ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. September 17, in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Kawasaki Ninja driven by Rachel M. Mason, 18, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Highway B one mile east of Bolckow.

The motorcycle began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Andrew County EMS transported Mason to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. September 17, in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Kawasaki Ninja driven by Rachel M. Mason, 18, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Highway B one mile east of Bolckow.The motorcycle began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.Andrew County EMS transported Mason to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph teen injured after motorcycle accident

An annual event hosted by Pivotal Point Transitional Housing will help celebrate the successes and work the non-profit provides in the community. &nbsp;

Executive Director Melissa Frakes says this year's annual fall celebration is coming up this Thursday at the Word of Life Church Event Center&nbsp;

"This is a great location for us to have this, it's very homey and it really helps us to be able to tell the stories and have a good time," Frakes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "We serve dinner which will be provided by Hyvee and it's always good, we'll have brisket this year, and so you'll get a good meal and entertainment."&nbsp;

Frakes says the event is an opportunity to celebrate the non-profits successes with the community and give information about what else is happening with the agency&nbsp;

"Of course, this year we finished the youth building, and so just to really talk about the needs in our community but to also recognize the fact that without the community this wouldn't be possible," Frakes says. "And so, it's really two things, it's information giving but it's also a celebration for all the things that are happening and what God has blessed us with in the last year."&nbsp;

The event is being held with doors opening at 6 and the event getting underway at 6:30pm. &nbsp;

It will feature a cupcake raffle as well as a pie auction.&nbsp; Also, up for auction will be two tickets and a parking pass to the October 12th Chiefs and Broncos game.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;An annual event hosted by Pivotal Point Transitional Housing will help celebrate the successes and work the non-profit provides in the community. &nbsp;Executive Director Melissa Frakes says this year's annual fall celebration is coming up this Thursday at the Word of Life Church Event Center&nbsp;"This is a great location for us to have this, it's very homey and it really helps us to be able to tell the stories and have a good time," Frakes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "We serve dinner which will be provided by Hyvee and it's always good, we'll have brisket this year, and so you'll get a good meal and entertainment."&nbsp;Frakes says the event is an opportunity to celebrate the non-profits successes with the community and give information about what else is happening with the agency&nbsp;"Of course, this year we finished the youth building, and so just to really talk about the needs in our community but to also recognize the fact that without the community this wouldn't be possible," Frakes says. "And so, it's really two things, it's information giving but it's also a celebration for all the things that are happening and what God has blessed us with in the last year."&nbsp;The event is being held with doors opening at 6 and the event getting underway at 6:30pm. &nbsp;It will feature a cupcake raffle as well as a pie auction.&nbsp; Also, up for auction will be two tickets and a parking pass to the October 12th Chiefs and Broncos game.&nbsp;

Annual event celebrates the successes and what else is to come for Pivotal Point

Harvest season will bring more farm equipment to the roads, traveling back and forth to the fields.  

Missouri Highway Patrol Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says drivers should be aware of farmers traveling to their fields anytime through the day 

"They start early in the morning, and they may work all through the night, especially if there's a storm coming in, they're watching the forecast they're going to trying to get as much done as they can during the day," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But peak hours during the day, I'd say from 8am to 8pm for sure, they're out there working." 

Hux says drivers should keep their distance from farm equipment and be aware and watch for signals or hand signs before attempting to pass a tractor. 

Hux says during harvest season there's not necessarily an increase in traffic crashes, but rather an increase in the type of crashes 

"We are going to be investigating more crashes involving farm equipment, especially with the equipment being so much larger out on these two-lane highways, we are going to be working some traffic crashes involving farm implement, tractors, and machinery," Hux points out. 

In 2022 there were 177 traffic crashes involving farm equipment with 63 injuries and seven fatalities across Missouri. 

Hux says drivers should stay alert for slow moving farm vehicles and to pay attention while traveling behind them while on the road.  

During harvest season slow moving farm vehicles on the road aren't the only dangers that drivers should be aware of.  

Hux says drivers should also be cautious of deer crossing the road. 

"Deer are going to be out in these fields and as the farmers are out there, they're going to be pushing the deer out of the field, and inevitably they're going to be crossing the roadway," Hux explains. "So always be on the lookout for them this time of year as well." 

Hux says while traveling you should be aware of slow-moving farm vehicles, as well as ATV's farmers might be using to get to the fields. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Harvest season will bring more farm equipment to the roads, traveling back and forth to the fields. Missouri Highway Patrol Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says drivers should be aware of farmers traveling to their fields anytime through the day "They start early in the morning, and they may work all through the night, especially if there's a storm coming in, they're watching the forecast they're going to trying to get as much done as they can during the day," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But peak hours during the day, I'd say from 8am to 8pm for sure, they're out there working." Hux says drivers should keep their distance from farm equipment and be aware and watch for signals or hand signs before attempting to pass a tractor. Hux says during harvest season there's not necessarily an increase in traffic crashes, but rather an increase in the type of crashes "We are going to be investigating more crashes involving farm equipment, especially with the equipment being so much larger out on these two-lane highways, we are going to be working some traffic crashes involving farm implement, tractors, and machinery," Hux points out. In 2022 there were 177 traffic crashes involving farm equipment with 63 injuries and seven fatalities across Missouri. Hux says drivers should stay alert for slow moving farm vehicles and to pay attention while traveling behind them while on the road. During harvest season slow moving farm vehicles on the road aren't the only dangers that drivers should be aware of. Hux says drivers should also be cautious of deer crossing the road. "Deer are going to be out in these fields and as the farmers are out there, they're going to be pushing the deer out of the field, and inevitably they're going to be crossing the roadway," Hux explains. "So always be on the lookout for them this time of year as well." Hux says while traveling you should be aware of slow-moving farm vehicles, as well as ATV's farmers might be using to get to the fields.

Look out for slow moving farm vehicles on the road this harvest season

Trade Representative Katherine Tai will deliver a speech on the World Trade Organization and participate in a fireside chat Friday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. 

Tai will also participate in a fireside chat with the WTO Director-General. 

In her speech, Ambassador Tai will underscore the importance of reform at the World Trade Organization to make it a more effective, responsive, and inclusive forum for solving today's global challenges. 

She will also highlight areas of reform that are a priority to the United States, and how the United States is engaging with other WTO Members to advance these priorities. 

