HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 3;30p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by Angelina Dull Knife, 66, Ridgeway, was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Bethany.

The pickup traveled off the west side of the road down an embankment and struck several trees.

NTA ambulance transported the driver and a 12-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 3;30p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by Angelina Dull Knife, 66, Ridgeway, was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Bethany.The pickup traveled off the west side of the road down an embankment and struck several trees.NTA ambulance transported the driver and a 12-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman, 12-year-old injured after pickup strikes trees

The Interim Director of Operations for the St. Joseph School
District, Casey Housman, has been named the 2024 National Plant Manager of the
Year.

Housman received the award at the National School Plant Management Association annual conference in
Nashville.

“Mr. Housman’s commitment and dedication make him a perfect
recipient of the NSPMA 2024 Plant Manager of the Year Award. He has
distinguished himself over his 23 years of professional facilities management
by meeting and exceeding the expectations of each successful career challenge
given to him,” according to a release from the National School Plant Management
Association.

Housman joined the St. Joseph School District in 2019 as a
facilities supervisor. He was promoted to coordinator and is currently the
interim director of Operations.

“I am honored to receive this award. The St. Joseph School
District is my top priority. My experience and education insure the best
possible results will be administered in all aspects of facility maintenance,
expenditures, upgrades, and accountability,” Housman said in a written
statement released by the association.

Superintendent Gabe Edgar also released a statement.

“Casey has shown outstanding abilities consistently showcasing
his exceptional problem-solving skills. During recent weather events where,
multiple buildings were having heating issues, Casey’s decisive actions and
leadership demonstrated his ability to navigate complex situations effectively
and ensure smooth plant operations. His expertise, leadership, and commitment
to excellence are assets to our organization.” 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708632466477.jpeg" alt="Casey Housman is presented his National Plant Manager of the Year award/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Casey Housman is presented his National Plant Manager of the Year award/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe Interim Director of Operations for the St. Joseph School
District, Casey Housman, has been named the 2024 National Plant Manager of the
Year.Housman received the award at the National School Plant Management Association annual conference in
Nashville.“Mr. Housman’s commitment and dedication make him a perfect
recipient of the NSPMA 2024 Plant Manager of the Year Award. He has
distinguished himself over his 23 years of professional facilities management
by meeting and exceeding the expectations of each successful career challenge
given to him,” according to a release from the National School Plant Management
Association.Housman joined the St. Joseph School District in 2019 as a
facilities supervisor. He was promoted to coordinator and is currently the
interim director of Operations.“I am honored to receive this award. The St. Joseph School
District is my top priority. My experience and education insure the best
possible results will be administered in all aspects of facility maintenance,
expenditures, upgrades, and accountability,” Housman said in a written
statement released by the association.Superintendent Gabe Edgar also released a statement.“Casey has shown outstanding abilities consistently showcasing
his exceptional problem-solving skills. During recent weather events where,
multiple buildings were having heating issues, Casey’s decisive actions and
leadership demonstrated his ability to navigate complex situations effectively
and ensure smooth plant operations. His expertise, leadership, and commitment
to excellence are assets to our organization.” You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District Operations Dir. receives national award

Nodaway Valley Bank has donated $250,000 to Mosaic Life
Care Foundation’s Children’s Discovery Center.

Funds will support
construction of the Center.

“Nodaway Valley Bank’s belief in
this project positively impacts the collective investment centered around our
efforts to bring a best-in-class Children’s Discovery Center to downtown St.
Joseph. James Robinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NVB and his
wife Andrea have a tremendous family legacy in our region.” Mosaic Life Care
President Julie Gaddie said in a written statement released by the Foundation.

The Children’s Discovery Center is under
construction inside the Plymouth Building in downtown St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708631820140.jpeg" alt="Children's Discovery Center grand opening/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Children's Discovery Center grand opening/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNodaway Valley Bank has donated $250,000 to Mosaic Life
Care Foundation’s Children’s Discovery Center.Funds will support
construction of the Center.“Nodaway Valley Bank’s belief in
this project positively impacts the collective investment centered around our
efforts to bring a best-in-class Children’s Discovery Center to downtown St.
Joseph. James Robinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NVB and his
wife Andrea have a tremendous family legacy in our region.” Mosaic Life Care
President Julie Gaddie said in a written statement released by the Foundation.The Children’s Discovery Center is under
construction inside the Plymouth Building in downtown St. Joseph.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Nodaway Valley Bank donates $250K to Children's Discovery Center

Seated
from left: Lenora Brumm, Mid Buchanan; Payton Rodgers, Savannah; Teddi Dixon,
East Buchanan; Allison Gentry, Central; Carter Shreve, East Buchanan; Lola
Hofmann, East Buchanan; Riley Langner, Benton; and Ryanna Hatfield, North
Andrew.

Standing
from left: Owen Estes, Lafayette; Elliot McCoy, Benton; Judson Smith, St.
Joseph Christian; Walker Cave, Lafayette; Gavin Rhode, East Buchanan; Jonathan
Eckstein, Bishop LeBlond; Anthony Johnson, Central, and Michael Tang, Central.

The
Cotillion of Achievement has presented Ryanna
Hatfield of North Andrew High School its Female Award of Distinction and Judson
Smith of St. Joseph Christian School its Male Award of Distinction.

The Cotillion for Achievement Ball was
Saturday, February 17th, at the St. Joseph Country Club. The
Cotillion participants are seniors attending 10 high schools in Andrew or
Buchanan County.

All sixteen Cotillion participants received&nbsp;$1,000
scholarships. The Award of Distinction winners each received a $2,000
scholarship.

The female participants were: Lenora
Brumm, Mid Buchanan; Teddi Dixon, East Buchanan, Allison Gentry, Central;
Ryanna Hatfield, North Andrew; Lola Hofmann, East Buchanan, Riley Langner,
Benton; Payton Rodgers, Savannah, and Carter Shreve, East Buchanan.

