The Radio-a-thon to benefit Camp Quality, hosted by JoeTown 107.5's Gregg Lynn, is happening today 

The event is coming into its 20th year, starting in 2005, and has raised nearly $400,000 for Camp Quality.  

Lynn says it's amazing to see the sponsors and community step up to support the Radio-a-thon and the camp.  

"We've got companies that have been sponsoring this event and making donations for this entire time, and we have people that come out every year and I recognize them every year and write very generous checks every year to Camp Quality," Lynn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "You know we've raised over $350,000; we're closing in on $400,000 for camp, it's just amazing, I'm humbled." 

Lynn says the cost to give a kid this camping experience has risen 

"It's about $1,750 per camper, it was about $1,500 and it's gone up a little bit, so it's about $1,750 per camper, they can hold 100 or so campers," Lynn explains. "I know they moved to a different camp this year down closer to Excelsior Springs, but it's still the same camp, it's still offering the same things for the kids, but it costs a lot of money." 

Lynn will be live on site at Sav-On Furniture Mart along the Belt Highway, on air from 6am to 5pm, and invites everyone to come out and have fun. 

"Even though the subject matter is kind of serious, the camp isn't serious the camp is fun, and we're having fun too," Lynn says. "You come out bring your donation out, we're going to have a food truck out there, Witts Pitt barbecue going to be out there at lunch time, buy lunch, take a collection at work and bring your donation out." 

Donations can be made at Sav On or online at<a href="https://www.joetown1075.com/gregg-lynns-radio-a-thon-for-camp-quality/"> Joetown1075.com</a>. Pledges can also be made to the Camp Quality hotline at 816 232 CAMP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718376012694.jpeg" alt="The Radio-A-Thon to benefit Camp Quality is live from Sav-On Furniture Mart/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp; The Gregg Lynn Radio Show Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The Radio-A-Thon to benefit Camp Quality is live from Sav-On Furniture Mart/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp; The Gregg Lynn Radio Show Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Radio-a-thon to benefit Camp Quality, hosted by JoeTown 107.5's Gregg Lynn, is happening today The event is coming into its 20th year, starting in 2005, and has raised nearly $400,000 for Camp Quality. Lynn says it's amazing to see the sponsors and community step up to support the Radio-a-thon and the camp. "We've got companies that have been sponsoring this event and making donations for this entire time, and we have people that come out every year and I recognize them every year and write very generous checks every year to Camp Quality," Lynn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "You know we've raised over $350,000; we're closing in on $400,000 for camp, it's just amazing, I'm humbled." Lynn says the cost to give a kid this camping experience has risen "It's about $1,750 per camper, it was about $1,500 and it's gone up a little bit, so it's about $1,750 per camper, they can hold 100 or so campers," Lynn explains. "I know they moved to a different camp this year down closer to Excelsior Springs, but it's still the same camp, it's still offering the same things for the kids, but it costs a lot of money." Lynn will be live on site at Sav-On Furniture Mart along the Belt Highway, on air from 6am to 5pm, and invites everyone to come out and have fun. "Even though the subject matter is kind of serious, the camp isn't serious the camp is fun, and we're having fun too," Lynn says. "You come out bring your donation out, we're going to have a food truck out there, Witts Pitt barbecue going to be out there at lunch time, buy lunch, take a collection at work and bring your donation out." Donations can be made at Sav On or online at<a href="https://www.joetown1075.com/gregg-lynns-radio-a-thon-for-camp-quality/"> Joetown1075.com</a>. Pledges can also be made to the Camp Quality hotline at 816 232 CAMP. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718310245656.png" alt="The Radio-A-Thon for Camp Quality will take place from 6am to 5pm at Sav-On Furniture Mart airing live on JoeTown 107.5/ Photo courtesy of JoeTown 107.5" />
 <figcaption>The Radio-A-Thon for Camp Quality will take place from 6am to 5pm at Sav-On Furniture Mart airing live on JoeTown 107.5/ Photo courtesy of JoeTown 107.5</figcaption>
 </figure>

Gregg Lynn's Radio-A-Thon to benefit Camp Quality happening today

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Accord driven by&nbsp;Morgan R. Thomas, 24, Mayetta, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Hiawatha.&nbsp;

The car clipped a northbound&nbsp;Kia&nbsp;Seltos driven by Deborah J. Wright, 61, Horton, who was slowing to allow a motorcycle to make a left turn onto westbound 220th. After impact a northbound 2009 Nissan Versa driven by Chris D.&nbsp;Jorn, 50, Horton, rear-ended the Kia.

