Area state legislators don’t give the recently concluded Missouri
legislative session in Jefferson City very high marks, saying personal agendas
and politics got in the way of governance.

State Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican from St. Joseph, says a
lot of legislation failed to pass, because the ultra conservatives who make up
the Senate Freedom Caucus blocked a lot of legislation.

“I think we let the citizens of Missouri down,” Falkner tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I mean, we did pass a lot of good things, don’t get me
wrong, and sometimes not passing a bill is good anyway. But there were a lot of
good things we left on the table that could’ve gotten done had we just wanted
to work together.”

Republicans control the state legislature. They hold big
majorities in both chambers. Republican leaders stated a top priority this
legislative session was to change the voting threshold needed to change the Missouri
constitution. Yet, disagreements between Senate and House Republicans kill
chances for changing the initiative petition.

Falkner, who has said changing the initiative petition process
is needed, says the issue failed when the Senate refused to accept provisions
favored by the House.

“We wanted to add to make the elected officials face the same
scrutiny as the public filing an initiative petition,” according to Falkner. “If
we were taking something to the ballot, we wanted to pass it by the same margins
as well. So, we were holding ourselves to a different standard. And that was
one of the things we thought was important and that was left out on the Senate
side.”

It's a pattern state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from
Savannah, has seen play out at the Capitol before.

“Since I’ve been there, and even before, we’ve been pushing
for initiative petition reform,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And every
year it has died on the Senate floor.”

A major bill sponsored by St. Joseph Rep. Brenda Shields, a
Republican, would have offered tax breaks to increase child care options in
Missouri. Shields says it got to the Senate in early February and it never went
anywhere.

“They were ready to roll,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“They were out of committee fairly quickly and then they just sat on the
(Senate) calendar. It was number one on the calendar and they just never got to
them.”

Shields, a member of the House Budget Committee, says St.
Joseph did benefit from the state budget, which provided money for upgrades at
Rosecrans Memorial Airport as well as $500,000 for the downtown Children’s
Discovery Center and $200,000 for the Social Worker program at Missouri Western
State University.

The budget has been delivered to Gov. Mike Parson for his consideration.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716569979523.jpeg" alt="Rep. Bill Falkner speaks during House debate/Photo courtesy of Missouri House of Representative Communications&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Bill Falkner speaks during House debate/Photo courtesy of Missouri House of Representative Communications&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostArea state legislators don’t give the recently concluded Missouri
legislative session in Jefferson City very high marks, saying personal agendas
and politics got in the way of governance.State Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican from St. Joseph, says a
lot of legislation failed to pass, because the ultra conservatives who make up
the Senate Freedom Caucus blocked a lot of legislation.“I think we let the citizens of Missouri down,” Falkner tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I mean, we did pass a lot of good things, don’t get me
wrong, and sometimes not passing a bill is good anyway. But there were a lot of
good things we left on the table that could’ve gotten done had we just wanted
to work together.”Republicans control the state legislature. They hold big
majorities in both chambers. Republican leaders stated a top priority this
legislative session was to change the voting threshold needed to change the Missouri
constitution. Yet, disagreements between Senate and House Republicans kill
chances for changing the initiative petition.Falkner, who has said changing the initiative petition process
is needed, says the issue failed when the Senate refused to accept provisions
favored by the House.“We wanted to add to make the elected officials face the same
scrutiny as the public filing an initiative petition,” according to Falkner. “If
we were taking something to the ballot, we wanted to pass it by the same margins
as well. So, we were holding ourselves to a different standard. And that was
one of the things we thought was important and that was left out on the Senate
side.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716570175113.jpeg" alt="Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It's a pattern state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from
Savannah, has seen play out at the Capitol before.“Since I’ve been there, and even before, we’ve been pushing
for initiative petition reform,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And every
year it has died on the Senate floor.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716570091523.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields speaks during House floor debate/Photo courtesy of Missouri House of Representatives Communications" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields speaks during House floor debate/Photo courtesy of Missouri House of Representatives Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>A major bill sponsored by St. Joseph Rep. Brenda Shields, a
Republican, would have offered tax breaks to increase child care options in
Missouri. Shields says it got to the Senate in early February and it never went
anywhere.“They were ready to roll,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“They were out of committee fairly quickly and then they just sat on the
(Senate) calendar. It was number one on the calendar and they just never got to
them.”Shields, a member of the House Budget Committee, says St.
Joseph did benefit from the state budget, which provided money for upgrades at
Rosecrans Memorial Airport as well as $500,000 for the downtown Children’s
Discovery Center and $200,000 for the Social Worker program at Missouri Western
State University.The budget has been delivered to Gov. Mike Parson for his consideration.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Review-of-the-legislative-session-e2k2oob" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Area lawmakers don't give Missouri legislative session high marks

Buchanan County Sheriff’s officers are investigating what
appears to be an accidental death in southeast Buchanan County.

The sheriff’s department reports it received a call reporting
a grain bin accident in rural Buchanan County. Authorities say responding
officers found a 69-year-old man dead near the intersection of US Highway 169
and Missouri Highway E, about four miles northwest of Gower.

The person has not been identified. The investigation
continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Sheriff’s officers are investigating what
appears to be an accidental death in southeast Buchanan County.The sheriff’s department reports it received a call reporting
a grain bin accident in rural Buchanan County. Authorities say responding
officers found a 69-year-old man dead near the intersection of US Highway 169
and Missouri Highway E, about four miles northwest of Gower.The person has not been identified. The investigation
continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buchanan County Sheriff's authorities investigating death

While many spend their spring breaks on a long vacation, St. Joseph Dance Arts Center owner Marla Heeler spent part of her’s working.  

Heeler got the opportunity to choreograph a national commercial for Holiday Inn Club Vacations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

Heeler says after spending some time in Myrtle Beach scouting the location and getting a vision, she began putting together the choreography 

"Started playing around with just different movement that I thought would work, they do a little scene with a luggage cart so I literally went to our local Holiday Inn and borrowed their luggage cart for about an hour one day to figure out some different things we might do on a luggage cart," Heeler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Heeler says once she got back to Myrtle Beach, she had just two days to rehearse with the dancers before the filming began.  

Heeler was presented with the opportunity by Dallas Henry, a former theater director and professor at Missouri Western, who she previously choreographed works for. 

Heeler says she had never choreographed anything on this scale before 

"I'm really thankful that I did get that opportunity, it was very cool," Heeler says. 

