Erick Fedde’s return to Nationals Park couldn’t have gone much better for him or the St. Louis Cardinals.&nbsp; The right-hander pitched his first career complete game as St. Louis shut out the Nationals 10-0 in the opener of a three-game series Friday night.

Fedde was Washington’s first-round pick in 2014 and played part of six seasons with the team before spending 2023 playing in South Korea. He split last season between the White Sox and St. Louis, but did not make a return to the stadium he debuted in for either team.

It was the Cardinals’ first complete game since Jordan Montgomery threw a one-hit shutout against the Cubs on Aug. 22, 2022.&nbsp; With the win, St. Louis has also now&nbsp;won six in a row for the first time since July 15-20, 2023.

The Cardinals poured it on early, leading 6-0 by the end of the first five innings.&nbsp; Two runs scored in the first, both on one hit as Willson Contreras doubled to score Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iván Herrera, in his return from the injured list, drove in Brendan Donovan in the third inning on a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; Another single run scored in the fourth on another sacrifice fly, this time by Victor Scott II driving in&nbsp;Pagés.

In the fifth inning,&nbsp;Herrera added another RBI scoring Nolan Arenado with his third double of the season, advancing Contreras to third base.&nbsp; Contreras scored in the next at bat on the third sacrifice fly of the game, this time by Jordan Walker, extending the lead to 6-0 before&nbsp;Pagés struck out and Scott flew out to end the inning.&nbsp;

St. Louis eventually extended their lead again in the eighth inning, a three run inning.&nbsp; Walker was hit by a pitch before back to back walks to&nbsp;Pagés and Scott loaded the bases.&nbsp; Winn drove in Walker with a single, keeping the bases loaded, before&nbsp;Pagés came home to score on a wild pitch.&nbsp; Donovan walked, reloading the bases, and after Arenado flew out to right field, Contreras was walked to bring home Scott on the bases loaded walk.&nbsp;

Scott drove in the final run in the ninth inning on a groundout, Walker coming home to score.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante takes the mound for the Cardinals tomorrow against the Nationals&nbsp;Trevor Williams.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm with pregame being joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746848477157.jpeg" alt="Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde pitched the first Cardinals complete game shutout since 2022 as St. Louis beat the Washington Nationals 10-0 in the series opener Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde pitched the first Cardinals complete game shutout since 2022 as St. Louis beat the Washington Nationals 10-0 in the series opener Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostErick Fedde’s return to Nationals Park couldn’t have gone much better for him or the St. Louis Cardinals.&nbsp; The right-hander pitched his first career complete game as St. Louis shut out the Nationals 10-0 in the opener of a three-game series Friday night.Fedde was Washington’s first-round pick in 2014 and played part of six seasons with the team before spending 2023 playing in South Korea. He split last season between the White Sox and St. Louis, but did not make a return to the stadium he debuted in for either team.It was the Cardinals’ first complete game since Jordan Montgomery threw a one-hit shutout against the Cubs on Aug. 22, 2022.&nbsp; With the win, St. Louis has also now&nbsp;won six in a row for the first time since July 15-20, 2023.The Cardinals poured it on early, leading 6-0 by the end of the first five innings.&nbsp; Two runs scored in the first, both on one hit as Willson Contreras doubled to score Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iván Herrera, in his return from the injured list, drove in Brendan Donovan in the third inning on a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; Another single run scored in the fourth on another sacrifice fly, this time by Victor Scott II driving in&nbsp;Pagés.In the fifth inning,&nbsp;Herrera added another RBI scoring Nolan Arenado with his third double of the season, advancing Contreras to third base.&nbsp; Contreras scored in the next at bat on the third sacrifice fly of the game, this time by Jordan Walker, extending the lead to 6-0 before&nbsp;Pagés struck out and Scott flew out to end the inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iván Herrera is picking up where he left off! <a href="https://t.co/U2IjYrrnAC">pic.twitter.com/U2IjYrrnAC</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1920994743833579675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis eventually extended their lead again in the eighth inning, a three run inning.&nbsp; Walker was hit by a pitch before back to back walks to&nbsp;Pagés and Scott loaded the bases.&nbsp; Winn drove in Walker with a single, keeping the bases loaded, before&nbsp;Pagés came home to score on a wild pitch.&nbsp; Donovan walked, reloading the bases, and after Arenado flew out to right field, Contreras was walked to bring home Scott on the bases loaded walk.&nbsp;Scott drove in the final run in the ninth inning on a groundout, Walker coming home to score.&nbsp;Andre Pallante takes the mound for the Cardinals tomorrow against the Nationals&nbsp;Trevor Williams.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm with pregame being joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals shutout Nats 10-0 as Fedde goes the distance

The series opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals was a pitchers duel all the way through, until the Royals finally made something happen in the 12th inning, Freddy Fermin hitting a walk off single for a 2-1 win, and Kansas City's seventh straight victory.&nbsp;

For the first time in 47 years, Kansas City has won 16 of their last 18 games, and are 9-1 over their last 10 games, staying hot at the top of the American League Central where the Detroit Tigers are 8-2 over their last 10 games, as are the Cleveland Guardians.&nbsp;

Locked in a 0-0 tie entering the 11th inning, Boston picked up the first run of the game off Daniel Lynch, Rafael Devers grounding out and driving in&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela who opened the inning at second base, but the Royals came right back in the bottom half with a game tying RBI hit from Vinnie Pasquantino, scoring Drew Waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 12th, Cavan Biggio bunted automatic runner Michael Massey over to third, with Fermin bringing him home moments later with the RBI single.

That picked up an incredible pitching performance from the Royals, with six pitchers only allowing one run in 12 innings. Reliever Steven Cruz earned his first career MLB win after recording two outs in the 12th inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Royals starter Michael Lorenzen picked up where Michael Wacha and Kris Bubic had left off the past two days, throwing another seven scoreless innings. Lorenzen only allowed three hits and one hit batter, didn’t walk anyone and struck out seven.

