The Missouri House passed a $50.8 billion spending proposal, but looming debates on Planned Parenthood funding and renewal of medical provider taxes put cloud over passage by May 10 deadline

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

Missouri has plenty of money left in reserve as the state Senate prepares to work on the almost $51 billion budget passed Thursday in the House, but one looming issue could disrupt final passage and put the surplus in danger of disappearing.

Lawmakers must renew a set of medical provider taxes, known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/17/missouri-senate-gop-factions-on-full-display-during-debate-over-medicaid-provider-tax/">federal reimbursement allowance</a>, vital to funding Medicaid. The taxes, set to expire this year, were last renewed in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/30/missouri-house-passes-medicaid-provider-tax-bill-preventing-major-budget-cuts/">2021 special session</a>&nbsp;called when factional fighting in the Missouri Senate prevented the bill from passing earlier.

Neither chamber has even debated a bill extending the taxes this year.&nbsp;

“Unless we pass the federal reimbursement allowance, this whole budget is a lie and it’s a complete joke,” House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, said during a news conference Thursday.

The budget approved Thursday in the Missouri House would provide a 3.2% pay raise for state workers and a 2% boost to higher education institutions as well as fund major upgrades on Interstate 44 and pay for sending National Guard troops to the border with Mexico.

It proposes spending $14.1 billion in general revenue for ongoing state operations, with another $800 million of general revenue for state building construction and maintenance. Spending at that level would consume about $1.6 billion of the accumulated state surplus, which currently stands at about $6.4 billion in general revenue and other unrestricted funds.

The provider taxes bring in about $1.4 billion annually and draw an additional federal match of nearly $3 billion. If lawmakers do not renew the taxes, the surplus would have to be tapped to maintain the Medicaid program without cuts.

The same issue that forced a special session in 2021 again faces lawmakers — whether Planned Parenthood, which operates family planning clinics in Missouri should be barred from providing services paid for by Medicaid.

Planned Parenthood was the last abortion provider in Missouri when the procedure became illegal in 2022 and its affiliates continue to provide abortions in other states.&nbsp;

The Missouri House has passed a bill to make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/28/missouri-looks-to-mirror-arkansas-law-that-forced-planned-parenthood-to-turn-away-patients/">illegal for any public funds</a>, including Medicaid reimbursements, to go to abortion facilities or their affiliates, targeting Planned Parenthood. The bill has been passed in a Senate committee and is awaiting floor debate.

A bill renewing the provider taxes is also awaiting Senate approval. The Senate will work on the Planned Parenthood bill next week, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said, followed by the provider tax bill.

The provider taxes must be passed before the budget can be debated, Rowden said.

“That’s the only responsible thing to do,” he said. “In the absence of that $4 billion, you have a much different equation in front of you.”

Democrats in the Senate will work to defeat the bill targeting Planned Parenthood and pass the provider taxes, Sen. Doug Beck of St. Louis said during a news conference. He said a proposal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">expected to be on the Nov. 5 ballot</a>&nbsp;restoring the right to abortion would also protect Planned Parenthood’s status as a Medicaid provider.

“Voters are going to get a chance in the fall to actually be able to fund these things and bring back women’s health care and things that have been defunded by the Republicans,” Beck said.

During the final votes on 17 spending bills Thursday, House Democrats complained that the spending plan shortchanges education and services for vulnerable people.

Democrats argued that the budget was inadequate because it cut Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal for higher education funding, reduced funding for teacher pay supplements and put caps on how much providers can pay personal care aides who help people with disabilities.

State Rep. Kevin Windham, a Hillsdale Democrat, said he would rate this year’s budget with “two out of five stars” because rank-and-file members were frozen out of big decisions.

“This year the process felt especially dominated by the budget chair,” Windham said.

Republicans defended the budget and Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, a Republican from Carthage and a candidate for state Treasurer. .

“It is very difficult for me to hear that we are not doing everything we can,” said state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly.

The budget approved Thursday is $1.9 billion less in total spending than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">spending plan proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson. Much of that reduction is in the Medicaid program and other services provided by the departments of Mental Health, Health and Senior Services and Social Services.

Smith cut nearly $200 million in general revenue and more than $1 billion in those departments.

The cuts were made, Smith said, because of lower demand for services because of declining Medicaid enrollment. Missouri is examining the eligibility of everyone on Medicaid for the first time in several years because the process was suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The number of people on Medicaid has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/history.htm">fallen by about 160,000</a>&nbsp;– or about 10% of those enrolled – since eligibility reviews began last year.&nbsp;

At their news conference and during Thursday’s debate, Democrats said some of Smith’s cuts, and language restricting how money can be spent, will mean fewer people get services.&nbsp;

“They’re not going to be able to hire, they’re still going to have vacancies and then he’s going to look at the leftover money that they weren’t able to spend and say, now I can cut you more because look, you’re not spending all the money we gave you,” said state Rep. Peter Merideth, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.

Lawmakers now have five weeks remaining for the Senate to write its version of the budget, pass it and reconcile differences with the House. The constitutional deadline to pass spending bills is May 10.

Senate leaders expressed confidence the upper chamber can meet those deadlines while acknowledging that factional disputes could disrupt quick action.

“The time frame is going to be tough, honestly,” Rowden said.&nbsp;

The Freedom Caucus, a group of six Republican senators, is going to examine the House-passed budget to look for additional cuts, said state Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring. He doesn’t want to spend any more general revenue than the state anticipates in tax receipts.

Estimates released in December project the state will receive under $13.2 billion in general revenue in the fiscal year that begins July 1.&nbsp;

The budget proposed by Parson anticipates spending $15 billion in general revenue, including $14.1 billion on ongoing operations. The House-passed budget has a net cut of about $60 million in general revenue and about $136 million when building construction and maintenance spending is included.

