THC-infused beverages made from hemp are a fast-growing market, and there’s ‘no doubt’ a lawsuit will be filed to challenge Gov. Parson’s order

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

Walking into Total Wine stores in Missouri this summer, it was impossible not to see the display for hemp-derived THC infused beverages.&nbsp;

Total Wine, the country’s largest liquor retailer, set the tone for the alcohol industry in June when it began carrying the products at its seven Missouri stores.&nbsp;

“It has been amazing for us,” said Joshua&nbsp;Grigaitis, owner of St. Louis-based Mighty Kind Co., which makes various kinds of hemp seltzers.&nbsp;“When somebody like Total Wine comes on board, it helps the conversation along greatly.”

Hemp naturally has very little&nbsp;THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana. But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.&nbsp;

Now Mighty Kind and other similar products that contain low levels of THC have quickly become new revenue for bars, liquor stores and distributors statewide. These beverages are allowed to be sold in Missouri outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp.

Grigaitis said in some bars, his products make up 40-50% of their sales.&nbsp;

But that all may come to a halt after Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them. It also bans companies like Mighty Kind from producing hemp-derived THC beverages in Missouri.

The order takes effect Sept. 1. Details of how it will be enforced will be outlined in the emergency rules that are still being written.

The hemp industry is calling the action an “overreach,” but Parson said at a press conference earlier this month that the main target of his order is companies that produce intoxicating hemp edibles that could be mistaken by children as candy.

Standing alongside Attorney General Andrew Bailey and other officials in his administration at his Capitol press conference, Parson displayed&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/foodsafety/enviro-health-services/unreg-psychoactive-cannabis-products.php" target="_blank">a Lifesavers package that contained THC gummies</a>.

“These companies and these people that are profiting off of this type of material to give it to our children need to stop,” Parson said. “And no excuses. If they want to do it, do it the right way… like everybody else has to do.”

The “everyone else” Parson was referring to was the dispensaries licensed to sell adult-use recreational marijuana. Because hemp isn’t a controlled substance like marijuana, there are currently no federal or state standards to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, he said.

Parson did not address the fact that about 9,000 retailers statewide are currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles, a number that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/19/missouri-attorney-general-launches-investigation-of-intoxicating-hemp-products/">estimated</a>&nbsp;in a fiscal analysis in April.

“That’s a big hit to just make an executive order without any kind of voting or legislation,” Grigaitis said.&nbsp;

Steve Busch, owner of Krew Distributing, said everyone in the hemp industry agrees that those bad actors that Parson mentioned should be taken off the shelves.&nbsp;

But the governor failing to address the impact it would have on thousands of bars, liquor stores and grocery stores was “disingenuous” and “bordering unethical,” said Busch, whose company distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.&nbsp;

“This executive order singled out any retailers that have a liquor license and said that they cannot sell the products,” Busch said. “So that’s pretty much all of my customers that are currently selling.”

Since March, Busch has led an effort to establish regulations for beverages and edibles by working with various lawmakers to write legislation. It’s set to be filed in December.&nbsp;

For the last two years, the marijuana-industry — which has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/21/kansas-lawyer-missouri-medical-marijuana-companies-fill-coffers-of-pro-parson-pac/">major political donor</a>&nbsp;to both Parson and Bailey — has led an unsuccessful effort to convince the legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/01/proposed-legislation-could-ban-the-majority-of-delta-8-drinks-and-edibles-in-missouri/">ban hemp-derived THC</a>&nbsp;products outright.&nbsp;

Grigaitis says he doesn’t believe the order will have the impact the governor is hoping for.&nbsp;

Under federal law, the governor cannot punish people for consuming the products, and Parson was careful to make that point during his press conference. The order only punishes retailers regulated by the state to sell alcohol or food.

Licensed cannabis dispensaries can’t sell these products either because the hemp used to make them has to be grown in Missouri and processed in licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities – just as marijuana is. Nearly all of these products currently on the market are made from hemp grown in other states.&nbsp;

The order does, however, allow for Missourians to buy these products online from out-of-state companies.

“This is literally forcing everything out of the hands of the people that we have determined or given the licenses,”&nbsp;Grigaitis&nbsp;said. “Why would we take it out of that and put it into the dark? There’s no sense there.”

There will be a response from the hemp industry on various fronts, Busch said. Immediately, he said he will begin circulating the proposed legislation in the hopes of gaining support from lawmakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, a longtime Jefferson City attorney who has represented cannabis companies, said it’s “very unusual” for the governor to issue an executive order to do what lawmakers have declined to do for the past two years.&nbsp;

“There will be lawsuits over this, no doubt about it,” Hatfield said, “because it’s an aggressive regulatory strategy and it’s a little bit unprecedented. There are plenty of lawyers out there who are going to advise the industry that they have legitimate legal arguments to make.”

Hatfield believes the matter will be solved in the courts. But any legal action will have to wait until the emergency rules are released, Hatfield said, which will show the true impact of the law.&nbsp;

The emergency rules will be available before the Sept. 1 effective date, said Mike O’Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control – the agency tasked with drafting the rules.

“Anything before we see those rules is kind of guessing,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;

While it is shocking, Grigaitis said he’s not overly concerned about the order.&nbsp;

“I’m pretty good at thriving in chaos,” he said. “The very weekend that we launched our first CBD seltzer into the world was the same weekend that the shutdown happened and the whole world stopped.”&nbsp;

Several of his products contain only CBD, which is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and isn’t banned under the order. So the order doesn’t wipe out all of his “alcohol alternative” products completely, he said.&nbsp;

But moreso, he believes Missouri’s industry will garner national support because other states don’t want their governors to take similar actions.&nbsp;

“Everyone in the industry thinks it’s going to be stopped,” he said. “The rest of the country does not want to see this precedent set, where it could then snowball.”

DHSS director Paula Nicholson warned families about the fact that these hemp products on the shelves are not regulated by any state or federal authority during the Aug. 1 press conference. So there’s no way to ensure they’re safe, she said.

“We have seen the negative impacts first hand,” she said. “Disturbingly, children in Missouri and across the nation have been hospitalized after ingesting these substances. This is unacceptable.”

Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, told The Independent last year that more poison cases had been reported for edibles containing marijuana than the hemp-derived compounds, such as Delta-8.&nbsp;

In 2022, there were 25 cases for Delta-8 edibles for all ages, she said, compared to 125 cases for regulated marijuana edibles for only children 5 years old and under.&nbsp;

However, in a legislative committee in January, Weber testified that the center’s concern for Delta-8 products was increasing.

“It’s the packaging as well that’s a big concern,” Weber said at the time. “It’s attractive, has bright colors, mimics foods and candy. It also has cartoon figures on there.”&nbsp;

Products that mimic trademarked products meant for children are highly condemned by the hemp industry, said Justin Journay, CEO of Indianapolis-based 3CHI, which sells products in Missouri.&nbsp;

“Everybody hates those guys,” Journay said. “Nobody wants to see those guys in business because we get mixed up with them as if we’re the same.”

Busch, who’s company has been a major distributor for Anheuser Busch and other beer brands for decades, said he thoroughly vets the products he distributes – ensuring that they all have gone through third-party testing similar to marijuana products.&nbsp;

And his customers – more than 200 liquor stores, bars and restaurants – treat these products just like alcohol, incentivizing their employees to “age gate,” he said, to prevent underage consumption.&nbsp;

Brian Dix started his own distribution company, Craft Republic, in 2017 that specializes in craft beers and is based in St. Louis. He made the leap to start his own business after spending over 20 years in the beer industry.&nbsp;

One of his fast-growing products is Mighty Kind beverages – and it’s been a big reason why he’s been able to grow his business, he said.&nbsp;

The governor’s order was shocking, he said

“It’s an immediate stop to a significant revenue stream for our business,” Dix said. “More and more people are bringing this category on. So yes, it’s a significant impact that’s got me scrambling trying to figure out what to do.”

Like Busch, Dix ensures that testing is not only done but that results are&nbsp;<a href="https://bemightykind.com/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">easily accessible to consumers</a>&nbsp;for the products he distributes.&nbsp;

And like his colleagues, Dix has advocated for better regulations in this space.&nbsp;

