BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mollymiller/">MOLLY MILLER</a>

Despite growing tensions between elected officials nationwide and the media, Missouri lawmakers are looking to educate students on media and digital literacy through a new pilot program.

Bills in the House and Senate contain provisions to help elementary and secondary students navigate an online world. The bills contain identical language that originated from a model bill written by the advocacy group, Media Literacy Now. Media Literacy Now aims to educate students through the public school system on key media literacy competencies.

Julie Smith, a state advocacy leader for Media Literacy Now and a professor of communications at Webster University, originally brought the model bill to state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St.Louis, ahead of the 2020 legislative session.

Murphy, the House bill’s sponsor, has introduced varying iterations of the original model bill in the years since then.

“Who’s the sender of the message? What’s their motive or intent? How is the message designed to get my attention? What information is left out? Who benefits from this?,” said Smith. “It’s as simple as asking those five questions about every message.”

The Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act includes provisions for:

If passed by the legislature, a pilot program will begin during the 2025-2026 school year and last through the summer of 2027.

The legislators tasked the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education establishing the pilot program. During this process, the department will select five to seven school districts across the state to formulate a program that covers the above criteria.

Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, the department will analyze reports from participating schools and develop guidelines and sample materials regarding media literacy.

The Senate bill’s sponsor, Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, spoke Tuesday to the committee he chairs, the Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children, about his concerns with children’s access to media.

“It’s also a … national security issue because not only do our students have access to a wide variety of information that originates in this country,” said Trent, “but they also have access to a wide variety of information that originates in other countries.”

Trent expressed a desire to educate students on how to identify fake or misleading information as he acknowledges that they have access to an endless supply of content when using digital platforms.

Illinois recently passed legislation addressing media literacy education in public high schools across the state. Over the last two years, Illinois high school students have learned skills and resources on accessing, analyzing, creating and consuming media in multiple forms including social media.

Kathy Kiely, a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies , underscored the importance of social media’s role in a changing media landscape. According to Kiely, the threat of libel lawsuits against journalists and news organizations provides a measure of accountability for mainstream, traditional news sources.

In the modern digital age, “internet service providers have an exemption from libel,” said Kiely, “and that means we have no kind of incentive to police that environment.”

Gentry Middle School in Columbia piloted a media education curriculum last school year that has now expanded to all middle schools in the district. The curriculum was made in collaboration with IREX, a global development and education non-profit organization.

According to a handout about the district’s My Mind &gt; My Media program, middle school students in sixth through eighth grades learn about topics like “How the News Works”; “The Power of Words”; and “Stats and Science in the Media.”

“(The program) is taking the approach that media is a part of our lives,” said Kerry Townsend, the Library Media Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools.

“We all need to find the balance that is the most comfortable to us based on our individual needs so it helps students be reflective about their media use and how its connected to their emotions.”

The My Mind &gt; My Media integration varies by school. A common theme among supporters of media literacy education is the hesitancy to over mandate teachers. With the CPS program, the school decides how to apply the program within existing curriculum being taught already.

“Media literacy is completely cross-curricular so no matter what you’re already teaching, you can easily add media literacy activities,” said Smith, who highlighted her understanding of teacher’s frustrations with mandate curriculums as a former K-12 teacher herself.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/media-literacy-legislation-gets-hearing-in-legislature/article_d2a71134-f82a-11ee-8202-07ada5af659e.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691010599049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mollymiller/">MOLLY MILLER</a>Despite growing tensions between elected officials nationwide and the media, Missouri lawmakers are looking to educate students on media and digital literacy through a new pilot program.Bills in the House and Senate contain provisions to help elementary and secondary students navigate an online world. The bills contain identical language that originated from a model bill written by the advocacy group, Media Literacy Now. Media Literacy Now aims to educate students through the public school system on key media literacy competencies.Julie Smith, a state advocacy leader for Media Literacy Now and a professor of communications at Webster University, originally brought the model bill to state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St.Louis, ahead of the 2020 legislative session.Murphy, the House bill’s sponsor, has introduced varying iterations of the original model bill in the years since then.“Who’s the sender of the message? What’s their motive or intent? How is the message designed to get my attention? What information is left out? Who benefits from this?,” said Smith. “It’s as simple as asking those five questions about every message.”The Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act includes provisions for:<ul>
 <li>Analyzing news content to determine fact from opinion or propaganda.</li><li>Understanding how to find and interpret visual images such as photographs, videos, maps and graphs.</li><li>The effects of media, including social media, on behaviors and emotions.</li><li>Learning about online norms and ethics to reduce cyberbullying.</li><li>How algorithms and economic influences can affect media content.</li>
 </ul>If passed by the legislature, a pilot program will begin during the 2025-2026 school year and last through the summer of 2027.The legislators tasked the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education establishing the pilot program. During this process, the department will select five to seven school districts across the state to formulate a program that covers the above criteria.Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, the department will analyze reports from participating schools and develop guidelines and sample materials regarding media literacy.The Senate bill’s sponsor, Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, spoke Tuesday to the committee he chairs, the Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children, about his concerns with children’s access to media.“It’s also a … national security issue because not only do our students have access to a wide variety of information that originates in this country,” said Trent, “but they also have access to a wide variety of information that originates in other countries.”Trent expressed a desire to educate students on how to identify fake or misleading information as he acknowledges that they have access to an endless supply of content when using digital platforms.Illinois recently passed legislation addressing media literacy education in public high schools across the state. Over the last two years, Illinois high school students have learned skills and resources on accessing, analyzing, creating and consuming media in multiple forms including social media.Kathy Kiely, a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies , underscored the importance of social media’s role in a changing media landscape. According to Kiely, the threat of libel lawsuits against journalists and news organizations provides a measure of accountability for mainstream, traditional news sources.In the modern digital age, “internet service providers have an exemption from libel,” said Kiely, “and that means we have no kind of incentive to police that environment.”Gentry Middle School in Columbia piloted a media education curriculum last school year that has now expanded to all middle schools in the district. The curriculum was made in collaboration with IREX, a global development and education non-profit organization.According to a handout about the district’s My Mind &gt; My Media program, middle school students in sixth through eighth grades learn about topics like “How the News Works”; “The Power of Words”; and “Stats and Science in the Media.”“(The program) is taking the approach that media is a part of our lives,” said Kerry Townsend, the Library Media Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools.“We all need to find the balance that is the most comfortable to us based on our individual needs so it helps students be reflective about their media use and how its connected to their emotions.”The My Mind &gt; My Media integration varies by school. A common theme among supporters of media literacy education is the hesitancy to over mandate teachers. With the CPS program, the school decides how to apply the program within existing curriculum being taught already.“Media literacy is completely cross-curricular so no matter what you’re already teaching, you can easily add media literacy activities,” said Smith, who highlighted her understanding of teacher’s frustrations with mandate curriculums as a former K-12 teacher herself.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/media-literacy-legislation-gets-hearing-in-legislature/article_d2a71134-f82a-11ee-8202-07ada5af659e.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Media literacy bill gets hearing in Missouri legislature