“I can’t imagine that we would want to spend more than we took in,” said Eigel, who is a candidate for governor. “I don’t want to shy away from the idea that we need to make some significant cuts to the finances of the state.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712313405614.png" alt=" House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith speaks Thursday as the Missouri House completed work on a $50.8 billion spending plan for fiscal 2025 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith speaks Thursday as the Missouri House completed work on a $50.8 billion spending plan for fiscal 2025 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri House passed a $50.8 billion spending proposal, but looming debates on Planned Parenthood funding and renewal of medical provider taxes put cloud over passage by May 10 deadline</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has plenty of money left in reserve as the state Senate prepares to work on the almost $51 billion budget passed Thursday in the House, but one looming issue could disrupt final passage and put the surplus in danger of disappearing.Lawmakers must renew a set of medical provider taxes, known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/17/missouri-senate-gop-factions-on-full-display-during-debate-over-medicaid-provider-tax/">federal reimbursement allowance</a>, vital to funding Medicaid. The taxes, set to expire this year, were last renewed in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/30/missouri-house-passes-medicaid-provider-tax-bill-preventing-major-budget-cuts/">2021 special session</a>&nbsp;called when factional fighting in the Missouri Senate prevented the bill from passing earlier.Neither chamber has even debated a bill extending the taxes this year.&nbsp;“Unless we pass the federal reimbursement allowance, this whole budget is a lie and it’s a complete joke,” House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, said during a news conference Thursday.The budget approved Thursday in the Missouri House would provide a 3.2% pay raise for state workers and a 2% boost to higher education institutions as well as fund major upgrades on Interstate 44 and pay for sending National Guard troops to the border with Mexico.It proposes spending $14.1 billion in general revenue for ongoing state operations, with another $800 million of general revenue for state building construction and maintenance. Spending at that level would consume about $1.6 billion of the accumulated state surplus, which currently stands at about $6.4 billion in general revenue and other unrestricted funds.The provider taxes bring in about $1.4 billion annually and draw an additional federal match of nearly $3 billion. If lawmakers do not renew the taxes, the surplus would have to be tapped to maintain the Medicaid program without cuts.The same issue that forced a special session in 2021 again faces lawmakers — whether Planned Parenthood, which operates family planning clinics in Missouri should be barred from providing services paid for by Medicaid.Planned Parenthood was the last abortion provider in Missouri when the procedure became illegal in 2022 and its affiliates continue to provide abortions in other states.&nbsp;The Missouri House has passed a bill to make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/28/missouri-looks-to-mirror-arkansas-law-that-forced-planned-parenthood-to-turn-away-patients/">illegal for any public funds</a>, including Medicaid reimbursements, to go to abortion facilities or their affiliates, targeting Planned Parenthood. The bill has been passed in a Senate committee and is awaiting floor debate.A bill renewing the provider taxes is also awaiting Senate approval. The Senate will work on the Planned Parenthood bill next week, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said, followed by the provider tax bill.The provider taxes must be passed before the budget can be debated, Rowden said.“That’s the only responsible thing to do,” he said. “In the absence of that $4 billion, you have a much different equation in front of you.”Democrats in the Senate will work to defeat the bill targeting Planned Parenthood and pass the provider taxes, Sen. Doug Beck of St. Louis said during a news conference. He said a proposal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">expected to be on the Nov. 5 ballot</a>&nbsp;restoring the right to abortion would also protect Planned Parenthood’s status as a Medicaid provider.“Voters are going to get a chance in the fall to actually be able to fund these things and bring back women’s health care and things that have been defunded by the Republicans,” Beck said.During the final votes on 17 spending bills Thursday, House Democrats complained that the spending plan shortchanges education and services for vulnerable people.Democrats argued that the budget was inadequate because it cut Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal for higher education funding, reduced funding for teacher pay supplements and put caps on how much providers can pay personal care aides who help people with disabilities.State Rep. Kevin Windham, a Hillsdale Democrat, said he would rate this year’s budget with “two out of five stars” because rank-and-file members were frozen out of big decisions.“This year the process felt especially dominated by the budget chair,” Windham said.Republicans defended the budget and Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, a Republican from Carthage and a candidate for state Treasurer. .“It is very difficult for me to hear that we are not doing everything we can,” said state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly.The budget approved Thursday is $1.9 billion less in total spending than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">spending plan proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson. Much of that reduction is in the Medicaid program and other services provided by the departments of Mental Health, Health and Senior Services and Social Services.Smith cut nearly $200 million in general revenue and more than $1 billion in those departments.The cuts were made, Smith said, because of lower demand for services because of declining Medicaid enrollment. Missouri is examining the eligibility of everyone on Medicaid for the first time in several years because the process was suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency.The number of people on Medicaid has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/history.htm">fallen by about 160,000</a>&nbsp;– or about 10% of those enrolled – since eligibility reviews began last year.&nbsp;At their news conference and during Thursday’s debate, Democrats said some of Smith’s cuts, and language restricting how money can be spent, will mean fewer people get services.&nbsp;“They’re not going to be able to hire, they’re still going to have vacancies and then he’s going to look at the leftover money that they weren’t able to spend and say, now I can cut you more because look, you’re not spending all the money we gave you,” said state Rep. Peter Merideth, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.Lawmakers now have five weeks remaining for the Senate to write its version of the budget, pass it and reconcile differences with the House. The constitutional deadline to pass spending bills is May 10.Senate leaders expressed confidence the upper chamber can meet those deadlines while acknowledging that factional disputes could disrupt quick action.“The time frame is going to be tough, honestly,” Rowden said.&nbsp;The Freedom Caucus, a group of six Republican senators, is going to examine the House-passed budget to look for additional cuts, said state Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring. He doesn’t want to spend any more general revenue than the state anticipates in tax receipts.Estimates released in December project the state will receive under $13.2 billion in general revenue in the fiscal year that begins July 1.&nbsp;The budget proposed by Parson anticipates spending $15 billion in general revenue, including $14.1 billion on ongoing operations. The House-passed budget has a net cut of about $60 million in general revenue and about $136 million when building construction and maintenance spending is included.“I can’t imagine that we would want to spend more than we took in,” said Eigel, who is a candidate for governor. “I don’t want to shy away from the idea that we need to make some significant cuts to the finances of the state.”

Senate leader warns of ‘tough timeframe’ to complete work on Missouri state budget

SAVANNAH -&nbsp;A major expansion project is underway at Savannah High School - a project that will give the school new classrooms and improved athletic facilities.

The upgrades include turf for the football field, a new, eight-lane track and the addition of a video scoreboard.

Savannah Athletic Director and head football coach Anthony Hays says this $20 million project, however, spans well beyond athletics.

"That's going to a new performing arts center," Hays told KFEQ Radio. "The renovation of our game gym, the addition of a new auxiliary gym, which will be awesome on the athletics side of stuff where we can maybe play sub varsity games in one gym, high school games in another. Make our nights and tournaments go by a little quicker."

"Also new athletic locker rooms and P.E. locker rooms."

Savannah launched a $2 million fundraiser back in January to help pay for the track and turf field. Hays says about $1.2 million of that has already been raised.

The plan is to break ground on the field and track project this summer.&nbsp;Hays says the field project, classroom expansion and gym revamp is scheduled to be done by the start of the coming school year.

There'll also be new locker rooms and a new film room.

A new, two-story press box is slated to be done within a month or two. The new performing arts center may take until January.

Hays says the school district wants the very best for its students.

"We want all of our kids to have the very best we can offer them," he said. "To see it happening shows you the investment of our school district and community into the next generation, and that's pretty neat to see in our small town."

While the upgrades to the turf, press box and scoreboard will enhance the Friday night football atmosphere,&nbsp;Hays says the soccer teams stand to gain from an upgraded field as well.