Cole Ragans will pitch the second game of the series tomorrow and will take on&nbsp;Garrett Crochet for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:10pm with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746848264494.jpeg" alt="Royals catcher Freddy Fermin delivered a walk off single in the 12th inning to push the Royals win streak to seven games, beating the Boston Red Sox 2-1 in the series opener Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals catcher Freddy Fermin delivered a walk off single in the 12th inning to push the Royals win streak to seven games, beating the Boston Red Sox 2-1 in the series opener Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe series opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals was a pitchers duel all the way through, until the Royals finally made something happen in the 12th inning, Freddy Fermin hitting a walk off single for a 2-1 win, and Kansas City's seventh straight victory.&nbsp;For the first time in 47 years, Kansas City has won 16 of their last 18 games, and are 9-1 over their last 10 games, staying hot at the top of the American League Central where the Detroit Tigers are 8-2 over their last 10 games, as are the Cleveland Guardians.&nbsp;Locked in a 0-0 tie entering the 11th inning, Boston picked up the first run of the game off Daniel Lynch, Rafael Devers grounding out and driving in&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela who opened the inning at second base, but the Royals came right back in the bottom half with a game tying RBI hit from Vinnie Pasquantino, scoring Drew Waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the 12th, Cavan Biggio bunted automatic runner Michael Massey over to third, with Fermin bringing him home moments later with the RBI single.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Count. On. Fred‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEYHEYHEYHEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HEYHEYHEYHEY</a> <a href="https://t.co/71oJEWhO89">pic.twitter.com/71oJEWhO89</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1921035530432635127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That picked up an incredible pitching performance from the Royals, with six pitchers only allowing one run in 12 innings. Reliever Steven Cruz earned his first career MLB win after recording two outs in the 12th inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Royals starter Michael Lorenzen picked up where Michael Wacha and Kris Bubic had left off the past two days, throwing another seven scoreless innings. Lorenzen only allowed three hits and one hit batter, didn’t walk anyone and struck out seven.Cole Ragans will pitch the second game of the series tomorrow and will take on&nbsp;Garrett Crochet for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:10pm with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Freddy Fermin gives KC 7th straight with 2-1 walk off win over Boston

Northwest Missouri State University's esports program is set to host two camps for students this summer interested in pursuing the sport in college. 

The first session is a day camp scheduled for July 14 through July 18. at the J.W. Jones Student Union on the third floor in the esports lab. The second session is an overnight boot camp from July 23 through July 25. Session two will take place in the exact location as session one. 

Northwest Missouri State University's esports program can be reached at esports@nwmissouri.edu or 660-562-1759.&nbsp; To learn session prices and sign up for camp dates, click <a href="https://secure.touchnet.com/C21165_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=183&amp;CATID=356&amp;SINGLESTORE=true">HERE</a>.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State University's esports program is set to host two camps for students this summer interested in pursuing the sport in college. The first session is a day camp scheduled for July 14 through July 18. at the J.W. Jones Student Union on the third floor in the esports lab. The second session is an overnight boot camp from July 23 through July 25. Session two will take place in the exact location as session one. Northwest Missouri State University's esports program can be reached at esports@nwmissouri.edu or 660-562-1759.&nbsp; To learn session prices and sign up for camp dates, click <a href="https://secure.touchnet.com/C21165_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=183&amp;CATID=356&amp;SINGLESTORE=true">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

NWMSU ESports to host summer camps to attract new prospects

Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville has announced a restructuring of its academic units to meet the changing needs of higher education.  

Provost Jamie Hooyman says the goal of the restructuring was to increase collaboration in units and help to delineate roles for people in each area 

"We had people doing multiple different tasks, some were able to accomplish those, some had too much on their plate, so really looking at roles and responsibilities," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Also looking at the student learning process and how do we make that better, that's why we're here, higher education is all about the learning experience for the students." 

Effective July 1, Northwest’s academic schools and departments will be reorganized within four colleges, each led by a dean charged with ensuring the quality of academic programs, research, faculty development and student outcomes. 

Hooyman says the restructuring is to help meet the everchanging needs of higher education.  Hooyman says the change will also help encourage collaboration in departments 

"Take for example the Agriculture and Natural Sciences, by putting those together there are a lot of different ways those two units can collaborate more effectively, because when you're talking soils and working through that and then you have the agricultural side, there are a lot of ways they complement each other," Hooyman explains.  

The academic restructure returns Northwest to a structure in place before its current arrangement was implemented in 2016. 

Along with a restructuring of academics at Northwest Missouri State University next semester, the school will be bringing a brand-new center for students.  

The Center for Engagement and Community Connections will help offer resources for students in several areas including financial concerns, academics, and professional development.  

Hooyman says often times students may not know where all of the offices are on campus that can help them 

"So this office will help, it's right in the middle of the union which is easy access for a lot of our students, so they will also collaborate with a lot of different offices to make sure the services are available and the students know where they're at and how we can help them, things like that," Hooyman says.  