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just before 10p.m. Monday, police booked 29-year-old&nbsp; Stephen J. Cushing, Jr., of Raytown, Missouri into the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Cushing is being held after an arrest in the 1400 block South U.S. 73 Highway on requested charges of battery and interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713301518288.png" alt="Cushing-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cushing-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just before 10p.m. Monday, police booked 29-year-old&nbsp; Stephen J. Cushing, Jr., of Raytown, Missouri into the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Cushing is being held after an arrest in the 1400 block South U.S. 73 Highway on requested charges of battery and interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

Mo. man accused of battery, interference with law enforcement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri ethics panel is at an impasse over reported misconduct by the powerful state House speaker, who allegedly used his office to stymie an investigation into his actions.

A draft of the Ethics Committee report recommended that the House formally denounce actions taken by Republican Speaker Dean Plocher that “substantially impair public confidence in the General Assembly.”

Committee members voted 6-2 against the report but made it publicly available Monday. Another Ethics Committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Plocher did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Tuesday.

At issue are complaints that Plocher last year tried to use his influence as speaker to get the House to contract with a company for a new constituent services program called Fireside.

Fireside’s parent company, FiscalNote, had hired Bardgett and Associates lobbyists in an attempt to win a $776,000 two-year contract with the House, independent investigator Beth Boggs wrote in a March 1 report. Plocher worked as a lawyer at the Blitz, Bardgett and Deutsch law firm.

Plocher also faces allegations that he improperly requested taxpayer dollars to pay for a business-class ticket on a flight to Hawaii and expenses for several other work trips dating back to 2018.

Plocher admitted he accepted reimbursements for the travel expenses both from the state and from his political campaign, which is against Missouri law. He has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-house-speaker-expenses-c51041fdd08dac72b944d5f245dda519">repaid the state</a>&nbsp;about $4,000.

The Ethics Committee struggled to investigate claims about Plocher's dealings with Fireside.

Boggs in a March 1 letter to the committee said she hit a roadblock because witnesses, including Plocher, refused to speak to her.

“The level of fear expressed by a number of the potential witnesses is a daunting factor in completing this investigation,” Boggs wrote.

When the Ethics Committee sought approval from the speaker, Plocher, to force witnesses to testify through subpoenas, he refused, according to the report.

The draft report alleges that Plocher, as the speaker, has blocked payment of the independent investigator hired by the House to investigate him. In total, the investigation cost about $17,000 to complete.

Contractors have not been paid, according to the draft report, because the speaker's approval is necessary.

Missouri lawmakers have about a month left of the 2024 legislative session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697056839654.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri ethics panel is at an impasse over reported misconduct by the powerful state House speaker, who allegedly used his office to stymie an investigation into his actions.A draft of the Ethics Committee report recommended that the House formally denounce actions taken by Republican Speaker Dean Plocher that “substantially impair public confidence in the General Assembly.”Committee members voted 6-2 against the report but made it publicly available Monday. Another Ethics Committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.Plocher did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Tuesday.At issue are complaints that Plocher last year tried to use his influence as speaker to get the House to contract with a company for a new constituent services program called Fireside.Fireside’s parent company, FiscalNote, had hired Bardgett and Associates lobbyists in an attempt to win a $776,000 two-year contract with the House, independent investigator Beth Boggs wrote in a March 1 report. Plocher worked as a lawyer at the Blitz, Bardgett and Deutsch law firm.Plocher also faces allegations that he improperly requested taxpayer dollars to pay for a business-class ticket on a flight to Hawaii and expenses for several other work trips dating back to 2018.Plocher admitted he accepted reimbursements for the travel expenses both from the state and from his political campaign, which is against Missouri law. He has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-house-speaker-expenses-c51041fdd08dac72b944d5f245dda519">repaid the state</a>&nbsp;about $4,000.The Ethics Committee struggled to investigate claims about Plocher's dealings with Fireside.Boggs in a March 1 letter to the committee said she hit a roadblock because witnesses, including Plocher, refused to speak to her.“The level of fear expressed by a number of the potential witnesses is a daunting factor in completing this investigation,” Boggs wrote.When the Ethics Committee sought approval from the speaker, Plocher, to force witnesses to testify through subpoenas, he refused, according to the report.The draft report alleges that Plocher, as the speaker, has blocked payment of the independent investigator hired by the House to investigate him. In total, the investigation cost about $17,000 to complete.Contractors have not been paid, according to the draft report, because the speaker's approval is necessary.Missouri lawmakers have about a month left of the 2024 legislative session.

Draft report: Mo's House speaker stymied ethics investigation into his spending

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale this morning gave a bird’s eye
view of the progress he says the city council and city staff have made over the
past year.

Josendale gave his State of the City addressed, delivered via
a video, to a packed crowd at a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce event held at
the Stoney Creek Inn.

Afterward, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, Josendale
says the city council has worked hard on the sustainability of its projects.

“It’s not just build a building, but how are you going to
maintain that building or how are you going to position ourselves for success in
the future?”

