DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by a 67-year-old Gallatin man was turning eastbound onto MO 6 from. Route DD two miles west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield and pulled into the path of a westbound 2023 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 24-year-old Maysville woman.

Daviess&nbsp; County EMS transported the 24-year-old to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by a 67-year-old Gallatin man was turning eastbound onto MO 6 from. Route DD two miles west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield and pulled into the path of a westbound 2023 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 24-year-old Maysville woman.Daviess&nbsp; County EMS transported the 24-year-old to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

Two Bishop LeBlond seniors that helped in turning the football program around, have officially signed their letters of intent to continue playing football in college.&nbsp;

Wide receiver Trey Icke will stay in St. Joseph, signing with Missouri Western State University, while tight end&nbsp;Jacob Winkelbauer is joining a Benedictine Ravens team that came one game shy of a national championship berth last season.&nbsp;

Icke will go play for head coach Tyler Fenwick at Missouri Western State University, staying at home.&nbsp; For him, it was a talk with Griffons linebacker coach Colin Mcquillan that made Western the perfect fit.&nbsp;

"Everything was so good, the facilities are great, and their strength and conditioning coach he just topped it off, I had to go after talking to him," Icke tells reporters.&nbsp;

Winkelbauer will also stay close to home, albeit a little farther away, joining the Benedictine Ravens, a team that this past season came one game shy of a trip to the national championship.&nbsp; Winkelbauer points to the culture of the Ravens as to why it was the right choice.&nbsp;

"Good stuff, and the players they all liked it, they all looked like they bought into the program and I think they're going to be going some places in a few years," Winkelbauer says.&nbsp;

It will be a slight transition at the next level for both Icke and Winkelbauer after playing four years of 8-man football in high school, shifting to 11-man in college.&nbsp;&nbsp;Winkelbauer though, feels like it won't feel that different.&nbsp;

"We run a lot of 11-man schemes in our eight man game, so I feel like it won't be too hard,"&nbsp;Winkelbauer explains.&nbsp;

And for Icke, he says it's just a transition back to a way that he's played nearly his whole life.&nbsp;

"I played tackle football, 11-man, since I was five, so hopefully it's not that different, not that hard," Icke says.&nbsp;

Icke and Winkelbauer were part of two district championship teams at LeBlond, including a second place finish at state in 2022.&nbsp; A massive turnaround happened in their time, with the Golden Eagles not having a winning season prior to that since 2012.&nbsp;

When it comes to the legacy they hope to leave, Winkelbauer points to something coaches have told them, about how their senior class really shifted the culture

"From all the seniors beating up on the freshman, like killshots every practice, and we kind of welcomed freshman, became friends with them, we were more of a team I'd say for the past two years, and that was nice," Winkelbauer says.&nbsp;

Icke echoes that, saying that as a group the seniors really focused on helping to build up the freshman and underclassmen

"Instead of like tearing them down, we were like building them up, making them get better to carry on this tradition, and to just go all the way through to the district championship each year," Icke says.&nbsp;

Icke recorded 20 carries for 144 yds and 88 receptions for 1307 yds with 24 total touchdowns in his senior year.&nbsp; On defense he tallied 77 tackles, three sacks, three ints, one blocked punt, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.&nbsp; He was tabbed first team all-state recognition his senior year and second- team all-state recognition his junior year, as well as being an all-district selection his sophomore year.

