Efforts to clean up St. Joseph have been going on for several years, and the St. Joseph City Council is putting forth efforts to help in that mission.  

Second District Councilmember Andy Trout says along with new infrastructure projects, there are several other projects in place to clean up the city 

"There's been a lot of street projects, a lot of historic restoration projects, a lot of structures that could not be saved have been demolished just because they're dangerous," Trout tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "So, I think along those lines we've done well." 

Trout says on top of projects to revitalize and remove buildings, cleanup crews have been out all over St. Joseph over the past months working to better the look of the city. 

Trout, however, says that's only part of the problem, citing an additional problem is a lack of people who care, however. . . 

"We've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 280 cleanup crews, clean up days, in St. Joseph in the last year which is to me kind of a staggering number," Trout says. "There are a lot of people who care, there are a lot of people who want a clean St. Joe, the council most definitely wants a clean St. Joe." 

Trout says the council hopes to clean up old buildings and use them properly, but to clean St. Joe it also comes to people doing thing to better the city.  

Among those efforts to improve the city are initiatives to improve the housing situation affecting the city.  

Trout says when it comes to housing, it's not just the city, but several entities working together to improve that area.  

"It's hard to do more than one at a time, but there are several who do at least pieces of several at a time, and there are several groups doing this," Trout explains. "There is a shortage of housing everywhere, St. Joe is not unique to that, there's particularly a shortage in the mid income and below and that's mostly where the progress has been made, so that's wonderful news." 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Efforts to clean up St. Joseph have been going on for several years, and the St. Joseph City Council is putting forth efforts to help in that mission. Second District Councilmember Andy Trout says along with new infrastructure projects, there are several other projects in place to clean up the city "There's been a lot of street projects, a lot of historic restoration projects, a lot of structures that could not be saved have been demolished just because they're dangerous," Trout tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "So, I think along those lines we've done well." Trout says on top of projects to revitalize and remove buildings, cleanup crews have been out all over St. Joseph over the past months working to better the look of the city. Trout, however, says that's only part of the problem, citing an additional problem is a lack of people who care, however. . . "We've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 280 cleanup crews, clean up days, in St. Joseph in the last year which is to me kind of a staggering number," Trout says. "There are a lot of people who care, there are a lot of people who want a clean St. Joe, the council most definitely wants a clean St. Joe." Trout says the council hopes to clean up old buildings and use them properly, but to clean St. Joe it also comes to people doing thing to better the city. Among those efforts to improve the city are initiatives to improve the housing situation affecting the city. Trout says when it comes to housing, it's not just the city, but several entities working together to improve that area. "It's hard to do more than one at a time, but there are several who do at least pieces of several at a time, and there are several groups doing this," Trout explains. "There is a shortage of housing everywhere, St. Joe is not unique to that, there's particularly a shortage in the mid income and below and that's mostly where the progress has been made, so that's wonderful news." You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

City councilmembers continue efforts to improve St. Joseph

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

Arguments over the validity of banning non-citizen voting in Missouri, which is already illegal, were part of what ultimately<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">&nbsp;killed an initiative petition bill</a>&nbsp;prioritized by Republicans this session.

But in the final hours of the legislative session on Friday, the House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/bts_web/bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433">ranked-choice voting</a>, or ranking candidates in order of preference.

“Missourians don’t want more voter confusion and exhaustion when they go to the ballot box than they already have,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ben Baker, a Neosho Republican.

If approved by voters later this year, Missouri will officially ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting. It would also confirm that elections only be carried out by paper ballot or “any mechanical method prescribed by law.”

The ranked-choice voting language has a carve-out for any “nonpartisan municipal election” that already has a ranked-choice ordinance in place. This applies to St. Louis.&nbsp;

An initiative petition campaign in 2022 sought to amend Missouri’s Constitution to change the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">voting process for the general elections for state offices</a>. In the primary, voters would have still only been able to cast one vote, but in the general election, they could list their preferences. The candidate to win the majority of first-choice votes would win. But if no candidate received a majority, the candidate with the fewest top-choice votes would be eliminated; the remaining votes would be distributed among the candidates left based on preferences. Whoever received a majority of those votes would win.

That proposal failed to gather enough signatures to go to the voters.&nbsp;

The bill passed on Friday down party lines 97 to 43, with state&nbsp;Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson,&nbsp;and state. Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat from St. Louis, voting present.&nbsp;

“This is wholly unnecessary,”&nbsp;state Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City, said Friday of the bill.

That was the resounding cry from Senate Democrats earlier this week, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/">they filibustered for 50 hours</a>&nbsp;in a successful attempt to stop a plan by Republicans to put a ballot measure before voters in the fall that would raise the threshold for amending the constitution by citizen-led initiative petitions.&nbsp;

Democrats refused to let the initiative petition bill pass through the Senate as long as it included “ballot candy.” These provisions meant to entice voters into supporting the measure included a question about non-citizen voting and foreign interference.

Despite the hours spent this session debating the merits of the non-citizen language in the initiative petition bill, the topic didn’t immediately come up on the House floor Friday.&nbsp;

Toward the end of debate, state Rep. Brad Banderman, a Republican from St. Clair, noted the&nbsp;“robust conversation” in both chambers over non-citizen voting the past couple of years, escalating in the final weeks of session.&nbsp;

“It seems like we’ve been wringing our hands for about a week or two on this particular issue, but on this day,”&nbsp;Banderman said. “ …&nbsp;The other side of the aisle doesn’t seem to be standing at mics complaining&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699365510327.jpeg" alt="- The Missouri House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting" />
 <figcaption>- The Missouri House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Arguments over the validity of banning non-citizen voting in Missouri, which is already illegal, were part of what ultimately<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">&nbsp;killed an initiative petition bill</a>&nbsp;prioritized by Republicans this session.But in the final hours of the legislative session on Friday, the House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/bts_web/bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433">ranked-choice voting</a>, or ranking candidates in order of preference.“Missourians don’t want more voter confusion and exhaustion when they go to the ballot box than they already have,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ben Baker, a Neosho Republican.If approved by voters later this year, Missouri will officially ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting. It would also confirm that elections only be carried out by paper ballot or “any mechanical method prescribed by law.”The ranked-choice voting language has a carve-out for any “nonpartisan municipal election” that already has a ranked-choice ordinance in place. This applies to St. Louis.&nbsp;An initiative petition campaign in 2022 sought to amend Missouri’s Constitution to change the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">voting process for the general elections for state offices</a>. In the primary, voters would have still only been able to cast one vote, but in the general election, they could list their preferences. The candidate to win the majority of first-choice votes would win. But if no candidate received a majority, the candidate with the fewest top-choice votes would be eliminated; the remaining votes would be distributed among the candidates left based on preferences. Whoever received a majority of those votes would win.That proposal failed to gather enough signatures to go to the voters.&nbsp;The bill passed on Friday down party lines 97 to 43, with state&nbsp;Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson,&nbsp;and state. Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat from St. Louis, voting present.&nbsp;“This is wholly unnecessary,”&nbsp;state Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City, said Friday of the bill.That was the resounding cry from Senate Democrats earlier this week, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/">they filibustered for 50 hours</a>&nbsp;in a successful attempt to stop a plan by Republicans to put a ballot measure before voters in the fall that would raise the threshold for amending the constitution by citizen-led initiative petitions.&nbsp;Democrats refused to let the initiative petition bill pass through the Senate as long as it included “ballot candy.” These provisions meant to entice voters into supporting the measure included a question about non-citizen voting and foreign interference.Despite the hours spent this session debating the merits of the non-citizen language in the initiative petition bill, the topic didn’t immediately come up on the House floor Friday.&nbsp;Toward the end of debate, state Rep. Brad Banderman, a Republican from St. Clair, noted the&nbsp;“robust conversation” in both chambers over non-citizen voting the past couple of years, escalating in the final weeks of session.&nbsp;“It seems like we’ve been wringing our hands for about a week or two on this particular issue, but on this day,”&nbsp;Banderman said. “ …&nbsp;The other side of the aisle doesn’t seem to be standing at mics complaining&nbsp;

