Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefited greatly from the $51 billion
state budget signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson.

The governor waited until nearly the last minute to sign the
budget, signing it late Friday afternoon with the state fiscal year beginning
today.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, the Republican vice
chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, says the nearly $10 million
allocated to Rosecrans should put the 139th Airlift Wing in position
to receive the latest C-130 cargo planes.

“What that is going to do is it’s going to enable the 139th
to hopefully attract the new ‘J’ model series C-130s,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So those are the new planes that are awarded by the federal
government. Last year, when we were up to get some of those new planes, we got
passed over for a variety of reasons.”

The state budget includes $7.5 million for the planning,
design, and construction of an aircraft maintenance facility for the 139th
and $2 million to move a fuel farm used by both military and civilian aircraft.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, agrees with Luetkemeyer’s assessment, saying the state
funding is vital in making needed improvements at Rosecrans.

“So, for us to be able to secure that 7-and-a-half million for
the maintenance building for the ‘J’ models will really make us competitive the
next go round of determining who gets the ‘J’ models and the moving of that fuel
farm was also an important part of that process to secure the ‘J’ models,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

A year ago, the Air National Guard passed over the 139th
Airlift Wing in allocating the first round of the new, modern cargo planes, the
C-130J model. The Air Guard cited deficiencies that must be addressed before
the 139th gets the new planes.

While Gov. Parson approved the $7.5 million for the maintenance
facility, he cut $2 million from the $4 million approved by the General
Assembly to move the fuel farm, used by both military and civilian aircraft.

“You know, I wish he hadn’t vetoed (the $2 million), but I don’t
think that we’ll have a problem finding the match locally,” Shields says. “So,
I think we’ll be able to be successful in moving that fuel farm as well.”

Luetkemeyer is also confident the money can be found to make
up for the line-item veto.

“People seem pretty confident that we will be able to come up
with the local $2 million match to be able to get that project funded,”
Luetkemeyer says, referring to conversations he had after the budget signing
with officials from the 139th.

The bottom line, according to Luetkemeyer, is the state has
come through with the money that should insure the 139th gets the
latest model of the C-130 cargo planes. 

“I think there’s no question these new investments in
Rosecrans are going to put us at the top of the list to get the new, ‘J’ model
airplanes out at Rosecrans and that is going to secure the long-term viability
of the 139th out at Rosecrans,” Luetkemeyer says.

In all, Gov. Parson made 173 line-item vetoes, totaling $1
billion, to the state budget approved by the legislature. Parson says he
trimmed the budget to prepare the state for higher costs and lower revenue in
the coming year.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719842272846.jpeg" alt="The 139th Airlift Wing's C-130 cargo planes parked at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo" />
 <figcaption>The 139th Airlift Wing's C-130 cargo planes parked at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRosecrans Memorial Airport benefited greatly from the $51 billion
state budget signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson.The governor waited until nearly the last minute to sign the
budget, signing it late Friday afternoon with the state fiscal year beginning
today.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, the Republican vice
chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, says the nearly $10 million
allocated to Rosecrans should put the 139th Airlift Wing in position
to receive the latest C-130 cargo planes.“What that is going to do is it’s going to enable the 139th
to hopefully attract the new ‘J’ model series C-130s,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So those are the new planes that are awarded by the federal
government. Last year, when we were up to get some of those new planes, we got
passed over for a variety of reasons.”The state budget includes $7.5 million for the planning,
design, and construction of an aircraft maintenance facility for the 139th
and $2 million to move a fuel farm used by both military and civilian aircraft.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, agrees with Luetkemeyer’s assessment, saying the state
funding is vital in making needed improvements at Rosecrans.“So, for us to be able to secure that 7-and-a-half million for
the maintenance building for the ‘J’ models will really make us competitive the
next go round of determining who gets the ‘J’ models and the moving of that fuel
farm was also an important part of that process to secure the ‘J’ models,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.A year ago, the Air National Guard passed over the 139th
Airlift Wing in allocating the first round of the new, modern cargo planes, the
C-130J model. The Air Guard cited deficiencies that must be addressed before
the 139th gets the new planes.While Gov. Parson approved the $7.5 million for the maintenance
facility, he cut $2 million from the $4 million approved by the General
Assembly to move the fuel farm, used by both military and civilian aircraft.“You know, I wish he hadn’t vetoed (the $2 million), but I don’t
think that we’ll have a problem finding the match locally,” Shields says. “So,
I think we’ll be able to be successful in moving that fuel farm as well.”Luetkemeyer is also confident the money can be found to make
up for the line-item veto.“People seem pretty confident that we will be able to come up
with the local $2 million match to be able to get that project funded,”
Luetkemeyer says, referring to conversations he had after the budget signing
with officials from the 139th.The bottom line, according to Luetkemeyer, is the state has
come through with the money that should insure the 139th gets the
latest model of the C-130 cargo planes. “I think there’s no question these new investments in
Rosecrans are going to put us at the top of the list to get the new, ‘J’ model
airplanes out at Rosecrans and that is going to secure the long-term viability
of the 139th out at Rosecrans,” Luetkemeyer says.In all, Gov. Parson made 173 line-item vetoes, totaling $1
billion, to the state budget approved by the legislature. Parson says he
trimmed the budget to prepare the state for higher costs and lower revenue in
the coming year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

139th Airlift Wing gets big boost from Missouri state budget

St. Joseph native and former Missouri Western golfer Brad Nurski claimed his fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday at St. Joseph Country Club, defeating Presten Richardson of Mount Vernon in Match Play 11 &amp; 9.

Nurski did not lose a hole in the scheduled 36-hole match.&nbsp;Nurski finished with a 66 on his first 18 holes, while Richardson carded a 72. Nurski shot a 32 on the next nine, while Richardson totaled a 38.

