Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is leading a coalition of seven states challenging a rule by the Biden administration that would preempt state restrictions on gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

Filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on Wednesday, the states are seeking to block the regulation and prevent the federal government from enforcing similar mandates.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">rule</a>&nbsp;seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The rule was set to go into effect July 5, with some provisions beginning later. But another coalition of attorneys general succeeded in their petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/03/politics/transgender-anti-discrimination-protections-biden-chevron/index.html" target="_blank">block its implementation</a>&nbsp;just two days prior. The judge in that case cited the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/u-s-supreme-court-flips-precedent-that-empowered-federal-agencies/">U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn “Chevron Deference,”</a>&nbsp;a precedent that gave regulatory authority to federal agencies when statute is unclear.

Bailey, along with attorneys general from Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho and Arkansas, argues that the rule conflicts with their states’ restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Each has varying restrictions on payments for gender-affirming treatment, with Missouri blocking payment for all treatments for medical transition through Medicaid and CHIP.

“… states will be unable to enforce these duly enacted laws and longstanding policies without coming into conflict with the rule,” the attorneys general wrote in the lawsuit.

The American College of Pediatricians joins the attorneys general as a plaintiff. The ACPeds is a group of 400 physicians and other health care professionals in 47 states with a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy.

“ACPeds members categorically do not provide medical interventions or referrals for, and do not facilitate or speak in ways that affirm the legitimacy of, the practice of ‘gender transition,’” the attorneys general wrote.

The lawsuit alleges that the organization’s pediatricians would suffer “significant financial harm to lose eligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.”

One pediatrician in Utah is quoted in the lawsuit saying he would not “self-censor his opinions on transition efforts if the rule goes into effect.”

Predicting his noncompliance with the rule, the Utah pediatrician “faces the prospect of no longer caring for his patients, being fired from his employment and being unable to practice medicine in most settings,” the attorneys general wrote.

The rule violates physicians’ freedom of assembly, the lawsuit states, “by coercing them to participate in facilities, programs, groups and other healthcare-related endeavors that are contrary to their views and that express messages with which they disagree.”

The lawsuit also says it “coerces ACPeds members’ speech.”

“By forcing ACPeds members to tell patients directly, on their walls, and on their websites that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, the rule forces ACPeds members to speak falsely, and it forces ACPeds members to fatally undermine their communication of their own medical ethical standards,” it says.

Beyond questions of constitutionality, the attorneys general allege that the rule goes beyond congressional authorization.

The rule interprets gender identity as protected by both including gender dysphoria as a disability and interpreting sex discrimination to include gender identity. The attorneys general disagree with this application.

Key to the case will be the judge’s interpretation of the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court Case Bostock v. Clayton County, in which a majority of justices ruled that gender identity was protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf" target="_blank">Title VII</a>, which is on employment discrimination.

The rule leans on some courts’ interpretation that transfers the Bostock decision to Title IX and the Affordable Care Act, according to its publication in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">Federal Register</a>. But the attorneys general cite decisions from judges in red states that do not allow Bostock to apply outside of Title VII.

The Department of Health and Human Services, which is the defendant in the litigation, did not respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701262449456.png" alt="&nbsp;A federal rule seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A federal rule seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder).</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is leading a coalition of seven states challenging a rule by the Biden administration that would preempt state restrictions on gender-affirming care.&nbsp;Filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on Wednesday, the states are seeking to block the regulation and prevent the federal government from enforcing similar mandates.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">rule</a>&nbsp;seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.The rule was set to go into effect July 5, with some provisions beginning later. But another coalition of attorneys general succeeded in their petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/03/politics/transgender-anti-discrimination-protections-biden-chevron/index.html" target="_blank">block its implementation</a>&nbsp;just two days prior. The judge in that case cited the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/u-s-supreme-court-flips-precedent-that-empowered-federal-agencies/">U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn “Chevron Deference,”</a>&nbsp;a precedent that gave regulatory authority to federal agencies when statute is unclear.Bailey, along with attorneys general from Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho and Arkansas, argues that the rule conflicts with their states’ restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Each has varying restrictions on payments for gender-affirming treatment, with Missouri blocking payment for all treatments for medical transition through Medicaid and CHIP.“… states will be unable to enforce these duly enacted laws and longstanding policies without coming into conflict with the rule,” the attorneys general wrote in the lawsuit.The American College of Pediatricians joins the attorneys general as a plaintiff. The ACPeds is a group of 400 physicians and other health care professionals in 47 states with a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy.“ACPeds members categorically do not provide medical interventions or referrals for, and do not facilitate or speak in ways that affirm the legitimacy of, the practice of ‘gender transition,’” the attorneys general wrote.The lawsuit alleges that the organization’s pediatricians would suffer “significant financial harm to lose eligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.”One pediatrician in Utah is quoted in the lawsuit saying he would not “self-censor his opinions on transition efforts if the rule goes into effect.”Predicting his noncompliance with the rule, the Utah pediatrician “faces the prospect of no longer caring for his patients, being fired from his employment and being unable to practice medicine in most settings,” the attorneys general wrote.The rule violates physicians’ freedom of assembly, the lawsuit states, “by coercing them to participate in facilities, programs, groups and other healthcare-related endeavors that are contrary to their views and that express messages with which they disagree.”The lawsuit also says it “coerces ACPeds members’ speech.”“By forcing ACPeds members to tell patients directly, on their walls, and on their websites that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, the rule forces ACPeds members to speak falsely, and it forces ACPeds members to fatally undermine their communication of their own medical ethical standards,” it says.Beyond questions of constitutionality, the attorneys general allege that the rule goes beyond congressional authorization.The rule interprets gender identity as protected by both including gender dysphoria as a disability and interpreting sex discrimination to include gender identity. The attorneys general disagree with this application.Key to the case will be the judge’s interpretation of the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court Case Bostock v. Clayton County, in which a majority of justices ruled that gender identity was protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf" target="_blank">Title VII</a>, which is on employment discrimination.The rule leans on some courts’ interpretation that transfers the Bostock decision to Title IX and the Affordable Care Act, according to its publication in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">Federal Register</a>. But the attorneys general cite decisions from judges in red states that do not allow Bostock to apply outside of Title VII.The Department of Health and Human Services, which is the defendant in the litigation, did not respond to a request for comment.

Missouri leads 7 states challenging health care protections for transgender Americans

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an injury crash have made an arrest.