Missouri House puts questions of ranked-choice, non-citizen voting on the 2024 ballot

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Russell County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Vincent O. Weiss, 66, St. Joseph, was westbound on Interstate 70 just before 181 Street during severe weather conditions.

A strong gust of wind hit the truck, pushing it across both lanes of the highway and into the median where it rolled onto the drivers side.

EMS transported Weiss to Russell Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716158906438.png" alt="Overturned semi on Interstate 70-submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Overturned semi on Interstate 70-submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Russell County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Vincent O. Weiss, 66, St. Joseph, was westbound on Interstate 70 just before 181 Street during severe weather conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716170897167.png" alt="-View of the Sunday storm in Russell County-photo city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>-View of the Sunday storm in Russell County-photo city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>A strong gust of wind hit the truck, pushing it across both lanes of the highway and into the median where it rolled onto the drivers side.EMS transported Weiss to Russell Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver from St. Joe injured after semi overturns in storm

KANSAS CITY - Former Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum and the 1979 Plattsburg football team, a Class 2A state champion, were among the latest teams and individuals to be enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2024 class was enshrined during a ceremony at Union Station in Kansas City Sunday. Twelve individuals and four teams were honored in all.

McCollum was back in Missouri for the ceremony after accepting the men's basketball head coaching job at Drake University in his home state of Iowa.

Having won 12 MIAA regular season titles and four national championships during his 15 years in Maryville, the 42-year-old McCollum is humbled to be Hall of Fame material as his career continues to grow.

"I think it's just a testament to the people and the (Northwest program)," McCollum said. "My family, my assistants and all of that. Just all of the work they've put into the success and how we've invested in people and how we've made them hopefully better human beings."

One of the four teams honored Sunday was the 1979 Plattsburg football team, which went undefeated and won the Class 2A state championship.

Linebacker and tight end Richard Wade was there to speak on behalf of the team. He says that team was exactly that - a group that knew how to work well and succeed together.

"That team was a true team," Wade said. "It didn't have standout superstars. It taught us then - if you work together, you can accomplish great things. And, most of the team has gone on to be very, very successful."

The '79 Plattsburg team was head coached by Jim Freeman. The year they won state was the first year of the Show Me Bowl being played in St. Louis.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame also recognized nine Diamond 9 honorees. The Diamond 9 award recognizes people who "exhibited outstanding talent or made significant contributions at the high school, college or professional levels of baseball or softball."

Greg Kastner exhibited just that in his lengthy and fruitful baseball career.

A St. Joseph native, Kastner played three seasons at Missouri Western State University, where he was an honorable mention All-American pitcher, as well as a first team NAIA All-District and First Team NAIA all-area honoree.

At one point, he set single-season records at Western for for fewest hits and fewest runs allowed in a season.

Kastner signed with the Atlanta Braves organization, but an arm injury cut that dream short and set his career on a new path into coaching.

Kastner served as head baseball coach and athletic director at Bishop LeBlond High School. He coached the Golden Eagles from 1987-2016, going 386-240 (.626) in that time. His teams won 12 district titles, including seven in a row.

"Honors for me are because of the parents and the players who were a part of everything my past 40 years I spent coaching," Kastner said. "If I didn't have the players who bought into the system, they're the biggest part of this. I'm just a result of what they were able to do. This is just kind of the icing on the cake for me, now that I've retired."

On top of that, Kastner was LeBlond's A.D. for 39 years and he's been a public address announcer for over 40 years at multiple sporting events all over northwest Missouri.

Kastner says it's his P.A. work with the St. Joseph Mustangs, area high schools and other venues that give him joy since his retirement.

"It keeps me involved and young," he said. "Now that my wife (Mindy) passed away, it's really more to be involved. I do Benton, Central, Lafayette. Whoever calls, I'm there. I stay involved in all sports. Chain gangs on Friday nights at LeBlond, driving the bus."

"As long as I can stay involved and try to help kids, that gives me my greatest pleasure. I've had my day in the sun. I'd love to see them have theirs."

2024 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class inductees Tom Watson – Missouri Sports Legend Eric Hosmer – Kansas City Royals Casey Wiegmann – Kansas City Chiefs Betty Lennox – Fort Osage High School/Louisiana Tech/WNBA Ben McCollum – Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball coach The late Dale Eshelbrenner – Tennis coach Pembroke Hill School Boys Tennis Program Mike DeArmond – Sportswriter Dr. Vincent Key – Sports Medicine Phil Dorman – Platte County High School wrestling coach Platte County High School Wrestling Era 1999-2010 Dr. Ashley Wysong – Nevada High School &amp; University of Missouri track standout 1979 Plattsburg High School State Championship Football Team 1977-1980 Hickman Mills High School Girls Basketball Era Fred Flook – William Jewell College baseball coach Porter Ellett – The Art Hains Inspiration Award

Diamond 9 honorees Anthony Caenepeel – Willard High School/Northwest Missouri State University Tim Dougherty – O’Hara High School/Rockhurst University Greg Kastner – Christian Brothers College High School/Missouri Western State University Ali Jo Rogers Locher – Medicine Lodge (Kan.) High School/University of Central Missouri Sarah Baldwin Miller – Chillicothe High School/University of Evansville/Northwest Missouri State University Jeff Niemeier – Oak Park High School/University of Kansas Haley Pypes – Platte County High School/United States Military Academy/Missouri Southern Amanda Self – Blue Springs High School/Emporia State University Jeremy Strack – Gardner (Kan.) High School/Fort Scott Community College/William Jewell College

