KANSAS CITY —A 41-year-0ld St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the non-fatal shooting of another man, a shooting in Kansas City that was observed by a passing police officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Matthew Whitmill, during his trial earlier this month on several felony charges related to the shooting, offered to prosecutors to plea to the assault. Both prosecution and defense had just rested their cases in the trial when the plea negotiations began.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a Jackson County judge accepted Whitmill's pleas of guilt to Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. The judge sentenced Whitmill to 15 years on the Assault conviction and 3 years on Armed Criminal Action. His total sentence was 18 years.

According to court records, in August of 2023, a&nbsp; Kansas City police sergeant was in his marked vehicle when he observed a man later identified as Whitmill holding a gun and pointing it at another individual. Surveillance video also captured the shooting. Whitmill jumped into a vehicle and attempted to flee, but stop sticks prevented his escape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724029874403.png" alt="Whitmill -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitmill -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 41-year-0ld St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the non-fatal shooting of another man, a shooting in Kansas City that was observed by a passing police officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Matthew Whitmill, during his trial earlier this month on several felony charges related to the shooting, offered to prosecutors to plea to the assault. Both prosecution and defense had just rested their cases in the trial when the plea negotiations began.&nbsp;On Thursday, a Jackson County judge accepted Whitmill's pleas of guilt to Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. The judge sentenced Whitmill to 15 years on the Assault conviction and 3 years on Armed Criminal Action. His total sentence was 18 years.According to court records, in August of 2023, a&nbsp; Kansas City police sergeant was in his marked vehicle when he observed a man later identified as Whitmill holding a gun and pointing it at another individual. Surveillance video also captured the shooting. Whitmill jumped into a vehicle and attempted to flee, but stop sticks prevented his escape.

Man from St. Joe sentenced in shooting witnessed by police on patrol

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Saturday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Honda 450 driven by&nbsp; Tyrel W. Treat, 45, Brookfield, was westbound on NW 5th Street one and one half miles west of Trenton.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the motorcycle on the gravel roadway. The motorcycle overturned and skidded to a stop.

Grundy County EMS transported Treat to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Saturday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Honda 450 driven by&nbsp; Tyrel W. Treat, 45, Brookfield, was westbound on NW 5th Street one and one half miles west of Trenton.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the motorcycle on the gravel roadway. The motorcycle overturned and skidded to a stop.Grundy County EMS transported Treat to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man hospitalized after motorcycle overturns

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ram 1500 driven by Abigail A. Casleman, 29, Cameron, was eastbound and stopped at the intersection of Route CC and Route D five miles north of Hamilton.

The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2009 Ford Explorer driven by Gina R. Saunders, 61, Hamilton. The pickup struck the SUV.&nbsp;

Daviess County EMS transported Saunders to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Caselman was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ram 1500 driven by Abigail A. Casleman, 29, Cameron, was eastbound and stopped at the intersection of Route CC and Route D five miles north of Hamilton.The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2009 Ford Explorer driven by Gina R. Saunders, 61, Hamilton. The pickup struck the SUV.&nbsp;Daviess County EMS transported Saunders to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Caselman was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman injured after pickup, SUV crash

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Friday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Joshua Glenn Fowler, 19, Olathe, was southbound on Kansas 7 just north of 195th Road.

The SUV traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder. The driver overcorrected and the rear end of SUV started to slide sideways counterclockwise. 

The driver overcorrected to the right causing the SUV start to slide sideways clockwise. The vehicle entered the ditch sideways and rolled over multiple times coming to rest on its wheels.

EMS transported Fowler to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Friday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Joshua Glenn Fowler, 19, Olathe, was southbound on Kansas 7 just north of 195th Road.The SUV traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder. The driver overcorrected and the rear end of SUV started to slide sideways counterclockwise. The driver overcorrected to the right causing the SUV start to slide sideways clockwise. The vehicle entered the ditch sideways and rolled over multiple times coming to rest on its wheels.EMS transported Fowler to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Teen hospitalized in St. Joe after SUV rollover accident

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Steven L. Paul, 57, Norborne, was southbound on Elk Grove Road at SE Pleasant Hills Drive two miles south of Braymer.

The pickup and a eastbound Case 8910 Tractor driven by a 16-year-old Braymer boy met at the intersection.&nbsp; The pickup struck the tractor.&nbsp; After impact the tractor overturned.

A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Caldwell County EMS transported a passenger in the pickup Lois J.&nbsp; Paul, 80, Norborne, to Liberty Hospital. Steven Paul was not injured.&nbsp; All three were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Steven L. Paul, 57, Norborne, was southbound on Elk Grove Road at SE Pleasant Hills Drive two miles south of Braymer.The pickup and a eastbound Case 8910 Tractor driven by a 16-year-old Braymer boy met at the intersection.&nbsp; The pickup struck the tractor.&nbsp; After impact the tractor overturned.A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Caldwell County EMS transported a passenger in the pickup Lois J.&nbsp; Paul, 80, Norborne, to Liberty Hospital. Steven Paul was not injured.&nbsp; All three were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Mo. teen, woman injured after pickup, farm tractor crash

The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up another year of Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph today. 

Head Coach Andy Reid started out his press conference by thanking St. Joseph and the university. 

"We appreciate all their hospitality, what a great job they did taking care of us," Reid tells reporters following practice.  "Whether it was the people that were making our beds to the people that were cooking the food to the grounds crew that was taking care of the area here, everybody was just first class and on the ball we appreciate that, makes it a lot easier when we're all pulling in the same direction." 

