Sounds of Summer returns to St. Joseph tonight with a slight change. 

 The concert series will be held every third Friday of the month May through October, rather than every Friday night. 

 Organizer David Peppard says the previous format put a lot of stress on the volunteers who put the concerts together. 

 "In the old format we pretty much did, oh probably, three shows before the Fourth of July weekend we'd take the Fourth of July off and then we'd do maybe four shows or even five shows after," Peppard tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

 Peppard says organizers found the unrelenting schedule made it difficult for the volunteers during the hottest months of summer. 

 "It was week after week after week after week after week and the same volunteers doing the same hard work week after week after week and sometimes in 90- and 95-degree weather, it really took a toll," Peppard says. 

 Organizer Christie George points out Sounds of Summer continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but it wasn’t easy. 

 "But we felt like we could still, it would be a good thing to support downtown and bring people downtown outside safely, there was still plenty of room to social distance," George explains. "But we're hoping this year that we'll be better and bigger than ever and a lot of that stress from COVID is easing down." 

 The Downtown Association helps put on Sounds of Summer at Felix Street Square and all money raised goes towards improvements to the park. 

 George with the Downtown Association, says concert-goers will see a new tent in Felix Street Square. 

 “So now there's a new structure that's beautiful and fun to be under," George says. 

 David Peppard adds the tent is aesthetically much nicer and also more functional 

 "Kind of a cover that helps provide some shade, it's more permanent than what we had with the old frame and tent that was kind of deteriorating over time," Peppard says.&nbsp; "We dedicated it to a couple of downtown business folks that we unfortunately lost during COVID,"&nbsp;

 Sounds of Summer kicks off at 6:30 tonight at Coleman Hawkins Park in Felix Street Square in downtown St. Joseph. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653065783637.jpeg" alt="Coleman Hawkins Park will be the site of the Sounds of Summer Concert series/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Coleman Hawkins Park will be the site of the Sounds of Summer Concert series/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE and BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSounds of Summer returns to St. Joseph tonight with a slight change. The concert series will be held every third Friday of the month May through October, rather than every Friday night. Organizer David Peppard says the previous format put a lot of stress on the volunteers who put the concerts together. "In the old format we pretty much did, oh probably, three shows before the Fourth of July weekend we'd take the Fourth of July off and then we'd do maybe four shows or even five shows after," Peppard tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Peppard says organizers found the unrelenting schedule made it difficult for the volunteers during the hottest months of summer. "It was week after week after week after week after week and the same volunteers doing the same hard work week after week after week and sometimes in 90- and 95-degree weather, it really took a toll," Peppard says. Organizer Christie George points out Sounds of Summer continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but it wasn’t easy. "But we felt like we could still, it would be a good thing to support downtown and bring people downtown outside safely, there was still plenty of room to social distance," George explains. "But we're hoping this year that we'll be better and bigger than ever and a lot of that stress from COVID is easing down." The Downtown Association helps put on Sounds of Summer at Felix Street Square and all money raised goes towards improvements to the park. George with the Downtown Association, says concert-goers will see a new tent in Felix Street Square. “So now there's a new structure that's beautiful and fun to be under," George says. David Peppard adds the tent is aesthetically much nicer and also more functional "Kind of a cover that helps provide some shade, it's more permanent than what we had with the old frame and tent that was kind of deteriorating over time," Peppard says.&nbsp; "We dedicated it to a couple of downtown business folks that we unfortunately lost during COVID,"&nbsp; Sounds of Summer kicks off at 6:30 tonight at Coleman Hawkins Park in Felix Street Square in downtown St. Joseph. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FStJosephDowntownAssociation%2Fposts%2F5223322621023623&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="648" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Downtown summer concert series returns to St. Joseph tonight

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Symphony in the Flint Hills’ operations manager Kelly Tastove.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills’ manager Kelly Tastove" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sw735-122edb0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Symphony in the Flint Hills’ operations manager Kelly Tastove.

🎤Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills’ manager Kelly Tastove

Two men exchanged gunfire at the intersection of 16th
and Lafayette Streets, but no one was wounded in the shooting.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to the area shortly
before 11 o’clock Thursday night. Police say a driver fired a couple of shots
at a man walking on a sidewalk, who returned fire.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo men exchanged gunfire at the intersection of 16th
and Lafayette Streets, but no one was wounded in the shooting.St. Joseph police report officers responded to the area shortly
before 11 o’clock Thursday night. Police say a driver fired a couple of shots
at a man walking on a sidewalk, who returned fire.None of the shots hit either man.The driver fled the area.No one has been taken into custody.

Gunfire exchange in St. Joseph, no one wounded

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 
2022. The rates will be:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus three percentage points.

Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus three percentage points, and the 
overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus two percentage 
points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal 
short-term rate plus five percentage points. The rate on the portion of a
 corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is 
the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during April 2022 to take effect May 1, 2022,
 based on daily compounding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-11.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-11</a>&nbsp;announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-23, dated June 6, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 
2022. The rates will be:<ul>
 <li>5% for overpayments (4% in the case of a corporation).</li><li>2.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.</li><li>5% for underpayments.</li><li>7% for large corporate underpayments.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus three percentage points.Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus three percentage points, and the 
overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus two percentage 
points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal 
short-term rate plus five percentage points. The rate on the portion of a
 corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is 
the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during April 2022 to take effect May 1, 2022,
 based on daily compounding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-11.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-11</a>&nbsp;announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-23, dated June 6, 2022.

IRS interest rates increase for the third quarter of 2022

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Nissan Rogue driven by Faith E. Thompson, 21, Smithville, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Southeast Delwood Drive three miles south of St. Joseph.

