PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.

Agents with Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City are searching for a suspect involved in an attempted bank robbery in Platte City, Missouri.

Just before 11a.m.&nbsp; Friday, a suspect entered the Bank of Weston,&nbsp;4001 State Rte 92, Platte City, according to a media release. The suspect demanded cash, threatened staff with a weapon and left without receiving any money. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was described as a man, 5-foot-7, with long hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket, black pants, black gloves and a medical mask. The suspect fled the bank in a black car westbound on US 92 Highway.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crime should contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704640104548.png" alt="Security camera images FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.Agents with Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City are searching for a suspect involved in an attempted bank robbery in Platte City, Missouri.Just before 11a.m.&nbsp; Friday, a suspect entered the Bank of Weston,&nbsp;4001 State Rte 92, Platte City, according to a media release. The suspect demanded cash, threatened staff with a weapon and left without receiving any money. No injuries were reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704640246023.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was described as a man, 5-foot-7, with long hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket, black pants, black gloves and a medical mask. The suspect fled the bank in a black car westbound on US 92 Highway.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crime should contact law enforcement.

Platte City bank robbery suspect had long hair, wore medical mask

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by a 16-year-old Amazonia boy was northbounc on County Road 401 five miles northwest of Amazonia.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck a tree, continued and came to rest after striking a second tree.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by a 16-year-old Amazonia boy was northbounc on County Road 401 five miles northwest of Amazonia.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck a tree, continued and came to rest after striking a second tree.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after vehicle strikes trees

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

Employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation expecting big raises thanks to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/judge-approves-pay-raise-plan-for-missouri-transportation-agency-workers/">Cole County Circuit Court ruling</a>&nbsp;won’t see the money until this summer or later, if at all.

On Friday, Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed notice he will appeal the ruling issued by Circuit Judge Cotton Walker that the Highways and Transportation Commission has constitutional authority to set pay in the department as it sees fit.

The notice triggers a 90-day calendar for preliminary filings with the Western District Court of Appeals. Once that is complete, the parties will be given a schedule for filing briefs and later, a date for oral arguments will be set.

MoDOT would not comment on the decision to appeal, spokeswoman Linda Horn wrote in an email to The Independent.

In his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=2957855">Oct. 31 decision</a>, Walker ruled that ​​Commissioner of Administration Ken Zellers must allow payments approved by the Highways and Transportation Commission “when the request is for a constitutionally authorized purpose and there is sufficient balance in the State Road Fund.”

Walker found that authority in constitutional language that says money in the state road fund shall “<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y">stand appropriated</a>&nbsp;without legislative action.”&nbsp;

The case began in late 2021 when Zellers refused to allow the highways commission to implement a pay raise plan that carried a price tag of $60 million. The highways commission wanted to stem turnover at MoDOT and attract new employees. The “market adjustment” was designed to put 65% of department employees at or above the midpoint in the pay range for their job.

During legislative testimony last month, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said the department has started rebuilding its workforce, hiring more new employees than departed in the past year. There are still 500 full-time slots open in its workforce authorized to employ about 5,600.

“Once again MODOT will start this winter several hundred employees short to fight a statewide storm lasting more than one shift,” McKenna said.&nbsp;

Friday was the last day for a notice of appeal. The ruling became final Dec. 19 when Walker rejected a request to change his ruling. In the state’s filing, which likely signals its argument on appeal, Assistant Attorney General Emily Dodge wrote that the judgment did not follow the precedent set in a 1975 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that determined only the legislature can set spending amounts for state agencies.

The only legal use of road fund money absent an appropriation is current payments on bond debt and holding enough cash to make payments due within 12 months, Dodge wrote.

McKenna weathered an initial storm of legislative anger after the lawsuit was filed, including calls for him to be fired. A bill to revise the “stand appropriated” language passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate.&nbsp;

Two bills have been filed for the upcoming session to give lawmakers veto power over MoDOT spending plans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="Photo Missouri Dept. of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Photo Missouri Dept. of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation expecting big raises thanks to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/judge-approves-pay-raise-plan-for-missouri-transportation-agency-workers/">Cole County Circuit Court ruling</a>&nbsp;won’t see the money until this summer or later, if at all.On Friday, Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed notice he will appeal the ruling issued by Circuit Judge Cotton Walker that the Highways and Transportation Commission has constitutional authority to set pay in the department as it sees fit.The notice triggers a 90-day calendar for preliminary filings with the Western District Court of Appeals. Once that is complete, the parties will be given a schedule for filing briefs and later, a date for oral arguments will be set.MoDOT would not comment on the decision to appeal, spokeswoman Linda Horn wrote in an email to The Independent.In his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=2957855">Oct. 31 decision</a>, Walker ruled that ​​Commissioner of Administration Ken Zellers must allow payments approved by the Highways and Transportation Commission “when the request is for a constitutionally authorized purpose and there is sufficient balance in the State Road Fund.”Walker found that authority in constitutional language that says money in the state road fund shall “<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y">stand appropriated</a>&nbsp;without legislative action.”&nbsp;The case began in late 2021 when Zellers refused to allow the highways commission to implement a pay raise plan that carried a price tag of $60 million. The highways commission wanted to stem turnover at MoDOT and attract new employees. The “market adjustment” was designed to put 65% of department employees at or above the midpoint in the pay range for their job.During legislative testimony last month, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said the department has started rebuilding its workforce, hiring more new employees than departed in the past year. There are still 500 full-time slots open in its workforce authorized to employ about 5,600.“Once again MODOT will start this winter several hundred employees short to fight a statewide storm lasting more than one shift,” McKenna said.&nbsp;Friday was the last day for a notice of appeal. The ruling became final Dec. 19 when Walker rejected a request to change his ruling. In the state’s filing, which likely signals its argument on appeal, Assistant Attorney General Emily Dodge wrote that the judgment did not follow the precedent set in a 1975 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that determined only the legislature can set spending amounts for state agencies.The only legal use of road fund money absent an appropriation is current payments on bond debt and holding enough cash to make payments due within 12 months, Dodge wrote.McKenna weathered an initial storm of legislative anger after the lawsuit was filed, including calls for him to be fired. A bill to revise the “stand appropriated” language passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate.&nbsp;Two bills have been filed for the upcoming session to give lawmakers veto power over MoDOT spending plans.

Appeal delays raises under Missouri highways commission pay plan

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Suburban driven by Jason M. Pressley, 45, Kansas City, was southbound Interstate 35 fleeing from emergency vehicles.&nbsp;

The driver exited into the northbound Holt Rest area and struck the towed unit of a 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Toby L. Polley, 55, Ridgeway.