Heeler says Henry calling her to give her this chance, shows the power of connections 

"And people remembering you later on down the road, which is you know how things can definitely work in the arts," Heeler says.  

Heeler says she's excited for her students at the Dance Arts Center to see the commercial, especially those who might want to do that sort of work in the future. 

"I think the kids learning that having that ability to make a simple movement look really sharp and amazing, is just as effective, because that's what everybody wants to see and that's what draws people in to watch that commercial, is their really cute personalities and performances," Heeler explains. 

Heeler says for herself she learned more of the importance of making connections and says she would do something like this again in a heartbeat. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716566373737.jpeg" alt="Dancers perform a dance choreographed by Dance Arts Center Marla Heeler for a commerical for Holiday Inn Club Vacations Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Dancers perform a dance choreographed by Dance Arts Center Marla Heeler for a commerical for Holiday Inn Club Vacations Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post While many spend their spring breaks on a long vacation, St. Joseph Dance Arts Center owner Marla Heeler spent part of her’s working. Heeler got the opportunity to choreograph a national commercial for Holiday Inn Club Vacations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Heeler says after spending some time in Myrtle Beach scouting the location and getting a vision, she began putting together the choreography "Started playing around with just different movement that I thought would work, they do a little scene with a luggage cart so I literally went to our local Holiday Inn and borrowed their luggage cart for about an hour one day to figure out some different things we might do on a luggage cart," Heeler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Heeler says once she got back to Myrtle Beach, she had just two days to rehearse with the dancers before the filming began. Heeler was presented with the opportunity by Dallas Henry, a former theater director and professor at Missouri Western, who she previously choreographed works for. Heeler says she had never choreographed anything on this scale before "I'm really thankful that I did get that opportunity, it was very cool," Heeler says. Heeler says Henry calling her to give her this chance, shows the power of connections "And people remembering you later on down the road, which is you know how things can definitely work in the arts," Heeler says. Heeler says she's excited for her students at the Dance Arts Center to see the commercial, especially those who might want to do that sort of work in the future. "I think the kids learning that having that ability to make a simple movement look really sharp and amazing, is just as effective, because that's what everybody wants to see and that's what draws people in to watch that commercial, is their really cute personalities and performances," Heeler explains. Heeler says for herself she learned more of the importance of making connections and says she would do something like this again in a heartbeat. You can see the commercial below: <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1wPaAPWGv0w?si=7thyXS6cH7g48XhX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Listen to our Journal with Marla:<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Dance-Arts-Center-Director-gets-spring-break-opportunity-e2k2m6i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Dance Arts Center Director gets great spring break opportunity

GRUNDY COUNTY —A child was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Chevy Impala driven by Emma E. Hostetler, 21, Trenton, was southbound on U.S. 65 one mile south of Spickard.

The car struck a deer in the road and came to a controlled stop on the west side of the highway.

A private vehicle transported a 2-year-old male passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment. The child was not properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —A child was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Chevy Impala driven by Emma E. Hostetler, 21, Trenton, was southbound on U.S. 65 one mile south of Spickard.The car struck a deer in the road and came to a controlled stop on the west side of the highway.A private vehicle transported a 2-year-old male passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment. The child was not properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2-year-old Missouri boy injured after car strikes deer 

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season and as drivers head out the Missouri Highway Patrol wants them to be prepared.  

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says with more drivers out on the roads to celebrate the holiday, it's vitally important to plan ahead 

"Make sure that you're Memorial Day weekend is successful, so when you're out there on the roadway obey the traffic laws, devote 100% of your attention to driving, and if your Memorial Day weekend plans do include alcohol, plan ahead and make sure you have a sober driver," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

As the weather becomes warmer, boats will also be hitting the water this Memorial Day weekend.  

Hux says with more people heading to the lake. 

"There's going to be pickups out there pulling boats, so they may not be able to travel the speed limit, they may be traveling less than that, they're going to be slow moving," Hux explains. "And it's important for the boat operators to obey all the boating laws when they're out there on the water, and we always encourage that everybody wear a life jacket when they're on or even near the water." 

Hux reminds boaters that any passenger less than seven years old is required to wear a life jacket if out on the water this Memorial Day. 

During the summer months, there are also several road construction projects happening across the state.  

Hux says to plan ahead for construction that could slow down traffic on the roads 

"Especially when there's a lot more traffic out there like there's going to be during the Memorial Day weekend," Hux points out. "That traffic can back up rather quickly, and a lot of the times what we see is secondary crashes. even if there is a traffic crash that has the travel lanes reduced down to one lane, we see a lot of secondary crashes just because people are not paying attention and driving too fast." 

The Missouri Highway Patrol will be out in force starting Friday and running through Monday night. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season and as drivers head out the Missouri Highway Patrol wants them to be prepared. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says with more drivers out on the roads to celebrate the holiday, it's vitally important to plan ahead "Make sure that you're Memorial Day weekend is successful, so when you're out there on the roadway obey the traffic laws, devote 100% of your attention to driving, and if your Memorial Day weekend plans do include alcohol, plan ahead and make sure you have a sober driver," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. As the weather becomes warmer, boats will also be hitting the water this Memorial Day weekend. Hux says with more people heading to the lake. "There's going to be pickups out there pulling boats, so they may not be able to travel the speed limit, they may be traveling less than that, they're going to be slow moving," Hux explains. "And it's important for the boat operators to obey all the boating laws when they're out there on the water, and we always encourage that everybody wear a life jacket when they're on or even near the water." Hux reminds boaters that any passenger less than seven years old is required to wear a life jacket if out on the water this Memorial Day. During the summer months, there are also several road construction projects happening across the state. Hux says to plan ahead for construction that could slow down traffic on the roads "Especially when there's a lot more traffic out there like there's going to be during the Memorial Day weekend," Hux points out. "That traffic can back up rather quickly, and a lot of the times what we see is secondary crashes. even if there is a traffic crash that has the travel lanes reduced down to one lane, we see a lot of secondary crashes just because people are not paying attention and driving too fast." The Missouri Highway Patrol will be out in force starting Friday and running through Monday night. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Patrol message on Memorial Day: be prepared before you take off

The bill had broad bipartisan support but died amidst the gridlock that engulfed the Missouri Senate in the session’s final days

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

Legislation that would have banned Missouri from seizing Social Security benefits from foster children was on the precipice of passing during the final days of the legislative session, but died when GOP infighting caused the state Senate adjourn early.&nbsp;

That means the state will continue to take millions of dollars in the next year in benefits and use the money to help pay for foster care.&nbsp;

“It’s more than disappointing,” said state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, a Scott City Republican and one of the bill’s sponsors. “It is a disservice to every taxpayer and voter in this state for our Senate to run the way that it is.”