The vehicle struck a deer. A private vehicle transported Thompson to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Nissan Rogue driven by Faith E. Thompson, 21, Smithville, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Southeast Delwood Drive three miles south of St. Joseph.The vehicle struck a deer. A private vehicle transported Thompson to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes a deer

KANSAS CITY (AP) —In the five months that Jennifer Anne Hall was a respiratory therapist at Hedrick Medical Center, the rural Missouri hospital experienced 18 “code blue” incidents — an alarming increase in sudden cardiac arrest events for a hospital that historically averaged one of them a year, according to a police investigator.

Nine of those patients died, and nine recovered. Twenty years later, Hall was charged this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-franco-missouri-e1b5b5d9b9341349bc921776c169c1ab">first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in one of the deaths — that of 75-year-old Fern Franco.

Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Warren, who launched an investigation 10 years ago, said Franco died of lethal doses of succinylcholine — a relaxant that paralyzes the respiratory muscles — and the pain reliever morphine. The prosecutor did not disclose a possible motive or say why the investigation took a decade.

Hall's attorney, Matt O’Connor, said she is innocent and that as a respiratory therapist, she didn’t have access to succinylcholine, morphine or any other drugs. He said Hall became a scapegoat for the deaths at Hedrick because of an arson conviction that she was cleared of in 2005.

It’s unclear if Hall will face additional murder charges in the 2002 deaths at Hedrick. Warren declined interview requests, and Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox did not respond to phone and email messages seeking comment.

Franco's granddaughter, Aprille Franco hopes investigators get to the bottom of the other deaths.

“Just for the other families’ sake," Franco, 44, of Kansas City, Missouri, said. "They’ve been waiting 20 years for answers. It’s up to my grandma’s case to find answers for them."

Hall, 41, is jailed without bond. O'Connor said he will seek bond so Hall can get chemotherapy treatment for leukemia.

She began working at Hedrick in December 2001. The small hospital is in Chillicothe, a town of 9,100 residents 90 miles northeast of Kansas City.

A probable cause statement from Chillicothe Officer Brian Schmidt said that during Hall’s brief time at Hedrick, sudden cardiac collapse incidents — code blues — “rose alarmingly.”

Hospital officials were alerted to the concerns about Hall but “did everything in the world to cover it up” to avoid bad publicity, said Scott Lindley, the county coroner. No criminal investigation was launched at the time.

A wrongful-death lawsuit naming the hospital and the company that now operates it, St. Luke's Health System, was filed in 2010 on behalf of relatives of five patients who died. The Missouri Supreme Court tossed the lawsuit in 2019, ruling it was filed after the statute of limitations had run out.

St. Luke's Health System noted in a statement that it took over operation of Hedrick more than a year after the deaths.

“We, too, are only interested in the truth, and look forward to a final resolution of the investigation,” the statement read.

Warren, who was elected prosecutor in 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">opened the investigation in 2012</a>, saying he didn’t believe that a “thorough investigation has ever been completed.”

The deaths involved people of varying ages and levels of health.

World War II veteran Charles O'Hara, 88, was admitted for evaluation of a high temperatures, vomiting and agitation on Feb. 2, 2002, and died two days later. Retired conservation agent Coval Gann was 82.

But David Harper was just 37. He had been hospitalized with pneumonia, but the lawsuit said he was so much better that he was about to be discharged. He died on March 20, 2002.

Similarly, 49-year-old Shirley Eller was a day away from going home after being treated for pneumonia when she collapsed and died on March 9, 2002.

The lawsuit said Eller's death was attributed to “natural causes,” the same as the others who died. Eller's sister, Helen Pittman, found that puzzling. Eller smoked but was otherwise healthy and active.

“It was a shock,” Pittman said. “It just seems really suspicious. Shirley was doing good.”

Franco also had been hospitalized with pneumonia. Hall and another staff member identified only as “J.A.” in the probable cause statement found her dead on May 18, 2002.

“Hall’s vicim was a sick, defenseless, elderly woman who was depending on Hall to care for physical ailment within a medical facility,” Schmidt wrote. He said the succinylcholine caused a “ghastly death from suffocation” while Franco was fully conscious.

Hall was placed on administrative leave three days after Franco's death and the code blue incidents “returned to historical frequency,” Schmidt's report stated.

Hall was fired months later, but not because of the patient deaths. O'Connor said she was fired after hospital officials learned she had been convicted of an arson fire at another small Missouri hospital, Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, where she previously worked. She was free on appeal when she took the job in Chillicothe and later spent a year behind bars before being acquitted at a retrial.

O’Connor called it unfathomable that Hall would again be singled out for a crime she didn’t commit.

“To go through it once is terrible,” O’Connor said. “To go through it twice is a recurring nightmare.”

He said Hall’s proximity to the patients shouldn’t be unexpected since it’s a small hospital with a small staff.

Twenty years after the death of her younger sister, Pittman, 79, wasn't ready to pass judgment, but she does want investigators to keep looking into Shirley Eller's death.