After impact the SUV traveled down an embankment and struck several trees. EMS transported Pressley and a passenger Kerstyn K, Rust, 24, Kansas City, to North Kansas City Hospital. Polley was not injured. The occupants of the SUV were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Suburban driven by Jason M. Pressley, 45, Kansas City, was southbound Interstate 35 fleeing from emergency vehicles.&nbsp;The driver exited into the northbound Holt Rest area and struck the towed unit of a 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Toby L. Polley, 55, Ridgeway.After impact the SUV traveled down an embankment and struck several trees. EMS transported Pressley and a passenger Kerstyn K, Rust, 24, Kansas City, to North Kansas City Hospital. Polley was not injured. The occupants of the SUV were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

2 hospitalized after SUV crash fleeing emergency vehicles

Missouri Western athletics announced Friday the hiring of&nbsp;Ryan Menley&nbsp;as senior associate athletic director for external relations. Menley previously served as the director of creative content for MWSU athletics from 2010-2022.

Menley will oversee marketing, communications and content in his new role. He'll also serve as the primary contact for the Gold Coat Victory Fund. "The chance to return to Griffon Nation in this particular position is an absolute honor," Menley said in a written statement. "It's a humbling opportunity, especially when you consider the character of the people who came before." "Excited is an understatement," MWSU athletic director Andy Carter said. "Ryan is a gifted and talented storyteller. His ability to communicate and grow the Griffon brand in various ways makes his return to St. Joseph a huge win for us. His love for and dedication to Missouri Western State University and Griffon Athletics makes this homecoming a special one."

Menley returns to Missouri Western after spending the last two years as associate A.D. of external relations at Division I University of Tennessee-Martin.

At UTM, he oversaw sports information, ESPN + broadcasting, creative content and athletics branding. He also served as the coordinator for special events.

A St. Louis native, Menley called St. Joseph home for 20 years and covered Missouri Western athletics that whole time. He was the sports director for KQTV from 2002-2010.

Once he joined MWSU, Menley created the university's&nbsp; athletic video production department from scratch. The "Griffon Sports Insider" brand included in-depth highlights, commercials and features. At the time, the department was one of the first of its kind at the NCAA Division II level.

Menley also oversaw the development of video board production and live broadcasts. He was an adjunct professor in the university's department of communications and a co-advisor for MWSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, helping raise thousands of dollars for community service projects.

In the span of seven years, Menley won six National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) awards. He was the 2020-21 Service to the University Award winner at Missouri Western and was also the university's SOAR Advisor of the Year that same year.

He was also an Emmy winner during his time at KQ.

"I have a deep appreciation for our history," Menley continued. "Our athletic department and sports teams are riding a wave of momentum in the present. When tied together, it lights the way toward a bright future. Our job in external relations is to engage and ignite. We will communicate by collaboration. We will celebrate our success with passion. And we will tell our collective story with authenticity."

Menley will begin his duties on March 1. He fills a role that was left vacant after Paul Smith stepped down from the associate A.D. of external relations role this past December. Smith held the job for 16 months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704491823425.jpeg" alt="Ryan Menley returns to the MWSU athletic department after working for the Griffons from 2010-2022. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Ryan Menley returns to the MWSU athletic department after working for the Griffons from 2010-2022. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western athletics announced Friday the hiring of&nbsp;Ryan Menley&nbsp;as senior associate athletic director for external relations. Menley previously served as the director of creative content for MWSU athletics from 2010-2022.Menley will oversee marketing, communications and content in his new role. He'll also serve as the primary contact for the Gold Coat Victory Fund. "The chance to return to Griffon Nation in this particular position is an absolute honor," Menley said in a written statement. "It's a humbling opportunity, especially when you consider the character of the people who came before." "Excited is an understatement," MWSU athletic director Andy Carter said. "Ryan is a gifted and talented storyteller. His ability to communicate and grow the Griffon brand in various ways makes his return to St. Joseph a huge win for us. His love for and dedication to Missouri Western State University and Griffon Athletics makes this homecoming a special one."Menley returns to Missouri Western after spending the last two years as associate A.D. of external relations at Division I University of Tennessee-Martin.At UTM, he oversaw sports information, ESPN + broadcasting, creative content and athletics branding. He also served as the coordinator for special events.A St. Louis native, Menley called St. Joseph home for 20 years and covered Missouri Western athletics that whole time. He was the sports director for KQTV from 2002-2010.Once he joined MWSU, Menley created the university's&nbsp; athletic video production department from scratch. The "Griffon Sports Insider" brand included in-depth highlights, commercials and features. At the time, the department was one of the first of its kind at the NCAA Division II level.Menley also oversaw the development of video board production and live broadcasts. He was an adjunct professor in the university's department of communications and a co-advisor for MWSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, helping raise thousands of dollars for community service projects.In the span of seven years, Menley won six National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) awards. He was the 2020-21 Service to the University Award winner at Missouri Western and was also the university's SOAR Advisor of the Year that same year.He was also an Emmy winner during his time at KQ."I have a deep appreciation for our history," Menley continued. "Our athletic department and sports teams are riding a wave of momentum in the present. When tied together, it lights the way toward a bright future. Our job in external relations is to engage and ignite. We will communicate by collaboration. We will celebrate our success with passion. And we will tell our collective story with authenticity."Menley will begin his duties on March 1. He fills a role that was left vacant after Paul Smith stepped down from the associate A.D. of external relations role this past December. Smith held the job for 16 months.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704492051221.png" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ryan Menley returning to MWSU athletics as associate A.D. of external relations

A St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 81 years in prison for
committing statutory sodomy of a juvenile.

The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports
44-year-old Dereck Heineman, Sr. had deviate sexual intercourse with a child
under 12-years-old.

Buchanan County Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced
Heineman after hearing testimony from the victim’s parents and reviewing a
victim impact statements, as well as hearing arguments from Assistant
Prosecutor Andrew Parmenter.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701351041541.jpeg" alt="HEINEMAN photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>HEINEMAN photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 81 years in prison for
committing statutory sodomy of a juvenile.The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports
44-year-old Dereck Heineman, Sr. had deviate sexual intercourse with a child
under 12-years-old.Buchanan County Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced
Heineman after hearing testimony from the victim’s parents and reviewing a
victim impact statements, as well as hearing arguments from Assistant
Prosecutor Andrew Parmenter.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man sentenced to 81 years for sexual assault of child

A local group is working to provide affordable housing to those searching to become homeowners in St. Joseph.  

Ashley Albers of the Housing Improvement Initiative says the group also provides education for those looking to purchase their first home.  

"Just to help people who are maybe generational renters or who have never thought that owning a home was something that was in the cards for them," Albers tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "That they can learn what it takes, what the process looks like, what kind of paperwork they need to have together, and just to know what this big scary process really is when it's broken down to them in small chunks." 

Albers says the group finished its first courses last fall and will move into this year hoping to expand courses.  