Nurski becomes just the sixth player in the tournament’s 117-year history to win four titles. This win is his first in the event since 2018.

Nurski has earned himself an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in Chaska, Minnesota, which will take place from Aug. 12-18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719835886232.jpeg" alt="Brad Nurski." />
 <figcaption>Brad Nurski.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph native and former Missouri Western golfer Brad Nurski claimed his fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday at St. Joseph Country Club, defeating Presten Richardson of Mount Vernon in Match Play 11 &amp; 9.Nurski did not lose a hole in the scheduled 36-hole match.&nbsp;Nurski finished with a 66 on his first 18 holes, while Richardson carded a 72. Nurski shot a 32 on the next nine, while Richardson totaled a 38.Nurski becomes just the sixth player in the tournament’s 117-year history to win four titles. This win is his first in the event since 2018.Nurski has earned himself an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in Chaska, Minnesota, which will take place from Aug. 12-18.

Brad Nurski wins fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Talon driven by Joseph C. Dilley, 24, Cameron, was southbound on Route W five miles north of Bethany.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver was ejected. The passenger identified as Natayla J. Selby, 22, Cameron, was partially ejected and&nbsp; pinned underneath the vehicle.

NTA ambulance transported Dilley and Selby to Harrison County Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Sunday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Talon driven by Joseph C. Dilley, 24, Cameron, was southbound on Route W five miles north of Bethany.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver was ejected. The passenger identified as Natayla J. Selby, 22, Cameron, was partially ejected and&nbsp; pinned underneath the vehicle.NTA ambulance transported Dilley and Selby to Harrison County Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man, woman hospitalized after violent UTV crash

ANDREW COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Timothy A. Schneider, 40, Hastings, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of St. Joseph.

The semi rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Durango driven by Samantha Trobauch, 41, Grant, New Mexico.

Andrew County EMS transported three adult passengers in the SUV from New Mexico to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Timothy A. Schneider, 40, Hastings, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of St. Joseph.The semi rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Durango driven by Samantha Trobauch, 41, Grant, New Mexico.Andrew County EMS transported three adult passengers in the SUV from New Mexico to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

3 injured after semi rear-ends an SUV in Andrew County

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Focus driven by Cassandra L. Dominiack,&nbsp; 35, Independence, Mo, was southbound on Interstate 29 near the King City exit.

The car rear-ended a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by Justin D. Thomas, 33, Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; After impact the car began to skid and rear-ended a 2024 Freightliner driven by Jeffrey D. Ballard, 45, Cascade, Idaho.

Andrew Co. EMS transported Dominiack to Mosaic Life Care. The semi drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Focus driven by Cassandra L. Dominiack,&nbsp; 35, Independence, Mo, was southbound on Interstate 29 near the King City exit.The car rear-ended a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by Justin D. Thomas, 33, Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; After impact the car began to skid and rear-ended a 2024 Freightliner driven by Jeffrey D. Ballard, 45, Cascade, Idaho.Andrew Co. EMS transported Dominiack to Mosaic Life Care. The semi drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman hospitalized after car rear-ends 2 semis

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by Leslie P. Robinson, 45, Pattonsburg, was westbound on Route E at 135th Street eight miles south of Pattonsburg.

The car traveled off the north side of the road struck an embankment, crossed 135th Street, traveled into the ravine and struck several trees.

A private vehicle transported Robinson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by Leslie P. Robinson, 45, Pattonsburg, was westbound on Route E at 135th Street eight miles south of Pattonsburg.The car traveled off the north side of the road struck an embankment, crossed 135th Street, traveled into the ravine and struck several trees.A private vehicle transported Robinson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car crash into trees

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Michael G. Wardlow, 74, Lansing, Kansas, was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.

The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2002 Chevy Colorado driven by Jacen C. Gaona, 28, Gower.&nbsp;

The SUV struck the side of the pickup. Tri-County EMS transported Wardlow and three adult passengers in the SUV to Mosaic Life Care. Gaona was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Michael G. Wardlow, 74, Lansing, Kansas, was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2002 Chevy Colorado driven by Jacen C. Gaona, 28, Gower.&nbsp;The SUV struck the side of the pickup. Tri-County EMS transported Wardlow and three adult passengers in the SUV to Mosaic Life Care. Gaona was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4 hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash in Clinton County

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home. Just before 8:30p.m. June 26,&nbsp; a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 315 W. 12th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies arrested 41-year-old&nbsp; Cameron Mayer 41 and 41-year-old Raechel Juber&nbsp; both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of DrugParaphernalia.&nbsp; Horton Police Department assisted

Mayer has a previous drug conviction in Jackson, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719609510436.png" alt="Juber photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Juber photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home. Just before 8:30p.m. June 26,&nbsp; a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 315 W. 12th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719609529543.png" alt="Mayer-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Mayer-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested 41-year-old&nbsp; Cameron Mayer 41 and 41-year-old Raechel Juber&nbsp; both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of DrugParaphernalia.&nbsp; Horton Police Department assistedMayer has a previous drug conviction in Jackson, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon jailed after drug bust at home

Othel Moore was pepper-sprayed repeatedly and screamed he could not breathe while masked and strapped to a transport gurney. Corrections officers put him in a locked room without removing the mask or loosening the restraints, charges state

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December death of a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Othel Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, documents filed Friday in Cole County Circuit Court state.

Moore, who suffered from asthma, screamed at officers that he could not breathe as he was being transported to the cell, the documents state. He died on the morning of Dec. 8.

Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson charged Justin Leggins, 34, of Cadet, Jacob Case, 31, of Desloge, and Aaron Brown, 24, and Gregory Varner, 34, both of Park Hills, with second degree assault and second degree murder.

Thompson charged Bryanne Bradshaw, 25, of Jefferson City with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree.