“The governor’s office took a very aggressive stance on this,” he said. “And I understand let’s keep the kids safe, but is that really what he’s doing here? Let’s get regulations in place. Let’s get whatever testing requirements. Let’s enable the state to receive taxation and licensing fees and regulate it like alcohol.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463930708.png" alt=" Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his Capitol press conference announcing Executive Order 24-10 that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Missouri “until such time approved sources can be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri through legislative action,” he said (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)." />
 <figcaption> Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his Capitol press conference announcing Executive Order 24-10 that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Missouri “until such time approved sources can be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri through legislative action,” he said (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>THC-infused beverages made from hemp are a fast-growing market, and there’s ‘no doubt’ a lawsuit will be filed to challenge Gov. Parson’s order</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Walking into Total Wine stores in Missouri this summer, it was impossible not to see the display for hemp-derived THC infused beverages.&nbsp;Total Wine, the country’s largest liquor retailer, set the tone for the alcohol industry in June when it began carrying the products at its seven Missouri stores.&nbsp;“It has been amazing for us,” said Joshua&nbsp;Grigaitis, owner of St. Louis-based Mighty Kind Co., which makes various kinds of hemp seltzers.&nbsp;“When somebody like Total Wine comes on board, it helps the conversation along greatly.”Hemp naturally has very little&nbsp;THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana. But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.&nbsp;Now Mighty Kind and other similar products that contain low levels of THC have quickly become new revenue for bars, liquor stores and distributors statewide. These beverages are allowed to be sold in Missouri outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp.Grigaitis said in some bars, his products make up 40-50% of their sales.&nbsp;But that all may come to a halt after Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them. It also bans companies like Mighty Kind from producing hemp-derived THC beverages in Missouri.The order takes effect Sept. 1. Details of how it will be enforced will be outlined in the emergency rules that are still being written.The hemp industry is calling the action an “overreach,” but Parson said at a press conference earlier this month that the main target of his order is companies that produce intoxicating hemp edibles that could be mistaken by children as candy.Standing alongside Attorney General Andrew Bailey and other officials in his administration at his Capitol press conference, Parson displayed&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/foodsafety/enviro-health-services/unreg-psychoactive-cannabis-products.php" target="_blank">a Lifesavers package that contained THC gummies</a>.“These companies and these people that are profiting off of this type of material to give it to our children need to stop,” Parson said. “And no excuses. If they want to do it, do it the right way… like everybody else has to do.”The “everyone else” Parson was referring to was the dispensaries licensed to sell adult-use recreational marijuana. Because hemp isn’t a controlled substance like marijuana, there are currently no federal or state standards to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, he said.Parson did not address the fact that about 9,000 retailers statewide are currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles, a number that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/19/missouri-attorney-general-launches-investigation-of-intoxicating-hemp-products/">estimated</a>&nbsp;in a fiscal analysis in April.“That’s a big hit to just make an executive order without any kind of voting or legislation,” Grigaitis said.&nbsp;Steve Busch, owner of Krew Distributing, said everyone in the hemp industry agrees that those bad actors that Parson mentioned should be taken off the shelves.&nbsp;But the governor failing to address the impact it would have on thousands of bars, liquor stores and grocery stores was “disingenuous” and “bordering unethical,” said Busch, whose company distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.&nbsp;“This executive order singled out any retailers that have a liquor license and said that they cannot sell the products,” Busch said. “So that’s pretty much all of my customers that are currently selling.”Since March, Busch has led an effort to establish regulations for beverages and edibles by working with various lawmakers to write legislation. It’s set to be filed in December.&nbsp;For the last two years, the marijuana-industry — which has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/21/kansas-lawyer-missouri-medical-marijuana-companies-fill-coffers-of-pro-parson-pac/">major political donor</a>&nbsp;to both Parson and Bailey — has led an unsuccessful effort to convince the legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/01/proposed-legislation-could-ban-the-majority-of-delta-8-drinks-and-edibles-in-missouri/">ban hemp-derived THC</a>&nbsp;products outright.&nbsp;Grigaitis says he doesn’t believe the order will have the impact the governor is hoping for.&nbsp;Under federal law, the governor cannot punish people for consuming the products, and Parson was careful to make that point during his press conference. The order only punishes retailers regulated by the state to sell alcohol or food.Licensed cannabis dispensaries can’t sell these products either because the hemp used to make them has to be grown in Missouri and processed in licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities – just as marijuana is. Nearly all of these products currently on the market are made from hemp grown in other states.&nbsp;The order does, however, allow for Missourians to buy these products online from out-of-state companies.“This is literally forcing everything out of the hands of the people that we have determined or given the licenses,”&nbsp;Grigaitis&nbsp;said. “Why would we take it out of that and put it into the dark? There’s no sense there.”<h2>The response</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463905930.png" alt="A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>There will be a response from the hemp industry on various fronts, Busch said. Immediately, he said he will begin circulating the proposed legislation in the hopes of gaining support from lawmakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, a longtime Jefferson City attorney who has represented cannabis companies, said it’s “very unusual” for the governor to issue an executive order to do what lawmakers have declined to do for the past two years.&nbsp;“There will be lawsuits over this, no doubt about it,” Hatfield said, “because it’s an aggressive regulatory strategy and it’s a little bit unprecedented. There are plenty of lawyers out there who are going to advise the industry that they have legitimate legal arguments to make.”Hatfield believes the matter will be solved in the courts. But any legal action will have to wait until the emergency rules are released, Hatfield said, which will show the true impact of the law.&nbsp;The emergency rules will be available before the Sept. 1 effective date, said Mike O’Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control – the agency tasked with drafting the rules.“Anything before we see those rules is kind of guessing,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;While it is shocking, Grigaitis said he’s not overly concerned about the order.&nbsp;“I’m pretty good at thriving in chaos,” he said. “The very weekend that we launched our first CBD seltzer into the world was the same weekend that the shutdown happened and the whole world stopped.”&nbsp;Several of his products contain only CBD, which is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and isn’t banned under the order. So the order doesn’t wipe out all of his “alcohol alternative” products completely, he said.&nbsp;But moreso, he believes Missouri’s industry will garner national support because other states don’t want their governors to take similar actions.&nbsp;“Everyone in the industry thinks it’s going to be stopped,” he said. “The rest of the country does not want to see this precedent set, where it could then snowball.”<h2>Is it safe?</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463856051.png" alt=" At his Aug. 1 press conference, Gov. Mike Parson pointed to products that mimic trademarked candy but contain hemp-derived THC as a big reason why he issued his executive order banning all intoxicating hemp products (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)." />
 <figcaption> At his Aug. 1 press conference, Gov. Mike Parson pointed to products that mimic trademarked candy but contain hemp-derived THC as a big reason why he issued his executive order banning all intoxicating hemp products (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office).</figcaption>
 </figure>DHSS director Paula Nicholson warned families about the fact that these hemp products on the shelves are not regulated by any state or federal authority during the Aug. 1 press conference. So there’s no way to ensure they’re safe, she said.“We have seen the negative impacts first hand,” she said. “Disturbingly, children in Missouri and across the nation have been hospitalized after ingesting these substances. This is unacceptable.”Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, told The Independent last year that more poison cases had been reported for edibles containing marijuana than the hemp-derived compounds, such as Delta-8.&nbsp;In 2022, there were 25 cases for Delta-8 edibles for all ages, she said, compared to 125 cases for regulated marijuana edibles for only children 5 years old and under.&nbsp;However, in a legislative committee in January, Weber testified that the center’s concern for Delta-8 products was increasing.“It’s the packaging as well that’s a big concern,” Weber said at the time. “It’s attractive, has bright colors, mimics foods and candy. It also has cartoon figures on there.”&nbsp;Products that mimic trademarked products meant for children are highly condemned by the hemp industry, said Justin Journay, CEO of Indianapolis-based 3CHI, which sells products in Missouri.&nbsp;“Everybody hates those guys,” Journay said. “Nobody wants to see those guys in business because we get mixed up with them as if we’re the same.”Busch, who’s company has been a major distributor for Anheuser Busch and other beer brands for decades, said he thoroughly vets the products he distributes – ensuring that they all have gone through third-party testing similar to marijuana products.&nbsp;And his customers – more than 200 liquor stores, bars and restaurants – treat these products just like alcohol, incentivizing their employees to “age gate,” he said, to prevent underage consumption.&nbsp;Brian Dix started his own distribution company, Craft Republic, in 2017 that specializes in craft beers and is based in St. Louis. He made the leap to start his own business after spending over 20 years in the beer industry.&nbsp;One of his fast-growing products is Mighty Kind beverages – and it’s been a big reason why he’s been able to grow his business, he said.&nbsp;The governor’s order was shocking, he said“It’s an immediate stop to a significant revenue stream for our business,” Dix said. “More and more people are bringing this category on. So yes, it’s a significant impact that’s got me scrambling trying to figure out what to do.”Like Busch, Dix ensures that testing is not only done but that results are&nbsp;<a href="https://bemightykind.com/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">easily accessible to consumers</a>&nbsp;for the products he distributes.&nbsp;And like his colleagues, Dix has advocated for better regulations in this space.&nbsp;“The governor’s office took a very aggressive stance on this,” he said. “And I understand let’s keep the kids safe, but is that really what he’s doing here? Let’s get regulations in place. Let’s get whatever testing requirements. Let’s enable the state to receive taxation and licensing fees and regulate it like alcohol.”

Hemp industry leaders call Missouri governor’s order banning THC products an ‘overreach’

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram Big Horn driven by&nbsp; Mark B. Richardson, 69, Holt, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles south of St. Joseph.

The pickup rear-ended a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by Laurie L. Brown, 66, St. Joseph, who had slowed to make a right turn. After impact the Toyota traveled off the road and struck a sign.&nbsp;

Buchanan County EMS transported Brown to Mosaic.&nbsp; Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram Big Horn driven by&nbsp; Mark B. Richardson, 69, Holt, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles south of St. Joseph.The pickup rear-ended a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by Laurie L. Brown, 66, St. Joseph, who had slowed to make a right turn. After impact the Toyota traveled off the road and struck a sign.&nbsp;Buchanan County EMS transported Brown to Mosaic.&nbsp; Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman from St. Joe hospitalized after rear-end crash

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

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft believes his third place finish in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary can be explained by his rival’s massive fundraising advantage.&nbsp;

In an email message to supporters Friday, Ashcroft noted that polls had him tied for the lead with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe going into the campaign’s home stretch. But when the dust settled Tuesday night, Ashcroft garnered only 23% of the vote, finishing behind Kehoe at 39% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 32%.

