Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick wants to audit more school districts without a citizen petition or accusation of wrongdoing. Independence is first on the list.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mariabenevento/">MARIA BENEVENTO</a>

Independence School District Superintendent Dale Herl feels targeted by the state for moving to a four-day school week.

On Wednesday, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced a plan to audit the district.

Independence schools aren’t accused of wrongdoing, and no one asked for an audit.

Rather, it’s Fitzpatrick’s first foray into conducting more routine audits of some of the state’s 518 school districts, something he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/scott-fitzpatrick-says-covid-relief-school-spending-will-be-focus-as-missouri-auditor/#:~:text=The%20state%20auditor%20by%20law,audit%20any%20local%20political%20subdivision.">promised during his campaign and inauguration</a>.

Fitzpatrick initially said he wanted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article266835176.html">to investigate schools teaching about</a>&nbsp;sexuality, gender or “critical race theory” — which has become a catchall term for race- or diversity-related concepts that parents or politicians may find objectionable. So far, he hasn’t emphasized that in the Independence audit.

“The combination of them being a large district that has a four-day week that’s in the Kansas City area was a big factor” in choosing to audit Independence, he said.

The auditor’s office has held expanded power to audit school districts for more than a decade, but has rarely used it. Fitzpatrick’s decision to flex that power comes as a bill further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/09/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-expanding-powers-of-state-auditor/73616957007/">expanding the auditor’s authority</a>&nbsp;to investigate other government bodies without an invitation awaits Gov. Mike Parson’s signature.

The formal announcement of the audit to the school board on May 14 came shortly after Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-05-08/missouri-governor-signs-468-million-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-and-expands-charters">signed legislation</a>&nbsp;to require school districts in charter counties and cities over 30,000 in population to seek voter approval if they want a four-day school week.

Independence switched to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule for the 2023-24 school year to better recruit teachers and other staff. Herl said it’s already been successful.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">law</a>&nbsp;doesn’t affect most of the more than 150 districts in the state that, like Independence, switched to a four-day week, because most of them are rural.

But it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-04-24/independence-voters-would-weigh-in-on-4-day-school-week-under-new-missouri-bill">requires Independence</a>, by far the largest district in the state to go to a four-day week, to win voter approval or return to a five-day week.

The new law and the audit announcement come as Independence is wrapping up its first school year on the four-day schedule.

“It does feel like we were certainly targeted because we are (on) a four-day school week,” Herl said.

The state auditor’s job is to check state agencies, circuit courts and local governments for waste, fraud and inefficiencies.

School districts are required to have regular&nbsp;financial&nbsp;audits, conducted by an independent auditor. But audits from the state typically look beyond finances and don’t follow a set schedule.

While the auditor has had expanded power to audit school districts since 2008, school audits have most frequently happened when citizens collect signatures to petition for an audit or in response to specific concerns.

Of six school district and charter school audits completed since 2019, half sprang from citizen petitions, two were requested by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and one was requested by a charter school’s board.

Older audit reports don’t always state why they were initiated, but Fitzpatrick said auditors have conducted an average of one to two school district audits a year since 2008.

The Beacon confirmed those numbers are accurate based on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/Reports?SearchLocalState=34">online audit reports</a>&nbsp;when you leave out follow-up reports, charter school audits and higher education audits.

K-12 education is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Fitzpatrick said, “we spent almost none of our audit resources auditing the recipient of those funds.”

He wants routine audits of school districts to become more common and has been adding staff for that work.

“We are going to use more of our discretionary audit resources to do audits of school districts,” Fitzpatrick said. “The role that school districts play in preparing the next generation of Missourians for the workforce is incredibly important.”

Fitzpatrick’s office is also auditing the Kingston K-14 school district in Washington County because of a citizen petition and the Francis Howell school district in St. Charles County because of concerns with “management and efficiency issues,” particularly with recent building projects.

Both districts are on the eastern side of the state, which influenced the decision to add a Kansas City-area district to the mix, Fitzpatrick said.

Herl said he expects the audit report will be clean and that it could include useful suggestions.

When auditors ask for documents, Herl said, “we need to stop what we’re doing as far as payroll or ending our fiscal year out to make sure that we’re complying with their requests.”

The process is “very cumbersome for our staff,” but “something we’ll gladly do,” Herl said. “If there are things that we could do better, we certainly want to know that.”

Neither Herl nor Fitzpatrick could estimate how many staff hours the audit will take.

Fitzpatrick’s office takes on any direct costs to pay for the audits. He estimated it could use $70,000 to $80,000 worth of staff time from his office.

“That would be what they would be paid regardless of whether we’re (auditing) Independence or some other district or some other entity,” he said.

The report could be public by late 2024 or early 2025, Fitzpatrick said.

If the audit reveals the district is well-run, “that should be something that the community should be happy about, and should instill confidence in the people in charge of the district,” he said.

When auditors get involved, schools are more likely to follow the rules and function in a more austere way, said Dustin Hornbeck, an assistant professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Memphis.

Hornbeck has studied the expanding role of some state auditors in education, particularly as they’re called on to hold charter schools accountable.

While audits’ impact can be positive, Hornbeck said they’re also conducted by political, partisan officials in states like Missouri where the auditor is elected.

The ability to do performance audits at will could lead districts to wonder whether the auditor is trying to send a message with the timing of an audit, he said.

“It’s fascinating and kind of startling to think that the auditor just gets to pick and choose at random whomever they decide they want to audit,” he said. “You could use it as a political ax to grind or to go after political adversaries.”

In Independence, audit staff are figuring out how to approach an audit without a specific problem area in mind. They’re talking with school board members, surveying upper-level staff and distributing contact information so community members can leave tips.

Questions so far have focused on the four-day school week and finances, Herl said.

There will be some emphasis on curriculum as well, Fitzpatrick said.

Todd Schuler, a Missouri audit manager who presented to the school board, said the final audit report won’t mention any topic unless there’s a recommendation related to it. It won’t rule on whether the four-day week is good or bad, but might examine how the decision was made.

“It’s a bit unusual,” Schuler told the school board. “This is pretty rare that we don’t go out with at least some known issues or concerns.”