Sarah Weaver, with the Housing Improvement Initiative, says a big driving factor of the group is making St. Joseph a thriving, robust community, but it is aware that housing is a huge issue. 

"Across the board, pretty much every category that you're looking at there's room to grow and improve in that," Weaver explains. "So, I think just us kind of driving around and seeing the need of how can we revitalize some of these neighborhoods." 

Weaver says the group hopes to change the community by providing affordable housing, working one house at a time to help improve the city.  

Albers says currently the group is constructing two homes, but there are several other projects in the works.  

"We own an empty lot that we're looking at options to putting something onto, there's a slab there now, " Albers says. "And then we also acquired two properties through the tax sale this year, but obviously there's a waiting period before you can do anything with those tax sale properties, so they're kind of like halfers we don't really count them as projects quite yet because we can't really touch them." 

If you know of a house that you believe to be vacant, you can report it to the group on its website housingimprovementinitiative.com 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A local group is working to provide affordable housing to those searching to become homeowners in St. Joseph. Ashley Albers of the Housing Improvement Initiative says the group also provides education for those looking to purchase their first home. "Just to help people who are maybe generational renters or who have never thought that owning a home was something that was in the cards for them," Albers tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "That they can learn what it takes, what the process looks like, what kind of paperwork they need to have together, and just to know what this big scary process really is when it's broken down to them in small chunks." Albers says the group finished its first courses last fall and will move into this year hoping to expand courses. Sarah Weaver, with the Housing Improvement Initiative, says a big driving factor of the group is making St. Joseph a thriving, robust community, but it is aware that housing is a huge issue. "Across the board, pretty much every category that you're looking at there's room to grow and improve in that," Weaver explains. "So, I think just us kind of driving around and seeing the need of how can we revitalize some of these neighborhoods." Weaver says the group hopes to change the community by providing affordable housing, working one house at a time to help improve the city. Albers says currently the group is constructing two homes, but there are several other projects in the works. "We own an empty lot that we're looking at options to putting something onto, there's a slab there now, " Albers says. "And then we also acquired two properties through the tax sale this year, but obviously there's a waiting period before you can do anything with those tax sale properties, so they're kind of like halfers we don't really count them as projects quite yet because we can't really touch them." If you know of a house that you believe to be vacant, you can report it to the group on its website housingimprovementinitiative.com

Group seeks to rehab homes and create first time homeowners

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says the state economy is strong
and poised to gain even more momentum.

Parson says the economic signs are all positive as the state
legislature begins a new session at the state Capitol in Jefferson City.

“I think our numbers, when you still look at our unemployment
numbers, when you look at our revenues, when you look at the jobs. I think
we’ve created, probably this year (2023) so far, somewhere over 30,000 new
jobs, not replacement jobs, but new jobs; $3 billion in new businesses coming
to our state,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re doing
a lot of right things to be able to be recognized anymore where are people
wanting to come here.”

Parson says an investment in infrastructure has been the key.

“And needless to say, I think when you look at I-70, when you
look at the airports, when you look at the river ports, when you look at the
rail, we’re just doing a lot of things that’s never been done before in our
state. And people are starting to notice that,” Parson says. “It’s a good thing
for all parts of the state when those things are happening.”

Parson, a Republican, is wrapping his term as governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704469891339.jpeg" alt="Gov Mike Parson speaking at St. Joseph City Hall/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov Mike Parson speaking at St. Joseph City Hall/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINMissouri Gov. Mike Parson says the state economy is strong
and poised to gain even more momentum.Parson says the economic signs are all positive as the state
legislature begins a new session at the state Capitol in Jefferson City.“I think our numbers, when you still look at our unemployment
numbers, when you look at our revenues, when you look at the jobs. I think
we’ve created, probably this year (2023) so far, somewhere over 30,000 new
jobs, not replacement jobs, but new jobs; $3 billion in new businesses coming
to our state,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re doing
a lot of right things to be able to be recognized anymore where are people
wanting to come here.”Parson says an investment in infrastructure has been the key.“And needless to say, I think when you look at I-70, when you
look at the airports, when you look at the river ports, when you look at the
rail, we’re just doing a lot of things that’s never been done before in our
state. And people are starting to notice that,” Parson says. “It’s a good thing
for all parts of the state when those things are happening.”Parson, a Republican, is wrapping his term as governor.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Gov. Parson touts growing state economy as he wraps up term

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

Three companies — one from Michigan, one from Arizona and one from Missouri — appear connected to 43% of the application

More than 40% of the owners listed on applications for state’s social-equity marijuana licenses issued in October were from outside Missouri, according to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253207-ceo-activity-report-010324">annual report</a>&nbsp;released by the Division of Cannabis Regulation Wednesday.

About half of those owners came from California, Michigan, Louisiana and Arizona collectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/28/missouri-holds-outreach-events-in-run-up-to-lottery-for-cannabis-microbusiness-licenses/">microbusiness license program</a>&nbsp;is meant to boost opportunities in the industry for businesses in disadvantaged communities, and it was part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to legalize recreational marijuana that voters passed in November 2022.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/29/missouri-announces-lottery-results-for-microbusiness-cannabis-licenses/">total of 1,625 applications</a>&nbsp;were submitted for 48 microbusiness licenses — 16 for dispensaries and 32 for wholesale facilities. Nearly 1,900 owners were listed on the applications.

A central focus of the annual report is why the Division of Cannabis Regulation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/a-quarter-of-missouri-cannabis-microbusiness-license-winners-deemed-ineligible/">may be revoking</a>&nbsp;11 of the 48 social-equity cannabis licenses issued in October, after finding they didn’t meet eligibility requirements.&nbsp;

Those applicants were issued notices of pending revocation of their licenses on Dec. 15, and they have until Jan. 15 to respond with additional information that could reverse the department’s decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among those who could face license revocation is Canna Zoned, a Michigan company that secured two of the 16 dispensary cannabis licenses — in Columbia and Arnold.&nbsp;

Both of Canna Zoned’s licenses have been deemed ineligible, according to information the state provided to The Independent in December.

State records show Canna Zoned was connected to 104 out of the 1,048 applications that were entered into a lottery selection for the dispensary licenses. An investigation by The Independent in October found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/26/applicants-recruited-on-craigslist-competed-for-missouri-social-equity-cannabis-licenses/">applicants thought they were partnering with the Michigan investor</a>&nbsp;but in reality signed agreements requiring them to relinquish all control and profits of the business.&nbsp;

Some applicants were recruited through Craigslist ads from around the country.&nbsp;

Another company that used the strategy of flooding Missouri’s lottery with applications was an Arizona-based consulting firm called Cannabis Business Advisors. It was connected to more than 400 dispensary applicants, including six winners.&nbsp;

The state couldn’t certify the eligibility for all six of the licenses connected to the firm’s clients.