Hooyman says the center will also help broaden first-year peer mentoring and other mentorship programs, including those for first-generation and transfer students. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville has announced a restructuring of its academic units to meet the changing needs of higher education. Provost Jamie Hooyman says the goal of the restructuring was to increase collaboration in units and help to delineate roles for people in each area "We had people doing multiple different tasks, some were able to accomplish those, some had too much on their plate, so really looking at roles and responsibilities," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Also looking at the student learning process and how do we make that better, that's why we're here, higher education is all about the learning experience for the students." Effective July 1, Northwest’s academic schools and departments will be reorganized within four colleges, each led by a dean charged with ensuring the quality of academic programs, research, faculty development and student outcomes. Hooyman says the restructuring is to help meet the everchanging needs of higher education. Hooyman says the change will also help encourage collaboration in departments "Take for example the Agriculture and Natural Sciences, by putting those together there are a lot of different ways those two units can collaborate more effectively, because when you're talking soils and working through that and then you have the agricultural side, there are a lot of ways they complement each other," Hooyman explains. The academic restructure returns Northwest to a structure in place before its current arrangement was implemented in 2016. Along with a restructuring of academics at Northwest Missouri State University next semester, the school will be bringing a brand-new center for students. The Center for Engagement and Community Connections will help offer resources for students in several areas including financial concerns, academics, and professional development. Hooyman says often times students may not know where all of the offices are on campus that can help them "So this office will help, it's right in the middle of the union which is easy access for a lot of our students, so they will also collaborate with a lot of different offices to make sure the services are available and the students know where they're at and how we can help them, things like that," Hooyman says. Hooyman says the center will also help broaden first-year peer mentoring and other mentorship programs, including those for first-generation and transfer students. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

NWMSU reorganizing academics, opening new center come fall semester

Springtime brings the farmer's market to Maryville and Downtown Marville will kick it off by hosting a Spring into Fun event this weekend.  

DeAnn Davison with Downtown Maryville says the second annual event is the kickoff to the farmers market season in downtown 

"We focus on our local vendors, but then we also have kids' games, we have some live music performances going on in our park downtown, so there's just a lot of activities and things to try to bring vibrancy to our downtown," Davison tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it is a free event, so we just welcome everybody to come downtown and hopefully enjoy a beautiful spring day." 

Last year the event saw 1,400 people visit downtown Maryville and several local vendors selling their goods filling the Nodaway County Courthouse Square during the inaguaral kickoff event.  

Davison says over 70 vendors will participate in this year's event with several types of goods for sale 

"So definitely we have produce and as the growing season continues there gets to be more variety, so we definitely have produce that's available this time of year," Davison explains. "We have flower bouquets, a lot of baked goods, cookies, cakes, pies, cinnamon rolls, things like that but then we focus on anything that's homemade as well." 

Davison says there are local artisans that may make jewelry, candles, leatherwork, or custom gifts and it's really a hodgepodge of items for sale 

The event will also feature live music, games for kids, food trucks, and new this to this year's event will be a classic car show.  

Davison says the idea for a car show came from volunteers who have done the work to put together the car show 

"They reached out to some local car clubs and some different groups and so we're hoping Saturday morning we'll have a great variety of some classic cars," Davison says. 

The event runs from 12 to 6pm on Saturday May 10th on the Nodaway County Courthouse Square in downtown Maryville and is free to attend. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746556256118.jpeg" alt="The Spring into Fun event in downtown Maryville kicks off the farmers market season.&nbsp; The second annual event will be held on Saturday in the Nodaway County Courthouse Square from 12 to 6 pm and is free to attend/ Photo courtesy of Downtown Maryville Facebook&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Spring into Fun event in downtown Maryville kicks off the farmers market season.&nbsp; The second annual event will be held on Saturday in the Nodaway County Courthouse Square from 12 to 6 pm and is free to attend/ Photo courtesy of Downtown Maryville Facebook&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Springtime brings the farmer's market to Maryville and Downtown Marville will kick it off by hosting a Spring into Fun event this weekend. DeAnn Davison with Downtown Maryville says the second annual event is the kickoff to the farmers market season in downtown "We focus on our local vendors, but then we also have kids' games, we have some live music performances going on in our park downtown, so there's just a lot of activities and things to try to bring vibrancy to our downtown," Davison tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it is a free event, so we just welcome everybody to come downtown and hopefully enjoy a beautiful spring day." Last year the event saw 1,400 people visit downtown Maryville and several local vendors selling their goods filling the Nodaway County Courthouse Square during the inaguaral kickoff event. Davison says over 70 vendors will participate in this year's event with several types of goods for sale "So definitely we have produce and as the growing season continues there gets to be more variety, so we definitely have produce that's available this time of year," Davison explains. "We have flower bouquets, a lot of baked goods, cookies, cakes, pies, cinnamon rolls, things like that but then we focus on anything that's homemade as well." Davison says there are local artisans that may make jewelry, candles, leatherwork, or custom gifts and it's really a hodgepodge of items for sale The event will also feature live music, games for kids, food trucks, and new this to this year's event will be a classic car show. Davison says the idea for a car show came from volunteers who have done the work to put together the car show "They reached out to some local car clubs and some different groups and so we're hoping Saturday morning we'll have a great variety of some classic cars," Davison says. The event runs from 12 to 6pm on Saturday May 10th on the Nodaway County Courthouse Square in downtown Maryville and is free to attend. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746556348291.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Downtown Maryville Facebook&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Downtown Maryville Facebook&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As farmers market season begins, Spring into Fun this weekend in Maryville

Savannah Parks and Recreation has announced 2025 season will be the final summer for the Savannah Aquatic Center.

"For more than 60 years, the pool has been a cherished part of our community," the department wrote on social media. "However, the costs of maintaining the aging facility have grown beyond what is financially sustainable. Structural issues, including a shifting substructure, make even necessary repairs - such as re-plastering - an unwise investment due to the risk of early failure."

The department says the next steps for the city will depend on the public. 

"Should the community want to pursue a new aquatic facility, it will not happen automatically. It will require individuals to step forward - bringing ideas, organizing fundraisers, coordinating efforts, and doing the legwork."