This wraps up the 14th year of Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

Reid says he saw a lot of growth from his team through the four weeks at Missouri Western.  

"We've added a ton into the last few days up here and the guys have digested it, been able to spit it back, retain it, that's a positive," Reid says. "And then maybe most of all is getting yourself into football shape and kind of ramping up to your first game against the Ravens." 

The Chiefs wrapped up a light 10-10-10 practice after just over an hour, welcoming veterans onto the field for Military Appreciation Day.

Entering this year's Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph at Missouri Western, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one goal; be better than he was last season.  

And as training camp wrapped up today, Mahomes feels like he's taken the steps to do that.  

"I've been trying to push the envelope, trying to push the ball downfield, trying to make sure that we stay in that attacking mindset, but at the same time finding that right balance," Mahomes explains. "There's been days where we connected on a lot of deep passes, there's days when we missed them, but that's what this is for, is for us to try and see what we can get away with, try to see what we can do and see what everybody's great at, and I thought we had a great camp like I said." 

Kansas City's second preseason game against Detroit is on Saturday.  Pregame will be at 2pm with kickoff at 3 on Q Country 92.7.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743620442.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets ready to take a snap from center Creed Humprey during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets ready to take a snap from center Creed Humprey during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up another year of Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph today. Head Coach Andy Reid started out his press conference by thanking St. Joseph and the university. "We appreciate all their hospitality, what a great job they did taking care of us," Reid tells reporters following practice. "Whether it was the people that were making our beds to the people that were cooking the food to the grounds crew that was taking care of the area here, everybody was just first class and on the ball we appreciate that, makes it a lot easier when we're all pulling in the same direction." This wraps up the 14th year of Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743897818.jpeg" alt="Head Coach Andy Reid waves to fans as he travels down to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Head Coach Andy Reid waves to fans as he travels down to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Reid says he saw a lot of growth from his team through the four weeks at Missouri Western. "We've added a ton into the last few days up here and the guys have digested it, been able to spit it back, retain it, that's a positive," Reid says. "And then maybe most of all is getting yourself into football shape and kind of ramping up to your first game against the Ravens." The Chiefs wrapped up a light 10-10-10 practice after just over an hour, welcoming veterans onto the field for Military Appreciation Day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743945433.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Entering this year's Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph at Missouri Western, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one goal; be better than he was last season. And as training camp wrapped up today, Mahomes feels like he's taken the steps to do that. "I've been trying to push the envelope, trying to push the ball downfield, trying to make sure that we stay in that attacking mindset, but at the same time finding that right balance," Mahomes explains. "There's been days where we connected on a lot of deep passes, there's days when we missed them, but that's what this is for, is for us to try and see what we can get away with, try to see what we can do and see what everybody's great at, and I thought we had a great camp like I said." Kansas City's second preseason game against Detroit is on Saturday. Pregame will be at 2pm with kickoff at 3 on Q Country 92.7.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Chiefs-wrap-up-another-training-camp-in-St--Joseph-e2n7sea" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743985353.jpeg" alt="Receiver Hollywood Brown makes a diving catch along the sideline during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Receiver Hollywood Brown makes a diving catch along the sideline during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723744055048.jpeg" alt="Receiver Nikko Remigio goes up for a catch over a defensive back/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Receiver Nikko Remigio goes up for a catch over a defensive back/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chiefs wrap up another training camp in St. Joseph

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Lexus RX350 driven by Dale L. Feese, 68, Cameron, was northbound on Route C four miles north of Cameron.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck the ground, a warning sign, continued northbound in the ditch, returned to the road, began to roll and the driver was ejected.

Cameron EMS transported Feese to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Life Flight Eagle later transported him to North Kansas City Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Lexus RX350 driven by Dale L. Feese, 68, Cameron, was northbound on Route C four miles north of Cameron.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck the ground, a warning sign, continued northbound in the ditch, returned to the road, began to roll and the driver was ejected.Cameron EMS transported Feese to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Life Flight Eagle later transported him to North Kansas City Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after violent rollover crash

A famous Budweiser Clydesdale and a team of handlers will visit St. Joseph at the end of the month, sponsored by Will Fischer Companies.

Steven McClurg, with Will Fischer Companies, notes its a family friendly event, "I think a lot of it is just having kids come out and take pictures with the horse and appreciating it."

The Clydesdale team will start at Hi Ho and Bigshots, 1817 Frederick Ave, at approximately 3:00 p.m. August 31st. The horse team will then proceed to Jake' Steakhouse, 620 Edmond Street. The horse and team will stay at Jake's for 30 minutes for the public to interact and take pictures.

McClurg adds, "We'll have beer specials and some swag, courtesy of Will Fischer Companies."

The event is free to attend, but attendees must be 21 or older to drink alcohol.

McClurg says the event is weather permitting and the heat index or rain may result in cancelation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724771145603.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Will Fischer Co" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Will Fischer Co</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ryan SkaithSt. Joseph PostA famous Budweiser Clydesdale and a team of handlers will visit St. Joseph at the end of the month, sponsored by Will Fischer Companies.Steven McClurg, with Will Fischer Companies, notes its a family friendly event, "I think a lot of it is just having kids come out and take pictures with the horse and appreciating it."The Clydesdale team will start at Hi Ho and Bigshots, 1817 Frederick Ave, at approximately 3:00 p.m. August 31st. The horse team will then proceed to Jake' Steakhouse, 620 Edmond Street. The horse and team will stay at Jake's for 30 minutes for the public to interact and take pictures.McClurg adds, "We'll have beer specials and some swag, courtesy of Will Fischer Companies."The event is free to attend, but attendees must be 21 or older to drink alcohol.McClurg says the event is weather permitting and the heat index or rain may result in cancelation.