This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/05/24/four-day-school-week-audit/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717091725199.png" alt="Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick speaks to reporters Jan. 23 about a critical report of the Secretary of State's office (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick speaks to reporters Jan. 23 about a critical report of the Secretary of State's office (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick wants to audit more school districts without a citizen petition or accusation of wrongdoing. Independence is first on the list.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mariabenevento/">MARIA BENEVENTO</a>Independence School District Superintendent Dale Herl feels targeted by the state for moving to a four-day school week.On Wednesday, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced a plan to audit the district.Independence schools aren’t accused of wrongdoing, and no one asked for an audit.Rather, it’s Fitzpatrick’s first foray into conducting more routine audits of some of the state’s 518 school districts, something he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/scott-fitzpatrick-says-covid-relief-school-spending-will-be-focus-as-missouri-auditor/#:~:text=The%20state%20auditor%20by%20law,audit%20any%20local%20political%20subdivision.">promised during his campaign and inauguration</a>.Fitzpatrick initially said he wanted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article266835176.html">to investigate schools teaching about</a>&nbsp;sexuality, gender or “critical race theory” — which has become a catchall term for race- or diversity-related concepts that parents or politicians may find objectionable. So far, he hasn’t emphasized that in the Independence audit.“The combination of them being a large district that has a four-day week that’s in the Kansas City area was a big factor” in choosing to audit Independence, he said.The auditor’s office has held expanded power to audit school districts for more than a decade, but has rarely used it. Fitzpatrick’s decision to flex that power comes as a bill further&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/09/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-expanding-powers-of-state-auditor/73616957007/">expanding the auditor’s authority</a>&nbsp;to investigate other government bodies without an invitation awaits Gov. Mike Parson’s signature.The formal announcement of the audit to the school board on May 14 came shortly after Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-05-08/missouri-governor-signs-468-million-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-and-expands-charters">signed legislation</a>&nbsp;to require school districts in charter counties and cities over 30,000 in population to seek voter approval if they want a four-day school week.Independence switched to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule for the 2023-24 school year to better recruit teachers and other staff. Herl said it’s already been successful.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">law</a>&nbsp;doesn’t affect most of the more than 150 districts in the state that, like Independence, switched to a four-day week, because most of them are rural.But it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2024-04-24/independence-voters-would-weigh-in-on-4-day-school-week-under-new-missouri-bill">requires Independence</a>, by far the largest district in the state to go to a four-day week, to win voter approval or return to a five-day week.The new law and the audit announcement come as Independence is wrapping up its first school year on the four-day schedule.“It does feel like we were certainly targeted because we are (on) a four-day school week,” Herl said.<h2>Making audits routine</h2>The state auditor’s job is to check state agencies, circuit courts and local governments for waste, fraud and inefficiencies.School districts are required to have regular&nbsp;financial&nbsp;audits, conducted by an independent auditor. But audits from the state typically look beyond finances and don’t follow a set schedule.While the auditor has had expanded power to audit school districts since 2008, school audits have most frequently happened when citizens collect signatures to petition for an audit or in response to specific concerns.Of six school district and charter school audits completed since 2019, half sprang from citizen petitions, two were requested by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and one was requested by a charter school’s board.Older audit reports don’t always state why they were initiated, but Fitzpatrick said auditors have conducted an average of one to two school district audits a year since 2008.The Beacon confirmed those numbers are accurate based on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/Reports?SearchLocalState=34">online audit reports</a>&nbsp;when you leave out follow-up reports, charter school audits and higher education audits.K-12 education is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Fitzpatrick said, “we spent almost none of our audit resources auditing the recipient of those funds.”He wants routine audits of school districts to become more common and has been adding staff for that work.“We are going to use more of our discretionary audit resources to do audits of school districts,” Fitzpatrick said. “The role that school districts play in preparing the next generation of Missourians for the workforce is incredibly important.”Fitzpatrick’s office is also auditing the Kingston K-14 school district in Washington County because of a citizen petition and the Francis Howell school district in St. Charles County because of concerns with “management and efficiency issues,” particularly with recent building projects.Both districts are on the eastern side of the state, which influenced the decision to add a Kansas City-area district to the mix, Fitzpatrick said.<h2>Costs and benefits</h2>Herl said he expects the audit report will be clean and that it could include useful suggestions.But the audit is also a burden.When auditors ask for documents, Herl said, “we need to stop what we’re doing as far as payroll or ending our fiscal year out to make sure that we’re complying with their requests.”The process is “very cumbersome for our staff,” but “something we’ll gladly do,” Herl said. “If there are things that we could do better, we certainly want to know that.”Neither Herl nor Fitzpatrick could estimate how many staff hours the audit will take.Fitzpatrick’s office takes on any direct costs to pay for the audits. He estimated it could use $70,000 to $80,000 worth of staff time from his office.“That would be what they would be paid regardless of whether we’re (auditing) Independence or some other district or some other entity,” he said.The report could be public by late 2024 or early 2025, Fitzpatrick said.If the audit reveals the district is well-run, “that should be something that the community should be happy about, and should instill confidence in the people in charge of the district,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717091669619.png" alt="Superintendent Dale Herl participates in a meeting of the Independence school board. (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>Superintendent Dale Herl participates in a meeting of the Independence school board. (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>When auditors get involved, schools are more likely to follow the rules and function in a more austere way, said Dustin Hornbeck, an assistant professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Memphis.Hornbeck has studied the expanding role of some state auditors in education, particularly as they’re called on to hold charter schools accountable.While audits’ impact can be positive, Hornbeck said they’re also conducted by political, partisan officials in states like Missouri where the auditor is elected.The ability to do performance audits at will could lead districts to wonder whether the auditor is trying to send a message with the timing of an audit, he said.“It’s fascinating and kind of startling to think that the auditor just gets to pick and choose at random whomever they decide they want to audit,” he said. “You could use it as a political ax to grind or to go after political adversaries.”In Independence, audit staff are figuring out how to approach an audit without a specific problem area in mind. They’re talking with school board members, surveying upper-level staff and distributing contact information so community members can leave tips.Questions so far have focused on the four-day school week and finances, Herl said.There will be some emphasis on curriculum as well, Fitzpatrick said.Todd Schuler, a Missouri audit manager who presented to the school board, said the final audit report won’t mention any topic unless there’s a recommendation related to it. It won’t rule on whether the four-day week is good or bad, but might examine how the decision was made.“It’s a bit unusual,” Schuler told the school board. “This is pretty rare that we don’t go out with at least some known issues or concerns.”This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/05/24/four-day-school-week-audit/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://thebeaconnews.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=21452" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Four-day school week draws Missouri auditor probe

St. Joseph police are investigating a shooting in the 900
block of Ridenbaugh Street in which it appears only a front door was harmed.

The St. Joseph Police Department says officers responded to a
call at 12:38 Thursday morning. The resident told police someone had shot at
their home. Officers found two bullet holes in the front door. No one was harmed
in the shooting. The property owner told officers the shooting might have
stemmed from an earlier confrontation.

No suspect has been taken into custody. The investigation
continues.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a shooting in the 900
block of Ridenbaugh Street in which it appears only a front door was harmed.The St. Joseph Police Department says officers responded to a
call at 12:38 Thursday morning. The resident told police someone had shot at
their home. Officers found two bullet holes in the front door. No one was harmed
in the shooting. The property owner told officers the shooting might have
stemmed from an earlier confrontation.No suspect has been taken into custody. The investigation
continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph shooting leaves door damaged; no one harmed

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Police continue investigating after the body of a newborn infant was found at a recreation area in northwest Missouri.