The Center for Strategic and International Studies is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. 

The organization is self-described as one of the world’s preeminent public policy institutions on foreign policy and national security issues.

Trade Representative Katherine Tai will deliver a speech on the World Trade Organization and participate in a fireside chat Friday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. Tai will also participate in a fireside chat with the WTO Director-General. In her speech, Ambassador Tai will underscore the importance of reform at the World Trade Organization to make it a more effective, responsive, and inclusive forum for solving today's global challenges. She will also highlight areas of reform that are a priority to the United States, and how the United States is engaging with other WTO Members to advance these priorities. The Center for Strategic and International Studies is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. The organization is self-described as one of the world’s preeminent public policy institutions on foreign policy and national security issues.- NAFB

USTR to deliver speech on WTO reform

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Atchison.

A Buick Regal driven by Christina Ross, 67, Atchison, was northbound on 13th Street and a Ford Excursion driven by Shandel Thompson, Atchison, had been westbound on Santa Fe, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The two vehicles collided.

EMS transported Ross Amberwell Hospital for examination.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Atchison.A Buick Regal driven by Christina Ross, 67, Atchison, was northbound on 13th Street and a Ford Excursion driven by Shandel Thompson, Atchison, had been westbound on Santa Fe, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The two vehicles collided.EMS transported Ross Amberwell Hospital for examination.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

One hospitalized after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, climbing 4.6 cents from a week ago to $3.83 per gallon. 

The national average is down one cent from a month ago but 19.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The national average diesel price increased 9.9 cents last week and stands at $4.53 per gallon, 42.1 cents lower than one year ago. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, "With the transition back to cheaper winter gasoline now upon us in nearly every state, we should see prices eventually cooling back off, but if refinery issues continue to develop or linger, especially now that we're entering maintenance season with less available capacity online, the expected decline could certainly be offset.” 

U.S. retail gasoline demand saw a decline of 1.5 percent last week, as demand continues to weaken seasonally while rising prices could also be playing a role.

For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, climbing 4.6 cents from a week ago to $3.83 per gallon. The national average is down one cent from a month ago but 19.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average diesel price increased 9.9 cents last week and stands at $4.53 per gallon, 42.1 cents lower than one year ago. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, "With the transition back to cheaper winter gasoline now upon us in nearly every state, we should see prices eventually cooling back off, but if refinery issues continue to develop or linger, especially now that we're entering maintenance season with less available capacity online, the expected decline could certainly be offset.” U.S. retail gasoline demand saw a decline of 1.5 percent last week, as demand continues to weaken seasonally while rising prices could also be playing a role.- NAFB

Refinery outages increase fuel prices

Cannabis business owners have complained that the recalled product was listed as passing all the required testing in Metrc, the state’s tracking system

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

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is responding to questions about the “effectiveness” of the software it uses to track information about marijuana products, including the results of state-mandated testing.&nbsp;

In a guidance document issued on Monday, the agency addressed questions regarding testing regulations that cannabis businesses rely on to ensure product is safe — defending its protocols by arguing that regulations can only do so much when “bad actors” intentionally falsify records to evade oversight.&nbsp;

“The risk of bad actors attempting to circumvent regulatory requirements exists in every regulated industry,” the division said in the guidance document.&nbsp;

The new guidance comes on the heels of a major&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">statewide recall</a>&nbsp;of products infused with a THC concentrate, or distillate, purchased from a Robertsville-based company called Delta Extraction.

Delta is accused by state regulators of “inversion,” or bringing in illegal marijuana products from other states and adding it to their own products in order to keep their production numbers up. But the company argues it hasn’t violated the law because it was importing hemp, a federally legal substance.&nbsp;

Missouri cannabis&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/missouri-company-at-center-of-cannabis-recall-used-hemp-instead-of-marijuana-in-products/">business owners told The Independent&nbsp;</a>previously that there was “no way” for companies to know that Delta was producing a distillate that wasn’t made completely from Missouri marijuana — because it was listed as passing all the required testing in Metrc, the state’s tracking system.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Expenditures/Vendors/VendorSearchResults.aspx?ven=Metrc+LLC&amp;year=2020&amp;search=0">state has paid</a>&nbsp;the company running Metrc between $700,000 and $900,000 every year since 2020.&nbsp;

From the moment the plant starts to sprout, it gets a tag that goes into Metrc, and that plant’s yield is tracked until it finds its way into a vape pen or joint.&nbsp;

Various manufacturers saw the distillate listed on Metrc, along with the “certificate of analysis” from the lab that showed it was safe for consumers. They bought it and infused their products with the distillate, leading to 62,000 products being recalled in August.

In its Monday guidance document, the division responded to the question: “If marijuana product is recorded in Metrc as passing all required testing, how can a product still present a potential health risk?”&nbsp;

The division said that “intentional falsification of Metrc records” and non-compliance can lead to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/did-recalled-missouri-cannabis-products-pose-health-risks-regulators-arent-sure/">unreliable test results</a>.&nbsp;

“Where records are falsified or sampling requirements are not followed, a passing test result does not mean all cannabis in a harvest or production lot has been appropriately evaluated,” the guidance document said.&nbsp;

If a company has incorporated “unregulated cannabis” into products, the division said it can also present health risks.&nbsp;

“For example, chemical conversion of CBD to produce THC can result in a product with harmful residual solvents, other harmful compounds, and even new compounds of unknown impact,” the division said in Monday’s guidance document.&nbsp;

Using “highly toxic and illegal pesticides” can cause immediate and long-term health risks with repeated exposure, it stated.

The other question the division responded to was: “If licensees can falsify tracking information in ways that cause public health risks, how can downstream licensees protect themselves from purchasing noncompliant product from bad actors?”&nbsp;

Regulators are committed to investigating any evidence of tracking and testing evasion or manipulation, the guidance document said, and “treating these events as particularly egregious violations.”

The division encouraged licensees to question distillate with “unusually low prices and unusually high availability of supply.” Licensees should also ask for evidence of the source of the product and establish contractual arrangements for return or refund of products later deemed noncompliant.

Rich Chrismer, a spokesman for Delta Extraction, said in an email to The Independent Monday that Missouri “approved all of Delta Extraction’s procedural documents and the company was always careful to be in compliance with (Division of Cannabis Regulation). The company’s operations, at all times, met all statutes and administrative rules outlined within Missouri’s cannabis program. There are many well-documented email interactions with its compliance officer approving this exact process.”