A Missouri firm, Amendment 2 Consultants, is connected to more than 150 applicants, winning two dispensary licenses and two wholesale licenses. One of the group’s dispensary applicants was deemed ineligible.

Abigail Vivas, who oversees the microbusiness program as chief equity officer within the division, is constitutionally mandated to produce an annual report for the public and state legislators by the end of the year.

In an interview with The Independent Wednesday, Vivas said the fact that a fourth of the licensees are pending revocation shows the division is doing its “due diligence.”

“It doesn’t matter how you applied — whether you’re part of a group of multiple applications or a single application,” Vivas said, “we are going to look at all the information to ensure that these are going to truly eligible individuals.”

A big question that Vivas received after the division released the winners of the microbusiness licenses was why numerous applications had the same designated contact person and proposed locations. Did that mean that one person was submitting more than one application, which is against the rules?&nbsp;

Vivas said she understood the concern but hopes the report clarifies that a designated contact could be an attorney or someone outside the business who represents more than one owner. It doesn’t have to be an owner.

There were three designated contacts who submitted 43% of the applications. And while the report doesn’t state this, the numbers match those of Michigan-based Canna Zoned, Arizona-based Cannabis Business Advisors and Missouri-based Amendment 2 Consultants.

In some cases, numerous people who believed they were eligible came together to submit separate applications for one business, and Vivas said this isn’t against the rules.

“There’s nothing that prohibits a group of five people that all meet an eligibility requirement individually, applying separately to increase their odds of winning in the lottery,” Vivas told The Independent. “There’s nothing that says that they can’t do that.”

If one person wins and the group wants to change ownership later, they can do that with department approval, she said.&nbsp;

The applications with the same designated contact often had the same proposed location as well. And that’s not against the rules either, she said.

The strategy of flooding the lottery with applications to increase the odds was used mainly among the applications for dispensary licenses— and those licenses also drew the most out-of-state interest. State law originally required Missouri or majority Missouri ownership of marijuana licenses, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/missouri/2021/10/11/federal-judge-blocks-residency-requirement-missouri-marijuana-business-owners/6088977001/">that was deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2021</a>.&nbsp;

When the results first appeared, there was some rumbling within the cannabis industry that the strategy was successful — since those three designated contacts on multiple applications landed 9 of the 16 dispensary licenses statewide.&nbsp;

However, now all nine of those licenses are pending revocation.&nbsp;

When asked if it was related that the licensees with duplicate locations and designated contacts were all deemed ineligible, she said “no.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;“I wouldn’t say it’s related to them having a designated contact and then duplicate facilities,” she said. “We had people that were determined ineligible for several reasons.”

The report states that the ineligibility issues included “failure to provide documentation that the facility would be operated by eligible individuals.”

Other cited reasons included failure to provide adequate documentation to verify the majority owner met the eligibility criteria and for a disqualifying felony offense.

Overall, Vivas said she’s learned a lot through input from applicants about what resources the division can provide in the second round – which begins in March – to help applicants through the process.&nbsp;

She said her “to-do list” includes offering educational sessions on potential predatory lending or business agreements. It also includes trying to explore opportunities to create a grant-funding program for the licensees, which some other states have done to help licensees obtain capital without feeling the need to enter into unhealthy business arrangements.&nbsp;

“It’s been a fast and furious timeline of things that we had to do,” she said. “So we’re trying to take that time now to build some of those other things into our program.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688039717144.png" alt="Tiffany (left) and Anwar (middle) Lee at an outreach event in St. Louis on June 22, 2023, where the state’s new chief equity officer, Abigail Vivas (in green), went through all the eligibility requirements for the cannabis microbusiness program (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Tiffany (left) and Anwar (middle) Lee at an outreach event in St. Louis on June 22, 2023, where the state’s new chief equity officer, Abigail Vivas (in green), went through all the eligibility requirements for the cannabis microbusiness program (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Three companies — one from Michigan, one from Arizona and one from Missouri — appear connected to 43% of the application</h2>More than 40% of the owners listed on applications for state’s social-equity marijuana licenses issued in October were from outside Missouri, according to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253207-ceo-activity-report-010324">annual report</a>&nbsp;released by the Division of Cannabis Regulation Wednesday.About half of those owners came from California, Michigan, Louisiana and Arizona collectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/28/missouri-holds-outreach-events-in-run-up-to-lottery-for-cannabis-microbusiness-licenses/">microbusiness license program</a>&nbsp;is meant to boost opportunities in the industry for businesses in disadvantaged communities, and it was part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to legalize recreational marijuana that voters passed in November 2022.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/29/missouri-announces-lottery-results-for-microbusiness-cannabis-licenses/">total of 1,625 applications</a>&nbsp;were submitted for 48 microbusiness licenses — 16 for dispensaries and 32 for wholesale facilities. Nearly 1,900 owners were listed on the applications.A central focus of the annual report is why the Division of Cannabis Regulation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/a-quarter-of-missouri-cannabis-microbusiness-license-winners-deemed-ineligible/">may be revoking</a>&nbsp;11 of the 48 social-equity cannabis licenses issued in October, after finding they didn’t meet eligibility requirements.&nbsp;Those applicants were issued notices of pending revocation of their licenses on Dec. 15, and they have until Jan. 15 to respond with additional information that could reverse the department’s decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among those who could face license revocation is Canna Zoned, a Michigan company that secured two of the 16 dispensary cannabis licenses — in Columbia and Arnold.&nbsp;Both of Canna Zoned’s licenses have been deemed ineligible, according to information the state provided to The Independent in December.State records show Canna Zoned was connected to 104 out of the 1,048 applications that were entered into a lottery selection for the dispensary licenses. An investigation by The Independent in October found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/26/applicants-recruited-on-craigslist-competed-for-missouri-social-equity-cannabis-licenses/">applicants thought they were partnering with the Michigan investor</a>&nbsp;but in reality signed agreements requiring them to relinquish all control and profits of the business.&nbsp;Some applicants were recruited through Craigslist ads from around the country.&nbsp;Another company that used the strategy of flooding Missouri’s lottery with applications was an Arizona-based consulting firm called Cannabis Business Advisors. It was connected to more than 400 dispensary applicants, including six winners.&nbsp;The state couldn’t certify the eligibility for all six of the licenses connected to the firm’s clients.A Missouri firm, Amendment 2 Consultants, is connected to more than 150 applicants, winning two dispensary licenses and two wholesale licenses. One of the group’s dispensary applicants was deemed ineligible.Abigail Vivas, who oversees the microbusiness program as chief equity officer within the division, is constitutionally mandated to produce an annual report for the public and state legislators by the end of the year.In an interview with The Independent Wednesday, Vivas said the fact that a fourth of the licensees are pending revocation shows the division is doing its “due diligence.”“It doesn’t matter how you applied — whether you’re part of a group of multiple applications or a single application,” Vivas said, “we are going to look at all the information to ensure that these are going to truly eligible individuals.”<h2>Flooding strategy</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704453949052.png" alt=" The number of applicants for microbusiness cannabis licenses per Congressional district (Screenshot of Chief Equity Officer’s annual report)." />
 <figcaption> The number of applicants for microbusiness cannabis licenses per Congressional district (Screenshot of Chief Equity Officer’s annual report).</figcaption>
 </figure>A big question that Vivas received after the division released the winners of the microbusiness licenses was why numerous applications had the same designated contact person and proposed locations. Did that mean that one person was submitting more than one application, which is against the rules?&nbsp;Vivas said she understood the concern but hopes the report clarifies that a designated contact could be an attorney or someone outside the business who represents more than one owner. It doesn’t have to be an owner.There were three designated contacts who submitted 43% of the applications. And while the report doesn’t state this, the numbers match those of Michigan-based Canna Zoned, Arizona-based Cannabis Business Advisors and Missouri-based Amendment 2 Consultants.In some cases, numerous people who believed they were eligible came together to submit separate applications for one business, and Vivas said this isn’t against the rules.“There’s nothing that prohibits a group of five people that all meet an eligibility requirement individually, applying separately to increase their odds of winning in the lottery,” Vivas told The Independent. “There’s nothing that says that they can’t do that.”If one person wins and the group wants to change ownership later, they can do that with department approval, she said.&nbsp;The applications with the same designated contact often had the same proposed location as well. And that’s not against the rules either, she said.The strategy of flooding the lottery with applications to increase the odds was used mainly among the applications for dispensary licenses— and those licenses also drew the most out-of-state interest. State law originally required Missouri or majority Missouri ownership of marijuana licenses, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/missouri/2021/10/11/federal-judge-blocks-residency-requirement-missouri-marijuana-business-owners/6088977001/">that was deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2021</a>.&nbsp;When the results first appeared, there was some rumbling within the cannabis industry that the strategy was successful — since those three designated contacts on multiple applications landed 9 of the 16 dispensary licenses statewide.&nbsp;However, now all nine of those licenses are pending revocation.&nbsp;When asked if it was related that the licensees with duplicate locations and designated contacts were all deemed ineligible, she said “no.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“I wouldn’t say it’s related to them having a designated contact and then duplicate facilities,” she said. “We had people that were determined ineligible for several reasons.”The report states that the ineligibility issues included “failure to provide documentation that the facility would be operated by eligible individuals.”Other cited reasons included failure to provide adequate documentation to verify the majority owner met the eligibility criteria and for a disqualifying felony offense.Overall, Vivas said she’s learned a lot through input from applicants about what resources the division can provide in the second round – which begins in March – to help applicants through the process.&nbsp;She said her “to-do list” includes offering educational sessions on potential predatory lending or business agreements. It also includes trying to explore opportunities to create a grant-funding program for the licensees, which some other states have done to help licensees obtain capital without feeling the need to enter into unhealthy business arrangements.&nbsp;“It’s been a fast and furious timeline of things that we had to do,” she said. “So we’re trying to take that time now to build some of those other things into our program.”

