St. Joseph public school officials have shifted focus on
summer school.

St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says in the past
the St. Joseph School District tended to focus on getting as many students as
possible in summer school to draw down as much state money as possible. Edgar
says, now, the focus is on the students, getting them caught up academically
and prepared for next fall.

“We feel like we have a pretty good program going and we have
a good partnership with Catapult Learning,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s not going to be a money-maker for us, but we’re not going
to lose anything. We’re just trying to, like I said, provide those
interventions for kids.”

Edgar says summer school needs to be focused on the needs of
the student.

“It’s more of an intervention strategy that it is just a
setting where you’re going to summer school as a babysitting service or
whatever,” Edgar says. “We’re really trying to move the needle in summer
school.”

Though the district contracts with Catapult Learning to operate summer school, it provides the curriculum so students are ready when the new school year begins.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public school officials have shifted focus on
summer school.St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says in the past
the St. Joseph School District tended to focus on getting as many students as
possible in summer school to draw down as much state money as possible. Edgar
says, now, the focus is on the students, getting them caught up academically
and prepared for next fall.“We feel like we have a pretty good program going and we have
a good partnership with Catapult Learning,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s not going to be a money-maker for us, but we’re not going
to lose anything. We’re just trying to, like I said, provide those
interventions for kids.”Edgar says summer school needs to be focused on the needs of
the student.“It’s more of an intervention strategy that it is just a
setting where you’re going to summer school as a babysitting service or
whatever,” Edgar says. “We’re really trying to move the needle in summer
school.”Though the district contracts with Catapult Learning to operate summer school, it provides the curriculum so students are ready when the new school year begins.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Focus of St. Joseph summer school has shifted

Mid-Buchanan head baseball coach Rob Davenport coached his final game with the Dragons during Thursday's 9-0 shutout loss to Duchesne in the MSHSAA Class 3 title game.&nbsp;

Davenport says he told the team following the loss how proud he was of them for making it to state and accomplishing what they did during the season, but then broke the news.&nbsp;

"I told them tonight that that was the last baseball game I would be coaching and that I couldn't be happier to have spent the season with them," Davenport said during a postgame interview. "So, really cool opportunity to come down here and be one of two teams standing."&nbsp;

"It hurts a little bit right now, but we'll all be super proud of it down the road."&nbsp;

Davenport says while it wasn't the result he or the team had hoped for he couldn't have been happier to be a part of it.&nbsp;

"To get to be a part of it, I've spent a lot of years coaching, now I get to go watch my daughter play ball herself, which I miss a lot of that, so that's the direction we're heading," Davenport says.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717185746748.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan head baseball and softball coach Rob Davenport coached his final game in Thursday's Class 3 State title game/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan head baseball and softball coach Rob Davenport coached his final game in Thursday's Class 3 State title game/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMid-Buchanan head baseball coach Rob Davenport coached his final game with the Dragons during Thursday's 9-0 shutout loss to Duchesne in the MSHSAA Class 3 title game.&nbsp;Davenport says he told the team following the loss how proud he was of them for making it to state and accomplishing what they did during the season, but then broke the news.&nbsp;"I told them tonight that that was the last baseball game I would be coaching and that I couldn't be happier to have spent the season with them," Davenport said during a postgame interview. "So, really cool opportunity to come down here and be one of two teams standing."&nbsp;"It hurts a little bit right now, but we'll all be super proud of it down the road."&nbsp;Davenport says while it wasn't the result he or the team had hoped for he couldn't have been happier to be a part of it.&nbsp;"To get to be a part of it, I've spent a lot of years coaching, now I get to go watch my daughter play ball herself, which I miss a lot of that, so that's the direction we're heading," Davenport says.&nbsp;

Mid-Buchanan baseball coach stepping down after leading team to finals

St. Joseph has a new slate of inductees to the Area Sports Hall of Fame.

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director, Brett Esley, says this year’s class
features several firsts.

“We have an athlete in the sport of figure skating. That’s our first. We
have athlete in the sport of track and field. That’s a first for us. Also, we
have a member of the media as part of this class,” Esley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “And so, I think it just goes to show you the depth that we have here in our
city and Buchanan County and we look forward to celebrating these men and women
and our team coming up this August.”

Figure
skater Ryan Blakely, multiple NCAA national track champion Heavin (Warner) Douglas,
and sportswriter Bill Scott will be inducted.

Also
among this year’s inductees: &nbsp;fastpitch
softball standout Bobby Blakely; Missouri Western and PGA golfer, Brice Garnett;
Dirck Clark and Charlie Shields, both instrumental in bringing the Kansas City
Chiefs Training Camp to St. Joseph; St. Joseph Mustangs founder Dan Gerson; Missouri
Southern softball coach Pat Lipira; Missouri Western baseball coach Doug Minnis;
the 2007 Benton High School Girls Basketball Team; and Special Olympics area
Athlete of the Year Charlie Phillips.

Tickets
to the induction will go on sale soon and can be purchased at the St. Joseph
Convention and Visitors Bureau or online.

The
induction ceremony will be held in memory of Frank O’Malley on August 25th
&nbsp;&nbsp;at the Stoney Creek Inn presented by Altha
Bros Ag.

Brent Martin contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717172723763.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Sports Commissioner Brett Esley announces 2024 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees./Photo by Ryan Skaith" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Sports Commissioner Brett Esley announces 2024 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees./Photo by Ryan Skaith</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKATIHSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has a new slate of inductees to the Area Sports Hall of Fame.St. Joseph Sports Commission Director, Brett Esley, says this year’s class
features several firsts.“We have an athlete in the sport of figure skating. That’s our first. We
have athlete in the sport of track and field. That’s a first for us. Also, we
have a member of the media as part of this class,” Esley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “And so, I think it just goes to show you the depth that we have here in our
city and Buchanan County and we look forward to celebrating these men and women
and our team coming up this August.”Figure
skater Ryan Blakely, multiple NCAA national track champion Heavin (Warner) Douglas,
and sportswriter Bill Scott will be inducted.Also
among this year’s inductees: &nbsp;fastpitch
softball standout Bobby Blakely; Missouri Western and PGA golfer, Brice Garnett;
Dirck Clark and Charlie Shields, both instrumental in bringing the Kansas City
Chiefs Training Camp to St. Joseph; St. Joseph Mustangs founder Dan Gerson; Missouri
Southern softball coach Pat Lipira; Missouri Western baseball coach Doug Minnis;
the 2007 Benton High School Girls Basketball Team; and Special Olympics area
Athlete of the Year Charlie Phillips.Tickets
to the induction will go on sale soon and can be purchased at the St. Joseph
Convention and Visitors Bureau or online.The
induction ceremony will be held in memory of Frank O’Malley on August 25th
&nbsp;&nbsp;at the Stoney Creek Inn presented by Altha
Bros Ag.Brent Martin contributed to this article.

