MARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.

Literally. The program didn't exist until he started there in 2017.

Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.

Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.

Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job.

"(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."

Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.

Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail during that time.

"(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."

Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.

He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history.

"Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said.

"He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'"

"He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"

Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.

Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.

McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.

That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.

Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."

"I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that."

"'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."

Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.

But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas.

"We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."

&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.

&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.

- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713988365177.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.Literally. The program didn't exist until he started there in 2017.Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job."(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail during that time."(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history."Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said."He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'""He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."Both in tempo and in work ethic."I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that.""'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas."We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."Other news and notes&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."Full audio<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Matt-Keeley---full-press-conference-e2iraam" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990561097.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990603795.jpeg" alt="Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right)." />
 <figcaption>Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Matt Keeley looks to 'embrace greatness' as new Northwest men's basketball coach

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-abortion-db9adee20b60b625ea7b2709e5149704">ban Medicaid funding</a>&nbsp;from going to Planned Parenthood, a move they have tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.

The bill, approved 106-48 Wednesday in the House, aims to make it illegal for Missouri’s Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, such as pap smears and cancer screenings.

Abortions are not covered by Medicaid, and almost all abortions are illegal in Missouri. But abortion opponents say Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding because clinics in other states provide abortions.

“My rhetorical question is: Is Planned Parenthood sending monies from our state budget to other states to allow for women to have an abortion?” Republican Rep. Brian Seitz asked during Wednesday debate on the House floor. "Abortion is murder.”

House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”

Planned Parenthood cautioned that other reproductive health care providers that serve Medicaid patients in Missouri do not have the capacity to take on all of Planned Parenthood's patients.

“Experts are clear: there are not enough other providers in the health care safety-net system to absorb Planned Parenthood’s patients,” the region’s Planned Parenthood said in a statement Wednesday. “At Planned Parenthood, we’ll continue to do everything we can to continue serving our patients — no matter what.”

Few states — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, according to Planned Parenthood — have successfully blocked Medicaid funding for the organization.

A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that Missouri lawmakers’ latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.

While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri’s Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach and passing the ban as a policy bill in hopes of avoiding another legal showdown.

Some House Democrats predicted the latest defunding bill likely will be fruitless, too. They pointed to a pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-campaign-fundraising-election-740fd1267ab84d5e2a4cf6ebe5a56b71">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that could go before Missouri voters this fall and would restore abortion rights in the state.

The abortion-rights campaign needs to collect at least 172,000 voter signatures by May 5 to get on the ballot.

A spokesperson for Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on whether the Republican intends to sign the latest Planned Parenthood defunding bill. But his support is expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702301437196.png" alt="House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”&nbsp;(Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”&nbsp;(Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-abortion-db9adee20b60b625ea7b2709e5149704">ban Medicaid funding</a>&nbsp;from going to Planned Parenthood, a move they have tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.The bill, approved 106-48 Wednesday in the House, aims to make it illegal for Missouri’s Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, such as pap smears and cancer screenings.Abortions are not covered by Medicaid, and almost all abortions are illegal in Missouri. But abortion opponents say Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding because clinics in other states provide abortions.“My rhetorical question is: Is Planned Parenthood sending monies from our state budget to other states to allow for women to have an abortion?” Republican Rep. Brian Seitz asked during Wednesday debate on the House floor. "Abortion is murder.”House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”Planned Parenthood cautioned that other reproductive health care providers that serve Medicaid patients in Missouri do not have the capacity to take on all of Planned Parenthood's patients.“Experts are clear: there are not enough other providers in the health care safety-net system to absorb Planned Parenthood’s patients,” the region’s Planned Parenthood said in a statement Wednesday. “At Planned Parenthood, we’ll continue to do everything we can to continue serving our patients — no matter what.”Few states — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, according to Planned Parenthood — have successfully blocked Medicaid funding for the organization.A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that Missouri lawmakers’ latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri’s Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach and passing the ban as a policy bill in hopes of avoiding another legal showdown.Some House Democrats predicted the latest defunding bill likely will be fruitless, too. They pointed to a pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-campaign-fundraising-election-740fd1267ab84d5e2a4cf6ebe5a56b71">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that could go before Missouri voters this fall and would restore abortion rights in the state.The abortion-rights campaign needs to collect at least 172,000 voter signatures by May 5 to get on the ballot.A spokesperson for Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on whether the Republican intends to sign the latest Planned Parenthood defunding bill. But his support is expected.

Mo. GOP lawmakers vote to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid

In order to grow St. Joseph, city officials could discuss the possibility of expanding the borders of the city.  

However, City Manager Bryan Carter says, that may not be as easy as it sounds, despite the fact it is surrounded by land. 

"On the west side of course you have Kansas, so we can't expand into Kansas, on the north you have Country Club Village and then Andrew County," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Carter says county lines could be crossed, citing Kansas City as an example that covers three or four counties.  Expanding to the east also has its own challenges. 

"The 102 river out there has a wide flood plain, so there's a lot of land that's not easy to develop out there for structural purposes, it's great farmland but not going to be great for building on," Carter explains.  

Carter says that leaves expanding to the south, but when you go south there are issues with access off the interstate, which would be an expensive move. 

Carter says it won't be easy, but in order for St. Joseph to grow, it needs to expand. 

"We can only add housing, we can only add industrial land, we can only do those things within our current boundaries to a point," Carter says. "The land that's within our current boundaries is finite, we will run out of it, we're going to have to look at ways to expand." 

Carter adds while there are unique challenges in expanding almost every direction, a harsh reality is that Kansas City and Platte City are continually expanding north.  

"At some point, this is years and years and years into the future, they will get to us," Carter says. "If we're going to make that part of St. Joe, we will see the day that we have to move south, and that's really where there's a lot of planning and analysis, in it's very early stages, but some planning and analysis that's happening now to figure out what that future looks like." 