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716149269514.jpeg" alt="Ben McCollum was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday at a ceremony at Union Station. Now the head men's basketball coach at Drake University, McCollum won four national titles at Northwest Missouri State. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Ben McCollum was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday at a ceremony at Union Station. Now the head men's basketball coach at Drake University, McCollum won four national titles at Northwest Missouri State. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Former Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum and the 1979 Plattsburg football team, a Class 2A state champion, were among the latest teams and individuals to be enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.The 2024 class was enshrined during a ceremony at Union Station in Kansas City Sunday. Twelve individuals and four teams were honored in all.McCollum was back in Missouri for the ceremony after accepting the men's basketball head coaching job at Drake University in his home state of Iowa.Having won 12 MIAA regular season titles and four national championships during his 15 years in Maryville, the 42-year-old McCollum is humbled to be Hall of Fame material as his career continues to grow."I think it's just a testament to the people and the (Northwest program)," McCollum said. "My family, my assistants and all of that. Just all of the work they've put into the success and how we've invested in people and how we've made them hopefully better human beings."One of the four teams honored Sunday was the 1979 Plattsburg football team, which went undefeated and won the Class 2A state championship.Linebacker and tight end Richard Wade was there to speak on behalf of the team. He says that team was exactly that - a group that knew how to work well and succeed together."That team was a true team," Wade said. "It didn't have standout superstars. It taught us then - if you work together, you can accomplish great things. And, most of the team has gone on to be very, very successful."The '79 Plattsburg team was head coached by Jim Freeman. The year they won state was the first year of the Show Me Bowl being played in St. Louis.The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame also recognized nine Diamond 9 honorees. The Diamond 9 award recognizes people who "exhibited outstanding talent or made significant contributions at the high school, college or professional levels of baseball or softball."Greg Kastner exhibited just that in his lengthy and fruitful baseball career.A St. Joseph native, Kastner played three seasons at Missouri Western State University, where he was an honorable mention All-American pitcher, as well as a first team NAIA All-District and First Team NAIA all-area honoree.At one point, he set single-season records at Western for for fewest hits and fewest runs allowed in a season.Kastner signed with the Atlanta Braves organization, but an arm injury cut that dream short and set his career on a new path into coaching.Kastner served as head baseball coach and athletic director at Bishop LeBlond High School. He coached the Golden Eagles from 1987-2016, going 386-240 (.626) in that time. His teams won 12 district titles, including seven in a row."Honors for me are because of the parents and the players who were a part of everything my past 40 years I spent coaching," Kastner said. "If I didn't have the players who bought into the system, they're the biggest part of this. I'm just a result of what they were able to do. This is just kind of the icing on the cake for me, now that I've retired."On top of that, Kastner was LeBlond's A.D. for 39 years and he's been a public address announcer for over 40 years at multiple sporting events all over northwest Missouri.Kastner says it's his P.A. work with the St. Joseph Mustangs, area high schools and other venues that give him joy since his retirement."It keeps me involved and young," he said. "Now that my wife (Mindy) passed away, it's really more to be involved. I do Benton, Central, Lafayette. Whoever calls, I'm there. I stay involved in all sports. Chain gangs on Friday nights at LeBlond, driving the bus.""As long as I can stay involved and try to help kids, that gives me my greatest pleasure. I've had my day in the sun. I'd love to see them have theirs."2024 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class inductees Tom Watson – Missouri Sports Legend Eric Hosmer – Kansas City Royals Casey Wiegmann – Kansas City Chiefs Betty Lennox – Fort Osage High School/Louisiana Tech/WNBA Ben McCollum – Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball coach The late Dale Eshelbrenner – Tennis coach Pembroke Hill School Boys Tennis Program Mike DeArmond – Sportswriter Dr. Vincent Key – Sports Medicine Phil Dorman – Platte County High School wrestling coach Platte County High School Wrestling Era 1999-2010 Dr. Ashley Wysong – Nevada High School &amp; University of Missouri track standout 1979 Plattsburg High School State Championship Football Team 1977-1980 Hickman Mills High School Girls Basketball Era Fred Flook – William Jewell College baseball coach Porter Ellett – The Art Hains Inspiration AwardDiamond 9 honorees Anthony Caenepeel – Willard High School/Northwest Missouri State University Tim Dougherty – O’Hara High School/Rockhurst University Greg Kastner – Christian Brothers College High School/Missouri Western State University Ali Jo Rogers Locher – Medicine Lodge (Kan.) High School/University of Central Missouri Sarah Baldwin Miller – Chillicothe High School/University of Evansville/Northwest Missouri State University Jeff Niemeier – Oak Park High School/University of Kansas Haley Pypes – Platte County High School/United States Military Academy/Missouri Southern Amanda Self – Blue Springs High School/Emporia State University Jeremy Strack – Gardner (Kan.) High School/Fort Scott Community College/William Jewell College<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716150698519.jpeg" alt="Greg Kastner receives his Diamond 9 award at Union Station on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Greg Kastner receives his Diamond 9 award at Union Station on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Ben McCollum, Greg Kastner among those honored at Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 GMC Acadia driven by Daniel D. Romero Garcia, 18, Cedar Creek, Texas, was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles north of Eagleville.

The SUV traveled off the left side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the right side of the road up the embankment, rolled and the driver was ejected.

NTA ambulance transported Garcia to the&nbsp; the Missouri Welcome Center to meet Life-Flight Eagle to Truman Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 GMC Acadia driven by Daniel D. Romero Garcia, 18, Cedar Creek, Texas, was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles north of Eagleville.The SUV traveled off the left side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the right side of the road up the embankment, rolled and the driver was ejected.NTA ambulance transported Garcia to the&nbsp; the Missouri Welcome Center to meet Life-Flight Eagle to Truman Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Teen airlifted to hospital after ejected in SUV rollover crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11a.m. on Thursday, an officer on patrol stopped a Ford Explorer SUV in the 500 block Green Street in Atchison on a traffic violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The officer subsequently determined that the driver identified as 49-year-old Robert “Jamie” Ford of Atchison was driving while suspended. It was also determined that his two passengers 36-year-old Shellene Keil and 36-year-old Melissa Butler both of Atchison had outstanding warrants for their arrests. 

During the investigation at the scene, all three occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. They were all three taken to the County Jail.

Shellene D. Keil is being held on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, and a District Court warrant for a theft that occurred at Stop and Go at 4th and U.S. 59 in September 2023.