EMS transported&nbsp;Wright to the Hiawatha Hospital.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. One juvenile was present in the Honda and in the Kia; juvenile record is protected data, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Accord driven by&nbsp;Morgan R. Thomas, 24, Mayetta, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Hiawatha.&nbsp;The car clipped a northbound&nbsp;Kia&nbsp;Seltos driven by Deborah J. Wright, 61, Horton, who was slowing to allow a motorcycle to make a left turn onto westbound 220th. After impact a northbound 2009 Nissan Versa driven by Chris D.&nbsp;Jorn, 50, Horton, rear-ended the Kia.EMS transported&nbsp;Wright to the Hiawatha Hospital.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. One juvenile was present in the Honda and in the Kia; juvenile record is protected data, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after 3-vehicle crash

HOLT COUNTY——One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m.Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by Geoffrey P . Goff, 44, White Cloud, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Craig.

The vehicle traveled off the road into the median. The semi returned to the northbound lanes, traveled off the east side of the road, struck trees and an embankment.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Goff to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY——One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m.Thursday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by Geoffrey P . Goff, 44, White Cloud, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Craig.The vehicle traveled off the road into the median. The semi returned to the northbound lanes, traveled off the east side of the road, struck trees and an embankment.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Goff to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man injured after violent semi crash

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett is notifying the public of a new scam contacting registered sex offenders and their employers.

Puett reports his office has receieved multiple calls about scammers contacting regisered sex offenders and their employers claiming to be a law enforcement officer threatening the sex offender or employer with arrest if they do not purchase gift cards and give that information to the con artist. 

The scammer is claiming they are with the Platte County Sheriff's Office currently, but have also recently used the name of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. 

Puett reminds residents this is a scam and that people should not fall victim to these threats.  

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett is notifying the public of a new scam contacting registered sex offenders and their employers.Puett reports his office has receieved multiple calls about scammers contacting regisered sex offenders and their employers claiming to be a law enforcement officer threatening the sex offender or employer with arrest if they do not purchase gift cards and give that information to the con artist. The scammer is claiming they are with the Platte County Sheriff's Office currently, but have also recently used the name of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. Puett reminds residents this is a scam and that people should not fall victim to these threats. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buchanan County Sheriff reporting new scam call going around county

Fun will be had as the St. Joseph Public Library will host an annual fundraiser later this month.  

The 11th annual trivia night benefiting the library will be held at the Fairview Golf Course banquet room on June 29th. 

Outreach librarian Crystal Stuck says the money raised during the event helps with some of the general programming around the library.  

"Sometimes some of our programs we need supplies or there's some of our teen programs we like to feed them, because the mantra feed them, they will come is often true when it comes to our teen programming," Stuck tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, it just kind of helps us do a few extra things that normally we wouldn't have in our budget to do." 

Stuck says while the fundraiser isn't the biggest for the library, it is the most fun 

So, that's why we keep doing it; our biggest fundraiser would be our friends of the library annual book sale in the fall, which often raises close to $10,000, so that's our biggest fundraiser, but this one is the most fun, Stuck explains.  

Stuck says while proceeds benefit the library, players will get the chance to win some prizes as well 

"We don't spend a lot of money on the event because the whole idea is to raise money, so the prizes aren't huge but it's just a little thing for your team so technically you could have a team win multiple rounds and get multiple prizes," Stuck says. "And then we tally the scores at the end of eight rounds and the team with the highest score gets another prize, so lots of prizes." 

Players can also purchase mulligans during the event and tickets for a 50/50 raffle.  

Reservations are not required but are encouraged as tables normally sell out prior to the event Stuck says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718291610612.jpeg" alt="Residents gather at the Fairview Golf Course banquet room for trivia night supporting the St. Joseph Public Library/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Public Library Facebook, taken during the ninth annual event" />
 <figcaption>Residents gather at the Fairview Golf Course banquet room for trivia night supporting the St. Joseph Public Library/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Public Library Facebook, taken during the ninth annual event</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Fun will be had as the St. Joseph Public Library will host an annual fundraiser later this month. The 11th annual trivia night benefiting the library will be held at the Fairview Golf Course banquet room on June 29th. Outreach librarian Crystal Stuck says the money raised during the event helps with some of the general programming around the library. "Sometimes some of our programs we need supplies or there's some of our teen programs we like to feed them, because the mantra feed them, they will come is often true when it comes to our teen programming," Stuck tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, it just kind of helps us do a few extra things that normally we wouldn't have in our budget to do." Stuck says while the fundraiser isn't the biggest for the library, it is the most fun So, that's why we keep doing it; our biggest fundraiser would be our friends of the library annual book sale in the fall, which often raises close to $10,000, so that's our biggest fundraiser, but this one is the most fun, Stuck explains. Stuck says while proceeds benefit the library, players will get the chance to win some prizes as well "We don't spend a lot of money on the event because the whole idea is to raise money, so the prizes aren't huge but it's just a little thing for your team so technically you could have a team win multiple rounds and get multiple prizes," Stuck says. "And then we tally the scores at the end of eight rounds and the team with the highest score gets another prize, so lots of prizes." Players can also purchase mulligans during the event and tickets for a 50/50 raffle. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as tables normally sell out prior to the event Stuck says.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Annual trivia night will help benefit the St. Joseph Public Library

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglery.