Carter says discussions are focused around this to ensure that the people who work in St. Joseph, can also live in St. Joseph. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post In order to grow St. Joseph, city officials could discuss the possibility of expanding the borders of the city. However, City Manager Bryan Carter says, that may not be as easy as it sounds, despite the fact it is surrounded by land. "On the west side of course you have Kansas, so we can't expand into Kansas, on the north you have Country Club Village and then Andrew County," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Carter says county lines could be crossed, citing Kansas City as an example that covers three or four counties. Expanding to the east also has its own challenges. "The 102 river out there has a wide flood plain, so there's a lot of land that's not easy to develop out there for structural purposes, it's great farmland but not going to be great for building on," Carter explains. Carter says that leaves expanding to the south, but when you go south there are issues with access off the interstate, which would be an expensive move. Carter says it won't be easy, but in order for St. Joseph to grow, it needs to expand. "We can only add housing, we can only add industrial land, we can only do those things within our current boundaries to a point," Carter says. "The land that's within our current boundaries is finite, we will run out of it, we're going to have to look at ways to expand." Carter adds while there are unique challenges in expanding almost every direction, a harsh reality is that Kansas City and Platte City are continually expanding north. "At some point, this is years and years and years into the future, they will get to us," Carter says. "If we're going to make that part of St. Joe, we will see the day that we have to move south, and that's really where there's a lot of planning and analysis, in it's very early stages, but some planning and analysis that's happening now to figure out what that future looks like." Carter says discussions are focused around this to ensure that the people who work in St. Joseph, can also live in St. Joseph. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

In order to grow, St. Joseph city boundaries might need to expand

St. Joseph residents experience a near city wide power outage early this morning, which was mostly resolved within a couple hours.  

Evergy Spokesperson Courtney Lewis says just before 4'o clock this morning a breaker failed at one of the substations in St. Joseph 

"That caused a pretty big outage, 29,000 customers were without power, almost all city wide," Lewis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Our crews got out there, they identified the problem, and they got to work restoring power." 

"It was a pretty big outage, and it took a couple of hours to get everyone back on, but all of our customers were restored by 6:45 this morning." 

Evergy reported 47 total outages in St. Joseph with seven in Country Club, and three in Savannah.  Lewis says crews did a good job getting power restored quickly. 

"We understand that it's a tough time of the morning, with people getting ready to start their day, but our crews were out there, they identified the problem, and they had everyone back on before 7' o clock this morning," Lewis says. 

The power outage forced the cancellation of school within the St. Joseph Public Schools and Savannah.   

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph residents experience a near city wide power outage early this morning, which was mostly resolved within a couple hours. Evergy Spokesperson Courtney Lewis says just before 4'o clock this morning a breaker failed at one of the substations in St. Joseph "That caused a pretty big outage, 29,000 customers were without power, almost all city wide," Lewis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Our crews got out there, they identified the problem, and they got to work restoring power." "It was a pretty big outage, and it took a couple of hours to get everyone back on, but all of our customers were restored by 6:45 this morning." Evergy reported 47 total outages in St. Joseph with seven in Country Club, and three in Savannah. Lewis says crews did a good job getting power restored quickly. "We understand that it's a tough time of the morning, with people getting ready to start their day, but our crews were out there, they identified the problem, and they had everyone back on before 7' o clock this morning," Lewis says. The power outage forced the cancellation of school within the St. Joseph Public Schools and Savannah. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Evergy reports breaker failure caused early morning widespread power outage 

UPDATE:&nbsp; Every reports it has restored power to nearly all St. Joseph area customers. Just before 9am, the utility reported 11 active outages remain, affecting 62 customers.

Nearly
30,000 St. Joseph area residents are without power this morning.

Evergy
reports 47 total outages in St. Joseph with seven in Country Club, and three in
Savannah. The utility reports 29,030 customers without power at 5am.

The
St. Joseph Police Department reports it has been made aware of the city-wide
power outage. Evergy has been notified and is working to get power restored.

Click <a href="https://outagemap.evergy.com/?_ga=2.222009883.2079299366.1713953614-412895920.1713953614">HERE</a> for the Evergy Outage Map.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUPDATE:&nbsp; Every reports it has restored power to nearly all St. Joseph area customers. Just before 9am, the utility reported 11 active outages remain, affecting 62 customers.Nearly
30,000 St. Joseph area residents are without power this morning.Evergy
reports 47 total outages in St. Joseph with seven in Country Club, and three in
Savannah. The utility reports 29,030 customers without power at 5am.The
St. Joseph Police Department reports it has been made aware of the city-wide
power outage. Evergy has been notified and is working to get power restored.Click <a href="https://outagemap.evergy.com/?_ga=2.222009883.2079299366.1713953614-412895920.1713953614">HERE</a> for the Evergy Outage Map.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph area hit with widespread power outage

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Odyssey driven by Shirley M. Perry, 27, Braymer, was southbound on Route A just before High Point Drive four miles south of Breckenridge.

The driver was distracted by a 1-year-old passenger. The driver overcorrected and the van traveled off the road over High Point Drive, became airborne, struck the ground and came to rest off the highway.

Caldwell County EMS transported Perry and the 1-year-old boy to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Odyssey driven by Shirley M. Perry, 27, Braymer, was southbound on Route A just before High Point Drive four miles south of Breckenridge.The driver was distracted by a 1-year-old passenger. The driver overcorrected and the van traveled off the road over High Point Drive, became airborne, struck the ground and came to rest off the highway.Caldwell County EMS transported Perry and the 1-year-old boy to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman, 1-year-old hospitalized after van goes airborne

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Ethan D. Hale of Atchison in the 2000 block Main Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He was jailed on requested charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, expired tag, no vehicle insurance, and driving in violation of restrictions.&nbsp;

In April of 2022, Hale was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, reckless driving and criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He has previous felony convictions for theft, marijuana possession, opiate possession, drug taxes and&nbsp;Arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713887155178.png" alt="Hale-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Hale-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Ethan D. Hale of Atchison in the 2000 block Main Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He was jailed on requested charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, expired tag, no vehicle insurance, and driving in violation of restrictions.&nbsp;In April of 2022, Hale was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, reckless driving and criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He has previous felony convictions for theft, marijuana possession, opiate possession, drug taxes and&nbsp;Arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed on new allegations

MERCER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are working to identify human remains found in NW Missouri.