Josendale touts partnerships as a means to growth in St.
Joseph, from working with Missouri Western State University to help it and North
Central Missouri College to build the $12 million Convergent Alliance
Technology Center to improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the benefit
of the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Group.

Much work has been completed on the parks system, according to
Josendale, pointing to new bridges and bike trailways.

Josendale says the last city council election illustrated the
need for the change, because voters elected seven new council members, who had
to face big financial decisions immediately with little context.

“When you’re elected in April, you have to immediately jump
into the budget. The budget’s due in June. So, you’re getting all kinds of stuff
thrown at you,” Josendale says. “By staggering it, you don’t have all of us coming
new at the same time.”

Josendale says the city has been tackling two issues citizens
repeatedly list as top priorities in surveys:&nbsp;
crime and cleanliness.

Josendale has given his State of the City address, via video,
at a breakfast meeting of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Josendale says the city has made progress on crime. The mayor
credits the work of new St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster and the department
on a drop in violent crime.

Josendale also acknowledges residents want to see an
improvement in the look of the city, which he says the city council, along with
city staff, has been working on.

“If you drive down Frederick (Avenue) now, you can start to
see some of the difference,” Josendale says. “We want to see that same thing
happen with, like, St. Joe Avenue, some of the downtown area, and then down 6th
Street and King Hill.”

Josendale notes federal COVID relief money has dried up, so
the city has to make sure it can finance sustainable growth.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713293291414.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee, delivering the State of the City address/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee, delivering the State of the City address/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Mayor John Josendale this morning gave a bird’s eye
view of the progress he says the city council and city staff have made over the
past year.Josendale gave his State of the City addressed, delivered via
a video, to a packed crowd at a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce event held at
the Stoney Creek Inn.Afterward, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, Josendale
says the city council has worked hard on the sustainability of its projects.“It’s not just build a building, but how are you going to
maintain that building or how are you going to position ourselves for success in
the future?”Josendale touts partnerships as a means to growth in St.
Joseph, from working with Missouri Western State University to help it and North
Central Missouri College to build the $12 million Convergent Alliance
Technology Center to improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the benefit
of the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Group.Much work has been completed on the parks system, according to
Josendale, pointing to new bridges and bike trailways.Josendale says the last city council election illustrated the
need for the change, because voters elected seven new council members, who had
to face big financial decisions immediately with little context.“When you’re elected in April, you have to immediately jump
into the budget. The budget’s due in June. So, you’re getting all kinds of stuff
thrown at you,” Josendale says. “By staggering it, you don’t have all of us coming
new at the same time.”Josendale says the city has been tackling two issues citizens
repeatedly list as top priorities in surveys:&nbsp;
crime and cleanliness.Josendale has given his State of the City address, via video,
at a breakfast meeting of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Josendale says the city has made progress on crime. The mayor
credits the work of new St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster and the department
on a drop in violent crime.Josendale also acknowledges residents want to see an
improvement in the look of the city, which he says the city council, along with
city staff, has been working on.“If you drive down Frederick (Avenue) now, you can start to
see some of the difference,” Josendale says. “We want to see that same thing
happen with, like, St. Joe Avenue, some of the downtown area, and then down 6th
Street and King Hill.”Josendale notes federal COVID relief money has dried up, so
the city has to make sure it can finance sustainable growth.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mayor-Josendale-and-the-state-of-St--Joseph-e2ig0ni" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mayor Josendale says St. Joseph progress must be sustainable

St. Joseph Fire Department officials have canceled open burning today (TUE) due to high winds.

St. Joseph Fire Department officials have canceled open burning today (TUE) due to high winds.

Open burning in St. Joseph canceled today

A group is demanding an investigation of facilities accused of abuse, like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson

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

A group including survivors of childhood sexual abuse is hoping Missouri lawmakers will change state law to give victims more time to sue their assailants and that the attorney general will provide more oversight of boarding schools and camps.

Douglas Lay, assistant director of Missouri Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, told reporters Monday afternoon that he was abused at school as a child and didn’t tell his story for 40 years.

“The trauma is sufficient enough to stay silent,” he said alongside survivors and advocates outside the Missouri Supreme Court building.

Monday, he testified in a Missouri Senate committee in favor of extending the statute of limitations to give survivors more time to share. In town for the committee hearing, the group also delivered a letter to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey demanding he begin investigating camps and boarding schools that have been accused of abuse.

The committee held a hearing Monday on a bill that would place&nbsp; a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot to make the time limits for filing a civil action the same as it is for criminal prosecutions.

Currently, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil suit against perpetrators until they reach the age of 31 and against other defendants until the age of 26. There is no statute of limitations for criminal cases of rape.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/14/kanakuk-abuse-survivors-urge-missouri-lawmakers-to-extend-statute-of-limitations/">similar bill last year</a>&nbsp;sought to allow survivors to file a claim until they reach 55 years old.&nbsp;

Versions of the bill have yet to clear a committee in either the House or Senate, and with the legislative session ending May 17, their odds of passing are slim.

Kathryn Robb, executive director of nonprofit child-protection advocacy group CHILD USAdvocacy, said the statute of limitations is “arbitrary.”

“When the perpetrators silence the victims, they should not benefit from the statute of limitations that cuts (lawsuits) off,” she said. “It is just bad policy.”

Richard AuBuchon, executive director of the Missouri Civil Justice Reform, testified to the Senate&nbsp; committee he believes there should be “finality” to cases.

“There should be fair process, like we do in Missouri, where the statute of limitations creates a constitutional right that the case is final,” he said.

Ken Chackes, a St. Louis-based attorney, told reporters he has represented 300 or more survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

“Many survivors told me I was the first person they ever told,” he said.

Some have waited years to share their stories, Chackes said, because they wanted to shield loved ones from pain.

“They don’t want to put their parents through the devastating impact of learning that their child… was abused and suffered this trauma,” he said.

He believes allowing them to bring civil proceedings will allow more people to share their experiences, and in turn, expose abuse.