The male participants were: Walker
Cave, Lafayette; Jonathan Eckstein, Bishop LeBlond; Owen Estes, Lafayette,
Anthony Johnson, Central; Elliot McCoy, Benton; Gavin Rhode, East Buchanan;
Judson Smith, St. Joseph Christian; and Michael Tang, Central.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708630226824.jpeg" alt="Cotillion of Achievement finalists/Photo courtesy of The&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cotillion of Achievement finalists/Photo courtesy of The&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Seated
from left: Lenora Brumm, Mid Buchanan; Payton Rodgers, Savannah; Teddi Dixon,
East Buchanan; Allison Gentry, Central; Carter Shreve, East Buchanan; Lola
Hofmann, East Buchanan; Riley Langner, Benton; and Ryanna Hatfield, North
Andrew.Standing
from left: Owen Estes, Lafayette; Elliot McCoy, Benton; Judson Smith, St.
Joseph Christian; Walker Cave, Lafayette; Gavin Rhode, East Buchanan; Jonathan
Eckstein, Bishop LeBlond; Anthony Johnson, Central, and Michael Tang, Central.By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe
Cotillion of Achievement has presented Ryanna
Hatfield of North Andrew High School its Female Award of Distinction and Judson
Smith of St. Joseph Christian School its Male Award of Distinction.The Cotillion for Achievement Ball was
Saturday, February 17th, at the St. Joseph Country Club. The
Cotillion participants are seniors attending 10 high schools in Andrew or
Buchanan County.All sixteen Cotillion participants received&nbsp;$1,000
scholarships. The Award of Distinction winners each received a $2,000
scholarship.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708630395685.jpeg" alt="Ryanna Hatfield, North Andrew High School/Photo courtesy of the Cotillion" />
 <figcaption>Ryanna Hatfield, North Andrew High School/Photo courtesy of the Cotillion</figcaption>
 </figure>The female participants were: Lenora
Brumm, Mid Buchanan; Teddi Dixon, East Buchanan, Allison Gentry, Central;
Ryanna Hatfield, North Andrew; Lola Hofmann, East Buchanan, Riley Langner,
Benton; Payton Rodgers, Savannah, and Carter Shreve, East Buchanan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708630453407.jpeg" alt="Judson Smith, St. Joseph Christian School/Photo courtesy of the Cotillion" />
 <figcaption>Judson Smith, St. Joseph Christian School/Photo courtesy of the Cotillion</figcaption>
 </figure>The male participants were: Walker
Cave, Lafayette; Jonathan Eckstein, Bishop LeBlond; Owen Estes, Lafayette,
Anthony Johnson, Central; Elliot McCoy, Benton; Gavin Rhode, East Buchanan;
Judson Smith, St. Joseph Christian; and Michael Tang, Central.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Cotillion of Achievement presents its Awards of Distinction

A college administrator very
familiar with the area has become the next president of Highland Community
College.

The Highland Community College Board
of Trustees has hired Vincent Bowhay as the college’s 45th
president. Bowhay currently serves as president of Independence Community College
in southeast Kansas. Bowhay worked at Missouri Western State University in St.
Joseph and Fort Hays State University prior to serving at Independence CC.

The role at Highland drew more than 50
applicants. Bowhay begins his duties as president July 1st.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to
Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience,
compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities. Welcome
home, Vince,” Tom Smith, chair of the Highland CC Board of Trustees, said in a
written statement released by the college.

Bowhay was one of three finalists who came to the
Highland campus to speak with faculty, staff, and students.

“I am immensely
grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community
College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to
students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am
tremendously inspired by Highland’s student-centric, mission-driven approach to
education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” said Bowhay
in a written statement released by the college.

Bowhay has more than a decade
of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. 

In 2021, Bowhay was one of 25
community college presidents nationwide selected for the prestigious Aspen
Institute New Presidents Fellowship.

Bowhay received his undergraduate
degree at Washburn University, a masters
from Ball State University, and a doctorate from Baker University.

Bowhay will succeed President Deborah Fox, who is
retiring.

Highland Community College, located
in Highland, Kansas, was the first college established in Kansas in 1858. It
serves nearly 4000 students annually. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708629037384.jpeg" alt="Vincent Bowhay/Photo courtesy of Highland Community College" />
 <figcaption>Vincent Bowhay/Photo courtesy of Highland Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA college administrator very
familiar with the area has become the next president of Highland Community
College.The Highland Community College Board
of Trustees has hired Vincent Bowhay as the college’s 45th
president. Bowhay currently serves as president of Independence Community College
in southeast Kansas. Bowhay worked at Missouri Western State University in St.
Joseph and Fort Hays State University prior to serving at Independence CC.The role at Highland drew more than 50
applicants. Bowhay begins his duties as president July 1st.“We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to
Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience,
compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities. Welcome
home, Vince,” Tom Smith, chair of the Highland CC Board of Trustees, said in a
written statement released by the college.Bowhay was one of three finalists who came to the
Highland campus to speak with faculty, staff, and students.“I am immensely
grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community
College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to
students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am
tremendously inspired by Highland’s student-centric, mission-driven approach to
education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” said Bowhay
in a written statement released by the college.Bowhay has more than a decade
of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. In 2021, Bowhay was one of 25
community college presidents nationwide selected for the prestigious Aspen
Institute New Presidents Fellowship.Bowhay received his undergraduate
degree at Washburn University, a masters
from Ball State University, and a doctorate from Baker University.Bowhay will succeed President Deborah Fox, who is
retiring.Highland Community College, located
in Highland, Kansas, was the first college established in Kansas in 1858. It
serves nearly 4000 students annually. You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Highland Community College hires 45th president

The joint law enforcement academy in St. Joseph helps to teach residents about the ins and outs of law enforcement.  

The academy hosted by the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is coming up in April.  

Police Chief Paul Luster says the academy gives residents a look at just about everything law enforcement does. 

"Everything from investigations to crime scene investigations, to just a routine traffic stop, what officers go through on what we call a routine traffic stop, to really forge those relationships," Luster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Luster says the academy gives residents a chance to see the dedication of numerous officers in the community 

"How much training, they go through a lot of training just to do this job and then they decide I want to be a crime scene investigator and then how much more training is involved just in that," Luster explains. "And then always the potential there that that phone is going to ring anytime day or night, 24/7, 365." 

And Luster says it's neat that the academy is a partnership with the Sheriff's Department.  

"That really gives our community a chance to see what both agencies are doing and what they bring to the table to serve the community," Luster says. 

The Joint Law Enforcement Academy presents several opportunities to learn about the ins and outs of the law enforcement profession.  

Luster says one of those opportunities is a ride along with St. Joseph police officers.  

"You can learn so much, when you say you get that really up close and personal view of policing, you really do," Luster points out. "And a lot of times that can change a lot of perspectives about the job." 

Outside of the academy, St. Joseph Police do also offer a ride along program that can be applied for.  

Applications for the academy are available on the St. Joseph Police Department Facebook or downtown at the Law Enforcement Center.  The first session is April 2nd. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708625281072.jpeg" alt="Applications are now available for the 2024 Joint Law Enforcement Academy in St. Joseph hosted by the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff's Department/ Photo courtesy of the city of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Applications are now available for the 2024 Joint Law Enforcement Academy in St. Joseph hosted by the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff's Department/ Photo courtesy of the city of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The joint law enforcement academy in St. Joseph helps to teach residents about the ins and outs of law enforcement. The academy hosted by the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is coming up in April. Police Chief Paul Luster says the academy gives residents a look at just about everything law enforcement does. "Everything from investigations to crime scene investigations, to just a routine traffic stop, what officers go through on what we call a routine traffic stop, to really forge those relationships," Luster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Luster says the academy gives residents a chance to see the dedication of numerous officers in the community "How much training, they go through a lot of training just to do this job and then they decide I want to be a crime scene investigator and then how much more training is involved just in that," Luster explains. "And then always the potential there that that phone is going to ring anytime day or night, 24/7, 365." And Luster says it's neat that the academy is a partnership with the Sheriff's Department. "That really gives our community a chance to see what both agencies are doing and what they bring to the table to serve the community," Luster says. The Joint Law Enforcement Academy presents several opportunities to learn about the ins and outs of the law enforcement profession. Luster says one of those opportunities is a ride along with St. Joseph police officers. "You can learn so much, when you say you get that really up close and personal view of policing, you really do," Luster points out. "And a lot of times that can change a lot of perspectives about the job." Outside of the academy, St. Joseph Police do also offer a ride along program that can be applied for. Applications for the academy are available on the St. Joseph Police Department Facebook or downtown at the Law Enforcement Center. The first session is April 2nd.