“It’s hard for me to believe people can be that mean," Pittman said. "But I guess they can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652449498878.png" alt="Authorities arrested Hall last week in Kansas-Photo Livingston Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Authorities arrested Hall last week in Kansas-Photo Livingston Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —In the five months that Jennifer Anne Hall was a respiratory therapist at Hedrick Medical Center, the rural Missouri hospital experienced 18 “code blue” incidents — an alarming increase in sudden cardiac arrest events for a hospital that historically averaged one of them a year, according to a police investigator.Nine of those patients died, and nine recovered. Twenty years later, Hall was charged this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-franco-missouri-e1b5b5d9b9341349bc921776c169c1ab">first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in one of the deaths — that of 75-year-old Fern Franco.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653007502545.png" alt="Hall is being held in Livingston Co." />
 <figcaption>Hall is being held in Livingston Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Warren, who launched an investigation 10 years ago, said Franco died of lethal doses of succinylcholine — a relaxant that paralyzes the respiratory muscles — and the pain reliever morphine. The prosecutor did not disclose a possible motive or say why the investigation took a decade.Hall's attorney, Matt O’Connor, said she is innocent and that as a respiratory therapist, she didn’t have access to succinylcholine, morphine or any other drugs. He said Hall became a scapegoat for the deaths at Hedrick because of an arson conviction that she was cleared of in 2005.It’s unclear if Hall will face additional murder charges in the 2002 deaths at Hedrick. Warren declined interview requests, and Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox did not respond to phone and email messages seeking comment.Franco's granddaughter, Aprille Franco hopes investigators get to the bottom of the other deaths.“Just for the other families’ sake," Franco, 44, of Kansas City, Missouri, said. "They’ve been waiting 20 years for answers. It’s up to my grandma’s case to find answers for them."Hall, 41, is jailed without bond. O'Connor said he will seek bond so Hall can get chemotherapy treatment for leukemia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652204964045.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>She began working at Hedrick in December 2001. The small hospital is in Chillicothe, a town of 9,100 residents 90 miles northeast of Kansas City.A probable cause statement from Chillicothe Officer Brian Schmidt said that during Hall’s brief time at Hedrick, sudden cardiac collapse incidents — code blues — “rose alarmingly.”Hospital officials were alerted to the concerns about Hall but “did everything in the world to cover it up” to avoid bad publicity, said Scott Lindley, the county coroner. No criminal investigation was launched at the time.A wrongful-death lawsuit naming the hospital and the company that now operates it, St. Luke's Health System, was filed in 2010 on behalf of relatives of five patients who died. The Missouri Supreme Court tossed the lawsuit in 2019, ruling it was filed after the statute of limitations had run out.St. Luke's Health System noted in a statement that it took over operation of Hedrick more than a year after the deaths.“We, too, are only interested in the truth, and look forward to a final resolution of the investigation,” the statement read.Warren, who was elected prosecutor in 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">opened the investigation in 2012</a>, saying he didn’t believe that a “thorough investigation has ever been completed.”The deaths involved people of varying ages and levels of health.World War II veteran Charles O'Hara, 88, was admitted for evaluation of a high temperatures, vomiting and agitation on Feb. 2, 2002, and died two days later. Retired conservation agent Coval Gann was 82.But David Harper was just 37. He had been hospitalized with pneumonia, but the lawsuit said he was so much better that he was about to be discharged. He died on March 20, 2002.Similarly, 49-year-old Shirley Eller was a day away from going home after being treated for pneumonia when she collapsed and died on March 9, 2002.The lawsuit said Eller's death was attributed to “natural causes,” the same as the others who died. Eller's sister, Helen Pittman, found that puzzling. Eller smoked but was otherwise healthy and active.“It was a shock,” Pittman said. “It just seems really suspicious. Shirley was doing good.”Franco also had been hospitalized with pneumonia. Hall and another staff member identified only as “J.A.” in the probable cause statement found her dead on May 18, 2002.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652474493585.png" alt="U.S. Marshals arrested Hall in Kansas on May 12 -photo Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Marshals arrested Hall in Kansas on May 12 -photo Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hall’s vicim was a sick, defenseless, elderly woman who was depending on Hall to care for physical ailment within a medical facility,” Schmidt wrote. He said the succinylcholine caused a “ghastly death from suffocation” while Franco was fully conscious.Hall was placed on administrative leave three days after Franco's death and the code blue incidents “returned to historical frequency,” Schmidt's report stated.Hall was fired months later, but not because of the patient deaths. O'Connor said she was fired after hospital officials learned she had been convicted of an arson fire at another small Missouri hospital, Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, where she previously worked. She was free on appeal when she took the job in Chillicothe and later spent a year behind bars before being acquitted at a retrial.O’Connor called it unfathomable that Hall would again be singled out for a crime she didn’t commit.“To go through it once is terrible,” O’Connor said. “To go through it twice is a recurring nightmare.”He said Hall’s proximity to the patients shouldn’t be unexpected since it’s a small hospital with a small staff.Twenty years after the death of her younger sister, Pittman, 79, wasn't ready to pass judgment, but she does want investigators to keep looking into Shirley Eller's death.“It’s hard for me to believe people can be that mean," Pittman said. "But I guess they can.”

20 years after hospital deaths, ex-worker accused

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas man wanted on multiple charges in Missouri.

On Wednesday, police arrested 25-year-old Alexzander S. Green of Atchison, on a Boone County Missouri warrant, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is being held without bond for alleged terroristic threat, felony harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police arrested Green on May 4 for failure to appear, according to online jail records. Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652971947190.png" alt="Green-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Green-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas man wanted on multiple charges in Missouri.On Wednesday, police arrested 25-year-old Alexzander S. Green of Atchison, on a Boone County Missouri warrant, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is being held without bond for alleged terroristic threat, felony harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.Police arrested Green on May 4 for failure to appear, according to online jail records. Police released no additional details.

Kan. man accused of terroristic threat in Missouri

The St. Joseph School District's Vision Forward Committee held its final meeting of the 2021-22 school year Tuesday at Benton High School, and the discussion focused around the district's buildings and facilities.

Vision Forward co-chair Bob Miller says one of the main issues right now with the district's buildings is age.

"Over a third of our current buildings are over 80 years old," Miller told St. Joseph Post. "Nine of our 25 buildings were built before 1940."

One of the top priorities for the district is getting middle school curriculum aligned. Two of St. Joseph's middle schools educate sixth through eighth graders, while the other two educate only seventh and eighth graders.

"Getting (the middle schools) lined up really forces the facility question," he said. "We don't have a third middle school that can house sixth graders. So, we have to figure out what we're going to do. That's either building another middle school or repurposing one of the high schools if we go in a different direction with the high schools."

Miller says another priority is creating a better feeder system within the district.