On July 2,&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown County Deputies responded to a report of an injury accident in the vicinity of U.S. 73 Highway near 220th, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the accident investigation, it was determined that&nbsp; 38-year-old William Bundy of Bellevue, Nebraska who was driving a 2024 Dodge pickup crossed the center line and struck a 2014 KIA Optima.&nbsp;

 Both drivers were taken to Amberwell by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; 

On Wednesday, Merchant reported deputies arrested Bundy on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault of&nbsp; a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstruction, DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Opiate and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720643967190.png" alt="Bundy photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Bundy photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an injury crash have made an arrest.On July 2,&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown County Deputies responded to a report of an injury accident in the vicinity of U.S. 73 Highway near 220th, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Upon conclusion of the accident investigation, it was determined that&nbsp; 38-year-old William Bundy of Bellevue, Nebraska who was driving a 2024 Dodge pickup crossed the center line and struck a 2014 KIA Optima.&nbsp; Both drivers were taken to Amberwell by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; On Wednesday, Merchant reported deputies arrested Bundy on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault of&nbsp; a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstruction, DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Opiate and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Nebraska driver arrested after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

Pivotal Point Transitional Housing announced Rick Lipira as its new Executive Director, effective August 1.

Rick will work alongside former executive director Melissa Frakes, who announced her retirement this spring, until she transitions to a social work position with Pivotal Point.

Lipira recently served as Associate Pastor and Director of Finance at Grace Calvary Chapel, where he oversaw budgeting, financial management and community engagement. He was also a Certified Budget Coach for Crown Financial.

For decades, Lipira was the owner of Jim Walters Construction Co, Inc. The company’s many projects included housing, nursing homes, independent and skilled health care facilities, group homes and new and renovated offices. They also worked closely with numerous school and early childhood learning centers and churches.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Rick to the Pivotal Point family,” says Tom Richmond, Board Chair in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Rick for many years, and he possesses a deep understanding of the challenges many in our community face. Coupled with his mature faith and strong foundation in biblical principles, I’m confident his leadership skills and strategic vision can guide Pivotal Point to even greater heights.”

“I am deeply inspired by Pivotal Point’s mission and values and am enthusiastic to work with our dedicated staff and those in our program as they work toward self-sufficiency,” said Lipira. “Pivotal Point’s dedication to those in need truly resonates with me. I look forward to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to find stable housing and build a brighter future.”

Lipira will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Pivotal Point's operations, including strategic vision and goals, fundraising, program development and staff leadership.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostPivotal Point Transitional Housing announced Rick Lipira as its new Executive Director, effective August 1.Rick will work alongside former executive director Melissa Frakes, who announced her retirement this spring, until she transitions to a social work position with Pivotal Point.Lipira recently served as Associate Pastor and Director of Finance at Grace Calvary Chapel, where he oversaw budgeting, financial management and community engagement. He was also a Certified Budget Coach for Crown Financial.For decades, Lipira was the owner of Jim Walters Construction Co, Inc. The company’s many projects included housing, nursing homes, independent and skilled health care facilities, group homes and new and renovated offices. They also worked closely with numerous school and early childhood learning centers and churches.“We are incredibly excited to welcome Rick to the Pivotal Point family,” says Tom Richmond, Board Chair in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Rick for many years, and he possesses a deep understanding of the challenges many in our community face. Coupled with his mature faith and strong foundation in biblical principles, I’m confident his leadership skills and strategic vision can guide Pivotal Point to even greater heights.”“I am deeply inspired by Pivotal Point’s mission and values and am enthusiastic to work with our dedicated staff and those in our program as they work toward self-sufficiency,” said Lipira. “Pivotal Point’s dedication to those in need truly resonates with me. I look forward to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to find stable housing and build a brighter future.”Lipira will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Pivotal Point's operations, including strategic vision and goals, fundraising, program development and staff leadership.

Pivotal Point names Rick Lipira as New Executive Director

Exploration of the potential for a Buchanan County Fairgrounds in Easton continues to progress.  

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson says the proposed fairgrounds would take the place of the current East Buchanan Middle School, which will move to Gower in 2025.  

Nelson says one obstacle in planning where the fairgrounds could go is the potential for growth. 

"I mean there might be five to ten acres there at Easton, but what if," Nelson tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "Well, that group has talked to landowners to the north and east and tried to work out an arrangement with them, so that if it was ever to need to expand, they could do that." 

Nelson says he's felt for some time now that the potential of a county fair and fairgrounds in Buchanan County is an exciting and good opportunity. 

Nelson says a central goal in developing a fairground is to provide opportunities for kids.  

"So, they can show their animals, and whatever comes from that great, and it gives them an opportunity, these kids are going to different counties to show their stuff, so why wouldn't we, we're a big county" Nelson explains. "A fairground in the county would project I think this county forward, make it a better place." 

Nelson says the idea of fairgrounds also fits in with the 2040 plan put together by the Community Alliance 

"What are we trying to do? We're trying to make St. Joseph and the county a better place to live, and people want to come to and live," Nelson says. "So, it's a small piece of the puzzle, believe me, but it's a start why wouldn't we do it?" 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Exploration of the potential for a Buchanan County Fairgrounds in Easton continues to progress. Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson says the proposed fairgrounds would take the place of the current East Buchanan Middle School, which will move to Gower in 2025. Nelson says one obstacle in planning where the fairgrounds could go is the potential for growth. "I mean there might be five to ten acres there at Easton, but what if," Nelson tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "Well, that group has talked to landowners to the north and east and tried to work out an arrangement with them, so that if it was ever to need to expand, they could do that." Nelson says he's felt for some time now that the potential of a county fair and fairgrounds in Buchanan County is an exciting and good opportunity. Nelson says a central goal in developing a fairground is to provide opportunities for kids. "So, they can show their animals, and whatever comes from that great, and it gives them an opportunity, these kids are going to different counties to show their stuff, so why wouldn't we, we're a big county" Nelson explains. "A fairground in the county would project I think this county forward, make it a better place." Nelson says the idea of fairgrounds also fits in with the 2040 plan put together by the Community Alliance "What are we trying to do? We're trying to make St. Joseph and the county a better place to live, and people want to come to and live," Nelson says. "So, it's a small piece of the puzzle, believe me, but it's a start why wouldn't we do it?"

County still considering turning Easton school into fairgrounds

The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.

What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;

Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.

The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;

Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.

“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;

Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;

Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?

Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;

Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;

Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;

The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;

“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;

Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive

Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;

Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;

“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;

The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;

Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;

In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;

The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;

The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;

Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

<h2>The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720628368995.png" alt="The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>TAKEAWAYS<ul>
 <li>Republicans say asking patients why they want an abortion provides useful information that can inform future state laws.</li><li>Democrats say the law is intrusive and unnecessary.&nbsp;</li><li>Medical providers have to ask the question, but patients don’t have to answer it.</li>
 </ul>What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;<h2>Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?</h2>Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;<h2>Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;</h2>The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;<h2>Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive</h2>Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;<h2>The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;</h2>Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

Newest abortion law in Kansas requires putting questions to patients. Here’s what that means

The lieutenant governor is next in line to be governor, breaks ties in the Missouri Senate and sits on various boards

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

When Eric Greitens was forced to resign from the Missouri governor’s office in 2018, he was replaced by Lt. Gov. Mike Parson.

Two years later, Parson won a full term of his own.&nbsp;

Being next in line for governor is the major constitutional requirement for the lieutenant governor. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;

Five Republicans hope to win their party’s nomination for lieutenant governor on Aug. 6, vying for a job that involves sitting on&nbsp;<a href="https://ltgov.mo.gov/boards-commissions/" target="_blank">various boards</a>&nbsp;and breaking ties in the Missouri Senate.

Despite its limited constitutional authority,&nbsp;millions are being spent to capture the GOP nod heading into the fall, where the winner will take on one of two Democrats — state Rep. Richard Brown of Kansas City or Anastasia Syes of St. Louis&nbsp; — and Libertarian Ken Iverson of Lake St. Louis.

Rehder, of Scott City, served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2020.

The work she’s most proud of in the legislature, she said in an interview, was helping pass policies to “help people out of poverty, help them become self-reliant and and help with the mental health struggles we see,” pointing to veteran suicides and the opioid epidemic.

“I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “I grew up on the system and got myself out, turning into a business owner, starting from the ground up, not because anyone handed me anything but because it was because I worked for it and took the risk.”

Rehder, who married at 15 and had a daughter at 16, sponsored legislation this year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">to ban child marriage</a>, which narrowly failed.&nbsp;

She also sponsored legislation last year to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">prohibit transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;from competing in sports that align with their gender identity, which was signed into law.

Before politics, Rehder worked in the cable television industry and co-founded a cable contracting company.&nbsp;She is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

She said she decided to run for lieutenant governor to make a larger impact on people’s lives than she can as a senator, with the opportunity to “delve into some policy issues and really fight to help people.” Areas she is particularly interested in focusing attention toward include the foster care system and veterans’ mental health.

Rehder&nbsp;has&nbsp;$302,928 cash on hand&nbsp;in her&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C111145" target="_blank">campaign fund</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;$264,596&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C211685" target="_blank">Southern Drawl PAC</a>, her joint fundraising committee, as of April 15 filings. Her campaign fund had spent $190,055 and the PAC had spent $40,508 on the campaign, as of April 15.

Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.

He ran for auditor in 2018 and lost in the GOP primary.

Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-courts-wallstreet/small-firm-lawyer-takes-on-wall-street-and-wins-twice-idUSBREA1F0M120140217/" target="_blank">representing whistleblowers</a>&nbsp;in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;

Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”&nbsp;

As of April 15&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C242714" target="_blank">filings</a>, Wasinger’s campaign had $222,554 cash on hand and had spent&nbsp;$17,759. Since then, he has donated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mec.mo.gov/CampaignFinanceReports/Generator.aspx?Keys=UQggPoJftVkEEf1ZNi5D6RYZJXNG2vDba4ENMvWHEVCvOWH17nTkRAj158jgMKdNeOyoKXtQSV%2fNHBQgEqUF0LAzRPhHahiB" target="_blank">$1.5 million</a>&nbsp;of his own money to the campaign.&nbsp;

Hough, of Springfield, first won election to the Missouri House in 2010 and won a seat on the Greene County Commission in 2016. Two years later, he was elected to the Senate and was re-elected last year.

Hough is a “first-generation cattleman” who started his cattle ranch when he was in seventh grade. He graduated from Missouri State University.

“The most important thing I would want people to know about me is that I’m a self made person,” he said. “And I don’t come from a political family. I don’t come from money.”&nbsp;

Hough has served as chairman of the powerful Senate appropriations committee since last year, giving him huge influence over the state budget.&nbsp;

He said he’s proudest of his work in the legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">cutting the income tax</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/19/missouri-senate-committee-triples-funding-for-widening-i-70-across-the-state/">investing in Interstate 70</a>&nbsp;and providing state funds to support the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-sends-bill-funding-border-deployment-to-the-senate/">National Guard when it was dispatched to the US-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;by the governor.&nbsp; He also said that in his time as chairman “we have completely&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/23/missouri-senate-passes-4-6b-spending-bill-with-pay-raises-federal-school-funds/">defunded Planned Parenthood,”&nbsp;</a>by preventing it from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.

&nbsp;“I’ve got a good track record of actually getting things done in Jefferson City,” he said, “and not just not just doing the kind of the political talking points that people like to do.”&nbsp;

Hough said he sees the focus of the lieutenant governor as&nbsp; “promoting Missouri,” and “supporting the workforce initiatives of the governor.”

Hough’s&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C091272" target="_blank">campaign fund</a>&nbsp;had $377,679 cash on hand as of April 15. A joint fundraising PAC,&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C171164" target="_blank">Lincoln PAC</a>, had roughly $1.2 million.&nbsp;

His campaign fund had spent&nbsp;$138,222 and the PAC had spent $143,683 as of April 15.

Berry, a St. Louis County businessman, has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/24/republican-lg-hopeful-files-lawsuit-seeking-to-toss-out-71-missouri-initiative-petitions/">run unsuccessfully</a>&nbsp;in five campaigns since 2012.&nbsp;

He has also filed numerous lawsuits that have either been dismissed or withdrawn, including one intended to force state lawmakers to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-congressional-candidate-paul-berry-files-redistricting-lawsuit/39389086#" target="_blank">pass a congressional redistricting map</a>&nbsp;and another alleging election irregularities cost him victory in his&nbsp;<a href="https://callnewspapers.com/paul-berrys-lawsuit-asking-for-new-county-executive-election-is-dismissed/" target="_blank">22 percentage-point loss</a>&nbsp;in the 2020 St. Louis County Executive race.

Though he isn’t an attorney, Berry represented himself in those cases.

Berry is a bail bondsman from Bridgeton and the great-nephew of rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry.

His campaign filed a limited activity report with the Missouri Ethics Commission, meaning it raised and spent less than $500.

Baker is the county clerk in Franklin County. He lives in Robertsville and before becoming clerk ran for county commissioner three times and lost.