On Thursday, a&nbsp;25 year old victim reported the theft of a Ruger .380 handgun from a parked vehicle in the 500 block North 8th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The crime is alleged to have occurred sometime between June 8 and June 12.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglery.On Thursday, a&nbsp;25 year old victim reported the theft of a Ruger .380 handgun from a parked vehicle in the 500 block North 8th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The crime is alleged to have occurred sometime between June 8 and June 12.

Police: Handgun taken from vehicle in Atchison

St. Joseph Police got a call about shots being fired in the 1200 block of Isadore Street in St. Joseph Wednesday night.

The call came in a little after 11 p.m. Police took a man into custody. The suspect is described as a white male - about 40 years of age and intoxicated at the time.

Police say the suspect fired rounds into the air. No one was injured, and there was no property damage. Police found at least one casing at the scene.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police got a call about shots being fired in the 1200 block of Isadore Street in St. Joseph Wednesday night.The call came in a little after 11 p.m. Police took a man into custody. The suspect is described as a white male - about 40 years of age and intoxicated at the time.Police say the suspect fired rounds into the air. No one was injured, and there was no property damage. Police found at least one casing at the scene.This case remains under investigation.

St. Joseph Police report gun shots at 12th and Isadore  Wednesday night, no one injured

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

The Kansas. Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Harley Davidson driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Chad E.&nbsp; Morrison, 50, Huron,&nbsp;was Southbound on U.S. 59 three miles southwest of Atchison.

The motorcycle left the roadway, traveled into the west ditch and the rider was thrown from the motorcycle.

&nbsp;EMS transported Morrison to KU Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.The Kansas. Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Harley Davidson driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Chad E.&nbsp; Morrison, 50, Huron,&nbsp;was Southbound on U.S. 59 three miles southwest of Atchison.The motorcycle left the roadway, traveled into the west ditch and the rider was thrown from the motorcycle.&nbsp;EMS transported Morrison to KU Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man injured after thrown from motorcycle

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by Joe Gardner, 18, Cameron, was eastbound on U.S. 36 three miles west of Osborn.

The SUV traveled off the north side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the SUV traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.

DeKalb County EMS transported Gardner and a 17-year-old female passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by Joe Gardner, 18, Cameron, was eastbound on U.S. 36 three miles west of Osborn.The SUV traveled off the north side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the SUV traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.DeKalb County EMS transported Gardner and a 17-year-old female passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Two Missouri teens injured after SUV overturns

The Independence School District prepares to ask voters to authorize its 4-day schedule after expanded teacher recruitment in first year of program

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>

The Independence School District recently completed its first school year on a four-day-a-week schedule — a change that made headlines and stirred state officials.

Now, with the passage of a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/tat/SB727.pdf">new state law</a>, the district will have to ask voters to keep the four-day week by July 1, 2026.&nbsp;

Is that enough time to test the concept of the abbreviated week? Dale Herl, the district’s superintendent, told The Independent that he is already seeing benefits just a year into the schedule.

“At one point, we were fully staffed with bus drivers in the school district,” he said. “We were also fully staffed with nurses, and neither one of those has happened during my 15 years within the school district (prior to the four-day week).”

Jon Turner, an associate professor at Missouri State University who researches the four-day school week, is studying the Independence School District. He backed up Herl’s claims about a full roster of bus drivers, adding that a wave of teacher applications was a result of the new schedule.

“It’s very clear that the four-day school week was a strong reason that Independence application rates were so much higher,” Turner said. “There is something so attractive about the four-day week within personal-life balance between certified educators that there’s no doubt that they’ve reaped the reward.”

Herl said the district’s hiring looks “very different.” More veteran teachers are applying to come to Independence, pulling in educators from affluent communities in the Kansas City area.

Turner, who serves on the board of the Missouri Association of Rural Education, was keenly interested if Independence was attracting teachers from rural communities. He only saw one applicant from a rural area.

Independence is the largest Missouri school district to adopt the four-day week. The shortened week has been part of rural Missouri schools since 2011, and around a third of the state’s schools have adopted the schedule — comprising 11% of Missouri’s K-12 students.