"For instance, Carden Park (Elementary) gets divided up into three different middle schools," he explained. "There's only a handful of elementary schools that actually feed straight into a middle school, straight into a high school. Those kids who have relationships aren't able, currently, to track through their schooling experience with the same group of kids."

With middle school football now coming to the district this fall, Miller says that raises some facility questions, as none of the middle schools currently have football fields.

"Repurposing some of our current high schools to being middle schools that would have the athletic facilities needed to give middle school students the opportunity to participate," Miller said. "That was kind of one train of thought on feedback we got."

Voters rejected a $107 million bond issue last April which would have converted the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a second high school and refurbished Central High School. Under that proposal, Benton and Lafayette would have been turned into middle schools.

Miller says there is consensus that some new school buildings are likely needed, but no plans on that have been finalized.

"It's not difficult to look at some of these things and see we need to make some changes," he said. "We just can't continue with this. I think there was a lot of consensus, and you heard a lot of the same top three priorities related to facilities moving forward. About 75-80 percent of people named the same three things."

Vision Forward plans to meet with the public at least once more this fall before putting action items before the board in December. District leadership is also meeting with a consulting firm this summer to look at data and input that's been gathered.

With five meetings this school year, and hundreds of people attending these meetings, Miller is hopeful that the district is getting an accurate picture of what St. Joseph School District families want from their schools.

"If we missed the public sentiment, it's not for a lack of trying," Miller stated. "Having five different sessions in different parts of town and also having the option for people to listen online."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596131678907.jpeg" alt="Bode Middle School. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Bode Middle School. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District's Vision Forward Committee held its final meeting of the 2021-22 school year Tuesday at Benton High School, and the discussion focused around the district's buildings and facilities.Vision Forward co-chair Bob Miller says one of the main issues right now with the district's buildings is age."Over a third of our current buildings are over 80 years old," Miller told St. Joseph Post. "Nine of our 25 buildings were built before 1940."One of the top priorities for the district is getting middle school curriculum aligned. Two of St. Joseph's middle schools educate sixth through eighth graders, while the other two educate only seventh and eighth graders."Getting (the middle schools) lined up really forces the facility question," he said. "We don't have a third middle school that can house sixth graders. So, we have to figure out what we're going to do. That's either building another middle school or repurposing one of the high schools if we go in a different direction with the high schools."Miller says another priority is creating a better feeder system within the district."For instance, Carden Park (Elementary) gets divided up into three different middle schools," he explained. "There's only a handful of elementary schools that actually feed straight into a middle school, straight into a high school. Those kids who have relationships aren't able, currently, to track through their schooling experience with the same group of kids."With middle school football now coming to the district this fall, Miller says that raises some facility questions, as none of the middle schools currently have football fields."Repurposing some of our current high schools to being middle schools that would have the athletic facilities needed to give middle school students the opportunity to participate," Miller said. "That was kind of one train of thought on feedback we got."Voters rejected a $107 million bond issue last April which would have converted the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a second high school and refurbished Central High School. Under that proposal, Benton and Lafayette would have been turned into middle schools.Miller says there is consensus that some new school buildings are likely needed, but no plans on that have been finalized."It's not difficult to look at some of these things and see we need to make some changes," he said. "We just can't continue with this. I think there was a lot of consensus, and you heard a lot of the same top three priorities related to facilities moving forward. About 75-80 percent of people named the same three things."Vision Forward plans to meet with the public at least once more this fall before putting action items before the board in December. District leadership is also meeting with a consulting firm this summer to look at data and input that's been gathered.With five meetings this school year, and hundreds of people attending these meetings, Miller is hopeful that the district is getting an accurate picture of what St. Joseph School District families want from their schools."If we missed the public sentiment, it's not for a lack of trying," Miller stated. "Having five different sessions in different parts of town and also having the option for people to listen online."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Final SJSD Vision Forward meeting of the school year focuses on facilities, buildings

Missouri lawmakers approved a record $48 billion state budget
this legislative session, a budget swollen by a huge influx of federal
coronavirus relief and stimulus money.

Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Sen. Dan Hegeman of
Cosby, says while the budget contained money for big, capital improvement
projects and major programs, it also included $100 million to repair and
upgrade rural roads.

“This is a bell I’ve been ringing for some time, the need to address
the deplorable shape of our rural roads, our lettered routes, our farm-to-market
roads, our low-volume roads, couch it however you want,” Hegeman tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We have a great need of addressing the degradation of our roads.”

Hegeman says the budget contains a good number of high-profile
projects and programs, but it also funds what he says are the “not real
exciting” projects.

“Putting in a water system, putting in a sewer system, that’s
not real exciting, but it’s basic function of what government does,” Hegeman
says. “It’s what makes our lives better on an individual, daily basis.”

Maybe not as exciting as breaking ground on new buildings and
other ribbon-cutting, capital improvement projects, but just as important,
according to Hegeman.

“Those are pretty exciting things, but it is the
infrastructure needs, getting broadband out there, it’s things we take for granted,
but they’re so important to our daily lives.”

Hegeman says the budget process went better than he expected.
He credits the work of budget leaders in both the Senate and House as well as
the cooperation of Gov. Mike Parson. While more than a $1 billion in federal
funds helped a great deal, Hegeman says the state budget also benefitted from a
strong state economy. Hegeman says the big numbers in this budget could have
caused a big rift in the legislature.

“I had great worries that this would be an overwhelming
project or an overwhelming task this year, due to the large amount of dollars
and it was very trying along the way, but I was actually very surprised at how
smoothly it went,” according to Hegeman.

