BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 11 p.m. May 4, a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 1145 113th Drive on the Kickapoo reservation, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

 At the conclusion of the interdiction, James Blalock, 50, Horton was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession ofMarijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715353988189.png" alt="Blalock-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Blalock-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 11 p.m. May 4, a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 1145 113th Drive on the Kickapoo reservation, according to Sheriff John Merchant. At the conclusion of the interdiction, James Blalock, 50, Horton was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession ofMarijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Task force makes drug bust on Kickapoo reservation

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson,&nbsp; a Buick SUV driven by Mary Krier, 93, Effingham, was westbound in the 500 block of U.S.59.

The SUV turned north into a fence on the north side of the roadway and landed on its top in the parking lot below U.S. 59. 

Mrs. Krier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Atchison County.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson,&nbsp; a Buick SUV driven by Mary Krier, 93, Effingham, was westbound in the 500 block of U.S.59.The SUV turned north into a fence on the north side of the roadway and landed on its top in the parking lot below U.S. 59. Mrs. Krier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas woman dies after SUV overturns

In honor of teacher appreciation week, Optimum is contributing money to the St. Joseph School District to help with STEM projects across the district.  

One project that will help fund was put forward by instructional coach Veronica Mueller, who wants to bring algebra tiles into the classroom.  

Mueller says these algebra tiles can be used to represent known and unknown values in algebra 

"It would allow kids to manipulate problems and to have a concrete piece to represent some of those unknown values," Mueller explains to reporters following a news conference. "Algebra is very abstract for kids and it gives them something for them to touch and play with and mess around with." 

Mueller says the project will provide these algebra tiles for teachers sixth through ninth grade. 

Mueller says projects like these are important because middle school students their brains are at a concrete level, as teachers are trying to teach abstract things.  

"If they can connect those two things, they benefit immensely, by instead of having to imagine doing an operation with two things that I don't know what they are, they have two things that they can see, that they can put together, and that transfer of knowledge is extremely important when they're moving from the levels of brain development," Mueller says. 

Director of Curriculum Stacia Studer says an emphasis on STEM learning shows that STEM really is the future 

"When we talk to businesses and companies STEM, STEAM, innovation is the key component of that," Studer explains. "Just being in the work, using manipulations, experimenting, playing with things, those are all things we want our students to do." 

Optimum, which to this point has contributed $8,000 to STEM projects, has donated $25,000 to the district. $500 per project. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715373709155.jpeg" alt="Veronica Mueller (at podium) discusses a STEM project she proposed that will be funded by a donation from Optimum, given during Teacher Appreciation Week/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Veronica Mueller (at podium) discusses a STEM project she proposed that will be funded by a donation from Optimum, given during Teacher Appreciation Week/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post In honor of teacher appreciation week, Optimum is contributing money to the St. Joseph School District to help with STEM projects across the district. One project that will help fund was put forward by instructional coach Veronica Mueller, who wants to bring algebra tiles into the classroom. Mueller says these algebra tiles can be used to represent known and unknown values in algebra "It would allow kids to manipulate problems and to have a concrete piece to represent some of those unknown values," Mueller explains to reporters following a news conference. "Algebra is very abstract for kids and it gives them something for them to touch and play with and mess around with." Mueller says the project will provide these algebra tiles for teachers sixth through ninth grade. Mueller says projects like these are important because middle school students their brains are at a concrete level, as teachers are trying to teach abstract things. "If they can connect those two things, they benefit immensely, by instead of having to imagine doing an operation with two things that I don't know what they are, they have two things that they can see, that they can put together, and that transfer of knowledge is extremely important when they're moving from the levels of brain development," Mueller says. Director of Curriculum Stacia Studer says an emphasis on STEM learning shows that STEM really is the future "When we talk to businesses and companies STEM, STEAM, innovation is the key component of that," Studer explains. "Just being in the work, using manipulations, experimenting, playing with things, those are all things we want our students to do." Optimum, which to this point has contributed $8,000 to STEM projects, has donated $25,000 to the district. $500 per project.

Optimum donates $25,000 to St. Joseph School District to help with STEM projects

Beer, walking, historic homes, and the arts all combine this Saturday
afternoon during the annual <a href="https://stjoearts.org/our-impact/beer-walk-for-the-arts.html">Beer Walk for the Arts</a> in St. Joseph.

This year, the fundraiser will be held in the historic
Harris-Kemper District.

Robbie Morton with the Allied Arts Council says this
fundraiser gives residents a chance to peek inside some of St. Joseph’s most
historic and beautiful homes. 

“We are a very lucky city to have all of our arts
organizations, but also to have this amazing architecture that still exists,”
Morton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We are luckier than most.”

There will be samples of beer, many local craft beers, and
food in each of the five homes on the tour. Art will be on display throughout
as well as music.

Val Jones with the Arts Council says the homes themselves are
works of art.

“And the way they’ve been decorated is so artful, where they’ve
taken the old and mixed it with the new,” Jones tells Birr. “It’ll be a beautiful
day. It’s actually inspiring.” 

The tour raises money for the arts in St. Joseph.

This year, the tour begins at the Whiskey Mansion on Francis
Street, a house built in 1885; designed by famed architect E-J Eckel.

The Beer Walk for the Arts ends with a garden party.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715352726084.jpeg" alt="Photo from Harris Kemper Historic District Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Harris Kemper Historic District Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBeer, walking, historic homes, and the arts all combine this Saturday
afternoon during the annual <a href="https://stjoearts.org/our-impact/beer-walk-for-the-arts.html">Beer Walk for the Arts</a> in St. Joseph.This year, the fundraiser will be held in the historic
Harris-Kemper District.Robbie Morton with the Allied Arts Council says this
fundraiser gives residents a chance to peek inside some of St. Joseph’s most
historic and beautiful homes. “We are a very lucky city to have all of our arts
organizations, but also to have this amazing architecture that still exists,”
Morton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We are luckier than most.”There will be samples of beer, many local craft beers, and
food in each of the five homes on the tour. Art will be on display throughout
as well as music.Val Jones with the Arts Council says the homes themselves are
works of art.“And the way they’ve been decorated is so artful, where they’ve
taken the old and mixed it with the new,” Jones tells Birr. “It’ll be a beautiful
day. It’s actually inspiring.” The tour raises money for the arts in St. Joseph.This year, the tour begins at the Whiskey Mansion on Francis
Street, a house built in 1885; designed by famed architect E-J Eckel.The Beer Walk for the Arts ends with a garden party.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Historic homes, walking, and beer...all for the arts in St. Joseph

Eagle
Communication’s Joetown 107.5 and veteran personality Greg Lynn are in the
running for a prestigious national award.

Lynn’s
“Monster Cash” broadcast on Joetown is a finalist for a<a href="https://rbr.com/latest-radio-mercury-awards-finalists-announced/"> 2024 Mercury Award</a>, a
national award presented by RAB that recognizes quality audio from creative ad
agencies, regional, and local stations.

Lynn’s
production is a finalist in the category of Broadcast Radio Single Promotional Spot: Radio
Station or Group

“It is an honor for Eagle Communications, 107.5 Joetown to be
nominated alongside of some of the best creative agencies across the country,”
Eagle St. Joseph General Manager Liby Waltemath said. “It is fun to see our
Eagle name listed right next to the big players in our industry.”