In his senior season, Winkelbauer had 47 catches for 816 yards with 16 touchdowns.&nbsp; On defense he recorded 70 tackles, 17 for loss, with 10 sacks.&nbsp; He forced two fumbles and had one interception. He earned first team all state in his senior year and was a second team honoree in his sophomore season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741639995161.png" alt="Bishop Leblond's Trey Icke (left) and Jacob&nbsp;Winkelbauer (right) signed their NLI's to continue playing football in college.&nbsp; Icke signed to Missouri Western State University while&nbsp;Winkelbauer will play at Benedictine/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Bishop Leblond's Trey Icke (left) and Jacob&nbsp;Winkelbauer (right) signed their NLI's to continue playing football in college.&nbsp; Icke signed to Missouri Western State University while&nbsp;Winkelbauer will play at Benedictine/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostTwo Bishop LeBlond seniors that helped in turning the football program around, have officially signed their letters of intent to continue playing football in college.&nbsp;Wide receiver Trey Icke will stay in St. Joseph, signing with Missouri Western State University, while tight end&nbsp;Jacob Winkelbauer is joining a Benedictine Ravens team that came one game shy of a national championship berth last season.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741640898856.jpeg" alt="Trey Icke/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Trey Icke/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Icke will go play for head coach Tyler Fenwick at Missouri Western State University, staying at home.&nbsp; For him, it was a talk with Griffons linebacker coach Colin Mcquillan that made Western the perfect fit.&nbsp;"Everything was so good, the facilities are great, and their strength and conditioning coach he just topped it off, I had to go after talking to him," Icke tells reporters.&nbsp;Winkelbauer will also stay close to home, albeit a little farther away, joining the Benedictine Ravens, a team that this past season came one game shy of a trip to the national championship.&nbsp; Winkelbauer points to the culture of the Ravens as to why it was the right choice.&nbsp;"Good stuff, and the players they all liked it, they all looked like they bought into the program and I think they're going to be going some places in a few years," Winkelbauer says.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741645080279.jpeg" alt="Jake Winkelbauer/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Jake Winkelbauer/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>It will be a slight transition at the next level for both Icke and Winkelbauer after playing four years of 8-man football in high school, shifting to 11-man in college.&nbsp;&nbsp;Winkelbauer though, feels like it won't feel that different.&nbsp;"We run a lot of 11-man schemes in our eight man game, so I feel like it won't be too hard,"&nbsp;Winkelbauer explains.&nbsp;And for Icke, he says it's just a transition back to a way that he's played nearly his whole life.&nbsp;"I played tackle football, 11-man, since I was five, so hopefully it's not that different, not that hard," Icke says.&nbsp;Icke and Winkelbauer were part of two district championship teams at LeBlond, including a second place finish at state in 2022.&nbsp; A massive turnaround happened in their time, with the Golden Eagles not having a winning season prior to that since 2012.&nbsp;When it comes to the legacy they hope to leave, Winkelbauer points to something coaches have told them, about how their senior class really shifted the culture"From all the seniors beating up on the freshman, like killshots every practice, and we kind of welcomed freshman, became friends with them, we were more of a team I'd say for the past two years, and that was nice," Winkelbauer says.&nbsp;Icke echoes that, saying that as a group the seniors really focused on helping to build up the freshman and underclassmen"Instead of like tearing them down, we were like building them up, making them get better to carry on this tradition, and to just go all the way through to the district championship each year," Icke says.&nbsp;Icke recorded 20 carries for 144 yds and 88 receptions for 1307 yds with 24 total touchdowns in his senior year.&nbsp; On defense he tallied 77 tackles, three sacks, three ints, one blocked punt, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.&nbsp; He was tabbed first team all-state recognition his senior year and second- team all-state recognition his junior year, as well as being an all-district selection his sophomore year.In his senior season, Winkelbauer had 47 catches for 816 yards with 16 touchdowns.&nbsp; On defense he recorded 70 tackles, 17 for loss, with 10 sacks.&nbsp; He forced two fumbles and had one interception. He earned first team all state in his senior year and was a second team honoree in his sophomore season.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bishop LeBlond's Trey Icke, Jacob Winkelbauer sign to continue football careers

St. Joseph police
are investigating a series of burglaries that targeted businesses downtown.

St. Joseph Police
Department spokesman, Sergeant Richard McGregory, says a business owner
contacted police late Sunday night after surveillance systems picked up a
break-in. Police rushed to the downtown, but were too late to catch anyone.

