In a surprise move, Gov. Mike Kehoe has
removed former state Sen. Charlie Shields of St. Joseph as president of the
state Board of Education.

Kehoe has nominated four people to the
board, which would replace half the members.

Executive Director Melissa Randol of the
Missouri School Boards Association says the move surprised and disappointed
her.

“Charlie has exhibited extraordinary
leadership for the state of Missouri in many roles throughout his career,
including as state board member and president and has led our state through
some really difficult times,” Randel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we were
surprised and, again, disappointed.”

Randol states Missouri benefitted from
Shields’ steady leadership and deep understanding of education.

“All of us, when we’re dealing with
tumultuous times, you want somebody in a leadership position who has the kind
of experience and expertise that Charlie Shields has,” according to Randol. “So
that’ll be a loss, for not just the state board, but for the state of
Missouri.”

Former Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Shields
to the Missouri Board of Education in August of 2012, after Shields serve in
the state legislature, including as Senate President Pro Tem, the leader of the
Senate. Shields became president of the state school board in 2015.

Under Shields’ leadership, the Missouri
Board of Education launched the Office of Childhood, making the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education the lead agency for early learning, created
the Show Me Standards, and established the “Science of Reading” to create a
systematic approach to literacy. Shields also stabilized the state board after
disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens replaced members in a successful effort to
fire Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
The board eventually rehired Vandeven. The state board worked closely with
former Gov. Mike Parson to create the Blue Ribbon Commission to increase
teacher pay and fully fund the formula used to calculate state funding for
public schools.

Randol praises Shields’ leadership through
difficult.

“I think Missouri is, in fact I know
Missouri is in much better shape in terms of our system of educating, our
system of governing in education because of Charlie Shields’ leadership,
because of his focus that resulted in our state being able to analyze, measure,
focus on what are we doing to prepare Missouri’s children for their future?”

Kehoe announced four appointments to the
Missouri Board of Education, including replacing Shields as president with
Michael Matousek of Kansas City.

The nominations must be approved by the
Missouri Senate.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744822755694.jpeg" alt="Charlie Shields/Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education photo" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Shields/Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIn a surprise move, Gov. Mike Kehoe has
removed former state Sen. Charlie Shields of St. Joseph as president of the
state Board of Education.Kehoe has nominated four people to the
board, which would replace half the members.Executive Director Melissa Randol of the
Missouri School Boards Association says the move surprised and disappointed
her.“Charlie has exhibited extraordinary
leadership for the state of Missouri in many roles throughout his career,
including as state board member and president and has led our state through
some really difficult times,” Randel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we were
surprised and, again, disappointed.”Randol states Missouri benefitted from
Shields’ steady leadership and deep understanding of education.“All of us, when we’re dealing with
tumultuous times, you want somebody in a leadership position who has the kind
of experience and expertise that Charlie Shields has,” according to Randol. “So
that’ll be a loss, for not just the state board, but for the state of
Missouri.”Former Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Shields
to the Missouri Board of Education in August of 2012, after Shields serve in
the state legislature, including as Senate President Pro Tem, the leader of the
Senate. Shields became president of the state school board in 2015.Under Shields’ leadership, the Missouri
Board of Education launched the Office of Childhood, making the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education the lead agency for early learning, created
the Show Me Standards, and established the “Science of Reading” to create a
systematic approach to literacy. Shields also stabilized the state board after
disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens replaced members in a successful effort to
fire Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
The board eventually rehired Vandeven. The state board worked closely with
former Gov. Mike Parson to create the Blue Ribbon Commission to increase
teacher pay and fully fund the formula used to calculate state funding for
public schools.Randol praises Shields’ leadership through
difficult.“I think Missouri is, in fact I know
Missouri is in much better shape in terms of our system of educating, our
system of governing in education because of Charlie Shields’ leadership,
because of his focus that resulted in our state being able to analyze, measure,
focus on what are we doing to prepare Missouri’s children for their future?”Kehoe announced four appointments to the
Missouri Board of Education, including replacing Shields as president with
Michael Matousek of Kansas City.The nominations must be approved by the
Missouri Senate.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

School Boards Assoc. surprised, disappointed Shields out as state board president

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1BlUGpsaTEHfH6JeNgqm7E?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4fN7TqIVm4b8npTkLmE7xi?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

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

The Senate Appropriations Committee boosted funding to the foundation formula and this week will finish amending the $48 billion spending plan approved in the Missouri House

The Missouri Senate will debate a state budget that adds large sums to public education, endorses Gov. Mike Kehoe’s longevity raise plan in full and sets up a showdown between two powerful lawmakers over earmarked projects for their districts.

To get the bills to the full Senate, appropriations staff will have to overcome or work around a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">faulty new software system</a>&nbsp;that crashed Tuesday while the Senate Appropriations Committee took a lunch break. Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield, said staff would use spreadsheets to track changes that were lost when the $100 million system malfunctioned.

He also cut $13 million from the Office of Administration, which signed off on the software system, to show his anger with the problems.

Despite the difficulties, the committee on Tuesday finished amending nine of the 13 budget bills that pay for the day-to-day operations of state government. When passed in the House, the 13 bills proposed spending&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">just under $48 billion</a>.

For public schools, the Senate plan will include almost $300 million more than recommended by Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">in his January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;or the Missouri House was willing to spend. The money will fully fund the state foundation formula by matching the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>&nbsp;— how much high-performing districts spend per student.

The foundation formula was given $3.7 billion for the current year with an adequacy target of $6,760. The calculation made in 2023 shows it should be $7,145 for the coming year.