Budweiser Clydesdale to visit St. Joseph later this month

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.

Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.

“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”

The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.

The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.

“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”

Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.

The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.

Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.

Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.

“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”

“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.

During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.

Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.

Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.

Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”

Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.

Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”<h2>Testing milk in bulk tanks</h2>Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.<h2>Effect on cats</h2>Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu 

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. — Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Atchison.

A 2014 Chevrolet Impala driven by Tabius K. Ballman, 19, Everest, was westbound in the 1400 Block of Main Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson

The car&nbsp; struck a 2021 GMC pick up truck and then struck a 2017 GMC Terrain, both of which were parked on the north side of the street.

EMS transported Ballman and his 20 year old female passenger were&nbsp; to Amberwell Hospital for examination. Ballman was also cited for speeding and no proof of insurance, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723672617531.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. — Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Atchison.A 2014 Chevrolet Impala driven by Tabius K. Ballman, 19, Everest, was westbound in the 1400 Block of Main Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike WilsonThe car&nbsp; struck a 2021 GMC pick up truck and then struck a 2017 GMC Terrain, both of which were parked on the north side of the street.EMS transported Ballman and his 20 year old female passenger were&nbsp; to Amberwell Hospital for examination. Ballman was also cited for speeding and no proof of insurance, according to Wilson.

2 injured after 3-vehicle Kansas crash

Students will begin classes next week in St. Joseph for the 2024-2025 school year and there is a lot going on.

St. Joseph School District&nbsp;Superintendent Gabe Edgar is excited about a new tech school program. Edgar says, "I think the best thing we have going is Hillyard Tech School. We just had a ribbon cutting ceremony for our renovated dental wing."

Edgar also encourages everyone to attend another ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new simulated manufacturing facility on Tuesday, August 20.

Edgar explains, "Its more of a partnership, its all hands-on. We're going to have classroom space for welding technology, industrial equipment repair and maintenance, and precision machine." 

The facility offers an open space for cross-training, as well.

Edgar notes there is a heavy focus this year on career courses. Bode, Robidoux and Benton are acting as pilot schools for the courses.

A big topic of concern for the upcoming school year is attendance. Edgar says, "We took a small decline in attendance from the 2022-2023 to 2023-2024 school years. Attendance is always a topic of discussion in our meetings."

The target goal for attendance within the district is 90%. Edgar adds, "We have a great partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Juvenile Office. So we're going to continue that, and we're in hopes that we'll see an increase in attendance for the 2024-2025 school year."

St. Joseph teachers and stafff will receive a $2,750 pay increase this year, thanks to a tax levy which was approved by voters in July. Edgar thinks that will help retain teachers for the district. "We're good in all our certified areas. The past couple years, I don't think we could say that at this time. So we're excited!"

Although the district has enough teachers for the year, there is a job fair on Thursday to help hire support staff, such as paras and custodians.

Edgar notes that with the pay raise, "For example, para instructors will make about $2.50 more an hour."

The job fair will take place at the district's administration building, located at 1415 North 26th Street, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm August 15th.

Parents still have time to enroll their children for school and can do so online this year, but proof of residency is required and immunizations are needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723668250655.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School District" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School District</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostStudents will begin classes next week in St. Joseph for the 2024-2025 school year and there is a lot going on.St. Joseph School District&nbsp;Superintendent Gabe Edgar is excited about a new tech school program. Edgar says, "I think the best thing we have going is Hillyard Tech School. We just had a ribbon cutting ceremony for our renovated dental wing."Edgar also encourages everyone to attend another ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new simulated manufacturing facility on Tuesday, August 20.Edgar explains, "Its more of a partnership, its all hands-on. We're going to have classroom space for welding technology, industrial equipment repair and maintenance, and precision machine." The facility offers an open space for cross-training, as well.Edgar notes there is a heavy focus this year on career courses. Bode, Robidoux and Benton are acting as pilot schools for the courses.A big topic of concern for the upcoming school year is attendance. Edgar says, "We took a small decline in attendance from the 2022-2023 to 2023-2024 school years. Attendance is always a topic of discussion in our meetings."The target goal for attendance within the district is 90%. Edgar adds, "We have a great partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Juvenile Office. So we're going to continue that, and we're in hopes that we'll see an increase in attendance for the 2024-2025 school year."St. Joseph teachers and stafff will receive a $2,750 pay increase this year, thanks to a tax levy which was approved by voters in July. Edgar thinks that will help retain teachers for the district. "We're good in all our certified areas. The past couple years, I don't think we could say that at this time. So we're excited!"Although the district has enough teachers for the year, there is a job fair on Thursday to help hire support staff, such as paras and custodians.Edgar notes that with the pay raise, "For example, para instructors will make about $2.50 more an hour."The job fair will take place at the district's administration building, located at 1415 North 26th Street, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm August 15th.Parents still have time to enroll their children for school and can do so online this year, but proof of residency is required and immunizations are needed.Classes begin August 21st in St. Joseph.

Classes begin next week for the St. Joseph School District

The first Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph for several Chiefs rookies is coming to an end.  