Businesses that
suffered loss were located in the 600 block of Felix and Edmund Streets.
McGregory says it appears the first break-in occurred late Sunday night with the
final one occurring in the early morning hours of Monday.

McGregory says the
police department welcomes any input from the public that could help in the
investigation.

“If they’ve seen anything,
if any businesses around there have any video surveillance or anything that
they can provide to us, we’re definitely open to utilize that,” McGregory tells
reporters during a news briefing.

You can call the
St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4701 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Hotline
at 816-238-TIPP with any information.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741635689421.jpeg" alt="Sgt. Richard McGregory speaks with reporters on the downtown St. Joseph break-ins/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Richard McGregory speaks with reporters on the downtown St. Joseph break-ins/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police
are investigating a series of burglaries that targeted businesses downtown.St. Joseph Police
Department spokesman, Sergeant Richard McGregory, says a business owner
contacted police late Sunday night after surveillance systems picked up a
break-in. Police rushed to the downtown, but were too late to catch anyone.Businesses that
suffered loss were located in the 600 block of Felix and Edmund Streets.
McGregory says it appears the first break-in occurred late Sunday night with the
final one occurring in the early morning hours of Monday.McGregory says the
police department welcomes any input from the public that could help in the
investigation.“If they’ve seen anything,
if any businesses around there have any video surveillance or anything that
they can provide to us, we’re definitely open to utilize that,” McGregory tells
reporters during a news briefing.You can call the
St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4701 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Hotline
at 816-238-TIPP with any information.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Thieves hit downtown St. Joseph businesses

A high energy musical that will take audiences on a journey through some of the greatest hits of all time is coming to the Missouri Theatre.  

St. Joseph Performing Arts Executive Director Paul Storiale says Forever Young, is the story of a group of guys in a basement singing songs that defined their generation.  

"It is a song and dance show, they're going to sing, they're going to dance, and they're going to perform the music of your life, the music that you grew up with, that you grew into whoever you are with that music," Storiale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Storiale compares the show to a jukebox musical, but says it's even more than that 

"Because it's an award-winning show, it was off Broadway, or either on Broadway or off Broadway, but it won a lot of awards, it's an incredible show," Storiale explains.  "It's a show that's going to get to your feels, it's going to make you feel something, it's going to get you emotional, you can reminisce about your life while you're watching this show and the story they're telling." 

Storiale says audiences will hear a wide variety of music in the show 

"There's music from The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Brooks and Dunn, Billy Joel, and more and more, so it's music that we know and that we want to dance to," Storiale says. 

Tickets are still available for the show on Thursday and can be purchased by visiting the Performing Arts Association website. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741624984283.jpeg" alt="Forever Young/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Performing Arts Association" />
 <figcaption>Forever Young/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Performing Arts Association</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A high energy musical that will take audiences on a journey through some of the greatest hits of all time is coming to the Missouri Theatre. St. Joseph Performing Arts Executive Director Paul Storiale says Forever Young, is the story of a group of guys in a basement singing songs that defined their generation. "It is a song and dance show, they're going to sing, they're going to dance, and they're going to perform the music of your life, the music that you grew up with, that you grew into whoever you are with that music," Storiale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Storiale compares the show to a jukebox musical, but says it's even more than that "Because it's an award-winning show, it was off Broadway, or either on Broadway or off Broadway, but it won a lot of awards, it's an incredible show," Storiale explains. "It's a show that's going to get to your feels, it's going to make you feel something, it's going to get you emotional, you can reminisce about your life while you're watching this show and the story they're telling." Storiale says audiences will hear a wide variety of music in the show "There's music from The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Brooks and Dunn, Billy Joel, and more and more, so it's music that we know and that we want to dance to," Storiale says. Tickets are still available for the show on Thursday and can be purchased by visiting the Performing Arts Association website. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPAASTJO%2Fvideos%2F1110107594223047%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Unique musical looks back at music classics

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3102025-e2vvd99/a-abqsrn9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-3102025-e2vv9vt/a-abqso19" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

Maryville School Superintendent
Logan Lightfoot has been placed on administrative leave, though the Maryville
R-II School District is not disclosing the reason for the action.