"(Soccer) is in a facility right now that doesn't have lights, running water, a true grand stands or even bathrooms," he said, "so they're going to move their games to the stadium. So, I think that'll give them a pretty neat opportunity and venue for their games."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712181286421.jpeg" alt="Savannah athletic director and head football coach Anthony Hays shows the progress being made on the high school's new, two-story press box, which will be completed in the next 4-8 weeks. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Savannah athletic director and head football coach Anthony Hays shows the progress being made on the high school's new, two-story press box, which will be completed in the next 4-8 weeks. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSAVANNAH -&nbsp;A major expansion project is underway at Savannah High School - a project that will give the school new classrooms and improved athletic facilities.The upgrades include turf for the football field, a new, eight-lane track and the addition of a video scoreboard.Savannah Athletic Director and head football coach Anthony Hays says this $20 million project, however, spans well beyond athletics."That's going to a new performing arts center," Hays told KFEQ Radio. "The renovation of our game gym, the addition of a new auxiliary gym, which will be awesome on the athletics side of stuff where we can maybe play sub varsity games in one gym, high school games in another. Make our nights and tournaments go by a little quicker.""Also new athletic locker rooms and P.E. locker rooms."Savannah launched a $2 million fundraiser back in January to help pay for the track and turf field. Hays says about $1.2 million of that has already been raised.The plan is to break ground on the field and track project this summer.&nbsp;Hays says the field project, classroom expansion and gym revamp is scheduled to be done by the start of the coming school year.There'll also be new locker rooms and a new film room.A new, two-story press box is slated to be done within a month or two. The new performing arts center may take until January.Hays says the school district wants the very best for its students."We want all of our kids to have the very best we can offer them," he said. "To see it happening shows you the investment of our school district and community into the next generation, and that's pretty neat to see in our small town."While the upgrades to the turf, press box and scoreboard will enhance the Friday night football atmosphere,&nbsp;Hays says the soccer teams stand to gain from an upgraded field as well."(Soccer) is in a facility right now that doesn't have lights, running water, a true grand stands or even bathrooms," he said, "so they're going to move their games to the stadium. So, I think that'll give them a pretty neat opportunity and venue for their games."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261170692.jpeg" alt="Renovations underway at the Savannah High School gym. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Renovations underway at the Savannah High School gym. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261210182.jpeg" alt="A new performing arts center will be built on the grounds of Savannah High School." />
 <figcaption>A new performing arts center will be built on the grounds of Savannah High School.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261255834.jpeg" alt="A rendering of what the new field and track will look like." />
 <figcaption>A rendering of what the new field and track will look like.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Savannah-A-D---head-football-coach-Anthony-Hays-e2huith" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah High School making progress on expansion for athletic, academic facilities

St. Joseph Police are warning residents of a new phone scam asking for donations in the name of the police department. 

Reports say the scammers are calling asking for donations to the St. Joseph Police Department, even using the name of Police Chief Paul Luster.  Reports say one victim was scammed out of over $1000 in gift cards. 

The St. Joseph Police Department will never contact anyone by phone and ask for money of any sort.  If you receive one of these calls its best to hang up and contact the police department.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are warning residents of a new phone scam asking for donations in the name of the police department. Reports say the scammers are calling asking for donations to the St. Joseph Police Department, even using the name of Police Chief Paul Luster. Reports say one victim was scammed out of over $1000 in gift cards. The St. Joseph Police Department will never contact anyone by phone and ask for money of any sort. If you receive one of these calls its best to hang up and contact the police department.

Scam alert: St. Joseph Police report new scam call inquiring donations

Six southside St. Joseph residents have applied to fill the
remainder of former councilmember Taylor Crouse’s seat.

Crouse resigned after having to move out of District II for
family reasons.

At-Large Councilmember Randy Schultz is glad to see such
interest in serving on the city council.

“They’re going to put themselves out there,” Schultz tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “I commend every one of them for doing
that.”

Schultz says it will benefit the council to have new blood.

“I think they can bring a new focus and new energy,” Schultz
says. “So, I think that bodes well for somebody coming in at the two-year mark.”

The St. Joseph City Council will hear from the six residents
today. There will also be a question-and-answer session.

Whoever the council chooses will fill the remaining two years
of Crouse’s term.

Schultz is glad to see so much interest for the position.

“That’s a great show of interest, it really is, to have six
people that want to commit to two years, to come out and do the work sessions
and then you have the council meetings and then you have phone calls.”

Schultz says he will tell the candidates for the position that
sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. Schultz, a business owner,
also has a caution for those candidates:&nbsp;
government runs slower than business.

“So, you do learn it’s a little slower pace and the people you’re
dealing with want to know why it isn’t faster,” Schultz says. “Well, it’s as
fast as government can go.”

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSix southside St. Joseph residents have applied to fill the
remainder of former councilmember Taylor Crouse’s seat.Crouse resigned after having to move out of District II for
family reasons.At-Large Councilmember Randy Schultz is glad to see such
interest in serving on the city council.“They’re going to put themselves out there,” Schultz tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “I commend every one of them for doing
that.”Schultz says it will benefit the council to have new blood.“I think they can bring a new focus and new energy,” Schultz
says. “So, I think that bodes well for somebody coming in at the two-year mark.”The St. Joseph City Council will hear from the six residents
today. There will also be a question-and-answer session.Whoever the council chooses will fill the remaining two years
of Crouse’s term.Schultz is glad to see so much interest for the position.“That’s a great show of interest, it really is, to have six
people that want to commit to two years, to come out and do the work sessions
and then you have the council meetings and then you have phone calls.”Schultz says he will tell the candidates for the position that
sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. Schultz, a business owner,
also has a caution for those candidates:&nbsp;
government runs slower than business.“So, you do learn it’s a little slower pace and the people you’re
dealing with want to know why it isn’t faster,” Schultz says. “Well, it’s as
fast as government can go.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

A lot of interest shown in filling St. Joseph City Council seat

St. Joseph School Board President LaTonya Williams led a
crowded field for three school board seats during Tuesday’s election.

Williams was the top vote-getter, receiving 4,383 voters or
nearly 15%, of the vote. Williams was excited to receive the most votes in a
10-candidate field.

“Yes, yes. Out of everything, I am extremely most surprised about
that,” Williams tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Williams says she has an agenda in mind for a second term.

“Number one, I would like to continue with our goals and
vision, like our long-range plan,” Williams says. “Getting an action plan in
order to make those things happen and then, of course, a levy for teacher pay.”

School Superintendent Gabe Edgar has released a wide-ranging
<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7f7340bf-2de1-4d74-afa1-177b04fd3a25">long-range plan</a> for the Board of Education to consider. It deals with teacher
pay, student academics, and the structure of the St. Joseph School District
from elementary through high school.

Voters chose two new school board members, Mike Moore and
Ronda Chesney.

Moore says the contentious school board debate over the
proposed four-day school week disclosed something beyond a shorten week.

“No matter where you stand on that issue, it was clear that
the teachers need our help and they need our support,” Moore tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Moore came in second Tuesday with 4,193 votes, or 14.31%, of
the vote.

One of Moore’s goals aims directly at school board member
conduct, hoping to settle a school board recently rocked by controversy.

“As a board, we want to represent the behaviors that we expect
from our students,” Moore says. “And, so, I look forward to that being a very
functional board with the teachers’ and students’ best interest in mind.”

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a1181e5c-fbba-415e-97db-edadb02a869b">The St. Joseph School Board has voted to censure</a> member
Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with member Isaura Garcia after the
February 26th school board meeting, in which the board narrowly
rejected a proposed four-day school week. A counter censure measure made by
Lanning against Garcia, for Garcia allegedly insulting Lanning’s child, failed
to pass.