St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame to induct 11 in August

A Buchanan County judge has determined that the 3% local tax can be imposed on the same retail location by both cities and counties.

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>

Buchanan County can collect a special marijuana sales tax on dispensaries within St. Joseph city limits, a judge ruled Wednesday in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-rules-local-governments-can-stack-sales-tax-on-marijuana/">second decision</a>&nbsp;granting counties the right to stack taxes on top of city levies.

Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg wrote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.pdf?courtCode=05&amp;di=3746408">in his two-page ruling</a>&nbsp;that provisions in the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/09/missouri-voters-amend-state-constitution-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/">passed in 2022</a>&nbsp;do not limit the taxing power of counties within corporate limits of towns and cities.

“To put it bluntly, the court cannot accept (the) plaintiff’s interpretation of ‘Local Government’ to prohibit the power of the county to impose such tax within the Saint Joseph city limits,” Kellogg wrote. “The definition of ‘Local Government’ includes both the city and the county. As such, both are authorized to impose and collect the tax.”

Vertical Enterprises, which is licensed for retail sales, cultivation and marijuana product manufacturing in St. Joseph, sued the Buchanan County Collector’s office, the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Buchanan County Clerk’s office to block enforcement of the tax.

Along with regular sales taxes – which in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/apr2024.pdf">some locations approach 12%</a>&nbsp;– people purchasing marijuana for recreational use also pay a special 6% state tax and a local tax of 3% if approved by voters.

The ruling will cost Vertical’s customers about $30,000 a month, said Chris McHugh, CEO of the company. There are two other dispensaries in St. Joseph and he estimated their tax payments would be comparable to his.

“Consumers should be outraged,” McHugh said. “They’re paying this.”

Statewide, consumers purchased $1.1 billion worth of marijuana in the first year of recreational use sales.

“This is millions and millions of dollars that never, never should be taken from consumers,” McHugh said. “It’s nothing but an anti-marijuana tax.”

McHugh said he will appeal Kellogg’s decision.

MoCann Trade, the industry lobbying organization, said in a statement from Executive Director Andrew Mullins, that excessive taxes on marijuana drive customers into the underground, unregulated market.

“Since&nbsp;Oct. 1, Missouri cannabis customers have been paying roughly $3 million more each month than what the Missouri Constitution requires,” Mullins said.

Drafters of the amendment legalizing marijuana wanted to prevent stacking, so they used the broad term “local government” for the entity authorized to impose a tax. To make it apply to both cities and counties, the term was defined as meaning “a village, town, or city” for incorporated areas and counties for unincorporated places.

But the revenue department, interpreting the new tax law, told local governments that county marijuana taxes may be stacked, making the local tax rate on marijuana purchases 6% in places where county and city voters have approved the levy.

Almost everywhere the tax has been on the ballot, it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/05/local-marijuana-sales-taxes-pass-easily-in-most-communities-in-missouri-elections/">has passed</a>, sometimes with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kttn.com/election-results-across-north-missouri-counties-for-tuesday-april-2-2024/">overwhelming majorities</a>&nbsp;as in Unionville in April, where it was backed by 73% of voters.

Regular sales taxes are stacked and consumers pay the 4.225% state rate plus the local taxes for counties, cities and special taxing districts.&nbsp;

A 2023 notice from the department’s Taxation Division stated that the section of the constitution authorizing the tax states that any successful vote is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/17/pair-of-lawsuits-challenge-whether-missouri-counties-can-stack-tax-on-marijuana-sales/">applicable to the “political subdivision”</a>&nbsp;where it was enacted.

The amendment did not define “political subdivision,” the notice stated.

“The distinction between local government and political subdivision is important as voters in the entire county will authorize the additional tax, not just voters in the unincorporated area,” the notice stated. “And practically, counties do not otherwise limit the applicability of their sales taxes based on geography.”

The interpretation generated both the lawsuit in Buchanan County and another in St. Louis County. In a ruling that is being appealed, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May wrote that the interpretation offered by the plaintiff in that case, Robust Missouri 3 LLC, operator of a dispensary in Florissant, could have unintended consequences.

“If [Robust’s] interpretation were accepted, then a municipality or city would essentially be given carte blanche to ignore any county ordinance or regulation, including those related to public health and safety wholly unrelated to the taxing issue,” May wrote in the ruling.

Getting the same result from two courts shows the strength of the argument that the taxes can be stacked, said Steve Hobbs, executive director of the Missouri Association of Counties.

“From the very beginning, our position was absolutely that the constitutional amendment left this avenue open,” Hobbs said. “We’re really satisfied that, you know, our position was proved correct in two places.”

The trial court decisions aren’t controlling precedent and neither Hobbs nor McHugh said the cases would end at the courts of appeals.