Nearly half of Missouri social-equity marijuana license applicants were from out of state 

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves hopes to have new
legislation in place this fall to guide management of the Missouri River along
with the regulation of barge traffic on the river.

Congress approved the latest Water Resources Development Act, known
as WRDA, in 2022. It comes up for renewal in September.

Graves, a Republican who chairs the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, wants changes. In particular, Graves wants to take
decision-making out of the hands of federal agencies and give it back to local
members of Congress.

“The biggest thing is, I want to go back to Congressionally-directed
spending,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That is letting members of
Congress make the decision on how the money is going to be spent in their
districts.”

Graves insists federal agencies have emphasized environmental
concerns over flood control and navigation even though the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers still lists flood control and navigation as its top priorities with
others including irrigation and recreation.

Graves says the issue could be resolved if members of Congress
had more say over how money from WRDA is spent.

“So, I want to get back to letting members of Congress make
those decisions on the important aspects of the river and elevating those
things like navigation and flood control,” Graves says.

WRDA guides management of the Missouri River and all other navigable
rivers in the United States. It also regulates the barge industry and its
various ports. It provides money for upgrades on inland waterways, ports, and
various barge infrastructure.

While Graves pushes for a heightened interest in flood control,
especially in wake of the 2019 Missouri River flood, he has gotten help from
the state level. The governors of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa have
been meeting ever since that devastating flood, lobbying the federal government
for changes in how it manages the Missouri River and for a bigger voice in decisions
on repairing levees along the river.

Graves says the fact that the governors from Missouri, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Iowa are speaking with one voice on managing the Missouri River
has had a big impact.

“Missouri’s affected. Kansas is affected. Nebraska’s affected.
Iowa is affected. All the states downstream for that matter on the Mississippi
are affected by what happens on the Missouri,” Graves says. “The Missouri
River, those four governors coming together and looking at the changes that
need to be made and the devastation we see from flooding, that had a big
impact.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704392565339.jpeg" alt="Missouri River flood of 2019/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri River flood of 2019/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves hopes to have new
legislation in place this fall to guide management of the Missouri River along
with the regulation of barge traffic on the river.Congress approved the latest Water Resources Development Act, known
as WRDA, in 2022. It comes up for renewal in September.Graves, a Republican who chairs the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, wants changes. In particular, Graves wants to take
decision-making out of the hands of federal agencies and give it back to local
members of Congress.“The biggest thing is, I want to go back to Congressionally-directed
spending,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That is letting members of
Congress make the decision on how the money is going to be spent in their
districts.”Graves insists federal agencies have emphasized environmental
concerns over flood control and navigation even though the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers still lists flood control and navigation as its top priorities with
others including irrigation and recreation.Graves says the issue could be resolved if members of Congress
had more say over how money from WRDA is spent.“So, I want to get back to letting members of Congress make
those decisions on the important aspects of the river and elevating those
things like navigation and flood control,” Graves says.WRDA guides management of the Missouri River and all other navigable
rivers in the United States. It also regulates the barge industry and its
various ports. It provides money for upgrades on inland waterways, ports, and
various barge infrastructure.While Graves pushes for a heightened interest in flood control,
especially in wake of the 2019 Missouri River flood, he has gotten help from
the state level. The governors of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa have
been meeting ever since that devastating flood, lobbying the federal government
for changes in how it manages the Missouri River and for a bigger voice in decisions
on repairing levees along the river.Graves says the fact that the governors from Missouri, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Iowa are speaking with one voice on managing the Missouri River
has had a big impact.“Missouri’s affected. Kansas is affected. Nebraska’s affected.
Iowa is affected. All the states downstream for that matter on the Mississippi
are affected by what happens on the Missouri,” Graves says. “The Missouri
River, those four governors coming together and looking at the changes that
need to be made and the devastation we see from flooding, that had a big
impact.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Congressman-Sam-Graves-on-WRDA-renewal-e2e0o1p" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Graves hopes for more Congressional discretion on Missouri River spending

A 35-year-old St. Joseph man who
shared online child pornography of three victims has been sentenced to 23 years
in federal prison.