Local academy helping St. Joseph law enforcement build relationships with community

St. Joseph School Board members vote Monday on
whether the St. Joseph School District adopts a four-day school week.

It’s a controversial issue that divides school
board members.

Member Whitney Lanning has been impressed by the
effect a four-day school week has had on the Independence School District.

“They saw a 60% reduction in behaviors (problems)
from their students,” Lanning tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “They’ve
seen improved retention of the staff that they have. They saw improved
attendance from students, especially their low-income students.”

Less impressed with those numbers is school board
member Isaura Garcia.

“My only concern with that is that we’re not
allowing them a whole year to finish that process for us to be able to see, has
it actually been successful?” Garcia asks during a joint appearance on the KFEQ
Hotline with Lanning.

Lanning was impressed during a presentation to
the board about the four-day school week adopted by the Independence School
District. The Independence district is one of the largest Missouri school
districts to adopt the four-day school week. Approximately 170 Missouri school
districts have switched to holding classes four days a week. Missouri has more
than 500 public school districts.

Independence school officials struck the right
chords with Lanning.

“All of those are issues that we are grappling
with: attendance, recruitment, retention, behaviors,” according to Lanning. “To
me, we are at a crossroads. Traditional measures are not going to save this
district.”

While board member Isaura Garcia agrees St.
Joseph struggles with those issues, she isn’t convinced a four-day school week
solves them.

“I by no means am trying to ignore that or have
the district ignore that,” Garcia insists. “I have a problem with the fast rate
that we’re moving when we’re talking about reconstructing the educational system
for our kids and the educational schedule.”

A study issued by the Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education indicates the move to a four-day school week
has not had an effect on student academic achievement; essentially finding it
has had a neutral impact on student grades.

“So, to me, if there’s no positive or negative
effect to students, we have to figure out how we keep staff,” Lanning states.

Though the switch is touted as a way to attract
quality teachers, Garcia wants the administration to explore other options.

“Really, looking at other ways to compensate our
teachers and provide more support without flipping the educational system on
its head would be my recommendation,” Garcia says.

The public is invited to comment on the proposal
to switch to a four-day school week at the Retention and Recruitment Committee
meeting at 4:30 this afternoon in the Commons Room, 1425 North 26th.

The school board is scheduled to vote on the
measure at its meeting Monday, which begins at 5:30 at the Troester Media
Center, 3401 Renick.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph School Board members vote Monday on
whether the St. Joseph School District adopts a four-day school week.It’s a controversial issue that divides school
board members.Member Whitney Lanning has been impressed by the
effect a four-day school week has had on the Independence School District.“They saw a 60% reduction in behaviors (problems)
from their students,” Lanning tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “They’ve
seen improved retention of the staff that they have. They saw improved
attendance from students, especially their low-income students.”Less impressed with those numbers is school board
member Isaura Garcia.“My only concern with that is that we’re not
allowing them a whole year to finish that process for us to be able to see, has
it actually been successful?” Garcia asks during a joint appearance on the KFEQ
Hotline with Lanning.Lanning was impressed during a presentation to
the board about the four-day school week adopted by the Independence School
District. The Independence district is one of the largest Missouri school
districts to adopt the four-day school week. Approximately 170 Missouri school
districts have switched to holding classes four days a week. Missouri has more
than 500 public school districts.Independence school officials struck the right
chords with Lanning.“All of those are issues that we are grappling
with: attendance, recruitment, retention, behaviors,” according to Lanning. “To
me, we are at a crossroads. Traditional measures are not going to save this
district.”While board member Isaura Garcia agrees St.
Joseph struggles with those issues, she isn’t convinced a four-day school week
solves them.“I by no means am trying to ignore that or have
the district ignore that,” Garcia insists. “I have a problem with the fast rate
that we’re moving when we’re talking about reconstructing the educational system
for our kids and the educational schedule.”A study issued by the Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education indicates the move to a four-day school week
has not had an effect on student academic achievement; essentially finding it
has had a neutral impact on student grades.“So, to me, if there’s no positive or negative
effect to students, we have to figure out how we keep staff,” Lanning states.Though the switch is touted as a way to attract
quality teachers, Garcia wants the administration to explore other options.“Really, looking at other ways to compensate our
teachers and provide more support without flipping the educational system on
its head would be my recommendation,” Garcia says.The public is invited to comment on the proposal
to switch to a four-day school week at the Retention and Recruitment Committee
meeting at 4:30 this afternoon in the Commons Room, 1425 North 26th.The school board is scheduled to vote on the
measure at its meeting Monday, which begins at 5:30 at the Troester Media
Center, 3401 Renick.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Discussion-of-4-day-school-week-splits-St--Joseph-School-Board-members-e2g4sgv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Discussion today, vote Monday on St. Joseph switching to 4-day school week

A
boil advisory issued Tuesday afternoon for approximately 9,200 St. Joseph customers of Missouri
American Water has been lifted.

Missouri
American reports it lifted the precautionary boil water advisory at 7 o’clock Thursday morning.

The
utility issued the boil advisory after a contractor struck a water main.

This boil advisory had
wide-ranging effects. It included several schools within the St. Joseph School
District.

The City of St. Joseph Health
Department and the Social Welfare Board closed early Tuesday afternoon due to
the boil advisory. Both reopened Wednesday morning.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
boil advisory issued Tuesday afternoon for approximately 9,200 St. Joseph customers of Missouri
American Water has been lifted.Missouri
American reports it lifted the precautionary boil water advisory at 7 o’clock Thursday morning.The
utility issued the boil advisory after a contractor struck a water main.This boil advisory had
wide-ranging effects. It included several schools within the St. Joseph School
District.The City of St. Joseph Health
Department and the Social Welfare Board closed early Tuesday afternoon due to
the boil advisory. Both reopened Wednesday morning.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph boil water advisory lifted

By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is facing criticism from Republican and Democratic rivals over comments he made at a candidate forum this weekend calling into question the fairness of special benefits for veterans.&nbsp;

During a panel for gubernatorial candidates at the annual Missouri Republican Party Lincoln Days in Kansas City over the weekend, Ashcroft was asked how the state can better support veterans and active duty military personnel.&nbsp;

Ashcroft said “we need to do what we promised them,” before acknowledging he was about to say something that “probably isn’t what you want for the answer to your question.”