“I’ve been very, very on the record in a number of ways, saying that if we’re going to pass legislation, and we know that there’s costs associated with it, we’re going to pay the bill when it comes due,” Hough said.

The budget actions taken Tuesday did not include many offsetting cuts large enough to cover the $300 million item. One possible cut that would provide a portion of the money was not discussed Tuesday.

Kehoe requested — and the House endorsed — $50 million in general revenue to expand a scholarship program for private school students called MoScholars that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.&nbsp;

The money would be spent in the state Treasurer’s budget, where MoScholars program is housed. That budget will be discussed Wednesday and Hough would not say what he intended to do.

The move to spend more on public schools is sure to win support among Democrats, and many Republicans have said they feel the same as Hough. Kehoe in January said he would establish a bipartisan commission to study the current formula.

State Sen. Karla May, a Democrat from St. Louis, said she welcomes the additional funding but feels it is not enough. The most recent changes to the formula were designed to reduce its cost.

“We’ve got to figure out for our state, you know, what is the actual cost to educate our students?” May said in an interview after the committee adjourned. “We want a very intelligent Missouri, and we’ve got to figure that out for every school district.”

The committee also included $107 million Kehoe requested&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">in new federal funding</a>&nbsp;for child care to revise how providers are paid. Instead of being paid based on attendance at the end of a month, providers would get their money at the beginning of the month based on the number of children enrolled.

The current system, where payment comes at the end of the month based on days of attendance for each child, has been plagued by missed and delayed reimbursements since a new software program was launched.

Other changes to the budget Wednesday include:

The committee will finish its work Wednesday, Hough said as the panel adjourned. The remaining spending bills allocate money for the state health, mental health and social services departments as well as the judiciary, elected officials and the General Assembly.

Committee staff will be given a week to produce revised bills that can be debated, with the week starting April 29 set aside for debate by the full Senate, Hough said.

Just before the committee began meeting, the Missouri House gave first-round approval to three additional spending bills for construction and maintenance projects. There were few changes in the bills that spend almost $4 billion and include 45 new earmarked items.

About half of that amount is in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-house-committee-approves-4-billion-for-state-construction-projects/">bill using American Rescue Plan Act funds</a>&nbsp;and state revenue for projects approved in previous years.&nbsp;

All spending bills must be approved by May 9.

Including the three capital appropriation bills, the House added 148 earmarked items costing $289 million, all but $27.5 million coming from general revenue. In the rapid-fire run through budget lines, Hough announced cuts from House earmarks and the addition of Senate items, cutting and spending amounts that could not be tracked as fast as he spoke.

The House Budget Committee releases a list of proposed changes as it begins the amending session. The Senate Appropriations Committee did not provide a master list for the assembled department officials and staff, lobbyists and reporters who watched the proceedings.

For each item, Hough generally had one of three responses to staff announcing a line — the “House position” or “Governor’s position” or one of those plus new items.

The speed showed Hough had discussed each earmarked item with its backers and made sure no one else objected well ahead of the meeting. There was rarely a murmur about any decision he made.

May, the senior Democrat on the committee, said she was satisfied with the decisions.

“We have got an excellent system, and we move very quickly,” May said.

The challenge over earmarks was set up by House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.

During committee work, Deaton moved a large number of Department of Transportation projects approved in previous years to a reappropriation bill. Keeping them in the MoDOT bill added to its apparent size when the items represented the remaining money on unfinished multi-year projects.

But instead of shifting $8 million to rehabilitate a historic footbridge in Springfield to the reappropriation bill, Deaton cut it. In retaliation Tuesday, Hough cut $19 million Deaton added to buy land for a state park in McDonald County where he lives.

First came the footbridge. As appropriation staff announced the cut, Hough’s eyes opened in mock surprise.

“Well, that’s changed,” Hough said. “We’re putting it back in.”

After lunch, the committee worked on the Department of Natural Resources budget, where the park money was added. The park funds were not recommended by Kehoe and a similar item was vetoed last year by then-Gov. Mike Parson.