Herl chose the four-day week to help recruit teachers into the district’s open positions. Rural schools may have done so a decade earlier, but Herl said he sees the need growing now.

“I don’t think anyone anymore is immune to the teacher shortage,” he said. “You look at very large school districts across the United States, and they have hundreds and hundreds of teacher openings. We are in a crisis in the United States, but especially in Missouri regarding the teacher shortage.”

During the 2022-2023 school year, almost a quarter of new teachers were not properly certified or were substitute teachers, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/december-2023-update-educator-preparation">State Board of Education report</a>. The same report showed that nearly a quarter of student teachers serve as the teacher of record, or primary educator, in the classroom.

State Sen. Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton and former local school board member, sponsored the legislation on four-day school weeks that became part of the large education package signed into law earlier this year. He, too, said the core issue was teacher recruitment and retention, pointing out shallow pay for educators and a culture war surrounding teachers.

A four-day week isn’t the solution, he told The Independent.

“Nobody has given me a report that says a four-day school week increases kids’ education or our test scores or anything like that,” he said. “They’ve all said it’s either been a little bit less or almost not noticeable, but that isn’t what we should be striving for in education.”

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">The State Board of Education in February</a>&nbsp;reviewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/study-impact-four-day-school-week-academic-achievement-and-building-growth">a report</a>&nbsp;that concluded that the four-day schedule had “no statistically significant effect on either academic achievement or building growth.”&nbsp;

Academic achievement looks at one year of scores whereas building growth compares students scores over time.

Beck wanted to make his legislation effective statewide, meaning rural schools would have to take a vote for a four-day week. Instead, Beck’s proposal focused on schools in counties with a charter form of government or in cities with over 30,000 residents, knowing the inclusion of rural schools would draw the ire of some lawmakers and sabotage its chances of passage.&nbsp;

“The great part about this bill is that if it is a great thing for Independence, when they go for a vote, the people should vote for it,” he said. “It is democracy in action.”

Herl said he received positive feedback from a survey sent to parents about the four-day week. He believes voters would approve the four-day week if it was limited to district parents, but he worries that older voters without any kids attending school may come out against the new schedule.

Turner’s research bares that fear out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Looking at key stakeholders in the community and how they perceive the four-day week, the only group that we found that opposed the four day week were people that no longer have kids at school,” Turner said.

Herl has not thought about what he would do to retain teachers if he had to revert to a five-day week.

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">The bill that contained the four-day-school-week</a>&nbsp;provisions also included a raise to the formula that funds public schools and other teacher-recruitment initiatives.

“All of the things contained within (the law) is based upon appropriations,” Herl said. “So just because it is in the bill does not mean it’s going to happen. The money has to be appropriated, and the state legislature has a very long history of not fully funding education. So my fear is if things get tight financially in Missouri, then education is just going to be the first thing to get cut.”

He said the incentive written for five-day weeks would give his teachers an extra $500 a year.

“The financial incentive is so small that it’s not going to keep a particular teacher in the profession,” he said.