Leggins was hired by the department in 2022, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Employees/" target="_blank">Missouri Accountability Portal</a>. Case worked for the department in 2014 and 2015 and returned in 2020. Brown was hired in 2021. Varner worked for the department from 2014 to 2016 and returned in 2019. Bradshaw started in 2018.

All five had been arrested or surrendered to authorities by Friday afternoon, Thompson said.

No information was available indicating whether the officers have hired attorneys.

Four corrections officers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article286346160.html" target="_blank">were fired in March</a>&nbsp;during the investigation of Moore’s death. The warden of the Jefferson City Correctional Center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/warden-of-missouri-prison-replaced-after-investigation-of-inmate-death/">was terminated as an employee</a>&nbsp;of the department earlier this month.&nbsp;

The autopsy of Moore ruled his death was due to “positional asphyxiation” and the death was determined to be a homicide, documents filed with the case state.

“The sheriff’s department did a very thorough investigation and when we set down and reviewed all the evidence available, that is what led us to those charges,” Thompson said in an interview with The Independent.

The charges, highly unusual in an inmate death case, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-guards-charged-black-man-custody-death-be04c04c1cb90959eeebf5e19f4850dd" target="_blank">first reported by the Associated Press</a>. Thompson said he has some cases of inmate-on-inmate violence pending, but no other cases involving correctional officers assaulting inmates.

“Right now we have two offender-on-offender homicides, and we have had those in the past as well,” Thompson said.

In a press release, Thompson said Moore’s death was linked to a Corrections Emergency Response Team operation to sweep one of the housing units for contraband. Moore was pepper sprayed twice during the operation before being placed in a spit hood, leg wrap and restraint chair and transferred to a separate housing unit, where he was left in the hood, wrap, and restraint chair for approximately 30 minutes.&nbsp;

The probable cause statements for each of the five describe their role in Moore’s death.

Leggins was present outside Moore’s cell during the operation. Moore spoke to another inmate and Leggins told him to remain silent.&nbsp;

“The victim looked back over his shoulder without moving any other part of his body and asked the suspect why he had to be quiet,” Sgt. Greg Henson of the Cole County Sheriff’s Department wrote in the probable cause statement on Leggin’s charges. “lt was at this point Leggins raised a ‘fogger’ canister of pepper spray and deployed it from a very close distance into the face of the victim.”

The spraying violated department policies that the inmate had to be a danger to the officer or other inmates, Henson wrote.&nbsp;

“This unwarranted reckless behavior inflicted undue suffering and pain on the victim,” Henson wrote.

Case pepper sprayed Moore in the face as he lay on the ground.

“During the initial interview Case stated he pepper sprayed the victim in the face while he was on the ground at the top of the staircase for not following directives to stop resisting,” Det. Aaron Roberts of the sheriff’s office wrote in the court documents.

Brown placed the mask on Moore’s face, Deputy Merideth Freeeman wrote in his probable cause statement. He claimed Moore was spitting at corrections officers, which other officers denied.

“Brown placed the spit mask on the victim’s head without allowing him the opportunity to decontaminate from the pepper spray even though the victim was fully restrained and cooperative at the time,” Freeman wrote, noting that he placed it improperly, blocking Moore’s nose and mouth.

Varner supervised the placement of Moore into a restraint device while masked.

“During my interview with Varner, he confirms that by the time the victim reached the bottom level after being sprayed multiple times, he was yelling that he couldn’t breathe, and that the victim was saying he had asthma,” Henson wrote in a probable cause statement.

Bradshaw was the highest ranking officer in the unit where Moore was taken in restraint. When he arrived at about 7:50 a.m. that morning, he was in distress.“Sgt. Bradshaw stated that when Moore arrived he was yelling and screaming and although she said she couldn’t understand what he was saying, she said he could have been saying he couldn’t breathe or was in distress,” Henson wrote. “Additionally, Bradshaw said she knew Moore from previous encounters, and didn’t think he would be making up medical issues if that’s what he was trying to relay when yelling.”

Moore was placed in a locked room, restrained and masked. He was not checked on until he was unresponsive about 8:20 a.m. that day.

Prison reform activist Michelle Smith had not heard about the charges when contacted Friday.

“The fact that they’ve absolutely been charged, yes, that’s amazing,” Smith said. “I appreciate it. I think that it is necessary, and you know, it will serve to get the information out to the public.”

Smith organized a vigil in January to highlight the growing number of deaths among inmates. Moore’s death was one of 135 in Missouri’s state prisons in 2023, according to Missouri Prison Reform . The number of deaths have been rising even as prison populations fall.

From 2012 to 2014, department data shows, there was an average of 31,442 incarcerated people in state prisons. Deaths averaged 89 per year. Over the period 2020 through 2022, with an average of 23,409 incarcerated people in state prisons, deaths averaged 122 per year.

Many of the deaths are natural, but they also include increasing numbers of overdose deaths.

The Moore investigation should not end with the criminal charges, Smith said. The way prisoners who told his family about his death were treated needs to be addressed as well, she said.

“The person who called the sister and told her he was killed, they put him in the hole,” Smith said. “They retaliated against several men and put them in the hole who were talking about it.”