“I don’t think we ought to treat people based on classifications,” he said. “I think we ought to treat everybody equally. And I don’t think we ought to say that if you live here, we’re gonna charge you this, but if you live here, we charge you this. I don’t think we ought to say if you’re in the military, we’ll give you this discount, but everybody else has to pay twice as much. I don’t think that’s good government.”

When someone is a member of the military and moves into the state, Ashcroft said, “it’s harder sometimes to get licensed and make sure you have licensing reciprocity. What I always said was, why don’t we just make that rule for everybody? Why don’t we just say that government is the problem, and let’s get government out of the way, let people make their own decisions and not keep picking and choosing winners and losers.”

He concluded: “I appreciate veterans. I have veterans in my family. I like what they’ve done. But what we ought to do is say, if it’s good for veterans, it’s good to do it for everyone.”

State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican who served in the Air Force, responded to Ashcroft’s comments during the forum by saying he was “stunned to hear one of the candidates here say he’s not interested in looking into veteran’s issues or helping them out.”

He continued his criticism Wednesday, as footage of Ashcroft’s comments&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/WestStLouisGOP/status/1759282595370582518?s=20">began to spread on social media.</a>

“I lost friends. I saw the struggle upon returning to the states,” he said. “I disdain the ruling elite who send our men and women to die in their wars, all while doing nothing to ensure their sacrifice is honored when they return home.”

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City who also participated in the candidate forum, said Wednesday evening that for Jay Ashcroft to “treat our veterans as anything less than heroes is disrespectful to all veterans and their families. Communities across our state value our nation’s heroes and their service and sacrifice to our country, and they would want their governor to do the same.”

Emma O’Brien, press secretary for the Democratic Governors Association, called Ashcroft an “insider politician who only looks out for himself, but wants to rip away benefits from members of the military and veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.”

In a statement to The Independent Wednesday evening, Ashcroft did not address the criticism but said it is “shameful that we have failed to fulfill our commitment to our veterans.”

“No Americans make a greater sacrifice for our freedoms and security than the men and women who wear the uniform of our armed forces,” the statement read. “The sacrifices that they and their families make are unimaginable for those of us who have not served. I honor that service and as governor will make our commitment to them a priority, without qualification.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708608630631.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft speaks to reporters Dec. 20, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft speaks to reporters Dec. 20, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is facing criticism from Republican and Democratic rivals over comments he made at a candidate forum this weekend calling into question the fairness of special benefits for veterans.&nbsp;During a panel for gubernatorial candidates at the annual Missouri Republican Party Lincoln Days in Kansas City over the weekend, Ashcroft was asked how the state can better support veterans and active duty military personnel.&nbsp;Ashcroft said “we need to do what we promised them,” before acknowledging he was about to say something that “probably isn’t what you want for the answer to your question.”“I don’t think we ought to treat people based on classifications,” he said. “I think we ought to treat everybody equally. And I don’t think we ought to say that if you live here, we’re gonna charge you this, but if you live here, we charge you this. I don’t think we ought to say if you’re in the military, we’ll give you this discount, but everybody else has to pay twice as much. I don’t think that’s good government.”When someone is a member of the military and moves into the state, Ashcroft said, “it’s harder sometimes to get licensed and make sure you have licensing reciprocity. What I always said was, why don’t we just make that rule for everybody? Why don’t we just say that government is the problem, and let’s get government out of the way, let people make their own decisions and not keep picking and choosing winners and losers.”He concluded: “I appreciate veterans. I have veterans in my family. I like what they’ve done. But what we ought to do is say, if it’s good for veterans, it’s good to do it for everyone.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This answer from ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JayAshcroftMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayAshcroftMO</a>⁩ was the most discussed answer from the ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/MissouriGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MissouriGOP</a>⁩ forum yesterday. ⁦ Jay Ashcroft comes out against military discounts for our state’s veterans. Shameful. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOGOV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOGOV</a> <a href="https://t.co/g1iUBym36a">pic.twitter.com/g1iUBym36a</a>&mdash; West STL Republican (@WestStLouisGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestStLouisGOP/status/1759282595370582518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican who served in the Air Force, responded to Ashcroft’s comments during the forum by saying he was “stunned to hear one of the candidates here say he’s not interested in looking into veteran’s issues or helping them out.”He continued his criticism Wednesday, as footage of Ashcroft’s comments&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/WestStLouisGOP/status/1759282595370582518?s=20">began to spread on social media.</a>“I lost friends. I saw the struggle upon returning to the states,” he said. “I disdain the ruling elite who send our men and women to die in their wars, all while doing nothing to ensure their sacrifice is honored when they return home.”Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City who also participated in the candidate forum, said Wednesday evening that for Jay Ashcroft to “treat our veterans as anything less than heroes is disrespectful to all veterans and their families. Communities across our state value our nation’s heroes and their service and sacrifice to our country, and they would want their governor to do the same.”Democrats also piled on.Emma O’Brien, press secretary for the Democratic Governors Association, called Ashcroft an “insider politician who only looks out for himself, but wants to rip away benefits from members of the military and veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.”In a statement to The Independent Wednesday evening, Ashcroft did not address the criticism but said it is “shameful that we have failed to fulfill our commitment to our veterans.”“No Americans make a greater sacrifice for our freedoms and security than the men and women who wear the uniform of our armed forces,” the statement read. “The sacrifices that they and their families make are unimaginable for those of us who have not served. I honor that service and as governor will make our commitment to them a priority, without qualification.”

🎥Jay Ashcroft draws bipartisan attacks over comments about veterans benefits

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda CRV driven by Robert L. Schultz, 52, Elwood, was southbound on 15th Street near Vermont Street in Elwood.

The driver failed to yield to an eastbound Union Pacific train. The train struck the Honda.

EMS transported Schultz to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. There were no other injuries reported. Schultz was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda CRV driven by Robert L. Schultz, 52, Elwood, was southbound on 15th Street near Vermont Street in Elwood.The driver failed to yield to an eastbound Union Pacific train. The train struck the Honda.EMS transported Schultz to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. There were no other injuries reported. Schultz was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after train strikes SUV

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating. wanted suspect on additional charges after tracking him down.

Just after 12a.m. February 18, sheriff's deputies were alerted that an individual having a Richardson County Nebraska Felony Warrant for 1st Degree Assault was in Hiawatha, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies located the wanted suspect identified as 47-year-old Anthony Tull of Hiawatha in a vacant building.&nbsp; 

He was hiding on top of a small room in the building and was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Tull is also facing requested charges of Felony Obstruction.