The Maryville
Forum reports Lightfoot was placed on administrative leave February 24th.
The Forum says School Board President Josh McKim would not answer questions about
the leave.

Assistant
Superintendent Philip Pohren will step in to the manage the day-to-day
operations of the district.

The Maryville
School Board declined to expand the contract of Lightfoot in January.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMaryville School Superintendent
Logan Lightfoot has been placed on administrative leave, though the Maryville
R-II School District is not disclosing the reason for the action.The Maryville
Forum reports Lightfoot was placed on administrative leave February 24th.
The Forum says School Board President Josh McKim would not answer questions about
the leave.Assistant
Superintendent Philip Pohren will step in to the manage the day-to-day
operations of the district.The Maryville
School Board declined to expand the contract of Lightfoot in January.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Maryville school district places superintendent on administrative leave

For the third time in four years, and the 15th time in program history, the Missouri Western women's basketball team has punched their ticket into the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;

The Lady Griffons were selected as the four seed in the NCAA Central Region during the NCAA Divsion II Women's Basketball Selection show on Sunday night.&nbsp; Missouri Western will play five seed Minnesota State in Pittsburgh, Kansas.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State was selected as the top seed in the region earning the right to host.&nbsp;

The trip to the dance is the first for the Griffons under first-year head coach Ashton Feldhaus, who guided Missouri Western to a 20-9 record in her debut season, and did so with a unique rebuild of the conference championship program she inherited. Competing with a roster of just 10 student-athletes for the majority of the 2024-25 season, the Griffons reached 20 wins for the fifth time in six years.

Missouri Western is 13-14 in NCAA tournament games all-time, with regional championships (Elite 8 Appearances) in 1994, 1995 and 2022.

A time and date for tip-off will be announced soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741579772732.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball is in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years. They will play Minnesota State in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball is in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years. They will play Minnesota State in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor the third time in four years, and the 15th time in program history, the Missouri Western women's basketball team has punched their ticket into the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;The Lady Griffons were selected as the four seed in the NCAA Central Region during the NCAA Divsion II Women's Basketball Selection show on Sunday night.&nbsp; Missouri Western will play five seed Minnesota State in Pittsburgh, Kansas.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State was selected as the top seed in the region earning the right to host.&nbsp;The trip to the dance is the first for the Griffons under first-year head coach Ashton Feldhaus, who guided Missouri Western to a 20-9 record in her debut season, and did so with a unique rebuild of the conference championship program she inherited. Competing with a roster of just 10 student-athletes for the majority of the 2024-25 season, the Griffons reached 20 wins for the fifth time in six years.Missouri Western is 13-14 in NCAA tournament games all-time, with regional championships (Elite 8 Appearances) in 1994, 1995 and 2022.A time and date for tip-off will be announced soon.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU women's basketball back in the NCAA tournament

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two drivers were injured and one arrested after an accident that occurred just after 4a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F150 driven by a 31-year-old Maryville man was eastbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.&nbsp;

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Dodge 1500 driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man head-on.

Omaha Air-ambulance transported the 24-year-old to Nebraska Medical Center. Life-Net transported the 31-year-old to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The 24-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. 

Just after 8a.m. the MSHP reported the 31-year-old identified as Benjamin P. Luna was accused of felony DWI and careless and imprudent driving.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two drivers were injured and one arrested after an accident that occurred just after 4a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F150 driven by a 31-year-old Maryville man was eastbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.&nbsp;The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Dodge 1500 driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man head-on.Omaha Air-ambulance transported the 24-year-old to Nebraska Medical Center. Life-Net transported the 31-year-old to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The 24-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. Just after 8a.m. the MSHP reported the 31-year-old identified as Benjamin P. Luna was accused of felony DWI and careless and imprudent driving.