“Everyone understands this is going to end up at the (Missouri) Supreme Court,” McHugh said, “so we’ve got to go through the process.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717155185568.png" alt="Marijuana (Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Marijuana (Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Buchanan County judge has determined that the 3% local tax can be imposed on the same retail location by both cities and counties.</h2>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>Buchanan County can collect a special marijuana sales tax on dispensaries within St. Joseph city limits, a judge ruled Wednesday in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-rules-local-governments-can-stack-sales-tax-on-marijuana/">second decision</a>&nbsp;granting counties the right to stack taxes on top of city levies.Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg wrote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.pdf?courtCode=05&amp;di=3746408">in his two-page ruling</a>&nbsp;that provisions in the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/09/missouri-voters-amend-state-constitution-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/">passed in 2022</a>&nbsp;do not limit the taxing power of counties within corporate limits of towns and cities.“To put it bluntly, the court cannot accept (the) plaintiff’s interpretation of ‘Local Government’ to prohibit the power of the county to impose such tax within the Saint Joseph city limits,” Kellogg wrote. “The definition of ‘Local Government’ includes both the city and the county. As such, both are authorized to impose and collect the tax.”Vertical Enterprises, which is licensed for retail sales, cultivation and marijuana product manufacturing in St. Joseph, sued the Buchanan County Collector’s office, the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Buchanan County Clerk’s office to block enforcement of the tax.Along with regular sales taxes – which in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/apr2024.pdf">some locations approach 12%</a>&nbsp;– people purchasing marijuana for recreational use also pay a special 6% state tax and a local tax of 3% if approved by voters.The ruling will cost Vertical’s customers about $30,000 a month, said Chris McHugh, CEO of the company. There are two other dispensaries in St. Joseph and he estimated their tax payments would be comparable to his.“Consumers should be outraged,” McHugh said. “They’re paying this.”Statewide, consumers purchased $1.1 billion worth of marijuana in the first year of recreational use sales.“This is millions and millions of dollars that never, never should be taken from consumers,” McHugh said. “It’s nothing but an anti-marijuana tax.”McHugh said he will appeal Kellogg’s decision.MoCann Trade, the industry lobbying organization, said in a statement from Executive Director Andrew Mullins, that excessive taxes on marijuana drive customers into the underground, unregulated market.“Since&nbsp;Oct. 1, Missouri cannabis customers have been paying roughly $3 million more each month than what the Missouri Constitution requires,” Mullins said.Drafters of the amendment legalizing marijuana wanted to prevent stacking, so they used the broad term “local government” for the entity authorized to impose a tax. To make it apply to both cities and counties, the term was defined as meaning “a village, town, or city” for incorporated areas and counties for unincorporated places.But the revenue department, interpreting the new tax law, told local governments that county marijuana taxes may be stacked, making the local tax rate on marijuana purchases 6% in places where county and city voters have approved the levy.Almost everywhere the tax has been on the ballot, it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/05/local-marijuana-sales-taxes-pass-easily-in-most-communities-in-missouri-elections/">has passed</a>, sometimes with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kttn.com/election-results-across-north-missouri-counties-for-tuesday-april-2-2024/">overwhelming majorities</a>&nbsp;as in Unionville in April, where it was backed by 73% of voters.Regular sales taxes are stacked and consumers pay the 4.225% state rate plus the local taxes for counties, cities and special taxing districts.&nbsp;A 2023 notice from the department’s Taxation Division stated that the section of the constitution authorizing the tax states that any successful vote is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/17/pair-of-lawsuits-challenge-whether-missouri-counties-can-stack-tax-on-marijuana-sales/">applicable to the “political subdivision”</a>&nbsp;where it was enacted.The amendment did not define “political subdivision,” the notice stated.“The distinction between local government and political subdivision is important as voters in the entire county will authorize the additional tax, not just voters in the unincorporated area,” the notice stated. “And practically, counties do not otherwise limit the applicability of their sales taxes based on geography.”The interpretation generated both the lawsuit in Buchanan County and another in St. Louis County. In a ruling that is being appealed, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May wrote that the interpretation offered by the plaintiff in that case, Robust Missouri 3 LLC, operator of a dispensary in Florissant, could have unintended consequences.“If [Robust’s] interpretation were accepted, then a municipality or city would essentially be given carte blanche to ignore any county ordinance or regulation, including those related to public health and safety wholly unrelated to the taxing issue,” May wrote in the ruling.Getting the same result from two courts shows the strength of the argument that the taxes can be stacked, said Steve Hobbs, executive director of the Missouri Association of Counties.“From the very beginning, our position was absolutely that the constitutional amendment left this avenue open,” Hobbs said. “We’re really satisfied that, you know, our position was proved correct in two places.”The trial court decisions aren’t controlling precedent and neither Hobbs nor McHugh said the cases would end at the courts of appeals.“Everyone understands this is going to end up at the (Missouri) Supreme Court,” McHugh said, “so we’ve got to go through the process.”

Buchanan Co. judge rules counties can stack taxes at marijuana dispensaries

OZARK- The Mid-Buchanan Dragons suffered a rough fifth inning against the Duchesne Pioneers, falling 9-0 in the MSHSAA Class 3 championship game Thursday at US Baseball Park in Ozark on Thursday.  

Dragons starting pitcher Coltyn Angst struggled with command early, walking Duchesne's Samson Jost to open the game.  Jost would make it to third on a throwing error from catcher Krayton House, soon scoring to take an early 1-0 lead.  

Despite two more walks in the first, Angst limited the damage, but the wheels would fall off in the second inning.  

The Pioneers would score five runs, after Angst walked three of the first four batters in the inning. 

Mid-Buchanan struggled to get their offense going all game, getting just two hits through the next four innings.  Relief pitcher Cadyn Parrott helped limit the damage, until the fifth inning.  

Duchesne added three more runs in the fifth inning, leading to Parrott being pulled for Harrison Archer, who would finish out the game giving up no more runs.  

Carder Campbell led the team in hits, going 2 for 3 at the plate with a triple.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717128599443.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan's Harrison Archer pitches during the Class 3 Championship Game/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan's Harrison Archer pitches during the Class 3 Championship Game/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOZARK- The Mid-Buchanan Dragons suffered a rough fifth inning against the Duchesne Pioneers, falling 9-0 in the MSHSAA Class 3 championship game Thursday at US Baseball Park in Ozark on Thursday. Dragons starting pitcher Coltyn Angst struggled with command early, walking Duchesne's Samson Jost to open the game. Jost would make it to third on a throwing error from catcher Krayton House, soon scoring to take an early 1-0 lead. Despite two more walks in the first, Angst limited the damage, but the wheels would fall off in the second inning. The Pioneers would score five runs, after Angst walked three of the first four batters in the inning. Mid-Buchanan struggled to get their offense going all game, getting just two hits through the next four innings. Relief pitcher Cadyn Parrott helped limit the damage, until the fifth inning. Duchesne added three more runs in the fifth inning, leading to Parrott being pulled for Harrison Archer, who would finish out the game giving up no more runs. Carder Campbell led the team in hits, going 2 for 3 at the plate with a triple. The Dragons finish the season 22-9.

Mid-Buchanan shutout by Duchesne, runner up in MSHAA Class 3

GRUNDY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Stephanie L. Frey, 46, Trenton, was northbound on Highway Z two miles north of Farmersville.&nbsp;

The SUV traveled off the east of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected again. The SUV traveled back off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

Grundy County EMS transported Frey and a 6-year-old boy to Wright Memorial Hospital. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Stephanie L. Frey, 46, Trenton, was northbound on Highway Z two miles north of Farmersville.&nbsp;The SUV traveled off the east of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected again. The SUV traveled back off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.Grundy County EMS transported Frey and a 6-year-old boy to Wright Memorial Hospital. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman, 6-year-old injured after SUV overturns

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 John Deere 8R340 driven by Clement G. Norris, 31, Stewartsville, was northbound on U.S. 36 five miles northwest of Osborn.