Many of the young players have impressed during camp as they try to survive the roster cut to 53 players coming up on August 29th.  

Assistant General Manager Mike Borgonzi says he's been impressed with the rookies that have been thrown right into the mix, like left tackle Kingsley Suamataia. 

"Playing left tackle as a rookie in the NFL is not an easy job and he's going to go through his ups and downs, but he's coachable, the consistency with him, all the rookies really," Borgonzi tells reporters following practice. 

Borgonzi says he was also impressed with safety Jaden Hicks during Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

It was a bit of a disappointing season last year for Chiefs first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, though some of his biggest plays came in the Super Bowl.  

But during this year's camp Anudike-Uzomah has shown he could be an impact player along the defensive line.  

Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen says Anudike-Uzomah has entered this year's camp in better physical shape, and is more in tune with the defense 

"Just mentally, I mean he knows the playbook, he's playing faster, I was really pleased he did some really good things in the game against two of their better tackles in his pass rush and he's continuing to develop and get better," Cullen says. 

Anudike-Uzomah also worked out this offseason with former Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali, something that was a tremendous help to George Karlaftis following his rookie year

Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars gave the Chiefs special teams unit their first look at the new kickoff rule in game action.  

While Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has his guys working every day during training camp in St. Joseph at learning the details of the new rule, Toub says there was really nothing from the game to learn that hadn't been done in practice.  

"Just the game speed and the guy's barrel assing down at you to tackle you makes a difference, and then you've got to make smart decisions out there," Toub explains. "It was a great learning experience for everybody, and I think we made a great training tape for the whole league really to be honest with you." 

The Chiefs did have one miscue on the new kickoff when Mecole Hardman took the ball back into the endzone, resulting in a safety, which Toub says has been addressed 

The Chiefs will wrap up their time in St. Joseph tomorrow with practice at 8:15 at Missouri Western.  It's Military Appreciation Day 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723663248924.jpeg" alt="Chiefs logo painted on hill at Missouri Western/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs logo painted on hill at Missouri Western/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>=By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The first Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph for several Chiefs rookies is coming to an end. Many of the young players have impressed during camp as they try to survive the roster cut to 53 players coming up on August 29th. Assistant General Manager Mike Borgonzi says he's been impressed with the rookies that have been thrown right into the mix, like left tackle Kingsley Suamataia. "Playing left tackle as a rookie in the NFL is not an easy job and he's going to go through his ups and downs, but he's coachable, the consistency with him, all the rookies really," Borgonzi tells reporters following practice. Borgonzi says he was also impressed with safety Jaden Hicks during Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722969461905.jpeg" alt="Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks makes a play on Travis Kelce/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks makes a play on Travis Kelce/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>It was a bit of a disappointing season last year for Chiefs first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, though some of his biggest plays came in the Super Bowl. But during this year's camp Anudike-Uzomah has shown he could be an impact player along the defensive line. Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen says Anudike-Uzomah has entered this year's camp in better physical shape, and is more in tune with the defense "Just mentally, I mean he knows the playbook, he's playing faster, I was really pleased he did some really good things in the game against two of their better tackles in his pass rush and he's continuing to develop and get better," Cullen says. Anudike-Uzomah also worked out this offseason with former Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali, something that was a tremendous help to George Karlaftis following his rookie year<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721674165746.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars gave the Chiefs special teams unit their first look at the new kickoff rule in game action. While Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has his guys working every day during training camp in St. Joseph at learning the details of the new rule, Toub says there was really nothing from the game to learn that hadn't been done in practice. "Just the game speed and the guy's barrel assing down at you to tackle you makes a difference, and then you've got to make smart decisions out there," Toub explains. "It was a great learning experience for everybody, and I think we made a great training tape for the whole league really to be honest with you." The Chiefs did have one miscue on the new kickoff when Mecole Hardman took the ball back into the endzone, resulting in a safety, which Toub says has been addressed The Chiefs will wrap up their time in St. Joseph tomorrow with practice at 8:15 at Missouri Western. It's Military Appreciation Day You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs coaches, front office impressed by rookies as Training Camp nears end

Only one initiative campaign that submitted signatures, for a casino near the Lake of the Ozarks, failed to obtain enough signatures for the ballot, says secretary of state

By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

An end run around the Missouri General Assembly has the nation’s two largest sports books driving hard to their goal of crossing home plate with a big payday.

A constitutional amendment to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;will be Amendment 2 on the Nov. 5 ballot, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office said Tuesday, after finding that backers had enough signatures in six congressional districts to qualify.

And a proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">higher minimum wage</a>&nbsp;will be on the ballot as Proposition A. It is the third time a measure to increase the minimum wage has been before voters. It has been successful both times previously and this time it is paired with a requirement that all employers provide paid time off to their workers at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked.

A third initiative, to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">allow a new casino</a>&nbsp;to be licensed on the Osage River near the Lake of the Ozarks, did not make the ballot. The casino, intended to compete directly with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>, was 2,031 valid signatures short in the 2nd Congressional District.

Organizers of the initiative under the name Osage River Gaming and Convention issued a statement that they are considering their next move.&nbsp;

“We are confident that after all the signatures are counted and verified we will appear on the November 2024 ballot,” spokesman Ed Rhode said in the statement.

Each initiative needed to hit a minimum number of signatures in six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts to make the ballot. There were 11,732 signatures that were deemed invalid in the submissions for the 2nd District.