Driver accused of DWI after Nodaway Co. head-on crash

Last year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.

Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;

After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;

While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;

Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;

"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;

"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;

Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside

"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;

"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."

Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team

"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;

Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;

"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;

Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;

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/2025/3/1741403651938.jpeg" alt="The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLast year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741402893764.jpeg" alt="Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410460395.jpeg" alt="Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410501154.jpeg" alt="Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410524033.jpeg" alt="Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton boys basketball beats Lafayette 65-46 for first district title since '07

A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  

Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. 

"Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." 

The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv 

Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out 

"We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains.  "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." 

Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering 

"We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says.  "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." 

The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694110305015.jpeg" alt="United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. "Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out "We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains. "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering "We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says. "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New volunteer opportunity coming to United Way of Greater St. Joseph

It appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.

After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.

Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.

“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.

The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.

Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.

“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”

Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.

“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”

The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741279441405.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph could be getting a new animal shelter, finally

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

One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go

Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.

Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;

One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;

The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.

“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;

The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;

It now heads to the House for consideration.

Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;

Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.

“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”

Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.

There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.

“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”

Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>

It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;

The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;

The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;

There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;

Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a>

Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;

Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.

“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741365242348.png" alt=" State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go</h2>Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;It now heads to the House for consideration.Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;The Senate confirmed Bax on Thursday.Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”<h2>Placement issues</h2>Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;<h2>Children’s attorneys</h2>The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a><h2>Amendments</h2>Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;Those amendments include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">Increasing a tax credit</a>&nbsp;for donations to certain youth programs ;</li><li>Making&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">non-disclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse cases</a>&nbsp;void and not judicially enforceable;</li><li>Requiring law enforcement to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">enforce child custody and visitation orders</a>;</li><li>Changing the criminal offense of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">endangering the welfare of a child&nbsp;</a>in the first degree, by raising the age of a child from “under 17” to “under 18”;</li><li>Raising the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">marriage age</a>&nbsp;to 18, which was also passed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-once-again-overwhelmingly-approves-child-marriage-ban/">standalone bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday;</li><li>And requiring Children’s Division caseworkers to present&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">identification</a>&nbsp;of themselves when conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect, and<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">&nbsp;inform parents of their rights.</a></li>
 </ul>Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

Missouri Senate approves massive child welfare bill aimed at foster care system

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-372025-e2vrgdp/a-abqo179" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-372025-e2vrgce/a-abqo15c" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030.  

With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium.  St. Joseph was one of those bids.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision 

"Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it still could be someday." 

Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City.  

Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City 

"I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says.  "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was."  

Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. 

Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space 

"I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says.  

Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way.  There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. 

Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph 

"I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions.  "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." 

Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030. With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium. St. Joseph was one of those bids. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision "Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it still could be someday." Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City. Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City "I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says. "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was." Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space "I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says. Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way. There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph "I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions. "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal-Esely-disappointed-for-St--Joseph-by-MIAA-decision-e2vrfce/a-abqnvuu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interiew-Brett-Esely-on-MIAA-decision-to-stay-in-KC-e2vrg4s/a-abqo0rn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Sports Director dissapointed for city by MIAA choice to stay in KC

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by a 29-year-old Fairfax woman was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment, became airborne and struck the ground.&nbsp; Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 57-year-old passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by a 29-year-old Fairfax woman was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment, became airborne and struck the ground.&nbsp; Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 57-year-old passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 woman hospitalized after SUV crash

After 32 years in mornings at Audacy’s “98.9 The Rock” KQRC Kansas City, the Johnny Dare Morning Show will come to an end on Friday, March 7 as part of Audacy’s round of layoffs.

Dare has anchored mornings at KQRC since 1993 months after the station’s Rock format debuted.&nbsp;

“No one is more surprised than us that its lasted this long but after 32 years, we got smoked. Tomorrow will be the final morning show for us on the Rock.. join Nycki,Gregg,Jake, Kyle and I tomorrow morning starting at 6am for one final show,"&nbsp;Dare wrote,

The show has long helped give back during the holiday season with “Hope for the Holidays.”