As the staff reached the line, “governor’s position” was all Hough said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744803458972.png" alt=" Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate May 9, 2024, in the Missouri Senate (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate May 9, 2024, in the Missouri Senate (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The Senate Appropriations Committee boosted funding to the foundation formula and this week will finish amending the $48 billion spending plan approved in the Missouri House</h2>The Missouri Senate will debate a state budget that adds large sums to public education, endorses Gov. Mike Kehoe’s longevity raise plan in full and sets up a showdown between two powerful lawmakers over earmarked projects for their districts.To get the bills to the full Senate, appropriations staff will have to overcome or work around a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">faulty new software system</a>&nbsp;that crashed Tuesday while the Senate Appropriations Committee took a lunch break. Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield, said staff would use spreadsheets to track changes that were lost when the $100 million system malfunctioned.He also cut $13 million from the Office of Administration, which signed off on the software system, to show his anger with the problems.Despite the difficulties, the committee on Tuesday finished amending nine of the 13 budget bills that pay for the day-to-day operations of state government. When passed in the House, the 13 bills proposed spending&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">just under $48 billion</a>.For public schools, the Senate plan will include almost $300 million more than recommended by Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">in his January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;or the Missouri House was willing to spend. The money will fully fund the state foundation formula by matching the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>&nbsp;— how much high-performing districts spend per student.The foundation formula was given $3.7 billion for the current year with an adequacy target of $6,760. The calculation made in 2023 shows it should be $7,145 for the coming year.“I’ve been very, very on the record in a number of ways, saying that if we’re going to pass legislation, and we know that there’s costs associated with it, we’re going to pay the bill when it comes due,” Hough said.The budget actions taken Tuesday did not include many offsetting cuts large enough to cover the $300 million item. One possible cut that would provide a portion of the money was not discussed Tuesday.Kehoe requested — and the House endorsed — $50 million in general revenue to expand a scholarship program for private school students called MoScholars that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.&nbsp;The money would be spent in the state Treasurer’s budget, where MoScholars program is housed. That budget will be discussed Wednesday and Hough would not say what he intended to do.The move to spend more on public schools is sure to win support among Democrats, and many Republicans have said they feel the same as Hough. Kehoe in January said he would establish a bipartisan commission to study the current formula.State Sen. Karla May, a Democrat from St. Louis, said she welcomes the additional funding but feels it is not enough. The most recent changes to the formula were designed to reduce its cost.“We’ve got to figure out for our state, you know, what is the actual cost to educate our students?” May said in an interview after the committee adjourned. “We want a very intelligent Missouri, and we’ve got to figure that out for every school district.”The committee also included $107 million Kehoe requested&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">in new federal funding</a>&nbsp;for child care to revise how providers are paid. Instead of being paid based on attendance at the end of a month, providers would get their money at the beginning of the month based on the number of children enrolled.The current system, where payment comes at the end of the month based on days of attendance for each child, has been plagued by missed and delayed reimbursements since a new software program was launched.Other changes to the budget Wednesday include:<ul>
 <li>Increasing the base funding for each college and university by 3% rather than the 1.5% recommended by Kehoe and approved in the House. The Senate budget plan cuts $28 million the House approved for one-time maintenance needs.</li><li>Restoring Kehoe’s full longevity pay plan of a 1% raise for every two years of state employment, capped at a 10% raise. The House had cut the plan in half, allowing 1% for every two years up to 10 years.</li><li>Diverting federal highway aid from the State Road Fund to a new Federal Road Fund. The move would reduce by hundreds of millions of dollars the funds under the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/missouri-supreme-court-turns-down-appeal-of-state-road-fund-pay-raise-ruling/">direct control of the Highways and Transportation Commission</a>&nbsp;and mirrors a change mandated by legislation that passed the Senate this week.</li>
 </ul>The committee will finish its work Wednesday, Hough said as the panel adjourned. The remaining spending bills allocate money for the state health, mental health and social services departments as well as the judiciary, elected officials and the General Assembly.Committee staff will be given a week to produce revised bills that can be debated, with the week starting April 29 set aside for debate by the full Senate, Hough said.Just before the committee began meeting, the Missouri House gave first-round approval to three additional spending bills for construction and maintenance projects. There were few changes in the bills that spend almost $4 billion and include 45 new earmarked items.About half of that amount is in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-house-committee-approves-4-billion-for-state-construction-projects/">bill using American Rescue Plan Act funds</a>&nbsp;and state revenue for projects approved in previous years.&nbsp;All spending bills must be approved by May 9.Including the three capital appropriation bills, the House added 148 earmarked items costing $289 million, all but $27.5 million coming from general revenue. In the rapid-fire run through budget lines, Hough announced cuts from House earmarks and the addition of Senate items, cutting and spending amounts that could not be tracked as fast as he spoke.The House Budget Committee releases a list of proposed changes as it begins the amending session. The Senate Appropriations Committee did not provide a master list for the assembled department officials and staff, lobbyists and reporters who watched the proceedings.For each item, Hough generally had one of three responses to staff announcing a line — the “House position” or “Governor’s position” or one of those plus new items.The speed showed Hough had discussed each earmarked item with its backers and made sure no one else objected well ahead of the meeting. There was rarely a murmur about any decision he made.May, the senior Democrat on the committee, said she was satisfied with the decisions.“We have got an excellent system, and we move very quickly,” May said.The challenge over earmarks was set up by House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.During committee work, Deaton moved a large number of Department of Transportation projects approved in previous years to a reappropriation bill. Keeping them in the MoDOT bill added to its apparent size when the items represented the remaining money on unfinished multi-year projects.But instead of shifting $8 million to rehabilitate a historic footbridge in Springfield to the reappropriation bill, Deaton cut it. In retaliation Tuesday, Hough cut $19 million Deaton added to buy land for a state park in McDonald County where he lives.First came the footbridge. As appropriation staff announced the cut, Hough’s eyes opened in mock surprise.“Well, that’s changed,” Hough said. “We’re putting it back in.”After lunch, the committee worked on the Department of Natural Resources budget, where the park money was added. The park funds were not recommended by Kehoe and a similar item was vetoed last year by then-Gov. Mike Parson.As the staff reached the line, “governor’s position” was all Hough said.

Senate committee adds $300 million to Missouri public education budget

PAWNEE COUNTY —USD 495 Board of Education approved the promotion of Roni Ettleman as the next Principal of Larned High School, effective July 1, 2025, according to a media release from the district.

Mr. Ettleman is currently serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at LHS and will step into this new role following the departure of Mr. Dustin Wilson, who has accepted a position as Superintendent at Lebo-Waverly, USD 243.

“I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the great teachers and coaches at Larned High School in this new role,” Roni shared.

Superintendent Bryce Wachs said, “Roni has been a strong and consistent leader at LHS. He’s built great relationships with students and staff and has helped create a positive culture throughout the building. We’re excited to see him take this next step and continue moving LHS in the right direction.”