The budget bills await the signature of Gov. Parson, who can
cross out some spending through the power of line-item veto.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri lawmakers approved a record $48 billion state budget
this legislative session, a budget swollen by a huge influx of federal
coronavirus relief and stimulus money.Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Sen. Dan Hegeman of
Cosby, says while the budget contained money for big, capital improvement
projects and major programs, it also included $100 million to repair and
upgrade rural roads.“This is a bell I’ve been ringing for some time, the need to address
the deplorable shape of our rural roads, our lettered routes, our farm-to-market
roads, our low-volume roads, couch it however you want,” Hegeman tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We have a great need of addressing the degradation of our roads.”Hegeman says the budget contains a good number of high-profile
projects and programs, but it also funds what he says are the “not real
exciting” projects.“Putting in a water system, putting in a sewer system, that’s
not real exciting, but it’s basic function of what government does,” Hegeman
says. “It’s what makes our lives better on an individual, daily basis.”Maybe not as exciting as breaking ground on new buildings and
other ribbon-cutting, capital improvement projects, but just as important,
according to Hegeman.“Those are pretty exciting things, but it is the
infrastructure needs, getting broadband out there, it’s things we take for granted,
but they’re so important to our daily lives.”Hegeman says the budget process went better than he expected.
He credits the work of budget leaders in both the Senate and House as well as
the cooperation of Gov. Mike Parson. While more than a $1 billion in federal
funds helped a great deal, Hegeman says the state budget also benefitted from a
strong state economy. Hegeman says the big numbers in this budget could have
caused a big rift in the legislature.“I had great worries that this would be an overwhelming
project or an overwhelming task this year, due to the large amount of dollars
and it was very trying along the way, but I was actually very surprised at how
smoothly it went,” according to Hegeman.The budget bills await the signature of Gov. Parson, who can
cross out some spending through the power of line-item veto.

Missouri state budget contains big projects, but also needed, less exciting, investments

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a home in Atchison.

Sometime between 5p.m. May 16 and 10a.m. May 18, a suspect took items from a storage building in the 1600 block Main Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Forced entry was made through a door and the suspect took a 2007 SunL Super Moto 250 dirt bike. It is blue and white and valued at $1,500,&nbsp; two Mercury 25 horsepower boat motors valued at $800 each and a wooden entertainment center value $400.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a home in Atchison.Sometime between 5p.m. May 16 and 10a.m. May 18, a suspect took items from a storage building in the 1600 block Main Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Forced entry was made through a door and the suspect took a 2007 SunL Super Moto 250 dirt bike. It is blue and white and valued at $1,500,&nbsp; two Mercury 25 horsepower boat motors valued at $800 each and a wooden entertainment center value $400.

Police investigating burglary of storage building in Atchison

A Ukrainian agricultural education organizer is touring the
United States, raising money to rebuild rural villages ravaged by the war.

Roman Grynyshyn has worked with his partners throughout the
West to create the fundraising project:&nbsp;
World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine.

“We are trying to replace what was ruthlessly damaged or stolen
from the least protected stratum of rural society,” Grynyshyn tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Grynyshyn says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been
devastating to rural Ukraine and its farms, cutting off agricultural production
and preventing grain shipments. While the war rages and ruins much of his home
country, Grynyshyn expresses confidence in the ultimate outcome.

“And there is not doubt that we will win,” Grynyshyn says. “The
only thing is how long will it take us to return to this beauty as it was
before.”

Grynyshyn says he has been impressed and encouraged by the
reception he has received while touring the United States, especially with the
reception he receives from cities with ties to agriculture such as St. Joseph.

Grynshyn spoke to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce while in
town. He has been speaking to several groups in the United States, making
addresses to groups in Washington, D.C., Ohio State University, Michigan State
University, the University of Nebraska, among others. He is speaking to Missouri
and Kansas groups now before traveling to the state of Washington.

Grynyshyn has been coordinating tours and conferences for Ukrainian
farmers the past 13 years. He had a conference set up for Costa Rica in late
February, but as he prepared to leave the next day, the bombs started falling.
Over the next two days, February 23rd and 24th, he
gathered friends and family to flee the country. Grynyshyn says his large
contingent waited for 34 hours to cross over into Poland, eventually taking
refuge at a friend’s farm in Germany.

Then began the speaking tour in the United States.

Grynyshyn is also keeping those he speaks with abreast of the
latest news from the war front.

“My information that I’m getting is not coming from some sources
of media that can be biased or something like that,” Grynyshyn says. “I talk to
the actual farmers, to actual agricultural business representatives and they
say what they see, almost first hand.”

Grynyshyn charges that the Russian army has been ruthless in
devastating rural Ukraine, both to intimidate Ukrainians and destroy the
country’s agricultural industry.

Grynyshyn says many with ties to both Ukraine and Russia never
suspected Russia would follow through with its threats against Ukraine.

“I had a lot of clients, Russian speaking clients, who said
Roman, come on, they will never attack. They are our comrades,” Grynshyn says “And
when the war started, I called them. They were literally speechless.”

Grynyshyn says a saying by his father doesn’t seem as humorous
as it once did.

“My father always told me you need to learn as a priority two
subjects at school. First, is the military, to be able to shoot, to know how to
shoot and second is history, to know who to shoot.”

Despite the devastation of the war, Grynyshyn remains
optimistic Ukraine will prevail.