Lay and other advocates also delivered a letter to Bailey Monday asking for an investigation of facilities like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson.

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/06/missouri-substantiated-10-claims-of-physical-abuse-at-agape-in-last-four-months/">Agape has been accused of</a>&nbsp;physical and sexual abuse, including restraint and starvation.

The daughter of the owners of Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch came forward in 2021 with stories of abuse. The facility is now shuttered, and the owners face 100 felony counts under prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office.

Former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/22/former-camper-suing-missouri-based-kanakuk-kamps-claiming-fraudulent-abuse-settlement/">campers have alleged sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;by a Kanakuk Kamps staffer and concealment of the abuse.

The letter submitted to Bailey reads: “Ample evidence already exists in the public record that these institutions lack oversight and sometimes attract predators who hurt kids.”

Advocates said oversight of facilities with known abuse will lead to widespread change in the child-boarding industry.

“Institutions don’t change unless there’s a threat of liability,” Robb said. “Just look at the history of time. They don’t change unless they can be sued.”

Bailey, in a statement to The Independent, said he will always “fight for Missouri to be the safest state in the nation for children.”

In 2021, former Missouri Attorney General Eric&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/24/missouri-ag-wants-off-agape-abuse-case-says-prosecutor-doesnt-intend-to-seek-justice/">Schmitt bemoaned local authorities for holding up the closure of Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;after years of abuse allegations.

Agape announced its closure in January of 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/11/agape-boarding-school-will-close-its-doors-this-month-after-years-of-abuse-allegation/">blaming financial strains</a>. In late 2022, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/21/judge-grants-injunction-keeping-longtime-agape-director-off-missouri-child-abuse-registry/">Cole County judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that the school’s director was allowed to remain off Missouri’s child-abuse registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713271102929.png" alt="Advocates for protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse speak in front of the Missouri Supreme Court building prior to delivering a letter to the Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Advocates for protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse speak in front of the Missouri Supreme Court building prior to delivering a letter to the Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A group is demanding an investigation of facilities accused of abuse, like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">ANNELISE HANSHAW</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A group including survivors of childhood sexual abuse is hoping Missouri lawmakers will change state law to give victims more time to sue their assailants and that the attorney general will provide more oversight of boarding schools and camps.Douglas Lay, assistant director of Missouri Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, told reporters Monday afternoon that he was abused at school as a child and didn’t tell his story for 40 years.“The trauma is sufficient enough to stay silent,” he said alongside survivors and advocates outside the Missouri Supreme Court building.Monday, he testified in a Missouri Senate committee in favor of extending the statute of limitations to give survivors more time to share. In town for the committee hearing, the group also delivered a letter to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey demanding he begin investigating camps and boarding schools that have been accused of abuse.The committee held a hearing Monday on a bill that would place&nbsp; a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot to make the time limits for filing a civil action the same as it is for criminal prosecutions.Currently, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil suit against perpetrators until they reach the age of 31 and against other defendants until the age of 26. There is no statute of limitations for criminal cases of rape.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/14/kanakuk-abuse-survivors-urge-missouri-lawmakers-to-extend-statute-of-limitations/">similar bill last year</a>&nbsp;sought to allow survivors to file a claim until they reach 55 years old.&nbsp;Versions of the bill have yet to clear a committee in either the House or Senate, and with the legislative session ending May 17, their odds of passing are slim.Kathryn Robb, executive director of nonprofit child-protection advocacy group CHILD USAdvocacy, said the statute of limitations is “arbitrary.”“When the perpetrators silence the victims, they should not benefit from the statute of limitations that cuts (lawsuits) off,” she said. “It is just bad policy.”Richard AuBuchon, executive director of the Missouri Civil Justice Reform, testified to the Senate&nbsp; committee he believes there should be “finality” to cases.“There should be fair process, like we do in Missouri, where the statute of limitations creates a constitutional right that the case is final,” he said.Ken Chackes, a St. Louis-based attorney, told reporters he has represented 300 or more survivors of childhood sexual abuse.“Many survivors told me I was the first person they ever told,” he said.Some have waited years to share their stories, Chackes said, because they wanted to shield loved ones from pain.“They don’t want to put their parents through the devastating impact of learning that their child… was abused and suffered this trauma,” he said.He believes allowing them to bring civil proceedings will allow more people to share their experiences, and in turn, expose abuse.Lay and other advocates also delivered a letter to Bailey Monday asking for an investigation of facilities like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/06/missouri-substantiated-10-claims-of-physical-abuse-at-agape-in-last-four-months/">Agape has been accused of</a>&nbsp;physical and sexual abuse, including restraint and starvation.The daughter of the owners of Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch came forward in 2021 with stories of abuse. The facility is now shuttered, and the owners face 100 felony counts under prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office.Former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/22/former-camper-suing-missouri-based-kanakuk-kamps-claiming-fraudulent-abuse-settlement/">campers have alleged sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;by a Kanakuk Kamps staffer and concealment of the abuse.The letter submitted to Bailey reads: “Ample evidence already exists in the public record that these institutions lack oversight and sometimes attract predators who hurt kids.”Advocates said oversight of facilities with known abuse will lead to widespread change in the child-boarding industry.“Institutions don’t change unless there’s a threat of liability,” Robb said. “Just look at the history of time. They don’t change unless they can be sued.”Bailey, in a statement to The Independent, said he will always “fight for Missouri to be the safest state in the nation for children.”In 2021, former Missouri Attorney General Eric&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/24/missouri-ag-wants-off-agape-abuse-case-says-prosecutor-doesnt-intend-to-seek-justice/">Schmitt bemoaned local authorities for holding up the closure of Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;after years of abuse allegations.Agape announced its closure in January of 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/11/agape-boarding-school-will-close-its-doors-this-month-after-years-of-abuse-allegation/">blaming financial strains</a>. In late 2022, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/21/judge-grants-injunction-keeping-longtime-agape-director-off-missouri-child-abuse-registry/">Cole County judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that the school’s director was allowed to remain off Missouri’s child-abuse registry.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse ask Mo. AG, lawmakers for change

Two new board members were sworn in during the Saint Joseph Board of Education meeting Monday night.