Before moving into administration, Roni spent 15 years teaching Business at Atchison Public Schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from Fort Lewis College, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s in School Leadership from Benedictine College.

He and his wife, Amy, moved to Larned in 2019. They have three daughters—Ashton, Brittany, and Camryn—and two grandchildren, Kendry and Kollins.

We’re proud to have Roni stepping into this role and look forward to what’s ahead for LHS under his leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744736678011.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —USD 495 Board of Education approved the promotion of Roni Ettleman as the next Principal of Larned High School, effective July 1, 2025, according to a media release from the district.Mr. Ettleman is currently serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at LHS and will step into this new role following the departure of Mr. Dustin Wilson, who has accepted a position as Superintendent at Lebo-Waverly, USD 243.“I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the great teachers and coaches at Larned High School in this new role,” Roni shared.Superintendent Bryce Wachs said, “Roni has been a strong and consistent leader at LHS. He’s built great relationships with students and staff and has helped create a positive culture throughout the building. We’re excited to see him take this next step and continue moving LHS in the right direction.”Before moving into administration, Roni spent 15 years teaching Business at Atchison Public Schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from Fort Lewis College, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s in School Leadership from Benedictine College.He and his wife, Amy, moved to Larned in 2019. They have three daughters—Ashton, Brittany, and Camryn—and two grandchildren, Kendry and Kollins.We’re proud to have Roni stepping into this role and look forward to what’s ahead for LHS under his leadership.

Former Atchison teacher promoted to principal in SW Kan. district

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731748954.png" alt="Cohara photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cohara photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: St. Joe woman with no license caught driving 100mph 

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.

After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.

Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).

&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743203584353.png" alt="Erhart photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Erhart photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Hearing delayed for NE Kan. man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla 

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

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

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

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

Pony Express statue to undergo cleaning, preservation

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-4152025-e31ipco/a-absu3d5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-4152025-e31ip9h/a-absu394" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State reported a 2014 Chevy Malibu driven by a 21-year-old Amity man was westbound on MO 116 at Route W two miles west of Lathrop.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line on a curve. The driver braked and overcorrected. The car skidded off the north side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned.

Tri-County ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State reported a 2014 Chevy Malibu driven by a 21-year-old Amity man was westbound on MO 116 at Route W two miles west of Lathrop.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line on a curve. The driver braked and overcorrected. The car skidded off the north side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned.Tri-County ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after car strikes utility pole, overturns

The St. Joseph School Board will need a new member after&nbsp;Rick Gehring announced his resignation from the board during Monday's annual reorganization meeting.&nbsp;

No information was given as to why Gehring chose to step away from the board, but he did mention&nbsp;having a "hard time" continuing his position on the board and is looking to "protect his peace" during the meeting.

The Board of Education will seek out applications from community members to fill Gehring's position. As of now, applications are not open and there is no set date for when the board will vote on gaining a new member.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690475639516.jpeg" alt="Rick Gehring &amp; Whitney Lanning/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rick Gehring &amp; Whitney Lanning/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School Board will need a new member after&nbsp;Rick Gehring announced his resignation from the board during Monday's annual reorganization meeting.&nbsp;No information was given as to why Gehring chose to step away from the board, but he did mention&nbsp;having a "hard time" continuing his position on the board and is looking to "protect his peace" during the meeting.The Board of Education will seek out applications from community members to fill Gehring's position. As of now, applications are not open and there is no set date for when the board will vote on gaining a new member.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gehring resigns from St. Joseph School Board with one year left

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Jeep Patriot driven by a 34-year-old Kansas City, Mo. man was southbound in the driving lane of Interstate 35 at the 49.6 mile marker. The vehicle had a mechanical issue, traveled off the west side of the road and rear-ended a parked 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.&nbsp;

Cameron Ambulance transported the Jeep driver to Liberty Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Jeep Patriot driven by a 34-year-old Kansas City, Mo. man was southbound in the driving lane of Interstate 35 at the 49.6 mile marker. The vehicle had a mechanical issue, traveled off the west side of the road and rear-ended a parked 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.&nbsp;Cameron Ambulance transported the Jeep driver to Liberty Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after rear-end crash

Parents are
invited to bring their young children to downtown St. Joseph Tuesday for the Youth
Alliance Children’s Fair.

There is a morning
session and an evening session at the Civic Arena.

La’Sherrie Tyes
with Youth Alliance says the Children’s Fair is designed for children
six-years-old and younger with an emphasis on fostering a love of reading.

“Reading is very
fundamental, right? So, we definitely encourage our families to start reading with
their little ones, even prenatally, after birth,” Tyes says during a visit to
KFEQmmunity. “Those first five years are so vitally important. So, the earlier
we can develop a love for reading and just building that vocabulary and
language definitely helps that child to enhance later going into school.”

Around 25 area
businesses will join with Youth Alliance to set up stations within the Civic
Arena.

“Most of the things
are geared around a fairy tale-type of experience,” Tyes says. “Each station has
a book that they’re doing their theme around for their activity.”

There will be
activities build around The Three Little Pigs, Snow White, and others.

The activities are
designed for engagement, according to Tyes, inviting parents to interact with
their children as well as encouraging children to interact with other children.

La’Sherrie says it’s
important for children to get back together.

“Being able to do
that also in a way that you have that social aspect that you can connect with
other people. Again, like going to our public library, checking out books,
parents reading to them at home,” La’Sherrie says. “Fostering that early love
and that desire to help build their imagination, that creativity.”

The Children’s
Fair is free. There are two sessions; two hours each.