<h2>Othel Moore was pepper-sprayed repeatedly and screamed he could not breathe while masked and strapped to a transport gurney. Corrections officers put him in a locked room without removing the mask or loosening the restraints, charges state</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December death of a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.Othel Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, documents filed Friday in Cole County Circuit Court state.Moore, who suffered from asthma, screamed at officers that he could not breathe as he was being transported to the cell, the documents state. He died on the morning of Dec. 8.Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson charged Justin Leggins, 34, of Cadet, Jacob Case, 31, of Desloge, and Aaron Brown, 24, and Gregory Varner, 34, both of Park Hills, with second degree assault and second degree murder.Thompson charged Bryanne Bradshaw, 25, of Jefferson City with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree.Leggins was hired by the department in 2022, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Employees/" target="_blank">Missouri Accountability Portal</a>. Case worked for the department in 2014 and 2015 and returned in 2020. Brown was hired in 2021. Varner worked for the department from 2014 to 2016 and returned in 2019. Bradshaw started in 2018.All five had been arrested or surrendered to authorities by Friday afternoon, Thompson said.No information was available indicating whether the officers have hired attorneys.Four corrections officers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article286346160.html" target="_blank">were fired in March</a>&nbsp;during the investigation of Moore’s death. The warden of the Jefferson City Correctional Center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/warden-of-missouri-prison-replaced-after-investigation-of-inmate-death/">was terminated as an employee</a>&nbsp;of the department earlier this month.&nbsp;The autopsy of Moore ruled his death was due to “positional asphyxiation” and the death was determined to be a homicide, documents filed with the case state.“The sheriff’s department did a very thorough investigation and when we set down and reviewed all the evidence available, that is what led us to those charges,” Thompson said in an interview with The Independent.The charges, highly unusual in an inmate death case, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-guards-charged-black-man-custody-death-be04c04c1cb90959eeebf5e19f4850dd" target="_blank">first reported by the Associated Press</a>. Thompson said he has some cases of inmate-on-inmate violence pending, but no other cases involving correctional officers assaulting inmates.“Right now we have two offender-on-offender homicides, and we have had those in the past as well,” Thompson said.In a press release, Thompson said Moore’s death was linked to a Corrections Emergency Response Team operation to sweep one of the housing units for contraband. Moore was pepper sprayed twice during the operation before being placed in a spit hood, leg wrap and restraint chair and transferred to a separate housing unit, where he was left in the hood, wrap, and restraint chair for approximately 30 minutes.&nbsp;The probable cause statements for each of the five describe their role in Moore’s death.Leggins was present outside Moore’s cell during the operation. Moore spoke to another inmate and Leggins told him to remain silent.&nbsp;“The victim looked back over his shoulder without moving any other part of his body and asked the suspect why he had to be quiet,” Sgt. Greg Henson of the Cole County Sheriff’s Department wrote in the probable cause statement on Leggin’s charges. “lt was at this point Leggins raised a ‘fogger’ canister of pepper spray and deployed it from a very close distance into the face of the victim.”The spraying violated department policies that the inmate had to be a danger to the officer or other inmates, Henson wrote.&nbsp;“This unwarranted reckless behavior inflicted undue suffering and pain on the victim,” Henson wrote.Case pepper sprayed Moore in the face as he lay on the ground.“During the initial interview Case stated he pepper sprayed the victim in the face while he was on the ground at the top of the staircase for not following directives to stop resisting,” Det. Aaron Roberts of the sheriff’s office wrote in the court documents.Brown placed the mask on Moore’s face, Deputy Merideth Freeeman wrote in his probable cause statement. He claimed Moore was spitting at corrections officers, which other officers denied.“Brown placed the spit mask on the victim’s head without allowing him the opportunity to decontaminate from the pepper spray even though the victim was fully restrained and cooperative at the time,” Freeman wrote, noting that he placed it improperly, blocking Moore’s nose and mouth.Varner supervised the placement of Moore into a restraint device while masked.“During my interview with Varner, he confirms that by the time the victim reached the bottom level after being sprayed multiple times, he was yelling that he couldn’t breathe, and that the victim was saying he had asthma,” Henson wrote in a probable cause statement.Bradshaw was the highest ranking officer in the unit where Moore was taken in restraint. When he arrived at about 7:50 a.m. that morning, he was in distress.“Sgt. Bradshaw stated that when Moore arrived he was yelling and screaming and although she said she couldn’t understand what he was saying, she said he could have been saying he couldn’t breathe or was in distress,” Henson wrote. “Additionally, Bradshaw said she knew Moore from previous encounters, and didn’t think he would be making up medical issues if that’s what he was trying to relay when yelling.”Moore was placed in a locked room, restrained and masked. He was not checked on until he was unresponsive about 8:20 a.m. that day.Prison reform activist Michelle Smith had not heard about the charges when contacted Friday.“The fact that they’ve absolutely been charged, yes, that’s amazing,” Smith said. “I appreciate it. I think that it is necessary, and you know, it will serve to get the information out to the public.”Smith organized a vigil in January to highlight the growing number of deaths among inmates. Moore’s death was one of 135 in Missouri’s state prisons in 2023, according to Missouri Prison Reform . The number of deaths have been rising even as prison populations fall.From 2012 to 2014, department data shows, there was an average of 31,442 incarcerated people in state prisons. Deaths averaged 89 per year. Over the period 2020 through 2022, with an average of 23,409 incarcerated people in state prisons, deaths averaged 122 per year.Many of the deaths are natural, but they also include increasing numbers of overdose deaths.The Moore investigation should not end with the criminal charges, Smith said. The way prisoners who told his family about his death were treated needs to be addressed as well, she said.“The person who called the sister and told her he was killed, they put him in the hole,” Smith said. “They retaliated against several men and put them in the hole who were talking about it.”

Missouri corrections officers charged with murder in death of inmate in restraints

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo —Strong thunderstorms moved through Holt and Atchison counties in northwest Missouri on Friday.

MSHP Corporal Nic Greiner captured this photo of a tornado in western Atchison County on U.S. 136 looking south just east of the Brownville bridge.&nbsp; There were no report of injury or property damage.

Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719662150616.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo —Strong thunderstorms moved through Holt and Atchison counties in northwest Missouri on Friday.MSHP Corporal Nic Greiner captured this photo of a tornado in western Atchison County on U.S. 136 looking south just east of the Brownville bridge.&nbsp; There were no report of injury or property damage.Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

Tornado rolled across rural NW Missouri 

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Richard S. Culp, 55, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V two miles east of Skidmore.