Melissa I. Butler is in jail on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

Robert James Ford remains jailed for driving while suspended, possession of fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715962831390.png" alt="Ford photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Ford photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11a.m. on Thursday, an officer on patrol stopped a Ford Explorer SUV in the 500 block Green Street in Atchison on a traffic violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The officer subsequently determined that the driver identified as 49-year-old Robert “Jamie” Ford of Atchison was driving while suspended. It was also determined that his two passengers 36-year-old Shellene Keil and 36-year-old Melissa Butler both of Atchison had outstanding warrants for their arrests. During the investigation at the scene, all three occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. They were all three taken to the County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715962916937.png" alt="Keil-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Keil-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Shellene D. Keil is being held on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, and a District Court warrant for a theft that occurred at Stop and Go at 4th and U.S. 59 in September 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716066095944.png" alt="Butler photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Butler photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Melissa I. Butler is in jail on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;Robert James Ford remains jailed for driving while suspended, possession of fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police found 3 with fentanyl during Kansas traffic stop

A Robidoux Middle School math teacher has been arrested, accused of misconduct with a student.

The St. Joseph School District released a statement, reporting that it acted promptly once notificed by an employee of the allegations involving Tim Harding.

"The district is limited in what can be said with respect to personnel matters; therefore, the district is not able to provide additional information at this time," the district said in the written statement.

The district is conducting an investigation and states local authorities are also conducting an investigation, "...due to the serious nature of the allegations." The St. Joseph School District states it has been cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation.

Robidoux Middle School parents have been notified. Robidoux staff is available for students, especially if they have pertinent information regarding this matter, according to the district.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Robidoux Middle School math teacher has been arrested, accused of misconduct with a student.The St. Joseph School District released a statement, reporting that it acted promptly once notificed by an employee of the allegations involving Tim Harding."The district is limited in what can be said with respect to personnel matters; therefore, the district is not able to provide additional information at this time," the district said in the written statement.The district is conducting an investigation and states local authorities are also conducting an investigation, "...due to the serious nature of the allegations." The St. Joseph School District states it has been cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation.Robidoux Middle School parents have been notified. Robidoux staff is available for students, especially if they have pertinent information regarding this matter, according to the district.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Robidoux Middle School teacher arrested; accused of misconduct with student

The session had some notable achievements, including a major education bill, but other bills with broad support, such as a ban on child marriage, fell as the factional fighting intensified

By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

The least productive — and most chaotic — legislative session in living memory came to a close Friday, when the Missouri Senate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">mired in factional infighting</a>, threw in the towel eight hours early and the House scrambled to get whatever bills it could salvage across the finish line before the 6 p.m. deadline for adjournment.&nbsp;

In the end, only 28 non-budget bills found success this year. That’s fewer than the previous low-water mark in 2020, when only 31 bills passed because the legislative session was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“It wasn’t a good session or a bad session,” said Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independent Democrat. “But it was definitely a bizarre session.”&nbsp;

To be sure, some significant legislation found success.&nbsp;

A massive education bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">signed by Gov. Mike Parson</a>&nbsp;expands a tax-credit program for private school tuition and allows charter schools to open for the first time in Boone County. It also pumps millions into raising teacher pay, among other provisions, and is estimated to cost taxpayers $468 million when fully implemented.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=438">public safety bill</a>&nbsp;cleared the legislature Friday that would make changes to the juvenile court system and allow the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services to establish a conviction review unit to investigate claims of actual innocence of any defendant, including those who plead guilty.

The bill also includes “Blair’s Law,” which would ban celebratory gunfire within the limits of a municipality. The law is named after Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year-old Kansas City girl killed during Fourth of July celebrations in 2011 by a stray bullet shot into the sky.

After years of unsuccessful efforts to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-medicaid-reimbusements/">make Planned Parenthood ineligible to receive reimbursements from the state’s Medicaid program</a>, the governor signed the bill into law earlier this month.&nbsp;

“For me, the good far outweighs the bad,” said Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Columbia Republican, “and I’m walking out of here with my head held high.”&nbsp;

But the legacy of the 2024 legislative session will be the long list of bills that died — and the open GOP warfare that killed many of them.&nbsp;

The first day of the session in January saw a resumption of years of GOP infighting, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/03/opening-day-of-missouris-2024-legislative-session-echoes-past-divisions/">Freedom Caucus holding court for more than an hour</a>&nbsp;to vent frustrations with the chamber’s Republican leadership.

That dynamic played out again and again through the session, culminating with a<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/02/freedom-caucus-ends-filibuster-in-missouri-senate-without-action-on-its-demands/">&nbsp;41-hour filibuster earlier this month by Freedom Caucus members</a>&nbsp;that stalled — but did not block — a bill renewing a tax crucial to funding Missouri’s Medicaid program.&nbsp;

The bad blood between the Freedom Caucus and Republicans loyal to Senate leadership boiled over in the session’s final days. Despite holding 24 of 34 seats in the Senate, Republicans could not muster 18 votes to kill a Democratic filibuster of legislation making it harder to amend the Missouri Constitution through the initiative petition process.&nbsp;

Thanks to the impasse, the initiative petition bill — a top GOP priority, seen as a method to undercut a likely November ballot measure enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">died on the session’s final day</a>.

“It is a uniparty,” said Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican and Freedom Caucus member. “That’s what people are fed up and frustrated with, Republicans giving in and caving in. Accepting defeat in the hands of victory, that seems to be the mantra of the Republican Party and brand.”

Rowden said a lot of good work got done this year despite efforts by the Freedom Caucus.&nbsp;

“I make decisions not based on what people are gonna say about those decisions on Twitter,” he said, “but about what is in the best interest of the state and what’s in the best interest of this institution.”

As the House stripped amendments off of Senate bills in order to send them to the governor, Republicans complained about the gridlock that upended the Senate.&nbsp;

Every legislative session is unusual, said House Speaker Dean Plocher, but “this has been a less productive year on the other side of the building.”

But contributing to the chaotic session was Plocher, who spent much of the year under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over a litany of allegations of misconduct. The investigation was ultimately dropped, but not before&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/15/speaker-dean-plocher-accused-of-absolute-obstruction-in-house-ethics-investigation/">Plocher was accused of obstructing the committee’s work and intimidating potential witnesses</a>.&nbsp;

But the drama in the House paled in comparison to the Senate.&nbsp;

State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican, had no remorse about his role in killing a large swath of bills. Out of every 100 bills filed every year, Eigel said, “probably 90 of them need not pass.”

“So a lot of the bad things that didn’t happen this session didn’t happen because of the folks you see standing behind me,” he told reporters at the Freedom Caucus press conference, adding: “How many tax increases and fee increases didn’t happen because some folks were willing to get more aggressive with the folks that are giving up on their principles?”