The result of the practice is that kids who are orphaned or have disabilities are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/legislation-aims-to-stop-missouri-from-taking-federal-benefits-owed-to-foster-kids/">responsible for paying toward the cost of their care in state custody</a>, while foster kids who are ineligible for those benefits pay nothing.&nbsp;

The legislation&nbsp;would have forbidden that, instead requiring the state to use the benefits for the child’s unmet needs — not routine costs.

Rehder said she was expecting the bill to come up for a vote last Thursday, when the Senate suddenly descended into GOP infighting and adjourned for the day. When the Senate reconvened Friday, it was in session for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/a-bizarre-session-missouri-lawmakers-head-home-after-year-defined-by-gridlock-infighting/">only 10 minutes</a>&nbsp;before going home for the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When we have bills that matter to people’s lives — to children’s lives — right there ready to be taken up and passed, and instead of doing that, the actual work that we’ve been sent there to do, we play games and fight and say, if this bill isn’t gonna get done, nothing’s gonna get done. It’s insane,” Rehder said.&nbsp;

State Rep. Hannah Kelly, a Mountain View Republican and co-sponsor of the bill,&nbsp;said she heard from a foster child earlier this session who told her the bill would affect her personally as a recipient of survivor’s benefits.

“She lost parents, which means the state was taking her money and will continue to take her money,” Kelly said, “because we couldn’t get over ourselves and get past politics and pass a bill.”

Lori Ross, founder and CEO of the nonprofit FosterAdopt Connect, which advocated for the legislation, said the bill’s demise means another year of the state taking money that could otherwise be a valuable safety net for kids.

“By failing to make this change,” Ross told The Independent, “we are preventing our state’s most vulnerable children from accessing a critical means of support when they age out of the system and must navigate the world alone.”

It’s long been a common practice nationally to take foster kids’ benefits, but it’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/04/22/foster-care-agencies-take-thousands-of-dollars-owed-to-kids-most-children-have-no-idea">come under increased scrutiny</a>&nbsp;over the last few years. Several states, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://azbigmedia.com/business/politics/hobbs-signs-hb-2559-to-protect-foster-childrens-social-security-benefits/">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abqjournal.com/news/unprecedented-new-mexico-foster-children-will-now-be-allowed-to-keep-federal-benefits-owed-to/article_a8eba052-2fef-11ee-8edb-736b67563b4a.html">New Mexico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/a-growing-number-of-states-vow-to-stop-seizing-benefits-owed-to-foster-youth/239438#:~:text=In%20Oregon%2C%20the%20state's%20child,top%20of%20the%20official%20documents.">Oregon</a>&nbsp;have halted the practice.&nbsp;

There were 1,426 foster kids receiving benefits in Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/2844S.05P.ORG.pdf">as of July 2023.&nbsp;</a>The state spent over&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/2844S.05P.ORG.pdf">$9.3 million</a>&nbsp;in seized benefits last fiscal year.

Versions of the bill won approval from both the House and Senate, passing through to the other chamber, so there were two possible vehicles to get the bill to the governor’s desk.

There was no clear opposition to the foster care benefits portion of the bills, though there was some opposition to an amendment tacked onto the version that cleared the Senate regarding child custody, designed to fix a bill passed last year.&nbsp;

The Senate version of the bill cleared a House committee, but was never brought up for debate in the House. Kelly said “all I know is it got stopped” before coming up for a vote.&nbsp;

“If you’re an average kid out here, you’re gonna get that money,” Kelly said, referring to the benefits. “But these kids don’t get that money and nobody seems to care that should care. And I hope that changes next year.”

On the Senate side, Rehder said “perhaps it will be a better year for protecting children” next year. But with the chamber’s dysfunction, she said it’s hard to know.

“It’s an excellent policy and you know other states are moving towards this that haven’t already” Rehder said “…We have to fix some things in the Senate. And until we do, I don’t know, I don’t know what any bill’s chances are.”

Jason White, a foster parent from Kansas City, traveled to testify in support of the legislation earlier this year.

The state seized his foster son’s survivor’s benefits, which amounted to around $30,000, White said in an interview with The Independent. Now 20, his son has “zero dollars” and little support to transition to adulthood.

White said this is an issue that affects “thousands of kids with little to nothing” and the reason to take it on is simply “to do the right thing.”