There is currently no committee or agency waiting to take on the project, the department said.&nbsp; The Parks Board will begin discussing potential next steps this month.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSavannah Parks and Recreation has announced 2025 season will be the final summer for the Savannah Aquatic Center."For more than 60 years, the pool has been a cherished part of our community," the department wrote on social media. "However, the costs of maintaining the aging facility have grown beyond what is financially sustainable. Structural issues, including a shifting substructure, make even necessary repairs - such as re-plastering - an unwise investment due to the risk of early failure."The department says the next steps for the city will depend on the public. "Should the community want to pursue a new aquatic facility, it will not happen automatically. It will require individuals to step forward - bringing ideas, organizing fundraisers, coordinating efforts, and doing the legwork."There is currently no committee or agency waiting to take on the project, the department said.&nbsp; The Parks Board will begin discussing potential next steps this month.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Savannah Parks Department announces final summer for aquatic center

Nodaway County
Economic Development has announced Amazon will open a new, 11-Thousand, 800-square-foot
last-mile sorting and delivery facility in Maryville.

Both Nodaway
County Economic Development and the City of Maryville acknowledge early this
year a new facility was going up, but neither released details.

“The City of
Maryville is excited to welcome Amazon to our community,” Maryville Interim City
Manager, Ryan Heiland, said in a written statement released by the city. “This
investment brings not only new jobs but also strengthens our local
infrastructure and reinforces Maryville’s position as a growing hub for
business and innovation in northwest Missouri. We look forward to a long and
successful partnership.”

The new facility
will receive packages, load them onto vehicles, and then deliver them directly
to customers.

The Amazon
facility in Maryville is expected to employ 30 workers. It will be located at
site covering a little more than seven acres at 701 Wilson Industrial Road.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAmazon is coming
to Maryville.Nodaway County
Economic Development has announced Amazon will open a new, 11-Thousand, 800-square-foot
last-mile sorting and delivery facility in Maryville.Both Nodaway
County Economic Development and the City of Maryville acknowledge early this
year a new facility was going up, but neither released details.“The City of
Maryville is excited to welcome Amazon to our community,” Maryville Interim City
Manager, Ryan Heiland, said in a written statement released by the city. “This
investment brings not only new jobs but also strengthens our local
infrastructure and reinforces Maryville’s position as a growing hub for
business and innovation in northwest Missouri. We look forward to a long and
successful partnership.”The new facility
will receive packages, load them onto vehicles, and then deliver them directly
to customers.The Amazon
facility in Maryville is expected to employ 30 workers. It will be located at
site covering a little more than seven acres at 701 Wilson Industrial Road.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Amazon setting up shop in Maryville

A statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.

Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.

The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735529316.jpeg" alt="Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735662387.jpeg" alt="A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Pony Express statue to undergo cleaning, preservation

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to make a passing score on the U-S citizenship test a requirement for getting a high school diploma. 

The requirement would start for high school graduation in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed on a 38-to-seven vote. Key supporters say civics education is lagging and a better understanding of how government works could help end the partisan divided in the country. Critics say the real problem is that social studies classes have been devalued, and making students memorize answers to a test won't help them understand history, economics, and how government works. 

The bill must be passed by the House, too, before it goes to the governor -- who backs the requirement that students score at least 60 percent on the citizenship test in order to graduate.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to make a passing score on the U-S citizenship test a requirement for getting a high school diploma. The requirement would start for high school graduation in the 2026-27 school year. The bill passed on a 38-to-seven vote. Key supporters say civics education is lagging and a better understanding of how government works could help end the partisan divided in the country. Critics say the real problem is that social studies classes have been devalued, and making students memorize answers to a test won't help them understand history, economics, and how government works. The bill must be passed by the House, too, before it goes to the governor -- who backs the requirement that students score at least 60 percent on the citizenship test in order to graduate.

Bill would make passing a civics test a requirement for high school graduation

Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;

The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.

“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”

The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.

Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.

State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”

“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.

The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”

Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”

The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.

“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.

The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.

Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.

The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.

State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.

“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.

He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.

Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”

“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.

Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744714181349.png" alt=" State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.

Missouri lawmakers approve bill targeting pending abortion lawsuit

Kansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;

Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.

Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.

Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Maryville's Serena Sundell drafted by WNBA's Seattle Storm

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.

Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.

While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.

“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.

He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.

Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.

“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.

The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.

“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”

Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.

“Kansans deserve better than what they got from their Legislature in 2025,” Sykes said. “Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues refused to join us in that effort. Republicans promised Kansans they would deliver&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;relief, but they failed to make good on that promise.”

Kansas voters were assured by sloganeering candidates during last year’s August primary and November general elections that nothing would stand in the way of meaningful property tax reform in 2025. Voters made it clear they thought property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks and, incredibly, some people on fixed incomes who worked all their lives to have a home of their own were being forced out.

As the legislative session began in January, another layer of political vows emerged about cutting property taxes.

“You expect us to put Kansans first, control the overreach of government and keep our promises — and that is exactly what we intend to do,” Masterson said. “That must begin with property tax relief and reform.”

When the dust settled in April, the Legislature barely scratched the surface on rolling back state property taxes. The governor signed Senate Bill 35, which used general state tax dollars to replace a 1.5-mill state property tax dedicated to government building projects. It was unanimously approved in the Senate and overwhelmingly endorsed in the House 96-26.

The Legislature passed a bill renewing the state’s 20-mill property tax, valued at about $875 million annually, to provide financial support to K-12 public schools. The Legislature could have earmarked state income or sales tax dollars to public schools and trimmed state property tax dedicated to that purpose.

Instead, the Republican-controlled House and Senate placed emphasis on income tax reform by voting to override Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 269. This so-called income-tax-trigger bill was designed to methodically drop individual and corporate income tax rates to 4%.

“I have proposed and supported tax cuts when they are implemented responsibly and benefit the people of Kansas, especially those who need it most,” Kelly said. “This bill ignores Kansas families at a time of rising costs and inflation in favor of hundreds of millions of dollars in giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”

The override vote on SB 269 was 87-37 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate. Instead of responding to Kansans’ demands for gradual reduction of property taxes, the Legislature in 2025 ended up dedicating future state revenue surpluses to gradually reducing income taxes.