Delta sold at least 700 liters of the distillate in question, according to case documents. A liter of 80% concentrated THC can make more than 70,000 individual “doses” at 10mg THC a piece, industry experts say.&nbsp;

Delta Extraction is still&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23936525-amended-petition-sept-1">fighting</a>&nbsp;to get the recall overturned. The Administrative Hearing Commission will hold a hearing in the case on Sept. 29.By REBECCA RIVAS&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692618078800.png" alt="(Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>(Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cannabis business owners have complained that the recalled product was listed as passing all the required testing in Metrc, the state’s tracking system</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is responding to questions about the “effectiveness” of the software it uses to track information about marijuana products, including the results of state-mandated testing.&nbsp;In a guidance document issued on Monday, the agency addressed questions regarding testing regulations that cannabis businesses rely on to ensure product is safe — defending its protocols by arguing that regulations can only do so much when “bad actors” intentionally falsify records to evade oversight.&nbsp;“The risk of bad actors attempting to circumvent regulatory requirements exists in every regulated industry,” the division said in the guidance document.&nbsp;The new guidance comes on the heels of a major&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">statewide recall</a>&nbsp;of products infused with a THC concentrate, or distillate, purchased from a Robertsville-based company called Delta Extraction.Delta is accused by state regulators of “inversion,” or bringing in illegal marijuana products from other states and adding it to their own products in order to keep their production numbers up. But the company argues it hasn’t violated the law because it was importing hemp, a federally legal substance.&nbsp;Missouri cannabis&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/missouri-company-at-center-of-cannabis-recall-used-hemp-instead-of-marijuana-in-products/">business owners told The Independent&nbsp;</a>previously that there was “no way” for companies to know that Delta was producing a distillate that wasn’t made completely from Missouri marijuana — because it was listed as passing all the required testing in Metrc, the state’s tracking system.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Expenditures/Vendors/VendorSearchResults.aspx?ven=Metrc+LLC&amp;year=2020&amp;search=0">state has paid</a>&nbsp;the company running Metrc between $700,000 and $900,000 every year since 2020.&nbsp;From the moment the plant starts to sprout, it gets a tag that goes into Metrc, and that plant’s yield is tracked until it finds its way into a vape pen or joint.&nbsp;Various manufacturers saw the distillate listed on Metrc, along with the “certificate of analysis” from the lab that showed it was safe for consumers. They bought it and infused their products with the distillate, leading to 62,000 products being recalled in August.In its Monday guidance document, the division responded to the question: “If marijuana product is recorded in Metrc as passing all required testing, how can a product still present a potential health risk?”&nbsp;The division said that “intentional falsification of Metrc records” and non-compliance can lead to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/did-recalled-missouri-cannabis-products-pose-health-risks-regulators-arent-sure/">unreliable test results</a>.&nbsp;“Where records are falsified or sampling requirements are not followed, a passing test result does not mean all cannabis in a harvest or production lot has been appropriately evaluated,” the guidance document said.&nbsp;If a company has incorporated “unregulated cannabis” into products, the division said it can also present health risks.&nbsp;“For example, chemical conversion of CBD to produce THC can result in a product with harmful residual solvents, other harmful compounds, and even new compounds of unknown impact,” the division said in Monday’s guidance document.&nbsp;Using “highly toxic and illegal pesticides” can cause immediate and long-term health risks with repeated exposure, it stated.The other question the division responded to was: “If licensees can falsify tracking information in ways that cause public health risks, how can downstream licensees protect themselves from purchasing noncompliant product from bad actors?”&nbsp;Regulators are committed to investigating any evidence of tracking and testing evasion or manipulation, the guidance document said, and “treating these events as particularly egregious violations.”The division encouraged licensees to question distillate with “unusually low prices and unusually high availability of supply.” Licensees should also ask for evidence of the source of the product and establish contractual arrangements for return or refund of products later deemed noncompliant.Rich Chrismer, a spokesman for Delta Extraction, said in an email to The Independent Monday that Missouri “approved all of Delta Extraction’s procedural documents and the company was always careful to be in compliance with (Division of Cannabis Regulation). The company’s operations, at all times, met all statutes and administrative rules outlined within Missouri’s cannabis program. There are many well-documented email interactions with its compliance officer approving this exact process.”Delta sold at least 700 liters of the distillate in question, according to case documents. A liter of 80% concentrated THC can make more than 70,000 individual “doses” at 10mg THC a piece, industry experts say.&nbsp;That’s almost 50 million doses.Delta Extraction is still&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23936525-amended-petition-sept-1">fighting</a>&nbsp;to get the recall overturned. The Administrative Hearing Commission will hold a hearing in the case on Sept. 29.By REBECCA RIVAS&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Mo. marijuana regulators defend product testing regime in aftermath of recall

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property by a Kansas man with nearly a dozen previous felony convictions.

On September 16, police arrested 38-year-old Corey T. Jones of Atchison, on requested charges for criminal damage to property in the 1300 block Atchison Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Jones has previous convictions that include forgery theft, aggravated endangering a child and criminal use of a weapon and several driving violations and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695079617566.png" alt="Jones has previous convictions that include forgery theft, aggravated endangering a child and criminal use of a weapon and several driving violations and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones has previous convictions that include forgery theft, aggravated endangering a child and criminal use of a weapon and several driving violations and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property by a Kansas man with nearly a dozen previous felony convictions.On September 16, police arrested 38-year-old Corey T. Jones of Atchison, on requested charges for criminal damage to property in the 1300 block Atchison Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Jones has previous convictions that include forgery theft, aggravated endangering a child and criminal use of a weapon and several driving violations and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas man with 11 convictions jailed on new allegations

A special challenge will be held in St. Joseph
next month with more than bragging rights at stake.

St. Joseph School District Foundation Executive
Director Julie Cobb says in this challenge, you eat and others benefit.

“The Tenderloin Challenge is a little bit of a
competition to deem St. Joe’s favorite tenderloin,” Cobb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Thursdays in October, a dollar from each tenderloin purchased at
participating restaurants are going to go back to relieve school lunch debt within
the district through the Foundation.”

The Tenderloin Challenge is a follow up to the
generous donation of the Central High School Class of 1976, which raised $7,000
to pay the lunch debt of St. Joseph students last year. Cobb says the class
wanted to get the entire community behind the effort this year.