Federal prosecutors in Kansas City
say Tyler Wirth will spend the rest of his life on supervised release after he
serves his prison sentence. Wirth has also been ordered to pay $14,381 in restitution
to his victims.

Wirth pleaded guilty a year ago
to one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child
pornography. Wirth confessed to producing pornographic images of three children
and distributing them on the Kik application.

Federal District Judge Gary
Fenner sentenced Wirth to 23 years in prison without parole. Wirth also will be
required to register as a sex offender.

Wirth admitted he communicated
extensively with others over the Kik application, expressing a desire to
sexually abuse children. Federal prosecutors accuse Wirth of participating in
chat rooms and engaging in private communications, asking for advice on how to
go about sexually abusing children.

Law enforcement executed a search
warrant on Wirth’s residence in August of 2020, seizing his cell phone and
electronic media. Investigators found hundreds of videos and images of child
pornography.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 35-year-old St. Joseph man who
shared online child pornography of three victims has been sentenced to 23 years
in federal prison.Federal prosecutors in Kansas City
say Tyler Wirth will spend the rest of his life on supervised release after he
serves his prison sentence. Wirth has also been ordered to pay $14,381 in restitution
to his victims.Wirth pleaded guilty a year ago
to one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child
pornography. Wirth confessed to producing pornographic images of three children
and distributing them on the Kik application.Federal District Judge Gary
Fenner sentenced Wirth to 23 years in prison without parole. Wirth also will be
required to register as a sex offender.Wirth admitted he communicated
extensively with others over the Kik application, expressing a desire to
sexually abuse children. Federal prosecutors accuse Wirth of participating in
chat rooms and engaging in private communications, asking for advice on how to
go about sexually abusing children.Law enforcement executed a search
warrant on Wirth’s residence in August of 2020, seizing his cell phone and
electronic media. Investigators found hundreds of videos and images of child
pornography.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man sentenced on federal child porn charges

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter driven by Nuru Kibonge, 30, Harrisonburd, Virginia, was northbound on Interstate 29 at the Route CC/K interchange.

The van traveled off the right side of the road and struck a road sign.

Andrew County EMS transported Kibonge to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter driven by Nuru Kibonge, 30, Harrisonburd, Virginia, was northbound on Interstate 29 at the Route CC/K interchange.The van traveled off the right side of the road and struck a road sign.Andrew County EMS transported Kibonge to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after van strikes road sign

Officials with the Convention and Visitors Bureau say tourism in St. Joseph continued to grow last year, giving the local economy a big boost. 

Executive Director Marci Bennett says the bureau saw a big leap in the economic impact from tourism in Buchanan County between 2022 and 2023. 

"This past year, we went from $216 million in Buchanan County of economic impact to $229 million, that's incredible," Bennett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "During 2020 we were way down of course on everything, but it has rebounded and exceeded anything before 2020." 

Bennett points to events such as the recent Bill Snyder Classic between Missouri and Kansas State women’s basketball as well as the Division II Women's Elite Eight as some of the highlights from 2023 that helped boost the economy.  

After a successful 2023, officials now turn their attention to having an even more successful 2024. 

Director of Marketing and Communications Christian Mengel says he's excited about the return of the Missouri Film tax credit. 

Mengel says the tax credit gives filmmakers an incentive to film in rural communities, providing an economic boost to those communities. 

"They can hire local someone credited, who is you'd say qualified someone like a Jason Hudson who locally directs plenty of films and everyone knows is the filmmaker, but he can be credited on a big picture that comes in from Hollywood because he's qualified to be like an assistant director or an assistant producer or something and kind of shadow under someone that you'd say was big name Hollywood," Mengel explains. 

Mengel says the credit also applies to the hiring of local editors and crew, and even Uber drivers, which in turn puts money back into Buchanan County.  

Bennett says events that drew in large crowds last year, will be back this year, including the Division II Women's Elite Eight 

"Women's basketball March 25th and 29th, our second marathon, now it can be an annual not an inaugural marathon, will be September 28th so mark your calendars to be either a runner or a volunteer," Bennett says. 

Bennett says the Bill Snyder Classic will also return this December, though teams have not been decided.  She also says there is currently a bid in place to try to bring the state 8-man football championship game to St. Joseph. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Officials with the Convention and Visitors Bureau say tourism in St. Joseph continued to grow last year, giving the local economy a big boost. Executive Director Marci Bennett says the bureau saw a big leap in the economic impact from tourism in Buchanan County between 2022 and 2023. "This past year, we went from $216 million in Buchanan County of economic impact to $229 million, that's incredible," Bennett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "During 2020 we were way down of course on everything, but it has rebounded and exceeded anything before 2020." Bennett points to events such as the recent Bill Snyder Classic between Missouri and Kansas State women’s basketball as well as the Division II Women's Elite Eight as some of the highlights from 2023 that helped boost the economy. After a successful 2023, officials now turn their attention to having an even more successful 2024. Director of Marketing and Communications Christian Mengel says he's excited about the return of the Missouri Film tax credit. Mengel says the tax credit gives filmmakers an incentive to film in rural communities, providing an economic boost to those communities. "They can hire local someone credited, who is you'd say qualified someone like a Jason Hudson who locally directs plenty of films and everyone knows is the filmmaker, but he can be credited on a big picture that comes in from Hollywood because he's qualified to be like an assistant director or an assistant producer or something and kind of shadow under someone that you'd say was big name Hollywood," Mengel explains. Mengel says the credit also applies to the hiring of local editors and crew, and even Uber drivers, which in turn puts money back into Buchanan County. Bennett says events that drew in large crowds last year, will be back this year, including the Division II Women's Elite Eight "Women's basketball March 25th and 29th, our second marathon, now it can be an annual not an inaugural marathon, will be September 28th so mark your calendars to be either a runner or a volunteer," Bennett says. Bennett says the Bill Snyder Classic will also return this December, though teams have not been decided. She also says there is currently a bid in place to try to bring the state 8-man football championship game to St. Joseph.

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau looking to 2024 after successful 2023

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F450 driven by Ethan A. Brown, 22, Hale, was eastbound on MO 190 seven miles south of Jamesport.