The Senate did endorse a constitutional amendment that would have set a 3% cap on property taxes starting in 2027, but House GOP leaders said the necessary two-thirds majority to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603 before Kansas voters didn’t exist in the House.

Critics of the amendment had argued the limitation would cripple the ability of cities and counties to operate, because municipal government relied heavily on property and sales taxes. The state’s revenue stream includes income, sales and property taxes.

In January, the conservative Kansas Policy Institute highlighted for legislators an opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Wichita think tank. It showed 64% of participants were in favor of limits on annual increases in the appraised value of property rather than the current practice of annually resetting appraisals to fair market value.

The poll showed majority support for restraint of property taxes existed in urban and rural regions of the state, said Dave Trabert, a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute.

He said 70% of conservatives in the poll were supportive of steps to hold down property taxes, while 67% of moderates and 52% of liberals were on board. Eighteen percent were opposed and the same percentage was uncertain.

“Many homeowners have experienced double-digit property tax increases because local officials took advantage of valuation spikes,” Trabert said.

Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat often distant from KPI’s perspective on public policy issues, said it was folly to ignore will of the people.

“Our constituents are asking for property tax relief,” said Sawyer, who contended the income tax trigger law would prove to be an obstacle to property tax reform. “We go to a rachet so all of our money above inflation in the future goes to cutting the income tax.”

Some of the Senate’s most right-wing members were convinced the Legislature did a belly flop on property taxes in 2025.

Sen. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Havana, said it wasn’t enough the Legislature worked on income tax policy and ditched the 1.5-mill property tax for building construction.

“I think we could do better when it comes to&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reductions,” Peck said.

Finally, Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Legislature’s approach to property tax issues didn’t answer the public’s call for relief.

“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents on&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744653464396.png" alt=" Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.“Kansans deserve better than what they got from their Legislature in 2025,” Sykes said. “Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues refused to join us in that effort. Republicans promised Kansans they would deliver&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;relief, but they failed to make good on that promise.”<h2>‘Put Kansans first’</h2>Kansas voters were assured by sloganeering candidates during last year’s August primary and November general elections that nothing would stand in the way of meaningful property tax reform in 2025. Voters made it clear they thought property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks and, incredibly, some people on fixed incomes who worked all their lives to have a home of their own were being forced out.As the legislative session began in January, another layer of political vows emerged about cutting property taxes.“You expect us to put Kansans first, control the overreach of government and keep our promises — and that is exactly what we intend to do,” Masterson said. “That must begin with property tax relief and reform.”When the dust settled in April, the Legislature barely scratched the surface on rolling back state property taxes. The governor signed Senate Bill 35, which used general state tax dollars to replace a 1.5-mill state property tax dedicated to government building projects. It was unanimously approved in the Senate and overwhelmingly endorsed in the House 96-26.The Legislature passed a bill renewing the state’s 20-mill property tax, valued at about $875 million annually, to provide financial support to K-12 public schools. The Legislature could have earmarked state income or sales tax dollars to public schools and trimmed state property tax dedicated to that purpose.Instead, the Republican-controlled House and Senate placed emphasis on income tax reform by voting to override Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 269. This so-called income-tax-trigger bill was designed to methodically drop individual and corporate income tax rates to 4%.“I have proposed and supported tax cuts when they are implemented responsibly and benefit the people of Kansas, especially those who need it most,” Kelly said. “This bill ignores Kansas families at a time of rising costs and inflation in favor of hundreds of millions of dollars in giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”The override vote on SB 269 was 87-37 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate. Instead of responding to Kansans’ demands for gradual reduction of property taxes, the Legislature in 2025 ended up dedicating future state revenue surpluses to gradually reducing income taxes.The Senate did endorse a constitutional amendment that would have set a 3% cap on property taxes starting in 2027, but House GOP leaders said the necessary two-thirds majority to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603 before Kansas voters didn’t exist in the House.Critics of the amendment had argued the limitation would cripple the ability of cities and counties to operate, because municipal government relied heavily on property and sales taxes. The state’s revenue stream includes income, sales and property taxes.<h2>‘Very disappointed’</h2>In January, the conservative Kansas Policy Institute highlighted for legislators an opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Wichita think tank. It showed 64% of participants were in favor of limits on annual increases in the appraised value of property rather than the current practice of annually resetting appraisals to fair market value.The poll showed majority support for restraint of property taxes existed in urban and rural regions of the state, said Dave Trabert, a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute.He said 70% of conservatives in the poll were supportive of steps to hold down property taxes, while 67% of moderates and 52% of liberals were on board. Eighteen percent were opposed and the same percentage was uncertain.“Many homeowners have experienced double-digit property tax increases because local officials took advantage of valuation spikes,” Trabert said.Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat often distant from KPI’s perspective on public policy issues, said it was folly to ignore will of the people.“Our constituents are asking for property tax relief,” said Sawyer, who contended the income tax trigger law would prove to be an obstacle to property tax reform. “We go to a rachet so all of our money above inflation in the future goes to cutting the income tax.”Some of the Senate’s most right-wing members were convinced the Legislature did a belly flop on property taxes in 2025.Sen. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Havana, said it wasn’t enough the Legislature worked on income tax policy and ditched the 1.5-mill property tax for building construction.“I think we could do better when it comes to&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reductions,” Peck said.Finally, Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Legislature’s approach to property tax issues didn’t answer the public’s call for relief.“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents on&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.

GOP, Democrats blast Kan. Legislature for failure to meaningfully lower property taxes in 2025 session

(Radio Iowa) - A 53-year-old Carroll County paramedic has been suspended and is facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing a powerful pain medication while on duty. 