As he prepares for a future vote, there are a few tweaks planned for the four-day program in Independence, Herl said. But overall, he is enthusiastic about the first year on the schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718213998915.png" alt=" Sen. Doug Beck speaks during a Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hearing in January (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Doug Beck speaks during a Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hearing in January (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Independence School District prepares to ask voters to authorize its 4-day schedule after expanded teacher recruitment in first year of program</h2>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>The Independence School District recently completed its first school year on a four-day-a-week schedule — a change that made headlines and stirred state officials.Now, with the passage of a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/tat/SB727.pdf">new state law</a>, the district will have to ask voters to keep the four-day week by July 1, 2026.&nbsp;Is that enough time to test the concept of the abbreviated week? Dale Herl, the district’s superintendent, told The Independent that he is already seeing benefits just a year into the schedule.“At one point, we were fully staffed with bus drivers in the school district,” he said. “We were also fully staffed with nurses, and neither one of those has happened during my 15 years within the school district (prior to the four-day week).”Jon Turner, an associate professor at Missouri State University who researches the four-day school week, is studying the Independence School District. He backed up Herl’s claims about a full roster of bus drivers, adding that a wave of teacher applications was a result of the new schedule.“It’s very clear that the four-day school week was a strong reason that Independence application rates were so much higher,” Turner said. “There is something so attractive about the four-day week within personal-life balance between certified educators that there’s no doubt that they’ve reaped the reward.”Herl said the district’s hiring looks “very different.” More veteran teachers are applying to come to Independence, pulling in educators from affluent communities in the Kansas City area.Turner, who serves on the board of the Missouri Association of Rural Education, was keenly interested if Independence was attracting teachers from rural communities. He only saw one applicant from a rural area.Independence is the largest Missouri school district to adopt the four-day week. The shortened week has been part of rural Missouri schools since 2011, and around a third of the state’s schools have adopted the schedule — comprising 11% of Missouri’s K-12 students.Herl chose the four-day week to help recruit teachers into the district’s open positions. Rural schools may have done so a decade earlier, but Herl said he sees the need growing now.“I don’t think anyone anymore is immune to the teacher shortage,” he said. “You look at very large school districts across the United States, and they have hundreds and hundreds of teacher openings. We are in a crisis in the United States, but especially in Missouri regarding the teacher shortage.”During the 2022-2023 school year, almost a quarter of new teachers were not properly certified or were substitute teachers, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/december-2023-update-educator-preparation">State Board of Education report</a>. The same report showed that nearly a quarter of student teachers serve as the teacher of record, or primary educator, in the classroom.State Sen. Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton and former local school board member, sponsored the legislation on four-day school weeks that became part of the large education package signed into law earlier this year. He, too, said the core issue was teacher recruitment and retention, pointing out shallow pay for educators and a culture war surrounding teachers.A four-day week isn’t the solution, he told The Independent.“Nobody has given me a report that says a four-day school week increases kids’ education or our test scores or anything like that,” he said. “They’ve all said it’s either been a little bit less or almost not noticeable, but that isn’t what we should be striving for in education.”<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">The State Board of Education in February</a>&nbsp;reviewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/study-impact-four-day-school-week-academic-achievement-and-building-growth">a report</a>&nbsp;that concluded that the four-day schedule had “no statistically significant effect on either academic achievement or building growth.”&nbsp;Academic achievement looks at one year of scores whereas building growth compares students scores over time.Beck wanted to make his legislation effective statewide, meaning rural schools would have to take a vote for a four-day week. Instead, Beck’s proposal focused on schools in counties with a charter form of government or in cities with over 30,000 residents, knowing the inclusion of rural schools would draw the ire of some lawmakers and sabotage its chances of passage.&nbsp;“The great part about this bill is that if it is a great thing for Independence, when they go for a vote, the people should vote for it,” he said. “It is democracy in action.”Herl said he received positive feedback from a survey sent to parents about the four-day week. He believes voters would approve the four-day week if it was limited to district parents, but he worries that older voters without any kids attending school may come out against the new schedule.Turner’s research bares that fear out.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Looking at key stakeholders in the community and how they perceive the four-day week, the only group that we found that opposed the four day week were people that no longer have kids at school,” Turner said.Herl has not thought about what he would do to retain teachers if he had to revert to a five-day week.<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">The bill that contained the four-day-school-week</a>&nbsp;provisions also included a raise to the formula that funds public schools and other teacher-recruitment initiatives.“All of the things contained within (the law) is based upon appropriations,” Herl said. “So just because it is in the bill does not mean it’s going to happen. The money has to be appropriated, and the state legislature has a very long history of not fully funding education. So my fear is if things get tight financially in Missouri, then education is just going to be the first thing to get cut.”He said the incentive written for five-day weeks would give his teachers an extra $500 a year.“The financial incentive is so small that it’s not going to keep a particular teacher in the profession,” he said.As he prepares for a future vote, there are a few tweaks planned for the four-day program in Independence, Herl said. But overall, he is enthusiastic about the first year on the schedule.

Mo. education law will require a vote for large districts to have 4-day schedules

Bond has been set for a former Robidoux Middle School teacher charged with first-degree sodomy.

Forty-seven year-old Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville had a bond of $50,000 set at a court appearance Tuesday.

Officials say an additional forensic interview revealed there may be an additional victim involved in the case. Harding is to remain on house arrest and can have no contact with the victim.

Harding was booked in the Buchanan County Jail on May 20. He’s charged in a May 7 incident involving a 14-year-old girl. Harding allegedly had sexual contact with the girl in his locked classroom.

The St. Joseph School District terminated his employment last week. Harding taught math at Robidoux since 2022 and had worked at four other schools in the area in the last decade.

Harding will next appear in court July 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716927822696.jpeg" alt="Everett "Tim" Harding." />
 <figcaption>Everett "Tim" Harding.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBond has been set for a former Robidoux Middle School teacher charged with first-degree sodomy.Forty-seven year-old Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville had a bond of $50,000 set at a court appearance Tuesday.Officials say an additional forensic interview revealed there may be an additional victim involved in the case. Harding is to remain on house arrest and can have no contact with the victim.Harding was booked in the Buchanan County Jail on May 20. He’s charged in a May 7 incident involving a 14-year-old girl. Harding allegedly had sexual contact with the girl in his locked classroom.The St. Joseph School District terminated his employment last week. Harding taught math at Robidoux since 2022 and had worked at four other schools in the area in the last decade.Harding will next appear in court July 2.