The driver failed to yield at Fairview Road. A westbound 2012 Chevy 3500 driven by Larry L. Wall, 56, St. Joseph, struck the towed unit of the tractor.&nbsp;

DeKalb Clinton County Ambulance transported Wall to Mosaic Life Care. Norris was not injured. Wall was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 John Deere 8R340 driven by Clement G. Norris, 31, Stewartsville, was northbound on U.S. 36 five miles northwest of Osborn.The driver failed to yield at Fairview Road. A westbound 2012 Chevy 3500 driven by Larry L. Wall, 56, St. Joseph, struck the towed unit of the tractor.&nbsp;DeKalb Clinton County Ambulance transported Wall to Mosaic Life Care. Norris was not injured. Wall was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup, tractor crash

OZARK- The Benton Cardinals fell to the Blair Oaks Falcons in the Class 4 State Championship 7-2 at US Baseball Park in Ozark on Thursday.  

Blair Oaks quickly got to starting pitcher Jackson Kanacsky as Warren Davis III would single, steal second base and then score on another single from Easton DeMelia.  

After a scoreless second inning, the Falcons would add three more runs in the bottom of the third, pushing their lead to 4-0.  

The Cardinals would strike for one in the top half of the fourth inning.  After Carson Schmidt was hit by a pitch to begin the inning, shortstop Chris Coy would score him with an RBI double.  

Benton would narrow the lead more in the sixth inning.  Coy would walk to start the inning, and after a throwing error from catcher Nolan Laughlin would end up at third, soon after being driven in by Carson Davis.  

The Falcons would extend the lead for good though in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three more runs.  

Schmidt led the way hitting, going 2 for 2, and being hit by a pitch twice, scoring one run.   

Hear the game broadcast here (begins in third inning)

Interview with head coach&nbsp;Johnny Coy&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717105543013.jpeg" alt="Benton and Blair Oaks exchange high fives after the conclusion of the Class 4 State Championship game/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Benton and Blair Oaks exchange high fives after the conclusion of the Class 4 State Championship game/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>OZARK- The Benton Cardinals fell to the Blair Oaks Falcons in the Class 4 State Championship 7-2 at US Baseball Park in Ozark on Thursday. Blair Oaks quickly got to starting pitcher Jackson Kanacsky as Warren Davis III would single, steal second base and then score on another single from Easton DeMelia. After a scoreless second inning, the Falcons would add three more runs in the bottom of the third, pushing their lead to 4-0. The Cardinals would strike for one in the top half of the fourth inning. After Carson Schmidt was hit by a pitch to begin the inning, shortstop Chris Coy would score him with an RBI double. Benton would narrow the lead more in the sixth inning. Coy would walk to start the inning, and after a throwing error from catcher Nolan Laughlin would end up at third, soon after being driven in by Carson Davis. The Falcons would extend the lead for good though in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three more runs. Schmidt led the way hitting, going 2 for 2, and being hit by a pitch twice, scoring one run. The Cardinals end their season 32-4. Hear the game broadcast here (begins in third inning)<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Benton-Cardinals-vs-Blair-Oaks-Championship-game-e2kagle" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Interview with head coach&nbsp;Johnny Coy&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Johnny-Coy-interview-e2kagrq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Benton falls to Blair Oaks 7-2, finish second in Class 4 State Championship

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick wants to audit more school districts without a citizen petition or accusation of wrongdoing. Independence is first on the list.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mariabenevento/">MARIA BENEVENTO</a>

Independence School District Superintendent Dale Herl feels targeted by the state for moving to a four-day school week.

On Wednesday, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced a plan to audit the district.

Independence schools aren’t accused of wrongdoing, and no one asked for an audit.

Rather, it’s Fitzpatrick’s first foray into conducting more routine audits of some of the state’s 518 school districts, something he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/scott-fitzpatrick-says-covid-relief-school-spending-will-be-focus-as-missouri-auditor/#:~:text=The%20state%20auditor%20by%20law,audit%20any%20local%20political%20subdivision.">promised during his campaign and inauguration</a>.

Fitzpatrick initially said he wanted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article266835176.html">to investigate schools teaching about</a>&nbsp;sexuality, gender or “critical race theory” — which has become a catchall term for race- or diversity-related concepts that parents or politicians may find objectionable. So far, he hasn’t emphasized that in the Independence audit.

“The combination of them being a large district that has a four-day week that’s in the Kansas City area was a big factor” in choosing to audit Independence, he said.

The auditor’s office has held expanded power to audit school districts for more than a decade, but has rarely used it. Fitzpatrick’s decision to flex that power comes as a bill further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/09/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-expanding-powers-of-state-auditor/73616957007/">expanding the auditor’s authority</a>&nbsp;to investigate other government bodies without an invitation awaits Gov. Mike Parson’s signature.

The formal announcement of the audit to the school board on May 14 came shortly after Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-05-08/missouri-governor-signs-468-million-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-and-expands-charters">signed legislation</a>&nbsp;to require school districts in charter counties and cities over 30,000 in population to seek voter approval if they want a four-day school week.

Independence switched to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule for the 2023-24 school year to better recruit teachers and other staff. Herl said it’s already been successful.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">law</a>&nbsp;doesn’t affect most of the more than 150 districts in the state that, like Independence, switched to a four-day week, because most of them are rural.

But it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-04-24/independence-voters-would-weigh-in-on-4-day-school-week-under-new-missouri-bill">requires Independence</a>, by far the largest district in the state to go to a four-day week, to win voter approval or return to a five-day week.

The new law and the audit announcement come as Independence is wrapping up its first school year on the four-day schedule.

“It does feel like we were certainly targeted because we are (on) a four-day school week,” Herl said.

The state auditor’s job is to check state agencies, circuit courts and local governments for waste, fraud and inefficiencies.

School districts are required to have regular&nbsp;financial&nbsp;audits, conducted by an independent auditor. But audits from the state typically look beyond finances and don’t follow a set schedule.

While the auditor has had expanded power to audit school districts since 2008, school audits have most frequently happened when citizens collect signatures to petition for an audit or in response to specific concerns.

Of six school district and charter school audits completed since 2019, half sprang from citizen petitions, two were requested by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and one was requested by a charter school’s board.

Older audit reports don’t always state why they were initiated, but Fitzpatrick said auditors have conducted an average of one to two school district audits a year since 2008.