The Radio Mercury Awards winners will be
presented on June 6 at SONY Hall in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715357495011.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEagle
Communication’s Joetown 107.5 and veteran personality Greg Lynn are in the
running for a prestigious national award.Lynn’s
“Monster Cash” broadcast on Joetown is a finalist for a<a href="https://rbr.com/latest-radio-mercury-awards-finalists-announced/"> 2024 Mercury Award</a>, a
national award presented by RAB that recognizes quality audio from creative ad
agencies, regional, and local stations.Lynn’s
production is a finalist in the category of Broadcast Radio Single Promotional Spot: Radio
Station or Group“It is an honor for Eagle Communications, 107.5 Joetown to be
nominated alongside of some of the best creative agencies across the country,”
Eagle St. Joseph General Manager Liby Waltemath said. “It is fun to see our
Eagle name listed right next to the big players in our industry.”The Radio Mercury Awards winners will be
presented on June 6 at SONY Hall in New York City.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Gregg-Lynn-Monster-Cash-e2jgj3n" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Joetown 107.5 finalist for prestigious national award

Missouri Western's CJ Ravenell has dreamed about playing in the NFL since the sixth grade.  Now, that dream is reality.&nbsp;

After going undrafted in this year's NFL draft, CJ Ravenell was invited to two rookie minicamps, Baltimore and Indianapolis, he never made it to Indy though.  

On the second day of camp. Being there on a tryout basis, the Ravens signed Ravenell to a contract.  

Ravenell says when he got to sign the contract, he almost froze 

"Like is this real right now, it's a dream come true I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe the opportunity I've dreamt about my whole life it was right there in front of me, it finally came," Ravenell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Just the opportunity to get to that minicamp and then not a lot of guys get signed from tryouts." 

 It's still a long road ahead for Ravenell to make that 53-man roster, but he says he's ready to put in the work to realize his dream.

Ravenell says going into the camp, his emotions were mixed.  

"They're not signing me, they didn't draft me, so it's like I'm very down low. basically, where I'm at on the list of guys that they want I'm probably all the way at the bottom right?" Ravenell says. "So, it's like, it messes with me a little bit confidence wise." 

Ravenell says a mindset shift, and messages from his father, made him leave everything he had on the field, leave with no regrets, all that culminating in an NFL contract. 

Ravenell becomes the tenth Griffon to make an NFL roster, joining the likes of Greg Zuerlien and Jonathan Owens.  

Ravenell says representing not just himself, but also Missouri Western, at the next level can be summarized with one word: pride. 

"It's so much pride that I take in being able to say I'm from DII, I'm from Missouri Western, yeah I'm in the NFL right now, I have this opportunity, it's a crazy thing because not a lot of guys get it, so it's a blessing for sure," Ravenell explains.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715351379231.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's CJ Ravenell earned a contract with the Baltimore Ravens following rookie minicamp, achieving a dream he's had since the sixth grade/ Photo courtesy of MWSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's CJ Ravenell earned a contract with the Baltimore Ravens following rookie minicamp, achieving a dream he's had since the sixth grade/ Photo courtesy of MWSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Western's CJ Ravenell has dreamed about playing in the NFL since the sixth grade. Now, that dream is reality.&nbsp;After going undrafted in this year's NFL draft, CJ Ravenell was invited to two rookie minicamps, Baltimore and Indianapolis, he never made it to Indy though. On the second day of camp. Being there on a tryout basis, the Ravens signed Ravenell to a contract. Ravenell says when he got to sign the contract, he almost froze "Like is this real right now, it's a dream come true I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe the opportunity I've dreamt about my whole life it was right there in front of me, it finally came," Ravenell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Just the opportunity to get to that minicamp and then not a lot of guys get signed from tryouts." It's still a long road ahead for Ravenell to make that 53-man roster, but he says he's ready to put in the work to realize his dream.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715351780506.jpeg" alt="CJ Ravenell works out for the Baltimore Ravens during rookie minicamp/ Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens" />
 <figcaption>CJ Ravenell works out for the Baltimore Ravens during rookie minicamp/ Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens</figcaption>
 </figure>Ravenell says going into the camp, his emotions were mixed. "They're not signing me, they didn't draft me, so it's like I'm very down low. basically, where I'm at on the list of guys that they want I'm probably all the way at the bottom right?" Ravenell says. "So, it's like, it messes with me a little bit confidence wise." Ravenell says a mindset shift, and messages from his father, made him leave everything he had on the field, leave with no regrets, all that culminating in an NFL contract. Ravenell becomes the tenth Griffon to make an NFL roster, joining the likes of Greg Zuerlien and Jonathan Owens. Ravenell says representing not just himself, but also Missouri Western, at the next level can be summarized with one word: pride. "It's so much pride that I take in being able to say I'm from DII, I'm from Missouri Western, yeah I'm in the NFL right now, I have this opportunity, it's a crazy thing because not a lot of guys get it, so it's a blessing for sure," Ravenell explains.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715351897207.jpeg" alt="CJ Ravenell speaks to media during a media event at Missouri Western after signing his contract with the Baltimore Ravens/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>CJ Ravenell speaks to media during a media event at Missouri Western after signing his contract with the Baltimore Ravens/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Missouri-Westerns-CJ-Ravenells-NFL-dreams-become-reality-e2jge7n" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6oz5hYvhiw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6oz5hYvhiw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6oz5hYvhiw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by CJ (@cjravenell)</a></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Dreams come true as Missouri Western's Ravenell signs with Ravens

The $51.7 billion spending plan for the coming year is about halfway between the House-passed budget and the proposal crafted in the Senate Appropriations Committee

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

With passage of a $51.7 billion budget Thursday, the Missouri Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y">beat the constitutional deadline</a>&nbsp;by 24 hours after a debate that left Republican leaders exhausted but satisfied.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/02/freedom-caucus-ends-filibuster-in-missouri-senate-without-action-on-its-demands/">41-hour filibuster</a>&nbsp;stalled all work last week – including planned budget debates on a committee-passed spending plan. To make the deadline, Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough began negotiating with House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith last week on what should be removed from the Senate plan, and what the House would accept from it, to get bills that would pass both chambers.

The 17 spending bills passed during Thursday’s eight-hour debate – one for the remainder of the current fiscal year, the rest for the year that begins July 1 – will be up for a vote in the House on Friday.

But even before the Senate began voting, Gov. Mike Parson said the rushed work means his budget office hasn’t had time to review it. He told reporters he will not leave large unfunded needs for his successor to cover.

The budget needs to have the money required for the coming year because he leaves office in January, Parson said.

“We’re not going to do the largest supplemental (budget) in our state’s history,” Parson said. “I just don’t plan on doing that because all you’re doing then is just passing it on to the other legislators that are going to be coming in with the next governor.”

Hough had to navigate a Senate that has been dysfunctional all year because of Republican factional fighting in order to put the upper chamber’s stamp on a spending plan that arrived from the House a week later than normal.

Most of the debate on Thursday was consumed by members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, who argued the budget spent too much, circumvented the regular process and gave legislators little time to scrutinize it.

Hough also had to endure criticism that delays in getting the budget on the Senate floor put him in the weakest position for negotiations with the House of any recent appropriations chairman.

“This was begging by the Senate appropriations chair to the House chair to take a budget to avoid a special session,” said Sen. Bill Eigel a Weldon Spring Republican and candidate for governor. “The Senate chair realized he had no leverage.”

Hough, a candidate for lieutenant governor, defended the budget he crafted during intense talks with Smith.