“Tuesday’s result was not what we were expecting,” Ashcroft said. “With polls showing us tied going into the final weekend, and the response we’ve been getting traveling to all 114 counties, we had high hopes. At the end of the day, however, it is hard to prevail when you are outspent 3-1.”

According to the last round of campaign finance disclosures, Kehoe raised roughly $11 million between his candidate committees and affiliated PACs. Eigel raised nearly $6 million and Ashcroft raised around $4 million.

However, Ashcroft did benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">$3 million spending spree in the campaign’s final weeks</a>&nbsp;by a PAC called Stand for US. Where the PAC’s money came from is unclear, as its only publicly disclosed contribution is from a nonprofit that doesn’t have to reveal its donors.&nbsp;

After thanking his supporters, Ashcroft urged them to move past the primary and help elect Kehoe defeat the Democratic nominee, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade.

“While the primary is over, the election is not,” he said. “Republicans need to come together and focus on November and do whatever it takes to elect Mike Kehoe and to ensure his success as our next governor.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723313871271.png" alt="Missouri Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary Jay Ashcroft presses on a “I voted” sticker Tuesday morning at a Jefferson City polling location (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary Jay Ashcroft presses on a “I voted” sticker Tuesday morning at a Jefferson City polling location (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft believes his third place finish in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary can be explained by his rival’s massive fundraising advantage.&nbsp;In an email message to supporters Friday, Ashcroft noted that polls had him tied for the lead with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe going into the campaign’s home stretch. But when the dust settled Tuesday night, Ashcroft garnered only 23% of the vote, finishing behind Kehoe at 39% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 32%.“Tuesday’s result was not what we were expecting,” Ashcroft said. “With polls showing us tied going into the final weekend, and the response we’ve been getting traveling to all 114 counties, we had high hopes. At the end of the day, however, it is hard to prevail when you are outspent 3-1.”According to the last round of campaign finance disclosures, Kehoe raised roughly $11 million between his candidate committees and affiliated PACs. Eigel raised nearly $6 million and Ashcroft raised around $4 million.However, Ashcroft did benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">$3 million spending spree in the campaign’s final weeks</a>&nbsp;by a PAC called Stand for US. Where the PAC’s money came from is unclear, as its only publicly disclosed contribution is from a nonprofit that doesn’t have to reveal its donors.&nbsp;After thanking his supporters, Ashcroft urged them to move past the primary and help elect Kehoe defeat the Democratic nominee, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade.“While the primary is over, the election is not,” he said. “Republicans need to come together and focus on November and do whatever it takes to elect Mike Kehoe and to ensure his success as our next governor.”

Jay Ashcroft endorses Mike Kehoe, blames fundraising for finishing third in governor’s race

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Interstate 135 eight miles north of Winston.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a westbound 1995 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Michael F. Emerson, 63,&nbsp; Pattonsburg.

Daviess County EMS transported Emerson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not injured despite not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Interstate 135 eight miles north of Winston.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a westbound 1995 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Michael F. Emerson, 63,&nbsp; Pattonsburg.Daviess County EMS transported Emerson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not injured despite not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured in 2-vehicle crash with teen driver

In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, volunteers with the American Red Cross have been deployed to assist and provide relief.  

Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says the primary effort by volunteers is providing people affected a safe place to be 

"People have evacuated their homes in preparation for the hurricane impact or if they have been displaced, if they've had to leave their homes because of flood waters or hurricane or tornado damage, they need a safe place to go," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so that is our first priority, providing individuals and families a safe place to sleep and to stay while they figure out what the next steps are." 

16 volunteers from Missouri have been deployed, two of those coming from northwest Missouri.  

Woody says the two from the chapter have volunteered with the Red Cross for close to a year now. 

"They have been so gung-ho and they are absolutely loving the humanitarian effort and they enjoy going out on deployments like this," Woody says. "This is not their first assignment, I believe they went to Hawaii after the wildfires, they've been to Florida on previous disasters last year." 

Woody says the couple will serve on the emergency response vehicle crews helping deliver meals or emergency supplies people might need.  

Volunteers assisting in the efforts in Florida are asked to stay for two, sometimes three weeks, to help in the area.  

Woody says that part alone takes a special kind of person to volunteer. 

"To be able to pick up and go stay somewhere far away from home, far away from anything that makes us comfortable and that we rely on, and to provide that kind of care and comfort," Woody explains. "These assignments are not easy, sometimes our volunteers are sleeping in staff shelters on cots in very rugged conditions I guess you would say." 

28 volunteers overall from Missouri and Arkansas have been deployed 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, volunteers with the American Red Cross have been deployed to assist and provide relief. Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says the primary effort by volunteers is providing people affected a safe place to be "People have evacuated their homes in preparation for the hurricane impact or if they have been displaced, if they've had to leave their homes because of flood waters or hurricane or tornado damage, they need a safe place to go," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so that is our first priority, providing individuals and families a safe place to sleep and to stay while they figure out what the next steps are." 16 volunteers from Missouri have been deployed, two of those coming from northwest Missouri. Woody says the two from the chapter have volunteered with the Red Cross for close to a year now. "They have been so gung-ho and they are absolutely loving the humanitarian effort and they enjoy going out on deployments like this," Woody says. "This is not their first assignment, I believe they went to Hawaii after the wildfires, they've been to Florida on previous disasters last year." Woody says the couple will serve on the emergency response vehicle crews helping deliver meals or emergency supplies people might need. Volunteers assisting in the efforts in Florida are asked to stay for two, sometimes three weeks, to help in the area. Woody says that part alone takes a special kind of person to volunteer. "To be able to pick up and go stay somewhere far away from home, far away from anything that makes us comfortable and that we rely on, and to provide that kind of care and comfort," Woody explains. "These assignments are not easy, sometimes our volunteers are sleeping in staff shelters on cots in very rugged conditions I guess you would say." 28 volunteers overall from Missouri and Arkansas have been deployed

Red Cross volunteers respond to hurricane relief in Florida

Legal entanglements arising from alleged environmental damage
caused by a downtown St. Joseph chemical company seem on the way to being
resolved.

The City of St. Joseph dropped a complaint against HPI
Products last year after the company went into receivership and the federal
government stepped in to clean up alleged environmental damage from the company.