“We would love to see that $7,000 raised again,”
Cobb says. “We don’t know how much is going to be incurred over the year, but it
was enough to cover it last year. We hoping that it would be enough to cover it
this year.”

The St. Joseph School District reports the school lunch debt at present is a bit more than $5,000.

More than a dozen St. Joseph area restaurants are
participating. 

“But we have several of them on board,” Cobb says.
“They’re excited. They’re excited to help the schools. They’re excited to see
the community come out and get engaged.”

Special t-shirts will also be on sale with
proceeds going to the St. Joseph School District Lunch Debt Relief Fund. Direct
donations are being accepted as well.

Click <a href="https://www.sjsdfoundation.com/">HERE</a> for the St. Joseph School District
Foundation website.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special challenge will be held in St. Joseph
next month with more than bragging rights at stake.St. Joseph School District Foundation Executive
Director Julie Cobb says in this challenge, you eat and others benefit.“The Tenderloin Challenge is a little bit of a
competition to deem St. Joe’s favorite tenderloin,” Cobb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Thursdays in October, a dollar from each tenderloin purchased at
participating restaurants are going to go back to relieve school lunch debt within
the district through the Foundation.”The Tenderloin Challenge is a follow up to the
generous donation of the Central High School Class of 1976, which raised $7,000
to pay the lunch debt of St. Joseph students last year. Cobb says the class
wanted to get the entire community behind the effort this year.“We would love to see that $7,000 raised again,”
Cobb says. “We don’t know how much is going to be incurred over the year, but it
was enough to cover it last year. We hoping that it would be enough to cover it
this year.”The St. Joseph School District reports the school lunch debt at present is a bit more than $5,000.More than a dozen St. Joseph area restaurants are
participating. “But we have several of them on board,” Cobb says.
“They’re excited. They’re excited to help the schools. They’re excited to see
the community come out and get engaged.”Special t-shirts will also be on sale with
proceeds going to the St. Joseph School District Lunch Debt Relief Fund. Direct
donations are being accepted as well.Click <a href="https://www.sjsdfoundation.com/">HERE</a> for the St. Joseph School District
Foundation website.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/The-Tenderloin-Challenge-e29gvp5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Participating restaurants are:D&amp;G PUB &amp; GRUB BREW HAUSPOP’S PLACE BAR &amp; GRILLHIHO BAR &amp; GRILLNORTYS BAR &amp; GRILLFREDERICK INNJAKE’S STEAKHOUSE &amp; SPORTS BARBOB’S FISHING LAKEFIRST WARD HOUSEBIGGINS SPORTSBAR &amp; GRILLLISA’S ROADSIDE DINERBETTY’S CAFEPAPPY’S GRILL &amp; PUBRC’S LUNCH CARADAM’S BAR &amp; GRILLB&amp;B RUNWAY CAFE JOYCE RAE PATTERSON SR. CENTER

Tenderloin Challenge to help offset St. Joseph student lunch debt

Numbers of COVID-19 cases around the United States have risen as a new strain of the virus effects the country. . . And it’s no different in Doniphan County. &nbsp;

Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says while she does not have an exact number, she does know that cases in the county are high. &nbsp;

"I absolutely do know that we've had people call because thankfully there are still some people that are still concerned about COVID, they call us and ask a lot of questions," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We're still asking that you have that 1o day isolation period, five days complete isolation not around anybody, day six if you're fever free for 24 hours and have a negative antigen test then wear a mask for the next five days."&nbsp;

Pierce says a new monovalent vaccine will replace the current bivalent one. &nbsp;

Pierce says the new vaccine will operate much like getting a flu shot.&nbsp;

"Every year then you'll end up getting a flu shot and then whatever strain of that COVID they've scientifically figured is the most prevalent, you'll be getting that one too," Pierce says. "Maybe down the road you'll see them combined with maybe RSV, but that's many years away yet."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Numbers of COVID-19 cases around the United States have risen as a new strain of the virus effects the country. . . And it’s no different in Doniphan County. &nbsp;Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says while she does not have an exact number, she does know that cases in the county are high. &nbsp;"I absolutely do know that we've had people call because thankfully there are still some people that are still concerned about COVID, they call us and ask a lot of questions," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We're still asking that you have that 1o day isolation period, five days complete isolation not around anybody, day six if you're fever free for 24 hours and have a negative antigen test then wear a mask for the next five days."&nbsp;Pierce says a new monovalent vaccine will replace the current bivalent one. &nbsp;Pierce says the new vaccine will operate much like getting a flu shot.&nbsp;"Every year then you'll end up getting a flu shot and then whatever strain of that COVID they've scientifically figured is the most prevalent, you'll be getting that one too," Pierce says. "Maybe down the road you'll see them combined with maybe RSV, but that's many years away yet."&nbsp;

Prevalent strain of coronavirus causing numbers to rise in Doniphan County

American ethanol organizations like the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on sustainable aviation fuel. 

When it comes to global actions to decarbonize the aviation transportation sector using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the industry wants to encourage the use of updated carbon-intensity scoring in the GREET model. 

They don’t want scoring used in the CORSIA model for corn-based ethanol SAF. 

The letter says, “We strongly support adopting the DOE’s GREET Model as the standard for carbon intensity scoring of conventional aviation fuels and SAF. 

The latest GREET model relies on the most current information and highest-resolution data regarding the energy use, carbon emissions, and potential land use impacts associated with the corn ethanol-based SAF process.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The letter also says GREET allows the Treasury to unlock the full potential of agriculture to meet the growing global aviation industry SAF demand.

American ethanol organizations like the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on sustainable aviation fuel. When it comes to global actions to decarbonize the aviation transportation sector using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the industry wants to encourage the use of updated carbon-intensity scoring in the GREET model. They don’t want scoring used in the CORSIA model for corn-based ethanol SAF. The letter says, “We strongly support adopting the DOE’s GREET Model as the standard for carbon intensity scoring of conventional aviation fuels and SAF. The latest GREET model relies on the most current information and highest-resolution data regarding the energy use, carbon emissions, and potential land use impacts associated with the corn ethanol-based SAF process.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The letter also says GREET allows the Treasury to unlock the full potential of agriculture to meet the growing global aviation industry SAF demand.- NAFB

Ethanol industry supports GREET model for scientific emissions accuracy

Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig announced the new Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. 