According to court records, Teresa Johnson of Manilla allegedly obtained fentanyl while working as a critical care paramedic for the Carroll County Ambulance Service. Johnson’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 21st at the Carroll County Courthouse. 

The Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Medical Trauma Services has suspended Johnson's paramedic license. According to board records, Johnson is accused of stealing a full vial of fentanyl and removing a portion of fentanyl from three other vials -- replacing the missing fentanyl with a saline solution.

(Radio Iowa) - A 53-year-old Carroll County paramedic has been suspended and is facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing a powerful pain medication while on duty. According to court records, Teresa Johnson of Manilla allegedly obtained fentanyl while working as a critical care paramedic for the Carroll County Ambulance Service. Johnson’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 21st at the Carroll County Courthouse. The Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Medical Trauma Services has suspended Johnson's paramedic license. According to board records, Johnson is accused of stealing a full vial of fentanyl and removing a portion of fentanyl from three other vials -- replacing the missing fentanyl with a saline solution.

Northwest Iowa Paramedic accused of stealing fentanyl

SHERMAN—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the victims of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Sherman County approximately 9 miles east of Goodland that occurred before 3:30p.m. March 14.

According to the Patrol the victims included 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina; 72-year-old Larry Smith of Sharon Springs; 57-year-old Manuel Alacron of Dodge City; 31-year-old Mario Juarez of Garden City; 24-year-old Baiel Sharshembiev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 48-year-old Carlos Arzate of Shattuck, Oklahoma; 61-year-old Stephane Purcell of Evansville Indiana and 60-year-old Giovanni Stephan of Troy Michigan.

A total of seventy-one&nbsp; vehicles were identified as being involved in the collision event, resulting in eight fatalities and forty-six injured who were transported to local hospitals. 

The patrol will complete multiple motor vehicle collision reports to document and separate the collisions that occurred within the event. Investigators believe the separate collisions occurred between the times of approximately 3:20pm - 3:35pm (CDT). Due to the extreme circumstances the exact sequence of events is is still under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744654081515.png" alt="Photo from the crash scene KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo from the crash scene KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the victims of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Sherman County approximately 9 miles east of Goodland that occurred before 3:30p.m. March 14.According to the Patrol the victims included 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina; 72-year-old Larry Smith of Sharon Springs; 57-year-old Manuel Alacron of Dodge City; 31-year-old Mario Juarez of Garden City; 24-year-old Baiel Sharshembiev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 48-year-old Carlos Arzate of Shattuck, Oklahoma; 61-year-old Stephane Purcell of Evansville Indiana and 60-year-old Giovanni Stephan of Troy Michigan.A total of seventy-one&nbsp; vehicles were identified as being involved in the collision event, resulting in eight fatalities and forty-six injured who were transported to local hospitals. The patrol will complete multiple motor vehicle collision reports to document and separate the collisions that occurred within the event. Investigators believe the separate collisions occurred between the times of approximately 3:20pm - 3:35pm (CDT). Due to the extreme circumstances the exact sequence of events is is still under investigation.&nbsp;

Patrol IDs 8 who died in Kansas dust storm crash

Farmer sentiment dropped during March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140. The Index saw a 15-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations to 144, and the Current Conditions Index fell five points to 132. The drop was influenced by falling crop prices since mid-February, along with the increasing uncertainty surrounding agricultural trade and farm policy. 

Keeping on with the trade theme, they asked producers which of the following policies or programs, between trade policy and interest rate policy, will be most important over the next five years, and there's been a shift since the election. 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy.  Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent. The Index indicates that producers still anticipate better financial performance this year than in 2024.

By NATHAN STUEDLESt. Joseph PostFarmer sentiment dropped during March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140. The Index saw a 15-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations to 144, and the Current Conditions Index fell five points to 132. The drop was influenced by falling crop prices since mid-February, along with the increasing uncertainty surrounding agricultural trade and farm policy. Keeping on with the trade theme, they asked producers which of the following policies or programs, between trade policy and interest rate policy, will be most important over the next five years, and there's been a shift since the election. 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy. Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent. The Index indicates that producers still anticipate better financial performance this year than in 2024.

Farmer sentiment dropped during March

USDA has warned its 100,000-plus employees that major staff cuts are coming, offices will be closed, and people will be forced to relocate if they want to keep their jobs. USDA employees have been given the option to quit with up to six months in pay if they choose to take it. Citing the president's executive order in February implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," the memo warned of more cuts to come. "While final plans are still under development, USDA aims to be transparent about what employees can expect."

 USDA plans to further reduce the size of the workforce and consolidate offices. That includes moving more people out of Washington, D.C., or the "National Capital Region," so staff can be "closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve."

USDA has warned its 100,000-plus employees that major staff cuts are coming, offices will be closed, and people will be forced to relocate if they want to keep their jobs. USDA employees have been given the option to quit with up to six months in pay if they choose to take it. Citing the president's executive order in February implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," the memo warned of more cuts to come. "While final plans are still under development, USDA aims to be transparent about what employees can expect." USDA plans to further reduce the size of the workforce and consolidate offices. That includes moving more people out of Washington, D.C., or the "National Capital Region," so staff can be "closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve."-NAFB

USDA prepares for 'reduction in force'

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she was intending to seek a third term as governor, but in the past couple of months she’s been weighing whether she could keep giving 100 percent to the job if she were elected to serve until early 2031. 

Reynolds spoke with a handful of reporters during an event this weekend at the governor's mansion, a day after her surprise announcement that she wouldn't run for reelection in 2026. Reynolds said she's still emotional about the decision, because she loves what she's doing -- but decided it's time to step back and pass that baton to the next person. 