“This budget is not built around the mentality you have, which is just to beat somebody into submission,” he said to Eigel.

The total budget is about halfway between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/03/house-gop-advances-50-billion-missouri-budget-rejecting-dozens-of-democrat-amendments/">$50.7 billion spending plan</a>&nbsp;passed in the House last month and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/25/with-time-running-short-missouri-senate-set-to-debate-50-billion-state-budget-next-week/">$53 billion proposal</a>&nbsp;Hough and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved. It is also about $1 billion less than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">budget proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson.

The bills call for spending $15.3 billion in general revenue, with $14.6 billion for agency operations. That is about $287 million more than Parson proposed and $424 million more than the House-approved budget.

The budget for the current fiscal year, including the supplemental appropriations approved in the Senate, is $53.5 billion, with $15.8 billion in general revenue spending.

The budget includes a 3.2% pay raise for state employees, a 3% boost in funding for state colleges and universities and $727.5 million for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/14/missouri-house-budget-chairman-trims-2-billion-from-governors-proposed-spending-plan/">improvements to Interstate 44</a>, half from general revenue and half from new state debt.

Most of the money Hough added to the budget to boost salaries at agencies that provide support for adults with developmental disabilities did not survive negotiations. Instead of a $325 million boost to those programs to allow agencies to pay $17 an hour, the increase was pared back to $74 million. Whether that will allow any pay increases was unclear in the hours after the Senate votes.

There were seven to nine Republican votes against all but two of the bills. The five members of the Freedom Caucus were often joined in opposition to the spending bills by Sens. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who is running for secretary of state, Jill Carter of Joplin, who quit the Freedom Caucus last week, and&nbsp; Mike Moon of Ash Grove.

That left 15 to 17 members of the Republican majority in favor of the bills, meaning none of the spending bills would have passed without the help of Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo was quick to note that votes from his caucus made the difference.

“They needed our votes on every single bill outside of two, and they even voted against the agriculture budget, which was pretty interesting for us,” Rizzo said. “ So Ag funding was propped up by Democrats this year, so the agricultural community, your welcome. Thank Democrats.”

Prior to the debate, members of the Freedom Caucus demanded that general revenue spending not exceed the projected revenue for the coming year of $13.2 billion. Hough insisted that there is enough money in construction and other projects, as well as in agency funding designated as one-time appropriations, to meet that.&nbsp;

The difference between the projected revenue and the planned spending will come from a massive surplus that has accumulated in the treasury. In all funds that can be spent like general revenue, it is about $6.4 billion.

During debate, Eigel said the surplus should not be used to balance the budget.

“Balance means that the revenues coming in equal the revenues going out,” Eigel said. “Cash in your savings account is not a revenue item.”

The Missouri Constitution makes it clear that accumulated surpluses can be included in the budget plan.

Demanding a budget target regardless of other resources or the needs of the state is an argument designed to win political points, not govern responsibly, Rizzo said to reporters after the budget debate.

He said he expects Parson to eventually call a special session to add money so programs can operate through the year.

“Some of the Freedom Caucus members were pretty insistent on getting to a certain number,” Rizzo said, “and I think the way that they got to that certain number will probably make sure that there’s a special session sometime in the future, maybe in the fall.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715338161067.png" alt=" Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate Thursday in the Missouri Senate. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate Thursday in the Missouri Senate. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The $51.7 billion spending plan for the coming year is about halfway between the House-passed budget and the proposal crafted in the Senate Appropriations Committee</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>With passage of a $51.7 billion budget Thursday, the Missouri Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y">beat the constitutional deadline</a>&nbsp;by 24 hours after a debate that left Republican leaders exhausted but satisfied.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/02/freedom-caucus-ends-filibuster-in-missouri-senate-without-action-on-its-demands/">41-hour filibuster</a>&nbsp;stalled all work last week – including planned budget debates on a committee-passed spending plan. To make the deadline, Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough began negotiating with House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith last week on what should be removed from the Senate plan, and what the House would accept from it, to get bills that would pass both chambers.The 17 spending bills passed during Thursday’s eight-hour debate – one for the remainder of the current fiscal year, the rest for the year that begins July 1 – will be up for a vote in the House on Friday.But even before the Senate began voting, Gov. Mike Parson said the rushed work means his budget office hasn’t had time to review it. He told reporters he will not leave large unfunded needs for his successor to cover.The budget needs to have the money required for the coming year because he leaves office in January, Parson said.“We’re not going to do the largest supplemental (budget) in our state’s history,” Parson said. “I just don’t plan on doing that because all you’re doing then is just passing it on to the other legislators that are going to be coming in with the next governor.”Hough had to navigate a Senate that has been dysfunctional all year because of Republican factional fighting in order to put the upper chamber’s stamp on a spending plan that arrived from the House a week later than normal.Most of the debate on Thursday was consumed by members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, who argued the budget spent too much, circumvented the regular process and gave legislators little time to scrutinize it.Hough also had to endure criticism that delays in getting the budget on the Senate floor put him in the weakest position for negotiations with the House of any recent appropriations chairman.“This was begging by the Senate appropriations chair to the House chair to take a budget to avoid a special session,” said Sen. Bill Eigel a Weldon Spring Republican and candidate for governor. “The Senate chair realized he had no leverage.”Hough, a candidate for lieutenant governor, defended the budget he crafted during intense talks with Smith.“This budget is not built around the mentality you have, which is just to beat somebody into submission,” he said to Eigel.The total budget is about halfway between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/03/house-gop-advances-50-billion-missouri-budget-rejecting-dozens-of-democrat-amendments/">$50.7 billion spending plan</a>&nbsp;passed in the House last month and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/25/with-time-running-short-missouri-senate-set-to-debate-50-billion-state-budget-next-week/">$53 billion proposal</a>&nbsp;Hough and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved. It is also about $1 billion less than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">budget proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson.The bills call for spending $15.3 billion in general revenue, with $14.6 billion for agency operations. That is about $287 million more than Parson proposed and $424 million more than the House-approved budget.The budget for the current fiscal year, including the supplemental appropriations approved in the Senate, is $53.5 billion, with $15.8 billion in general revenue spending.The budget includes a 3.2% pay raise for state employees, a 3% boost in funding for state colleges and universities and $727.5 million for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/14/missouri-house-budget-chairman-trims-2-billion-from-governors-proposed-spending-plan/">improvements to Interstate 44</a>, half from general revenue and half from new state debt.Most of the money Hough added to the budget to boost salaries at agencies that provide support for adults with developmental disabilities did not survive negotiations. Instead of a $325 million boost to those programs to allow agencies to pay $17 an hour, the increase was pared back to $74 million. Whether that will allow any pay increases was unclear in the hours after the Senate votes.There were seven to nine Republican votes against all but two of the bills. The five members of the Freedom Caucus were often joined in opposition to the spending bills by Sens. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who is running for secretary of state, Jill Carter of Joplin, who quit the Freedom Caucus last week, and&nbsp; Mike Moon of Ash Grove.That left 15 to 17 members of the Republican majority in favor of the bills, meaning none of the spending bills would have passed without the help of Democrats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715338235856.png" alt=" Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, center, speaks to reporters Thursday after the Senate approved a $51.7 billion budget. With Rizzo are, from left, Sens. Karla May, Doug Beck of Affton, Steven Roberts of St. Louis and Lauren Arthur of Kansas City. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, center, speaks to reporters Thursday after the Senate approved a $51.7 billion budget. With Rizzo are, from left, Sens. Karla May, Doug Beck of Affton, Steven Roberts of St. Louis and Lauren Arthur of Kansas City. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo was quick to note that votes from his caucus made the difference.“They needed our votes on every single bill outside of two, and they even voted against the agriculture budget, which was pretty interesting for us,” Rizzo said. “ So Ag funding was propped up by Democrats this year, so the agricultural community, your welcome. Thank Democrats.”Prior to the debate, members of the Freedom Caucus demanded that general revenue spending not exceed the projected revenue for the coming year of $13.2 billion. Hough insisted that there is enough money in construction and other projects, as well as in agency funding designated as one-time appropriations, to meet that.&nbsp;The difference between the projected revenue and the planned spending will come from a massive surplus that has accumulated in the treasury. In all funds that can be spent like general revenue, it is about $6.4 billion.During debate, Eigel said the surplus should not be used to balance the budget.“Balance means that the revenues coming in equal the revenues going out,” Eigel said. “Cash in your savings account is not a revenue item.”The Missouri Constitution makes it clear that accumulated surpluses can be included in the budget plan.Demanding a budget target regardless of other resources or the needs of the state is an argument designed to win political points, not govern responsibly, Rizzo said to reporters after the budget debate.He said he expects Parson to eventually call a special session to add money so programs can operate through the year.“Some of the Freedom Caucus members were pretty insistent on getting to a certain number,” Rizzo said, “and I think the way that they got to that certain number will probably make sure that there’s a special session sometime in the future, maybe in the fall.”