The Beacon confirmed those numbers are accurate based on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/Reports?SearchLocalState=34">online audit reports</a>&nbsp;when you leave out follow-up reports, charter school audits and higher education audits.

K-12 education is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Fitzpatrick said, “we spent almost none of our audit resources auditing the recipient of those funds.”

He wants routine audits of school districts to become more common and has been adding staff for that work.

“We are going to use more of our discretionary audit resources to do audits of school districts,” Fitzpatrick said. “The role that school districts play in preparing the next generation of Missourians for the workforce is incredibly important.”

Fitzpatrick’s office is also auditing the Kingston K-14 school district in Washington County because of a citizen petition and the Francis Howell school district in St. Charles County because of concerns with “management and efficiency issues,” particularly with recent building projects.

Both districts are on the eastern side of the state, which influenced the decision to add a Kansas City-area district to the mix, Fitzpatrick said.

Herl said he expects the audit report will be clean and that it could include useful suggestions.

When auditors ask for documents, Herl said, “we need to stop what we’re doing as far as payroll or ending our fiscal year out to make sure that we’re complying with their requests.”

The process is “very cumbersome for our staff,” but “something we’ll gladly do,” Herl said. “If there are things that we could do better, we certainly want to know that.”

Neither Herl nor Fitzpatrick could estimate how many staff hours the audit will take.

Fitzpatrick’s office takes on any direct costs to pay for the audits. He estimated it could use $70,000 to $80,000 worth of staff time from his office.

“That would be what they would be paid regardless of whether we’re (auditing) Independence or some other district or some other entity,” he said.

The report could be public by late 2024 or early 2025, Fitzpatrick said.

If the audit reveals the district is well-run, “that should be something that the community should be happy about, and should instill confidence in the people in charge of the district,” he said.

When auditors get involved, schools are more likely to follow the rules and function in a more austere way, said Dustin Hornbeck, an assistant professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Memphis.

Hornbeck has studied the expanding role of some state auditors in education, particularly as they’re called on to hold charter schools accountable.

While audits’ impact can be positive, Hornbeck said they’re also conducted by political, partisan officials in states like Missouri where the auditor is elected.

The ability to do performance audits at will could lead districts to wonder whether the auditor is trying to send a message with the timing of an audit, he said.

“It’s fascinating and kind of startling to think that the auditor just gets to pick and choose at random whomever they decide they want to audit,” he said. “You could use it as a political ax to grind or to go after political adversaries.”

In Independence, audit staff are figuring out how to approach an audit without a specific problem area in mind. They’re talking with school board members, surveying upper-level staff and distributing contact information so community members can leave tips.

Questions so far have focused on the four-day school week and finances, Herl said.

There will be some emphasis on curriculum as well, Fitzpatrick said.

Todd Schuler, a Missouri audit manager who presented to the school board, said the final audit report won’t mention any topic unless there’s a recommendation related to it. It won’t rule on whether the four-day week is good or bad, but might examine how the decision was made.

“It’s a bit unusual,” Schuler told the school board. “This is pretty rare that we don’t go out with at least some known issues or concerns.”

This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/05/24/four-day-school-week-audit/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717091725199.png" alt="Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick speaks to reporters Jan. 23 about a critical report of the Secretary of State's office (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick speaks to reporters Jan. 23 about a critical report of the Secretary of State's office (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick wants to audit more school districts without a citizen petition or accusation of wrongdoing. Independence is first on the list.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mariabenevento/">MARIA BENEVENTO</a>Independence School District Superintendent Dale Herl feels targeted by the state for moving to a four-day school week.On Wednesday, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced a plan to audit the district.Independence schools aren’t accused of wrongdoing, and no one asked for an audit.Rather, it’s Fitzpatrick’s first foray into conducting more routine audits of some of the state’s 518 school districts, something he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/scott-fitzpatrick-says-covid-relief-school-spending-will-be-focus-as-missouri-auditor/#:~:text=The%20state%20auditor%20by%20law,audit%20any%20local%20political%20subdivision.">promised during his campaign and inauguration</a>.Fitzpatrick initially said he wanted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article266835176.html">to investigate schools teaching about</a>&nbsp;sexuality, gender or “critical race theory” — which has become a catchall term for race- or diversity-related concepts that parents or politicians may find objectionable. So far, he hasn’t emphasized that in the Independence audit.“The combination of them being a large district that has a four-day week that’s in the Kansas City area was a big factor” in choosing to audit Independence, he said.The auditor’s office has held expanded power to audit school districts for more than a decade, but has rarely used it. Fitzpatrick’s decision to flex that power comes as a bill further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/09/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-expanding-powers-of-state-auditor/73616957007/">expanding the auditor’s authority</a>&nbsp;to investigate other government bodies without an invitation awaits Gov. Mike Parson’s signature.The formal announcement of the audit to the school board on May 14 came shortly after Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-05-08/missouri-governor-signs-468-million-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-and-expands-charters">signed legislation</a>&nbsp;to require school districts in charter counties and cities over 30,000 in population to seek voter approval if they want a four-day school week.Independence switched to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule for the 2023-24 school year to better recruit teachers and other staff. Herl said it’s already been successful.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">law</a>&nbsp;doesn’t affect most of the more than 150 districts in the state that, like Independence, switched to a four-day week, because most of them are rural.But it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-04-24/independence-voters-would-weigh-in-on-4-day-school-week-under-new-missouri-bill">requires Independence</a>, by far the largest district in the state to go to a four-day week, to win voter approval or return to a five-day week.The new law and the audit announcement come as Independence is wrapping up its first school year on the four-day schedule.“It does feel like we were certainly targeted because we are (on) a four-day school week,” Herl said.<h2>Making audits routine</h2>The state auditor’s job is to check state agencies, circuit courts and local governments for waste, fraud and inefficiencies.School districts are required to have regular&nbsp;financial&nbsp;audits, conducted by an independent auditor. But audits from the state typically look beyond finances and don’t follow a set schedule.While the auditor has had expanded power to audit school districts since 2008, school audits have most frequently happened when citizens collect signatures to petition for an audit or in response to specific concerns.Of six school district and charter school audits completed since 2019, half sprang from citizen petitions, two were requested by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and one was requested by a charter school’s board.Older audit reports don’t always state why they were initiated, but Fitzpatrick said auditors have conducted an average of one to two school district audits a year since 2008.The Beacon confirmed those numbers are accurate based on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/Reports?SearchLocalState=34">online audit reports</a>&nbsp;when you leave out follow-up reports, charter school audits and higher education audits.K-12 education is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Fitzpatrick said, “we spent almost none of our audit resources auditing the recipient of those funds.”He wants routine audits of school districts to become more common and has been adding staff for that work.“We are going to use more of our discretionary audit resources to do audits of school districts,” Fitzpatrick said. “The role that school districts play in preparing the next generation of Missourians for the workforce is incredibly important.”Fitzpatrick’s office is also auditing the Kingston K-14 school district in Washington County because of a citizen petition and the Francis Howell school district in St. Charles County because of concerns with “management and efficiency issues,” particularly with recent building projects.Both districts are on the eastern side of the state, which influenced the decision to add a Kansas City-area district to the mix, Fitzpatrick said.<h2>Costs and benefits</h2>Herl said he expects the audit report will be clean and that it could include useful suggestions.But the audit is also a burden.When auditors ask for documents, Herl said, “we need to stop what we’re doing as far as payroll or ending our fiscal year out to make sure that we’re complying with their requests.”The process is “very cumbersome for our staff,” but “something we’ll gladly do,” Herl said. “If there are things that we could do better, we certainly want to know that.”Neither Herl nor Fitzpatrick could estimate how many staff hours the audit will take.Fitzpatrick’s office takes on any direct costs to pay for the audits. He estimated it could use $70,000 to $80,000 worth of staff time from his office.“That would be what they would be paid regardless of whether we’re (auditing) Independence or some other district or some other entity,” he said.The report could be public by late 2024 or early 2025, Fitzpatrick said.If the audit reveals the district is well-run, “that should be something that the community should be happy about, and should instill confidence in the people in charge of the district,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717091669619.png" alt="Superintendent Dale Herl participates in a meeting of the Independence school board. (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>Superintendent Dale Herl participates in a meeting of the Independence school board. (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>When auditors get involved, schools are more likely to follow the rules and function in a more austere way, said Dustin Hornbeck, an assistant professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Memphis.Hornbeck has studied the expanding role of some state auditors in education, particularly as they’re called on to hold charter schools accountable.While audits’ impact can be positive, Hornbeck said they’re also conducted by political, partisan officials in states like Missouri where the auditor is elected.The ability to do performance audits at will could lead districts to wonder whether the auditor is trying to send a message with the timing of an audit, he said.“It’s fascinating and kind of startling to think that the auditor just gets to pick and choose at random whomever they decide they want to audit,” he said. “You could use it as a political ax to grind or to go after political adversaries.”In Independence, audit staff are figuring out how to approach an audit without a specific problem area in mind. They’re talking with school board members, surveying upper-level staff and distributing contact information so community members can leave tips.Questions so far have focused on the four-day school week and finances, Herl said.There will be some emphasis on curriculum as well, Fitzpatrick said.Todd Schuler, a Missouri audit manager who presented to the school board, said the final audit report won’t mention any topic unless there’s a recommendation related to it. It won’t rule on whether the four-day week is good or bad, but might examine how the decision was made.“It’s a bit unusual,” Schuler told the school board. “This is pretty rare that we don’t go out with at least some known issues or concerns.”This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/05/24/four-day-school-week-audit/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://thebeaconnews.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=21452" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Four-day school week draws Missouri auditor probe