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at an Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event on Saturday night and told the crowd she will fight for Iowa -- but Bird didn't say whether she'll seek a second term as attorney general or run for governor in 2026.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she was intending to seek a third term as governor, but in the past couple of months she’s been weighing whether she could keep giving 100 percent to the job if she were elected to serve until early 2031. Reynolds spoke with a handful of reporters during an event this weekend at the governor's mansion, a day after her surprise announcement that she wouldn't run for reelection in 2026. Reynolds said she's still emotional about the decision, because she loves what she's doing -- but decided it's time to step back and pass that baton to the next person. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at an Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event on Saturday night and told the crowd she will fight for Iowa -- but Bird didn't say whether she'll seek a second term as attorney general or run for governor in 2026.

Governor Reynolds discusses her decision not to seek reelection

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Two years ago, Missouri regulators suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s THC concentrate was made with out-state cannabis

In Missouri’s massive marijuana recall two years ago, regulators pulled 62,000 products off the shelves that contained a THC concentrate the state deemed a “potential threat to health and safety.”&nbsp;

Last week, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation added another 6,000 products to that list that should have been pulled in 2023 because they were all made with an ingredient produced by the company at the heart of the recall, Robertsville-based Delta Extraction.

The new “threats” were found after the division was ordered in February by the state’s administrative hearing commission to release any Midwest Magic brand products from its 2023 recall list.&nbsp;During that review, the division discovered additional marijuana products containing a THC oil that Delta Extraction made using “unregulated cannabis,” the division stated in a Thursday press release.

“Regarding risks to the public, the department recalled these products for the same reason it issued the original, related recall: It identified a potential threat to health and safety,”&nbsp;said Amy Moore, the divisions director, in an email to The Independent.

However, there have been no adverse reactions reported for any of the product in the original or updated recall, she said.

“The initial recall was a large and complex endeavor requiring expert application of system functionality and program processes,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;“The department has made improvements in both areas since that time and continues to improve in ways that ensure future recalls can better identify all relevant product at initial issuance.”

Delta Extraction is a licensed cannabis manufacturing facility that specializes in making THC distillate, a highly potent and pure form of THC used for things like vape pens, infused pre-rolled joints and edibles. About 100 other manufacturers bought the distillate in question in spring 2023 and went on to make thousands of products.&nbsp;

In August 2023, the division suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23910265-conference-call-delta-extraction" target="_blank">marijuana or converted hemp</a>&nbsp;from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility.”&nbsp;

The state also issued the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">product recall</a>.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/missouri-rolls-back-part-of-its-cannabis-product-recall/">few months later</a>, the state&nbsp;rolled back its recall of nearly 15,000 Midwest Magic products and allowed them to return to the dispensary shelves.&nbsp;Though part owner of the Delta facility, Midwest Magic owners successfully argued that the brand didn’t use the distillate in its products.&nbsp;

A company called A Joint Operation owns the other 50% of Delta Extraction.

In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction lost its appeal&nbsp;</a>of its license suspension, but it was awarded a renewed search for Midwest Magic products on the recall list. The Thursday update released about 120 Midwest Magic products from dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. The update also allowed testing labs to release samples of several hundred recalled products so they can be destroyed.

Ted Maritz, co-owner of Midwest Magic, said the company had already written off the released items as a loss.

“I’m not going to ask any stores for payment or anything,” Maritz said. “Everyone’s gone through hell for this.”

While the ordered search had a small impact on Midwest Magic, it is having a big impact on some dispensaries and manufacturers carrying the 6,200 products.&nbsp;

The recall list actually represents product tags used by the state’s tracing system called Metrc. Each tag in dispensaries typically represents a case of 10 to 12 units. And Metrc tags for manufacturing facilities represent ingredients that could make thousands or millions of units.&nbsp;

One Kansas City manufacturer had almost 700 ingredients recalled Thursday.&nbsp;

Josh Corson, co-owner of A Joint Operation, said he had not yet heard about the updated recall, in a text message Friday to The Independent and could not immediately comment.

Over the last two years, several companies have opted to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/companies-can-now-work-with-state-to-destroy-recalled-missouri-marijuana-products/">destroy the products</a>&nbsp;to make more room in their storage areas.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division, said&nbsp;there was a slight increase for destruction requests since February through April, following the commission’s decision and totaling about 200 requests. However the division is “unable to identify whether these requests are specific to the February decision,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The units remaining on hold for the Delta Extraction recall, which have not been destroyed, total nearly 157,000 items. That includes 4,000 THC concentrate items that equal 378,000 grams of oil, along with about 13,000 grams of marijuana flower. It also includes 18,000 infused edibles, more than 40,000 pre-rolled joints and 90,000 vape cartridges.&nbsp;

In Delta’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/07/three-day-hearing-reveals-behind-the-scenes-details-of-missouri-marijuana-recall/">appeal</a>, the company argued the process it used to make the distillate was safe and legal.&nbsp;

Delta Extraction admitted to importing<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">&nbsp;a large amount of THC-A</a>&nbsp;— a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated — purportedly extracted from hemp plants. The company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/04/hearing-on-recall-of-60000-missouri-marijuana-products-set-to-begin/">contractor</a>&nbsp;would mix it with a smaller amount of THC-A extracted from Missouri-regulated marijuana.&nbsp;

Delta argued the hemp-derived THC-A should fall under the same rules as added ingredients, like flavors or the non-intoxicating cannabis compound CBD, because hemp is not a federally controlled substance like marijuana. It was taken off the federal controlled substance list in the 2018 farm bill.

But Carole Iles of Missouri’s administrative hearing commission, wrote in her 137-page ruling that THC-A becomes intoxicating through the exact same process no matter if it’s extracted from hemp or marijuana, so the state is correct in regulating the THC the same as marijuana.&nbsp;

That means it must be grown and manufactured in licensed Missouri facilities, Iles concluded, and tracked from the time the seed goes into the soil in the Metrc system.