The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a field entrance and overturned.

Troopers arrested Culp on requested charges of DWI, Careless and Imprudent driving and for no seat belt. Nodaway County Ambulance transported Culp to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Richard S. Culp, 55, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V two miles east of Skidmore.The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a field entrance and overturned.Troopers arrested Culp on requested charges of DWI, Careless and Imprudent driving and for no seat belt. Nodaway County Ambulance transported Culp to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Missouri man accused of DWi after rollover crash

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 17-year-old girl from Troy was northbound on Business 129 in Country Club.

The driver attempted to make a u-turn at the median crossover at Emerald Lane.&nbsp; The car turned left and struck a northbound 2018 Dodge Ram driven by Nicolas I. Davis, 20, Country Club.&nbsp; The impact pushed pickup into the median.

Andrew County EMS transported Davis to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 17-year-old girl from Troy was northbound on Business 129 in Country Club.The driver attempted to make a u-turn at the median crossover at Emerald Lane.&nbsp; The car turned left and struck a northbound 2018 Dodge Ram driven by Nicolas I. Davis, 20, Country Club.&nbsp; The impact pushed pickup into the median.Andrew County EMS transported Davis to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash during u-turn

Six St. Joseph residents face possible criminal charges after
arrests concluded a three-month investigation by the Buchanan County Drug
Strike Force, St. Joseph police, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office reports the six range in
age from 30 to 58 years old; four men and two women.

The Drug Strike Force reports investigators served warrants at
a residence on Castle Lane, seizing a pound of methamphetamine, two handguns, a
stolen motorcycle, and cash.

Investigators have turned the case over to the Buchanan County
Prosecutor’s Office.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSix St. Joseph residents face possible criminal charges after
arrests concluded a three-month investigation by the Buchanan County Drug
Strike Force, St. Joseph police, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office reports the six range in
age from 30 to 58 years old; four men and two women.The Drug Strike Force reports investigators served warrants at
a residence on Castle Lane, seizing a pound of methamphetamine, two handguns, a
stolen motorcycle, and cash.Investigators have turned the case over to the Buchanan County
Prosecutor’s Office.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Six arrested after 3-month drug investigation in St. Joseph

The annual Pony Express Museum Day camp is coming up early next month at the downtown museum. 

Executive director Cindy Daffron says this year's camp will focus on experiences kids might have had in the 1860's 

"It's going to talk about life experiences,' Daffron explains to KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, what if once upon a time I was a pioneer boy or a pioneer girl, what would I have done, so what would my job or my role be inside that museum?"  

"So, we have pumping of the water, numerous other things like cooking in the relay station." 

Daffron says what kids will learn during the camp isn't any different, it's just a different way of learning 

"You can read something in a book, but when you've got to walk the pathway or you're hands have to do it, it's kind of like when I take them out to the pony school I hear this all the time, Miss Cindy if they taught like this we'd learn something every day," Daffron says. "It's just a different way to present it." 

The camp will run for three days July 8th through the 10th and also July 15th through the 17th.  Sign up now as slots fill quickly.  

There will also be a one-day camp for preschoolers on July 11th.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The annual Pony Express Museum Day camp is coming up early next month at the downtown museum. Executive director Cindy Daffron says this year's camp will focus on experiences kids might have had in the 1860's "It's going to talk about life experiences,' Daffron explains to KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, what if once upon a time I was a pioneer boy or a pioneer girl, what would I have done, so what would my job or my role be inside that museum?" "So, we have pumping of the water, numerous other things like cooking in the relay station." Daffron says what kids will learn during the camp isn't any different, it's just a different way of learning "You can read something in a book, but when you've got to walk the pathway or you're hands have to do it, it's kind of like when I take them out to the pony school I hear this all the time, Miss Cindy if they taught like this we'd learn something every day," Daffron says. "It's just a different way to present it." The camp will run for three days July 8th through the 10th and also July 15th through the 17th. Sign up now as slots fill quickly. There will also be a one-day camp for preschoolers on July 11th.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Annual day camp gives kids a chance to experience the 1860's

As the deadline approaches to delegate Covid relief funds, officials with the city of St. Joseph feel they are in a good place.  

City Manager Bryan Carter says currently there are a few projects that are nearing a deadline on delegating spending, but it’s not to a point he's concerned. 

"There is still time to get that money incumbered, get it obligated," Carter tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "There is however one element out there that we're going to have to address, and we're going to have to thread the needle a little bit on the timing of this one, and that is the fact that we've left roughly $1 million in money that is not allocated to any particular project or expense." 

However, Carter also says you don't want to get in a situation where things are getting done at the gun. 

"You want to have time for if there is an unexpected need to cancel a council meeting or if something the money is going to be spent on becomes controversial and needs a lot more public input before it gets spent, you don't want to be under the gun on that," Carter explains. "From our perspective on the administrative side, we want to make sure we have all the information to the city council, and they can make a decision when it's not a time pressured decision." 

Several projects around St. Joseph have benefited from these federal funds, including expansion at Hillyard Technical Center and the Missouri Western CTAC, among others. 

Federal money was a key part in renovations of the Civic Arena, with new seats and a new scoreboard, but work is continuing on the arena.  

Carter says on top of the renovations have been done, currently upgraded bathrooms are being designed.  

"To replace, or modernize, the restroom facilities, getting ready to go through painting to the interior and exterior of Civic Arena," Carter says. "So, a lot of those key elements that are necessary to make it look better, but also necessary to make it function better." 

Money from the Capital Improvement Project and the parks tax passed in 2021. The deadline to obligate remaining COVID relief funds is the end of the year. 