Click <a href="https://www.wrru.org/">here</a> for the World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652900856698.jpeg" alt="Roman Grynyshyn/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Roman Grynyshyn/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Ukrainian agricultural education organizer is touring the
United States, raising money to rebuild rural villages ravaged by the war.Roman Grynyshyn has worked with his partners throughout the
West to create the fundraising project:&nbsp;
World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine.“We are trying to replace what was ruthlessly damaged or stolen
from the least protected stratum of rural society,” Grynyshyn tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Grynyshyn says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been
devastating to rural Ukraine and its farms, cutting off agricultural production
and preventing grain shipments. While the war rages and ruins much of his home
country, Grynyshyn expresses confidence in the ultimate outcome.“And there is not doubt that we will win,” Grynyshyn says. “The
only thing is how long will it take us to return to this beauty as it was
before.”Grynyshyn says he has been impressed and encouraged by the
reception he has received while touring the United States, especially with the
reception he receives from cities with ties to agriculture such as St. Joseph.Grynshyn spoke to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce while in
town. He has been speaking to several groups in the United States, making
addresses to groups in Washington, D.C., Ohio State University, Michigan State
University, the University of Nebraska, among others. He is speaking to Missouri
and Kansas groups now before traveling to the state of Washington.Grynyshyn has been coordinating tours and conferences for Ukrainian
farmers the past 13 years. He had a conference set up for Costa Rica in late
February, but as he prepared to leave the next day, the bombs started falling.
Over the next two days, February 23rd and 24th, he
gathered friends and family to flee the country. Grynyshyn says his large
contingent waited for 34 hours to cross over into Poland, eventually taking
refuge at a friend’s farm in Germany.Then began the speaking tour in the United States.Grynyshyn is also keeping those he speaks with abreast of the
latest news from the war front.“My information that I’m getting is not coming from some sources
of media that can be biased or something like that,” Grynyshyn says. “I talk to
the actual farmers, to actual agricultural business representatives and they
say what they see, almost first hand.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652900920396.jpeg" alt="Grynyshyn speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Grynyshyn speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Grynyshyn charges that the Russian army has been ruthless in
devastating rural Ukraine, both to intimidate Ukrainians and destroy the
country’s agricultural industry.Grynyshyn says many with ties to both Ukraine and Russia never
suspected Russia would follow through with its threats against Ukraine.“I had a lot of clients, Russian speaking clients, who said
Roman, come on, they will never attack. They are our comrades,” Grynshyn says “And
when the war started, I called them. They were literally speechless.”Grynyshyn says a saying by his father doesn’t seem as humorous
as it once did.“My father always told me you need to learn as a priority two
subjects at school. First, is the military, to be able to shoot, to know how to
shoot and second is history, to know who to shoot.”Despite the devastation of the war, Grynyshyn remains
optimistic Ukraine will prevail.Click <a href="https://www.wrru.org/">here</a> for the World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine website.

Ukrainian farmer tours US, raising money to rebuild rural villages devastated by war

A northwest Missouri state representative is disappointed the
legislature couldn’t stop the Grain Belt Express, but pleased future projects
will be subject to more regulations.

Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says he went to the House
floor several times in opposition to the project to take wind-generated
electricity across northern Missouri.

“I’m disappointed also that I know a lot of farmers are going
to have their land split up by that line,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Van Schoiack says a Buchanan County farmer with 300 acres in
the Rushville bottoms will be negative affected by Grain Belt.

“It’s going to cut diagonally across his land,” according to
Van Schoiack. “It’s going to preclude him basically from flying on insecticides
and herbicides. It’s going to mess up his GPS for his farming operation. It’s going
to vastly affect the value of that 300-acre farm.”

The Grain Belt Express proposes transmitting electricity
generated from Kansas wind farms across northern Missouri and other midwestern
states to households along the East Coast. Northern Missouri community leaders
and state officials have fought the project in each of the last three
legislative session. The Missouri General Assembly reached a compromise during
this past legislative session that will allow the project to proceed, but will
require future projects to pay 150% of the fair market value for easements and be
subject to other regulations.

Van Schoiack is pleased with how the legislature handled the
state budget this session, pointing out an influx of federal coronavirus relief
and stimulus money swelled the state budget from $36 billion to $47 billion.

“And because we have increase state revenues over the year,”
Van Schoiack says. “Even with COVID, our state revenues increased. It will be
interesting to see what kind of figures we have to work with next year for
budget to see where we’re at and what we’re able to fund in that way, too.”

Van Schoiack says it is important that the legislature fully
funded the state school formula and provided full funding of the state portion
to pay for school bus service. The budget also includes $500 million to provide
taxpayers a tax rebate of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples.

“Any time we can give some money back to people through tax
income rebates or credits, I think that’s a very good thing to do.”

Van Schoiack says the legislature could afford to be generous,
because of the huge influx of federal funds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652891731176.jpeg" alt="Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA northwest Missouri state representative is disappointed the
legislature couldn’t stop the Grain Belt Express, but pleased future projects
will be subject to more regulations.Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says he went to the House
floor several times in opposition to the project to take wind-generated
electricity across northern Missouri.“I’m disappointed also that I know a lot of farmers are going
to have their land split up by that line,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Van Schoiack says a Buchanan County farmer with 300 acres in
the Rushville bottoms will be negative affected by Grain Belt.“It’s going to cut diagonally across his land,” according to
Van Schoiack. “It’s going to preclude him basically from flying on insecticides
and herbicides. It’s going to mess up his GPS for his farming operation. It’s going
to vastly affect the value of that 300-acre farm.”The Grain Belt Express proposes transmitting electricity
generated from Kansas wind farms across northern Missouri and other midwestern
states to households along the East Coast. Northern Missouri community leaders
and state officials have fought the project in each of the last three
legislative session. The Missouri General Assembly reached a compromise during
this past legislative session that will allow the project to proceed, but will
require future projects to pay 150% of the fair market value for easements and be
subject to other regulations.Van Schoiack is pleased with how the legislature handled the
state budget this session, pointing out an influx of federal coronavirus relief
and stimulus money swelled the state budget from $36 billion to $47 billion.“And because we have increase state revenues over the year,”
Van Schoiack says. “Even with COVID, our state revenues increased. It will be
interesting to see what kind of figures we have to work with next year for
budget to see where we’re at and what we’re able to fund in that way, too.”Van Schoiack says it is important that the legislature fully
funded the state school formula and provided full funding of the state portion
to pay for school bus service. The budget also includes $500 million to provide
taxpayers a tax rebate of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples.“Any time we can give some money back to people through tax
income rebates or credits, I think that’s a very good thing to do.”Van Schoiack says the legislature could afford to be generous,
because of the huge influx of federal funds.