Bond set for former Robidoux teacher accused of first-degree sodomy

Jessica Agnew has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph. Agnew started the role in May.

Previously the Early College Academy Coordinator at Missouri Western State University, Agnew succeeds Teresa Fankhauser, who retired after 19 years in the position.&nbsp;

“Jessica has a passion for the arts in St. Joseph along with a history of being an arts volunteer and an advocate for the arts with strong connections throughout the community,” said Board President Terri Modlin.&nbsp;

A longtime St. Joseph resident, Jessica has served as the administrative assistant to the Theatre, Cinema and Dance Department at Missouri Western. She has been a Robidoux Resident Theatre board member, actor, director and stage manager for various productions in St. Joseph. 

In 2019, Agnew worked with the Downtown Partnership to bring Arts in the Park to Coleman Hawkins Park.&nbsp;

“It is an honor and privilege to continue the legacy before me as we live in a world where art is consumed and experienced in new and exciting ways.&nbsp; I look forward to serving all our arts agencies. It is my desire to see our collective passion for the arts continue to strengthen the St. Joseph community,” Agnew said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718188802422.jpeg" alt="Jessica Agnew. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Jessica Agnew. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJessica Agnew has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph. Agnew started the role in May.Previously the Early College Academy Coordinator at Missouri Western State University, Agnew succeeds Teresa Fankhauser, who retired after 19 years in the position.&nbsp;“Jessica has a passion for the arts in St. Joseph along with a history of being an arts volunteer and an advocate for the arts with strong connections throughout the community,” said Board President Terri Modlin.&nbsp;A longtime St. Joseph resident, Jessica has served as the administrative assistant to the Theatre, Cinema and Dance Department at Missouri Western. She has been a Robidoux Resident Theatre board member, actor, director and stage manager for various productions in St. Joseph. In 2019, Agnew worked with the Downtown Partnership to bring Arts in the Park to Coleman Hawkins Park.&nbsp;“It is an honor and privilege to continue the legacy before me as we live in a world where art is consumed and experienced in new and exciting ways.&nbsp; I look forward to serving all our arts agencies. It is my desire to see our collective passion for the arts continue to strengthen the St. Joseph community,” Agnew said.

Jessica Agnew named Executive Director of St. Joseph Allied Arts Council

A St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.

Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie.

 Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.

Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.

Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.

Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718191699617.jpeg" alt="Whitney Lanning. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Whitney Lanning. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie. Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

SJSD Board Member pleads guilty in harassment case Tuesday

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent M. Howard, 61, Eddyville, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Bethany.

The semi traveled off the road into the median. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.

NTA ambulance transported Howard to Harrison County Community&nbsp; Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent M. Howard, 61, Eddyville, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Bethany.The semi traveled off the road into the median. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.NTA ambulance transported Howard to Harrison County Community&nbsp; Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

The Mosaic Life Care Foundation has unveiled the name for the future Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph, named InspireU 

Discovery Center Committee Chair Andrea Robinson says the name builds off of another foundation project in EmpowerU. 

"That is with kids from about 12 up, so as a precursor to this we wanted to tie in the U idea," Robinson tells reporters.  "But we fully believe that kids will be inspired by what they see inside, they will be literally moved to grow and learn and hands on play, it's just going to be quite an inspiring location for both children and their families." 

InspireU is housed in the former Plymouth Building.  The project has received much financial support from local businesses as well as the city government 

Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board Chairman Todd Joe says the amount of support for the project has been unbelievable, and he believes it's because people see the value it brings to St. Joseph 

"To educate them on health and wellbeing and be proactive with that type of care and I think it just adds to the value of how the state and government want to help inspire people to live better, healthy lives," Joe says. 

Joe says while still a bit behind, they are getting closer to a set fundraising goal 

"We are very close, but we have not conquered that battle yet," Joe explains. "But we feel very confident by the opening that we will open this discovery center debt free." 