Winning the third seat on the school board was Ronda Chesney,
a former teacher and now an education instructor at Missouri Western, who says her
background gives her a unique perspective.

“So, I’m just excited to be able to be a board member and be
able to talk the school talk that has to happen between board members and
administration,” Chesney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Chesney received 4,012 votes Tuesday or 13.69% of the vote.

All three were the only candidates to top 4,000 votes in
Tuesday’s election.

Jacob McMillian came in fourth with former school board member,
Tami Pasley, coming in fifth. School Board Vice President Kenneth Reeder lost
his re-election bid, coming in sixth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712249767194.jpeg" alt="KFEQ broadcast the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum/file photo" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ broadcast the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph School Board President LaTonya Williams led a
crowded field for three school board seats during Tuesday’s election.Williams was the top vote-getter, receiving 4,383 voters or
nearly 15%, of the vote. Williams was excited to receive the most votes in a
10-candidate field.“Yes, yes. Out of everything, I am extremely most surprised about
that,” Williams tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Williams says she has an agenda in mind for a second term.“Number one, I would like to continue with our goals and
vision, like our long-range plan,” Williams says. “Getting an action plan in
order to make those things happen and then, of course, a levy for teacher pay.”School Superintendent Gabe Edgar has released a wide-ranging
<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7f7340bf-2de1-4d74-afa1-177b04fd3a25">long-range plan</a> for the Board of Education to consider. It deals with teacher
pay, student academics, and the structure of the St. Joseph School District
from elementary through high school.Voters chose two new school board members, Mike Moore and
Ronda Chesney.Moore says the contentious school board debate over the
proposed four-day school week disclosed something beyond a shorten week.“No matter where you stand on that issue, it was clear that
the teachers need our help and they need our support,” Moore tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Moore came in second Tuesday with 4,193 votes, or 14.31%, of
the vote.One of Moore’s goals aims directly at school board member
conduct, hoping to settle a school board recently rocked by controversy.“As a board, we want to represent the behaviors that we expect
from our students,” Moore says. “And, so, I look forward to that being a very
functional board with the teachers’ and students’ best interest in mind.”<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a1181e5c-fbba-415e-97db-edadb02a869b">The St. Joseph School Board has voted to censure</a> member
Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with member Isaura Garcia after the
February 26th school board meeting, in which the board narrowly
rejected a proposed four-day school week. A counter censure measure made by
Lanning against Garcia, for Garcia allegedly insulting Lanning’s child, failed
to pass.Winning the third seat on the school board was Ronda Chesney,
a former teacher and now an education instructor at Missouri Western, who says her
background gives her a unique perspective.“So, I’m just excited to be able to be a board member and be
able to talk the school talk that has to happen between board members and
administration,” Chesney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Chesney received 4,012 votes Tuesday or 13.69% of the vote.All three were the only candidates to top 4,000 votes in
Tuesday’s election.Jacob McMillian came in fourth with former school board member,
Tami Pasley, coming in fifth. School Board Vice President Kenneth Reeder lost
his re-election bid, coming in sixth.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-School-Board-winners-e2hvoqk" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School Board Pres. Williams has goals in mind for 2nd term

The St. Joseph School Board has officially censured board
member Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with fellow school board member
Isaura Garcia after the February 26th board meeting in which the
board narrowly rejected a proposal to adopt a four-day school week.

Lanning has been charged with misdemeanor harassment for the
confrontation that occurred after an executive session of the board. Garcia has
also filed a civil lawsuit against Lanning. Lanning has charged that Garcia
insulted her child during a verbal exchange.

Board member Kim Miller proposed to censure Lanning during the
Wednesday school board meeting after consulting with legal counsel.

A censure is a public reprimand and does not affect the member’s
position on the board.

The board voted 3-1-1 on the censure of Lanning with David
Foster and Garcia joining Miller to vote in favor of the motion. School Board
President LaTonya Williams voted against the motion. Lanning abstained.

Lanning made a counter motion, allegedly that Garcia disclosed
information about Lanning’s child. Garcia has denied the allegation. The measure
failed on a 2-3 vote. Lanning and Williams voted in favor of the motion while
Miller, Foster, and Garcia voted against. School board members Rick Gehring and
Kenneth Reeder were absent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712241235556.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Board&nbsp; members (l to r) David Foster, Isaura Garcia, Kenneth Reeder, and Whitney Lanning/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Board&nbsp; members (l to r) David Foster, Isaura Garcia, Kenneth Reeder, and Whitney Lanning/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School Board has officially censured board
member Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with fellow school board member
Isaura Garcia after the February 26th board meeting in which the
board narrowly rejected a proposal to adopt a four-day school week.Lanning has been charged with misdemeanor harassment for the
confrontation that occurred after an executive session of the board. Garcia has
also filed a civil lawsuit against Lanning. Lanning has charged that Garcia
insulted her child during a verbal exchange.Board member Kim Miller proposed to censure Lanning during the
Wednesday school board meeting after consulting with legal counsel.A censure is a public reprimand and does not affect the member’s
position on the board.The board voted 3-1-1 on the censure of Lanning with David
Foster and Garcia joining Miller to vote in favor of the motion. School Board
President LaTonya Williams voted against the motion. Lanning abstained.Lanning made a counter motion, allegedly that Garcia disclosed
information about Lanning’s child. Garcia has denied the allegation. The measure
failed on a 2-3 vote. Lanning and Williams voted in favor of the motion while
Miller, Foster, and Garcia voted against. School board members Rick Gehring and
Kenneth Reeder were absent.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School Board censures member Whitney Lanning

St. Joseph police are looking for a man who allegedly fired
two shots into the air after an apparent domestic dispute early Thursday morning.

Police say officers arrived in the 4200 block of Oakland
Circle just after two o’clock this morning. Witnesses say a man left the home
after an apparent domestic dispute and fired two shots into the air. No one was
harmed. No property was damaged.

Police are looking for the man as the investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are looking for a man who allegedly fired
two shots into the air after an apparent domestic dispute early Thursday morning.Police say officers arrived in the 4200 block of Oakland
Circle just after two o’clock this morning. Witnesses say a man left the home
after an apparent domestic dispute and fired two shots into the air. No one was
harmed. No property was damaged.Police are looking for the man as the investigation continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Shots fired into air after apparent domestic dispute in St. Joseph

CANCELED:&nbsp; This Endangered Silver Advisory has been canceled. Klosek has been found safe.

An Endangered
Silver Advisory Alert has been issued for an elderly Tarkio resident who never
returned from a walk.

The Tarkio Police
Department issued the Endangered Silver Advisory Alert for Anna Mae Klosek, who
suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the
alert, Klosek went for a walk from her home at 411 N. 8th Street in
Tarkio and never returned.

Klosek is
described as a white female, age 78, 5’ 3”, 185 pounds with gray hair and brown
eyes. &nbsp;Klosek was last seen wearing a
dark blue t-shirt with Atchison County Trash Service in yellow and gold
lettering. Klosek does wear glasses.