The deadline to obligate funds is the end of the year, with the deadline to spend the money coming in 2026. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As the deadline approaches to delegate Covid relief funds, officials with the city of St. Joseph feel they are in a good place. City Manager Bryan Carter says currently there are a few projects that are nearing a deadline on delegating spending, but it’s not to a point he's concerned. "There is still time to get that money incumbered, get it obligated," Carter tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "There is however one element out there that we're going to have to address, and we're going to have to thread the needle a little bit on the timing of this one, and that is the fact that we've left roughly $1 million in money that is not allocated to any particular project or expense." However, Carter also says you don't want to get in a situation where things are getting done at the gun. "You want to have time for if there is an unexpected need to cancel a council meeting or if something the money is going to be spent on becomes controversial and needs a lot more public input before it gets spent, you don't want to be under the gun on that," Carter explains. "From our perspective on the administrative side, we want to make sure we have all the information to the city council, and they can make a decision when it's not a time pressured decision." Several projects around St. Joseph have benefited from these federal funds, including expansion at Hillyard Technical Center and the Missouri Western CTAC, among others. Federal money was a key part in renovations of the Civic Arena, with new seats and a new scoreboard, but work is continuing on the arena. Carter says on top of the renovations have been done, currently upgraded bathrooms are being designed. "To replace, or modernize, the restroom facilities, getting ready to go through painting to the interior and exterior of Civic Arena," Carter says. "So, a lot of those key elements that are necessary to make it look better, but also necessary to make it function better." Money from the Capital Improvement Project and the parks tax passed in 2021. The deadline to obligate remaining COVID relief funds is the end of the year. The deadline to obligate funds is the end of the year, with the deadline to spend the money coming in 2026. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Halfway to deadlilne day city officials confident federal funds will be obligated

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

A Missouri House committee began a new phase Tuesday of a years-long process to create a formula to fund the state’s higher education institutions.

Led by state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, the Special Interim Committee on Higher Education Performance Funding is hoping to pick a performance-based formula that would determine funding while allotting for institutions’ unique missions.

Shields sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2905&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;in January pushing for the switch in higher-education funding, which passed a committee but was never debated by the full House.

The pressure to establish a formula stems from a 2022 appropriations bill that gave the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development $450,000 to commission “a study which provides recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on public higher education performance funding models.” The department has been working with the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems since and has created&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/about/legislative/HigherEducationFundingStudy.php" target="_blank">reports on higher-education funding and efficiency</a>.

“It is a long haul to make this happen if we do the testing correctly,” Shields told the committee Tuesday afternoon.

She predicted the first year of implementation would be 2027, and she aims to have a model by January that the committee can “run simulations with.”

Committee members commented that it was a challenge to create a formula for higher education — especially when term limits place a ceiling on legislators’ experience.

“I’m concerned about the technicality of what we are talking about here that is beyond my experience and perhaps ability to understand,” said state Rep. John Black, a Marshfield Republican.

Black noted that he, as well as Shields and committee member state Rep. Kevin Windham, have two years remaining in the House.

“The legislature will never understand some of these parameters at a level necessary to implement a good program. We are going to have to give over some authority to the department,” he said.

He said they will have to “convince” fellow House members to give power to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Windham, a Democrat from Hillsdale, said they will need the Senate’s authorization.

Shields suggested expanding the group to a joint committee, incorporating senators.

Leroy Wade, deputy commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, described a process of cooperation between the committee, the department and higher-education institutions, with the department serving as a liaison and source of manpower for the calculations involved.

Many of the state’s colleges sent a representative to talk to the committee Tuesday, answering what they wanted out of the funding model.

Mun Choi, president of University of Missouri System and chancellor of its flagship campus in Columbia, said his ideal formula would reward “strong outcomes such as high graduation rates and high future earnings.”

He said it should also account for pricier degree programs, comparing the cost of educating an engineering student versus a history major.

“The formula should also reflect the unique missions of all of the public universities in the state,” he said. “In fiscal year 2023 the University of Missouri System spent $600 million in expenditures to support research that led to discovery but also had impact to the region and the state.”

Elizabeth Kennedy, chair of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri and president of Missouri Western State University, said lawmakers should consider historic underfunding.

The Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri has 10 member schools, including the state’s two historically Black universities, Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. A federal report recently showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-study-of-lincoln-university-funding-inequity/">Missouri, among other states, has been underfunding</a>&nbsp;its historically Black land-grant university.

Windham said funding imbalances are a challenge as the committee discusses performance funding.

“I find it hard to talk about performance funding when I think about how institutions have been underfunded, some worse than others in the state,” he said. “The institutions that have seen significant investments in the past from the state will likely do better than most.”

Kennedy said the committee has the opportunity to study this.

Kimberly Beatty, chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, said the funding model must account for the differences between four-year institutions and community colleges. She said the current way colleges are funded has left state aid out of valuable programs.

“We do the apprenticeship programs. We have (certified nurse assistant) programs, manufacturing, welding, and all of those are apprenticeship programs,” she said. “None of those apprenticeship programs or their enrollees are considered in the current funding model.”

She said non-credit programs, which provide workforce training, provide workforce development for Missouri but are not funded at the state level.

“We’d like to see the value of workforce programs included in the funding model, whether those are credit programs or non-credit programs,” she said.

Beatty said around 20% of students are currently not counted towards full-time enrollment, as funded currently.