The truck crested a hill and struck a horse drawn buggy driven by Eli T. Detweiler, 84, Jamesport. After impact the buggy traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Daviess County EMS transported Detweiler to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Hale was properly restrained and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F450 driven by Ethan A. Brown, 22, Hale, was eastbound on MO 190 seven miles south of Jamesport.The truck crested a hill and struck a horse drawn buggy driven by Eli T. Detweiler, 84, Jamesport. After impact the buggy traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Daviess County EMS transported Detweiler to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Hale was properly restrained and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after truck strikes horse drawn buggy

ATCHISON COUNTY Law enforcement authorities are once again investigating a suspect on two warrants.

On Jan. 2, police arrested 26-year-old Zane T. Boldridge of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to appear in court and an Atchison Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. 

In September, he was booked into the Atchison County jail on similar allegations.

Boldridge was booked into the Johnson County, Kansas jail in July of 2022 on felony possession allegations and was scheduled for a court appearance in August, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704298046357.png" alt="Boldridge-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Boldridge-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY Law enforcement authorities are once again investigating a suspect on two warrants.On Jan. 2, police arrested 26-year-old Zane T. Boldridge of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to appear in court and an Atchison Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. In September, he was booked into the Atchison County jail on similar allegations.Boldridge was booked into the Johnson County, Kansas jail in July of 2022 on felony possession allegations and was scheduled for a court appearance in August, according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed again for skipping court in 2 counties

No charges will be filed in a St. Joseph Police officer-involved shooting that happened on December 26th following a police pursuit.

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson says the determination was made after careful review of statements, videos and police reports surrounding an incident, in which St. Joseph police officer Justin McElroy fired his weapon after 39-year-old Nicholas Glen Newton&nbsp; pointed a handgun in his direction.

St. Joseph Police were attempting to stop a stolen U-Haul truck believed to have been involved in multiple thefts. The vehicle fled from officers.

Officers eventually deployed spike strips, and Newton lost control of the truck in the 1600 block of Garfield Street. The truck went off the street and got stuck on railroad tracks.

McElroy approached the vehicle, and Newton pointed a handgun at him. McElroy discharged his weapon, though no one was injured.

The weapon Newton brandished was a stolen&nbsp;45-caliber handgun.&nbsp;Police say Newton had an active parole violation warrant out for him and had a long list of previous convictions, including eight citations for failure to appear in court.

Newton was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703770787158.png" alt="Thirty-nine-year-old Nicholas Glen Newton pointed a weapon at St. Joseph Police Officer Justin McElroy during a police pursuit on December 26, 2023. McElroy fired his weapon, but no one was injured." />
 <figcaption>Thirty-nine-year-old Nicholas Glen Newton pointed a weapon at St. Joseph Police Officer Justin McElroy during a police pursuit on December 26, 2023. McElroy fired his weapon, but no one was injured.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNo charges will be filed in a St. Joseph Police officer-involved shooting that happened on December 26th following a police pursuit.Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson says the determination was made after careful review of statements, videos and police reports surrounding an incident, in which St. Joseph police officer Justin McElroy fired his weapon after 39-year-old Nicholas Glen Newton&nbsp; pointed a handgun in his direction.St. Joseph Police were attempting to stop a stolen U-Haul truck believed to have been involved in multiple thefts. The vehicle fled from officers.Officers eventually deployed spike strips, and Newton lost control of the truck in the 1600 block of Garfield Street. The truck went off the street and got stuck on railroad tracks.McElroy approached the vehicle, and Newton pointed a handgun at him. McElroy discharged his weapon, though no one was injured.The weapon Newton brandished was a stolen&nbsp;45-caliber handgun.&nbsp;Police say Newton had an active parole violation warrant out for him and had a long list of previous convictions, including eight citations for failure to appear in court.Newton was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

No charges filed in St. Joseph officer-involved shooting from late December

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's five-month annual legislative session begins Wednesday, and top Republican leaders say passing more laws directed at LBGTQ+ people is not a priority.

Republicans spent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-legislation-legislature-missouri-sports-2dd6a4c599190a08aa72d12868215547">much of last session</a>&nbsp;crafting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">two new transgender-related laws</a>, despite considerable&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-children-jefferson-city-missouri-lgbtq-people-adb003aedb60a1ddacc077189955831d">pushback</a>&nbsp;from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.

One measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-health-missouri-dfb348b44e4a11b18bda10c89744841a">outlawed</a>&nbsp;gender-affirming surgeries for minors and instituted a four-year ban on the use of hormones and puberty blockers as a part of gender-affirming health care for minors who were not already receiving those medications. Another law limits athletes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-k12-schools-state-restrictions-ec0b1d2ea162855131264c88bb992e2e">school sports teams</a>&nbsp;based on their sex as assigned at birth, an act that also expires in August 2027.

Bills filed this session would repeal the expiration dates for both transgender-related laws, make public drag shows a crime, require teachers to notify parents if students express confusion about their gender, and put limits on what books are available to minors in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-bans-american-library-association-42b34a284a6363439de20bbb65bb43b4">public and school libraries</a>.

But Republican Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said he does not expect work on transgender-related issues this year. And House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Patterson said proposals dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-drag-shows-florida-desantis-lgbtqhnmmwnsaz-88c6624e2e8a8be812e6eb63161a2631">drag shows</a>, LGBTQ+ discussions in schools and library books will take a back seat to top priorities that include expanding access to child care and charter and non-public schools.

“It’s a noble thing to try to protect kids. But you know, here in Missouri, we’ve got a good number of kids that can’t read at their grade level. One fifth of kids are obese. We have 40 kids a year that are killed by gun violence," Patterson said. “If we really want to help kids, I think we’ll do things that address crime and educational opportunities.”

The rift between the Republican majority and more extreme factions within the party likely will be on full display this year as GOP lawmakers try to win primary elections by moving farther and farther to the right.

With many Republican lawmakers competing against one another for higher state office, Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday called for a focus on ways to make the state better “instead of trying to be so controversial.”

“There are plenty of people in the General Assembly that understand that that takes a balanced approach,” Parson said. “Common sense will prevail at the end of the day.”

This session, Republican legislative leaders said they will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">try again</a>&nbsp;to make it harder to amend the Missouri Constitution.

But Patterson said Missouri lawmakers must acknowledge votes in other states “that all seem to show that the voters want the ability to engage in government this way.”

Republican-led legislatures in Arizona, Arkansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-ballot-e3db04beec5c1edd860df5d648adfd60">Ohio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-politics-sd-state-wire-8f3bc1b141225856fa4fec842601da53">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;all recently placed measures on the ballot seeking to make it harder to approve future initiatives. Most failed.

“It’s going to be a difficult thing to do, but I think we’ll take a look at it," Patterson said.

Other high-priority issues Republican leaders outlined for this year include putting additional limits on foreign ownership of agricultural land.