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, the Mercer County Sheriff's office requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control with the discovery of human remains.

A turkey hunter found the remains&nbsp; on private property in northeast Mercer County.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details Tuesday evening.

MERCER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are working to identify human remains found in NW Missouri.Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, the Mercer County Sheriff's office requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control with the discovery of human remains.A turkey hunter found the remains&nbsp; on private property in northeast Mercer County.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details Tuesday evening.

MSHP: Human remains found in rural Missouri

St.
Joseph school officials had thought they had hired a firm to guide
implementation of the $20 million bond issue approved by voters earlier this month.

The
St. Joseph School Board approved a $1.3 million contract with S. M. Wilson of
St. Louis as the construction/management team overseeing the projects, then
rescinded it, because the action violated state law.

School
Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the board will vote again during its next meeting.

“We
kind of learned from our experience,” Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We
were trying to be proactive and it caught up with us. And so, we’ll back up and
one thing that I can make a promise is we’ll do what’s best for the community and
the school district together.”

Edgar
says school officials met with representatives of L. J. Hart &amp; Company, the
district’s financial advisor, the day after the bond issue passed. They sought
to outline the next steps in issuing the bonds to pay for the project outlines
in the campaign.

The
district reported the action by the school board to enter a contract with S. M.
Wilson “…violated a technical piece of the state
statute as it relates to timing of the announcement of the RFQ for the hiring
of a Construction Manager at Risk.” To ensure compliance, the district will backtrack.

The campaign backing the bond issue outlined several projects. Turf fields will
replace grass fields at the high school football stadiums with aging tracks
replaced at a cost of $6.5 million. The district will spend $3.2 million on
fine arts programs, such as upgrades to all high school theatres. Elementary
schools will receive new stage sound systems and screen equipment. Seven
elementary schools will receive kilns for their art rooms. A district-wide
intercom system will be installed at an estimated cost of $2 million. A bit
more than $2 million will be used to make heating and cooling improvements to
Robidoux, Pershing, Edison, Mark Twain, Spring Garden, Pickett, and Field
elementary schools. Hosea Elementary will get three new classrooms. New
roadways will be built for Oak Grove and Carden Park elementary schools.
Sidewalk repairs are scheduled for Spring Garden.

Edgar
says the district wants to get started on the projects as soon as possible.

“The
timelines are a little bit different and we want to, obviously a lot of these things
are timely, especially with the turf fields, and so we want to be cognizant of
that,” Edgar says. “That is part of the planning process is choosing the option
that will take the least amount of time.”

The
St. Joseph School Board is scheduled to next meet on Monday, April 29th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713886986796.jpeg" alt="Hosea Elementary School/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hosea Elementary School/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph school officials had thought they had hired a firm to guide
implementation of the $20 million bond issue approved by voters earlier this month.They
acted a bit too early, though.The
St. Joseph School Board approved a $1.3 million contract with S. M. Wilson of
St. Louis as the construction/management team overseeing the projects, then
rescinded it, because the action violated state law.School
Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the board will vote again during its next meeting.“We
kind of learned from our experience,” Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We
were trying to be proactive and it caught up with us. And so, we’ll back up and
one thing that I can make a promise is we’ll do what’s best for the community and
the school district together.”Edgar
says school officials met with representatives of L. J. Hart &amp; Company, the
district’s financial advisor, the day after the bond issue passed. They sought
to outline the next steps in issuing the bonds to pay for the project outlines
in the campaign.The
district reported the action by the school board to enter a contract with S. M.
Wilson “…violated a technical piece of the state
statute as it relates to timing of the announcement of the RFQ for the hiring
of a Construction Manager at Risk.” To ensure compliance, the district will backtrack.The campaign backing the bond issue outlined several projects. Turf fields will
replace grass fields at the high school football stadiums with aging tracks
replaced at a cost of $6.5 million. The district will spend $3.2 million on
fine arts programs, such as upgrades to all high school theatres. Elementary
schools will receive new stage sound systems and screen equipment. Seven
elementary schools will receive kilns for their art rooms. A district-wide
intercom system will be installed at an estimated cost of $2 million. A bit
more than $2 million will be used to make heating and cooling improvements to
Robidoux, Pershing, Edison, Mark Twain, Spring Garden, Pickett, and Field
elementary schools. Hosea Elementary will get three new classrooms. New
roadways will be built for Oak Grove and Carden Park elementary schools.
Sidewalk repairs are scheduled for Spring Garden.Edgar
says the district wants to get started on the projects as soon as possible.“The
timelines are a little bit different and we want to, obviously a lot of these things
are timely, especially with the turf fields, and so we want to be cognizant of
that,” Edgar says. “That is part of the planning process is choosing the option
that will take the least amount of time.”The
St. Joseph School Board is scheduled to next meet on Monday, April 29th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph schools will try again on hiring construction/management team

An annual summer concert series in St. Joseph is returning this summer as a party takes over the parkway system.  

Parties on the Parkway draws thousands of people out every summer to enjoy free music. 

Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Kristi Bailey says the concert series is designed to show off the city's underutilized parkway system.  

"People really get into their habits of going to work and going home maybe the same ways every day and they don't get out and visit our parkway system," Bailey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, Parties on the Parkway is something that we partner with the city of St. Joseph on to do and it brings people out after work for live music, food, and drink." 

Parties on the Parkway will be held the second Thursday of every month, starting in May, from 5 to 8pm.   