St. Joseph police are investigating a shooting in the 900
block of Ridenbaugh Street in which it appears only a front door was harmed.

The St. Joseph Police Department says officers responded to a
call at 12:38 Thursday morning. The resident told police someone had shot at
their home. Officers found two bullet holes in the front door. No one was harmed
in the shooting. The property owner told officers the shooting might have
stemmed from an earlier confrontation.

No suspect has been taken into custody. The investigation
continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a shooting in the 900
block of Ridenbaugh Street in which it appears only a front door was harmed.The St. Joseph Police Department says officers responded to a
call at 12:38 Thursday morning. The resident told police someone had shot at
their home. Officers found two bullet holes in the front door. No one was harmed
in the shooting. The property owner told officers the shooting might have
stemmed from an earlier confrontation.No suspect has been taken into custody. The investigation
continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph shooting leaves door damaged; no one harmed

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Police continue investigating after the body of a newborn infant was found at a recreation area in northwest Missouri.

The body of the newborn was found Saturday at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville. Police Chief Mike Stolte said in a news release that a park employee found the remains while performing routine maintenance in a remote area of the park.

Police said the cause of death has not been determined. No additional information has been released.

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Police continue investigating after the body of a newborn infant was found at a recreation area in northwest Missouri.The body of the newborn was found Saturday at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville. Police Chief Mike Stolte said in a news release that a park employee found the remains while performing routine maintenance in a remote area of the park.Police said the cause of death has not been determined. No additional information has been released.

Investigation continues after body of newborn found in northwest Missouri

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Traverse driven by Jared J. Curtis, Gallatin, was westbound on Prairie Avenue four miles south of Jamesport.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the road, rolled and struck several trees.

Life-Flight Eagle transported Curtis and a passenger Sara Wilson, 26, Gallatin, to North Kansas City Hospital. Daviess County EMS transported a second passenger Cheyenne M. Pettit, 25, Chillicothe, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Traverse driven by Jared J. Curtis, Gallatin, was westbound on Prairie Avenue four miles south of Jamesport.The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the road, rolled and struck several trees.Life-Flight Eagle transported Curtis and a passenger Sara Wilson, 26, Gallatin, to North Kansas City Hospital. Daviess County EMS transported a second passenger Cheyenne M. Pettit, 25, Chillicothe, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Three hospitalized after SUV rollover crash

OZARK - Mid-Buchanan drew eight walks and swiped seven bases to go with their five hits.

That, combined with five innings from starting pitcher Will Archer, was enough to lift the Dragons (22-8) to a 7-3 win over West County in Class 3 state semifinals in Ozark on Wednesday afternoon.

Mid-Buchanan, already in its first Final Four ever in baseball, now advances to its first state championship game in program history.

The Dragons got up 1-0 after the first inning, 2-0 after the second and then led 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

West County (22-7) pushed across two runs to make it a 3-2 game headed to the sixth.

Mid-Buchanan essentially slammed the door with two insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.

Starting pitcher Will Archer went five innings for Mid-Buch, striking out three. Mason Grace tossed 1.1 innings of relief, while Cadyn Parrott recorded the final two outs.&nbsp;

Archer also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and two RBIs. One of his hits was a triple. Coltyn Angst drove in a pair of runs on a groundout and a sac fly.

Quentin Burton drove in two runs on an RBI single in the sixth inning.