Now, the Environmental Protection Agency has reached a
settlement with the city. The EPA and the Department of Justice have agreed not
to sue the city. In exchange, the city has agreed to remove and dispose of
identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-containing ballasts at a property.
The property will be capped and likely used as a parking lot for a nearby fire
station.

For the past year, an EPA approved contractor has been
cleaning up the HPI site.

The agreement is now subject to a public comment period.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723228640753.jpeg" alt="HPI Products/file photo" />
 <figcaption>HPI Products/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLegal entanglements arising from alleged environmental damage
caused by a downtown St. Joseph chemical company seem on the way to being
resolved.The City of St. Joseph dropped a complaint against HPI
Products last year after the company went into receivership and the federal
government stepped in to clean up alleged environmental damage from the company.Now, the Environmental Protection Agency has reached a
settlement with the city. The EPA and the Department of Justice have agreed not
to sue the city. In exchange, the city has agreed to remove and dispose of
identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-containing ballasts at a property.
The property will be capped and likely used as a parking lot for a nearby fire
station.For the past year, an EPA approved contractor has been
cleaning up the HPI site.The agreement is now subject to a public comment period.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Legal wrangling over HPI site seems headed to conclusion

Buchanan County Drug Strike Force investigator Terry White is
now preparing to be a judge.

White won the Republican primary election for Circuit Judge,
Circuit 5, Division 3.&nbsp; No Democrat filed
for the office. White will succeed long-time Circuit Judge Patrick Robb, who is
retiring.

White sees the key to his victory was getting his message out.

“Who I am. Why I wanted to run for judge. My experience, background,
and training out there for everybody to see. Basically, getting my resume out
there,” White tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That and I think the combination of
the help that we had from all of our supporters. It was active help.”

White defeated Andrew County Prosecutor Monica Morrey.

In addition to being an investigator for the Buchanan County
Drug Strike Force, White has served as an assistant prosecutor in Nodaway
County and is the Tarkio Municipal Judge.

White says he will listen to others and observe as he prepares
to take to the bench.

“Visit with all of the judges that are on the circuit already
and get their input, their expertise, advice, and get a feel for what’s to come,”
White says. “And hopefully, I’ll mirror some of them over the next few months.”

White says he understands he has much preparation ahead before
sitting as a circuit judge.

“I came into the Strike Force 14 years ago. I had 25 years on.
There’s always a learning curve to that specific position or that specific
position in that agency or organization.”

White will succeed long-time Circuit Judge Patrick Robb, who
is retiring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723220475050.jpeg" alt="Terry White/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Terry White/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Drug Strike Force investigator Terry White is
now preparing to be a judge.White won the Republican primary election for Circuit Judge,
Circuit 5, Division 3.&nbsp; No Democrat filed
for the office. White will succeed long-time Circuit Judge Patrick Robb, who is
retiring.White sees the key to his victory was getting his message out.“Who I am. Why I wanted to run for judge. My experience, background,
and training out there for everybody to see. Basically, getting my resume out
there,” White tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That and I think the combination of
the help that we had from all of our supporters. It was active help.”White defeated Andrew County Prosecutor Monica Morrey.In addition to being an investigator for the Buchanan County
Drug Strike Force, White has served as an assistant prosecutor in Nodaway
County and is the Tarkio Municipal Judge.White says he will listen to others and observe as he prepares
to take to the bench.“Visit with all of the judges that are on the circuit already
and get their input, their expertise, advice, and get a feel for what’s to come,”
White says. “And hopefully, I’ll mirror some of them over the next few months.”White says he understands he has much preparation ahead before
sitting as a circuit judge.“I came into the Strike Force 14 years ago. I had 25 years on.
There’s always a learning curve to that specific position or that specific
position in that agency or organization.”White will succeed long-time Circuit Judge Patrick Robb, who
is retiring.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Investigator White now prepares to become Judge White

BROWN COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a St. Joseph man on drug allegations.

Just after 10p.m. August 6, deputies conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 near 220th Road, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies arrested 53-year-old&nbsp; Paul Babcock of St Joeph on requested charges of Possession of Stimulant and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723211919664.png" alt="Babcock-photo Brown Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Babcock-photo Brown Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a St. Joseph man on drug allegations.Just after 10p.m. August 6, deputies conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 near 220th Road, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies arrested 53-year-old&nbsp; Paul Babcock of St Joeph on requested charges of Possession of Stimulant and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Man from St. Joe jailed for alleged drug possession

Education officials expect scores to improve after implementation of science-of-reading interventions

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

Missouri students are showing progress on standardized tests administered by the state, with results in some categories approaching — and even exceeding — pre-pandemic levels.

But in other areas — most notably English language arts — students continue to struggle.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education revealed preliminary scores in the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP, to the State Board of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/994147512" target="_blank">in its board meeting</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.

Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, a board member from Pasadena Hills, said she was “a little deflated that we didn’t see more growth and progress.”

DESE is implementing programs to address low levels of literacy, an issue throughout the United States, with interventions based on the science of reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/literacy#:~:text=DESE%20is%20excited%20to%20support,funding%20to%20support%20student%20literacy." target="_blank">increased teacher training</a>.

Westbrooks-Hodge said the intervention has worked like triage care; it “stopped the bleed” and scores are static.

“We made lots of great investments in the last two years, and I think we’re going to see the fruit of that as our score starts to increase,” she said. “All of these interventions are working. They’re stabilizing our educational system, and now we can start layering growth on top of that.”

English language arts scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to data presented Tuesday, with 56% of students scoring in the “basic” or “below basic” range. This percentage has held steady since 2022.

Lisa Sireno, assistant commissioner of quality schools, said it takes “continuous, sustained focused implementation with fidelity at the local level, up to five years, before we start to see results on large-scale measures.”

She noted that teacher shortages could be impacting the scores, as a battle of the 2023-24 school year.

When looking at scores across all subjects and grades, there is an observable improvement since 2021’s tests. That year, 24% of scores were in the “below basic” range. That’s fallen to 22% this year, still higher than the 19% below basic in the&nbsp; last pre-pandemic tests in 2019. The number of scores in proficient and advanced ranges are one-percent less than 2019’s achievement.