Anyone
seeing the missing person or anyone having any information related to the
endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest
law enforcement agency or call the Tarkio Police Department at (660) 744-6271. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712227220131.png" alt="Anna Mae Klosek/Photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Anna Mae Klosek/Photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>CANCELED:&nbsp; This Endangered Silver Advisory has been canceled. Klosek has been found safe.By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn Endangered
Silver Advisory Alert has been issued for an elderly Tarkio resident who never
returned from a walk.The Tarkio Police
Department issued the Endangered Silver Advisory Alert for Anna Mae Klosek, who
suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.According to the
alert, Klosek went for a walk from her home at 411 N. 8th Street in
Tarkio and never returned.Klosek is
described as a white female, age 78, 5’ 3”, 185 pounds with gray hair and brown
eyes. &nbsp;Klosek was last seen wearing a
dark blue t-shirt with Atchison County Trash Service in yellow and gold
lettering. Klosek does wear glasses.Anyone
seeing the missing person or anyone having any information related to the
endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest
law enforcement agency or call the Tarkio Police Department at (660) 744-6271. You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Endangered Silver Advisory issued for missing Tarkio woman

Two bills advanced this week targeting the initiative petition process, though they differ on the details and will likely face massive resistance in the Missouri Senate

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

Two bills seeking to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process advanced through the Missouri House this week.&nbsp;

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR86&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation sponsored by Republican state Rep. John Black&nbsp;</a>of Marshfield was approved on a 106-49 vote. The only Republican to vote against the measure was House Majority Leader Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, a House committee approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209">a different version of the bill&nbsp;</a>sponsored by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman that the Senate passed last month.&nbsp;

If either version is approved by both chambers, the question would go on the statewide ballot in either August or November.

Citizen-led initiative petitions currently require signatures from 8% of voters in five of the state’s eight congressional districts. To pass once on the ballot, a statewide vote of 50% plus one is required — a simple majority vote.

Both the House and Senate versions make the process harder, but in very different ways.&nbsp;

Last May, House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Republican from Des Peres, said his party anticipated an initiative petition to legalize abortion<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/24/missouri-advocates-say-abortion-ban-has-far-reaching-effect-on-health-care/">&nbsp;would be brought forward and would pass.</a>&nbsp;

Since then, a<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">&nbsp;campaign to legalize abortion to the point of fetal viability</a>&nbsp;in Missouri has raised millions of dollars, most recently bringing in internationally-known model and Webster Groves native&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2024-04-01/fashion-icon-karlie-kloss-says-missouri-matters-in-the-nationwide-fight-for-abortion-rights">Karlie Kloss to campaign on their behalf.</a>

Republicans in support of changing the initiative petition process have said their motivation is more wide-reaching than abortion and pre-dates the 2023 session, anti-abortion groups have been some of the main champions of the legislation.

But the bulk of Wednesday’s conversation centered on the most recent citizen-led amendment to pass.

In 2022,&nbsp;Missourians legalized recreational marijuana with<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/recreational-marijuana-is-legal-in-missouri-whats-next#">&nbsp;53% of voters in favor of the amendment.</a>

In that election, Black said, 15 counties carried the “yes” vote, arguing that urban voters “basically imposed their will on the rest of the state.”

Republicans in favor of changing the initiative petition process have repeatedly pointed to the length of the state constitution, which includes 134 amendments, as a reason for reform.&nbsp;

State Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence, countered that only 19 of the amendments came from initiative petitions. The rest came from the General Assembly.&nbsp;

“This idea that the constitution has gotten out of control, well look in the mirror,” Sauls said. “We’re the reason that it has. Not these 19 amendments that the people have put on.”

An analysis by The Independent found that under the concurrent majority standard,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">as few as 23% of voters could defeat a ballot measure</a>. This was done by looking at the majority in the four districts with the fewest number of voters in 2020 and 2022.

“You want a minority to be able to block a majority,” said state Rep. Joe Adams, a Democrat from University City. “That is shameful.”

State Rep. Doug Richey, a Republican from Excelsior Springs, said with a simple majority, it’s possible for those leading initiative petition efforts to “ignore” congressional districts and still succeed.&nbsp;

“That is a significant move to value the voices of people in the state of Missouri no matter where they happen to live,” Richey said. “No matter what their perspective is.”&nbsp;

Reference to the current abortion initiative petition wasn’t raised until late in the debate by state Rep.&nbsp;Patty Lewis, a Democrat from Kansas City.&nbsp;

“This is about reproductive freedom,” Lewis said. “And it’s about taking away our vote to restore reproductive freedom in the state of Missouri.”

In approving Black’s legislation on Wednesday, the House made little mention of the “ballot candy” written into the resolution.&nbsp;

The ballot candy, which refers to provisions added to ballot measures in order to win over voters, has become a major point of contention between Republicans and Democrats. In the proposed initiative petition bills, language has been included that would ask voters if they want to define legal voters as citizens of the US who live in Missouri and are registered to vote and whether they want to prohibit foreign entities from sponsoring initiative petitions.

Democrats argue the inclusion of the ballot candy is an attempt by Republicans to mislead voters and distract from the effort to weaken the initiative petition process. In the Senate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/22/missouri-senate-passes-bill-making-it-harder-for-voters-to-amend-the-constitution/">a 21-hour filibuster&nbsp;</a>ended with Republicans agreeing to remove the ballot candy in exchange for Democrats allowing the bill to come up for a vote.&nbsp;

The House restored the ballot candy at Coleman’s request, setting up a potential showdown in the Senate if the bill makes its way back to that chamber.&nbsp;