The body of the newborn was found Saturday at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville. Police Chief Mike Stolte said in a news release that a park employee found the remains while performing routine maintenance in a remote area of the park.

Police said the cause of death has not been determined. No additional information has been released.

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Police continue investigating after the body of a newborn infant was found at a recreation area in northwest Missouri.The body of the newborn was found Saturday at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville. Police Chief Mike Stolte said in a news release that a park employee found the remains while performing routine maintenance in a remote area of the park.Police said the cause of death has not been determined. No additional information has been released.

Investigation continues after body of newborn found in northwest Missouri

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Traverse driven by Jared J. Curtis, Gallatin, was westbound on Prairie Avenue four miles south of Jamesport.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the road, rolled and struck several trees.

Life-Flight Eagle transported Curtis and a passenger Sara Wilson, 26, Gallatin, to North Kansas City Hospital. Daviess County EMS transported a second passenger Cheyenne M. Pettit, 25, Chillicothe, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Traverse driven by Jared J. Curtis, Gallatin, was westbound on Prairie Avenue four miles south of Jamesport.The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the road, rolled and struck several trees.Life-Flight Eagle transported Curtis and a passenger Sara Wilson, 26, Gallatin, to North Kansas City Hospital. Daviess County EMS transported a second passenger Cheyenne M. Pettit, 25, Chillicothe, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Three hospitalized after SUV rollover crash

OZARK - Mid-Buchanan drew eight walks and swiped seven bases to go with their five hits.

That, combined with five innings from starting pitcher Will Archer, was enough to lift the Dragons (22-8) to a 7-3 win over West County in Class 3 state semifinals in Ozark on Wednesday afternoon.

Mid-Buchanan, already in its first Final Four ever in baseball, now advances to its first state championship game in program history.

The Dragons got up 1-0 after the first inning, 2-0 after the second and then led 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

West County (22-7) pushed across two runs to make it a 3-2 game headed to the sixth.

Mid-Buchanan essentially slammed the door with two insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.

Starting pitcher Will Archer went five innings for Mid-Buch, striking out three. Mason Grace tossed 1.1 innings of relief, while Cadyn Parrott recorded the final two outs.&nbsp;

Archer also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and two RBIs. One of his hits was a triple. Coltyn Angst drove in a pair of runs on a groundout and a sac fly.

Quentin Burton drove in two runs on an RBI single in the sixth inning.

Mid-Buchanan will play Duchesne (24-10) in the Class 3 state championship on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717031340142.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Chris Kendrick." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Chris Kendrick.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOZARK - Mid-Buchanan drew eight walks and swiped seven bases to go with their five hits.That, combined with five innings from starting pitcher Will Archer, was enough to lift the Dragons (22-8) to a 7-3 win over West County in Class 3 state semifinals in Ozark on Wednesday afternoon.Mid-Buchanan, already in its first Final Four ever in baseball, now advances to its first state championship game in program history.The Dragons got up 1-0 after the first inning, 2-0 after the second and then led 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.West County (22-7) pushed across two runs to make it a 3-2 game headed to the sixth.Mid-Buchanan essentially slammed the door with two insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.Starting pitcher Will Archer went five innings for Mid-Buch, striking out three. Mason Grace tossed 1.1 innings of relief, while Cadyn Parrott recorded the final two outs.&nbsp;Archer also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and two RBIs. One of his hits was a triple. Coltyn Angst drove in a pair of runs on a groundout and a sac fly.Quentin Burton drove in two runs on an RBI single in the sixth inning.Mid-Buchanan will play Duchesne (24-10) in the Class 3 state championship on Thursday night at 7 p.m.The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-vs--West-County---5-29-24-e2k98p9/a-abaib3t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Will Archer interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Archer---Mid-Buchanan-e2k99ao/a-abaicqe" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Rob Davenport interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Rob-Davenport---Mid-Buchanan-e2k994o/a-abaibvs" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mid-Buchanan uses small ball to best West County, Dragons reach the state title game

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven by Lindsey L. Storm, 35, Omaha, was northbound on MO 113 two miles south of Quitman.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at MO 46.&nbsp; The SUV struck the drivers side front tire on a westbound 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Kathleen J. Leus, 72, Maryville.

Life-Flight air ambulance transported Storm to an Omaha hospital. Nodaway County EMS transported Leus to Mosaic in Maryville. Storm was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven by Lindsey L. Storm, 35, Omaha, was northbound on MO 113 two miles south of Quitman.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at MO 46.&nbsp; The SUV struck the drivers side front tire on a westbound 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Kathleen J. Leus, 72, Maryville.Life-Flight air ambulance transported Storm to an Omaha hospital. Nodaway County EMS transported Leus to Mosaic in Maryville. Storm was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Woman airlifted to hospital after 2-vehicle Nodaway Co. crash

Not much got done in Jefferson City this year.

The Missouri legislature did approve a $51 billion state
budget, the only real requirement of any legislative session. But not much
else. Only 28 non-budget bills passed, a historically low number.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville, laments
the fact that Republicans failed to address one of their priorities during the
just-concluded legislation session.

Though Republicans hold firm majorities in both the Missouri
House and Senate, they failed to approve changes to the initiative petition
process used to change the state constitution.

Luetkemeyer calls it a casualty of a legislative session.

“That was a major priority of the Republican Caucus,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Really what we’re wanting to do is to
make sure that Missouri’s constitution is what it’s intended to be and that is
a fundamental governing document. I mean, that’s what constitutions are
intended to be.”

Luetkemeyer says it fell victim to Republican infighting at
the state Capitol. 

Luetkemeyer actually got two of the 28 non-budget bills
through. He succeeded in making adjustments to a provision passed last year
that gives counties the option to freeze property tax valuations for senior
citizens. The measure approved this legislative session extends the property
tax breaks to those not receiving Social Security payments such as teachers and
public employees.

Luetkemeyer also revised an anti-crime measure approved by the
General Assembly last year, but vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson. The bill contained
Max’s Law, which would increase the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal. That portion of the bill is named in honor of St. Joseph’s K-9
Max, the police dog shot and killed by a fleeing suspect in the summer of 2021.
It also contains Blair’s Law which would ban celebratory gunfire as well as Valentine’s
Law, which would increase the penalty for fleeing from police.

Parson vetoed the measure on matters unrelated to either Max’s
Law or Blair’s Law. Luetkemeyer says he attempted to address the governor’s
objections in the bill the legislature approved this session.

“We feel very confident that we have put together a package
that represents most all the major components from the vetoed bill last year
that addresses all the objections in the governor’s veto letter and that bill
should by all accounts be signed this year,” Luetkemeyer says.