The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. 

“Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its 13-billion-dollar impact,” Naig says. 

“Vaccine development is one of the many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it’s important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.” 

The Iowa Legislature, with support from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, appropriated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development within Iowa during the last legislative session. 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with many stakeholders and officials to swiftly respond to any threat. &nbsp;

Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig announced the new Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. “Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its 13-billion-dollar impact,” Naig says. “Vaccine development is one of the many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it’s important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.” The Iowa Legislature, with support from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, appropriated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development within Iowa during the last legislative session. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with many stakeholders and officials to swiftly respond to any threat. &nbsp;- NAFB

Iowa announces grant opportunity for new livestock vaccines

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashlynnperez/">ASHLYNN PEREZ</a>

Within 24 hours of posting, a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tweet posted Wednesday racked up over 250,000 views and 140 comments: a staggering difference from their usual engagement.

The same messaging did numbers on Facebook as well, with over 140 comments and 50 shares by Friday.

So, what accounts for this sudden spike in engagement and higher numbers than DHSS has seen in a year?

“COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you’re in to that sort of thing,” the tweet read. “If not, just keep scrolling!”

Two short sentences fanned the flame of a deep divide over COVID-19 vaccines. The new vaccine, approved by the CDC last week, is expected to be available in Missouri soon and aims to dampen the effects of the current viral surge in the U.S.

X, formerly known as Twitter, users took quickly to the comments. Some lauded the government agency for its “honest” and “laid-back” approach, while others expressed anger that the issue of COVID-19 vaccines seemed to be taken lightly by DHSS, calling the tweet “disappointing” and “ridiculous.”

“Passive-aggressive much?” one user commented. “Snark doesnt&nbsp;translate when it comes to public health. Do better. Commit to your core beliefs.”

The same post was divisive on Facebook, too. One user responded, “This isn’t a comedy special,” while another user posted a meme with a depiction of former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and the text, “The same snakes that are selling the panic are selling the cure.”

“I want to take a moment to address our social media messaging announcing the recommendations for this season’s COVID-19 vaccine,” DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox&nbsp;said in a recent note sent to local public health agencies. “I know there have been mixed feelings on the messaging, which was anticipated, but I wanted to explain why this approach was used.”

In her note, Cox dubbed the department’s social media strategy as “tongue in cheek” and admitted that they took a risk with this tactic. She said that the goal of this course of action was to meet Missouri’s social media users where they are — whether that be the pro-vaccine or the anti-vaccine community.

“We tried something different, showed the human side of government and surprised people,” Cox continued in the note. “Today, more people are talking about the COVID vaccine because of it.”

Cox also cited “COVID fatigue” in the note, a phenomenon caused by extended media messaging on the vaccine.

“We are all aware that vaccine messaging has become increasingly difficult over the years, and I would argue that this fall we are facing the toughest time to date,” Cox said in the note. “People are beyond COVID-fatigued. In recent weeks, as respiratory illness cases have increased (as predicted for this time of year), the noise on social media has amplified.”

Georges Benjamin is the executive director of the American Public Health Association. APHA is a Washington D.C. advocacy group for public health professionals, dedicated to improving the health of the public and achieving equity in health status. Benjamin has worked as a state health department official; he started at APHA in 2002 after working as secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.

“Whether you’re a politician, you work for the government, or if you’re a health person that doesn’t work for the government, your job is to protect the public’s good,” Benjamin said. “Clearly, we think that promoting this vaccine is a strong public health measure, and that’s how we support it.”

Cox and Benjamin both agree that medicine and public health are not and should not be political, but political debates surrounding COVID-19 vaccines are still circulating on social media in Missouri, four months after the disease was no longer categorized as a health emergency and amid an uptick in cases.

“Are we going to please everyone? Never,” Cox said in her note. “Will the negative comments stop on social? Also never. But we will keep sharing the facts and keep recommending public health measures. It just might not always look how the government has always done it.”

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/controversial-covid-vaccine-post-from-dhss-sparks-backlash-on-social-media/article_b593d0a6-53e2-11ee-ab2f-f7fd6f382bd1.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649633006948.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashlynnperez/">ASHLYNN PEREZ</a>Within 24 hours of posting, a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tweet posted Wednesday racked up over 250,000 views and 140 comments: a staggering difference from their usual engagement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you&#39;re in to that sort of thing. If not, just keep scrolling! <a href="https://t.co/OGbIdh0CHG">pic.twitter.com/OGbIdh0CHG</a>&mdash; Missouri Department of Health &amp; Senior Services (@HealthyLivingMo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthyLivingMo/status/1702071127017725981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The same messaging did numbers on Facebook as well, with over 140 comments and 50 shares by Friday.So, what accounts for this sudden spike in engagement and higher numbers than DHSS has seen in a year?“COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you’re in to that sort of thing,” the tweet read. “If not, just keep scrolling!”Two short sentences fanned the flame of a deep divide over COVID-19 vaccines. The new vaccine, approved by the CDC last week, is expected to be available in Missouri soon and aims to dampen the effects of the current viral surge in the U.S.X, formerly known as Twitter, users took quickly to the comments. Some lauded the government agency for its “honest” and “laid-back” approach, while others expressed anger that the issue of COVID-19 vaccines seemed to be taken lightly by DHSS, calling the tweet “disappointing” and “ridiculous.”“Passive-aggressive much?” one user commented. “Snark doesnt&nbsp;translate when it comes to public health. Do better. Commit to your core beliefs.”The same post was divisive on Facebook, too. One user responded, “This isn’t a comedy special,” while another user posted a meme with a depiction of former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and the text, “The same snakes that are selling the panic are selling the cure.”“I want to take a moment to address our social media messaging announcing the recommendations for this season’s COVID-19 vaccine,” DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox&nbsp;said in a recent note sent to local public health agencies. “I know there have been mixed feelings on the messaging, which was anticipated, but I wanted to explain why this approach was used.”In her note, Cox dubbed the department’s social media strategy as “tongue in cheek” and admitted that they took a risk with this tactic. She said that the goal of this course of action was to meet Missouri’s social media users where they are — whether that be the pro-vaccine or the anti-vaccine community.“We tried something different, showed the human side of government and surprised people,” Cox continued in the note. “Today, more people are talking about the COVID vaccine because of it.”Cox also cited “COVID fatigue” in the note, a phenomenon caused by extended media messaging on the vaccine.“We are all aware that vaccine messaging has become increasingly difficult over the years, and I would argue that this fall we are facing the toughest time to date,” Cox said in the note. “People are beyond COVID-fatigued. In recent weeks, as respiratory illness cases have increased (as predicted for this time of year), the noise on social media has amplified.”Georges Benjamin is the executive director of the American Public Health Association. APHA is a Washington D.C. advocacy group for public health professionals, dedicated to improving the health of the public and achieving equity in health status. Benjamin has worked as a state health department official; he started at APHA in 2002 after working as secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.“Whether you’re a politician, you work for the government, or if you’re a health person that doesn’t work for the government, your job is to protect the public’s good,” Benjamin said. “Clearly, we think that promoting this vaccine is a strong public health measure, and that’s how we support it.”Cox and Benjamin both agree that medicine and public health are not and should not be political, but political debates surrounding COVID-19 vaccines are still circulating on social media in Missouri, four months after the disease was no longer categorized as a health emergency and amid an uptick in cases.“Are we going to please everyone? Never,” Cox said in her note. “Will the negative comments stop on social? Also never. But we will keep sharing the facts and keep recommending public health measures. It just might not always look how the government has always done it.”This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/controversial-covid-vaccine-post-from-dhss-sparks-backlash-on-social-media/article_b593d0a6-53e2-11ee-ab2f-f7fd6f382bd1.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