The morning
session at the Civic Arena begins at 9 o’clock Tuesday morning with the evening
session beginning at 5:30. Each child will leave with a free book.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744660514248.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostParents are
invited to bring their young children to downtown St. Joseph Tuesday for the Youth
Alliance Children’s Fair.There is a morning
session and an evening session at the Civic Arena.La’Sherrie Tyes
with Youth Alliance says the Children’s Fair is designed for children
six-years-old and younger with an emphasis on fostering a love of reading.“Reading is very
fundamental, right? So, we definitely encourage our families to start reading with
their little ones, even prenatally, after birth,” Tyes says during a visit to
KFEQmmunity. “Those first five years are so vitally important. So, the earlier
we can develop a love for reading and just building that vocabulary and
language definitely helps that child to enhance later going into school.”Around 25 area
businesses will join with Youth Alliance to set up stations within the Civic
Arena.“Most of the things
are geared around a fairy tale-type of experience,” Tyes says. “Each station has
a book that they’re doing their theme around for their activity.”There will be
activities build around The Three Little Pigs, Snow White, and others.The activities are
designed for engagement, according to Tyes, inviting parents to interact with
their children as well as encouraging children to interact with other children.La’Sherrie says it’s
important for children to get back together.“Being able to do
that also in a way that you have that social aspect that you can connect with
other people. Again, like going to our public library, checking out books,
parents reading to them at home,” La’Sherrie says. “Fostering that early love
and that desire to help build their imagination, that creativity.”The Children’s
Fair is free. There are two sessions; two hours each.The morning
session at the Civic Arena begins at 9 o’clock Tuesday morning with the evening
session beginning at 5:30. Each child will leave with a free book.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Fostering reading the theme of the Children's Fair at the Civic Arena

A budget framework
has been approved by Congress, though Republican leaders had to negotiate long
and hard to get the measure through the United States House.

Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, favors the bill, though it doesn’t aim to cut
federal spending as much as he would like. And Schmidt is quick to point out
this budget resolution only slows the growth of federal government spending. It
doesn’t cut it.

“The top line on
spending is what’s driving this,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “People
talk about the deficit. They talk about the accumulating debt. They talk about
tax revenues. But if you look at the graphs, what’s really driving this is that
spending has exploded over the last several generations, but especially about the
last five years, since the start of the pandemic.”

Schmidt, a
Republican, says Republican leaders, especially House Speaker Mike Johnson,
must walk a fine line to get the votes needed to pass the bill backed by
President Trump. Some say it goes too far. Some say it doesn’t go far enough.

Johnson had to
withdraw the measure for a time, because he lacked the votes to pass it. Once
it returned, it passed on a 216-214 vote.

The plan would
extend the 2017 federal tax cuts, increase spending for border security and
defense, while making a variety of cuts elsewhere in the budget. Approval just
moves the process forward. Detail needs to be added with other votes awaiting.

Schmidt says his
Republican colleagues must find the votes needed to slow the growth of federal
spending.

“The debate right
now, the fight right now is how much can we start to slow down the growth of
that spending line before we lose votes and we can’t pass anything,” according
to Schmidt.

Schmidt says he
would prefer to be more aggressive, but understands the delicate nature of
these discussions.

“The risk here is
that the balance isn’t struck and we wind up not accomplishing any of this,”
Schmidt says. “It’s a real risk.”

Schmidt says
spending has spiked since the pandemic. But Schmidt insists growth came before
the pandemic response, with passage of the Affordable Care Act that expanded
Medicaid well beyond its original intent.

“We have this
peculiar situation now where Washington is spending more of our tax money to
provide Medicaid coverage for people who able bodied and young, working age,
younger than 65, don’t have kids, than it is to provide the same medical
coverage for their neighbors down the street who are disabled, who are in a
nursing home, who do have young kids,” Schmidt says. “I think that’s been lost
in a lot of this discussion.”

President Trump
and other Republican leaders say Social Security and Medicare, the two biggest
programs run by the federal government, are off the table. The national debt,
now at $36 ½ trillion, has caused interest payments on the federal debt to move
into the third position in the federal budget. National defense is in fourth,
followed by Medicaid, a program of shared costs between the federal government
and the states.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA budget framework
has been approved by Congress, though Republican leaders had to negotiate long
and hard to get the measure through the United States House.Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, favors the bill, though it doesn’t aim to cut
federal spending as much as he would like. And Schmidt is quick to point out
this budget resolution only slows the growth of federal government spending. It
doesn’t cut it.“The top line on
spending is what’s driving this,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “People
talk about the deficit. They talk about the accumulating debt. They talk about
tax revenues. But if you look at the graphs, what’s really driving this is that
spending has exploded over the last several generations, but especially about the
last five years, since the start of the pandemic.”Schmidt, a
Republican, says Republican leaders, especially House Speaker Mike Johnson,
must walk a fine line to get the votes needed to pass the bill backed by
President Trump. Some say it goes too far. Some say it doesn’t go far enough.Johnson had to
withdraw the measure for a time, because he lacked the votes to pass it. Once
it returned, it passed on a 216-214 vote.The plan would
extend the 2017 federal tax cuts, increase spending for border security and
defense, while making a variety of cuts elsewhere in the budget. Approval just
moves the process forward. Detail needs to be added with other votes awaiting.Schmidt says his
Republican colleagues must find the votes needed to slow the growth of federal
spending.“The debate right
now, the fight right now is how much can we start to slow down the growth of
that spending line before we lose votes and we can’t pass anything,” according
to Schmidt.Schmidt says he
would prefer to be more aggressive, but understands the delicate nature of
these discussions.“The risk here is
that the balance isn’t struck and we wind up not accomplishing any of this,”
Schmidt says. “It’s a real risk.”Schmidt says
spending has spiked since the pandemic. But Schmidt insists growth came before
the pandemic response, with passage of the Affordable Care Act that expanded
Medicaid well beyond its original intent.“We have this
peculiar situation now where Washington is spending more of our tax money to
provide Medicaid coverage for people who able bodied and young, working age,
younger than 65, don’t have kids, than it is to provide the same medical
coverage for their neighbors down the street who are disabled, who are in a
nursing home, who do have young kids,” Schmidt says. “I think that’s been lost
in a lot of this discussion.”President Trump
and other Republican leaders say Social Security and Medicare, the two biggest
programs run by the federal government, are off the table. The national debt,
now at $36 ½ trillion, has caused interest payments on the federal debt to move
into the third position in the federal budget. National defense is in fourth,
followed by Medicaid, a program of shared costs between the federal government
and the states.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Congressman Schmidt says Congress must slow federal spending