Parson on Tuesday issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/foreign-land-missouri-agriculture-military-china-fcea4a00170ce64274d012a50934b0ab">executive order</a>&nbsp;banning citizens and companies from countries deemed threatening by the federal government from purchasing farms or other land within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of staffed military sites in the state.

The federal government lists China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as foreign adversaries.

Parson's order is limited, and he acknowledged there's more for lawmakers to do on the issue. He urged the Legislature not to go so far as to ban all foreign land ownership, which he said would shut out allies such as Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's five-month annual legislative session begins Wednesday, and top Republican leaders say passing more laws directed at LBGTQ+ people is not a priority.Republicans spent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-legislation-legislature-missouri-sports-2dd6a4c599190a08aa72d12868215547">much of last session</a>&nbsp;crafting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">two new transgender-related laws</a>, despite considerable&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-children-jefferson-city-missouri-lgbtq-people-adb003aedb60a1ddacc077189955831d">pushback</a>&nbsp;from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.One measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-health-missouri-dfb348b44e4a11b18bda10c89744841a">outlawed</a>&nbsp;gender-affirming surgeries for minors and instituted a four-year ban on the use of hormones and puberty blockers as a part of gender-affirming health care for minors who were not already receiving those medications. Another law limits athletes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-k12-schools-state-restrictions-ec0b1d2ea162855131264c88bb992e2e">school sports teams</a>&nbsp;based on their sex as assigned at birth, an act that also expires in August 2027.Bills filed this session would repeal the expiration dates for both transgender-related laws, make public drag shows a crime, require teachers to notify parents if students express confusion about their gender, and put limits on what books are available to minors in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-bans-american-library-association-42b34a284a6363439de20bbb65bb43b4">public and school libraries</a>.But Republican Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said he does not expect work on transgender-related issues this year. And House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Patterson said proposals dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-drag-shows-florida-desantis-lgbtqhnmmwnsaz-88c6624e2e8a8be812e6eb63161a2631">drag shows</a>, LGBTQ+ discussions in schools and library books will take a back seat to top priorities that include expanding access to child care and charter and non-public schools.“It’s a noble thing to try to protect kids. But you know, here in Missouri, we’ve got a good number of kids that can’t read at their grade level. One fifth of kids are obese. We have 40 kids a year that are killed by gun violence," Patterson said. “If we really want to help kids, I think we’ll do things that address crime and educational opportunities.”The rift between the Republican majority and more extreme factions within the party likely will be on full display this year as GOP lawmakers try to win primary elections by moving farther and farther to the right.With many Republican lawmakers competing against one another for higher state office, Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday called for a focus on ways to make the state better “instead of trying to be so controversial.”“There are plenty of people in the General Assembly that understand that that takes a balanced approach,” Parson said. “Common sense will prevail at the end of the day.”This session, Republican legislative leaders said they will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">try again</a>&nbsp;to make it harder to amend the Missouri Constitution.But Patterson said Missouri lawmakers must acknowledge votes in other states “that all seem to show that the voters want the ability to engage in government this way.”Republican-led legislatures in Arizona, Arkansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-ballot-e3db04beec5c1edd860df5d648adfd60">Ohio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-politics-sd-state-wire-8f3bc1b141225856fa4fec842601da53">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;all recently placed measures on the ballot seeking to make it harder to approve future initiatives. Most failed.“It’s going to be a difficult thing to do, but I think we’ll take a look at it," Patterson said.Other high-priority issues Republican leaders outlined for this year include putting additional limits on foreign ownership of agricultural land.Parson on Tuesday issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/foreign-land-missouri-agriculture-military-china-fcea4a00170ce64274d012a50934b0ab">executive order</a>&nbsp;banning citizens and companies from countries deemed threatening by the federal government from purchasing farms or other land within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of staffed military sites in the state.The federal government lists China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as foreign adversaries.Parson's order is limited, and he acknowledged there's more for lawmakers to do on the issue. He urged the Legislature not to go so far as to ban all foreign land ownership, which he said would shut out allies such as Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Mo. GOP leaders: LGBTQ+ issues will take a back seat to child care, education policy in 2024

A study by the Council of Criminal Justice throughout the first half of 2023, showed crime in the US is down, but another poll shows Americans think it’s up. 

The study showed a significant drop in violent and overall crimes, but the Gallup poll shows that 77-percent of Americans perceive that crime is on the rise. 

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says social media could be having some impact on the perception of crime. 

"I always give the example, 20 years ago if something bad happened in California, it could be days or a week before we heard about it in Missouri and we can literally hear about it seconds later with social media," Luster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "So, that could definitely be adding to the perception that things are getting worse." 

Luster also says the way the media covers various crimes can sway people's perception on crime. 

Luster says people's perception of crime can certainly become their own reality.  

"The more you hear about crime or violent crime occurring, whether it's in St. Joe or another state, the perception can quickly come that Americans think crime is getting worse and worse so that soon becomes that reality," Luster says. 

Luster says overall St. Joseph has been going along with the trend of seeing the crime rate drop and hopes to see the trend continue. 

"We're experiencing similar numbers here in St. Joe where crime always ebbs and flows a little bit, but just in general our part one index crime is down on the year, close to 20%," Luster explains. "So, that's a good thing, certain categories tick up and others tick down a little bit, and we put a lot of focus and energy on that." 

Luster says part one crimes are identified as more serious crimes such as homicides, robberies, and auto thefts.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A study by the Council of Criminal Justice throughout the first half of 2023, showed crime in the US is down, but another poll shows Americans think it’s up. The study showed a significant drop in violent and overall crimes, but the Gallup poll shows that 77-percent of Americans perceive that crime is on the rise. St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says social media could be having some impact on the perception of crime. "I always give the example, 20 years ago if something bad happened in California, it could be days or a week before we heard about it in Missouri and we can literally hear about it seconds later with social media," Luster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, that could definitely be adding to the perception that things are getting worse." Luster also says the way the media covers various crimes can sway people's perception on crime. Luster says people's perception of crime can certainly become their own reality. "The more you hear about crime or violent crime occurring, whether it's in St. Joe or another state, the perception can quickly come that Americans think crime is getting worse and worse so that soon becomes that reality," Luster says. Luster says overall St. Joseph has been going along with the trend of seeing the crime rate drop and hopes to see the trend continue. "We're experiencing similar numbers here in St. Joe where crime always ebbs and flows a little bit, but just in general our part one index crime is down on the year, close to 20%," Luster explains. "So, that's a good thing, certain categories tick up and others tick down a little bit, and we put a lot of focus and energy on that." Luster says part one crimes are identified as more serious crimes such as homicides, robberies, and auto thefts.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Many-Americans-say-crime-is-up--but-really-its-down-e2dubc7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

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