It wasn't the only show to announce its end on Thursday. The Ponch &amp; Nikki show on 99.7 The Point posted on Facebook they were no longer on the station and would "have more details soon."

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter 32 years in mornings at Audacy’s “98.9 The Rock” KQRC Kansas City, the Johnny Dare Morning Show will come to an end on Friday, March 7 as part of Audacy’s round of layoffs.Dare has anchored mornings at KQRC since 1993 months after the station’s Rock format debuted.&nbsp;“No one is more surprised than us that its lasted this long but after 32 years, we got smoked. Tomorrow will be the final morning show for us on the Rock.. join Nycki,Gregg,Jake, Kyle and I tomorrow morning starting at 6am for one final show,"&nbsp;Dare wrote,The show has long helped give back during the holiday season with “Hope for the Holidays.”It wasn't the only show to announce its end on Thursday. The Ponch &amp; Nikki show on 99.7 The Point posted on Facebook they were no longer on the station and would "have more details soon."

Popular Kansas City DJ to air last show Friday after cancellation announced

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Shortly after 10p.m. on Wednesday an officer observed 31-year-old Trevor Kiehl walking in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison and attempted to take him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court,&nbsp;according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

Kiehl ran from officers but following a brief pursuit he was located in the 900 block North 9th Street. He was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Following an investigation he was taken to the County Jail on the failure to appear warrant and requested&nbsp; drug charges, and interference with law enforcement (fleeing from officers).&nbsp;Kiehl has three previous drug conviction and one for interference with law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741272695489.png" alt="Kiehl photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kiehl photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Shortly after 10p.m. on Wednesday an officer observed 31-year-old Trevor Kiehl walking in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison and attempted to take him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court,&nbsp;according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Kiehl ran from officers but following a brief pursuit he was located in the 900 block North 9th Street. He was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Following an investigation he was taken to the County Jail on the failure to appear warrant and requested&nbsp; drug charges, and interference with law enforcement (fleeing from officers).&nbsp;Kiehl has three previous drug conviction and one for interference with law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon back in jail after running from police

JEFFERSON CITY Mo, – On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, calling for an immediate investigation into the nearly $5 billion worth of planned waste in federal loan guarantee to be awarded to the Grain Belt Express (GBE) project — a scheme Attorney General Bailey describes as one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory, according to a media release from Bailey's office.

The Grain Belt Express project proposes constructing massive transmission lines across Missouri farmland to transport wind-generated energy from Kansas to other states. The project has sparked widespread outrage among Missouri farmers and landowners whose properties face confiscation through the unjust use of eminent domain.

“In the waning, chaotic days of the Biden Administration — when the former president’s mental decline had grown to such a severe state that we now know he was not actually running his own White House and often signed documents without even knowing what they contained — left-wing bureaucrats seized the opportunity to advance their radical ‘green agenda,'”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“In the shadows of this confusion, far-left deep staters advanced a $4.9 billion green energy federal loan guarantee boondoggle to bankroll the Grain Belt Express (GBE), one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory.”

Attorney General Bailey emphasized that the project is less about renewable energy and more about lining the pockets of wealthy investors. “This so-called renewable energy project is nothing more than a government-sponsored land grab disguised as environmentalism. Missouri farmers — the backbone of our state and nation — now face the prospect of watching their lands carved apart, all to satisfy the greed of private investors.”

The letter highlights that the GBE project has initiated nearly&nbsp;40 eminent domain proceedings&nbsp;against Missouri landowners, threatening to strip hard-working citizens of their property rights to benefit out-of-state corporations.

“We will not stand by while Missouri families are steamrolled by out-of-state interests and unelected bureaucrats pushing a radical green agenda,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Attorney General Bailey. “I urge DOGE to immediately investigate and cancel federal funding for the nearly $5 billion in waste from the GBE, putting an end to this shameful legacy of the Biden Administration—a legacy defined by incompetence, corruption, and blatant disregard for American property rights. Missouri farmers, taxpayers, and the American people deserve better.”