Mike Moore and Ronda Chesney won their seats on the board during the April 2 election. Board members also voted Moore as the new Vice President of the school board while re-electing LaTonya Williams as President.

Teacher pay is a top priority for the board. Moore says he supports a levy in order to increase teacher pay, and "get the district more competitive so we can retain and attract the best teachers."

Moving forward, Moore sees district finances as an issue. Moore says, "We have a little bit of deficit spending already. We have the reserves to do it, but long term that's not sustainable. Overall, district financial planning is a big part of where we have to go." Moore said it is an honor to serve on the school board and looks forward to the work ahead.

Ronda Chesney said she believes a top concern for the board is academic issues within the district and accreditation. "We need to look at ways we can support the students and the teachers to achieve that district accreditation."

LaTonya Williams won reelection earlier this month and the board voted her to a second term as Board President.

Williams echoed Moore's sentiment concerning teacher pay, "My number one goal is to increase teacher pay. I always keep my word and that is my number one goal."

Williams encouraged teamwork and compromise among board members. "Let's think about the jobs we were all elected to do. Above all of our personal agendas or feelings about each other."

The next Board of Education meeting will be held April 29, at 5:30 p.m.

St. Joseph PostTwo new board members were sworn in during the Saint Joseph Board of Education meeting Monday night.Mike Moore and Ronda Chesney won their seats on the board during the April 2 election. Board members also voted Moore as the new Vice President of the school board while re-electing LaTonya Williams as President.Teacher pay is a top priority for the board. Moore says he supports a levy in order to increase teacher pay, and "get the district more competitive so we can retain and attract the best teachers."Moving forward, Moore sees district finances as an issue. Moore says, "We have a little bit of deficit spending already. We have the reserves to do it, but long term that's not sustainable. Overall, district financial planning is a big part of where we have to go." Moore said it is an honor to serve on the school board and looks forward to the work ahead.Ronda Chesney said she believes a top concern for the board is academic issues within the district and accreditation. "We need to look at ways we can support the students and the teachers to achieve that district accreditation."LaTonya Williams won reelection earlier this month and the board voted her to a second term as Board President.Williams echoed Moore's sentiment concerning teacher pay, "My number one goal is to increase teacher pay. I always keep my word and that is my number one goal."Williams encouraged teamwork and compromise among board members. "Let's think about the jobs we were all elected to do. Above all of our personal agendas or feelings about each other."The next Board of Education meeting will be held April 29, at 5:30 p.m.

New members installed on St. Joseph Board of Education

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas felon is back in jail on new allegations after a weekend arrest.

On April 14, police arrested 52-year-old Jason E. Alexander of Atchison on requested charges for aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery in the 1900 block Harper Drive, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. He was also arrested on a District Court warrants for failure to appear in court.

In July of 2022, Alexander was arrested for alleged domestic battery, burglary, theft and criminal damage to property in Atchison, according to online jail records. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated and multiple DUIs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713193422354.png" alt="Alexander-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Alexander-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas felon is back in jail on new allegations after a weekend arrest.On April 14, police arrested 52-year-old Jason E. Alexander of Atchison on requested charges for aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery in the 1900 block Harper Drive, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. He was also arrested on a District Court warrants for failure to appear in court.In July of 2022, Alexander was arrested for alleged domestic battery, burglary, theft and criminal damage to property in Atchison, according to online jail records. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated and multiple DUIs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of new crimes after arrest

Metronet has officially declared St. Joseph as a Certified Gigabit City. 

Craig Zimmerman, Metronet Government Affairs Manager, says to be eligible to be classified as a gigabit city at least half the residents and businesses have to have access to a fiber network.  

"Which we have surpassed at this point," Zimmerman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We've got still some work left to do to continue our build throughout the city, but over half of the residents and businesses now have access to our fiber network." 

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale says the honor of being named a gigabit city is exciting when you think about how just two years ago, no fiber internet was available in the city.  

"I guess it really came to light during the pandemic and being able to see that speed matters when it comes to the internet," Josendale says. "So, whether its business or personal, I mean it's really important and it's exciting for us, because as people see it then it becomes more of a real event for them." 

Metronet began the $30 million project in 2022 and to date has installed more than 240 miles of fiber-optic internet throughout the city. 

Zimmerman also recalls when the project began, they were the only ones working to bring fiber internet to the city. 

"Shortly thereafter a competitor has joined us, which is great for this city right?" Zimmerman explains. "I mean there's going to be so much choice, they can decide speeds, pricing, who serves them the best, and we're hopeful that Metronet is the provider of choice in that journey."

That competitor, United Fiber of Savannah, has been serving the business community in St. Joseph since 2015 and expanded greatly a couple of years ago to serve St. Joseph area residents.

Construction on Metronet fiber cables is estimated to be completed by summer next year.

This article has been updated since first published.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713211351844.jpeg" alt="Metronet Government Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman (at podium) declares St. Joseph as a Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet during a news conference as Second Harvest Executive Director Chad Higdon (left), Mayor John Josendale, Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn, and Metronet Executive Vice President of Construction Kyle Hamilton (all on right) watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Metronet Government Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman (at podium) declares St. Joseph as a Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet during a news conference as Second Harvest Executive Director Chad Higdon (left), Mayor John Josendale, Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn, and Metronet Executive Vice President of Construction Kyle Hamilton (all on right) watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Metronet has officially declared St. Joseph as a Certified Gigabit City. Craig Zimmerman, Metronet Government Affairs Manager, says to be eligible to be classified as a gigabit city at least half the residents and businesses have to have access to a fiber network. "Which we have surpassed at this point," Zimmerman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We've got still some work left to do to continue our build throughout the city, but over half of the residents and businesses now have access to our fiber network." St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale says the honor of being named a gigabit city is exciting when you think about how just two years ago, no fiber internet was available in the city. "I guess it really came to light during the pandemic and being able to see that speed matters when it comes to the internet," Josendale says. "So, whether its business or personal, I mean it's really important and it's exciting for us, because as people see it then it becomes more of a real event for them." Metronet began the $30 million project in 2022 and to date has installed more than 240 miles of fiber-optic internet throughout the city. Zimmerman also recalls when the project began, they were the only ones working to bring fiber internet to the city. "Shortly thereafter a competitor has joined us, which is great for this city right?" Zimmerman explains. "I mean there's going to be so much choice, they can decide speeds, pricing, who serves them the best, and we're hopeful that Metronet is the provider of choice in that journey."That competitor, United Fiber of Savannah, has been serving the business community in St. Joseph since 2015 and expanded greatly a couple of years ago to serve St. Joseph area residents.Construction on Metronet fiber cables is estimated to be completed by summer next year.This article has been updated since first published.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph declared a Certified Gigabit City by Metronet