As county clerk, Baker said, he has focused on saving taxpayer money by reducing “wasteful spending.”

He said he believes in the importance of the boards the lieutenant governor serves on, including veterans and tourism, and would hope to bring more attention to farming in Missouri.

“Farming is our number one industry in our state,” he said. “And a lot of people, especially in the urban areas, don’t necessarily know what a farm looks like or where their food comes from whenever you go out and talk to folks. And it would be nice to bring that to the forefront too.”

Baker has $5,646 on hand, according to April 15&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C180071" target="_blank">filings</a>, and had spent $4,079.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704198327621.png" alt="The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, as pictured September 26, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, as pictured September 26, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The lieutenant governor is next in line to be governor, breaks ties in the Missouri Senate and sits on various boards</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>When Eric Greitens was forced to resign from the Missouri governor’s office in 2018, he was replaced by Lt. Gov. Mike Parson.Two years later, Parson won a full term of his own.&nbsp;Being next in line for governor is the major constitutional requirement for the lieutenant governor. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;Five Republicans hope to win their party’s nomination for lieutenant governor on Aug. 6, vying for a job that involves sitting on&nbsp;<a href="https://ltgov.mo.gov/boards-commissions/" target="_blank">various boards</a>&nbsp;and breaking ties in the Missouri Senate.Despite its limited constitutional authority,&nbsp;millions are being spent to capture the GOP nod heading into the fall, where the winner will take on one of two Democrats — state Rep. Richard Brown of Kansas City or Anastasia Syes of St. Louis&nbsp; — and Libertarian Ken Iverson of Lake St. Louis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613034642.png" alt="&nbsp;Holly Rehder (photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Holly Rehder (photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Holly Thompson Rehder</h2>Rehder, of Scott City, served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2020.The work she’s most proud of in the legislature, she said in an interview, was helping pass policies to “help people out of poverty, help them become self-reliant and and help with the mental health struggles we see,” pointing to veteran suicides and the opioid epidemic.“I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “I grew up on the system and got myself out, turning into a business owner, starting from the ground up, not because anyone handed me anything but because it was because I worked for it and took the risk.”Rehder, who married at 15 and had a daughter at 16, sponsored legislation this year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">to ban child marriage</a>, which narrowly failed.&nbsp;She also sponsored legislation last year to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">prohibit transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;from competing in sports that align with their gender identity, which was signed into law.Before politics, Rehder worked in the cable television industry and co-founded a cable contracting company.&nbsp;She is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.She said she decided to run for lieutenant governor to make a larger impact on people’s lives than she can as a senator, with the opportunity to “delve into some policy issues and really fight to help people.” Areas she is particularly interested in focusing attention toward include the foster care system and veterans’ mental health.Rehder&nbsp;has&nbsp;$302,928 cash on hand&nbsp;in her&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C111145" target="_blank">campaign fund</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;$264,596&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C211685" target="_blank">Southern Drawl PAC</a>, her joint fundraising committee, as of April 15 filings. Her campaign fund had spent $190,055 and the PAC had spent $40,508 on the campaign, as of April 15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613080951.png" alt="Dave Wasinger (photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Dave Wasinger (photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dave Wasinger</h2>Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.He ran for auditor in 2018 and lost in the GOP primary.Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-courts-wallstreet/small-firm-lawyer-takes-on-wall-street-and-wins-twice-idUSBREA1F0M120140217/" target="_blank">representing whistleblowers</a>&nbsp;in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”&nbsp;As of April 15&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C242714" target="_blank">filings</a>, Wasinger’s campaign had $222,554 cash on hand and had spent&nbsp;$17,759. Since then, he has donated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mec.mo.gov/CampaignFinanceReports/Generator.aspx?Keys=UQggPoJftVkEEf1ZNi5D6RYZJXNG2vDba4ENMvWHEVCvOWH17nTkRAj158jgMKdNeOyoKXtQSV%2fNHBQgEqUF0LAzRPhHahiB" target="_blank">$1.5 million</a>&nbsp;of his own money to the campaign.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613124250.png" alt="Lincoln Hough (courtesy of Missouri Senate)." />
 <figcaption>Lincoln Hough (courtesy of Missouri Senate).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln Hough</h2>Hough, of Springfield, first won election to the Missouri House in 2010 and won a seat on the Greene County Commission in 2016. Two years later, he was elected to the Senate and was re-elected last year.Hough is a “first-generation cattleman” who started his cattle ranch when he was in seventh grade. He graduated from Missouri State University.“The most important thing I would want people to know about me is that I’m a self made person,” he said. “And I don’t come from a political family. I don’t come from money.”&nbsp;Hough has served as chairman of the powerful Senate appropriations committee since last year, giving him huge influence over the state budget.&nbsp;He said he’s proudest of his work in the legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">cutting the income tax</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/19/missouri-senate-committee-triples-funding-for-widening-i-70-across-the-state/">investing in Interstate 70</a>&nbsp;and providing state funds to support the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-sends-bill-funding-border-deployment-to-the-senate/">National Guard when it was dispatched to the US-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;by the governor.&nbsp; He also said that in his time as chairman “we have completely&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/23/missouri-senate-passes-4-6b-spending-bill-with-pay-raises-federal-school-funds/">defunded Planned Parenthood,”&nbsp;</a>by preventing it from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.&nbsp;“I’ve got a good track record of actually getting things done in Jefferson City,” he said, “and not just not just doing the kind of the political talking points that people like to do.”&nbsp;Hough said he sees the focus of the lieutenant governor as&nbsp; “promoting Missouri,” and “supporting the workforce initiatives of the governor.”Hough’s&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C091272" target="_blank">campaign fund</a>&nbsp;had $377,679 cash on hand as of April 15. A joint fundraising PAC,&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C171164" target="_blank">Lincoln PAC</a>, had roughly $1.2 million.&nbsp;His campaign fund had spent&nbsp;$138,222 and the PAC had spent $143,683 as of April 15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613155329.png" alt="Paul Berry III" />
 <figcaption>Paul Berry III</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Paul Berry III</h2>Berry, a St. Louis County businessman, has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/24/republican-lg-hopeful-files-lawsuit-seeking-to-toss-out-71-missouri-initiative-petitions/">run unsuccessfully</a>&nbsp;in five campaigns since 2012.&nbsp;He has also filed numerous lawsuits that have either been dismissed or withdrawn, including one intended to force state lawmakers to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-congressional-candidate-paul-berry-files-redistricting-lawsuit/39389086#" target="_blank">pass a congressional redistricting map</a>&nbsp;and another alleging election irregularities cost him victory in his&nbsp;<a href="https://callnewspapers.com/paul-berrys-lawsuit-asking-for-new-county-executive-election-is-dismissed/" target="_blank">22 percentage-point loss</a>&nbsp;in the 2020 St. Louis County Executive race.Though he isn’t an attorney, Berry represented himself in those cases.Berry is a bail bondsman from Bridgeton and the great-nephew of rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry.His campaign filed a limited activity report with the Missouri Ethics Commission, meaning it raised and spent less than $500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613253993.png" alt="Tim Baker (photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Tim Baker (photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tim Baker</h2>Baker is the county clerk in Franklin County. He lives in Robertsville and before becoming clerk ran for county commissioner three times and lost.As county clerk, Baker said, he has focused on saving taxpayer money by reducing “wasteful spending.”He said he believes in the importance of the boards the lieutenant governor serves on, including veterans and tourism, and would hope to bring more attention to farming in Missouri.“Farming is our number one industry in our state,” he said. “And a lot of people, especially in the urban areas, don’t necessarily know what a farm looks like or where their food comes from whenever you go out and talk to folks. And it would be nice to bring that to the forefront too.”Baker has $5,646 on hand, according to April 15&nbsp;<a href="https://mec.mo.gov/MEC/Campaign_Finance/CommInfo.aspx?MECID=C180071" target="_blank">filings</a>, and had spent $4,079.