Mid-Buchanan will play Duchesne (24-10) in the Class 3 state championship on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717031340142.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Chris Kendrick." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Chris Kendrick.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOZARK - Mid-Buchanan drew eight walks and swiped seven bases to go with their five hits.That, combined with five innings from starting pitcher Will Archer, was enough to lift the Dragons (22-8) to a 7-3 win over West County in Class 3 state semifinals in Ozark on Wednesday afternoon.Mid-Buchanan, already in its first Final Four ever in baseball, now advances to its first state championship game in program history.The Dragons got up 1-0 after the first inning, 2-0 after the second and then led 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.West County (22-7) pushed across two runs to make it a 3-2 game headed to the sixth.Mid-Buchanan essentially slammed the door with two insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.Starting pitcher Will Archer went five innings for Mid-Buch, striking out three. Mason Grace tossed 1.1 innings of relief, while Cadyn Parrott recorded the final two outs.&nbsp;Archer also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and two RBIs. One of his hits was a triple. Coltyn Angst drove in a pair of runs on a groundout and a sac fly.Quentin Burton drove in two runs on an RBI single in the sixth inning.Mid-Buchanan will play Duchesne (24-10) in the Class 3 state championship on Thursday night at 7 p.m.The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-vs--West-County---5-29-24-e2k98p9/a-abaib3t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Will Archer interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Archer---Mid-Buchanan-e2k99ao/a-abaicqe" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Rob Davenport interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Rob-Davenport---Mid-Buchanan-e2k994o/a-abaibvs" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mid-Buchanan uses small ball to best West County, Dragons reach the state title game

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven by Lindsey L. Storm, 35, Omaha, was northbound on MO 113 two miles south of Quitman.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at MO 46.&nbsp; The SUV struck the drivers side front tire on a westbound 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Kathleen J. Leus, 72, Maryville.

Life-Flight air ambulance transported Storm to an Omaha hospital. Nodaway County EMS transported Leus to Mosaic in Maryville. Storm was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven by Lindsey L. Storm, 35, Omaha, was northbound on MO 113 two miles south of Quitman.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at MO 46.&nbsp; The SUV struck the drivers side front tire on a westbound 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Kathleen J. Leus, 72, Maryville.Life-Flight air ambulance transported Storm to an Omaha hospital. Nodaway County EMS transported Leus to Mosaic in Maryville. Storm was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Woman airlifted to hospital after 2-vehicle Nodaway Co. crash

Not much got done in Jefferson City this year.

The Missouri legislature did approve a $51 billion state
budget, the only real requirement of any legislative session. But not much
else. Only 28 non-budget bills passed, a historically low number.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville, laments
the fact that Republicans failed to address one of their priorities during the
just-concluded legislation session.

Though Republicans hold firm majorities in both the Missouri
House and Senate, they failed to approve changes to the initiative petition
process used to change the state constitution.

Luetkemeyer calls it a casualty of a legislative session.

“That was a major priority of the Republican Caucus,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Really what we’re wanting to do is to
make sure that Missouri’s constitution is what it’s intended to be and that is
a fundamental governing document. I mean, that’s what constitutions are
intended to be.”

Luetkemeyer says it fell victim to Republican infighting at
the state Capitol. 

Luetkemeyer actually got two of the 28 non-budget bills
through. He succeeded in making adjustments to a provision passed last year
that gives counties the option to freeze property tax valuations for senior
citizens. The measure approved this legislative session extends the property
tax breaks to those not receiving Social Security payments such as teachers and
public employees.

Luetkemeyer also revised an anti-crime measure approved by the
General Assembly last year, but vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson. The bill contained
Max’s Law, which would increase the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal. That portion of the bill is named in honor of St. Joseph’s K-9
Max, the police dog shot and killed by a fleeing suspect in the summer of 2021.
It also contains Blair’s Law which would ban celebratory gunfire as well as Valentine’s
Law, which would increase the penalty for fleeing from police.

Parson vetoed the measure on matters unrelated to either Max’s
Law or Blair’s Law. Luetkemeyer says he attempted to address the governor’s
objections in the bill the legislature approved this session.

“We feel very confident that we have put together a package
that represents most all the major components from the vetoed bill last year
that addresses all the objections in the governor’s veto letter and that bill
should by all accounts be signed this year,” Luetkemeyer says.

As for the difficulties of the session, Luetkemeyer
acknowledges Republican infighting as its root, especially stemming from an ultra-conservative
wing of Senate Republicans which calls itself the Freedom Caucus. Luetkemeyer
expects that problem to be resolved by next year.

“I feel pretty optimistic next session both with new House
leadership as well as new members coming into the Senate and some old members
terming out that we’re going to really see a new chapter on the Missouri
legislature,” Luetkemeyer says.

While the legislative session might not have been as
productive as some might wish, it did produce wins for St. Joseph, especially
in the $51 billion state budget. It includes substantial money for upgrades to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport seen as crucial in the efforts of the Air National
Guard 139th Airlift Wing’s to land the new C-130 cargo planes. It
also provided money for capital improvements at Missouri Western State
University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717010175774.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks during Senate floor debate./Photo courtesy of the Missouri Senate" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks during Senate floor debate./Photo courtesy of the Missouri Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNot much got done in Jefferson City this year.The Missouri legislature did approve a $51 billion state
budget, the only real requirement of any legislative session. But not much
else. Only 28 non-budget bills passed, a historically low number.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville, laments
the fact that Republicans failed to address one of their priorities during the
just-concluded legislation session.Though Republicans hold firm majorities in both the Missouri
House and Senate, they failed to approve changes to the initiative petition
process used to change the state constitution.Luetkemeyer calls it a casualty of a legislative session.“That was a major priority of the Republican Caucus,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Really what we’re wanting to do is to
make sure that Missouri’s constitution is what it’s intended to be and that is
a fundamental governing document. I mean, that’s what constitutions are
intended to be.”Luetkemeyer says it fell victim to Republican infighting at
the state Capitol. Luetkemeyer actually got two of the 28 non-budget bills
through. He succeeded in making adjustments to a provision passed last year
that gives counties the option to freeze property tax valuations for senior
citizens. The measure approved this legislative session extends the property
tax breaks to those not receiving Social Security payments such as teachers and
public employees.Luetkemeyer also revised an anti-crime measure approved by the
General Assembly last year, but vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson. The bill contained
Max’s Law, which would increase the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal. That portion of the bill is named in honor of St. Joseph’s K-9
Max, the police dog shot and killed by a fleeing suspect in the summer of 2021.
It also contains Blair’s Law which would ban celebratory gunfire as well as Valentine’s
Law, which would increase the penalty for fleeing from police.Parson vetoed the measure on matters unrelated to either Max’s
Law or Blair’s Law. Luetkemeyer says he attempted to address the governor’s
objections in the bill the legislature approved this session.“We feel very confident that we have put together a package
that represents most all the major components from the vetoed bill last year
that addresses all the objections in the governor’s veto letter and that bill
should by all accounts be signed this year,” Luetkemeyer says.As for the difficulties of the session, Luetkemeyer
acknowledges Republican infighting as its root, especially stemming from an ultra-conservative
wing of Senate Republicans which calls itself the Freedom Caucus. Luetkemeyer
expects that problem to be resolved by next year.“I feel pretty optimistic next session both with new House
leadership as well as new members coming into the Senate and some old members
terming out that we’re going to really see a new chapter on the Missouri
legislature,” Luetkemeyer says.While the legislative session might not have been as
productive as some might wish, it did produce wins for St. Joseph, especially
in the $51 billion state budget. It includes substantial money for upgrades to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport seen as crucial in the efforts of the Air National
Guard 139th Airlift Wing’s to land the new C-130 cargo planes. It
also provided money for capital improvements at Missouri Western State
University.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-scored-wins-in-lackluster-session-e2k8ubi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