“I’m very disappointed,” White said, “that cheap politics killed this legislation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716462318047.png" alt=" State Rep. Hannah Kelly, R-Mountain View, speaks during House debate in early March (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Hannah Kelly, R-Mountain View, speaks during House debate in early March (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill had broad bipartisan support but died amidst the gridlock that engulfed the Missouri Senate in the session’s final days</h2>BY:&nbsp;CLARA BATES&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Legislation that would have banned Missouri from seizing Social Security benefits from foster children was on the precipice of passing during the final days of the legislative session, but died when GOP infighting caused the state Senate adjourn early.&nbsp;That means the state will continue to take millions of dollars in the next year in benefits and use the money to help pay for foster care.&nbsp;“It’s more than disappointing,” said state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, a Scott City Republican and one of the bill’s sponsors. “It is a disservice to every taxpayer and voter in this state for our Senate to run the way that it is.”The result of the practice is that kids who are orphaned or have disabilities are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/legislation-aims-to-stop-missouri-from-taking-federal-benefits-owed-to-foster-kids/">responsible for paying toward the cost of their care in state custody</a>, while foster kids who are ineligible for those benefits pay nothing.&nbsp;The legislation&nbsp;would have forbidden that, instead requiring the state to use the benefits for the child’s unmet needs — not routine costs.Rehder said she was expecting the bill to come up for a vote last Thursday, when the Senate suddenly descended into GOP infighting and adjourned for the day. When the Senate reconvened Friday, it was in session for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/a-bizarre-session-missouri-lawmakers-head-home-after-year-defined-by-gridlock-infighting/">only 10 minutes</a>&nbsp;before going home for the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When we have bills that matter to people’s lives — to children’s lives — right there ready to be taken up and passed, and instead of doing that, the actual work that we’ve been sent there to do, we play games and fight and say, if this bill isn’t gonna get done, nothing’s gonna get done. It’s insane,” Rehder said.&nbsp;State Rep. Hannah Kelly, a Mountain View Republican and co-sponsor of the bill,&nbsp;said she heard from a foster child earlier this session who told her the bill would affect her personally as a recipient of survivor’s benefits.“She lost parents, which means the state was taking her money and will continue to take her money,” Kelly said, “because we couldn’t get over ourselves and get past politics and pass a bill.”Lori Ross, founder and CEO of the nonprofit FosterAdopt Connect, which advocated for the legislation, said the bill’s demise means another year of the state taking money that could otherwise be a valuable safety net for kids.“By failing to make this change,” Ross told The Independent, “we are preventing our state’s most vulnerable children from accessing a critical means of support when they age out of the system and must navigate the world alone.”It’s long been a common practice nationally to take foster kids’ benefits, but it’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/04/22/foster-care-agencies-take-thousands-of-dollars-owed-to-kids-most-children-have-no-idea">come under increased scrutiny</a>&nbsp;over the last few years. Several states, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://azbigmedia.com/business/politics/hobbs-signs-hb-2559-to-protect-foster-childrens-social-security-benefits/">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abqjournal.com/news/unprecedented-new-mexico-foster-children-will-now-be-allowed-to-keep-federal-benefits-owed-to/article_a8eba052-2fef-11ee-8edb-736b67563b4a.html">New Mexico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/a-growing-number-of-states-vow-to-stop-seizing-benefits-owed-to-foster-youth/239438#:~:text=In%20Oregon%2C%20the%20state's%20child,top%20of%20the%20official%20documents.">Oregon</a>&nbsp;have halted the practice.&nbsp;There were 1,426 foster kids receiving benefits in Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/2844S.05P.ORG.pdf">as of July 2023.&nbsp;</a>The state spent over&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/2844S.05P.ORG.pdf">$9.3 million</a>&nbsp;in seized benefits last fiscal year.Versions of the bill won approval from both the House and Senate, passing through to the other chamber, so there were two possible vehicles to get the bill to the governor’s desk.There was no clear opposition to the foster care benefits portion of the bills, though there was some opposition to an amendment tacked onto the version that cleared the Senate regarding child custody, designed to fix a bill passed last year.&nbsp;The Senate version of the bill cleared a House committee, but was never brought up for debate in the House. Kelly said “all I know is it got stopped” before coming up for a vote.&nbsp;She’s hopeful it will pass next year.“If you’re an average kid out here, you’re gonna get that money,” Kelly said, referring to the benefits. “But these kids don’t get that money and nobody seems to care that should care. And I hope that changes next year.”On the Senate side, Rehder said “perhaps it will be a better year for protecting children” next year. But with the chamber’s dysfunction, she said it’s hard to know.“It’s an excellent policy and you know other states are moving towards this that haven’t already” Rehder said “…We have to fix some things in the Senate. And until we do, I don’t know, I don’t know what any bill’s chances are.”Jason White, a foster parent from Kansas City, traveled to testify in support of the legislation earlier this year.The state seized his foster son’s survivor’s benefits, which amounted to around $30,000, White said in an interview with The Independent. Now 20, his son has “zero dollars” and little support to transition to adulthood.White said this is an issue that affects “thousands of kids with little to nothing” and the reason to take it on is simply “to do the right thing.”“I’m very disappointed,” White said, “that cheap politics killed this legislation.”

Lawmakers adjourn without banning state from seizing benefits from Mo. foster kids

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — A group of advocates and progressive Democratic lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday to end its contract with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-faces-accusations-it-mismanaged-federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program">MOHELA</a>, a Missouri-based student loan servicer.

U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Greg Casar of Texas and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts urged the department to cut ties with MOHELA, also known as the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri, during a press conference hosted by the Debt Collective, which advocates for canceling student debt.

Advocates and the lawmakers accused MOHELA of being a predatory loan service and failing student borrowers, citing mismanagement, administrative failures and hours-long wait times for assistance.

“It is time to stop their contract, it is time to fire them, it is time to listen to the borrowers that have been speaking up about the struggles that they are facing, and it is time for us to do the right thing,” Omar said. “We are asking the administration to take this step forward because it is past time that we listen to the borrowers that have been suffering under the incompetence of MOHELA.”

The Education Department did not respond on the record to a request for comment Wednesday.

In moves it has characterized as bolstering protections for borrowers, the department launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-framework-student-loan-servicer-accountability-protect-borrowers-nationwide">accountability initiative</a>&nbsp;in November and has transitioned to new loan servicing contracts.

MOHELA is at the center of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-points-finger-federal-government-response-criticism-loan-program">two class-action lawsuits</a>&nbsp;in recent months accusing the nonprofit of a “failure to timely process and render decisions for student loan borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MOHELA-FILE-STAMPED-COMPLAINT.pdf">One of the lawsuits</a>&nbsp;names MOHELA alone,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Morgan-v.-MOHELA-Complaint-as-filed.pdf">while the other names</a>&nbsp;both the nonprofit and the U.S. Education Department.

The student loan servicer has also taken heat from the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, and the American Federation of Teachers, a major teachers’ union. In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohelapapers.org/">report</a>&nbsp;from February, the two entities accused the nonprofit of failing “to perform basic servicing functions.”

They also claimed that “more than four in ten student loan borrowers MOHELA services have experienced a servicing failure since loan payments resumed in September 2023.”

In March, MOHELA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohela.com/DL/common/PressRelease/CeaseAndDesist.aspx">sent a cease and desist letter</a>&nbsp;to the Student Borrower Protection Center, accusing its report of making “false, misleading and sensationalized claims and insinuations regarding MOHELA and its business activities.”

A spokesperson for MOHELA said in an emailed statement Wednesday that “borrowers are not better off when outside groups spread false and misleading information about our work as a federal contractor for FSA.” The spokesperson added that MOHELA remains “committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of customer service to the borrowers that we serve.”

Student loan servicers are companies contracted by the federal government to handle billing and other administrative tasks regarding federal student loans, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers">Federal Student Aid</a>.

MOHELA services nearly 8 million borrowers after winning a contract in 2022 to handle the Education Department’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, said during Wednesday’s event that “at every step,” MOHELA has “failed student loan borrowers.”

“They’ve lost paperwork, they’ve given people the runaround,” Pierce said while standing next to an exhibit displaying what appeared to be a nine-hour hold time when trying to reach one of MOHELA’s customer service representatives.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, at Wednesday’s press conference said MOHELA has a “call-deflection scheme.”

“When it is critical for people to be on the phone with someone, they can’t get on the phone with someone,” Weingarten said.

Shamell Bell, a member of the Debt Collective, said her interactions with the student loan servicer have been “nothing short of a nightmare.”