Full-time enrollment is one metric among many that may be incorporated into the formula. Currently, performance funding is not in effect in the budget process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719576316247.png" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields. R-St. Joseph, is leading a special committee that seeks to set a performance-based formula for higher education funding (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields. R-St. Joseph, is leading a special committee that seeks to set a performance-based formula for higher education funding (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Missouri House committee began a new phase Tuesday of a years-long process to create a formula to fund the state’s higher education institutions.Led by state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, the Special Interim Committee on Higher Education Performance Funding is hoping to pick a performance-based formula that would determine funding while allotting for institutions’ unique missions.Shields sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2905&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;in January pushing for the switch in higher-education funding, which passed a committee but was never debated by the full House.The pressure to establish a formula stems from a 2022 appropriations bill that gave the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development $450,000 to commission “a study which provides recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on public higher education performance funding models.” The department has been working with the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems since and has created&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/about/legislative/HigherEducationFundingStudy.php" target="_blank">reports on higher-education funding and efficiency</a>.“It is a long haul to make this happen if we do the testing correctly,” Shields told the committee Tuesday afternoon.She predicted the first year of implementation would be 2027, and she aims to have a model by January that the committee can “run simulations with.”Committee members commented that it was a challenge to create a formula for higher education — especially when term limits place a ceiling on legislators’ experience.“I’m concerned about the technicality of what we are talking about here that is beyond my experience and perhaps ability to understand,” said state Rep. John Black, a Marshfield Republican.Black noted that he, as well as Shields and committee member state Rep. Kevin Windham, have two years remaining in the House.“The legislature will never understand some of these parameters at a level necessary to implement a good program. We are going to have to give over some authority to the department,” he said.He said they will have to “convince” fellow House members to give power to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.Windham, a Democrat from Hillsdale, said they will need the Senate’s authorization.Shields suggested expanding the group to a joint committee, incorporating senators.Leroy Wade, deputy commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, described a process of cooperation between the committee, the department and higher-education institutions, with the department serving as a liaison and source of manpower for the calculations involved.Many of the state’s colleges sent a representative to talk to the committee Tuesday, answering what they wanted out of the funding model.Mun Choi, president of University of Missouri System and chancellor of its flagship campus in Columbia, said his ideal formula would reward “strong outcomes such as high graduation rates and high future earnings.”He said it should also account for pricier degree programs, comparing the cost of educating an engineering student versus a history major.“The formula should also reflect the unique missions of all of the public universities in the state,” he said. “In fiscal year 2023 the University of Missouri System spent $600 million in expenditures to support research that led to discovery but also had impact to the region and the state.”Elizabeth Kennedy, chair of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri and president of Missouri Western State University, said lawmakers should consider historic underfunding.The Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri has 10 member schools, including the state’s two historically Black universities, Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. A federal report recently showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-study-of-lincoln-university-funding-inequity/">Missouri, among other states, has been underfunding</a>&nbsp;its historically Black land-grant university.Windham said funding imbalances are a challenge as the committee discusses performance funding.“I find it hard to talk about performance funding when I think about how institutions have been underfunded, some worse than others in the state,” he said. “The institutions that have seen significant investments in the past from the state will likely do better than most.”Kennedy said the committee has the opportunity to study this.Kimberly Beatty, chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, said the funding model must account for the differences between four-year institutions and community colleges. She said the current way colleges are funded has left state aid out of valuable programs.“We do the apprenticeship programs. We have (certified nurse assistant) programs, manufacturing, welding, and all of those are apprenticeship programs,” she said. “None of those apprenticeship programs or their enrollees are considered in the current funding model.”She said non-credit programs, which provide workforce training, provide workforce development for Missouri but are not funded at the state level.“We’d like to see the value of workforce programs included in the funding model, whether those are credit programs or non-credit programs,” she said.Beatty said around 20% of students are currently not counted towards full-time enrollment, as funded currently.Full-time enrollment is one metric among many that may be incorporated into the formula. Currently, performance funding is not in effect in the budget process.

Missouri committee sets goal to enact performance funding formula for higher education

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Daniel J. King, 35, Grant City, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany.

The car rear-ended a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Michelle L. Teater, 46, Albany, was was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.

Grant River ambulance transported Teater to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; King was not injured. Teater was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Daniel J. King, 35, Grant City, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany.The car rear-ended a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Michelle L. Teater, 46, Albany, was was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.Grant River ambulance transported Teater to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; King was not injured. Teater was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after rear-end crash

St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar will retire at the
end of the coming school year.

Edgar informed the Board of Education about his decision during
an executive session following its meeting Wednesday night.

Edgar, who is 51, says he will be leaving public education for
opportunities in the private sector.

“Public education’s been my life for a long time and I’m to
the point where my years of service plus my age adds together to be 80 and out,
which gets me to a full public school retirement,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “And I just felt like it was time.”

Edgar served as Marceline school superintendent for 11 years
before moving to St. Joseph to become Director of Finance for the St. Joseph
School District, beginning with the 2018-19 school year. Edgar moved up to
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations the following school year.
He became superintendent in 2022 when Doug Van Zyl moved on.

Edgar doesn’t expect much to change in his final year as superintendent
and though he is leaving, he has work to do in his final year.

“One thing that I did promise to the Board of Education, there’s
a long-range plan that we’ve been discussing over several months. I promised
them that that would be my number one goal, to make sure that that’s a seamless
process,” Edgar says. “Because that’s a big deal; the two high school model,
the four middle school model. We’re making a lot of progress on that. So, I
think that’s the number one priority.”

Edgar says another priority is to continue the push for big
change within the district, to try different approaches. If they don’t work,
Edgar says they will try other approaches. He says students need to make better
academic progress and the district needs to better tailor its curriculum to the
students’ needs. Discipline also needs to be emphasized, because rowdy
classrooms contribute to teachers leaving the profession.

Edgar sites as successes putting the district’s finances on
sound footing as an assistant superintendent and expansion of Hillyard Technical
Center as superintendent.

A search for his replacement will begin soon and Edgar says community
relations needs to be a top priority in the search for his successor.

“And I say that because of all of the struggles that the
public education system has had here in St. Joe,” Edgar says. “I really think
the next person needs to be somebody that can relate to the community.”