As for the difficulties of the session, Luetkemeyer
acknowledges Republican infighting as its root, especially stemming from an ultra-conservative
wing of Senate Republicans which calls itself the Freedom Caucus. Luetkemeyer
expects that problem to be resolved by next year.

“I feel pretty optimistic next session both with new House
leadership as well as new members coming into the Senate and some old members
terming out that we’re going to really see a new chapter on the Missouri
legislature,” Luetkemeyer says.

While the legislative session might not have been as
productive as some might wish, it did produce wins for St. Joseph, especially
in the $51 billion state budget. It includes substantial money for upgrades to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport seen as crucial in the efforts of the Air National
Guard 139th Airlift Wing’s to land the new C-130 cargo planes. It
also provided money for capital improvements at Missouri Western State
University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717010175774.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks during Senate floor debate./Photo courtesy of the Missouri Senate" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks during Senate floor debate./Photo courtesy of the Missouri Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNot much got done in Jefferson City this year.The Missouri legislature did approve a $51 billion state
budget, the only real requirement of any legislative session. But not much
else. Only 28 non-budget bills passed, a historically low number.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville, laments
the fact that Republicans failed to address one of their priorities during the
just-concluded legislation session.Though Republicans hold firm majorities in both the Missouri
House and Senate, they failed to approve changes to the initiative petition
process used to change the state constitution.Luetkemeyer calls it a casualty of a legislative session.“That was a major priority of the Republican Caucus,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Really what we’re wanting to do is to
make sure that Missouri’s constitution is what it’s intended to be and that is
a fundamental governing document. I mean, that’s what constitutions are
intended to be.”Luetkemeyer says it fell victim to Republican infighting at
the state Capitol. Luetkemeyer actually got two of the 28 non-budget bills
through. He succeeded in making adjustments to a provision passed last year
that gives counties the option to freeze property tax valuations for senior
citizens. The measure approved this legislative session extends the property
tax breaks to those not receiving Social Security payments such as teachers and
public employees.Luetkemeyer also revised an anti-crime measure approved by the
General Assembly last year, but vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson. The bill contained
Max’s Law, which would increase the penalty for killing a police dog or any
police animal. That portion of the bill is named in honor of St. Joseph’s K-9
Max, the police dog shot and killed by a fleeing suspect in the summer of 2021.
It also contains Blair’s Law which would ban celebratory gunfire as well as Valentine’s
Law, which would increase the penalty for fleeing from police.Parson vetoed the measure on matters unrelated to either Max’s
Law or Blair’s Law. Luetkemeyer says he attempted to address the governor’s
objections in the bill the legislature approved this session.“We feel very confident that we have put together a package
that represents most all the major components from the vetoed bill last year
that addresses all the objections in the governor’s veto letter and that bill
should by all accounts be signed this year,” Luetkemeyer says.As for the difficulties of the session, Luetkemeyer
acknowledges Republican infighting as its root, especially stemming from an ultra-conservative
wing of Senate Republicans which calls itself the Freedom Caucus. Luetkemeyer
expects that problem to be resolved by next year.“I feel pretty optimistic next session both with new House
leadership as well as new members coming into the Senate and some old members
terming out that we’re going to really see a new chapter on the Missouri
legislature,” Luetkemeyer says.While the legislative session might not have been as
productive as some might wish, it did produce wins for St. Joseph, especially
in the $51 billion state budget. It includes substantial money for upgrades to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport seen as crucial in the efforts of the Air National
Guard 139th Airlift Wing’s to land the new C-130 cargo planes. It
also provided money for capital improvements at Missouri Western State
University.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-scored-wins-in-lackluster-session-e2k8ubi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

In lackluster legislative session, St. Joseph scored some wins

OZARK - Chris Coy threw six innings of one-hit ball, and Garret Ferrell blasted a two-run RBI double in the sixth, lifting Benton (32-3) to a 4-1 win over MICDS in a Class 4 state semifinal at U.S. Baseball Park in Ozark Wednesday.

The Cardinals, now winners of 21 straight games, have reached the state championship in baseball for just the second time in school history and the first time since 2007.

Benton drew first blood in the top of the first. Senior Carson Schmidt led things off with a single to left field. An RBI groundout by senior Jackson Kanacsky scored Schmidt to make it a 1-0 game.&nbsp;

The score stayed that way through the first five innings.

MICDS (18-7) had just one hit through the first six innings, and were put down in order in the first, third, fourth and fifth.

Benton added key insurance with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Coy led off by reaching first on a throwing error. He later scored on a sac fly from senior Carson Davis.

With runners on first and second, Ferrell blasted a deep double to the left field wall, giving Benton a 4-0 lead. Ferrell went 2-for-3 at the plate.

MICDS scratched across a run on three hits in the seventh, but three groundouts limited the damage.

Coy (7-0) went the full game for Benton on the mound, striking out one and walking one. He gave up just four hits and one earned run.

Benton plays for the Class 4 state championship on Thursday at 1 p.m. vs. Blair Oaks (25-13). Thursday's game will be broadcast live online on St. Joseph Post.

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>. Coverage starts at 12:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717004668591.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOZARK - Chris Coy threw six innings of one-hit ball, and Garret Ferrell blasted a two-run RBI double in the sixth, lifting Benton (32-3) to a 4-1 win over MICDS in a Class 4 state semifinal at U.S. Baseball Park in Ozark Wednesday.The Cardinals, now winners of 21 straight games, have reached the state championship in baseball for just the second time in school history and the first time since 2007.Benton drew first blood in the top of the first. Senior Carson Schmidt led things off with a single to left field. An RBI groundout by senior Jackson Kanacsky scored Schmidt to make it a 1-0 game.&nbsp;The score stayed that way through the first five innings.MICDS (18-7) had just one hit through the first six innings, and were put down in order in the first, third, fourth and fifth.Benton added key insurance with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Coy led off by reaching first on a throwing error. He later scored on a sac fly from senior Carson Davis.With runners on first and second, Ferrell blasted a deep double to the left field wall, giving Benton a 4-0 lead. Ferrell went 2-for-3 at the plate.MICDS scratched across a run on three hits in the seventh, but three groundouts limited the damage.Coy (7-0) went the full game for Benton on the mound, striking out one and walking one. He gave up just four hits and one earned run.Benton plays for the Class 4 state championship on Thursday at 1 p.m. vs. Blair Oaks (25-13). Thursday's game will be broadcast live online on St. Joseph Post.<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>. Coverage starts at 12:30 p.m.Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Benton-vs--MICDS---Class-4-state-semifinal-e2k8q79/a-abah77j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Johnny Coy interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Johnny-Coy---52924-e2k8qdh/a-abah7ki" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Garret Ferrell interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Garret-Ferrell---52924-e2k8qfv/a-abah7qc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton baseball tops MICDS, reaches state title game for first time since 2007

A concert series that has filled downtown with music for over a decade is returning this weekend.   