A constitutional amendment intended to protect reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, was also certified. Barring a reversal on the Osage casino, there will be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">four proposed constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;on the ballot and one statutory change, the minimum wage petition.&nbsp;Each measure placed on the ballot will require a majority of votes to pass.

The sports wagering initiative was launched late last year after major sports teams and casino companies were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/07/players-in-missouri-gambling-debate-chase-stakes-worth-billions/">frustrated again in passing legislation</a>. The public-facing part of the campaign has been taken by the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/07/players-in-missouri-gambling-debate-chase-stakes-worth-billions/">&nbsp;major pro sports teams</a>, but the money – $6.3 million for the signature campaign – has been provided by the two largest online sports wagering platforms, FanDuel and DraftKings.

“Missouri is now just one step away from joining most other states in legalizing sports betting and being able to provide millions of dollars to Missouri classrooms,” Bill DeWitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, said in a statement issued by the Winning for Missouri Education campaign. “On behalf of all six of Missouri’s professional sports teams, I would like to thank everyone who signed a petition to get this on the ballot.”

Each of those six teams would be able to offer fans a branded wagering platform and receive exclusive advertising rights in and near their stadiums. The online wagering platforms could be licensed to operate independent of the teams and casinos, which would also receive the ability to apply for a license.

The money won by the gaming industry would be taxed at 10% of the net after promotions and other costs. In Kansas, which legalized sports wagering in 2022, a similar taxing structure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covers.com/industry/kansas-sports-betting-handle-rises-43-percent-year-over-year-in-may-june-13-2024" target="_blank">brought in $9.8 million for $172 million wagered</a>&nbsp;during June.

The ballot language anticipates Missouri revenue would be up to $28.9 million annually that would be spent on education programs.

Sports wagering has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-gaming-map/" target="_blank">legalized in 38 states and the District of Columbia</a>&nbsp;since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down federal laws banning sports betting nationally. Large numbers of fans have crossed into Illinois and Kansas to place wagers.

“By keeping sports betting dollars in-state, we can invest in our students and communities and ensure a brighter future for Missouri,” campaign spokesman Jack Cardetti said.

The minimum wage and paid leave proposal builds on successful efforts in 2006 and 2018 to boost the pay of Missouri’s lowest wage workers.&nbsp;

The 2006 change set the wage at $6.50 an hour at a time when the federal minimum wage was $5.15 an hour. It also included indexing for inflation, which had increased the minimum to $7.80 an hour by 2018.

That year, voters approved a measure boosting the minimum wage to $8.60, with built-in boosts to $12 an hour by the start of 2023. The current rate, $12.30 an hour, is because of a cost-of-living adjustment applied Jan. 1.

If approved, the minimum wage would go to $13.75 an hour on Jan. 1 and go up again to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026. After that, it would again be indexed for inflation.

The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and it has not been increased since 2009.

In a statement after the certification, backers said the proposal will make families more secure financially and healthier because workers will be able to stay home if they are sick or a loved one needs care.

“Allowing workers to earn paid sick days and increasing the minimum wage is a huge step in the right direction,” Lora Gulley, director of community mobilization and advocacy at Generate Health in St Louis, said in the statement.