Edgar's
retirement is effective June 30th, 2025. 

The St.
Joseph Board of Education will announce the search process for the new
superintendent later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719515620394.jpeg" alt="Gabe Edgar speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Edgar speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar will retire at the
end of the coming school year.Edgar informed the Board of Education about his decision during
an executive session following its meeting Wednesday night.Edgar, who is 51, says he will be leaving public education for
opportunities in the private sector.“Public education’s been my life for a long time and I’m to
the point where my years of service plus my age adds together to be 80 and out,
which gets me to a full public school retirement,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “And I just felt like it was time.”Edgar served as Marceline school superintendent for 11 years
before moving to St. Joseph to become Director of Finance for the St. Joseph
School District, beginning with the 2018-19 school year. Edgar moved up to
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations the following school year.
He became superintendent in 2022 when Doug Van Zyl moved on.Edgar doesn’t expect much to change in his final year as superintendent
and though he is leaving, he has work to do in his final year.“One thing that I did promise to the Board of Education, there’s
a long-range plan that we’ve been discussing over several months. I promised
them that that would be my number one goal, to make sure that that’s a seamless
process,” Edgar says. “Because that’s a big deal; the two high school model,
the four middle school model. We’re making a lot of progress on that. So, I
think that’s the number one priority.”Edgar says another priority is to continue the push for big
change within the district, to try different approaches. If they don’t work,
Edgar says they will try other approaches. He says students need to make better
academic progress and the district needs to better tailor its curriculum to the
students’ needs. Discipline also needs to be emphasized, because rowdy
classrooms contribute to teachers leaving the profession.Edgar sites as successes putting the district’s finances on
sound footing as an assistant superintendent and expansion of Hillyard Technical
Center as superintendent.A search for his replacement will begin soon and Edgar says community
relations needs to be a top priority in the search for his successor.“And I say that because of all of the struggles that the
public education system has had here in St. Joe,” Edgar says. “I really think
the next person needs to be somebody that can relate to the community.”Edgar's
retirement is effective June 30th, 2025. The St.
Joseph Board of Education will announce the search process for the new
superintendent later.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-School-Supt--Gabe-Edgar-is-retiring-e2lcu1l" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph school Supt. Edgar retiring to pursue other opportunities

Former CAP St. Joe Executive Director Whitney Lanning says
politics push her out of the position she held the past nine years.

The CAP St. Joe board fired Lanning shortly after the Missouri
Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the state budget
stripping the organization of $3 million. The amendment ultimately was
rescinded and the funding restored.

Lanning, a Democrat, doubts denials by both Republican
Senators Tony Luetkemeyer and Rusty Black, members of the committee, that they
had anything to do with it, saying neither reached out to her or CAP St. Joe
about the funding.

“Which I think anyone would have expected if they were truly surprised
and had nothing to do with it,” Lanning tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an
interview.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719497430686.jpeg" alt="Whitney Lanning/Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Whitney Lanning/Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer CAP St. Joe Executive Director Whitney Lanning says
politics push her out of the position she held the past nine years.The CAP St. Joe board fired Lanning shortly after the Missouri
Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the state budget
stripping the organization of $3 million. The amendment ultimately was
rescinded and the funding restored.Lanning, a Democrat, doubts denials by both Republican
Senators Tony Luetkemeyer and Rusty Black, members of the committee, that they
had anything to do with it, saying neither reached out to her or CAP St. Joe
about the funding.“Which I think anyone would have expected if they were truly surprised
and had nothing to do with it,” Lanning tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an
interview.Missouri has several Community Action Partnerships that formed
the Missouri Community Action Network dealing with poverty throughout the state,
but the amendment approved by the Senate committee would have only affected the
St. Joseph Community Action Partnership serving Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and
DeKalb Counties. Lanning estimates loss of the funding would have had an impact
on 6,000 area low-income families. The target, though, wasn’t the families, according to Lanning,
who says the move in Jefferson City was meant to send a message to St. Joseph.“It’s meant to scare me, but it’s also meant to scare other
people,” Lanning says. “This is what will happen to you if you go up against
people in power in St. Joseph.”Lanning had been with CAP St. Joe for 11 years, serving as
executive director for nine.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0c5f3d0c-ccae-47c1-a942-302c09c5839d">Sen. Luetkemeyer, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, denied have anything to do with the amendment in an earlier interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.</a>Black, who is from Chillicothe and represents a huge Missouri
Senate district covering northwest Missouri, denies sponsoring the amendment,
but admits to wanting Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.“I thought that Miss Lanning had went way over the line and
needed to be removed from that position,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And
whenever that amendment came up in the committee, nobody was opposed to it and
it passed.”Black denies being behind the amendment, but doesn’t deny he
wanted Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.“Oh, I’ve been public on that, right, that I didn’t think her
leadership was the right thing for CAP St. Joe,” Black says.Lanning accuses Black and Luetkemeyer of doing the bidding of
the Herzog organization. Lanning accuses Herzog of attempting to undermine public
education, not just in St. Joseph but throughout Missouri.“This is all deeply connected with Herzog,” according to
Lanning. “This is all deeply connected with their efforts to defund and
dismantle public education.”Herzog Foundation spokeswoman Elizabeth Roberts denies having
anything to do with the Senate Appropriations Committee amendment, saying she
didn’t know anything about it.“Our only mission is to improve K through 12 Christian
education. That’s it,” Roberts tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’re not on a
mission to dismantle or defund anyone.”Roberts also rejects Lanning’s charge that Herzog is
attempting to silence her, stating “the Herzog Foundation is certainly not
trying to silence her.”Though Lanning lost her position with CAP St. Joe, she says
she will fill out her term on the St. Joseph School Board.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Lanning-says-politics-forced-her-out-at-CAP-St--Joe-e2lckh6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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