In lackluster legislative session, St. Joseph scored some wins

OZARK - Chris Coy threw six innings of one-hit ball, and Garret Ferrell blasted a two-run RBI double in the sixth, lifting Benton (32-3) to a 4-1 win over MICDS in a Class 4 state semifinal at U.S. Baseball Park in Ozark Wednesday.

The Cardinals, now winners of 21 straight games, have reached the state championship in baseball for just the second time in school history and the first time since 2007.

Benton drew first blood in the top of the first. Senior Carson Schmidt led things off with a single to left field. An RBI groundout by senior Jackson Kanacsky scored Schmidt to make it a 1-0 game.&nbsp;

The score stayed that way through the first five innings.

MICDS (18-7) had just one hit through the first six innings, and were put down in order in the first, third, fourth and fifth.

Benton added key insurance with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Coy led off by reaching first on a throwing error. He later scored on a sac fly from senior Carson Davis.

With runners on first and second, Ferrell blasted a deep double to the left field wall, giving Benton a 4-0 lead. Ferrell went 2-for-3 at the plate.

MICDS scratched across a run on three hits in the seventh, but three groundouts limited the damage.

Coy (7-0) went the full game for Benton on the mound, striking out one and walking one. He gave up just four hits and one earned run.

Benton plays for the Class 4 state championship on Thursday at 1 p.m. vs. Blair Oaks (25-13). Thursday's game will be broadcast live online on St. Joseph Post.

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>. Coverage starts at 12:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717004668591.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOZARK - Chris Coy threw six innings of one-hit ball, and Garret Ferrell blasted a two-run RBI double in the sixth, lifting Benton (32-3) to a 4-1 win over MICDS in a Class 4 state semifinal at U.S. Baseball Park in Ozark Wednesday.The Cardinals, now winners of 21 straight games, have reached the state championship in baseball for just the second time in school history and the first time since 2007.Benton drew first blood in the top of the first. Senior Carson Schmidt led things off with a single to left field. An RBI groundout by senior Jackson Kanacsky scored Schmidt to make it a 1-0 game.&nbsp;The score stayed that way through the first five innings.MICDS (18-7) had just one hit through the first six innings, and were put down in order in the first, third, fourth and fifth.Benton added key insurance with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Coy led off by reaching first on a throwing error. He later scored on a sac fly from senior Carson Davis.With runners on first and second, Ferrell blasted a deep double to the left field wall, giving Benton a 4-0 lead. Ferrell went 2-for-3 at the plate.MICDS scratched across a run on three hits in the seventh, but three groundouts limited the damage.Coy (7-0) went the full game for Benton on the mound, striking out one and walking one. He gave up just four hits and one earned run.Benton plays for the Class 4 state championship on Thursday at 1 p.m. vs. Blair Oaks (25-13). Thursday's game will be broadcast live online on St. Joseph Post.<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>. Coverage starts at 12:30 p.m.Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Benton-vs--MICDS---Class-4-state-semifinal-e2k8q79/a-abah77j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Johnny Coy interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Johnny-Coy---52924-e2k8qdh/a-abah7ki" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Garret Ferrell interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Garret-Ferrell---52924-e2k8qfv/a-abah7qc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton baseball tops MICDS, reaches state title game for first time since 2007

A concert series that has filled downtown with music for over a decade is returning this weekend.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716999980187.jpeg" alt="The Imagine 11 concert series draws several hundreds of people to Coleman Hawkins Park every Sunday between the first Sunday of June and the second Sunday of August/ Photo courtesy of Imagine 11" />
 <figcaption>The Imagine 11 concert series draws several hundreds of people to Coleman Hawkins Park every Sunday between the first Sunday of June and the second Sunday of August/ Photo courtesy of Imagine 11</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A concert series that has filled downtown with music for over a decade is returning this weekend. Several area churches came together in 2013 to form the Imagine 11 concert series, helping fill Sundays at Coleman Hawkins Park with a variety of music. Director Roger Lenander says when the event was originally planned, he thought it would just be once or twice a month, but it became much more "Turned out to be 11 weeks, from the first Sunday in June to the second Sunday in August, so that's where the 11 comes out," Lenander tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Lenander says the theme of Imagine centers around imagining being the community St. Joseph wants to be "That is people who are generous, who are caring, and are supportive of one another and really celebrate that spirit in the community," Lenander explains. When the concert series began, it was difficult to find enough bands to fill the 11 weeks, but Lenander says in recent years, that hasn't been a problem. "Every year some get excluded because we have so many within the region," Lenander says. "We draw from throughout the Kansas City region and northwest region, but also this year we ventured into Kansas and have a Topeka favorite coming in." Lenander says the concerts draw several people downtown during the series "We always get about 300 to 400 out there but we've swelled up to 1,000+ at times for groups in years past," Lenander points out. "A group that played was Liverpool, a Beatles tribute group, and one year they drew 1,200 out there." The concerts are held rain or shine every Sunday from 6 to 8pm between June 2nd and August 11th. The first band featured this coming Sunday will be Revelation: A tribute to Journey. If a concert is moved inside, it will be held at the First Lutheran Church downtown. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D746109497720575%26set%3Da.485376127127248%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.