Bailey says during the concert series, people will experience all different kinds of music 

"So, every month has a different feel but all of the time that you come out usually there's going to be some songs that you can sing along to," Bailey explains. "One band might focus more on the 70's and 80's, one might be 90's and 2000's, one might be country, but usually there are going to be some songs that you know, that you can sing." 

Bailey says one of the biggest acts this year will be Latin rock band Making Movies 

"They actually were nominated for a Latin Grammy a few years ago, they're a very popular Latin rock band," Bailey says. "That is probably the biggest name in music that we've had at Parties on the Parkway before, so we're really excited for them, they're going to be here in July." 

The first concert will be held on the south end, with the final concert happening in September at the Remington Nature Center. 

Full Schedule for Parties on the Parkway

The All Stars Band | 70s, 80s, Hits &amp; More 

Doc’s 100 Proof | R&amp;B, Disco and Funk 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post An annual summer concert series in St. Joseph is returning this summer as a party takes over the parkway system. Parties on the Parkway draws thousands of people out every summer to enjoy free music. Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Kristi Bailey says the concert series is designed to show off the city's underutilized parkway system. "People really get into their habits of going to work and going home maybe the same ways every day and they don't get out and visit our parkway system," Bailey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, Parties on the Parkway is something that we partner with the city of St. Joseph on to do and it brings people out after work for live music, food, and drink." Parties on the Parkway will be held the second Thursday of every month, starting in May, from 5 to 8pm. Bailey says during the concert series, people will experience all different kinds of music "So, every month has a different feel but all of the time that you come out usually there's going to be some songs that you can sing along to," Bailey explains. "One band might focus more on the 70's and 80's, one might be 90's and 2000's, one might be country, but usually there are going to be some songs that you know, that you can sing." Bailey says one of the biggest acts this year will be Latin rock band Making Movies "They actually were nominated for a Latin Grammy a few years ago, they're a very popular Latin rock band," Bailey says. "That is probably the biggest name in music that we've had at Parties on the Parkway before, so we're really excited for them, they're going to be here in July." The first concert will be held on the south end, with the final concert happening in September at the Remington Nature Center. Full Schedule for Parties on the Parkway May 9 – 5 to 8 p.m. The All Stars Band | 70s, 80s, Hits &amp; More (rain date May 16) SW Pkwy &amp; King Hill DriveJune 13 – 5 to 8 p.m. Michael Shaun Brown | Country (rain date June 20) SW Pkwy &amp; 28th StreetJuly 11 – 5 to 8 p.m. Making Movies | Afro-Latin Rock (rain date July 18) SW Noyes &amp; Messanie, Parkway AAugust 8 – 5 to 8 p.m. Doc’s 100 Proof | R&amp;B, Disco and Funk (rain date Aug 15) Corby Pond Sept. 12 – 5 to 8 p.m. Happy Endings | 90s-00s Alt Rock (rain date Sept. 19) Remington Nature Center You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Parties on the Parkway back this summer in St. Joseph, schedule released

The levies that help fund Medicaid are being held up by members of the Senate Freedom Caucus who want two other bills finished before they will promise not to filibuster passage

By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

On Jan. 18, the ninth day of the 2024 legislative session,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=38">a bill</a>&nbsp;essential to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/10/22/missouri-medicaid-expansion-will-it-bust-the-budget-or-pay-for-itself/">balancing the state budget</a>&nbsp;was placed first in line on the Senate’s calendar for debate.

On the same day, a bill expanding an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">education scholarship program</a>&nbsp;was also put on the calendar, second in line.

Last week, the education bill narrowly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/18/missouri-house-narrowly-sends-private-school-tax-credit-charter-expansion-to-governors-desk/">passed the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;on its way to Gov. Mike Parson for his signature.&nbsp;

The bill that would balance the budget by renewing roughly $4 billion worth of medical provider taxes that fund Medicaid hasn’t received as much as a minute of debate.

At a news conference last week, Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat,&nbsp;said the delays are frustrating.

“It’s completely ridiculous that we’re perfecting the Senate bill on gold and silver on a Thursday when we could have all week long been talking about the” taxes, he said.

While the Medicaid taxes, known as the federal reimbursement allowance, have gotten scant attention inside the Senate, there’s been plenty of talk outside the chambers.

Senate members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, six of the 24 Republicans in the chamber, have promised to filibuster renewal of the taxes until two other legislative items are finished. Both are Senate-passed bills awaiting votes in the House.

The first is a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-medicaid-reimbusements/">banning Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;from the Medicaid program. The second is a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missouri-initiative-petition-reform-elections/">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to alter how a majority is determined for voter-initiated constitutional amendments.&nbsp;

But even if those bills pass, the Freedom Caucus has also said it will demand the federal reimbursement allowance legislation include an expiration date before they will consider letting it come up for a vote. And at that point, other amendments — such as Medicaid work requirements — may also become mandatory for the Freedom Caucus to and their filibuster.&nbsp;

“We’re going to continue to fight for a sunset, and maybe there’s some other provisions that fit on this bill,” said Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican running for governor.

The budget, which must be completed by May10, can’t be finished in committee until the provider taxes are secured for the future, said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican running for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

“I don’t really deal in ultimatums,” Hough said. “I deal with the constitutional necessity of passing a budget in the state, not trying to leverage someone to get something else done.”

Hough scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to discuss changes to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/03/house-gop-advances-50-billion-missouri-budget-rejecting-dozens-of-democrat-amendments/">House-passed budget</a>&nbsp;spending $50.7 billion. Senate floor debate on the budget is expected the following week.

“We’re running up against the end, and FRA and the budget, and all of these things, are in front of us that I think will take center stage in the coming days,” Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said last week.

Democrats, who hold the minority in both legislative chambers, said they’re tired of waiting for Republicans to bury their factional warfare.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade opened her Thursday press conference with criticism of the House GOP for not moving independently of the Senate. Quade filed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2834&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">only bill in the House</a>&nbsp;to extend the taxes, but it has not been referred to a committee.

