities and so we don’t want to necessarily tax them out,” Swain said. “If we do want to tax them out, then we need to raise the tax and nobody will come to the state, and that will probably settle a lot of concerns. I don’t think that’s where we want to go.”
This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Police warn toy gel blaster guns lead to danger
SUMMARY: Gel blaster toy guns, popular for their bright colors and fun, can cause serious injury and dangerous situations when mistaken for real firearms. Police warn these toys have led to incidents where bystanders or victims, fearing for their lives, responded with real guns. In one case, a teen using a gel blaster triggered a real shooting after a man thought he was under attack. These toys, sometimes painted or altered to look realistic, pose risks beyond play, potentially leading to felony charges if used to threaten or harm. Authorities urge caution, emphasizing the importance of treating any gun-like object as real for safety.
Gel blaster guns, a popular toy among teens, have caused serious injury. And that isn’t the only danger. The gel blasters, when mistaken for an actual firearm, can lead to even more danger.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Ex-Manchester police captain sues city, claims he was forced to resign
SUMMARY: Craig Smith, former captain and deputy chief of the Manchester Police Department, filed a lawsuit claiming he was coerced into resigning in July 2024 without due process amid a city investigation. Smith alleges city officials, including the mayor and city manager, pressured him by threatening criminal charges despite the investigation focusing on minor, non-criminal leadership issues. He claims he was denied a chance to defend himself and that officials damaged his reputation by telling prospective employers he resigned “under investigation.” Smith seeks compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and harm to his career. The city plans to defend the lawsuit.
The post Ex-Manchester police captain sues city, claims he was forced to resign appeared first on fox2now.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Kathy Kaiser returns with some film reviews of some new releases
SUMMARY: Kathy Kaiser reviews new releases, starting with tonight’s Cardinals vs. Nationals game, hoping for a strong batting performance in hot weather. She discusses the new Superman film, directed by James Gunn from St. Louis, praising David Corenswet’s portrayal though missing more Clark Kent focus. The film introduces many characters for the evolving DC Universe, earning 4 out of 5 popcorn. Kathy also highlights a Nat Geo documentary on Steven Spielberg’s filmmaking challenges, rating it 5 out of 5. The documentary, co-produced by Amblin, offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look and streams on Disney Plus and Hulu. More reviews to come.
ST. LOUIS – Looking for a new movie to watch? Kathy Kaiser shares her thoughts on new releases such as Superman, The Better Sister, and Jaws @ 50, an anniversary celebration and re-release of Jaws (1975).
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