<h2>Two bills advanced this week targeting the initiative petition process, though they differ on the details and will likely face massive resistance in the Missouri Senate</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712225297220.png" alt=" Legislation sponsored by Republican state Rep. John Black to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process was approved by the Missouri House on Wednesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Legislation sponsored by Republican state Rep. John Black to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process was approved by the Missouri House on Wednesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>Two bills seeking to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process advanced through the Missouri House this week.&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR86&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation sponsored by Republican state Rep. John Black&nbsp;</a>of Marshfield was approved on a 106-49 vote. The only Republican to vote against the measure was House Majority Leader Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit.&nbsp;Earlier in the week, a House committee approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209">a different version of the bill&nbsp;</a>sponsored by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman that the Senate passed last month.&nbsp;If either version is approved by both chambers, the question would go on the statewide ballot in either August or November.Citizen-led initiative petitions currently require signatures from 8% of voters in five of the state’s eight congressional districts. To pass once on the ballot, a statewide vote of 50% plus one is required — a simple majority vote.Both the House and Senate versions make the process harder, but in very different ways.&nbsp;The House joint resolution would:<ul>
 <li>Require signatures from 8% of registered voters in all eight congressional districts to qualify for the ballot.&nbsp;</li><li>Establish a forum hosted by the Secretary of State for voters to review and comment on proposed amendments before they head to the ballot.</li><li>Require a ballot measure receive a majority of votes in all eight of Missouri congressional districts to pass.</li><li>Require the General Assembly to have the approval of at least four-sevenths of the members in each chamber to make any modifications to citizen-led constitutional amendments within two years of when they go into effect.</li>
 </ul>The Senate joint resolution would:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Require that constitutional amendments pass by both a simple majority of votes statewide and a majority of votes in at least a majority of the votes in Missouri’s congressional districts.&nbsp;</li><li>Require the General Assembly to have the approval of at least four-sevenths of the members in each chamber to make any modifications to citizen-led constitutional amendments within two years of when it goes into effect.</li>
 </ul><h2>‘This is about reproductive freedom’</h2>Last May, House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Republican from Des Peres, said his party anticipated an initiative petition to legalize abortion<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/24/missouri-advocates-say-abortion-ban-has-far-reaching-effect-on-health-care/">&nbsp;would be brought forward and would pass.</a>&nbsp;Since then, a<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">&nbsp;campaign to legalize abortion to the point of fetal viability</a>&nbsp;in Missouri has raised millions of dollars, most recently bringing in internationally-known model and Webster Groves native&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2024-04-01/fashion-icon-karlie-kloss-says-missouri-matters-in-the-nationwide-fight-for-abortion-rights">Karlie Kloss to campaign on their behalf.</a>Republicans in support of changing the initiative petition process have said their motivation is more wide-reaching than abortion and pre-dates the 2023 session, anti-abortion groups have been some of the main champions of the legislation.But the bulk of Wednesday’s conversation centered on the most recent citizen-led amendment to pass.In 2022,&nbsp;Missourians legalized recreational marijuana with<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/recreational-marijuana-is-legal-in-missouri-whats-next#">&nbsp;53% of voters in favor of the amendment.</a>In that election, Black said, 15 counties carried the “yes” vote, arguing that urban voters “basically imposed their will on the rest of the state.”Republicans in favor of changing the initiative petition process have repeatedly pointed to the length of the state constitution, which includes 134 amendments, as a reason for reform.&nbsp;State Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence, countered that only 19 of the amendments came from initiative petitions. The rest came from the General Assembly.&nbsp;“This idea that the constitution has gotten out of control, well look in the mirror,” Sauls said. “We’re the reason that it has. Not these 19 amendments that the people have put on.”An analysis by The Independent found that under the concurrent majority standard,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">as few as 23% of voters could defeat a ballot measure</a>. This was done by looking at the majority in the four districts with the fewest number of voters in 2020 and 2022.“You want a minority to be able to block a majority,” said state Rep. Joe Adams, a Democrat from University City. “That is shameful.”State Rep. Doug Richey, a Republican from Excelsior Springs, said with a simple majority, it’s possible for those leading initiative petition efforts to “ignore” congressional districts and still succeed.&nbsp;“That is a significant move to value the voices of people in the state of Missouri no matter where they happen to live,” Richey said. “No matter what their perspective is.”&nbsp;<h2>Reference to the current abortion initiative petition wasn’t raised until late in the debate by state Rep.&nbsp;Patty Lewis, a Democrat from Kansas City.&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712225243467.png" alt=" Volunteers with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom collect signatures in support of putting forward a ballot measure that would legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability in Missouri. More than 500 people signed up for a campaign event on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Volunteers with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom collect signatures in support of putting forward a ballot measure that would legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability in Missouri. More than 500 people signed up for a campaign event on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is about reproductive freedom,” Lewis said. “And it’s about taking away our vote to restore reproductive freedom in the state of Missouri.”In approving Black’s legislation on Wednesday, the House made little mention of the “ballot candy” written into the resolution.&nbsp;The ballot candy, which refers to provisions added to ballot measures in order to win over voters, has become a major point of contention between Republicans and Democrats. In the proposed initiative petition bills, language has been included that would ask voters if they want to define legal voters as citizens of the US who live in Missouri and are registered to vote and whether they want to prohibit foreign entities from sponsoring initiative petitions.Democrats argue the inclusion of the ballot candy is an attempt by Republicans to mislead voters and distract from the effort to weaken the initiative petition process. In the Senate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/22/missouri-senate-passes-bill-making-it-harder-for-voters-to-amend-the-constitution/">a 21-hour filibuster&nbsp;</a>ended with Republicans agreeing to remove the ballot candy in exchange for Democrats allowing the bill to come up for a vote.&nbsp;The House restored the ballot candy at Coleman’s request, setting up a potential showdown in the Senate if the bill makes its way back to that chamber.&nbsp;

Bills making it harder to amend state constitution proceed in Missouri House

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A man who was briefly handcuffed but not charged in the shooting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730">Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally</a>&nbsp;is suing three more lawmakers over social media posts falsely accusing him of being among the shooters and an immigrant in the country illegally.

Denton Loudermill Jr. of Olathe, Kansas, filed the nearly identical federal lawsuits Tuesday against three Republican Missouri state senators: Rick Brattin of Harrisonville, Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg and Nick Schroer of St. Charles County.

The complaints say Loudermill suffered “humiliation, embarrassment, insult, and inconvenience" over the “highly offensive” posts.

Loudermill made similar allegations last week in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-shooting-congressman-a4550422b444f2184f25a830b15bcf5f">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee.

Schroer and Hoskins declined to comment, and Brattin did not immediately respond to a text message Wednesday seeking comment. A spokeswoman for Burchett said last week that the congressman's office does not discuss pending litigation.

The Feb. 14 shooting outside the historic Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, killed a well-known DJ and injured more than 20 others, many of them children.

Loudermill, who was never cited or arrested in the shooting, is seeking at least $75,000 in damages in each of the suits.

According to the suits, Loudermill froze for so long after gunfire erupted that police had time to put up crime scene tape. As he tried to go under the tape to leave, officers stopped him and told him he was moving “too slow.”

They handcuffed him and put him on a curb, where people began taking pictures and posting them on social media. Loudermill ultimately was led away from the area and told he was free to go.

But posts soon began appearing on the lawmakers' accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that included a picture of Loudermill and called him an “illegal alien” and a “shooter,” the suits said.

Loudermill, who was born and raised in the U.S., received death threats even though he had no involvement in the shooting, according to the complaints.

The litigation described him as a “contributing member of his African-American family, a family with deep and long roots in his Kansas community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708018861457.jpeg" alt="-FILE - Police clear the area following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 14, 2024. Denton Loudermill Jr., a man who was briefly handcuffed but not charged in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally, filed suit Tuesday, April 2, against three more lawmakers — Rick Brattin of Harrisonville; Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg; and Nick Schroer of St. Charles County — over social media posts falsely accusing him of being among the shooters and an immigrant in the country illegally. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>-FILE - Police clear the area following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 14, 2024. Denton Loudermill Jr., a man who was briefly handcuffed but not charged in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally, filed suit Tuesday, April 2, against three more lawmakers — Rick Brattin of Harrisonville; Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg; and Nick Schroer of St. Charles County — over social media posts falsely accusing him of being among the shooters and an immigrant in the country illegally. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A man who was briefly handcuffed but not charged in the shooting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730">Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally</a>&nbsp;is suing three more lawmakers over social media posts falsely accusing him of being among the shooters and an immigrant in the country illegally.Denton Loudermill Jr. of Olathe, Kansas, filed the nearly identical federal lawsuits Tuesday against three Republican Missouri state senators: Rick Brattin of Harrisonville, Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg and Nick Schroer of St. Charles County.The complaints say Loudermill suffered “humiliation, embarrassment, insult, and inconvenience" over the “highly offensive” posts.Loudermill made similar allegations last week in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-parade-shooting-congressman-a4550422b444f2184f25a830b15bcf5f">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee.Schroer and Hoskins declined to comment, and Brattin did not immediately respond to a text message Wednesday seeking comment. A spokeswoman for Burchett said last week that the congressman's office does not discuss pending litigation.The Feb. 14 shooting outside the historic Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, killed a well-known DJ and injured more than 20 others, many of them children.Loudermill, who was never cited or arrested in the shooting, is seeking at least $75,000 in damages in each of the suits.According to the suits, Loudermill froze for so long after gunfire erupted that police had time to put up crime scene tape. As he tried to go under the tape to leave, officers stopped him and told him he was moving “too slow.”They handcuffed him and put him on a curb, where people began taking pictures and posting them on social media. Loudermill ultimately was led away from the area and told he was free to go.But posts soon began appearing on the lawmakers' accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that included a picture of Loudermill and called him an “illegal alien” and a “shooter,” the suits said.Loudermill, who was born and raised in the U.S., received death threats even though he had no involvement in the shooting, according to the complaints.The litigation described him as a “contributing member of his African-American family, a family with deep and long roots in his Kansas community.”