“If we do not get this passed,” Quade said, “everything else we’re doing when it comes to the budget or funding mechanisms, is just smoke and mirrors.”&nbsp;

What is the Federal Reimbursement Allowance

Since 1992, Missouri has taxed hospitals – and later nursing homes, ambulance providers and pharmacies – to support the Medicaid program. The money becomes part of the state’s share of the federally sponsored program.

This year, Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/federal-matching-rate-and-multiplier/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22missouri%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D">must provide 34.69%</a>&nbsp;of the cost of most Medicaid services. An exception is the group covered by a 2020 ballot initiative that used a provision of the Affordable Care Act to cover adults aged 18 to 64. The federal government pays 90% of the cost for that group.

The budget proposed by Parson in January pegs the general revenue cost for the entire Medicaid program at 21.7% of the projected $17.8 billion total. The remainder of the state’s share, $1.7 billion in Parson’s budget, comes from reimbursement allowances and other funds.

There is no general revenue in the $3 billion budget line covering the cost of the adult expansion group. Instead, much of the state’s share comes from money banked as a bonus federal share of the regular Medicaid program as an incentive to expand coverage.

The provider taxes are slated to supply $50 million toward the cost of Medicaid expansion in the coming year’s budget, drawing $450 million in federal funds. There’s another $950 million from the provider taxes used across 16 lines of the Medicaid budget, drawing at least $1.8 billion in federal funds.

The taxes have been renewed 16 times during regular legislative sessions. That regular process was disrupted in 2021, when first an effort to ban payments for some contraceptive medications, and later the question of banning Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider, forced lawmakers to have to return for a special session to extend the taxes.

The taxes expire Sept. 30 without passage of a renewal bill.

If reimbursement allowance funds aren’t available, the Medicaid budget will have to be rewritten and cuts made to make up the shortfall, Hough said.

He’s ready to debate the bill at any time, he told reporters.

“I’m waiting on the floor leader just say, ‘Hey, let’s go to the FRA and let’s get this thing done,’” Hough said. “I think she’s got competing interests with our small band of merry men out there on the floor all the time that you know, constantly slow things down and want to say we haven’t gotten anything done.’

Missouri has accumulated a surplus that stood at $6.4 billion at the end of March.&nbsp;

Eigel said he’s not concerned that the state can fund its obligations without the provider taxes.

“We have more than enough money with or without the FRA to meet the obligations of the state,” Eigel said.

Sen. Rick Brattin, speaking at a news conference Thursday, said the goals the Freedom Caucus is working towards are more attainable if members are willing to push against the\ constitutional deadline for passing the budget.

“We can get a lot of things done and I think that’s what we have to leverage to ensure we’re able to protect the Constitution, to make sure that abortion isn’t in our Constitution and to fight against that,” Brattin said. “We’re going to do everything by every means possible.”

Senate Democrats are ready to help pass the provider taxes without the Freedom Caucus demands and to get the budget through on time, Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence said.

He thinks the deadlines will be met, he said.