NW Missouri state rep sees the good and bad in legislative session

A new scam popping up in Buchanan County has the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department advising everyone to be cautious. &nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett says the latest scam he has become aware of is people using local officials' names to threaten people saying they haven't shown up for jury duty at the federal court in Kansas City.&nbsp;

"They're saying it's out of Federal Court in Kansas City and they're using Judge Boeh, I believe is what they're trying to use its spelled incorrectly, but of course Judge Boeh just retired and he doesn't have anything to do with the Federal Court in Kansas City," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

Puett says scammers take pieces of what sounds like official information, running it all together into various information that is not accurate. &nbsp;

If you believe you have been scammed or someone has attempted to scam you, you should contact the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department. &nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett says the department has heard from a few people who already have received this scam call&nbsp;

"But it usually starts and then it blossoms out from there," Puett explains. "I can tell you that we run into these scams three or four times a year in a variety of different concepts, and then the other types of scams like the IRS scam and everything, and a lot of it depends on the time of year."&nbsp;

Puett says people should watch out for anyone calling asking for your personal information or any sort of money or gift cards to bond someone out.&nbsp;

"That's just crazy, law enforcement will not call and solicit your personal information and your bank card information," Puett says. "If we call and say hey somebody is here, then that person will have the obligation to come and check and do all those things."&nbsp;

Puett reiterates law enforcement agencies will not ask for personal information over the phone, including financial information, and the easiest way to avoid the scam is to hang up.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A new scam popping up in Buchanan County has the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department advising everyone to be cautious. &nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett says the latest scam he has become aware of is people using local officials' names to threaten people saying they haven't shown up for jury duty at the federal court in Kansas City.&nbsp;"They're saying it's out of Federal Court in Kansas City and they're using Judge Boeh, I believe is what they're trying to use its spelled incorrectly, but of course Judge Boeh just retired and he doesn't have anything to do with the Federal Court in Kansas City," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;Puett says scammers take pieces of what sounds like official information, running it all together into various information that is not accurate. &nbsp;If you believe you have been scammed or someone has attempted to scam you, you should contact the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department. &nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett says the department has heard from a few people who already have received this scam call&nbsp;"But it usually starts and then it blossoms out from there," Puett explains. "I can tell you that we run into these scams three or four times a year in a variety of different concepts, and then the other types of scams like the IRS scam and everything, and a lot of it depends on the time of year."&nbsp;Puett says people should watch out for anyone calling asking for your personal information or any sort of money or gift cards to bond someone out.&nbsp;"That's just crazy, law enforcement will not call and solicit your personal information and your bank card information," Puett says. "If we call and say hey somebody is here, then that person will have the obligation to come and check and do all those things."&nbsp;Puett reiterates law enforcement agencies will not ask for personal information over the phone, including financial information, and the easiest way to avoid the scam is to hang up.&nbsp;

Sheriff Puett warns of new scam seen in Buchanan County

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;are investigating an unlawful entry that was made into the Ebenezer Baptist Church in the 800 block Riley in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The incident&nbsp; occurred between 4:30p.m. on Monday and 5:45p.m. on Tuesday. 

A pop machine was damaged and snack foods were taken.

Police released no additional details Wednesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652880856762.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;are investigating an unlawful entry that was made into the Ebenezer Baptist Church in the 800 block Riley in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The incident&nbsp; occurred between 4:30p.m. on Monday and 5:45p.m. on Tuesday. A pop machine was damaged and snack foods were taken.Police released no additional details Wednesday morning.

Police investigating vandalism at church

CLINTON COUNTY –Two people were injured in an accident just after 10:p.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Dakota T. Davis, 27, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Route 116.

The driver began to overtake a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Steven W. Jordan, 55, Polo, in the driving lane. The 2011 Chevy rear-ended the 2002 Chevy.

After impact, the 2002 Silverado traveled off the east side of the road, rolled and the driver was ejected. The 2011 Silverado traveled off the west side of the road and came to rest in the median.

Tri-County EMS transported Jordan to Liberty Hospital. Holt EMS transported Davis to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Jordan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY –Two people were injured in an accident just after 10:p.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Dakota T. Davis, 27, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Route 116.The driver began to overtake a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Steven W. Jordan, 55, Polo, in the driving lane. The 2011 Chevy rear-ended the 2002 Chevy.After impact, the 2002 Silverado traveled off the east side of the road, rolled and the driver was ejected. The 2011 Silverado traveled off the west side of the road and came to rest in the median.Tri-County EMS transported Jordan to Liberty Hospital. Holt EMS transported Davis to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Jordan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Man from Polo ejected from pickup after rear-end crash

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Aveo driven by Logan R. Hughes, 21, Rosendale, was southbound on County Road 179 at County Road 177.

The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2017 Dodge Charger driven by Tommy J. Hudson, 51, St. Joseph. The Chevy struck the front of the Dodge.

Andrew County EMS transported Hughes to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported Hudson to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Aveo driven by Logan R. Hughes, 21, Rosendale, was southbound on County Road 179 at County Road 177.The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2017 Dodge Charger driven by Tommy J. Hudson, 51, St. Joseph. The Chevy struck the front of the Dodge.Andrew County EMS transported Hughes to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported Hudson to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle Andrew County crash

Warm weather means fishing and getting the boat out in the water, and the Missouri Highway Patrol wants you to practice boat safety. 

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says before you hit the open water you should make sure have adequate life jackets on board. 