Robinson also remains confident the fundraising goal will be reached 

"That once people see what's going to be inside and what it's going to offer our community, people will come running with their checkbooks open," Robinson says. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144063190.jpeg" alt="The Mosaic Life Care Foundation unvelied the name of the future Children's Discovery Center, known as InspireU.jpg" />
 <figcaption>The Mosaic Life Care Foundation unvelied the name of the future Children's Discovery Center, known as InspireU.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mosaic Life Care Foundation has unveiled the name for the future Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph, named InspireU Discovery Center Committee Chair Andrea Robinson says the name builds off of another foundation project in EmpowerU. "That is with kids from about 12 up, so as a precursor to this we wanted to tie in the U idea," Robinson tells reporters. "But we fully believe that kids will be inspired by what they see inside, they will be literally moved to grow and learn and hands on play, it's just going to be quite an inspiring location for both children and their families." InspireU is housed in the former Plymouth Building. The project has received much financial support from local businesses as well as the city government Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board Chairman Todd Joe says the amount of support for the project has been unbelievable, and he believes it's because people see the value it brings to St. Joseph "To educate them on health and wellbeing and be proactive with that type of care and I think it just adds to the value of how the state and government want to help inspire people to live better, healthy lives," Joe says. Joe says while still a bit behind, they are getting closer to a set fundraising goal "We are very close, but we have not conquered that battle yet," Joe explains. "But we feel very confident by the opening that we will open this discovery center debt free." Robinson also remains confident the fundraising goal will be reached "That once people see what's going to be inside and what it's going to offer our community, people will come running with their checkbooks open," Robinson says. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Life Care Foundation unveils InspireU as name of Children's Discovery Center

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

Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.

Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;

“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.

Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.

And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.

And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;

At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.

The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.

A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.

The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.

There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;

The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;

The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;

If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.

“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

Missouri budget surplus remains close to record levels as fiscal year nears end

The Open Door Food Kitchen of St. Joseph has its annual fundraiser coming up this month. The annual fundraising banquet is June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Open Door Food Kitchen director Marsha Rosenthal says the fundraiser has become a token of appreciation for their donors and supporters.

"We are a 501(c)(3), so we depend entirely on donations," Rosenthal said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "We have a very wide number of very gracious donors who help us. We have volunteers who come in and prepare a daily meal, because we do serve our patrons 365 days a year."

The fundraising banquet is from 5-7 p.m. on June 27. The cost is $25 per person.

The Open Door Food Kitchen has served St. Joseph since 1984. Rosenthal says they serve more than 200 meals per day on average. They're open every day from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and always looking for&nbsp;volunteer help.

Rosenthal, who'll step down as the director of Open Door this year, says they're in need of younger help, as some of the older volunteers and board members step away.

"We are always looking forward to working with different groups and we hope that through the willingness of those who want to help the hungry in our community that they will step forward and help us," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal says Open Door will name new officers and board members during the banquet as well.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144419757.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Open Door Food Kitchen of St. Joseph has its annual fundraiser coming up this month. The annual fundraising banquet is June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.Reservations must be made by June 19.Open Door Food Kitchen director Marsha Rosenthal says the fundraiser has become a token of appreciation for their donors and supporters."We are a 501(c)(3), so we depend entirely on donations," Rosenthal said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "We have a very wide number of very gracious donors who help us. We have volunteers who come in and prepare a daily meal, because we do serve our patrons 365 days a year."The fundraising banquet is from 5-7 p.m. on June 27. The cost is $25 per person.The Open Door Food Kitchen has served St. Joseph since 1984. Rosenthal says they serve more than 200 meals per day on average. They're open every day from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and always looking for&nbsp;volunteer help.Rosenthal, who'll step down as the director of Open Door this year, says they're in need of younger help, as some of the older volunteers and board members step away."We are always looking forward to working with different groups and we hope that through the willingness of those who want to help the hungry in our community that they will step forward and help us," Rosenthal said.Rosenthal says Open Door will name new officers and board members during the banquet as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144785162.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Open Door Food Kitchen preparing for annual fundraising banquet

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Bryan D. Kellem, 26, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route A one half mile south of St. Joseph.

The driver failed to yield and made a left turn at Vera Road and struck a northbound 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by Kaylee J. Crockett, 19, St. Joseph.

Buchanan County EMS transported Crockett and a passenger in the Mercury identified as Ian J. Rauch, 22, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Kellem was not injured.

All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Bryan D. Kellem, 26, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route A one half mile south of St. Joseph.The driver failed to yield and made a left turn at Vera Road and struck a northbound 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by Kaylee J. Crockett, 19, St. Joseph.Buchanan County EMS transported Crockett and a passenger in the Mercury identified as Ian J. Rauch, 22, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Kellem was not injured.All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Two from St. Joseph hospitalized after SUVs collide 

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph has been utilizing robotic assisted surgery for going on three years, but now the hospital will be getting an upgrade.  

The Da Vinci system helps provide minimally invasive surgery with surgeons being assisted by robotics.  

Da Vinci representative Whitney Eliot says the procedure helps hospitals get patients home quicker.  