It cost backers $855,000 to put Proposition A on the ballot and the campaign fund had $1 million on hand on June 30. More than $1 million of the money raised has been donated by the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a Washington D.C.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/sixteen-thirty-fund/" target="_blank">liberal dark money organization</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723635529784.png" alt=" Bill DeWitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, foreground, testifies in favor of sports wagering alongside Todd George, executive vice president of Penn National Gaming, center, and Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, during a legislative hearing in February 2024 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Bill DeWitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, foreground, testifies in favor of sports wagering alongside Todd George, executive vice president of Penn National Gaming, center, and Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, during a legislative hearing in February 2024 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Only one initiative campaign that submitted signatures, for a casino near the Lake of the Ozarks, failed to obtain enough signatures for the ballot, says secretary of state</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>An end run around the Missouri General Assembly has the nation’s two largest sports books driving hard to their goal of crossing home plate with a big payday.A constitutional amendment to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;will be Amendment 2 on the Nov. 5 ballot, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office said Tuesday, after finding that backers had enough signatures in six congressional districts to qualify.And a proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">higher minimum wage</a>&nbsp;will be on the ballot as Proposition A. It is the third time a measure to increase the minimum wage has been before voters. It has been successful both times previously and this time it is paired with a requirement that all employers provide paid time off to their workers at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked.A third initiative, to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">allow a new casino</a>&nbsp;to be licensed on the Osage River near the Lake of the Ozarks, did not make the ballot. The casino, intended to compete directly with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>, was 2,031 valid signatures short in the 2nd Congressional District.Organizers of the initiative under the name Osage River Gaming and Convention issued a statement that they are considering their next move.&nbsp;“We are confident that after all the signatures are counted and verified we will appear on the November 2024 ballot,” spokesman Ed Rhode said in the statement.Each initiative needed to hit a minimum number of signatures in six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts to make the ballot. There were 11,732 signatures that were deemed invalid in the submissions for the 2nd District.A constitutional amendment intended to protect reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, was also certified. Barring a reversal on the Osage casino, there will be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">four proposed constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;on the ballot and one statutory change, the minimum wage petition.&nbsp;Each measure placed on the ballot will require a majority of votes to pass.The sports wagering initiative was launched late last year after major sports teams and casino companies were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/07/players-in-missouri-gambling-debate-chase-stakes-worth-billions/">frustrated again in passing legislation</a>. The public-facing part of the campaign has been taken by the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/07/players-in-missouri-gambling-debate-chase-stakes-worth-billions/">&nbsp;major pro sports teams</a>, but the money – $6.3 million for the signature campaign – has been provided by the two largest online sports wagering platforms, FanDuel and DraftKings.“Missouri is now just one step away from joining most other states in legalizing sports betting and being able to provide millions of dollars to Missouri classrooms,” Bill DeWitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, said in a statement issued by the Winning for Missouri Education campaign. “On behalf of all six of Missouri’s professional sports teams, I would like to thank everyone who signed a petition to get this on the ballot.”Each of those six teams would be able to offer fans a branded wagering platform and receive exclusive advertising rights in and near their stadiums. The online wagering platforms could be licensed to operate independent of the teams and casinos, which would also receive the ability to apply for a license.The money won by the gaming industry would be taxed at 10% of the net after promotions and other costs. In Kansas, which legalized sports wagering in 2022, a similar taxing structure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covers.com/industry/kansas-sports-betting-handle-rises-43-percent-year-over-year-in-may-june-13-2024" target="_blank">brought in $9.8 million for $172 million wagered</a>&nbsp;during June.The ballot language anticipates Missouri revenue would be up to $28.9 million annually that would be spent on education programs.Sports wagering has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-gaming-map/" target="_blank">legalized in 38 states and the District of Columbia</a>&nbsp;since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down federal laws banning sports betting nationally. Large numbers of fans have crossed into Illinois and Kansas to place wagers.“By keeping sports betting dollars in-state, we can invest in our students and communities and ensure a brighter future for Missouri,” campaign spokesman Jack Cardetti said.The minimum wage and paid leave proposal builds on successful efforts in 2006 and 2018 to boost the pay of Missouri’s lowest wage workers.&nbsp;The 2006 change set the wage at $6.50 an hour at a time when the federal minimum wage was $5.15 an hour. It also included indexing for inflation, which had increased the minimum to $7.80 an hour by 2018.That year, voters approved a measure boosting the minimum wage to $8.60, with built-in boosts to $12 an hour by the start of 2023. The current rate, $12.30 an hour, is because of a cost-of-living adjustment applied Jan. 1.If approved, the minimum wage would go to $13.75 an hour on Jan. 1 and go up again to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026. After that, it would again be indexed for inflation.The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and it has not been increased since 2009.In a statement after the certification, backers said the proposal will make families more secure financially and healthier because workers will be able to stay home if they are sick or a loved one needs care.“Allowing workers to earn paid sick days and increasing the minimum wage is a huge step in the right direction,” Lora Gulley, director of community mobilization and advocacy at Generate Health in St Louis, said in the statement.It cost backers $855,000 to put Proposition A on the ballot and the campaign fund had $1 million on hand on June 30. More than $1 million of the money raised has been donated by the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a Washington D.C.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/sixteen-thirty-fund/" target="_blank">liberal dark money organization</a>.

Sports wagering, minimum wage hike headed for November vote in Missouri

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Charles A. Voss, 63, Odebolt, Iowa, was westbound on U.S. 136 three miles east of Rock Port.

The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Interstate 29. The Jeep struck an eastbound 2017 GMC Terrain driven by Damien J. P ritt, 43, Rock Port.

A private vehicle transported two passengers from the GMC including 48-year-old Nanyal R. Coon and a 17-year-old both from Rock Port to Fairfax Community Hospital. The driver were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Charles A. Voss, 63, Odebolt, Iowa, was westbound on U.S. 136 three miles east of Rock Port.The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Interstate 29. The Jeep struck an eastbound 2017 GMC Terrain driven by Damien J. P ritt, 43, Rock Port.A private vehicle transported two passengers from the GMC including 48-year-old Nanyal R. Coon and a 17-year-old both from Rock Port to Fairfax Community Hospital. The driver were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Adult, teen injured after Jeep, SUV crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by Abigail M.Ethington, 18, Cameron, was eastbound on MO 6 at 165th Street in Altamont.

The car rear-ended a 2022 GMC Savannah driven by Joel T. Avila Feria, 52, Plant City, Florida, who was slowing to make a left turn.

Daviess Co. EMS transported Ethington to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Avila Feria was not injured. Ethington was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by Abigail M.Ethington, 18, Cameron, was eastbound on MO 6 at 165th Street in Altamont.The car rear-ended a 2022 GMC Savannah driven by Joel T. Avila Feria, 52, Plant City, Florida, who was slowing to make a left turn.Daviess Co. EMS transported Ethington to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Avila Feria was not injured. Ethington was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

 Mo. teen hospitalized after rear-end crash

With students getting ready to head back to school, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Task Force wants kids to know about the dangers of drugs. Shawn Collie, with the Buchannan County Drug Strike Force, says younger children may be especially curious about drugs.

"Whether its THC or marijuana type products, we're seeing copycat products, like candy, being made to attract the attention of younger kids."

Some of those copycat products could look like well-known candies, such as Skittles, M&amp;Ms, or Warheads.

Collie says while THC levels in those products may be fine for adults, children's immune systems do not have the tolerance for these types of drugs. 

"We sometimes see overdoses or allergic reactions. A child may be on medication for a medical condition and the introduction of another drug, alcohol, or tobacco could have a negative effect on that child," Collie says.