Mo. Senate avoids impasse over budget to make constitutional deadline

An area summer fireworks display could well be the best in the
country.

At least, according to current voting in the USA Today’s Top
10 Best Places to See Fireworks, the Amelia Earhart Festival “Concert in the
Sky” ranks third.

Jacque Pregont says she quite frankly was shocked when
notified the Atchison fireworks display was one of 20 nominated.

“Huge surprise and very, very excited, because the other ones
on the list are huge cities with astronomical budgets for one thing and huge
population for the other,” Pregont tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, yes, to
even be nominated and be on the list is a tremendous honor.”

The Amelia Earhart Festival display ranks behind only displays
at Navy Pier in Chicago and the Ford Fireworks show in Detroit in the latest
voting.

The fireworks show in Atchison attracts people from throughout
the region, especially the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas, but it also attracts
those from even farther distances. Pregont says some drive a long way to take
in the festival and the fireworks in Atchison.

“I’ve had people who actually live as far south as Texas
telling me that they come almost every year,” Pregont says. “We have area
people in abundance, just drive in for the day a lot of times, because we have
activities all day and then (they) just stay for the fireworks.”

Pregont contends it is amazing that the Atchison fireworks
show ranks as high as it does, considering most of the other shows are in
larger cities with much larger budgets. Yet, Pregont doesn’t consider being a
much smaller community than the others to be a disadvantage.

“We get so many complements about how people feel welcomed,
they feel like everybody’s so nice to them when they come here,” Pregont says. “And
for the city people, it pulls them out of that environment. Right? It’s just
something new. It’s a different experience. For rural people that come in, you
feel like you’re a part of the community for that time period and we want
people to feel like they’re a part of our community when they come and visit.”

The Amelia Earhart Festival will be held July 19th
and 20th this year with the “Concert in the Sky” the evening of the
20th. It is a near half hour display choreographed with music, celebrating
the hometown of famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart. It is produced by Stellar
Fireworks of Wichita in front of Earhart’s childhood home overlooking the
bluffs of the Missouri River. Pregont believes it is the music and the river
that make it special. As many as 50,000 people attend.

You can go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaEarhartFestival">Amelia Earhart Festival Facebook page</a> to
vote or click <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-see-fireworks-2024/concert-in-the-sky-at-the-amelia-earhart-festival-atchison-kansas/">HERE</a> for the USA Today page on the contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715279446091.jpeg" alt="Amelia Earhart Concert in the Sky/Photo courtesy of Amelia Earhart Festival" />
 <figcaption>Amelia Earhart Concert in the Sky/Photo courtesy of Amelia Earhart Festival</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn area summer fireworks display could well be the best in the
country.At least, according to current voting in the USA Today’s Top
10 Best Places to See Fireworks, the Amelia Earhart Festival “Concert in the
Sky” ranks third.Jacque Pregont says she quite frankly was shocked when
notified the Atchison fireworks display was one of 20 nominated.“Huge surprise and very, very excited, because the other ones
on the list are huge cities with astronomical budgets for one thing and huge
population for the other,” Pregont tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, yes, to
even be nominated and be on the list is a tremendous honor.”The Amelia Earhart Festival display ranks behind only displays
at Navy Pier in Chicago and the Ford Fireworks show in Detroit in the latest
voting.The fireworks show in Atchison attracts people from throughout
the region, especially the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas, but it also attracts
those from even farther distances. Pregont says some drive a long way to take
in the festival and the fireworks in Atchison.“I’ve had people who actually live as far south as Texas
telling me that they come almost every year,” Pregont says. “We have area
people in abundance, just drive in for the day a lot of times, because we have
activities all day and then (they) just stay for the fireworks.”Pregont contends it is amazing that the Atchison fireworks
show ranks as high as it does, considering most of the other shows are in
larger cities with much larger budgets. Yet, Pregont doesn’t consider being a
much smaller community than the others to be a disadvantage.“We get so many complements about how people feel welcomed,
they feel like everybody’s so nice to them when they come here,” Pregont says. “And
for the city people, it pulls them out of that environment. Right? It’s just
something new. It’s a different experience. For rural people that come in, you
feel like you’re a part of the community for that time period and we want
people to feel like they’re a part of our community when they come and visit.”The Amelia Earhart Festival will be held July 19th
and 20th this year with the “Concert in the Sky” the evening of the
20th. It is a near half hour display choreographed with music, celebrating
the hometown of famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart. It is produced by Stellar
Fireworks of Wichita in front of Earhart’s childhood home overlooking the
bluffs of the Missouri River. Pregont believes it is the music and the river
that make it special. As many as 50,000 people attend.You can go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaEarhartFestival">Amelia Earhart Festival Facebook page</a> to
vote or click <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-see-fireworks-2024/concert-in-the-sky-at-the-amelia-earhart-festival-atchison-kansas/">HERE</a> for the USA Today page on the contest.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Concert-in-the-Sky-recognized-by-USA-Today-e2jge0f" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Atchison's "Concert in the Sky" one of the best fireworks displays in country

The Department of Social Services’ call center issues ultimately denied eligible Missourians meaningful access to benefits, a judge found

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

A federal judge&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24656781-22-4026-order-on-summary-judgment-5-9-24">ruled Thursday</a>&nbsp;that Missouri’s social services agency violated the law in the way it has administered its food assistance program.&nbsp;

U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool ruled that the state’s practices — including long call center wait times and a lack of accommodations for those with disabilities — violate the laws governing the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Missouri Department of Social Services’ call center issues ultimately denied eligible Missourians meaningful access to benefits.

“While call wait times fluctuate and have shown some improvement, the record demonstrates too little progress,” Harpool&nbsp;wrote. “Consequently, Missourians who suffer food insecurity have been forced to either go hungry or seek alternative sources of food when their applications are denied.”