In July, deputies arrested Tull on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant, according to Merchant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708451206678.png" alt="Tull-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Tull-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating. wanted suspect on additional charges after tracking him down.Just after 12a.m. February 18, sheriff's deputies were alerted that an individual having a Richardson County Nebraska Felony Warrant for 1st Degree Assault was in Hiawatha, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies located the wanted suspect identified as 47-year-old Anthony Tull of Hiawatha in a vacant building.&nbsp; He was hiding on top of a small room in the building and was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Tull is also facing requested charges of Felony Obstruction.In July, deputies arrested Tull on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant, according to Merchant.

Kan. assault suspect was hiding on top of small room 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One of the men charged in a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory celebration shooting that left&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-62e69a17b469b854afd7bcc3f548d1fc">one person dead</a>&nbsp;and around two dozen others injured had recently come off probation for pulling out a gun during a dispute over a basketball game.

Lyndell Mays, 23, of Raytown, whose two years of probation ended earlier this month, made a first appearance Wednesday in the Feb. 14 shooting outside Kansas City’s historic Union Station. He was dressed from head to toe in orange, his face bandaged, his hands cuffed and ankles shackled.

Prosecutors announced Tuesday that Mays and another man, Dominic Miller, were charged with second-degree murder and other counts in the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-62e69a17b469b854afd7bcc3f548d1fc">that brought a horrific end</a>&nbsp;to what had been a gleeful celebration before a crowd that totaled an estimated 1 million people.

In court, Mays told the judge he had spoken to an attorney, although none was in court with him. Asked if he understood the charges, Miller said yes. The minutes-long appearance ended with the judge setting a Feb. 29 hearing to discuss his $1 million bond.

Mays looked out at the journalists in the crowd as he walked out. There were no victims in the courtroom.

Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said during a news conference Tuesday that her office had no previous interactions with Mays or Miller.

But a statement from Belton police said Mays displayed a handgun during a basketball game dispute at a community center, causing people to run for safety out of the gym. According to court documents in the municipal case, Mays was charged with disorderly conduct in April 2021. He entered a guilty plea on Feb. 8, 2022, and was placed on probation for two years.

Miller and Mays, who didn't know each other, were among several people arguing last Wednesday when Mays “pulled his handgun," leading others to do the same, court records show. Online court records do not list attorneys who can comment for the men.

Authorities also detained two juveniles, charging them with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-278e2d3e2cfece1cbe958511e54127ad">gun-related and resisting arrest</a>&nbsp;charges.

Officials have said more charges are possible.

The shooting happened despite the presence of more than 800 police officers.

Those injured range in age from 8 to 47 years, according to Police Chief Stacey Graves.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-dj-victim-d96b8631a92af6682b77577c2c4e98c8">Lisa Lopez-Galvan</a>, a mother of two and the host of a radio show called “Taste of Tejano,” was killed.

Marques Harris, who was wounded in the shooting, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/friend-says-chiefs-parade-shooting-suspect-was-only-protecting-him/">WDAF-TV</a>&nbsp;that Miller should not have been charged and that his friend was only trying to protect him.

He said it started with Mays staring down his 15-year-old friend. The teen asked if there was a problem and Mays then started to talk trash, recalled Harris who decided to intervene.

“I pushed my little brother out the way,” Harris said. “As soon as I pushed my little brother out of the way, the dude stepped forward and proceeded to shoot me."

Only then did Miller fire, said Harris, whose mouth is nearly wired shut. He said the bullet struck him in his neck and traveled out of his mouth.

Court documents say ballistics show that the bullet that killed Lopez-Galvan was fired from Miller's firearm. Miller was hospitalized after the shooting and his mugshot was not immediately available.

Lopez-Galvan was wearing a jersey of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at the celebration. On Tuesday, the kicker responded to requests on social media seeking help in obtaining a similar jersey for Lopez-Galvan's family, possibly so she could be laid to rest with the shirt.

In a statement, Butker said he and his wife were heartbroken by Lopez-Galvan's killing and called for those responsible to “be brought to justice.”

“Hearing that she was a fan of my outspokenness for our shared Catholic Faith makes this even more personal. I am honored to provide a jersey to the family for her to wear,” Butker said. "While the family is mourning their loss and grappling with their numerous injuries, I will continue to pray for their healing and the repose of Lisa’s soul.”

The shooting occurred in a state with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-938583b1e9aa3b3a45f8a012e7b80fee">few gun regulations</a>&nbsp;and historic tension over how cities handle crime.

Kansas City has long struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-tn-state-wire-mo-state-wire-politics-oh-state-wire-0950ff59635979d7d2d2d3479f4d9c58">among nine cities</a>&nbsp;where the U.S. Justice Department launched crackdowns on violent crime. In 2023, the city set a record with 185 homicides, most of which involved guns.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has joined with mayors across the country to call for new laws to reduce gun violence, including mandating universal background checks.

Advocates for tighter gun restrictions organized a rally in Kansas City on Saturday, near where the shooting took place. Video posted on social media shows dozens of people holding signs and chanting, “Enough is enough!”

It is unlikely that the state government would ever introduce laws to limit gun ownership, but the Missouri House on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-kansas-city-missouri-celebratory-gunfire-0a1af65ab3e5130ffba0c2713ac1d105">a ban on celebratory gunfire</a>&nbsp;in cities. The measure now goes to the Senate.

The shooting was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-shooting-2a500aff2edea212bf54cf6597b2f4f7">latest at a sports celebration</a>&nbsp;in the United States. A shooting wounded several people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-shooting-nuggets-suspect-ee4869abf1afee855565f1c517bfae1f">last year in Denver</a>&nbsp;after the Nuggets’ NBA championship.

Kansas City’s mayor and security experts say it could be time to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-chiefs-parade-security-48bcd66e5998776a7167a2434dec7fd1">rethink championship celebrations</a>. Lucas said last Thursday that the city would continue to celebrate its victories. Next month’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will go ahead as scheduled.