Drug trends have changed over the years and Collie sees drug prevention and education as a big part of the job for members of the Drug Strike Force.

"A lot of the prevention we used to do was in the high schools, but what we're seeing with drug trends is that whether its alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, younger and younger kids are trying them."

Collie says the Drug Strike Force tries to make contacts with schools, churches and other groups, and have conversations about drug prevention in 2nd and 3rd grade, on up.

Collie adds, "If we can do education and prevention early, that can save the enforcement side later in life."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="police light bar" />
 <figcaption>police light bar</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostWith students getting ready to head back to school, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Task Force wants kids to know about the dangers of drugs. Shawn Collie, with the Buchannan County Drug Strike Force, says younger children may be especially curious about drugs."Whether its THC or marijuana type products, we're seeing copycat products, like candy, being made to attract the attention of younger kids."Some of those copycat products could look like well-known candies, such as Skittles, M&amp;Ms, or Warheads.Collie says while THC levels in those products may be fine for adults, children's immune systems do not have the tolerance for these types of drugs. "We sometimes see overdoses or allergic reactions. A child may be on medication for a medical condition and the introduction of another drug, alcohol, or tobacco could have a negative effect on that child," Collie says.Drug trends have changed over the years and Collie sees drug prevention and education as a big part of the job for members of the Drug Strike Force."A lot of the prevention we used to do was in the high schools, but what we're seeing with drug trends is that whether its alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, younger and younger kids are trying them."Collie says the Drug Strike Force tries to make contacts with schools, churches and other groups, and have conversations about drug prevention in 2nd and 3rd grade, on up.Collie adds, "If we can do education and prevention early, that can save the enforcement side later in life."

Drug Strike Force Talks Drug Prevention and Education for Younger Children

After spending most of Training Camp in St. Joseph recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to practice last week.  

Watson played through most of last season with a shoulder injury, choosing not to sit out.  

Since returning from the physically unable to perform list near the end of camp, his first practice coming at the start of last week, Watson says it's been a challenge 

"You know the coach is pushing me to get my conditioning back, get my legs back, so it's been going good as of late," Watson tells reporters following practice. 

Watson is competing with players like Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson to earn the number two cornerback spot behind Trent McDuffie.

Watson says the competition has been fun, but it's nothing new.  

"We've been doing this for three years, it's always been healthy competition, we always root for each other's success, and whoever is going to take the spot is going to be willing of it," Watson says. 

On top of a battle for the second cornerback spot, another battle has caught the eyes of fans during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.  

The battle for the starting left tackle between second year pro Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia has been one of the biggest camp battles.  

Suamataia got his first bit of game action on Saturday against the Jaguars and says he feels good about his performance 

"I went against one of the pass rushers in the league Josh Allen, he's a dog I've watched him since I was in college and high school, so it was a great experience," Suamataia says. "It's funny, I went against this guy, and I was like 'Ok I belong here, I can play with these guys', but I just can't wait for Detroit now." 

With Morris currently injured, Suamataia has been getting most of the reps with the first team offense and does look poised to earn the starting job.  

The Chiefs were on the practice fields for just over two hours today.  They practice again tomorrow at 9:15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723574554305.jpeg" alt="Chiefs fans have been treated to several players competing to win a spot at their position during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs fans have been treated to several players competing to win a spot at their position during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post After spending most of Training Camp in St. Joseph recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to practice last week. Watson played through most of last season with a shoulder injury, choosing not to sit out. Since returning from the physically unable to perform list near the end of camp, his first practice coming at the start of last week, Watson says it's been a challenge "You know the coach is pushing me to get my conditioning back, get my legs back, so it's been going good as of late," Watson tells reporters following practice. Watson is competing with players like Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson to earn the number two cornerback spot behind Trent McDuffie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723574620919.jpeg" alt="Joshua Wiliams, one player competing for the second cornerback spot, walks down the hill to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Wiliams, one player competing for the second cornerback spot, walks down the hill to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Watson says the competition has been fun, but it's nothing new. "We've been doing this for three years, it's always been healthy competition, we always root for each other's success, and whoever is going to take the spot is going to be willing of it," Watson says. On top of a battle for the second cornerback spot, another battle has caught the eyes of fans during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. The battle for the starting left tackle between second year pro Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia has been one of the biggest camp battles. Suamataia got his first bit of game action on Saturday against the Jaguars and says he feels good about his performance "I went against one of the pass rushers in the league Josh Allen, he's a dog I've watched him since I was in college and high school, so it was a great experience," Suamataia says. "It's funny, I went against this guy, and I was like 'Ok I belong here, I can play with these guys', but I just can't wait for Detroit now." With Morris currently injured, Suamataia has been getting most of the reps with the first team offense and does look poised to earn the starting job. The Chiefs were on the practice fields for just over two hours today. They practice again tomorrow at 9:15.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721759260951.jpeg" alt="Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chiefs fans see position battles play out during Training Camp in St. Joseph

By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The ballot language written by lawmakers for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;stating&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/already-outlawed-in-missouri-noncitizen-voting-ban-will-appear-on-statewide-ballot/">“only citizens of the United States”</a>&nbsp;can vote and banning ranked-choice voting is fair and should be on the Nov. 5 ballot without changes, a Cole County judge ruled Monday.

The “fair ballot language” summary written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also correctly conveys the central features of the measure, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">will be Amendment 7</a>&nbsp;on the ballot, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3257565" target="_blank">an 11-page decision</a>.