Missouri Western State University has hired Ashton Feldhaus as the next head women's basketball coach, becoming the 10th head coach in the history of the program.

Seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks, Feldhaus comes from Eckerd College - a Division II school in St. Petersburg, Florida. She joined the staff as an assistant in July 2019 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2022.

She spent five seasons with the Tritons, helping them to an NCAA tournament bid and a 20-plus win season in each of those five years. The Tritons have posted a 91-28 overall record during her five-year tenure.

"I am beyond excited to join Griffon Nation as the next head women's basketball coach," Feldhaus said in a statement. "I am thankful to Andy (Carter), (President) Elizabeth Kennedy and the MWSU athletics staff for this opportunity to build on the great tradition at Missouri Western."

"As soon as I stepped on campus, it was clear that the support from the administration and the community is paramount to the success of Griffon Athletics. I am ready to get to St. Joseph and get to work!"

Feldhaus, just this year, was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Annual Thirty Under 30 Class. She served as the team's academic advisor, as the Tritons ranked third nationally on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll with a 3.78 GPA in the 2019-20 season.

"We are so excited to welcome Ashton to the Griffon family," Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter said in a statement.

"The national search process brought forth an incredibly talented candidate pool. With the current wave of momentum in our women's basketball program, we were meticulous in our search for talent, fit and a proven winner. Ashton checks all the boxes. She is a rising star in the profession. Her maturity, knowledge, preparation and energy is contagious. She is a natural leader who understands the expectations."

In her first year on the Triton sidelines, Feldhaus helped lead the team to the Sunshine State Tournament Championship and Eckerd's fourth ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

In the 2021-22 season, she helped lead the program to another record setting season, including their fifth consecutive trip to the&nbsp;NCAA Tournament.

In the 2022-23 season, she helped guide the program to new heights, including their sixth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and the program's first Sweet 16 appearance. Eckerd ended the season at No. 9 in the WBCA Poll.

A native of Richmond, Kentucky, Feldhaus boasts a strong playing resume at the NCAA Division I level, making stops at both Butler University and the University of Tennessee-Martin.

Her first season with the Skyhawks saw Feldhaus earn Second Team All-OVC honors and OVC All-Newcomer honors and was a six-time conference newcomer of the week while averaging 11.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

As a senior, she earned a repeat selection to the All-OVC second team despite being slowed by injury.

Feldhaus received a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Masters Degree in Family and Consumer Science from UT-Martin.

She succeeds Candi Whitaker, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2d7a1e70-209e-4807-aa1c-23ab926ff51b">who left Missouri Western to take the Division I coaching job</a> at North Alabama on March 25.

A formal press conference and public reception to officially introduce Coach Feldhaus will take place next week with dates and times to be announced soon, per Missouri Western athletics.

Griffon women's basketball has enjoyed great success the last few years, winning a Central Region title in 2022 and then an MIAA regular season title this past season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713206463171.jpeg" alt="Ashton Feldhaus (back row, top right) is the next head coach of Missouri Western State University. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Ashton Feldhaus (back row, top right) is the next head coach of Missouri Western State University. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University has hired Ashton Feldhaus as the next head women's basketball coach, becoming the 10th head coach in the history of the program.Seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks, Feldhaus comes from Eckerd College - a Division II school in St. Petersburg, Florida. She joined the staff as an assistant in July 2019 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2022.She spent five seasons with the Tritons, helping them to an NCAA tournament bid and a 20-plus win season in each of those five years. The Tritons have posted a 91-28 overall record during her five-year tenure."I am beyond excited to join Griffon Nation as the next head women's basketball coach," Feldhaus said in a statement. "I am thankful to Andy (Carter), (President) Elizabeth Kennedy and the MWSU athletics staff for this opportunity to build on the great tradition at Missouri Western.""As soon as I stepped on campus, it was clear that the support from the administration and the community is paramount to the success of Griffon Athletics. I am ready to get to St. Joseph and get to work!"Feldhaus, just this year, was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Annual Thirty Under 30 Class. She served as the team's academic advisor, as the Tritons ranked third nationally on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll with a 3.78 GPA in the 2019-20 season."We are so excited to welcome Ashton to the Griffon family," Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter said in a statement."The national search process brought forth an incredibly talented candidate pool. With the current wave of momentum in our women's basketball program, we were meticulous in our search for talent, fit and a proven winner. Ashton checks all the boxes. She is a rising star in the profession. Her maturity, knowledge, preparation and energy is contagious. She is a natural leader who understands the expectations."In her first year on the Triton sidelines, Feldhaus helped lead the team to the Sunshine State Tournament Championship and Eckerd's fourth ever NCAA Tournament appearance.In the 2021-22 season, she helped lead the program to another record setting season, including their fifth consecutive trip to the&nbsp;NCAA Tournament.In the 2022-23 season, she helped guide the program to new heights, including their sixth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and the program's first Sweet 16 appearance. Eckerd ended the season at No. 9 in the WBCA Poll.A native of Richmond, Kentucky, Feldhaus boasts a strong playing resume at the NCAA Division I level, making stops at both Butler University and the University of Tennessee-Martin.Her first season with the Skyhawks saw Feldhaus earn Second Team All-OVC honors and OVC All-Newcomer honors and was a six-time conference newcomer of the week while averaging 11.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.As a senior, she earned a repeat selection to the All-OVC second team despite being slowed by injury.Feldhaus received a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Masters Degree in Family and Consumer Science from UT-Martin.She succeeds Candi Whitaker, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2d7a1e70-209e-4807-aa1c-23ab926ff51b">who left Missouri Western to take the Division I coaching job</a> at North Alabama on March 25.A formal press conference and public reception to officially introduce Coach Feldhaus will take place next week with dates and times to be announced soon, per Missouri Western athletics.Griffon women's basketball has enjoyed great success the last few years, winning a Central Region title in 2022 and then an MIAA regular season title this past season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713207325987.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU taps Ashton Feldhaus as next women's basketball coach

A local branch of the popular Kona Ice franchise is giving residents a sweet treat to relieve the stress of Tax Day.   