A St. Joseph woman
died in a wreck on Interstate 29 in Platte County Sunday afternoon as the
driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, lost control of the vehicle, and
overturned.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 3:30 Sunday afternoon near
Missouri E Highway. According to the patrol, the van traveling north on I-29 swerved
to avoid a slow-moving vehicle, overcorrected, went into the median, and
overturned.

A 39-year-old
woman from St. Joseph died in the crash. A 52-year-old St. Joseph man suffered
moderate injuries. A 15-year-old boy suffered minor injuries.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol no longer identifies victims in crashes.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph woman
died in a wreck on Interstate 29 in Platte County Sunday afternoon as the
driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, lost control of the vehicle, and
overturned.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 3:30 Sunday afternoon near
Missouri E Highway. According to the patrol, the van traveling north on I-29 swerved
to avoid a slow-moving vehicle, overcorrected, went into the median, and
overturned.A 39-year-old
woman from St. Joseph died in the crash. A 52-year-old St. Joseph man suffered
moderate injuries. A 15-year-old boy suffered minor injuries.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol no longer identifies victims in crashes.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman dies in Platte County I-29 wreck

St. Joseph voters chose Jennifer Kerns to fill one of two seats on the St. Joseph school board during Tuesday's election.  

Kerns led all candidates, receiving 4,836 votes, or 23% of the vote. Incumbent Kim Miller finished second, retaining her seat, with 4,391 voters, or 21% of the vote 

Kerns says it was truly humbling to earn the position, and be the leading vote getter 

"The community, I feel like they've seen what I've done, I've worked hard over the years supporting our district and supporting our kids, teachers, staff, and the community, I just feel like I was finally seen and heard, and it just feels great," Kerns tells KFEQ News. 

Kerns says during her three-year term on the board, she hopes to be a voice for those outside the board 

"Being that voice for the students, the parents, the community, the staff, and the teachers," Kerns explains.  "We have a great community and I'm ready to bring a voice to the table and hopefully work on our academics and look at our policies and see what we need to do." 

Kerns will be jumping into some difficult problems right away to start her term.  

The St. Joseph school board will look at the long-range plan and evaluate next steps after the defeat of Proposition 2 in Tuesday's election   

Kerns says the bond issue to build a new high school being defeated, just means the school board needs to go back to the drawing board 

"We do need to change, our buildings don't have all the resources that we need, especially with technology," Kerns says.  "And for the staff, the teachers, and the students our facilities need updated, so I'm hoping that we can get in there and update and give the resources we need to the students, the staff, and the teachers." 

Kerns says even with the defeat she supports the move to two high schools, like the board has voted on, and says if that's the decision they just must work with it and see what needs to be tweaked to give the resources needed to the district. 

A reorganization of the board will be held alongside a work session this evening at 5:30.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph voters chose Jennifer Kerns to fill one of two seats on the St. Joseph school board during Tuesday's election. Kerns led all candidates, receiving 4,836 votes, or 23% of the vote. Incumbent Kim Miller finished second, retaining her seat, with 4,391 voters, or 21% of the vote Kerns says it was truly humbling to earn the position, and be the leading vote getter "The community, I feel like they've seen what I've done, I've worked hard over the years supporting our district and supporting our kids, teachers, staff, and the community, I just feel like I was finally seen and heard, and it just feels great," Kerns tells KFEQ News. Kerns says during her three-year term on the board, she hopes to be a voice for those outside the board "Being that voice for the students, the parents, the community, the staff, and the teachers," Kerns explains. "We have a great community and I'm ready to bring a voice to the table and hopefully work on our academics and look at our policies and see what we need to do." Kerns will be jumping into some difficult problems right away to start her term. The St. Joseph school board will look at the long-range plan and evaluate next steps after the defeat of Proposition 2 in Tuesday's election Kerns says the bond issue to build a new high school being defeated, just means the school board needs to go back to the drawing board "We do need to change, our buildings don't have all the resources that we need, especially with technology," Kerns says. "And for the staff, the teachers, and the students our facilities need updated, so I'm hoping that we can get in there and update and give the resources we need to the students, the staff, and the teachers." Kerns says even with the defeat she supports the move to two high schools, like the board has voted on, and says if that's the decision they just must work with it and see what needs to be tweaked to give the resources needed to the district. A reorganization of the board will be held alongside a work session this evening at 5:30.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

New St. Joseph School board member Jennifer Kerns humbled by community support

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by a 70-year-old Wathena, Kansas, woman was eastbound on Route NN at MO 6 in Jamesport.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at MO 6.&nbsp; A northbound 2023 Ford Bronco driven by a 24-year-old Trenton woman struck the van.