The summary statement for the proposal, Walker wrote, “is not untrue or partial, and it does not use language that is intentionally argumentative or likely to create prejudice for the measure nor does it incorrectly describe SJR78.”

Two voters, one from St. Louis and one from Webster Groves, sued over the language, arguing that it is imprecise in its references to the current legal status of non-citizen voting and omits the fact that it is currently illegal in Missouri for non-citizens to vote. The lawsuit named legislative leaders and Ashcroft as defendants in their official capacity for the 50-word summary written by lawmakers and the language intended to give a full description written by Ashcroft.

While the attorneys defending the language wouldn’t give a definitive answer on whether non-citizens can currently vote during the July 29 trial, Walker noted, “the court doubts whether the defendants or their counsel actually believe that non-citizens are currently allowed to vote.”

Lawmakers voted to put the measure on the ballot when they were unable to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">a more controversial proposal</a>&nbsp;to change how a majority is calculated on constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.&nbsp;

That measure also included the provisions barring non-citizens from voting.

The ban on ranked-choice voting is a reaction to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">failed 2022 initiative</a>&nbsp;to institute the process where voters are allowed to designate candidates as their second and third choices for an office, with votes for candidates who have the fewest votes distributed to their other choices in races where no candidate receives a majority.

The language written by lawmakers asks whether the constitution should be amended to:

The first bullet point “conveys the feature without bias, prejudice, deception or favoritism,” Walker wrote in his ruling.&nbsp;

The challengers wanted “state statute” substituted for “state law” in the first point because a statute currently requires anyone registering to vote to state whether they are a citizen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723565113046.png" alt=" Ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment banning non-citizen and ranked-choice voting will not be changed, a judge ruled Monday (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment banning non-citizen and ranked-choice voting will not be changed, a judge ruled Monday (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The ballot language written by lawmakers for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;stating&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/already-outlawed-in-missouri-noncitizen-voting-ban-will-appear-on-statewide-ballot/">“only citizens of the United States”</a>&nbsp;can vote and banning ranked-choice voting is fair and should be on the Nov. 5 ballot without changes, a Cole County judge ruled Monday.The “fair ballot language” summary written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also correctly conveys the central features of the measure, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">will be Amendment 7</a>&nbsp;on the ballot, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3257565" target="_blank">an 11-page decision</a>.The summary statement for the proposal, Walker wrote, “is not untrue or partial, and it does not use language that is intentionally argumentative or likely to create prejudice for the measure nor does it incorrectly describe SJR78.”Two voters, one from St. Louis and one from Webster Groves, sued over the language, arguing that it is imprecise in its references to the current legal status of non-citizen voting and omits the fact that it is currently illegal in Missouri for non-citizens to vote. The lawsuit named legislative leaders and Ashcroft as defendants in their official capacity for the 50-word summary written by lawmakers and the language intended to give a full description written by Ashcroft.While the attorneys defending the language wouldn’t give a definitive answer on whether non-citizens can currently vote during the July 29 trial, Walker noted, “the court doubts whether the defendants or their counsel actually believe that non-citizens are currently allowed to vote.”Lawmakers voted to put the measure on the ballot when they were unable to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">a more controversial proposal</a>&nbsp;to change how a majority is calculated on constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.&nbsp;That measure also included the provisions barring non-citizens from voting.The ban on ranked-choice voting is a reaction to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">failed 2022 initiative</a>&nbsp;to institute the process where voters are allowed to designate candidates as their second and third choices for an office, with votes for candidates who have the fewest votes distributed to their other choices in races where no candidate receives a majority.The language written by lawmakers asks whether the constitution should be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Make the Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote;</li><li>Prohibit the ranking of candidates by limiting voters to a single vote per candidate or issue; and</li><li>Require the plurality winner of a political party primary to be the single candidate at a general election?</li>
 </ul>The first bullet point “conveys the feature without bias, prejudice, deception or favoritism,” Walker wrote in his ruling.&nbsp;The challengers wanted “state statute” substituted for “state law” in the first point because a statute currently requires anyone registering to vote to state whether they are a citizen.“The court does not believe a reasonable voter will be misled or deceived into what the measure will do or that the word ‘law’ is unfair and insufficient as it is used as synonym for ‘state statute’,” Walker wrote.Missouri allowed non-citizens to vote from 1865 to 1924, when an amendment proposed by a state Constitutional Convention&nbsp;<a href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/bluebook/id/12864/rec/25" target="_blank">passed with 53.5% of the vote</a>.The language describing provisions on how elections should be run is also fair, Walker said. He rejected arguments that it should include a reference to a carve-out allowing St. Louis to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/28/st-louis-candidates-mayor-nonpartisan-primary/">using “approval voting” in local elections</a>&nbsp;or that voters might think it allows only one candidate per office in the general election.“The court does not believe,” Walker wrote, “that any voter will be misled into thinking that when casting future ballots if (the proposal) is adopted, that they can only vote for one specific person on the ballot and no others.”The decision came a day before Ashcroft is required to certify whether&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/abortion-minimum-wage-campaigns-missouri-ballot/">four measures proposed by initiative</a>&nbsp;had enough signatures to make the ballot. Three measures, to secure abortion rights, legalize sports wagering and allow a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks, would amend the constitution. The fourth, to increase the minimum wage and require employers to provide paid personal leave, would amend state statute.

Local