Man cuffed but not charged after Chiefs rally shooting sues 3 more lawmakers 

The confetti has fallen, the trophy has been hoisted and the curtain has drawn on another NCAA Division II women’s basketball Elite Eight hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Western State University.

This was the sixth time ever that this event was in St. Joseph - all of them since 2003. It was also the first time since 2011 that the city got to host the DII women’s national title game.

Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission and director of the tournament, says getting to host the title game this year, unlike last year, made it that much more special.

The title game was in Dallas last year as part of the NCAA's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

"To see that in Civic Arena and to see how happy people are around that, that happiness spreads to a lot of people," Esely told KFEQ Radio. "And it spreads to the folks who put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it a great championship week."

Esely says about 2,200 people were in attendance last Friday night when <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/b0c6804d-9c17-4d11-9549-c1752fec6100">Minnesota State defeated Texas Woman’s University 89-73</a> at Civic Arena.

"If you were in the building Friday night, and a lot of people were, you saw an experience that I don't think you'll forget anytime soon."

Eight teams from eight different states qualified, and that spanned literally coast-to-coast, from California to New York. As the week went on, fans of the winning teams stuck around, making local eateries and establishments their gathering spots.

Esely says the fans from Ferris State University, for example, were often seen at Geneo's Pizza downtown before games.

"That's just one example of folks saying, 'Hey, I saw this travel party out at this restaurant or this place,'" he said. "I think we measure these championships and their success by a number of different things. But, we love to talk about economic impact."

"We don't have those numbers back yet, but I think the economic impact of having this event for a full week in St. Joseph is certainly a plus."

Another highlight from the week was teams going to area high schools for team welcome events.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/4b8c8cb3-477a-4fed-8e78-b9760a84f7e3">The Texas Woman’s team went to Mid-Buchanan High School</a> where they made an instant connection with young girls and athletes in 3rd-8th grade.

In return, those young fans showed out in full force to support Texas Woman’s all week.

"It starts with the leadership at the school," Esely said. "(Texas Woman's) embraced that and that's what community engagement is all about and that's what the beauty of Division II athletics is all about. You have that grassroots effort to get out and engage and teach and be role models for the students of tomorrow."

With the Elite 8 now in the rearview, Esely and the Sports Commission look ahead to future events, which includes the unveiling of the next St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class on May 16.

"We'll make that public on the 16th," he said. "That gives the selection committee an opportunity to review the candidates, select the class. From there, we'll notify the class. We want them to know before it goes public. Then, we're shooting to release the 2024 Hall of Fame Class on May 16th."

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is slated for Sunday, August 25.

Another big event is the second St. Joseph Marathon, set for Saturday, September 28. Sign up for that race has been open on the Sports Commission's website since January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712179192750.jpeg" alt="Minnesota State was celebrated as the Division II women's basketball national champion last Friday at Civic Arena in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Minnesota State was celebrated as the Division II women's basketball national champion last Friday at Civic Arena in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe confetti has fallen, the trophy has been hoisted and the curtain has drawn on another NCAA Division II women’s basketball Elite Eight hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Western State University.This was the sixth time ever that this event was in St. Joseph - all of them since 2003. It was also the first time since 2011 that the city got to host the DII women’s national title game.Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission and director of the tournament, says getting to host the title game this year, unlike last year, made it that much more special.The title game was in Dallas last year as part of the NCAA's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX."To see that in Civic Arena and to see how happy people are around that, that happiness spreads to a lot of people," Esely told KFEQ Radio. "And it spreads to the folks who put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it a great championship week."Esely says about 2,200 people were in attendance last Friday night when <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/b0c6804d-9c17-4d11-9549-c1752fec6100">Minnesota State defeated Texas Woman’s University 89-73</a> at Civic Arena."If you were in the building Friday night, and a lot of people were, you saw an experience that I don't think you'll forget anytime soon."Eight teams from eight different states qualified, and that spanned literally coast-to-coast, from California to New York. As the week went on, fans of the winning teams stuck around, making local eateries and establishments their gathering spots.Esely says the fans from Ferris State University, for example, were often seen at Geneo's Pizza downtown before games."That's just one example of folks saying, 'Hey, I saw this travel party out at this restaurant or this place,'" he said. "I think we measure these championships and their success by a number of different things. But, we love to talk about economic impact.""We don't have those numbers back yet, but I think the economic impact of having this event for a full week in St. Joseph is certainly a plus."Another highlight from the week was teams going to area high schools for team welcome events.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/4b8c8cb3-477a-4fed-8e78-b9760a84f7e3">The Texas Woman’s team went to Mid-Buchanan High School</a> where they made an instant connection with young girls and athletes in 3rd-8th grade.In return, those young fans showed out in full force to support Texas Woman’s all week."It starts with the leadership at the school," Esely said. "(Texas Woman's) embraced that and that's what community engagement is all about and that's what the beauty of Division II athletics is all about. You have that grassroots effort to get out and engage and teach and be role models for the students of tomorrow." With the Elite 8 now in the rearview, Esely and the Sports Commission look ahead to future events, which includes the unveiling of the next St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class on May 16."We'll make that public on the 16th," he said. "That gives the selection committee an opportunity to review the candidates, select the class. From there, we'll notify the class. We want them to know before it goes public. Then, we're shooting to release the 2024 Hall of Fame Class on May 16th."The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is slated for Sunday, August 25.Another big event is the second St. Joseph Marathon, set for Saturday, September 28. Sign up for that race has been open on the Sports Commission's website since January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712179117925.jpeg" alt="Brett Esely (right) presented Minnesota State women's basketball coach Emilee Thiesse (left) with a commemorative Pony Express Mochila after the Mavericks won the national title last week. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Brett Esely (right) presented Minnesota State women's basketball coach Emilee Thiesse (left) with a commemorative Pony Express Mochila after the Mavericks won the national title last week. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Esely reflects on successful Elite 8, looks ahead to other big events in 2024

St. Joseph voters showed strong support for a $20 million bond issue that'll benefit the entire St. Joseph School District.