Crowded GOP primary field vying to be Missouri’s next lieutenant governor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/graceburwell/">GRACE BURWELL</a>

Construction crews began work Monday night on an ambitious $2.8 billion project that will expand Interstate 70 to three lanes across Missouri.

Crews are first tackling a stretch from Route J at Millersburg to Route M at Hatton, 7 miles of a 20-mile section that will ultimately add a third lane in each direction from Columbia to Kingdom City.

The overnight schedule is designed to minimize traffic disruptions as the highway work progresses from the center of the state to other portions at the east and west ends of the highway.

The project’s first 20-mile section is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Subsequent phases include improving stretches of highway from Warrenton to Wentzville and from Blue Springs to Odessa. The entire project is expected to be finished by 2030.

Road crews will first close the westbound lane from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. nightly to lay new asphalt that will strengthen the highway shoulders, said the state’s Improve I-70 central project director, Jeff Gander.

When that portion is done, the eastbound lane will be closed to traffic. Estimated completion is this summer.

“After they get that shoulder-strengthening done, they’re going to re-stripe the highway to push traffic more toward the outsides, and then they’ll be setting barrier wall all along the inside to barrier off the median so we can perform our work in there,” Gander said.

In addition to adding a third lane each way to the 20 miles between the U.S. 63 and U.S. 54 exits, crews will improve the intersections of U.S. 63 and I-70 in Columbia and between U.S. 54 and I-70 in Kingdom City.

Missouri Department of Transportation plans to begin working on the U.S. 63-Interstate-70 connector this summer, while construction on U.S. 54 will likely not start until 2025, Gander said.

A St. Charles-based contractor, Millstone Weber, was selected to do the first section, which has a $405 million price tag. The contractor intends to avoid impacting local traffic by keeping two lanes open during construction at all times, with the exception of some temporary closures at night.

“What we have committed to for this project is to keep two lanes of I-70 flowing at all peak times, which means during the day,” he said. “There’s a good possibility that they will have a lane closed at night, both eastbound and westbound at the same time.”

MoDOT did preliminary work ahead of Monday’s construction, including pavement coring, as well as subsurface boring where some of the structures will go to prepare for the design.

Since the initiative is a design-build project, highway improvement happens incrementally, Gander said. In this kind of project, the full design plans are completed while the project is underway.

“When we actually award this contract, we don’t have full design plans — we have plans that are probably at, say, 30 percent complete,” Gander said. “Right now, they are hot-and-heavy working on fully designing the rest of the project.”

The project has been on MoDOT’s unfunded agenda for almost 20 years and is the largest interstate construction program since the early 1960s. The expanded highway portion will run from Blue Springs in Jackson County to Wentzville in St. Charles County.

More than 40,000 vehicles travel between Kansas City and St. Louis each day. A third lane will allow for emergency vehicles to access crashes faster and with less traffic back-up, keeping drivers safer and less frustrated, according to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna in an earlier Missourian report.

Due to the significant highway construction happening around Columbia during the next few years, Gander said it is important for people to pay attention while driving.

Distracted driving is the main issue that highway construction workers must deal with, he said.

“When this project gets really rolling, and we have all the different areas that we’re working on, we could have upwards of around 300 people out there working on a day-to-day basis, including our prime contractor and our subcontractors,” he said.