In February 2022, a federal lawsuit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/22/federal-lawsuit-targets-missouris-dysfunctional-food-assistance-program/">was filed</a>&nbsp;against the social services department arguing the state’s “dysfunctional” call center deprives eligible Missourians of SNAP benefits, more commonly known as food stamps.&nbsp;

Plaintiffs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/22/federal-lawsuit-targets-missouris-dysfunctional-food-assistance-program/">described</a>&nbsp;subsisting on little food while using up prepaid phone minutes waiting on hold for an interview, and, due to disability, struggling to understand the application forms but being unable to get through the call center for help.

An interview is required to sign up for or recertify SNAP benefits.

Without interviews, SNAP applications and renewals are automatically denied after 30 days — even if applicants have tried and been unable to get through. Around half of all SNAP denials in the state are due to failure to complete an interview, according to data obtained in litigation.&nbsp;The average call center wait time for the SNAP interview line, as of late last year, The Independent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">found</a>, was over an hour.

“The high percentage of denials based on failure to interview is a direct consequence of the failed administration of defendant’s SNAP program,” Harpool wrote in his order.&nbsp;

“These denials are not based on the applicant’s eligibility but on the inadequacies of [the Department of Social Services’] process,” he wrote.

The lawsuit was filed by New York-based National Center for Law and Economic Justice, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Stinson LLP, on behalf of individual low-income Missourians and the advocacy group Empower Missouri.

“Today’s decision is a vindication of the rights of Missourians,” said Katharine Deabler-Meadows, attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice.

“The Court has recognized the immense harm that DSS is causing to people who depend on SNAP to feed themselves and their families,” she said. “We are excited that DSS will now have to implement systems that ensure all Missourians can access SNAP.”

The decision orders the social services agency to come into compliance with federal SNAP law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and outlines several steps the agency must take, under the court’s supervision.&nbsp;

The steps the state must follow, as outlined in the order include:&nbsp;

After the state complies with the order, the court “will determine what, if any, further actions, orders, remedies, or proceedings are appropriate,” Harpool wrote.&nbsp;

Harpool has been candid in previous hearings about his concerns over the state’s progress since the lawsuit was first filed.

“I continue to be amazed that it’s been since this case started,” he said in a January&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24656808-holmes-motion-hearing-jan-29">motion hearing</a>, “that the state’s whole focus is how can we avoid liability rather than how can we get these benefits to our citizens.”

Hardin Haynes, the attorney representing DSS, rejected that characterization, according to court transcripts.

“The whole time this has been going on,” he said in the January hearing, “DSS has been doing what it can to increase its ability to do interviews throughout this process. That has never stopped.”&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DSS has previously said it is doing all it can to hire more staff,&nbsp;&nbsp;grant overtime, move to automate assistance and contract with private call centers.&nbsp;

Agency leaders pointed to resource issues and challenges getting more staff as it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">requested $4 million this year</a>&nbsp;for a “call center bot” to increase automation and reduce the need for staff on the general call center line.

<h2>The Department of Social Services’ call center issues ultimately denied eligible Missourians meaningful access to benefits, a judge found</h2>By CLARA BATES&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A federal judge&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24656781-22-4026-order-on-summary-judgment-5-9-24">ruled Thursday</a>&nbsp;that Missouri’s social services agency violated the law in the way it has administered its food assistance program.&nbsp;U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool ruled that the state’s practices — including long call center wait times and a lack of accommodations for those with disabilities — violate the laws governing the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Missouri Department of Social Services’ call center issues ultimately denied eligible Missourians meaningful access to benefits.“While call wait times fluctuate and have shown some improvement, the record demonstrates too little progress,” Harpool&nbsp;wrote. “Consequently, Missourians who suffer food insecurity have been forced to either go hungry or seek alternative sources of food when their applications are denied.”In February 2022, a federal lawsuit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/22/federal-lawsuit-targets-missouris-dysfunctional-food-assistance-program/">was filed</a>&nbsp;against the social services department arguing the state’s “dysfunctional” call center deprives eligible Missourians of SNAP benefits, more commonly known as food stamps.&nbsp;Plaintiffs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/22/federal-lawsuit-targets-missouris-dysfunctional-food-assistance-program/">described</a>&nbsp;subsisting on little food while using up prepaid phone minutes waiting on hold for an interview, and, due to disability, struggling to understand the application forms but being unable to get through the call center for help.An interview is required to sign up for or recertify SNAP benefits.Without interviews, SNAP applications and renewals are automatically denied after 30 days — even if applicants have tried and been unable to get through. Around half of all SNAP denials in the state are due to failure to complete an interview, according to data obtained in litigation.&nbsp;The average call center wait time for the SNAP interview line, as of late last year, The Independent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">found</a>, was over an hour.“The high percentage of denials based on failure to interview is a direct consequence of the failed administration of defendant’s SNAP program,” Harpool wrote in his order.&nbsp;“These denials are not based on the applicant’s eligibility but on the inadequacies of [the Department of Social Services’] process,” he wrote.The lawsuit was filed by New York-based National Center for Law and Economic Justice, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Stinson LLP, on behalf of individual low-income Missourians and the advocacy group Empower Missouri.“Today’s decision is a vindication of the rights of Missourians,” said Katharine Deabler-Meadows, attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice.“The Court has recognized the immense harm that DSS is causing to people who depend on SNAP to feed themselves and their families,” she said. “We are excited that DSS will now have to implement systems that ensure all Missourians can access SNAP.”The decision orders the social services agency to come into compliance with federal SNAP law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and outlines several steps the agency must take, under the court’s supervision.&nbsp;The steps the state must follow, as outlined in the order include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>&nbsp;submitting a report with specific changes it will make to comply with the law within 30 days;</li><li>filing monthly reports with the court with detailed data on SNAP applications and wait times, and filing that report with several members of Missouri state government outlined in the order;</li><li>submitting a proposed plan of action and timeline of implementation “to address shortcomings in the administration of SNAP as identified” within 90 days, including a reduction in call wait times and denials based on failure to receive an interview and compliance with the ADA.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>After the state complies with the order, the court “will determine what, if any, further actions, orders, remedies, or proceedings are appropriate,” Harpool wrote.&nbsp;Harpool has been candid in previous hearings about his concerns over the state’s progress since the lawsuit was first filed.“I continue to be amazed that it’s been since this case started,” he said in a January&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24656808-holmes-motion-hearing-jan-29">motion hearing</a>, “that the state’s whole focus is how can we avoid liability rather than how can we get these benefits to our citizens.”Hardin Haynes, the attorney representing DSS, rejected that characterization, according to court transcripts.“The whole time this has been going on,” he said in the January hearing, “DSS has been doing what it can to increase its ability to do interviews throughout this process. That has never stopped.”&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.DSS has previously said it is doing all it can to hire more staff,&nbsp;&nbsp;grant overtime, move to automate assistance and contract with private call centers.&nbsp;Agency leaders pointed to resource issues and challenges getting more staff as it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">requested $4 million this year</a>&nbsp;for a “call center bot” to increase automation and reduce the need for staff on the general call center line.

Federal court rules Missourians were illegally denied food aid by the state

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating another phone scam.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, county residents are reporting that they are being contacted by phone telling them that their phone number has been selected from a "National data base" to receive a subsidy check, or in some cases--grant money.&nbsp; 

Residents are told it is absolutely&nbsp; "free money" without obligation.&nbsp; One lady told the sheriff's office she played along with the scam caller and was told the money would be direct deposited into her account.&nbsp; She then hung up and reported.&nbsp; 

Another person said that on their caller ID it had the name "NATIONAL SECURITY" show up.&nbsp; Sheriff Merchant reminded residents, "Never trust your caller ID,&nbsp; scammers can put any information on your caller ID so do not be fooled into thinking it represents the actual caller.