Time ran out on a lot of bills with wide support from both parties, including an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/13/child-care-tax-credits-senate-parson-freedom-caucus/#:~:text=Her%20bill%20would%20add%20three,to%20%24200%2C000%20in%20tax%20credits.">expansion of child care tax credits</a>&nbsp;that was a big priority of the governor. The legislature also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">failed to ban child marriage</a>&nbsp;or end Missouri’s practice of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/legislation-aims-to-stop-missouri-from-taking-federal-benefits-owed-to-foster-kids/">taking millions of dollars in Social Security benefits</a>&nbsp;owed to foster kids.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">wide-ranging women’s health bill</a>&nbsp;— which includes provisions allowing women on private insurance to pick up an annual supply of contraceptives rather than going to the pharmacy every few months — was also a victim of Senate gridlock.&nbsp;

But the biggest impact of the GOP infighting was likely how much it delayed the state budget process, ultimately resulting in a spending plan most everyone concedes will require lawmakers to return later this year to ensure state agencies don’t run out of money.&nbsp;

Lawmakers cut hundreds of millions of dollars requested by Parson for the three major public welfare agencies, the departments of Social Services, Mental Health and Health and Senior Services. And Charlie Shields, president of the State Board of Education and a former Senate president pro tem,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">this week said</a>&nbsp;he expects “the mother of all supplemental budgets, probably in a special session.”

“We’ll be back when the department’s run out of money,” Rizzo said, “because they will.”

Eigel seemed to predict the drama could resume if the legislature returns to allocate more money.&nbsp;

“We spent billions of dollars in earmarks and the budget that we did just pass. Billions,” he said. “If there was such a need for the basic services of these departments to be funded, maybe we should have cut out some of the fat.”

Three of the five Freedom Caucus members are leaving the Senate after this year due to term limits, and August primaries in those and a handful of other districts will ultimately decide whether the dynamic in the chamber changes.&nbsp;

Rowden, who is also leaving office this year, said he hopes the departures “provides an opportunity for this chamber to kind of recalibrate.”

In the end, the Senate returned for the final day of the legislative session Friday for only 10 minutes before adjourning for the year.&nbsp;

For all intents and purposes, the Senate was done the day before, Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin conceded to reporters. But she didn’t want to end on a sour note — with lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/missouri-senate-bitterness-halts-action-as-lawmakers-prepare-for-final-day-of-chaotic-session/">taking verbal shots at each other</a>&nbsp;on the chamber’s floor.&nbsp;

“I like all of my colleagues,” she said. “They are all very bright, though difficult to handle sometimes.”&nbsp;

And when the Senate adjourned Friday, “everyone hugged each,” O’Laughlin said. “Bill (Eigel) and I hugged each other.”&nbsp;