Bell said she was in a “labyrinth of just false information, false promises and failures that are not just administrative errors” but also “systemic obstacles that jeopardize the financial stability and mental wellness of countless borrowers like myself.”

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-77-billion-approved-student-debt-relief-160000-borrowers">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;said earlier Wednesday that it had approved an additional $7.7 billion in student debt relief for 160,500 borrowers. The bulk of the relief — more than $5 billion —&nbsp;went to nearly 67,000 borrowers partaking in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Wednesday’s move brought the administration’s total loan forgiveness to $167 billion for 4.75 million Americans.

“The Biden-Harris Administration remains persistent about our efforts to bring student debt relief to millions more across the country, and this announcement proves it,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716427781942.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, calls on the U.S. Education Department to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer MOHELA on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, outside the U.S. Capitol (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, calls on the U.S. Education Department to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer MOHELA on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, outside the U.S. Capitol (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — A group of advocates and progressive Democratic lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday to end its contract with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-faces-accusations-it-mismanaged-federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program">MOHELA</a>, a Missouri-based student loan servicer.U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Greg Casar of Texas and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts urged the department to cut ties with MOHELA, also known as the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri, during a press conference hosted by the Debt Collective, which advocates for canceling student debt.Advocates and the lawmakers accused MOHELA of being a predatory loan service and failing student borrowers, citing mismanagement, administrative failures and hours-long wait times for assistance.“It is time to stop their contract, it is time to fire them, it is time to listen to the borrowers that have been speaking up about the struggles that they are facing, and it is time for us to do the right thing,” Omar said. “We are asking the administration to take this step forward because it is past time that we listen to the borrowers that have been suffering under the incompetence of MOHELA.”The Education Department did not respond on the record to a request for comment Wednesday.In moves it has characterized as bolstering protections for borrowers, the department launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-framework-student-loan-servicer-accountability-protect-borrowers-nationwide">accountability initiative</a>&nbsp;in November and has transitioned to new loan servicing contracts.<h2>‘Nothing short of a nightmare’</h2>MOHELA is at the center of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-points-finger-federal-government-response-criticism-loan-program">two class-action lawsuits</a>&nbsp;in recent months accusing the nonprofit of a “failure to timely process and render decisions for student loan borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MOHELA-FILE-STAMPED-COMPLAINT.pdf">One of the lawsuits</a>&nbsp;names MOHELA alone,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Morgan-v.-MOHELA-Complaint-as-filed.pdf">while the other names</a>&nbsp;both the nonprofit and the U.S. Education Department.The student loan servicer has also taken heat from the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, and the American Federation of Teachers, a major teachers’ union. In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohelapapers.org/">report</a>&nbsp;from February, the two entities accused the nonprofit of failing “to perform basic servicing functions.”They also claimed that “more than four in ten student loan borrowers MOHELA services have experienced a servicing failure since loan payments resumed in September 2023.”In March, MOHELA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohela.com/DL/common/PressRelease/CeaseAndDesist.aspx">sent a cease and desist letter</a>&nbsp;to the Student Borrower Protection Center, accusing its report of making “false, misleading and sensationalized claims and insinuations regarding MOHELA and its business activities.”A spokesperson for MOHELA said in an emailed statement Wednesday that “borrowers are not better off when outside groups spread false and misleading information about our work as a federal contractor for FSA.” The spokesperson added that MOHELA remains “committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of customer service to the borrowers that we serve.”Student loan servicers are companies contracted by the federal government to handle billing and other administrative tasks regarding federal student loans, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers">Federal Student Aid</a>.MOHELA services nearly 8 million borrowers after winning a contract in 2022 to handle the Education Department’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, said during Wednesday’s event that “at every step,” MOHELA has “failed student loan borrowers.”“They’ve lost paperwork, they’ve given people the runaround,” Pierce said while standing next to an exhibit displaying what appeared to be a nine-hour hold time when trying to reach one of MOHELA’s customer service representatives.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, at Wednesday’s press conference said MOHELA has a “call-deflection scheme.”“When it is critical for people to be on the phone with someone, they can’t get on the phone with someone,” Weingarten said.Shamell Bell, a member of the Debt Collective, said her interactions with the student loan servicer have been “nothing short of a nightmare.”Bell said she was in a “labyrinth of just false information, false promises and failures that are not just administrative errors” but also “systemic obstacles that jeopardize the financial stability and mental wellness of countless borrowers like myself.”<h2>More student loan forgiveness&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-77-billion-approved-student-debt-relief-160000-borrowers">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;said earlier Wednesday that it had approved an additional $7.7 billion in student debt relief for 160,500 borrowers. The bulk of the relief — more than $5 billion —&nbsp;went to nearly 67,000 borrowers partaking in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.Wednesday’s move brought the administration’s total loan forgiveness to $167 billion for 4.75 million Americans.“The Biden-Harris Administration remains persistent about our efforts to bring student debt relief to millions more across the country, and this announcement proves it,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted.”

Progressives push Biden administration to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy pickup driven by Bryan M. Carter, 27, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one and one half miles north of Dearborn

The driver failed to yield to slow traffic. The pickup traveled into the median and the driver overcorrected. The pickup returned to the road and struck the front drivers side of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Taylor E. Dougan, 31, St. Joseph. After impact the pickup traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Carter to Mosaic Life Care. Dougan was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy pickup driven by Bryan M. Carter, 27, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one and one half miles north of DearbornThe driver failed to yield to slow traffic. The pickup traveled into the median and the driver overcorrected. The pickup returned to the road and struck the front drivers side of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Taylor E. Dougan, 31, St. Joseph. After impact the pickup traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Carter to Mosaic Life Care. Dougan was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man injured after Buchanan Co. pickup, Jeep crash

A new air traffic control tower, a new terminal, and in-coming
state funds will remake Rosecrans Memorial Airport, all in a concerted effort
to keep the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

The 139th didn’t get the new C-130 “J” models
during the National Guard Bureau’s first allocation of the replacement cargo
planes, making some in St. Joseph nervous about the 139th’s future.

St. Joseph Airport Manager Julius Rice, a part-time Guard
pilot, says many of the improvements underway at Rosecrans are designed to meet
the Guard Bureau’s criteria for the new planes.

“Having modern facilities is kind of bonus points, but moving
the fuel farm is definitely a direct impactor of that, because it clears the
way for the Guard to move north,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “As soon as
they get their maintenance facilities up there that clears one of those red items.”