Math scores are exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with a one-percent boost in the advanced category compared to 2019 when looking at grades 3-8. Sireno noted that middle-school math has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

Sireno expects additional analysis, especially as educators look at local-level data.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723204979781.png" alt=" Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger speaks during a State Board of Education meeting Tuesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger speaks during a State Board of Education meeting Tuesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Education officials expect scores to improve after implementation of science-of-reading interventions</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri students are showing progress on standardized tests administered by the state, with results in some categories approaching — and even exceeding — pre-pandemic levels.But in other areas — most notably English language arts — students continue to struggle.The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education revealed preliminary scores in the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP, to the State Board of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/994147512" target="_blank">in its board meeting</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, a board member from Pasadena Hills, said she was “a little deflated that we didn’t see more growth and progress.”DESE is implementing programs to address low levels of literacy, an issue throughout the United States, with interventions based on the science of reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/literacy#:~:text=DESE%20is%20excited%20to%20support,funding%20to%20support%20student%20literacy." target="_blank">increased teacher training</a>.Westbrooks-Hodge said the intervention has worked like triage care; it “stopped the bleed” and scores are static.“We made lots of great investments in the last two years, and I think we’re going to see the fruit of that as our score starts to increase,” she said. “All of these interventions are working. They’re stabilizing our educational system, and now we can start layering growth on top of that.”English language arts scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to data presented Tuesday, with 56% of students scoring in the “basic” or “below basic” range. This percentage has held steady since 2022.Lisa Sireno, assistant commissioner of quality schools, said it takes “continuous, sustained focused implementation with fidelity at the local level, up to five years, before we start to see results on large-scale measures.”She noted that teacher shortages could be impacting the scores, as a battle of the 2023-24 school year.When looking at scores across all subjects and grades, there is an observable improvement since 2021’s tests. That year, 24% of scores were in the “below basic” range. That’s fallen to 22% this year, still higher than the 19% below basic in the&nbsp; last pre-pandemic tests in 2019. The number of scores in proficient and advanced ranges are one-percent less than 2019’s achievement.Math scores are exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with a one-percent boost in the advanced category compared to 2019 when looking at grades 3-8. Sireno noted that middle-school math has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.Sireno expects additional analysis, especially as educators look at local-level data.

Missouri standardized test scores show progress, continued challenges statewide

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an alleged violent crime.

On Wednesday, police arrested 42-year-old Amanda L. Brooks of Atchison in the 300 Block of South 5th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She is being held on a requested charge of domestic battery and remains in custody on a $2,500 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723150948220.png" alt="Brooks photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an alleged violent crime. On Wednesday, police arrested 42-year-old Amanda L. Brooks of Atchison in the 300 Block of South 5th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She is being held on a requested charge of domestic battery and remains in custody on a $2,500 bond.

Kansas woman accused of a violent crime

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reported that on August 1, the diocese became aware of an accusation of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor between 1982-1984 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis made against Brother Ralph Wehner through a pending lawsuit, according to a statement on diocese web site.

An initial investigation was immediately launched by the diocese to determine any potential connection to Deacon Ralph Wehner who is assigned to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Based on the findings of the initial investigation, Bishop Johnston initiated a preliminary canonical investigation on August 7. Deacon Ralph Wehner has been placed on precautionary suspension from exercising diaconal ministry. Precautionary suspension from ministry should not be viewed as a punishment or as indication of wrongdoing, but rather a protective measure for all persons involved.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect and compassion. 

We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the diocese’s confidential report line&nbsp;816-812-2500 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org">ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org</a>.

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reported that on August 1, the diocese became aware of an accusation of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor between 1982-1984 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis made against Brother Ralph Wehner through a pending lawsuit, according to a statement on diocese web site.An initial investigation was immediately launched by the diocese to determine any potential connection to Deacon Ralph Wehner who is assigned to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.Based on the findings of the initial investigation, Bishop Johnston initiated a preliminary canonical investigation on August 7. Deacon Ralph Wehner has been placed on precautionary suspension from exercising diaconal ministry. Precautionary suspension from ministry should not be viewed as a punishment or as indication of wrongdoing, but rather a protective measure for all persons involved.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect and compassion. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the diocese’s confidential report line&nbsp;816-812-2500 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org">ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org</a>.

Diocese of KC-St. Joseph places deacon on precautionary suspension amid investigation

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter has announced his
resignation, effective early next month.

Carter first served as interim City Manager before the city
council named him City Manager in early 2021. Carter has been with the city
since 2011, previously serving in the city legal department.

Carter says the decision was difficult, but one he made to
pursue other career and personal objectives.

“I have been honored to serve as St. Joseph’s City Manager. I
appreciate the immense support the City Council, our community members, and our
dedicated city employees have provided. Although I will be stepping away from
the City Manager role, I remain excited for St. Joseph’s future and will
continue to be an advocate for this community,” Carter said in a written
statement released by the City of St. Joseph.

Carter's resignation is effective September 6th.

The St. Joseph City Council will appoint an interim city
manager upon Carter’s departure and begin the search for a replacement
immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723112456978.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter has announced his
resignation, effective early next month.Carter first served as interim City Manager before the city
council named him City Manager in early 2021. Carter has been with the city
since 2011, previously serving in the city legal department.Carter says the decision was difficult, but one he made to
pursue other career and personal objectives.“I have been honored to serve as St. Joseph’s City Manager. I
appreciate the immense support the City Council, our community members, and our
dedicated city employees have provided. Although I will be stepping away from
the City Manager role, I remain excited for St. Joseph’s future and will
continue to be an advocate for this community,” Carter said in a written
statement released by the City of St. Joseph.Carter's resignation is effective September 6th.The St. Joseph City Council will appoint an interim city
manager upon Carter’s departure and begin the search for a replacement
immediately.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter to resign

As Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker worked on the field during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, behind the scenes he was busy negotiating a new deal.  

That culminated today as the Chiefs announced Butker had signed a four-year extension with the team. The deal makes Butker the highest paid kicker in the league.  

Butker says he's glad that he can help move the kicker market forward 

"I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now, there's a lot of points being scored and kickers are part of that, games are closer than ever," Butker tells reporters after practice. "(Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then Jake Elliot just signed and tied his, so I'm grateful to be able to move it up a little bit." 

Butker's new deal will net him $6.4 million annually, while Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot are making just $6 million.  