“You’re gonna probably see a lot of other bills fall by the wayside because they’re unable to move on FRA and on a budget pretty quickly,” Rizzo said. “I don’t think it’s time to panic quite yet.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713885068393.png" alt=" Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, speaks during a budget debate in April 2023 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, speaks during a budget debate in April 2023 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The levies that help fund Medicaid are being held up by members of the Senate Freedom Caucus who want two other bills finished before they will promise not to filibuster passage</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>On Jan. 18, the ninth day of the 2024 legislative session,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=38">a bill</a>&nbsp;essential to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/10/22/missouri-medicaid-expansion-will-it-bust-the-budget-or-pay-for-itself/">balancing the state budget</a>&nbsp;was placed first in line on the Senate’s calendar for debate.On the same day, a bill expanding an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">education scholarship program</a>&nbsp;was also put on the calendar, second in line.Last week, the education bill narrowly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/18/missouri-house-narrowly-sends-private-school-tax-credit-charter-expansion-to-governors-desk/">passed the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;on its way to Gov. Mike Parson for his signature.&nbsp;The bill that would balance the budget by renewing roughly $4 billion worth of medical provider taxes that fund Medicaid hasn’t received as much as a minute of debate.At a news conference last week, Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat,&nbsp;said the delays are frustrating.“It’s completely ridiculous that we’re perfecting the Senate bill on gold and silver on a Thursday when we could have all week long been talking about the” taxes, he said.While the Medicaid taxes, known as the federal reimbursement allowance, have gotten scant attention inside the Senate, there’s been plenty of talk outside the chambers.Senate members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, six of the 24 Republicans in the chamber, have promised to filibuster renewal of the taxes until two other legislative items are finished. Both are Senate-passed bills awaiting votes in the House.The first is a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-medicaid-reimbusements/">banning Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;from the Medicaid program. The second is a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missouri-initiative-petition-reform-elections/">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to alter how a majority is determined for voter-initiated constitutional amendments.&nbsp;But even if those bills pass, the Freedom Caucus has also said it will demand the federal reimbursement allowance legislation include an expiration date before they will consider letting it come up for a vote. And at that point, other amendments — such as Medicaid work requirements — may also become mandatory for the Freedom Caucus to and their filibuster.&nbsp;“We’re going to continue to fight for a sunset, and maybe there’s some other provisions that fit on this bill,” said Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican running for governor.The budget, which must be completed by May10, can’t be finished in committee until the provider taxes are secured for the future, said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican running for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;“I don’t really deal in ultimatums,” Hough said. “I deal with the constitutional necessity of passing a budget in the state, not trying to leverage someone to get something else done.”Hough scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to discuss changes to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/03/house-gop-advances-50-billion-missouri-budget-rejecting-dozens-of-democrat-amendments/">House-passed budget</a>&nbsp;spending $50.7 billion. Senate floor debate on the budget is expected the following week.“We’re running up against the end, and FRA and the budget, and all of these things, are in front of us that I think will take center stage in the coming days,” Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said last week.Democrats, who hold the minority in both legislative chambers, said they’re tired of waiting for Republicans to bury their factional warfare.House Minority Leader Crystal Quade opened her Thursday press conference with criticism of the House GOP for not moving independently of the Senate. Quade filed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2834&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">only bill in the House</a>&nbsp;to extend the taxes, but it has not been referred to a committee.“If we do not get this passed,” Quade said, “everything else we’re doing when it comes to the budget or funding mechanisms, is just smoke and mirrors.”&nbsp;<h2>What is the Federal Reimbursement Allowance</h2>Since 1992, Missouri has taxed hospitals – and later nursing homes, ambulance providers and pharmacies – to support the Medicaid program. The money becomes part of the state’s share of the federally sponsored program.This year, Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/federal-matching-rate-and-multiplier/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22missouri%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D">must provide 34.69%</a>&nbsp;of the cost of most Medicaid services. An exception is the group covered by a 2020 ballot initiative that used a provision of the Affordable Care Act to cover adults aged 18 to 64. The federal government pays 90% of the cost for that group.The budget proposed by Parson in January pegs the general revenue cost for the entire Medicaid program at 21.7% of the projected $17.8 billion total. The remainder of the state’s share, $1.7 billion in Parson’s budget, comes from reimbursement allowances and other funds.There is no general revenue in the $3 billion budget line covering the cost of the adult expansion group. Instead, much of the state’s share comes from money banked as a bonus federal share of the regular Medicaid program as an incentive to expand coverage.The provider taxes are slated to supply $50 million toward the cost of Medicaid expansion in the coming year’s budget, drawing $450 million in federal funds. There’s another $950 million from the provider taxes used across 16 lines of the Medicaid budget, drawing at least $1.8 billion in federal funds.The taxes have been renewed 16 times during regular legislative sessions. That regular process was disrupted in 2021, when first an effort to ban payments for some contraceptive medications, and later the question of banning Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider, forced lawmakers to have to return for a special session to extend the taxes.The taxes expire Sept. 30 without passage of a renewal bill.If reimbursement allowance funds aren’t available, the Medicaid budget will have to be rewritten and cuts made to make up the shortfall, Hough said.He’s ready to debate the bill at any time, he told reporters.“I’m waiting on the floor leader just say, ‘Hey, let’s go to the FRA and let’s get this thing done,’” Hough said. “I think she’s got competing interests with our small band of merry men out there on the floor all the time that you know, constantly slow things down and want to say we haven’t gotten anything done.’<h2>Consequences of failure</h2>Missouri has accumulated a surplus that stood at $6.4 billion at the end of March.&nbsp;Eigel said he’s not concerned that the state can fund its obligations without the provider taxes.“We have more than enough money with or without the FRA to meet the obligations of the state,” Eigel said.Sen. Rick Brattin, speaking at a news conference Thursday, said the goals the Freedom Caucus is working towards are more attainable if members are willing to push against the\ constitutional deadline for passing the budget.“We can get a lot of things done and I think that’s what we have to leverage to ensure we’re able to protect the Constitution, to make sure that abortion isn’t in our Constitution and to fight against that,” Brattin said. “We’re going to do everything by every means possible.”Senate Democrats are ready to help pass the provider taxes without the Freedom Caucus demands and to get the budget through on time, Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence said.He thinks the deadlines will be met, he said.“You’re gonna probably see a lot of other bills fall by the wayside because they’re unable to move on FRA and on a budget pretty quickly,” Rizzo said. “I don’t think it’s time to panic quite yet.”

Senate battle over taxes that fund Missouri Medicaid leaves state budget in limbo

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Casey Stawarz, 58, Ottowa, Illinois, was northbound on Route W five miles southwest of Lathrop.

The driver lost control of the pickup on the curves. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2024 Ram 3500 driven by Bryce W. Mitchell, 38, Lathrop, in the southbound lanes.

Tri-County EMS transported both drivers to Liberty Hospital. Mitchell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Casey Stawarz, 58, Ottowa, Illinois, was northbound on Route W five miles southwest of Lathrop.The driver lost control of the pickup on the curves. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2024 Ram 3500 driven by Bryce W. Mitchell, 38, Lathrop, in the southbound lanes.Tri-County EMS transported both drivers to Liberty Hospital. Mitchell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized in NW Missouri after pickups collide 

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Highlander driven by Cindy Thao, 54, Jay, Oklahoma, was southbound on Interstate 35 in Harrison County.

The SUV traveled off the east side of the road into the median. The vehicle struck the median crossover, became airborne and came to rest in the median.

NTA ambulance transported Thao to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Highlander driven by Cindy Thao, 54, Jay, Oklahoma, was southbound on Interstate 35 in Harrison County.The SUV traveled off the east side of the road into the median. The vehicle struck the median crossover, became airborne and came to rest in the median.NTA ambulance transported Thao to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman injured after SUV became airborne in NW Mo. crash

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawmakers in Missouri are trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-medicaid-planned-parenthood-abortion-e7e22d27dd201e32afed756653277aa0">defund Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;by taking it off Medicaid rolls, even for the most basic of health care services. It's a move they've tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.

House Republican Majority Leader Jon Patterson on Monday said the chamber will send the bill to GOP Gov. Mike Parson's desk this week.

While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri's Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach, hoping to avoid a legal showdown. And some members of the Freedom Caucus are doubling down, by threatening to abolish a tax that could cost the state an additional $2.9 billion in federal funding if they don't get their way.

The bill aims to make it illegal for Missouri's Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, including for basic care like pap smears and cancer screenings.

“Restricting public funds from providers who are ready, willing, and skilled in delivering essential care only hurts Missourians, plain and simple,” Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement.

Courts have taken issue with earlier Republican bans on funding included in state budget bills. No taxpayer dollars have gone to Planned Parenthood in recent years, as cases have worked their way through the courts. A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that lawmakers' latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.

This year, GOP lawmakers hope to avoid another court showdown by kicking Planned Parenthood off the state’s Medicaid program through a policy bill.