COVID vaccine post from Mo. health department sparks backlash on social media

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

A disability-rights advocate pleaded with Missouri mental health officials Thursday not to implement a policy change that could freeze pay rates for at-home caregivers relied upon by more than 3,000 individuals around the state.

At issue is a decision by the Missouri Department of Mental Health to change how it calculates rates for a program called self-directed supports. The department also has moved to exclude the program from a funding increase for caregivers approved by the legislature this year.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/programs/self-directed-supports">program</a>&nbsp;allows Missourians with severe developmental disabilities to receive at-home care funded through Medicaid — and for the caregivers to be directly hired, trained and managed by someone close to them, often a family member. Families who use the program say the change caught them by surprise and lacked transparency.

“These recent actions are insulting and discriminatory to our families,”&nbsp;Larry Opinsky, steering committee member of an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stladvocate.com/sds-family-support-group/">advocacy group</a>&nbsp;that represents over 700 Missouri families utilizing the program, testified Thursday to the Mental Health Commission.

“The proposal to freeze the [self-directed supports] rates at last year’s levels is not acceptable for any reason,” Opinsky said.

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/31/missouri-advocates-decry-proposed-change-to-at-home-disability-care-funding/">Many families&nbsp;</a>herald the program as granting them autonomy to provide the care best tailored to their loved one, and avoid needing to place them in residential treatment.&nbsp;

Opinsky’s testimony comes&nbsp;after public comment periods for the changes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2023/08/blast9csr453080.pdf">have</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://moddcouncil.org/attention-public-comment-duesunday-aug-13-2023-for-the-mo-healthnet-home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-waiver/">closed</a>&nbsp;and as the state awaits federal approval to implement the new policies. He&nbsp;argued families still haven’t been included in discussions or received an adequate response to their concerns from state officials.&nbsp;

He called Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/about/commission">mental health commission</a>&nbsp;meeting — a monthly meeting for department officials to update seven members of an advisory committee — the “only remaining avenue our stakeholders have to officially be recognized.”

In an email Wednesday to The Independent, the department’s spokeswoman said the state continues to solicit input on the changes.&nbsp;

The department “has had multiple conversations with advocates, families, and other stakeholders throughout the informal public comment period regarding the proposed amendments,” said Debra Walker, spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health.

“Specifically, there have been direct conversations with Mr. Opinsky about [self-directed supports] rates,” Walker said.

Angie Brenner,&nbsp;deputy division director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, confirmed at the meeting Thursday that the agency submitted an amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Studies and is awaiting approval.

Walker’s email, more than two weeks after The Independent submitted questions, acknowledged a rationale for the changes: cost.&nbsp;

Home health companies — businesses which employ caregivers — incur overhead costs that self-directed&nbsp;supports&nbsp;do not, and so should receive a lower rate, she said.&nbsp;

“The provider agency rates include costs that an agency incurs to run its business,” she said, including payroll processing systems, employee related expenses like human resources, office expenses and supplies and building and utilities costs.

In self-directed supports, someone called a designated representative, often a family member, is in charge of overseeing staff, including recruiting, hiring, training and supervising them, and has the flexibility of choosing how to allocate a yearly budget. They are not paid for the administrative work.

To determine a new rate for self-directed&nbsp;supports,&nbsp;the department will initiate a rate study this fall, Walker said. That&nbsp;will determine what amount is needed to fully fund the program.&nbsp;

The rate study will let the department standardize rates, Walker said, “thereby preventing a situation of preferential treatment with regard to funding for any specific service type or model,” and will include opportunities for feedback.

Advocates question why the rate study didn’t precede the decision to change the rates — and say it’s not a given that they should get less money than their agency equivalents.

The regulation change “is not appropriate without a prior rate study,” Opinsky told The Independent.

There was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/media/pdf/2022-hcbs-rate-study-stakeholder-meeting-presentation-111022">rate study last year&nbsp;</a>the state conducted to determine average wages for staff serving home and community-based health services — but the survey did not evaluate self-directed services.

Some advocates believe that self-directed services actually save the state money because family members do the administrative work for free and it prevents some individuals from needing more-expensive institutionalized care. They also say they need to pay higher wages than agencies because they cannot provide any benefits or insurance to their employees.

And the state’s program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manuals.momed.com/collections/collection_archive/collection_dmh/Print_03012021.pdf">manual</a>&nbsp;notes an overall cost of services decrease is part of the premise of the program.