Several area churches came together in 2013 to form the Imagine 11 concert series, helping fill Sundays at Coleman Hawkins Park with a variety of music.  

Director Roger Lenander says when the event was originally planned, he thought it would just be once or twice a month, but it became much more 

"Turned out to be 11 weeks, from the first Sunday in June to the second Sunday in August, so that's where the 11 comes out," Lenander tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Lenander says the theme of Imagine centers around imagining being the community St. Joseph wants to be 

"That is people who are generous, who are caring, and are supportive of one another and really celebrate that spirit in the community," Lenander explains. 

When the concert series began, it was difficult to find enough bands to fill the 11 weeks, but Lenander says in recent years, that hasn't been a problem. 

"Every year some get excluded because we have so many within the region," Lenander says. "We draw from throughout the Kansas City region and northwest region, but also this year we ventured into Kansas and have a Topeka favorite coming in." 

Lenander says the concerts draw several people downtown during the series 

"We always get about 300 to 400 out there but we've swelled up to 1,000+ at times for groups in years past," Lenander points out.  "A group that played was Liverpool, a Beatles tribute group, and one year they drew 1,200 out there." 

The concerts are held rain or shine every Sunday from 6 to 8pm between June 2nd and August 11th. The first band featured this coming Sunday will be Revelation: A tribute to Journey. 

If a concert is moved inside, it will be held at the First Lutheran Church downtown. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716999980187.jpeg" alt="The Imagine 11 concert series draws several hundreds of people to Coleman Hawkins Park every Sunday between the first Sunday of June and the second Sunday of August/ Photo courtesy of Imagine 11" />
 <figcaption>The Imagine 11 concert series draws several hundreds of people to Coleman Hawkins Park every Sunday between the first Sunday of June and the second Sunday of August/ Photo courtesy of Imagine 11</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A concert series that has filled downtown with music for over a decade is returning this weekend. Several area churches came together in 2013 to form the Imagine 11 concert series, helping fill Sundays at Coleman Hawkins Park with a variety of music. Director Roger Lenander says when the event was originally planned, he thought it would just be once or twice a month, but it became much more "Turned out to be 11 weeks, from the first Sunday in June to the second Sunday in August, so that's where the 11 comes out," Lenander tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Lenander says the theme of Imagine centers around imagining being the community St. Joseph wants to be "That is people who are generous, who are caring, and are supportive of one another and really celebrate that spirit in the community," Lenander explains. When the concert series began, it was difficult to find enough bands to fill the 11 weeks, but Lenander says in recent years, that hasn't been a problem. "Every year some get excluded because we have so many within the region," Lenander says. "We draw from throughout the Kansas City region and northwest region, but also this year we ventured into Kansas and have a Topeka favorite coming in." Lenander says the concerts draw several people downtown during the series "We always get about 300 to 400 out there but we've swelled up to 1,000+ at times for groups in years past," Lenander points out. "A group that played was Liverpool, a Beatles tribute group, and one year they drew 1,200 out there." The concerts are held rain or shine every Sunday from 6 to 8pm between June 2nd and August 11th. The first band featured this coming Sunday will be Revelation: A tribute to Journey. If a concert is moved inside, it will be held at the First Lutheran Church downtown. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D746109497720575%26set%3Da.485376127127248%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Imagine 11 celebrates 11th year

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

The courts cannot shield Missouri’s biggest vendor of games offering cash prizes from criminal prosecution for gambling violations, the Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In a unanimous decision, the court upheld&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/02/judge-tosses-torch-lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">last fall’s dismissal</a>&nbsp;of a lawsuit filed by Torch Electronics that sought an order barring the Missouri State Highway Patrol from seizing machines and seeking criminal charges. The civil courts cannot be used to interfere with criminal proceedings, Judge Edward Ardini&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=208380">wrote for the three-judge panel</a>&nbsp;that heard the case.

“It is evident from plaintiffs’ amended petition that their objective in bringing this lawsuit is to enjoin law enforcement from determining the devices are criminal and seizing them,” Ardini wrote. “We are not persuaded by plaintiffs’ attempts to characterize their claim as one seeking declaratory judgment interpreting a civil statute.”

In his October 2023 order, Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green also dismissed the claims of the Missouri Gaming Association, which intervened in the case by arguing Torch operations caused “a loss of business for association members (licensed, regulated casinos) and undermines the public policy of legal, regulated, licensed gaming.”

The opinion handed down Tuesday also upheld Green’s dismissal of the Gaming Association claims. Just as the civil courts cannot declare an activity to be protected from prosecution, Ardini wrote, the courts cannot declare that a particular activity is criminal.

“Missouri courts do not provide equitable relief that interferes with the enforcement of criminal law absent a challenge to the law’s constitutionality or validity,” Ardini wrote.

If the court had upheld either challenge to the dismissal, the result would have put the case back in Green’s hands for further proceedings. A final appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court is possible but attorneys for the losing parties said Tuesday they weren’t certain they would continue the case.

“We are reviewing the decision to determine our next steps,” said Chuck Hatfield, attorney for Torch.

Marc Ellinger, attorney for the Gaming Association, said his clients are also reviewing the opinion.

“We will make our decisions in due course,” Ellinger said.

The case decided Tuesday is the first appellate decision involving what vendors call “pre-reveal” or “no-chance” gaming machines that have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/unregulated-gaming-machines-spreading-throughout-columbia/article_7b6e46ee-bd0c-11e8-b55d-a382c7e78e1c.html">proliferated in Missouri since 2018</a>. There was one felony conviction involving non-Torch machines and several misdemeanor convictions but none have been appealed.

Torch&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in early 2021 against the patrol, the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. In it, Torch accused the patrol of a campaign of “harassment and intimidation” targeting its games, which are offered to patrons of convenience stores, truck stops and other locations around the state.

Its games are not illegal, Torch argues, because a “pre-reveal” player can learn the outcome of the upcoming play before putting money at risk. That means they are not games of chance, the company argues.

Opponents argue that it is the unknown results of future plays that make the games illegal. That has led to them being called “gray market” machines because of the uncertainty.

At that time, Torch was facing felony prosecution in Linn County for promoting gambling, a case that has since been dismissed. The company also sued the Linn County prosecuting attorney.

A review by The Independent in 2021 showed the patrol had sent prosecutors 190 cases in 2019 and 2020 requesting charges for illegal gambling and that only a handful of cases were actually filed. Torch has cited that article repeatedly in its court filings to show that there is a consensus among prosecutors that its games are legal.

Torch is not currently a defendant in any criminal case.

Torch is challenging a new ordinance in Springfield outlawing games that offer cash prizes. Torch has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/29/city-springfield-sued-by-owners-gaming-machines-after-police-start-enforcing-ordinance-bans/">sued the city</a>, arguing that the new ordinance should not be applied to its games.

