In-Depth News, Information And Entertainment

Greetings!

Big changes, local headlines and plenty happening around the region! From Maryville’s upcoming water rate hikes to Northwest students earning national recognition, we’re breaking down the stories making waves this week. Catch up on what matters, see what’s happening in our community, and stay connected with KXCV/KRNW!

Joke of the week— *Why did the scarecrow win an award?

*The answer can be found at the end of this newsletter, continue reading to find out!

From Our Team

This week: Hannah Staggs | Membership Dev. & Events Coordinator

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This Week's News

Maryville High School senior Claire Walter has committed to the Kansas State rowing team, despite never having played the sport. The three-sport athlete has competed in volleyball, basketball and soccer for the Spoofhounds. Walter, who was named captain of the 2026 volleyball team, said she is excited to take on a new challenge while continuing to focus on her senior year. Maryville enters next week’s Class 3, District 16 Tournament with an 18-6 record as the No. 1 seed.

The city of Maryville has launched maryvillewater.org, a website where water and sewer customers can estimate how upcoming rate increases will affect their bills as the city builds a new water treatment plant. Rates will increase 50% on Jan. 1, 2027, and another 50% on Jan. 1, 2028. After both increases, the average monthly bill is expected to rise from $70.65 to $104.17. The new plant will process water from Mozingo Lake more efficiently and at a lower cost than the current plant, built in 1958 to treat water from the 102 River.

Northwest Missouri State University student media outlets and staff members are finalists for 26 national awards at the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press convention Nov. 4-7 in Kansas City. The Northwest Missourian newspaper and Tower yearbook each received nine nominations, KZLX student radio received five, and KNWT student television received three. The Missourian, Tower and KZLX are also finalists for best media outlet in their respective categories. Student media director Steven Chappell will accompany 12 students to the convention, where Northwest faculty and staff will also lead sessions.

The Maryville Public Library will hold a used book sale Oct. 21-26 and is accepting gently used book donations through Oct. 17. The library is also seeking clean, dry seeds from healthy, mature plants for its seed library. Parents participating in the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program should notify the library by Oct. 19 if their child will graduate in time for the Nov. 3 celebration. More information is available on the library’s Facebook page.

The Saint Joseph Symphony opens its 67th season Saturday, Oct. 17, with a “BFF” themed concert celebrating friendship. Music Director and Conductor Christopher Kelts highlights the friendship between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. The program features Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola and orchestra, with soloists Yu-Fang Chen and David Kovac, followed by Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony.

Republican Chris Stigall, a candidate in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District race, tells KXCV-KRNW he hopes to rebuild voters’ trust in government and does not intend to serve for decades. The former conservative talk show host says his faith and family will help keep him accountable. Stigall says he is willing to work with Democrats on issues such as taxes, agriculture and infrastructure, but disagrees with what he describes as more radical positions within the Democratic Party.

Second Harvest Community Food Bank raised 120,000 meals through its corporate food fight, involving more than 60 companies. In September, 41 volunteer groups assembled more than 1,100 senior boxes and nearly 650 family packs, while collecting almost 2,400 pounds of food. The 637 hours of volunteer service were valued at nearly $20,000 as the organization celebrated its 45th anniversary.

Beyond the Midwest: NPR News

The Trump administration has removed about 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act health insurance plans over suspected fraud and improper enrollment. However, some people were incorrectly dropped from coverage, and insurers have begun reinstating a small number of enrollees. Officials say the effort targets unauthorized sign-ups, but health policy experts warn that limited transparency and difficulties contacting consumers could leave eligible people uninsured. An additional 419,000 enrollments are under review as overall ACA enrollment continues to decline.

Historic preservation advocates are raising concerns as the National Historic Preservation Act marks its 60th anniversary. Federal regulatory changes and a bipartisan Senate bill could weaken protections for more than 100,000 historic sites by limiting public input and consultation with Native American tribes. Supporters of the proposed changes say they would streamline infrastructure and energy projects, while preservation groups warn they could threaten historic landmarks, tribal heritage and public oversight. Advocates are organizing to defend the law as the Senate prepares to consider the legislation in November.

Harvest Public Media

Researchers have traced the origins of upland cotton, which accounts for 90% of the world’s cotton production, to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula about 5,000 years ago. A new study found that wild cotton populations have significantly greater genetic diversity than modern crops, potentially offering genes that could improve resistance to pests, disease, drought and heat. Scientists say the findings highlight the importance of preserving wild cotton populations, which face threats from human development.

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Programming Highlights

Weekly Spoofhound Interview

Maryville and Savannah are set for a rivalry tilt with a conference championship on the line.

Listen here

Bearcat Coaches Show

Northwest Missouri State football bounced back after the bye week with a big win over UCM, and Bearcat Soccer picked up a road win at UNK.

Midday Report

Daily headlines from KXCV-KRNW News for the Midwest Corners hosted by student anchors at Northwest Missouri State University. You can hear the Midday Report live at 11:50 AM on 90.5 & 88.9! A complete archival is available on kxcv.org.

Morning Conversation

Northwest Missouri State Provost Rose Marie Ward provides updates on enrollment, recruitment, new academic programs, and developing the academic affairs portion of the university's next strategic plan.

Listen here

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Do you or an organization you’re part of have an event coming up? Send us the details to have it included in our community events calendar on our website, in this newsletter, on air, and featured on our social media! Send any and all details to kxcv@nwmissouri.edu.