But he told local television station KMBC that if the Chiefs win another Super Bowl, it might be better to have a smaller party at their home stadium, where security can be managed more easily.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708552633722.png" alt="Mays-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mays-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One of the men charged in a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory celebration shooting that left&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-62e69a17b469b854afd7bcc3f548d1fc">one person dead</a>&nbsp;and around two dozen others injured had recently come off probation for pulling out a gun during a dispute over a basketball game.Lyndell Mays, 23, of Raytown, whose two years of probation ended earlier this month, made a first appearance Wednesday in the Feb. 14 shooting outside Kansas City’s historic Union Station. He was dressed from head to toe in orange, his face bandaged, his hands cuffed and ankles shackled.Prosecutors announced Tuesday that Mays and another man, Dominic Miller, were charged with second-degree murder and other counts in the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-62e69a17b469b854afd7bcc3f548d1fc">that brought a horrific end</a>&nbsp;to what had been a gleeful celebration before a crowd that totaled an estimated 1 million people.FIRST APPEARANCEIn court, Mays told the judge he had spoken to an attorney, although none was in court with him. Asked if he understood the charges, Miller said yes. The minutes-long appearance ended with the judge setting a Feb. 29 hearing to discuss his $1 million bond.Mays looked out at the journalists in the crowd as he walked out. There were no victims in the courtroom.Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said during a news conference Tuesday that her office had no previous interactions with Mays or Miller.But a statement from Belton police said Mays displayed a handgun during a basketball game dispute at a community center, causing people to run for safety out of the gym. According to court documents in the municipal case, Mays was charged with disorderly conduct in April 2021. He entered a guilty plea on Feb. 8, 2022, and was placed on probation for two years.THE INVESTIGATIONMiller and Mays, who didn't know each other, were among several people arguing last Wednesday when Mays “pulled his handgun," leading others to do the same, court records show. Online court records do not list attorneys who can comment for the men.Authorities also detained two juveniles, charging them with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-278e2d3e2cfece1cbe958511e54127ad">gun-related and resisting arrest</a>&nbsp;charges.Officials have said more charges are possible.The shooting happened despite the presence of more than 800 police officers.Those injured range in age from 8 to 47 years, according to Police Chief Stacey Graves.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-dj-victim-d96b8631a92af6682b77577c2c4e98c8">Lisa Lopez-Galvan</a>, a mother of two and the host of a radio show called “Taste of Tejano,” was killed.FRIEND OF SHOOTERMarques Harris, who was wounded in the shooting, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/friend-says-chiefs-parade-shooting-suspect-was-only-protecting-him/">WDAF-TV</a>&nbsp;that Miller should not have been charged and that his friend was only trying to protect him.He said it started with Mays staring down his 15-year-old friend. The teen asked if there was a problem and Mays then started to talk trash, recalled Harris who decided to intervene.“I pushed my little brother out the way,” Harris said. “As soon as I pushed my little brother out of the way, the dude stepped forward and proceeded to shoot me."Only then did Miller fire, said Harris, whose mouth is nearly wired shut. He said the bullet struck him in his neck and traveled out of his mouth.Court documents say ballistics show that the bullet that killed Lopez-Galvan was fired from Miller's firearm. Miller was hospitalized after the shooting and his mugshot was not immediately available.A JERSEY FOR SHOOTING VICTIMLopez-Galvan was wearing a jersey of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at the celebration. On Tuesday, the kicker responded to requests on social media seeking help in obtaining a similar jersey for Lopez-Galvan's family, possibly so she could be laid to rest with the shirt.In a statement, Butker said he and his wife were heartbroken by Lopez-Galvan's killing and called for those responsible to “be brought to justice.”“Hearing that she was a fan of my outspokenness for our shared Catholic Faith makes this even more personal. I am honored to provide a jersey to the family for her to wear,” Butker said. "While the family is mourning their loss and grappling with their numerous injuries, I will continue to pray for their healing and the repose of Lisa’s soul.”CITY’S HISTORY AND STATE LAWSThe shooting occurred in a state with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-938583b1e9aa3b3a45f8a012e7b80fee">few gun regulations</a>&nbsp;and historic tension over how cities handle crime.Kansas City has long struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-tn-state-wire-mo-state-wire-politics-oh-state-wire-0950ff59635979d7d2d2d3479f4d9c58">among nine cities</a>&nbsp;where the U.S. Justice Department launched crackdowns on violent crime. In 2023, the city set a record with 185 homicides, most of which involved guns.Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has joined with mayors across the country to call for new laws to reduce gun violence, including mandating universal background checks.Advocates for tighter gun restrictions organized a rally in Kansas City on Saturday, near where the shooting took place. Video posted on social media shows dozens of people holding signs and chanting, “Enough is enough!”It is unlikely that the state government would ever introduce laws to limit gun ownership, but the Missouri House on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-kansas-city-missouri-celebratory-gunfire-0a1af65ab3e5130ffba0c2713ac1d105">a ban on celebratory gunfire</a>&nbsp;in cities. The measure now goes to the Senate.RETHINKING SPORTS CELEBRATIONS?The shooting was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-shooting-2a500aff2edea212bf54cf6597b2f4f7">latest at a sports celebration</a>&nbsp;in the United States. A shooting wounded several people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-shooting-nuggets-suspect-ee4869abf1afee855565f1c517bfae1f">last year in Denver</a>&nbsp;after the Nuggets’ NBA championship.Kansas City’s mayor and security experts say it could be time to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-chiefs-parade-security-48bcd66e5998776a7167a2434dec7fd1">rethink championship celebrations</a>. Lucas said last Thursday that the city would continue to celebrate its victories. Next month’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will go ahead as scheduled.But he told local television station KMBC that if the Chiefs win another Super Bowl, it might be better to have a smaller party at their home stadium, where security can be managed more easily.

Kansas City Chiefs rally shooting suspect appears in court

A program led by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has helped bring local business owners together for nine years.  

Miu Edlin, owner of Miuze Marketing, says the Cup of Joe program helps local entrepreneurs come together to discuss challenges they all face.  

"So, it's great to be in a room full of people with the same mindset and people in the same area," Edlin tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Vince Rutter, owner of Build a Quilt in St. Joseph, says the program can help business owners grow their business, but you have to stick with it. 

"If you're a long hauler, as I call them, in this program I think you'll see some benefit from that," Rutter says. 

Amanda Unzicker, owner of the Interior Shoppe, was one of those entrepreneurs that came to the group when she started her business. She says the Cup of Joe has helped her in multiple ways.  

"I have done life coaching, and I met a life coach there who has helped me, a couple business mentors have really helped me, if I'm stuck on something with like QuickBooks, I have now people I can reach out to and really talk with about that," Unzicker explains. "Just learning about other people businesses and networking, and I've also got business from Cup of Joe also." 

Edlin emphasizes Cup of Joe has helped many business owners in the area.  

"Just having that support system, being around like-minded people, can really change how you view entrepreneurship and how you move forward in business," Edlin says. 

Cup of Joe gathers every Wednesday at the East Hills Library at 8:30am.  There is no charge to attend the weekly meetings. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708550125071.jpeg" alt="Several business owners gather together every Wednesday morning at the East Hills Library for Cup of Joe/ Photo courtesy of the Cup of Joe Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Several business owners gather together every Wednesday morning at the East Hills Library for Cup of Joe/ Photo courtesy of the Cup of Joe Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A program led by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has helped bring local business owners together for nine years. Miu Edlin, owner of Miuze Marketing, says the Cup of Joe program helps local entrepreneurs come together to discuss challenges they all face. "So, it's great to be in a room full of people with the same mindset and people in the same area," Edlin tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Vince Rutter, owner of Build a Quilt in St. Joseph, says the program can help business owners grow their business, but you have to stick with it. "If you're a long hauler, as I call them, in this program I think you'll see some benefit from that," Rutter says. Amanda Unzicker, owner of the Interior Shoppe, was one of those entrepreneurs that came to the group when she started her business. She says the Cup of Joe has helped her in multiple ways. "I have done life coaching, and I met a life coach there who has helped me, a couple business mentors have really helped me, if I'm stuck on something with like QuickBooks, I have now people I can reach out to and really talk with about that," Unzicker explains. "Just learning about other people businesses and networking, and I've also got business from Cup of Joe also." Edlin emphasizes Cup of Joe has helped many business owners in the area. "Just having that support system, being around like-minded people, can really change how you view entrepreneurship and how you move forward in business," Edlin says. Cup of Joe gathers every Wednesday at the East Hills Library at 8:30am. There is no charge to attend the weekly meetings.