Eigel, listening in from the back of the room as O’Laughlin spoke to reporters, shouted out, “Love you, Cindy.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716043493477.png" alt=" Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, speaks after adjournment Friday morning. He said changes to initiative petition could be passed if the House acts (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, speaks after adjournment Friday morning. He said changes to initiative petition could be passed if the House acts (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The session had some notable achievements, including a major education bill, but other bills with broad support, such as a ban on child marriage, fell as the factional fighting intensified</h2>By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The least productive — and most chaotic — legislative session in living memory came to a close Friday, when the Missouri Senate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">mired in factional infighting</a>, threw in the towel eight hours early and the House scrambled to get whatever bills it could salvage across the finish line before the 6 p.m. deadline for adjournment.&nbsp;In the end, only 28 non-budget bills found success this year. That’s fewer than the previous low-water mark in 2020, when only 31 bills passed because the legislative session was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“It wasn’t a good session or a bad session,” said Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independent Democrat. “But it was definitely a bizarre session.”&nbsp;To be sure, some significant legislation found success.&nbsp;A massive education bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">signed by Gov. Mike Parson</a>&nbsp;expands a tax-credit program for private school tuition and allows charter schools to open for the first time in Boone County. It also pumps millions into raising teacher pay, among other provisions, and is estimated to cost taxpayers $468 million when fully implemented.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=438">public safety bill</a>&nbsp;cleared the legislature Friday that would make changes to the juvenile court system and allow the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services to establish a conviction review unit to investigate claims of actual innocence of any defendant, including those who plead guilty.The bill also includes “Blair’s Law,” which would ban celebratory gunfire within the limits of a municipality. The law is named after Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year-old Kansas City girl killed during Fourth of July celebrations in 2011 by a stray bullet shot into the sky.After years of unsuccessful efforts to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-medicaid-reimbusements/">make Planned Parenthood ineligible to receive reimbursements from the state’s Medicaid program</a>, the governor signed the bill into law earlier this month.&nbsp;“For me, the good far outweighs the bad,” said Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Columbia Republican, “and I’m walking out of here with my head held high.”&nbsp;But the legacy of the 2024 legislative session will be the long list of bills that died — and the open GOP warfare that killed many of them.&nbsp;The first day of the session in January saw a resumption of years of GOP infighting, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/03/opening-day-of-missouris-2024-legislative-session-echoes-past-divisions/">Freedom Caucus holding court for more than an hour</a>&nbsp;to vent frustrations with the chamber’s Republican leadership.That dynamic played out again and again through the session, culminating with a<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/02/freedom-caucus-ends-filibuster-in-missouri-senate-without-action-on-its-demands/">&nbsp;41-hour filibuster earlier this month by Freedom Caucus members</a>&nbsp;that stalled — but did not block — a bill renewing a tax crucial to funding Missouri’s Medicaid program.&nbsp;The bad blood between the Freedom Caucus and Republicans loyal to Senate leadership boiled over in the session’s final days. Despite holding 24 of 34 seats in the Senate, Republicans could not muster 18 votes to kill a Democratic filibuster of legislation making it harder to amend the Missouri Constitution through the initiative petition process.&nbsp;Thanks to the impasse, the initiative petition bill — a top GOP priority, seen as a method to undercut a likely November ballot measure enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">died on the session’s final day</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716043559954.png" alt=" Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, listens to reporters’ questions following adjournment of the 2024 legislative session Friday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, listens to reporters’ questions following adjournment of the 2024 legislative session Friday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“It is a uniparty,” said Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican and Freedom Caucus member. “That’s what people are fed up and frustrated with, Republicans giving in and caving in. Accepting defeat in the hands of victory, that seems to be the mantra of the Republican Party and brand.”Rowden said a lot of good work got done this year despite efforts by the Freedom Caucus.&nbsp;“I make decisions not based on what people are gonna say about those decisions on Twitter,” he said, “but about what is in the best interest of the state and what’s in the best interest of this institution.”As the House stripped amendments off of Senate bills in order to send them to the governor, Republicans complained about the gridlock that upended the Senate.&nbsp;Every legislative session is unusual, said House Speaker Dean Plocher, but “this has been a less productive year on the other side of the building.”But contributing to the chaotic session was Plocher, who spent much of the year under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over a litany of allegations of misconduct. The investigation was ultimately dropped, but not before&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/15/speaker-dean-plocher-accused-of-absolute-obstruction-in-house-ethics-investigation/">Plocher was accused of obstructing the committee’s work and intimidating potential witnesses</a>.&nbsp;But the drama in the House paled in comparison to the Senate.&nbsp;State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican, had no remorse about his role in killing a large swath of bills. Out of every 100 bills filed every year, Eigel said, “probably 90 of them need not pass.”“So a lot of the bad things that didn’t happen this session didn’t happen because of the folks you see standing behind me,” he told reporters at the Freedom Caucus press conference, adding: “How many tax increases and fee increases didn’t happen because some folks were willing to get more aggressive with the folks that are giving up on their principles?”Time ran out on a lot of bills with wide support from both parties, including an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/13/child-care-tax-credits-senate-parson-freedom-caucus/#:~:text=Her%20bill%20would%20add%20three,to%20%24200%2C000%20in%20tax%20credits.">expansion of child care tax credits</a>&nbsp;that was a big priority of the governor. The legislature also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/legislation-enacting-total-ban-on-child-marriage-in-missouri-dies-in-the-house/">failed to ban child marriage</a>&nbsp;or end Missouri’s practice of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/legislation-aims-to-stop-missouri-from-taking-federal-benefits-owed-to-foster-kids/">taking millions of dollars in Social Security benefits</a>&nbsp;owed to foster kids.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">wide-ranging women’s health bill</a>&nbsp;— which includes provisions allowing women on private insurance to pick up an annual supply of contraceptives rather than going to the pharmacy every few months — was also a victim of Senate gridlock.&nbsp;But the biggest impact of the GOP infighting was likely how much it delayed the state budget process, ultimately resulting in a spending plan most everyone concedes will require lawmakers to return later this year to ensure state agencies don’t run out of money.&nbsp;Lawmakers cut hundreds of millions of dollars requested by Parson for the three major public welfare agencies, the departments of Social Services, Mental Health and Health and Senior Services. And Charlie Shields, president of the State Board of Education and a former Senate president pro tem,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">this week said</a>&nbsp;he expects “the mother of all supplemental budgets, probably in a special session.”“We’ll be back when the department’s run out of money,” Rizzo said, “because they will.”Eigel seemed to predict the drama could resume if the legislature returns to allocate more money.&nbsp;“We spent billions of dollars in earmarks and the budget that we did just pass. Billions,” he said. “If there was such a need for the basic services of these departments to be funded, maybe we should have cut out some of the fat.”Three of the five Freedom Caucus members are leaving the Senate after this year due to term limits, and August primaries in those and a handful of other districts will ultimately decide whether the dynamic in the chamber changes.&nbsp;Rowden, who is also leaving office this year, said he hopes the departures “provides an opportunity for this chamber to kind of recalibrate.”In the end, the Senate returned for the final day of the legislative session Friday for only 10 minutes before adjourning for the year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716043604664.png" alt=" Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, hugs Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, after a contentious legislative session Friday. She told reporters she did not always agree with Eigel, but she “loved him.” (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, hugs Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, after a contentious legislative session Friday. She told reporters she did not always agree with Eigel, but she “loved him.” (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>For all intents and purposes, the Senate was done the day before, Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin conceded to reporters. But she didn’t want to end on a sour note — with lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/missouri-senate-bitterness-halts-action-as-lawmakers-prepare-for-final-day-of-chaotic-session/">taking verbal shots at each other</a>&nbsp;on the chamber’s floor.&nbsp;“I like all of my colleagues,” she said. “They are all very bright, though difficult to handle sometimes.”&nbsp;And when the Senate adjourned Friday, “everyone hugged each,” O’Laughlin said. “Bill (Eigel) and I hugged each other.”&nbsp;Eigel, listening in from the back of the room as O’Laughlin spoke to reporters, shouted out, “Love you, Cindy.”She didn’t miss a beat.“Love you, Bill.”&nbsp;The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.

‘A bizarre session’: Mo. lawmakers head home after year defined by gridlock, infighting

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured and then arrested after an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by Scott C. Wooten, 54, Lathrop, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

The patrol arrested Wooten on requested charges of DWI and failure to drive on the right half of the&nbsp; road. He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the patrol. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance then transported him to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured and then arrested after an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by Scott C. Wooten, 54, Lathrop, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.The patrol arrested Wooten on requested charges of DWI and failure to drive on the right half of the&nbsp; road. He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the patrol. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance then transported him to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

Mo. man accused of DWI, hospitalized after pickup overturns

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2020 Buick Enclave driven by Lee R. Sailor, 69, Washburn, North Dakota, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles east of Amazonia.

The SUV rear-ended a 2023 Subaru Forester driven by Todd A. Bierman, 59, Republic, who had slowed for debris in the road.

Buchanan County ambulance transported a passenger in the Buick Coleen R. Sailor, 74, Washburn, North Dakota, to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2020 Buick Enclave driven by Lee R. Sailor, 69, Washburn, North Dakota, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles east of Amazonia.The SUV rear-ended a 2023 Subaru Forester driven by Todd A. Bierman, 59, Republic, who had slowed for debris in the road.Buchanan County ambulance transported a passenger in the Buick Coleen R. Sailor, 74, Washburn, North Dakota, to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after Andrew Co. rear-end crash

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

On the afternoon of September 1, 2023 officers responded to an accident in the 800 block South 5th Street in Atchison where a Dodge Charger passenger car driven by 22-year-old Quinn Gamino of Horton had struck a parked vehicle, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.

While officers were investigating the traffic accident they discovered controlled substances that included hundreds of pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. 

A subsequent lab analysis of the seized pills determined the presence of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl. 

On May 16, Gamino turned himself in at the Atchison County Jail for a District Court warrant for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no valid driver’s license. He is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715975928010.png" alt="Gamino photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gamino photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.On the afternoon of September 1, 2023 officers responded to an accident in the 800 block South 5th Street in Atchison where a Dodge Charger passenger car driven by 22-year-old Quinn Gamino of Horton had struck a parked vehicle, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.While officers were investigating the traffic accident they discovered controlled substances that included hundreds of pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. A subsequent lab analysis of the seized pills determined the presence of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl. On May 16, Gamino turned himself in at the Atchison County Jail for a District Court warrant for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no valid driver’s license. He is no longer in custody.

Police discover fentanyl pills in car after Kansas crash

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Friday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Chevy Silverado driven by a 16-year-old Chillicothe boy was eastbound on LIV 256 one half mile west of Chillicothe.

