SUMMARY: Montgomery County leaders convened a special meeting in Hillsboro after property owners faced staggering tax increases of up to 1500%. Local officials, including state representatives Blain Willauer and Rosenthal, expressed concerns that solutions are unlikely from Springfield. The steep assessment hikes, particularly for wooded acreage, stem from a poorly implemented 2007 state law intended to promote conservation. Assessor Kendra N. has offered to delay increases for landowners committing to conservation plans. However, Willauer argues this compromise undermines private property rights and urges the county to adopt a fairer approach, as other counties manage these assessments differently.

Two local State Representatives are urging the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to find a solution after some landowners saw a 1500% increase in their wooded acreage assessments.

“At the drop of a hat here they’re going one year to the next with 1000% to 3000% increase in property taxes,” Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-IL 110th) said.

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SUMMARY: Homeschooling has surged in Missouri, with at least 61,000 students, or 6% of the school-age population, now homeschooled, according to a report from the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University. This rise began during the COVID-19 pandemic but has persisted. The number of homeschooled students has doubled since 2019, with no sign of a decline. Despite Missouri’s lack of enrollment data collection for homeschooling, the study uses estimates to highlight the shift in education attitudes. This growing trend signals a permanent change in Missouri’s educational landscape, prompting a need for policymakers to understand the numbers.

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SUMMARY: A major water main break in St. Louis is affecting multiple neighborhoods in both North and South St. Louis County. The 36-inch main break, located under the interstate, is causing low water pressure in areas like Jeff Vander Lou, Benton Park, and Carondelet. While no contamination has been detected, a boil water advisory has been issued for impacted areas, and the advisory will remain until water samples are analyzed, which could take 24 hours. Crews are working to manage the situation, but there is no word on when the advisory will be lifted.

According to city officials, the water main break has an impact on a total of six different neighborhoods. At this point, it is unclear when repairs will be completed.

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