Red items designate in which areas Rosecrans falls short in
the Guard Bureau grading scale. Red is deficient. Yellow is neutral. Green is
positive.

Federal, state, county, and city money has been pouring into
St. Joseph to upgrade Rosecrans, a 1950s era airport, and eliminate the “red”
items on the Guard Bureau’s scorecard. Those red items cost the 139th
in the initial allocation of the new, upgraded C-130 cargo planes, the “J”
model planes which will replace the aging “H” model.

Deputy Commander of the 139th, Colonel Barrett
Golden, says improvements had to be made to meet the Guard’s criteria to
replace the 139th’s aging C-130 cargo planes with the latest version.

“They operate on a multitude of grading criteria and
facilities are absolutely one of those criteria,” Golden tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.

Construction of the $17 million air traffic control tower and
the $8 million terminal are underway. That follows on the heels of constructing
a new, substantial main runway.

The Missouri General Assembly included $7 ½ million in the
state budget for the planning, design, and construction of an aircraft
maintenance facility. Another $4 million has been allocated for a new fuel farm
that will be used by both military and civilian aircraft.

Securing the C-130J model planes is seen as vital to the
future of the 139th in St. Joseph.

“Try and prove that the Midwest is an excellent place to train
and fight for the next potential future war,” Golden says. “The Advanced
Airlift Tactics Training Center is currently training 18 allied nations as we
speak. And so, we continue to need to broadcast the amazing strategic level and
tactical level training we do at this base and how important it is for the next
potential fight.”

Golden says improvements don’t even have to be completed to
impress the Guard and improve Rosecrans’ scoring. Rosecrans merely needs to
show 35% completion of the design of improvements to satisfy the Guard’s
criteria. The Guard Bureau is expected to re-evaluate Air Guard bases in
October.

Congress has allocated enough money for eight new C-130J model
planes for one Air Guard base.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716406843113.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new air traffic control tower, a new terminal, and in-coming
state funds will remake Rosecrans Memorial Airport, all in a concerted effort
to keep the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.The 139th didn’t get the new C-130 “J” models
during the National Guard Bureau’s first allocation of the replacement cargo
planes, making some in St. Joseph nervous about the 139th’s future.St. Joseph Airport Manager Julius Rice, a part-time Guard
pilot, says many of the improvements underway at Rosecrans are designed to meet
the Guard Bureau’s criteria for the new planes.“Having modern facilities is kind of bonus points, but moving
the fuel farm is definitely a direct impactor of that, because it clears the
way for the Guard to move north,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “As soon as
they get their maintenance facilities up there that clears one of those red items.”Red items designate in which areas Rosecrans falls short in
the Guard Bureau grading scale. Red is deficient. Yellow is neutral. Green is
positive.Federal, state, county, and city money has been pouring into
St. Joseph to upgrade Rosecrans, a 1950s era airport, and eliminate the “red”
items on the Guard Bureau’s scorecard. Those red items cost the 139th
in the initial allocation of the new, upgraded C-130 cargo planes, the “J”
model planes which will replace the aging “H” model.Deputy Commander of the 139th, Colonel Barrett
Golden, says improvements had to be made to meet the Guard’s criteria to
replace the 139th’s aging C-130 cargo planes with the latest version.“They operate on a multitude of grading criteria and
facilities are absolutely one of those criteria,” Golden tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.Construction of the $17 million air traffic control tower and
the $8 million terminal are underway. That follows on the heels of constructing
a new, substantial main runway.The Missouri General Assembly included $7 ½ million in the
state budget for the planning, design, and construction of an aircraft
maintenance facility. Another $4 million has been allocated for a new fuel farm
that will be used by both military and civilian aircraft.Securing the C-130J model planes is seen as vital to the
future of the 139th in St. Joseph.“Try and prove that the Midwest is an excellent place to train
and fight for the next potential future war,” Golden says. “The Advanced
Airlift Tactics Training Center is currently training 18 allied nations as we
speak. And so, we continue to need to broadcast the amazing strategic level and
tactical level training we do at this base and how important it is for the next
potential fight.”Golden says improvements don’t even have to be completed to
impress the Guard and improve Rosecrans’ scoring. Rosecrans merely needs to
show 35% completion of the design of improvements to satisfy the Guard’s
criteria. The Guard Bureau is expected to re-evaluate Air Guard bases in
October.Congress has allocated enough money for eight new C-130J model
planes for one Air Guard base.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Money pouring into Rosecrans in effort to secure 139th Airlift Wing's future

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a burglary from a business in Atchison.

According to Police Mike Wilson, Irish Mist Car Wash in the 900 block U.S. 59 reported the theft of a coin machine that occurred on Sunday evening and the theft of 6 bundles of shingles that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Police released no additional details.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716394108521.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a burglary from a business in Atchison.According to Police Mike Wilson, Irish Mist Car Wash in the 900 block U.S. 59 reported the theft of a coin machine that occurred on Sunday evening and the theft of 6 bundles of shingles that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday.Police released no additional details.&nbsp;

Police: Coin machine taken from Kansas car wash

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher visited St. Joseph as part of a statewide tour, discussing this year’s legislative session and thanking area legislators.  

Plocher spoke to a group of legislators and community representatives Tuesday at the Buchanan County Courthouse 

Plocher says despite some claiming the session was abysmal, a lot of good things got done. 

"We passed the budget on time, we passed the FRA on time, we addressed illegal immigration, we passed a transformative education bill, we passed a great crime package that Senator Luetkemeyer from the area put together with our judiciary chair, a lot of good things got across the line," Plocher tells reporters. 

Plocher says the biggest low of the session was a 50-hour filibuster mounted by Democrats in the Senate that killed a lot of legislation in the last week. 

There appeared to be a strain between Republicans in the House and the Seante this session. 

Plocher says, however, while there are a lot of emotions while working on legislation, he wouldn't say there was a strain between the two chambers. 

"It's a little frustration from the House dealing with the Senate, and probably vice versa," Plocher explains. "We have different rules in each side of the building, we have to work with the rules though that we have, and I just have to work with the rules in the House,"  

"Do I get frustrated with the Senate? I do, but at the end of the day if you look at the packages of bills that were able to come across the line from the Senate, I'm very proud of the House, I'm glad we were able to work with the Senate to get these bills across the line." 

Plocher says while quantity might have been lacking this session, he's proud of the quality that made it through. 

Plocher, a Republican, brushes aside a quip by the top Democrat in the House that the session was good for Democrats. . . 