As of late April, Springfield had issued 36 citations to businesses with the machines that allegedly violate the ordinance,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2024/04/16/springfield-vlt-operators-cited-for-violating-citys-ban-on-devices/73333446007/">the Springfield News-Leader reported</a>.

Legislative efforts to rewrite state gambling laws have been stymied by strong lobbying by Torch as well as disagreements over what kind of new gambling, if any, to allow in the state. Attempts to legalize sports wagering have failed, as has a push to allow video games operated by the Missouri Lottery.

Major league sports teams banded together with online gambling companies for an initiative petition drive that could put&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">sports betting on the ballot</a>&nbsp;later this year. Casino gambling, the state lottery, and parimutuel wagering on horse races are currently legal, along with raffles and bingo for nonprofit organizations.

In Tuesday’s decision, Ardini wrote that it is bad policy for the civil courts to take on challenges to enforcement of criminal laws.

“There are sound policy reasons why courts should not be used to civilly enforce criminal laws, including the difference in the burden of proof between a criminal prosecution and an action for equitable relief,” Ardini wrote. “Further, courts should avoid encroaching on the constitutional and statutory duties of prosecutors to enforce the criminal laws by permitting private litigants to seek enforcement through a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696350548337.png" alt=" Two “no-chance” gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Two “no-chance” gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The courts cannot shield Missouri’s biggest vendor of games offering cash prizes from criminal prosecution for gambling violations, the Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.In a unanimous decision, the court upheld&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/02/judge-tosses-torch-lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">last fall’s dismissal</a>&nbsp;of a lawsuit filed by Torch Electronics that sought an order barring the Missouri State Highway Patrol from seizing machines and seeking criminal charges. The civil courts cannot be used to interfere with criminal proceedings, Judge Edward Ardini&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=208380">wrote for the three-judge panel</a>&nbsp;that heard the case.“It is evident from plaintiffs’ amended petition that their objective in bringing this lawsuit is to enjoin law enforcement from determining the devices are criminal and seizing them,” Ardini wrote. “We are not persuaded by plaintiffs’ attempts to characterize their claim as one seeking declaratory judgment interpreting a civil statute.”In his October 2023 order, Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green also dismissed the claims of the Missouri Gaming Association, which intervened in the case by arguing Torch operations caused “a loss of business for association members (licensed, regulated casinos) and undermines the public policy of legal, regulated, licensed gaming.”The opinion handed down Tuesday also upheld Green’s dismissal of the Gaming Association claims. Just as the civil courts cannot declare an activity to be protected from prosecution, Ardini wrote, the courts cannot declare that a particular activity is criminal.“Missouri courts do not provide equitable relief that interferes with the enforcement of criminal law absent a challenge to the law’s constitutionality or validity,” Ardini wrote.If the court had upheld either challenge to the dismissal, the result would have put the case back in Green’s hands for further proceedings. A final appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court is possible but attorneys for the losing parties said Tuesday they weren’t certain they would continue the case.“We are reviewing the decision to determine our next steps,” said Chuck Hatfield, attorney for Torch.Marc Ellinger, attorney for the Gaming Association, said his clients are also reviewing the opinion.“We will make our decisions in due course,” Ellinger said.The case decided Tuesday is the first appellate decision involving what vendors call “pre-reveal” or “no-chance” gaming machines that have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/unregulated-gaming-machines-spreading-throughout-columbia/article_7b6e46ee-bd0c-11e8-b55d-a382c7e78e1c.html">proliferated in Missouri since 2018</a>. There was one felony conviction involving non-Torch machines and several misdemeanor convictions but none have been appealed.Torch&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in early 2021 against the patrol, the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. In it, Torch accused the patrol of a campaign of “harassment and intimidation” targeting its games, which are offered to patrons of convenience stores, truck stops and other locations around the state.Its games are not illegal, Torch argues, because a “pre-reveal” player can learn the outcome of the upcoming play before putting money at risk. That means they are not games of chance, the company argues.Opponents argue that it is the unknown results of future plays that make the games illegal. That has led to them being called “gray market” machines because of the uncertainty.At that time, Torch was facing felony prosecution in Linn County for promoting gambling, a case that has since been dismissed. The company also sued the Linn County prosecuting attorney.A review by The Independent in 2021 showed the patrol had sent prosecutors 190 cases in 2019 and 2020 requesting charges for illegal gambling and that only a handful of cases were actually filed. Torch has cited that article repeatedly in its court filings to show that there is a consensus among prosecutors that its games are legal.Torch is not currently a defendant in any criminal case.Torch is challenging a new ordinance in Springfield outlawing games that offer cash prizes. Torch has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/29/city-springfield-sued-by-owners-gaming-machines-after-police-start-enforcing-ordinance-bans/">sued the city</a>, arguing that the new ordinance should not be applied to its games.As of late April, Springfield had issued 36 citations to businesses with the machines that allegedly violate the ordinance,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2024/04/16/springfield-vlt-operators-cited-for-violating-citys-ban-on-devices/73333446007/">the Springfield News-Leader reported</a>.Legislative efforts to rewrite state gambling laws have been stymied by strong lobbying by Torch as well as disagreements over what kind of new gambling, if any, to allow in the state. Attempts to legalize sports wagering have failed, as has a push to allow video games operated by the Missouri Lottery.Major league sports teams banded together with online gambling companies for an initiative petition drive that could put&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">sports betting on the ballot</a>&nbsp;later this year. Casino gambling, the state lottery, and parimutuel wagering on horse races are currently legal, along with raffles and bingo for nonprofit organizations.In Tuesday’s decision, Ardini wrote that it is bad policy for the civil courts to take on challenges to enforcement of criminal laws.“There are sound policy reasons why courts should not be used to civilly enforce criminal laws, including the difference in the burden of proof between a criminal prosecution and an action for equitable relief,” Ardini wrote. “Further, courts should avoid encroaching on the constitutional and statutory duties of prosecutors to enforce the criminal laws by permitting private litigants to seek enforcement through a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief.”

Court: Torch Electronics had no grounds to sue over Mo. gambling enforcement

Fire engulfed an occupied house on Clay Street, near the
intersection with 22nd, early Tuesday evening, leaving one injured.

St. Joseph Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson says the fire
department got the call shortly after 6:30. Henrichson says when crews arrived,
they found heavy fire and smoke in the back of the building.

“They made sure everyone was evacuated,” Henrichson tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Did a secondary search because they weren’t sure about
one person. We didn’t find anybody in the building. Other than that, the damage
was mainly in the back.”

The one-time single-family house has been divided into four units,
two on the first story and two on the second. The landlord told Henrichson 12
people lived in the house. All escaped without injury except for one who was treated
on the scene and then taken to the hospital.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished well before eight o’clock.