"Whether they are US Coast Guard certified or not, make sure they fit properly," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

He says another big thing on your to do list should be to check if your boat is ready for the water

"You know properly inspected, make sure everything is working properly, the last thing you want to do is get out there and have mechanical issues and get stranded," Hux says. 

Hux says to his knowledge most boaters take the rules seriously. 

"Most of the boaters we have out there are responsible," Hux explains. "However, not everybody is of course that's why it's important that we be out there, not only for their safety but the safety of the other boaters and swimmers that are out there enjoying the recreational time. 

Hux says the Troop H water patrol division will be patrolling the waters in the Troop H region watching for violations and doing safety inspections. 

Troop H will hold a boater safety course on June 4th. 

"It is going to teach them a lot about safety, basically rules of operating watercraft, whether it be boats or personal watercraft," Hux explains. "Because a lot of people don't realize even a personal watercraft, so like a jet ski, you still have to have your certification to be able to operate one of those."

The course will run from 8am to 4pm at the Troop H headquarters in St. Joseph. 

Any boater that was born after January 1st, 1984 is required to take the course to get the state required certified boating safety education card

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWarm weather means fishing and getting the boat out in the water, and the Missouri Highway Patrol wants you to practice boat safety. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says before you hit the open water you should make sure have adequate life jackets on board. "Whether they are US Coast Guard certified or not, make sure they fit properly," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. He says another big thing on your to do list should be to check if your boat is ready for the water"You know properly inspected, make sure everything is working properly, the last thing you want to do is get out there and have mechanical issues and get stranded," Hux says. Hux says to his knowledge most boaters take the rules seriously. "Most of the boaters we have out there are responsible," Hux explains. "However, not everybody is of course that's why it's important that we be out there, not only for their safety but the safety of the other boaters and swimmers that are out there enjoying the recreational time. Hux says the Troop H water patrol division will be patrolling the waters in the Troop H region watching for violations and doing safety inspections. Troop H will hold a boater safety course on June 4th. "It is going to teach them a lot about safety, basically rules of operating watercraft, whether it be boats or personal watercraft," Hux explains. "Because a lot of people don't realize even a personal watercraft, so like a jet ski, you still have to have your certification to be able to operate one of those."The course will run from 8am to 4pm at the Troop H headquarters in St. Joseph. Any boater that was born after January 1st, 1984 is required to take the course to get the state required certified boating safety education card

With people getting back out on the water, boat safety should be top of mind

The St. Joseph School District's Vision Forward Committee has held four community meetings this year that are open to the public, and the fifth and final one of the school year comes up Tuesday night

Bob Miller, one of the co-chairs on the Vision Forward Committee, says the amount of engagement and interest these meetings have gotten so far has been encouraging.

The first Vision Forward meeting took place in January, with another in February, one on March 28th and the most recent on April 26 at Lafayette High School.

Tonight's meeting will be held at Benton from 6-8 p.m. The subject matter will be facilities for learning.

Miller says facilities has been one of the larger  inequities within the district, especially within the middle schools.

"It's just not a very equitable system across  the district," he said. "A lot of that is kind of shaped around facilities as we closed some elementary schools in certain parts of town. We've had to shift sixth graders to middle school buildings for space purposes."

Two of the district's middle schools educate sixth-eighth graders, while two others educate just seventh and eighth.

The previous four meetings have covered a wide variety of subjects, including how to recruit and retain quality staff, along with academic achievement and curriculum.

Vision Forward was formed in order to gather input from the public and share accurate information, with the hope of making better decisions for the city's schools. 

Miller says the district tries to give people the most straightforward information at these meetings.

"We really strive to present really hard data," he said. "So that people are just really informed. A lot of times, people have opinions on things, but that's not always coming from an informed place. So, just want to make sure we're giving people the actual reality. Like, this is what it's like on the ground."

After Vision Forward meets tonight, the committee will meet with consulting firm 'Community Entourage' over the summer and present their findings.

The committee will then have another meeting this fall to present their findings to the public before any action items are put before the school board.

"Before it gets handed off to the board, we want to bring it back to the community one more time and say, 'Hey, did we get this right?' Miller said. "We want to make sure it's your voice and not just ours."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District's Vision Forward Committee has held four community meetings this year that are open to the public, and the fifth and final one of the school year comes up Tuesday nightBob Miller, one of the co-chairs on the Vision Forward Committee, says the amount of engagement and interest these meetings have gotten so far has been encouraging."Miller1The first Vision Forward meeting took place in January, with another in February, one on March 28th and the most recent on April 26 at Lafayette High School.Tonight's meeting will be held at Benton from 6-8 p.m. The subject matter will be facilities for learning.Miller says facilities has been one of the larger inequities within the district, especially within the middle schools."It's just not a very equitable system across the district," he said. "A lot of that is kind of shaped around facilities as we closed some elementary schools in certain parts of town. We've had to shift sixth graders to middle school buildings for space purposes."Two of the district's middle schools educate sixth-eighth graders, while two others educate just seventh and eighth.The previous four meetings have covered a wide variety of subjects, including how to recruit and retain quality staff, along with academic achievement and curriculum.Vision Forward was formed in order to gather input from the public and share accurate information, with the hope of making better decisions for the city's schools. Miller says the district tries to give people the most straightforward information at these meetings."We really strive to present really hard data," he said. "So that people are just really informed. A lot of times, people have opinions on things, but that's not always coming from an informed place. So, just want to make sure we're giving people the actual reality. Like, this is what it's like on the ground."After Vision Forward meets tonight, the committee will meet with consulting firm 'Community Entourage' over the summer and present their findings.The committee will then have another meeting this fall to present their findings to the public before any action items are put before the school board."Before it gets handed off to the board, we want to bring it back to the community one more time and say, 'Hey, did we get this right?' Miller said. "We want to make sure it's your voice and not just ours."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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