Most notably, Butker negotiated the new deal himself.  Butker says it was a lot of fun.  

"My personality I'm an introvert, I don't really like the attention, so even being an NFL kicker is kind of an odd thing for me, I don't like the loud noises, the attention that comes my way," Butker explains. "But when I'm in the moment and I'm executing the kick, I'm so grateful for that opportunity and I kind of negotiated this contract the same way."  

"It would have been easy for me to have an agent handle the contract, but I kind of attacked this fear and I wanted to go out and have faith in myself to represent myself, and do something that not a lot of players do and it wasn't to difficult."  

Butker says he actually used his background as an industrial engineer at Georgia Tech during the negotiations.  

"I can handle the spreadsheets and making sure I'm doing the right job with the counter offers and such and getting to a good deal," Butker says. "But, it was a challenge that I took on and I felt like going on year eight I kind of understand the NFL well enough, I understand contracts well enough from being involved with the NFLPA, and obviously I have a great relationship with the front office here."  

"And so, I was able to negotiate my own contract over 8 to 10 weeks and I'm really excited about it and I think it's empowering for players to know that no one's going to represent you better than you." 

Chiefs prepared to show off new dynamic receivers in preseason game

The Chiefs wrapped up their final practice of the week in St. Joseph today and now turn their attention to the first preseason game on Saturday in Jacksonville.&nbsp;

One of the more exciting aspects of the first preseason game is seeing all the Chiefs new offensive weapons, like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, in action&nbsp;

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he's extremely excited to see these new weapons in game action.&nbsp;

"Obviously for me to go out there and play these guys and showcase what we have the ability to do, but to learn from our mistakes too," Mahomes tells reporters from the podium post-practice. "You're going to go out there and play for real and play against someone else, I'm tired of going against Spags (Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man, and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire, and have them make those right decisions and learn from mistakes after."&nbsp;

Mahomes says with his new speedy receivers they'll obviously be able to hit guys over the top.&nbsp;

"But I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both, I think that's something we've worked on all camp is you're going to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defense plays deep you have to be able to hit the medium type things, and we have to be able to run the football," Mahomes explains. &nbsp;

"And that's what makes great offenses great, is having the ability to do all of that, and so as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense."&nbsp;

Head Coach Andy Reid says that during Saturday's game the ones will play the 1st quarter, two's the second and so on.&nbsp;

Kickoff from Jacksonville is at 6pm, the game can be heard on Q Country 92.7 with pregame at 5pm&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722105936347.jpeg" alt="Kicker Harrison Butker (7) attempts a kick as new punter Matt Araiza (49) holds/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kicker Harrison Butker (7) attempts a kick as new punter Matt Araiza (49) holds/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker worked on the field during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, behind the scenes he was busy negotiating a new deal. That culminated today as the Chiefs announced Butker had signed a four-year extension with the team. The deal makes Butker the highest paid kicker in the league. Butker says he's glad that he can help move the kicker market forward "I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now, there's a lot of points being scored and kickers are part of that, games are closer than ever," Butker tells reporters after practice. "(Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then Jake Elliot just signed and tied his, so I'm grateful to be able to move it up a little bit." Butker's new deal will net him $6.4 million annually, while Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot are making just $6 million. Most notably, Butker negotiated the new deal himself. Butker says it was a lot of fun. "My personality I'm an introvert, I don't really like the attention, so even being an NFL kicker is kind of an odd thing for me, I don't like the loud noises, the attention that comes my way," Butker explains. "But when I'm in the moment and I'm executing the kick, I'm so grateful for that opportunity and I kind of negotiated this contract the same way." "It would have been easy for me to have an agent handle the contract, but I kind of attacked this fear and I wanted to go out and have faith in myself to represent myself, and do something that not a lot of players do and it wasn't to difficult." Butker says he actually used his background as an industrial engineer at Georgia Tech during the negotiations. "I can handle the spreadsheets and making sure I'm doing the right job with the counter offers and such and getting to a good deal," Butker says. "But, it was a challenge that I took on and I felt like going on year eight I kind of understand the NFL well enough, I understand contracts well enough from being involved with the NFLPA, and obviously I have a great relationship with the front office here." "And so, I was able to negotiate my own contract over 8 to 10 weeks and I'm really excited about it and I think it's empowering for players to know that no one's going to represent you better than you." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723056872013.png" alt="Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to fans as he comes down the field to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to fans as he comes down the field to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs prepared to show off new dynamic receivers in preseason game<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723056916638.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>The Chiefs wrapped up their final practice of the week in St. Joseph today and now turn their attention to the first preseason game on Saturday in Jacksonville.&nbsp;One of the more exciting aspects of the first preseason game is seeing all the Chiefs new offensive weapons, like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, in action&nbsp;Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he's extremely excited to see these new weapons in game action.&nbsp;"Obviously for me to go out there and play these guys and showcase what we have the ability to do, but to learn from our mistakes too," Mahomes tells reporters from the podium post-practice. "You're going to go out there and play for real and play against someone else, I'm tired of going against Spags (Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man, and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire, and have them make those right decisions and learn from mistakes after."&nbsp;Mahomes says with his new speedy receivers they'll obviously be able to hit guys over the top.&nbsp;"But I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both, I think that's something we've worked on all camp is you're going to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defense plays deep you have to be able to hit the medium type things, and we have to be able to run the football," Mahomes explains. &nbsp;"And that's what makes great offenses great, is having the ability to do all of that, and so as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense."&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid says that during Saturday's game the ones will play the 1st quarter, two's the second and so on.&nbsp;Kickoff from Jacksonville is at 6pm, the game can be heard on Q Country 92.7 with pregame at 5pm&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723057106176.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes (15) points out things to receivers Mecole Hardman (17) and Skyy More (24)/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes (15) points out things to receivers Mecole Hardman (17) and Skyy More (24)/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>

With contract negotiations through, Butker ready to focus on first preseason game

Familiar faces face off in November to see who represents the Second
Congressional District of Kansas.

Three-time former Attorney General Derek Schmidt won the
Republican nomination for the district that hugs the eastern border of Kansas
from the Nebraska state line to the Oklahoma state line with a carve out for
the Kansas City metro area. Former Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, who represented
the 2nd District in Congress from 2007 to 2008, won the endorsement
of Democrats in a close race with Matt Kleinmann.