"If you are able to have a same day procedure where they're not having to stay and use a bed, that means a lot to hospitals, because they're able to treat more patients," Eliot tells reporters. "So, with Da Vinci patients are usually able to come in and be treated same day, most of the time go home that afternoon, or if anything it's just going to be a shorter length of stay for them." 

Eliot says the system also helps make the careers of surgeons longer by providing a more ergonomic experience sitting down to control the robot.

Dr. Mike Aberger a Urologist with Mosaic, says the system has had many benefits for patients 

"The robotic surgery in particular has helped us with less blood loss, quicker recovery time, patients get in and out of the hospital faster because they have less pain associated with it because they don't have as big of an incision," Aberger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Aberger says the tool also provides increased magnification, so surgeons are able to see in smaller areas better, which he says has been beneficial in his field 

"Robotic surgery with the prostate has been extremely beneficial, because we're working in the pelvis, which is a very narrow and tight area, so that magnification has helped improve outcomes specifically in regard to prostate cancer," Aberger explains. 

Mosaic has had the Da Vinci system in place going on three years now and Aberger says it's proven effective and many patients come in asking for the procedure.

Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says tools like this are vitally important to keep up with other hospitals, but even more importantly it helps recruit, retain, and attract the best surgeons 

"Because the best surgeons of course want to work with the best tools to do their job," Poore points out. "And having this technology for those surgeons so that we can recruit and retain those surgeons is vitally important." 

Poore says students from the UMKC School of Medicine will also get exposed to the Da Vinci system, which is also good for Mosaic because students see they don't have to go to a larger college to get access to the best equipment. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121671239.jpeg" alt="Dr. Mike Aberger sits in the Da Vinci surgical console to see the new features on the upgraded model/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mike Aberger sits in the Da Vinci surgical console to see the new features on the upgraded model/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph has been utilizing robotic assisted surgery for going on three years, but now the hospital will be getting an upgrade. The Da Vinci system helps provide minimally invasive surgery with surgeons being assisted by robotics. Da Vinci representative Whitney Eliot says the procedure helps hospitals get patients home quicker. "If you are able to have a same day procedure where they're not having to stay and use a bed, that means a lot to hospitals, because they're able to treat more patients," Eliot tells reporters. "So, with Da Vinci patients are usually able to come in and be treated same day, most of the time go home that afternoon, or if anything it's just going to be a shorter length of stay for them." Eliot says the system also helps make the careers of surgeons longer by providing a more ergonomic experience sitting down to control the robot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121877734.jpeg" alt="Community members experience the Da Vinci robotic surgery system during an open house at Mosaic/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Community members experience the Da Vinci robotic surgery system during an open house at Mosaic/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Mike Aberger a Urologist with Mosaic, says the system has had many benefits for patients "The robotic surgery in particular has helped us with less blood loss, quicker recovery time, patients get in and out of the hospital faster because they have less pain associated with it because they don't have as big of an incision," Aberger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Aberger says the tool also provides increased magnification, so surgeons are able to see in smaller areas better, which he says has been beneficial in his field "Robotic surgery with the prostate has been extremely beneficial, because we're working in the pelvis, which is a very narrow and tight area, so that magnification has helped improve outcomes specifically in regard to prostate cancer," Aberger explains. Mosaic has had the Da Vinci system in place going on three years now and Aberger says it's proven effective and many patients come in asking for the procedure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121810696.jpeg" alt="Mosaic CEO Mike Poore sitting in the Da Vinci robotic surgery console/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic CEO Mike Poore sitting in the Da Vinci robotic surgery console/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says tools like this are vitally important to keep up with other hospitals, but even more importantly it helps recruit, retain, and attract the best surgeons "Because the best surgeons of course want to work with the best tools to do their job," Poore points out. "And having this technology for those surgeons so that we can recruit and retain those surgeons is vitally important." Poore says students from the UMKC School of Medicine will also get exposed to the Da Vinci system, which is also good for Mosaic because students see they don't have to go to a larger college to get access to the best equipment. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121846686.jpeg" alt="Students from the UMKC School of Medicine get a tutorial on the Da Vinci robotic surgery system/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Students from the UMKC School of Medicine get a tutorial on the Da Vinci robotic surgery system/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mosaic-utilizing-robotic-surgry-e2kour5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Life Care to begin utilizing upgraded surgical system

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in Atchison.

Just after&nbsp;11:00a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Gerald Weidler, 30 of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;

The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp; 

He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Gerald had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in Atchison.Just after&nbsp;11:00a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Gerald Weidler, 30 of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp; He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Gerald had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police release details in fatal Atchison work-place accident

A multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

By TOMMY REZAC&nbsp;St. Joseph PostA multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

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