“As an advocate seeing one group treated differently than another, it appears that there’s discrimination taking place, as there’s no other reason given,” Opinsky said. “As a parent, it feels like I’m being treated differently solely because my daughter chooses to utilize (self-directed supports.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694973420534.png" alt="Missouri’s Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City, as photographed Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri’s Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City, as photographed Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By CLARA BATES,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A disability-rights advocate pleaded with Missouri mental health officials Thursday not to implement a policy change that could freeze pay rates for at-home caregivers relied upon by more than 3,000 individuals around the state.At issue is a decision by the Missouri Department of Mental Health to change how it calculates rates for a program called self-directed supports. The department also has moved to exclude the program from a funding increase for caregivers approved by the legislature this year.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/programs/self-directed-supports">program</a>&nbsp;allows Missourians with severe developmental disabilities to receive at-home care funded through Medicaid — and for the caregivers to be directly hired, trained and managed by someone close to them, often a family member. Families who use the program say the change caught them by surprise and lacked transparency.“These recent actions are insulting and discriminatory to our families,”&nbsp;Larry Opinsky, steering committee member of an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stladvocate.com/sds-family-support-group/">advocacy group</a>&nbsp;that represents over 700 Missouri families utilizing the program, testified Thursday to the Mental Health Commission.“The proposal to freeze the [self-directed supports] rates at last year’s levels is not acceptable for any reason,” Opinsky said.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/31/missouri-advocates-decry-proposed-change-to-at-home-disability-care-funding/">Many families&nbsp;</a>herald the program as granting them autonomy to provide the care best tailored to their loved one, and avoid needing to place them in residential treatment.&nbsp;Opinsky’s testimony comes&nbsp;after public comment periods for the changes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2023/08/blast9csr453080.pdf">have</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://moddcouncil.org/attention-public-comment-duesunday-aug-13-2023-for-the-mo-healthnet-home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-waiver/">closed</a>&nbsp;and as the state awaits federal approval to implement the new policies. He&nbsp;argued families still haven’t been included in discussions or received an adequate response to their concerns from state officials.&nbsp;He called Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/about/commission">mental health commission</a>&nbsp;meeting — a monthly meeting for department officials to update seven members of an advisory committee — the “only remaining avenue our stakeholders have to officially be recognized.”In an email Wednesday to The Independent, the department’s spokeswoman said the state continues to solicit input on the changes.&nbsp;The department “has had multiple conversations with advocates, families, and other stakeholders throughout the informal public comment period regarding the proposed amendments,” said Debra Walker, spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health.“Specifically, there have been direct conversations with Mr. Opinsky about [self-directed supports] rates,” Walker said.Angie Brenner,&nbsp;deputy division director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, confirmed at the meeting Thursday that the agency submitted an amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Studies and is awaiting approval.<h2>Questions about true cost</h2>Walker’s email, more than two weeks after The Independent submitted questions, acknowledged a rationale for the changes: cost.&nbsp;Home health companies — businesses which employ caregivers — incur overhead costs that self-directed&nbsp;supports&nbsp;do not, and so should receive a lower rate, she said.&nbsp;“The provider agency rates include costs that an agency incurs to run its business,” she said, including payroll processing systems, employee related expenses like human resources, office expenses and supplies and building and utilities costs.In self-directed supports, someone called a designated representative, often a family member, is in charge of overseeing staff, including recruiting, hiring, training and supervising them, and has the flexibility of choosing how to allocate a yearly budget. They are not paid for the administrative work.To determine a new rate for self-directed&nbsp;supports,&nbsp;the department will initiate a rate study this fall, Walker said. That&nbsp;will determine what amount is needed to fully fund the program.&nbsp;The rate study will let the department standardize rates, Walker said, “thereby preventing a situation of preferential treatment with regard to funding for any specific service type or model,” and will include opportunities for feedback.Advocates question why the rate study didn’t precede the decision to change the rates — and say it’s not a given that they should get less money than their agency equivalents.The regulation change “is not appropriate without a prior rate study,” Opinsky told The Independent.There was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/media/pdf/2022-hcbs-rate-study-stakeholder-meeting-presentation-111022">rate study last year&nbsp;</a>the state conducted to determine average wages for staff serving home and community-based health services — but the survey did not evaluate self-directed services.Some advocates believe that self-directed services actually save the state money because family members do the administrative work for free and it prevents some individuals from needing more-expensive institutionalized care. They also say they need to pay higher wages than agencies because they cannot provide any benefits or insurance to their employees.And the state’s program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manuals.momed.com/collections/collection_archive/collection_dmh/Print_03012021.pdf">manual</a>&nbsp;notes an overall cost of services decrease is part of the premise of the program.“As an advocate seeing one group treated differently than another, it appears that there’s discrimination taking place, as there’s no other reason given,” Opinsky said. “As a parent, it feels like I’m being treated differently solely because my daughter chooses to utilize (self-directed supports.”

Mo. mental health department urged to abandon at-home care funding freeze

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Judith K. Williams, 57, Atchison, Kan. was southbound on U.S. 59 seven miles south of St. Joseph.

The SUV struck the passenger side of a 2002 Dodge 1500 driven by Clinton D. Pine, 46, Platte City, who was broken down in the middle of the road.

Pine and an occupant were outside the pickup at the time of the crash. The impact forced the pickup into Pike and the occupant.

Buchanan County EMS transported Pike, a 13-year-old Platte City boy and Williams to Mosaic Life Care. Williams was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Judith K. Williams, 57, Atchison, Kan. was southbound on U.S. 59 seven miles south of St. Joseph.The SUV struck the passenger side of a 2002 Dodge 1500 driven by Clinton D. Pine, 46, Platte City, who was broken down in the middle of the road.Pine and an occupant were outside the pickup at the time of the crash. The impact forced the pickup into Pike and the occupant.Buchanan County EMS transported Pike, a 13-year-old Platte City boy and Williams to Mosaic Life Care. Williams was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after SUV strikes disabled  pickup in Buchanan Co.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alysepfeil/">ALYSE PFEIL</a>&nbsp;

“This time next year,” construction will begin on a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 that runs from&nbsp;U.S. 63 in Columbia to Kingdom City.

That’s what Missouri Department of Transportation officials told state lawmakers at a committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol.

Eric Schroeter, assistant chief engineer, and Eric Kopinski, Improve I-70 program director, shared the transportation department’s vision for rebuilding 200 miles of interstate highway, which they estimate will take five to seven years.

Construction will be broken up into&nbsp;six projects, the first being the stretch from Columbia to Kingdom City. According to a tentative project schedule&nbsp;posted online, the sixth project will be a stretch of highway from Marshall to Columbia.