"There is no such thing as free money. Scammers will tell you anything to get your personal information which could lead to you losing all of your money in your bank accounts.&nbsp; Never give personal information over the phone or on the internet. If you feel you have been made a victim of a scam, please contact local law enforcement."

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating another phone scam.According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, county residents are reporting that they are being contacted by phone telling them that their phone number has been selected from a "National data base" to receive a subsidy check, or in some cases--grant money.&nbsp; Residents are told it is absolutely&nbsp; "free money" without obligation.&nbsp; One lady told the sheriff's office she played along with the scam caller and was told the money would be direct deposited into her account.&nbsp; She then hung up and reported.&nbsp; Another person said that on their caller ID it had the name "NATIONAL SECURITY" show up.&nbsp; Sheriff Merchant reminded residents, "Never trust your caller ID,&nbsp; scammers can put any information on your caller ID so do not be fooled into thinking it represents the actual caller."There is no such thing as free money. Scammers will tell you anything to get your personal information which could lead to you losing all of your money in your bank accounts.&nbsp; Never give personal information over the phone or on the internet. If you feel you have been made a victim of a scam, please contact local law enforcement."

Sheriff warns residents about national database phone scam

A 31-year-old man is in critical, but stable condition after a
shooting late Wednesday night near downtown St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police say patrons of River Bluffs Brewery made an
emergency call to report the shooting shortly after 10 o’clock.

Police report the victim had been shot near 13th Street
and Frederick Avenue and ran from the scene. No suspect has been taken into
custody. Police continue to investigate and ask that anyone with information
about the shooting call the St. Joseph Police Department.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 31-year-old man is in critical, but stable condition after a
shooting late Wednesday night near downtown St. Joseph.St. Joseph police say patrons of River Bluffs Brewery made an
emergency call to report the shooting shortly after 10 o’clock.Police report the victim had been shot near 13th Street
and Frederick Avenue and ran from the scene. No suspect has been taken into
custody. Police continue to investigate and ask that anyone with information
about the shooting call the St. Joseph Police Department.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

31-year-old man severely wounded in St. Joseph shooting

A bill that would improve health care access for Missouri women almost died in the House after some lawmakers conflated birth control legislation with abortion medication

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx%3Fbill%3DHB2413%26year%3D2024%26code%3DR&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDk5y_wfyFAxUH5MkDHbmaDeYQFnoECBEQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ClNNgrpszDRIiUdHV-j8-">A wide-ranging women’s health care bill</a>&nbsp;that stalled in the House for months over concerns about expanding coverage for birth control is a step away from the governor’s desk — though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/06/missouri-senate-stalls-out-quickly-on-return-after-41-hour-filibuster/">dysfunction in the Senate</a>&nbsp;could derail its chances of becoming law.&nbsp;

The bill, an effort by a bipartisan group of five women lawmakers across the House and Senate, would be “a game changer” for women’s health, said state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield.

With provisions focused on annual supply birth control, congenital syphilis, mammograms, STI treatment and rape test kits, the legislation is sponsored by Stinnett; state Sen. Elaine Gannon, a DeSoto Republican; State Rep. Tara Peters, a Rolla Republican; State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat; and state Rep. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat.

“We need to focus on women’s health, children’s health, babies’ health,” Gannon said. “We have to do whatever we can do to produce healthy people.”

Though it got its initial committee hearing in January, the House didn’t pass the bill and send it to the Senate until late April. The delay was caused by a number of Republicans expressing concerns that birth control could be used as an abortifacient, the bill’s sponsors said.

Since passing the House with approval from 60 Republicans and 45 Democrats, it has moved quickly in the Senate and was approved unanimously by the chamber’s emerging issues committee on Monday.&nbsp;

“This bill was on life support several times as it moved its way forward,” Lewis said. “But no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, it’s politically advantageous to support women’s health care right now.”

The sponsors remain hopeful the bill can make it across the finish line before session ends on May 17.

But progress in the Senate is stalled as infighting between the Freedom Caucus and Senate Republican leadership has left the chamber with little to show as they run up against a deadline to pass the state budget.&nbsp;

Also hanging in limbo is a bill that would make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/25/missouri-initiative-petition-bill-ballot-candy-reinstated/">more difficult to pass citizen-led constitutional amendments</a>, legislation Democrats have staunchly opposed, fearing it could inhibit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/03/missourians-signatures-abortion-amendment-viability/">an abortion rights proposal</a>&nbsp;expected to land on the November ballot.&nbsp;

The sponsors of the women’s health care bill argue that unlike other legislation, theirs should not be controversial and thus shouldn’t be a casualty of Senate gridlock.&nbsp;

“If the supermajority knew how to govern, they could bulldoze anything through,” Lewis said.&nbsp; “But they are too busy fighting amongst themselves and ultimately playing games with people’s lives.”&nbsp;

Peters said if there’s one thing she’s learned in her freshman term in the House, it’s that all it takes to mount a campaign to kill a bill is the word “abortion.”

The legislation, which would&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/29/birth-control-poll-missouri-contraceptives/">allow women on private insurance to pick up an annual supply of contraceptives</a>&nbsp;rather than going to the pharmacy every few months, is already law in 26 states. Studies show this increase in access and continuity can help prevent unintended pregnancy. It does not apply to abortifacients.

Stinnett, who has a master’s degree in health care administration and who serves as vice chair of the House Healthcare Reform Committee, said several Republican colleagues had questions about hormonal contraceptives and whether drugs that induce abortions fall under the statute.&nbsp;

“At every turn we either had to educate or deflate or talk against what wasn’t true,” Peters said, adding that some lawmakers were spreading inaccurate information that the bill had to do with abortion drugs.

After whipping the bill several times, Peters said she ultimately won over the needed support, finally moving the bill out of the House in late April, despite it receiving an initial House committee hearing in January.

Only the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City were present to testify in opposition of the birth control policy.

<a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/1dKPOmnypv">A recent survey released by The Right Time</a>, a family planning initiative through the Missouri Family Health Council Inc., showed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/29/birth-control-poll-missouri-contraceptives/">Missourians overwhelmingly support access to contraceptives,&nbsp;</a>but some fear their lawmakers could pass laws limiting that availability.

Of the 1,000 Missourians polled between the ages of 18 and 35, 77% said they believed there should be access to annual supplies of birth control.

“I would have to dig pretty deep to find out when the last proactive sexual and reproductive health care legislation of a ‘women’s health type’ passed,” said Mandy Hagseth, the council’s director of policy and external affairs. “So it does not come often and it does not come easy.”

Hagseth previously told The Independent that in conversations with women around Missouri, the council learned that access to clinics, lack of consistent transportation and balancing work and children are often barriers to picking up their contraception consistently, which can create gaps in use and increase the chances of an unintended pregnancy.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://powertodecide.org/what-we-do/contraceptive-deserts">More than 373,000 Missouri women live in contraceptive deserts,&nbsp;</a>which they define as a place where there’s not reasonable access to a full range of contraceptive methods, according to data compiled by Power to Decide. Most are in rural counties.