Daviess County EMS transported the Trenton woman to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; The other driver refused treatment at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The&nbsp; &nbsp;Patrol no releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by a 70-year-old Wathena, Kansas, woman was eastbound on Route NN at MO 6 in Jamesport.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at MO 6.&nbsp; A northbound 2023 Ford Bronco driven by a 24-year-old Trenton woman struck the van.Daviess County EMS transported the Trenton woman to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; The other driver refused treatment at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The&nbsp; &nbsp;Patrol no releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, van crash

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Week-in-Review-4122025-e31e7u8/a-absoag2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Week in Review

A delegation from the greater St. Joseph
area has returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. in which members lobbied for
various interests in the region.

St. Joseph Deputy Mayor, Randy Schultz,
says a big push was lobbying for new cargo planes for the Air National Guard
139th Airlift Wing. Schultz points out the base at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport trains pilots from throughout the country and around the world
at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, using the new “J” model
C-130s.

“We train everybody in the world how to
fly the C-130s and the J models. We don’t have the J models, yet. So, that’s
why we’re out there pushing pretty hard for the last three years,” Schultz says
during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “That does two things. That keeps our base
modernized, but then it also gives our base longevity to stay.”

The 139th generates up to $220
million in economic activity for the greater St. Joseph area.

Schultz says the delegation didn’t
receive any promises, but did get some positive signs when it met with the leader
of the Air National Guard. Schultz says the head of the Air Guard does notice
the region speaks with a unified voice.

“He sees us coming and he’s always amazed
how we all are one unit, one group, one voice.” 

Along with area political and business
leaders, the delegation includes education officials representing the St.
Joseph School District and Missouri Western State University along with North
Central Missouri College in Trenton.

Education and transportation are big
points of interest, according to Schultz.

“They’re all out there, too. Lobbying (for)
things they can help us with,” Schultz says. &nbsp;“It’s either infrastructure, money, things
like that.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA delegation from the greater St. Joseph
area has returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. in which members lobbied for
various interests in the region.St. Joseph Deputy Mayor, Randy Schultz,
says a big push was lobbying for new cargo planes for the Air National Guard
139th Airlift Wing. Schultz points out the base at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport trains pilots from throughout the country and around the world
at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, using the new “J” model
C-130s.“We train everybody in the world how to
fly the C-130s and the J models. We don’t have the J models, yet. So, that’s
why we’re out there pushing pretty hard for the last three years,” Schultz says
during an appearance on KFEQmmunity. “That does two things. That keeps our base
modernized, but then it also gives our base longevity to stay.”The 139th generates up to $220
million in economic activity for the greater St. Joseph area.Schultz says the delegation didn’t
receive any promises, but did get some positive signs when it met with the leader
of the Air National Guard. Schultz says the head of the Air Guard does notice
the region speaks with a unified voice.“He sees us coming and he’s always amazed
how we all are one unit, one group, one voice.” Along with area political and business
leaders, the delegation includes education officials representing the St.
Joseph School District and Missouri Western State University along with North
Central Missouri College in Trenton.Education and transportation are big
points of interest, according to Schultz.“They’re all out there, too. Lobbying (for)
things they can help us with,” Schultz says. &nbsp;“It’s either infrastructure, money, things
like that.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph delegation returns after lobbying in Washington, D.C.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jakemarszewski/">Jake Marszewski</a>&nbsp;

Missouri’s child care crisis was debated again Wednesday, with a bill changing provisions for licensed in-home child care facilities passing through the state House.

State law allows up to two children aged 5 years or older that are related to the operator of a child care facility to be exempt from the maximum number of children for which the facility is licensed. A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Farnan, a Republican from Stanberry, removes the age minimum with hope to increase space in day care facilities.

“At unlicensed day care facilities, we don’t know if these kids are getting the care that they deserve, so hopefully this bill will increase the slots in licensed daycare facilities,” Farnan said in an interview.

Lawmakers originally pushed for changes to the state’s in-home child care provisions after the legislature approved “Nathan’s Law” in 2019.

According to previous Missourian reporting, the law was written to limit the capacity of unlicensed child care homes. It is named after Nathan Blecha, a 3-month old who died at an unlicensed in-home day care in 2007.

While the exclusion limit was set for unlicensed day cares, the same wasn’t set for licensed ones. All children had to be counted regardless of age. Child care providers around the state were then forced to stop serving families so they could care for their own.

A bill was eventually passed in 2022 permitting licensed care providers to exempt up to two of their children as long as they are 5 years old.

Legislators recalled Nathan’s Law when during Wednesday’s debate.

“The reason we have ratios in place in day care centers is to ensure that every child there has the proper care that they need,” said state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat. “This is unfortunately one of those bills that is trying to address a problem and will create an even bigger one. At stake are the lives of the children in this state.”

Safety of child care facilities is just one facet of the state’s child care crisis. According to previous Missourian reporting, 54% of Missourians live in child care deserts.

Emily van Schenkhof is the executive director of the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, the state’s foundation for child abuse prevention. She testified against the bill during a March hearing in the Committee on Children and Families.

“We maintain that we need to solve the state’s child care crisis without decreasing the safety of children in Missouri, so we are disappointed that this bill is moving forward,” van Schenkhof said.

The new bill moves the state away from best practices of child care capacity limits, she said.