“Our goal is for everybody to go home safe, so we really need the public’s help for that.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/long-awaited-i-70-expansion-project-begins-near-columbia/article_0cde008a-3d48-11ef-a41e-7ff24996b4b8.html#tncms-source=Featured" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720571482343.png" alt="Construction on Interstate 70 begins Monday in Columbia. The $2.8 billion project is expected to be finished by 2030 (Sarah Voyles/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption>Construction on Interstate 70 begins Monday in Columbia. The $2.8 billion project is expected to be finished by 2030 (Sarah Voyles/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/graceburwell/">GRACE BURWELL</a>Construction crews began work Monday night on an ambitious $2.8 billion project that will expand Interstate 70 to three lanes across Missouri.Crews are first tackling a stretch from Route J at Millersburg to Route M at Hatton, 7 miles of a 20-mile section that will ultimately add a third lane in each direction from Columbia to Kingdom City.The overnight schedule is designed to minimize traffic disruptions as the highway work progresses from the center of the state to other portions at the east and west ends of the highway.The project’s first 20-mile section is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Subsequent phases include improving stretches of highway from Warrenton to Wentzville and from Blue Springs to Odessa. The entire project is expected to be finished by 2030.Road crews will first close the westbound lane from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. nightly to lay new asphalt that will strengthen the highway shoulders, said the state’s Improve I-70 central project director, Jeff Gander.When that portion is done, the eastbound lane will be closed to traffic. Estimated completion is this summer.“After they get that shoulder-strengthening done, they’re going to re-stripe the highway to push traffic more toward the outsides, and then they’ll be setting barrier wall all along the inside to barrier off the median so we can perform our work in there,” Gander said.In addition to adding a third lane each way to the 20 miles between the U.S. 63 and U.S. 54 exits, crews will improve the intersections of U.S. 63 and I-70 in Columbia and between U.S. 54 and I-70 in Kingdom City.Missouri Department of Transportation plans to begin working on the U.S. 63-Interstate-70 connector this summer, while construction on U.S. 54 will likely not start until 2025, Gander said.A St. Charles-based contractor, Millstone Weber, was selected to do the first section, which has a $405 million price tag. The contractor intends to avoid impacting local traffic by keeping two lanes open during construction at all times, with the exception of some temporary closures at night.“What we have committed to for this project is to keep two lanes of I-70 flowing at all peak times, which means during the day,” he said. “There’s a good possibility that they will have a lane closed at night, both eastbound and westbound at the same time.”MoDOT did preliminary work ahead of Monday’s construction, including pavement coring, as well as subsurface boring where some of the structures will go to prepare for the design.Since the initiative is a design-build project, highway improvement happens incrementally, Gander said. In this kind of project, the full design plans are completed while the project is underway.“When we actually award this contract, we don’t have full design plans — we have plans that are probably at, say, 30 percent complete,” Gander said. “Right now, they are hot-and-heavy working on fully designing the rest of the project.”The project has been on MoDOT’s unfunded agenda for almost 20 years and is the largest interstate construction program since the early 1960s. The expanded highway portion will run from Blue Springs in Jackson County to Wentzville in St. Charles County.More than 40,000 vehicles travel between Kansas City and St. Louis each day. A third lane will allow for emergency vehicles to access crashes faster and with less traffic back-up, keeping drivers safer and less frustrated, according to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna in an earlier Missourian report.Due to the significant highway construction happening around Columbia during the next few years, Gander said it is important for people to pay attention while driving.Distracted driving is the main issue that highway construction workers must deal with, he said.“When this project gets really rolling, and we have all the different areas that we’re working on, we could have upwards of around 300 people out there working on a day-to-day basis, including our prime contractor and our subcontractors,” he said.“Our goal is for everybody to go home safe, so we really need the public’s help for that.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/long-awaited-i-70-expansion-project-begins-near-columbia/article_0cde008a-3d48-11ef-a41e-7ff24996b4b8.html#tncms-source=Featured" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri’s long-awaited I-70 expansion project begins near Columbia

Expansion at Boehringer Ingelheim in St. Joseph
strengthens the Animal Health Corridor, dedicated to innovation in livestock
and pet health.

The corridor runs from Columbia, Missouri to
Manhattan, Kansas with 300 animal health companies employing more than 20,000
people in 22 counties.

Animal Health Corridor President, Kimberly Young,
says the corridor promotes the interests of those companies.

“How can we bring the global industry together,
both farm and nutrition companies, and work in areas where working together and
speaking with one voice the industry is stronger,” Young tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.

Young says Boehringer’s announcement that it is
building a cutting-edge research and development lab on its St. Joseph campus is
a welcomed addition.

“We’re thrilled that BI continues to expand and
grow in the Animal Health Corridor and in St. Joseph,” Young says.

Young says the corridor is built on the strength
of the region – it’s ties to agriculture.

“The whole reason why the corridor is here is
because we’re an ag-based economy,” Young says, adding that the ties to agriculture
stretch back to the foundation of the stockyards in St. Joseph and elsewhere
throughout the Midwest.

Recruitment of qualified workers is one of the
objectives of the Animal Health Corridor.

“They’re here and we have the talent pool here
and that is what the continued global attraction is for other companies,”
according to Young. “They want to come to an area that has an eco-system in
animal health with an organization like the Animal Health Corridor that is
exclusively focused and intentionally focused on supporting and growing the
industry.”

Young says the corridor focuses on workforce
development, innovation, and public policy.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720550238403.jpeg" alt="Boehringer Ingelheim/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Boehringer Ingelheim/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostExpansion at Boehringer Ingelheim in St. Joseph
strengthens the Animal Health Corridor, dedicated to innovation in livestock
and pet health.The corridor runs from Columbia, Missouri to
Manhattan, Kansas with 300 animal health companies employing more than 20,000
people in 22 counties.Animal Health Corridor President, Kimberly Young,
says the corridor promotes the interests of those companies.“How can we bring the global industry together,
both farm and nutrition companies, and work in areas where working together and
speaking with one voice the industry is stronger,” Young tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.Young says Boehringer’s announcement that it is
building a cutting-edge research and development lab on its St. Joseph campus is
a welcomed addition.“We’re thrilled that BI continues to expand and
grow in the Animal Health Corridor and in St. Joseph,” Young says.Young says the corridor is built on the strength
of the region – it’s ties to agriculture.“The whole reason why the corridor is here is
because we’re an ag-based economy,” Young says, adding that the ties to agriculture
stretch back to the foundation of the stockyards in St. Joseph and elsewhere
throughout the Midwest.Recruitment of qualified workers is one of the
objectives of the Animal Health Corridor.“They’re here and we have the talent pool here
and that is what the continued global attraction is for other companies,”
according to Young. “They want to come to an area that has an eco-system in
animal health with an organization like the Animal Health Corridor that is
exclusively focused and intentionally focused on supporting and growing the
industry.”Young says the corridor focuses on workforce
development, innovation, and public policy.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Boehringer Ingelheim expansion strengthens Animal Health Corridor

NEW YORK (AP) — Target will no longer accept personal checks from shoppers as of July 15, another sign of how a once ubiquitous payment method is going the way of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4f8c481007014190ac534c17c2592fdc">outmoded objects</a>&nbsp;like floppy disks and the Rolodex.

The Minneapolis-based discounter confirmed the move in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, citing “extremely low volumes” of customers who still write checks. Target said it remained committed to creating an easy and convenient checkout experience with credit and debit cards, “buy now, pay later” services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-fourth-quarter-earnings-inflation-231a975d4bf95a80ed623b52a8c77dff">Target Circle membership program</a>, which applies deals automatically at checkout.

“We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance" about the no-checks policy, the company said.

Target's decision leaves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-price-cuts-inflation-target-65fbc568804f20919a609c594531e129">Walmart</a>, Macy’s and Kohl’s among the retailers that still accept personal checks at their stores. Whole Foods Market and the Aldi supermarket chain previously stopped taking checks from customers.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spending-consumers-inflation-economy-growth-federal-reserve-b1d34bc43a0da960a152911b7c230881">Shoppers</a>&nbsp;have pulled out checkbooks increasingly less often since the mid-1990s.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jpmorgan-chase-bank-branches-hiring-5ee9b9ce933759b2b37217d9effef53a">Cash-dispensing ATMs</a>, debit cards, online banking and mobile payment systems like Venmo and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-pay-digital-payments-visa-mastercard-affirm-d8e85a7d30c02523998dfbdd6f0b0497">Apple Pay</a>&nbsp;mean many young adults may never have written a check.

Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">the Federal Reserve</a>. However, the average size of the checks Americans wrote over the 32-year period rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today’s dollars — to $2,652.

The drop in check writing enabled the Federal Reserve to sharply reduce its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/check_about.htm">national check processing infrastructure.</a>&nbsp;In 2003, it ran 45 check-processing locations nationwide; since 2010, it has operated only one.

NEW YORK (AP) — Target will no longer accept personal checks from shoppers as of July 15, another sign of how a once ubiquitous payment method is going the way of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4f8c481007014190ac534c17c2592fdc">outmoded objects</a>&nbsp;like floppy disks and the Rolodex.The Minneapolis-based discounter confirmed the move in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, citing “extremely low volumes” of customers who still write checks. Target said it remained committed to creating an easy and convenient checkout experience with credit and debit cards, “buy now, pay later” services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-fourth-quarter-earnings-inflation-231a975d4bf95a80ed623b52a8c77dff">Target Circle membership program</a>, which applies deals automatically at checkout.“We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance" about the no-checks policy, the company said.Target's decision leaves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-price-cuts-inflation-target-65fbc568804f20919a609c594531e129">Walmart</a>, Macy’s and Kohl’s among the retailers that still accept personal checks at their stores. Whole Foods Market and the Aldi supermarket chain previously stopped taking checks from customers.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spending-consumers-inflation-economy-growth-federal-reserve-b1d34bc43a0da960a152911b7c230881">Shoppers</a>&nbsp;have pulled out checkbooks increasingly less often since the mid-1990s.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jpmorgan-chase-bank-branches-hiring-5ee9b9ce933759b2b37217d9effef53a">Cash-dispensing ATMs</a>, debit cards, online banking and mobile payment systems like Venmo and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-pay-digital-payments-visa-mastercard-affirm-d8e85a7d30c02523998dfbdd6f0b0497">Apple Pay</a>&nbsp;mean many young adults may never have written a check.Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">the Federal Reserve</a>. However, the average size of the checks Americans wrote over the 32-year period rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today’s dollars — to $2,652.The drop in check writing enabled the Federal Reserve to sharply reduce its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/check_about.htm">national check processing infrastructure.</a>&nbsp;In 2003, it ran 45 check-processing locations nationwide; since 2010, it has operated only one.

Target will stop accepting personal checks next week

Max’s Law has been signed by Governor Mike Parson, successfully
ending a three-year effort to honor St. Joseph’s K-9 Max, shot and killed in
the summer of 2021.

Max’ Law increases the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster attended the bill signing
ceremony this morning in Jefferson City and says the change is needed.

“It’s important to know that those dogs are part of the police
family and they serve a very purposeful and useful function in policing,”
Luster tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And to have a law in effect that will properly
hold those accountable that have a desire to hurt one of those animals is very
important to our community and to our profession.”

Luster says even with his years in police work, he didn’t
realize how light the penalty was for killing a police dog.

“I had no idea that it was just treated like a property crime,”
Luster says. “They spoke this morning that there was a higher penalty for
breaking a window of a police car than there was for killing a police dog. That’s
just not acceptable given the importance of what those K-9 officers do for us.
I was very surprised to learn that and very satisfied to know that we’ll have
the proper legislation in effect now.”

K-9 Max was shot and killed chasing a suspect on June 30th of 2021.

Several police dogs and their handlers attended the bill
signing ceremony in the governor’s office. K-9 Max’s handler, Officer Lucas
Winder, attended as well.

In all, Luster says it was an emotional day.

“It was kind of overwhelming there being in the governor’s
office and having Gov. Parson sign into law Max’s Law named after our K-9 there
in St. Joe,” Luster says. “To have his handler, Officer Winder, there as well was
a pretty overwhelming experience.”

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville,
sponsored the legislation. Luetkemeyer first carried the legislature the year
after K-9 Max was shot and killed. That legislation couldn’t overcome a
filibuster mounted on the last day of the legislative session. Last year, Gov.
Parson vetoed the anti-crime bill that contained Max’s Law, objecting to an
unrelated provision in the bill. Luetkemeyer removed that provision in the bill
this year.

The bill goes into effect on August 28th.

Click <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=438">HERE</a> for the text to Senate Bill 754.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720548766586.jpeg" alt="Gov. Mike Parson signs the anti-crime bill containing Max's Law. Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer is to Parson's left along with K-9 Max's handler, St. Joseph Police Officer Lucas Winder. St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster is in the back./Photo by Alisa Nelson, Missourinet" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson signs the anti-crime bill containing Max's Law. Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer is to Parson's left along with K-9 Max's handler, St. Joseph Police Officer Lucas Winder. St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster is in the back./Photo by Alisa Nelson, Missourinet</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMax’s Law has been signed by Governor Mike Parson, successfully
ending a three-year effort to honor St. Joseph’s K-9 Max, shot and killed in
the summer of 2021.Max’ Law increases the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal.St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster attended the bill signing
ceremony this morning in Jefferson City and says the change is needed.“It’s important to know that those dogs are part of the police
family and they serve a very purposeful and useful function in policing,”
Luster tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And to have a law in effect that will properly
hold those accountable that have a desire to hurt one of those animals is very
important to our community and to our profession.”Luster says even with his years in police work, he didn’t
realize how light the penalty was for killing a police dog.“I had no idea that it was just treated like a property crime,”
Luster says. “They spoke this morning that there was a higher penalty for
breaking a window of a police car than there was for killing a police dog. That’s
just not acceptable given the importance of what those K-9 officers do for us.
I was very surprised to learn that and very satisfied to know that we’ll have
the proper legislation in effect now.”K-9 Max was shot and killed chasing a suspect on June 30th of 2021.Several police dogs and their handlers attended the bill
signing ceremony in the governor’s office. K-9 Max’s handler, Officer Lucas
Winder, attended as well.In all, Luster says it was an emotional day.“It was kind of overwhelming there being in the governor’s
office and having Gov. Parson sign into law Max’s Law named after our K-9 there
in St. Joe,” Luster says. “To have his handler, Officer Winder, there as well was
a pretty overwhelming experience.”State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville,
sponsored the legislation. Luetkemeyer first carried the legislature the year
after K-9 Max was shot and killed. That legislation couldn’t overcome a
filibuster mounted on the last day of the legislative session. Last year, Gov.
Parson vetoed the anti-crime bill that contained Max’s Law, objecting to an
unrelated provision in the bill. Luetkemeyer removed that provision in the bill
this year.The bill goes into effect on August 28th.Click <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=438">HERE</a> for the text to Senate Bill 754.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720549178344.jpeg" alt="K-9 Max/file photo" />
 <figcaption>K-9 Max/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Three years in the making:  Max's Law signed into law by Gov. Parson

Officials with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce are excited to welcome back the defending Super Bowl Champions as Chiefs Training Camp is less than two weeks away. 