“The Senate has an opportunity to pass a really important, pro-active women’s health bill,” Hagseth said. “At a time that it’s woefully needed sort of generally and politically.”

In 2022,<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/alertsadvisories/pdf/update022724-1.pdf">&nbsp;Missouri recorded 81 congenital syphilis cases</a>&nbsp;— the most in 30 years, the state health department said in an alert distributed earlier this year.&nbsp;

From 2017 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases rose 219% across the country; in Missouri, they rose 593%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2012 and 2015, one stillbirth from a congenital syphilis case was reported in Missouri. Since then, there’s been at least one infant death every year, with 18 deaths reported between 2016 and 2022, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;

Mothers can pass along congenital syphilis in utero at any point in pregnancy. But if caught before the baby passes through the birth canal, the disease is reversible in the womb.

For adults, the symptoms, if there are any, can include a rash on the palms of a person’s hands or on the soles of their feet, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes or sores. Often these symptoms go away on their own, even though they are still contagious.&nbsp; If a mother is infected within four weeks of delivering their baby and doesn’t get treatment, the infant has a 40% chance of dying at birth or shortly after, according to the CDC.

Right now, only two syphilis tests are required in pregnancy: one in the first trimester and one at birth. The bill would also require a third trimester test for HIV and hepatitis C and hepatitis B, which can cause liver damage in infants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This legislation hopes to address this outbreak by adding additional optional testing for women around 28 weeks of pregnancy during their regularly-scheduled appointment.&nbsp;

“Anything we can do to ensure that baby is born healthy, that’s what we need to be doing,” Gannon said.

Mammograms, STI treatment and forensic exams

McCreery said after she went in for a mammogram at the start of the year, she received a “weird form letter” that left her thinking she needed additional testing to ensure she didn’t have breast cancer.&nbsp;

New federal regulations for mammograms are now at odds with Missouri’s statute, so this bill would update the language given to patients after a cancer screening to be less confusing, as the current language may cause unnecessary concern.

“We need to speak in clear, easy to understand terms when we’re communicating with somebody after they’ve had an exam like that,” McCreery said.

The bill also hopes to make treatment easier for trichomoniasis, an infection that’s more common in women then men.&nbsp;

Under current state statute, if someone is diagnosed with gonorrhea and chlamydia, their doctor is allowed to also treat the patient’s sexual partner in a process called expedited partner therapy. Under this legislation, trichomoniasis would also be added to that list, and it would open the door for syphilis to also be added if federal guidelines change as syphilis rates rise.

The final piece of the legislation would smooth out a law passed in 2022 that requires survivors of rape or sexual assault be given&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/22info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=71259740">the option to ask for a forensic exam.</a>

Right now, speciality hospitals without emergency departments are not exempt from the statute, meaning survivors can be taken to health care providers without access to rape test kits. This statute would require that patients initially seen at specialty hospitals be transferred to a hospital with an emergency department equipped to do a forensic exam.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715250625846.png" alt=" Sen. Elaine Gannon (photo courtesy of Senate Communications)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Elaine Gannon (photo courtesy of Senate Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A bill that would improve health care access for Missouri women almost died in the House after some lawmakers conflated birth control legislation with abortion medication</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx%3Fbill%3DHB2413%26year%3D2024%26code%3DR&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDk5y_wfyFAxUH5MkDHbmaDeYQFnoECBEQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ClNNgrpszDRIiUdHV-j8-">A wide-ranging women’s health care bill</a>&nbsp;that stalled in the House for months over concerns about expanding coverage for birth control is a step away from the governor’s desk — though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/06/missouri-senate-stalls-out-quickly-on-return-after-41-hour-filibuster/">dysfunction in the Senate</a>&nbsp;could derail its chances of becoming law.&nbsp;The bill, an effort by a bipartisan group of five women lawmakers across the House and Senate, would be “a game changer” for women’s health, said state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield.With provisions focused on annual supply birth control, congenital syphilis, mammograms, STI treatment and rape test kits, the legislation is sponsored by Stinnett; state Sen. Elaine Gannon, a DeSoto Republican; State Rep. Tara Peters, a Rolla Republican; State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat; and state Rep. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat.“We need to focus on women’s health, children’s health, babies’ health,” Gannon said. “We have to do whatever we can do to produce healthy people.”Though it got its initial committee hearing in January, the House didn’t pass the bill and send it to the Senate until late April. The delay was caused by a number of Republicans expressing concerns that birth control could be used as an abortifacient, the bill’s sponsors said.Since passing the House with approval from 60 Republicans and 45 Democrats, it has moved quickly in the Senate and was approved unanimously by the chamber’s emerging issues committee on Monday.&nbsp;“This bill was on life support several times as it moved its way forward,” Lewis said. “But no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, it’s politically advantageous to support women’s health care right now.”The sponsors remain hopeful the bill can make it across the finish line before session ends on May 17.But progress in the Senate is stalled as infighting between the Freedom Caucus and Senate Republican leadership has left the chamber with little to show as they run up against a deadline to pass the state budget.&nbsp;Also hanging in limbo is a bill that would make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/25/missouri-initiative-petition-bill-ballot-candy-reinstated/">more difficult to pass citizen-led constitutional amendments</a>, legislation Democrats have staunchly opposed, fearing it could inhibit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/03/missourians-signatures-abortion-amendment-viability/">an abortion rights proposal</a>&nbsp;expected to land on the November ballot.&nbsp;The sponsors of the women’s health care bill argue that unlike other legislation, theirs should not be controversial and thus shouldn’t be a casualty of Senate gridlock.&nbsp;“If the supermajority knew how to govern, they could bulldoze anything through,” Lewis said.&nbsp; “But they are too busy fighting amongst themselves and ultimately playing games with people’s lives.”&nbsp;<h2>Annual supply birth control</h2>Peters said if there’s one thing she’s learned in her freshman term in the House, it’s that all it takes to mount a campaign to kill a bill is the word “abortion.”The legislation, which would&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/29/birth-control-poll-missouri-contraceptives/">allow women on private insurance to pick up an annual supply of contraceptives</a>&nbsp;rather than going to the pharmacy every few months, is already law in 26 states. Studies show this increase in access and continuity can help prevent unintended pregnancy. It does not apply to abortifacients.Stinnett, who has a master’s degree in health care administration and who serves as vice chair of the House Healthcare Reform Committee, said several Republican colleagues had questions about hormonal contraceptives and whether drugs that induce abortions fall under the statute.&nbsp;“At every turn we either had to educate or deflate or talk against what wasn’t true,” Peters said, adding that some lawmakers were spreading inaccurate information that the bill had to do with abortion drugs.After whipping the bill several times, Peters said she ultimately won over the needed support, finally moving the bill out of the House in late April, despite it receiving an initial House committee hearing in January.Only the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City were present to testify in opposition of the birth control policy.<a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/1dKPOmnypv">A recent survey released by The Right Time</a>, a family planning initiative through the Missouri Family Health Council Inc., showed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/29/birth-control-poll-missouri-contraceptives/">Missourians overwhelmingly support access to contraceptives,&nbsp;</a>but some fear their lawmakers could pass laws limiting that availability.Of the 1,000 Missourians polled between the ages of 18 and 35, 77% said they believed there should be access to annual supplies of birth control.“I would have to dig pretty deep to find out when the last proactive sexual and reproductive health care legislation of a ‘women’s health type’ passed,” said Mandy Hagseth, the council’s director of policy and external affairs. “So it does not come often and it does not come easy.”Hagseth previously told The Independent that in conversations with women around Missouri, the council learned that access to clinics, lack of consistent transportation and balancing work and children are often barriers to picking up their contraception consistently, which can create gaps in use and increase the chances of an unintended pregnancy.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://powertodecide.org/what-we-do/contraceptive-deserts">More than 373,000 Missouri women live in contraceptive deserts,&nbsp;</a>which they define as a place where there’s not reasonable access to a full range of contraceptive methods, according to data compiled by Power to Decide. Most are in rural counties.“The Senate has an opportunity to pass a really important, pro-active women’s health bill,” Hagseth said. “At a time that it’s woefully needed sort of generally and politically.”<h2>Congenital syphilis testing</h2>In 2022,<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/alertsadvisories/pdf/update022724-1.pdf">&nbsp;Missouri recorded 81 congenital syphilis cases</a>&nbsp;— the most in 30 years, the state health department said in an alert distributed earlier this year.&nbsp;From 2017 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases rose 219% across the country; in Missouri, they rose 593%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2012 and 2015, one stillbirth from a congenital syphilis case was reported in Missouri. Since then, there’s been at least one infant death every year, with 18 deaths reported between 2016 and 2022, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;Mothers can pass along congenital syphilis in utero at any point in pregnancy. But if caught before the baby passes through the birth canal, the disease is reversible in the womb.For adults, the symptoms, if there are any, can include a rash on the palms of a person’s hands or on the soles of their feet, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes or sores. Often these symptoms go away on their own, even though they are still contagious.&nbsp; If a mother is infected within four weeks of delivering their baby and doesn’t get treatment, the infant has a 40% chance of dying at birth or shortly after, according to the CDC.Right now, only two syphilis tests are required in pregnancy: one in the first trimester and one at birth. The bill would also require a third trimester test for HIV and hepatitis C and hepatitis B, which can cause liver damage in infants.&nbsp;&nbsp;This legislation hopes to address this outbreak by adding additional optional testing for women around 28 weeks of pregnancy during their regularly-scheduled appointment.&nbsp;“Anything we can do to ensure that baby is born healthy, that’s what we need to be doing,” Gannon said.<h2>Mammograms, STI treatment and forensic exams</h2>McCreery said after she went in for a mammogram at the start of the year, she received a “weird form letter” that left her thinking she needed additional testing to ensure she didn’t have breast cancer.&nbsp;New federal regulations for mammograms are now at odds with Missouri’s statute, so this bill would update the language given to patients after a cancer screening to be less confusing, as the current language may cause unnecessary concern.“We need to speak in clear, easy to understand terms when we’re communicating with somebody after they’ve had an exam like that,” McCreery said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715250580053.png" alt=" Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, prepares to introduce a bill during the 2024 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, prepares to introduce a bill during the 2024 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill also hopes to make treatment easier for trichomoniasis, an infection that’s more common in women then men.&nbsp;Under current state statute, if someone is diagnosed with gonorrhea and chlamydia, their doctor is allowed to also treat the patient’s sexual partner in a process called expedited partner therapy. Under this legislation, trichomoniasis would also be added to that list, and it would open the door for syphilis to also be added if federal guidelines change as syphilis rates rise.The final piece of the legislation would smooth out a law passed in 2022 that requires survivors of rape or sexual assault be given&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/22info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=71259740">the option to ask for a forensic exam.</a>Right now, speciality hospitals without emergency departments are not exempt from the statute, meaning survivors can be taken to health care providers without access to rape test kits. This statute would require that patients initially seen at specialty hospitals be transferred to a hospital with an emergency department equipped to do a forensic exam.