“THC originating from other sources,” she wrote, “is prohibited.”&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, former attorney for Delta Extraction, said licensed facilities have the ability to challenge these new recalls of the products on their shelves.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712141630999.png" alt="&nbsp;In August 2023, the state suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “marijuana or converted hemp from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility" (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;In August 2023, the state suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “marijuana or converted hemp from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility" (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Two years ago, Missouri regulators suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s THC concentrate was made with out-state cannabis</h2>In Missouri’s massive marijuana recall two years ago, regulators pulled 62,000 products off the shelves that contained a THC concentrate the state deemed a “potential threat to health and safety.”&nbsp;Last week, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation added another 6,000 products to that list that should have been pulled in 2023 because they were all made with an ingredient produced by the company at the heart of the recall, Robertsville-based Delta Extraction.The new “threats” were found after the division was ordered in February by the state’s administrative hearing commission to release any Midwest Magic brand products from its 2023 recall list.&nbsp;During that review, the division discovered additional marijuana products containing a THC oil that Delta Extraction made using “unregulated cannabis,” the division stated in a Thursday press release.“Regarding risks to the public, the department recalled these products for the same reason it issued the original, related recall: It identified a potential threat to health and safety,”&nbsp;said Amy Moore, the divisions director, in an email to The Independent.However, there have been no adverse reactions reported for any of the product in the original or updated recall, she said.“The initial recall was a large and complex endeavor requiring expert application of system functionality and program processes,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;“The department has made improvements in both areas since that time and continues to improve in ways that ensure future recalls can better identify all relevant product at initial issuance.”Delta Extraction is a licensed cannabis manufacturing facility that specializes in making THC distillate, a highly potent and pure form of THC used for things like vape pens, infused pre-rolled joints and edibles. About 100 other manufacturers bought the distillate in question in spring 2023 and went on to make thousands of products.&nbsp;In August 2023, the division suspended Delta Extraction’s license after finding the company’s distillate was made with untested “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23910265-conference-call-delta-extraction" target="_blank">marijuana or converted hemp</a>&nbsp;from outside of a Missouri licensed cultivation facility.”&nbsp;The state also issued the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">product recall</a>.A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/missouri-rolls-back-part-of-its-cannabis-product-recall/">few months later</a>, the state&nbsp;rolled back its recall of nearly 15,000 Midwest Magic products and allowed them to return to the dispensary shelves.&nbsp;Though part owner of the Delta facility, Midwest Magic owners successfully argued that the brand didn’t use the distillate in its products.&nbsp;A company called A Joint Operation owns the other 50% of Delta Extraction.In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction lost its appeal&nbsp;</a>of its license suspension, but it was awarded a renewed search for Midwest Magic products on the recall list. The Thursday update released about 120 Midwest Magic products from dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. The update also allowed testing labs to release samples of several hundred recalled products so they can be destroyed.Ted Maritz, co-owner of Midwest Magic, said the company had already written off the released items as a loss.“I’m not going to ask any stores for payment or anything,” Maritz said. “Everyone’s gone through hell for this.”While the ordered search had a small impact on Midwest Magic, it is having a big impact on some dispensaries and manufacturers carrying the 6,200 products.&nbsp;The recall list actually represents product tags used by the state’s tracing system called Metrc. Each tag in dispensaries typically represents a case of 10 to 12 units. And Metrc tags for manufacturing facilities represent ingredients that could make thousands or millions of units.&nbsp;One Kansas City manufacturer had almost 700 ingredients recalled Thursday.&nbsp;Josh Corson, co-owner of A Joint Operation, said he had not yet heard about the updated recall, in a text message Friday to The Independent and could not immediately comment.Over the last two years, several companies have opted to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/companies-can-now-work-with-state-to-destroy-recalled-missouri-marijuana-products/">destroy the products</a>&nbsp;to make more room in their storage areas.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division, said&nbsp;there was a slight increase for destruction requests since February through April, following the commission’s decision and totaling about 200 requests. However the division is “unable to identify whether these requests are specific to the February decision,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The units remaining on hold for the Delta Extraction recall, which have not been destroyed, total nearly 157,000 items. That includes 4,000 THC concentrate items that equal 378,000 grams of oil, along with about 13,000 grams of marijuana flower. It also includes 18,000 infused edibles, more than 40,000 pre-rolled joints and 90,000 vape cartridges.&nbsp;In Delta’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/07/three-day-hearing-reveals-behind-the-scenes-details-of-missouri-marijuana-recall/">appeal</a>, the company argued the process it used to make the distillate was safe and legal.&nbsp;Delta Extraction admitted to importing<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">&nbsp;a large amount of THC-A</a>&nbsp;— a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated — purportedly extracted from hemp plants. The company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/04/hearing-on-recall-of-60000-missouri-marijuana-products-set-to-begin/">contractor</a>&nbsp;would mix it with a smaller amount of THC-A extracted from Missouri-regulated marijuana.&nbsp;Delta argued the hemp-derived THC-A should fall under the same rules as added ingredients, like flavors or the non-intoxicating cannabis compound CBD, because hemp is not a federally controlled substance like marijuana. It was taken off the federal controlled substance list in the 2018 farm bill.But Carole Iles of Missouri’s administrative hearing commission, wrote in her 137-page ruling that THC-A becomes intoxicating through the exact same process no matter if it’s extracted from hemp or marijuana, so the state is correct in regulating the THC the same as marijuana.&nbsp;That means it must be grown and manufactured in licensed Missouri facilities, Iles concluded, and tracked from the time the seed goes into the soil in the Metrc system.“THC originating from other sources,” she wrote, “is prohibited.”&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, former attorney for Delta Extraction, said licensed facilities have the ability to challenge these new recalls of the products on their shelves.&nbsp;“They probably should,” Hatfield said. “Because DCR has had such difficulty figuring out which products should be recalled, no licensee can be sure which products it can sell.”&nbsp;

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