For eight years, 'Chill Out' Day hosted by the Kona Ice franchise, has given out complimentary shaved ice, to help get past the stress of tax deadline day 

Owner Kristi Porter says the idea for 'Chill Out' Day came from Kona Ice founder Tony Lamb, who wanted to find a way to give back to the communities they serve on an already stressful day 

"And we're like well gosh this is a small gesture that we can do that we feel like would have a big impact on communities just to kind of connect us to all as a community to be like hey we're going through it to and let's celebrate, let's do something fun for you guys as a community, and let's give back with Kona Ice," Porter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Porter says the event is very popular and brings out people from all sorts of different places.  

"It's always fun because it's that commonality, that common thread that we have, you know did you get your taxes done? Got 'em done. Okay here we go let's celebrate, you know. Cheers! I always like to do cheers with my people when I serve them just to have fun with them with a Kona Ice," Porter says.  

"It's a really great way for us just to meet people and let them know that we're all in this together." 

Porter owns five different Kona Ice operations in St. Joseph and Bonnor Springs, Kansas.  

Porter says 'Chill Out' day is part of the businesses give back program, in which it finds ways to give back some proceeds to the people they serve 

"We give them back to like the local schools and organizations, so it's really important to us to build our partnerships up, especially with schools, we do a lot with schools and a lot with giving back on the school level," Porter explains. "But it's not just at schools, I mean we'll do it with corporations, we have give back programs with our youth sports, different leagues." 

The Kona Ice truck will be in St. Joseph at the East Hills Mall beginning at 1pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713194311082.jpeg" alt="Kona Ice will be giving away complimentary Kona Ice's today starting at 1pm at the East Hills Mall/ Photo courtesy of Kona Ice" />
 <figcaption>Kona Ice will be giving away complimentary Kona Ice's today starting at 1pm at the East Hills Mall/ Photo courtesy of Kona Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A local branch of the popular Kona Ice franchise is giving residents a sweet treat to relieve the stress of Tax Day. For eight years, 'Chill Out' Day hosted by the Kona Ice franchise, has given out complimentary shaved ice, to help get past the stress of tax deadline day Owner Kristi Porter says the idea for 'Chill Out' Day came from Kona Ice founder Tony Lamb, who wanted to find a way to give back to the communities they serve on an already stressful day "And we're like well gosh this is a small gesture that we can do that we feel like would have a big impact on communities just to kind of connect us to all as a community to be like hey we're going through it to and let's celebrate, let's do something fun for you guys as a community, and let's give back with Kona Ice," Porter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Porter says the event is very popular and brings out people from all sorts of different places. "It's always fun because it's that commonality, that common thread that we have, you know did you get your taxes done? Got 'em done. Okay here we go let's celebrate, you know. Cheers! I always like to do cheers with my people when I serve them just to have fun with them with a Kona Ice," Porter says. "It's a really great way for us just to meet people and let them know that we're all in this together." Porter owns five different Kona Ice operations in St. Joseph and Bonnor Springs, Kansas. Porter says 'Chill Out' day is part of the businesses give back program, in which it finds ways to give back some proceeds to the people they serve "We give them back to like the local schools and organizations, so it's really important to us to build our partnerships up, especially with schools, we do a lot with schools and a lot with giving back on the school level," Porter explains. "But it's not just at schools, I mean we'll do it with corporations, we have give back programs with our youth sports, different leagues." The Kona Ice truck will be in St. Joseph at the East Hills Mall beginning at 1pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kona Ice turns Tax Day into Chill Out Day

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says laws must
be changed to reduce repeat offenders.

Puett illustrates his point by recalling a recent
arrest by his deputies.

“We had deputies in south county, caught a guy in
the act of a burglary who was in a stolen car and had 19, 19, outstanding
felony warrants for robbery, burglary, and all kinds of stuff, because he’d
been getting arrested and then, he’d turn around and get released and go out
and commit more crimes,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Puett says the 19 outstanding felony warrants
were from other jurisdictions, not Buchanan County. Puett says that large number
of outstanding warrants illustrates that far too often criminals don’t have to
pay the consequences of their crimes.

“If they’re selling drugs or doing violence,
whatever, they’re making a choice,” Puett says. “They want to be involved in
that activity and they’re purposely doing that activity. So, if they’re doing
that and they’re victimizing our citizens, then, they should be held
accountable. They should be held to task.”

Another problem, according to Puett, is a rise in
mental illness. Puett says treating the mentally ill needs to become more of a
priority for law enforcement. Puett says it is a problem affecting all of
Missouri.

“Typically, any one day, there are 280, plus
people incarcerated in the state of Missouri, in county jails, that should be
in the custody of the Department of Mental Health, but they’re waiting on what
they call a bed date,” Puett says.