Fate of ‘game changer’ women’s health care bill in hands of Missouri Senate

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 New Holland T640 driven by Timothy J. Oswald, 43, Fairfax, was westbound on 270th at Kettle Avenue four miles west of Fairfax.

The driver fell asleep. The tractor traveled off south side of the road down an embankment and overturned. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Oswald to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp;

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 New Holland T640 driven by Timothy J. Oswald, 43, Fairfax, was westbound on 270th at Kettle Avenue four miles west of Fairfax.The driver fell asleep. The tractor traveled off south side of the road down an embankment and overturned. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Oswald to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp;

Mo. man injured after he fell asleep while driving a tractor 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly skipping court.

On Tuesday, police arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah D. Holliday of&nbsp; Broken Arrow Oklahoma, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Holliday is being held without bond on a State of Oklahoma warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715202771133.png" alt="Holliday-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Holliday-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly skipping court.On Tuesday, police arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah D. Holliday of&nbsp; Broken Arrow Oklahoma, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Holliday is being held without bond on a State of Oklahoma warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

Man jailed in Kansas for skipping court in Oklahoma

St. Joseph’s new executive director of the
Performing Arts Association is eager to get started.

Paul Storiale comes to St. Joseph after stints in
Los Angeles, Wyoming, and Alabama. Storiale says he checked out St. Joseph
before interviewing with Performing Arts Association board members.

“We met at a coffee shop and we sat there and I
just felt like these are my people, this is where I belong, I hope they like
me,” Storiale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp; “A few days later, maybe a week-and-a-half
later, they made me an offer.”

Storiale has been shadowing Executive Director
Beth Sharp. Sharp retires at the end of June after 19 years in the position.

Storiale comes to St. Joseph with quite a
background. He produced and directed plays in Chicago and Los Angeles. It was
on the way to LA that Storiale stopped at Littleton, Colorado and interviewed
survivors of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. That stop and those
interviews led Storiale to write and produce the award winning docu-drama “The
Columbine Project.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715183861904.jpeg" alt="Missouri Theater complex/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Theater complex/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s new executive director of the
Performing Arts Association is eager to get started.Paul Storiale comes to St. Joseph after stints in
Los Angeles, Wyoming, and Alabama. Storiale says he checked out St. Joseph
before interviewing with Performing Arts Association board members.“We met at a coffee shop and we sat there and I
just felt like these are my people, this is where I belong, I hope they like
me,” Storiale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp; “A few days later, maybe a week-and-a-half
later, they made me an offer.”Storiale has been shadowing Executive Director
Beth Sharp. Sharp retires at the end of June after 19 years in the position.Storiale comes to St. Joseph with quite a
background. He produced and directed plays in Chicago and Los Angeles. It was
on the way to LA that Storiale stopped at Littleton, Colorado and interviewed
survivors of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. That stop and those
interviews led Storiale to write and produce the award winning docu-drama “The
Columbine Project.”Storiale has served as Performing Arts Manager at
the Heritage Center Theatre in Gillette, Wyoming and Assistant General Manager
of the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Alabama.Storiale says the opening in St. Joseph had a
strong attraction for him.“I think it’s the opportunities, the
opportunities both within the arts arena and the ‘living life to your fullest.’”Not just through the job, but personally.
Storiale says he’s tired of living in apartments and appreciates that he can
own a house in St. Joseph.Storiale says St. Joseph has something special in
the Missouri Theater.“I was warned that a lot of people here don’t
know what they have. And I hope that they do. I don’t know if that’s true,”
Storiale says. “But I know that the people that I’ve talked to are very proud
of it. And I’ve talked to people who aren’t interested in theater and they know
the Missouri Theater and they are very proud of it, but maybe they’ve never been
in it.”Storiale begins his new duties July 1st.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-St--Joseph-Performing-Arts-Association-Executive-Director-e2je2b6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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