The driver lost control on loose gravel. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road&nbsp; and overturned.

Chillicothe transported the boy to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Friday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Chevy Silverado driven by a 16-year-old Chillicothe boy was eastbound on LIV 256 one half mile west of Chillicothe.The driver lost control on loose gravel. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road&nbsp; and overturned.Chillicothe transported the boy to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after pickup overturns

A state budget passed by the Missouri Legislature contains funding for needed improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport 

Seven million dollars is designated at Rosecrans for an airplane maintenance hangar, to help ensure the Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Group can get the new modern J model planes 

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the current hangar is technically large enough to fit the J model, but it does not meet federal standards. 

"So one of the pieces that we can do to improve our position for that J Model is to have a hangar facility that meets those required specs and really in a way kind of checks that extra box on the scoresheet that would be used for the C-130 J's," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

The budget also designates four million dollars in funding to move the fuel farm from the north end, where the 139th has moved, to a more accessible area for other planes 

Carter says the new hanger is crucial to help qualify the 139th for new C-130 J model planes 

"The C-130 Js are going through that allocation process, they use all kinds of criteria that they look at and determine what site is going to be the best equipped to upgrade from the C-130 H to the C-130 J," Carter explains. "And one of the boxes we don't check right now is that technically large enough hangar." 

The state budget is awaiting approval from Governor Mike Parson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709833598050.jpeg" alt="Rosecrans Memorial Airport/ file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rosecrans Memorial Airport/ file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A state budget passed by the Missouri Legislature contains funding for needed improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport Seven million dollars is designated at Rosecrans for an airplane maintenance hangar, to help ensure the Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Group can get the new modern J model planes St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the current hangar is technically large enough to fit the J model, but it does not meet federal standards. "So one of the pieces that we can do to improve our position for that J Model is to have a hangar facility that meets those required specs and really in a way kind of checks that extra box on the scoresheet that would be used for the C-130 J's," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. The budget also designates four million dollars in funding to move the fuel farm from the north end, where the 139th has moved, to a more accessible area for other planes Carter says the new hanger is crucial to help qualify the 139th for new C-130 J model planes "The C-130 Js are going through that allocation process, they use all kinds of criteria that they look at and determine what site is going to be the best equipped to upgrade from the C-130 H to the C-130 J," Carter explains. "And one of the boxes we don't check right now is that technically large enough hangar." The state budget is awaiting approval from Governor Mike Parson.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

State budget funds designated to help with improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport

It has been losing parishioners for years, but long-time
members of Seven Dolors Catholic Church never thought they’d see it close.

Seven Dolors, founded in 1870 and located just east of St.
Joseph, celebrates its final mass Sunday.

Wayne Reardon was baptized at Seven Dolors, and now at the age
of 96, says seven generations of his family have attended the church. 

“Means a lot. I grew up here. I was in this territory for all
my life, really,” Reardon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a visit to Seven
Dolors. “I hate to see it close.”

A lot of emotions run through Reardon as the final mass
approaches.

“You know, I just never ever thought of this church closing,”
Reardon says. “We lost a lot of our parishioners, especially the younger ones.”

Seven Dolors, known formally as the Church of our Mother of
Sorrows Seven Dolors Catholic Church, is one of four small, rural northwest
Missouri Catholic churches closing and merging with other parishes due to a steady drop in attendance over the years. Seven
Dolors will merge with St. Joseph’s Parish in Easton.

Missouri of St. Benedict in Burlington Junction has merged
with St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Tarkio. Mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary
in Princeton soon merges with St. Joseph Parish in Trenton. Mission of St.
Aloysius in Maysville will merge with St. Munchin Parish in Cameron.

Seven Dolors anchored a community in Hurlingen. German/Irish
immigrants planted the church in 1870 on two acres donated by Joseph Wiedmaier.
Soon, a school would be erected. A small store sold general goods to area
residents. Reardon says neighbors helped neighbors butchering hogs, threshing
grain, building barns. Seven Dolors at one time held three weekend masses, one on Saturday and two on Sunday that drew approximately 300. Only about 25 to 30 regularly attend the early Sunday morning mass now.

The annual Seven Dolors picnic on the last Sunday in July drew
hundreds to the small church. It ended in 2016 when the work became too much
for a parish with dwindling population.

Wayne’s son, Steven Reardon, now lives in Cameron, but was
raised at Seven Dolors and says the pending closing of the church elicits a lot
of emotions.

“Sad, but it was expected. I was not surprised. You look at
some of these churches, like Princeton and other areas that are closing, they’re
going to drive a tremendous distance to try to get to another Catholic church,”
Reardon explains. “We are pretty lucky to be close to St. Joe, Guadalupe (Our
Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church). Actually, it’s going to be easier for us than
many of the other rural communities.”

Steven Reardon says while he is sad to hear of its closing,
there is a sense of inevitability to the decision to close Seven Dolors.

“Well, we’ve declined so much in membership that it’s not
going to be as difficult as would have been years ago,” Reardon says. “We’ve
lost the schools. They’re not individually located at churches; just change in
the fabric of society.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715887392974.jpeg" alt="Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Hurlingen/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Hurlingen/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt has been losing parishioners for years, but long-time
members of Seven Dolors Catholic Church never thought they’d see it close.Seven Dolors, founded in 1870 and located just east of St.
Joseph, celebrates its final mass Sunday.Wayne Reardon was baptized at Seven Dolors, and now at the age
of 96, says seven generations of his family have attended the church. “Means a lot. I grew up here. I was in this territory for all
my life, really,” Reardon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a visit to Seven
Dolors. “I hate to see it close.”A lot of emotions run through Reardon as the final mass
approaches.“You know, I just never ever thought of this church closing,”
Reardon says. “We lost a lot of our parishioners, especially the younger ones.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715887633357.jpeg" alt="Seven Dolors Catholic Church/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Seven Dolors Catholic Church/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Seven Dolors, known formally as the Church of our Mother of
Sorrows Seven Dolors Catholic Church, is one of four small, rural northwest
Missouri Catholic churches closing and merging with other parishes due to a steady drop in attendance over the years. Seven
Dolors will merge with St. Joseph’s Parish in Easton.Missouri of St. Benedict in Burlington Junction has merged
with St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Tarkio. Mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary
in Princeton soon merges with St. Joseph Parish in Trenton. Mission of St.
Aloysius in Maysville will merge with St. Munchin Parish in Cameron.Seven Dolors anchored a community in Hurlingen. German/Irish
immigrants planted the church in 1870 on two acres donated by Joseph Wiedmaier.
Soon, a school would be erected. A small store sold general goods to area
residents. Reardon says neighbors helped neighbors butchering hogs, threshing
grain, building barns. Seven Dolors at one time held three weekend masses, one on Saturday and two on Sunday that drew approximately 300. Only about 25 to 30 regularly attend the early Sunday morning mass now.The annual Seven Dolors picnic on the last Sunday in July drew
hundreds to the small church. It ended in 2016 when the work became too much
for a parish with dwindling population.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715887454161.jpeg" alt="Wayne (left) and Steven Reardon review the history of Seven Dolors outside the church in Hurlingen/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Wayne (left) and Steven Reardon review the history of Seven Dolors outside the church in Hurlingen/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne’s son, Steven Reardon, now lives in Cameron, but was
raised at Seven Dolors and says the pending closing of the church elicits a lot
of emotions.“Sad, but it was expected. I was not surprised. You look at
some of these churches, like Princeton and other areas that are closing, they’re
going to drive a tremendous distance to try to get to another Catholic church,”
Reardon explains. “We are pretty lucky to be close to St. Joe, Guadalupe (Our
Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church). Actually, it’s going to be easier for us than
many of the other rural communities.”Steven Reardon says while he is sad to hear of its closing,
there is a sense of inevitability to the decision to close Seven Dolors.“Well, we’ve declined so much in membership that it’s not
going to be as difficult as would have been years ago,” Reardon says. “We’ve
lost the schools. They’re not individually located at churches; just change in
the fabric of society.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715887544108.jpeg" alt="Wayne Reardon's Grandmother is buried in the Seven Dolors cemetery/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Reardon's Grandmother is buried in the Seven Dolors cemetery/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Seven-Dolors-Church-celebrates-final-mass-e2joh1i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Seven Dolors Church, founded in 1870, celebrates final mass Sunday