A bed date is established by the Department of
Mental Health, but the department has had difficulty establishing bed dates,
due to a shortage both of beds and the staff to take care of more mentally ill
patients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713192616998.jpeg" alt="Law Enforcement Center/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Law Enforcement Center/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says laws must
be changed to reduce repeat offenders.Puett illustrates his point by recalling a recent
arrest by his deputies.“We had deputies in south county, caught a guy in
the act of a burglary who was in a stolen car and had 19, 19, outstanding
felony warrants for robbery, burglary, and all kinds of stuff, because he’d
been getting arrested and then, he’d turn around and get released and go out
and commit more crimes,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Puett says the 19 outstanding felony warrants
were from other jurisdictions, not Buchanan County. Puett says that large number
of outstanding warrants illustrates that far too often criminals don’t have to
pay the consequences of their crimes.“If they’re selling drugs or doing violence,
whatever, they’re making a choice,” Puett says. “They want to be involved in
that activity and they’re purposely doing that activity. So, if they’re doing
that and they’re victimizing our citizens, then, they should be held
accountable. They should be held to task.”Another problem, according to Puett, is a rise in
mental illness. Puett says treating the mentally ill needs to become more of a
priority for law enforcement. Puett says it is a problem affecting all of
Missouri.“Typically, any one day, there are 280, plus
people incarcerated in the state of Missouri, in county jails, that should be
in the custody of the Department of Mental Health, but they’re waiting on what
they call a bed date,” Puett says.A bed date is established by the Department of
Mental Health, but the department has had difficulty establishing bed dates,
due to a shortage both of beds and the staff to take care of more mentally ill
patients.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Sherrif-Bill-Puett-on-Crime-e2ie5f4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buchanan CO Sheriff Puett says change needed to reduce repeat offenders

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new allegations after a weekend arrest.

On Sunday, police arrested 41-year-old Michael T. Leach of Atchison,&nbsp; on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal threat in the 900 block North 11th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Leach has been in custody in Atchison almost two dozen times since 2000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713192797594.png" alt="Leach-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Leach-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new allegations after a weekend arrest.On Sunday, police arrested 41-year-old Michael T. Leach of Atchison,&nbsp; on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal threat in the 900 block North 11th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Leach has been in custody in Atchison almost two dozen times since 2000, according to online jail records.

Kan. man accused of domestic battery, criminal threat

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner Semi driven by Anthony Hill, 29, El Paso, Texas, was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles west of Stewartsville. The semi traveled off the south side of the road and struck a guardrail.

DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported Hill to Mosaic. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner Semi driven by Anthony Hill, 29, El Paso, Texas, was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles west of Stewartsville. The semi traveled off the south side of the road and struck a guardrail.DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported Hill to Mosaic. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi strikes guardrail

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by Lloyd D. Johnson, 73, Gillman City, was eastbound and stopped at the stop sign on Route MM at Route C ten miles north of Gillman City.

As the pickup turned. north onto Route C, it struck a southbound 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Susan B. Habben 56, Bethany.

NTA ambulance transported Habben to Harrison County Community Hospital. Life Flight Eagle then airlifted her to University Health. Johnson was not injured.&nbsp; Habben was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by Lloyd D. Johnson, 73, Gillman City, was eastbound and stopped at the stop sign on Route MM at Route C ten miles north of Gillman City.As the pickup turned. north onto Route C, it struck a southbound 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Susan B. Habben 56, Bethany.NTA ambulance transported Habben to Harrison County Community Hospital. Life Flight Eagle then airlifted her to University Health. Johnson was not injured.&nbsp; Habben was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman airlifted to hospital after pickup strikes motorcycle

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by David A. Bartholomew, 54, Des Moines, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 169. four miles south of Stanberry. The motorcycle crossed the center line, began to skid and overturned.

Grand River EMS transported Bartholomew to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by David A. Bartholomew, 54, Des Moines, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 169. four miles south of Stanberry. The motorcycle crossed the center line, began to skid and overturned.Grand River EMS transported Bartholomew to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Man hospitalized in St. Joe after motorcycle accident

Monday is the deadline to file your tax returns or request an extension on your taxes.  

IRS Spokesman Cesar Yabor says if needed, an extension is vitally important, because the IRS charges a higher penalty for late tax filing versus tax paying 

"So, it's very important that taxpayers file their extensions by right before midnight on April 15th, in order to avoid those penalties all together," Yabor tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They compound, it's a bit of a complex formula on how the penalties themselves are calculated, but a critical element in that is they compound month to month to month." 

Yabor says if you are granted an extension, you will then have until October 15th to file all your paperwork. 

"That is the tax filing itself, that gives you time to get your documents if you hadn't already gotten them together by that point, but October 15th is the deadline to file your paperwork if you do get the extension, which in most cases you would," Yabor explains. 

Yabor says as for tax payments what you'll pay on Monday is an estimated tax amount that you believe you owe, which is very important because the IRS does charge for late payments. 

Yabor says despite the tax season starting 10 days later than normal, it's gone pretty well.  

"At this point in tax season consumers are actually seeing the average tax return is amounting to about $3,050 versus I believe about $2,900 last year, so they're getting about $150 on the average more this year versus last year, so that's a great thing for the taxpayers," Yabor says. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Monday is the deadline to file your tax returns or request an extension on your taxes. IRS Spokesman Cesar Yabor says if needed, an extension is vitally important, because the IRS charges a higher penalty for late tax filing versus tax paying "So, it's very important that taxpayers file their extensions by right before midnight on April 15th, in order to avoid those penalties all together," Yabor tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They compound, it's a bit of a complex formula on how the penalties themselves are calculated, but a critical element in that is they compound month to month to month." Yabor says if you are granted an extension, you will then have until October 15th to file all your paperwork. "That is the tax filing itself, that gives you time to get your documents if you hadn't already gotten them together by that point, but October 15th is the deadline to file your paperwork if you do get the extension, which in most cases you would," Yabor explains. Yabor says as for tax payments what you'll pay on Monday is an estimated tax amount that you believe you owe, which is very important because the IRS does charge for late payments. Yabor says despite the tax season starting 10 days later than normal, it's gone pretty well. "At this point in tax season consumers are actually seeing the average tax return is amounting to about $3,050 versus I believe about $2,900 last year, so they're getting about $150 on the average more this year versus last year, so that's a great thing for the taxpayers," Yabor says. The deadline to file your taxes or request an extension is midnight on Monday

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