More than 65 percent of voters who showed out were in favor of the bond issue, which will go toward public safety upgrades, academic programs and activities. The bond needed 57 percent approval for passage.

Kevin Kelly, Co-Chair of Friends of the St. Joseph School District, says this was a needed victory, as the district looks to make some needed improvements.

"We're extremely pleased that the community saw through a lot of the misinformation and a lot of the noise that really was a distraction," Kelly told KFEQ Radio Tuesday night. "The community said, 'No, we support the school district.' Their vote (Tuesday) was a clear indicator that it is moving in the right direction. This bond passage gives us the support and money we need to make some of the investments necessary."

The passage of this bond comes at no additional cost to taxpayers. Public safety projects in the bond include extending the district sidewalk program, which plans sidewalks for Pickett and Pershing Elementary and possibly Spring Garden Middle School.

Public safety projects also include a partnership with the city to build roads at Carden Park and Oak Grove Elementary Schools

HVAC upgrades will be funded, as will an upgrade to the district-wide intercom system. Artificial turf will be added to the high school football fields, and money will also be invested in the performing arts.

Kelly says a common misconception surrounding this bond is the money was only going to go toward turf football fields. But, he says it spans well beyond that.

"Theater and fine arts in multiple schools," he said. "We're adding onto Hosea (Elementary), putting classrooms in, which are needed, because it's over capacity. So, we can get out of trailers and put them in real classrooms."

"We have access points - the driving up and walking around several of the schools. It should have been done when they were built. Two of the newer schools, but it wasn't. Therefore, now we can put in the safety measures of the sidewalks and dropping kids off without having to worry about things."

Kelly adds this bond is crucial, as the district works to keep up with peer districts in the Kansas City metro when it comes to facilities and opportunities for students.

"It helps get us back on track," he said. "We have to reverse the enrollment decline and start attracting the families and getting them to stay here. This at least puts us on the right direction to get the school district rebuilt and able to compete with other surrounding school districts."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692636252553.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School District Superintendent Gabe Edgar (left) and Hyde Elementary Principal Jaimee Lawrence (right) greet students on the first day of school in 2023. Photo by Matt Pike." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School District Superintendent Gabe Edgar (left) and Hyde Elementary Principal Jaimee Lawrence (right) greet students on the first day of school in 2023. Photo by Matt Pike.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters showed strong support for a $20 million bond issue that'll benefit the entire St. Joseph School District.More than 65 percent of voters who showed out were in favor of the bond issue, which will go toward public safety upgrades, academic programs and activities. The bond needed 57 percent approval for passage.Kevin Kelly, Co-Chair of Friends of the St. Joseph School District, says this was a needed victory, as the district looks to make some needed improvements."We're extremely pleased that the community saw through a lot of the misinformation and a lot of the noise that really was a distraction," Kelly told KFEQ Radio Tuesday night. "The community said, 'No, we support the school district.' Their vote (Tuesday) was a clear indicator that it is moving in the right direction. This bond passage gives us the support and money we need to make some of the investments necessary."The passage of this bond comes at no additional cost to taxpayers. Public safety projects in the bond include extending the district sidewalk program, which plans sidewalks for Pickett and Pershing Elementary and possibly Spring Garden Middle School.Public safety projects also include a partnership with the city to build roads at Carden Park and Oak Grove Elementary SchoolsHVAC upgrades will be funded, as will an upgrade to the district-wide intercom system. Artificial turf will be added to the high school football fields, and money will also be invested in the performing arts.Kelly says a common misconception surrounding this bond is the money was only going to go toward turf football fields. But, he says it spans well beyond that."Theater and fine arts in multiple schools," he said. "We're adding onto Hosea (Elementary), putting classrooms in, which are needed, because it's over capacity. So, we can get out of trailers and put them in real classrooms.""We have access points - the driving up and walking around several of the schools. It should have been done when they were built. Two of the newer schools, but it wasn't. Therefore, now we can put in the safety measures of the sidewalks and dropping kids off without having to worry about things."Kelly adds this bond is crucial, as the district works to keep up with peer districts in the Kansas City metro when it comes to facilities and opportunities for students."It helps get us back on track," he said. "We have to reverse the enrollment decline and start attracting the families and getting them to stay here. This at least puts us on the right direction to get the school district rebuilt and able to compete with other surrounding school districts."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District Bond issue passes with ease Tuesday

A measure to lower the tax levy on the Rolling Hills Library, which serves Buchanan and Andrew counties, passed overwhelmingly in the Tuesday election. 

Buchanan County voters gave the measure 62% approval and Andrew County saw 63% of voters approve the question.

In Buchanan County, 2,481 voted in favor with 1,513 voting against.&nbsp; In Andrew County, 1,058 voted in favor with only 624 voting against.

Spokesman Alan Stolfus says the library district is appreciative of the supporters who understood what the district was trying to do and helped the measure pass.

"By right sizing our budget, our tax levy, so we can provide them with a modern new library here in just a couple of years," Stolfus tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Stolfus says the next steps will be to combine the two levies for the library and begin seeking bonds for construction of the new library building 

The passage will lower the tax levy on the library by three cents, removing the sunset over about half the levy, giving the district the ability to seek bonds to finance the new construction.

Stolfus compares financing for a new library to the difference between a 30 year and 15-year mortgage on a house. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A measure to lower the tax levy on the Rolling Hills Library, which serves Buchanan and Andrew counties, passed overwhelmingly in the Tuesday election. Buchanan County voters gave the measure 62% approval and Andrew County saw 63% of voters approve the question.In Buchanan County, 2,481 voted in favor with 1,513 voting against.&nbsp; In Andrew County, 1,058 voted in favor with only 624 voting against.Spokesman Alan Stolfus says the library district is appreciative of the supporters who understood what the district was trying to do and helped the measure pass."By right sizing our budget, our tax levy, so we can provide them with a modern new library here in just a couple of years," Stolfus tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Stolfus says the next steps will be to combine the two levies for the library and begin seeking bonds for construction of the new library building The passage will lower the tax levy on the library by three cents, removing the sunset over about half the levy, giving the district the ability to seek bonds to finance the new construction.Stolfus compares financing for a new library to the difference between a 30 year and 15-year mortgage on a house. "That part of the tax levy with that sunset clause we wouldn't be able to go for 30-year bonds, we would have to go with 15-year bonds, which would be too expensive for our budget," Stolfus explains. Stolfus says having the sunset removed provides a better foundation to plan for the new library. Stolfus says with a contractor already selected; the next step is preparing the financing for the new building. "By the time you sell the bonds and get onto the contractors schedule, construction should start by the end of the year, looking at December time for starting construction," Stolfus says. The new library will be near Faraon and Riverside Road near the new UMKC School of Medicine. Hope is the new building will be open in 2026. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRollingHillsLibrary%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02i47Y3mVNLnaxJX5cgvACQqFEcaQwoEhpd8FEwwMiGfJ67iCiAvE356GbHSTVCX58l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="488" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

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