Farnan said he shares the same concerns about safety, but believes that licensed child care providers receive adequate help from the state.

“They have fire services, they have food services and they have people that come check on them regularly to make sure that they are getting the care that they deserve,” Farnan said.

Still, van Schenkhof said solving the crisis without decreasing the safety of children is difficult.

“It’s hard to change the root factors that are causing the child care crisis,” van Schenkhof said. “Even though passing a bill isn’t easy, it’s easier than the financial investments we’d need to make to solve our child care problem.

The bill passed by a vote of 103-39. It now moves to the Missouri Senate.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-bill-highlights-concerns-about-states-child-care-crisis/article_5d64c0ac-8102-4a96-8720-fb7d1ce4d6a4.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744462684222.png" alt="State Rep. Jeff Farnan, a Republican from Stanberry, testifies to a Missouri House committee during the 2024 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Jeff Farnan, a Republican from Stanberry, testifies to a Missouri House committee during the 2024 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jakemarszewski/">Jake Marszewski</a>&nbsp;Missouri’s child care crisis was debated again Wednesday, with a bill changing provisions for licensed in-home child care facilities passing through the state House.State law allows up to two children aged 5 years or older that are related to the operator of a child care facility to be exempt from the maximum number of children for which the facility is licensed. A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Farnan, a Republican from Stanberry, removes the age minimum with hope to increase space in day care facilities.“At unlicensed day care facilities, we don’t know if these kids are getting the care that they deserve, so hopefully this bill will increase the slots in licensed daycare facilities,” Farnan said in an interview.Lawmakers originally pushed for changes to the state’s in-home child care provisions after the legislature approved “Nathan’s Law” in 2019.According to previous Missourian reporting, the law was written to limit the capacity of unlicensed child care homes. It is named after Nathan Blecha, a 3-month old who died at an unlicensed in-home day care in 2007.While the exclusion limit was set for unlicensed day cares, the same wasn’t set for licensed ones. All children had to be counted regardless of age. Child care providers around the state were then forced to stop serving families so they could care for their own.A bill was eventually passed in 2022 permitting licensed care providers to exempt up to two of their children as long as they are 5 years old.Legislators recalled Nathan’s Law when during Wednesday’s debate.“The reason we have ratios in place in day care centers is to ensure that every child there has the proper care that they need,” said state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat. “This is unfortunately one of those bills that is trying to address a problem and will create an even bigger one. At stake are the lives of the children in this state.”Safety of child care facilities is just one facet of the state’s child care crisis. According to previous Missourian reporting, 54% of Missourians live in child care deserts.Emily van Schenkhof is the executive director of the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, the state’s foundation for child abuse prevention. She testified against the bill during a March hearing in the Committee on Children and Families.“We maintain that we need to solve the state’s child care crisis without decreasing the safety of children in Missouri, so we are disappointed that this bill is moving forward,” van Schenkhof said.The new bill moves the state away from best practices of child care capacity limits, she said.Farnan said he shares the same concerns about safety, but believes that licensed child care providers receive adequate help from the state.“They have fire services, they have food services and they have people that come check on them regularly to make sure that they are getting the care that they deserve,” Farnan said.Still, van Schenkhof said solving the crisis without decreasing the safety of children is difficult.“It’s hard to change the root factors that are causing the child care crisis,” van Schenkhof said. “Even though passing a bill isn’t easy, it’s easier than the financial investments we’d need to make to solve our child care problem.The bill passed by a vote of 103-39. It now moves to the Missouri Senate.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-bill-highlights-concerns-about-states-child-care-crisis/article_5d64c0ac-8102-4a96-8720-fb7d1ce4d6a4.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri House approves changes to in-home child care regulations

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is continually looking to new technology to keep the community safe from con artists looking to steal money through scams. 

Sheriff Bill Puett says with the frequency of scams and the rise of artificial intelligence, it's important to verify information if you receive a call that you're unsure about. 

"When I say verify, go and verify the number, if I call you and say hey can I have your social security number and your date of birth and your credit card and your this and your that call me back at this number, that's kind of silly because I'm giving you the number to call me right back at," Puett tells KFEQ News. "So, make sure that you check and call the official number for the law enforcement entity or the court or whatever." 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is continually looking to new technology to keep the community safe from con artists looking to steal money through scams. Sheriff Bill Puett says with the frequency of scams and the rise of artificial intelligence, it's important to verify information if you receive a call that you're unsure about. "When I say verify, go and verify the number, if I call you and say hey can I have your social security number and your date of birth and your credit card and your this and your that call me back at this number, that's kind of silly because I'm giving you the number to call me right back at," Puett tells KFEQ News. "So, make sure that you check and call the official number for the law enforcement entity or the court or whatever." Puett says his department is currently working on putting out a phone app as well that will help notify the public of information. Puett says the phone app would allow a lot of information about the department to be available to citizens right on their phones. "And it would also do push notifications about scams, and it will tie in with our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, it will tie in with all those things," Puett explains. "There's also some educational stuff on there, so there will be some opioid education information and just a variety of things, so it's kind of in its infancy and we're trying to get that up and running." Puett says having more ways to get information out to people means the quicker the department can be to protect residents in Buchanan County. "Whether it's Facebook or this app or whatever, there's certain news cycles, you guys are always great about when we put a release out about the scam, but it's got to wait until the next news cycle and somebody's got to catch the news, if they don't catch the news well then they might be a day or two behind," Puett says. Puett says a push notification going out notifying the community of a scam would be something that could help the community in being aware of things affecting the community.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local