Cup of Joe celebrates nine years of bringing business owners together

The 975 area code will be an overlay area code, covering the
same geographic area that the current 816 area code covers; mainly the greater
Kansas City and St. Joseph areas.

North American Numbering Plan Administrator Heidi Wayman
assures 816 area code users that nothing is changing, except that new numbers
in the area will be assigned the new area code.

“There shouldn’t be any disruption or change to the consumers,”
Wayman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Their keeping their same phone number. They
should already be dialing the area code.”

Customers in the overlay region must dial 10 digits for local
calls.

The dramatic increase in phones, due to the popularity of the
smart phone, has nearly exhausted the combination of numbers under the 816 area
code. Once those numbers have been exhausted, the new 975 area code will take
effect.

“It’s just a combination of new technologies and increased
consumer demand,” according to Wayman.

The 816 area code serves thousands in western Missouri, including
the communities of Kansas City, St. Joseph, Savannah, Richmond, Maysville,
Odessa, Adrian, Holden, Lawson, Drexel, and others.

Wayman assures consumers nothing changes, except they will see
a new area code soon.

“It’s just really getting the information out that there’s a
new area code in the area, that they will see that number.”

Three-digit abbreviated dialing, such as 911, 211, and 988,
will not be affected by the addition of the new area code.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new area code is coming our way.The 975 area code will be an overlay area code, covering the
same geographic area that the current 816 area code covers; mainly the greater
Kansas City and St. Joseph areas.North American Numbering Plan Administrator Heidi Wayman
assures 816 area code users that nothing is changing, except that new numbers
in the area will be assigned the new area code.“There shouldn’t be any disruption or change to the consumers,”
Wayman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Their keeping their same phone number. They
should already be dialing the area code.”Customers in the overlay region must dial 10 digits for local
calls.The dramatic increase in phones, due to the popularity of the
smart phone, has nearly exhausted the combination of numbers under the 816 area
code. Once those numbers have been exhausted, the new 975 area code will take
effect.“It’s just a combination of new technologies and increased
consumer demand,” according to Wayman.The 816 area code serves thousands in western Missouri, including
the communities of Kansas City, St. Joseph, Savannah, Richmond, Maysville,
Odessa, Adrian, Holden, Lawson, Drexel, and others.Wayman assures consumers nothing changes, except they will see
a new area code soon.“It’s just really getting the information out that there’s a
new area code in the area, that they will see that number.”Three-digit abbreviated dialing, such as 911, 211, and 988,
will not be affected by the addition of the new area code.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-area-code-coming-our-way-e2g3k8b" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

A new area code is coming to the greater KC and St. Joseph areas

KANSAS CITY —A week after the deadly shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade and rally, police are still looking for possible victims.

Anyone who was injured or knows someone injured at the Union Station rally after shots were fired should call the Kansas City Police Department at 816-234-5043.

At a press conference Tuesday Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker explained that serious injuries, such as broken bone from a fall that occurred when people fled from gunfire, are the type that police would like to know about. If you have questions, please call KCPD talk to a detective.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707941847128.png" alt="Image from AP video of the public fleeing the shooting at rally&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from AP video of the public fleeing the shooting at rally&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A week after the deadly shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade and rally, police are still looking for possible victims.Anyone who was injured or knows someone injured at the Union Station rally after shots were fired should call the Kansas City Police Department at 816-234-5043.At a press conference Tuesday Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker explained that serious injuries, such as broken bone from a fall that occurred when people fled from gunfire, are the type that police would like to know about. If you have questions, please call KCPD talk to a detective.

KCPD still looking for anyone trampled or injured fleeing parade shooting

Republicans and Democrats joined together Monday night to sink&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB1886&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">a wide-ranging judicial bill</a>&nbsp;that managed to stir up enough policy concerns and internal grudges to keep it from winning anywhere near enough votes to clear the Missouri House.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Rudy Veit and backed by the chamber’s GOP leadership, including a litany of provisions that have found success in the House in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;But on Monday, the bill ran into a buzzsaw of opposition that resulted in only 57 of 111 Republicans and one Democrat voting in support.&nbsp;

The vote was a rare defeat for GOP leadership in the Missouri House, where the party has super majorities and typically won’t bring a bill up for debate unless votes have been whipped and victory is assured.

For Republicans, there were myriad reasons for voting no, said state Rep. Ben Baker, a GOP lawmaker from Neosho who opposed the bill Monday.&nbsp;

There was confusion about language in the bill that some felt was too ambiguous, he said, and others had heartburn about a few of the provisions that they felt hadn’t been vetted thoroughly enough.&nbsp;

The bill, or some version of it, will likely return later in the session, Baker said.&nbsp;

Democrats, meanwhile, keyed in on a provision that would exclude grandparents from a required background check when seeking guardianship of a child with a developmental disability.

State Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat who previously worked as an adoption specialist for the Jackson County Children’s Division, said she’s fought off similar proposals “for six years” out of concern that children could be taken from their parents and put into the custody of someone who might abuse them.&nbsp;

“There are cycles of abuse and trauma, and it goes by generations,” she said. “The reason why, when I worked at the children’s division, we did background checks on grandparents and relatives was not because we assumed the worst about them. But imagine taking a child out of a parents’ home and putting them with someone who was then going to abuse and neglect them. And no, that’s not most grandparents. But it is some. I have seen it.”

Veit pushed back, noting that the bill would still require background checks if requested by the guardian ad litem for the child or is otherwise ordered by the court.

“The attorney for the child has a right to ask for a background check,” he said.&nbsp;

There was also some leftover frustration among Democrats with how quickly Republicans forced the 40-page bill through the process the week before, said state Rep. Peter Merideth, a St. Louis Democrat.&nbsp;

The bill won initial passage after only 10 minutes of debate.&nbsp;

Meridith said he was denied a chance to ask questions about the bill last week because he had filed an amendment seeking to implement a “red flag law,” which allows for temporary firearm removal from individuals believed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.

“Part of my opposition was them not letting me offer my red flag amendment or even talk about the bill itself,” Meridith said. “That was the day before the Kansas City shooting, and then we come back and they say ‘now’s not the time to talk about this while emotions are running high.’ Well, we tried to talk about this last week and you wouldn’t let us.”