Chamber spokesperson Kristie Bailey says it's always exciting when the Chiefs come to St. Joseph. 

"We see a lot of visitors come to St. Joseph for Chiefs Training Camp," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "So of course at Missouri Western they do a great job of hosting all the visitors, Mosaic Life Care is a presenting sponsor they do a great job of making sure everyone stays healthy out there in that heat, so it's definitely a great time." 

The $51 billion state budget recently signed by Governor Mike Parson included 2 point 1 million dollars for upgrades to Chiefs Training Camp. 

The St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau is also once again offering "Welcome Chiefs" signs.  They will be available on Thursday from 10am to 6pm, or while supplies last, at the Visitors Center of the East Hills Library, limit two per person. 

The Chamber of Commerce will again celebrate the return of Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western by hosting the Red Rally downtown.  

Bailey says the Red Rally this year will be on July 27th. 

"It's really to show the Chiefs just how much we appreciate them being in St. Joseph," Bailey explains. "And it's a way to get community members out to really celebrate the Chiefs being in town." 

The rally will run from 1 to 6 pm on that Saturday, but Bailey says this year things are being changed up a bit. 

"Not having the same performers as always," Bailey says. "We have two country music performers, we have Hailey Hatley and Blane Howard, Blane is a fan favorite, so we did bring Blane back," Bailey says. 

Bailey says in honor of the relationship between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, a tribute band for Swift will also be performing.  

Training camp opens to the public on July 21st and runs through August 15th.&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/68437d5a-29da-475c-a6c7-0cf1f0d56f57"> Click here for the full training camp schedule</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720540873448.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Officials with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce are excited to welcome back the defending Super Bowl Champions as Chiefs Training Camp is less than two weeks away. Chamber spokesperson Kristie Bailey says it's always exciting when the Chiefs come to St. Joseph. "We see a lot of visitors come to St. Joseph for Chiefs Training Camp," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So of course at Missouri Western they do a great job of hosting all the visitors, Mosaic Life Care is a presenting sponsor they do a great job of making sure everyone stays healthy out there in that heat, so it's definitely a great time." The $51 billion state budget recently signed by Governor Mike Parson included 2 point 1 million dollars for upgrades to Chiefs Training Camp. The St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau is also once again offering "Welcome Chiefs" signs. They will be available on Thursday from 10am to 6pm, or while supplies last, at the Visitors Center of the East Hills Library, limit two per person. The Chamber of Commerce will again celebrate the return of Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western by hosting the Red Rally downtown. Bailey says the Red Rally this year will be on July 27th. "It's really to show the Chiefs just how much we appreciate them being in St. Joseph," Bailey explains. "And it's a way to get community members out to really celebrate the Chiefs being in town." The rally will run from 1 to 6 pm on that Saturday, but Bailey says this year things are being changed up a bit. "Not having the same performers as always," Bailey says. "We have two country music performers, we have Hailey Hatley and Blane Howard, Blane is a fan favorite, so we did bring Blane back," Bailey says. Bailey says in honor of the relationship between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, a tribute band for Swift will also be performing. Training camp opens to the public on July 21st and runs through August 15th.&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/68437d5a-29da-475c-a6c7-0cf1f0d56f57"> Click here for the full training camp schedule</a>.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce excited for return of Chiefs Training Camp

Former National Association of Farm Broadcasting Executive
Director and former KFEQ Farm Director Tom Brand has a new job.

Brand has been hired as the new director of the St. Joseph
Community Alliance, saying he’s excited to get started.

“Beth and I have called St. Joseph home since 1997, which is
over half of our lives, and we’ve always been excited about what’s taking place
in the community,” Brand tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And I’m really excited
about what is not only taking place now, but what the future really holds for
St. Joseph and the surrounding area.”

Brand worked for 15 years as KFEQ’s Farm Director. After that,
he moved to lead the National Association of Farm Broadcasters for 12 years
before stepping down at the end of last year.

Brand says his past experience as a broadcaster and executive
have prepared him for his new role.

“I’ve had a chance to work in the profit sector. I’ve had a
chance to work with public relations, whether that was at KFEQ or even at NAFB.
I know about managing association work and also managing expectations,” Brand
says. “The research that’s involved with the community survey that takes place
every other year is something I’ve had exposure with.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720532788339.jpeg" alt="Tom Brand/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Tom Brand/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer National Association of Farm Broadcasting Executive
Director and former KFEQ Farm Director Tom Brand has a new job.Brand has been hired as the new director of the St. Joseph
Community Alliance, saying he’s excited to get started.“Beth and I have called St. Joseph home since 1997, which is
over half of our lives, and we’ve always been excited about what’s taking place
in the community,” Brand tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And I’m really excited
about what is not only taking place now, but what the future really holds for
St. Joseph and the surrounding area.”Brand worked for 15 years as KFEQ’s Farm Director. After that,
he moved to lead the National Association of Farm Broadcasters for 12 years
before stepping down at the end of last year.Brand says his past experience as a broadcaster and executive
have prepared him for his new role.“I’ve had a chance to work in the profit sector. I’ve had a
chance to work with public relations, whether that was at KFEQ or even at NAFB.
I know about managing association work and also managing expectations,” Brand
says. “The research that’s involved with the community survey that takes place
every other year is something I’ve had exposure with.”Brand says the St. Joseph 2040 Plan will be his guide. Brand
says a look at the past gives residents a glimpse of what is leading St. Joseph
today.“And realize that there’s something special that’s going on in
St. Joseph and that the things in this plan are obtainable,” according to
Brand. “It’s just making sure that people can get on the same page, catch that vision,
and be excited about what can be done.”Brand succeeds Tama Wagner, who served in the role the past
five years. Brand officially begins his duties on July 29th.The St. Joseph Community Alliance works in partnership with
the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County,
the St. Joseph School District, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Mosaic Life Care, Missouri Western State University, the United Way of Greater
St. Joseph, and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard.The Community Alliance director coordinates government
relations and advocacy efforts. The director conducts the community survey and
leads the <a href="https://imaginestjoseph2040.com/">Imagine St. Joseph 2040</a> plan.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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