Henrichson says he has narrowed the cause of the fire to three
possibilities. He does not believe the fire was set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716948337062.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph firefighters wrap up work on Clay Street near the intersection of 22nd./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph firefighters wrap up work on Clay Street near the intersection of 22nd./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFire engulfed an occupied house on Clay Street, near the
intersection with 22nd, early Tuesday evening, leaving one injured.St. Joseph Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson says the fire
department got the call shortly after 6:30. Henrichson says when crews arrived,
they found heavy fire and smoke in the back of the building.“They made sure everyone was evacuated,” Henrichson tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Did a secondary search because they weren’t sure about
one person. We didn’t find anybody in the building. Other than that, the damage
was mainly in the back.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716948444912.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The one-time single-family house has been divided into four units,
two on the first story and two on the second. The landlord told Henrichson 12
people lived in the house. All escaped without injury except for one who was treated
on the scene and then taken to the hospital.Firefighters had the fire extinguished well before eight o’clock.Henrichson says he has narrowed the cause of the fire to three
possibilities. He does not believe the fire was set.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716948478025.jpeg" alt="Fire did heavy damage to the back of the building./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Fire did heavy damage to the back of the building./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=420&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F1553354728621016%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="535" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

One injured as fire engulfs occupied St. Joseph house

Summer in St. Joseph means one thing for certain - the Mustangs are back at Phil Welch Stadium.

The eight-time MINK League Champions start up their 15th season this week.

The Mustangs went 33-18 last year, getting all the way to the final game of the championship series, but they lost to Jefferson City 4-0 in the deciding game to end the season, denying the Mustangs what would have been four consecutive titles.

Johnny Coy, entering his sixth year as the Mustangs’ head coach, says that season-ending loss has resonated with the team, especially with the 13 guys returning from last season.

"Just the fact we weren't able to (win a title) last year lit a fire in a lot of these guys," Coy said. "The guys who haven't been here at all know nothing about it, but they're starting to learn already that's what's expected of them and that's what we're going to shoot for."

The start of the 2024 season is somewhat bitter sweet, as the Mustangs mourn the loss of the team’s founder and former owner Dan Gerson. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/aba99d62-678a-4ec6-94a1-0f86b496bb8a">Gerson died this past September at the age of 68</a> at his home in Chicago.

 Ownership of the team transferred to team president Ky Turner following the 2021 season. As he gets ready for the first season without Dan, Turner says much is planned to honor the man who made summers at Phil Welch possible.

"We want to make sure we reach that standard that Dan helped us set," Turner said. "This year, we're always going to continue to honor Dan and his legacy and the impact he had on the things we do. Dan was a fun guy, so we want to have fun with it."

"Dan also hated the spotlight, so he's pry going to hate some of the things we're going to do this season."

The Mustangs will play 26 home games in all this summer. A lot of the usual traditions are back. Bark in the Park, $1.50 beer night on Friday, the St. Joseph Tenderloins, Fireworks on Saturdays and so on

 But, Turner says this year especially will feature a lot of new family fun at the park.

"There's a lot," he said. "Sometimes, I just have to sit down and remind myself of what's happening. Aesthetically, we have some really nice things here that's going to make the stadium experience a little bit better. This is going to be a fun year."

New at the stadium right now is new netting along the first and third base lines.

As for the team itself, the Mustangs are primed to win another MINK League title. The team features six players from Division I universities, nine from MIAA member schools and 12 players from St. Joseph and the immediate surrounding area.

Back for his fourth season is Fort Hays State pitcher and Benton graduate Tanner Schmidt, whose little brother Carson will be on the team for the first time this summer. Schmidt says it’s the friendships and the bonds he’s made over the years that’s kept him coming back each of the last few years.

"Not only the players, but (coach) Johnny (Coy)," Schmidt said. "Lifelong friend, you know. I know I can go to him in any amount of time, five years, 10 years. If I need something, he'll try to help me get whatever I need. It's the bonds you build. The friends you make."

Back for a second season is pitcher, infielder and Lafayette alum Jayden Little. Little says the opportunity to play in front of thousands at Phil Welch Stadium makes the experience that much better.

"I mean, it's a feeling a lot of these guys don't get to feel all year," Little said. "Playing in front of 4-5,000 people a night here. No matter where you go to all of the different colleges we come from, you just don't get that. Getting in here, playing in front of all of these people, it kind of gives you an edge. Makes you want to play that much harder. Kind of show what you got and show off."

First-year Mustang Bronco Whitt, a pitcher and East Buchanan graduate, says he's excited to get to work with this bunch.

"Yeah, a lot of excitement, you know," Whitt said. "Everyone always wants to play for the Mustangs. The fans are great. The town is great. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm ready for it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716922949222.jpeg" alt="Members of the St. Joseph Mustangs gather in the clubhouse on Monday, hearing words from head coach Johnny Coy and team owner Ky Turner. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Members of the St. Joseph Mustangs gather in the clubhouse on Monday, hearing words from head coach Johnny Coy and team owner Ky Turner. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSummer in St. Joseph means one thing for certain - the Mustangs are back at Phil Welch Stadium.The eight-time MINK League Champions start up their 15th season this week.The Mustangs went 33-18 last year, getting all the way to the final game of the championship series, but they lost to Jefferson City 4-0 in the deciding game to end the season, denying the Mustangs what would have been four consecutive titles.Johnny Coy, entering his sixth year as the Mustangs’ head coach, says that season-ending loss has resonated with the team, especially with the 13 guys returning from last season."Just the fact we weren't able to (win a title) last year lit a fire in a lot of these guys," Coy said. "The guys who haven't been here at all know nothing about it, but they're starting to learn already that's what's expected of them and that's what we're going to shoot for."The start of the 2024 season is somewhat bitter sweet, as the Mustangs mourn the loss of the team’s founder and former owner Dan Gerson. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/aba99d62-678a-4ec6-94a1-0f86b496bb8a">Gerson died this past September at the age of 68</a> at his home in Chicago. Ownership of the team transferred to team president Ky Turner following the 2021 season. As he gets ready for the first season without Dan, Turner says much is planned to honor the man who made summers at Phil Welch possible."We want to make sure we reach that standard that Dan helped us set," Turner said. "This year, we're always going to continue to honor Dan and his legacy and the impact he had on the things we do. Dan was a fun guy, so we want to have fun with it.""Dan also hated the spotlight, so he's pry going to hate some of the things we're going to do this season."The Mustangs will play 26 home games in all this summer. A lot of the usual traditions are back. Bark in the Park, $1.50 beer night on Friday, the St. Joseph Tenderloins, Fireworks on Saturdays and so on But, Turner says this year especially will feature a lot of new family fun at the park."There's a lot," he said. "Sometimes, I just have to sit down and remind myself of what's happening. Aesthetically, we have some really nice things here that's going to make the stadium experience a little bit better. This is going to be a fun year."New at the stadium right now is new netting along the first and third base lines.As for the team itself, the Mustangs are primed to win another MINK League title. The team features six players from Division I universities, nine from MIAA member schools and 12 players from St. Joseph and the immediate surrounding area.Back for his fourth season is Fort Hays State pitcher and Benton graduate Tanner Schmidt, whose little brother Carson will be on the team for the first time this summer. Schmidt says it’s the friendships and the bonds he’s made over the years that’s kept him coming back each of the last few years."Not only the players, but (coach) Johnny (Coy)," Schmidt said. "Lifelong friend, you know. I know I can go to him in any amount of time, five years, 10 years. If I need something, he'll try to help me get whatever I need. It's the bonds you build. The friends you make."Back for a second season is pitcher, infielder and Lafayette alum Jayden Little. Little says the opportunity to play in front of thousands at Phil Welch Stadium makes the experience that much better."I mean, it's a feeling a lot of these guys don't get to feel all year," Little said. "Playing in front of 4-5,000 people a night here. No matter where you go to all of the different colleges we come from, you just don't get that. Getting in here, playing in front of all of these people, it kind of gives you an edge. Makes you want to play that much harder. Kind of show what you got and show off."First-year Mustang Bronco Whitt, a pitcher and East Buchanan graduate, says he's excited to get to work with this bunch."Yeah, a lot of excitement, you know," Whitt said. "Everyone always wants to play for the Mustangs. The fans are great. The town is great. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm ready for it."Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Johnny-Coy---St--Joseph-Mustangs-e2k7fd4/a-abae1dv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Ky-Turner---St--Joseph-Mustangs-e2k7feq/a-abae1hb" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716923571405.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs set to open their 15th season, team plans to honor its late founder