The Attorney General’s office remains committed to defending Missouri citizens from government overreach and ensuring federal funds are used in the best interest of the people, not private investors.

A full copy of the letter can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=964fcab12c&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!CJo7cSvAIA2NcrqCBESSpR4VztkW3r6-71FtFLTmu5FvVFMwCJrvykg6j8pHn5mI2r8zkNxmF7ecCN61NXe1JDjxRg$">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739195184098.png" alt="The Grain Belt Express is designed to carry 5,000 megawatts of electricity to the eastern half of the country. It would connect solar and wind farms in the Midwest to cities in the East, eventually contributing power to 3.1 million homes (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>The Grain Belt Express is designed to carry 5,000 megawatts of electricity to the eastern half of the country. It would connect solar and wind farms in the Midwest to cities in the East, eventually contributing power to 3.1 million homes (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY Mo, – On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, calling for an immediate investigation into the nearly $5 billion worth of planned waste in federal loan guarantee to be awarded to the Grain Belt Express (GBE) project — a scheme Attorney General Bailey describes as one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory, according to a media release from Bailey's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741308223484.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Grain Belt Express project proposes constructing massive transmission lines across Missouri farmland to transport wind-generated energy from Kansas to other states. The project has sparked widespread outrage among Missouri farmers and landowners whose properties face confiscation through the unjust use of eminent domain.“In the waning, chaotic days of the Biden Administration — when the former president’s mental decline had grown to such a severe state that we now know he was not actually running his own White House and often signed documents without even knowing what they contained — left-wing bureaucrats seized the opportunity to advance their radical ‘green agenda,'”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“In the shadows of this confusion, far-left deep staters advanced a $4.9 billion green energy federal loan guarantee boondoggle to bankroll the Grain Belt Express (GBE), one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory.”Attorney General Bailey emphasized that the project is less about renewable energy and more about lining the pockets of wealthy investors. “This so-called renewable energy project is nothing more than a government-sponsored land grab disguised as environmentalism. Missouri farmers — the backbone of our state and nation — now face the prospect of watching their lands carved apart, all to satisfy the greed of private investors.”The letter highlights that the GBE project has initiated nearly&nbsp;40 eminent domain proceedings&nbsp;against Missouri landowners, threatening to strip hard-working citizens of their property rights to benefit out-of-state corporations.“We will not stand by while Missouri families are steamrolled by out-of-state interests and unelected bureaucrats pushing a radical green agenda,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Attorney General Bailey. “I urge DOGE to immediately investigate and cancel federal funding for the nearly $5 billion in waste from the GBE, putting an end to this shameful legacy of the Biden Administration—a legacy defined by incompetence, corruption, and blatant disregard for American property rights. Missouri farmers, taxpayers, and the American people deserve better.”The Attorney General’s office remains committed to defending Missouri citizens from government overreach and ensuring federal funds are used in the best interest of the people, not private investors.A full copy of the letter can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=964fcab12c&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!CJo7cSvAIA2NcrqCBESSpR4VztkW3r6-71FtFLTmu5FvVFMwCJrvykg6j8pHn5mI2r8zkNxmF7ecCN61NXe1JDjxRg$">here</a>.

Mo. AG calls on Elon Musk; DOGE to Investigate $5 Billion waste in Grain Belt Express Project

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Explorer driven by a 66-year-old Merrill, Wisconsin man was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road into the median, struck an embankment and overturned.

Daviess Co. ambulance transported the driver and a 61-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Explorer driven by a 66-year-old Merrill, Wisconsin man was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road into the median, struck an embankment and overturned.Daviess Co. ambulance transported the driver and a 61-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

2 injured after SUV overturns in Daviess County

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.

Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.

“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”

As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .

“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”

Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.

Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270880251.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves:  President Trump is setting out bold vision for America

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-362025-e2vptms/a-abqm11j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

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