Contracts for each of the six projects will be awarded one at a time. Each project will be approximately 20 to 50 miles long, and the contract values will be between $300 million and $600 million, according to the presentation.

The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks, Kopinski said in an interview. MoDOT expects to announce the final contract award at the February meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.

Bidding for the second project will begin after the contract for the first project is awarded. Once the contract for the second project is awarded, bidding for the third project will begin.

Several senators raised concerns about the accuracy of the $2.8 billion project cost estimate and the impact of future inflation on costs.

Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, said he was concerned about a scenario where “we rip up the highway” but then unexpectedly don’t have enough money to complete construction.

Kopinski said part of the justification for breaking up the highway rebuild into six projects is to monitor costs.

Aside from a competitive $300 million federal grant MoDOT is applying for, Missouri has already allocated all available federal transportation funding, Schroeter said.

Kopinski said “a centralized group” at MoDOT will lead the project along with three district teams in Kansas City, central Missouri and St. Louis.

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/modot-presents-i-70-expansion-roadmap-to-lawmakers/article_24d4dff4-5259-11ee-a0b7-afbb13b23a02.html">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674082566224.png" alt="The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks-photo KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks-photo KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alysepfeil/">ALYSE PFEIL</a>&nbsp;“This time next year,” construction will begin on a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 that runs from&nbsp;U.S. 63 in Columbia to Kingdom City.That’s what Missouri Department of Transportation officials told state lawmakers at a committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol.Eric Schroeter, assistant chief engineer, and Eric Kopinski, Improve I-70 program director, shared the transportation department’s vision for rebuilding 200 miles of interstate highway, which they estimate will take five to seven years.Construction will be broken up into&nbsp;six projects, the first being the stretch from Columbia to Kingdom City. According to a tentative project schedule&nbsp;posted online, the sixth project will be a stretch of highway from Marshall to Columbia.Contracts for each of the six projects will be awarded one at a time. Each project will be approximately 20 to 50 miles long, and the contract values will be between $300 million and $600 million, according to the presentation.The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks, Kopinski said in an interview. MoDOT expects to announce the final contract award at the February meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.Bidding for the second project will begin after the contract for the first project is awarded. Once the contract for the second project is awarded, bidding for the third project will begin.Several senators raised concerns about the accuracy of the $2.8 billion project cost estimate and the impact of future inflation on costs.Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, said he was concerned about a scenario where “we rip up the highway” but then unexpectedly don’t have enough money to complete construction.Kopinski said part of the justification for breaking up the highway rebuild into six projects is to monitor costs.Aside from a competitive $300 million federal grant MoDOT is applying for, Missouri has already allocated all available federal transportation funding, Schroeter said.Kopinski said “a centralized group” at MoDOT will lead the project along with three district teams in Kansas City, central Missouri and St. Louis.This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/modot-presents-i-70-expansion-roadmap-to-lawmakers/article_24d4dff4-5259-11ee-a0b7-afbb13b23a02.html">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Transportation officials present I-70 expansion roadmap to lawmakers

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy 2500 driven by Donald W. Summer, 73, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Plattsburg.&nbsp;

The driver suffered a medical emergency and failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, crossed a private road and struck a road sign. The towed unit of the pickup became detached and landed in the middle of the road. The pickup continued southbound across MO 116 and struck a building.

Tri-County ambulance transported Summer to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy 2500 driven by Donald W. Summer, 73, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Plattsburg.&nbsp;The driver suffered a medical emergency and failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, crossed a private road and struck a road sign. The towed unit of the pickup became detached and landed in the middle of the road. The pickup continued southbound across MO 116 and struck a building.Tri-County ambulance transported Summer to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. driver injured in violent crash after he suffers medical emergency

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Kenneth M. Sangren, 82, Egan, Minnesota, was southbound south the Ramp to Interstate 29 one half mile south of Rock Port.

The Jeep traveled into the path of a southbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey L. Bowen, 49, Omaha.&nbsp; The semi struck the drivers side of the Jeep.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Sangren to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Bowen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Kenneth M. Sangren, 82, Egan, Minnesota, was southbound south the Ramp to Interstate 29 one half mile south of Rock Port.The Jeep traveled into the path of a southbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey L. Bowen, 49, Omaha.&nbsp; The semi struck the drivers side of the Jeep.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Sangren to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Bowen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Man hospitalized in St. Joe after Jeep, semi crash

Seven of St. Joseph's historic architectural jewels will be shown off during an annual tour this weekend. &nbsp;

The sixth annual Jewels of St. Joseph Homes tour will once again draw in hundreds of people from around the region to see historic architecture.&nbsp;

Owner of the Shakespeare Chateau Isobel McGowan says the event is always popular. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694806021555.jpeg" alt="CD Smith House, 718 North 7th Street/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>CD Smith House, 718 North 7th Street/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Seven of St. Joseph's historic architectural jewels will be shown off during an annual tour this weekend. &nbsp;The sixth annual Jewels of St. Joseph Homes tour will once again draw in hundreds of people from around the region to see historic architecture.&nbsp;Owner of the Shakespeare Chateau Isobel McGowan says the event is always popular. &nbsp;"We sold out again this year, we sell out just about every year I think the only year we didn't sell out we had some bad weather that was predicted and in fact came around, so we didn't sell as many tickets that year, but we sold 650 this year," McGowan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;The homes tour will show off five historic homes with the tour running from 10am to 5pm&nbsp;McGowan says with that timeframe people on the tour should be able to visit every site on display.&nbsp;"With seven homes over a seven-hour period most people are able to get into all of the seven locations and learn a little bit," McGowan explains. "We always have some volunteers who are dressed up in period costume, everybody likes to have their picture taken with that, and it's just a fun day."&nbsp;Walkers on the tour will also have an opportunity to visit the historic Trail Theatre and the First Christian Church downtown. &nbsp;This year's tour is sold out so interested people should keep an eye out for next year's event. &nbsp;McGowan says the event every year draws in hundreds of people from around the region.&nbsp;"My facility is sold out the night before, it brings in lots of economic interest and vitality into our downtown area," McGowan says. "This year we've actually got a list in the tour booklet of locations in downtown, restaurants and shops that are going to be open on tour day, so it's a win-win-win situation, everybody wins."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694806056706.jpeg" alt="Cooper-Heaton House, 2028 Clay Street/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cooper-Heaton House, 2028 Clay Street/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Local