St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields will try again next year,
after two years of frustration trying to push a package of child care tax
credits through the legislature.

The measure once again failed to get anywhere in the Senate.

Shields, a Republican, couldn’t get passed opposition from fellow
Republicans who make up the ultra-conservative Senate Freedom Caucus.

“They just really wanted to cut all of the tax credits out of
it, so that it would not have made it a bill worth passing or would have done
what we are looking for is to create access to child care that is quality, reliable,
safe, and affordable,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

“I think that for Missouri’s economy to grow, which we know we
lost over $1.35 billion in Missouri’s economy, which would have been about $280
million in General Revenue as people pay their taxes, I think it’s really
necessary,” Shields says. “If we don’t have a workforce we can’t grow the
economy.”

Shields got backing from Gov. Mike Parson as well as from the Missouri
Chamber of Commerce. Both saw it as necessary for state economic growth.

Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan blames the Senate
for failing to address what the Chamber considers a very real economic problem.

“State Rep. Brenda Shields did a fantastic job getting the child
care bill through the House and into the Senate,” Mehan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in a phone interview. “For two years running, the Senate failed to vote it
out of the Senate and deliver it to the governor’s desk for signature.”

Mehan is frustrated by antics in the Missouri Senate that have
killed the bill.

“Last year, it was the vote that would have been taken on the
last day. It was the next vote up and we endured a filibuster for the last four
hours of the session,” Mehan says. “This year, we pretty much lost that whole
week, that last week of session. So, they never brought it up for a vote on the
floor.”

Mehan says a lack of child care or the expense of child care
have prevented some women from returning to the workforce post-COVID.

The measure sponsored by Shields would have provide tax
credits for businesses helping to offset the cost of child care for their
employees, for donors to child care centers, and for child care providers
expanding their business.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields will try again next year,
after two years of frustration trying to push a package of child care tax
credits through the legislature.The measure once again failed to get anywhere in the Senate.Shields, a Republican, couldn’t get passed opposition from fellow
Republicans who make up the ultra-conservative Senate Freedom Caucus.“They just really wanted to cut all of the tax credits out of
it, so that it would not have made it a bill worth passing or would have done
what we are looking for is to create access to child care that is quality, reliable,
safe, and affordable,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Shields will try again next year.“I think that for Missouri’s economy to grow, which we know we
lost over $1.35 billion in Missouri’s economy, which would have been about $280
million in General Revenue as people pay their taxes, I think it’s really
necessary,” Shields says. “If we don’t have a workforce we can’t grow the
economy.”Shields got backing from Gov. Mike Parson as well as from the Missouri
Chamber of Commerce. Both saw it as necessary for state economic growth.Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan blames the Senate
for failing to address what the Chamber considers a very real economic problem.“State Rep. Brenda Shields did a fantastic job getting the child
care bill through the House and into the Senate,” Mehan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in a phone interview. “For two years running, the Senate failed to vote it
out of the Senate and deliver it to the governor’s desk for signature.”Mehan is frustrated by antics in the Missouri Senate that have
killed the bill.“Last year, it was the vote that would have been taken on the
last day. It was the next vote up and we endured a filibuster for the last four
hours of the session,” Mehan says. “This year, we pretty much lost that whole
week, that last week of session. So, they never brought it up for a vote on the
floor.”Mehan says a lack of child care or the expense of child care
have prevented some women from returning to the workforce post-COVID.The measure sponsored by Shields would have provide tax
credits for businesses helping to offset the cost of child care for their
employees, for donors to child care centers, and for child care providers
expanding their business.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Senate gets blame for blocking child care tax credits

Camp Haven, a camp for youth who have lost a parent or a sibling to cancer, is expanding to include more youth.  

Feedback during registration helped organizers realize other youth should be included 

Organizer Tony Martinez says youth who have suffered any form of loss of a parent or sibling are suffering from the same sort of grief 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Camp Haven, a camp for youth who have lost a parent or a sibling to cancer, is expanding to include more youth. Feedback during registration helped organizers realize other youth should be included Organizer Tony Martinez says youth who have suffered any form of loss of a parent or sibling are suffering from the same sort of grief "Because these children have to face life without one of their parents or one of their siblings that they've been used to seeing day in, day out, week after week, month after month, and all of a sudden that perso is pulled from thier lives," Martinez tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And there's a certain amount of grief that goes through their minds, even questions in their minds about what happens after death or how do we go about doing things now." Camp Farwesta Marketing Director Trish Heath says the camp is designed to help provide a distraction from grief for those youth "We'll have folks there for that support, it's not really a counseling, we'll have some chaplains and some people to have the comfort support," Heath explains. "And really that's what it is, is more of that." Camp Haven will run June 9th through the 14th at Camp Farwesta near Stewartsville. Heath says the camp will provide a variety of activities for youth "We've got some therapy dogs coming, lots of different things that will be available throughout the week just probably once, doing some tye dye shirts, some stepping stones and creating those," Heath says. "Then there will be lots of things in the evening and one of them being that we're taking them to the St. Joe Mustangs game." Heath says KC Wolf will also be at the camp for the opening on June 9th. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.