Unofficial results from the Kansas Secretary of State’s office
show Schmidt won 53% of the Republican primary vote, with 34,452 votes. Shawn
Tiffany finished a distant second with only 20% of the vote.

On the Democrats’ side it was much closer. Boyda and Kleinmann
were in a tight battle throughout the evening Tuesday before Boyda pulled ahead
for good. Boyda garnered 13,155 votes, or 52% to Kleinmann’s 12,338 votes.

Schmidt and Boyda will be on the November ballot for the seat
being vacated by Congressman Jake LaTurner, a Republican who chose not to run
for a third term.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFamiliar faces face off in November to see who represents the Second
Congressional District of Kansas.Three-time former Attorney General Derek Schmidt won the
Republican nomination for the district that hugs the eastern border of Kansas
from the Nebraska state line to the Oklahoma state line with a carve out for
the Kansas City metro area. Former Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, who represented
the 2nd District in Congress from 2007 to 2008, won the endorsement
of Democrats in a close race with Matt Kleinmann.Unofficial results from the Kansas Secretary of State’s office
show Schmidt won 53% of the Republican primary vote, with 34,452 votes. Shawn
Tiffany finished a distant second with only 20% of the vote.On the Democrats’ side it was much closer. Boyda and Kleinmann
were in a tight battle throughout the evening Tuesday before Boyda pulled ahead
for good. Boyda garnered 13,155 votes, or 52% to Kleinmann’s 12,338 votes.Schmidt and Boyda will be on the November ballot for the seat
being vacated by Congressman Jake LaTurner, a Republican who chose not to run
for a third term.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Political veterans will face off for Kansas' 2nd Congressional District

A Kansas state Senator has been ousted by his own party.

Sen. Dennis Pyle of Hiawatha lost badly in the Republican
primary Tuesday, trailing two challengers by wide margins.

According to the unofficial tally by the Kansas Secretary of
State, Army Reserve veteran Craig Bowser received slightly more than 5,000
votes to win the race. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, came in second with
4,495 votes. Pyle, who has represented the district for 20 years, finished
a distant third, receiving only 2,804 votes.

Kansas Republican Party officials soured on Pyle when he ran as
an independent candidate for governor two years ago, claiming Pyle syphoned off
conservative votes in the party’s unsuccessful effort to unseat Gov. Laura
Kelly, a Democrat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720006711563.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs the tax-cut bill in Holton on July 2 as Sen. Dennis Pyle watches. “You’re looking at 20 years of hard work,” Kelly said (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs the tax-cut bill in Holton on July 2 as Sen. Dennis Pyle watches. “You’re looking at 20 years of hard work,” Kelly said (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Kansas state Senator has been ousted by his own party.Sen. Dennis Pyle of Hiawatha lost badly in the Republican
primary Tuesday, trailing two challengers by wide margins.According to the unofficial tally by the Kansas Secretary of
State, Army Reserve veteran Craig Bowser received slightly more than 5,000
votes to win the race. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, came in second with
4,495 votes. Pyle, who has represented the district for 20 years, finished
a distant third, receiving only 2,804 votes.Kansas Republican Party officials soured on Pyle when he ran as
an independent candidate for governor two years ago, claiming Pyle syphoned off
conservative votes in the party’s unsuccessful effort to unseat Gov. Laura
Kelly, a Democrat.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Veteran Kansas state senator finishes 3rd in GOP primary

Buchanan County Drug Strike Force investigator Terry White has won
the Republican primary for Circuit Judge, Circuit 5, Division 3, effectively
winning the judgeship.

White defeated Andrew County Prosecutor Monica Morrey in the
Republican primary Tuesday. No Democrat filed in the race.

White received 5,896 votes with Morrey receiving 4,915,
according to unofficial tallies from both Buchanan and Andrew Counties.

White has spent 40 years in law enforcement. White works as an
assistant prosecutor in Nodaway County and is the Tarkio Municipal Judge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723046643618.jpeg" alt="Terry White/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Terry White/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Drug Strike Force investigator Terry White has won
the Republican primary for Circuit Judge, Circuit 5, Division 3, effectively
winning the judgeship.White defeated Andrew County Prosecutor Monica Morrey in the
Republican primary Tuesday. No Democrat filed in the race.White received 5,896 votes with Morrey receiving 4,915,
according to unofficial tallies from both Buchanan and Andrew Counties.White has spent 40 years in law enforcement. White works as an
assistant prosecutor in Nodaway County and is the Tarkio Municipal Judge.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

White wins primary, wins Circuit Judge race

St. Joseph voters approved a 10-year extension to the 3.875%
Use Tax.

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the tax is vital to
the city street program, particularly to the contract overlay program.

“Then it also ensures stability in the manner in which we
handle Internet sales tax. So those are two key components that come out of the
vote,” Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It was very positive to see the
strong support for both those components.”

According to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk’s
office, 7,506 voters cast ballots in favor of the tax extension with 2,880
voting against it; a split of 72-to-28%.

Carter says city officials are very pleased with the margin of
victory.

“We were uncertain going in what the vote totals would be, but
it was really good to see the margin that existed there,” Carter says. “I think
it probably reflects the importance of street maintenance and reflects the
progress that we’ve made using these funds over the last 10 years.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters approved a 10-year extension to the 3.875%
Use Tax.St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the tax is vital to
the city street program, particularly to the contract overlay program.“Then it also ensures stability in the manner in which we
handle Internet sales tax. So those are two key components that come out of the
vote,” Carter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It was very positive to see the
strong support for both those components.”According to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk’s
office, 7,506 voters cast ballots in favor of the tax extension with 2,880
voting against it; a split of 72-to-28%.Carter says city officials are very pleased with the margin of
victory.“We were uncertain going in what the vote totals would be, but
it was really good to see the margin that existed there,” Carter says. “I think
it probably reflects the importance of street maintenance and reflects the
progress that we’ve made using these funds over the last 10 years.”Carter says financial stability is important to the city
budget.“Having this in place for the next 10 years is going to ensure
that we’ll have dedicated funds to street maintenance for the next decade and
then also that we don’t have any significant swings in our other budget items
as well.”The Use Tax can generate up to $4 million a year, though Carter says
the tax fluctuates depending on the size of construction projects undertaken in
a given year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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