"We really protected illegal immigration by sending our troops to the border, I don't want illegal immigrants coming to Missouri, we banned sanctuary cities, I would disagree with Mayor Quinton Lucas that Kansas City should be a sanctuary city," Plocher says. "We defunded the sanctuary cities."  

"We passed a transformative education choice bill, that's again a conservative measure, but I'm glad the Democrats are happy with that." 

Plocher also says the budget that was passed was fairly conservative, a budget that is $1.2 billion less than last year. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716392956126.jpeg" alt="Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher speaks with Presiding Buchanan County Commisioner Scott Nelson as Representative Dean Van Schoiack looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher speaks with Presiding Buchanan County Commisioner Scott Nelson as Representative Dean Van Schoiack looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher visited St. Joseph as part of a statewide tour, discussing this year’s legislative session and thanking area legislators. Plocher spoke to a group of legislators and community representatives Tuesday at the Buchanan County Courthouse Plocher says despite some claiming the session was abysmal, a lot of good things got done. "We passed the budget on time, we passed the FRA on time, we addressed illegal immigration, we passed a transformative education bill, we passed a great crime package that Senator Luetkemeyer from the area put together with our judiciary chair, a lot of good things got across the line," Plocher tells reporters. Plocher says the biggest low of the session was a 50-hour filibuster mounted by Democrats in the Senate that killed a lot of legislation in the last week. There appeared to be a strain between Republicans in the House and the Seante this session. Plocher says, however, while there are a lot of emotions while working on legislation, he wouldn't say there was a strain between the two chambers. "It's a little frustration from the House dealing with the Senate, and probably vice versa," Plocher explains. "We have different rules in each side of the building, we have to work with the rules though that we have, and I just have to work with the rules in the House," "Do I get frustrated with the Senate? I do, but at the end of the day if you look at the packages of bills that were able to come across the line from the Senate, I'm very proud of the House, I'm glad we were able to work with the Senate to get these bills across the line." Plocher says while quantity might have been lacking this session, he's proud of the quality that made it through. Plocher, a Republican, brushes aside a quip by the top Democrat in the House that the session was good for Democrats. . . "We really protected illegal immigration by sending our troops to the border, I don't want illegal immigrants coming to Missouri, we banned sanctuary cities, I would disagree with Mayor Quinton Lucas that Kansas City should be a sanctuary city," Plocher says. "We defunded the sanctuary cities." "We passed a transformative education choice bill, that's again a conservative measure, but I'm glad the Democrats are happy with that." Plocher also says the budget that was passed was fairly conservative, a budget that is $1.2 billion less than last year. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri House Speaker talks session during St. Joseph visit

A new radio station is being heard in Maryville.

Eagle Communications has launched KBCT, 104.9 FM. The radio
station is known affectionately as The Cat. The Cat will play classic hits from
the 80s, 90s, and more.

The Cat will showcase the sounds of the 70s on Saturday
nights.

“Classic Hits is such a great format. Every song is a hit that
we all remember from our youth. Every song is one you want to sing along with.
I think the Maryville community is going to love it!” Program Director Gregg
Lynn said in a written statement released by Eagle.

Lynn added the focus of the station is Maryville and the
surrounding areas. Lynn says the state intends to be active in local events.

Listeners can tune in at 104.9 FM, stream the station at
1049thecat.net, or listen on Amazon Alexa and on the free 104.9 The Cat app.
The app is available on the App store or Google Play store.

“We want to be a part of the community,” Lynn said. “We’ll be
running contests and games on-air, we’ll be in the community at events, and
we’ll offer another choice for radio listeners in Maryville to listen at home,
at work, and in the car.”

Eagle operates five radio stations in St. Joseph. Eagle
Communications is an 100% employee-owned company operating More than 28 radio
stations in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716308617272.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new radio station is being heard in Maryville.Eagle Communications has launched KBCT, 104.9 FM. The radio
station is known affectionately as The Cat. The Cat will play classic hits from
the 80s, 90s, and more.The Cat will showcase the sounds of the 70s on Saturday
nights.“Classic Hits is such a great format. Every song is a hit that
we all remember from our youth. Every song is one you want to sing along with.
I think the Maryville community is going to love it!” Program Director Gregg
Lynn said in a written statement released by Eagle.Lynn added the focus of the station is Maryville and the
surrounding areas. Lynn says the state intends to be active in local events.Listeners can tune in at 104.9 FM, stream the station at
1049thecat.net, or listen on Amazon Alexa and on the free 104.9 The Cat app.
The app is available on the App store or Google Play store.“We want to be a part of the community,” Lynn said. “We’ll be
running contests and games on-air, we’ll be in the community at events, and
we’ll offer another choice for radio listeners in Maryville to listen at home,
at work, and in the car.”Eagle operates five radio stations in St. Joseph. Eagle
Communications is an 100% employee-owned company operating More than 28 radio
stations in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

The Cat is out of the bag:  a new radio station hits the Maryville airwaves

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday $300 million in funding for more than 60 groups seeking to diversify American agricultural exports.

“USDA is pleased to be able to provide the startup capital to tap into these opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a call with reporters Monday night previewing the announcement.

In total, 66 organizations will be funded under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, or RAPP. The USDA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fas.usda.gov/programs/regional-agricultural-promotion-program">launched</a>&nbsp;the $1.4 billion program in October in order to develop new export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional partnerships with Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China.

“What this program really provides is an opportunity for us not only to expand geographically the opportunities for trade, but also the products that can be made available,” Vilsack said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to diversify in a variety of different ways to grow market opportunity.”

The program focuses on tapping U.S. exports into new markets in regions such as South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

“When you have the major markets, as we’ve had, where 60 to 65% of what we export goes into four or five markets, that can create a sense of complacency,” Vilsack said.

Vilsack said the funding would be an important step in building wealth in rural areas of the United States.

“We want to make sure our foreign-market development programs and agricultural trade in general work for the full spectrum of American agricultural producers, regardless of their size, their location, their product or target market,” he said. “By investing in exports, we’re investing in the future of American agriculture and rural communities.”

Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who leads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, joined the call with reporters. She said that USDA investing in exports is crucial to growing American agriculture.

“The bottom line is (to) create new revenue for the folks that have the riskiest business in the world,” Stabenow said. “This is a really important way to support them.”