&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for comments he made during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend in which he railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica responded to what they heard from the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro kicker.&nbsp; On their facebook page the sisters wrote:

"The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested."

"Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his comments seem to have fostered division. One of our concerns was the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. We sisters have dedicated our lives to God and God’s people, including the many women whom we have taught and influenced during the past 160 years. These women have made a tremendous difference in the world in their roles as wives and mothers and through their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and their careers."

(Click below to watch Butker's commencement address)

"Our community has taught young women and men not just how to be “homemakers” in a limited sense, but rather how to make a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves where they can welcome others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. We reject a narrow definition of what it means to be Catholic. We are faithful members of the Catholic Church who embrace and promote the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II and the teachings of Pope Francis."

"We want to be known as an inclusive, welcoming community, embracing Benedictine values that have endured for more than 1500 years and have spread through every continent and nation. We believe those values are the core of Benedictine College."

"We thank all who are supportive of our Mount community and the values we hold. With St. Benedict, we pray, “Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he lead us all together to life everlasting.”

&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for comments he made during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend in which he railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica responded to what they heard from the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro kicker.&nbsp; On their facebook page the sisters wrote:"The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested.""Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his comments seem to have fostered division. One of our concerns was the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. We sisters have dedicated our lives to God and God’s people, including the many women whom we have taught and influenced during the past 160 years. These women have made a tremendous difference in the world in their roles as wives and mothers and through their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and their careers."(Click below to watch Butker's commencement address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JS7RIKSaCc?si=tD9Xdp0euYzGBc2_" 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>"Our community has taught young women and men not just how to be “homemakers” in a limited sense, but rather how to make a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves where they can welcome others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. We reject a narrow definition of what it means to be Catholic. We are faithful members of the Catholic Church who embrace and promote the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II and the teachings of Pope Francis.""We want to be known as an inclusive, welcoming community, embracing Benedictine values that have endured for more than 1500 years and have spread through every continent and nation. We believe those values are the core of Benedictine College.""We thank all who are supportive of our Mount community and the values we hold. With St. Benedict, we pray, “Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he lead us all together to life everlasting.”

Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica respond to remarks of Harrison Butker

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen for alleged driving under the influence and for skipping court.

Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police booked 19-year-old&nbsp; Morgyn L. Gerber of Atchison into the county jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She was arrested on a District Court warrant for driving under the influence, that occurred in July 2023, and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; She bonded out of jail Wednesday night, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715869376001.png" alt="Gerber-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Gerber-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen for alleged driving under the influence and for skipping court.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police booked 19-year-old&nbsp; Morgyn L. Gerber of Atchison into the county jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She was arrested on a District Court warrant for driving under the influence, that occurred in July 2023, and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; She bonded out of jail Wednesday night, according to online jail records.

Kansas teen accused of DUI, skipping court appearance

Local and state authorities conducted a search in western Nodaway County Wednesday for a possible connection to a Skidmore man who disappeared more than 20 years ago.

Now, they wait for assistance from the federal level.

Nodaway County Sheriff's captain Austin Hann says an FBI team will arrive in Quitman on Monday to help with the search.

Officers received a "credible tip" that may lead to more information regarding Branson Perry, who mysteriously disappeared in April 2001. Hann says there's not much activity at the site right now.

"We're going to get some different resources in there to continue with this investigation," Hann told KFEQ Radio Thursday. "Right now, we're kind of just waiting for those resources to show up. Maintaining possession and control of that property until they get there. That kind of puts us to where we are now."

The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office has never closed the case regarding&nbsp; Perry, who was only 20 years old when he mysteriously disappeared after walking out of his house in Skidmore.

Hann says gathering new evidence in this case is important, as the family seeks closure.

"The other aspect is getting evidence to move forward with prosecution in this case," he said. "So, I think there's really two end results there - one is providing that closure to family and the other is moving forward with a criminal case."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804328504.jpeg" alt="Branson Perry was reported missing in April 2001, having last been seen outside of his home in Skidmore." />
 <figcaption>Branson Perry was reported missing in April 2001, having last been seen outside of his home in Skidmore.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLocal and state authorities conducted a search in western Nodaway County Wednesday for a possible connection to a Skidmore man who disappeared more than 20 years ago.Now, they wait for assistance from the federal level.Nodaway County Sheriff's captain Austin Hann says an FBI team will arrive in Quitman on Monday to help with the search.Officers received a "credible tip" that may lead to more information regarding Branson Perry, who mysteriously disappeared in April 2001. Hann says there's not much activity at the site right now."We're going to get some different resources in there to continue with this investigation," Hann told KFEQ Radio Thursday. "Right now, we're kind of just waiting for those resources to show up. Maintaining possession and control of that property until they get there. That kind of puts us to where we are now."The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office has never closed the case regarding&nbsp; Perry, who was only 20 years old when he mysteriously disappeared after walking out of his house in Skidmore.Hann says gathering new evidence in this case is important, as the family seeks closure."The other aspect is getting evidence to move forward with prosecution in this case," he said. "So, I think there's really two end results there - one is providing that closure to family and the other is moving forward with a criminal case."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.