Merideth also raised concerns about a piece of the bill targeting strategic lawsuits against public participation, more commonly referred to as “SLAPP.”&nbsp;

Anti-SLAPP laws provide defendants a way to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits, often filed by&nbsp;big companies or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress speech they don’t like.&nbsp;

Merideth brought up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article285532507.html">public statements and social media posts by the Missouri Senate Freedom Caucus</a>&nbsp;accusing without evidence an Olathe man of being an undocumented immigrant behind the mass shooting last week in Kansas City.&nbsp;

“They said defamatory things,” Merideth said. “And here we are debating a provision that would give an extra out for people sued for defamation if it’s a matter of public importance. No, that needs to be vetted.”

There has been a lot of “Republican propaganda of late that has defamed people,” Meredith said, pointing to huge payouts in defamation cases against&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-trump-2020-0ac71f75acfacc52ea80b3e747fb0afe">Fox News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers-defamation-case-cde7186493b3a1bd9ab89bc65f0f5b06">former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani</a>.&nbsp;

“I don’t want to be protecting them with this change,” he said, adding that he isn’t positive the bill would apply in those instances but he couldn’t be sure since he couldn’t debate the issue last week.&nbsp;

Jean Maneke, an attorney for the Missouri Press Association, said the anti-SLAPP law has been a priority of her organization for years.

News organizations and individual journalists, she said, can face financial threat from a groundless defamation case brought by a subject of an enterprise or investigative story.

But Maneke said she has also represented individuals who were not members of the media and were forced to settle frivolous defamation lawsuits simply because they couldn’t afford to take the issue to court.&nbsp;

Anti-SLAPP laws, she said, provide a quicker process for filing motions to get a timely dismissal.&nbsp;

According to the conservative nonprofit Institute for Free Speech, there are 1<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ifs.org/anti-slapp-report/#:~:text=Anti%2DSLAPP%20statutes%20prevent%20abuse,strategic%20lawsuit%20against%20public%20participation.">5 states with a comprehensive anti-SLAPP law on the books</a>.

“The benefit of an anti-SLAPP statute is you can file this motion,” she said, “and everything stops and the judge has to make a decision about your First Amendment rights.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708514518687.png" alt=" The Missouri House chamber during debate on March 12, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> The Missouri House chamber during debate on March 12, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Republicans and Democrats joined together Monday night to sink&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB1886&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">a wide-ranging judicial bill</a>&nbsp;that managed to stir up enough policy concerns and internal grudges to keep it from winning anywhere near enough votes to clear the Missouri House.The legislation, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Rudy Veit and backed by the chamber’s GOP leadership, including a litany of provisions that have found success in the House in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;But on Monday, the bill ran into a buzzsaw of opposition that resulted in only 57 of 111 Republicans and one Democrat voting in support.&nbsp;The vote was a rare defeat for GOP leadership in the Missouri House, where the party has super majorities and typically won’t bring a bill up for debate unless votes have been whipped and victory is assured.For Republicans, there were myriad reasons for voting no, said state Rep. Ben Baker, a GOP lawmaker from Neosho who opposed the bill Monday.&nbsp;There was confusion about language in the bill that some felt was too ambiguous, he said, and others had heartburn about a few of the provisions that they felt hadn’t been vetted thoroughly enough.&nbsp;The bill, or some version of it, will likely return later in the session, Baker said.&nbsp;Democrats, meanwhile, keyed in on a provision that would exclude grandparents from a required background check when seeking guardianship of a child with a developmental disability.State Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat who previously worked as an adoption specialist for the Jackson County Children’s Division, said she’s fought off similar proposals “for six years” out of concern that children could be taken from their parents and put into the custody of someone who might abuse them.&nbsp;“There are cycles of abuse and trauma, and it goes by generations,” she said. “The reason why, when I worked at the children’s division, we did background checks on grandparents and relatives was not because we assumed the worst about them. But imagine taking a child out of a parents’ home and putting them with someone who was then going to abuse and neglect them. And no, that’s not most grandparents. But it is some. I have seen it.”Veit pushed back, noting that the bill would still require background checks if requested by the guardian ad litem for the child or is otherwise ordered by the court.“The attorney for the child has a right to ask for a background check,” he said.&nbsp;There was also some leftover frustration among Democrats with how quickly Republicans forced the 40-page bill through the process the week before, said state Rep. Peter Merideth, a St. Louis Democrat.&nbsp;The bill won initial passage after only 10 minutes of debate.&nbsp;Meridith said he was denied a chance to ask questions about the bill last week because he had filed an amendment seeking to implement a “red flag law,” which allows for temporary firearm removal from individuals believed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.“Part of my opposition was them not letting me offer my red flag amendment or even talk about the bill itself,” Meridith said. “That was the day before the Kansas City shooting, and then we come back and they say ‘now’s not the time to talk about this while emotions are running high.’ Well, we tried to talk about this last week and you wouldn’t let us.”Merideth also raised concerns about a piece of the bill targeting strategic lawsuits against public participation, more commonly referred to as “SLAPP.”&nbsp;Anti-SLAPP laws provide defendants a way to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits, often filed by&nbsp;big companies or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress speech they don’t like.&nbsp;Merideth brought up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article285532507.html">public statements and social media posts by the Missouri Senate Freedom Caucus</a>&nbsp;accusing without evidence an Olathe man of being an undocumented immigrant behind the mass shooting last week in Kansas City.&nbsp;“They said defamatory things,” Merideth said. “And here we are debating a provision that would give an extra out for people sued for defamation if it’s a matter of public importance. No, that needs to be vetted.”There has been a lot of “Republican propaganda of late that has defamed people,” Meredith said, pointing to huge payouts in defamation cases against&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-trump-2020-0ac71f75acfacc52ea80b3e747fb0afe">Fox News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers-defamation-case-cde7186493b3a1bd9ab89bc65f0f5b06">former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani</a>.&nbsp;“I don’t want to be protecting them with this change,” he said, adding that he isn’t positive the bill would apply in those instances but he couldn’t be sure since he couldn’t debate the issue last week.&nbsp;Jean Maneke, an attorney for the Missouri Press Association, said the anti-SLAPP law has been a priority of her organization for years.News organizations and individual journalists, she said, can face financial threat from a groundless defamation case brought by a subject of an enterprise or investigative story.But Maneke said she has also represented individuals who were not members of the media and were forced to settle frivolous defamation lawsuits simply because they couldn’t afford to take the issue to court.&nbsp;Anti-SLAPP laws, she said, provide a quicker process for filing motions to get a timely dismissal.&nbsp;According to the conservative nonprofit Institute for Free Speech, there are 1<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ifs.org/anti-slapp-report/#:~:text=Anti%2DSLAPP%20statutes%20prevent%20abuse,strategic%20lawsuit%20against%20public%20participation.">5 states with a comprehensive anti-SLAPP law on the books</a>.“The benefit of an anti-SLAPP statute is you can file this motion,” she said, “and everything stops and the judge has to make a decision about your First Amendment rights.”