Supporters say the bill is necessary to permanently stop public funding for Planned Parenthood, arguing that even though no abortions are performed in Missouri, money that goes to the organization indirectly supports clinics in other states that allow abortions.

“Not only do we believe that life is precious, but the institution of abortion hurts women,” said state Sen. Bill Eigel, who is in a Republican primary for governor.

Democrats have repeatedly countered that the measure would restrict low-income patients' access to health care and accuse the GOP of pushing the issue to win favor among voters.

“They’re passing defund Planned Parenthood things because they feel like they can’t win their primaries without it,” Senate Democratic Minority Leader John Rizzo said.

The bill to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid in Missouri is tangled with a tax on hospitals and other health care service providers that brings billions of federal dollars to the state. Those funds are then returned to health care providers.

The program, called the Federal Reimbursement Allowance program, taxed hospitals and other health care providers about $1.5 billion this year, and got $2.9 billion back in federal Medicaid funding. Without the tax, the state will need to scrape together $1.5 billion in taxpayer dollars to get the federal match, or cut the budget by $4.4 billion.

Some Freedom Caucus members are threatening to do away with the tax — and lose the federal funding — if Planned Parenthood isn't defunded.

The reimbursement program and efforts to defund Planned Parenthood are not directly related, but both receive Medicaid funding.

The issues became intertwined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-business-medicaid-government-and-politics-e1caacee15c756f8320fabd55e391fce">back in 2021,</a>&nbsp;when the powerful anti-abortion advocacy group Missouri Right to Life began pressuring Republicans to demand the hospital tax include language banning Planned Parenthood funding.

The hospital tax brings in so much money for the state, so lawmakers often threaten to cut it when they're bargaining for other priorities.

Republican Sen. Lincoln Hough said the tax has recently been used as “a political football.”

“We have to get it done," Hough said. "And in this environment, when people know you have to get something done, then oftentimes they’re using that as leverage to get other things done.”

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawmakers in Missouri are trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-medicaid-planned-parenthood-abortion-e7e22d27dd201e32afed756653277aa0">defund Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;by taking it off Medicaid rolls, even for the most basic of health care services. It's a move they've tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.House Republican Majority Leader Jon Patterson on Monday said the chamber will send the bill to GOP Gov. Mike Parson's desk this week.Few states — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, according to Planned Parenthood — have successfully blocked Medicaid funding for the organization.While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri's Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach, hoping to avoid a legal showdown. And some members of the Freedom Caucus are doubling down, by threatening to abolish a tax that could cost the state an additional $2.9 billion in federal funding if they don't get their way.Here's a rundown of the legislation:WHAT WOULD THE BILL DO?The bill aims to make it illegal for Missouri's Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, including for basic care like pap smears and cancer screenings.“Restricting public funds from providers who are ready, willing, and skilled in delivering essential care only hurts Missourians, plain and simple,” Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement.Courts have taken issue with earlier Republican bans on funding included in state budget bills. No taxpayer dollars have gone to Planned Parenthood in recent years, as cases have worked their way through the courts. A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that lawmakers' latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.This year, GOP lawmakers hope to avoid another court showdown by kicking Planned Parenthood off the state’s Medicaid program through a policy bill.WHY IS IT A PRIORITY?Supporters say the bill is necessary to permanently stop public funding for Planned Parenthood, arguing that even though no abortions are performed in Missouri, money that goes to the organization indirectly supports clinics in other states that allow abortions.“Not only do we believe that life is precious, but the institution of abortion hurts women,” said state Sen. Bill Eigel, who is in a Republican primary for governor.Democrats have repeatedly countered that the measure would restrict low-income patients' access to health care and accuse the GOP of pushing the issue to win favor among voters.“They’re passing defund Planned Parenthood things because they feel like they can’t win their primaries without it,” Senate Democratic Minority Leader John Rizzo said.WHAT ELSE IS AT PLAY?The bill to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid in Missouri is tangled with a tax on hospitals and other health care service providers that brings billions of federal dollars to the state. Those funds are then returned to health care providers.The program, called the Federal Reimbursement Allowance program, taxed hospitals and other health care providers about $1.5 billion this year, and got $2.9 billion back in federal Medicaid funding. Without the tax, the state will need to scrape together $1.5 billion in taxpayer dollars to get the federal match, or cut the budget by $4.4 billion.Some Freedom Caucus members are threatening to do away with the tax — and lose the federal funding — if Planned Parenthood isn't defunded.The reimbursement program and efforts to defund Planned Parenthood are not directly related, but both receive Medicaid funding.The issues became intertwined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-business-medicaid-government-and-politics-e1caacee15c756f8320fabd55e391fce">back in 2021,</a>&nbsp;when the powerful anti-abortion advocacy group Missouri Right to Life began pressuring Republicans to demand the hospital tax include language banning Planned Parenthood funding.The hospital tax brings in so much money for the state, so lawmakers often threaten to cut it when they're bargaining for other priorities.Republican Sen. Lincoln Hough said the tax has recently been used as “a political football.”“We have to get it done," Hough said. "And in this environment, when people know you have to get something done, then oftentimes they’re using that as leverage to get other things done.”___

Missouri lawmakers again try to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid

Ashton Feldhaus grew up in Richmond, Kentucky, surrounded by basketball and coaching royalty.

Her father, Allen Feldhaus Jr., has been the head boys' basketball coach at Madison Central High School in Richmond for 31 years, amassing over 700 career wins in that time.

Ashton's mother, Karen, is the head cheer coach at Madison Central, and has been for over three decades. She's led the Indians to 11 state titles and a&nbsp;Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship in the small varsity division in 2021.

Her uncle, Deron, is a Kentucky Wildcat legend, who played on a 1991-92 team known as the "Unforgettables."

So, when Ashton got the offer to become the next head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University, she felt more than ready.