According to a list provided by the USDA, some of the grant recipients include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716210763832.png" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday $300 million in funding for more than 60 groups seeking to diversify American agricultural exports.“USDA is pleased to be able to provide the startup capital to tap into these opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a call with reporters Monday night previewing the announcement.In total, 66 organizations will be funded under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, or RAPP. The USDA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fas.usda.gov/programs/regional-agricultural-promotion-program">launched</a>&nbsp;the $1.4 billion program in October in order to develop new export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional partnerships with Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China.“What this program really provides is an opportunity for us not only to expand geographically the opportunities for trade, but also the products that can be made available,” Vilsack said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to diversify in a variety of different ways to grow market opportunity.”The program focuses on tapping U.S. exports into new markets in regions such as South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.“When you have the major markets, as we’ve had, where 60 to 65% of what we export goes into four or five markets, that can create a sense of complacency,” Vilsack said.<h2>‘The riskiest business in the world’</h2>Vilsack said the funding would be an important step in building wealth in rural areas of the United States.“We want to make sure our foreign-market development programs and agricultural trade in general work for the full spectrum of American agricultural producers, regardless of their size, their location, their product or target market,” he said. “By investing in exports, we’re investing in the future of American agriculture and rural communities.”Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who leads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, joined the call with reporters. She said that USDA investing in exports is crucial to growing American agriculture.“The bottom line is (to) create new revenue for the folks that have the riskiest business in the world,” Stabenow said. “This is a really important way to support them.”According to a list provided by the USDA, some of the grant recipients include:<ul>
 <li>The Hazelnut Marketing Board in Oregon and Washington state will receive $455,000 to conduct market research and trade missions in several countries in Africa.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The U.S. Dairy Export Council, based in Virginia, will receive $10 million to expand its presence in Africa by using the funds to study and develop dairy import regulations and regulatory frameworks in those markets.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The U.S. Meat Export Federation based in Colorado will be awarded $21 million to expand its export efforts to new markets throughout Africa. It will also expand its investment in the convenience-store industry in South Korea, Central America and Colombia.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Brewers Association in Colorado will be awarded $2 million to partake in the craft beer scene in Southeast Asia, by participating in the region’s premier brewing trade show and festival and bring buyers from that region to top trade shows in the US.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Cranberry Institute in Massachusetts will receive $1 million to conduct trade education seminars and other events to identify opportunities in India, Brazil, Colombia and Southeast Asia.</li>
 </ul>

USDA to fund $300 million in grants to boost exports

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

On May 18,&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies went to a residence&nbsp; in Hiawatha, Kansas, attempting to locate a wanted felon who was wanted on multiple Brown County Warrants, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies were allowed to look for Derek Frakes, 38, of Hiawatha&nbsp; and he was located inside the residence and placed under arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Deputies&nbsp; gathered information while locating Frakes which led to the approval of a search warrant&nbsp; at the 711 Iowa residence. Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated the warrant.&nbsp; 

Frakeswas arrested on a $500 and $10,000 Brown County Felony Probation Vioation Warrants,&nbsp; $25,000&nbsp; Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, $2500Platte County Missouri Felony&nbsp; Warant for Possession of Marijuana and $2500Platte County Felony Warrant for Distribution or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for Illegal Use.

Frakes is also facing requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237073364.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.On May 18,&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies went to a residence&nbsp; in Hiawatha, Kansas, attempting to locate a wanted felon who was wanted on multiple Brown County Warrants, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237137749.png" alt="Frakes photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Frakes photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were allowed to look for Derek Frakes, 38, of Hiawatha&nbsp; and he was located inside the residence and placed under arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deputies&nbsp; gathered information while locating Frakes which led to the approval of a search warrant&nbsp; at the 711 Iowa residence. Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated the warrant.&nbsp; Frakeswas arrested on a $500 and $10,000 Brown County Felony Probation Vioation Warrants,&nbsp; $25,000&nbsp; Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, $2500Platte County Missouri Felony&nbsp; Warant for Possession of Marijuana and $2500Platte County Felony Warrant for Distribution or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for Illegal Use.Frakes is also facing requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies capture Kansas felon wanted in two states

A 46-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged with second-degree
assault, accused of stabbing a man during an altercation.

Mark Deng is being held in the Buchanan County jail.

St. Joseph police say Deng entered a residence in the 200
block of North 8th Street late Saturday night with a large hunting
knife. Police accuse Deng of tossing items in the residence, then following an occupant
as he tried to leave. Police allege Deng stabbed 46-year-old James Isaac Earl Bonnett when he attempted to
intervene.

Bonnett received treatment at Mosaic Life Care.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 46-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged with second-degree
assault, accused of stabbing a man during an altercation.Mark Deng is being held in the Buchanan County jail.St. Joseph police say Deng entered a residence in the 200
block of North 8th Street late Saturday night with a large hunting
knife. Police accuse Deng of tossing items in the residence, then following an occupant
as he tried to leave. Police allege Deng stabbed 46-year-old James Isaac Earl Bonnett when he attempted to
intervene.Bonnett received treatment at Mosaic Life Care.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man accused in stabbing

St. Joseph police continue to investigate a fatal crash on
Friday in which a motorcyclist was struck while exiting I-229 by a vehicle
heading the wrong direction.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports 33-year-old Ryan
Coffman of St. Joseph died at the hospital of injuries suffered in the crash.

According to police, Coffman was riding north on I-229 when he
left the interstate on the Edmond Street exit. About half way down exit, a
vehicle heading the wrong direction hit his motorcycle head-on.

The identity of the driver has not been released.

Sgt. James Tonn says the police department is awaiting toxicology
reports to decide if charges will be filed in the case.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police continue to investigate a fatal crash on
Friday in which a motorcyclist was struck while exiting I-229 by a vehicle
heading the wrong direction.The St. Joseph Police Department reports 33-year-old Ryan
Coffman of St. Joseph died at the hospital of injuries suffered in the crash.According to police, Coffman was riding north on I-229 when he
left the interstate on the Edmond Street exit. About half way down exit, a
vehicle heading the wrong direction hit his motorcycle head-on.The identity of the driver has not been released.Sgt. James Tonn says the police department is awaiting toxicology
reports to decide if charges will be filed in the case.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Investigation continues into St. Joseph wrong-way fatal motorcycle crash

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Kenneth R. Latham, 58, New Hampton, was northbound on 150th Avenue two miles east of New Hampton.

The pickup traveled off the east side of the road into a ravine and struck a tree.

NTA ambulance transported Latham to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Kenneth R. Latham, 58, New Hampton, was northbound on 150th Avenue two miles east of New Hampton.The pickup traveled off the east side of the road into a ravine and struck a tree.NTA ambulance transported Latham to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

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