"I grew up watching two coaches," Feldhaus said. "I knew I wanted to do it. I also knew I didn't want to be a teacher. College athletics was the way for me to go, so I didn't have to teach. Now, I will just teach the game of basketball to these amazing young women."

Feldhaus, 28, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5bb78909-68af-47c7-b40a-aca3ca00db7d">was picked as the Griffons' 10th women's basketball coach</a> on April 15. She was formally introduced at a press conference at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713817553632.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (left), women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right). Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (left), women's basketball coach Ashton Feldhaus (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right). Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAshton Feldhaus grew up in Richmond, Kentucky, surrounded by basketball and coaching royalty.Her father, Allen Feldhaus Jr., has been the head boys' basketball coach at Madison Central High School in Richmond for 31 years, amassing over 700 career wins in that time.Ashton's mother, Karen, is the head cheer coach at Madison Central, and has been for over three decades. She's led the Indians to 11 state titles and a&nbsp;Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship in the small varsity division in 2021.Her uncle, Deron, is a Kentucky Wildcat legend, who played on a 1991-92 team known as the "Unforgettables."So, when Ashton got the offer to become the next head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University, she felt more than ready."I grew up watching two coaches," Feldhaus said. "I knew I wanted to do it. I also knew I didn't want to be a teacher. College athletics was the way for me to go, so I didn't have to teach. Now, I will just teach the game of basketball to these amazing young women."Feldhaus, 28, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5bb78909-68af-47c7-b40a-aca3ca00db7d">was picked as the Griffons' 10th women's basketball coach</a> on April 15. She was formally introduced at a press conference at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph on Monday.Feldhaus comes to Western after a vastly successful stint at Eckerd College - a Division II school in St. Petersburg, Florida.She spent the last five seasons with the Tritons as an assistant coach, including the last two years as the associate head coach. Feldhaus helped Eckerd to an NCAA tournament bid in each of her five years there, working under longtime head coach Paul Honsinger."I feel fully prepared to be standing here in front of you, ready to lead this (Missouri Western) team, but know for certain I could not be here without (Paul)," Feldhaus said of her former boss. "So, I hope he knows how grateful I am. I feel forever indebted to him for starting my career."The Tritons posted a 91-28 overall record in Feldhaus' five years there. Missouri Western, under Candi Whitaker, went 100-47 in exact that same span, winning a Central region title (2022) and an MIAA regular season title (2024) along the way."For me, I see nothing but excitement and opportunity," Feldhaus said, noting Western's proud history in women's hoops. "I'm ready to take a bar that's already set high and a team that's already won rings and win more. That is the goal and I do not shy away from that."Feldhaus will turn 29 this June. Having played at both Butler and UT-Martin, she&nbsp;was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Annual 'Thirty Under 30' Class this past March.Her energy, her vision, her credentials, matched what Missouri Western's leadership was seeking."Energetic, confident, prepared," Carter said of Feldhaus, recalling his first meeting with her. "Sometimes, when you talk to a group of assistant coaches, you walk out and say, 'that's why they're assistant coaches. They don't think as a head coach.'""It's clear Ashton already sees herself in that role."Carter says over 150 people applied to the job after <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2d7a1e70-209e-4807-aa1c-23ab926ff51b">Whitaker announced her departure for North Alabama</a> on March 25.That field was narrowed to six finalists on April 2 and then to three by April 8. Feldhaus was chosen a week later."There were probably 30-40 coaches in that search process that could do a really good job, but we wanted to find the person who was the very best fit for Missouri Western and our culture and where we're going and the things we want to accomplish."Feldhaus had a brief practice and meeting with the team on Sunday evening at MWSU Fieldhouse. The players will take their final exams this week, and then go home for summer break.Missouri Western just graduated six seniors. The Griffons have nine players on roster that would be eligible to come back.In this transfer portal era of college basketball, it's near impossible to tell who's going to end up where when the dust settles.Regardless, Feldhaus is eager to attack this challenge before her, knowing that she can relate to the challenges players are facing today.She was a college player herself only six years ago."It's awkward, at first, to be honest," Feldhaus said of the transition. "You're trying to get to know them, they're trying to get to know you. I told them, 'Guys, it's going to take time. Relationship building takes time.'""But, I'm invested in it and here now, so we're going to do it, and I laid it out for them. I hope they're as excited as I am, because I thought they've been fantastic up to this point."Players' reactionAll nine players who are eligible to return were present Monday. Feldhaus will meet with each player individually in the coming days. Sophomore forward Kassandra Caron says the new coach is very matter-of-fact and driven to win, but also empathizes with what players are going through on and off the court."She talked about her experiences as a college athlete," Caron said. "She said, 'I want to make it enjoyable for you.'" It's nice to have someone who's been through it recently. They understand and know how hard it is to balance those academics and athletics while traveling."Freshman guard, Benton graduate and St. Joseph native Kelsey Johnson was also impressed with the energy Feldhaus has brought."She brought so much energy," Johnson said. "It was her first time out there coaching us, and she brought that drive for us. I think it'll be a great next couple years for us.""She's young, but she knows what she's talking about and she's confident. We love the way she coaches, so I'm excited."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🏀 “You know when you’re time’s right.” Join us today as we introduce new <a href="https://twitter.com/GriffonWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GriffonWBB</a> head coach Ashton Feldhaus. The press conference is open to the public. 📍 - Spratt Stadium HOF Room 🕛 - 12pm 📺 - <a href="https://t.co/cuwsLMy4qt">https://t.co/cuwsLMy4qt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GriffUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GriffUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/oNx7kRWpU7">pic.twitter.com/oNx7kRWpU7</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1782420631306297441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Audio from Monday<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Ashton-Feldhaus---FULL-press-conference-e2invd7/a-ab6p4k0" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Ashton-Feldhaus---1x1-media-session-e2invfe/a-ab6p4o8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Kelsey-Johnson--Kassandra-Caron-e2invh4/a-ab6p4rm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713820011834.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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